[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”E-Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2FTIP-November-17-E-Edition.pdf”][vc_single_image image=”154221″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TIP-November-17-E-Edition.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This Week” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F”][vc_wp_posts number=”5″ show_date=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][vc_single_image image=”82829″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Month: November 2023
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Four Indian Americans among 32 Rhodes Scholars win Rhodes Scholarships
Mrinalini S Wadhwa, Suhaas Bhat, Nayantara K Arora and Aishani Aatresh are the four Indian Americans among 32 to win the Rhodes Scholarship. WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Four Indian Americans are among 32 Rhodes Scholars chosen from the United States who will go to Oxford University in England in October 2024 to pursue graduate degrees with scholars from over 70 countries. The four Indian American students among 32 selected from 862 candidates endorsed by 249 different colleges and universities in 16 US districts are Mrinalini S Wadhwa, Suhaas Bhat, Nayantara K Arora and Aishani Aatresh. “They inspire us already with their accomplishments, but even more by their values-based leadership and selfless ambitions to improve their communities and the world,” said Ramona L. Doyle, American Secretary of the Rhodes Trust, announcing their names.
Rhodes Scholarships provide all expenses for two or three years of study at the University of Oxford—ranked the #1 university in the world in some global rankings—and may allow funding in some instances for four years, according to a press release. Dr. Doyle called the Rhodes Scholarships, “the oldest and best-known award for international study, and arguably the most famous academic award available to American college graduates.”
Wadhwa from New York City is a senior at Columbia University where she majors in History and Mathematics. She is co-editor-in-chief of multiple student journals, including the Columbia Journal of Asia, which she co-founded. She has won fellowships to support research in archives around the world, including in India, France, and the United Kingdom, and is current chair of the Columbia History Association. Mrinalini also co-founded a program providing a three-year English curriculum for low-income Indian students in New Delhi.
At Oxford, Mrinalini will pursue an MPhil in Modern European History.
Suhaas Bhat from Marshfield, Wisconsin, is a senior at Harvard University majoring in Social Studies and Physics. He co-founded an organization at Harvard that provides peer-facilitated group psychotherapy to students.
He has developed machine learning models for designing novel drugs. He helped organize Fossil Fuel Divest Harvard, resulting in the university divesting its endowment from the fossil fuel industry.
He has eight peer-reviewed publications and was selected as part of the Junior 24 cohort for Phi Beta Kappa. He has worked as a machine learning researcher at DE Shaw Research, American Family Insurance, UbiquiTx, and the Church and Chatterjee labs at Harvard and Duke, respectively.
At Oxford, he will pursue an MSc in Mathematical Modeling and Scientific Computing and an MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine.
Nayantara K. Arora from Portland, Oregon, is a senior at the University of Oregon, Clark Honors College, where she majors in Neuroscience, with minors in Global Health and Chemistry.
She conducts research in two areas: global health biomarkers in Tunisia and the relationship between the vasculature and Alzheimer’s disease. She is a Stamps Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa Public Service Scholar, and has traveled to Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and the UK to pursue interests in global health.
Nayantara is currently an intern with the State Department, and produces a podcast dedicated to uplifting immigrant youth stories, plays the violin, and loves learning new languages.
At Oxford, Nayantara will pursue an MSc in Modelling for Global Health and MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine. Aishani Aatresh from Saratoga, California, is a senior at Harvard College where she is majoring in complex biosocial systems. Aishani is also a fellow at the Program on Science, Technology & Society at the Kennedy School of Government, where she balances research in preventing infectious diseases with a commitment to global public health. During the global pandemic, she worked with the New York City health and hospital system emergency response and then undertook studies to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 with the global Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
She worked as a computational immuno-engineer with companies to develop monoclonal antibody therapies against human disease targets. Aishani tutors at the Harvard College Writing Center.
At Oxford, she plans to complete an MPhil degree in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance.
With the latest selections, 3,642 Americans have won Rhodes Scholarships, representing 327 colleges and universities. Since 1976, women have been eligible to apply, and 663 American women have now won the coveted scholarship.
The total value of the Scholarship averages approximately $75,000 per year, and up to as much as approximately $250,000 for Scholars who remain at Oxford for four years in certain departments.
The Scholarships were created in 1902 by the Will of Cecil Rhodes and are provided in partnership with the Second Century Founders, John McCall MacBain OC and The Atlantic Philanthropies. -
Indian American Shakuntla L. Bhaya is appointed to the Council of Administrative Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Biden has named Indian American lawyer Shakuntla L. Bhaya to the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States. The independent federal agency is charged with convening expert representatives from the public and private sectors to recommend improvements to administrative processes and procedures.
The first South Asian Indian to be admitted to the Delaware Bar Association, she has been working towards “diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession and in politics,” the White House said in a press release announcing the appointment. Co-owner of a statewide law firm, her “practice focuses on representing individuals who are seriously injured as a result of businesses and people making unsafe decisions.” She has been a member of Governor Carney’s Judicial Nominating Commission for the past seven years. In addition to practicing law, she is involved in Delaware politics and is currently a member of the Delaware Democratic Party’s State Executive Committee. She is past president of the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association, and “continues to be involved in protecting consumers’ 7th Amendment Right to a jury trial and access to courts,” the White House said. A member of the American Association for Justice and American Civil Liberties Union, she is involved in helping pro-choice democratic women become elected to office, as well as fighting for rights for the LGBTQ+ community and helping members of her community to adopt children, seek legal redress when discriminated in the workplace, and permit people to marry. Bhaya is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law.
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Five Indian Americans named to Time Magazine’s Inaugural List of Influential Leaders Driving Business to Real Climate Action
NEW YORK (TIP): The list, which draws attention to the people who are shaping and leading climate action, comes at a critical moment, ahead of the 2023 U.N. Climate Change Conference. Five Indian Americans are named in ‘TIME100 Climate,’ the magazine’s inaugural list of “the world’s most influential leaders driving business to real climate action,” released today (Nov. 16). While “climate leadership is embedded across all of our coverage today,” Time believes that “more could be done to draw attention to the people who are shaping and leading climate action.” The list, which the magazine calls “a community,” comes at a critical moment, ahead of the 2023 U.N. Climate Change Conference. Apart from being a community, the list is also “an argument for how we see the future,” Time says, “because we believe progress for the planet will come from the engagement with and leadership with the business world.”
Geeta Aiyer, founder and president of Boston Common Asset Management, Rajiv J. Shah, president of The Rockefeller Foundation, Ajay Banga, who began his five-year term as World Bank Group president in June, Jigar Shah, the director of the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, and Manoj Sinha, CEO and co-founder of Husk Power Systems (HPS) are the five Indian Americans named to Time Magazine’s Inaugural List of Influential Leaders Driving Business to Real Climate Action.
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Mom to daughter rules
By Rishi Singh RULES TO TEACH YOUR DAUGHTER
1. Make your bed every day, even if it’s right before you get in it.
2. Don’t wear holey underwear…in case you’re in an accident and they cut your clothes off.
3. Travel light through life. Keep only what you need.
4. It’s okay to cry when you’re hurt. It’s also okay to smash (some) things; but, wash your face, clean your mess, and get up off the floor when you’re done. You don’t belong down there.
5. If you’re going to curse, be clever. If you’re going to curse in public, know your audience.
6. Seek out the people and places that resonate with your soul.
7. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
8. 5-second rule. Only if it’s just dirt. There are worse things in a fast-food cheeseburger.
9. Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.
10. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack your bag.
11. Never walk through an alley alone.
12. Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without compromising yourself.
13. Can’t is a cop-out.
14. Hold your heroes to a high standard. Be your own hero.
15. If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.
16. Never lie to yourself.
17. Your body, your rules.
18. If you have an opinion, you better know why.
19. Practice your passions.
20. Ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is ‘no’ badly.
21. Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.
22. Stay as sweet as you are.
23. Fall in love often. Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places.
24. Fall hard and forever in love with nothing but yourself.
25. Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me, whenever the situation warrants it.
26. Reserve “I’m sorry” for when you truly are.
27. Naps are for grown-ups, too.
28. Question everything, except your own intuition.
29. You have enough. You are enough.
30. You are amazing! Don’t let anyone ever make you feel you are not. If someone does….walk away. You deserve better.
31. No matter where you are, you can always come home.
32. Be happy and remember your roots, family is EVERYTHING.
33. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
34. No one will ever love you more than I do. That’s what good moms do.
35. Be kind; treat others how you would like them to treat you.
36. If in doubt, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown👑
(Rishi Singh is a retired Air India official)
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Dr. Jagdish Gupta bestowed President Gold Medal by the Brooklyn Medical Society in a Bicentennial Year Honor
BROOKLYN, NY (TIP): The Medical Society of the County of Kings (MSCK), Brooklyn’s oldest scientific organization, honored Dr. Jagdish K. Gupta with the President Gold Medal, inducting him into its Prestigious President-Club. The County Society was celebrating its 174th President’s Dinner at Dyker Beach Golf Club, culminating in a grand finale to its Bicentennial Year Celebrations. MSCK President Dr. Madhu Gudavalli introduced the guest of honor, Dr. Gupta, President of the Association of Indians in America – (AIA-NY chapter), and invited 14 past presidents of the society, along with Dr. Parag Mehta, past President of the Medical Society of the State, to honor Dr Gupta with the 174th President Gold Medal. Dr. Robert Frankle, Chairman of the Board of the Medical Society of the State of New York, presented the plaque-award to Dr. Gupta. Additional citations from NYS Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblyman Lester Chang were presented to Dr Gupta by Dr. Lance Austein, past President, and Dr. Donald Moore, past President and Vice Chairman of MSCK. Mrs. Meena Gupta was presented with the Golden Charm as the 174th First Lady. While accepting the honor with humility, Dr. Gupta reflected on the highlights of the MSCK’s Bicentennial Year Celebrations that started last year marking 200 years of its advocacy, dedication, and patient care. Proclamations at the state Assembly and City Council had declared May 25, 2022 as the “Bicentennial Celebration Day for MSCK.” Another notable achievement of MSCK involved a collaborative session with other New York counties and MSSNY at the iconic Brooklyn Borough Hall. A video message from NYS Senate Majority Leader Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins and a personal session with NYS Health Committee Chairman, Hon. Gustav Rivera, and six other Assembly members emphasized opposition to the Wrongful Death Liability Expansion Bill. The successful veto of the bill by Governor Kathy Hochul marked a rare achievement against the trial lawyers’ association.
