SAN JOSE (TIP): California-based Indian American entrepreneur Ajay Thakore threatened to kill a young dock worker who would not let him park his multimillion-dollar luxury yacht at San Diego Marina, according to media reports. He also dropped his pants and made several threatening gestures to the employee during the altercation in the late afternoon of Sunday, March 10, SanDiegoVille reported.
Thakore, who goes by his social media name, Ace Rogers, attempted to dock his $4.5 million ‘Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63’ yacht at the private Marriott Marquis Marina to pick up someone, when 21-year-old Joseph Holt who works at Seaforth Boat Rentals, told him he couldn’t park there.
A video is circulating showing what appears to be the owner of San Diego’s famous Lamborghini yacht threatening a dock worker in downtown San Diego, according to the newspaper.
The boat owner is also in the process of civil litigation with a second San Diego restaurant. He recently made news after former UFC champion Chuck Liddell fell off his yacht in San Diego Bay.
“I’ll kill you! I will kill you! You know I’ll kill you! I will kill you! I will kill you!”, the man on the Lamborghini boat is heard shouting, as the dock worker responds inaudibly. “Yea I doubt it! Ace Rogers, call me! Time and place!”
The interaction quickly became heated, resulting in the boat owner berating the employee, then verbally threatening him, as well as reportedly throwing money in the water as he allegedly insulted the employee’s social status. In a second video, it appears the man on the boat pulls his pants down and makes lewd gestures toward the people on the dock.
Thakore’s bright blue boat is the only Lamborghini yacht sited on the United States’ West Coast and only the second seen in the United States.
Thakore made news in late 2021 after he was publicly accused of harassing a La Jolla pizza eatery, according to SanDiegoVille.
In response to American Pizza Manufacturing founder Andrew Melone ‘s public accusations, a lawsuit was filed on Nov. 10 in US District Court for the Southern District of California by Gopher Media LLC (formerly known as Local Clicks and doing business as Doctor Multimedia) and Ajay Thakore.
In the complaint, the plaintiffs assert they were organizing a First Amendment-protected boycott against American Pizza Manufacturing following racist treatment by the restaurant’s owner.
“Thakore has also urged a boycott of AMP because of its discriminatory and racist treatment of and attitude toward those of Arab, Indian (from India), and/or Asian descent,” according to the complaint. “Thakore has also urged a boycott of AMP because of its discriminatory and racist treatment of and attitude toward members of the LGBQTIA community.”
The lawsuit against American Pizza Manufacturing and Andrew Melone asks for “an award of actual and compensatory damages in an amount of $10 million and/or an amount to be proven at trial.”
In response to the lawsuit, American Pizza Manufacturing filed a complaint in early 2022 accusing Thakore of “relentless and ongoing campaign of harassment” against the restaurant while “libeling [APM and] … unfairly interfering with APM’s business.”
According to the San Diego County Superior Court Register of Actions, there are several other lawsuits pending between Thakore and other persons and entities.Among the civil lawsuits, there is a complaint filed by Thakore against the parent company that owns Nautilus Tavern in San Diego’s Bird Rock community of La Jolla, once again alleging the restaurant discriminated against Thakore.
In the Cross-Complaint filed by Nautilus Tavern ownership against Thakore, claims include stalking, intentional infliction of emotional distress, intentional interference with prospective economic relations, and negligent interference with prospective economic relations. The cross-complaint goes as far as to accuse Thakore of urinating on the floor of the La Jolla bar.
The lawsuit between Ajay Thakore and Nautilus Tavern ownership MLT Encinitas LLC is still ongoing. A civil case management conference is scheduled for June 28, 2024, according to SanDiegoVille.
In addition to Doctor Multimedia and Local Clicks Digital Marketing, Thakore allegedly has ownership interests in Aspen’s Doghouse within The Shops at La Jolla Village, Three Legs Coffee Roasters in La Jolla, and The Flower Pot Bakery & Cafe in La Jolla.
The Lamborghini yacht, named “Aspen & Delilah” after Ajay “Ace Rogers” Thakore’s daughter and three-legged dog, is currently docked in the downtown San Diego Bay area. A crew made up of 20-30 people purportedly help maintain the one-of-a-kind 63′ boat.
Month: March 2024
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Indian American owner of luxury yacht threatens to kill dock worker over parking
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Joe Biden’s campaign freezes donation from Indian-American businessman
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden and a Democratic Party committee have freezed donations from an Indian-American businessman amid allegations that he falsely claimed to be associated with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). A Biden campaign official stated that a $50,000 donation to the Biden Victory Fund made by Gaurav Srivastava, who claimed to be associated with the CIA, last April was put in escrow due to concerns about its source and legality, according to Politico.
Similarly, a spokesperson from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which received nearly $290,000 last year from Srivastava, stated that the committee has set aside the funds for the “foreseeable future” as a precautionary measure. The decision to freeze the funds follows media reports questioning Srivastava’s business practices and philanthropy.President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign said it has raised $10 million in the 24 hours following a fiery State of the Union address, where he accused Donald Trump of threatening democracy and torpedoing a bill to tackle US immigration woes. While Srivastava, based in Los Angeles, has been active in various charitable causes, a profile by Project Brazen raised doubts about his integrity, including claims of false CIA ties.
The Atlantic Council, a think tank dealing with international affairs, cut ties with Srivastava after struggling to verify his background, reported Politico.
Srivastava, with his wife Sharon, donated over $1 million to the think tank for its Global Food Security Forum in Bali in November 2022. The businessman manages a charitable organization named after himself and his wife, the ‘Gaurav and Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation’.
The foundation, started in 2015, serves communities worldwide that lack the fundamental resources available in the United States. Reports have also questioned Srivastava’s identity and employment details.
Despite claiming to work for Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Management (AECOM) in campaign filings, the global infrastructure firm has denied employing him in the US. Srivastava later listed himself as the chairman of Unity Resource Group, a security operations company, reported Politico.
Connections between Srivastava and President Biden extend beyond donations.
Unity Resources Group briefly employed a lobbying firm led by former Biden aide Ankit Desai, and Srivastava reportedly met Biden personally last year.
Gaurav Srivastava, listing AECOM as his employer, donated $6,600 to Representative Mikie Sherrill’s campaign. He also gave $3,300 to Senator Maria Cantwell, this time listing Unity Resources Group as his employer. Democratic politicians, including Senator Mark Warner and Robert Menendez, received donations of $6,600 each from Srivastava, prompting them to redirect the funds to charities amid the controversy.
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Free File provides quick, easy way to file an extension
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): As the end of tax season draws near, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers there’s an easy way to get a tax filing extension through the Free File program. A tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six additional months to file – with an extended deadline of Oct. 15, 2024. The IRS Free File program is one of the easiest ways to get an extension.
Although an extension grants extra time to file, it does not extend the obligation to pay taxes due on April 15, 2024. To avoid penalties and late fees, taxpayers who owe should pay either their full tax bill or at least what they can afford to pay by the April 15 deadline. Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 to file and pay taxes due this year. This is because these states observe the Patriots’ Day holiday on April 15 this year and April 16 is the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia.
