It was an evening of joy, celebration, and gratitude as The Indian Panorama welcomed patrons, well-wishers, and friends to the Gratitude Gala, marking the 18th year of the newspaper’s publication. The event was not just a milestone celebration but a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement received from a diverse community. The sheer number of guests in attendance not only made the evening vibrant but also served as a powerful affirmation of the publication’s quality and the satisfaction of its readers.
The highlight of the evening was the presence of Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Her inspiring words of wisdom resonated with everyone present, serving as a source of encouragement for the dedicated team behind The Indian Panorama. The presence of Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi, a true friend of the Indian American community, added a layer of significance to the celebration. With three terms as a US Congressman, his encouragement was a valuable endorsement of the publication’s impact.
The Gratitude Gala also recognized and honored four distinguished individuals chosen by The Indian Panorama board for their remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Dr. VK Raju, a distinguished ophthalmologist and President of the Eye Foundation of America, has dedicated the past 40 years to the noble cause of eradicating childhood blindness worldwide. His tireless efforts have made a significant impact, aligning with The Indian Panorama’s commitment to positive change.
Ranju Batra, a relentless advocate, secured recognition for India’s festival of lights, Diwali, by successfully lobbying for a Diwali postal stamp from the US administration. Beyond this achievement, she actively promotes diplomats and diplomacy through her organization, instituting the Diwali-Power of One awards to honor diplomats contributing to global peace. Her dedication aligns with the values championed by The Indian Panorama.
Harry Singh Bolla’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to billionaire status exemplifies the spirit of giving back to society. His philanthropic endeavors serve as an example worth emulating and resonate with The Indian Panorama’s commitment to social responsibility.
Purnima Desai, through her institutions, Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Srininiketan Foundation, has been a stalwart in promoting Indian culture for over four decades. Her unwavering dedication aligns with the publication’s mission of fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.
The evening was not just about accolades and recognition; it was a platform for meaningful communication between the diverse group of guests and honorees. The young talents who graced the stage with exceptional performances in music and dance added an extra layer of joy to the celebration. The dedicated volunteers who flawlessly managed the event deserve special appreciation, as their efforts contributed to the seamless flow of the evening.
Acknowledgment is due to colleagues from the media world who stood in solidarity with The Indian Panorama. Special gratitude is extended to Gary Sikka, the owner of Pearl Banquet Hall, whose hospitality provided the perfect backdrop for the Gratitude Gala.
In expressing gratitude, The Indian Panorama extends thanks to everyone associated with the event. Patrons, friends, and family members played a pivotal role in making the evening truly memorable. As The Indian Panorama embarks on the journey ahead, the support received at the Gratitude Gala serves as a powerful motivator to continue the pursuit of excellence and meaningful journalism.
In a scathing indictment of Patanjali Ayurved’s advertising practices through which the ‘entire country is being taken for a ride’, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued contempt notices to the company and its Managing Director, Acharya Balkrishna. Stemming from a petition by the Indian Medical Association, the case highlights the menace of misleading advertisements, which continue unabated despite previous warnings to the company. The SC had in November warned Patanjali that a fine of Rs 1 crore would be imposed per product if a false claim was made regarding its efficacy in curing a particular disease. The court also restrained the firm from advertising products intended to treat specific diseases listed under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The message is loud and clear: deceptive advertising aimed at increasing commercial gains will not be tolerated, especially in the critical field of healthcare. Such measures are crucial to preventing erosion of public trust.
The SC has cautioned the firm against making adverse statements about other systems of medicine. Underpinning the significance of strict enforcement of rules, the court has also rightly questioned the functioning of the regulatory bodies and government agencies concerned. The clarification sought by the court on the action taken by the Centre under various laws should help in exposing the gaps in the implementation of policies intended to uphold advertising standards.
The SC’s firm stance sets a precedent for accountability in the health sector and reaffirms the principle that commercial interests must not eclipse public welfare. Those who indulge in unethical practices must face the consequences of their actions. It is hoped that intense judicial scrutiny will finally prompt the serial offenders to mend their ways.
(Tribune, India)
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj honors four eminent Indian Americans
Tom Suozzi, Congressman-elect, felicitates The Indian Panorama
Parveen Chopra February 26, 2024 HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama celebrated its 18th year of publication uniquely by hosting a grand Gratitude Gala on February 25 here.
For The Indian Panorama’s Founding Editor and Publisher Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, it was a double celebration as he also cut a cake for his 80th birthday.
In a busy program, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presided and presented awards to four honorees. Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi dropped by to thank Prof Saluja and the Indian community for their support. The Indian Panorama also lent its platform to launch Blitz India’s US edition.
Attorney Ravi Batra introduced Ambassador Kamboj as a giant of a diplomat who has brought India much respect at the United Nations.Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj in her address described the Indian diaspora as the best in the world, and praised Prof. Indrajit Saluja, publisher and chief editor of The Indian Panorama for maintaining the highest standards of journalism.Congressman -elect Tom Suozzi spoke highly of the Indian Americans and characterized the US-India relations as strong and getting stronger.Tom Suozzi was presented a replica of the Golden Temple, the Vatican of the Sikhs. L to R: Ranju Batra, , Sunil Hali, Purnima Desai, , Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Tom Suozzi, FIA President Avinash Gupta, GOPIO President Lal Motwani, Prof. Saluja.
