The Indian festival of Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, marks the beginning of the spring festival. The festival typically takes place between the end of January and the beginning of February. This year, Basant Panchami falls on Wednesday, February 14.
According to legend, Kalidasa had intended to commit suicide by drowning himself in a river after learning that his wife had been abandoned. Goddess Saraswati asked Kalidasa to take a bath in the water as she emerged from the water just as he was about to do that. After that, his life changed as he was endowed with wisdom and rose to become a great poet.
According to mythology, Kamadeva once interrupted Lord Shiva’s meditation while he was immersed in it after the death of his wife Sati. This story is based on the Hindu god of love Kama. So that Shiva could re-establish contact with the outside world and become aware of Maa Parvati’s efforts on his behalf, seers approached Kama to rouse him from his meditation.
Kama agreed and used his sugarcane bow to launch arrows at Shiva which was made of flowers and bees. Kama was reduced to ashes by Lord Shiva after opening his third eye in rage. After Rati (his wife) completed her 40-day penance, Shiva agreed to resurrect him on Basant Panchami. He allegedly later gave birth to the son of Lord Krishna named Pradumna.
BIRTHDAY OF GODDESS SARASWATI
Basant Panchami is also denoted as Saraswati Puja by the Hindus in India. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of art, crafts and knowledge was born. She conferred upon humanity the greatest wealth that a human being can ever ask for, the gift of Knowledge. The Hindu mythology popularizes Goddess Saraswati as the immaculate power who bestows upon the worthy with the wealth of knowledge. The color white is associated with the goddess of knowledge as it is the symbol of peace and serenity. Images of goddess Saraswati with white adornments, sitting on a white lotus flower which blooms in a wide stretch of water are quite commonly seen on this day. Goddess Saraswati or Maa Saraswati, as called by the people of West Bengal, is worshipped on this auspicious day by the worshippers who are themselves clad in the color yellow, the color of spring. Prasad is offered to the goddess and later the same is distributed among the worshippers. The popular festival is related to the goddess of knowledge; hence, children are initiated towards learning and gaining knowledge.
This is significant because it is the birth day of goddess Saraswati. As the river Saraswati is associated with the goddess, rituals are performed on the banks of this holy river. Offerings are made but no sacrifices are conducted. Vegetarian food is cooked and had on this day and people abstain from non-vegetarian food. Goddess Saraswati is supposed to be the goddess of art, literature and speech too; hence, hymns are written and sung in praise of the goddess on Basant Panchami. Whenever a new teaching institution is started, goddess Saraswati is worshipped. A school is considered to be the temple of learning and hence, a temple of the goddess itself. Schools and colleges organize special functions and cultural activities on this particular day and devote these to goddess Saraswati. Students offer a lot of flowers to the image of Saraswati. They keep all their study materials like books, articles, instruments of music and arts, earthen inkpots and bamboo quills in front of the deity. No one reads anything on this day; it is a way to show their reverence to the deity of knowledge. Most Hindu communities celebrate this festival with great pomp and show as this is the time of the year when goddess Saraswati is remembered by its followers.
Significance
This day falls on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magh, which is also the first day of spring. Goddess Saraswati denotes serenity and calmness. She is generally shown seated on a white lotus, wearing a pure white silk sari and holding a book in her lower left hand. The eyes of the goddess are full of compassion. Her four hands denote four facets of human personality namely mind, intellect, alertness and ego. The lotus on her hand symbolizes true knowledge. Her ride is a white swan which is known for its peculiar capability of separating water from the milk. The swan indicates that we should have the ability to discriminate the bad from the good.
Basant Panchami, also known as the Saraswati Day, is celebrated by the Hindus across the world with great enthusiasm and festivities. The devotees visit temples which are filled with various types of religious activities. Yellow color is given prominence on this day and people dress up in yellow garments and perform rituals. Yellow represents spiritual knowledge, increasing the significance of the festival. People eat yellow sweets and distribute the same among friends and relatives. People feed Brahmans on this occasion and also perform Pitra- Tarpan, the traditional ancestral worship.
Basant Panchami is the day when children are taught their first words, making it an auspicious occasion which marks the beginning of their learning process. On this day, schools and colleges organize special worships for goddess Saraswati. Traditionally children place their books on the altar, at the goddess’s feet. No one is allowed to touch the books during this period as they believe that goddess Saraswati is blessing the books. Devotees believe that worshipping of goddess Saraswati will lead to spiritual enlightenment. It is generally said that there is no comparison between a king and a learned person as the king is honored only in his land but a learned person is respected everywhere.
Saintly and learned people who are inclined towards spirituality know the importance of worshipping goddess Saraswati. Other activities performed on this day include worshipping of Kamadeva, the God of Love. On this occasion, people offers prayers to the Sun God and the deities associated with Ganges. The festivities of Basant Panchami include kite flying and a kite festival is observed in Ferozepur, Punjab. Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and can be noted from the colored blooms in trees and crops. This is the period when mango flowers start blossoming on trees, representing the beginning of a new life. Basant Panchami spiritually signifies that the days of ignorance and gloom are over and the period of joy and spiritual awakening has begun.
Kite Festival
The festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated to welcome the season of spring, a season when the earth replenishes itself. Spring also denotes pleasant weather, during which calm wind whistles in your ear and caresses your face with its light cool touch. It is the season when the weather is neither hot nor cold, when the wind has a cooling effect but not the kind to chill your bones. This kind of weather reminds you of a number of things including Basant Panchami, the primary festival of this season. It is one of the most colorful and wonderful festivals of this effervescent nation and is celebrated on the fifth day of the Indian month of Magh. The festival brings in a number of colors in the form of colorful attires.
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Basant Panchami
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Kodaikanal: The Princess of hill stations
Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in India. A Lakeside resort town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal has a beautiful climate, mist-covered manicured cliffs and waterfall that come together to create the ideal setting for a perfect getaway. Kodaikanal means ‘the gift of the forests’.
