The Indian Panorama

Tag: United States of America

  • February 12 New York & Dallas E – Edition

    February 12 New York & Dallas E – Edition

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    E-Edition

    [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Dual Edition” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F02%2FTIP-February-12-Dual-Edition.pdf|||”][vc_single_image image=”106266″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TIP-February-12-Dual-Edition.pdf”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”82828″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][vc_single_image image=”82829″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.theindianpanorama.news/advertising-media-kit-portal-indian-panorama/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Lead Stories This week” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Istok%20Web%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindianpanorama.news%2F%20|||”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”mh-sidebar”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • The Federal Reserve is Disserving the Country

    The Federal Reserve is Disserving the Country

    By A.D. Amar

    The American economy under Trump has been very different from the economic cycles of the past several decades. It is growing within the inflation target of 2%. It has been incessantly creating employment, keeping the unemployment rate at or close to the historical low of 3.7%. There is no visible indicator prompting the Federal Reserve to manage the economy based on the old policy and practice. If it continued to do what it has been doing for more than a year, it will engage in actions very inapt from the new reality and will not only result in economic outcomes very diffident form the appropriate but would seriously disserve the American people.

    The current stock market activity is being mainly influenced by the growth that is occurring due to the business activity as a result of the enhanced economic growth produced by the renegotiated trade and international agreements. It would naturally cause the GDP to grow at a historically higher rate. Controlling it to remain at the rates of the past by increasing the cost of capital for business by raising interest rates would cause an irreparable loss to the country. American corporations will not be able to bring back home the economic activity that we lost long ago. If it actually failed at that, our economic production will remain at a rate lower than our consumption. Our dependence on imports will continue.

    Before using interest rate increases to thwart economic activity or asset valuation, the Federal Reserve should take into account the resultant fundamentals of the new stock market. It is operating very efficiently by producing historically low multiples of share price-to-earning and high return to investors for taking the risk. These are normal because of the growth due to the new economic activity. Something like this has not happened in decades. To serve the nation, the Federal Reserve has to operate within this new reality.

    (The Author is Professor at Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey 07079. He can be reached at Ad.amar@shu.edu; Office Tel: (973) 761 9684; Cell: (908) 917 8999. )

     

  • Trump keeps everyone guessing on Syria attack- “Could be very soon or not so soon at all!”

    Trump keeps everyone guessing on Syria attack- “Could be very soon or not so soon at all!”

    WASHINGTON(TIP): US President Donald Trump cast doubt on Thursday, April 12, over the timing of his threatened strike on Syria in response to a reported poison gas attack, while France said it had proof of Syria’s guilt but needed to gather more information.

    Fears of confrontation between Russia and the West have been running high since Trump said a day earlier that missiles “will be coming” after the suspected chemical weapons attack in the Syrian town of Douma on April 7, and lambasted Moscow for standing by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

    “Never said when an attack on Syria would take place. Could be very soon or not so soon at all!” the US President said in his latest early morning tweet on Thursday, April 12.

    Prime Minister Theresa May recalled ministers from their Easter holiday to debate military action over what she has cast as a barbaric poison gas attack in Douma, then rebel-held, just east of the capital Damascus.

    May has ordered British submarines to move within missile range of Syria in readiness for strikes against the Syrian military that could begin as early as Thursday night, London’s Daily Telegraph newspaper said on April 11.

    The BBC reported that May was ready to give the go-ahead for Britain to take part in military action. She would not seek approval from parliament, the BBC said. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said parliament must be consulted.

    Parliament voted down British military action against Assad’s government in 2013 in an embarrassment for May’s predecessor, David Cameron. That then deterred the US. There were signs, though, of a global effort to head off a direct confrontation between Russia and the West. The Kremlin said a crisis communications link with the United States, created to avoid an accidental clash over Syria, was in use.

    “The situation in Syria is horrific, the use of chemical weapons is something the world has to prevent,” Britain’s Brexit minister David Davis said, adding, “But also it’s a very, very delicate circumstance and we’ve got to make this judgment on a very careful, very deliberate, very well thought-through basis.” — Agencies

    French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday “we have proof that chemical weapons were used last week, at least chlorine, and that they were used by the Assad regime”. He said they would decide whether to strike back when all necessary details has been gathered

    Macron said during an interview on France’s TF1 television said he was in daily contact with Trump and that they would decide on their response “at a time of our choosing”

    Keep US at peace: Carter to Prez

    Expressing pride in his own record of peace, former President Jimmy Carter has warned that President Donald Trump should steer clear of any military action involving Syria or other world hot spots and avoid a nuclear attack at all costs

    “I pray that he would keep our country at peace and not exaggerate or exacerbate the challenges that come up with North Korea, in Russia or in Syria,” Carter said in an interview on his new book — “Faith: A Journey for All”

    A lifelong Democrat, Carter has been critical of Trump, a Republican, on a number of fronts, and he said “a lot of people” have “realized they made a mistake” supporting Trump. Yet Carter made clear that his critique is not about the current occupant of the Oval Office

    Moscow to West: Consider consequences of Syria threats seriously      

    Moscow on Thursday called on the West to “seriously consider” the consequences of threats against Syria after the US and France said they would respond to an alleged chemical attack

    “We call upon… members of the international community to seriously consider the possible consequences of such accusations, threats and especially action (against Syria),” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

    “Nobody has authorized Western leaders to take on the role of global police-simultaneously investigator, prosecution, judge and executor,” she said during a press briefing.

