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VOL 15 ISSUE 07 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● FEB 12 - 18, 2021 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 ● [email protected] www.theindianpanorama.news House prosecutors wrap up Impeachment case against former President Donald Trump We Wish Readers A WASHINGTON (TIP): House Happy Valentine’s Day prosecutors concluded two days of emotional arguments in Donald Trump's impeachment trial late At least 6 dead in 133 car Thursday, February 11, insisting that the Capitol invaders believed they were pile-up in Dallas-Fort Worth acting on "the president's orders" to stop area due to winter storms Joe Biden's election, the deadly culmination of Mr. Trump's pattern of At least nine people have died in car spreading false and violent rhetoric that crashes as of Thursday, Feb 11 will continue to vex American politics if evening due to winter storms across left unchecked. the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, The Democratic prosecutors described in stark, personal terms the according to a count by CNN. horror faced that January day,including in the very Senate chamber where Mr. Trump's trial is underway. They displayed the many public and explicit instructions Mr. Trump gave his A select group of House Democrats known as impeachment managers are acting as prosecutors in former President Trump's second impeachment trial. contd on page 2 INSIDE Farmers protest spreads as An aerial shot shows the pileup on Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth on Media as target: On ED Thursday, Feb 11 searches at NewsClick office government dithers on their FORT WORTH, TX (TIP): A 133-car Page 02 demand to repeal farm laws pileup on Interstate 35 West in Fort Disinformation is a Worth on Thursday, Feb 11, left at least cybersecurity threat Farmers unions term statements of Modi as 'anti-farmer'. six people dead, according to Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes. The Page 09 pileup was reported around 6 a.m. CT Tax season starts February and spanned roughly a mile. The 12 and closes April 15 incident was one of several reported in contd on page 38 Page 12

Farmers attending the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh on Friday to protest against the farm laws. - Photo / Courtesy PTI

I.S. SALUJA government was not serious on their NEW DELHI (TIP): Farmer unions demand for full price for their produce. on Thursday, Feb 11, termed the They also unveiled a plan to hold more statements of Prime Minister Narendra "Kisan Mahapanchayats" in the days to Modi "anti-farmer" and alleged that the come. contd on page 38 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 02 COMMENT

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: There must be no room for Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja MEDIA AS TARGET: On ED VICE PRESIDENT: suspicion that agencies are Chitagam Saluja searches at NewsClick office being used for curbing dissent CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja rdinarily, searches and seizures if so, whether NewsClick is in any way is inviting repressive action. Laws that CONSULTING EDITOR : are the legitimate starting point linked to it, is unclear. However, in the are serious in nature and ought not to be Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, Oof an investigation, done on the light of the manner in which the central invoked lightly are being used with Bhaskar Group, Delhi basis of prior information. But the ED's agency is wont to enter the scene to abandon against those seen to have ASSISTANT EDITOR: raids in the office of independent digital investigate both real and imaginary invited the establishment's wrath. This Bidisha Roy news platform NewsClick, and in the allegations against anyone vocally may explain the frequency with which SPL. REPORTER UNO: residence of its promoter and editor-in- critical of the government, it is difficult the offence of sedition is being invoked H.S. Panaser chief, have invited justified to brush aside the suspicion that the for speeches and writings, while GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: condemnation from organizations website is being targeted for its coverage allegations of anti-national activity representing the media. There is every of the farmers' agitation as well as last peddled by those groomed to build such Om Parkash Malik likelihood that this operation is linked to year's country-wide protests against the narratives lead to action under the DIRECTOR the platform's in-depth coverage of Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In ADMINISTRATION: ongoing protests as well as the various The present regime's record is quite other instances, cases of promoting Gauri Beri struggles of the people and the grassroot dismal when it comes to the obvious use social enmity or outraging religious CONTRIBUTING organizations that represent them. of central agencies such as the CBI, ED, sentiments are also slapped selectively PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ostensibly arising from an FIR IT and even the NIA, to rein in to 'discipline' comedians and Baldev Singh / BJ Videos registered by the Delhi police some dissenting voices. It is unfortunate that scriptwriters. The Supreme Court's Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction months ago, the ED is said to be specialized agencies are allowing intervention has protected prominent Jay Mandal, investigating alleged money-laundering themselves to be used as force journalists from arrest for defamation Mohammad Jaffer, to the tune of ?30 crore. Not much is multipliers in political battles against for tweets that turned out to be SnapsIndia Mohammad Shahzad, known about the nature of the police sections of the Opposition. Amidst incorrect. It no more behoves a Zia Khan, case, but the agency is empowered by the claims that there are varying kinds of responsible and responsive government Nisha Rani Prevention of Money-Laundering Act to conspiracies against the government to dismiss criticism of its treatment of Vaaho Photographers, investigate if the proceeds of crime and India, it is no surprise that dissenters, including journalists who do Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. related to a 'predicate offence' have been relentless journalistic focus on protests, not agree with it, as motivated or CORRESPONDENTS : laundered. Whether such a primary which are basically steps taken in inspired by foreign elements. SACRAMENTO: offence has been established or not, and pursuit of redress for public grievances, (The Hindu) Parminder S. Aujla NEW YORK : contd from page 1 Though most of the Senate jurors seem to have made up their Chitagam House prosecutors wrap up Impeachment... minds, making Mr. Trump's acquittal likely, the never-before-seen FRESNO: audio and video released Wednesday is now a key exhibit as Tarlochan Singh supporters - long before the White House rally that unleashed lawmakers prosecuting the case argue he should be convicted of DALLAS: the Capitol attack as Congress was certifying Mr. Biden's victory. inciting the siege. Senators sat riveted as the jarring video played Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon Five people died in the chaos and its aftermath, a domestic attack in the chamber on Wednesday. Senators shook their heads, folded OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS unparalleled in U.S. history.In videos, some posted to social media their arms and furrowed their brows. Screams from the audio and LONDON by rioters themselves, invaders talked about how they were doing video filled the Senate chamber. Videos of the siege have been Nirpal Singh Shergill it all for Trump. "If we pretend this didn't happen, or worse, if we circulating since the day of the riot, but the graphic compilation let it go unanswered, who's to say it won't happen again?" argued offered a moment-by-moment retelling of one of the nation's most SPL CORRESPONDENT prosecutor Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo. Mr. Trump's defense will take alarming days. And it underscored how dangerously close the DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: the floor on Friday, and the proceedings could finish with a vote rioters came to the nation's leaders, shifting the focus of the trial Ashishpal Singh this weekend. from an academic debate about the Constitution to a raw retelling CHANDIGARH: The Democrats, with little hope of conviction by two-thirds of of the assault. Manjit Sidhu the evenly divided Senate, are making their most graphic case to The footage showed the mob smashing into the building, rioters LUDHIANA: the American public, while Trump's lawyers and the Republicans engaging in hand-to-hand combat with police and audio of Capitol A.S. Arora, are focused on legal rather than emotional or historic questions, police officers pleading for back-up. Rioters were seen roaming the R.P.Sharma hoping to get it all behind as quickly as possible. This second halls chanting "Hang Mike Pence," and eerily singing out "Where DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP impeachment trial, on the charge of incitement of insurrection, are you, Nancy?" in search of Pelosi. Trump attorney David Lovllien Kaurr has echoes of last year's impeachment and acquittal over the Schoen said the presentation was "offensive" and that they 972-330-3139 Ukraine matter, as prosecutors warn senators that Trump has "haven't tied it in any way to Trump." [email protected] shown no bounds and will do it again, posing a danger to the civic He told reporters Thursday, Feb 11, at the Capitol he believed order unless he is convicted and banned from future office. Even Democrats were making the public relive the tragedy in a way that The Indian Panorama out of the White House, the former president holds influence over "tears at the American people" and impedes efforts at unity in the P.O. Box No. 190067, South large swaths of voters. country.The goal of the two-day presentation by prosecutors from Richmond Hill, NY 11419, Tel: 646-247-9458 The prosecutors on Thursday drew a direct line from his the House, which impeached the outgoing president last month a repeated comments condoning and even celebrating violence - week after the siege, was to cast Mr. Trump not as an innocent Email: praising "both sides" after the 2017 outbreak at the white bystander but rather as the "inciter in chief" who spent months [email protected] supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia - and urging his rally spreading falsehoods and revving up supporters to challenge the crowd last month to go to the Capitol and fight for his presidency. election. They are seeking not just conviction, but to bar him from He spread false claims about election fraud, even there has been no future office. "This attack never would have happened but for DISCLAIMER evidence of it, and urged his supporters to "stop the steal" of the Donald Trump," Rep. Madeleine Dean, one of the impeachment presidency.Prosecutors used the rioters' own videos from that day managers, said as she choked back emotion. "And so they came, THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES to pin responsibility on Mr. Trump. "We were invited here," said draped in Trump's flag, and used our flag, the American flag, to NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. one. "Trump sent us," said another. "He'll be happy. We're fighting batter and to bludgeon." Mr. Trump's lawyers are likely to blame WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS for Trump." the rioters themselves for the violence. PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER "They truly believed that the whole intrusion was at the His lawyers say he cannot be convicted because he is already ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND president's orders," said Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado. At the gone from the White House. Even though the Senate rejected that DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE White House, President Joe Biden said he believed "some minds argument in Tuesday's vote to proceed to trial, the issue could VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL may be changed" after senators saw chilling security video resonate with Senate Republicans eager to acquit Mr. Trump RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. Wednesday of the deadly insurrection at the Capitol, including of without being seen as condoning his behavior. While six REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN rioters searching menacingly for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republicans joined with Democrats to vote to proceed with the WRITING FROM THE INDIAN Vice President Mike Pence. Mr. Biden said he didn't watch any of trial on Tuesday, the 56-44 vote was far from the two-thirds PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. the previous day's proceedings live but later saw news coverage. threshold of 67 votes needed for conviction. (Agencies) THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 03

Yorkers a central theme of his campaign for Comptroller. David Weprin Releases In a testament to Weprin's record and the work he'll do as Comptroller, he has earned the most diverse set of endorsements of any candidate in this Official Campaign Video race, including: U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (Queens), NYS Assembly Members QUEENS,NY(TIP): Democratic Michael Benedetto (Bronx), Dick Queens Assembly Member David Gottfried (Manhattan), Rebecca Weprin, on Feb 9, released his official Seawright (Manhattan), Vivian Cook campaign video, outlining why he's (Queens), Jenifer Rajkumar (Queens), running to be NYC's next Comptroller. Jeff Aubrey (Queens), Cathy Nolan "It's time New York renewed its (Queens), Maritza Davilla (Brooklyn), commitment to hard working people like Bill Colton (Brooklyn), Stacey Pheffer my mom, who've made this the greatest Amato (Queens), NYC Council Members city in the world," David Weprin says in Karen Koslowitz (Queens), Barry the video. "That's why I'm running for Grodenchik (Queens), Peter Koo New York City Comptroller. I've always (Queens), the NYS Court Officers fought for everyday New Yorkers, stood Association, William Kregler, President shoulder to shoulder during tough times, of the NYC Fire Marshals Benevolent found real solutions and seen us, as New Association, former Congress Member Yorkers, emerge stronger." Steve Israel, the former Chair of the The video features Weprin's mother, "I've always fought for everyday New Yorkers, stood shoulder to shoulder during tough times, found DCCC who represented part of Queens real solutions and seen us, as New Yorkers, emerge stronger", says David Weprin. - Twitter Image Sylvia, a Cuban-Jewish immigrant who in the House of Representatives, former came to New York City for a better life. financial institutions, and small where he was a watchdog of nearly $2 NYS Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch, He notes her work as a public-school business relief assistance. trillion, regulating more than 3,000 former New York Attorney General G. teacher and how he wants to help her, Weprin is the only candidate running financial institutions and financial Oliver Koppell, and Manhattan's East and other seniors like her, protect their for Comptroller with the necessary service firms in New York State, River Democratic Club. pensions. Weprin goes on to say he's municipal financial experience, having including international banking In addition to his growing list of running to stand up for the needs of balanced the City's budget as Chair of institutions, mortgage brokers, and supporters, Weprin outraised all his working and middle-class families, the City Council's Finance Committee mortgage bankers. opponents in the latest filing period, single parents, and immigrants like his for eight consecutive years. He guided Weprin is currently Chair of the New bringing his total amount raised, with mother. She's also featured in a Spanish the City's finances through the post-9/11 York State Assembly's Committee on expected matching, to more than $2 language version of the video. recession and the 2008 recession. He was Correction where he has championed million. If elected, Weprin has committed to also the chair of the Subcommittee on critical legislation reforming our Weprin is a graduate of Jamaica High opening a Comptroller Office in each of Banking in Underserved Communities. criminal justice system. He has authored School, SUNY at Albany, and holds a law the five boroughs. The goal is to provide Previously in his public service career, groundbreaking legislation including degree from Hofstra University. A father individuals and small businesses in Weprin served as the Deputy the Adoptee Bill of Rights and the of five children, and grandfather of six, financially underserved communities Superintendent of Banks and Secretary Religious Garb Bill and has made David and his wife, Ronni, live in easier access to economic opportunities, of the Banking Board for New York State, standing up for middle class New Holliswood, Queens.

