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# 1 Indian American Weekly: Since 2006

VOL 14 ISSUE 36 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● SEPT 04 - 10, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458

America RAJNATH HOLDS TALKS with UNITED against Russian counterpart to bolster COVID-19 defense, strategic cooperation KEEP SAFE ● Follow CDC guidelines ● Observe Social Distancing Taking to Twitter, Singh termed his talks with Gen Sergey Shoigu as 'excellent' ● Wash Hands Frequently MOSCOW (TIP): Defense Minister KEEP AMERICA SAFE Rajnath Singh on Thursday, September 3, said he had an "excellent meeting" with his Russian counterpart Gen Sergey Shoigu here and discussed a wide range of issues, especially how to QUICK TAKES deepen defense and strategic ● World Coronavirus update Page 4 cooperation. ● Tribute to Singh, who arrived here on Pages 9,10,11 Wednesday, September 2 on a three-day ● Horoscope Page 28 visit to attend a crucial meeting of the ● Pitru Paksha Page 29 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), pressed for expediting supply of a number of weapons systems, to ammunition and spares to by address Leadership Russia under contracts which were concluded earlier. Summit of USISPF Taking to Twitter, Singh termed his NEW YORK talks with Shoigu as "excellent". Defense Minister Rajnath Singh meets Russian Defense Minister General Sergei Shoigu, in (TIP): Prime contd on page 2 Moscow, on Thursday, September 3, 2020. - Photo / courtesy PTI Minister Narendra Modi Indian Ambassador to will deliver keynote address Canadian Space Agency will have a woman the US, Taranjit Singh to the third Sandhu meets UTAH leadership president for the first time in its 31-year history summit of U.S. Governor on India - India Strategic PM Narendra Modi and Partnership Utah Relationship File photo Forum (USISPF) on Thursday,organizers announced on Tuesday, September 1. Lisa "We are honored that Prime Campbell Minister Modi has taken time to has been named to address USISPF annual event. It replace signifies importance of U.S.-India Sylvain relations in the current challenging Laporte as environment, USISPF president president Mukesh Aghi said. of the Canadian "It is a win-win partnership Space Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu in mutually dependent geo-politically, Agency. conversation with Governor Gary Herbert trade, culturally, diplomatically and of Utah scientifically. Aggressive and assertive OTTAWA (TIP): Canadian in the service of Canadians throughout China provides further opportunity government announced on Thursday , her career and has the experience and UTAH (TIP): Utah Governor Gary R for both nations to collaborate and Sept 4, that longtime public servant abilities to move the Agency forward Herbart held a meeting with the ensure international rule of law Lisa Campbell will take over as head of on future explorations," said Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit prevails," he said after USISPF the Canadian Space agency. Ms. Innovation, Science and Industry Singh Sandhu, on Thursday,August 27, announced Modi's address to the Campbell replaces Sylvain Laporte, Minister Navdeep Bains in the news during which they discussed growing summit. who has been president since 2015. release. ties between his state and India. contd on page 2 "Lisa Campbell has worked tirelessly contd on page 2 contd on page 2 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 02

contd from page 1 Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, and you've got to reach for your own Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. stars. So I tried to do that PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Chinese Defence Minister Gen Wei throughout my career," Campbell Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Rajnath holds talks with Fenghe and Pakistan's Pervez Khattak told CBC News. "I am humbled and VICE PRESIDENT: Russian counterpart to are expected to attend the SCO honored by this opportunity." Chitagam Saluja meeting. Campbell takes over the CSA as bolster defense, Canada charts a new course in space CHIEF EDITOR: The SCO, seen as a counterweight to NATO, has emerged as one of the exploration, in part through a Prof Indrajit S. Saluja strategic cooperation largest transregional international partnership with the international CONSULTING EDITOR : "Excellent meeting with the organizations which accounts for community on a new lunar program. Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, Russian Defense Minister General almost 44 per cent of the world Canada is working with other Bhaskar Group, Sergey Shoigu in Moscow today. We population stretching from the Arctic countries to build a space station ASSISTANT EDITOR: talked about a wide range of issues, Ocean to the Indian Ocean and from intended to orbit the moon - the Bidisha Roy particularly how to deepen defense the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea. Lunar Gateway project. The station SPL. REPORTER UNO: and strategic cooperation between The aim of the SCO is to maintain is being billed as both a laboratory H.S. Panaser both the countries," he said in a peace, stability and security of the and, as the CSA puts it, "a GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: tweet. region. India became a member of the steppingstone" for future missions India and Russia finalized a major SCO in 2017. (Source: PTI) to Mars. One of Canada's Om Parkash Malik deal for manufacturing AK-47 203 contributions to the U.S.-led mission DIRECTOR Narendra Modi to rifles in India, the official Russian will be an artificial intelligence- ADMINISTRATION: media reported. address Leadership based robotic system, the Gauri Beri The AK-47 203 is the latest and most Canadarm3. CONTRIBUTING advanced version of the AK-47 rifle, Summit of USISPF In 2019, Prime Minister Justin PHOTOGRAPHERS: which will replace the Indian Small U.S. Vice President Mike Pence had Trudeau committed $2.05 billion Baldev Singh / BJ Videos Arms System (INSAS) 5.56x45 mm a fire side on Monday, the first day of over 24 years toward Canada's space Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction assault rifle. the week-long summit titled "US-India program and $150 million over five Jay Mandal, The Indian Army has a Week: Navigating New Challenges". years toward the Lunar Gateway. Mohammad Jaffer, requirement for around 770,000 AK-47 External Affairs Minister S. New President of the Canadian SnapsIndia 203 rifles, of which 100,000 will be Jaishankar also participated in the Space Agency Lisa Campbell says Mohammad Shahzad, imported and the rest will be discussion on Monday. Minister of governments around the world are Zia Khan, manufactured in India, Russia's state- Railways and Minister of making major investments in space Nisha Rani run Sputnik news agency said. Commerce and Industry Piyush exploration right now. (With inputs Vaaho Photographers, There was no official confirmation Goyal also addressed the summit from agencies) Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. from the Indian government on the on Tuesday. Indian Ambassador to CORRESPONDENTS : finalization of the deal. Being attended by top corporate SACRAMENTO: The rifles will be manufactured in leaders, government officials and the US, Taranjit Singh Parminder S. Aujla India as part of the joint venture leaders, the summit highlights areas Sandhu meets UTAH NEW YORK : Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited of bilateral cooperation: trade and Chitagam (IRRPL), established between the investment; strategic energy ties; Governor on India - Utah Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the India's position in global supply FRESNO: Kalashnikov Concern and chains, collaboration in fintech, Relationship Tarlochan Singh Rosoboronexport-the Russian state healthcare, and technology. India-Utah relationship is multi- DALLAS: agency for military exports, it said. Canadian Space Agency faceted and vibrant, incorporating Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon Officials said that Singh is also strong cultural and commercial ties. OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS likely to request the Russian side to will have a woman "Wide-ranging discussion with LONDON ensure the timely delivery of the S- president for the first Governor Gary Herbert of Utah on Nirpal Singh Shergill 400 missile defence systems to India. deepening our trade and economic The delivery of the first batch of S- partnership and synergies in pharma SPL CORRESPONDENT time in its 31-year history 400 surface-to-air missile systems to & tech sectors. Governor appreciated DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: India is scheduled by the end of 2021. Ms. Campbell has spent the last important contributions of Indian Ashishpal Singh Before departure, Singh in a tweet two years as senior executive for diaspora and businesses in Utah, CHANDIGARH: had said that issues of mutual Veteran Affairs Canada. Prior to Sandhu said in a tweet after the Manjit Sidhu interest will figure in his talks with that, she spent three years as the meeting he had with Herbert at India LUDHIANA: Shoigu. assistant deputy minister for House. A.S. Arora, "India and Russia are privileged defense and marine procurement Sandhu and Herbert discussed the R.P.Sharma Strategic Partners. Looking forward where she led the organization synergies in trade and investment to further this partnership during my acquiring Canada's military and and the potential of growing the DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP visit," he said. marine equipment. relationship between India and Utah. Lovllien Kaurr It is Singh's second visit to Moscow Her experience in defense Indian companies such as Tata 972-330-3139 since June. He had represented India procurement will hold her in good Chemicals and Associated Capsule [email protected] at the Victory Day Parade in Moscow stead as she takes over some of the Group and Sami Labs have significant The Indian Panorama on June 24 that commemorated the most important procurements for operations in Utah creating jobs and P.O. Box No. 190067, South 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory the space sector, Navdeep Bains, fueling innovation, the Indian Richmond Hill, NY 11419, over Nazi Germany in the Second federal minister of innovation, Embassy said in a release. Tel: 646-247-9458 World War. science and industry, said in a "The emergence of IT, healthcare Email: Singh will also attend a meeting of release. and tech services sector in the region [email protected] the Shanghai Cooperation Established in March 1989, the have strengthened people-to-people Organisation here on Friday, Canadian Space Agency is linkages between Utah and India, and September 4, which will be attended responsible for managing all of there is a growing Indian community DISCLAIMER by the defence ministers of the eight Canada's civil space-related in the Salt Lake region, it said. member nations. activities. During the meeting, Sandhu also THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES They are expected to deliberate on The Government of Canada acknowledged the importance of NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. regional security challenges like announced today that Lisa Campbell the framework agreement signed WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS terrorism and extremism and ways to will replace Sylvain Laporte as between Rajasthan's Energy PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER deal with them collectively. president of the CSA. The news Department and Utah Governor's ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND The meeting is taking place under release announcing her appointment Office of Energy Development to DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE the shadow of a fierce border row noted that new appointments to key bolster energy policy, best practices VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL between India and China, both agencies and departments "respect sharing and support the RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. members of the influential bloc. the principle of diversity." development of the energy sector in REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN The SCO comprises eight member "One thing I have learned through both states, the Indian Embassy WRITING FROM THE INDIAN states-India, Kazakhstan, China, my career is you've got to dream big said. PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 03 Nassau County Executive Laura Sikh community Curran launches Smart Sprinkler leader Darshan Singh Reimbursement Program Bagga donates

money on their water bills. 100,000 PPEs "Qualified homeowners can receive up to a $150 credit toward the cost of installing a smart sprinkler system. The reimbursement program does not apply to residents who are already eligible through their water supplier for financial assistance in purchasing smart sprinkler technology. Rebates are drawn from a $100,000 allocation and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. a"Weather-based irrigation controllers are equipped with smart water sensors that detect rainfall and prevent over- watering. Smart sprinkler systems supplement this data with a variety of metrics and data provided by the user to determine how fast water will evaporate In an effort to promote long-term water conservation, I joined with Legislator Siela A. Bynoe to from soil in a yard. Based on this kick off the "Smart Sprinkler" Reimbursement Program: Laura Curran information, smart sprinkler systems can MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Through the we go through an abnormally dry season, break up watering times into smaller new County initiative, eligible Nassau we are reminded of how important it is to segments automatically to maximize County homeowners can apply for a conserve our precious water. Each efficiency, help water soak in, and reduce Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino presented a citation to Darshan partial reimbursement for the cost of summer, water usage goes up 400%. We run-off. Smart sprinklers also monitor Singh Bagga commending his services to installing weather-based irrigation can make a difference by changing our temperature, keep track of previous community at the event, headlined by controller technology - commonly habits and embracing technology to do weather and adjust irrigation levels to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran referred to as smart sprinkler systems - at the job for us. I hope this reimbursement meet the needs of each zone. These smart their home, Nassau County Executive encourages people to upgrade to a adaptations help save water and in turn said in her newsletter. . smarter lawn watering system, which save the homeowner money on their HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Darshan Laura Curran added: "This summer, as will save water - and help residents save water bill." Singh Bagga, real estate tycoon and founder of Global Interfaith Indian Americans Shah Foundation, has donated 100,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Tandon address Indian Ethnic Physicians' body AAPI proposes US- to Nassau County and New York City Global Youth Convening for health and other frontline Israel-India health dialogue to combat covid-19 workers, as well as religious for Change leaders organizations. Over 500 young changemakers from Indian ethnic physicians' body for forging closer cooperation in health Announcing the donation at an sector among three nations event in his Bagga Plaza II in 35 countries will connect virtually to Hicksville on Monday, August 3, he share innovative ideas for change NEW YORK (TIP): The New York-based Indian said the inspiration came from "the NEW YORK (TIP): On September American Association of consul general Randhir founder of my faith, Guru Nanak Dev 3rd, Safe Water Network hosted a Physicians of Indian Jaiswal and Israeli consul Ji, and the Sikhs who believe in unique virtual youth convening of over Origin (AAPI) has called general Nitzan gave service to humanity." Boxes of PPEs 500 young global change leaders. The for a joint US-Israel-India opening remarks as co- (masks including N95s and gloves) event brought together change drivers health dialogue to combat hosts of the program meant for Nassau County were seen and spotlight their innovative and covid-19 pandemic and along with Rabbi David displayed near the dais. solutions-oriented work to help solve develop an efficient Levy of AJC New Jersey. Nassau County Executive Laura some of the most critical challenges the quality healthcare system. The proposed Dr. Jonnalagadda provided a brief on Curran praised Mr. Bagga and world is facing, including water, dialogue involving Israeli physicians AAPI's role and several initiatives it has expressed gratitude for his generous financial inclusion, opportunity- from reputed hospitals may study and undertaken in fighting covid-19 in the US act of sewa in this "dark period of creation, sustainability, and climate identify how Israel with significantly and India. pandemic". change. limited resources, is able to provide "AAPI members are putting their best Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Speakers included global thought quality healthcare to its citizens, AAPI efforts to help our patients, especially Saladino said the donation Indian American leaders Dr. Rajiv Shah, president Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda those impacted by Covid," he said noting, represented the Indian American President of Rockefeller Foundation, suggested. "Several of our physicians have been community's love for all and it is Chandrika Tandon, recognized business He was speaking at a virtual panel affected in this pandemic." aimed to ensure the safety of leader and philanthropist, and Ravi discussion last week on "Can 30 seconds "We are continuing our efforts to make healthcare and law enforcement Venkatesan, UNICEF Special save the world? Israeli-Indian cooperation AAPI a more dynamic and vibrant heroes. Representative for Young People. to develop a rapid test for covid-19," organization playing a meaningful and Among a score of people attending Leading global organizations working according to an AAPI media release. relevant part in advocating health policies the intimate event were Farrah in collaboration with Safe Water With India and the US among the worst and practices that best serve the interests Mozawalla, Director of Nassau Network include Ashoka, The Better affected nations the panel discussion of all patients and promoting the County Office of Asian American India, Devex, GYEM, O.P. Jindal Global focused on collaboration and sharing of physician's role as the leaders of the team Affairs, Dr. Isma Chaudhry, President University, and WaterLoop. The event knowledge and expertise and finding based health care delivery." of Islamic Center of Long Island, already has had a significant global solutions to contain the pandemic. As Secretary of the Global Association Indu Jaiswal and Bina Sabapathy, reach - with registrants coming from The event was cosponsored by the of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) well-known community leaders, and over 35 countries and 160 organizations - Indian and Israeli Consulates in New both Dr. Parikh and AAPI President Dr. Dr Yousuf Syed, trustee of Selden thanks to outreach organizations such York, American Jewish Committee, AAPI, Jonnalagadda offered to advocate with the mosque in Suffolk County. as UNICEF Gen U and NYU Tandon Parikh Media Worldwide, ITV Gold and US administration and Congress the (Based on a press release) School of Engineering. the Hindu-Jewish Coalition. Dr. Sudhir importance of forging closer cooperation (Read full story at Parikh, Chairman, Parikh Media in the health and disaster management www.theindianpanorama.news) Worldwide moderated the discussion. sectors between the US, India and Israel. THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-19 CRISIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 4 UK may Over 26.47 million infections reimpose quarantine on worldwide; 873,285 deaths