Even as Prof Saluja expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the guests present in the chandeliered ballroom of Pearl Banquet Hall, as well as his readers and the Indian community for their loyal support over 18 long years, he chose to honor four eminent Indian Americans at the event. All were honored with a citation scroll, a shawl, and a model of the Golden Temple.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj presented to Dr. V.K. Raju, President of the Eye Foundation of America, the lifetime Achievement Honor. L to R: Dr. Leela Raju, Secretary of the Eye Foundation of America, Ambassador Kamboj, Dr. V.K. Raju, Prof. Saluja.
The four honorees are well-known in the community. Dr. V.K. Raju (Life Achievement Honor) is an eminent ophthalmologist who is on a mission to eliminate childhood blindness through his Eye Foundation of America.
Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj congratulating her friend Ranju Batra after honoring her with the Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award. L to R: Deepak Dwivedi, Ambassador Kamboj, Ranju Batra, Abha Bhatnagar, Prof. Saluja.
Ranju Batra (Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award) honors diplomats at the Diwali Stamp – Power of One awards every year after she secured the Diwali Stamp from USPS.
Harry Singh Bolla (Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award) runs a billion-dollar chain of gas stations and has started a charity to support good causes here in New York and India. He could not be present in person to receive the award.
Ambassador Kamboj presented to Purnima Desai the Excellence in Culture Award. L to R: Ms Desai, Ambassador Kamboj, Purnima Desai, Flora Parikh, Jag Kalra.
Purnima Desai (Excellence in Culture Award) is the founder of Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation to encourage and support Indian music and arts through training and events.
They were also presented citations from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Introducing the Chief Guest, Ravi Batra said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj joined her post when India was already a Member of the UN Security Council and she took it to a higher trajectory.
Ambassador Kamboj in her brief address commended The Indian Panorama for not only being a mirror of the vibrant roots of our culture but also showcasing the journey of the Indian diaspora. She also called the US diaspora the best in the world. She lauded the achievements of the Indian community in the US, describing their journey as nothing short of inspirational. She emphasized the diaspora’s significant role in fostering excellence and innovation globally. Ambassador Kamboj congratulated all the honorees, and in particular, Ranju Batra whom she has come to know well because of her work at the UN. She commended Ranju for creating goodwill and earning a name for her country of origin.
Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Dr. VK Raju (All photos : Mohammed Jaffar-SnapsIndia)
Tom Suozzi (D-NY3) said he sees the US-India relationship as the most important in the next 50 years. “These two will define the long-term global world,” and whether it would abide by the “noble principles” outlined in the constitutions of both countries. While in the US Congress (he took the oath of office on February 28), Suozzi said he would do everything possible to represent the diverse Indian community in his district.
The new Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya S. Pradhan could not make it because of a conflict in scheduling.
Blitz India Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Deepak Dwivedi and CEO Sandeepp Saxena flew in from New Delhi for the US launch of their news weekly, which is India’s first chronicler of development news. The duo was joined by Prof Saluja and other dignitaries and mediapersons to release printed copies of the paper.
Two more media events followed. Journalists Beyond Borders (JBB), a fraternity organization founded by Prof Saluja in 2022, was formally launched. Local publishers and editors joined in to reveal its logo. Through journalism, JBB aims to protect and promote human rights, human values and world peace. Prof Saluja used the occasion to felicitate his friend Parveen Chopra, Founder and Editor of ALotusInTheMud.com, on the first anniversary of his wellness and spirituality web magazine.
Copies of The Indian Panorama’s 18th year Gratitude Gala souvenir were distributed among the guests. All guests were also gifted a model of the Golden Temple, the Vatican of the Sikhs.
Video messages were screened from Padma Bhushan Sant Chatwal, India’s Ambassador to Guatemala Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Emmy-nominated film director and actor Tirlok Malik, and Prabhjot Singh, a senior journalist from Chandigarh.
The standing-room only audience was hooked on to the show, beginning with the very first item when two lithe dancers from Battery Dance took to the floor. The last item was the adrenaline-pumping bhangra dance. In between, dancers trained by Shilpa Jhurani and Rimli Roy showed their classical moves. The artists were profusely applauded by the audience for their mesmerizing performances and thanked by Prof. Saluja.
The guests at the gala included Padma Shri Dr Sudhir Parikh, Chairman and CEO of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, who congratulated Prof Saluja for his “great work in the media,” over the 18 years of The Indian Panorama. Dilip Chauhan from NYC Mayor’s office congratulated The Indian Panorama on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams. Zahid Syed, Director, Community Affairs with the Town of Hempstead and Rokeya Akhter, Community Coordinator with Queens District Attorney’s office also graced the occasion.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive sent his representative Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs to present Citations to the Honorees- Dr. VK Raju, Ranju Batra, Harry Singh Bolla and Purnima Desai.
Prominent Community organizations were represented: Gobind Munjal and Dr Jagdish Gupta from AIA, Dr Avinash Gupta, Srujal Parikh, and Alok Kumar from FIA-Tristate, Thomas Abraham from GOPIO, Pradeep Tandon from IALI, and George Abraham from IOC-USA, Shiv Dass, President, Jackson Heights Indian Merchants’ Association, besides many others.
