We Wish Our Readers A Happy Good Friday & A Happy Easter

YEARS

# 1 Indian American Weekly : Since 2006

VOL 15 ISSUE 14 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● APR 02 - APR 08, 2021 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 ● [email protected] www.theindianpanorama.news

VAISAKHI SPECIAL EDITION President Biden Unveils What He Calls A ‘Once-In-A-Generation’ will bring out a special edition to mark VAISAKHI on April 9. Advertisements may please be booked by April 6, and articles for publication may please be Infrastructure Proposal submitted by April 5 to [email protected] The measure, called the American Jobs Plan, includes big infrastructure fixes John Kerry to visit New PITTSBURGH (TIP): President Biden on Wednesday, March 31, unveiled a sprawling, ambitious infrastructure Delhi, U.A.E and Dhaka proposal that, if enacted, would overhaul how Americans get Will hold consultations on from Point A to Point B, how their electricity is generated, the increasing climate ambition ahead speed of their Internet connections, the quality of their water and the physical makeup of their children's schools. of President Biden's Leaders The measure, called the American Jobs Plan, includes big Summit on Climate April 22-23 infrastructure fixes that both major parties - as well as a U.S. Climate majority of Americans - consistently say they want to see, Envoy John including upgrades to bridges, broadband and buildings. Kerry CONTD ON PAGE 2 File photo << President Joe Biden on March 31, unveiled the ambitious 2 trillion proposal to rebuild America - File photo / CNN

WASHINGTON (TIP): The U.S.'s Special Presidential Envoy for Indian IT professionals likely PNB fraud: Warrant against Trump enters FB via Climate, John Kerry,will travel to New to benefit as Biden lets Trump Nirav Modi's sister, brother- daughter-in-law's Page, Delhi, Dhaka and Abu Dhabi during April 1-9, the State Department era H-1B visa ban expire in-law kept in abeyance kicked off again announced on Wednesday, April 31. WASHINGTON Purvi was arraigned as an accused SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Facebook The purpose of the travel is for (TIP): US President has kicked off former US President "consultations on increasing climate Joe Biden on in the case, where multiple Donald Trump for the second time from ambition ahead of President Biden's Thursday, April 1, chargesheets have been filed by the its platform as he tried to evade the ban Leaders Summit on Climate April 22- let the ban on ED and the Central Bureau of by posting an interview via a Facebook 23 and the 26th Conference of the foreign workers visa, H-1B, lapse as the Investigation (CBI) Page in the name of his daughter-in-law Parties (COP26) to the United Nations notification issued by his predecessor Lara Trump. Framework Convention on Climate Donald Trump expired, a move which is Fugitive Lara is married to Eric Frederick Change later this year," a State likely to benefit thousands of Indian IT diamond Trump, the third child and second son of merchant Department statement said. professionals. Amidst a national Nirav Modi- Donald Trump. Countries party to the 2015 Paris lockdown and the COVID-19 crisis, File Photo Facebook said in a statement to The Agreement on climate are expected to Trump in June last year issued a Verge on Wednesday, March 31, that the announce new Nationally Determined proclamation that suspended entry to company has removed content from CONTD ON PAGE 2 CONTD ON PAGE 27 Lara Trump's Facebook Page that NEW DELHI (TIP): A special PMLA featured former President Donald court on Thursday, April 1, kept in Trump speaking. abeyance the warrant issued against the "In line with the block we placed on sister and brother-in-law of fugitive Donald Trump's Facebook and diamond merchant Nirav Modi till Instagram accounts, further content further orders. posted in the voice of Donald Trump Modi's sister Purvi and her husband will be removed and result in additional Maiank Mehta had "turned approvers" limitations on the accounts," the in the USD 2 billion PNB fraud case, in company added. Lara later posted which Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi screenshots of emails that appear to be are the prime accused. The couple had from Facebook, saying that a video of approached the court in February for the interview was removed because it cancellation of non-bailable warrants featured "the voice of Donald Trump," CONTD ON PAGE 27 CONTD ON PAGE 27 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 02

CONTD FROM PAGE 1 starting to make. President Biden Unveils What He Calls A... "Don't get hung up on this concept that we need to find a way to PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: pay for it dollar for dollar because infrastructure is one of those The $2 trillion proposal includes: issues that pays for itself," said Zac Petkanas, a senior adviser to Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja ● $115 billion to repair and rebuild bridges, highways and roads. Invest in America, a progressive group formed in January that VICE PRESIDENT: ● $100 billion to expand high-speed broadband across the entire advocates for an expansive infrastructure package. Chitagam Saluja country. The Biden plan points to lots of potential job creation that would CHIEF EDITOR: ● $100 billion to upgrade and build new schools. generate tax payments and efficiencies, such as saving money in Prof Indrajit S. Saluja ● $100 billion to expand and improve power lines and spur a shift the power grid. But Republicans are certain to raise questions CONSULTING EDITOR : to clean energy. about those promises. Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, Embedded within the plan are efforts to build out U.S. clean Seeking bipartisanship Bhaskar Group, Delhi energy infrastructure that, by itself, would rank as one of the most ASSISTANT EDITOR: ambitious initiatives ever by the federal government to lower the President Biden campaigned on restoring bipartisanship and Bidisha Roy country's greenhouse gas emissions, along with efforts to address unity but has increasingly made it clear that he views that SPL. REPORTER UNO: racial inequalities and advance the U.S. economy to compete with benchmark via the broader popularity of his proposals, not H.S. Panaser China. whether any Republican lawmakers actually vote for them. GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: That's if the measure is signed into law. As with the American Rescue Plan, the main immediate Om Parkash Malik Democrats have a slim House majority and control the Senate political question is whether any Republicans would support the DIRECTOR only because of Vice President Harris' tiebreaking vote. With proposal. Biden campaigned on restoring bipartisanship and ADMINISTRATION: Republicans already voicing concerns about the proposal's cost unity to Washington, D.C., but has increasingly made it clear that Gauri Beri and corporate tax hikes, Democrats may once again have to force he views that benchmark via the broader popularity of his major legislation through complicated Senate procedures that proposals, not whether any Republican lawmakers actually vote CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: could drastically narrow its scope. The party would also have to for them. stick together on a historically expensive effort that has some A bipartisan measure would eliminate the need to tailor details Baldev Singh / BJ Videos Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction moderates balking, while some high-profile progressives call for to fit the nebulous rules of what can and cannot be considered in Jay Mandal, even higher spending levels. bills passed via the Senate's reconciliation rules, which bypass the Mohammad Jaffer, What Biden announced in Pittsburgh on Wednesday is the first chamber's filibuster procedures. SnapsIndia part of a larger plan to overhaul the economy. Additional Historically, spending is an area where Democrats and Mohammad Shahzad, proposals for spending on education, childcare and other social Republicans in Congress collaborated, and there is a widespread Zia Khan, programs the administration calls "human infrastructure" are acknowledgment now of a huge backlog that needs to be Nisha Rani expected in the coming weeks. addressed. Vaaho Photographers, Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., says what can make Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. Addressing climate and racial inequities infrastructure an easier sell is that there's something tangible for CORRESPONDENTS : The initial package includes two environmental ideas Biden every lawmaker to tell their constituents about. SACRAMENTO: regularly talked about when running for president: creating a New "You get a bridge! And you get a bridge! And you get a bridge! Parminder S. Aujla Deal-inspired Climate Conservation Corps to work on And you get a road! And you get a hospital! It's the Oprah of NEW YORK : conservation projects and environmental justice efforts, as well as infrastructure," she said, adding that moderate Democrats may Chitagam catalyzing an irreversible shift from gasoline-powered to electric make a big show about demanding the spending be targeted, as FRESNO: vehicles. Republicans certainly will. "If people see that it is an advancement Tarlochan Singh Biden wants to spend billions on rebates and tax incentives to of infrastructure and not like a Christmas tree bill for every other DALLAS: encourage Americans to purchase electric vehicles, and he priority,I think that that will get a lot of traction." Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon proposes paying for the transition of thousands of transit and Indeed, many Republicans are already making it clear that they school buses from diesel to electric. At the same time, he wants see Biden's infrastructure proposals as far too broad and far too OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS incentives for state and local governments to build electric vehicle expensive. LONDON charging stations to power those new cars and buses. "A transportation bill, I think, needs to be a transportation bill. Nirpal Singh Shergill Altogether, Biden is proposing $174 billion in spending on Not a Green New Deal. It needs to be about roads and bridges," SPL CORRESPONDENT boosting the electric vehicle market - more than the plan would Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, the top Republican on the House DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: spend on highway and bridge repairs. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, warned Chandan Singh The proposal would also try to speed up private investments in Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during a recent hearing. CHANDIGARH: clean energy such as wind and solar by expanding investment and Many Democrats seem resigned to the fact that this will likely be Manjit Sidhu production tax credits and funding existing state and local another party-line process. John Podesta - who coordinated LUDHIANA: projects that already do the same. climate policy during the Obama administration, in addition to A.S. Arora, Biden has repeatedly said that addressing historic racial advising both Bill and Hillary Clinton - trailed off and laughed R.P.Sharma injustice is one of the top goals of his administration. Attempts to when trying to make the case for how Republicans would support JAIPUR : fix decades of racial inequity run through the various efforts in the climate aspects of the measure. Dr. Yashpaul Goyal the infrastructure proposal. The president's plan would replace all Jamal Raad, who co-founded the climate advocacy group of the country's lead pipes and service lines - dangerous Evergreen Action, argues that the Biden administration should DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP infrastructure flaws that predominantly affect communities of proceed through reconciliation right off the bat or persuade Lovllien Kaurr color such as Flint, Mich. It would spend $85 billion improving and Senate Democrats to vote to eliminate filibuster rules. 972-330-3139 expanding mass transportation, the main mode of transportation "I believe there is Republican support for certain investments in [email protected] for many people of color. infrastructure," he said. "Certain investments in their community The Indian Panorama Biden's plan even includes a $20 billion proposal to reconnect for jobs. Even in clean energy. But I do not think there will be P.O. Box No. 190067, South urban neighborhoods cut off, bulldozed and blighted by highways anywhere close to 10 Republican votes for the scale, the scope, of Richmond Hill, NY 11419, planned and built with little to no regard for the people who lived the challenge we need to meet." It's a path that, despite decades in Tel: 646-247-9458 along their routes. Washington as an aisle-crossing deal-cutter, Biden has now made Email: Biden's just-passed $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan relied clear he's willing - perhaps even eager - to take as he sets out to [email protected] entirely on deficit spending. This time, the administration is transform the country.(Agencies) proposing tax hikes - with several directed at corporations. DISCLAIMER The White House wants to raise corporate taxes to 28% - halfway John Kerry to visit New Delhi, U.A.E and... between the current top corporate rate of 21% set by former Contributions (NDCs) - emissions targets - before the COP26 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES President Donald Trump's 2017 tax law and the 35% rate before it meeting in Glasgow in November. The U.S. is expected to NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. was enacted. Biden's measure would also raise the global announce its new 2030 targets soon. WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS minimum tax for U.S. multinational corporations, attempting to "What we do in the realm of climate, of course, has implications PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER stop the shifting of profits to tax havens. for the broader globe because, of course, we are one of the world's ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND The infrastructure proposal does not mention raising largest emitters. But we also set an example, and we are seeking to DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE individual tax rates, including on wealthy Americans. raise that climate ambition by not only asking countries to make VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL While the bulk of the proposal's $2 trillion in spending would these commitments themselves, but also to lead by example. And I RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. come over the coming eight years, the administration says the suspect in the coming weeks you will hear more about the example REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN increased revenue would pay for all of the projects over a we intend to set …" State Department Spokesperson Ned Price WRITING FROM THE INDIAN timespan nearly twice as long: 15 years. said on Wednesday in response to a question on what the U.S. was PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. But there's another fiscal argument many Democrats are planning to do to curb its emissions. (Source: The Hindu) THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 03

