The Indian Panorama

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  • NSF Director Panchanathan, several other Indian-Americans elected to National Academy of Engineering

    NSF Director Panchanathan, several other Indian-Americans elected to National Academy of Engineering

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan and several other eminent Indian-American scientists have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, according to an official release. They include Ravi Prasher from Bloom Energy and Tejal Desai from Brown University. Thalappil Pradeep from IIT Chennai is the only Indian scientist among the 21 new international members selected to this top American engineering body. This is in addition to the 114 new US scientists who have been elected this year. This brings the total US membership to 2,310 and the number of international members to 332, the release said. Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.

    Panchanathan has been elected to NAE for multimedia computing for assistive and rehabilitative applications and for leadership at the institutional and national levels.

    Among other Indian-American scientists elected to the body are Shailendra Bordawekar, vice president, Small Molecule Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls Development, AbbVie Inc., Gurnee, Ill; Surajit Chaudhuri, distinguished scientist, data systems, Microsoft Research; and Tejal Desai from School of Engineering, Brown University. Garg Maheshwari, vice president, Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb; Pandurang Nayak, vice president of Search, Google; Ravi Prasher, chief technology officer, Bloom Energy, and Raj Singh, regents professor of materials science and engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Oklahoma State University are also in the list. The National Academy of Engineering said Thalappil Pradeep, Deepak Parekh Institute Chair Professor and professor of chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, has been elected as the international member for contributions to cluster chemistry and the discovery and implementation of affordable drinking water solutions.

    Election of the new NAE members is the culmination of a yearlong process. The ballot is set in December and the final vote for membership occurs during January. Individuals in the newly elected class will be formally inducted during the NAE’s annual meeting on September 29, 2024.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Purdue University student Sameer Kamath died by suicide

    Indian American Purdue University student Sameer Kamath died by suicide

    WILLIAMSPORT, INDIANA (TIP): A 23-year-old Indian American student at Purdue University, who was found dead in a nature preserve in Indiana this week, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to authorities.
    Sameer Kamath, a US citizen, was found dead in the woods on February 5 at approximately 5 pm in NICHES Land Trust – Crow’s Grove in Williamsport, Indiana.
    Justin Brummett, Coroner at Warren County Coroner’s Office, said in a press release Wednesday that a forensic autopsy was performed on Kamath on February 6 in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
    The press release from the coroner’s office said that the preliminary cause of death is a “gunshot wound of the head” and Kamath died by “suicide”. A toxicology report is pending.
    “Through extensive investigation by the Warren County Coroner’s Office in conjunction with multiple other local and federal agencies, we are now able to release a preliminary cause and manner of death,” the release said.
    The coroner’s office said that prior to releasing this information, Kamath’s family was notified of the results.
    This is an ongoing investigation with the Warren County Coroner’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, Purdue University Administration and other supporting agencies, it said.
    “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, and we hope they are respected during such a difficult time,” Brummett said.
    A report said that Kamath was a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering. The report added that mechanical engineering head Eckhard Groll said in an email to the ME community that Kamath was from Massachusetts.
    He “received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and came to Purdue in the summer of 2021,” the report added.
    Kamath was to graduate from the doctoral program in 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile, the report said.
    Kamath’s death is the latest in a string of tragic incidents among students of Indian-origin and from India in the US. Last month, another Purdue student 19-year-old Neel Acharya, who had been reported missing, was found dead on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus. Acharya was a US citizen. Authorities have said that there was no trauma or significant injuries found during the autopsy on Acharya and “no foul play is suspected at this time”.
    Last month, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was hammered to death by a homeless drug addict in Georgia. Earlier this month, another Indian student, Syed Mazahir Ali, hailing from Hyderabad and pursuing master’s in information technology, was chased and brutally attacked by three unidentified men in Chicago.

  • Indo-Pacific Strategy has made US and region more secure, more prosperous: White House

    Indo-Pacific Strategy has made US and region more secure, more prosperous: White House

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The US has said the execution of its Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2022 amidst the strategic competition with China has made the country and the dynamic region more secure and more prosperous, and expanded the bilateral partnership with India in unprecedented ways.

    Addressing the media on the second anniversary of the launch of the landmark foreign policy strategy of the Biden administration, Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House, said “the United States has never been in a stronger position in the Indo-Pacific”.

    “Over the past two years, we have made historic progress in advancing an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. Thanks to President Biden’s leadership, the United States has never been in a stronger position in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.

    In the two years since the launch of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the US has reinvested and revitalized its alliances and partnerships and taken them to new heights, Watson said.

    “We have deepened and elevated alliances with Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand. We upgraded our bilateral relationships with Vietnam and Indonesia, and our partnership with ASEAN.

    “We have expanded our partnership with India in unprecedented ways. We have surged our efforts in the Pacific, including with two historic summits for Pacific Island leaders at the White House and the establishment of the Partners of the Blue Pacific,” she said.

    The United States is an Indo-Pacific nation. As the most dynamic and fastest-growing region on earth, the Indo-Pacific is an essential driver of America’s future security and prosperity, the state department said in a fact sheet.

    The region is home to more than half the world’s population, and it accounts for 60 per cent of global GDP as well as two-thirds of global economic growth. Trade between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region reached over USD 2 trillion in 2022, and the United States benefits from USD 956 billion in foreign direct investment from the Indo-Pacific, it said.

    “But as our cooperation to advance our common values and interests has grown, so too have our challenges. We have seen the People’s Republic of China (PRC) become more repressive at home and more assertive abroad, undermining human rights and international law, and seeking to reshape the international order,” the fact sheet noted.

    At the briefing, Watson said President Joe Biden hosted the historic US-Japan-South Korea trilateral summit at Camp David to open a new chapter in this important partnership, she said.

    Under his leadership, the US has elevated the Quad with Australia, India, and Japan to a leader-level summit and has delivered concrete results for the Indo-Pacific region, from vaccines to maritime domain awareness to scholarships for students, she said.

    “And three of the four Official State Visits President Biden has hosted were with leaders of Indo-Pacific countries: the Republic of Korea, India, and Australia. This year, the President will welcome Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. We have also undertaken historic cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines,” Watson said.

    The US has also built closer ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, including through the launch of AUKUS, a historic partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, she said.

    Today, there is a recognition both in Europe and the Indo-Pacific that the opportunities and challenges in one region directly affect the other, she said.

    “We have seen that with historic support from some of our Indo-Pacific partners for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s brutal invasion. And we see that recognition from our European partners as we work to address the direct military support from the DPRK (North Korea) to Russia’s war in Ukraine,” she said.

    After just two years, the execution of the Indo-Pacific Strategy has made “our country and the Indo-Pacific region more secure and more prosperous”. “All of this strengthens the United States’ position in the Indo-Pacific and advances our interests in and vision for the region amidst strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China. And even as we confront challenges elsewhere, the United States will proudly continue to prioritize our work in this critical region for our future,” Watson said.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Allegations of Indian involvement in assassination efforts in US and Canada is very concerning says State Dept nominee

    Allegations of Indian involvement in assassination efforts in US and Canada is very concerning says State Dept nominee

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The allegations that India was involved in the assassination attempts in the US and Canada are very concerning, a senior academician nominated to a top human rights diplomatic position in the State Department has told lawmakers.

    “Yes, it is very concerning what happened on US soil and Canadian soil,” Dafna Hochman Rand, nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her confirmation hearing on Thursday.

