BEIJING (TIP): China will hold the third edition of the Belt and Road Forum here from October 17 to 18 and President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony, it was announced on October 11.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by President Xi when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.
Under the ambitious BRI, China provides funding for major infrastructure projects around the world, in a bid to speed Chinese goods to markets further afield.
The USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project of the BRI. India has strongly protested to China over the CPEC as it is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In July, India once again refused to endorse China’s ambitious BRI, becoming the only country in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation not to support the project. A declaration issued at the end of an India-hosted virtual summit of the grouping said Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their support for the BRI.
The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) will be held in Beijing from October 17 to 18. President Xi will attend the opening ceremony of the forum and deliver a keynote speech, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced in Beijing. According to Hua, the theme of the third BRF is “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.” The BRI was in the news recently when Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said his country made an “improvised and atrocious” decision to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Critics see the BRI as a tool for China to spread influence. Both the EU and the US expressed concern when Italy decided to join the scheme. However, a senior Chinese official has claimed that the BRI has delivered mutual benefits over the past decade, featuring deepened trade and investment cooperation, more abundant connectivity projects, and improved cooperation mechanisms.
“China’s super-large market has provided important development opportunities for BRI participating countries, which contributed nearly half of China’s total imports,” Vice Commerce Minister Guo Tingting told the official Xinhua news agency.
As the major trading partner of over 110 BRI countries, China saw its total goods trade with all BRI countries reach close to USD 2.9 trillion in 2022. China’s direct investment in BRI partner countries topped USD 30 billion last year, while BRI countries invested more than 20 USD billion in China, the report said.
India along with the US and several major economies last month announced an ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
The new economic corridor, which many see as an alternative to China’s BRI, was jointly announced by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. (PTI)
GAZA CITY (TIP): The morgue at Gaza’s biggest hospital overflowed October 12 as bodies came in faster than relatives could claim them on the sixth day of Israel’s heavy aerial bombardment on the territory of 2.3 million people.
With scores of Palestinians killed each day in the Israeli onslaught after an unprecedented Hamas attack, medics in the besieged enclave said they ran out of places to put remains pulled from the latest strikes or recovered from under the ruins of demolished buildings.
The morgue at Gaza City’s Shifa hospital can only handle some 30 bodies at a time, and workers had to stack corpses three high outside the walk-in cooler and put dozens more, side by side, in the parking lot.
“The body bags started and just kept coming and coming and now it’s a graveyard,” Abu Elias Shobaki, a nurse at Shifa, said of the parking lot. “I am emotionally, physically exhausted. I just have to stop myself from thinking about how much worse it will get.”
Nearly a week after Hamas militants crossed through Israel’s highly fortified separation fence and killed over 1,200 Israelis in a brutal rampage, Israel is preparing for a possible ground invasion of Gaza for the first time in nearly a decade. (AP)
Gaza (TIP): The number of displaced people in Gaza has shot up from 3,000 before the recent violence to nearly 350,000 within less than a week. There were around 3,000 displaced people in Gaza before the recent violence. That rose to 40,000 within the first day and has since multiplied eight times to nearly 350,000. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) say they expect displacements – people forced to leave their homes – to increase further over the coming days.
Two-thirds of those who’ve left their homes – 218,597 of the 338,934 total – are being sheltered in 92 schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), according to Sky News. The British news channel quoted Mahmoud Shalabi, a Palestinian living in north Gaza, and a senior programme manager for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), as saying that those shelters are ill-equipped. The UN say they have already reached capacity and are now having to shelter people at their health centres instead, it added.
This leaves people to flee to the homes of friends or families instead if they can. Many have fled towards Gaza City, upon the advice of the Israeli government and because it’s usually the safest place to be.
Shalabi says that’s not the case this time. “It was recorded that 200 raids were fired towards the centre of Gaza City, which was considered as the safest part of Gaza for a very long time.
“The roads there are no longer usable, so it’s impossible to go there,” he was quoted as saying by Sky News.
Juliette Touma, director of communications for the UNRWA, told Sky News of the difficulties facing aid agencies trying to help people.
“This is unprecedented. The losses are huge. The destruction, including to UN buildings and facilities, is significant.”
Fourteen UN buildings have been damaged, including a headquarters building which sustained collateral damage as a result of heavy airstrikes on buildings nearby, Sky News quoted her as saying. ((NIE)
JERUSALEM (TIP): Israel’s military directed the evacuation on October 13 of all of the hundreds of thousands of civilians living in Gaza City ahead of a feared Israel ground offensive. The order comes after Hamas militants, and the United Nations said Israel has warned it wants the evacuation of all 1.1 million people from the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
The directive, which comes on the seventh day of the war after a deadly Hamas assault on Israel, directs residents of Gaza City to flee deeper south into the Gaza Strip, a narrow coastal territory. Israel’s directive charged that Hamas militants were hiding in tunnels under the city. “This evacuation is for your own safety,” the Israeli military said, in a warning it said was sent to Gaza City civilians.
The flurry of directives could signal an impending ground offensive, though the Israeli military has not yet confirmed such an appeal. On Thursday it said that while it was preparing, no decision has been made.
Israel delivered an even broader evacuation order — giving almost half of tiny Gaza’s population 24 hours to flee to the territory’s south — to the U.N. shortly before midnight, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. The Israeli military did not immediately confirm the broader evacuation order.
The broad evacuation order for all of Gaza’s north also applies to all U.N. staff and to the hundreds of thousands who have taken shelter in U.N. schools and other facilities since Israel launched round-the-clock airstrikes Saturday.
“The United Nations considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences,” Dujarric said.
“The U.N. The United Nations strongly appeals for any such order, if confirmed, to be rescinded avoiding what could transform what is already a tragedy into a calamitous situation,” the spokesman said.
Israel-Hamas war LIVE | Day 7 | Israel tells UN that 1.1 million northern Gazans should relocate
Another UN official said that the United Nations is trying to get clarity from Israeli officials at the senior most political level.
“It’s completely unprecedent,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.
Panicked rumors of an evacuation had begun to spread in north Gaza in the early morning Friday.
A ground offensive in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas and where the population is densely packed into a sliver of land only 40 kilometers (25 miles) long, would likely bring even higher casualties on both sides in brutal house-to-house fighting.
Hamas’ assault Saturday and smaller attacks since have killed more than 1,300 people in Israel, including 247 soldiers — a toll unseen in Israel for decades — and the ensuing Israeli bombardment has killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza, according to authorities on both sides. Israel says roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel, and that hundreds of the dead in Gaza are Hamas members. Thousands have been wounded on both sides.
As Israel pounds Gaza from the air, Hamas militants have fired thousands of rockets into Israel. Amid concerns that the fighting could spread in the region, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes on Thursday put two Syrian international airports out of service.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “crush” Hamas after the militants stormed into the country’s south on Saturday and massacred hundreds of people, including killings of children in their homes and young people at a music festival.
Amid grief and demands for vengeance among the Israeli public, the government is under intense pressure to topple Hamas rather than continuing to try to bottle it up in Gaza. (AP)
NEW YORK (TIP): Lord Raj Loomba CBE ( Commander of the Order of British Empire) & Lady Veena Loomba visited Goutami Eye Institute Rajahmundry, a premier eye institute run by the Eye Foundation of America.
London based Lord Raj Loomba is Founder and Chairman of the Loomba Foundation, a UN accredited global charitable organization, which promotes the fundamental freedoms and human rights of widows and their children around the world.
Dr. V. K. Raju, an eminent ophthalmologist based in West Virginia, USA ,who is the chairman of the Goutami Institute explained to the visitors that the main thrust of the Institute was to provide eyecare to the less privileged , and mainly children. In fact, Dr. Raju said he was passionately committed to work for a world without childhood blindness.
Dr. Kumar, who is the head of the Institute, told the visitors that the Institute not only examined patients but also provided them the treatment and even spectacles free of cost. Lord and Lady Loomba were deeply impressed to see for themselves the humanitarian work being undertaken by the Institute. The couple was accompanied by, among others, Deepak Dwivedi, Chairman and Chief Editor, The Blitz and Sandeep Saxena, the editor.
‘A mature constitutional democracy ought not to prosecute speech, which by itself has no direct causal connection to violence or disorder,’ says PUCL statement
“A reminder of the broader threats to free speech and dissent in India”, says Journalists Beyond Borders
NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) on Thursday, October 12, condemned the decision of Delhi Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Vinay Kumar Saxena to allow Delhi Police to prosecute writer Arundhati Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a former Professor of International Law at the Central University of Kashmir, in a 2010 case.