Nassau County Holds Gov. Phil Murphy approves Inter-Faith Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Hate $25 million in aid for New Nassau County will continue to work alongside our state and Jersey’s smallest businesses federal partners to combat hatred TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Gov Phil during the pandemic," Murphy said in a with action that Murphy on April 1, signed a $25 million statement. "This bill, along with others will deter violence, bill for "microbusinesses". It is part of a I'll sign later this month, will help protect our package of bills passed by the thousands of businesses keep their residents, and Legislature to send $100 million to small doors open as we climb out of the educate the businesses, restaurants, bars, daycares, economic hardships wrought by COVID- public," said and arts and cultural organizations. 19." Nassau County Executive Laura Business revenue during the The state's Economic Development Curran. pandemic has plummeted and Authority would be charged with unemployment skyrocketed. A third of allocating and determining the size of small businesses in the Garden State individual grants. Funding will come MINEOLA, NY(TIP): Nassau Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday, April 1, signed have closed their doors. Among a bill providing $25 million to small from the state's federal stimulus aid. County Executive Laura Curran and hospitality businesses, the closures are businesses slammed by the pandemic - Other bills sent to Murphy would set the Nassau County Office of closer to 50%, according to the New File photo aside $35 million in federal funds for AsianAmerican Affairs on April 1 Jersey Business and Industry employees. bars and restaurants, $10 million for hosted an Interfaith Candlelight Association. "Main Street businesses have always daycares, $15 million for arts and culture Vigil Against All Acts of Hate and The bill (S2523) describes a been the backbone of our economy and organizations million and $15 million to Discrimination on the front steps of microbusiness as one with five or fewer unfortunately have been the hardest hit other businesses and nonprofits. the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative. The vigil will be held in honor of the victims of the Georgia massage parlor shootings, Mayor De Blasio, Trust For Governors Island which took the lives of eight people, six of whom were women of Asian Announce Governors Island To Reopen On May 1st descent. "Nassau County is standing Brooklyn ferries will serve two locations for the first time at Brooklyn Bridge together against the rising tide of Park's Pier 6 and Red Hook's Atlantic Basin on weekends Anti-Asian hatred in our state and City to offer free ferry rides for residents of NYCHA, seniors, children, IDNYC country. Although there have been no reported hate crime star getting holders, current and former military personnel and community organizations Asians in Nassau, the attacks we're service at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park give more New Yorkers than ever a chance seeing in our State and country are and Atlantic Basin in Red Hook, allowing to enjoy everything the island has to offer." unacceptable. Nassau County will easy access to the Island for a wider range "We are thrilled to be able to open continue to work alongside our state of Brooklyn residents than ever before. Governors Island for its full, six-month and federal partners to combat Mayor Bill de Blasio announced, April 1, that New Yorkers can visit the island to public season again this year, and with hatred with action that will deter Governors Island will return to its pre- pandemic season calendar, open to visitors enjoy open space and car-free natural more access from Brooklyn than ever violence, protect our residents, and every day from May 1st through October surroundings, unmatched views of New before," said Clare Newman, President educate the public,"said Nassau 31st. - File photo York Harbor and surrounding skylines, and CEO of the Trust for Governors County Executive Laura Curran. historic settings, dozens of free public art Island. "As the City reopens, Governors "We are here to stand vigil for the NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor de Blasio exhibitions, cultural programs and Island will provide an affordable victims of the shooting in Atlanta, and The Trust for Governors Island (The activities, and diverse selection of food destination for New Yorkers to enjoy open Georgia. We honor each life lost at Trust) announced, April 1, that the and beverage vendors. space, arts and culture, and everything the hands of ferocious, violent hate, seasonal reopening of Governors Island "Governors Island is one of New York that makes it such a remarkable place. and we are committed to raising on May 1st, 2021. Governors Island will City's crown jewels. It's the kind of One of the Trust's main goals is to awareness of the anti-Asian return to its pre-pandemic season beautiful, open public space that we will provide equitable access to the Island, discrimination that has swept the calendar, open to visitors every day from rely on to drive our recovery this spring and we're proud to continue to deliver on country. Nassau County has no place May 1st through October 31st. In addition and summer," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. that mission this year. We can't wait to see for hatred, violence, and to daily Manhattan ferry service, for the "I'm grateful to the Trust for making the everyone on the ferry." inhumanity," said Farrah first time Governors Island ferries will Island more accessible than ever this year, Read full story at Mozawalla, Executive Director of serve two Brooklyn locations for weekend and the return of their full season will www.theindianpanorama.news the Office of Asian American Affairs. Big crackdown on texting while Event speakers included: o Pastor Steven Na from the driving starts in NJ Edge City Church in New Hyde Park Police departments across New Jersey Distracted driving contributed to more o Dr. lsma Chaudhry from the began their annual crackdown on texting than a quarter of the fatal crashes that messaging," state Attorney General Islamic Center of Long Island while driving on Thursday as part of April's occurred in New Jersey from 2015 Gurbir Grewal said. "We're reminding o Bishop Lionel Harvey from National Distracted Driving Awareness. through 2019, killing 730 drivers, people what's at stake every time they get the First Baptist Cathedral of passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, behind the wheel. We want drivers of all Westbury TRENTON, NJ (TIP): The National State Police said. More than half of all ages to realize that their plans and o Olivia Wong from New Hyde Highway Traffic Safety Administration crashes in the state involved a distracted dreams for the future depend on making Park Memorial High School awarded more than $1.2 million in grants driver during that five-year span. safe choices here and now." o Commissioner Shirley Shing for overtime to 183 law enforcement "Driver inattention is the leading Distracted driving crashes declined for from the Nassau County agencies in all 21 counties. Other cause of traffic fatalities in New Jersey the third straight year in 2019 but there Human Rights Commission departments are welcome to participate and we're working to change that were still more than those caused by o Rabbi Susan Elkodsi from the in the "U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign behavior through a public awareness speeding or driving under the influence Malverne Jewish Center without receiving additional funding. campaign that uses the power of positive of drugs or alcohol. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 04 Indian-British Steel Tycoon Sanjeev Gupta Rules Out Indian-Origin Civil Servant in Bailout, UK Closures NIRPAL SINGH SHERGILL Singapore gets Deputy Secretary- General Post in ASEAN Secretariat SINGAPORE (TIP): A senior owned trade promotion agency. Singaporean civil servant of Indian MTI said the AEC represents ASEAN's origin has been appointed as the ASEAN continued commitment to an Secretariat's next deputy secretary- increasingly seamless, integrated and general for its economic community, connected region. according to a media report. "It envisions ASEAN as a single Satvinder Singh assumed the post on market and production base, a highly "I am not waiting for anybody to come to the rescue. We will help ourselves but of Friday, March 26, for a term of three competitive region with equitable course all help from everybody is always years, the Ministry of Trade and economic development, and fully welcome," Sanjeev Gupta told the BBC. Industry (MTI) announced. integrated into the global economy," The The ASEAN Economic Community Straits Times quoted the ministry as LONDON (TIP): Indian-British (AEC) aims to create a single market and saying. MTI said that over the years in billionaire Sanjeev Gupta on production base for the free flow of its service, Singh has built strong Thursday, April 1, ruled out a bailout goods, services, investment, capital, and relationships with the global trade or factory closures for his steelmaking skilled labor within the region. community and strengthened the group GFG Alliance after the collapse Mr. Singh, who succeeds Dr. Aladdin D trading ecosystem in Singapore. of corporate finance firm Greensill. Rillo from the Philippines, will support Satvinder Singh assumed the post of Deputy He has also led teams to develop The remarks come after the UK the ASEAN secretary-general in the Secretary-General in ASEAN Secretariat on strategies and policies to support Friday, March 26, for a term of three years, government earlier this week refused implementation of the AEC Blueprint the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) companies in strengthening capabilities GFG a rescue package totaling 170 2025, as well as the realization of the announced. and expanding overseas. million pounds ($234 million, 200 AEC's goals, The Straits Times reported. Singh is one of four deputies and the million euros). He will also oversee the directorates ASEAN member states, dialogue secretary-general in the ASEAN There is growing concern in Britain and divisions of the ASEAN Economic partners and international Secretariat, who are all from different about the future of GFG and Liberty Community Department in the ASEAN organizations as well. member states. Steel, which together employ 5,000 Secretariat. Additionally,he will manage Mr. Singh has relinquished his earlier The secretary-general for the ASEAN people domestically and 35,000 development cooperation in economic role as the assistant chief executive Secretariat currently is Lim Jock Hoi worldwide. matters, policy and relations with officer of Enterprise Singapore, a state- from Brunei. GFG Alliance had been Greensill's biggest customer. "I am not waiting for anybody to Six-year-old Indian-origin boy finds millions of years old Indian-origin entrepreneurs come to the rescue. We will help fossil in UK garden living in Singapore urge ourselves but of course all help from NIRPAL SINGH SHERGILL everybody is always welcome," Gupta India to not ban crypto told the BBC. WALSALL, UK (TIP): A six-year-old currencies He admitted that his company owed Indian-origin boy says he is "really "many billions" to Greensill but excited" after he found a fossil from insisted that no facilities would face millions of years ago while digging in closure. "Our overall global operations his garden in the West Midlands region are profitable," the GFG founder said. of England. "We have refinancing offers, we will Siddak Singh Jhamat, known as Sid, refinance, and we will support our UK was using a fossil-hunting set he business also," he said. received as a Christmas present when "None of my steel plants under my According to a BBC report, Vish Singh, father he came across a rock that looked like a watch will be shut down." of the boy Siddak Singh Jhamat, known as horn. ADVERTISING Sid, was able to identify the horn coral "I was just digging for worms and through a fossil group he is a member of on GFG has operations in more than 35 Facebook and estimates the fossil is between things like pottery and bricks and I just countries across the world, and annual 251 to 488 million years old. came across this rock which looked a bit SINGAPORE (TIP): Two Indian- global revenues of about $20 billion like a horn, and thought it could be a origin Singaporean block chain according to its website. tooth or a claw or a horn, but it was actually a piece of coral which is called horn entrepreneurs, who spent a whopping "Our plants are conserving cash. coral," the schoolboy said. USD 69.3 million in crypto currency for Many of our customers are coming "I was really excited about what it really was," he said. purchasing a digital artwork recently, forward and giving us large orders, According to a BBC report, his father Vish Singh was able to identify the horn have urged the Indian government to prepayments and so on, the market coral through a fossil group he is a member of on Facebook and estimates the not ban the virtual currencies, arguing needs our material and we are working fossil is between 251 to 488 million years old. that these can be an "equalizing power" with financiers to refinance, added "We were surprised he found something so odd-shaped in the soil... he found a between the West and the rest of the Gupta. horn coral, and some smaller pieces next to it, then the next day he went digging world. Greensill specialized in short-term again and found a congealed block of sand," said Vish Singh. Crypto currencies are digital or corporate loans via a complex and "In that there were loads of little mollusks and seashells, and something called virtual currencies in which encryption opaque business model that ultimately a crinoid, which is like a tentacle of a squid, so it's quite a prehistoric thing," he techniques are used to regulate the sparked its declaration of insolvency said. Singh believes the fossil's markings mean it is most likely a Rugosa coral and generation of their units and verify the last month. Gupta said there are that the period that they existed from was between 500 and 251 million years ago, transfer of funds, operating "positive discussions" with Greensill's the Paleozoic Era. independently of a central bank. administrator. "England at the time was part of Pangea, a landmass of continents. England was Vignesh Sundaresan, an "It makes no sense for them or any of all underwater as well... that's quite a significant expanse of time," said Vish entrepreneur, coder and angel investor the creditors to destroy jobs, or more Singh. The family, from Walsall, said they do not live in an area known for its in block chain technologies whose importantly to destroy value, because fossils, like the Jurassic Coast in the south of England, but that they do have a lot pseudonym is Metakovan, and his that is the value which will give them of natural clay in the garden where the fossils were found. friend Anand Venkateswaran, a former the recovery," he said. Singh added: "Lots and lots of people have commented on how amazing it is to journalist, who goes by the name "So, I am very confident that we will find something in the back garden. "They say you can find fossils anywhere if you Twobadour, had caused a stir in the art find short-term solutions to our own look carefully enough, but to find a significantly large piece like that is quite world following the USD 69.3 million (Rs efforts, and we will find long-term unique." They now hope to tell Birmingham University's Museum of Geology 5,02,06,04,820) acquisition of the solutions for refinancing." about their discovery. landmark work by digital artist Beeple THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 05 Indian American Indian American Businessman choreographer Vinita Hazari dances alongside Running for Virginia Lt Governor Olaf the snowman WASHIMGTON (TIP): Indian and order," he said. He noted that his American businessman and community party has not been able to reach out to leader Puneet Ahluwalia, who is other ethnic and religious minorities in running for the powerful office of the the state. "The tone matters. The Virginia Lieutenant Governor, is seeking conditioning matters. It's a matter of to bring diversity in the country's reaching out to them. This is not a matter political landscape at a time when there of policy," he said, adding that the is a sudden national surge in violence Republican Party's policy perfectly fits against the Asian-American community. with the immigrant community, the The Republican Party is slated to pick ethnic communities like Asian- A trained kathak dancer, Hazari recently its nominee for the Lieutenant Governor Americans. created a video where she, dressed like an Indian princess, dances alongside the at a hybrid convention on May 8. Ahluwalia said there has been a great Puneet Ahluwalia is seeking to bring diversity snowman character Olaf from the hit "I came to this country with almost in the country's political landscape at a time support to his candidacy not only from Disney film Frozen nothing, built a business, married a when there is a sudden national surge in the rural Virginia, but also from the wonderful woman who also immigrated, violence against the Asian-American ethnic communities, be it the Indian- and raised a beautiful family," Ahluwalia community Americans, Afghan-Americans, NEW YORK (TIP): Most little girls told PTI ahead of the convention. "Now, I'm running for Lieutenant Vietnamese-Americans or Korean- around the world grow up listening to "Nadia (his wife who is an Afghan- Governor. One reason is because I want Americans. During his campaigning, fairy tales and often learn their first American) and I have had our struggles to help every American share in the Ahluwalia said he finds that there has lessons on love and life inspired by along the way - as every family does. opportunity and blessing of America - no been an outpouring of support. the princesses in the stories. As And, like most people of color, we've matter the color of their skin, the "It was only a matter that we have not questions about diversity and occasionally faced bias and prejudice, language they speak, or the country reached out to them earlier. There is a inclusivity gain mainstream but we've never lost sight of the blessings where they were born," he said. need for our leadership to engage with attention, also has the scope of these we've enjoyed by being citizens of this A successful businessman, Ahluwalia them," he added. fairy tales. In fact, there has been wonderful country," Ahluwalia said. has been with the Republican Party for 20 More than 3,000 incidents of abuse noise for some time about how often Over the past several months, he and years. "I'm convinced our economic against Asian Americans were reported these Western fairy tales give a very his team of volunteers have been wellbeing and the future of our families between March and December 2020, white-washed view of the world. crisscrossing the entire state of Virginia depends on upholding the fairness and according to Asian American advocacy Stories of colored women of courage campaigning on his platform to create freedom that America stands for when it groups. There were only 216 reported and brown princesses are still hard to jobs and economic book of Virginia. stands at its best. We are a country of law cases in 2019, according to FBI statistics. come by in American popular culture. And an absence of an Indian American Disney princess has been Indian American Couple DonatesUSD Indian American Seema Nanda set to return debated about in the past few years. 150,000 for Bihar, Jharkhand Healthcare to the Department of Labor While we still await a brown princess in popular stories, a New WASHINGTON WASHINGTON York City-based dancer and (TIP): An Indian (TIP): Indian choreographer has found a unique American couple American Seema way to address the issue while giving has donated over ? Nanda is set to return young South Asian girls a chance to 1 for crore to the Department of feel represented. healthcare works Labor, where she Vinita Hazari, an emerging in Bihar and served for 40 months choreographer, has been creating Jharkhand, the as Chief of Staff, innovative concept videos that talk Bihar Jharkhand Deputy Chief of Staff about inclusion, diversity and Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation Association of and Deputy Solicitor stigmas within the South Asian has donated USD 150,000 tothe Bihar North America during the Obama community. A trained kathak dancer, Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) administration. President Joe Biden announced, March 26, Hazari recently created a video where (BJANA). Alok Kumar, former BJANA president announced on President Joe Biden 2021, his intent to nominate Seema Nanda as she, dressed like an Indian princess, the Solicitor of the Department of Labor said this kind of donation would help the Monday, March 29. announced his intent dances alongside the snowman BJANA carry out its healthcare works in Bihar and Jharkhand. The generous to nominate her as the Solicitor of the Department of Labor on character Olaf from the hit Disney donation of USD March 26, 2021. film Frozen. Her video, which has 150,000 by the Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family The Arlington, VA, resident is currently a Visiting Fellow at been viewed more than 50,000 times, Foundation to the BJANA would be used for healthcare Harvard Law School Labor & Worklife Program. struck a chord with South Asian efforts in the rural areas of the two states through the Nanda, who grew up in Connecticut, served as the CEO of the women who have often felt a lack of PRAN-BJANA clinic initiative. Democratic National Committee, an apex party body that representation, especially in The Pravasi Alumni Nisshulk (PRAN) is an initiative by coordinates strategy to elect its candidates various federal, state American culture and entertainment. like-minded Indian-American physicians who are working and local offices, from June 2018 to April last year. Hazari reinforces her point by to provide healthcare to the underprivileged and During her tenure as the DNC chief, the party captured the incorporating a kathak-based semi underserved in Bihar and Jharkhand. House of Representatives in the 2018 mid-term election, classical dancer in her video, as Olaf These doctors have set up a PRAN clinic in Ranchi, propelling Rep. Nancy Pelosi back to the House speaker position. is seen synchronizing with her providing free healthcare services to the needy. Their As the DNC CEO, she worked closely with Chair Tom Perez, moves. endeavor is to provide free healthcare services across the who was also her former boss at the Department of Labor, Hazari, who has been dancing for states. managing the group's day-to-day operations. over 14 years now, has also been "With the generous donation of Ramesh and Kalpana Prior to joining the DNC, she served as the Chief Operating gaining attention for her videos that Bhatia, this became possible. BJANA getting a large Officer and Executive Vice President at the advocacy group target mental health stigmas in South donation is a testament to its ongoing philanthropic Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Asian communities. She's released a activities both here and back home," BJANA president During President Obama's first term, Nanda served at the series of videos portraying the Avinash Gupta said. Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice, initially as a negative impact unwelcoming South Alok Kumar, former FIA president, said this kind of Senior Trial Attorney and then as a Deputy Special Counsel. Asian stigma can have on mental donation would help the BJANA carry out its healthcare From 2007 to 2010, she served as a supervisor attorney in the health. She conceptualizes, produces, works in the region. Division of Advice at the National Labor Relations Board. choreographs and performs in dance Kalpana Bhatia came from NIT, Patna, and runs a Nanda earned her bachelor's degree from Brown University videos. A trained kathak dancer she successful business in Texas. and law degree from Boston College Law School. Nanda was one has also trained in hip-hop, jazz, and of the six nominees announced by Biden on Friday. ballet. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 06 BAPS CHARITIES HOST 2nd POP COVID -19 VACCINATION CLINIC MELVILLE, NY (TIP): BAPS The organizers were very happy and Charities had a very successful 2nd appreciative of the BAPS Charities Covid Vaccination pop-up clinic on volunteers for providing very valuable Friday, March 26th. 2021, at BAPS Hindu support to make this a successful event. Temple in Melville, Long Island. NY State Senator James Gaughran A total of 550 people received the Pfizer visited the site and was very appreciative vaccine, out of which 240 people received of the excellent services BAPS Charities their 2nd dose. The vaccination and is providing to our communities. logistics were provided by NYS Covid BAPS Charities cherishes cooperation Task force, in collaboration with Stony and support from all the stakeholders. Brook University Hospital and its medical staff. Lisa Santeramo , assistant secretary NY State Senator James Gaughran << visited the site and was very for intergovernmental affairs, appreciative of the excellent services representing Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's BAPS Charities is providing to our office participated in welcoming the communities. He is seen here with Girish clinic. Patel (right) GOPIO New York Celebrates Culture of India at Virtual Holi Festival NEW YORK (TIP): Holi is the national festival of colors, celebrated across India in different forms and traditions. The celebration of this colorful festival brings people of different faiths with diverse socio- political ideologies closer. This unity in diversity was experienced by participants from around the world, representing almost all continents on Earth, as hundreds of Indian Diaspora members came together virtually to celebrate the Festival of Holi on Sunday, March 28, 2021. With the support of the Consulate General of India in New York and organized by GOPIO New York, the Lal Motwani, Founding President of GOPIO New York and oldest and the first Chapter of Global organization of GOPIO International Coordinator At Large and Randhir Kumar People of Indian Origin, the colorful celebration of Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York Holi Festival showcased the rich, colorful and the vibrant traditions of India, bringing them at the doorsteps of every household, as the audience from G 3: Begam Batool and Anwar Husain from Jaipur around the world were entertained with mesmerizing music, scintillating dance performances and inspiring from all backgrounds stand united to welcome Spring, speeches. as Mother Nature breathes freshness into our lives and In his eloquent address to the Diaspora community, that of every living creature on Earth. Welcome to each India's Consul General in New York, Randhir Kumar and every one of you and wishing you and your Jaiswal greeted the participants from around the world families A VERY HAPPY HOLI!" Holi on the occasion of Holi Festival. While describing Shruti Bekal - EMCEE and Beena Kothari, President GOPIO New Three little children adorably shared with the the historical and symbolic traditions of the festival of York Chapter audience their perspectives, experiences of celebrating Holi, the veteran diplomat said, "Holi is a very Holi and what it meant for them. A live Bollywood beautiful festival of color. A festival that helps us Emcee of the colorful cultural events, Shruti Bekal medley by Anwar Hussain and his Bollywood welcome spring. Holi has several connotations, social, elegantly coordinated the celebration with Maharajah group from India (Jaipur), representing a religious, political and rhythmic with nature." participants from around the world. family of 12 generations serving the royals, was much Holi has become known as India's most vivid, joyous Lal Motwani, Founding President of GOPIO New appreciated and loved by all. His mother, Begum Batool festival. Holi is being celebrated in the Indian York and GOPIO International Coordinator At Large, from Jaipur, a famous singer who is the 1st woman subcontinent for centuries, with poems documenting and the main organizer of this global HOLI from her community to perform publicly, mesmerized celebrations dating back to the 4th century CE. It celebration, in his address, greeted Honorable India's the audience with her beautiful voice. marks the beginning of spring after a long winter, Consul General in New York, Randhir Kumar Jaiswal Mamtha Putaswamy, Mrs India USA from the state of symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. It is and officials, members and leaders of GOPIO from Connecticut, performed a medley of Bollywood dances celebrated in March, corresponding to the Hindu around the world who have joined virtually to celebrate from popular Hindi movies. Aparna Sreedhar from Paris calendar month of Phalguna. On the eve of the festival, the colorful festival of Holi. We at GOPIO New York are presented a Bollywood Medley,mesmerizing the audience large pyres are lit in many parts of India to signify the very honored to have you with us today. with her beautiful voice singing some of the very popular burning of evil spirits. People often throw wood, dried "The vibrancy of colors is something that brings in a numbers from the ever-green Hindi movies. Lasya leaves and twigs into bonfires, Ambassador Jaiswal lot of positivity in our lives and Holi being the festival Komirisetty,a 11-year-old of South Africa, Guinness Book explained. of colors is actually a day worth rejoicing," Motwani record holder for maximum performances on world state, Beena Kothari, GOPIO New York President said. "Holi is considered as one of the most revered and performed amazingly a Kuchipudy dance. Pritisha from poetically narrated the importance of Holi, and served celebrated festivals of India and it is celebrated in South Africa, an11-year-old from a family of musicians, as an emcee of the event. While introducing almost every part of India, transcending every region, mesmerized the audience with her melodious voice, Ambassador Jaiswal as a veteran diplomat, Ms. and people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, singing some popular Holi songs. Kothari shared about with the audience his vast his Sikhs, Christians, Parsees, Buddhists, and Jains. It (Read full story at experiences in foreign diplomacy around the world. represents the uniqueness of Indian culture as we, www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 07 Indian Consulate Launches India@75 at GOPIO-Manhattan’s Shaheed Diwas Celebrations NEW YORK (TIP): If India and the people of Indian celebration. "We honor today the legendary freedom origin living around the world enjoy freedom, liberty, fighters, recalling their bravery and love for our equality and success, it's due to the sacrifices, vision motherland." Describing today's celebrations as unique, and foresight of men and women who dedicated their Ambassador Jaiswal recalled the founding of the lives at the cause of freedom, fighting for independence Ghadar Party by Lala Har Dayal over a century ago. "I from the 200-years of British Rule. There are millions humbly bow before their legendary sacrifices, which who dedicated their lives, while there are some whose are inspiring us all." leadership and bravery inspired millions of others to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Daughter, retired Prof. fight for freedom. Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs' Day is Dr. Anita Bose Pfaff shared with the audience observed on six days across India which includes experiences from her own personal life, as she was January 30th and March 23rd each year to remember growing up seeing her father, travelling across India to the sacrifices of brave freedom fighters who devoted Europe to South East Asia, garnering support from their entire lives to help us enjoy freedom. Western and Asian nations, creating an army to fight the British power. Stating that her dad was one of the most hated by the British, she narrated about the many coup attempts by the British to assassinate him. Calling A screen of participants at the Shaheed Diwas Celebration on him a Leftist radical, Dr. Anita Bose Pfaff said, "He had the Zoom joined the freedom movement at a very young age. Joined the non-violent movement led by Gandhi Lord Ranger praised Indians, who "are contributing a initially. He was imprisoned and lost his health in great deal around the world. If we are not a free nation, prison. He risked his life disguising himself and we could not do so, contributing to the world. We are escaping the prison and joined and led the shaping the destiny of the people of so many nations. Independence Movement abroad by aligning with India is the most sought-after nation by people from Germany, Soviet Union and Japan, creating an Indian around the world. We must stay united and fight National Army (INA) to fight the British". While Mr. together to preserve our freedom. Learn from history." Bose died in a plane crash, while trying to defeat the Dr. Maya Chadda, Professor of Political Science, British, she said, "There is good reason to call him a William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey. martyr, because he died in the process of fighting for Member of Council of Foreign Relations. Dr. Chadda is Ambassador Randhir Kumar Jaiswal releasing the special freedom. India was his sole love, and he was willing to an author of over half a dozen books. Her father, who Shaheed Diwas Calendar produced by GOPIO-Manhattan. From l. to r.: Deputy Consul General Shatrughna Sinha, Consul put his life for the freedom of India. It's justifiable to was a linguist, had spent most of his time with Gandhiji General Randhir Kumar Jaiswal and GOPIO-Manhattan Board call him a martyr." in his Ashram. Dr. Chadda described at length about member Siddharth Jain. Lord Rami Ranger, Member of the House of Lords, her works on Gandhian thoughts focusing on London, a self-made businessman and chairman of Satyagraha as a strategy of war. Sharing from her Global Organization of People of Indian Origin Sunmark Group, an international marketing and personal experiences, she shared with the audience (GOPIO) along with the Consulate General of India in distribution company. He is also chairman and about how her dad went to the Ashram at a very young New York jointly organized and honored the martyrs managing director of Sea Air and Land Forwarding age and his kids were born and grew up at the ashram, during a virtual celebration of Shaheed Diwas 2021, Ltd. He is the Joint Chairman of Conservatives Friends where he spent most of his life. Her dad was part of the which is the 90th death anniversary of three of India in the British Parliament. Lord Ranger's father editorial staff of Gandhi ji's educational movement by courageous youngsters on March 23rd, 2021. The Shaheed Sardar Nanak Singh stood for the unity of newspapers to spread his message. "We were a celebrations touched many hearts as the hundreds of India and was assassinated by a mob in Gujranwala (in Gandhian family throughout our lives. They were all participants heard personal stories shared by family Pakistan) in 1947. "My father was assassinated at age 42 dreamers, who dreamt of a unified India with freedom. members of some of these brave men and women, who when I was not even born," he said, sharing about the They inspired mass support that led to the freedom fought valiantly and gave up their lives at the altar of circumstances that led to his father's martyrdom. movement, with ability to move the nation and win freedom for our motherland, India. Netaji Subhas their support," she said. Chandra Bose's daughter Dr. Anita Bose Pfaff Dr. Bhuvan Lall, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, (Germany), Lord Rami Ranger (UK), Dr. Maya Chadda Speaker, Scriptwriter and Columnist, New Delhi, India. (USA) and Historian/Author Dr. Bhuvan Lall (India). Author of The Man India Missed The Most - Subhash India's Consul General Ambassador Randhir Kumar Chandra Bose & The Great Indian Genius - Har Dayal, Jaiswal launched India@75, a yearlong Celebration eloquently told the story of the brilliant Lala Har Dayal, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of India's who spoke 9 languages and memorized 5,000 books at Independence and called upon the Indian Diaspora to the very young age of 28-years. Har Dayal gave up his join him in celebrating India's freedom till August 15th, Government of India scholarship to St. John's College 2022. Shatrughna Sinha, Deputy Consul General in New at Oxford and became a supporter of the Indian York felicitated the community. revolutionary movement in 1907. He traveled through Ambassador Jaiswal and DCG Shatrughna Sinha France and Germany, disseminating anti-British released the Shaheed Diwas Calendar presented by Organizers and speakers at the Shaheed Diwas: Top Row, from propaganda and lauding Western science and political Siddharth Jain (Sid Jain) of GOPIO-Manhattan, for the l. to r. Chitranjan Belwariar, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Siddharth philosophy as holding the key to a successful year 2021-2022. Ambassador Jaiswal while reviewing Jain (Sid Jain) and Dr. Asha Samant. Middle Row: From l. to r. anticolonial struggle. the calendar cited that it recognized contributions of Deputy Consul General of India Shatrughna Sinha, Consul In 1913 Lala Har Dayal formed the Ghadar Party to Patriots of India. Ambassador Jaiswal further added on General of India Randhir Kumar Jaiswal, Dr. Maya Chadda and organize a rebellion against the British government of Dr. Bhuvan Lall. Bottom Row, from l. to r.: Prof. Anita Bose the Calendar as "A collector's delight and dream", Pfaff, Anoop Bhargava and Lord Rami Ranger India. He fled to Switzerland and then to Berlin, where where one can read about the freedom fighters and he tried to foment an anti-British rising in their heroic activities. Describing that it is remarkable, India and the northwestern India. After the German defeat in World Consul General Jaiswal, in his address, commended Diaspora are "paying tributes to those who made us War I, Har Dayal settled in Stockholm as a professor of GOPIO Manhattan for organizing the event and several what we are today. They demonstrated that their love Indian Philosophy and wrote Forty-Four Months in others, honoring India and Indians. "Today is the Red for India was more than that for their love for their Germany and Turkey. He moved to the USA in the late Letter Day in the history of India," the Indian diplomat families. We cannot forget their sacrifices. We 1920s and became a Professor of Sanskrit at the with over three decades of diplomatic services around remember all those who made it possible for us today to University of California, Berkeley. the world, told the hundreds of community leaders celebrate our freedom. They are always martyrs and (Read full story at from around several continents who joined the will live forever." www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 08

