NAIROBI (TIP): Kenyan President William Ruto said on June 26 he won’t sign into law a finance bill proposing new taxes, a day after protesters stormed parliament and several people were shot dead. It was the biggest assault on Kenya’s government in decades.
The government wanted to raise funds to pay off debt, but Kenyans said the bill caused more economic pain as millions struggle to get by. The chaos on Tuesday led the government to deploy the military, and Ruto called protesters’ actions “treasonous.”
The president now says the bill caused “widespread dissatisfaction” and he has listened to the people and “conceded.” It’s a major setback for Ruto, who came to power vowing to help Kenyans cope with rising costs but has seen much of the country unite in opposition to his latest attempt at reforms.
“It is necessary for us to have a conversation as a nation on how to do we manage the affairs of the country together,” the president said.
Kenyans faced the lingering smell of tear gas and military in the streets a day after the latest protests saw thousands storm parliament, an act of defiance that Ruto called an “existential” threat. At least 22 people were killed, a human rights group said.
Ruto acknowledged deaths, calling it an “unfortunate situation,” and offered condolences.
The capital, Nairobi, has seen protests in the past, but activists and others warned the stakes are more dangerous. Ruto on Tuesday vowed to quash unrest “at whatever cost,” even as more protests were called at State House on Thursday. Soldiers patrolled alongside police, who were accused of shooting several people dead on Tuesday.
Kenyans united beyond tribal and other divisions in a youth-led effort to keep the finance bill from becoming law. It would have raised taxes and fees on a range of daily items and services, from egg imports to bank transfers. The government wanted the revenue to pay off debt in East Africa’s economic hub.
There were no reports of violence Wednesday, but there was fear. Civil society groups have reported abductions of people involved in recent protests and expect more to come.
Many young people who helped vote Ruto into power with cheers for his promises of economic relief now object to the pain of reforms. Part of the parliament building burned Tuesday, and clashes occurred in several communities beyond the capital.
At least 22 people were killed, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission said. Commission chairperson Roseline Odede told journalists that 300 others were injured and 50 people were arrested.
The mother of a teenager who was killed, Edith Wanjiku, told journalists at a morgue that the police who shot her son should be arrested and charged with murder because her 19-year-old son had been unarmed.
“He had just completed school and was peacefully protesting,” she said.
Parliament, city hall and the supreme court were cordoned off Wednesday with tape reading “Crime Scene Do Not Enter.” Authorities said police fired over 700 blanks to disperse protesters in the Nairobi suburb of Githurai overnight. (AP)
Month: June 2024
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Kenya’s president says he won’t sign finance bill that led protesters to storm parliament
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China’s Communist Party expels former defence minister for corruption
BEIJING (TIP): Former Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu was expelled from the ruling Communist Party and is being investigated for corruption and bribery, the official Xinhua news agency reported on June 27.
The Defense Ministry said Li had abused his authority to enrich himself by taking bribes and granting favors in violation of military and party discipline. Li was removed from office in October 2023 after disappearing from public view for almost two months.
Such charges have been leveled against numerous military leaders under the rule of President Xi Jinping, who also heads the armed forces as chairman of the Central Military Commission and has made a crackdown on corruption a hallmark of his rule since taking power more than a decade ago.
Former Chinese defense minister Li was expelled from the ruling Communist Party and is being investigated for corruption and bribery.
Insiders have claimed that he is undertaking a widespread purge of officers suspected of conspiring with foreign forces or simply being insufficiently loyal to Xi. High-ranking military officers occupy an elevated position in Chinese politics and can enjoy extensive privileges.
In its statement, the ministry gave no details of the allegations against Li, other than saying that his alleged crimes were “exceptionally pernicious” and that they posed “an enormous danger.”
Li spent most of his career as a specialist in the missile and procurement branches, and was under travel and financial sanctions from the U.S. at the time he dropped from view last September. That roughly coincided with the sudden disappearance of then-foreign minister Qin Gang and several leading officers in the rocket corps amid unproven allegations of misconduct. Li was replaced in December by Admiral Dong Jun.
China has the world’s largest standing military, its biggest navy, and a rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, but it has not been tested in warfare in half a century. The military reports to the Communist Party, with the defense minister playing a secondary role. (AP) -
Gaza’s summer of despair: Sewage, garbage, and rising health risks amid ongoing conflict
DEIR AL-BALAH (TIP): Children in sandals trudge through water contaminated with sewage and scale growing mounds of garbage in Gaza’s crowded tent camps for displaced families. People relieve themselves in burlap-covered pits, with nowhere nearby to wash their hands.
In the stifling summer heat, Palestinians say the odor and filth surrounding them is just another inescapable reality of war — like pangs of hunger or sounds of bombing.
The territory’s ability to dispose of garbage, treat sewage and deliver clean water has been virtually decimated by eight brutal months of war between Israel and Palestine. This has made grim living conditions worse and raised health risks for hundreds of thousands of people deprived of adequate shelter, food and medicine, aid groups say.
Palestinians gather to fill water jugs near one of the strip’s few functioning desalination plants in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip.
Hepatitis A cases are on the rise, and doctors fear that as warmer weather arrives, an outbreak of cholera is increasingly likely without dramatic changes to living conditions. The U.N., aid groups and local officials are scrambling to build latrines, repair water lines and bring desalination plants back online.
COGAT, the Israeli military body coordinating humanitarian aid efforts, said it’s engaging in efforts to improve the “hygiene situation.” But relief can’t come soon enough.
“Flies are in our food,” said Adel Dalloul, a 21-year-old whose family settled in a beach tent camp near the central Gaza city of Nuseirat. They wound up there after fleeing the southern city of Rafah, where they landed after leaving their northern Gaza home. “If you try to sleep, flies, insects and cockroaches are all over you.”
Over a million Palestinians had been living in hastily assembled tent camps in Rafah before Israel invaded in May. Since fleeing Rafah, many have taken shelter in even more crowded and unsanitary areas across southern and central Gaza that doctors describe as breeding grounds for disease — especially as temperatures regularly reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius).
“The stench in Gaza is enough to make you kind of immediately nauseous,” said Sam Rose, a director at the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. Conditions are exacting an emotional toll, too.
Anwar al-Hurkali, who lives with his family in a tent camp in the central Gazan city of Deir al-Balah, said he can’t sleep for fear of scorpions and rodents. (AP) -
Bolivian general arrested after apparent failed coup attempt as government faces new crisis
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (TIP): Led by a top general vowing to “restore democracy,” armored vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia’s government palace on June 26 in what the president called a coup attempt, then quickly retreated — the latest crisis in the South American country facing a political battle and an economic crisis.
Within hours, the nation of 12 million people saw a rapidly moving scenario in which the troops seemed to take control of the government of President Luis Arce. He vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander, who immediately ordered the troops to stand down.
Soon the soldiers pulled back, along with a line of military vehicles, ending the rebellion after just three hours. Hundreds of Arce’s supporters then rushed the square outside the palace, waving Bolivian flags, singing the national anthem and cheering.
The soldiers’ retreat was followed by the arrest of army chief Gen. Juan José Zúñiga, after the attorney general opened an investigation.
Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said that in addition to Zúñiga, former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador was taken into custody.
“What was this group’s goal? The goal was to overturn the democratically elected authority,” del Castillo told journalists in announcing the arrests.
Late Wednesday, Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo said “everything is now under control.” Surrounded by the new military chiefs appointed by Arce, Novillo said that Bolivia lived a “failed coup.”
The apparent coup attempt came as the country has faced months of tensions and political fights between Arce and his one-time ally, former leftist president Evo Morales, over control of the ruling party. (AP) -
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returns to Australia a free man after US legal battle ends
CANBERRA (TIP): WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returned to his homeland Australia aboard a charter jet and raised a celebratory clenched fist as his supporters cheered on June 26, hours after pleading guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concludes a drawn-out legal saga.