Free File makes filing an extension easier
An easy way to file an extension is through IRS Free File on IRS.gov. All individual filers can use the program software to request an extension on Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, regardless of income. Taxpayers must estimate their tax liability and file by the deadline to receive the extension.Free File also is one of the options available to help taxpayers file their taxes. Now in its 22nd filing season, taxpayers across the nation can access free software products provided by IRS Free File trusted partners by visiting IRS.gov. Through this public-private partnership, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers. Eight private-sector Free File partners provide online guided tax software products this year to any taxpayer with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023. Free access to online products is only available by starting from IRS Free File.
Make a payment, get an extension
Other quick and efficient ways to get an extension are through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), paying with a credit, debit card or digital wallet, and IRS Direct Pay. The IRS will automatically grant an extension when a taxpayer makes an electronic payment and indicates it’s for an extension. In that case, there is no need for that taxpayer to file Form 4868.Extensions are automatic for some taxpayers
Some taxpayers will automatically get extra time to file their tax return, even if they do not request an extension:Members of the military on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two-month extension to file. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged. Details are available in Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide.
Those serving in combat zones have up to 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.
U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work outside of the United States and Puerto Rico get an automatic two-month extension to file their tax returns. This year they have until June 17 to file. However, tax payments are still due April 15 or interest will be charged.
When the U.S. president declares a disaster in an area, the IRS can postpone certain taxpayer deadlines for residents and businesses in the affected area. Taxpayers in certain disaster areas are not required to submit an extension electronically or on paper. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on the IRS website.
Keep in mind
Taxpayers should be aware that payments are still due by the original April 15 deadline, unless in Maine or Massachusetts, regardless of whether they request an extension of time to file a tax return. Taxpayers should file an extension even if they cannot pay the full amount owed. By filing either a return on time or requesting an extension by the April 15 filing deadline, taxpayers can avoid the late-filing penalty.Taxpayers reduce the overall amount of tax subject to interest and penalty charges by paying as much as they can by the due date. The interest rate for an individual’s unpaid taxes is currently 8%, compounded daily. The late-filing penalty is generally 5% per month and the late-payment penalty is normally 0.5% per month, both of which max out at 25%.
The IRS will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe. Other options to pay, such as getting a loan or paying by credit card, may help resolve a tax debt. Most people can set up a payment plan on IRS.gov to pay off their balance over time.
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Indian Consulate, New York says: Working with authorities to find missing Hyderabad student
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The Consulate General of India in New York is working with local law enforcement authorities to find a 25-year-old Indian student in Cleveland who has been missing since the beginning of this month. Mohammad Abdul Arfath, hailing from Nacharam, Hyderabad, arrived in the US in May last year to pursue a Masters in IT from Cleveland University.
His father Mohammed Saleem said that Arfath last spoke to him on March 7. Since then, he has not been in touch with his family and his mobile phone is switched off.
The Indian Consulate said in a post on X that it is in touch with Arfath’s family and authorities in the US. “We are working with local law enforcement agencies to find him at the earliest.” Arfath’s roommates in the US informed his father that they have lodged a missing persons complaint with Cleveland Police.
On March 19, Arfath’s family received a call from an unidentified person who claimed that Arfath had been kidnapped allegedly by a gang selling drugs and demanded USD 1,200 to release him.
The caller also threatened to sell Arfath’s kidneys if the ransom wasn’t paid, his father said.
“Yesterday, I got a call from an unknown number, and the caller informed me that my son has been kidnapped and demanded money. The caller did not mention the mode of payment but just asked to pay the amount. When I asked the caller to allow us to talk to my son but he refused,” Saleem told PTI in Hyderabad.
Arfath’s parents have requested the central government to take necessary measures to bring back their son safely. Saleem has also written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in this regard.
The incident is the latest in a string of troubling cases pertaining to the safety and security of Indian students in the US. Since the beginning of this year, several cases of deaths of Indian and Indian-origin students have caused alarm and concern among the community.
Earlier this week, the Consulate had posted on X about the death of Abhijeeth Paruchuru, a 20-year-old Indian student, in Boston. Paruchuru’s parents, based in Connecticut, had been in direct touch with detectives and initial investigations into his death had ruled out any foul play.
Indian-American Sameer Kamath, 23, a student at Purdue University was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana in February. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to authorities.
In January, 18-year-old Akul Dhawan, a student of the University of Illinois was found unresponsive outside a campus building. Investigations revealed that he died due to hypothermia. Authorities said acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures contributed to his death. In another incident in January, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict in Georgia.
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Gurpatwant Pannun ‘murder’ plot: US federal prosecutors say Nikhil Gupta had agreed to ‘pay an assassin US$1,00,000’
Working with India to hold those behind assassination plot accountable, says US
NEW YORK (TIP): The United States is working with the Indian government to hold accountable those behind a plot to kill Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil, according to the Biden administration.
An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, was charged by federal prosecutors in November last year in connection with his involvement in a foiled plot to assassinate Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.
US federal prosecutors have charged that Gupta was working with an Indian government employee and had agreed to pay an assassin US$ 1,00,000 to kill Pannun, who lives in New York City.
India has already constituted a probe committee to investigate the allegations. During a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, March 20, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, “This is a serious issue. A serious issue between the United States and India. The Department of Justice has alleged that an Indian citizen at the behest of someone working in the Indian government has attempted to kill an American citizen on American soil. We take this in the administration incredibly seriously and have raised it at the highest levels with India.”
“We are at the moment working with India to encourage India to hold accountable, those responsible for this terrible crime. What we can see is that India itself has announced that they have created a committee of inquiry to look into this matter and we ask them to work quickly and transparently to make sure justice is done,” Lu said.
Lu was responding to a question from Congressman Dean Phillips from Minnesota, who asked if sanctions similar to those placed on more than 500 individuals relating to the killing of Lexie Navalny in Russia are being considered for those believed to be behind the plot to kill Pannun.
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Evidence of enthusiastic support for Tom Suozzi as he thanks party and volunteers
GREAT NECK, NY (TIP): Rep. Tom Suozzi welcomed hundreds of supporters to a thank you party Monday night, held a little over a month after he won his special election to represent the 3rd Congressional District on Long Island and a sliver of Queens. The event at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck attracted a number of other politicians too, including Rep. Grace Meng of the neighboring 6th Congressional District in Queens. “I cannot tell you, watching Tom’s victory that night and the weeks after, how much this victory has encouraged and inspired my colleagues and fellow Democrats all over the country,” Meng said while introducing Suozzi.
Fellow congressional candidate Laura Gillen, running in the 4th Congressional District against Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, got a shoutout from Suozzi at the start of his speech. “Before I say anything else, I want everybody to pay attention to one person in this room who is running for the 4th Congressional District, let’s hear it for Laura Gillen,” Suozzi told the crowd to applause. Until recently, Gillen was competing in a primary against state Sen. Kevin Thomas – but Thomas dropped out and endorsed his one-time opponent. Nassau County and state Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs, who was also at the party, told City & State that he spoke with Thomas about suspending his campaign. “I just didn’t want him to engage him in a race that I thought would be questionable as to whether he could win it, and I felt unity in the party was paramount, and so did he,” Jacobs said, adding that his goal is to “try to avoid primaries where we can.”
According to Jacobs, Gov. Kathy Hochul had originally planned to make an appearance at the party as well. “The governor called me this morning and wanted to be here tonight and asked me to convey her regrets,” Jacobs said. Two national guard members died in a helicopter crash at the southern border recently, and he said Hochul needed to attend to the return of their remains. “But she wanted me to express to all of you her congratulations and her heartfelt thanks for all the work that everyone in this room, and those who could not join us tonight, did to make this victory.”