Two children, 8-month-old CVS Begins Administering and 11-year-old, killed in Jersey City fire:officials JERSEY CITY, NJ (TIP): Two Coronavirus Vaccines in NY children were killed in a blaze that burned through a New Jersey home NEW YORK (TIP): CVS is now to a message that said, "We're late Wednesday, February 10, officials offering vaccinations for the new experiencing heavy traffic. This page said. coronavirus at a limited number of will automatically refresh every 30 An 8-month-old and 11-year-old were pharmacies in New York and around the seconds. Stay with us: we'll get you in killed when flames broke out shortly United States. The announcement soon." before midnight at a home on Martin regarding participation of CVS and The pharmacy chain announced Luther King Drive near Union St. in Walgreen in Coronavirus vaccination originally that 32 stores in New York Jersey City, the Hudson County program was made last week. communities would begin administering Prosecutor's Office said Thursday, After clicking on the "Schedule an 20,600 doses of the vaccine. February 11. appointment now" link, people were led To get the vaccine, people must meet When emergency responders arrived at the scene, the mother Here are the locations in NY where shots will be desperately told them her two children administered as listed on the CVS website. CVS said its goal is to administer up to 25 were still inside, ABC 7 News reported. million shots a month The bodies of the two kids were found on the second floor after the BATAVIA, NY MANORVILLE, NY New York's coronavirus vaccination flames were put out, the news outlet BETHPAGE, NY MARGARETVILLE, NY criteria and must register at CVS.com, reported. Three police officers CARMEL, NY OLEAN, NY through the CVS Pharmacy app or by suffered smoke inhalation due to the CLINTON, NY OWEGO, NY calling 1-800-746-7287. Walk-ins will not fire. be accepted. "It was crazy. I came outside with no COLONIE, NY POUGHKEEPSIE, NY Vaccines will be given out at 300 stores clothes on, I had to get dressed EASTCHESTER, NY QUEENSBURY, NY in 11 states. Besides New York, the states outside… I'm just shocked," resident ENDWELL, NY SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Randy Williams told CBS 2 News. FAIRPORT, NY SKANEATELES, NY Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, He said he saw the flames were on GLENVILLE, NY STONY POINT, NY Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and the roof and the first floor. Virginia. "The whole house was on fire, the HAMBURG, NY VALATIE, NY The company said its goal is to whole house was burning," he added. HUDSON FALLS, NY WEST SAYVILLE, NY administer up to 25 million shots a The Hudson County Regional Arson KINGSTON, NY WESTFIELD, NY month. Task Force is investigating the blaze, LEWISTON, NY WYNANTSKILL, NY (Based on information on CVS website) authorities said. LITTLE FALLS, NY THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 04 Indian - origin drug maker to pay $50mn in fine for Indian-origin British politician destroying records before FDA inspection Dhesi expresses concern over arrest of activist Nodeep Kaur NIRPAL SINGH SHERGILL IN this matter with his Indian counterpart LONDON Narendra Modi when they next liaise. Photo / http://www.fresenius-kabi- LONDON (TIP): British Labour On Monday, the Punjab State oncology.com Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi on Commission for Scheduled Castes asked Wednesday, February 10, expressed the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) WASHINGTON (TIP): An Indian- concern over the arrest of labor rights to ensure relief for Nodeep Kaur. origin drug manufacturer has agreed to activist Nodeep Kaur over the farmers' The Commission also sought a report plead guilty to concealing and destroying agitation, saying the abuse of peaceful by February 23. It said it has taken suo records prior to a 2013 US Food and Drug protest activists, especially women, is motu notice of the issue since the Administration's inspection of its plant an affront to democracy and civilized woman is a resident of the state. and pay US$ 50 million in fines and society. British Labour Party MP Tanmanjeet Singh Nodeep Kaur, 23, was arrested on forfeiture, the Department of Justice has "Alarmed to learn of sexual assault Dhesi (left) on Wednesday, February 10, January 12 during the farmers' protest expressed concern over the arrest of labor announced. and torture allegations in police rights activist Nodeep Kaur(right) over the at Kundli in Haryana. In a criminal information filed in custody of Punjabi trade unionist farmers' agitationin India Nodeep's case came to the fore as US federal court in the District of Nevada Nodeep Kaur, who after four weeks Vice President Kamala Harris' niece and unsealed on Tuesday, Feb 9, hasn't even been granted bail," Dhesi society." Earlier, Punjab-origin Meena Harris claimed in a tweet that Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited tweeted. politician Dhesi had sent a letter, signed she was "tortured and sexually (FKOL) was charged with violating the He added, "Abuse of peaceful farmers by over 100 MPs and Lords, to UK Prime assaulted" in police custody. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by protest activists, especially women, is Minister Boris Johnson on the ongoing However, the police said she was failing to provide certain records to Food an affront to democracy and civilized farmers' protests, asking him to raise facing serious criminal cases. and Drug Administration's (FDA) investigators. FKOL also agreed to implement a Indian American couple compliance and ethics program designed Indian-origin Corporate lawyer goes skiing in traditional to prevent, detect, and correct violations of US law relating to FKOL's Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara to Indian outfits, video leaves manufacture of cancer drugs intended for terminally ill patients, a media internet 'impressed' release said. "By hiding and deleting succeed Singapore PM's wife as manufacturing records, FKOL sought to obstruct the FDA's regulatory authority CEO of Singapore's Temasek and prevent the FDA from doing its job of ensuring the purity and potency of drugs SINGAPORE (TIP): Indian-origin intended for US consumers," said Acting leading corporate lawyer Dilhan Pillay Assistant Attorney General Brian Sandrasegara will succeed Prime Boynton of the Justice Department's Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife as chief Civil Division. executive officer and executive director of "FKOL's conduct put vulnerable a state-owned wealth management group. A couple in the US felt the "need to do patients at risk. The Department of Sandrasegara will take over from Ho something crazy", and of course they went Justice will continue to work with FDA to Ching, who has been serving in leadership viral for it.Recently, they decided to go skiing prosecute drug manufacturers who roles at the wealth management group in traditional Indian outfits. obstruct these inspections," the Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara will succeed Temasek Holdings since 2004, on October statement said. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife as 1. CHICAGO (TIP): Divya and Madhu "Pharmaceutical companies that chief executive officer and executive director "Leadership succession is a strategic left the internet stunned as they skied of a state-owned wealth management group. obstruct FDA inspections jeopardize responsibility of the board," said Temasek wearing a saree and a dhoti in sub-zero patient safety," said US Attorney Holdings chairman Lim Boon Heng. temperatures. While Divya wore a blue Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of "We have had in place an annual review since the early 2000s. This is to enable the sari over leggings and a pullover, Madhu Nevada. According to court documents, board to be prepared for all eventualities, with various succession options over was seen wearing a dhoti before hitting FKOL owned and operated a different time horizons," media reported on Tuesday quoting Lim. the slopes. manufacturing plant in Kalyani, West Lim described Sandrasegara as an established leading corporate lawyer, who Clips of Divya and Madhu have Bengal, which manufactured active joined Temasek 10 years ago "with a sense of mission and purpose". thousands impressed on social media. pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used Sandrasegara has since played "several critical roles" in Temasek, including a two- The video was shared last month by in various cancer drug products year stint as head of the Americas, based out of New York. Divya on her Instagram account, but it distributed to the United States. In 2019, he was appointed CEO of Temasek International, where he was recently caught internet's attention. The The government alleges that prior to a responsible for the investor role of Temasek, managing its investment and portfolio videos show the two in their gear with January 2013 FDA inspection of the activities. Sandrasegara will stay on as Temasek International CEO after October 1. traditional Indian outfits while skiing Kalyani facility, FKOL plant In his new role as Temasek Holdings CEO, Sandrasegara will be responsible for the on the slopes of Welch village-a ski area management directed employees to stewardship role of the group, "particularly in respect of Temasek's constitutional in Minnesota. The two were seen going remove certain records from the responsibilities to safeguard its own past reserves," said Lim. down the snow-covered slopes with ease. premises and delete other records from Lim also paid tribute to Ho for her leadership roles. "We needed to do something really crazy computers that would have revealed "Indeed, she (Ho) has been very active, working over the years to identify various today to distract ourselves!" wrote Divya FKOL was manufacturing drug potential successors both inside and outside of Temasek. She has also played a key while sharing the footage on Instagram. ingredients in contravention of FDA role in nurturing a strong leadership bench in Temasek, several of whom have gone The video has racked up over 25,000 requirements. on to CEO appointments beyond Temasek," he said. 'likes' and hundreds of impressed Kalyani plant employees removed Sandrasegara said he was honored to take on the new appointment. comments. computers, hardcopy documents, and "In continuing our mission to generate long-term sustainable returns beyond our "Love this. Saree and panache game other materials from the premises and current generation, core to our success will be our commitment to build a better, strong," wrote one person in the deleted spreadsheets that contained more sustainable world," he said. comments section. evidence of the plant's violative "Our collective focus will be on doing right and doing good, even as we strive to do "Wow! Seriously impressive. How did practices, the Department of Justice well, with conviction and purpose, as we continue to do things today with tomorrow you learn to ski like that?" another alleged. clearly on our mind," he said. asked. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 05 Indian American Indrajit Indian American Lawmakers Majumdar to lead Asian American Advertising support Trump’s impeachment Federation WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian- Indian-American lawmakers -- Ami American lawmakers on Wednesday, Bera, Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal. February 10, supported the "Vote to convict," Congresswoman impeachment of former president Pramila Jayapal said. Donald Trump for inciting his "The video evidence presented at the supporters for violence on January 6. impeachment trial -- Trump whipping up The Senate impeachment trial of the mob, then the attack on the Capitol -- Trump began on Wednesday, February was chilling. We were all there. How can Indrajit Majumdar is the first media 10. Senators deny that Trump incited that executive and the first person of South "The president incited the crowd that deadly attack on us and our democracy?" Asian descent to lead the Asian American attacked our Capitol and our democratic she said in a tweet. Advertising Federation (3AF) in its 21-year institutions last month and the necessity Indian American House of Representative Lead defense lawyer Bruce Castor said history. of his conviction is as clear today as it members Raja Krishnamoorthi, Promila he shifted his planned approach after Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Ami Bera supported was the day he caused United States Trump's impeachment, with Jayapal asking hearing the prosecutors' emotional NEW YORK (TIP): Indrajit Representatives, Senators, and their staff for vote to convict Trump opening and instead spoke Majumdar, Executive Vice President of to flee for their lives and pray for their conversationally to the senators, saying Zee TV,has become first media executive safety," Indian American Congressman was forced to flee my own office with my Trump's team would denounce the and the first person of South Asian Raja Krishnamoorthi said. staff after a bomb was discovered only "repugnant" attack and "in the strongest descent to lead the Asian American "Watching the former president's two hundred feet from my office possible way denounce the rioters". Advertising Federation (3AF) in its 21- impeachment trial before the Senate, I window," Krishnamoorthi said. Trump attorney David Schoen turned year history. Majumdar was elected couldn't help but reflect on the extremely Krishnamoorthi had voted in favor of the trial towards starkly partisan tones, President of 3AF, considered the disturbing events of January 6. When impeaching Trump in the House of arguing the Democrats were fuelled by a country's primary resource when it violent insurgents stormed the Capitol, I Representatives, so did the three other "base hatred" of the former president. comes to Asian marketing, advertising and the power of the Asian American consumer, during its annual meeting Indian American Daleep Singh recently,according to a media release. He will lead the non-profit organization for the next two years. Ten joining Biden's team as deputy NSA board members were also elected, and Iris Yim, Principal of Sparkle Insights, NEW YORK TIP): New York Federal deputy national security adviser, media was chosen to continue her role as 3AF Reserve's Indian American markets chief said citing the White House. Vice President. Jay Kim, President of Daleep Singh, who worked for six years at Singh will report to both National AAAZA, will also continue his the Treasury Department during the Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and NEC involvement and serve as Immediate Past Obama administration, is set to join Director Brian Deese. Daleep Singh, who oversaw implementation of President. the New York Fed's emergency facilities during President Joe Biden's team as deputy "Daleep will be tasked with refocusing the Covid-19 pandemic will be leaving the Bank Majumdar is a long-time veteran in the national security adviser. U.S. international economic policy on the in mid-February to join President Joe Biden's multicultural space and a tireless Additionally, he would also serve as needs of working Americans," Sullivan team as deputy national security adviser. advocate for the South Asian community, deputy National Economic Council told media in an emailed statement. the release said. As Executive Vice director, the NY Fed where Singh headed Deese said he would be working with and currency markets, from 2003 to 2007, President at Zee TV,he is responsible for the Markets Group said in a Feb. 5 Singh on "complex, cross-cutting issues- and again from 2008 to 2011. leading revenue for the company, the statement announcing his resignation. including climate, tech, and trade - that He was also a partner at Element leading South Asian broadcaster in Singh, who oversaw implementation of require a true whole of government Capital Management from 2007 to 2008. North and Latin America. the New York Fed's emergency facilities approach." Singh is a former adjunct senior fellow He is especially excited about taking on during the Covid-19 pandemic will be Singh joined the New York Fed in at the Center for New American Security the 3AF role, given the results of the leaving the Bank in mid-February. February 2020. As Head of the Markets and the Atlantic Council. He was also an country's vice-presidential race, in which "Daleep brought his dedication to Group, he focused on bringing together adjunct professor of geo-economics at the first Asian, first South Asian and first public service and leadership skills to the policy, strategy, analysis and operational Johns Hopkins School of Advanced woman was elected. New York Fed and had a meaningful effectiveness. He also served as a member International Studies. Majumdar said, "I am honored to be impact during his tenure," said John C. of the Executive Committee. Singh holds a bachelor's degree with selected by 3AF to run this critical Williams, president and chief executive Previously, Singh was Senior Partner Duke University in economics and public organization at this critical juncture. officer of the New York Fed. and Chief US Economist at SPX Capital, policy.He also holds a Master of Business With the country's new focus on the value "Over the past year, Daleep has played a a global investment firm, from 2017 to Administration/Master of Public that diverse communities play in our critical leadership role in the emergency 2019. Administration from the Massachusetts society, and the new heightened and facilities the Fed launched in response to He also worked at the US Department Institute of Technology, and Harvard elevated awareness of the South Asian Covid-19. I'm thrilled that he will of the Treasury from 2011 to 2017, serving University, with a focus on international segment given Vice President Harris' continue to leverage his knowledge and as acting assistant secretary for economics. election, our time as Asian Americans is expertise in support of economic policy Financial Markets and deputy assistant Born in Olney, Maryland and raised in now." "I am humbled and honored to work at this important time." secretary for International Affairs. Raleigh, North Carolina Singh is a great with such a dedicated group of stellar Singh's appointment in his new role Prior to his tenure at the Treasury grandnephewof Daleep Singh Saund, the individuals who have so much passion reflects a commitment to prioritizing US Department, Singh worked for Goldman first Indian American to serve in the US and commitment for our Asian segment workers in foreign policy to serve as Sachs, with a focus on US interest rates Congress from 1957 to 1963. and look forward to building on to the success previous 3AF presidents did Vijay Shanker to be an Associate Judge of the District before me." Indian American Vijay of Columbia Court of Appeals made by his predecessor As 3AF President, Majumdar said he Shanker's nomination as judge Donald Trump. The White House Thursday, February will pursue many key 3AF initiatives 4, informed the Senate of withdrawal of Shanker's including amplifying the Asian and withdrawn by Biden nomination along with 31 others, 17 of them for judges, South Asian voice, expanding the WASHINGTON (TIP): President Joe Biden has made by Trump in the final days of his presidency. If number of Asian media memberships in withdrawn the nomination of Indian American lawyer confirmed, Shanker would have served for a term of 15 3AF, and garnering more support and years. But the chamber did not take up any of the 32 involvement from both 3AF members Different strokes for Vijay Shanker.President Joe Biden nominations while Trump was still in office and the and non-members alike through new, has withdrawn the nomination of Indian American lawyer Republican party had the majority. (Read full story fresh ideas. (Read full story at to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court << of Appeals made by his predecessor Donald Trump. at www.theindianpanorama.news) www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 06 American Heart Month special February is American Heart Health Month Heart Disease and Sudden Cardiac Arrests Focus Indians and Indian Immigrants BY VEMURI S. MURTHY, MD "Saving Lives" Strategies & Collaborations for Better Outcomes ebruary is the "American Heart Month" to raise awareness of heart 10- kilometer catchment area in Fdisease and promote "Healthy Bengaluru. The project is a unique, Heart" lifestyles. Heart disease is the comprehensive Indian Cardiac Care number one Global Public Health Model, tailored to the local community's problem. South Asians are at a four- needs, efficiently utilizing available times greater risk of heart disease than resources and workforce. COVID-19 their western counterparts and have a Pandemic has slowed down the progress greater chance of having a heart attack of global health initiatives. With the before 50 years of age. Heart attacks administration of the COVID-19 Vaccine strike South Asian Men and Women at combined with robust international younger ages, and as a result, both public health measures, it's possible to morbidity and mortality are higher regain the lost momentum of these "life- among them compared to any other saving" programs. ethnic group. They tend to develop heart The following recommendations will disease ten years earlier than other groups. enhance the "Heart Health" of a Almost one in three in this group may community: die from heart disease before 65 years of 1. Prevention: A. Increasing awareness age. In India, heart disease remains the through Community Education about Heart Disease, Stroke, Sudden Cardiac number one cause of death. Common Arrests, High Blood Pressure, and risk factors are smoking and a diet high Diabetes B. Targeted CPR-training in sugar, salt, refined grains, and fat. A Programs for Communities and High large number of South Asians appear to School Students have "insulin resistance", a condition in 2. Early diagnosis: Community Health which the body does not utilize insulin Screenings and Personal Counseling efficiently, resulting in Diabetes, which and leads to a significant number of heart- 3. Timely interventions Mental health- related problems. Lack of adequate on the prevalence of Sudden Cardiac With the available collected data, promoting strategies with an exercise, stress, and genetic Arrest among South Asians living in the results of the study showed that Heart individualized holistic approach need to be encouraged. predisposition are also contributing United States or Indians in India. Given disease with pre-existing conditions factors. the fact that South Asians tend to have such as high blood pressure, diabetes, In summary, it's critical to initiate Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure more heart problems, it is presumed that and tobacco addiction led to sudden "Community Heart Health" programs that determines if a person's weight is the incidence of Sudden Cardiac Arrests cardiac arrests in a majority of cases. with preventive strategies, retard the healthy, often falls into "skinny fat" might be higher in them compared to the The study addressed the need for a progression of heart disease with early category in South Asians, who may have general population in the United States. reliable Cardiac Arrest Registry with diagnosis and individualized treatment an acceptable BMI, but carry more of It is evidence-based information that accurate and detailed data of all OHCAs. plans, and implement measures to their weight in their abdomen. The fat women, in general, have a different he data is essential to develop a enhance neurological and other surrounding their internal organs pattern of heart symptoms and seek comprehensive community functional outcomes after sudden (visceral fat) increases the risk of having emergency medical help less often than Tcardiac care plan involving EMS cardiac arrests. The latter involves a serious heart attack. More than one- men, and may receive less treatment for (Emergency Medical Services), providing immediate resuscitation help third of South Asian men and about 17% the same condition in both primary care Bystander CPR, Public Access with high-quality bystander CPR, early of South Asian women have "Metabolic and secondary prevention. In an Defibrillators (devices to reverse defibrillation, and faster transportation Syndrome", with high blood pressure, observational study of Out-of-Hospital dangerous heart rhythms), and faster to tertiary cardiac care hospitals. high blood sugar levels, excess fat Cardiac arrests (OHCA) reported in access to emergency interventions in Needless to say, a concerted effort is around the waist, and abnormal Indian Print Media, published recently tertiary cardiac care hospitals. A needed to achieve the goals by all cholesterol levels that increase Heart (2020) in the Journal of Indian College of recently completed project in India to involved stakeholders, Governmental Disease risk, Stroke, and Diabetes. Cardiology, the important role of mass improve outcomes after heart attacks is and non-Governmental, with individual The triglyceride levels tend to be media was recognized in raising public the "HeartRescue India" project (2015- participation! Acknowledgement: Terry higher with lower levels of HDL-good awareness of cardiac arrests and 2020) in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Vanden Hoek, MD, Bellur S. Prabhakar, cholesterol. South Asians also tend to encouraging bystander CPR help to The University of Illinois College of MSc, Ph.D. (University of Illinois College have smaller luminal diameters of the improve outcomes. (The Author is a Co- Medicine and UI Health in partnership of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA), coronary (Heart) arteries and higher Author of this study). with Ramaiah Medical College and Srinivas Ramaka, MD (Srinivasa Heart grade obstructions of multiple vessels To collect available information on Hospital in Bengaluru initiated this Center, Warangal, Telangana, India) and that can lead to the "death" of parts of OHCA in India, a pilot project called groundbreaking program in India. The Aruna C. Ramesh, MD (Ramaiah heart muscle during a "Heart Attack". WACAR (Warangal Area Out-of-Hospital project was funded by the Medtronic Medical College & Hospital, Bengaluru, "Cardiac Arrest" is when the heart stops Cardiac Arrest Registry) was initiated Foundation. The purpose of this project Karnataka, India) were actively in beating due to any underlying condition during January-December 2018 to was to reduce deaths due to sudden studies referred in the article. or cause. Some 350,000 cases occur each understand OHCA in a regional setting cardiac arrests and improve access and (The author, an Adjunct Faculty in the year outside of a hospital in the United in the State of Telangana. (The Author is quality of care for heart attack patients Department of Emergency Medicine @ The States, and the survival rate is less than the Coinvestigator of the WACAR Study, in Bengaluru. University of Illinois College of Medicine, 12 percent. which was published (2020) in the Indian The program implemented Chicago, Illinois, USA and Visiting Professor in India, is an Advocate of Resuscitation mmediate Bystander CPR Heart Journal). The study, which was interventions with successful outcomes education, training and research in USA and (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) based on an internationally accepted across the three settings of cardiac care: India.His current work involves Cardiac Arrest Ican double or triple the chances of Utstein template, included 814 subjects of (1) communities, (2) pre-hospital EMS, Registries and Cardiac Health-promoting their survival. There is insufficient data OHCA. and (3) a network of hospitals within a Projects with Indo-US collaborations.) THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 07 THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 08 AS I SEE IT Biden spells out foreign policy but does not indicate who are ‘key partners’ Paris Agreement to pressure 'major emitters' to come up with more The Biden speech is notable for its ambitious emission reduction stress on democratic values and commitments. India is already identified human rights as guiding principles as a major emitter and will be expected of American diplomacy. He BY SHYAM SARAN to commit to achieving carbon neutrality, at least not later than China declared that 'we must start with n a major speech at the State (2060). On the WTO, there is a long- diplomacy rooted in America's most Department on February 4, US standing record of bitter divergences on cherished democratic values; IPresident Biden set out his foreign several key issues. Unless both countries defending freedom, championing policy agenda in considerable detail. The make a major effort to manage these speech bears careful attention as it points of conflict, other more positive opportunity, upholding universal indicates the priorities for this aspects of relations may be impacted. rights, respecting the rule of law, administration. One may note that there The Biden speech is notable for its and treating every person with is not a single mention of India. The stress on democratic values and human dignity.' Indo-Pacific strategy and Quad as means rights as guiding principles of American of dealing with the challenge of China diplomacy. He declared that 'we must partnership on defense and are missing. This confirms the US President Joe Biden set out his foreign start with diplomacy rooted in America's counterterrorism to remain strong. policy agendaat the State Department on assessment that India may not be as key most cherished democratic values; Despite Biden having neglected to February 4 - Photo / Courtesy Reuters a partner for the US under Biden as it defending freedom, championing mention it, India's role in maritime appeared to be under the Trump US-China confrontation will remain part opportunity, upholding universal rights, security and in Quad remains administration. The omission is even of the geopolitical landscape. The respecting the rule of law, and treating indispensable. more telling since this administration subsequent phone conversation between every person with dignity.' There One is unable to see the likelihood of has several top professionals who are Secretary of State Blinken and state followed a long paragraph on the recent PM Modi and Biden developing the kind familiar with India and have had councilor Yang Jiechi demonstrated developments in Myanmar and the of personal chemistry that was evident intensive dealings with it during earlier mutual antipathy. expectation that friends and allies will with Obama and more so with Trump. democratic administrations. One cannot There are two other themes. One, the join the US in demanding restoration of Biden has announced that he would argue that there are no India hands in US will play a more active role on the the democratically elected government. convene a summit of democracies and the administration. We may need to work multilateral front. This is reflected in the India may not be able to oblige, given its India would certainly be invited. The harder to sustain and further develop the return to the Paris climate agreement, equities in Myanmar. We should expect date is uncertain. Perhaps before that Indo-US partnership. the resumption of membership of the greater scrutiny of domestic there would be a G-7 summit hosted by Biden laid stress on reviving alliance WHO and a return to the UN Human developments in India. We are the UK Prime Minister to which PM relationships describing them as 'our Rights Commission. One should expect witnessing some of the likely strains on Modi is invited. That could be an greatest asset'. He added the phrase 'key activism at the WTO in concert with the relations, thanks to comments in the US occasion for a summit with Biden and for partners' in the next sentence but gave EU and Japan. The US may drop its Congress on the ongoing farmers' putting in place a positive and no indication as to which countries are opposition to the WTO appellate process protests. There is an assumption that the constructive trajectory for Indo-US covered in this generic category. In the by allowing fresh appointments to the US administration may remain muted on relations. The democratic connection Indo-Pacific, the US is likely to give appellate mechanism. It may no longer these issues, given the importance of had helped us in clinching the Indo-US precedence to its military allies, Japan, oppose the new Director General whose India's role in the Indo-Pacific strategy. nuclear deal. President Bush, like Biden, South Korea and Australia. appointment Trump had held up. We did The speech heralds a more difficult was invested in promoting the There is acknowledgement of the not see any indication of Biden's interest challenge on this score. democratic values. India and the US had adversarial relations with China and in rejoining the Trans-Pacific The initial moves on India's western together launched the UN Fund for Russia but the early extension of the Partnership or reviving negotiations on flank are encouraging. The US has Democracy in 2005. Perhaps we need to START agreement for another five years a Trans-Atlantic trade agreement. There changed its policy on Yemen. It could revive this initiative at this juncture. reflects the willingness to remain continues to be caution on this front even well engineer its return to the Iran The bottom line: strengthening Indo- engaged with Russia. The same approach as the WTO emerges as the forum where nuclear deal. Here its allies and its US partnership may require more hard will likely follow with China. Biden said trade and investment issues may be adversaries, China and Russia, have a work than one may have anticipated. clearly that on issues important to US negotiated. Both on climate change and vested interest in facilitating the revival (The author is a Former Foreign Secretary of interests, it will engage with China and multilateral trade issues, India could of the agreement. They will do the heavy India, and senior fellow, Centre for Policy climate change will offer the entry point come under pressure. Biden obviously lifting. This would be good for India. Research) for resuming high-level engagement. But expects to leverage the US return to the One should expect the Indo-US

GUEST COMMENT S Jaishankar after he had touched base US is promoting as a bulwark against of insensitivity in handling the farmers' Biden-Modi with counterparts of several non-G20 China, should now embrace all the three protests failed to impress the White countries. If the low ranking in phone pillars it espouses - political and House, which has highlighted Biden's calls by US principals to Indian commercial, in addition to military desire to 'defend democratic institutions phone call counterparts seemed to suggest that activity in the Indo-Pacific. Biden and norms'. Democrats in the past did South Asia was not a priority reiterated his commitment to work not appreciate the CAA and the Kashmir The overhang of human rights on operational theatre for the White House, together against terrorism, but there are lockdown either. With China at the gates, strategic ties the anxiety was laid to rest by the wide- riders attached. The PM's fulsome praise it may be a bit late in the day for South ny new leader's first lot of ranging topics covered in the Biden-Modi for Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Rajya Block to dial down the growing strategic overseas visits and phone calls, phone call. Sabha indicates that South Block has reliance on Washington and walk its Athe latter more so during the The diplomatic bandwidth Biden has picked up signals from the State path at the same time. The resolution of pandemic, give a realistically accurate sought to cover with Modi is much wider Department about the new US the protesting farmers' issues may be a insight into his foreign policy priorities. than the security-defense straitjacket dispensation's inclination for reduction good cue to invigorate Indo-US ties under It is significant that India figured on the Trump imposed on India-US relations. in tensions along the LoC and in a dispensation with a penchant to use first list of phone calls only by the new Understandably, climate change and Kashmir. human rights as a diplomatic tool. US Defense Secretary and the NSA. rebuilding the global economy are back However, the Hindutva brigade's (Tribune, India) Secretary of State Tony Blinken spoke to in the mix. Quad, an informal group the aggressive response to Western criticism THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 09 Disinformation is a cybersecurity threat

