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VOL 12 ISSUE 50 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● DECEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 27, 2018 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news Defense Secretary James Mattis Submits Resignation, Govt. of India to infuse Rs 83,000 cr citing differences in viewpoints in Public Sector Banks in next few with the President WASHINGTON months: Finance Minister Jaitley (TIP): Defense Secretary James Mattis SBI, Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank and Vijaya Bank may not need capital. will resign at the end of February, he informed NEW DELHI (TIP): The government on President Trump in a Thursday, December 20, said it will enhance letter Thursday, the capital infusion in public sector banks to December20. The Rs 83,000 crore, taking the total to Rs 1.06 lakh defense secretary said crore for the fiscal. he is stepping down The capital will be pumped in over the next Defense Secretary James Mattis because of the few months, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has resigned in view of differences in said, adding that the move will increase the differences of opinion with the viewpoints with Mr. lending capacity of public sector banks President Trump. (PSBs) as well as help some of them come out News of Mattis' impending departure comes the day of RBI's watchlist. after Mr. Trump's sudden announcement about Syria, a The government had earlier announced decision he made without consulting security officials in infusion of Rs 65,000 crore in PSBs in 2018-19, his administration. "Because you have the right to have a of which Rs 23,000 crore has already been Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with disbursed, while Rs 42,000 crore is remaining. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley with Banking Secretary Rajeev Kumar addresses a press yours on these and contd on Page 32 contd on Page 32 conference, in New Delhi on Thursday, December 20, 2018. Photo / Courtesy PTI Obama honored with RFK Human Rights Award Dow falls below 23,000 NEW YORK (TIP): President for first time in 14 months New Year Special Edition Barack Obama was honored NEW YORK (TIP): Stocks tumbled Wednesday, December 12 night with the Wednesday, December19, as investors fretted Articles and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights over a growing list of concerns, including advertisements are "Ripple of Hope" award at a gala in New slowing economic growth, trade policy and invited for the New Year York. the threat of a U.S. government shutdown. "I'm very humbled by this honor. I'm The Dow lost 464 points, or 2 percent, to Special edition by not sure if you've heard but I've been on close at 22,860, the first time the blue-chip December 30, 2018. this hope kick for a while now," Obama index has closed below 23,000 points since Please email to said in his speech Wednesday to laughs October of 2017. The Dow has lost nearly from the audience. "I gave a big speech 1,700 points, or 7 percent, over the last six [email protected]. on hope. I ran a couple of campaigns. trading sessions. For any question, Hope. It's my kind of thing. ... So I'd like The selling in the last two days came after to thank all of you for officially Barack Obama, former US President speaking after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for please call validating my hope credentials."Later receiving "Ripple of Hope"Award presented by the fourth time this year and signaled it was 646-247-9458. in his remarks, Obama said, "It can be Robert F.Kennedy Human Rights in Manhattan on likely to continue raising rates next year, 12th December 2018 Visit www.theindianpanorama.news tempting to succumb to the cynicism, although at a slower rate than it previously cond on page 2 Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia forecast. contd on Page 32

104-02, 120th Street, S. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 NEW YORK FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Rajasthan Global Convention 2019 to be held in Uniondale, Indian Overseas Congress, USA, New New York July 3 to 7 Jersey Chapter, celebrates Congress Key attractions - Rajasthan Culture, Rajasthani Cuisine, Trade Shows, Business Networking, Spiritual victory in India Assembly Elections Experience , and much more NEW YORK (TIP): Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) has been making continuous strides towards its objective of promoting culture, values and heritage of Rajasthan for several decades. Resplendent in the hues of its noble and magnificent past, the historical importance and beauty of Rajasthan makes it one of the most spectacular and culturally vibrant destinations, making it even more important to showcase and bring unity and harmony among all cultures across the world. Rajasthan Global Convention 2019, is conveniently planned,during the Independence Day weekend from July 3rd, 2019 To July 7th, 2019 andwill shower the enhanced richness and culturally varied Rajasthan at the Marriott, Uniondale in the heart of Long Island, NY. With the strong objectives of unitingthe communities in global world, improving the quality of standards for people living back home & home in United States, networking and exchange of resources, educational, social and charitable cause and contribution to the community-at- large and continued success of placing Rajasthan on the global map, the entire Indian & American community is invited to experience this historic event. During the convention the community will experience the Reflections of Rajasthan - an extravagant showcase of EDISON (NJ) : As the results of the Mr. George Abraham, Vice Chairman their positive vote has been able to Rajasthan's culturally enriched performances, artists, state elections in India poured in, the of IOC, USA congratulated everyone and address the growing dissatisfaction of authentic Rajasthani Cuisine, laughter-comedy shows, New Jersey Chapter of the Indian thanked them for their efforts and the people. Mr. Harkesh Thakur fashion shows, magicians, Bollywood music, Trade Shows Overseas Congress Party sprung into its especially the ones who have gone to conveyed the regards of Mr. Ram Gadula (shopping), Business Networking, Spiritual, victory celebration at the Royal Albert India and campaigned for the party. He who could not be present due to Entrepreneurship& Leadership forums and much more. Palace on Friday Dec.14, 2018.Mr. urged everyone to keep up their good unavoidable circumstances.Heand Under the leadership of RANA President Elect Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General of work and encouraged them to work several other leaders who spoke,added Haridas Kotahwala, the convention plan was kicked off Indian Overseas Congress, USA hailed harder for the forthcoming Lok Sabha that people were now convinced more this past weekend at the residence of Mr. Naveen C. the crowd of over 100 celebrantsand elections. He drew attention to the fact than ever that only the Congress party &Rajshree Shah and unanimously approved by the RANA cheeredon the Congress Party leader that the thin margin of victory in two under the leadership of Shri Rahul Board in the presence of over 100 Prestigious Shri Rahul Gandhi ji and paid a glowing states called for even greater vigilance Gandhi ji can lead Congress to victory organization & community leaders. Entire Community tribute to the Chairman of the Overseas and renewed double efforts. and save India's democracy in the was overwhelmed at the thought of showcasing Congress Department of AICC Mr. Sam Mr.Viru Patel, a prominent local upcoming election. The celebration was Rajasthan's cultural values and heritage at the door steps Pitroda, the Secretary of Indian Overseas elected official and Mr. Rajeshwar Reddy, attended by other prominent leaders and committed their ongoing support to a culturally rich, Department, Himanshu Viyas jias well as a local leader, both of whom are also Mahesh Patel, Bharath Pij Patel, Dr. Jay yet noble cause. Madhu Yaskhiji, Ex.MP.for their great staunch Congress party leaders,also Patel, Anil Patel, Ramakant Patel. Bharat leadership. He thanked everyone for expressed their sincere appreciation to Rana and many others. Thanks to media For additional information contact [email protected]. their phenomenal work which had all the supporters. They complimented TV Asia H.R Shah, coverage by (Based on a Press Release) yielded the positive results. the hard work of all the voters who by cameraman Madan. Obama honored with RFK Human Rights Award

CONTD FROM PAGE 1 the belief that hope is a fool's game for suckers." "And worse, at a time when the media is splintered and our leaders seem content to make up whatever facts they consider expedient, a lot of people have come to doubt even the very notion of a common ground, insisting the best we can do is to retreat into our respective corners, circle the wagons and then do battle with anybody who is not like ourselves," Obama said. "Bobby Kennedy's life reminds us to reject such cynicism." Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Humana CEO Bruce Broussard and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy were also honored with this year's Ripple of Hope award. "As Bobby Kennedy taught us, the thing about hope is that it travels through space *and* time, first splashing against the rocks, but eventually breaking down the walls of cruelty and injustice," Obama wrote on Twitter Wednesday night echoing Seen in the picture are New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy with his speech. "And if we do our best with the time we're given, wife Tammy Snyder Murphy, Dr.Navin Mehta , Mrs. Mehta, others will take hope in our example." Kenny Desai, Mrs. Desai, and H.R.Shah Kerry Kennedy,the organization's president and daughter of Photo / Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia Robert Kennedy, presented the 44th president with the award for those who have "demonstrated a commitment to social This year marks the 50th anniversary of the organization change." RFK Human Rights' founding and Kennedy's historic "Bobby Kennedy was one of my heroes," Obama said in a campaign for the White House. statement back in August when it was first announced he'd be Past recipients of the Ripple of Hope award include Hillary receiving the award. "He was someone who showed us the Clinton, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, Al Gore, John Lewis, Robert power of acting on our ideals, the idea that any of us can be De Niro, Taylor Swift and George Clooney. RFK Human Rights president, Kerry Kennedy, speaking at the one of the 'million different centers of energy and daring' that of the 50th Anniversary of "Ripple of Hope" (Source: CNN) ultimately combine to change the world for the better." Photo /Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 NY/NJ/CT 3 Five Non-Permanent Members of United Nations Security Council retire Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands and Sweden will give up Seat by year end

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres (Center) with the P 5 members of the UN Security Council at a formal photo session with the rest of the non-permanent Council members at the UN Security Council chamber, December 18, 2018. The five outgoing members, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Netherlands and Sweden would be giving up their seat after completing 2-year term by end of the year. Photo / Jay Mandal-On Assignment Community Celebrates the one and only Manjeet Singh

EDISON, NJ (TIP): On his 10th death organized by Friends of Manjeet Singh at TV Singh who was much loved and admired. wife were also present on the occasion. anniversary, Manjeet Singh, a popular media Asia on December 17. Present on the occasion were his friends Manjeet Singh's dear friend Mohammed person was remembered by his friends and Speaker after speakers paid warm and and admirers from media, and community Jaffer took memorable pictures of the admirers. A "celebration of friendship" was loving tribute to a lively and sincere Manjeet leaders. Manjeet Singh's elder brother and his event. Here are two of them .

Recalling friendship with Manjeet. Photos /Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Indian Boy developed Three Indian-Origin Teens Among Mobile App at 9. At 13, owns Software Time Magazine's 25 Most Influential

Company in Dubai HOUSTON (TIP): Three Indian-origin students have been named among the 25 most Aadithyan Rajesh's Dubai influential teens of 2018 by Time magazine for company - 'Trinet Solutions' making a mark in various spheres. has a total of three Indian-American Kavya Kopparapu, Rishab Jain, and British-Indian Amika George are employees. among the group who have become an inspiration for youngsters across the world. Rishabh Jain, who is in eighth standard and lives in Oregon, has developed an algorithm that can possibly be a cure to pancreatic cancer. The 14-year-old developed a software tool that, during simulations, was shown to help doctors zero in on the pancreas more accurately, ideally improving treatments, according to Time magazine. 18-year-old Kavya Kopparapu is a freshman Aadithyan Rajesh, a student from Kerala, at the Harvard University. She developed a was only nine years old when he deep-learning computer system that can scan developed his first mobile application as a slides of tissue from brain cancer patients hobby to beat boredom and also has been looking for differences in density, color, designing logos and websites for clients. texture and cellular alignment that are unique to that particular person's case. Indian-American Kavya Kopparapu, Rishab Jain, and British-Indian Amika George have been DUBAI (TIP): A 13-year-old Indian boy She developed the system after learning named among the 25 most influential teens of 2018 by Time Magazine in Dubai, who developed his first mobile how the survival rate of glioblastoma, an distribution of menstrual products to girls a solution," she said. application four years ago, also owns a aggressive brain cancer, has not improved and women who cannot afford them. She launched the #FreePeriods campaign software development company, a media since the past 30 years. "It really upsets me," she tells the magazine as a response, gathering nearly 200,000 report said Sunday. According to Time magazine, her goal is "to on learning that many girls in the UK were signatures on her petition to help eradicate Aadithyan Rajesh, a student from develop targeted therapies that are also routinely missing school during their periods period poverty; the movement eventually Kerala, was only nine years old when he unique to the person." because they could not afford to buy garnered the support of over a dozen UK developed his first mobile application as a Amika George, a 19-year-old, aims to menstrual products. policymakers, galvanizing the government hobby to beat boredom and also has been convince policymakers to end "period "The government knew this was happening to allocate funds to the issue for the first designing logos and websites for clients. poverty," as she calls it, by funding the on their watch, but they were refusing to find time. The tech wizard, who started using a computer when he turned five, has finally launched his own company 'Trinet Indian American to take over as the Indian-Origin Executive named head Solutions' at the age of 13, the Khaleej Times reported. CEO of FedEx Express on Jan. 1, 2019 of Facebook's Tool Workplace "I was born in Thiruvilla, Kerala, and my family moved here when I was five. The Raj Subramanian joins the elite group of Indian SAN FRANCISCO first website my dad showed me was BBC American blue chip company CEO'sSundar (TIP): Indian-origin Typing, a website for kids where young executive Karandeep students can learn typing," he told the Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen Anand will head Dubai-based English daily. Indra Nooyi Workplace, Trinet has a total of three employees, MEMPHIS Facebook's two-year- who are friends and students from (TIP): Indian old enterprise Aadithyan's school. American Raj communication tool. "I need to be over the age of 18 to Subramanian will Mr Anand, who actually become an established company take over as the was earlier Head of owner. However, we function like a next President Product for Facebook company. We have worked with over 12 and CEO of FedEx Marketplace and Karandeep Anand has been chosen to head clients and have given them our design Express on Payments services, Workplace, Facebook's two-year-old and coding services entirely for free," he January 1, 2019. would handle the enterprise communication tool. said. Mr.Workplace product Trivandrum, India born Raj Subramanian will take Subramanian who team and report to Julien Codorniou who is its Vice President. Indian-Origin Sikh Cab over as the next President and CEO of FedEx currently serves "I'm excited to now be part of the journey of bringing Workplace Express on January 1, 2019. as the Executive to companies across the globe and help them unlock the potential of Driver's Attacker Jailed Vice President, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of their biggest asset -- people," Mr Anand wrote on his LinkedIn FedEx Corp, will succeed David L. Cunningham, who will retire on profile. December 31, 2018. Facebook launched Workplace in 2016 to help make companies FedEx Express, based in Memphis, is the largest division within more connected and productive. FedEx, which delivers packages and freight to more than 375 cities Currently, more than 30,000 organizations are using Workplace in 220 countries every day. worldwide -- including Walmart, Heineken, Spotify, Lyft and the Subramanian will now join the likes of such prominent Indian Reliance Group. American executives as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Microsoft CEO "We're thrilled that Karandeep is joining Workplace as its new Satya Nadella, and Adobe Inc Chairman and CEO Shantanu head of Workplace, effective immediately," a Facebook Narayen who served as CEOs of major US companies. Former spokeswoman told the media. PepsiCoCEO Indra Nooyi was a part of that elite company before "A company's culture is leading indicator of its success and the Rory Bensonhas been sentenced to 15 she stepped down from her position earlier this year. The elite productivity of its work force. Workplace brings the power of months in prison for brutally attacking a quartet of blue chip company CEO's are accountable for over 650,000 shaping culture by connecting people at work in ways never 53-year-old Indian-origin Sikh taxi driver employees. imagined before," Mr Anand wrote. in Seattle last year. Born in Trivandrum, India, Subramanian earned his Before joining Facebook, Mr Anand spent 15 years at Microsoft in NEW YORK (TIP): A US manhas been undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the IIT Bombay various key roles. sentenced to 15 months in prison for in 1987. He went on to earn a master's in chemical engineering from Facebook in 2017 launched the desktop version of its Workplace brutally attacking a 53-year-old Indian- the Syracuse University and an MBA from the University of Texas, Chat app that can be downloaded by anyone on PC, Mac, Android or origin Sikh taxi driver in Seattle last year. Austin in 1989 and 1991 respectively. The 27-year FedEx veteran iOS. Swarn Singh was assaulted with a joined the company in 1991, quickly rising up the ranks, eventually Workplace Chat includes video chat with a co-worker or group, deadly weapon by Rory Benson in becoming executive vice president of marketing and screen sharing and file sharing. December 2017, according to Sikhs civil communications of FedEx Services in 2013 before the "Workplace is one of the fastest growing Software-as-a-Service rights group The Sikh Coalition. Benson, announcement of his promotion to take place next year. (SaaS) product and a key growth area for Facebook," said Mr who pleaded guilty to assaulting him, was Cunningham, who joined FedEx in 1982, will enjoy retirement Anand. sentenced to 15 months in prison by a after a 36-year-long career. Prior to assuming his former position of As Head of Product for Marketplace and Payments tools, Mr court in Seattle. (Read full story on CEO, Cunningham was chief operating officer and president, Anand's team was responsible for powering commerce across www.theindianpanorama.news)( international, for FedEx Express. Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 5 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Mayor De Blasio Calls For Fair Cannabis Legalization CricRealty Announces Cricket That Promotes Equity And Opportunity For All Stadiums in 8 major cities Report promotes small business development, redressing impacts of NEW YORK/ ALLEN, TX (TIP): The "We're thrilled to enter into this private- past criminalization and driving CricRealty Company, Dallas announced , public partnership with The CricRealty economic opportunity to historically December 18, that the town of Allen, TX has Company, Dallas and Thakkar Developers to marginalized communities been selected as one of 8 proposed sites for bring this unique project to Allen," said Allen NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Mayor Bill de professional cricket stadiums. The multi-use Mayor Stephen Terrell. "With a new Blasio endorsed, December 20, the safe and facility will serve the growing need of pro- international visitor base, we look forward to a fair legalization of cannabis in New York. cricket while bringing urbanization and big boost in tourism spending-which benefits The Mayor also released his Task Force development to the area. businesses and residents alike." report on Cannabis Legalization, which calls The two phased project has a 35-acre In addition to professional cricket, the for a strong, public health-focused regulatory stadium facility that plans to house an stadium will also be suitable for Rugby, framework and the empowerment of local International Cricket Council (ICC) certified LaCrosse and Soccer. Construction on the site government to prevent corporate greed, Cricket ground, Training Facilities & Club is expected to begin in 2019, with the first foster small businesses and meet the house and a 25-acre parcel which will have a phase, including the stadium, expected to be demands of New York City communities. The multi-use facility of offices, residences, completed in 2021. report also places great emphasis on the need commercial, entertainment centers and hotels. ABOUT THAKKAR DEVELOPERS to ensure that any marijuana industry in The CricRealty Company has been working The CricRealty Company. "Cricket is the New York City right the wrongs of the past with strategic partners including Donnie second most popular sport in the world. There Thakkar Developers, is a mixed-use and promotes economic opportunity. Nelson & Thakkar Developers to develop the are an estimated 20 million cricket fans in the developer that collaborates with best-in-class "I have been convinced that we can establish a Cricket stadium &the multi-use facility. United States. Plus, the growing Indian- partners to acquire, finance and develop high- regulatory framework that keeps our streets The CricRealty company has also been American population in North Texas makes yield, diversified investment-grade assets. safe, rights the wrongs of the past, and gives working with JLL since 2016, to identify and this project a perfect location for professional With a mission to bring communities - people economic opportunity to communities hit develop cutting edge Cricket infrastructure in cricket." and businesses - together to achieve a greater hardest by the war on drugs," said Mayor Bill de the United States. The group is developing The launch of a professional league in the good, Thakkar strives for developments that Blasio. "I support legalization because we've similar stadiums in other markets including United States will require stadiums where create a sense of place and build community, developed a path forward that will help make our Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, Washington DC, games are played and practiced during off and projects that leverage public-private City fairer. I look forward to working with the New Jersey, New York and California. season. An existing infrastructure will help the partnerships to engender pride of ownership State as to make this a reality." "As we go down The group is looking to position itself as the eventual league save infrastructure costs and and create a lasting legacy. the path toward legalization of marijuana in our key player in developing Cricket focus on developing the sport in the US. ABOUT The CricRealty Company city and state, let us recognize that it is not infrastructure in the United States. "As we began planning this project, we without risks," said First Lady Chirlane McCray, "Our vision is to identify strategic locations identified an unmet need in North Texas for a The CricRealty Company, LLC is dedicated who leads the City's mental health and substance to build such complexes and thus provide hi- stadium designed for global sports such as to acquiring, building, and strengthening a misuse efforts. "We must do everything we can to end, easy access venues across the country to cricket," Sam Thakkar, CEO of the Perfect network of branded participatory and protect our city's young people and educate all facilitate the game", said Steven V Maksin, of Group of Business, which includes Thakkar experience-based businesses engaged in New Yorkers about marijuana use. That's why Moonbeam Capital, a key member of The Developers. "We connected with The sports & training. CricRealty focuses on this report is so important, and I urge state CricRealty Company. CricRealty Company and learnt about their emphasizing a positive consumer experience lawmakers use the recommendations as a guide "My goal is to make America fall in love plans to bring the first professional cricket and instilling the core values of discipline, for their work in the months ahead." with cricket," said Jay Pandya, Chairman of stadium to Texas." teamwork, safety, respect and integrity. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 NY/NJ/CT 7 Indian Overseas Congress, USA celebrates recent Congress victories in Indian Assembly Elections

QUEENS, NEW YORK (TIP): After celebrating in New Jersey the victory of the Congress Party in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, the Indian Overseas Congress, USA held its main celebration event in New York on Sunday, December 16, 2018, where over 150 celebrants gathered to cheer on Shri Rahul Gandhi ji for his astounding victory. Mr. Sam Pitroda ji, Chairman, Overseas Congress Department of the All India Congress Committee, facilitated the group via Facebook speech and said this victory is unique because it comes at a time when Rahul Gandhi, President of Congress, finishes his one year and that in just about one year the tides have turned and that the excitement is absolutely significant and that this victory adds to the energy and enthusiasm of the workers. He added that the real credit goes to all the party workers in India and to many of you who have gone Mr. George Abraham, Vice Chairman of felt reassured of the forthcoming victories. President & Co-Chair of the Women's to India and campaigned during elections. the Indian Overseas Congress, USA He assured everyone that continued hard Committee, Ms. Jaya Sundaram, President He stated that the forthcoming Lok Sabha congratulated all those who have work would surely bag in the ultimate of Tamil Nadu Chapter, Ms. Leela Maret, elections would define the India of contributed to these victories and urged successes in the Lok Sabha elections. President of the Women's Forum, Mr. tomorrow. His energizing speech ended everyone not to be carried away with these Mr. Rajendra Dichpally, General Satish Sharma, President of Punjab with a thunderous applaud at the victories but focus their attention on the Secretary and Chair of the NRI Voting Chapter, Mr. John Joseph Vice President celebration. bigger prize, that is the 2019 general Committee, Mr. Phuman Singh, Sr. Vice and Co-Chair of Chapter Consolidation Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General election outcome. President, IOC, USA, Mr. Ravinder Chopra, Committee, Mr. Sawaran Singh, National of IOC, USA, and Chair of the By-Laws Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of Chair of the Finance Committee, Ms.Shalu Treasurer, Amir Rashid, President Bihar Committee led the toast to Sri Rahul IOC, USA, and Chair of the Membership Suri, Chair of the Women's Committee, Mr. Chapter and Member, By-Laws Committee, Gandhi Ji and all the senior leaders in New Committee, who had himself recently Gurmit Singh Gill, President of Punjab Mr. Jasvir Singh Nawansher, Vice Delhi for the astounding victory. He canvassed in in Rajasthan and Telangana, Chapter and Chair of the Campaign President, Mr. Prasad Kambapathy, Joint thanked and congratulated Mr. Sam Pitroda was jubilant throughout the event and Committee, Mr. Charan Singh Prempura, Secretary, Mr. Rajender Reddy, Koshy Ji, for his great speech including Mr. expressed great satisfaction on the President of Haryana Chapter, Mr. Sher Oommen, also spoke. Himanshu Viyas ji and Mr. Madhu Yashki ji cooperative effort of all the operatives in Singh Madra, Co-Chair of the By-Laws (Press Release) for galvanizing the Indian Overseas India and abroad. He said he had noticed a Committee, Mr. Kalathil Varughese, Chair, Congress support globally and prompting lot of support building up in favor of the Lobby in US. Committee, Mr. Jose George, these victories. Congress party during his visit to India and Vice President, Ms, Malini Shah, Vice Bronx Borough President Diaz and Fat Joe award new sneakers to students

