Actor Alia Bhatt has wrapped up the shoot of her first action film, Jigra. Announcing the wrap, Alia posted pictures from the sets of the movie. The photos also featured her Jigra co-star Vedang Raina. Alia wrote in the caption of the images, “jigra oh… abki teri baari ho.@vedangraina & that’s a film wrap on #JIGRA @vasanbala @swapsagram.See you soon… 27th September 2024 at a cinema near you.” Vedang Raina also posted pictures on his Instagram account. He wrote in the caption, “And that’s a wrap on Jigra @aliaabhatt.A film and a character that has given me as much as taken away from me. A journey that’s meant everything.See you at the movies on 27th September.”
Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra is co-produced by Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar.
Tag: Facebook
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Alia Bhatt wraps up Jigra, posts pictures with Vedang Raina
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Shahid reveals what made him quit smoking
Actor Shahid Kapoor has opened up about his decision to quit smoking, and it is his eight-year-old daughter Misha. Shahid appeared on ‘No Filter Neha’ season 6, a podcast hosted by actress Neha Dhupia, who chats with her industry friends and makes interesting conversations. During the audio chat show, Shahid revealed about his decision to quit smoking: “When I used to smoke, I would hide from my daughter and smoke. That is actually the reason I gave it up. One day, while I was hiding and having my smoke, I told myself that I am not going to do this forever. And that is actually the day I decided to quit smoking.”
Shahid married Mira Rajput in July 2015. The couple have two kids—daughter Misha, and son Zain. On the work front, Shahid was last seen in ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’, a science fiction romantic comedy co-starring Kriti Sanon. -
Probe agencies being misused to ‘extort’ donations for BJP: Cong
New Delhi (TIP)- The Congress on Friday, Feb 23, alleged that probe agencies were being misused to “extort” donations for the BJP from private companies and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into what it called “hafta-vasooli” by the government.
Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that at least 30 companies, which donated a total of nearly Rs 335 crore to the BJP between financial years 2018-19 and 2022-23, faced investigation by central agencies during that period. Ramesh said Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal on Friday wrote to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the issue and asked why the government should not be open to a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the donations received by the BJP.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, “Do you know about the Prime Minister’s ‘Donate, take bail and business’ scheme? In the country, the Prime Minister is doing business like ‘vasooli bhai’ by misusing ED, IT and CBI.” He said reports have revealed that 30 companies that faced investigation by various agencies, which have become “recovery agents” now, donated Rs 335 crore to the BJP during the investigation.
“The donation business is going on so shamelessly that the owners of a distillery in MP donated to the BJP as soon as they got the bail. Benefitting the company of a friend by dishonesty and adopting different rules for others? ‘Illegal donations’ and ‘Electoral Bonds’ given to BJP under Modi rule are the guarantee of ‘Ease of Doing Business’,” Gandhi said in his post in Hindi, using the hashtag “#HaftaVasooliSarkar”.
Ramesh asked if the government would come up with a “white paper” on the BJP’s finances, not just the sources but how corporate firms were “coerced” to donate by misusing investigative agencies against them.
“If you have nothing to hide, then are you willing to present a point-by-point rebuttal on the ‘chronology’ of events which led to the filling of BJP’s treasury?” he asked. Source: PTI -
Farmer’s death: Unions reject Rs 1-cr relief, want FIR first
Patiala (TIP)- Farmer leaders participating in the “Delhi Chalo” agitation under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) on Friday, Feb 23, said the cremation of Shubh Karan Singh, who died amid clashes between Haryana Police and Punjab farmers, will not take place till the Punjab government registers a case against those responsible it. The development came hours after Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job for Shubh Karan’s sister.
Subh Karan Singh, 21, a native of Bathinda, died on Wednesday at Khanauri border point on the Punjab-Haryana border amid clashes between Haryana Police and Punjab farmers.
The incident took place when the farmers rushed to the barricades, several layers of which had been erected by Haryana authorities to prevent farmers from proceeding with their march and clashed with police.
According to the medical superintendent of Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Subh Karan had an injury to his head. The post-mortem was delayed as the farmers pressed for acceptance of their demands.
Addressing a press conference at Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the post-mortem of the 21-year-old farm protester will not be conducted till the Punjab Police register an FIR against Haryana Police. Punjab chief minister had asserted that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for Shubh Karan’s death. But now the officials are saying that it was not possible, he said.
“We have told the (Shubh Karan) family that it may take two days or 10 days. For us money is not important. We are demanding that an FIR be lodged and then cremation will take place,” he said and accused Punjab government officials of “pressuring” Shubh Karan’s family into agreeing to the cremation. Toeing the line, Charanjit Singh, father of Shubh Karan, said: “Till Punjab Police register a case against Haryana Police officials, we won’t allow the administration to conduct the post-mortem. Money doesn’t matter to us, justice does.”
Replying to a question, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, leader of SKM (Non-Political) that is spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march along with the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, claimed the Bathinda senior superintendent of police has said that police could not register a case against Haryana security personnel.
“If you cannot register a case, then how can you call yourself ‘Punjab de rakhe’ (Punjab’s protector),” Dallewal said, adding the police officer told them that if they registered a case, then Haryana security personnel would also do so.
Replying to another question, Dallewal said, “A youth died during our agitation. Our priority is to ensure justice for him. We are concentrating on it. It is up to the Punjab government how soon it will give justice to us.”
Punjab CM Mann on Friday announced compensation and a job for Shubh Karan’s sister.
“The family of Shubh Karan Singh, who got martyred during the farmer’s movement at Khanauri border, will be given financial assistance of ?1 crore by the Punjab government and a government job to his younger sister. Due legal action will be taken against culprits,” he said in a post on ‘X’ in Punjabi.
Farmers leaders were also demanding “martyr” status for Shubhkaran Singh.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab are protesting at two interstate borders with Haryana to press their demands to the Centre.
Among the major demands of the farmers are a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops and a complete loan waiver for all farmers. For this, the farmers are marching towards the national capital but are currently facing stiff barricading at the Haryana borders.
Source: HT -
INDIA dividing on caste lines, its leaders will struggle to save deposits, says PM Modi
New Delhi (TIP)- In his sharpest attack on the INDIA bloc, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the bloc leaders “will struggle to save their deposits in the upcoming General Election” even as he accused them of dividing people on caste lines. In a no-holds-barred criticism of the Opposition, the PM singled out the Congress and said, “The members of Congress royal family are calling the youth of Banaras ‘nashedi’ (drunken/intoxicated). Those who are themselves not in ‘hosh’ (senses) are calling our youngsters ‘nashedi’. What kind of language is this?” the PM said, addressing constituents of his Lok Sabha segment Varanasi. The PM said INDIA leaders were busy dividing the society on caste lines and predicted their defeat in the 18th General Election.
“These days, there is one more reason behind the anxiety and anger of INDI leaders. They are unable to stomach the new look of Kashi and Ayodhya. Look at how they attack Ram Mandir in their speeches, the kind of utterances they use to undermine the Ram Mandir. I did not know that the Congress hated Lord Ram so much,” PM Modi said. He slammed dynastic parties and said such parties “cannot look beyond their families and vote banks”. “That is why they ally before every election and when the result is ‘neel battey sannata’ (zero divided by zero equals nothing), then they abuse one another and part ways. But they do not know this is Banaras. Everyone is a guru here. Here the machinations of the INDI alliance will not work,” PM Modi said. He said the entire Uttar Pradesh should know that the INDI alliance was the “same old stuff in a new package”. “This time they will have to struggle hard to even save their deposits,” the PM said.
Earlier in his speech, he termed the recent remarks made by Rahul Gandhi as “shocking”.
“You will be shocked to learn what did the royal family of the Congress say? They are saying UP youth are ‘nashedi’. What kind of language is this? They have spent two decades abusing Modi but now they have started venting frustration on people of UP,” the PM said, adding family-based parties of the Opposition should know that the youth of UP were working hard to build a developed state and golden futures.