Assange told Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a phone call from the capital Canberra’s airport tarmac that Australian government intervention in the U.S. prosecution had saved his life, Assange lawyer Jennifer Robinson said.
Assange embraced his wife Stella Assange and father John Shipton who were waiting on the tarmac, but avoided media at a news conference less than than two hours after he landed.
“Julian wanted me to sincerely thank everyone. He wanted to be here. But you have to understand what he’s been through. He needs time. He needs to recuperate and this is a process.” Stella Assange told reporters.
Assange was accused of receiving and publishing hundreds of thousands of war logs and diplomatic cables that included details of U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. His activities drew an outpouring of support from press freedom advocates, who heralded his role in bringing to light military conduct that might otherwise have been concealed from view and warned of a chilling effect on journalists. Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.
The case came to a surprise end in a most unusual setting with Assange, 52, entering his plea in a U.S. district court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands. The American commonwealth in the Pacific is relatively close to Assange’s native Australia and accommodated his desire to avoid entering the continental United States.
Albanese said Assange told him during their phone call he was looking forward to playing with his sons, conceived while the father was in self-exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for seven years.
“He described it as a surreal and happy moment, his landing here in our national capital, Canberra,” Albanese told reporters in Parliament House. “I had a very warm discussion with him this evening. He was very generous in his praise of the Australian government’s efforts.” (AP) -
A Palestinian was shot, beaten and tied to an Israeli army jeep. The army says he posed no threat
JENIN, West Bank (TIP): When Mujahid Abadi stepped outside to see if Israeli forces had entered his uncle’s neighborhood, he was shot in the arm and the foot. That was only the start of his ordeal. Hours later, beaten and bloodied, he found himself strapped to the searing hood of an Israeli military jeep driving down a road.
The army initially said Abadi was a suspected militant, but later acknowledged he had not posed a threat to Israeli forces and was caught in crossfire with militants.
Video showing the 24-year-old strapped to the jeep circulated on social media, sparking widespread condemnation, including from the United States. Many said it showed that Israeli soldiers were using him as a human shield — a charge Israel has frequently leveled at Hamas as it battles the group in Gaza.
The military said it was investigating the incident and that it did not reflect its values. But Palestinians saw it as yet another act of brutality in Israel’s crackdown on the occupied West Bank, where violence has surged since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack triggered the war in Gaza.
Abadi, speaking to The Associated Press from a hospital bed on Tuesday, said he stepped outside his uncle’s house in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin on June 23 after he heard a commotion.
“I went outside to see what was happening, and looked towards the neighbors’ houses, where I saw the army,” he said. “When I tried to return to the house, heavy and indiscriminate gunfire was suddenly directed at me. My cousin who was near me was also hit.”
After he was shot in the arm, he hid behind his family’s car. Then he was shot again, in the foot. Unable to move, he called his father and told him he was about to die.
“I told him to try not to lose consciousness and to keep talking to me,” Raed Abadi said as he stood over his son’s hospital bed. “Suddenly, the call was disconnected.”
Raed later saw false reports on social media that a Palestinian had been killed in the raid. “I collapsed, because I was 90% sure it was my son,” he said.
Abadi was not dead, but his suffering had just begun.
After a couple of hours, Israeli soldiers found him. He says they struck his head and face and in the areas where he had been shot. Then they dragged him by his legs, lifted him by his hands and feet and threw him onto the hood of the military jeep. (AP) -
Indian electrician wins AED 1 million jackpot in Dubai
DUBAI (TIP): A 46-year-old electrician from India has bagged an AED 1 million (approx Rs 2.25 crore) cash prize in Dubai, after years of saving and investing wisely, a local news report said on Tuesday, June 25. Nagendrum Borugadda, from Andhra Pradesh, has been saving AED 100 with National Bonds through direct debit since 2019. Borugadda, who has been living in the UAE since 2017, is the father of an 18-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son, a news report said.
“I came to the UAE to build a better life for my family and provide good education to my children. This win feels surreal,” he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
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Indian-origin man shot dead during robbery at convenience store in Arkansas
DALLAS, TX (TIP): A 32-year-old Indian-origin man from Andhra Pradesh was among four persons killed in firing at a grocery store in Arkansas.
The victim from Andhra Pradesh was identified as Dasari Gopikrishna, a native of Bapatla district who had gone to the US only eight months ago.
He was working at the Mad Butcher grocery store at Fordyce, a small town in Arkansas, where a gunman opened fire on June 21.
Gopikrishna, who was at the billing counter, sustained critical injuries. He succumbed at a hospital the next day. His family in Yajali in Karlapalem mandal of Bapatla district was shattered on receiving the news.
Gopikrishna is survived by a wife and a son. Four persons were killed and nine injured when the gunman opened fire inside the store and at the parking lot.
The suspected shooter, identified as Daniel Hill, was taken into custody after being shot by law enforcement officers during the incident.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage of the assailant entering the store and opening fire on the man at the counter has emerged. As the victim collapsed on the ground, the gunman jumped over the counter and escaped after lifting something from the shelf.
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Indian-origin Punjab man dies tragically in Italy
ROME (TIP): A 31-year-old Indian casual worker in Italy has died tragically after he was dumped on the road without medical assistance by his employer after his arm was severed by heavy farm machinery. Satnam Singh was injured by heavy machinery while working in a vegetable field in Lazio, near Rome, on Monday.
The Embassy of India in Rome posted on Wednesday, June 19, on X that it was aware of the very unfortunate demise of an Indian national in Latina, Italy. “We are in contact with local authorities. Efforts are underway to contact the family and provide consular assistance,” it wrote without giving more information. Singh reportedly hailed from Punjab.
According to Italian media, Singh’s employer, Antonello Lovato, loaded him and his wife into a van and left them by the side of the road near their home.
“We heard his wife’s screams who kept calling for help, then we saw a lad who was holding him in his arms and who carried him into the house,” ANSA news agency quoted Ilario Pepe, the owner of the house, as saying.
“We thought he was helping him, but then he ran away.
“I ran after him,” said Pepe, “and I saw him get into a van and I asked him what had happened and why he hadn’t taken him to hospital.
“He replied ‘he’s not on the books as a regular employee”.
The severed arm was placed in a fruit box.
Medical help did not reach Singh until an hour and a half later. He was airlifted to a hospital in Rome but died on Wednesday.
Lovato is now under investigation for criminal negligence and manslaughter.
Lovato’s father told Italian media: “My son had told [Singh] not to go near the machinery, but he didn’t listen.” “It was sheer carelessness, unfortunately”, said Renzo Lovato, speaking to the TG1 first channel news.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Singh’s death an “inhuman act” and a “barbarism” that must be “harshly punished”. Italy’s Minister of Labor, Marina Calderone, said the death of Singh had been an “act of barbarity”.
Opposition 5-Star Movement (M5S) leader Giuseppe Conte on Thursday urged Meloni to act to stamp out brutal gang mastering.
“You lose your arm while you’re working in the fields for four euros an hour. You’re not immediately treated. They put you in a van and they dump you like rubbish outside your home,” Conte wrote on X.
“Beside you, a strawberry basket in which your severed arm is left. You bleed out and die. It sounds like the story of a slave centuries ago. We can’t close our eyes, we can’t think about making profits while cancelling the dignity of work and the last shreds of humanity,” he wrote.
If people ignore these atrocities, they will stop defending Italy and its values, he said.
“We are ready to do our bit in parliament against these barbarities, which must be rooted out of the fields all over Italy, he added.
Gang mastering and the often-violent exploitation of migrant farm laborers is a chronic problem in Italy, especially in the south.
Latina hosts thousands of immigrant laborers, many of them Sikhs, working picking fruit and vegetables for the local ‘agro-mafia’. Singh died in a Rome hospital Wednesday after being airlifted there when he was eventually found.