Nestled amidst the rolling slopes of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal stands at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level, and once you visit this hill station, you will find that every bit of what you have imagined it to be is real. Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests surrounding the town.
Green Valley View
Formerly known as Suicide point, the Green Valley View offers a breathtaking view of the plains, deep valleys and hills. The mesmerizing view of the Vaigai Dam is an unforgettable experience. It used to be known as suicide point because of the dangerous valley which is dense and deep; below the point of more than 5000 feet drop.
Located at a distance of 5.5 km from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Green Valley View not just offers a gorgeous view, but is also surrounded by a lot of monkeys. On the way to the point, there are several shops which offer homemade chocolates, ornaments and a wide range of flowers.
Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake in the Kodaikanal city which is also known as Kodai Lake. Vera Levinge was the man responsible for the creativity and resources of this lake amidst Kodaikanal town.
The star-shaped lake is centrally located in Kodaikanal and is surrounded by the rich green Palani Hills Range the main watershed for the lake. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2285m above sea level and has an average depth of 3.0m. The lake is at a distance of 3 km from the Kodai Bus stand.
Bear Shola Falls
Located at a mere distance of 2 kilometres from the Kodaikanal Lake, the Bear Shola Falls is a popular picnic spot in the region. This cascade is a seasonal attraction that comes to life in its fullest during the monsoons. An interesting legend behind the unique name of this place is that it was a favourite haunt of a bear who used to frequent this water body to drink water, hence imparting it the name Bear Shola Falls.
Wrapped with dense forests coupled with the chirping of birds, Bear Shola Falls is a little heaven. Also, the forest area of the Western Ghats situated near the falls is a biodiversity hotspot where you can have a rendezvous with animals like monkeys and deer in the wild.
The terrain around the Bear Shola Falls is slanting and uninterrupted by commercialisation, which makes it the perfect destination to go on a trekking adventure. As you approach the falls, you will encounter the hill path where you can reach by means of a motored vehicle. From there on, a concrete path leads the way to a short trek of around a kilometre which runs deep in the woods.
Dolphin’s Nose, Kodaikanal
The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint in Kodaikanal is based on a flat, protruding piece of rock that is shaped like a dolphin’s nose. This forms a visible cliff at the height of 6,600 feet, where you can experience Kodaikanal at its best – plunging valleys, rugged terrain, clear skies, and the splendor of green.
Reaching this spot requires a moderate level 3 km long trek through the pines and rocks of the Palani Hill Range. It is possible to explore a nearby waterfall and a local village along the way.
Pillar Rocks
Situated in the ‘Princess of Hill stations’, Kodaikanal, the Pillar Rocks have become a lovely picnic spot. Constituting a beautiful mini garden; the place is named so as it has three vertically positioned boulders reaching up to a height of 400 feet. The aura here is full of affection and is evidence of a great love story. The ‘white cross’ which once existed on these rocks represented David Gell’s excellent tribute to love. The view of rocks is not something to be missed. They stand as an untouched miracle for the tourists visiting Kodaikanal.
The pillars are famous for providing bird’s view of nearby surroundings. The chambers between these two massive rocks are called the Devil’s Kitchen. Fewer times you might find rocks covered with mist and clouds, but when the ways become clear nothing beautiful than this could be ever seen. Jutting straight away from the hills that surround them, the pillar rocks are majestic. You can come here, sit and relax as you soothe your eyes over the high hill ranges and clear skies. Moreover, do not forget taste the potato and onion bhaji which is served outside the mini garden.
Thalaiyar Falls
Also known as Rat Tail Falls, Thalaiyar Falls is located in the lush green slopes of Palani Hill ranges in the Dindigul District, in Kodaikanal. With a height of 297m, it is the highest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest waterfall in India. There is a view tower in the park at the Dum Dum Rock, from where you can get a beautiful view of the falls and the Manjalar Dam. There is a hiking route near the waterfall.
The river water coming to the falls is from Perumal Malai village, through a 9 km downstream and is said to be clear. On the contrary, it may be polluted, and hence, visitors to the area are advised to avoid drinking it.
On a bright day, the falls is visible from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road; where it appears like a white long and narrow strip of water on a background of the black rock cliff face. According to legends, Lord Muruga used to visit this rock on his way to the Palani Hills. -
Suozzi Holds Press Conference Calling Out Pilip’s Outrageous Partisan Stance on Bipartisan Border Bill
GLEN COVE, NY (TIP): Former Congressman Tom Suozzi, today, held a press conference in response to his opponent, Mazi Pilip, taking an outrageous partisan stance and siding with her extreme GOP party bosses in the House and their mission to play politics with people’s lives by coming out against the Senate’s bipartisan border deal. The Senate’s bill is the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border our country has had in decades. It would make our country safer, make our border more secure, and treat people fairly and humanely while preserving legal immigration, consistent with our values as a nation.
Yet Pilip called this bipartisan legislation: “the legalization of the invasion of our county.” During the press conference, Suozzi underscored that the reason Pilip is opposing the bill is because she’s completely beholden to the national Republicans. And like them, she’s only interested in playing politics with people’s lives instead of actually working to solve problems.
“It’s incomprehensible to me that a candidate can claim that her number one priority is securing the border yet takes a dead-on-arrival approach on the only compromise border bill that has had a chance of passing our Congress over the past 30 years,” said Suozzi.
“This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. She’s aligned with some of the most dangerous members of the Republican Party, who are all also on board with opposing this bipartisan border deal because they think it will help them politically, even if it’s at the expense of the people. People are sick of these political games that Mazi Pilip and her DC handlers are playing, and I will work with whoever it takes to get people to come together to actually get stuff done and fix our border.”
This isn’t the first time Pilip has proven she’s beholden to the extreme wing of her party. In a CNN interview over the weekend, in a complete flip-flop from the past two months, Pilip whole-heartedly embraces Trump even if he’s convicted of a crime. She claimed he is innocent of the 91 criminal charges against him. And she dismissed the fact that Trump led the insurrection of our nation’s Capitol on January 6th.