    She was responding to a question from Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “I want to raise India… We know about a plot to assassinate… on US soil and Canadian soil. I’d like to hear your commitment to how you would get engaged in those types of efforts to make sure that type of conduct does not take place,” Cardin asked. “First and foremost, it’s clear that India is a critical ally, the oldest democracy there, the biggest democracy, but it is those shared values, the democratic values that we need that bind this alliance. And as if confirmed, as DRL’s Assistant Secretary, I will be a voice in the administration, making sure that we’re not abashed,” Rand said in response to the question.

    India has described as a “matter of concern” the US linking an Indian official to a man charged with conspiring to kill a Sikh separatist on American soil, and asserted that follow-up action will be taken based on findings of a panel investigating the allegations.

    India has already constituted a probe team to investigate the allegations relating to the foiled plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Sikh extremist who is an American and Canadian citizen.

    Regarding Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations that there was a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in a Vancouver suburb in June.

    The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said the main issue with Ottawa has been that of activities of anti-India elements in that country.

    “Insofar as Canada is concerned, they have consistently given space to anti-India extremists and violence. That is at the heart of the issue. Our diplomatic representatives have borne the brunt of this,” he said.

    On other issues, Rand said, “We are not afraid to talk about our concerns about human rights, democracy and of course these troubling trends towards what we’re seeing…Again, I’m not in the administration, so I don’t know all the details of what happened. And I understand the DOJ and FBI are working on it, but I think it’s critical that even as we strengthen our relationship with India as part of our Indo-Pacific strategy, we make human rights and democracy the center of that relationship,” Rand said.

    “We talk truth in this relationship and we speak frankly about our concerns. So I’m not shy and I will be a voice at the State Department and in the administration making that clear,” said Rand who on November 9 last was nominated by the president to this position.

    Rand currently serves as a Distinguished Resident Fellow in Strategic Affairs at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and as a Lecturer at Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs.

    She has spent the past two decades in public service, including most recently as the Director of the Office of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State. Previously, she was the Vice President of Policy and Research at Mercy Corps, a non-governmental humanitarian organization serving communities in over 40 countries.

    Earlier in her career, Rand served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, as well as on the staff of the State Department’s Office of Policy Planning and the National Security Council. She is the former Deputy Director of Studies at the Centre for a New American Security and a former professional staff member of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

    She started her career in government as the foreign policy and defense Legislative Assistant to Senator Frank R. Lautenberg from New Jersey. Her research has focused on international security and governance in the Middle East and North Africa, including two books on the subject. A native of Massachusetts, she earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard University and her PhD in political science at Columbia University.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Bhavini Patel is running for US Congress

    Indian American Bhavini Patel is running for US Congress

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): From helping her single parent mother running a food truck “India on Wheels” in Pittsburgh to launching a tech startup after completing her education from the Oxford University, Indian American Bhavini Patel is now running for US House of Representatives.
    Patel, 30, last year on October 2 announced her decision to run for the Congress from the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, which is currently held by her Democratic Party colleague Summer Lee.
    Notably, Congresswoman Lee is one of the few lawmakers who had boycotted the historic Joint Address to the US Congress by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June last year.
    Preparing for her first hurdle of the primary, scheduled for April 23, Patel has raised over USD 310,000, of which she says roughly 70 per cent has been raised from within the State.
    “It’s truly emblematic of the community and the needs of the community. We’ve earned several labor union endorsements including support from the steamfitters, the operating engineers, and SMART, which is a railroad transportation union. When we think about support from the unions, that’s a really big deal, especially coming from Western Pennsylvania where there’s such a strong history of the power of the labor movement,” Patel told media.
    In addition to that, she has also got endorsements from roughly 33 elected officials, including mayors of small towns as well as members of council in those areas.
    Patel is a die-hard Biden supporter. “To be quite honest, I think he’s one of our most progressive presidents that we’ve seen” she said, referring to some of the key bills that his administration has been able to deliver, including infrastructure bill, Inflation Reduction Act, and Chips and Sciences Act.
    Originally from Gujarat in India, her mother came to this country as an immigrant.
    “She came to this country with very little, which I think is a story that resonates with many people in the Indian diaspora here in this country. When she came here, she raised my brother and me as a single parent. We moved around quite a bit, to various different cities, and she worked various odd jobs, washing dishes in the restaurant industry, working in the motel industry,” Patel said.
    “Then she eventually came to Monroeville, which is a small suburb in western Pennsylvania, and that’s where she started a small catering business, supplying samosas and various other pastries to the local Patel brothers there. From there she started a food truck business. So, my family has been running food trucks for the last 25 years,” she said.
    “It’s called India on Wheels. In many ways, that is my story. I grew up working in that family food truck business, grew up on Pitts campus, ran the serving window, helped out on the weekends with catering, and then at some point decided that I wanted to attend the University of Pittsburgh,” she said.
    Patel soon became the first in her family to graduate from college. “Then I earned a scholarship to get my master’s at the University of Oxford. Since then, I have been involved in various different public service efforts. When I think about the Indian diaspora, I think about the power of that story. To me, that’s so much, it’s very much so emblematic of the American dream.
    It’s the power of an idea, being able to come from a small village growing up in poverty, but being able to raise a daughter, educate your children, and then raise a daughter that’s running for US Congress. To me, that is the power of this country. That’s the positivity of what this country has to offer, and that’s what my candidacy is about, and that’s what this campaign is about,” she said.
    While she has been running a very positive campaign in her district, Patel of late has been a target of hate crime and racial abuse because of her ethnicity.
    Following this, Hindu and Jewish groups across the country have come out in her support. Hindu American PAC recently held a fundraiser for her.
    Patel is a strong advocate of India-US relationship. “Our relationship with India is very critical. I think there’s a burgeoning young population there. There’s a lot of hunger and desire to build a life and to contribute to the growth of India, but also globally there’s a lot of talent. So how can the United States, particularly how can Western Pennsylvania best position itself to attract that talent?” she said.
    “We’re home to Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh, and other university institutions. Many students do come from India. They earn their degrees. So being able to continue to build out a more robust visa program to allow people to attend the universities, to enter into the workforce, build small businesses, innovate and solve some of the biggest challenges that we’re facing in this country, including addressing things like the climate crisis,” she said.
    “It’s going to take innovation and real thought to be able to tackle the biggest crisis that our generation is facing. And I think that to be able to build coalitions globally, it’s absolutely critical to be able to address those concerns,” Patel said.

  • Indian-origin judge Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara nominated by Joe Biden to US Court for Eastern District of New York

    Indian-origin judge Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara nominated by Joe Biden to US Court for Eastern District of New York

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): President Joe Biden has nominated Indian-origin judge Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara, an expert in securities, contract, bankruptcy and regulatory matters, for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
    A child of immigrants from India and Kenya, Bulsara, 46, has been a US Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2017. He was the first South Asian American federal judge to serve on any court in the Second Circuit when he was appointed as a Magistrate Judge.
    The White House announced Bulsara’s nomination on Thursday as Biden named the 45th round of judicial nominees, which included four individuals to federal district courts. All of them are extraordinarily qualified, experienced and devoted to the rule of law and the Constitution, a media statement said.
    “These choices also continue to fulfil the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country—both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds,” the White House said. From January 2017 to May 2017, Bulsara served as the Acting General Counsel of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, where he had been the Deputy General Counsel for Appellate Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement since 2015.