    (Source-Agencies)

     

  • Vladimir Putin, before election, unveils new nuclear weapons to counter West

    Vladimir Putin, before election, unveils new nuclear weapons to counter West

    MOSCOW (TIP): President Vladimir Putin unveiled an array of new nuclear weapons on March 1, in one of his most bellicose speeches in years, saying they could hit almost any point in the world and not be intercepted.

    Speaking weeks before an election he is expected to win, Putin also said that a nuclear attack on any of Moscow’s allies would be regarded as an attack on Russia itself and draw an immediate response.

    Putin, who polls indicate should be easily re-elected on March 18, backed his tough rhetoric with video clips of some of the new missiles he was talking about, which were projected on a giant screen behind him at the conference hall in central Moscow where he was addressing Russia’s political elite.

    “They have not succeeded in holding Russia back,” said Putin, referring to the West.

    “Now they need to take account of a new reality and understand that everything I have said today is not a bluff.”

    Among the new weapons that Putin said were either in development or ready: a new intercontinental ballistic missile, a small nuclear warhead that could be attached to cruise missiles, underwater nuclear drones, a supersonic weapon and a laser weapon.

    The audience, made up of Russian lawmakers and other leading figures, frequently stood up and applauded his presentation, which culminated with the Russian national anthem being played.

    NATO MEASURES “USELESS”

    Putin, who has dominated his country’s political landscape for the last 18 years and often used anti-Western rhetoric to mobilize support, said the technological advances meant that NATO’s build-up on Russia’s borders and the roll-out of a US anti-missile system would be rendered useless.

    “I hope that everything that was said today will sober up any potential aggressor,” said Putin.

    “Unfriendly steps towards Russia such as the deployment of the (US) anti-missile system and of NATO infrastructure nearer our borders and such like, from a military point of view, will become ineffective.”

    Steps to contain Russia would also become unjustifiably expensive and pointless, he forecast. The Russian leader also voiced concerns about a new US nuclear doctrine, saying that Russia’s own doctrine was defensive and only envisaged the use of nuclear weapons in response to an attack.

    Russia has repeatedly said it is keen to hold talks with the United States about the balance of strategic nuclear power.

    “We will view any use of nuclear weapons against Russia or its allies, be it of small, medium or any force, as a nuclear attack on our country,” said Putin.

    “Our response will be immediate. Nobody should have any doubts about that.”

    (Reuters)

  • US can rejoin Paris pact: fairer deal might coax us back into climate agreement, says Trump

    US can rejoin Paris pact: fairer deal might coax us back into climate agreement, says Trump

    WASHINGTON (TIP): President Donald Trump said, January 11, his primary concern with the Paris climate accord was that it treated the United States unfairly and that if a better deal could be reached, Washington might be persuaded to rejoin the agreement.

    “It treated the US very unfairly,” Trump said during a news conference with Norwegian PM Erna Solberg. He said he had no problem with agreeing to a climate deal, but the Paris accord was “a bad deal. So, we could conceivably go back in.” However, he did not indicate any move in that direction.

    In June, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change and decided to renegotiate the deal that was agreed upon by over 190 countries during the previous Obama administration.

    Defending his decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Trump said: “The Paris Agreement as drawn and as we signed was very unfair to the United States. It put great penalties on us. It made it very difficult for us to deal in terms of business. It took away a lot of our asset values.” “Frankly, it’s an agreement that I have no problem with, but I had a problem with the agreement that they signed, because, as usual, they made a bad deal,” Trump told a news conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

    “So, we could conceivably go back in,” Trump said, stressing his administration’s commitment to environmental issues, “clean water, clean air”, but added “we also want businesses that can compete”.

    Trump justified his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate accord, saying there was a “tremendous” penalty for using the country’s rich in gas and coal and oil and that hurt American businesses.

    The US has appeared to be so far globally isolated on this issue, but Trump strongly defended his decision. Trump insisted that his administration feels very strongly about the environment.

    “I feel very strongly about the environment. Our EPA (environment protection agency) and our EPA commissioners are very, very powerful, in the sense that they want to have clean water, clean air, but we also want businesses that can compete,” he said.

