The Indian Panorama

Year: 2023

  • THE LAURIE M. TISCH ILLUMINATION FUND AWARDS $3 MILLION DONATION TO EXPAND NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ARTS IN MEDICINE PROGRAM

    THE LAURIE M. TISCH ILLUMINATION FUND AWARDS $3 MILLION DONATION TO EXPAND NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ARTS IN MEDICINE PROGRAM

    • The award will support arts programs serving healthcare staff, patients, and communities in patient care sites across the city
    • Funding will promote employee wellness and resilience, create 20 new community murals, present live music, host exhibitions from the health system’s art collection, and provide artists in residence at hospitals

    NEW YORK (TIP): NYC Health + Hospitals announced on February 22 the receipt of a $3 million grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund to expand the health system’s Arts in Medicine program. The grant is the second from the Illumination Fund for the Arts in Medicine program. The first grant — which was for $1.5 million in 2019 — launched the system’s Arts in Medicine program, creating arts programs citywide in all 11 hospitals and five long-term care facilities, as well as many NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health community clinics. Arts programs at NYC Health + Hospitals are designed to support patient recovery and help address staff burnout and compassion fatigue. The new grant is the foundation’s largest gift to the health system since launching its Arts in Health initiatives prior to the pandemic. NYC Health + Hospitals has the largest public art collection in the city.

    “NYC Health + Hospitals cares for their patients physically, mentally, and emotionally, ensuring every New Yorker who walks through their doors is supported holistically,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund for NYC Health + Hospitals’ Arts in Medicine programs will support health care staff by encouraging creativity, wellness, and resilience, and will bring the power of the arts to patients and community members in every borough. Philanthropic gifts like this one are vitally important and enable us to raise the bar of care even higher. I’m grateful to Laurie and her foundation for making these programs possible.”

    The expansion of the Arts in Medicine program includes 20 new community murals, building on the 26 murals created in the first wave of the initiative and featured in a new book, Healing Walls: New York City Health + Hospitals Community Mural Project 2019-2021. The funding will also expand access to NYC Health + Hospitals’ important art collection through exhibitions and enable partnerships with major museums to use artwork from the NYC Health + Hospitals collection for a visual observational training tool for doctors, nurses and non-clinical staff through the HHArt of Medicine program. A professional artist in residence will be placed in various facilities to bring activities and experiences that support staff wellness. Additionally, Arts in Medicine will use some of the donation to present live concerts for patients, visitors, and staff in hospitals as part of the Music for the Soul concert series. Furthermore, the grant money will support research into and evaluation of the impact of the Arts in Medicine program, acquisitions of new art by artists representative of the hospitals’ communities and gender diversity. Lastly, it will bolster current programming such as the Lullaby Project with Carnegie Hall and the Music and Memory program.

    “Engaging in the arts fosters an engaging environment and experiences for patients and staff, and we want our care community to benefit from a substantive and accessible Arts in Medicine program,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “We are enormously grateful to Laurie Tisch and the Illumination Fund for their generosity and for having the appreciation and foresight to encourage the arts as a tool for fostering wellness and making it a priority for our patients and staff.”

    “Our partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals, which began before COVID, truly deepened during the pandemic as we saw how everyone in the system heroically stepped up to provide care to all who needed it, no matter their circumstances,” said Laurie Tisch, Founder and President of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. “We saw first responders and all healthcare workers under unprecedented pressure, and we witnessed firsthand how the arts are used to help relieve stress, provide joy and care and pride in the system. It is our pleasure to increase our support of the Arts in Medicine program and we look forward to seeing the programs grow and provide more services to more people.”

    “The funding from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund has a profound impact on the Arts in Medicine department at NYC Health + Hospitals,” said Larissa Trinder, Senior Director for Arts in Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We continue to expand and grow to provide programming that reduces stress and compassion fatigue while offering evidence-based opportunities for the health care providers, patients, and families that make up the NYC Health + Hospitals community.”

    Healthcare worker burnout is a national health crisis, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic has created mental health challenges across New York City, especially in low-income, immigrant and underserved communities, which are significant patient populations for NYC Health + Hospitals. Decades of research have shown that the arts can play a role in “healing the healers,” as well as improving patient outcomes and forging community health awareness and partnerships.

    NYC Health + Hospitals has a collection of more than 4,000 artworks, including the historic murals commissioned through the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, and paintings, mosaics, photographs, sculptures, installation art, and murals by both emerging and established professional artists. The collection includes works by some of America’s leading artists, such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Helen Frankenthaler, Mary Frank, Betty Blayton, Candida Alvarez, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Keith Haring.

    Arts in Medicine initiatives include:

    HHArt of Medicine, in partnership with the Brooklyn Museum, is an art observation and discussion program for health care staff that promotes individual reflection, fosters empathy, and brings together clinical and non-clinical teams to learn from one another’s experiences, gain comfort, and increase open-mindedness when faced with ambiguity.
    The Community Mural Project selects artists to design murals in collaboration with patients, staff, and neighborhood residents, followed by community events to paint the mural. The final project is installed permanently at a NYC Health + Hospitals facility, developing cultural ties between all of the collaborators.
    Music for the Soul offers live concerts at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities for patients, staff, visitors, and the general public.
    Music & Memory engages patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and cognitive loss by creating personalized playlists with familiar songs for enhanced memory retrieval and cognitive functioning, among a variety of other positive health effects.
    The Lullaby Project, in partnership with Carnegie Hall, partners pregnant women and new mothers with professional musicians to compose lullabies for their babies, ultimately reducing maternal anxiety and depression, aiding in child development, and strengthening the bond between parent and child.
    Artists in Residence at each hospital to develop art with that facility’s staff and patients.
    NYC Health + Hospitals’ first Public Artist in Residence, part of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Public Artists in Residence program, which embeds artists in city agencies to propose and implement creative solutions to pressing civic challenges. The Public Artist in Residence will develop a project with the health system on gun violence.

    NYC Health + Hospitals’ Arts in Medicine program was recently featured on PBS NewsHour: “Art and medicine intersect in New York City hospitals.”

  • Science of Spirituality 36th Eye Camp Brings the Gift of Sight

    Science of Spirituality 36th Eye Camp Brings the Gift of Sight

    NEW YORK (TIP): Cataract continues to be a leading cause of bilateral blindness in India. While cataracts can be easily diagnosed and surgically removed to regain full sight, many individuals in underserved parts of the country have limited access to eye care. On February 4th, Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission (SKRM) and Science of Spirituality hosted the 36th Free Eye Checkup and Cataract Surgery Camp in Delhi, bringing the gift of sight to several hundreds. This humanitarian effort was made possible by the volunteer efforts of physicians from the United States working with doctors from ICARE Eye Hospital, Noida, a leading eye hospital in India with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The camp ran from February 4th to February 11th and helped many patients from Delhi NCR and northern parts of India.
    Providing a Full Continuum of Care
    Following a thorough screening at the Kirpal Bagh grounds under the supervision of skilled technicians, eligible patients were transported to ICARE Eye Hospital and provided exhaustive care that included complimentary surgery with high-quality lenses donated by hospitals in the US. Besides the medical care, lodging, food, eye drops, reading glasses and other essential services were provided to the patients.
    Several patients expressed how regaining their sight would bring a sense of normalcy and independence to their lives enabling them to perform day-to-day tasks with ease; many offered heartfelt gratitude for the noble service.
    “This is not just a lens which has been surgically implanted. It is a blessing and a life-altering moment,” a patient at the 36th Eye Camp said.

