# 1 Indian American Weekly: Since 2006

VOL 14 ISSUE 16 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● APR 17 - 23, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news AMERICA HAPPY RAMADAN UNITED AGAINST Governor Cuomo extends COVID-19 KEEP SAFE lockdown of State until May 15 ● Follow President Trump's Guidelines on Coronavirus Says, 'Our goal is that the "new normal" will be a better New York' ● Observe Social Distancing NEW YORK(TIP): New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on ● Wash Hands Frequently Thursday, April 16, extended the state's lockdown for ● No Panic Buying another month, keeping schools and nonessential ● No Price Gouging businesses closed until at least May 15. The news came KEEP AMERICA SAFE after the governor announced that the daily death toll, along with hospitalization and intensive care unit Indian-American attorney Ravi admissions, have decreased. While about 2,000 people Batra accuses China of received a COVID-19 diagnosis in the state on creating COVID-19 in a Lab Wednesday, that number has decreased. The numbers of Urges Trump to Seek people being sent to ICUs and requiring ventilators are Compensation from China contd on Page 32 Appreciating New Yorkers, Cuomo said, 'I trust New Yorkers, you know. I believe if the facts are presented to the people of the state, New Yorkers will do the right thing. India’s Governance Response to Covid-19 Government of India is acutely aware of the need to balance our central concern about the welfare of our citizens with our NEW YORK (TIP): Alleging that By Sandeep global responsibilities. coronavirus was genetically-engineered Chakravorty in a Wuhan lab, an Indian-American extended to May 3, 2020 in view of the survivor of the deadly virus has urged need to stop the spread of Corona virus. President Donald Trump to seek n April 14, 2020 Mr. Narendra Such a decision was expected and largely compensation from China, running into Modi, Prime Minister of India welcomed despite the economic hardship India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi trillions of dollars, for the thousands of Oaddressed the nation to announce it entails for the country, particularly for announced, April 14, extension of the deaths and harming the American that the lockdown in the country will be the poor. contd on Page 2 coronavirus lockdown till May 3 economy. contd on Page 6 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 India’s Governance Response to Covid-19 contd from page 1 (airports, major and minor ports, land borders) was shelters housing 1.25 million individuals. An additional initiated on January 17, 2020. Visa and travel restrictions 360,000 workers have been provided shelter by industry.7.5 There is national consensus that lockdown and social were imposed on foreign nationals on February 5. All visas million individuals are being fed through this network of distancing is the only effective way to prevent the spread of were suspended on March 11 and incoming flights were camps and shelters plus another 19,460 food the virus and also reduce the burden on the healthcare suspended from March 19. Incoming passengers were camps/distribution points. The public health aspect of system. placed under daily surveillance through the Integrated this movement has not been neglected and the camps have However, India's anti-corona virus strategies are not Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) Network and been linked to a network of quarantine facilities and limited to the lockdown. In fact a layered and multi- monitored through a national online portal. The portal testing laboratories. The nationwide response to assist stakeholder, multi-pronged strategy is in place providing a aggregates data and maintains a log of all community these workers and their families highlighted the popular governance response in India to the COVID-19 pandemic. It contacts of positive cases. 621,000 passengers were understanding of the rationale behind the lockdown. is noteworthy that India, a country of 1.3 billion, has been monitored and not a single positive case in this universe MITIGATION MEASURES able to limit the number of deaths to 420 in the period since has been able to mix with the general population. Prime Ministers Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) was January 30, 2020 when the first case was detected to April MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS launched to mitigate the hardships being faced by the poor 16, 2020 when we go to press. Reported cases in India are The lockdown is accompanied by a nationwide effort to and disadvantaged. It attempts to create a security net much lower than the global incidence rate. The pandemic enhance medical preparedness. A network of labs across particularly for the disadvantaged sections of society that has also been contained geographically with negligible the country has been set up to facilitate early and timely are worst affected in such situations. Senior citizens, "community" transmission. sample testing. 223 labs are operational. State Nodal widows, the physically challenged, women, workers and Prime Minister Modi has led a pandemic response that Officers have been appointed and specific labs have been others who are most vulnerable have been identified. Food is historic in its ambition and complexity.Technology and designated for States. A national Hospital preparedness supplies, cooking gas, financial support and other forms of administrative methods are supplemented by the effort is underway to ensure availability of beds. Health support are being delivered on nationwide basis. This strengths of our collective consciousness and our ancient facilities of the Defence, Labour, Railways, Home enormous exercise involves a financial outlay of INR philosophy. It is a sui generis crisis management (paramilitary forces) and Steel Ministries and other 170,000 crore/ USD 22 billion. Disbursal has commenced operation. The strategy leverages the deep reservoir of Central and State government Institutions can be enlisted and the support is reaching those who need it the most. national resolve to confront the current challenge as one to augment hospital capacity if required. Currently there The management of essential services for the general nation and one people. It is being conducted in a are 1,71,415 isolation beds available in Govt. Sector (with 2- population is a very high priority and is being constantly democratic setting. Parliament has debated this crisis 3 Stadiums on stand-by in West Bengal), in addition 24,383 monitored. extensively.Prime Minister has also consulted and sought beds are available through Army, Para-Military forces, INTERNATIONAL ASPECTS inputs from the entire political spectrum. The Union and Railways and Labour Ministries. Personal Protective This is a global pandemic and requires a global response. State executives have mobilized and are working as an Equipment (PPEs), ventilators, essential drugs and other Prime Minister Modi has led the SAARC initiative and is integrated unit. Prime Minister manages the effort at the consumables are being stockpiled and buffer stocks are also actively involved in G-20 wide coordination. The highest political and executive level. A Group of Ministers, being constantly monitored. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has created a COVID Committee of Secretaries and Empowered Groups provide Guidelines on every aspect of COVID-19 management cell and is actively coordinating the global response. It is political leadership and operational direction. At the have been widely disseminated. Medical and paramedical monitoring the condition of stranded Indians on a regular operational level, Cabinet Secretary and Health Secretary personnel and Rapid Response Teams nationwide are basis. A global procurement and supply chain support are coordinating in real-time, through multiple receiving orientation on infection prevention, clinical effort has been launched to enhance our medical videoconferences, a system-wide response that is being management and protocols etc. Videoconferences are held preparedness. More than 4000 requests from 63 harmonized across all of India's 728 districts. The decisive regularly between central and state authorities to review countries/regions for medicines like paracetamol have Indian response was initiated much before WHO declared status. A massive contact tracing operation is continuing been cleared on humanitarian grounds. It is part of India's COVID 19 to be "Public Health Emergency of International on a nationwide scale to pre-empt transmission. A public efforts to contribute to the global efforts to combat the Concern" on January 30, 2020 and before the first health communication exercise has been in operation Covid-19 pandemic. It is also a symbol of our solidarity confirmed COVID positive case was reported, also on since January 2020. Social media platforms and webpages towards all the countries who require these medicines January 30, 2020. This was a day before Italy saw its first of Government are pushing out information about basic during this hour of need. MEA has also coordinated case on January 31. By that time, surveillance and preventive steps. TV & Radio channels were mobilized and inward and outward evacuations on a massive scale. It is screening of passengers had commenced in India and an advertisement campaign launched. also important to note that evacuation is possible only States had been alerted. The crisis management system Aarogya Setu (https://www.mygov.in/aarogya-setu- under very special conditions and for a limited number of had started operating at full speed. Let us examine in detail app/), a mobile app has been developed by the Government people. For some countries such as USA, evacuation is not these strategies. of India to connect essential health services with the a readily feasible option due to the large number of people LOCKDOWN people of India in our combined fight against COVID-19. involved as well as the risks posed by international travel. The App is aimed at augmenting the initiatives of the India's Embassy in Washington and Consulates in five Government particularly the Department of Health, in cities including New York are actively involved in proactively reaching out to and informing the users of the supporting the members of Indian community who are app regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories facing difficulty due to the lockdown in India and pertaining to the containment of COVID-19. suspension of flights. The Consulate General of India in MIGRATION OF WORKERS New York has created a special facility in its Pramit web application for addressing the needs of people (www.indiainnewyork.gov.in). We have been able to assist in a wide range of situations including support for accommodation, food, medicines and even personal counseling. In this we are receiving valuable support from Lockdown community organizations. As people are doing their bit by staying at home, we are doing our bit by taking our The whole country had been placed under a lockdown programming and events directly to their homes by since March 25 for 21 days. The lockdown which was innovative use of social media tools such as Facebook and intended to break the transmission through social Twitter. I would encourage readers to like our Facebook distancing met with unprecedented and voluntary page (@indiainnewyork) so that they remain virtually nationwide response. As we all know prior to the connected while being socially distant. lockdown, on March 19, the nation had placed itself under Migrant laborers in thousands gathered in Delhi to go back to Government of India is acutely aware of the need to a "Janata" or people's curfew. The extent of the lockdown their native places balance our central concern about the welfare of our and the compliance it has received are unique. It was an citizens with our global responsibilities. India is a major India specific crisis response measure tailored to Indian As expected, the lockdown produced a number of source of pharmaceuticals. We are committed to acting conditions and has demonstrated results. Governments, challenges. A movement of migrant labor occurred during responsibly during this crisis. There is no outright ban on central and states, have used this period to trace and the initial period of the lockdown. A national effort was exports of critical drugs and requests are being examined isolate positive cases and their contacts. The graph of launched to mitigate the hardship faced by them. A and responded to appropriately. Several consignments of COVID 19 cases is flattening. Cases are doubling in 7 days. detailed protocol was evolved to manage the migrants, and critical medicines have been cleared and dispatched to the Projections of the trajectories the pandemic would have guidelines were issued to ensure essential supplies, United States. Cooperation between Indian and US taken had there been no lockdown or only a partial rations and food packets for them. Relief camps providing scientific organizations is also going ahead on how to lockdown are frightening (please see the graph). food and shelter were organized on an unprecedented scale mitigate and combat the virus. In a tragic way this crisis The lockdown was not the beginning but the logical within days. This massive administrative effort across a has brought us together and we see much greater India-US continuation of a strategy. Surveillance at points of entry number of states established more than 27,000 camps and strategic and economic cooperation in a post-Covid world. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 NY/NJ/CT 3 New Jersey Hard Hit by Covid-19 with more than 3,500 Deaths Schools to Remain Closed through May 15

TRENTON , NJ (TIP): New Jersey must first be reviewed and approved by has been hard hit by the novel NJHMFA staff. coronavirus with more than 3,500 NJ Attorney General Gurbir S. deaths and 75,000 COVID-19 cases. The Grewal announced April 15 that the death toll from COVID-19 complications New Jersey Division of Consumer rose to at least 3,518, after 362 new cases Affairs has issued approximately 514 were reported Thursday, April 16. cease-and-desist letters and 89 Reported deaths have increased by over subpoenas to businesses reported by 1,000 since Easter. consumers to have engaged in price Gov. Phil Murphy said COVID-19 has gouging or other consumer protection now claimed more New Jerseyans than violations related to the COVID-19 died fighting in World War 1. Murphy pandemic. said that his state has tested the fourth The Division's open cases include most total people of any state with at investigations of brick-and-mortar least 77,317 people testing positive for retailers in New Jersey, companies from the novel coronavirus as of Thursday. other States that are accused of Thousands of new cases have been increasing prices for New Jersey announced on many days. consumers, and sellers located in New The Governor announced that all Jersey who have been accused of schools in the state will remain closed raising their prices on online through at least Friday, May 15. marketplaces. Governor Murphy also announced that To date, the Division has logged a total the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage of 2,978 complaints related to the Finance Agency has unanimously voted New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker tour the field hospital in COVID-19 emergency against about to suspend rent increases at all eligible Edison, N.J. on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. 1,800 business locations. Approximately properties within the Agency's Picture / courtesy Office of the Attorney General 90 percent of the complaints involve portfolio, which includes 36,000 rental price increase on items including units across the state. moderate-income families, who have Executive Order 103. Thereafter, eligible surgical masks, hand sanitizers, "Many New Jerseyans are now facing been among the most-economically properties in the Agency's portfolio disinfectant sprays and wipes, food, the difficult financial realities of impacted during this crisis, will not seeking rent increases of up to 1.4% bottled water, and other items in unemployment and a loss of income due have to fear a rent increase." may do so only after 30-day notice is demand by consumers concerned about to COVID-19," said Governor Murphy. The suspension of rent increases will provided to NJHMFA and residents. protecting their health and maintaining "With this action, thousands of low- and remain in place until the termination of Any request in excess of this amount enough supplies for their homes. Nassau County Witnesses a drop in OBITUARY The death of Mr. Avneet Singh son of Mr Jay Coronavirus hospitalization JasbirSingh and Mrs. Lovely Kaur has sent MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau shock waves in the community in Long Island. Nassau County County continued to witness a welcome Mr. Singh was sick for some time and was Executive hospitalized. He died on April 16,2020. a drop in the number of people Laura Curran: Many individuals and organizations have "We stayed hospitalized for coronavirus. The mourned the death of the promising young home, we did number of deaths also dropped, man. Indian American Forum led by its the right thing, signaling the beginning of the flattening chairman Bobby Kalotee and The Indian and we Panorama sent in their condolences to the of the curve. flattened the editor to be passed on to the bereaved family. According to Nassau County curve. And Executive Laura Curran, as of April 16, that's thanks to Mr. Avneet Singh May the dear departedsoul Rest In Peace! the county has 27,772 confirmed cases of everyone in the coronavirus, an increase of 1.052. Nassau County." That's a smaller increase than the IN MEMORIAM previous day, when nearly 1,500 new Cuomo, 606 people died on April 15, cases were reported. which is nearly 150 less than the day Actor and Writer Ranjit Chowdhry dies at 65 There were 52 deaths reported , April before. So far, the virus has claimed the 15, bringing the county's total to 1,109. lives of 12,192 New Yorkers. I.S. SALUJA remembered by all. But that is also a smaller increase than The state's focus is starting to move MUMBAI/ NEW YORK During that period he (TIP): Film, television and worked in films such Basu previous days. onto how, and when, to allow businesses theatre actor Ranjit Chatterjee's Khatta According to Curran, there are to reopen. Cuomo said it would most Chowdhry passed away in Meetha and Baaton Mein. currently 2,419 coronavirus patients in likely be a phased reopening, with more Mumbai on Wednesday, After moving to the US, Nassau's 11 hospitals - a decrease of 58. essential businesses reopening before April 15 at the age of 65. Ranjit worked in a number There were 235 people discharged, April others. Ranjit was the son of of US?shows, the most famous being The Office. 15. There will also be a discussion on how Mumbai theatre heavyweight Pearl He appeared as Vikram. H "We stayed home, we did the right businesses reopen, Cuomo said, and Ranjit Chowdhry in Padamsee and the reportedly also wrote the his younger days thing, and we flattened the curve," what new practices will be in place. stepson of ad film screenplay for Deepta Curran said. "And that's thanks to Some companies may have to continue maverick, Alyque Mehta's Sam & Me, for everyone in Nassau County." allowing employees to work from home, Padamsee, also remembered for playing which he also found an honorable mention at the Cannes Film Festival. The consensus among officials is that and others will have to figure out how to MA?Jinnah in Ben Kingsley's Gandhi. it seems New York has reached the apex work social distancing into their According to a report in Pinkvilla, Ranit I got an opportunity to work with him in Tirlok Malik's film 'On Golden Years' . I of its cases of the coronavirus. The state business models. had moved to the US in 1980 and been active as a writer and actor there too. have lost a friend and mentor. has seen a plateau, with the number of Still, the governor extended, April 16, Ranjit is best remembered for playing Tirlok Malik and the entire cast of 'On hospitalizations statewide actually the stay-home order to May 15, keeping Jagan Gupta in Hrithikesh Mukherjee's Golden Years' mourned the passing away dropping slightly. New York on lockdown for another iconic film, Khubsoorat. The song Saare of the great artist. The death rate in the state is also month, at least. Niyam Tod Do, where he features We will miss you. RIP. slowing. According to Gov. Andrew alongside Rekha, is still fondly THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 Four Indian Techies Named 2020 IBM Fellows

Ajay Apte, Kailash Gopalakrishnan, Shalini Kapoor, and Ranjan Sinha have been named 2020 IBM Fellows

NEW YORK (TIP): Four Indian Senior Manager of Accelerator Since Kailash joined IBM in 2004, his start-ups across numerous industries. origin techies are among the best and Architectures and Machine Learning, research has relied on the disciplines She also pioneered the concept of IoT brightest of IBM's global workforce Shalini Kapoor, Distinguished of engineering, physics and Recipes, which provides partners with this year- the IBM Fellows 2020. Each Engineer, Director-Watson IoT India, mathematics. Over the last seven years step-by-step guidance for integrating year, IBM honors its top technologists IBM Cognitive Applications, and he's looked for new ways to make AI their offerings with IBM Watson IoT as IBM Fellows. This year's 12 new IBM Ranjan Sinha, Vice President and more computationally efficient and solutions on the IBM Cloud. Fellows come from Asia, the Americas Chief Technology Officer for the IBM consumable. As VP and CTO for the IBM Global and Europe. They have worked across Global Chief Data Office Throughout an IBM career that Chief Data Office, Ranjan Sinha is on multiple business units to assist our After 20 years of working across a spans more than 23 years, Shalini the front lines of the transformational clients in their digital transformations broad portfolio of IBM products Kapoor has personified the expression effort to infuse artificial intelligence and migrations to AI and Cloud. These including middleware and containers, "doing well by doing good."Shalini's (AI) into real-world applications. Sinha new IBM Fellows also have energized Ajay had earned 30 IBM patents and a journey at IBM has included created the Cognitive Enterprise Data the company's internal business reputation as an IBMer who combined leadership roles in Technical Sales, Platform, which helps reduce data practices, and have helped to establish technical expertise with business Research, and Development. Her many silos, democratize access to data, and maintain IBM's reputation as the impact. Taking on a new role designing accomplishments include creating the enable a self-service data-driven world's responsible-and dependable- applications for hybrid cloud forced Watson Internet of Things (IoT) and AI culture, provide trusted data for steward of technology. Ajay to use everything he'd learned Lab in India Software Labs, and IBMers and accelerate collaboration. The four Indians are - Ajay about infrastructure and the software seeding the Global Systems Integrators To date, CEDP has empowered and Apte,Distinguished Engineer, IBM that runs on top of it-and to bring it to Technical Mission. Shalini also helped enabled more than 100,000 users with Cloud, Kailash Gopalakrishnan, IBM a critical part of the business that will build out IBM's IoT ecosystem by enterprise data and AI. Distinguished Research Staff Member, define IBM's next era. enlisting partners and working with Four Indian-Americans Named 2020 Guggenheim Fellowship Winners

Pradeep Sharma, Kavita Ramanan, DIlip Da Cunha, and Mukul Sharma have been awarded with the prestigious 2020 Guggenheim Fellowships

NEW YORK (TIP): Four Indian- fields, 78 different academic Applied Mathematics at Brown Since its establishment in 1925, the Americans have made it to the 96th institutions, 31 states and the District University; DIlip Da Cunha, architect John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Guggenheim Fellowships, the John of Columbia, and 2 Canadian and planner and teacher at Harvard Foundation has granted more than Simon Guggenheim Memorial provinces. University and Columbia University; $375 million in Fellowships to over Foundation announced April 8. The The four Indian -American fellows and Mukul Sharma, professor of Earth 18,000 individuals, among whom are Board of Trustees of the John Simon awarded with the prestigious 2020 Sciences at Dartmouth College. scores of Nobel laureates, Fields Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Guggenheim Fellowships are Pradeep Appointed on the basis of prior Medalists, poets laureate, members of approved the awarding of Guggenheim Sharma, Anderson Professor of achievement and exceptional promise, the national academies, winners of the Fellowships to a diverse group of 175 Mechanical Engineering and Physics the successful candidates were chosen Pulitzer Prize, Turing Award, Bancroft writers, scholars, artists, and at the University of Houston, Kavita through a rigorous peer-review process Prize, National Book Award, and many scientists. 2020 Fellows are drawn from Ramanan, Roland George Dwight from almost 3,000 applicants in the other internationally recognized 53 scholarly disciplines and artistic Richardson University Professor of Foundation's ninety-sixth competition. honors. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 INDIANS ABROAD 5 Six Indian Americans Included in Trump's Great American Economic Revival Team

While Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Arvind Krishna and Sanjay Mehrotra have been named to the Tech Group, Ajay Banga and Ann Mukherjee have been named to the Financial Services Group and manufacturing Group, respectively WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Nadella from Microsoft,Ajay Banga While Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, American leaders will work together Donald J. Trump announced many of from Mastercard,Arvind Krishna from Arvind Krishna and Sanjay Mehrotra with the White House to chart the path the esteemed executives, economists, IBM, Micron's Sanjay Mehrotra, and have been named to the Tech Group, forward toward a future of unparalleled scholars, and industry leaders including Ann Mukherjee from Pernod Ricard are Ajay Bangaand Ann Mukherjee have American prosperity. The health and six Indian Americans who together will six Indian origin leaders who are part of been named to the Financial Services wealth of America is the primary goal, form various Great American Economic the team formed to revive the US Group and manufacturing Group, and these groups will produce a more Revival Industry Groups. economy ravaged by the coronavirus respectively. independent, self-sufficient, and Sundar Pichai from Google, Satya pandemic. "These bipartisan groups of resilient Nation", said the White House. Indian American Singer Anuradha Palakurthi Releases Song for Doctors Combating Coronavirus