Rahul, during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Varanasi, had said, “The youth here are inebriated, lying on the streets, dancing at night. The future of the youth of UP is intoxicated.”
On a visit to his parliamentary seat, the PM addressed an event to commemorate the 647th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas and also unveiled his statute, engaged the winners of the ‘Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita’ at BHU, and inaugurated projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore.
Source: TNS -
Trinamool snubs Congress alliance efforts, to contest all Lok Sabha seats in Bengal
New Delhi (TIP)- Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’ Brien on Friday, Feb 23, reiterated his party’s stand to go solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. The TMC leader said that there has been ‘no change’ in the party’s stand of contesting all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, a few in Assam and one seat in Meghalaya. The remark came amid reports that the Congress party had revived talks with the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC for an alliance in the state.
“A few weeks ago…West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee stated that TMC is fighting all the 42 seats in Bengal. We are also in the fray in a few seats in Assam and the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya. There is no change in this position,” Derek O’ Brien stated.
Earlier on Feb 23, the Congress said that the seat-sharing talks between the party and TMC were back on track after the latter had initially claimed that it would go solo in the LS elections in April-May.
The Congress has recently sealed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh with the Samajwadi Party. In the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress will contest 17 seats and the Samajwadi Party will contest 63 seats.
Raebareli, Amethi, Fatehpur Sikri, Saharanpur, Prayagraj, Maharajganj, Varanasi, Amroha, Jhansi, Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, Mathura, Sitapur, Barabanki, Kanpur, Bansgaon and Deoria will be contested by the Congress party. The rest are with SP.
In Maharashtra, the party is in alliance with Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Talks on finalising LS seats are currently underway between Congress and its INDIA bloc allies in the state. Out of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, AAP will reportedly contest four and Congress will contest three. Mamata Banerjee had last month said the talks with the Congress failed after the latter refused an offer she made. She also pointed to delays in finalising a seat-sharing agreement. She had also vowed to not ally with the Congress till it is an alliance with her bitter rival CPI(M).
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had claimed the TMC offered only two seats to his party. Later, Derek O’Brien claimed the politician was one of the main reasons for the party’s decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls alone.
Reacting to Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien’s remark that his party will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections alone, Jairam Ramesh said on Saturday that the Congress’s discussions with the TMC for an alliance in West Bengal are underway. Downplaying the leader’s remark, the politician said heated discussions keep taking place between the two parties but “we respect Mamata Banerjee”.
Jairam Ramesh made the remark on the sidelines of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad.
“Discussions are underway. Our doors are always open for TMC. Mamata Banerjee and TMC have said that they want to strengthen the INDIA Alliance and the biggest motive is to defeat the BJP,” he told ANI. -
AAP, Cong finalise 4:3 seat-sharing formula for Lok Sabha seats in Delhi
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is likely to contest four of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi and leave the remaining three to its alliance partner, the Congress, as part of a seat-sharing agreement being finalised by leaders of the two parties, people aware of the matter said.
Citing the discussions between the two sides, a Congress leader said an agreement had been arrived between the two sides on the formula and the talks on the seats to be contested by the two parties were in the final stages. According to one arrangement being discussed, the Congress may contest East, Chandani Chowk and North East Lok Sabha seats; while AAP may contest New Delhi, West Delhi, South Delhi and North West Lok Sabha seats.
AAP minister Atishi declined to comment on the details of the negotiations. “The talks are on and we are hopeful of closing the deal,” she said.
A senior Delhi Congress leader said the 4-3 formula was final but there could be some changes to the seats contested by the two sides.
All of the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are currently held by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has been winning all the seats since 2014.
In 2019 when the AAP and the Congress contested the Lok Sabha elections separately, the Congress was second on five seats and the AAP was second on two.
The AAP had come to the negotiating table with an offer of just one seat for the Congress, citing its alliance partner’s track record in previous assembly and municipal elections.
“Congress has zero Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, it has zero seats in Delhi assembly. Out of 250 wards, the Congress won only 9 seats in the (2022) MCD election,” AAP national general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said on February 13.
Source: HT -
India, US deliberate on student mobility, legal migration
India and the US discussed the mobility of students and professionals and safe and legal migration at the 11 Consular Dialogue in New Delhi on Feb 23. They also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation on a wide range of issues such as extradition, protection of vulnerable women and children and enabling smooth travel of their respective nationals, said an MEA statement. For the US side, the issue of massive illegal migration from India via chartered flights to Nicaragua has become an issue. Last year, US border authorities reported that nearly one lakh Indians were arrested while trying to enter the US illegally.
The Indian delegation was led by MEA’s Joint Secretary KJ Srinivasa and the US delegation by Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary in the Department of State. “The dialogue reinforced the strong people-to-people ties and cooperation that both nations share across consular issues of mutual interest. They welcomed the launch of a pilot in the US to adjudicate domestic renewals of certain categories of visas as proactive steps toward strengthening connections between people of the two nations,” said the statement. -
CONSTRUCTION OF METRO LINE IN SAN SALVADOR
GOVERNMENT OF REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR AND LAKSHMI CAPITAL SIGN THE MOU
GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): Over the past decade, India’s remarkable achievements in successful infrastructural development have garnered global attention and inspired Indian companies to venture beyond their conventional roles of manufacturing and exporting finished goods. India’s rapid infrastructural progress serves as a beacon for other nations, with Central American governments eagerly embracing Indian companies to invest in and bolster their own infrastructural projects. Recognizing the strategic significance of the Central American region, companies like SRAM & MRAM have shifted their focus towards engaging in transformative infrastructure endeavors in Guatemala and El Salvador. This shift has led to the investment in ten impactful projects across these nations through their subsidiary, Lakshmi Capital, signaling a new era of collaboration and development.
Amb Dr Mohapatra sharing some joyous moment with Mr. Romeo Rodríguez, Min Public Works and Mr. Russell Alexander Luther Rodas of Laxmi Capital after signing the MoU. In a significant stride toward strengthening infrastructure and economic development in El Salvador, Lakshmi Capital, and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation of the Republic of El Salvador signed a Memorandum of Understanding in San Salvador on 16 February 2023 for construction of 22 km metro line project in San Salvador. The MoU was signed between Minister Romeo Rodríguez of Ministry of Public Works, Government of Republic of El Salvador and Transportation and Mr. Russell Alexander Luther Rodas of Laxmi Capital in the presence of Ambassador of India in Guatemala, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra. The metro line project aims to invigorate the economy and modernize transportation infrastructure in the country. Following a comprehensive pre-feasibility study, the decision was made to embark on the creation of a subway system in San Salvador, leveraging international investment for optimal outcomes.
It is imperative to underscore that the initial proposal, initially spanning 11 kilometers, was subsequently augmented to an impressive 22 kilometers by the El Salvadoran Government. This remarkable expansion stands as a testament to India’s growing reputation globally and steadfast support, alongside the unwavering commitment and enthusiastic dedication showcased by Lakshmi Capital in propelling infrastructure development and fostering sustainable progress in El Salvador.
The metro line project based on BOT Modal, outlines the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation’s role in providing pre-feasibility analyses, designs, and legal frameworks, while Lakshmi Capital will offer technical expertise and investment mechanisms. The signing ceremony followed a series of meetings convened by the Embassy of India in Guatemala between the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation and Lakshmi Capital, underscoring their shared dedication to the project’s successful execution. Both parties will begin exchanging crucial information, marking the start of the analysis, study, and proposal stages of the initiative.
Mr. Romeo Rodríguez, Min Public Works and Mr. Russell Alexander Luther Rodas of Laxmi Capital showing the copy of the signed MoU. The metro line project stands at the forefront of reshaping transportation infrastructure in El Salvador, presenting Indian companies with a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression in the Central American region. This collaboration resonates with a mutual dedication to fostering economic advancement and sustainable growth. Moreover, this pivotal project serves as a precursor to a multitude of forthcoming endeavors, such as supplying buses, constructing the dry corridor, and implementing a solar power project. Discussions for these ventures are currently at an advanced stage, indicating the potential for additional Memoranda of Understanding to be signed in the near future.
