The Indian Panorama

Tag: politics

  • On a positive note:Modi-Khan talk of peace and progress

    On a positive note:Modi-Khan talk of peace and progress

    With Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerging as the single largest party in the General Assembly, his becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan is a foregone conclusion. Even as Khan extended an olive branch to the Indian establishment in his speeches, Prime Minister Modi too has responded in kind by calling him up and expressing hope for better relations between the two neighbors. This is a good beginning, although too much cannot be read in it.

    The lure of quick emotional appeal by blaming the other side for failures is de rigueur for political players. India and Pakistan have long been on a destructive streak of avoidable escalation of issues and mutual condemnation. Imran Khan’s appeal lies much in him being perceived as an outsider in the power structure of Pakistan, even though he enjoys the support of the most powerful political force in the country, the army. He has shown a willingness to change the narrative that had long confined itself to narrow partisanship. India must respond to it in kind.

    Indeed, Prime Minister Modi, with his penchant for out-of-the-box thinking, could be a willing partner in striving towards greater mutual understanding and peace, even though he has burnt his hands once with his impromptu birthday greetings to Khan’s predecessor. More than grand gestures, incremental gains, made by focusing on details and diplomatic processes, that are likely to yield long-lasting results. But then, the beginning is always in setting the tone, which the two leaders have done. Squandering away yet another chance to bring peace to the subcontinent would be a folly that both India and Pakistan can ill afford. Realistically, the two leaders have begun well, and that is all. They both will need to avoid the temptation of heeding to the hawks and the politician’s urge to seize the spotlight even as they allow diplomats to interact and to work out solutions that become building blocks which would enable the two countries to negotiate the burdens of history by focusing on the present and the future.

    (Tribune, India)

  • Imran Khan Favors Austere Oath Ceremony: No Foreign Leader will be invited

    Imran Khan Favors Austere Oath Ceremony: No Foreign Leader will be invited

    ISLAMABAD(TIP): A Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, on Thursday, August 2, said that no foreign leader will be invited to the oath-taking ceremony of Imran Khan, as the prime minister in-waiting wants to keep the event very simple and dignified.

    Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the elections held on July 25. The 65-year-old leader is expected to take oath on August 11.

    Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said a simple ceremony will be held at the President House for which no date has been fixed.

    “No dignitary from abroad except a few close friends of Chairman PTI Imran Khan would attend the simple and dignified oath-taking at Aiwan-e-Sadar (President House),” said Faisal.

    President Mamnoon Hussain will administer Khan the oath of the office.

    Imran’s party had initially planned to invite several foreign leaders and personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, in an apparent change of heart today, Khan has opted against a fancy ceremony.

    Faisal said that the PTI also announced that no foreign leaders would attend the oath-taking ceremony.

    In a tweet, the PTI announced that the oath taking will be a simple and dignified ceremony and “it has been decided not to invite foreign dignitaries”.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demands citizenship rights for Afghan Sikhs and Hindus

    Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demands citizenship rights for Afghan Sikhs and Hindus

    NEW DELHI(TIP): The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday, August 2, urged the central government to grant full citizenship rights to the minority Hindu and Sikh immigrants from Afghanistan who have been forced to flee to India. Also, it sought Central intervention for granting minority status to Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir.

    A delegation of SAD MPs, led by Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh pressing for citizenship rights to the immigrants from Afghanistan.

    The delegation comprised SS Dhindsa, Naresh Gujral and Prem Singh Chandumajra. Former MP Tarlochan Singh, president of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Manjit Singh (GK), and representatives of Hindu and Sikh immigrants from Afghanistan accompanied the delegation.

    Making a distinction between the immigrants in Assam, the delegation said the Hindus and Sikhs were forced to flee Afghanistan on account of religious persecution by the Taliban. They settled in India more than three decades back.

    Besides, their parents are from India. “It is lamentable that even though the Government of India’s standing policy is to welcome people of Indian origin if they are forced to leave their adopted countries, the immigrants from Afghanistan are made to run from pillar to post to get citizenship rights,” the delegation said.

    A memorandum was submitted to Rajnath Singh in the regard.

    Gujral said Rajnath Singh’s attention was also drawn to Sikhs not given minority status in the state of Jammu and Kashmir by the state government.

    Rajnath Singh was urged to intervene to ensure safety of life and property of Sikhs residing in Meghalaya and in other north-eastern states.

    Raising the issue of Chandigarh Administration amending the Motor Vehicle Act making it mandatory for even the Sikh women to wear helmets, the SAD urged the Centre to intervene.

    Gujral said Rajnath Singh assured the delegation of giving a sympathetic consideration to the issues. With regard to granting citizenship rights to the immigrants from Afghanistan, he assured he would convene a meeting of officials, probably on August 14.

    (Source: Tribune)

  • Intelligence heads warn of foreign interference in US elections

    Intelligence heads warn of foreign interference in US elections

    “We know that, through decades, Russia had tried to use its propaganda and methods to sew discord in America. However, they stepped up their game big time in 2016.”-  Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.

    WASHINGTON(TIP): A number of top intelligence community officials gathered, August 2, at White House briefing to discuss U.S. efforts going forward to combat election interference attempts. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was joined by FBI Director Christopher Wray, Director of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, National Security Advisor John Bolton, and National Security Agency Director Gen. Paul Nakasone.

    The briefing came after a Senate intelligence hearing Tuesday, July 31 in which key officials criticized the Trump administration for not taking foreign election threats more seriously.

    Each intelligence official opened with a statement on what their agency is doing ahead of the 2018 midterm elections while also cautioning that election meddling efforts are real and pervasive.

    Nielsen said that “our democracy is in the crosshairs.”

    Ahead of the briefing on Thursday, Bolton also sent a letter to Democrat Senators outlining how the Trump Administration is taking action to ensure election integrity.

    “I think the president has made it abundantly clear to everybody who has responsibility in this area that he cares deeply about it and that he expects them to do their jobs to their fullest ability, and that he supports them fully,” Bolton said in the briefing.

    Coats, who fielded most of the reporter questions following each official’s opening statement, said that while the U.S. is just “one keyboard click away” from encountering a previously unidentified means of Russian meddling, there appears to be a lesser effort ahead of the 2018 midterm elections than there was in 2016.

    “Relative to what we have seen for the midterm elections, it is not the kind of robust campaign that we assessed in the 2016 election,” Coats said. “We know that, through decades, Russia had tried to use its propaganda and methods to sew discord in America. However, they stepped up their game big time in 2016. We have not seen that kind of robust effort from them so far.”

    Coats said the current efforts do not appear to target one specific party but mentioned that the U.S. is aware of actors other than Russia with meddling capabilities and who considered attacking.

    “The Russians are looking for every opportunity regardless of party, regardless of whether or not it applies to the election, to continue their pervasive efforts to undermine our fundamental values,” he said.

    Wray said the FBI has not yet seen foreign attempts at interfering with election infrastructure for the midterms, but that divisive information is being spread from overseas.

     

  • Prime Minister Imran Khan

    Prime Minister Imran Khan

    Can he mature fast enough for the requirements of his new office or will he need guidance?

    By S. Akbar Zaidi
    “Mr. Khan, till now the vitriolic candidate and opposition leader, will have to mature to be a more sobering influence on government and on his many first-time, overly enthusiastic Ministers who are inexperienced in governance, much like himself. Probably the considerable influence of the military and the judiciary on him will go a long way in helping this. Or, perhaps, the current Mrs. Khan’s visions will now guide his and the country’s future”,says the author.

    While Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were fairly confident that they would emerge as the largest party in July 25 elections, they could not have imagined that they would make such a strong showing, resulting in Mr. Khan becoming Pakistan’s next Prime Minister. Even some academics, supposedly looking at empirical data, got it very wrong. Although all the results have been neither verified nor notified, and many seats will have to be given up since many contenders, including Mr. Khan who had been leading in all his five constituencies, contested and won from more than one seat, no one is going to dare stand in the way of his greatest, crowning moment.

    In many cases, the victory margins of the PTI are huge and impressive. The party has even made considerable inroads into former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nawaz Sharif’s fortress of the Punjab, coming a near second. It will probably form government there as well, with many of the Independents and breakaway members. Many key members of the PML(N), including former national and provincial ministers, have been defeated, including in the party’s core constituencies such as Lahore and Faisalabad. The PTI is the first party to be re-elected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, increasing its seats. Perhaps the biggest shock has been the rout of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) in its perceived stronghold, Karachi, where again the PTI has made significant gains.

    The establishment’s man

    There are a number of reasons why the PTI has won. Some of these are part of Pakistan’s perpetual political economy and are more standard, and there is one possible explanation which is particularly bizarre. It has been clear for many months now that Pakistan’s military establishment, with support from the superior judiciary, did not under any circumstances want Mr. Sharif’s party to win. This establishment went out of its way to ensure that he was disqualified and imprisoned, and that many of his former allies and comrades either joined the PTI or contested as Independents. In southern Punjab, several of Mr. Sharif’s allies abandoned him en masse. Furthermore, the MQM in Karachi was broken up into many groups. There was much prepoll rigging by the military. Independent commentary in the media was controlled and censored and many journalists and media houses were threatened and shut down. Open discussion and those dissenting were threatened in unprecedented ways, reminiscent of Pakistan’s many martial laws.