Urging that the prosecution against Ms. Roy and Dr. Hussain be withdrawn with immediate effect, PUCL leaders Kavita Srivastava and V. Suresh said in a statement that Ms. Roy was being prosecuted for “worrying the edges of the human Imagination” for writing as if “the only thing worth globalizing is dissent” and believing that dissent is “India’s best export”. “This is a tragedy for a country which prides itself as being the ‘mother of democracy’,” the statement added.
The PUCL said it was baffling that a 2010 related case is now on the front burner, with sanction being granted by the L-G, almost 13 years after the alleged incident. “A mature constitutional democracy ought not to prosecute speech, which by itself has no direct causal connection to violence or disorder. It is shameful that an FIR [First Information Report] was even registered for speech which by all accounts did not incite or provoke any form of violence,” the statement added.
PUCL leaders said such an action did great disservice to the Narendra Modi government’s belief that India is the ‘mother of democracy’, when the ‘mother’ prosecutes one of her most illustrious children. “Ms. Roy is one of India’s most eminent writers who has used her writing to amplify the concerns of those whose voices are ignored or muted. In her writing be it on the Indian nuclear tests, the dams on the Narmada or of the US war on Iraq she has sought to remind Indians and indeed the inhabitants of the world of the human costs of nuclear technology, development and war,” they said.
In a statement to The Indian Panorama, Journalists Beyond Borders President Prof. Indrajit S Saluja said : “The decision of government of India to reopen a criminal case against Arundhati Roy is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the state of justice, freedom of expression, and democracy. Arundhati Roy, a celebrated author, activist, and one of the most prominent voices for social justice in India, has consistently voiced her opinions on a range of political and social issues. The reopening of a case against her is not only an attack on her individual rights but also a stark reminder of the broader threats to free speech and dissent in India.”
Prof. Saluja called upon the government of India to stop harassing writers and journalists who, in the best interest of India and the people of India, criticize government policies. He demanded immediate withdrawal of the case against her which is a politically motivated attempt to silence and intimidate her and other activists who challenge the government’s policies. In a democratic society, the freedom to express dissent and engage in open discourse is a fundamental right. Such actions undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Representative Steve Scalise, the Louisiana Republican who Republicans nominated to be the next speaker of the House of Representatives, dropped out of the race on Thursday, October 12, as the party failed to resolve its divisions, prolonging the leadership crisis in the chamber, an AP report says.
The announcement came after a day full of lengthy meetings with fellow Republicans that several described as unproductive. Scalise had narrowly edged Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) in a Wednesday, October 11 conference vote to be named speaker-designate but had made little progress getting to the 217 votes he would need in a floor vote to win the gavel.
“I just shared with my colleagues that I was withdrawing my name as a candidate for our speaker designee,” Mr. Scalise told reporters.
“If you look at over the last few weeks, if you look at where our conference is, there is still work to be done… There are still some people that have their own agendas.” Without a speaker, the House is unable to consider any legislation to aid Israel in its war against Hamas or pass any appropriations bills to avoid a potential government shutdown in mid-November.
NEW DELHI/NEW YORK (TIP): India has rejected the 2023 Global Hunger Index in which the country ranked 111th, calling it a flawed measure of “hunger” that does not reflect the country’s true position. The Women and Child Development Ministry said the index suffers from “serious methodological issues and shows a malafide intent”. India ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index-2023, released on Thursday, October 12, with the country reporting the highest child wasting rate at 18.7 per cent.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global, regional, and national levels.
Rejecting India’s ranking at the index, the Women and Child Development Ministry said the Global Hunger Index continues to be a flawed measure of “hunger” and does not reflect India’s true position. “The index is an erroneous measure of hunger and suffers from serious methodological issues. Three out of the four indicators used for calculation of the index are related to the health of children and cannot be representative of the entire population. The fourth and most important indicator ‘Proportion of Undernourished (PoU) population’ is based on an opinion poll conducted on a very small sample size of 3,000,” it said.
The ministry said that since April 2023, the measurement data of children under five years uploaded on the Poshan Tracker has consistently increased – from 6.34 crore in April 2023 to 7.24 crore in September 2023.
“The percentage of child wasting, as seen on the Poshan Tracker, has been consistently below 7.2 per cent, month-on-month, as compared to the value of 18.7 per cent used for child wasting in the Global Hunger Index 2023,” the ministry said in a statement.
According to the index, the rate of undernourishment in India stood at 16.6 per cent and under-five mortality at 3.1 per cent.
The ministry further said two other indicators, namely stunting and wasting, are outcomes of complex interactions of various other factors like sanitation, genetics, environment and utilization of food intake apart from hunger which is taken as the causative/outcome factor for stunting and wasting in the GHI. Also, there is hardly any evidence that the fourth indicator—child mortality—is an outcome of hunger, it said.
India’s “longstanding and consistent” policy on Palestinian state remains unchanged, says MEA spokesperson
NEW DELHI (TIP): India reiterated its call for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state on Thursday, October 12, with the Ministry of External Affairs saying that there was an “obligation” to uphold humanitarian principles.
“India always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel,” Mr. Arindam Bagchi said, emphasizing that India’s position on Palestine has been “longstanding and consistent” and that there has been no change in that policy.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a round of meetings with Ministry officials to take stock of the situation.
Mr. Bagchi categorically stated that India considers last Saturday’s strike against Israel a “terrorist attack”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had condemned terrorism and expressed solidarity with the Israeli people following the attack by Hamas on Saturday.
The official spokesperson said that there was a “universal obligation” to observe humanitarian law, but also emphasized the requirement to fight against international terrorism. However, Mr. Bagchi did not give a clear answer to a journalist’s question on whether India considers Hamas a terror organization. Saying that such a determination was the responsibility of other departments, the MEA spokesperson said, “Our focus is to help our citizens.”
His comments were the first set of detailed remarks from the MEA about the situation in West Asia, since Saturday’s air, land and sea attack on Israel and its retaliatory air attack on the Gaza Strip.
“In the world of diplomacy, we are always engaged in conversation and contacts. Of course, we maintain close contacts with all relevant stakeholders at various levels,” Mr. Bagchi noted.
As the hostilities between Hamas and Israel entered the 7th day, UN said that by late October 11, the number of displaced people in Gaza had risen by an additional 75,000 people from the figure given 24 hours earlier, reaching 3,38,934. “Mass displacement across the Gaza Strip continues,” the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said in a statement sent on October 12.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.
The announcement came as Israel pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip — a densely populated enclave of 2.3 million people — in response to the militants’ surprise Saturday attack. Israeli forces said 1,200 people, most of them civilians, were killed in the onslaught — the worst in the country’s history. In Gaza, officials reported more than 1,000 people have been killed in Israel’s sustained campaign of air and artillery strikes.
OCHA said nearly 2,20,000 people, or two-thirds of the displaced people, have sought shelter in schools run by the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. Another nearly 15,000 people fled to schools run by the Palestinian Authority, while more than 100,000 were being sheltered by relatives, neighbours and a church and other facilities in Gaza City.
OCHA said that around 3,000 people had already been displaced within the enclave prior to Saturday’s attack.
The bombing campaign has destroyed or rendered uninhabitable at least 2,540 housing units in Gaza, OCHA said, citing numbers from the Gaza Ministry of Public Works and Housing. Another 22,850 housing units sustained moderate to minor damage, it said.
The UN agency also voiced alarm at the significant destruction of civilian infrastructure damaged in the shelling.
Among other things, it said sewage facilities serving more than a million people had been hit by air strikes, leaving solid waste accumulating in the streets, posing a health threat.
Those who had written Indian hockey off a couple of years ago are now forced to eat their words. India is back and back with a vengeance. In the past one year, Indian men have been making a clean sweep of all continental tournaments. And the just concluded Asian Games in Hangzhou is the latest. In August, India won the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai.
It not only makes India a direct qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Hockey competition, but also makes former Olympic champions an undisputed leader of the continental hockey.
India exhibited great team effort and played superbly throughout the tournament scoring 58 goals and emerging the only unbeaten team in the tournament. India’s arch-rival, Pakistan, however, could not end the tournament the way it wanted. Though Pakistan ended on a winning note defeating Malaysia in the playoff for the fifth and sixth position, it expected to finish a little higher, at least on the podium.
Now previous champions Japan, Korea, China, Pakistan and Malaysia will have to go through the rigmaroles of playing the Olympic Qualifying tournaments for a berth in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Though initially Pakistan had offered to host one of the Olympic Qualifier Tournaments in Lahore, but it was taken away by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) quoting internal strife in the country as the reason. The tournament will now be held in Oman, the new hockey center of the continent after Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. India’s return to the top was the culmination of a long-drawn effort that saw it making a clean sweep of continental tournaments it played this year.