AS I SEE IT At the halfway mark of this historic mission, the Modi govt did not even have a plan on paper on how the farmers' income was to be doubled. No Roadmap to Double Farmers’ Income None of the budgets has made any separate allocation for this publicised programme. The most generous reading would be that the DFI is not a separate plan or programme, but a vision to be realised through all the BY YOGENDRA agrarian policies put together. YADAV information about the increase in inally, the bluff of doubling farmers' farmers'income ever since the income has been called. Not by any announcement of DFI. It has not Fcritic of the government, but by Dr commissioned any ground survey to Ramesh Chand, Member (Agriculture) of check the progress of this national the Niti Aayog. No, it was not a confession. mission. In 2020, it announced an You don't expect that from functionaries in 'empowered body' to 'review and monitor the Narendra Modi government. Rather, the the progress'. It is yet to put out any truth tumbled out in the course of a casual document in the public domain. and disingenuous plea for the three farm The closest, though not strictly laws. This is what the PTI copy of Chand's Monitoring or review of farmers' income was not done before making the decision. comparable, survey carried out by the NSS interview reads: "I will say that if these three in 2018 was junked by this government, farm laws are not adopted immediately,then about what was the farmers' income at that a six-year mission by the time its starting apparently because it showed a decline in I don't see that goal (of doubling farmers' time and what it would take to double it. No point and the target was clearly identified. the real income in rural India. It is fair to income by 2022) getting fulfilled." one had any answer.It took the government No policy roadmap assume that we don't have data on Just chew on this one. The grand mission a few months to answer an elementary farmers'income because the government is of doubling the income of farmers was arithmetic question: was the calculation What, then, should be the policies to not interested in bad news. announced in February 2016. The deadline going to happen at constant price or achieve this unprecedented growth? It took The closest proxy for trends in farmers' for meeting this target is 2022. We are current price? In other words, was the the DFIC another year to submit its income during this period is the official already in the fifth year. Now, the Modi target of doubling going to discount substantive report in September 2018. The data on Gross Value Addition (GVA) in government's top expert on agriculture inflation? Thankfully, the government 14-volume report 0is undoubtedly a agriculture and allied sectors. The latest admits that the target may not be realised, finally acknowledged that the target was to comprehensive document on agriculture official data in the Economic Survey of neither because it was unrealistic to begin double the real income of the farmers, policies. By the time the report arrived, two 2021 (https://www.indiabudget.gov.in with, nor because of any failure on the part controlling for inflation, and not just their and half years had passed and India was /economicsurvey/doc/vol2chapter/echap0 of this government, but because of non- nominal income. already in election mode. The government 7_vol2.pdf) shows that the average rate of adoption of the three laws that were So, what would it amount to in rupee had no time to consider the report. The annual growth of agri GVA during the introduced in course of the fifth year that terms? Well, the government appointed a only major step that the BJP government seven years of the Modi government has have been stalled for the last three months. committee, six weeks after making the took then, following its defeat in assembly been 3.3 per cent, compared to the average Weird logic? Well, you have not followed the announcement to the country, to find this elections, was something the DFIC had not of 4.6 per cent during UPA-I and UPA-II. In story of the mirage called DFI - Doubling of out. The Doubling of Farmers'Income recommended: a handout of Rs 6,000 a year the last five years, the agri GVA grew by a Farmers' Income. Committee (DFIC), headed by a sensible to every farm family. total of 24.5 per cent. Ramesh Chand No homework and knowledgeable civil servant, presented So, at the halfway mark of this historic expects a growth of 3.5 per cent in the the basic arithmetic of doubling income in mission, the Modi government did not even coming year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had August 2017. The committee had to have a plan on paper on how the farmers' So, the six years of grand national made this announcement at Bareilly on extrapolate from an old survey carried out income was going to be doubled. None of mission for raising the farmers'real February 28, 2016, a day before the Union by the National Sample Survey in 2011-12, the budgets of this government has made income by 100 per cent are likely to end Budget. This was not one of the manifesto as there was no other reliable source of any separate allocation for this publicised with less than 30 per cent actual increase. promises of the BJP.So, you would imagine data to benchmark the starting point. It programme. Indeed, we do not know,if this That works out to about 4 per cent per that some homework had gone into such a estimated the annual income of a farm is a "vision" or a "mission" or a "scheme". annum against the target of 10.4 per cent. major declaration. Presumably, the family in 2015-16 at Rs 96,703. That works No one has ever clarified its official status. This is no different from the real increase government would know, first of all, what out to about Rs 8,000 per month for a family Yet, no BJP leader or spokesperson can in farmers' income between 2002 and 2012. the farmers' income was in 2016. It must of five or more. Mind you, this income speak for a minute on agriculture without What, then, has the DFI achieved? have done some basic arithmetic on what it included earning from non-farm activities mentioning the DFI. The most generous Nothing for the farmers. Not to put too would take to double that income within like service, business or dairy. Doubling of reading of the party's claims would be that fine a point, it was a cynical propaganda six years. You hope that the government farm income by 2022 would mean an annual the DFI is not a separate plan or devised to create positive vibes about the would have at least a rough roadmap of family income of Rs 1,72,694 at the prices of programme, but a vision to be realised BJP government. Its success is to be policies that help achieve that target. 2015-16 (doubling of farm income, but not through all the agrarian policies put measured not by cold agricultural Finally, you would expect that regular that of non-farm income of the farmer together. statistics, but by air-time, TRPs and votes monitoring and review of the farmers' household), or about Rs 2.5 lakh at the No monitoring, no data for the BJP. If there ever was a contest income follows such a major declaration. expected prices in 2022. This would require for super jumla of the century, doubling You are wrong on every single count! income to grow at an annual rate of 10.4 per In that case, what about monitoring of farmers' income would be among the As soon as Finance Minister Arun cent in real terms - something Indian and review? So far, there is none. In the top contenders. Jaitley repeated the PM's announcement in farmers had never experienced before. last five years, the Modi government has (The author is National President, Swaraj India) his budget speech, questions were asked We were already one and half years into not gathered or released a single piece of GUEST COMMENT will fetch $350 million annually in tax With drug abuse being a major social Legalizing cannabis production has collection and create 30,000 to 60,000 jobs. In evil, politicians in general prefer to tread benefited not only farmers but also the India, the issue of legalizing weed - which warily rather than address the root cause pharma industry in Uttarakhand and UP. The American way has been consumed in one form or the of the problem. Among the exceptions are Such experience should spur other states to Build social & political consensus other since time immemorial - continues to former MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, who create conditions conducive for cultivators on legalizing marijuana be contentious. 'Soft' drugs such as poppy wants poppy husk, opium and marijuana and investors. The procedure of granting ew York has become the 15th husk, marijuana and opium fall under the to be made legally available in order to rein licenses to the stakeholders should be American state to legalize the use ambit of the NDPS Act, 1985. Licit in the drug mafia, while claiming that the eased, but there is also a need for a Nof marijuana by adults, while cultivation of opium is carried out in tracts NDPS Act has largely failed to achieve its foolproof mechanism to deter Virginia intends to allow possession of notified by the Centre in the states of UN-mandated goals. His argument: in view unscrupulous elements. Such moves, if small quantities of the drug from July Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and UP. UK of the prohibition of the common man's properly monitored and regulated, are onwards. A new law will bring relief to and UP let their farmers grow cannabis, 'recreational' substances, addictive and worth a try. Above all, it's imperative to many people previously charged with but only for medicinal/industrial potentially lethal synthetic drugs are build social and political consensus on marijuana crimes in NY,even as the state is purposes, even as HP is reported to be swamping the market, wreaking havoc on amending the law so as to decriminalize expecting that the cannabis programme framing a policy in this regard. users and their families. weed. (Tribune, India) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 09

It is an axiomatic truth that our region needs development not Some Positive Signs in conflict. To continue on our present path would be catastrophic. By working together, we can usher in a new age filled with hope not just for the two countries but for the whole of India-Pakistan Relations? South Asia.

regard, there are some other positive witnessed Anwar Sadat and Menahem developments which also need to be Begin burying the hatchet between their noted. Both the armies recommitted two countries. Egypt and Israel too had themselves to the 2003 ceasefires along fought deadly wars in 1948, 1967 and 1973, BY PRABHU DAYAL the line of control in J&K in February. but there is peace between them now, After about two-and-half years, a even though some people refer to it as 'a "Hoping for a quick turn- delegation of Pakistani officials arrived cold peace'. in India for a meeting of the permanent PAKISTAN'S HOSTILITY : Sadly, around in Indo-Pakistan Indus commission this week. Last week, amidst all the turbulence which has Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan marked Pakistan's history, and which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) relations may just be wishful wrote to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Shringla said India wants good friendly has seen civilian governments and Khan (left) on March 23. - Photos / PTI thinking. Perhaps it is, but I ties with Pakistan provided there's a military juntas play musical chairs with must admit that I have conducive atmosphere for dialogue. one another, one aspect which has then the conflict cannot end, and the Similar sentiments have been expressed retained the stamp of permanence has hostility will keep increasing. It may secretly indulged in it since across the border too. Pakistan Army been its unremitting hostility towards take a very long time for everything to chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said India and its steadfast desire to foment fall in place; there will be numerous 1978 when I went to Egypt on March 18 that it was time for India trouble across its eastern border. The setbacks. However, working towards this on my first diplomatic and Pakistan to "bury the past and move inevitable conclusion that is drawn in objective is preferable to just being forward." He added that the peace India is that the ill-will of the Pakistan reconciled to the war of attrition. posting and witnessed between the two neighbors would help to establishment, especially that of the It goes without saying that one issue Anwar Sadat and Menahem "unlock" the potential of South and army cannot be transformed into on which India cannot compromise is the Central Asia. goodwill; whenever Pakistan can create demand that the nurseries of terrorism Begin burying the hatchet There are some hopeful signs in regard problems for us, it will always do so. In in Pakistan must be closed down. between their two countries. to trade also. Pakistan had suspended turn, this has given rise to anti-Pakistan Hopefully, Pakistan will begin to realize trade ties with India after New Delhi sentiments across many sections of the that its policy of sponsoring terrorism is Egypt and Israel too had revoked the special status of Jammu and Indian polity. causing great damage to itself, as fought deadly wars in 1948, Kashmir in 2019. However, in May 2020, Given the fact that Pakistan's thousands of Pakistanis have died in Pakistan lifted the ban on the import of economic, industrial and military acts of terrorism committed by the very 1967 and 1973, but there is medicines and raw material from India strength is considerably less than same outfits which have been trained by to ensure there is no shortage of India's, a fundamental plank of its policy the ISI and the armed forces. peace between them now, essential drugs amid the COVID-19 continues to be built around the 'Sone ki chidiya' versus today's reality even though some people pandemic. This was the first step of asymmetric or proxy war involving the Many in India as well as in Pakistan reversing the complete suspension of sending of terrorists across the Line of hope that one day our countries could refer to it as 'a cold peace'. trade with India. Now, according to Control. Although the Line of Control is live together as prosperous, good n the occasion of Pakistan's 70th media reports, Pakistan's textile fenced, there are portions of it where neighbors, much as France and National Day on 23rd March this ministry headed by Prime Minister rivers and rivulets make the fencing Germany do now after having endured Oyear, Prime Minister Narendra Imran Khan has recommended the vulnerable and such sections are used by centuries of mutual conflicts. They hark Modi wrote a letter to Prime Minister lifting of a ban on the import of cotton the infiltrators. The use of tunnels for back to those days when the Indian sub- Imran Khan, saying: "As a neighboring from India to bridge the raw material sending across infiltrators has also been continent produced so much wealth that country, India desires cordial relations shortfall the country's textile sector was resorted to by the Pakistanis. it was called sone ki chidiya or a bird with the people of Pakistan. For this, an facing. Currently, cotton and yarn KASHMIR ISSUE : Will we ever be made of gold. environment of trust, devoid of terror imports are allowed from all countries able to resolve what Pakistan regards as That bird is now malnourished, sick and hostility, is imperative." He added: " except India. The textile sector in the core issue - the Kashmir dispute? It is and weak. The IMF rankings of Excellency, at this difficult time for Pakistan strongly favors imports of very difficult, but I would not say that it countries in terms of Per Capita Income humanity, I would like to convey my best cotton from India as they are much is impossible. It may be pertinent to note (2020 estimates) place India at 140 in the wishes to you and the people of Pakistan cheaper than imports from other that according to the reputed journalist list and Pakistan at 150 with figures of for dealing with the challenges of the countries. Pakistan Textile Exporters Kuldip Nayyar, Nawaz Sharif had US$ 1,877 and $1,378, respectively. By COVID-19 pandemic." Three days earlier, Association Chairman Khurram himself admitted to him some years ago comparison, Malaysia is ranked 60 with PM Modi had tweeted wishing PM Imran Mukhtar tweeted that the import of raw that neither can Pakistan take away US$ 10,192, Thailand at 77 with US$ 7,295, Khan a speedy recovery after he and his cotton, yarn and grey fabric from India Kashmir from India nor can India give it Indonesia at 107 with US$ 4,038 and Sri wife tested positive for the deadly virus. will bridge the gap in demand and supply away. Lanka at 112 with US $ 3,698. Even "Best wishes to Prime Minister and will enable Pakistani exporters to Some analysts have suggested that the Bangladesh has overtaken India and @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery continue the growth momentum. only reasonable and workable solution Pakistan and ranks 139 with figures of $ from Covid-19," he had said in his tweet. Two steps forward, two steps would be to eschew jingoism and settle 1,888. Only really underdeveloped On 29th January, Imran Khan replied backwards the Kashmir dispute by recognizing the countries rank behind the South Asian to Prime Minister Narendra Modi The past has shown that Indo-Pak Line of Control as an International giants India and Pakistan. Despite the thanking him for his greetings on relations are a case of two steps forward Border. They feel that this is the only fact that the South Asian Association for Pakistan Day. Khan also said: "The followed by two steps backwards. alternative to the endless hostility which Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, However, it cannot be emphasized only impoverishes both countries. in existence since December 1985, it has cooperative relations with all neighbors enough how important it is to end the In his treatise Securing India's future precious little to show by way of real including India. We are convinced that deeply ingrained hostility unless we in the new millennium, the well-known cooperation unlike ASEAN, another durable peace and stability in South Asia want to hurtle towards another conflict, Indian strategic analyst Bramha regional cooperation organization in is contingent upon resolving all one that will perhaps be more Chellany has opined: Asia. It is an axiomatic truth that our outstanding issues between India and destructive than any in the past. We need "In the long run, the only possible region needs development not conflict. Pakistan, in particular the Jammu and bold and out-of-the-box thinking to chart solution to the Kashmir dispute is for the To continue on our present path would Kashmir dispute." He added that the that out a new course. To use a cliché, the bull three countries (India, Pakistan and be catastrophic. By working together, we creation of an enabling environment is has to be taken by the horns. China) to let bygone be bygones and can usher in a new age filled with hope imperative for a constructive and result- Hoping for a quick turn-around in agree to be content with the J&K not just for the two countries but for the oriented dialogue. The Pakistani Prime Indo-Pakistan relations may just be territories they control." whole of South Asia. Minister also conveyed his wishes for the wishful thinking. Perhaps it is, but I The undeniable fact is that India- (The author is a former career diplomat. He people of India in the fight against the must admit that I have secretly indulged Pakistan relations can only be set right can be reached at Covid pandemic. in it since 1978 when I went to Egypt on through a spirit of give and take. If the [email protected]) OTHER POSITIVE SIGNS : In this my first diplomatic posting and willingness to compromise is absent, Courtesy / OPOYI) THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 10

