Chinese regulators have hit top e-commerce giant Alibaba with a record 18.23 billion yuan ($2.78 billion) fine for violating anti-monopoly laws, it was announced on Saturday, April 10. The fine, the largest anti-monopoly fine ever rolled out by Chinese authorities, was imposed after an investigation revealed an “exclusive dealing agreement” that violated Chinese monopoly laws. The fine is equal to 4% of Alibaba’s sales in 2019, the Xinhua news agency said in a report on Saturday. The strongly worded statement said the company “abused” its dominant market position since 2015. Founded by China’s most famous entrepreneur, Jack Ma, once a schoolteacher who became a multi-billionaire, Alibaba is possibly the world’s biggest e-commerce company with hundreds of millions of users and billions of dollars in turnover – according to Bloomberg, it is Asia’s “most valuable corporation”. Its three main sites Taobao, Tmall and Alibaba.com host millions of merchants and businesses. But in December, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation started an investigation on Alibaba Group for alleged monopoly conduct including implementing an ‘exclusive dealing agreement’,” Xinhua, China’s official news agency, had then announced.
Tag: Facebook
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Innovative India must capture all segments of financial market to fuel growth: IMF
Washington (TIP): India is on the right track and is innovating on the policy side, including on digital identity and payments, but it also needs to capture all the segments of the financial market and institutions to make sure that every piece fits together like a puzzle to fuel growth in the country, according to a top IMF official.
“The goal is to have an economy and a financial system that can absorb shocks. ..Balance sheets can be better managed, Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) can be better managed,” Tobias Adrian, Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) told PTI in an interview.
The non-bank financial system can be better seen, and capital markets have to be deepened and made more robust, he said during the last week’s annual Spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank. Of course, there is the whole fintech agenda as well, which is important in India as it is everywhere else in the world.
“We are in the technological revolution in payment space. And I think India has been path-breaking in many of these technologies and payment systems. Now there is lending that is done in India that is not done anywhere else because the infrastructure is quite strong in this area. But of course, more can be done,” Adrian said in response to a question.
The IMF official underscored the significance of investments into financial institutions, into oversight, and into infrastructures to ensure that the “financial system can absorb shocks and that is sustaining growth” in a long-term way.
India, he said, is on the right track and is innovating on the policy side.
“It has been quite innovative on digital identity, for example. I think no country is laying like India in that respect,” he said, noting that the country needs to capture all the segments of the financial market and financial institutions to make sure that every piece fits together like a puzzle to fuel growth in India.
The general lesson from the COVID-19 crisis, he said, is that when the terrible adverse shock hits one need to aggressively supply liquidity.
Secondly, the fiscal support was very important in this particular crisis and that of course dependent on how much fiscal space each country had. Thirdly, of course financial sector policies have been very successful. Debt moratoria, interest rate payments for that debt in particular are fully compatible with regulatory and accounting flexibility, he said.
“So, we have been very keen on measures that were used in building flexibility to stretch out what banks could do and what other lenders could do in order to support the borrowers to get them through the pandemic so that they can resume interest payments and principal payments once the crisis is over,” he said.
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India gold imports jump to 2-year high
Gold imports by India surged in March to the highest monthly total in nearly two years as a slump in prices stoked demand for jewelry during the ongoing wedding season.
Overseas purchases increased more than sevenfold to 98.6 tons last month from 13 tons a year earlier, according to a person familiar with the data, who asked not to be identified as the information isn’t public. That would be the highest since May 2019. Finance Ministry spokesman Rajesh Malhotra didn’t immediately respond to calls to his mobile phone.
Imports during the first three months of 2021 more than doubled in the world’s second-biggest consumer to almost 190 tons, according to Bloomberg calculations based on the data.
Benchmark gold futures in India have tumbled about 17% from a record in August last year, boosting demand during the wedding season and ahead of Akshaya Tritiya next month, the second-most auspicious day to buy gold in the Hindu calendar. Still, a resurgence in virus cases and restrictions on movement and business activity in some states is worrying jewelers as it could threaten the revival in sales. In Maharashtra, which houses the biggest bullion market in the country, non-essential businesses have been asked to stay shuttered for the rest of April as infections soar.
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Covid pandemic worsened outcomes for kidney disease patients
People with kidney problems were at 40 times higher risk of hospitalisation and death due to the Covid-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020, say researchers.
Approximately 800,000 people receive treatment for kidney failure in the United States, either by undergoing dialysis or living with a kidney transplant.
The risks of dying from any cause were 17 per cent and 30 per cent higher during the second quarter of 2020 among patients receiving dialysis and patients with kidney transplants, respectively.
Among patients undergoing dialysis, the rate of Covid-19 hospitalisations peaked between March 22 and April 25, last year.
During this time, patients on dialysis were hospitalized 17 per cent less frequently than typical for reasons other than Covid-19.
“The trajectory of the rate of Covid-19 hospitalisations among dialysis patients tracked the corresponding trajectory in the general population, but was roughly 40 times higher in magnitude,” said Eric D Weinhandl, Chronic Disease Research Group, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute in Minnesota, US.
“This study suggests that the effect of the initial phase of the pandemic on both dialysis and kidney transplant patients has been profound,” Weinhandl added.
The study suggests prioritising kidney failure patients in Covid-19 vaccination schedules. The findings are forthcoming in the journal JASN.
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Biosealant therapy might help stabilise injury caused by cartilage damage: Study
The findings of a recent animal-based study suggests that a new biosealant therapy may help to stabilise injuries that cause the cartilage to break down, paving the way for a future fix, or even better, begin working right away with new cells to enhance healing.
The study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials.
“Our research shows that using our hyaluronic acid hydrogel system at least temporarily stops cartilage degeneration that commonly occurs after injury and causes pain in joints,” said the study’s senior author, Robert Mauck, PhD, a professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and the director of Penn Medicine’s McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory. “In addition to pausing cartilage breakdown, we think that applying this therapy can present a surface that is ‘sticky’ for cells, such as stem cells that are routinely injected into joints to counteract injury. This reinforcing hydrogel could actually synergize with those cells to create a long-term solution.”
Articular cartilage is the tissue that covers the ends of bones at joints. It keeps bones from painfully grinding together, and its density and resilience allow it to undergo a lot of forces amid human movement. Unfortunately, this routine yet complex stresses cause the cartilage to wear down easily – particularly amid some form of injury – and is hard to replace or regrow. This means that it is especially important to keep the remaining cartilage strong and stable.
To that end, Mauck, study lead author Jay Patel, PhD, a former post-doctoral fellow in the McKay Lab and now an assistant professor at Emory University, and their team developed a therapy to use a modified version of hyaluronic acid – a substance naturally produced by the body’s connective tissue – that could be introduced to the injured cartilage site. They recognized that this therapy needed to follow a twofold key to preserving cartilage: reinforcement and sealing.
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Mac & Cheese
By Tript Arora
This Mac and cheese recipe is a total comfort food. It is an excellent side dish and can be a main dish too when you want a quick and simple dinner. The elbow macaroni is first boiled and later wrapped in a creamy cheesy homemade sauce . It can be made in two versions. The first one is simple. Boil the macaroni and let it drain. Meanwhile make cheesy creamy Bechamel Sauce and mix Macroni in that sauce and Enjoy. The other one is to mix macaroni and sauce and then bake it with bread crumbs in an oven. I will suggest you try the second version. The macaroni in cream and cheese with a layer of crunchy bread crumbs tastes awesome. Do try.
We need
For Boiling Macaroni: 1 Cup Elbow Macaroni, 4 Cups Water, 1 Tsp Salt,
For Making Cheese Sauce: 2 Tbsp All purpose flour ( Maida), 2 Tbsp Butter, 500 ml Cold Milk, 1 Tsp Black Pepper Powder, ½ Tsp Nutmeg Powder, 1.25 Cups of Shredded Cheese preferably mix of cheddar and Mozzarella.
Salt ½ Tsp or as required, Bread Crumbs Topping, 1 Cup Bread Crumbs, 2 Tbsp Butter, 2 Tbsp Shredded Mozzarella Cheese.
Here We Go
– Take 4 cups of water in a pan. Add salt to it. When it starts boiling add one cup Macaroni pasta to it.
– Gently stir while boiling so that pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. When pasta is al dente ,( it will take 5 to 7 minutes) drain it in a colander. To stop further cooking of the pasta add cold water to it. Drain it completely.
– Meanwhile, take a baking dish and coat it with butter, that is if you want to bake it with bread crumbs topping. . Preheat the oven at 180 degrees celsius for ten minutes.