travelers from ore than 26.47 million people were reported to have been Portugal Minfected by the novel TRACKING THE VIRUS ritain could make a decision coronavirus globally and 873,285 have on whether to impose a 14-day died, according to a Reuters tally. Bquarantine on arrivals from Infections have been reported in more GLOBAL INDIA Portugal after cases of COVID-19 than 210 countries and territories since began to rise in the popular holiday the first cases were identified in China in Deaths Deaths destination, the UK’s health December 2019. Cases Cases minister, Matt Hancock, said on The highest death toll has been 26,475,568 873,285 39,36,747 68,472 Thursday, Sept 3. reported by US, followed by Brazil and Britain allowed holiday-makers to India. A total of 17,209,534 recoveries travel to Portugal without any have been registered worldwide. restrictions less than two weeks ago Members named to panel probing but a rise in the coronavirus there WHO’s pandemic response has prompted speculation it will be An independent panel appointed by the put back on a list of countries that World Health Organization to review its require quarantine measures. coordination of the response to the “We follow the data and we make COVID-19 pandemic will have full access these announcements in an to any internal UN agency documents, organised way on a Friday materials and emails necessary,the panel lunchtime,” Hancock told Sky News. said Thursday as it begins the probe. The panel’s co-chairs, former Liberian China offers President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, announced the 11 other vaccine members during a media briefing. The panel scheduled its first meeting candidates to for Sept. 17 and plans to meet every six weeks between then and April. It expects aviation industry to brief WHO on the group’s initial progress in November before presenting workers a final report next year. hina has offered experimental WHO bowed to calls from most of its coronavirus vaccines to member states in May to launch an Thailand reports 1st local count in over three months. Caviation industry workers, independent investigation of how it coronavirus case in 100 days according to a regulatory notice seen managed the international response to Hong Kong’s mass testing by Reuters, in a push to inoculate the coronavirus after the United States Health officials in Thailand say a finds only few cases high-risk groups to prevent a accused the U.N. health agency of prison inmate has tested positive for the possible resurgence as economies mismanaging the early phase of the coronavirus in the country’s first Only six people in Hong Kong have reopen. China, which has four pandemic and colluding with China to confirmed locally transmitted case in 100 tested positive for the coronavirus out COVID-19 vaccines in the final stage hide the extent of the outbreak there. days, AP reported. They said on of a batch of 128,000 residents who had of human trials, launched the Thursday the inmate is a 37-year-old man undergone the mass-testing emergency use vaccine programme Malaysia expands entry ban to who was arrested for drug abuse who programme that began on Tuesday. in July,hoping to boost the immunity US, UK, France pass holders was arrested in Aug. 26 and tested Four of the six were previous of groups such as border inspectors positive on Wednesday when brought to coronavirus patients who had been or medical industry workers. Malaysia on Thursday, Sept 3, added at the health center of a prison in Bangkok. discharged last month, and still carried Frontline workers at Chinese least nine more countries, including the Thailand has sustained relatively light traces of the virus when they were airlines, airports, China National United States, Britain and France, to its health damage from the pandemic, even tested. Aviation Fuel Group and TravelSky list of long-term immigration pass though in January it was the first As of Thursday, St 3, e850,000 people Technology Limited will be provided holders to be barred from the country, country outside China to confirm a case. in the city of 7.5 million had registered a candidate vaccine on a voluntary national news wire Bernama reported. But its economy has been devastated by to take part in the weeklong program basis, the notice from China’s Malaysia’s government on Tuesday the absence of foreign tourists, who are that offers all residents a one-time, free aviation regulator shows. said it would from September 7 bar entry banned from entry, and by a drop in coronavirus test as the city seeks to of pass holders from India, Indonesia exports. The country’s last locally identify silent carriers of the virus. Signs of COVID and the Philippines in a bid to curtail transmitted case was confirmed on May The low number of positive cases imported coronavirus cases in Southeast 24 and announced on May 25. found so far has drawn criticism that Asia’s third-largest economy. the government’s universal testing easing in Brazil The ban will now include all countries Middle East’s confirmed COVID program was not cost effective amid razil’s COVID-19 death toll that have reported more than 150,000 death toll goes over 50,000 privacy concerns and fears that DNA appears to be easing for the coronavirus cases, the report said, citing data could be sent to mainland China. Bfirst time since May, data senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. The confirmed death toll from the shows, a sign the Latin American Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien coronavirus went over 50,000 in the UK working on 20-minute country could be descending from a Loong has said the COVID-19 pandemic is Middle East on Thursday as the COVID-19 test long infection plateau that has seen a disaster on a global scale but it is not pandemic continues. That’s according to it suffer the world’s second-worst the deadliest disease that could befall a count from The Associated Press, based The British government says it is outbreak after the United States. mankind and that lessons learnt during on official numbers offered by health investing in a coronavirus test that gives With nearly 4 million confirmed this emergency must be documented for authorities across the region. results in as little as 20 minutes, as critics cases, the virus has killed over future epidemics. Those numbers still may be an say tests for the virus are being rationed 120,000 people in Brazil. Lee pointed out that scientists believe undercount, though, as testing in war- because the system can’t cope with But the level of average daily ‘Disease X’ could potentially harm torn nations like Libya and Yemen demand, AP reported. deaths dropped below 900 per day mankind on a much greater scale. remains extremely limited. Health Secretary Matt Hancock says last week – the lowest in three and a ‘Disease X’ is a placeholder name The hardest-hit nation remains Iran, the government is expanding trials of half months and below the rate of adopted by the World Health with over 21,900 deaths and over 380,000 two new tests — a no-swab saliva test and both the United States and India, Organisation in February 2018 to confirmed cases and 328,000 recoveries. another that gives results in minutes. It’s according to a Reuters tally. represent unknown pathogens which Israel just recorded a record-high 3,000 also running a trial on the benefits of Researchers at Imperial College could cause a much bigger epidemic. new cases in a day as the country’s repeat testing of people without London also calculate that the When COVID-19 was first reported, Lee coronavirus tally is set to submit a list of symptoms. transmission rate in Brazil, at which said, many wondered if ‘Disease X’ had more detailed recommended restrictions Britain has hugely expanded its testing each person infected with the arrived. “COVID-19 has been a disaster where infection rates have been highest. capacity since the start of the pandemic, coronavirus infects another person, for the world, but it is not ‘Disease X’,” The United Arab Emirates, which has but critics say it is still not doing enough is now below 1, the level required for Loong was quoted as saying by local embarked on a mass testing campaign, to find and isolate people with the new infections to slow. media on Wednesday. saw its highest daily confirmed new case coronavirus. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 05 Indian-origin Pritam Singh formally takes charge as City- State's first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore SINGAPORE (TIP): Pritam Singh, Singapore's would be given staff support and resources to perform Indian-origin politician scripted history on Monday , his duties. August 31, when Parliament conferred the duties and There have been de facto leaders of the Opposition in privileges to him as the city-state's first Leader of the the past, such as former Singapore People's Party chief Opposition. Chiam See Tong. However, this is the first time the Singh's Workers' Party won 10 parliamentary seats position is being recognized officially. out of the 93 it contested in the July 10 General During her address on Monday, Indranee, 57, Election, making it the biggest opposition presence in reiterated that Singh will be given an office in Singapore's parliamentary history. Parliament, staff support and resources, as well as As the House began proceedings on Monday, one of additional allowance. the first orders of business was a ministerial statement The Leader of the Opposition will generally be given by the Leader of the House Indranee Rajah on formally the right of first response among MPs to ask the lead recognizing Singh, 43, as the country's first Opposition question to ministers on policies, bills and motions in leader. Parliament. "With more opposition MPs reflecting a 'strong desire This will be at the discretion of the Speaker and among Singaporeans for a greater diversity of views in Indian-origin Pritam Singh formally takes charge as City- subject to existing conventions, she said. State's first Leader of the Opposition in Singapore politics' as noted by the Prime Minister (Lee Hsien As Leader of the Opposition, Singh's duties include Loong) in his swearing-in speech.. It is timely and power our economy that we need to pay more attention leading and organizing the Opposition's parliamentary appropriate that the position of the Leader of the to the Singapore worker... some of whom feel excluded business. He may also take on other duties such as Opposition be more formally recognized," said from (the) opportunities created in their homeland, attending official state functions and taking part in Indranee, who is also of Indian-origin from the ruling Singh said. visits and meetings with members of the Government People's Action Party (PAP). He called on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to and the public service. The PAP has an absolute majority in the House with publish the names of "recalcitrant" employers who do He will also, from time to time, receive briefings by 83 elected members. not give locals a fair chance in hiring and promotion. the government on confidential issues, and the matters The House passed a motion to double Singh's The MOM had recently placed 47 companies on the to be briefed will be determined by the government, speaking time from 20 minutes -- which is allotted to Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) watchlist for said Indranee. backbenchers -- to 40 minutes, the duration allotted to discriminatory hiring practices. These duties and privileges are based on the office holders. Singh took the seat directly opposite A wealth management firm on the list was found to conventions and practices of other Westminster-style Prime Minister Lee in the chamber, reported Channel have almost three-quarters of its professionals from the parliamentary systems, but reflect adaptations to News Asia. This is similar to the practice in other same country, he said. Singapore's political and parliamentary context, she countries that formally recognize the role of the Leader In another similar case, a bank was found to have two- added. of the Opposition, Indranee pointed out. thirds of its professionals from a particular country. "With greater diversity of views, we can expect more Speaking on the occasion, Singh underlined the need The obvious question is, how did those two robust debate and, in some cases, sharper exchanges. to focus on foreigners and their living conditions. companies get to those stages without the MOM taking But we should work to ensure that diversity does not He said how foreign workers are managed and action? he asked. lead to polarity, of the country or of the people," said accommodated needs to be improved. MOM website states at one point and I quote: MOM Indranee. "Experience elsewhere shows that unity in Their (foreigners) presence gives Singapore a vitality does not tolerate unfair hiring practices and employers diversity is not an assured outcome. Our goal should be that keeps us economically relevant and also provides who do not give locals a fair chance in hiring and to harness this diversity of views in a constructive jobs and opportunities to our fellow Singaporeans. promotion will face scrutiny and stiff penalties if found manner, so that we can as a Parliament better serve the Many of us count the foreigners in our midst - to have unfair hiring practices, he said. interests of Singaporeans and Singapore." regardless of race, language or religion - as our friends, Following the General Election, Prime Minister Indranee added that the role of the Leader of the Channel News Asia quoted Singh as saying. Loong had said Singh will be designated the Leader of Opposition in Singapore will evolve with the country's It is precisely because we need foreigners to help the Opposition in the 14th Parliament, and that he politics. Indian origin Tajinder Kumar Indian Doctor Dwarkanath Indian-Origin Students Indian National set to become officer in Kotnis's Bronze Statue get double the number of Pleads Guilty in Australian Air Force Unveiled in China Visas to Study in UK Telemarketing Scam A decade after The Office for National Statistics Tajinder Kumar Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis, who hailed PROVIDENCE landed in Australia from Sholapur in Maharashtra came found that Indian nationals (TIP): An Indian and took up a job to China in 1938 as part of a five- accounted for 17 per cent of the total National appearing as a washroom Aug 24 before a U.S. cleaner, he is set member team of doctors sent by the 299,023 sponsored study visas District Court to become a to help the granted by UK Home Office in the commissioned Judge in Providence, RI, admitted to officer with the Chinese during World War II. year ending March 2020, with the participating in a "Tech Support" Royal Australian BEIJING (TIP): A bronze statue of number more than doubling from telemarketing scam based in India, in Air Force (RAAF). Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis, who 2019 to hit a total of 49,844 grants which call center operators falsely CHANDIGARH / NEW YORK is revered in China for his contributions - a continuous rise since 2016. represented themselves to be associated (TIP): After spending the early days in a during the Chinese revolution headed with Microsoft Corporation, falsely foreign land cleaning toilet in a by its founder and the LONDON (TIP): represented to victims that malware or shopping mall and facing language as World War II, has been unveiled outside Visas granted to viruses had been detected on their well as cultural barriers, he joined the a medical school in North China Indian Origins to computers, and offered supposed RAAF as a recruit and certified in according to the official media in study at services to remove the malware. aviation maintenance. Beijing. Dr Kotnis, who hailed from universities in the During the scam, members of the FLYING HIGH : Indian Australian Sholapur in Maharashtra came to China UK have more than doubled over the conspiracy gained access to the victims' Tajinder Kumar will soon be inducted in 1938 as part of a five-member team of past year, according to official statistics online banking user names and into the @AusAirForce as an officer, a doctors sent by the Indian National released on Thursday. The Office for passwords. Using that information, long-cherished dream he fulfilled, Congress to help the Chinese during National Statistics (ONS) found that funds were taken from the victim thanks to his grit and determination, World War II. He joined the Communist Indian nationals accounted for 17 per accounts. Australia's High Commissioner to India Party of China (CPC) in 1942 and died cent of the total 299,023 sponsored study Abrar Anjum, 34, admitted to the Barry O'Farrell tweeted. Then in 2016, the same year at the age of 32. The visas granted by the UK Home Office in court that he allowed members of the Tajinder won the Lipshur Family bronze statue of Dr Kotnis, known in the year ending March 2020, with the conspiracy to use bank accounts under Bursary which provides sponsorship to China as Ke Dihua, has been formally number more than doubling from 2019 his control in the United States to enlisted personnel for a full-time unveiled at the medical school at to hit a total of 49,844 grants - a receive funds taken from victim undergraduate degree. (Read full story in September. (Read full continuous rise since 2016. (Read full accounts. (Read full story at at www.theindianpanorama.news) story at www.theindianpanorama.news) story at www.theindianpanorama.news) www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 06 Indian American Forum pays Comptroller Stringer Kicks Tribute to Former President of Off Labor Rights Week India Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee Announces $2 Million in Stolen Prevailing Wages Returned to Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): The Board of Trustees and NEW YORK (TIP): New York through outreach. Amid the members of Indian American City Comptroller Scott M. economic fallout of the COVID-19 Forum and Indian American Stringer kicked off Labor Rights pandemic, the Comptroller's Community mourned the loss of Week, August 31 by announcing office launched a phone banking one of the finest intellectual that nearly $2 million in stolen campaign in April to return political figures and a former prevailing wages has been unclaimed wages to workers President of India Pranab returned to more than 100 cheated out of pay. Since March, Mukherjee amid Covid-19 Crisis workers during the COVID-19 the Comptroller's Office has In a message to The Indian pandemic. Comptroller Stringer returned nearly $2 million to Panorama, Indu Jaiswal, a also launched a series of "Know more than 100 workers. community activist, on behalf of Your Rights" virtual events in "I always say that in my office, the IAF and the Indian collaboration with labor rights every week is Labor Rights Week. Former President of India American community of Long groups, community I believe that workers are their Pranab Mukherjee died of Island said: "Former President organizations, the Consulate of Scott launches "Know your Rights" own best advocates when they Covid complications, Pranab Mukherjee who served Mexico and Latin American virtual workshops in collaboration know their rights, which is why August 31 in multiple cabinets during five Consulates Coalition. All events with workers' rights advocates, community-based partnerships decades in politics, left us at the commence on August 31 and the community organization and are so important," said consulates during Labor Rights Week age of 84. Renowned media sources indicate he had series will culminate on (August 31 - Sept 4) Comptroller Stringer. "My office surgery. The hospital said he tested positive for Covid-19 September 4, 2020. is as committed to the after thesurgery and his condition was critical.Prime The Comptroller's Bureau of Labor Law enforces enforcement of prevailing wages as we are in minister Narendra Modi calledMukherjee 'Towering prevailing wage and benefit rates for construction connecting workers with the pay they are Statesman" in his tweet where he said " He left an and building service workers employed by rightfully owed. The economic fallout of COVID-19 incredible mark on the development trajectory of our contractors on City public work projects. When has made this work more important than ever, and nation, A scholar par excellence, a towering states man, he companies on these public contracts fail to pay the I am proud that our redoubled efforts have brought was admired across the political spectrum and by all proper wages and benefits, the Comptroller justice to more than 100 workers during these past sections of society." He was one of Bharat's Brightest enforces the law to recover the money owed to few challenging months." Ratnas". workers and ensures that they receive the money Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news

Kristina Hand, former treasurer Indian American Queens Cardiologist of the Morris Central School District in Otsego County, NY Settles Civil Fraud Allegations arrested for stealing from the

NEW YORK (TIP): Ghanshyam grateful appreciation to the U.S. school district funds Bhambhani, a former Queens Department of Health and Human NEW YORK (TIP): New cardiologist, will pay a total of $2 Services, Office of Inspector General York State Comptroller million to settle civil claims that he (HHS-OIG), and the New York State Thomas P. DiNapoli released paid kickbacks to other physicians for Attorney General for their assistance a statement , September 3, referrals of patients insured by with the case. after the arrest of Kristina Medicare, Medicaid and the Federal "The OPM-OIG has zero tolerance for Hand, former treasurer of Employees' Health Benefits Program. fraud against the Federal Employees the Morris Central School Under the terms of the settlement, Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). District in Otsego County, Bhambhani will pay the United States Submitting false claims for services following a joint $1,370,294.50. In addition, he will pay that are not medically necessary and investigation by his office, Since taking office in the State of New York $629,705.50. creating false documentation to justify the United States Attorney 2007, DiNapoli has Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United procedure undermines the FEHBP, for the Northern District of committed to States Attorney for the Eastern District In 2018, Bhambhani surrendered his wastes taxpayer dollars, and increases New York, the Federal fighting public of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., medical license after pleading guilty in the cost of medical care for us all," Bureau of Investigation and corruption and Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal the Eastern District of New York to one stated OPM-OIG Deputy Inspector the New York State Police. encourages the count of conspiracy to pay healthcare public to help fight Bureau of Investigation, New York kickbacks. General Vint. "This settlement is a "School districts are fraud and abuse Field Office (FBI), and Norbert E. Vint, result of the hard work of our struggling to make ends Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the investigative staff and our partners at the U.S. meet during these difficult times. It is disgraceful Inspector General for the Office of Personnel Attorney's Office, EDNY, FBI, HHS OIG, and the New that Ms. Hand allegedly stole from the district to Management (OPM-OIG), announced the settlement. York State Attorney General's office." fund her personal shopping," said DiNapoli. "I An investigation by the Office, the FBI and OPM-OIG The agreement resolves a lawsuit originally brought thank U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of revealed that, from 2010 through 2017, Bhambhani paid by a whistleblower under the qui tam, or whistleblower, New York Antoinette T. Bacon and the FBI for other doctors compensation disguised as rent for patient provisions of the False Claims Act, captioned United their continued partnership in rooting out public referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and States ex rel. FNU LNU LLC v. New York Cardiology P.C., corruption." the False Claims Act. The investigation also revealed et al., Civil No. 14-4581 (EDNY). The False Claims Act Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has that Bhambhani falsified records to justify cardiac permits private citizens with knowledge of fraud committed to fighting public corruption and procedures. Bhambhani admitted engaging in this against the government to bring a lawsuit on behalf of encourages the public to help fight fraud and conduct and has agreed to cooperate with the the United States and to share in the recovery. abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of Government. In 2018, Bhambhani surrendered his medical license fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the "Paying kickbacks for patient referrals erodes the after pleading guilty in the Eastern District of New York toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing integrity of our healthcare system and costs taxpayers to one count of conspiracy to pay healthcare kickbacks. a complaint online at precious dollars. Doctors must put patients first, not He was sentenced to 34 months in prison, three years' [email protected], or by mailing a treat them like commodities unscrupulously paid for supervised release and ordered to pay $217,364.83 in complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, with government funds," stated Acting United States criminal restitution and $1,080,000 in criminal Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State Attorney DuCharme. Mr. DuCharme expressed his forfeiture. (Source: DOJ) St., Albany, NY 12236. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 07 OPEN RESTAURANTS: New York City's Nation- Leading Outdoor Dining Initiative Surpasses Milestone Of 10,000 Participants Open Streets: Restaurants partners now able to apply for weekday street openings

NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor Bill de restaurants have stepped up to utilize Blasio announced , September 2 that outdoor dining space, saving tens of more than 10,000 restaurants are now thousands of jobs in neighborhoods participating in New York City's across all five boroughs," said DOT outdoor dining initiative, Open Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "We Restaurants. The program has thank Mayor de Blasio and all of our allowed businesses to add socially agency partners and community distant seating on sidewalks, in organizations for the vision and hard curbside parking spaces, as well as work it has taken to reimagine street along select car-free Open Streets and space in a time of crisis. Open pedestrian plazas on weekends. Restaurants has been a truly In just over three months, Open inspiring team effort to help a critical Restaurants has saved an estimated but struggling part of New York's 90,000 jobs across the five boroughs, In just over three months, Open culture and economy survive as the Mayor de Blasio said. . Restaurants has saved an estimated city works to emerge from COVID-19." The Mayor also announced that 90,000 jobs across the five boroughs, The hours of operation for Open Open Streets: Restaurants, the City's Mayor de Blasio said. Streets: Restaurants corridors are car-free weekend outdoor dining program, will be generally from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday nights, and operational on Labor Day, giving restaurants on 81 noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekend streets citywide an extra day of increased business. hours will be in effect during the Labor Day holiday on Partner organizations managing these streets can now Monday, September 7. apply for hours of weekday street closures. "This 10,000-restaurant milestone is huge! I'm glad the A view of dining in an open street "It's time for a new New York City tradition: the Open City has moved so quickly to make outdoor dining "Restaurants are an integral part of the lifeblood of Restaurants program is here to stay," said Mayor de possible. I urge the Mayor to make arrangements for our communities, and it is encouraging to see so many Blasio. "Outdoor dining has been a lifeline for an this winter that lets these restaurants maintain their of these business owners avail themselves of the Open industry that has been hit hard by COVID-19. With outdoor seating at their discretion and keep their plazas Restaurants program. As we continue to work towards cooler weather on the way, we'll continue to find new, intact so they can continue to recuperate from the a post-pandemic life, restaurant owners should know creative ways to keep New Yorkers safe and support the losses they suffered during the height of the pandemic," that they will always be part of the New York zeitgeist. businesses that make our city great." said State Senator Robert Jackson. Thank you to Mayor de Blasio, Commissioner "Outdoor dining has been a crucial lifeline to the "I am thrilled to hear that over 10,000 restaurants are Trottenberg, and all of the entrepreneurs who have restaurant industry during this pandemic, and this now participating in the Open Restaurants program done their best to make lemonade out of COVID milestone is a testament to the success and enthusiasm and that it is here to stay.I thank the Mayor for bringing lemons," said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. that has come with it," said Deputy Mayor Laura this innovative program to our city. Open Restaurants "The open dining program is a great small business Anglin. "The Open Restaurants program has brought has saved many businesses from closing, while success story for New York City, but many restaurants back tens of thousands of jobs and given New Yorkers a maintaining safety standards and reshaping the are still waiting for a seat at the table. We need to safe way to enjoy their favorite neighborhood spots. landscape of our city with open air dining. As the continue refining this important program and come up This program has forever reshaped New York City seasons change, we will need to continue to find ways to with creative ideas for restaurants burdened with streets and will continue to find creative ways to help help New York's restaurants - many of which are limited access in congested areas, including those in businesses during these uncertain times." MWBE's - to recover," said Assembly Member Rodneyse food courts, basements, and higher floors," said Council "We are so proud to see that more than 10,000 Bichotte. Member Peter Koo. MENG LEADS CALL FOR USDA TO PROTECT KOSHER AND HALAL FOODS

QUEENS, NY (TIP): U.S. Rep. Grace Indicate that there may not be sufficient tremendous need in our cities and it is Congresswoma Meng (D-Queens) announced , September funding to maintain existing contracts. integral to kosher communities getting n, joined by 2, she led 10 members of the New York "Food insecurity affects millions of access to the food they need right now," said other NY Reps, Congressional Delegation in a letter to U.S. Americans and programs like USDA's David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council, the sent letter to Department of Agriculture (USDA) CFAP provide critical nutrition to these nation's largest kosher food pantry USDA Secretary Secretary Sonny Perdue urging him to families and especially to those who have network. "Rep. Grace Meng and the other ensure that policy changes to USDA's kosher or halal diets," said New York representatives are standing up and vegetarian food options during these Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Congresswoman Meng. "Changes to this for food insecure New Yorkers and kosher unprecedented times. USDA must heed (CFAP) do not increase food insecurity, program that require vendors to reapply families by rightfully demanding CFAP their voices and ensure CFAP continues to especially to those who observe kosher and and to prioritize mixed food boxes that continue unobstructed. USDA must ensure work for all families, including those who halal dietary practices. provide an assortment of meat, dairy, and the supply chain remains intact and need halal or vegetarian options." Specifically, the letter expresses the produce will have harmful consequences honors their commitment to provide fresh The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and following concerns with the revised USDA on those whose religion requires strict food to kosher families." Economic Security (CARES) Act created contracting process that: dietary practices. No one should be forced "COVID-19 brought immeasurable CFAP, a $19 billion program to help Require contract holders to be re- to choose between their food and faith. suffering to millions of families, especially agricultural producers - who have faced a approved while pushing back application These measures will limit an already to those who were already food insecure in five percent or greater decline in and decision timelines. This decision will limited supply of kosher and halal goods New York City. USDA's Coronavirus Food commodity prices - access financial relief delay access for those who rely on for families struggling to put food on the Assistance Program was a major relief for during COVID-19. The program also contractors that provide foods which are table. I urge the Secretary to re-evaluate the families who need fresh produce that also supports funding for USDA's Farmers to acceptable to the kosher and halal changes to CFAP to ensure no harm is done offers halal or vegetarian options," said Families Food Box Program, which allows communities; to those facing food insecurity." Sudha Acharya, Executive Director of USDA to purchase fresh produce, dairy and Create new box requirements "Amidst the most challenging period in South Asian Council for Social Services of meat products from American producers to emphasizing mixed boxes of meat, dairy, our lifetimes, thousands of kosher New New York. "I commend Congresswoman package into boxes that are distributed by and produce which would limit the options Yorkers have benefited from the fresh Meng and other New York Delegation non-profits, faith-based and community available to families who observe kosher produce CFAP helps provide to food banks. Members for their leadership on this issue organizations and other nonprofits to and halal practices; and It is an incredible program meeting the to ensure all families have access to halal Americans facing food insecurity. THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 08 AS I SEE IT ‘It's Donald Trump's America’- Democrats' Strategy to Win the Presidency for Biden Who is not playing by the rules of our democracy and using subterfuges? The so called "peaceful protesters" that we have By A. D. Amar, PhD since been seeing in the American