Veteran Sikh community leader Master Mohinder Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, Richmond Hill, and a founder President of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Sikh Center was present with Gurmej Singh, a former president of Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana, besides many others from the Sikh community.
The media fraternity stood in solidarity with Prof. Saluja: they included, besides Dr. Parikh, Sunil Hali (Promoter, Radio Zindagi, and Publisher, The Indian Eye), Sharanjit Singh Thind (Editor-Publisher, South Asian Insider), Varinder Bhalla (Publisher, Bollywood Insider).
The evening’s program was ably emceed by Piya Jyoti Kachroo, ITV anchor and producer.
The sumptuous dinner with a top-of-the-shelf bar was enjoyed by the guests. Prof. Saluja expressed his heartfelt thanks to Pearl CEO Gary Sikka and his staff for excellent food and hospitality.
Prominent guests included Arish Sahani, Sudhir Vaishnav, Gobind Bathija, Baldev Singh Grewal, Shiv Dass and Ashok Arora.
Guests came from various parts of the US and even India. They included Bidisha Roy, Assistant Editor of The Indian Panorama (TIP) from Tampa, Florida, Zia Khan, a celebrated photographer who looks after TIP’s Dallas edition, and Parminder Singh Aujla, TIP’s California representative, from Sacramento,
Politician Puneet Ahluwalia came from Virginia, social activist Murtaza from Pennsylvania. Harry Singh Panaser, Mrs. Manjit Kaur Panaser, Harvenderpal Singh, Seema Jagtiani, Nutan Dabholkar, Dave Makkar, Mrs. Rashmi Makkar, Prachi and Surya Makkar, Rimli Roy, Rupinder Singh, and many more from New Jersey.
From India came Arminder Arora and his wife Tript Arora, Sparsh and Bhola.
Those at the event from the electronic media included Pardeep Gill from Global Punjab, Munish Byala, and Gurinder Hothi. Photographers included Mohammed Jaffer, Vijay Shah and Kripa Prasad.
Prof Indrajit Saluja has become synonymous with his weekly newspaper, a labor of love. He is not only an eminent editor but also a well-respected community leader who has forged links across the ethnic, ideological, and political spectrum. His friends from all over the US and even India, supporters, and who’s who of the community wished him a long life on his 80th birthday.
For Prof Saluja, The Indian Panorama is an expression and extension of his love for India as well as a platform to project the rich South Asian culture and how our successful community has made a place in the melting pot of America. A trilingual, he has also helped start newspapers in Hindi and Punjabi.
Started 18 years ago in New York, The Indian Panorama has a Dallas edition.
Indefatigable Prof Saluja’s spirit and intensity of work belie his years. He came to the US over 20 years ago after having a long career as a Professor of English Literature at leading colleges in India. Alongside, he founded a prominent monthly magazine titled ‘Punjab Beat’.
Prof Saluja feels proud that throughout its eventful journey, the Indian Panorama has remained true to its motto, EVER TRUTHFUL”. “This commitment is not just a slogan but a guiding principle, a promise to our readers, and a testament to the collective effort that sustains the publication,” he insists.
Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Ranju Batra.Own Murtajiz Naqvi, Executive Director, Nassau County Office of Asian American Affairs, on behalf of Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, presents a Citation to Purnima Desai.Blitz India US edition is launched by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.Deepak Dwivedi and Prof. Indrajit Saluja present a Citation to Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.Journalists Beyond Borders, an international organization of Journalists founded by Prof. Indrajit Saluja is formally launched by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj. Ashok Arora, the International Legal Advisor to The JBB exhibited the JBB logo.Prof, Indrajit Saluja felicitated his friend Parveen Arora on completion of a year of founding of ALotusinTheMud.com
LONDON (TIP): Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued an impassioned plea for Britain to protect its democracy as he warned that extremist forces were out to tear the country apart and undermine its multi-faith identity.
Referencing his own Hindu beliefs, the British-Indian leader on Friday , March 1, stressed that the enduring values of the UK are about embracing migrants of all faiths and ethnicities and urged protesters to ensure peaceful demonstrations are not hijacked by extremist forces.
“Immigrants who have come here have integrated and contributed. They have helped write the latest chapter in our island story. They have done this without being required to give up their identity,” said Sunak in a speech outside 10 Downing Street. “You can be a practicing Hindu and a proud Briton as I am, or a devout Muslim and a patriotic citizen as so many are, or a committed Jewish person and the heart of your local community, and all underpinned by the tolerance of our established, Christian church,” he said.
“But I fear that our great achievement in building the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi faith democracy is being deliberately undermined. There are forces here at home trying to tear us apart,” he added.
He was speaking soon after what he characterized as the “beyond alarming” win in a byelection on Thursday of a controversial politician, George Galloway, in Greater Manchester following a campaign dominated by the divisions of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He said on too many occasions recently, the streets of Britain had been hijacked by small groups who are hostile to British values and have no respect for its democratic traditions.
“Islamist extremists and the far right feed off and embolden each other. They are equally desperate to pretend that their violence is somehow justified when actually these groups are two sides of the same extremist coin… both loathe the pluralist, modern country we are,” he said.