State Senate candidate Kim Keiserman, who is running for the 7th Senatorial District, also attended and received a shoutout from Suozzi. “I will make mention of one teammate that helped on this campaign because I want to see her win her race for state Senate,” Suozzi said. Unlike Gillen, Keiserman still faces a primary race against Brad Schwartz before either of them has the chance to take on Republican state Sen. Jack Martins on Long Island.
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Asia Society Museum Names Dr. Beth Citron Curator of Modern and Contemporary Asian and Asian Diaspora Art
NEW YORK, NY (TIP): Asia Society Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of New York-based curator and art historian Dr. Beth Citron as Curator of Modern and Contemporary Asian and Asian Diaspora Art. Citron, a specialist in modern and contemporary South Asian art, will advance the museum’s initiatives in modern and contemporary visual art by Asian and Asian diaspora artists. She will work closely with Yasufumi Nakamori, Asia Society Museum Director and Vice President of Arts and Culture, to plan and implement Asia Society Museum’s modern and contemporary art exhibitions, as well as build the Museum’s contemporary art collection, initiated in 2003.
Announcing Citron’s appointment, Nakamori said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Beth Citron to Asia Society. In this role, she will help further develop Asia Society’s longstanding scholarship on and engagement with Asian and Asian diaspora artists. Asia Society Museum has been a leader in the field of modern and contemporary Asian art going back to the early 1990s. Citron’s curatorial and scholarly expertise and leadership with a focus on modern and contemporary South Asia will be invaluable to advancing this work.”
A 2019 recipient of an Asian Cultural Council Fellowship for research on a curatorial history of modernist art from India, Citron was the founding Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York until October 2019. At the Rubin, she organized a trilogy of exhibitions on Modernist Art from India (2011-13), Francesco Clemente: Inspired by India (2014), Genesis Breyer P-Orridge: Try to Altar Everything (2016), and A Lost Future: Shezad Dawood, The Otolith Group, Matti Braun, among other projects centered on modern and contemporary art and photography. She has worked extensively in South Asia, including on exhibitions and programming with the Dhaka Art Summit and with Nature Morte (New Delhi) on global museum relations. Recently, she authored an online course on modern and contemporary Indian art for MAP Academy (Bangalore). She has lectured and published widely, contributing essays to scholarly publications, including Art Journal, and to various institutional and gallery exhibition catalogues. She has also authored reviews and think pieces in Artforum and ArtAsiaPacific, among other publications, and is a contributing arts editor of STIRWorld.
Citron holds a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught in the Art History Department at New York University, from which she also earned a B.A. in Fine Arts. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Art Museum Curators Foundation.
Asia Society Museum presents a wide range of pre-modern, modern, and contemporary exhibitions of Asian art and Asian diaspora art, taking new critical approaches to familiar masterpieces and introducing under-recognized arts and artists. The Asia Society Museum Collection comprises a pre-modern art collection, including the initial bequests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and a modern and contemporary art collection launched in 2003. Through exhibitions and public programs, Asia Society provides a forum for the issues and viewpoints reflected in Asian and Asian diaspora art, culture, and society throughout history up to the present day.
Asia Society Museum is located at 725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street), New York City. For hours and admission information, visit AsiaSociety.org/NY. Connect with us on Instagram @AsiaSociety, and on Facebook and X @AsiaSocietyNY.
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Stormy Daniels says she is ‘absolutely ready’ to testify at Trump’s hush money trial
NEW YORK (TIP): Stormy Daniels is “absolutely ready” to testify at former President Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial, the adult film actress — whose hush money payment sits at the center of Trump’s criminal case — told ABC’s “The View” on Thursday, March 21.
“I’m absolutely ready. I’ve been ready. I’m hoping with all of my heart that they call me because … I don’t need someone to speak for me,” Daniels said. “I relish the day that I get to face him and speak my truth.”
Daniels made the appearance on “The View” to promote a new documentary about her life before and after her now-infamous interaction with Trump.
Defense lawyers have attempted to prevent Daniels from serving as a witness at trial by arguing her testimony would be salacious and prejudicial to the jury. The judge overseeing the case, Juan Merchan, denied Trump’s efforts this week in a ruling that cleared the way for testimony from Daniels, Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, and two others who received hush-money payments ahead of the 2016 election.
Trump last April pleaded not guilty to a 34-count indictment charging him with falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels just days before the 2016 presidential election. Jury selection for the trial is currently scheduled to get underway in mid-April in New York City. The former president has denied all wrongdoing.
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U.S. urges ‘immediate’ ceasefire at UN as Gaza war grinds on
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The United States has circulated for the first time a draft UN resolution calling for an “immediate” ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, as warnings grow of famine in besieged Gaza.
Washington had blocked previous Security Council texts using the word “immediate” but U.S. top diplomat Antony Blinken confirmed the shift in position on Wednesday, March 20.
A new version circulated by the U.S. and seen by AFP, the agency says, stressed “the need for an immediate and durable ceasefire” to protect civilians and allow aid into the territory.
No vote has been scheduled on the text but Blinken told Saudi media outlet Al Hadath on Wednesday, March 20, that support for the resolution would send a “strong message”.
The U.S. secretary of state, whose diplomatic push is running alongside mediation efforts in Qatar, will land in Israel on Friday. The Qatar talks were considering a Hamas proposal for a six-week ceasefire to allow hostages to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and increased aid deliveries.
But a senior Hamas official based in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, said Israel’s response had been “largely negative” and called it “a step backwards”.
The U.S. and Israel are also engaged in a diplomatic tug-of-war over the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the last part of the territory still largely untouched by Israeli ground troops.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled to the city to escape fighting elsewhere, but Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted a ground incursion is the only way to finally root out Hamas.
U.S. officials said they supported Netanyahu’s goal but wanted Israel to try strategies short of a potentially catastrophic invasion of an area where around 1.5 million people are hemmed in by the Egyptian border.
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Pope repeats call to negotiate in Ukraine, Gaza
VATICAN (TIP): Pope Francis on March 20 repeated his call for negotiations to end wars in Ukraine and Gaza, after remarks about “raising the white flag” sparked outrage in Kyiv.
At his weekly audience at the Vatican, the 87-year-old turned his thoughts to the populations of “the martyred Ukraine and of the Holy Land, Palestine, Israel, who suffer so much from the horror of war”.
“Let us never forget, war is always a defeat. We cannot go forward during a war. We must make every effort to talk, to negotiate.” Francis sparked outrage with an interview broadcast earlier this month where, talking about Ukraine, he praised those who “have the courage to raise the white flag and negotiate”.
Kyiv — which has been fighting a Russian invasion for two years — reacted with outrage, recalling the Vatican’s envoy and saying it would “never” surrender.
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INDIA bloc stands united behind Arvind Kejriwal
Opposition leaders question the timing of Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest, with elections just days away and on a day when ECI made the comprehensive electoral bond data public.
NEW DELHI (TIP): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the second Chief Minister from the INDIA bloc to be arrested in the recent months, has united the anti-BJP coalition which has been struggling to set aside their differences over seat sharing arrangements for the Lok Sabha polls. The opposition leaders questioned the timing, with the Model Code of Conduct in place and the coincidence of it coming on the same day as Election Commission publishing the entire data on electoral bonds.