    Despite being the military’s favorite representative, Mr. Khan must also be given credit for a forceful campaign. He could not have won without believing that he would. He traversed the country, speaking at multiple events on the same day in different cities. While the leaders of other parties did the same, he was more visible on electronic media and had a huge presence on social media. He was also told that it was important to have winnable candidates and advised to take many dubious candidates into his party who were considered electable. Pakistan’s demography — with a large proportion of young and first-time voters, called ‘youthias’, supporting the PTI — is also likely to have worked in Mr. Khan’s favor this time more than in 2013, given a considerably mauled PML(N).

    Another explanation?

    There is yet another reason being given for why Mr. Khan won so convincingly. Many months ago, a married woman and a mother of five, Bushra Riaz Wattoo, had a dream. A resident of Pakpattan in the Punjab, Ms. Wattoo was considered to be a pirni (female spiritual guide). She was believed to have been a ‘modern’ woman once who then turned to Sufism. She told her husband that Prophet Muhammad appeared in her dream one day and asked her to get married to Mr. Khan. This would not only remove all the hurdles in Mr. Khan’s way to become Prime Minister but would also eventually usher in a golden era for Pakistan, she said. It was reported in different newspapers at the beginning of this year that Ms. Wattoo met and told Mr. Khan that he would become Prime Minister only if he got married before January 5. It was later disclosed that having divorced her husband, she married Mr. Khan on or around January 1 this year, and by all accounts her prophecy has come through.

    Mr. Khan has shown himself to be abusive, derogatory, misogynistic, arrogant and dictatorial, all within a few weeks. He has said that feminism degrades motherhood and that liberals ‘seek blood’ and are the most dangerous constituency in Pakistan. At the same time, he has been soft on the Taliban. During his campaign, he stated that he would have a nationalist, anti-U.S. and anti-India foreign policy. He is a born-again Muslim now with a Tasbeeh (rosary) in his hands, a conservative Muslim nationalist who believes in neoliberal economic policies. Since his party has not won a complete majority, he will have to be conciliatory and show a far more inclusive attitude towards other groups in Parliament than he has during his vile campaign.

    On the day after the elections, seven losing parties called the elections rigged. One senior leader called them “the dirtiest polls in the history of Pakistan”, and the PML(N) rejected the results outright. An all-party conference to discuss the results as well as the next step has been called for Friday. It is possible that the opposition parties may have learnt from the tactics of Mr. Khan in the previous Parliament. First, he did not accept the results, and as the enfant terrible, made much of the claim that the 2013 elections were completely rigged. He took his case to the streets in his famous dharna of 2014, and to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP found almost no rigging during the 2013 elections, and he had to reluctantly accept the results.

    In Naya Pakistan

    The elections might be over — sordid, controversial and rigged as they have been. It is also very clear that Imran Khan is Pakistan’s next Prime Minister. Whether his wife’s prophecy of Pakistan entering a golden era will come true or not in Naya Pakistan will depend, to start with, on how the Prime Minister-designate handles the immediate expected backlash from the political parties which have lost. Mr. Khan, till now the vitriolic candidate and opposition leader, will have to mature to be a more sobering influence on government and on his many first-time, overly enthusiastic Ministers who are inexperienced in governance, much like himself. Probably the considerable influence of the military and the judiciary on him will go a long way in helping this. Or, perhaps, the current Mrs. Khan’s visions will now guide his and the country’s future.

    (The author is a political economist based in Karachi. He teaches at Columbia University in New York, and at the IBA in Karachi)

     

  • Trump’s performance could help Republicans win the mid-term election

    Trump’s performance could help Republicans win the mid-term election

    By Ven Parameswaran
    “If the U.S. economy grew @ 4%, this will make a big headline not only in the USA but the entire world.  U.S. economy is the engine that drives the global economy. President Trump, of course, will take full credit.  He would argue that his economic policies have started finally working for the benefit of America and the world.  Trump’s massive historic tax cuts, deregulations, America first and better terms of trade, and running a lean government are having the positive impact on the economy.”

    The government will release the 2nd quarter GDP on Friday, July 27th.  According to the Conference Board, Federal Reserve and the IMF, the GDP growth for the second quarter will be between 4 and 5 per cent. For my analysis, let me take the lowest and the most conservative figure of 4%.  If the U.S. economy grew @ 4%, this will make a big headline not only in the USA but the entire world.  U.S. economy is the engine that drives the global economy.

    President Trump, of course, will take full credit for the robust economy.  He would argue that his economic policies have started finally working for the benefit of America and the world.  Trump’s massive historic tax cuts, deregulations, America first and better terms of trade, and running a lean government are having the positive impact on the economy.

    It is true that the unemployment hit 3.8% in June.  Unemployment amongst the Blacks, Latinos and Women is also the lowest recorded.  Wages have been rising.  The frustrated unemployed who stopped looking for jobs are back now, and the unemployment went up to 4% in July.  Corporate earnings are going up substantially, thanks to the tax cut. Profits accumulated abroad have started coming back because of the tax incentives.  The DOW Jone’s average is up 38% since Trump’s election.

    TRUMP’S NEW WORLD ORDER

    Trump has challenged foreign countries without discrimination.  He has been tough on our closest allies – Canada, U.K., France, South Korea, and Germany.  He has questioned the effectiveness of NATO without strong defense.  He has admonished our allies and members of the NATO for not paying their share of 2% of their GDP.  He was even critical of Germany depending on Russia for importing $600 billion of gas yearly.  He said that Germany as our ally should be buying gas from us.   I must point out that ever since NATO was created in 1949, it has not been able to defend one inch of European territory encroached by the Soviet Union or Russia.  If the Europe had invested in strong defense, the NATO could have been a real tiger, not a paper tiger as now.

    SYRIA:  Trump used the military force twice to punish Syria, whereas Obama failed.   Trump can take credit for defeating the ISIS.  We do not see any more horrible pictures of Americans being killed and hung publicly.

    ISRAEL: Israel was created in 1948.  Trump is the first President to make Jerusalem its capital.  The majority of the UN General Assembly voted against and the fake media warned of crisis.  Trump’s courageous action stands, and Israel is more secure.

    NORTH KOREA:  Trump is the first President to have a summit meeting with the North Korean leader in Singapore.  Trump claims that the denuclearization process has started and could end within a year.  What a change?

    RUSSIA: Trump claims that his summit with Putin has contributed to better relations.  The relationship was almost frozen during Obama’s time.

    PAKISTAN: Trump is the first President to punish Pakistan for encouraging terrorism in Afghanistan.  Pakistan has behaved and for the first time, there is relative peace in Afghanistan.  Trump has also demanded that Pakistan to rid of all terrorists from Pakistan.  Trump is the first President to withdraw military aid to Pakistan.

    INTERNATIONAL TRADE:  Trump has started a revolution in international trade.  He campaigned against all trade pacts including NAFTA, LAFTA, and others.  He believes in America First.  He has been a tough negotiator and if the economy is the mirror, once could say his policy is working.  Today, the visiting Head of the European Union and Trump agreed to the goal of zero tariff.

    MIDTERM ELECTIONS: WHO WILL WIN?

    Trump is the most unpredictable in the world.  All the so-called pundits, mass media, pollsters, politicians all have failed so far. I hate to predict.  But, I can predict they will continue to predict and they will be again proven wrong.  This, however, does not disallow me from making some calculated speculations.  The elites and the coastal States are not going to decide the elections.  Once again, the Middle America and the South will decide.

    Senator Sanders of Vermont, who was stopped by Hillary Clinton, is now emerging as the leader of the Democrats and also attracting Independents.  The party has been going from the left to the left.  The defeat of the old horse, Congressman Crowley in NY, who was in line to become the Speaker, by a newcomer, a Socialist has given a wakeup call to the establishment.  This means, Nancy Pelosi and her old leadership, aging over 70 are dead horses.  Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and Corker of NJ cannot compete with Sanders and Socialism.  The transformation in the Democratic party has weakened the establishment and it has no place.   We saw the Democrats got elected in Pennsylvania supporting Trump policies. The Independents are looking for the best choice.  THERE IS AN OLD SAYING, THE POCKET BOOK WILL DECIDE THE ELECTION.  If so, the pocket book is the common denominator of winning ticket.  Trump wins.

    Targeting Trump for 24/7 by the mass media and the anti Trumpsters will not help them.  Everybody knew Trump was a playboy and it is not news. Hillary Clinton tried the dirty politics, but Trump blasted her in the debates.  Therefore, no tapes or videos are going to kill the ROBUST ECONOMY. Trump’s popularity, even before the release of 2nd quarter GDP is 48%, higher than that of Obama’s or Bush’s at the same period.  When Trump was elected it was 37%.    But for the fake media, his popularity could have been 65%.  In addition to the Robust Economy and the New World Order, Trump will be credited for nominating two judges to the Supreme Court.  I am confident that Trump’s second nominee for the Court will be approved before the midterm election.  90% of the Republicans approve Trump as of now.  The GOP is most likely to add a couple of more senators and the House will be 50:50, meaning the GOP could end with a narrow lead of one!

    Mueller investigation is a hoax as there is absolutely no evidence of Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.  Professor Allan Dershowitz reputed legal scholar and attorney has written a book on AGAINST IMPEACHING TRUMP and has concluded that Mueller may have no choice but to write a narrative report.