The British Prime Minister stressed that both these groups of extremists were spreading the poison of extremism with the aim of draining Britain’s confidence. He added: “No country is perfect, but I am enormously proud of the good that our country has done.”
“I stand here as our country’s first non-white Prime Minister, leading the most diverse government in our country’s history to tell people of all races, all faiths and all backgrounds it is not the color of your skin, the God you believe in or where you were born, that will determine your success but just your own hard work and endeavor.” Sunak reiterated his support for a new protocol agreed with the police forces of the country earlier this week to take action against violent activities that threaten the personal security of members of Parliament and also any violence during serial protests taking place in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He said threats of violence and intimidation are alien to the British way of doing things and must be resisted at all times.
“I love this country. My family and I owe it so much. The time has now come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division and beat this poison. We must face down the extremists who would tear us apart,” he urged.
(Source: PTI)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, are backing the GOP presidential candidate. Voters in their states head to the polls next week for Super Tuesday
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley received her first two endorsements from senators on Friday, March 1, giving her a boost before Super Tuesday as she trails former President Donald Trump in the race for the GOP nomination. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, both backed the former South Carolina governor in separate statements.
“I’m proud to endorse Gov. Nikki Haley,” Murkowski said in a statement released by the Haley campaign. “America needs someone with the right values, vigor, and judgment to serve as our next President—and in this race, there is no one better than her. Nikki will be a strong leader and uphold the ideals of the Republican Party while serving as a President for all Americans.”
Collins told the Bangor Daily News that Haley “has the energy, intellect, and temperament that we need to lead our country in these very tumultuous times.” Haley’s campaign confirmed the endorsement to NBC News.
Voters in Alaska, Maine and more than a dozen other states will cast ballots on Super Tuesday, when 865 Republican delegates will be up for grabs. Haley has yet to win a primary or caucus.
On Friday, Haley expressed her gratitude to Murkowski in a news release announcing her first Senate endorsement, saying that the senator “represents the best of Alaska.”
“As president, I will fight to make Alaskans—and all Americans—proud by restoring fiscal sanity, energy dominance, and limited government,” Haley said.
Murkowski and Collins have long been critical of Trump, and they both voted to convict him during his second impeachment trial following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Haley has received only one endorsement in the House, from Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. He announced his endorsement more than a year ago. Trump, meanwhile, has been endorsed by about 80 Republicans in the House and more than half of GOP senators.
Dhaka (TIP): A massive fire that ripped through a seven-storey commercial building in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka overnight has killed at least 44 people and injured 22 others, the health minister said on March 1.
The fire on Thursday night engulfed the Green Cozy Cottage building in the capital’s Baily Road area that houses several restaurants and shops. The fire broke out around 9.50 pm on Thursday at a popular restaurant named ‘Kacchi Bhai’ on the building’s first floor and quickly spread to the upper floors that had more restaurants and a garment shop, according to fire service officials.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen said around 2 am that 33 bodies were brought to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and 10 others to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Another victim died at the Police Hospital.
The condition of those injured is “critical”, he told reporters at a briefing.
Fire officials said 75 people, including 42 in unconscious state, were taken out of the seven-storey building. Thirteen fire service units were mobilised, the officials said.
The minister, a burn wound specialist, said 22 people are being treated at both health facilities and their condition is “critical”.
“The respiratory system of those who have survived so far has been seriously damaged,” Sen told reporters at the DMCH.
Doctors said some of the bodies were burned beyond recognition and feared that the death toll could rise.
Witnesses and officials said to escape the fire, people rushed to the upper floors. Many were rescued by firefighters using ladders, they added.
IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun in a press briefing said that 44 people died and 75 had been rescued. Some of the rescued individuals received first aid treatment before returning home safely.
He also said the dead victims included the daughter of a police officer.
Fire Service DG Moin said the 42 unconscious included 21 women and four children.
“It was a dangerous building with gas cylinders on every floor, even on the staircases,” he said.
He believes the fire originated from a gas leak or stove. The building has only one exit – the staircases, according to him.
Most of the people died as they jumped off the building or from burns or suffocation, said firefighters who brought the fire under control around 12.30 am. Smoke was still brewing from the building at that time.
The first death was reported around 1 am when the firefighters took the bodies one by one to a freezing truck waiting outside the building, local media reported. (PTI)
Colombo (TIP): Thousands of Russians and Ukrainians staying in Sri Lanka on extended visas due to the war have been asked to leave the island nation within two weeks, officials said.
The immigration controller has issued a notice to the tourism ministry that the Russian and Ukrainian tourists must leave the country within two weeks from February 23 as their visas have lapsed, they said.
Over 3,00,000 Russians, 20,000 Ukrainians have arrived since the war broke out in 2022. They have been asked to leave in 2 weeks.
President Zelenskyy admits 31,000 troops have been killed so far in the war.
However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s office issued a notice that says he has ordered an investigation as to how the decision to ask them to leave had been made without a cabinet decision to revoke the previous extension of stay.
The President’s Media Division said the Sri Lankan Government had not officially decided to revoke the visa extensions previously granted to these tourists.