NEW YORK (TIP): Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and hip-hop legend Fat Joe distributed, December 20, new pairs of sneakers at four Bronx public schools as part of their new initiative to increase student performance in Bronx public schools. Administrators at each participating school-P.S.146, M.S. 123, Accion Academy and I.S. 217 School of Performing Arts-chose one class which had been "most improved" academically from the start of the competition. Those students learned of their victory today and each received a brand new pair of sneakers from Fat Joe, a Bronx native, in recognition of their achievement. Students in each class participated in this initiative from mid- October through the remainder of the Fall marking period. They were tasked with working together to improve overall outcomes within their classroom based on a variety of factors including student engagement, attendance and total number of books read, among others. "These kids are seeing today that hard work really pays off and that with focus and intent they have the power to improve their academic performance. Having their schoolwork praised by a musical superstar who looms so large in our borough adds to our message that it is cool to get good grades and it is something they should aspire to, even outside of this competition. For a lot of these students, it was the push they needed to try harder in school," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "I want to thank Fat Joe for everything he has done for The Bronx and its students, and for partnering with my office on this initiative." 'I came from The Bronx and I was the class clown, but I loved sneakers so much that I know if we had had a contest like this my grades would've improved. Its Christmas time but this isn't a Christmas gift, because the kids worked hard to make this happen. I want take these results to sportswear brands, so we can prove that initiatives like this really work and other students can do this in New York City," said Fat Joe at the event. "I couldn't be more proud to work with Borough President Diaz and his office to make this happen." THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 COMMENT AS I SEE IT Prof I.S.Saluja The slow, tortuous path to India and justice: Sajjan Kumar's conviction Pakistan The Delhi High Court judgment convicting Sajjan Kumar reminds the country that it must not forget mass killings

can be investigation was completely botched-up. It also demonstrated the power and influence of By Sanjay Hegde the accused and how witnesses could easily be Friends: won over. The atmosphere of distrust created hirty-four years after the assassination as a result of these developments would have of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and dissuaded the victims from coming forward to Give Tthe killings of Sikhs that followed, a speak about what they knew. In the context of political leader who may have electorally these cases, the factum of delay cannot be benefitted from communal violence has been used to the advantage of the accused but Peace a sentenced to imprisonment for life. The wheel would, in fact, explain the minor of history has turned ever so slowly, as some contradictions and inconsistencies in the believe, but its arc may have yet turned statements of the key eye-witnesses in the towards justice. The assassination of Indira present case. Nothing in the deposition of PW- Chance A Sikh man is surrounded and beaten in Sikh 1 points to either untruthfulness or Gandhi, on October 31, 1984, was a national Pogroms in Delhi in the first week of tragedy. The anti-Sikh pogrom that followed unreliability. Her evidence deserves November 1984 t was the dark period of in north India, with the worst violence taking acceptance." Photo / Courtesy Punjab Beat militancy in Punjab in the 80's. place in Delhi, was a greater tragedy. But the A moment of reflection I I happened to be in a meeting of greatest tragedy of all was the stonewalling of Senior Citizens of Ludhiana investigation by the law enforcement Kuldeep Singh - all members of the same Sajjan Kumar is not very different from District with the then Governor agencies, and the seeming deafness of the family. I mention the names of the dead many other politicians of this era, who use Siddhartha Shankar Ray, I recall justice delivery system. The judgment because the dead in communal violence mob emotions to ride to power. However, he is having made a suggestion which I reconstructs the scene of violence and all the should not lose their vestigial humanity by probably the first to be held guilty of sincerely feel I should share with waiting that followed. being simply reduced to a score of unnamed conspiring with the mob to cause the deaths of our readers. Maze of inquiries victims. his constituents. It is for us as a country to Kehar Singh's wife, Jagdish Kaur, was one ensure that mob violence yields no political On being asked what India can do It took years of commissions of inquiry of the principal witnesses against Sajjan dividends. If we as voters decide to electorally to improve relations with the and other inquiries before six accused, Kumar. The other principal witness is her punish those who incite mobs, yield to them, neighboring Pakistan which was including Sajjan Kumar, a formidable cousin Jagsher Singh, whose brothers or fail to stop their violence, the resort to often accused of encouraging Congress leader in Delhi, who was a member Raghuvinder and Narender Pal Singh were politics of mass murders will simply stop. The militancy in Punjab, I pointed out of Parliament at the time, were sent up for also killed on November 1, 1984. The high judgment notes that "there has been a familiar that one way will be to promote trial sometime in 2010. Three years later, the court judgment notes Jagdish Kaur's pattern of mass killings in Mumbai in 1993, in people to people contact. People in trial court convicted five of the accused: three recollection: "At around 9 am on 2nd Gujarat in 2002, in Kandhamal, Odisha in both Pakistani and Indian Punjab of them for the offences of armed rioting and November 1984, when she went to lodge a 2008, in Muzaffarnagar in U.P. in 2013 to name have much in common in respect of murder, and two of them for the offence of report at the PP,she saw that a public meeting a few. Common to these mass crimes were the language, culture, cuisine , armed rioting. Kumar stood acquitted by the was taking place which was attended by A-1 targeting of minorities and the attacks customs. It will be easier for them trial court of all offences. Those convicted as who was the local Member of Parliament spearheaded by the dominant political actors to strike a chord. well as the Central Bureau of Investigation (MP). She heard him declare, "Sikh sala ek being facilitated by the law enforcement appealed to the Delhi High Court. Now, the nahin bachna chahiye, jo Hindu bhai unko agencies. The criminals responsible for the As a confidence building Bench of Justices S. Muralidhar and Vinod sharan deta hai, uska ghar bhi jala do aur mass crimes have enjoyed political patronage exercise, I suggested government of Goel has overturned the April 2013 judgment unko bhi maro." and managed to evade prosecution and India could take initiative in of the trial court and sent Kumar to prison for The judgment records Jagsher Singh's punishment." facilitating visits by people from life. Their judgment carries the echo of the recollection that "around 10 p.m., he saw an It also says: "While it is undeniable that it both sides between Amritsar and crimes committed in the days after Mrs. Ambassador car which stopped at the turning has taken over three decades to bring the Lahore. Gandhi's assassination and failure to hold the onto Shiv Mandir Marg. He stated that 30-40 accused in this case to justice, and that our guilty to account for so long. persons gathered around the car from which criminal justice system stands severely tested A dawn to dusk visa may be The judgment finds: "The accused in this emerged A-1 who enquired as to whether 'they in that process, it is essential, in a democracy issued to visitors. This beginning case have been brought to justice primarily on have done the work'. Thereafter, it is stated, A- governed by the rule of law to be able to call may result in promoting amity account of the courage and perseverance of 1 approached the house of PW-6 (Jagsher out those responsible for such mass crimes. It between people of both sides. And, three eyewitnesses. Jagdish Kaur whose Singh) to inspect it and came back and told the is important to assure those countless victims as the scale of contacts went up, husband, son and three cousins were the five assembled mob that they had 'only broken the waiting patiently that despite the challenges, the quantum of goodwill and amity killed; Jagsher Singh, another cousin of gate of the thekedars' house'. One of the truth will prevail and justice will be done." will also grow. But an angry Ray Jagdish Kaur, and Nirpreet Kaur who saw the members of the mob then allegedly informed While the 1984, 1993, 2002, 2008 and 2013 shot down the suggestion. Gurudwara being burnt down and her father him that 'the thekedars are being saved by the riots are painful episodes in our history, the being burnt alive by the raging mobs. It is Hindus only'. Upon hearing this, A-1 is stated judgments of the Delhi High Court of 2018 in Even today, I firmly believe that only after the CBI entered the scene, that they to have instructed the mob to burn the houses the Sajjan Kumar and Hashimpura cases the only way to promote peace in were able to be assured and they spoke up. of the Hindus who were sheltering the Sikhs. shine like good deeds in a naughty world. the region is to promote people to Admirably, they stuck firm to their truth at He then left in his car." Milan Kundera wrote that "the struggle of people contact. Instead of accusing the trial." The court rules: "To this Court, PW-1 man against power is the struggle of memory each other of promoting terror or Staying the course [Jagdish Kaur] comes across as a fearless and against forgetting". The judgment tells Kehar interference in the internal affairs, truthful witness. Till she was absolutely Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Raghuvinder Singh, the leaders of both India and As a result of their testimony, Sajjan certain that her making statements will serve Narender Pal Singh and Kuldeep Singh, that Pakistan will do well to focus on Kumar now stands convicted for conspiracy to a purpose, she did not come forward to do so. neither Jagdish Kaur nor India have as yet promoting people to people contact murder and for the abetment of murder, in the This is understandable given the fact that all forgotten them. and lifting restrictions on travel deaths of Kehar Singh and his 18-year-old son previous attempts at securing justice for the (The author is a senior advocate of the between the two countries. Gurpreet Singh, and the killings of victims had failed. The large number of Supreme Court) (Source: The Hindu) Raghuvinder Singh, Narender Pal Singh, and acquittals in the cases demonstrated how the

THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh Bureau Chief Phone: 972-330-3139 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja Vaaho Photographers LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma www.theindianpanorama.news ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om Parkash Malik DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh The Indian Panorama DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION: Gauri Beri CORRESPONDENTS : P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, DISCLAIMER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla Tel: 646-247-9458 The Indian Panorama assumes no responsibility for the Baldev Singh / BJ Videos NEW YORK : Chitagam Email: [email protected] claims made in advertisements. We only sell space. Views published in the newspaper are those of the authors and do Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh DALLAS EDITION not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. All rights Jay Mandal, DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon P.O. BOX 121695, ARLINGTON, TX 76012 are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without Mohammad Jaffer/ SnapsIndia OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Lovllien Kaurr, VP & Bureau Chief permission in writing from The Indian Panorama is prohibited. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 PERSPECTIVE 9 2019 General Elections in India Likely to Result in a Hung Parliament Modi, Mayawati, Rahul likely in Prime Ministerial race Modi won the general elections in 2014 with only 31% of votes. Today, his opposition is ruling Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, By Ven Parameswaran Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, representing majority of 535 parliamentary seats. Even in his home state of Gujarat, Modi's party won only marginally. For ambitious political leaders of these States Mayawati-Samajwadi coalition could be very attractive to defeat Modi. Such an outcome could create power in the center for Modi's opposition, even excluding the Congress. t could be anybody's guess. But what appears for now, the 2019 general elections are more likely to throw up a hung parliament. IModi as Prime Minister for another term may not be a certainty. A dark horse like Mayawati could be the Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi may also not be ruled out. In the recent elections held in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and It's too early to write Chhattisgarh, Modi's BJP crashed to unexpected electoral defeats. The Congress has won in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and fell just short of off Modi's prospects. He an outright majority in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are widely regarded as BJP remains a popular figure strongholds. To put the results in context, India's main opposition party has been consistently losing elections since it was routed in the and powerful orator, seismic 2014 elections that brought Modi to power, winning less than 20% of the popular vote and securing only 44 of the 543 seats. Prior to and his party is India's its latest victories,the Congress was in power in only two large states. The BJP won 62 of the 65 parliamentary seats in these three key best funded and best states in the last general elections. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Likely Prime Ministerial candidates in 2019 general elections- Modi, organized. Yet it is Chhattisgarh are also part of a bellwether region - the Northern Hindi Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati speaking heartland of India - that gave the BJP and its allies 203 of the MAYAWATI COULD EMERGE AS THE HERO OF THE OPPOSITION clear Modi's tax-and- 225 seats that they won in 2014. So the Congress's robust performance TO MODI - it gained 163 assembly seats here since 2013 state polls - is a shot in the spend model of arm for the party. It will bolster the morale of party workers, make it Mayawati is central to opposition plans to take government because more acceptable to skeptical regional allies, and boost the image of its rising sectarian tensions have led to increased Dalit support. A development is failing leader Rahul Gandhi. It will also send out the significant message that woman who represents millions of India's poorest citizens (India has Modi's BJP is not invincible and can be defeated. All this will help 300 million poor) is now India's most sought after politician. Mayawati, to enthuse voters. Congress gain some much-needed momentum in the run-up to next an icon of the country's traditionally oppressed Dalits who were once year's crucial elections. However, these state polls may be an known as "untouchables," is central to opposition efforts to prevent Tuesday's results unreliable barometer for next year's big elections. Prime Minister Modi's reelection in 2019. With rising sectarian There was considerable anti-incumbency against the BJP in these tensions leading to stronger political unity among Dalits - a swing force suggest discontent in states - the party was trying for a record fourth term in both Madhya that consists of about 16.6 percent or 200 million of India's population Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. People in Rajasthan have a consistent - many parties are turning to Mayawati to forge an alliance ahead of the Hindi heartland, a record of voting out the incumbent after one term. The BJP workers general election. can take solace from the fact that the party still put up a spirited fight Mayawati, who was the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh may region that in 2014 in two of the three states, despite the formidable odds of anti- be a front runner for Prime Minister if there is a hung parliament and incumbency. Secondly,the majority of seats in three states witnessed neither Modi's BJP nor Rahul Gandhi's main opposition Congress gave the BJP two-thirds bipolar contests between the BJP and the Congress. In general Party can form government, said Ajoy Bose, a Delhi based political elections, regional parties will hold the key. Next year much will analyst who wrote a biography of the 62-year-old. of its parliamentary depend on the kind of strategic regional alliances the Congress is able "Almost from a position of political oblivion, there are signs of the to stitch up and sustain in different states. Thirdly, one of the BJP's resurrection of Mayawati," said Bose. "She has definitely regained seats. Simply put, greatest strengths is having capable leaders in several states, many of ground dramatically. There is a possibility that she could even be a whom who have completed more than one term. Hobbled by dynastic Prime Ministerial candidate - the whole idea of having such a Modinomics is not politics, the Congress has failed to groom young local leaders, prominent Dalit leader as Prime Minister will be tempting for a lot of depending mainly on the charisma of the Nehru dynasty. Also, the other parties as it will give them some edge." working. When Modi Congress appears to lack political imagination and has been unable to In Uttar Pradesh, which holds the key to forming the national produce a powerful alternative to the BJP. government, Modi's ruling National Democratic Alliance would lose 35 was elected, he "It seems to be courting on anti-incumbency to do the work, a seats compared to the 2014 elections if Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj complacent attitude that has made the BJP competitive in areas where Party and the Samajwadi Party joined forces, according to one poll. promised to invigorate it has gathered genuine discontent, against the lack of development Similarly, Congress could make sizeable gains in the State if it joins outcome, unemployment and rural distress," says political scientist hands with those parties. Another survey, from India Today, predicted the economy by Gilles Verniers of Ashoka University. an alliance of opposition parties would come out neck and neck with In their new book, Ideology and Identity,political scientists Pradeep Modi's ruling coalition. providing "maximum K Chhibber and Rahul Verma from the University of California, argue Modi won in the general elections in 2014 with only 31% of votes. that India "is no longer led by a Western oriented elite, and citizens Today, his opposition is ruling Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Tamil governance" with have voted into power politicians closer to their roots, politicians who Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, represent small town socially conservative values, in the BJP or Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh representing majority of 535 parliamentary "minimum government" regional parties". This is a shift of power to a "more conservative and seats. Even in his home state, Modi's party won only marginally. For vernacular elite" which seems to have escaped the Congress. ambitious political leaders of these States Mayawati-Samajwadi and replacing red tape WHAT REMAINS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR IS THAT THE 2019 coalition could be very attractive to defeat Modi. Such an outcome could create power in the center for Modi's opposition even excluding that would have GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE A REFERENDUM ON MODI, AND, the Congress. WHO CAN LEAD IN WINNING COALITIONS AND FORM THE Sadanand Dhume of the WSJ wrote: "It's too early to write off Modi's allowed market forces GOVERNMENT? prospects. He remains a popular figure and powerful orator, and his party is India's best funded and best organized. Yet it is clear Modi's to play a larger role in Modi's grandiose promises - specially to create more jobs and tax-and-spend model of development is failing to enthuse voters. increase incomes of farmers - have begun to bite. Lack of jobs and Tuesday's results suggest discontent in the Hindi heartland, a region India's inefficient declining farm incomes will be the deciding issues next year, although that in 2014 gave the BJP two-thirds of its parliamentary seats. Simply whether the farmers will vote as an "angry bloc" against what is now put, Modinomics is not working. When Modi was elected, he promised economy." being perceived as an "arrogant" government will become clear closer to invigorate the economy by providing "maximum governance" with to the Summer polls. "minimum government" and replacing red tape that would have But the failure to offer an alternative narrative of hope to the people allowed market forces to play a larger role in India's inefficient will make it difficult for the Congress and its often fractious allies to economy." mount a credible challenge to Modi, who still remains the BJP's star (Ven Parameswaran of Scarsdale, N.Y. is a Senior Adviser to the vote-catcher. Imagindia Institute, a think tank in New Delhi) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Jinnah House in Mumbai belongs to Pakistan, Pakistan deep state halts probe says Foreign Office against ISI-backed terror: GSR ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan asserted on Thursday that Jinnah House in Mumbai belonged to it and any attempt by India to ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan’s deep state take the building under its control will not be regularly halts investigation by the police accepted, days after External Affairs against terror groups that ISI nurtures Minister Sushma Swaraj said her ministry is against India, alleges a US-based geo-politics in the process of getting the bungalow journal Global Security Review (GSR). transferred in its name. A recent article, Pakistan’s ISI Contributes The sea-facing bungalow on Malabar Hill to Regional Instability, penned by analyst in Mumbai was designed by architect Claude Alexandra Gilliard cites the example of Batley in European style and Pakistan's Harkat-ul-Mujahideen terror operative founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah lived there in Sehran Sheikh, arrested on December 7 in the late 1930s. Pakistan had demanded in Kashmir, to bring to light the murky recent years that the property should be relationship between Pakistan’s deep state handed over to it for housing its Mumbai and terror oganisations in India, Pakistan consulate. and Afghanistan. "We have a claim over it (Jinnah House) GSR, quoting unnamed Pakistan’s police and we do not accept that anyone tries to take officials, also claims that ISI officers custody of it. They (Indians) have already regularly halt investigations involving accepted that it belongs to Pakistan. We have terrorist groups they support. record of it. They (Indians) have accepted ISI’s goal, according to GSR, is to promote that it belong to Pakistan," Foreign Office Pakistan’s regional hegemony while spokesperson Mohammad Faisal told wreaking havoc on the national security reporters here. Asked if Pakistan would interests of both India and Afghanistan. ISI’s within India and greater influence in treated the same as terrorists,” writes consider to hand over Kartarpur land to continued covert support for extremists has Afghanistan,” claims Gilliard. Gilliard. India in a swap deal, Faisal said: "Absolutely fostered a growing radical community and “After former President Pervez “The ISI is plagued by a persistent not…It is gesture for Sikh minority new splinter groups that have spread Musharraf ’s pledge to join the War on Terror, hesitancy to destroy terrorist groups, instead community made on their request to provide throughout the region, the journal further the ISI vacillated between continued hoping to nurture them and use them in the a visa free corridor to facilitate visit to a claims. sponsorship of extremist groups in support future against Pakistan’s regional rival, religious shrine." (ET) “The ISI directorate has enjoyed of its interests and cracking down on radical India...the Taliban vies for more control, the unparalleled power since its creation in 1948. anti-ISI groups within Pakistan. Ultimately, ISI has provided it with military aid to ensure US set aside its nuclear As the ISI DG is selected by the military due to inconsistencies in its Afghanistan remains in a state of perpetual branch, the agency has remained steeped in counterterrorism campaign, Pakistan’s instability. Should the Taliban gain power, proliferation concerns of army and military affairs for seventy years. intelligence agency was quietly listed as a Pakistan will have a staunch ally in the From its outset, the ISI has backed terrorist terrorist organisation in US military region, with the potential to form a strategic Pakistan for support in organizations that provide strategic depth documents, instructing that ISI officers be partnership. writes Gilliard. (ET) Afghanistan Sri Lanka President Names New Cabinet To End Nepal Finally Looks KABUL (TIP): The US acceded to Pakistan’s demand, supported by China, to Political Crisis Beyond India and China “set aside” its concerns over Islamabad’s secretive nuclear weapons programme in the COLOMBO KATHMANDU (TIP): Nepal for a long immediate aftermath of the Soviet invasion (TIP):: Sri Lanka's time has heavily invested its time and energy of Afghanistan, according to the latest President to deal with India and China, the regional documents declassified from the era. Maithripala giants and Nepal’s only two bordering The documents, which were released by Sirisena named a 30- countries. But now Kathmandu has started to the State Department, reveal that then member cabinet reach out to its old allies, which are being Pakistani dictator General Zia-ul Haq and Thursday to end a newly considered as key development Chinese Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping were crippling seven- partners. Mainly after the restoration of successful in extracting this price from the week power struggle multiparty democracy in 1990, the success of US in lieu of Islamabad’s support to America with his prime any Nepali government was measured on the against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. minister, but only basis of its ability to keep cordial relations In addition to the US turning a blind eye to after a final tussle with India and China. Successive Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme, over who should governments paid little or no attention to Deng also convinced the US to start giving control the police. engaging with old partners like the United more military and financial aid to Pakistan, Sirisena Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and other according to the US Foreign Relations 1977- reinstated Ranil European countries. Kathmandu has 1980 volume on Afghanistan. Wickremesinghe as prime minister on Sunday after the Supreme Court threw out his attempt likewise not paid sufficient attention to Gulf The voluminous document indicates that to dissolve parliament and hold early elections in the Indian Ocean nation. countries, which host millions of Nepali both Zia and Deng successfully convinced the "The forming of the cabinet was delayed because the president wanted to retain media and migrant workers. These workers face a lot of then Carter administration that India under the police," government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said as the new cabinet was problems related to their wages and safety. former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi would announced. In its election manifesto, the Left Alliance be pro-Soviet. “There are limits on our ability "He conceded the media ministry, but will retain control over the police for a little longer." – now the ruling party — pledged to take to aid Pakistan because of their nuclear No law and order minister was named in the new cabinet and Sirisena, who also serves as measures to revisit foreign policy. Sure explosive programme. defence minister, will take responsibility for the police. enough, the new government formed under Deng applauded the US decision as he was The key posts of finance minister and foreign minister remained unchanged from Communist Party of Nepal Chairman K.P. successfully able to convince the Carter Wickremesinghe's deposed government. Mangala Samaraweera stays as finance minister and Sharma Oli has started to reach out to other administration on this issue. “That is a very Tilak Marapana as foreign chief. countries beyond India and China, earning a good approach. Pakistan has its own reasons Sirisena sparked the political crisis on October 26 when he sacked Wickremesinghe in a bid positive reaction in Nepal’s political and for developing a nuclear programme. We to name nationalist firebrand Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister. He had to backtrack in diplomatic circles. At the same time, there ourselves oppose the Pakistan effort on the face of opposition from the legislature, where he had no majority,and Sri Lankan courts. are criticisms that the Oli government is nuclear weapons because we believe it Shortly after giving Wickremesinghe his job back on Sunday, Sirisena made it clear that focusing only on bilateral visits instead of meaningless to spend money on such a working with the new government would be difficult. formulating clear policies. programme,” he said. “Pakistan has its own "I still believe that I should not have made Ranil Wickremesinghe the prime minister, but I All Nepali prime ministers since 1990 have arguments, ie, India has exploded a nuclear bow to the wishes of the majority in parliament," Sirisena said. focused their attention on drawing the device but the world has not seemed to "But, I don't know how far we will succeed in fulfilling the wishes of our people." support of India and China to ascend to complain about this. So now you have Sirisena came to power in 2015 with the help of Wickremesinghe's United National Party power, which also invited foreign decided to put this aside and solve the (UNP), but personal and political clashes came to a head with the October sacking. interference in the internal political affairs question of military and economic aid to The 69-year-old Wickremesinghe refused to give way to former president Rajapakse, of Nepal. In the 30-year long Panchayat era, Pakistan. We applaud this decision,” Deng leaving the country with two claimants to the prime minister's post and no functioning Nepal’s monarchy reached out to other said. government. countries beyond India and China. After 1990, He also convinced the US to not equate The Sri Lankan parliament backed Wickremesinghe's claim that his dismissal was illegal, Nepali politicians paid few bilateral and India and Pakistan when it comes to giving voting six times against Rajapakse during tumultuous sessions that at times erupted into official visits to other powerful countries. aid. (PTI) brawls. (NDTV) (The Diplomat) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 AAPI to launch a 9-City Jai Ho Musical Dhamaka by Bollywood singer Sukhwinder Singh in May 2019