    “The Paris Accord really would have taken away our competitive edge, and we’re not going to let that happen. I’m not going to let that happen,” Trump asserted. — PTI

    Climate accord goals

    The Paris agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the global temperature rise in this century well below 2° Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5° Celsius

    The landmark agreement, which entered into force last November, calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future, and to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.

     

  • Indian American NJ Senator-Elect Vin Gopal to host a Swearing-in Reception on Jan 9

    Indian American NJ Senator-Elect Vin Gopal to host a Swearing-in Reception on Jan 9

    Harinder Panaser, President, Global Haryana Chamber of Commerce, and CEO, Harman Wellness Professionals Inc characterized victories of Indian Americans, like Vin Gopal and Ravi Bhalla, who has been elected Mayor of Hoboken, as indicative of the growing involvement of Indian American community in the political process of the country, which, he said, is good for both the community and the country.

    ASBURY PARK, NJ (TIP): New Jersey Senator-Elect Vin Gopal will host a swearing-in reception on Tuesday, January 9th, 2017 in Asbury Park, in celebration of his official swearing-in as the newest State Senator representing New Jersey’s 11th District.

    Gopal became the first Democrat in 30 years to win the 11th District seat and at 32 years old, will be the youngest legislator in New Jersey’s upper-house. He will take the oath of office on the morning of January 9th at the State House in Trenton.

    “I know taking the oath of office will be one of the proudest moments of my life, and I cannot wait to get to work serving the people of Monmouth County,” Gopal said, “I look forward to personally thanking the supporters, elected officials, and community leaders who have stood by me every step of the way.”

    The Swearing-in reception on January 9, from 7 to 10 PM. at Wonder Bar, 1213 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712 will be attended by Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, other local elected officials, and community members.

    Vin Gopal, the former Monmouth County Democratic chairman with deep roots in the party there, defeated longtime state Sen. Jennifer Beck in the state’s 11th legislative district.

    According to unofficial results from the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, Gopal defeated Beck 28,750 votes to 25,108 votes.

    The Indian American community is really excited at the electoral victory of a large number of their members in the State of New Jersey.

    Harinder Panaser, President, Global Haryana Chamber of Commerce, and CEO, Harman Wellness Professionals Inc characterized victories of Indian Americans, like Vin Gopal and Ravi Bhalla, who has been elected Mayor of Hoboken, as indicative of the growing involvement of Indian American community in the political process of the country, which, he said, is good for both the community and the country.

    Vin is a lifelong Monmouth County resident, born in Neptune Township and raised in Freehold. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State, he spent years building his business from the ground up and now has 14 employees, based out of his Tinton Falls and Hazlet offices.

    “I’ve felt the crushing burden that over-regulation and red tape can have on a small business in Monmouth County’s local economy. It’s a waste of time and a waste of hard earned dollars. When I get to Trenton, the first thing I promise to do is cut the red-tape and work to get businesses growing and hiring again. Enough is enough.”

    A successful local small-business owner, Vin previously served on the Board of Directors for the now Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce where he chaired the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. He is a past-President of the Hazlet Township Business Owners Association and a past-Board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County. Vin previously served as a volunteer EMT for the Colts Neck and Freehold First Aid Squads, responding to hundreds of 911 emergencies.

  • INDIAN STARTUP FIRST TO SOLVE FACEBOOK GLOBAL CHALLENGE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

    INDIAN STARTUP FIRST TO SOLVE FACEBOOK GLOBAL CHALLENGE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

    Bangalore based startup first in the world to finish all 20 Facebook QA bAbi tasks with 100% accuracy

    BENGALURU (TIP): DataVal Analytics Inc, a Bangalore and Chicago-based Artificial Intelligence – (AI) startup is the first in the world to successfully complete a difficult 20-part challenge in AI created by Facebook in 2015. The test, known as the (20) QA bAbi Tasks hosted by Facebook AI Research (FAIR), assesses the ability of AI based programs to perform text understanding and reasoning.

    To date, NO organization has been able to solve all the 20 tasks with 100% accuracy. However, using a unique approach, DataVal has successfully completed all 20 tasks with 100% accuracy. The DataVal approach focuses on the human way of understanding Language. It also has integrated multiple processes related to language pre-processing, word sense disambiguation, conjunction processing, preposition association, co-reference resolution and time and space analysis. DataVal focuses on a holistic view of the environment and the ecosystem to reason and understand the situation, an approach similar to the human approach to problem solving.

    AI is the new frontier technology of the future with far reaching implications on social, economic and political activities across the world. It will have a significant impact at home, business, factories, banking, government, education, health and lot more. All major global companies and universities have been working on AI for decades. With advances in high speed computing, low cost storage, open source software, cloud computing and smart phones, AI is now in prominence. All leading companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, IBM and a handful of startups have substantial research and development underway on AI.

    The success of DataVal in solving QA bAbI tasks offers hope to address a variety of AI applications related to intelligent personal assistance, search engine, voice command & control applications, social media content analysis, and expert systems in fields such as Education, Health, Energy, Environment, Transport, Finance, Manufacturing, Services and Government.

