The Indian Panorama

Year: 2023

  • Veer Bal Divas Exhibition- Story of the Martyrdom of the Sahibzadas

    Veer Bal Divas Exhibition- Story of the Martyrdom of the Sahibzadas

    HICKSVILLE , NY (TIP): A picture exhibition on the martyrdom of the Four Sahibzadas ( Sons of the Tenth Master of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh) was on display at Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Hicksville from February 3 to 12, 2023. The Consulate General of India in New York provided the pictures and the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar organized the exhibition. A large number of women, women and children, as is evident from the pictures here, visited the exhibition in the spacious langar hall of the Gurdwara.
    Speaking about the Exhibition to The Indian Panorama, Mr. Harcharan Singh Gulati, Gurdwara General Secretary said that the exhibition was extremely educative for children in particular and thanked the Consulate General for lending the pictures . Mr. Gulati thanked Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja for his initiative in having the exhibition organized. Mr. Gulati thanked the Sikh Sangat who very enthusiastically came to see the exhibition.
    Asked if the Gurdwara management planned to organize more such exhibitions, Mr. Gulati said the management was always thinking of ways to educate the younger generation, in particular about the Sikh history and the Sikh faith, and that is why the management organizes Punjabi language, Gurbani, Gurmat and music classes. He added that the management welcomes suggestions from the Sikh sangat for any value addition to Gurdwara services and programs.

  • Assam: The land of blue hills, green valleys

    Assam: The land of blue hills, green valleys

    Assam is a land of blue hills, green valleys and a red river — the majestic and sacred Brahmaputra. It is known for its famous tea, its silk and its biodiversity, and is also rich in archeological heritage. Assam is in the north eastern region of India, just below the eastern Himalayan foothills. It is surrounded by the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, which together with Assam are known collectively as the seven sisters, and by the nations of Bhutan and Bangladesh. The borders of China and Myanmar are within the range of 80 to 100 km.
    THINGS TO DO
    EXPERIENCE FESTIVAL CHEER
    The festivals of a particular region are the mirrors that reflect the life and cultural orientation of the people. And thanks to a massive diverse cultural milieu and numerous habitant communities, Assam hosts a bevy of festivals across the year. These fiestas are the perfect time to be in the state as they offer the ideal opportunity to mingle with the locals and get close to their lives and habits. The main festival of Assam is Bihu and there are three distinct ways to celebrate it within a year – one in January, one in April and the other in September-October. The significance of Bihu lies in the fact that it is not a religious festival but a way to celebrate mother nature and the various stages of harvesting. Apart from Bihu, the people of Assam celebrate various other festivals – witness Kamakhya Temple in full glory during the Ambubachi Mela (June); be a part of the lives of the Bodos (one of Assam’s main tribes) in Baishagu (April) and enjoy the Mising (another tribe) hospitality in Ali Aye Ligang (mid February). Apart from these celebrations, Assamese people observe all the major Indian and global festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid and Christmas; but yes, with a tinge of local flavor!
    Embark on a Spiritual Sojourn
    Assam with all its natural beauty and mystic charm is home to a unique spiritual mix. Not a frontline pilgrimage destination, the state, nevertheless has its set of temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches. All the major religious faiths co – exist in the land and have grown into full – fledged ways of living with a set of indigenous spiritual leaders.
    The tiny town of Hajo is an eternal example of communal harmony with Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism – all co – existing peacefully. Visit the Hayagriva Madhava Mandir, which is reminiscent of the Jagannath Temple in Puri; pay your respect at the Powa Mecca and witness the power of Shakti in Kamakhya Temple. Sikhism is not much prevalent in Assam but the town of Dhubri at the bank of the Brahmaputra houses a gurdwara (often called Dhubri Saheb) founded by Guru Teg Bahadur in 17th century. Find solace amid all these peaceful abodes and experience serenity.
    Mystery hunt in Mayong
    Who does not love a good tale of mystery with open ending? And the films of Christopher Nolan are not the only answer to it. Despite the growing information flow about the life and living in Assam, there is still a section of society as well as a section of travelers who are either apprehensive or intrigued by the scattered tales of the indescribable and indefinable. These stories are everywhere in the state but two places commend special mention if we talk about the unexplained mystery trail of Assam – Jatinga and Mayong.
    A 40-km drive from Guwahati will lead you to the quiet and peaceful village of Mayong in Morigaon district; but the serenity of this place is more a veil of mystery than anything else. Often referred to as India’s magic capital, Mayong is (in)famous for the tales of people vanishing into thin air, fierce beasts being tamed as if they were a puppy and not a beast or humans being converted into animals and vice a versa. An outlaw of a place for many years, Mayong, of late, has gained prominence as a tourist destination and adventure seekers from all parts of the globe visit this eerie village. Another sleepy hamlet Jatinga is known for the mass bird suicides that take place from September to November every year.
    Take the Heritage trails
    An ancient land of myths and legends, it is no surprise that Assam has a rich repertoire of historical monuments with numerous mythological references attached to them. A cultural heritage aficionado or a history lover will have a field day while living some of the lesser known episodes and tales from Assam’s past amid ruined palaces and quiet architectural marvels. Icing on the cake – many of these remnants of the past have been keeping a low profile in the midst of soul – soothing natural beauty or fitness – testing highlands!
    To warm up, you can start with a heritage walk along the alleys of old Guwahati and then move 41 kms north to Baihata Chariali that houses an archaeological site called Madan Kamdev. Take a trip to the culturally rich town of Sivasagar and stand witness to the finer side of the Ahom dynasty amid the Rang Ghar, the Charaideo hillock, Joy dol, Shiva dol, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar and Sivasagar tank. Assam’s cultural capital, the town of Jorhat, is witness to many historical events in the state and is still a must – visit for a history chaser. The present town of Tezpur finds frequent reference in The Mahabharata and the love story of princess Usha (King Baana’s Daughter) and prince Anirudha (grandson of Lord Krishna) tickles the romantic hidden inside you; not to mention other tourist points like Agnigarh hill, Cole Park, Mahabhairab Temple and Hazara Pukhuri.
    River cruise on the Brahmaputra
    The river runs through the entire length of Assam but the stretch that touches Guwahati is the most highlighted one, courtesy the city’s commercial and political status and the famous Saraighat Bridge. The Brahmaputra divides the city into two parts while on its imposing journey from the Himalayan glaciers to the Bay of Bengal. After the completion of Saraighat Bridge, these waters were traversed just for fishing and coastline trading but the scene has changed drastically in the past decade or so. Now several ferry service providers offer laid-back river cruises for the travelers.
    The Bharalu ghat and the Kachari ghat in the city are the main places from where you can book a cruise. Usually operated in the afternoon, these cruises last for two to three hours and take you along the majestic waters of the Brahmaputra. These ferries have sitting area for the guests and one can avail the food and beverage services onboard. Imagine yourself on one of these ferries with a cup of tea standing witness to the sunset on the crimson western sky!
    Heritage walks in old Guwahati
    There is a reason why the phrase – old is gold – exists in our vocabulary and the old Guwahati area further cements that saying. Though there is no specific new Guwahati on either maps or local lingo, we can recommend certain localities that will bring back the old world charm once you set foot in them. And we are referring to the literal meaning of the word ‘foot’ here as these vintage parts are best explored if you walk down its alleys and corridors. The major areas that fall under this bracket are?the academic hub of Panbazar, the colonial remnant Uzanbazar, the roads of Kharghuli, the entire area of Digholipukhuri and some parts of Aambari area.