Meanwhile, Suozzi has built his entire life in public service by working with anyone to get things done for the people, especially on immigration. In 2019, he worked across the aisle with Peter King to put forth bipartisan solutions to fix our border. Suozzi has long called for investments in border security while supporting a pathway to citizenship for people who follow the rules.
In 2018, not only was he one of 18 Democrats to support funding ICE, but Suozzi was critical of the far-left in his party who wanted to abolish them.
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Governor Hochul announces new law to clarify disclosure of credit card surcharges goes into effect Sunday, February 11
ALBANY, NY (TIP): Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new consumer protection law that will go into effect on February 11, 2024. This new law will amend and clarify New York’s existing credit card surcharge law. The NYS Division of Consumer Protection assists aggrieved consumers in the marketplace and the New York State Attorney General and local governments have the authority to enforce the credit card surcharge law. The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection recommends that interested localities review DCP’s Credit Card Surcharge Legal Update Letter for more information.
“New Yorkers should never have to deal with hidden credit card costs, and this law will ensure individuals can trust that their purchases will not result in surprise surcharges,” Governor Hochul said. “Transparency is crucial in building trust between businesses and communities and now patrons will be empowered to budget accordingly.”
The law, signed by Governor Hochul on December 13, 2023, provides greater transparency and protections for consumers by:
Limiting credit card surcharges to the amount charged to the business by the credit card company; and
Requiring businesses to post before checkout:
the total price of an item or service inclusive of the credit card surcharge; or
a two-tiered pricing option, which requires the credit card price to be posted alongside the cash price.
New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “New Yorkers using credit cards have a right to know the total cost of the purchase, inclusive of any surcharge, before they reach the register. This new law signed by Governor Hochul will offer clarity and provide transparency to both the consumer and business owners about the surcharges when using a credit card.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Transparency in pricing is critical so people can make informed decisions when spending their hard-earned money. Requiring businesses to disclose credit card surcharges helps consumers better understand the total cost. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for signing this bill into law to protect consumers.”
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “This new law protects New Yorkers from hidden surcharges by requiring sellers to clearly post the price of a credit card surcharge. Credit card surcharges now have to be disclosed clearly so that customers are fully aware of them upfront and not just when they go to pay. This is about transparency, fairness and preventing consumers from being misled when making purchases using credits cards. I thank Governor Hochul for helping protect New Yorkers.”
The following practices and examples comply with the law’s credit card surcharge notice requirements. See the Department’s Credit Card Surcharge Guidance Document and educational video for additional examples:
DO:
The business lists the higher credit card price next to a lower cash price.
The business lists the credit card price for items and services, then lets customers know they will receive a discount for using cash. The business changes all prices to the credit card price.
DON’T:
The business posts a sign on the door and at the register stating an additional 3.9 percent surcharge will apply for credit card purchases.
“This business has a 4 percent cash discount incentive built into all pricing. Any purchases made with a credit or debit card will not receive the cash discount and an adjustment in cost will be displayed on your receipt.”
A convenience fee, service fee, administration fee, non-cash adjustment, technology fee, processing fee, etc., is charged to credit card users and added as a separate line item on a customer receipt.
The price tag of an item shows “$10.00, + 4 percent if paying with a credit card.”
NOTE: This law does not apply to debit cards.
The Division of Consumer Protection provides educational assistance to consumers in how to protect themselves from unfair practices while also offering resources to the business community to help them comply with the law and prevent fraudulent and deceptive practices. After February 11, 2024, the law will permit local governments to join in the enforcement of this law, providing consumers with additional resources for compliance and providing local governments with broader opportunities to promote consumer protections for their citizens. If there are any issues related to credit card pricing at the register, DCP encourages consumers to:
File a complaint with DCP to receive a refund of any excess fees paid to a merchant in New York State, or
File a complaint with the Attorney General or participating local governments for enforcement of a merchant you believe violated the law.
About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.
For other consumer protection tips and consumer alerts, consumers can visit the DCP website or follow DCP on social media via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.
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Consul General of India at New York interacts with Indian community members
NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Consul General Binaya S. Pradhan, with his deputy Dr. Varun Jeph on his side, held an interaction with Indian community members on February 2, 2024. The meeting was one of the several planned to know the community.
Mr. Pradhan welcomed the members of the Indian community and emphasized the need for a continued interaction between the community organizations and the Consulate.While the meeting was a “let’s know each other”, some members made suggestions on certain issues. The Consul General welcomed the suggestions and encouraged them to share with the Consulate their thoughts and ideas.
A view of the Indian community members at the meeting (Photo:courtesy Nitin Vyas) -
We are living in a ‘digital dark age’, here’s how to protect your photos, videos and other data
If you have grown up with social media, chances are you have taken more photos in the last couple of decades than you will ever remember. When mobile phones suddenly became cameras too, social media turned into a community photo album, with memories kept online forever and ever. Or so we thought.
In 2019, MySpace lost 12 years’ worth of music and photos, affecting over 14 million artists and 50 million tracks. If Instagram or the entire internet suddenly disappeared, would you be able to access your precious memories?
We are living in a “digital dark age”, a term popularised by information and communication specialist Terry Kuny. Back in 1997, Kuny warned we were “moving into an era where much of what we know today, much of what is coded and written electronically, will be lost forever”.
He argued that, like monks from the Middle Ages who preserved books (and therefore, knowledge), we must preserve digital objects of today. Otherwise, future generations will be left with gaps in knowledge about our present-day lives.
People often say the “internet is forever”, but digital artefacts like photos and videos are actually unstable and non-permanent. You’ve likely encountered “linkrot”, when a URL to an important source leads to a now-deleted webpage. Hardware becomes obsolete, degraded and upgraded over time. Bit-rot (also called data or file rot, or data degradation) means we may have no physical means to access our past data.
Many people already find it hard to use technology and software that has reached its “end of life”. With the lack of backwards compatibility (when updated technology or software cannot support older versions), how will future generations access old data stored in obsolete formats?