  • Indian-origin executive dies after being assaulted in US; suspect on the run, police release

    Indian-origin executive dies after being assaulted in US; suspect on the run, police release

    A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by police to anyone who can provide information that leads to arrest of suspects involved

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): In yet another disturbing incident, a 41-year-old Indian-origin executive died in the US, days after he was assaulted during an altercation outside a restaurant in downtown Washington.

    According to investigators, officers responded to the 1100 block of 15th Street Northwest outside Shoto Restaurant around 2 am for an assault on February 2.

    Once officers arrived, they found Vivek Taneja on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. A preliminary investigation found that Taneja and an unknown man were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical, WUSA, a television station in Washington, DC, affiliated with CBS, said.

    Taneja was knocked to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.

    He died from his injuries at the hospital on Wednesday. Police are now investigating Taneja’s death as a homicide.

    Taneja was the cofounder and president of Dynamo Technologies. According to the company’s website, Taneja “leads Dynamo’s strategic, growth, and partnership initiatives, with an emphasis on the federal government contracting arena.”

    Police continue to search for the man who threw the deadly punch. He was captured on surveillance camera.

    A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered by police to anyone who can provide information that leads to arrest of suspect(s) involved in each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

    The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect involved in a homicide that occurred on the 1100 block of 15th Street, NW on February 2.

    According to MPD documents, officers responded to the location for the report of an assault, where they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result from an assault. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. On February 7, the victim succumbed to his injuries.

    MPD offers a reward to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide in the District.

    Earlier this week, Syed Mazahir Ali, an Indian student was attacked by robbers in Chicago. Earlier, 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini was fatally attacked in Georgia state’s Lithonia city by a homeless drug addict.

    Four other Indian-origin students were reported dead in the US this year.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Indian American Satwinder Kaur elected Kent City Council president for a 2-year term

    Indian American Satwinder Kaur elected Kent City Council president for a 2-year term

    KENT, WASHINGTON (TIP): The Kent City Council in Washington has unanimously elected Indo-American Satwinder Kaur as its president for a two-year term. In her new role, Kaur, who is in her seventh year on the council, replaces Bill Boyce who nominated her for the top position, according to a media report.
    “You’ve got some little shoes to fill. I’m sure you will do a great job and we are here to support you and make sure you are very successful,” Boyce said after Kaur’s election in a February 6 meeting.
    Thanking Boyce for mentoring her, Kaur said: “As I start this, I know all of us have the same goal of serving the community and making sure Kent is a better place for all of us.”
    The seven-member council is the legislative body for the City of Kent, and besides establishing policies and regulations, it approves financial expenditures and the city’s biennial budget.
    In addition to serving as the official spokesperson for the council, Kaur will work closely with the mayor to see what kind of support the council will give to issues and proposals.
    According to the Kent City Council website, Kaur sees her role on the council as a great learning opportunity and a chance to bring a fresh set of eyes to the City’s problems.
    “I want to bring new perspectives that may not have been considered before,” the website says, quoting Kaur.

  • Indian-origin Australian Senator Varun Ghosh takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

    Indian-origin Australian Senator Varun Ghosh takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

    CANBERRA (TIP): Barrister Varun Ghosh became the first ever India-born member of the Australian Parliament to take oath on Bhagavad Gita.
    Varun Ghosh from Western Australia has been appointed as the newest Senator after the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council chose him to represent the Australian state in the Senate of the Federal Parliament.
    Welcoming Varun Ghosh, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “Wonderful to have you on the Labor Senate team.”
    “Welcome to Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Senator Ghosh is the first ever Australian Senator sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita. I have often said, when you’re the first at something, you’ve got to make sure you’re not the last,” the Minister posted on X.
    She added, “I know Senator Ghosh will be a strong voice for his community and for West Australians.”
    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wished Varun Ghosh. “Welcome Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Fantastic to have you on the team,” he posted on X.
    Taking to X, the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia said, “The Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council have chosen Senator Varun Ghosh to represent Western Australia in the Senate of the Federal Parliament.”
    Varun Ghosh is a lawyer from Perth. He received degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Western Australia and was a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the University of Cambridge. He previously worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC.
    The political journey of Varun Ghosh began when he joined Australia’s Labor Party in Perth. He was just 17 when his parents moved from India in the 1980s.
    “I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone,” Varun Ghosh said in a statement.
    For the past few years, Ghosh has worked as a barrister, dealing with legal matters in Western Australia and internationally with the World Bank.
    In the 2019 federal election, Ghosh was placed fifth on the Australian Labor Party’s Senate ticket in Western Australia but was not elected.
    Born in 1985, Ghosh moved to Perth in 1997 and attended Christ Church Grammar School.
    He has been actively involved in public service, reflecting his commitment to high-quality education.
    Before his current role, Ghosh worked as a finance attorney in New York and as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC. He returned to Australia in 2015, working with King & Wood Mallesons, dealing with legal matters for banks, resource companies, and construction companies.

  • Indian American executive Sonia Fernandes named Politico’s first global HR, diversity officer

    Indian American executive Sonia Fernandes named Politico’s first global HR, diversity officer

    WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Indian American Sonia Fernandes has been named as the global chief human resources and diversity officer of Politico, a Washington-based digital newspaper focused on politics.
    “In this new role, she will be responsible for leading, integrating and harmonizing Politico’s talent functions across continents,” the publication announced Feb 1 noting that the function will be centralized globally for the first time in its 17-year history.
    Based in Politico’s Rosslyn, Virginia headquarters, India-born, Mumbai-educated Fernandes will begin her new role on Feb 8.
    “Fernandes will drive positive change that will impact and elevate the well-being, professional growth and experience of every Politico across seven newsrooms, two continents and seven time zones,” the publication said.
    Fernandes’ dual role as chief diversity officer reflects Politico’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and empowering workplace in line with its ambition for additional global growth, it added.
    “Politico’s success is driven by great journalism and great people,” said Mark Dekan, chief operating officer of Politico Media Group. “Sonia brings a wealth of international experience and a fresh perspective to Politico. Her role is integral to building upon Politico’s track record as the most successful news start-up of the 21st century as we grow into a top global brand.”
    “It is a privilege to join Politico, an iconic brand dedicated to purpose-driven work with people at its heart,” said Fernandes. “I look forward to the exciting journey ahead and the limitless possibilities we’ll create together as a team.” Fernandes brings over two decades of expertise in HR management and transformative change to her new role. She is seasoned in shaping organizational, cultural and talent ecosystems to drive business growth, the announcement stated.
    She was most recently the chief people officer for the MediaCom Asia Pacific division of WPP, a global advertising agency, and was responsible for the well-being of 2,500 employees across 15 countries.
    Her extensive career spans global entities such as KPMG, Bain & Co., the BBC and MediaCom, where she spearheaded progressive HR strategies with a focus on design and execution.
    Having lived and worked in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and India, Fernandes possesses deep knowledge in international HR. She has expertise in integrating cross-border HR strategies and operating models to align with commercial objectives, according to the publication.
    Fernandes’ deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) will serve her as Politico’s first chief diversity officer. Balancing local needs with global scalability, she champions a “people-first, better results” approach, fostering a human-centric and high-performing culture.
    She is a collaborative force in driving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, having designed and implemented 75 grassroots programs across 15 countries, Politico said.
    Additionally, she has played a key role in leading M&As from due diligence to integration, implementing strategic talent-mapping programs and overseeing large-scale recruitment projects.
    Born in India, Fernandes holds a BA in psychology and sociology from The University of Mumbai and a master’s in management and employment relations from The University of Auckland, New Zealand.