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92-MEMBER BUSINESS DELEGATION FROM PHARMEXCIL VISITS GUATEMALA
- The presence of the largest-ever business delegation from India has significantly bolstered trust among Guatemala buyers
GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): India’s proactive outreach has sparked significant interest among Indian companies, leading to a notable uptick in bilateral trade and a surge in the exchange of trade delegations. Following successful visits by a 15-member delegation from The Plastic Export Promotion Council (Plexconcil) in November 2023 and a 20-member delegation from the Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), Guatemala witnessed the arrival of a massive 92-member delegation, comprising 74 companies from The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), on 19-20 February 2024. This delegation conducted a series of highly productive Business-to-Business meetings with local companies at the Westin Camino Real Hotel in Guatemala City. Notably, this delegation marks the largest-ever visit to the Latin American region by Pharmexcil, unlocking vast opportunities for collaboration and economic growth.
The Business Meet witnessed a remarkable turnout of buyers. The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) plays a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating India’s pharmaceutical exports on the global stage. As the apex body representing the Indian pharmaceutical industry, Pharmexcil functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Its primary objective is to enhance the competitiveness of Indian pharmaceutical products in international markets while ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. Pharmexcil provides a range of services to its members, including market intelligence, trade facilitation, regulatory guidance, and promotional activities. Through its concerted efforts, Pharmexcil serves as a catalyst for driving the growth of India’s pharmaceutical exports, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and strengthening its position as the ‘Pharmacy of the World’.
The presence of the largest-ever business delegation from India has significantly bolstered trust among local buyers. Guatemala has emerged as India’s largest trading partner in the Central American region, with bilateral trade reaching US$573.21 million in the 2021-22 period. This trend has continued to strengthen, with bilateral trade increasing to US$693 million in the 2022-23 period, indicating a notable upward trajectory. India’s pharmaceutical exports to Guatemala have been witnessing significant growth in recent years. With India being one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality generic medicines at competitive prices, its pharmaceutical products have gained traction in the Guatemalan market. These exports encompass a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations, including generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), formulations, and medical devices. Such exchange of trade delegations and participation in business-to-business meetings have been instrumental in enhancing collaboration and exploring new avenues for pharmaceutical trade between the two countries.
Pharmexcil launched its campaign in Guatemala in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala, with approximately 175 Guatemalan companies participating in the Business-to-Business meetings on both days. The event was also attended by some Honduran companies. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Mr. Julio Eduardo Orozco, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Francis Garnica, Executive Director of MINECO’s National Competitiveness Program Ministry of Economy, and Ms. Lakshmi Prasanna, Director-Regulatory Affairs, Pharmexcil. The inaugural event featured presentations by Ms. Karem Sagastume from the Department of Regulation and Control of Pharmaceuticals and Related Products of the Ministry of Health, Sr. Eduardo Cheves, Investment Attraction Specialist for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices, and Ms. Jennifer Lobos from the National Competitiveness Program (PRONACOM). Mr. Udaya Bhaskar, Director-General of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, delivered his recorded remarks virtually. Ms. Lakshmi Prasanna, Director-Regulatory Affairs, Pharmexcil, delivered a presentation outlining the organization’s approach and future prospects. The delegation received an overwhelming response from local companies, demonstrating their keen interest in partnering with visiting countries. Delegation members also had the opportunity to interact with Guatemala’s apex health authorities such as UNOPS and IGGS to gain insights into trade regulations for pharmaceuticals and medical devices and discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade relations.
Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra underscored the significant presence of Indian pharmaceutical companies in Guatemala and India’s steadfast commitment to supporting healthcare facilities. In his welcoming address, Ambassador Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra underscored the significant presence of Indian pharmaceutical companies in Guatemala and India’s steadfast commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in the Central American region. He highlighted Guatemala’s strategic geographical location in Central America, which presents an opportunity for India to enhance its economic engagement with other nations in the region. Dr. Mohapatra expressed hope for future cooperation between India and Guatemala to leverage their unique ecosystems, including a plethora of endemic species, for traditional and generic medicines. He extended congratulations to Pharmexcil for spearheading the largest-ever delegation to the region and conveyed his best wishes to Indian companies in their efforts to foster greater business opportunities in Guatemala.
During his virtual interaction, Shri Uday Bhaskar, Director General of Pharmexcil, underscored the pivotal role of Indian Pharma globally, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the significant presence of Indian pharmaceutical companies in Latin America, highlighting Guatemala’s emergence as a crucial market for these companies. This recognition underscores the importance of Guatemala in the broader context of Indian pharmaceutical exports to the region, reflecting the growing significance of the country as a strategic market for Indian pharmaceutical products.
The B2B Meetings facilitated exploration of potential trade opportunities, allowing businesses from both countries to identify areas of mutual interest and collaboration. The delegation gained insights of Guatemalan markets, helping them understand regulatory environments, consumer behavior, and market trends, which is crucial for successful market entry. These meetings can not only serve as a forum to promote investment opportunities, encouraging businesses to invest in each other’s countries and contribute to economic growth but also provide a platform for networking, enabling companies to connect with potential partners, suppliers, and distributors, thereby expanding their business networks. Embassy of India in Guatemala looks forward to many more such visits in future to enhance the trade relations between Indian and these Central American Countries.
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Indian American man arrested in connection with father’s murder in New Jersey
TRENTON, NJ (TIP): A 32-year-old Indian American man, Melvin Thomas, has been arrested in connection with the death of his 61-year-old father, Manuel V. Thomas, in their Paramus, New Jersey home.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Melvin Thomas with first-degree murder, alongside several related offenses.
According to local news reports, Melvin Thomas, who is unemployed, was the one to call the police regarding the incident.
The Thomases are immigrants from the Indian state of Kerala. A social media handle used by Thomas stated that he was an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College Uzhavoor in the Kottayam district, in south-central Kerala.
The tragic incident unfolded on Friday, February 16, 2024, when the Paramus Police Department responded to a call about a potential homicide at 693 Bruce Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Manuel V. Thomas in the basement of the residence. Manuel Thomas had sustained multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Melvin Thomas was swiftly identified as a suspect and taken into custody by Paramus police officers. He is currently being held at Bergen County Jail awaiting his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Reports suggest that the homicide occurred on February 14, with Manuel’s body remaining undiscovered in the home for two days. Manuel, whose wife died in 2021, was reportedly an insurance professional.
Melvin Thomas has been charged with first-degree murder, desecration of human remains, hindering, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of a weapon. He is being held at the Bergen County Jail pending a court appearance.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Paramus Police Department, is actively investigating the case. Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the homicide are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. -
Three Indian Americans appointed to key jobs by California Governor
Parminder Aujla
SACRAMENTO (TIP) : California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed three Indian Americans to key posts in his administration. aginder Dhillon, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of Program Support in the Division of Rehabilitative Programs at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Hemant Dhingra, of Clovis, has been appointed to the Medical Board of California, while Nisha Devi Rodrigo, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
Dhillon has been Associate Director at the Corrections department since 2019 and served in several positions in the Budget Management Branch from 2008 to 2010, including Staff Services Manager I and Associate Budget Analyst.
Dhillon was a Branch Chief at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 2017 to 2019. She was a Branch Chief at the California Department of Public Health from 2012 to 2016 and a Health Program Specialist I there from 2010 to 2012.
Dhillon was a Research Analyst I at the Employment Development Department from 2006 to 2007. She was a Staff Services Analyst at the California Department of Transportation in 2006.
Dhillon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis.
This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $166,008. Dhillon is a Democrat.
Dhingra has been Chief of Medical Staff at the Saint Agnes Medical Center of Fresno since 2023, where he was Founding Program Director of Internal Medicine.
He has been President of the Nephrology Group since 2014. Dhingra is a member of the American Society of Nephrology and the California Medical Association.
He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and completed his Fellowship in Nephrology at Texas Tech University. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Dhingra is a Democrat.