The prestigious event was chaired by Dr. Neeraj Acharya, Past President and Treasurer of MSCK, and unfolded under the guidance of Dr. Sherman Dunn, Chairman of the MSCK Board, and Dr. Gudavalli, the current President. The keynote address by Dr. Sanjiv Chopra on “Reflections on Lasting Happiness and Living with Purpose” received a standing ovation. An exhibition curated by County Historian, Dr. Moore, displayed historical artifacts, The dinner event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, where the past Presidents of the MSCK and other prominent guests joined Dr. Jagdish Gupta to celebrate his induction into the Board of Trustees of the Academy of Medicine of Brooklyn.
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Legislator Drucker Celebrates Success of New York State Governor’s Cup 2023 Cricket Championships
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (TIP): Nasau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D – Plainview) congratulated Imran Pasha, Ali Zar, and ZAR Sports for the success of the New York State Governor’s Cup 2023 Cricket Tournament, which was played at Eisenhower Park on Sunday, Oct. 22. The event came at a time when cricket is growing in popularity and importance in Nassau County – earlier this fall, Nassau County won a bid to host the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Men’s T20 World Cup at Eisenhower Park.
“Cricket is one of the world’s most popular sports, and it is wonderful to see that Nassau County is leading the way as interest in it grows across America,” Legislator Drucker said. “Thank you to everyone who worked so diligently to make this event a tremendous success.”
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Senator Liu inducts Flushing resident, Michael Louis Vulcano , into New York Senate Veterans Hall of Fame
FLUSHING, NY (TIP): State Senator John Liu inducted Flushing resident Michael Louis Vulcano into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 12. The Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves in both military and civilian life. State Senator John Liu stated, “Corporal Michael Louis Vulcano is a testament to the resilience, sacrifice and indomitable spirit of the Greatest Generation. He nobly answered the call of our country at a time of tremendous uncertainty and worldwide conflict, and he served honorably alongside his brothers in arms. His induction into the Veterans Hall of Fame is just one small way we can thank him and his family for his tremendous service to our nation.”
Michael Louis Vulcano stated, “I extend my sincere thanks to Senator John Liu for the honor of being inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame. It was a privilege to serve my country, and I would like to thank my family for always being there for me, and my fellow servicemen and women in the military who served alongside me in our country’s greatest hour.”
Michael Louis Vulcano served in the United States Marines and achieved the rank of Corporal. Mr. Vulcano is a native New Yorker and the son of Italian immigrant parents from Calabria Italy, who settled in Brooklyn with himself and his eight siblings. A proud family man, he is a son, brother, father, grandfather, and a great-grandfather. A member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Vulcano is also a proud World War II veteran. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Mr. Vulcano answered his Nation’s call at the age of 19. From Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, as a member of the 2nd Marine Battalion Company B, he boarded a ship that would take him and his fellow soldiers to islands he had never heard of in the Pacific. He fought in two of the fiercest battles of WWII, the Battle of Okinawa, and the Battle of Tarawa Island. The number of souls lost in these two battles is staggering. Mr. Vulcano achieved the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged and returning to his home in Brooklyn to once again join his parents and eight other siblings.
He never talks about the war, or of his journey on ships that were tossed and turned in tumultuous storms at sea. Recently his usual happy-go-lucky attitude turned somber, saying that often he awakes in the middle of the night to memories of the horror of war and the faces of friends that he lost. He goes back to sleep hoping that those thoughts and the sadness they bring will disappear. And when they do, they are replaced by the happiness that his family gives him. Mr. Vulcano married Phyllis Russo to whom he was happily married for 64 years. They had two daughters, Denise and Michele, and he is the proud grandfather of Ashley, and great-grandfather of Kalani and Keanu. The family grew up in Bayside, Queens in their 3-family home surrounded by extended family.
On April 23, 2023, Mr. Vulcano hit a major milestone when he turned 100 years old and achieved centenarian status. Today, he lives in Flushing, Queens with his daughter, Denise. Michael Louis Vulcano was selected as a 2023 Veterans Hall of Fame inductee by Senator John C. Liu.
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Eric Adams axes $547 million from NYC Education Department budget, more cuts on the way
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): New York City’s Education Department will cut nearly $550 million from its budget this year as part of a sweeping round of citywide reductions ordered by Mayor Eric Adams.
Many of the cuts are expected to take effect immediately. They will touch a wide range of programs and positions that directly affect students, from the city’s massive free preschool program, to community schools that support families with out-of-school needs, to the popular pandemic-era Summer Rising program.
A big chunk of this year’s savings will come through a hiring slowdown and the elimination of 432 vacant non-classroom positions, which officials said on Thursday will lead to a combined $157 million in savings.
Budget officials didn’t specify which roles would be eliminated but emphasized cuts to central offices and other roles that support schools. A hiring freeze has been in place since earlier this fall, but has not applied to teaching positions. Education Department officials didn’t immediately say whether the agency would continue to spare teaching positions from the freeze.
A mandate to rein in spending on “supplemental pay for administrative staff” is expected to save another $86 million this year, but officials didn’t immediately provide details on what that means.
In September, Adams directed all city agencies to find cuts equal to at least 5% of the city’s contribution to their annual budgets by November, in response to what he described as unsustainable levels of spending on the ongoing influx of asylum seekers. Additional cuts of 5% are expected in January and again in spring 2024.
In all, that means the Education Department could face up to $2.1 billion in cuts. The department’s overall budget is roughly $37.5 billion this school year. Starting next fiscal year, the department will cut $120 million from the Universal Pre-K program, which enrolled about 100,000 3- and 4-year-old this year and is the signature legacy of former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. The program has been beset by payment delays to childcare operators and enrollment declines during the pandemic.
Officials said they’re reducing the size of the program because there are about 37,000 vacant seats, but did not specify how many of those slots they plan to eliminate. “While we don’t know many details yet, there is no way a cut this large would not hurt the services available to children and families,” said Gregory Brender, the chief of policy and innovation at the Day Care Council of New York, a membership organization of childcare providers.
A range of longstanding programs with a direct presence in schools are also facing small cuts.
An initiative to expand the teaching of computer science is losing $3.5 million this year, while the budget for community schools will be cut by $10 million this year. Community schools were another major educational priority of de Blasio’s administration, and have continued to grow under Adams.
Separately, nearly $20 million in funding for Summer Rising, the pandemic-era free summer school program that served roughly 110,000 students last year, is being slashed from the budget of the city’s Youth and Community Development Department, which jointly operates the program with the Education Department. The cuts will mean reduced hours and no Friday programs for some middle-schoolers, officials said.
The program has proved immensely popular with families and had about 45,000 more applicants than slots last year.
“For months, we have warned New Yorkers about the challenging fiscal situation our city faces,” Adams said in a Thursday statement. “To balance the budget as the law requires, every city agency dug into their own budget to find savings, with minimal disruption to services. And while we pulled it off this time, make no mistake: Migrant costs are going up, tax revenue growth is slowing, and COVID stimulus funding is drying up.”
Budget analysts have pointed out that the cuts ordered by Adams are far greater than the expected costs of serving the asylum seekers. The city also collected nearly $8 billion more in revenue last fiscal year than anticipated, according to a recent analysis from Comptroller Brad Lander. Michael Mulgrew, the president of the United Federation of Teachers, called the cuts “unnecessary” and “driven by City Hall’s false political narrative that New York City is about to fall off a fiscal cliff.” “Revenues are higher than expected, investment from Albany is up, and reserves are at a near-record high,” he added. Other groups warned that the city’s hiring and budget freeze is already affecting services for vulnerable children, and that further cuts could threaten their legal rights.
Advocates for Children, a nonprofit group, said the city has been unable to hire 15 additional staffers to help families living in shelters navigate the education system, an urgent concern given the influx of migrant families.
The organization also said short staffing appeared to be causing delays in providing preschool special education evaluations and services in the Bronx. “We are particularly concerned that these budget plans will result in even more egregious violations of the rights of students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and students in temporary housing or foster care,” Advocates for Children executive director Kim Sweet said in a statement.
More cuts ahead for NYC schools
The city-directed budget cuts are part of a perfect storm of fiscal trouble facing city schools. About $7.7 billion in one-time pandemic aid from the federal government has padded the Education Department’s budget in recent years and funded critical initiatives, including expanded preschool and summer enrichment programs. That money will dry up next September, and the looming expiration of that aid has already prompted some painful cuts. For the first time in four years, the Education Department clawed back money this week from schools where enrollment numbers fell short of projections.Because enrollment went up overall across the city, the majority of schools didn’t have to return money, and instead got extra funding because of higher-than projected enrollment. But there were still more than 650 schools that saw a total of $109 million in midyear cuts, according to a United Federation of Teachers analysis.
(Source: Chalkbeat) -
Tax season rapidly approaching: Get ready now to file 2023 federal income tax returns in early 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): With the nation’s tax season rapidly approaching, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers there are important steps they can take now to help “get ready” to file their 2023 federal tax return. This is the first in a series of special IRS “Get Ready” reminders to help taxpayers prepare for the upcoming tax filing season in early 2024. A little advance work now can help people have the paperwork and information ready to file their tax returns quickly and accurately. As part of this education effort, the IRS has a special page outlining items taxpayers can look into now to get ready to file their 2023 tax returns.
Get helpful information to file through IRS Online Account
Taxpayers can create or access their Online Account at IRS.gov/account. New users should have their photo identification ready.
With an Online Account taxpayers can access a variety of helpful information to help them during the 2024 filing season, including:
View key data from the most recently filed tax return, including adjusted gross income.
Get account transcripts.