    Doctors examining the patients.

    Transforming the World through Selfless Service
    The doctors that participate in this eye camp each year go through great lengths to ensure each of their patients receives the best care possible. Their work is inspired by one of the key tenets of spirituality – selfless service to humanity – taught by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, world-renowned Spiritual Master and head of Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission/Science of Spirituality. Selfless service is to give of ourselves selflessly, to alleviate the burdens of another. “It takes time to transform the world, but it takes one person to begin that transformation which eventually transforms families and neighbourhoods and this is how we can work together to benefit our fellow human beings,” shared one of the volunteer physicians.
    The SKRM eye camp is held as part of the International Human Unity Conference, the annual conference presided over by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. The conference brings together leaders and delegates from across the globe on a common platform to celebrate the spirit of human unity and oneness.

  • Antony strikes as Manchester United fight back to sink Barcelona in Europa League

    Antony strikes as Manchester United fight back to sink Barcelona in Europa League

    Brazilian forward Antony stepped off the bench to send Manchester United through to the Europa League last 16 as the hosts came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 in Thursday’s (February 23), playoff second leg and progress 4-3 on aggregate. After a frantic start, Barca were awarded an 18th-minute penalty when Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled defender Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski just squeezed the spot-kick home.

    United came out for the second half looking like a different side and levelled through Fred, the Brazilian steering home Fernandes’s pass two minutes after the break.

    A superb save from goalkeeper David de Gea kept out an effort from Barca’s Jules Kounde, a stop that proved crucial as Antony arrowed a superb finish into the bottom corner 17 minutes from time to send United through.

    United remain in four competitions this season as they bid to win their first major trophy since 2017.

    “The belief of the team is always there,” Fernandes told BT Sport. “The belief of the fans, they push us through difficult moments.

    “We have made great comebacks, the club is made also by that. In the past we have done a lot like this result.”                 Source: Reuters

  • India run out of luck and steam, lose semifinal to Oz

    India run out of luck and steam, lose semifinal to Oz

    Cape Town (TIP)- Australia held their nerve with the ball to secure a seventh successive final appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup with a tense five-run victory over India in their semifinal here on February 23.

    Australia won the toss and elected to bat, posting a par score of 172/4, before restricting India to 167/8 in reply. They will now await the winner of Friday’s second semifinal between England and hosts South Africa.

    Australia’s total came thanks to a 37-ball 54 from opener Beth Mooney and an excellent 49 not out from 34 balls by captain Meg Lanning. Lanning and Ash Gardner (31 from 18 balls) gave the innings important impetus towards the back end as they put on 53 in six overs to propel Australia to what proved a winning score.

    “That is one of the best wins I’ve been involved in, to fight back after not playing our best cricket in all three facets,” Lanning said. “India came hard at us, so we knew this score would be hard to defend. But we pulled through in the clutch moments. I think we are able to stay calm and composed, we didn’t panic even when we weren’t bowling well. These are the kind of games we want to win,” she added.

    Turning point

    India were always up with the required run rate, but lost regular wickets until Jemimah Rodrigues (43 from 24 balls) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (52 from 34 balls) put on 69 for the fourth wicket to put their side in the driving seat. But they were struck a blow when Harmanpreet was run out in bizarre circumstances in a turning point in the game as her bat got caught in the wicket as she tried to slide it in and she ended up short of the line in what had appeared an easy run.

    India went into the final over needing 16 runs to win, but spinner Gardner (2/37) bowled Australia to victory with an excellent all-round performance. “We got the momentum back (with the bat). To lose from there, we weren’t expecting this. The way I got run out, you can’t be unluckier than that,” Harmanpreet said. “We again gave some easy catches away. When you have to win, you have to take your chances. We can only learn from this,” she added.

    Brief scores: Australia 172/4 (Mooney 54, Lanning 49, Gardner 31; Pandey 2/32); India 167/8 (Harmanpreet 52, Jemimah 43; Brown 2/18, Gardner 2/37).

    Source: Reuters

  • India loses Asian c’ships due to WFI controversy

    In a big setback to India, the United World Wrestling has shifted the Asian Championships from New Delhi to Astana, Kazakhstan. The tournament has been postponed from March 28-April 2 to April 7-15.

    The UWW took this step after taking cognisance of the pending sexual harassment and financial irregularity complaints against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

    “UWW was forced to change the host of the continental championships due to the recent developments in Indian wrestling and a pending inquiry by the Indian sports ministry against the Wrestling Federation of India,” the UWW said in a statement. The Oversight Committee, which is running the day-to-day affairs of the WFI, had approached the UWW about its willingness to host the event in India.

    The Sports Ministry has extended the deadline given to the Oversight Committee to submit its report on sexual harassment allegations against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh by two weeks. The committee, which was formed on January 23, was asked to submit its report in four weeks. The ministry extended the deadline following requests from the committee members and now it will submit its report by March 9. Source:

    TNS and PTI

  • Ashwin rises to 2nd, Jadeja enters top 10 among bowler in ICC Test rankings

    Ashwin rises to 2nd, Jadeja enters top 10 among bowler in ICC Test rankings

    Dubai (TIP)- India’s Ravichandran Ashwin rose a place to second, while his compatriot Ravindra Jadeja jumped seven rungs to be among the top-10 bowlers in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings issued here on Wednesday, February 22. Jadeja has progressed to the ninth position after his 10-wicket match haul in the second Test against Australia in New Delhi, the first time that he had broken in the top-10 since September 2019.

    Injured pacer Jasprit Bumrah is the other Indian bowler in top-10, as he occupies the fifth spot.

    Veteran England seamer James Anderson leads the list but Australia captain Pat Cummins has dropped two places to third. Axar Patel’s late-order heroics have pushed him into the top five in all-rounders’ list, which is being headed by Jadeja and Ashwin. Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne continues to top the Test batters list, followed by Steve Smith and Pakistan skipper Babar Azam.

    India’s Rishabh Pant, who is out of action for an indefinite period following a horrific car crash, is static at sixth, while skipper Rohit Sharma continues to be seventh.