It added its sixth title to its kitty by defeating defending champions Japan 5-1 in the Asian Games final. Earlier in the pool matches India recorded its biggest ever win (10-2) over arch rivals Pakistan.
India started with a style by notching up 16-0 win over Uzbekistan in the opener followed by 16-1 win over Singapore. After taking a comfortable 3-0 lead against Japan in the next match, India conceded two goals in the closing stages of the game to end with a 4-2 win over defending champions Japan. After a record 10-2 win against Pakistan, India had little trouble in defeating Bangladesh 12-0 in its last pool game to finish at the top of the table.
In the semi-finals, South Korea put up a splendid fight but it was not enough to upset the rhythm of the Indians looking for glory. India won the semis 5-3 for a place in the gold medal match. Pitted against the 2018 champions Japan in the final, India reiterated its supremacy to prove that earlier 4-2 win in the pool games was no fluke. India ended the summit clash with an impressive 5-1 win.
Harmanpreet Singh. (Photo: Twitter)
India’s title triumph was also a personal gratification for the team captain Harmanpreet Singh, a drag flicker. Though in the last FIH World Cup for men hosted jointly by Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, one of reasons attributed for India’s poor ninth finish, was fewer goals from Harmanpreet than expected. He proved he is still the best as he scored in every match of significance. Even in the final, two of five goals came from his lethal drag flicks.
India’s return to top position after a gap of nine years has warmed the cockles of the hearts of Indian hockey fans the world over. Now the focus will be on the bigger challenge, the summer Olympic Games. Harmanpreet had incidentally played sheet anchor when India returned to podium at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games by remaining one of the top scorers. And in Hangzhou he proved beyond doubt that he is still the number one.
Earlier this year, the FIH Hockey5s Asia Cup in Oman, India recorded a 2-0 win in a penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw with Pakistan in the final. Only a week earlier, Indian women had won the gold medal at the same venue. Never before in the history of hockey any team had won so many continental titles in a row. As of today, India is the winner of Asian Games for men, Asia Cups, both for men and women, Asian Champions Trophy for men and Asia Cups, both for junior men and women.
After the Asian Games title triumph, India has joined the hosts France, Australia men and women and the Netherlands men and women, as direct qualifiers for the 2024 summer Olympic Games. Later this month, Pan Am Games in Santiago will decide the teams, both men and women, that will represent Americas in the Paris Olympic Games.
(Prabhjot Singh is a senior journalist. Read his articles at www.probingeye.com)
On this day, the universe will reveal some of its deepest, most profound mysteries to you. You’ll notice that as the day progresses, you’re more drawn to periods of self-reflection than usual. This is not daydreaming; rather, it is an opportunity to grasp the deepest needs and concerns that lie within you. While the rest of the world goes about its business as normal, a chance encounter could completely alter the way you look at things. You should put your faith in the feelings that come up since they serve as an internal compass that will lead you in the proper route.
October 17
The presence of a burst of dynamic energy throughout the day makes today an especially fortunate day for starting fresh and new endeavors. The universe is encouraging you to take that leap of faith, whether you’re thinking of making a change in your professional life or healing a personal relationship. Even though it can be frightening, change is the universe’s way of telling us something better is on the horizon. Confront the difficulties head-on, and keep in mind that a good outlook can transform any barrier into an opportunity.
October 18
The cosmos surrounds you with a warm and reassuring hug on this day. You are given a momentary reprieve as the mayhem of the world recedes into the background. Indulge in some form of self-care today, whether that takes the form of meditation, digging into a book, or simply going for a leisurely walk surrounded by nature. These stretches of peace and quiet are more than just breaks; they are necessary for the revitalization and lucidity of your spirit.
October 19
In our modern world, words still have a great deal of power. Conversations that are held from the heart will generate strong vibrations, which will in turn build connections that may last a lifetime. Your words have the power to transform any situation, whether it’s a long-overdue conversation with a friend or an expression of gratitude to a coworker. But keep in mind that communication is a process that goes in both directions. It’s possible to uncover hidden truths and broaden one another’s perspectives simply by listening with an open heart.
October 20
There is a sense of daring and exploration in the air! Today is not simply another day; rather, it is a blank canvas ready to be painted with your own personal strokes of color. Discover unexplored territory, whether that’s through travel, acquiring a new talent, or simply interacting with people that look different from you. When you have the courage to step into the unknown, life’s secrets begin to be revealed. Allow the wonder in your heart to direct your actions.
October 21
Today is all about maintaining a balance. You are being nudged by the cosmos in every facet of your life to find that place that is just right for you. If your job has been keeping you from spending time with the people you care about, now is the moment to change that. Find refuge in activities that help you feel more rooted in the present moment if your feelings have been running high. Keep in mind that life is a delicate dance of opposites, and right now you are the choreographer designing a harmonious pattern for the dance.
October 22
The day brings with it an opportunity for introspection. Your life has been a unique tapestry that has been woven from the experiences and feelings that you’ve had along the way. Take a minute to be thankful, not just for the milestones that have been reached, but also for the life lessons that have come in the form of obstacles. You may always count on the support and encouragement of the universe. Take with you into the next week the lessons you’ve learned and the hope you’ve gained from the days that have passed.
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll be able to dismiss items in your life that aren’t crucial. Creating goals will help you break up challenging circumstances into smaller segments. You’ll have crystal-clear communication skills. Using your past expertise as a foundation, you’ll develop new techniques for your career. They will be receiving from your subordinates. On this day, your romantic life will be rejoicing. Either you or the other person jointly decides on the season’s excitement, or the other person takes on that responsibility. Spending time apart will strengthen your connection. You should concentrate on keeping your wellness in check in the evening. This week, stay out of the excessive heat to prevent aches and illness.
Taurus
Ganesha says, this week, there will be little disputes. This week, especially in your job and at residence, there will be conflicts between your thoughts and those of others surrounding you. You must be accurate while maintaining a convincing appearance to avoid having to stay concealed until the mission is completed. Allow your family some time to adjust to the marital concept at home since they will find it challenging to comprehend. In terms of your love life, your partner will help you unwind after a challenging day. You’ll consider having them to be an inheritance. Your mental well-being will be stressed while your bodily condition will be Ok.
Gemini
Ganesha says, you will have finished your hunt for happiness and romance this week. Because a wonderful new addition will join our circle of friends this week, you will not be dissatisfied like you haven’t in a while. You’ll find that your extended family is now standing with you. The romantic front will progress significantly after your long-awaited offer is accepted. On the business one another, you may obtain the resources required for progressing your start-up. You’ll also meet some folks who will be tremendously useful. You’ll be able to reflect on this week’s activity with regard to of your messed-up mental state. Your general well-being will also improve as you begin becoming less nervous.
Cancer
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. You’ll be lucky, and you’ll succeed in your goals. By doing this, individuals will advertise your new business. Although your physiological and emotional health will be balanced, joint pain will only be a minor source of discomfort. People in the corporate sector will be more focused on opening fresh businesses officially than those in regular labor, who may consider starting their own businesses. This week, making arrangements is an excellent suggestion. In your romantic life, you’ll look in inappropriate areas for love. Before you struck double-check that you are coming towards the correct door.
Leo
Ganesha says, this week, a lot of problems will be fixed for you. You will develop both professionally and personally. There won’t be any major wellness problems, but you should be aware of your mental well-being. You will ultimately have the opportunity to advertise or explain your thoughts on the company’s side. Managers will take you into account. You’ll have the bravery to discuss the different elements of your affection with others. Say what’s on your mind since your significant other won’t be satisfied and would rather talk to you honestly than anything else.
Virgo
Ganesha says, this week will be academically challenging for you since you’ll meet a significant individual. Keep in touch with them since they will soon be able to direct you in the appropriate direction. This week, when making decisions, your senses will take precedence over logic, placing you in a challenging circumstance. The emotional gap between you and your relationship will be connected this week. This week, you must priorities your relationships with others and hold a meaningful conversation. This week, pay close attention to your job to complete it on schedule since your bosses will be keeping an eye on you. Their admiration for your business savvy will increase. This week, you’ll feel at rest.