  • Maha Shivratri: The great night of Shiva

    Maha Shivratri: The great night of Shiva

    Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated largely in India and Nepal in reverence of Lord Shiva. It is also known as Padma Rajarathri. The festival is celebrated every year in the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha(waning moon) on the 13th night/14th day of the Maagha month of the Hindu calendar.
    According to the legend, this day is a very dear day to Lord Shiva because on this day Lord Shiva was married to Mother Parvati. Hence this day is celebrated as Mahashivratri. It is said that on this auspicious day, a person who observes a fast and worships Lord Shiva will never have to endure the torture of hell.
    The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael or Bilva/Vilvam leaves to Lord Shiva. Many devotees also observe all-day fasting and an all-night-long vigil and chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Lord “Om Namah Shivaya”. Some devotees also do penances to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation.
    On Maha Shivratri, Nishita Kala is the ideal time to observe Shiva Pooja. On this day, in all Shiva’s temples, the most auspicious Lingodbhava puja is performed.
    Origins of Maha Shivaratri
    The roots of the festival, and its modern significance, are entwined in ancient Indian mythology. According to legend, Maha Shivaratri marks the occasion when Shiva first performed the Tandava Nritya – also known as the dance of primordial creation, preservation, and destruction. It was through this dance of devotion that Lord Shiva saved the world from destruction.
    Maha Shivaratri also marks the occasion of Shiva’s marriage to the Goddess Parvati, and the day he became one with Mount Kailash. In the yogic tradition Shiva is revered, not as a God, but as the Adi Guru – the very first Guru from whom the science of Yoga originated. Maha Shivarati is a night of stillness and quietude, inspired by and devoted to the stoic grace and discipline of Lord Shiva.
    Rituals associated with Maha Shivaratri
    The festival combines all-day fasting and an all-night vigil. During daylight hours, devotees rise early and take a ritual bath. After these ablutions, they will head over to the nearest temple dedicated to Shiva, to make offerings of milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water. In homes and temples throughout India, the sacred mantra of Shiva is chanted: “Om Namah Shivaya.” Special Puja are held, during which incense is burned, lamps are lit, and streams of pilgrims continue to appear during the day and into the night. Through it all, devotees maintain a solemn fast until the following morning.
    Maha Shivratri is closely associated with fertility and creation. During the festival, unmarried women observe this fast in the hope that they will find a partner, while married women observe the fast to give thanks and maintain the balance of harmony in their marriage.
    Lord Shiva is commonly worshiped in the form of a symbol that represents creation – a lingam. Other common iconography or symbolism tied up with Shivaratri is the bel tree (or quince, which is native to India), as this was one apparently one of Shiva’s favorites. Today, its leaves and fruit continue to play a central role in the festivities.
    Legends & Stories Of Maha Shivratri
    Marriage of Shiva and Shakti
    One of the most popular legends of Maha Shivratri is related to the marriage of Shiva and Shakti. The day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivratri – the Night of Lord Shiva. It tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. There is another version of the legend, according to which Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivratri, for the well being of her husband. Believing in this legend, married women began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Maha Shivratri, while, unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal partner.
    Samudra Manthan
    There is another very popular Shivratri legend from Puranas, which explains why people stay awake all night on Shivratri and why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha. According to the story, when the battle between devas and asuras took place, a pot of poison came out of the ocean and on the request of gods, Lord Shiva drank the poison. The poison was so potent that it changed the color of His neck to blue. For this reason, Lord Shiva is also called Neelkanth, where ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kantha’ means neck or throat. As part of the therapy, Lord Shiva was advised to awake during the night. Thus, to keep Shiva awake, the gods performed various dances and played music. Pleased with their devotion, He blessed them all, the next morning. Therefore, Shivratri is the celebration of this event in which Lord Shiva saved the world.
    Legend of Shiva Linga
    The legend of Shiva Linga is also deeply related to Maha Shivratri. According to the story, Brahma and Vishnu searched hard to discover the Aadi (beginning) and the Antha (end) of Lord Shiva. It has been believed that on the 14th day in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, Shiva first manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Since then, the day is considered to be extremely auspicious and is celebrated as Maha Shivratri – the grand night of Shiva. To celebrate this occasion, devotees of Lord Shiva keeps fast during the day and worship the Lord throughout the night. It is said that worshipping Lord Shiva on Shivratri bestows one with happiness and prosperity.
    Legend of Ganga
    The legend of Ganga is another popular legend which is related to Shivratri. Ganga’s descent from the heavens to the earth has been narrated in the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana. This legend explains the popular custom of giving bath to Shiv Linga on Shivratri festival. According to this legend, Lord Shiva held out his thick matted hair to catch the river ganga, as she descended from heaven. The meandering through Shiva’s lock softened Ganga’s journey to the earth and the holy waters washed away the ashes of Bhagirath’s ancestors. The Ganga, thus, became an attribute of Shiva and therefore Shiva is also known as Gangadhara. Believing in this legend, Shiva is given a bath with gangajal and devotees take a dip in the holy water of river Ganga, on Shivratri.