here are three main themesthat cities toppling statues of the seem to be driving the strategy of historic and national figures and Tthe Biden for President turning protests into opportunity to campaign.The first and the onethat the create mayhem? Those who knelt Democrats are pushing the mostis to blame Donald Trump for the spread of against the flag, or those who strike COVID-19 and hold him responsible for games and agree to return to play the death of 186,000-plus Americans only after winning the use of the because of it. Some even say that he has arenas as polling places? blood of these Americans on his hands. The Democratsassertthat Trump did not United States of America. That is how manage the pandemicproperly. Under the American federal system is. President Trump in Kenosha:'This is going to heal very quickly' him, there had never been a plan to fight Furthermore, Trump did cooperate in it. He turned the pandemic in America the fight against COVID-19 by providing Trump worked very hard around the either coast of the country. into the worst in the world. Therefore, he material and financial help to those world from the very first day of his Now, who has been the danger to our is not up to the job of the U. S. President. cities and statesthat agreed to accept it election to get this result. democracy? Is there a doubt that it However, the Democratsconveniently but wanted to manage it themselves.He The third reason that the Democrats should be those who refuse to accept the forget to mention that the lack of fight sent help in many forms, for example, planning Biden victory give for the election results? for COVID-19 was because of their sending navy hospital ships to New York "Donald Trump's America" is that Who is not playing by the rules of our resistance to Trump's initiatives. They City and Los Angeles, and Trump has divided America by his democracy and using subterfuges? The just did not want Trump to succeed so experts,ventilators, and PP&E to many policy and actions. They point to the so called "peaceful protesters"that we that they could use it against him in the cities and states. In fact, the help was so police brutality against the Black have since been seeing in the American upcoming election. TheDemocratic immediate that after receiving it, several Americans and thefiery unrest that has cities toppling statues of the historic and governors and other hegemons openly leaders, Governors Cuomo and Murphy engulfed many large cities in the USA as national figures and turning protests refused to allow Trump to intervenein included, praised Trump for getting it to an evidence of their claim. Theysay that into opportunity to create mayhem? the control of COVID-19 in their states or them. They also praised Trump for how they will unite America under the Biden Those who knelt against the flag, or cities. Take, for example,the New York well they were received in the White Administration, forgetting that it was so those whostrike games and agree to State. When the deaths due to the virus Housewhen they went there asking for extant during the Democrats' rule as return to play only after winning were mounting in New York, and Trump help.They said that they got whatever well. theuseof the arenas as polling places? offeredto assist the state with the efforts they had asked. Nevertheless, the Democrats do not Allthese are electioneeringstrategies such as a lockdown, Governor Edward Second, Democrats blame Trump for want Americans to recall that the unrest that are now almost four years old Cuomosaid, "How can he do that," the economic downturn. They say that in America, which has beenin almost all withthe goal to steal voters from Trump. conveying that he would not subordinate they gave Trump a booming economy large cities governed by the Democrats, What an irony!The public theme of his authority to the federal agents. There that he squandered away,dropping Gross began on the early morning of this Democratic campaign were even talks of going to the courts to Domestic Product (GDP) by 30% and November 9, 2016, right after Trump was isnamed"Uniting America." stop Trump if it came to that. Similar causing unemployment of 50 million declared winner of the 2016 presidential The Indian Panorama provides echoes were heard from the other Americans that reached the gloomy race. It started because the Democrats platform to all, regardless of the views Democrat-controlled states and cities. record of the Great Depression. However, refused to accept the election result and they hold. The views expressed in this And, before blaming Trump for not they do not even mention that before the made calls to Democrats to resist Trump article are author's own, and do not, in having a nation-wide COVID-19 control, pandemic, American economy was the from functioning. The "Stop Trump," any way, reflect the publication's. let us not forget that, by some accounts, economy on fire with the national "Dump Trump," and "Not-My-President" (The author is Professor of Management, there are more than 27,000 entities in the unemployment rate at 3.5 percent, which became the common slogansat Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall USA that have some control over health is full employment by any economics theseprotest rallies,organized by the University, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA. He administration atmany levels in the standard. That it did not happen by itself. Democratsand their sympathizers on the can be reached at [email protected]) BEFITTING REPLY GUEST COMMENT adopting a reactive rather than a its evasiveness over the incident and done precious little towards this end proactive approach to national the death toll has laid bare its of late. Chinese Foreign Ministry India seizes initiative as it security. But the firm handling of the embarrassment over being hoisted by spokesperson Hua Chunying has current situation through aggressive its own petard. On August 31, the asked 'both sides to stick to the facts thwarts Chinese incursions posturing, pre-emptive action and Chinese troops resorted to another and have goodwill to maintain overall he tactical gains achieved by military build-up shows that the misadventure even as the ground bilateral relations', while conceding Indian troops in eastern Ladakh winds of change are blowing. The commanders of the two sides were that there are some communication Tin recent days demonstrate the Indian Army has been quick to ramp holding discussions to defuse issues. It's imperative for India to keep high level of military preparedness up its presence around the southern tensions. Such happenings underscore all channels of communication open that is desirable at all times to bank of Pangong Tso lake, which the gross mismatch between Chinese so that China finds it increasingly confront a persistently hostile and witnessed a Chinese incursion on the assurances and actions. No wonder, all difficult to hide behind the provocative neighbor. India has intervening night of August 29 and 30, the military and diplomatic talks held smokescreen of lies and cover-ups. If managed to occupy several by deploying additional troops and in the past two-and-a-half months India keeps acting resolutely, it will strategically important hilltops and bringing in more weaponry such as have failed to produce any tangible continue to have the upper hand on other locations, thwarting the Chinese tanks and anti-tank guided missiles. outcome as the situation on the the ground as well as at the military's brazen attempts to Even though China had lost an ground remains sensitive. negotiating table. unilaterally change the status quo. unspecified number of soldiers in the China has been harping on the (Tribune, India) India has often been held guilty of Galwan valley violence in mid-June, normalization of ties, though it has THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 09 Tribute to Pranab Mukherjee: A man of independent mind and steely resolve

of State, in his message of condolences stated that "As Minister of External Affairs and Defense, he championed the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear agreement, a foundation of the US-India strategic partnership, and signed the Defense Framework By George Abraham agreement to enable the US-India security relationship we witness today. Few Indian statesmen played a more When I look at you and meet fellow vital role in preparing India for the mantle of global leadership in the 21st century." Indians from different parts of the There is no doubt that Mukherjee's acceptance of an world, I often ask myself, what is it Pranab Mukherjee at the Indian National Overseas Congress invitation by RSS at their convention had stunned the reception, September end, 2007, for Congress party president Congress party and many in the leadership. Congress Sonia Gandhi and her delegation members who were in New leaders, including his own daughter Sharmistha in us that we are able to adapt York to attend theextraordinary General Assembly session to ourselves so easily to different launch the International Day of Non-violence in Mukherjee, expressed displeasure at the former commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday , Oct. 2. President's visiting the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. He societies, traditions, and cultures? Seen in the picture, from left to right are Dr. , went there anyway and called the RSS founder K.B. Vayalar Ravi, Anand Sharma, Dr. Surinder S. Malhotra , Pranab Hedgewar as a 'great son of India' to the anguish of Why is it possible for Indians to Mukherji, Ambassador , George Abraham , Sonia millions who regard him as a polarizing figure in Gandhi (speaking) make different places their home Indian history. It is quite difficult to fathom that the I have no explanation for his reaction then. But the former President could not have been aware of the and make themselves liked and more I thought about it; I concluded that he was not Hindutva ideologue's views that contradicted the very admired? ……… "While I do not your conventional politician but someone who has 'idea of India' that was planted and nurtured by elevated the level of engagement with people to find Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru. always look at antiquity to seek tangible solutions to the pressing issues of the time. He However, to his credit, Mukherjee has given a speech answers to the riddles of appeared to be disinterested in meaningless at the RSS meet that reiterated his faith in the country conversation or insincere overtures. News reports have and its constitution. He said, "I want to share some contemporary times, I am revealed that he disliked socializing in the Delhi circuit truths I have internalized in 50 years of my political convinced that many of the and listed that he had attended just one private dinner life. The soul of India resides in pluralism. We derive in Delhi - hosted by Sibal. Mukherjee was never a mass our strength from tolerance. We accept and respect our answers to the success of Indians leader but derived much of his political clout in his pluralism. We celebrate our diversity. Any attempt at association with , Rajiv Gandhi, and P.V. defining our nationhood in terms of dogmas and at home and abroad lie in our Narasimha Rao. identities of religion, region, hatred, and intolerance history and culture." Addressing the Diaspora during that visit, will only lead to dilution of our national identity.India's Pranab Mukherjee (New York, Sept. 2007) Mukherjee said that 'the future of India and that of the nationhood is not one language, one religion, and it is Indian community appear to be intrinsically perennial universalism of 1.3 billion people who use intertwined". He then paused for a few seconds and more than 122 languages and 1600 dialects, practice wondered out loud, "When I look at you and meet fellow seven major religions and belong to three major ethnic Indians from different parts of the world, I often ask groups, live under one system, one flag, and one myself, what is it in us that we are able to adapt identity of being Bhartiya." ourselves so easily to different societies, traditions, and "For the past fifty years of cultures? Why is it possible for Indians to make my public life, my sacred different places their home and make themselves liked text has been the constitution of India, my and admired? Then he answered his own question by temple has been the saying, "While I do not always look at antiquity to seek Parliament of India, my answers to the riddles of contemporary times, I am passion has been the convinced that many of the answers to the success of service of the people of Indians at home and abroad lie in our history and India." - Pranab Mukherjee in culture." September,2007 in New True to its creed, he was a Master of History and York purveyor of our culture and traditions. All those who know him closely talk about history's anecdotes he was t was in the Fall of 2007; Smt. Sonia Gandhi led a fond of creating and retelling. From being an Assistant delegation to the United Nations. The occasion was Professor in Vidyanagar college, to the the extraordinary General Assembly session to President of India, his remarkable journey was that of I President Ram Nath Kovind paid last respect to Pranab Da launch the International day of non-violence on an intellectual and a scholar with a passion for politics October 2, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. The delegation and great loyalty to the Congress Party. Photo / Twitter@rashtrapatibhvn included senior Congress leaders such as Dr. Karan During the UPA-1, Manmohan Singh Government Pranab Mukherjee was his own man with an Singh, Vayalar Ravi, Anand Sharma along with late signed the historic US-Indo Civil Nuclear Agreement independent mind and a steely resolve. Coming from a Pranab Mukherjee. Prior to the U.N. General Assembly with the United States. It soon became a contentious flicker of a lamp in a small Bengali village to session, Indian National Overseas Congress (renamed issue for Democrats, and the Bush Administration chandeliers of Delhi, his immense contribution to in 2018 as Indian Overseas Congress, USA), gave a sought help from all avenues for its ratification. INOC, modern India's development will never be forgotten. thumping reception to Sonia Gandhi and the delegation under the leadership of Dr. Surinder Malhotra at that Moreover, Mukherjee's 5'3" physical frame undoubtedly at the Marriott Hotel in Times Square, where a few time, joined the campaign engaging in advocacy and towered over most of his contemporaries, whether it is thousand people attended. promotion to make the passage of the agreement in the upholding timeless principles or proposing much- Before the meeting was called to order, at the Senate a reality.The deal was an important milestone in needed solutions to the nation's serious Domestic and reception room adjacent to the auditorium, prominent cementing the strategic relationship between the two International problems. In his last address to the figures from the local Diaspora were rubbing shoulders democracies that would pave the way for closer nation as the President of India, he said, "For the past and taking photographs and were busily engaged in cooperation in the areas of National Security and fifty years of my public life, my sacred text has been the chit-chats. However, one leader was sitting alone in the Trade. constitution of India, my temple has been the corner isolated from all the hoopla surrounding him. Pranab Mukherjee played a pivotal role in the Parliament of India, my passion has been the service of He was none other than Pranab Mukherjee, the agreement's passing, but for the Left front, which was a the people of India." That summarizes a great legacy at Minister of External Affairs of India. As the General coalition partner in the UPA-1, threatened to pull down its best!Farewell, Pranab Da. Secretary of the organization, I wondered why he was the Government. A task force set up under the (The author is a former Chief technology officer of the United not interacting with people and walked up to him to leadership of Mukherjee took charge of the situation, Nations and Vice-Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, inquire how he was doing. His security detail then told effectively troubleshooting the issues leading up to its USA) me that he would like to be left alone. passage in the Parliament. Mike Pompeo, the Secretary THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRIBUTE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 10 PRANAB MUKHERJEE: 1935-2020

ormer President Pranab Mukherjee, who died on Monday (August 31), has Fleft his mark in India’s political space. Mukherjee passed away at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital where he PEOPLE’S MAN AND A was admitted after a fall at his home. At the hospital, he also tested positive for Covid-19. He was operated upon for removing a blood clot in his brain. Pranab Mukherjee was an unusual TRUE BHARAT RATNA politician and his success was unusual given that the odds were stacked against even managed to win himself a junior him. He was not a grassroots politician and minister portfolio in Delhi. His senior in he lost most of the elections he contested. the ministry was Kamlapati Tripathi, a UP He was not an intellectual in the Bengali Brahmin who preferred temple-hopping to sense of the word and he didn’t come from ploughing through ministerial files. an English-speaking background (all his That task was left to the young life he spoke the Queen’s language with a Mukherjee who learnt the other important heavy Bengali accent). He was also lesson, one his father had not taught him, singularly lacking in charisma. He thus namely that if you want to run India, you broke all the rules that had governed must know your files. He was not house Bengal’s politics harking back to C.R. Das tamed by the babus -- he became one. and to Siddhartha Mukherjee was not quite the ultimate Shankar Ray and Jyoti Basu. old-school politician. True, he had friends But he had other strengths. Most notable in every political nook and cranny and was the fact that he was born into politics. beyond, and he knew when to cash in on his From their home in Mirati village, his friendships. True, he held almost all the father Kamada Kinkar Mukherjee great offices of state, shuttling between controlled, and had an iron grip on, finance, defence and external affairs with Birbhum district politics. Along with his equal ease. But he had one redeeming alphabet, his son learnt the first rules of feature which the rest lacked. He could public life: influence-peddling and read, and he read, every file that came his networking. He was a zealous student and way.Jagjivan Ram, the most outstanding of never forgot the lessons. all Indira Gandhi's ministers, was once Mukherjee’s first big opportunity came Pranab Mukherjee at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in 2009. asked who was the best minister he had soon after he had moved to Calcutta in the seen. “Pranab Mukherjee,” Ram replied. 1960s and dived into the thick of state Why? “He reads the files” was Ram’s politics. The Syndicate that ruled the response. Others had different views. Arun Congress Party in Bengal, as elsewhere, Jaitley who regarded Mukherjee highly threw a dissident leader out of the party. thought there was always a danger of Mukherjee sensed that politics in India was losing the tree for the wood. Pranab had a changing and he chose to side with the fondness for Jaitley but thought that dissident leader and was also expelled. without spending time on files, one could He had timed it perfectly.Feelings against never have a grip on the Ministry. the Congress party were rising and in the Understandably, Mukherjee's role model as assembly elections the dissidents scraped Finance Minister was C.D. Deshmukh, a together enough seats to be the deciding civil servant who went on to become the factor. The Left successfully wooed the governor of the Reserve Bank and then the breakaway Congress by agreeing to make Finance Minister. the Congress dissident leader the chief Mukherjee harboured ambitions of minister.Even Jyoti Basu agreed to serve as being prime minister but being elevated to the deputy chief minister. the presidency was an impressive Mukherjee knew though that no good consolation prize. could come out of an association with the In the political world, he was famed for Communist party. By then, the Congress his elephantine memory that made him the Party had split into two parties - the Indira go-to man during any political discussion. Gandhi Congress and the old Congress. Whether it was Bengal or any other part of Mukherjee skilfully negotiated a way for his group to ally with Indira Gandhi and Mukherjee at Pentagon. Continued on P11