– Heat a pan and add 2 Tbsp of butter to it. As the butter starts melting and frothing add all purpose flour to it. Keep stirring so that lumps are not formed. You will see the bubbles forming in flour. Saute till the raw smells go off and you can smell a nice aroma. Do not brown it otherwise it will spoil the colour of Bechamel Sauce.
– When the flour is done, keep the flame to lowest and slowly add cold milk to it in a smooth stream. However keep on stirring the sauce to avoid the formation of lumps. Keep on stirring till you get a thick sauce. Take a spoon and dip the back of the spoon in the sauce. If The sauce coats the spoon, your sauce is done. Remove the pan from flame .
– After one minute, add shredded cheese to it. Mix well till you get a creamy white sauce.
– Add black pepper powder and nutmeg powder to it Since there is salt in the cheese, add salt only after tasting the sauce .
– Add boiled pasta to the sauce and mix well with a spoon till each pasta is coated with cheese sauce. You can also have it like this. But if you prefer to bake then let us follow the next step.
– Add 2 Tbsp of melted butter to the bread crumbs. Coat them well with butter. Also Mix Tbsp of mozzarella cheese to the bread crumbs.
– In the greased baking dish pour the macaroni mixed with white sauce. Spread it evenly in the dish. Top it with bread crumbs which we previously mixed with butter and cheese.
– Put it in the preheated oven. Bake it at 180 degrees celsius for 10 minutes or till you see the golden crust on top.
Total Cooking Time : 40 minutes. Serves : 2
Tips: The perfect boiled pasta is when you can cut it with a knife. It should not be overdone otherwise it will become soggy and won’t hold the shape. You can add finely chopped veggies for extra nutrition.
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Remembering the Sikh heroes: bearers of Nishaan Sahib
By Amarjit Singh Anand
Truth, contentment and kindness are the GUIDING LIGHTS that bless and prod the Sikhs towards living a Divine life, fighting invaders and tyrannical oppressive regimes, for the protection of the weak and the meek teeming millions.
During these five centuries, hundreds of thousands of Sikh Martyrs have performed the supreme sacrifice of life, as defenders of Freedom of Religion, as protectors of their motherland, as saviors of the honor of women and as helpers of the oppressed classes.
The Sikhs, whether in India or while living as law-abiding citizens and contributing significantly to the economic growth of their adopted nations of abode, have maintained strong connections with their land of origin. The foreign exchange remittances, to India, from the Sikhs are exemplary, in rejuvenating the Indian economy.
Wherever the Sikhs reside, they assimilate extraordinarily well, in the mainstream life of any nation, culturally, politically, socially, economically, lending a spiritual and ethically sublime touch to all that they are involved in or are called upon to do.
ALL the Role-Model Sikhs must utilize the affluence and influence, with an ever-enhanced sense and degree of responsibility towards the “good of all”. Material growth must be tempered with spiritual elevation and evolution.
“During the current global pandemic, the Divine Guru’s teachings of compassionate sharing, came to the fore, when millions of people were served with edibles, medicines, clothing, shelter and all essential services. As a collective, during the unprecedented lockdown, several governments officially requested the Sikhs to prepare food in Gurdwaras, to be served to individuals, as well as to be sent to hospitals and other institutions for the old and the infirm, orphans, and economically weaker sections.”
The global community of the Sikhs is built on the spiritually strong edifice of “treating death as a reality, verily as life”. Sikh role-models, globally, are the insignia bearers of Sikhism.
The history of Sikhism starts from the Blessed Advent of Sree Guru Nanak Sahib, in circa 1469, in Talwandi region, then part of a much larger India. His Tenets include Truthful living, humility, liberty, equality, justice, compassion, honest earning, serving the needy selflessly and protecting the weak and the meek. All this, he said would be tantamount to a Divine Life and real, true, actual worship and attainment of God and fulfillment of the purpose of human-birth.
For over a thousand years, this region was invaded by a small bunch of horse-rider marauders, from Mongolia, Persia, Afghanistan, and the like. Taimur, Ghazni, Ghori, Nadir Shah, Abdali are only a few of those invaders, who plundered Hindu Temples, looted gold, took women and children as slaves, killed everyone who crossed their path.
And then appeared a man on earth, the likes of whom are seen, once in a millennium. Guru Nanak Sahib Jee confronted Babur, an invader who established his empire on Indian soil. Guru Nanak Ji’s Divine ambrosial words were adequate to transform a ruthless mass-murderer into one who fell at the Guru’s feet, pledging to rule with justice. Babur sought a boon of ruling for several generations and Guru Nanak Sahib Jee granted it and it came to fruition for seven generations, exactly during the lifetime of ten Divine Gurus.
The Divine Preceptor of ONENESS of humanity traversed 27,000 miles, across various continents, in 25 years of his 70 years’ sojourn on this planet, during which he reformed several tyrannical rulers, vociferously advocated human rights and women’s rights, brought about social revolution, by speaking out against slavish mentality, superstitious belief system, hollow ritualistic practices, religious bigotry and suppression of the downtrodden social and economic classes.
Guru Nanak Ji was the pioneer, enunciating the cause of Inter-Religious Peace and Harmony. Guru Arjan Sahib and Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib attained martyrdom for the cause of Freedom of Religion and Interfaith acceptance and harmonious coexistence. Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, tenth Spiritual Master, sacrificed his entire family including four sons, all under 17, fighting the tyrannical regimes, bent upon annihilating the Freedom of Religion, Culture and Traditions. Martyrs include Bhai Mani Singh, Baba Deep Singh (valiant warrior) Bhai Taru Singh, Bhai Dayal Das, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Jati Das, Bhai Sati Das.
At this juncture, it is paramount to remember the supreme sacrifices made by noteworthy Hindu and Muslim supporters of the Gurus and Sikhs. They are Rai Bular Bhatti, Bhai Mardana ji, Sain Mian Mir, Pir Budhan Shah, Pir Bhikhan Shah, Raja Dewan Todar Mal, Moti Ram Mehra, Nawab Sher Khan of Malerkotla, Dr. Sir Gokul Chand Narang, Daulat Rai, Rabindra Nath Thakur (Tagore) Sri Aurobindo Ghosh.
During these five centuries, hundreds of thousands of Sikh Martyrs have performed the supreme sacrifice of life, as defenders of Freedom of Religion, as protectors of their motherland, as saviors of the honor of women and as helpers of the oppressed classes.
They have been in the forefront against marauding invaders and the oppressive British regime. The maximum number of those exiled from India or those executed by the British, after fake trials, were Sikhs.
Illustrious Martyrs include Bhagat Singh, who instilled courage in the masses by kissing the gallows, as a reward for serving the cause of India’s freedom. Udham Singh, avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre perpetrated by the British, after twenty-one years, and was also hanged. Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh reigned over the Khalsa Empire for almost 50 years and his legendary General Hari Singh Uppal ‘Nalwa’ conquered regions in Afghanistan. Baba Banda Singh Bahadur established the first Sikh kingdom. Bhagel Singh, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia and Jassa Singh Ramgarhia are the valiant Generals, who vanquished Delhi (under Mughal Empire) Several notables include Nawab Kapur Singh, Akaali Phoola Singh ji.
Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha, one of the few rulers of princely states who dared to defy the British, continues to inspire generations.
Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh (Vir Chakra) commanded the Indian Army and played a key role during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. For his role in the war, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
General Mohan Singh and Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon of the Indian National Army which fought the British colonial rulers.
Hardit Singh Malik (CIE OBE) an Indian civil servant and diplomat. He was the first Indian High Commissioner to Canada, and then Indian Ambassador to France. He was the first Indian to fly as a pilot with the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War. He also played first-class cricket between 1914 and 1930. The role of the Sikhs in the Liberation of France is well recognized.
Sikh regiments and battalions have served the United Nations Peace-keeping forces, worldwide, whether in war-torn countries or civil-wars, and in regions ravaged by natural calamities as famines, floods, droughts or earthquakes.
Fighting in the World Wars, as part of the British Indian Army, the highest number of “exceptional gallantry” Awards from the British Empire were bestowed upon the Sikhs.
The epic battle of Saragarhi witnessed the saga of twenty-one Sikhs attaining martyrdom facing ten thousand ferocious Tribal Afghans is unparalleled in world history.
Today, the Sikhs reside in several countries and have made a mark for themselves, in various spheres of endeavor.
The Sikhs, whether in India or while living as law-abiding citizens and contributing significantly to the economic growth of their adopted nations of abode, have maintained strong connections with their land of origin. The foreign exchange remittances, to India, from the Sikhs are exemplary, in rejuvenating the Indian economy.
Whether the armed forces or politics, science and technology, business or various professions, the arts or sports, Sikhs have excelled unproportionately, in correlation to their very negligible percentage of the world populace.