Rodrigo has been the founder of Kala Wellness since 2012 and an Eastern Medicine Practitioner with the United Nations since 2018.
She was the founder at the InFocus Wellness Institute from 2004 to 2012. Rodrigo did Communications for MP Graham Allen in the House of Commons in the UK Parliament from 2000 to 2001.
She was a Hansard Scholar at the London School of Economics and Political Science in 2000. Rodrigo did Communications in the White House Counsel’s Office from 1999 to 2000.
She is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being and of the Yoga Alliance Board of Directors.
Rodrigo earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Loyola Marymount University and has studied Eastern Medicine Modalities since 2001.
This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Rodrigo is a Democrat. -
MAYOR ADAMS, NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCE FREE TAX PREP SERVICES FOR NEW YORKERS
- With Tax Season Underway, In-Person and Virtual Tax Preparation Services Will Be Available at City Public Hospitals in Various Languages
NEW YORK (TIP): New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals, on February 23, announced free, in-person, and virtual tax preparation services for New Yorkers as part of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) NYC Free Tax Prep initiative. In partnership with BronxWorks, Grow Brooklyn, Urban Upbound, and Code for America’s GetYourRefund initiative, free tax preparation is available for New Yorkers who earn $85,000 or less annually and file as a family, or those who earn $59,000 or less annually and file as an individual or couple without dependents. Select NYC Health + Hospitals sites offer support in Spanish, Chinese, and Bengali, and virtual tax preparation is available in Spanish as well.
“Every day, we work to make this city more livable for working-class New Yorkers, and by offering free tax preparation at NYC Health + Hospitals sites, we are again delivering for families across the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “Services are available online, in-person, and in multiple languages, making it easy for families to file their taxes and keep money in their pockets. We went to Albany to secure the first increase in the city’s Earned Income Tax Credit in 20 years, and we are thrilled to offer New Yorkers NYC Free Tax Prep to help them receive their fair share this tax season.”
For in-person services, individuals should schedule an appointment in advance and bring identification and proof of income. For virtual services, individuals can upload their documents and meet virtually with a tax preparer to review their tax return before submission. A full checklist of the documents needed to file taxes is available online.
“Tax season can induce anxiety about filling in the right boxes, finding the proper forms, and trying to access all the credits for which you and your family may qualify,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “This year, take a moment to see if you qualify for support through this unique partnership with our public hospital system. In this case, your NYC Health + Hospitals provider might be able to also help you get the peace of mind you need with your taxes.”
“An annual tax refund is often the largest lump-sum payment families receive all year and something that many working New Yorkers count on — even more so since last year’s historic enhancement of the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “Partnerships like the one between DCWP, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the city’s tax preparation partners help us meet New Yorkers where they are with free tax prep services that help them put a meaningful sum of money back into their pockets.”
“For over 20 years, NYC Free Tax Prep has helped file hundreds of thousands of tax returns,” said DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga. “This year, we’re helping filers keep more of their hard-earned money with the enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit and our expanded NYC Free Tax Prep services for self-employed New Yorkers. Thank you to all of our amazing tax prep partners, like NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth, for working to help New Yorkers get their fullest refund.”
“We are proud to partner with NYC Tax Prep to support financial well-being by offering trusted services that save money on filing taxes and promote access to tax credits,” said Nichola Davis, MD, MS, vice president and chief population health officer, NYC Health + Hospitals. “We know that tax refunds can be the biggest influx of income over the course of a year for many, so we aim to alleviate financial stress in order to foster a healthier future for our patients.”
“We are proud to again offer New Yorkers help with filing their taxes this year,” said Steve Mitchell, vice president of sales, MetroPlusHealth. “Many families will benefit from this free service at select MetroPlusHealth community centers, as well as receive guidance on signing up for health insurance.”
NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional tax preparation that can help New Yorkers keep their full refund, including valuable tax credits, like the recently enhanced New York City Earned Income Tax Credit. NYC Free Tax Prep Services include:
In-Person Tax Preparation: At in-person tax prep sites, knowledgeable Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteer preparers help filers complete an accurate tax return. More than 130 sites across the city will be open throughout the season.
Drop-Off Service: With drop-off service, filers can drop off their tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
Virtual Tax Preparation: Virtual Tax Preparation is an online service where an IRS-certified VITA or TCE volunteer preparer will video conference with filers to help prepare their tax return using a secure digital system. Filers can submit photos or scans of tax documents to the preparer, confirm their identity, and complete their return by video call with a preparer. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; and the ability to download secure video conference software.
Assisted Self-Preparation: Assisted Self-Preparation allows filers to complete their tax return online on their own, and an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer will be available by phone or email to answer questions. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; an email address; and their 2022 adjusted gross income or self-select PIN.
NYC Free Tax Prep Services are available now at over 130 VITA and TCE sites around the city. The IRS will accept returns through April 15, 2024. New Yorkers can call 311 or visit the NYC Free Tax Prep website and use DCWP’s interactive map to search for the most convenient free tax site near them.Below are locations and hours for in-person free tax preparation at NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth sites this season:
In-Person Tax Preparation at NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth Sites
Bronx:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Tremont
1920 Webster Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457
Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Available in English and Spanish
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 993-8880 or going online
Brooklyn:
MetroPlusHealth – Brooklyn
2221 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Fridays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Schedule an appointment by calling (347) 682-5606 or going online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Broadway
815 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Mondays, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Schedule an appointment by calling (347) 682-5606 or going online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, East New York
2094 Pitkin Avenue, 1st Floor, P31, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877
Manhattan:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
461 1st Avenue, F-Link, Room CD49, New York, NY 10016
Fridays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877
Queens:
MetroPlusHealth – Flushing
136-13 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available in English and Chinese
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877
MetroPlusHealth – Jackson Heights
92-14 Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Tuesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available in English and Spanish
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877
NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst
79-01 Broadway, Main Lobby, Elmhurst, NY 11373
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available in English, Bengali, and Spanish
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens
82-68 164th Street, Pavilion Building – Ground Floor, Room P053, Jamaica, NY 11432
Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Available in English, Bengali, and Spanish
Schedule an appointment by calling (718) 784-0877
Virtual Tax Preparation Options
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Cumberland
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Roosevelt
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
Available in English and Spanish
Register Online
“New Yorkers from every community and income bracket should have the resources they need to prepare and file their taxes on time,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “Mayor Adams’ partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals and community organizations will allow just that by providing tax preparation free of charge. As a representative from Queens, the most linguistically diverse urban area in the world, I am also proud that we are offering support in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Bengali — the four most commonly spoken languages in our borough. This important initiative will help all New Yorkers file accurately, maximize their refund, and avoid any errors.”
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What farmers want is the freedom to sell their produce
- Policy-making is easy. What’s difficult is the creation of physical and IT infrastructure
“Policy-making is the easy part. What’s difficult is the creation of physical and IT infrastructure. The hardest part is the task of making it work on the ground. The SFAC identifies and supports an IT expert (mandi analyst) for initial handholding for a period of one year for each mandi integrated with eNAM. They report to the state coordinator(s), each of whom handles the day-to-day coordination for 50 mandis each. They are also responsible for providing pro bono training to all stakeholders in the eNAM system: farmers, traders, commission agents and mandi officials.”
By Sanjeev Chopra The recent bestowal of the Bharat Ratna on former Prime Ministers Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao and scientist-administrator Dr MS Swaminathan was a tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian farmer. All three were deeply invested in and committed to agriculture as well as farmers’ welfare. Swaminathan’s contribution is well-known and acknowledged, but it is equally important to understand the political economy in which the Green Revolution was successful. It was Charan Singh who explained to Nehru the pitfalls of the Soviet and Chinese types of ‘collective farming’. He was clear that farmers were fiercely independent cultivators and were vehemently opposed to any centralized plan of ‘land pooling and cooperative farming’, which the Planning Commission was enamored of.