education are essential so that users do not fall victim to social engineering attempts. We need a defense-in-depth strategy for BY ASHISH JAIMAN disinformation. The defense-in-depth model identifies disinformation actors ybersecurity focuses on and removes them. Authenticity and protecting and defending provenance solutions can intervene Ccomputer systems, networks, and before disinformation gets posted. If the our digital lives from disruption. disinformation still gets by, detection Nefarious actors use attacks to solutions using humans and artificial compromise confidentiality, the intelligence, internal and external fact- integrity and the availability of IT checking can label or remove the content. systems for their benefit. Today, the response to disinformation Disinformation is, similarly, an attack is in silos of each platform with little or and compromise of our cognitive being. For example, QAnon spread false no coordination. There is no consistent Nation-state actors, ideological information claiming that the U.S. 2020 The disinformation infodemic requires a taxonomy, definitions, policy, norms, believers, violent extremists, and presidential election was fraudulent, concerted and coordinated effort by and response for disinformation economically motivated enterprises and conspiracy theorists (in the United governments, businesses, non- campaigns and actors. This manipulate the information ecosystem Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, governmental organizations, and other inconsistency enables perpetrators to to create social discord, increase Cyprus and Belgium) burned down 5G entities to create standards and implement push the boundaries and move around polarization, and in some cases, towers because they believed it caused defenses. Taking advantage of the on platforms to achieve their nefarious influence the outcome of an election. the novel coronavirus pandemic. COVID- frameworks, norms, and tactics that we goals. A mechanism like ISACs to share There is a lot of similarity in the 19 disinformation campaigns have have already created for cybersecurity is the identity, content, context, actions, strategies, tactics and actions between prevented people from wearing masks, the optimum way to meet this threat. We and behaviors of actors and cybersecurity and disinformation using potentially dangerous alternative must protect our society against these disinformation across platforms is attacks. Cyberattacks are aimed at cures, and not getting vaccinated, threats or face the real possibility of needed. Information sharing will help computer infrastructure while making it even more challenging to disinformation countermeasures to societal breakdown, business interruption, disinformation exploits our inherent contain the virus. scale better and respond quickly. and violence in the streets. cognitive biases and logical fallacies. Spreading disinformation Education is key Cybersecurity attacks are executed the threats posed by viruses, malware, using malware, viruses, trojans, botnets, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) and hackers. IT and Internet systems A critical component of cybersecurity and social engineering. Disinformation is a well-coordinated cybersecurity builders did not think of security till the is education. Technology industry, civil attacks use manipulated, attack achieved by flooding IT networks first set of malicious actors began society and the government should miscontextualized, misappropriated with superfluous requests to connect exploiting security vulnerabilities. The coordinate to make users aware of cyber information, deep fakes, and cheap and overload the system to prevent industry learned quickly and invested threat vectors such as phishing, viruses, fakes. Nefarious actors use both attacks legitimate requests being fulfilled. profoundly in security best practices, and malware. The industry with public- in concert to create more havoc. Similarly, a well-coordinated making cybersecurity a first design private partnerships must also invest in Historically, the industry has treated disinformation campaign fills broadcast principle. It developed rigorous security media literacy efforts to reach out to these attacks independently, deployed and social channels with so much false frameworks, guidelines, standards, and discerning public. Intervention with different countermeasures, and even information and noise, thus taking out best practices such as defense-in-depth, media education can make a big have separate teams working in silos to the system's oxygen and drowning the threat modelling, secure development difference in understanding context, protect and defend against these attacks. truth. lifecycle, and red-team-blue-team (self- motivations, and challenging The lack of coordination between teams The advertisement-centric business attack to find vulnerabilities to fix them) disinformation to reduce damage. The leaves a huge gap that is exploited by modes and attention economy to build cybersecurity resilience. ISACs freedom of speech and the freedom of malicious actors. incentivize malicious actors to run a (Information sharing and analysis expression are protected rights in most Cognitive hacking sophisticated disinformation campaign centers) and global knowledge base of democracies. Balancing the rights of and fill the information channels with security bugs, vulnerabilities, threats, speech with the dangers of Cognitive hacking is a threat from noise to drown the truth with adversarial tactics, and techniques are disinformation is a challenge for disinformation and computational unprecedented speed and scale. published to improve the security policymakers and regulators. There are propaganda. This attack exploits Disinformation is used for social posture of IT systems. laws and regulations for cybersecurity psychological vulnerabilities, engineering threats on a mass scale. We can learn from decades of criminals. More than 1,000 entities have perpetuates biases, and eventually Like phishing attacks, to compromise IT experience in the cybersecurity domain signed the Paris Call for Trust and compromises logical and critical systems for data extraction, to defend, protect and respond, and find Security in Cyberspace, for stability and thinking, giving rise to cognitive disinformation campaigns play on effective and practical solutions to security in the information space. dissonance. A cognitive hacking attack emotions, giving cybercriminals counter and intervene in computational Similarly,52 countries and international attempts to change the target audience's another feasible method for scams. propaganda and infodemics. We can bodies have signed the Christchurch thoughts and actions, galvanize A report released by Neustar develop disinformation defense systems Call to Action to eliminate terrorist and societies and disrupt harmony using International Security Council (NISC) by studying strategy and tactics to violent extremist content online. disinformation. It exploits cognitive found 48% of cybersecurity understand the identities of malicious The disinformation infodemic biases and shapes people by professionals regard disinformation as actors, their activities, and behaviors requires a concerted and coordinated perpetuating their prejudices. The goal threats, and of the remainder, 49% say from the cybersecurity domain to effort by governments, businesses, non- is to manipulate the way people perceive that threat is very significant; 91% of mitigate disinformation threats. By governmental organizations, and other reality. The storming of the U.S. Capitol the cybersecurity professionals treating disinformation as a entities to create standards and by right-wing groups on January 6, 2021, surveyed called for stricter measures on cybersecurity threat, we can find effective implement defenses. Taking advantage is a prime example of the effects of the Internet. countermeasures to cognitive hacking. of the frameworks, norms, and tactics cognitive hacking. Deep fakes add a whole new level of Defense-in-depth is an information that we have already created for The implications of cognitive hacking danger to disinformation campaigns. A assurance strategy that provides cybersecurity is the optimum way to are more devastating than cyberattacks few quality and highly targeted multiple, redundant defensive measures meet this threat. We must protect our on critical infrastructure. The damage disinformation campaigns using if a security control fails. For example, society against these threats or face the wrought by disinformation is deepfakes could widen the divides security firewalls are the first line of real possibility of societal breakdown, challenging to repair. Revolutions between peoples in democracies even defense to fend off threats from external business interruption, and violence in throughout history have used cognitive more and cause unimaginable levels of systems. Antivirus systems defend the streets. hacking techniques to a significant chaos, with increased levels of violence, against attacks that got through the (The author is a technologist and innovator, is effect to overthrow governments and damage to property and lives. firewalls. Regular patching helps the Director of Technology and Operations for change society. It is a key tactic to Cybersecurity experts have eliminate any vulnerabilities from the the Customer Security and Trust organization achieve major goals with limited means. successfully understood and managed systems. Smart identity protections and at Microsoft) THE INDIAN PANORAMA OPINION FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 10 The Dragon Roams the Arctic BY DR A. ADITYANJEE pragmatic geo-political realities and be predicated on projections for the next hundred years. India should not he Arctic region is home to almost four million be left out in the global competition for Arctic resources inhabitants, of which approximately one-tenth sheerly because of strategic myopia and inertia in Tare indigenous people. The United States formulating long-term policies. There must be a Geological Survey estimates that up to 25-30% of the strategic focus on threat perception, threat analysis, world's remaining oil and natural gas resources might capacity assessment and developing appropriate be held within the Arctic Region. The five littoral states, counter capabilities. We recommend adopting a SWOT Canada, Russia, USA (Alaska), Denmark (Greenland) (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats) and Norway, have competing claims over the Arctic. analysis model prior to finalizing the policy. Together with the five Arctic littoral states, three India's Arctic Policy rests on five pillars: science and regional states, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, constitute research; economic and human development the eight-member Arctic Council. The Arctic is cooperation; transportation and connectivity; considered the final frontier for the human to conquer. A view of the Esmarkbreen glacier on Spitsbergen island, part governance and international cooperation; and national of the Svalbard archipelago in northern Norway, in this 24 Resource competition and human migration will capacity building. India's involvement with the Arctic September 2020 photo. Picture taken with a drone. - become facts of life in the Arctic region as the snow Photo / Courtesy Reuters region started in 1920 when the Svalbard treaty was melts. Economic and mercantile competition among signed in Paris. In 2007, India's first scientific expedition nation states for natural resources is bound to result in commercial research icebreaker Xuelong2 (Snow to the Arctic was launched. The Himadri station on the strife and conflict at some point in time. Every nation Dragon 2) became fully operational in 2019. China is in Svalbard island has been operating since 2008. India must secure its strategic interests. the process of developing a nuclear-powered icebreaker. does not have any physical anchor points in the Arctic China has steadily increased its footprint in the Arctic In 2013, China acquired Nexen, a Calgary-based oil and region. India should target investments primarily into for the last decade. China's lust for the Arctic mineral gas company for $15.1 billion that transferred a portion Greenland, Iceland, Russia (Siberia region) and in the and live-stock resources has been universally noted. of Alberta's oil-sands wealth to China. China is focusing Canadian Arctic regions. Our investments in Iceland China was approaching the Arctic region on investments into mining in Canadian Arctic can help spur Arctic tourism industry. India should surreptitiously in a deceitful manner while trying to provinces, while the joint Canada-US moratorium on invest in mining sector, hydrocarbons, fisheries and obtain a physical toehold. China obtained observer offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic ocean is due arctic tourism sectors in the Canadian Arctic provinces. status in the Arctic Council in 2013 along with India, for review later in 2021. Since 2014, Russia and China India should follow a public-private-partnership (PPP) Singapore, South Korea and Japan. China's original have entered into a marriage of convenience. China model. We must encourage exports and investment of application was denied in 2012 owing to objections from invested billions of dollars into extracting energy human resources into the Arctic economies. Indian Norway. China touts itself as a "near-Arctic state". The sources from beneath the permafrost on the Yamal mining companies should be given tax incentive to northernmost point in China is 5,000 kilometers away peninsula in Northern Russia. invest in mining in Greenland and Iceland. Public sector from the center of the Arctic Circle. If Chinese rationale China has inserted itself into the Arctic governance companies like Metal and Minerals Trading for "Near-Arctic State" is accepted; several others will by creating parallel institutions to the Arctic Council. In Corporation of India should take lead in mining also qualify this distinction. China released a so-called 2013, Icelandic President, after signing bilateral FTA investment. Airports Authority of India, Inland white paper on its Arctic policy in 2018, startling not with China, announced the creation of the Arctic Circle Waterways Authority along with Land Port Authority of only the Arctic littoral states but also rest of the world. conference, an annual open meeting in Reykjavik on India must leverage with private Indian companies in China's so-called white paper is highly verbose and Arctic governance. China harps repetitively on the basic developing infrastructure in the Arctics. The Ministry dense with redundancies and focuses primarily on geo- principles of "respect", "cooperation" "sustainability" of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Road Transport and political issues, while advocating China's right to and "win-win results" and honoring international laws, Highways and Ministry of Ports, Shipping and exploiting the mineral and hydrocarbon reserves and especially the UN Charter, UNCLOS (UN Convention on Waterways must develop a joint "Arctic Infrastructure fisheries. In characteristic Chinese arrogance, it has the Laws of the Seas), treaties on climate change and the Group". Ministry of Fisheries, Animal husbandry and linked its involvement with the Arctic region to the "Belt rules of the IMO (International Maritime Dairying should prepare a blueprint for fishing and use and Road Initiative" and its subsidiary "Polar Silk Organization). China has tendency to not respect of marine mammals and livestock in the Arctic region. Road". Chinese posturing has led to renewed interest of international treaties as it bides for its time to dictate The National Center for Polar and Ocean Research the US in the Arctic region. Former US President the terms to others. China flouted the rulings of the (NCPOR), the nodal agency for India's Arctic Studies Donald Trump had offered to purchase Greenland from UNCLOS in other maritime theatres e.g., Scarborough and research should sign partnership agreement with Denmark. The US policy establishment is now in the Shoal in conflict with the Philippines and the EEZ the International Arctic Science Committee. Indian process of defining Chinese strategic threats in the norms in the South China Sea. China is likely to invoke researchers working on "Arctic Science" should be Arctic. Almost all branches of the US armed forces have the "concept of respect" in its future flouting of encouraged to participate in the Arctic Science Summit released their Arctic Strategy documents. US Army has international norms related to the Arctic. Week (ASSW). India should participate in all the been training to develop appropriate capabilities to I had earlier predicted in 2013 China's intention to international institutions on Arctic Science studies to compete and deter conflict in the Arctic region while obtain military bases in Iceland and Greenland. China build bilateral and multilateral partnerships amongst emphasizing creation of an "Arctic ready" force. attempted to buy a defunct US naval base in Greenland institutions, research groups and academicians. China already controls 90% of world's trade in rare and wanted to refurbish the airport outside Nuuk, International academic exchange programs, fellowship earth and mineral resources. China is investing heavily Greenland's capital and two other airfields for $550 program and grant applications should be encouraged. into projects in every Arctic country. China's million. The Danish government openly expressed its India should expand her trained manpower in the investments in cash-strapped Iceland, vulnerable concern at China's interest in the autonomous, self- services sector backed by English speaking skills in Greenland and Canadian Arctic communities are governing territory of 57,000 population and vast array maritime insurance, chartering, arbitration and predatory and mercantile in nature. China attempted to of natural resources. The US and Denmark finally brokerage activities. Indian universities and buy land for dubious purposes in Iceland in 2011, but blocked Chinese investment in dual use facilities in technological institutions should start degree courses attempts were rebuffed by the Icelandic PM. China Greenland. Chinese analysts have suggested a deceptive and PhD programs on "Arctic Studies". signed a bilateral energy accord with Iceland in 2012 and four-point action plan to incrementally expand Beijing's The polar icecap is shrinking fast and since 1980, the a bilateral free trade agreement in 2015. Chinese strategic security footprint in the Arctic. While building volume of the Arctic Sea ice has declined as much as investment of $1.2 billion into Icelandic economy during military capacity, China will camouflage the strategic 75%. While the northern sea route is likely to become 2012-17 constituted almost 6% of its GDP during that interests by providing humanitarian "public goods" ice-free by 2050, commercial shipping is possible even period. Chinese investments focusing on mineral services such as maritime and aeronautical search-and- now during the summer. India has a strong sea-faring extraction, including rare earth minerals, iron, copper rescue and disaster relief to Arctic littoral and user tradition. Transportation and connectivity will be and uranium totaled $2.0 billion, constituting 12% of the states. harbinger of tourism to the Arctic region. India needs to GDP of Greenland during 2012-17. China has built a There is renewed interest in India's role, scientific remain vigilant about access to navigational and satellite station in northern Sweden and invested in activities and policy towards the Arctic region following shipping infrastructure in the Arctic region. The need is Finland as part of its Polar Silk Road. China's growing publication of a draft policy by the Ministry of External to strengthen nautical training institutions for training interest in the Canadian Arctic (40% of Canadian Affairs. India's interest in the Arctic research is mainly polar/ice navigation and build region specific landmass) is a calculated move to access and control the because of her own climatic change concerns. There is hydrography capacity and skills necessary to undertake abundant deposits of oil, gas and minerals. In 2017, an intricate link between conditions in the Arctic and Arctic transits. Chinese icebreaker XueLong (aka Snow Dragon) made the monsoon and the Himalayan systems. Himalayas are (Read full story at its first passage through the Northwest Passage, which like the third pole besides the North Pole and the South Canada recognizes as its internal waters. China's second Pole. India's Arctic policy should be grounded on www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 11

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

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

They can be reached at [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA TAX MATTERS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 12 Tax season starts February 12 and closes April 15

Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax Avoid pandemic paper delays: Use e- return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free file with direct deposit for faster File, will help taxpayers figure the amount. New language preferences to help taxpayers IRS has been making all efforts to provide necessary refunds as IRS prepares to open 2020 information on tax matters- how to file returns, how to filing season Additionally, this year for the first time, Forms 1040 pay tax, how to claim tax rebates, etc. It has also been and 1040-SR are available in Spanish, and the IRS has a cautioning taxpayers from time to time to protect WASHINGTON(TIP): With filing season opening on new form allowing taxpayers to request that they themselves from scams and scammers. Feb. 12, the Internal Revenue Service urged taxpayers to receive information from the IRS in their preferred Here are some advisories from IRS. These will take some simple steps to help ensure they file accurate language. The Schedule LEP, Request for Change in tax returns and speed their tax refunds to avoid a Language Preference, will allow taxpayers to request make your taxpaying experience pleasurable variety of pandemic-related issues. information in some 20 different languages besides Get ready for tax season using IRS Although every year the IRS encourages taxpayers to English. e-file their returns and use direct deposit to receive The IRS also wants to remind taxpayers of other Online Account refunds, to those taxpayers who have previously not important changes that could impact their tax return WASHINGTON(TIP): The Internal Revenue Service, used e-file, the IRS emphasizes using it this year to this year. on February 11, reminded taxpayers they can securely avoid paper-related processing delays. Taxpayers can Remember to factor in retirement plan access their IRS account information through their file electronically by using a tax professional, IRS Free individual online account. File or other commercial tax preparation software. The distributions The IRS regularly adds features to online account. IRS cautioned paper-filed tax returns and paper checks Some taxpayers found it necessary to take For example, people can now check the amounts of will take even longer this year due to a variety of coronavirus-related early distributions from 401(k) their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to help them reasons. plans and traditional IRAs in 2020. Under the CARES accurately calculate any Recovery Rebate Credit they Taxpayers have until Thursday, April 15, 2021, to file Act, those distributions - up to $100,000 - are not subject may be eligible for on their 2020 tax return. The EIP their 2020 tax return and pay any tax owed. The IRS to the 10% additional tax that otherwise generally amounts can be found on the Tax Records tab. Amounts expects to receive more than 160 million individual tax applies to distributions made before an individual will show as "Economic Impact Payment" for the first returns this year with nine out of 10 returns filed reaches age 59 ½. In addition, a coronavirus-related payment and "Additional Economic Impact Payment" electronically. At least eight out of 10 taxpayers get distribution can be included in income in equal for the second payment. For married filing joint their refunds by using direct deposit. installments over a three-year period, and an individual individuals, each spouse will need to sign into their own "The pandemic has created a variety of tax law has three years to repay a coronavirus-related account to retrieve their portion of the payments. For changes and has created some unique circumstances distribution to a plan or IRA and undo the tax more information regarding the credit, see Recovery for this filing season," said IRS Commissioner Chuck consequences of the distribution. Rebate Credit. Additionally, taxpayers can view: Rettig. "To avoid issues, the IRS urges taxpayers to take Taxpayers should also remember that they can make The amount they owe, updated for the current some simple steps to help ensure they get their refund contributions to traditional IRAs until April 15, 2021, calendar day as quickly as possible, starting with filing and still deduct that amount on their 2020 tax return, if Their balance details by year electronically and using direct deposit. eligible. "Following months of hard work, we are ready to Their payment history and any scheduled or pending New for 2020: non-itemizers can deduct $300 payments start this year's tax season," Rettig added. "Getting to this point is always a year-round effort for the IRS and for charitable cash contributions Key information from their most recent tax return the nation's tax community. Doing it in a continuing Previously, charitable contributions could only be Details about their payment plan,if they have one COVID-19 environment while simultaneously deducted if taxpayers itemized their deductions. Digital copies of select notices or letters from the IRS delivering stimulus payments for the nation is an However, with the CARES act, taxpayers who don't (under the Message Center tab) unprecedented accomplishment by IRS employees. I itemize deductions may take a charitable deduction of They can also: also want to thank all our tax partners and tax up to $300 for cash contributions made in 2020 to professionals for their hard work that makes tax time qualifying organizations. For the purposes of this Make a payment online smoother for the nation. All of us stand ready to serve deduction, qualifying organizations are those that are See payment plan options and request a plan via America's taxpayers during this important filing religious, charitable, educational, scientific or literary Online Payment Agreement season." in purpose. Access their tax records via Get Transcript Wage and Investment Commissioner and Chief Now more than ever, e-file is best Later in 2021, taxpayers will be able to digitally sign Taxpayer Experience Officer Ken Corbin provides an certain authorization forms, such as a power of in-depth perspective on how the IRS is preparing for a Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a attorney, initiated by their tax professional. successful filing season in his A Closer Look column. complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to Be tax ready: Review pandemic-related changes file electronically and use direct deposit. Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/filing for more details about IRS Free File, Here's how to get started for new users: Last year's sweeping set of tax changes not only Free File Fillable Forms and Free tax preparation sites. Select View Your Account at IRS.gov homepage affected individuals and their families but may also E-filing is also available through a trusted tax Select the "Create or View Your Account" button affect the tax return they're filing this year. A new IRS professional. Free File is a great option for people who Click "Create Account" Fact Sheet explains what taxpayers need to know to file are only filing a tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate a complete and accurate tax return. The IRS recognizes Credit, either because they didn't receive an Economic Pass "Secure Access" authentication. This is a rigorous process to verify that the taxpayers are who that filing this year may be challenging for some Impact Payment or did not receive the full amount. they say they are. They must be able to authenticate taxpayers and it's important to understand how to claim The fastest way to get a refund is to file electronically their identity to continue. See credits and deductions, get a refund timely and meet all and use direct deposit. Most refunds are issued in less www.irs.gov/secureaccess for details. tax responsibilities. than 21 days, but some refunds may take longer for a Create a profile. Recovery Rebate Credit helps people still eligible variety of reasons. Taxpayers can track their refund using "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov or by Once the initial authentication process is complete, for Economic Impact Payments downloading the IRS2Go mobile app where they'll get a returning users can use the same username and For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, personalized refund date as soon as 24 hours after the password to access other IRS online services such as they should carefully review the guidelines for the tax return is electronically submitted. Get Transcript and Get An Identity Protection PIN (IP Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Most early Earned Income Tax Credit/Additional PIN) (if applicable). Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who Child Tax Credit filers should see an update to "Where's All password-protected online IRS tools for taxpayers received the maximum amount does not need to include My Refund?" by Feb. 22. The IRS cannot answer refund are protected by multi-factor authentication, offering any information about their payments when they file. status inquiries unless it has been 21 days since the extra security precautions. However, those who didn't receive a payment or only return was electronically filed. received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the CONTD ON PAGE 38 THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 13 President Biden very clear about 'restoring compassion, order' to immigration system: White House WASHINGTON (TIP): U.S. President reform bill sent to the Congress, the Joe Biden has been very clear about White House has proposed elimination of "restoring compassion and order" to the country-quota in allocation of green country's immigration system, the White cards, a major demand of organizations House said on Thursday, Feb 11, and like Immigration Voice and Indian IT noted that a series of executive actions professionals. signed by him in the last few weeks are The non-partisan Congressional just the beginning. Research Service says that this "The executive actions signed thus far "discriminatory and arbitrary" cap on the are just the beginning," a White House number of Indian nationals who can spokesperson said. receive lawful permanent residency each "President Biden has been very clear year has created a backlog of over one about restoring compassion and order to million people waiting for green cards, our immigration system, and correcting with a wait time of over 195 years, Mr. the divisive, inhumane, and immoral Kapoor said, adding that in fiscal year 2030, policies of the past four years, which is the line is expected to grow to 436 years. our focus in the coming weeks and "A majority of the Green Card backlog months," the spokesperson said. consists of women and children, who The spokesperson was responding to a will eventually die in these backlogs. question on an influential immigration U.S. President Joe Biden at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington D.C. - File photo Needless to say,the per-country limits on advocacy group representing Indian- the employment-based green card Americans urging the Biden In a statement, Aman Kapoor, visa for the first time in Fiscal Year 2022. system are, in fact, 100 per cent an administration not to issue the most president of Immigration Voice called on The White House, however, did not say 'Indian Exclusion Act'. In reality, this sought-after H-1B work visa to any the Biden administration to use its if the administration intends to issue implies a de facto ban on employment- individual born in India, till the time the authority under INA Section 212(f) to such an order. At the same time, it has based green cards for any new Indian discriminatory country-cap on green exclude any new individual born in India committed itself to a comprehensive national entering the United States on an cards or permanent legal residency is who are not currently in the United immigration reform which is humane H-1B visa," Mr. Kapoor said. removed. States legally from obtaining a new H-1B and compassionate. In his immigration (Source: PTI) No change in policy on Jammu and India-America Kashmir, says U.S. ties stronger

WASHINGTON (TIP): The United than ever before: States on Wednesday,Feb 10, said that there is no change in its policy on Jammu and Kashmir. Ambassador "I want to be very clear there has been no change in U.S. policy in the Sandhu region," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told WASHINGTON reporters in view of a tweet from the (TIP): The India- South and Central Asia Bureau of US defense trade, the State Department which which has grown welcomed the resumption of 4G significantly in a mobile internet in Jammu and short span of time, Kashmir. now stands at USD "We welcome the resumption of 4G 21 billion, India's mobile internet in India's Jammu & envoy here has Kashmir. This marks an important State Dept. Spokesman Ned Price speaks during a news briefing at the State Dept., said, asserting that step for local residents, and we look Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 in Washington. - Photo / AP the bilateral forward to continued political & prevent India-Pakistan conflict from values, including freedom of military and "Our defense and security ties are stronger than ever economic progress to restore escalating to inter-state war. This expression. I think when it comes to security ties are before," the Indian normalcy in J&K," tweeted the South meant the United States has sought to Twitter's policies, we'd have to refer stronger than ever ambassador to the United and Central Asia Bureau of the State avoid actions that overtly favored you to Twitter itself." before. States said in an interview. Department. either party. Over the past decade, Responding to a similar question, India's ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh High-speed mobile internet was however, Washington has grown White House Press Secretary Jen Sandhu said that India's designation as a 'Major restored on February 5 in the entire closer to India while relations with Psaki told reporters at her daily news Defense Partner' and accordance of Strategic union territory of Jammu and Pakistan continue to be viewed as conference: "of course, we always Trade Authorization-1 Status by the US and the Kashmir, exactly one and a half years clouded by mistrust, CRS report said. have concerns about crackdowns on signing of the four foundational agreements after it was snapped in August 2019 On a question related to Twitter freedom of speech, freedom of with Washington will enhance military-to- when the Centre had abrogated the shutting down some accounts in expression happening around the military cooperation between the two countries. special status of the erstwhile State. India, Mr. Price said, "Well, I think world and when it doesn't allow "Our defense and security ties are stronger According to a 2019 Congressional what I would say generally is that people to communicate and than ever before," the Indian ambassador to the Research Service report of August around the world - and this goes back peacefully protest." United States said in an interview. 2019, a longstanding goal of U.S. to what I was saying before - we are (Source: PTI) (Source: PTI) policy in South Asia has been to committed to supporting democratic THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 14 LAC disengagement in phased manner, coordinated and verified way: Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI (TIP): Defence minister Kharge to be Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, India and China have maintained communication with each other through Leader of Oppn military and diplomatic channels since September last year to resolve the nine- in Rajya month border standoff in eastern Ladakh. Singh made the comments while making a statement on the situation in Sabha: Sources eastern Ladakh in the Lok Sabha. “Since NEW DELHI (TIP): Senior September last year, both sides have Congress leader Mallikarjun maintained communication with each Kharge is likely to replace Ghulam other through military and diplomatic Nabi Azad as the leader of channels. Our objective was to effect opposition in the Rajya Sabha and disengagement and maintain status quo the party has written to the along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) chairman of the Upper House of so as to restore peace and tranquillity,” Parliament in this regard, sources the defence minister said in the Lower The Naku La pass, situated 19,000 feet above sea level, was one of the places where Indian troops said. House. had clashed with Chinese soldiers in May last year. The Congress has written to Rajya “The agreement that we have been able Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu to reach with the Chinese side for added. He had informed the Rajya Sabha in the Pangong Lake area so as to address for appointing Kharge to the post of disengagement in Pangong lake area earlier in the day that India and China and resolve all other remaining issues," leader of opposition after Azad's envisages that both sides will cease their have reached an agreement for he added. retirement, they added. forward deployments in a phased, disengagement on the north and south India and China will withdraw the The post will fall vacant after coordinated and verified manner,” Singh bank of Pangong Lake through sustained forward deployment in a phased and Azad's tenure as a Rajya Sabha said in the Lok Sabha. talks. He had said that both the countries coordinated manner as per the member ends on February 15. Azad He also praised India’s armed forces have reached an agreement on agreement reached by the two sides, is a member of the Upper House for their “valour and courage”. “We disengagement on the north and south Singh had said. "The agreement that we from Jammu and Kashmir, which maintained the edge because of the bank of Pangong lake in eastern Ladakh have been able to reach with the Chinese does not have an Assembly bravery of our armed forces in harsh that mandates both sides to cease side for disengagement in the Pangong currently after it was made a Union adverse climatic conditions. Our armed forward deployment of troops in a lake area envisages that both sides will Territory with the abrogation of forces proved yet again that territorial "phased, coordinated and verifiable" cease their forward deployments in a Article 370 of the Constitution. integrity of our country remains safe in manner. phased, coordinated and verified Kharge, a Dalit leader from their hands and their grit and "I am happy to inform the House today manner," he said. Karnataka, was the leader of the determination is unwavering,” he said. that as a result of our well thought out The two countries have been engaged Congress in the Lok Sabha from 2014 “Our armed forces responded to approach and sustained talks with the in a stand-off along the LAC since April- to 2019. The grand old party could challenges by unilateral Chinese action Chinese side, we have now been able to May last year. They had agreed to push not get the leader of opposition's and have shown valour and courage on reach an agreement on disengagement for an early disengagement of the post in the previous and the current both south and north bank of Pangong on the north and south bank of the frontline troops in eastern Ladakh Lok Sabha as its numbers were less Tso. Many strategic points were Pangong Lake,” he had said. "It has also during the ninth round of the corps than the mandated 10 per cent of the identified and our troops positioned been agreed to convene the next meeting commander Level meeting held on total number of seats in the Lower themselves at locations very important of the Senior Commanders within 48 January 24 to address the border House for claiming the post. from our point of view,” the minister hours after the complete disengagement standoff.