    QUESTIONS DIFFICULT TO ANSWER:

    1. How did Trump give leadership to the U.S. economy?
    2. How Trump, despite challenging all leaders of the world, came out victorious in creating a NEW WORLD ORDER.
    3. What is Trump’s mantra or magic?

     

    (The author, Chairman, Asian American Republican Committee founded in 1988 came to the USA 64 years ago and lives in Scarsdale, New York. He can be reached at vpwaren@gmail.com)

     

     

     

     

     

  • Indian-Origin City Council Member gets a Proposal by a Special Speaker

    Indian-Origin City Council Member gets a Proposal by a Special Speaker

    WASHINGTON(TIP): A City Council meeting turned out to be a memorable one after the Indian-origin Charlotte council member was proposed to by a special speaker.

    Mr Vaibhav Bajaj was asked to address at the end of City Council meeting. While addressing, he asked council member Dimple Ajmera to marry him, and then walked behind the dais, stood on one knee and gave her a ring, media report said.

    In a council vote marked by 10 abstentions, Ms Ajmera singlehandedly passed the motion.

    She later wrote on Twitter: “Any objections colleagues with this motion? Because Vaibhav Bajaj believes in bipartisan agreement. On a serious note, I’m grateful for a life partner who is family oriented, loving and compassionate.”

    Ms Ajmera came to the US from India when she was in high school, knowing little English. She graduated from the University of Southern California and moved to Charlotte eight years ago to take a financial services job with TIAA. She previously worked as a CPA in Los Angeles.

    She was appointed to the District 5 seat in January 2017. She was elected to a City Council at-large seat in November.

     

  • At BRICS summit, India’s PM Modi calls for tech revolution; reaffirms India’s commitment to multilateralism

    At BRICS summit, India’s PM Modi calls for tech revolution; reaffirms India’s commitment to multilateralism

    JOHANNESBURG(TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, July 26, highlighted the importance of industrial technology, skill development and multilateral cooperation in creating a better world as he attended the BRICS Summit here.

    Modi said the new industrial technology and digital interface that the world is building is an opportunity and also a challenge.

    Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism, international trade and rules-based world order.

    Mr. Modi is expected to meet BRICS leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    Originally, the first four countries were grouped as “BRIC” before the induction of South Africa in 2010.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Set to be Pakistan’s PM, Imran Khan pitches for peace; says “Blame game hurting both nations”

    Set to be Pakistan’s PM, Imran Khan pitches for peace; says “Blame game hurting both nations”

    Ready to resolve all issues with India, including J&K

    ISLAMABAD(TIP): Pakistan is ready to improve its ties with India and his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the “core issue” of Kashmir, through talks, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan said on Thursday, July 26, asserting that the blame game between the two neighbors, detrimental to the sub-continent, should stop.

    “If they take one step towards us, we will take two, but at least (we) need a start,” 65-year-old Khan said at his first public address after leading his party to victory in the general elections held on Wednesday. His party emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly elections, amid rival parties’ claim of “blatant” rigging by the army in Khan’s favor.

    Khan, who is set to be the next Pakistan PM, said Kashmir was the “core” issue between the two countries and it should be resolved through talks.

    “I am a person who arguably knows most people in India because of my days in cricket. We can resolve the poverty crisis in S-E Asia. The biggest problem is Kashmir,” he said, suggesting that the two sides should come to the table.

    “We want to improve our ties with India, if their leadership wants it too. This blame game that whatever goes wrong in Pakistan’s Balochistan is because of India and vice versa brings us back to square one,” he said. He said good India-Pakistan relations would be beneficial for the entire region and suggested increased trade ties between the two neighbors.  Ties deteriorated after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India’s surgical strikes in PoK.

  • MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES LARGEST EVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION IN CITY’S HISTORY

    MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES LARGEST EVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRODUCTION IN CITY’S HISTORY

    New Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit will be dedicated to responding to tenant complaints of harassment in buildings across the city

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): Mayor de Blasio announced, July 19, that his administration financed 32,116 affordable homes last year, breaking the all-time record previously set by former Mayor Ed Koch in 1989 of 25,243 units. The City also broke the record for the most new construction with 9,140 affordable homes; almost 60 percent of all homes financed will serve New Yorkers making less than $47,000 for a family of three. Additionally, the Mayor announced the formation of the Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit that will be dedicated to pursuing potential cases of maintenance harassment in multi-family residential buildings and connecting tenants to legal services resources, a complement to the City’s efforts against construction as harassment.

    “This Administration has used every tool available to fight the affordability crisis in New York City. It is paying off – we have created more affordable housing than any other time in our City’s history,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We will not grow complacent. My Administration is forging ahead with new tools like the Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit to help investigate harassment and hold bad landlords accountable. We have the backs of tenants as we continue to ensure that New York City is the fairest city in America.”

    “We have established a blueprint for building, for preservation – for overall affordability. We’re keeping people in their houses, never giving up a square foot of affordable housing, and increasing the supply of new homes. As neighborhoods grow and change, our work ensures that affordable housing will always be a part of our city,” said Alicia Glen, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development.

    To celebrate this historic milestone, the Mayor handed Destiny Armstead the keys to her new home at 1561 Walton, a new 60-unit building near the Jerome Avenue area in the Bronx, one of several neighborhoods that was recently rezoned to apply the City’s new Mandatory Inclusionary Housing policy. The Mayor was joined by Council Members Fernando Cabrera, Vanessa Gibson, and Ydanis Rodriguez, who have been working closely with the administration to develop comprehensive plans for their communities. Developed by non-profit Settlement Housing Fund, 1561 Walton was part of a major wave of construction financed early in the de Blasio administration that has now rented up.

    Built on City-owned land and a former parking lot, the project is adjacent to New Settlement Apartments, a signature Koch-era portfolio with 900 homes in 14 buildings that was recently preserved by HPD. Renovations, including the installation of solar panels that will help ensure the long-term affordability and sustainability of the building, were recently completed. Settlement Housing Fund also financed the renovation of the beautiful children’s playground across the street.

    “Making good on the promises of Housing New York, we set an all-time record for affordable housing production in New York City,” said Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer. “With 32,116 affordable homes, 2018 also marks the most new construction in history. A full 57 percent of those homes will serve some of the city’s lowest income families. By advancing developments on large public sites, implementing policies to require more affordable housing on private sites, pushing to secure the affordability of large Mitchell-Lamas, and seeing new programs to reach small buildings take hold, among other initiatives, we surpassed the new baseline established in HNY 2.0. Our work is far from done. That is why today we also launch a new Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit at HPD to expand our efforts to combat harassment and displacement. All of these results are a testament to our partners and the devoted HPD and HDC teams. I want to thank them and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for their vision and ongoing commitment to a building a fairer, more affordable city.”

    “HDC is proud to have contributed more than $1.6 billion in bond financing towards this year’s historic housing production, and more than $7.1 billion since the start of Housing New York,” said New York City Housing Development Corporation President Eric Enderlin. “Our success under the housing plan has been made possible thanks to the exceptional efforts of our City-wide team and valued public and private partners who have worked around the clock to ensure our limited affordable housing resources are deployed with the greatest impact. The affordable housing the City has created and preserved to date will provide greater opportunity to some of our most vulnerable households as well as our more moderate income New Yorkers, reflecting our commitment to ensure New York is a city for everyone.”

    “Like so many New Yorkers, finding affordable housing remains a primary concern for older adults living on limited incomes. Preserving affordable housing helps more seniors remain in the communities where they raised their families and have a network of formal and informal supports, which are essential for them to age in place,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Donna Corrado.

    “As we plan for the future of New York City, it is vital that we remain a city for all. Through Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and other programs, we are creating unprecedented levels of affordable housing for today and tomorrow’s New Yorkers,” said Department of City Planning Director Marisa Lago.

    “This Administration has proudly fought to make New York City a more equitable place to live,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “This is a historic milestone and we’re proud to have worked side by side with our sister agencies to help raise the floor for New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

    The cornerstone of the Mayor’s housing plan continues to be the preservation of affordability in existing buildings, many of which are in need of physical and financial assistance or face expiring protections. Last year, the City used a wide array of programs and tools to extend affordability and finance needed improvements in 22,976 homes. This preservation work is key to keeping people in their homes and neighborhoods and accompanies a robust set of strategies to combat displacement, including a new citywide Certification of No Harassment Program, a Speculation Watch List, and now a new HPD Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit.

    The newly established Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit will have ten dedicated staff, including two attorneys to initiate litigation against unscrupulous owners and landlords. The new Unit will use data analysis to identify potential buildings and portfolios where harassment is occurring; respond to emergency complaints; partner closely with the Department of Buildings and other agencies to address issues in buildings where maintenance as harassment has been identified; and connect tenants with legal services resources.

    The new Unit will enable HPD to increase the number of buildings with potential construction or maintenance harassment that HPD can inspect from 200 buildings annually to approximately 1,500 buildings. HPD will also seek civil penalties for harassment where warranted.

    The record-breaking progress of the last fiscal year brings the total number of homes financed under HNY to date to 109,767, exceeding the original goal established in Housing New York, and the new target set last year in Housing New York 2.0. Through HNY 2.0, the Mayor committed to accelerate and expand the pace of Housing New York to achieve 300,000 affordable apartments by 2026 – 100,000 more than initially planned. Already the City had ramped up to produce more than 20,000 affordable homes a year, and now, has achieved a new baseline of 25,000 affordable apartments a year, ahead of schedule.