ATLANTA, GA (TIP): After mesmerizing musical lovers all he explains. across the world with his enchanting voice, Sukhwinder Singh, "Many of our industry partners liked this concept where they the top Bollywood singer is now on AAPI's Nine-City Jai Ho could get prime time with a few hundred doctors for product Musical Dhamaka next Spring, performing in thirteen cities promotion/theater, non CME lectures, exhibits, booths," Dr. Raj around the United States. Organized by the American Bhayani, national coordinator of the event, says. "These multi- Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI), the city mini-seminars are a novel concept for education and spectacular musical program combined with educational and recreation that will raise funds for the local chapters of AAPI, networking opportunities for AAPI members, supporters and the national AAPI and the AAPI Charitable Foundation." sponsors, is being organized with the objective of bringing CME Describing the process leading to the Tour, Dr. Suresh Reddy, and non-CME sponsored medical lectures, exhibits, Gala President-Elect of AAPI, recalls, "Realizing that it takes a lot of Dinner, community outreach talks and lively musical nite in coordination and tremendous effort, we were successful in each of the 9 cities across the country. involving dozens of AAPI office-bearers of various Chapters "Following the past successes of multi-city musical tours and Executive Committee members. Each of them is committed organized by AAPI, I am inspired by the concept and how such to work hard, coordinate with the local leadership, while events have helped in strengthening the relationship between committing to have the funds raised would be given to AAPI, the the AAPI Chapters and national office, in addition to help raise local Chapters, and the many philanthropic endeavors funds for the many noble programs for AAPI and the local organized by AAPI and its Charitable Foundation." AAPI has established itself as the most successful and Chapters" says Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI. Sukhwinder Singh, the top Bollywood singer is now on AAPI's "The concept of this program to bring together various local Nine-City Jai Ho Musical Dhamaka next Spring, performing in premiere ethnic medical organization in the United States. Chapters closer has been in my mind for several months. thirteen cities around the United States AAPI-Charitable Foundation, the crest jewel of AAPI, is National coordinators of the program, Drs. Narendra Kumar. committed to serve the poorest of the poor in remote areas of Hemant Dhingra, Raj Bhayani. Amit Chkrabarty, Anjana and Yeh Jo Zindagi Hain from Earth, Jaane Tu Mera Kya Hai India and USA. Samadder, and Gautam Samaddar, as well as the entire AAPI from Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Aayo Re Sakhi, Bhangari Morori Since 1992, the Foundation has been providing an team and leadership enthusiastically received this idea and the and Piya Ho from Water, Chinnamma Chilakkamma from infrastructure support system for needy patients in India with net result of our collaboration and dialogue is the 9-city grand Meenaxi, Thok De Killi from Raavan and the most popular Jai two main goals: enabling AAPI members to commit their time mega concert." Dr. Dhingra, who has close relationship with the Ho from Slumdog Millionaire. and resources to support the clinics for the indigent; and to Entertainment Industry, worked with Neha and her team to The song "Jai Ho", sung by Singh, composed by A.R. Rahman monitor effectively the clinics' progress and be accountable for present an evening of cultural entertainment in each of these and written by Gulzar, was nominated as a Critics' Choice the overall success of the project. thirteen cities. Award for Best Song and won an Oscar Academy Award for Best The Seminars and workshops will be led by accomplished Senior leadership and several past Presidents and leaders of Original Song. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Song faculty of leading Cardiologists, Cardiovascular Surgeons and AAPI have extended their whole-hearted support in organizing Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media Psychiatrists. Each of the nine medical educational programs this mega event across the nation, Dr. Parikh says. "I am in 2010. is expected to have an audience of 250-400 Physicians, which sincerely grateful to Dr. Narendra Kumar, Dr. Vinod Shah, Dr. Dr. Hemant Dhingra, Entertainment Chair of AAPI provided will be followed by annual gala event and entertainment with an Ravi Jahagirdar, Dr. Ajay Lodha, Dr. Jayesh Shah, and Dr. Vinod a detailed description of the planned 9-City Tour by popular expected 2,500+ audience at each location. Koli, all past Presidents of AAPI, for their senior advisory role Bollywood star, Sukhvinder, which is a way to raise funds for Dr. Parikh promises to "make this event both transparent and in making this meg event a grand success." AAPI and its many local Chapters. The event will have its finale successful, and we hope it becomes an annual event. Many of The Cities where the mega shows planned to be held include: with Sonu Nigam joining the 60 member live artists in Atlanta, our industry partners have also shown great interest in this Atlanta, San Francisco; Los Angeles; New Jersey, Columbus, GA. concept, where they can receive prime time with a few hundred OH, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, Orlando, "Entertainment was only just one component of the entire doctors for product promotion, theater, non-CME lectures, Charlotte, Dallas, and Houston. program," Dr. Parikh adds. The idea is to put together mini exhibits and booths. Because of this, we hope to have a Sukhwinder Singh, an internationally recognized Bollywood seminars, networking and strengthening the relationship significant number of national sponsors for this program." playback artist, best known for singing "Chaiyya," for which he between members and the national office. "Due to popular This extensive Musical/Educational Tour program put won the Best Male Playback Award at the 1999 Filmfare Awards, demand from several physicians on the need for enhancing together by Dr. Parikh and his Team is a step towards reaching in association with composer A.R. Rahman has resulted in scientific component at AAPI meetings and allowing greater the message of AAPI across the globe and help AAPI realize its numerous hit songs. The list includes Chaiyya from Dil Se, number of members to participate, AAPI is now organizing the noble mission. For more details on the Musical Tour and for Ramta Jogi, Ni Main Samajh Gayee, Taal Se Taal Mila and 13-city programs to make it easy for physicians to participate sponsorship opportunities, please visit: Nahin Samne from Taal, Ruth Aa Gayee Re, Raat Ki Daldal Hain locally avoiding extensive travel and time away from practice," http://www.aapiusa.org UN to vote Friday to approve advance monitors for Yemen truce UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The United text condemns “the supply, from whatever Nations Security Council is due to vote on The draft resolution, seen by Reuters, authorizes UN source, of weapons and associated materiel in Friday to endorse a ceasefire agreed by the contravention of the arms embargo.” The warring parties in Yemen’s Hodeidah region Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to deploy - for an United States had wanted to name Iran, but and authorize an advance UN team to begin initial 30 days - an advance team to begin monitoring Russia objected, diplomats said. Iran has monitoring the deal, diplomats said. repeatedly denied accusations that it has The 15-member council has spent several and to support and facilitate the deal between the supplied weapons to Yemen’s Houthis. T he days wrangling over a British-drafted text and conflict has pushed impoverished Yemen to the United States, unhappy with Britain’s warring parties. the verge of famine, and millions of people efforts, came up with its own version on rely on food aid. More than 80 percent of Thursday. The council will vote on Britain’s agreement between the parties,” the diplomat advance team to begin monitoring and to Yemen’s imports used to come through draft and Washington is not expected to put its said. A resolution needs nine votes in favor support and facilitate the deal between the Hodeidah port, but that has slowed to a text to a vote, diplomats said. and no vetoes by Russia, China, the United warring parties. It also asks Guterres to trickle. The draft resolution “calls on the The US mission to the United Nations did States, France or Britain to pass. submit proposals by the end of the month on government of Yemen and the Houthis to not immediately respond to a request for After a week of UN-sponsored peace talks substantive monitoring operations for the remove bureaucratic impediments to flows of comment. “It is rather unusual to see similar in Sweden, the Iranian-aligned Houthi group ceasefire and mutual redeployment of forces; commercial and humanitarian supplies, but competing drafts put forward by allies, and Saudi-backed Yemen government foes support for the management of and including fuel, and on the parties to ensure rather than suggesting amendments to agreed last week to stop fighting in the Red inspections at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif effective and sustained functioning of all of existing drafts. But these are unusual times,” Sea city of Hodeidah and withdraw forces. and Ras Issa; and strengthening of the U.N. Yemen’s ports.” The text circulated to council said a senior UN diplomat, speaking on The truce began on Tuesday. presence in the Hodeidah region. members by the United States – and seen by condition of anonymity. The draft resolution, seen by Reuters, Guterres would report weekly to the Reuters – mirrored the British language “Our focus must be on getting swift authorizes UN Secretary-General Antonio Security Council on implementation of the focused on the ceasefire deal and authorizing adoption to support U.N. efforts and the Guterres to deploy – for an initial 30 days – an deal, according to the draft resolution. The U.N. support. (Reuters) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 US 13

needs of sponsors and supporters. There are many Exciting A-Z Registration Packages like AAPI's 37th Annual Convention Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Ranging from $50,000 - $250,000. Exhibiting with AAPI gives an opportunity to access nearly 2,000 health professionals who will be held in Atlanta are leaders and decision-makers regarding new ATLANTA, GA (TIP): "The 37th Annual products and services, Access to national and Convention and Scientific Assembly of international health policy advisors.The American Association of Physicians of Indian physicians attending this convention have Origin (AAPI) will be held at the fabulous Omni excelled in different specialties and sub- Atlanta at CNN Center and Georgia World specialties and occupy high positions as faculty Congress Centre (GWCC) in Atlanta from July 3 members of medical schools, heads of to 7, 2019," Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of departments, and executives of hospital staff. AAPI, announced here at a kick off meeting. AAPI represents the interests of 80,000 Attended by the members of convention physicians including 20,000 medical students, leadership and various Committee Teamsfor residents, and fellows. Over 2,500 attendees the convention, the event on Sunday, December along with guests are expected to gather at the 2nd, 2018 at the Georgia World Congress Centre, 37th Annual AAPI Convention in Atlanta, GA. showed the enthusiasm and commitment of the The Team has discussed all the exciting news, AAPI leadership and the local organizing updates, action plans for the upcoming event, committee headed by Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, assigned and confirmed the roles and Vice Chair of AAPI BOT and Convention Chair. responsibilities of members in the team. Early Other prominent leaders who had attended Bird Specials for AAPI members to save on the the kick off meeting included, Dr. Sudhakar cost for registering early on to attend the Jonnalagadda, Vice President, AAPI;Dr. convention will be announced shortly. Syamala Erramilli, President of GAPI; Dr.Asha Dr. Naresh Parikh, President of AAPI, announcing AAPI's 37th Annual Convention, December 2 AAPI was founded in 1982 by a group of Parikh, Chair of GAPI BOT; Convention Co- concerned Indian American medical chairs: Dr. Raghu Lolabattu, Dr. Piyush Patel, Many of the physicians who will attend this AAPI convention will offer over 12 hours of professionals with a simple goal, to deal with Dr. Subodh Agrawal and several Convention convention have excelled in different CME credits. Scientificpresentations, exhibits, the challenges around immigration and Team members. specialties and subspecialties and occupy high and product theatre presentations will licensing issues facing by foreign medical "Exhibitors and Corporate Partners will positions as faculty members of medical highlight the newest advances inpatient care, graduates and to design a level field for them. It remain their priority as they work together to schools, heads of departments, and executives medical technology, and practice management is the largest non-profit ethnic medical provide a world class forum for increased of hospital staff. issues across multiple medicalspecialties.In a organization in the United States,one out of interactions between physicians, sponsors, "The AAPI Convention provides an paradigm shift, the convention will explore a seven patient encounters in America is with an exhibitors," said Dr. Sreeni Gangasani."The opportunity for delegates to meet directly with Symposium and/or Workshop format that will Indian American physician,AAPI serves as an annual convention this year is being organized these physicians who are leaders in their fields focus on current issues in the clinical umbrella organization with a network of over by AAPI's Georgia Chapter. A pool of dedicated and play an integral part in the decision- management of chronic disease conditions to 160 component chapters including alumni, AAPI leaders are working hard to make the making process regarding new products and include evidence-based guidelines, latest regional ,state, and specialty organizations. Convention a unique event for all the services," said Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda. In therapies, and hot topics. They will also include "Physicians and healthcare professionals participants." addition to consumers of medical and 1-2 sessions that will count for Ethics CME that from across the country and internationally Dr.Asha Parikh said, "The 2019 AAPI Annual pharmaceutical products, devices and can fulfil mandatory medical license renewal will convene and participate in the scholarly Convention & Scientific Assembly offers an equipment, practice-related services, financial requirements in most states. exchange of medical advances, to develop exciting venue to interact with leading services, office supplies, etc., can also meet This convention has been always one of the health policy agendas, and to encourage physicians, health professionals, academicians, senior members of management who influence much awaited events of the year, there will be legislative priorities in the coming year. We and scientists of Indian origin. Physicians and such health care facilities. The 37th AAPI an Educational session with CME by world look forward to seeing you all in Atlanta, healthcare professionals from across the Atlanta Convention is where you can reach renowned faculty, full entertainment by Georgia!" said Dr. Naresh Parikh. For more country will convene and participate in the your target audience of several thousand under Bollywood celebrates, many religious/cultural details, and sponsorship opportunities, please scholarly exchange of medical advances, to one roof. Register now and aggrandize your Activates and many more. visit: www.aapiconvention.org and encourage legislative priorities and to develop marketing plans. AAPI convention offers customized and www.aapiusa.org health policy agendas in the coming year." According to Dr. Syamala Erramilli, the exclusive sponsorship packages to meet the (Press Release issued by Ajay Ghosh) A Grand celebration in Chicago unveils the essence & spirit of Christmas CHICAGO, IL (TIP): : With the symphonic the gathering of families of all faiths for choir presenting melodious Christmas carols unitedly celebrating Christmas with a greater eclipsed only by the grand entry of huge convoy sense of appreciation, love and of Kerala Drum beats headed by fully attired understanding. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, dancing Santa Claus kicked-off a spectacular Banquet Convener presiding over the Christmas Nite Banquet at the colorfully decked evening's banquet served as the emcee, Meadows Club on December 14, 2018 in Rolling introduced the chief guests, and elected Meadows, IL. officials. Keerthi Ravoori called the Christmas The mesmerizing high-decibel sounds of banquet a celebration of inter-faith unity Kerala drum beats reverberating the hall during this festive season. Emmanuel Neela, joyfully unveiled the grand evening of great President SACCA presented seasonal remarks festive fervor which was followed by dazzling and outlined future programs; while Vasanth dance performances and musical carols each Charles presented an overview of the history heartwarmingly unveiled the profoundly of South Asian Christian Cultural Assn beautiful story of Christmas spectacularly U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator-elect Ram Vilivallam, Bishop Angadiath [SACCA] and Satish Dadepogu proposed a and dignitaries with hosts: Gladson Varghese, Keerthi Ravoori, Emanuel Neela, Satish Dadepogu depicted through songs, dance and music. vote of thanks. Margaret Sanyogita Charles, & Vasanth Charles The Christmas Nite Banquet hosted under the Shirley Kalvakota & Persis Dadepogu led the aegis of South Asian Christian Cultural emphasized, fosters peace, goodwill and love. community for all the support he has received in lamp-lighting ceremony and intermittently Association [SACCA] attracted a great host of Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who his electoral victory as the new State Senator in took to the stage in the honoring ceremonies elected officials headed by U.S. Congressman inspired a new generation of new leaders added the 8th Senatorial district. presenting shawl and flower bouquets to Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator-elect Ram that he would like to see a public figure emerging The highlight of the evening was ethereally Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in Villivalam, Oakbrook Mayor Dr. Gopal from the south Indian Christian community. melodious carols and anthems presented by appreciation of his gracious presence and Lalmalani, Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath, Air- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi publicly the acclaimed St. Thomas Marthoma Church support; to State Senator [elect] Ram India's Chief Malini Vaidyanathan, Redberri acknowledged and thanked Gladson Varghese choir with over 30 singers directed by Choir Villivalam on his recent electoral victory and Corp CEO Deepakant Vyas joined by large and Keerthi Kumar Ravoori and his team for Director Jacob George in a repertoire to Shree Guruswamy for presenting beautiful number of business and community leaders hosting this grand event celebrating the essence performance enhanced by candlelit ambience cultural dance presentations and Oakbrook including SBI Manager Amit Jihngran, PM of Christmas. with a sparkling collection of timeless carols Mayor Dr. Gopal Lalmalani. Johnson Mortgage CEO Ashok Lakshmanan, Joyallukas Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi evoked sustained applause and some standing Kodipally, Merari Bushpaka, Vijay, Michael Jewelers Manager Justin Joseph, SBI-VP Deepa presented special plaques of appreciation to Mr. ovation. Young dancers who put grace, beauty Konda, Tony Chettupally, Mohit, and Sheetal Nath, Ajeet Singh, Harish Kolasani, Prachi Ashok Lakshmanan, Mr. Amit Jhingran, State and emotions in their dances illustrating the & Komal Panchal presented the Telugu carols; Jaitley and Dhitu Bhagvakar. Bank of India and Joseph of Joyallukas Jewelry. story of Christmas beautifully presented the while Rev. Rajamani Gonu, Rev. Dr. David The glittering banquet set off in motion with Malini Vaidyanathan of Air-India was honored evening's dance presentations from Kala Vidyasagar, Rev.Omega Verma, Dan Williams, lamp lighting ceremony lead by with floral bouquets for her outstanding support Dance Academy choreographed by Ruth and Prem presented the closing Christmas U.S.Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi who in to the community events and projects. Varghese and Surya Dance Academy. Skit with musical score by Michael Konda. his remarks applauded the organizers and State Senator Ram Villivalam [elect] Earlier, Gladson Varghese, Chairman (Photograph and Press release by extolled the spirit of Christmas, which he presented seasons' greetings and thanked the welcomed the elected officials and thanked Asian Media USA) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