(Also read Saving India from the Grip of Authoritarianism: Last Opportunity for the Opposition Parties on page 2)Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and his predecessor Rahul Gandhi expressed their outrage without naming Mr. Kejriwal. Mr. Kharge, connecting Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest to the freezing of Congress party’s accounts, wrote on X that the BJP is trying to weaken the Opposition because though it is making false claims of victory each day, it is scared of the expected results.
Mr. Gandhi, in a similar vein, posted on X: “A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. If capturing all the institutions including the media, breaking up parties, extorting money from companies, freezing the accounts of the main opposition party was not enough for the “Asuri Shakti” (demonic power) now the arrest of the elected Chief Ministers has also become a common thing.”
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal called the arrest a “diversionary tactic” on a day when complete data on electoral bonds was released, which he said, will expose BJP’s “extortion racket”. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the Opposition is going into this election with its “hands and feet tied” and on a “playing field that is far from level”.
He posted on X: “If a Model Code of Conduct exists to prevent the government from taking decisions that could favor the ruling party, why would a similar code not apply to government departments like IT and ED, whose actions are directly interfering with the functioning of democracy?”
Senior Opposition leader and founder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Sharad Pawar strongly denounced the ED’s action and said: “I strongly condemn the vindictive misuse of Central agencies to target the Opposition, especially as general elections loom. This arrest showcases the depth to which BJP will stoop for power. ‘INDIA’ stands united against this unconstitutional action against.”
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the latest arrest will only cement people’s desire to defeat the BJP, defend democracy and the Indian Constitution. “All Opposition leaders who defected and joined the BJP are protected and patronized,” he said. CPI general secretary D. Raja too called it a desperate action from the government. “They know the hollowness of their claims of 400 seats and that’s why the Opposition is being targeted by abusing Central agencies,” he said.
Senior Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’ Brien pointed out that the ED’s steps comes at a time when the Model Code of Conduct has just kicked in. Posting on X, he asked: “Earlier, his administrative powers were snatched through an illegal ordinance. How can we expect fair elections in India if sitting CMs & prominent opposition leaders are arrested weeks before polls? If SC & ECI fail to act now, who will stand with people against BJP’s oppressive politics in future?”
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ED arrests Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
AAP says it has moved Supreme Court court to quash the arrest; Plans nationwide protests
NEW DELHI (TIP): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, will be produced before a special court on March 22. A high-paced drama that ensued for a couple of hours after the ED team arrived at Mr. Kejriwal’s residence, culminated in his arrest. ED then took him to its headquarters in central Delhi.
The ED has arrested him on charges of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped.
Two AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia, former deputy chief minister and MP Sanjay Singh have already been arrested in the same case. Telangana Chief Minister’s daughter Kavitha has also been arrested in the case .
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that it has moved the Supreme Court to quash the arrest of Kejriwal and has asked for an urgent hearing after the Delhi High Court declined to grant him immediate protection.
AAP plans a big protest in Delhi. In order to foil the protest, Delhi Police on Friday, March 22 morning beefed up security with heavy personnel deployment and multi-layer barricading on roads leading to BJP headquarters where AAP leaders and workers will stage protest against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Paramilitary personnel in anti-riot gear have also been deployed to maintain law and order situation in the area.
The traffic police have requested commuters to avoid routes leading to central Delhi in anticipation of huge gathering of AAP workers. Roads leading to the BJP headquarters and ED office in central Delhi have been closed.
AAP leaders have asked party workers to reach the BJP headquarters and commence a protest at 10 am on Friday against Kejriwal’s arrest. In Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party plans big protests against Arvind Kejriwal’s arrests on March 22. Party has asked its supporters to reach Amb Sahib Gurdwara by 12 noon, to start the protests. Amb Sahib Gurdwara is in Mohali. Chief Spokesperson of AAP, Punjab, Malvinder Singh Kang, said that volunteers have already started reaching Mohali for the protests. The protest will be led by the state unit’s working president, Budh Ram. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is leaving for Delhi to participate in protest there.
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Indian-origin student found dead in Boston forest
BOSTON (TIP): Paruchuri Abhijit, a 23-year-old engineering student at Boston University, was found dead in his car in a nearby forest apparently killed by thugs to rob him of his money and laptop.
Abhijit, who hails from Burripalem in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, joined Boston University last year. He was found dead on March 11, according to Indian media reports.
Abhijit lived in a rented house with some classmates. When Abhijit did not return from college, worried friends informed police and lodged a missing complaint.
The police found his body in a car in the nearby forest based on his cell phone signals. However, the police are yet to identify his assailants.
Suspicions have also arisen regarding the circumstances of the murder, hinting at potential altercations with fellow students at the university, according to reports. Abhijit was the only son of Paruchuri Chakradhar and Srilakshmi. Although Abhijit’s mother initially refused her son’s wish to go abroad for higher studies, she agreed keeping his future in mind, Times of India reported citing his family members.
After completing all the formalities in the US, the body arrived in Burripalem in Guntur district on Friday.
This is the tenth such incident where Indian and Indian American students have died in the US under suspicious circumstances since January 2023. Among the nine, two died of suicide, two died of an overdose, two died after going missing, one died in a road accident and two were murdered, according to police.
Sameer Kamath, a 23-year-old Indian American student at Purdue University, was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana in early February. Prior to that, Syed Mazahir Ali, another Indian student, was assaulted by robbers in Chicago.
Vivek Saini, a 25-year-old Indian student, faced a fatal attack by a homeless drug addict in Georgia State’s Lithonia city. Four other Indian students — Shreyas Reddy Beniger, Neel Acharya, and Akul B Dhawan — also died under suspicious circumstances, raising alarming questions about the safety and security of Indian students in the United States. -
Indian American urban planner Nithya Raman wins LA City Council seat
LOS ANGELES (TIP): Indian American urban planner Nithya Raman has won re-election to her seat on the Los Angeles City Council, surpassing 50% in the March 5 election and avoiding the need for a November runoff, according to the latest vote tally.
Raman, who came to the US as a 6-year-old, when her family relocated from India, became the first challenger to unseat an incumbent on the City Council in 17 years, in the Nov 2020 election.
The only immigrant on the City Council was facing a challenge for her seat from two opponents who questioned her ability to tackle the city’s challenges on homelessness and crime, according to local KABC.
Her leading opponent, deputy city attorney Ethan Weaver, issued a concession statement on Mar 14 congratulating Raman on her win. Weaver was seen as a strong contender who was backed by funding from the LAPD union and real-estate groups.
The latest results from the county registrar indicate Raman received more than 32,000 votes, coming in at about 50.6%, just above the threshold to avoid a November runoff election. Weaver in second had more than 24,000 votes, for 38.6% and Levon Baronian had almost 7,000 votes, for 10.7%.
Raman told Eyewitness News the results make her “proud to be an Angeleno” because voters rejected the heavy spending by Weaver and the unions backing him.
She said she understands how voters feel about homelessness. “There is a lot of frustration and anger out there and to be honest, I feel that same frustration,” Raman said.
“But to me, what this vote, what this outcome represents is that Angelenos want to respond to homelessness in the right way. By offering housing, by offering services, by doing work that can really move people indoors and off the streets – not just shuffle them from sidewalk to sidewalk as the city has been doing for so long.”
For example, under Mayor Karen Bass the city launched the Inside Safe program to clear encampments and connect the homeless with services.