Sign power of attorney and tax information authorizations.
Receive notices electronically.
Get email notifications for new account information or activity.
Make and view payments.
View, create or change payment plans.
See the amount owed by year.
Gather, organize and update tax records
Organizing tax records makes it easier to prepare a complete and accurate tax return. It helps avoid errors that can slow down refunds and may also help find overlooked deductions or tax credits.
Most income is taxable, including unemployment compensation, refund interest and income from the gig economy and digital assets. Taxpayers should gather Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, Forms 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and other income documents before filing their return.
Don’t forget to notify the IRS of an address change and be sure to notify the Social Security Administration of any legal name changes as soon as possible.
Be sure paychecks have enough tax withheld; time running out to make 2023 changes
The Tax Withholding Estimator is a tool on IRS.gov that can help taxpayers determine the right amount of tax to have withheld from their paychecks. This tool can be helpful if an earlier tax return resulted in tax owed or a large refund. And for those that have life changes or events such as getting married or divorced or welcoming a child, or for those taking on a second job or managing self-employment income, it can help calculate estimated tax payments. To change federal tax withholding, taxpayers will need to update their withholding with their employer, either online or by submitting a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.
But to make adjustments in time to affect 2023 tax withholding, taxpayers need to act quickly. Only a few pay periods remain in the year, and payroll systems need time to make withholding changes.
Speed refunds with direct deposit
Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to get a tax refund. Taxpayers can make direct deposits to bank accounts, banking apps and reloadable debit cards, but will need to provide the routing and account information associated with the account. If the routing and account number cannot be located, taxpayers should contact their bank, financial institution or app provider.
Taxpayers requesting a paper check are much more likely to report an issue getting their refund because of non-receipt, forgery, theft or checks returned for a bad address, compared to taxpayers using direct deposit.
Need a bank account? Taxpayers without a bank account can learn how to open an account at an FDIC-Insured bank or with a credit union through the National Credit Union Locator tool. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program to find participating banks and credit unions that offer free accounts.
Volunteer to help eligible taxpayers file their tax returns
The IRS and its community partners are looking for people around the country interested in becoming IRS-certified volunteers. Join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs and help eligible taxpayers with free tax preparation. Visit IRS.gov/volunteers to learn more and sign up. After signing up, volunteers will receive more information about attending a virtual orientation.
Bookmark IRS.gov resources and online tools
Everyone should make IRS.gov their first stop. Here they’ll find online tools to help get them the information they need. The tools are easy-to-use and available 24 hours a day. Millions of people use them to help file and pay taxes, track their refunds, find information about their accounts and get answers to tax questions.
Tips for choosing a tax pro
Tax professionals play an essential role for taxpayers and the nation’s tax system. There are many types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys and many others who don’t have a professional credential. Preparers should be skilled in tax preparation and accurately filing income tax returns. Taxpayers trust them with their most personal information.
Most tax return preparers provide outstanding and professional tax service. However, choosing the wrong tax return preparer hurts taxpayers financially every year. Be sure to check tips for choosing a tax preparer and how to avoid unethical “ghost” return preparers.
People can use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.
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IRS highlights International Fraud Awareness Week; taxpayers urged to protect against scams, schemes
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): As part of ongoing efforts to protect taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service reminds people that International Fraud Awareness Week serves as an important time to protect personal and financial information from scam artists and tax schemes.
International Fraud Awareness Week, which runs through Nov. 18, is an effort to minimize the impact of fraud through awareness and education. During the special week, the IRS – including the agency’s Office of Fraud Enforcement and IRS Criminal Investigation – continue working to raise awareness of fraud and scams affecting taxpayers across the country.
The IRS continues to encourage individuals, businesses and tax professionals to take time now to know the red flags of a scam, and to ensure defenses are in place to stop scammers and those who promote unscrupulous tax schemes. Although this special week highlights international fraud, the IRS works throughout the year to raise awareness about tax scams and schemes. These efforts range from the annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams to other tax schemes, including aggressive marketing involving Employee Retention Credit claims. In addition, the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry work together in the Security Summit initiative to protect taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from identity thieves and related scams.
“During this special week, the IRS reminds taxpayers that we are on their side and looking out for them,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Our work on tax scams and schemes reflects this commitment. IRS employees are working to protect honest taxpayers from scam artists, raising awareness about emerging issues and rooting out the nefarious actors that perpetrate them. With modernization funding in place, the IRS is well positioned to disrupt scams as part of our transformation efforts.”
IRS Office of Fraud Enforcement: Shining a light on fraud
The IRS Office of Fraud Enforcement (OFE) promotes compliance with tax laws by strengthening the IRS response to fraud and mitigating emerging threats. This includes improving fraud detection, identifying areas of high risk, enhancing enforcement and helping develop and submit fraud referrals to IRS Criminal Investigation where appropriate. During International Fraud Awareness Week, the IRS reminds taxpayers to be especially wary of scammers and promoters of bogus tax schemes aimed at reducing taxes or avoiding them altogether.
Many of these tax avoidance schemes are included in the 2023 IRS Dirty Dozen list and often involve unscrupulous asset protection professionals or promoters who lure people into placing their assets in offshore accounts and structures.
These promoters often sell their scams by promising that assets are out of the government’s reach. They may also suggest that digital assets are untraceable and undiscoverable by the IRS and that the transactions are anonymous. In fact, the IRS has a vast array of tools to combat offshore tax evasion, including working with its international treaty partners to identify and track assets, transactions and evidence.
Improper Employee Retention Credit claims
The IRS has seen a high volume of incorrect and improper Employee Retention Credit claims and continues warning taxpayers about them. The ERC, sometimes also called the Employee Retention Tax Credit or ERTC, is a pandemic-related credit for which only certain employers qualify. Credit is not available to individual employees.
Scam promoters are luring people to incorrectly claim the ERC with “offers” online, in social media, on the radio or through unsolicited phone calls, emails and even mailings that look like official government letters but have fake agency names and usually urge immediate action.
These unscrupulous promoters make false claims about their company’s legitimacy and often don’t discuss some key eligibility factors, limitations and income tax implications that affect an employer’s tax return.
It’s important to watch for warning signs such as promoters who say they can quickly determine someone’s eligibility without details, and those who charge up-front fees or a fee based on a percentage of the ERC claimed.
Anyone who incorrectly claims the ERC must pay it back, possibly with penalties and interest.
The only way to claim the ERC is on a federal employment tax return. The IRS continues to warn employers to not fall for aggressive marketing or scams related to the ERC. Employers should first check with their trusted tax professional before submitting an ERC claim, and the IRS has developed a special Employee Retention Credit Eligibility Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions to help people quickly determine if they might be eligible.
As part of a larger effort to protect small businesses and organizations from scams, the Internal Revenue Service created a special withdrawal process to help those who filed an ERC claim and now want to withdraw it. This new withdrawal option allows certain employers that filed an ERC claim but have not yet received, cashed or deposited a refund to withdraw their submission to avoid future repayment, interest and penalties.
The new withdrawal process follows an immediate moratorium, announced by the IRS on Sept. 14, 2023, on processing new ERC claims. The moratorium, which will last until at least the end of this year, follows concerns about ineligible ERC claims.
Know the red flags
IRS impersonation scams involve fake text messages, social media accounts, e-mail and phone calls. Knowing what to watch out for can help keep taxpayers safe.
Remember, the IRS does not:
Initiate unexpected contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Scammers attempt to use these methods of contact to con individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals into providing personal information, PINs, passwords and other data.
If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited SMS/text that appears to be from either the IRS or a program closely linked to the IRS, the taxpayer should copy the entire message and send it as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov.
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments. Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening phone messages.
In many variations of the phone scam, victims are told if they do not call back, a warrant will be issued for their arrest. Other verbal threats include law-enforcement agency intervention, deportation or revocation of licenses.
Criminals can fake or “spoof” caller ID numbers to appear to be anywhere in the country, including from an IRS office, which makes it difficult for taxpayers to verify the actual caller’s number.
Fraudsters have spoofed local sheriff’s offices, state departments of motor vehicles, federal agencies and others to convince taxpayers the call is legitimate. Any taxpayer receiving a scam phone call should hang up immediately and not give out any information.
Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report the call at IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting. Report the caller ID and/or callback number to the IRS by sending it to phishing@irs.gov with the subject “IRS Phone Scam.”
Watching for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft. Individuals should protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file fraudulent tax returns and steal refunds.
Small businesses are big targets
Businesses of all types and sizes, especially small businesses, need to be aware cybercriminals could target their businesses with scams to steal passwords, divert funds or steal employee information. The IRS continues to see instances where small businesses, including tax professionals, face a variety of identity-theft related schemes that try to obtain information to file a business tax return or use customer data for identity theft.
Businesses, including tax professionals, are encouraged to follow best practices from the Federal Trade Commission, including to:
Use multi-factor authentication.
Set security software to update automatically.
Back up important files.
Require strong passwords for all devices.
Encrypt devices.
In partnership with the IRS, the Security Summit initiative is at the forefront of protecting taxpayers, businesses and the tax system from identity thieves. Working together as the Security Summit, the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation’s tax industry have taken numerous steps to warn people to watch out for common scams and schemes.
Report fraud
To report an abusive tax scheme or a tax return preparer, people should mail or fax a completed Form 14242, Report Suspected Abusive Tax Promotions or Preparers, and any supporting materials to the IRS Lead Development Center.
Mail:
Internal Revenue Service Lead Development Center
Stop MS5040
24000 Avila Road
Laguna Niguel, California 92677-3405
Fax: 877-477-9135
Alternatively, taxpayers and tax practitioners may send the information to the IRS Whistleblower Office for possible monetary reward.
For more information, see Abusive Tax Schemes and Abusive Tax Return Preparers.
Resources
Tax Scams and Consumer Alerts on IRS.gov.
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George Santos faces new motion to expel him from Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Rep. George Santos will face a third vote to oust him from Congress the week after Thanksgiving as a growing number of lawmakers say they will back a new expulsion motion filed Friday, November 17, a day after the release of a scathing House Ethics Committee report, Newsday reported.