reformer, he was nevertheless the first to stoke up expenditure without letting ILLUSTRIOUS POLITICAL CAREER inflation get out of hand. He also opened the NRI investment window, which ere’s a look at the Pranab Mukherjee’s illustrious career, or Pranab da as one pioneered sweeping changes in India’s image as a destination of foreign funds. of India’s most-respected politicians, was affectionately called. „ Mukherjee also played a pivotal role in helping the India-US civil H nuclear agreement sail through despite threat of the government „ Mukherjee’s death marks the end of an era in the Congress; he was being toppled. among the last of the Congress leaders to have worked closely with „ He was instrumental in spearheading critical decisions on Indira Gandhi. Mukherjee’s political journey started in West a range of issues such as administrative reforms, Right to Bengal when he was the election agent for VK Krishna Menon, Information, Right to Employment, Food Security, energy who won the Midnapore by-election as an independent security, Information Technology and telecommunication, candidate. setting up of UIDAI and Metro Rail through chairmanship of over „ Indira Gandhi brought in the ‘little master’ to the Rajya Sabha 95 Groups of Ministers constituted for the purpose. as a member of the Bangla Congress, a breakaway Congress „ Among some of his crucial decisions were setting up group formed in the state back in 1966. It merged with the regional rural banks (1975) and the EXIM Bank of India as well Congress in 1970. as National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (1981- „ Mukherjee received his first ministerial assignment in the 82). Indira Gandhi in 1973, first as junior minister of industrial „ Mukherjee also served for 23 years as a member of the development. Within two years, he was elevated as a deputy Congress Working Committee, the highest policy-making body of minister with independent charge of revenue and banking the party. departments. Mukherjee quickly made headlines with a „ He served five times as a member of Rajya Sabha and twice crackdown on the then Bombay smuggling underworld don Haji as a member of the Lok Sabha. He was conferred Padma Vibhusan, Mastan. India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2008. „ In 1982, shortly after Gandhi returned to power from the „ Known for his sharp memory, clarity of thought and grasp post-Emergency oblivion, she appointed Mukherjee as over issues, Mukherjee has the rare distinction of serving as foreign, India’s finance minister, replacing R Venkataraman. defence, commerce and finance minister. He was also a „ As finance minister, Mukherjee had fiery innings. He Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. surprised the world by sending back a $1.1 billion instalment of „ Mukherjee served the country as its 13th the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. A cautious President for five years from 2012 to 2017. THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRIBUTE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 11 Continued from P 10 care about his background or his height,” the bureaucrat said. Mukherjee’s first job the country, he could rattle off events and had been as a lecturer in a local college even the dates on which they occurred. “He before he shifted to Calcutta. was a ‘human computer’ like Shakuntala It was common knowledge that Devi. In most states, he could also give you Mukherjee, and many others, blamed the macro picture. He was relied on for spot former West Bengal chief minister information,” said a former bureaucrat. In Siddhartha Shankar Ray – with whom he addition, he was a meticulous diary-writer didn’t get along -- for the Emergency. But and brought out two books based on his Mukherjee, himself, was a prime memories and the contents of his diaries. beneficiary of the Emergency and a charter Mukherjee held a law degree as well as an member of the Sanjay Gandhi faction. He MA in history and political science. He was also at odds with former minister often made jokes about his diminutive A.B.A. Ghani Khan Chowdhary, another stature. Many in the political world turned Congress Party mass leader in Bengal. up at his doorstep for advice when they In other ways, he was the quintessential were in difficulties. Once he shifted into a Congressman and he took a stern line on counselling role, many say,he would switch communalism. Once when a communal off his political side. incident broke out and others were caught He was also an administrator who could off-balance, he delivered a strong lecture, keep his cool when all others around him quoting, as he was wont, earlier instances were losing theirs. Towards the end of his when the Congress had fought political career,bureaucrats reported he got communalism – even throwing in the exact irritable more quickly but even that was US-India defence deal: Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld with Pranab Mukherjee. dates when the incidents had happened. only an occasional flare-up, such as on TV Later in life, however, he took a milder when he ticked off interviewer Rajdeep line towards an organisation like the RSS. Sardesai and told him to mind his tone He adopted the view, as one observer when speaking to a former president of explained, that “if you keep them in the India. doghouse, they will do many things in an Above all, he was a man who cared about effort to shock you”. Mukherjee argued that politics and political processes. One visitor the RSS should be mainstreamed and that to found him intently would force them to “soften down,” the watching the parliamentary proceedings on observer said. That outlook may have been Lok Sabha TV and muttering irately at the the reason for his trip to Nagpur in 2018 screen: “He should not have said that.” where he addressed RSS swayamsevaks Early in his career, he caught Sanjay and even praised the institution’s founder, Gandhi's eye and was catapulted to high though he did also emphasize the office even before he was 40. It is said he importance of tolerance. won his attention with the help of Kamal It was an open secret that Mukherjee Nath, who was, at the time, a Calcutta wasn’t Sonia Gandhi’s first choice for the businessman but making his mark in presidency. But he built up support at politics. different levels and is said to have forced Mukherjee proved his worth as a junior her hand and easily won the largely minister in the finance ministry. Noida, on ceremonial post. He had recognised he was Delhi's outskirts, was Sanjay Gandhi's pet growing older and the one job he wanted project but even he could not get the State wasn’t coming to him. Later, when Bank of India to open a branch in Noida. At Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he Mukherjee's suggestion, the Finance knew that nothing would induce the BJP to Ministry was split into two independent give him a second term, but he did sound entities -- Revenue and Finance -- both out Modi gently about his re-election. “You reporting independently to the prime are a Congress nominee,” said Modi almost minister. As the revenue minister, mischievously. “If the Congress Party Mukherjee with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Mukherjee instructed the State Bank of proposes your name, we shall consider it,” India to open the branch. included in the Rajiv Cabinet in 1984 and economic policy.The nation had made a 180- Modi added. Mukherjee knew the game The problem was resolved and a legend, later at the first opportunity, Rajiv Gandhi degree turn. Mukherjee was history's was lost. He bowed out quietly and that of the go-to man, was born. expelled him from the Congress Party. It baggage. Still he got another innings when gracefully, citing “health complications By 1980, when Indira Gandhi returned to took him a great deal of effort (and a failed Chidambaram was replaced by Mukherjee relating to old age”. power after the brief Janata Party attempt to launch a party) to be allowed in the UPA era. But he was clearly at odds Modi was otherwise kind to Mukherjee. interregnum, Mukherjee received a huge back. Mukherjee admitted that being with the new India. Worse, he was largely He may not have given him a second term promotion and was made Commerce dropped from the cabinet left him “shell blamed for the economic downturn of the but he did honour him with the Bharat Minister at the age of only 47 -- still very shocked and flabbergasted”. The Rajiv UPA2 that paved the way for a Modi Ratna. That was more a put down to Advani youthful by Indian political standards. years were for Mukherjee the years of triumph. His last act as the Finance (who certainly contributed much more to In 1982, two years later, his dreams came wilderness and the political aridity spilled Minister was to introduce the infamous the nation from the Hindutva point of view) true. He became the Finance Minister of over to the Rao era. He could regain a Retrospective Taxation which amended a and also to Manmohan Singh (whose India. Mukherjee fought the election cabinet berth only in 1995 after 12 long 50-year-old regulation and gave the contributions surpass Mukherjee's by the against Indira Gandhi's wishes and lost. years in the no-man’s land. government power to change laws with long shot). Indira Gandhi was reluctant to include a Earlier, it was during his time in the retrospective effect. This was Mukherjee’s It marked a low-key close to a long and defeated candidate. It was Sanjay Gandhi Commerce Ministry that he grew close to last hurrah and a valiant last-ditch effort to illustrious political career. While it wasn’t who persuaded his mother to change her Dhirubhai Ambani and the Reliance Group. bring back the rules-regulation Raj. From perhaps the triumphant finale that he mind. It also set the curious precedence for At the Commerce Ministry, he learnt the all accounts, he succeeded. The new law is might have chosen for himself, it was very finance ministers (or wannabe finance intricacies of how, especially in the heyday said to be the single important factor in far from an ignominious ending. ministers) who lost the election to be of the licence raj, duties could make or reducing foreign investments in India. His Mukherjee was predeceased by his wife, inducted into the Cabinet through the back break products and, indeed, companies. departure in 2012 for the Rashtrapati Suvra Mukherjee, who died in 2015. The door. Arun Jaitley and Jaswant Singh took By the time Mukherjee was back in Bhavan saved him some embarrassment. couple had two sons and a daughter. advantage of this unfortunate example. favour, the Rajiv Gandhi government had Mukherjee himself always insisted he Sharmistha Mukherjee is an accomplished Manmohan Singh did one better. He lost its energy amidst the artillery fire couldn’t become prime minister because he Kathak dancer and choreographer who became the Prime Minister. surrounding the Bofors gun deal, and also didn’t speak fluent Hindi. Others joked that, contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly election Pranab Mukherjee was essentially a the Shah Bano imbroglio. Later, he was with his strong Bengali accent, he didn’t as a Congress candidate but failed to win. Sanjay Gandhi protégé but he was aware of pipped to the post to be finance minister in speak English either. Even after decades in Abhijit Mukherjee served as a Congress the negative consequence of this P. V. Narasimha Rao’s government. Delhi and criss-crossing the world, his MP from Bengal from 2012 to 2019. association. He downplayed this Mukherjee had misread Rao as he earlier accent didn’t change the slightest. Some put In 2012, Sharmistha wrote about her relationship and instead pulled out all the had misread Rajiv Gandhi. He had also this down to his innate belief in Bengali father for India Today, recalling he had to stops to portray himself as an Indira misread the change in ideological climate. superiority. “Bengalis know there is only walk nearly 10km every day to school and Gandhi man. Globalisation was beginning and was being one language on earth and English is just a there was a stream on the way that during But his relationship with Sanjay was to endorsed even by communist countries. dialect of Bangla,” said another bureaucrat the monsoon became a gushing torrent. haunt him later in his career. Rajiv didn’t Deng's China and Gorbachev's Russia had who knew him well. Mukherjee was “Whenever I close my eyes trying to trust the Sanjay men and Mukherjee’s all mended their ways. Mukherjee, a unfazed whether he was meeting the Queen visualise my father, I see this little boy clumsy effort to become an interim prime diehard statist, was the wrong man at the of Great Britain or any other world leader. standing by the roaring stream thinking minister when Indira Gandhi was wrong time. “He would speak to the Queen in about how to cross it. He has crossed that assassinated was seen as an additional and Not merely did Rao have a new finance Buckingham Palace and he stuck to his and many other barricades in his life and very glaring black mark. Pranab was not minister, he also had a radically new village college-teacher English. He didn’t walked a long way since then,” she said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 12 Facebook to ban Biden in Kenosha: Trump ‘legitimizes political ads in week the dark side of human nature’ before U.S. election Former VP, who has made few campaign trips due to COVID-19, meets with Jacob Blake's family KENOSHA, Wis (TIP): Joe Biden, speaking at a community meeting in Kenosha, Wis., on Thursday, Sept 4, condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership amid ongoing protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake, saying the president "legitimizes the dark side of human nature." Biden began his visit by meeting with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg - File photo the family of Blake, the Black man who was shot seven times in the back by a WASHINGTON (TIP): Facebook white police officer late last month in says it will ban political advertising Kenosha. the week before the U.S. election, one The Democratic presidential of its most sweeping moves against candidate spoke to Blake by phone , disinformation yet as CEO Mark according to a statement by Ben Crump, Zuckerberg warned of a "risk of civil one of the Blake family's lawyers. Blake unrest" after the vote. shared the pain he is enduring and Biden Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden spoke with members of the community at Grace The social media giant also vowed to commiserated, Crump said. Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Sept. 3, 2020 fact check any premature claims of Biden also spent more than an hour in victory,stating that if a candidate tries private with Blake's father, Jacob Blake Grace Lutheran Church ahead of Biden's with sweeping condemnations of to declare himself the winner before Sr., his siblings and one of the family's arrival, chanting "Black Lives Matter!" protesters, an absolute defense of law final votes are tallied "we'll add a label lawyers, B'Ivory LaMarr. Blake's mother, while being trailed by a police vehicle enforcement and denials that Americans to their posts directing people to the Julia Jackson, and Crump joined by instructing them to move out of the with black and brown skin face barriers official results." phone. street. that whites do not - moves aimed at his And it promised to "add an Crump said Blake's mother led A larger group of 100 in front of the overwhelmingly white political base. informational label" to any content everyone in prayer for his recovery. church chanted "Dump Trump!" as The president toured damaged seeking to delegitimize the results or Biden treated Blake "as a person worthy Biden's motorcade rolled up. buildings in Kenosha on Tuesday and claim that "lawful voting methods" will of consideration and prayer," the lawyer Blake's uncle, who was also outside the discussed ways to quell unrest with law lead to fraud. said. church, criticized Attorney General enforcement officials. Trump was "I'm concerned about the challenges Biden says he visited Wisconsin as a William Barr for remarks made a day greeted by supporters who occasionally people could face when voting. I'm also healer, not as a divider earlier that Blake was shot while mixed with - and yelled at - Black Lives worried that with our nation so Democratic candidate Joe Biden says committing a felony. Matter organizers. divided and election results potentially he visited Kenosha, Wisc., to deliver a Kenosha's police union has said Blake "These are not acts of peaceful protest taking days or even weeks to be message of hope and understanding to had a knife when he was shot. but, really, domestic terror," Trump said. finalized, there could be an increased the community in the wake of the police Investigators have said a knife was in Despite repeated questions from risk of civil unrest across the country," shooting of Jacob Blake. 1:45 Blake's vehicle but haven't given more reporters, the president refused to Mr. Zuckerberg said in a post. Biden followed his meeting with details. address racism in the country or its Democrats have long warned that Blake's family and representatives with a The 77-year-old former vice-president police departments. President Donald Trump and his community discussion at Grace was making his Kenosha stop two days Biden has repeatedly denounced supporters may try to sow chaos with Lutheran Church in Kenosha. The after Trump visited. violence that has resulted from some false claims on November 3, when the gathering included business and civic "This is about making sure that we protests - from a June 2 speech after vote will take place amid unprecedented leaders and at least two representatives move forward," Biden told reporters on Floyd's death up to a Monday address health and economic crises, social of law enforcement. Wednesday, September 2. that his campaign quickly turned into a unrest and protests for racial justice. Rev. Jonathan Barker, pastor of the He noted that he's "not going to tell one-minute digital and television ad. The U.S. remains the epicenter of church, opened the meeting with a Kenosha what they have to do," but On Wednesday, Biden repeated that "to the world's worst coronavirus prayer asking for "justice for Jacob instead encourage a community to "talk engage in violence - burning, looting, the outbreak, and voters are expected to Blake" and for God to "anoint" a national about what has to be done." rest - in the name of protesting is wrong. shift to mail-in voting, with an leader in November who will "seek Since the May 25 death of George And that person should be held estimated three-quarters of the justice, love , mercy ... and love their Floyd, a Black man killed by a white accountable for their actions." population eligible to do so. neighbor." Minneapolis police officer, Biden has But he stood by First Amendment As a result, officials are warning The police shooting of Blake on Aug. called for an overhaul of U.S. policing guarantees that "protest is a right." that the final tally may not be revealed 23 set off protests in Kenosha that led to and embraced a national conversation on (Read full story at until well after voting day - spurring deadly gunfire two nights later. racism. www.theindianpanorama.news) fears that paranoia and About 30 protesters marched past Trump, meanwhile, has countered rumormongering could hit an all-time high. Mr. Trump - a prolific user of social media who is trailing Democratic challenger Joe Biden in Uproar as Trump tells people to vote twice the polls - has recently hurtled down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories WASHINGTON (TIP): President won't be able to do that," Trump told filled with claims that he is victim of a Donald Trump is facing a backlash for WECT. coup and/or plans to rig the polls. urging voters in North Carolina to vote "So, let them send it in and let them go Almost daily, he claims that by mail and then try to vote again in vote. And if the system is as good as they increased mail-in voting is a gambit to person to test the mail-in ballot system say it is, then they obviously won't be "rig" the election against him, and he in the November 3 election. able to vote (at the polls). If it isn't has refused to say whether he will Trump was asked by a TV reporter tabulated, they will be able to vote." accept the results. He has also opposed during his trip to Wilmington, North North Carolina's Attorney General, more funding for the cash-strapped Carolina, if he had confidence in the Democrat Josh Stein, said it was U.S. Postal Service (USPS), vote-by-mail system. "They will vote and outrageous for the President to suggest acknowledging the money would be then they are going to have to check their that people "break the law in order to used to help process ballots. (With vote by going to the polls and voting that help him sow chaos in our election." input from agencies) way because if it tabulates then they (With input from agencies) THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 13 US withholds dues payment to WHO US to allow Air India to after Trump pullout conduct ground handling at airports, says official Despite proceeding with the withdrawal, administration officials said the US will WASHINGTON (TIP): The United continue to participate in select WHO meetings States has announced that it plans to WASHINGTON (TIP): The Trump United States can withdraw from most restore Air India's ability to self- administration has said it won't pay international organizations. conduct its ground handling more than USD 60 million in dues it owes The one-time exemptions for specific operations at American airports. to the World Health Organization and programs will apply to up to USD 40 Issuing an order in this regard, U.S. will use the money instead to pay down million in funding for flu vaccination Department of Transportation other contributions to the United programs, according to Garrett Grigsby, reversed its previous order of July Nations. the director of the HHS global affairs 2019 that had suspended the right of The announcement on Wednesday, office, and up to USD 68 million for polio Air India to self-handle at U.S. September 2, came just a day after the and Libya and Syria operations, airports. White House announced the US would according to USAID's Assistant The Department and other U.S. not participate in a WHO-run project to President Trump had announced earlier US Administrator for Global Health Dr government agencies have continued develop and distribute a COVID-19 pull out from WHO. And now comes the Alma Golden. to work with the government of India vaccine. decision to withhold roughly USD 62 million in On Tuesday, the administration towards satisfactory resolution of this outstanding 2020 dues to the organization The decision to withhold roughly USD announced it would not work with the matter. In that connection, recent 62 million in outstanding 2020 dues to the US had already paid about USD 52 coronavirus vaccine project because it positive developments have led the WHO is part of President Donald million of its assessed 2020 dues of USD doesn't want to be constrained by department to tentatively determine Trump's decision to withdraw from the 120 million. multilateral groups like the WHO. that the public interest now calls for organization over its handling of the During the one-year wind-down, the Some nations have worked directly to removal of the permit condition we coronavirus pandemic and his officials said the US would continue to secure supplies of vaccine, but others had imposed in order 2019-7-9, said the allegations that the agency has been participate in select WHO technical and are pooling efforts to ensure success order issued by Joel Szabat, Assistant improperly influenced by China. policy meetings that have a direct against a disease that has no Secretary of Transportation for Despite proceeding with the bearing on US health, commercial and geographical boundaries. More than 150 Aviation and International Affairs. withdrawal, administration officials national security interests. countries are setting up the COVID-19 We therefore have tentatively said the US will continue to participate We will consider those on a case-by- Vaccines Global Access Facility, or decided to amend Air India's permit to in select WHO meetings and make one- case basis, said Deputy Assistant COVAX. remove that condition, the Department time contributions to specific programs Secretary of State for International That cooperative effort, linked with of Transportation said. Stakeholders during a one-year wind-down period. Organizations Nerissa Cook. the WHO, would allow nations to take and public have 21 days to respond to Those programs include polio The officials, from the US Agency for advantage of a portfolio of potential this proposal, before it can be finalized eradication projects in Afghanistan and International Development and vaccines to ensure their citizens are and enforced. The order comes a day Pakistan, humanitarian relief in Libya departments of State and Health and quickly covered by whichever ones are after the Indian Ambassador to the and Syria and efforts to combat Human Services, did not say which other deemed effective. U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu, had a influenza. UN agencies would get the USD 62 The WHO says even governments conversation with the Transportation The funding decisions follow Mr. million being withheld from WHO or making deals with individual vaccine Secretary Elaine Chao. India and the Trump's announcement in July that he whether it would be used to pay down US makers would benefit from joining U.S. have partnered in Aviation sector was withdrawing the US from the WHO arrears to the world body's general fund. COVAX because it would provide backup during these difficult times, the effective July 2021 and instructing his Nor was it clear whether how the US vaccines in case the ones being made ambassador tweeted. The order also administration to wind down funding would handle tens of millions of dollars through bilateral deals with relieves Air India of any further and cooperation with the agency. in back dues it owes to the WHO. Under manufacturers aren't successful. reporting requirement regarding its At the time of the announcement, the US law, arrears must be paid before the (Source: PTI) ground handling arrangements. Joe Biden garners more Republican endorsements, this time from ex-governors Polls show that Donald Trump still enjoys nearly 90 percent approval among the Republican rank and file

WASHINGTON (TIP): Nearly 100 support of Mr. Biden. our country back on a positive path." Republican and independent leaders will "Biden is a decent man, he's a steady Ms. Whitman, who headed the The order also relieves Air India of any endorse Democrat Joe Biden for man," Ms. Whitman told Reuters. Environmental Protection Agency under further reporting requirement regarding its President on Thursday, September 3, "Trump is trying to paint the world of Republican President George W. Bush, ground handling arrangements including one-time 2020 Republican Joe Biden as horrific - but that's Trump's said the group will target voters in a Presidential candidate Bill Weld and the America now." handful of battleground states, the Republican rank and file. former Republican governors of She accused Mr. Trump of betraying particularly suburban women and voters The Other anti-Trump groups include Michigan and New Jersey, people conservative values by undermining the who do not like Mr. Trump but still 43 Alumni for Biden, comprised of involved in the effort told Reuters. rule of law and national security, lying, hesitate to back Mr. Biden. hundreds of officials who worked for Mr. The latest Republican-led effort to dividing Americans along racial lines, The group launches a website on Bush, the 43rd president; Former oppose the re-election of President and failing the country in his response to Thursday and plans to campaign, buy Republican National Security Officials Donald Trump also includes current and the coronavirus pandemic. advertisements and place opinion pieces for Biden; and The Lincoln Project, former Republicans in the key Mr. Weld, a former governor of in state and national media in support of founded by Republican political battleground state of Michigan that will Massachusetts, briefly and Mr. Biden. operatives. help decide the outcome of the unsuccessfully challenged Trump in the "Donald Trump's daily assaults on our . Biden's campaign has been trying to November 3 election, the group's 2020 Republican nominating contest. nation's founding principles pose an build a broad coalition of liberals, members said. Another leading member of the group is existential threat to the future of the moderate Republicans and Called 'Republicans and Independents Rick Snyder, a two-term governor of Republic," the group will declare. independents. When he accepted the for Biden', the group is headed by Michigan who left office in 2019. The impact of this unprecedented Democratic nomination at the Christine Todd Whitman, a former Mr. Snyder decried what he called Mr. campaign by members of a political convention in August, Mr. Biden said if Republican governor of New Jersey who Trump's divisive and bullying tactics, party to oppose one of their own running elected he would be a president for all has become one of Mr. Trump's fiercest adding: "Having worked with Joe Biden for re-election as President remains to be Americans, not just for the Democratic critics and who spoke at the recent and Donald Trump when I was Governor, seen. Polls show that Mr. Trump still base. (Read full story at Democratic National Convention in I believe Biden is the clear choice to put enjoys nearly 90 percent approval among www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 14 Digital apps must abide by rules: MEA on banning of Chinese apps India on Wednesday, Sept 2, banned 118 mostly-Chinese mobile applications, including PUBG