Libra
Ganesha says, there’s an opportunity you’ll learn something important. This week, you’ll feel at rest. Take your time and you’ll be ready to select the greatest combination for your child as well. Your income will definitely decline. Furthermore, your reps won’t provide you with any uplifting information. Legal actions should be avoided this week because of Rahu’s horoscope placement in the sky. Your feelings are making you crazy, and this week you’re going to meet somebody who is remarkably similar to you. You’ll be amply rewarded for your perseverance. You’ll likely visit a lovely location this week for business. Your excursions will grow more frequent when you return from this location with successful business agreements.
Scorpio
Ganesha says, compile a list of all the difficult jobs and do them this week as with Lord Solar’s assistance, your perseverance will lead you in the correct direction and enable you to overcome all of your obstacles. You’ll create a web of knots if you try to do too much at once. Keep your focus and do one task at a time. If you’re breaking your own standards to boost your revenues, you need to quit right immediately. Earnings are fleeting and transient, but your previous destiny has shaped who you are and will follow you throughout the rest of your life. Increase your faith to get yourself back on track. Being honest with oneself will help you improve as an individual.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says, you may focus your attention right now on the subjects that will matter most in the future. If you have trust in your ability to complete jobs effectively, you’ll get almost there. You’ll make sure to complete your work in a polite manner and on time. Additionally, you’ll be praised at work for one of your unique talents. This week is the ideal time to talk to your spouse about any problems you encounter in your love connection since they will be open to listening. Nearly all of your problems will be resolved by them. Your wellbeing should significantly improve, and the organic treatments you are utilizing are effective.
Capricorn
Ganesha says your family members who are close will be grateful for anything. You’ll discover that the entire family is beginning to accept you. This week, you won’t begin a brand-new job task, but you may still progress by changing up older ones. You might be able to modify anything by giving close attention to the tiniest things. This week, you’ll need to take better care of your family members’ wellbeing. Kindly urge them not to go far away this week. Your significant other will guide you to the tranquility that a religious faith can provide to your love life. You’ll realize how their endeavors have benefited you in the past. This week, you’ll feel safe in every aspect of your life.
Aquarius
Ganesha says, this week, your thoughts will wander frequently, causing you to experience a range of psychological ups and downs. You won’t be able to focus without effort, so you shouldn’t make any substantial professional choices this week. At work, you’ll notice adjustments to your environment. When it comes to your love life, it’s important to keep any embellishments to a minimum. If you are open and sincere with your partner about your relationship, they will appreciate it. For the benefit of your well-being, you must keep an eye out for even the tiniest modifications to your surroundings. Be careful.
Pisces
Ganesha says, this week, you’ll move the process along quickly on every front. You’ll receive the extra push you’ve been looking for. You’ll have to say a few important things. You’ll do a second job for your business areas. This week, you’ll additionally require putting in more time at business. This week, pay close attention to what your teacher says. You’ll discuss wedding plans or becoming passionately betrothed. Your partner will ultimately find themselves in your shoes; despite the fact that they might feel it’s early. This week, you’ll become sick with a gastrointestinal issue, which will worsen your condition. This week, be cautious with your diet.
The World Music Institute, as part of its Collaboration Series, presents ‘Singing Together,’ a qawwali and gospel music collaboration between Texas-based Riyaaz Qawwali and The Harlem Gospel Travelers from New York City. The performance takes place on Friday, October 13 at the Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Manhattan at 8 pm. Doors open at 7 pm.
PROGRAM
The program will consist of performances from both ensembles individually, followed by a collaborative set of repertoire performed by both groups. The collaborative pieces carefully interweave qawwali and gospel elements into a singular soundscape, where the listener doesn’t know where one genre ends and the other begins. In the creation of these pieces, the lyrics were also carefully arranged to honor both traditions. Don’t miss this unique show celebrating the unifying joy of spiritual music.
RIYAAZ QAWWALI
Riyaaz Qawwali returns to NYC after their sold out performance at Cathedral of St. John The Divine which was presented by World Music Institute in January of 2019. The group performs qawwalis (or sufi music), bhajans, shabads and ghazals. They represent the diversity and plurality of South Asia. The ensemble’s musicians, who are settled in the United States, hail from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Learn more about Riyaaz Qawwali at riyaazqawwali.com.
What is Qawwali?
Qawwali is a genre of music that has been used for centuries to spark religious devotion and bring listeners to a state of spiritual union with God. Qawwalis are often sung by Sufis as praise for religious teachers, saints, and scholars. Qawwali lyrics draw inspiration from Islam and use several poetry forms such as Ghazals, Hamd, and Kafi. However, spiritual love is expressed through the themes of worldly love and intoxication. Qawwali songs are mostly sung in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, and Bengali languages.
How is Qawwali music performed?
Qawwali music is usually performed by an ensemble consisting of a lead singer, a harmonium and a tabla or dholak player, and several side singers that serve as the chorus. This type of music is characterized by the voices of the lead singer and chorus, as well as hand clapping. A concert (traditionally as part of a ‘mehfil-e sama’) in such a setting can bring a Sufi into a state of ecstasy.
THE HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS
Born out of a non-profit music education program led by Eli “Paperboy” Reed, The Harlem Gospel Travelers—singers Thomas Gatling, George Marage, and Dennis Bailey—released their debut LP, ‘He’s On Time,’ to rave reviews in 2019, with Pop Matters hailing the album’s “musical transcendence”. Their 2022 release, ‘Look Up!,’ also produced by Reed, marked the group’s first collection of totally original material, which NPR Music praised as having a “70s vibe but subject material is of this moment”.
“Gospel’s at the root of everything,” says Thomas Gatling. “Country, folk, rock, soul, blues; we love it all, and it’s all in there.”
“When everything was stripped away, all we had left was the music,” he says. “Difficult as it was, we realized that God was opening a door, and it was up to us to walk on through to the other side.”
It’s on the other side that we meet a transformed Harlem Gospel Travelers, complete with a new album, a new lineup, and a new lease on life. Produced by Eli Paperboy Reed, ‘Look Up!’ marks the group’s first full-length release as a trio, as well as their first collection of totally original material, and it couldn’t have come at a more vital moment. Learn more at harlemgospeltravelers.com.
TICKETS
For Tickets to the performance, visit symphonyspace.org/events/vp-riyaaz-qawwali-and-the-harlem-gospel-travelers
Pricing is tiered. Student, Senior (with valid ID) discounts and Member benefits apply.
(Mabel Pais writes on Spirituality, The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
The HorrorFest International Film Festival 2023 takes place at St. George, Utah, October 18-21. The Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah presents the films and events at Southern Utah’s historic Electric Theater once again serving as the primary venue for the event. This year’s edition of the international survey of horror/thriller cinema will screen 46 films (8 features and 38 shorts) representing 15 countries. In addition, 16 feature-length scripts and 8 scripts for short films will also participate in the film festival’s script competition over the four-day fright-filled event. Additionally, HorrorFest International 2023 will host its always anticipated secret screening, filmmaker and horror-themed panels, its traditional trivia event, a live script read of a beloved horror classic, a costume contest, and more.
Recognized as one of the top horror festivals in the world and taking place in beautiful St. George, Utah, HorrorFest International FF not only has the benefit of utilizing one of the truly historic theaters in the United States as its festival hub, but it is also surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenic locales in the U.S. including Zion National Park, Pine Valley, and Snow Canyon.
HorrorFest International Film Festival Co-Founders and Senior Programmers, Adam Mast and John Pugh, said, “This year’s lineup not only offers up great thrills and scares, but also challenges our preconceptions of what makes a horror film a horror film. Filmmaking and storytelling in the horror/thriller genre seems to be amid another artistic renaissance and is seeing a growing appreciation by audiences that aren’t what we traditionally think of as ‘horror film audiences. We love that idea and once again will enthusiastically bring those filmmakers and audiences together at the Electric Theater in St. George.”
2023 Horror Fest International Lineup
OPENING NIGHT SELECTION
Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls
Director: Andrew Bowser; USA; 96m
Fledgling occultist Onyx and a group of worshipers attend a once-in-a-lifetime ritual at their idol Bartok the Great’s mansion.
CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION
Where the Devil Roams
Directors: Toby Poser, Zelda Adams, John Adams; USA; 93m
The latest effort from the creative filmmaking family behind Hellbender follows a family of sideshow performers as they travel the world on a dying carnival circuit during the Depression Era.
ADDITIONAL FILMS
There are 6 additional Feature films, 38 Short Films, 16 Feature Length Screenplays and 8 Short Length Screenplays.
