NEW DELHI(TIP): Under fire over corruption allegations, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president Manjit Singh GK resigned from the post on Thursday, December 6. Other members of the executive committee, including general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa, have also resigned and sent their resignations to Akali Dal president Sukhbir Sigh Badal.
Earlier, Manjit Sigh GK announced elections to the executive committee three months before the due date of March 29. The announcement was made after a meeting of the executive board called by general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa following the directions of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
After heated arguments in the meeting between members, Manjit Singh GK announced that the elections will be held either on December 28 or December 29.
A proposal for the elections would be sent to the Directorate of Gurdwara Elections, Delhi government, for the exact date.
HOUSTON(TIP): Following his second funeral service on Thursday, December 6 morning, the former president was buried at the family gravesite beside his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush, who died in April at the age of 92, and their daughter Robin, who died of leukemia in 1953 when she was only three.
After a state funeral on Wednesday in Washington that was attended by the country’s five living presidents and foreign dignitaries, Bush’s flag-draped coffin was flown to Houston.
Located on the campus of Texas A&M University, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum houses Bush’s presidential archives and is also home to exhibitions dedicated to him and the former first lady.
Bush’s granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager takes comfort in the fact that the three of them have finally been reunited. “I had the opportunity to talk with my grandpa about the afterlife,” the Today show star, 37, captioned a touching tribute on Instagram. “This is what he said: He answered without any hesitation. ‘Yes, I think about it. I used to be afraid. I used to be afraid of dying. I used to worry about death. But now in some ways I look forward to it.’ And I started crying. I managed to choke out, ‘Well, why? What do you look forward to?’ “
In response, he said: “‘Well, when I die, I’m going to be reunited with these people that I’ve lost.’ And I asked who he hoped to see. He replied, ‘I hope I see Robin, and I hope I see my mom.’”
Her grandfather went on to share that he didn’t know whether his daughter would still look like “the 3-year-old that she was, this chubby, vivacious child,” when they saw each other again, or whether she would be all grown up.
George W. Bush expressed the same gratitude for their reunion during the emotional eulogy he delivered at his father’s state funeral on Wednesday. “Every day of his 73 years of marriage, dad taught us all what it means to be a great husband … He was dedicated to her totally,” the 43rd president reflected on his parents’ relationship.
Following the death of wife Barbara on April 17, Bush 41 remained devoted to his bride, sitting beside her casket for hours in his wheelchair as mourners paid their respects while she laid in repose one day before her invitation-only funeral.
But the weight of her passing clearly took a toll on Bush, who was hospitalized less than 24 hours after burying his wife after contracting an infection that spread to his blood. He later recovered and traveled to the family’s beloved summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in mid-May, but a week later was readmitted to the hospital for low blood pressure and fatigue.
In the days since the former president’s death last Friday at the age of 94, Washington and the rest of the country have come together to mourn his loss.
His remains laid in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, followed by a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, as well as all living former presidents and their spouses — Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter — attended to pay their respects in person.
Shortly after the service, George W. and wife Laura Bush as well as their extended family traveled back to Houston with Bush’s casket on Special Mission 41. Following the second funeral service, the casket was transported by train to Bush’s final resting place at College Station, where he rejoined his wife and daughter at last.
“We’re going to miss you,” George W. added during his eulogy. “So through our tears, let us know the blessings of knowing and loving you, a great and noble man … The best man a son or daughter could have … And in our grief, let us know that dad is hugging Robin and holding mom’s hand again.”
WASHINGTON(TIP): Nancy Pelosi won support from a majority of Democrats on Wednesday, November 28, to be House speaker, marking an important milestone in her quest to lead the House when her party takes majority control of the chamber in January.
The Democratic caucus vote in favor of Pelosi, who served as the first woman speaker from 2007 to 2011, brings her a step closer to the gavel that many expect her to regain.
But becoming Madame Speaker might not be easy.
Though she ran uncontested, Democrats who oppose her have called for fresh leadership and a change in the “status quo.”
Pelosi faces a final test in January when the full House votes on leadership.
To become speaker, she will need support from a majority of the full House – 218, if all members vote.
“Are there dissenters? Yes,” Pelosi said after receiving her party’s nomination. “But I expect to have a powerful vote as we go forward.”
Once undecided midterm election results are called, Democrats could have as many as 235 members in the House, which would mean she could afford to lose 17 of their votes in January if all Republicans voted against her.
Some Democrats, however, could vote “present” instead of voting for either Pelosi or incoming Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. That would lower the number of “yes” votes she needs.
In Wednesday’s vote, 32 Democrats voted against her and three did not vote.
But Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., predicted the party will unify when voting publicly on the House floor in January.
“More people are coming off the ‘Never Pelosi’ letter than are going on it,” Swalwell said of lawmakers who previously withheld their support. “I think the momentum is in her direction.”
Rep. Elijah Cummings pleaded with Democratic holdouts to reconsider Pelosi’s bid and seemed bewildered with the more than 30 members who voted against her.
“Here we are, a woman who has given her blood sweat and tears, who has sacrificed over and over and over again, who has had some of the most phenomenal accomplishments of any speaker to serve in the House,” the Maryland Democrat said. “Then at a time when she has led us to have one of the greatest number of women that we’ve ever had, I would say to them, ‘what do you want?’”
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA(TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in two important trilateral meetings with world leaders in Buenos Aires, the Argentina capital, during which they would discuss major global challenges and developments.
