FREE TIBET: US Trump Signs Tibet Policy to Preempt Chinese Move on Dalai Lama

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA VOL 26, No. 1369 January 1, 2021 50¢ Periodical Postage FREE TIBET: US Trump signs Tibet policy to preempt Chinese move on Dalai Lama

MAFS Gala that Sparkled Worldwide 21-year-old Arya Rajendran Details on page 17 elected Mayor

Details on page 6 ‘Reversing Trump policies will take months

WISHESDetails ITS on page 6 Details on page 10 READERS A VERY HAPPY AND Trump signs into PROSPEROUS law Gandhi-King NEW YEAR Initiative

Details on page 5 CONTENTS

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama US President Donald Trump Bollywood ------32 Classifieds ------33 WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has 2.3 trillion package for the year-end bill to provide Community Post ------17-26 signed into law a bill which calls for establishing a US long-delayed coronavirus relief and fund the federal Edit Page ------35 consulate in Tibet and building an international coali- government. Horoscope ------27 This week’s question Immigration Post ------10-11 tion to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed The US Senate last week unanimously passed the Is Chinese Government nervous Life Style ------14-15 that the citizen journalist will solely by the Tibetan Buddhist community without bill despite China's protest. Philosophy/Perspective ------34 expose Wuhan Virus? China's interference. It authorizes assistance to non-governmental orga- Info/Highlights ------4 Last week’s result The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 modi- nizations in support of Tibetan communities in Tibet; Real Estate ------30-31 Do you think China maybe TechBiz Post ------12-13 involved with recent hacking? fies and re-authorizes various programs and provi- places restrictions on new Chinese consulates in the Travel & Hospitality Post ------16 YES 69% NO 31% sions related to Tibet. United States until a US consulate has been estab- Trump signed the act as part of the massive USD lished in Lhasa, Tibet. Details on page 5 Wellness Post ------28-29 2 India Post January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 India Post 3 www.indiapost.com 4 India Post January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com

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SAN FRANCISCO & Sunny's wishes Celebs in lockdown 2020 SILICON VALLEY Vidya Sethuraman Bureau Chief Sunny Leone to her fans: "… During this Hollywood and Bollywood stars set their Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising festive season, let's be safe; spread love fashion record straight, by experimenting Kiran Pandey Director, WellnessPost because we are living in a time where with their looks and fashion statements Vinita Thapar Marketing Deepak Chhabra Promotions we need to spread more love than hate". and setting fashion goals for their fans. Ritu Maheshwari Director Promotions 32 14 Sudesh Kumari Correspondent

LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief Cover Story: Techbiz:

CHICAGO FREE TIBET: US Tump signs package Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor Pres. Trump signed a bill that calls for es- President Trump has signed into law a A Q Siddiqui Correspondent tablishing a US consulate in Tibet and to massive USD 2.3 trillion spending bill ST. LOUIS ensure the next Dalai Lama is appointed that includes a USD 900 billion Ashwin Patel Correspondent solely by the Tibetan Buddhist community. 5 coronavirus relief package. 12 NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Community: Travel: Sukhvinder Saini Circulation Glittering MAFS Gala Pondicherry BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief MAFS celebrated its 28 years of service In Pondicherry, French is still understood, to the senior community, at a Virtual Gala and the whole city makes for a pleasant CANADA on December 19, 2020. Illinois State mix of the East and West. It is also known Paras Nehra Correspondent Governor J. B. Pritzker headlined the event. 17 as The French Riviera of the East 16 NEW DELHI Lakshay Sharma Web Developer

MUMBAI Immigration: Wellness: Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent Trump's immigration policies UN faces its worst crisis

VADODARA, GUJARAT Pres-elect Biden says it will take months Secy Gen Guterres said- COVID19 adds to Vaidehi Patel Correspondent to roll back some of President Donald global geo-strategic tensions, existential Priyanka Shah Correspondent Trump's actions on immigration, offer- climate crisis, growing global mistrust PUNJAB ing a slower timeline than he promised. 10 and the dark side of the digital world. 28 Raman Nehra Bureau Chief Jaswant Singh Gandam Correspondent INFO-CENTER Business Partner India: CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS PHOENIX DUO MATRIX 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 COMMUNICATIONS Tel: 510-396-9140 • Fax: 510-790-2806 • e-mail: [email protected] PRIVATE LIMITED S-1/A, 3rd Floor, Arjun Nagar, E-SUBSCRIPTION& EDITORIAL: Vidya Sethuraman: Tel: 510-491-4867 • e-mail: [email protected] Safdarjung Enclave Extension, ADVERTISEMENT: Naresh Sodhi: Tel: 510-938-8667 • e-mail: [email protected] I Graphics Inquiry: E-mail: [email protected] New Delhi -110029, INDIA T: +91 11 46068685, +91 11 41006051 INDIA CORPORATE OFFICE • E: [email protected] • W: www.phoenixduomatrix.com 230-A, 3rd Floor, Jin Kushal Suri Complex (Opp NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 • Tel: 11-26257769 • E-mail:[email protected] For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: India Sales Offices: India Post Copyright©1994 RJ Media Inc, ISSN 1084-3868, is published weekly for SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY NEW DELHI PUNJAB $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1860 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Chandrika Malikarya Amardeep Singh Mowry Ave Ste 200, Fremont, CA 94538- Naresh Sodhi: 510-938-8667 • e-mail: [email protected] Sr. Manager - Sales & Business Development Manager - Business Development 1730. Application to mail at Periodicals M: +91 8373929895 M: +91 8527456807 postage prices is pending at Fremont, Vidya Sethuraman: 510-491-4867 • e-mail: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] California and additional mailing offices. LOS ANGELES CHICAGO BANGALORE POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 16224 Alpine Pl. La Mirada, CA 90638 2543 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Gowtham Sivanandam Advertorials & Event Team India: India Post, 1860 Mowry Ave Ste 200, Tel: 562-441-5511, Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Sr. Manager Business Development Fremont, CA 94538-1730. [email protected] Email: [email protected] M: +91 9880535664 Deepti Dogra E: [email protected] Assistant Manager DISCLAIMER NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY India Post Editorial and Content Support assumes all advertisers to be Tel: 510-938-8667 • e-mail: [email protected] MUMBAI/AHMEDABAD [email protected] reliable and responsible for all liability M: +91 9560750802 for their claimers For editorial, contact: [email protected] January 1, 2021 Cover/Top Stories India Post 5 www.indiapost.com FREE TIBET: US Trump signs Tibet policy to preempt Chinese move on Dalai Lama

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Some of the prominent measures Trump has signed into law a bill which approved by the US Congress include calls for establishing a US consulate in imposing sanctions on Chinese officials, Tibet and building an international coa- including travel restrictions. lition to ensure that the next Dalai Lama Noting that the 14th Dalai Lama ad- is appointed solely by the Tibetan Bud- vocates the Middle Way Approach, dhist community without China's inter- which seeks genuine autonomy for the ference. six million Tibetans in Tibet, the new law The Tibetan Policy and Support Act says that the Dalai Lama has overseen a of 2020 modifies and re-authorizes vari- process of democratization within the ous programs and provisions related to Tibetan polity and devolved his politi- Tibet. cal responsibilities to the elected 23 Trump signed the act as part of the representatives of the Tibetan people massive USD 2.3 trillion package for the in exile in 2011. year-end bill to provide long-delayed The Tibetan Policy and Support Act coronavirus relief and fund the federal of 2020 approves USD 1 million per an- government. num for the Special US Coordinator on The US Senate last week unani- Tibet, USD 675,000 towards scholarship mously passed the bill despite China's provisions, USD 575,000 for scholar ex- protest. Donald Trump and Dalai Lama change initiatives, USD8 million for the It authorizes assistance to non-gov- the US unless China allows the opening identification and installation of the fu- Tibetan Autonomous Region and Com- ernmental organizations in support of of an American consulate in Lhasa. ture 15th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Bud- munities in China, USD 6 million for Ti- Tibetan communities in Tibet; places It is the policy of the US to take all dhism, the successor to the 14th Dalai betans living in India, USD3 million for restrictions on new Chinese consulates appropriate measures to hold account- Lama. Tibetan governance. in the United States until a US consulate able senior officials of the Chinese Gov- Beijing views the 14th Dalai Lama as Expressing concern over the exploi- has been established in Lhasa, Tibet. ernment or the Chinese Communist a "separatist" working to split Tibet tation of natural resources of Tibet, in The law now authorizes the Office of Party who directly interfere with the from China. particular water, the new law seeks to the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan pursue collaborative efforts with Chi- Issues and expands the office's duties The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 modifies and re- nese and international scientific institu- to include additional tasks, such as pur- authorizes various programs and provisions related to Tibet. tions, to monitor the environment on suing international coalitions to ensure the Tibetan Plateau, including glacial that the next Dalai Lama is appointed Trump signed the act as part of the massive USD 2.3 trillion retreat, temperature rise, and carbon solely by the Tibetan Buddhist faith package for the year-end bill to provide long-delayed levels, to promote a greater under- community. standing of the effects on permafrost, It also directs the Secretary of State coronavirus relief and fund the federal government the river flows, grasslands and deserti- not to open a new Chinese consulate in fication and the monsoon cycle. PTI

Trump signs into law Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative

WASHINGTON: US President Donald 2021 for the US-India Gandhi-King Devel- vate sector commits to match US gov- change Act to seek to apply the phi- Trump has signed into law the Gandhi- opment Foundation. ernment contributions. The Congres- losophies of Gandhi and Dr King Jr to King Scholarly Exchange Initiative that The new law also authorizes the United sional Budget Office (CBO) estimates conflict resolution efforts and current among other things paves the way for States Agency for International Develop- that the bill would cost USD51 million policy challenges. establishing an educational forum be- ment (USAID) to establish a US-India de- over five years. The Act, among other things autho- tween America and India to study the velopment foundation that would lever- In 2009, late Congressman John Lewis rizes the State Department, in coop- work and legacies of Mahatma Gandhi age the Indian private sector to address led a congressional delegation visit to eration with the Indian government, to and Martin Luther King Jr. development priorities in India. India to commemorate the 50th Anniver- establish an annual educational forum Written by civil rights icon John The development foundation would sary of Dr King's pilgrimage to India. for scholars from both countries that Lewis, who died early this year, and receive USD 15 million per year from Inspired by his visit, Congressman focuses on the legacies of Gandhi and co-sponsored by Indian-American 2022 through 2025 but only if India's pri- Lewis created the Gandhi-King Ex- Dr King Jr. Congressman Ami Bera, the new law It also authorizes to develop a pro- authorizes USD one million a year The new law also authorizes the United States Agency fessional development training initia- through fiscal 2025 for the Gandhi- tive on conflict resolution based on the King Scholarly Exchange Initiative. for International Development (USAID) to establish a principles of nonviolence; and estab- It also authorizes USD 2 million for US-India development foundation lish a foundation to address social, en- just FY 2021 for the Gandhi-King Glo- vironmental and health priorities in In- bal Academy, and USD30 million for dia. PTI 6 India Post Top Stories January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com Thailand is top emerging market 21-year-old Arya Rajendran elected as pick for 2021; India ranks 11th Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor SINGAPORE: Thailand and Malaysia, have strong current account positions THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Twenty three phases in Kerala. Around 78.64 among the top emerging markets in and foreign reserves, as well as, out- one-year-old Arya Rajendran has been per cent voter turnout was recorded in Southeast Asia, are likely to outperform standing balance sheets. Taiwan and elected as the next Mayor of expectations among 17 developing Malaysia (ranked 5th) also have good Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, mak- markets surveyed by Bloomberg. potential for portfolio inflows, and both ing her the youngest candidate to oc- This according to a report published actually scored better on that metric cupy such a post in the country. On December 25, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) district secretariat in a meeting decided to make her the Mayor. Arya won as CPI (M) Councilor from Mudavanmukal ward and is an office-bearer of Students Federation of India. Two potential mayor candidates of CPI (M) were defeated in the local body polls, after which the party had to look for other alternatives. The CPM-led Left Democratic Front, Arya Rajendran Congress-led United Democratic Front, and BJP-led National Democratic Alli- the third and the final phase of the local ance were in the fray for local body body polls. The second phase recorded in December by Bloomberg investment compared with Thailand. Philippines, polls in Kerala. 76.38 per cent voter turnout and in the strategist Simon Flint and co-authored which ranks 10th overall, also has robust The local body polls were held in first phase it was 72.67 per cent. ANI by Michelle Jamrisko. The report, which foreign exchange reserves, third-high- is not intended as investment advice, est only behind Russia and Thailand. studied a total of 17 emerging markets Malaysia, which snared 5th position, Iran expands list of US suspects and forecasts their potential for 2021 has an undervalued currency with z- based on 11 indicators of economic and score of negative 1.4. The z-score is ob- in Soleimani's killing financial performance. tained by determining a currency's cur- The study revealed that the top 5 rent real effective exchange rate (REER) TEHRAN: Iran has expanded the list of judicial measures regarding the case, developing markets, which could beat and comparing that to its five-year av- Americans suspected to be involve- Abdollahian voiced hope to see a court expectations, are Thailand, Russia, South erage. Other countries with currencies ment in the assassination of Qasem ruling "in the near future". Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia in that or- that are lower than their expected Soleimani, former commander of the Is- Iran has issued warrants in six coun- der. value include Brazil, Turkey and Hungry. lamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds tries to arrest the perpetrators, the India, although garnering a middle Among all the countries surveyed, Force. spokesman said. rank of 11th, scored the highest in terms Malaysia stands to gain the most once "The number of the main accused in A "harsh revenge" for the killing of of expected GDP Growth in 2021 with the COVID-19 pandemic is under con- the assassination of Soleimani has in- the high-ranking commander is still on analysts expecting the nation of 1.38 trol. The Bloomberg report uses creased from 45 to 48," Xinhua news the agenda of the Iranian authorities, billion people to grow at a rate of 9 per- Goldman Sachs' effective lockdown in- agency quoted Hossein Amir Abdollahian added. dexes to measure the Abdollahian, a senior foreign advisor to A US airstrike on January 3 near room that each country's the parliament speaker, as saying re- Baghdad International Airport killed economy has to expand cently. Soleimani, as well as Iraqi militia com- once normal business ac- Speaking at a press briefing about mander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.IANS tivities resume. Those in- dexes should all eventually converge near to zero. The other countries that stand UAE-based Indian creates record to benefit most from lockdown relief are the for identifying most airplane tails Philippines and Chile. China scored poorly in ABU DHABI: A United Arab Emirates world with their respective heights and the study and in fact is in (UAE)-based Indian boy has created a locations. cent. This is followed by China at 8.1 17th position - last place. The reason Guinness World Record for identifying "I have been a Lego buff since I was a percent and then the Philippines at 7.5 being that the high expectations are al- the most airplane tails in a minute, a me- toddler, and my father and I spent a lot percent. ready factored into the current markets dia report said. of time creating a variety of models, Thailand earned its number one rank- and there is limited room to for invest- The 12-year-old Siddha Gumber, who rockets, air planes, buildings and ve- ing due to its strong foreign exchange ments to multiply compared with other hails from Haryana, and was earlier rec- hicles. I was able to recognize a lot of reserves and high potential for portfo- markets on the list. There is also concern ognized by the 'India Book of World the air plane tails, and my mother lio inflows. Second-ranked Russia's with the valuation of China's currency. Records', achieved the Guinness record helped me compile them in PowerPoint strength lay in its healthy external ac- Its valuation is third-highest based on last month, the Gulf News has reported. slides so I could identify them," Gumber counts, a strong fiscal profile as well as Bloomberg's computations and may He was recognized in the 'India Book' told Gulf News. an undervalued ruble. tumble. On the flip side, its central bank for being the youngest person to iden- Gumber can now easily recognize Taiwan and South Korea (joint third) may intervene should it strengthen. ANI tify the top 100 tallest buildings of the about 300 of airplane tails. IANS January 1, 2021 Top Stories India Post 7 www.indiapost.com