NEW DELHI (TIP): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, Sushant’s ex-aide Sept 3, dismissed Chinese statements over Centre banning 118 more mobile Samuel Miranda apps saying that India has one of the most open regimes for FDI in the world. "India has one of the most open regimes detained by for FDI in the world, this includes internet companies and digital Narcotics Control technology companies," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said Bureau during the weekly virtual briefing. ushant Singh Rajput’s former "However, they have a responsibility to housekeeping manager, Samuel abide by rules and regulations issued by SMiranda, was on Friday departments of the government of detained by the Narcotics Control India...," he said. His comments came in Bureau (NCB) in connection with its response to a question about the Chinese probe into the drug angle in the case, reaction on the recent app ban by India. news agency ANI reported. "...And particularly those rules and Miranda, whose house was regulations, which pertain to data Urging India to reconsider its move, China squarely to blame searched by the bureau, was detained security and privacy of data. You would Gao said, "China-India economic and for LAC tension: MEA under the provisions of the Narcotic have seen the announcement by MeitY trade cooperation yields mutual Drugs and Psychotropic Substances yesterday where they have said -- the benefits." He asserted that China has The Ministry of External Affairs today Act, 1985, ANI said. activities that these apps have engaged in always asked its companies to comply said tensions on the Line of Actual Miranda was appointed by Rhea are prejudicial to the sovereignty and with international and local rules and Control (LAC) could only be resolved by Chakraborty in May last year. He used integrity of India, defence of India, regulations in their overseas operations. talks. to manage all the household expenses. security of state and public order," MEA "We hope that the Indian side will work “The Indian side is firmly committed Rajput’s family has alleged that spokesperson said. "So what I can say is with the Chinese side to maintain hard- to resolving all outstanding issues Miranda helped Chakraborty in that we remain open, we continue to open won bilateral cooperation and through peaceful dialogue,” said MEA siphoning off his money and FDI in the country including in the area development so as to build an open and spokesperson Anurag Srivastava at the supplying drugs. The bureau is also of internet technology. However, we fair business environment for regular media briefing when asked about searching Rhea Chakraborty’s would like to say that the companies international investors and services the usefulness of previous rounds of residence in to conduct a when they operate here, they have to providers including Chinese companies," talks in view of fresh tensions on the search in connection with its probe in operate in accordance with the he was quoted as saying. The Indian LAC. the Sushant Singh Rajput case. regulatory framework of the government government on Wednesday decided to Squarely blaming the Chinese troops of India," he added. block 118 mobile apps including PUBG for four months of tensions on the LAC, The Chinese government on Thursday MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik, WeChat the MEA spokesperson regretted that the Yatra to objected and expressed concerns over Work and WeChat in view of the net result of violations of bilateral India's decision to ban 118 mobile information available that they are agreements and protocol was a breach in applications. Speaking at a press engaged in activities, which are peace in the border areas after three Hemkund Sahib briefing, Gao Feng, the spokesperson of prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity, decades of tranquillity. Chinese Commerce Ministry, said India defence and security of India and public Meanwhile, Army Chief Gen MM in Uttarakhand has abused national security by order. The decision came amid border Naravane on Thursday began a two-day imposing "discriminate restrictions" on tensions with China in eastern Ladakh visit to Ladakh while Air Chief Marshal begins Chinese companies, state-run Global and nearly two months after the RKS Bhadauria on Wednesday reviewed he yatra to the Hemkund Sahib Times reported. government banned 59 China-linked apps. IAF’s preparedness in the eastern sector. in Uttarakhand began on TThursday and the first batch of pilgrims was flagged off at Govindghat. The Sikh shrine in Garhwal Pak will suffer heavy losses if it attempts any Himalayas will open for devotees on Friday, Sept 4. Only a limited number of devotees led by ‘Panj Pyaras’ were allowed to proceed for the high misadventure against India: Gen Rawat altitude shrine amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Gurdwara Prabandhan (TIP): India’s armed project and development of strategic Samiti officials said. forces are capable of handling railway lines, as also recently introduced The pilgrims were gifted ‘saropas’ aggressive Chinese actions in “best reforms in Chinese military were being as per the custom, they said, adding suitable ways”, Chief of Defence Staff monitored by India and their that they will stop for the night at Gen Bipin Rawat said on Thursday, Sept implications are being considered in Ghanghariya. 3. His remarks came against the devising a strategy for the future. The yatra is beginning late by three backdrop of China’s fresh attempts to Noting that Pakistan could take months this year due to the pandemic. change the status quo in certain areas in advantage of India’s border row with eastern Ladakh. China, the Chief of Defence Staff said it In an interactive session at the US- might create some trouble for New Delhi Twitter a/c linked India Strategic Partnership Forum, Gen on the northern border. Rawat also asserted that India’s policy of “Therefore, we have taken adequate engagement in the region, if not backed precautions to ensure that any such to PM website by credible military power and misadventure by Pakistan is sorted and influence, would imply acknowledging they are not able to succeed in their hacked China's pre-eminence. Gen Bipin Rawat mission. In fact, they may suffer heavy witter on Thursday said the Rawat also warned Pakistan against losses should they attempt any account linked to PM Narendra trying to take advantage of any possible suitable ways,” Gen Rawat said at the misadventure,” he said. TModi’s personal website was conflict between India and China in online event while mentioning laid down The Chief of Defence Staff spoke hacked, and it has now been restored. eastern Ladakh, saying Islamabad may protocols between the two countries in extensively about how Pakistan has “We’re aware of this activity and have suffer “heavy losses” for any maintaining peace and tranquillity been engaged in a proxy war against taken steps to secure the “misadventure”. along the Line of Actual Control. India and pushing terrorists into compromised account. We are “Of late, India has been seeing some He said China’s infra projects in Tibet Jammu and Kashmir and also its actively investigating the situation,” aggressive actions by China but we are Autonomous Region, including attempts to spread terrorism in other a Twitter spokesperson said. capable of handling these in the best completion of a highway renovation parts of the country. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020 15 India’s Covid tally goes past 39 lakh; recoveries cross 30-lakh mark NEW DELHI (TIP): India's Covid tally went past 39 lakh on Friday, September 4, with 83,341 fresh cases reported in a span of 24 hours, while the number of recoveries crossed the 30-lakh mark, pushing the recovery rate of coronavirus patients in the Airlines get ready country to 77.15 per cent, according to the Union health ministry. for in-flight meal The total number of Covid cases mounted to 39,36,747, while the death toll due to the disease climbed to 68,472 with 1,096 people succumbing to it in a day, the ministry's data updated at services 8 am showed. hefs wearing masks, The Covid case fatality rate has further declined to 1.74 per sunglasses, hair nets, and cent in the country. Cgloves; an automated process There are 8,31,124 active coronavirus cases in the country, using conveyor belts replaced with which account for 21.11 per cent of the total caseload, the data manual packaging of food; staff stated. strength cut down by 90% to ensure India's Covid tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 social distancing; and a blaring alarm and the 30-lakh mark on August 23. every 30 minutes reminding workers According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total to sanitise their hands. of 4,66,79,145 samples were tested for Covid in the country as on These are glimpses from an Air September 3, including 11,69,765 on Thursday, Sept 3. India catering facility, where the The positivity rate for coronavirus among healthcare activity has increased with the civil workers in three states , Telangana, Maharashtra, and Delhi _ aviation regulator allowing in-flight is double or more than the rate in general population, according service of meals on board. to data shared by the union health ministry on Thursday, Sept healthcare workers include – Karnataka where 13% of those Even though flight services 3. Positivity rate reflects the proportion of people who test tested are found to be positive, Puducherry with 12%, and resumed on May 25 in a phased positive among those who are tested. Punjab with 11%, according to the data shared. manner — about two months after India’s positivity rate currently stands at about 7%. The “We have been tracking the positivity rate among the health they came to a halt — it was only on country has ramped up testing and has been able to conduct care workers in the country. They are a precious resource and August 27 that the Directorate over 1 million tests for three days consecutively. there is a need to protect them from the infection. We have General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) In comparison, the positivity rate among healthcare workers, brought this to the attention of these states and union allowed airlines to serve meals on doctors, nurses, paramedical staff _ is the highest in Telangana territories through the ministry of home affairs,” said union board. where 18% of those tested were found to be positive. This is health secretary Rajesh Bhushan in the press briefing on followed by Maharahtra with 16% and Delhi with 12%. Thursday. He cited three reasons for higher infection among 75 staffers at The union health ministry has reached out to six states where healthcare workers _ protocols for hospital infection control not the positivity rate among healthcare workers is on the “higher being followed, protective gear not being used properly,and lack Sukhdev, Garam side.” The other states with high positivity rate among of containment measures in their area of residence. Dharam dhabas in Murthal test Protests over exclusion of Gojri, In reply to Cong, FB Covid positive s many as 65 staffers of famous Punjabi from J&K language Bill says it is non-partisan, Sukhdev dhaba in Murthal on ANH-44 in Sonepat district have NEW DELHI (TIP): tested positive for COVID-19 while 10 The Central denounces hate staffers of the adjoining Garam government’s decision NEW DELHI (TIP): Amid a raging controversy over Dharam Dhaba, owned by film star to add Kashmiri, Dogri, Facebook’s alleged political bias and interference in Dharmender, also tested positive for Hindi and English to the India’s democratic process, the social media giant has COVID-19. list of Jammu and told the Congress that it is non-partisan, denounces The Sonepat administration has Kashmir’s official hate and bigotry in all forms and strives to ensure that ordered to seal the duo dhabas till languages has irked its platforms remain a space where people can express further orders and directed to sanitise Sikh and Gujjar groups themselves freely. the eateries. in the Union Territory. Responding to concerns raised by the opposition As per the information available, Currently, Urdu is Congress, Facebook’s Public Policy, Trust and Safety the district administration has begun J&K’s only official Director Neil Potts has said it has taken the party’s a special drive for the sampling of the language, but most of allegation of bias very seriously and will ensure that it workers at the dhabas in Murthal. In the official work done remains non-partisan and is committed to maintaining continuation of the drive, the health here is in English, which is taken as a workable language as a vast the highest levels of integrity. teams have collected samples of population in the UT is unable to read or write Urdu. The Congress accused Facebook of interfering in approximately 300 workers of On Monday, Aug 31, the Union Cabinet at a meeting presided over by India’s democratic process and being soft on members Sukhdev dhaba, of which 65 have Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the Jammu and Kashmir of the ruling BJP while applying its hate-speech rules. tested positive for COVID. Official Languages Bill, 2020, proposing to also make Kashmiri, Dogri, The Congress had written to Facebook CEO Mark Hindi and English official languages of the Union Territory.The Bill will Zuckerberg after reports by the Wall Street Journal and be introduced in Parliament during its upcoming Monsoon session. the Time magazine about the conduct of Facebook and Delhi riots: Union Minister Jitendra Singh had described the decision as the WhatsApp India’s leadership team flagged bias and government’s acceptance of a “long-pending demand of the region” and proximity with the ruling BJP. “keeping with the spirit of equality ushered after August 5, 2019”. In his letter to AICC general secretary (organisation) Sharjeel sent to However, protesting over the exclusion of Punjabi language from the KC Venugopal, who had written to Zuckerberg twice, Bill, various Sikh organisations took out a procession in Jammu city. Potts said, “On hateful content by public figures, we 14-day custody Gujjar groups sought Modi’s intervention, asking him to include Gojri in want to assure you that our community standards Delhi court has sent JNU the list of official languages, saying it “deserved inclusion” in view of its prohibit attacks against people based on their protected student Sharjeel Imam, being the “oldest, significant and third largest spoken language of characteristics, including religion, caste, ethnicity and Aarrested under the Unlawful Jammu and Kashmir”. national origin. In line with our hate speech policy, we Activities (Prevention) Act, to judicial Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Gurdwara Parbandak Board chairman T S have removed and will continue to remove hateful custody for 14 days in a case related to Wazir claimed that while there were lakhs of Punjabi speaking people content by public figures in India on our platforms.” communal violence in northeast shown to be living in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1941 and 1981 Delhi. Imam was arrested by the surveys and the language was a compulsory subject in schools till 39 years Bans BJP politician Raja Singh special cell of the Delhi Police on ago, its total neglect has created doubts in the minds of minority Sikh Under pressure for weeks over its handling of hate August 25 for allegedly being part of a community. Describing it “another onslaught on the identity of the Sikh speech, Facebook on Thursday, Sept 3, said it has “premeditated conspiracy” in community” in J&K and against the spirit of Modi’s slogan of ‘sabka banned BJP politician T Raja Singh from its platform connection to the riots during the saath, sabka vikas’, he said his organisation will intensify its agitation if and Instagram for violating its policy on content anti-CAA protests. Punjabi was not given its due place in the Union Territory. promoting violence and hate. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FILM FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 16 Not To Miss: Socio - Political Films BY MABEL PAIS "REPRESENT" - Democracy. On Her Terms "'Represent' pushes all of us to sit with people we may disagree with while still recognizing their worth, and to consider the subconscious creep of our own biases and preconceptions." - Hillary Bachelder, Director/Cinematographer/Editor "Heading into the homestretch of this year's election, "Represent" feels like a balm. A reminder that, win or lose, there's something to be gained by reigniting people's Myya Jones - Photo / Music Box Films Bryn Bird - Photo / Music Box Films interest in civil engagement, especially at the local and standing in between women and the offices they seek? state level."-Monica Castillo, RogerEbert.com Studies show: "REPRESENT" follows three women on both sides of Women self-select at a far lower rate than their male the aisle who share the singular goal of improving their counterparts, and must be asked 7 times on average community through public service. In the heart of the before deciding to run. American Midwest, three women take on the status quo Female candidates struggle to find the financial in campaigns that promise to reshape local politics on backing and party-level support that their male their own terms. counterparts access. "Represent" was released in August 2020 to coincide According to a recent UN report, in the U.S., 39% of with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment people still think that men make better leaders. The (Women's Right To Vote). stories of "Represent" stories tackle many of these Director Hillary Bachelder, with "Represent", offers a issues head on… tender and often unexpected telling of three passionate MYYA JONES is a 22-year-old black woman running Julie Cho - Photo / Music Box Films candidates, the challenges they face, and a glimpse at for Mayor of Detroit. She attempts to spark a youth Julie's shared identities- woman of color, conservative, what we all have to gain when women shape the future movement and unseat the incumbent mayor of Detroit. immigrant- may prove to be her ticket to success or her of our communities and ultimately, our country. Myya won't give up that easily, and despite a defeat at political undoing. She portrays them as full people with flaws, the polls, in 2018 she's on the campaign trail again- this To learn more and for virtual theater listings, visit complicated relationships, and moments of time for State Rep. She's in it to show other Millennials thefilmrepresent.com vulnerability and opportunities for improvement. and women of color that this is their fight, too. "Represent" deepens these portraits by developing BRYN BIRD, a farmer and working mother in KEY CREDITS stakes that extend beyond the campaign trail, and the Granville, Ohio, runs for township trustee. Now Bryn Featuring: Bryn Bird, Julie Cho, Myya Jones arc of the film ultimately continues past election night must navigate a political system erected to exclude Director, Cinematographer, Editor: Hillary Bachelder to paint a richly personal picture of joy, of loss, of women like her, in a fight for the future and the values Producers: Rachel Pikelny, Anne Sobel mother-daughter relationships, owning your narrative, of this sleepy Midwest town. and of growth. JULIE CHO walks a tightrope between her identities Executive Producers: Jolene Pinder, Betsy Steinberg, In 2018, the milestone of the first Muslim and Native as a Korean immigrant and Republican candidate for Gordon Quinn, Sally Jo Fifer, Lois Vossen Congresswomen finally taking their seats in the halls of State Representative in a liberal Chicago suburb. Julie Length: 1 Hour 34 Minutes power. Yet, the U.S. currently ranks a bleak 82nd in the rejects the GOP's strong-arming and pushes forward to Release Date: Currently running in Virtual Theater world for gender parity in politics, a status that has build a grassroots campaign, but as the national nationwide actually worsened over the past 25 years. So what is rhetoric intensifies and the midterm elections near, Website: www.thefilmrepresent.com "OUR TIME MACHINE" - Father-Son Bonding "An uplifting celebration of the love a promising future. But Ma Ke's unprecedented wealth for some while between a son and his father...an condition deteriorates. Maleonn is torn leaving others behind, and new roads elegant, focused piece of between the original goal to honor his and digital networks connected China to father and the pressure towards the world. These migrations within our storytelling"-Screen Daily commercial success. Ma Ke struggles to country and its rapid digitization have Winner: Best Cinematography Award contribute to the play, and barely fundamentally changed the way people 2019 Tribeca Film Festival recognizes the play when it is completed. communicate and relate to one another. aleonn, 43, is one of China's Facing his father's painful decline, Maleonn and his aging father, both most influential conceptual Maleonn becomes more aware of life's artists, but who came of age on opposite Martists today. His father, Ma Ke, complexities. There are no effortless sides of the Cultural Revolution in was the artistic director of the Shanghai masterpieces or simple solutions. And China. Chinese Opera Theater. After being there's no traveling back in time to For the directors and for Maleonn, the humiliated and forbidden from working retrieve what has been lost. struggle to express affection towards for a decade during the Cultural Through the play's production, he one's family goes hand in hand with Revolution, Ma Ke immersed himself in confronts his own mortality. Maleonn defining and sharing the meaning theater. The mysterious excitement of finds grace and unexpected joy in this behind devoting one's life to art. To learn Ma Ke's creative world inspired the moving meditation on art, the agonies of more and for virtual theater listings, young Maleonn, but his father's absences love and loss, and the circle of life. visit timemachinefilm.com stoked early feelings of resentment. There is however, the relationship that KEY CREDITS When Ma Ke is diagnosed with has developed with co-director Tianyi. Directors/Producers: Alzheimer's, Maleonn pours everything He proposes to her, ready to become a Yang Sun & S. Leo Chiang into an ambitious new theater project: partner and a father, and to carry on Editor: Bo Li "Our Time Machine" Poster "Papa's Time Machine," a visually forward with a new outlook on his art Executive Producers: Jean Tsien, Sally Jo Photo / Walking Iris Media. stunning time-travel adventure told with and life. Fifer, & Nick Fraser human-sized puppets. At the play's heart This is an evergreen story, relevant for Website: timemachinefilm.com Writers: S. Leo Chiang & Bo Li are autobiographical scenes inspired by past and future generations and across Facebook: facebook.com/timemachinefilm Co-Director: Shuang Liang Maleonn's memories with his father. He cultural divides, so long as there is love Instagram: @timemachinefilm Cinematographers: hopes this will bring them together between children and their parents. Twitter: #OurTimeMachine Yang Sun& Shuang Liang artistically and personally. In post-Cultural Revolution China, in a (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Original Music: Paul Brill With enthusiasm both domestically span of 20 years, cities emerged from Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Length: 1 Hour 21 Minutes Health & Wellness.) and from abroad, the play shows signs of towns, the economy generated Release Date: SEPTEMBER 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FILM FESTIVAL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 17 Harlem 2020 Film Fest Goes Virtual

Hi FILM FEST 15th and all of it falling under the aching edition: September 10-13 shadow of his missing father who one day took leave to Nigeria and never returned. Lanie Zipoy's THE SUBJECT Opening Night And just as Oluo seems to be turning it all Craig Davidson's ISLAND OF BASEBALL around, with his two young daughters in Closing Night tow,he is struck by an illness that literally Gavin Guerra's LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE causes his skin to dissolve. It's challenge Friday Night Spotlight Charles Mudede's enough to hold your family together and THIN SKIN Centerpiece A scene from "The Subject" A scene from "Let The People Decide" keep a grip on everything without The 2020 Harlem International Film Festival Photo / harlemfilmfest.org Photo / harlemfilmfest.org literally having your body fall apart at the (Hi) has its 15th edition virtually, September Best's "THE PATTERSON: ANOTHER Friday Night Spotlight: "LET THE PEOPLE same time. 10-13. BRONX TALE", Sakina Samo's DECIDE" Closing Night Selection: ISLAND OF "WAITING", and 5 short films as well. Upper Manhattan Premiere l DIR: Gavin BASEBALL he film festival opens with two Harlem International Film Festival's Guerra l USA l 1h 48 m World Premiere l DIR: Craig Davidson l films aimed squarely at current Program Director, Nasri Zacharia, said. Since the founding of this country, who US/Cuba l 1h 6m Tissues with Lanie Zipoy's thriller "Like many film festivals, we have made gets to vote has been a contested issue. about a documentarian haunted by the the decision to present our slate of "LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE" connects ISLAND OF BASEBALL tells the Harlem teen's murder he caught on film essential cinema virtually this year, but the dots across generations to illustrate almost forgotten story of how some of the in "THE SUBJECT", set as the Opening that decision has only intensified our how events from over 50 years ago are still greatest black U.S. ballplayers of all time Night selection, followed by Gavin desire to cull great world cinema that reverberating in today's heated political became legends in Cuba playing Guerra's documentary on voter might have been otherwise overlooked, climate. The narrative follows a Then and integrated baseball before Jackie suppression, "LET THE PEOPLE and deserves a spotlight, as well as to Now timeline that shares first person Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in DECIDE", selected for the Friday Night continue our efforts to truly showcase the accounts from participants in the Civil the U.S. Spotlight. Saturday's Centerpiece filmmakers and the setting of our beloved Rights Movement as well as meeting For more information on the Complete Screening selection will be Charles home neighborhoods of Harlem, Upper present day activists that are fighting to Film Slate, festival passes, tickets, and Mudede's "THIN SKIN", the film Manhattan and the Bronx, which we call preserve the gains of the past and forge a more information on the Harlem adaptation of Ahamefule Olue's Off- the HUB". new path forward. The film will also International Film Festival go to Broadway musical hit play, with the film Opening Night Selection : "THE SUBJECT" explore the political fallout following the HarlemFilmFestival.org festival wrapping things up by Manhattan Premiere l DIR: Lanie Zipoy l USA Voting Rights Act, and how the states ABOUT THE HARLEM INTERNATIONAL FILM celebrating the Centennial celebration of l 1h 59m came to realign politically and race FESTIVAL the Negro Leagues with the Closing Night continued to be a common theme in selection of Craig Davidson's Phil Waterhouse is a successful white manipulating and exploiting the Celebrating the art of cinema in the documentary "ISLAND OF BASEBALL". documentary filmmaker with a thriving motivations of politicians as well as those home of the Harlem Renaissance, The The four-day film festival which has career, brilliant girlfriend, and lovely of the electorate. Harlem International Film Festival (Hi) become an underrated showcase of suburban home. His last film was a Centerpiece Selection: "THIN SKIN" inspires and entertains by honoring relatively undiscovered international rousing critical and commercial hit. But East Coast Premiere l DIR: Charles Mudede l dynamic films by anyone about anything cinematic gems and local New York during its making the film's subject - USA l 1h 31m under the sun. Conceived from the belief filmmaking talent will put the NYC baby-faced Harlem teenager Malcolm - that we all have unique experiences and spotlight on 94 film presentations (32 was murdered, an act Phil caught on tape. "THIN SKIN" is a film adaptation of perspectives to share, the Festival actively features, 47 shorts, 9 webisodes, 5 music Haunted by Malcolm's death, journalists Olou's Off-Broadway hit musical play seeks and exhibits fresh work. Hi is videos, and 2 VR/360 projects) who once lauded him, hound him about "Now I'm Fine", about a harrowing period committed to exemplifying the eminence representing over 25 countries. World his responsibility in the death. Now, in the comedian and musician's real life. that Harlem represents and is dedicated premieres include Davidson's "ISLAND someone stalks Phil, recording his every A fever dream of recollections of Oluo 's to bringing attention to the finest OF BASEBALL", as well as Rich Gold's move. The film stars Jason Biggs, Emmy experiences escaping a go-nowhere office filmmakers from Harlem and across the "IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAD DOG nominee Aunjanue Ellis and Anabelle life dominated by a proselytizing boss, a globe. To learn more, visit COLL", Daniel Gabriel's "MOSUL", Bahati Acosta. broken marriage and a wacky mother, HarlemFilmFestival.org