  • Canadian police arrest 2 teens after shooting incident at house of Hardeep Nijjar’s associate

    Canadian police arrest 2 teens after shooting incident at house of Hardeep Nijjar’s associate

    SURREY, BC (TIP): Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a shooting incident that occurred last week, targeting the home of a Sikh activist linked to pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist in India who was shot dead in Canada last year. Multiple gunshots were fired in the incident, which occurred just after 1.20 am on February 1 at the South Surrey home of Simranjeet Singh.

    The Surrey unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on Thursday that their Serious Crime Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in the 7700-block of 140 Street on February 6.

    “Police seized three firearms and multiple electronic devices during the search. Two 16-year-old males from Surrey were arrested for careless use of a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent,” Surrey RCMP Corporal Sarbjit K Sangha said in a statement. While the two have been released without charges, police said that investigators continue to gather information on the case to determine the motivation behind the shooting. “Surrey RCMP takes threats and acts of violence seriously and we work closely with victims to ensure their continued safety,” Sangha said. According to CBC news channel, a car was heavily damaged in the gunfire, and there were multiple bullet holes in the house itself. Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council identified Simranjeet as a “friend” of Nijjar, whose killing outside a Sikh temple in Surrey in June last year triggered a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Ottawa.

    Moninder told CBC that community members believed Simranjeet’s links with Nijjar might have played a part in the shooting. He added that the firing came just days after Simranjeet helped organize a pro-Khalistan protest at the Indian consulate in Vancouver on January 26.

    According to Moninder, Simranjeet was in touch with the RCMP to report being followed after protests and fear for his life.
    (Source: IANS )

  • An Indian American pilot and two others die in Florida plane crash

    An Indian American pilot and two others die in Florida plane crash

    TAMPA, FL (TIP): Indian American Jemin Patel tragically lost his life, along with two others, when the single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35 he was piloting crashed into a mobile home park in Clearwater, Florida, last Thursday, February 2.
    The victims of the devastating crash included Patel, aged 54, and two women who were inside one of the mobile homes at the time of the accident. Clearwater officials identified the two women as Martha Parry, an 86-year-old resident of the mobile home park, and Mary Ellen Pender, aged 54, according to the local media.
    Following the crash, which occurred around 7 pm, a fire engulfed four mobile homes within the park. It was reported that Patel had notified authorities of an engine failure shortly before the plane descended and crashed into the mobile home park. This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation accidents and their far-reaching consequences.
    The ill-fated aircraft had departed earlier that day from Vero Beach Regional Airport, located approximately 34 miles from Melbourne Beach. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aircraft registry records, the plane is registered to Control Data Inc. of Indianapolis.
    The FAA reported that Patel, who was the sole person on board, had communicated an engine failure. Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead and providing any updates.
    The Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department, the first agency to respond to the incident, stated on the X platform that they received the crash call at 7:08 PM that evening, and their officers arrived at the scene by 7:15 PM.
    Patel, a licensed pilot, was described as “a well-known and trusted figure in the skies above Melbourne Beach” in an obituary featured on a website.

  • 5 Indian-origin people arrested in Canada for extortion targeting South Asian businesses

    5 Indian-origin people arrested in Canada for extortion targeting South Asian businesses

    They have been identified as Gagan Ajit Singh, 23, Anmoldeep Singh, 23, Hashmeet Kaur, 25, Iyamjot Kaur, 21, and Arundeep Thind, 39

    TORONTO (TIP): A specialized Canadian police task force has arrested five people, including two women of Indian-origin for alleged extortion and firearm-related offences targeting the South Asian business community in the Greater Toronto area. The Peel Regional Police Extortion Investigative Task Force (EITF), with the support of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), executed a search warrant resulting in the arrest of four individuals, Gagan Ajit Singh, 23, Anmoldeep Singh, 23, Hashmeet Kaur, 25, Iyamjot Kaur, 21, and Arundeep Thind, 39, according to a Peel Regional Police press release on Wednesday.

    While Gagan Ajit Singh, Hashmeet Kaur and Iyamjot Kaur belong to the Brampton area, Anmoldeep Singh belongs to Mississauga. They have been charged with extortion, unauthorised possession of a firearm, unauthorised possession of prohibited or restricted weapon, and fraud, among other offences. The fifth suspect, Arundeep Thind, has no fixed address and has been charged with extortion.

    The Peel Regional Police launched the EITF in December last year in response to a wave of South Asian business owners reporting threats of violence against them and their families if they didn’t pay money, according to a CBC News report.

    Superintendent Shelley Thompson, who heads the unit, at a news conference on Wednesday, said a total of 24 charges have been laid in relation to the 29 extortion attempts under investigation. Thompson said in nine of those instances, guns were fired at unoccupied businesses, according to the Toronto Star newspaper. However, no injuries were reported in connection with the shootings.

    She further said the targeted businesses vary but include restaurants and bakeries, trucking and transport companies and independent used car dealerships, all with South Asian owners. Explaining the modus operandi, Thompson said the owners were contacted either by phone, social media apps or video calling services like WhatsApp. The financial demands varied from victim to victim, Thompson said, but the perpetrators would always ask for either cash or money transfers of Canadian dollars or Indian rupees.

    Similar extortion attempts are under investigation by law enforcement in Edmonton, the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and several jurisdictions in the US, she said.

    She said the Peel task force is in touch with police services in all of those locations, as well as with the police agencies in India.

    “There is currently no information to suggest that the extortion attempts in Peel are connected to wider Indian organized crime,” Thompson said, adding that such a possibility is being actively investigated.

    “One of the reasons we are doing this (news conference) is to put it out there to the community that we are looking for information,” she said. The investigators believe there are likely more victims.
    (Source: PTI)

  • Eyes on youngsters as Craig Fulton looks to finalise India’s Olympic Games squad in Odisha

    Eyes on youngsters as Craig Fulton looks to finalise India’s Olympic Games squad in Odisha

    The dossiers are getting thicker. And training drills are being designed basis that. As much time is spent indoors – in the meeting rooms of hotels, stadiums, and training centers, plotting the downfall of every opponent – as the minutes spent on the field, where the plans will be put into motion.
    Every move will be analysed and each match will be an audition. “It’s test matches now. Home stretch,” says coach Craig Fulton. “We are looking to confirm our Olympic squad.”
    With that, the South African laid down the marker for India’s hockey players. Over the next fortnight, the eight games that India play against the Netherlands, Australia, Spain, and Ireland in the FIH Pro League in Odisha will, in essence, be the selection trials for the Paris Olympics squad.
    The matches later this year, Fulton adds, will be used to build the bench strength so that ‘if there are injuries then we have depth.’
    This gives the Pro League matches, otherwise seen as glorified exhibition games, an edge. And for the players who have been on the periphery of the national team, a final chance to impress the coach.
    Especially the quartet that has made the progression from juniors to senior side in the last couple of years.
    Chance for youngsters
    Drag-flicker Sanjay, midfielders Vishnukant Singh and Rabichandra Moirangthem, and forward Araijeet Hundal have been seen as good enough to be included in a bloated 24-man squad for the matches in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. The next two weeks will determine if all or any of them have taken enough strides to displace some of the established names, Olympic medallists no less, for a place on the Paris-bound flight.
    Each one has something unique to offer.
    With drag-flicker and defender Varun Kumar out of the squad for the Pro League after he was accused of rape, Sanjay – who has featured consistently in Fulton’s sides including the Asian Games – has a chance to cement his spot. Source: The Indian Express