To get a complete lineup of films, visit fmasu.com/horrorfest
FILM AND MEDIA ALLIANCE OF SOUTHERN UTAH (FMASU) — Formed in 2017, FMASU is designed to encourage, inspire, nurture, and educate filmmaking talent and to preserve film history and the theatrical experience. While FMASU prides itself on its Southern Utah roots, it is equally interested in championing storytellers from all around the world. Of course, the primary goal is to engage everyone through the culturally expansive nature of the world’s greatest art form: Cinema! Learn more at fmasu.com.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): An Indian-origin scientist at NASA is helming a mission that aims to launch three rockets during the 2023 annular eclipse on October 14. The mission, known as Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path or APEP, is led by Aroh Barjatya, will study how the sudden drop in sunlight affects our upper atmosphere, the space agency has said.
On October 14, people viewing the annular solar eclipse will experience the sun dimming to 10 per cent its normal brightness, leaving only a bright “ring of fire” of sunlight as the moon eclipses the sun.
Some 50 miles up and beyond, the air itself becomes electric. Scientists call this atmospheric layer the ionosphere because it is where the UV component of sunlight can pry electrons away from atoms to form a sea of high-flying ions and electrons.
The sun’s constant energy keeps these mutually attracted particles separated throughout the day. But as the sun dips below the horizon, many recombine into neutral atoms for the night, only to part ways again at sunrise.
During a solar eclipse, the sunlight vanishes and reappears over a small part of the landscape almost at once. In a flash, ionospheric temperature and density drop, then rise again, sending waves rippling through the ionosphere.
“If you think of the ionosphere as a pond with some gentle ripples on it, the eclipse is like a motorboat that suddenly rips through the water,” said Barjatya, a professor of engineering physics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.
“It creates a wake immediately underneath and behind it, and then the water level momentarily goes up as it rushes back in.”
The APEP team plans to launch three rockets in succession — one about 35 minutes before local peak eclipse, one during peak eclipse, and one 35 minutes after. They will fly just outside the path of annularity, where the moon passes directly in front of the sun.
Each rocket will deploy four small scientific instruments that will measure changes in electric and magnetic fields, density, and temperature. If they are successful, these will be the first simultaneous measurements taken from multiple locations in the ionosphere during a solar eclipse. Barjatya chose sounding rockets to answer the team’s science questions because they can pinpoint and measure specific regions of space with high fidelity. They can also measure changes that happen at different altitudes as the suborbital rocket ascends and falls back to Earth. The APEP rockets will take measurements between 70 to 325 kilometers) above the ground along their trajectory.
In addition, a ground-based observation will collect ionospheric density and neutral wind measurements. A team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Haystack Observatory in Westford, will run their radar to measure ionospheric perturbations farther away from the eclipse path.
Finally, a team of students from Embry-Riddle will deploy high-altitude balloons (reaching 100,000 feet) every 20 minutes to measure weather changes as the eclipse passes by.
The APEP rockets launched in New Mexico will be recovered and then relaunched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, on April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse will cross the US from Texas to Maine.
BOSTON (TIP): Indian American abortion rights activist Sapna Khatri has been named to lead Massachusetts’ Reproductive Justice Unit, a new unit established under state Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
The Unit will focus on ensuring that Massachusetts is a national leader on reproductive justice by expanding and protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, Campbell announced in Boston on Oct 2.
It would do so by “addressing disparities in maternal health, tackling misinformation and disinformation that prevents access to care, working across state lines to respond to national attacks on reproductive health care, and championing and defending Massachusetts’ strong legal protections for reproductive rights.”
“We must meet the escalating anti-science, extremist attacks on our basic right to bodily autonomy with bold and comprehensive action,” said Campbell. “I am proud to launch the Reproductive Justice Unit and name Sapna as Director. I am confident that, under her leadership, Massachusetts will be a north star in showing just what is possible when people are free to make decisions for themselves about their bodies, lives, families, and futures with dignity and respect.”
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve as Director of AG Campbell’s Reproductive Justice Unit, a unit whose mission is not only one I care deeply about, but is critical in our fight for reproductive justice nationwide,” said Khatri.
“I look forward to using my experience as a reproductive justice advocate to help AG Campbell lead this fight and collaborate with community organizations, health care providers, and legal experts across the Commonwealth.”
Prior to being named Director of the AG’s Reproductive Justice Unit, Khatri worked extensively in the areas of reproductive justice and privacy.
Most recently, between 2021 and 2023, Khatri worked as a Sears Clinical Teaching Fellow at the University of California Los Angeles, where she launched the school’s inaugural Reproductive Justice Externship Program.
Khatri also led efforts to establish the nation’s first Medical-Legal Partnership at a Planned Parenthood clinic, in partnership with the UCLA Law Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy, the Black Health Initiative at Planned Parenthood Inglewood, and the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. Preceding her time at UCLA,
Khatri served as a law fellow in the Women and Reproductive Rights Project at the ACLU of Illinois and later as the organization’s Advocacy & Policy Counsel for privacy, technology, and surveillance matters. Sapna is a graduate of Washington University School of Law and the University of Missouri.
The formation of the new unit comes in the face of continued nationwide legal challenges to reproductive health access in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which eliminated the federal right to an abortion.
Since the 2022 decision, nearly half of the states in the country have severely restricted or altogether banned access to abortion. States have also sought to ban gender-affirming care and to criminalize providers and parents who facilitate access to it, the announcement noted. These attacks come in the midst of a worsening maternal health crisis and shocking rates of suicidality amongst transgender youth. The Reproductive Justice Unit will work with staff from across the Attorney General’s Office to lead the state and the nation in the fight for reproductive justice by defending against attempts to roll back access to reproductive and gender-affirming care, and championing policies to expand access to full spectrum reproductive and gender-affirming health care in the Commonwealth.
The Unit seeks to center community voices and partner with other abortion protective states to ensure that patients and providers can continue to access and provide full spectrum reproductive health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care, according to a press release.
The Unit will also work to expand the conversation around reproductive justice to include birth justice and to address growing maternal health disparities, especially among Black and brown communities who are more likely to die during or after childbirth.
LONDON (TIP): A British Sikh crossbow-armed intruder who pleaded guilty to committing treason after telling royal guards at Windsor Castle on Christmas Day 2021 that he was there to kill Queen Elizabeth II was sentenced to nine years imprisonment by a UK court on Thursday, October 5. Jaswant Singh Chail, 21, who claimed he wanted to “assassinate” the late monarch as revenge for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar according to a social media video that emerged soon after his arrest, has been handed a “hybrid” sentence order to take into account his mental health issues.
During a televised sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey court in London, Justice Nicholas Hilliard ruled that Chail must remain at Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire until he is considered fit to be transferred into custody.
“The act was conceived in 2021 when he was not psychotic and he went on to become psychotic by a process,” the judge noted as he stated his reasoning behind the sentencing order.
He concluded that Chail had ultimately acted upon his “homicidal thoughts” and therefore posed a threat of “serious harm” to the public, which necessitated a custodial order. The court heard how it was during a family visit to Amritsar in 2018 that he learnt more about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and decided to “give his life purpose” by avenging the killings by assassinating the British monarch at the time, who passed away aged 96 in September 2022.
Last month during his trial it emerged that Chail had written a letter to express his “distress and sadness” as an apology to the royal family and King Charles III. According to court reports from the hearing, Chail’s “strong family unit” includes his father, a software consultant working in aerospace, his mother, a special needs teacher, and his twin sister, a university student.
Chail was said to be suffering from mental health issues and the threat to the late Queen was instigated by an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot “girlfriend” named Sarai and inspired by his ‘Star Wars’ fascination.
Earlier, Chail pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 2 of the Treason Act, 1842; an offence of threats to kill contrary to Section 16 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; and an offence of possession of an offensive weapon contrary to Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. “He had made a video of himself stating his desire to harm the late Queen, which he sent to a group of contacts shortly before he was arrested. Further enquiries into Chail uncovered further evidence of his planning and motives. Evidence recovered by officers showed that he harbored ill-feeling towards the British empire for its past treatment of Indian people,” a Met Police statement noted. The Queen was in her private apartments at Windsor Castle at the time of Chail’s intrusion on the morning of December 25, 2021. Two officers saw the intruder within the grounds of the Castle and one approached him.
He was wearing black clothing and a handmade metal mask and said to the officers he was there to kill Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Chail was carrying a crossbow loaded with a bolt when the officers drew their Taser guns and arrested him.
The social media video which emerged later showed a masked man identifying himself as Indian Sikh Jaswant Singh Chail and saying he wanted to “assassinate” the Queen as revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919.
Under the 1842 Treason Act, it is an offence to assault the British Sovereign or have a firearm or offensive weapon in their presence with intent to injure or alarm them or to cause a breach of peace.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Aparna Chennapragada, a former Indian American Google and Robinhood executive, has joined Microsoft as the corporate vice president where she will be working on generative media artificial intelligence products and technology.