BOSTON (TIP): Indian American As of April 9, more than 200 doctors such families and could not get their Singer Anuradha Palakurthi released and nurses have died battling pictures." a video song to pay tribute to doctors Coronavirus worldwide, according to Ms. Kachroo said that Ms. who are combating Coronavirus and news reports. Palakurthi had given her a brief on putting their lives on the line to save Ms. Palakurthi said that the idea the purpose of the song and the lives of people during the COVID-19 about the music video formed in her reference song as well. pandemic. head on April 3rd. "While the purpose of the original Titled "Rukta Hi Naheen Tu Kahin "I contacted Sunayana to brainstorm song is to inspire people to reach to a Haar Ke", the song was produced by a bit about lyrics etc. We wanted to goal," Ms. Kachroo said. "This song Boston-based Juju Productions within write and make something new, but I is to honor the resilience and the a week-from idea to its final release. decided to pick an existing song and unwavering commitment of the Sung by Ms. Palakurthi, the lyric was change the lyrics," said Ms. Palakurthi. medics and researchers to go beyond composed by Boston poet and "Sunayana did an exceptional job. The their job profiles and stand-up to scriptwriter Sunayana Kachroo. next step was to contact my trusted this disease with their relentless Music was composed by Kamlesh musicians Kamlesh Bhadkamkar and service." Bhadkamkar, Mixed and Mastered by Vijay Dayal in Mumbai and we were Earlier this year, Ms. Palakurthi's Vijay Dayal in Mumbai. Nikhil Joshi good to go from then on." "Jaan Meri" song from her Jaan Meri made the Video. Ms. Palakurthi said that Nikhil album won the prestigious "I don't think they have worked so Joshi in Mumbai compiled all the Independent Music Category's Best fast on any project so far. The urgency photos that were sent him from Boston Song of the Year Award at the Radio and gravity were significant enough and worked non-stop 12 straight hours Mirchi Music Awards, the Indian for the entire team," Ms. Palakurthi on it. equivalent of the Grammys. Two of told INDIA New England News. "It was quite a task to explain my the top five nominees for the best song Given the urgency of the COVID-19 vision to him in 36 hours. But the real of the year for the Radio Mirchi Music pandemic and so many doctors of help came from some friends who are Awards in the Non-Film/ Independent Indian-origin on the frontline, doctors. They did their best under the category were from Jaan Meri Album. Palakurthi got inspired by their circumstances. I wish I had more Ms. Palakurthi has been recognized dedication and service. faces, but I guess asking them to send as the top-rated singer of Indian "So many Indian families in the photos of themselves in these origin by industry legends. She has United States have at least one doctor in pressing times was a bit much," said performed live with Bollywood them. I had to bring their contribution Ms. Palakurthi. singers like Kumar Sanu, Suresh to the forefront in the USA. They are the Ms. Palakurthi said that she is very Wadkar, Deepak Pandit and Bappi ones who are in close quarters with real humbled to dedicate this song to Lahiri across the United States. danger. They are the first responders doctors, nurses and healthcare Anuradha has recorded a duet with who are putting their lives on the line to workers in the United States and Hariharan for Ekal Vidyalaya - save lives," said Ms. Palakurthi. "Some around the world. composed by guitarist Prasanna with have sadly lost their lives too in this "I think it's a humble tribute drummer Sivamani and a group of 14 battle. Only true heroes in war do that. compared to what they are doing multiple-Grammy winning musicians Coming from a gold star family, I feel every day. There should have been at from across the globe. She sings in six Ms. Palakurthi has been recognized as the strongly about soldiers and their least a hundred more faces in the Indian languages and has recorded top-rated singer of Indian origin by industry sacrifices." music video. We personally know 100 playback for South Indian films. legends THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra accuses China of creating COVID-19 in a Lab contd from page 1 incredulously maintained "radio silence," when being Wuhan Seafood Market" is a pretext and an elegant forthcoming was what was required - both as a duty,and cover-up, which is exposed as such with biochemistry: "The unleashing of global death and suffering with as reciprocal honor. China denied there was any "human-to-human" the coronavirus, a plague upon all of us, is worse than Recently, on April 9, 2020, House Oversight and transmission. Well, we know that to be a Big Lie, as we Pearl Harbor, and given its deception, and later, cover- Reform's Ranker Jim Jordon, and his colleagues, sent a are all under a Lockdown to prevent "community up, lack any semblance of Honor," Indian-American gentle letter to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DG, spread," i.e. human-to-human transmission. Jon Cohen attorney Ravi Batra said in a letter to the president. of the WHO. I join in said letter, albeit, I would not have wrote in the Journal Science, "Wuhan seafood market "On the established rules of law, China is at least been so gentle to a dishonest fiduciary, whose may not be the source of novel virus spreading guilty of negligence in proximately causing a world misconduct proximately caused the world's public globally." In a paper entitled, The clinical features of pandemic, where nearly two million people have health to lay in ruins and the world's economies were patients with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, suffered its pain and suffering, and nearly 122,000 souls set adrift from both fiscal and monetary policies. published in The Lancet, whose first author Huang have lost their lives and left their families damaged and WHO breached its fiduciary-forensic duties owed to Chaolin, Deputy Director of Jin Yin-Tan Hospital, and fractured," he said in a letter dated April 14. the world, as it dishonestly enjoyed being China's lap Dr. Sean Lin, who said: China owes us civil compensation - at least for dog and purposefully issued false statements and I. Symptom onset of the First Patient is on negligence - a fair and reasonable amount, "which I delayed declaring a pandemic so as to create a December 1, [2019] had NO relation to the recommend match our standard for 9/11, but no less confusing record for nations' leaders, reasonably Huanan Seafood market; than $USD1 million dollars for every American who causing miscalculation. I had in days prior to Rep. II. No epidemiological link was found between the tested positive for Coronavirus, $5 million for every Jordan's letter, called for an amendment to the UN first patient and later cases; American who died, and $100,000 for every American Charter, to do away with the moth-balled Trusteeship III. On December 10, [2019], there were 3 more who has to be 'locked down'," he said. Council and to replace it with a new Public Health cases, 2 cases of the 3 cases had NO relation to "I recommend, given the cover-up, which exacerbated UNSC, but named "UN Pandemic Council," with 12 the Huanan Seafood Market; the injury, pain and suffering globally, as well as Permanent Members and 9 or 13 Rotating Members, IV. Since December 15 [2019], a cluster of cases avoidable deaths, that China's ownership of debts in charged with Responsibility to Protect, a sovereignty- with a history of seafood market exposure have every country - for example the USD1.2T in China's piercing power, and have OPCW, as well as a been reported; ownership of our T-Bills - be cancelled," Batra said. reconstituted WHO, albeit, re-named, and then report to V. NO one sells BATS at the Wuhanan Seafood In his letter, Batra charged China with hiding the it. I am happy to say, Philippines Foreign Minister, dear Market and NO BATS have been found. actual source of coronavirus. Teddy Locsin has publicly - on Twitter - approved my Judy A. Mikovits PhD, Molecular Biologist, Former The Indian Panorama was sent a copy of the open proposal, and other nations' Permanent Director of Lab of Antiviral Mechanisms NCI said: letter addressed to President Donald J. Trump, Speaker Representatives have expressed interest in also There were no bats, and the idea of the spread so fast Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Addison supporting such a change to surgically remove the through the population is highly unlikely and Mitchell McConnell, Jr. with copies to Sen. Chuck corruption-cancer and establish "clean margins" for improbable. Schumer, Leader Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Eliot L. honest fiduciary-forensics to protect the global Public There were 99 confirmed cases at Jin Yin-Tan Engel, Ranker McCall,Chair Carolyn B. Maloney, Health. Hospital, of which 50 had NO exposure to Wuhanan Ranker Jim Jordan, Chairman-Senator Risch, Ranker- It is a curious fact, that where-ever we have cut back Seafood Market. Senator Bob Menandez, Secretary Pompeo, Secretary in our contributions at the UN and her "organs," China 45 of the 425 confirmed cases before January 22 [2020], Esper, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, and for merely giving UN the funding-shortfall we created, had NO contact with the Wuhanan Seafood market, A.G. Tish James. has become the "cherry on top" of all such organs. This albeit, the secondary source of a virus appears to be Here is the text of the letter. is wrong, and an insult to our mammoth contributions mushrooming and over-shadowing (cover-up) the still being contributed, but, incredulously, taken for original breach of the original virus. "Honorable Messrs Trump, Pelosi, and granted. The WHO ought to be defrocked and defunded, Daniel Lucey, an epidemiologist at the University of McConnell: while its function - only vital if the forensics are done Georgetown said the First case would have been consistent to high fiduciary duties - and then, it too, as infected by the virus already in November [2019] - if not Let me begin with three obvious facts: first, the reconstituted, report to the new proposed UN Pandemic earlier because there is an incubation time between Chinese civilization is a great one, with many Council. infection and symptoms surfacing. [Means Wuhanan superlative contribution to humanity,including, empire The role and function of the United Nations is vital Seafood Market is a secondary source, not the primary building, martial arts, gun powder, tea, and perhaps, and important as ever, as the UNSC, charged with source, and as a result of "community spread," at best, best of all, Confucius (who famously said: May you live preventing WWIII has handsomely succeeded, even as or a separate virus introduced to cover up the earlier in boring times); second, I am a Blessed survivor of the weeds of local and regional wars have mushroomed. one, at worst]. Coronavirus, that at 104.3 fever, when I was on fire for 2- UN is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Perfect time for Gordan Chang, Asian Affairs Expert, and columnist, 3 days, I was at the surreal edge between live and death, some "spring-cleaning," and re-calibration to achieve said: We know that Beijing for six (6) weeks in where I could calmly talk to God to allow me to live so I necessary reforms to better effectuate the high ideals of December [2019] and January [2020] suppressed may serve and protect my family and serve the Greater the UN Charter. It is, after all, a paraphrased amalgam information, before acknowledging on January 20th, Good. In my personal and intimate experience, I labeled of our Declaration of Independence and our cherished and they then started a campaign of suppression of Covid19 as a Trojan Horse, as it obviously has a very Constitution, to help form a more perfect world. information, and on January 26th created a panel, and friendly "handshake" with every host's auto immune it was very heavy with propaganda officials. Indeed, the system to gain entry, before turning to destroy one's vice chairman of the group is the Communist Party's Walls of Troy; and third, today the known global propaganda czar. The Communist Party Group imposed Covid19 cases are 1,945,055, with 121,897 global deaths, a false diagnostic criteria, starting with - must have total US cases of 584,073 with 23,700 deaths, and New contact with Wuhanan Seafood market, knowing a solid York, our epicenter, nearly 11,000 New Yorker have died. one-third of the cases had ZERO contact with Wuhanan As a disclaimer, I am an American first, a registered Seafood Market. Thank God, they didn't impose a Bat- Democrat second, and I voted for Donald J. Trump in Bite requirement for their investigation. Hence, it was 2016. I applaud the President for standing up to China's the start of an organized cover-up, and to mislead the unfair trade with us, and I am most troubled with her world as to what China was really up to. 24/7 global efforts to gain military and economic Gen. Robert Spalding, Senior Fellow Hudson superiority on land, air, water and space, well beyond Institute, and former NSC Senior Strategy Director, was OBOR, and her continuing and enhanced misbehavior in China when SARS happened. Same playbook. in South China Sea. Finally, yesterday, I specifically Wuhan Seafood Market Critical Evidence - The Mysterious Gene Sequence tweeted to dear Amb. Zhang Jun, China's PR, and to her (from the 1st Documentary): bilateral Ambassador Cui - as "fairness, respect and Coronavirus - as a matter of biochemistry (see, "1st The coronavirus, aka "2019-n-CoV" - has a 100% amino personal honor requires me to invite you to respond to documentary movie on the origins of CCP virus - acid similarity in the nsp7 and E proteins with "Bat-SL- my Tweets I've made re China, WHO and Covid19." Tracking Down the Origin of the Wuhan Coronavirus" CoVZC45" and "Bat-SL-CoVZXC21, but worst of all, the Unlike, on April 4, 2020, when PR Zhang and I (The 1st Documentary) "2019-n-CoV" - has a reversed-engineered and grafted-on respectfully conversed on Twitter, albeit, about the http://youtu.be/Gdd7dtDaYmM). in a lab of the natural-to-bats "receptor-binding" serious need for China to disclose the "Raw Truth" I rely upon this cited evidence, see below, as it domain structure, the "mushrooms" on the surface, of about Covid19, China's distinguished diplomats credibly shows, and I credit it, that the "story of the cond on Page 7 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 NY/NJ/CT 7 cond from Page 6 internationally binding rules upon member-states, do that. China kept driving, and when asked, told the "SARS-CoV" - i.e. a transplantation of the Spike which obligate them in handling public health issues, falsehoods to deceive. Hence, under established laws, Glycoprotein(S), the natural "mushroom" on the surface especially, for highly transmissible diseases. Ironically, China is at least guilty of a "Hit & Run," which is a of "SARS-CoV" is in a lab genetically they were adopted after the 2003 SARS outbreak in crime. added/spliced/grafted onto o "2019-n-CoV" - which I China - and then too, China was criticized for not Additional facts: have, from personal experience, called a Trojan Horse promptly disclosing - what I have demanded - the "Raw to have a friendly "handshake," is in fact accurate Truth." These rules are enforced by the WHO, China's China has cancelled approximately 8 million cell biochemically - as the "receptor-binding" unlocks the Lap Dog, and thru the ICJ. Among the Rules violated by phones in the last 3-4 months - each Chinese citizen is human cell, and enters the human body much easier! China include, WHO's Article 6 (Not notifying WHO of authenticated by their government by their cell phone. The SARS' "Bat-SL-CoVZc45" and "Bat-SL-CoVZXC21" - a Public Health Emergency - in November 2019), article Unless you are dead, you don't cancel your cell phone. with its natural Bat-based "mushrooms" on the surface 7 (Un-timely information-sharing during an This suggests that China's coronavirus death toll far - did not enter humans. emergency), Article 64 (not providing timely exceeds its official number of a mere 3,300. Since CDC's Error: Curiously, the CDC.Gov site publishes epidemiological reports - the core violation, given President trump has sought to impose fair trade the January 29, 2020 article in The Lancet - which gets China's active cover-up, and even substituting Wuhanan between us, China's FDI in the United States has into the genome characteristics of the subject Seafood Market as a false source), and finally, violating dropped from over $45 Billion to just over $5 Billion. coronavirus, aka "2019-n-coV" aka "2019-nCov," at the anti-corruption regulation, Article 37 (seeking to This shrinking footprint suggests evasion of expected (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- influence the WHO DG Dr. Ghebreysus, and staff - WHO sanctions for bad acts. ncov/downloads/genomic-characterization-of-2019- has played well as a lap dog, and hence, China has Recommendations and Conclusions to POTUS nCoV-Lancet-1-29-2020.pdf ), which states the predicate violated this Article). and U.S. Congress: findings, as Pearl Harbor - FDR: "The ten genome sequences of 2019-nCoV obtained from the nine patients were extremely similar, "A Day That Will Live in Infamy" - when Kamikaze 1. China owes us civil compensation - at exhibiting more than 99·98% sequence identity. Pilots of the Imperial Forces of Japan hit us on least for negligence, which has been Notably, 2019-nCoV was closely related (with 88% December 7, 1941 in a sneak attack, but in broad identity) to two bat-derived severe acute respiratory daylight, their attack started at 7:55 am and lasted till proven the legal standard - in a fair and syndrome (SARS)-like coronaviruses, bat-SL-CoVZC45 9:00am, a little over an hour, causing, according to the reasonable amount, which I recommend and bat-SL-CoVZXC21, collected in 2018 in Zhoushan, National Park Service, 1998 Navy personnel, 109 match our standard for 9/11, but no less eastern China, but were more distant from SARS-CoV Marines, 233 Army personnel and 48 civilians killed at (about 79%) and MERS-CoV (about 50%). Phylogenetic Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941; a total of 2388 than $1 million dollars for every analysis revealed that 2019-nCoV fell within the Americans killed. Still, the Japanese airmen were American who tested positive for subgenus Sarbecovirus of the genus Betacoronavirus, enemy combatants, and died in service to their Coronavirus, $5 million for every with a relatively long branch length to its closest Emperor - until General Douglas MacArthur had him relatives bat-SL-CoVZC45 and bat-SL-CoVZXC21, and abdicate divinity on the deck of the USS Missouri. Here, American who died, and $100,000 for was genetically distinct from SARS-CoV. Notably, however, China used - negligently or heaven forbid, every American who has to be "locked homology modelling revealed that 2019-nCoV had a intentionally, her everyday unwitting citizen-tourists down." Every other nation can negotiate similar receptor-binding domain structure to that of and businessmen, contaminated with Coronavirus, to SARS-CoV, despite amino acid variation at some key spread the deadly and lab-engineered plague of death - using our good offices of Secretary residues." and destruction, and then covered it up and went 'radio Pompeo - for their fair and reasonable Despite finding that 2019-n-CoV had these "receptor- silent." China is criminally guilty at least of a "Hit and settlement; binding," which is not natural, but was reverse Run." If our Government was to find out that we were engineered, like the WHO misleading the world, issued Pearl Harbored, even more sneakily than on December 2. China owes criminal "hit & run" an "interpretation" that ignores the non-natural 7, 941, then China must lose her UNSC Permanent Seat, sanctions: I recommend, given the addition of these Spike Glycoprotein to Coronavirus! and give the world $100 Trillion in reparations, and cover-up, which exacerbated the injury, Edgar Allan Poe: Purloined Letter disband her military. Rule of Law in our Rules-based world - The pain and suffering globally, as well as I well recall the famous American mystery writer, avoidable deaths, that China's Edgar Allan Poe, who in his "Purloined Letter" - has the Standard of Proof and Permitted Inferences: subject letter hiding in "plain sight" in a letter box on I honor the established standard of proof, and ownership of debts in every country - for the desk, while everyone is looking for secret permitted inference - Civilly, when only compensation example the $1.2T in China's ownership compartments. Here, the first case had NO exposure to is due, the standard is "mere preponderance of the of our T-Bills - be cancelled. As a further Wuhanan Seafood Market, and there are NO bats at said evidence," and a "negative inference' is charged, when a market. Hence, Wuhanan is secondary source, after party who ought to speak up or produce documents, but example, it means Sri Lanka's $9 B debt community spread, and can be ignored and discarded as doesn't, such party is presumed to be hiding is cancelled, and she gets her largest a "cover up." The actual and original source of the "inculpatory" evidence of said party's guilt. My near 10- port back. Furthermore, China must coronavirus is therefore elsewhere. That is an day Tweets in seeking to honesty crack the Coronavirus undeniable fact, well capable of meeting even the case - based upon reliable evidence - and a specific vacate Mischief Reef, and stop all criminal standard of proof - "beyond a reasonable tweet, predicated upon fairness, respect and personal aggression, such as blocking "freedom doubt." I, therefore charge China with hiding the actual honor, to Ambassadors Zhang and Cui, including, even of navigation," or just a few days ago, source of coronavirus, and ignore the fraudulent a tagging of "@China_mfa," sadly, did not cause a assertion by the Chinese Communist Party Propaganda tsunami of facts and documents showing China's ramming a Vietnamese fishing boat, with Czar that Wuhanan Seafood Market, with zero Bats, has innocence to come my way today. eight fishermen fishing in Vietnamese any value to getting to the source, or finding the most Instead, China has "closed" and "covered up" tighter precious item right now across the world: the most than a drum used in parades. This behavior violates a waters. This outlaw behavior coupled effective vaccine to this plague from China. China, it core "duty" to speak up, let alone help find the best with aggressive and active attempts to appears, is following an old playbook it developed in Coronvirus vaccine. Accordingly, on the established buy military enhancing capacities must SARS outbreak rules of law, China is at least guilty of negligence in stop. The question, then arises: where, oh where, did proximately causing a world pandemic, where nearly 2 million people have suffered it's pain and suffering, and Coronavirus come from? nearly 122,000 souls have lost their lives and left their As I respectfully told China's distinguished Foreign The answer, given the reverse-engineered receptor- families damaged and fractured. A simple example: a Minster Wang three years ago in 2017 at the UNGA, binding, my "Trojan Horse" element, which makes this trucking delivery service has two trucks, one that is a China is inviting a Little War now, or a Big War later - virus so contagious, since it took a natural element in flat-bed, and the other, which is a closed truck- and I prefer a Little War now. He responded, "No War; the two SARS virus, and spliced it on to Covid19 to container. The Owner directs the driver to use the flat- No War.". The unleashing of global death and suffering unlock human auto-immune system/defense. bed truck, load it up with boxes, and then strap them with the coronavirus, a plague upon all of us, is worse Why did China allow its citizens to travel the world down tightly. The driver, on the road, hits a few bumps, than Pearl Harbor, and given its deception, and later, after November 2019, when she knew there were does a few hard brakes, and the next thing you know, as cover-up, lack any semblance of Honor. coroanvirus (with artificial receptor-binding) cases, he is going around a turn his load becomes loose and Respectfully, which had nothing to do with Wuhanan Seafood shoots across the highway.The cars behind while trying /s/ Market? Was this negligence? Was this intentional? I to avoid being "shot at" by the bouncing boxes, crash Ravi Batra" cannot prove intent, but negligence, is overwhelming. into each other or the road divider, many suffering China had a duty to tell the WHO, and the world (not, injuries, and some even dying. A lawfully negligent (Ravi Batra is an attorney based in do a "hit & run"): driver would stop his truck, get out, and try to help, or New York. He can be reached at The International Health Regulations (2005) are at least call 911 for ambulance and police. China didn't [email protected]) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 AS I SEE IT