    England batters Ollie Pope (up six places to 23rd), Harry Brook (up 12 places to 31st) and Ben Duckett (up 13 places to 38th) have achieved career-best rankings, as have New Zealand’s Tom Blundell and Devon Conway. Blundell’s first innings knock of 138 has lifted him four places to 11th while Conway’s 77 has helped him move up five places to 17th. Source: PTI

  • Nelong Valley: Most thrilling mountaineering treks

    Nelong Valley: Most thrilling mountaineering treks

    Nelong Valley lies 45km away from the Indo-Tibetan border, around 256km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is considered to be one of the most thrilling mountaineering treks in India. At a height of 11,000ft, the view from here is breathtaking. The valley offers a clear and surreal view of the Tibetan Plateau. Gartang Gali, a wooden walkway, is a main attraction of the valley said to have been built in the 17th Century. It was known as one of the main routes for trade between India & China in 1962.

    About Nelong Valley

    The valley, situated at an altitude of around 11,000 feet above the sea level, falls under the Gangotri National Park in Uttarkashi district, is around 315 km from Dehradun. It is also only 23 kms away from Bhaironghati, a place just eight kms ahead of the famous Gangotri shrine.

    This rocky region looks exactly like Ladakh, Spiti, and Tibet and features high altitude peaks having similar weather and landscape. Hence, it is becoming one of the most popular places to explore in Uttarakhand. Since the valley is situated under the Gangotri National Park, it is not allowed to spend the night within 25 kilometers of the region but still, it is no less than a treasure trove for the explorers.

    History Of Nelong Valley

    The grueling Nelong Valley is located near the Indo-China border, which was closed to tourists after the Indo-China war in 1962. The valley was reopened in 2015 to promote travel and tourism in Uttarakhand. Once a part of the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Nelong Valley got affected by the 1962 war. The indigenous population living in the valley, known as Rongpas or Bhotiyas, was forced to migrate to Bagori village in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

    After the valley was vacated, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police took charge of the region and set up their checkpoints. Visitors can still see the ruins of the ancient trade route and the narrow wooden bridge erected along the gorge.

    Places To Visit In Nelong Valley

    Nelong Valley is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Here’s the list of the tourist places you can explore in Nelong Valley.

    Nelong Valley

    Famously deemed as Spiti of Uttarakhand, the valley is an attraction in itself. The view of the Tibetan Plateau will leave you speechless. Built in the 17th century, Gartang Gali, a wooden walkway, that was used for trade between countries is one of the main attractions of the valley.

    Gartang Gali

    Gartang Gali is a wooden bridge said to be built by the Pathans of Peshawar in the 17th century. The 105-meter bridge is famous amongst adventure seekers. The bridge got damaged over the year after it fell into disuse during the Indo-China war in 1962 after it was declared off-limits for civilians. After being reopened by Uttarakhand Tourism in 2015, travelers require special permission to visit Gartan Gali.

    How To Reach Nelong Valley

    Best kept secret of Dev Bhoomi, Nelong Valley is nestled in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and is well-connected by motorable roads. However, you would require to book a gipsy provided by the forest department as they are the only vehicles allowed to go further towards the valley.

    Nearest Metropolitan City – New Delhi

    • Distance From Dehradun – 258 kilometers
    • Distance From Uttarkashi – 100 kilometers
    • Distance From Jolly Grant Airport – 271 kilometers
    • Distance From New Delhi – 534 kilometers

    By Road

    The roads leading to the Nelong Valley are quite dangerous and aren’t for the faint-hearted, however, they offer the gobsmackingly beautiful views. The best route is via Delhi-Dehradun-Bhairav Ghati.

    Bus Service – Delhi To Dehradun. It takes six hours to reach Dehradun via bus from Delhi and then, you can board local buses to reach Bharav Ghati. You can’t go further towards Nelong Valley via bus.

    Cab Service – There are plenty of cab services available that can take you to Bhairav Ghati but only registered providers and forest department’s vehicles are allowed to go all the way to Nelong.

    By Train

    Several trains are available that will take you to the nearest railheads to Nelong Valley. Spend the night in Rishikesh or Haridwar or Dehradun and then get a cab till Bhairav Ghati which is located a few kilometers away from the Gangotri shrine.

    Nearest Railway Station – Harrawala railway station in Dehradun is the nearest railhead which is about 256 kilometers away from the valley.

    By Air

    Frequent flights are available from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi to Jolly Grant in Dehradun.

    Nearest Airport – Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Nelong Valley and 258 kilometers away from the destination. Buses and private cabs are easily available from the Airport.

    Second Nearest Airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

  • Holashtak: Eight days before the Holi festival

    Holashtak is said to be an important day in Hinduism. Holashtak falls in the month of Falgun in Hinduism. The months of February and March are in the Gregorian calendar. Holashtak is made up of two words, Holi and Ashtak i.e. a festival of 8 days. The eight days before the Holi festival are called Holashtak. It can be said that the first information about the arrival of Holi festival is received from Holashtak itself. With the Holi festival in Holashtak, the preparations for Holika Dahan also start.

    No auspicious work is done on the days of Holashtak. It can be said that 8 days of Holashtak are considered inauspicious. Therefore, during this time no auspicious work is done like marriage, engagement, home entry, purchase of a new house, purchase of vehicle, land worship, start of new business etc.

    2023 Holashtak dates

    Holashtak will begin on Monday, 27 February 2023.

    Holashtak will end on Tuesday, 07 March 2023.

    Holashtak ends with Holika Dahan. This festival is celebrated with Rang and Gulal. The festival of Holi itself starts from Holashtak and continues till Dhulandi. An atmosphere of joy and celebration builds up everywhere. On this day, along with the preparations of Holi, Holika Dahan preparations are also started.

    Kamadeva’s story

    According to the legend, Kamadeva had broken the penance of Lord Shiva at the behest of Lord Indra and being angry with this, Lord Shiva had burnt Kamadeva, the god of love with his third eye, on the Ashtami date of Falgun. Kamadeva’s wife Rati worshiped Shiva for 8 days and prayed to revive Kamadeva which was accepted by Lord Shiva. Due to this tradition, these 8 days are considered taboo for auspicious works.

    Story of Bhakta Prahlad

    According to the legend, King Hiranyakashipu had tormented his son Prahlad during these eight days to turn his son Prahlad away from his devotion to Lord Vishnu. On the eighth day, Holika, the sister of Hiranyakashipu, had a boon that she could not be burnt by fire. But when Holika, taking the devotee Prahlad in her lap, sat in the fire and got burnt. By the grace of Lord Vishnu, the devotee Prahlad was saved from the fire. Therefore, no auspicious work is done during these 8 days.

    These works are not done on Holashtak

    Holashtak is mainly celebrated in the regions of Punjab and Northern India. While some important tasks begin from the day of Holashtak, at the same time, there are some tasks that are not done at all in these eight days. This prohibition period lasts from the day of Holashtak to the day of Holika Dahan.