  • Adani Enterprises back in black, records Rs 820-crore profit in Q3

    Adani Enterprises back in black, records Rs 820-crore profit in Q3

    New Delhi (TIP)- Adani Enterprises’ (AEL) good third quarter numbers led to a rebound in its stocks after three days of selloff but seven of the Group’s listed companies were trading in the red with six hitting the lower circuit-breaker of 5%. “We will be investing heavily in our relationship with India over the coming decades and we’re confident it will only go from strength to strength,” said AEL on the results.
    Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani termed the current market volatility as temporary and said “as a classical incubator with a vision of long-term value creation, AEL will continue to work with the twin objectives of moderate leverage and looking at strategic opportunities to expand and grow.” The majority of the buying in AEL stocks took place in the later half of the day after the Q3 results were announced. The favourable results helped the stock inch up and restored its market value to about Rs 2 lakh crore. AEL reported net profit of Rs 820.06 crore for the September to December 2022 period as against net loss of Rs 11.63 crore in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue from operations rose 41.87% to Rs 26,612.23 crore compared to Rs 18,757.87 crore.
    However, six Adani stocks — NDTV, Adani Power, Adani Wilmar, Adani Green, Adani Total and Adani Transmission — fell by 5% each and Ambuja Cements declined by 1.74%. The sentiment was unaffected despite some damage control with the Group announcing the appointment of accountancy firm Grant Thornton for an independent audit of some of its companies in an attempt to counter allegations made in the Hindenburg report. The audit is likely to be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India as well because it will examine if there was any misappropriation of funds or if loans were used for any other purpose, said company officials. Source: TNS

  • Asian markets retreat as US inflation fuels rate-hike bets

    Asian markets retreat as US inflation fuels rate-hike bets

    BEIJING (TIP)- Asian markets sank Wednesday as a mixed US inflation report did little to soothe investor worries that the Federal Reserve will continue to ramp up interest rates, which many fear could cause a recession.
    The much-anticipated figures from January’s consumer price index showed a slight slowdown from the previous month, but the 6.4 percent reading was higher than forecast, suggesting a return to normality will take longer than hoped.
    A number of top Fed officials also lined up to restate that borrowing costs will likely need to go higher and for an extended period if they are to bring inflation down to their two percent target.
    Recent data had suggested the bank’s almost year-long rate-hike campaign was beginning to show results, providing fuel for a healthy run-up in global markets in January as traders began factoring in a possible cut towards the end of 2023.
    But that optimism has taken a severe hit, with a blockbuster jobs report confirming that the world’s top economy remains robust, narrowing the scope for the Fed to ease up. After the figures were released, monetary policymakers reiterated their determination to stay the course, with expectations that rates could go well above five percent, from the current 4.5-4.75 percent.
    Dallas Fed president Lorie Logan said: “We must remain prepared to continue rate increases for a longer period than previously anticipated, if such a path is necessary to respond to changes in the economic outlook or to offset any undesired easing in conditions.” However, Philadelphia Fed chief Patrick Harker said he thought the bank was “likely close” to being restrictive enough.
    Wall Street ended mixed, having fluctuated after the data release.
    But Asia sank back into the red.
    Hong Kong led losses, shedding more than one percent, with China’s reopening from zero-Covid no longer able to provide any cushion to sentiment.Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, Taipei, Wellington, Manila and Jakarta were also well down.The prospect of more rate hikes lifted the dollar against its peers on Tuesday, and it held its gains in Asian trade.”While in line, the CPI release is a reminder that lowering inflation towards the Fed’s target may be more gradual than conventional thinking,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.
    “And this environment may also result in a higher-for-longer rate environment — somewhat counter to a market still pricing in a Fed funds rate cut later this year.”
    Exports dip by 6.58 per cent in January; trade deficit lowest in 12 months at USD 17.75 billion
    Contracting for the second month in a row, India’s exports dipped by 6.58 per cent to USD 32.91 billion in January due to slowdown in global demand, even as the trade deficit touched a 12-month low of USD 17.75 billion during the month, according to official data released on Wednesday. Imports in January too contracted by 3.63 per cent, the second consecutive month, to USD 50.66 billion.
    Cumulatively, however, during April-January 2022-23, the country’s merchandise exports rose 8.51 per cent to USD 369.25 billion, while imports increased 21.89 per cent to USD 602.20 billion, the data showed.
    The merchandise trade deficit for the April-January this fiscal stood at about USD 233 billion.
    The country’s exports had contracted by 12.2 per cent to USD 34.48 billion in December 2022.
    Source: Agencies

  • Frederick Barclay threatened with bankruptcy over £100 million divorce award

    Frederick Barclay, the reclusive tycoon who owes his former wife £100 million, is discussing a financial settlement with her after being threatened with bankruptcy.
    The 88-year-old is yet to pay a penny of the divorce award, according to a lawyer for Hiroko Barclay, who told a London court on Monday her legal team was left with little choice but to prepare a bankruptcy petition against the “completely unrepentant” tycoon. The settlement offer to end the divorce fight was made on February 10, the same day as Frederick was set to meet his nephew Howard. The divorce suit and other recent court cases have pushed the famously secretive Barclay family’s troubles into the open with revelations of brawls on yachts and bugged hotel rooms in London’s Ritz Hotel. Frederick even pleaded poverty and asked for government money to help fund his legal woes. He skipped jail but was still found in contempt of court last year for failing to pay his former spouse thousands of pounds in legal fees.