Santos (R-Nassau/Queens), in an interview with Newsday Friday, November 17, defended some of the expenses cited in the report — such as payments for Botox treatments — accusing his former campaign treasurer of telling him the purchases were considered campaign expenses. His assertions came hours after House Ethics Committee Chairman Mike Guest (R-Miss.) on Friday filed a motion to expel Santos that is expected to start the process to require a vote within two legislative days when the House reconvenes on Nov. 28.
Santos survived one expulsion vote on May 16, initiated by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and another on Nov. 1 on a measure sponsored by Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-Island Park), but he may not dodge the third try after the release Thursday of a detailed and damning Ethics Committee report.
A growing number of lawmakers who voted previously against expelling him say Santos no longer should be a member of the House after release of the 55-page report that laid out the case that Santos exploited his position for personal gain. Only five House members have been expelled — three for disloyalty in the Civil War era and two after being convicted of criminal activity. It takes two-thirds of those voting to approve a motion to expel, a high hurdle considering that Santos would be the first to be expelled while indicted but before conclusion of a trial.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who had raised concerns about ousting Santos because of the slim Republican House majority and Santos’ due process rights, issued a statement Thursday night that did not discourage his Republican conference from ousting Santos.
“As members from both parties, members of the Ethics Committee and Representative Santos return to Congress after the Thanksgiving break, Speaker Johnson encourages all involved to consider the best interests of the institution as this matter is addressed further,” Johnson spokesman Raj Shah said.
At least three of the House Ethics Committee members — Guest (R-Miss.), Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) and Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), the ranking member — said they would vote to expel Santos.
“I think the fact that the Republican Ethics Committee chairman not only supports expulsion, but is leading the resolution to do it, is a good indicator that for some of my more senior colleagues following suit,” said Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville). Also, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-N.C.), who were among the 31 Democrats who voted against expelling Santos earlier this month, said Thursday they would now vote to force him out of the House. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) said Thursday on MSNBC he would vote to expel Santos after having voted against expulsion earlier this month. Possibly easing concern over losing a Republican vote by expelling Santos is the special election on Tuesday to fill the House’s only current vacant seat in a majority Republican district in Utah, which could maintain the Republicans’ current eight-vote majority. After the report came out, Santos said he would not run for reelection.
Santos, who faces trial in U.S. District Court in Central Islip in September on a 23-count federal criminal indictment, complained in a social media post Thursday about allegations in the Ethics Committee report about issues such as misuse of campaign funds. Santos has denied all the federal charges. “What the ‘ethics committee’ did today was not part of due process, what they did was poison a the (sic) jury pool on my ongoing investigation with the DOJ. This was a dirty biased act and one that tramples all over my rights,” Santos wrote.
Santos told Newsday on Friday that several of the charges were campaign related, but never reported to the Federal Elections Commission by his former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks of Shirley.
Asked about the $1,500 in charges for Botox cited in the ethics panel’s report, Santos said he was advised by Marks the cosmetic procedure was considered a campaign expense because it was “to keep fresh because of a campaign.” “I’ve always gotten my Botox on myself, I’ve always paid it out of my pocket, but then during the campaign, she told us it was covered,” Santos said.
Marks’ attorney, Ray Perini, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on Friday.
Asked about a $12 expense for the OnlyFans adult website, Santos said the charge was made on his business credit card, not his campaign credit card. He denied making the charge and said he was looking into who was behind it.
“It wasn’t put there because it was significant, it was put there to smear me,” Santos said.
He said he would respond in further detail to the report at a Nov. 30 news conference on the U.S. Capitol steps — which could coincide with the vote to expel him.
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600 Laid Off US H-1Bs Find Alternative
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Canada is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for H-1B visa holders affected by layoffs in the US tech sector. The Canadian government launched a three-year open work permit scheme on July 16th, providing a path to employment for up to 10,000 US-based H-1B visa holders. Over 6,000 have already taken advantage of this opportunity, prompting the closure of the application process. The H-1B visa, highly sought by international students for post-education work in the US, suffered setbacks due to tech layoffs. Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google announced significant staff reductions, giving H-1B holders a 60-day ultimatum to leave, transfer visas, or find new sponsors. In response, Canada’s three-year work permit scheme, launched in July, provided with a timely alternative, offering them the opportunity to move to Canada for employment. As of October, more than 6,000 laid-off H-1B visa holders have been granted permits, contributing to Canada’s flourishing tech industry, which has outpaced the US in talent growth by over 11% between 2020 and 2022. Meanwhile, the US Department of Homeland Security is considering changes to the H-1B visa scheme.
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IOCUSA establishes Southwest Chapter and appoints Mr. Gurdev Singh Hehar as President
DALLAS, TX (TIP): In a significant show of solidarity and commitment, the Indian Overseas Congress, USA (IOCUSA) conducted a landmark membership drive at the ‘Our Place Indian Cuisine’ in Dallas, Texas. The event, characterized by spirited discussions, united prominent community leaders and political figures in their vision for a stronger, more inclusive Indian community.
The drive was kick-started with a stirring address by Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the IOCUSA. Mr. Gilzian’s message resonated deeply with the attendees, emphasizing the crucial need for active political participation in the upcoming elections in India. He said, “Our engagement in the democratic process is essential to safeguarding the unity and progress of our motherland. Let us unite to ensure a future where diversity and harmony would triumph.”
Mr. Sam Pitroda, the Chairman of IOC, and a renowned innovator, joined the meeting through Zoom. He touched upon his connections to Dallas and the broader role of the Indian diaspora. “Our roots here in Dallas are just as important as our ties to India. By harnessing our collective strengths, we can significantly contribute to India’s journey towards modernization and inclusivity,” Pitroda said. He then reminded the audience of the pivotal role of the diaspora in shaping India’s future.
In his address, Mr. Gurdev Singh emphasized the significance of unity and collective efforts. He said, “Our strength lies in our diversity and ability to work together, transcending religious and cultural differences, towards a common goal – a thriving and united India, reaffirming the ethos of the IOC.”
Avi Dandiya, the Global Social Media Chief for the IOC, played a key role in the local coordination and setup of the event. His efforts in leveraging social media platforms greatly enhanced the membership drive and brought many community leaders to the event.
The membership drive by the Indian Overseas Congress in Dallas marks a new chapter in the annals of Indian diasporic engagement. It was an event that echoed the sentiments of unity, attention, and proactive participation, critical tenets in shaping a future that the Indian community across the globe aspires for.
Ms. Sophia Sharma, General Secretary of the IOCUSA, moderated the event.
The Indian Overseas Congress is a platform for Non-Resident Indians to participate actively India’s growth and development. It seeks to bridge the gap between the Indian diaspora and their homeland, fostering democratic principles and inclusive development. (www.iocusa.org) -
Sikhs take out an Impressive Parade in celebration of Guru Nanak Dev’s 554th Birth Anniversary
Guru Granth Sahib in a motorized vehicle is followed by thousands in a parade on 11 November, 2023 in celebration of the forthcoming 554th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I.S. Saluja
RICHMOND HILL, NY (TIP): An impressive Parade (Nagar Kirtan) was taken out by the Sikh community of the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on November 11 in celebration of the 554th Birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the First Master of the Sikhs.
Thousands followed the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book revered as the Living Master atop a motorized vehicle, with the priests attending and singing hymns (shabad kirtan). All along the 3-mile route of the parade, a number of organizations and individuals served food and beverages, called langar (free food) to each and everyone. Langar (free food) is a unique feature of Sikhism.
Sikhism is the youngest and the fifth most followed religion of the world. The Sikhs, known for their enterprise, are present in every part of the world, and contribute richly to their nations of adoption. The U.S. Canada, UK, account for a larger percentage of the Sikh population. The annual Guru Nanak parade is organized by Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center in Richmond Hill in cooperation with the Sikh Gurdwaras and the Sikh organizations in the Tri-State area. The 2023 parade was in its 23rd year.
Young boys performed Gatka which is a Sikh martial art. 
Free food and beverages were served all along the route of the parade. 
A group of bards, called Dhadhi, sings praises of Guru Nanak at Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society on 118 Street in Richmond Hill from where the parade passed on way back to Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center. -
New York State Governor Hochul signs legislation making Diwali a holiday in NYC public schools
Says “New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we’re taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar,”
FLUSHING, NY (TIP): In a historic move, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation making Diwali a school holiday for New York City public schools. “New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we’re taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar,” Hochul said on Tuesday, November 14.
The legislation requires that all public schools in New York City be closed on the “15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar in each year, which is known as Diwali,” a press release issued by Hochul’s office said.
Hochul said that the legislation to designate Diwali as a New York City school holiday is “an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world.” Hochul signed the legislation during a special reception at the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing here to commemorate Diwali.
In a post on X, Hochul said that she believes a celebration of light should not be commemorated in the dark.
“That’s why tonight, we took action to bring people together. As we gathered to celebrate Diwali, I was proud to sign historic legislation making Diwali a New York City public school holiday!”
Governor Hochul lights the lamp. To her right are seen Jenifer Rajkumar and Joseph Addabbo Jr. (Photo: Jay Mandal/On Assignment) According to the New York City Department of Education, there were 1,047,895 students in the NYC school system, the largest school district in the United States, in 2022-23.
Of those students, 16.5 per cent were Asians. There are 1,867 schools within the Department of Education as of Fall 2022, including 275 charter schools. The press release said that the legislation amends the education law to declare Diwali a holiday for New York City public schools.
“Many people of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths in New York City and throughout the state observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday,” the release added.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who is the first Indian-American and first Hindu elected to New York State Office and led efforts to make Diwali a school holiday in New York City, said generations of New Yorkers to come will now observe Diwali, the Festival of Lights. “By signing my bill, we say to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist New Yorkers, ‘We see you, we recognized you, and Diwali is an American holiday’”, Rajkumar said. Rajkumar said she was proud to lead and win the fight for the Diwali School Holiday this year. “Today, my historic Diwali bill is officially signed into law,” she said as she thanked Hochul for signing “my momentous bill.” Rajkumar noted that for over two decades, the South Asian community has lobbied for the Diwali holiday.