Prime Minister Modi, who reached Buenos Aires to attend the G-20 summit, will participate in the first-ever trilateral meeting between Japan, America and India and the 2nd Russia, India China (RIC) trilateral, which is taking place after an interval of 12 years, on Friday.
US President Donald Trump will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and then the two leaders will meet jointly with Prime Minister Modi.
The trilateral meeting between Trump, Abe and PM Modi is taking place in the backdrop of China engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and with Japan in the East China Sea. Both the areas are said to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources.
China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims in the waterway, which includes vital sea lanes through which about USD 3 trillion in global trade passes each year.
The US has been conducting regular patrols in the South China Sea to assert freedom of navigation in the area where Beijing has built up and militarized many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region.
During the RIC meeting, Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, November 29, and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties.
The two sides also held discussions on enhancing investment in technology, renewable energy and food security.
“Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties,” the Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.
“Deepening strategic ties. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on sidelines of #G20Argentina. Discussed enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech & defense sectors,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
“In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed,” PMO sources said.
Later, the Prime Minister met UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. According to the sources, the UN Secretary General has reached out to PM Modi for the second time in two months.
They said the meeting signifies the importance that both leaders attach to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before the COP24 meet in Katowice, Poland.
“It reflects the respect in which the prime minister and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance,” the sources said.
“Looking forward to a wide range of interactions at the G-20 Summit, aimed at furthering sustainable development,” PM Modi tweeted soon after he landed in Argentina.
PM Narendra Modi will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji(1469-1539),is the Founder of Sikhism, the youngest and the fifth largest religion of the world, with a following of around 25 million worldwide. It is a monotheistic faith founded in the Punjab region of India more than 500 years ago. Most of the world’s 25 million Sikhs live in India, but more than 500,000 have made the U.S. their home.
Guru Nanak was a precursor to modern world of democratic values. His teachings, universal in nature, include equality, brotherhood, compassion, charity- the values the civilized world cherishes.
The Indian Panorama, with this issue , begins year- long celebration of the Great Master until His 550th birth anniversary in November 2019.
Readers may please contribute articles for publication. E mail to salujaindra@gmail.com
‘Guru Nanak’s message of inter-faith dialogue is the best solution to contain terrorism, radicalism: Dr. Manmohan Singh
Dr Manmohan Singh, Former Prime Minister of India Photo / Courtesy Mukesh Aggarwal
NEW DELHI(TIP): Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India said, November 22, that Guru Nanak Dev’s message of inter-faith dialogue was the best solution to terrorism and fundamentalism and should be followed to promote harmony in the country, which is witnessing social strife, religious acrimonies and caste rivalries.
“Guru Nanak’s message that all religions have merit and it is necessary to learn from each other is as relevant today as it was when He lived in our midst,” the former PM said in an exclusive interview to The Tribune on the eve of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of the founder of Sikh religion.
He stressed the urgency of mobilizing all institutions — political, religious and social — to end the scourge of terrorism. In reference to the recent terror act on the Nirankari congregation in Amritsar, he said that Punjab had suffered enough, and it would be sad if terrorism were to again take root in the state.
The Congress veteran called upon all segments of the Sikh society, the Hindus and Muslims and all others, to unite on the occasion of Parkash Utsav to promote the cult of good and honest living preached and practiced by Guru Nanak.
A practicing Sikh and India’s first Sikh PM, Dr Singh quoted poet Allama Iqbal, who best described the “Master’s” advent: “Phir uthi aakhir sada tauheed hi Punjab se…Hind ko ek mard-e-kaamil ne jagaaya khwaab se…”
No clarity yet on bilateral consensus to make corridor functional
NEW DELHI(TIP): After a long wait, and much dithering, India and Pakistan, on the eve of Guru Nanak birth anniversary, Thursday, Nov 22, claimed moving forward on opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor.
Addressing the long-standing sentiments of Sikh community, a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, Nov 22, approved building and development of the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Nanak in Gurdaspur district in Punjab to the International Border with Pakistan.
The cabinet resolution includes a detailed plan to celebrate across India and globally the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, who spent 18 years at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the banks of Ravi river, across Dera Baba Nanak, in Pakistan.
“The Kartarpur Sahib corridor will be implemented as an integrated development project with Government of India’s funding, to provide smooth and easy passage, with all modern amenities,” Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. A note verbalecommunicating the same has been sent to Pakistan High Commission from MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) whose spokesperson Raveesh Kumar added that India has “approached and urged the Pakistan government to recognize the sentiments of Sikh community and build a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory to facilitate easy and smooth visits of pilgrims from India”.
The Cabinet announcement came a day after Pakistan media reported that Islamabad has decided to lay foundation for the corridor. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote in a tweet, “Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpur Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. PM Imran Khan will do break the ground (ground breaking ceremony) at Kartarpur facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion.”
However, Indian sources claimed that Cabinet passed its resolution after many weeks of internal consultations and preparation within the government. “Any suggestion that the corridor or the celebrations are being planned as a response to a Pakistani proposal is not only preposterous, but hurtful to the sentiments of the Sikh community”, said an official.
India’s intention is that the corridor must be a full-fledged one with no restriction on pilgrims and should be open not just on special occasions but 365 days and 24 hours, said sources. “There must be free and readily available consular access for Indian citizens on the Pakistani side,” added an Indian official.