Sri Lanka, Pak militaries conduct joint exercise Myanmar protesters urge COLOMBO (TIP): The militaries of Sri Lanka and Pakistan have conducted a 15-day joint exercise ‘guerrilla strikes’ as aimed at enhancing bilateral defence relations and sharing the rich experience of two armies against internet blackout widens terrorism. Titled the ‘Ex-Shake Hands', the MYANMAR (TIP): Myanmar activists exercise was conducted in Saliyapura held candle-lit protests overnight and in North Central Province of Sri scrambled to find workarounds for a new Lanka. internet shut down on Friday, as The exercise had the participation opponents to the military's bloody of six officers and 35 other ranks from crackdown on dissent vowed no letup in the Pakistan Army and four officers efforts to unseat the ruling generals. and 40 other ranks from the Sri Lanka Anti-coup groups shared radio Army,the Pakistan High Commission frequencies, offline internet resources here said in a release. It was aimed at and providers of text message news enhancing the bilateral defence alerts to try to circumvent new curbs on relations and mutually share the rich the internet, which now limit Web access experience of two armies against to fixed-line services only. terrorism, it said. The military did not announce or Speaking on the occasion, General explain its order to telecom firms to cut Shavendra Silva, Sri Lanka's Army wireless broadband, which adds to a ban chief, said, “Pakistan has remained a on mobile data through which a true friend of Sri Lanka during all nationwide movement has mobilised on her critical endeavours and always social media and spread images of the sparked anger across towns and cities tell whether the ousted leader, the stood with Sri Lanka. Especially, junta's lethal suppression of mostly and reignited hostilities between the figurehead of Myanmar's decades-long Pakistan supported Sri Lanka against youth-led protests. armed forces and ethnic minority fight for democracy, was aware of the UNHRC resolution recently”. Late on Thursday, protesters spread a insurgents in several different regions. situation in her country. Pakistan was among the nations call for a "flower strike" at bus stops New charges of violating the official 'WE WILL NOT SURRENDER' which voted in favour of Sri Lanka at where demonstrators killed by security secrets act were filed against the Nobel last week's UNHRC resolution which forces had departed on their last laureate, her chief lawyer said on Protesters were in the streets in called for the island's human rights journeys. Thursday, the most serious so far, on top several urban centres day and night on accountability and action for "We will leave flowers at bus stops of two comparatively minor offences. Thursday, where some burned copies of reconciliation. tomorrow ... That's what I want to tell Breaches of the colonial-era law are the military-drafted 2008 constitution. In February, Pakistan Prime you guys before the internet is down," punishable by 14 years in prison. The media reported two people were Minister Imran Khan visited Sri Khin Sadar, a protest leader, posted on The charges were filed against three of killed, including an 18-year-old man, as Lanka. — PTI Facebook. Suu Kyi's deposed cabinet ministers and police opened fire to quell gatherings. "In the following days, there were her Australian economic adviser Sean Khit Thit Media reported shots were Nepal allows internet, street protests. Do as many guerrilla Turnell, who are among hundreds fired at a protest during the night, where telecom services during strikes as you can. Please join." "Let's detained in the military's sweeping 400 troops were present. The report could listen to the radio again. Let's make crackdown on opponents since it took not immediately be verified. international flights phone calls to each other too." power, alleging fraud in an election Some 543 people have been killed in the KATHMANDU (TIP): Nepal has The former British colony has been in swept by Suu Kyi's party. uprising, according to the Association become the third country in South chaos for two months following the Lawyer Min Min Soe said Suu Kyi for Political Prisoners (AAPP) advocacy Asia after India and Afghanistan to military's overthrow of Aung San Suu looked in good health during a video group, which is tracking casualties and allow international airlines to use the Kyi's elected administration, which has hearing on Thursday but was unable to detentions. —Reuters Nepali sky for providing internet and telecom services to their passengers. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), an autonomous Pak takes U-turn, rejects proposal to import telecommunications regulatory body, in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal took the cotton and sugar from India decision after the ISLAMABAD (TIP): In a volte-face, taken! Media shd be aware of this Telecommunications Authority Pakistan’s Cabinet on Thursday rejected atleast!” Mazari tweeted. Board of Directors held a meeting on a proposal of its Economic Coordination Azhar’s announcement on Wednesday March 22. Committee (ECC) to import cotton and to import cotton and sugar from India As per the decision, a company sugar from India, according to a Cabinet had raised hopes of a partial revival of willing to provide the services to the minister. bilateral trade relations, which were passengers can use the frequencies “Cabinet stated clearly NO trade with suspended after the August 5, 2019 above 10,000 feet from the surface. India,” Minister for Human Rights decision of New Delhi to revoke the Those airlines receiving Shireen Mazari said in a tweet soon after special status of Jammu and Kashmir. permission from the International a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime India is the world’s biggest producer of Civil Aviation Organisation would be Minister Imran Khan on Thursday. cotton and the second biggest sugar granted permission to avail internet “PM made clear there can be no meeting of the ECC chaired by him. manufacturer. and telecom services above 10,000 feet normalisation of relations with India Ahead of the Cabinet meeting, Mazari In May 2020, Pakistan had lifted the in the Nepali sky, said the NTA's until they reverse” their actions viz had said that all ECC decisions have to be ban on import of medicines and raw spokesperson Santosh Poudel. Kashmir of August 5 2019, tweeted approved by Cabinet and only then can material of essential drugs from India Granting permission to use the Mazari, who is known for her hawkish they be seen as “approved” by the amid the Covid-19 pandemic. internet service below 10,000 feet stand on Kashmir. government. Ties between India and Pakistan nose- could result in a disturbance in the The Cabinet decision comes a day after “Just for the record - All ECC decisions dived after a terror attack on the service on the ground across the Pakistan’s new Finance Minister have to be approved by Cabinet & only Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by country, he said. To use the service, Hammad Azhar on Wednesday then they can be seen as “approved by terror groups based in Pakistan. those willing to avail it should apply announced that the country will lift a govt”! So today in Cabinet there will be Subsequent attacks, including one on an to the NTA. PTI nearly two-year long ban on the import of discussion on ECC decisions incl trade Indian Army camp in Uri, further cotton and sugar from India after a with India & then govt decision will be deteriorated the relationship. PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FARMERS’ STIR FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 11 Farmers’ protest will go on Delhi borders remain for 8 more months: Tikait blocked as farmers’ Says the movement will protest continues pick up speed after May NEW DELHI (TIP): Delhi’s Singhu and Tikri borders 10, as till then farmers, will continue to be blocked due to the protest by farmers who remain engaged in are demanding withdrawal of the three contentious farm harvesting wheat crop laws. The Ghazipur border, which connects Uttar Pradesh with Delhi, was opened partially as vehicular movement from Delhi to Ghaziabad was allowed on the stretch. NEW DELHI (TIP): Bharatiya “Ghazipur NH-24 upper side towards Ghaziabad is open Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson for traffic movement. Chilla border between Noida and Rakesh Tikait said on Thursday the Delhi is open on both sides,” a traffic police officer said. agitation against the Centre’s three The Delhi Traffic Police have diverted the traffic that new farm laws will have to go on for may possibly lead to traffic congestions in parts of the city eight more months as it is a during the peak hours. question of their rights and lands. According to Delhi Traffic Police officials, vehicles The movement will pick up speed entering Delhi from Ghaziabad are being diverted to after May 10, as till then farmers alternate border routes such as Anand Vihar, Surya will remain engaged in harvesting Nagar, Apsara, Bhopra, Loni, Kondli, Chilla, New Ashok wheat crops, Tikait said. Nagar, DND, and Kalindi Kunj, so these routes may see “Farmers can harvest their wheat traffic congestion. crops till May 10 post which the Apart from the Ghazipur,other borders, namely Singhu, agitation will pick up speed,” Tikait and Tikri, are closed. “The following borders are closed for was quoted as saying by news Minimum Support Price (MSP). violent turn as protesters deviated traffic movement — Piyau Maniyari, Singhu border, agency ANI. All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) from the designated route and Harewali, Mangeshpur and Tikri border,” said a traffic Farmers have been camping at general secretary Hannan Mollah entered the national Capital after police officer. several border points in Delhi for told ANI on Wednesday that lakhs of breaking barricades and were also Traffic police officers also said that Auchandi border is more than four months, seeking a protesters would march to involved in incidents of vandalism. opened only during morning and evening peak hours repeal of the laws-- Farmers’ Parliament in May. “Modi A few protesters reached the iconic while Lampur, Safiabad are open. Produce Trade and Commerce Government and Parliament are not Red Fort and hoisted religious flags (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, listening to the farmers then it is on it. The Delhi Police has made 2020; the Farmers Empowerment our right to go in front of multiple arrests in the case. and Protection) Agreement on Price Parliament and raise our demand In January, the Supreme Court Assurance and Farm Services Act and we will decide sometime suspended the implementation of 2020 and the Essential Commodities between the middle in the month of the farm laws and appointed a (Amendment) Act, 2020 -- which May,” he said. Pointing out that the committee on January 12 to were cleared by Parliament in march would be peaceful, he added examine these laws and further September last year. that they (farmers) will go to recommend changes. The Despite several rounds of Parliament to express their pain committee on Wednesday submitted negotiation and repeated requests and grief before the citizens. its report and the apex court will by the government, the farmers Several strikes and marches have hear the matter on April 5. Speaking have remained determined that been staged by farmers across India to Hindustan Times, one of the they would not stop protesting until since last year and the majority of expert members in the committee the laws are completely rolled back them were peaceful. However, the Anil Ghanwat said that it is entirely and are also firm on their demand farmers’ tractor rally on Republic up to the apex court to act on the Farmers hold placards during their ongoing protest against the for a legal guarantee for the Day ( January 26) in Delhi took a recommendations given. three farm laws at Ghazipur border, in New Delhi on April 1. Samyukt Kisan Morcha asks BJP MPs, allies to support farmers’ agitation NEW DELHI (TIP): The Samyukt them at the mercy of big corporates. Kisan Morcha on Thursday, April 1, appealed to the BJP MPs and its allies to SC-appointed panel on extend their support to the farmers' farm laws submits report movement. The SKM also noted that they would The Supreme Court-appointed three- continue their "peaceful social boycott" of member committee, on the three newly- leaders of the BJP and its allies. enacted farm laws, has submitted its "We request the BJP MPs and its allies report to the top court in a sealed cover. and other elected representatives to The SC panel, in its report, said that support the farmers' movement. The SKM around 85 farmer organisations have appeals to these leaders that they can been consulted in the case. The support the movement in any form, committee has submitted its report after including resignation from their posts," meeting with the farmer organisations according to a statement released by the to find a solution to the matter. "The SKM. It claimed that Haryana Deputy report has been submitted in the Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala was Supreme Court in a sealed cover met with "fierce opposition" by the envelope on March 19," agricultural farmers during his visit to Hisar on economist Anil Ghanvat, one of the Thursday. members of the SC-appointed "Farmers did not let the helicopter of laws. In Rajasthan's Hanumangarh too, against them," the statement said. committee, has confirmed. However, he the anti-farmer Dushyant Chautala take farmers "gheraoed and protested against The Centre has said the new farm laws refused to divulge any other details, off," the statement claimed. Pilibangan MLA Dharmendra Singh at will benefit farmers by freeing them from saying it is a "confidential process" and Chautala, whose Jannayak Janata Party Dabli toll plaza". the clutches of middlemen and ushering that the matter is sub judice. (JJP) is the coalition partner of the ruling "At the time of the vote, they (leaders) in new technology in the sector. The committee had also sought BJP in Haryana, has faced repeated become very friendly to the farmers and However, farmers say these legislations comments, views, and suggestions of the protests from farmers over the past few other people, but today when the farmers will remove the safety net of the public through a public notice published months for supporting the agricultural are struggling, he (Singh) is standing minimum support price (MSP) and leave in major newspapers. THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 12 IRS, Treasury disburse more Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan; total tops 130 million with more to come compared to 2019, or a person had a new Security retirement, survivor or payment for their qualified dependent as child or dependent on their 2020 tax disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security quickly as possible. return, and other situations. Income (SSI), and Railroad Retirement People who don't normally file a tax The payments announced today also Board (RRB) beneficiaries. As return and don't receive federal benefits include payments for people for whom announced previously, these payments may qualify for these Economic Impact the IRS previously did not have will begin to be issued this weekend, Payments. This includes those information to issue a payment but who with the projection that the majority of experiencing homelessness, the rural recently filed a tax return and qualify for these payments will be sent poor, and others. For those eligible an Economic Impact Payment. electronically and received on April 7. individuals who didn't get a first or Payments to this group -- and the "plus- No action is needed by most people to second Economic Impact Payment or got WASHINGTON (TIP): The Internal up" payments noted above -- will obtain this round of Economic Impact less than the full amounts, they may be Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of continue on a weekly basis going Payments. People can check the Get My eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate the Treasury and the Bureau of the forward, as the IRS continues processing Payment tool on IRS.gov on to see if their Credit, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax Fiscal Service announced, April 1, they tax returns from 2020 and 2019. payment has been scheduled. The IRS return. See the special section on are disbursing several million more In total, this third batch includes more notes that the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov: Claiming the 2020 Recovery payments in the third batch of Economic than 4 million payments, with a total IRS.gov will not be updated until the Rebate Credit if you aren't required to Impact Payments from the American value of more than $10 billion. weekend of April 3-4 with information file a tax return. Rescue Plan. This brings the total This batch of payments contains more for Social Security and other federal Free tax return preparation is disbursed so far to more than 130 million than 2 million direct deposit payments beneficiaries expecting payments next available for qualifying people. payments worth approximately $335 (with a total value of more than $5 week. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the billion. billion) and approximately 2 million The IRS continues to review data income levels in this new round of As announced on March 12, Economic paper check payments (with a total value received for Veterans Affairs (VA) Economic Impact Payments have Impact Payments continue to roll out in of nearly $5 billion). benefit recipients and expects to changed. This means that some people batches to millions of Americans. The For the first two batches of payments determine a payment date and provide won't be eligible for the third payment third batch of payments began (which began processing on March 12 more details soon. Currently, the IRS even if they received a first or second processing on Friday, March 26, with an and March 19), payments were primarily estimates that Economic Impact Economic Impact Payment or claimed a official payment date of March 31, with sent to eligible taxpayers who filed 2019 Payments for VA beneficiaries who do 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments some people receiving direct payments or 2020 returns. People who don't not regularly file tax returns could be will begin to be reduced for individuals in their accounts earlier as provisional typically file a return but who disbursed by mid-April. VA beneficiary making $75,000 or above in Adjusted or pending deposits. Here is additional successfully used the Non-Filers tool on payment information will be available in Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing information on this batch of payments: IRS.gov last year were also sent payments the Get My Payment tool at a future date. jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for This batch includes the first of in these first two batches, either as a Special reminder for those who don't individuals ($160,000 for married filing ongoing supplemental payments for direct deposit or by paper check or an EIP normally file a tax return jointly); people with Adjusted Gross people who earlier in March received Card, a prepaid debit card. Some federal benefits recipients may Incomes above these levels are ineligible payments based on their 2019 tax returns Starting Friday, a large set of need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they for a payment. but are eligible for a new or larger payments will begin going to Social don't usually file, to provide information Individuals can check the Get My payment based on their recently Security and other federal beneficiaries the IRS needs to send payments for any Payment tool on IRS.gov to see the processed 2020 tax returns. These "plus- who didn't file a 2020 or 2019 tax return qualified dependent. Eligible individuals payment status of these payments. up" payments could include a situation and didn't use the Non-Filers tool last in this group should file a 2020 tax return Additional information on Economic where a person's income dropped in 2020 year. These payments will go to Social to be considered for an additional Impact Payments is available on IRS.gov. First Asian Ajay Data gets Elected CDC director gives emotional Unopposed Chairman of UASG warning of 'impending doom' YASH GOYAL IN JAIPUR defeating Richard Madinger, WASHINGTON (TIP): Thousands of Where B.1.1.7 is thriving VP of GoDaddy in 2019 and cases of the B.1.1.7 strain have been The US Centers for Disease Control and LOS ANGELES /JAIPUR now after completing two reported across the United States, and Prevention has reported more than 11,500 (TIP): In a very keenly years nominations were experts fear the variant could drive cases of B.1.1.7 infections. But those were watched election for the asked and no one opposed another Covid-19 surge as states race to just the ones caught by genomic Chair of Universal the nomination of Dr. Ajay get ahead and vaccinate. sequencing. The actual number may be Acceptance Steering Group as chair. The strain, first spotted in the United much higher, since not every Covid-19 (UASG) which is supported After two years of Kingdom, isn't just more contagious than case is sequenced. by the International Internet remaining chair as UASG, the original novel coronavirus. It appears The highest B.1.1.7 case counts are in Body (ICANN) at LA (USA), Nominations were asked on to be deadlier as well. Florida, which has welcomed packed Jaipur's Dr Ajay Data, Chief 25th Feb 2021 to elect Chair B.1.1.7 has been wreaking havoc in crowds of spring breakers -- many of of Indian IT Firm Data Xgen of UASG which is an parts of Europe, and health experts the whom are unvaccinated and maskless. has been declared elected at Internet community US could be next if Americans don't take Michigan has the next highest number a recently held poll at LA initiative and tasked with precautions. of B.1.1.7 cases. Officials there say (USA). undertaking activities that will "In the Upper Midwest, we're starting to another surge is well on its way. Dr Ajary remains the first Asian to effectively promote the Universal see lots of younger adults getting sick and "We've got a high proportion of occupy this prestigious post, according Acceptance of all valid domain names going to the hospital from Covid because variants, and that means coronavirus to a statement here on Weekend. and email addresses. of the B.1.1.7 variant," said Dr. Peter spreads faster," Michigan Gov. Gretchen UASG is financially supported by "I am thankful to all 600 + members of Hotez, dean of the National School of Whitmer said. "These are much more Internet Corporation for Assigned UASG to elect me as share of Universal Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of contagious, and we're seeing that whether Names and Numbers (ICANN) here, over Acceptance Steering Group. It's also a Medicine. "So, remember that the B.1.1.7 it is at youth sports or it is the re- 600 global IT companies including proud moment to lead this group which variant is different from past types of engagement of some of our restaurants." representatives from Microsoft, Google, is working to break the language Covid infections that we've seen -- more Whitmer said the disturbing trend is Apple, XgenPlus, Yandex, THNICetc. barriers to bring billions online," Dr serious and possibly more severe disease fueled by new variants, pandemic fatigue Dr. Ajay was elected chairman after Ajay reacted when contacted by TIP. among younger people." and more travel. THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 13 Village of Lincolnwood community comes out in support of Jesal Patel in the Mayoral Race Punch # 13456 Jesal Patel for Lincolnwood Mayor LINCOLNWOOD, IL (TIP): A wave of excitement engulfed the Village of Lincolnwood since Jesal Patel declared his candidacy for the office of the Village Mayor. During the recent meet and greet held on March 25th, 2031at Holiday Inn, Skokie, IL 60077, many prominent members of Lincolnwood wholeheartedly expressed Lincolnwood Alliance Party: Jesal Patel for Mayor, Beryl Jesal Patel: Jesal Patel Mayor their support for Jesal Herman for Clerk, Jean Ikezoe, Grace Diaz Herrera and for Village of Lincolnwood Patel. Some of the Mohammed Saleem distinguished guests invited at the event were Minal event. Saleem, a civil engineer by profession, aims at CAMU1291: Invited distinguished guests at the event were Minal Desai (Skokie Park District Commissioner), Susan Patel Desai (Skokie Park District Commissioner), Susan building bridges that bring people and community (President IADO (Indian American Democratic organization), Patel (President IADO (Indian American Democratic together. Saleem mentioned how he could use his Harendra Mangrola Past President IADO, Babu Patel (Marsha), organization), Harendra Mangrola Past President expertise as a civil engineer towards revamping the Bhavesh Patel and Babu Patel (Saahil), Nick Patel (LA Tan), IADO, Babu Patel (Marsha), Bhavesh Patel and Babu roads, buildings and the overall infrastructure of the Kiraan Shah, Gautam Patel, Ashok Patel, Kishor Patel, J P Patel, Patel (Saahil), Nick Patel (LA Tan), Kiraan Shah, Village of Lincolnwood. PC Sha, Bharat Liwani and Karim and Hannah Lakhani. Gautam Patel, Ashok Patel, Kishor Patel, J P Patel, PC Lincolnwood Alliance candidates in the current committees and boards. Sha, Bharat Liwani and Karim and Hannah Lakhani. elections are Jesal Patel for Mayor, Beryl Herman for The Lincolnwood Alliance team, under Jesal Patel's Susan Patel steered the entire event and thanked Clerk, and three candidates Jean Ikezoe-Halevi, Grace proven leadership, promises to build an inclusive and everyone who came to support Jesal. Nick Patel talked Diaz Herrera, Mohammed Saleem for Trustees. welcoming village through transparent governance by about the great work that Jesal has done since 2007 and Jesal, for over 14 years, has proven his honesty and involving the Lincolnwood residents in the decision- extended his support for him in the current election. integrity through his work and community service. making process. One of the dreams of The Lincolnwood The guests also talked about how, under the leadership Being a finance graduate, he envisions a thriving Alliance team is to create a welcoming and efficient of Jesal and the Lincolnwood Alliance Party, Lincolnwood through smart planning by creating new atmosphere for all by providing first class customer Lincolnwood has been better able to navigate the business opportunities as well as employment service with its Service First Organization concept. Its challenging times during covid-19 pandemic and has opportunities. He has many years of experience as a emphasis on utilizing diversity on various committees seen a robust economic period. A special mention was small business owner behind him. His firsthand and commissions aims to generate ideas and form made about how Lincolnwood Alliance was able to knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur help him visions for a prosperous village. secure the financing necessary to initiate the first understand how important it is to support small Jesal requested everyone to go for early voting which phase of the 10-year infrastructure improvement businesses so they can expand, create new jobs, and is at Oakton Community College 7701 N Lincoln Mon- program with zero property tax increases. It also thrive in our community. Fri 9am - 5pm and on weekends 10am - 4pm through supported public and private partnerships, and new Jesal, during his address at the meet and greet, April 5th,2021. Election Day is April 6 and voters can TIF districts to help spur development in Lincolnwood. mentioned how his career has helped him understand find their polling place at Jesal reminisced about spending his childhood in the the challenges faced by homeowners as well as business https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/service/your- Village of Lincolnwood and expressed his love for the owners especially during the pandemic. Jesal's voter-information village. Jesal's father Babu Patel, who is a very well- business, Patel Realty, has been serving the Village of The numbers on the ballot for the Lincolnwood known community leader, urged everyone to vote for Lincolnwood with its specialization in residential and Alliance Party are Jesal Patel for Mayor - #1, Beryl Jesal to make Lincolnwood prosperous and a safe place retail real estate sales and investment for many years. Herman for Clerk - #3, Jean Ikezoe-Halevi - #4, Grace to live. One of candidates for the office of trustee, Jesal has been a Trustee in Lincolnwood since 2007 and Diaz Herrera - #5 and Mohammed Saleem - #6 Mohammed Saleem also addressed the guests at the has served as Board liaison to multiple Village (Photographs and Press release /Asian Media USA)

entitled to all the rights and freedoms set out therein, without distinction of any kind, in particular as to race, AAPI urges government to prevent color or national origin." "All human beings are equal before the law and are attacks on Asian Americans entitled to equal protection of the law against any discrimination and against any incitement to CHICAGO (TIP): Expressing deep been carrying on these criminal acts," discrimination." Recognizing the pain and sufferings of concern and anguish about recent Jonnalagadda stated. the people impacted by the increasing violence and attacks against Asian Americans, the A coalition tracking reports of harassment against Asians and Asians Americans, American Association of Physicians of racism and discrimination against especially in the past few months, Dr. Anupama India Origin (AAPI) has urged the Asian Americans says it has received Gotimukula, President-Elect of AAPI stressed the need federal, state and local Governments to at least 3,795 firsthand complaints for education. "We stand in solidarity with peaceful make all out efforts to protect them. since last year, AAPI noted. protestors across the nation condemning the increasing "AAPI wants to express our deep Stop AAPI Hate began tracking violence and harassment against some minority groups," concern and anguish about the violence and harassment against said Dr. Ravi Kolli, Vice President of AAPI. violence the nation has witnessed against people of Asian Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in March last year. "As immigrants to the US, our families may not always origin," AAPI President Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, From then through the end of 2020, Stop AAPI Hate understand this history,but we join in solidarity with the stated condemning such incidents. received a total of 3,292 complaints from all 50 states and minority communities and call for justice and peace." "We at AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in Washington, DC, according to a Stop AAPI Hate news "We are saddened by the divisive rhetoric and racial the nation, urge the federal, state and local Governments release. There were at least 503 anti-Asian hate incidents tensions that seem to be getting worse each day. AAPI to make all the efforts possible to prevent violence against reported between January 1 and Feb. 28 according to the supports the Bills introduced by two Democratic Asian Americans and all those innocent people around group's latest report, released last week. lawmakers in the House and the Senate calling for the the nation who continue to suffer due to violence, Quoting the UN Universal Declaration of Human expedited review of hate crimes related to the pandemic," harassment and discrimination." Rights, Dr. Sajani Shah, Chair of AAPI Board of Trustees, said Dr. Amit Chakrabarty,Secretary of AAPI. "We strongly condemn this ongoing violence. And we said, "AAPI recognizes that all human beings are born (Read full story at want immediate action against the culprits, who have free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 14

ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS EC bars DMK leader 2nd Phase: Over 80% turnout A Raja from in Bengal, 77% in Assam campaigning for 48 hrs ays after DMK leader A Raja issued an apology following D a controversy over his derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday, April 1, reprimanded him for violation of the model code of conduct, debarred him from the poll campaign for 48 hours, and removed his name from the list of star campaigners. Raja moved the Madras High Court against the EC order but his plea was dismissed. “The commission also advises you to be watchful and not to make Voters show their ID cards as they arrive to cast their votes during the second phase of West Bengal Assembly polls, in Nandigram, Thursday, April intemperate, indecent, derogatory, 1, 2021. Photo source: PTI obscene remarks and lower the dignity of women in future during the election campaign,” said an EC NEW DELHI (TIP): Sporadic partisan behaviour prompted the Though tight security measures have order, dated April 1, addressing violence was reported in West Bengal Election Commission to seek a report been taken in 30 assembly segments Raja. while Assam witnessed peaceful on an incident in Boyal village where spread across Purba and Paschim The High Court dismissed Raja’s polling, barring a firing incident, as the feisty Trinamool Congress boss Medinipur, Bankura and South 24 plea for urgent hearing of a writ people exercised their franchise in stayed put for over two hours outside a Parganas districts, workers of the TMC petition challenging the EC order. large numbers in both states in the polling booth following a siege of sorts and the BJP fought pitched battles at A mention to this effect was made second phase of assembly elections on by BJP supporters. several places in the four districts. by Raja’s senior counsel V Thursday, April 1. Suvendu Adhikari’s car was pelted In Assam, three persons were injured Shanmugasundaram before the Officials said that over 80.43% voter with stones at two places while he was in firing by the bodyguards of deputy first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib turnout was reported from 30 visiting booths in the constituency. BJP speaker Aminul Haque Laskar in the Banerjee and Justice constituencies in West Bengal up to 5 candidate of the Keshpur seat, Tanmay Sonai seat in Cachar district after Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy. He pm, while Assam registered 77.21% Ghosh’s vehicle was also vandalised clashes broke out between supporters of pleaded the request might be voting in 39 seats. allegedly by TMC workers, officials the ruling BJP and the All India United heard immediately considering West Bengal chief minister Mamata said. Democratic Front (AIUDF), which is a the availability of a short period Banerjee accused Central forces Despite the violence and accusations constituent of the Congress-led of just three days for canvassing. deployed in Nandigram constituency, of vote fraud in Nandigram, Banerjee alliance, officials said. A categorical “no” was the reply of where she is locked in a fight with her said that she was confident of victory There are no other reports of violence the CJ. former lieutenant Suvendu Adhikari, of from the constituency where she had a from any of the 39 constituencies, Assembly polls will be held in helping the saffron party under decade-and-half ago led a farmers’ where voting took place to decide the Tamil Nadu on April 6 in a single instructions from Union home minister movement against a chemical hub fate of 345 candidates, including five phase for which campaigning Amit Shah. planned by the then Left Front ministers, they said. Source: PTI would end on April 4 evening. Allegations of booth capturing and government. Days ahead of Kerala polls, parties One-fifth of candidates in poll-bound race to rake up Sabarimala states have criminal cases against them ith a few days left for the restrictions on visits of child-bearing NEW DELHI (TIP): Out of 6,318 themselves, the report said. crucial assembly elections in women saying it was against gender candidates contesting in assembly elections Of the 3,559 candidates analysed from WKerala (polling on April 6), the equality. The state had witnessed five in four states and a UT, 18 per cent have Tamil Nadu, 466 (13 per cent) declared ruling Communist Party of India shutdowns and two people died in the declared criminal cases against themselves, criminal cases against themselves and 207 (Marxist) is busy with a house-to-house violence that rocked the state. according to a report by poll rights group (6 per cent) declared serious criminal cases contact programme throughout the Chittar is a hilly village located in ADR (Association for Democratic Reforms). against themselves. state to inform believers of the “real Pathanamthitta district; at least 22 km The National Election Watch and Of the 928 candidates analysed from situation in Sabarimala” even as people away from the Sabarimala temple base Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) Kerala, 355 (38 per cent) declared criminal living around the revered shrine are camp Pambha, where the unrest have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of cases against themselves and 167 (18 per disillusioned with the politics over the against the verdict first began in 2018. 6,318 out of 6,792 candidates who contested cent) declared serious criminal cases issue. Locals say it was a spontaneous in the Union Territory of Puducherry and against themselves. The contentious issue has returned movement sans any political colour or the four states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Of the 941 candidates analysed from to haunt the ruling party after its flag and they agree even Communists Nadu and West Bengal till Phase 3 of Assam, 138 (15 per cent) declared criminal opponents invariably flaunted the participated in the voluntary assembly polls. cases against themselves and 109 (12 per temple card to woo believers. Having movement. Out of 6,318 candidates analysed, 1,157 (18 cent) declared serious criminal cases learnt a bitter lesson in the 2019 Lok Many political parties including the per cent) have declared criminal cases against themselves. Sabha elections, in which it lost all but Congress and BJP initially welcomed against themselves in their affidavits and Of the 323 candidates analysed from one of 20 Lok Sabha seats, the ruling the verdict. Then Congress president 632 (10 per cent) candidates have declared Puducherry, 54 (17 per cent) declared party is worried --- unrest in Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders of serious criminal cases against themselves. criminal cases against themselves and 28 (9 Sabarimala was cited as the main BJP including O Rajagopal termed the As many as 1,317 (21 per cent) are per cent) declared serious criminal cases reason for its defeat in the last general verdict “historic”. crorepatis. against themselves. elections. The hill temple and But as the situation slowly changed Of the 6,318 candidates, 567 were analysed Among major political parties, 143 of the surrounding areas had witnessed after spontaneous protests broke out from West Bengal (till phase 3) out of which 191 candidates (75 per cent) from DMK have unrest in 2018 after the state throughout the state, the political 144 (25 per cent) declared criminal cases declared criminal cases against them and 55 government tried to implement the parties were forced to change their against themselves and 121 (21 per cent) (29 per cent) declared serious criminal cases Supreme Court verdict that removed stand. Source: HT declared serious criminal cases against against themselves. Source: PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 15 EC orders repolling in Assam’s India contributes Ratabari station after EVMs’ $300,000 to UN body found in BJP candidate’s car for gender equality ndia has contributed USD 300,000 to the United NEW DELHI (TIP): A day after Nations agency for gender equality and women a video surfaced on social media Iempowerment, a contribution lauded by the UN which allegedly showed electronic entity. voting machines (EVMs) in the car India made a contribution to UN Women, the world of Patharkandi BJP candidate organisation’s entity for gender equality and women's Krishnendu Paul, the Election empowerment. Commission ordered repolling in "#India contributes USD 300,000 to @UN_Women for polling station 179 of Ratabari seat 2021,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Assam. The officers responsible Ambassador T S Tirumurti tweeted on Thursday. for the transportation of EVMs He said India reaffirms its support for gender have been suspended. equality and women empowerment, describing UN The video had surfaced after the Women as a “valued partner in our progress from second phase of polling concluded women’s development to #women-led development.” in Assam on Thursday, April 1. It Assistant-Secretary-General and Deputy Executive was tweeted out by Assam-based Director of UN Women Anita Bhatia thanked India for journalist Atanu Bhuyan, who the contribution and its support to UN Women and said mentioned that the “situation is in a tweet that “Women-led development envisions tense in Patharkandi” following women as agents of change driving measurable impact the incident. in the lives of women & girls.” Targeting the BJP over the The video was tweeted by Assam-based journalist Atanu Bhuyan, who mentioned incident, Congress leader Priyanka that the “situation is tense in Patharkandi” following the incident. Gandhi said the Election Commission should act decisively caught transporting EVM’s show losers,” she tweeted. on such complaints and that a up. Unsurprisingly they have the “The fact is that too many such serious re-evaluation of the use of following things in common: 1. The incidents are being reported and EVMs needs to be carried out by all vehicles usually belong to BJP nothing is being done about them. national parties. candidates or their associates. 2. The EC needs to start acting Priyanka also said that the BJP The videos are taken as one off decisively on these complaints and uses its media machinery to accuse incidents and dismissed as a serious re-evaluation of the use those who exposed them as sore aberrations. 3. The BJP uses its of EVM’s needs to be carried out by losers. “Every time there is an media machinery to accuse those all national parties,” Priyanka election video of private vehicles who exposed the videos as sore added. Rajinikanth To Many devotees arrived Over 6.75 crore receive Dadasaheb COVID-19 Phalke Award for Kumbh without Covid NEW DELHI (TIP): Superstar Rajinikanth vaccine doses will be honoured with the 2019 Dadasaheb negative report Phalke award, the government announced today. He will receive the award on May 3. HARIDWAR (TIP): Many devotees who arrived here on Thursday for administered in In a congratulatory tweet, Prime Minister the Kumbh Mela did not carry their coronavirus report, according to an Narendra Modi said "it is a matter of inspection conducted by Garhwal Commissioner Ravinath Raman at the immense joy that Thalaiva has been conferred local railway station. India so far with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award". Tamil Station Superintendent MK Singh told him that around 10,000 pilgrims Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami spoke to are arriving every day for the Kumbh that started on Thursday. NEW DELHI (TIP): The cumulative Rajinikanth on phone and congratulated him. The Garhwal Commissioner said the railway authorities have been told number of COVID-19 vaccine doses In tweets, the actor thanked the to let the devotees proceed to the mela area only after they produce their administered in the country has crossed 6.75 government, PM Modi, Mr Javadekar and the negative RT-PCR report. crore with a total of 17,47,094 doses given on jury for the award. "I sincerely dedicate it to Those who arrive without a report should be tested on the spot and Thursday, April 1, till 8 pm, the health all those who have been a part of my journey. allowed to proceed only after their coronavirus report turns out to be ministry said as India opened up vaccination Thanks to the almighty," he said. negative, he said. against the viral disease for all people aged Responding to PM Modi's wishes, The Garhwal Commissioner has ordered the expansion of the waiting above 45 from April 1. Rajinikanth said he is "humbled and area, augmenting drinking water and toilet facilities for passengers The countrywide vaccination drive was honoured" with his greetings and the award. awaiting their reports at the railway station. rolled out on January 16 with healthcare The announcement of the top honour for He asked the railway authorities to coordinate with officials of the workers (HCWs) getting inoculated and the Rajinkanth, 70, comes just days before the railway stations from where the trains originate and ensure that only vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) assembly election in Tamil Nadu where his passengers who carry negative test reports are allowed to board the started on February 2. The next phase of the largest fan base is. Haridwar-bound trains. The Uttarakhand High Court has made it vaccination drive commenced on March 1 for Union Minister Prakash Javadekar mandatory for devotees attending the Kumbh Mela to bring their negative those over 60 years of age and those aged 45 responded sharply to a question linking the RT-PCR report, not older than 72 hours on arrival. Source: PTI and above with specified co-morbid two. "This is an award related to the film world conditions. and Rajinikanth has been working for 50 A total of 6,75,36,392 vaccine doses have so years...one must ask proper questions," he far been administered across the country, said. according to a provisional report compiled at Congress leader Rajiv Shukla was among 8 pm. These include 88,48,558 HCWs who have those who questioned the timing of the award. taken the first dose, 52,63,108 HCWs who have "The BJP puts vote angles in everything and taken the second dose, 93,99,776 FLWs who finds politics in everything. The BJP should have been administered the first dose and not do everything according to votes. A great 39,18,646 FLWs who have taken the second actor like Rajinikanth should have been given dose. These also include 4,01,06,304 the honour earlier," he said. beneficiaries aged above 45 years. Rajinikanth dropped his political plans in A total of 17,47,094 vaccine doses were December last year, in a stunning about-turn given on Thursday (till 8 pm), the 76th day of after years of speculation. On the brink of the vaccination drive -- 16,20,746 beneficiaries launching his political party, he backed out vaccinated for the first dose and 1,26,348 for citing his health. the second dose. Source: PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 16

very year on the Friday before Easter, Good Friday is observed Eand this year it falls on April 2, 2021. Easter is observed on the first Good Friday Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon which falls on April 4, 2021, according to the Church’s Lunar calendar. Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on this day. WE WISH OUR READERS A HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY For Christians all over the world, it is a day of mourning, penance, and fasting. For the same reason, the day is also known as Black Friday. Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, marks the end of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting for Christians. Why is it called Good Friday? According to the Bible, the son of God was flogged, ordered to carry the cross on which he would be crucified and then put to death. It’s difficult to see what is “good” about it. Some sources suggest that the day is “good” in that it is holy, or that the phrase is a corruption of “God’s Friday”. However, the adjective good traditionally “designates a day on (or sometimes a season in) which religious observance is held”. The “good” in this context refers to “a day or season observed as holy by the church”, hence the greeting “good tide” at Christmas or on Shrove Tuesday. In addition to Good Friday, there is also a less well-known Good Wednesday, namely the Wednesday before Easter. The earliest known use of “guode friday” is found in The South English Legendary, a text from around 1290, according to the dictionary. According to the Baltimore Catechism – the standard US Catholic school text from 1885 to the 1960s, Good Friday is good because Christ “showed His great love for man, and purchased for him every blessing”. The Catholic Encyclopedia, first published in 1907, states that the term’s origins are not clear. It says some sources see its origins in the term “God’s Friday” or Gottes Freitag, while others maintain that it is from the German Gute Freitag. It notes that the day was called Long Friday by the Anglo-Saxons and is referred to as such in modern Danish. It also says that the day is known as “the Holy and Great Friday” in the Greek liturgy, “Holy Friday” in Roman Languages, and Karfreitag (Sorrowful Friday) in German. History The crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ are commemorated on Good Friday. According to many accounts, Christ was arrested and executed on this day.Good Friday is considered holy because it was on this day that Jesus Christ, out of love for all people, gave his life as a sacrifice while suffering for their sins. Humanity was given a new start as a result of this gesture, and all of their sins were forgiven. The above- mentioned crucifixion is also said to Bible claims that the son of God was Sunday and came back to life. Easter around noon and lasting until 3 p.m. have occurred around AD 30 or AD 33. resurrected on Easter. It symbolizes has grown in importance in modern This is done because it is thought that Now the question arises: why is the that good always triumphs, and that times, and markets, malls, and Jesus suffered on the cross during day known as Good Friday if it has such Christ went through so much pain for confectionary shops are flooded with these hours. On this day, many a sad history? The term is thought to humanity’s sins demonstrates how Easter goodies. Easter, which Christians all over the world fast. have originated from the words “God’s much he loved everyone. commemorates Christ’s Resurrection, Processions commemorating Jesus’ Friday.” However, some people believe is derived from the old English ‘eastre’, death are held in some parts of the that the letter ‘Good’ stands for Holy, Importance of Easter which refers to a spring festival. world, including the Philippines, Italy, which is why the day is also known as Easter is, without a doubt, the most and Spain. Holy Friday. significant Christian holiday of the The tradition of Good Friday However, this year, because of the year. It is the day on which Christians On this day, believers traditionally Covid-19 pandemic, safety precautions Significance commemorate Jesus Christ’s gather to attend Church services. The need to be followed, which might Despite the fact that Jesus Christ resurrection. According to the Bible, service time on this day varies hinder some people from attending was crucified on Good Friday, the Jesus Christ was resurrected on Easter slightly, with services beginning Church and its large gatherings. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASIAN THEATER FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 18 Artists Speak Out In Support Of Asian Community NAAP STATEMENT community. In the wake of not just last week's event, makes all of this an even more heightened tragedy. but the multiple horrible attacks in recent memory, we Like any family, we encourage everyone to please take "We at National Asian Artists Project (NAAP) feel the at NAAP want to reach out to our friends and care of each other and look out for one another. We need to express our sadness and outrage stirred by the members who are feeling anger, grief, confusion and are asking that you make that extra effort to check in recent tragedy in Atlanta, and over the increased experiencing various levels of trauma as a result of on friends, family, elders, and, please, don't be afraid incidents of senseless violence that have come upon these horrendous and random attacks. It is further to use your voices and share your opinions and our Asian Communities. These aggressions and events troubling to try to grasp the idea that this is happening thoughts." have impacted our families and friends across the due to an unprecedented and wildly inaccurate nation, leaving many with increased fear in their "Stay well, stay safe. sourcing of misinformation targeted toward our ethnic everyday lives. In loving spirit," origin. Baayork Lee & The NAAP Team Our mission has always focused our support on the This pain and grief affect all of us and to have this www.naaproject.org performing arts, while also building a safe place in our happening during an historic and disastrous pandemic,

attended a Charlie Chaplin retrospective at the L.A. Friends" with a new comedy show, "Triumphing Over MY MAN County Museum of Art. "The Adventurer" was one of Quarantine." highlighting Asian American the shorts screened and I noticed an Asian man in the perspectives and experiences during the global film playing the chauffeur of Chaplin's character. I was pandemic, the virtual event kicks off at 8:00 PM (ET). KONO: Play surprised to see an Asian in a non-stereotypical role in These rising East and South Asian American comedy BY MABEL PAIS a 1917 Hollywood production and wondered who this talents will share their struggles and triumphs over the was." pandemic through the lens of sketch and stand-up For additional information, email comedy. Flushing Town Hall will present this special, FREE [email protected] event on its YouTube channel - youtu.be/wNa4dtfWoU4 Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, celebrating its 44th Mr. Otter Lee, who plays Otter Lin on Stephen Colbert Milestone Season, is the most veteran Asian American Presents: "Tooning Out the News," returns to host this theatre company on the East Coast. Tisa Chang founded exciting event. He will be joined by 'Overstep Comedy,' Pan Asian Rep in 1977 at Ellen Stewart's La Mama ETC whose Manhattan shows frequently sell out, and other with the vision to promote equity and access that Asian talented comedians and special guests, including Jatin Americans artists can equally follow, focusing on Chhugani, Patricia Dinglasan, Vivek Netrakanti, Becky stories of probing social justice issues with distinctive Yamamoto, and Angel Yau. Off-Broadway Productions, Tours, National Outreach, The event will also pay a Memorial Tribute to Corky and Community Service. To learn more, visit Lee, the legendary journalistic photographer who panasianrep.org passed away due to COVID-19 in January 2021. (Left) Toraichi Kono with Charlie Chaplin - Furthermore, the event will also feature the NYC Photo / PanAsianRep.Org Chinatown small business community and Patrick CRAZY Mock, the manager of 46 Mott Bakery, which has been PAN ASIAN REPERTORY THEATRE delivering meals to hospitals and the elderly since the PRESENTS VIRTUAL READING OF NEW PLAY onset of the pandemic. "MY MAN KONO" TALENTED PLAYWRIGHT: PHILIP W. CHUNG Looking ahead, "Crazy Talented Asians & Friends" DIRECTOR: JEFF LIU will continue in May with an evening of animated short FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021 AT 5:00PM (EST) ONLY ASIANS: Comedy films selected from several hundreds of submissions to FREE celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. "A Stage for All the World of Asian -Americans"- Flushing Town Hall via its redesigned website: Mel Gussow, The New York Times" flushingtownhall.org, remains a great source for information about the history and mission of the I became fascinated by how this Asian American organization, as well as important contact and man who had somehow become the confidant to community engagement information. the most famous person in Hollywood could also DONATIONS end up imprisoned as a Japanese spy. As more Most of Flushing Town Hall's "FTH At Home!" Asian-American stories are being discovered, (flushingtownhall.org/events) virtual programming is rediscovered, and amplified, the time feels right presented for free to the general public; however, to share Toraichi Kono's story and reclaim his donations (flushingtownhall.org/donate-now) in any place in Asian-American history." = Philip W. amount are welcome and appreciated to support the artists and the nonprofit cultural organization as they Crazy Talented Asians, Poster - Photo / FTH Chung, Playwright continue to provide programming and entertainment he Pan Asian Repertory Theatre (Tisa Chang, BY MABEL PAIS across New York and the world. Currently all programs Founding Artistic Director), continuing their are being presented virtually. FTH Presents educational initiative, presents a reading of the T CRAZY TALENTED ASIANS & FRIENDS About Flushing Town Hall new play, "My Man Kono" by Philip W. Chung. JATIN CHHUGANI, VIVEK NETRAKANTI Among Directed by Jeff Liu, the 8-member cast will feature Performers Flushing Town Hall (FTH), a Smithsonian affiliate, David Dean Bottrell, Katie Lee Hill, Lily Holleman, SATURDAY APRIL 17, 2021 AT 8 P.M. EST, FREE presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and David Lee Huynh, Zach Lusk, Jonathan Medina, Ron educate the global communities of Queens and New Nakahara, and Armin Shimerman. The FREE virtual lushing Town Hall (FTH) this April goes all out York City, in order to foster mutual appreciation. As presentation is set for Friday, April 2, 2021 beginning at with an incredibly diverse lineup of comedy advocates of arts equity since 1979, FTH supports local, 5:00PM (EST). Follow this Link to access the reading: Fevents. As New York City slowly reopens, the immigrant, national, and international artists, cccforms.gle/43uwwRnatiM3QDHA8 cultural nonprofit continues to present its programs to developing partnerships and collaborations that "My Man Kono" is based on the life of Toraichi Kono, an all-virtual audience while livestreaming small enhance its efforts. It serves one of the most diverse who worked as Charlie Chaplin's personal valet for two ensembles from its stage. communities in the world and strives to uphold the decades before being arrested as an enemy spy during Audiences can enjoy "Crazy Talented Asians & legacy of inclusiveness that has defined the community the anti-Japanese hysteria of World War II. "My Man Friends" and other programs. since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657. To learn Kono" was awarded second place in the East West Crazy Talented Asians & Friends - Live Comedy about Flushing Town Hall, visit flushingtownhall.org Players' Pacific Century Playwriting Competition. (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and Playwright Philip W. Chung shared this about his On Saturday, April 17, 2021, Flushing Town Hall Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) new play," I had no idea Toraichi Kono existed until I presents the return of "Crazy Talented Asians & THE INDIAN PANORAMA DANCE, TALK, MUSIC FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 19

UTE LEMPER: RENDEZVOUS WITH MARLENE Ouimette (Trumpet) WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY UTE LEMPER SAVION GLOVER: A MAGICAL FUSION BETWEEN THEATER AND The York Theatre Company CINEMA STREAMING APRIL 8 - 10, 2021 The York Theatre Company (yorktheatre.org) is the DANCE, only theatre in New York City - and one of very few in the world - dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows RESISTANCE & from the past. For over four decades, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic HISTORY musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and BY MABEL PAIS recognition from artists and audiences alike. The York is the recipient of a special Drama Desk Award for Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 7PM Free Virtual Event "Developing and Producing New Musicals" and, more MUST RSVP recently, a special Outer Critics Circle Award for "50 Years of Producing New and Classic Musicals." To learn more about The York Theatre and Ute Lemper, visit www.yorktheatre.org Twitter: @yorktheatrenyc www.facebook.com/yorktheatrecompany www.youtube.com/user/yorktheatre www.utelemper.com www.facebook.com/UteLemperOfficialPage www.twitter.com/UteLempersMusic www.youtube.com/user/utelempersmusic www.instagram.com/utelemper MARIZA SINGS Ute Lemper - Photo /York Theatre.Org