  • ‘Inflation finally trimming’: IMF chief’s optimistic assessment of world economy

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes that a cost of living crisis that was triggered in many countries following global inflation spike is subsiding, Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said.
    “We see inflation finally trimming down in quite a number of countries. The chance of finally getting on top of the problem of cost of living being a major disrupter for millions and millions of people, we see light at the end of this tunnel,” Kristalina Georgieva said as many countries in the world continue to face inflation and increased food and energy costs. Last month, IMF estimated that world consumer-price increases would slow to 6.6% this year. This would be 0.1 percentage point higher than the October projection, following 8.8% in 2022. IMF also forecast slowing to 4.3% in 2024 and inflation rates to be lower in about 84% of countries in 2023 than in 2022. World gross domestic product will likely grow an estimated 2.9% in 2023, 0.2 percentage point more than forecast in October, IMF had said. Although, IMF raised its global economic growth outlook for the first time in a year, premised on US spending and China’s reopening after Covid. Kristalina Georgieva reiterated the Fund’s outlook, saying that even though global growth is falling, while global growth is at a low point, the IMF continues to be worried owing to the Covid pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the deadly earthquake that hit parts of Turkey and Syria.n “The world economy is still in a very difficult place. Global growth is slowing down in 2023 but it might be a turning point,” the IMF chief said.

  • Google Photos may soon get cloud backup support for Locked Folder

    Google Photos may soon get cloud backup support for Locked Folder

    Tech giant Google is reportedly planning to add cloud backup support to the “Locked Folder” of its photo sharing and storage service ‘Google Photos’. The new feature has been discovered in a hidden settings page in the application’s latest version, reports Android Central. With the new capability, users will get a way to back up images and videos saved in Locked Folder. Introduced in 2021, the space is meant to keep sensitive photos out of the users’ main camera roll.
    Currently, the photos and videos locked behind the folder are not able to recover once the users’ phone is reset or the Photos application is uninstalled, the report said. In September last year, a report mentioned that several Google Photos users had complained that their old photographs had been “corrupted”.
    People began noticing that their years-old photos (over five years, approximately) had lines and deep cracks running through them.
    Meanwhile, Google, last year, had also added new filters in Google Photos to help users show their skin in its true shade.
    WhatsApp may soon let users send images in original quality on Desktop beta
    Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature which will allow users to send images in their original quality, on Desktop beta.
    With the new feature, users will no longer have to worry about their images losing quality or resolution while sending them, reports WABetaInfo.
    When the feature will be available to the beta testers, they will still be able to send images using the standard compression method, which will be useful for those who want to save storage space.
    The ability to send photos in their original quality is currently under development and is expected to be released in a future update of the desktop application, the report said. Last month, it was reported that the messaging platform was working on this feature for Android beta. Source: IANS

  • Perseverance rover boasts its first construction on Mars

    Perseverance rover boasts its first construction on Mars

    Nearly two years after it was launched to the Red Planet, the Perseverance rover has done more than just science. It has now constructed a sample depot on the planet that will be used by future missions to return samples to Earth. The rover has beamed back a portrait of the 10 backup sample tubes. The rover has sent a panoramic view of the recently completed sample depot, which is a big milestone for the mission and humanity’s first collection of samples on another planet. The image has been made from 368 images that were sent to Earth.
    Nasa said that eight of those tubes are filled with rock and regolith from Mars, while one is an atmospheric sample and one is a “witness” tube. The rover used its Mastcam-Z camera on the top of its head to capture the images that were then stitched together to form the panoramic view.
    Nasa said that the depot represents a backup collection of samples that could be recovered in the future by the Mars Sample Return campaign, a joint effort between Nasa and ESA (European Space Agency) that aims to bring Mars samples to Earth for closer study.
    Perseverance built the depot at “Three Forks,” a location within Jezero Crater. Billions of years ago, a river flowed into the crater, carrying sediment that formed a steep, fan-shaped delta that the rover will drive up in the months ahead. Astrobiologists suspect that while the Martian surface is now cold, dry, and generally inhospitable to life, ancient Mars was likely similar to Earth – and could have supported microbial life if any ever formed on the Red Planet. The work to build a depot on another world was not easy and the first critical requirement was finding a level, rock-free stretch of terrain which has room for each tube to be deposited. The next target was to figure out exactly where and how to deploy the tubes within that location.
    While Perseverance has dropped these sample tubes, work is underway on Earth to ready for the retrieving mission that will launch to Mars, pick up these samples and return home.

    Source: India Today

  • Microsoft may bring ChatGPT Bing AI to Android, iOS soon

    Microsoft may bring ChatGPT Bing AI to Android, iOS soon

    Microsoft has started rolling out the new ChatGPT-powered Bing on desktops to early testers worldwide, and it will also be available on Android and iOS in the coming weeks, the media reported.
    The tech giant is working on a “substantial optimised interface” for Bing.com’s Chat UI for Android and iOS, which includes all-new OpenAI-powered content, reports Windows Latest, citing sources.
    In an email sent out to testers, Microsoft confirmed that the mobile experience is not yet ready, according to the report. “We don’t have a mobile experience ready yet — we are actively working on it and will have it ready soon. Until then, please continue to use the new Bing on desktop and download the Bing app from your favourite app store to ensure you are ready for the amazing experience when the mobile version is ready,” the company said in the email.
    Moreover, the report said that the company is still optimising Bing.com’s AI UX for mobile form factors.
    Meanwhile, Microsoft is also reportedly planning to demonstrate its new Prometheus model to its core productivity apps such as Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
    In the coming weeks, Microsoft will detail its productivity plans for integrating OpenAI’s language AI technology and its AI Model, reports The Verge, citing sources. Source: IANS

  • Fish Biryani

    Fish Biryani

    INGREDIENTS
    1 kilograms fish fillets, 1 cup ghee, 4 teaspoon powdered, turmeric, 5 chopped onion, 2 teaspoon coriander powder, 6 cloves, 1 cup beaten yoghurt (curd), 2 tablespoon sultanas, 5 cup basmati rice, 1 teaspoon salt, 5 tablespoon cashews, 4 teaspoon Red chilli powder, 2 inches cinnamon, 5 chopped tomato, 3 litre water. For Marination: 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric, 2 ml lemon juice
    METHOD
    – Mix the marinade ingredients, lemon juice and turmeric and rub into fish fillets. Keep aside for about 30 to 45 minutes.
    – Heat 2 tablespoon ghee in a pan. Saute rice for about 10 to 15 minutes. Add 2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and 3 litres of warm water. Mix gently and bring to a boil.
    – Lower the flame and cover pan with a lid and cook till water is absorbed. Heat 1 cup of ghee. Fry the sultanasa and remove. Add cashewnuts and fry till golden brown. Fry onions in the same pan till golden brown. Add chilli powder, coriander powder and 3 teaspoon turmeric powder. Add 8 to 10 teaspoon of water and the whole spices. Mix well.
    – Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring all the time. Add the fish pieces along with 2 teaspoon salt and saute for about 5 to 8 minutes. Pour 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Add tomatoes and curd. Reduce heat and cook till gravy thickens. Grease a heavy bottomed pan with 1 tablespoon ghee. Spread the fish pieces, rice and reserved sultanas and cashewnuts in layers. Repeat until the topmost layer is rice garnished with sultanas and cashewnuts. Cover pan and cook over low heat for 5 to 8 minutes. Remove and serve hot, garnish with fried onions or spring onions.