INDO-US MILITARY EXERCISE Two-week training exercise commences at Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan By Yash Goyal JAIPUR (TIP): The first Indo-US defense exercise in the Biden presidency commenced on February 8at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, near Bikaner in Rajasthan. The India-US joint training Exercise YUDH ABHYAS started with opening ceremony that saw unfurling of the National Flags of both countries amidst playing of the National anthems, "Jana Gana Mana" and "The STAR- SPANGLED BANNER". The duo's bilateral combat drill is underway from February 8 to 21 at different locations in Mahajan firing field (mostly sand dunes). On Feb 6, the US Army contingent comprising of a Photos / Courtesy Defense PRO Brigade and a Battalion group of 2nd Battalion the 3rd contingent. He impressed upon both the contingents to inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI Infantry Regiment of 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team achieve optimum cohesion and inter-operability to 'RUDRA', MI - 17, Chinooks, Stryker Vehicles of US comprising of 270 persons landed at Suratgarh. The 14 achieve the military objectives of the exercise. He Army and BMP-II Mechanized Infantry Combat days schedule is focused upon joint training on Counter stressed upon importance of free exchange of ideas, Vehicles of Indian Army,will be utilized in the exercise. Insurgency environment under United Nations concepts, best practices between the troops and the The exercise will enrich both the contingents from each mandate. necessity to learn from each other's operational other's rich experience in counter insurgency The opening ceremony was held on February 8 at experiences as well enhance situational awareness, operations. Besides counter insurgency operations, Mahajan Field Firing Range. Brig Mukesh Bhanwala, according to Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRODefense here. exchange of experiences in humanitarian assistance Commander 170 Infantry Brigade welcomed the US A number of aerial platforms including newly and disaster relief will also be a part of the exercise. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 15 Uttarakhand glacier burst Rahul alleges ‘hum do humare do’ running govt, Anurag Thakur responds Intent of farm laws is to allow industrialists to buy unlimited quantities of foodgrains, Rahul said. MoS for Finance Anurag Thakur responded by saying farmers should also have an option of choosing mandis of their choice

NEW DELHI (TIP): Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, February 36 dead, rescue 11,Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Centre's three new farm laws will "break the spine of farmers". MoS for operations Finance Anurag Thakur responded to Gandhi's barbs and said not even a single continue for 6th Opposition MP could point out the clause in the farm laws that would end APMC mandis. day at Tapovan The farm laws will damage India's food security system and end mandis, Rahul tunnel Gandhi said. He went on to claim, "The intent of these three laws is to allow he confirmed death toll in the industrialists to buy unlimited Uttarakhand disaster rose to 36 quantities of foodgrains and hoard them Twith the recovery of another as much as they want." body in Gauchar and 169 people Former Congress president, Rahul remain missing since Sunday, after an Gandhi referred to the family planning avalanche or a glacier break triggered slogan "Hum do Hamare Do" to allege a surge of water in the Alaknanda that the country is being run by only four river system. people. The rescue operations continued at "The farmers are not going anywhere Tapovan tunnel in Chamoli district on but will overthrow the government," the sixth day following the flash floods, Rahul Gandhi added. Anurag Thakur said while asking the leave Amethi and seek election to Lok informed the State Government on Responding to Gandhi's allegations, Congress to explain why it never Sabha from Wayanad, why farmers are Friday. BJP leader Anurag Thakur said, "A party implemented the recommendations of restricted to sell in only one mandi. Drilling through the debris has ruled the country for five generations but the Swaminathan Commission during Farmers should also have an option of become more difficult with the silt did little for the poor. The poor were the UPA rule. choosing mandis of their choice." inside the tunnel drying up and getting eliminated but not poverty." Referring to the content of the farm "I know why Rahul Gandhi Ji was harder. "One party misled farmers to further laws, Anurag Thakur said in the Lok talking about Hum Do Humare Do," More than 600 Army, Indo-Tibetan its political interests. But it won't help," Sabha on Thursday,"If Rahul Gandhi can Anurag Thakur remarked. Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel Blackbuck poaching case: Salman gets respite in are engaged in the search-and-rescue operations. arm license case from Jodhpur court Yashpal Goyal in Jaipur Jodhpur court dismisses Rajasthan govt’s JAIPUR (TIP): In the infamous blackbuck poaching case of petitions over Salman Khan's alleged 'false 1998, the District and Sessions Court Jodhpur Metropolitan, on affidavit' in blackbuck poaching case February 11, dismissed the two petitions of the Rajasthan government that alleged that Salman Khan, a Bollywood star, had submitted a false affidavit in connection with the arms act case and blackbuck poaching case. "The Jodhpur District and Session Court Judge Raghavendra Kachawal dismissed both the pleas of the state government after pronouncing the 18-page judgement, Salman's lawyer Over 6.76 lakh Hastimal Saraswat told TIP on telephone from Jodhpur. "Salman appeared in the said case through a video Indians gave up conference (virtual appearance) before the judge as per the court directive when the judgement was announced in the court ", Saraswat who was present with the Public Prosecutor Indian citizenship Lada Ram Vishnoi, said. On June 19, 2019, Jodhpur's Lower Court CJM-Rural had in 5 years rejected the Rajasthan government's two pleas alleging that Salman made a false affidavit in connection with the arm's poaching of black buck at Kankani near Jodhpur on October 1- ver 6.76 lakh Indians gave up license in the blackbuck poaching case under section 340 of Cr. 2, 1998. Whereas the petition challenging Salman's affidavit on Indian nationality between 2015 PC.The government appealed in the District and Sessions missing arm license filed by the prosecution in 2006 was not Oand 2019 and took up citizenship Court where the judgement was pronounced on February 11. decided with the arm act verdict. of other countries, Lok Sabha was A case was registered against Khan under Arms act in informed. Background October 1998 for allegedly possessing arms without a valid Union Minister of State for Home In December 2006, a plea was made in the local court here license during the alleged poaching of black bucks at Kankani Nityanand Rai also said that as per asking it to hear an application that alleged that Salman had village near Jodhpur. The case was filed by the forest information available with the provided misleading information about his arms license. department. Ministry of External Affairs, a total "Salman submitted an affidavit in the trial court during the On April 2018, after 19 years of legal battle, a CJM number of 1,24,99,395 Indian nationals hearing of the case against him under the Arms Act that his courtsentenced the Bollywood star Salman Khan to five years are living in foreign countries. arm license was missing. But during the same period, it was in jail and Rs.10,000 fine in the October 1998 blackbuck Rai said 1,41,656 Indians gave up produced in the commissioner's office in Mumbai for renewal", poaching case, while acquitted five co-accused including four Indian citizenship in 2015, 1,44,942 in the prosecution had told the court. stars Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabu and Sonali Bendre under 2016, 1,27,905 in 2017, 1,25,130 in 2018 On January 18, 2017, CJM had acquitted Salman in the arms section 9/51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Salman then and 1,36,441 Indians gave up Indian case under sections 3/25 and 3/27 of the arms act saying he appealed the judgment in the higher court after getting bail in nationality in 2019. (Salman) used the firearms with expired license in the 2018. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 16 Rajya Sabha members bid farewell to four stalwarts

NEW DELHI (TIP): Rajya Sabha on in the slot occupied by the Opposition Tuesday,February 9, bid farewell to four floor leader in the Rajya Sabha. retiring members of the Upper House “Posts come, power comes but how to with Deputy Chairman Harivansh handle these one must learn from heaping lavish praise on the leader of Ghulam Nabi Azad,” the PM added. He the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, saluted in his direction, and said:“On the terming him a repository of rich basis of events and experiences, I respect experiences. him as a friend.” The veteran Congress leader and Nazir Modi also complimented Azad for Ahmed Laway (PDP) will retire on being a stellar Parliamentarian whose February 15 while the terms of Mir word he respected, and on a lighter note, Mohammad Fayaz (PDP) and Shamsher for his interest in gardening. Singh Manhas (BJP) will end on While speaking at length about his February 10. association with Azad, the PM recalled "It was my fortune that I got to sit next how, as the then chief minister of to Ghulam Nabi Azad in the House... He Jammu and Kashmir, Azad called Modi has connected the entire country with as the then chief minister of Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir... I have not come after several tourists from Modi’s state across a person like him who has such were attacked in a terror ambush in the rich experiences... Have learnt a lot from Valley in May 2006. his guidance, decency, conduct...," “He had not just called to inform me... Harivansh said. his tears were flowing uncontrolled. Azad's political stature is unparallel, Pranab Mukherjee was then the defence he said and added that the Congress minister, and I called him to ask if the leader has risen to such a position in defence planes could be provided for national politics from a block level ferrying the bodies… At night Ghulam worker in Kashmir. Nabi ii called me from the airport. He He appreciated him for the mammoth PM Modi breaks down as he bids adieu to Ghulam Nabi Azad in Rajya Sabha. sounded as concerned as people are work in the health sector like National when talking about their own family Urban Health Mission and setting up of members,” the PM said, pausing as he medical colleges. was overcome with emotion and had to Retirement from the house is only a take a few sips of water before temporary thing and not a break in his continuing. chosen path of serving the nation, When Azad later referred to the same Harivansh said. incident in his speech, he got emotional Azad said he is among those lucky as well. He said there have been only a people who never went Pakistan and few occasions when he wept aloud, and feels proud to be a Hindustani Muslim. the incident that the PM recounted was He spoke for almost 28 minutes, one of them. quoting several couplets and hoping for Nazir Ahmed Laway (PDP) Mir Mohammad Fayaz (PDP) Shamsher Singh Manhas (BJP) “When I went to the airport. These restoration of peace in Jammu & young kids who had lost family members Kashmir and return of Kashmiri clung to my legs, weeping. I could not Pandits back to the valley. control myself and wept aloud,” Azad Fayaz in his speech said, "We work for No J&K MPs in RS after Feb 15 said, his voice quavering. this country. We have taken the flag of he Rajya Sabha will have no In August 2019, the Centre pushed In his farewell speech, Azad -- he has the country to villages. It hurts and representatives from Jammu and through constitutional changes spent 28 years of his 40 years as a saddens us when we are called anti- TKashmir by the middle of divesting the erstwhile state of its parliamentarian in the Rajya Sabha -- national by the media and others." February, when the four Upper House special status under Article 370 of the said he was a proud Indian, and that He recalled his journey from Kupwara, member from the Union territory (UT) Constitution and bifurcating it into when he reads about circumstances in near Pakistan border and from the carved out of the erstwhile state of two UTs -- J&K and Ladakh. Pakistan, he feels proud to be a municipal committee there to Rajya Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 complete To be sure, this is not the first time Hindustani Muslim. Sabha and said he worked for the their stints. that the Upper House will be without “If any Muslim should feel proud in the mainstream and against separatist calls. Because the UT does not have an any representative from J&K. Between world, it should be the Indian Muslim. He praised the government for the elected assembly at present, there will 1991 and 1996, when the state had no Over the years we have seen how Muslim work in the areas of schemes like be no representatives in the upper assembly, there were no MPs from J&K countries from Afghanistan to Iraq are Ujjwala and appealed to Prime Minister chamber of Parliament until elections in the Upper House for the duration getting destroyed. There are no Hindus or Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit are held in J&K. Members of the Rajya between April 1994 and October 1996. Christians there, they are fighting Shah, both of whom were present in the Sabha are chosen by an electoral Former CM and PDP leader Mufti amongst themselves…” Azad said. House, to "do justice to people to J&K" by college of state legislators with a Mohammad Sayeed, who was then with He also recalled how he had the restoring statehood and special status system of proportional representation the Congress, was a member of the opportunity of learning from not just and thereby winning and strengthening through a single transferable vote. Upper House from 1986 to 1992; his Congress leaders but also imbibed their faith. The election itself will be held after party colleagues Rajendra Prasad Jain lessons in politics from BJP stalwarts. “I In his speech, Manhas said: "I come the delimitation exercise to redraw the and Dharam Pal retired in 1994. learnt how to be the leader of the from Kashmir, the mukat mani (crown boundaries of the electoral Ghulam Rasool Mattoo, an opposition from Atalji...how to break a jewel) of the country, and am sitting constituencies is completed. According independent, was a member of the deadlock, how to run the House,” he said. among others from the country. I have to people aware of the details, the House from 1988 to 1994 Shabir Ahmad Earlier, referring to the two PDP MPs, worked for this mukut mani and will delimitation process is expected to be Salaria of the National Conference Modi said he had heard their views on work for it in the future too." completed by March. retired in 1992. various subjects in his chambers several He said he has visited all parts of times. And recalling how he would go Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and learnt a riding a scooter with Manhas when they lot from Modi about conduct in public life. He urged the prime minister and the Azad by describing him as a leader who were party workers in Jammu & Another retiring member Laway home minister for human and other cared not just for his party, but about the Kashmir, the PM said he cannot even appealed for restoration of statehood resources development work in Jammu country and its Parliament, and welled recall how long their association dates besides rail connectivity. & Kashmir saying they have to take care up while describing shared experiences back to. Appreciating his dedication, he He remembered his party leader Mufti of the union territory because now there with Azad. pointed out that Manhas’s attendance in Mohammad Sayeed who sent him to this would no representation in the House “I am concerned that whoever is the house has been 96%, and whatever House and said he developed a from there. appointed to his position may not be able responsibilities have been given to him, relationship with all the members and Prime Minister Narendra Modiheaped to match up to him,” Modi said, pointing he has perform them to the best of his people because he came to Rajya Sabha. praise on Congress leader Ghulam Nabi to Azad, who was sitting across the hall ability. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FARMERS’ STIR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 17 Amnesty International decries crackdown on supporters of farmers’ protests

NEW DELHI (TIP): Amnesty the Centre's agricultural laws for over 75 International has called on the Indian days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on government to stop its “escalating Wednesday reiterated that the crackdown” on protesters, farming government was ready to discuss the leaders and journalists. In a statement, issue. Farm union leaders, under the the human rights body, which shut shop umbrella body Samuykta Kisan Morcha in India in September last year, also (SKM), said that they were still called for the immediate and protesting the central leadership failed unconditional release of those arrested to offer any alternative to the three farm solely for peacefully exercising their laws enacted in September last year. right to freedom of expression. It highlighted the case of Mandeep The two sides have held 11 meetings so Punia, a freelance journalist for The far to end the impasse over the Caravan, who was initially accused of legislation but the talks have remained obstructing the police and then of largely inconclusive as the protesting violence. Punia was detained for an farmers are bent on their demand of a initial period of 14 days without being complete rollback of the three allowed to see a lawyer but was later contentious laws and legal guarantee for granted bail. Minimum Support Price (MSP) while the It regretted that rather than government has ruled out the repeal of investigating reports of violence against laws but has offered to make protesters and bringing suspected amendments. perpetrators to justice, the authorities Farmers have decided to intensify hindered access to protest sites and their demonstration against the censored social media. Twitter suspends over 500 Secretary on the issue, as sought by the agricultural laws and have called for a The Government had frozen accounts after govt order US company. “rail roko” programme on February 18. Amnesty’s bank accounts for alleged “Upon the request of Twitter seeking a On February 14, SKM will also hold a violation of foreign exchange laws while Twitter on Wednesday said it has meeting with the government, the candle march as a tribute to the soldiers the group said it was forced to withdraw suspended over 500 accounts, and Secretary IT was to engage with senior who lost their lives in the Pulwama from India due to “continuing blocked access to several others within management of Twitter. In this light, a attack in 2019. “Rail stop programs will crackdown” and “harassment”. India as it partly acceded to a blog post published prior to this be held on February 18... across the In its latest statement, Amnesty said government order to curb spread of engagement is unusual,” IT Ministry country,” farmer leader Darshan Pal the crackdown on those protesting the misinformation and inflammatory said in its response on Koo, a homegrown said. Citizenship Amendment Act still hasn’t content around farmers’ protests. social networking platform. *Following PM Modi’s remark in the ended, while new efforts to quell the anti- Twitter, in a blogpost, said it has not The government will share its Rajya Sabha that a new breed of people farm legislation protests have taken blocked accounts consisting of “news response soon, the post on Koo said. Koo has emerged in the country who cannot shape. media entities, journalists, activists and is being touted as the homegrown live without an agitation, Pal said, the The UN Office of the High politicians” as doing so “would violate contender to Twitter. Prime Minister termed those protesting Commissioner on Human Rights had on their fundamental right to free against the farm laws as 'andolanjivis'. February 5 called on the Center and expression” guaranteed under the PM says govt ready for "The truth is that we are struggling on protesters to exercise “maximum country’s law. talks, farmers announce rail genuine issues of farmers for the past six restraint” and asked the Government The government, however, termed as roko agitation months and have not raised any issue or should protect the right to freedom of “unusual” Twitter’s move to publish the demand beyond it," he was quoted as peaceful assembly and expression. blogpost before a slated talks with the IT As farmers continue to protest against saying. Three more arrested in R-Day Now, US comic Trevor Noah puts India’s farmer violence case protest on global radar NEW DELHI (TIP): The police have arrested three tand-up comic and Delhi residents for their alleged role in violence at late night show host north Delhi’s Burari during the Republic Day’s tractor STrevor Noah is the rally, officers said on Thursday, February 11. latest international So far, a total of 127 people have been arrested in personality from the connection with the Republic Day violence across the entertainment industry national capital. Thousands of farmers protesting the to highlight the ongoing Centre's new agri laws had clashed with the police farmers agitation. during the tractor parade on January 26. Through his popular The special investigation team set up to probe TV programme "The incidents during the clashes between the police and Daily Show", the Emmy- security personnel arrested Guru Prakash, 34, a winning presenter on resident of Old Mahavir Nagar and Gurjeet Singh, 34, Wednesday night explained the origins of the farmers' and Rajendra Singh 41, of Bhalswa Dairy on Wednesday protest, their demands and the subsequent global evening. support the agitation has received. Police have already arrested eight men linked with On February 2, a tweet by pop star Rihanna triggered violence in Burari . Burari was one of the areas where a wave of support for the protesting farmers by a protesting farmers and police clashed with each other police are matching the photographs with records of number of global personalities, activists and on Republic Day. Over 500 security personnel were the crime dossiers, transport department data and politicians. injured in the clash and several public properties were social media accounts. So far, 143 persons have been "Why are India's farmers protesting? The damaged arrested in 40 cases registered at different police government tried to change the decades-old agriculture At least 394 police personnel and 10 farmers were stations. laws and that's when the manure hit the fan," Noah injured when farmers protesting against the three farm Police have also appealed to the public to share CCTV tweeted, along with the video link. laws deviated from the route approved for the tractor footage and pictures of the violence. So far, the police In the show's segment 'If you don't know, now you rally, clashed with police personnel and stormed the have received 2,700 video clips from the people. know', which ran over eight minutes, the 36-year-old Red Fort on January 26. Special commissioner of police Praveer Ranjan said South African comic pieced together news clippings to In their ongoing investigation into the violence Delhi police are conducting a scientific probe. “Help provide a holistic view of the protest. reported from different locations in Delhi on Republic from forensic experts is being taken for identification of The video clip also mentioned the burning of effigies Day,the police have identified at least 100 persons, using the suspects for a fair and balanced investigation,” he of Rihanna and Swedish teen climate activist Greta video analytics and face recognition software. The said. Thunberg, who had voiced her support. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 18 Kangana to leave Twitter, backs homegrown app Koo

haakad actor Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday Dthreatened to quit Twitter. Kangana also said she will soon join homegrown app Koo. This comes after the microblogging site “withheld a portion of the accounts” identified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) within India. Kangana took to Twitter and wrote, “Your time is up @Twitter time to shift to #kooapp will inform everyone soon about my account details there. Absolutely thrilled to experience home grown #kooapp.” In her previous tweet, Kangana also called out Twitter and its founder Jack Dorsey for Lisa Haydon third time withholding accounts. Twitter had recently deleted pregnant Kangana Ranaut’s tweets about farmers’ protest. “We have taken odel and actress Lisa Haydon, who is already action on Tweets that were in mom to two sons, Zack and Leo, is expecting violation of the Twitter Rules in Mher third child soon. Her son Zack was born in line with our range of enforcement 2017, while she had her son Leo in 2020. Lisa took to options,” Twitter had said in a social media and shared a video in which she statement. announced that her third child is coming in June and Twitter India had recently it’s a girl! Her son, Zack made an entry in the video suspended Kangana Ranaut’s and said that his mom has a baby sister in her tummy. official account for a few hours. It Lisa captioned the video as, “Coming this June… So has also taken down a post by the I’ve actually been meaning to get on here and chat actor in which she quote tweeted a with you all, and to catch you all up with stuff that’s tweet by cricketer Rohit Sharma been happening lately… A baby sister (she tells her over his remarks on the ongoing son).” The actress is married to British entrepreneur farmers’ protest. Dino Lalvani. Sonakshi Sinha narrates Bollywood mourns the demise of poem on farmers, salutes ‘the Rajiv Kapoor: A soul gone too soon

hands that feed us’ ollywood celebrities took onakshi Sinha, who to social media to mourn has expressed Bthe demise of actor Rajiv Ssolidarity with the Kapoor who passed away due to a protesting farmers, has cardiac arrest in Mumbai on now shared a tribute to Tuesday, February 9. them on Instagram. She Host-producer Naved Jafri and lent her voice to a poem singer Lata Mangeshkar were which tries to explain why among the first celebrities who the farmers have left their mourned the death of Rajiv homes to protest on the Kapoor on Twitter. Jafri wrote, streets and why they are “He was a pure heart and a very being branded as rioters. nice human being. May his soul She also shared a montage rest in peace, deepest of powerful visuals from condolences to the family.” the agitation. Actor Sanjay Dutt tweeted, “Nazarein milake, khud “Absolutely heartbroken to hear se poocho - kyun? A tribute about the demise of Rajiv to the hands that feed us... a Kapoor. A soul gone too soon. My beautiful poem written by thoughts and prayers are with @varadbhatnagar. Shot the Kapoor family in this and conceptualized by difficult time. Om Shanti” @gursanjam.s.puri and Madhuri Dixit recalled being narrated by me. directed by Rajiv Kapoor in Prem #farmersprotest,” she Granth. She wrote on Twitter, “I wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. had the opportunity of working Earlier, Sonakshi expressed her disapproval towards tweets posted by with #Rajiv Kapoor in the film Bollywood and sports stars criticising international celebrities for PremGranth. It was a difficult supporting farmers. “The voices raised are about the violation of human subject which he handled with rights, suppressions of free internet and expression, state propaganda, great maturity though it was his first film. Remembering the wonderful moments we shared. hate speech and abuse of power,” she shared a post originally by a handle My heartfelt condolences to the Kapoor family. RIP.” @storysellercomics on Instagram stories. Rajiv Kapoor’s nieces Riddhima, Karisma and Kareena also took to her Instagram handles The post said, “Journalists are being harassed. Internet has been and bid adieu to her uncle. banned. Protesters are being vilified through state and media Son of Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor, Rajiv Kapoor made his acting debut with Ek Jaan Hain propaganda. Hate speech (desh ke gaddaro ko, goli maro sardaro ko Hum (1983). He shot to fame with his father’s last directorial Ram Teri Ganga Maili (1985). resurfaced) is flourishing. THAT is the issue that's taken global centre Some of his other memorable films include Aasmaan (1984), Lover Boy (1985), Zabardast (1985) stage.” and Hum To Chale Pardes (1988). Rajiv moved to film direction and production later. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 19 Bullet Train: Sandra Bullock to work with Brad Pitt

ullet Train is shaping up to be an unmissable action-thriller to Bwatch out for, owing majorly to the casting coup of our wildest dreams. Over the past few months, there have been various additions to the power- packed ensemble in the upcoming David Halle Berry says ‘no Leitch directorial, which is being headlined by Brad Pitt. Now, there's man has ever taken another A-list star, whose name has been attached to the project. According to Deadline, Oscar-winner care’ of her Sandra Bullock is said to be starring alle Berry has insisted 'no man has alongside Brad in Bullet Train, which ever taken care' of her. The 54-year- also stars Joey King, Aaron Taylor Hold actress has responded to trolls Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Zazie who left negative comments on a recent Beetz, Michael Shannon, Logan Instagram post after she shared a meme Lerman, Masi Oka and Andrew Koji which said "women don't owe you s***". along with Lady Gaga. Interestingly, if After a follower replied claiming that the report is indeed true, Bullet Train isn't "what most wives tell their husbands will be the first time that fans will get to who pay for everything", Halle said: "Well witness Pitt and Bullock on the big i'm not one of them. no man has ever screen together as the duo have taken care of me.... EVER! (sic)" surprisingly never worked with each When another user suggested she "had other before. Sony neither confirmed some trouble with men" in her life, she nor denied the casting rumours with fired back: "Nope, they had trouble with Deadline. me". Are you excited about the possibility The former 'X-Men' star - who has of watching Sandra Bullock and Brad previously been married to David Justice, Pitt together for the first time on-screen Eric Benet and Oliver Martinez - insisted in Bullet Train? Share your thoughts she is focused on living her "best life" and with Pinkvilla in the comments section learning from past mistakes. below. One person told Halle to ask herself Based on Kotaro Isaka's Japanese what she is "doing wrong" and suggested novel Maria Beetle, Zak Olkewicz has she "can't keep a man". penned Bullet Train's script with Leitch She brilliantly replied: "Who said i supervising it. wanted to keep them? i'm all about living For the unversed, Bullet Train is your best life. if you make a wrong move, based on five assassins who end up in a five characters slowly realise that their showing us who makes it off the train course correct and re-spin and start again! fast-moving bullet train which is individual missions are in fact alive and what awaits them at the (sic)" heading from Tokyo to Morioka. The connected with the final outcome terminal station.