In twist to ‘Hanuman is Dalit’ row, BJP leader Bukkal Nawab Ex-NDA minister joins ‘grand says he was a Muslim LUCKNOW (TIP): In an interesting twist to the debate alliance’, Opposition over Lord Hanuman after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath termed the God a Dalit, his party colleague and MLC Bukkal Nawab on Thursday said the deity was “actually a Muslim”. to get a boost in Bihar “Lord Hanuman belongs to all, and as far as I think, Hanuman ji was actually a Muslim,” Nawab, who left the NEW DELHI (TIP): Upendra Samajwadi Party to join the BJP when the Yogi Adityanath Kushwaha, the junior HRD minister in government came to power, told reporters in Lucknow. Narendra Modi’s government who He argued that the deity’s name is very similar to names recently resigned, formally joined the among Muslims and many of them are named after him. Congress-led United Progressive “Hamara manna hai Hanuman ji Musalman thhe. Isliye Alliance (UPA) on Thursday. The Bihar- Musalmanon ke andar jo naam rakha jata hai... Rehman, based Rashtriya Lok Samata Party Ramzan, Farman, Zishan, Qurban... Jitne bhi naam rakhey (RLSP) leader had quit the BJP-led jaate hain, woh karib karib unhi par rakhe jaate hain,” he National Democratic Alliance on said. December 10, citing differences with the Nawab, 64, who publicly offered prayers at a Hanuman BJP and the Nitish Kumar-led Janata temple last year, is the latest political figure to have weighed Dal (United). in on Lord Hanuman’s identity. At a press conference in the All India While campaigning during the recent assembly elections, Congress Committee (AICC) office, Adityanath reportedly said, “Hanuman was a forest dweller, Kushwaha said, “The alliance of RLSP deprived and a Dalit. Bajrang Bali worked to connect all and other UPA constituents is not Indian communities together, from north to south and east merely an electoral formula. It is a to west.” coming together of similar ideologies.” On December 4, BJP MP Savitribai Phule took exception “Yeh dalon ka mel nahin, dilon ka mel RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav with Jitan Ram Manjhi, Congress leader Ahmed Patel, to the manner in which the deity is depicted. hai (This is not a marriage of different AICC Bihar in charge Shaktisinh Gohil, RLSP leader Upendra Kushwaha, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav and other leaders after joining the grand alliance during a press “Lord Hanuman was a Dalit and a slave of ‘manuwadi’ parties but of hearts),” he added. conference, at All India Congress Committee office (AICC), in New Delhi. people. He was a Dalit and a human. He did everything for Over the last few months, Kushwaha Lord Ram, then why was he given a tail and his face had been upset over the way both the sharing formula. The LJP contested announced his decision to join the UPA. blackened,” she asked. BJP and the Janata Dal (United) had seven seats in 2014 and won six. A formidable alliance in Bihar A Jain priest in Bhopal has claimed Lord Hanuman was sidelined smaller NDA constituents – It is in this context, Kushwaha said, neither a Dalit nor a tribal, but a Jain. like his party in Bihar. Former chief “Nitish Kumar wanted to destroy me With RLSP joining the UPA, the Bukkal had given up his Uttar Pradesh Legislative minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s and my party because even when I was opposition alliance has become stronger Council seat to pave way for a BJP minister to become a Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) has in the NDA, my party has been raising in Bihar – a state which sends 40 legislator within the stipulated six-month period and already left the NDA. concerns on the poor education system members to the Lok Sabha. continue in the government. After openly supporting the The process of Kushwaha’s eventual in Bihar.” Apart from the Lalu Prasad-led RJD, construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in departure from the NDA began when the He said that Kumar insulted him by which is the biggest UPA member in Ayodhya, the prominent Shia politician last year donated a BJP said it was ready to give only two calling him “neech” (lowly) when he Bihar, the Congress, the Communist 30-kg brass bell at a famous Hanuman temple. He offered seats to the RLSP for the 2019 appealed to the state government to Party of India (ML-Liberation), prayers there, prompting the SP to comment, “It is nothing parliamentary polls, as against the three implement his 25-point programme to Communist Party of India (CPI), RLSP but a publicity stunt. He is hopping from one temple to it gave to the party in 2014. RLSP resurrect the state’s dying education and HAM will now take on the NDA in another to hog media limelight.” spokesperson Madhaw Anand had told sector. 2019. the media earlier that the party would He also alleged that Prime Minister Bihar is thus poised to see a bipolar Sohrabuddin encounter: Cops, not settle for anything less than three. Narendra Modi remained silent when he contest between two clear political The former minister’s equation with was insulted. fronts, lending greater credibility to the farmhouse owner acquitted due the BJP particularly deteriorated when “My disenchantment with NDA is not notion of a united opposition. the Janata Dal (United) deserted the only on the basis of the seat-sharing Although the seat-sharing formula to lack of evidence Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and formed formula. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has still not been decided, political the state government with the saffron has ignored all issues of social justice observers say that RJD may contest 20-22 MUMBAI (TIP): A special CBI court has acquitted all 22 party in 2017. Kushwaha and Kumar over the last four years. I have seats, while the Congress will contest 8- accused, most of them policemen, in the Sohrabuddin have been known as arch-rivals since the constantly raised such issues in the 10. The remaining 10 will be shared by Shaikh encounter case of 2005 due to lack of evidence. time both were part of the Janata Dal. government but none heard them. It was the smaller parties. Delivering the verdict, special CBI judge SJ Sharma said Both leaders emerged from the socialist a matter of self-respect for me,” said the What is clear at the moment is that the the witnesses and proof were not satisfactory to prove movement, garnering support from Lok Sabha member from Bihar’s opposition alliance will attack both the conspiracy and murder. The court also observed that their respective caste groups. Karakat. Centre and the state government on circumstantial evidence was not substantial. His displeasure became more evident Kushwaha received a warm welcome their failure to keep their poll promises. “Government machinery and prosecution put in a lot of when the BJP gave in to Kumar’s from opposition leaders. Senior Welcoming Kushwaha, Tejashwi effort, 210 witnesses were brought but satisfactory evidence pressure and declared that both JD(U) Congress leader Ahmed Patel, AICC-in- hinted at this political approach. “Modiji didn't come and witnesses turned hostile. No fault of and the saffron party would contest an charge of Bihar Shaktisinh Gohil, rebel promised Rs 1.25 lakh crore financial prosecutor if witnesses don't speak,” the judge said. equal number of seats in 2019. This left JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, RJD’s assistance to Bihar in his campaign. Of the accused, 21 are junior-level police officials from little room for smaller parties. Ram Tejashwi Yadav, HAM’s Jitan Ram Where is it? Not even a penny has come Gujarat and Rajasthan. The other was the owner of a Vilas Paswan, Lok Janshakti Party Manjhi and Bihar Congress president Bihar’s way and my chacha (uncle) farmhouse in Gujarat where Shaikh and Kausar Bi were (LJP) leader and Union minister, is also Madan Mohan Jha were among the Nitish Kumar appears to have no illegally detained before they were allegedly killed. apparently unhappy with the seat- leaders present when Kushwaha problem with it.” Amit Shah meets LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, son to talk 2019 seat share NEW DELHI (TIP): BJP boss Amit Shah is meeting Lok and had said that there was no unhappiness. “Koi narazgi nahi Janshakti Party’s Ram Vilas Paswan and his son Chirag at his hai, Chirag Parliamentray Board k chairman hain, wahi is Delhi residence. The meeting comes a day after the Bihar sambandh main baat karenge. (There is no unhappiness. politicians went public with their December 31 deadline to seal Chirag is the Parliamentary Board chairman and he will talk the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement for the 2019 elections in about the issue),” Paswan said. Bihar. Paswan’s party has been flexing its muscles over the Seat sharing isn’t the only bone of discontent that the LJP delay and has attempted to pressurise the BJP to finalise the has against the BJP. pact soon. “We flagged a number of issues; such as farm unrest, impact Bihar’s animal husbandry minister and LJP leader of demonetisation, jobs and many more, to BJP leadership, Pashupati Kumar Paras had on Wednesday said that the BJP but, they have not taken note of it,” a senior LJP leader said. should call a meeting of NDA leaders and resolve the seat “The outcome of the recent elections has proved that these sharing issue. Calling for joint discussions, Paras, Paswan’s challenges are real and we can’t ignore them.” younger brother, had said, “We want the seat sharing issue be Paras’ ultimatum to the BJP came a day after Paswan’s MP resolved by December 31, as elections have come closer and a son Chirag Paswan cautioned the BJP in two tweets saying lot of preparation has to be done.” that it should treat its allies with respect and that any delay in Ahead of the meeting, Paswan had played down the issue talks would hurt the NDA. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 INDIA 15 1984 riots: Delhi HC dismisses Sajjan Kumar’s plea for extension of time to surrender NEW DELHI (TIP): The Delhi High Court on December 21 (Friday) dismissed a plea filed by 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict Sajjan Kumar seeking more time to surrender. Kumar had moved the court seeking an additional 30 days for surrendering ahead of the December 31 deadline. The former Congress leader was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the court in a case pertaining to killing five members of a family during the riots. The High Court while hearing the PAK REJECTS PUNJAB’S LAND plea said that it sees no ground for granting an extension of time to Sajjan SWAP OFFER TO MAKE Kumar to surrender. Reversing the orders of the trial court, which had acquitted the former KARTARPUR PART OF INDIA Congress legislator, the court found him guilty of the murders in the CHANDIGARH (TIP): Pakistan has turned down the aftermath of then prime minister demand from the Indian side for a land swap between the Indira Gandhi’s assassination. A bench two countries to make Kartarpur a part of India. of Justice S Muralidhar and Justice “Absolutely not”, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Vinod Goel also made clear that Mohammad Faisal said in Islamabad on Thursday, Kumar’s life imprisonment will be for of jail term to former MLA Mahender Meanwhile, Sajjan Kumar on responding to a media query if Pakistan would consider the remainder of his life. After the Yadav and Kishan Khokhar. The CBI Thursday appeared before the Patiala handing over the Kartarpur land to India in a swap deal. verdict, Kumar tendered his and victims of the riots had filed court in Delhi in connection with “It’s a gesture for Sikh minority community made on resignation from the primary appeals against the acquittal of Kumar another 1984 riots case. In the case their request to provide a visa-free corridor to facilitate visit membership of Congress. in the Delhi High Court. before the trial court, three persons — to a religious shrine. The decision to open the Kartarpur Kumar was acquitted by a special CBI The five convicted had also filed Kumar, Brahmanand Gupta and Ved corridor was taken at the state-to-state level and the Indian court on April 30, 2013, while it had held appeals against their conviction. All Prakash — are facing trial on charges of government was fully involved in it,” he added. five other accused guilty of the crime. appeals were heard together and the murder and rioting pertaining to the The Punjab assembly on December 14 had unanimously The trial court had handed three years judgment was reserved on October 27. killing of Surjit Singh in Sultanpuri. passed a resolution, seeking an India-Pak land swap deal on Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak located in Narowal district of Pakistan. The Capt Amarinder Singh Pak reviving government had decided to take up the proposal with the Don’t fall in love on FB, Union government, offering over 10,000 acres in the Dera Baba Nanak area in exchange for the land on which the terror in Punjab: historic gurdwara stands barely three kilometres from the says Indian national who Rajnath Singh India-Pakistan border. Congress Rajya Sabha member Partap Singh Bajwa too NEW DELHI (TIP): had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September Attempts by Pakistan with a similar demand. Citing an example from 1962 when spent 6 years in Pak jail intelligence agency ISI to land was swapped with Pakistan in return for a piece of fuel the Khalistan fire, land at Hussainiwala where the cremation site of Shaheed MUMBAI (TIP): Having spent almost six radicalisation stemming out Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru is located, Bajwa said it years in a Pakistani jail, software engineer of religion or grievances, will also negate national security concerns that may arise Hamid Nihal Ansari's advice to youth is counter-radicalisation from the corridor. simple: Don't fall in love over Facebook. efforts and police and He should know. It was on Facebook that he community relations are NOIDA POLICE BUST FAKE fell in love with a girl from Pakistan, went among major issues under there to prevent her 'forced' marriage and discussion at the annual before he could meet her, was arrested and Conference of Directors CALL CENTRE DUPING UNITED jailed. General and Inspectors That was six years ago. Thursday, as he General of Police in Gujarat. reached his home in suburban Mumbai, he The three-day conference STATES CITIZENS was in a reflective mood. kicked off today at Kevadia, "Never hide anything from your parents. the venue of Statue of Unity, NOIDA (TIP): The Noida police have busted a fake call Only your parents stand by your side in and will be addressed by centre here which was being used to dupe US citizens, testing times. And never resort to any illegal Prime Minister Modi. officials said on Friday. means to go to any place," Ansari told media. Addressing the inaugural A raid was conducted at the call centre, located in Sector His tale is a lesson for several youngsters, session, Home Minister 63, on Thursday night on a tip-off that dubious operations who have experienced a new wave of freedom Rajnath Singh directed the were being carried out from there, Senior Superintendent of with the world of internet and social media. security establishment to Police Ajay Pal Sharma said. Asked what advice will he give to people check efforts to revive He said “several” operators and callers were detained who fall in love on Facebook, Ansari said, terrorism in Punjab. “In from the scene and were being interrogated. "Don't take (that) risk. Don't fall in love. Don't Hamid Nihal Ansari Punjab, recent terror The workers at the fake call centre would call up US fall in love by trusting (what is on) Facebook." incidents and related citizens and intimidate them saying there were problems As Ansari and his family reached their "I was very excited and decided not to waste interdictions indicate with their Social Security Number, a nine-digit fourth-floor flat in Versova after their arrival a single moment. I changed my clothes, put on concerted efforts on part of identification number issued to US citizens, and demand from Delhi Thursday morning, they were my shoes and sat in the vehicle. The convoy Pak establishment and Sikh money to “fix” it, Sharma said. greeted by their neighbours who had was ready (for my journey)," he said. extremist elements based in The call centre was busted under Phase 3 police station decorated the gate with Welcome Hamid Ansari was arrested in Pakistan in 2012 for Pakistan to revive terrorism limits, he said. written on it with a blue ribbon. allegedly entering that country from in Punjab with active Further details were awaited as the probe was under way, He said the news of his release came as a Afghanistan reportedly to meet a woman he support of other Sikh the SSP said. bolt from the blue. "At 6.30 am on Tuesday,the had befriended online. Pakistan slapped radical/extremist entities Over the past few months, about a dozen fake call centres (jail) deputy superintendent came to me and espionage charges against him. He was based abroad, especially had been busted in Noida and scores of people arrested for said you have half an hour to be ready (for repatriated on Tuesday and handed over to Europe and America,” he duping foreigners, including Americans and Canadians, release). India at the Wagah-Attari border. said. officials said. Source: PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 THEATER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Holiday Inn: From Paper Mill Playhouse By Mabel Pais

Hayley Podschun (Linda) and Nicholas Rodriguez (Jim) Nicholas Rodriguez (Jim), Ann Harada (Louise) Jeff Kready (Ted), Hayley Podschun (Linda), Nicholas Photo / Jerry Dalia Photo / Jerry Dalia Rodriguez (Jim) and company Photo / Jerry Dalia

“ ‘Holiday Inn’ is a tuneful, Shanice Williams-NBC's The Wiz Live! And many more….. toe-tapping confection.” Twelve-year-old Aidan Alberto, an alumnus of the 2017 Summer Conservatory program of Paper Mill Playhouse, is - Associated Press one of the youngest actors in Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn.He plays the alternate in the role of Charlie Winslow. This is the 2nd public performance for Aidan at Paper Mill Playhouse. “ ‘Holiday Inn’ is about the beauty Aidan, from the rehearsal sets, spoke to Mabel Pais. of being true to yourself - living What is exciting about your role in Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn? Describe your role. simply and honestly and finding It is exciting because I play a very funny role (Charlie Winslow); I have funny lines. I like making people laugh. rewards in doing what you love on When you have a funny role you make people laugh. Charlie Winslow is a kid who works for a bank. His teacher your own terms.” Aidan Alberto (Charlie Winslow alternate). is Ms. Mason. Charlie is 10 years old and he behaves like an Photo / Courtesy PMP adult. - Gordon Greenberg, Director & Co-author Tell us more about the Summer Conservatory at Paper Mill rving Berlin's Holiday Inn has arrived just in time for the Playhouse. holidays. This is the 2nd musical in the 80th anniversary In the Conservatory we learn how to audition well. We learn I season of Paper Mill Playhouse, the magnificent season some songs to perform later. We learn how to perform in front opener being The Color Purple. of everyone and we learn how to audition properly. Examples This heartwarming, toe-tapping musical fresh from a of songs are "No Bad News," "We're Not Gonna Take it"…..all Broadway run and based on the Universal Pictures beloved Broadway (NY theater) songs. At the end, they make a dance Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire film, features more than 20 classic for it and we sing and dance to the music. songs from the Berlin catalog, including Easter Parade, Cheek What age groups are trained in the Conservatory? to Cheek, Steppin' Out with My Baby, and White Christmas. The book is by Gordon Greenberg (The Baker's Wife, 1776 - There are 3 age groups: a senior group, a junior plus, and Paper Mill) and Chad Hodge, music direction by Shawn Gough, junior. I was in the junior group: about 15-20. The judges choreography by Denis Jones (Mary Poppins, Paper Mill, included the Artistic Director, Mark S. Hoebee, the Associate Holiday Inn - Broadway, Tony nomination) and directed by Artistic Director, Patrick Parker and some of the teachers in Gordon Greenberg. the Conservatory. Gordon Greenberg, director & co-author, explains, "'Holiday Aidan with his parents Kezia and Aldrin Alberto What is the selection process to get admitted into the Inn' is about the beauty of being true to yourself - living Photo / Courtesy PMP simply and honestly and finding rewards in doing what you program? love on your own terms. In an increasingly polarized and Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization The selection process was each had to sing a song, they fragmented world, the show celebrates our individuality,while umder the direction of Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic taught us a dance to the song; we had to dance and the judges reminding us that we are more alike than different. The sets, Director) and recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award in judged us from that. the costumes, the cast, and the hullabaloo of high-stepping tap 2016, is one of the country's leading regional theaters. In which voiceovers and commercials have you dancers flying through the air against a gorgeous Irving Berlin For more information on the Playhouse or for tickets, visit score makes Holiday Inn a great big party. And isn't that what www.PaperMill.org. participated? holidays are all about?" Facebook.com/PaperMillPlayhouse I've been in a television commercial for the Five and Below Jim Hardy leaves behind the hustle and bustle of showbiz Twitter: @paper_mill (store). I've done a few voiceovers for Audio Works (recording for a quiet life on a Connecticut farm. Jim's agrarian efforts Instagram: papermillplayhouse studio), New York. I've also played Schroeder in (the comic are a flop, but things start looking up when he falls for a Paper Mill's Education Programs series) Peanut's Charlie Brown, a youtube series, in New York. talented schoolteacher, and together they infuse their sleepy In which school musicals and local community theater did rural setting with some Broadway razzle-dazzle. Paper Mill Playhouse is justly proud of its impressive array The principal cast features Paige Faure (Honeymoon in of education programs that reach nearly 40,000 students each you participate? What role did you play in each? Vegas - Paper Mill) as Lila Dixon, Jordon Gelber (Avenue Q) as year. Programs as varied as the Adopt-A-School Project, I did a few shows in my school: In The Wizard Of Oz, I Danny, Ann Harada (Avenue Q) as Louise, Jeff Kready Theater for Everyone, Theater School, Broadway Show Choir, played Tin Man and Marcellus inThe Music Man. This was (Thoroughly Modern Millie - Paper Mill) as Ted Hanover, Rising Star Awards, and the Summer Musical Theater presented for the school staff, students and parents. Hayley Podschun (Peter Pan - Paper Mill) as Linda Mason, Conservatory are examples of this important work. I played Michael Banks in Mary Poppins at the Mayo Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan) as Jim Hardy with Jian Harrell Some of the Summer Conversatory alumni are Performing Arts Center (MPAC). and Aidan Alberto alternating in the role of Charlie Winslow. I've also performed in South Orange at the Baird Theater They will be joined by Jordon Beall, Gene Biscontini, Colin Anne Hathaway (Twelfth Night, Film: Les Misérables (2013 produced by InterACT. For example, I've played Mowgli (a Bradbury, Tricia DeSario, Taylor Fields, Kelly Gleason, Academy Award Winner), Rachel Getting Married (2009 principal character who is the boy or "man-cub," who is raised Juliane Godfrey, Berklea Going, Joshua Israel, Julie Academy Award & Golden Globe nominee), Get Smart, in the jungle by wolves) for The Jungle Book. Kavanagh, Mallory Nolting, Clifton Samuels, JT Teeling, Karl Brokeback Mountain, The Devil Wears Prada, & Disney's The Tell us about your family: your siblings and parents. Skylar Urban, Amy Van Norstrand, Scarlett Walker, Travis Princess Diaries Ward-Osborne, and John T. Wolfe. Laura Benanti-Broadway: She Loves Me, Gypsy (2008 Tony My older sibling Ahren is 16, my younger brother Andrew is Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn continues performances until Award winner), Into the Woods, The Wedding Singer, Swing! 7. My dad Aldrin is a software engineer and my mom Kezia is December 30 at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive) in Julia Knitel-Broadway: Beautiful: the Carole King Musical a nephrologist. Millburn, NJ. (u/s Carole King); Bye Bye Birdie (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts & Entertainment, Social Issues, About Paper Mill Playhouse Robert McClure-Broadway: Something Rotten, Honeymoon Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) in Vegas, Chaplin, Avenue Q ADVERTISEMENT 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 DEEPIKA IS IMDB’S TOP INDIAN STAR, LEAVES SRK, SALMAN, AAMIR KHAN BEHIND

ith just one film in her account in 2018, actor Deepika Padukone has Wbeen named the top Indian star of 2018, beating her Om Shanti Om co-actor, Shah Rukh Khan, according to leading global movie website IMDb. IMDb on Tuesday unveiled the 2018 Top 10 SARA ALI KHAN SAYS Stars of Indian Cinema list. The list was derived using data from IMDbPro SHE IS ALWAYS DYING STARmeter rankings, which are based on page views of more than 250 million monthly TO BE ON A FILM SET visitors to the platform, read a statement. Shah Rukh Khan, who will appear in the ara Ali Khan says she may be pursuing film Zero on December 21, earned the second acting as a profession but her aim is to be spot, and was followed by Thugs of Sas real and relatable as possible. Sara, who Hindostan actor Aamir Khan, Fanney Khan made her Bollywood acting debut with star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Race 3’s Kedarnath and is awaiting the release of her Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sacred Games’ second film Simmba, has become an instant Kubbra Sait, Irrfan Khan, the ‘omnipresent’ social media fan favourite. She is currently busy Radhika Apte and Gold actor Akshay Kumar. with the promotions of the film on reality “Deepika Padukone's strong performance in shows and events. this year's Padmaavat pushed her into the The young actor believes, “People appreciate top spot on the 2018 IMDb Top Stars of Indian the fact that I am real. I endeavour to be most Cinema list," said Neha Gureja, Head of real person. I don’t think too much and try to be International for IMDb. as organic as I can. I do make mistakes. With the "Radhika Apte delighted audiences this same token you get appreciation and criticism year, appearing in two of the IMDb Top as well and you have to take it the same way.” Indian Movies of 2018 - AndhaDhun (which Sara told PTI that as a performer she wants to ranked number 1) and Pad Man (ranked experiment. “I am taking each day as it comes. I number 6). Akshay Kumar, the bold will see what offers come my way and whatever protagonist in Pad Man rounds out the Top excites me I will take that up. As an actor I want Stars list at number 10," she added. to experiment with different kinds of films. I have always loved acting. I am always dying to International film website, be on a film set. Life is empty for me without IMDb has named Deepika that,” she said. Directed by Rohit Shetty, Simmba features Padukone as the biggest Ranveer Singh in the title role and Sonu Sood as Indian star of 2018. Deepika, antagonist. The film releases on December 28. who starred in Padmaavat Also, there are rumours that Sara will be seen earlier in the year, has beat in a sequel to Irrfan Khan’s Hindi Medium, will out Shah Rukh Khan, Salman collaborate with Imtiaz Ali and will be seen in Varun Dhawan-starrer Rannbhoomi. A few Khan, Aamir Khan and reports also suggest that the one-film-old actor Akshay Kumar. has also been offered Baaghi 3.

anikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi is here! The three-minute-long Mtrailer reveals that the 31-year-old Manikarnika: Kangana’s transformation from actress, who plays the titular role in the film, is undoubtedly brilliant as the feisty Rani Laxmi Bai. young widow to warrior queen The trailer begins with an introduction to the story line of Rani Laxmi Bai's biopic - in the absence of a ruler, Jhansi appears to be in with every drop of her blood and sweat. great peril with the East India Company The trailer of Manikarnika: The Queen attempting to seize Jhansi. The trailer then Of Jhansi also features stunning war offers a snippet of Kangana as the fierce sequences between Rani Laxmi Bai and the Manikarnika, who soon wins over all of East India Company. Rani Laxmi Bai shines Jhansi with her warmth, unbeatable skills as bright in the pages of Indian history as one a warrior and ideologies. "Kanyay kaise of the early freedom fighters of India. She kalaiyaan ghumate hai, main dikhati hun," trained and headlined an army of women Manikarnika utters at the beginning of the against the East India Company during the trailer while challenging a group of sword Indian Rebellion of 1857. fighters. We also get a glimpse of actress Ankita The intriguing trailer also has glimpses Lokhande as Jhalkari Bai in the trailer, who of Manikarnika's wedding to Maharaja of served in the women's army of the Rani of Jhansi, Raja Gangadhar Rao Newalkar Jhansi. (aptly played by actor Jisshu Sengupta) and Speaking to news agency IANS earlier, her naming ritual that followed. Kangana had said: "Our film is on a huge Manikarnika was assigned the prestigious scale so there are lots of VFX involved in title of Laxmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi. The the film but now by the grace of God, our story then takes an interesting turn as the deadlines are under control. It's an amazing trailer portrays Rani Laxmi Bai's heart- experience. After January 25, I will be very wrenching transformation from a young happy to sort of take a little break and go widow to a warrior queen, who is somewhere because I have been working so determined to serve the people of Jhansi long on this film." THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 HOLLYWOOD 19 MILEY CYRUS REVEALED SOME INTIMATE DETAILS ABOUT LIAM HEMSWORTH iley Cyrus just confirmed what we all suspected to be true—her man, MLiam Hemsworth, is the full package. In just one small Instagram comment, Cyrus revealed a lot about her longtime beau, and some of the details are even NSFW. Meme account @sourpsycho shared a photo that reads, "No man has all 5: good dick game, empathy, a height above 5'9, no hoes, common sense." Cyrus reacted to the meme, commenting "Mine does! Don't give up!" Well, seems like you hit the jackpot, Miley. To make the exchange even funnier, Riverdale star Lili Reinhart also chimed in. "I found one! ????" she wrote, referring to her co-star boyfriend Cole Sprouse. The actress gave her two cents on a post by @CommentsByCelebs, which featured a screenshot of Miley's comment. Miley and Liam have not been shy about flaunting their love this week, as the singer is out promoting her newest single "Nothing Breaks Like a Heart" ACTRESS YAEL STONE with Mark Ronson. On Saturday, she performed on Saturday Night Live and ACCUSES GEOFFREY Hemsworth supported her backstage. why she refers to him as her "survival romantic," Cyrus said of her man. "But, I Cyrus shared sweet photos from the partner." The title came after Hemsworth learned that it is! That is why you pair up RUSH OF SEXUAL night, calling her beau her "Hot date." heroically saved Miley's dozens of pets with someone is for survival and he was Cyrus recently opened up on The from the California fires while she was so incredible. He got all the animals out in Howard Stern Show about her out of town. "I call him my 'survival his truck, he put two pigs in crates, which HARASSMENT relationship with her longtime love, and partner' now, and he thinks it's not I'm telling you is so hard."

ustralian Jewish actress Yael Stone, a star of the Netflix prison show “Orange Ais the New Black,” has accused actor Carey Mulligan enjoys Geoffrey Rush of inappropriate sexual behavior. Stone made the accusations in an interview playing ‘unlikeable’ with the Australian national broadcaster, as well as in an interview with New York Times columnist Bari Weiss published on the characters newspaper’s website on Sunday night. Stone said that during the Belvoir St. ctor Carey Mulligan says “unlikable” characters Theatre’s 2010-11 production of “The Diary of a attract her. The 33-year-old actor, who has received rave Madman” in Sydney, Rush danced naked in Areviews for her performance in “Wildlife” in which she front of her in their dressing room, used a plays an unsympathetic 1960s wife and mother, believes the mirror to watch her while she showered and negative aspects of her character makes her more realistic. sent her erotic text messages. ”I kind of lean into the unlikable things. Because we all “Geoffrey was working within the boundaries have slightly crap aspects to our personality,as much as we try of what he felt was playful. The fact of the and pretend that we don’t, and that’s what makes us real matter is, the behavior was very inappropriate human beings. at times and did make me feel uncomfortable Sarah Jessica Parker “So I didn’t really think about whether Jeanette was likable and compromised,” she told the ABC. or not. I suppose that’s why it came as quite a shock when “Whenever women particularly speak about people started shouting at me in Q&As,” Mulligan told The issues like this their career generally suffers. downplays talks about third Hollywood Reporter’s ‘Awards Chatter’ podcast. I’ve factored that into my calculations and if “Wildlife”, directed by Paul Dano, also features Jake that happens, I think it’s worth it,” she said. ‘Sex and the City’ movie Gyllenhaal. Stone’s father is Jewish and her mother converted to Judaism. She grew up in Sydney. ctor Sarah Jessica Parker says she is currently not thinking about Rush, one of Australia’s most widely the third movie of "Sex and the City" franchise. recognized and influential stars, is best known A to American audiences for his roles in “Shine,” During the New York Women in Film & Television's Muse Awards gala “The King’s Speech” and the “Pirates of the luncheon, the 53-year-old actor told Variety that she and her co-stars have Caribbean” series. In a statement issued on not discussed the long-awaited threequel. Monday afternoon, he denied any inappropriate "It's not something we are talking about right now.I just don't have a clue," behavior. He called her accusations “incorrect” Parker said. and said some were “taken completely out of The first "Sex and the City" film was a major critical and commercial context.” success. It featured Parker as Carrie Bradshaw, Cynthia Nixon as Miranda “Clearly Yael has been upset on occasion by Hobbes, Kristin Davis as Charlotte York and Kim Cattrall as Samantha the spirited enthusiasm I generally bring to my Jones. work,” Rush said in a statement released by his However, its follow-up three years later, mostly set in Abu Dhabi, had an lawyer. “I sincerely and deeply regret if I have uneven reception. caused her any distress.” The third part is stuck, mainly due to Cattrall's feud with Parker. Cattrall Earlier this year, actress Eryn Jean Norvill has time and again made it clear that she does not want to be a part of the accused Rush of touching her inappropriately. proposed threequel. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 FEATURE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 MARTYRDOM OF THE SAHIBZADAS

he martyrdom of the four sons of Guru confined in the Cold Tower – Thanda Burj – of Gobind Singh, the founder of Sikh the Fort. On the morning of 9 December 1705 Treligion is one of the most tragic and Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, aged 9 and 7 yet most glorious part of the proud respectively, were summoned before the community’s history.The Sikhs have a long faujdar,Nawab Wazir Khan.Wazir Khan tried history of heroic struggle and sacrifice.The to lure the Sahibzade to embrace Islam with 5th Master of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev Ji promises of riches and honors. But the brave and the 9th Master of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh and fearless sons of Guru Gobind Singh Bahadur Ji made supreme sacrifices for spurned the suggestion. He then threatened humanity, at large.The 10th Master and the them with death but they remained Founder of the Khalsa which means pure undaunted. Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan, a (that is how the Sikhs came to be known) high ranking officer and chief of made sacrifices that stood out in the realms of Malerkotla,who was also present in the court, world history.The martyrdom of the four intervened for the innocent children to be Sahibzadas, Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, has to spared their lives; to be given some more time be seen in that glorious tradition that Sikhs to ponder over the suggestion to convert. As a take pride in and derive inspiration from. result the two Sahibzade spent another two The four young princes of genteel birth – days of severe winter in their grandmother’s The Char Sahibzade – is the term endearingly lap in the Cold Tower. Still adamant as ever, on used for the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, 11 December 1705 Nawab Wazir Khan ordered all of whom died as martyrs while still in their death by bricking them alive.Nawab Sher their tender age.Their names are reverently Muhammad Khan pleaded against the death preserved in Sikh memory and are recalled sentence on the grounds that the boys were too every time the Sikh Ardas or prayer of The younger Sahibzadas Zoravar Singh and Fateh Singh are being bricked alive in Sirhind. young to be given such a harsh penalty. supplication is recited at every religious They could not, in any case, be held ceremony in a congregation and privately responsible for the actions of their father. As twice a day (after the morning and evening Wazir Khan began to waver at the just reproof prayer) by an individual. Sahibzada Ajit of his peer, Suchchanand put in a remark “The Singh, the eldest son of Guru Gobind Singh, progeny of a serpent shall grow up as was born to Mata Sundri at Paonta on 26 serpents, and should therefore be shown no January 1687.The following year the Guru and mercy.” Wazir Khan was encouraged by these his family returned to Anandpur. Sahibzada words and thereupon reiterated his order for Jujhar Singh, the second son of Guru Gobind the children to be bricked alive in a wall. By Singh, was born to Mata Jito-ji at Anandpur Divine Will, as the masonry around their on 14 March 1691. From a very young age both tender bodies reached chest high, it brothers were taught the religious texts, crumbled.Wazir Khan’s anger at this failure philosophy and history alongside their ordered the princes back to the Cold Tower for training in swordsmanship, archery and another night.The next day, 12 December 1705, horse riding. Soon they grew up into the Sahibzade were once again offered the handsome young men, strong, intelligent and choice to convert to Islam or face death by natural leaders of men. execution.The brave Sahibzade chose the In 1699 both Sahibzade Ajit Singh and latter and were executed. The aged Mata Jujhar Singh, 12 years and 8 years of age Gujri,who had all along been kept in the Cold respectively, received the rites of Khalsa Tower, only a short distance away, breathed initiation. Soon after the creation of Khalsa her last as the news of the execution reached on 30 March 1699, Ajit Singh had his first test at the hands of the enemy they reached Seizing the opportunity of a reward Gangu her ears. After the death of Mata Gujri and the of skill. A Sikh Sangat coming from Pothohar Chamkaur by nightfall on 6 December 1705 spied on them and handed them over to the two Sahibzade, Seth Todar Mall, a wealthy was attacked and looted by Ranghars on the and took up position in the Garhi – high enemy. Both the young Sahibzade were merchant and an influential citizen of way, a short distance from Anandpur across walled fortified house.The enemy,with extra executed on 12 December 1705 in Sirhind. Sirhind, made arrangements to perform the the River Sutlej. Guru Gobind Singh sent reinforcements from Malerkotla and Sirhind Sahibzada Zorawar Singh was born on 17 last rites. But no one would give him a patch of Sahibzada Ajit Singh, then barely 12 years of and from among local Ranghars and Gujjars, November 1696 and Sahibzada Fateh Singh on land in the locality to be used as cremation age, at the head of about 100 Sikhs to punish threw a tight ring around the fort of 25 February 1699. After the tragic death of ground.Then one Chandhari Atta, a local the Ranghars and to recover the loot.The Chamkaur. An unequal but grim battle their mother Mata Jito-ji (5 Dec 1700) they resident, agreed to sell him a small plot. following year, 29 August 1700,when the hill commenced with the dawn of 7 December 1705 were brought up under the care of their He stipulated that Todar Mall could take Rajas, backed by Imperial troops, attacked – in the words of Guru Gobind Singh’s grandmother Mata Gujri Ji. only as much land as he could cover with gold Anadpur. Ajit Singh was made responsible for Zafarnama — ‘a mere forty defying a Both the princes were closely attached to nuggets, mohran.The Seth produced the the defense of Taragarh Fort which became million’.The Sikhs, after they had exhausted their grandmother.Mata Gujari took charge of mohran and bought the piece of land he the first target of attack. Ajit Singh, assisted the meager stock of ammunition and arrows, both the princes as the column moved out of needed. After the cremation a Sikh, Jodh by Bhai Ude Singh, a seasoned soldier, made sally in batches of five to engage the Anadpur. As Guru Gobind Singh evacuated Singh, of village Attevali buried the ashes. repulsed the attack. On 15 March 1701 a encircling enemy with sword and spear. Anandpur on the night of 5 December 1705, he Sirhind suffered a full fury of Sikh ire when column of Sikh devotees coming from Darap Sahibzada Ajit Singh led one of the sallies and was pursued by the host. In front ran the river Banda Singh Bahadur marched upon it with area (present Sialkot district) was waylaid by laid down his life fighting in the bloody battle, Sarsa, swollen with rain water. Under cover of his daring host.Wazir Khan was killed. Diwan Gujjars and Ranghars. Sahibzada Ajit Singh followed by his younger brother Sahibzada a quick rearguard action fought on the river Suchchanand,who explicitly championed the led a successful expedition against them. Jujhar Singh who led the next sally.Sahibzada bank, the Guru, his brave Sikhs and his family penalty laid upon the young Sahibzade,was Instructed by his father, on 7 March 1703, he Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, 18 and succeeded in crossing the Sarsa. captured and killed. Sirhind and the Fort were took out 100 horsemen to Bassi, near 14 years old respectively,who like the other Unfortunately, in the commotion of confused razed to the ground. A memorial was erected Hoshiarpur and rescued a young Brahman brave Sikhs, fell fighting heroically.The velour cries in the dark,Mata Gujri and the two marking the spot where the two princes were bride forcibly taken away by the local displayed by the young sons of Guru Gobind younger Sahibzade, along with their cook, executed. In 1764 Maharaja Karam Singh of Pathans. During the prolonged siege of Singh has been sympathetically and vividly Gangu,were separated from the Guru and his Patiala built the Gurdwara Fatehgarh on the Anandpur, it became necessary to leave the narrated in the poems of a devout Muslim, band. Not knowing where to go Gangu offered site and ordered to search for and determine city under the pressure of pursuing enemy. Allahyar Khan Jogi. to shelter them at his house in village Kheri, the exact spot where the three were cremated. Both the Sahibzade were experienced Today Gurdwara Qatalgarh Sahib (Shahid now known as Saheri, near Morinda.The At the spot, in 1843, the Gurdwara Joti Sarup warriors, strong and fearless, displaying Ganj) is the main shrine at Chamkaur.This journey being hazardous and dark they was built. In 1888 Giani Thakar Singh started qualities of courage and steadfastness. On the marks the site where the most fierce hand-to- reached Kheri the following night. Tired and the annual Jor-Mela (fair) held during the last night of 5 December 1705 Guru Gobind Singh hand combat took place on 7 December 1705 hungry they were asked to rest in the attic. week in December to commemorate the gave each of his sons the command of a band between the Mughal army and a handful of But Gangu proved deceitful. During the night martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s of brave Sikhs to wade through the flooded brave Sikhs, including Sahibzade Ajit Singh Gangu stole Mata Gujri’s saddlebag mother,Mata Gujri Ji, and his two sons Sarsa river on horseback and head towards and Jujhar Singh, and three of the original containing cash and valuables. In the hope of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh.A the Fort of Chamkaur. Amidst the fierce Panj Piare (Guru’s Five Beloved ones). a reward from the government he spied on century later, in 1944, Maharaja Yadavinder fighting in the darkness of night and the Unfortunately, during the crossing of the them.With the help of the village headman he Singh set up a committee for the improvement hazardous long journey the Guru and the flooded river Sarsa,Mata Gujri and the two betrayed them to Jani Khan and Mani Khan, of Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and Gurdwara Sikhs, together with his family and both the younger Sahibzade Zorawar Singh and Fateh the Ranghar officials of Morinda. Joti Sarup Sahib.Today Gurdwara Fatehgarh, elder Sahibzade in command of their bands, Singh, aged 9 and 7 years respectively, The latter took Mata Gujri and the two with all the affiliated shrines, is administered made their way to Chamkaur. together with their cook, Gangu,were Sahibzade into custody and in the morning directly by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Further reduced in numbers by casualties separated from the Guru and the Sikhs. dispatched them to Sirhind where they were Committee. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 21 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 WORLD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 A new Russian first lady? Vladimir Putin China denies ‘slanderous’ economic hints he may marry espionage charges from US, allies again MOSCOW (TIP): Russian President The United States should also withdraw charges against two Chinese citizens, the Vladimir Putin said on Dec 20 he’d probably have to get married again, but ministry said, adding that China had never participated in or supported any stealing did not say to whom. Putin, 66, who jealously protects his privacy and that of of commercial secrets and had lodged "stern representations" with Washington. his close family,was replying to a question posed by a reporter at his annual press BEIJING (TIP): China’s Foreign Ministry conference, which focused mainly on said on Friday it resolutely opposed international relations and the state of the “slanderous” accusations from the United economy. States and other allies criticising China for “As a respectable person, I will have to economic espionage, urging Washington to do this at some point,” Putin said, smiling. withdraw its accusations. Putin was married to Lyudmila Putina The United States should also withdraw from 1983 until their divorce, announced charges against two Chinese citizens, the in 2013. Their daughters, Katerina and ministry said, adding that China had never Maria, both in their early 30s, are not participated in or supported any stealing of involved in politics and have stayed firmly commercial secrets and had lodged “stern out of the limelight. representations” with Washington. Since he divorced his wife Lyudmila, “We urge the US side to immediately rumours have swirled around Putin’s correct its erroneous actions and cease its personal life. One Russian newspaper slanderous smears relating to internet report said he was in a relationship with security,” it said, adding that it would take Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic necessary measures to safeguard its own gymnast, though Putin rejected the cybersecurity and interests. assertion. US prosecutors indicted two Chinese Reuters reported in 2016 that a nationals linked to China’s Ministry of State businessman with ties to associates of Security intelligence agency on charges of company Huaying Haitai Science and Five sources familiar with the attacks told Putin had transferred ownership of stealing confidential data from American Technology Development Co, prosecutors Reuters the hackers breached the networks of properties to Alina Kabaeva’s sister and government agencies and businesses around said. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co and IBM, then grandmother. (Reuters) the world. Reuters was unable to locate immediately used the access to hack into their clients’ Prosecutors charged Zhu Hua and Zhang contact details for Zhu or Zhang. computers. IBM said it had no evidence that Earthquake jolts Shilong in hacking attacks against the US Britain, Australia and New Zealand joined sensitive data had been compromised. HPE Navy, the space agency NASA and the Energy the United States in slamming China over said it could not comment. Russia’s far east, no Department and dozens of companies. what they called a global campaign of cyber- “No country poses a broader, more severe The operation targeted intellectual enabled commercial intellectual property long-term threat to our nation’s economy and casulties reported property and corporate secrets to give theft, signalling growing global coordination cyber infrastructure than China,” FBI Chinese companies an unfair competitive against the practice. Director Chris Wray said at a news MOSCOW (TIP): A major earthquake advantage, they said. China’s Foreign Ministry said Britain and conference. “China’s goal, simply put, is to with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Russia’s The pair were members of a hacking group other countries had also made “slanderous replace the US as the world’s leading far east on Dec 20, the United States known within the cyber security community comments” stemming from “ulterior superpower, and they’re using illegal methods Geological Survey (USGS) said, although as APT 10 and also worked for a Tianjin motives”. to get there.” (Reuters) Russian news agencies carried no immediate reports of damage from the sparsely populated area. The quake off Russia’s Kamchatka Illinois finds 500 more Catholic peninsula, which was initially measured at 7.8 before being revised downwards, struck 82 km (55 miles) west of Nikolskoye clergy accused of abuse at a depth of 9 km, it said. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said hazardous CHICAGO (TIP): Illinois Attorney General the allegations date back decades and include dioceses failing to substantiate allegations tsunami waves from the earthquake were Lisa Madigan on Wednesday issued a some priests who are now deceased. that came from one person, “The dioceses also possible within 300 km of the epicentre blistering report about clergy sexual abuse, The Illinois disclosures are a new blow to often found reasons to discredit survivors’ along the coasts of Russia. (Reuters) saying that Catholic dioceses in Illinois the credibility of the church, which has stories of abuse by focusing on the survivors’ received allegations of child sexual abuse by struggled to contain the scandal amid personal lives.” Ravaged by Ebola and 500 more clergy than previously publicly mounting accusations of negligence. In Church leaders at dioceses in Illinois identified. August, a Pennsylvania grand jury report expressed regret about the abuse, but pointed war, Congo named most The preliminary report found that the alleged that hundreds of priests abused at to steps they have taken to address what has church’s six archdioceses have done a least 1,000 children over seven decades in that become an international crisis. neglected crisis of 2018 woefully inadequate job of investigating state. The report prompted Pope Francis to Chicago’s archbishop, Cardinal Blase J. allegations and in some cases did not call U.S. bishops for a retreat at a suburban Cupich, in a statement said that although he LONDON (TIP): With an Ebola investigate them at all or notify the state’s Chicago seminary next month to debate how regretted “our failures to address the scourge epidemic raging and millions caught in a child welfare agency. In all, Madigan’s office to respond. Larry Antonsen, a Chicago leader of clerical sexual abuse,” the archdiocese has forgotten “catastrophe” of conflict and said that while the dioceses have added 45 of Survivors Network of those Abused by been a leader in dealing with the issue, hunger, Democratic Republic of Congo names to their lists of those who have been Priests, said Madigan is doing the right thing including a policy since 2002 of reporting “all (DRC) was the most neglected crisis of credibly accused over the past four months, and needs to continue. He said Illinois should allegations of child sexual abuse to civil 2018, according to an annual Thomson the fact that the total is now only 185 raises convene a grand jury with subpoena power, as authorities.” Reuters Foundation poll of aid agencies. serious questions about the church’s response in Pennsylvania. The Springfield diocese said that it This year’s survey was unusual for the to the crisis. “There’s more that needs to be done. The reviewed paper files of clergy dating to its high number of “most forgotten crises”, “By choosing not to thoroughly investigate Catholic Church does not do a good job of 1923 founding and provided Madigan’s office with experts also listing the Central allegations, the Catholic Church has failed in policing itself, and you can’t expect them to do with documentation of each instance of African Republic, Lake Chad Basin, its moral obligation to provide survivors, that,” Antonsen said. “It’s hard to know what abuse, regardless of whether it was deemed Yemen, Afghanistan, South Sudan, parishioners and the public a complete and to believe because so much of what they’re credible, according to a statement. Burundi, Nigeria and, for the first time, accurate accounting of all sexually doing is in secret and not out in the open, but The Diocese of Joliet said in a statement Venezuela. But Congo’s “mega-crisis” inappropriate behavior involving priests in this is a step in the right direction.” that it took steps such as establishing in 1993 a barely made headlines, they said, even as Illinois,” Madigan said in a statement. “The Madigan’s office said the problems went review committee made up of people from law the country gears up for landmark failure to investigate also means that the beyond a lack of effort. In some cases, the enforcement, social service agencies and elections on Sunday which some fear Catholic Church has never made an effort to report found, efforts were made to work others to investigate allegations of sexual could stoke further unrest. “The determine whether the conduct of the against the accusers. abuse. Madigan said her office’s findings brutality of the conflict is shocking, the accused priests was ignored or covered up by “When the Illinois Dioceses investigated an make it clear that notifying authorities is national and international neglect superiors.” allegation, they frequently found reasons not critical, and pointing to instances when outrageous,” said Jan Egeland, head of The report did not include some key details to deem an allegation `credible’ or dioceses used personal information about the Norwegian Refugee Council. such as when the allegations were made or the `substantiated,”’ according to the report. Not people to discredit them and help them (Reuters) names of the clergy.A spokeswoman said that only did Madigan’s office find a “pattern” of conclude accusations weren’t credible. (AP) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 WORLD 23 Hundreds of South North Korea state media says Koreans sue govt over denuclearisation includes wartime labour at Japan firms SEOUL (TIP): Hundreds of South ‘eliminating US nuclear threat’ Koreans have sued the government for compensation over their forced labour at SEOUL (TIP) North Korea’s commitment Japanese firms during World War Two, to the “denuclearisation of the Korean representatives said on Thursday, in a peninsula” also includes “completely fresh twist to one of several historical eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea,” disputes between the two sides. North Korean state media said on Thursday. Seoul and Tokyo have been struggling to US President Donald Trump and North contain fallout from a landmark ruling in Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a joint October by South Korea’s Supreme Court statement after their historic meeting in that Japan’s Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Singapore in June that reaffirmed the Metal Corp must compensate four South North’s commitment to “work towards Korean forced labourers as their rights to complete denuclearisation of the Korean reparations were not terminated by a 1965 Peninsula” and gave US guarantees of treaty that normalised diplomatic ties. security to North Korea. Under the deal, South Korea received Conflicting or vague views of what exactly around $800 million in economic aid and “denuclearisation” means, however, have loans from Japan in exchange for Seoul complicated negotiations that now appear considering all pre-treaty compensation stalled. issues settled. And the money was spent to Thursday’s commentary,released by North rebuild its infrastructure and economy Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency, is one ravaged by the 1950-53 Korean War. of the clearest explanations since the June Similar verdicts in favour of the forced summit of how Pyongyang sees lift sanctions on North Korea until more should be defined as ‘completely eliminating labourers followed suit, and South Korean denuclearisation. progress has been made toward the verifiable the US nuclear threat to Korea’ before it can President Moon Jae-in said last week that “When we refer to the Korean peninsula, denuclearisation of North Korea. eliminate our nuclear deterrent.” he respects the decision upholding their the term encompasses the area of DPRK plus Washington has also rejected any The United States deployed nuclear individual rights to compensation. South Korean territory where US nuclear suggestion that it would reduce its military weapons in South Korea from 1958 to 1991. A group of 1,103 former forced labourers weapons and other forms of aggression presence in the region as part of a deal with Since they were withdrawn, the United and their families said it filed a lawsuit in forces are deployed,” the editorial said, using North Korea, but in a surprise move after the States has extended its “nuclear umbrella” of a Seoul court on Wednesday, demanding the initials of North Korea’s official name, summit, Trump announced that the support to Japan and South Korea using the South Korean government provide 100 the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Pentagon would cancel most of its largest bombers and submarines based elsewhere. million won ($88,500) to each of them in “When we refer to the ‘denuclearisation of military exercises conducted with the South At a press briefing in Washington on compensation because it had received the Korean Peninsula’ as well, it should be Koreans. Tuesday, US State Department spokesman funds from Japan. correctly understood as removing all nuclear The exact definition of denuclearisation is Robert Palladino said he would not “split The case adds to three suits previously threat factors from not only the North and likely to be raised again as Trump has said words” when asked about whether the raised by a total of 283 victims and their the South but from all neighbouring areas.” he is working to meet again with Kim promise of “denuclearisation of the Korean families. “The government should North Korea rejects American calls for it sometime early next year. peninsula” means only North Korea or the compensate us first, taking responsibility to unilaterally denuclearise, and Washington “It is obvious that denuclearisation of the broader region. for using the money it took from the 1965 should abandon the “delusion” of forcing Korean Peninsula is a joint business that “We are focused on the denuclearisation of treaty,” the group told a news conference Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons cannot be achieved unless both Korea and the North Korea,” Palladino said. “We remain in Seoul. The two countries share a bitter “via pressure and oppression,” the article United States strive together,” the KCNA confident and we look forward to the history that includes Japan’s 1910-45 said. commentary said. “In this sense, the commitments that Chairman Kim and that colonisation of the Korean peninsula, the The United States has said that it will not denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula President Trump have made.” (Reuters) forced mobilisation of labour at Japanese companies and the use of comfort women, Japan’s euphemism for girls and women, many of them Korean, forced to work in its Army called after drones shut UK’s wartime brothels. The rows over wartime history have long been a hurdle for relations between the neighbours at a time when there is a need for concerted efforts Gatwick Airport for second day to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes. (Reuters) LONDON (TIP): Drones flying near after two drones were spotted near the seek to shoot the drone down because of what London’s Gatwick airport grounded flights airfield, triggering the biggest disruption at may happen to the stray bullets,” he told BBC World Bank expects throughout Thursday, stranding thousands of Gatwick since a volcanic ash cloud in 2010. radio. Drone expert Peter Lee, of Portsmouth Christmas travellers in what the government Prime Minister Theresa May offered University, said he and others had been China’s economic called a reckless attempt to cripple Britain’s sympathies to upset travellers and said police anticipating disruption. second busiest airport. Police said there was may be given greater powers against drones “An airport would be a preferred or growth to slow to 6.2 no indication of a terror motive as they in the future. Her spokesman condemned the obvious target for somebody who wants to hunted unsuccessfully for the operators of drone flying as “irresponsible and completely either just create mischief or criminal per cent in 2019 the drones that first appeared on Dec 19 night. unacceptable”. The airport and its biggest damage,” he said. “One of my concerns about Authorities resisted shooting the drones airline easyJet told passengers to check today is that it may well encourage copy-cat BEIJING (TIP): China’s economic out of the air for fear of stray bullets, before heading to the airport where people sat incidents because you can achieve a high growth is likely to slow to 6.2 percent in Gatwick Chief Operating Officer Chris waiting on stairs and floors. amount of disruption for a very, very low 2019 from an expected 6.5 percent this year, Woodroofe said. With flights grounded for Police said more than 20 units were cost.” as headwinds increase due to its trade more than 17 hours, the army was called in to hunting the operators, and drones were still It is illegal to fly drones within 1 km (0.62 dispute with the United States, the World help with unspecified “specialist equipment”. being spotted, according to Gatwick, 50 km mile) of a British airport boundary, Bank said in a report published on Dec 20. The airport said flights would remain (30 miles) south of London. punishable by five years in prison. Its outlook on China’s 2018 economic cancelled until further notice on Thursday, a ‘Complete Mayhem’ Even after Gatwick re-opens, the backlog growth, which would be the weakest in 28 day when 115,000 people were scheduled to and disruption are expected to last for days. years, remained unchanged from its pass through, many en route to seasonal With an upsurge of public enthusiasm for Gatwick said that it was working with its prediction in April. “Looking ahead, breaks. “I’m very annoyed because I’m with drones, there has been an increase in near- airlines, the biggest of which also includes China’s key policy challenge is to manage two kids, a three-month-old and three-year- collisions by unmanned aircraft and British Airways and Norwegian, on recovery trade-related headwinds while maintaining old,” said passenger Ani Kochiashvili who commercial jets in recent years. The number plans once the runway re-opens. efforts to limit financial risks,” the bank was bound for Georgia but spent six hours of near misses between private drones and Gatwick, which competes with Europe’s said its latest assessment on the world’s overnight sitting on a plane with her aircraft in Britain more than tripled between busiest airport Heathrow, west of London, second-largest economy.Consumption will children. 2015 and 2017, with 92 incidents recorded last had previously said Sunday would be its remain the main driver of China’s “They require a lot of space and food and year, according to the UK Airprox Board busiest day of the festive period. Passengers economy, as weaker credit growth weighs changing and all that, and the airport is crazy regulator. took to Twitter to share their stories. One on investment and slowing global demand busy so it’s challenging,” she told Reuters by Gatwick’s Woodroofe described one of the waiting at the airport said: “At Gatwick and higher US tariffs on Chinese shipments phone among thousands camped in the drones as a heavy industrial model. “The Airport, drone chaos, surprisingly good- take a toll on the country’s exports, the terminal. Flights were halted on Wednesday police advice is that it would be dangerous to natured, but complete mayhem.” (Reuters) report said. (Reuters) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 WOMEN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