    As per Hindu tradition any auspicious activity as well the Hindu sixteen Sanskaras are not carried out during the period of Holashtak. It is believed even if the last rites of a person are to be performed on this day then before that Shanti Puja needs to be done, only then the last rites can be carried out. This period is not considered auspicious as Sanskaras are not allowed in this period.

    At the time of Holashtak, there has been a law to not perform any of the auspicious works and sixteen rites, as stated in Hindus. It is believed that if the funeral is to be performed on this day, then peace work is done first for that. Only then do the rest of the work. This period is not considered auspicious because of the ban on samskaras.

    Auspicious activities like marriage, engagement, conception ceremony, initiation of education, ear piercing, naming, construction of a new house or house warming should not be done during this period. According to astrology, there is a lack of auspicious Muhurats in these eight days.

    The period of Holashtak is considered suitable for either meditation or devotion. This period is considered ideal for penance. It is considered extremely auspicious to observe Brahmacharya in this period. There is also a tradition of Snan and Daan in this period.

    Why are auspicious works not done on Holashtak

    Auspicious and Mangalik works are not allowed on Holashtak. Auspicious Muhurats are not found in this period. These eight days are not considered auspicious. Manglik events are stopped due to lack of auspiciousness at this time.

    According to mythology, Hiraikashyapa, the king of demons, tells his son Prahlada not to worship Lord Shri Vishnu. Prahlada does not obey his father and continues to worship Vishnu with full devotion. This annoys Hiraikashyapa. He tortures Prahlada in many ways for eight days from the Ashtami of the Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month to Purnima. He even tries to kill his own son. However, because of Prahlad’s undivided devotion to Lord Vishnu, he is protected by Lord Vishnu each time.

    On the eighth day i.e. Phalgun Purnima, Hiranyakaship entrusted his sister Holika with the responsibility to kill Prahlad. Holika was blessed with the boon that fire will not harm her. Holika takes Prahlad in her lap and sits in the fire. But Lord Shri Vishnu once again saves his devotee. Holika dies in that fire, but Prahlad comes out completely unharmed. For this reason, the eight days before Holika Dahan are called Holashtak and are not considered auspicious.

    Activities that can be done in Holashtak

    Among the several tasks that are undertaken during Holashtak, collecting wood for Holi Dahan is the most important task. A place for Holi Dahan is selected, it is purified eight days before Holi. After that Upla, wood and Holi sticks are placed in that area. This day marks the beginning of Holashtak.

    This tradition may not be seen much in the cities, but in rural areas it is prevalent even today. You will find Holi Dahan Pandals at every nook and corner, crossroads etc. in villages. Intersections of various areas or localities primarily have the Holi Dahan Pandal. Every day from the beginning of Holashtak wood is placed at the area dedicated for Holi Dahan. In this way, after eight days a huge pile of wood is prepared.

    According to the scriptures, fasting and donations at the time of Holashtak relieve one from suffering. Donating clothes, food grains, money etc. according to one’s capacity these days gives favorable results.

    Holashtak Mythological Significance

    From Phalgun Shukla Ashtami to Holika Dahan i.e. Poornima, Holashtak remains. From this day the weather begins to change. Winter departs and summer commences. The fragrance of the arrival of spring is felt in the atmosphere. The air is ripe with the smell of flowers. In the case of Holashtak, it is believed that Holashtak started from the day on which Lord Shri Bhole Nath destroyed Kama Dev in anger. Lord Shri Vishnu is worshiped on this day. The story of Holashtak relates to Hariyanyakashipu and Prahlada. Holashtak becomes the center of a long spiritual process of these eight days, which leads the devotee to ultimate knowledge.

  • Elon Musk fires Twitter staff again despite promises of no more layoffs: Report

    Elon Musk fires Twitter staff again despite promises of no more layoffs: Report

    Despite promising in November 2022 that there will be no more layoffs, Elon Musk has fired more employees from Twitter, as per a report in The Verge. Tech site The Information first reported about layoffs hitting the sales team last week. In the third round of job cuts since November, dozens of employees from the sales and engineering departments were affected. Musk has reportedly directed staff to revamp the microblogging site’s ad targeting in a week to mimic Google’s search ads, which rely on keywords instead of a user’s activity and profile data. One of the fired workers, who reported directly to Musk and managed engineering for Twitter’s ads business, took to Twitter to share his opinion on improving the algorithm. Marcin Kadluczka, who had been a Twitter employee for seven years, tweeted that it may be possible for the company to change how its ads work in two or three months, but not in a week – which was Musk’s deadline.

    “Thank you tweeps. End of 7 years at Twitter! Elon musk for learnings and energy in last 3 months to improve Twitter and Ads! I believe Twitter can really improve ads in 2-3 months (no necessarily in a week though). Wish I could be actually fired not just deactivated,” he wrote.

    Musk’s aggressiveness to boost its ads business has invited criticism even from former Twitter ads chief Bruce Falck, who said the billionaire has no clue of what he is speaking about. To this, Musk replied that Twitter’s ad relevance was the ‘worst on Earth’.

    “My apologies, you must be a genius, which is why Twitter has the worst ad relevance on Earth. Almost nobody buys anything on Twitter, but almost everyone on Instagram does. That is being fixed,” the Tesla CEO wrote.

  • Digital transactions to soon exceed cash payments: PM

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi  said digital transactions in India will soon cross cash payments due to the increasing popularity of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Speaking after the launch of the cross-border connectivity between the UPI and PayNow of Singapore, the Prime Minister said about 74 billion transactions amounting to over Rs 126 trillion was done through UPI in 2022. Many experts are estimating that very soon India’s digital wallet transactions will overtake cash transactions,” he said.

    A large number of transactions via UPI demonstrate that this indigenously designed payment system is secure, he said. Modi along with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong had witnessed the launch of cross-border connectivity between the UPI and PayNow of Singapore via video-conferencing.

    Source: TNS

  • Global uncertainty makes fight against inflation tough: RBI

    Majority of members of the high-powered Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank were concerned about heightened inflation even as two panellists raised objections against an increase in the benchmark interest rate, according to the minutes of the meeting released on Wednesday.

    Following the recommendations of the MPC, the RBI increased the rate by 25 basis points on February 8, taking the repo rate to 6.5%. It was the sixth straight hike since May 2022.

    “The fight against inflation is complicated by the global outlook. There is some consensus growing around a milder slowdown than earlier feared, although geographical disparities complicate the prognosis. Be that as it may, the outlook for global inflation is turning more uncertain than before,” Patra opined as per minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das, who heads the six-member MPC, also said overall, there is considerable uncertainty at this stage on the evolving inflation trajectory due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, global financial market volatility, rising non-oil commodity prices, volatile crude oil prices and also weather-related events.

    He also said a 25 basis points rate increase provides space to calibrate future monetary policy actions and stances based on evolving macroeconomic conditions.

    The six-member MPC comprises three RBI officials — Governor Shaktikanta Das, Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra, and Executive Director Rajiv Ranjan; and three government-nominated external members — Shashanka Bhide, Ashima Goyal and Jayanth R Varma.