It was during Rao’s tenure that India joined the World Trade Organization and signed the Agreement on Agriculture. Till then, India’s policy regime had restricted imports. Under Rao, India looked to agri-exports as an important foreign exchange earner. With budgetary and institutional support to APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), he helped Indian agriculture become globally competitive, though domestic trade continued to be operated through restrictive trade practices that were good for the procurement agencies and registered traders of the Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs), but not for the farmers.
Perhaps the most meaningful policy intervention made by him was the establishment of the Small Farmers’ Agri-business Consortium (SFAC) in 1994. The organization has now been tasked with the establishment of the national electronic market for agriculture. A transformative initiative was launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 14, 2016: the SFAC-backed Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM), a ‘phygital’ (physical plus digital) market. This is a single-window portal with a physical back end that provides actionable information, physical infrastructure, trade options and electronic settlement of payments.
Today, thanks to this initiative of the SFAC, 10.7 million farmers have the freedom, flexibility and facilities to transact across 1,389 regulated wholesale markets in 23 states and four union territories (UTs) in their own language on their mobile phones. Another 1.7 lakh integrated licenses have been issued by the participating states and UTs, but of even greater significance is the active participation of around 3,500 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), for their transactions reflect granular support for this platform. As of January 2024, business of over Rs 3 lakh crore has been transacted on this platform.
It is imperative to share the backstory of this successful intervention. When the APMCs were introduced in the 1950s, the farmer needed protection against distress sale. The APMCs were designed to ensure ‘price discovery’ and provide a platform for procurement by state agencies under the MSP regime. However, in this process, they also created a special class of intermediaries: the trader who had a license to operate in the particular mandi with its notified command area.
However, as India became an IT superpower and agriculture moved from a peasant to a market mode of production, there was a need to change the restrictive rules of trade. Institutions like the SFAC were established to leverage technologies and financial instruments to improve the terms of trade for marginal and small farmers. From providing venture capital funds to agri-business entrepreneurs to the creation of infrastructure, the SFAC broke new ground in the establishment of FPOs, market intelligence, warehousing and procurement support. No wonder the mandate for the establishment of the eNAM was also given to the SFAC.
To set the ball rolling, the Agriculture Ministry gave a grant of Rs 30 lakh per mandi for equipment or infrastructure, such as computer hardware, Internet facilities and assaying equipment, among others, in those regulated mandis for the installation of the e-market platform. This was enhanced to Rs 75 lakh in 2017 for the creation of additional infrastructure like cleaning, grading and packaging facilities and a bio-composting unit. While in the first three years, about 200 mandis were brought under its purview, the pace picked up with 415 mandis by May 2020, another 260 by July 2022, yet another 101 by March 2023, and 28 by the end of the last calendar year. The number has been growing every quarter.
Policy-making is the easy part. What’s difficult is the creation of physical and IT infrastructure. The hardest part is the task of making it work on the ground. The SFAC identifies and supports an IT expert (mandi analyst) for initial handholding for a period of one year for each mandi integrated with eNAM. They report to the state coordinator(s), each of whom handles the day-to-day coordination for 50 mandis each. They are also responsible for providing pro bono training to all stakeholders in the eNAM system: farmers, traders, commission agents and mandi officials.
What next? Rather than rest on its laurels, the eNAM is setting newer and higher standards. Its revised mandate includes the expansion and consolidation of the eNAM by opening a platform beyond the APMC/Regulated Market Committee mandis to ensure competitive price realization for farmers. There is increased emphasis on warehouse-based sale and through eNAM. In the final analysis, it is price discovery and the freedom to sell that will usher in greater prosperity for the farmer.
(The author is Ex-Director, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) -
The season of defections is here
- Structural weakness in Indian democracy needs to be addressed urgently
“Poaching legislators is not new to our democracy. The terms ‘Aaya Ram’ and ‘Gaya Ram’ were coined decades ago when political leaders of Haryana adopted the method of enticing elected members of rival parties to cross over to bring down governments. Some sense of shame must have seeped in because there was a lull in such shenanigans for some time till Congress lawmakers shifted en masse to the BJP in Goa in 2019, tempted by the lure of office.”
By Julio Ribeiro Very soon, the BJP ranks will be stacked with Congress leaders seeking a lucrative future. After former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan left the Congress and joined the BJP, former Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath seems ready to jump the ‘sinking ship’.
The inability of INDIA parties to look beyond their noses has virtually sealed their fate.
Nath had handed over Madhya Pradesh to the BJP on a platter due to his misreading of the voters’ preferences and mishandling of other anti-BJP parties.Chavan’s standing in Maharashtra politics was visibly on the decline. He had even lost his Nanded seat to the BJP’s Prataprao Govindrao Chikhalikar in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His father, Shankarrao Chavan, was a highly respected politician who had served as the CM and Union Home Minister. Shankarrao had scruples about corruption which his son did not share.
Chavan has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by his new-found friends. He will have to compete for a ministership with other turncoats from Maharashtra like Narayan Rane, who was another ‘candidate’ for probes by investigation agencies had he not crossed over a few years ago.
The migration of the inglorious from the Opposition to the ruling party has picked up steam before the Lok Sabha polls. Is the BJP’s goal a Congress-mukt polity or an Opposition-mukt one? Starting with those with skeletons in their cupboards, others who hanker for the spoils of office or just want to feel important will gravitate to the winning side. Greed is the guide. The BJP capitalizes on this.
Recently, the AAP-Congress combine was assured of victory in the Chandigarh mayoral poll with 20 votes out of 36. The returning officer invalidated eight votes to ensure the BJP’s win. The Supreme Court had to intervene and order the prosecution of the returning officer. It declared the AAP-Congress candidate as the winner. Before the SC verdict, the BJP, the party that had once proclaimed that it was ‘different’, carried out ‘Operation Lotus’ to make three AAP councilors switch camps.
Poaching legislators is not new to our democracy. The terms ‘Aaya Ram’ and ‘Gaya Ram’ were coined decades ago when political leaders of Haryana adopted the method of enticing elected members of rival parties to cross over to bring down governments. Some sense of shame must have seeped in because there was a lull in such shenanigans for some time till Congress lawmakers shifted en masse to the BJP in Goa in 2019, tempted by the lure of office.
The BJP has sharpened this unethical method to a fine art after tasting blood. In Karnataka, it displaced the Congress government by successfully luring a good number of its legislators to change sides. In Maharashtra, this game is being played out even today. The voters who voted against the BJP have been short-changed. They vote for a particular party on ideological grounds but cannot be sure that those whom the party has chosen to represent them will continue to reflect their aspirations, once elected.
This is a structural weakness of Indian democracy. It needs to be urgently addressed. No legislator or corporator should be allowed to cross over mid-term. If he has concerns about the policies of the party on whose ticket he was elected, he should resign from the Assembly and re-contest on the ticket of his new party. If he is popular in his constituency, he may well win again, but at least those who voted for him or her on ideological grounds will not be let down.
Since the BJP’s new tactic of remaining in power at any cost, fair or foul, has obviously kicked in, it is urgent to restore our good name in the democratic world by devising a mechanism to combat this menace of ‘Aaya Rams’ coming and ‘Gaya Rams’ going for reasons far removed from dissatisfaction with the policies followed by the party which they have decided to discard.
The inability of INDIA parties to look beyond their noses has virtually sealed their fate. After the votes are counted and Modi is back in North Block for another term of five years, expect Opposition leaders to face the music in a much more defined degree. The ED, the CBI and other Central agencies will make their lives uncomfortable. Only those who cross over can expect to be absolved of their sins.
If the BJP gets a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the Constitution will be subject to revision. Women, in particular, will have to conform to a rigid standard of morality. Live-in relationships, which are now common among the urban liberated youth, will be frowned upon, like we have seen in Uttarakhand, whose holier-than-thou Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which restricts choices in love and marriage.
I have no objection to the UCC as long as the objective is to ensure that women are treated on a par with men. The rights of the woman in inheritance of her father’s property and her right to choose her life partner should be upheld. There are myriad related issues like divorce and adoption, but the right to inheritance and the right to choose one’s spouse are paramount.