Revered Saint Bhagat Pooran Singhji, personally, served the residents in a leprosy-home which he established. Being an epitome of humility and selfless service, he refused to be nominated for the Nobel Prize.
To name a few luminaries: Dr. Manmohan Singh (Prime Minister of India) Zail Singh (President of India) Air Marshal Arjan Singh, Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora (effected the surrender of ninety thousand Pakistan army personnel) Bhai Mohan Singh (industrialist, Founder of Ranbaxy pharmaceuticals) Hukam Singh & Gurdial Singh Dhillon (both Speakers of Lok Sabha) Swaran Singh (Foreign Affairs Minister)
Literary geniuses include the wise grand old man Baba Buddha Ji (who lived from Guru Nanak Sahib up to 6th Guru Hargobind Sahib) Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Vir Singh, Kahan Singh Nabha, Amrita Pritam (poet par excellence) Khushwant Singh, Manjit Tiwana, Surjit Patter.
Other notables are The ‘Flying-Sikh’ Milkha Singh (Olympian sprinter) Ajaypal Singh Banga (CEO, Mastercard) Dr. Narinder Singh Kampany (inventor of fiber-optics) Capt. Tania Shergill, the youngest Adjutant and the only lady to become the Parade-Adjutant, on India’s Republic Day, 2020.
Yogi Harbhajan Singh Khalsa was the Preacher of Sikhism in the Western Hemisphere, where the Sikh universal doctrine has been embraced by people from various races and those having different religious and cultural affiliations.
There are many Sikh parliamentarians in various countries. Gurbax Singh Malhi, elected to the Canadian Parliament in 1992, created history, when laws had to be amended, to accommodate a turban- wearing member to sit in the Parliament. Jagmeet Singh Dhaliwal, political influencer and Tanmanjit Singh Dhesi (UK MP).
In the scenario of the post 911 tragedy, several Sikhs were murdered and bore the brunt of hate crimes, due to the mistaken-identity syndrome, but succeeded through relentless endeavors, to enhance awareness about the Sikhs.
During the current global pandemic, the Divine Guru’s teachings of compassionate sharing, came to the fore, when millions of people were served with edibles, medicines, clothing, shelter and all essential services. As a collective, during the unprecedented lockdown, several governments officially requested the Sikhs to prepare food in Gurdwaras, to be served to individuals, as well as to be sent to hospitals and other institutions for the old and the infirm, orphans, and economically weaker sections. And, then, came the farmers agitation, for the restitution of their rights. This peaceful agitation, soon, got transformed into a People’s Protest, gaining momentum with support from all segments of the society.
Wherever the Sikhs reside, they assimilate extraordinarily well, in the mainstream life of any nation, culturally, politically, socially, economically, lending a spiritual and ethically sublime touch to all that they are involved in or are called upon to do.
Sree Guru Nanak Sahib, The Divine Preceptor and his nine successors inculcated numerous Divine attributes like truth, humility, wisdom, bravery, perseverance, contentment, compassion, in the Sikhs. The valorous, chivalrous, industrious, Sikhs have, throughout their legendary history of five and a half centuries, been living life, in consonance with the DIVINE Tenets, as espoused by Sree Guru Nanak Sahib, The Exalted and Humble Prophet of ONENESS of humanity.
Truth, contentment and kindness are the GUIDING LIGHTS that bless and prod the Sikhs towards living a Divine life, fighting invaders and tyrannical oppressive regimes, for the protection of the weak and the meek teeming millions.
Guru Sahib opines that a Believer, a GOD-conscious aspirant would always practice kindness towards all, not just for friends but also to the soldiers in the enemy rank and file, just as Bhai Kanhaiyaa Jee, who was blessed by Guru Gobind Singh Jee, for performing such unique Divine deed of serving water and providing first-aid on the battlefield, sans any distinction or discrimination, whatsoever.
The Soul-nurturing act of “GIVING” is a GODLY attribute, signifying GRATITUDE towards the GREATEST GIVER, our Omniscient Creator.
The Great Gurus instilled the spirit of giving in the Sikhs, in consonance with which, every single Gurdwara provides food to all, irrespective of race, religion, caste, status, to every single person who walks in. At the Sanctum Sanctorum of Sree Harmandir Sahib, volunteers prepare and serve meals for 3000 people every half hour. Many Gurdwaras offer shelter to the visitors and send edibles and medicines to the shelters.
Several Sikh organizations like Khalsa Aid, United Sikhs, SALDEF and Sikh Coalition are, proactively, engaged in global humanitarian relief endeavors during natural calamities or man-made tragic events. GIVING may include time, emotional support or physical assistance and not, necessarily, monetary help.
Outside of India, history was made when Dalip Singh Saund was elected as the first US Congressman, of Indian descent. Today, Sikhs adorn the highest offices in Europe, the Americas, Australia, in diverse spheres of endeavor, including diplomatic assignments and parliamentary, administrative and judicial appointments.
Not to forget the two World Wars and various occasions whereby high-ranking Sikh officers and soldiers have offered their exemplary services as the United Nations Peacekeepers.
In North America Sikhs have added to the rich tapestry of the fabric of pluralism, as envisaged in the Constitution of the United States of America.
The leadership role has been bestowed by the Great Guru Sahib, upon each Sikh, more so when The Tenth Spiritual Master, Guru Gobind Singh Jee blessed us with the unique identity of turban and beard, stipulating these as mandatory. This distinct appearance shall, verily, bear a tremendous exemplary impact upon the Sikh youth, motivating them to retain it. Such leadership role falls more upon those who have been blessed with the path-breaking success and accomplishments.
ALL the Role-Model Sikhs must utilize the affluence and influence, with an ever-enhanced sense and degree of responsibility towards the “good of all”. Material growth must be tempered with spiritual elevation and evolution.
ONLY then, commands SREE GURU NANAK SAHIB, shall every human attain the objective of a purposeful LIFE, by way of realizing and recognizing THE ALMIGHTY MAJESTY in ALL CREATIONS. “Gobind milan kee eh tairee bariyaa; Awar kaaj tairai kitai na kaam, mil Saadh Sangat bhaj kewal Naam”. The GOLDEN opportunity of human-frame must be availed to envision GOD in ALL. Such WORSHIP, as advised by the Benevolent Guru Sahib, would be acceptable to THE CREATOR. The responsibility to HEAL HUMANITY becomes incumbent upon those who have been blessed with abundance of Divine bounties. We are, all, the insignia bearers of the Vision & Mission of Sree Guru Nanak Sahib, and must continue striving and thriving to work in tandem, traversing the GOLDEN PATHWAY of DIVINITY in HUMANITY.
(The author is a keen researcher of Sikhism and spirituality. A United Nations Ambassador of Peace, he has written extensively on various aspects of diverse faiths and has actively worked on the interfaith front. He can be reached at amar1ujagar1pritam@gmail.com)
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Vaisakhi celebrations around the world
Most of us know that Vaisakhi celebration commemorates the anniversary of the Khalsa which was laid down by Guru Gobind Singh. Though it signifies its establishment in India, Sikh communities all around the world engage in an overwhelming festivity to mark this auspicious day.
Pakistan
The festivities of Vaisakhi are widely celebrated by the Sikhs of Western Punjab in Pakistan. The celebrations are observed on the Panja Sahib complex in Hasan Abdal, numerous Gurudwaras in Nankana Sahib and various historical sites in Lahore.
Malaysia
Earlier, Malaysia did not observe Vaisakhi to be considered as a public holiday, since the Sikh community ranked among the minorities here. However in 2013 Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that all Sikh government servants would be granted leave on the same occasion. The celebrations in Malyasia typically take place in the form of ‘open houses’.
United States
Los Angeles and Manhattan are the two primary places that epitomize Vaisakhi celebrations. The Sikhs of Manhattan offer ‘Seva’ to the community by offering food and contribute to the completion of labour oriented tasks. A full day Kirtan is also hosted at the Gurudwara which is followed by a procession.
United Kingdom
Birmingham being the largest concentration of Sikhs makes a point to celebrate this festival king size. More than one lakh people make it to the festivity at the Handsworth Park. sOther places in England that also participate include Southall, Gravesend, and Willenhall.
Canada
Canada has the most of Sikh population and the celebrations of Vaisakhi here are considered as a global phenomenon. A massive parade is observed with more than 2 lakh participants. With an array of entertaining performances, the celebrations consist of floats represented by various communities. This year a limited edition, pure silver coin is being released on April 13 in Canada, to commemorate the festival.