The first site cleared, at the 101 Freeway and Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood, was in Raman’s district. It has had to be cleared three times, including last week when 15 people were found housing. A fence now surrounds the site, according to KABC.
“This encampment has repopulated, and we go back and we offer people housing and services and we get them indoors again,” Raman said.
A resident of Silver Lake, Raman got her political start as a community volunteer focused on homelessness, helping to find a nonprofit that delivered food, hygiene kits and other supplies to unhoused residents in her part of Los Angeles. She continued her focus on that issue after taking office, eventually ascending to chair of the council’s homelessness committee, which oversees the city’s response to the crisis, according to the Los Angeles Times, which endorsed her candidacy.
Raman campaigned heavily on her work on homelessness, and on her advocacy for new bus and bicycle lanes, government reforms and the delivery of aid to tenants on the brink of eviction. -
Indian American senator Niraj Antani loses bid for US Congress from Ohio
OHIO (TIP): Ohio’s Indian American Republican State Senator Niraj Antani has lost his bid for the US House of Representatives from the second Congressional District in the party primary.
Antani, who became the first Indian American State Senator in Buckeye state history in 2021, ran in a crowded field of 11 candidates in Tuesday’s party primary to replace retiring Rep. Brad Wenstrup.
Antani was in 10th place with 1,497 or 1.8% of the votes, according to The New York Times. He plans to continue serving in the Senate until his term expires on Dec 21.
“I just called David Taylor to concede and wish him congrats on winning the Republican nomination for Congress. I wish him all the best in Congress. I want to once again thank all my supporters for their support in this race. I am so deeply grateful for your support” he posted on X.
Antani, who was born and raised in the Miami Township, was first elected to represent his Dayton-area Senate district in 2020 after serving six years in the Ohio House. He is currently Ohio’s youngest senator and the first Indian American to serve in the Senate.
The 6th Senate District includes southern, eastern, and northern Montgomery County, which has an Indian American population of more than 87,000.
In a Nov 14 press release announcing his run for US Congress, Antani promised to be “a conservative warrior in Congress and fight against Joe Biden’s disastrous policies.” The second district’s “partisan voter index leans significantly Republican,” he wrote on X.
“Over the next days, weeks, and months, I look forward to working hard to earn the support of the voters and to win this campaign,” he added.
Antani graduated from Miamisburg High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University. -
Indian American attorney Vaishali Bhatia named ATI VP and General Counsel
DALLAS (TIP): ATI Inc, Dallas-based aerospace and defense company has named Vaishali Bhatia Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, effective March 20.
The Indian American executive will lead all aspects of the legal function for the company—including corporate governance, compliance, corporate social responsibility strategies and reporting, and risk management—and collaborate closely with business teams to provide risk-based legal partnership.
Bhatia reports to ATI Board Chair and CEO Robert S. Wetherbee and serves on the company’s Executive Council, according to an ATI press release. She succeeds ATI Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Elliot Davis, who announced his intention to retire effective October 1, 2024. Until that time, Davis will serve as Special Advisor, Legal and Compliance, to ensure a smooth transition.
“Vaishali is a solutions-focused, strategic business partner with experience across a diverse range of complex legal and compliance matters,” said Wetherbee. “Her proven track record in incredibly demanding markets with long-standing and deep customer relationships will help her to guide ATI as we further develop our aerospace and defense leadership.”
Bhatia joins ATI from HF Sinclair Corporation (HF Sinclair), where she’s served as Executive Vice President since 2023, and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since 2019.
She’s been a part of the diversified energy company for over 12 years, starting as Counsel at HollyFrontier Corporation (HollyFrontier) and Holly Energy Partners, LP (HEP).
She played a key role in HollyFrontier’s and HEP’s acquisition of Sinclair Oil and Sinclair Transportation Company, and the formation of HF Sinclair as the new publicly traded parent of HollyFrontier and HEP, in 2022, and in HF Sinclair’s buy-in of HEP in 2023.
Bhatia began her career as an associate at the multinational law firm Jones Day. She graduated with a Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin.
In 2022, she was named “DFW General Counsel of the Year for a Mid-Size Legal Department” by the Texas Law Book and DFW Association of Corporate Counsel.
ATI is a global producer of high-performance materials and solutions for the global aerospace and defense markets, and critical applications in electronics, medical and specialty energy. -
Indian-origin couple, daughter killed in ‘suspicious’ fire in Canada’s Brampton
BRAMPTON (TIP): An Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter were killed in a “suspicious” fire which tore through their home last week in Canada’s Ontario province, police said on Friday, March 15.
A fire engulfed a home at the Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive area of Brampton on March 7, a press release by the Peel Police said.
After the blaze was put out, investigators located what was believed to be human remains within the gutted house, but the number of people killed couldn’t be ascertained at the time.
The charred remains were on Friday identified as those of three family members: 51-year-old Rajiv Warikoo; his wife, 47-year-old Shilpa Kotha; and their 16-year-old daughter, Mahek Warikoo.
Police said that they resided at the address before the fire. Peel police Constable Taryn Young on Friday said the fire had been deemed suspicious, the local news channel reported.
“At this time, we are investigating this with our homicide bureau, and we are deeming this as suspicious as the Ontario Fire Marshal has deemed that this fire was not accidental,” the report quoted Young as saying.
“There’s not much left to it,” Young said when asked about the possible cause of the fire.
“Looking into something like that as a fire marshal, I’m sure it’s very tough when there is not much left to look at. But we are exhausting all avenues,” she said.
The deceased family’s neighbor, Kenneth Yousaf, said that the family had lived on the street for about 15 years, and he never noticed any problems with them.
Yousaf said he was alerted to the fire last week by a family member, who heard a big “bang.”
“When we came out, the house was on fire. So sad. Within a few hours, everything was down to the ground,” the report quoted Yousaf as saying.
In a press release, police said they are continuing to investigate the deaths of the three family members and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“The circumstances surrounding the house fire remains the focus of an active investigation, and anyone with information or video footage (dashcam or otherwise) is urged to contact Homicide detectives,” police said. -
Indian-origin PM of Ireland Leo Varadkar resigns for ‘personal, political reasons’
LONDON (TIP): Ireland’s Indian-origin Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, on Wednesday, March 20, sent shockwaves across the country by announcing his sudden resignation citing “personal and political reasons”, triggering a leadership contest. The 45-year-old Taoiseach, as the Irish Prime Minister is known, made the announcement in an emotional statement delivered from the steps of the government buildings in Dublin. Varadkar said he believed a new leader “will be better placed than me” to gain seats for his party Fine Gael in the next general election, scheduled for next year.
My reasons for stepping down now are personal and political, but mainly political… After seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for this job anymore,” said Varadkar.
“There are loyal colleagues and good friends contesting local European elections, and I want to give them the best chance possible. On a personal level, I’ve enjoyed being Taoiseach… However, politicians are human beings and we have our limitations. We give it everything until we can’t anymore. And then we have to move on,” he said.“That’s it. I have nothing else lined up or in mind. No definite personal or political plans, but I am looking forward to having the time to think about them,” he added.
Varadkar was born in Ireland to a Mumbai-born father and Irish mother and has led the Fine Gael party since 2017. When aged 38 he became the country’s youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister and has served as Taoiseach twice since.
In his speech, Varadkar added that he was proud that the country is “more equal and more modern place when it comes to the rights of children, the LGBT community, equality for women and their bodily autonomy”.