    DataVal Analytics Inc has offices in Bangalore, India and Chicago, USA with a small team of highly experienced data scientists and programmers focused on Natural Language Understanding technology & Big Data Analytics.

    The company has been founded by veterans from the Indian Army – Lt Col Shashi Kiran (Veteran) and Lt Col Naveen Xavier (Veteran). The team is mentored by the leading entrepreneur, innovator, policy maker and development thinker, Dr. Sam Pitroda as Chairman.

    For further information contact:

    Sam Pitroda at + 1 630 965 1253 & sam@datavalanalytics.com Kiran Shashi at + 91 99 0042 7352 & shashi@datavalanalytics.com Naveen Xavier at + 91 99 1005 4418 & nx@datavalanalytics.com http://www.datavalanalytics.com/wp/nludataval/

    Founders

    Dr Sam Pitroda

    Dr. Sam Pitroda is an internationally respected telecom inventor, entrepreneur, development thinker, and policy maker who has spent 50 years in information and communications technology (ICT) and related global and national developments. Credited with having laid the foundation for India’s telecommunications and technology revolution of the 1980s, Mr. Pitroda has been a leading campaigner to help bridge the global digital divide.

    Dr. Pitroda served as Advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation, with the rank of a Cabinet Minister. He served as the Chairman of the Smart Grid Task Force, as well as the committees to reform public broadcasting, modernize railways, deliver e- governance, and other developmental activities.

    Dr. Pitroda is a Founding Chairman of five non-profit organizations including the India Food Bank, the Global Knowledge Initiative and the Institute of Transdisciplinary Health. He is also a founding Commissioner of the United Nations Broadband Commission for Digital Development and Chairman of the International Telecommunication Union’s m-Powering Development Board that looks to empower developing countries with the use of mobile technology.

    In addition, Dr. Pitroda is a serial entrepreneur having started several companies in the United States. He holds around 20 honorary PhD’s, close to 100 worldwide patents, and has published five books and numerous papers and lectured widely all over the world. He is also the Chairman of DataVal Analytics Inc. He lives in Chicago with his wife. Lt Col Shashi Kiran BP (Veteran)

     Lt Col Shashi Kiran BP (Veteran) is a scientist at heart, known for his unconventional and out of the box thinking. He is a veteran with 20+ years of service in the Indian Army. He has worked in the field of Data Science, Information Technology & Information Security. He has developed many tools and applications for the Army including a Desktop Security tool.

    Shashi Kiran is the Director, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of DataVal Analytics. He is primarily responsible for the development of the Natural Language Understanding Technology at DataVal.

    Shashi believes that one day the computers can think like humans and will assist us in all walks of life.

    Lt Col Naveen Xavier (Veteran)

     Lt Col Naveen Xavier (Veteran) is an entrepreneur with a passion to create a globally renowned company in Analytics. He is a veteran from the Indian Army with over two decades of experience across diverse military assignments. He has a hands-on experience in conceptualizing and deploying Big Data Analytics Solution. At the core, he is an IT & Telecom professional with experience in Planning & Operating nationwide networks. He also has rich experience in architecting solution frameworks for national level government IT projects.

    At DataVal Analytics, he is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer where he leads a team of dedicated professionals who apply machine learning algorithms to solve complex problems.

     

  • Rubin Museum New York hosting 24-hour ragas festival where one can bring bedding to sleep

    Rubin Museum New York hosting 24-hour ragas festival where one can bring bedding to sleep

    NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) in New York is hosting “Ragas Live Festival—24 hours of sacred sound” on October 21-22, where guests with a $280 ticket get handpicked gallery sleeping spot under an artwork and may bring bedding.

    Starting 10 am on October 21 and ending at 10 am on October 22, this overnight Indian classical music concert, whose tagline is “Color your mind at Ragas Live Festival”, includes performances by over 50 master musicians and is a first for RMA. Museum will also provide lounge areas in the lobby for naps and spaces where guests can make themselves cozy.

    A worldwide audience will share this “immersive 24-hour global listening experience” in real time via a live radio broadcast. Museum Café will serve “mango lassis”, and the event includes meditation and traditional Hindu sunrise puja (prayer).

    Musical instruments to be used during the festival include sitar, kanjira, tabla, bansuri, sarod, sarangi, harmonium, mridangam, santoor, etc. It would showcase some hundreds of years old compositions and includes many artists from India.

    Welcoming RMA for hosting festival of ragas, which were historically integral to Hinduism with roots going back to ancient Vedas, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, said that art had a long and rich tradition in Hinduism and the elements of musical theory were first found in Sama-Veda.

    Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d’Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize Hindu art/culture focused exhibitions/shows/concerts, thus sharing the rich Hindu art heritage with the rest of the world.