Stranded Indian expats Science has delivered, will the WTO deliver? in UAE to get free stay TRIPS waiver proposal from India, ABU DHABI: Indian expats from Saudi wing Indian Cultural Foundation (ICF) South Africa and other members Arabia and Kuwait, who are currently tied up with construction firm Aasa BRAJENDRA NAVNIT stranded in United Arab Emirates (UAE) Group to arrange the free accommoda- proposal by India, South Africa Merely a signal to ensure timely in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic- tion and food. and eight other countries calls and affordable access to vaccines and induced travel restrictions, are set to Reacting to the development, Aon the World Trade Organiza- treatments will work as a big confi- get free accommodation, a media re- Mohammed Musthafa, one of the tion (WTO) to exempt member coun- dence booster for demand revival in port said. stranded expats, said: "We are four tries from enforcing some patents, the economy. With the emergence of The expats, around 300 of them and people working in the same restaurant. and other Intellectual Property (IP) successful vaccines, there appears to rights under the organization's be some hope on the horizon. But how Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects will these be made accessible and af- of IntellectualPropertyRights, known fordable to global population? The as TRIPS, for a limited period of time. fundamental question is whether It is to ensure that IPRs do not restrict there will be enough of Covid-19 vac- the rapid scaling- up of manufactur- cines to go around. As things stand, ing of COVID-19 vaccines and treat- even the most optimistic scenarios ments. While a few members have today cannot assure access to Covid- raised concerns about the proposal, a 19 vaccines and therapeutics for the large proportion of the WTO member- majority of the population, in rich as ship supports the proposal. It has also well as poor countries, by the end of received the backing of various inter- 2021. All the members of the WTO national organizations, multilateral have agreed on one account that agencies and global civil society. there is an urgent need to scale-up mostly from Kerala, took an indirect We spent around Rs 70,000 for the Unprecedented times call for unor- the manufacturing capacity for vac- route of flying via the UAE to Saudi 'quarantine package' in the UAE which thodox measures. We saw this in the cines and therapeutics to meet the Arabia and Kuwait since there were no includes everything for our 14-day massive global direct flights from India, said the Gulf quarantine here before flying to Ku- The situation appears to be grimmer needs. The News report. wait." than predicted; we have already lost 7% of TRIPS Waiver According to the report, they were Another expat Sreejith K, who works in Proposal seeks caught off guard with the news about the same establishment as Musthafa, said: economic output from the baseline scenario to fulfill this flight suspensions in Saudi Arabia and "We did the Covid-19 test on December projected in 2019. It translates to a loss of need by ensur- Kuwait, after completing a 14-day man- 21 and the travel agency sent a vehicle to more than USD 6 trillion of global GDP ing that IP barri- datory quarantine in the UAE. transport us from the Ajman hotel to the ers do not Dubai Markaz Centre's volunteers' airport on December 22. IANS come in the way efficacy of strict lockdowns for a lim- of such scaling up of manufacturing ited period, as a policy intervention, capacity. in curtailing the spread of the pan- Houston Mayor urges collective demic. International Monetary Fund Why existing flexibilities under the (IMF) in its October 2020 edition of TRIPS Agreement are not enough efforts to reduce violence World Economic Outlook states The existing flexibilities under the "…However, the risk of worse growth TRIPS Agreement are not adequate, HOUSTON: Houston Mayor Sylvester and meeting people's needs and letting outcomes than projected remains siz- as these were not designed keeping Turner has urged community leaders to people know that we care," he said. able. If the virus resurges, progres- pandemics in mind. Compulsory li- work together to bring down violence "It requires all hands working in all sion treatments and vaccines is censes are issued on a country-by- in the city located in the US state of communities and letting people know slower than anticipated, or countries' country, case-by-case and product- Texas. that we are not just there to police access to them remains unequal, eco- by-product basis, where every juris- Joining community leaders at a "Stop them, we are to uplift these people," nomic activity could be lower than diction with an IP regime would have the Violence H-Town" rally, Turner said the Mayor added. expected, with renewed social dis- to issue separate compulsory li- the number of violent crimes in Hous- Houston police have reported several tancing and tighter lockdowns". The censes, practically making collabora- ton has been on the rise in the year times that the crime rate in the city in- situation appears to be grimmer than tion among countries extremely 2020, reports Xinhua news agency. creased this year. predicted; we have already lost 7% of onerous. While we encourage the use He said he exchanged ideas with a According to Houston Crime Stop- economic output from the baseline of TRIPS flexibilities, the same are number of US Mayors recently to ad- pers, a community program that helps scenario projected in 2019. It trans- time-consuming and cumbersome to dress this issue. people to provide anonymous informa- lates to a loss of more than USD 6 tril- implement. Hence, only their use can- "2020 has been a challenging year. tion about criminal activity, 2020 is one lion of global GDP.Even a 1% improve- not ensure the timely access of af- While everybody is dealing with this of the most violent years in the ment in global GDP from the baseline fordable vaccines and treatments. pandemic how do we bring down the country's fourth populous city since the scenario will add more than USD 800 The author is Ambassador and Per- violence?" he queried. 1990s. billion in global output, offsetting the manent Representative of India to While giving credit to the organizers While there were a total of 120,256 loss certainly of a much lower order WTO of this event, Turner urged more lead- crimes reported in the city, the crime to a sector of economy on account of For detailed story visit ers to listen to people's needs. rate stood at 51.71 per cent, according the Waiver. www.indiapost.com "It's not just about adding police. It's to figures provided by Neighborhood Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author about getting in these communities Scout. IANS 8 India Post Top Stories January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com India's foreign policy in 2020 saw recalibration following Chinese misadventure

NEW DELHI: India embarked recalibrate its external en- clash in the Galwan Valley that India's "relationship with the global strategic partnership" on a major foreign policy over- gagements, India mounted a left 20 Indian soldiers dead in world" cannot be the same as during a two-day visit to India drive in 2020, bringing its vi- diplomatic push, focusing on mid-June. The Chinese side when its ranking was much in February by President sion for a rules-based Indo-Pa- boosting ties with major glo- also suffered casualties but it is lower, adding the country now Donald Trump, accompanied cific as a cornerstone of its di- bal players like the US, Japan, yet to give out the details. Ac- matters more on key issues and by First Lady Melania, daugh- plomacy and displaying a the UK and France with a cording to an American intelli- its global view must process ter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared steely resolve to fashion a re- larger goal to increase its geo- gence report, the number of that in all its aspects. Kushner and a host of top offi- gional environment conducive political heft and position itself casualties on the Chinese side With the region witnessing cials of his administration. to its strategic interests in the as a credible force wedded to "This relationship is the face of China's transgression peace, stability and interna- The ties between the two Asian powers most important partnership of attempts in eastern Ladakh tional law in contrast to nosedived significantly following a fierce clash in the 21st century," Prime Minis- that caused the most serious Beijing's expansionist behav- ter Narendra Modi said in his damage to the bilateral rela- ior. the Galwan Valley that left 20 Indian soldiers media statement after talks tions in over four decades. The ties between the two dead in mid-June. The Chinese side also suffered with Trump on February 25, re- As the bitter border stand- Asian powers nosedived sig- casualties but it is yet to give out the details flecting growing congruence off with China forced it to nificantly following a fierce in ties between the two leading democracies. was 35. new geopolitical alignments, In October, India and the US External Affairs Minister S India too redoubled efforts to sealed the long-pending BECA Jaishankar bluntly told his Chi- boost strategic cooperation (Basic Exchange and Coopera- nese counterpart that the "un- with countries in India's imme- tion Agreement) agreement to precedented development diate neighborhood, Gulf re- further boost bilateral defense will have a serious impact on gion, Central Asia and member ties. The pact provides for shar- the bilateral relationship". nations of the ASEAN (Associa- ing of high-end military tech- Drawing a firm and clear line tion of Southeast Asian Na- nology, logistics and geospatial on its China policy, India held tions) grouping. maps between the two coun- the neighboring country ac- However, India's relations tries. countable for triggering the with Pakistan remained un- India expects the relations Ladakh standoff by violating changed as Islamabad contin- to grow further under Joe rules of engagement on bor- ued with its support to cross Biden's presidency as he is der management and con- border terrorism to create in- known to be a strong propo- veyed that peace and tranquil- stability in Jammu and Kashmir nent of closer India-US ties ity along the Line of Actual while New Delhi maintained a since his days as a senator in Control (LAC) are the basis for policy of hot pursuit to deal the 1970s. progress of the rest of the rela- with the menace. In many ways, New Delhi's tionship and they cannot be India also continued its dip- efforts to further improve rela- separated. In the midst of the standoff One of the key takeaways of India's diplomatic that erupted in early May, Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign engagement in 2020 was major expansion of Minister Wang Yi agreed on a five-point pact to resolve the strategic partnership with the US including on row at a meeting in Moscow on key regional and global issues September 10. However, a con- crete breakthrough is yet to be found to end the faceoff at lomatic offensive against Paki- tions with Russia, Australia, the friction points. stan on the issue of terrorism Germany, South Korea, Viet- "India's rise will evoke its and remained firm on not hav- nam, Indonesia and the African own reactions and responses. ing any talks with Islamabad continent resulted in rich divi- There will be attempts to di- until it stops cross border ter- dends. lute our influence and limit our rorism. In the neighborhood, interests. Some of this contes- One of the key takeaways of India's relations with Nepal tation can be directly in the se- India's diplomatic engage- came under some strain after curity domain; others could be ment in 2020 was major expan- Defense Minister Rajnath reflected in economics, con- sion of strategic partnership Singh inaugurated an 80-km- nectivity and even in societal with the US including on key long strategically crucial contacts," Jaishankar said at a regional and global issues like road connecting the Lipulekh think-tank recently. resolve to work jointly for a pass with Dharchula in Outlining the broad con- free and stable Indo-Pacific. Uttarakhand in May. Nepal tours of an assertive foreign The two countries elevated claimed the road passed policy, Jaishankar held that their ties to a "comprehensive through its territory. PTI January 1, 2021 India Post 9 www.indiapost.com

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MEXICO CITY: Mexico aims time to undertake the to address the causes of immi- dangerous trip to the gration with the incoming ad- United States’ ministration of US President- 10 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 elect Joe Biden, Mexican Presi- dent Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. Lopez Obrador's remarks Biden: Reversing Trump immigration came after he held a 20- minute telephone conversa- tion with Biden over last week- policies will take months end, in which they agreed to strengthen bilateral immigra- WILMINGTON: President- need is to say we're going to Biden will take executive ac- But Sullivan emphasized tion policy, reports Xinhua elect Joe Biden says it will take stop immediately, the access tion where possible to address that many of those reforms will news agency. months to roll back some of to asylum, the way it's being issues with the immigration take time. According to the Biden-Har- President Donald Trump's ac- run now, and then end up with system, and emphasized plans He cautioned that "increas- ris team, during the call the tions on immigration, offering 2 million people on our bor- to provide humanitarian aid ing processing capacity and "President-elect thanked a slower timeline than he changing policy at the border Lopez Obrador for his con- promised on the campaign will take time," and warned gratulations and expressed his trail and one that may rile ad- those considering fleeing for commitment to build a strong vocates pushing for speedy ac- the US to wait, predicting it relationship with Mexico on a tion on the issue. will take "months" for the His comments echo those Biden Administration to fully foundation of respect for the made by two of his top foreign implement their plans with re- rule of law and advancing policy advisers in an interview spect to Latin America. shared values". with Spanish wire service EFE, "Given the pandemic and "The President-elect em- hitting the brakes on rolling the large number of migrants phasized the need to reinvigo- back Trump's restrictive asy- already waiting in northern rate US-Mexico cooperation to lum policies. Mexico, now is not the time to ensure safe and orderly migra- Susan Rice, Biden's incoming undertake the dangerous trip tion, contain Covid-19, revital- domestic policy adviser, and Joe Biden to the United States," he said. ize the economies of North Jake Sullivan, his pick for na- "It will take months until we America, and secure our com- tional security adviser, as well der," Biden said. and help bolster Latin Ameri- are able to fully implement our mon border," the team said in as Biden himself, warned that He noted that more funding can economies to try to ad- plans." Rice said, "Processing a statement. moving too quickly could cre- is needed for more asylum dress the root cause of the in- capacity at the border is not Addressing a briefing re- ate a new crisis at the border. judges to process claims, and flux of immigrants to the US. like a light that you can just cently, the Mexican President Speaking to reporters in promised that while he will Biden "will work to promptly switch on and off." said: "He (Biden) knows that Wilmington, Delaware, Biden work to loosen Trump's asylum undo" Trump's deals with Gua- "Our priority is to reopen people leave their places of said he's already started dis- restrictions, "it's going to take temala, Honduras and El Salva- asylum processing at the bor- origin out of necessity, not for cussing the issues with the probably the next six months dor that let the US transfer asy- der consistent with the capac- pleasure, so what you have to Mexican president and "our to put that in place." lum seekers to those countries, ity to do so safely and to pro- do is to get to the causes and friends in Latin America" and His comments come as inter- and will "follow through" on his tect public health, especially in promote the development of that "the timeline is to do it so ceptions along the border have commitment to end a Trump- the context of COVID-19. This the south." IANS that we in fact make it better increased in recent months. era program that returns un- effort will begin immediately not worse." "The last thing we According to data from Cus- documented border crossers but it will take months to de- toms and Border Patrol, deten- tions in October increased by The last thing we need is to say we're going PRADEEP ROY-SINGH 30 per cent from September, and remained at that rate in to stop immediately, the access to asylum, the B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. November. Some experts pre- Attorney-at-Law dict the surge could increase in way it's being run now, and then end up with 2 Former Assistant States Attorney the early months of Biden's presidency, as a response to million people on our border, Biden said 1 Civil & Criminal Litigation the damage wrought by the 1 Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI two hurricanes that have pum- 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. meled Central America and the to Mexico to await their legal velop the capacity that we will 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties economic fallout from the pan- proceedings, Sullivan said. need to reopen fully," she said. demic, as well as expectations On his campaign website, But Michelle Heisler, medi- http://www.proy-singh.com of a more humane approach to Biden promised to end the cal director of Physicians for immigration from the Biden agreement with Mexico, Human Rights, expressed con- 2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Administration. known as the Migrant Protec- cerns about the pace of Chicago, IL 60659 Tel: 773-381-1820 Sullivan and Rice both said tion Protocols, within the first change during a conference in their interview with EFE that 100 days of his presidency. call. AP January 1, 2021 Immigration Post India Post 11 www.indiapost.com