By A. D. Amar RESTARTING AMERICA

product and service transformation. It may be accepted that There arecertain operations that are waiting to restart all large, both in terms of the size of employment and contribution to the sectors of the economy gross domestic product. This list simultaneously will includesbusinesses such as restaurant, retail, sports and entertainment, unnecessarily keep education and training, and travel and some sectors shut that tourism that can be restarted with proper and careful reconfiguration, actually can be adaptation of technology, redesign and/or creative reinventing of their reengineered to open processes, workflows, and scheduling. without much further Their restart can be begunin a matter of weeks. delay. We can formulate standards of merica should restart its operating for thoselarge organizations economy and other operations by that have more machine and technology Amitigating risk and making sure interface and reduced human that it is done right to be able to succeed interactions. Such outfits include atthe effort. While playing safe and manufacturing, service processing, delaying it beyond May 2020 may sound fulfillment centers, etc.The restart of like the appropriate step to take, we thesebusinesses will depend on how soon should also know that it brings with it a eachof them comes up to these loss of about two trillion dollars and a standards. consequential setback worth several Taking the calculated risk of trillion dollars more every month. On restarting this economy that had been the other hand, restarting America early willfully put to sleep rather than shut can sectorize our economy and get what are important and not just the essential may bring the risk of extending the down because of an external one-time can be started within weeks by ones. misery due to COVID-19. There is no way mishap will be unavoidable. It will have presidential order and what will need We should also work to make sure that to come to an optimized solution to this to be woken up with whims, such as congressional action. The latter will we bring back manufacturing to the USA problem. It will have to be made by guts presidential or gubernatorial executive have to be started soon and completed on and place requisite importance on and appetite for risk-taking. We have to orders . The alternative in the form of an expedited basis. research to help us achieve this self- carefully look at several pro and con slower legislative processes will likely Operations that need longer will be dependence in an economically aspects and decide. causea long-lasting recession or restarted applying science, engineering competitive way. The White House Restarting the economy would be depression or deep depression, as some and technology. Our effort should be to should continue to exert pressure to especially important because some are stating. redesign human and machine make sure that American business estimates tell us that the effect of Moreover, no matter when we restart interactions, human-to-human contacts, invests in the goal of self-dependence. coronavirus could hang on until August the economy, given the politically ultra- and group interfaces, all with the goal to Furthermore, we should make sure that 2020 or even later. A shutdown of that divided America and the anxiety over mitigate the risk of any second or later our businesses set research and magnitude no economywill be able to the upcoming presidential election, legs of COVID-19. We should also work to development intensity to achieve the handle. Moreover, some say that opposition to any proposal to restart is adapt and design or redesign goal. coronavirus would come back with an bound to be there. That is why,we have to technologies, operations, and We should also fight COVID-19 even greater vengeance as cold season move fast and devise a scheme to open communication systems for keeping worldwide and help other countries returns in the fall. The economy has to the economy and begin the restarting in workers safe from all similar restart their economies, replicating what be ready to cope with that if it does weeks rather than months. It may be communicable diseases. This should also we did to putthe world back to work after indeed happen. In fact, the longer the accepted that waiting to restart all make the companies become even more the two world wars. U.S. economy remains in this dormant sectors of the economy simultaneously productive. ( A. D. Amar, Ph.D. is Professor of state, the longer it will need to get will unnecessarily keep some sectors America should use COVID-19 Management at the Stillman School of restarted, harder to bring it back to its shut that actually can be reengineered to experience as a way to emphasize self- Business, Seton Hall University, South Orange, past size and the greater irreparable open without much further delay. dependence for the production and NJ 07079 ([email protected]). He was one of the three academics who endorsed Donald harm it will cause. Utilizing the countrywide statebystate distribution of all goods, services, Trump for president in 2015, much before the To restart the economy, we will look at and countybycounty data on coronavirus processes, and technologies. This primary elections of 2016. Later, he founded the type of operations deployed for already collected by the White House, we experience has taught us that all these Indian-Americans for Trump 2016, a PAC, registered to promote Trump for president) GUEST COMMENT Unhealthy decision: US cutting resident Donald Trump's ability to throw a spanner in the works Pis well demonstrated. As the WHO's funding is plain wrong world, including the US, grapples with a pandemic that is as virulent as it is infectious, the one thing that is the 2009 swine flu a pandemic too adversaries, the US and the USSR. Naturally, those who fill the purse expected is that the world body at the early, and of being too late to act Pandemics know no national have a greater say than those who forefront of tackling the crisis would during the 2014 Ebola crisis. barriers. The need for a coordinated don't. The world needs the WHO and get all the support it requires. Since 1948, the WHO has proved its effort to battle disease is so apparent international cooperation. It does not President Trump has done precisely usefulness to the world repeatedly. It that it would not ever bear stating, behove the US to renege on its the opposite by cutting the US funding has promoted international except for now. The US is the WHO's international commitment, more so of the World Health Organisation cooperation, set protocols and largest donor by far, contributing 10 during a crisis. The global nature of (WHO). He blames the WHO for being procedures, and encouraged more times what China does to the the current threat has made it insufficiently critical about China's interaction between nation-states on organization. President Trump is imperative that leaders rise above the early response to coronavirus. The matters of health. Indeed, the fight peeved with what he perceives to be a demands of strident nationalism and case could be argued either way, and against smallpox represented a pro-China tilt in the health body. petty domestic politics. Those who fail the WHO is no stranger to being significant success and involved active Surely, the way to counter that would to do so will be judged harshly by blamed. It was criticized for declaring cooperation between two Cold War be to honor the US' commitment. history. (Tribune, India) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 PERSPECTIVE 9 India's international response to Covid-19 Parliament the External Affairs Minister research on epidemic diseases in the South conveyed that India had taken pro-active Asian region, which would include common action to bring back Indian citizens from the SAARC Pandemic Protocols. agreed to coordinate a global response to fight By Ambassador Asoke affected countries before restrictions on The response to the Prime Minister's the pandemic, adopting measures to Kumar Mukerji international air flights to India. These initiative from her neighbors was safeguard the global economy, minimizing included three special flights to Wuhan in overwhelmingly positive with contributions trade disruption and enhancing global India's international response to the China, evacuating crew and passengers from pledged to the Covid-19 Emergency Fund by cooperation. Before and after the G-20 challenge posed by the Covid-19 a cruise ship off Japan, and sending medical Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Summit, the Prime Minister of India pandemic has demonstrated her global teams to assist the repatriation of thousands Sri Lanka and Nepal by 23 March 2020. A engaged in active telephone diplomacy with leadership as a reliable first responder of Indian nationals stranded in Iran and follow-up video conference of SAARC various world leaders from the five to humanitarian crises. Italy. As the Minister said, "exceptional Directors General of Health Services on 26 continents to discuss a viable framework for India's international response to Covid- situations require an exceptional response". March 2020 emphasized the importance of effective international cooperation to counter 19 exemplifies the continued relevance On 15 March 2020 PM Shri Narendra Modi community engagement and participation to the spread of Covid-19. of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, seeing the world as one interdependent family. took a major regional initiative to speak with augment the emergency measures Two special contributions of India to the leaders of all SAARC countries through undertaken by the governments of South this international effort so far have been he Covid-19 outbreak was termed a video conference. During this meeting, India Asia to combat Covid-19. At the global level, the supply of medicines like "public health emergency of announced five specific measures to prevent in his role as the incoming Chair of the G-20 paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine to Tinternational concern" on 30 January such infections from spreading across South in 2021, PM Shri Narendra Modi had a phone help partner countries, including the 2020. According to the WHO, the virus Asia. conversation on 17 March 2020 with the G-20's United States and European Union, to originated in the city of Wuhan in China, First, the creation of a Covid-19 current Chair, Crown Prince Mohammad respond to the pandemic, and from where it was transmitted by human Emergency Fund with an initial Indian bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. The two leaders highlighting yoga exercises and travelers to several countries across the contribution of $10 million. Second, placing agreed that Saudi Arabia would convene a Ayurvedic remedies to mitigate Covid-19 world, including India. On 26 February 2020, the services of an Indian Rapid Response video conference of G-20 leaders to conditions. India's international India supplied 15 tons of medical assistance Team of doctors and specialists with testing coordinate steps to counter Covid-19 and response to Covid-19 exemplifies the comprising masks, gloves and other kits and equipment at the disposal of SAARC instill confidence in the global populace. 90% continued relevance of Vasudhaiva emergency medical equipment on an Indian countries. Third, training emergency of the Covid-19 cases and 88% of the deaths Kutumbakam, seeing the world as one Air Force special flight to Wuhan as a gesture response teams in SAARC countries. have been in G-20 countries, which interdependent family. of solidarity in confronting Covid-19. Fourth, giving access to India's Integrated comprises 80% of the world's GDP and 60% (Ambassador Asoke Kumar Mukerj is a former The Director General of the WHO declared Disease Surveillance Portal, including of the global population. Permanent Representative of India to the United the global Covid-19 outbreak as a pandemic training on how to use it. Fifth, creating a On 26 March 2020, the G-20 held a Summit Nations. The article here is originally a on 12 March 2020. In a statement in common Research Platform to coordinate by video conference Summit. Participants commentary Ambassador gave on All India Radio) Covid reshapes global politics While it may take years for the US to recover, China set to establish dominance Trump has faced considerable criticism going ballistic over what is that he was 'taken for a ride' by the unquestionably Chinese responsibility Chinese, who stalled US efforts to and culpability in handling the Wuhan ascertain full facts. Wuhan is the hub of crisis, relations between the two foremost China's industrial, technological and powers have sunk to a new low. Moreover, In control: China is flying in 'relief supplies' By G Parthasarathy educational development. It is also a major Trump has echoed misgivings, shared across the world even as the US looks on. center internationally for educational and widely, about the role of the Director late last month. China, which was then the The Chinese refusal to accept technological development. The tragedy General of the WHO, who is accused of not president of the UNSC, turned down a responsibility for the impact of what that the world faces today is widely and only being ineffective but also is regarded request from Pakistan for 'urgent and transpired in Wuhan is unfortunate, and almost universally accepted as having as a virtual apologist for China. The US appropriate action' on developments in for many, unpardonable. emerged from the wholesale seafood has threatened to end all funding for the J&K. Islamabad claimed these s the coronavirus poses a serious market in Wuhan. WHO, which would render the developments posed 'a threat to threat to humankind, one can be The Trump administration has been organization dysfunctional. Rather than international peace and security'. This Agratified at some of the efforts for outraged by the absence of Chinese showing understanding and promoting was a departure from Chinese policies in globalizing the quest for a cooperative actions to immediately bring these cooperation, the US and China appeared the recent past on the issue. It would, remedy. This situation has also to be developments to the notice of the world. determined to confront each other. India however, be premature and a serious analyzed as one looks at China's present Around 38,000 US citizens and residents is, however, playing its cards carefully - mistake to presume what direction China's outreach to cooperate with countries were flown back from China to major indeed skillfully - to avoid getting drawn policies will take in coming months. ranging from Italy and Spain on the one American cities like New York, Los into the vortex of Sino-American rivalry. Just over a century ago, an estimated 18 hand and to Cyprus and Pakistan on the Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco, in At the same time, an outraged Indian million Indians perished in a global other. China, whose actions triggered this the weeks following the Wuhan shutdown. media is focusing on the blatant Chinese pandemic, where an estimated 50 million crisis, appears ready to provide what every This was inexplicably done without efforts to disclaim responsibility. perished globally. India was then under country now desperately needs, comprehensive medical checks of China also appears to have concluded British rule. India today has a particularly by way of equipment and passengers. The tragedy that has befallen that it should not get into a position of democratically elected government in a machinery. While China's industrial Americans, as their cities are ravaged and totally alienating India and Indian public federal democratic system, which is progress since the 1980s has been path- thousands have died, is the direct outcome opinion. Following a tele-conversation responsive to public needs. The world has breaking, there have been complaints of these developments. China, now with the otherwise none-too-friendly never been as interconnected as it is today. about medical and other equipment it has confident that it will emerge as the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, We will, therefore, naturally find a way supplied recently, which it will have to unquestioned No. 1 power in the world, is External Affairs Minister Jaishankar forward. But, in the meantime, it is address quickly to maintain its credibility in no mood to express any regrets to the made it clear that India was not in the heartening that PM Modi and his as a reliable supplier of sophisticated US, or to the world at large. While it could business of pointing fingers at China. government are constantly monitoring machinery,equipment and know-how. take years for the US to recover fully,China Jaishankar merely noted that following developments and reviewing their The Chinese refusal to accept appears determined to establish its his discussions with Wang Yi, both sides policies, after extensive consultations with responsibility for the impact of what dominance globally. It is challenging US had agreed to work together to combat the state Chief Ministers. Given this welcome transpired in Wuhan is unfortunate, and power by flying in 'relief supplies' across Covid. China and India also indicated that trend, one looks forward to India emerging for many, unpardonable. In response to US the world as the US looks on. Not they were ready to cooperate in the G20 from the crisis, with its federal institutions queries and requests for samples of surprisingly, Putin's Russia, which shares Summit convened by Saudi Arabia. and structures significantly strengthened. relevant material from Wuhan, China a long common border with China, has The readiness to work together with (The author is Chancellor, Jammu Central claimed that it had 'no clear evidence of acted quietly, clinically and decisively to China evidently had an impact on China's University & former High Commissioner to human-to-human transmission'. It denied deal with the issue. approach to deal with Pakistani attempts Pakistan ) US experts access to Wuhan. President With Trump and his political associates to raise the Kashmir issue in the UNSC THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

IMF warns Pak’s budget deficit may hit Bangladesh coast guard rescues 396 record high ISLAMABAD (TIP): The Rohingya in drifting boat; 24 dead International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the cash-strapped DHAKA (TIP): At least two dozen Pakistan's budget deficit is expected to ethnic Rohingya died on a ship that rise to the record level to 9.2 per cent of drifted for weeks after failing to reach the size of national economy or Rs 4 Malaysia, Bangladesh coastguard trillion in current fiscal year due to the officials said on Thursday, following the impact of the pandemic. rescue of 396 starving survivors. In the Middle East and Central Asia For years, Rohingya from Myanmar Regional Economic Outlook (REO) have boarded boats organised by Update released on Wednesday, the smugglers in the hope of finding refuge global lender urged the Pakistan in Southeast Asia, usually making government to ramp up spending on voyages during the dry season from the health sector that remained the November to March, when the waters are lowest in the region. calm. Fiscal expansion is expected in all A human rights group said it believed countries as the fight against the virus more boats carrying Rohingya, a Muslim and its economic effects is scaled up. It minority group, were adrift at sea, with said that Pakistan’s budget deficit that coronavirus lockdowns in Malaysia and in pre-COVID-19 situation had been Thailand making it harder for them to projected at 7.3 per cent of gross find refuge. domestic product (GDP), may increase “They were at sea for about two to 9.2 per cent. —PTI months and were starving,” a Bangladesh coastguard official told Malaysia reports 153 Reuters in a message, adding that the from South Asia, despite many being unacceptable.” Several boats were trying new coronavirus cases ship was brought to shore late on able to trace their ancestry back to reach Malaysian shores and Wednesday. centuries. monitoring had been stepped up, a police with 3 new deaths The 396 survivors aboard would be More than a million live in refugee official in the northwestern state of KUALA LUMPUR (TIP):Malaysia's sent to Myanmar, said the official, who camps in southern Bangladesh, the Kedah told Reuters. health ministry reported 153 new revised the number upwards from an majority having been driven from homes A police official in southern Thailand confirmed cases of the novel initial count of 382. in Myanmar after a 2017 military said five boats carrying Rohingya had coronavirus on Sunday, raising the Video images showed a crowd crackdown the army said was a response been spotted off the coast of Satun cumulative total to 4,683, the highest in comprised mostly of women and to attacks by Rohingya insurgents. province late on Monday. It was not Southeast Asia. children, some stick-thin and unable to Rights groups fear virus curbs across possible to independently confirm the The latest data includes three new stand, being helped to shore. One southeast Asia could trigger a repeat of a remarks. deaths, raising the total number of emaciated man lay on the sand. 2015 crisis, when a crackdown by People were smuggled out by boat and fatalities from the outbreak to 76. One refugee told a reporter the group Thailand prompted smugglers to over land, said Kyaw Hla, a Rohingya The ministry said 45% of all had been turned back from Malaysia abandon their human cargo at sea on from Sittwe in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, confirmed cases have recovered. PTI three times and a fight had broken out crowded, rickety boats. where tens of thousands of Rohingya onboard between passengers and crew at Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan have been confined in camps since a bout Pakistan bans export one point. Project, said she believed several more of violence in 2012. of anti-malaria drugs Buddhist-majority Myanmar does not boats were stranded. “Within these eight years, there has recognise Rohingya as citizens, and the “Rohingya may encounter closed been no progress, only degradation,” he ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan has face severe curbs on freedom of borders supported by a xenophobic said by telephone. “People can’t stand it. banned the export of anti-malaria movement as well as access to healthcare public narrative,” she said in a message. Since we are locked up and suffocated, drugs after several countries, and education. “COVID-19 cannot be used to deny people try to leave, of course.” including the US, started using the Myanmar denies persecuting access to territory to desperate refugees He added, “If the coronavirus breaks medicines to treat coronavirus Rohingya and says they are not an in distress. Another maritime crisis in out here, we’ll be as good as dead.” patients, according to a media report. indigenous ethnic group but immigrated the Andaman Sea, as in 2015, is Reuters The ban, which has been imposed with immediate effect, will remain till the National Coordination Comm-ittee (NCC) on COVID-19 deems necessary, Sri Lankan church ‘forgives’ Easter suicide bombers according to a notification released by the Commerce Ministry amidst a spike COLOMBO (TIP): Sri Lanka's not only the Catholics who died. A lot in the number of coronavirus cases in Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said on of others — Buddhists, Hindus, THE ATTACK the country. Sunday that the Roman Catholic Muslims, Christian also died," said The blasts targeted St On Friday, Pakistan reported 190 Church had forgiven the suicide Ranjith, who conducted the mass to an Anthony’s Church in Colombo fresh infections taking the total bombers who killed 279 people and empty All Saints Church here this (pic), St Sebastian’s Church number of COVID-19 cases in the wounded nearly 600 others on Easter morning. in the western coastal town of country to 4,788. The death toll from Sunday in 2019, in one of the deadliest The blasts targeted St Anthony's Negombo and a church in the the virus has reached 71. As many as attacks in the island nation's history. Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's eastern town of Batticaloa 762 have recovered while 50 were in "We offered love to the enemies who Church in the western coastal town of when the Easter Sunday mass critical condition. tried to destroy us. We forgave them," Negombo and a church in the eastern This is the second time in this week Cardinal Ranjith told an Easter mass town of Batticaloa when the Easter were in progress. that the Pakistan government has which was broadcast from a TV studio Sunday mass were in progress. Three explosions were banned the export of anti-malaria due to the coronavirus outbreak in the The ISIS terror group claimed the reported from the five-star medicines. The notification was country. attacks, but the government blamed hotels - the Shangri-La, the released to the media on Friday. There Nine suicide bombers carried out a the local Islamist extremist group Cinnamon Grand and the are approximately 20 companies, series of devastating blasts that tore National Thawheed Jammath for the Kingsbury in Colombo. which are manufacturing anti-malaria through three churches and three bombings. drugs. luxury hotels, killing 279 people and The island's Christian religious The ISIS terror group claimed To restrict use of anti-malaria drugs injuring 593 others on the Easter minority marked the Easter Sunday the attacks, but the in the domestic market, the DRAP has Sunday on April 21, 2019. without attending the traditional mass government blamed the local already asked medical stores to sell the "The attackers may have had some as many churches remained closed due Islamist extremist group drugs on doctors’ prescriptions only.— anger towards Jesus, but, they caused to the coronavirus which has killed 7 National Thawheed Jammath PTI a big damage to us Catholics and people and infected nearly 200 others. for the bombings Christians. In those bomb attacks, it is — PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 11

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They can be reached at [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 World leaders criticize Trump's move to end WHO funding amid Coronavirus fight Now is a time for unity," the United Nations chief said, "not a time to cut the resources of the World Health Organization."

WASHINGTON (TIP): President knows no borders. Donald Trump's move to halt funding to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister the World Health Organization has been Sergei Ryabkov slammed Trump's move met with severe criticism at home and as "a very selfish approach." He told the abroad, with the United Nations TASS news agency, "We urge the United secretary-general saying "now is not the States to abandon further attacks on the time" for such a drastic move while the WHO and pursue a responsible line." coronavirus pandemic is gripping the And Moussa Faki Mahamat, the globe. chairman of the African Union Trump made the announcement, April Commission, called the decision "deeply 14, pending a review of the WHO's regrettable." response to the initial coronavirus It's not just governments and outbreak in China. He claims the agency international organizations that have has been too close to Beijing and covered lined up to express dismay at Trump's up for its mistakes. move. Experts, entrepreneurs, and Congressional Democrats are others have also been quick to condemn disputing the president's authority to do the announcement. this. Republican lawmakers are planning Microsoft founder and philanthropist their own investigation, examining the Trump accused WHO of shielding China and other mistakes. WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Bill Gates told his 50 million Twitter early response by the WHO and the Ghebreyesus regretted the decision of the president of the United States to order a halt in followers that halting the WHO's funding Chinese government. funding to the agency. was "as dangerous as it sounds." "Now is a time for unity in the global a news briefing. misgivings. "Their work is slowing the spread of battle to push the COVID-19 pandemic "As the most authoritative and most Josep Borrell Fontelles COVID-19 and if that work is stopped, no into reverse, not a time to cut the professional organization, the World ? other organization can replace them," resources of the World Health Health Organization has played an @JosepBorrellF Gates tweeted. "The world needs the Organization, which is spearheading and irreplaceable role in global public health Deeply regret US decision to suspend WHO now more than ever." coordinating the global body's efforts," crisis," Zhao said. "The decision of the funding to @WHO. There is no reason Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar U.N. Secretary-General António U.S. will undercut the ability of the WHO justifying this move at a moment when with Johns Hopkins Center for Health Guterres said in a statement, April 14. and damage the global cooperation of their efforts are needed more than ever Security, told Reuters, "The move sends China expressed "deep concern" about fighting the epidemic." to help contain & mitigate the the wrong message during the middle of Trump's announcement, its foreign The European Union's foreign policy #coronavirus pandemic. Only by joining a pandemic." Read full ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said at chief, Josep Borrell, tweeted similar forces we can overcome this crisis that story at www.theindianpanorama.news Hindu Americans Raise $18000 for Pakistani Religious Indian American Lawmaker Calls for Minorities Urgent Actions to Stop Spread of COVID-19

WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian internationally. American Representative Ami Bera, M.D. "Diseases know no borders. Even if the (CA-07) on April 15 sent a letter to House U.S. is able to contain COVID-19 here at leadership outlining critical actions home, we risk continued outbreaks if we WASHINGTON (TIP): After Congress and the Administration should are not able to contain it elsewhere. First several media reports that NGOs take to halt the spread of and ultimately and foremost, that means building on coordinating activities with the defeat COVID-19 in the United States and USAID and CDC activities to strengthen Government of Pakistan were abroad. the ability of countries to prevent, detect, denying food aid to non-Muslims "We cannot return to normal without and respond to coronavirus. But it also following implementation of the the implementation of a national testing means thinking creatively about how to nation's coronavirus-related travel strategy that ensures all Americans who cooperate with other countries to ensure restrictions, the Hindu American need a diagnostic test receive a test and we are resourcing both prevention and Foundation urgently partnered with that we are utilizing widespread serologic response and vaccine efforts, through the Haray Rama Foundation in Sindh testing to determine who has had organizations like CEPI. Finally, we province to ensure food and supplies coronavirus," said Rep. Bera. "We also cannot forget that coronavirus originated for religious minorities there. need a COVID Response Corps to conduct in animals. We should support programs In a matter of 72 hours, people from widespread testing and contacttracing. like PREDICT, implemented by across the US responded to HAF's Without it, we leave our nation at risk for universities like UC Davis here in the appeal, contributing $12,000 - $6000 for new waves of the virus." Sacramento area." Pakistani Hindus denied food aid in Bera is urging future COVID-19 Rep. Bera has been a leader in Congress Sindh, as well as an additional $6000 on global health security. He chaired the legislation include provisions to: Rep. Bera has been a leader in Congress on for Pakistani Hindu refugees living in global health security first congressional hearing on the camps in Jodhpur, India. The Sindhi ● Develop a national testing strategy, coronavirus on Feb. 5th, sounded the Hindu American community including ensuring states continue COVID-19 testing. He also penned a alarm after the Trump Administration committed an additional $6000 in to have enough testing supplies bipartisan op-ed encouraging the U.S. to disbanded the global health security matching funds, raising the total ● Establish a COVID-19 Response establish a COVID-19 Response Corps office in the National Security Council in disbursement funds to $18,000. Corps to conduct contract tracing with a trained, deployable workforce to 2018, and is a member on the CSIS Read full story at and other public health activities address the urgent needs of the national Commission on Strengthening America's www.theindianpanorama.news Rep. Bera last week urged the COVID-19 response. Health Security, which in November 2019 Administration to create a national Congressman Bera today also called for made a series of recommendations to testing strategy to address shortfalls in additional resources to combat the virus prevent pandemics. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 US 13 Indiaspora's Online COVID-19 Giving Campaign Raises Fund for Marginalized Communities