    Ragas are stated to be melodies with highest expression of Indian classical music and envisioned as manifestation of the divine. Some are associated with various Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, etc. Sage Narada is said to have played some ragas. Many ragas produce feeling of reverence, hope, passion, love, joy, devotion, peace, etc. Effects of ragas have been described as bringing dead back to life, curing madness, causing rain, starting fire, etc.

    RMA claims to “spark new ways of seeing the world”, hosts “out-of-the-ordinary experiences” and has welcomed over 1.4 million visitors. With five gallery floors, it describes itself as “space to contemplate ideas that extend across history and span human cultures”. Robert M. Baylis and Patrick Sears are Trustees President and Executive Director respectively.

    Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about 1.1 billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

  • QATAR – US TIES WITNESS A SURGE: SEETHARAMAN

    QATAR – US TIES WITNESS A SURGE: SEETHARAMAN

    PRAKASH M SWAMY

    NEW YORK (TIP): Doha Bank hosted a knowledge sharing session on “Qatar- US Bilateral Opportunities” at Hotel Metropolitan, New York on Oct.10.The event was well attended by leading Corporates who were keen to hear more about US – Qatar bilateral relationships and to explore further business opportunities with Doha Bank.

    Dr. R. Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank gave insight on global economies. He said “According to IMF July 2017 Outlook, economic activity in both advanced economies and emerging and developing economies is forecast to accelerate in 2017, to 2 percent and 4.6 percent respectively, with global growth projected to be 3.5 percent. Current global growth prospects are encouraging, though the pace of growth is still weaker than desirable.”

    Dr. R. Seetharaman highlighted on US economy and Qatar – US Bilateral relationships. He said “US economy had expanded at an annual rate of 3 percent in the second quarter of the year. U.S. economic growth will take a mild hit in the third quarter from Hurricane Harvey and Irma. The U.S. economy lost 33,000 jobs in September even as the unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent. Despite this Federal Reserve policymakers have recently signaled they continue to see gradual U.S. interest-rate hikes ahead. Qatar’s trade with US was close to $ 6Bn in 2016.

    The US is the sixth largest trading partner of Qatar. US exports to Qatar mainly consisted of Aircraft, Vehicles, Electrical Machinery and Optical Medical Instruments. U.S. imports from Qatar mainly fuel and fertilizers. In Oct 2015 Qatar and the US have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish economic and investment dialogue. In August 2016 Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund made a $622-million purchase, a stake in the company that owns New York’s Empire State Building.

    In June 2017 the United States and Qatar have signed a deal for the purchase of F-15 fighter jets with an initial cost of $12bn. In August 2017 Qatar’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Committee (NAMLC) has engaged the US-based Financial Integrity Network (FIN) as its principal strategic adviser for enhancing the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) system.

    Building on the nearly $26bn invested in the US since 2015, Qatar Investment Authority has committed to investing another $10bn and expanding the portfolio to include infrastructure projects. Qatar- US Bilateral relationships witness a surge.”

    Dr. R. Seetharaman gave insight on the recent developments in Qatar. He said “Qatar will raise LNG production by 30% to 100mtpa within five to seven years after lifting a moratorium on gas development earlier this year. Qatar ranked 18th in ‘the Global Competitiveness Report 2016-17’ and stands second in the region. A new law for Public Private Partnership (PPP) businesses in Qatar should provide an additional level of comfort to the private sector and foreign investors.

    Qatar Lending growth till August 2017 was more than 6% YTD and deposit growth was more than 9% YTD in 2017. In Feb 2017, Qatar issued a new law on arbitration inspired by the UNCITRAL Model Law, an international template for law on arbitration. In terms of food security, Qatar now have many local companies that are supporting the country and it can develop these businesses further and boost its food production to provide both locally and internationally.

    Qatar Budget 2017 has allocated for key sectors such as health, education and infrastructure QR87.1bn (US$23.9bn) which is made up made up of nearly 44% of the total expenditure in the 2017.Transportation and infrastructure projects, which represented a main pillar of enhancing sustainable development, have been allocated QR42bn. (US$11.51bn). The accomplishment of the New Orbit Highway will facilitate the world cup infrastructure works as per schedule.

    Qatar’s landmark residency plan is a welcoming social and economic reform. It will attract skilled expats to have a career in Qatar. It will also encourage investors as they would be able to launch business ventures. It will help migrants to further integrate with Qatar’s society. The landmark residency plan will enhance expatriates’ participation in Qatar’s economy and society in various forms and thereby contribute to sustainable growth of Qatar. Qatar has also waived entry visa requirements for citizens of 80 countries.”

    Convening all these global business leaders in New York, was a powerful reminder of the invaluable role that accurate information, communication and reporting plays in the business community. The presentation was inspiring and useful. It restored trust and fertile ground.

    The business audience was able to see the opportunities that Qatar is offering. Qatar’s core value and hard work were highlighted as they lead to a peaceful and resilient society.