China hits back with visa bans against US officials behind new Tibet policy act

BEIJING: China has said it would impose reciprocal measures against unnamed American officials and their family members who were behind a legislation passed by the US Congress on Tibet, asserting that it brooks no interference in its internal affairs. The US Congress has approved a USD 900-billion COVID-19 relief package along with USD 1.4 trillion of regular government funding, that also includes some acts regarding Tibet and Taiwan, as well as clauses relating to the Hong Kong Spe- cial Administrative Region, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The act directs the US government to issue economic and visa sanctions against any Chinese official who interferes with the Dalai Lama's suc- cession. The bill also prohibits China from establishing US population growth smallest in any new consulates in the US until Washington is granted its own diplomatic outpost in Tibet, at least 120 years Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. WASHINGTON: The US population grew by the creased 1.3 per cent. Reacting angrily to the new legislation on Ti- smallest rate in at least 120 years from 2019 to 2020, Sixteen states lost population, including California, bet, the Chinese Foreign Ministry called on US according to latest figures released by the US Census the nation's most populous state, which declined 0.18 President Donald Trump not to sign it into law. Bureau, a trend that demographers say provides a per cent to 39.3 million residents. "Tibet, Taiwan and Hong Kong affairs bear on glimpse of the coronavirus pandemic's toll. New York the pandemic's epicenter in the spring China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They Population growth in the US already was stagnant had the nation's biggest decline, losing an estimated are purely China's internal affairs that brook no over the past several years due to immigration restric- 126,000 residents, or a dip of 0.65 per cent. foreign interference," Chinese Foreign Ministry tions and a dip in fertility, but coronavirus-related The Empire State has been losing residents since spokesman Wang Wenbin told a media briefing deaths exacerbated that lethargic-growth trend, said 2016, but the drop from 2019 to 2020 was signifi- here while responding to questions on the new William Frey, a senior fellow at The Brooking cantly larger than in years past. US legislation. Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program. New York's population decline was followed by Illi- China has taken reciprocal countermeasures I think it's a first glimpse of where we may be head- nois, with a 0.63 per cent drop; Hawaii, with a 0.61 per against the US individuals and their family mem- ing as far as low population growth," Frey said. cent decline; West Virginia, with a 0.58 per cent drop; bers who are primarily responsible for recent It's telling you that and Mississippi, with interference in China's internal affairs," Wang this is having an im- a 0.38 per cent de- said. He, however, did not specify who or how pact on population." The US population grew by 0.35 per cent from cline. many people were affected. The US population July 2019 to July 2020, an increase of 1.1 million The estimates re- He said the Chinese government is firmly de- grew by 0.35 per leased Tuesday (22 termined to safeguard China's sovereignty, se- cent from July 2019 people in a nation whose estimated population Dec.) were con- curity and development interests. to July 2020, an in- in July was more than 329 million residents, ducted indepen- "We urge the US side to stop interfering in crease of 1.1 million dently of the 2020 China's internal affairs, and not to sign into law people in a nation according to Census Bureau estimates census, which is a or implement negative content and clauses in whose estimated head count of every relation to China in relevant acts, so as not to fur- population in July was more than 329 million residents, US resident, but they offer a preview of what the cen- ther harm bilateral cooperation and the overall according to Census Bureau estimates. sus may show once its data are finished being situation of China-US relations," Wang said. An analysis by Frey shows that it's the smallest in- crunched. The White House has indicated that President crease this century and smaller than any in the last The data from the once-a-decade census are used Trump will sign the bill into law, the Post report century as well. to determine how many congressional seats each said. According to overseas Tibetan groups, the At the height of the Spanish flu, the growth rate state gets based on population, as well as the distri- Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 (TPSA) from 1918 to 1919 was 0.49 per cent even with US bution of USD 1.5 trillion in federal funding. passed by the US Congress makes it official troops abroad during World War I. The estimates show that California could lose a United States policy that decisions regarding The Northeast and Midwest regions of the US had House seat for the first time in the state's history, while the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama are exclu- tiny population declines from 2019 to 2020, while the Texas could gain three seats and Florida could gain sively within the authority of the current Dalai South and West regions had slight increases. two seats, according to an analysis by Frey. Lama, Tibetan Buddhist leaders and the Tibetan Among the states, Idaho had the largest single-year Five other states Arizona, Colorado, Montana, North people. population increase, growing 2.1 per cent to 1.8 mil- Carolina and Oregon stand to gain one seat. Alabama, The Dalai Lama, Tibet's 85-year-old exiled lion residents. It was followed by Arizona, which grew Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsyl- spiritual leader, has been demanding meaning- 1.8 per cent; Nevada, which increased 1.5 per cent; vania, Rhode Island and West Virginia stand to lose a ful autonomy for Tibetans. PTI Utah, which grew 1.4 per cent and Texas, which in- seat, according to Frey. AP Tech News Facebook to offer hardware US holiday retail security keys to users in 2021 sales grow 3%, online NEW DELHI: Facing various probes over data privacy and secu- sales jump 49% TechBiz rity, Facebook will provide new options in 2021 to users to safeguard their information, like hardware security tokens along with SAN FRANCISCO: Retail sales expanding its Protect programme to more accounts. in the US rose three per cent Facebook's head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher told during this year's expanded Axios that the social network plans to roll out mobile support for holiday season, running from 12 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 hardware security tokens for users in 2021. IANS October 11 through Decem- ber 24, while online sales in the country grew 49 per cent as compared to 2019, said a re- Tump signs massive coronavirus relief port by Mastercard. The findings underscore the shift to online spending, with e- and spending package into law commerce accounting for 19.7 per cent of overall retail sales -- up WASHINGTON: US President hardship that was caused by terminated or substantially re- going to the American people from approximately 13.4 per cent Donald Trump has signed into the "China virus". formed, Trump said. in the form of USD2,000 in 2019, said the latest Mastercard law a massive USD 2.3 trillion I understand that many small Likewise, the House and cheques per adult and USD600 Spending Pulse report. spending bill that includes a businesses have been forced to Senate have agreed to focus per child, he insisted. "American consumers USD 900 billion coronavirus re- close as a result of harsh actions strongly on the very substan- Trump's signing of the bill turned the holiday season on lief package, averting a gov- by Democrat-run states. Many tial voter fraud, which took comes as the pandemic accel- its head, redefining 'Home For ernment shutdown and ex- erates in the country. The US The Holidays' in a uniquely tending coronavirus aid to mil- currently has a total of 19.1 mil- 2020 way. They shopped from lions suffering from the eco- lion confirmed cases of home for the home, leading to nomic impact of the pandemic. coronavirus, according to record e-commerce growth," Trump initially refused to Johns Hopkins University. More Steve Sadove, senior advisor approve the legislation for than 333,110 Americans have for Mastercard and former days after receiving it. He had already died due to the virus. CEO and Chairman of Saks Inc., called the bill a disgrace. Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a said in a statement. IANS It was not immediately clear statement said that the signing why Trump, who leaves office of the bipartisan, bicameral on January 20, finally decided coronavirus relief legislation is India's role vital in to sign the bill into law. He had welcome news for the four- equitable distribution been under growing pressure teen million Americans who of COVID-19 vaccines from both sides of Congress to just lost the lifeline of unem- sign the bill. ployment benefits on Christ- I am signing this bill to re- mas weekend, and for the mil- store unemployment benefits, lions more struggling to stay stop evictions, provide rental President Donald Trump afloat during this historic pan- assistance, add money for PPP, demic and economic crisis. return our airline workers back people are back to work, but place in the November 3 Presi- This relief legislation is a to work, add substantially my job is not done until every- dential election, he said. down payment on what is NEW DELHI: With vaccine more money for vaccine distri- one is back to work, he said. Fortunately, as a result of my needed to crush the virus, put rollout beginning in some coun- bution, and much more, Trump Trump also indicated his work with Congress in passing money in the pockets of the tries, the world ravaged by the said in a statement. continued objections to the bill the CARES Act earlier this year, American people and honor our COVID-19 pandemic is looking The massive bill includes and insisted that he was push- we avoided another Great De- heroes our health care workers, to India for the large-scale pro- USD 1.4 trillion to fund govern- ing for the USD 2,000 payment pression. Under my leadership, first responders, transit and sani- duction and supply of ment agencies through Sep- per American. Project Warp Speed has been a tation workers and teachers. coronavirus vaccines as it en- tember. The House will vote to in- tremendous success, my Ad- "We need to ensure robust ters 2021. His signature avoids a partial crease payments to individuals ministration and I developed a support for state and local gov- As the pandemic hit the government shutdown, as ernment to distribute and ad- world in 2020, Indian pharma spending was set to run out ‘As president, I have told Congress that minister a vaccine, keep work- industry rose to the occasion Tuesday 29 December. I want far less wasteful spending and more ers employed and prevent and was able to manufacture Among its many provisions, money going to the American people in the devastating service cuts and and maintain supply chains the coronavirus relief package in- form of USD2,000 cheques per adult we must do so as soon as pos- even during the lockout pe- cludes direct payments to quali- sible, Pelosi said. riod, and exported medicines fying Americans, worth up to USD and USD600 per child’ Now, the President must im- such as HCQ and paracetamol 600 per adult and child; a boost mediately call on Congres- to more than 150 countries, in weekly unemployment ben- from USD 600 to USD 2,000. vaccine many years ahead of sional Republicans to end their keeping its image of 'Reliable efits; and funds for small-business Therefore, a family of four would wildest expectations, and we obstruction and to join him Pharmacy of the World'. aid and vaccine distribution. receive USD 5,200. Additionally, are distributing these vac- and Democrats in support of The world is again looking at In the statement, Trump said Congress has promised that cines, and others soon coming, our stand-alone legislation to India as a beacon of hope to that as president it is his re- Section 230, which so unfairly to millions of people, he said. increase direct payment manufacture and supply the huge sponsibility to protect the benefits Big Tech at the ex- As president, I have told Con- cheques to USD 2,000, which number of vaccines needed to people of our country from the pense of the American people, gress that I want far less waste- will be brought to the Floor tackle the pandemic. PTI economic devastation and will be reviewed and either be ful spending and more money Monday, she said. PTI January 1, 2021 TechBiz Post India Post 13 www.indiapost.com MediaTek becomes largest Tech Briefs smartphone chipset vendor in Q3 Every business must aspire

NEW DELHI: Riding on its Meanwhile, Qualcomm was mid-end smartphone price to go digital in 2021 stellar performance in China the biggest 5G-chipset vendor segment ($100-$250) and and India, MediaTek became globally in the third quarter, emerging markets like LATAM NEW DELHI: A key learning port said earlier this month. the biggest smartphone according to Counterpoint Re- and MEA, the US ban on from the pandemic-hit year is Also, more than half (56 chipset vendor with 31 per search. Huawei and finally wins in that every business needs to per cent) of Indian firms said leading OEMs like Samsung, be a digital business and resil- they plan to run an inte- Xiaomi and Honor," said Re- ience, adaptability and life- grated hybrid environment search Director Dale Gai. long learning have been key within five years, stating that The share of MediaTek skills that stood out this year, traditional data center pen- chipsets in Xiaomi has in- industry leaders said recently. etration will drop from 13 creased by more than three According to Rajiv Bhalla, per cent to 3 per cent. times since the same period Managing Director, Barco In- "Cloud infrastructure is last year. dia, 2020 has been a transfor- now a critical component of "MediaTek was also able to mative year and it has IT infrastructure, as Indian leverage the gap created due changed the way we work. enterprises branch further to the US ban on Huawei. Af- "A growing trend in hybrid into investing in digitization fordable MediaTek chips fabri- working enabled with digital and look for secure alterna- cated by TSMC became the transformation was wit- tives for their workloads," first option for many OEMs to nessed through 2020. The said Balakrishnan quickly fill the gap left by leadership structure and Anantharaman, managing di- Huawei's absence," Dei said in work culture underwent a rector, sales, India and cent market share in Q3 2020 "MediaTek's strong market a statement. for the first time, as share gain in Q3 2020 hap- Qualcomm powered 39 per smartphone sales rebounded pened due to three reasons - cent of the 5G phones sold in the September quarter. strong performance in the worldwide. The demand for 5G smartphones doubled in Q3 Cloud to fuel 6 key priorities for 2020 - 17 per cent of all smartphones sold in Q3 2020 Indian firms in 2021: IBM CTO were 5G. This impressive growth tra- NEW DELHI: While 2020 saw South Asia. jectory is going to continue, an acceleration in the adoption "The next chapter of the more so with Apple launching of Hybrid Cloud, allowing orga- cloud demands the power to its 5G line-up. One-third of all nizations to run workloads on- quickly innovate and respond smartphones shipped in Q4 premises, in the private cloud to changing market and client 2020 are expected to be 5G sea change as organizations SAARC, Nutanix. and the public cloud, the next demands- build once and de- enabled. strived to limit the pandemic According to Anku Jain, year will see six key technol- ploy anywhere. With cloud in- Research Analyst Ankit backlash and drive a digital Managing Director, ogy priorities for firms of all vestment being key, we will Malhotra said: "Qualcomm and and hybrid transition," Bhalla MediaTek India, 2020 has set sizes to adopt in the country, a witness six major technology MediaTek have both reshuffled told IANS. the stage for 5G to go main- key IBM executive has in- priorities enabled by cloud in their portfolios, and consumer fo- Many organizations stream and 2021 will drive formed. 2021," Natarajan told IANS. cus has played a key role here". worked towards ensuring the next level of innovation In 2021, not only will orga- A recent IBM study high- Last year, MediaTek business continuity em- across sectors, be it remote nizations continue to focus on lighted that organizations in launched a new gaming-based ployee wellbeing and piv- working, gaming, healthcare, G-series, while Dimensity oted towards adapting manufacturing, video and A recent IBM study highlighted that chipsets have helped in bring- themselves to navigate and data consumption. organizations in India will increase the share of ing 5G to affordable catego- survive through the storm. "This will also lead to an spend on Hybrid Cloud, from the current 17 ries. "As we enter 2021, organi- increase in demand for next- The world's cheapest 5G de- zations will focus on talent gen 5G smartphones, newer per cent to about 49 per cent by 2023 vice, the Realme V3, is powered strategies, leadership, and applications and smart de- by MediaTek. culture, combined with a fo- vices like smart TVs, tablets, ensuring they make the right India will increase the share of "The immediate focus of cus on deep tech and phones integrated with technology choices, they will spend on Hybrid Cloud, from chipset vendors will be to reskilling," Bhalla added. voice interface, etc.," Jain adopt a holistic, hybrid multi- the current 17 per cent to bring 5G to the masses, which More than half (63 per told IANS. cloud architecture, allowing about 49 per cent by 2023. will then unlock the potential cent) of Indian enterprises 2021 will see a bigger them to easily build and mod- The Indian organizations are of consumer 5G use cases like surveyed have ramped up trend towards improved re- ernize applications and make expected to be using an average cloud gaming, which in turn their investment in Hybrid mote work capabilities with their data ready for their jour- of 10 clouds, however, only 29 will lead to higher demand for Cloud as a direct result of the 5G SoCs taking smartphone ney to AI across the company, per cent of businesses will have higher clocked GPUs and more pandemic, compared to 46 and smart device experience said Subram Natarajan, Chief holistic multi-cloud management powerful processors," per cent globally, a new re- to the next level. IANS Technology Officer, IBM India/ strategies in place by 2023. IANS Malhotra elaborated. IANS 14 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021