WASHINGTON, DC (TIP): Indiaspora Indiaspora's members; thus, donors who has launched a ChaloGive for COVID-19 give through the platform will have the online giving campaign to fight hunger opportunity to have their impact doubled. and provide relief directly to vulnerable Ambassadors for ChaloGive for populations affected most by the coronavirus pandemic in the United COVID-19 States and India. High-profile ambassadors have The giving campaign has raised USD endorsed the ongoing campaign, $500,000 in contributions from including former Pepsi Chairman and Indiaspora's leadership network last CEO Indra Nooyi, and former U.S. week. The campaign continues Friday as Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who a grassroots initiative through serve on Feeding America's Food Security Indiaspora's online giving platform Council and Board of Directors, ChaloGive.org. respectively. "We are facing an unprecedented "This pandemic has exposed an already situation due to Covid-19," said Anand existing hunger crisis," said Indra Nooyi. Rajaraman, a Silicon Valley-based serial High-profile ambassadors have endorsed the ongoing campaign, including former Pepsi "Together, as a society we must rise to this Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi, and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy entrepreneur and venture capitalist, and moment and address this great need an Indiaspora Founders Circle member Hospital. "Now more than ever is the time are facing challenges unlike anything knowing our investment in people, in who, along with his wife Kaushie for communities like Indiaspora's to come we've seen in our organization's history," families, and in communities will reap Adiseshan, is a lead donor for the together and rise to this call to feed people said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of untold benefits not only now but into the campaign. "The drastic measures in need. I'm so proud to witness exactly Feeding America. "We are truly grateful future." necessary to control this pandemic have this commitment to seva." to Indiaspora for its support of Feeding "It is essential that individuals - created special challenges for vulnerable ChaloGive for COVID-19 provides an America through the ChaloGive for especially vulnerable populations who sections of society across the world, opportunity for the Indian diaspora to COVID-19 campaign. During this time of are most at risk - maintain access to food particularly in India and the US. make a collective impact toward helping uncertainty, the generous donations during this public health emergency," Indiaspora has the opportunity to unite marginalized communities who have derived from this effort will help bring said Dr. Vivek Murthy. "I proudly support the diaspora to quickly and decisively been disproportionately affected by the much-needed food and hope to countless this campaign and trust its impact will go help in the midst of this crisis." ongoing crisis. families facing hunger across the U.S." far to bring relief to those struggling with There has been an outpouring of "This crisis has made it even harder for In India, Goonj provides disaster relief, food insecurity." support from the Indian diaspora during those who were already struggling to rehabilitation and community In India, philanthropists Rohini and this pandemic. Several community-based survive," said Kris Gopalakrishnan, development with dignity. Through their Nandan Nilekani and Bollywood actress organizations are providing much-needed Chairman of Axilor Ventures and a Rahat Covid-19 initiative, given their Nandita Das also have voiced their relief, with CEOs, entrepreneurs, founder of IT services company Infosys, already pan-India network and presence, support for the campaign. professionals from different industries, who is also an Indiaspora Founders Circle Goonj has already initiated relief work of "Goonj is just the kind of organization and the entire community rallying to member. "Given the increasingly global reaching food, dry ration and hygiene kits we can rely on in this double crisis of make contributions to various nonprofits. world we are living in, India and its to displaced migrants in parts of fourteen health and livelihoods," said Rohini One of the most pressing and urgent diaspora are in a unique and powerful states of India. Nilekani. "It has decades of experience challenges facing both the U.S. and India position to help each other." "Despite our extensive experience of serving the most vulnerable while right now is hunger, which is a deciding Partner nonprofits for ChaloGive working in disasters, the scale and still striving to preserve the dignity of every factor in Indiaspora's new ChaloGive unfolding nature of this long-tailed stakeholder, and it has time and time campaign. for COVID-19 disaster calls for massive resource again demonstrated a scaled up, rapid In the U.S. more than 37 million people Contributions to ChaloGive.org will mobilization for short-, mid- and long- response in the aftermath of disasters. face food insecurity, with food banks meet demand on the ground through term work," said Anshu Gupta, Founder We have been supporters of Goonj for struggling to meet a massive increase in beneficiary nonprofits Feeding America of Goonj and a Magsaysay Awardee. We many years. They care, and they deliver. need. In India, nearly 140 million migrant and Goonj in the United States and India, are delighted to partner with Indiaspora Thank you all for your generosity and workers have been displaced and remain respectively. on this campaign as an opportunity to your support." in dire need of food and other essentials. Feeding America, which has been engage the Indian-American community ChaloGive for COVID-19 is the second "While all eyes are on frontline providing emergency food assistance to and our well-wishers from across the online giving campaign by Indiaspora. Its hospitals, millions in America and across people facing hunger through its world in supporting their fellow citizens inaugural ChaloGive campaign launched the globe suffer silently from a growing nationwide network of 200 food banks in in this difficult hour." October 2, 2019 on the birth anniversary and equally alarming epidemic of food America for more than 40 years, is Contributions given at ChaloGive.org of Mahatma Gandhi, from October 2-8, insecurity as the COVID-19 crisis responding to the new hunger crisis in will go directly toward these charities' 2019, highlighting more than 20 threatens to push already struggling the U.S. Every dollar to Feeding America relief funds, and are fully tax-deductible organizations with successful track families deeper into poverty," said Sejal secures 10 meals through the food bank for U.S. taxpayers. records in areas of poverty alleviation Hathi, an Indiaspora Board member and network. An additional USD $100,000 donated and empowerment, health, and physician at Massachusetts General "The nation and our food bank network online by April 15 will be matched by education.

manufacturing, in innovative Indian American Congressman Appointed to scientific advancement, and in smart technology.Already,we have seen that America was too White House Coronavirus Advisory Council dependent for crucial medical WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian Paycheck Protection Program just disagreements, the task at hand is equipment and electronics on American Representative Ro ran out of the funds to keep Main too important for partisanship. As China, Germany and other Khanna (CA-17) said that he has Street afloat. Millions of a member of the Council, I will nations. Like Eisenhower did accepted President Trump's Americans are filing for continue to fight to get working during the Cold War, we can invitation to serve on the White unemployment every week. That's class Americans the relief they reshape the future of American House Coronavirus Advisory why I, along with several of my need to make it to the other side of industry to rebuild our economy if Council to fight to get working class Democratic colleagues, decided to COVID-19" Khanna said in a we harness the power of American Americans the relief they need. accept President Trump's statement following the first innovation", he further added. "The American people need invitation to serve on the White Advisory Council conference call Congressman Khanna Congressman Khanna represents action, support, and direction from House Coronavirus Advisory with President Trump. represents the 17th District of the 17th District of California, the federal government. The Small Council. Though we continue to "I will call for massive California, which covers which covers communities in Business Administration's share obvious and pronounced investment in advanced communities in Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 170 districts identified as Covid-19 hotspots in India NEW DELHI (TIP): Nearly one in five districts in India is a hotspot, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday, a day that saw at least 1,036 COVID-19 infections. The government said it had classified every district into a hotspot, potential hotspot or a green zone. Of India’s 736 districts, 170 were ‘hotspots’, defined as places with at least 15 confirmed infections or where there was an INDIA ISSUES NEW exponential rise in cases. There were 207 ‘potential hotspots,’ Lav LOCKDOWN GUIDELINES Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said ISSUED: WHAT IT MEANS at the daily media briefing. There were 11,439 confirmed NEW DELHI (TIP): The government on cases and 377 deaths. A total of Wednesday issued revised guideline to be followed 1,306 people have been been during the extended lockdown period till May 3. discharged after recovery. While several things have been kept suspended to Details of these districts were not prevent the spread of coronavirus disease Covid-19, shared but in all of these places — the government has allowed others which have a potential or not — testing would be direct impact on the lives of the common people. ramped up to include checking even As per the revised guideline, all self-employed those who displayed ‘influenza-like people like electricians, those involved in IT repairs, illnesses’ and breathlessness. plumbers, motor mechanics and carpenters have According to reports from the been allowed. State Health Departments, the total The courier services and vehicles used by e- number of cases rose to 12,380, of commerce operators have also been permitted by the which 10,568 were active ones. government. While 422 people have died of the Apart from these, shops (including kirana and disease, 1,392 have recovered. single shops selling essential goods) and carts, Interactive map of confirmed spread of the virus. halting a rapid rise in infections, dealing with food and groceries, hygiene items, coronavirus cases in India | State- “In order to break the chain of restrictions would begin to be fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk booths, poultry, wise tracker for coronavirus cases, transmission, focus needs to be on eased. Were these regions to meat and fish, animal feed a fodder etc have bene deaths and testing rates contact tracing, monitoring and regress, restrictions would be allowed to operate without any restriction on timing Special teams had been set up to clinical management. States have reimposed. of opening and closure. trace all contacts and to conduct been asked to uniformly implement Meanwhile, Health Minister However, these establishments have been asked to house-to-house surveys. These the containment plan in every Harsh Vardhan participated in a strictly follow social distancing. teams will include health staff, district across the country,” an meeting with officials of the World All medical establishments, including ayush local revenue staff, corporation accompanying press statement Health Organisation to take stock centres, labs, vet centres have also been allowed to staff, Red Cross and volunteer added. of preparedness. open in non-containment zones. groups who have undergone an Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Praising India’s response to Dhabas (eateries) on the highways to have been online training course, Mr. Agrawal while announcing extension of COVID-19, Regional Director, WHO allowed, but with instructions to follow social added. lockdown on Tuesday, said all South-East Asia Region, Poonam distancing norms. He said District Magistrates had districts would have to strictly Khetrapal Singh, said, “Despite Relaxing the movement of people, the guideline the authority to declare regions as enforce quarantining until April 20, huge and multiple challenges, India says that private vehicles for emergency services, hotspots, and a protocol would be in after which based on the has been demonstrating including medical and veterinary care and for place to check how a district was ‘performance’ of districts in unwavering commitment in its procuring essential commodities, will be allowed. In performing in containing the keeping the case count low or fight against the pandemic”.s such cases, one passenger besides the private vehicle driver can be permitted in the backseat in a four- wheeler; in case of two-wheelers, however, only the India’s testing strategy effective, better driver of the vehicle is permitted. ARMY SUSPENDS TROOP than others, says Centre MOVEMENT, EXERCISES TILL NEW DELHI (TIP): The Central government today FURTHER ORDERS allayed apprehensions around low Covid-19 testing, saying that India was testing more people than other NEW DELHI (TIP): The Indian Army has countries to arrive at one confirmed case of the disease. extended the suspension of all exercises and Insisting that limited testing strategy was working movement of troops till May 3. with 325 districts not reporting any Covid case so far They informed field commanders for not planning and 27 districts in 17 states managing to remain free of anything until further orders. new infections for 14 days, the Health Ministry said For Army men who were on temporary duty or India had been testing on an average 27 symptomatic training—when the lockdown was announced on persons to get one Covid positive case. March 23—the Railways will be running two special “This number is much lower for other countries. trains—only those are fit and free from COVID-19. While we are testing 24 people to get one positive case, These special trains will meet the operational Japan is testing 11.5, Italy 6.7, the US 5.3 and the UK 3.4. requirements of Northern and Eastern borders. A The test criteria we are following are the same that are train will depart from Banglore to Jammu on April followed by other countries. It is not correct to assume 17. Another one will leave Banglore for Guwahati the that we are offering the tests to lesser number of of around 12 per cent as against a case fatality rate of next day. Enroute, the train will stop at major people,” ICMR chief epidemiologist Raman 3.3 per cent. The government today assured that the military stations. Gangakhedkar said as the country’s Covid case load ICMR had enough testing stocks for eight weeks and The target is to ferry a hundred men, who were soared to 12,759 and death toll mounted to 420 on more testing kits were on the way. The ICMR has in the under training at Bangalore, Belgaum, Secundrabad Thursday with an additional 1,320 cases and 43 deaths past 10 days ramped up testing significantly with and Gopalpur. over a single day. 2,90,401 total samples tested so far and 26,331 tested on Meanwhile, all training activities and temporary So far 1,514 people have recovered showing a cure rate Thursday. duties will remain suspended. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 INDIA 15

US provides US$ 5.9 million in India projected to grow at assistance to India to fight COVID

WASHINGTON (TIP): The US has provided nearly 1.9%, turnaround expected USD 5.9 million in health assistance to India to contain the spread of COVID-19, the State Department has. The amount is being used to help India hinder the spread of the disease by providing care for the affected, disseminating essential public health next year, says RBI Governor messages to communities and strengthen case-finding and surveillance, it said on Thursday. NEW DELHI (TIP): The Reserve The assistance is also being used to mobilize Bank of India said on Friday that innovative financing mechanisms for emergency even after battered economically preparedness and response to this pandemic. due to the Covid-19 crisis, India will "This builds on a foundation of nearly USD2.8 continue to grow at 1.9 per cent billion in total assistance, which includes more than during the current fiscal year. USD1.4 billion in health assistance, the United States “India is among the handful of has provided to India over the last 20 years," it said in countries that is projected to cling a update of the US efforts in response to the COVID-19 on, somewhat tenuously, to positive pandemic. growth rate of 1.9 per cent. This is The State Department and the US Agency for the highest growth rate among the International Development have now committed G-20 economies as estimated by the nearly USD 508 million in emergency health, International Monetary Fund humanitarian, and economic assistance. (IMF),” RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said at a digital press ‘Follow curbs during Ramadan’ conference. “India is expected to post a sharp NEW DELHI (TIP): Senior BJP leader, Union turnaround and resume its pre- Minister for Minority Affairs and Chairman of the Covid growth trajectory by growing governor addressed the media since the central bank cut the cash Central Waqf Council Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today at 7.4 per cent in 2021-22,” he further the nationwide lockdown was reserve ratio by 100 bps to 3 per cent urged the Waqf Boards and members of the Muslim said. imposed from March 25. apart from announcing various community to ensure strict and honest He also said that India’s central On March 27, RBI held a historic measures to boost liquidity in the implementation of the lockdown, curfew and social bank has been very proactive and pre-term MPC (Monetary Policy system. distancing during the holy month of Ramadan has been monitoring evolving Committee) meeting whererin the There were calls that the 75 bps beginning April 24 in view of the pandemic. situation very closely adding that repo rate was cut by a record 75 cuts was not sufficient and that RBI Interacting with the chairmen and senior officials there are slivers of brightness at the basis points. The repo rate was could go for more rate cuts and of more than 30 state Waqf Boards across the country, domestic front among the encircling reduced to a 15-year-low of 4.40 per liquidity measures. Many he said they should remain cautious of any fake news gloom. cent and was also the steepest cut brokerages had said RBI could slash and conspiracies aimed at creating misinformation. This was the second time that the since October 2004. The same day, the lending rates by another 100 bps. He said officials should create awareness among people to offer prayers and perform other religious rituals at home. “The authorities have been working for the safety Delhi food delivery boy tests positive and well-being of all citizens of the country without any discrimination. Such rumours and conspiracies can weaken the fight against Covid. We should work together to win this fight against the pandemic by not for coronavirus, 72 families quarantined falling prey to rumours, misinformation and conspiracies,” he said. NEW DELHI (TIP): With 89 More than seven lakh registered mosques and other people quarantined after a pizza religious and social institutions come under the state delivery agent tested positive for Waqf Boards across the country. coronavirus in south Delhi, the authorities are considering clinical Woman travels 2,700 km across screening of all food delivery personnel in the area. six states to meet ailing son The 19-year-old tested positive for the virus on April 14. A total of 72 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TIP): A 50-year-old families whom he delivered pizza to woman travelled 2700 km in a car crisscrossing 6 states have been put under home to meet her critically ill son, a BSF jawan in Jodhpur, quarantine, said B M Mishra, despite strict lockdown restrictions due to Covid-19. district magistrate of South Delhi. The woman was accompanied by her daughter-in- "In view of this incident, we are law and another relative during the journey, which considering that all those involved they covered in 3 days time. in home delivery of food are put Speaking to PTI from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, through clinical screening so that Sheelamma Vasan said the health condition of her those showing symptoms are son, Arun Kumar (29), who was suffering from stopped from visiting homes," saying it was yet to be ascertained While the government had myositis, (inflammation of muscles), was improving. Mishra told PTI. as to how he contracted the virus continued to evacuate foreigners “Due to god’s grace we have reached here without The pizza delivery agent was despite not having any travel stranded in India, with several any problems anywhere”, she said. feeling unwell for some time history or coming in contact with flights leaving the country daily, it The family was informed by a doctor at AIIMS in alongwith a persistent cough since any known corona positive patient. has advised its nationals stranded Jodhpur about Arun Kumar’s condition following the third week of March. Later he They said the booth level teams abroad to stay put. India has so far which they decided to undertake the journey from approached a hospital where he was were deputed to trace other contacts sent back 35,000 foreigners from 48 Kerala through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, tested positive, said another official. of the delivery agent. countries. However, for Indians Gujarat to reach Rajasthan. The 17 first line contact of the India to export HCQ, paracetamol stuck abroad, sources advice Thanks to the intervention of Union Minister V infected man, including his "patience", by hunkering down Muraleedharan, office of Chief Minister Pinarayi colleagues, have been quarantined tablets to 55 nations wherever they are currently based. Vijayan and Congress leader, Oommen Chandy, the at an institutional facility at India is preparing shipments of Indian missions will be at hand to family could get necessary passes for the travel across Chhatarpur, Mishra said. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and provide support and guidance. the states. Volunteers of Hindu help line, a VHP The 72 people in areas of south paracetamol tablets for 55 countries, The government also has no plans organisation, helped in arranging a cab and two taxi Delhi including pockets of Malviya even as the Ministry of External to bring back over 3,300 stranded drivers free of cost to take them to Jodhpur. Nagar and Hauz Rani have not Affairs has set about sourcing Indians who have tested positive for After getting necessary passes arranged by shown any symptoms of the personal protective equipment COVID. There is no word on the fate Kottayam District Collector P K Sudheer infection but will be tested if they (PPE) and testing kits from a large of the bodies of 25 Indians who have Babu,Sheelaamma accompanied by her daughter-in- do, he said. number of countries. The first died abroad due to the epidemic. law Parvathyand another relative set off on the The officials refused to share mega shipments from China and Sources denied that the inaction journey from Panackachira village in Koruthodu details of the people who came South Korea are expected to land was due to the absence of panchayat in Kottayam on April 11and reached under contact with the infected man later in the night. quarantine facilities. Jodhpur on 14th, “Vishu” (Malaylam new year). THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 CORONAVIRUS CRISIS FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 On-off social distancing may be needed until 2022, reveals Harvard study

one-time lockdown 99-YEAR-OLD WWII VET won’t halt the novel Acoronavirus and repeated periods of social TRACKING THE VIRUS BEATS COVID IN BRAZIL distancing may be BRASILIA (TIP): A 99-year-old World War II required into 2022 to veteran in Brazil was released from hospital with prevent hospitals from GLOBAL military honours Tuesday after recovering from being overwhelmed, INDIA Covid-19. Harvard scientists who Second Lieutenant Ermando Piveta, who served in modeled the pandemic’s Cases Deaths Cases Deaths the Brazilian artillery in Africa during World War II, trajectory said. 2,182,197 1,45,521 13,387 437 was brought out of the Armed Forces Hospital in Their study comes as the Brasilia to a burst of trumpet music and applause. US enters the peak of its Wearing an army-green side cap, he raised his arms Covid-19 caseload and in the air as he left the hospital after eight days as a states eye an eventual patient. easing of tough lockdown “He won another battle, this time against the new measures. coronavirus. He was released from hospital the same The Harvard team’s day Brazil is commemorating the 75th anniversary of computer simulation, its troops’ successful campaign in the Battle of which was published in a Montese in Italy during World War II,” the army said paper in the journal in a statement. Science, assumed that Piveta served in the army’s fourth artillery Covid-19 will become regiment, which trained in Dakar in 1942, soon after seasonal, like closely Brazil entered the war on the side of the Allies, the related coronaviruses that army said. cause the common cold, He then returned to Brazil with his regiment to with higher transmission defend the country from an Axis invasion that never rates in colder months. came to be. But much remains Brazil is the hardest-hit country in Latin America unknown, including the in the coronavirus pandemic, with 1,532 deaths so far. level of immunity acquired by previous Only a COVID-19 vaccine will allow infection and how long it lasts, the authors said. return to ‘normalcy’: UN chief “We found that one-time social distancing measures UNITED NATIONS (TIP): A COVID-19 vaccine are likely to be insufficient respite can be a bad thing. may be the only thing to maintain the incidence Under one modeled that can bring back of SARS-CoV-2 within the scenario “the social HOW TAIWAN BEAT “normalcy,” UN limits of critical care distancing was so effective Secretary-General capacity in the United that virtually no CORONAVIRUS Antonio Guterres said States,” lead author population immunity is on Wednesday, hoping Stephen Kissler said in a built,” the paper said, leading Taiwanese scientist has explained why for just that before the call with reporters. hence the need for an the island has dealt with coronavirus so well - end of the year. “What seems to be intermittent approach. Aand said data from China cannot be trusted. “A safe and effective necessary in the absence of The authors Professor Ih-Jen Su, the former director of Taiwan's vaccine may be the other sorts of treatments acknowledged a major Centers for Disease Control, explained that Taiwan has only tool that can are intermittent social drawback in their model is prepared for a pandemic since the SARS outbreak of return the world to a distancing periods,” he how little we currently 2002 which mostly affected China, Hong Kong and sense of ‘normalcy,’ saving millions of lives and added. Widespread viral know about how strong a Taiwan. countless trillions of dollars,” he added during a testing would be required previously infected Nursing homes were given thousands of ventilators video conference with the 50 or so African countries in order to determine person’s immunity is and and the number of intensive care beds was increased that are members of the United Nations. when the thresholds to re- how long it lasts. to 10,000. He called for its accelerated development and trigger distancing are Virus likely here to stay That figure is four times Australia's 2,500 beds even accessibility to all, adding it must have a “universal crossed, said the authors. though the two countries have similar populations of global benefit” and “allow us to control the The duration and At present the best around 25million. pandemic.” “We need an ambitious effort to ensure intensity of lockdowns can guesses based on closely- To date, Taiwan has recorded only 385 cases of that international stakeholders operate through a be relaxed as treatments related coronaviruses are COVID-19 compared to Australia's 6,300, China's 82,000 harmonized, integrated and leveraged approach to and vaccines become that it will confer some and America's 560,000. maximize the speed and scale needed for the universal available. But in their immunity,for up to about a As soon as officials heard about a mysterious deployment of such a vaccine by the end of 2020,” he absence, on and then off year. There might also be pneumonia in China in December, they started insisted. distancing would give some cross-protective preparing for the worst. Guterres said his appeal on March 25 for $2 billion hospitals time to increase immunity against Covid-19 Aggressive testing, contact tracing and isolation of in donations for a comprehensive UN humanitarian critical care capacity to if a person is infected by a the sick were set in motion and on January 2 Taiwan response to the pandemic had so far raised about 20 cater for the surge in cases common cold-causing activated its emergency operations centre before percent of that amount. that would occur when the betacoronavirus. banning flights from China. Professor Su told The Age Through the World Health Organization, the United measures are eased. One thing, however, is that Taiwan has been rehearsing for a virus outbreak Nations has been able to equip 47 African countries “By permitting periods almost certain: the virus is for 17 years. with COVID-19 tests, he said. of transmission that reach here to stay. The team said 'We exercise hospital and control measures one to The UN chief also praised the efforts of several higher prevalence than it was highly unlikely that two times a year. The most important thing is the African governments to mitigate the consequences of otherwise would be immunity will be strong earlier the better for control measures,' he said. the pandemic. possible, they allow an enough and last long Professor Su said last month that the west would He cited Uganda, which has given businesses more accelerated acquisition of enough that Covid-19 will struggle to contain the virus because it lacks the time to file their tax returns; Namibia, which herd immunity,” said co- die out after an initial experience of SARS. 'The situation in other countries provides emergency income for workers who have lost author Marc Lipsitch. wave, as was the case with now resembles the situation we were in during the first their jobs; Cape Verde, which provides food aid; and Conversely, too much the SARS outbreak of 2002- few weeks of the SARS spread in Taiwan in early 2003,' Egypt, which has reduced taxation on industries. social distancing without 2003. Professor Su told the Financial Times. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 REELABILITIES FILM FESTIVAL 17 ReelAbilities Film Fest NY 2020: A Closer Look By Mabel Pais "A sentient being on this consciousness and the nature of subjectivity, and a http://codeofthefreaks.com meditation on the deep and intimate relation between Facebook: beautiful planet."- (of himself) art and science and storytelling. https://www.facebook.com/CodeOfTheFreaks/ Oliver Sacks, neurologist, author, To view a video clip of the film, visit Twitter: https://twitter.com/CodeOfTheFreaks https://youtu.be/64PHLhAVnf4 For updates on release dates of the film, visit storyteller For updates on release dates of the film, visit https://www.codeofthefreaks.com/screenings-1 he ReelAbilities Film Festival New York 2020 https://zeitgeistfilms.com/film/oliversackshisownlif BEDLAM, CLOSING NIGHT (RFFNY2020) had its virtual run, March 31 to e#playdates TApril 6th. The virtual schedule is available at CODE OF THE FREAKS, OPENING NIGHT DIR. KENNETH PAUL ROSENBERG | US | 86 MIN | reelabilities.org/newyork DOCUMENTARY The following are highlights of some of the films DIR. SALOME CHASNOFF | US | 68 MIN | "Bedlam" book screened…. DOCUMENTARY cover OLIVER SACKS: HIS OWN LIFE Photo / Courtesy RFFNY- DIR. RIC BURNS | US | 115 MIN | DOCUMENTARY 2020/CavuPictures. The riveting and profoundly moving life and work of com Oliver Sacks, who redefined our 21st-century understanding of the brain and mind.