Reese Witherspoon, Lauren Kate Winslet: Hollywood is working Neustadter to be honoured toward making women feel safe at 2021 Caucus Awards ollywood star Reese Witherspoon and her banner Hello Sunshine’s president of TV and ate Winslet thinks Hollywood is creating a Hfilm, Lauren Neustadter, will be honoured as space for younger women to be “safe” at work producers of the year at The Caucus for Producers, Kwhich wasn’t present before. Writers & Directors’ 2021 Caucus Awards next month. The ‘Titanic’ star has praised the work done by the According to Variety,the 38th annual gala event will film industry in the wake of the allegations against be held virtually on March 4. disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein – who is “Grey’s Anatomy” actor James Pickets Jr will serve currently serving 23 years in prison for sex offences as the host. including assault and rape – as she believes there is Screenwriter-filmmaker Aaron Sorkin, director a “shift” happening which will the “younger Susanne Bier, “Black-ish” star and emerging generation” go to work on film sets without feeling producer Marsai Martin and Vin Di Bona will also be frightened. honoured at the ceremony. She said: “The thing that is shifting in ways that Community leaders and philanthropists Jeanne will absolutely be long lasting is how women's voices and her late husband Tom Townsend will be bestowed are being received. There is a space that has been with the Humanitarian Award. created for a younger generation that is going to be Caucus co-founder Norman Lear will make a safe. special guest appearance at the virtual awards “My daughter is 20, and she just came into the ceremony. industry about a year and a half ago. And what's wonderful for me, as her mum, is just watching her have a courage of conviction and self-belief that is And that, to me, is the biggest thing that has shifted.” just unwavering, because she's entering a time when And Kate believes this decade will be one in which we're clearing the s*** away from them, these girls. more women than ever begin “championing and “These girls are going to change the world, and supporting other women”. they're going to be strong, and they're going to be Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter for their powerful, and they're going to be f****** amazing. Actress Roundtable, she said: “This is the decade of And that is because we're getting all the bad stuff out women championing and supporting other women of the way for them and all they will know is to use without judgment. This is happening right now, and their voice in positive, powerful ways, to lead with that has come as a result of the mass united swell compassion, to be strong role models and friends. that has emerged from #MeToo. THE INDIAN PANORAMA APOLLO AT 87 FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 20 The Apollo At 87 And Black History BY MABEL PAIS As 2021 marches on, with renewed hope and exciting plans, here's the Apollo Theater's virtual Spring season line-up. "Although we will be gathering virtually this "Between the World and Me." season, we are committed to providing To see this impactful work streaming for free, opportunities for joy, reflection and visit hbo.com/watch-free-episodes entertainment during these turbulent times,"said Arts organizations around the country face a difficult Jonelle Procope, Apollo Theater's President and road ahead, and Procope said, "we're incredibly grateful to the foundations and generous individuals who have CEO. "As many of you know, the Apollo Digital supported the Apollo over the past year." To make a Stage has been a first for our institution, and donation, access apollotheater.org/donate we're incredibly grateful to the artists who About the Apollo presented their work with us and to you, our On January 26, 1934, the Apollo Theater opened with generous Apollo audience members, who have The Apollo Theater exterior - Photo /Courtesy 'Apollo' the show "Jazz a la Carte" headlined by Benny Carter tuned in-whether as a regular or for the first and his Orchestra, Ralph Cooper and Aida Ward. Soon time. Though our Theater remains dark for in- In March, Apollo will honor Women's History Month after, The Apollo became the premiere place for the person performances, we're thankful we can still with its bi-annual WOW ("Women of the World") performing arts and entertainment in Harlem. Festival presented in partnership with the WOW As the institution celebrates 87 years, it reaffirms its convene the Apollo family in new and exciting Foundation. This year's theme "Black Women commitment to centering Black art and culture, ways. We will continue offering digital programs Transcending" will feature more than 80 thought especially now as it continues to build on the Apollo until we can come together again on 125th leaders, scholars, and artists over two days of panels, Digital Stage. Street." workshops, and performances. Throughout the season To join The Apollo in its 87th anniversary Roc Nation's Infinity Song will be brought to the stage of celebrations, follow it on its social media platforms - To learn more, visit apollotheater.org/digitalstage the "Apollo Music Café" and offer a range of Apollo Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter so you icking off the virtual spring season on Saturday, Education events for families and audiences of all ages, don't miss a beat about what's up next! February 27 "Apollo Film and Screen/Play including a career panel, "Footprint - Design and In celebration of 87 years of the world-famous Apollo KPresents: 30 Years of House Party," an evening Creativity in Sneaker Culture," an exploration of the Theater! As a special gift to its patrons and viewers, the featuring a conversation with the film's stars, Kid 'N cultural, societal, and aesthetic impact of the fashion Apollo Archives are available to premiere a rarely seen Play-Christopher "Kid" Reid, Christopher "Play" industry behemoth: the sneaker. For the full roster of performance video live from the iconic stage. Martin-and director Reginald Hudlin, performances by Apollo events this spring, visit apollotheater.org Check out the link below for a very special legendary hip-hop group Full Force, Lisa and other This season's transformative programming was made performance from Apollo Legend, Stevie Wonder, surprise guests and highlights from the cult musical possible with Apollo Theater's Executive Producer and be sure to follow @apollotheater for more comedies "House Party" (1990) and "House Party 2" Kamilah Forbes. She has been nominated for the exclusive content and behind the scenes looks into (1991). NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Direction for the archives.

Featured guests included:

● Congressman James E. Clyburn, APOLLO & WNYC HOST Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from South MLK and the Fierce Carolina Urgency of Now! ● Reverend Dr. William Barber, II, President of Repairers of the Breach Monday, January 18 | and Co-Chair of 'The Poor People's 3pm EST Campaign' ● Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., Civil REBROADCAST ON Rights activist and Co-Founder of the FEBRUARY 25, 2 PM EST Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee his is a crucial moment for ● Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize- important conversations about winning reporter and creator of 'The Tour country's past, present and New York Times' 1619 Project' future. The Theme of this year's event ● Letitia James, Attorney General for hosted by Apollo Uptown Hall with the State of New York WNYC Radio was 'MLK And The Fierce MLK Day 2021' Poster - Photo / Courtesy WNYC ● Dr. Uche Blackstock, 'Yahoo! News' Urgency Of Now!' Medical Contributor and Founder & The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Hannah-Jones, Queen Afua, gave in- Urgency of Now," as part of the Apollo's CEO of 'Advancing Health Equity' Jr. was celebrated, Jr. on Monday, depth interviews and narrative Uptown Hall series, on Monday, January ● Dr. Jeff Gardere, Associate Professor January 18th at 3pm ET on the Apollo exploration to examine Dr. King's civil 18 at 3pm. of Behavioral Medicine at Touro Digital Stage and Facebook. This rights philosophy,tactics, challenges and This year's digital version of the MLK College of Osteopathic Medicine program was also aired on WNYC's The triumphs within the lens of today's Apollo Uptown Hall unpacked the ● Queen Afua, Five-time best-selling Takeaway at 3pm on 93.9 FM Eastern social and political climate. implications of the 2020 US Presidential author and CEO of the 'Queen Afua Standard Time. Election through the prisms of civil Wellness Center' This year's special edition of WNYC's PROGRAM rights and modern-day social justice ● Leslé Honoré, Blaxican artist and annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day THE APOLLO THEATER AND WNYC movements. WNYC's co-hosts Brian activist, who will read from her book Celebration, presented as part of the PRESENT Lehrer, Jami Floyd and The Takeaway's of poems 'Fist &Fire' Apollo Theater's Uptown Hall series APOLLO UPTOWN HALL: MLK AND Tanzina Vega presented in-depth ● The program will be rebroadcast on unpacked the implications of the 2020 US interviews and narrative exploration February 25 on WNYC FM and AM Presidential Election through the prisms THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW! with political leaders, authors, artists, Stations at 2 p.m. EST. of civil rights and modern-day social WNYC and the Apollo Theater in and activists, to examine Dr. Martin (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and justice movements. Collaboration with 'March on Luther King's civil rights philosophy, Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and At the event, Congressman James E. Washington Film Festival' presented the tactics, challenges and triumphs within Health & Wellness) Clyburn, Reverend Dr. William Barber, 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the lens of today's social and political II, Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr., Nikole Day celebration, "MLK and the Fierce climate. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BLACK HISTORY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 21 IT’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH BY MABEL PAIS Recognizing and Honoring Black Americans through Film, Radio & DiscussionVia Utah Film Center Black History Month is an opportunity for us to learn, listen, discuss, and work toward the significant changes we ALL desperately need for an equitable future. This month let's recognize and honor not only the challenges and struggles of African-Americans but also celebrate the political savviness, artistry, and historical significance of the Black community via film. Screenings and Events are FREE where date and time are indicated. LIL' BUCK: REAL SWAN DIR: LOUIS WALLECAN L 2019 L FRANCE/USA L ENG L DOC L 1H 25M Youth in TV Comedy 'grown-ish.' - OFFICIAL SELECTION: 2019 TRIBECA FILM Photo / CourtesyUtah Film Center FESTIVAL evening of student-led discussion hosted by Victoire harles "Lil Buck" Riley learned the smooth art of Soumano with panelists Kyana Hamilton and Jenessa Memphis 'Jookin,' on the streets, parking lots, Shirley Chisholm - Photo / Courtesy Utah Film Center Jimoh focusing on clips from the tv comedy 'grown-ish.' Cand slippery floors of the Crystal Palace Roller This event is a partnership between Utah Film Center Rink in Memphis, Tennessee, igniting a lifelong passion Following Chisholm from her own announcement of and Black Excellence, which is part of the 'Student for dance. her candidacy through her historic speech in Miami at Diversity and Inclusion Center of the Diversity, Equity, Lil Buck won a scholarship to study ballet and took the Democratic National Convention, the story is a fight & Inclusion' Office. They will dive into dating and his dancing to a whole new level, merging street-style for inclusion. Shunned by the political establishment romance in a predominantly white community by Jookin with classical technique. After a breathtaking and the media, this longtime champion of marginalized shedding light on the silver linings, challenges, and video was taken of him dancing to Camille Saint-Saëns' Americans asked for support from people of color, misconceptions in navigating relationships and college "The Swan" accompanied by famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma women, gays, and young people newly empowered to as a person of color. went viral, Lil Buck's career exploded. vote at the age of 18. Chisholm's bid for an equal place BLACK, BOLD, & BRILLIANT: 'BLERD' EDITION FILM In this exuberant documentary, director Louis on the presidential dais generated strong, even racist & DISCOURSE Wallecan takes an in-depth look at this extraordinary opposition. Yet her challenge to the status quo and her Eng l 120 l Wednesday, February 24 @ 8:00 PM EST artist whose passion, drive, discipline, and talent have message about exercising the right to vote struck many blazed a unique new path in the world of dance that has as progressive and positive. Period footage and music, Black, Bold, & Brilliant presents the next episode in included performing all over the world, touring with interviews with supporters, opponents, observers, and Utah Film Center's series of conversations about Black- Madonna, mentoring young dance students, and Chisholm's own commentary all illuminate her centric films and media: 'Blerds.' The term for Black becoming a passionate advocate for arts education. groundbreaking initiative, as well as political and nerds, "Blerds", was first introduced into the DRIVING WHILE BLACK social currents still very much alive today. mainstream in 2006 via a reference from the television show, "Scrubs". Since then, cultural recognition for DIR: Gretchen Sorin & Ric Burns l 2020 l USA l Eng l Doc BELOVED COMMUNITY PROJECT (Panel) Blerds has grown exponentially. This cultural "Sorin's research has allowed us to assemble a Wednesday, February 17 @ 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM explosion, often seen as the sole purview of white moving, visual story that shows the joy and liberation that accompanied the freedom promised by the EST America in the media, has unleashed the power, automobile and the daily struggle for Black Americans Join Utah Film Center for a special live screening of imagination, and beauty of Blerds, which they're to seek their independence in a country that, to this the 'Beloved Community Project' documentary film celebrating! Join the discussion for a deeper dive into day, does not fully acknowledge how systemic racism followed by a post-film panel hosted by Brolly Arts and their rich and storied lives viewed through the lens of defines much of our history." - Ric Burns Salt Lake Community College. Guests TBA. touchstones like "Black Panther," "Spider-Man: Into the 'Driving While Black' draws on a wealth of recent SPIRITS OF REBELLION: Black Indie Cinema from LA Spider-Verse," HBO's "Watchmen and Lovecraft scholarship - and based on and inspired in large part by DIR: Zeinabu Davis l 2017 l USA l Eng l 1h 41m Country," "Star Wars," and so much more. Gretchen Sorin's recently published study of the way This event features a discussion with Jay the automobile and highways transformed African Best Feature Doc & Audience Award - 2016 BlackStar Whittaker, Derek Thomas, and Imani Powell, and Film Festival American life across the 20th century - the film is moderated by Aja Washington, Meligha examines the history of African Americans on the road Best Film by a Woman of Color - 2016 African Garfield, and Billy Palmer. Diaspora Intl. Film Festival from the depths of the Depression to the height of the MODERATORS: Aja Washington is a black feminist, Civil Rights movement and beyond. Best Feature Doc- 2017 San Diego Film Awards social worker, and activist who grew up in Southern CHISHOLM '72 - UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED Best Feature Doc - 2017 University Film Video California. She is a community co-host on KRCL's Association DIR: Shola Lynch l 2004 l USA l Eng l Doc l 1h 17m Thursday night show, 'Changing the Narrative,' is a Tuesday, February 23 @ 10:00 PM EST founding member of Black Lives Matter Salt Lake City 2006 Peabody Award and works on various activism projects in Salt Lake Official Selection: 2004 Sundance Film Festival 'Spirits of Rebellion: Black Independent Cinema' from City. Billy Palmer is Co-Host and Associate Producer of TUESDAY, FEB 16 @ 10:00 PM EST Los Angeles documents the lives and work of a small RadioACTive, a community affairs show that highlights critically acclaimed group of black filmmakers and media grassroots activists and community builders "A refreshing antidote to the opportunism and cynicism that rules the political roost today…an artists known as the Los Angeles Rebellion, a group weeknights at 6 p.m. on Salt Lake City-based 90.9fm inspiring tale of someone who made a difference." - brought together through shared experiences as students KRCL. For more than 20 years, Billy has been a The Hollywood Reporter in the UCLA film production MFA program between 1967 community organizer and advocate for youth "An essential historical record of Chisholm's campaign and 1992. It is now recognized as an important part of the empowerment, civil rights, neighborhood reinvestment and its multidimensional significance to American 'Black Arts Movement' on the West Coast. and DV/SA survivors. culture and politics told in Chisholm's voice…Crucial 'Spirits of Rebellion' offers the story of the movement Meligha Garfield (he/him) is the inaugural director example of how necessary independent filmmaking is in an accessible style through over 30 interviews with for the Black Cultural Center (BCC) at the University of to civic engagement." - Terri Simone Francis, Asst. the filmmakers today as well as archival footage, clips Utah-a center that works to holistically enrich, educate, Professor - Film Studies & African American Studies, Yale University from rarely seen films of the group, and reflections and advocate for students, faculty,staff and the broader from leading scholars on film history and African- community through Black centered programming, ecalling a watershed event in US politics, this American cinema. culturally affirming educational initiatives, and compelling documentary takes an in-depth look ON THE TOPIC OF LOVE - (CONVERSATION & retention strategies. Rat the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley CLIPS) - Thursday, February 18 @ 8:30 PM -10:00 For more information or to watch any of the films or Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress PM EST discussions, visit utahfilmcenter.org and the first to seek nomination for the highest office in 'On The Topic Of Love' is presented by Westminster (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and the land. College's Black Excellence program: featuring an Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 22 African nations still encouraged to use China bans BBC from AstraZeneca vaccine NAIROBI (TIP): African countries broadcasting without the coronavirus variant dominant in South Africa should go BEIJING (TIP): China has banned ahead and use the AstraZeneca BBC World News from broadcasting in COVID-19 vaccine, the Africa Centres the country for seriously violating its for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for reporting, its television said on Thursday, while the World and radio regulator has announced. Health Organisation suggested the The move comes a week after the UK vaccine even for countries with the revoked the license of Chinese state- variant circulating widely. owned broadcaster China Global They spoke to reporters a day after Television Network’s (CGTN). South Africa announced it would not China has criticised the BBC for its use the AstraZeneca vaccine, citing a reporting on the deadly coronavirus small study that suggested it was poor pandemic and the persecution of ethnic at preventing mild to moderate disease minority Uighurs and lodged a protest caused by the variant. with the British broadcaster. Africa CDC director John The BBC said it was “disappointed” by Nkengasong said seven countries on China’s decision to ban it. the 54-nation African continent have The Chinese regulator, National Radio reported the variant and none besides and Television Administration (NRTA), South Africa is “overwhelmed” by it. has made the announcement on No other country has expressed Thursday night on pulling BBC World concerns about the AstraZeneca News off the air in the country for vaccine. The seven countries are South serious content violation. Africa, Botswana, Comoros, Ghana, The NRTA said BBC World News was wrongfully held by Star China Media the decision, calling it part of a wider Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia. found to have seriously violated Limited. campaign to suppress free media in In a separate briefing, WHO Africa regulations on radio and television CGTN was also found in breach of China. chief Matshidiso Moeti added management and on overseas satellite British broadcasting regulations for Relations between China and the UK Tanzania to that list, saying two television channel management in its airing the allegedly forced confession of have seen a serious deterioration in travellers from there had been found to China-related reports, state-run Xinhua UK citizen Peter Humphrey. recent months over Hong Kong, where be carrying the variant in “the UK, I news agency reported. Reacting to China’s ban, the BBC said Beijing introduced a controversial new believe”. The BBC coverage went against the in a statement: “We are disappointed security law after a large pro-democracy Tanzania’s president has denied that requirements that news reporting must that the Chinese authorities have movement swept the ex-colony. COVID-19 exists in the East African be true and impartial, and undermined decided to take this course of action. The In January the UK introduced a new nation, which has not updated its China’s national interests and ethnic BBC is the world’s most trusted visa that gives 5.4 million Hong Kong number of infections since April, even solidarity, it said. international news broadcaster and residents the right to live in the UK and though reports are growing of a surge “As the channel fails to meet the reports on stories from around the world eventually becomes citizens because it in infections there. requirements to broadcast in China as fairly, impartially and without fear or believes China is undermining the Africa is only now beginning to see an overseas channel, BBC World News is favour.” territory’s rights and freedoms, the BBC the large-scale arrival of COVID-19 not allowed to continue its service The commercially-funded BBC World report said. vaccines, and this week’s news from within Chinese territory. The NRTA will News TV channel broadcasts globally in China’s tiff with BBC followed South Africa, the continent’s hardest not accept the channel’s broadcast English. In China, it is largely restricted Beijing’s spat last year with three US hit country, was a shock. application for the new year,” NRTA said and appears only in international hotels newspapers resulting in the expulsion of The Africa CDC says African in a statement. and some diplomatic compounds, some journalists from those media countries with the variant now China’s ban followed British media meaning most Chinese people cannot outlets. dominant in South Africa should speed regulator Ofcom revoking state view it, the BBC report on China’s ban China has sharply criticised this up plans to introduce all COVID-19 broadcaster CGTN licence to broadcast said. month’s BBC report featuring vaccines that have received emergency in the UK. British Foreign Secretary Dominic interviews with Uighur women who said use authorisation or approval by Ofcom’s decision to revoke the license Raab called the move an “unacceptable they had been systematically raped, regulatory authorities, while of CGTN came after it found that the curtailing of media freedom”. sexually abused and tortured in China’s considering their effectiveness against Chinese state television licence was The US State Department condemned “re-education” camps in Xinjiang. PTI variants first reported in South Africa and the UK. Suggesting that countries go ahead with the AstraZeneca vaccine even if 7.7-magnitude undersea earthquake strikes South the variant is circulating widely, the WHO’s Moeti said “what’s important is Pacific region, no damage reported the opportunity is there to continue to study the vaccine” and its WELLINGTON/SYDNEY (TIP): A said the tsunami threat had passed for the effectiveness. powerful 7.7-magnitude undersea region, although warned there may be AstraZeneca doses are expected to earthquake struck the South Pacific on minor sea fluctuations. start arriving in other parts of Africa Thursday, triggering tsunami warnings in The quake followed at least three other in the next two weeks, the Africa the region that were later cancelled, with no tremors in the region with magnitudes CDC’s Nkengasong said. immediate reports of damage. ranging from 5.7 to 6.1 in a span of just over And WHO’s Moeti looked forward to The European Mediterranean an hour. Large tremors were also recorded a significant rollout of vaccines in Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the after the 7.7 magnitude shock. March, adding that 34 of Africa’s quake's epicentre was 417 km (258 miles) There were no immediate reports of countries now have their rollout plans east of Tadine, a town in the French was no damage to facilities. damage near the epicentre in New in place.On Thursday, Equatorial territory of New Caledonia, and at a depth Vale's nickel operations have been halted Caledonia, John Ristau, a seismologist from Guinea said it had received 100,000 of 10 km (6.2 miles). since December due to large-scale protests New Zealand-based GNS Science, told doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine. It France's ministry for overseas territories linked to the proposed sale of its local assets. NewsHub's The AM Show. was the first West African nation to said in a tweet on Thursday there were no Tsunami centres across the region sent "It's most likely that damage would have receive a large amount of the vaccine. immediate reports of damage or casualties alerts for the public to stay off beaches due been minimal if anything at all," he said, Vice President Teodoro Nguema in New Caledonia. to risks of unexpected currents and adding that Thursday morning's Obiang Mangue has said he will be the A spokeswoman for Vale SA's nickel unusual waves shortly after the earthquake. earthquake could trigger more tremors. first to be vaccinated. AP business in the French territory said there The US Tsunami Warning System later Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 23 UK PM Johnson has no Kim lays blame at officials for plans for summer holiday, says his spokesman N Korea’s economic failures LONDON (TIP): British Prime Minster Boris Johnson has no holiday SEOUL (TIP): North Korean leader plans for over the summer, his Kim Jong Un ripped into the spokesman said on Thursday, after performance of his Cabinet and fired a ministers were criticised for giving senior economic official he appointed a conflicting advice as to whether people month ago, saying they’d failed to come should book breaks at home or abroad. up with new ideas to salvage an economy Asked whether Johnson had any in decay. holiday plans, his spokesman said: The report by state media on Friday “No.” comes during the toughest period of “I am sure the prime minister, along Kim’s nine-year rule. The diplomacy he with everybody else, is keen to have a had hoped would lift US-led sanctions break over the summer, but .... he over his nuclear program is stalemated, hasn’t got one planned,” he added. — and pandemic border closures and crop- Reuters killing natural disasters last year deepened the damage to an economy Tokyo 2020 President Mori broken by decades of policy failures. to resign over sexist Some analysts say the current challenges may set up conditions for an comments economic perfect storm in the North that said the Cabinet’s targets for electricity as an attempt to pressure the new Biden TOKYO destabilises markets and triggers public production was set too low, showing a administration. (TIP): Yoshiro panic and unrest. lack of urgency when shortages could Sectors such as metal and chemicals Mori, president The current challenges had forced Kim stall work at coal mines and other would be crucial to North Korean hopes of the Tokyo to publicly admit that past economic industries. to revitalise industrial production that 2020 Olympics plans hadn’t succeeded. A new five-year “The Cabinet failed to play a leading has been decimated by sanctions and organising plan to develop the economy was issued role in mapping out plans of key halted imports of factory materials amid committee, is set during the ruling Workers’ Party economic fields and almost the pandemic. However, most experts to step down congress in January but Kim’s mechanically brought together the agree that North Korea’s new over sexist comments during the party’s Central numbers drafted by the ministries,” the development plans aren’t meaningfully remarks he Committee meeting — that ended on KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying. different from its previous ones that made that Thursday — were rich with frustration The KCNA also said O Su Yong was lacked in substance. women talked too much, the Fuji News with how the plans were being executed named as the new director of the Central South Korean intelligence officials Network reported on Thursday. so far. Committee’s Department of Economic have said there are also signs that the The comments, made at a Japanese During Thursday’s session, Kim Affairs during this week’s meeting, North is taking dramatic steps to Olympic Committee board meeting in lamented that the Cabinet was failing in replacing Kim Tu II who was appointed strengthen government control over the first week of February, set off a its role as the key institution managing in January. Kim Jong Un during the markets, including suppressing the use firestorm at home and abroad and the economy, saying it was producing January party congress called for of US dollars and other foreign could become the latest obstacle to the unworkable plans while displaying no reasserting greater state control over the currencies. Such measures, which are 2020 Summer Games, already “innovative viewpoint and clear tactics”. economy, boosting agricultural apparently aimed at forcing people to postponed for a year due to the He said the Cabinet’s targets for production and prioritising the exchange their foreign currency savings coronavirus pandemic. agricultural production this year were development of chemicals and metal for the North Korean Won, demonstrate Mori is likely to express his set unrealistically high, considering industries. He also vowed all-out efforts the government’s sense of urgency over intention to step down on Friday when limited supplies in farming materials to bolster his nuclear weapons its depleting foreign currency reserves, organisers of the Tokyo Olympics will and other unfavourable conditions. He programme in comments that were seen analysts say. AP hold a gathering of executive board members, the Mainichi daily newspaper reported. The meeting was organised over Mori’s remark. At a hastily called news conference Police search Navalny headquarters in on Feb. 4, Mori, 83, retracted his remarks and said they were “inappropriate” and against the late-night raid Olympic spirit, but he declined, at that point, to resign. MOSCOW (TIP): Russian police conducted a late-night search of When pressed on whether he really the headquarters for jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, thought women talked too much, he whose arrest last month set off nationwide protests. said: “I don’t listen to women that The search by a dozen police ended at about 1 am. It was not much lately, so I don’t know”. immediately clear if the police took away items as potential A former prime minister whose evidence but photos posted by Navalny’s staff on social media tenure was marred by gaffes and showed them bagging material, including a coffee mug. blunders, Mori’s comments drew There was no statement from police about the reason for the sharp comments on social media and search; the Mediazona news website — that focuses on political in parliament, with opposition repressions and human rights abuses — cited a Navalny staff lawmakers demanding his resignation. member as saying that police said they had received a report that The Tokyo Games had overcome pornography was being published at the office. several obstacles, including ballooning Navalny was arrested on January 17 when he returned to Russia costs and a plagiarism scandal from Germany, where he had spent five months recovering from involving the official logo, before being nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. postponed by the coronavirus He, later, was ordered to serve two-and-a-half years in prison on pandemic. the grounds that his time in Germany violated a suspended Nearly 80 per cent of the Japanese sentence he was handed in a money-laundering and fraud public are opposed to holding the conviction. Summer Games as scheduled this year The arrest sparked protests throughout the county on two due to concerns about the coronavirus, weekends in January, in which a total of about 10,000 people recent polls show.—Reuters reportedly were arrested. AP THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-WORLD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 24 Pfizer vaccine Global Covid-19 cases top can neutralise coronavirus 107.7 mn: Johns Hopkins variants first WASHINGTON (TIP): The total number of global coronavirus cases has reported in topped 107.7 million, while the deaths TRACKING THE VIRUS have surged to more than 2.36 million, according to the Johns Hopkins UK, SA: Study University. GLOBAL INDIA he COVID-19 vaccine co- In its latest update on Friday,February developed by the American 12, morning, the University’s Center for Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Tpharmaceutical giant Pfizer and Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) the German biotechnology company revealed that the current global caseload 107,749,090 2,366,158 10,871,294 1,55,447 BioNTech can neutralise variants of and death toll stood at 107,749,090 and the novel coronavirus that were first 2,366,158, respectively. reported in the UK and South Africa, a The US is the worst-hit country with new study suggests. the world’s highest number of cases and The research, published in the deaths at 27,389,196 and 475,221, journal Nature Medicine, noted that respectively, according to the CSSE. the vaccine is effective against India comes in second place in terms of coronavirus variants carrying the cases at 10,871,294. N501Y and E484K mutations. The other countries with more than a According to the scientists, million confirmed coronavirus cases are including those from the University of Brazil (9,713,909), the UK (4,010,362), Texas in the US, these variants have a Russia (3,983,031), France (3,465,951), substitution of the amino acid Spain (3,041,454), Italy (2,683,403), Turkey building blocks that make up the viral (2,564,427), Germany (2,321,225), spike protein—the part of the virus Colombia (2,179,641), Argentina which enables it to enter human cells. (2,008,345), Mexico (1,957,889), Poland They said these mutations in the (1,570,658), Iran (1,496,455), South Africa 501st and 484th positions of the (1,484,900), Ukraine (1,302,811), Peru protein’s amino acid molecule chain (1,203,502), Indonesia (1,191,990), Czech appeared in the UK and the South Republic (1,064,952) and the Netherlands African variants, and could (1,031,454), the CSSE figures showed. potentially increase the affinity of the Brazil currently accounts for the viral spike for the receptor on the second highest number of Covid-19 human cell through which the virus fatalities at 236,201, followed by Mexico toll above 20,000 are the UK (115,748), Argentina (49,874), South Africa (47,382), enters cells. (169,760) on the third place and India Italy (92,729), France (80,951), Russia Peru (42,859), Poland (40,177), Indonesia (155,360) on the fourth. (77,415), Spain (64,217), Germany (63,858), (32,381), Turkey (27,187), Ukraine (25,330), WHO Meanwhile, the nations with a death Iran (58,751), Colombia (56,983), Belgium (21,512) and Canada (21,089). recommends Britain’s coronavirus variant a concern, ‘likely to AstraZeneca sweep the world’, says scientist vaccine use LONDON (TIP): The coronavirus variant first found in the British region of Kent is a concern because it amid efficacy could undermine the protection given by vaccines against developing COVID- 19, the head of the UK’s genetic concerns surveillance programme said. he World Health Organization She also said the variant was (WHO) has decided that potential dominant in the country and was Tbenefits of the Oxford- likely “to sweep the world, in all AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine probability”. outweigh known and potential risks, The coronavirus has killed 2.35 amid concerns over its efficacy against million people and turned normal life the virus variant found in South upside down for billions but a few new Africa. worrying variants out of thousands The WHO Strategic Advisory Group have raised fears that vaccines will of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) need to be tweaked and people may panel on Wednesday said the two-dose require booster shots. AstraZeneca vaccine efficacy tended to Sharon Peacock, director of the be higher when the interval between COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium, doses was within the four to 12 weeks said vaccines were so far effective the country, is now mutating to have particular mutation has arisen in our range, reports Xinhua news agency. It against the variants in the United this new mutation that could threaten kind of communal garden lineage now, also added that although preliminary Kingdom but that mutations could vaccination,” she added. at least five times — five separate times. analyses based on a small sample size potentially undermine the shots. That new mutation, first identified And so this is going to keep popping up,” in South Africa indicate a marked “What’s concerning about this is in Bristol in southwest England, has Peacock said. reduction in vaccine effectiveness that the 1.1.7. variant that we have had been designated a “Variant of There are three major known variants against mild and moderate disease, it circulating for some weeks and Concern”, by the New and Emerging that are worrying scientists: The South did not allow a specific assessment of months, is beginning to mutate again Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory African variant, known by scientists as vaccine efficacy against severe Covid- and get new mutations which could Group. There are so far 21 cases of that 20I/501Y.V2 or B.1.351; the so-called UK 19. As indirect evidence is compatible affect the way that we handle the virus variant which has E484K mutation, or Kent variant, known as 20I/501Y.V1 or with protection against severe Covid- in terms of immunity and which occurs on the spike protein of B.1.1.7; and the Brazilian variant known 19, the situation remains to be effectiveness of vaccines,” Peacock the virus, the same change as has been as P.1.The British variant, which is more demonstrated in ongoing clinical trials told the BBC. seen in the South African and infectious but not necessarily more and post-implementation evaluations. “It’s concerning that the 1.1.7., which Brazilian variants. deadly than others, was likely “to sweep is more transmissible, which has swept “One has to be a realist that this the world”, Peacock said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 25