s the year 2020 turned out to be quite unpre MILEY CYRUS: dictable with a once-in-a-century pandemic In May 2020, when people were searching for Astriking the world, people stuck at their homes options to keep their fashion statement straight, PRIYANKA CHOPRA amid the COVID-induced lockdown, Hollywood and Miley Cyrus transformed her look with a new JONAS Bollywood stars set their fashion record straight, by hairstyle. The Wrecking Ball songstress tried a experimenting with their looks and fashion state- pixie mullet haircut and is still rocking the same. ments and setting fashion goals for their fans. As we are about to bid adieu to the year 2020, TIFFANY HADDISH: here's a list of stars who stood out with their unique American comedian Tiffany Haddish shaved her experiments amid coronavirus induced lockdown: head during the lockdown and the result was stunning. She posted a video of her on Instagram KIM KARDASHIAN WEST: and inspired people to get the bald style. No stranger to switching her hair, American TV per- Here are some celebrities who changed sonality Kim Kardashian West not only set a new trend their clothing style to comfortable and but also shocked her fans with the standout change. chic. The mother of four colored her hair bright poppy in July 2020 and her followers were certainly left awe- KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN: struck with the stunning change. As the Bollywood star is a fashion icon herself, the actor made HILARY DUFF: sure to give fashion goals to her With salons closed due to the coronavirus pan- fans even amid the lockdown. The MILEY CYRUS demic, people had to get a little crafty with their hair, actor sported loosely fitted kaf- so did American actor Hilary Duff. She dyed her hair tans. blue. The Lizzie McGuire star tried a shoulder cut and Kareena en- amazed fans with her neon blue hair. couraged everyone to stay fash- ionable even at home during the lockdown. The actor was all about comfort in the 2020 lockdown.

KARTIK AARYAN: Turning into an ultimate lockdown fashion icon, Kartik Aaryan came out of his boy- next-door look and sported a whole new avatar with long locks and a beard. He stunned everyone at a digital show after he turned showstopper for designer Manish Malhotra and donned a royal look, like never before.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS: During the lockdown, the actor did not shy away from relaxing in her HILARY DUFF most comfortable dresses and sweatshirts. The actor even ex- perimented with her hairstyle with fringes KIM KARDASHIAN WEST and short bangs and the fans couldn't resist her KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN new hairstyle. ANI January 1, 2021 India Post 15

www.indiapost.com Chef Kunal Kapoor shares tips to fulfill your eating resolution in 2021

NEW DELHI: 2021 is just a few days Eat a snack everyday: While planning away and we want to set the path right your meals, always ensure that you plan by turning into a healthier leaf. A lot of for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. people across the world are making We generally tend to get hungry dur- New Year resolutions that will help ing the evening and grab the closest them lead a wholesome life. snack- it could be potato chips or even Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapoor says ev- ice-cream. Instead, when you plan a ery year; we make a resolution to lead a snack for the day, you ensure that you healthier life by eating healthy and nu- are consciously making a choice to eat something healthy. A snack could be a lip- smacking bhel with toma- toes and onions or a simple, easy to make salad Prepping meals: If you are making a dish in the morning that requires vegetables, you could chop them the previous night and store it in the refrigerator. This will help you in spending less time prepping for your meal the next day Have a Morning Ritual: Once you wake up in the Adah Sharma urges people to turn vegetarian morning, don't grab that cup of coffee or tea, instead drink a glass of ctor Adah Sharma has urged fans to Talking about PETA's "Chicken being warm water, which will CHEF KUNAL turn vegetarian, adding that she friends and not food" initiative, Adah flush out the toxins from A KAPOOR enjoys a healthy lifestyle because of her added: "I am supporting this cause be- your system and will aid vegetarian diet. cause it's ingrained in my system. We digestion "I believe in this cause as I was born often see chickens loaded in jam- Drink water through into a vegetarian family. I have been a packed trucks or tempos while travel- ‘Don't concentrate on losing weight, the day: Ensure that you pure vegetarian since birth. I never ate ling -- just imagine if the same happens as weight gain or loss can be caused by are hydrated through the non-vegetarian food," Adah said. with human beings." day. Dehydration can a lot of factors. If the focus is shifted from Adah, along with People for the Ethi- She added: "A lot of people often ask cause fatigue and make weight loss to remaining fit, we won't cal Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, me what's the secret of my glowing you even hungrier threw a Christmas party for chickens. skin, healthy hair and creative mind. I subject ourselves to unreasonable Mindful eating: Keep PETA India had recently rescued the think it is being a vegetarian. If you eat body standards’ your phone on silent hens from slaughter, and before they healthy food, you can live a very healthy mode and don't look at headed to their new sanctuary home, life and you will enjoy your life even trient rich food that contains fresh pro- any screen while you are eating. Con- the birds were given a festive lunch of more if you are vegetarian, so I hope I duce. He suggests a few ways that can centrate on the food and savor the taste sweet corn, fruit, and other foods that can influence people to turn vegetarian aid you in fulfilling your fitness goal for of each morsel. Mindful eating enables they love, all spread out beautifully on a and make the world a healthy place." the year: you with a better understanding of table decorated for Christmas. IANS Focus on Fitness: Don't concentrate your appetite on losing weight, as weight gain or loss Moderation is key: If you force yourself can be caused by a lot of factors. If the off fried food and sweets, it may not nec- focus is shifted from weight loss to re- essarily help you. For example, if you maining fit, we won't subject ourselves haven't eaten a Gulab Jamun in a while and to unreasonable body standards. This suddenly come across it, you might just will also ensure the consumption of a end up eating a lot more than general. It's nutritious, balanced diet rather than the okay to indulge in your favorite dishes, just latest diet fad, which may not suit your remember to do so in moderation. body! Don't starve or skip meals: Each body Meal Planning: Make a weekly meal type is different and starving or fasting plan and write down the ingredients may not suit your metabolism. Fasting that you would require. Ensure you do can cause irritability and mood swings all the grocery shopping over the week- in people and drains you of the nutri- end and keep your fridge well stocked ents your body requires. IANSlife 16 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021

The main language spoken in the area is Tamil, though French is also widely spoken. Telugu and Malayalam are the other much Indian. French is still un- two official languages, but their derstood, and the whole city use is generally confined to ondicherry, though small fluence on the architecture of makes for a pleasant mix of the specific districts. English is spo- sun on a hot summer day. in geographical size, was the city, especially in the old East and West. It is also known ken by most educated people, Botanical Garden: The Bo- Pthe largest French colony quarters, with Rues and Boule- as The French Riviera of the East and is the lingua franca be- tanical Gardens add great edu- in India. The city has a long and vards lined with Mediterra- (La Côte d'Azur de l'Est). tween people from different cational and recreational value interesting history of trade and nean-style houses and bakeries, Visiting Tamil Nadu and ap- linguistic districts. Knowing En- to Pondicherry. The gate lead- war. There is a strong French in- although the city remains very proaching Pondicherry by land, glish or Tamil is necessary to ing to the garden is reminis- it is very likely to experience survive in the district as French cent of French architecture and mild culture shock on discover- alone will not help. it stands out from its immedi- ing French architecture and ate surroundings because it is restaurants serving steak and PLACES OF INTEREST: smack in the middle of the old good wine. The city has a dual Bharathi Park: The Govern- Tamil town. personality: crossing the cen- ment Park or Bharathi Park is in For detailed story visit tral canal from the east to the the green center of the French www.indiapost.com west reveals two different cit- Town and its lush trees provide ies with very different charac- ample relief from the scorching ter. Desi News How LA County serves our immigrant COMMUNITY communities VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service ACROSS AMERICA L.A. County has more than 10 million residents, which includes 3.6 million immigrants, January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com India Post 17 a third of the population, ac- Dr Santosh Kumar Presenting Award to Dr Murthy cording to a recent report from the University of Southern Cali- fornia. Immigrants are critical to the success of the county's Glittering MAFS Gala that economy as they make up 44% of its workforce and they also contribute to its vibrant culture. LA County sees its invest- Sparkled Worldwide ment in immigrant communi- RAMESH SOPARAWALA ties as an investment in the county's future. CHICAGO: Metropolitan kind and cash. She emphasized Asian Family Services (MAFS) the importance to be safe and Details on page 18 celebrated its 28 years of ser- alive as we welcome 2021. vice to the senior community, Following her speech, at a Virtual Gala on Saturday MAFS's Sagar Kumar pre- Dr.Vandana December 19,2020. sented the Annual Report. receives US State Illinois State Governor J. B. MAFSSecretary Major Rakesh Department Award Pritzker headlined the event Asthana highlighted MAFS's and paid glowing tributes to ongoing work during this Pan- PRAKASH M SWAMY MAFSand its Founder and Ex- demic. Board President Dr. CHENNAI: The U.S. Embassy ecutive Director - Dr. Santosh Firdaus Jaffri and MAFS Founder in India and the U.S. Consulate Kumar. Governor Pritzker's par- Dr. Santosh Kumar presented General in Chennai celebrated ticipation was truly appreci- the prestigious MAFS Commu- the 80th anniversary of the In- ated as this was the only In- nity Service Award to Dr Sarada MAFS Founder Dr Santosh Kumar with Prashant & Sagar ternational Visitors Leadership dian-American Event the Gov- Sonty, Co-Founder of Sapna.The Program (IVLP) flagship ex- ernor took part in 2020. Pramod Kumar Lifetime change by presenting the glo- Paula Basta, Director of Illi- Phillip Lanier of Age Options. thanked all for dignitaries for Achievement Award was bal 80 "Faces of Exchange (IVLP) nois Department of Aging Chairman of Global Strategic their support. She summarized awarded to Dr.Vemuri Murthy, Award" to Dr. Vandana (IDOA) - Paula Basta, Congress- Alliance Dr. Vijay Prabhakar in- all the beneficial MAFS pro- Chairman Of Chicago Medical Gopikumar, co-founder of man Raja Krishnamoorthi, troduced Cook County Board grams available to the commu- Society. This award reflected Chennai-based non-govern- India's Consul General at Chi- President Toni Preckwinkle nity members and outlined the the ideals &work of the Late Shri mental organization the Banyan cago Amit Kumar, State Repre- while delivering the Presiden- 2021 new initiatives. She de- Pramod Kumar, Co-Founder Of and the Banyan Academy of sentative Michelle tial Address, traced the growth scribed all the praiseworthy MAFSHis scientific outlook that Leadership in Mental Health Mussmanand Mayor of Of MAFS from 1992. precautionary measures her propelled him to one of the top (BALM) in a virtual program. Hanover Park Rodney Craig, Dr Firdaus Jaffri, MAFS Board organizations were taking dur- Business Tycoons in the Metal praised the work of MAFS par- President gave the welcome ing this Pandemic, to keep the And Brass Industry in the USA. Details on page 20 ticularly during this pandemic address. Dr. Santosh Kumar, community seniors and the for the seniors. Also present Founder of MAFS, in her open- staff safe. She thanked all the with the dignitaries were ing remarks welcomed and Donors for their support in Cont’d on page 22 Car Rally in Boston protesting W. Bengal atrocities GEETHA PATIL BOSTON: Indian American community of Greater Boston organized a Protest (car) Rally Boston, USA to save the people of West Bengal from political violence on Sunday, December 20, 2020. A good number of Indian American prominent representatives hailing from 18 different States in India.