An Intimate Journey Into America's Mental Health Crisis "BEDLAM" is a feature-length documentary, through intimate stories of patients, families, and medical providers, that immerses us in the national crisis surrounding care of the seriously mentally ill. Filmed over five years, it brings us inside one of America's busiest psychiatric emergency rooms, into jails where psychiatric patients are warehoused, and to Oliver Sacks the homes - and homeless encampments - of mentally ill Photo / CourtesyRFFNY-2020/CavuPictures.com A scene from "Code Of The Freaks" members of our communities, where silence and shame "A sentient being on this beautiful planet." - Photo / Courtesy RFFNY-2020/CavuPictures.com often compound personal suffering. The story is told in Oliver Sacks part by director Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, MD, a Offend One, And You Offend Them All psychiatrist, filmmaker and whose own life journey has "Oliver Sacks: His Own Life" explores the life and been profoundly impacted by a seriously mentally ill work of the legendary neurologist and storyteller, as he Taking its title ("Code Of The Freaks") from Tod family member. shares intimate details of his battles with drug Browning's 1932 classic film, "Freaks," this radical re- Among others, featured in the film is Patrisse Cullors, addiction, homophobia, and a medical establishment framing of how characters with disabilities are co-founder of 'Black Lives Matter,' and her brother that accepted his work only decades after the fact. Sacks represented looks at a century of Hollywood favorites Monte, a victim and survivor of this very broken was a fearless explorer of unknown mental worlds who with a fresh perspective. Disability activists imagine a system. "BEDLAM" premiered to standing ovations at helped redefine our understanding of the brain and cinematic landscape that takes people with disabilities the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and will have its mind, the diversity of human experience, and our seriously. broadcast premiere on PBS's Independent Lens in April shared humanity. "Code of the Freaks" presents a radical re-framing of 2020 and is now available to stream online at (until May On January 15th, 2015, a few weeks after completing the use of disabled characters in film. From "The Fake 13th): https://www.pbs.org/independentlens his autobiographical memoir, the writer and Beggar" (1895), "Of Mice and Men" (1939) and "Whatever /videos/bedlam/ neurologist Oliver Sacks learned that the rare form of Happened to Baby Jane" (1962) to more contemporary About ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York cancer for which he had been treated nine years earlier films like "Million Dollar Baby," "Forrest Gump," had returned and that he had only a few months to live. "Avatar," "Fences" and "Me Before You," Hollywood ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest film festival A few weeks later, he sat down with Ric Burns for a continues to crank out all the old disability clichés and in the world dedicated to promoting awareness and series of marathon filmed interviews in his apartment hollow inspirational narratives - what disability appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic in New York. For eighty hours, between February and activists call "inspiration porn" - that carry actors expressions of people with disabilities. Founded in New June - surrounded by family and friends, books and straight to the Oscars. "Code of the Freaks" counters York in 2007 by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, minerals, notebooks from six decades of thinking and these formulaic entertainments with a powerful the festival presents award-winning films by and about writing about the brain - he talked about his life and corrective: it dares to imagine a cinematic landscape people with disabilities. Post-screening discussions and work, his dreams and fears, his abiding sense of wonder that centers the voices of disabled people. other engaging programs bring communities virtually at the natural world, and the place of human beings "Code of the Freaks" is well timed to intervene in an together to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the within it. He spoke with astonishing candor and clear- emerging international conversation about inclusion diversity of our shared human experience. The New sightedness, a profoundly gifted 81-year-old man facing and representation. Social media has elevated the York festival is the launching pad for an international death with remarkable courage and vitality while disability community's critique of Hollywood's casting program and its selections run satellite ReelAbilities facing the end. He was determined to come to grips with decisions and exclusion of disabled people from the festivals in over 20 cities worldwide. Learn more at what his life has meant and what it means to be, as he industry."Code of the Freaks" extends the conversation reelabilities.org/newyork put it, "a sentient being on this beautiful planet." beyond the largely superficial issue of casting to the About the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Drawing on these riveting and profoundly moving stories themselves. reflections, Oliver Sacks: His Own Life also features In addition to better known voices, "Code of the Together with its community, the Marlene Meyerson deeply revealing and personal interviews with family Freaks" showcases totally new on-the- ground disability JCC Manhattan creates opportunities for people to members, colleagues, patients and close friends. It is in activists and educators to advance a compelling connect, grow, and learn with progressive part the biography of an extraordinary physician and argument: when it comes to disability onscreen, programming within an ever-changing Jewish writer who was dogged by his own neuroses and by the whether the fate of the disabled character is a miracle landscape. The JCC events extend beyond rejection of his medical colleagues but nonetheless cure, institutionalization, death, or "overcoming," it's neighborhood boundaries, reaching people at all stages redefined for millions of readers the nature of the all aimed at inspiring a mainstream audience. of their lives. Learn more at jcc manhattan.org. human mind, through the simple act of telling SOCIAL MEDIA (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and profoundly compassionate stories. It is also a deeply Entertainment, Health & Wellness, and Spirituality) illuminating exploration of the science of human Website (in development): THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 MALAIKA ARORA TREATS ARJUN KAPOOR TO YUM CHOCOLATE DESSERT rjun Kapoor shared an inside glimpse into his romantic Adiaries with girlfriend Malaika Arora as they self-isolate at their respective houses amid the lockdown. Malaika, who has been experimenting with desserts lately-- from besan laddoos to paniyaram RANVEER SINGH IS JOE and banana ice cream , baked a chocolate walnut cake on Easter. EXOTIC OF 'TIGER KING' IN Arjun shared a glimpse of the dessert on his Instagram story and simply captioned it "Her", alongside NEW MEME adding a pink heart emoji to the anveer Singh is a rare Bollywood superstar who photo. loves sharing his own memes on a regular basis, Earlier, Arjun shared a video Rand he has done it again! from his kitchen and called himself In a new meme that he shares, the actor has turned a “fake baker”. The clip featured his into Joe Exotic from the popular Netflix series "Tiger dog Maximus as well, with the song King: Murder, Mayhem And Madness". Tune Maari Entriyaan from his film Amid the lockdown, Ranveer, an ardent social media Gunday playing in the background. user, took to his Instagram story to share a “I’m sure Maximus the real photoshopped picture himself. In the image, he can be Gunda sang this song in his head seen posing with a Tiger. His face has been cause it’s the first time he’s seen me photoshopped into the original picture of Joe Exotic, the Fake Baker attempt anything in an American ZooKeeper. He captioned it: "Who did the kitchen !!! PS - (his hips really this." "Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness" is don’t lie) @aliabbaszafar penned and directed by Eric Goode and Rebecca @ranveersingh @priyankachopra Chaiklin. It focuses on the life and crimes of Joseph #maximusthegunda,” his caption same to Filmfare and said, “We’ve why I felt comfortable. You recoil Allen Maldonado-Passage, also known as Joe Exotic. read. come out because we feel the media when there’s a certain ‘gandhagi’ He is a former country musician, Oklahoma Arjun Kapoor and Malaika have has given us dignity. There’s a that comes with the territory. When zookeeper, gun enthusiast and big-cat keeper. On the been making the headlines for their certain understanding the media purposely people irk you by saying, work front, Ranveer will next be seen starring as relationship for a long time now. has... they’ve been respectful, kind, writing or asking things... there cricketer Kapil Dev in "83", Kabir Khan's account on Earlier, Arjun opened up about the honest and decent about it. That is hasn’t been any of that." India's first-ever cricket World Cup victory in 1983. ADITYA NARAYAN ON STAGING WEDDING THEATRE AND FILM ACTOR GIMMICK WITH NEHA KAKKAR ON INDIAN IDOL RANJIT CHOWDHRY DIES he wedding gimmick had sent viewers in a tizzy when Aditya’s Tparents, Udit Narayan and Deepa Narayan Jha made an appearance on the singing reality show and announced Neha as their daughter-in-law. It was further pushed when Neha’s parents too joined them and agreed to give their daughter away to the Narayan family. Special wedding episode promos were shot, with co- judge Vishal Dadlani officiating the ilm, TV and theatre actor Ranjit Chowdhry, ceremony. son of actress Pearl Padamsee, passed But it was later revealed that it was Faway on April 15. He was 65. In his all for TRPs. Aditya has now professional career spanning over four decades, explained in an interview that it was Ranjit starred in several prominent roles in done for additional entertainment films including Bandit Queen, Baton Baton quotient. But don’t such gimmicks Mein, Khubsoorat, Mississippi Masala, Lonely take away from the actual talent in America, Bollywood/ Hollywood and many show? others. “It is part of the show, it is Ranjit also featured in a role in US TV series entertainment. No channel in this Prison Break in two episodes as Dr Marvin entire country will be happy if you Gudat and even wrote the screenplay for Deepa give them a music show with just Mehta's Sam & Me. music. They will reject it. It's a TV Deepa condoled the actor's death in a tweet as show. At the end of the day, people are she wrote, "Miss him - a real loss." not watching Indian Idol just to listen Actrors Poorna Jagannathan and Rahul to music. They want to be entertained. super talented, super successful are assuming something. But we Khanna also condoled Ranjit's death on social So we try our best to keep things young woman. We are good friends, never accepted it, we never said it was media. within the parameters of, you know, and somebody thought of making this happening. It was part of the show, As per sources, Ranjit was suffering from an not offending anybody, and try and happen. And we are not going to back and if anyone asked us anything, we ailment for several months and was even entertain people,” Aditya said. down on the entertainment quotient denied it. We were doing our admitted in a hospital for surgery.Unfortunately, “Neha is obviously a beautiful, of the show just because some people respective jobs,” he added. he did not survive the procedure. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 HOLLYWOOD 19 RITA ORA AND OTHER CELEBS SIGN UP TO BE NHS VOLUNTEERS Tom Hanks hosts arious governments all over the world have called upon coronavirus comedy Vhundreds of retired or ex- ecovered successfully from the doctors, nurses and other healthcare Covid-19 infection, actor Tom workers to return to the NHS. Among RHanks took a dig at himself, this hallowed panoply of willing admitting he had become “America’s dad” volunteers are many well-known as no one wanted to come close to him. celebrities, who have either resumed “It is good to be here, though it also very their former healthcare jobs from their weird to be here hosting ‘Saturday Night position in the spotlight, or have upped Live’ at home,” Hanks said, speaking from their workload to provide all the his kitchen. “It is a strange time to try and assistance they could offer. be funny, but trying to be funny is ‘SNL’s Singer Rita Ora and her sister Elena whole thing.” are among those, who have offered to Hanks sported a close-cropped haircut help support elderly through the which he said was done for a movie, coronavirus pandemic and will be announced last month that he and his wife assisting with deliveries and reaching Rita Wilson tested positive for the virus. out to speak to lonely members of They recuperated while in Australia. society during this time of social On the show, the Oscar winner said he distancing. Rita has praised her had to get used to learning his ‘heroic’ mum Vera for inspiring her to temperature in degrees Celsius, where 36 become an NHS volunteer during the was good but 38 was bad, “like Hollywood coronavirus pandemic. treats female actresses.” Another celebrity to volunteer is Sounding optimistic and upbeat, the former Love Island star Malin actor recognised the efforts of healthcare Andersson who decided to return to and service industry workers. “We’re in her job as a carer, as she explained last this for the duration, and we will get week on Twitter, “I can’t sit at home on through this together. We are going to my own anymore knowing I have so full,” she wrote on Twitter. now off to the day job! I get a lot of thank our hospital workers, our first training within the sector. My heart Another well-known volunteer is stick for working in the media. responders, and all our helpers. The hurts for them, and if I can give British doctor and TV presenter Ranj Sometimes it’s quite hurtful. But I’m supermarket stockers. The people who something more then what I’m doing - Singh, who specialises in paediatric beyond proud to still be working deliver our food. The people who are then I am satisfied.” emergency medicine, has continued alongside my AWESOME NHS making the takeout for us. The men and A couple of days later, Malin updated his practise during the pandemic. colleagues. We are so lucky to have women who are keeping this country her followers to say she’d completed As he put it on Twitter following one these people looking after us. So thank running at a time when we need them her first shift. “My heart feels full. So programme recording: “TV job done... you!” more than ever before,” he said. AMY SCHUMER HAS CHANGED SON’S JOAQUIN PHOENIX AND ROBERT DE NIRO NAME, FOR A HILARIOUS REASON BUTTED HEADS WHILE SHOOTING JOKER ctor Joaquin Phoenix says he merican stand-up comedian-actor doesn’t like to rehearse and Amy Schumer is re-introducing Abecause of this habit he had a Aher son, Gene David Fischer. clash with Joker co-star Robert De Niro, According to reports, during the 38- who prefers having a read-through year-old comedian's episode of her while working on a film. podcast revealed that she and husband In a lengthy profile piece with GQ, Chris Fischer decided to give their 11- Phoenix said the anxiety of not month-son a new middle name after knowing helps him perform better and realising how original it sounded. hence he was unwilling to join De Niro In last May, the couple welcomed their and rest of the cast for a read-through. baby boy with the name Gene Attell The 45-year-old actor, who won this Fischer - his middle name Attell as a year’s best actor Oscar for his reference to fellow comedian and the performance in the movie, revealed that actor's friend, Dave Attell. De Niro even called director Todd Schumer and Fischer, however, Phillips to make sure he turns up. ultimately renamed their son after “Tell him he’s an actor and he’s got to noticing his name sounded like the word be there. I like to hear the whole movie "genital." and we’re going to all get in a room and The 'I Feel Pretty' actor said in her just read it,” De Niro told Phillips.” podcast, "So do you guys know that Gene, Phoenix said he was adamant to give our baby's name is officially changed? read-through a miss and told Phillips, It's now Gene David Fischer. It was Gene “There’s no f****** way I’m doing a read- Attell Fischer, but we realised that we by through.” accident named our son 'genital.' " However, the actor, who is also a huge Claudia O'Doherty, Schumer's fan of De Niro, attended the meeting at longtime friend, admitted, "My mom veteran star’s production office. He pointed that out to me actually. My mom step further, making her son's name murmured his way through the script was like, 'Amy's called her son 'genital.' sound like "genital fisher." and after the meeting De Niro invited And I was like, 'What are you talking Though, Gene's new middle name, him to his office to talk where the two about?' And then, she was right." David, now hits "two stones" as it eventually cleared the air. The actor played talk show host Murray Franklin The 'Snatched' actor further noted that references Attell's first name and said De Niro took his face into his hands in the film. Pheonix made a clean sweep she and her husband then realised the Schumer's father, Gordon Schumer, and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s going winning all the major awards this year baby's last name, Fischer, took things one whose middle name is David. to be OK, bubbeleh,” said De Niro, who for his portrayal of DC supervillain. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 RAMADAN FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 Ramadan, everything you always wanted to know profound dimensions offasting: the As the Christians do the count down "Iftar," has become a community event. It fasting of the heart focuses on the from the first day of Christmas or is an excellent opportunity for friends of attachment to the divine. Thatis when Hindus express devotion for each one of Muslims belonging to other faiths to host Ramadanbecomes a source of peace and the nine days through Navaratri or the the Iftars. It is a way to bond, connect, solace, just as Christmas goes beyond Jews follow eight days of Chanukah, and build cohesive societies. By Mike Ghouse therituals to bring forth kindness, Jains observe eight days of Paryushan. Unfortunately, this year, no one is charity, and caring. Others follow a similar path, and the holding the iftar parties. Truefasting is self-purification; from Muslims count the next 29 to 30 days with President Clinton started the tradition Ramadan is pronounced Ramzan in this comes an abundant inner life that a sense of duty. of holding an Iftar party carried forward the Subcontinent, Iran, Turkey, and the brings about values such as justice, Every day, with small variations in by President Bush and then-President Central Asian Republics wherever the generosity, patience, kindness, practices, families rise early around 4:00 Obama, and they invited a few Muslim Persian linguistic influence exists, forgiveness, mercy and empathy - values AM and gather up in the kitchen to leaders from around the United States. elsewhere in the world, it is Ramadan. In that are indispensable for the success of participate in preparing and cooking. Trump held the iftars for the Muslim the Arabic language, "Z" is "D" in most the community. Then the family sits around, says a short Ambassadors. It is a major social event words. This article has three sections: Ramadan will come and gowith such blessing, and eats the meal. Everyone has for the politicians, just as it is with The Spirit, Politics, and Rituals of stealth that we cannot but be reminded of to finish off the food and water intake Christmas, Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, and Ramadan. our mortality. What is itthat we value, five minutes before sunrise or the other festivities. The spirit of Ramadan and why? Habits, customs, even morning call for prayers known as Azan At the end of the 29th or 30th day, obsessive behavior like smokingcan be or Adan. depending on the moon sighting, NASA, One's birth to the last rites of life, curtailed with relative ease in the face of Then everyone used to go to the or other traditions, the fasting would every moment in between, is laden with a higher calling. mosque to pray, but this year, everyone come to an end with the celebration. It is rituals, even though some of us may Chandni Raat or the moonlit festivities. deny it. Indeed, whether we go to the Usually, the evening is spent on last- gym, eat, sleep, wear clothes, drive, or minute shopping. talk on the phone, we follow rituals. The next day is Eid or festivity.It is a Ritualssignify the milestones of our significant event, and Muslims gather in daily life. Every significant moment of large spaces and perform their the dayis a ritual. It is an unwritten way thanksgiving prayer. The traditional of measuring our progression, a greetings are "Eid Mubarak, Ramadan memory pattern to bring discipline to Mubarak, or Happy Ramadan." our actions.Trainingis necessary to do On this day, one formally forgives and things on time, manage personal gets forgiven and starts the year with relationships, drive to adestination, or goodwill. Every one hugs three times; I keep within budget. The result of am your friend; you are my friend, and disciplined behavior isworthwhile for together we are friends, and together we most people. When joyous, whether we forgive each other. It is the equivalent of are theists or not, wehave to express that Michami Dukadam in Jainism. sentiment. Otherwise, a sense of Traditionally everyone in the family incompleteness lingers inour hearts. wears new clothing, a symbol of starting Everyfaith is composed of a set of Iftar at the White House with President Obama over with a clean slate. The oldest one in unique rituals to bring discipline and the family passes on gifts and cash gifts peace to human life. Fasting is one of the Politics of Ramadan will pray at their homes. (called Eidi) to younger members of the five essential rituals that Muslims Politics plays a crucial role in our Throughout the day,a conscious effort family to spend as they wish and to teach around the worldobserve. Temples, Synagogues andChurches, is made to abstain from food, water, or responsibility with freedom. Ramadanis the ninth month of the Mosques are no different. For the moon temptations that are detrimental to self- It is also a time to share one's wealth Islamiclunar calendar and observing sighting, a few scientifically-inclined- discipline. Those who do not observe with the needy; it is like the tithe and is with a ritual precision; it isannual Muslims haveadopted NASA's fasting, honor the ones who do, by not called Zakat. Every family takes out 2.5% training or a refresher. It requires one to calculations believed to be precise. eating or drinking in their presence. of the value of their assets and passes on abstain from food, drink,intimacy, ill- However, four differenttraditions are One of the most appealing aspects of to the needy. It is an investment in will, ill-talk, harmful actions, and other operating concurrently; i) Strictly Ramadan is the domino effect other human capital, to help uplift everyone on temptations from dawn todusk, every Calendar, ii) NASA and iiiSighting with Muslims have on you to guard yourselves a level playing field to maintain a day for a full month. bare eyes, and iv) sighting by others in against greed, anger, ill-will, malice, sustainable good in society. One has to rise above his or her baser the community. hate, jealousy, and other ills of the On the culinary side, it is a feast! A desires. Islam gifts this month to its Muslims around the world will begin society. One feels pious during the variety of dishes are prepared, over the followers to teach discipline to bring fasting from Thursday,April 23, 2020, and month. Of course, there would always a years I have discovered that the most moderation to their daily lives. for a whole month after that, however, for small percentage in a group who do not common item around the globe is a AlthoughRamadanis popularly known some of them, it will start (only) if the receive that wisdom. dessert made out of vermicelli's, i.e., thin in the west for its culinary delicacies and moon is sighted. When the time to break the fast hair noodles cooked in Milk with nuts, fancy iftars(ceremonial breaking of fast The traditions of Ramadan approaches towards the sundown, dates, honey,and other goodies, it is both at sundown), the spirit and intent of anxiety builds up, it is almost like the in liquid and solid formats. Of course, Ramadanlie in a human transformation It's a celebration time when Muslims countdown of seconds when the space the Biryani is the main meal. It is a feast! in a month-long inner spiritual journey around the world anxiously wait for the shuttle takes off-Muslims attempt to be For fasting to be truly universal, its offinding oneself in tune with first moon of the ninth Lunar month to in the congregation or team up with benefits must extend beyond the spirituality. appear in the sky. The families gather in some. A prayer call (Azan) signifies the fraternal ties of Muslims and must Goddoes not need the hunger or thirst their backyards, or get on the nearest time to break the fast. continue to forging a common humanity of someone who hurts others, violates hillock or climb on top of their homes, Prophet Muhammad had initiated a with others. Fasting is meant to impart a their dignity or usurps their rights said and wait for the pencil-thin moon to healthy way of breaking the fast; it was sense of what it means to be truly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The appear on the horizon, and when it does, graduating the empty stomach with human, and its universality is reflected fasting of the stomach must be matched Ramadan begins. snacks like dates, fruits, and veggies to by its observance in Bahai, Buddhist, by the dieting of the limbs. The eyes, Right after the moon is sighted, the prepare the digestive system for a full Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, ears, tongue, hands, and feet all have announcement goes that Ramadan has meal after the prayer break. The dates Zoroastrian and other faiths. their fasts to undergo. The tongue's started. are the most popular item around the (The author is the founder and president of temptations, for example - lies, The first evening, mosques hold world, they are chewy, meaty, and tasty the Center for Pluralism. He is a speaker, backbiting, slander, vulgarity and "Taraweeh" prayers - in forthe next 29 to after a long day of fasting, and dates are thinker, author, consultant, pluralist, activist, senseless argumentation - must be 30 days, they recite a chapter each day for also a preferred item as it was for the newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is committed to building cohesive challenged and curbed to maintain the the full month. Due to Corona, this year, Prophet. It has the right nutrients to give societies and offers pluralistic solutions to the integrity of the fast. every mosque around the world has one a smooth transition from fasting all media and the policymakers. The consciousnessof behavior and canceled the congregational prayers and day to eating a full meal. www.TheGhousediary.com ) vigilance over action are the most asked to pray at home. The breaking of fast, also known as THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 US 21 When Will I Get My Coronavirus Trump proposes Stimulus Check? New tool from IRS lets account you have (checking 3-phased country you track your payment, or savings, for instance), your add deposit information account number and your bank routing number. You'll re-opening plan WASHINGTON (TIP): The also need your adjusted gross Internal Revenue Service income from your most WASHINGTON (IRS) has launched a new recent tax return submitted - (TIP): US President online tool that lets you track either 2019 or 2018 - and the Donald Trump has when your stimulus payment refund or amount owed from proposed a three-phase, should arrive. the latest filed tax return. locally targeted plan for The new Get My Payment tool allows many The information from your previous year's tax opening the taxpayers to check when they can expect to returns is a security measure to keep fraudsters coronavirus-battered receive their payment. In addition, the tool allows from claiming your stimulus checks, an IRS nation but will leave the taxpayers to add direct deposit information, if it spokesperson said. To prevent fraud, the IRS tool decision on isn't already on file with the IRS. won't let you change your bank information on implementing it in the "Get My Payment will offer people a quick and file with the IRS. If you have changed accounts hands of the state Trump said, "We are a very large country and easy way to find the status of their payment and, since you filed your most recent return, the Governors. we have different dynamics in the country". where possible, provide their bank account payment will get kicked back to the IRS, which "We are opening up information if we don't already have it," IRS will then send you a paper check. our great country," Trump declared on Thursday with his two Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a statement. Get My Payment is updated once daily, usually highly regarded medical advisers, Anthony Fauci and Deborah Although some people are not eligible for the overnight. To avoid overloading the system, the Birx at his side. stimulus payments, for the many who are eligible, IRS says to check the tool just once a day. "America wants to be open, and Americans want to be open," he the checks can be as high as $1,200 per individual If you normally aren't required to file a tax said. and $2,400 per married couple filing jointly. return, you can use a separate IRS web tool for The plan requires states to meet basic criteria called "gating" Parents can get an additional $500 per child under non-filers to register for your economic impact before Governors can move them into the three phases of opening 17. An initial round of 80 million stimulus stimulus payment. You don't need to use the non- that takes into account the diversity of the country. payments is already hitting bank accounts via filer web tool if you receive Social Security Any setback will push them back into the more rigorous earlier direct deposit this week. Paper checks, for those retirement benefits, survivor benefits, disability phase. who lack bank accounts or who don't have (SSDI) benefits, railroad retirement benefits or Trump unveiled the guidelines after a teleconference with state account information on file with the IRS, will Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. For Governors where he told them: "You're going to call your own start to go out in early May. those non-filers, $1,200 stimulus checks will go out shots." By leaving the decision to the Governors after having How to use the Get My Payment tool automatically based on benefit information on asserted that he has to the authority to end the restrictions If you want to use the Get My Payment tool to file with the government. nationwide, Trump is avoiding a show-down with recalcitrant see when your check is projected to arrive, you'll However, non-filers such as Social Security, governors and also making them face the consequences. need to have your Social Security number, date of SSDI and SSI beneficiaries who will Trump's plans to restart economic and social activities in a birth and the mailing address used on your tax automatically receive a $1,200 payment should use nation facing serious economic and social setbacks have met with return. Having a copy of your most recent return the non-filer tool if they have children under 17. opposition from Democrats and some public health experts who will speed the process, the IRS says. The non-filer tool will allow those automatic think it is premature and could lead to coronavirus flare-ups. If you want to add your bank information for recipients to claim an additional $500 stimulus Even a phased, geographically targeted plan may not mollify direct deposit, you'll need to know the type of payment per child. them. contd on Page 32 Stimulus Payment 5 reasons you may not have received your stimulus money yet