The owner of the fruit and vegetable picking firm, and Satnam’s employer, Antonello Lovato, may face gang mastering and manslaughter charges, Ansa quoted Latina police as saying. -
Indian-American couple sentenced to prison for forcing relative to work at gas station
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A US court has sentenced an Indian-American couple to prison for coercing their relative to work at their gas station and convenience store for over three years by bringing him to the United States on the pretext of helping enrol him in a school.
Harmanpreet Singh, 31, was sentenced to 135 months (11.25 years) in prison and Kulbir Kaur, 43, to 87 months (7.25 years) by the court that also asked them to pay the victim, his cousin, USD 225,210.76 (Rs 1.87 crores approximately) in restitution.
The couple has since divorced. “The defendants exploited their relationship with the victim to lure him to the United States with false promises that they would help enrol him in school,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said.
“The defendants confiscated the victim’s immigration documents and subjected him to threats, physical force and mental abuse to coerce him to work long hours for minimal pay,” she said.
“This sentence should send a strong message that such forced labor will not be tolerated in our communities,” she added.
US Attorney Jessica D Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia said the defendants preyed on the victim’s earnest desire to attain an education and improve his life.
Instead, they deprived him of the most basic human needs and robbed him of his freedom, the attorney said.
The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that in 2018, the defendants enticed the victim, Singh’s cousin and then a minor, to travel to the US from India with false promises of helping enrol him in school, the Department of Justice said.
It said that after the victim arrived in the US, the defendants took his immigration documents and instead forced him to provide labor and services at Singh’s store for over three years, between March 2018 and May 2021.
Singh and Kaur compelled the victim to work at the store, including cleaning, cooking, stocking and handling the cash register and store records, between 12 and 17 hours a day, nearly every day, for minimal pay, according to the evidence presented during the trial.
They used various coercive means, including confiscating the victim’s immigration documents and subjecting the victim to physical abuse, threats of force and other serious harm, and, at times, degrading living conditions to compel him to continue working, the evidence showed.
The couple left the victim at the store to sleep in a back office for days on multiple occasions, limited his access to food, refused to provide medical care or education, used surveillance equipment to monitor the victim both at the store and in their home, refused his requests to return to India and made him overstay his visa, according to the evidence.
The defendants also forced the victim to marry Kaur and used that marriage to threaten to take the victim’s family’s properties or falsely report him to the police if he left.
The evidence also showed that Singh pulled the victim’s hair, slapped and kicked him when he requested his immigration documents back or tried to leave. On three different occasions, he threatened the victim with a revolver for trying to take a day off and for trying to leave.
(Source: DOJ Office of Public Affairs) -
GOPIO Manhattan and Tirlok Malik, Happy Life Yoga speaker, celebrate International Day of Yoga 2024
NEW YORK (TIP): GOPIO Manhattan and Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik, along with The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum, hosted an interactive and informative session on June 22 featuring eminent experts and speakers to celebrate International Day of Yoga 2024.
The ever-ebullient Malik emphasized loving yourself and “if you love yourself, it is your responsibility to take care of your happiness and health”. He conducted
practical exercises as well as chair yoga, peppered with calls for laughter among
A large number of participants logged in for the session from New York, other parts of the USA, India, and around the world.
Consul General of India in New York, Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, in his address as Chief Guest, underlined that yoga is a holistic body-mind-spirit system Consul General of India in New York, Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan,
in his address as Chief Guest, underlined that yoga is a holistic body-mind-spirit system. He congratulated GOPIO and Tirlok Malik for holding the event open to all.In his 4th year leading this event, session host Malik asked the speakers to address
the question: There are challenges and hardships in life, but how do you let them
go and laugh at life? Give me your personal mantra, he asked them.
Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson of the Indian American Forum and a medical
professional, shared her mantra: “Always have a positive outlook and believe in
yourself.”
Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, said that “happiness is within you”. Prof. Indrajit Singh Saluja, Editor-Publisher of The Indian Panorama, said that
happiness is within you. He added that the five don’ts – ahimsa, Satya, etc.–of
Patanjali yoga is a formula for not causing unhappiness to others.Tara Shajan, a medical professional, suggested we should revisit our happy
memories, particularly from childhood, and try to lower our happiness threshold.
Neeta Bhasin, the founder of Times Square Diwali, shared that she has learned to
prioritize her own happiness. Neha Lohia, a filmmaker and spiritual enthusiast, said that we should take
whatever happens to us as ‘prasad’ from God.Parveen Chopra, founder of wellness and spirituality webmag
ALotusInTheMud.com, mentioned the sutra, “Heyam dukham anagatam” (Avert
the danger that has not yet come). Do regular exercise, yoga and meditation, he
said, to avoid poor physical and mental health later in life.Dr. Renee Mehra conducted a short meditation.
A video grab of the participants. Others who spoke included Lal Motwani – GOPIO International President, Gobind
Munjal – AIA National President, ‘vegan ambassador’ Anil Narang and Deborah Fishman.Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO (Global Organization for People of
Indian Origin), talked about the objectives of the global organization. Shivender
Sofat, GOPIO Manhattan President, said the message shared in this session
should be shared with others. Sid Jain of the GOPIO team attended the session and Bhavya Gupta gave the vote of thanks.
Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik has conducted over 100 Happy Life Yoga workshops over four years. Tirlok Malik has conducted over 100 Happy Life Yoga workshops over four years.
He created this workshop (No mats needed!) inspired by Ayurveda, yoga, and
Indian philosophy as a practical way to live a happier and healthier life in today’s
testing times. -
Women’s Cricket Club of Stamford ‘Sizzlers’ Organizes Tournaments and Raises Funds for Local Charities
STAMFORD, CT (TIP): Stamford Cricket Club Sizzlers- a local, homegrown women’s cricket team comprising 20 women conducted their second annual women’s cricket tournament at Stamford’s Lione Park on June 22nd, 2024. SCC Sizzlers hosted 7 teams and 250 people from all over Stamford, Greenwich and Westchester.
This year the tournament was conducted in support of The Women and Children’s Fund of the Fairfield County Community Foundation (FCCF). The past years have seen DVCC, The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and Wounded Warriors Project benefiting from their donations. This group of vibrant South Asian women, both working professionals and moms connected post COVID through their common passion for the sport. Through this venture they hope to inspire and drive more women in the community to follow their lead.
GOPIO-CT has been supporting the Stamford team. Many team members and their families participate in GOPIO-CT activities. SCC Sizzlers is led by Captain Bindu Philip and Vice-Captain Monika Mittal.
This year, HCC Drakainas, a Long Island based team and Phoenix of Westchester made it to the Finals.
Finals of the tournament will be held in the coming weeks.
Sonica Katakdhond of the Stamford Women’s Cricket Club Sizzlers presenting a check to Mary Grace of Fairfield County Community Foundation. Ms. Mary Grace of FCCF was also present for the felicitation ceremony and to accept their donation from Sizzlers.
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Priyanka Chopra’s former restaurant Sona to shut down; final service on June 30
Last year in August, People Magazine confirmed that Priyanka Chopra is no longer associated with SONA, which opened in 2021
NEW YORK / NEW DELHI (TIP): Priyanka Chopra’s former New York restaurant SONA will serve its final brunch service on June 30. The restaurant, known for serving Indian cuisine with a contemporary touch, is closing its door almost a year after Priyanka ended her partnership with the establishment.
The restaurant shared a statement on its official Instagram page on Wednesday. It read, “After more than 3 remarkable years, SONA will be closing. We have immense gratitude for everyone who walked through our doors. It’s been our greatest honor to serve you. Thank you to our dedicated team who serve delicious food, smiles & warmth daily. Sona’s final service will be brunch on Sunday, June 30. We hope to see you for a final meal or drink. Our doors and arms are open.” Sharing the statement, the restaurant wrote, “We’ll miss you. Come on by for one final hurrah.”
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Looking forward to the results of India’s inquiry into Pannun case: US
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The US has said it is looking forward to the results of the Indian inquiry into the allegations that an Indian official was involved in an alleged plot to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.