We are also seeing issues emerge related to ownership of data, particularly when controlled by private corporations. Families have faced legal difficulties accessing the social media accounts of deceased loved ones. Similarly, if Spotify or Netflix shut down tomorrow, you wouldn’t own any of the songs or films you stream on a daily basis.
A digital life For a number of reasons, you may not even notice that we are in the middle of a new digital dark age.
From Google smart homes to contact-tracing technology, life is increasingly digital. Without an app, internet or social media account, it is difficult to verify your identity and gain access to data – even your own. Many people don’t even consider non-digital means of recording, proving and living their existence.
With Instagram stories disappearing after 24 hours, and Snapchat and WhatsApp’s vanishing messages features, you are probably used to data disappearing instantly.
With the growing need for environmental sustainability, turning to digital formats seems like the responsible solution to reducing our carbon footprint – though have you thought about the e-waste you produce?
Even with data protection laws now giving people the right to have personal data erased, many may not want their data to be preserved forever. Identity theft can occur with social media content that reveals biometric or other personal data. And that’s not to mention cyberstalking, cyberbullying, the distribution of “revenge porn” and online grooming.
But despite all these very understandable concerns, there are still good reasons to think seriously about how you preserve the digital artefacts and data that are most important to you.
Protecting and preserving your old data
If you misplaced your phone, could you remember important phone numbers, or navigate streets when lost? If the answer is no, you may want to think more carefully about data preservation.
This is something we should all think about, and not just leave it to digital archivists and preservationists. When organised efforts are made to preserve data, who decides what should be preserved can become a political issue as much as a technological one.
When it comes to your own digital memories, there are services you can use and steps you can take to preserve data from being lost to history: Keep multiple copies (and formats) of important data across different devices: SD cards, USB thumb drives, DVD/Blu-ray discs, external hard drives and NAS (network attached storage) boxes. This has to be coupled with ensuring you regularly migrate important data to the newest device or format (remember, avoid bit-rot).
Try (re)discovering analogue trends – board games alongside video games, vinyl records over streaming music, or celebrate the resurgence of Polaroid cameras. Many services are available to convert digital photos into printed photos, albums and physical artwork.
Embrace the ethos of the FAIR principles) – findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable– so that you and others can locate and access any important data you wish to preserve easily.
Finally, if you come across a rotten link or other missing data, you can explore data preservation initiatives like the Long Now Foundation’s publicly accessible Rosetta Project or the Internet Archive, a non-profit library of free digital books, movies, software, music and websites. Source: PTI -
Google calls out spyware firms and advocates for tighter regulation
Internet giant Google has named what it said are some of the worst offenders in the surveillance software industry and called on the United States and its allies to do more to rein in the sale and misuse of spy tools.
Spyware firms often say their products are meant for the use of governments for national security, but the technology has been repeatedly found to have been used to hack into the phones of civil society, political opposition and journalists in the last decade.
The industry has faced increasing scrutiny since the Israeli firm NSO’s Pegasus spyware was found on the phones of various people globally, including human rights defenders.
In a report on Tuesday, Google researchers said that while NSO is better known, there are dozens of smaller firms contributing to the dangerous proliferation of spy technology.
The findings by Alphabet Inc’s Google are significant because the company has some of the best visibility into hacking campaigns globally, given the vast breadth of its online offerings.
“Demand from government customers remains strong and our findings underscore the extent to which commercial spyware vendors have proliferated hacking and spyware capabilities that weaken the safety of the Internet for all,” researchers from Google’s TAG threat-hunting team said in the report.
“The private sector is now responsible for a significant portion of the most sophisticated tools we detect.” The United States and several of its allies committed last year to work toward curbing the surveillance software industry, after at least 50 U.S. government employees in 10 countries were found to have been targeted by spyware.
The Google researchers named a roster of firms that offer a range of services to break into phones, and have been evolving to bypass the latest security measures by Apple and Google for their phone operating systems iOS and Android. They include the Italian firms Cy4Gate and RCS Labs, Greek company Intellexa, and the lesser-known Italian company Negg Group and Spain’s Variston. Negg Group’s website says the company is focused on cybersecurity, but Google said its software was found to have been used to spy on people in Italy, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
Source: Reuters -
India has plan to explore the Moon beyond Chandrayaan-3
Following the triumphant landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole, India is charting a bold course for its future in lunar exploration. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has set its sights on a series of more complex and ambitious lunar missions, aiming to eventually send astronauts to the Moon by 2040.
Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, recently revealed that the roadmap for India’s forthcoming moon exploration endeavors is currently being conceptualised. This comprehensive plan includes feasibility studies for further robotic missions involving orbiters, landers, and rovers. These missions are expected to pave the way for advanced objectives such as lunar sample collection and return missions, which will serve as precursors to human landings on the Moon’s surface. -
Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra Takes Over as President of AAPI-QLI
LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): Eminent physician Dr. Inderpal Singh Chhabra has taken over as President of AAPI-QLI , a chapter of national AAPI. AAPI of Queens and Long Island is a Not-for-Profit Organization, representing all Physicians of Indian Origin in Queens and Long Island, NY. It was started in June 1995, under the leadership of Dr. Narendra Hadpawat. AAPI Queens and Long Island (AAPIQLI) represents the interests of all physicians of Indian Origin in its area including providing Continuous Medical Education (CME) and engaging in charitable activities for the benefit of our community at large. Since its inception there has always been a strong alliance with and support from National AAPI, the largest ethnic Physicians Organization in USA
According to the information available on the AAPI-QLI website, this “organization has been growing rapidly in membership and is well accepted by all other local and national professional organizations. From the very beginning the leadership has put heavy emphasis on transparency and the democratic process, which are the main ingredients for its enormous success. AAPI of Queens and Long Island currently represents over 800 active physicians and donates more than $60,000 annually for charitable purposes. It is also, one of the largest chapters of National AAPI.AAPI-QLI is a vibrant chapter of AAPI. Namaste and a heartfelt welcome to this distinguished assembly at AAPIQLI. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we applaud the progress and dedication of the Indian medical community thriving in Queens and Long Island.”