  • After Kohli no-show, India hamstrung by Iyer’s injury

    After Kohli no-show, India hamstrung by Iyer’s injury

    New Delhi (TIP)- Shreyas Iyer is unlikely to be picked in the India squad for the remaining three Tests against England after complaining of stiffness in his back and groin.
    Iyer has had recurring troubles with his back and had also undergone a surgery last year.
    The 29-year-old made 35, 13, 27, 29 in the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam and was guilty of not building on the starts. “He has complained of stiffness and back issue and is unlikely to take part in the remainder of the series,” a BCCI source said.
    India are already reeling with injuries to key players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Star batter Virat Kohli had missed the first two Tests due to personal reasons and is unlikely to be available for the games in Rajkot and Ranchi as well. The selectors are yet to announce the squad for the last three Tests and will do that after getting clarity over Jadeja’s fitness.
    The all-rounder will need to pass the fitness test conducted at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He had missed the Vizag Test due to a hamstring injury, while Rahul complained of quadriceps pain.
    Even if both Jadeja and Rahul come back into the playing XI, Iyer’s injury could give another opportunity to Rajat Patidar, who could not make a big impact during his Test debut in Vizag.
    India will assemble in Rajkot on February 11 and England are expected to reach there a day after.
    Virat Kohli informs BCCI he won’t play entire India vs England series
    Bringing an end to all the speculations, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the BCCI officials, the selection committee and the Indian team management about his withdrawal from the remaining three Tests against England due to personal reasons. Kohli had missed the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to the same reason. It was earlier reported Kohli, set to be out of action from the third and fourth Tests, was yet to get in touch with the BCCI officials but on Friday, he informed the selectors about his unavailability, reported The Indian Express. Kohli had taken part in India’s first training session before the series opener in Hyderabad but on the same day, he informed captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and the selectors about his decision to opt out of the first two Tests. The next day, the BCCI issued a lengthy press release requesting privacy for the former India captain. BCCI secretary Jay Shah also added that the board, the selectors and the team management respect Kohli’s decision and are ready to extend all support.

  • Lionel Messi Hong Kong game backlash forces Hangzhou to cancel Argentina vs Nigeria friendly

    In a recent turn of events, Chinese sports officials have made the decision to call off the upcoming friendly football match between Argentina and Nigeria. This decision comes in the wake of significant backlash stemming from Lionel Messi’s absence during an Inter Miami game in Hong Kong.
    Despite being scheduled to play in Hangzhou, followed by a game against Ivory Coast in Beijing, the fallout from Messi not participating in the Hong Kong match has led to the cancellation of the first fixture.
    The situation escalated when Messi, who had been expected to play, remained sidelined due to an injury during the Hong Kong event, much to the dismay of fans—some of whom had paid substantial amounts for tickets.
    In response to the uproar, the organizers offered a 50% refund to ticket holders. However, the situation was exacerbated when Messi appeared on the field in a subsequent match in Japan, which intensified the backlash.
    Messi played a cameo against Vissel Kobe in a 0-0 draw and didn’t take part in the penalty shootout.
    As a result, Hangzhou’s sports authorities announced that the friendly match with Nigeria would not proceed as planned.
    “As a commercial event, a company and the Argentinean soccer team negotiated that the team would play a friendly match in March this year in the city of Hangzhou,” the Hangzhou authorities said in a statement.
    “In view of the current well-known reasons, according to the competent authorities, conditions to hold the friendly match are not mature, therefore (we) have decided to cancel it.”
    There has been no confirmation regarding the status of the subsequent match against Ivory Coast in Beijing. Requests for comments from both the Chinese FA and the Argentine FA have gone unanswered.

  • RBI maintains status quo, keeps key policy rate unchanged

    RBI maintains status quo, keeps key policy rate unchanged

    Mumbai (TIP)- The Reserve Bank of India on Thursday, Feb 8, decided to keep policy rate unchanged for the sixth time in a row as it maintains a tight vigil on inflation. The rate increase cycle was paused in April last year after six consecutive rate hikes aggregating to 250 basis points since May 2022.
    Announcing the bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Thursday said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent. He said MPC will remain watchful of food inflation so that the benefits gained are not frittered away. This is the first bi-monthly policy following presentation of Interim Budget 2024-25 last week.
    In December, the Consumer Price-based Inflation (CPI) stood at 5.69 per cent.
    The government has mandated RBI to ensure CPI inflation at 4 per cent with a margin of 2 per cent on either side. Changes announced to electronic trading platforms
    On the financial markets front, RBI announced that it will comprehensively review the existing regulatory guidelines for Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) that enable transactions in financial instruments regulated by RBI such as foreign exchange and government securities. The review comes in the wake of growing integration between Indian rupee (INR) markets onshore in India and offshore centers, rapid evolution in trading technologies and infrastructure, as well as increasing diversity of tradable products.
    RBI said that financial market participants have also been demanding access to offshore ETPs that offer INR derivative products for effective price discovery and risk management. As part of the revised norms likely to be unveiled after public feedback, Indian banks and traders may get more flexibility in accessing overseas trading venues.
    In another move aimed at easing hedging against gold price fluctuations, the central bank has allowed resident entities in India to access overseas derivative platforms both on recognized exchanges as well as over-the-counter (OTC) markets based in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). The measure will provide domestic traders and jewelers better ability to hedge their gold exposures through a diverse set of hedging products available globally.
    On the regulatory front for banks and lending institutions, RBI has now mandated that all regulated entities must provide a standardized Key Fact Statement (KFS) to retail and MSME borrowers giving key details of the loan agreement including all-in interest cost. This will equip the customers, especially the middle and low-income segments, to make better sense of the loan terms and conditions enabling informed decisions.
    Further, the RBI aims to improve safety and security of transactions made under the popular Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) that allows digital payments to be made against Aadhaar identification. Additional guidelines are expected on strengthening customer onboarding verification process for entities managing AePS touchpoints, as well as incorporating risk management requirements to prevent frauds.
    On the digital payments and central bank digital currency (CBDC) front, RBI indicated that it will be adopting a broad principle-based framework for authentication of various types of digital transactions. This is expected to promote adoption of more advanced authentication mechanisms beyond the prevalent SMS-based OTPs.

  • Paytm’s loss is Airtel’s gain? Airtel Payments Bank sees spike in new customers