In November last year, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta of working with an Indian government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun in New York. Pannun, wanted in India on terror charges, holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada.
Gupta, who was arrested in the Czech Republic in June last year, was extradited to the US on June 14.
“They (Indian officials) have announced that they are conducting an inquiry, and we will look forward to the results of that inquiry,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference on Wednesday.
He was responding to a question on members of the Foreign Senate Foreign Relations Committee writing a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for a strong diplomatic response on the Indian government’s involvement in an alleged assassination attempt on a US citizen on US soil.
Following the allegations, India appointed a high-level inquiry committee to look into the inputs provided by the US on the plot.
Miller said, “We will respond to those members privately as we always do. I won’t speak to that here. But as pertains to the other issue, when this issue first arose, we made clear that we had raised it with the government of India and told them that we expected there to be a full investigation.”
During a virtual media briefing on Wednesday on his and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to India last week, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said, the US has consistently pressed India for updates on the Indian investigation into the alleged foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Pannun and made it clear that it seeks accountability in the case.
“We have had constructive dialogue with India on this topic and I would say that they have been responsive to our concerns,” he said. “We’ve made clear that we seek accountability from the Government of India and we have consistently asked for updates on the Indian committee of inquiry’s investigations,” Campbell said.
“And I would just simply say that we raised this issue directly with the Indian government…at the most senior levels between our two sides,” he said.
He was replying to a question on whether the ‘murder-for-hire’ plot targeting Pannun was raised during meetings that he and Sullivan held with their Indian counterparts.
Responding to another question on the Lok Sabha elections in India, Miller said, “When it comes to the Indian elections, we have been quite clear on behalf of the United States government that we celebrate what was the largest exercise of democracy in the history of the world.”
“It was an extraordinary achievement. And then when it comes to the outcome of the election, we obviously take no side. That’s a question for the people of India to decide,” Miller said.
(Source: PTI) -
India received USD 120 billion in remittances in 2023, maximum from US: World Bank report
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): India received USD 120 billion in remittances in 2023, which is almost twice of USD 66 billion received by Mexico during the same period, the World Bank said in a report released on Wednesday, June 26. China (USD 50 billion), the Philippines (USD 39 billion), and Pakistan (USD 27 billion) figure in top five countries list of remittances recipients as released by the World Bank, according to which remittances in 2023 after a period of strong growth during 2021-2022, officially recorded remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) moderated in 2023, reaching an estimated USD 656 billion.
Growing at 7.5 per cent, remittance flows to India touched USD 120 billion in 2023, reflecting the benefits of a deceleration in inflation and strong labor markets in the United States, the largest destination for India’s skilled migrants, and other OECD destinations, as well as positive demand for skilled and less-skilled workers in the GCC countries (which, together, are the second largest destination for Indian migrants),” the World Bank said.
While the same external demand conditions could have favored remittance flows to Pakistan, weak internal conditions due to a balance of payments crisis and economic difficulties triggered remittances to plummet 12 per cent to USD 27 billion in 2023 compared with more than USD 30 billion in 2022, it said.
According to the World Bank, remittance flows to India from the United Arab Emirates, which account for 18 per cent and are the second largest source of India’s remittances after the United States, benefited from the February 2023 agreement. The latter established a framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions and cooperation for interlinking payment and messaging systems between India and the United Arab Emirates. The use of dirhams and rupees in cross-border transactions is instrumental in channeling more remittances through formal channels. In addition to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar account for 11 per cent of India’s total remittances, it said.
The World Bank said remittances to India are forecasted to grow at 3.7 per cent to USD 124 billion in 2024, and at four per cent to reach USD 129 billion in 2025.
India’s efforts to link its Unified Payments Interface with source countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Singapore are expected to reduce costs and speed up remittances, it said.
“Most importantly, the diversification of India’s migrant pool between a large share of highly skilled migrants employed mostly in high-income OECD markets and the less-skilled migrants employed in the GCC markets is likely to lend stability to migrants’ remittances in the event of external shocks,” the bank said.
“Migration and resulting remittances are essential drivers of economic and human development,” said Iffath Sharif, Global Director of the Social Protection and Jobs Global Practice at the World Bank.
“Many countries are interested in managed migration in the face of global demographic imbalances and labor deficits on the one hand, and high levels of unemployment and skill gaps on the other.”
“The resilience of remittances underscores their importance for millions of people,” said Dilip Ratha, lead economist and lead author of the report. “Leveraging remittances for financial inclusion and capital market access can enhance the development prospects of recipient countries. The World Bank aims to reduce remittance costs and facilitate formal flows by mitigating political and commercial risks to promote private investment in this sector,” he said.
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Kabir Beri wins Star Award and Certificate in Health
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Kabir Beri, a student of 6th Grade at Hicksville Middle School, received on June 21, a Certificate in Health and Star Award for the Year 2023-2024 from his school. He received the certificate and the award from the school Principal, Mr. Benjamin Tangney. When asked by The Indian Panorama what he would like to become in life, he quickly said that he wished to be a Family Medicine Physician and an entertainer.
Congratulations to Kabir and his mom Jaskiran! -
SBS COMMISSIONER KEVIN D. KIM CELEBRATES YEAR OF MILESTONES FOR NYC ENTREPRENEURS, WORKERS, AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Milestones in Outreach, Businesses Served, Dollars Saved Highlight Successes under the Adams Administration
NEW YORK (TIP): NYC Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, on June 27, celebrated the conclusion of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) which saw historic milestones in neighborhood investment, small business formation, New Yorkers employed, and businesses served. These record achievements took place as New York City regained all of the private sector jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic and saw the largest number of small businesses in its history, with one in three created since 2022.
“New York City is grateful for Commissioner Kim’s dynamic and effective leadership and his dedicated service to our city and the people of New York,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams. “Commissioner Kim launched an era of unprecedented growth at SBS that facilitated more than $265 million in funding to small businesses, connected 45,000 New Yorkers to jobs through SBS Workforce1 Career Centers, generated $3.1 billion in contracts to M/WBEs, and supported an astounding level of community engagement. Every day, our administration strives to make our city safer, more prosperous, and more livable, and we thank Commissioner Kim for his contributions to that shared mission for the last two and a half years.”
“Since Day One of this administration, Commissioner Kim has been an integral part of the team and a tireless advocate for the needs of the city’s nearly 200,000 small businesses,” said NYC Deputy Mayor for Housing, Workforce, and Economic Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Under his leadership, SBS has been on the front lines of our efforts to build an equitable economic recovery, strengthen our small business community, and expand economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. My sincere thanks to him for the tremendous impact that he has stewarded, including in shaping an agency that is more ready and energized to serve New Yorkers than ever before.”
“As the son of NYC immigrants, I never imagined I’d have the honor to give back to the city that has given me so much,” said NYC Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “As a former small business owner, I know how vital small businesses are to families, communities, and our city. Ensuring every neighborhood’s voice is heard has been my mission: we toured all 51 City Council Districts and met with New Yorkers everywhere to bring SBS resources to those most in need. We invested $27 million into our neighborhoods, created the largest public-private loan fund for small businesses in NYC history, and saw NYC achieve new records in employment and small business openings. When I joined this agency, our city was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, and our future was uncertain. I want to thank Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer – it has been a privilege to serve as SBS Commissioner, and today, I can confidently say: New York City is not coming back; it is back!”