    The total direct City investment under the Mayor’s housing plan last year was $1.582 billion, and the total bond financing issued by the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) was over $1.6 billion in bonds. To date, the City has spent $4.375 billion in City subsidy, which includes City capital, HDC Corporate Reserves, and Reso-A. In total, HDC issued bonds worth more than $7.1 billion since the start of the plan.

    Affordable housing numbers are available here.

    The plan continues to live up to its initial promises:

    Rezoning Areas / City Owned Land: Made progress on large public sites in rezoning and urban renewal areas like Coney Island, East New York, Far Rockaway, and Downtown Jamaica, financing 1,390 new homes. These are some of the 2,513 newly constructed units financed on public land last year; bringing the total under HNY to 8,844 homes.

    421a: Produced 760 affordable apartments across 64 projects through 421a with no additional City funding. This doubles the number of stand-alone units created, most of which are in high-cost neighborhoods.

    Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH): Doubled the production created through MIH to 805 permanently affordable homes. The City is tracking 8,500 MIH units through rezoning applications; including 4,900 MIH apartments in 51 projects approved by Council that have not yet closed.

    Seniors: Launched Aging in Place, part of our new Seniors First program, and closed the first project to ensure seniors in preservation projects get the improvements they need to stay in their apartments and age in place. Last year saw the most senior housing with 1,888 apartments; bringing the total number of senior homes produced under HNY to 6,507.

    Homeownership: Financed the first Open Door homeownership project that will create 56 new affordable coops. This is among the 7,203 affordable homeownership opportunities created or preserved last year for a total of 18,147 under the plan.

    Mitchell-Lamas: Secured the continued affordability of 13,137 coops and apartments in Mitchell-Lama developments, including Masyrk Towers, Ruppert House, Franklin Plaza Apartments, and Starrett City, the largest federally subsidized development in the nation. This brings the total of Mitchell-Lama homes and apartments preserved under HNY to 29,356.

    Landlord Ambassador Program: Closed the first three projects with 100 units through the new Landlord Ambassador Program, created with community-based non-profits to help small building owners stabilize and upgrade their properties and ensure future affordability.

    Green Housing Preservation Program: Financed much needed energy efficiency improvements to shore up the affordability of 1,262 apartments, representing a 760% increase in the program’s production from last year.

    M/WBE Build Up: Program spurred 61 projects with 10,155 apartments to set and meet M/WBE participation goals that are expected to generate over $275 million in spending. To date, 81 projects have been required to participate in the program for a combined expected spending amount of $344 million.

    Housing Connect: HPD and HDC marketed 16,279 HNY affordable apartments through Housing Connect, connecting 41,000 New Yorkers to a new home. In total, HPD and HDC marketed 7,834 apartments last year, a 700% increase compared to 2014, and updated its guidelines to speed up the delivery of affordable housing and ensure those homes serve the New Yorkers who need them most.

    Homeless and Supportive Housing: The agencies revamped virtually all of their development programs to include homeless set-asides, and as a result financed 2,318 affordable homes for the homeless last year, bringing the total to 8,948 under the plan. In part, this includes the 1,145 supportive housing apartments financed last year, including 500 congregate apartments towards the Mayor’s commitment through New York 15/15 to create 15,000 supportive homes in 15 years. In total, the City has financed 4,094 supportive housing apartments.

    To learn more about how New Yorkers can apply for affordable housing, fight eviction, and freeze their rent, visit the City’s new housing web portal at nyc.gov/housing.

    “Today’s announcement of record breaking affordable housing is a significant win for low-income New Yorkers,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “Accessibility to affordable housing in New York City is the key to a fair and thriving City. I also commend the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development for the implementation of the tenant anti-harassment unit, which will be critical in rooting out unjust landlord practices and allow families to live in peace.”

    “Access to affordable housing continues to be a challenge for the residents of the Bronx and the rest of New York City. Today’s announcement of record breaking affordable housing production will bring relief to thousands of New Yorkers. Thanks to Mayor de Blasio and his administration, New York City is closer to meeting the goal of building or preserving 300,000 much needed affordable housing units by 2026,” said Congressman José E. Serrano.

    “Affordable housing is a critical asset to our community and the nation,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “It remains critical that we continue our efforts to ensure safe, decent, and affordable housing is accessible for all New York City residents and families.”

    “Tenant harassment is 100% illegal, but for years it’s been obvious that we need to find new models to prevent and prosecute it,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “This HPD enforcement unit could be that model, and I look forward to seeing how it helps in the fight to protect tenants and preserve affordable housing. I thank the Administration for its continued focus on tenants and affordable housing.”

    “Housing is fundamental to our daily lives, and every person deserves an equal opportunity to have safe, quality and affordable housing,” said Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Committee on Housing. “Turning this hope into reality requires ambitious partners. I’m pleased that the Mayor’s office and City agencies have been working with us to advance this vision and provide so many New Yorkers with a foundation on which to build a solid, hopeful future.”

    “Preserving affordable housing options for New Yorkers feeling the crunch of an increased cost of living is essential to maintaining the quality and character of the many neighborhoods that make up this diverse city. I commend Commissioner Torres-Springer and Mayor de Blasio for their commitment to preserving affordable units and for allocating the resources necessary to make sure more New Yorkers than ever can afford to stay in their homes,” said Council Member Robert Cornegy, Chair of the Committee on Housing and Buildings.

    “Affordable housing is one of the most critical issues in my district. More than 70% of the constituents who come to my district office are there for help because they need safe, decent and affordable housing. Preservation of existing affordable units and creation of new affordable units is absolutely necessary in order to meet the overwhelming housing need in New York City,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera. “The Housing New York 2.0 goal of 300,000 units built and preserved by 2026 is very ambitious. But I’m proud that we made great progress in 2018 with the creation and preservation of the most affordable units in the history of New York City, including 1561 Walton Avenue.”

    “I’m thrilled to join the Mayor to announce this year’s unprecedented levels of affordable housing creation and preservation. This work is critical to keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and strong. I worked hard to achieve a balanced Jerome Avenue neighborhood plan with my community, the administration, and colleague Council Member Cabrera so that we could ensure the creation of permanently affordable housing in our neighborhood for generations to come. And with tools like certificate of no harassment, access to counsel, and now the new anti-tenant harassment unit, we can protect and preserve the housing we have,” said Council Member Vanessa Gibson.

    “As our population continues to grow, so must our affordable housing stock. The tens of thousands of affordable housing units that will be created by this administration are sure to have a lasting impact on the working families of New York City,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “I look forward to continue working with Mayor de Blasio and his administration on creating affordable housing for the residents of my district as well as expanding anti-harassment efforts for tenants citywide.”

    “The City is in dire need of more affordable housing and today’s announcement that we’re on track to hit 300,000 new and preserved homes by 2026 is a reassuring sign that low-income New Yorkers can still live here despite rising costs,” said Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. “Since I became Council Member, I’ve voted to approve 4,500 affordable units in my district and will continue to fight for more and encourage my colleagues around all boroughs to do the same.”

    “It is more important than ever to expand on the city’s tools to protect tenants as bad landlords constantly try to displace tenants in order to raise rents. This new unit is a step in the right direction that can ensure tenants are able to stay in their home and are protected from harassment and displacement,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

    “At a time when we are facing a severe housing crisis in the City of New York, it is more important than ever that we double down on our efforts to create and preserve affordable housing” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso. “I applaud HPD for working to not only meet but exceed their goals for 2018. I am proud to have contributed to these historic numbers through the preservation of a project-based Section 8 project in my district, La Cabana. I look forward to working with HPD in the coming year to explore further opportunities for the preservation and creation of affordable housing in my district.”

    “Addressing the citywide housing crisis requires a sustained, long-term commitment to create and preserve affordable housing, engage in proactive outreach to help families in danger of eviction stay in their homes, and ensure that every resident feels safe and secure at home. As we celebrate a new milestone in the City’s efforts to achieve these goals, I am thrilled that HPD is taking additional action to invest in more resources to put an end to tenant harassment,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “As the Council Member representing historically diverse and affordable neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, I look forward to continuing working with Mayor De Blasio, Commissioner Torres-Springer and residents to ensure that our shared vision for a more affordable city becomes a reality.”

    “The only real solution to the city’s housing crisis is to build permanent, affordable housing, and I commend the mayor’s efforts. As we continue to inch closer to the City’s 300,000 unit goal, I look forward to seeing what new and innovative programs the Mayor’s Office can implement to increase the density and depth of affordability throughout the five boroughs,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera.

    “As our City works to combat a dire affordable housing crisis, we must make sure that we are fully utilizing all of the tools available to us to not only build but protect our affordable housing stock and the individuals and families who reside in those homes,” said Council Majority Leader, Laurie A. Cumbo. “We must be bold in our leadership and send a clear message that residing in an affordable housing unit does not make you a target for bullying and harassment. I applaud the Mayor for the launch of the Anti-Tenant Harassment Unit, which is a significant step forward in protecting the housing rights and dignity of New York City’s families and communities.”