FOOD CORNER SLIM DOWN YOUR FACE MOONG DAL KACHORI INGREDIENTS WITH HAIR CONTOURING 2 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cup refined oil 5 teaspoon refined oil, For Filling, 2 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder, 1/2 cup soaked moong dal, 2 cup chopped green chilli 1 teaspoon fennel seeds powder, 1 gm asafoetida 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds Method Take all purpose flour in a big bowl, add salt and oil. Mix well. Add little water at a time and knead soft dough. Cover the dough and keep it aside for 15-20 minutes. Preheat a pan and add 3-4 tbsp oil in it. Add cumin seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, green chilly, coriander powder, fennel powder and saute the spices for few minutes. Now add soaked dal, salt, garam masala, ginger powder and red chilly powder. Stir constantly and cook dal until it dries up. Allow it to cool and keep it separate. Now take one dough ball and flatten it with help of your fingers. Fill it with dal stuffing and make kachori. Repeat the process with other dough balls. Preheat oil in a wok. Fry the kachori till it turns golden brown. Crunchy moong dal kachori is ready. Serve hot with green coriander chutney or sweet chutney.

hink of perfect hairstyles and the follow these simple guidelines." cheeks can make your face look likes of Jennifer Aniston and Sarah wide.. Be Aware TJessica Parker (in her Carrie Get low lights or darker shades in Bradshaw avatar) come to mind. Their Using healthier, natural hair-safe the front hair that covers your hairstyles are among the most duplicated products are essential to avoid side effects. cheeks and keep highlights or looks across the globe, but not many know It is also advisable that every individual lighter colours for the crown. that these stylish ladies have been reads the ingredients list to be sure of the Colouring can enhance your face sporting hair contouring, much before it products being used on themselves. colour too, and can really add a lot became such a hot beauty trend. Your hair colour and cut can define of character to your face. your face What is it about? The way you cut and colour your hair How does it work Vidushi Agarwal, senior hair can really change your personality. "The Hair contouring is about applying professional says, "Hair contouring a right colour and cut can make you look highlights and lowlights in certain parts process of high-lighting and low-lighting not just younger but also slimmer than of your hair, to create an illusion of a certain parts of your mane to either you are," says celebrity stylist and different face shape. enhance or subdue certain features. make-up artiste Ritoo Jenjani. She gives This technique of colouring the hair Similar to how face and body contouring us a few helpful tips... can give your cheekbones a visual depth. FACE MASKS TO KEEP works, one may use colour techniques to A very short haircut will make Hair contouring suits everyone create the hair contouring effect." you face appear wider. because it is customised to your face YOUR SKIN YOUNGER Highlighting and shading certain parts of A mid-length, layered haircut can shape and your hair colour tone. the hair can create an illusion of a make it look slimmer. It uses the freehand colouring method Pomegranate Mask different face shape, depending on what A side fringe can make your face and is a low-maintenance style. Due to vitamin C and antioxidants present in you want to accentuate. Puja Singh, hair appear thinner, even if you have a It is a pretty intensive act and one has pomegranate, it can help to boost collagen, thus giving you professional explains, "Like with any art short haircut or bob. to be clear about the basic rules and clear and glowing skin. The pomegranate face mask is form, light shades are for highlighting and Long hair that covers your guidelines. However, depending upon extremely beneficial for your face, as it helps to remove darker shades are for creating a shadow cheekbones looks stylish and gives the face cut and contouring dead skin cells, thus giving you flawless-looking skin. Take effect, similarly to adopt this technique in your face a lean look. requirement, it may take around one to 3 spoons of pomegranate seeds, add two spoons of cooked hair contouring with colours, one might Light coloured hair falling on your two hours. oats and 2 spoons of milk. Grind all the ingredients together and apply this mask on the face. Wait for some Go For Waxing time and wash off with cold water. Oatmeal And Honey Mask In order to get flawless and shining TRICKS TO GET SHINY LEGS legs, you should opt for a closer shave. Make a face mask with the help of honey and oatmeal, You should avoid using razors, tweezers, lotion which contains extracts of and massage this on your face. Wait for 20-30 minutes and and other electronic devices while caffeine in it, as it helps to rejuvenate wash off with cold water. Using a mixture of oatmeal and shaving, as it will prevent giving you a your skin quickly and prevents dullness honey can help to exfoliate your skin deeply, thus closer shave. Instead, you should go for or sagging. Leg creams with extracts of preventing dead skin cells on the skin. Also, it helps to waxing, as it will help to remove hair caffeine are especially designed to keep increase the production of collagen, thus giving you a follicles deeply without leaving any your legs to look younger and beautiful. younger-looking skin. Repeat the process 5 times in a week marks behind. Exfoliate Your Skin to enjoy maximum benefits. Keep Your Legs Moisturised Banana Anti-ageing Face Exfoliating your skin is another vital You should always keep your legs step that will help to get rid of the dead Mask Banana contains a lot of good fibre, antioxidants, moisturised by using an ounce full of skin cells easily.Not exfoliating your skin and proteins that help to keep your skin looking younger moisturiser. Applying a good-quality daily may lead to an appearance of large- and fresh every time. There are several ways to use banana moisturiser can help to keep your legs sized pores, dead skin cells, breakouts on the skin and here we mention to you one simplest yet hydrated and moisturised for a longer and other such problems to be found on effective banana face mask recipe. Take a banana and period of time, thus preventing dark protected. the legs. In order to prevent all of these, it mash it with the help of a fork. Now, add some honey and spots or bumps. You should make sure Look For A Firming Cream is advisable to use a body scrub to remove fresh cream to the mixture. Mix well and apply this on you moisturise your skin well and the dead skin cells. Use a sugar-based your face. Wait for 30 minutes and wash off with cold reapply the lotion after 5-6 hours. When Using firming cream can help to scrub and exfoliate your skin every water. Due to Vitamin E and anti-ageing properties, you step out, remember to apply a tighten your skin and also improve the alternate day to remove the dead skin banana can help to reverse the signs of ageing. sunscreen, so that your legs are elasticity of same. You should look for a cells and debris from the skin. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 HEALTH & FITNESS 25 EXERCISE AS EFFECTIVE AS DRUGS TO TREAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE xercise may be as effective as taking prescribed drugs to tackle Ehigh blood pressure, a study claims. However, the researchers from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the UK caution patients against giving up their blood pressure lowering drugs in favour of an exercise regimen yet. The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests that patients should boost their physical Mindfulness strategies activity levels, alongside their medication. Exercise can lower systolic blood may help shed excess pressure—the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is beating and body weight expressed as the top number in any indfulness training could be the key to support blood pressure reading. weight loss in individuals with obesity, thereby However, how exercise compares with compared with different drug doses. drugs, they caution. Mfacilitating healthier eating behaviours, as per a blood pressure lowering drugs are not Finally, these analyses were repeated, The researchers point out that new study. clear. To get round this, the researchers but in a group of exercise trials that prescriptions for drugs to lower blood Mindfulness is a mind-body practice where individuals pooled the data from 194 clinical trials included only participants with high pressure have risen sharply in recent learn to achieve heightened awareness of their current state looking at the impact of drugs on blood pressure, as most of these trials years. This trend is likely to continue of mind and immediate environment in the present moment. lowering systolic blood pressure and 197 were of young healthy participants with given that major clinical practice The study showed that individuals who participated in trials looking at the impact of normal blood pressure. guidelines have recently lowered the mindfulness training as part of an intensive weight structured exercise, and involving a The results showed that blood threshold for high systolic blood management programme lost three kilograms of weight in total of 39,742 people. pressure was lower in people treated pressure to 130 mm Hg. six months than others who participated in obesity Structured exercise was categorised with drugs than in those following However, substituting exercise for management programme. as: endurance, to include walking, structured exercise programmes. drugs may be challenging as people with "This research is significant as we have shown that jogging, running, cycling and However, when the analyses were high blood pressure often have several problematic eating behaviour can be improved with swimming, and high intensity interval restricted to those with high blood long term conditions, and an estimated mindfulness application," said Petra Hansona, lead training; dynamic resistance, to include pressure, exercise seemed to be just as 40 per cent of adults in the US and many researcher and postdoctoral student from the University of strength training—for example, with effective as most drugs. The European countries are physically Warwickshire in the UK. dumbbells or kettle bells; isometric effectiveness of exercise increased the inactive, researchers said. "Mindfulness has huge potential as a strategy for resistance, such as the static push-up higher the threshold used to define high "We don't think, on the basis of our achieving and maintaining good health and wellbeing," said (plank); and a combination of blood pressure—that is, anything above study, that patients should stop taking Thomas M. Barber, Associate Professor at the varsity. endurance and resistance. 140 mm Hg. The researchers also found their antihypertensive medications," Focus should be on enabling the populace to make Three sets of analyses were done: all "compelling evidence that combining said Huseyin Naci, of London School of appropriate lifestyle decisions and empowering subsequent types of exercise compared with all endurance and dynamic resistance Economics and Political Science. salutary behaviour change, said Barber. classes of blood pressure lowering training was effective in reducing "But we hope that our findings will For the study, the team examined weight loss among a drugs; different types of exercise systolic blood pressure." inform evidence based discussions small group of people who were attending the compared with different types of drug; However, structured exercise trials between clinicians and their patients," multidisciplinary tier 3 weight management programme. and different intensities of exercise were fewer and smaller than those for he said. Source: PTI Findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, showed that individuals who attended only one or two courses lost, on average, 0.9 kilograms (2 pounds) during the same period. Conversely, those who did not complete the course tended Birth control pills may block to weigh more than those who finished the group mindfulness course. "Individuals who completed the course said they were better able to plan meals in advance and felt more confident blood flow to brain in self-management of weight loss moving forward," said Hanson. urns out, birth control pills Obesity worldwide has nearly tripled since 1975, according increase the risk of ischemic to the World Health Organisation. As of 2016, more than 1.9 Tstrokes which are usually caused billion adults worldwide met the criteria for overweight or by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a obesity. Source: IANS blood vessel in the brain. This keeps blood from flowing to the brain. According to stroke specialists at the PAGE SPONSORED BY Loyola University, oral contraceptives increase the risk of ischemic stroke, but DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND this risk is very small among women who do not have other stroke risk factors. DR. SATISH ANAND The findings of the study appeared in Former Chairman, Board of the journal MedLink Neurology. Trustees, AAPI National Several mechanisms were proposed to E-Mail: explain why oral contraceptives increase [email protected] stroke risk during the research, including raising blood pressure and making blood hypercoagulable. GITANJLI ANAND “The ideal drug is one with the lowest Former President, India estrogen and progestin doses that will be In women with other stroke risk high blood pressure, cigarette smoking Association of Long Island effective in preventing pregnancy while factors, the risk is higher and, in most and migraine headaches, especially (IALI) minimizing adverse effects,” said cases, oral contraceptive use is migraines with sensory disturbances E-mail: neurologist Sarkis Morales-Vidal. discouraged. These risk factors include called the aura. [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 GLOBAL WARMING THREATENS ‘FEMINISATION’ OF GREEN SEA TURTLES lobal warming is threatening "feminisation" of green sea Gturtle, a study has said suggesting that by 2100 up to 93 per cent GOOGLE USES MOBILE-FIRST of the hatchlings of this species could be females. INDEXING FOR MOST PAGES IN The sex of turtle hatchlings is determined by temperature and, SEARCH RESULTS currently, approximately 52 per cent of oogle has said that its algorithms now use mobile-first green sea turtles (one of the seven indexing for over half of the pages shown in search species of marine turtles) are females, Gresults globally. according to a study published in the Google introduced mobile-first indexing about two years Global Change Biology journal on ago as it found that an increasing number of people were Wednesday. searching on Google using a smartphone. The study by the British University of This marked an important shift in its indexing as Google's Exeter and the Portuguese Marine and ranking systems earlier typically looked at the desktop Environmental Sciences Centre version of a page's content to evaluate its relevance to the indicated that with the scenario of user. warmer temperatures predicted by the But with most people using mobile devices to search Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Google, the company announced that its algorithms will Change (IPCC), between 76 and 93 per eventually primarily use the mobile version of a site's cent of the offspring of those sea turtles content to rank pages from that site, to understand would be females. gender would initially lead to a larger Patricio, of the University of Exeter, structured data, and to show snippets from those pages in its The data refers specifically to the number of females nesting, increasing warned that the green turtles "will have results. Bijagos archipelago in Guinea-Bissau in the population, before a decrease "as to face problems in the future due to the "In general, we move sites to mobile-first indexing when Africa, one of the most important incubation temperatures approach loss of habitat and increase in our tests assure us that they're ready," John Mueller of nesting area. lethal levels". In addition, on the beaches temperatures". Google Switzerland wrote in a blog post on Wednesday. However, researchers expect "a where the study was conducted, experts However, cooler temperatures, both at "When we move sites over, we notify the site owner through similar picture globally", according to a predict that rising sea levels will the end of the nesting season and in a message in Search Console," Mueller added. statement from the University of Exeter, submerge from 33 to 43 per cent of the some shaded areas, will ensure that Google said it was looking forward to being able to index Efe news reported. areas where the green turtles nest. some hatchlings are male, she added. more and more of the web using mobile-first indexing in The change in the proportion of One of the authors of the study, Rita Source: IANS order to help more users to search the web using a smartphone. Source: IANS Google Assistant will soon alert WHATSAPP ROLLS OUT Instagram’s you if your flight is delayed Boomerang PICTURE-IN-PICTURE comes to sing flight status data combined with Machine Learning (ML), Google Assistant will soon tell you Facebook Uover phone if your flight would be delayed even before the airline announces it. FOR ANDROID According to Google, Assistant will notify users on phones Messenger when its algorithms predict that their flights would be late. acebook has rolled out “Earlier this year, we started sharing flight delay the “Boomerang” and predictions (via Google Flight) when you search for your F“Selfie” features on its flight status and we’re 85 per cent confident that the flight Messenger platform. will eventually be delayed. We use historic flight status data “Starting today, there are combined with machine learning to make these predictions now five modes to in advance of airlines confirming delays,” Google said in a Messenger’s camera blog post late on Tuesday. including everyone’s To help with the increase in delayed flights, the Google favourite video-looping effect, Assistant will now show predicted flight delays, too. Boomerang, to make “You can ask things like, ‘Hey Google, is my flight on time?’ Messenger posts more or ‘Hey Google, what’s the status of the American Airlines interactive and fun,” the flight from Philadelphia to Denver?’“ said Google. company said in a blogpost on “Over the next few weeks, the Assistant will begin Monday. proactively notifying you on your phone if we predict a flight “We’ve also added Selfie delay and tell you the reason if we know it,” the company hatsApp introduced a new feature YouTube or Instagram video link to mode, where you can capture added. for Android users recently. Picture- your friends. portraits of yourself or Win-Picture (PiP) on WhatsApp lets Press the play button on the video link, friends in Messenger’s users watch videos without leaving the app. and it will start playing on the app itself. camera,” it added.The Picture-in-Picture was first rolled out with You can continue chatting and scrolling company said that they are Android Nougat in 2016. With this feature, through messages as the video is being making it easier to navigate users can minimise their video windows and played. Messenger’s existing camera use other apps at the same. WhatsApp users You can also move the video screen modes -- Normal, Video and can use this feature to watch YouTube and around the chat box, and maximise to Text. In Text mode, users can Instagram videos without leaving the app. watch the video in full screen. now add even more This feature was earlier available for PiP stays within the chat box only and personality with new fonts WhatsApp beta users only while iOS users will disappear when you move to the and colour backgrounds. have had this feature for over a year now. previous menu. The company also If you haven’t received this feature as yet, WhatsApp has PiP mode for video calls announced new stickers, you can head over to Google Play Store and as well. Here, users can shrink the video powered by augmented reality update WhatsApp to its latest version. call screen on WhatsApp. Users can (AR). According to Facebook, HOW WHATSAPP’S PICTURE-IN-PICTURE continue using WhatsApp and other more than 20 million people apps while being on a video call. This use camera effects for photo MODE WORKS feature is available for Android and iOS and video posts on Messenger Once you update your WhatsApp, send a users as well. every day. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 BIZ & FINANCE 27