  • Hindi Documentary ‘Cheer Haran: The Disrobement’ premiered in Big Cinemas, New Jersey

    Hindi Documentary ‘Cheer Haran: The Disrobement’ premiered in Big Cinemas, New Jersey

    Kajol Bishnoi

    EDISON, NJ (TIP) – Edison hosted the first US premier of Cheer Haran, a 90-minute Hindi documentary based on Jaat reservation agitation that claimed many lives, paralyzed Haryana and shamed India across the globe last year.

    The title reminds us of the heinous incident from the Mahabharata as Last year around mid-February, Haryana was in a similar situation, unguarded and abandoned, when all of a sudden, the JAAT agitation for OBC reservation flared up into a devastating inferno of sectarian violence. Women were allegedly gang-raped by mobs. The film tries to decipher why turned things turned violent, whether the brutality could have been averted?’’

    Produced by Twister Entertainment and directed by Kuldeep Ruhil, who was born and brought up in Dahakora village near Rohtak. Ruhil, an actor and writer, says, “The tagline of the movie is ‘February 2016: Haryana lost peace, harmony and 31 kids’ and it peeps into the psyche of people, post agitation.”

    The documentary has been shot in Haryana, Delhi and Gurgaon, and has two songs dedicated to those killed in police firing. “We interviewed the affected families, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu, and officials. We tried to show both sides of this violence,” says Ruhil, who is now based in Mumbai.

    As a film maker it’s my duty to prevent and show the reality of Haryana.” On being asked about the reason behind portraying it as a documentary and not a feature film, the director said, “The reason behind the documentary is that a feature could be a statement with conclusion. But that could not be the idea because there would be no exploration otherwise. The documentary serves the reality.” He also added, “You will see that the real victims and survivors are still positive but these reservations has kept alive the cast discrimination. Cheer Haran depicts a true picture of Jaat reservation agitation that claimed many lives and soon to be released in India on over 100 screens.

  • Legendary Vocalist Bhoomi Trivedi Rocks Chicago

    Legendary Vocalist Bhoomi Trivedi Rocks Chicago

    “The whirling dancers, clapped hands, and later added distinct sound of wooden sticks struck together in perfect harmony by toe tapping music and people, especially ladies including small girls wearing colorful dress. Tempo of dance picks up gradually as time progressed” – Bhoomi Trivedi

    CHICAGO. IL (TIP): New Era Entertainment Presented Garba Dandia Masti by legendary Vocalist Bhoomi Trivedi, also known as Ramleela Girl for the famous hit song “Udi Udi Jay”. This event was 1st time ever in Chicagoland for Bhoomi, presented by National Promoter Gaurang Patel, A.B Entertainment Altaf Bukhari, Pankaj Raval & Payal Shah. The event was held at Bartlett park district spacious gymnasium from on Saturday, September 02, 2017 at Bartlett park district, 700 South Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL

    This annual ritual colorful Raas Garba festivity was presented during pre-Navaratri time. Navratri is an annual holy event celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga Mataji; also worshiped are goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the goddesses of health, prosperity and knowledge, respectively.

    There was overwhelming participation from predominantly young, enjoying the memorable evening. Many in the audience, especially ladies and children wore very vibrant colorful and dazzling traditional Indian dresses for this special juncture with appropriately matching ornaments and extravagant hairstyles. Navaratri Garba is very special for me as it honors Shakti in very rhythmic ways said Nisha Deshpande. Her mother Dina Modi added that “we all love the whole atmosphere of colors, the clothes and of course, the music and then there is always the fun of dressing up”. She further explained to Asian Media USA that western dress is replaced by Lengha-choli, matching jewelry and foot wear. “Some prefer to wear traditional outfit while others go for modern look” she added. When asked main purpose of organizing such event, Dina replied that “this type of organized event promotes Indian culture to new generation who are born here Music for Navaratri festival has to keep balance between devotion and entertainment”.

    Internationally acclaimed Indian singer, 28, hails from Vadodara, India. Trivedi hails from a musical family from Vadodara of Gujarat.  She started to learn music while she was in 8th grade. Trivedi began her Bollywood career with 2012 film Prem Mayee with the song “Bahne Dey”. However, she rose to fame with her rendition in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2013 released film Goliyon Ki Raasleela. Her song Ram Chahe……became an instant hit.

    Before that she is well known as the participant of the national singing competition show Indian Idol 3,4 and 5 editions. In the 5th edition she was selected as one of the three finalists Other than Bollywood songs, she also had recorded for several Gujarati films. Her recent hit was “Udi Udi Jaye” in film Rees in year 2017 written by Javed Akhtar.

    Bhoomi’s category of singing talent includes Filmi, electronic pop and rock music. It was natural for her to progress to one of the most renowned popular singer during festival of Navratri entertaining hefty crowd by her spiritual and mystical singing of “Raas and Garba”

    There were various booths at the event ranging from designer attire and jewelry to dish services, banking products and even best-selling books on success! Payal Shah did a marvelous job of colorful complimentary decoration for the occasion of the hall including the entrance.