    “The City’s continuing progress in creating and maintaining affordable housing demonstrates sustained commitment to an important goal,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik. “While the housing shortage continues, New Yorkers should know that City government is consistently working to address the issue.”

    “Every single unit of affordable housing that is created or preserved is a victory for New Yorkers,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “We are making historic strides in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for our residents. Thank you to Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer for their laser-like focus on this very important issue and for always working hard toward reaching – and exceeding – the goal.”

    “My work in housing and tenants’ rights, both as an organizer and since I took office, has focused largely on fighting back against tenant harassment and unscrupulous landlords who put profit ahead of people. This new Tenant Anti-Harassment Unit is a vital addition to HPD- a focus on enforcement against tenant harassment, in combination with the package of legislation that I recently passed with my colleagues, will help to meaningfully combat the rampant harassment that we see. Preventing such harassment, and holding accountable those perpetrate it, is essential to creating an environment in which tenants are safe and secure in their homes. I thank the administration for creating this entity and look forward to working with it to protect tenants across the city,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

    “With more than 60,000 people experiencing homelessness and millions of families paying more than they can afford in rent each month, our city needs a smart, ambitious plan like Housing New York 2.0. The plan employs a wide range of strategies to support senior housing, homeownership, supportive housing, and more to ensure we are meeting the diverse needs of New Yorkers at all income levels,” said Judi Kende, Vice President and New York Market Leader of Enterprise Community Partners. “We commend HPD for keeping the city on track to meet its goal and look forward to continuing to work together to create and preserve quality affordable homes for all New Yorkers.”

    “This is a great achievement accomplished by the dedicated staff at HPD and HDC, public servants who work tirelessly to move the needle on housing affordability,” said Rachel Fee, Executive Director of New York Housing Conference. “New York Housing Conference congratulates the agency leaders and their staff.”

    “Mayor de Blasio’s robust and collaborative approach to addressing the housing crisis continues to have life-changing impacts for tens of thousands of families across the five boroughs,” said Jolie Milstein, president and CEO of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH). “It’s crucial to continue working with all stakeholders to maximize production of the affordable homes that New Yorkers need – and NYSAFAH members remain committed to doing their part every day.”

    “Habitat for Humanity New York City is proud to have contributed to this historic year of affordable housing development by breaking ground on Sydney House, the largest Habitat for Humanity multi-family building in the world, and the first low-income cooperative homeownership project under the Mayor’s new Open Door program,” said Karen Haycox, CEO of Habitat NYC. “Housing New York 2.0 deepened its dedication to homeownership through the expansion of new construction, down-payment assistance, home repairs, and community land trust partnerships. This is a huge step forward in creating a more equitable city, and Habitat NYC looks forward to building on this foundation in partnership with the Mayor and HPD in our shared mission to ensure future generations of New Yorkers have a safe, quality, and affordable place to call home.”

    “Kudos to Mayor de Blasio and his housing team on reaching this milestone! We’re thrilled that the City’s achievements this year include creating significant new opportunities for affordable homeownership, such as its Open Door initiative and an expanded down payment assistance program,” said Christie Peale, CEO and Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. “So many New Yorkers want to share in the economic opportunities of our city, and the Mayor’s vision and commitment to Housing New York 2.0 is critical to making those dreams come true.”

    “The Network is grateful to see the City’s strong commitment to supportive housing as part of the Housing New York plan. At a time when we need to deploy all the available tools to address the homelessness crisis, we applaud the acceleration of capital funding in the budget to increase development of supportive housing from 500 to 700 units per year,” said Laura Mascuch, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York.

    “There is much more to do, but we are seeing progress,” said Kristin Miller, Director of the Corporation for Supportive Housing Metro Team based in New York City. “What the Mayor’s plan recognizes is that homelessness in our City is directly linked to an affordable housing crisis, and we cannot effectively address for former without creating much more of the latter. That’s why we should mark these milestones and congratulate the administration for its commitment and, just as importantly, reaffirm efforts to keep the momentum going.”

    “SAGE congratulates Mayor de Blasio and the NYC Housing and Preservation Department (HPD) on this achievement,” says SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “We are excited to continue our partnership with HPD in creating affordable senior housing that is LGBT-friendly in both Brooklyn and the Bronx, opening in 2019.”

    “LiveOn NY commends Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen, and Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer for their dedication to the historic production and preservation of affordable housing,” states Allison Nickerson, Executive Director of LiveOn NY. “LiveOn NY is appreciative of the monumental effort that goes into every unit of affordable housing and we are heartened by the impact that these homes will have, particularly on the lives of New York’s older adults. As the population of seniors continues to increase, we look forward to continuing to work with the city to build upon the progress made and to our overall commitment to making New York a better place age.”

    “As a nonprofit property owner and developer, MBD Community Housing Corp. stands proud in support of the City in its efforts to provide safe, clean and affordable housing to its residents,” said Derrick Lovett, President and CEO of MBD Community Housing Corporation.

  • Hicksville Attorney from Colombia Isabel C. Mira joins the law firm of Pegalis & Erickson, LLC

    Hicksville Attorney from Colombia Isabel C. Mira joins the law firm of Pegalis & Erickson, LLC

    NEW HYDE PARK, NY(TIP): The law firm of Pegalis & Erickson, LLCC announced, July19, that attorney Isabel C. Mira has joined the Firm. Ms. Mira has been a distinguished advocate for plaintiffs’ rights for more than 16 years in the United States and in South America. At Pegalis & Erickson, LLC, she conducts pre-trial litigation representing patients in medical malpractice actions.

    Previously, she advocated for clients with disabilities in administrative court proceedings including court hearings and appeals. Although already an attorney when she first arrived in the U.S., she began working as a legal assistant in a plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm. Ms. Mira gained experience in debt collection rights when she negotiated plaintiff’s settlements and managed pre-trial litigation including motions and pleadings. She enjoyed a mid- career opportunity to intern at Glen Cove, NY, City Court assisting the Honorable Joseph McCain with legal research and decision drafting. In her native country of Colombia, South America, Ms. Mira represented clients in civil litigation matters, as a solo practitioner. In addition, she practiced law for a government agency that enforced environmental policy, preparing legal responses to public petitions, administrative decisions, and official documents on environmental regulations.

    Ms. Mira is a member of the Nassau Suffolk Trial Lawyers Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, the Nassau County Bar Association, the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Colombia, as well as in the Federal Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York. She obtained her law degree from Universidad de Medellín, Colombia. She graduated with a Master of Laws degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Isabel C. Mira can be reached at Imira@pegalisanderickson.com

    Pegalis & Erickson, LLC is a New York law firm for those suffering as a result of medical errors and personal injury. We are advocates who obtain justice for our clients after hospitals, doctors, medical personnel, construction companies, or motor vehicle drivers commit avoidable errors that cause our clients life-altering harm. In our 46 years of practice, we have won some of the largest verdicts in New York State history and strive for medical accountability to ensure safer medical practices for better patient care. Visit us at www.pegalisanderickson.com.

    (Based on a press release issued by Ellen Christie (516) 684-2900)

  • Indian American Sabrina Singh is key player to offensive communication strategy of the Democratic party

    Indian American Sabrina Singh is key player to offensive communication strategy of the Democratic party

    WASHINGTON(TIP): Sabrina Singh joined the Democratic National Committee (DNC) last year as its spokeswoman and deputy communications director. She alleged that the ruling Republican party has “created a toxic environment” and is struggling with telling the truth thus being a key player in the offensive communication strategy of the Democratic party against the alleged divisive policies of the Donald Trump administration.

    The Democratic leader said she is inspired by the works of her grandfather Sardar JJ Singh to fight the divisive policies of the Trump administration.

    As head of the India League of America, JJ Singh was a key figure among Indians in America fighting for the right to US citizenship.

    Some 18 months after Donald Trump entered the White House, Ms Singh said, the Democrats have gone on the offensive. “Democrats certainly have the wind at their backs right now. We’re holding the administration accountable and we’re not gonna let up until November and onwards till 2020. We just have to keep harnessing the momentum to keep charging forward,” she said.

    “What one sees every day is the Trump administration lobbying new attacks at different groups whether it’s Latino’s or Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI). The Trump administration has not done their job of their promise of ‘draining the swamp’. I think, if anything, it has gotten swampier,” Ms Singh said.

    In 1940s, JJ Singh along with a group of fellow Indians mounted a nationwide campaign against racially discriminatory policies of the US which led the then president Harry Truman to sign the Luce-Celler Act on July 2, 1946. The Act allowed a quota of 100 Indians to immigrate to the United States per year.

    The Act also permitted Indian nationals already residing in the US (of whom there were approximately 2,500-3,000 at the time) to become naturalized American citizens.

    Prior to the Luce-Celler Act, Indians were barred from becoming US citizens and they were allowed to enter the country only as visitors and tourists. “It’s a really important time to be working at the DNC. It’s a really important time to be a woman of color working in Washington,” Ms Singh said.

    “While the environment can be tough to wake up to see a tweet from Donald Trump saying ‘fake news, this is rigged and that is rigged and everyone’s out to get me’, I think we’re seeing a lot of incredible activism,” she said referring to various popular protests against the Trump Administration.

    Ahead of the November mid-term, Ms Singh said the focus of the DNC under its chair Tom Perez is to get as many seats as possible from the Congress to elected posts at local level.