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‘Suspicious’ blackout hits Iran’s N-site
Natanz (TIP): Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear facility lost power on Sunday just hours after starting up new advanced centrifuges capable of enriching uranium faster, the latest incident to strike the site amid negotiations over the tattered atomic accord with world powers.
As Iranian officials investigated the outage, many Israeli media outlets offered the similar assessment that a cyberattack darkened Natanz and damaged a facility that is home to sensitive centrifuges. While the reports offered no sourcing for the evaluation, Israeli media maintains a close relationship with the country’s military and intelligence agencies.
If Israel caused the blackout, it further heightens the tensions between the two nations already engaged in a shadow conflict across the wider West Asia.
It also complicates efforts by the US, Israel’s main security partner, to re-enter the atomic accord aimed at limiting Tehran’s programme so it couldn’t pursue a nuclear weapon if it chose.
Power at Natanz had been cut across the facility comprised of above-ground workshops and underground enrichment halls, civilian nuclear program spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told Iranian state television.
“We still do not know the reason for this electricity outage and have to look into it further,” Kamalvandi said. “Fortunately, there was no casualty or damage and there is no particular contamination or problem.” Asked if it was a “technical defect or sabotage”, Kamalvandi declined to comment.
Malek Shariati Niasar, a Tehran-based lawmaker who serves as spokesman for the Iranian parliament’s energy committee, wrote on Twitter that the incident was “very suspicious,” raising concerns about possible “sabotage and infiltration”. He said lawmakers were pursuing details of the incident as well.
The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Iran’s program, said it was “aware of the media reports”, but declined to comment. Iran also blamed Israel for the killing of a scientist who began the country’s military nuclear program decades earlier. AP
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21 miners trapped after Xinjiang coal mine accident: Official media
Beijing (TIP): Eight miners have been rescued and 21 remain trapped in a coal mine that flooded in northwest China’s Xinjiang region, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday, citing a local emergency department. A part of the mine flooded leading to power outages just after 6 pm (1000 GMT) on Saturday when 29 miners were working at the mine located in Xinjiang’s Hutubi county, the report said. In a separate report, state media outlet Global Times said 12 of the miners who remain trapped have been located in the mine as of Sunday and are expected to be rescued, while a further nine workers have not been located.
Chinese mines are among the deadliest in the world.
Ten gold miners were confirmed dead in January following an explosion in a mine in China’s coastal Shandong province. In December, 23 people were killed after being trapped in a mine in the southwestern city of Chongqing. Three months earlier, 16 people died in a separate coal mine in the same area. Reuters
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Britain mourns Prince Philip; leaders honour service to Queen
London (TIP): Britain mourned the death of Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, on Friday as the BBC interrupted scheduled programming to broadcast the national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”
The flag at Buckingham Palace, the queen’s residence in London, was lowered to half-staff after the announcement of Philip’s death. The Royal Family’s website featured a black-and-white portrait of the prince, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Philip “earned the affection of generations here in Britain, across the Commonwealth and around the world.”
“Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, was among the first to offer his condolences, noting Philip’s long record of public service, first as a naval officer during World War II than during more than 70 years of marriage to the queen.
“He will be remembered most of all for his extraordinary commitment and devotion to The Queen,” Starmer said in a statement.
“For more than seven decades, he has been at her side. Their marriage has been a symbol of strength, stability and hope, even as the world around them changed — most recently during the pandemic. It was a partnership that inspired millions in Britain and beyond.” — AP
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Zarif blames Israel for Natanz incident, vows revenge: TV
Dubai (TIP): Iran blames regional arch-foe Israel for Sunday’s incident at the Natanz nuclear site and will take its revenge, state TV quoted Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying on Monday. Iranian authorities described the incident a day earlier as an act of “nuclear terrorism” and said Tehran reserves the right to take action against the perpetrators.
Iran and world powers held what they described as “constructive” talks last week aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran that Washington abandoned three years ago.
“The Zionists want to take revenge because of our progress in the way to lift sanctions … they have publicly said that they will not allow this. But we will take our revenge from the Zionists,” Zarif was quoted as saying. Multiple Israeli media outlets have quoted unnamed intelligence sources as saying that the country’s Mossad spy service carried out a successful sabotage operation at the Natanz site, potentially setting back enrichment work there by months. Israel has not formally commented on the incident.
The Natanz uranium-enrichment site, much of which is underground, is one of several Iranian facilities monitored by inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog. Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference on Monday that the Natanz incident could be considered as an “act against humanity”, adding that it had caused “no contamination or casualties” at the site.
“Our nuclear experts are assessing the damage but I can assure you that Iran will replace damaged uranium enrichment centrifuges in Natanz with advanced ones,” Khatibzadeh said.
A senior U.S. administration official said Washington had no involvement in the incident. “We have nothing to add to speculation about the causes,” the official said. Reuters
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Investigation finds Syria likely behind 2018 chlorine attack
The Hague (TIP): An investigation by the global chemical weapons watchdog found “reasonable grounds to believe” that a Syrian air force military helicopter dropped a chlorine cylinder on a Syrian town in 2018, sickening 12 people, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said Monday. It is the second time that the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team has concluded that Syrian government armed forces likely were responsible for a gas attack. Last year, the team also found reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab Air Force was responsible for attacks using chlorine and the nerve agent sarin in March 2017 in the town of Latamneh. Syria has repeatedly been accused of using chemical weapons during the country’s grinding civil war. The government of President Bashar Assad denies the claims.
In the latest report, the OPCW investigation team said it found evidence that a military helicopter belonging to the Tiger Forces of the Syrian air force dropped at least one chlorine cylinder on the rebel-held northern Syrian town of Saraqeb on February 4, 2018.
“The cylinder ruptured and released chlorine over a large area, affecting 12 named individuals,” the watchdog said in a statement. Those affected all survived, the report said.
As part of the investigation, experts interviewed witnesses, analysed samples and remnants collected from the town as well reviewing symptoms reported by casualties and studying satellite imagery and modeling gas dispersion patterns.
The OPCW can’t hold individuals criminally responsible for attacks. The report will be shared with the organisation’s member states and the United Nations. The report will likely be discussed at a meeting of the OPCW member states later this month. AP
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China reports H5N6 avian flu in wild birds in Liaoning
Beijing (TIP): China’s agriculture ministry said on Monday that the highly pathogenic H5N6 avian flu had been found in wild birds in the northeastern province of Liaoning, marking the first confirmed cases of the strain in the country this year. There were 291 wild birds at the site of the outbreak – a forest park in the provincial capital Shenyang – and 11 were killed by the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said in a statement.
The remaining 280 birds were culled as part of emergency response measures, it added.
The last H5N6 case in China reported by the ministry was on a poultry farm in the southwestern province of Sichuan in February 2020. Reuters
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Prince Harry arrives back in UK for Prince Philip funeral
Winsdor, England (TIP): Prince Harry, whose explosive interview alongside his wife Meghan plunged the royal family into its biggest crisis in decades, has arrived back in Britain for Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday. Philip, the husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth who had been at her side throughout her 69-year reign, died at Windsor Castle on Friday.
Harry, Philip’s grandson, arrived in London on Sunday from Los Angeles on a British Airways flight, The Sun newspaper reported. Buckingham Palace said Meghan, who is pregnant, will not attend on the advice of her doctor. Harry, sixth in line to the throne, will quarantine in accordance with coronavirus guidelines so that he can attend the ceremonial funeral at Windsor Castle.
Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey last month, Meghan said her pleas for help while she felt suicidal were ignored and that an unnamed member of the family had asked how dark their unborn child’s skin might be.
Harry also bemoaned his family’s reaction to their decision to step back from official duties and move to Los Angeles. In response, Queen Elizabeth said the royals were saddened by the challenging experiences of her grandson and Meghan and promised to privately address revelations about a racist remark about their son.
Philip, who died aged 99, is lying at rest in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle.
On Saturday, the coffin, covered by Philip’s standard, a wreath, his naval cap and his sword, will be moved to the State Entrance of Windsor Castle by a bearer party from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Prince Charles and other members of the royal family will take part in a procession on foot behind the coffin, which will be carried by a specially modified Land Rover that Philip helped to design. The queen, 94, will not walk in the procession.