  • Acne-causing habits you should stop

    Acne-causing habits you should stop

    Acne is a common problem in girls. Most of the times the cause of acne is either detected wrong or detected late, and therefore happens a delay in right treatment and proper medication. Girls with severe acne problems seem to get lots of expert advice from their friends, aunts, moms and grandmoms. However, the first step to treat acne is to recognise its causes. Some of the major reasons behind those red painful irritating boils on face are mentioned below:
    Improper face wash
    One of the primary causes of acne is improper face wash. If you do not wash your face properly and with right the face wash or cleanser, then you can be a quick victim of acne. Use good medicated cleansers twice a day, but remember hard cleansers and washing too frequently can make the acne worse and face drier. Always go for a face wash or cleanser that is mild, gentle, and suits your skin type.
    Daily consumption of dairy products
    Dairy products have abundance of hormone IGF 1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) which is especially found in milk. It can cause inflammation in humans. Milk causes insulin spike in humans that makes the liver produce IGF 1. This can cause excess sebum production causing more clogged pores and thus, the acne. Try to reduce dairy product consumption. Stick to mild dairy intake to prevent the growth of pimples.
    Excessive use of smartphones
    The reason is shocking but true. Smartphones are one of the common causes of breakouts on the face. This is because when the phone is placed on skin while talking to someone, we tend to press bacteria into the pores and ultimately, get pimples. It is good to keep earphones, as it keeps pimples at bay and lend a good glowing skin.
    Applying body cream on face
    This is one of the grave mistakes that most of us do. Some people apply body products on their face just casually or get some more beauty benefits. However, it is better not to use body products on face. Face creams are generally mild and their compositions are fit to be used in body parts also. So, feel free to use face cream on dry patches of body, but do not use a body lotion on face as it can lead to acne. This can happen if the skin is sensitive and the facial lotion used is oil and fragrance-free, and then a sudden jump to a scented and thicker body lotion in the hope to achieve the same hydrating results.
    Diet issue
    Junk food and sweet food items may not always be good for skin. Diet rich in oil and sugar or food with high glycemic index can be a vital cause for acne. Avoid intake of deep-fried food items, packaged food, and food rich in sugar, carbohydrate, and starch for acne-free skin. Eat small meals, and stick to a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Source: IANS

  • Exercise in pregnancy may help obese women avoid complications

    Exercise may be an efficient way for obese pregnant women to lower their risk of diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure and other complications, research suggests. “The study suggests that a prenatal exercise-based intervention leads to both decreased costs and improved outcomes in obese women,” said Leah Savitsky, a medical student at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland who led the study.
    As reported at the 37th annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in San Diego, California, Savitsky and her team analyzed previously published research on the effect of exercise on pregnant women with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30.
    The normal range for BMI – a ratio of weight to height – is 18.5 to 24.9; a BMI of 30 or more indicates obesity. (A BMI calculator is here, on the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Based on their analyses of those earlier studies, the researchers estimated the benefit of exercise for women who are obese at the start of their pregnancy. They calculated that for every one million such women, there would be 38,176 cases of a dangerous pregnancy-related blood pressure problem known as preeclampsia among those who exercised, compared to 113,000 cases among those who didn’t exercise.
    Exercise would also be linked to a decrease in so-called gestational diabetes, with a rate of 195,520 per million among exercisers compared to 305,500 among non-exercisers, according to their calculations.
    Likewise, they estimated, for every million obese pregnant women the preterm birth rate would drop from 105,059 to 90,923 with exercise, the maternal death rate would fall from 90 to 70 and the neonatal death rate would drop from 1,932 to 1,795.
    Based on a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life year, an exercise intervention could save money as long as expenses are held to just under $3,000. The effects of exercise may be even more beneficial than the study suggests, Savitsky said. “This study did not consider additional downstream benefits on control of weight beyond pregnancy as well as the downstream potential benefits on hypertension and diabetes,” she told Reuters Health by email.Women who are not obese may benefit as well. The researchers applied their model to women with a normal BMI of 18.5 – 24.9 and found similar improvements in outcomes among those who exercise, although the cost-effectiveness thresholds were lower.

    Source: Reuters

  • Lady Gaga’s new look from ‘Joker: Folie A Deux’ unveiled

    Lady Gaga’s new look from ‘Joker: Folie A Deux’ unveiled

    Director Todd Phillips has shared a new look from ‘Joker: Folie A Deux’, posting an image depicting star Joaquin Phoenix in the arms of Lady Gaga.
    “Happy Valentines Day,” reads Phillips’ brief caption on Instagram. The image marks the public’s first look at Gaga in the film. Gaga also shared the image through her own social media presence, reports Variety.
    Gaga is reportedly playing a version of the DC Comics character Harley Quinn, a psychiatrist who finds herself smitten with the Joker before taking on his villainous ways.
    Margot Robbie had previously portrayed Quinn in the ‘Suicide Squad’ films and ‘Birds of Prey’. Kaley Cuoco voices the character on the ongoing HBO Max animated series ‘Harley Quinn.’ Gaga confirmed her involvement with the ‘Joker’ sequel last August. The film has been described as a musical.
    Phillips’ original ‘Joker’ was a critical and commercial smash in 2019, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film in history. It won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was a major competitor at the year’s Academy Awards, earning 11 nominations and wins for Phoenix in best actor and Hildur Guonadottir for best original score.
    The dramatic success of ‘Joker’ quickly spurred speculation regarding a sequel. Although the landscape of DC media has shifted in the years since the original film, Phillips’ project has remained largely untouched by the newly formed DC Studios and its co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran. The ‘Joker’ sequel will not play a role in the narrative continuity of other upcoming DC films.
    Source: IANS