Last month, he joined Britain’s Indian-origin Prime Minister to unveil a historic power-sharing pact when Varadkar and Sunak agreed that a “stable, effective and successful” Northern Ireland – part of the United Kingdom and sharing a border with Ireland – benefitted the UK-Irish relationship immensely.
Varadkar’s first stint leading Ireland lasted from 2017 to 2020, before he took up the role as Tanaiste, or Deputy Prime Minister, from 2020 until December 2022. He has been in a “rotating Taoiseach” agreement that underpinned a three-party coalition with Fianna Fail and the Green Party.
After a party leadership contest, a new Taoiseach is set to be in place when the Irish Parliament Dail returns after Easter next month. Varadkar has said he plans to carry on as a member of parliament for his Dublin West constituency.
His announcement on Wednesday does not automatically trigger a general election in Ireland, which must be held by March 2025, five years after the last election. Meanwhile, Ireland’s political parties are facing local government and European Parliament elections in June.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin paid tribute to Varadkar, adding that he was “very surprised” about his resignation which he was informed about on Tuesday evening.
“I want to take this opportunity again to wish him the very best in his personal life and in his career into the future,” he said.
Varadkar’s exit comes after a defeat on a family issues double referendum, in which voters refused to expand the constitutional definition of the family beyond married couples and removing some sexist language around women’s duties in the home from the Irish Constitution.
Varadkar conceded that “there are areas where we have been much less successful”, adding: “I hope you’ll forgive me if I leave it to others to point them out on a day like this.”
Attention will now turn to Varadkar’s replacement, with a contest expected to involve several ministers from the party including Paschal Donohoe, Simon Harris, Simon Coveney and Heather Humphreys. Meanwhile, he will carry on as leader until his successor is in place.
(Source: PTI) -
Two Indian-origin members among three new additions to National University of Singapore board of trustees
Justice Judith Prakash has served on the Supreme Court Bench for more than 30 years and Ravi Menon was the longest-serving managing director of Monetary Authority of Singapore.
SINGAPORE (TIP): Two prominent Indian-origin professionals, Justice Judith Prakash and Ravi Menon, were among three new members to be appointed to board of trustees of National University of Singapore (NUS), according to a statement from the institution.
NUS said Justice Judith Prakash, Tan Chong Meng and Ravi Menon have been made part of its board of trustees of the prestigious varsity. The three new members of the board, who are all NUS alumni, will begin their terms on April 1, the university said.
Menon was the longest-serving managing director of Monetary Authority of Singapore, holding the position from 2011 until his retirement on January 1 this year.
He was also the deputy chairman of Central Provident Fund Board and sat on the boards of Housing and Development Board and DBS.
He is currently the chairman of Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) Asia-Pacific Network advisory board and a member of GFANZ Principals Group. He is also a trustee of Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA).
Justice Prakash, who is a senior judge, has served on the Supreme Court Bench for more than 30 years.
She was the first woman to be appointed a permanent judge of Court of Appeal and was previously the lead judge for arbitration matters. She currently sits on the boards of trustees of SINDA and Eurasian Association.
Tan was the group CEO of port operator PSA International until his retirement this month. He is currently the chairman of Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and the deputy chairman of the board of National University Health System.
He was also the governor chair of the World Economic Forum’s Supply Chain & Transport Industry Community and co-chairman of Singapore’s Emerging Stronger Taskforce, a committee set up by the government to guide the country’s economic recovery from Covid. The chairman of the NUS board of trustees, Hsieh Fu Hua, extended a warm welcome to Justice Prakash, Tan and Menon.
“Their breadth and depth of experience will enrich board discussions and bring useful perspectives to guide the growth of the university amid a fast-changing and challenging environment,” he said in a statement.
The NUS board of trustees, which currently has 20 members, works closely with the university’s management and stakeholders to shape its vision, chart its major directions and guide its initiatives, NUS said. Its members are appointed by the Minister for Education, according to a Channel News Asia report.
(Source: PTI) -
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Team Visits El Salvador to Survey Proposed Metro Line Project
GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): A delegation from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) comprising of Mr Sandeep Gemawat, Sr. General Manager/Business Development and Mr. Shiv Om Dwivedi, General Manager/Business Development visited El Salvador to conduct a comprehensive survey of the proposed 22 km metro line project from 19-21 March 2024.
Established in 1995, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is a fully government-owned company with the primary objective of planning, designing, and implementing the metro system in Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India. Equally owned by the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, DMRC operates with significant autonomy to navigate the technical complexities of constructing a vast metro network within a challenging urban landscape and tight timelines. Today, DMRC manages and maintains 392.448 km of metro network with 288 stations in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), conducting 5262 train trips daily. Furthermore, with 85 km of metro network under construction in Phase-IV, DMRC’s network is set to expand to 478 km upon completion. In addition to its operational network, DMRC operates a successful consultancy wing, offering expertise in metro railway projects both domestically and internationally. With a dedicated team of professionals, DMRC serves as a comprehensive solution provider, and is renowned for its exceptional technical capabilities in the field of metro rail infrastructure development. With a team of highly skilled engineers, architects, and technicians, the DMRC continues to push the boundaries of excellence in urban transportation, setting benchmarks for metro systems worldwide. DMRC is catering to an impressive volume of passengers, with an estimated daily ridership of around 6.5 million individuals.
The visit was convened after signing of an MoU between Lakshmi Capital, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation of the Republic of El Salvador on 16 February 2023 for construction of 22 km metro line project (extending from initial proposal of 11 kms) in San Salvador. The MoU was signed by Hon’ble Minister Romeo Rodríguez of Ministry of Public Works, Government of Republic of El Salvador and Transportation and Mr. Russell Alexander Luther Rodas of Laxmi Capital in the presence of Ambassador of India in Guatemala, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra.
During their visit, while engaging with key stakeholders, government officials and local authorities, the delegation had meeting with Mr. Ibrahim Bukele, the Hon’ble Advisor to the President of El Salvador. In this meeting, they had the opportunity to share their insights and expertise regarding the metro line project. They conducted site visits and technical assessments to gather essential data and insights necessary for the successful planning and execution of the metro line project. The team engaged in detailed discussions and site inspections to assess the feasibility and optimization of various aspects of the metro line project such as route alignment, station design, signaling systems, rolling stock procurement, and safety protocols. The DMRC has also entered into a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Lakshmi Capital to elevate their collaboration and cooperation in the technical aspects of the project to a higher level. The team also conducted a presentation for the officials of the Government of El Salvador to inform them about their working plan, their assessment of the survey and the proposed implementation of the metro project.
The DMRC team overseeing the technical aspects of the Metro line project in the region with Ambassador Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra and members of Ministry of Public Works. Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra also participated in the survey and played a crucial role in enhancing collaboration between the DMRC team, Lakshmi Capital, and the Government of El Salvador. During the welcoming of the delegation from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to El Salvador, he expressed confidence that the team’s vast expertise, capabilities and experience in other countries would significantly contribute to advancing efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity in El Salvador. Appreciating the proactive approach of the Salvadoran government and their dedication to strengthening infrastructure in the country, he expressed gratitude for their confidence in India’s capabilities. The DMRC team assured their commitment to sharing their knowledge and closely collaborating with partners to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative project. The Government of El Salvador welcomed the visit of the delegation and termed it as a significant step forward in an effort to enhance public transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity in El Salvador.