Commissioner Kim was appointed by Mayor Adams in January 2022 and is leaving the agency at the end of the fiscal year with major accomplishments spanning first-of-its-kind programming, historic levels of engagement with New Yorkers, and a successful focus on strengthening agency operations, such as:
Engaging 25,000 New Yorkers at nearly 700 events across all five boroughs through a newly formed outreach team, with SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim having personally toured commercial corridors in all 51 New York City Council districts;
Saving businesses more than $45M by cutting fines and fees, educating businesses on business compliance, and implementing a one-time liquor license fee;
Investing an unprecedented $27M in neighborhood revitalization including new programming to improve quality of life and activate public spaces;
Facilitating more than $265 million in funding to businesses;
Connecting 45,000 New Yorkers to jobs through SBS Workforce1;
Facilitating $265 million in funding to small businesses, including $85 million in the historic NYC Small Business Opportunity fund;
Supporting a record number of M/WBEs to get certified and win more than $3B in city contracts under Local Law 1;
Hiring more than 170 new agency staff, drastically reducing the agency’s vacancy rate from a high of 30% to a low of 2%; and, Growing SBS social media’s impact with an increase of total followers by 175%, video views by 372%, and engagement rate by 398%.
Highlights of FY24 include:
Bringing All of Government Under One Roof: During the city’s second NYC Small Business Month, SBS convened the first-ever NYC Small Business Month Expo at Pier 36 in Manhattan. More than 10,000 New Yorkers signed up for the event, with nearly 3,000 participating in person. More than 150 free government resources and over 40 city agencies congregated under one roof. Mayor Adams also announced the investment of $10M to seed a new, major small business loan fund to be developed by SBS.
Landmark Opportunity Loan Fund: In FY24 SBS concluded its historic NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund — the largest public-private loan fund directed at small businesses in the city’s history, with flexible terms to eliminate minimum credit score requirements and application fees. The Opportunity Fund distributed $85M to 1,046 businesses, including 80% to BIPOC communities.
Navigating Government with MyCity: SBS launched the Business site on the MyCity portal, sharing actionable and trusted information from more than 2,000 NYC Business web pages and articles. Since its launch, MyCity Business has received more than 1.3M unique visitors to the portal.
Reaching New Yorkers Where They Are: SBS engaged 40% more New Yorkers than FY23 at 100 events through the SBS outreach team and the innovative SBS Mobile Unit, “Mobie,” which brings SBS resources directly into neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
Expanding SBS’s Digital Footprint: In FY24, SBS recorded 138.2k fans & followers on social media, with 114k video views, and a 5.33% engagement rate.
Supporting Minority and Women-owned Businesses: SBS hosted the 2023 Citywide M/WBE Procurement Fair, which saw a record of 1,254 M/WBEs in attendance. In FY24, more than 1,100 firms received new M/WBE certifications, culminating in a citywide total of over 11,000 certified M/WBEs. Over $930M in city contracts via Local Law 1 were awarded to 1,650 certified M/WBEs.
Empowering Climate Resilience: SBS launched a new Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program (BPREP) risk assessment and grant program designed to support small businesses and commercial properties in New York City floodplains. More than 140 small businesses and commercial properties applied for the new program which identifies business vulnerabilities and provides grants of up to $5,000 to shore up their infrastructure with items like generators, fire and flood-proof storage, and flood barriers.
Making Business Funding More Accessible: SBS launched NYC Funds Finder, a first-of-its-kind online marketplace designed in partnership with Next Street to help business owners and entrepreneurs access small business loans, grants, and financing.
Bringing Free Legal Services to More New Yorkers: SBS expanded free legal services available to NYC’s entrepreneurs with a new partnership between SBS’s Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC) initiative and Volunteers of Legal Services (VOLS). The partnership connects New York City business owners to one-on-one free transactional legal education, advice, and representation on business formation, contracts, taxes, intellectual property, human resources, and other emergent issues. The partnership adds to SBS’s robust suite of legal services, such as its Commercial Lease Assistance (CLA) program and legal clinics for M/WBEs, which have served over 5,600 entrepreneurs with free legal help since the beginning of the Adams administration.
Connecting New Yorkers to Jobs: Across the 18 Workforce1 Career Centers, and in partnership with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and the Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities (MOPD), SBS provided jobseekers with free financial counseling and established a Center for Workplace Accessibility and Inclusion.
Making New York City the Global Capital for Legal Cannabis: In FY24, 59 licensed cannabis businesses have opened across the five boroughs, as SBS’s Cannabis NYC initiative sprung into action to assist hundreds of New Yorkers to apply to launch a cannabis business, including the first-ever series of FastTrac® for Cannabis Entrepreneurs sessions which connects cannabis business owners and entrepreneurs with free, high-quality training and advice proctored by leading players in the legal cannabis industry. The Cannabis NYC Loan Fund, a partnership with the NYC Economic Development Corporation, also advanced towards implementation with $2M in capital set to serve Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licenses this summer.
Investing in New York City’s Neighborhoods: SBS awarded over $9.7 million in grants to Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) to facilitate innovative and community-focused solutions to improve New York’s commercial corridors. These grants included funding for the city’s first-ever Commercial District Lighting projects to design, produce, and install customized and creative lighting projects in neighborhoods across the city.
Promoting Nightlife: The Office of Nightlife (ONL) officially transitioned from the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME) to SBS, blending expertise in government navigation and both business and workforce development, with the deep community and industry ties of ONL. The transfer of ONL to SBS connects the city’s nightlife and hospitality industries to additional resources to take NYC’s world-renowned nightlife to the next level. Already, ONL is making an historic impact by working with the NYPD and other agencies to rollback heavy-handed approaches to enforcement by instituting a new policy to “Coordinate a United Resolution with Establishments,” or “CURE.”
Making the American Dream Work: SBS launched a new initiative, the American Dream Works program, to connect hiring businesses with work-authorized asylum seekers through SBS’s Workforce1 Career Centers. Since October 2023, SBS has served more than 5,400 new New Yorkers.
About the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS)
SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go to nyc.gov/sbs, call 888-SBS-4NYC, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif calls for united front against terrorism amid resurgence of Taliban militancy
Islamabad (TIP) : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on June 23 that fighting terrorism was a collective responsibility of all institutions, as the country battled a resurgent Taliban militancy.
Addressing the apex committee meeting of National Action Plan (NAP), he said provinces should also play their role in combating insurgency in the country.
The apex committee is its highest body overseeing the implementation of measures to eradicate militancy from the country.
“The responsibility of fighting against terrorism is the collective duty and the primary obligation of all state institutions. It’s not about you and me, it’s about us. We have to trample it together,” Sharif said.
The 20-point NAP agenda to eliminate terrorism was adopted by the government and approved by the opposition parties in the wake of Peshawar school attack on December 16, 2014.
The prime minister said Pakistan has been facing terrorism for the last two-and-a-half decades and it has become complicated due to the involvement of crime, drugs, smuggling, extremism and religious terrorism.
The apex committee meeting was held as Pakistan faced an uptick in the acts of terrorism in recent years. According to an annual security report issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan witnessed 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in 2023, marking a record six-year high.
The latest wave of terrorism is led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Taliban (TTP), which according to Pakistan officials, has sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
Sharif acknowledged that some provinces had made progress in tackling militancy, but “it is my belief that we have all too easily left this matter to our armed forces” and both the provinces and federal government have left it for the army.
“This is that dangerous practice that has become a custom in the past years that this is the army’s job and its officers have to do this,” he said.
Sharif said provinces were paying a price but the overall sense is that the army has to fight against terrorism. He said it would not eliminate terrorism from the country.
“We cannot even hope for strong stability without a complete system or a whole-of-the-government approach. This does not only refer to all agencies and ministries but the federal and provincial governments and all institutions,” he said.
Sharif asked the political and religious leadership to be clear that this battle was for Pakistan’s survival and “we are not fighting someone else’s battle”.
The premier also said that the rule of law and stability were important for growth and development in the country. “A soft state can never gain the trust of investors,” he said, adding that a strong and healthy economy could not be envisioned in an unstable state gripped by terrorism. (PTI) -
‘Let’s sit down and talk’: Pak PM to Imran
Islamabad (TIP): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 26 extended an olive branch to his predecessor and political rival Imran Khan, offering to hold talks with him if was facing “troubles” in jail. “If their [PTI] founder is facing troubles [in jail], then I reiterate: come, let’s sit down and talk,” Sharif said in the National Assembly. “Let us sit together to take the country ahead. Let us talk…” (PTI)
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Ex-Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia on ‘deathbed’
Dhaka (TIP): Accusing PM Sheikh Hasina of a “personal political vendetta” against her political rival Khaleda Zia, a leader from her party BNP today claimed she is on her “deathbed” as she has been deprived of advance medical treatment abroad.