Facebook reducing Pakistan to hold elections distribution of Myanmar military content MYANMAR (TIP): Facebook said for Senate on March 3 on Friday that it would reduce the distribution of all content and profiles ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan’s run by Myanmar’s military, saying election authorities on Thursday they have “continued to spread announced that the elections for the misinformation” after the army Senate will be held on March 3, amidst a seized power and detained civilian raging controversy about allowing open leaders in a coup on February 1. ballot papers in the polls to avoid “The measures — which are not a corruption. ban but are aimed at reducing the A total of 52 senators in the 104- number of people who see the content member upper house will retire on — will apply to an official page run by March 11 on completion of their six-year the army and one by a spokesperson,” term. They will also include four of the the company said in a statement, as eight senators from the erstwhile well as “any additional pages that the Federally Administered Tribal Areas military controls that repeatedly (FATA). Since the areas have been violate our misinformation policies”. merged with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, they The pages will also not appear on will not be reelected and the Senate newsfeeds as “recommended”. strength will shrink to 100. The social media giant said it had Therefore, polling will be held to elect also suspended the ability for 48 senators — 12 each from Khyber- Myanmar government agencies to Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, 11 each send content-removal requests to from Punjab and Sindh and two from Facebook through the normal Islamabad, the Election Commission of channels used by authorities across Pakistan (ECP) said in a notification. senator. the Constitution but failing to do so, it the world. “Simultaneously, we are Polling will be held to elect seven A few days back a video surfaced last week got the Elections (Amendment) protecting content, including political members on general seats, two women showing some members of Khyber- Ordinance 2021 promulgated by speech, that allows the people of and two technocrats in the four Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly President Arif Alvi to pave the way for Myanmar to express themselves and provinces. Besides, the election on one allegedly being bribed to vote against Senate elections to be held via an “open to show the world what is transpiring minority seat each in KP and their Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and identifiable ballot”. inside their country,” said Rafael Balochistan will also be conducted. party in 2018 elections. Then PTI chief The opposition parties have rejected Frankel, director of public policy, The election for Senate or the upper Imran Khan had expelled about 20 the ordinance as well as the appeal in the APAC emerging countries. Hundreds house will be held as the country is torn lawmakers for voting against the party Supreme Court by saying that PTI was of thousands of people have been apart by differences between the line. trying to stuff the Senate with “friends protesting across Myanmar since the government and the Opposition whether Khan has led the drive for open ballots of Imran Khan” against the wishes of army overthrew the civilian to allow open ballot paper to avoid use of but he is hamstrung by the Constitution several of its lawmakers. government led by Aung San Suu Kyi money. of the country which asks for secret The ordinance has also been and detained most top leaders. Reuters The problem stems from the system of ballots. His government last month filed challenged in the top court as violation election as senators are elected by the an application with the Supreme Court of the Constitution. Lanka’s Cardinal fumes respective provincial assemblies on the to allow an open ballots system for the As the Senate election has been over 2019 attack probe basis of proportional representation. Senate election. announced, all eyes are set at the For example, in Balochistan a candidate While the application is being heard, Supreme Court to decide the issue of COLOMBO (TIP): The head of Sri may need just seven votes to become a the PTI government first tried to amend open ballots. — PTI Lanka’s Catholic church once again expressed disappointment on Thursday over the probe in the 2019 Easter Sunday Under-Construction blasts that tore through 3 churches and Nepal bans 3 Indian climbers as many luxury hotels, cautioning the Bridge Collapses in government that if justice is not served, he would approach international Bhutan, Three Indian for faking Everest summit organisations. The attacks had had Workers Killed at Site KATHMANDU (TIP): Nepal has banned two Indian climbers and their team killed 258 people. According to Cardinal leader from carrying out any mountaineering expeditions in the country for six Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, he had THIMPHU (TIP): At least three years after a probe found that they faked their Mt Everest summit in 2016. sought a copy of the special presidential Indian workers were killed and six other Indian mountaineers Narender Singh Yadav and Seema Rani Goswami received probe report that was submitted to workers were missing after an under- expedition certificates from the Tourism Department during the spring season of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last construction bridge collapsed in 2016 without successfully climbing the world's highest mountain. month. The report has not been made Bhutan. As per a Reuters report, Both the climbers received the certificates of climbing the 8,848.86m (29,032 ft) public so far. — PTI rescuers recovered three bodies from mountain by producing fake documents and pictures to claim their summit, the site of Wangchu bridge 60 km (37 according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Death sentence for 8 miles) south west of the capital Aviation on Thursday. Their certificates have been revoked, the ministry said. After Bangladeshis for killing Thimphu. receiving a complaint about the fake ascent, the ministry had formed a committee to “The partially constructed bridge investigate the matter. The investigation has confirmed that both of them had publisher collapsed on Tuesday and we are still obtained certificates by giving false details, it said. DHAKA (TIP): A special anti- looking for missing workers,” said They have been banned from ascending any mountain in Nepal for six years. The terrorism tribunal in Bangladesh on Lendup, a police officer overseeing the ban will be effective starting May 20, 2016, it said. Wednesday sentenced to death eight rescue operations. Their Indian team leader Naba Kumar Phukon, who led the expedition, has also Islamic militants, including a sacked “Saying prayers for the lives lost and been banned for six years starting May 20, 2016. military officer, for killing a publisher of hoping we find all missing persons safe In New Delhi, Sports Ministry sources said that Yadav, who was recommended for books on secularism and atheism at his and sound,” Prime Minister Lotay the Tenzing Norgay Award last year, will not be bestowed with the honour. office in 2015. They hacked to death Tshering said in a twitter post. “Narender Singh Yadav issue is over from our side. The inquiry initiated by the Faisal Arefin Dipon, owner of Jagrity The nationality of those missing was ministry found that he faked about climbing Mount Everest. He submitted fake Publishers, at his office at central not immediately clear. The bridge was pictures,” said a sports ministry official. Dhaka's Shahbagh area on November 31, aimed at linking Haa district with Paro, Yadav was initially recommended for India’s highest adventure sports award but 2015. Six of eight convicts, all belonging where the Himalayan country’s his name was withheld after media reports emerged of the possibility of him to outlawed Ansar Al Islam terrorist international airport is located. submitting fake documents. (TOI) group, were present in the court. — PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 26

CONNOISSEUR’S Keep your newlywed CHOICE bride glow intact ewly wed brides have that By Tript Arora beautiful, natural glow on Ntheir faces. Give yourself a pat, all those months of clean Apple salad eating, good workouts, and skin- pampering has finally given you his sweet and savoury Apple that beautiful glow on your face. salad is a treat in itself Now don't let it all go to waste! Twhether you serve it as a side After months of paying so much dish or make a lunch of it. It is attention to your skin and health, simple to make and hardly takes 15 minutes to assemble it. Diced you just can't take it for granted. apple, cucumber and deseeded The wedding madness may be over tomatoes tossed in mayonnaise and but your glow shouldn't be. topped with pumpkin seeds is my Maintaining that wedding glow post version of Apple Salad. Either you the celebrations won't be that easy serve it on a bed of Lettuce or you but if you follow this simple guide, chop Lettuce leaves and add to it. I it will all work for you. Read on. prefer the second option. You can top it with toasted walnuts too. If you are health conscious Skip The Makeup then you can substitute Mayonnaise with yoghurt. But then For all those wedding festivities, add a bit of Honey too. However I prefer the Mayonnaise version. you layered your face with so much makeup. Now after it is all over, you We need should give your skin some time to breathe. We know, the newlywed „ 2 Medium Red Apple cored and Diced, 2 Tomatoes, 1 bride not wearing any makeup Cucumber Diced with skin won't be a great option. Try wearing „ 4 Lettuce Leaves, 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise minimal makeup when at home or „ 1 Tsp Black Salt, 1 Tsp Red Chilli Flakes stepping out. Cut down the layers, bingeing on so much food. It is among others which keep you „ 1 Tsp Mustard Sauce, Pumpkin seeds / chopped use a single layer for an even skin important that you detox your body healthy. walnuts tone. You can use a foundation or a every now and then to flush out all CC cream. Do your eyes with a kajal the harmful toxins from your body. Get Back To Your Skincare Here we go or liner and use a lip and cheek Drink loads of water and other Routine stain to round off your look. While liquids like green tea, juices, „ Cut Apple & Cucumber into cubes with their skin. going to bed, make sure you are coconut water among others to keep Don't forget to pamper your skin „ Remove the seeds of tomatoes and cut it into squares. wearing no makeup at all! yourself hydrated. When your body just like you used to months before „ Roughly Chop lettuce leaves. is hydrated, your skin feels getting married. To maintain the Take Some Good Sleep „ Take a large Bowl and add mayonnaise, mustard, salt healthier. post-wedding glow, you need to and chilli flakes. Mix everything . Wedding celebrations can really follow your skincare routine take a toll on your sleep patterns. Add Healthy Foods To Diet regularly. Cleansing, toning, and „ Now toss Apple, cucumber and tomatoes in this dressing and serve it topped with Pumpkin Seeds. Enjoy These further start to show on your If you are heading out for dinners moisturising is a must. my version of Apple salad. face. Now that the festivities have and parties every now and then, let Start Working Out come to an end, you have all the us tell you that your body may not Preparation Time: 10 min time to give your eyes some rest. be getting all the essential Just after your wedding, all you Assembling Time: 5 min. Catch up on some beauty sleep and nutrients. If you fail to strike a want to do is be with your partner. keep any skin or health issues at balance in your diet then it can start However, you should be taking time Tip bay. to show on your face in the form of for some workout. You can go for a „ Serve it as a Side dish with roasted or fried Chicken. dullness, acne among other walk every day or join a dance or You will love it. Drink Lots Of Water common skin issues. It is best to add yoga class together. This will give Post your wedding, you will be nutritious fruits and vegetables to you more time together and also You Can reach me at: www.triptasfoodtunnel.com invited to a lot of get-togethers. This your daily diet including carrots, help you stay fit. Email : [email protected]. is the time when you will be cucumbers, papayas, bananas (Source: Her Zindagi) Instagram: @triptasfoodtunnel Stop your face from Signs you are in happy, healthy relationship

looking, shiny t’s hard to see clearly when caught up in the foggy Cut down on makeup feeling called love, and we may later realize blind Ispots we missed during the course of a relationship. This does not mean you stop using makeup altogether. But when you have a good, healthy relationship, you’ll All you have to do is make a few small but significant know. It just feels right, right? Learn these five signs to changes. These include leaving cream-based products make sure you are currently in a healthy relationship behind and adding powder products to your vanity bag as or to prepare for your next one. they help soak in the extra oil produced. RESPECT Use a salicylic acid cleanser Respect ensures that we feel valued. Show respect by Those with oily skin will agree that it is a holy grail thanking each other, show interest in one another’s product because not only does it zap out acne but also days and truly listen to each other’s feelings. helps in controlling the production of oil. Salicylic acid helps break down oil in pores and gently exfoliates the SPEND TIME TOGETHER skin to get rid of complexion-clogging dead cells. You do not need a 5-course dinner. A simple walk on Stick to oil-free primers the beach and a conversation over a cup of coffee will do! This is a must-have in your vanity as it will make your skin feel matte. You could also incorporate a pore-filling GESTURES OF LOVE hormone” cements a strong bond, reduces stress and primer to help you apply makeup more smoothly Sure everyone loves big romantic presents, however, provides a foundation for lasting commitment. Use a moisturiser the smaller ones like breakfast in bed are the most meaningful one. TEAMWORK You can add a hyaluronic acid-based moisturiser which Working as a team is important in a healthy will not only control the production of oil but also ensure INTIMACY relationship. Think how easy (or not) it is to plane water balance in your skin. Heard of oxytocin? This sometimes called the “love housework, shopping lists, a vacation, etc. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 27 Eating grapes may protect against sunburn, UV damage to skin

ating grapes can help protect against sunburn and Eultraviolet (UV) skin damage and natural components found in the fruits known as polyphenols are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects, according to a new study. The results published in the Journal of the American Academy Cannabis reduces of Dermatology revealed that participants in the study showed increased resistance to sunburn blood pressure in older and a reduction in markers of UV damage at the cellular level. adults: Study “Grapes may act as an edible sunscreen, offering an additional edical cannabis may reduce blood pressure in layer of protection in addition to older adults, suggested the findings of a new topical sunscreen products,” said Mstudy by researchers from Ben-Gurion lead researcher Craig Elmets from University of the Negev (BGU) and its affiliated University of Alabama, Soroka University Medical Center. Birmingham in the US. The study, published in the ‘European Journal of The study investigated the impact Internal Medicine’, is the first of its kind to focus on of consuming whole grape powder the effect of cannabis on blood pressure, heart rate, — equivalent to 2.25 cups of grapes and metabolic parameters in adults 60 and above with per day — for 14 days against hypertension. photodamage from UV light. “Older adults are the fastest growing group of The participants’ skin response to Analysis of skin biopsies showed through repair of DNA damage and medical cannabis users, yet evidence on UV light was measured before and that the grape diet was associated down regulation of pro- cardiovascular safety for this population is scarce,” after consuming grapes for two with decreased DNA damage, fewer inflammatory pathways,” said said Dr Ran Abuhasira of the BGU Faculty of Health weeks by determining the threshold deaths of skin cells, and a reduction Elmets. Sciences, one of Israel’s leading medical faculties, and dose of UV radiation that induced in inflammatory markers that if left Most skin cancer cases are the BGU-Soroka Cannabis Clinical Research Institute. visible reddening after 24 hours — unchecked, together can impair associated with exposure to UV “This study is part of our ongoing effort to provide the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED). skin function and can potentially radiation from the Sun — about 90 clinical research on the actual physiological effects of The results showed that grape lead to skin cancer. per cent of non-melanoma skin cannabis over time,” added Dr Abuhasira. consumption was protective as “We saw a significant cancers and 86 per cent of Patients were evaluated using 24-hour ambulatory more UV exposure was required to photoprotective effect with grape melanomas, respectively. blood pressure monitoring, ECG, blood tests, and body cause sunburn following grape consumption and we were able to Additionally, an estimated 90 per measurements—both before and three months after consumption, with MED increasing identify molecular pathways by cent of skin ageing is caused by the initiating cannabis therapy. on average by 74.8 per cent. which that benefit occurs — sun. In the study, researchers found a significant reduction in 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, with the lowest point occurring three hours after ingesting cannabis either orally via oil extracts or by smoking. Higher blood pressure at night may Patients showed reductions in blood pressure in both daytime and night-time, with more significant changes at night. increase Alzheimer’s disease risk The BGU researchers theorised that the relief from pain, the indication for prescription cannabis in most igher blood pressure at examined whether too high blood patients, may also have contributed to a reduction in night more than in daytime pressure at night, as seen in blood pressure. Hmay be a risk factor for reverse dipping, is associated with “Cannabis research is in its early stages and BGU is Alzheimer's disease in older men, a higher dementia risk in older at the forefront of evaluating clinical use based on suggest a new study from men," said Christian Benedict, scientific studies,” said Doug Seserman, chief researchers at Uppsala University. Associate Professor at Uppsala executive officer of American Associates, Ben-Gurion Higher BP at night than in daytime University's Department of University of the Negev. may increase Alzheimer's disease Neuroscience, and senior author of “This new study is one of several that has been risk. The study has now been the study. published recently by BGU on the medicinal benefits published in the journal To test this hypothesis, the of cannabis,” concluded Seserman. Hypertension. researchers used observational ‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term data from one thousand Swedish used to describe a category of older men, who were followed for a PAGE SPONSORED BY symptoms marked by behavioural maximum of 24 years. The changes and gradually declining included men were in their early DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND cognitive and social abilities. daytime. This blood pressure seventies at the beginning of the Numerous factors, including profile is known as 'reverse study. DR. SATISH ANAND hypertension (high blood dipping'. “The risk of getting a dementia Former Chairman, Board of pressure), affect the risk of “The night is a critical period for diagnosis was 1.64 times higher Trustees, AAPI National developing these symptoms. brain health. For example, in among men with reverse dipping E-Mail: Under healthy conditions, blood animals, it has previously been compared to those with normal [email protected] pressure (BP) varies over 24 hours, shown that the brain clears out dipping. Reverse dipping mainly with lowest values reached at waste products during sleep, and increased the risk of Alzheimer's night. Doctors call this nocturnal that this clearance is compromised disease, the most common form of GITANJLI ANAND blood pressure fall 'dipping'. by abnormal blood pressure dementia," said Xiao Tan, Former President, India However, in some people, this patterns. Since the night also postdoctoral fellow from the same Association of Long Island BP pattern is reversed: their represents a critical time window department and first author of (IALI) nocturnal BP is higher than in for human brain health, we this research. E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 28 iOS 14.5 will Nuclear-powered rockets could take now allow crewed mission to Mars in 3 months