However, what remains unclear is bilateral consensus to operationalize the corridor with immigration check points at the International Border aside of development of the road by both countries on their respective sides. The matter was to be discussed if External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had met with her counterpart SM Qureshi along sidelines of UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) in New York. But India called off the meeting within 24 hours of accepting the Pakistani offer of talks .
“The modalities will need to be worked out to finalize logistical and procedural aspects, which will require some kind of a meeting,” said a Pakistani official.
Meanwhile, political leaders welcomed the move and also rushed to claim credit for movement forward after stalemate on the issue. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh welcomed the resolution “in response to the various letters and submissions he had made to the Prime Minister on this issue”.
Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD) president and former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal hailed the Modi government for its decision and announced that SAD and SGPC will take a delegation to Kartarpur Sahib in near future. Asked if Punjab minister and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu’s visit to Pakistan and controversial hugging of the country’s Army chief catalyzed the Government of India’s decision on the corridor, he quipped: “I do not know,” adding, “May be the recent grenade attack at religious place in Amritsar was because of it.”
Sidhu had claimed that the Pakistan government has decided to open the corridor following his Islamabad visit for oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Imran Khan. ‘It will act like a soothing balm for two neighboring countries’ wrote Sidhu in a tweet.
“Heartily welcome Kartarpur initiative , it will ease the situation between the two neighbors. J&K has been waiting for similar large heartedness since last 70 years. Need to carry forward Vajpayee ji initiative and open all the routes across LOC and IB in J&K,” PDP president and former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will lay the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur on November 26, Punjab Government announced. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba has asked the state government to make preparations for the ceremony.
RICHMOND HILL(TIP): Dedicated to the 549th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Founder of Sikhism, world’s youngest and the fifth largest religion, Sikhs of New York took out an impressive parade through Richmond Hill in Queens, New York, Saturday, November 17.
Organized by Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, located in Richmond Hill, the colorful parade was a treat to watch. There was a gorgeously decorated float to carry the Living Guru of the Sikhs, Shri Guru Granth Sahib. This float was at the head of the parade. The Panj Piaras (the five beloveds of the Tenth Master Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji) marched ahead of the float carrying Shri Guru Granth Sahib , with ragis singing devotional hymns and the priests attending on Guru Granth Sahib.
Behind the float of Shri Guru Granth Sahib was a float of Sikh Martial Art. Behind this float young and the old displayed the traditional Sikh martial art, known as Gatka.
The large number of the Sikhs as also their friends from other communities joined the parade, which marched through the Liberty Avenue and then moved on to Atlantic Avenue, from where it headed towards Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society on 118thStreet . It finally terminated at the starting point- Gurdwara Makhan Shah Lubana on 114thStreet and 101 Avenue.
All along the route of the parade, participants and onlookers were served with snacks and food (langar). Sikhs follow a rich tradition of serving free food to all at all their shrines and at all celebrations.
Community leaders paid rich tributes to Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. They were joined by politicians and leaders from other communities who spoke highly of Guru Nanak, Sikhism, and the Sikh community.
Sikhs will be celebrating the 550thbirth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in November 2019.
Government of India has announced yearlong celebrations in all Indian missions abroad, in preparation for the grand 550thbirth anniversary celebration of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Government of Pakistan has extended invitation to Sikhs all over the world to visit Nanakana Sahib, the birth place of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, on the occasion of the Master’s birth anniversary
Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, the apex religious body of the Sikhs, with headquarters in Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) Amritsar, as also Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee (DSGMC) have announced ambitious plans to have year long celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550thbirth anniversary.
The Indian Panorama has launched with this edition year long celebration of the 550thbirth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. We will carry scholarly articles on Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and His faith to educate Sikh youth, as also non-Sikh readers of The Indian Panorama about the universal message of Guru Nanak who preached equality, brotherhood and charity- values which make life beautiful and the world a happier place to live in.
WASHINGTON(TIP): Indian Americans were praised by the US President Donald Trump for their “incredible” performance in his administration. Trump has appointed more than two dozen Indian Americans to senior positions since he assumed office in 2017.
“I’m grateful to have numerous Americans of Indian and Southeast Asian heritage who fulfill critical roles across my administration. And they’ve done an incredible job,” Trump said as he hosted Diwali celebrations in the Roosevelt Room, November 13.
Except for the former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, around two dozen of his top Indian-American lieutenants were present at the celebrations.
Ms Haley, the first-Indian-American appointed to top Cabinet-level position, resigned last month as the US ambassador to the UN.
In eight years, former president Barack Obama had appointed more than 50 Indian-Americans to key administration positions, including Raj Shah as United States Agency for International Development administrator; Nisha Desai Biswal as the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia and Richard Verma as the US Ambassador to India.
By appointing more than two dozen Indian Americans in key administrative positions, Trump seems to be on the track to breaking the record set by his predecessor.
“Many of them are here today, including the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commissions, Ajit Pai,” Trump said as he called upon him.
“Ajit, where’s Ajit? Come here, Ajit. I just didn’t like one decision he made, but that’s all right,” he said as the small audience burst into laughter. “Not even a little bit. But he’s independent,” said the president.
Seema Verma, who in her capacity as administrator of the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, is playing a key role in healthcare reforms, Trump said.
“Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Neil Chatterjee. Where is Neil? Good. Nice to see you,” said the US president indicating that he personally knows each one of these Indian-Americans.
“The acting administrator of Drug Enforcement, and another person that I’ve become very close to, Uttam Dhillon,” Trump said.