    Paytm’s loss is Airtel’s gain? Airtel Payments Bank sees spike in new customers

    Airtel Payments Bank has experienced a remarkable surge in new customers applying online for various services, including bank account openings and FASTags, over the past few days, according to its chief executive officer Anubrata Biswas, PTI reported. While Biswas did not explicitly confirm a direct correlation to users shifting from Paytm Payments Bank following the RBI’s action on January 31, he acknowledged the substantial increase in digital product applications. The RBI directed Paytm Payments Bank to cease accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTags, and other instruments after February 29. Despite nudges and warnings over some time, persistent non-compliance with regulatory guidelines led to stern action against the fintech. The RBI has clarified that there are no systemic concerns.
    Speaking about the performance and operational metrics of Airtel Payments Bank, Biswas said, “All our digital products, be it customers who have an account applying for fixed deposit, be it new customers applying online for bank account or customers applying for FASTag, all are 5-7 times the January rates. This has happened over the last few days.”
    The online application for digital products, such as savings bank accounts and FASTag products, has grown 5-7 times in the last few days, according to Biswas.
    “There seems to be a swelling of uptake on Bank’s products for whatever context there may be…,” he said. On the other hand, Paytm Payments Bank is reportedly witnessing a gradual decline in transaction volumes. Customers are uncertain about the future, contributing to the drop in transactions. However, sources familiar with the matter suggest that there has only been a 10 per cent-15 per cent decline in transaction volumes handled via Paytm Payments Bank so far, reported Reuters. If the pace doesn’t quicken, there is speculation that the central bank may consider extending the deadline, it added.
    Paytm to operate as third-party app for UPI: Report
    One97 Communications Limited, the parent firm of crisis-hit Paytm, is focusing on the third-party payment app (TPAP) route to ensure that the fintech major’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) remains available to its users, according to an Economic Times report.
    “Since Paytm Payments Bank will stop offering payment services, Paytm will become a third-party app going forward, integrating UPI through other lenders,” the reported quoted a person aware of the development, as saying. Accordingly, One97 Communications Limited has initiated discussions with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the UPI ecosystem in the country, the person added.
    Currently, people using Paytm for UPI payments, have virtual payment addresses (VPAs) ending in @paytm. After March 1, however, customers might find this VPA changing to some other bank’s handle. Source: HT

  • Basant Panchami

    Basant Panchami

    The Indian festival of Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, marks the beginning of the spring festival. The festival typically takes place between the end of January and the beginning of February. This year, Basant Panchami falls on Wednesday, February 14.
    According to legend, Kalidasa had intended to commit suicide by drowning himself in a river after learning that his wife had been abandoned. Goddess Saraswati asked Kalidasa to take a bath in the water as she emerged from the water just as he was about to do that. After that, his life changed as he was endowed with wisdom and rose to become a great poet.
    According to mythology, Kamadeva once interrupted Lord Shiva’s meditation while he was immersed in it after the death of his wife Sati. This story is based on the Hindu god of love Kama. So that Shiva could re-establish contact with the outside world and become aware of Maa Parvati’s efforts on his behalf, seers approached Kama to rouse him from his meditation.
    Kama agreed and used his sugarcane bow to launch arrows at Shiva which was made of flowers and bees. Kama was reduced to ashes by Lord Shiva after opening his third eye in rage. After Rati (his wife) completed her 40-day penance, Shiva agreed to resurrect him on Basant Panchami. He allegedly later gave birth to the son of Lord Krishna named Pradumna.
    BIRTHDAY OF GODDESS SARASWATI
    Basant Panchami is also denoted as Saraswati Puja by the Hindus in India. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of art, crafts and knowledge was born. She conferred upon humanity the greatest wealth that a human being can ever ask for, the gift of Knowledge. The Hindu mythology popularizes Goddess Saraswati as the immaculate power who bestows upon the worthy with the wealth of knowledge. The color white is associated with the goddess of knowledge as it is the symbol of peace and serenity. Images of goddess Saraswati with white adornments, sitting on a white lotus flower which blooms in a wide stretch of water are quite commonly seen on this day. Goddess Saraswati or Maa Saraswati, as called by the people of West Bengal, is worshipped on this auspicious day by the worshippers who are themselves clad in the color yellow, the color of spring. Prasad is offered to the goddess and later the same is distributed among the worshippers. The popular festival is related to the goddess of knowledge; hence, children are initiated towards learning and gaining knowledge.
    This is significant because it is the birth day of goddess Saraswati. As the river Saraswati is associated with the goddess, rituals are performed on the banks of this holy river. Offerings are made but no sacrifices are conducted. Vegetarian food is cooked and had on this day and people abstain from non-vegetarian food. Goddess Saraswati is supposed to be the goddess of art, literature and speech too; hence, hymns are written and sung in praise of the goddess on Basant Panchami. Whenever a new teaching institution is started, goddess Saraswati is worshipped. A school is considered to be the temple of learning and hence, a temple of the goddess itself. Schools and colleges organize special functions and cultural activities on this particular day and devote these to goddess Saraswati. Students offer a lot of flowers to the image of Saraswati. They keep all their study materials like books, articles, instruments of music and arts, earthen inkpots and bamboo quills in front of the deity. No one reads anything on this day; it is a way to show their reverence to the deity of knowledge. Most Hindu communities celebrate this festival with great pomp and show as this is the time of the year when goddess Saraswati is remembered by its followers.
    Significance
    This day falls on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh, which is also the first day of spring. Goddess Saraswati denotes serenity and calmness. She is generally shown seated on a white lotus, wearing a pure white silk sari and holding a book in her lower left hand. The eyes of the goddess are full of compassion. Her four hands denote four facets of human personality namely mind, intellect, alertness and ego. The lotus on her hand symbolizes true knowledge. Her ride is a white swan which is known for its peculiar capability of separating water from the milk. The swan indicates that we should have the ability to discriminate the bad from the good.
    Basant Panchami, also known as the Saraswati Day, is celebrated by the Hindus across the world with great enthusiasm and festivities. The devotees visit temples which are filled with various types of religious activities. Yellow color is given prominence on this day and people dress up in yellow garments and perform rituals. Yellow represents spiritual knowledge, increasing the significance of the festival. People eat yellow sweets and distribute the same among friends and relatives. People feed Brahmans on this occasion and also perform Pitra- Tarpan, the traditional ancestral worship.
    Basant Panchami is the day when children are taught their first words, making it an auspicious occasion which marks the beginning of their learning process. On this day, schools and colleges organize special worships for goddess Saraswati. Traditionally children place their books on the altar, at the goddess’s feet. No one is allowed to touch the books during this period as they believe that goddess Saraswati is blessing the books. Devotees believe that worshipping of goddess Saraswati will lead to spiritual enlightenment. It is generally said that there is no comparison between a king and a learned person as the king is honored only in his land but a learned person is respected everywhere.
    Saintly and learned people who are inclined towards spirituality know the importance of worshipping goddess Saraswati. Other activities performed on this day include worshipping of Kamadeva, the God of Love. On this occasion, people offers prayers to the Sun God and the deities associated with Ganges. The festivities of Basant Panchami include kite flying and a kite festival is observed in Ferozepur, Punjab. Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and can be noted from the colored blooms in trees and crops. This is the period when mango flowers start blossoming on trees, representing the beginning of a new life. Basant Panchami spiritually signifies that the days of ignorance and gloom are over and the period of joy and spiritual awakening has begun.
    Kite Festival
    The festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated to welcome the season of spring, a season when the earth replenishes itself. Spring also denotes pleasant weather, during which calm wind whistles in your ear and caresses your face with its light cool touch. It is the season when the weather is neither hot nor cold, when the wind has a cooling effect but not the kind to chill your bones. This kind of weather reminds you of a number of things including Basant Panchami, the primary festival of this season. It is one of the most colorful and wonderful festivals of this effervescent nation and is celebrated on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh. The festival brings in a number of colors in the form of colorful attires.