    Source: PTI

  • IMF rolls out nine-point crypto assets action plan

    IMF rolls out nine-point crypto assets action plan

    The International Monetary Fund has laid out a nine-point action plan for how countries should treat crypto assets, with point number one a plea not to give cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin legal tender status.

    The global lender of last resort said its Executive Board had discussed a paper, “Elements of Effective Policies for Crypto Assets,” that provided “guidance to IMF member countries on key elements of an appropriate policy response to crypto assets.” Such efforts have become a priority for authorities, the fund said, after the collapse of a number of crypto exchanges and assets over the last couple of years, adding that doing nothing was now “untenable”. The top recommendation was to “safeguard monetary sovereignty and stability by strengthening monetary policy frameworks and do not grant crypto assets official currency or legal tender status.”

    The IMF had hit out at El Salvador in late 2021 when the central American country became the first to adopt bitcoin as legal tender, a move that has since been copied by Central African Republic.

    Other advice on Thursday’s list, which comes as G20 decision makers meet in India, included guarding against excessive capital flows, adopting unambiguous tax rules and laws around crypto assets, and developing and enforcing oversight requirements for all crypto market actors.

    Countries should also establish international arrangements to enhance supervision and enforce regulations, the IMF added, as well as set up ways to monitor crypto’s impact on the stability of the global monetary system.

    Outlining its Executive Board’s assessment, the IMF said directors welcomed the proposals and agreed the widespread adoption of crypto assets “could undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy, circumvent capital flow management measures, and exacerbate fiscal risks.”

    They “generally agreed,” too, that crypto assets should not be granted official currency or legal tender status, and though strict bans of assets are “not the first-best option,” a few directors thought they should not be ruled out.

    India remains global growth engine, uniquely poised to lead G20: IMF

    Ahead of the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in Bengaluru, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterated that India’s strong performance remains a “bright spot” in an uncertain global economy, said that the country will contribute 15% to global growth, and added that it is “uniquely positioned to bring countries together”. In a policy blog titled “Policy Priorities for G20: One Earth, One Family, One Future”, taking up from India’s theme for its presidency, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva noted that, in Bengaluru, the World Bank, IMF and India’s G20 presidency are convening a new Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable for its first in-person meeting. Describing India as a “global growth engine”, she hailed the country’s unified payment interface as an excellent example of “technology boosting financial inclusion”, and said India’s assessment of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) can inform studies elsewhere.

    She noted that while 2023 will be a challenging year, it could be a turning point with inflation declining and growth bottoming out. Alluding to IMF’s latest projections which suggest that global growth will slow to 2.9% this year and then rebound to 3.1% in 2024, she noted, “Look behind the headline numbers and we see emerging market and developing economies providing much of the momentum. We expect them to account for about four-fifths of global growth this year, with India alone expected to contribute more than 15%.”

  • There could be alien life on Mars, but will our rovers be able to find it?

    There could be alien life on Mars, but will our rovers be able to find it?

    Robotic rovers are currently exploring the surface of Mars. Part of a rover’s mission is to survey the planet for signs of life. There might be nothing to find – but what if there is, and the rovers just can’t “see” it? New research published today in Nature Communications suggests the rovers’ current equipment might not actually be up to the task of finding evidence of life. As an extreme environment microbiologist, the challenges of searching for life where it seems near-impossible are familiar to me. In astrobiology, we study the diversity of life in sites on Earth with environmental or physical features that resemble regions already described on Mars. We call these terrestrial environments “Mars analogue” sites.

    Limits of detection

    The new research, led by Armando Azua-Bustos at the Center for Astrobiology in Madrid, tested the sophisticated instruments currently in use by NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance rovers – as well as some newer lab equipment planned for future analysis – in the Mars analogue of the Atacama Desert.

    Azua-Bustos and colleagues found the rovers’ testbed equipment – tools for analysing samples in the field – had limited ability to detect the traces of life we might expect to find on the red planet. They were able to detect the mineral components of the samples, but were not always able to detect organic molecules. In my team’s case, our Mars analogue sites are the cold and hyper-arid deserts of the Dry Valleys and Windmill Islands in Antarctica.

    In both of these sites, life exists despite extreme pressures. Finding evidence of life is challenging, given the harsh conditions and the scarcity of microbial life present.First, we must define the biological and physical boundaries of life existing (and being detected) in analogue “extreme” environments. Then we need to develop tools to identify the “biosignatures” for life. These include organic molecules like lipids, nucleic acids and proteins. Finally, we determine how sensitive tools need to be to detect those biosignatures, on Earth and also Mars. This tells us the limits of our detection.

  • Twitter users can soon earn money from micro-blogging platform, says Musk

    Twitter users can soon earn money from micro-blogging platform, says Musk

    Twitter CEO Elon Musk  said that the micro-blogging platform is “spinning up subscriptions” so that users can “charge” their followers for specific content.

    When one user posted a long tweet with the new Blue feature that allows subscribers to create tweets of up to 4,000 characters. Musk replied, “Good use of long tweet! Next update will allow much longer tweets with basic formatting, so you can post any content on Twitter.” “We’re also spinning up subscriptions, so you can charge people for some content and they can easily pay with one click.” Many users expressed their thoughts on Musk’s post. While one user asked, “Charging to read a tweet? Or paywall?”, another commented, “Great idea. Now an author can publish his entire book on Twitter perhaps one chapter at a time. Leave the first few tweets as free and rest paid.” The upcoming feature will be a great opportunity for the users to earn money from their followers on the micro-blogging platform. Meanwhile, last week, the micro-blogging platform announced that it will no longer allow non-Twitter Blue users to use text messages as a two-factor authentication (2FA) method, after March 20.

    Earlier this month, Twitter had confirmed that it will charge Rs 650 per month for its Blue service with verification on the web and Rs 900 on Android and iOS mobile devices in India.

    Moreover, Blue subscribers in the US can create long tweets of up to 4,000 characters.

    Blue users will also see 50 per cent fewer ads in their home timeline.

    From social media to ChatGPT, cyber

    criminals quick to adopt new tech

    Forget Jamtara that has kept on inspiring cyber thugs to steal your data or money via traditional, OTP-based methods to date. Brace yourself for a new age of hacking via artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools.

    A new crop of con artists is now thriving that is utilising newer means — from social media platforms to UPI-based frauds and from operating fake gambling websites to now working on AI chatbot ChatGPT — to rob you of your hard-earned money. A woman was duped of Rs 27 lakh last week by a woman fraudster who promised her handsome returns on investment in digital marketing on WhatsApp.

    “The task was to like and subscribe to YouTube accounts,” the victim said in the FIR.