Record number of women win; Four Indian Americans re-elected to House
WASHINGTON(TIP): US President Donald Trump has described the midterm election results as a “tremendous success” even as opposition Democrats wrested the House of Representatives from the ruling Republican party, which managed to retain its majority in the Senate in the highly polarized polls.
Trump, who campaigned aggressively in the last several weeks, Wednesday, November 7, offered an olive branch to Democrats, saying he wanted to work together with the Democratic leadership to continue delivering for the American people, including on economic growth, infrastructure, trade, lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
“Last night the Republican Party defied history to expand our Senate majority while significantly beating expectations in the House for the midterm year,” Trump told reporters, hours after the Republicans lost control of the House for the first time in eight years.
“These are some of the things that the Democrats do want to work on, and I really believe we’ll be able to do that. I think we’re going to have a lot of reason to do it,” he said as he termed the midterm poll results as a “tremendous success”.
The Democrats now have majority in the 435-member House, while Trump’s party has retained majority in the 100-member Senate.
At the time of going to press, late November 8 night, Democrats had won 229 House seats with Republicans getting 199, while 11 were still undecided.
Democrats polled 52% of votes in an election which has sent 99 women to the House, surpassing the previous record of 84 women elected to the House.
In the Senate, Democrats won 46 seats, a loss of 2 seats while Republicans won 51, a gain of 2 seats. 3 remain to be decided
The statements from the Democratic party leaders after the results indicated it would make it tough for President Trump, who wants major legislative changes on some of his signature issues including immigration, tax and healthcare reforms.
By capturing the House of Representatives, the Democrats may exert a major institutional check on Trump and break the Republican monopoly in Washington.
In the House of Representatives, the Democrats seized at least 30 seats from Republican hands, enough for the majority in the 435-membered chamber. In the outgoing House, the Republicans had 235 seats while the Democrats 193.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi hopes to return as Speaker when the new Democratic majority takes over in January. After House win, the top Democrat in the US House of Representatives pledged a new era of congressional scrutiny over President Donald Trump, shrugging off White House threats of political warfare if Democrats launch investigations into his affairs.
Emboldened Democrats want healthcare protected and Trump impeached.
Democrats have a clear message for party leaders who will take control of the US House of Representatives next year, according to a Reuters/Ipsos national opinion poll: Protect their healthcare and impeach President Donald Trump.
The poll released on Thursday, November 8, found that 43 per cent of people who identified as Democrats want impeachment to be a top priority for Congress. That goal was second in priority only to healthcare
Party leaders on Wednesday, November 7, vowed to use their majority to impose a new level of scrutiny on the Trump White House, but said impeachment would require evidence of action to subvert the Constitution.
A divided country has much to worry in the coming months, even as the Republicans and Democrats head for a collision course.
NEW DELHI(TIP): Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday, November 2, India would become the world’s fifth largest economy in 2019 and among the top three in the coming years.
Speaking at the ‘Support and Outreach Initiative for the MSME sector’ event here, the minister said since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government took over about four years ago, India has moved from the ninth to sixth position in the global economic landscape.
“Next year, India will become the fifth largest economy,” he said, adding he hoped that the country would be among the top three economies of the world in the next few years.
India emerged as the world’s sixth largest economy in 2017, surpassing France, and is likely to go past the United Kingdom, which is at the fifth position, according to an analysis of data compiled by the World Bank.
In 2017, India became the sixth largest economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.59 trillion, relegating France to the seventh position.
The United Kingdom, which is facing Brexit blues, had a GDP of $2.62 trillion, which is about $25 billion more than that of India, the data showed.
The US is the world’s largest economy with a size of $19.39 trillion, followed by China ($12.23 trillion). Japan ($4.87 trillion) and Germany (USD 3.67 trillion) are at the third and fourth places, respectively.
Referring to India’s significant jump in the World Bank’s ease of doing business index, Jaitley said it has improved 65 notches to the 77th position during the four years of the NDA government.
He said the Prime Minister has set a target of taking India among the top 50 nations in the World Bank’s ease of doing business ranking.
“We are very near the target,” Jaitley said, as he criticized the Congress-led UPA government for “policy paralysis” and “corruption”, which discouraged domestic as well as foreign investors.
He said during the last five years of the UPA government, inflation averaged around 10.4 per cent, whereas all economic parameters are now stable.
Jaitley further said that Aadhaar, which was criticized by the Opposition, has actually helped the government in saving Rs 90,000 crore annually, which is enough to fund four schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
The minister also said the MSME sector has benefited from implementation of GST, under which taxes were reduced on 334 items in the first year of its rollout.
WASHINGTON (TIP): At a “Make America Great Again” political rally in Iowa President Trump said: “It could happen. Could happen. And you know what you do. My whole life, you know what I say? ‘Don’t worry about it, I’ll just figure it out.’ Does that make sense? I’ll figure it out.”
It was an uncharacteristic lack of confidence from the usually bombastic leader, but experts have predicted Democrats could win the 24 seats it needs to gain control of the lower house of Congress for the first time since 2010.
The polling data shows, however, the Senate will still likely be controlled by conservatives.
This year’s election will break all manner of records in terms of spending as well. According to the Centre for Responsive Politics, approximately $5.2bn will be spent in this year’s midterms.
In one race alone $93m has been spent to get the Senate seat from Texas. Democrat and current US House Democrat Beto O’Rourke and Republican incumbent Ted Cruz have been trading barbs as poll numbers show a tight race.