An Indian instrumental music performance (Photo: Jay Mandal/On Assignment) “With the signing of my bill, we have lit an everlasting lamp in the hearts and minds of all New Yorkers. This is an achievement that will outlive me,” she said. New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo said that in this time of “local and global racism and anger”, Diwali’s message is critically important and needed.
“Diwali is a joyous occasion that holds immense significance for millions of people around the world and in our state. As we come together to commemorate this festival, we are reminded of the Diwali holiday’s message – the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil,” Addabbo said.
“The Diwali celebration not only represents the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community but also serves as a reminder of the values that bind us together. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, kindness, and understanding in our interactions with one another,” he said.
Addabbo voiced appreciation for Hochul’s approval to acknowledge Diwali as a school holiday and commended Rajkumar for her initiative in passing the legislation in the Assembly and working with his legislative team in passing the bill in the Senate. New American Voter Association President Dr Dilip Nath said in the release he is proud to see Hochul finally fulfilling a long past Diwali recognition holiday into law.
“On the day of the Diwali so no student will have to choose between celebrating with their family or their school obligations.” Indian Diaspora Council International President Ashook Ramsaran termed the signing of the legislation as a “significant achievement following decades of grassroots efforts” in New York.
Ramsaran said in the press release that Diwali is the ‘triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil’ and its lessons are more relevant as turmoil, inhumanity and divisiveness impact many people worldwide.”
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad New York President Bhajan Sarker said the 300,000 New Yorkers who celebrate Diwali will now be able to celebrate it with their entire families without being forced to forgo sending their children to school.” Nepali Community Leader and Executive Member of the Hami Nepali NabarajKC said, “On behalf of the Nepali Community we are profoundly grateful to our beloved Governor Kathy Hochul for recognizing the Hindu community and Diwali festival of lights.” Before Governor Hochul signed the legislation, she lit the traditional Diya to inaugurate the program. Earlier, artists gave an Indian instrumental music and an Indian classical dance performance. (Source: PTI)
Photo: Jay Mandal/On Assignmentp -
Super Sunday: Determined India, formidable Aussies
AHMEDABAD (TIP): Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, wishes to silence the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the final of the World Cup on Sunday, November 19. If any team can silence 1.3 lakh people in the world’s biggest stadium, it’s Australia. Silences have been few and far between, however, during India’s campaign — they have compiled a perfect record of 10/10. India’s dominance has been intimidating. When they’ve bowled first, they’ve won by an average of six wickets, with almost 11 overs to spare; when they’ve batted first, they’ve won by an average margin of 175 runs. The closest shave they’ve had was in the semifinal — when the Wankhede Stadium crowd did become silent for 25 overs during New Zealand’s chase — though they still won by 70 runs.
The team is working like a perfect machine, with every player in form. The injury to Hardik Pandya in the fourth match in Pune upset the balance, but it was a blessing in disguise — it brought in fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has tormented batsmen with his unerring line and length. He’s picked up 23 wickets at an incredible average of 9.13. On top of the batters’ list is, of course, Virat Kohli, the man of the moment, with 711 runs. It’s easy to believe that this is his tournament, after two failures — as captain in 2019, vice-captain in 2015. As a 22-year-old, he had won the winners’ medal in his first World Cup in 2011; at 35, there’s a sense of inevitability about him winning a second medal in probably his final World Cup.
Rohit Sharma, who regrets to this day his absence from the 2011 team, was his usual laidback self on Saturday. He said he’s shaped the team in his philosophy of playing fearlessly, damn the consequences. He didn’t say it would be just “just another game”, as sportspersons often say; he said the team would have to remain calm. The focus would be “on their work for the team, rather than thinking this is the biggest moment of my life”, he said, adding: “Of course it is, there is no doubt. You can’t hide from that. But it’s important to remain calm because if you are calm, you can play your role well.” At the world’s biggest stadium, named after the Prime Minister himself, and in his political fortress, the game can’t be considered just a game — it acquires deep political salience.
On form, it’s difficult to see India losing; but after two losses, Australia have strung together a sequence of eight wins. Cummins’s team is the second-best in the tournament, and he’s desperate to be the best and add to Australia’s five World Cup titles “There’s nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent, and that’s the aim for us tomorrow,” the captain said, but it’s difficult to imagine 1.3 lakh people going silent on Sunday night.
(Source: PTI) -
As Gaza war rages, waiting for the other shoe to drop
With the Israel-Hamas war dragging on, the world wonders how big a crater it would cause on global geopolitics and the economy
India needs to be on its toes watching the Israel-Hamas conflict, which could do considerable harm given our huge exposure to West Asia. Resultant high oil prices would be bad for our economy. The current account deficit and inflation would surge. If global growth is impacted, our exports and investment inflows may suffer. The geopolitical instability may pose a threat to the security of our nine million-strong diaspora in West Asia, and raise questions about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor launched with great fanfare in September.
By Mahesh Sachdev The Israel-Hamas war is now in its sixth week. Like the proverbial landlord, West Asians and much of the world, are currently in suspended animation wondering when and where the “second shoe” will drop and how big a crater it would cause on regional and global geopolitics and the economy.
While West Asia is no stranger to such shoe falls, several aspects of the current scrimmage are familiar, although some are new. We need to dwell on them briefly before making any prognosis of the crisis. It has been just over 50 years since the 19-day Yom Kippur War of 1973, 41 years since Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 and 17 years since a 33-day inconclusive war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.
Israel was forced to leave Gaza in 2005, largely due to Palestinian resistance after a 38-year-long occupation. Since then, it has launched several military campaigns against Gaza: 2008 (lasting 22 days); 2012 (eight days); 2014 (50 days); and 2021 (11 days). Almost all Gaza conflicts involved Hamas firing rockets and the Israel Defense Forces making extensive air raids and missile attacks with occasional forays by armor-tipped infantry. Their ceasefires were always mediated by Egypt, the only Arab country that has a border with Gaza. Of late, Qatar has developed some proximity with Hamas and the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a sister militancy in Gaza, through financial support and sheltering their leaders.
Landing a blow on Israel
Counting the differences, this ongoing conflict has proven to be far bloodier and more destructive than all its predecessors. It has already lasted longer than any — except the conflict in 2014. It has been the first time that Israel has suffered a major intelligence and security failure since 1973, denting its fabled impenetrable security and omniscient intelligence set-up. It has resulted in Israel suffering the largest number of war deaths and hostage-taking in a single day. Unlike previous instances of Israel fighting a non-state actor, this time it has had to contemplate the real possibility of a combination of Hamas, the PIJ, Hezbollah and the Houthis with Iran-allied Shia groups harassing the American military presence in Iraq and Syria in tandem. Further, following the “Abraham Accords” and recent progress towards normalization with Saudi Arabia, the regional geopolitics has shifted from an Arab-Israeli binary set-up to a more complex arrangement now. A prolonged and wider conflagration could risk a reversal of these hard-won diplomatic gains. In addition, it could draw in Iran which has become a more potent existential threat. At the same time, Israel’s abject failures on October 7 have dimmed its role as the possible anchor of a regional anti-Iran security alliance. While the Israel-Hamas conflict has hogged attention, other distractions such as the Ukraine-Russia war, China-United States frictions and global economic fragility are lurching around.A re-enforcement of regional tenets
All these weighty new factors notwithstanding, the Israel-Hamas conflict has re-enforced some long-forgotten regional tenets. First, it has dramatically re-established the centrality of the “Palestine Cause”, demonstrating that 35 years of U.S.-sponsored peace-making has failed to bury it. An Israeli military solution at huge humanitarian costs could delay and complicate the situation, but may not take it to status quo ante October 6 2023. Second, the conflict has demonstrated that despite all talk of West Asia’s growing multipolarity, the U.S. remains the ultimate arbiter of the region’s security and stability. Third, thanks to its hydrocarbon assets, trade choke points and the existence of potent non-state terror actors, West Asia’s geo-economic importance remains undiminished. Even as West Asian events are often counter-intuitive, the Israel-Hamas war seems to be moving towards a denouement. Israel has gone for broke by besieging the major Gazan hospitals by alleging that Hamas uses them as human shields. It is a high-risk gambit: if the information is correct and the siege succeeds, Israel would achieve its twin objectives of breaking the back of Hamas and releasing the hostages. Otherwise, it would have to eat a humble pie at home and face a public relations disaster abroad.For several reasons, Israel does not have time on its side after six weeks of tumult. According to an Israeli newspaper, even if war remains confined to Gaza, it could be financially ruinous, with cost estimates running to $51 billion, or a tenth of the national annual GDP. A rough Indian equivalence could be a war costing $350 billion. Israeli rulers are already on notice domestically, in abeyance due to the national crisis, for their various lapses. If the Gaza conflict goes awry or expands into a “forever” regional war, public support for the “national” government could easily evaporate. Israel’s iron fist pursuit of its war aims may be popular at home, but the serious collateral damage is a hard sell abroad, particularly to Arabs and Muslims. In recent days, the tide of global sympathy has perceptibly shifted away from the Israelis’ anguish after the October 7 outrage towards the suffering of the Gazan civilians. Most Arab regimes have no love lost for Hamas — long shunned by them as part of “political Islam” that could stir up the masses. However, by waging a protracted, no-holds-barred asymmetric conflict, Israel is pushing the Arab regimes towards Hamas, much to their chagrin. Arab regimes’ evident failure to prevent mass death and destruction in Gaza discredits them in the eyes of the putative Arab street. Thus, Israel’s single-minded pursuit of a military solution has a huge accompanying cost for the moderate Arab regimes — and they do not like it. Even the U.S., Tel Aviv’s ultimate protector, has gone beyond the usual “bad cop, good cop” routine and publicly distanced itself from Israel by calling for a “two-state” solution and “humanitarian pauses” in Gaza.