Details on page 21 Dr Kumar Introducing IT Team Schaumburg Manager Ms Dipti Shah 18 India Post Community Across America January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com How LA County serves our immigrant communities

VIDYA SETHURAMAN "Please don't feel afraid, we're here to People who live in Los Angeles County nity Partnerships & Programs at LA India Post News Service help," Reyes said, adding, "Immigration and fall within StayHousedLA's income County'sDepartment of Health Services L.A. County has more than 10 million status is not an issue. The immigrant guidelines - $90,100 or less per year for discussed the legal services available residents, which includes 3.6 million community is vital to the LA County's a family of four, $63,100 or less for an for patients through the Medical Legal immigrants, a third of the population, economy, culture and way of life," said individual - qualify for limited legal rep- Service Program. Started in 2018, law- according to a recent report from the Rigo Reyes, OIA's executive director. resentation, document preparation and yers and medical teams work together University of Southern California. Immi- "Think of OIA as a door into the county," out-of-court negotiation and dispute to address some of the social determi- grants are critical to the success of the he said. "We have 39 departments that resolution help. For those whose in- nants. We address civil legal issues that county's economy as they make up 44% impact people's health. Maintaining the of its workforce and they also contrib- ‘The immigrant community is vital to the social safety net, she said, "is more im- ute to its vibrant culture. LA County portant now than ever." sees its investment in immigrant com- LA County's economy, culture and way of life," said Rigo The MyHealthLA program munities as an investment in the Reyes, OIA's executive director. "Think of OIA as a door into (dhs.lacounty.gov/mhla) can help ob- county's future. In the final briefing in tain medications and other health care its Ethnic Media COVID-19 Communica- the county," he said. "We have 39 departments that needs no matter the applicant's immi- tions Initiative, county leaders at the provide services to the immigrants’ gration status. forefront of serving the needs of all im- Daniel Sharp, chief of the county's migrants updated reporters on the sta- Office of Immigrant Affairs, summarized tus of Public Charge, TPS and DACA. provide services to the immigrants''. come is at or below 50% of the Area recent positive developments related The county has introduced a lot of Manuel Ruiz, Senior Policy Analyst, Median Income (AMI) - $56,300 for a to DACA, TPS and "public charge" rules. support programs for the immigrant Department of Consumer & Business family of four, $39,450 for individuals - DACA applications are now being ac- community. But there is a misconcep- Affairs discussed the free legal repre- the county can offer "full-scope" legal cepted under the terms of the original tion that utilizing these will affect their sentation for tenants facing eviction representation. Call (833) 223-7368, rules established in 2012, and previous immigrant status, said Rigoberto Reyes. through the Stay Housed LA Program. write to [email protected] or visit the authorizations have been extended an- multilingual website rent.lacounty.gov other year. Sharp "absolutely" recom- for more, Ruiz said. mended that people file new applica- Anna Gorman, Director of Commu- tions promptly. January 1, 2021 Community Across America India Post 19 www.indiapost.com Kader Sakkaria for IPSD District 204 School Board ASHFAQ SYED

NAPERVILLE: Kader Sakkaria order to ensure that school is running for IPSD District 204 education continues to be in School Board, scheduled for accordance with the demands April 6th, 2021. of the contemporary chal- Kader lenges. Sakkaria said Kader that the fast- Sakkaria changing ca- serves as the reer opportu- Chief Digital nities, chang- and Technol- ing educa- ogy Officer at tional land- RNL, which scape, helps Univer- emerging sities encour- technologies, age more stu- Covid-19 dents to en- team of community activists largely representing the Indian American Christian Pandemic im- roll. Prior to Acommunity called on Consul General of India Amit Kumar in celebration of the pact on men- joining RNL, season of Christmas with a cake cutting ceremony and a presentation of flower bou- tal health, at- Kader Sakkaria he held senior quet. CG Amit Kumar welcomed the team, exchanged pleasantries and offered the tention to positions in a compliments of the season with a warm reception. The team encompassed Keerthi Special Needs, etc. require number of eminent organiza- Kumar Ravoori, Gladson Varghese, Emmanuel Neela, Satish Dadepogu& Shirley fresh perspectives and innova- tions over the past two-and-a- tive intervention strategies in half decades. Kalvakota thanked Consul General for the warm reception. 20 India Post Community Across America January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com Dr.Vandana receives US State Department Award PRAKASH M SWAMY CHENNAI: The U.S. Embassy ternational Visitors Leadership Award" to Dr. Vandana and the Banyan Academy of located in Kerala, Maharashtra, in India and the U.S. Consulate Program (IVLP) flagship ex- Gopikumar, co-founder of Leadership in Mental Health and Tamil Nadu. The Banyan's General in Chennai celebrated change by presenting the glo- Chennai-based non-govern- (BALM) in a virtual program goals of social inclusion and par- the 80th anniversary of the In- bal 80 "Faces of Exchange (IVLP) mental organization the Banyan The U.S. Department of State, ticipation led to the develop- to commemorate the 80th anni- ment of two new models of care, versary of this prestigious world- widely recognized and taken to wide exchange program, recog- scale. She was also a member of nized 80 accomplished IVLP the first Mental Health Policy alumni as part of the "Faces of Ex- Group constituted by the Gov- change" initiative, focusing on ernment of India. their lives and leadership, and For the last 80 years, the In- the impact of their exchanges on ternational Visitor Leadership the global community. Program (IVLP) has brought During the "Faces of Ex- thousands of professionals to change" virtual award cer- the United States to cultivate emony and discussion forum, relationships with their Ameri- Consul General Judith Ravin can counterparts and address a congratulated Dr. Vandana "for her work and leadership that has enabled thousands of individuals with mental health issues in India to reintegrate into society." Expressing gratitude upon receiving the award, Dr. Vandana said, "This further strengthens the collaboration between the Banyan and the U.S. Consu- late and is a symbol of all Dr. Vandana that our organizations and countries stand/should stand wide variety of foreign policy for - justice, inclusive develop- issues. Since the first IVLP ex- ment, and equitable growth. I change participants arrived in am also glad that mental health, 1940, the network has grown to typically relegated to the mar- include over 225,000 alumni gins, has taken center stage, as from 160 countries and contin- it should, as a result." ues to build vital linkages be- Dr. Vandana, who traveled to tween U.S. citizens and emerg- the United States on an IVLP on ing international leaders. NGO Management in August Dr. Vandana is one of two re- 1998, is recognized for her work cipients in India. The other re- in the field of mental health. She cipient is Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, is a co-founder of the Banyan and founder of Prajwala, a non-gov- the Banyan Academy, organiza- ernmental organization in tions that address structural bar- Hyderabad that rescues, reha- riers and mental health concerns bilitates, and reintegrates sex- amongst ultra-vulnerable groups trafficked victims into society. January 1, 2021 Community Across America India Post 21 www.indiapost.com Car Rally in Boston protesting W. Bengal atrocities GEETHA PATIL BOSTON: Indian American commu- change. From the Harvard Business nity of Greater Boston organized a Pro- School, Cambridge, the car rally went to test (car) Rally Boston, USA to save the the Boston's Massachusetts State people of West Bengal from political House. There the rally participants dem- violence on Sunday, December 20, 2020. onstrated their protest in a democratic A good number of Indian American way and speakers delivered their brief prominent representatives hailing from speeches about the agenda of their 18 different States in India assembled protest and showed their support for at the Harvard Business School Parking the change to the audiences who gath- lot, Cambridge in support of this pro- ered there to learn about the protest. test and also lend support to the pro- Some of the bystanders and observ- testers in India who are fighting against ers knew about what is going on in the killings in West Bengal. A parade of ve- West Bengal and most of them ex- hicles was filled with the protesters, pressed their support to end such vio- written slogans, and the shouting that lence and protect the lives of common

A group of protesters people in West Bengal. work with NRIs all over the world and Anand Sahu, who is working for Un- develop some socio-cultural, trade and organized Workers Social Security, business, and service sector opportuni- spoke on the occasion as well and ties for their active India-USA partner- thanked all the organizers and partici- ship. pants of the rally for making it a success- A communication to the Indian Presi- ful one. He also appreciated the appeal dent read as follows: sent to Indian President by the non-resi- Dear President Kovind-ji dent Bengalis and non-resident Indians We are dismayed and appalled to to draw his kind attention to these observe that West Bengal has become a atrocities, which constitute unaccept- state where law and order have col- able human rights violations against the lapsed. Every day we hear of egregious people of West Bengal. acts of political violence, murder, and He also shared his plans saying that rape. Car Rally at Harvard Business School Parking lot he is interested in building a close net- Cont’d on page 26 included, 'Stop Killing in West Bengal,' 'Save West Bengal', 'West Bengal is Bleeding,' and 'Save Democracy.' The event was held in solidarity with international demonstrations. The speakers namely Pramit Maakoday, Anand Sahu, Kanchan Banerjee, Haimanti Banerjee, Sanjay Kaul, Vandana Sharma, Jagadish Tiwari, Sanjay Tripathi and Tushar Khairnar spoke on the current political culture in West Bengal and how it is consistently playing out in the colors of confronta- tion and has the potential to explode in violence. It is alleged that Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bengal, has apparently made political violence its primary weapon making political leaders and workers, even the public quite unsafe in West Bengal. People are ready for the change and they have the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as their only alternative currently and they want the BJP to shift gear to mount a frontal attack on the TMC through proper democratic process. Another speaker, Sanjay Kaul said that they see the violence like Kashmir in West Bengal, and they support the 22 India Post Community Across America January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com Income Cliff Looms for Millions - What Federal Relief Bill Could Mean

VIDYA SETHURAMAN surance benefit, extending eviction demic," said Lieu. cussed expiring unemployment insur- India Post News Service moratoriums for renters by a month and Chad Stone, Chief Economist at the ance benefits for workers who have Speakers at the EMS conference held a $600 direct payment to most Ameri- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities been unemployed for more than 26 on Dec 22 focused on the bleak pros- cans, according to the 5,600 page text discussed the unemployment crisis, weeks. The number of Americans pects for economic recovery this win- who've been unemployed for more ter amid the COVID-19 pandemic, un- than 26 weeks-the maximum duration employment crisis; expiring eviction of regular state unemployment ben- moratoriums which threaten to render efits in most states-has climbed from millions of U.S. residents homeless; and 1.1 million people in February, pre-pan- the limits of the Congressional relief demic, to 3.9 million in November. package. Meanwhile, other unemploy- Nearly four in 10 workers collecting un- ment provisions are set to expire this employment benefits last month have month, which could leave 12 million been filing claims for at least 27 weeks, Americans without jobless benefits. according to the Labor Department. Protections for renters and student loan Chad Stone notes that two-thirds of the borrowers are also set to run out. Labor Department's reported number Rep. Ted. Lieu, D-California - Con- of unemployment insurance recipients gressman Lieu discussed the federal are now in temporary programs that relief bill. Lawmakers struck a roughly were created by the CARES Act in March $908 billion COVID-19 stimulus deal and that expire just after Christmas. that includes another round of stimulus of the bill. "The COVID relief package is and racial and ethnic disparities in sus- checks and badly needed jobless ben- much smaller than I would have pre- tainable employment. ?He also dis- Cont’d on page 26 efits for struggling Americans, ending a ferred. But at the same time, it's better long standoff in Washington with one of than nothing and that is why I voted for the biggest rescue bills in U.S. history. it," said Rep. Ted Lieu. "This is not an in- The deal includes restarting a $300 significant bill. I just don't think is a big Glittering MAFS Gala that boost to the federal unemployment in- enough to address a scale of this pan- Sparkled Worldwide

Cont’d from page 17 from the movie "Pakeezah". Legendary Singer Anup Jalota added The success of the growth of delight by joining the Annual Gala Live MAFStoday is largely due to his gener- from Mumbai. His songs were soulful. ous contributions to MAFSover the MAFS Board got such an awesome years. The Partnership Award was given singer who was highly appreciated all to Steve Koustsonicolismanaging part- around. Sufi Singer Indira Naik in spite ner of Steeplechase, a certified public of her personal tragedy enthralled the accounting firm. audience virtually MAFS seniors from India. An inno- showcased a color- vative and peppy ful and brilliant Vir- performance "Seno- tual show to enter- rita" by the Vernon tain the viewers. The Hills ADS seniors performances be- over Zoom show- gan with a rocking cased how show by Niles Adult MAFSstaff adapted Day Care Young Se- technology to fit niors Aruban Mrs. today's scenario. Nargis Younus per- Dr. Santosh Kumar forming On awarded the best "WohLadki Hai employees. The Kaha". Schaumburg Loca- Schaumburg ADS tion Manager Dipti

seniors and staff Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Shah had put to- performed gether this spec- "Tippani" a folk tacular event, dance from the Chorda Region Of Roshita Pandey,Grant Manager Saurashtra Gujarat. The young partici- compered theevent skillfully. The IT pants wereSurya Mehta, Saroj Topiwala, team was applauded for their work to Nirmala Topiwala, Sudha Gandhi, Shard put together such a fantastic show. Patel, Chandrika Modi, Usha Soni, ShrenikDalal a pillar of strength during Kancha Shah. NapervilleADS senior COVID-19 with his gallant work got a Tabassum Rabbinidanced gracefully for pat on his back. Theshow ended with a Bollywood Number - "Inhi Logo Nein" Mrs. Kumar's appreciation speech. January 1, 2021 Community Across America India Post 23 www.indiapost.com Indian Seniors Zoom Video Meeting JAYANTI OZA