In Georgia, Democratic governor candidate Stacey Abrams looks to make history as the first female African-American governor in the country’s history. Controversy abounds as opponent Republican Brian Kemp is also the Georgia secretary of state who would be in charge of a possible runoff election should neither candidate receives 50 per cent of the vote.
Barack Obama and Oprah have joined Ms Abrams on the campaign trail and former president Jimmy Carter has even asked Mr Kemp to resign from his current position in light of hiscandidacy.
In Florida, Andrew Gillum, the current Democratic Mayor of Tallahassee, squares off with Republican Ron DeSantis in an important race for the president as he begins campaigning for his 2020 re-election bid.
Amid the debates on healthcare policy and taxes, a migrant caravan of approximately 7,000 people still 1,000 miles away from the US-Mexico border has been in the headlines on the campaign trail.
MUMBAI(TIP): Denying any cronyism in the Rafale fighter aircraft deal, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Thursday, October 25, that details about offset partners will be known only when the procurement begins.
“…Dassault and two or three companies are participating in the supply of Rafale. So each one of them will have an offset obligation to be fulfilled,” she said at the ‘India Summit: Status of the nation’, organized by the Economist magazine.
Asked about the controversy surrounding Dassault Aviation’s choice of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense as an offset partner, Sitharaman said each company involved in the supply will have its offset partners in India.
“Now for Dassault alone to come back to me to say that their offset is getting fulfilled completely, through one, two, three or any number of companies with whom they either go with investments or go for a buying of a product or buying of a service, (it) is left to Dassault to come to me to claim it.
“Till such time they claim each and every one of them, I will not know whether they are with one, or ten or with hundred (Indian offset partners),” the minister said.
“The offset partners’ details will be known when they approach me with bills detailing what kind of service is being received, whether it is in the form of equipment or investment,” she said.
While the Congress has alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal and accused the government of favoring Ambani’s firm, the government as well as Anil Ambani have vehemently denied the opposition party’s allegations.
Sitharaman noted that the commencement of the delivery of Rafale jets has not begun.
“They still have time to come back to me to say look, my offset is getting fulfilled through these routes. They will have to submit transaction details of who got the money, for what purpose. Till all that is done, I cannot even claim how many people they (Dassault) are going with,” the minister added.
She said the previous UPA government had floated a global tender for procurement of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA).
“They never bought it (the aircraft) but always claim that they bought it at one particular amount,” she said, rebutting the Congress allegation that the price of the aircraft shot up in the deal signed by the NDA government.
“The emergency number (of planes) which UPA required was 18 but with more time passing, the emergency number what we wanted was 36, which is equal to two squadrons,” the defense minister said.
She said the UPA government went for an open tender, but the present government opted for an inter-governmental tender.
“For the 18 and for the rest they (UPA government) went for a tender. What we have done is that we have gone for inter-governmental tender for first 36 emergency number, while rest of the procurement will be through strategic partnership,” Sitharaman said.
She added that there will be an overseas manufacturer along with an Indian partner for manufacturing of rest of the planes.
“So, the processes have been simplified, (made) much transparent now. That is why there is so much information available in the public domain. There is no scandal or crony (capitalism) any way,” the defense minister insisted.
East Meets West Concert with Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, Bangash brothers and The Refugee Orchestra Project Enthrall
I.S. Saluja
UNITED NATIONS(TIP): UN Day was celebrated at United Nations General Assembly Hall with a Concert, Oct 24. UN Day marks the anniversary of the coming into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.The dayhas been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.
Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and the Refugee Orchestra Project, with Lidiya Yankovskaya, conductor and Artistic Director, enthralled the audience with a memorable musical performance.
The theme of the Concert was “traditions of peace and non-violence”.
The program , meticulously crafted by Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, hosts to the UN Day Concert, could not have offered a better fare.
Much before the time for the program to begin, the UNGA Hall was packed . Under Secretary-General for Global Communications Ms. Alison Smale welcomed the gathering and made introductory remarks.
United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres speaking on UN Day at UNGA Hall, 24th Oct 2018 Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
UNGA Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres in his brief remarks wished all a happy UN day and spoke of aspirations and hopes of people across the world. He said there are discriminations , human rights violations, women’s rights issues- and many more issues which need to be dealt with. He called upon the world to continue efforts to resolve the issues and urged people never to give up. “ Don’t give up”.
He recalled his recent visit to India where, he said, “I had the opportunity to pay respects to world’s greatest leader-Mahatma Gandhi”. He referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence which he said, was the theme of UN Day celebrations this year.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin speaking on the occasion Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
The Secretary General thanked Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations for supporting the concert.
He extended a word of welcome to performers.
A video message of President of the United Nations General Assembly Ms. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces was played. In her message, the UNGA President said it was a day of celebration. Recalling the great message of Mahatma Gandhi, she spoke of a need to prefer dialogue over conflict. She spoke of empowerment of people of the whole world. “ Let us celebrate the Day with hope”, she said.
She thanked the Permanent Mission of India ( PMI) for supporting the celebration.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin.said, ”Every year on Oct 24 we celebrate in this common hall the coming in to being of the United Nations”. He said the UN Day concert is a celebration of common values of humanity.He spoke of the desire of the people of the world for liberty and equality . He then quoted Rabindra Nath Tagore.
“Where the mind is without fear and the head held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action;
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”
A view of the gathering Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
Speaking about the Concert, Mr. Akbaruddin said, “Music uplifts. Music gives courage and hope. Music of India is indicative of our tradition”.