Savion Glover - Photo / Courtesy NJPAC AMALIA The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, BY MABEL PAIS Savion Glover, since he was 11 years old, has been a Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Executive tap dance superstar, acknowledged as one of - if not the Director) presents "Ute Lemper: Rendezvous With - leading interpreters of jazz tap. Starting with his Marlene," in a brand-new version of the 2019 sold-out appearance in Broadway's "The Tap Dance Kid" in 1985 show, a magical fusion of theatre and cinema, gorgeous and continuing to the present day, Savion's obvious music that will take you on an intense journey. brilliance as an artist has only been exceeded by his When Marlene Dietrich phoned a young singer (Ute diligence as a scholar of the art form he practices so Lemper - Sally Bowles in "Cabaret) out of the blue, the uniquely. icon stayed on the line for an unforgettable three hours. Join Savion and NJPAC President and CEO John 30 years later Broadway and West End star Ute Lemper Schreiber for a conversation that will trace the history reveals all in her 5-star critically acclaimed show. of tap through historical performances by the likes of Following sold out performances at The York in the fall Mariza - Photo / Courtesy NJPAC Jimmy Slyde, George Hillman, Lon Chaney, Gregory of 2019 and around the world, "Ute Lemper: Rendezvous Friday April 9, 2021 at 8 p.m. Hines, Sammy Davis and Fred Astaire, examining not With Marlene" has been adapted for the screen with just their artistry, but the cultural and historical special effects to enhance the production. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) context in which these timeless works were created. "Ute Lemper: Rendezvous With Marlene" will stream presents a virtual performance of the Portuguese The New Jersey Performing Arts Center's (NJPAC) online beginning Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 7:00pm Fado sensation with "Mariza Sings Amália," on John Schreiber joins the featured guest in a wide- (EST) and available on demand through midnight on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ranging discussion, taking a deep dive into the history Saturday, April 10, 2021 (EST). For Tickets, visit Attendees can watch the streaming by reserving of music, dance and theater - and the legendary artists web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1045035 their tickets at who brought these genres to life. Set list for "Ute Lemper: Rendezvous With Marlene" thetownhall.secure.force.com/ticket/?orderSource Savion Glover is a Member of the NJPAC Board of To learn more about Ute and her playlist for the =NJPAC#/events/a0S5G00000I5KuTUAV Directors and has taught dance performance and performance, visit yorktheatre,org/ute The Stream will be available to rewatch for 72 choreography to the Arts Center's students for many Where Have All The Flowers Gone / Sag mir wo die hours, until April 12 at 8PM years. Blumen sind (Pete Seeger) See Mariza whose career who has proceeded now NJPAC - To learn more, visit njpac.org Just A Gigolo (Leonello Casucci) with even greater success than ever, with One For My Baby (Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer) appearances on some of the most important stages Life's A Swindle (Mischa Spoliansky / Marcellus in the world: the Paris Olympia, the Frankfurt UTE PERFORMS Schiffer) Opera, the London Royal Festival Hall, the They Call Me Naughty Lola / Ich bin die fesche Loal Amsterdam Le Carré, the Barcelona Palau de la (Friedrich Hollaender) Música, the Sydney Opera House, the New York MARLENE Boys In The Backroom (Frank Loesser / Friedrich Carnegie Hall, the Los Angeles Walt Disney BY MABEL PAIS Hollaender) Concert Hall - in the latter case with a stage setting "It's a huge thrill to see and hear Ute up close Lili Marleen (Norbert Schulze / Hans Leip) specially designed for her by none other than one of and to witness her evocation of Marlene with Ruins Of Berlin (Friedrich Hollaender) the world's greatest architects, Frank Gehry. Black Market (Friedrich Hollaender) Mariza is now celebrating the 20th anniversary of such skill and humanity." - BroadwayworldUK When The World Was Young (Johnny Mercer / M. her career and the centenary of the late Queen of Philippe-Gérard) Fado, Amália Rodrigues. With her new album, "It is my personal homage to that great lady. Ne me quitte pas (Jacques Brel) "Mariza Sings Amália," Mariza continues to carry There are many portraits of Marlene out there, Laziest Gal In Town (Cole Porter) Amália's legacy from the 20th century into the 21st. Die Antwort mein Freund weiss ganz allein der Wind In this streamed concert, Mariza reinvents fado but this one is coming from my heart. Audiences / The Answer My Friend Is Blowing In The Wind (Bob standards for the next generation-their soul intact, are in for an incredible story; history, fate, Dylan) their identity unmistakable, their stylings courage, style, politics, glamour and sex, talent Que reste-t-il de nos amours / I Wish You Love delightfully unexpected. and a huge career." Ute Lemper, Writer- (Charles Trenet) To learn more, visit thetownhall.org Falling In Love Again (Friedrich Hollaender) Performer (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Band: Vana Gierig (Piano), Jesse Mills (Violin), Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) THE YORK THEATRE COMPANY Matthew Parrish (Bass), Todd Turkisher (Drums), Tim PRESENTS THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 20 Dia Mirza shares ‘special’ moments with husband Vaibhav, stepdaughter

ia Mirza has made some ‘really special memories’ on her honeymoon with her husband Vaibhav DRekhi and his daughter Samaira. She took to Akshay Kumar’s Instagram to share fresh photos from their Maldives getaway. magician avatar from “We made some really special memories in Maldives,” she wrote, along with a host of emojis, including an ocean ‘Atrangi Re’ released wave, sun, heart and dolphin. One of the hashtags she added to the post was ‘you are special’. egastar Akshay Kumar, who had In the first photo, Dia held up her hair as she posed with been shooting for 'Atrangi Re', Vaibhav. The second had her posing with Samaira on the Mrecently wrapped up shooting for beach. The third was a selfie of the couple, with the ocean the film and the actor took to social media visible in the background. to share his first look from the film. Other pictures included Vaibhav and Samaira sipping Akshay also extended his gratitude to his coconut water and laying out a picnic on the beach. Dia co-stars Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush for was seen holding the young girl’s hand in one of the their contribution in the project. photos. Looking at the first look photo of Earlier, Dia shared pictures and videos of them Akshay from 'Atrangi Re', one can assume watching dolphins, and said that the joy they felt was that the actor might be seen in the role of beyond words. “Talk about saving the best for last!?! We a magician. The photo features Akshay spent over an hour with a few schools of #Dolphins... 20-30 dressed in a black designer suit and a of them at a time. Words are inadequate to express the joy huge hat as he holds a king of hearts card of witnessing these beautiful creatures in the wild. The on his palm. The actor is seen smiling Indian Ocean was magic, our time here in her calm waters wickedly as he poses for the lens. Akshay has been restful and restorative,” she wrote. seems to bear a look that has an uncanny Dia and Vaibhav got married in an intimate ceremony resemblance to a magician. in the garden of her apartment complex last month. He He penned a note of gratitude for Sara shares his daughter Samaira with his ex-wife, Sunaina and Dhanush, writing, "It's the last day of Rekhi. Sharing the first photos of the wedding, Dia had #AtrangiRe and I can't wait for you'll to written on Instagram, “Love is a full-circle that we call experience the magic created by home. And what a miracle it is to hear its knock, open the @aanandlrai. Also a big thank you to my door and be found by it. Sharing this moment of co-stars @saraalikhan95 and completion and joy with you..my extended family. May all @dhanushkraja for letting me be a part of puzzles find their missing pieces, may all hearts heal and this beautiful film. An @arrahman may the miracle of love continue to unfold all around us. musical. Written by: #HimanshuSharma." #ThankYouPreeta #SunsetKeDiVaNe.”

Kangana lauds Sanya’s Taapsee Pannu to essay the role of performance in ‘Pagglai’ angana Ranaut heaped praise on Sanya Sania Mirza in her biopic? Malhotra in a fresh tweet, calling her talented Kand deserving. Kangana also gave a shout-out to Sanya’s new release, Pagglait, and said that she aapsee Pannu is clearly on a roll. The heard that the film is ‘doing amazingly well’. actress, who has delivered some “She is soooo good .... I am gald people are Tfantastic performances in the last recognising her talent, I heard #PagglaitOnNetflix is two years, has one of the strongest line ups doing amazingly well... so happy for you Sanya you among actors of the current generation. deserve everything and much more ... lots of love to While she has almost 4 films almost over - you,” Kangana wrote, retweeting one of Sanya’s Do Baara, Rashmi Rocket, Haseen Dillruba magazine covers. “Thank you so much. It really and a South film, the Pink actress is means a lot,” she replied, adding heart and puppy dog currently prepping for her sports biopic eyes emojis. Shabaash Mithu on Mithali Raj's life. Fans, in their replies, agreed with Kangana. “Omg But now, we can tell you that the Mithali Kangu I luv u. Sanya is a definetely good good good Raj biopic isn't the only sports biopic actress. Her choices are mindblowing. Two awesome Taapsee is doing. A source says, "Taapsee personalities of bollywood. Its big happy to see ur has now been approached for the Sania support towards her,” one wrote. “Yeayyy!! Our Queen Mirza biopic as well. This has been in the only appreciates fine talent and never mediocrity! works for some time. Ronnie Screwvala Love it! And yes, I agree! Sanya is really good,” bought the rights to her life. The makers another wrote. wanted a younger actress to play Sania and after Parineeti Chopra playing Saina, they didn't want her to do it. They took the film to Taapsee who has liked the script." Taapsee's team is currently working out the modalities for the same. Apart from the cricketer biopic, Taapsee is also in talks for Rajkumar Hirani's next with Shah Rukh Khan but according to latest reports, that film has got pushed. So, Taapsee might be able to accommodate the Sania Mirza biopic in that time frame now. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 21 Kristen Stewart matches Princess Diana’s school run look

risten Stewart continues to nail her looks as Princess Diana on the set of Kthe upcoming film Spencer. haron Stone says she A new photo of the actress, 30, as the late S royal features Stewart wearing a red and black bomber jacket, light blue jeans, gloves paid DiCaprio’s salary for and a pair of tan lace-up boots. The outfit is nearly identical to one that ‘The Quick and the Dead’ Princess Diana wore in images of her on a school run in Kensington in 1992. haron Stone paid for Leonardo DiCaprio''s salary Stewart was also photographed driving a from her own pocket to hire him for her 1995 vintage supercar while sporting a plaid Smovie "The Quick and the Dead", the actor has tweed jacket while filming, according to revealed in her memoir "The Beauty of Living Twice". The Sun. The actress was driving the dark The book, in which the actor talks about her life and green vehicle to Hunstanton beach in career in Hollywood, was released in the US on Norfolk, where Princess Diana was Tuesday. believed to visit during trips to In the memoir, the 63-year-old actor reflects on Sandringham. everything, from her painful childhood in The new photos of Stewart come shortly Pennsylvania to films such as erotic thriller "Basic after it was announced that Poldark star Instinct" and Martin Scorsese’s mobster epic "Casino", Jack Farthing would play Prince Charles in which had earned her an Academy Award nomination the Pablo Larraín-directed film. and a Golden Globe award. Prince Charles married Princess Diana "The Quick and the Dead", which was directed by in 1981 before they separated in 1992. Four Sam Raimi, marked a major moment in Stone''s career years later in 1996, the couple officially as she was also co-producing the film besides ended their marriage. headlining it. The casting news broke last Thursday as It featured Stone as Ellen, a gunfighter who filming for the highly-anticipated film relocates to a rural town in the Old West and clashes shifted from Germany to the U.K. The with its leader (Gene Hackman) to avenge her father''s movie will also star Timothy Spall, Sally death. During the course of the movie, she befriends Hawkins and Sean Harris. DiCaprio''s character, simply called The Kid. Russell Crowe joins Thor: Kim Kardashian shuns Kanye Love and Thunder cast West’s request to ‘cover up’ amid ollywood star Russell Crowe split drama Hhas boarded the cast of Marvel Studios' much-anticipated im Kardashian superhero movie Thor: reportedly gave no Love and Thunder. Kimportance to Kanye According to West and enjoyed sunbathing Deadline, Crowe will in nude amid her divorce from appear in an unspecified the rapper. role in the upcoming The famous reality star was fourth instalment in the previously asked by the father Thor franchise. Russell of her kids to cover up. Kim took to Instagram to seemingly paid no heed to share a photo with Chris Kanye's words. Hemsworth and his wife The 'Keeping UP With Te Elsa Pataky. Kardashians' star is said to be Elsa also shared the embracing her body after pictures and wrote, reportedly become self- "Great night at the rugby conscious over her curves prior with @ssfcrabbitohs to the power couple’s shock #russellecrowe and good split. friends!" The 40-year-old reality star The film, directed by flaunted hourglass figure in filmmaker-writer Taika skimpy bikini as she sunbathed Waititi, is currently in fully nude. production in Australia. Kim - who filed for divorce It marks actor Chris from rapper last month, shares Hemsworth's return as the titular superhero. Actors Natalie Portman four children with him - North, and Tessa Thompson are reprising their roles of Jane Foster and seven, Saint, five, Chicago, Valkyrie, respectively. Hollywood star Christian Bale, Matt Damon, three, and Psalm, one. Jaimie Alexander, Chris Pratt and Karen Gillan are also part of the cast. Kanye and Kim's marriage Waititi has penned the script with Jennifer Kaytin Robinson. Thor: publicly hit the rocks last Love and Thunder is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2022. summer when Kanye talked Russell was recently tapped to star opposite Zac Efron in Peter about a conversation to abort Farrelly's The Greatest Beer Run Ever, which was just acquired. On top their daughter North during a of that, he was most recently seen in the Solstice Studios thriller campaign rally for his ill-fated Unhinged. presidential run. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 22 Easter: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ WE WISH OUR READERS A HAPPY EASTER

aster is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief in the Eresurrection of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament of the Bible, the event is said to have occurred three days after Jesus was crucified by the Romans and died in roughly 30 A.D. The holiday concludes the “Passion of Christ,” a series of events and holidays that begins with Lent—a 40- day period of fasting, prayer and sacrifice—and ends with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (the celebration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 Apostles, also known as “Maundy Thursday”), Good Friday (on which Jesus’ crucifixion is observed) and Easter Sunday. Although a holiday of high religious significance in the Christian faith, many traditions associated with Easter date back to pre-Christian, pagan times. Easter will be celebrated on the Paschal controversies, was not Sunday, April 4, 2021. definitively resolved until the 8th The English word Easter, which century. In Asia Minor, Christians parallels the German word Ostern, is observed the day of the Crucifixion on of uncertain origin. One view, the same day that Jews celebrated the expounded by the Venerable Bede in Passover offering—that is, on the 14th the 8th century, was that it derived day of the first full moon of spring, 14 from Eostre, or Eostrae, the Anglo- Nisan (see Jewish calendar). The Saxon goddess of spring and fertility. Resurrection, then, was observed two This view presumes—as does the view days later, on 16 Nisan, regardless of associating the origin of Christmas on the day of the week. In the West the December 25 with pagan celebrations Resurrection of Jesus was celebrated of the winter solstice—that Christians on the first day of the week, Sunday, appropriated pagan names and when Jesus had risen from the dead. holidays for their highest festivals. Consequently, Easter was always celebrated on the first Sunday after the 14th day of the month of Nisan. Increasingly, the churches opted for the Sunday celebration, and the Quartodecimans (“14th day” proponents) remained a minority. The Council of Nicaea in 325 decreed that Easter should be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox (March 21). Easter, therefore, can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. Given the determination with which (“Passover”) provides the root for Eastern Orthodox churches use a Christians combated all forms of Pâques, the French word for Easter. slightly different calculation based on paganism (the belief in multiple the Julian rather than the Gregorian deities), this appears a rather dubious The Date Of Easter And calendar (which is 13 days ahead of presumption. There is now widespread Its Controversies the former), with the result that the consensus that the word derives from Orthodox Easter celebration usually the Christian designation of Easter Fixing the date on which the occurs later than that celebrated by week as in albis, a Latin phrase that Resurrection of Jesus was to be Protestants and Roman Catholics. was understood as the plural of alba observed and celebrated triggered a Moreover, the Orthodox tradition (“dawn”) and became eostarum in Old major controversy in early prohibits Easter from being celebrated High German, the precursor of the Christianity in which an Eastern and before or at the same time as Passover. modern German and English term. a Western position can be The Latin and Greek Pascha distinguished. The dispute, known as Continued on Page 23 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FEATURE FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 23

From page 22 Easter eggs was first recorded in the 13th century. The church prohibited the eating of eggs during Holy Week, but In the 20th century several attempts chickens continued to lay eggs during were made to arrive at a fixed date for that week, and the notion of specially Easter, with the Sunday following the identifying those as “Holy Week” eggs second Saturday in April specifically brought about their decoration. The egg proposed. While this proposal and itself became a symbol of the others had many supporters, none Resurrection. Just as Jesus rose from came to fruition. Renewed interest in a the tomb, the egg symbolizes new life fixed date arose in the early 21st emerging from the eggshell. In the century, resulting from discussions Orthodox tradition eggs are painted red involving the leaders of Eastern to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Coptic, the cross. Anglican, and Roman Catholic Easter egg hunts are popular among churches, but formal agreement on children in the United States. First lady such a date remained elusive. Lucy Hayes, the wife of Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes, is often credited Liturgical Observances with sponsoring the first annual Easter In the Christian calendar, Easter egg roll (an event where children and follows Lent, the period of 40 days (not their parents were invited to roll their counting Sundays) before Easter, eggs on the Monday following Easter) which traditionally is observed by acts on the White House lawn, in 1878. That of penance and fasting. Easter is year the event was moved to the White immediately preceded by Holy Week, House from the grounds of the U.S. which includes Maundy Thursday, the Capitol Building, where large numbers commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper of children had gathered beginning in with his disciples; Good Friday, the the early 1870s to roll their eggs and day of his Crucifixion; and Holy focused on the Paschal candle; the narrative of Jesus’ Resurrection, play on Easter Monday. Members of Saturday, the transition between service of lessons called the which states that Mary Magdalene Congress were dismayed by the large Crucifixion and Resurrection. prophecies; the administration of the went to the tomb “while it was still crowds on Capitol Hill and feared that Liturgically, Easter comes after the sacraments of baptism and dark” (John 20:1) or as dawn was the foot traffic was damaging the Great Vigil, which was originally confirmation to adult converts; and breaking (Matthew 28:1 and Luke 24:1). grounds. By 1876 Congress and Pres. observed sometime between sunset on the Easter mass. The use of the It is a service of jubilation that takes Ulysses S. Grant passed a law that Easter Saturday and sunrise on Easter Paschal candle, to denote the place as the sun rises to dispel the forbade the practice of egg rolling on Sunday.Later it would be celebrated in appearance of light out of darkness darkness. Capitol Hill. Some historical records Western churches on Saturday through the Resurrection, was first note that the Hayes first opened the evening, then on Saturday afternoon, recorded in the year 384; by the 10th Easter Customs White House lawn to egg rolling and finally on Sunday morning. In century it had gained general usage. Easter, like Christmas, has festivities the following year, in 1877, 1955 the Roman Catholic Church set The prominence of baptism at Easter accumulated a great many traditions, after a young boy asked President the time for the vigil at 10 PM, which goes back to early Christianity, some of which have little to do with the Hayes directly for permission to use the allowed for the Easter mass to be probably the 4th century, when Christian celebration of the space. celebrated after midnight. In the baptism was administered only once a Resurrection but derive from folk The custom of associating a rabbit or Orthodox traditions the vigil year, at Easter. In the Roman Catholic customs. The custom of the Easter lamb bunny with Easter arose in Protestant continues to be an important liturgical service the priest blesses the water to appropriates both the appellation used areas in Europe in the 17th century but event, while in Protestant churches it be used in the forthcoming year for for Jesus in Scripture (“behold the lamb did not become common until the 19th is little known. baptism, with the faithful taking some of God which takes away the sins of the century. The Easter rabbit is said to lay By the 4th century the Easter vigil of that water with them to receive world,” John 1:29) and the lamb’s role as the eggs as well as decorate and hide was well established in various protection from vicissitudes. Lutheran a sacrificial animal in ancient Israel. In them. In the United States the Easter liturgical expressions. It was and Anglican churches use variations antiquity Christians placed lamb meat rabbit also leaves children baskets with characterized by a spirit of joyful of this vigil service. under the altar, had it blessed, and then toys and candies on Easter morning. In anticipation of the Resurrection and— All Christian traditions have their ate it on Easter. Since the 12th century a way, this was a manifestation of the because of the belief that Jesus’ own special liturgical emphases for the Lenten fast has ended on Easter Protestant rejection of Catholic Easter Second Coming would occur on Easter. The Easter sunrise service, for with meals including eggs, ham, customs. In some European countries, Easter—the return of Jesus. In the example, is a distinctive Protestant cheeses, bread, and sweets that have however, other animals—in Switzerland Roman Catholic tradition the vigil has observance in North America. The been blessed for the occasion. the cuckoo, in Westphalia the fox— four parts: the celebration of lights practice may derive from the Gospel The use of painted and decorated brought the Easter eggs. THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 24