INDIA AGAIN DEFERS DUTY India’s stocks are hostage HIKE ON 29 US PRODUCTS TILL JANUARY 31 to US Fed rate cycle, says NEW DELHI (TIP): India for the fourth time deferred the deadline to impose retaliatory customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, by another 45 days, the government has said. mutual fund giant According to a notification by the finance ministry, the implementation of the duty hike has been postponed until January 31, 2019. MUMBAI (TIP): For all the domestic The commerce ministry had asked its finance counterpart drivers of India’s stocks -- from oil to to extend the deadline further. elections to shadow banking shakeouts - In June, India decided to impose retaliatory tariffs from - the US Federal Reserve holds the most August 4. But it was extended by 45 days till September 18 and sway, according to the nation’s biggest then till November 2. In November, the decision to impose money manager. these duties was deferred till December 17. Sankaran Naren, who helps manage As part of imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi 3.1 trillion rupees ($44 billion) as chief has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import investment officer at ICICI Prudential duty on walnut is to be hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent Asset Management Co., says investors at present, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and need to brace for a run of constrained masur dal will be raised to 70 per cent, from 30 per cent returns that will last until the Fed’s currently. Levy on lentils will be increased to 40 per cent, Jerome Powell makes a policy U-turn. from 30 per cent. Key Indian equity indexes are up less The duty hike move by India was in retaliation to US than 10 percent this year, and gauges of President Donald Trump’s March 9 decision to impose heavy mid- and small-sized companies are tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items. poised for their first yearly decline since Senior officials of India and the US are in discussions to 2013. - will mostly be resolved in the next year, past five years, the best among its peers finalise a kind of trade deal. Both sides are holding two track “Once the US interest-rate cycle leaving the Fed as the biggest factor. for that period, according to Value discussions -- to increase trade in short and medium term, changes and one moves to a situation Investors around the world will find Research Ltd. and identify long-term trade potentials. Source: PTI where they say we are done with the out later on Wednesday whether Fed A more dovish Fed could help bring quantitative tightening, then one may officials will reduce their ‘dot plot’ foreign investors back to India: they’ve Elon Musk says he personally have a much more secular bull market in trajectory for 2019, which currently sold more than $4 billion of the nation’s emerging markets and India,” Naren implies three interest-rate hikes. shares so far in 2018, the first year of spent $40 million on Boring Co. said in an interview in Mumbai last Economists surveyed by Bloomberg outflows since 2011. The Dow Jones week. “We are in an accumulation phase have dialed back their expectations to Industrial Average has outperformed lon Musk took the wraps of investing, where the near-term two. the MSCI India and the MSCI Emerging off Boring Co.’s first returns aren’t likely to be very high.’ For the next year at least, Naren Markets indexes in the past three years. Ecompleted test tunnel with While the US central bank’s influence doesn’t see investments in Indian Still, local flows into equity funds a lot of razzle-dazzle, the fact on emerging assets is hardly an equities fetching more than “mid-teen” have helped cushion markets. Investors thathe had spent $40 million on unknown phenomenon, India’s $2 percentage in gains. “We shouldn’t talk have poured 1.2 trillion rupees into stock the venture and a surprise twist trillion stock market has also been of multi-baggers now, we can’t expect mutual funds this year, according to the in the underlying technology. whipsawed in recent months by stocks doubling and one has to invest Association of Mutual Funds in India. At an event on the fringes of homegrown narratives. For Naren, with expectations of lower returns than Naren likes small- and mid-caps, Space Exploration Technologies those issues - including speculation on that,” he said. The $4.1 billion ICICI infrastructure stocks, banks and Corp. headquarters in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund -- consumption-linked shares, he said. Hawthorne, California, Musk election prospects in 2019, and a cash the biggest that Naren manages -- has Non-bank lenders still aren’t cheap stood in front of a large hole in crunch in the non-bank financing sector returned 12.85 percent annually in the enough, he added. Source: Mumbai the ground that led to a mile-long tunnel and pronounced it officially open. “This is incredibly profound,”he told reporters Tuesday, calling his first ride in the tunnel “epic.” Qatar Petroleum plans to invest $20 Guests—including officials from other cities that might one day hire Boring Co. to build longer versions of the tunnel, plus Tesla ownersand various other party-goers— quaffed cocktails named after tunnel-boring machines, billion in US in major expansion noshed on hot dogsand stood in line to take rides. The actual means of transit in the tunnel, once envisioned DOHA (TIP): Qatar Petroleum (QP) is Producing and Exporting Cartels Act, as tube-encased skates that individual vehicles would drive looking to invest at least $20 billion in which could open the OPEC group up to off and on, was simpler at the launch than it was at the United States over the coming few anti-trust lawsuits, was among the conception. The skates are gone, and instead, individual years, its chief executive told Reuters, reasons for quitting the oil exporting Teslas were drivingalong fixed guideways. That change will after the Gulf Arab state unexpectedly club. allow moreelectric cars, not just Teslas,to travel through the quit OPEC this month. Qatar Petroleum announced tunnel, with the addition of specialized wheels—a Saad al-Kaabi, who holds the energy separately on Sunday that it was modificationwhich Musk said might cost from $200 to $300 portfolio of the world's top liquefied partnering with Italian oil major Eni on per vehicle. The tunnel itself cost $10 million. natural gas (LNG) supplier, also said on three oil fields in Mexico, taking a 35 Source: Bloomberg Sunday the company aimed to announce percent stake in deposits that will begin foreign partners for new LNG trains production in mid-2019 and ramp up to Indian carriers will need 2,300 needed for an ambitious domestic scale- about 90,000 barrels per day by 2021. up by the middle of next year, but was The company is in talks with planes in 20 years: Boeing keeping open the possibility of going it international oil firms about the LNG alone. Kaabi said he expected to make a final expansion project at home, including NEW DELHI (TIP): Indian airlines are projected to need Qatar, a tiny but wealthy country is decision on that investment and whether Eni, Kaabi said. Other partners already 2,300 planes worth USD 320 billion in the next 20 years amid one of the most influential players in the to move ahead with the project "by the operating in Qatar include Exxon Mobil unprecedented domestic passenger growth, aircraft maker LNG market due to its annual end of the year, if not January." Corp, Total, Royal Dutch Shell and ENI. Boeing said Wednesday as it raised the forecast for the production of 77 million tonnes. It plans Qatar is a relatively small oil producer QP said it will self-finance the LNG country. As much as 85 per cent of the planes would be to boost capacity 43 percent by 2023-2024 compared to its massive gas production. expansion rather than borrow, a shift narrow-body and the rest would be wide-body. and will be building four liquefaction Its decision to quit OPEC this month was from previous practices where it used The forecast is for the 2018-2037 period. trains for the LNG expansion. seen as a swipe at the group's de facto lenders to fund up to 70 percent of According to Boeing, India would need 1,940 single-aisle As part of its more than $20 billion leader Saudi Arabia, which along with project costs. planes worth USD 220 billion and 350 wide-body aircraft investment push in the U.S. QP is the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kaabi said it could carry out the valued at USD 100 billion. looking "at gas and oil, conventional and Egypt, has imposed a political and expansion alone if no good offers from At current exchange rate, USD 320 billion is over Rs 22 non-conventional," Kaabi said. economic boycott on Qatar since June foreign firms were made. lakh crore. Around 10 regional jets worth less than USD 1 Qatar Petroleum is majority owner of 2017, accusing it of supporting "We are looking for a lot of things (in billion would be needed during the 2018-2037 period. the Golden Pass LNG terminal in Texas, terrorism, which Doha denies. our partners) including asset swaps, "India continues to grow at a faster pace," Dinesh Keskar, with Exxon and ConocoPhillips holding Kaabi said that proposed U.S. things that will help me in my Senior Vice President (Asia Pacific & India Sales) at Boeing smaller stakes. legislation known as "NOPEC", or No Oil international expansion," he said. Commercial Airplanes said here. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 28 ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, consultations. He can be reached at Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( [email protected] and on phone New York and Texas). Bejan's predictionshave mostly been correct and 011-91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com WEEKLY HOROSCOPE DECEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 30, 2018 Aries: Leo: Sagittarius: Ganesha says you are stable, happy, joyous, Your mind is everywhere, bobbing like a buoy Family matters are predominant in this positive, determined, persevering and in the ocean. You look inward and reflect upon phase. You interact with relatives and adventurous. You take risks that work in the truths that have nestled in your cells. friends and need to sort out issues that are your favor. 'Nothing ventured, nothing There are significant encounters with people troubling you. Your thoughts focus on gained' is the old adage which works in from all walks of life. You realize deep down your persona life, inner feelings, longings nearly all situations. You manage to keep an that you have to change your views on a lot of and desires. You want to get a move on in open mind and absorb everything that is issues or you will be atrophying. You may also life, but, before that, you have to know thrown at you. You are a good listener and be interested in yantra, mantra and tantra and your inner workings. You may have lived realize that you have to empty the cup often go looking for gurus. You want answers to up to others' expectations till now. It is to fill it up with new water. You do just that pressing questions about life, death and the time to know real you, shorn of the make - and grow as a person. afterlife. believe. Taurus: Virgo: Capricorn:

You are in communication mode. You are all There are equanimity and equilibrium in your Your ego drives are strong and you are over the place, physically and life. There are peace and balance. You have aggressive and ready to mingle and metaphorically. Your mind is razor - sharp reached a point of inner stability. This is a tumble. Personal relationships could take and fast as lightening. You don't tolerate good time for teachers and counsellors. You are a beating in this phase. You may have passengers on the team and if wit and able to solve complex human problems as you pushed all the dirt under the carpet and repartee are absent you may just end the have a deeper understanding of the intricacies suddenly the stains show. You will have to conversation. You slice them out of the of the web of life. You are keen to pass on this work out a compromise or some sort of picture without drama. You want to knowledge to others. Also, you are able to working agreement. If you are inflexible exchange ideas and grow in stature. You understand what makes you tick and what and rigid, you make no progress. There are want to learn all that there is to learn about triggers you off, and this self-understanding new ideas, opportunities and openings in every topic under the sun. helps interpersonal relationships. your life. Ganesha holds your hand and Gemini: Libra: leads the way. Aquarius: As a Spanish proverb says, 'If you do not 'The secret of the greatest fruitfulness and the dare, you do not live.' You are full of greatest enjoyment of existence is to live There are balance and equilibrium in your enthusiasm and zest. You are self-assured dangerously,' said Nietzche. You want the life. Your affairs are humming along and confident. You have the necessary adrenaline pounding. You don't want to lead a nicely. You have been through the mill and material, psychological, spiritual and boring life, worrying about the humdrum taken the ebb and flow of life in your physical resources for all that you aspire to aspects of existence. You have had it up to your stride. The future is always uncertain, but do. You are hard - working and determined, eyes with boredom. You look for adventure and for now you are on a good wicket. There and, as we all know, genius is all about excitement but the world calls, and this could are new beginnings and new vistas perspiration. You carry out Herculean tasks be a busy phase with lots of mental activity. opening up. There are maudlin moments in this phase. You are also in risk-taking There could be paperwork, business deals and too, but they only help you understand mode. negotiations. yourself better. Cancer: Scorpio: Pisces:

'A closed mind is like a closed book, just a This is an interesting phase. You are filled with There is stability, and hard work is there block of wood,' says a Chinese proverb. You energy and want to do a zillion things. Yet, it is too. You makesteady progress. You also are open to new vistas and new knowledge. also a time of intellectual withdrawal. You learn more about yourself through your You communicate furiously with others and want to assess your life and thoughts and put relationships. You begin to understand make elaborate plans for the future. You are things in the right perspective. You want to why you feel and respond to others the way in touch with your feelings and emotions examine your personal and domestic life and you do. Intimate relationships are which you rarely wear on your sleeve. Your list the pros and cons. There are domestic highlighted. There are heightened amour inner desires guide you to making the right concerns hovering over you. The health of a and new discoveries of yourself and your decisions. You are meticulous, almost parent could be a cause of concern.If the partner. All relationships flourish, fastidious, and run through all the minute person has been ill for a long time, the whether a marriage or business work details. situation could get critical now. partnership. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 SPIRITUALITY 29 KASHI SHRI VISHWESHWAR here the Varana and Asi rivers HISTORY OF THE KASHI VISHWANATH join the Ganges, a beautiful city Varanasi, which was a pious place of W was built there in the ancient pilgrimage for the hindus, soon became an times. It was named Varanasi. Varanasi, a eyesore and source of jealousy for the prime place of pilgrimage, a tribe called Muslims. From 1033 to 1669 AD Kashi came kasha used to live. Therefore, Varanasi under several destructive attacks. Temples was also known as Kashi. Near Kashi, were demolished and Masjids built there Ganga flows in the shape of a bow. Hence it instead. But due to the dedication of the acquired special importance. A king called Hindu devotees, the JyotirLinag Deivodas expanded this area. pilgrimage place continued to develop. Varanasi is located in Uttar Pradesh, in During the reign of the British and the the Gangetic plains. Marathas, this place really developed well. KASHI VISHWANATH JYOTIRLINGA Even the Jaina and Boudha monks helped to keep the place of the city intact. Nirvikar cahitanya and Sanatan The Kashi Vishweshwar temple as we Brahma have assumed the form of Saguna see it now was built by Ahalya Devi Holkar Vishwarupa from the initial Nirgun Roopa in 1777 AD. In 1785 AD, the then King of or form. The Shiva Shakti roopa became Kashi, Mansaram and his son Belvant the Purusha (man) and Stree (the woman) Singh built many more temples near again. Prakriti and Purusha (Nature and Varanasi. In 1755 AD, the Avadh pantof man) (Shiva-Shakti) were once ordained by pratinidhi (representative) got the old Shiva to do tapas in the universe in order temple of Bindumadhava repaired and to create the best being. He specified the renovated it beautifully. The kalabhairava best place for this purpose. temple was built by Srimant Baji Rao When a prayer was held, Nirgun Shiva, Peshwa in 1852 AD. with His own powers and aura, created a King Ranjit Singh had the Kashi wonderful city called Panchakoshi. Vishwanath temple towers covered in gold. Vishnu, who resided there, spent a lot of A huge bell hangs in the temple. It was time praying to Shiva after which several donated by the King of Nepal. watersprings originated there. Surrounding Saranath, there are many Vishnu was amazed at this wonderous Budhhist stupas, Viharas and Chaitra event, and even as he tilled his head, a grihas. In 1931 AD the mahabodhi society gemstone fell from his ear. Because of this had built a very beautiful Buddha temple place, it was also called Manikarnika. The in Saranath. entire Panch Koshi area of Manikarnika The Hindu devotees visit Kashi to make waters were then gathered into the Trident offering. Here they perform many rituals by Shiva. Then from the navel of Vishnu and consider themselves blessed. Along was born a lotus flower with Brahma in it. side, several foreign tourists visit this Brahma was ordained by Shiva to create place regularly. Places worth seeing a world, at which Brahma created this include Ghats, temples, tapobhoomi and wonderful world. It had fifty crore Yojanas the scenic beauty of the surroundings. of area and fourteen lokas. In order to save Kashi Kshetra and Sri Vishweswara the lives of these who are bound by their JyotirLinga are connected as the holiest own actions or karma. shrines in the world. The Ganga water Shiva kept panchakoshi city away from here is considered as the nectar of the the entire universe. In this city, Shiva earth. Dying in Kashi or performing the Himself established the saviour final rites is considered as the way to the Muktidayak JyotirLinga, which He can Heavens. Kashi - Rameshwar yatra is the never leave. Shiva removed this very Kashi prime pilgrimage for the Hindus. from His Trident and set it in this mortal Kashi city is the place for Moksha . world. Those who live here attain Mukti or It was not to be destroyed when Salvation, even without having to travel to Brahma’s day ends, but during Pralay i.e., any place of pilgrimage. Any one, be it a final destruction of the world, Shiva saved man, woman, young, old, of whatever it by keeping it safe in his trident. So the caste, all attain Moksha. There is no doubt kashi is called avimukta kshetra. In Kashi, in this. If a person dies in Kashi, he the Avimukteshwar Linga is there forever. definitely attains Moksha. Any small act of Those who can never hope for salvation, goodness or Punyakarya, done here takes attain Moksha here. away all the sins. Kashi nagar is so great This holiest city of Panchakoshi, with that even if the universe is to be destroyed its capacity to destroy every conceivable in Pralaya, it would remain intact. sin, is the vehicle of a special Moksha by Dandapani and Kalabhairava guard this the name “Samyugha”. city. That is the reason why this city which is ruled by Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha, is world from Avimukteshwar, he definitely PAGE SPONSORED BY the place, where even divines want to die. attains Moksha. Any small act of goodness Sarwaguna from inside and Tamoguna or Punyakarya, takes away all the sins. ARISH K. SAHANI from outside, are the qualities of Rudra Good as well as bad people are born on this here. When prayed to, Vishwanatha earth. But by living in Kashi, both attain Serving Since 1972 Bahagavan Sri Shankar made this abode Moksha. Later, several people came Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs and resided there with Parvati. forward to build this temple. Arish K Sahani (Father) GLORY OF KASHI A king by the name Banar developed this city of pilgrimage. About one and half Kashi city is the place for Moksha and thousand beautiful temples were built Shiv Sahani (Son) Ganga. Those who live here attain Mukti here. The tower of the Vishweshwara or Salvation, even without having to travel temple is a hundred feet high. Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) to any place of pilgrimage. Any one, be it a Kashi Nagar is so great that even if the man, woman, young, old, Sahava, pure or universe is to be destroyed in Pralaya, it 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 impure, Prasuta, Aprasuta, Swadesh, would remain intact. Dandapani and [email protected] Andaja, Udibhaja, of whatever caste, all Kalabhairav guard this city. They stay attain Moksha. there forever. On the Ganga banks eighty “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” There is not an iota of doubt in this. four bathing ghats are located. There are Whatever a person may be doing, eat, sleep also several teerthkundas. They have been “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” or anything else, if he departs from this there right from the times of Vedas. “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 NEW YORK FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 Support Package for Fashion Production and the Garment Center announced Part of a citywide manufacturing strategy, the Midtown Manhattan plan preserves critical production space and long-term stability for the fashion industry NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The City Council New York City's fashion industry employs 180,000 people, accounting for 6% of the city's approved, December 20, a comprehensive plan to support fashion production and commercial workforce and generating $10.9 billion in total wages. An estimated 900 fashion companies are office expansion in the Garment Center. headquartered in New York City, which is also home to more than 75 major fashion trade shows Informed by recommendations of the and thousands of showrooms.-EDITOR Garment Center Steering Committee, the City has created a multi-pronged approach to balance the interests of the fashion industry with those of other industries growing in the Garment Center. The City will implement a set of targeted zoning changes with real estate and programmatic support. These initiatives will provide fashion manufacturers with the long-term stability needed to maintain their foothold in the historic home of fashion. The citywide strategy includes the creation of a 200,000-square foot garment production hub at the Made in NY Campus in Sunset Park. The new plan addresses rapid diversification of industries in the Garment Center, whose 66,000 jobs across industries is expected to grow to 72,000 by 2021. As the district has grown, its economic profile has changed: although fashion office space has grown by 17% in the past five years, 60% of the area's jobs are now in nonprofit, healthcare, entertainment, and IP services. The plan removes a decades-long ineffective zoning mechanism that will finally allow the Garment skilled workers and specialty suppliers zoning changes also include a new special fashion manufacturing tenants with Center to achieve its potential as a mixed-use clustered in one place is the foundation that permit to curb hotel development throughout affordable and long-term leases in accordance neighborhood that includes significant office the wider New York fashion world is built on. the entire Special Garment Center District. with the NYCIDA Garment Center Program. space alongside manufacturing, wholesale, What we've negotiated here is a real plan to Non-zoning tools will preserve garment The RFEI will remain open and may accept and showroom space. preserve it, and now that plan is moving manufacturing space, with mechanisms proposals on a rolling basis through "We're preserving the City's fashion forward and coming together in more detail," including a customized tax incentive program November 1, 2019. The RFEI is available here. manufacturing capacity both in its traditional said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. that requires property owners to provide long- Workforce Development home in the Garment Center, and with Brewer. "Now it's critical that we follow term, affordable leases for fashion investments across the city," said Mayor de through on every element of the plan - manufacturers; and funding support for the The City and Council of Fashion Designers Blasio. "Today's vote ensures that the Garment including making sure the IDA program is public-private acquisition of a building to of America (CFDA) will launch a $14 Million Center will continue to thrive as a mixed-use successful and purchasing permanent space permanently house garment production. expansion of the Fashion Manufacturing neighborhood - and that New York City will for manufacturing in the Garment Center. These strategies are further bolstered by other Initiative (FMI). The program, which first always be the world's fashion capital." Working together, we can ensure all of New investments in the district and programmatic launched in 2013, fosters, supports, and "Today marks another major milestone in a York continues to grow as a fashion capital, support for garment manufacturing and develops a dynamic, diverse, and innovative multi-year process to ensure a permanent with a thriving manufacturing core in fashion businesses located across the city fashion production ecosystem across the five home for garment manufacturers in New York Manhattan." through partnerships with industry boroughs. FMI provides grants to local City.The manufacturing sector is a key part of "The CFDA is supportive of today's steps to stakeholders. production facilities to upgrade equipment the broader New York fashion industry, which strengthen the garment manufacturing The culmination of a nearly two-year effort and technology,offer employee skills training, contributes so much to our city,so securing its industry and looks forward to partnering with between the administration, Speaker's Office, hire business development consultants, make health for today and in the years to come is the sector to help it modernize for the future," Manhattan Borough President's Office and capital improvements to their facilities, and absolutely vital. I want to thank Borough said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the local and industry stakeholders includes: cover costs of relocating within New York President Brewer, President Patchett, the CFDA. "We thank Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Manufacturing Preservation City. Garment District steering committee, and all Johnson and Borough President Brewer for The newly launched program will expand those who have helped bring us this far along working with us through an inclusive process The NYCIDA Garment Center Program upon the existing program's services, in in the process. Together we will ensure that that has helped ensure that New York City's promotes long-term preservation of garment addition to targeted workforce development the Garment District survives and thrives for fashion ecosystem can continue to thrive on a businesses in the Garment Center. Launched training and the Pilot Local Production Fund. years to come," said Speaker Corey Johnson. citywide basis for many years to come." earlier this year, the program provides The Pilot Local Production Fund will be "This plan not only opens the door for new "Today's historic vote will ensure that the applicable property owners with tax available to all New York City-based designers jobs and investment in midtown, it will Garment District remains a hub for American abatements in exchange for providing long- and seeks to incentivize designers to use local stabilize and strengthen New York City's fashion while at the same time unleashing the term and affordable leases to fashion fashion manufacturers by creating stronger garment manufacturing sector. By preserving neighborhood's full economic potential. This manufacturing tenants. The program has relationships between designers and space in the district and making resources is a tremendous, pivotal moment for the future already authorized up to 200,000 SF of fashion manufacturers to enable better business available for manufacturers to grow outside of of our City, and I thank the Garment District manufacturing to be preserved through the terms. the district, New York City will continue to be property owners for playing a critical role in program, with an additional 70,000 SF in the GDA Funding Commitment the fashion capital of the world. I want to developing a plan that would preserve apparel pipeline. Eligible properties must be located thank Speaker Johnson, Borough President manufacturing while positioning our within the Garment Center Business To further support the garment Brewer, and the Garment District Steering neighborhood for continued growth. Special Improvement District, which is generally manufacturing and fashion industry in the Committee for collaboration," said Deputy thanks to Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson, defined as 34th to 42nd Streets and 5th to 9th Garment Center, the Garment District Mayor Alicia Glen. Manhattan Borough President Brewer, Avenues. More details on the program are Alliance has received approval by the New "The de Blasio Administration has delivered NYCEDC and the City Council for making this available here. York City Council to increase their annual a plan to reinvigorate the City's iconic fashion a reality," said Barbara A. Blair, President, To further help strengthen and preserve budget by $2.5 Million for the next 10 years. industry by ensuring long-established Garment District Alliance. garment manufacturing in the Garment This increase in funding will be dedicated businesses continue to thrive and allowing "Through this zoning action, we ensure that Center, NYCEDC released a Request for toward special programming to support the new uses that will reinforce Midtown as one of the Garment Center supports a healthy mix of Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the Steering Committee's goals of supporting the our most important job centers," said uses and thrives for decades to come," said acquisition of a building that will provide industry in its historic home. The special NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. Marisa Lago, Director of the Department of permanent, dedicated garment programming will further the GDA's mission "I thank Speaker Corey Johnson, Borough City Planning. manufacturing space in Midtown. Through to improve the quality of life and economic President Brewer and the Garment Center The zoning changes lift the cumbersome 1:1 the RFEI, the City has made up to $20M vitality of the district. Steering Committee for their commitment to preservation requirement that prevented as-of- available to fund a portion of the acquisition READ FULL STORY AT reaching this historic milestone." right office conversions and led to cost of a building in the Garment Center. The WWW.THEINDIANPANORAMA.NEWS "The Garment Center's unique ecosystem of disinvestment in building infrastructure. The selected property will be required to offer THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 CLASSIFIEDS 31