Russian and Ukrainian tourists had been allowed extended stays in the country due to the war breaking out between the two European countries. Nearly 3,00,000 Russians and 20,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the war in 2022.
However, the number of tourists currently residing on the island nation on extended visas is not available.
Authorities said the decision to allow them longer stays was then made because of flight shortages.
Immigration authorities said there had been complaints of abuse of tourist visas by Russian and Ukrainian nationals running illegal businesses, employing foreigners, and deploying payment methods for services bypassing local systems. (PTI)
Islamabad/Lahore (TIP): The parliamentary party of the PML-N headed by three-time former Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif on February 27 formally nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister to head a coalition government.
The parliamentary members’ meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was held in Islamabad with party supremo Nawaz Sharif, 74, in the chair. Shehbaz, 72, had led a coalition government for 16 months till August 2023 before the caretaker government took over following the announcement of elections.
The nomination of Shehbaz Sharif as the next prime minister by the elder brother, who himself was eyeing the plum post for a record fourth time, had surprised many within and outside the party. Outgoing National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has called the National Assembly session on Thursday. (PTI)
Lahore (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic model is the talk of the town in Pakistan.
The first woman CM of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz is impressed by PM Modi’s economic model. Maryam intends to implement programmes similar to the model. However, Amjad Ayub Mirza raised a question on the practicability of the implementation of her policies. Maryam said she would make policies to transform Punjab into an economic hub. According to Geo News, Maryam’s assumption of the chief minister’s office marks her debut in public office, posing the challenge of surpassing the legacies of ‘Mohsin Speed’ and Shehbaz Shariff in public perception through exemplary performance.
Critics suggest that the (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) PML-N chief organiser’s engagement with citizens needs enhancement, especially on social media platforms, to foster better “Citizen Engagement.” (ANI)
Berlin (TIP): Investigative journalists using artificial-intelligence tools were on the trail of a fugitive member of the notorious Red Army Faction well before German police announced a breakthrough in the 30-year-old case earlier this week. Daniela Klette, 65, a member of the leftist militant group, was arrested on Monday in her Berlin flat on suspicion of committing a string of robberies and at least one attempted murder between 1999 and 2016 to finance her underground life.
German police and security services have drawn criticism over their failures in some politically charged investigations. Their defenders say strict privacy laws limit their ability to use the kinds of artificial intelligence-enhanced tools that a German TV podcast deployed to track down Klette last year.
Daniela Behrens, the interior minister of Lower Saxony state where many of the crimes were committed, hailed Klette’s arrest as a major breakthrough and a tribute to the diligence of the police and prosecutors on the case.
Last year, however, an ARD television podcast tracked Klette, one of three RAF militants still sought 26 years after the group announced its dissolution, by putting the picture from her wanted notice through image search tool PimEyes.
This yielded online images of a much older woman going by the name “Claudia Ivone” who, until the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, regularly took part in Berlin’s Afro-Brazilian scene and was a practitioner of Brazilian martial dance capoeira.
“I strongly recommend that you follow this trace,” Bellingcat investigative journalist Michael Colborne recalled telling the podcasters in an interview with Die Zeit weekly on Thursday. He said he had run the pictures through a host of face comparison tools and kept turning up the same result.
The ARD podcasters passed their finding to law enforcement authorities, who on Tuesday said they had been put back on Klette’s trail in November by a tip from the public.
“For reasons of investigation tactics we make no disclosures about our detection methods,” prosecutor Alexander Hege said when asked if the podcast was the original source of the tip. (Reuters)
Dubai (TIP): An Iranian singer who won a Grammy presented by US first lady Jill Biden has been sentenced to more than three years in prison over his anthem supporting the 2022 protests over the death of Mahsa Amini. Shervin Hajipour posted on Instagram on March 1, the same day that Iran held its parliamentary election, what appeared to be part of the judgment against him. It said Hajipour received a three-year, eight-month sentence on charges of “propaganda against the system” and “encouraging people to protest”.
The court issued its sentence in part because it found he hadn’t properly expressed regret over publishing the song.
It also imposed a two-year travel ban and ordered him to create a song about “US crimes”, as well as make posts about those crimes online.
Hajipour thanked his lawyers and his agent for their support.
“I will not mention the name of the judge and the prosecutor so that they don’t get insulted and threatened, because insults and threats are not in the religion of humanity,” he wrote. “Finally, one day we will understand each other. Until then.”
Hajipour already had served some prison time, but was out on bail pending the court’s decision. It was unclear if he had already reported to serve his sentence.
Iranian state-run media, focused on the election on Friday, didn’t note Hajipour’s sentence. Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Hajipour’s song “Baraye”, or “For” in English, begins with: “For dancing in the streets”, “for the fear we feel when we kiss”.
The lyrics list reasons that young Iranians posted online for why they had protested against Iran’s ruling theocracy after Amini’s death in September 2022, allegedly for not wearing her mandated headscarf to the liking of security forces.
The protests quickly escalated into calls to overthrow Iran’s clerical rulers. A subsequent security crackdown killed more than 500 people, with more than 22,000 detained. Jill Biden awarded Hajipour the Grammy’s new song for social change special merit award during the ceremony last year.