  • Rihanna, pregnant again, shows off baby bump at Super Bowl halftime show

    Rihanna, pregnant again, shows off baby bump at Super Bowl halftime show

    Dear Rihanna fans, we have some fantastic news coming your way. Yes, she is expecting her second child with partner, rapper A$AP Rocky. The couple welcomed their son in May, last year. Fans couldn’t keep calm after Rihanna dropped a hint during her performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, where the Philadelphia Eagles faced Kansas City Chiefs. Oh, and, her baby bump dominated the conversation on social media. The news was confirmed by the singer’s representative following her power-packed performance at the State Farm Arena in Glendale, Arizona, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Rihanna delivered some of her biggest hits, including Where Have You Been, Diamonds, We Found Love, Umbrella, and Run This Town.
    Earlier, in an interview with Apple Music, Rihanna said that she wasn’t sure about the Super Bowl opportunity. “I was like, ‘You sure? I’m three months postpartum. Should I be making major decisions like this right now? I might regret this,” she was quoted as saying.
    On how motherhood changed her mindset, Rihanna said, “When you become a mom, there’s something that just happens where you feel like you could take on the world — you can do anything. And the Super Bowl is one of the biggest stages in the world, so as scary as that was … there’s something exhilarating about the challenge of it all.” The Grammy winner added, “It’s important for my son to see that.” Rihanna also spoke about the “biggest challenge” she faced ahead of the show. As per the singer, “The setlist was the biggest challenge. That was the hardest part — deciding how to maximise 13 minutes, but also celebrate. That’s what the show’s going to be — it’s going to be a celebration of my catalogue in the best way.” Rihanna also said that she was honoured to be a part of the extravagant event, this year. “And I am honoured to be here. I am honoured to be doing this year,” she added. Source: NDTV

  • Fast X: Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa gear up to battle each other

    Fast X: Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa gear up to battle each other

    Vin Diesel is considered to be one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars. The actor emerged as a globel sensation with the Fast and Furious franchise. The saga found wide patronage in India with its thrilling action scenes and gripping narrative. Now the trailer of Fast X is out. It is a gripping affair that caters to the franchise’s ardent fans. Fast X is an action-thriller, directed by Louis Leterrier.
    On Saturday, February 10, Universal Pictures shared the official trailer of Fast X. It re-introduces us to Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) as he tries to live a happy life. His peace, however, is threatened by a foe (Jason Momoa) who wants to destroy his family for ruining his future. This sets the stage for an epic clash between the two. The trailer features punch dialogues, something which has become the hallmark of the franchise.

  • ‘I was called thunder thighs,’ Raveena on being body-shamed

    She was the quintessential symbol of sensuality during the ’90s. Even when her iconic number ‘Tip Tip Barsa Paani’ has been recreated by a leading actor (Katrina Kaif) of the recent generation, a majority of netizens opined that the former’s oomph factor can’t be matched. She is none other than, the ‘Mast Mast’ girl Raveena Tandon.
    Speaking exclusively with ANI, Raveena spoke about issues ranging from body shaming to toxic gossip magazines which could ruin someone’s career. Asked about the gossip magazines of the bygone eras, Raveena said quite unambiguously, “90s gossip magazines were the worst. And some of those women, now I see, roaming around today carrying the women’s lib badge over their heads and hearts, who were the worst enemies of women, who body-shamed women, slut shamed women and would do everything possible to bring another woman down. Today they roam around being as biggest feminists, I wonder when did that happen? If I start telling stories about them….(chuckles).”
    Raveena is celebrated for her physical charm and beauty till date. Common people don’t believe that she was ever body-shamed in the industry. During her interaction with Smita Prakash, the ‘Daman’ actor said, “No no, Please I was called a lot of things. 90s ke kholo, TTs, thunder thighs…miss this and miss that…” The actor continued, “I was plump actually. Started at 16 and a half years, and I was full of baby fat yaar… which still hasn’t gone. Though I don’t care now, I am being like that, I am like that, too bad!” Being told that she is exaggerating the facts, Raveena said, “I remember some of these titles. And not only me, but some other heroines are also called that. Besides that, instead of supporting women, what they did was…firstly all these women editors would fall in love with the heroes. And what the heroes said were the last words. If he wanted to pan a woman, the woman would be panned, shamed, literally, her career ruined in the magazines with nasty articles being put out about her. There were so many untrue articles put out because some hero went and said, “Acha, uske bare me aab aisa likh do…” and it would be the last word. And if there would be an apology, that would be on the last line of some other issues of the magazine, it would be written ‘the story carried earlier ultimately proved not to be true’. And who will read that then? At that time the screaming headlines already made the news, right?” Raveena concluded that she was utterly displeased with the ‘viciousness’ of ’90s journalism and decided to take a break after her marriage. Source: ANI

  • Deepak Tijori makes a comeback with Ittar

    Deepak Tijori makes a comeback with Ittar

    Actor Deepak Tijori is all set to make his acting comeback with the upcoming romantic film ‘Ittar’. Taking to Instagram, trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the first look motion poster of the film which he captioned, “DEEPAK TIJORI RETURNS TO ACTING WITH ‘ITTAR’… #DeepakTijori will be seen in a new avtaar in #Ittar, a mature love story directed by #NationalAward winner #VeenaBakshi… Deepak features with #NationalAward winner #RituparnaSengupta in the film, produced by #TriforceEntertainment.”
    Helmed by the national award winner Veena Bakshi the film also stars actor Rituparna Sengupta in the lead role.
    The official release date of the film is still awaited.
    Apart from this, Tijori will be also directing an adventure thriller film ‘Tipppsy’. “Besides acting in #Ittar, #DeepakTijori has also acted as well as directed an adventure-thriller, titled #Tipppsy… Costars five actresses… Produced by #RajuChadha and #DeepakTijori,” Taran Adarsh captioned.
    Tijori marked his acting debut with Mahesh Bhatt’s blockbuster musical romantic film ‘Aashiqui’ which was released in the year 1990.
    In the film he was seen in a supporting role. He was also a part of some other blockbuster films like ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar’, ‘Khiladi’, ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, ‘Baadshah’, ‘Vaastav’, ‘Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge’, ‘Raja Natwarlal’ and many more. Source: ANI

  • Arunachal is India’s part, says US resolution; condemns China’s aggression

    Arunachal is India’s part, says US resolution; condemns China’s aggression

    Washington (TIP)- A bipartisan resolution was introduced in the US Senate on Thursday, February 16,  to recognise Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India, pushing back against Beijing’s military aggression to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control. The resolution condemns additional Chinese provocations, including China’s use of military force to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, construction of villages in contested areas, publication of maps with Mandarin-language names for cities and features in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, and expansion of Beijing’s territorial claims in Bhutan.