  • Kodaikanal: The Princess of hill stations

    Kodaikanal: The Princess of hill stations

    Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means ‘the gift of the forests’.
    Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is real. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town.
    Green Valley View
    Formerly known as Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a breathtaking view of the plains, deep valleys and hills. The mesmerizing view of the Vaigai Dam is an unforgettable experience. It used to be known as suicide point because of the dangerous valley which is dense and deep; below the point of more than 5000 feet drop.
    Located at a distance of 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Green Valley View not just offers a gorgeous view, but is also surrounded by a lot of monkeys. On the way to the point, there are several shops which offer homemade chocolates, ornaments and a wide range of flowers.
    Kodaikanal Lake
    Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake in the Kodaikanal city which is also known as Kodai Lake. Vera Levinge was the man responsible for the creativity and resources of this lake amidst Kodaikanal town.
    The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The lake is at a distance of 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand.
    Bear Shola Falls
    Located at a mere distance of 2 kilometres from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls is a popular picnic spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that comes to life in its fullest during the monsoons. An interesting legend behind the unique name of this place is that it was a favourite haunt of a bear who used to frequent this water body to drink water, hence imparting it the name Bear Shola Falls.
    Wrapped with dense forests coupled with the chirping of birds, Bear Shola Falls is a little heaven. Also, the forest area of the Western Ghats situated near the falls is a biodiversity hotspot where you can have a rendezvous with animals like monkeys and deer in the wild.
    The terrain around the Bear Shola Falls is slanting and uninterrupted by commercialisation, which makes it the perfect destination to go on a trekking adventure. As you approach the falls, you will encounter the hill path where you can reach by means of a motored vehicle. From there on, a concrete path leads the way to a short trek of around a kilometre which runs deep in the woods.
    Dolphin’s Nose, Kodaikanal
    The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint in Kodaikanal is based on a flat, protruding piece of rock that is shaped like a dolphin’s nose. This forms a visible cliff at the height of 6,600 feet, where you can experience Kodaikanal at its best – plunging valleys, rugged terrain, clear skies, and the splendor of green.
    Reaching this spot requires a moderate level 3 km long trek through the pines and rocks of the Palani Hill Range. It is possible to explore a nearby waterfall and a local village along the way.
    Pillar Rocks
    Situated in the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. Constituting a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The ‘white cross’ which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell’s excellent tribute to love. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal.
    The pillars are famous for providing bird’s view of nearby surroundings. The chambers between these two massive rocks are called the Devil’s Kitchen. Fewer times you might find rocks covered with mist and clouds, but when the ways become clear nothing beautiful than this could be ever seen. Jutting straight away from the hills that surround them, the pillar rocks are majestic. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies. Moreover, do not forget taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.
    Thalaiyar Falls
    Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District, in Kodaikanal. With a height of 297m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India. There is a view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam. There is a hiking route near the waterfall.
    The river water coming to the falls is from Perumal Malai village, through a 9 km downstream and is said to be clear. On the contrary, it may be polluted, and hence, visitors to the area are advised to avoid drinking it.
    On a bright day, the falls is visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road; where it appears like a white long and narrow strip of water on a background of the black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills.

  • Suozzi Holds Press Conference Calling Out Pilip’s Outrageous Partisan Stance on Bipartisan Border Bill

    Suozzi Holds Press Conference Calling Out Pilip’s Outrageous Partisan Stance on Bipartisan Border Bill

    GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Former Congressman Tom Suozzi, today, held a press conference in response to his opponent, Mazi Pilip, taking an outrageous partisan stance and siding with her extreme GOP party bosses in the House and their mission to play politics with people’s lives by coming out against the Senate’s bipartisan border deal. The Senate’s bill is the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border our country has had in decades. It would make our country safer, make our border more secure, and treat people fairly and humanely while preserving legal immigration, consistent with our values as a nation.

    Yet Pilip called this bipartisan legislation: “the legalization of the invasion of our county.” During the press conference, Suozzi underscored that the reason Pilip is opposing the bill is because she’s completely beholden to the national Republicans. And like them, she’s only interested in playing politics with people’s lives instead of actually working to solve problems.

    “It’s incomprehensible to me that a candidate can claim that her number one priority is securing the border yet takes a dead-on-arrival approach on the only compromise border bill that has had a chance of passing our Congress over the past 30 years,” said Suozzi.

    “This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. She’s aligned with some of the most dangerous members of the Republican Party, who are all also on board with opposing this bipartisan border deal because they think it will help them politically, even if it’s at the expense of the people. People are sick of these political games that Mazi Pilip and her DC handlers are playing, and I will work with whoever it takes to get people to come together to actually get stuff done and fix our border.”

    This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. In a CNN interview over the weekend, in a complete flip-flop from the past two months, Pilip whole-heartedly embraces Trump even if he’s convicted of a crime. She claimed he is innocent of the 91 criminal charges against him. And she dismissed the fact that Trump led the insurrection of our nation’s Capitol on January 6th.

    Meanwhile, Suozzi has built his entire life in public service by working with anyone to get things done for the people, especially on immigration. In 2019, he worked across the aisle with Peter King to put forth bipartisan solutions to fix our border. Suozzi has long called for investments in border security while supporting a pathway to citizenship for people who follow the rules.

    In 2018, not only was he one of 18 Democrats to support funding ICE, but Suozzi was critical of the far-left in his party who wanted to abolish them.

  • Governor Hochul announces new law to clarify disclosure of credit card surcharges goes into effect Sunday, February 11

    Governor Hochul announces new law to clarify disclosure of credit card surcharges goes into effect Sunday, February 11

     

    ALBANY, NY (TIP): Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new consumer protection law that will go into effect on February 11, 2024. This new law will amend and clarify New York’s existing credit card surcharge law. The NYS Division of Consumer Protection assists aggrieved consumers in the marketplace and the New York State Attorney General and local governments have the authority to enforce the credit card surcharge law. The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection recommends that interested localities review DCP’s Credit Card Surcharge Legal Update Letter for more information.

    “New Yorkers should never have to deal with hidden credit card costs, and this law will ensure individuals can trust that their purchases will not result in surprise surcharges,” Governor Hochul said. “Transparency is crucial in building trust between businesses and communities and now patrons will be empowered to budget accordingly.”

    The law, signed by Governor Hochul on December 13, 2023, provides greater transparency and protections for consumers by:

    Limiting credit card surcharges to the amount charged to the business by the credit card company; and

    Requiring businesses to post before checkout:

    the total price of an item or service inclusive of the credit card surcharge; or

    a two-tiered pricing option, which requires the credit card price to be posted alongside the cash price.

    New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “New Yorkers using credit cards have a right to know the total cost of the purchase, inclusive of any surcharge, before they reach the register. This new law signed by Governor Hochul will offer clarity and provide transparency to both the consumer and business owners about the surcharges when using a credit card.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Transparency in pricing is critical so people can make informed decisions when spending their hard-earned money. Requiring businesses to disclose credit card surcharges helps consumers better understand the total cost. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for signing this bill into law to protect consumers.”

    Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “This new law protects New Yorkers from hidden surcharges by requiring sellers to clearly post the price of a credit card surcharge. Credit card surcharges now have to be disclosed clearly so that customers are fully aware of them upfront and not just when they go to pay. This is about transparency, fairness and preventing consumers from being misled when making purchases using credits cards. I thank Governor Hochul for helping protect New Yorkers.”

    The following practices and examples comply with the law’s credit card surcharge notice requirements. See the Department’s Credit Card Surcharge Guidance Document and educational video for additional examples:

    DO:

    The business lists the higher credit card price next to a lower cash price.

    The business lists the credit card price for items and services, then lets customers know they will receive a discount for using cash. The business changes all prices to the credit card price.

    DON’T:

    The business posts a sign on the door and at the register stating an additional 3.9 percent surcharge will apply for credit card purchases.

    “This business has a 4 percent cash discount incentive built into all pricing. Any purchases made with a credit or debit card will not receive the cash discount and an adjustment in cost will be displayed on your receipt.”