It is not wise to advise the BJP to desist from accepting tainted members of Opposition parties in its fold. The BJP is on a roll. Modi consecrated the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, secured the release of eight former Navy personnel sentenced to death by a court in Qatar for alleged spying, and inaugurated a Hindu temple in a Muslim-majority country (UAE).
Unfortunately, there are counter-balancing issues. The farmers’ agitation for legal guarantee for procurement at the MSP is one such issue. If the demand is conceded, it will compromise fiscal responsibility. The unabated violence in Manipur is another. The BJP knows the people responsible for the raging fire, but its hands are tied. If the incompetent CM Biren Singh is replaced, the Meitei vote will be in doubt. Reservation for Marathas is yet another issue that defies accepted solutions. It is not going to be an easy ride!
There are many other such problems that Modi will have to solve, but he is postponing action till the Lok Sabha polls are over.
(The author is a former governor, and a highly decorated Indian Police Service officer) -
The message from two SC verdicts
- The ruling party’s confidence should not prompt its supporters to shake foundations of Indian democracy
“The Election Commission of India (ECI) was a fiercely independent institution when it was helmed by TN Seshan. Herein lies the sad story of Indian institutions. The character of most of these institutions changes with the person at the top. The court’s order on electoral bonds is a wake-up call for the ECI. Indian elections are free and fair. But the first-past-the-post system seeks its credibility entirely from the institution that conducts the polls. And if the conductor falters, the process gets easily accused of manipulation.”
By Rajesh Ramachandran The Supreme Court’s judgments on the electoral bonds and the Chandigarh mayoral election are epoch-making. There cannot be a graver offence to democracy than anonymous election funding. Anonymity is synonymous with deception and corruption. While nameless funders possibly conceal their business and personal objectives, only transparency can help make the voter do a cost-benefit analysis between a funder and the funded political entity. So, it is imperative for the voter to know who is funding his or her chosen candidate.
A local poll to elect a mayor became a test case, and the court has majestically ensured that the Indian system passes it to prove that it still works.
By delivering a verdict annulling the electoral bond scheme, the apex court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has saved the constitutional foundations of the Republic. This ruling, while enhancing the SC’s stature as the final institutional bulwark of constitutional morality, also points fingers at other constitutional bodies that have begun to behave like government appendages.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was a fiercely independent institution when it was helmed by TN Seshan. Herein lies the sad story of Indian institutions. The character of most of these institutions changes with the person at the top. The court’s order on electoral bonds is a wake-up call for the ECI. Indian elections are free and fair. But the first-past-the-post system seeks its credibility entirely from the institution that conducts the polls. And if the conductor falters, the process gets easily accused of manipulation.
That is something the Indian democracy can ill afford, particularly in the context of all the barbs of it being an elected autocracy hurled by the Western academia and its media.
Equally important is the SC verdict reversing the Chandigarh mayoral poll result. Presiding officer Anil Masih was caught on camera blatantly defacing ballot papers to make valid votes for the AAP-Congress candidate invalid. This was nothing short of ‘murder of democracy’, no doubt.
A local poll to elect a mayor became a test case, and the court has majestically ensured that the Indian system passes it to prove that it still works. But how many such tests and shocks can the system withstand before it capitulates is a question that the votaries of the strong government need to ask themselves. A strong government derives its strength from the people’s conviction, not from arm-twisting tactics of its storm-troopers.
Despite the two setbacks from the top court, the BJP is on an unassailable electoral upswing. The consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has created such a groundswell of religious goodwill for PM Modi among temple-going ordinary Hindus that it is now a mundane exercise for him to convert it into political capital for the polls. Then, of course, there is the added advantage of the Opposition remaining a house divided. Going by the last election’s schedule, there are less than 50 days left for the first phase of polling. Yet, the Opposition has not firmed up poll tie-ups.
All those who may call the Indian democracy names after the elections should seriously look at the sorry state of the Opposition right now. As of today, it is not clear whether AAP and the Congress will have an alliance in Punjab. Even in Delhi, where a 4-3 formula of seat-sharing is being talked about, there is no official announcement so far. The Samajwadi-Congress alliance in Uttar Pradesh is the only one that has been sealed. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has taken a break from his yatra to lecture at Cambridge, as if Oxbridge scholars’ votes count in Amethi or Wayanad.
The urgency of a group preparing to take on a juggernaut is glaringly missing in the terribly slow pace at which Opposition parties move. Incidentally, the Left, which is the fulcrum on which the Opposition in Delhi turns, has announced its candidates, including the one who would take on Rahul, if he contests from Wayanad. But a political understanding with Mamata Banerjee that could have altered the scene in West Bengal is still eluding the Congress as the BJP tries to project itself as her biggest challenger in the state.
Unless there is an unseen anti-incumbency storm gathering amongst the masses, there is no chance of a serious challenge to PM Modi’s electoral pole position in these circumstances. The possibility of a third term for Modi looks strong. However, that confidence should not prompt his followers to shake the foundations of Indian democracy — which is the message from the SC verdicts.
A recent issue of The Economist magazine has a brilliant leader on the perils of national conservatism. In the context of the American elections, the magazine talks about Trump’s aides readying a programme “to capture the federal bureaucracy”. To eulogize Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher as torchbearers of virtuous conservatism while condemning all newbie national conservatives as liberals opposed to multilateralism abroad and pluralism at home is obviously polemical. Reagan’s initiation into politics was as an FBI informer ratting out communists in Hollywood; but for the Falklands War, Thatcher would never have found her feet. Both appealed to fiercely nationalist sentiments.
Nationalism is undeniably the core of conservatism. It suddenly cannot become dirty when bandied about by populists and anti-elites. But the difference now is the new attempt to subsume the entire system within the underbelly of the political executive. Indian bureaucracy has for some time now been caged parrots and pet falcons who sing and hunt for their political master. This situation cannot be blamed on any one party. A former bureaucrat, who had hunted down Subrata Roy for the UPA, was given cabinet rank long after retirement by a Left government this week.
Well, the capture of the bureaucracy by the Indian political class predated the global trend of national conservatism. Nevertheless, the two SC verdicts point towards the slippery slope we have reached. All that is left between the pinnacle of proud national achievements and the abyss of complete systemic breakdown are a few constitutional bodies. Remember, there can be no Ram Rajya without strong democratic institutions!
(The author is editor-in-chief of Tribune Group of Newspapers) -
The Unyielding Spirit of Punjab Farmers
- Death of an Individual is not the end of an idea
In the heartland of India, a battle is raging. The agrarian community of Punjab, resilient and united, is on a warpath, demanding fair prices for their produce and an end to oppressive government policies. The conflict has escalated as the government, seemingly serving the interests of capitalist cronies, remains adamant on enforcing controversial agricultural laws. This struggle, reminiscent of the past, echoes a powerful truth – the death of an individual does not extinguish the flame of an idea.A year ago, the farmers took to the streets, demanding the repeal of certain agricultural laws imposed by the Modi government. The initial response from the government was repression, attempting to stifle the movement. However, the farmers, standing united and supported by their counterparts from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, refused to back down. Faced with the strength of this collective resolve, the government succumbed to pressure, promising to reevaluate and revise its agricultural policies.
Despite assurances, the government failed to initiate substantial changes in agricultural policies. Disillusioned, the farmers resumed their struggle, realizing that the promises made were nothing more than empty words. The government’s lack of action fueled the flames of discontent, prompting the agricultural community to intensify their protests.In a disturbing turn of events, the BJP-led government, both at the central and state levels, unleashed repressive measures against the protesting farmers. Border points between Punjab and Haryana were barricaded to thwart the march to Delhi. The use of water cannons and, shockingly, reports of firing upon peaceful farmers became tools employed by the authorities to crush the dissent.
The conflict reached a critical juncture when, as claimed by agitating farmers’ leaders, a 21-year-old award winning farmer Shubhkaran Singh was shot in the head by the Haryana police. Despite police denials of any firing, numerous farmers sustained injuries in the alleged incident. The agitating leaders also reported the disappearance of several farmers, accusing the government of using such tactics to instill fear among the protesting community.