It is still too early to predict the eventual outcome of the conflict. In the worst-case scenario, it could be a Greek tragedy involving the killing of the hostages, conflict expanding to envelop first the non-state actors and, eventually, Iran. The World Bank predicted on October 31 that in the war’s worst-case scenario, oil prices could rise to $157 a barrel. Many Wall Street honchos foresee such eventuality upending the fragile post-COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery into a global recession. Further, Israel still seems to be thinking aloud about its exit strategy, abjuring the adage, “The longer you stay, the more chaotic the exit”. It appears to have no good options to extricate itself from the messy aftermath of October 7.
For India
India needs to be on its toes watching the Israel-Hamas conflict, which could do considerable harm given our huge exposure to West Asia. Resultant high oil prices would be bad for our economy. The current account deficit and inflation would surge. If global growth is impacted, our exports and investment inflows may suffer. The geopolitical instability may pose a threat to the security of our nine million-strong diaspora in West Asia, and raise questions about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor launched with great fanfare in September. With both Russia and Israel, India’s two most important defense suppliers, being currently mired in wars, our defense procurement may face uncertainty. A protracted conflict may also fan international terrorism. On the positive side, high oil income may raise prospects for higher investment and remittances from the Gulf countries. India would need to be careful to leverage putative job openings in Israel, lest it put its citizens in harm’s way. Besides, replacing Palestinian workers with Indians may further stereotype India. The conflict has already subjected Indian diplomacy to some inelegant shifts, although we quickly regained our traditional balance. All in all, New Delhi should keep its ear close to the ground and wait for the second shoe of the Gaza conflict to drop, hopefully, without any further seismic convulsions.
(The author is a former Indian ambassador and an Arabist) -
Hitting below the belt in poll season
Central investigation agencies and Governors being used to weaken the Opposition’s will to fight
“The BJP was touted as the ‘party with a difference’. We thought it signified better governance, but instead we got the electoral bonds to finance political parties in place of the crossed cheques that electoral trusts established by corporates would issue transparently to various parties operating in the vicinity of their factories.
By Julio Ribeiro Another step the BJP took to ensure an ‘Opposition-mukt’ polity was to literally release ‘tigers’ in the form of Governors and Lt Governors on hapless Opposition parties. The most recent example is of one of my own tribe (the Indian Police Service), who sits in the gubernatorial chair in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Governor RN Ravi has forced even a dyed-in-the-wool politician like DMK’s MK Stalin to approach the Supreme Court, pleading to be allowed to function like BJP governments in the Hindi heartland.”
Can you blame the Prime Minister if voters give him credit for the superb performance of the Indian cricket team in the ongoing World Cup? I would not. But if the Enforcement Directorate (ED) shows its true colors and leaks unverified information against a popular Chief Minister like Chhattisgarh’s Bhupesh Baghel just before the voters in that state wend their way to the polling booths, that would be called ‘hitting below the belt’. Boxers get disqualified if their blows land below the belt of the opponent. Why then is it permitted during elections, which have almost entered the category of a blood sport?
The double-engine governments, of course, do not require class monitors. They know what they have to do.
The Congress has sought the intervention of the Election Commission of India. That august body is making efforts to rebuild its good name, which was in danger of being obliterated. Recently, it has acquired the spine to question Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. But I doubt if it will find the law on its side in this distasteful matter.
The ‘caged parrot’, the CBI, has been replaced by a puppet on strings. The power of appointment has served the party in power well. The Delhi Chief Minister has been served with a notice in the liquor policy case, which has succeeded in keeping some important AAP leaders in limbo. It is a novel method of dispersing political opponents and it has certainly marred AAP’s ability to give the poorer sections of Delhi’s population quality education at the school level and quicker access to medical help at the mohalla level.
The BJP was touted as the ‘party with a difference’. We thought it signified better governance, but instead we got the electoral bonds to finance political parties in place of the crossed cheques that electoral trusts established by corporates would issue transparently to various parties operating in the vicinity of their factories.
Another step the BJP took to ensure an ‘Opposition-mukt’ polity was to literally release ‘tigers’ in the form of Governors and Lt Governors on hapless Opposition parties. The most recent example is of one of my own tribe (the Indian Police Service), who sits in the gubernatorial chair in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Governor RN Ravi has forced even a dyed-in-the-wool politician like DMK’s MK Stalin to approach the Supreme Court, pleading to be allowed to function like BJP governments in the Hindi heartland.
Non-cooperation of Governors with Opposition-ruled parties was not so common before 2014. Reports of such adversarial contests have been recorded in an alarming degree from Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala and Telangana. The double-engine governments, of course, do not require class monitors. They know what they have to do.
The Supreme Court has never been assailed by so many complaints against Governors. When it was asked to adjudicate the Tamil Nadu imbroglio, I sensed a sense of fatigue in the Chief Justice’s remarks in the court. He asked the parties why they could not sort out their differences keeping the Constitution in mind. But the contestants are not bothered about the Constitution. One wants to install a ‘double engine’, while the other thinks that a ‘single engine’ is more appropriate for the people. There is, subsequently, no meeting point and rapprochement is not likely to happen. Incidentally, a ‘single-engine’ government is permitted by our Constitution.
Delhi has a governance system under which babus take policy decisions. The government elected by the people has no real role to play. In the union territory of Puducherry, the Centre installed an old colleague of mine from the police service as Lt Governor. She gave the Chief Minister a rough time till he was voted out of office.
The use of Central investigation agencies and Governors to weaken the Opposition’s will to fight and thereby get re-elected to high office is accompanied by the targeting of the hearts and minds of Opposition legislators en masse to form double-engine governments. Had that resulted in improved governance, all sins would have been forgiven. But that does not happen. On the contrary, the temptation to indulge in corruption is reinforced!
It is clear that the route to power has been mapped out. First ensure emasculation of Opposition parties by setting the ED, the CBI, the NIA, et al, on their tails. If they win the elections even after the investigating agencies have dug their teeth into them, go for mass defection of elected legislators of Opposition parties by the lure of office so that double-engine governments are installed in the states. If the difference in numbers is not conducive to a takeover, release Governors or Lt Governors to make the government in question impotent.
This plan will backfire when the voters see through the game. That is what the ruling party, which is working according to those plans, should worry about. Even the poorer sections of the populace have cottoned on to what is being perpetrated. They are beginning to realize that jobs will not be forthcoming through such machinations and that their present lot of poverty and deprivation will end only if those who have benefited greatly from the right-wing policies invest their money in creating jobs. But that is not happening.
In the meantime, the government is changing laws to give itself the last word on appointments in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other centers of higher learning. If the autonomy enjoyed by these institutions is taken away, the standing of these IIMs and others in the job market will diminish. This will force bright students to seek avenues in foreign universities. But then the students, besides being bright, will also have to be well-heeled, which puts the poorer sections at a disadvantage.
(The author is a highly decorated Indian Police Service Officer and a former governor) -
Shame isn’t working. George Santos must go
Shame is not in the Santos lexicon. At this stage, the dangerous precedent would be set by allowing him to remain
Rep. George Santos has had all the process he is due – and all the donor-financed Botox he deserves.
By Ruth Marcus With the release by the House Ethics Committee of a damning report that offered new details about Santos’s endless lies and sordid self-dealing, the New York Republican must be expelled as soon as possible. Santos poses a test that even this House should be able to summon the will to pass, and his belated declaration that he will not seek election to a second term is entirely inadequate to the appalling circumstances of his conduct.
Before the ethics report, the question of how his fellow lawmakers should deal with Santos presented a tough case. He faces federal indictment on multiple felony charges, and it has been clear since even before Santos was sworn in that he was elected under false pretenses. Pretty much everything he told voters about his background was a lie, and his self-serving assertions that he is somehow the victim of a smear campaign, not the perpetrator of a massive fraud on his constituents, only deepen his culpability.
And yet, expulsion from the House is a drastic measure, one the Constitution wisely requires be accomplished by a two-thirds majority. The House has resorted to that step just five times — ousting three members for joining the Confederacy and, more recently, two others who were convicted of criminal offenses. So, it was understandable earlier this month that lawmakers of both parties balked at voting to expel Santos.
“This would be a terrible precedent to set,” Rep. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Md.) said at the time, “expelling people who have not been convicted of a crime and without internal due process.”
“I can think of four or five Democratic members the Republicans would like to expel without any criminal conviction or adverse ethics findings tomorrow simply because they hate their politics,” Raskin added. “Indeed, the same New York Republicans who want to expel Santos now because he is a complete political albatross for them acted to vigorously defend him in the spring because they wanted his vote for their party on the floor. If members are not going to be expelled for purely political reasons, we need to stick to due process and the rule of law.” Good for Raskin, and the 30 other Democrats who voted with him.
If New York Republicans had a vested interest in seeking to oust Santos, others, including new House Speaker Mike Johnson (La.), were not coy about conflating matters of due process and political survival. “We have a four-seat majority in the House,” Johnson told Fox News’s Sean Hannity. “We have no margin for error, and so George Santos is due due process, right?” No, he’s entitled to due process whatever the margin, not simply because it’s politically expedient.
Now, the due process argument has evaporated with the Ethics Committee’s unsparing conclusion that there is “substantial evidence” Santos violated the law and that his conduct “warrants public condemnation, is beneath the dignity of the office, and has brought severe discredit upon the House.” Indeed, the panel’s Republican chair plans to introduce an expulsion resolution. As the report lays out, Santos “sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit. He blatantly stole from his campaign. He deceived donors into providing what they thought were contributions to his campaign but were in fact payments for his personal benefit. He reported fictitious loans to his political committees to induce donors and party committees to make further contributions to his campaign — and then diverted more campaign money to himself as purported ‘repayments’ of those fictitious loans.”
The details are sordid bordering on satire. Santos spent thousands in campaign funds at spas, including for multiple Botox treatments. He used campaign funds to pay for a Las Vegas trip at a time when he told campaign staff he was on his honeymoon. He had $20,000 in campaign funds transferred to his company, then tapped the money to make $6,000 worth of purchases at Ferragamo, withdraw $800 from an ATM at a casino and pay his rent. He set up a political consulting firm, solicited contributions from supporters and then diverted $50,000 into his personal accounts, and used the money for, among other things, a $4,127.80 purchase at Hermes and “smaller purchases at Only Fans,” an adult website.