Following thorough technical discussions by the DMRC team, a Concession Agreement is scheduled to be signed in the first week of April 2024 with a goal to complete the project within 3-4 years. Technical expertise of DMRC will be vital in drafting the Concession Agreement and addressing financial aspects. Additionally, this visit will facilitate valuable exchanges of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions for metro rail projects, enhancing collaboration between the parties. Furthermore, following the signing of the Concession Agreement, a delegation from the Government of El Salvador is scheduled to visit the DMRC office in New Delhi to gain firsthand experience of the metro train operations in the city.
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India donates Medicines to Guatemala
GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): In a ceremony held at the premises of the Ministry of Health of Guatemala on March 14, 2024, the Embassy of India donated 1 million tablets of Valproic Acid 500 mg (250,000 tablets), Pyridoxine 50 mg (270,000 tablets), and Metformin Hydrochloride 850 mg (500,000 tablets) to the Government of Guatemala. This generous initiative is part of the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to assist Guatemala in treating Epilepsy, tuberculosis, and type-II Diabetes, as discussed during a Ministerial level meeting held during the visit of Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Ms. Meenakashi Lekhi to Guatemala in January 2023. In its continued assistance to Guatemala, India has previously been active in supplying medicines to the Government of Guatemala, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Indian Government in collaboration with Eye Foundation of America conducted eye camps in Guatemala to provide free eye-check-ups and much-needed cataract eye surgeries to patients. Once again India has fulfilled its promise by donating specific life-saving medicines to the Government of Guatemala as part of its humanitarian aid efforts.
Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra handed over the medicines to H.E. Oscar Cordon, the Hon’ble Health Minister of Guatemala. Ambassador reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in Guatemala and highlighted India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World” by supplying affordable, high-quality generic medicines. India’s pharmaceutical market was valued at $49 billion in 2022, projected to reach $450 billion by 2047, with a growth rate of nine percent. Ambassador also informed the Hon’ble Minister that Guatemala has become India’s largest trading partner in Central America, with significant growth in recent years. India’s high-quality generic medicines at competitive prices have gained traction in the Guatemalan market, and the Ambassador expressed India’s willingness to reduce healthcare costs by supplying affordable medicines. Ambassador also recalled India’s proactive approach in donating 200,000 doses of Covishield to the Government of Guatemala in March 2021, reaffirming India’s commitment to providing aid in the future. Additionally, Ambassador briefed the Hon’ble Health Minister on upcoming infrastructure projects in Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, which will significantly contribute to the region’s socio-economic advancement.
Hon’ble Health Minister Oscar Cordon expressed profound gratitude for this generous gesture from the Government of India. He emphasized the significance of India’s support in providing life-saving medicines to Guatemala, which will undoubtedly alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by the nation. Hon’ble Minister highlighted the invaluable role that India plays as the “Pharmacy of the World,” supplying affordable, high-quality medicines to countries around the globe. He reiterated Guatemala’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the field of healthcare. Hon’ble Minister praised India’s proactive approach in donating medicines, including Covishield doses, during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing India’s unwavering commitment to global health cooperation. He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for India’s continued support and partnership in advancing Guatemala’s healthcare infrastructure and improving the well-being of its citizens.
This significant contribution will not only strengthen the bond between the two nations but will also provide timely access to life-saving medicines for the people of Guatemala, further affirming India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world”. India’s pharmaceutical industry is renowned for its robustness, producing a wide range of high-quality generic medicines, vaccines, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) at competitive prices. The success of the recently concluded largest-ever 92-member delegation in February 2024 to Guatemala has opened several avenues for unlocking vast opportunities for collaboration and economic growth in the pharmaceutical sector. Similarly, Guatemalan companies are well aware of the availability of high-quality generic medicines at competitive prices from India.
In an upcoming initiative, India has unveiled plans to donate 650 prosthetic limbs to Guatemala, a significant endeavor aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals in need. By providing these prosthetic limbs, India seeks to empower those facing mobility challenges, granting them the opportunity for greater independence and fulfillment. This commitment to healthcare assistance not only reinforces the deep bonds of friendship between the two nations but also serves as a testament to India’s steadfast dedication to aiding communities in need across the globe.
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US criticism of CAA : Diplomatic calculations behind opposition
The US was quick to weigh in on the Indian Government’s notification of the rules under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The Biden administration said it was worried about the development and would monitor the implementation of the Act. It unnecessarily interjected that respect for religious freedom and equal treatment of all communities were fundamental democratic principles. India was quick to react on both counts. The CAA, it reminded America, was the country’s internal matter and the Indian Constitution guaranteed equal rights to all its citizens.
Clearly, there are political calculations in notifying the CAA’s rules on the eve of the General Election after it was in limbo for four years. But the American homily is part of a recent pattern of diatribes against India over human rights. For the past three months, US religious freedom and human rights bodies have held hearings on transnational repression. Surprisingly, India figured in all of them, besides usual suspects Russia and China. There could be several triggers for this pressure, which emanates from the Western diplomatic toolkit. But even if there was no ulterior motive behind the US criticism, its concerns are off the mark.
The CAA does portray the BJP as a party keen on gaining from polarization. However, the law does not apply to Indian citizens. Its notification, though, could prompt the next government to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) across the country. Notably, the majority of the 1.9 million people excluded from the NRC list in Assam in 2019 were Hindus. India and its Western allies need to repose faith in the Supreme Court, which will take up for hearing this week a bunch of petitions against the CAA.
(Tribune, India) -
Saving India from the Grip of Authoritarianism: Last Opportunity for the Opposition Parties
In the labyrinth of Indian politics, power has become the ultimate pursuit for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders. Their ambition knows no bounds, their appetite for control is insatiable. The Modi government’s relentless drive for absolute dominance over India’s political landscape reeks of authoritarianism, leaving opposition parties teetering on the brink of extinction.For the BJP, the vision of an India devoid of opposition is tantalizingly within reach. Their modus operandi is clear: by hook or by crook, they will obliterate any semblance of dissent, any challenge to their hegemony. The systematic dismantling of opposition parties is not merely a political strategy but a march towards dictatorship, where dissent is silenced, and democracy is reduced to a charade.
But amidst the looming shadow of totalitarianism, there remains a glimmer of hope for opposition parties. They must awaken from their slumber, cast aside petty rivalries and narrow ambitions, and recognize the existential threat they face. The time for complacency is over; the time for action is now.
Opposition parties must shed their myopic focus on individual gains and unite in a formidable alliance against the BJP juggernaut. The concept is simple yet potent: one candidate against the BJP’s candidate. By pooling their resources and consolidating their support base, opposition parties can mount a credible challenge to the BJP’s hegemonic aspirations.
The urgency of this alliance cannot be overstated. The BJP’s Machiavellian tactics have already sown seeds of discord within opposition ranks, enticing defections and weakening their resolve. Unless opposition parties stand united, they risk being devoured by the voracious appetite of the BJP, consigned to the annals of history as relics of a bygone era.
Leaders like Mayawati must cast aside their fears of reprisal and embrace the mantle of resistance. The specter of arrest should not deter them from standing up for the principles of democracy and freedom. Likewise, other opposition leaders must find the courage to defy the BJP’s authoritarian grip and reclaim the spirit of India’s freedom fighters.