FUN EVENTS BY MABEL PAIS NJPAC: MAGIC FOR HUMANS At-Home Fun Events Blurbs Each ticket allows viewing on one device, patrons can enjoy the show solo or share the fun with family and "A new breed of magician who's making magic friends. cool again." - Los Angeles Times During the performance, Justin will see, hear, and "Part magician, part comedian, part social interact with the audience in real-time, making this a experimenter." -- TV Guide truly unique experience! Capacity is limited. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3b2c65I before they LIVE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS TO NJPAC magically disappear… WITH AN ALL-NEW INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE HOW IT WORKS: Download Zoom in advance of the event. Try it now FOR AT-HOME AUDIENCES Justin Willman - Photo / Courtesy NJPAC at zoom.us JUSTIN WILLMAN - KING OF CREATIVE safety of their own homes and with the convenience The day before the event, you'll receive an email STUNTS & ILLUSIONS and ease of Zoom, patrons can participate in never with the login information for the actual before seen performances. performance. VIRTUAL SHOW: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, Justin Willman is known for his creative stunts and Join us when the "doors" to the waiting room open 2020 AT 7PM & 10PM illusions that fill audiences with wonder and laughter. 30 minutes before the event's start time, you will be He is bringing his humorous and heartfelt style of checked in. he New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) street magic right to your living room. This You will be allowed entry once the performance is presents Justin Willman from "Magic for interactive show features magic, comedy, and ready to begin. Your video will be live, but your THumans" on Netflix on Saturday, September 12, unexpected surprises via Zoom, for one incredible microphone will be muted to begin. You may be 2020 for two virtual performances at 7PM & 10PM. hour that's sure to delight everyone in your family. unmuted at times throughout the show to interact NJPAC, though closed for in-theater presentations, VIDEO:A Taste of Justin….. with Justin. remains open for creative content and new VIRTUAL https://youtu.be/CHteFqU-7Hs Enjoy the show! entertainment presentations. From the comfort and TICKETS: THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 18 NARGIS FAKHRI IS DATING A NEW YORK CHEF, ENJOYS HOLIDAY WITH HIM ctor Nargis Fakhri has found love once again. She shared a bunch of new pictures Aon Instagram on Tuesday,which showed her at a shooting range with her new boyfriend, New York-based chef Justin Santos. The photos show Nargis at the Thunder Mountain Shooting Range in US, wielding a large Ayushmann Khurrana rifle and trying her hand at shooting. She is seen wearing a blue denim outfit while Justin is seen in a grey T-shirt and a grey pair of shorts. “When he starts physical takes you shooting.Learning to shoot a shot gun with @jsantos1923 That gun was kinda heavy,” she captioned her post. The pictures also show Nargis transformation process and Justin posing together at the range. Ilena ctor Ayushmann Khurrana has started work on D’Cruz commented on her post, saying, “You twos physically transforming himself for his role of is so cute!” Aa cross-functional athlete in an upcoming love Justin also shared pictures from Bash Bish Falls story directed by Abhishek Kapoor. State Park, where he posed against a beautiful Ayushmann posted a few pictures on Instagram waterfall. The pictures were clicked by Nargis. Story of a virtual meeting with trainer Rakesh Udiyar. Nargis broke up with her filmmaker boyfriend "Here we go!" he captioned the frames, along with a Matt Alonzo in January. She even got matching powerlifting emoji. Ayushmann tagged his director tattoos with him when they were dating. However, Abhishek Kapoor in the post. she later got it removed. Before Matt, Nargis had "It is now certain that Ayushmann is hiding his also dated Uday Chopra. look. He is purposely being elusive on social media Last year, Nargis has impressed everyone with because he doesn't want anyone to get a glimpse of his her body transformation. Nargis shared her transformation before he starts shooting. Since he before-after pictures and captioned her post, plays a cross-functional athlete for the first time, “Living life in the public eye can be very difficult Ayushmann will have to change his body type sometimes. As much as it is a blessing, it also completely and that first look is definitely a big visual comes with its downside. Over the last 2 years, I’ve for everyone to catch hold of. He is definitely gained weight. On the left I weighed 178 lbs and on protecting his look, or else why would he not upload the right, I was 129. I have since lost 20 lbs through his images?" a source said. making lifestyle changes. If i can do it, so can you. Ayushmann is right now in Chandigarh, and the Nurture your mind, body, and soul with positive source added: "We think he intends to do just that till thoughts and healthy choices. I’m going to bring the first look is released by him," adding: "Abhishek you on this journey of becoming the best version and Ayushmann have definitely planned a big of myself again, and i want you to join me on this surprise for the audience." journey too.” Ajay Devgn to Play Villain Sonali Bendre goes back to work, in Superhero Film? shares video from shoot day jay Devgn has played an on screen villain in some hit etting back to work amid Afilms like Khakhee, Kaal, the new normal, actor Company among others and has GSonali Bendre on impressed watchers by embracing Wednesday shared a glimpse of his evil side for a character. Now, her shooting day with her fans. we hear that Ajay is all set to play “Back to work #ShootDay,” she an antagonist again in one of his captioned a video posted on upcoming film with a big Instagam. production house. The video showcased her As per a report, Ajay will be journey from home to the sets playing a supervillain in a and how the necessary superhero movie that will be precautions are being taken releasing in cinemas. If in fact this care of. In the beginning, the project materialises, it will be actor is seen sporting a face interesting to see who will come on mask and travelling to the board as a hero opposite Ajay. shooting location. Upon Additionally, it is said that Ajay's reaching the studio’s entrance role in the film will be more signed on to play a role in SS the actor is seen getting herself central than the hero's and that is Rajamouli's RRR. sanitised. She then goes on to the reason why Ajay said yes to the As for Ajay's next release Bhuj: get her body temperature project. The Pride of India, it is set during checked, and finally she gets Meanwhile, Ajay's last theatrical the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and her makeup done by release was Tanhaji: The Unsung narrates the story of Indian Air professionals in PPE kits. Warrior. His another film this year, Force pilot Vijay Karnik and 300 The short clip then captures Bhuj: The Pride of India, will be women of Madhapar village in random glimpses from the set premiering on OTT in the coming Gujarat's Kutch district, who as the actor proceeds to months. played a crucial role in helping shooting. It concluded with a Apart from this, Ajay is also India win the war. Directed by selfie of Bendre with her teammates sporting face masks. More than 38,000 fans watched the featuring as lead hero in Maidaan, Abhishek Dudhaiya, the film also video, as the actor got back to work. a sports biopic and Kaithi remake, stars Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt, Her celebrity friends including Tahira Kashyap, Maheep Kapoor among many others left which is a thriller. Ajay is also Nora Fatehi and Sharad Kelkar. applause and thumbs of emojis as they wished her good luck on getting back to work. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 19 BRAD PITT, NICOLE POTURALSKI ARE SEEING EACH OTHER ollywood star Brad Pitt and German Hmodel Nicole Poturalski were spotted together at a Kanye West concert in November. As per a source, the two are dating each other and are enjoying a vacation in each other's company. Pierce Brosnan to According to a report, the 56-year-old star Pitt and Poturalski are a star in 'The Last couple and it appears that the relationship may go back as far as nine Rifleman' months. Poturealski who ctor Pierce Brosnan is all set to star goes professionally by in Terry Loane's next directorial Nico Mary, and bears a Aproject 'The Last Rifleman'. resemblance to Pitt's ex According to a report, the forthcoming Angelina Jolie along with movie revolves around the story of a Pitt was seen this week World War II veteran living in a care home boarding a private jet in Northern Ireland. The story is inspired from Paris to the South of by World War II veteran Bernard Jordan France. who, at the age of 89, escaped his care A source told the outlet: home in East Sussex, boarded a bus to "They are seeing each Portsmouth, got on a ferry to France, and other. They're enjoying a made his way to Normandy for the 70th- vacation together." The anniversary commemorations of the D- 'Once Upon a Time in Day landings in June 2014. Hollywood' star arrived Talking about the flick, the director, from LAX to Paris to meet Loane said: "With the recent anniversary up with Poturalski, who flew to the City of Light from Berlin. of the end of WW2, I feel the timing is But photos have surfaced of the duo sitting together in a VIP box at rapper Kanye West's concert at the Hollywood Bowl perfect to tell this story, while an ever- way back in November. diminishing handful of veterans are still In the pictures, Pitt certainly seems to be smitten with Poturalski, as the two laughs and appear to be deep in with us to share their lives." conversation. While the writer of the movie, Kevin As reported by the publication, (Around the same time, there were rumours Pitt was dating Alia Shawkat. The actor Fitzpatrick noted: "Bernard Jordan's joined them at the same concert and was seen at a Los Angeles art show with Pitt. She later revealed they're just friends.) daring journey caught the nation's Previously an obscure model, Poturalski may have been hinting at the relationship for months on social media. She's attention and highlighted the spirit that posted pictures on Instagram referring to her "better half," including one shot of herself solo in Los Angeles with the epitomised the Second World War caption, "Missing my strolls with my Love." generation." KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN Rihanna admits she ‘still loves’ her HILARIOUSLYCOMPARES HERSELF TO AN ALIEN ‘true love’ Chris Brown ourtney Kardashian, 41, was feeling like a whole new person after receiving a glam Kmakeover. So much so, she compared herself to ihanna will never stop loving an alien — a completely gorgeous one, that is — Chris Brown. The singer spoke to thanks to a contour that gave her high cheekbones ROprah Winfrey for the Sept. 2 and smoky eyeshadow that gave livened up her episode of Oprah’s SuperSoul peepers, courtesy of MUA Wendi Miyake. The Poosh Conversations, and got deep about her blogger snapped a mirror selfie of her high-fashion relationship with Chris. During the chat, beauty look and shared it to Instagram on Sept. 2, she admitted that Chris is her “true writing, “greetings earthlings.” love,” and said that she considers him Asides from Kourt’s glam looks on Instagram, fans the “love of [her] life.” have also been preoccupied with her relationship “We’ve been working on our status concerning Scott Disick. The father of her friendship again and now we’re very, children Mason, 10, Penelope, 8, and Reign, 5, has very close friends,” Rihanna explained. reportedly split for good from Sofia Richie — “We’ve built a trust again, and that’s it. furthermore, Scott and Kourtney were even spotted We love each other and we probably getting dinner together at Nobu Malibu on Aug. 28. always will. That’s not anything that we’re going to try to change. That’s not something you can shut off if you’ve ever been in love.” However, RiRi confirmed that she and Chris are not seeing each other romantically again. “He’s in a relationship of his own,” she said (Chris welcomed a son with Ammika Harris in 2019). “I’m single. But we have maintained a very close friendship ever since the restraining order’s been dropped. We’ve just worked on it little by little. It has not been easy.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 20 Arrest warrant against Sharif In historic verdict, LAHORE (TIP): A Pakistani court on Thursday directed the Ministry of Hindu widows to get share of Foreign Affairs to execute a non- bailable arrest warrant against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 34- husbands' properties year land allotment case, according to media reports. DHAKA (TIP): In a historic verdict, widows will now get their rights on their During the plot allotment hearing, the Bangladesh High Court has said that husbands' assets. Model Town Police Inspector Bashir Hindu widows are entitled to shares in Barrister Syed Nafiul Islam, one of the Ahmed told Lahore Accountability all properties owned by their late lawyers for the plaintiff said: "After this Court's Judge Asad Ali that Sharif was husbands and not just their homesteads. verdict, they (widows) will get a share of not at his residence. Previously Hindu widows in the agricultural land too." The strictest part Last month, the accountability court country were only entitled to their of the Hindu law in the country is the had issued a bailable arrest warrant spouses' homesteads and not other assets distribution of property among girls. and served summons at all known like agricultural land. Enacted in 1937, the law deprived addresses of the three-timePM. — PTI However, human rights activists said women of the right to inherit their Afghan government that Wednesday's verdict was just a little husbands' properties. progress and not an achievement. One Jyotindra Nath Mandal of Khulna says mother’s name can Advocate and activist, Dipty Sikder "Still we wish them to come with us to filed a case in 1996 seeking a court order told IANS: "This verdict is of course one achieve Kamal's goal of a Uniform to deprive his dead brother's wife (sister- go on birth certificates step forward in the fight for the Family Code." Meanwhile, Rana Das in-law) of their father's assets. KABUL (TIP): The Afghan establishment of equality between men Gupta, General Secretary of the The lower court said that widows had government has accepted a proposal to and women. But there's still a long way to Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian rights only to the area of the houses in put mothers’ names on their children’s go to achieve the goal for equal rights of Unity Council hailed the verdict, telling which they lived, and not to agricultural birth certificates, in a rare win for Hindu women. IANS: "We always welcome any positive property. women’s rights activists in the deeply "The Hindu leaders have never played verdict like this." A single High Court Later, the district judge expressed a conservative country. a positive role for the Hindu widows of bench of Justice Miftah Uddin different opinion, that widows also had Campaigners have for years pushed Bangladesh. Only we the human rights Choudhury passed the order on rights to agricultural land in the same for women to be named on official activists have been fighting for 50 years Wednesday after finalizing a case in this manner as their husbands. documents, including children’s birth first initiated by the country's legendary regard. The matter was then brought to the certificates, which like Afghan activist, Begum Sufia Kamal. After 83 years (since 1937), Hindu High Court. IANS identity documents carry only the name of a person’s father, under the hashtag #Whereismyname. But they have faced opposition in the AFGHANISTAN FREES 200 TALIBAN Landslides, flash floods conservative and patriarchal Muslim country, where some see even using a woman’s name as offensive. PRISONERS TO PUSH PEACE TALKS kill 30 in northwest Pak A woman’s name often does not PESHAWAR (TIP): Landslides and appear on the invitation to her KABUL (TIP): Afghanistan has freed however. Two officials said the release flash floods triggered by torrential rains wedding — only those of her father nearly 200 Taliban prisoners to spur from the main jail in the capital Kabul in northwest Pakistan for the last one and husband-to-be or even on her long-delayed peace talks, as a team of took place on Monday and Tuesday, at week have killed 30 people, injured 38 grave. negotiators readies to fly this week to the same time that the Taliban freed six others and damaged over 100 houses, This week the cabinet’s legal affairs Qatar's capital, Afghan officials said on Afghan special forces. About 120 officials said on Thursday. committee, headed by Vice President Wednesday. prisoners remain to be freed in line with Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Mohammad Sarwar Danish, agreed to The prisoners formed part of a group Taliban demands, including six whose Swat, Buner, Shangla, Upper Kohistan a proposal to change the law and allow of 400 jailed "hardcore" Islamist release some Western governments, and Chitral districts of the Khyber the names of both parents. separatists whose stalled release had including Australia, have objected to. Pakhtunkhwa province. “The decision to include the appeared set to delay talks between the "We want to finish the prisoner swap Closed roads are being opened for mother’s name in the ID card is a big government and the insurgent group to so we could start the peace process as traffic in the affected areas and tourists step towards gender equality and the end nearly two decades of war. soon as possible," said a senior are shifted to the safer places. realisation of women’s rights,” "The Afghan government has released government official.A source said it Relief goods have been dispatched to Danish’s office said in a statement. another batch of the remaining Taliban could be completed by Wednesday. A the affected districts. The legal amendment still needs prisoners and the work is still underway government-mandated negotiation team The Provincial Disaster Management approval from the country’s male- to move the prisoner exchange process is likely to fly on Thursday to Doha, said Authority (PDMA) said that 30 people dominated parliament and must then forward," Sediq Sediqqi, a spokesperson Fraidoon Kwazoon, the spokesman for have been killed and 38 others injured in be signed off by the President. for President Ashraf Ghani, said in a Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High the flooding in the last one week. It was drafted by Naheed Farid, an statement. Council for National Reconciliation. — Over 100 houses have been damaged independent lawmaker who chairs the He did not give the exact number, Reuters due to flooding. PTI parliamentary commission on women’s affairs, and other MPs to be presented to the house after its summer break ends on September 21. Malaysia to bar long-term pass holders from India, Indonesia, Philippines The move came as the Afghan government prepared for talks with KUALA LUMPUR (TIP): Malaysia on of the health ministry to clamp down on the Taliban following a US peace deal Tuesday said it would bar entry of long- the spread of imported COVID-19 cases," with the militants signed in February. term immigration pass holders from Ismail Sabri said in a televised news Many Afghan women worry that India, Indonesia and the Philippines conference. deal does not safeguard their rights, from September 7, in a bid to curtail India is the third most affected country and fear that a US troop withdrawal imported coronavirus cases amid a spate by the pandemic behind the United and the re-emergence of the Taliban in of new clusters in the country. States and Brazil, with its coronavirus Afghan politics could destroy their Health authorities in Southeast Asia's tally reaching nearly 3.7 million on hard-won gains, from education to third-largest economy have recorded Tuesday. freedom of movement. over 9,300 cases as of Tuesday, and 128 A total of 7,505 people have died of the The Taliban enforced a strict deaths, with new cases found in clusters those on spouse visas and participants of coronavirus in Indonesia, the highest in interpretation of Islamic law that detected in at least four states. Malaysia's ‘My Second Home’ the region, while the Philippines, which included public lashings, flogging and The entry ban on pass holders from the programme, senior minister Ismail has reported over 224,000 cases, has seen stonings. three countries will include permanent Sabri Yaakob said. a continuous rise in infections. — Reuters residents, expatriates, students and "The decision was made on the advice Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 21 THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 22 HK media mogul cleared of intimidation Germany has provided no proof of charge HONG KONG (TIP): A Hong Kong Navalny poisoning, says Russia court declared media tycoon and pro- democracy activist Jimmy Lai not MOSCOW (TIP): Russian President guilty of criminal intimidation on Vladimir Putin’s spokesman brushed off Thursday, ending one several cases allegations Thursday that the Kremlin against him after his high-profile was involved in poisoning Putin’s most arrest last month under a new national determined critic, accusing Germany of security law. not providing Moscow with any evidence Thursday's verdict was for a case about the condition of Russian dissident that dates back to 2017 and was Alexei Navalny. unrelated to his arrest. Lai, who is a Navalny, a politician and corruption key critic of Beijing, had used foul investigator, fell ill on a flight to Moscow language when confronting a reporter on August 20 and was taken to a hospital from Oriental Daily News, a major in the Siberian city of Omsk. He has competitor to Lai’s tabloid Apple Daily. been in an induced coma for more than a The police, however, only charged him week in a Berlin hospital after being in February this year. The mainland- flown from Siberia to Germany for born media magnate had pleaded not treatment more than a week ago. guilty. Dressed in a light grey suit and German authorities said Wednesday green shirt, he smiled after the verdict that tests showed “proof without doubt” was read out and shook hands with that he had been poisoned with a supporters who filled the courtroom. chemical nerve agent from the Novichok He was arrested for suspected group. British authorities identified the collusion with foreign forces on Soviet-era Novichok as the poison used August 10. — Reuters on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal Merkel on Wednesday called Navalny’s “An attack of such level and of such Defendants acquitted in and his daughter in England in 2018. poisoning an attempted murder that coordination couldn’t be not authorized But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry aimed to silence one of Putin’s fiercest by Mr. Putin,” Volkov said. slayings of Slovak Peskov insisted Thursday that Russian critics and called for a full investigation. “I don’t know what legal consequences authorities still had not received any “There are very serious questions now this should be,” he said. “But I know for reporter, fiancée evidence from Germany to back up their that only the Russian government can sure what I want to have as an outcome, PEZINOK (SLOVAKIA) (TIP): A allegation. answer, and must answer,” Merkel said. and this is the political or a moral, panel of judges in Slovakia has “We haven’t received any information Asked about Peskov’s comments on ethical consequence: I really want that acquitted a businessman accused of so far,” Peskov said. “We hope that it will Thursday, Merkel said “naturally I am no foreign leader ever would shake masterminding the slayings of an happen soon and will help figure out aware of what is being said now” but hands with Mr. Putin.” Lofven, joining a investigative journalist and his what caused the condition the patient is refused to comment further. chorus of other world leaders, called for fiancee. in right now.” “I made a comprehensive statement Russia to investigate and punish those Judge Ruzena Sabova at the Peskov reiterated that Russian yesterday about what we will do now and involved. Specialized Criminal Court in Pezinok specialists in Omsk tested Navalny for in the coming days,” she told reporters at “We need to respond,” he said. announced the verdict on Thursday. poisonous substances and didn’t find any the chancellery after meeting with “Something happened on an aircraft The judges cleared the businessman, in his system. He said Russian Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. within Russia, within Russian Marian Kocner, and one co-defendant investigators conducting a preliminary “And of course a lot depends on the jurisdiction, so I think it’s fair to say the of murder in the killings of journalist inquiry into Navalny’s illness should respective reactions by the Russian ball is in your corner now to Jan Kuciak and fiancee Martina know “what our German colleagues government. But I don’t want to add investigate.” Kusnirova, both 27. found and established.” anything further.” Merkel also declined to comment on A third defendant was convicted and Following his stay in Omsk, Navalny Germany’s Justice Ministry has the growing pressure for her to use a sentenced to 25 years in prison for his was moved two days later to Berlin’s confirmed they have received Russia’s joint German-Russian pipeline project as role in the slayings. Charite hospital after German request for information, but would not leverage in getting Russia to provide The prosecution can still appeal. Chancellor Angela Merkel personally provide details on the response. answers on Navalny. Kuciak was shot in the chest and offered the country’s assistance in Leonid Volkov, Navalny’s longtime ally Germany’s opposition Greens party Kusnirova was shot in the head at treating him. He’s now in stable and campaign strategist, told the urged her to end to the Nord Stream 2 their home in the town of Velka Maca, condition, but doctors expect a long German RTL broadcaster Thursday that pipeline project, which would deliver east of Bratislava, on Feb. 21, 2018. recovery and haven’t ruled out that the an independent investigation in Russia Russian gas directly to Germany under Kuciak had been writing about 44-year-old Navalny could face long-term is unlikely and put the blame in the the Baltic when completed, bypassing alleged ties between the Italian mafia effects to his health. Kremlin. Ukraine. AP and people close to the then-prime minister when he was killed. Alena Zsuzsova, his alleged accomplice were both acquitted. on 'Do we have enough soap?' - children Thursday two defendants of murder charges the slayings of an investigative journalist and his ask Norway PM about virus fiancée, a crime that shocked the country and led a government to fall. OSLO (TIP): Prime Minister Erna vaccinated we will not become ill or not nice?" "It would be nice, wouldn't it, if it The state prosecution has requested Solberg told Norwegian children on so ill from it," Solberg said, adding that, smelled like flowers," said Solberg. 25-year prison terms for three Thursday she was confident a vaccine when she was little, she was sick with "But the most important is that it defendants, one of them a against the novel coronavirus will be measles. works ... And sometimes you find businessman accused of ordering the found and that the disease could become "That is a disease that almost all Antibac that smell better than others." killings and two his accomplices. one of the many diseases kids are children in Norway are vaccinated Norway would have enough supplies of They all pleaded not guilty to vaccinated against. against now, but that was a very soap to cope with the pandemic, Kjell murdering journalist Jan Kuciak, and She spoke at her third news conference dangerous disease when I was little ... Ingolf Ropstad, the Minister for fiancee Martina Kusnirova, both aged held specially for children, with adults Now it (the coronavirus) will be like with Children and Family, told the same news 27. not allowed to ask questions, since the the measles or rubella." conference. Judge Ruzena Sabova at the crisis began. At the first such briefing on Other questions asked by children and Schools in Norway reopened from Specialized Criminal Court in March 16, Solberg told children it was sent in advance via children's TV April 27 and resumed as normal after the Pezinok, which handles Slovakia's "OK" to feel scared about the pandemic. programme Supernytt included: "Do we summer holidays on Aug. 17. Pupils do most serious cases, announced the "I think we'll be able to find a vaccine have enough soap?", "Does Norway have not need to wear face masks but they verdict on Thursday. --AP and that means that corona will continue any money left after the pandemic?" and must try to keep socially distant during to exist but because we will be "Could we have Antibac that smells breaks. Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 23 Beijing airport receives Thousands protest against Bulgarian international flights