A report in The Daily Star said Zia, 78, was rushed to a hospital here around 3:30 am on June 23 as she fell ill. Hasina’s action is a result of “personal political vendetta,” BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged. (PTI) -
Sri Lanka survived economic crisis because of India’s support: President
Male (TIP): Maldives police have arrested two serving ministers for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu, local media reported on June 27. Shamnaz Saleem, who was a state minister at the Environment Ministry, her ex-husband Adam Rameez, who was serving as a minister at the President’s Office, and two others were arrested, local media said quoting the police, who, however, declined to share any information about the reasons or the alleged performance of black magic.
“Shamnaz, alongside two other individuals, was arrested on Sunday. All three of them have been remanded in custody for seven days. She was suspended from her post on Wednesday as per the Environment Ministry,” news portal Sun.mv reported, adding Rameez too has been suspended on Thursday.
Both Shamnaz and Rameez have worked with Muizzu as members of the Male City Council. (PTI) -
T20 Cricket: Confidence and energy carried men from ‘Rainbow Nation’ to the summit clash with Men in Blue
By Prabhjot Singh South Africa organized the first T20 World Cup in 2007 but never made it to the final till the current or the ninth edition. The history of the T20 – the shortest version of the game – World Cup is dotted with amazing statistics. The ICC trophy awarded to the champion team of this 20-over each rivalry between bat and ball has been following an unusual trail. Though both England and West Indies have won the trophy twice, it has never stayed with any nation for two consecutive times. It has stayed in Asia for the longest as three South Asian nations – India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – have won this coveted trophy once each.
There have been three occasions when the summit clash featured only Asian teams – in 2007 when India beat Pakistan by five runs for its maiden triumph followed by Pakistan defeating Sri Lanka in 2009 by eight wickets and in 2014 when Sri Lanka defeated India by six wickets. In the last edition in 2022, England played Pakistan in the final and won by five wickets for its second title success in the tournament.
When India takes on South Africa this Saturday, it will be the sixth time that a South Asian team will feature in the final. In 2010 when West Indies played host to third edition, England and Australia played the first final without an Asian team. Subsequently, in 2016, when India organized the event, West Indies and England played the final. Five years later, when the competition returned to Asia and was held in UAE, Australia and New Zealand met in the final. The million-dollar question on everybody’s mind is who will win the 2024 T20 World Cup? India or South Africa!
Organized for the first time by the United States and West Indies, this 55-match marquee event was not only new to the North American continent but also witnessed several stunning firsts. The foremost of these has been one of the co-hosts, USA, an associate member, stunning the regular member and more fancied Pakistan, in Group games by extending the contest to a Super Over.
Pakistan, winner of the second edition and a runner-up in the last (2022) edition could never recover from the initial shock and failed to progress even to the Super 8 round. It led to a lot of severe criticism at home and even the coach of the team had to admit that “it was not a team but a collection of individuals” led by one of the star contemporary batters Babar Azam.
Though many believed that cricket was new to the North American continent, they did not realize what the history of the game had to say. The history of Test cricket dates to 1877 when Australia played England, USA and Canada played an international 3-day game in 1844 in New York which they later won by 23 runs. This oldest rivalry was revived when the opening game of the tournament was played between two North American neighbors which the co-host US won in one of the tallest-scoring games. Canada batting first made 194 for five and the US responded by scoring 197 for three.
After the US recorded an upset win over Pakistan, Canada followed with an exciting win over Ireland by 12 runs. Canada made 137 for seven and restricted Ireland to 125 for seven in the stipulated 20 overs.
The most pleasant surprise of the Group matches was the qualification of the USA for the elite Super 8 group.
The group matches saw two of the former champions – Sri Lanka (winner of 2014) and Pakistan (winner of 2010) – touching their nadir as they failed to progress to the Super 8.
India and South Africa emerged as the only unbeaten teams in the tournament till it reached its final round. India won seven of its eight games as the match against Canada was abandoned due to inclement weather. South Africa won all its eight matches though wins in two of these games came by the skin of the teeth. South Africa beat Nepal by a solitary run, perhaps the narrowest win ever recorded in the fiercest match where both the teams lost seven wickets and played full 20 overs each.
Going by the performance of various teams, India emerged as the most cohesive squad with both batters and bowlers putting up superlative performances. Though India’s star batter Virat Kohli failed to fire so far, he is known to rise when faced with bigger challenges. Well-wishers of Indian cricket hope he will be in his natural flow in the game against men from “Rainbow Nation”. After all, “Rainbow has a special attraction for “Blue” and Men in Blue would love to peak in Saturday’s game.
Skipper Rohit Sharma has led by example. His 92 against Australia and 57 against England were innings of class. He has been ably supported by Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube besides wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Indian pacers – Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah – have left an indelible mark on the teams they played against. Rest, Indian spinners – Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav – too, have their spells of brilliance that stood their team in hours of need. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja have also been chipping in with their all-round performances.
For South Africa, the batter to watch will be Quinton de Kock, skipper Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendriks besides bowlers Marco Jansen, Anrich Notje, Kesigo Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi. They all have had a good tournament so far. A lot will depend on the toss as Kensington Oval in Barbados is expected to produce an excellent battle between bat and ball.Journey to final
India
– India beat England by 68 runs with 20 balls to spare.
– India beat Australia by 24 runs.
– India beat Bangladesh by 50 runs.
– India beat Afghanistan by 47 runs.
– India vs Canada: Match abandoned.
– India beat the USA by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare.
– India beat Pakistan by six runs; and
– India beat Ireland by eight wickets with 46 balls to spare.
India’s highest scorer: Rohit Sharma 92, scored 248 runs in seven innings He nit 15 sixes and 22 fours and made three 50s; Suryakumar Yadav 196 with two 50s.
India’s best bowling: Arshdeep Singh four for nine; 15 wickets and Jasprit Bumrah 13 wickets in seven matches each
South Africa
– South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets with 22 balls to spare.
– South Africa beat the Netherlands by 4 wickets with 7 balls to spare.
– South Africa beat Bangladesh by four runs.
– South Africa beat Nepal by 1 run.
– South Africa beat the USA by 18 runs.
– South Africa beat England by seven runs.
– South Africa beat West Indies by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare.
– South Africa beat Afghanistan by nine wickets with 67 balls to spare,
– South Africa’s highest scorer: Quinton de Kock 204 runs with two 50s.
– South Africa’s best bowler: Anrich Nortje 13 wickets and best figures of 4 for seven.(Prabhjot Singh is a senior journalist. He writes with equal aplomb on sports and politics. He can be reached at Prabhjot416@gmail.com)
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India majestically walks into T20 World Cup final with a splendid 68-run win over England
Avenges its 2022 semi-final defeat at the hands of England
By Prabhjot Singh In a superb display of team effort, India set up its summit clash with South Africa for the coveted T20 World Cup Trophy. India defeated defending champions England convincingly by 68 runs with 20 balls to spare to end its decade-long wait for a T20 World Cup final. India was the winner of the inaugural edition in 2007.
India also avenged its 2022 semi-final defeat at the hands of England.
Helped by batters to put up a challenging target of 172 for an outright winner, Indian bowlers, especially spinners – Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav – did more than expected of them. England were sent packing for 103. Reliable Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two for 12. He claimed the first and the last wicket of England in a game dominated by India.
Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front scoring a brisk fifty while Surya Kumar Yadav (47) and Hardik Pandya (23) came in with useful contributions in a game that was disrupted by rain.