In his presidential speech, Dr. Chhabra emphasized on the mission and vision of the organization.
“In the vast landscape of healthcare, we honor the unwavering pursuit of knowledge by our colleagues. The collaborative endeavors of our colleagues pave the way for transformative breakthroughs. Let us acknowledge and celebrate the spirit of cooperation propelling medical progress.
Let’s be mindful that we operate in the United States, our karma Bhoomi. Addressing public health necessitates championing preventive measures and community engagement. AAPIQLI is proud to host and sponsor a number of Health fairs in our communities.
In my role as President of this esteemed organization, I am committed to bringing you education on cutting-edge healthcare, including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, to tackle the pressing issue such as physician burnout.In conclusion, let this gathering catalyze continued collaboration, innovation, and advocacy in the field of medicine. Together, we can shape a healthier and more resilient future for our communities.
Thank you, and may our shared commitment to health and healing propel us to new heights in the service of humanity. Jai Hind and God bless America!”
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Natural painkillers in your kitchen
With a substandard and a sedentary lifestyle, popping medicines has become a part our everyday humdrum. We don’t even think twice before gulping down a Saridon or a Crocin but what we don’t realize is how toxic such dependence can become. ‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’, said Hippocrates. So, here we list down foods that act as natural pain killers and the good news is – they do not have side effects.
Tart Cherry
We may not know this but tart cherries are very good at relieving pain. They contain antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins which help in suppressing inflammatory compounds and pain.
Turmeric
The ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow colour is spice curcumin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are comparable to over-the-counter antibiotics medicines available. It is effective in alleviating joint and muscular pain and swelling.
Ginger
Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help alleviate pain from arthritis, stomach ache, chest pain, menstrual pain and even muscle soreness.
Red Grapes
This, too, is a not-so-popular remedy for pain. It contains an antioxidant compound called resveratrol that gives it its red colour. Resveratrol helps in maintaining cartilage health, preventing joint and back pain.
Peppermint
Peppermint is known for its therapeutic properties as it helps in relieving muscular pain, toothache, headache and pain in nerves. It helps ease digestion and stomach problems. Besides, it also has a soothing impact on your mind and memory. -
Viruses living in human gut play a quiet role in stress management, finds study
While viruses are typically viewed as harmful to health, a subset of viruses residing in the gut might play a crucial role in stress regulation. According to a new study, this discovery contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that interactions between the gut and the brain influence human behaviour. This research potentially paves the way for treatments targeting viruses within our bodies for stress-related conditions.
While previous studies have primarily focused on the changes in gut bacteria composition in response to stress, this new research sheds light on the “virome,” an area that has been largely unexplored in understanding its interaction with bacteria and its impact on stress-related health and diseases.
Dr Nathaniel Ritz from the APC Microbiome Ireland research centre at University College Cork emphasised the potential of targeting the virome to alleviate the effects of stress.
The study, led by Ritz and his colleagues, specifically focused on a subset of viruses known as bacteriophages, which infect and replicate alongside bacteria.
Chronic social stress exposure in mice resulted in alterations in the composition of both the viruses and bacteria in their guts. Subsequent experiments involved harvesting viruses from the faeces of unstressed, healthy animals and transplanting them into mice subjected to chronic social stress.
The findings, published in Nature Microbiology, suggested that these transplants reduced stress hormone levels and mitigated depression- and anxiety-like behaviours in the mice.
While further research is required to determine the potential benefits of virus transplants for humans with stress-related conditions, this study provides early evidence that gut viruses are involved in stress response, and manipulating them could hold therapeutic promise. -
New heart treatment to help grow a replacement valve inside body
Replacement heart valves that grow inside the body may be a step closer to reality. Researchers at the Imperial College London and Harefield Hospital in the UK have developed a novel treatment that harnesses body’s natural repair mechanisms to build a living heart valve.
The results are published in the journal Communications Biology.
“The aim of the concept we’ve developed is to produce a living valve in the body, which would be able to grow with the patient,” said Yuan-Tsan Tseng, a biomaterials scientist working at the Imperial’s National Heart and Lung Institute and the Harefield Heart Science Centre.
Heart valve replacement is a life-saving treatment, but it is rarely a long-term solution. Both mechanical and biological valves have their own drawbacks. Patients with mechanical valves must take drugs for the rest of their lives to prevent blood clotting.
Biological valves, on the other hand, only last between 10 to 15 years. The treatment is particularly challenging for children with congenital heart defects, as the valves do not grow along with their bodies and must be replaced several times before they reach adulthood.
The new procedure begins with a nanofibrous polymeric valve, but made from a biodegradable polymer scaffold rather than a durable plastic.
“Once this is inside the body, the scaffold recruits cells and instructs their development, so that the body works as a bioreactor to grow new tissues,” Tseng explained. “The scaffold gradually degrades and is replaced by our body’s own tissues.”
The scaffold material used to make the valve is the key innovation. “It has the capability to attract, house, and instruct appropriate cells from the patient’s own body, thereby facilitating tissue generation and maintaining valve function.”
The team transplanted the valve into sheep and monitored for up to six months.
“The valves performed well,” Tseng said. “They continued to function for the six months of the trial, and also showed good cellular regeneration.”
In particular, the study shows that the scaffold was able to attract cells from the blood stream which then developed into functional tissues, a process known as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation.
“We’ve also seen nerves and fatty tissues growing in the scaffold, as we might expect in a normal valve.”
Meanwhile, the polymer could be seen degrading to make way for the new tissue.
“If there was no regeneration, the valve would fall apart as the polymer degrades. But what we see is continuing functionality, and that means cell regeneration is taking place over time. That proves that our idea of in-vivo regeneration is working.”
More work is required to determine exactly which processes are causing the polymer to degenerate and how closely it is linked to tissue regeneration.