BharatiyaSeniors Executive Board Zoom Meet CHICAGO: The meeting of the It was given out that Pfizer If the Covidsituation im- today's meeting by telling the home in the, saying "Be cool Committee of Indian Senior Citi- and Moderna vaccines have proves in the year 2021, at members to stay safe, stay at and stay healthy". zens of Chicago was held on been approved in the United least more than 12 programs Wednesday, December 23, 2020 States for Corona-19 and vacci- will be arranged, the executive through Zoom Video nation has started. Initially committee members were in- Conferencing with the participa- health care workers, then se- formed. During the zoom tion of 20 executive mem- niors living in nursing meeting Rameshchandra and bers. The entire program homes are starting to Chandrika Gondalia, was conducted by be vaccinated in that ArvindbhaiGunapatel, Bachubhai Paghdal, order. Arrangements Praveenbhai Amin became Life Vice President of the will be made in league Members giving $ 1000. They organization. with Ragan Pharmacy were congratulated by all the Bachubhai Paghdal as soon as possible at committee members. pointed out that in the light of the Rana Reagan Community At the end of the program, Covid19 in the year 2020 no spe- Center to ensure that BSC Haribhai wished everyone a cial program or activity couldbe members get the corona virus Merry Christmas and a Happy done excepting only 3 programs. vaccine as per their priority. New Year 2021 and concluded 24 India Post Community Across America January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 Community Across America India Post 25 www.indiapost.com 26 India Post Community Across America January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com Awards given in memory of Mata Gujri Ji and Four Sahibzaade SURENDRA ULLAL CHICAGO: December is In Chicago, the community out any monetary help. Her late influence their lives. 4th was Chairman S Surinderpal Singh known as month of sacrifices in paid tribute to them with Sikh husband, S Kanwarpal Singh how have they implemented Kalra and Sikh Religious Soci- Sikh history as Sikhs 10th Guru, Seva Foundation, a newly Mehta was a Board member of the teachings of Shri Guru ety Religious committee Exec. Guru Gobind Singh ji sacrificed formed, 501 C, not for profit Sikh Religious Society Palatine Granth Sahib in their lives. Then Secretary Thakar Singh Basati. his whole family during its cold nights fighting against the tyr- anny of Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb. His father Guru Teg Bahadur ji was beheaded in public in Delhi in November. His 2 elder sons Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Juzhar Singh at the age of 17 and 14 died fighting in Shri Chamkaur Sahib while his two younger sons Baba Jorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh and Guru' mother Mata Gujri ji Beti Meher Kaur were imprisonedin bitter cold S Mehtab Singh S Jaskirat Singh S Anmol Singh in Thanda Burz (Cold Tower) in Suba (state) Sirhand, Punjab, In- organization giving $250 Gurdwara Sahib. there was question of if they Winners were given certifi- dia, without any covers or food. scholarships to Bibi Parvesh Both Palatine Gurdwara keep Sikh symbols on them, cates too to help in schools. The Younger sons or Kaur Mehta in memory of Mata Sahib and Wheaten Gurdwara weather they can read, write Sikh Seva Foundation is an Sahibzaade, (as we call them) Gujri ji and 4 scholarships to S Sahib have Sunday schools, Gurmukhi. extension of previous Sikh were offered bribes, threat- Anmol Singh, BetiMeher Kaur, S where children learn about Written papers were judged Outreach Society. It will con- ened to convert to Islam, which Jaskirat Singh and S Mehtab Sikh history and Sikh way of life. by Head Granthy of Wheaten tinue programs run by Sikh they refused. They were then Singh. So awards were limited to Gurdwara Sahib, Bhai Outreach Society like, 'Get to bricked alive. Then they were Bibi Mehta has been offer- both Sunday schools. There Mohinder Singh, Head know your Sikh Neighbor' and brought to Wazir Khan' court ing her services in Palatine were 4 main questions. First Granthy of Palatine Gurdwara 'Grandparents Day picnic'. and their throats cut in public Gurdwara Sahib for a long time were basic principals of Sikh Sahib, Bhai Parminderjit Singh, Now the main difference is not at the tender age of 6 and 8, in Langar. Anytime, there is philosophy. Second, what kinds Sikh Religious Society Board for profit status. Sikh Seva can which is against Islam. In help needed, she and her of problems Sikh kids face in member and Ex Principal Sun- be reached at Punjab, even today, many daughter always volunteer. school and how they handled. day School S Amardev Singh [email protected] or people do not hold any cel- Now, for a long time, she has 3rd was, how does the sacri- Badesha, Sikh Religious Soci- Thakar Singh Basati at 847-736- ebrations, some even sleep on been planting flowers, water- fices of Mata g and Sahibzaade ety Religious Committee 6092. floor to show respect. ing them, fertilizing them with- Income Cliff Looms for Millions - What Car Rally in Boston protesting Federal Relief Bill Could Mean W. Bengal atrocities Cont’d from page 22 Hepburn leads the Eviction way towards helping renters Cont’d from page 21 gious affiliation. We add that it Lab's analysis of pandemic survive evictions this winter, is also a matter of grave con- Significantly, mixed status evictions. . He discussed loom- though he would have pre- Indeed, people are being cern that the civil administra- families, with undocumented ing evictions and impact of ferred to see $30 billion. He murdered in broad daylight. tion of the state is declining to immigrants living alongside moratorium. The Eviction Lab advocated for direct funding The law enforcement appara- submit reports requested by U.S. residents, will get relief at Princeton University esti- to tenants to sidestep the is- tus is apparently a mute spec- the honorable governor of checks in this round and can mates there have been more sue of landlords who don't tator to such persistent out- West Bengal concerning also apply for back-benefits than 150,000 evictions during want to participate in the pro- rages. events and policing in West from the previous round of the pandemic in the 27 cities it gram because it limits their We, non-resident Bengalis Bengal, in order to allow him $1,200 checks, said Chad tracks. Public health experts ability to evict tenants. The re- and non-resident Indians, to discharge his constitutional Stone, chief economist at the support federal and state bans searchers are calling for a com- draw your kind attention to duties. Center for Budget and Policy on evictions as a tool to reduce prehensive strategy that in- these atrocities, which consti- We earnestly urge you to Priorities, speaking at the EMS COVID-19 cases and deaths. cludes moratoriums on evic- tute unacceptable human take appropriate action to briefing. Undocumented immi- Many renters remain worried, tions, rent relief assistance, rights violations against the curb the loss of precious lives grants, however, are still ineli- because once the CDC morato- and housing assistance. The people of West Bengal. All the and help restore normalcy, es- gible for the relief checks. rium is lifted; landlords can col- National Low-Income Housing citizens of West Bengal de- pecially during this crucial pe- Peter Hepburn, Assistant lect back rent owed plus inter- Center has estimated a need serve humane treatment re- riod leading up to the assem- Professor of Sociology, Rutgers est from tenants. Peter said of at least $100 billion in emer- gardless of political and reli- bly elections of May 2021. University-Newark Professor $25 billion would go a long gency rental assistance. January 1, 2021 Horoscope India Post 27 www.indiapost.com Your Weekly Future by VANEET SHARMA JAN 1ST to JAN 7TH 2021

MAR 21 to APRIL 20 JUN 21 to JULY 22 SEP 23 to OCT 22 DEC 22 to JAN 19

n the beginning of ou shall be out of he first week of the n the beginning of I the week you Y town or might T year shall mark I the week you shall be happy by see- go on a journey in the the complete favor of shall be focused about ing new life in your beginning of the week. destiny. Apart from your travel plans social area. On 3rd and The 2nd and 3rd Janu- this your ability to give whereas in the mid of 4th January you might remain slightly ary is auspicious for regaining your confi- advice to people shall also earn lot of ap- the week you shall be fully devoted to- disturbed about certain developments dence and focus. You shall get back to work preciation this week. The day of 2nd and wards your business, spouse and efforts which shall create some sort of peevish- with a greater enthusiasm and a new vi- 3rd January is auspicious for your work of association with new people. In the ness in your mind however the remain- sion. In the mid of the week you shall be area. In the mid of the week you shall be remaining part of the week you might ing part of the week shall be good for expanding the list of your programs for fill- very happy with the inflow of money. Your suffer from health problem like stomach emotional relations, strengthening of ing life in your family and social circle. You schedule shall remain hectic throughout disorder, fatigue and lethargy etc. how- marital bliss and happiness in love life. shall be spending quality time with your the week and for that reason the last day ever quick recovery from such troubles Good news shall pour in from children. family members, friends and relatives. of the week shall be utilized in travel. is indicated on the last day of the week.

APRIL 21 to MAY 20 JULY 23 to AUG 22 OCT 23 to NOV 22 JAN 20 to FEB 19

he first week of the he beginning of the n the first week of ou shall be getting T New Year is T week shall bring in I the New Year Y good results bringing great happi- good news regarding your patience level in all areas of life in- ness from your asso- the inflow of money. On shall be zero espe- cluding attaining fa- ciation with your fam- 2nd and 3rd of January cially on the initial 4 vor of destiny, excel- ily. The social life shall also be active. On there will be probabilities of your going days when you might suffer from lence in professional life with tremen- 3rd and 4th of this week you shall be on long journeys. You would be spend- some health issues too. Some relief can dous increase in income. This whole developing strategies for becoming suc- ing some money unnecessarily. Therefore be expected on 5th, 6th and 7th day week shall be fulfilling in all aspects cessful in competitive examination. Your you are advised to spend money sensi- of the week. In nutshell the first half but there can be some disturbance on confidence level shall be good but you bly. You might remain disturbed mentally of the week appears to be very bad the last day of the week. You are ad- might not work with focused approach. because of some health related or other in terms of your state of mind and vised not to take any important deci- Actually you won't be sure about your tension. The mid of the week is highly body. The energy level shall be terri- sion on the last day of the week. You goals however the focused approach favorable for your confidence, happiness bly low and you are advised not to be should also pay proper attention to shall help you attain better results. and working efficiency. aggressive. your health.

MAY 21 to JUN 20 AUG 23 to SEP 22 NOV 23 to DEC 21 FEB 20 to MAR 20

ou shall find your he beginning of he beginning of n the beginning of Y self fully confi- T the week is T the year indi- I the week dent about the inten- excellent for proving cates good compat- there can be some sity of the impact of your performance at ibility between hus- stress which might re- your personality in the work. The 2nd and 3rd band and wife and sult into stomach re- beginning of the week. The day of 2nd January is highly auspicious for the con- sudden gains can be expected from lated disorder on 3rd and 4th of Janu- and 3rd January are average for your solidation of source of income. This time spouse and partner as well. It shall mark ary. The last day of the week shall be good family life as some bitterness and argu- not only you shall be getting more in- the beginning of good discussion re- for the development of emotional rela- ments shall irritate you all the time. In flow of money but your most of the de- garding the possibility of a good part- tionship. Although your confidence level the mid of the week you shall succeed sires shall also get fulfilled. The mid of nership with a new associate. Your health might remain low however you shall be in restoring your happiness by partici- the week is auspicious for travelling. You and happiness might get affected because able to regain it because of your excel- pating in all social activities actively but are advised to look after your health and of few reasons on 3rd and 4th day of this lent performance in your professional you are advised not to trust anyone spend some quality time with your week. The remaining part of the week shall life. You are advised to keep your anger blindly. friends. be good for getting favor of luck. under control.

Kindly read the predictions from your ascendant sign. If you do not know your ascendant sign then read the VANEET same from Moon sign. If Moon sign is also not known then read it from the Zodiac sign. The ascendant sign which is SHARMA calculated from the birth details viz. date, month, year, time & place of birth gives 85 % accurate predictions. The 510-648-4899 accuracy of predictions from Moon sign get limited to only 50 %. The predictions from Zodiac sign are only 25 % “Felicitated and accurate. In nutshell the predictions from ascendant sign are most accurate. In getting personality analysis the traits honored by then President of India Shri given by ascendant sign are 100 % accurate and that is the essence of Vedic Astrology. Pranab Mukherjee" Health Line

Efforts on to locate 602 people who came from UK, UAE

PANAJI: In the wake of detec- tion of a new COVID-19 variant One can be said to be perfectly healthy in body and mind only if no part of the body or mind makes itself felt. A part in the UK, Goa health authori- makes itself felt only when there is something wrong with it. You know that you have a head only when it aches. Sri Atmananda (1883 - 1959) ties are trying to track down 602 people who arrived in the 28 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 state from Britain and the UAE since December 9, an official said. The maximum number of UN at 75 faces worst crisis since WW-II; India people who have arrived from these two places are expected reaches out to virus-hit planet to be in Cansualim area of South Goa district, predomi- UNITED NATIONS: Con- assurance to the global com- stages of development. cesses and in the very charac- nantly a beach destination, he fronted with its worst crisis munity in his address to the Vaccine candidates ter of the UN is the "need of said. since World War II, the UN -- first ever virtual high-level ses- COVAXIN and ZyCoV-D are un- the hour" as he questioned for A list of 602 people has which marked 75 years of its sion of the General Assembly in der phase 3 and phase 2 trials, how long will India, the world's been prepared after going existence in 2020 -- mounted a September that as the largest while vaccine manufacturer largest democracy and home through arrivals from the UK comprehensive global re- vaccine producing country of Serum Institute of India is con- to 1.3 billion people, be kept and the UAE since December 9, sponse to combat the pan- the world, India's vaccine pro- ducting final testing of the Ox- out of the decision-making the official from the Director- demic that saw India, 'the phar- structures of the UN. ate of Health Services said. macy of the world', leading from With the world heading into This includes 91 people in the front as it extended a help- 2021 straddling the devastat- Cansaulim, 57 in its neighboring hand to over 150 nations to ing impacts of COVID-19, ing Cortalim area in South Goa, fight the invisible enemy. Guterres warned that a vaccine 48 in North Goa's Corlim area, As nations across the world alone cannot undo damage which also includes Old Goa, began closing their borders that will stretch across years, and 47 in Chimbel, Ribandar and shutting down businesses even decades to come. and parts of Panaji in North Goa in early 2020 to control the He said the threats of rising district, he said. PTI spread of COVID-19, UN Secre- poverty and the biggest global tary General Antonio Guterres recession in eight decades are said the pandemic was the intergenerational impacts not fifth horsemen that added to due to COVID-19 alone. They are LA County reports the fury of the other four the result of long-term fragili- horsemen - highest global ties, inequalities and injustices record daily Covid- geo-strategic tensions in years, duction and delivery capacity ford University-AstraZeneca that have been exposed by the 19 cases, deaths existential climate crisis, deep will be used to help all human- COVISHIELD vaccine. pandemic. It is time to reset. and growing global mistrust ity in fighting this crisis. In the early months of the He also appreciated India's LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles and the dark side of the digital "To tackle the health fall out pandemic, India supplied anti- assistance to other nations dur- County, the most populous in world. during COVID, India has malarial drug ing the pandemic. the US, has once again re- He described the COVID-19 reached out to the world in hydroxychloroquine, identified India gave a clarion call to ported the highest number of pandemic as "the greatest cri- real time and assisted more as a possible treatment for the global community to join single-day coronavirus cases sis of our age" that plunged than 150 countries. We con- COVID-19, to several countries, hands to show leadership, soli- and deaths, along with hospi- the world into an acute health tinue to do so in myriad ways, including the US. darity and collaboration to talizations. and economic crisis, the sever- India's Permanent Representa- India also pledged USD 15 deal with the pandemic. "We On 23 December, the ity of which has not been seen tive to the UN, T S Tirumurti, million to GAVI and can respond best by collabora- county's Department of Public in nearly a century". told PTI. operationalized the SAARC tion, not confusion; prepara- Health confirmed 16,525 new "We face simultaneously an India, recognized as a world COVID-19 Emergency Fund tion, not panic and coming to- cases and 145 additional fatali- epochal health crisis, the big- gether, not growing apart," ties, pushing its cumulative gest economic calamity and ‘We face simultaneously an epochal health Ministry of External Affairs Sec- caseload and death toll to job losses since the Great De- retary (West) Vikas Swarup told 663,954 and 9,153, respec- pression, and dangerous new crisis, the biggest economic calamity and job the General Assembly. tively, Xinhua news agency re- threats to human rights. losses since the Great Depression, and danger- The pandemic, which origi- ported. COVID-19 has laid bare the ous new threats to human rights. COVID-19 nated in the Chinese city of There are 6,155 infected pa- world's fragilities," Guterres Wuhan almost a year ago, has tients currently hospitalized said, adding that the pandemic has laid bare the world's fragilities’ so far killed 1.6 million people across the county, with 20 per wiped away the progress of globally and infected over 76 cent in the intensive care unit, decades. leader in vaccines, produces with an initial contribution of million. said the Department. The UN mounted a compre- 60% of vaccines globally. With USD 10 million. India stressed that the pan- Public health officials said hensive global response to a reputation as the "pharmacy India, however, questioned demic laid bare the gaps that that more than 38,800 front- combat the pandemic. of the world", the country is where the UN's "effective re- exist in global cooperation and line healthcare workers have In this unprecedented mo- gearing up to tackle the pan- sponse" was as the world governance structures of mul- been vaccinated at acute care ment of crisis, India led from demic on a war footing with a battled the pandemic. tilateral organizations and un- hospitals as of Tuesday (22 the front with Prime Minister pipeline of several COVID-19 Modi has asserted that re- derlined the urgent need for Dec.) night. IANS Narendra Modi giving a strong vaccines under different form in the responses, pro- reformed multilateralism. PTI January 1, 2021 Wellness Post India Post 29 www.indiapost.com Virus strain: BMC to trace all UK Aurobindo Pharma & Covaxx to develop returnees of last one month corona vaccine for India