BEIJING (TIP): Beijing’s main government, scuffle with police international airport on Thursday began again receiving international SOFIA (TIP): Thousands of flights from a limited number of Bulgarians rallied in front of the countries considered at low risk of parliament in Sofia on Wednesday in one coronavirus infection. of the biggest protests so far in two Passengers flying in from Cambodia, months of demonstrations calling for the Greece, Denmark, Thailand, Pakistan, resignation of Prime Minister Boyko Austria, Canada and Sweden, must Borissov. show a negative nucleic acid test for Tensions rose in the late hours after coronavirus before boarding, city some protesters threw over 100 small government spokesperson Xu Hejian bombs and firecrackers at police. Officers told reporters. brought a water cannon and cordoned off Passenger arrivals will be limited to the square in front of the parliament. roughly 500 per day during an initial Some 60 people were arrested, police trial period and all will need to said. undergo additional testing for the Protest leaders appealed for a peaceful virus on arrival, followed by two weeks rally and said provocateurs attacked the of quarantine. police. Earlier on Wednesday scuffles The first flight under the new broke out between protesters and police, arrangement, Air China CA746, who fired pepper spray and arrested 35 arrived from Pnom Penh, Cambodia people. just before 7:00 am. Protesters threw eggs, apples and Beginning in March, all garbage. They also shook police vehicles, international flights to Beijing had and about 100 officers were affected by powerful tycoons in the European that should improve the independence of been redirected to a dozen other cities pepper spray aimed at them by Union's poorest country. the judiciary and halve the number of where passengers were tested and protesters, Sofia Police Chief Georgi In parliament, President Rumen Radev deputies. processed before being allowed to Hadzhiev said. Health officials said some called for the resignation of Borissov's Protesters and opposition parties have travel on to the Chinese capital. 45 people including police officers, were centre-right government and appealed to dismissed the proposal as a ploy aimed at China has gone weeks without new treated in hospitals. deputies to dismiss plans for a new keeping Borissov, 61, in office longer as cases of local infection and on The rally took place on the first sitting constitution. the vote on whether Bulgaria should have Thursday recorded 11 cases brought of parliament after summer recess. "It was not the lack of new constitution a new constitution may take place in from outside the country. China has Protesters called it the "Grand National that brought the people on the streets, but November at the earliest. recorded a total of 4,634 deaths from Uprising" in response the government's the lack of morality in the leadership, the The ruling coalition, undaunted by the COVID-19 among 85,077 cases since the plan for a new constitution. erosion of statehood and the corruption," protests, said it was starting debates for a virus was first detected in the central Protesters accuse three-times premier he said. Borissov has pledged to resign if new main law in the parliament, Chinese city of late last year, Borissov and Chief Prosecutor Ivan parliament approves his call for the although for the time being it does not sparking the global pandemic. — AP Geshev of failing to fight the corruption election of a grand national assembly have enough votes to push ahead with its Czech Senate president that erodes the rule of law and benefits that would vote on a new constitution plan. Reuters meets Taiwan leader; China protests Typhoon pummels South Korea with TAIPEI (TIP): The Czech Senate president met with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday morning flooding, damaging winds during a rare trip by a foreign dignitary to the self-ruled democratic SEOUL (TIP:): A powerful typhoon southern and eastern regions were island that rival China called an “open ripped through South Korea’s southern halted due to safety concerns. provocation”. and eastern coasts with tree-snapping North Korea’s official Korean Central Tsai presented a medal for Jaroslav winds and flooding rains on Thursday, News Agency had said officials were Kubera, the recently deceased knocking out power to more than 270,000 working urgently to minimize damage predecessor of Czech Senate President homes and leaving at least one person from Maysak, which was forecast to Milos Vystrcil. dead. make landfall in the country’s Kubera died in January before With winds blowing up to 126 northeastern region in the afternoon. making the trip and Vystrcil said kilometres (78 miles) per hour, Typhoon KCNA said buildings, roads, railways, China’s pressure, including a warning Maysak was offshore east of the city of cropland and drainage systems were from the Chinese Embassy against Sokcho on Thursday morning and typhoon, which damaged or flooded examined and fishing boats were moved congratulating Tsai on her reelection, heading toward North Korea, said South dozens of homes and vehicles, ripped off to safety, while “scrupulous” protective contributed to his decision to travel to Korea’s weather agency. It expected signboards and toppled scores of trees, measures were applied to power stations the island. Maysak to weaken to a tropical storm utility poles and lampposts. A woman in to ensure stable power supply during the Tsai called Kubera a “great friend” within hours. the southern city of Busan died after storm. and gave a nod to Vystrcil’s speech on North Korea’s state TV showed being injured by shattered window glass. Maysak caused mostly minor damage Tuesday, saying his words “I’m a widespread flooding in the eastern Four nuclear power reactors near on the Japanese island of Okinawa on Taiwanese” had touched many hearts. coastal cities of Wonsan and Tanchon, Busan automatically shut down because Tuesday and is the second typhoon to hit “Our actions are telling friends in but the country didn’t immediately of electricity supply issues, but no leak the Korean Peninsula in as many weeks. Europe and all over the world, whether report any casualties. of radioactive materials was detected, Typhoon Bavi damaged homes, Taiwanese or Czechs, we will not Japan’s coast guard was searching for South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior buildings and crops on the peninsula last succumb to oppression, will bravely a livestock ship carrying 42 crew and Safety said. week but caused no apparent casualties. speak up, actively participate in members that made a distress call off a As of Thursday morning, officials Another storm in the Pacific was international affairs, and contribute southern Japanese island in seas have managed to restore electricity to blowing north and forecast to affect our capabilities,” she said. roughened by the typhoon. about 199,400 of the 278,600 homes that northern Asia by the weekend. Tropical Beijing is furious about the Czech Rescuers safely plucked one crew lost power. The outages were mainly in Storm Haishen, with sustained winds of delegation’s visit, with the foreign member from the sea, but information southern mainland regions, including up to 90 kph (56 mph), could gain in ministry summoning the Czech wasn’t immediately available on the Busan and the southern resort island of ferocity before slamming into Japan’s Republic’s ambassador to lodge stern reason for the ship’s distress. Jeju. southern islands of Kyushu and Shikoku representations and saying the trip More than 2,400 South Koreans More than 950 domestic flights were before reaching the Korean Peninsula on amounted to “flagrant support of evacuated their homes due to the cancelled while rail services in some Monday. — AP Taiwan independence.” AP THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 24 CONNOISSEUR’S HOW TO CHOP VEGGIES CHOICE TO MAXIMISE THEIR NUTRITIONAL VALUE By Tript Arora egetables provide us with a lot of nutrients. But did you know that the way we chop and peel BABY CORN Vvegetables impacts their nutrient content? And if you are now wondering whether you have been doing it wrong all this while, here are some expert tips from CIGARS dietitian Garima Goyal that will help you in the kitchen. aby Corn Cigars are deep fried starters made by Washing is the first rule blanching them and coating them with a flour Washing before cutting or peeling is the right way not Bcoating and deep fried. They are enjoyed by both just for removing dirt and harmful bacteria present on kids and elders alike. They taste best with mayo based the outer layer of the vegetables but also to retain all the dips and cheesy dips. I enjoy them with tomato water-soluble vitamins present in them. Washing ketchup too . vegetables after chopping or peeling might result in losing the beneficial water-soluble vitamins. We Need machine in a factory setting. The harmful bacteria 10 Baby Corns, Oil for deep frying Don’t use a dull knife including E.coli and Listeria innocua are less likely to be FOR COATING: Many studies have suggested that vegetables may get present on the vegetables that are peeled by hand than 2 Tbsp all purpose flour (Maida) damaged if cut with a dull knife. A blunt knife is more the ones which undergo machine peeling process i.e. 2 Tbsp Gram flour (Besan), likely to cause unwanted damage that a sharp one. The processed versions of these vegetables. 2 Tbsp Semolina, blunt blade of a dull knife makes the vegetable more 2 Tbsp Corn flour, prone to electrolyte leakage which also includes the Chopping method 1 Tbsp Oregano, oozing out of potassium and calcium from them. This Dicing the vegetables very finely is not beneficial. It ½ Tsp. Turmeric Powder, leakage, in turn, results in an increased amount of foul has often been seen that the more finely we tend to chop 1 Tbsp Kashmiri Red chilli Powder, odour production. the vegetables to make them look nice and even, the 6 -7 Pods of Garlic, more damage we are doing to its nutrients. Very finely 2 Green Chillies, Peeling chopped vegetable is more prone to fast spoilage than ½ Tsp Black pepper powder, Peeling the vegetable very closely to the skin and those which are roughly chopped. This method of Pinch of Baking soda. keeping the peeled layer very thin is the best possible chopping may make the vegetables lose their moisture 1 Tsp Salt or to taste. way to derive maximum amount of nutrients from it. and natural colour, thereby reducing its nutrient content Interestingly, many studies have also seen an impact of as well. If you plan on keeping your vegetable handy for Here We Go hand peeling of vegetables like carrots with a simple use by storing them, opt for cutting or chopping them Take half a litre water in a pan. Add 1 Tsp of salt store-bought peeler to the ones that are peeled through a into larger pieces. in it. When the water starts boiling add baby corn. Keep boiling them for 3 minutes. Switch off the flame and drain them. Keep aside. Grind green chillies and garlic together. In a bowl add gram flour, all purpose flour, Japanese women swear by cornflour and semolina. Add 100 ml of water and prepare a smooth batter of coating consistency. Add green chilli and garlic paste. Now add salt, turmeric powder, kashmiri Red Camellia Oil for hair and beauty Chilli powder, oregano, black pepper powder and Baking soda to the batter. Mix well. Heat oil on medium flame. Coat Baby corn with amellia Oil is a lesser- batter and drop one by one in medium hot oil. Fry known cold-pressed oil that till golden brown. Serve hot with any dip or Cis known for its non-greasy sauce. texture and anti-ageing properties. This oil is known to TIPS work well on both the skin and Don't overboil otherwise they will loose their hair contains moisture-retention crispness. properties. It also gets absorbed by Batter should be of thick consistency and should the skin very easily as it is thin not drip while coating and works wonders on it as it contains Omega-6 fatty acids. This oil is also known to promote cell regrowth and makes the skin flexible and plump. Camellia Oil for hair This creamy and golden coloured ingredient has been the go-to for the Japanese women and is used as a leave-in product in damp hair. A little is known to go a long way for it makes the hair incredibly glossy and manageable. Some benefits of using this oil on hair include: Restores the hair's natural shine Repairs breakage and reverses split ends Prevents dandruff restores its elasticity and boosts of blemishes and wrinkles, Eases scalp itchiness and moisture. It is light and therefore ensuring the skin looks flawless. dryness doesn't block pores and repairs The best way to use this oil on damage to the skin that has been your face is to take a small amount Camellia Oil for skin caused by too much exposure to and spread all over your face. Do You Can reach me at: www.triptasfoodtunnel.com This fast-absorbing oil sun, pollution and more. not rub it, just pat it till it is Email : [email protected]. penetrates deep into the skin and This oil also helps in getting rid absorbed by the skin. Instagram: @triptasfoodtunnel THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 25 ‘SOUP-AND-SHAKE’ DIET PLAN TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO DIABETICS IN THE UK o tackle the rise of type 2 diabetes, thousands of people Twill be offered a ‘soup-and- shakes’ weight loss plan on the UK National Health Service (NHS). While a successful trial of the of the low-calorie diet has already taken place, The Guardian reports that it will now be expanded and rolled out to 5,000 patients. Vitamin C intake is key It is known that type 2 diabetes, which is one of the most common to better muscle forms of diabetes around the world, is caused when the insulin hormone does not properly regulate glucose strength in later life in the body. With time, it can also cause other health problems with lder people who eat plenty of vitamin C - the eyes and the heart. It is also commonly found in citrus fruits, berries, and believed to be linked with the Ovegetables - have the best skeletal muscle mass, problem of being overweight. according to new research. “This is an important first step to Published in the Journal of Nutrition, the study was ensure that people with type 2 lead by the University of East Anglia (UEA). diabetes can access a remission This is important because people tend to lose programme within the NHS and ‘soup-and-shakes’ weight loss plan It is being said that the year-long skeletal muscle mass as they get older - leading to benefit from the groundbreaking can help. diet plan will try to find out who sarcopenia (a condition characterised by loss of findings of the Diabetes UK-funded The outlet quoted Professor benefits from “total diet skeletal muscle mass and function), frailty, and DiRECT research,” Bridget Turner, Jonathan Valabhji, NHS national replacement products such as reduced quality of life. director of policy campaigns and clinical director for diabetes and specially-formulated low-calorie Lead researcher Prof Ailsa Welch, from UEA’s improvement at Diabetes UK, was obesity as saying: “There has never shakes and soups” for at least three Norwich Medical School said: “As people age, they lose quoted as saying in The Guardian. been a more important time to lose months, besides supporting to skeletal muscle mass and strength. People over 50 lose The NHS has said that a weight and put their type 2 diabetes increase their exercise levels. up to one per cent of their skeletal muscle mass each whopping 2 million people in into remission, so it’s good news for The trial results had previously year, and this loss is thought to affect more than 50 England are at risk of developing thousands of people across the shown that almost half of those million people worldwide. It’s a big problem because it type 2 diabetes, thereby increasing country that practical measures who had gone on the reduced- can lead to frailty and other poor outcomes such as the additional risk of suffering a like this are increasingly available calorie diet, had achieved diabetes sarcopenia, physical disability, type-2 diabetes, heart attack or stroke. As such, the on the NHS.” remission after one year. reduced quality of life, and death.” The professor added: “We know that Vitamin C consumption is linked with skeletal muscle mass. It helps defend the cells and tissues that make up the body from potentially harmful free radical substances. Obese people might be at a higher risk of Unopposed these free radicals can contribute to the destruction of muscle, thus speeding up age-related decline. But until now, few studies have investigated the importance of Vitamin C intake for older people. COVID-19 complications, studies find We wanted to find out whether people eating more Vitamin C had more muscle mass than other people.” The research team studied data from more than troubling connection with increased risk of COVID-19 as 13,000 people aged between 42-82 years, who are taking between two health crises: well as an increased likelihood of part in the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation Acoronavirus and obesity developing more severe into Cancer and Nutrition) Norfolk Study. have been explored in a novel complications from the virus. They calculated their skeletal muscle mass and review of COVID-19 studies. Obesity is already associated analysed their vitamin C intakes from a seven-day From COVID-19 risk to recovery, with numerous underlying risk food diary.They also examined the amount of vitamin the odds are stacked against those factors for COVID-19, including C in their blood. with obesity, and a new study led hypertension, heart disease type 2 Dr Richard Hayhoe, also from UEA’s Norwich by the University of North diabetes, and chronic kidney and Medical School, said: “We studied a large sample of Carolina at Chapel Hill raises liver disease. older Norfolk residents and found that people with the concerns about the impact of Metabolic changes caused by highest amounts of vitamin C in their diet or blood obesity on the effectiveness of a obesity - such as insulin resistance had the greatest estimated skeletal muscle mass, future COVID-19 vaccine. and inflammation - making it compared to those with the lowest amounts. Researchers examined the difficult for individuals with available published literature on obesity to fight some infections, a individuals infected with the virus trend that can be seen in other PAGE SPONSORED BY and found that those with obesity infectious diseases, such as (BMI over 30) were at a greatly influenza and hepatitis. DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND increased risk for hospitalization During times of infection, (113%), more likely to be admitted uncontrolled serum glucose, which DR. SATISH ANAND to the intensive care unit (74%), is common in individuals with Former Chairman, Board of and had a higher risk of death hyperglycemia, can impair Trustees, AAPI National (48%) from the virus. Meera Shekar, a World Bank immune cell function. E-Mail: A team of researchers at UNC- health and nutrition specialist, on “All of these factors can [email protected] Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of the paper published in Obesity influence immune cell Global Public Health, including Reviews. metabolism, which determines lead author Barry Popkin, a For the paper, researchers how bodies respond to pathogens, GITANJLI ANAND professor in the Department of reviewed immunological and like the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus,” Former President, India Nutrition and member of the biomedical data to provide a says co-author Melinda Beck, Association of Long Island Carolina Population Center, detailed layout of the mechanisms professor of nutrition at Gillings (IALI) collaborated with senior author and pathways that link obesity School of Global Public Health. E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 26 Earth may have Amazon drivers hanging phones been wet ever since it formed: in trees to get more work

Study strange phenomenon has emerged arth's water may have come near Amazon.com Inc. delivery from materials that were Astations and Whole Foods stores in Epresent in the inner solar the Chicago suburbs: smartphones system at the time the planet formed, dangling from trees. Contract delivery suggests a new study. drivers are putting them there to get a The findings of this study, jump on rivals seeking orders, according published in the journal Science, are to people familiar with the matter. surprising because the Earth's Someone places several devices in a building blocks are often presumed to tree located close to the station where be dry. "Our discovery shows that the deliveries originate. Drivers in on the plot Earth's building blocks might have then sync their own phones with the ones significantly contributed to the in the tree and wait nearby for an order Earth's water," said lead author pickup. The reason for the odd placement, Laurette Piani, a researcher at the according to experts and people with Centre de Recherches direct knowledge of Amazon’s Petrographiques et Geochimiques operations, is to take advantage of the (CRPG, CNRS/Universite de handsets’ proximity to the station, Lorraine) in Nancy, France. combined with software that constantly The researchers determined that a monitors Amazon’s dispatch network, to type of meteorite called an enstatite get a split-second jump on competing chondrite contains sufficient drivers. hydrogen to deliver at least three That drivers resort to such extreme times the amount of water contained methods is emblematic of the ferocious used to receive orders faster than those Bloomberg reviewed photos and video in the Earth's oceans, and probably competition for work in a pandemic- lacking the advantage. Some have of smartphones in trees outside Whole much more. ravaged US economy suffering from complained to Amazon that Foods and Amazon delivery stations. double-digit unemployment. Much the unscrupulous drivers have found a way to They show drivers approaching the NASA selects way milliseconds can mean millions to rig the company’s delivery dispatch phones and syncing them with their own hedge funds using robot traders, a system. In an internal email seen by devices, then sitting or standing nearby smartphone perched in a tree can be the Bloomberg, Amazon said it would waiting for an alert about a route. potential mission key to getting a $15 delivery route before investigate the matter but would be An Uber-like app called Amazon Flex someone else. unable to divulge the outcome of its lets drivers make deliveries in their own to study dynamics Drivers have been posting photos and inquiry to delivery drivers. The company, cars. For many with other jobs, it’s a videos on social-media chat rooms to try through a spokeswoman, declined to way to earn extra money in their spare of the Sun to figure out what technology is being comment. time. ASA has picked five proposals for concept studies of missions Nto help improve understanding of the dynamics of the Sun and the Apple, Google build virus-tracing space environment with which it YouTube testing ‘Picture-in-Picture’ interacts around Earth. The information will improve mode for its iOS app tech directly into phones understanding about the universe as well as offer key information to help pple and Google are trying to get more US protect astronauts, satellites and states to adopt their phone-based approach communications signals—such as A for tracing and curbing the spread of the GPS—in space, the US space agency coronavirus by building more of the necessary said. Each of these proposals will technology directly into phone software. receive $1.25 million to conduct a That could make it much easier for people to get nine-month mission concept study it on their phone even if their local public health following which NASA will choose up agency hasn’t built its own compatible app. to two proposals to go forward to The tech giants on Tuesday launched the second launch. phase of their “exposure notification” system, designed to automatically alert people if they Microsoft might have been exposed to the coronavirus. Until now, only a handful of US states have built pandemic apps using the tech companies’ rebranding Bing framework, which has seen somewhat wider adoption in Europe and other parts of the world. search engine for States must choose whether they want to enable the Apple-Google system. If they do, iPhone users better visibility in those states will automatically be able to opt into icrosoft is working to rebrand the system without having to download an app. its search engine Bing and They’ll be prompted with a notification asking if Mthe developer community has oogle-owned YouTube has enabled, it would work just like in they consent to running the system on their witnessed visible changes to the reportedly started testing any other app that supports it. phones. service in the recent past. Gthe 'Picture-in-Picture' One can start playing a video For people with Android phones, Google will There's no official announcement to (PiP) mode for its iOS application. and then close the app to continue automatically generate an Android app for public date but Microsoft has either According to a report in watching it in a smaller window. health agencies that phone users can then expanded what appears to be A/B 9TO5Mac, the mode is available The video floats over the iOS download. testing - where some people see the for iPad users since iOS 9 and home screen or any other app the The companies said they expect Maryland, old Bing brand and logo and some see Apple has also enabled the feature users are using. Nevada, Virginia and Washington, DC, to be the "Microsoft Bing" - or has completely for its iPhone range with iOS 14 YouTube only allows users to first in the US to launch the new version of their switched to the new style, according update. playback videos in the tool. to Paul Thurrott, an award-winning YouTube has started testing background if they subscribe to Virginia says nearly half a million residents technology journalist and blogger. native support for the Picture-in- YouTube Premium, which means have downloaded its app since the state in August The new brand and logo 'Microsoft Picture mode in its iOS app. PiP may be restricted to paying became the first to launch a customized pandemic Bing' appear to have made their way The feature is only working users. app using the Google-Apple framework. to the Bing homepage too. with a few videos at the moment, The service is available in India But state officials have said their app doesn’t It makes sense as Microsoft is a meaning that YouTube is still for Rs 129 per month, while a work as well outside Virginia, although they expect much bigger brand than just Bing. testing the feature with a limited family subscription that allows a group of coordinating public health agencies to The tech giant has also renamed its number of users. up to 5 users will cost you Rs 189 a get a national server up and running before long so Office 365 offering as Microsoft 365. Once a user has the mode month. other states can join in. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 27 Amid TikTok sale, LOAN MORATORIUM another Chinese SC bars non-NPA accounts from tech firm sells US operations being declared NPAs for 2 months s the Donald Trump NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court and the Disaster Management Act has not administration has asked on Thursday,(Sept 3) ordered that accounts been active to give relief,” Bhushan noted. AByteDance to sell operations of that have not been declared non- Mehta told the court that in a circular on its most popular short video platform performing assets as on August 31 should August 6, the RBI has detailed a plan on TikTok in the US, a Chinese hotel not be declared so until it finishes hearing restructuring of loans, which takes care of management solutions provider has the plea related to waiving interest on the concerns raised by the petitioners. He become another victim to sell its installments during the period of the loan added that an expert committee will come business in the country. moratorium scheme, Live Law reported. up with sector-specific guidelines on Shiji Group, a China-based global “Accounts not declared NPA as on August September 6. hospitality technology provider 31 not to be declared NPA for two months,” On Wednesday, Mehta had argued that a which has Kempinski hotel as one of the court directed. It said it will hear the number of banks were dealing with its clients, said on Tuesday that its matter again on September 10. authorities had to take note of three key various loans and borrowers, reported The board has approved the decision to Considering the economic impact of the points: the reduction of immediate Hindu. The push is to revive the economy sell its 100 per cent controlled US lockdown imposed to fight the coronavirus pressure of payment of installments, the and the sectors, he said, adding that most of subsidiary StayNTouch to MRC, a US crisis, the RBI had on March 27 said that revival of all possible sectors and the the Indian economy runs on small hotel operating company, after a banks would be allowed to grant a restructuring of stressed assets. enterprises. White House administrative order, moratorium of three months on payment Mehta added that the idea of a loan “We cannot look at recovering the reports The Global Times. of all installments due between March 1 moratorium was to defer repayment with economy by ignoring the banking sector, so "Shiji will apparently become and May 31. On May 23, it said that banks the aim of easing the financial burden that they do not become financially another Chinese victim to be forced to can extend the moratorium until August caused by the coronavirus and not to unstable,” Mehta said, according to Live sell its US business after ByteDance, 31. However, the RBI had said it would be waive-off any interest. “The effort is that Law. “This is indeed a difficult way TikTok's parent company, amid a imprudent to go for a forced waiver of those who are affected by Covid and facing forward.” trend of US government's crackdown interest, risking the financial viability of distress get the benefit and those who are The bench was hearing petitions on Chinese technology companies on the banks it was mandated to regulate and defaulters are not able to take benefit,” he challenging the interest component of the the ground of 'threatening national putting the interests of the depositors in told the top court. The solicitor general moratorium circular. security,'" Liu Dingding, a Beijing- jeopardy. added that the coronavirus had a different On Wednesday, advocate Rajiv Dutta, based independent Internet analyst, The case was heard by a bench impact on every sector. appearing for petitioner Gajendra Sharma told the Global Times. comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Bhushan told Mehta that the main who had taken a loan from a bank, told the According to the Shiji's official Subhash Reddy and MR Shah. Bhushan grievance of the petitioners was that they bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, R website, the company had acquired said in his order that banks should take no had not been given the adequate relief Subhash Reddy and MR Shah that the StayNTouch, a US-based company action against borrowers that is coercive. amid the coronavirus crisis. “The main interest on loan would continue to accrue that provides cloud-based hotel Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, grievance of the petitioners is that they during the moratorium period and would management solutions. representing the Centre and the RBI, said have not been given the adequate relief and be added to the principal, Bar and Bench Amazon adds that the steps needed to be taken by the the National Disaster Management Act reported. 7,000 more Reliance Industries to acquire Future At $2.3 trillion, Apple more UK jobs -commerce giant Amazon is valuable than UK’s top share index adding 7,000 more permanent Group’s retail biz for Rs 24,713 crore LONDON (TIP): The market cap of Apple has Ejobs in the UK by the end of the touched $2.3 trillion, surpassing the entire value of all year, in the latest sign that demand for the companies in the Financial Times Stock Exchange online shopping and services is 100 Index, also called the FTSE 100 which is the UK’s top booming amid the pandemic. share index. The company said Thursday that the While Apple’s market value is around $2.3 trillion (1.7 jobs will be created at Amazon trillion pounds), all the companies in the FTSE 100 have warehouses, sorting centers and a combined value of 1.5 trillion pounds, reports the delivery stations across the United BBC. Kingdom as well as its corporate “Apple shares fell back on Wednesday, but remained offices. That’s on top of 3,000 new ahead of the London index at the close of trading on employees it has already added this Wednesday”. year. The extra staff will raise its Demand for Apple’s shares reportedly boosted by the permanent British workforce to more company’s decision to divide its shares to make it than 40,000 by the end of 2020. easier for individuals to invest in the company. Retailers and other traditional Apple’s board of directors had approved a four-for- industries in Britain affected by the MUMBAI (TIP): Mukesh statement. one stock split, effective from August 31. coronavirus crisis have been forced to Ambani’s Reliance Industries has The deal will help Reliance Retail Weathering the Covid-19 pandemic, tech giant Apple lay off workers, and there are fears announced the acquisition of the accelerate and provide “support to last month scripted history by becoming the first unemployment could spike as the retail, wholesale, logistics and millions of small merchants in American firm to hit the $2 trillion mark by valuation. government phases out a salary warehousing businesses of increasing their competitiveness Apple stock rose to cross the threshold — $467.77 per support package. Kishore Biyani’s Future Group for and enhance their income during share — that helped it touch the $2-trillion mark. On the other hand, surging demand Rs 24,713 crore. The acquisition these challenging times,” the The iPhone maker passed the $1-trillion mark for the for deliveries means e-commerce is a was done through the company’s company added. first time nearly two years ago. bright spot for hiring. subsidiary Reliance Retail The acquisition is being done as If Apple were a country, it would be classified as the “This huge expansion announced in Ventures. part of the scheme in which Future ninth richest one with such market valuation. the UK by Amazon comes as little Reliance Retail will now have Group is merging certain surprise, given the massive surge in access to close to 1,800 outlets of companies carrying on the sales the tech giant has experienced, as Future Group’s Big Bazaar, aforesaid businesses into Future the e-commerce sector boomed during Easyday, Central, and Foodhall Enterprises Limited. The the pandemic,” said Susannah Streeter, stores, which are spread across 420 transaction had reportedly been in an analyst at financial services firm cities in India.“Reliance Retail the works for months, according to Hargreaves Lansdown. Ventures Ltd (RRVL), subsidiary of NDTV. As part of the deal, the More than 50 Amazon sites in the UK Reliance Industries Ltd will retail and wholesale undertaking will take on the new staff. A new acquire the retail and wholesale businesses are being transferred to warehouse that opened in May and two business and the logistics and Reliance Retail and Fashion more scheduled to open in the autumn warehousing business from the Lifestyle Limited, a wholly-owned will each hire more than 1,000 new Future Group as going concerns on subsidiary of Reliance Retail workers. The warehouses, in northeast a slump sale basis for lumpsum Ventures. Besides this, the logistics and central England, are outfitted with aggregate consideration of INR and warehousing undertaking is state-of-the-art robotic technology. 24,713 crore,” the company said in a being transferred to RRVL. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 28