“But the tissue regeneration is definitely sufficient to cover the structural integrity and functionality of the valve,” Tseng said. The team aims to get regulatory approval for the first clinical trials, hopefully in the next five years or so. Source: IANS -
Aloe vera benefits for face and skin
Aloe Vera, the modest houseplant is a ‘miracle,’ wonder plant, often hiding in plain sight. Having been around and used as a medicinal herb, it nourishes the body from the inside – it is rich in nutrients, aids in improving digestion and even boost immunity. Aloe Vera can be used topically too, i.e., its gel can be used to enhance one’s skin, especially the face and the hair.
However, before we get into the essential reasons and health benefits of Aloe Vera, let us first learn how to extract Aloe Vera gel directly from the plant. If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, select its fatter leaves or stems and cut it from the base. Or you may pull the leaves from their bottom. Be careful as the plant has thorns.
Helps soothe sunburn
Aloe Vera gel has cooling properties and is anti-inflammatory. Hence, it is one of the most natural remedies for sunburn or burnt skin. Applying this gel helps with a protective layer for the skin, and it also helps to retain moisture. It is rich in antioxidants and minerals that boost the healing process. So now you can maintain your summer skin health using aloe vera.
Helps to moisturize the skin
Unlike regular, market-bought moisturizers, Aloe Vera gel when used as a moisturizing gel doesn’t leave a greasy film on the face and the skin. In fact, it does just the opposite – it unclogs the pores and softens the skin.
It can be used as an aftershave treatment. This is because the Aloe Vera gel helps to keep the skin hydrated and heals burns by razors and smaller nicks & cuts. It also helps treat dry skin.
Boosts healing of wounds
It is now a known fact that Aloe Vera is highly beneficial for burns, cuts, and other injuries. This is because Aloe Vera boosts the healing of wounds, i.e., reduces the time of healing. This is true especially in the case of 1st degree and 2nd-degree burns. It’s a great skin burn treatment. It also helps to speed up skin cell reproduction as much as eight times. Aloe Vera is also known to penetrate the epidermis, i.e., the outer layer of the skin faster than water.
Fights skin-ageing
Aloe Vera gel has vitamin C and E, beta-carotene in abundance. Therefore, it has anti-ageing properties. It also contains antimicrobial properties and is anti-inflammatory. It also helps to eradicate skin blemishes and diminish age lines. Additionally, it helps to increase the production of collagen in the body and skin elasticity.
Reduces infection and acne
Those who suffer from acne will find respite in Aloe Vera. It helps in gentle cleansing, and its antimicrobial properties treat pimples without causing any damages to the skin. It is an antiseptic that allows protection against bacteria. Aloe Vera contains polysaccharides and gibberellins. These help in the growth of new cells and at the same time, reduce inflammation and redness. It also works as an astringent that reduces the size of pores, flushing out the excess sebum, microbes, and dirt. -
Pepper Roast Chicken
INGREDIENTS
8 chicken thighs, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon, coriander powder, salt as required, 40 curry leaves, 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon tamarind extract, 1 tablespoon finely chopped curry leaves, 4 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 cloves, minced garlic, 2 sliced green chilli, 1 medium chopped onion, 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
METHOD
– Preheat oven to 420F.
– Line a baking tray with parchment. In large mixing bowl combine chicken, 2 tbsp oil, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, turmeric, cumin and coriander.
– Add salt to taste, half of the garlic, ginger and curry leaves. Mix well, cover and marinate in refrigerator for 1/2 hour.
– To cook chicken, spread it in a single layer on baking tray, scraping up all the marinade over it. Oven roast for 20 min or until lightly browned and crisped.
– Warm remaining oil in deep skillet over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, let splutter 30 sec. Add remaining garlic, ginger, curry leaves, saute for 1 min.
– Add onions, saute for 5-7 min until they are softened and lightly browned. Add remaining turmeric, black pepper, cumin and coriander as well as more salt if necessary. Cook 1 min.
– Mix in the tamarind extract or lemon juice, water and chicken with all it’s juices. Reduce heat to low and cook covered for 12 – 15 min, stirring occasionally.
– The sauce should be very thick and clingy at this point. Fold in the fresh coriander, slivered curry leaves and fresh sliced chili, serve. -
Non-gym weight loss tips
Be the boss of your TV remote and turn it off
According to a Food Quality & Preference study, people who dine in a loud and noisy setting are less likely to really taste what they’re eating. People tend to overlook the subtle flavours of the food and eat more when they eat while watching TV. So, switch that TV off and enjoy your food. You will feel fuller, more satiated and less tempted to binge on seconds and thirds.
Don’t eat at your desk
According to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who eat in front of the computer are ‘distracted eaters’ and find it hard to recall what they eat. Thus, they tend to overeat mindlessly. So, simply go to your pantry, sit in a group, enjoy eating your food, and avoid mindless munching.
When shopping, eat first and shop later
If you shop on an empty stomach, chances are you’ll be tempted to binge at the food court later on. Nibble on a snack or a two before you hit the malls and stores. This will help you stay away from impulsive and unhealthy food choices. Or better still? Munch on an apple and eat it all the way while shopping.
Plan ahead and prepare a shopping list
Pen down all the items you need and stick to your food list. Shopping without setting a goal in your mind may tempt you to buy things that you don’t need. Not only will this keep clutter at bay, it’ll also help you stick to planned, balanced meals – all on a budget that’s healthy for your wallet as well. -
Ranbir Kapoor undergoes extensive vocal training for Ramayana
The pre-production of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, is reportedly in full swing. As per an India Today report, Ranbir will undergo extensive vocal training to play the part of Lord Ram in the film as Nitesh wants Ranbir to sound ‘different’. The film also stars Sai Pallavi and Yash as Sita and Ravan, respectively.
As per the report, the Dangal director is leaving no stone unturned and is doing ample homework. It claimed that he has created a separate team for the diction and dialogue department, which will work closely with the actors. According to the report, Ranbir has already been put on to a diction expert who will ensure that his dialogue delivery aligns with the director’s vision. They claim there’s also a special emphasis on costumes.