“This song became the anthem of the Mahsa Amini protests, a powerful and poetic call for freedom and women’s rights,” Biden said at the ceremony.
“Shervin was arrested, but this song continues to resonate around the world with its powerful theme: Women, life, freedom.” (AP)
Tokyo (Japan) (TIP): The number of babies born in Japan in the year 2023 fell to a record low from a year earlier as the country’s population shrank by its largest ever margin, government data showed, according to a report by Kyodo News The figure for babies was down by 5.1 per cent to 758,631, according to preliminary data released by the health ministry on Feb 26, the Japanese news agency reported.
A country’s birth rate is the ratio of live births to the total population in a given year. It is usually expressed as the number of live births per 1,000 people.
The figure has remained below the 800,000 mark since the year 2022. Japan’s population, including foreign residents, fell by 831,872, with deaths outnumbering births. A forecast by the Japanese government’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research has estimated births in the country to decline to below 760,000 in the year 2035.
The fast pace of dip in newborns has been attributed to late marriages and people staying single, Kyodo News reported stating that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida administration has termed the period leading up to 2030 as “the last chance” to reverse the trend.
The number of births hit a peak in the year 1973 at around 2.09 million babies and fell to below 1 million in the year 2016. Meanwhile, according to government data, the number of deaths in Japan also hit a record 1,590,503, while the number of marriages fell to its lowest level since the end of World War II at 489,281 unions. (ANI)
Rafah (Gaza Strip) (TIP): Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza City on February 29, witnesses said. More than 100 people were killed, bringing the death toll since the start of the Israel-Hamas war to more than 30,000, according to health officials.
It’s a serious incident, says white house
The White House said on Thursday it is looking into reports of Israeli fire on Palestinians, describing it as a “serious incident”
“We mourn the loss of innocent life and recognise the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where innocent Palestinians are just trying to feed their families,” a White House spokesperson said
Initially, there were reports of an Israeli strike on the crowd, but witnesses later said Israeli troops opened fire as people pulled flour and canned goods off of trucks.
Israeli officials acknowledged that troops opened fire, saying they did so after the crowd approached in a threatening way. The officials insisted on anonymity to give details about what happened, after the military said in a statement that “dozens were killed and injured from pushing, trampling and being run over by the trucks”.
Gaza City and the surrounding areas in the enclave’s north were the first targets of Israel’s air, sea and ground offensive, launched in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack. Aid groups say it has become nearly impossible to deliver humanitarian assistance in most of Gaza because of the difficulty of coordinating with the Israeli military, ongoing hostilities and the breakdown of public order, with crowds of desperate people overwhelming aid convoys. The UN says a quarter of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians face starvation; around 80% have fled their homes. — AP
Bangkok (TIP): Thailand is amending a law to allow foreign couples to seek surrogacy services in the country, a senior health official said on March 1. In 2015, Thailand introduced tough regulations to control surrogacy and banned the process for foreign couples after several high profile scandals that led to a crackdown on the country’s unregulated “wombs for hire” industry.
“We will amend the law that will allow foreign couples to receive surrogacy service here based on regulations,” Arkhom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of Health Service Support Department, told Reuters.
Those eligible must be legally married, regardless of their gender, and the child from surrogacy must be guaranteed protection and rights in the couple’s home country, Arkhom said.
Foreign couples will be allowed to bring their own surrogate or use a Thai surrogate, and those undergoing the process will need to be vetted by a government committee, he said.
The proposed law changes will be submitted for cabinet approval later this month as part of a wider reform of regulations on surrogacy, in-vitro fertilisation and artificial insemination to allow Thais, including same-sex couples, greater access to these services as well as enhancing medical tourism, Arkhom said.
If the cabinet approves the amendment, it will be submitted to parliament and the senate for consideration.
Thailand made commercial surrogacy illegal in 2015 and only allows surrogacy, controlled by a government committee, for Thai couples or a Thai who has married a foreigner for at least three years and who faces difficulty in having children. (Reuters)
Moscow (TIP): Standing under grey skies holding bouquets, Russians lined up patiently along pavements leading towards opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s funeral on March 1, two weeks after his death in a Siberian penal colony. By the time the coffin was being driven to a cemetery on the opposite bank of the Moskva River, thousands had gathered, chanting Navalny’s name. Some called President Vladimir Putin, who Navalny’s allies accuse of ordering his death, a murderer.
The Kremlin denies any state involvement in his death. The protest went a little further. The Kremlin said any unsanctioned gatherings in support of Navalny would violate the law, and police had deployed hours before the funeral, erecting metal barriers.
Mourners were forced to mill around a short distance from the site of the funeral, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in the Moscow district of Maryino where Navalny used to live, and from the Borisovskoye cemetery where he was later taken and buried.
Among the mourners were foreign dignitaries, including US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who stood solemnly in black outside the church before the funeral carrying red roses. No mourners would give reporters their full names.
Inside the church, Navalny’s mother Lyudmila sat holding a candle as priests in white robes stood over the coffin. Navalny’s top aides, all based outside Russia, struggled to contain their emotions as they broadcast live video of the farewell to their leader.— Reuters
London (TIP): Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued an impassioned plea for Britain to protect its democracy as he warned that extremist forces were out to tear the country apart and undermine its multi-faith identity.