    A convenience fee, service fee, administration fee, non-cash adjustment, technology fee, processing fee, etc., is charged to credit card users and added as a separate line item on a customer receipt.

    The price tag of an item shows “$10.00, + 4 percent if paying with a credit card.”

    NOTE: This law does not apply to debit cards.

    The Division of Consumer Protection provides educational assistance to consumers in how to protect themselves from unfair practices while also offering resources to the business community to help them comply with the law and prevent fraudulent and deceptive practices. After February 11, 2024, the law will permit local governments to join in the enforcement of this law, providing consumers with additional resources for compliance and providing local governments with broader opportunities to promote consumer protections for their citizens. If there are any issues related to credit card pricing at the register, DCP encourages consumers to:

    File a complaint with DCP to receive a refund of any excess fees paid to a merchant in New York State, or

    File a complaint with the Attorney General or participating local governments for enforcement of a merchant you believe violated the law.

    About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

    The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

    For other consumer protection tips and consumer alerts, consumers can visit the DCP website or follow DCP on social media via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

     

  • Consul General of India at New York interacts with Indian community members

    Consul General of India at New York interacts with Indian community members

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan, with his deputy Dr. Varun Jeph on his side, held an interaction with Indian community members on February 2, 2024. The meeting was one of the several planned to know the community.
    Mr. Pradhan welcomed the members of the Indian community and emphasized the need for a continued interaction between the community organizations and the Consulate.

    While the meeting was a “let’s know each other”, some members made suggestions on certain issues. The Consul General welcomed the suggestions and encouraged them to share with the Consulate their thoughts and ideas.

    A view of the Indian community members at the meeting (Photo:courtesy Nitin Vyas)
  • We are living in a ‘digital dark age’, here’s how to protect your photos, videos and other data

    We are living in a ‘digital dark age’, here’s how to protect your photos, videos and other data

    If you have grown up with social media, chances are you have taken more photos in the last couple of decades than you will ever remember. When mobile phones suddenly became cameras too, social media turned into a community photo album, with memories kept online forever and ever. Or so we thought.
    In 2019, MySpace lost 12 years’ worth of music and photos, affecting over 14 million artists and 50 million tracks. If Instagram or the entire internet suddenly disappeared, would you be able to access your precious memories?
    We are living in a “digital dark age”, a term popularised by information and communication specialist Terry Kuny. Back in 1997, Kuny warned we were “moving into an era where much of what we know today, much of what is coded and written electronically, will be lost forever”.
    He argued that, like monks from the Middle Ages who preserved books (and therefore, knowledge), we must preserve digital objects of today. Otherwise, future generations will be left with gaps in knowledge about our present-day lives.
    People often say the “internet is forever”, but digital artefacts like photos and videos are actually unstable and non-permanent. You’ve likely encountered “linkrot”, when a URL to an important source leads to a now-deleted webpage. Hardware becomes obsolete, degraded and upgraded over time. Bit-rot (also called data or file rot, or data degradation) means we may have no physical means to access our past data.
    Many people already find it hard to use technology and software that has reached its “end of life”. With the lack of backwards compatibility (when updated technology or software cannot support older versions), how will future generations access old data stored in obsolete formats?
    We are also seeing issues emerge related to ownership of data, particularly when controlled by private corporations. Families have faced legal difficulties accessing the social media accounts of deceased loved ones. Similarly, if Spotify or Netflix shut down tomorrow, you wouldn’t own any of the songs or films you stream on a daily basis.
    A digital life For a number of reasons, you may not even notice that we are in the middle of a new digital dark age.
    From Google smart homes to contact-tracing technology, life is increasingly digital. Without an app, internet or social media account, it is difficult to verify your identity and gain access to data – even your own. Many people don’t even consider non-digital means of recording, proving and living their existence.
    With Instagram stories disappearing after 24 hours, and Snapchat and WhatsApp’s vanishing messages features, you are probably used to data disappearing instantly.
    With the growing need for environmental sustainability, turning to digital formats seems like the responsible solution to reducing our carbon footprint – though have you thought about the e-waste you produce?
    Even with data protection laws now giving people the right to have personal data erased, many may not want their data to be preserved forever. Identity theft can occur with social media content that reveals biometric or other personal data. And that’s not to mention cyberstalking, cyberbullying, the distribution of “revenge porn” and online grooming.
    But despite all these very understandable concerns, there are still good reasons to think seriously about how you preserve the digital artefacts and data that are most important to you.
    Protecting and preserving your old data
    If you misplaced your phone, could you remember important phone numbers, or navigate streets when lost? If the answer is no, you may want to think more carefully about data preservation.
    This is something we should all think about, and not just leave it to digital archivists and preservationists. When organised efforts are made to preserve data, who decides what should be preserved can become a political issue as much as a technological one.
    When it comes to your own digital memories, there are services you can use and steps you can take to preserve data from being lost to history: Keep multiple copies (and formats) of important data across different devices: SD cards, USB thumb drives, DVD/Blu-ray discs, external hard drives and NAS (network attached storage) boxes. This has to be coupled with ensuring you regularly migrate important data to the newest device or format (remember, avoid bit-rot).
    Try (re)discovering analogue trends – board games alongside video games, vinyl records over streaming music, or celebrate the resurgence of Polaroid cameras. Many services are available to convert digital photos into printed photos, albums and physical artwork.
    Embrace the ethos of the FAIR principles) – findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable– so that you and others can locate and access any important data you wish to preserve easily.
    Finally, if you come across a rotten link or other missing data, you can explore data preservation initiatives like the Long Now Foundation’s publicly accessible Rosetta Project or the Internet Archive, a non-profit library of free digital books, movies, software, music and websites. Source: PTI

  • Google calls out spyware firms and advocates for tighter regulation

    Google calls out spyware firms and advocates for tighter regulation

    Internet giant Google has named what it said are some of the worst offenders in the surveillance software industry and called on the United States and its allies to do more to rein in the sale and misuse of spy tools.
    Spyware firms often say their products are meant for the use of governments for national security, but the technology has been repeatedly found to have been used to hack into the phones of civil society, political opposition and journalists in the last decade.
    The industry has faced increasing scrutiny since the Israeli firm NSO’s Pegasus spyware was found on the phones of various people globally, including human rights defenders.
    In a report on Tuesday, Google researchers said that while NSO is better known, there are dozens of smaller firms contributing to the dangerous proliferation of spy technology.
    The findings by Alphabet Inc’s Google are significant because the company has some of the best visibility into hacking campaigns globally, given the vast breadth of its online offerings.
    “Demand from government customers remains strong and our findings underscore the extent to which commercial spyware vendors have proliferated hacking and spyware capabilities that weaken the safety of the Internet for all,” researchers from Google’s TAG threat-hunting team said in the report.
    “The private sector is now responsible for a significant portion of the most sophisticated tools we detect.” The United States and several of its allies committed last year to work toward curbing the surveillance software industry, after at least 50 U.S. government employees in 10 countries were found to have been targeted by spyware.
    The Google researchers named a roster of firms that offer a range of services to break into phones, and have been evolving to bypass the latest security measures by Apple and Google for their phone operating systems iOS and Android. They include the Italian firms Cy4Gate and RCS Labs, Greek company Intellexa, and the lesser-known Italian company Negg Group and Spain’s Variston. Negg Group’s website says the company is focused on cybersecurity, but Google said its software was found to have been used to spy on people in Italy, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
    Source: Reuters