    Explaining the importance of the festival Altaf Bukhari, CEO of A.B Entertainment said that such event is intrinsic as it carries the message of unity and brotherhood to new generation who are born in this county. He also thanked to audiences and volunteers for hard work and dedication

    It was one of the most organized events of its kind that Chicago has seen in recent years. The tremendous energy of the packed auditorium was evident with the non-stop dancing that lasted for hours with participants ranging from youth to seniors. The event also included prizes for the best female and male dancers for Garba and Raas as well as best dressed couple.  The event concluded in wee hours of morning highlighted by devotional Arti of Mataji.

    Sponsors of the events were New York Life Insurance, American Family Insurance, Big Suchir, Deshi Hut Restaurant, Suga Builders, M. K. Shah Financial services, Raag and Rock Entertainment, Suburban Medical, Dr. Ritish Patel, R.N. International, Verandah Senior Living, World Smart LED, Devon Travel, Universal Accounting, Mr. Nilesh Topiwala, Accu Tax, World Money Exchange Inc, Hitesh Gandhi and Anil Shah

    Media Partner of the event were Hi India, Asian Media USA and T V Asia

    (Photograph and Press release by Asian Media USA)

  • Zeenat Aman Honored with DCSAFF Lifetime Achievement Award

    Zeenat Aman Honored with DCSAFF Lifetime Achievement Award

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Veteran Bollywood diva Zeenat Aman was felicitated with lifetime achievement award for her contribution in the field of cinema at the DC South Asia Film Festival (DCSAFF) which was held Sept. 8-10 at Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus in Washington, D.C. The sixth annual DC South Asian Film Festival was presented by the DC South Asian Arts Council, Inc. in Partnership with Montgomery College.

    Indian American philanthropist Frank Islam presented the award to the 65-year-old actor saying that she ‘defined girlhood and womanhood for generations of South Asians.’ Zeenat Aman is best known for her work in Hindi films during the 70s and 80s. An award-winning actress, Ms. Aman is credited with a making a lasting impact on the image of its leading actresses by introducing the modern look to Hindi cinema. Ms. Aman has won numerous awards including Filmfare Best Supporting Actress for Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1972), Bollywood Awards ‘Award for Lifetime Achievement’ – Lifetime of Glamour (2003), and Best Contribution to Indian Cinema at the 11th IIFA awards (2011).

    The event featured three days of the premieres of award-winning films from South Asian countries. Screenings included feature films, short films by Montgomery College Students, and documentaries as well as Q & A sessions with directors and actors. The opening and closing night galas featured stars and acclaimed guests including Zeenat Aman, Adil Hussain, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, Delegate Aruna Miller (now running for Congress in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District), directors Anant Mahadevan, Vinay Pujara, Indira Somani among others.

    Alankrita Shrivastava-directed “Lipstick Under My Burkha” received the best feature film award while special jury mention for best feature film went to “The Valley” and “Elephants in the Coffee” bagged the prize for the best documentary. Ananth Mahadevan got Best Director award for Dr. Rukhmabai. Adil Hussain received best actor award for Hotel Salvation and Pragati Kolagewas adjudged as the best actress for Palyawadasi.

  • Chicago gears up for largest South Asian Film Festival in Midwest

    Chicago gears up for largest South Asian Film Festival in Midwest

    CHICAGO (TIP): Now in its 8th year, Chicago South Asian Film Festival, (CSAFF) will take place from September 29th to October 1st and will screen films in three distinct locations across the Chicagoland area – the Showplace ICON Theater in Downtown Chicago, DePaul University, and the AMC Theater in Oakbrook.

     This year of CSAFF has been made possible by arts-conscious sponsors DePaul University, Counsel General of India Chicago, Bank of America, B-Raja, West Monroe Partners, and Air India.

    “Our mission at CSAFF is to further diversity and cultural education in Chicago so that young multicultural filmmakers and artists can be given a strong platform to tell their stories and share their art”, said Festival Manager Jigar Shah. “At the 2017 CSAFF we look forward to our third year of in-competition sections for both feature and short films and a focus on the pivotal role of women in South Asian cinema. As part of this focus, we are proud to host the illustrious Indian actors, Shabana Azmi, Aparna Sen, Rajkummar Rao, and Akshay Oberoi who will be joining us on the Red Carpet at 6 p.m. on Opening Night, September 29th in Oakbrook.”

    A carefully curated collection of independent films, shorts, documentaries, events and discussions will create the three-day Festival experience. The Festival will open at the Oakbrook AMC Theater, with Red Carpet performances by local dance companies on the central festival theme of “Women in Cinema”.