The Ambassador described Ustad Amjad Ali Khan as a charismatic musician with a long musical heritage . He welcomed the performers who included, besides Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, his two sons, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, and The Refugee Orchestra Project, conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya.
In his remarks, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan recalled the concert on October 2, 2018, to mark the 150thbirth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi where he had performed, and said it was a pleasure and honor to be associated with the celebrations. He referred to the presence at the concert of President of India, Ramnath Kovind , and of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India.
Speaking about music, the maestro said, “music is universal and unifying”.
As part of tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons played the favorite bhajans of Mahatma Gandhi, which included, Vaisnav Jan… and a Ram Dhun which was very dear to Gandhi.
A Panoramic view of the performers at the concert, with Lidiya Yankovskaya (back to camera) conducting the Orchestra. Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
Next came Samaagam-a confluence of the East and the West. It was a Sarod concerto. The Refugee Orchestra Project conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya and the Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan with his sons and the table player cast a magic spell. Their music sent the audience in to a trance. The 90-minute concert was an experience to be savored and treasured.
NEW DELHI(TIP): Three days after he returned from his foreign trip to face embarrassing allegations of sexual harassment, Union Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on Wednesday, October 17, resigned from his post, maintaining that he would challenge the false accusations against him.
Akbar has slapped a criminal defamation case against Priya Ramani, the first journalist who publicly named and shamed the junior minster. The hearing in the defamation case is scheduled to come up for hearing on Thursday in the Patiala House court here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Akbar’s resignation after which it was sent to President Ram Nath Kovind. Later, the President also accepted his resignation from the council of ministers.
Though the pressure was high, both on him and the government, from women groups and also saffron ideologues, sources said the final decision was taken after “carefully testing the waters” and when it eventually became clear that his presence was causing “irreparable harm” to the reputation of the BJP, in the country as well as abroad.
Akbar has threatened “appropriate legal action” against those who levelled “wild and baseless allegations” against him, but that did not stop survivors to come out in public about their horror tales. Quite clearly, he was asked to put in his papers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after it became clear that it was neither morally nor politically tenable for him to continue in the high post, especially given his profile.
PM Modi, as they say, is also quite particular about perceptions about him in foreign countries.
As clamor for action against Akbar from his former women colleagues grew, there were worries in the BJP about the allegations damaging the party’s “pro-women” image ahead of elections to five states. While the BJP and government functionaries maintained a stoic silence, it was perhaps the first time in his tenure that PM Modi faced the piquant Catch-22 situation when either way it would have been detrimental for the image of his government.
However, his presence in the government had become far too “embarrassing for PM Modi” though he continues to be a Rajya Sabha member and also a member of the BJP.
For the BJP, holding on to Akbar would have served no purpose given his lack of mass-based appeal. Holding on to him would have come at a cost, the price of which it may have had to pay with a dent in its “pro-women” image in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha in urban pockets. It can now take a moral high ground, safely.
In a statement, Akbar said, “Since I have decided to seek justice in a court of law in my personal capacity, I deem it appropriate to step down from office and challenge false accusations levied against me, also in a personal capacity. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation from the office of Minister of State for External Affairs. I am deeply grateful to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj for the opportunity they gave me to serve my country.”
The Rashtrapati Bhawan said later on Wednesday that President Ramnath Kovind had accepted Akbar’s resignation.
“The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignation of Shri M. J. Akbar from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.,” a communiqué from the President’s office said.
Reacting to Akbar’s resignation, Priya Ramani said, “As women we feel vindicated.”
“I look forward to the day when I will also get justice in court,” she tweeted.
As women we feel vindicated by MJ Akbar’s resignation.
However, this raises questions as to why PM Modi did not intervene earlier? Why was Akbar allowed to complete his overseas trip to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea last week instead of being recalled as the #MeToo storm hit? And why did the government wait it out for Akbar to threaten accusers with legal action and sue Priya Ramani in court?
It is learnt that what also made the government jittery was the fact that despite the legal case against Priya Ramani, another woman journalist Tushita Patil penned an article alleging sexual abuse against Akbar dating back to 1992-1993 when she was a rookie reporter and he a prominent journalist and editor.
Some 20 women also in a statement joined hands with Ramani and asked the court to hear them out in the defamation case while two former male colleagues and journalists also came out in support of the reported #MeToo victims.
Khashoggi disappeared , October 2, under mysterious circumstances in Saudi Consulate in Istanbul
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman behind journalist’s disappearance?
WASHINGTON(TIP): President Donald Trump on Thursday, October 18, told reporters that it “certainly looks” as if the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead, based on ‘intelligence coming from every side’.
“Unless the miracle of all miracles happens, I would acknowledge that he’s dead,” Trump said to The Times. “That’s based on everything — intelligence coming from every side.”
The president also said consequences would have to be “very severe” if it turns out Saudi Arabia is responsible for Khashoggi’s death.
Additionally, Trump said he would not make a statement on the case until several investigations into Khashoggi’s disappearance have concluded.
“I think we’ll be making a statement, a very strong statement,” Trump said. “But we’re waiting for the results of about — there are three different investigations, and we should be able to get to the bottom fairly soon.”
Khashoggi, who most recently wrote for The Washington Post, was often critical of the Saudi government in his reporting. He disappeared after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2, and Turkish officials have accused the Saudis of brutally killing Khashoggi there.