Referencing his own Hindu beliefs, the British-Indian leader on March 1 stressed that the enduring values of the UK are about embracing migrants of all faiths and ethnicities and urged protesters to ensure peaceful demonstrations are not hijacked by extremist forces.
“Immigrants who have come here have integrated and contributed. They have helped write the latest chapter in our island story. They have done this without being required to give up their identity,” said Sunak in a speech outside 10 Downing Street.
“You can be a practising Hindu and a proud Briton as I am, or a devout Muslim and a patriotic citizen as so many are, or a committed Jewish person and the heart of your local community, and all underpinned by the tolerance of our established, Christian church,” he said.
“But I fear that our great achievement in building the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi faith democracy is being deliberately undermined. There are forces here at home trying to tear us apart,” he added.
He was speaking soon after what he characterised as the “beyond alarming” win in a byelection on Thursday of a controversial politician, George Galloway, in Greater Manchester following a campaign dominated by the divisions of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He said on too many occasions recently, the streets of Britain had been hijacked by small groups who are hostile to British values and have no respect for its democratic traditions.
“Islamist extremists and the far right feed off and embolden each other. They are equally desperate to pretend that their violence is somehow justified when actually these groups are two sides of the same extremist coin… both loathe the pluralist, modern country we are,” he said.
The British Prime Minister stressed that both these groups of extremists were spreading the poison of extremism with the aim of draining Britain’s confidence.
He added: “No country is perfect, but I am enormously proud of the good that our country has done.” “I stand here as our country’s first non-white Prime Minister, leading the most diverse government in our country’s history to tell people of all races, all faiths and all backgrounds it is not the colour of your skin, the God you believe in or where you were born, that will determine your success but just your own hard work and endeavour.” Sunak reiterated his support for a new protocol agreed with the police forces of the country earlier this week to take action against violent activities that threaten the personal security of members of Parliament and also any violence during serial protests taking place in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He said threats of violence and intimidation are alien to the British way of doing things and must be resisted at all times.
“I love this country. My family and I owe it so much. The time has now come for us all to stand together to combat the forces of division and beat this poison. We must face down the extremists who would tear us apart,” he urged. (PTI)
Ganesha says that at the beginning of this week, the people of Aries will spend most of their time participating in auspicious works and having fun. During this, a short and pleasant journey is also possible. People associated with the business will get the expected profit. More money can be spent than expected on things related to home repair or luxuries. In the middle of the week, there can be differences between brothers or fathers regarding something. Be careful during this, the opposing side may try to take advantage of the opportunity. Avoid any kind of haste in a love affair, otherwise, the things made can get spoiled. You will get the full support of your spouse in married life.
Taurus
Ganesha says that the people of Taurus will have to manage their time this week. Spend according to your pocket, otherwise, you may face a financial crunch. Be sure to take the opinion of your well-wishers before investing money in a business or any scheme. In the middle of the week, with the help of close friends or a relative, there will be chances of profit in a particular work. Full cooperation will be received from the parents. Don’t stray from your goal. Caution is expected in a love affair.
Gemini
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be the end of long-standing troubles for Gemini. Misunderstandings or disputes with love partners will end. Love affairs will get strengthened. New opportunities will be available in terms of career and business. Those doing occupations related to foreign countries will get special benefits. Working with planning in financial matters is sure to bring profit. At the end of the week, there may be a dispute with family members regarding ancestral land or property. Resolve family issues with a calm mind. Especially do not ignore the feelings of your spouse. During this time, the brains of the students may get distracted from their studies.
Cancer
Ganesha says that Cancer sign people will be able to expand their long pending plans at the beginning of the week. Full cooperation of subordinates will be received in the workplace. Relatives will accept your love and a love affair can turn into a marriage. Full cooperation will be received from the parents regarding the special work. There will be an increase in social honor and prestige. Most of the time women will be spent in religious works. Youth time is better. At the end of the week, there may be more expenditure on amenities. During this, make the final decision in money-related matters only after understanding your circumstances. Also, drive slowly.
Leo
Ganesha says that the people of the Leo zodiac should come out of the world of dreams and face reality this week. Don’t depend on destiny or any other person. Do not tell anyone else until the work is done. At the beginning of the week, some good news can be received from the children’s side. Do not forget to consult a well-wisher before investing money in business. There is a possibility of going on a long journey in the middle of the week. Will get a chance to spend more time with their love partner. Love affairs will get strengthened.
Virgo
Ganesha says that This week will be moderately fruitful for people of the Virgo zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, the mind will be affected by an unknown fear. There will be a need to work harder in the workplace. In this regard, long or short-distance travel may also have to be done. People associated with politics need to take steps thoughtfully, otherwise even a well-planned matter may go wrong. Stay away from people who create misunderstandings in the family and reach a decision with discretion. In the middle of the week, there may be an excessive expenditure on the purchase of any special work or item. During this, there will be relatively less support from family members. Do not ignore the feelings of the love partner under any circumstances. Life partners will get full support in times of crisis. At the end of the week, some good news can be received from the children’s side.