“With generative AI, there is an opportunity to build products that instantly and easily bring your intent and imagination to life,” she posted on the professional networking website LinkedIn. “That’s why I am super excited to share that I am joining Microsoft as Corporate VP leading efforts on AI-first creation experiences, across Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Designer,” she wrote.
“I’ve always thrived on building and scaling products that combine deep foundational technology and intuitive user experience to solve customer problems,” Chennapragada wrote. “I’m looking forward to diving in and putting AI to use to unleash our collective creativity.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella welcomed Chennaparagada, who has previously worked with companies like Robinhood, Google, Akamai, and Oracle. In her last job, she was the chief product officer of the American stock trading platform Robinhood, a post where she served for a little over a year.
Chennaparagada is also a board member of eBay. She has been an active investor and last year she invested in online taxation and fintech software provider Clear (formerly ClearTax).
She received her BTech in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; a master’s in computer science from the University of Texas, Austin; and another master’s in management and engineering from MIT, as per her LinkedIn profile.
In the last few months, Microsoft has undergone rejig in its top management, according to TechCircle.
Rohini Srivathsa took over the role of chief technology officer at Microsoft India and South Asia in September. She was previously the national technology officer at Microsoft India for five years, responsible for driving tech innovation and growth across industries for the company. Earlier, in August, Microsoft announced the appointment of Puneet Chandok as the corporate vice president for India and South Asia, effective Sep 1.
Apart from these appointments, Irina Ghose was elevated to the post of managing director and Navtez Bal took over from Ghose as the new chief operating officer for Microsoft India.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Teenage Indian American inventor Gitanjali Rao was honored by US First Lady Jill Biden, along with 14 other young women leaders, for leading a change and shaping a brighter future in their communities across the nation.
The 17-year-old scientist was honored on Wednesday in the first-ever “Girls Leading Change” celebration at the White House, marking the International Day of the Girl. The 15 young women leaders, selected by the White House Gender Policy Council, were honored by First Lady Jill to recognize their impact on their communities.
“It is my honor to celebrate this exceptional group of “Girls Leading Change” at the White House,” she was quoted as saying in a White House press release. “These young women are protecting and preserving the earth, writing and sharing stories that change minds, and turning their pain into purpose. Together, they represent the potential of young people across the country, and it is my hope that others can learn from the power of their innovation, strength, and hope,” she said.
Rao, from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, is a scientist whose groundbreaking lead contamination detection tool won her an EPA Presidential Award and America’s Top Young Scientist by Discovery Education/3M.
Her book ‘Young Innovator’s Guide to STEM’, which offers a prescriptive five-step innovation process, is used as a STEM curriculum globally in selected schools, according to the release. Named the Time Magazine’s first-ever Kid of the Year in 2020, Rao “is committed to not only continuing her career as a scientist and inventor but expanding her STEM education initiative, which has already touched more than 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students,” the release said. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology freshman, she has also been featured in Forbes’ list of 30 Under 30 achievers.
The reopening of a case against Arundhati Roy is a stark reminder of the broader threats to free speech and dissent in India
Prof. Indrajit S Saluja
The decision of government of India to reopen a criminal case against Arundhati Roy is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the state of justice, freedom of expression, and democracy. Arundhati Roy, a celebrated author, activist, and one of the most prominent voices for social justice in India, has consistently voiced her opinions on a range of political and social issues. The reopening of a case against her is not only an attack on her individual rights but also a stark reminder of the broader threats to free speech and dissent in India.
Arundhati Roy’s work has been characterized by her outspoken criticism of government policies and her advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities, making her a thorn in the side of those in power. The decision to reopen a case against her suggests a politically motivated attempt to silence and intimidate her and other activists who challenge the government’s policies. In a democratic society, the freedom to express dissent and engage in open discourse is a fundamental right. Such actions undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
It is imperative to question the timing and motivations behind this decision. Is it a deliberate ploy to divert attention from more pressing issues facing the country, or is it a calculated move to undermine the credibility and effectiveness of those who dare to criticize the government? The reopening of the case against Arundhati Roy raises serious concerns about the misuse of legal mechanisms for political gain, as it seems to be part of a broader pattern of silencing opposition.
Moreover, the threat to freedom of expression posed by this act extends beyond Arundhati Roy as an individual. The reopening of this case sends a chilling message to other activists, journalists, and intellectuals in India, creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. The mere specter of facing legal consequences for expressing one’s opinions can have a paralyzing effect on public discourse and hinder the free exchange of ideas, which is essential in a vibrant democracy.
In addition, the international community and advocates for human rights must condemn this clear infringement on freedom of expression. Upholding the right to dissent is crucial for the health of any democracy. Any attempt to suppress it should be met with strong opposition and condemnation. The reopening of the case against Arundhati Roy deserves widespread attention and a resounding denouncement from all corners of the world.
The reopening of a criminal case against Arundhati Roy is an alarming development that threatens the principles of democracy and free expression in India. It is essential to recognize this act for what it is – a politically motivated attack on a prominent voice of dissent. The targeting of individuals who challenge the government’s policies undermines the very foundations of democracy, and it is the duty of the international community and all defenders of human rights to speak out against this injustice and stand in solidarity with those who champion the cause of justice and equality.
At my age 93+ I keep thinking and dreaming about India and the Indian Americans. Though born in India and lived there only 24 years I love India and the Indian Americans. I am getting intoxicated sometimes hearing the extraordinary success of Indian Americans in all fields. I studied Business at Columbia and I have been following the outstanding leadership of Indian Americans in leading Business schools and major corporations (including two trillion dollars). I have been shocked at Harvard selecting an Indian as its Dean, who served for more than a decade. Harvard has selected another Indian to succeed him. This guy received all his education in India!
HBS is the No.1 leading Business school in the world. It manufactures CEO’s. Does this not show that Indian Americans are geniuses in Business. Though Indian business success is nowhere near America’s, Indians are excelling. India and the Indian Americans have not honored these outstanding Deans of the world. These Deans are highly influential. The main responsibility of the Harvard Dean is to raise funds and select the topnotch faculty and create the most successful environment for students at HBS.
POLITICS
In politics for a tiny population, we have made our mark. We elected two Governors, one Vice President, ten to Congress, Many Indian Americans have been appointed as Judges at all levels including Appellate courts. Some have been identified for the Supreme Court.
So far, three Indian Americans have competed for the President of the USA. Two governors – Nikki Haley, Bobby Jindal and a businessman, Ramaswamy. Whether they win or not, they are competing with a small number of Presidential aspirants. Indian Americans stand out.
TECHNOLOGY
We are leaders. America has graduated thousands of Indian Americans in Electrical Engineering and other Engineering disciplines
I can state that without the input of Indian American engineers. the U.S. could not have made this much progress. Americans have become poor in mathematics and science because of failed public schools run by the unions. How many can qualify for admission to Bronx School of Science or Stuyvesant High School? Indians dominate in these schools.
We have achieved with a very tiny population of 4 million Indian Americans, slightly above 1% of the US population. Hoping this trend continues, what will be the impact of Indian Americans 10, 20, 50 or 100 years? All the three Presidential candidates were born and buttered in the USA — second generation Indian Americans.
We have beaten all ethnic groups in income year after year. I came to the USA in 1954, almost 70 years ago when there were only 3000 Indians, all Foreign Students. The phenomenal progress of the Indian Americans has shocked me pleasantly. Will this trend continue?
If it does, the US will certainly elect an Indian American as President in the future and that will create a huge impact. The U.K., Ireland, Portugal, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Fiji Island, have been headed by Indian origin people. I think No.2 in Canada is an Indian. It is therefore possible the Indian American leaders could influence International Relations and Foreign Policy.
India is the youngest country in the world. I am getting the impression the young Indians are adventurous and want to live in various parts of the world. There is a tremendous interest and urge to immigrate to the USA. If and when the US chalks out a wise immigration policy it should attract millions of Indians to the USA in the future. Who can predict the influence of Indian Americans in the future?
It is quite possible that the Indian Americans will pretty soon have as much influence as the tiny Jewish community has.
I think Indian Americans should start formulating policies and strategies to solve major problems of the USA: Open Border; Immigration; Dealing with Minorities especially the Blacks and Latinos; Poor quality of Public Education; Foreign Policy taking into account the major blunders of the past: Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Breaking of Yugoslavia, Iran, neglecting South America, etc.