transferred the money back to the IRS. In that case, the who have used its Emerald debit card will see their payment will likely come later by a check in the mail. stimulus money transferred there. A new IRS online tool, called Get My Payment, allows TurboTax said the IRS has the appropriate banking you to input new bank account information -- but it's information for all of its filers and that any of its only helpful if the agency doesn't already have an customers who are eligible for a stimulus payment and account on file from a 2018 or 2019 tax return and hasn't had their refund transferred to a debit card will receive yet processed your stimulus payment. their payment without delays or fees. Filing a 2019 return now, if you haven't already done 4. You filed a paper return in 2019 so, is the only way to update direct deposit information Most people file electronically, but some still send in that the IRS has on file from a 2018 return. Tax Day was paper returns. moved from the traditional April 15 to July 15 this year Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the IRS has many to give filers more time. employees working remotely and has stopped Here are five reasons why you might not have 3. Your refund went to a temporary account set processing paper returns until its centers are able to received your money yet: up by a tax preparer reopen. If you didn't get a refund directly deposited in You may not even realize it, but sometimes tax 2018 and filed a paper return for 2019, you may be 1. You didn't get a federal tax refund in 2018 or preparers set up a temporary account and that's where waiting for a paper check with your stimulus money. 2019 your tax refund is deposited first. They take out their 5. You aren't normally required to file a tax Even if you filed your 2018 or 2019 taxes fees and then transfer the remaining money into your return electronically, that doesn't mean the IRS can direct- bank account or a debit card. Sometimes this is in the There are millions of low-income people who are not deposit the money into your bank account. You must form of an advanced loan. normally required to file tax returns that will have to have also received a refund in those years via direct It may take longer for you to receive your stimulus take some action before receiving their stimulus money. deposit to get the money delivered automatically. money if that's the case. When stimulus payments were Generally, these are individuals who did not earn The IRS is not using bank account information it may sent out in 2008, this glitch affected about 20 million more than $12,200 last year or married couples who did have used to withdraw from your account if you owed people. But they eventually received the money by a not earn more than $24,400. money. paper check. But they won't have to file a whole new form, as 2. Your refund went to an old bank account Some people who used popular tax preparers like earlier guidance from the IRS suggested. Instead, it If you didn't receive a refund in 2019, or haven't filed TurboTax and H&R Block and received a refund on a created an online tool for non-filers that asks for basic yet, the IRS will use the bank account information used debit card told CNN that the IRS tool could not confirm information including names, date of births, and Social to send a refund for the 2018 tax year. the status of their payment when they checked this Security numbers for the person filing and his or her Some people told CNN that the money was sent to an week. H&R Block said on its website that it is still dependents. They won't have to provide any income account they have since closed and that the bank waiting for answers from the IRS, but that some people information. (Source: CNN) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 WORLD FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

Medical examiner dies after contracting Russia-Europe clash over Syria coronavirus from dead body, scientists say chemical weapons

BANGKOK (TIP): Researchers believe that a medical examiner in Thailand is the first person to die from coronavirus after contracting the disease from a corpse. The mysterious case is also the first known transmission from a dead body to a forensic worker, according to a study published this week in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. "There is low chance of forensic medicine professionals coming into contact with infected patients, but they can have contact with biological samples and corpses," co-authors Won Sriwijitalai, of the RVT Medical Center in Bangkok, and Viroj Wiwanitkit, of China's Hainan Medical University, wrote in the study. UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Syria’s hospital and open farmland in the Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily The medical examiner, who was not close ally Russia clashed with European central town of Latamneh, injuring over Nebenzia told the council that all of identified, worked in the Thai capital, nations in the UN Security Council over 70 persons and killing at least three — a Syria’s chemical weapons were but no details have been released about a report from the global chemical surgeon and two others. destroyed and accused the OPCW the case. weapons watchdog blaming the Syrian The exchanges between Russia and the experts of “echoing baseless The researchers said the country air force for a series of attacks using Europeans took place at the monthly accusations” by some unnamed has no data on the exact number of sarin and chlorine on a rebel-held town meeting on Syria’s chemical weapons, countries, “biases,” and preparing a corpses infected with COVID-19 since in 2017. which was closed. Russia, Germany, report “without even the slightest traces it's "not a routine practice" in Thailand Moscow dismissed it as “baseless” and Britain and Estonia distributed the of due diligence.” Syrian authorities to test for the disease after a person the Europeans demanded accountability statements of their ambassadors. UN repeatedly refused to cooperate with the has died. for the government’s action. An spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN investigation, the report said. "Nevertheless, infection control and investigative team of the Organisation disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitusu Germany’s deputy UN ambassador universal precautions are necessary," for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons briefed the council, including on the Jurgen Schulz told the council: they wrote, urging medical examiners said in a 82-page report issued April 8 findings of the OPCW report, and “Accountability is essential and to take precautions when doing their that the Syrian air force dropped bombs stressed that they were “deeply impunity for these heinous crimes is not work. containing either chlorine or sarin on a distressing.” an option.” —AP "Forensic professionals have to wear protective devices including a protective suit, gloves, goggles, cap and mask," the study says. "The Economic pain from virus spreading disinfection procedure used in operation rooms might be applied in pathology/forensic units too." As of April 16, Thailand has quickly as the pandemic confirmed nearly 2,700 coronavirus infections and at least 46 deaths, PARIS (TIP): Economic pain from the fallout from what it calls the “Great “I have no idea when the situation will according to Johns Hopkins coronavirus pandemic spread even more Lockdown” will be the most devastating turn better,” he said. University. widely on Thursday,weighing heavily on since the Great Depression in the 1930s. The US began issuing one-time nations, businesses and ordinary people Still, leaders are anxious to send payments this week to tens of millions of Austria to test all as countries struggled to restore people back to work and school and to people as part of its $2.2 trillion retirees in homes confidence that stores, factories, rebuild economies devastated by the coronavirus relief package. But another airplanes and schools could reopen pandemic that has infected more than 2 part of the relief package, a $350 billion VIENNA (TIP): Austria, one of the safely. million people and claimed more than paycheck protection program aimed at more successful countries in Europe at In France, Amazon suspended 137,000 lives, according to a tally by small businesses, is running dry after flattening the curve of coronavirus operations altogether after a court ruled Johns Hopkins University. being open for only a matter of days. infections, plans to test every it wasn’t doing enough to protect its Yet in China and the handful of Negotiations were accelerating in retirement home resident as it workers in the country. The online countries in Europe that have partially Washington over a $250 billion expands efforts to measure the retailer, which has six warehouses in reopened their economies, even people emergency request to help. pandemic's spread, its health minister France, said it would evaluate the court who still have jobs are wary of spending Even with limited testing, the US has said on Thursday. The Alpine republic decision. much or going out. In nearly empty seen nearly 640,000 infections — more acted early in its outbreak to shut Cargo traffic at Europe’s massive port stores and streets, people eye each other than the next four countries put together schools, bars, restaurants, non- of Rotterdam in the Netherlands sank by from a distance, their faces covered by — and leads the world with nearly 31,000 essential shops and other gathering 9.3% in the first quarter to 112.4 million masks. deaths, according to Johns Hopkins places roughly four weeks ago. It has metric tons from the same period a year Some Chinese cities tried reassuring University. told the public to stay at home and ago. “We are facing unprecedented consumers by showing officials eating in Experts say the true toll of the work from there if possible. So far it disruptions,” said Allard Castelein, the restaurants. In Zhengzhou, Zhang Hu in pandemic is much higher due to limited has reported just 410 deaths in total, port CEO, adding that he expects the is back at work but his income testing, uneven counting of deaths and fewer than some larger countries are situation to get worse. plummeted because few are buying the some governments’ attempts to suffering each day. The International Monetary Fund says 20-ton trucks he sells. downplay their outbreaks. AP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 WORLD 23

N Korean defector CHINA SHUTS DOWN LARGEST wins big in S Korean elections MAKESHIFT HOSPITAL IN WUHAN SEOUL (TIP): A high-profile North Korean defector won a BEIJING/WUHAN (TIP): With the constituency seat in the South number of coronavirus cases sharply Korean general elections, becoming falling, China on Wednesday shutdown one the first person hailing from of its largest makeshift field hospitals built Pyongyang to be chosen directly by in just 10 days to treat the surging COVID- South Korean voters as their 19 infections in Wuhan, the epicentre of representative. the pandemic. Thae Yong-ho, a former No. 2 Thousands of medical workers deployed diplomat at North Korea's Embassy in the capital of central Hubei province in London, was elected to the from across the nation also left Wuhan National Assembly as the main after completing their mission, the official conservative opposition United media reported. Future Party’s candidate in Seoul's The makeshift Leishenshan (Thunder southern affluent district of God Mountain) Hospital ceased operation Gangnam, Yonhap News Agency in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei reported on Thursday. Province, on Wednesday as the Thae received 58.4 per cent of the coronavirus epidemic wanes, state-run votes cast on Wednesday in the Xinhua news agency reported. Gangnam constituency, one of the It was one of the two over a 1,000-bed conservative party’s main capacity hospitals built in 10 days in strongholds, far ahead of his February to treat the COVID-19 patients opponent Kim Sung-gon, a four-term amid a glare of national and international lawmaker from the ruling publicity to curb the virus. Six crucial days that made a deadly difference Democratic Party who earned 39.6 Besides the two hospitals, China also per cent. built 14 additional makeshift health Thae, who defected to the South in centres to quarantine and treat the COVID- In the six days after Chinese officials secretly determined they 2016, had campaigned under a 19 patients. All of them were closed down likely were facing a pandemic from Covid-19, Wuhan hosted a mass different name, Tae Ku-min. Thae recently. Also, the last group of medical banquet for thousands of people for Lunar New Year celebrations. said he deliberately registered the workers sent to Hubei to fight the outbreak false name and a false date of birth also left Wuhan, state-run China Daily President Xi Jinping warned the public on the seventh day, Janaury with the government after defection reported on Wednesday. 20. But by that time, more than 3,000 people had been infected so as to make it harder for the North China deployed 42,000 medical personnel during almost a week of public silence. to track him down. in Hubei to deal with the outbreak which This marks the first time a North was first reported in Wuhan, the provincial Korean defector has won a capital. number to 619. All are under medical constituency seat in the South’s The government began serious action to Pompeo dials China, observation. parliament South Korea. —IANS curb the outbreak by imposing the seeks info on Covid Asymptomatic cases are those where lockdown in Wuhan from January 23. The people test positive for the virus but Virus didn’t originate lockdown was lifted on April 8. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo develop no symptoms such as fever, cough in lab: China Over 3,000 medical workers were spoke to China’s diplomat to underscore or sore throat. They are infectious and pose reported to have been infected with the the Trump administration’s demand for a risk of spreading the disease to others. BEIJING (TIP): China is refuting virus. The hospital was closed as no new “full transparency and information However, increasing number of local allegations that the coronavirus confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus sharing” from China on the origin and transmissions in the country’s northeast pandemic may have originated in a disease were reported in the province on spread of Covid-19. bordering Russia remained a concern for laboratory near the city of Wuhan Tuesday. Pompeo’s phone call to Yang Jiechi, the authorities following the return of where contagious samples were The province, however, reported one director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Chinese nationals from there. being stored. death, bringing the total number of of the Communist Party of China, came Health experts said that the Suifenhe Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao fatalities caused by COVID-19 to 3,222 in a day after US President Donald Trump city at the China-Russia border might Lijian cited the head of the World Hubei. announced to halt funding to the World become another Wuhan amid sharp Health Organization and other The provincial health commission said Health Organisation, alleging it had increase of COVID-19 cases following an unidentified medical experts as that 32 asymptomatic cases were reported sided with China on the coronavirus exodus of Chinese nationals from Russia. saying there was no evidence that on Tuesday in Hubei, taking the total issue and mislead the world. — PTI transmission began from the lab and there was “no scientific basis” for such claims. “Only with reasonable response Russia carried out anti-satellite missile test: US military can the international community win this fight,” Zhao said. “China WASHINGTON (TIP): Russia carried committed to deterring aggression and anti-satellite missile system, analysts will continue to work together with out a test of an anti-satellite missile on defending the nation, our allies, and US projected, launching from the Plesetsk other countries to help and support Wednesday, the US military said, calling interests from hostile acts in space,” Cosmodrome about 800 km (497 miles) each other.” China has also strongly it an example of the threats the United General John Raymond, the commander north of Moscow. denied claims it delayed reporting on States faced in space. of US Space Command, said in a The US military is increasingly the virus outbreak in Wuhan late The move comes as officials have said statement. dependent on satellites to determine last year and under-reported case that space will increasingly become an Raymond added that the test was proof what it does on the ground, guiding numbers, worsening the impact on important domain for warfare, with the of “Russia’s hypocritical advocacy of munitions with space-based lasers and the US and other countries. US and other countries such as Russia outer space arms control proposals ... satellites as well as using such assets to The virus is believed to have and China stepping up their military while clearly having no intention of monitor for missile launches and track originated with bats and have passed postures in low-Earth orbit and near the halting their counterspace weapons its forces. via another animals to humans at a moon. programs.” The US and China have carried out seafood market in Wuhan, although a Experts say that anti-satellite weapons Russian airspace notices indicate the similar anti-satellite tests. In March, firm determination has yet to be that shatter their targets pose a space test was conducted around Wednesday India launched the most recent anti- made. hazard by creating a cloud of fragments morning. It did not appear that the satellite missile test against a satellite in Allegations about a leak of the that can collide with other objects, mobile missile system was targeting any low Earth orbit, creating a field of virus from the lab have been made in potentially setting off a chain reaction of satellites in space based on public impact debris whose fragments continue the US media without direct projectiles through Earth orbit. satellite data, according to analysts. to orbit Earth today. Reuters evidence. —AP “The United States is ready and The test was of Russia’s new Nudol THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 WOMEN FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 CREATE A ROMANTIC FOOD CORNER ATMOSPHERE AT HOME lthough there’s no denying that red is the colour of love, Ait’s not the only hue that will set the perfect tone for your boudoir. Texture is one of the most popular interior trends for 2018 and will definitely help turn up the heat in an otherwise stark or cold space. Keep bed linens classic white – but SMOKED CHICKEN CHAAT opt for 100% Egyptian cotton for that INGREDIENTS luxury feel – and add texture with an array of cushions and perhaps a 3 pieces chicken breasts, 5 pinches salt, 5 tablespoon throw. olive oil pomace, 1 medium onion, 1/2 small capsicum ( green pepper), 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder, 300 gm In the kitchen/dining room paneer, 2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves, 1/4 Food is the way to a person’s teaspoon thymol seeds, 6 pieces mushroom, 2 slices heart, right? But be sure to pay as pineapple, 2 tablespoon garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon much attention to your table setting juice, 1/4 teaspoon black salt, 1 teaspoon cumin as you do your cooking to please powder, 4 chilli flakes as required, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 your loved one. An easy win is to use teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon chaat masala. a quality tablecloth or runner and splash out on some crisp linen Method napkins, which will give a much Wash chicken. Pat dry.Cut into 1/2 strips and then more luxurious feel than paper ones. into squares. Rub 1/2 tsp salt, pepper and red chilli flakes on it. In the lounge Place a small steel bowl or a katori in a kadhai A romantic setting certainly isn’t with a lid. Put the chicken around the empty steel exclusive to the bedroom, and this katori. Place the coal pieces on the naked flame setting is one to be enjoyed either on for 5-7 minutes, till they turn grey and red hot at your own or with your significant the edges. other. Layer different throws and Pour some olive oil on the coal and cover blankets on your favourite spot on immediately to trap the smoke. Leave covered for the sofa, then bury yourself in them 10 minutes for the chicken to acquire a smoky along with your favourite book and a flavour. You can smoke the paneer also in the delicious hot chocolate. same way. For some, there’s nothing more Marinate onion, capsicums and mushrooms in romantic than a relaxed setting and, lemon juice, salt, pepper, chaat masala, cumin as well as adding the perfect cosy powder and crushed garlic. Do not marinate touch to your lounge, a fur rug is pineapple. To serve, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan. also a comfortable spot to unwind. Add thymol seeds and wait for it to crackle. Add Put on a fresh pair of new pyjamas, the marinated vegetables and pan fry without your cosiest socks and order your stirring much to get that charred, blackened look. favourite pizza to chill out with the Add pineapple and cook for 2-3 minutes. one you love. While the veggies are being cooked, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in another pan. Add grated garlic and stir. In the bathroom And then mix in smoked chicken. Cook on There’s (arguably) nothing nicer medium heat, stirring continuously otherwise the than wrapping yourself in warm chicken will stick to the pan. fluffy towels after a long, relaxing Fry for 3-4 minutes without stirring much till candlelit bath – which is the perfect chicken turns whitish and light golden from all preparation ahead of a romantic sides. Remove chicken from heat when cooked. night in. post-soak. You’re hopefully now Valentine’s Day – to whatever degree Mix chicken, veggies, pineapple and coriander. Extend that comforting feeling by brimming with ideas of ways to of romance suits you – in your Serve in a platter along with some roasted slipping into a luxurious bathrobe enjoy a low-key but romantic favourite space at home. almonds (optional) along with the toppings of your choice. Grapes to do away with acne, skin dryness ith time, the skin begins to mash black grapes with some moisture level in the skin. Avocado, lose its elasticity and oil absorbent like multani milk cream and honey pack: Take Wmoisture. Prepare packs mitti (Fuller's earth). To make two teaspoons of honey and mash made of grapes to combat skin it in paste form, mix it well an avocado in it. Add another problems, says an expert. with drops of rose water in it. teaspoon of milk cream. All the As a normal skin care Let it stay for 15 minutes on ingredients in the mask are treatment, grapes are good to your face and then rinse it off. extremely nourishing and reduce acne. nutritious for dry skin types. The fruit's seeds help to Get facial glow back with Pomegranate, turmeric, lime, strengthen blood vessels and the goodness of fruits Fuller's earth, sandalwood and enhance skin elasticity. banana pack: Best for normal skin Grape seed oil is rich in Orange and yoghurt pack: Have type, mix half teaspoon of moisturizing content and also combination skin? Take an orange pomegranate juice, mash a small provides Vitamin C and E to and squeeze it. Use three teaspoon piece of banana to give thickness to the skin. of the juice and mix it with a the paste and add half teaspoon of Grapes can be mashed and tablespoon of yoghurt. The citrus lime juice with a pinch of turmeric applied as a facial mask, which property of orange helps in giving a powder. Further, add a pinch of helps in peeling off the dead refreshing glow to the skin. The Fuller's earth, and half a teaspoon skin cells. Leave it on for 10 to fruit also has skin lightening of sandalwood powder. Mix 15 minutes before washing it agents. It helps in improving everything together and apply on off. complexion as well as cleans the the face. It will help to clear the skin People with oily skin should skin. The yoghurt maintains the and give a healthy glow. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 HEALTH 25 ARE YOU SLEEPING AT THE RIGHT TIME? ou may be aware that seven to eight hours of good quality Ysleep is what experts recommend for adults. But does that mean you can achieve these goals by sleeping at any hour of the night? Not quite. Sleep has many benefits: it improves memory, promotes emotional stability and reboots cellular metabolism. But going to sleep late at night, even if you complete the recommended hours, may not have the desired positive effects on your body. With the lockdown impacting our lifestyles, about 67 per cent of people in India are now sleeping after 11 pm. Even otherwise, a 2018 study found that about 53 per cent of to start by 9 pm which then peaks by the body. So, when you sleep late at CHECK YOU LUNGS’ HEALTH Indians sleep late at night after 1 am. But if you get into the practice night, it is likely to increase the risk scrolling through social media, of being awake and looking at the of various disorders like diabetes, DURING CORONAVIRUS while 18 per cent revealed that work television screen or phone till late at obesity, mood disorders and or finance-related issues kept them night, over a period of time the memory issues in older people. aintaining the health of your lungs is no awake at night, as reported by brain stops making melatonin at the longer just limited to staying clear of Economic Times. Studies, however, right time. If this starts in your How does one correct Mbreathing problems. With coronavirus have argued that the timing of sleep youth, by the time you are older, you the time of sleeping? pandemic, it has become even more important to pay is as important as the number of are unable to sleep even if you go to attention to the life-giving pair within your ribs. From hours you sleep. bed early. For this, one should try and get ways to protect your lungs to making you aware of the The human brain is actually into the habit of sleeping at 10:30 mistakes that are affecting them, we've got you wired to sleep after three-and-a-half What happens when pm and waking up at 6:30 am. Here covered. to four hours after sunset. So, if the you sleep late? are some things to keep in mind to You're not alone if, prior to the novel coronavirus sunset is between 6:30-7pm, you are get good quality sleep at night. pandemic, you thought only chain-smokers needed to actually wired to sleep by 10-10:30 Social jetlag is correlated with Besides exercising, having a regular worry about their lung health. But now, it makes sense pm, the doctor emphasised. When obesity. So, despite good diet and bowel movement and an early to wonder if there's anything you can do to safeguard light levels drop, it stimulates the exercise, people experiencing social breakfast are some other ways to get your lungs from some of the symptoms associated cells in the retina that signal the jetlag are at risk of becoming obese. your sleep cycle on track. with this never-before-seen strain of coronavirus, like hypothalamus. There is a peptide That is because the peripheral clock If you are waking up at 6:30 am, coughing, shortness of breath, and pneumonia. called pituitary adenylate cyclase- in your other body systems are not you should have breakfast by 7 am, How does coronavirus affect lung health? activating peptide (PACAP) which in sync with the brain's clock, Dr which signals the body that the day makes the SCN signal to other body Desai explained. The has begun, thereby reinforcing the What does the coronavirus have to do with your parts by secreting melatonin, a desynchronised system of energy circadian rhythm. Again, when you lungs, exactly? Board certified in Family Medicine hormone that regulates the sleep- metabolism negatively impact exercise in the evening, you feel practitioner Michael Richardson, MD with One wake cycle. If you start sleeping late peptides in the body — leptine and energetic for the next few hours Medical says: "When the virus enters your lungs, it every night, the body stops making ghreline — that determine our which can delay sleep. So it is can lead to irritation of the lung lining, causing you to melatonin at the right time. hunger and satiety. Sleep recommended that you exercise in cough." Melatonin production is supposed harmonises energy metabolism in the morning. The virus can cause so much irritation of the lung lining that it causes pneumonia, which is when air sacs in your lungs become inflamed and may end up filling with fluid, he says. Benefits of eating a healthy breakfast The more inflammation and fluid in your lungs, the harder it becomes to breathe, which can be life- reakfast is an important meal as it provides threatening for those with weaker immune systems, energy for activities that lay ahead as it fuels you such as the elderly and people with significant pre- Bfor the rest of the day. It breaks the overnight existing medical conditions, he explains. fasting period, gives a kick start to your metabolism MDs' best tips for short- and long-term lung health and helps in maintaining sugar levels. No matter who you are and what your health status Nowadays, working people are so busy is, taking care of your lungs is an important part of accommodating their daily schedules that they start taking care of your overall health and wellbeing. With ignoring their health by not taking proper meals and that in mind, here's what doctors say you can do to sedentary lifestyles. For instance, having only a mug of keep your lungs functioning optimally, during the coffee or tea isn't enough to recharge yourself to get COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. going throughout the day. Breakfast is the first healthy meal towards benefiting your body with improved concentration, enhanced mood, and much more. PAGE SPONSORED BY