India Today quoting a source stated, “Ranbir has a certain baritone and a way of speaking his lines. It is symbolic and if you have even closed your eyes, you can recognise a dialogue purely based on Ranbir’s voice. In Ramayana, Nitesh wants to make sure he sounds different from the characters he’s played in the past. Being a versatile actor, he is enjoying this process of trying something new.” -
Hrithik-Deepika’s ‘Fighter’ song ‘Bekaar Dil’ added to film 2 weeks after release
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Fighter’ is currently running in theatres. It released on January 25. Now, ahead of the much-awaited Valentine’s Day, the film’s director Siddharth Anand treated the viewers with yet another track. Titled ‘Bekaar Dil’, the makers will release the song in theatres on February 9.
The makers of ‘Fighter’ are gearing up to release the romantic song ‘Bekaar Dil’in the theatres on Friday. The song has already garnered love from audience across. Siddharth Anand shared the announcement on his X handle on Thursday and wrote, “The love anthem from Fighter – #BekaarDil in Cinemas all over India from the Friday. After many years this is happening..a song is added into the film 2 weeks after release! And!! Watch #ishqjaisakuch 1 minute AFTER the end titles!! Wait for it!!! It’s worth it (sic)!”
Meanwhile, ‘Fighter’ successfully completed two weeks of theatrical run. On its 14th day in theatres, the aerial actioner saw a slight slump in collections in India. Now, all eyes are on the weekend to see if there would be an incline in numbers. ‘Fighter’ grossed over Rs 300 crore at the box office worldwide and is still going strong.
In India, the film is marching towards the Rs 200-crore (net) mark and is expected to touch the milestone in less than a week. On Day 14, February 7, the film is estimated to have earned Rs 2.75 crore (net) at the domestic box office.
The 14-day total collection of ‘Fighter’ now stands at Rs 184.50 crore net in the country. On February 7, the film had an overall occupancy of 10.17 per cent in India.
Produced by Viacom18 Studios and Marflix Pictures, the film has references to the 2019 Pulwama attack, 2019 Balakot airstrike and 2019 India-Pakistan border clashes. -
Kevin Spacey returns to big screen as hitman in Peter Five
The trailer of director Michael Zaiko Hall’s Peter Five Eight, starring Kevin Spacey, Rebecca De Mornay, Jet Jandreau and Jake Webber, was released on Tuesday. The film marks a comeback for Kevin, who was cleared in a UK court in July last year for sexually assaulting four men. The trailer sees him play a hitman in his comeback role.In the trailer, Kevin s character Peter can be seen disposing of a body, holding a woman at knifepoint and referring to himself as a ‘fallen soul.’ The trailer reveals that he infiltrates a small town at the behest of his boss to murder a real estate agent with a dark secret. He’s also shown to be spending the night with Rebbeca’s Brenda in a brief, raunchy scene. He later clicks photographs of her with Jet’s Sam. But things turn sinister when a mystery man calls Peter and asks him to ‘make it messy.’ It also shows how Sam is also involved in something shady. The film’s tagline, which DailyMail reports had a budget of $5-10 million, reads “In this town, nothing is what it seems.” Director Michael also told the publication, “Rebecca De Mornay, Jake Weber and Jet Jandreau all play wonderfully in this world – while Kevin Spacey has crafted a unique and memorable character for his fans to enjoy.” The film is slated to release on March 22. Kevin rose to fame for his roles in films like American Beauty and shows like House of Cards. However, in 2017, he was accused of abusing his fame and power to carry out nine assaults on four men. Kevin denied the allegations, insisting that the claims were for ‘money.’ In July 2023, he was cleared of the charges in the UK. He was sacked from House of Cards when the allegations first surfaced and was edited out of Ridley Scott’s film All The Money In The World.
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Spider-Man actor to star in Romeo and Juliet
Tom Holland is making a theatre comeback with Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet. The Spider-Man star will return to London’s West End for his role as Romeo Montague in a new theatrical production. Starting Saturday, May 11, Romeo and Juliet will run through Saturday, August 3, at Duke of York’s Theatre in London. It is produced by the Jamie Lloyd Company, famous for its adaptation of plays like Sunset Boulevard, The Effect, and Cyrano de Bergerac.
Recently, the director of the Holland-starrer Romeo and Juliet theatrical adaptation, Jamie Lloyd, revealed his excitement over the White Lotus star’s casting in his production. “Tom Holland is one of the greatest, most exciting young actors in the world. It is an honor to welcome him back to the West End,” he said in a statement, per Independent. -
Alison Brie, Dave Franco to feature in horror film ‘Together’
Hollywood actor-couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie are set to star together in an upcoming horror film. Titled Together, the movie will be directed by debutant writer-director Michael Shanks.
Though the details of the plot have been kept under wraps, the movie is based around co-dependency and will be told in a unique way. Franco and Brie, who tied the knot in 2017, most recently collaborated for romantic comedy Somebody I Used to Know, which was released in 2023. The duo also starred together in The Little Hours and The Disaster Artist in 2017, as well as The Rental (2020), which marked Franco’s directorial debut. They will also produce Together along with Picturestart, Tango, 1.21 and Princess Pictures. Franco recently starred alongside Kristen Stewart in studio A24’s Love Lies Bleeding, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Brie will be next seen in American streamer Peacock’s limited series Apples Never Fall, also starring Annette Bening, Sam Neill and Jake Lacy. -
‘I’d spent years trying to get Barbie going’: Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie-starrer Barbie was the biggest blockbuster of last year. The actor who also produced the film, has now opened up about overcoming ‘actor crisis’ filming began on Barbie in an interview with Los Angeles Times. Writer-director Greta Gerwig also recalled the time when the actor was having a meltdown on the prospect of taking on the role.