NEW DELHI: Aurobindo Pharma Limited and MUMBAI: People who have arrived in Mumbai from UK, West Asia and some other countries. Covaxx, a US-based company, have entered into an the UK in the last one-month will be traced by the The BMC is going to contact each and every pas- Exclusive License Agreement to develop, commer- BMC in view of a new strain of the coronavirus being senger who has arrived in Mumbai from the UK in the cialize and manufacture UB-612, the first Multitope detected in the European country, a senior civic offi- last one month, the official said. Peptide-based vaccine to fight Covid-19, for India cial said on Wednesday 23 December. "We haven't yet received the list of the passengers and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) agency. The Brihanmumbai Mu- and their contact details COVAXX is currently conducting a Phase 1 clini- nicipal Corporation (BMC) from the airport. We are cal trial for the vaccine candidate. said citizens who have hoping to get it … Once Commenting on the development, N. come to the city from the received, we will contact Govindarajan, Managing Director, Aurobindo UK in the last one-month each and every passen- Pharma Limited, said "We are proud to partner (since November-end) ger," Suresh Kakani, addi- with COVAXX in developing the first-ever synthetic should take proper care of tional municipal commis- peptide-based vaccine to combat the Covid-19 their health and immedi- sioner, told PTI. pandemic. This vaccine has immense potential in ately contact its ward- In a release, the BMC eliminating shedding, and hence containing, the level 'war room' if they de- suggested that such pas- spread of the pandemic." velop symptoms related sengers should get them- Under the signed agreement, Aurobindo to COVID-19. selves medically checked Pharma has obtained the exclusive rights to de- The new strain of by their family doctors or velop, manufacture and sell Covaxx's UB-612 vac- COVID-19 found in Britain at the nearest BMC dis- cine in India and to UNICEF, as well as non-exclu- is reported to be spreading rapidly and is said to be pensary or hospital. sive rights in other select emerging and develop- highly infectious. They should get their COVID-19 test done to clear ing markets. Amid concerns over the new coronavirus strain, the any doubt and also follow protocols like proper use of Aurobindo will manufacture the finished doses central and Maharashtra governments have come out face masks, regular hand hygiene and maintaining so- of UB-612 at its facilities in Hyderabad. IANS with a new set of SOPs for people arriving from the cial distance, the civic body said. PTI Realty Tidbits Home sales revive, rise 20% in October: PropEquity ED attaches assets in Agri Gold Ponzi NEW DELHI: Housing sales in October increased Real Estate 20 per cent in October on a month-on-month basis scheme case across the top seven cities, to 27,061 units, said a report by PropEquity. NEW DELHI: The ED has at- In September, a total of 22,469 housing units tached properties worth Rs were sold. 4,109 crore spread across vari- Despite the overall growth, the National Capital ous states in a money-launder- Region (NCR) was the only major market where the ing case linked to an alleged 30 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 sales decreased by 3 per cent. IANS Ponzi scheme, the agency said. The case pertains to the Agri Gold Group of Companies. Three promoters of the group Legal tips for buying agricultural were arrested by the central agency. "The attached assets include land in India 2,809 landed properties, Haailand Amusement Park in RAVINDRA PAI the name of Arka Leisure and Entertainments Private Limited uying a piece of land, for property. The original present and conditions established in registered at the sub- many, is the first step to deed and previous deeds this document, the future deal registrar's office, within four in Andhra Pradesh (spread wards building one's should be examined by a law- is likely to proceed. Conse- months of the date of the ex- over 48 acres) and shares of B own home. Hence, it is impor- yer, to verify that the seller has quently, it becomes extremely ecution of the document. De- various companies, plants and tant to confirm that the land not allowed access to others crucial to set the terms care- tails such as original title deed, machinery," the Enforcement has a clear and marketable through this land. If there is fully and go through each previous deeds, house tax re- Directorate (ED) said in a state- title, to avoid falling into legal more than one person owning clause diligently to fully under- ceipts and two witnesses for ment 24 December. hassles. While buying agricul- the land, it is important to have stand its implications, before registration of the property The assets attached provi- tural land in India, one has to the release certificate from the the signing of the agreement should be provided in the sionally under the Prevention confirm that there are no dis- other participants involved, to sell. document. of Money Laundering Act putes or legal hassles and the before registering the docu- (PMLA) are located in Andhra process of registering has to ments. Stamp duty on the land Conveyance deed or sale Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, be hassle-free. Procedures for Stamp duties are govern- deed of the land Tamil Nadu and Telangana. buying agricultural land vary Agreement for sale ment taxes and vary from state A sale deed is a document The accused can appeal from state to state. After the verification of all to state. A stamp duty paid that transfers the title of the against the ED order before In some states like the documents, a written shall be considered a legal property, from the seller to the the Adjudicating Authority of Telangana, anyone can buy ag- buyer. This document will help the PMLA within six months. ricultural land, regardless of While buying agricultural land in India, you to determine ownership of The ED initiated a probe whether or not they are farm- the property, where the prop- into the matter after going ers. However in other states, one has to confirm that there are no erty is located and the details through various police FIRs like Karnataka, only registered disputes or legal hassles and the process of such as site measurement, filed against the accused in farmers or those from farming boundary details, etc. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana families can buy agricultural registering has to be hassle-free and Karnataka for allegedly land. Therefore, one should be Tax receipt and bills duping over 32 lakh investors aware of the rules in the state, agreement on the cost, ad- document and can be admit- The buyer should check the after funds worth Rs 6,380 prior to buying agricultural vance payment and the time ted in court, as evidence. latest property tax bills and crore were collected from land. Given below are some of within which the actual sale can ask for the same at munici- them. the points that one should con- will take place, is made. The Registration of the land pal offices. The buyer must also The "main accused" are Avva sider, for buying agricultural agreement must be drawn by Registration is the process ensure that notices or requests Venkata Rama Rao, Avva land in India. a lawyer and should be signed by which a copy of a document relating to the property are not Venkata S Narayana Rao and by both the parties and two is recorded and the title of the outstanding. Water, electricity Avva Hema Sundara Vara Title deed of the land plot witnesses. immovable property is trans- are other bills, should be up to Prasad -- the promoters of the The title of the property It begs mention here that ferred in the name of the date.www.housing.com Agri Gold Group of Companies confirms the seller's name and the agreement to sale docu- buyer, at the registrar's office. For detailed story visit who have been arrested by the also verifies whether the seller ment is the precursor to the As per the Indian Registration www.indiapost.com ED. has an absolute right to sell the sale deed. Based on the terms Act 1908, the deed should be The agency initiated the probe against the accused after going through various police FIRs filed against them in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Investors from Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chhattisgarh were also duped through the Ponzi scheme, it had said. PTI January 1, 2021 Real Estate Post India Post 31 www.indiapost.com

Panchayati land to be made available on lease for industrialization

CHANDIGARH: Panchayati land will be made available on lease with the consent of villagers to promote industrialization in rural areas, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala said recently. Chautala, who holds the portfolio of the Indus- tries and Commerce Department, said now 10 per cent of industrial estates will be reserved as residential area for labor housing. The panchayati land will be made available on lease with the consent of villagers to promote in- PE investment in Indian real dustrialization in rural area," he said. Giving details about the Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy -2020, which was ap- estate likely to revive in 2021 proved by the state cabinet, Chautala said the it aims at generating five lakh jobs and attract investments over Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five NEW DELHI: Private equity investment in the Indian lookout for investment opportunities. years. real estate sector is likely to recover and hit the $6 bil- Savills Research also expects private equity inves- This new policy will encourage exports, he lion-mark next year, registering a year-on-year growth tors to assess an opportunity of around $330 million in said, adding that the government has set an ex- of 30 per cent, according to a report by Savills India. the industrial and warehousing segment in 2021. This port target of Rs 2 lakh crore. The report noted that the growth might come on is approximately 17 per cent higher compared to the The policy will make Haryana as the preferred the back of an improving economic sentiment sup- average annual investments during the period of investment destination in the country, he said. ported by policy reforms and growth in key emerging 2016-2020. Not only this, augment livelihood opportuni- sectors. Anurag Mathur, CEO, Savills India said: "2020 has ties will be increased through resilient economic It said that PE investment in real estate in 2020 is been a watershed year for businesses and industries development, he added. expected to contract at $4.6 billion due to decline in across the globe. Indian economy has weathered this Under this policy, mega and ultra-mega economic activity, adding that investors are likely to unprecedented crisis fairly well, which is indicative of projects will be exempted from the purview of adapt themselves in the altered world order and its strong inherent fundamentals." all labor laws in Haryana, except the Minimum steadily return to the market with evolved strategies. "Going forward, policy steadfastness and imple- Wages Act, 1948, for a period of three years, sub- "The next wave of investments will be driven by mentation will hold the key to revival of investment. In ject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. growth in warehousing, affordable housing and data our view, the investors will proceed with caution in He said the limit of the number of workers for centers apart from the commercial office segment early days, but 2021 is likely to experience a fair exemption from coverage under the Factories which will continue to see steady improvement," said amount of PE investment owing to inherent strengths Act, 1948 has been increased from 20 to 40 for the report titled Beyond The '20: Private Equity in In- and potential of alternate asset classes in real estate," the energy related industries. dian Real Estate'. he said. He said the IT, ITES, electronics, auto and tex- A likely repair of the bruised economy, improving From 2000 to 2015, almost 60 per cent of PE invest- tile industries have been declared as public utili- ment was in residential ties under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 in the Anurag Mathur, CEO, Savills India said: ‘2020 has been segment until the focus of new policy. The HSIIDC will formulate a policy to fund managers shifted to a watershed year for businesses and industries across the offer leased land to reduce the burden of upfront ready office assets sup- cost on investors, Chautala added. globe. Indian economy has weathered this unprecedented ported by buoyant de- Describing the new policy to be in favor of the mand from 2014 onwards crisis fairly well, which is indicative of its youth, he said that the Haryana Gramin Udyogik and the segment has at- Vikas Yojna will be launched to create employ- strong inherent fundamentals’ tracted approximate 40 ment opportunities for them on their doorstep. per cent of investment. Chautala said special provisions have been trade relations, policy support and progress on the The report noted that the last 2-3 years have seen made for startups. vaccination front, are the key factors that would drive notable interest in newer asset classes such as stu- The new policy provides for an eight per cent the sentiment henceforth, it added. dent housing, data centers, warehousing and oppor- interest subsidy (up to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh) A Savills India statement said that its estimates for tunistic assets. for a startup, a seed grant of up to Rs 10 lakh per private equity investment in the sector are based on "For the investor community and private equity each startup and a 100 per cent state GST refund factors like overall economic and infrastructure players, the warehousing segment is becoming an as- for seven years. growth, growth in sectors such as manufacturing, lo- set class of choice in times ahead. While the leasing The state has been divided into four category gistics and e-commerce. Geopolitical scenario and activity in the industrial and warehousing segment blocks based on industrial development. ''A'' cat- policy enabling environment are also considered to has declined year-on-year, we expect rentals to see a egory blocks comprise of industrially developed be key determinants. steady rise as quality supply gets added to the stock," areas, ''B'' category blocks comprise areas of in- As per the report, the warehousing and logistics said Diwakar Rana, Managing Director, Capital Mar- termediate development, ''C'' category blocks segment has been among the most resilient asset kets, Savills India. have industrially backward areas and ''D'' cat- classes in the ongoing pandemic. Warehouse leasing The world of private equity would be aiming for egory blocks comprise of industrially most back- is expected to increase by 60 per cent in 2021 as com- some of their most lucrative opportunities in the time ward areas. PTI pared to 2020, keeping investors riveted and on the to come, Rana added. IANS TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Taaron Ke Shehar: Taaron Ke Shehar Naach Meri Rani 32 India Post www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 2 Naach Meri Rani: 3 Teri Aankhon Mein: Teri Aankhon Mein unny Leone shared 4 BurjKhalifa: Laxmii Christmas and New 5 Care Ni Karda: Chhalaang Year wishes for fans S Baby Girl said, "I would like to wish 6 Baby Girl: Merry Christmas and a Happy 7 Dil Chahte Ho: Dil Chahte Ho New Year to my fans and fol- 8 BamBholle: Laxmii lowers. During this festive sea- "IT FEELS AMAZING. 9 Aabaad Barbaad : Ludo son, let's be safe; spread love I LOVE MY FANS 10 Ae Mere Dil: Ae Mere Dil because we are living in a AND I THINK THEY time where we need to ARE THE BEST. IT spread more love than hate," she said. FEELS GOOD TO The actor who has over 42 HAVE THAT MANY million followers on Instagram FOLLOWERS" said: "It feels amazing. I love my fans and I think they are the best. It feels good to have that many followers." ctor Kiara Advani was among the On the work front, Sunny Arare Bollywood stars to have re- has started shooting for leases on OTT as well as theatres, in a Vikram Bhatt's Anamika, billed year that has been fraught by the as a 'Gun-Fu' action series with pandemic. 10 episodes. Sunny will be This year, she was seen in the OTT- seen in an action avatar in the released films "Guilty" and "Laxmii", show. while "Indoo Ki Jawani" opened the- Written and directed by atrically across India earlier this Vikram Bhatt, the series is pro- month. duced by Bhatt and his She is, however, not in a mood to daughter Krishna Bhatt, and rest on her hits. "I am yearning for set to release on MX Player. more. I don't think I am a IANS very content kind of person -- (I am) somebody who always wants to push and try doing better. I think the ollywood actor Anil Kapoor is happy drive is very much Bwith the response he is getting for alive and it should his performance in the new digital film, be that way. So, yeah that is how I AK vs AK. am as a person," "Being loved for what you love do- Kiara said. ing is the greatest feeling ever! I The actress has am here because of the fans and three films lined up their undying support without over the next them we are nothing. And the months -- appreciation AKvsAK is get- "Shershaah" op- ting is so inspiring, I can't posite Sidharth even describe it," said Malhotra, the Kapoor, who cel- Kartik Aaryan- ebrated his 64th starrer "Bhool birthday on Thurs- Bhulaiyaa 2", day. and "Jug The film stars Jugg Jeeyo" Anurag Kashyap co-starring along with Kapoor Anil Kapoor, and also has cameos of Neetu the actor's children, Kapoor and Sonam and Harshvardhan Varun Kapoor, and brother Boney Kapoor. Dhawan. The cast members play themselves, al- IANS though the film is a work of fiction. IANS January 1, 2021 Classifieds India Post 33 www.indiapost.com