Importance of eating breakfast the start of a day better and elevates mood DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND We have a set of reasons that will persuade your throughout the day. inner self to make breakfast your favourite meal:- Improves Concentration: It helps your brain DR. SATISH ANAND Maintains Weight: Having nutrient dense receive the much required glucose, which Former Chairman, Board of breakfast helps control your appetite, sugar levels eventually helps improve alertness, focus and Trustees, AAPI National and hunger pangs. Breakfast supplies a major part concentration. Have a combination of good carbs, E-Mail: of calories to your body which helps in avoiding protein, fat and micronutrients to get maximum [email protected] overeating or binge eating in the next meal, benefits. improving your satiety level. Boosts Metabolism: Body is low in energy when Elevates mood: A wholesome breakfast should you wake up in the morning. So, breakfast plays a GITANJLI ANAND offer all the necessary nutrients that elevates major role to restore the energy level and those Former President, India mood by releasing the happy hormones, who miss it develop chances to go on starvation Association of Long Island endorphin. As your body is already in a fasting and eventually accumulate more fat. Therefore, (IALI) state at night, breakfast works as a fuel to kick nutrient dense breakfast helps a body boost E-mail: start your system. Balanced energy levels make metabolism for high energy levels. [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 IN NOT SO GOOD NEWS FOR EARTH, UNUSUAL MINI-OZONE HOLE OPENS OVER ARCTIC s the world fights the new coronavirus pandemic, Aclimate change is back to ZOOM BRINGS NEW threaten us as over the last month, a new unusual hole in the ozone layer PASSWORD REQUIREMENTS, has started to form over the Arctic. According to the European Space LONGER MEETING IDs Agency, the ozone layer over the North Pole has been depleted plenty arlier this month, Zoom CEO Eric S Yuan of times in the past. apologised for the privacy and security issues Scientists using data from the Ein the video conferencing platform. He also Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite announced a 90-day feature freeze for the app during have noticed a strong reduction of which time the company would focus on improving ozone concentrations over the the security and privacy of the platform. Now, Zoom Arctic. is keeping good on the promises it made. Unusual atmospheric conditions, The company has released a bunch of new features including freezing temperatures in that are aimed at enhancing the overall security of the stratosphere, have led ozone the platform. Let’s take a look at them one by one: levels to plummet -- causing a 'mini- New password requirements: As a part of these hole' in the ozone layer, the ESA said changes, Zoom account users and admins will now be in a statement. the Arctic this year has a maximum to form. able to set minimum meeting password requirements While the ESA scientists expect it extension of less than 1 million sq However, its size is still small to adjust the minimum length and require letters, to close up later this month, it's a km. This is small compared to the compared to what can usually be numbers, and special characters, or allow only troubling update on the planet's Antarctic hole, which can reach a observed in the southern numeric passwords. environmental health. size of around 20 to 25 million sq km hemisphere, informed ESA. In addition to that all free Basic account users will The 'ozone hole' most commonly with a normal duration of around 3 Claus Zehner, ESA's Copernicus have the alphanumeric password option on by referenced is the hole over to 4 months," said Diego Loyola Sentinel-5P mission manager, said: default, Zoom wrote in a blog post. Antarctica, forming each year from the German Aerospace Center. "The Tropomi total ozone Random meeting IDs:Zoom is introducing longer during autumn. Arctic temperatures do not measurements are extending meeting IDs to enhance the security of its platform. In the past weeks, scientists from usually plummet as low as in Europe's capability of the As a part of the changes, the one-time randomly the German Aerospace Center Antarctica. However, this year, continuous global ozone monitoring generated meetings IDs for newly scheduled meetings (DLR) have noticed the unusually powerful winds flowing around the from space since 1995. In this time, and webinars will have 11 digits instead of 9. Users’ strong depletion of ozone over the North Pole trapped cold air within we have not witnessed an ozone hole Personal Meeting ID (PMI), on the other hand, will northern polar regions. what is known as the 'polar vortex' - formation of this size over the remain the same. Using data from the Tropomi - a circling whirlpool of Arctic." In the past, mini ozone Cloud recordings: Zoom is turning on password instrument on the Copernicus stratospheric winds. holes have occasionally been protection for all shared cloud recordings. Sentinel-5P satellite, they were able By the end of the polar winter, the spotted over the North Pole, but the Additionally, it is enhancing the complexity of to monitor this Arctic ozone hole first sunlight over the North Pole depletion over the Arctic this year passwords on users’ cloud recordings. form in the atmosphere. initiated this unusually strong is much larger compared to Zoom is also enabling the use of third party "The ozone hole we observe over ozone depletion -- causing the hole previous years. platforms such as Box, Dropbox and OneDrive on its platform. This feature had been disabled temporarily. PUBG MOBILE ROLLS OUT COVID-19: Apple, Google join hands to ARCTIC MODE IN VIKENDI develop contact-tracing technology UBG Mobile on Thursday rolled out its new ‘Arctic Mode’ which is available through a new pple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Pupdate on Google Play Store and App Store. As Google said on Friday that the name suggests, this new PUBG Mobile mode is Athey will work together to winter-themed which is slightly weird considering create contact tracing technology it’s summers now. that aims to slow the spread of the The new Arctic Mode is available via a small coronavirus by allowing users to opt update on Play Store for Android users, and App into logging other phones they have Store for iOS users. Once PUBG Mobile is updated, been near. players can find the Arctic Mode in Vikendi map. The rare collaboration between Since it’s new, Arctic Mode is also highlighted on the the two Silicon Valley companies, main page of the game. whose operating systems power Here, the main purpose is to survive the cold and 99% of the world's smartphones, harsh weather conditions. There will be period arctic could accelerate usage of apps that storms throughout the game, and players must work aim to get potentially infected to keep their body temperature normal as it will individuals into testing or gradually drop. At the same time, players will have to quarantine more quickly and fight enemies on the ground as well. reliably than existing systems in Use a lighter to create an indoor fire, then forage much of the world. for branches to keep the fire alive Such tracing will play a vital role potentially let governments know To be effective, the Silicon Valley Hunt wild chickens, collect the meat and cook it in managing the virus once with whom people associate. system would require millions of to be eaten and restore body temperature lockdown orders end, health experts "With Apple and Google, you get people to opt in the system, trusting Use resources such as the heater and health say. all the public health functions you the technology companies’ packs The planned technology also need with a decentralized and safeguards, as well as smooth In Arctic Mode, players will also be able to use throws the weight of the tech privacy-friendly app," said Michael oversight by public health systems. snowboards which were available in the Winter leaders into a global conflict Veale, University College London The companies said they started Festival. The entire area isn’t snow-covered as there between privacy advocates who legal lecturer involved in European developing the technology two are many green patches as well. But players can favor a decentralised system to contact tracing system DP3T. weeks ago to streamline technical snowboard on the grass areas as well. PUBG Mobile trace contacts and governments in Centralized solutions such as differences between Apple's has also introduced remote-controlled drones which Europe and Asia pushing those proposed in Britain and iPhones and Google's Android that can be used to navigate and scout surrounding areas centralized approaches that have Germany would no longer work had stymied the interoperation of for tactical damages. technical weaknesses and under the new technology, he said. some existing contact tracing apps. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 BIZ & FINANCE 27 REFUND TICKETS BOOKED China tries to revive economy DURING LOCKDOWN FOR TRAVEL TILL MAY 3: GOVT but consumer engine sputters MEW DELHI (TIP): A day after senior officials of Civil Aviation Ministry held an online meeting with BEIJING (TIP): China, where top airline executives, the government announced a the coronavirus pandemic started set of advisories for airlines to refund domestic and in December, is cautiously trying to international tickets booked for the flights suspended get back to business, but it’s not due to lockdown. However, as per the advisories, easy when many millions of airlines will be bound to provide full refunds only to workers are wary of spending much those passengers who have booked during the first or even going out. lockdown period — March 25 to April 14 — for travel Factories and shops nationwide between March 25 to May 3. shut down starting in late January. “Grievances were received from air travellers Millions of families were told to regarding refund for flights cancelled because of the stay home under unprecedented nationwide lockdown to combat COVID-19. Advisories controls that have been copied by have been issued regarding refund for both domestic & the United States, Europe and India. international tickets booked for the flights suspended The ruling Communist Party says due to lockdown,” Minister of State for Civil Aviation the outbreak, which killed more (Independent Charge) Hardeep Puri said in a tweet. than 3,340 people among more than The original proposal of the government as 82,341 confirmed cases as of discussed during Wednesday’s meeting, was to ask Thursday, is under control. But the airlines to reduce the period of credit shell being damage to Chinese lives and the offered currently against cancellation of tickets from economy is lingering. one year to six months and refund the unused amount Truck salesman Zhang Hu is after six months. living the dilemma holding back the afraid of losing their jobs or In Europe, the first tentative steps recovery. catching the virus. at winding back economically India to fill strategic crude The 27-year-old from the central They holding onto their money crippling restrictions were also city of Zhengzhou has gone back to despite official efforts to lure them running into resistance, as oil reserves by early May work, but with few people looking to back to shopping malls and auto shoppers stayed away from the few buy 20-ton trucks, his income has showrooms. Data due out Friday is stores that were reopening and fallen by half. Like many millions of expected to show the economy some workers feared the newly others, he is pinching pennies. “I contracted by up to 9% in January- restored freedoms could put their put off plans to change cars and March, its worst performance since health at risk. spend almost nothing on eating out the late 1970s. The streets of Rome were largely or entertainment,” he said. That is a blow to automakers and deserted despite an easing of ‘I have no idea when the situation other global companies that hope restrictions this week that allowed will turn better.” China, after leading the way into a some businesses to reopen. In Factories reopened in March after global shutdown, might power a China, e-commerce got a boost when President Xi Jinping visited recovery from the most painful families stuck at home bought Wuhan, the city at the center of the slump since the Great Depression of groceries and other items online. outbreak, in a sign of confidence the 1930s. “What is not fully back, or But forecasters expect little to no the virus was under control. But the is completely missing, is the growth in this year’s total spending consumers whose spending propels demand,” said Louis Kuijs of on clothing, food and other NEW DELHI (TIP): India will by early May fill its China’s economic growth are still Oxford Economics. consumer goods. underground strategic oil storage with cheap crude available globally to shore up insurance against any supply or price disruption, the Petroleum Ministry US WEEKLY JOBLESS said on Wednesday. Covid-19 stimulus package to While the 5.33 million tonne of emergency storage CLAIMS TOP 5.2 MILLION — enough to meet India’s oil needs for 9.5 days — was revive economy could be built in underground rock caverns in Mangalore and IN LATEST WEEK Padur in Karnataka and Visakhapatnam in Andhra 2%-4% of GDP: Official Pradesh by the government, state-owned oil firms WASHINGTON (TIP): Another 5.2 million have been asked to buy oil at cheaper rates from the NEW DELHI (TIP): Expectations for a relief and stimulus more Americans sought unemployment benefits market and fill them up. package for individuals and businesses rose after Prime last week, lifting total filings for claims over the The first shipload of 1 million barrels of crude oil Minister Narendra Modi reviewed on Thursday,in a meeting past month above an astounding 20 million, was brought by Indian Oil Corp (IOC) from the UAE with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the impact on which would underscore the deepening economic earlier this week. the Indian economy of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) slump caused by the novel coronavirus outbreak. “Taking advantage of the low crude oil price, India and the ongoing national lockdown aimed at limiting its The Labor Department on Thursday said 5.245 is filling the strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) to spread. million new unemployment claims were filed last their full capacity. The first consignment of 1 million According to a report in HT, chief economic adviser week, down from a slightly revised 6.615 million bbls of crude procured through @IndianOilcl Krishnamurthy Subramanian is putting together the the week before. unloaded at Mangalore SPR of @ISPRL1,” the package. According to a Reuters survey of economists, ministry said in a tweet. People familiar with the matter said that the stimulus initial claims were expected to have fallen to would be announced shortly, but none of the officials HT 5.105 million in the week ended April 11. G20 countries agree debt freeze spoke to could give an exact date. Estimates in the survey went as high as 8 million. The meeting between the PM and the finance minister The report followed dismal data on Wednesday for world’s poorest countries comes against the backdrop of demands by industry bodies showing a record drop in retail sales in March of a package anywhere between Rs 14 lakh crore and Rs 16 and the biggest decline in factory output since inance officials from the Group of 20 major lakh crore to revive the economy. There’s been little 1946. economies agreed on Wednesday to suspend debt economic activity since the lockdown was declared on March Economists are predicting the economy, which Fservice payments for the world’s poorest 25. they believe is already in recession, contracted in countries through the end of the year, a move quickly There has been some easing of restrictions since, and the first quarter at its sharpest pace since World matched by a group of hundreds of private creditors. more will be eased on April 20, especially for manufacturing War II. The actions to freeze both principal repayments and facilities in economic enclaves and businesses focused on Weekly jobless claims, the most timely data on interest payments will free up more than $20 billion rural India, but the lockdown is to continue till May 3. the economy’s health, are being closely watched for the countries to spend on improving their health Two people familiar with the matter said on condition of for clues on the depth of the downturn, when the systems and fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Saudi anonymity that the package will cover the farm sector, waves of layoffs may let up and when a recovery Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told reporters micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and large might start. after a virtual meeting of G20 finance officials. businesses. “The decline in economic activity is Saudi Arabia is hosting the G20 meetings this year. There could also be something in it for individual breathtaking,” said Joel Naroff, chief economist Wednesday’s video conference meeting of finance taxpayers, said a third person, adding that the size of the at Naroff Economics in Holland, Pennsylvania. ministers and central bank governors ran well over package could be anything between 2% and 4% of the GDP. “While we will see an initial upturn once the the scheduled two hours, delaying news conferences That will work out between Rs 5 lakh crore and Rs 7.5 lakh economy reopens, the strength and length of that planned by al-Jadaan and International Monetary crore. None of the three wished to be identified. recovery is not clear at all.” Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 28 ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, consultations. He can be reached at Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( [email protected] and on phone New York and Texas). Bejan's predictionshave mostly been correct and 91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. Latest correct prediction: Modi's historic victory Weekly Horoscope April 20 - April 26, 2020 ARIES: Ganesha says the Moon will drive you LEO: Ganesha says hurts of the past begin to SAGITTARIUS: Ganesha says you check your to attain success or pre-eminence in the world. bother you and you feel very sensitive and balance sheets and realize that you are sitting But please don't get arrogant in the process and vulnerable. There may be new and related pretty. You may visit a health spa for treatment feel that you are above the law. You may get too pinpricks. You are distressed, hurt, and you and recuperation. If you have been going to one domineering and this is something you have to distance yourself from the incident as quickly as in the past, it may be a good idea to check out be wary about. Try not to force your views on possible. But there is a silver lining to this another one. Holistic treatments are similar in a others. It may be wise and in your own interests moment. If you move away and observe this hurt sense but different health resorts will provide to help others along the way. from a distance, you have an outstanding new experiences. Ganesha says that all will be TAURUS: Ganesha says this is an opportunity to gain new strength and confidence. well and health will not be a troublesome issue. inflammable period and you will have to guard VIRGO: Ganesha says this is an excellent time CAPRICORN: Ganesha says you are very against excesses and becoming a law unto for writers, filmmakers, artists and sensitive and emotional now. There may be yourself. Do not also get into arguments. This is photographers. You delve deep into the creativity bereavement in the family and you put the blame not the right time for any sort of discord as it within you and make masterpieces come alive. You squarely on yourself. You are not to blame; don't could lead to more complications. Small issues work from the soul; there is truth and honesty and let the guilt eat you up. Ganesha says all chronic can escalate and get blown out of proportion. Be no compromises. Ganesha blesses you. There is diseases will find a cure or will stabilize. It may calm and let the moment pass, advises Ganesha. stability in your affairs and you move ahead with also be a good time to go on a pilgrimage with You do not need the police or the courts to sort big plans. There may be a wedding in the family or the family in tow. Live with gratitude and peace. out your life, do you? an addition to it; even both. Go for it, urges Ganesha. GEMINI: You are filled with revolutionary LIBRA: Ganesha says this is an excellent time AQUARIUS: Ganesha says you are not blame; ideas which will force a transformation of some for all kinds of mental work as you are especially don't let the guild eat you up. This is part and kind in your life. You may encounter someone decisive and firm. You will be in an upbeat mood parcel of life and the grim reaper can't be kept who has a powerful effect upon you and shows and will make a positive impression on those you away; he will arrive at any time in everyone's you a good reason to change. This person is so meet. This influence also favours cooperative life. You spend time in prayer and with friends convincing that you even listen to whatever is ventures and teamwork. You are good at and in reflection. Work is not on your mind now. said, you may follow orders to the letter. In a negotiations and sorting out differences of The family is the most important thing on your marriage or love relationship, the two of you opinion. There could be work-related travel too mind. You spend long moments in solitude and may disagree strongly on the management of and you make many new plans for the coming reflection. This too shall pass, says Ganesha. money. period as you could be signing many new deals. PISCES: Ganesha says you slowly get back to CANCER: Ganesha says do not waste SCORPIO: You are hyper-active, your energy the good mood of celebrations and big plans. It is precious time fighting over joint resources. It is level is high, and you are restless to get going. You possible now to make your ideas become a not worth it. Do not make money the central are brimming with confidence and new ideas and reality. This is an excellent time for new business theme of your existence, however important it will surprise everyone with your brilliance. The deals and to sign new contracts. You will do is to your daily life. You learn a lot in this travel continues. You are reaching out to the stars, wonders with a little foresight and wisdom. Once period, says Ganesha. It may be the right time if I may say so. There is money and honey and again, I repeat, don't be on a solo trip. Bring the to assert yourself in the world. You think of several other inducements to keep slogging away. team into your plans, at least a confidante. Let several ideas to forge ahead. But there could be There is love in the air and the hint of a new others whet your plans too. It will help in the some distress too. romance. execution.