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

By Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological consultations. He can be reached at [email protected] and on phone +91 8141234275 for astrological queries VEDIC ASTROLOGER NASTUR BEJAN DARUWALLA www.bejandaruwalla.com Chirag Bejan Daruwalla with his father late Bejan Daruwalla

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla. Weekly Horoscope September 7 - September 13, 2020 ARIES: Ganesha says you have been able to LEO: The level of conviction in your beliefs will SAGITTARIUS: By now you have reflect on your past and identify a pattern of be astounding. You have so many unanswered established credibility and a power base. You behavior that you know is not good for you. But questions, but it doesn't stop you from feeling this have been judged by your actions and are you are as stubborn as ever and are not willing to way. Your confidence and charisma will soar. You finally in a comfort zone. There is applause, change. You let your heart make all your have realized that it is good to have problems and money, rewards, felicitations. Live in the now decisions and they could be wrong most of the unanswered questions in order to challenge and enjoy every moment. Make the purchases time, as they will subjective. Your intuition will yourself to find solutions. This is also the time for you have always wanted to even if it means also tell you to distance yourself from certain a new love and you may begin to feel an spending too much. Life is fleeting and you people, projects and preoccupations. uncontrollable attraction to someone who has have done well. So loosen your purse strings. TAURUS: There has been a tremendous recently come into your life. CAPRICORN: Huge investments and large change in your outlook. You understand a little VIRGO: You are counting the days for some purchases may become a necessity. You deal more about the power that you have within you. kind of renaissance to happen, not realizing that with loans and funds, joint - finances and There will be a lot of entertaining in this phase it has already begun. You can't see yourself raising capital. You look at scaling up and you will be making many new contacts. You changing, but it's apparent by the way people production. You must commit to only as much will gain appreciation for your hospitality and respond to you. It could be a combination of social as you can deliver. Demand is practically charm and wit and be the soul of the party.There re-engineering, doing the same things a little impossible to predict if you are introducing a will also be some restructuring at work and you differently, or your recent good fortune in the new product. You are worldly and wise enough will look at many new areas of improvement and stock market that is fueling this attraction; there to realize that you cannot afford to be progress. could be any number of reasons. lackadaisical. GEMINI: The 3 P's - Promotions, profits and LIBRA: Innovation is the buzz word this AQUARIUS: You are feeling very prestige are at the core of this period. You period. Technologies outside your industry will entrepreneurial. You will soon be able to place involve yourself with initiatives that empower force you to learn, to acquire, to adapt, to change. people in key positions so that you can be free you to forge ahead. A significant rise in energy You will be on a learning, spree as you from everyday concerns and focus on the levels translates into long, productive hours at incorporate new technologies in your workplace. development of new businesses. Your family work. For those in the media, in particular, There will be rapid expansion and you reap the rallies around you and there is greater love brand - building, media planning, and profit whirlwind. There will be a re-allocation of funds and appreciation around the dining table. maximization become primary concerns. and resources to maintain a sustainable growth Expenses will mount and there could be travel CANCER: You will think and ponder over rate. for work. what you really want out of life. Most people are SCORPIO: You are jet-setting, globetrotting PISCES: Ganesha facilitates both material not working in areas that they are best suited for, and reconnecting with old friends and relatives. It and higher gains. The focus will be on adding are in the wrong job and hang in there out of could be that you have been promoted to a value and building your portfolio of assets. compulsions. We can say the same thing about position of authority too quickly.You will be hard The acquisition of wealth, the infusion of marriage but that's a different issue and we will put to cope with the new assignment but you capital, joint accounts, loans, funds, an go into that later. Ask yourself in no uncertain manage it well in the end. You will learn to inheritance or perhaps even a lottery, may be terms what you want in your life today. You develop your people skills and other emotional around the corner. There is a strong deserve to have the best. There is only one life competencies that come with time and indication of a sudden unexpected gain this and so don't make too many compromises. experience. period.

Birthday Horoscope September 7 - September 13, 2020

SEPT 7: Even with your fine taste for luxury and funds, spiritual expansion, hope for the future, and because of another's jealous or possessive streak. life's material riches, you sense today the value of optimism that attracts good opportunity and SEPT 12: A great idea serves as the recovery point a more soulful, spiritual identity and the mutual private support. Look for positive within as well. for money-home affairs. Expect support, growth, rewards and sensitivities it brings with others. SEPT 10: If you feel entitled to more than you've approval, and insight into how to grow more SEPT 8: It's hard to keep at a regular daily routine got or that you're working harder than incoming profits. with work or health if the emotional landscape is rewards, someone may surprise you with a nest of SEPT 13: The best time to get out and about is convoluted and requires constant adjustments. emotional complications to maneuver through. during the morning - a friendly brunch? That keeps Late afternoon is your best shot for improvements. SEPT 11: Ganesha says there are obstacles to laughs and lively connections going into the SEPT 9: Hidden wealth can show up as needed harmonious interactions if someone feels confined afternoon THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 29 PITRU PAKSHA: PAYING HOMAGE TO ANCESTORS THE 16-DAY 'PITRU PAKSHA' STARTED ON SEPTEMBER 2 AND WILL END ON SEPTEMBER 17

hradh or Pitru Paksha is a period which is seen as a special place to perform when Hindus remember their the rite. Sancestors by offering prayers. The 16-day period this year started on Who should September 2 and will end on sd on perform Shraddha? September 17. 'Shradh' is a way of expressing heartfelt gratitude towards It is essential that Shraddha be parents who are no more, for having performed by the son usually the eldest or helped them be what they are today. male relative of the paternal branch of According to scriptures, rituals the family, limited to the preceding three performed during 'shradh' bring peace to generations. However, on Sarva pitru the departed. amavasya or matamaha, the daughter’s 'Pitru Paksha' is the period from son can offer Shraddha for the maternal 'Bhadrapada Purnima' to 'Sarvapitri side of his family if a male heir is absent Amavasya'. 'Pitru Paksha' is considered in his mother’s family. by Hindus to be inauspicious as the death rites are performed during 'Shradh' or Pitru Paksha Food 'Tarpan'. The last day of 'Pitru Paksha' is The food offerings made to the known as 'Sarvapitri Amavasya'. It is also ancestors are usually cooked in silver or known as 'Pitru Amavasya' or simply copper vessels and typically placed on a 'Mahalaya'. It is the most significant day banana leaf or cups made of dried leaves. of 'Pitru Paksha'. The food must include Kheer (a type of sweet rice and milk), lapsior other beans Shradh 2020: Day and dates (a sweet porridge made of wheat grains), 1st September: Purnima Shradh rice, dal (lentils), the vegetable of spring 2nd September: Pratipada Shradh bean (guar) and a yellow gourd 3rd September: Dwitiya Shradh (pumpkin). 5th September: Tritiya Shradh 6th September: Chaturthi Shradh Pind Daan – Rites of Shraddha 7th September: Panchami Shradh The male who performs the shraddha 8th September: Shashthi Shradh should take a purifying bath beforehand 9th September: Saptami Shradh and is expected to wear a dhoti. He wears a 10th September: Ashtami Shradh ring of darbha grass. Then the ancestors 11th September: Navami Shradh are invoked to reside in the ring. The 12th September: Dashami Shradh shraddha is usually performed bare- 13th September: Ekadashi Shradh chested, as the position of the sacred 14th September: Dwadashi Shradh „ Instead use gold, silver, copper or The shraddha is performed on the thread worn by him needs to be changed 15th September: Trayodashi Shradh bronze vessels to please your specific lunar day during the Pitru multiple times during the ceremony. The 16th September: Chaturdashi Shradh ancestors. Paksha, when the ancestor usually a shraddha involves pind daan, which is an 17th September: Amavasya Shradh „ If Shraddha Karma is done at a parent or paternal grandparent died. offering to the ancestors of pind (cooked particular place then it gives special There are exceptions to the lunar day rice and barley flour balls mixed with ghee Dos and Don’ts fruits. In these places Gaya, Prayag, rule; special days are allotted for people and black sesame seeds), accompanying „ According to the scriptures, do not Badrinath; the ancestors get who died in a particular manner or had a the release of water from the hand. It is do any auspicious work in pitru salvation. certain status in life. followed by the worship of Vishnu (in form paksha days. „ Those who cannot perform of the darbha grass, a gold image, or „ Do not buy any vehicle or new items Shraddha Karma on these holy Importance of Shaligram stone and Yama. The food during this time. pilgrimages for any reason can Sarvapitri amavasya offering is then made, cooked especially „ Also, do not consume non- donate tarpan and bodies to any holy for the ceremony on the roof. The offering vegetarian food at all. place in their home courtyard. Sarva pitru amavasya is the most is considered to be accepted if a crow „ The person performing Shraddha „ But for the tarpan and pind daan, important day of the Pitru Paksha. It is arrives and devours the food; the bird is rituals should not cut his nails. He use your plot only. The ancestors do intended for all ancestors, irrespective of believed to be a messenger from Yama or should not have a shave or haircut. not get the donation given at the the lunar day they died. Those who have the spirit of the ancestors. A cow and a „ Don’t chew tobacco, smoke cigarette door of another or at the door of forgotten to perform shraddha can do so dog are also fed, and Brahmin priests are or consume alcohol. Don’t indulge in another person. Black sesame has on this day. A shraddha ritual performed also offered food. Once the ancestors such bad practices. It hampers special significance for the donation on this amavasya is considered as fruitful (crow) and Brahmins have eaten, the fruitful result of performing of ancestral body. as one conducted in the holy city of Gaya, family members can begin lunch. Shraddha karma. „ Therefore, black mole should be „ If possible, don’t wear slippers in the used for Shraddha Karma. For this, PAGE SPONSORED BY house for all 16 days. do not forget to use white sesame. „ It is believed that Pitru comes in „ Shradh Karma shouldn’t be ARISH K. SAHANI your home in any form in the performed during evening, night, fortnight of Pitru Paksha. dawn or dusk. Serving Since 1972 Therefore, in this fortnight, no „ In Pitru Paksh, cows, brahmins, Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs creature should be disrespected. dogs, ants, cats and ravens should Rather, any creature coming to your eat as much as possible. And all of Arish K Sahani (Father) door should be given food and be these should not be recognized as hospitable. loss. Shiv Sahani (Son) „ The person performing the Shraddha in the Pitru Paksha Things to Remember Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) should strictly observe Pitru paksha period is considered very Brahmacharya. inauspicious. So shraddha rituals are 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 „ In Pitru Paksha, it is considered performed carefully in guidance of [email protected] forbidden to eat some things, like- knowledgeable pandits or brahmins. gram, lentils, cumin, black salt, Before that you should know these “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” gourd and cucumber, mustard important points. greens etc. should not be eaten. “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” „ Don’t use iron vessels for rituals. Which day to perform Shraddha? “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 30 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 32 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 33 hose who love to travel, can only think about new escapades and Texperiences. This pandemic has forced them to stay at home and cancel their many plans. But, it certainly has not PAINTING IN JAIPUR, stopped them from dreaming about travelling once more. In fact, it was recently found that people had been flagging places on Google Maps, and among them, the city of Paris in France YOGA IN RISHIKESH topped the list of the most-saved place — suggesting that once the pandemic is over and it will be safe to travel again, they would like to visit the cultural bastion in Top destinations to pursue new hobbies Europe. In India, meanwhile, people are looking forward to domestic travelling, too. As such, Booking.com — a digital travel company — has revealed the top-endorsed destinations by Indian travellers who want to bring their new hobbies to life. So, it has been found that while Bengaluru, New Delhi and Hyderabad are the top- endorsed destinations for food, Puducherry, Shimla and Rishikesh are among the top three destinations for people who enjoy walking. The cities of Jaipur, Udaipur and Kochi are recommended for art, and Rishikesh, Varkala and Goa are endorsed as best destinations for yoga. Additionally, Indian tourists endorsed Kasol, Manali and Munnar as the most-recommended destinations for hiking, and Jaipur, Ooty and Varanasi for scenic photography. It is true that in lockdown, people have discovered and developed new hobbies, and Booking.com’s endorsement data reveals recommendations on destinations based on popular activities, to curate the top local destinations to bring favourite hobbies to life when it’s safe to do so again. Food in Bengaluru, Karnataka For anyone looking for a culinary adventure, the city of Bengaluru is making its mark on the food map, offering a range of delicacies including dosas, Bisi Bele Bath and Mysore Pak. Besides Bengaluru, the other endorsed destinations for food include New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Amristsar. enjoy South Indian and French cuisine, block printing, stone carving and pottery Hiking in Kasol, Walk around Puducherry, and learn scuba diving, when it is safe to making. Himachal Pradesh Tamil Nadu do so. Yoga at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Travellers who have spent their For those looking to stretch their legs, A brush with creativity in Yoga has been one of the many ways in lockdown doing fitness training and the sophisticated coastal town of Jaipur, Rajasthan which people have detoxed their mind in workouts can look forward to putting that Puducherry is the ideal escape. Home to lockdown. They have dreamt of practising training to great use in the Himalayas. many pristine beaches, it is perfect for Jaipur is a must-visit for artsy asanas in the serenity of Rishikesh. Home Kasol is one of the most recommended those looking to gulp in fresh air. travellers. Home to hundreds of art to the many yoga ashrams — and also destinations on the portal for hiking. Puducherry is one of the top-endorsed galleries, ancient forts, and famous hailed as the birthplace of yoga — Nestled in the Parvati Valley, Kasol is the destinations by travellers who love independent designers, Jaipur is the ideal Rishikesh attracts many travellers who base point for popular treks like the walking. With its French Quarter, its tree- destination for art lovers. Must-sees come in search of peace. With mighty hills Kheerganga trek, the Sar Pass trek, lined streets, mustard-coloured villas and include the famous Hawa Mahal, Albert surrounding the destination, Rishikesh is Malana, Tosh and Rasol. When it’s safe to chic boutiques, the town is idyllic. Once Hall Museum and the Amber Fort. The the home of Hatha Yoga, Shivananda travel again, this beautiful city of in Puducherry, you can also embrace Pink City will also let you try your hands Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga, It also has a rich Himachal Pradesh will leave you spirituality at Sri Aurobindo Ashram, at the traditional art forms like bandhani, Vedic spiritual history. breathless and definitely test your stamina! THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 34 Staying with Barcelona not completely ruled out by Messi

taying with Barcelona may be an option for Lionel Messi after all. A Sday after the Spanish club reaffirmed its position not to facilitate a Spain grab 1-1 transfer, Messi’s father-agent did not dismiss the possibility of his son draw in Germany reconsidering his decision to leave. Jorge Messi left the prospect open after being as internationals briefly questioned by the Cuatro television channel on Thursday on whether he was considering the resume possibility of Messi staying for now and pain defender Gaya scored deep leaving for free next year. into stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 The affirmation came a day after there Sdraw against Germany as the was no agreement in the first meeting UEFA Nations League started without between Jorge Messi and Barcelona fans Thursday, Sept 3, ending a 10- president Josep Bartomeu. Jorge Messi month international break. The had said upon arriving in Barcelona on Valencia defender scored in the sixth Wednesday that he saw it “difficult” for minute of injury to time to cancel out his son to keep playing for Barcelona. Timo Werner’s opening goal on his Lionel Messi last week told Barcelona return to his hometown Stuttgart. he was invoking a contract clause that With international football allowed him to leave for free at the end of returning for the first time since the the season, but the club claimed that the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, clause had expired in June. Barcelona all 54 games that are scheduled to take said it wanted Messi to stay until the end place across the continent over six days of his contract in June 2021. The contract are taking place with strict hygiene has a buyout clause of 700 million euros measures, including the exclusion of ($837 million). fans. Players had to pass mandatory Barcelona said it has offered the pregame tests for Covid-19. Argentine a two-year extension that Werner, who was born in Stuttgart would keep him with the club through the and went on to become the club’s 2022-23 season. It also wanted to meet youngest scorer, gave Germany the personally with the player to try to lead in the 51st minute. He finished off convince him to stay and finish his career a move started by a cross-field ball with the club where he started playing from Ilkay Gündogan, with debutant nearly 20 years ago. Robin Gosens providing the cross. Neither part made concessions in Barcelona winger Ansu Fati came on Wednesday’s meeting in Barcelona, with the 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the on Monday. He also skipped the required for the second half to become Spain’s Jorge Messi confirming that his son Champions League quarterfinals, one of coronavirus tests the team underwent on youngest debutant since Ángel Zubieta wanted to leave and Barcelona the worst in the player’s career and in the Sunday. The player’s representatives in 1936. The 17-year-old had an injury- reaffirming that it will not accept his club’s history. The defeat capped a claim the clause allowing him to leave the time equalizer ruled out for a foul by transfer request. disappointing season for Barcelona, the club for free should still be valid because Sergio Ramos in the build-up. But there They have not scheduled another round first without a title since 2007-08. the season was pushed back by the was still time for Rodrigo Moreno to set of negotiations, but Barcelona said it still The 33-year-old Messi had been coronavirus pandemic. up Gaya for the equalizer, with the hoped Messi would change his mind about outspoken against club officials during Barcelona is scheduled to begin its defender converting from close range. leaving. the season and he hasn’t shown up at the season against Villarreal in the Spanish IPL: CSK to Messi has yet to speak publicly since club since the squad returned to training league at the end of the month. start training kipper MS Dhoni and all other Serena sets up US Open showdown vs Sloane Stephens Chennai Super Kings players, Sexcept for the Covid-19 afflicted NEW YORK (TIP): Yes, Serena Williams duo of Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj won in straight sets again. And yes, she Gaikwad, will start training from moved into an all-American showdown at Friday evening after clearing a third the US Open against Sloane Stephens. round of testing for the virus. The Still, this victory did not quite go results are a major relief to the according to plan. franchise, which was hit by 13 positive Her serve only so-so at times, her cases last week. The IPL 2020 is due to footwork a bit off, Williams got by and got start on September 19 and will be through Thursday night against an played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu opponent ranked just 117th, beating Dhabi. Margarita Gasparyan 6-2 6-4 and letting out “The training starts from today. All a cry of "Yes!" at the end that reverberated others, apart from the 13, tested in a nearly empty Arthur Ashe Stadium. negative for the third time. Those who It sounded more like relief than tested positive will only be tested after excitement."The only thing holding me the isolation period (two weeks) is back is that I get frustrated," said Williams, over,” CSK CEO KS Viswanathan told who has won six of her 23 Grand Slam PTI. Chahar and Gaikwad, along with singles titles at Flushing Meadows and was 11 staff members of the contingent, the runner-up the past two years. will be tested twice by the end of next "But I'm out here, I'm fighting. It was just week when their 14-day isolation period a minor setback. If anything, it could help gets over. They need to return with two me know what not to do next time." 2013 Australian Open. Jan-Lennard Struff. It's a rematch: Djokovic negative tests before being allowed to That'll be Saturday against Stephens, the beat Struff 6-3 6-1 last week at the Western train. Chahar is a first team starter in 2017 US Open champion. Djokovic puts unbeaten & Southern Open, part of the 17-time Grand this line-up while Gaikwad is being It is their seventh match-up; Williams run on line on Day 5 Slam champion's 25-0 start to the season. groomed for the top-order in place of leads 5-1, including victories in the past four In other men's play on Friday, No. 4 seed veteran Suresh Raina, who quit the meetings in a row,but they last played at the Top-seeded Novak Djokovic puts his Stefanos Tsitsipas faces No. 27 Borna Coric, tournament citing personal reasons 2015 French Open. Stephens' lone head-to- undefeated record in 2020 on the line in a and No. 5 Alexander Zverev faces No. 32 and is unlikely to make a comeback. head victory came all the way back at the third-round match on Day 5 against No. 28 Adrian Mannarino. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 36

CORONAVIRUS HELPLINE Dr. VK Raju and Dr. Leela Raju of the Eye Foundation of America will be glad to answer any eye related concerns of the readers of The Indian Panorama during this difficult period of Coronavirus onslaught

DR. VK RAJU IS A DR. LEELA RAJU IS CLINICAL AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PROFESSOR OF OPHTHALMOLOGY OPHTHALMOLOGY AT WEST VIRGINIA AT NYU LANGONE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

They can be reached at [email protected]