The government’s heavy-handed approach seems to be rooted in a short memory. A year ago, similar repressive measures failed to deter the farmers. The authorities forget that the death of an individual does not equate to the death of an idea. History is replete with examples of ideas that survived the demise of their proponents.
Reflecting on history, we find poignant examples of individuals whose ideas endured despite their tragic deaths. Mahatma Gandhi, an apostle of non-violence, was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, who subscribed to the Hindutva ideology. Yet, Gandhism remains alive, shaping the moral fabric of societies worldwide. In the United States, Martin Luther King Jr., a champion of civil rights, was assassinated, but his vision persists, inspiring movements for civil liberties, justice and equality globally.The Punjab farmers’ struggle embodies the unbroken spirit of individuals united by a common cause. The government’s attempts to suppress dissent through repressive measures might temporarily subdue the protests, but history has shown that the death of an individual does not extinguish the flame of an idea. The farmers’ fight for fair prices and agricultural autonomy transcends individual tragedies, evolving into a movement that refuses to be silenced. As the echoes of protests reverberate, it serves as a stark reminder that ideas born from the collective consciousness of a determined community can withstand the harshest of challenges, ensuring that their voices are not easily silenced or forgotten.
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Victory for democracy: Supreme Court of India overturns Chandigarh mayoral poll result
Exercising its power under Article 142 of the Constitution to do ‘complete justice’, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, February 20, overturned the result of the January 30 Chandigarh mayoral poll — which had witnessed BJP nominee Manoj Sonkar being declared the winner under controversial circumstances — and named AAP-Congress candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the mayor. Ruling that the result declared by returning officer (RO) Anil Masih, a nominated councillor of the BJP, was contrary to law, the court ordered his prosecution for making the ‘false’ statement before the Bench that he had invalidated eight ballot papers because they had been ‘defaced’. With these eight AAP-Congress votes not being counted at that time, the poll outcome had gone the BJP’s way, prompting the alliance to accuse the RO of ballot-tampering.
The Bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asserted that in such a case, the top court was duty-bound to ensure that the process of electoral democracy was not allowed to be thwarted by subterfuge. The court’s commendable intervention has undone a grave wrong. The development is a major embarrassment for the BJP, whose attempt to engineer a victory has been scuttled. The INDIA bloc, beset by differences among its constituents, finally has something to cheer about. The AAP-Congress candidate’s victory has underscored the dire need for the Opposition to get its act together in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
The verdict is a stark reminder to all stakeholders — political parties, the electorate and the poll authorities at all levels — that the sanctity and fairness of the electoral exercise must always be ensured. Efforts to subvert the mandate are a blot on our democracy and should not be tolerated. Hopefully, the Chandigarh case will serve as a deterrent against the use of unfair means in elections.
(Tribune, India) -
Rimli Roy receives NJ State Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship 2024 award
TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Surati Founder and Artistic Director Ms Rimli Roy receives the NJ State Council on the Arts 2024 Individual Artist Fellowship award. Ms Roy is a recipient in the Interdisciplinary category which uses two or more artistic forms from the categories listed for this award in alternate years. Ms Roy is also a past recipient of the Folk Arts Apprenticeship award from the NJSCA and the Sunshine Award in 2023.
The letter from the NJ State Council on the Arts says: “The New Jersey State Council on the Arts is pleased to share the exciting news that you are among 76 artists selected from 692 eligible applicants in six artistic disciplines to be awarded a 2024 Individual Artist Fellowship. Your work was reviewed by a panel of peers working in your field, and they evaluated it to be of very high artistic quality. A Fellowship in the amount of $21,750.00 will be awarded to you in recognition of the outstanding work you are doing and in the hope that it will enable you to further your artistic goals.”
About Rimli Roy
Rimli Roy is an artiste, dancer, choreographer, producer, director, actor, visionary and humanitarian from Kolkata, India who embarked on her artistic journey at the age of four, immersing herself first in classical Indian dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri under renowned gurus of India, while also learning Western classical pianoforte under the tutelage of the Trinity College of Music, London as well as Indian Classical music (Hindustani vocals and harmonium). Her quest led her to explore beyond traditional practices. Significant milestones in her journey are the creation of productions like “Glimpses of India” and “Ramaavan – A Musical” that seamlessly blend genres from the East and the West. Ms. Roy’s artistry has graced iconic venues such as the United Nations, The Kennedy Center and The Library of Congress in D.C, The Lincoln Center in NYC, The Indian Consulate in NYC, Times Square NYC, and The Alaska Performing Arts Center. Beyond her performances, she nurtures budding dancers and collaborates with tri-state organizations to democratize the arts. Her ensemble beautifully reflects her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
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Community leaders to felicitate The Indian Panorama at its 18th-year Gratitude Gala
- Keynotes by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan and Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi
- The Indian Panorama to honor four eminent Indian Americans
Dr V.K. Raju, Ranju Batra, Harry Singh Bolla and Purnima Desai
February 23, 2024
HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP) : The Indian Panorama is celebrating its 18th year of publication on February 25 in a unique way. Says its Founding Editor and Publisher Prof Indrajit Singh Saluja, “At the Gratitude Gala, I want to say thank you to our readers, friends, supporters, and advertisers for their love and support all these years.”In turn, a host of community leaders from various walks of life will felicitate The Indian Panorama and Prof Saluja at the gala in the chandeliered Pearl Banquet Hall in Hicksville, NY.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, Consul General of India in New York Binaya S. Pradhan, and US Congressman-elect Tom Suozzi will grace the event to commend the service of Prof Saluja and his paper to the community and its contribution to advancing US-India ties.
Even as Prof Saluja expresses his gratitude to the community, he will also honor four eminent Indian Americans at the event: Dr V.K. Raju (Life Achievement Honor) – with a mission to eliminate childhood blindness through his Eye Foundation of America. Ranju Batra (Excellence in Promotion of Diplomacy Award) – honors diplomats at Diwali Stamp – Power of One awards. Harry Singh Bolla (Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award) — runs a billion-dollar chain of gas stations and a charity to give back to the community. Purnima Desai (Excellence in Culture Award) – her Shikshayatan Cultural Center and Sriniketan Foundation encourage and support Indian music and arts through training and events.
Another highlight of the gala will be the announcement of a collaboration between The Indian Panorama and Blitz India, the country’s first chronicler of development news. To launch its US Edition, Blitz India Chairman and Editor-in-chief, Deepak Dwivedi, and CEO Sandeep Saxena will join Prof Saluja.Prof Saluja will also felicitate ALotusInTheMud.com, wellness and spirituality webmag started by his friend, Parveen Chopra, on its first anniversary.
The attendees at the gala will be welcomed and entertained with both traditional Indian and contemporary touches. Started 18 years ago in New York, The Indian Panorama has a Dallas edition also. It reaches the Indian diaspora all over the world. Its editorial content is the right mix of community news as well as Indian and American current affairs.
For Prof Saluja, The Indian Panorama is an expression of his love for India as well as a platform to project the rich South Asian culture and how our successful community has made a place in the melting pot of America.
Prof Saluja feels proud that throughout its eventful journey, The Indian Panorama has remained true to its motto, EVER TRUTHFUL”. “This commitment is not just a slogan but a guiding principle, a promise to our readers, and a testament to the collective effort that sustains the publication,” he insists.
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A first: US company lands craft on moon
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): A private American company has scripted history by landing the first commercial spacecraft on the Moon as well as the first US vehicle on the Earth’s only natural satellite in more than 50 years, joining earlier feats by India, Russia, the US and China.
Built by Intuitive Machines, the lander — named Odysseus — touched down on the moon at 6.23 pm ET on Thursday, February 22, making it the first American spacecraft on the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. “Today, for the first time in half a century, America has returned to the Moon,” Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator said. The lander will have seven days before darkness descends on the landing site, preventing the spacecraft’s solar panels from gathering energy from sunlight and bringing freezing temperatures, ABC News reported.