At least 36 dead in Taiwan train crash Boris Johnson’s senior TAIPEI (TIP): A train derailed in a tunnel in eastern Taiwan on Friday after apparently hitting a truck, with black adviser resigns amid at least 36 dead and 72 injured, as rescuers struggled to reach crushed carriages, the transport ministry said. Downing Street tensions The train, travelling to Taitung, came off the rails in a tunnel just LONDON (TIP): UK Prime Minister north of Hualien causing some Boris Johnson’s senior-most black carriages to hit the wall of the tunnel, adviser, Samuel Kasumu, has stepped the fire department said in a down from his post as Special Adviser for statement. Civil Society and Communities, it "Is everyone out in carriage four?" a emerged on Thursday, a day after the lady is heard shouting from inside the release of a controversial government- tunnel, in images provided by the fire appointed race review. department. Kasumu’s resignation will come in The official Central News Agency effect from May 1 and Downing Street has said a truck that was "not parked dismissed as “completely inaccurate” properly" was suspected of sliding reports that it is linked to the into the path of the train. The fire Commission on Race and Ethnic department showed a picture of what Disparities (CRED) report, which had appeared to be the truck's wreckage concluded that Britain was not a lying next to part of the derailed train. structurally racist nation even though The front part of the train was overt racism remained a reality in the situated outside the tunnel, and those country. in carriages still in the tunnel were It has been claimed that Kasumu’s exit community, with “the view to leaving at experiences of Black, Asian and ethnic being led to safety, Taiwan's railway was on the cards for some time due to the end of May”. minority people,” she said. administration said. tensions within Downing Street and is However, according to ‘The Politico’, Former equality and human rights Images of the crash scene show not directly linked to the much-criticised Kasumu confirmed his decision to leave commissioner Lord Simon Woolley, who carriages inside the tunnel crumbled report. Downing Street on Tuesday morning, knows Kasumu, said he had been and ripped apart from the impact, “Mr Kasumu has played an incredibly just as the findings of the CRED report “disheartened” whilst at No 10 Downing passengers gathering suitcases and valuable role during his time at No 10,” a were released. Street. bags in a tilted, derailed carriage and Downing Street spokesperson said. It comes as racial equality The House of Lords peer, who has also others walking along the tracks “As he previously set out, he will be campaigners criticised the findings, and criticised the CRED findings, told the littered with wreckage. leaving government in May – this has the Opposition Labour Party accused the BBC there is a “crisis at No 10 when it The accident occurred at the start of been his plan for several months and has government of downplaying comes to acknowledging and dealing a long weekend for the traditional not changed. Any suggestion that this institutional racism. with persistent race inequality”. Tomb Sweeping Day. Taiwan's decision has been made this week or that Labour’s shadow equalities secretary The report has also attracted criticism mountainous east coast is a popular this is linked to the CRED report is Marsha de Cordova called the report from unions and charities – all of whom tourist destination. In 2018, 18 people completely inaccurate,” the “divisive”, adding it was “no wonder” the accuse the commission of downplaying died and 175 were injured when a train spokesperson said. government was “losing the expertise the role of wider factors in racial derailed in northeastern Taiwan, in Kasumu had previously handed in his from their team”. inequalities. the island’s worst rail disaster in more resignation in February but went on to “To have your most senior advisor on Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a member of than three decades. Reuters retract it. At the time, he had said he ethnic minorities quit as you publish a the commission, said the report was not wanted to continue work he had been so-called landmark report on race in the denying institutional racism existed, but 7 convicted in Hong Kong doing fighting misinformation on UK is telling of how far removed the said they had not discovered evidence of over 2019 pro-democracy COVID-19 vaccines with Britain’s black Tories are from the everyday lived it in the areas they had looked. PTI protests HONG KONG (TIP): Seven Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates were Serbia's firefighters auction Cristiano convicted on Thursday on charges of organising and participating in an Ronaldo's armband to help sick boy unlawful assembly during massive anti-government protests in 2019 that BELGRADE (TIP): The Portugal score. triggered a crackdown on dissent. The captain’s armband which Cristiano "The entire crew agreed this seven include media tycoon and Ronaldo angrily threw on the ground (armband) will go for little Gavrilo," he founder of the Apple Daily tabloid after his goal was incorrectly disallowed said. Jimmy Lai, as well as 82-year-old in a soccer World Cup qualifier against In the village of Cumic, just outside Martin Lee, a veteran of the city’s Serbia at the weekend, was picked up by the city of Kragujevac in central Serbia, democracy movement. Lai had Djordje Vukicevic, a duty firefighter. Gavrilo's mother Nevena said the family already been held without bail on The blue armband with a white letter had received donations of around 500,000 other charges related to his pro- C was then put up for a charity auction euros so far. She added that the proceeds democracy activities. They were by Vukicevic and his colleagues from from Ronaldo's armband would be a convicted for their involvement in a Belgrade's firefighting brigade to collect significant contribution. "We could not protest held on August 18, 2019. money for the treatment of six-month- stoppage-time winner in the 2-2 draw in believe that some people who do not even Organisers said that 1.7 million people old Gavrilo Djurdjevic from Serbia who Serbia. know us... would take the armband, marched that day in opposition to a is suffering from spinal muscular Many Serbians resort to fundraising auction it and help our child,' she said. proposed Bill that would have allowed atrophy. and humanitarian auctions to collect So far, bidders have offered around six suspects to be extradited to mainland "Ronaldo was agitated (and) he threw money for medical treatments abroad million dinars ($60,042.03) during the China for trial. the armband, it fell right next to me," when they cannot get adequate auction on Serbia's Limundo e- The activists, apart from those who Vukicevic told Reuters on Thursday. treatment at home. commerce platform. have been remanded in custody on On Saturday, the 36-year-old Ronaldo, Vukicevic said he was ready to sell any "This captain's armband, which has other charges, were granted bail on who plays his club football for Italian memorabilia he could collect from attracted the most media attention of all condition they do not leave Hong Kong champions Juventus, stormed off the players to help Gavrilo's parents collect armbands ever, can be yours if you join and must hand in all their travel pitch and threw down the captain's 2.5 million euros ($2.94 million) for his this charity auction and bid," the documents. AP armband when he was denied a clear treatment, but that the armband was a advertisement says. Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 25 South Korea ruling party Dutch couples mark 20th faces local election losses, presaging rocky road for anniversary of world’s first President Moon SEOUL (TIP): Roiled by property scandals and economic failures, South same-sex marriages Korea's liberal ruling party looks set to lose the mayoral offices in the two AMSTERDAM (TIP): Twenty years largest cities, making it harder for ago, Dutch couple Gert Kasteel and Dolf President Moon Jae-in to achieve the Pasker made history when they tied the policy goals of his last year in office. knot in the world’s first legally- Tens of millions of South Koreans recognised same-sex wedding in the will begin early voting on Friday to elect Netherlands. mayors of the capital Seoul and the port They were among four gay couples— city of Busan among other local offices three male and one female—to be up for grab in the April 7 election. The married shortly after midnight by the vote comes as Moon and his progressive mayor of Amsterdam on April 1, 2001. Democratic Party grapple with On Thursday, they celebrated their plunging approval ratings over 20th anniversaries in small groups or at runaway home prices, deepening home due to COVID-19 social distancing inequality and souring ties with North rules that prevented large gatherings. Korea, which could presage a broader “It’s nicer to say to other people ‘he’s political shift ahead of a presidential my husband, he’s my man’,” said Dolf, election in March. sitting next to Gert as they flipped Latest polls predicted a landslide through an album of photos and victory by the main opposition People newspaper clippings of the wedding, Power Party in both Seoul and Busan. which made headlines worldwide. That would mean the ruling party will “It has helped me to accept myself.” lose control over the government of the All four gay marriages have passed the capital, home to nearly 20% of the test of time. One of the men, Frank the world won’t follow you,” said Henk Mexico and South Africa are among 29 country's 52 million population, for the Wittebrood, died of a heart attack in Krol, a lawmaker who supported the bill nations to have legalised same-sex first time in a decade. 2011 at 55. when it passed the Dutch parliament in marriage since 2001. A Realmeter survey released on Those who participated looked back 2000. “I’m very proud that it’s possible,” Thursday showed voters in all age with pride at having made legal history. “Almost 30 countries in the world said Gert, who before he could complete groups supported the opposition, with “People told me that the Netherlands followed the Dutch example,” he said. his sentence had Dolf jump in and finish double digit leads among respondents would be the first and the last country Most European Union countries, it: “that we could play a little part of it. in their 20s, 30s and 60s or older. (to pass same-sex marriages), the rest of Britain, the United States, Australia, We made history.” Reuters "If Moon's party loses, it would be a crushing defeat that would bring a political brain death for him and eliminate any momentum to push New Zealand businessman guilty of having ahead with his policy agenda," said Kim Hyung-joon, a political scientist at Myongji University in Seoul. child abuse images "It doesn't necessarily mean the WELLINGTON (TIP): One of New wealthiest people, with an estimated opposition candidate will be the next Zealand’s most well-known businessmen fortune of 220 million New Zealand president, but a new political force pleaded guilty on Thursday to dollars ($153 million). could emerge even within the ruling possessing child sex abuse images, He has donated an undisclosed camp to keep Moon's group in check and including some of children as young as amount of money to his former high try to differentiate from it." 2. school, Wellington College. The school Moon came to power in 2017, Ron Brierley’s pleas on three charges said that following the guilty pleas, it promising to generate jobs and create a in an Australian court have sparked a has begun removing all signs with level playing field for all Koreans where rarely invoked procedure to strip him of Brierley’s name on them, which hardworking people can afford a home the knighthood he received more than 30 includes a theater and sports field. and raise a family. years ago. The court has not yet set a sentencing But anger at the perceived failures of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda date. Brierley’s bail conditions require his economic policies has wiped out Ardern said she was initiating a him to live at his home in Sydney’s earlier surges in Moon's approval forfeiture process for the honour, which exclusive Point Piper. Upon sentencing, ratings driven by the government's requires approval from Britain’s Queen he will be added to the New South Wales handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Elizabeth II. state Child Protection Register for at dragging down the numbers to all-time Brierley faces a maximum 10 years in least eight years. lows in recent weeks. The median home prison when he is sentenced. He was Brierley, who appeared frail at the price has soared more than 50% in Seoul caught with some images in his luggage court and walked with a cane, did not since 2017, the fastest pace in the world, at the Sydney International Airport in answer questions from reporters about according to statistics site Numbeo, 2019 and authorities later found more at his pleas and his lawyer could not despite some 25 rounds of cooling his Sydney home. following Brierley’s guilty pleas. immediately be reached for comment. measures. An ongoing investigation into One of his guilty pleas relates to Now 83, Brierley in the 1970s and 80s Denise Ritchie, a long-time accusations of insider land trading photographs of girls as young as 2 in executed a series of aggressive business campaigner against sexual violence involving employees at a state housing sexually suggestive poses. Another maneuvers that grew Brierley directed at women and children, said she developer, politicians and other officials relates to a data storage device found at Investments Ltd. into one of the nation’s welcomed Ardern’s move to strip has added fuel to the public uproar. his home that allegedly contained more largest corporations. His profile had Brierley of his knighthood. Moon has also touted progress in inter- than 1,600 images of child abuse. faded somewhat following the 1987 stock “Young lives have been irreparably Korean relations as his major feat, but Brierley’s lawyer has disputed the market crash, but he continued to make damaged as a result of this predator’s North Korea only continues to vent number of images in question, and the business deals in New Zealand and in behavior,” Ritchie said. “This is an degrading criticism at him while two sides have yet to file an agreed set of his new home of Australia. abhorrent trade in the rape and refusing to restart denuclearisation facts in the Sydney court. A police Business publication NBR lists molestation of children that is fueled by talks with South Korea and the United prosecutor dropped 14 other charges Brierley as among New Zealand’s 100 male demand.” — AP States. Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 26 India records 81,466 fresh Global Covid-19 caseload Covid-19 cases in biggest spike tops 129.4 mn WASHINGTON (TIP): The overall of 2021 number of global Covid-19 cases has surpassed 129.4 million, while the deaths TRACKING THE VIRUS ndia has reported 81,466 fresh have surged to more than 2.82 million, Covid-19 cases in the biggest spike according to the Johns Hopkins Iof 2021. It also saw 50,356 University. GLOBAL INDIA discharges and 469 deaths in the last 24 In its latest update on Friday morning, hours, as per the Union Health the University's Center for Systems Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Ministry.With this, the total number of Science and Engineering (CSSE) cases in India has gone up to revealed that the current global caseload 129,475,545 2,826,018 1,23,03,131 1,63,396 1,23,03,131. Total recoveries are at and death toll stood at 129,475,545 and 1,15,25,039 and the number of active 2,826,018, respectively. cases is at 6,14,696. India’s Covid-19 The US is the worst-hit country with death toll has reached 1,63,396. the world's highest number of cases and Maharashtra continued to report a deaths at 30,538,427 and 553,120, massive rise in Covid-19 cases with respectively, according to the CSSE. 43,183 fresh cases detected in the last 24 Brazil follows in the second place with hours. Mumbai was one of the highest 12,839,844 cases and 325,284 fatalities. contributors recording 8,646 new The other countries with more than coronavirus cases within 24 hours, and two million confirmed coronavirus cases 18 deaths. In light of the rising cases, are India (12,221,665), France (4,755,779), Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Russia (4,503,291), the UK (4,364,541), Italy Thursday hinted at a likely restricted (3,607,083), Turkey (3,357,988), Spain lockdown to be announced. (3,291,394), Germany (2,853,331), Meanwhile, India launched Colombia (2,417,826), Argentina COVID19 vaccination for all people (2,363,251), Poland (2,356,970) and Mexico aged 45 and above from April 1. (2,238,887), the CSSE figures showed. Seeking to exponentially expand the In terms of deaths, Mexico comes in countrywide anticoronavirus the third place with 203,210 fatalities. inoculation drive, the Centre has Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 decided to keep all public and private are India (162,927), the UK (127,006), Italy sector COVID19 vaccination centres (109,847), Russia (97,594), France (96,106), (CVCs) operational throughout April, Germany (76,681), Spain (75,541), including on gazetted holidays. Colombia (63,614), Iran (62,759), Argentina (55,941), Poland (53,665), South Africa (52,897) and Peru (52,008). 1.1mn Britons Source: IANS reported having long Covid ‘Pfizer/BioNTech vax highly effective after 6 months’ symptoms WASHINGTON (TIP): The ongoing bout 1.1 million Britons have Phase 3 clinical trial of the reported having long Covid Pfizer/BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine Asymptoms, figures from the UK's showed that it remains highly effective Office for National Statistics (ONS) for up to six months after the second revealed. dose, the two companies announced. Of the 1.1 million people from Results from the analysis of 927 private households, 674,000 were confirmed symptomatic coronavirus thought to have symptoms that affected cases observed in their pivotal Phase 3 their daily life, with 196,000 estimated study showed the Pfizer-BioNTech to have their ability to undertake vaccine, BNT162b2, was 91.3 per cent everyday tasks limited a lot, Xinhua effective against the disease, measured news agency quoted the ONS as saying seven days through up to six months on Thursday, April 1. after the second dose, Xinhua news The ONS survey asked people if they agency reported citing a joint statement had such symptoms as fatigue, muscle issued by the companies on Thursday. pain, and difficulty concentrating over The vaccine was 100 per cent effective a four-week period ending March 6. against severe disease as defined by the The latest data include those who US Centers for Disease Control and were self-reported, rather than Prevention, and 95.3 per cent effective clinically diagnosed. against severe Covid-19 as defined by the effectively protect against currently The vaccine elicited SARS-CoV-2- Ben Humberstone, head of Health Food and Drug Administration (FDA), circulating variants, a critical factor to neutralising antibody geometric mean and Life Events at the ONS, told Sky according to the statement. reach herd immunity and end this titers (GMTs) of 1,239.5, demonstrating News that the agency was "surprised" Safety data from the Phase 3 study pandemic for the global population," strong immunogenicity in a subset of by the numbers, adding that "this isn't have been collected from more than Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of adolescents one month after the second like other diseases". 12,000 vaccinated participants who have BioNTech, was quoted as saying in the dose, according to the companies. "Two thirds of those with self- a follow-up time of at least six months statement. The results exceeded those recorded reported long Covid told us it's limiting after the second dose, demonstrating a The new results came a day after the earlier in vaccinated participants aged their day-to-day activities so they're not favourable safety and tolerability profile, two companies announced that the 16 to 25 years old, according to the trial able to do the things they would've been it added. "These data confirm the vaccine has demonstrated 100 per cent data. able to do before," Humberstone said. favorable efficacy and safety profile of efficacy and robust antibody responses The two companies plan to submit "And when you think this is most our vaccine and position us to submit a in a trial in adolescents 12 to 15 years of these data to the FDA and the European prevalent in people of working ages, Biologics License Application to the US age. The trial enrolled 2,260 adolescents Medicines Agency as soon as possible that's going to have a real impact on the FDA," said Albert Bourla, Chairman and in the age group in the US. to request expansion of the Emergency world of work, childcare and things CEO of Pfizer. In the trial, 18 cases of Covid-19 were Use Authorization and EU Conditional day to day we take for granted." "These data also provide the first observed in the placebo group versus Marketing Authorization for clinical results that a vaccine can none in the vaccinated group. BNT162b2. THE INDIAN PANORAMA MISCLLANY FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 27 Indian American physician Suresh Reddy running for Oak Brook Trustee

CHICAGO (TIP): Dr. Suresh Reddy, together," according to a media release. public service," he says. immediate past president of American "It all started during my childhood "My mantra is: If you don't lead, Association of Physicians of Indian with bringing neighborhood kids someone else will lead you," says Dr. Origin (AAPI), has picked up key together to play 'gully cricket' and also Reddy on what motivates him to take on endorsements as a candidate for a bringing people together in college to yet another challenging role for the Trustee of Oak Brook, including that of organize events, demonstrations, and betterment of the community. the mayor. educational tours," he says. "If you don't pick the right leader, the Dr. Reddy is one of the six candidates "Bringing opposing parties to the table wrong leader will pick you, and as my for trustees for the three openings in the for resolving issues has always been my good friend US Congressman Raja small Illinois town of nearly 10,000 people strength since my schooling days." (Krishnamoorthi) says, and if you are not that goes to the polls on April 6. Not being satisfied with his on the table, you will be on the menu," he "I am grateful to several key leaders of achievements as a physician and leader adds. my hometown, Oak Brook," said Dr. of the Diaspora Physicians group, Dr. As part of his community service, Dr. Reddy thanking his supporters ahead of Reddy says, "I always had a strong Reddy has facilitated and organized Dr. Suresh Reddy is one of the six candidates the elections in the city about 15 miles passion for bringing a positive outlook numerous health camps and workshops, for trustees for the three openings in the west of the Chicago Loop. and giving back to the community. with special emphasis on CPR training, small Illinois town of nearly 10,000 people that goes to the polls on April 6. Oak Brook Mayor Dr. Gopal Lalmalani "I got involved in several alumni obesity prevention in conjunction with and Trustee Moin Saiyed are among activities and have facilitated to raise Chicago Medical Society. "More than ever, fiscal conservatism those who have endorsed Dr. Reddy's funds to build a million-dollar alumni During the Covid pandemic, he and wise spending, has become the most candidacy saying his leadership skills educational center for my Alma Mater." facilitated more than a 100 webinars and important attribute for a financially will benefit the residents of the suburban Dr. Reddy completed his advanced health awareness events. He also secure future," he says seeking "a chance town. medical training at Beth Israel facilitated honoring of more than 10,000 to perform my public service with utmost Oak Brook's neighbors include the Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard nurses who work selflessly in the line of integrity and dignity to the office." communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Medical School and has stayed on duty against Covid in over 100 hospitals His wife Leela, who was born and Lombard, Oak Brook Terrace, Harvard Faculty for more than a decade. in over 40 states including Alaska. raised in Greenville, South Carolina was Westchester, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, After serving as Chief of "We would like to continue and previously a Director of Network Health Downers Grove, and Hinsdale. Interventional Neuroradiology at strengthen many programs and services Boston, a HMO Health Plan in Boston. Dr. Reddy, who grew up in the suburbs Harvard, Dr. Reddy moved to the Chicago the city offers to all sections of the Their son, Rohun is currently doing his of Hyderabad, Telengana, India, is a suburb. "Now that I call Oak Brook my people." Dr Reddy says committing MBA and JD at Kellogg School of financial conservative, who always had a home, I would like to contribute and himself to ensure that Oak Brook lives up Management and Pritzker School of Law passion for "uniting and bringing people serve my community by participating in to its name as a model village. at Northwestern University.