But for skipper Jos Buttler (23 made from 15 balls with four boundaries), Harry Brook 25 from 19 balls with three boundaries) and Jofra Archer (21 from 15 balls with a boundary and two sixes), other English batters wilted the Indian bowling attack and went back to the pavilion without putting up any worthwhile resistance.
Incidentally, both the semi-finals were a disappointment for the spectators as the fireworks expected of games of this level were conspicuous by their absence. How dominant Indian bowling was can be judged that except for Jofra Archer’s two big hits to the maximum, no other English batter had a six to his credit.
Statistics make cricket an interesting game. Before the start of the second semi-final, lots of statistics came to mind, including that the same two teams met in the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup as well. India was beaten by 10 wickets. Skipper Rohit Sharma was eager to bury the ghosts of the past and move one step closer to the silverware. It was also the time for India to add an ICC Trophy to its cabinet.
Virat Kohli, after hitting Reece Topley for a six maximum, was bowled for nine. Besides, it was also slated to be a battle of tactics, nerves and skills as both teams had high stakes in the game. England wanted to break the jinx of winning the T20 World Cup back-to-back while India wanted to add an ICC Trophy to its cabinet.
In 2022, India had set up a target of 168 for England. England achieved it without losing a wicket. This time, things were different. Indian spinners were quick to get in the groove. Axar Patel with his variation and accuracy had the English batters tied in his web. His three-wicket haul came in 2.1 overs for 11 runs. It was he and Kuldeep Yadav who brought England to the defensive. Kuldeep Yadav clean bowler dangerous looking Harry Brooks to make England 68 for six. Brooks was gone for 25 made from 19 balls. He was the second victim of Kuldeep who had earlier sent back Sam Curran for 2, trapping him leg before.
Kuldeep gave yet another blow to England as he foxed Chris Jordan with his flight and variation. Chris had the ball wrapped in his pads. After the ground umpire, he sought review before marching back to the pavilion. England was now in dire straits having lost seven wickets for 71. It was Kuldeep Yadav’s third wicket. Both Axar (three for 26) and Kuldeep not only justified the confidence the skipper Rohit Sharma placed in them but also wreaked havoc with the English batters. England 73 for seven in 13 overs. What a game!
Looking back, no team has won the T20 World Cup back-to-back. Joss Buttler, however, was keen to reverse the trend.
As statistics show, both Rohit Sharma and Joss Buttler had scored the same number of runs in this marquee event. In six innings each played so far, both skippers have scored 191 runs each with the same strike rate of 159.16. This semi-final was interesting for them as it would have determined which one of them would fire and set the tone for the other. Rohit did. He out-batted Joss Buttler.
About Guyana National Stadium, the venue, experts felt that the pitch would be low and skiddy, promising an average score of 167, depending further upon what captains decide after winning the toss. Intermittent showers not only delayed the start but also disrupted the game when India went to bat. India crossed this mark by finishing with 171 for seven thus setting a challenging total of 172 for the defending champions for a place in the summit round.
Rohit Sharma and Virat started well, scoring 19 for the opening wicket before Kohli, after hitting Reece Topley for the maximum, was clean bowled for nine made from as many balls. Many expected after that mighty six that Virat Kohli would now fire as he is known to be a man of big matches. It was, however, not his day as he left quickly afterwards.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh, who came next, did not last long and departed when the total reached 40. He made 4, his lowest score in this tournament.
Surya Kumar Yadav, who joined Rohit Sharma, signaled his arrival with a towering six off Chris Jordan as India moved to 65 for two in 8 overs before the rain stopped the game again. Rohit was on 37 and Surya Kumar on 13. Though the rain stopped after a while, it left a huge accumulation of water on the covers. The ground staff took upon itself the job of cleaning water from covers before attempting to work on the wet patches in the outfield.
When the game resumed after a long break, England pressed into action its spinners – Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid. Rohit Sharma pulled the last ball of the 11th over long on for a mighty six to move inches closer to his 50. India was 86 for two with Rohit on 48. In the next over, Rohit and Surya Kumar completed their 50-run partnership for the third wicket.
Joss Buttler brought back Sam Curran into the attack. He was greeted with a huge six by Surya Kumar Yadav. It was useful over as it not only saw the completion of 50 by Rohit Sharma but also 100 of the Indian total on the scoreboard. Rohit celebrated with another mighty hit to the maximum before Surya Kumar executed a brilliant stroke for a boundary to make 19 from the over and take the Indian total to 110 for 2 in 13 overs.
Rohit left shortly afterwards when he was clean bowled by Adil Rashid for 57 made from 39 balls. India had reached 113 for 3 in 13.4 overs. Rohit hit six boundaries and two sixes. Adil completed his spell conceding 25 runs for the prize wicket of Rohit Sharma in his four overs.
Surya Kumar was unlucky to miss his half-century as he was caught by Chris Jordan off Jofra Archer. Surya made 47 and India were 124 for 4 from 15.4 overs. He and Rohit had put on 73 runs for the third wicket. The next man, Ravindra Jadeja, in the company of Hardik Pandya, was required to give India a safe defending total in the remaining little more than four overs. When the 17th over ended, India was 132 for four. Livingstone conceded 24 runs in his 4 overs and ended wicketless.
Hardik Pandya punished Chris Jordan when he returned to the attack for his second spell. Hardik hit him for two mighty sixes before falling into the bowler’s trap. He was caught by Sam Curran while attempting another hit to the maximum to make India 146 for 6 in 17.5 overs. Chris Jordan had the last laugh as he claimed the next Indian batter, Shivam Dube, for a blob. Shivam was caught behind by Joss Buttler. India slumped to 146 for six.
With two overs left, India was still short of its projected target of scoring 170 runs. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja were at the crease. Jadeja hoisted India’s 150 with a well-executed boundary of Jofra Archer. He followed it with another boundary to end the over-19 with a score reading 159 for six. On the penultimate ball of the innings, Axar left but not before hitting Chris Jordan for the maximum to take India to 170. India’s innings folded up at 171 for seven with Ravindra Jadeja remaining unbeaten on 17 from nine balls with two boundaries.
Chris Jordan (three for 37) was the most successful bowler for England. Three other bowlers – Reece Topley, Adil Rashid and Sam Curran – claimed one wicket each, conceding 25 runs each while Jofra Archer ended one for 33.
Jasprit Bumrah in his pre-match comments said that expectations were high from both the teams. Since India has played a lot of ICC tournaments as a team, it was confident of a good showing here. More than focusing on the outside noises, “we are going to be in the present. You can control only the controllable. It is important to put the best foot forward. The wicket is crucial and there are lot of variables which must be considered as well.”
While the rain was playing hide and seek, the South Africans, celebrating their maiden entry into the T20 World Cup, must be watching the developments amusingly. Men from the “Rainbow Nation” packed too many surprises for the Afghans, who took the world by storm by making their maiden entry into the semi-finals but lacked the energy. Confidence alone did not carry them through against experienced Proteas as the first semi-final turned out to be a damp squib and ended in almost half of the stipulated requirement of 40 overs.(Prabhjot Singh is a senior journalist. He writes with equal aplomb on sports and politics. He can be reached at Prabhjot416@gmail.com)
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Amarnath Yatra
Amarnath Yatra is among the most revered pilgrimage circuits among Hindus. This annual event starts in July and goes on till mid-August every year. This holy Yatra lasts for around 45 days and is undertaken by thousands of people from all over the country.
This year, the Amarnath Yatra starts from June 29 and will end on August 19.
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in the Anantnag District of Kashmir, Amarnath Cave is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines that hold spiritual significance among the devotees.
Situated at an altitude of 3,888 m above sea level, Amarnath Cave houses an ice stalagmite that symbolizes the mythical power of Lord Shiva. This ice Shiva Lingam is the prime attraction of the Amarnath Cave, which shrinks and grows with the phases of the moon.
This prominent Hindu shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which has many lore and legends related to pilgrimage and Amarnath Yatra.