    “People are excited about the mid-terms. People are ready for change. People are seeing that Trump is not delivering on some of the things that he campaigned on,” she claimed.

    Responding to the criticism that the Democratic party has now become a party of protests and marches, Ms Singh said, “We are holding the administration accountable. And one way to do that is to rally and to protest and to speak out. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people going to the border to protest the administration’s policies that are separating families.”

    “We are not just anti-Trump. We are organizing and making sure that we are electing leaders at all levels…We are going to fight to make sure that women have the right to make the choices about their own reproductive health,” she added.

    Ms Singh alleged that the White House strategy is not to tell the truth to the press or the public. “You see Sarah Sanders or Raj Shah get in front of the podium every day and essentially lie to the American people,” she alleged.

    At the same time, Ms Singh noted that Mr Trump uses Twitter “very effectively” and is able to reach his base.

    “Many of his supporters like that he is very honest and truthful, but I think it’s also a bit scary for many people in this country to see Trump attacking our allies over twitter, or name calling sitting senators, and members of Congress, whether it’s racial slurs or derogatory names,” she said.

     

     

  • Two Indian-origin candidates in race for London Mayoral Election

    Two Indian-origin candidates in race for London Mayoral Election

    LONDON(TIP): Two Indian-origin individuals are among 10 shortlisted by Britain’s ruling Conservative party as prospective candidates to run for London Mayor in 2020 against Labour’s Pakistan-origin Sadiq Khan.

    Lucknow-born businesswoman Ruby McGregor-Smith joins the race alongside British Sikh politician Kulveer Ranger, both of whom will go head to head with the others at hustings next month before a vote on the final candidate by October.

    “It’s time for a Mayor who will re-ignite the possibility, opportunity and the confidence of the greatest city on earth. That’s why I’m running to be London’s Mayor,” McGregor said in reference to her bid on Wednesday.

    The 55-year-old peer in the House of Lords made history as the first Indian-origin woman to run a FTSE-250 company, Mitie Group, nearly a decade ago. She was awarded a Commander of British Empire (CBE) honor by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for services to business and promoting diversity.

    Ranger, a former transport adviser in the London Mayor’s office, also made the Tory shortlist for the mayoral race held every four years. “I was born here, grew up, studied, have worked in and for London. I am proud and humbled to be part of this list,” he said.

    (Source: PTI)

  • Ganga in extremely bad state, says NGT

    Ganga in extremely bad state, says NGT

    Says work done not adequate, regular monitoring required

    Fact file

    •     2,525 km Total length of Ganga
    •     800 tanneries’ dump in it
    •     Rs 20,000 crore to clean it from 2015-2020
    •     Rs 7,304.64 crore spent up to March 2017

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday, July 19, expressed dissatisfaction over the cleaning up of Ganga and said the situation was extraordinarily bad and hardly anything effective had been done to clean it.

    A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice AK Goel said despite claims by the authorities, the work done on the ground for Ganga rejuvenation was not adequate and regular monitoring was required to improve the situation.

    The Green panel ordered survey to seek views of common man about what he feels on ground about the pollution in Ganga and said the feedback could be given through e-mail of the authorities concerned. The Bench also comprised Justices Jawad Rahim and RS Rathore, said.

    The NGT had earlier rapped the National Mission for Clean Ganga for not filing a report on the steps taken by the Centre and the UP and Uttarakhand governments to clean the river in the stretch between Gomukh and Unnao.

    The NGT had passed directions to rejuvenate Ganga, declaring ‘No Development Zone’ an area of 100 meters from the edge of the river between Haridwar and Unnao and prohibiting dumping of waste within 500 meters from it.

    Ganga Action Plan

    Launched in two phases by then PM Rajiv Gandhi on Jan 14, 1986, to free Ganga of pollution, domestic sewage and industrial chemical wastes. In first phase, it covered 25 towns in 3 states; in second, 59 towns in 5 states

    River Basin Authority

    Established on February 20, 2009 by the UPA government for ensuring effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river by adopting a river basin approach

    Namami Gange

    Mission set up by the Narendra Modi govt in 2014 to accomplish twin objectives: abatement of pollution, river rejuvenation

    (With inputs from PTI)

  • Rs 1,484 crore ($223.06 million) spent on PM Modi’s foreign travel since 2014, RS told

    Rs 1,484 crore ($223.06 million) spent on PM Modi’s foreign travel since 2014, RS told

    NEW DELHI(TIP): An expenditure of Rs 1,484 ($223.06 million) crore was incurred on chartered flights, maintenance of aircraft and hotline facilities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to 84 countries since June 2014, according to the government.

    The details of Modi’s foreign travel expenditure under the three heads were shared in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh.

    According to the data, a total of Rs 1088.42 crore was spent on maintenance of the prime minister’s aircraft and Rs 387.26 crore on chartered flights during the period between June 15, 2014 and June 10, 2018.

    The total expenditure on hotline was Rs 9.12 crore.

    Modi visited a total of 84 countries in 42 foreign trips since taking over as prime minister in May 2014.

    The details provided by Singh did not include expenditure on hotline facilities during his foreign visits in financial years 2017-18 and 2018-19. The cost of chartered flights for visits in 2018-19 was also not included.

    According to Singh’s reply, the prime minister visited a maximum of 24 countries in 2015-16 followed by 19 in 2017-18 and 18 nations in 2016-17.

    In 2014-15, Modi had visited 13 countries with first one as prime minister to Bhutan in June 2014. In 2018, he travelled to 10 countries with the last one being to China last month.

    The cost for chartered flights to overseas destinations in 2014-15 was Rs 93.76 crore while in 2015-16, it was Rs 117 crore. In 2016-17, the cost was Rs 76.27 crore and in 2017-18, the expense on chartered flight was Rs 99.32 crore.

    “Diplomatic outreach during this period (since May 2014) has included first ever visits from India to several countries at the head of government level,” Singh said.

    He said the outreach has led to enhanced engagement of India’s foreign partners in its flagship programs.

    (Source:  PTI)

  • Trump takes U-turn, now blames Putin for 2016 US poll meddling

    Trump takes U-turn, now blames Putin for 2016 US poll meddling

    WASHINGTON(TIP): US President Donald Trump said, July 19, he holds his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin personally responsible for the alleged meddling into the 2016 presidential elections, as he went into damage-control mode to douse a flurry of criticism over his recent comments about Russia.

    Trump has been on the defensive for the past two days after failing to defend the American intelligence community during a much-talked about press conference with Putin in Helsinki on Monday, July 16, after their first summit.

    The US President seemed to lend credence to his Russian counterpart’s insistence that his government was not involved in the effort to influence the 2016 election campaign. Trump, a Republican, defeated his Democratic party rival Hillary Clinton in the election. Trump’s comments sparked a barrage of criticism from the media and lawmakers across the political spectrum, with many calling on him to correct himself.

    Speaking to CBS News, Trump said he would consider Putin culpable because he was Russia’s leader. “I would because he’s in charge of the country just like I consider myself to be responsible for things that happen in this country,” Trump said.

    “So, certainly as the leader of the country you would have to hold him responsible,” he said. Facing huge criticism, Trump quickly took a U-turn and attributed his comments at the joint press conference with Putin to a simple mistake.

     Looking forward to 2nd meeting with Putin

    US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, July 19, he looked forward to his second meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, insisting that the first meeting was a success despite howls of criticism at home and abroad

    “The Summit with Russia was a great success, except with the real enemy of the people, the Fake News Media. I look forward to our second meeting so that we can start implementing some of the many things discussed,” he wrote on Twitter

    Forces in US trying to derail Peace: Putin

    President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, July 19, accused forces in the United States of trying to undermine the success of his first summit with US President Donald Trump, and said the two leaders had managed to begin to improve US-Russia ties anyway

    Putin, speaking to Russian diplomats from around the world assembled in Moscow, said on Thursday that the summit had been a success overall, but complained about what he described as “powerful” US efforts to sabotage it.

    (With inputs from PTI)

  • INOC USA- National Conference 2018

    INOC USA- National Conference 2018

  • ’84 anti-Sikh riots: New SIT fails to start work as member’s position remains vacant

    ’84 anti-Sikh riots: New SIT fails to start work as member’s position remains vacant

    NEW DELHI(TIP): A new SIT headed which was set up in January this year to further investigate 186 cases relating to the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases in Delhi, has failed to start its work, the Supreme Court was informed on Thursday.

    Counsel for the petitioner who has been instrumental in getting the order for a fresh SIT probe told a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra that a member’s position was vacant in the SIT headed by former Delhi High Court judge SN Dhingra.

     The SIT which is to probe 186 cases closed by the police, has yet to commence its work despite the court’s order to submit its first report in August, the petitioner’s counsel told the Bench.

    CJI Misra said he was aware of the matter and he would soon look into it.

    The Centre had on February 5 told the Supreme Court that ex-IPS officer Rajdeep Singh has refused to be a part of the new SIT and he would be replaced by former Indian Police Bureau Director General of Police NR Wasan. Serving IPS officer Abhishek Dular is the third member of the SIT.

    Justice Dhingra was a trial judge when punishments were handed out in 1990s to the accused of the Trilokpuri massacre of 1984. Kishori Lal, dubbed as the ‘butcher of Trilokpuri’, was among those sentenced by him.