Speaking with Los Angeles Times, Margot Robbie said, “I went to Greta’s house and had that crisis. I’d spent years trying to get this movie going. And suddenly we’re going to shoot the thing. I was like, ‘Oh my God, I dunno how to do this.’ It happens before every single movie I’ve ever done. A few weeks out, I have this meltdown where I’m like, ‘What am I doing? I don’t know how to act. Everyone’s going to suddenly realize that I can’t do any of this, and it’s going to be terrible.’ And then it is just sheer panic.” -
Alia Bhatt comes onboard for crime series Poacher as executive producer
Prime Video recently announced that actor, producer and entrepreneur Alia Bhatt has come onboard as executive producer for its upcoming Amazon Original series, Poacher.
An investigative crime series based on true events, Poacher, unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. Emmy-award winning filmmaker Richie Mehta has created, written and directed the series, which boasts of a diverse and talented cast, comprising Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles.
Poacher, which unfolds primarily in Malayalam, Hindi and English, is set to premiere on February 23.
Talking about coming onboard as the executive producer for Poacher, Alia Bhatt says, “Being part of this incredibly significant project is an honour, for both me and the entire team at Eternal Sunshine Productions. The impact of Poacher was deeply personal, and Richie’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with me and the team. The storytelling genuinely moved me, especially knowing it’s based on true events that sheds light on brutal crimes occurring in our forests. I am confident that Poacher will serve as an eye-opener, delivering a powerful message to be more compassionate and considerate towards all living beings. It’s a call to embrace co-existence and I am genuinely thrilled to be collaborating with Richie, QC and Prime Video and to contribute to this narrative.” -
Esha Deol announces divorce after 11 years of marriage
Esha Deol and husband Bharat Takhtani announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage. The couple issued a joint statement saying that the separation is “amicable”.
Esha is the daughter of Bollywood couple Dharmendra and Hema Malini.
“We have mutually and amicably decided to part ways. Through this shift in our lives, the best interests and welfare of our two children is and will be of utmost importance to us. We’d appreciate our privacy is respected,” says the statement issued to Delhi Times. -
Decisions of Sonia-led panel ruined economy, says FM
New Delhi (TIP)- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking in the Lok Sabha on Friday, Feb 9, attacked Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, calling the National Advisory Council (NAC) headed by her an “unconstitutional” body which took decisions that “ruined the economy” during the UPA regime.
She apportioned blame on Sonia and her MP son Rahul Gandhi for pressuring then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Sitharaman was replying to a motion to discuss the “White paper on Indian economy and its impact on the lives of people” in the Lok Sabha. The House adopted the motion by a voice vote.
“Sonia was an extra-constitutional and unaccountable person who oversaw this mismanagement as we joined the fragile five economies,” Sitharaman alleged, adding, “The governance was under pressure of this extra-constitutional authority. The NAC okayed 710 files. What authority did it have? It was worse than a kitchen cabinet. While Manmohan was abroad, an ordinance was torn up (by Rahul) insulting their own PM.”
“The UPA regime always put family first and left the country in dire straits. It took us 10 years of dedicated effort to get the economy back on rails. Nothing in this white paper is baseless,” she added.
The minister accused the UPA of ignoring the national security while the environment ministry had become a bottleneck. “There was a critical shortage of military equipment. India had a policy to not develop border areas. We brought down environmental approvals from 316 days to 70 days. You wanted the public distribution system scrapped. We restored it,” the minister said.
From 2005-14, only 102 cases under the PMLA reached the level of prosecution. “We gave independence to the ED and asked them to stop money laundering. Following this, 1,200 cases reached the prosecution stage,” she said.
Earlier, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the white paper a “granary of concoctions and a mountain of lies”.
He said in 1947, the per capita income was Rs 247 and in 2011, it rose to Rs 64,361. “Poverty reduced from 65 per cent in 1947 to 27 per cent in 2011-12. Life expectancy improved and literacy rates grew. It was the Congress which brought the green revolution, land reforms and created IITs and IIMs,” he added. Source: TNS -
RS passes Bill to curb exam malpractices, paper leaks
New Delhi (TIP)- The Rajya Sabha on Friday passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024. The law which aims to curb irregularities in public examinations was passed by the Lok Sabha on February 6. Union Minister for Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh, replying to the debate on the Bill said the legislation will protect students who are the “architects of new India and who will also be determining the face of India in 2047.”
Singh also said that the “first-of-its-kind in history” law will not penalise bonafide students.
The Bill penalises any person or persons resorting to unfair means with a minimum imprisonment of three years which may extend to five years and with fine up to Rs 10 lakh. The law also prescribes a higher sentence ranging from three to ten years if a company providing services for the exam is involved. For organised rackets involved in unfair means, the Bill prescribes a minimum sentence of five years which can extend up to ten years with a fine of up to Rs 1 crore. Unfair means under the proposed law is defined to include leakage of question paper or answer key, tampering with answer sheets including Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) response sheets, manipulation in seating arrangements, allocation of dates and shifts for the candidates among others.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh who supported the Bill called for a review of online examinations. “Online examinations have become a platform for corruption. Companies that have been blacklisted in one place conduct their business elsewhere. I would request the minister to stop conducting online examinations and instead have offline exams,” he said.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill states that malpractices in public examinations lead to delays and cancellation of examinations adversely impact the prospects of millions of youth. Since technical education is in the concurrent list, a central legislation on the subject would mean that states have to adopt the legislation.
Parliament passes three bills on J&K
The Parliament cleared a bill to add four groups, including Paddari and Pahari in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Jammu and Kashmir.The house approved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which adds two other communities — Gadda Brahmin and Koli — to the Scheduled Tribes list. The Upper House also cleared The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by voice vote.
The Lok Sabha had cleared the bills earlier this week.The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill-2024 seeks to provide reservation to Other Backward Classes in panchayats and municipalities in Jammu and Kashmir and bring consistency in the local body laws of the Union territory with the provisions of the Constitution. Currently, there is no provision for reservation of seats for OBCs in panchayats and municipalities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, adds Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Balmiki, Bhangi, and Mehtar communities in the list of Scheduled Castes in Jammu and Kashmir.The bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order of 1956, which lists the castes deemed to be Scheduled Castes in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The three bills were taken simultaneously for discussion and passage in the Upper House.