    The resolution says that China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory, which it calls ‘‘South Tibet”, and has invoked these claims as part of its increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies.

    “The United States recognises the state of Arunachal Pradesh not as a disputed territory but as an integral part of the Republic of India, and this recognition is not qualified in any way,” says the bipartisan resolution introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, and Bill Hagerty, a Republican.

    Senator John Cornyn, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, has co-sponsored the resolution. Pushing back against Chinese claims that Arunachal Pradesh is its territory, which is part of Beijing’s increasingly aggressive and expansionist policies, the Senate resolution reaffirms that the US recognises the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

    The line that was agreed to by Britain and Tibet as part of the 1914 Simla Accord is named after Sir Henry McMahon, foreign secretary of the British-run Government of India and the chief negotiator of settling disputes with China.

    Source: PTI

  • Tripura election: 81% voter turnout recorded, EC says polls ‘largely violence-free’

    Tripura election: 81% voter turnout recorded, EC says polls ‘largely violence-free’

    New Delhi (TIP)- The tentative voter turnout for the 60-member Tripura Assembly today was recorded at 81% with the final figures to be known only by Friday, February 17, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said.

    The polling passed off “largely violence-free”, the commission said, adding that eligible Bru migrant voters, displaced from Mizoram 26 years ago due to ethnic trouble, were able to exercise their franchise for the first time in the state. Poll panel officials said no major complaints had been received so far by the ECI. “There have been no reports of any major violence or attack on candidates or (polling) agents or intimidation of voters. As against 168 repolls in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, today’s poll for 60 Assembly seats in Tripura has been largely peaceful with no (demand for) repoll reported so far,” the poll panel said in a statement.

    “Minor instances” of violence which were reported were promptly looked into by local officials,” the panel added. “For the first time in many years, Bru migrant voters were able to exercise their franchise. Special efforts were made to enrol them. Some 14,055 eligible Brus were enrolled in the state in 12 locations. They cast their votes at these locations spread across four districts,” it said. Meanwhile, the ECI said it had seized drugs, cash, and freebies worth over Rs 147 crore in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya.

    According to officials, the seized items included Rs 14 crore in cash, foreign liquor valued at over Rs 9 crore and drugs worth Rs 85.76 crore. The highest seizures were made in Meghalaya at over Rs 63 crore, followed by Tripura (Rs 44.67 crore) and Nagaland (Rs 39.19 crore). Nagaland and Meghalaya will go to the polls on February 27.

    The poll panel said the seizures in the three states marked a significant increase as compared to 2018 polls.

    For more than 30 years, Tripura was ruled by the CPM till the upset in 2018, when the BJP won 36 of the 60 seats in a state where it practically had no presence. Though the score pushed the BJP well above the majority mark of 31, it still formed alliance with regional IPFT (Indigenous Progressive Front of Tripura) – which got eight seats — as insurance against any defection by its MLAs.

    The CPM, which ruled Tripura for 35 years, has joined forces with the Congress this time, and its campaign is being led by its four-time Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. The Left Front will contest 47 of the state’s 60 seats, leaving just 13 seats for the Congress.

    While the CPM won 16 seats in 2018, the Congress – main opposition in the previous assembly — drew a blank. The CPM is hoping that their alliance will help add votes in around 13 seats. But the alliance has raised eyebrows among the Kerala units of both parties where they have been sworn enemies for decades.

    The Tipra Motha – the new party formed by former royal Pradyot Kishore Debbarma with a core demand of Greater Tipraland — might queer the pitch for the BJP. While the BJP has the local party IPFT in its corner, its hold on some seats have loosened over the last five years. In 2021, IPFT was wiped out in the Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council polls and had to accept only five seats to contest in this election.

    The BJP had initially attempted to build a rapport with the Tipra Motha, but its overtures were met with rebuff. After the BJP declared that it would not allow any division of Tripura, the Tipra Motha also hardened its stand, flinging Union minister Amit Shah’s allegation of its being the “B Team of CPM-Congress” back at the BJP.

    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP’s pointsperson in the northeast, has predicted a hugely improved performance by the party in all three northeastern states that are going to polls in this round. Elections are due in Meghalaya and Nagaland on February 27. Counting of votes will be held on March 2.

  • Lt Gen MVS Kumar is new Army Vice Chief

    Lt Gen MVS Kumar is new Army Vice Chief

    The government has approved three major appointments in the Army. Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar is the new Vice Chief of Army Staff, and the Central and South Western commands – one facing China and the other Pakistan – have got new commanders. Lt General Kumar replaces Lt Gen BS Raju, who has been appointed as the Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command chief.

    Lt Gen NSR Subramani has been posted as the Central Command chief in Lucknow. He is at present serving as the Chief of Staff at the headquarters of the Northern Command in Udhampur. The appointments will come into effect on March 1. Lt General Kumar, an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, was commissioned into 1 Assam Regiment in June 1985. He has commanded 59 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, an Infantry Brigade and an Infantry Division along the Line of Control.

    Lt General Kumar has also commanded the highly active White Knight Corps. He has held the posts of Additional Director General Military Intelligence and Director General Military Intelligence at the Army Headquarters.

    Lt Gen BS Raju was commissioned into the 11th Battalion of the Jat Regiment in December 1984. He later commanded his battalion during ‘Operation Parakram’ in Jammu and Kashmir.