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THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 MISCELLANY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 China builds air assets India is Afghanistan’s most reliable in Tibet, Indian missile regional partner: Pentagon units head east New Delhi (TIP): Extensive exercises by WASHINGTON (TIP): India is the People’s Liberation Army Air Force Afghanistan’s most reliable regional partner, (PLAAF), the Chinese air force, in the Tibet the Pentagon has said as it praised New Autonomous Region (TAR) across the Delhi’s contributions to the peaceful disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC), and development of the war-torn country. enhancement of Chinese aviation Pentagon, in its semi-annual Afghan report infrastructure in the region, have prompted to the US Congress that covers the period of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to activate plans June to November 2018, said India interpreted for greater deterrence in the eastern sector, the new US South Asia policy as an including deployment of six units of the opportunity to increase its economic Akash missile system. For the contentious involvement with Afghanistan. eastern border with China, the IAF also The South Asia Strategy, which was plans to deploy a squadron each of Chinook announced by President Donald Trump in and Apache helicopters, besides the Russian August 2017, has focused on pressuring S-400 missile system and a squadron of the Pakistan to limit support and safe-haven for Rafale fighter aircraft. proxy terrorist and militant groups and to While the induction of Chinook and play a constructive role in facilitating Afghan Apache helicopters is scheduled to be reconciliation, the Pentagon said in the completed by 2020, the S-400 air defence report. stability and regional confidence. Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India missile system and Rafale fighter jets will be Noting that the US strategy calls for a “India is Afghanistan’s most reliable (TAPI) natural gas pipeline, it said. inducted by 2021, sources said. Discussions regional approach to enhance stability in regional partner and the largest contributor “India provides significant training are also underway for induction of one more South Asia, the report said this includes of development assistance in the region,” said opportunities for Afghan officers and enlisted squadron of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters in building a broad consensus for a stable the Pentagon. personnel and has frequently offered to the region, in response to increased Chinese Afghanistan, emphasising regional economic Since late 2015, India has pledged USD 1 increase its burden-sharing for Afghanistan. activity across the LAC. integration and cooperation, stressing billion in development assistance in addition Approximately 130 Afghans travel to India A senior IAF officer told The Indian cooperation for an Afghan-led peace process, to the approximate USD 2 billion already each year to attend various military academy Express: “Chinese Air Force has started and holding countries accountable for their spent on Afghan infrastructure. and commissioning programs,” the Pentagon building infrastructure in the TAR since use of proxies or other means to undermine India continues to invest in the said. (PTI) Doklam (the border standoff in 2017). (PTI) contd from page 1 "India's PCA framework for weaker banks Text of Defense Secretary's resignation these issues. We must do everything possible to has more onerous thresholds, that is higher letter. advance an international order that is most Govt. of India to infuse... capital thresholds and a net NPA threshold conducive to our security, prosperity and that further embeds capital requirement on "Dear Mr. President: values, and we are strengthened in this effort by The government Thursday sought account of provisioning of NPAs. I have been privileged to serve as our the solidarity of our alliances. Parliament's approval for infusion of an "Today's proposal is an expression of country's 26th Secretary of Defense which has Because you have the right to have a additional Rs 41,000 crore. government's commitment that each PSB is allowed me to serve alongside our men and Secretary of Defense whose views are better This amount, sought to be infused in the an article of faith and aims at securing women of the Department in defense of our aligned with yours on these and other subjects, banks through issue of government securities compliance even for the higher regulatory citizens and our ideals. I believe it is right for me to step down from my (recapitalization bonds), is over and above the norms," Kumar said. I am proud of the progress that has been position. The end date for my tenure is Rs 2.11 lakh crore recapitalization plan Asked if the Nirav Modi scam-hit Punjab made over the past two years on some of the key February 28, 2019, a date that should allow announced in October 2017. National Bank (PNB) will get capital support, goals articulated in our National Defense sufficient time for a successor to be nominated The recapitalization, the finance minister he said it could be a candidate for fund Strategy: putting the Department on a more and confirmed as well as to make sure the said, will enhance the lending capacity of infusion. sound budgetary footing, improving readiness Department's interests are properly articulated state-owned banks and help them come out of Kumar said PSBs have recovered Rs 60,726 and lethality in our forces, and reforming the and protected at upcoming events to include RBI's Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) crore of bad loans in the first half of the Department's business practices for greater Congressional posture hearings and the NATO framework. current fiscal year, which is more than double performance. Our troops continue to provide Defense Ministerial meeting in February. "Now this Rs 1.06 lakh crore this year and the amount recovered in the corresponding the capabilities needed to prevail in conflict and Further, that a full transition to a new Rs 83,000 crore which is remaining is going to period last year. sustain strong U.S. global influence. Secretary of Defense occurs well in advance of be utilized under four different heads. The In October 2017, the government decided to One core belief I have always held is that our the transition of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs first of course is to ensure that banks meet infuse Rs 2.11 lakh crore in PSBs over the next strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the of Staff in September in order to ensure their regulatory capital norms. two years-through budgetary provisions of Rs strength of our unique and comprehensive stability Within the Department. "The second will be that the better 18,139 crore, recapitalization bonds of Rs 1.35 system of alliances and partnerships. While the I pledge my full effort to a smooth transition performing banks under PCA are given lakh crore, and the balance through raising of US remains the indispensable nation in the free that ensures the needs and interests of the 2.15 capital to achieve a 9 per cent Capital to Risk capital by banks from the market. world, we cannot protect our interests or serve million Service Members and 732,079 DoD Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) and required The government envisaged that PSBs would that role effectively without maintaining strong civilians receive undistracted attention of the capital conservation buffer and the 6 per cent raise Rs 58,000 crore from the stock markets alliances and showing respect to those allies. Department at all times so that they can fulfill net NPA requirements so that some of them by March 2019 to meet Basel III norms. Like you, I have said from the beginning that their critical, round-the-clock mission to protect are able to come out of the PCA itself," he said. Kumar said out of this, Rs 24,400 crore has the armed forces of the United States should not the American people. The third category will be the non-PCA been raised by banks so far. be the policeman of the world. Instead, we must I very much appreciate this opportunity to banks which are very close to the PCA red-line The secretary also said four banks-SBI, use all tools of American power to provide for serve the nation and our men and women in will be provided capital so that they do not Bank of Baroda, Indian Bank and Vijaya the common defense, including providing uniform." come under the framework, he said. Bank-may not need capital. (Source:PTI) effective leadership to our alliances. NATO's 29 Both Republican and Democratic Some capital will also be provided to banks democracies demonstrated that strength in lawmakers expressed regret that Mattis was which are going to be amalgamated to meet Defense Secretary... their commitment to fighting alongside us leaving the administration. House Democratic regulatory norms and growth capital, Jaitley following the 9-11 attack on America. The Leader Nancy Pelosi said she was "shaken" by added. other subjects, I believe it is right for me to Defeat-ISIS coalition of 74 nations is further Mattis' resignation and expressed admiration Earlier this year, the government had step down from my position," Mattis wrote. proof. for the letter he wrote to the president. "I announced merger of Dena Bank and Vijaya Mr. Trump announced the news in a tweet Similarly, I believe we must be resolute and think that everybody in the country should Bank with Bank of Baroda. and praised Mattis' tenure as secretary. unambiguous in our approach to those read his letter of resignation," she told Jaitley also said the non-performing assets "During Jim's tenure, tremendous progress countries whose strategic interests are reporters. "It's a letter of great patriotism, (NPAs) recognition, started in 2015, is almost has been made, especially with respect to the increasingly in tension with ours. It is clear respect for the President, but also a statement complete, and the September quarter has purchase of new fighting equipment," Mr. that China and Russia, for example, want to of his values." shown decline in bad loans. Trump wrote on Twitter. "General Mattis was shape a world consistent with their Gross NPAs of PSBs started declining after a great help to me in getting allies and other authoritarian model - gaining veto authority Dow falls below 23,000... peaking in March 2018, registering a countries to pay their share of military over other nations' economic, diplomatic, and reduction of Rs 23,860 crore in the first half of obligations. A new Secretary of Defense will security decisions - to promote their own Markets are also concerned about the the fiscal. be named shortly. I greatly thank Jim for his interests at the expense of their neighbors, ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Speaking to reporters, Financial Services service!" A senior White House official said America and our allies. That is why we must China, which has lasted most of this year and Secretary Rajiv Kumar said three banks were that Mattis came to the White House for a use all the tools of American power to provide shows few signs of easing, and forecasts for a on the verge of being included in the PCA, but meeting, not previously scheduled, around for the common defense. dip in economic activity next year. with this infusion, they will be safe. 3:30 p.m. Thursday, and informed the My views on treating allies with respect and The broader S&P 500 closed at a 15-month A total of 11 out of the 21 PSBs are under president he would be leaving. The president also being clear-eyed about both malign actors low, while Nasdaq also lost ground - the tech- RBI's PCA framework, which imposes lending hopes to announce a replacement by the end of and strategic competitors are strongly held and heavy index is now down 20 percent from its restrictions on weak banks. the year. informed by over four decades of immersion in peak in August. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 TRAVEL 33 NELONG VALLEY: THE LADAKH OF UTTARAKHAND ne of those untouched places is Nelong Valley, situated near the OIndo-China border in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, which provides a view of Tibetan Plateau. It is a new addition to the bucket lists of the explorers, as it opens for tourists for the first time since the 1962 Indo-China war. It was once a popular Indo-Tibet trade route; however, as a result of the war, the valley came under restricted area where movements, even for the locals, were regulated for 53 years. This disassociation has left valley with little to no infrastructure to support the conventional tourism. However, that is what its USP is; many professional trekkers who have skimmed other unregulated valleys are now swamping it in droves.The valley,a cold desert like area, looks unlike anything else because of its segregation. Since there had been no external interference, the wild life has thrived- Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards and musk deer—and nature have taken over the treacherous hand-built wooden bridge, known as Gartang Galion, which once was a route to China, an artery for trade. Location Under the Gangotri National Park, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, the valley is located at an altitude of 11,000 feet (3352.8 meters) above the sea level, and it is around 315km away from Dehradun. You can reach the valley through Bhaironghati, local economy. The Bhotiya traders Best time to visit is required to visit the valley from a sub- which is just an 8km trek from Gangotri followed the old trade route, which The Ladakh like terrain, as many divisional magistrate. But these logistical shrine—an easily accessible place, given involved the wooden bridge, still reported travelers have described the region due to barriers are unlikely to stop explorers its religious importance. to be intact, and the Lal Devta temple, its arid environment, remains open from from visiting the place.Do not consider where they offered prayers before May to November. However, the camping in the region as overnight stay is History and people of region embarking on their ancient trading route government has put a limit on the number not permitted, nor expect a restaurant, as The Bhotiya tribe was the original to Tibet. of vehicles that can enter the valley each only ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) inhabitants of the valley, trading carpets, However, the 1962 war ended the trade, day. Only a maximum of six vehicles with personnel are allowed to camp in the blankets and woolen clothes weaved by and all the locals who resided in the valley four occupants in each can enter the valley region. The forest department facilitates women as well as food items such as were moved to Bagori and Dunda villages daily. However, administration is mulling the tourist activities; and to visit the tobacco, tea, coffee, barley, and rice. There that lie in Uttarkashi district. The news of over the regulations in place and is trying valley, which is well above 3,000 meters, are evidences of trade of agricultural re-opening has brought joy to the to come up with solutions to tap the also requires a fitness certificate.However, equipment and copper products, and community; however, it is highly unlikely tourism potential of the valley. Soon more the first glimpse of the valley will make medicines, as well. All this was traded at the authorities will allow the trade, given relaxed regulations are expected, which you forget all these botherations Get your Bada Haat, a big market, based on the the control of Tibet is under the Chinese will give explorers a free hand to scout the gear ready and explore the valley—a barter system; it was the mainstay of the regime. valley.Though, until then, a permit letter vestige of an ancient trade route. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 SPORTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 CRICKET NEEDS PASSIONATE CHARACTERS LIKE VIRAT KOHLI: ALLAN BORDER PERTH (TIP): Former Australia captain Allan Border defended Virat Kohli’s aggression, saying cricket needed characters like the Indian skipper who exuded passion on the field. Former India opener WV Raman “There are not many characters in our game at the moment. The appointed head coach of professional era has sort of beaten that out to a certain degree,” Border said on India women's team Fox Cricket’s podcast--The Follow-on. Kohli has received severe criticism V Raman, former India opener, has been appointed from the likes of Mike Hussey, Mitchell as the coach of the Indian women's team, BCCI Johnson and Sanjay Manjrekar for his Wannounced on Thursday (December 20). aggressive celebrations in the ongoing He will take over the role from Ramesh Powar, who served Test series in Australia. on an interim basis - a relatively successful phase which The Indian skipper was also involved ended with a semi-final loss against England in the recently- in a series of heated exchanges with his concluded World T20, followed by a to and fro of allegations Australian counterpart Tim Paine, with Mithali Raj. which prompted umpire Chris Gafaney Raman was among one of the three candidates shortlisted to intervene during the second Test here. for the role by an ad-hoc panel to select the coach. The panel “I haven’t seen anyone sort of carry comprised Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shanta on so much as a captain when his side “I think he’s feeling that pinch. If you So that’s what you get from him on the Rangaswamy, and alongside Raman, the shortlist also takes a wicket. It’s really over the top but look at this Indian side he’s probably the field and that’s what he will always give included the names of former India coach Gary Kirsten and it’s good in a way. You can see some only one that has the character to get you. He is an excitable character. He Venkatesh Prasad, which was sent to the Committee of passion about what he’s trying to do,” really animated,” he said. enjoys his challengers, and he wants to Administrators and the BCCI. Border said. “The rest of the Indian boys are very win,” said Lehmann. “Not only for Explaining the process of shortlisting the candidates, Border added that perhaps Kohli’s good cricketers but seem to me a quiet himself, he wants his country to win. It Gaekwad said, "Even as there were several questions asked aggression stemmed from the desire to bunch and maybe Kohli feels as skipper was good to see out there and I thought it to the candidates, a few basic questions involved were cement his legacy with an away series he needs to lead from the front and really was good banter.” coaching credentials, why they are interested, how do they victory. show some passion and drive. I think it Lehmann made light of Kohli’s plan to take the team forward and how many languages they “He’s so keen to win away from home just comes naturally to him,” he added. confrontation with Paine. “Neither can communicate in. We then also asked them about their and really deserve that number one Kohli nor Tim Paine crossed the line. It expectations, what kind of support staff they would be ranking…that’s your KPIs (key GETS LEHMANN BACKING was good banter, and it came across as a needing etc. On the basis of that, we came up with our performance indicators) as a captain I An “excitable character” who wants bit of fun on the stump mics,” he said. decision." suppose,” he said. to win at all times — that’s how former Current coach Justin Langer had also Under Kohli, India suffered two back- Australian coach Darren Lehmann sees described the showdown as humorous. to-back away series defeats against Virat Kohli. Lehmann said that there is “You have to show passion when you South Africa and England this year. nothing wrong with the Indian captain’s are playing for your country and I don’t “To drive the team to be number one, on-field conduct. Kohli and Australian have any issue with what happened,” which he has achieved, but to win away skipper Tim Paine clashed on several Lehmann continued. “There shouldn’t from home is one of those important occasions during the second Test in be any drama about what happened in things you notice as a captain.” Perth, and some former Australian Perth. You just have to make sure it is Border also opined that as the leader, cricketers criticised Kohli’s aggression. never personal and play the game in Kohli felt the need to manifest the Lehmann said Kohli is entertaining to right spirit. Rest, I am sure they will sort passion and drive. watch. “Virat Kohli is very passionate. it out after the game or after the series.”

IPL 2019 AUCTION Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Chakravarthy SHAKIB’S ALL-ROUND SHOW SINKS WEST INDIES DHAKA (TIP): Shakib Al Hasan starred with both bat sold at costliest Rs 8.4 crore and ball as Bangladesh edged West Indies by 36 runs in the second Twenty20 international to level the three-match JAIPUR (TIP): Indian fast bowler series here today. Shakib claimed 5/21, helping Bangladesh Jaydev Unadkat and mystery spinner bowl out West Indies for 175 runs after his unbeaten 42 off 26 from Tamil Nadu Premier League balls played a hand in Bangladesh’s record score of 211/4. (TNPL) Varun Chakravarthy earned a Rovman Powell smashed 50 off 34 balls but succumbed to whopping Rs 8.4 cr each in the 2019 the pressure of a huge asking rate as West Indies folded up Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, in 19.2 overs. In-form Shai Hope gave West Indies a being the costliest buy among the rollicking start, picking up 24 runs from one over of players so far here on Tuesday. Mustafizur Rahman before he was dismissed by off-spinner Kings XI Punjab bought England’s Mehidy Hasan for 36 off 19 balls. Sam Curran for Rs 7.2 crore surpassing Shakib bowled Fabien Allen for seven to complete his five- South Africa’s Colin Ingram’s price of wicket haul — becoming only the third Bangladeshi to Rs 6.4 crore to become the most achieve the feat — before Mustafizur, who finished with expensive overseas buy in the auction 2/54, dealt a decisive blow by removing Powell and Keemo here. Indian fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat Paul, who made 29 off 16 balls. was among the top buys after he was “If you want to win a T20 game you need to keep the bought for Rs 8.4 cr by the Rajasthan momentum going, be it with the ball or bat. Luckily we got Royals here at the auction while Varun Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Chakravarthy. the momentum early and we continued with it to post in Chakaravarthy is an architect turned excess of 200 on that wicket,” Shakib said after the game. cricket player performed well for Tamil whopping 8.4 cr bought by Kings XI Rs 20 lakh to being sold for whopping Rs Opener Liton Das struck 60 off 43 balls while Shakib and Nadu Premier League and Anil Kumble Punjab. 8.4 cr. Rajashtan Royals had bought Mahmudullah, who remained unbeaten on 43 off 21 balls, fan emerges the most expensive buy Varun is the joint-most expensive in Jaydev Unadkat in the previous edition guided Bangladesh to their highest ever score in a Twenty20 among uncapped players fetching a the auction so far. From his base price of of the IPL for a whopping 11.5 cr. international on home soil. Source: AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2018