    There is a stellar lineup of films this year including Trapped, Dobara Phir Se, You Are My Sunday, Sonata, Newton, Gurgaon, and many other short films and documentaries. Filmmakers will also be present for moderated Q&A sessions throughout the weekend through most of these films.  Closing night festivities will take place at the Showplace Icon in the South Loop at 8 p.m., including an awards ceremony.

    Renowned actors Shabana Azmi and Rajkummar Rao will walk the Red Carpet and Ms. Azmi will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Opening Night will close with the Chicago premiere of Newton by director Amit Masurkar and includes dynamic performances by Rajkummar Rao. Newton premiered at the Berlin Film Festival to rave reviews earlier this year. There will be a Q&A session with Mr. Rao after the film.

     

  • Fourth of July – Celebration of birth of American Independence

    Fourth of July – Celebration of birth of American Independence

     We wish our readers a happy 4th of July

    The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.
    On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States.

    Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston comprised the committee that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document. The committee and Congress as a whole made a total of 86 changes to Jefferson’s draft.

    First two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence read:

    “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

    We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”

    From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

    • In 1777, thirteen gunshots were fired in salute, once at morning and once again as evening fell, on July 4 in Bristol, Rhode Island. Philadelphia celebrated the first anniversary in a manner a modern American would find quite familiar: an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks. Ships in port were decked with red, white, and blue bunting.
    • In 1778, from his headquarters at Ross Hall, near New Brunswick, New Jersey, General George Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and an artillery salute (feu de joie). Across the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
    • In 1781, the Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration. In 1783, Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, held a celebration of July 4 with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter. This work was titled The Psalm of Joy. This is recognized as the first recorded celebration and is still celebrated there today.
    • In 1870, the U.S. Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday

    In New York City, Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show celebrates America’s birthday with patriotic standards and dazzling sparkles that light up the New York skyline in a show unlike any other.  Macy’s works hand-in-hand with the best pyrotechnic team in the business to design and install more than 40,000 effects, all choreographed to an Independence Day medley.Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the nation and the single show against which all others are measured. The Fireworks are broadcast live on NBC-TV and has featured celebrity musical performances from world-famous artists such as Beyoncé and Katy Perry. Macy’s has up to six fireworks barges detonating simultaneously from either one or several locations around New York City. In addition to 3,000 invited guests seated in the Macy’s VIP Grandstands, 15 million viewers tune into NBC’s telecast and nearly 3 million spectators view the live show from positions along the river.

    By Bidisha Roy

     

  • The PM’s meeting with Trump gives India a chance to study its options in a changed world

    The PM’s meeting with Trump gives India a chance to study its options in a changed world

    Three years after his first visit to meet U.S. President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Washington for his first meeting with the new President, Donald Trump, on June 26. His visit in 2014 was made easier by a strong Indo-U.S. relationship built steadily over the previous two decades, and grounded in Mr. Obama’s personal commitment to enhancing strategic ties. It also benefited from Mr. Modi’s willingness to let bygones be bygones, over the earlier denial to him of a visa to the U.S., in order to build a new relationship, and his show of diaspora strength in the U.S. Mr. Modi now goes to Washington as a seasoned interlocutor, not the ‘new kid on the world leadership block’ he was in previous visits. But the situation in 2017 is different. In the five months since his inauguration, Mr. Trump has made it clear that no international relationship can be taken for granted, and it will be difficult to predict which American foreign policy principles will be adhered to in the new administration, and which will be dropped without ceremony. On the partnership with India, few will be willing to hazard a guess on what Mr. Trump has in mind. As President he has spoken to Mr. Modi twice, and sent his National Security Adviser to the region. But he has also criticized India on a tough tariff regime, on immigration and professional visas, and while withdrawing from the Paris climate accord, accused India of taking “billions and billions” of U.S. aid to fund its commitments. India has not been the biggest priority on Mr. Trump’s list of meetings with world leaders; the focus has been on America’s closest alliances in Europe and Japan, and problem areas such as China and Turkey.

    Given the changed circumstances, officials in both India and the U.S. have reportedly set aside any formal agenda for the meeting on Monday, placing the emphasis on how the one-on-one meeting between the two leaders goes. Both sides have also, appropriately, toned down expectations of any big announcements. There are indications of likely agreements to be announced on counter-terror cooperation, maritime traffic facilitation and trade. However, it would be wise to put off more substantive decisions, on military cooperation, large defense purchases, Afghanistan and fighting regional terror, and the long-pending operationalization of the nuclear deal to the next bilateral meeting, and focus instead on firming up the ground rules of engagement. That will allow Mr. Modi to get a true sense of what Mr. Trump’s commitment to the relationship is, while India studies its options on how to chart its course amid the new uncertainty in world politics. That he is getting a sense of the changed U.S. administration may be clear from the decision not to hold any large gatherings of the Indian-American community this time, presumably in deference to the prevailing sentiment in Washington over immigration.

    (The Hindu)