If any doubts remained about whether he deserves expulsion, Santos dispelled them with a self-serving post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Santos decried the bipartisan report as a “disgusting politicized smear that shows the depths of how low our federal government has sunk. Everyone who participated in this grave miscarriage of Justice should all be ashamed of themselves.”
Shame is not in the Santos lexicon. At this stage, the dangerous precedent would be set by allowing him to remain.
(The author is Associate editor with the Washington Post) -
Congress will usher in a Golden Telangana and fulfil the aspiration of the people
The 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held on 30 November 2023 to elect all 119 members of the state’s Legislative Assembly. The results will be declared on 3 December 2023.
Congress is committed to the cause of women, the marginalized and the minorities. It has always ensured that the dalits, SC and ST along with minorities get plum posts in administration. Even in the neighboring state of Karnataka, it gave the Chief Minister’s post to a backward class leader. The party’s commitment to providing a level field to different sections of society is consistent and continuous.
By Rajendar Dichpally The election in Telangana is seminal in more ways than one. It is the battle between Congress and BRS. Congress is the party which has pledged to empower the people of the state, while BRS is committed to empower one family. Congress is dedicated to work for the marginalized, BRS is determined to uplift the rich, the powerful and the venal.
Congress has a legacy of performance, BRS has a history of huge corruption, colossal failure and broken promises.
Congress is a party of reforms, BRS is a party of scams.
The congress party bought some landmark reforms during its last tenure at the state as well as the center. These include ‘Right to Employment’, ‘Food Security Act’, ‘Right to Information Act’, ‘US-India Civil Nuclear Deal’, ‘108 ambulance and health scheme for the poor’, fee reimbursement, farm loan waiver, landmark irrigation projects – the list is long.
Congress party initiated major irrigation projects in the state during its last tenure. These projects will change the fate of millions of farmers in the state, in a few decades, for the better. The party’s commitment to farmers has always ensured that farmers will not have to take recourse to suicides due to failing monsoon or poor crop.
Congress has also battled tooth and nail, the ogre of corruption. When it was in power from 2004-2014, it allowed its own leaders and allies like DMK to be examined for corruption charges. Moreover, it did not shield the corrupt and let the law take its course and put the accused in jail. Kanimozhi, Raja, Y.S.Jagan are some glaring examples.
BRS ushered in scams by the dozen. Some notable ones include :
Kaleshwaram Project Scam, Mission Bhagirath Scam, Miyapur Land Scam, Passport Scam, Car Dealership Scam, Palamara Lift Irrigation Scam, Sand Mafia Scam, EAMCET Paper Leakage, My Home Land Scam and Bathukamma Funds Scam.
As a result of BRS’ inefficient and corrupt government the state is suffering from a humongous debt of 4 lakh crore rupees. In fact, corruption begins from the home and hearth of KRS – his daughter Kavitha has been summoned by the ED in the liquor scam. Congress is committed to the cause of women, the marginalized and the minorities. It has always ensured that the dalits, SC and ST along with minorities get plum posts in administration. Even in the neighboring state of Karnataka, it gave the Chief Minister’s post to a backward class leader. The party’s commitment to providing a level field to different sections of society is consistent and continuous.
BRS on the other hand has failed miserably in all the promises it made – whether making a dalit the Chief Minister, ensuring 12 percent reservation to Muslims, building 2-bedroom houses for the poor, free education or waiver of Crop Loans up to 1 lakh for poor farmers or in reaching out to women. KCR’s first term did not have a single woman as a minister in his cabinet!
While the Congress and its leadership believe in internalizing and spreading a ‘scientific temper’, the present Chief Minister has let superstition take over rationality and logic. He runs the state from his farmhouse instead of the state secretariat. He also demolished the old secretariat and built a new one spending crores despite the acute financial crisis the state is reeling under. The money, which could be used for a far more worthy and vital cause, has instead been wasted in pampering egos and serving superstition.
The Congress Party has given 6 major promises to the people of Telangana:
– Under ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme, women will get 2,500 every month, gas cylinder for Rs 500 and free bus travel.
– Under Rythu Barosa’ scheme, farmers & lease holders will get Rs 1500 while farm laborers will get Rs 12,000 per year. Bonus of Rs.500 per quintal will be given on paddy.
– Under ‘Grih Jyothi’ scheme, 200-unit electricity will be provided free.
– Under ‘Indira Amma Indloo’ scheme, free land and aid of Rs 5 lakh will be given for construction of houses.
– Under ‘Yuva Vikasam’ scheme, students will be given assistance of Rs5 lakh and also international schools will be opened in every district of Telangana.
– Senior Citizens will be given pension of Rs 4,000 and provided health insurance up to Rs 10 lakh.
If we just take a look at its track record, the Party is sure to fulfil each and every commitment with sincerity of purpose and an unerring focus.
Now let us take a look at history. Telangana was granted by Congress Party under the visionary stewardship of Smt. Sonia Gandhi against the toughest of odds. The dreams of crores of people of Telangana came true because of the resolve of the leader and its party to fulfil the promises made in the manifestoes in 2004 and 2009. Yet another golden example of a party which walks its talk every time. Contrast this with the response of KCR and his party which has legacy of failed promises and pathetic performance.
The choice in the elections is clear. We are confident the people of Telangana will rise to the occasion and using their pragmatism, conviction and wisdom will elect and select the party which stands tall in every word and every deed. I appeal to the lovely people of this great state to vote for Congress – the party which epitomizes equality, transparency and trust. Let us usher in a new era for our state and our country – an era of progress, prosperity, peace and fulfilment.
(The author is General Secretary of IOC)
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Bridge to nowhere: On India’s voice, Israel and the Palestinian cause
India should be forceful in articulating its position on Gaza
Two weeks after abstaining from a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution that called for a ceasefire in the Israeli strikes on Gaza, India voted in favor of five of six annual draft resolutions at the UNGA’s Fourth Committee that criticized Israel for increasing settlements in the Occupied Territories, was in favor of Palestinians’ right to homes and property, and supported the UN Refugee and Works Agency (UNRWA) operating in Gaza. The official explanation of the votes as “routine” affirmation of India’s traditional policy has only added to the confusion over the government’s stand on the crisis. Its Explanation of Vote in the original UNGA resolution in October said that India could not vote for a resolution that did not include an “explicit condemnation” of the October 7 attacks by Hamas. However, none of the six resolutions, including one in which India abstained, that discusses investigating Israel for rights violations, actually referred to the October 7 attacks. These were instead identical to resolutions that India had voted for before, and neither India nor any other country at the Fourth Committee deliberations proposed amendments. The Israeli envoy, in fact, demanded a rejection of the “anti-Israel” resolutions as they did not contain references to the current situation. Cuba argued that the resolutions were important to vote for, but that they also did not contain references to the more than 11,000 Palestinians killed, including 4,000 children, and the displaced (nearly a million). India did not propose amendments, nor did any Indian diplomat speak, although a lengthier explanation may be expected when the resolutions are put to a vote by the UNGA next month — by which time more of Gaza would have been flattened.
At a time when every day counts, New Delhi appears unwilling to exert itself to making a difference. True, the government continues to hold its traditional stand on support for the Palestinian cause and a two-state solution (which it reaffirmed during the recent India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial meeting), and that it “stands by” Israel, with “zero tolerance” for terror attacks. However, it has not joined the call for a ceasefire or explicitly asked for an end to the strikes on civilian targets, where Israel claims it is hunting for Hamas fighters and searching for hostages. Nor has it named Hamas for the terror attacks or changed Indian law, as the Israeli Ambassador to India called for, to designate Hamas as a terror group. More than a month after Israel’s reprisals began, the government must explain its position on the conflict, including where, if anywhere, India could play a role in alleviating the situation. The upcoming Voice of Global South and G-20 virtual summits may present the opportunity to articulate options for ending the violence, recovering Israeli hostages, as well as post-conflict scenarios for Gaza and Palestinians. India’s voice, once known for being forceful and balanced on such issues, must not be replaced by an expedient silence.
(The Hindu)
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Biden-Xi summit
Thaw in bilateral ties is welcome
The four-hour-long meeting between US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco marks a much-needed thaw in relations between the world’s most powerful nations. During their first in-person interaction in more than a year, they have agreed to open a presidential hotline and resume military-to-military communication. Addressing the media after the meeting, Biden candidly said that ‘the US will continue to compete vigorously with China, but will manage that competition responsibly so that it doesn’t veer into conflict or accidental conflict.’ Striking a conciliatory tone in his address to a gathering of American executives, Xi said the world needed China and the US to work together, and it was ‘wrong to view China as a threat and play a zero-sum game against it’.
The bilateral ties had hit a new low in February after the US shot down a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon. Last year, China had snapped inter-military communication after then US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan despite Beijing’s objections and warnings. Taiwan continues to be a prickly issue as Biden has called for restraint in China’s use of the military in and around the strait. He also raised concerns over alleged human rights abuse by China in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. The meeting indicates that the US and China are not averse to adopting a pragmatic approach in order to reduce bilateral tensions, even though Biden has riled Beijing by reiterating that Xi is a dictator. Both are prioritizing their interests and trying to find a common ground while being mindful of their differences. These developments are important for India, which is locked in a prolonged standoff with China in Ladakh. With New Delhi’s strong relations with Washington not influencing its other bilateral ties, the onus is on Beijing to go the extra mile to maintain peace and stability in its neighborhood.
(Tribune, India)
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Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day is annual national holiday in the United States and Canada celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. This year, the day falls on Thursday, November 23. Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. The American holiday is particularly rich in legend and symbolism, and the traditional fare of the Thanksgiving meal typically includes turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. With respect to vehicular travel, the holiday is often the busiest of the year, as family members gather with one another.