    Almost 3,000 people were killed, most of them in Delhi, in the anti-Sikh riots that broke out following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984.

     The Bench had in January noted that the previous SIT had not carried out further probe into these 186 cases in which closure reports were filed. It had taken the decision after perusing the report of a two-judge supervisory panel which scrutinized 241 cases relating to 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi closed by an earlier SIT formed by the NDA government for re-investigation.

     Submitted on December 6, the report of the supervisory committee comprising Justice JM Panchal and Justice KSP Radhakrishnan was perused by the court.

     The court had already made it clear that it would not reopen cases in which accused had been acquitted.

     It had assigned the task of examining the said 241 cases closed by SIT to the supervisory committee which was to make recommendations as to whether the cases were rightly closed or not.

    Counsel for the petitioner who has been instrumental in getting the order for a fresh SIT probe told a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra that a member’s position was vacant in the SIT headed by former Delhi High Court judge SN Dhingra.

     The SIT which is to probe 186 cases closed by the police, has yet to commence its work despite the court’s order to submit its first report in August, the petitioner’s counsel told the Bench.

    It had assigned the task of examining the said 241 cases closed by SIT to the supervisory committee which was to make recommendations as to whether the cases were rightly closed or not.

     More than two years after the Narendra Modi government set up the SIT to re-investigate serious anti-Sikh riots cases of 1984 that had been closed, it has managed to file charge sheets only in very small number of cases taken up for further probe.

  • Shashi Tharoor kicks up row with ‘Hindu Pakistan’ comment

    Shashi Tharoor kicks up row with ‘Hindu Pakistan’ comment

    THIRUVANANTHPURAM(TIP): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor sparked off a controversy with his statement that if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a “Hindu Pakistan.”

    The BJP demanded an apology from Mr. Tharoor and called his statement “an attack on Indian democracy and Hindus”, while the Congress distanced itself and advised its leaders on “responsible phraseology.”

    At an event in Thiruvanthapuram on Wednesday, July 11,  Mr. Tharoor said: “If they have been able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha, then frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand, will not survive… because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one.

    “And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan…and that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for.”

    I will say it again: Tharoor

    He said: “I have said this before and I will say it again. Pakistan was created as a state with a dominant religion, that discriminates against its minorities and denies them equal rights. India never accepted the logic that had partitioned the country.

    “But the BJP/RSS idea of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is the mirror image of Pakistan a state with a dominant majority religion that seeks to put its minorities in a subordinate place. That would be a Hindu Pakistan, and it is not what our freedom movement fought for, nor the idea of India enshrined in our Constitution.”

    Mr. Tharoor said many proud Hindus like him cherished the inclusive nature of the faith and had no desire to live, as their Pakistani neighbors were forced to, in an intolerant theocratic state.

    “We want to preserve India and not turn our beloved country into a Hindu version of Pakistan,” he wrote.

    Mr. Tharoor got some support from former Vice-President Hamid Ansari.

    “I have not read what he [Tharoor] has said. But he is an educated man, a writer, an MP…and heads Parliament’s committee on external affairs. Whatever he says, he will say after thorough consideration,” Mr. Ansari told a TV news channel.

    The BJP used strong language to hit back at him.

    “Shashi Tharoor is the same person who called Indians ‘cattle-class’. He is ‘cattle-class-ing’ the Indian democracy. You call yourself an educated and erudite spokesperson of the Congress. If you want to love Pakistan, do so, but do not display such hatred towards Indians,” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters at a briefing.

    Congress communication chief Randeep Surjewala, however, articulated the party’s position in a series of tweets. “India’s values & fundamentals are an unequivocal guarantee of our civilizational role & set us apart from the divisive idea of Pakistan. All Congress leaders must realize this historic responsibility bestowed upon us while choosing words & phraseology to reject BJP’s hatred,” he said.

    “Modi Govt thrives upon an unprecedented atmosphere of division, bigotry, hatred, intolerance & polarization for last 4 years. Congress, on the other hand, represents India’s civilizational values of pluralism, diversity, compassion & harmony between faiths & ethnicities,” added Mr. Surjewala.

    (Source: PTI)

     

  • Trump claims he subdued NATO allies with his ‘go it alone’ ultimatum

    Trump claims he subdued NATO allies with his ‘go it alone’ ultimatum

    Tells European allies to increase spending or lose US support

    BRUSSELS(TIP): Donald Trump claimed a personal victory at a NATO summit on Thursday, July 12 after telling European allies to increase spending or lose Washington’s support, an ultimatum that forced leaders to huddle in a crisis session with the US President. Trump emerged declaring his continued commitment to a Western alliance built on US military might that has stood up to Moscow since World War Two.

     People present said he had earlier warned he would “go it alone” if allies, notably Germany, did not make vast increases in their defense budgets for next year.

    “I let them know that I was extremely unhappy,” he said, but added that the talks ended on the best of terms: “It all came together at the end. It was a little tough for a little while.”

    German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who called the summit “very intense”, and other leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, played down the extent to which they had pledged to accelerate spending plans as fast as Trump wanted.

     Macron and others said they did not interpret Trump’s words as a direct threat to quit the alliance Washington founded in 1949 to contain Soviet expansion. Trump, asked if he thought he could withdraw from NATO without backing from Congress, said he believed he could but it was “unnecessary”. Others say Congressional approval would be required—and would be unlikely to be forthcoming.

     Trump hailed a personal victory for his own strategy in complaining loudly that NATO budgets were unfair to US taxpayers, and the emergence of what he said was a warm consensus around him.

     Several diplomats, however, said his undiplomatic intervention, including pointing at other leaders and addressing Merkel as “you, Angela”, had irritated many.

    Spending targets

    • NATO members have committed to spending at least 2% of their national income on defense by 2024, though the terms allow for stretching that in some cases to 2030
    • The United States, far the biggest economy, spent 3.6% last year, while Germany, the second biggest, paid out just 1.2% and only a handful of countries met the 2% target.
    • Trump said he wanted them all to hit that target by January, prompting consternation. Many have already settled their 2019 budgets and the sums involved are immense.
  • UNDER MAYOR DE BLASIO, CITY INVESTING IN M/WBES AT RECORD LEVELS

    UNDER MAYOR DE BLASIO, CITY INVESTING IN M/WBES AT RECORD LEVELS

    More than 600 Businesses Attend Event to do Business with City, 20 Percent Increase from Last Year

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): Under Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York City is investing in minority and women-owned businesses at record levels, including connecting more minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs) to public and private contracting opportunities than ever before. On Wednesday, June 27th, the de Blasio Administration hosted the 12th Annual M/WBE Procurement Fair, attended by more than 600 City-certified minority- and women-owned businesses; and nearly 90 City and State agencies, public authorities, and private-sector companies – making this a record-breaking year for both MWBE and agency attendees.

    “The Annual M/WBE Procurement Fair helps minority and women entrepreneurs access City resources and build long-lasting networks that will grow these businesses for years to come,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These events are key to creating a fairer city where every business owner – regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity – has the chance to participate and succeed in our economy.”

    The Annual M/WBE Procurement Fair helps put in practice the results of the Mayor’s commitment to using the City’s purchasing power to support M/WBEs. In May, the City announced it is two years ahead of schedule to meet his OneNYC goal, which aims to award $16 billion to M/WBEs by the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The City has awarded approximately $7.8 billion to M/WBEs since the goal was established in 2015 – $1.8 billion more than initial projections. As a result, the Mayor will increase his OneNYC goal to award $20 billion to M/WBEs by the end of FY 2025.

    In May, the City increased the loan cap on the City’s Contract Financing Loan Fund, a program that allows M/WBEs and small businesses to access affordable loans. Currently, M/WBEs and small businesses have access to loans totaling $500,000. Beginning this summer, they will be able to access loans totaling up to $1 million per year at a low three-percent interest rate.

    “Communities of color and women are the future economic engine of New York City. That’s why Mayor de Blasio is investing in them more than the city ever has before. Since 2015, the City has awarded approximately $7.8 billion to minority and women-owned business, nearly $2 billion dollars more than initial projections. Now, we’re doubling down, awarding $20 billion to minority and women businesses by 2025 and making it easier to access loans for expansion,” said Deputy Mayor Phil Thompson. “When we invest in communities of color, our city prospers.”

    “The procurement fair, with its unprecedented turnout, represents the City’s focus on improving access to real opportunities for its M/WBE’s. From the opening discussion with lenders on how M/WBEs and small businesses can access low-interest loans funds totaling $70 million, to the many workshops designed for M/WBEs to engage with agencies, the event was the most successful yet”, said Jonnel Doris, Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs.

    “The City’s annual Procurement Fair directly connects City agency procurement needs with the diversity of local businesses, forging strong connections and opportunities to grow these businesses and put them in a stronger position” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services.

    The Procurement Fair offered networking opportunities with purchasing staff as well as access to an Opportunity Room where participants learned about available or upcoming contracting opportunities. The Procurement Fair also featured a panel on accessing capital.