As the coffin reaches St George’s Chapel at Windsor, Britain will observe a minute of silence. There will be no public processions, and the funeral will be held entirely within the grounds of Windsor Castle and limited to 30 mourners in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions. A spring snowstorm on Monday struck Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth pondered the loss of her husband of 73 years. Her son Prince Andrew said on Sunday the queen was stoical in the face of a loss that she had described as “having left a huge void in her life”. Andrew joined his siblings Charles, Anne and Edward in saying they had taken strength from a national outpouring of affection and would rally around their mother in her time of grief. Reuters
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Feminist activist on trial on pornography charges in Russia
Moscow (TIP): A Russian court on Monday opened the trial of a feminist activist and artist charged with disseminating pornography after she shared artwork depicting female anatomy online — a case in line with the Kremlin’s conservative stance promoting “traditional family values” that has been widely seen as controversial and elicited international outrage. Yulia Tsvetkova, 27, from the far-eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, faces up to six years in prison on charges reportedly related to her group on the popular social network VKontakte where colorful, stylized drawings of vaginas were posted. Tsvetkova is not allowed to give details of accusations against her. The first hearing in the Komsomolsk-on-Amur court on Monday comes a year and a half after Tsvetkova was first detained, and eight months after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed constitutional amendments that outlawed same-sex marriage and tasked the government with “preserving traditional family values.” Tsvetkova’s lawyer, Irina Ruchko, told reporters after the hearing that Tsvetkova maintains her innocence and that her defense team intends to prove it in court.
Tsvetkova ran a children’s theater and was a vocal advocate of feminism and LGBT rights. She founded an online group, called Vagina Monologues, encouraging followers to fight stigma and taboo surrounding the female body, and posted other people’s art in it. Amnesty International last week called the case, which is being heard behind closed doors, “Kafkaesque absurdity” and urged Russian authorities to drop all charges against the activist who was merely “freely expressing her views through art.” Tsvetkova’s mother, Anna Khodyreva, echoed this sentiment in an interview with The Associated Press last week and said that the court should dismiss the case.
“Yulia has always been against pornography. … Feminists are against pornography because it’s exploitation of women’s bodies,” she said. Tsvetkova was detained in November 2019 and spent the next four months under house arrest. Her home was raided, as well as her mother’s education studio for children. The activist was fined twice for violating Russia’s law against disseminating gay “propaganda” to minors. The court ordered Tsvetkova to pay a fine of 50,000 rubles (USD 780) in December 2019 for running an LGBT-themed online group, and 75,000 rubles (USD 1,060) more in July 2020 for a drawing in support of LGBT families. The second fine was later decreased to 50,000 rubles. Many public figures have spoken out in her support, including Russian state TV veteran Vladimir Pozner.
Activists across Russia protested her prosecution, artists dedicated performances to her, and an online petition demanding to drop the charges gathered over 250,000 signatures.
On Saturday, an exhibition of Tsvetkova’s paintings opened in St. Petersburg.
“The snowball of censorship has started to bother the artistic community very much, and we understood that if we don’t stand up for Yulia, don’t support her, any other person can be next,” artist Alexei Gorbushin, who organised and took part in performances in Tsvetkova’s support, said at the exhibition.
The European Union’s delegation to Russia said in a tweet last week that the bloc “is closely following” the case against Tsvetkova and that “apparently, her persecution is related to her public position as an LGBT activist.”
The delegation called on Russian authorities to stop the prosecution of the activist.
The past two years have been an ordeal for both Tsvetkova and her mother. As well as the pressure from the authorities, they say they received death threats and were repeatedly harassed by strangers. (AP)
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Mrs. World gives up crown after onstage melee in Sri Lanka
Colombo (TIP): The reigning Mrs. World has relinquished her title while defending her decision to pull the crown off the head of this year’s Mrs. Sri Lanka title holder, whom she claimed was unqualified to take part in the contest because she is divorced. Caroline Jurie, the winner of Mrs. World 2020, has been accused of injuring Pushpika De Silva, who was crowned Mrs. Sri Lanka on Sunday at a televised pageant in Colombo. Jurie was arrested on Thursday and later released on bail. In a video statement Friday, Jurie said she stood against “injustice” and said the pageant was “tainted”.
“My only intention was to stand up for the injustice caused to the competitors throughout this competition, which was tainted with heavy politicisation,” she said.
Jurie added she wanted to ensure that every contestant had an equal opportunity, because she had seen “from the beginning” that the contest was corrupted. She stressed she did not favor anyone.
“I am now ready to hand over the crown,” she said, before removing the crown from her head.
Following Sunday’s bust-up, De Silva clarified that she is separated, but not divorced, from her husband. Mrs. Sri Lanka belongs to the Mrs. World beauty contest for married women.
De Silva said: “Being apart is one. Divorce is something else”, in a statement on Facebook.
But on Friday, Jurie said: “How I see it is, the purpose of Mrs. World is to celebrate all women who are married and still strive to conquer their dreams, despite the commitment and responsibilities a married woman strives to fulfill”. She said the pageant was not meant to discriminate against divorced women, “but to celebrate the dreams of the married woman”. Jurie, who is also Sri Lankan, faces allegations that she injured De Silva during Sunday’s on-stage melee.
Moments after De Silva won the title, Jurie came on stage and snatched the crown from her. Jurie then handed the crown to the first-runner up, declaring that woman the winner.
Sri Lankan police said they received a complaint from De Silva that she suffered injuries when her crown was removed. On Thursday, police arrested Jurie and a model, Chula Padmendram, on charges of “simple hurt and criminal force”. The two women were later released on bail and have been ordered to appear in court on April 19.
The incident at Sunday’s pageant, which was attended by the prime minister’s wife, created an uproar in the Indian Ocean island nation. Organisers of the pageant on Monday said they would return the crown to De Silva.
Sri Lanka will host the final Mrs. World event this year.
Meanwhile, Jurie said she will stand for what she believes is right. “I stand for values, even if it means I have to stand alone,” she said. — AP’
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KPK Govt in Pak releases Rs 3.48 cr for the reconstruction of Hindu shrine damaged by mob
Peshawar (TIP): Pakistan’s Khyber Pakthunkhwa Provincial Government has released over Rs 3.48 crore for the reconstruction of a revered Hindu shrine damaged by a mob led by some local clerics and members of radical Islamist party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam in December last year.
The provincial government will give Rs 3,48,29,000 to the Auqaf Department for the reconstruction of the Samadhi of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj destroyed on December 30 last year in the Terri village of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district.
The attack on a century-old temple and the adjoining ‘samadhi’ had drawn strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction. The court directed the provincial government to ensure the early completion of the temple.
The Khyber Pakthunkhwa government managed the funds for the same from the Stunt Prevention and Rehabilitation integrated Nutrition gain scheme of the Planning and Development Department.
As per the dialogue, informally called ‘jigra’, the accused have tendered an apology over the attack and a similar incident in 1997. The Muslim clerics have assured full protection to the Hindus and their rights as per the country’s Constitution. Following the incident, India had lodged a strong protest with Pakistan. PTI
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Tibetans in 26 countries cast votes for Dharamshala-based parliament-in-exile
Dharamshala / tibet (TIP): Tibetans living in 26 countries, including India, on Sunday voted for the final phase of the general election for the Dharamshala-based parliament-in-exile to elect the next Sikyong (president), an official said.
Forty-five members of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also called as Tibetan-parliament-in-exile, will also be elected by the voters, Wangdu Tsering, the chief election commissioner of the Tibetan election commission, said.
There are around 1.3 lakh Tibetans living in exile in India and across the globe. The Tibetan government-in-exile will elect its head on May 14.
In the last phase of the polls to the post of the president of the CTA only two candidates—Pempa Tsering and Aukatsang Kelsang Dorjee—are in the fray, Wangdu Tsering said.
However, Pempa Tsering, the former chairman of Tibetan parliament, is the front runner.
During the first phase of elections, there were eight candidates contesting for the post of Sikyong. Pempa Tsering secured the maximum votes (24,488) followed by Dorjee (14,544).
Sikyong is the head of the Kashag or Cabinet, part of the executive branch of the CTA, and the post was created by the Tibetan parliament in 2011 to provide democratic governance to the exiled Tibetan community.
Prior to that, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama used to exercise the powers as temporal head of the Tibetan community in all affairs.
Lobsang Sangay, who became the first Sikyong of the CTA, has held the post for two terms, and according to the constitution, he cannot contest for a third term.
Pempa Tsering had lost to Sangay in 2016.
“We are sending a clear message to Beijing that there is no democracy in China and Tibetans don’t enjoy freedom but under the great leadership of his holiness the Dalai Lama, we in-exile have been given this gift of democracy and today is a proud day,” Sangay told reporters.
According to Wangdu Tsering, 83,079 voters are participating in the electoral exercise.