Here is the religious significance of Amarnath Yatra along with the significance and history of the shrine and Yatra.
Amarnath History: Who discovered the Amarnath Cave?
According to the local folklore, the Amarnath Cave was discovered by a Muslim shepherd Buta Malik in 1850. According to the lore, he was roaming with his herds in the mountains, and a saint met him there.
The saint gave him a bag full of coal, and when he reached home, he opened the bag, and he found a bag full of gold instead of coal. He was overjoyed and ran back to the same place to thank the saint, but he did not find the saint. Instead, he found the cave and the ice Lingam.
He informed the villagers about this and shared this story, after which the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave started.
According to myths, the Kashmir Valley was submerged underwater, and Sage Kashyap drained it through a series of rivers and creeks. After this incident, Rishi Bhrigu was the first to have discovered Amarnath.
He has had a darshan of Lord Shiva at Amarnath, and after listening to this story, people started to undertake the pilgrimage circuit to Amarnath Cave.
Legends and Mythology of Amarnath Cave
There are numerous legends related to the Amarnath Cave. Among them, there is a most famous legend, which depicts that Lord Shiva has chosen this place to share the secret of immortality and the process of formation of the universe with Goddess Parvati.
He shared the story with Goddess Parvati about why he wears a bead of heads and what it implies. He told her that the head in the bead increases every time she is reborn. To this, Goddess Parvati asked about the reason behind Lord Shiva’s immortality.
He told her that she demanded to hear Amar Katha, which is a difficult task to listen for a human in one go and without sleeping.
She keeps insisting on Lord Shiva narrating the story, and then after a long time, he agrees to tell her the story at this place. For this, he was looking for a lonely place where no one could hear the story except for Mata Parvati.
On the way to Amarnath Cave, he left all these belongings en route, including his snake at Sheshnag Lake, Nandi bull at Pahalgam, his moon at Chandanwari, his son at Mahagunas Parvat, and at Panjtarni he left his five elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Sky).
Lord Shiva entered the holy cave with Goddess Parvati, sat on the deerskin, and took a Samadhi. To ensure that there was no one in the cave, he created a Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to set the cave ablaze so that everything living there will be destroyed.
He then started narrating the story of immortality to the Goddess Parvati. But, Lord Shiva was unaware that there was an egg that remained protected under the deerskin on which the Lord was sitting.
A pair of pigeons were born out of that egg and allegedly became immortal after listening to the story while in the egg form.
Today, after all these years, the pilgrims can see the pair of pigeons while going towards the Amarnath Cave. They are fondly referred to as ‘Amarnath Pigeon,’ and it is believed that they are the same pigeons who have listened to the story of immortality.
Significance of Amarnath Temple
The most prominent feature of Amarnath Cave Temple is the Shiva Lingam, which is 40 m inside the cave. It is formed due to the dripping of freezing water from the cave’s ceiling and grows vertically on the cave floor to form the Lingam.
As per scientific terms, it is a stalagmite. As per Hindu mythology, the Lingam comprises the mythical energy of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam grows and shrinks as per the phase of the Moon, although there is no scientific proof for the same. Apart from the main Linga, two other ice formations can be seen in the cave, which is believed to be Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
Now, you have gained knowledge about the religious and mythological significance of Amarnath Yatra. As Amarnath Cave is where Lord Shiva narrates the Amar Katha or story of immortality to Goddess Parvati, it is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for devotees.
Plan your pilgrimage to Amarnath cave and witness the spiritual charm of Baba Barfaani. This serene place’s breathtaking landscape and mystical vibes can leave anyone captivated and awe-struck.
Due to heavy snowfall and extremely bad weather throughout the year, devotees can access the cave only for 2 months, which are July and August. According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan is when the cave becomes accessible, and the Ice Shivling is at its fullest. This trek, which has two routes, one via Pahalgam (45 km long route) and the second via Baltal (14 km shorter but steep route), witnesses devotees from 13 to 70 years of age walking with the same zeal and enthusiasm. Both routes will take you through beautiful snow-capped mountains and breathtaking views and will challenge you physically and mentally as well. -
Odisha: The gem of East India
A true extraordinaire, Odisha is the quiet and serene part of India. Fringed by the Bay of Bengal, and flaunting a long coastline, this east Indian gem has some of the most stunning beaches that are often less-frequented. Home to a plethora of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Odisha is a place that will take you back to the glorious time of Ashoka the Great. Explore the majestic Jagannath Temple at Puri and learn about its many mysteries, view the medieval architecture of Odisha’s temple and Buddhist monasteries, attend the annual Sand Art Festival, go boating in the Chilika Lake, or walk on the sea at Chandipur Beach. There’s so much to do in Odisha.
At this time, Odisha remains the center of attraction for the country, because the Jagannath Rath Yatra is going to take place on 7th July.
On the day when the Jagannath Rath Yatra starts from the holy land of Odisha, Krishna devotees from every corner of the country and the world reach here to join the Yatra. Apart from joining this Yatra which takes place in July, many people also come here to enjoy the monsoon.
Yes, July is such a month of the year when it rains heavily along the sea coasts from West Bengal to Odisha. In this article, we are going to tell you about some such places where you can enjoy the monsoon to the fullest.
Chilika Lake
When it comes to visiting a beautiful place in Odisha during drizzling rains, many people first name Chilika Lake. Many people also know this beautiful lake by the name of Chilika Lake.
Chilika Lake is said to be Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest saltwater lagoon. This lake is also considered home to migratory birds. It is said that during monsoon, birds come here from places like Siberia, Australia, Russia, Canada, France, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Daringbadi
Daringbadi, located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, is a beautiful and charming tourist destination. Many people also consider this beautiful place as a popular hill station of Odisha . It is the dream of many people to explore Daringbadi in monsoon.The high mountains, dense forests and lakes and waterfalls add to the beauty of Daringbadi. For your information, let us tell you that this beautiful place is called ‘Kashmir of Odisha’. This place is considered a paradise for nature lovers. Here you can enjoy monsoon trekking.
Khandadhar Waterfall
If you want to see the beauty of a magnificent and famous waterfall during your trip to Odisha, then you should reach Khandadhar Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall is located in Nandapani of Bonaigarh in Sundargarh district. It is said about Khandadhar waterfall that when water falls here from a height of 800 feet, one feels like just watching the surrounding scenery. The greenery around this waterfall also attracts a lot of tourists. For your information, let us also tell you that Khandadhar waterfall is considered to be the 9th highest waterfall in India.
Konark
It is very rare to talk about visiting any wonderful and popular place in Odisha during monsoon and not mention Konark located in Puri district. Konark, located at a short distance from the Jagannath temple, is considered a world famous tourist destination.
Konark is not only known for its beauty but also for the world famous Konark Sun Temple. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Konark Sun Temple every month. Being located on the beach, there is a different fun in visiting Puri and Konark during monsoon. You can also visit Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The Land of Unique Temples
Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha is among the most revered Hindu temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Being among the 4 Char Dham temples, Jagannath Temple attracts hordes of people every year who come to visit this religious site. Built in the 10th century, the holy temple is equally puzzling as it is lovely and is known for its unexplained mysteries.
Panchalingeswar Temple
Named after the 5 Shivalingas within the temple, the Panchalingeswar Temple is located near the Nilagiri Hill and is dedicated to Lord Shiva which makes it a popular pilgrimage site for the Shaivites. The temple has a perennial stream through which the shiva lingas are forever bathed. According to legends, the shiva lingas were installed here by Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile whereas another story tells that they were put here by the demon king Banasure to appease Lord Shiva.
Ghanteswari Temple
The beautiful Ghanteswari Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ghanteswari and is adorned with bells all over, which the devotees have offered to the Goddess as a prayer. A must visit place in Odisha, the temple is based along the River Mahanadi, and its bells made it work as a lighthouse in the past. Since the river near the temple could get rough and cause boats to drown, the bells in the temple alerted the boats beforehand during strong winds caused by the sound of the bells.