    The Fair is part of Mayor de Blasio’s larger commitment to increase the pipeline of M/WBEs, impact policy and improve performance. The Administration is taking aggressive steps to strengthen M/WBEs and ensure the City’s procurement reflects the diversity of NYC businesses by:

    Awarding $20 Billion to M/WBEs by end of FY 2025

    Certifying 9,000 M/WBEs by end of FY 2019

    Awarding 30% of the value of all City contracts by end of FY 2021

    The City is continuing to certify available firms, to meet the Mayor’s goal of City-certifying 9,000 M/WBEs by end of FY 2019. Currently, the City boasts nearly 6,000 certified M/WBEs in its program, a roughly 60-percent increase since the beginning of the Administration.

    “As chair of the Committee on Women, it is clear to me that supporting our M/WBE and small city contractors are critical to the economic empowerment of women and minorities. This administration has shown a real commitment to creating innovative and effective new tools for us to do exactly that. I want to congratulate NYC Small Business Services on hosting its 12th Annual Procurement Fair. Thank you to the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, and Commissioner Bishop for their ongoing leadership and partnership on this issue and best wishes to everyone participating in the Fair,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal (Manhattan, District 6).

    Free services are available to help strengthen certified M/WBEs, including access to technical assistance, bonding, financing, teaming and mentorship. M/WBEs are also eligible to participate in the City’s Corporate Alliance Program, which trains and connects City-certified firms with private sector contracting opportunities, as well as Strategic Steps for Growth, a nine-month business management course for M/WBEs offered by the City in partnership with New York University.

    Firms interested in starting the M/WBE certification process or participating in M/WBE programming can learn more by calling 311, visiting nyc.gov/getcertified or meeting with a client manager at one of the City’s seven NYC Business Solutions Centers located in all five boroughs.

    About the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)

    SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information, visit nyc.gov/sbs or call 311.

  • Manhattan Borough President Brewer invites public schools, nonprofits to apply for Manhattan Community Award Program

    Manhattan Borough President Brewer invites public schools, nonprofits to apply for Manhattan Community Award Program

    NEW YORK CITY(TIP): Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer announced July 2 that applications are open for her office’s Manhattan Community Award Program (MCAP).

    The program provides small funding awards—typically between $3,500 and $5,000—to nonprofit organizations and public schools to help support programming or operational expenses. Each award is contracted through one of four City agencies – Department for the Aging (DFTA), Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Education (DOE), or Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). Proposals must relate to the specific agency’s overall mission and goals.

    “Community awards enhance the work of local nonprofits and schools every year,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “They make unique events and programs possible that support our students, enrich our seniors’ lives, and improve our neighborhoods.”

    Applicants must complete an online application with questions related to their organization’s operations and how the awarded funds would be used. A review panel made up of the Borough President’s Office budget staff will assess applications.

    More information on MCAP funding and how to apply can be found here.

    General information on all opportunities for funding through Brewer’s office is available here.

    The Borough President’s Office Grant Portal can be accessed here.

    The deadline for MCAP submissions via the Grants Portal is August 10, 2018.

    Representatives of public schools and local nonprofits are strongly encouraged to reach out directly with questions or requests for more information. The Borough President’s budget staff can be reached by email to budget@manhattanbp.nyc.gov.

  • Indian American Seema Nanda appointed as the new CEO of Democratic National Committee

    Indian American Seema Nanda appointed as the new CEO of Democratic National Committee

    WASHINGTON D.C.(TIP): Indian American Seema Nanda has been appointed as the new CEO of the Democratic National Committee. Announcing the appointment, DNC said in a press release that Nanda, who served on​ the transition team of DNC Chair Tom​ Perez, will manage the organization’s day-to-day operations.

    “This position is the opportunity of a lifetime, for which I am incredibly honored and humbled,” Nanda said in a statement issued by the DNC. “People are hurting all across our country. And I believe that Democrats are offering the positive solutions so desperately-needed right now – solutions forged by the strength of our diversity, the rigor of our ideas, and the decency of our values. I am grateful to Chairman Perez and Mary Beth for selecting me, and I look forward to joining my new DNC colleagues in the fight for our nation’s values and future.”

    The selection of Nanda is significant because it comes in a mid-term cycle that is seen by Democrats as a make-or-break election. Women have been playing a highly visible role in the party’s efforts to snatch at least one chamber of Congress, which will enable Democrats to block parts of the agenda of President Trump.

     “I’m beyond excited that Seema is bringing her talent and brilliance to the DNC,” said Perez said in a statement. “I’ve seen firsthand Seema’s exceptional ability to lead. She is a seasoned manager who has a proven track record of success and a well-documented history of fighting for our Democratic values, whether it’s on immigration, civil rights or leveling the playing field for our workers.”

    Besides serving on the transition team, which reviewed DNC’s operations after the disastrous 2016 presidential elections, Nanda also worked as Perez’s chief of staff to while he was the Secretary of the US Department of Labor. At the department, she also served as Deputy Solicitor.

    Perez said he was “one hundred percent certain that Seema’s leadership will help the DNC capitalize on the unprecedented grassroots energy and enthusiasm surging throughout the country.”

    Nanda, a graduate of Boston College Law School and Brown University, succeeds the current CEO Mary Beth Cahill, who will continue to serve through the transition.

    Nanda’s appointment came after a five-month search.

    “If there’s anything I’ve learned during my search for a permanent CEO, there’s no shortage of qualified and passionate leaders in our party. Seema undoubtedly fits the bill,” said Cahill. “With Seema joining our senior leadership team, I know that the DNC will be in good hands. Working alongside Chairman Perez and the team has been an honor and a privilege. Though I’m leaving my role in the building, I’ll never stop working to make sure Democrats everywhere continue to win from the school board to the Oval Office.”

  • Indian American Top Lawyer Appointed Acting Head of Drug Enforcement Agency

    Indian American Top Lawyer Appointed Acting Head of Drug Enforcement Agency

     WASHINGTON(TIP): Indian American White House top lawyer, Uttam Dhillon, has been appointed as the new Acting Administrator of the crucial Drug Enforcement Agency that combats the smuggling and use of narcotics in the US.

    Mr. Dhillon replaces Robert Patterson, who has retired after 30 years of service.

    Mr. Dhillon, who till recently worked in the White House as deputy counsel and deputy assistant to President Donald Trump, took up the role of Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on July 3.

    “With one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes, there can be no doubt that we are facing the deadliest drug epidemic in our history,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said announcing his appointment.

    The work of the Drug Enforcement Administration is critical to fighting this crisis, and President Donald Trump and he are committed to continuing to give it the strong leadership it deserves, Sessions said.

    Mr. Dhillon is a dedicated public servant who has served with distinction in the White House, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and as a career federal prosecutor taking on drug traffickers at the highest levels.

    Having a long career battling drug traffickers and violent crime in 2006, Mr. Dhillon was confirmed by the Senate as the first Director of the Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

    In that role, he served as the primary policy advisor on counternarcotics issues, focused on combating the connections between illegal drug trafficking and terrorism and developed regional counternarcotics strategies for DHS.

    Prior to DHS, Mr. Dhillon served as an Associate Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice, where he chaired the Attorney General’s Anti-Gang Coordination Committee and led efforts to formulate and implement Department of Justice policies and programs to combat violent crime and criminal gangs.

    Earlier in his career, Mr. Dhillon worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California for six and a half years.

    During that period, he was appointed to the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and worked with federal and local law enforcement agencies to direct complex investigations of violent gangs and major narcotics trafficking organizations.

    More recently, he has served as Deputy Counsel and Deputy Assistant to the President.

    Mr. Dhillon received his law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, an MA from the University of California, San Diego, and a BA from California State University, Sacramento.

  • Punjab’s war on drugs

    Punjab’s war on drugs

    Giving a societal push to the Punjab Government’s war on the hydra-headed drug menace, are the villagers — the common people suffering the effects of the consumption blowback. There is hardly any home in the countryside that does not have a family shattered by an addict whose only interest is how to get his next fix, even going to desperate and often deadly extremes. His treatment leaves them penniless, and the children crying and uncared for, and at times, even orphaned. Shattered by the ruin and misery unleashed by drugs over the years, some villages have taken upon themselves the task of eradicating this deadly menace through vigilantism. They are nabbing alleged drug peddlers and handing them over to the police. A political leader has also spearheaded one such campaign.

    However well-meaning this practice may be, it is not without pitfalls. While being vigilant against a potential supplier of drugs, the people need to guard against going over the top. In mob fury lies the inherent danger of individuals tipping over to the side of vigilantism in the heat of the moment and taking law into their hands. The examples of recent lynchings in Maharashtra over rumors of child-lifting as well as some innocent people becoming victims of cow vigilantes are fresh. Rather than even one innocent person being victimized, law enforcement is best left to the government. After all, only the law enforcement agencies are equipped to tackle the drug mafia. Bringing the small fry in the net will not end the menace.

    The Amarinder Singh government has in the past couple of days unveiled a heady mix of strategies that promise to take on the problem of intoxication. Regular dope tests for all 3.25 lakh Punjab Government employees have been made mandatory as cases of drug-tainted officers, especially in the police, are coming to the fore with shocking regularity. Death penalty has been sought for the peddlers of illicit substances as an alarming number of people are becoming addicted to drugs as well as dying from them. Treatment and rehabilitation of addicts with a renewed goal figure high on its mission. Instead of the death penalty, a strict implementation of the existing NDPS laws is sufficient to take the problem head on.

    (Tribune, India)