“We have two kinds of elections—one is for the presidential election of the CTA and the second is parliamentary. There are two nominees contesting for the post of the president and Tibetans are also voting to choose 45 members of parliament. We will declare the results on May 14,” he said. PTI
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An Interview with Washington’s Iconic Chili Bowl Restaurant
By Nuzaira Azam
It was a crisp afternoon in early March when we visited Ben’s Chilly Bowl—an immensely popular restaurant on U Street in Washington DC. I sat down to chat with the founder and owner of this restaurant, Virginia Ali. A petite lively woman, 87, Virginia still drives and comes to the restaurant every day to meet and greet customers. Ms. Virginia, with her husband Ben Ali, started Ben’s Chilly Bowl after four weeks of their marriage in 1958. Ben Mahboob Ali came to the US from Trinidad for studies at Nebraska University but then decided to go to the Howard University in Washington, DC.
The restaurant displays living history. President Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King and many iconic figures from all walks of life have visited this iconic restaurant. The life-size pictures of these and several stalwart personalities tell many stories.
She lamented that once this U street was known as the Black Broadway of Washington. There were theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, and many other places for entertainment. Then came a period when the area became infested with drug addicts and crime. After two decades of instability, the development in this area started erecting chain restaurants and high-rise buildings; however, many expressed that “with all development on U street district, its history is getting lost.”.
Her children, with her motherly supervision, manage the restaurant. Her youngest son Nizam Ali, who has a J.D (Jurisprudence Doctorate), left his job when his father passed away and started working at Ben’s. Virginia’s eldest son Sage Ali’s wife Vida, who was one of the entertainment industry’s most highly respected publicists in the business in Hollywood for twenty-five years, also left her job and joined the family business.
“I have heard that Ben Ali came repeatedly to meet you,” I asked.
She laughed and said that her proper job was at a bank where Ben Ali saw me. He came three days in a row. I served him as others were busy. He left a note for me to call him. He was a handsome and confident man, but I did not call him as in 1957 ladies were not expected to call men. Our bank closing time was 2:00 pm, he called me at 2:45 and introduced himself and said that he was a student at Howard University at the dental school.
“I knew some professors at the school, mentioned names of few people whom he also knew. Considering it safe, I gave him my number to call me at home. We went to a dinner escorted by one of our mutual friends. He met my family with our mutual friend and they fixed a date and the rest is history”.
Q:As a young woman, born in Virginia, raised in the US gets married to a man coming from a foreign country, how did you and your family feel about all this?
A: My parents were amazing, wonderful people, they raised us as well as anybody else, but not better than anybody else, so we did not have any kind of attitude. We grew up in an atmosphere where the family remained a focal point of life. We worked hard, went to school, church every Sunday, and have dinner with our uncles and aunts, grandparents, every Sunday. My father was also an entrepreneur, he owned three hundred and fifty acres of farmland.
Q: How would you describe your relationship with your parents?
A: My father was a very calm, soft-spoken person, he never raised his voice no matter what happened. I was never spanked or had a threat of a spank. My parents set an example for us; we never heard our parents argue. We enjoyed the extended family system, my uncle’s daughter of my age and I used to spend nights at each other’s home.
Q: What were the activities of young people in college, in those days?
A: I went to a small Christian school in Richmond. In those days, young men and women would go to a hall in the college dormitory in the presence of the house mother (warden) for conversation. We could go out in groups and come back at a certain time, so there were strict rules and parents liked this control.
Q: Back then, there was no concept of girlfriend, boyfriend?
A: Oh, no, no, no, no. When I was a senior in college and at our Prom, I wanted to go with a little fellow, but there was a “no”, no argument nothing else.
Q: Children were also listening to their parents in those days?
A: My parents made us believe that we are incredibly special and could do whatever we wanted but must be respectful to people. When I married Ben, I was anxious to get into the business and grow into it. Ben was a genius in business, and I was more comfortable with people. We established relations with the community as we wanted our business to be community-based and a part of the community.
Q:So, this restaurant was your first baby?
A:Oh, yes. We got married in 1958 and within few weeks the restaurant was opened. Our first child was born in 1960.
Q:Since you both were living in DC, how was the community response?
A:In those days, society was very segregated. We found artisans, plumbers, electricians, and cabinet makers within a few blocks in the Afro-American community. They supported us and took care of us as and when needed. For example, we could call a plumber at three o’clock in the morning for any plumbing needs, and they would come and fix it. So, we were able to start this business, we made it colorful, bright, and very modern. The window was just a big glass to see outside. We would open it at 11:00 AM and close at 3:00 AM on weekdays and at 4:00 or 5:00 AM on Saturdays. I managed the restaurant during the daytime, while Ben took care of our children at home. He would come to the restaurant at night after I was back with the children at home.
Q:You have met Dr. Martin Luther King and saw his famous march. How did this march impact the people, especially the African American community?
A: Dr. King’s office was few blocks away from our restaurant and I had met him briefly when he came for lunch here at the restaurant. He planned his march in 1963 and brought two hundred and fifty thousand people. I remember him telling me that he met with President John Kennedy and told him that he was going to bring people to protest injustices that were happening to society. President Kennedy said that it was not a good idea to bring so many people as any incident will set your movement back. Dr. King said he promised the president that there will not be any incident. He delivered his famous speech in front of a mammoth gathering. Ben and I were very motivated, people were happy that we were making progress. In 1964, the legislators passed the Civil Rights bill and in 1965 saw the acceptance of the voting rights bill.
Q:Voting rights for African American people?
A:Yes, for everybody, including women. We continued the business until April 1968, when Dr. King was assassinated. Those days were exceedingly difficult. When we heard the news about Dr. King, nobody believed that our calm, nonviolent beloved leader was killed, but that was true. People were crying, it was a sad time and that sadness turned into frustration, the frustration led to anger, and then an uprising began. This neighborhood was destroyed. By God’s grace, we were the only place that was permitted to open during three nights of the curfew.
Q:Your family and restaurant encountered many difficulties, but you survived.
A: As a result of the riots, the middle class began to move away. Many businesses did not re-open and then the heroine, crack, cocaine moved in and the area became a ghetto. This lasted for about 20 years. In 1988, the construction of a Metro subway station started just in front of our restaurant. They dug the entire street sixty-five feet down. Only three businesses survived in the vicinity, an industrial bank, a flower shop, and Ben’s Chilly Bowl. Lack of customers due to traffic blockade and absence of businesses was not enough to support or maintain our restaurant. My husband looked for alternatives to support the family, became involved in the stock market, that is another story. Although my husband had suggested closing it for a year, I differed with him kept it going.
Q:How was Washington during the attack on Capitol on January 6, 2021? How was the situation during the George Floyd protests?
A:When the George Floyd protests started, it was noteworthy to observe that the same injustices we fought back in the sixties were happening now. It was a renewed challenge to the community but this time it was difficult for the people as they did not have a strong leader like Dr. King or others. They did it all on their initiative and thoughts of injustices. Another significant difference was the cooperation of people from all backgrounds, races, religions, and nationalities. They protested peacefully against injustices, what happened to George Floyd, and what is happening in this country. There is a lot of work ahead of us.
Q:What kind of change you observed in the African American community after these protests?
A:There are so many injustices taken place over the years; we cannot forget the time when women did not have equal rights, equal pay, and voting rights. After my father died, my mother could live her life on the land, but she had no right to sell even a small piece of the land.
Q:Why was that? It was her land.
A: True, but that was the law in the Virginia State at that time. So, you are fighting for women’s rights, human rights, fighting for justice all around, and that is going on still today. No one would not have imagined the insurrection on the Nation’s sacred building—the Capitol on 6th January. it was unbelievable in this country.
Q: You just talked about women’s rights, did you see any impact on what Gloria Steinman did for African American and native women?
A:Yes, she had fought for women and it did positively impact the American women. She worked hard for them [African American and Native women], young women going to college becoming professionals. Sadly, they are still having trouble getting to the top. However, but it is changing now. Today, we have a woman of color as our Vice President.
She concluded with a happy note, “I have been here long enough to witness changes in the society and the communities. I talked with Dr. King and welcomed President Obama when he moved to Washington. Now, we have a woman of color as our Vice President. The History Chanel is doing a documentary on our establishment. I am very blessed to have great children and loyal customers.