Birthday Horoscope April 20 - April 26, 2020

April 20:Ganesha says you may feel enervated problems in the morning could lead to retreat tonight that reason prevails again and or still seeking along or private time. But there later or, by the later day comes, there'll be a everyone kisses goodnight. will be bumps and jumps in the road of daily lot to say. You may prefer confidentially if a April 25:If you're trying to shine in your career activities that will require you to leave your secret is involved. today, you might have to develop a stronger cocoon and take care of stuff. April 23:The best advice for everybody today sense of confidence and drama. Accepting a April 21:The wee hours could bring nervous is, "Take cover!" Lies, suspicions, accusations, little help might be just what you needed. fidgets of confusing feelings about something obsessive thinking, and ugly power struggles April 26:If you've been holding things in about sudden. Partners will contribute a lot of ideas court the day, all involving your potent. work or health and needing time to yourself, as the day goes on. Your best moment is right April 24:You're going to need more than even there could be an outburst; or a decision before midnight. logic and intuition this morning to get past required can come suddenly or be a surprise. April 22: Bad feelings or relationship defensive or insecure reactions. It's not till THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 SPIRITUALITY 29 WHICH GOD SHOULD YOU WORSHIP AS PER YOUR SUN SIGN ccording to the Hindu scriptures, people believe that there are Anumerous Hindu deities. All these deities are Avatars or incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Shakti. Moreover, we worship the particular deity with whom we feel some connection. As per the Agni Purana, it is believed that if you worship God as per your sun sign then it brings more of auspiciousness in life. When you worship a particular deity as per your sun sign, it helps to boost your celestial energy and it also makes an impact on the deity to pacify the planetary motions. However, if you don't know which Gods are to be worshiped according to your sun sign, just go through the following points that will give you a clear perception about the same: For Aries Mars is the ruling planet for this sun sign. There is an unspoken connection between Lord Hanuman and the planet Mars. Both are lords of the day Tuesday (Mangalvaar) in mythology and astrology respectively.. To strengthen the planet Mars, Arians should worship Lord Hanuman. For Taurus Planet Venus is the master of this zodiac. Tuarians must wear white clothes and perfumes. Like Librans, your prayers to this Goddess with planet is Goddess Lakshmi. Thus, by colored cows with green grass. they should also worship Goddess utmost devotion to fulfill your desires. worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, you can Laxmi. As Venus is ruled by Goddess achieve good luck and wealth. Broadly For Capricorn Mahalakshmi, Taureans should offer For Leo speaking, Goddess Durga and all her The planet Mars is the ruling planet prayers to Goddess Laxmi. Sun is the ruling planet for Leo and avatars can be worshiped by Librans. for Capricorn. Lord Shiva is the ruling Lord Shiva is the ruling God for this Goddess Durga has nine main avatars. God of this planet, hence, all For Gemini planet. Offering water to the Sun in the Among them Goddess Lakshmi and Capricorns must offer their prayers to The governing planet for Gemini is morning will bring success for you. Goddess Santoshi are mainly Lord Shiva. Mercury. The ruling God for Mercury is worshiped by Librans. Santoshi Mata is "Srimannarayan", hence all Geminis For Virgo the daughter of Lord Ganaesha. This For Aquarius must worship Lord Srimannarayan for Those born under sign Virgo, have deity is worshiped to get peace and Planet Mars governs this zodiac sign. fast benefits and good fortune in their their ruling planet as Mercury and prosperity. Lord Shiva is the principle deity who lives. their ruling God is Lord rules Mars. Thus, if you are born under Srimannarayan. Donating green For Scorpio the Aquarius sign, you must venerate For Cancer clothes will be beneficial for your Mars planet rules this zodiac sign Lord Shiva daily by chanting his Moon is the governing planet of business. and, hence, all Scorpions should mantra with pure heart and dedication. Cancer. Goddess Gauri is the ruling God venerate Lord Shiva to strengthen their of Moon. Gauri is the personification of For Libra Mars planet. For Pisces peace and compassion and, hence, if If your sun sign is Libra, it is ruled by Pisces is also ruled by the Jupiter your sun sign is Cancer, you must offer Venus and the ruling deity of this For Sagittarius planet. All Pisceans must offer their Jupiter as their ruling planet, and prayers to Shri Dakhsinamurthy for their ruling lord is Sri Dakshina better results. Murthy. Sagittarians must feed yellow

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“If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 MISCELLANY FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020

contd from page 1 minimal threat to public health and how proven that time and time again, every during this crisis. There is no outright those businesses can operate in the "new day, for 46 days.' (Agencies) ban on exports of critical drugs and Governor Cuomo normal," ensuring safety for employees contd from page 2 requests are being examined and extends lockdown of and customers. responded to appropriately. Several Cuomo said the numbers show "we can India’s Governance consignments of critical medicines have State until May 15 control the beast" and that the mitigation been cleared and dispatched to the also down significantly,Cuomo said, as efforts are working. Experts estimate Response to Covid-19 United States. Cooperation between is the three-day hospitalization average. that the average number of people one I would encourage readers to like our Indian and US scientific organizations is The state reported 606 deaths on sick person can infect has dropped below Facebook page (@indiainnewyork) so also going ahead on how to mitigate and Wednesday - still a "staggering" number one - a measure they say suggests the that they remain virtually connected combat the virus. In a tragic way this but a decrease from 752 on Tuesday. Of rate of infection is stable. After China while being socially distant. crisis has brought us together and we see the deaths, 577 were in hospitals and 29 imposed some of the most drastic Government of India is acutely aware much greater India-US strategic and were in nursing homes. restrictions amid its outbreak, the rate of the need to balance our central economic cooperation in a post-Covid Health officials report more than dropped as low as 0.3. concern about the welfare of our citizens world. 214,800 cases of the coronavirus in New Cuomo continued to stress the with our global responsibilities. India is (The author is Consul General of India in New York, with more than 14,000 deaths. importance of good social distancing a major source of pharmaceuticals. We York. He can be reached at Across the country, nearly 640,300 cases practices and a slow, phased reopening of are committed to acting responsibly [email protected]) of COVID-19 have been reported and the state. He acknowledged that the about 31,015 people have died. recent restrictions are some of the most In an effort to keep reducing the life-changing ever implemented but infection rate, Cuomo is expanding his insisted they are necessary to control the executive order requiring masks in pandemic. public. Announced on Wednesday, the "Of all the unique aspects of this order requires people to wear something crisis, the most positive and surprising that covers their noses and mouths when to me is how people are responding," in places where social distancing is not Cuomo said. "People are choosing to do possible. the right thing." He added to that order, stating that all 'I trust New Yorkers, you know. I riders and operators must wear a believe if the facts are presented to the covering on private, public and for-hire people of the state, New Yorkers will do transportation. The requirement will go the right thing. into effect at 8 p.m. Friday. 'I can't put a mask on 17million people - With regard to lifting restrictions, they will decide if they'll do it. But they Cuomo said officials must perform a risk have done it because they have the facts, versus reward analysis to ensure that the information, they understand the normal operations can resume without consequences and what they have done is the infection rate increasing. New York worked and it has brought this state will work with other states in the region forward and it will bring this nation to coordinate a gradual reopening of forward. businesses. 'New York tough is more complex than State officials will work to determine the word suggests. It's smart, united, what businesses can be reopened with a disciplined and loving. New Yorkers have contd from page 21 But he also warned: "There may be some setbacks coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task that we may have to pull back a little. And then go Force and she outlined the plan in detail. Trump proposes 3-phased forward." Trump initially wanted to loosen the To be gated in order to begin the phases, a state will country re-opening plan restrictions on April 12, Easter Sunday, but on the have to have a downward trajectory of people with both advice of his medical experts, he held off. His next influenza and COVID-19 symptoms as well those testing New York's Democrat Mayor Bill de Blasio said that target date was May 1 and he may be able to partially positive for the disease, in addition to having adequate he had told Trump and Vice President Mike Pence that meet it. testing for health care workers. the restrictions should be kept everywhere because the There have been public protests in some places In the first phase, some of the workers can return to areas with low infections now could end up like his city. against the lockdown. work in phases, with special accommodation for Before Trump's announcement, New York's Democrat The US has so far managed keep the infections and vulnerable people and social distancing, but Governor Andrew Cuomo extended the state's Stay-at- deaths far below the predictions of deaths that ranged telecommuting will be the preferred method. Home orders shutting down educational institutions from 2.2 million to 240,000 to 80,000 according to Vulnerable people will be under Stay-at-Home rules and non-essential businesses till May 15. different models and scenarios of mitigation. and others will have to observe social distancing and Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi has told her So far there have been only 671,151 infections and groups of more than ten will not be allowed to socialize. legislators to rely on scientists and not on Trump and 33,268 deaths in the pandemic. Religious meetings and events like sports can take warned that Americans cannot return to work safely Some states have very few cases like Wyoming, a place under social distancing norms. unless there is adequate testing. mostly rural state that has recorded only 296 cases and If there is no rebound and the states again meet the Fauci, who is widely respected by the nation and so two deaths, while the pandemic's epicenter New York gating requirement like cases going down further over far by Democrats, backed Trump calling the plan "a has had 293,661 cases with 14,832 deaths as of 14 days, they can move to the second phase, where rather robust program for re-entering into normality". Wednesday evening. restrictions are further loosened to allow socialize in He gave the assurance that for the physicians, Because of this, Trump leaves it to the Governors to groups of up to 50, permit non-essential travel, and scientists, or public health experts involved in decide how to proceed based on the guidelines reopen schools and gyms, allow elective surgery. developing the plan "the predominant and completely developed by the medical experts in conjunction with After again meeting the gating criteria, states can driving element that we put into this was the safety and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. move to the third phase, which will allow vulnerable the health of the American public". Trump said that some states already meet the gating people to resume public activities, drop workplace "We are a very large country and we have different criteria and can start the first phase "tomorrow". restrictions to allow full staffing and permit sports and dynamics in the country," he said explaining the phased Birx, a respected physician and epidemiologist who other such events with limited physical distancing and targeted reopening. won her spurs in the battle against AIDS, is the requirements. (Source:IANS) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan , Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Vaaho Photographers, Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma www.theindianpanorama.news CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy CORRESPONDENTS : The Indian Panorama CONSULTING EDITOR: Deepak Dwivedi SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om P arkash Malik NEW YORK : Chitagam Tel: 646-247-9458 DISCLAIMER DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION: Gauri Beri Email: [email protected] The Indian Panorama assumes no responsibility for the FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh claims made in advertisements. We only sell space. Views CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DALLAS EDITION DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon published in the newspaper are those of the authors and do Baldev Singh / BJ Videos P.O. BOX 121695, ARLINGTON, TX 76012 OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. All rights Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction Lovllien Kaurr, VP & Bureau Chief are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh Jay Mandal, Mohammad Jaffer/ SnapsIndia Bureau Chief Phone: 972-330-3139 permission in writing from The Indian Panorama is prohibited. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 TRAVEL 33 PEERMEDE: AN UNSPOILED HILL STATION OF SOUTH

blanket of greenery on undulating Peeru Hills hills; unending expanse of This hill station is four km from Aplantations; pine forests with Peermede and a kilomrtre from crisscrossing rivulets and silver Kuttikkanam. It is named after the Sufi waterfalls; sprawling meadows, and a saint, Peer Mohammed as is Peermede. salubrious, quixotic climate -- Mother The view from the top of the hills, which Nature seems to be have held nothing is surrounded by ravines on all sides, of back when it came to blessing Peermede. thick greenery and the gushing waterfall Peermede, also known as Peerumedu, of Valanjanganam, is absolutely lies about 915 m above sea level, and is enchanting. around 35 km from Thekkady on the There is also a partially damaged Kottayam route. This unspoiled and mausoleum at the foot of the hills that picturesque hill station of the Sahyadri attracts a lot of visitors. Ranges is a favourite haunt of many St. George’s CSI church, Pallikkunnu tourists to Kerala. Pallikkunnu houses one of the oldest Years back, when the Travancore churches in the high ranges of Kerala, Rajas discovered this small but strikingly the St. George’s CSI Church. The church, beautiful locality,they fell in love with its an architectural marvel in 17 acres of velvet greenery, cascading waterfalls and land, was built by Rev. Henry Baker mist-cloaked hilltops. They made Junior in 1867. Peermede their summer retreat and The teakwood beams, majestic arches added to the charm of the place with and the beautiful ceiling stand testimony their palaces, colonial bungalows and so to Baker’s dedication, eye for beauty and on. attention to detail. The church, Mathai Kokka, Pattumala and the prominent educational centre in Kerala. surrounded by cypress and pine trees, The hill station ambience Kokkad Hills are well worth visiting. The Summer Palace also has a beautiful bell tower. Inside, Peermede, earlier a stopover for waterfalls in the area include Meloram, you will see an old and much-used piano. tourists on their way to Thekkady, has Nallathanni and Valanjanganam and The summer palace at Peermede was Though it was renovated in 1990, the grown into a tourist destination only these greatly add to the value of built for the Travancore royal family in church still carries an old-world charm recently. Peermede as a tourist destination. the early 1900s. Though it is now in a that attract a lot of visitors. The hills of Peermede are covered in dilapidated condition, many facets of the During the last decades of the 20th soft green grass, pine forests and Interesting sights palace evoke a glorious past. century, Tamil Mass was conducted at plantations. Among its many attractions Kuttikkanam The smoke-stained hearth, the durbar the church for a few years, owing to a are small silver waterfalls, mist-engulfed hall, which would have witnessed many a rapid increase in the number of valleys, rivulets that criss-cross the The town of Kuttikkanam, in the royal intrigue and discussion, the vast Tamilians attending the service. The unending stretch of plantations, the vicinity of Peermede, is a well-known kitchen and dining area, the bed Church Mission Society appointed lingering aroma of spices in the air and adventure sport destination providing chambers and the endless corridors all Nallathampi, a Tamilian, as the the calming effect that the place has on great opportunities for trekking. tell tales of an opulent time. The palace clergyman during that time. Mass in the body and the soul. If you are a tourist Kuttikkanam is at an altitude of 3,850 also has a prison cell and an English too was conducted for interested in farming and agriculture, feet from the sea-level. The beauty of the underground passage. Outside, you will foreigners. Even now, Mass in English is Peermede, which has a wealth of flora place, the surrounding lush green hills find a huge central courtyard and stables. conducted once a month. including medicinal plants, is a great and the cool clime make it ideal for a A caretaker at the palace will show you Another peculiarity of the church is place to watch organic farming at close tranquil break. Kuttikkanam also offers around the entire building. that it is the resting place for the British quarters. breathtaking views of the sunrise and Another landmark that has left the planters and other Europeans who came Peermede is also a great place for sunset. In winter, it gets pretty cold and if mark of the Travancore royalty on to the area in the 19th and early 20th trekking - especially the Kuttikkanam you wander too far from your Peermede is the Ammachikkottaram ( century. The churchyard carries many region. Kalthotti, Peeru Hills, accommodation, you could get lost in the the Maharani’s palace). Today, this stones erected in memory of European Karandakapara, Grampi, fog. erstwhile summer residence of planters. A birth and death record is kept Parunthumpara and Memala are some With many professional colleges and Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai is private at the church which carries the details of other places nearby that offer excellent educational institutions coming up in the property. The summer residence of the many Europeans who settled here trekking routes. Other scenic places like area, Kuttikkanam is becoming a Dewan of Travancore is also nearby. during the 19th century. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 SPORTS FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 Sri Lanka offers to host IPL 2020, RCB coach suggests Australia as alternative

ith the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 season Whaving been postponed indefinitely owing to the extension F1 may have to slim down for of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, one possibility being races without a crowd suggested is to hold the IPL at an alternate venue. The Sri Lanka ormula One could start the season behind cricket board has reportedly locked gates and without spectators due to the written to BCCI intimating them of FCOVID-19 pandemic but the glamour sport will their willingness to host the season. likely have to slim down considerably to get the green Shammi Silva, the president of light to go racing. Sri Lanka’s cricket board, told Across Europe, bans on mass gatherings and Sinhala daily Lankadeepa, public events have been extended into July and “Apparently it will cost the BCCI August even as countries begin to emerge from the and its stakeholders more than $500 strict lockdowns that have put sporting activities on million to cancel the IPL. If they hold. play it in Sri Lanka, it’s easy for Formula One’s season remains stalled, with seven Indian audiences to watch the races postponed so far and organisers talking of a games on TV. There’s precedent for reduced calendar possibly running into January.The this because they’ve played the IPL Bangalore, said his team would be these conditions in Australia,” BBC reported on Thursday,after team bosses held an in South Africa before. We’re happy if the IPL season is shifted to Katich told SEN Radio. online meeting, that the latest plan was to start waiting for the Indian board to countries like Australia and South There have been two past behind closed doors in Austria on July 5 and then respond to our proposal.” Africa. occasions when the IPL has been hold two races at Silverstone, a home venue for seven “It looks like Sri Lanka will be “There would be a few teams – us shifted out of the country. The UAE of the 10 teams.Racefans.net suggested Silverstone clear of the coronavirus before in particular at RCB, we’d be very had hosted the first two weeks of could be on for three races in four weeks and on India,” Reuters quoted the cricket happy for it to be played abroad, IPL in 2014 when the Lok Sabha different layouts. chief as saying. because a number of our overseas polls were held in India. The 2009 Formula One’s managing director Ross Brawn On the other hand, Simon Katich, players are Australian and South IPL had been moved to South indicated earlier this month that radical measures the head coach of Royal Challengers African, who really would enjoy Africa, also due to elections. were under consideration.”We’re looking at the logistics of a closed race, how would we get the people there, how would we protect them, how would Cricket we make it safe, who would we allow into the Chelsea to provide 78,000 meals paddock,” he said. Australia lays for medical, charity workers UEFA has a plan for Champions off staff till League final in late August June-end EFA is hoping the Champions League final can ricket Australia on be played at the end of August in Istanbul, Thursday laid off Uthree months after the competition’s Cmajority of its showpiece was due to be staged. staff till June 30 as it The aim is to play the final on Saturday, Aug. 29 at battled a financial crisis the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, a person triggered by the COVID- familiar with the planning told The Associated Press 19 pandemic but on Thursday. remained hopeful of the However, the person said that date is only feasible T20 World Cup in if European leagues are able to resume playing October-November, around July or August, an aspiration set out by UEFA followed by the India in a letter sent out to clubs and national associations tour being held on two weeks ago. schedule. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Australian discuss plans ahead of next week’s UEFA talks. financial year starts on Any planning to resume competitions is still only July 1 and ends on June aspirational as large parts of Europe remain in 30, which means that lockdown to contain the spread of the new employees have been laid coronavirus. off for a period of two Sport was largely shut down across the continent a and half months during month ago as governments banned mass gatherings. which it is impossible to LONDON (TIP): Chelsea will been instrumental in challenging us to The Champions League final was originally have any sporting provide 78,000 free meals to Britain’s find ways to support those in need.” scheduled for May 30 before being postponed by activity with no chance National Health Service and charities Manchester United’s Old Trafford UEFA on March 23. of normalcy around the that support the elderly and vulnerable stadium, normally a sea of red, will be corner. during the coronavirus crisis, the lit up in blue to show support for the “We have made the Premier League club said Thursday. NHS during the pandemic. decision during this The Blues’ donation will help NHS Old Trafford was due to turn the period of isolation, staff working long hours across five colour of United’s local rivals where activity has hospitals. Manchester City to coincide with the naturally been reduced, “We are and have always been weekly public “clap for carers” tribute to stand down our people committed to supporting our on Thursday at 1900 GMT. on reduced pay (with the communities, especially the “While Old Trafford is not normally exception of a skeleton vulnerable, and at this time we bathed in blue, it’s been organised to staff) effective 27 April recognise this is more important than recognise the extraordinary efforts of for the remainder of the ever,” Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck the frontline workers battling the financial year,” CA said said. COVID-19 pandemic,” United said in a in a statement. “Our owner, Roman Abramovich, has statement. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2020