Libra
Ganesha says to control both your anger and speech at the beginning of the week. There can be a dispute in the family, especially with a brother or sister. Any senior advice will prove beneficial to settle property-related disputes. During this, adopt positive thinking and do not let the inferiority complex enter your brain. If there is a possibility of going two steps forward by taking one step back, then do not hesitate to take it back. Will feel a lot of relief with the help of a female friend. At the end of the week, the mind will be upset due to unnecessary expenditure. Take any decision in career business carefully. Respect each other’s feelings in love relationships. There will be some decrease in the pleasures of married life.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that for people of the Scorpio zodiac, this week is going to fulfill their wishes. Positive results will be seen in the workplace. Salaried people will get the full support of their seniors. This time is auspicious for working women. If you have been looking for a job for a long time, then your search can be entire this week. There will be a possibility of buying land, buildings, vehicles, etc. Students will get good news. In the middle of the week, due to not getting cooperative behavior from siblings, there can be some mental pain. In any case, do not get lost, by the end of the week the solution to the problems will be found. Avoid any kind of show-off in love affairs or you may have to be embarrassed.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that Sagittarius people will have to understand well that there is no shortcut to success. This week, if you want, you can get the desired results by working hard. Do not ignore health-related problems at the end of the week, otherwise, you may end up in the hospital. You will get the full support of your life partner in an emergency of life. Will get a chance to spend better time with their love partner. Time is favorable for students and youth. Success will be achieved by working hard.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week, things will be as per your wish but, in the middle, you may have to compromise with the circumstances. The advice of a senior will prove beneficial to settle disputes related to parental property etc. Take a big decision in financial matters only after careful consideration. Students preparing for competitive exams will have to work harder for prosperity. At the end of the week, the mind will be worried about the health of an aged person in the home. Material happiness will be spent on things related to resources. There will be mutual happiness and cooperation in a love relationship. You will get the full support of your life partner while facing the challenges of life.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that Aquarius people may face some difficulties at the beginning of the week. In this time of crisis, you will get to know the true identity of your loved ones. Due to this, it will be very easy for you to make important decisions in the future. To achieve a specific goal, students and youth have to manage their time. Do not create any kind of misunderstanding in love relations, otherwise, a third person can take advantage of it. At the end of the week, there will be a chance to spend a better time with the family. A short and pleasant journey is possible.
Pisces
Ganesha says that during this week, you will get the full support of luck. But in the middle of the week, control your emotions and avoid telling your secret things to someone else, otherwise, he may take undue advantage of it. Be honest with your spouse, otherwise, you may have to be humiliated in society. Will get a chance to spend more time with their love partner. The help of a friend will work as a lifeline in strengthening the love relationship. Most of the time women will be spending time performing religious works.
Ganesha says today your day will be full of happiness; you may get some good news from your family. You may spend time with family and your partner. Today you may feel good about having your family and partner with you in every step of your life. You may plan to buy a new house. Your partner may surprise you with a gift today. Try to spend as much time as you can with your partner as it’s important for the two of you to make your bond strong.
March 5
Ganesha says you may receive more than you can give in your professional as well as personal life and your social status is likely to elevate. Positive thoughts may fill up your mind. On the career front, you may take steady steps to ensure personal growth. Today is a balanced day for you. Pay attention to your physical as well as mental health. Spending some time with the outside world or among friends may help you gain new perspectives and prepare you better to deal with the daily tribulations of life.
March 6
Ganesha says today your day will be good. Family members may give you good news. You may plan to buy a new vehicle for your partner. You may get your ancestral property transferred to your name. You may recover from your past disease today. Today, you will have an extraordinary day. You may plan to meet your old friends today, which may make you emotional. You and your partner may enjoy the day together. You may plan to buy a new house today.
March 7
Ganesha says you will have a good day today. Your dreams are likely to come true with your hard work and dedication. You may get countless opportunities to fulfill your aspirations and prove your hard work. You will have an adventurous day today. You and your partner may plan for a trek today. You may impress your seniors with your hard work.
March 8
Ganesha says you will have a great time with your loved ones and your partner today. Today is a good day for you to start afresh. New beginnings are in your cards today and you will go through a very pivotal moment in your health today and it will shape you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, in the future.
March 9
Ganesha says you are likely to enjoy your day with your partner today. You may understand your partner today better by communicating your thoughts and lending an ear to them might strengthen your ties. You may experience a roller coaster of emotions as new emotions come your way. You are likely to succeed in anything you do today. You may get new opportunities today. You are likely to work on multiple tasks and excel in all of them today.
March 10
Ganesha says, today your aims and aspirations may get new wings. Your dreams may start to take shape now. You are likely to bring positive changes to your lifestyle, which may fill you with a positive sense of energy. You may plan to travel to a tourist destination with your friends soon. You and your partner will have a great day. You may plan to go for a romantic dinner with your partner. If you are single, you are likely to tie a knot with your lover. You may start taking interest in making your relationship more serious today.
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It was an evening of joy, celebration, and gratitude as The Indian Panorama welcomed patrons, well-wishers, and friends to the Gratitude Gala, marking the 18th year of the newspaper’s publication. The event was not just a milestone celebration but a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement received from a diverse community. The sheer number of guests in attendance not only made the evening vibrant but also served as a powerful affirmation of the publication’s quality and the satisfaction of its readers.