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Colors and display of Sikh martial art thrill at The Indian Panorama Holi-Hola Celebrations
A colorful welcome to the chief guest and his family. L to R: Ms Jaiswal, Dr. Abha Jaiswal, Consul general Randhir Jaiswal, Pinky Jaggi, Indu Gajwani, Amita Karwal, Jyoti Gupta, Anu Jain, Rizwan Qureshi and Prof. Saluja. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Jaskiran Saluja, a member of the organizing committee welcoming guests on behalf of The Indian Panorama, the organizing committee, and the community. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Ambassador Randhir Jaiswal pays a floral tribute at Dr. Ajay Lodha’s portrait to all those who died of COVID-19. Dr. Ajay Lodha, a darling of the Indian American community died of COVID last year after an eight-month long struggle to survive. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Consul General Jaiswal remarked that it was a great pleasure to see people from diverse communities getting to celebrate in a spirit of brotherhood the Holi and the Hola festivals. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Guest of Honor Harry Bolla, Chairman/ CEO of Bolla Group of Companies was very appreciative of the Gatka players. He announced a gift of $1100 to the group. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Gatka players with the chief guest, guests of honor, organizers and community representatives. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Attorney Ravi Batra shared his experience and impressions of COVID-19 (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Gayatri Balsara and Anjana Moolayfrom Muktambar Fine Arts Academy, New Hyde Park performing a classical dance. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Prachi Makkar (left) sang a Punjabi song with her brother Surya Makkar providing exciting Dhol beats. And they made guests dance. (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Vicky Kohli, in the background, made ladies dance to his melodious singing.
L to R: Pinky Jaggi, Abha Jaiswal, Jyoti Gupta, Ranju Batra, Indu Gajwani (Photo / Vijay Shah)
Mr. Balasubramaniam Elango, Chief Executive, Bank of Baroda, New York, chosen in a draw of lots the Mahamoorkha, an old tradition at Holi celebration, is being crowned by Consul General Randhir Jaiswal. To Mr. Elango’s left is seen the Mahamoorkha of 2019 Mr. Ravi Batra. 
A view of the gathering (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Consul General Randhir Jaiswal being honored with a shawl by Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, publisher of The Indian Panorama on behalf of the organizing committee and the community (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Consul General Jaiswal (seated 6th from left) and Dr. Abha Jaiswal (seated 5th from left) with ladies at the event (Photo / Vijay Shah) 
Ambassador Jaiswal (seated 4th from left) with male guests at the event. (Photo : Vijay ShahAmbassador Jaiswal) GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): The Indian Panorama, the leading English language Indian American newspaper, hosted a Holi /Hola celebration April 4 at the Metropolitan Banquet in Glen cove.
The celebrations were attended by 100 persons drawn from various walks of life, who came despite the COVID-19 threats. However, CDC and New York State guidelines were strictly followed, and guests wore masks, and maintained social distancing, as far as possible.
Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal was the chief guest. He was accompanied by his wife Dr. Abha Jaiswal, and their teenaged daughter.
Guests of honor included Attorney Ravi Batra, Chair, U.S. National Advisory Council of South Asian Affairs; Ranju Batra, Chair, Diwali Stamp Project; Harry Bolla, Chairman/ CEO of Bolla Group of Companies; Bobby Kalotee, Chairman, Human Rights Commission, Nassau County, and Tirlok Malik,Emmy Award nominee and Happy life Yoga Guru. A riot of colors,a thrilling display of the Sikh martial art -Gatka, dances and songs gave the guest the value of their time.
Guests were welcomed with a tika of colors by members of the organizing committee- Anu Jain, Indu Gajwani, Jaskiran Saluja, Jyoti Gupta and Pnky Jaggi.
Jaskiran Saluja extended a brief formal welcome which was followed by a tribute to those who lost their lives to COVID-19. Ambassador Jaiswal and Dr. Abha Jaiswal led guests in paying floral tribute to Dr. Ajay Lodha, a darling of the Indian American community who died of COVID-19 in 2020, after battling for life for close to 8 months.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jaiswal praised the Indian American community for their love of their festivals and their spirit of brotherhood. He said he was happy to see Holi and Hola being celebrated together, with the presence of people from all faiths, particularly the Hindu and the Sikh. He praised Prof. Indrajit S Saluja who organized the event, and hoped The Indian Panorama will continue the tradition, having been the founder of the event in 2018.
Appreciating the great performances, Ambassador Jaiswal congratulated the gatka players for giving a thrilling performance. He said, he had earlier also watched gatka performances in India, and was deeply impressed with the performance he witnessed. He also praised the dance performances by the young artists from Muktambar Fine Arts,and singers – Vicky Kohli and. Prachi Makkar, and Surya Makkar who gave a thrilling performance on Dhol.
Mr. Ravi Batra spoke about his own encounter with COVID-19 and warned that the only protection against the disease is takingprecaution and following the CDC guidelines.
Mr. Harry Bolla was all praise for the festivities. The gatka performance, in particular, came in for his great praise. He announced a gift of $1100.00 to the Gatka party. He spoke briefly about the plight of farmers in India and appealed to the gathering to support the Indianfarmers’’movement for justice.
Mr. Bobby Kalotee,in his brief remarks, spoke about how important it was for him to try to help people during the pandemic.
Mr. Tirlok Malik, the well-known Indian American film maker who was nominated for Emmy Award, and who is a happy Life Yoga Guru spoke about the importance of keeping good health. He recommended a dose of laughter to keep the mind, body and soul in good shape.
In a draw of lots, Balasubramaniam Elango, Chief Executive of Bank of Baroda, New York was chosen “The
Mmahamoorkha” – an old age practice of having some fun on the occasion of Holi. He was crowned by the chief guest and the Mahamoorkha of 2019 Ravi Batra, with the host committee and guests of honor joining.
The Indian American electronic media in attendance included TV Asia (Zahid Ali), PTC TV (Gurinder Hothi), Global Punjab TV (Pardeep Gill),and Punjabi Hub TV (Balwant Hothi).
Friends and colleagues from print media- Sharanjit SinghThind, Publisher of The South Asian Insider and Punjabi Duniya, and Sonia Lalwani fromDesi Talkwere kind enough to grace the occasion with their presence. Prof. Indrajit S Saluja acknowledged their presence and thanked them, as also the guests, the organizing committee, the volunteers, family and friends, and all service providers.
Prof. Saluja had a special word of thanks for the performers. He said the performances were excellent as also the artists. He thanked Savitri Anand, Director of Muktambar Fine Arts for the Academy’s participation in the celebrations. The performances by the young students- Gayatri Balsara and Anjana Moolay- of Ms Anand’s academy were outstanding, he said. Also, the soulful singing of a Punjabi song by the talented Prachi Makkar, he said had added to the pleasure of the guests. Vicky Kohli (often confused with Vicky Kaushal) was superb. Prof. Saluja thanked the artists and wished them a great future, and hoped they would be ever obliging to him, whatever their preoccupations.
Rajeev Maini and Onkar Singh, owners of the Metropolitan Banquet were appreciatedfor the venue and wonderful catering. Parminder Singh was thanked for the sound system; Anmol Dhawan for providing lovely banners, and Gurinder Singh and Vijay Shah for photography. Special thanks were given to Gurinder Singh Hothi for videography and Balwant Hothi for live streaming the event.
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Bollywood Superstar and Fitness Icon Shilpa Shetty KundraIs TheNew Face of U.S. Based South Asian food brand,LAXMI!
Laxmi, the oldest and most well-loved South Asian brand in North America is best known for delivering uncompromising quality and authentic ethnic foods that stand for purity and every day value for South Asian consumers.
Shilpa and Laxmi share a similar passion for perfectionboth having carved their own niche making them a dream team. Their association is one that forges a path of excellence and will leave a legacy to remember. Shilpa Shetty Kundra will be the face for all brand communications for Laxmi with special focus on promoting popular products such as basmati rice, wheat flour, spices and lentils.
Commenting on this exciting new alliance, House of Spices company executives, Neil Soni (CEO) and Amrapali Soni (COO)said, “Shilpa with Laxmi was an easy decision. Her evolution into health and wellness, in addition to her culinary curiosity fits well with the evolution of Laxmi brand. In today’s world, we need to engage with our consumers, let them know we are listening. After refreshing the Laxmi logo, it was time to give the brand a new voice. We could not be happier that the voice is Shilpa’s.”
Laxmi is dedicated to keeping the South Asian culinary traditions alive and thriving by continuing to fulfill our desi cooking needs by offering range of superior products from the extra-long basmati rice to the purest haldi (turmeric), ghee and the newly launched range of Ayurvedic spices.
Speaking of category challenges in the marketplace, Chief Sales and Marketing officer Sundeep Singh mentioned that “With the explosion of brand options at the store, for a consumer it is a difficult choice to make especially not knowing how these products are sourced and handled. Laxmi has always stood for quality, trust and value and with our new association with Shilpa Shetty Kundra, our brand promise will come to life”.
The origins of the Laxmi brand are based in traditions and family values and therefore it is no surprise that their latest campaign revolves around bringing those values to life.
Commenting on the campaign inspiration, Suhasinee Patil, VP Marketing shared some thoughts on what makes this campaign so special. According to her, “This past year with all its challenges has proven to us that nothing matters more than family and one way we all stayed positive and connected was through cooking. The pandemic brought out the chef in all of usand induced us to trynew foods, focusing on reducing stress and boosting our immunity. It inspired us to change our lifestyle and prioritize health and family.”