third-party nuclear-powered rocket could get a crewed mission to Mars in just under three months, according to a report default music Aon CNN. NASA’s plan is to get human to Mars by the year 2035, but there are several challenges to the trip. The biggest being the time it would take to get to the red planet. A service for Siri prolonged trip would also mean increased exposure to space he Apple fanatics will soon have a radiation, which can seriously impact the health of astronauts reason to rejoice as the new iOS on the mission. T14.5 version is coming up with a Now, Ultra Safe Nuclear Technologies (USNC-Tech), a Seattle- lot of new features on the bucket list for based company, has come up with a design of a spacecraft that the users. will use nuclear-powered rockets to shorten the trip. Currently, According to The Verge, iOS 14.5 will NASA’s goal for a one-way trip to Mars is around five to nine be having features like unlocking an months. iPhone utilising Apple Watch, open an But switching to a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) engine iPhone with a Face ID while wearing a does come with its own risks, though USNC-Tech claims to have face mask, and support for next-gen made it safe for the crew. console controllers. According to Michael Eades, the director of engineering However, the users who have just USNC-Tech, the rocket has been designed in such a way that it installed the beta in their devices will will store liquid propellants between the “engine and the crew fuel comprises of a material known as silicon carbide which is have another incredible component area” and block out the radioactive particles to ensure the crew frequently used in tank armour. It is capable of preventing that will allow them to choose a third- does not get exposed to radiation during the flight. radioactive products from leaking from the reactor by forming party default music service for Jeff Sheehy, chief engineer of NASA’s Space Technology a gas-tight barrier. listening to songs using Siri. Mission Directorate told CNN that NTP rockets will “double Further, the report adds that the nuclear rockets will not lift As per the publication, when a user the miles per gallon” meaning a round trip would be possible in off from Earth like other thermal-engine powered rockets. will ask Siri to play a song on iOS 14.5, less than two years. They will be taken to space by a regular rocket that would take one might be incited to choose which But there are challenges. One is finding uranium fuel that it into Earth’s orbit and that’s when the nuclear-powered application he/she needs to use to play can withstand high temperatures inside a nuclear thermal spacecraft will lift off. And in case something goes wrong and it, including Spotify. engine, according to the report. However, the company claims the rocket explodes, USNC-Tech said the pieces of the nuclear While there is still a confirmation to solve the problem by developing a fuel that will be able to reactor would not land on Earth or any other planet as they statement pending from Apple, some work in temperatures as high as over 2,400 degree celsius. The cannot move in vacuum. users have started observing minor differences in the application’s conduct. Reportedly, in light of the fact that this Google Android 12 leaked component is as yet in beta, there’s What is Koo, the Indian consistently a possibility it may be changed or eliminated before iOS 14.5 screenshots show dedicated privacy microblogging website, comes out. The ability to set a default music app page, iOS-like design: Report follows Apple’s welcome move to let and how does it work users set their default mail or browser oogle’s next oo, an Indian microblogging website, launched clients starting with iOS 14. version for 10 months ago has been recognised by the GAndroid, which KGovernment of India and Prime Minister is Android 12 is Narendra Modi as one of the Aatmanirbhar apps of Sandes, India's already under India. Koo was launched by app developers, Aparameya development. Ahead Radhakrishna and Mayank Bidawatka. of the developer The app is available in several languages, including alternative to previews, the leaks Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, have begun. A new Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Odiya and Assamese. report by XDA has “Koo App is the Voice of India in Indian Languages,” WhatsApp, shown a few new reads the website bio. In a bid to encourage the screenshots from an developers, several ministers and celebrities have alleged early Android started signing up. being tested by 12 build, that shows Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who is quite active on what looks like a Twitter, announced that he has also opened an account completely revamped on Koo. The Electronics and IT minister Ravi Shankar govt officials interface. Moreover, Prasad had already joined the platform and has a n Indian alternative of the cross- the new update looks verified handle now. platform messaging service like Android has Several government departments, including IT (the AWhatsapp named ‘Sandes’ is taken a few cues from ministry of Electronics and IT), India Post have currently being tested by government Apple’s iOS 14. verified handles on this platform. officials in India. This has been unlike most of the recent Android updates, where Users on Koo can share posts, audio, video and photos The app is ready and is being tested changes were mainly under the hood and not a lot changed when it on the platform. The microbloggers can use hashtags, by ministry officials. came to visuals. The last biggest visual change was observed between tag others using the ‘@’ symbol and chat with others According to Mashable, the use of Android 4 and Android 5 when Google’s Material Design was first over direct messages (DMs). ‘Sandes’ app is currently restricted to implemented. The new Android 12 screenshots in the report, however, The character limit for a ‘Koo’ is 400, as opposed to government officials only. suggest that the new update could carry major visual changes. Twitter's character limit of 280. No information has been provided as Apart from redesigned icons, pastel colours, new dialogue boxes and Koo is available for download on the Google Play to when the official and broader rollout blurred elements, the new changes also hint at an enhanced focus on Store and Apple App Store. The Koo app has an average of the app will take place in India. If privacy. The new Status bar in the screenshots can be seen as distinct rating of 4.7 stars on Google Play Store and 4.1 on the people go to the gims.gov.in page, they icons when certain features like the phone’s camera, microphone or iOS App Store. will notice it says ‘Sandes’. location are being used by an app. Tapping this indicator will also ‘Sandes’ is available for both iOS and reveal what app is using the feature. A new privacy settings page in Android platforms. Android 12 will now act as a one-stop-shop where all these hardware Talking about the features that this component-related features can be switched off. app can support, users can use features Apart from this, you can see a redesigned notification bar in the like voice and data. Also, its backend is screenshots with the quick toggles now looking more minimal, while handled by the NIC, the National pastel-like colours are seen across the interface. The transparent Informatics Centre under the Ministry elements of previous Android versions now seem to be gone. Only four of Electronics and Information quick settings toggles are now visible when expanded, instead of six, Technology. which is another similarity with iOS. As per Mashable, this comes at a time The conversations section in the notifications is still separated from when WhatsApp is facing scrutiny from the rest of the notifications, which now look more rounded off. While government and privacy activists over the report mentions that the screenshots come from a trusted source, its new controversial privacy policy. they are still not confirmed directly by Google. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BUSINESS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 29 Amazon moves Asia stocks hold at highs, apex court in Future-Reliance sustained by bottomless deal dispute stimulus -commerce major Amazon has moved the Supreme Court in a sian shares rested at record highs Ebid to block Future group’s Rs on Thursday as investors digested 24,713-crore deal with Reliance, Arecent meaty gains, while bulls according to sources. were sustained by the promise of endless The development comes after a free money after a benign reading on US recent Delhi High Court’s ruling that inflation and a dovish Federal Reserve stayed a previous order on status quo outlook. of the deal and ruling that statutory Adding to the torpor was a lack of authorities cannot be restrained from liquidity as markets in China, Japan, acting in accordance with law. South Korea and Taiwan were all on Amazon has approached the holiday. Supreme Court in the matter against MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific Future, sources close to the shares outside Japan added 0.1%, having development said. Future and already climbed for four sessions to be up Amazon did not respond to e-mailed over 10% so far this year. queries. Japan’s Nikkei was shut after ending at The high court order on Monday a 30-year peak on Wednesday, while came over an urgent petition moved Australia’s main index held near an 11- by FRL after a single-member Bench month top. directed maintaining status-quo over With China off, there was little reaction Future’s deal with Reliance. to news the Biden administration will The scheme of arrangement has look at adding “new targeted already received approval from CCI restrictions” on certain sensitive unemployment, which analysts saw as of currencies and away from a 10-week and no objection from SEBI and technology exports to the Asian giant strong support for President Joe Biden top of 91.600 touched late last week. bourses, following which it had and would maintain tariffs for now. $1.9 trillion stimulus package. The dollar eased to 104.57 yen, from a approached NCLT Mumbai on Futures for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Indeed, Westpac economist Elliot recent peak of 105.76, while the euro January 26, 2021. were both steady, having hit historic Clarke estimated over $5 trillion in rallied to $1.2122 from its low of $1.1950. Last month, Amazon had highs on Wednesday. EUROSTOXX 50 cumulative stimulus, worth 23% of GDP, In commodity markets, gold was approached the Delhi High Court futures and FTSE futures barely budged. would be required to repair the damage sidelined at $1,838 an ounce as investors seeking enforcement of the interim Still, the outlook for more global done by the pandemic. drove platinum to a six-year peak on bets order of the Emergency Arbitrator stimulus got a major boost overnight “Historical experience provides strong of more demand from the automobile (EA) at the Singapore International from a surprisingly soft reading on core justification to only act against sector. Arbitration Centre (SIAC) that had US inflation, which eased to 1.4% in undesired inflationary pressures once Oil prices took a breather, having restrained FRL from going ahead with January. they have been seen, after full enjoyed the longest winning streak in the deal with Reliance. Justice Midha Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell employment has been achieved,” he said. two years amid producer supply cuts and had directed FRL and other parties to said he wanted to see inflation reach 2% “To that end, financial conditions are hopes vaccine rollouts will drive a maintain status quo till or more before even thinking of tapering expected to remain highly supportive of recovery in demand. pronouncement of the reserved order. the bank’s super-easy policies. the US economy and global financial “The current price levels are healthier Amazon and Future have been Notably, Powell emphasised that once markets in 2021, and likely through 2022.” than the actual market and entirely locked in a bitter legal tussle after the pandemic effects were stripped out, The mix of bottomless Fed funds and a reliant on supply cuts, as demand still US e-commerce giant dragged Future unemployment was nearer 10% than the tame inflation report was a salve for bond needs to recover,” cautioned Bjornar Group to arbitration at SIAC, arguing reported 6.3% and thus a long way from market pains, leaving 10-year yields at Tonhaugen of Rystad Energy. that the latter had violated their full employment. 1.12% from a 1.20% high early in the Brent crude futures eased back 40 cents contract by entering into the deal As a result, Powell called for a “society- week.That in turn weighed on the US to $61.07, while US crude dipped 36 cents with rival Reliance. wide commitment” to reducing dollar, which slipped to 90.395 on a basket to $58.32 a barrel.

Urban demand drives passenger Bumble’s 31-year-old CEO vehicles sales becomes a rare female billionaire NEW DELHI (TIP): Automakers company catering to women and dispatched more passenger vehicles to led by women has made its 31- dealers for the sixth straight month in Ayear-old female founder a January, filling up retail channels after billionaire. Bumble Inc., the owner of the robust retail sales seen in the the dating app where women make the October-December period. first move, sold shares in its upcoming Factory dispatches during the month trading debut at $43, valuing Chief rose 11.14% from a year ago to 276,554 Executive Officer Whitney Wolfe Herd’s units, data released by Society of Indian stake at more than $900 million and Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on lifting her overall fortune above $1 Thursday showed, as buyers snapped up billion. compact cars and entry-level sport fell by a marginal 1.16% to 153,224 units. The listing caps a saga that’s both utility vehicles in rural, semi-urban and The higher dispatches follow the low inspiration and cautionary tale for she’s made it into this gold mine, not just some parts of urban markets. In India, base of the previous year when demand women tech founders. Wolfe Herd for her and her team but also her factory dispatches, not retail sales, are fell following the economic slowdown capitalized on an underserved market investors.” counted as vehicle sales. and higher prices due to the change in and built a multibillion-dollar company Bumble’s IPO launches Wolfe Herd Indicating a sustained rise in urban emission and safety standards. that was in a sense born from one of the into a rarefied club of self-made female demand, dispatches of utility vehicles Among two-wheelers, scooter sales or most vexing obstacles to women billionaires. While women make up grew 37.26% from the year ago to 111,494 dispatches, rose 9.06% to 454,315 units as entrepreneurs: sexual harassment. about half of the global population, self- units, as companies like Maruti Suzuki economic activity in urban areas “This is a huge win,” said Allyson made women -- mostly from Asia -- India Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Kia continued to recover, while the same for Kapin, general partner at investment account for less than 5% of the world’s Motors India Ltd and Tata Motors Ltd motorcycles grew 5.1% to 916,365 as firm W Fund and founder of the Women 500 biggest fortunes, according to the raised wholesales of their sport utility demand for entry and executive segment Who Tech network. “Whitney saw an Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Self-made vehicles. motorcycles revived in the rural and opportunity that wasn’t being addressed men comprise almost two-thirds of the Dispatches of passenger cars, however, semi urban markets, albeit on a low base. for women and based on her expertise wealth index. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 30 Shree Ganeshaya Namah

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

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla. Weekly Horoscope Feb 15 - Feb 21, 2021

positive. Starting to work out this week will be Aries a good idea for you. Leo Ganesha says this week will bring you revival This week is quite easy and relaxing for you. of great health. Your relationships will be Gemini Every aspect of your life will pretty much improved. You will be able to make some You will be blessed by positive energies in work out as you would have liked it to be, you'll lucrative decisions of some complicated abundance this week. Your inner strength will come out of struggles in the beginning of this business mess with the help of right guidance. be on a high level you will perform well at your week stronger and smarter. You will need to Your cooperation and convincing skills will be work. You will get good results for your hard update yourself in terms of your skillet as appreciated. You will make some relationships work. Disputes with your colleagues will be people are trying to take over your position. with important business associates which will resolved now. There is likely to be an increase You'll find a very good mentor who will give bring you good gains later. You will be able to in your network. You will plan for a short work you valuable advices that'll calm your spend more time with your family this week as related trip, which will give you benefits in anxieties. Do a lot of relaxing activities this well. You are likely to feel accomplished by the near future. Your team members and friends week like going for a spa or reading a novel end of the week. Strictly prohibit yourself will help you in the completion of some you like. You're likely to take an from wasting energy on haters as that is the important projects. Job seekers will find good unconventional break this week to spend some last thing you need this week. In the middle of job with the help of a network. You will receive much needed time with your family. Take this the week, you will be able to execute your a lot of help from your partner, family as well time to discuss difficult topics that your plans and gain effective results. Your health as friends consistently this week. Make sure to partner has been dodging lately. During your won't be a matter of concern this week but take the help as well as appreciation each and time off do not be lazy and physically inactive. meditation will help you deal with your every person, every time they help you. Go on long walks and soak in the sun as much stressful times this week. Cancer as you can. Taurus Your week will be filled with amazing things. Virgo Your business and finances will work out on You will get involved in activities you never This week will be important for your its own this week, without you having to pay thought you would participate in. The first profession. You will keep busy at work; your much time and attention. This is an ideal week three days will bring you opportunities you focus towards your goal as well as your for you to reflect on your professional were waiting for and in the last two days you patience will be amazing. With the help of progress. You have been through the worst will reap the fruits of these opportunities. patience, you might be able to achieve your time of your life and become the strongest This week you should be very productive avoid goals on time. Your dedication for work will be person you have ever been. Some solace will do people who take your emotions lightly in as rewarded many times. Expect some rewards in you well this week, as you have been ignoring their possessive nature may harm you later. the result of hard work at the end of the week. your feelings by staying busy. You will receive Love will bloom in the right directions at You are likely to make investments in fixed a lot of love from your partner this entire unexpected timings; you may have a little assets as well. Expect to hear good news in week. Plan fun and meaningful dates for insomnia and feel tired due to hectic schedule. terms of parent's health. Your losses will yourself and your partner to get to know each You are likely to travel for business this week convert into gains by the end of this week. other even more. Making other people happy which is why your sleep schedule will be Your pastinvestments might become profitable will lift up your spirits this week hence try to irregular. Your communications skills will as well. do as much of it as you can. Your health has help in finding solutions to the issues your been going good for quite a while now this institution is facing. Along with that, you are Libra: week will be the same, you'll notice that you likely to find a right guide who will help you Your week will start with excitement and are starting to feel more energized and stabilize your profits. CONTD ON PAGE 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 31

Weekly Horoscope Feb 8 - Feb 14, 2021

CONTD FROM PAGE 30 in this week itself. happiness. You are likely to make lots of Aquarius profits and feel amazing. Your satisfaction Sagittarius This week you are likely to shift gears and are feelings will also increase. You will be acing Your relationship will grow stronger and ready to begin a new phase of your life. You your presentations and might have other tasks you're very likely to take the next step in your may feel as though you have stepped upon a to do on your professional fronts and your love relationship this week. You and your partner new phase in your life as you will receive good life will bloom. You will confess your feelings will grow very closet this week. You will start luck in abundance this week. You have always to your partner and they will accept your to understand what makes them upset and desired monetary gains and you are willing to proposal. You will not have any issues in your what makes them happy.Hence you will realize do what it takes to get there starting this week. married life due to your compatibility with that things will only get better as the days go You're very likely to start a new business in your spouse hence things will be totally by in this week itself. Your relationships in which you will have immense beginners' luck alright. It's a good week to transfer your funds general will improve a lot be it with your and you will make progress like wildfire this in saving accounts. On health fronts, you will partner, family or friends. Hence this week is week. This week will be overwhelming in a face some minor issues in dealing with mental all about socializing for you. good way. Make sure to take some time off to peace and you may also feel slightly dull at the If you are looking for love, this is the week for take care of your health and hydrate as well. end of the week. Apart from everything, this you to socialize and start meeting new people week will go as good as you expected. as luck is on your side throughout the week. Pisces You're very likely to find a very strong new This week will go by easily if you are diligent Scorpio love interest this week. Relaxing by meditating and stay cautious about not getting involved in You will gain a lot of profit in your business and doing what you love will be very important any controversies arguments or fights. Avoid this week which will set a great example for for you during this entire week. intense discussions and lethargy in important the entire week. You won't need to do things work. When it comes to managing your funds, that you hate in terms of work anymore. You Capricorn it is mandatory that you do detailed financial will have the time, space and affordability to This week is going to be super exciting for you. paperwork this week so that you understand follow your passion. Financial abundance is in Positive news throughout the week itself will your shortcomings and plan your future your cards this week, which will keep you boost your confidence to a whole another level. accordingly. Your loved ones will need your satisfied and happy throughout the week. You This week is going to be full of excitement and extra time as your family might be emotionally need to be more thoughtful about making unique experiences for you. You will go deprived of you. You need to take the lead in investments now as managing the funds that through a positive shift when it comes to your your family this week and take the lead you receive this week and in the future as it mental and physical health. This positive shift everywhere, be it taking on the financial will make a significant difference in your life. will help you to participate and indulge more burden or solving fights. Later in this week This is the perfect week for you to make in social events. You will have an overall very powerful dreams and even more powerful investments as your luck will favor you into positive week. Your competitors will think intuitions may bring new romantic making the correct and logical decisions. Seek twice before facing you! People will not dare to possibilities. New friends or colleagues may advices from the elders that you trust as well as pick fights with you this week. You need to use show an intense interest in you, reciprocate your partner. Do not delay in taking the this opportunity starting early this week itself accordingly and make sure you have genuine decisions as your luck is in your favor this to build better relationships. feelings before rushing and taking the next week. Make sure to take important decisions step when it comes to your love life.

Birthday Horoscope February 15 to February 21, 2021

today itself. Today is a period of rapidly today. Taking the next An immensely strong feeling of Feb 15: love and peace. Everything will be step will be a good idea today as self-confidence will arise. You're A lot of socialization, monetary perfect. You and your loved ones Venus stands in the support of doing quite well today as your gains and surprises are on your are on the same page today. Your your sign. Your relationship mental health is great, your way today. You will feel extremely love life is doing just as well as disputes that have been stuck for physical health will be great as blessed and lucky today in every your professional life. a long time will be resolved. well. Use this power to take on aspect. Make it a point to give Hence all in all a very fruitful day new projects today. back to everyone who has shown Feb 17: for you today. you love and appreciation today. Your energies will be high Feb 21: Throw a party or give small today, which is rare for your sign. Feb 19: You will be more independent return gifts to your loved ones. It is a good day for you to relax, Quite a positive and magical today. You will be able to clear out reflect and enjoy. If you're single, day for you today.Finances will things that you were stuck at Feb 16: you'll come across many new love work in your favor today and so since a long time. it will be easy Today is all about growth and interests. New opportunities will will luck. New business to focus on work or the new learning lessons for you. As you arise today. Be cautious about opportunities will arise and will prospect today as the energies learn from the obstacles and them. Only take risks if they are prove beneficial for you in the align in your favor a lot today. challenges that you come across well calculated and strategized. future. Your finances will drastically today, you will make very smart improve today. You will receive choices today and will easily start Feb 18: Feb 20: payments that have been due for climbing the ladders of success Your love life is progressing You will have a great day today. quite a while. THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 32 HELP WANTED Live-in Lady to cook and clean in west Windsor, NJ Call 732-668-3726 THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 33

asant Panchmi, also known as Vasant Panchmi, is a Hindu Bfestival that marks the arrival of spring. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Magh according to Hindu Basant Panchmi calendar. In 2021, it is falling on 16th February. The festival is also referred to It is believed that on this day, Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of art, crafts and knowledge, as Saraswati Puja in many parts of the was born. This year, the festival will be celebrated on February 16, Tuesday country and involves worshipping Goddess Saraswati. People dress in person is respected everywhere. yellow, as the colour is considered Saintly and learned people who are auspicious and also represents the inclined towards spirituality know the mustard fields of Punjab and Haryana. importance of worshipping goddess As Saraswati is worshipped as the Saraswati. Other activities performed on goddess of knowledge, wisdom, art and this day include worshipping of culture, children are encouraged to write Kamadeva, the God of Love. On this their first words in front of her idol, to occasion, people offers prayers to the seek her blessings. Sun God and the deities associated with Basant Panchami is denoted as Ganges. The festivities of Basant Saraswati Puja by the Hindus in India. It Panchami include kite flying and a kite is believed that on this day, Goddess festival is observed in Ferozepur, Punjab. Saraswati, the goddess of art, crafts and Basant Panchami marks the arrival of knowledge was born. She conferred upon spring and can be noted from the colored humanity the greatest wealth that a blooms in trees and crops. This is the human being can ever ask for, the gift of period when mango flowers start Knowledge. The Hindu mythology blossoming on trees, representing the popularizes Goddess Saraswati as the beginning of a new life. Basant immaculate power who bestows upon the Panchami spiritually signifies that the worthy with the wealth of knowledge. days of ignorance and gloom are over The color white is associated with the and the period of joy and spiritual goddess of knowledge as it is the symbol awakening has begun. of peace and serenity. Images of goddess Saraswati with Kite Festival white adornments, sitting on a white The festival of Basant Panchami is lotus flower which blooms in a wide celebrated to welcome the season of stretch of water are quite commonly spring, a season when the earth seen on this day. Goddess Saraswati or replenishes itself. Spring also denotes Maa Saraswati, as called by the people of pleasant weather, during which calm West Bengal, is worshipped on this wind whistles in your ear and caresses auspicious day by the worshippers who your face with its light cool touch. It is are themselves clad in the color yellow, the season when the weather is neither the color of spring. Prasad is offered to hot nor cold, when the wind has a cooling the goddess and later the same is effect but not the kind to chill your distributed among the worshippers. The bones. This kind of weather reminds you popular festival is related to the goddess of a number of things including Basant of knowledge; hence, children are Panchami, the primary festival of this initiated towards learning and gaining season. It is one of the most colorful and knowledge. wonderful festivals of this effervescent This is significant because it is the nation and is celebrated on the fifth day birth day of goddess Saraswati. As the of the Indian month of Magh. The river Saraswati is associated with the festival brings in a number of colors in goddess, rituals are performed on the the form of colorful attires.Being the banks of this holy river. Offerings are color of spring, yellow gets into vogue as made but no sacrifices are conducted. it also denotes prosperity, happiness, Vegetarian food is cooked and had on intellect and energy. Flying kites is a this day and people abstain from non- sport much popular in India. In a clear vegetarian food. Goddess Saraswati is and pleasant weather, you will see plenty supposed to be the goddess of art, of kites in the sky.Being a part of Basant literature and speech too; hence, hymns Panchami, kite flying competitions take are written and sung in praise of the place during this festival. Fighter kites goddess on Basant Panchami. Whenever were designed in India and Pakistan for a new teaching institution is started, compassion. Her four hands denote four feet. No one is allowed to touch the books decades. goddess Saraswati is worshipped. facets of human personality namely during this period as they believe that Ferozepur, a small town in Punjab, is A school is considered to be the temple mind, intellect, alertness and ego. The goddess Saraswati is blessing the books. famous for this sport and a number of of learning and hence, a temple of the lotus on her hand symbolizes true Devotees believe that worshipping of children including both girls and boys goddess itself. Schools and colleges knowledge. Her ride is a white swan goddess Saraswati will lead to spiritual purchase kites and fly them. Popular organize special functions and cultural which is known for its peculiar enlightenment. It is generally said that among adults too, they get on to their activities on this particular day and capability of separating water from the there is no comparison between a king building’s terrace along with the devote these to goddess Saraswati. milk. The swan indicates that we should and a learned person as the king is children, play songs at high volume and Students offer a lot of flowers to the have the ability to discriminate the bad honored only in his land but a learned dance with the rhythm while flying kites. image of Saraswati. They keep all their from the good. study materials like books, articles, Devotees visit temples which are filled PAGE SPONSORED BY instruments of music and arts, earthen with various types of religious activities. inkpots and bamboo quills in front of the Yellow color is given prominence on this ARISH K. SAHANI deity. No one reads anything on this day; day and people dress up in yellow it is a way to show their reverence to the garments and perform rituals. Yellow Serving Since 1972 deity of knowledge. Most Hindu represents spiritual knowledge, Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs communities celebrate this festival with increasing the significance of the great pomp and show as this is the time festival. People eat yellow sweets and Arish K Sahani (Father) of the year when goddess Saraswati is distribute the same among friends and remembered by its followers. relatives. People feed Brahmans on this Shiv Sahani (Son) occasion and also perform Pitra- Tarpan, Significance the traditional ancestral worship. Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) This day falls on the fifth day of the Basant Panchami is the day when Hindu month of Magh, which is also the children are taught their first words, 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 first day of spring. Goddess Saraswati making it an auspicious occasion which [email protected] denotes serenity and calmness. She is marks the beginning of their learning generally shown seated on a white lotus, process. On this day,schools and colleges “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” wearing a pure white silk sari and organize special worships for goddess holding a book in her lower left hand. Saraswati. Traditionally children place “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” The eyes of the goddess are full of their books on the altar, at the goddess’s “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA V-DAY SPECIAL FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 34