Plymouth’s Thanksgiving began with a few colonists going out “fowling,” possibly for turkeys but more probably for the easier prey of geese and ducks, since they “in one day killed as much as…served the company almost a week.” Next, 90 or so Wampanoag made a surprise appearance at the settlement’s gate, doubtlessly unnerving the 50 or so colonists. Nevertheless, over the next few days the two groups socialized without incident. The Wampanoag contributed venison to the feast, which included the fowl and probably fish, eels, shellfish, stews, vegetables, and beer. Since Plymouth had few buildings and manufactured goods, most people ate outside while sitting on the ground or on barrels with plates on their laps. The men fired guns, ran races, and drank liquor, struggling to speak in broken English and Wampanoag. This was a rather disorderly affair, but it sealed a treaty between the two groups that lasted until King Philip’s War (1675–76), in which hundreds of colonists and thousands of Native Americans lost their lives.
The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating “Thanksgivings,” days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought. The U.S. Continental Congress proclaimed a national Thanksgiving upon the enactment of the Constitution, for example. Yet, after 1798, the new U.S. Congress left Thanksgiving declarations to the states; some objected to the national government’s involvement in a religious observance, Southerners were slow to adopt a New England custom, and others took offense over the day’s being used to hold partisan speeches and parades. A national Thanksgiving Day seemed more like a lightning rod for controversy than a unifying force.
Thanksgiving Day did not become an official holiday until Northerners dominated the federal government. While sectional tensions prevailed in the mid-19th century, the editor of the popular magazine Godey’s Lady’s Book, Sarah Josepha Hale, campaigned for a national Thanksgiving Day to promote unity. She finally won the support of President Abraham Lincoln. On October 3, 1863, during the Civil War, Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.
The holiday was annually proclaimed by every president thereafter, and the date chosen, with few exceptions, was the last Thursday in November. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, however, attempted to extend the Christmas shopping season, which generally begins with the Thanksgiving holiday, and to boost the economy by moving the date back a week, to the third week in November. But not all states complied, and, after a joint resolution of Congress in 1941, Roosevelt issued a proclamation in 1942 designating the fourth Thursday in November (which is not always the last Thursday) as Thanksgiving Day.
As the country became more urban and family members began to live farther apart, Thanksgiving became a time to gather together. The holiday moved away from its religious roots to allow immigrants of every background to participate in a common tradition. Thanksgiving Day football games, beginning with Yale versus Princeton in 1876, enabled fans to add some rowdiness to the holiday. In the late 1800s parades of costumed revelers became common. In 1920 Gimbel’s department store in Philadelphia staged a parade of about 50 people with Santa Claus at the rear of the procession. Since 1924 the annual Macy’s parade in New York City has continued the tradition, with huge balloons since 1927. The holiday associated with Pilgrims and Native Americans has come to symbolize intercultural peace, America’s opportunity for newcomers, and the sanctity of home and family.
Days of thanksgiving in Canada also originated in the colonial period, arising from the same European traditions, in gratitude for safe journeys, peace, and bountiful harvests. The earliest celebration was held in 1578, when an expedition led by Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in present-day Nunavut to give thanks for the safety of its fleet. In 1879 Parliament established a national Thanksgiving Day on November 6; the date has varied over the years. Since 1957 Thanksgiving Day has been celebrated in Canada on the second Monday in
October.
Thanksgiving is the most popular and well-known American holiday. Each year on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans gather to eat a traditional meal of turkey and pies, and spend time with family and friends. In fact, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest travel day of the year in the country, as Americans drive and fly to go meet family.
The holiday has become so much more than a simple day of thanks. With parades, TV specials, and more, Thanksgiving is seen as the kickoff of the holiday season. The Friday following the holiday has been dubbed “Black Friday” – a day that shoppers lineup early in the morning to get the best sales and discounts for their holiday shopping.
Thanksgiving Day food
Turkey has become all but synonymous with the holiday. According to the National Turkey Federation, nearly 90 per cent of Americans eat the bird — whether roasted, baked or deep-fried — on Thanksgiving Day. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Pardoning of turkey ceremony
Since the beginning of the mid-20th century, the president of the United States has “pardoned” one or two Thanksgiving turkeys each year, sparing the birds from slaughter and sending them to a farm for retirement.
Other countries that celebrate Thanksgiving Day holiday
Canada has its own Thanksgiving Day, on the second Monday in October, and Liberia celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November.
Black Friday sale
A month-long shopping season for the winter holidays begin after Thanksgiving, with Black Friday kicking off the season. -
FINALISTS COMPETE FOR COVETED SASSY AWARDS
- By Mabel Pais
As part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival (November 3-19), and closing the Fest, the top five finalists of the 12th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition will compete for coveted prizes.
Competition Finalists (Credit : NJPAC) The top five finalists are Daryann Dean (Los Angeles, CA), Bianca Love (New Orleans, LA), Tyreek McDole (St. Cloud, FL), Ekep Nkwelle (Washington, DC), and Emma Smith (London, UK). Chosen from a record 280+ submissions representing 37 countries, these gifted young contestants from around the world represent the next generation of great jazz singers.
They will compete on Sunday, November 19, 2023, on the iconic NJPAC stage in front of a live audience and before a distinguished panel of judges, including acclaimed female vocalists Jane Monheit, Madeleine Peyroux, and Lizz Wright; NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and multi-Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride; and three-time Grammy Award-winning producer and executive vice president of Mack Avenue Records Al Pryor. Hosted by WBGO Radio’s Pat Prescott, this special event will also include performance by G. Thomas Allen, winner of the 2021 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.
PRIZES
The first-prize winner of The SASSY Awards will receive a $5,000 cash award, second-place $1,500, and third-place $500. The winner will perform alongside past winners and special guests at the Sarah Vaughan Centennial Concert Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater on April 19-20, 2024, at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
THE SASSY COMPETITION
The Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, also known as “The SASSY Awards,” is open to singers over the age of 18, of all genders and nationalities, from anywhere in the world, and not signed by a major label. Entrants are judged on vocal quality, musicality, technique, performance, individuality, artistic interpretation, and ability to swing. What has become one of the top annual vocal competitions in jazz, The SASSY Awards offers outstanding jazz singers a one-of-a-kind platform for embarking on a career in the music business—and offers audience members a chance to discover the jazz stars of tomorrow. Past winners include Cyrille Aimée, Jazzmeia Horn, Ashleigh Smith, Arianna Neikrug, Deelee Dubé, Quiana Lynell, Laurin Talese, Samara Joy (Grammy winner for Best New Artist 2023), Gabrielle Cavassa and Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, G. Thomas Allen, and Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso.
SARAH VAUGHAN & NJPAC
The competition recalls the humble beginnings of legendary jazz singer/NEA Jazz Master Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990) who, back in 1942, was a Newark teenager and winner of an amateur singing contest at the Apollo Theater. That memorable night helped launch the lifework of one of the most successful, influential jazz vocalists in the history of American music. NJPAC has a long history of preserving and celebrating Sarah Vaughan’s music and impact. In 1999, NJPAC officially proclaimed the street in front of it as “Sarah Vaughan Way.” In addition to The SASSY Awards, NJPAC hosts several celebrations in the 2023-24 season honoring the centennial of Vaughan’s birth. Earlier this year, NJPAC paid tribute to “The Divine One” at its Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala. In 2024, NJPAC partners with Jazz at Lincoln Center for the Centennial Concert series (April 19-20), and more.
THE COMPETING FINALISTS
Daryann Dean
Learn more at darynndean.com.
Bianca Love
Learn more at linkedin.com/in/bianca-love.
Tyreek McDole
Learn more at tyreekmcdole.com.
Ekep Nkwelle
Learn more at ekepnkwelle.com.
Emma Smith
Learn more at emmasmithmusic.co.uk.
TICKETS
For tickets to watch the performances, visit NJPAC.org
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)
Follow NJPAC Online:
Website: njpac.org
Twitter: @NJPAC
Instagram: @NJPAC
Hashtag: #NJPAC
Facebook: facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube: NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist
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ENCHANTING HOLIDAY CONCERT TRIUMPHS LIGHT OVER DARKNESS
- By Mabel Pais
NJ Youth Chorus singers (Credit : Wharton Arts) Light up this holiday season with a stunning performance by the New Jersey Youth Chorus (NJYC) and special guest handbell choir, the Walsh Memorial Bell Choir from the Presbyterian Church of Morris Plains. This enchanting holiday concert is illuminated by candles of peace, hope, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.
As part of the 2023-24 season’s vision to engage alumni by building a passionate, caring, and broad community of chorus members, the concert features NJYC Alumna Emmalee LaFean. Readings and Carols: Season of Light (whartonarts.org/calendar/njyc-readings-and-carols) will take place on Sunday, December 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Morristown United Methodist Church located at 50 South Park Place, Morristown.
NJYC Founder and Director Trish Joyce said, “Since the dawn of time, light has been celebrated as a symbol of hope, peace, wisdom, truth, and goodness. It is a common thread, woven throughout humanity. We are excited to present a program which celebrates the importance of light in the cultures dear to our NJYC families. Our choristers will light the Advent wreath, Menorah, and Diyas; share readings and poetry; and lead the audience in songs and carols honoring the light within all of us.”
Joyful selections performed by NJYC’s Coriste ensemble, led by Director Trish Joyce, and Camerata ensemble, led by Director Dan Malloy, include ‘Veni, Veni Emmanuel’ by Michael John Trotta, ‘TāReKiTa’ by Reena Esmail, ‘One Light’ by Evan Ramos, ‘Night of Silence’ by Daniel Kantor, ‘Faith is the Bird that Feels the Light’ by Elizabeth Alexander, ‘Hold Out Your Light’ by Stacey V. Gibbs, ‘Season of Light’ by Jacob Narverud, and ‘Carol of the Bells’ arranged by Peter J. Wilhousky. Arrangements of seasonal favorites will be performed by the Walsh Memorial Bell Choir and soloist Emmalee LaFean.
TICKETS
Tickets priced for adults, discounts for seniors & students, are available at NJYC.org
Wharton Arts
Learn more at WhartonArts.org
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)