(Source: PTI) -
US working to reduce visitor visa wait time for Indians: Rena Bitter
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The United States is working towards further reducing the wait time for visitor visas for Indians following a decrease of 75 per cent last year, according to US Bureau of Consular Affairs Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter. In an interview with PTI, Bitter noted that today more Indians can travel to the United States than in any other time in history.
“Last year, the Embassy in India processed 1.4 million visas, explosion of an incredible number…in every category there is no wait time at all except in one area of travel where there is still some wait time and that is people travelling for the first time to the United States for tourism,” she said.
“It has been reduced 75 per cent over the last year and we are working really hard on this. We recognize that it is an incredibly important bilateral relationship and the foundation of the relationship is the people-to-people ties, the business travel and the family ties.
All these things are important to us and in Washington we are doing a lot of work to support this post (Indian) so they can meet the exploding demand,” she added.
Asked about the plans for H1B visa, Bitter said the pilot programme which is underway to permit Indians living in the US to renew their H1B visa without travelling abroad will conclude in February.
“There is special place for Indian skilled workers in United States, they contribute so much to our economy. Indian embassy issued 34 per cent more H1B visas last year which is also the maximum in the history of the post. We take this issue seriously and this was a huge topic of conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden during their meeting last year.
“We introduced a pilot programme in January for revalidation of 20,000 Indian skilled workers in the United States. The pilot programme will conclude at the end of this month. It is going really well and once we complete the pilot period we will reevaluate and see what comes next to make it as easy as possible for Indians working in the US,” she said.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries such as India and China.
The pilot programme was started months after the White House announced the plan during the state visit of Prime Minister Modi in June last year. Talking about student visas, Bitter said, “one in four international students studying in United States is from India. It is incredible because it is not only they are getting top notch education which we are really proud of but they are also enriching our classrooms with their unique perspective and the key points that they bring to our classrooms.
“They make our students smarter too…So we are really excited about that. This is really important programme for us to make sure that Indian students have access to education in the United States and we have all pieces in place going forward to ensure that we meet the demand,” she added.
The number of Indians who travelled to the United States for higher education increased by 35 per cent and resulted in an all-time high of 2,68,923 students in the academic year 2022-23.
Last year, the US consular team in India issued over 1,40,000 student visas – more than in any other country in the world setting a record for the third year in a row.
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Mr. Amit Verma appointed as Country Head Of State Bank of India, US Operations, New York
NEW YORK (TIP): Mr. Amit Verma has taken over as new Country Head of the US Operations of State Bank of India, which includes its offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo and Washington DC. Mr. Verma joined State Bank of India (SBI) as a Probationary Officer in 1995. In his banking career spanning over 28 years, he has handled diversified assignments in the Bank, particularly in the areas of Large Value Corporate Credit, Human Resources and Retail Banking, besides working in different geographies in the International Banking Group of the Bank.
He is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance.He has held key roles in important branches under SBI’s Corporate Credit set up, in Mumbai. In his subsequent assignment, he was handling the responsibilities of General Manager, in the Retail & Developmental Banking vertical of SBI, with a diverse client base, including SME, Agriculture, Retail and Corporate Banking. Prior to his present assignment, he was the appointed as Regional Head – East Asia. Stationed at Hong Kong, he was responsible for supervision and oversight of SBI’s operations in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Bank’s Representative Office in the Philippines.
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Indian American leader Manjusha Kulkarni wins 2024 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Manjusha Kulkarni, Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance, has won the James Irvine Foundation award for confronting hate and discrimination against AAPI communities with data, partnerships, and policy solutions.
Kulkarni is one of nine leaders from six organizations who received the 2024 Leadership Awards for their dedicated efforts in addressing critical issues impacting Californians.
“This year’s Award recipients are an impressive group of innovators working on a wide range of challenges including teacher preparation, youth justice, college access and completion, and ensuring the health and safety of Asian American and Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, refugee, and immigrant populations,” according to a press release.
As a teen, Kulkarni observed her mother file a successful class action lawsuit against the state over discriminatory policies against non-European doctors, according to her official profile.
This experience, along with incidents that made her feel “othered” as one of the only AAPI students in school, seeded Kulkarni’s activism and compelled her to pursue a law degree and a career in civil rights.
After engaging in critical work in civil rights and health law and policy, she was entrusted to lead the AAPI Equity Alliance (formerly A3PCON) in 2017.
Kulkarni led the forty-year-old organization into a new era, growing it from a behind-the-scenes organization to one that leads groundbreaking work in healthcare access, interpersonal violence, and mental health.
AAPI Equity Alliance is now a coalition of over 40 organizations that serves the 1.6 million Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles and beyond, confronting discrimination, fighting mental health disparities, and pushing for legal and policy changes.
Kulkarni is also a co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that collects data and fights racial injustice targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Every year, the Leadership Awards acknowledge individuals and organizations committed to innovation and with a proven track record of success in enhancing lives, creating opportunities, and contributing to a better California, the release stated.
Each Award recipient’s organization receives a grant of $350,000 to further support their work benefiting the people of California, with the potential for expansion, replication, or policy support. Additionally, the Irvine Foundation assists recipients in sharing their successful approaches with policymakers and practitioners.
“The accomplishments of these diverse leaders and their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of Californians are truly inspiring,” said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation.
“Their innovative approaches to solving tough problems have made a positive impact in so many communities. It’s a privilege for the Irvine Foundation to amplify their leadership and provide support as they address some of the most formidable challenges our state is currently facing.”
Since 2006, The Irvine Foundation has celebrated the achievements of over 100 leaders in California. -
Dr Samir Shah is the first Indian – origin Chairman of BBC
The 72-year-old has now been confirmed in the 1,60,000 pounds per year and four-year term role to take charge from March 4
LONDON (TIP): India-born media executive Dr Samir Shah was on Thursday confirmed as the new BBC chairman after his selection cleared the stages of scrutiny to be approved by King Charles III this week.
Shah, who has worked in UK broadcasting for over 40 years, was picked as the government’s preferred candidate in December last year and went on to be quizzed by cross-party MPs of the House of Commons Media Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for his pre-appointment scrutiny.
The 72-year-old has now been confirmed in the 1,60,000 pounds per year and four-year term role to take charge as the public broadcaster’s first Indian-origin Chair from March 4 and running until March 2028.
“With a career spanning more than 40 years in TV production and journalism, Dr Shah has a wealth of experience to bring to the position of BBC Chair,” said UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer as she announced his selection.
“He has a clear ambition to see the BBC succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape, and I have no doubt he will provide the support and scrutiny that the BBC needs to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” she said. Shah, who was honored with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 for services to television and heritage, will replace Richard Sharp who had been forced to resign after a communication with former prime minister Boris Johnson came under scrutiny.
The government has said that Shah’s knowledge of BBC and his belief in its role as a national broadcaster alongside his extensive work to promote diversity in broadcasting will be invaluable in helping to ensure that BBC reflects, represents and serves communities across the whole of the UK.
“BBC is, without doubt, one of the greatest contributions we have made to global culture and one of our strongest calling cards on soft power. If I am able to put what skills, experience, and understanding of public service broadcasting I have built up during my career to help this brilliant organization meet the complex and diverse challenges it faces over the coming years, it would be an honor,” said Shah.
“BBC has a great place in British life and a unique duty to reach a wide audience right across the country and I will do all I can to ensure it fulfils this in an increasingly competitive market,” he said.
Born in Aurangabad, Shah came to England in 1960 and has previously been the head of current affairs and political programs at BBC. Before taking up the role as BBC Chair, he was the CEO of Juniper – an independent television and radio production company, since 1998.
He was elected a fellow of Royal Television Society in 2002 and appointed visiting professor of creative media at Oxford University in 2019 and the University of Nottingham appointed him to a special professorship in Department of Post-Conflict Studies. Besides, the Oxford University alumnus is a race relations expert who co-authored the government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report in 2021.
(Source: PTI)