Regular caste-based census data can help track the progress of different caste groups over time, helping better evaluation of policies for social justice
“A caste-based census would provide accurate and up-to-date data on the distribution and socio-economic status of the various castes and communities in India. This data is essential for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. It can help policymakers identify marginalized and disadvantaged groups and design targeted interventions to uplift them. India has a long history of caste-based discrimination and oppression. A caste-based census can help in recognizing and quantifying the extent of historical injustices and disparities that exist in society. Acknowledging these disparities is a critical step towards addressing them.”
Caste discrimination has its roots in centuries of historical oppression and marginalization. It has resulted in the social, economic, and educational backwardness of certain caste groups. Government intervention is necessary to rectify these historical injustices.
By Manoj Kumar Jha
There are certain dates which acquire greater significance by a stroke of history, and October 2, 2023 is one such date — a day when the Bihar government released the data for a caste-based survey, known as the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana. Let us remember not to forget.
A caste-based census would provide accurate and up-to-date data on the distribution and socio-economic status of the various castes and communities in India. This data is essential for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation. It can help policymakers identify marginalized and disadvantaged groups and design targeted interventions to uplift them. India has a long history of caste-based discrimination and oppression. A caste-based census can help in recognizing and quantifying the extent of historical injustices and disparities that exist in society. Acknowledging these disparities is a critical step towards addressing them.
Accuracy for efficacy
With accurate caste-based data, the government can develop more effective and targeted welfare programs. These programs can be tailored to the specific needs of different caste groups, ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the most vulnerable sections of society. Regular caste-based census data can help track the progress of different caste groups over time. This allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of policies and programs aimed at social justice and affirmative action. It will also enable the government to make necessary adjustments to policies when needed. Caste-based data can help ensure fair representation of marginalized communities in government, education, and employment. Reservations and affirmative action policies are often based on caste, and accurate data is crucial to determine the appropriate level of representation required. A caste-based census promotes transparency and accountability in government efforts to promote social justice. It allows citizens to hold the government accountable for the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Without accurate data, there is a risk of caste certificates being misused for personal gain or political purposes. A caste-based census can help verify and authenticate the caste status of individuals, reducing the likelihood of fraud and ensuring that benefits are directed to those who genuinely need them.
A subject of debate
However, it is important to note that the idea of conducting a caste-based census in India has been a subject of debate and controversy. Some argue that it could perpetuate and deepen caste divisions, while others believe that it is necessary to address historical injustices and promote social justice. The decision to conduct such a census involves careful consideration of these arguments and a balanced approach to address the complex issue of caste-based disparities in India.
Caste discrimination in India is a deeply entrenched social issue that has persisted for centuries. Several factors highlight the need for committed government intervention to address this problem. First, historical injustice. Caste discrimination has its roots in centuries of historical oppression and marginalization. It has resulted in the social, economic, and educational backwardness of certain caste groups. Government intervention is necessary to rectify these historical injustices.
Second, constitutional mandate. The Indian Constitution recognizes the existence of caste-based discrimination and inequality and provides for affirmative action measures (such as reservations in education, employment, and politics) to uplift historically disadvantaged groups. The government has a constitutional obligation to implement and enforce these provisions.
Third, human rights. Discrimination based on caste is a violation of human rights. The government has a responsibility to protect the human rights of all its citizens, which includes the right to equality, dignity, and non-discrimination. Committed government intervention is necessary to ensure that these rights are upheld.
Fourth, social cohesion. Caste discrimination perpetuates social divisions and hinders social cohesion. It creates a sense of inequality and injustice among marginalized groups and can lead to social unrest. Government intervention is essential to promote social harmony and unity.
Fifth, economic development. Caste discrimination often leads to economic disparities, with certain caste groups facing limited access to education and employment opportunities. Government intervention through affirmative action policies can help bridge these gaps and promote economic development for all.
Sixth, education. Discrimination can hinder access to quality education for marginalized caste groups. Government intervention is necessary to ensure that educational opportunities are accessible to all, irrespective of caste, and that discrimination within educational institutions is eliminated.
Subject of employment
Seventh, employment. Discrimination in employment can limit job opportunities for certain caste groups. Government intervention is required to enforce anti-discrimination laws and promote fair employment practices, including affirmative action in the public sector.
Eighth, political representation. Dalits and other marginalized caste groups have historically been under-represented in political positions. Government intervention is needed to promote their political participation and representation, which is crucial for addressing their concerns.
Ninth, awareness and sensitization. The government can play a significant role in creating awareness about the harms of caste discrimination and promoting social sensitivity and inclusivity through educational programs and campaigns.
Tenth, legal framework. Government intervention is crucial to strengthening and enforcing anti-discrimination laws and policies aimed at eradicating caste discrimination. Without a committed government effort, these laws may remain ineffective.
In conclusion, caste discrimination is a deeply ingrained problem in India that requires sustained and committed government intervention to address. Such intervention is not only essential to rectify historical injustices but also to uphold the principles of equality, justice, and human rights for all citizens, regardless of their caste or social background.
(The author is Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Rashtriya Janata Dal)
Parliament has committed an egregious folly in fusing women’s reservation with delimitation
“A census to understand the population of women for the purpose of reservation is also unwarranted. The criteria, process and purpose of the Women’s Reservation Bill are qualitatively different from those of the delimitation exercise. And, reservation for women in local bodies, which materialized through the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of the Constitution, and came into effect in 1993, was not contingent on any delimitation exercise for that purpose. Parliament, however, has lost sight of these aspects.”
By Kaleeswaram Raj
The celebration of the passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill by both Houses of Parliament glosses over certain realities about this conditional legislation. The conduct of a census in the country followed by a delimitation of constituencies based on this census are the conditions for this legislation to take effect. Once it is accepted that reservation for women in legislative bodies is a progressive measure, there is no legal or political justification to prolong its implementation. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah justified these conditions saying that there could be legal challenges against the legislation if it is passed without relying on criteria fixed by way of a process of delimitation.
No doubt, a legislation should be based on a solid foundation, and have valid reasons for existence.
In the case of the Women’s Reservation Law, the reality is that about half of the population are women and they are under-represented in Parliament and State legislative bodies. Reports show that, of the maximum allowed 550 seats in the Lok Sabha, only 82, i.e., 15% are represented by women, and out of the 250 members in the Rajya Sabha, only 31, i.e., 12% are women. The Global Gender Gap Report places this in a macroscopic context by showing that India ranks 141 out of 185 in its list.
Contentious issue
Article 81 (2) (a) of the Constitution states that the number of seats in the Lok Sabha for a State should have a co-relation with the population of the State and “so far as practicable”, the criteria should be the same for all States. Article 170, concerning the legislative Assemblies of States, also takes population as the basis for designing constituencies.
However, delimitation in India is a contentious issue. It acts as an incentive for population expansion with scant regard to development and family planning. This was why a full-fledged delimitation was kept in abeyance in India since 1976. It is now expected to be carried out after the Census which will only be held by 2026 at the earliest.
But, as scholar Nilakantan R.S. predicts, this “demographic detonation” will cause “another big fork in the future allocation of political power and associated resources between the north and south”. In his book South vs North (2022), Mr. Nilakantan has demonstrated how South India has performed well in sectors such as health, education, economy etc. in comparison to the North.
South Indian States reduced their population by scientific means whereas North Indian States in general and States such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in particular have failed to do so. The South Indian States have raised concerns about this proposed delimitation. This could lead to two outcomes: the delimitation would get prolonged by years which in turn will defer the materialization of the women’s quota law, or it might happen based on population which in turn could translate to undue advantages for certain States in the North.
These are situations that the relevant provisions in the Constitution, namely Articles 81 and 170, failed to foresee. Thus, Parliament has committed an egregious folly in fusing women’s reservation with delimitation.
Articles 330 and 332 of the Constitution deal with the reservation of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) in the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly of States respectively. Though these Articles mention the relationship between reservation and the population of the SC and ST groups, such a parameter is irrelevant to women’s quota. That their share in the total population is almost 50% is undisputed. Further, there cannot be a drastic variation in their population from one constituency to the other, as it could happen with SC or ST.
Unwarranted conditions
A census to understand the population of women for the purpose of reservation is also unwarranted. The criteria, process and purpose of the Women’s Reservation Bill are qualitatively different from those of the delimitation exercise. And, reservation for women in local bodies, which materialized through the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of the Constitution, and came into effect in 1993, was not contingent on any delimitation exercise for that purpose. Parliament, however, has lost sight of these aspects.