    The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch last week busted a racket involved in forging documents including Aadhaar cards, PAN card, and driving license for obtaining SIM cards, opening bank accounts and taking loans. On interrogation, police found that the con group used ordinary persons who don’t have any ID documents for preparing these documents and further misusing them. Cyber-security researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia has unearthed a new type of fraud online. Every day from 5 p.m., several satta (gambling) websites start trending on Google, which offer quick money upon playing the satta that starts from as little as Rs 100 and goes into thousands.

    “These websites start appearing in the evening and every website guarantees profits. These gambling websites are being run with tier 1 and 2 city names like Delhi Satta King, Disawar gali Satta, Shri Ganesh Chart, Satta King Delhi Bazar and more,” Rajaharia told IANS.

    Those who place satta, using various UPI payment platforms, get nothing in return as the winning prize always goes to people these websites had already selected.

                    Source:  IANS

  • Apple Watch band may change colour based on your outfit in future

    Apple Watch band may change colour based on your outfit in future

    Apple is researching how to add a colour change function to the Apple Watch band that matches the wearer’s clothing and alerts the wearer to information. According to AppleInsider, a newly-granted patent appears to show it doing just that. Instead of purchasing multiple watch bands to match different outfits, “Watch Band With Adjustable Colour” suggests that users purchase just one that changes colour.

    “Users may desire the ability to customise their watch bands to express variety and style,” according to the newly-granted patent. “For example, a user may desire a watch band of a particular colour based on the user’s selection of clothing, other wearable articles, environment, or another preference,” it added.

    Apple’s patent describes the idea by referring to Watch bands with “electrochromic features”, meaning that “an applied voltage” can cause “a variety of colours and colour combinations to be displayed by a single band”.

    Moreover, the report said, while the patent attempts to describe every possible use of its core idea, the central examples revolve around bands that are made from a fabric which is itself woven from filaments.

    “Some or all of the filaments can include electrochromic features. For example, one or more of the filaments can include a conductor and an electrochromic layer,” Apple was quoted as saying.

                    Source: IANS

  • Tips to build nutritionally balanced meal plan to support your gut health

    Tips to build nutritionally balanced meal plan to support your gut health

    Eating a nutritionally balanced meal that supports gut health can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and reduce the risk of digestive issues, inflammation, and chronic diseases. Let’s explore what is a nutritionally balanced meal that promotes a healthy gut. Tanisha Bawa, Certified Nutrition Coach, Founder of TAN|365 shared with HT Lifestyle, meals that can be consumed to increase the good gut bacteria and boost your gut health.

    Rainbow of plant-based food and dietary fibre

    This will not only make your plate look great, but is also really important for the intake of diverse fibre sources. Consuming adequate fibre supports your cardiovascular and digestive health. It is also linked to glycaemic control for diabetes and maintaining a healthy weight. Hence, complex carbs like millet, amaranth, quinoa, and lentils; fruit like berries, apples, and citrus fruits; vegetables like zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, etc. must be a part of your daily meals.

    Probiotics

    Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms which can be found naturally in fermented foods among others or in the form of supplements. Probiotic consumption has been linked to disease prevention, immunity support and helps against gastrointestinal infections. Probiotics can be found in kefir, pickles, tempeh, greek yogurt and drinks like Kombucha.

    Prebiotics

    If you include probiotics in your diet, they will need prebiotics to truly help your gut improve. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that feed on probiotics in your gut. They assist in further improving the immunity system, nervous system, cardiovascular health and bone health. Foods rich in prebiotics are garlic, onion, ripe bananas, watermelon, apples, cherries, cashews, chia seeds, pistachios, etc.

    Good fats

    Good fats take care of your gut. They improve your mood because 80% of our happy hormone like serotonin, is produced in the gut. So when you consume sufficient good fats, you will observe a positive change in your mood. Even your skin and hair health is tied down to a good gut, therefore, you will see a difference in those aspects too.                Source: HT

  • Mental health: Foods that boost serotonin and mood regulation

    Mental health: Foods that boost serotonin and mood regulation

    It is commonly known that eating has a significant impact on one’s health and happiness. Yet as time goes on, we’re discovering how eating especially affects our social, emotional, and mental health.

    Traditionally, psychiatric interventions like counselling, medication, and even hospitalisation have been used to treat mental health disorders. Nutritional psychiatry, a new discipline, focuses on how diet and nutrition affect how people feel mentally. It seeks to support dietary and lifestyle changes used in the treatment of mental health disorders. We may have previously taken it for granted, but it makes obvious sense that the meals we eat affect our brains just as much as the rest of our body. In one of her recent Instagram reels, nutritionist Lovneet Batra lists boosts that might be able to boost our serotonin levels.

    She writes, “Are you constantly depressed, irritated, and fighting bad mood swings, all for no reason? Well, it may be a sign of serotonin deficiency.”

    “Foods rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps increase serotonin production, that can have a positive effect on your mood and overall health. So, if you are looking to eat your way to calmness or happiness, here are 7 right serotonin-rich foods that can help.” She continues. Here are some  serotonin-rich foods for better mental health as per the nutritionist:

    –              Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Our body uses tryptophan to produce 5-HTP, the compound that makes serotonin and melatonin, two mood and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters.

    –              Almonds pack a lot of nutrients, including folate and magnesium. Magnesium plays a large role in the development of serotonin, which is a major contributor to feelings of happiness in your brain. Almonds are also rich in vitamins B2 and E which help bolster the immune system during times of stress.

    –              A2 milk contains tryptophan which is an amino acid that produces serotonin, thereby playing an important role in regulating sleep patterns and mood.

    –              Pineapple contains tryptophan to boost serotonin in the brain. Additionally, pineapple contains the protein bromelain, which comes with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

                    Source: NDTV

  • Lose weight with cumin seeds

    Lose weight with cumin seeds

    Cumin, also known as jeera, is an earthy, nutty somewhat bitter spice that is available in India and other countries. Do you know that this spice has got a unique weight loss power too? You can lose your belly fat within just 20 days by eating cumin regularly. Also, your overall body weight can be reduced after eating cumin on a daily basis. A research done on cumin for its weight loss abilities on 88 obese women showed that cumin is very effective for weight loss. It helps burn calories fast by increasing the metabolism rate and digestion.

    Apart from its weight loss abilities, cumin has got many other health benefits associated with it. It lowers bad cholesterol, prevents heart attack, increases memory, boosts immunity, treats anaemia, increases digestion, prevents gases and bloating, etc. In this article, we have mentioned various ways to use cumin for weight loss. Cumin (jeera) is also very effective in reducing belly fat within a matter of just 15 days. Drink or eat cumin powder on a daily basis to experience a magical result. Read on the article to know how to use cumin for weight loss.

    Cumin Weight Loss Drink

    Soak 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds in water overnight and boil the seeds in the morning. Filter it to remove the seeds and squeeze a half-cut lemon to this. Drink it on an empty stomach every morning for 2 weeks for quick weight loss.

    Cumin Powder With Yoghurt

    Cumin can be consumed in many forms for weight loss. Mix one teaspoon of cumin powder with 5 grams of yogurt and have it daily.