The Saudis have so far denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s disappearance. But more than two weeks later, the Saudi government has still not provided any evidence that the journalist safely departed the consulate.
Trump has largely stood by the Saudis over the past week as they’ve issued a series of denials.
The president at one point suggested that “rogue killers” could be responsible but provided no evidence to back up that assertion.
Trump also said on Tuesday that the criticism against the Saudi Kingdom amid the Khashoggi investigation was another instance of “guilty until proven innocent.”
Meanwhile, Trump has touted the strategic alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia, boasting about billions of dollars in planned arms sales to the Saudis. He said last week that it would be a “tough pill to swallow” to cease the sales over Khashoggi, contending that such a move would hurt the US economy.
Two weeks after he disappeared, The Washington Post has published what it said appears to be Jamal Khashoggi’s final column, in which the missing Saudi journalist writes of the importance of a free press in the Arab world.
Such a forum is currently lacking, says Khashoggi, a Post contributor and US resident who disappeared entering Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2.
“The Arab world is facing its own version of an Iron Curtain, imposed not by external actors but through domestic forces vying for power,” he writes.
“The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices,” Khashoggi writes.
“Through the creation of an independent international forum, isolated from the influence of nationalist governments spreading hate through propaganda, ordinary people in the Arab world would be able to address the structural problems their societies face.”
The ultimate fate of Khashoggi — whose writings have been critical of powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – is still unknown, but leaks by anonymous Turkish officials have painted a picture of him allegedly meeting a grisly demise in the consulate at the hands of Saudi agents. In the introduction to Khashoggi’s column — the Post’s Global Opinions editor Karen Attiah said the newspaper held off on publishing it in the hopes that he would return. — AFP
A man who previously travelled with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s entourage to the US entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul just before Jamal Khashoggi vanished there
Images published on Thursday by a pro-govt Turkish newspaper shows the man also later outside the Saudi consul general’s home, checking out of a Turkish hotel with a large suitcase
Britain, France, the US and the Netherlands have decided not to attend an investment summit in Riyadh as international pressure on Saudi Arabia over the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi grows
Terming the issue “very serious”, these countries said “the full truth of this affair be known and those responsible for the journalist’s disappearance must be held to account”
A Turkish daily reported on Thursday, October 18, that one of the suspects involved in the case was killed in a “suspicious car accident” in Riyadh even as investigators in Ankara expanded their probe to two wooded areas outside Istanbul
Mashal Saad al-Bostani, 31, a lieutenant of the Saudi Royal Air Force, was among the 15 suspects who left Turkey on October 2 after going to Saudi Arabia’s Istanbul consulate.
NEW YORK(TIP): At least 15 Saudi journalists and bloggers have been arrested over the past year, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Wednesday, October 10, following the disappearance of Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi.
“In most cases, their arrests have never been officially confirmed and no official has ever said where they are being held or what they are charged with,” RSF, which defends press freedom around the world, said in a statement.
Cases included that of Saleh al-Shihi, a journalist whose arrest was only confirmed in February when his family learned he had been sentenced to five years in prison, RSF said.
He disappeared in December 2017, but his detention was not revealed until his conviction and sentence were announced in the kingdom, the organisation added.
Economist and citizen-journalist Essam al-Zamel was put on trial this month for criticising the government’s economic strategy in a series of tweets and reports. It was only then officially confirmed he has been in jail for the past year.
Another journalist and commentator, Turad al-Amri, has been missing since November 2016 after protesting in a tweet to a clampdown on Saudi media, including the blocking of an online newspaper for which he had written.
Fayez bin Damakh, another reporter and poet, has also been reported missing since September 2017 when he was about to launch a TV news channel in neighbouring Kuwait.
Local press reports suggested he was abducted and taken to Saudi Arabia, though this has never been confirmed.
“The traditionally opaque methods used by Saudi Arabia to silence critical journalists constitute grounds for fearing the worst in the case of Khashoggi’s disappearance,” said Sophie Anmuth, head of RSF’s Middle East desk.
Khashoggi, who lived in self-imposed exile in the United States, vanished on October 2 after entering Riyadh’s consulate in Istanbul to obtain official documents ahead of his marriage to his Turkish fiancee.
On Wednesday, Turkish television released CCTV footage of him entering the consulate.
Saudi authorities have said the journalist left the building after his visit and rejected Turkish police suggestions he might have been killed there.
RSF is calling for an independent international investigation to determine his fate.
A total of 25 to 30 professional and non-professional journalists are currently believed to be detained in Saudi Arabia, which is ranked 169th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2018 World Press Freedom Index, the organisation also said.
Congressman Tom Suozzi recommends Stronger US India relationship
HICKSVILLE, NY(TIP): Mrs. Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager of Air India was hosted to a warm send off by the Indian American community here, October 8.
Congressman Tom Suozzi presenting a Congressional Recognition to Mrs. Vandana Sharma, Regional Manager-Americas, Air India, October 8
The dinner co-hosted by Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Publisher/Editor of The Indian Panorama, Attorney Ravi Batra and his wife Ranju Batra at Antun’s in Hicksville , was attended by over a hundred community representatives and officials, which included Consul General of India in New York , Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty who was accompanied by wife Taruna Chakravorty, and Congressman Tom Suozzi, besides leaders of various community organizations, officials from different sectors, and friends.
Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India in New York had all praise for Mrs. Vandana Sharma
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty recalled the tremendous work done by Mrs. Vandana Sharma to take the Indian national carrier Air India to new heights. He mentioned how Mrs. Sharma played a leadership role in times of emergencies and set an example of customer care. He congratulated Mrs. Sharma for her achievements and wished her well in her new position.
Ambassador Chakravorty also spoke about the ever-strengthening relationship between India and the US and said much more needed to be done. He appreciated the large Indian Diaspora in the US for their contribution to ever growing relationship between India and US. H e mentioned briefly the enormous contribution of Indians in various spheres in the US.
Congressman Tom Suozzi extended his good wishes to Mrs. Sharma and presented her a Congressional Recognition for the great work she did as Regional Manager of Air India.
Congressman Tom Suozzi spoke at length about his long and happy relationship with the South Asian community, of which Indian American community is a large segment. He said he represents New York’s Congressional District 3 which includes the largest number of South Asians in a District in the whole of US. He spoke about how the Indian American community has been growing in his district both in numbers and in strength, economically and politically.
Speaking about US India relations, the Congressman commended both US and India for having worked in close cooperation in various fields. He said there was need to not only keep up the pace of cooperation but also to accelerate it. He referred to growing ambition of China to “dominate” the world “economically and militarily”. It is in the interest of both the US and India to come together to counter China’s growing power, he said. He called upon the Indian American community to continue their effort at strengthening the close cooperation between the two great democracies of the world.
Mr. Suozzi also recalled his memorable visit to India where besides meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi (The Indian Panorama had published the news report) and other leaders including India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he went for sightseeing. He grew nostalgic about the Taj Mahal in Agra in his mention of the places. He said he found India a great place and Indians a great people.
Referring to the contribution of the Indian American community (which he never fails to do), he observed that the community has done well and is influential. However, he suggested that the community should get more involved in the political system.
All through his address, he repeatedly returned to Mrs. Vandana Sharma, praising her as a fine person and as an efficient administrator of India’s largest airline Air India. He wished her “continued success and 8happiness in your future endeavors” and presented the Congressional Recognition which said “I thank you for spending your time, talent and treasure with Air India-Americas. Your sincerity and dedication to those you serve has not gone unnoticed and is appreciated. Best wishes for continued success and happiness in your future endeavors”.
Attorney Ravi Batra, a co-host of the send off dinner, dwelt on how important it is for the Indian American community to intelligently define their relationship with the country of their adoption.
Attorney Ravi Batra spoke about the tremendous contribution in refurbishing the image of Air IndiaRanju Batra recalled how Mrs. Sharma helped her at every step in her effort to have the Diwali Stamp issued.
Ranju Batra who introduced Vandana Sharma, spoke very highly of Mrs. Sharma, describing her as the finest human being and a true friend. She recalled how Mrs. Sharma had extended all cooperation when she was waging a relentless struggle to have the Diwali stamp issued.
Mrs. Vandana Sharma expressed her gratitude to the Indian American community for their cooperation and loveMrs. Vandana Sharma surprised all with a soulful playing on Violin
Mrs. Vandana Sharma was visibly emotional while speaking to the gathering. She thanked the community for their cooperation and love during her 3 year stay in New York. She said she had received immense love from all quarters- he colleagues, customers, and community. She invited the gathering to Delhi where she said she would love to receive them with all warmth and live over the happy days spent in New York.
Prof. Indrajit S Saluja extending a word of welcome
Earlier, Prof. Indrajit Saluja extended a word of welcome and mentioned how Mrs. Sharma endeared herself to all with her affable nature. He described Mrs. Sharma is a pleasant person who will be deeply missed. However, he said, most people land at Delhi airport while visiting India, and since Mrs. Sharma is taking over as Deputy General Manager, Delhi Airport, it will be easier to look her up.
The presentation of bouquets to guests was ably handled by 7-year-old Kabir Raj Beri, Prof. Saluja’s grandson.
Mrs. Vandana Sharma with community leaders who penned down their good wishes for her on a Card which was presented on their behalf to Mrs. Sharma by Prof. Indrajit S Saluja Photos / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, presented, on behalf of the community a good wishes card signed by over 100 persons present in the room.
Kolkata based Sarod virtuoso Apratim Majumdar and Tabla Player Amit Chatterjee cast a magic spell on the audience
Kolkata based Sarod virtuoso Apratim Majumdar and Tabla Player Amit Chatterjee cast a magic spell on the audience. Apratim is the most thinking and creative Sarod player, a composer of a very special quality, and a brilliant performer.
Amit Chatterjee is a highly gifted Tabla player who received training from the famous internationally reputed Tabla Maestro Pandit Sankha Chatterjee.
The two were joined by another gifted artist- Suresh Kumar Ketwaroe who was not only incredible with his Guitar, but also entertained the gathering with superb rendering of Hindi and Punjabi songs.
Mrs. Purnima Desai, Founder and Director of Shikshayatan and Sriniketan- the two institutions dedicated to promoting Indian culture and classical music and dances, who had only last week organized a two-day International music concert in which around 50 eminent artists participated, was kind enough to invite all three to the send off dinner to Mrs. Vandana Sharma.
Pratibha Goyal who gave a superb performance of KathakA view of the gathering
Another extremely talented artist present and performing was Pratibha Goyal who gave a superb performance of Kathak. Mrs. Gunjan Rastogi, President of India Association of Long Island discovered the artist for the occasion.
Signup to our Newsletter!
Don’t miss out on all the happenings around the world