How far a constitutional Amendment can be done by way of contingent legislation is an issue too, as certainty is regarded as one of the hallmarks of modern constitutions. In Hamdard Dawakhana vs Union of India (1959), the Supreme Court hinted that in conditional legislations, for the statute to take effect, there could be a further dependence on the executive or even on the legislature of the future day, among other things.
Such enactments might be needed on various occasions for multiple reasons. But, by amalgamating the demand for women’s reservation with the uncertainty of a future delimitation process, that too in the case of a constitutional amendment, Parliament has made populist rhetoric at best or committed a constitutional blunder at worst. The secrecy maintained on the subject till the commencement of the special session was also thoroughly undemocratic, which in turn, prevented the exposure of the follies of the legislation.
Therefore, with regard to the future of the women’s quota in the legislature, one can only have the pessimism of the intelligence and optimism of the will, as Antonio Gramsci famously put it, in a different context.
(The author is a lawyer at the Supreme Court of India)
It is high time for the United States to intervene forcefully and guarantee the security of the state of Israel while assuring self-determination and sovereignty to the people of Palestine where they could live in peace and with dignity. It is also time for American politicians to stop shuddering before vested interests and stand up for what is morally right and conducive to lasting peace in the Middle East. Whether the U.S. will ever have another courageous leader like Dwight Eisenhower to do the right thing would be the most challenging question of the day.
By George Abraha
As the conflict in the Middle East involving Israel and Palestinians unfolds, the world is witnessing a story of barbarism, cruelty, and untold sufferings of innocent people who are caught in the web of political maneuvering and calamitous aftermath. There is little doubt that this massive incursion and massacre of hundreds of civilians have shocked the world, especially considering the capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces and their world-renowned efficiency of the Intelligence services known as Mossad. It would be challenging to convince skeptics that Mossad and the CIA missed these extensive preparations by Hamas prior to launching the attack, which has killed over 700 Israelis and shattered their invincibility in dealing with these radical extremist groups.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, was in the midst of a political storm in Israel due to the changes he wanted to incorporate into the Judicial process. The Judiciary has proven to be a problem for him as he faced corruption and fraud charges. Israel has been mired in months of protests and uncertainty because of Netanyahu’s penchant for overhauling the judicial system in an apparent effort to circumvent his own legal problems. Although the Knesset has passed the bill despite the widespread opposition and protests, Netanyahu’s coalition government faced an uncertain future. The opponents claim that the ultimate objective of this judicial reform is to put the power in the hands of elected officials rather than unelected judges, which may transform Israel from a democratic state into a religious autocracy.
Whether this is a significant intelligence failure or not, soon, the world will be dealing with another mushrooming crisis as Israel will do its utmost to crush Hamas and turn the Gaza Strip into a wasteland. This strategy of ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ by both sides of the conflict has seen no end in sight as major powers, including the United States, are reserved in their judgment of the warring parties in this ongoing conflict probably from the inception of State of Israel. However, to all of the Western nations and much of the world, the very existence of Israel is a foregone conclusion. What remains to be seen is the fate of the Palestinians who lived in these occupied territories after the 1967 war and whether they, too, have a future to live with dignity and in peace.
That is the point where major powers, including the United States, have failed to find a solution. The United Nations resolutions 242 and 338 were passed respectively in the aftermaths of the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars. Resolution 242 (reaffirmed in 338) was designed to provide the framework for peace negotiations based on a “land for peace” formula for subsequent negotiations and peace treaties in the region. The resolutions called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories and a recognition of State of Israel and right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.
However, the resolutions languished in the web of political underplays and misinterpretations until today. Israel took the resolution to assert their historical rights to Judea and Samaria and to fulfill the dreams of a greater Israel. For the hardline Palestinian advocates, wiping out Israel from the map and claiming the whole territory for the Palestinians remained an unrealistic obsession. The moderates among these warring parties often found themselves in the unenviable corner, questioned for their nationalist credentials or patriotic fervors. The world seemed to have paid attention only when a conflagration took place, and even then, their noted concern was overwhelmingly of the impact on the world economy, especially regarding the oil prices, rather than ending a humanitarian crisis in place for the last several decades.
However, the United States’s role until now is a glaring example of a major failure in international diplomacy. The United States remains the sole superpower with an unmatched economic and military might. Moreover, the United States has remained a close ally of Israel ever since its founding. Israel depends on the United States for its Financial and Military support, sharing advanced technologies and Intelligence. Therefore, it is academic to conclude that the U.S. possesses enough leverage to bring about a settlement between Israel and Palestinians.
But the truth is much farther from the reality in Washington. The odd factor in this quest for Middle Peace is the powerful Neocons in Washington, along with a captured media. When it comes to Israel, any politician expressing a different opinion is in danger of being booted out of office or termed as anti-Semitic at the minimum. Scores of politicians and others have paid a high price for stating that Palestinians, too, have a right to live in peace.
Although President Jimmy Carter championed the Egypt-Israeli accord and brought peace between those nations, he is vilified today as an antisemite and enemy of Israel. If anyone knows the political dynamics in the Middle East, it is Carter. Once he told the truth about the inflexibility of Israel in achieving peace, he was driven out of the public forum. Recently, Vivek Swamy, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Presidency, spoke about ending aid to Israel that was the death knell for his candidacy as he suddenly fell from grace as a smart, intelligent, self-made businessman to a lying, fraudulent, and plotting conman.
The Neocons in Washington were also said to be the architects of two other major wars in the Middle East. Based on the bogus claims of ‘weapons of mass destruction’, they encouraged a naïve George W. Bush to invade Iraq, thereby dismembering the country and destabilizing the entire Middle East, paving the way for Iran to be a major player in the region. The war further created ISIS, a radical Sunni terrorist group that killed scores of Christians and Yezidis, erased Christian heritage from Nineveh plains, and brought about indiscriminate slaughter of innocents and untold miseries to millions and exodus of refugees creating chaos in Europe.
They didn’t stop there but set their eyes on Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Al-Nusra Front, an affiliate of Al-Qaida, was said to have received the tone of 500 million dollars from the United States to oust Assad and to replace it with an Islamic fundamentalist regime which would have brought harm to the 2 million Christians who were living peacefully under the Assad regime. What was the charge against Assad? He is an evil dictator. Why, then, only Assad was targeted, and there are numerous dictators worldwide? Obviously, both wars cost billions of tax dollars and precious American lives, and one should wonder for whose benefit those conflicts were waged!
The United States remains the only power that can truly bring about peace and tranquility to this Middle East quagmire. It will take courage, determination, and a leader’s fairmindedness to accomplish that task. It is time to recollect how a past President resolved a crisis involving Israel and Egypt. President Dwight Eisenhower wrote to Prime Minister Ben-Gurion on November 7, 1956, and asked him to withdraw Israeli forces from the Suez Canal. The letter said, “Statements attributed to your government to the effect that Israel does not intend to withdraw from Egyptian territory, as requested by the United Nations, have been called to my attention. I need to assure you of the deep interest which the United States has in your country, nor recall the various elements of our policy of support to Israel in so many ways. It is in this context that I urge you to comply with the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with the current crisis and to make your decision known immediately. It would be a matter of the greatest regret to all my countrymen if Israel’s policy on matter of such grave concern to the world should in any way impair the friendly cooperation between our two countries”.
It is high time for the United States to intervene forcefully and guarantee the security of the state of Israel while assuring self-determination and sovereignty to the people of Palestine where they could live in peace and with dignity. It is also time for American politicians to stop shuddering before vested interests and stand up for what is morally right and conducive to lasting peace in the Middle East. Whether the U.S. will ever have another courageous leader like Dwight Eisenhower to do the right thing would be the most challenging question of the day.
(The writer is a former Chief Technology Officer of the United Nations and Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA)
The Indian team’s worries ahead of its opening World Cup game against Australia has been compounded by in-form Shubman Gill’s health issues and the batter is a doubtful starter for Sunday’s (October 8) match.
Ishan Kishan could be in line to open in case Gill is ruled out.
Gill, India’s most prolific batter in ODIs in recent times, is reportedly down with high fever and will be tested for dengue on Friday before a final call is taken on the matter.
“Shubhman has had high fever since landing in Chennai. His tests are being done. He will have tests on Friday and a call will be taken on his participation in opening game,” a BCCI source privy to team developments told PTI on the condition of anonymity. It is learnt that Gill is being tested for dengue and in that case, he could well miss a couple of games. Physical recovery of dengue patients vary and it normally takes around 7-10 days to be up and match ready.
“Let’s not jump the gun. If it’s normal viral fever, he could play on antibiotics but it’s completely the medical team’s call,” the source said.
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