    Other Ways To Use Cumin

    The other ways of eating cumin are to mix 3 grams of cumin powder in water with few drops of honey and later drink it. Make a vegetable soup and add one teaspoon of cumin in it. Add it to plain brown rice that not only enhances its flavour but also increases its weight loss properties.

    Lemon, Ginger And Cumin

    This is one of the effective weight loss cumin recipes. Both ginger and lemon increase the weight loss ability of cumin seeds. To make this weight loss dish, grate a ginger and boil carrots and other veggies in water. Sprinkle some cumin powder, lemon juice, grated ginger over the vegetables and have them for dinner.

    Cumin Melts Belly Fat

    Cumin helps to burn extra calories and melts belly fat as well. The nutrients and antioxidants present in cumin seeds can increase metabolism, and thus help our body to burn calories and melt belly fat fast.

    Cumin Increases Digestion And Prevents Gases. Cumin also helps in proper digestion of foods, and thus prevents gases. Bloating and flatulence are common issues that are caused by indigestion of food.

  • Face masks to keep your skin 10 years younger

    Pomegranate Mask

    Due to vitamin C and antioxidants present in pomegranate, it can help to boost collagen, thus giving you clear and glowing skin. The pomegranate face mask is extremely beneficial for your face, as it helps to remove dead skin cells, thus giving you flawless-looking skin. Take 3 spoons of pomegranate seeds, add two spoons of cooked oats and 2 spoons of milk. Grind all the ingredients together and apply this mask on the face. Wait for some time and wash off with cold water.

    Oatmeal And Honey Mask

    Make a face mask with the help of honey and oatmeal, and massage this on your face. Wait for 20-30 minutes and wash off with cold water. Using a mixture of oatmeal and honey can help to exfoliate your skin deeply, thus preventing dead skin cells on the skin. Also, it helps to increase the production of collagen, thus giving you a younger-looking skin. Repeat the process 5 times in a week to enjoy maximum benefits.

    Banana Anti-ageing Face

    Mask Banana contains a lot of good fibre, antioxidants, and proteins that help to keep your skin looking younger and fresh every time. There are several ways to use banana on the skin and here we mention to you one simplest yet effective banana face mask recipe. Take a banana and mash it with the help of a fork. Now, add some honey and fresh cream to the mixture. Mix well and apply this on your face. Wait for 30 minutes and wash off with cold water. Due to Vitamin E and anti-ageing properties, banana can help to reverse the signs of ageing.

    Papaya And Yogurt Face Mask

    Due to essential antioxidants and tannins present in papaya and yogurt, respectively, this mask can help to benefit your skin in several ways. It not only helps to give you a clear and glowing face, but it prevents an appearance of acne, blemishes and other signs of ageing on the face. Also, using papaya and yogurt face mask can help to work as a natural sunscreen, thus protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Mash papaya and add some yogurt to it. Add one spoon of turmeric and mix everything together. Apply this face mask on the face and wash off with water. Repeat thrice in a week to enjoy the benefits.

    Coconut Milk

    Coconut milk is a treasure of all the good vitamins and proteins and hence it proves to be extremely beneficial for the skin. Due to minerals present in the coconut milk, it can help to keep your skin soft and moisturised for a longer period of time. Take some coconut milk, add one spoon of lemon, one spoon of honey and one spoon of glycerine to it. Mix all the ingredients together and apply this mask on the face.

  • Tricks to get shiny legs

    Tricks to get shiny legs

    Moisturizing Your Legs

    Use moisturizing lotion daily. Legs that are moisturized will automatically have a nice glow. When your skin is hydrated, it looks younger and much more vibrant. Put on a fresh layer of lotion to give your legs a gorgeous, subtle shine. There are tons of moisturizing lotions that can be purchased at beauty and convenience stores, and you can also use natural products like coconut oil or shea butter to moisturize your skin.

    Always apply lotion after you take a shower. This will help lock moisture into your skin, and prevent it from looking dull. Always apply lotion after you shave or wax your legs. Shaving and waxing can be harsh on your skin, so be sure to moisturize afterwards.

    If you’re wearing shorts or a dress, carry a small lotion with you to re-apply throughout the day. Give your legs a rub down with lotion every few hours to keep your legs looking bright.

    Exfoliate your legs

    Exfoliation is the key to smooth and shiny legs, as it removes all of your dead skin cells. Dead skin cells cause our skin to look dull and dry. Exfoliating will eliminate that top layer of dull skin, revealing a new layer of bright, moisturized skin. Use a body scrub to exfoliate your legs 2-3 times per week.

    Body scrubs can be purchased at most convenience and beauty supply stores, or you can make your own at home.

    To make your own body scrub, you’ll need sugar or salt and some type of oil (olive oil, coconut oil, etc.). Your sugar or salt will be your exfoliant, and your oil will be the moisturizer. Mix your ingredients together, your scrub should be thick. You can keep your body scrub in a tupperware container in the shower. Consider adding an essential oil (like rosemary or peppermint) to your body scrub to give it a relaxing scent.

    Apply oil to your legs

    If you want your legs to really shine, apply a small amount of oil to your legs. There are tons of oils that can turn any pair of legs into shiny show-stoppers, including coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil. With oil, a little bit goes a long way. Pour a nickel sized amount of oil into your palms, rub your palms together, and proceed to apply oil all over your legs. The oil will create a shine that will last for hours while simultaneously conditioning your skin.

    Be careful when applying oil to your skin, because oil can easily stain clothing. Make sure to rub the oil into your skin very well before getting dressed, as this will prevent any clothing damage.

    Applying oil to your legs right after shaving is a great way to lock in moisture.

    Shave your legs

    Shaving is the quickest and easiest way to remove your leg hair. Removing your leg hair will automatically make your legs appear to be shinier. Shave as often as necessary – some people shave every day, some shave once a week. Invest in a good razor, especially if you have sensitive skin. A good razor will often have multiple blades and a conditioning strip.

    Shave your legs while in a hot bath or shower. The hot water will open up your pores, allowing you to get a closer shave.

    Take your time when shaving your legs. Don’t rush through the shaving process, as you could cut yourself or miss a section of hair.

    When you shave, use a good shaving cream. There are many shaving creams that can be purchased at beauty or convenience stores, but you can also use natural shaving creams.

  • Moong Dal Kachori

    Moong Dal Kachori

    INGREDIENTS

    –              2 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cup refined oil

    –              5 teaspoon refined oil, For Filling, 2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder

    –              1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 cup soaked moong dal, 2 cup chopped green chilli

    –              1 teaspoon fennel seeds powder, 1 gm asafoetida

    –              1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds

    Method

    –              Take all purpose flour in a big bowl, add salt and oil. Mix well.

    –              Add little water at a time and knead soft dough. Cover the dough and keep it aside for 15-20 minutes.