Valentine’s Day: Time of the year to celebrate love

alentine's Day (or Saint Valentine's Day) is observed on February 14 each year. Today VValentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, mostly in the West, although it remains a working day in all of them. The original "St. Valentine" was just a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saint named Valentinus. All the modern romantic connotations were added several centuries later by poets. The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart- shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. Origin Valentine's Day is an old tradition thought to have originated from a Roman Festival known as Lupercalia, according to History.com. It was held on February 15 as a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. During the celebrations boys would draw names of girls from a box and the pair would be partners during the festival. These matches often led to marriage. The festival survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed at the end of the 5th century when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St Valentine's Day. Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales writer, may have There are actually a dozen Valentines listed and Day took off in England. Lovers began to send actually been behind Valentine's Day. The medieval there's even a Pope Valentine. The actual day we trinkets, cards and flowers to their loved ones. English poet took quite a few liberties with history. celebrate is known as St Valentine of Rome to set him A huge amount of printed cards would get sold. In He'd drop his poetic characters into real-life apart. Valentine did help marry couples in secret, 1913 Hallmark Cards in Kansas City began mass historical events leaving readers wondering if that's which is arguably very romantic. producing specific Valentine's Day cards. what really happened. He is the patron saint of beekeepers and epilepsy Now about a billion cards are sold every year and it's There is no actual record of Valentine's Day before among other things, like the plague, fainting and the second biggest card sending time of the whole year. Chaucer's poem in 1375. travelling. That doesn't stop people calling on his help It's in Parliament of Foules that he links the for those romantically involved. He's now also patron V-Day in India tradition of courtly love to the St Valentine's feast day of engaged couples and happy marriages. The celebration of Valentine's Day in India began to - the tradition didn't exist until after his poem. become popular following the economic liberalization. The poem refers to February 14 as the day of birds Valentine cards There have been protests against the celebrations by coming together to find a mate. "For this was sent on There is a story that Valentine sent to prison letter to groups who consider it a western influence. Almost Seynt Valentyne's day / Whan every foul cometh ther a young girl he had fallen in love with and signed it every year, law and order problems occur on 14 to choose his mate," he wrote and maybe invented "From your Valentine". The idea of Valentine's card February in many cities in India due to protests. Valentine's Day as we now know it. originated from it. Hindu right-wing parties and Muslim organizations have condemned Valentine's Day as an unwelcome St Valentine Why February 14 influence of western culture on India. Some also The St Valentine that inspired the holiday may have Some believe that Valentine's Day's is celebrated consider this a scam by corporations for their been more than one man. The saint officially mid-February to mark the anniversary of St economic gain. Shiv Sena has called it an attack of the recognized by the Roman Catholic Church was a real Valentine's death. Others maintain that the Christian west on Indian culture that it is attracting youth for person who died around AD 270. An account from church decided to place St Valentine's feast day at this commercial gain. It has also called the festival 1400s describes Valentine as a priest who was time of the year in an effort to 'Christianize' the pagan shameless and contrary to Indian culture. beheaded by Emperor Claudius II for helping festival of Lupercalia. Roses have been the symbol of Another right-wing organization has said that if Christian couples wed. love since the early 1700s when Charles II of Sweden its activists catch couples in public on Valentine's The emperor had banned marriage as he thought brought the Persian poetical art known as the Day, they would be forcibly married. If the couples single men made better soldiers. Valentine felt this "language of flowers" to Europe. Throughout the 18th resist, then the girl with will be forced to tied rakhi was unfair, so he celebrated marriages in secret. century, ladies loved their floral dictionaries, which to the boy, a ritual which would make them When the emperor found out he was thrown in jail listed the symbolic meanings of different flowers, siblings. and sentenced to death.There are similarities between according to YourTango.com. Other political parties and religious groups who the priest's and bishop's stories, which leads people to The red rose was believed to be the flower favored by have been known to protest Valentine's Day are, believe they are the same man.There's so much Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, and has therefore Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Akhil confusion around St Valentine that the Church come to represent that. Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Sri Ram Sena, stopped veneration of him in 1969 - though he is still Students Islamic Organisation of India, Hindu listed as an official saint."Valentinus" is from the Latin Cupid, the god of desire Munnani, Hindu Makkal Katchi, etc. Activists have word for worthy,strong or powerful, and was a popular Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, affection and been known to raid card shops and burn Valentine's name between the second and eighth centuries AD attraction. He is the son of Venus, goddess of love, and Day cards and flowers. Members of Vishwa Hindu meaning there are several martyrs with the same war god Mars. Cupid in Latin is 'amor', which means Parishad and Bajrang Dal have also been known to name. love. It wasn't until the 18th century that Valentine's throw rotten tomatoes at couples. THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 35

arnataka with its glorious history, rich culture, and enriching Ktradition is located in the South- Western region of India. The sophisticated Exploring Karnataka state is famous for its cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes and traditional craftsmanship. To add to it, Karnataka is a same are the Badami caves temple. In thriving hub of adventure and water these caves one can see numeric carving, sports activities. One of the India's most elaborate figures and traces of paintings. visited states, Karnataka has something The state holds and preserves the for everyone, from serene landscapes to enduring religious and spiritual legacy of scrumptious food and fine art. India. Culturally diverse and historic Karnataka holds a prestigious position on Silicon Valley of India the map of India. Blessed with the "Electronic City of India", "Silicon presence of some of the great dynasties Valley of India", "Science City of India", like Hoysala, Rastrakutas, and Chalukyas, "IT Capital of India", Space City of India", there are multiple heritage sites in " Cradle of Indian Banking"- these are Karnataka, which are the major tourist some of the nicknames that are associated attractions. A holiday in Karnataka is with the towns of Karnataka. Bengaluru vacation amidst hundreds years' worth of in Karnataka is known as the India's history. It is a mesmerizing experience for blooming IT hub and is known as India's the visitors to view the majestic most progressive city. Many famous IT monuments that range from gigantic forts, companies have big and plush offices in artistic mausoleums, bustling cities to the Bengaluru with the highest manpower. temples. Karnataka's unmistakable spirituality State of the arts and religious flavor leave a long lasting Palaces, forts, and temples blend to form impression on every tourist. From the the Southern Indian state of Karnataka, a beautiful Jain temples to the revered home to history and nature. On a monasteries, the state is a road of Karnataka cultural tour, tourists will enlightenment for many spiritually reveal a lot more about the art, inclined tourists. Festival celebrations in architecture and craftsmanship of the Karnataka are an eccentric display of Hoysalas, Cholas, Chalukyas, etc. One can devotion, and passion. It is through the fair see the traces of Karnataka's rich history and festivals, tourists can witness the in its historical monuments like Mysore, rituals of the state. Aihole, Bijapur, Badami, Hampi, The pristine parks of the Karnataka Mangalore and Pattadakal. All these harbour distinctive wildlife, migratory places constitute beautiful masterpieces, birds, elephants and most importantly the which make travellers come back here pride of India-Tiger. All thanks to the again and again. Visit Badami's regions typography, geography and prehistoric caves; take a detour to Hampi, abundance of natural resources, the majestic Mysore Fort, and the revered Karnataka is rich in terms of flora. Also, Pattadakal. These regions define the Karnataka's hosts a major biodiversity quintessential Uttar Pradesh. All these hub of India- Western Ghats. Lush green heritages provide an opportunity to parks, clean beaches and architectural tourists to explore the state in all its glory. wonders have made Karnataka a top There are many museums in Karnataka attraction. region, towns and cities. Above all its For all those who are looking for a Karnataka's cultural and artistic heritage relaxing, historical gateway then visiting that is appreciated by the visitors from Karnataka should be on top of their list. around the world. The well-preserved Visit the eighth largest state of South India historical sites of Karnataka are a Karnataka to find a beautiful world that is reminder of the grandeur and opulence of away from the confines of mundane. Do past emperors of Karnataka. visit for an unforgettable experience. Picturesque yet sleepy hill station of Karnataka like Coorg and Chikmagalur Dreamy Coastline are India's official coffee county as one can Sandwiched between the west coast and see multiple coffee plantations. Majorly, the Western Ghats, Karnataka's coastline two types of coffee-Arabicas and Robustas is bestowed with beautiful and of premium quality have been growing in undiscovered beaches. Long stretch of Karnataka for more than hundreds of beautiful beaches extended along the years. Tourists can also sample some of Western coast from Gokarna to Karwar. the finest coffee at the tasting sessions The 320 km long coastline lies untouched across the different plantations in the is sprinkled with sleepy hamlets while the region. Try the iconic and aromatic seaside beaches remain undiscovered by Mysore Coffee, which is touted to have the the masses. Gokarna Beach, Kaup Beach, best coffee in the state. Visit the coffee Karwar Beach, Kudle Beach, Malpe Beach, plantation for a complete experience, Maravanthe Beach, and Maravanthe where one can see pound some beans and Beach are the famous beaches in also try a variety of blends. Karnataka. On a beach tour to Karnataka, tourists can indulge in multiple adventure Waterfalls running wild activities like scuba diving, aquatic Karnataka is a reflection of beauty; the parasailing, kayaking, etc. state is endowed with many nature wonders, which include mesmerizing Adventure for the waterfalls. Waterfalls in Karnataka are a wondering souls thing of enchanting beauty, and draw by either hopping in the microlight vehicle Karnataka has its deep roots in adventurers from around the country. For an enthralling adrenaline kicking or by jumping from the plan while doing spirituality and divinity. One of the most Tourists usually turn up for waterfall trips experience, visit Karnataka. Whether its skydiving. Apart from all these activities, important pilgrimage centers in India, to get-up closing to the raging, roaring spring, summer, winter or monsoon, tourists can indulge in angling, boat rides, Karnataka has a large number of Jain waters and feel the spray.Karnataka has in sports activities offered in Karnataka hiking, bungee jumping, camping, and temples, Hindu shrines, Buddhist its vicinity some of the finest and the most keeps adrenaline rushing. Karnataka is kayaking. Take an adventure tour of pilgrimages, Mosques, and Churches. picturesque waterfalls abound. Jog Falls, endowed with stunning beaches and Karnataka to savor the most delightful Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Hampi, Madikeri, Irupu Falls, Hebbe Falls, Hanuman Gundi mountain mosaics that make it look like a offering of the state, captivating sports Dharmasthala, Talakadu, Mudukuthore, Falls, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Hogenakkal playground that hosts multiple adventure against the backdrop of scenic ambiance Basava Kalyana, Gadag, and Badami are Falls, Shivanasamudra Falls, Abbey Falls activities. From camping at the remotest are winning hearts of many tourists. some of the towns that have an association and Chunchi Falls are some of the places to cycling up on the hills, there is no with the rich mythological background of incredible sights of voluminous water that limitation of options in Karnataka. You Spiritual tourism India. In Karnataka, one can also see the are gushing down from an enormous can also see the bird's eye view of the state The state of unity in diversity, cave temples and the finest example of the height. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 36 THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 37

ICC TEST RANKINGS Kohli down to fifth as Root moves up to third after Chennai double century DUBAI (TIP): India skipper Virat Kohli was on Wednesday, February 10, pushed to the fifth spot by his English counterpart Joe Root, who rose two rungs to third in the latest ICC Test James rankings for batsmen, even as Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin moved up in the Anderson bowlers’ chart. Kohli, who had scores of 11 and 72 in the opening Test against England, has unlikely for 2nd 852 points and down one spot in the latest chart issued on Wednesday. Test in Chennai Veteran spinner Ashwin and pacer Bumrah have jumped a rung each to be ames Anderson is likely to be seventh and eighth respectively. rested from the second Test Root, who helped his team to a Jagainst India starting on memorable 227-run victory in Chennai Saturday in Chennai despite a match- that kept England in contention for the winning spell of bowling on Day 5 of ICC World Test Championship final, has the first Test match at the same venue. reached 883 rating points. The 38-year-old legendary fast It is his highest position since bowler in all probability be replaced September2017 after a fabulous run in by another modern-day great Stuart the sub-continent saw him accumulate Broad as England are likely to stick to 684 runs in three Tests, two of which their rotation policy irrespective of were in Sri Lanka. update, his knocks of 87 and 16 helping rating points back in 1903 after scoring the match result. Ahead of Kohli for the first time since him rise 11 places to 35th, while their 287 on debut for England against "It is hard (to leave Anderson out), November 2017, Root is now 36 points players also made the way up in the Australia in Sydney. he is a class act, you’ll have to wait and behind top-ranked Kane Williamson and bowling rankings presently led by Others to gain for the West Indies see... But I'm not reluctant to change trails Steve Smith by only eight points. Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins. include captain Kraigg Brathwaite (up the winning team," England head With Marnus Labuschagne also in the Formerly top-ranked James Anderson eight places to 53rd) among batsmen and coach Chris Silverwood said ahead of mix, competition for the top five slots is is up to third from sixth and only four the spin pair of Jomel Warrican (up 14 the second Test in Chennai from intense with all of them above 850 rating points behind compatriot Stuart Broad, a places to 62nd) and Rahkeem Cornwall Saturday. points. fellow-member of the 500-wicket club. (up six places to 65th). Stuart Board had played the first For India, Rishabh Pant’s knock of 91 Anderson is at his highest ranking For Bangladesh, captain Mominul Test against Sri Lanka while in the first innings has helped him since the start of the ICC World Test Haque’s 10th Test century has lifted him Anderson replaced him in the second become the first full-time wicketkeeper Championship while spinners Jack eight places to 33rd. All-rounder Shakib in Galle as they blanked the Islanders from his country to reach 700 rating Leach and Dominic Bess are both at Al Hasan has gained four slots to reach 2-0 before coming to India. points as he retained the 13th position career-best rating points, moving up to 30th position among batsmen while off- "Broady didn’t play in the last game among batsmen. 37th and 41st positions, respectively. spinner Mehidy Hasan has progressed and we’ve many bowlers here who we Opener Shubman Gill progressed West Indies batsman Kyle Mayers, from 28th to 24th position. could play at any given point," said seven places to 40th position while all- whose scores of 40 and 210 not out helped Pakistan completing a 2-0 sweep over Silverwood. rounder Washington Sundar is 81st after script an epic win in the first Test South Africa is followed with good news Anderson may have looked fitter moving up two slots. Left-arm spinner against Bangladesh in Chittagong, has from the rankings perspective as well, and better than ever but with the heat Shahbaz Nadeem too has gained two entered the rankings in 70th position especially with regard to fast bowling. and humid conditions on offer here places to reach 85th position among with 448 rating points. Player of the series Mohammad and keeping with the crammed bowlers. It is the best by a West Indian batsman Rizwan has attained a career-best 16th schedule of the four-match Test series, Opener Dom Sibley is another England on debut and the second-best ever on place after scores of 26 and 115 helped Silverwood said it's the best option. batsman to gain in the latest rankings debut after RE Foster, who was on 449 him make a leap of 19 places in the list. "It's the best thing to do for the players and it's the best thing to do for the team and the longevity of it. MELBOURNE (TIP): "I mean you run the risk of opposite Australian Open champion result being different. But you could Sofia Kenin was unable to Australian Open: Sofia Kenin falls play the same team, and the result bear the pressure of could still be different... defending her maiden Grand Anderson blew away the Indian Slam title as the American to Kaia, Nadal rolls on batting with his lethal display of bowed out in the second Caruso 4-6 6-2 2-6 6-3 7-6(12) reverse swing on the final day to hand round in tears on Thursday which ended in a shouting England a massive 227-run win in the following a 6-3 6-2 loss to match before the court opening Test. Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi. supervisor was forced to "He is in the best shape of his life. Kenin, who was also intervene but neither player And it hasn't gone unnoticed, he's runner-up at the French Open was willing to discuss what worked extremely hard in his fitness. last year, crumbled in 64 was said after the match. And he's in great shape and he's minutes and the 22-year-old A day after local favourite bowling beautifully," the English admitted the burden of Nick Kyrgios won in five sets, coach said in a virtual news expectation took its toll. the crowd at the John Cain conference on Wednesday. Fourth-seeded Russian Arena got their money’s Asked if Anderson can push it to 40, Daniil Medvedev celebrated worth again as Greek he said: "That's Jimmy's choice... As his 25th birthday in style with Stefanos Tsitsipas beat 267th- long as he's fit, strong and healthy,and a 6-2 7-5 6-1 win over Roberto ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis 6- wants to play then he will feel the time Carballes Baena while Rafa 7(5) 6-4 6-1 6-7(5) 6-4 in a battle for it, doesn't it?" Anderson produced Nadal overcame the challenge Ash Barty survived a near- set up a third round match lasting over 4-1/2 hours. one of the best spells of pace bowling, of Michael Mmoh as well as collapse in the second set with Russian 29th seed Ukraine’s fifth seed Elina claiming two key wickets of Shubman an unruly spectator in a 6-1 6- from 5-2 to come away with a Ekaterina Alexandrova. Svitolina produced a clinical Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in four balls 4 6-2 victory. 6-1 7-6(7) victory over fellow An all-Italian affair saw display to beat American to trigger India's collapse. Heavily bandaged top seed Australian Daria Gavrilova to Fabio Fognini beat Salvatore teenager Coco Gauff 6-4 6-3. THE INDIAN PANORAMA MISCELLANY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 38

CONTD FROM PAGE 12 1099 should contact the employer, payer or issuing filing an amended return, see Topic No. 308 and Should agency directly to request the missing documents I File an Amended Return? IRS tax help is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov, before filing their 2020 federal tax return. This also Taxpayers should allow enough time for tax records where people can find answers to tax questions and applies for those who received an incorrect W-2 or Form to arrive in the mail before filing their 2020 tax return. resolve tax issues online from the safety of their home. 1099. In a normal year, most taxpayers should have received The Let Us Help You page helps answer most tax Those who don't get a response, are unable to reach income documents near the end of January, including: questions, and the IRS Services Guide PDF links to the employer/payer/issuing agency or cannot Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement other important IRS services. otherwise get copies or corrected copies of their Forms Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income W-2 or 1099 must still file their tax return on time by the April 15 deadline (or October 15 if requesting an Form 1099-INT, Interest Income Double-check for automatic extension). They may need to use Form 4852, Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, or Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments; like missing or incorrect Form 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, unemployment compensation or state tax refund Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Incorrect Form 1099-G for unemployment benefits Contracts, etc. to avoid filing an incomplete or amended Forms W-2, 1099 return. Millions of Americans received unemployment If the taxpayer doesn't receive the missing or compensation in 2020, many of them for the first time. corrected form in time to file their tax return by the This compensation is taxable and must be included as before filing taxes April deadline, they may estimate the wages or gross income on their tax return. WASHINGTON (TIP): With some areas seeing mail payments made to them, as well as any taxes withheld. Taxpayers who receive an incorrect Form 1099-G delays, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers Use Form 4852 to report this information on their for unemployment benefits they did not receive to double-check to make sure they have all of their tax federal tax return. should contact the issuing state agency to request a documents, including Forms W-2 and 1099, before filing If the taxpayer receives the missing or corrected revised Form 1099-G showing they did not receive a tax return. Form W-2 or Form 1099-R after filing their return and these benefits. Taxpayers who are unable to obtain a The IRS reminds taxpayers that many of these forms the information differs from their previous estimate, timely, corrected form from states should still file an may be available online. When other options aren't they must file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual accurate tax return, reporting only the income they available, taxpayers who haven't received a W-2 or Form Income Tax Return. For additional information on received.

contd from page 1 At least 6 dead in 133 car pile-upin Dallas-Fort Indian American Texas based Worth area due to winter storms the Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin areas during dicey weather engineer pleads guilty to $10 conditions Thursday, Feb 11, that included freezing rain and accumulating ice. million Covid-relief fraud 65 people sought treatment after Fort Worth pileup At least 65 people have sought medical treatment at local hospitals BEAUMONT, TX (TIP): A Texas based following Thursday's pileup in Fort Worth, Fire Chief Jim Davis said in a Indian American engineer has pleaded Thursday afternoon news conference. guilty for filing fraudulent bank loan Numerous patients were treated and released on the scene, said Matt applications seeking more than $10 million Zavadsky, spokesman for the MedStar ambulance service. While there dollars in forgivable loans under Covid- were 65 patients who sought medical care, "that number is likely to relief law. continue to increase," Zavadsky added. Shashank Rai, 30, of Beaumont, pleaded All victims on scene were adults, Zavadsky said. guilty in the Eastern District of Texas Davis said 36 people were transported from the scene of the accident. Tuesday, February 9, to one count of Also injured were four officers, three of whom were involved in the making false statements to a bank, crash as they were heading to work. One was injured while working the according to a Justice Department release. scene, according to Noakes, the police chief. He was charged on May 13, 2020, with Three victims taken to hospital in critical condition, Zavadsky said. violations of wire fraud, bank fraud, false Shelter buses arrived for victims who were not transported from the statements to a financial institution, and Office of Public Accounts reported to scene. false statements to the Small Business investigators that Rai Family LLC reported The pileup was over a 1.5-mile area, requiring multiple sectors to be set Administration (SBA). no revenues for the fourth quarter of 2019 up including extrication, triage, treatment and transport, Davis said. As part of his guilty plea, Rai admitted or the first quarter of 2020. Many people were trapped in their vehicles, requiring hydraulic that he sought millions of dollars in According to court documents, materials equipment to free them, according to Davis. forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA recovered from the trash outside of Rai's More than 80 police units responded, including the special events unit, from two different banks by claiming to residence included handwritten notes that which is meant to respond to large-scale incidents, he said. Zavadsky said have 250 employees earning wages when, in appear to reflect an investment strategy for 13 ambulances were at the scene along with critical care paramedics and fact, no employees worked for his purported the $3 million, which is the amount of supervisor units. (Source: CNN) business. money that Rai allegedly sought from the Rai made two fraudulent claims to two second lender. Farmers protest spreads as government dithers on different lenders for loans guaranteed by The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and their demand to repeal farm laws the SBA for Covid-19 relief through the Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). March 29, 2020 provided for emergency The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the joint front of the unions, said In the application submitted to the first financial assistance including up to $349 Mr. Modi's statement that many laws were made without being demanded lender, Rai sought $10 million in PPP loan billion in forgivable loans to small by people proved that the farm laws were not demanded by the farmers. proceeds by fraudulently claiming to have businesses for job retention and certain Opposite to it, the government was not serious on their fair and genuine 250 employees with an average monthly other expenses, through the PPP. demand of "Karja Mukti; Pura Daam" (freedom from debt and full price). payroll of $4 million. The PPP allows qualifying small Earlier, a rally was organized at Jagraon in Punjab. Farmers also held In the second application, Rai sought businesses and other organizations to a "panchayat" on the Shambhu border. approximately $3 million in PPP loan receive loans with a maturity of two years Addressing the participants, the farmers' leaders spoke about the proceeds by fraudulently claiming to have and an interest rate of one percent. PPP upcoming programs of the SKM. The farmers opposed the proposal of the 250 employees with an average monthly loan proceeds must be used by businesses Haryana government to install closed-circuit television cameras at the payroll of approximately $1.2 million. for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, Tikri sit-in site. According to court documents, the Texas rent and utilities. The SKM announced that "Kisan Mahapanchayats" would be organised Workforce Commission provided The PPP allows the interest and principal all over the country. The SKM would not take back the protest until the information to investigators of having no to be forgiven if businesses spend the repeal of three farm laws and legal recognition to MSP, said a statement. records of employee wages having been proceeds on these expenses within a set Besides "mahapanchayats" in Moradabad and Bahadurgarh on Friday, paid in 2020 by Rai or his purported time period and use at least a certain similar gatherings will be held in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar, business, Rai Family LLC. percentage of the loan towards payroll Hanumangarh and Sikar next week. (with inputs from agencies) In addition, the Texas Comptroller's expenses. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 39 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2021 YEARS 40