With this campaign, our message to the consumers is simple: It’s time to bring home foods that stand for quality and purity; it’s time to bring home a brand you have trusted for over 50 years; It’s time to bring LAXMI home!
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US Labor department seeks public input on determining H-1B wage levels
WASHINGTON (TIP): The US Department of Labor has sought feedback from the public in the next 60 days on determining the wage levels for the employment of various immigrants and non-immigrants, including those on H-1B visas, the most sought-after work visa among Indian professionals. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
In a federal notification published on Friday, the US Department of Labor urged the public to respond to its request in the next 60 days.
The request by the department’s Employment and Training Administration follows a prior announcement by the department proposing an 18-month delay in the effective date of a final rule changing on calculating the prevailing wage levels for certain immigrants and non-immigrant workers. Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas.
While the E-3 visa is one for which only citizens of Australia are eligible, the H-1B1 visa is for people from Singapore and Chile.
The proposed delay will give agency officials sufficient time to compute and validate prevailing wage data covering specific occupations and geographic areas, complete necessary system modifications and conduct public outreach.
The rule is a carry-over from the Trump administration, which had proposed revisions in mandatory salaries after losing a court battle to organizations including the Bay Area Council over an initial version. According to the Department of Labor, the proposed rule’s delay in effective date will result in the reduction of transfer payments in the form of higher wages from employers to H-1B employees.
(Source: PTI)
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Indian American Joshi backed by Lawmakers for Mayor of Edison
NEW JERSEY (TIP): New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has endorsed Sam Joshi for the Democratic nomination for mayor of the fifth largest municipality in the state against fellow Indian American Mahesh Bhagia.
Joshi or Bhagia, if they win, would be the first Indian American mayor of Edison, with a 43% population of Asian descent, 24% of it Indian American, according to the last US Census.
A third Indian American candidate, Sapana Shah, dropped out of the race recently.
Murphy’s endorsement of councilman Joshi, 31, follows a decision by Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe to award the organization line to Joshi against Bhagia in the June primary election, according to local media reports.
All three South Asian Americans in the New Jersey legislature – Senate Majority Conference Leader Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch), Assembly Judiciary Committee Chairman Raj Mukherji (Jersey City) and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley (D-East Brunswick) — have also endorsed Joshi, New Jersey globe reported.
“As three legislators of South Asian descent, we are proud to wholeheartedly endorse Sam Joshi to be the next mayor of Edison Township.” the three lawmakers were quoted as saying.
“We know Sam to be a champion of his constituents, an ethical elected official and someone who is interested in bringing communities together, rather than tearing them apart.”
Gopal and Mukerji pledged to help the Middlesex Democratic ticket prevail in the June 8 primary contest.
“We will be working tirelessly to ensure that Senator Pat Diegnan, Assemblymembers Rob Karabinchak and Sterley Stanley, Surrogate Claribel Cortes and County Commissioners Director Ron Rios, Shanti Narra and Chanelle Scott McCullum win this June’s primary, and that Sam Joshi is elected as Edison’s next mayor this November,” they were quoted as saying.
Bhagia, the beleaguered Edison Democratic Municipal Chairman, has been accused of masterminding a racist flyer in the final days of the 2017 campaign that Murphy has referred to as “offensive,” New Jersey globe said.
“I’m proud to endorse Sam Joshi for Mayor of Edison. Sam has the experience, passion, and vision needed to unite Edison and continue its role as one of New Jersey’s most thriving and diverse communities,” Murphy was quoted as saying.
“As mayor, Sam will create a new township master plan and prioritize smart investments, such as municipal broadband.”
McCabe cited Bhagia’s alleged connection to the scandal as justification to deny the line to Bhagia and called Joshi “an effective and ethical elected official.”
“In 2017, a despicable flyer was sent to Edison voters that attacked members of the East and South Asian communities, which appears to have been calculated to use racism to increase voter turnout by sowing division in our community,” McCabe was quoted as saying.
“A subsequent federal investigation has identified up to eight people allegedly involved in creating and disseminating this mailing, many (if not all) of whom are closely affiliated with Mr. Bhagia.”
McCabe also cited reports that Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has launched a state investigation into the scandal.
Grewal has empaneled a grand jury to probe the mailer, which recently issued subpoenas seeking document related to the Edison council’s own investigation, the Globe said.
The anonymous mailer promising to “Make Edison Great Again” alleged “Chinese and Indians are taking over our Town!”
“Chinese School! Indian School! Cricket Fields,” the flyer said. “Enough is Enough.”
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India protests U.S. naval exercise without consent
NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): India said on Friday, April 9, it has protested the U.S. decision to conduct a patrol in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western Indian Ocean, rejecting the U.S.’s claim that its domestic maritime law was in violation of international law.
Defending its actions, the Pentagon said it was in compliance with the international law. “I can tell you that the USS John Paul Jones, a Navy destroyer, asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Republic of the Maldives by conducting innocent passage through its territorial sea in normal operations within its exclusive economic zone without requesting prior permission,” Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Friday.
“That’s consistent with international law. Again, we continue to maintain the right, indeed the responsibility, to fly, sail, and operate in accordance with international law,” Mr. Kirby said in response to a question from reporters at a Pentagon news conference.
U.S. issues statement
Earlier, in a rare and unusual public statement, the U.S. Navy announced that its ship the USS John Paul Jones had carried out Freedom of Navigation Operation (FONOP) in the Indian EEZ, adding that its operations had “challenged” what the U.S. called India’s “excessive maritime claims.”
“USS John Paul Jones asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent, consistent with international law,” the U.S. Navy’s 7th fleet said in a statement on April 7. “India requires prior consent for military exercises or maneuvers in its exclusive economic zone or continental shelf, a claim inconsistent with international law.”
This FONOP upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging India’s excessive maritime claims, the statement said.
“We conduct routine and regular FONOPs, as we have done in the past and will continue to in the future. FONOPs are not about one country, nor are they about making political statements,” it added.
MEA response
Responding to the statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the Government of India’s stated position on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is that the Convention “does not authorize other States to carry out in the EEZ and on the continental shelf, military exercises or maneuvers, in particular those involving the use of weapons or explosives, without the consent of the coastal state.”
Stating that the USS John Paul Jones was “continuously monitored” transiting from the Persian Gulf towards the Malacca Straits, the MEA added, “We have conveyed our concerns regarding this passage through our EEZ to the Government of U.S.A through diplomatic channels.”
The incident is a rare falling out between the two partners in the Quadrilateral Grouping that had recently committed to upholding freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific together.
As per the annual FONOP reports released by the U.S. Department of Defense for each fiscal year, the U.S. has been regularly conducting FONOPs in Indian EEZ. The U.S. similarly carries out FONOPs against several other countries including its allies and partners. From 2007 onwards till 2017, the U.S. carried out multiple FONOPs every year challenging “excessive” Indian maritime claims. No FONOP was carried out in 2018 and 2020 and one FONOP in 2019, according to the annual reports.
A South Block official on condition of anonymity said that, it is only when it is “military maneuvers” in our EEZ that we need nations to seek our permission and not if you are simply transiting through. And the term military maneuvers is not defined anywhere, the official added.
A second official also on condition of anonymity said it was the statement issued on the FONOP which was surprising more than the FONOP itself while questioning its timing.
‘Ironical’
Commenting on the development, former Navy Chief Adm Arun Prakash said on Twitter that there was an “irony” in this.
“While India ratified UNCLOS in 1995, the U.S. has failed to do it so far. For the 7th Fleet to carry out FoNOPs missions in Indian EEZ in violation of our domestic law is bad enough. But publicizing it? USN please switch on IFF (Identification, friend or foe)!,” he said in a tweet.
Raising an important issue, Adm. Prakash said FONOPs by U.S. Navy ships, “ineffective as they may be,” in South China Sea (SCS), are meant to “convey a message to China that the putative EEZ” around the artificial SCS islands is an “excessive maritime claim.” “But what is the 7th Fleet message for India?” he asked.
Congress leaders also voiced surprise at the U.S. move. In a tweet, Manish Tewari said, “This never happened in the 10 years of UPA or perhaps even before that as far as I can recall. The last time I remember it being so rather in your face was 1971 – Task Force 74 – 7 th Fleet. What then happened is History. Hope the NDA/BJP shows some Oomph?”
Echoing the surprise, former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh, said, “And this happened when the former U.S. Secretary of State and Climate Envoy, John Kerry, was meeting Ministers in New Delhi.”
(with PTI inputs)