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www.indiapost.com 34 India Post OP-ED January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com Philosophy

RAMANA MAHARSHI What is called 'mind' is a wondrous Decoding recovery path of power residing in the Self. It causes all he gross body which is composed of thoughts to arise. Apart from thoughts, the Indian economy Tthe seven humors (dhatus), I am not; there is no such thing as mind. Therefore, DR. NIRANJAN HIRANANDANI the five cognitive sense organs, viz. the thought is the nature of mind. Apart senses of hearing, touch, sight, taste, and from thoughts, there is no independent o one ever thought of the scale nounced by the government did take smell, which apprehend their respective entity called the world. In deep sleep Nand magnitude of disruption that effect in various sectors as the fiscal was caused by the Covid-19 pan- response has been calibrated to reap objects, viz. sound, touch, color, taste, and there are no thoughts, and there is no demic. In the aftermath, the resur- maximum benefit. odor, I am not; the five cognitive sense or- world. In the states of waking and dream, gence would be equally trying espe- The one that stands out is the ex- gans, viz. the organs of speech, locomo- there are thoughts, and there is a world cially in a country like ours with a com- tension of the 100 percent credit tion, grasping, excretion, and procreation, also. Just as the spider emits the thread plex economic framework. However, guarantee scheme to 27 stressed which have as their respective functions (of the web) out of itself and again with- we need to applaud the government sectors. Besides, fiscal stimulus and speaking, moving, grasping, excreting, draws it into itself, likewise the mind for paving the way for an impressive tax rebates for growth-critical sec- and enjoying, I am not; the five vital airs, projects the world out of itself and again recovery, with a judicious mix of tors, such as housing, would have prana, etc., which perform respectively resolves it into itself. spending and structural reforms. spillover effects, thus indirectly the five functions of in-breathing, etc., I When the mind comes out of the Self, The outcome of the efforts visible boosting demand-led growth. am not; even the mind which thinks, I am the world appears. Therefore, when the in the Q2 numbers which showed a Reforms and timely fiscal interven- not; the nescience too, which is endowed world appears (to be real), the Self does single-digit economic contraction of tions in other critical sectors are al- only with the residual impressions of ob- not appear; and when the Self appears 7.5 per cent as compared to 23.9 per ready showing positive results: the jects, and in which there are no objects (shines) the world does not appear. cent in Q1. The figure beats the glo- Gross Value Added (GVA) for three and no functioning's, I am not. When one persistently inquires into the bal average, where according to an sectors-- agriculture, manufacturing, Q: If I am none of these, then who am I? nature of the mind, the mind will end analysis, 49 economies declined at an and utilities-- has been positive in Q2, After negating all of the above-men- leaving the Self (as the residue). What is average of 12.4 per cent. as compared to just one, the agricul- tioned as 'not this', 'not this', that Aware- referred to as the Self is the Atman. The jubilations and optimism mir- ture sector, in Q1 this year. Similarly, rored in the financial markets, busi- the expansion of production linked Apart from thoughts, there ness houses, and the government. If incentive (PLI) schemes --that give in- the current optimism and rally gets centives to firms --worth 1.46 lakh is no entity called world carried unabated then as per the offi- crore for 10 new sectors will give a cial and unofficial forecasts, India's boost to the manufacturing sector, When one persistently inquires into the economy is likely to return to the pre- and result in long-term benefits for Covid levels by the end of the current the economy. nature of the mind, the mind will end fiscal year which is a much shorter The liberalization of the notori- timeframe than expected. ously rigid formal labor market Ramana Maharshi leaving the Self (as the residue) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) pre- would expedite India's upward diction of a positive growth in the H2 movement in the ease of doing busi- FY21 is substantiated by the fact that ness rankings, and attract further in- ness which alone remains - that I am. The mind always exists only in depen- in the recently published Q2 data, the vestments. India has moved up 79 Q: What is the nature of Awareness? dence on something gross; it cannot stay manufacturing PMI is above 50 for the positions in the World Bank's Ease of The nature of Awareness is existence- alone. It is the mind that is called the fourth straight month which is only 11 Doing Business' rankings since 2014. consciousness-bliss subtle body or the soul (jiva). percentage points lower than pre- Q: When will the realization of the Self Q: What is the path of inquiry for un- Covid-19 levels. It is worth noting that Fears of Fiscal deficit be gained? derstanding the nature of the mind? unemployment levels are currently on The stimulus packages and there- When the world which is what-is-seen That which rises as 'I' in this body is a decline; the 6.7 per cent the unem- fore, additional non-budgeted has been removed, there will be realiza- the mind. If one inquires as to where in ployment rate for September was spending --along with falling tax rev- tion of the Self which is the seer. the body the thought 'I' rises first, one lower than the pre-Covid-19 level of enue, -- by the government to wean Q: Will there not be realization of the would discover that it rises in the heart. 7.6 per cent in February. off the COVID crisis has led to push- Self even while the world is there (taken That is the place of the mind's origin. Like always the world has taken ing India's budget gap wider to 8 as real)? Excerpted from 'Who Am I? (Nan Yar?)'. notice of the positives and showed percent of GDP in the current finan- There will not be. The 141st birth anniversary of Ramana faith in India's story once again as vis- cial year, more than double the tar- Q: Why? Maharshi is being observed on Decem- ible in the growth numbers of seg- geted 3.5percent. The expanded The seer and the object seen are like ber 30 ments such as foreign direct invest- support package-- to rescue compa- the rope and the snake. Just as the knowl- ment (FDI), foreign policy investment, nies and save jobs amid the pan- edge of the rope which is the substrate and corporate bond market inflows. It demic--given by the government will not arise unless the false knowledge 50 SPIRITUAL APPETIZERS all points to strong investor faith in amounts to 15 per cent of the of the illusory serpent goes, so the real- Vinod Dhawan India's economic resilience. Besides, economy, adding to the global stimu- ization of the Self which is the substrate “It’s a lovely book. It feels en- upwards revisions by rating agencies lus that has touched $12 trillion. The will not be gained unless the belief that ergetically clear and light. It’s in India's GDP forecast are all repeat- fear that the fiscal deficit will loom the world is real is removed. easy to read, dip in and out and ing the same story that we have large on the government in the fu- Q: When will the world which is the ob- most importantly it offers infor- kicked in the rebound phase. ture to manage fiscal prudence is not ject seen be removed? mation without fluff! Blessings unfounded. IANS When the mind, which is the cause of on this project.” The Ripple Effect all cognition's and of all actions, becomes Jac O’Keeffe The unleashing of structural re- For detailed story visit Spirituality teacher based in www.indiapost.com quiescent, the world will disappear. USA. forms and the stimulus packages an- Q: What is the nature of the mind? Available on AMAZON, FLIPKART Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author January 1, 2021 OP-ED India Post 35 www.indiapost.com Terrorists may not seize power in Pakistan, but enabling environment for extremism remains MICHAEL KUGELMAN ohn Bolton, a prominent including an attack on a mosque counterterrorism offensive US foreign policy hawk, on an airbase in 2015. against the TTP that disrupted Jhas taken some controver- The TTP wasn't only blowing the group's network and badly sial positions over the years. So up state targets, it was also degraded its capacities. The CYBER SECURITY it's unsurprising that he made seizing territory - and in 2009, number of overall terrorist at- ecently major US government departments and several some eyebrow-raising com- it took over the Swat region, tacks has fallen by 85 percent Rleading fortune 500 companies became victims of a major ments about Pakistan in a re- only 60 miles from the federal over the last decade, with simi- cyber attack believed to be from Russia. The breach was discovered cent interview with Bharat FM, capital in Islamabad. It was at lar drops in fatalities from such by a security company named FireEye, which discovered it had a US radio station for Indian- this point that analysts began attacks. Pakistan's security situa- been hacked and alerted the US government. Americans. And yet, his com- forecasting the possibility of tion has improved dramatically. Not only Russia; in peacetime most advanced countries use ments weren't just controver- state failure. Insurgency ex- While recent reports indi- these methods for international espionage against their en- sial - they also appeared to be pert David Kilcullen warned cate the TTP is trying to mount emies. US is one of the first countries to use this method for their out of step with current reali- that Pakistan could experience a comeback, with the group's defense and also for offensive cyber warfare. The danger is cyber ties in Pakistan, and especially internal collapse within six current leader having been re- attacks will not be limited to military use. They can be used to the country's security situation. months. In 2011, President united with some splinter alter commercial interest, stock exchanges, change healthcare "I'm really worried at the Barack Obama said that Paki- groups with the parent organi- data, and, as believed, to project erroneous election results of macro level that Pakistan re- stan was the one thing keeping zation, the TTP remains a democratic nations like US. mains vulnerable to a terrorist him up at night. shadow of its former self. It still Cyber hacking sees no boundaries. The solution is to prioritize takeover of the government," carries out some attacks, security and defense over espionage operations. Take for in- Bolton said in the interview. Connection between mostly in the northwest near stance a company name Orion, which has a network monitoring "There are already significant Pakistani army and terrorists the Afghanistan border. How- and management product named SolarWinds, with over a quar- terrorist elements in parts of There were also reasons to ever, it doesn't stage attacks ter-million customer base worldwide. Last year, hackers believed the Pakistani military." be concerned about connec- with the intensity that it did to be working for Russian SVR, also known as KGB, hacked into Bolton warned of an "abso- tions between the Pakistani previously - and it certainly isn't SolarWinds and slipped through the back door into Orion soft- lute worst-case scenario" military and terrorists. Adnan in a position to topple the gov- ware systems. These are called supply chain attacks, which in- where "the Pakistani Taliban or Rasheed, a senior Pakistani ernment. The only other major volved their entire customer base. Other areas getting attention others" will seize power. Such Taliban leader captured in violent anti-state groups cur- are fake news networks and fake Apps, using not only mainframe fears about Pakistan are not 2014, was a former air force rently active in Pakistan are ISIS computers but also penetrating smart phones. Hackers could pen- new - but they were more technician. In 2012, four Paki- along with several separatist etrate countries like US having the most advanced firewalls pro- prevalent in the past, when stani military officers, including militant organizations that peri- tecting data and software. As cyber space progresses so are hack- there was genuine reason to a brigadier, received jail sen- odically stage attacks, but the ers, always learning better ways to penetrate the systems. be concerned. tences for their ties to Hizb-ut- clout of these groups is limited. There is no guarantee that US government agencies were actu- Tahrir, a global organization that Additionally, new research ally penetrated but if they were, we may never get to know due to Pakistani Taliban's reign of is nonviolent but espouses ex- suggests that fears of nature of information being classified. If anything US' prioritization terror tremist views and has some in- Pakistan's military colluding of offense over defense makes us less safe. Back in 2007, the Pakistani fluence in Pakistan. And in 2014, with terrorists are overblown. We need to adopt robust defense base systems. As computers Taliban (TTP- Tehreek-i-Taliban) a man who had been expelled David Smith, a retired US mili- and the Internet become increasingly essential to society which launched a horrific campaign from the Pakistan Navy for radi- tary officer, published a study cannot live without internet, cyber-attacks are likely to be pre- of terror that would produce cal Islamist views led an unsuc- for the Wilson Center in 2018 cursor to actual war. As seen lately how leading opponents were based on observations of Paki- eliminated in Iran and other parts of the world. There may very Bolton warned of an "absolute worst-case stani officers at the Pakistan well be a third party like China or other rogue nations who may Army Command and Staff Col- be responsible for this but the world will always blame Russia or scenario" where "the Pakistani Taliban or lege over a 37-year period. One even US. The hackers are in the same space, damaging systems others" will seize power. Such fears about of his main conclusions was that around the world and misleading the nations who may be in Pakistan are not new - but they were more "fears of 'Islamization' within conflict or oppose each other. the Pakistani Army officer corps Future warfare will likely be dominated by cyber warfare. As ro- prevalent in the past, when there was and its susceptibility to radical botics and drones become more advanced, developed nations will genuine reason to be concerned religious influence are exagger- switch to using these methods to replace actual soldiers. They will be able to deploy Robo armies in the shortest possible time. It may ated." According to Smith: sound like science fiction but some of it is already being witnessed, seven years of relentless at- cessful mission to seize a Paki- Nearly all the Pakistani stu- such as the recent drone attacks in Afghanistan. Hopefully Presi- tacks on state targets, including stani warship and use it to attack dents, including those with dent-elect Joe Biden will prioritize these areas once he takes office. military bases (they targeted ci- an American vessel. At least five more conservative religious The Pandemic has taught us many lessons, using cyber space as vilians indiscriminately as well). naval officers were later con- views, expressed the attitude an alternate tool to conduct our daily lives while simultaneously The most well known hits on victed for their role in the mis- that religion is a personal mat- making us more vulnerable to such dangers at the same time. Noth- military targets were assaults on sion, and all were charged with ter that does not influence the ing is private anymore, you can be accessed and watched through the Army's General Headquar- having links to ISIS. performance of military duties. your smart phone or any computer even if you have switched off ters building in 2009 and on a However, much has South Asia Monitor the systems. In rural India for example, very few villages had a regu- major naval aviation facility in changed since 2014, when For detailed stories visit lar telephone just 20 years ago. Thanks to cellular technology tech- 2011. But there were others too, Pakistan's military launched a www.indiapost.com nology and Internet access, in most parts of India, even a daily Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal to the author wage laborer now has a cell phone. Welcome to a new world order. 36 India Post January 1, 2021 www.indiapost.com January 1, 2021 India Post 37 www.indiapost.com