    He also holds the distinction of commanding the Uri Brigade along the Line of Control and Chinar Corps in the Kashmir valley.   Source: TNS

  • Govt eases age limit of 65 to get organs of dead donors

    Govt eases age limit of 65 to get organs of dead donors

    New Delhi (TIP)- Patients aged 65 years and above can also register for receiving organs from a deceased donor now as the Centre has made necessary changes in the regulation, official sources said on Thursday, February 16. They also said the Union Health Ministry has recommended all states to remove the domicile criterion so that needy patients can register themselves in any state for receiving organs.

    The sources said the ministry also asked states not to charge any fee from patients seeking such registration, saying it was against the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014, An official said states such as Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala have been charging anything between Rs 5,000 to 10,000. The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has made necessary changes in the guidelines which now allows patients aged 65 years and above to register themselves for receiving organs from a deceased donor.

    “For registering patients requiring organs of deceased donors, earlier the upper age limit was 65 years. With this restriction removed, patients of all age groups can register for deceased donor organs. The changed guidelines have been put on the website of the NOTTO,” an official source said.

    Besides, in some states only patients who are domiciles of that state are allowed to register or are given preference for deceased organ donors. Now, the Union Health Ministry has recommended all states to remove such restrictions so that needy patients can register themselves in any state for receiving organs, the official source said.

    “It should be as per the waiting list. This will help patients in seeking transplants from deceased donors at any hospital giving a lot of flexibility,” the official source said.

    According to officials data, the number of organ transplants has increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 15,561 in 2022. The total number of kidney transplants from living donors have increased from 3,495 in 2013 to 9,834 in 2022 and from deceased donors, it has increased from 542 to 1,589 in 2022.

    The total number of liver transplants from living donors has increased from 658 in 2013 to 2,957 in 2022 and from 240 to 761 in 2022 from deceased donor.

    The total number of heart transplants have increased from 30 in 2013 to 250 in 2022 while lung transplants from 23 to 138.                 Source: PTI

  • Cricketer Prithvi Shaw’s car attacked in Mumbai after he denies selfies; eight booked

    Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw’s car was attacked with a baseball bat by a person after an argument over taking selfies with him outside a luxury hotel at Santacruz in Mumbai, officials said on Thursday, February 16.

    Following the incident that took place in the early hours of Wednesday, a case of rioting and extortion was registered against eight persons, including a woman, they said.

    A video of the incident has gone viral on social media.

    According to the complaint filed by Shaw’s friend Ashish Surendra Yadav, the accused followed the car and threatened false cases if money was not given. Shaw had gone to a five-star hotel in Santacruz, also in north west Mumbai, for dinner when the unidentified accused came to their and insisted on a selfie.

    Shaw obliged two people with a selfie, but the same group returned and asked for selfies with the other accused.

    Shaw refused this time. When they insisted, Shaw’s friend called the restaurant manager and complained about them. The accused were asked to leave the hotel by the manager. This incident angered them and when Shaw and his friend came out of the hotel after dinner, some people were standing outside the hotel with baseball bats. The police said they are investigating the incident. According to an official, a case has been registered under sections 384, 143, 148, 149, 427, 504 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code.

  • India, Bangladesh to consider trade in local currencies

    NEW DELHI (TIP): India and Bangladesh will consider trading in local currencies. This was amongst the things that were discussed when Foreign Secretary, Vinay Mohan Kwatra met with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, in Gono Bhaban, Dhaka, on February 15.
    India and Bangladesh are in the process of simplifying the terms and conditions of the Indian Line of Credit (LoC) to Bangladesh to enable Bangladesh to repay quickly.
    “You and your leadership have our total support. India will remain beside Bangladesh during its development journey, including political and economic progress,” Foreign Secretary Kwatra said when he met PM Hasina. Amongst those present in the meeting were India’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Pranay Verma and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
    Meanwhile, PM Hasina has accepted Foreign Secretary Kwatra’s invitation to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi, which will be held on the 9th and 10th of September.
    India has invited Bangladesh as a ‘guest country’ to all its meetings.
    Describing the bilateral ties between the two neighbouring countries as very firm, Kwatra said the whole world now values the Bangladesh-India relationships, which has already reached a strategic level. This relationship is being strengthened further.
    “Bangladesh is the pivot of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and a key partner of its ‘Act East Policy’,’’ FS Kwatra said. PM Hasina said that she hoped this friendship would deepen further and both nations would work on the socio-economic development of their people. Both sides agreed to further strengthen the ongoing bilateral cooperation in diverse areas, including trade and investment, connectivity, power and energy, defence and security and people-to-people ties. (IE)

  • Pakistan govt drops petrol bomb on inflation-hit masses to appease IMF for unlocking critical loan tranche

    ISLAMABAD (TIP): People in Pakistan woke up on February 16 to the shock of a historic price hike in the prices of petrol and gas as the government tried to appease the IMF for unlocking the critical loan tranche for the cash-strapped country. The “petrol bomb” as the price hike is termed these days, was dropped around Wednesday midnight, hours after the government unveiled a tax-loaded ‘mini-budget’ in the Parliament to extract Rs 170 billion from the people through new taxes and increase in electricity and gas prices.
    The price of petrol was hiked to Rs 272 per litre after an increase of Rs 22.20, a press release from the Finance Division read Wednesday night, noting that the surge has taken place due to the rupee’s devaluation against the dollar.The price of the high-speed diesel (HSD) hiked by Rs 17.20, kerosene by Rs 12.90 and light diesel oil (LDO) by Rs 9.68. The new price of HSD will cost Rs 280 per litre. Kerosene will be available at Rs 202.73 whereas LDO will be sold at Rs 196.68 per litre. “Increase in price is due to Pakistani rupee devaluation applicable for the calculation of current pricing period,” the press release said, adding that the prices would be effective from February 16.
    The increase came as finance minister Ishaq Dar presented the money bill in the parliament to fulfil the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) demand to increase revenue before it releases USD 1.1 billion out of the USD 7 billion loans. The increase in the price of petroleum products was one of the preconditions of the Washington-based lender, which will lead to a hike in the already record-high inflation, coupled with the new fiscal measures undertaken through the ‘mini-budget’. (PTI)