    –              Preheat a pan and add 3-4 tbsp oil in it. Add cumin seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, green chilly, coriander powder, fennel powder and saute the spices for few minutes.

    –              Now add soaked dal, salt, garam masala, ginger powder and red chilly powder.

    –              Stir constantly and cook dal until it dries up. Allow it to cool and keep it separate.

    –              Now take one dough ball and flatten it with help of your fingers. Fill it with dal stuffing and make kachori. Repeat the process with other dough balls.

    –              Preheat oil in a wok. Fry the kachori till it turns golden brown.

    –              Crunchy moong dal kachori is ready.

  • Pakistan government orders Foreign Office to slash missions abroad as part of austerity measures: Report

    Pakistan government orders Foreign Office to slash missions abroad as part of austerity measures: Report

    ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the foreign ministry to slash the number of missions abroad and reduce their offices, staff and initiate other measures to cut down expenditures of the debt-ridden nation by 15 per cent, a media report said on February 22.
    In a directive titled “Rationalisation of Foreign Mission Abroad” issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday, Sharif also demanded a well-considered proposal/plan from the foreign ministry in concern to the matter within two weeks positively, The News International newspaper reported.
    The move to slash the missions abroad was recommended by the National Austerity Committee (NAC), which was constituted by Prime Minister Sharif to suggest austerity measures for the country in the wake of the current financial crisis it is witnessing. “In view of the ongoing economic constraints and the consequent need for fiscal consolidation and control of external deficit, the prime minister was pleased to constitute NAC,” the report said.
    “The committee has recommended, inter-alia, that the expenditure on Pakistan Missions abroad may be reduced by 15 per cent. This may be achieved by curtailing the number of Foreign Missions, reduction in the number of officers and staff posted there and other suitable measures,” the report added.
    The move came as there has been increasing frustration among the political-cum-technocratic members of the federal cabinet for reluctance on the part of the government not to implement the recommendations given by the NAC which was constituted by the premier himself but so far no action got implemented in Pakistan has a chronic balance of payments problem which was exacerbated in the last year, with the country’s forex reserves declining to critical levels. As of February 10, the central bank had only USD 3.2 billion in reserves, enough to cover barely three weeks of imports. To stem dollar outflows, the government has imposed restrictions, allowing imports of only essential food items and medicines until a bailout is agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is seen as essential for the country to stave off default.
    Sharif’s government is hellbent on implementing measures to cut down on its expenditures by increasing taxes on the public and bringing down government expenses.
    Although Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in his mini budget speeches reiterated the government’s commitment to undertaking austerity steps by the Prime Minister within weeks, there was a perception that the government undertook all tough measures by hiking electricity, and gas tariffs and imposing Rs 170 billion additional tax burden there was no hurry for cutting down wasteful expenditures, the report said. (PTI)

  • Bangladesh shuts down main opposition newspaper

    DHAKA (TIP): The only newspaper of Bangladesh’s main opposition party halted printing on February 20 after a government suspension order was upheld, stoking fears about media freedom in the South Asian nation.
    Campaigners and foreign governments including the United States have long expressed worries about efforts by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to silence criticism and what they see as creeping authoritarianism.
    The Dainik Dinkal, a broadsheet Bengali-language newspaper, has been a vital voice of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for more than three decades. It employs hundreds of journalists and press workers.
    It covers news stories that the mainstream newspapers, most of which are controlled by pro-government businessmen, rarely do. This includes the frequent arrests of BNP activists and what the party says are thousands of fake cases against its supporters.
    The newspaper said the Dhaka district authorities ordered the shutdown on December 26, but it continued to publish after making an appeal at the Press Council headed by a top high court judge.
    “The council rejected our appeal yesterday (Sunday), upholding the district magistrate’s order to stop our publication,” Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, managing editor of the newspaper, told AFP.
    The order, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, said the printing permit of the newspaper was cancelled after the newspaper violated the country’s printing and publication laws.
    The council said the paper’s publisher, Tarique Rahman — the acting chief of BNP — was a convicted criminal and was living abroad without handing over his job to another person.
    Biswas said Rahman, now based in London, submitted his resignation and appointed a new publisher, but the authorities did not accept the changes.
    “This shutdown is all part of the government crackdown on dissenting voices and freedom of speech,” Biswas said.
    The government on Monday did not comment on the shutdown.
    Two Dhaka-based journalist unions said in a joint statement that the decision was a “reflection of the repression of opposition voices”.
    Unions and journalists staged small street protests over the shutdown on Monday. Last month, Hasina’s government ordered the closure of 191 websites it accuses of publishing “anti-state news”, citing intelligence reports. The Bangladesh government has previously blocked websites several times, notably in December 2018 ahead of national elections.
    The 2022 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders ranked Bangladesh at 162, worse than Russia (155) and Afghanistan (156). Bangladesh’s draconian Digital Security Act, under which hundreds of people have been arrested since 2018, has caused particular alarm. (AFP)

  • Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan appears before court, avoids arrest

    Islamabad (TIP): Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on February 20 thwarted the government’s plan to arrest him by personally appearing before the Lahore High Court, which granted him protective bail till March 3 in a case linked to violent protests by his supporters following his disqualification by the election commission.
    Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh had directed 70-year-old Khan to appear before the court for a hearing of his protective bail petition in the case. His court appearance came amid high drama as hundreds of supporters thronged the court premises to show their support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader. Imran overshot the deadline of reaching the court by 5 pm as he could reach only at 7.30 pm as a massive crowd of PTI supporters prevented him from entering. During the hearing, Imran said he respected the courts and added his doctors had advised him against walking due to his leg injury. “My party’s name is Tehreek-e-Insaf (movement for justice) and I expect the same from courts,” he said.
    Earlier, Imran’s counsel had requested the court to verify his client’s presence through the court staff as the PTI chief was facing difficulty in entering the court due to security reasons. However, the court rejected the request and ordered the security in charge to present the politician before the bench. (PTI)

  • Six fishermen injured in Sri Lankan navy ‘assault’

    MAYILADUTHURAI (TIP): Six fishermen from Tharangambadi in the district were allegedly assaulted by Sri Lankan Navy personnel at sea near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the wee hours of February 23.
    According to sources, P Balasubramaniyan (40), A Karthi (32), M Arunkumar (27), S Madhavan (36), V Murugan (55) and boat owner P Velmurugan (42) put out to sea in Tharangambadi on Tuesday night.
    Around 4 am on Thursday, the fishermen were fishing about a dozen nautical miles off Kodiyakarai when the Sri Lankan personnel confronted them. They boarded the fishing vessel and assaulted the fishermen for around three hours. They then seized their equipment onboard such as the GPS, battery, fishing rods and lifebuoys before leaving, sources added. The injured fishermen returned to shore on Thursday afternoon and complained to the local authorities. They also received treatment at Mayiladuthurai Government General Hospital. Based on a complaint, the Vedaranyam Marine Police registered a case. (IE)