As the nation commemorates Martyrs Day on March 23, opposition leaders must heed the call of history and honor the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives for India’s independence. They must remember Gandhi’s dream of a free and equitable India, where every citizen’s rights are respected, and every tear is wiped away.
Billions of eyes are filled with tears today, not just from the hardships wrought by the pandemic but also from the erosion of democratic values and freedoms. Opposition leaders must rise to the occasion, armed with common sense and wisdom, to safeguard the soul of India from the clutches of authoritarianism.
The task ahead is daunting, but the stakes could not be higher. It is not just the survival of opposition parties that hangs in the balance but the very essence of India’s democratic fabric. Failure to act now could consign India to a future devoid of liberty, where the voices of dissent are silenced, and the ideals of justice and equality are trampled underfoot.
Let the opposition leaders heed the call of duty; let them rally behind the banner of democracy; and let them forge a united front against tyranny. The time to save India is now, for if they falter, there may be no India left to save.
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Misleading ads: Strengthen law to deter Patanjali, others
The Supreme Court of India has directed yoga guru Ramdev and Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna to appear before it after they failed to respond to a show-cause notice regarding contempt proceedings in a case about advertisements of the firm’s products and their purported medicinal efficacy. The court is hearing a petition filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which has sought action against Patanjali for violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. The Act prohibits advertisements of products for the treatment of specified diseases and disorders, including diabetes, heart ailments, high or low blood pressure and obesity. The IMA, which has over 3.5 million doctors as its members, has also pleaded that guidelines be framed for prohibiting the publication and broadcast of advertisements that disparage modern systems of medicine.
Patanjali had earlier assured the apex court that it would neither make statements claiming that its products could cure diseases nor run down any system of medicine. However, the company has allegedly violated this undertaking. No matter whether it is allopathy, ayurveda or homoeopathy, the claims of efficacy should be backed by verifiable and irrefutable evidence. Various stakeholders — doctors, patients, pharmacists and pharma companies — should rely on scientific data to dispel misinformation and hearsay fueled by social media.
It is also imperative to review the 70-year-old Act. Under the law, imprisonment may extend up to six months for the first conviction; in case of a subsequent conviction, the maximum prison term is one year. This penalty is not enough to deter unscrupulous elements who play with the health of unsuspecting people. The law must be made stringent both in terms of imprisonment and quantum of fine. In 2020, the Health Ministry had proposed amendments to the Act in order to expand its ambit. The process to firm up the legislation and align it with contemporary requirements should not be delayed further.
(Tribune, India ) -
Don’t let mobs give India a bad name
Gujarat University incident turns the spotlight on the safety of foreign students
“Academic institutions with foreign students have to be especially vigilant that the inevitable tensions between them, if they are in sizeable numbers, and local students are kept in check. The ICCR too must act with greater concern on this issue too. The organization’s task is to project Indian culture abroad and showcase the richness of its tolerant traditions. The ruling dispensation has been eager to portray India as the mother of democracy. It is essential to show that there is no discrimination on the grounds of faith or race against anyone in India. It is only then that the message of India’s democratic traditions and its oft-quoted motto — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — would carry credibility with foreign students.”
By Vivek Katju The five foreign students who were injured in a mob attack on their hostel on March 16 were, according to media reports, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship holders. They were Muslims, including some from neighboring countries, and were offering namaz. The assailants objected to their doing it on the hostel premises and asked them to go to a mosque. Hot words were exchanged and the mob not only attacked the students but also ransacked their rooms and damaged some of their vehicles. Two of the injured students had to be hospitalized.
Such incidents can prompt nations and groups inimical to this country to intensify their anti-India campaign.
On March 17, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He said: “An incident of violence took place at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad yesterday. The state government is taking strict action against the perpetrators. Two foreign students were injured. One of them has been discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention. The MEA is in touch with the Gujarat Government.”
Clearly, the MEA was unwilling to refer to the ‘perpetrators’ even though visuals of the incident and comments of foreign students in the hostel concerned were being circulated on social media. This unnecessary caution would hardly fulfil the ICCR’s objective that the scholarships are “an important vehicle of outreach and create goodwill about India…” and that “each ICCR scholar is India’s goodwill ambassador abroad”. It is doubtful if many of the 300 ICCR scholarship holders studying at Gujarat University would subscribe to these aims of the ICCR after this incident. It is noteworthy that there are around 7,000 ICCR scholars in India. According to the media, of these, 1,100 are in Gujarat, including those at Gujarat University.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Neerja Gupta, visited the hostel almost 12 hours after the attack. Perhaps she was advised by the police and the university administration not to be there immediately after the night-time incident. It is not known if any senior faculty or administration members arrived to give an assurance of safety to the foreign students. Gupta has now formed a Foreign Student Advisory Committee. She has stated that namaz was not the main issue and that there was a need for foreign students to become culturally oriented. She needs to clarify if it was wrong on the part of the foreign students to offer namaz in their hostel. She would no doubt be aware that Muslims all over the world become more conscious of their religious obligations during the month of Ramzan, which began in India last week. It is also pertinent to ask whether foreign Muslim students offered namaz in their hostels in previous years or was this the first time that they did so.
The Gujarat Police have apprehended five perpetrators and formed teams to nab others. There is an urgent need to investigate the case thoroughly and take action against the guilty so that nations and groups inimical to this country do not spread the message that India is no longer safe for foreign Muslim students. Anti-India forces are busy spreading the word that India is in the grip of Islamophobia. Such incidents and the ambivalent comments such as those of the V-C and the MEA can be used by these parties to intensify their anti-India campaign.
In the context of this incident, it is necessary to mention that India once again abstained from supporting a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Islamophobia, moved by Pakistan and other Islamic countries. This resolution was adopted on the UNGA-designated day against Islamophobia last year. India had abstained because it felt that no religion should be singled out and the UNGA should adopt a resolution against phobias pertaining to any religion. The current resolution built on the one adopted last year and asked the UN Secretary General to appoint a special envoy to combat Islamophobia. India explained its abstention on the same lines as last year.
There can be no quarrel with the Indian argument that the world should not be divided into religious camps, but the fact is that India’s abstention may be co-related with the Gujarat University incident; hence, there is a need for greater efforts in this matter by all concerned — MEA, ICCR, the Gujarat University authorities and the law enforcement agencies of Gujarat. India has interests in the Islamic world and it should not allow the feeling to spread that it is difficult for Muslims in India or those from abroad to observe their religious obligations in the country.
Academic institutions with foreign students have to be especially vigilant that the inevitable tensions between them, if they are in sizeable numbers, and local students are kept in check. The ICCR too must act with greater concern on this issue too. The organization’s task is to project Indian culture abroad and showcase the richness of its tolerant traditions. The ruling dispensation has been eager to portray India as the mother of democracy. It is essential to show that there is no discrimination on the grounds of faith or race against anyone in India. It is only then that the message of India’s democratic traditions and its oft-quoted motto — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — would carry credibility with foreign students.
The Indian government puts great emphasis on the country’s soft power. India especially stresses that if the world were to follow the principles of harmony and peace which evolved in India in ancient times, it would become a better place. Certainly, the mob attack on foreign students offering namaz in a university was not in keeping with the soft power which India seeks to project.
What is noteworthy is that political leaders have generally avoided commenting on the matter, even as Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said such incidents indicated that people of the country were still not fully aware of its traditions and cultural heritage. What does that say about our polity and society?
(The author is a former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India)