CONTD FROM PAGE 1 Indian IT professionals likely talented technology professionals inside in-law kept in abeyance the country. to benefit as Biden lets Trump No new proclamation was issued by (NBWs) issued against them, on the era H-1B visa ban expire Biden till Wednesday midnight, resulting grounds that they had turned approvers in the automatic end to the ban on in the case. the US of applicants for several issuing of fresh H-1B visas. Modi, who is currently lodged in a UK temporary or "non-immigrant" visa The Wall Street Journal reported that prison, Choksi and others are being categories, including H-1B, arguing that the White House would not renew a ban probed by the Enforcement Directorate these visas presented a risk to the US on H-1B, and other work-based visas (ED) in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) labor market during the economic imposed last year in response to the money laundering case since 2018. recovery. COVID-19 pandemic that is set to expire Purvi (47) is a Belgian national, while On December 31, Trump extended the on Wednesday. her husband is a British citizen, and the order to March 31, 2021, noting that an Meanwhile, a Republican Senator from couple, who are stated to be based extension was warranted as the Missouri on Wednesday urged Biden to abroad, have never joined the probe in pandemic continued to disrupt issue a fresh proclamation to continue the case. American lives, and high levels of with the H-1B visa ban. Purvi was arraigned as an accused in unemployment and job loss were still "I write today to urge you to extend the the case, where multiple chargesheets presenting serious economic challenges freeze on temporary foreign worker have been filed by the ED and the Central to workers across the US. entries into the United States that, Bureau of Investigation (CBI). (Source: Biden did not issue a fresh without intervention, will expire today," PTI) proclamation for the ban on H-1B visas to Senator Josh Hawley wrote in a letter to continue after March 31. Biden. Trump enters FB via He had promised to lift the suspension "The presidential proclamation daughter-in-law's Page, on H-1B visas, saying Trump's suspending entry of certain temporary immigration policies were cruel. workers into the US has protected kicked off again The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa Americans suffering from the pandemic- along with a warning that posting that allows US companies to employ induced economic crisis. With millions further content would result in account foreign workers in specialty occupations of struggling Americans out of work - limitations. that require theoretical or technical and millions more desperate to make Donald Trump has been banned from The two Trump posts in question expertise. Technology companies depend ends meet - now is not the time to open Facebook since the January 6th attack include the one-minute video he posted on it to hire tens of thousands of the floodgates to thousands of foreign on Capitol Hill. to his account on January 6 as rioters employees each year from countries like workers competing with American The independent Facebook Oversight were still present in the Capitol and India and China. workers for scarce jobs and resources," Board is asking the public to submit backup law enforcement personnel were The expiry of the Trump's he wrote. their feedback on whether the decision en route. proclamation would now result in the by the social network to suspend former Facebook removed the video and took issuing of H-1B visas by American PNB fraud: Warrant against US President Donald Trump's accounts down the post. It later banned Trump diplomatic missions overseas that would Nirav Modi's sister, brother- for an indefinite period after the Capitol from its platform and Instagram for 24 result in US companies bringing in chaos on January 6 was right. hours and then extended it indefinitely. THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 28

CONNOISSEUR’S Home remedies to deal CHOICE with pigmentation e being Indians face a lot of pigmentation especially around the mouth and while we try By Tript Arora Wour best to maintain a proper skincare routine, patchy skin does not seem to find an escape. Hyperpigmentation is a skin issue where a patch of the skin creates more melanin than the rest of the face Kaanji: The Indian resulting in patchy skin. While pigmentation can be a result of an underlying medical condition, most pro-biotic drink patches can be dealt with at home and here are some of the remedies that you can use: In the month of February when you visit the vegetable market, you will see these dark purple color carrots. Besan scrub Fermented in the Sun with water, salt and mustard powder, It is necessary to scrub off the excess dead skin cells these carrots make an excellent probiotic drink. and the dry upper layer of the skin for the body to In India it is called Kaanji. It is rich in antioxidants, dietary create a new one. This is where homemade scrub can be fibre, vitamin C , potassium & magnesium. It also boosts useful. your digestion thereby boosting your immune system. Kaanji is the miracle health drink. Easy to prepare and full of All you need: health benefits. What else one can ask for ? All you need is black carrots, Black salt, mustard seeds, red chillies and „ 1 tablespoon of besan aka gram flour water. In the absence of Black carrots you can use ¾ part „ 1 pinch of turmeric Green tea is an ingredient that is filled with red carrots and ¼ part beetroot for that beautiful colour. „ Cold milk or yoghurt antioxidants that help clear out your skin and reduce But I prefer black carrots any day since they taste good as Directions: dark patches. well as produce a very vibrant colour. All you need: These are all mixed with water and fermented in the Sun for „ Mix all the ingredients in a bowl to create a 4 to 5 days. You can strain it after five days and drink smooth paste. „ 2 green tea bags immediately or keep it in a fridge. The carrots in the kaanji „ Apply it generously on your face and neck and let How to use: can be used as pickle and tastes awesome with khichdi or it sit for 10 minutes. rice. Always use glass or terracotta pots for the „ Once it’s almost dry, scrub off the mask with a „ Steep green tea in hot water for about two minutes fermentation process. The benefit of using terracotta pot is damp hand. Make sure to massage off the mask in and let the tea bags rest aside. that it will cool in a natural way and there is no need for circular motions and be gentle. „ Once the tea bags are warm enough to touch, use refrigerating the Kanji. My mother used to make it in a big „ Once the mask is off, rinse your face with cold them on problematic areas on your skin. terracotta pot and keep it in the sun. It is pungent in taste water and moisturise after. „ Leave it on for about 10 minutes and use this so as a kid I didn't relish it so much. But my mother made it compulsory to drink this because of its health benefits. But Use this scrubbing technique twice a week to see method twice a day to see visible results. „ as I grew up I started relishing it as well as preparing it visible results. „ You can even use the steeped green tea as a natural myself. It has the balance of sourness and sweetness. So toner for better results. enjoy this super healthy, gut friendly drink. It is like Green tea Kamboocha made in your own home. We need 6 Black Carrots, 2 Tbsp Mustard Powder (rai), 2 Tbsp Black Methods to dry flowers to enjoy your Salt, 1 Tsp Red Chilli Powder or Black pepper powder, 7 glasses of Water favorite blooms year-round Here We go „ Cut carrots in thin strips. Dry flowers in a press „ In a glass jar drop carrots slices, black salt, red chilli The process of pressing flowers involves drying powder, mustard powder. flower petals by using either a flower press or a heavy „ Fill with seven to eight glasses of water. book to press the moisture out of the petals. The best „ Cover it with a lid. time to press flowers using this method is when they „ Keep it in the Sun and let it ferment for 4 to 5 days . are fresh and dry. Stir it daily. To dry flowers with a heavy book, arrange the flowers between sheets of unbleached paper, and put them „ Strain and Enjoy this gut friendly Kaanji with or without ice. inside the pages of the book. This will not only absorb moisture from the flowers, but protect the pages of your book. Once the book is closed, you can add a heavy item such as a paper weight to apply pressure. Oweh suggests refraining from using textured paper, such as paper towels, that could leave unwanted imprints or breaks in the dried petals. Air-dry flowers The air-drying method lets nature do all the work, simply by hanging your blooms. Use larger bouquets and arrangements for this flowers with hairspray. method, letting them air dry when they are in mid- bloom. Dry flowers in silica gel With air-drying, start by securing your bunch of Found in many packaged products, silica gel absorbs flowers with a piece of string or rubber band and hang and holds water, making it the perfect material to dry them upside down in a cool, dark place with good air flowers in. Drying flowers using silica gel is considered circulation. the best method and leaves flowers looking the most While this method can take a few weeks depending on realistic, according to Oweh. In this process, it is the flower, it is the least expensive and less intensive common to use a variety of fresh, single flowers in full method. Your flowers will be ready as soon as they are bloom. dry to the touch and have slightly shriveled and faded in Before using this method, gear up with a protective color. mask and gloves to avoid inhaling the non-toxic silica Keep in mind that when arranging your dried gel dust and to prevent cleaning silica gel off your flowers, some petals and leaves may crumple or fall. hands. The first step is to fill your container with one to Visualize your arrangement before preparing and be two inches of silica gel, then place flowers face up and mindful of the flowers' fragility. slowly continue to pour over the flowers, making sure You Can reach me at: www.triptasfoodtunnel.com To keep your dried flowers pristine and slow down petals do not get flattened. Email : [email protected]. the fading process, Oweh recommends spraying your Source: Business Insider Instagram: @triptasfoodtunnel THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 29 Study suggests women are 3 to 6 times more prone to knee injuries

new study has found that social and not just biological Afactors are responsible for increased knee injuries among girls and women. The findings of the study were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Current approaches to a common Caffeine intake and debilitating knee injury that occurs more frequently for women than men have focused for too long during pregnancy on biology at the expense of understanding social factors, said the authors of the study. linked to smaller Girls and women are said to be between three to six times more likely to suffer an anterior cruciate babies ligament (ACL) injury, where one of regnant women who consumed caffeine as the key ligaments that helps to little as half a cup of coffee a day on an average stabilise the knee joint is damaged. Phad slightly smaller babies than pregnant The devastating injury, which in women who did not consume caffeinated beverages, extreme cases can be career-ending a new study revealed. for professional sportspeople, as well as disparities in injury Dr Sheree Bekker from the The study found corresponding reductions in size commonly occurs during sports outcomes. They demonstrated how Department for Health at the and lean body mass for infants whose mothers that involve sudden changes in this could play out across the life University of Bath (UK) explained, consumed below the 200 milligrams of caffeine per direction (for example basketball, course with gendered expectations "We wanted to unpack the biases day—about two cups of coffee—believed to increase football/soccer, tennis). of physical abilities (e.g. 'throw like and assumptions that we were risks to the fetus. The difference in injury rates for a girl'), to inequitable access to seeing in research into and Smaller birth size can place infants at higher risk men and women has not changed funding, training, and facilities for practice around sports injuries in of obesity, heart disease and diabetes later in life. for two decades, but, this might be women's sport (for example girls and women. Specifically, we "Until we learn more, our results suggest it might partly due to how injury prevention disparities in access to weight wanted to challenge the be prudent to limit or forego caffeine-containing and management has been training). increasingly pervasive idea that beverages during pregnancy," said researcher approached to date. Writing in the Finally,they suggested there may this is simply a problem for Katherine L. Grantz from the NIH's Eunice Kennedy BJSM the authors argued that much be a difference between post-injury girls/women because they are Shriver National Institute of Child Health and of the focus still centres on rehabilitation for men and women inherently prone to injury just Human Development. biological and hormonal factors, recovering from an ACL injury. because of their female biology. For the study, published in the JAMA Network with little attention paid to how sex- They say that these social and Approaching ACL injury Open, A the team analyzed data on more than 2,000 based factors are affected by gender environmental factors play a much prevention and management from racially and ethnically diverse women at 12 clinical and might influence each other. bigger role in how sports injuries a strictly biological view can sites who were enrolled from 8 to 13 weeks of They suggested that gendered occur than once thought, and urge propagate sexism in sport with pregnancy. experiences matter in shaping girls' that much more attention be given detrimental consequences for girls From weeks 10 to 13 of pregnancy, the women and women's participation in sport to these topics. and women." provided a blood sample that was later analyzed for caffeine and paraxanthine, a compound produced when caffeine is broken down in the body. Compared to infants born to women with now or Pfizer, Moderna vaccines highly effective minimal blood levels of caffeine, infants born to women who had the highest blood levels of caffeine at enrollment were an average of 84 grams lighter at after first shot in real-world use birth (about three ounces), were 0.44 centimeters shorter (about .17 inches), and had head circumferences 0.28 centimeters smaller (about 0.11 OVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc with inches). BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc reduced risk of Based on the women's own estimates of the Cinfection by 80 per cent two weeks or more after beverages they drank, women who consumed about the first of two shots, according to data from a real- 50 milligrams of caffeine a day (equivalent to a half world US study. cup of coffee) had infants 66 grams (about 2.3 The risk of infection fell 90 per cent by two weeks ounces) lighter than infants born to non-caffeine after the second shot, the study of nearly 4,000 US consumers. Similarly, infants born to the caffeine healthcare personnel and first responders found. consumers also had thigh circumferences 0.32 The results validate earlier studies that had centimeters smaller (about 0.13 inches). indicated the vaccines begin to work soon after a first dose, and confirm that they also prevent asymptomatic infections. PAGE SPONSORED BY Some countries dealing with limited vaccine supplies have pushed back schedules for second doses DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND with the hope of getting some protection to more people. U.S. public health officials, however, continue DR. SATISH ANAND to recommend two doses be given on the schedule Former Chairman, Board of authorized by regulators based on clinical trials. efficacy demonstrated in the large controlled clinical Trustees, AAPI National The study by the US Centers for Disease Control trials conducted before they received emergency use E-Mail: and Prevention (CDC) evaluated the vaccines' ability authorizations from the U.S. Food and Drug [email protected] to protect against infection, including infections that Administration. did not cause symptoms. Previous clinical trials by The study looked at the effectiveness of the mRNA the companies evaluated their vaccine's efficacy in vaccines among 3,950 participants in six states over a GITANJLI ANAND preventing illness from COVID-19, but those studies 13-week period from Dec. 14, 2020 to March 13, 2021. Former President, India would have missed asymptomatic infections. About 74% had at least one shot, and tests were Association of Long Island The findings from of the real-world use of these conducted weekly to catch any infections without (IALI) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines also confirm the symptoms. Source: Reuters E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 30 YouTube Instagram launches experimenting TikTok Duet-like feature with hiding dislikes to ‘Remix’ for Reels nstagram has launched protect creators another TikTok-inspired Ifeature to Reels. It now oogle-owned YouTube has allows users to remix a Reel confirmed it is experimenting by pairing their video with Gwith hiding dislikes to protect other users. It’s similar to creators and channels from targeted TikTok Duets which are quite attacks to downvote their videos. popular on the short video YouTube said in a tweet late on app. Instagram has been Wednesday that in response to creator testing this feature since feedback around well-being and October last year allowing targeted dislike campaigns, it is testing select users to experiment a few new designs that don't show the with, and it is now available to public dislike count. all globally. "Creators, you'll still be able to see The Instagram Reels remix the exact number of likes and dislikes feature will be enabled by in YouTube Studio. For viewers, if default for any new Reel you're in the experiment, you can still uploaded. But users who wish like or dislike a video to share feedback to have their older Reels with creators and help tune the remixed will have to recommendations you see on manually enable it. This can YouTube," the company announced. be done by tapping on the Currently, data for both likes and three dot menu button of the dislikes are available in a creator's Reel, and choosing “enable individual YouTube Studio page, but remixing”. only likes will be displayed publicly on The steps to remix a Reel With Remix, Instagram users can now pair videos with other users' Reels. a video. are also the same with users YouTube said it is not testing hiding having to tap on the menu dislikes on all creators' videos but with button, and select “Remix this video or choose an existing As mentioned above, > Reels > Enable remixing. a select few to begin with and gather Reel”. A new screen will one from their phone. The Instagram will enable Users simply have to toggle insights. appear with the original Reel editing options are the same remixing by default for any off the option to disable playing on the left side, and for remixing a Reel, and these new Reel upload. There is an remixing their Reels. The the right side showing the include adding effects, timer, option though to disable feature is now live on NASA new video that will go up. adjusting the speed, adding remixing, and one can do this Instagram for all users Users can either record a new audio and more. by opening Settings > Privacy globally on Android and iOS. exchanges data of its Mars Facebook to let you turn off algorithmic ranking in News Feed mission with acebook on Wednesday introduced several features to give users more control over their News Feed, including the ability to turn Foff the feeds algorithmic ranking and display content in order India, China it was posted. The social network said it is making it easier to sort he US space agency NASA has and browse News Feed, giving users more control over what you see. exchanged data of its current "Now, you can control your commenting audience for a given public TMars mission with its post by choosing from a menu of options ranging from anyone who counterparts in China, India, the UAE can see the post to only the people and Pages you tag," the company and the European Space Agency to said in a statement. lower the risk of a collision as their The company recently launched ‘Favorites', a new tool where the spacecraft were also currently users can control and prioritise posts from the friends and Pages they hovering the red planet, a media report care about most in News Feed. said on Wednesday. By selecting up to 30 friends and Pages to include in Favorites, their LinkedIn working on The purpose of exchanges was to posts will appear higher in ranked News Feed and can also be viewed lower the risk of a collision, as their as a separate filter. Clubhouse-like audio spacecraft are orbiting the red planet, People who use Favorites frequently can access it from the Feed Hong Kong-based South China Filter Bar, a new menu at the top of News Feed. Morning Post reported, quoting a Android app users can access the Feed Filter Bar when they scroll networking feature NASA (National Aeronautics and up on News Feed. The same functionality will be available in the iOS Space Administration) statement as app in the coming weeks. nspired by the soaring success of invite-only audio saying. chat app Clubhouse, Microsoft-owned LinkedIn is “To assure the safety of our Inow working on a similar app for over 740 million respective missions, NASA is members in more than 200 countries. coordinating with the UAE, European The leading professional networking platform Space Agency, Indian Space Research confirmed the move to TechCrunch, saying that it is Organisation and the China National working on an audio networking feature. Space Administration, all of which "We're doing some early tests to create a unique audio have spacecraft in orbit around Mars, experience connected to your professional identity," to exchange information on our LinkedIn said in a statement. respective Mars missions to ensure the "We're looking at how we can bring audio to other safety of our respective spacecraft,” parts of LinkedIn such as events and groups, to give NASA's statement said. our members even more ways to connect to their “This limited exchange of community," the company said on Tuesday. information is consistent with According to LinkedIn, it will start beta testing of the customary good practices used to new audio chat feature soon. ensure effective communication among Alarmed at the growing popularity of Clubhouse, satellite operators and spacecraft several tech giants have begun to a rival app and safety in orbit,” the report said. Twitter has finally started testing 'Spaces' on Android. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BUSINESS FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 31 US FAA Xiaomi sells Microsoft wins US$22 approves design Redmi Note 10 billion US Army contract of 737 MAX series 8200 variant he Federal Aviation for augmented reality gear Administration smartphones T(FAA) said on SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Microsoft has won Wednesday it had worth Rs 500 cr a Pentagon contract for augmented reality approved the design for headgear for soldiers worth US$21.88 billion the Boeing 737-8200, part iaomi claims that it has over the next decade, the company and the of the Boeing 737 MAX managed to sell Redmi Note 10 United States military announced on series, a necessary step Xseries smartphones worth Rs Wednesday (Mar 31). before the U.S. 500 crore, within first two weeks of The headsets, based on the commercially planemaker can begin sale across all platforms. The Redmi available HoloLens, will make soldiers safer delivering the airplanes Note 10 line-up was launched month and more effective, according to Microsoft to Ryanair. in India and includes three technical fellow Alex Kipman, who developed The FAA said the 737- smartphones Redmi Note 10, Redmi the device. 8200 incorporates all of Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro The Department of Defense (DOD) said the the design improvements Max. The smartphones are priced production agreement is for five years with a that were part the 20- between Res 11,999 and Rs 21,999 for renewal option - that could make the contract month review of the 737 different variants. worth "in excess of US$21.88 billion" over 10 MAX that led to the Redmi Note 10, Redmi Note 10 Pro years, a Pentagon official said in a statement. ungrounding of the MAX and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max went on Microsoft will rapidly start producing the so- in November, more than a sale on 16th, 17th and 18th March called Integrated Augmentation System under process. year after two fatal respectively, across all platforms. All the contract. "In a cloud arms race, Microsoft right now crashes killed 346 people. three smartphones were sold within The award aims "to deliver next-generation has the momentum," Ives said. Ryanair first ordered minutes even though few of their night vision and situational awareness The company, based in Redmond, the 737-8200 plane, which variants were not available. The capabilities to the Close Combat Force at the Washington, recently launched a platform seats 197 passengers, in series will once again go on sale in speed of relevance", the Pentagon said. called Mesh, in which long-distance coworkers 2014. The European India on April 1 at 12 noon. A head-mounted display used by soldiers for are able to collaborate as if they were in the Union Aviation Safety The Note 10 Pro Max costs Rs 18,999 battle and training employs sensors for night same room, using augmented reality glasses Agency still must approve for the 6GB RAM and 64GB storage and thermal vision in addition to providing and cloud computing power. the aircraft, a move that model, while the 6GB RAM and 128GB data for help in engaging targets and making "One of the easiest ways to think about it is could come soon after the variant retails for Rs 19,999 and the tactical decisions, officials said. Microsoft Mesh connects the physical and FAA approval. 8GB RAM and 128GB option is priced "The program delivers enhanced situational digital worlds, allowing us to transcend the Boeing said Wednesday at Rs 21,999. awareness, enabling information sharing and traditional boundaries of space and time," co- it would “continue to decision-making in a variety of scenarios," creator Simon Skaria said in a video work with global Kipman said in a blog post. presentation. regulators to safely The contract shows that Microsoft can make Mesh is powered by Azure cloud computing return the 737-8 and -9 to money from its augmented reality offerings systems that combine data centre processing service. Our teams are with the military, and likely heralds expanded power with artificial intelligence. also focused on ensuring uses by private businesses as well as HoloLens headgear, with a US$3,500 price tag, future members of the 737 consumers, according to Wedbush analyst Dan overlays digital imagery on real-world settings, family meet all regulatory Ives. but the Mesh platform has the potential to be requirements.” "The second and potentially most important synced to virtual reality gear such as Facebook- point is this deal just further drills in the owned Oculus as well as smartphones, narrative that Microsoft is tightening its grip according to Kipman. on deals within the DOD and Pentagon," Ives Apple, Google and Facebook are among the said in a note to investors. tech titans investing in mixed reality. The Pentagon late last year said it was Microsoft expects outside developers and sticking with its decision to award a US$10 partners to build applications on Mesh, and is billion cloud computing contract to Microsoft, working to integrate it in products such as the despite Amazon's claims that former president Teams virtual collaboration service. Donald Trump improperly influenced the Source: Reuters Inflation exceptionally high Government reverses decision to cut small savings rates in India: Moody’s NEW DELHI (TIP): The sharp NEW DELHI (TIP): India’s reduction in small savings rates, which inflation is at “uncomfortably was to take effect from April 1, has been high” level, which is an withdrawn by the government. exception among Asian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman economies, Moody’s Analytics said Thursday morning that the “orders said on Tuesday. Higher fuel issued by oversight shall be withdrawn”. prices will keep upward The government had on Wednesday cut pressure on retail inflation and interest rates on various small savings keep the RBI from offering schemes sharply by 40-110 basis points. further rate cuts, said Moody’s The revised rates were to come into effect Analytics, a financial from April 1 and remain in effect till June the Finance Ministry said the interest intelligence company. 30. rate on savings deposits has been reduced Retail inflation rose to 5% in February,from 4.1% in January.The RBI mainly takes “Interest rates of small savings schemes to 3.5 per cent from 4 per cent for the first into account retail inflation while deciding on the monetary policy. of GoI (Government of India) shall quarter of 2021-22. Rates on time deposits Core inflation (which excludes food, fuel and light) was up 5.6% in February, from continue to be at the rates which existed were also slashed significantly. 5.3% in January, Moody’s Analytics said, adding India’s inflation is “uncomfortably in the last quarter of 2020-2021, ie, rates Among the most popular fixed income high”. that prevailed as of March 2021. Orders products, Public Provident Fund (PPF) In its macro roundup, Moody’s Analytics said inflation is subdued in most of Asia, issued by oversight shall be withdrawn,” was to fetch a rate of 6.4 per cent, down and expected to only gradually pick up over 2021 because of rising oil prices and Sitharaman said in a tweet at 7.54 am. from 7.1 per cent earlier. National Savings economies starting to reopen. Brent crude has climbed 26% this year at around $64 Small saving rates are linked to yields Certificate (NSC) was to yield 5.9 per cent, per barrel. It was around $30 per barrel in March 2020, when the Covid crisis was on benchmark government bonds, which down from 6.8 per cent earlier, while rates near its peak. have fallen over the last one year as the on the girl child savings scheme Sukanya “India and the Philippines are exceptions. In these economies, inflation is above Reserve Bank of India cut rates to support Samriddhi Yojana would fall to 6.9 per comfort levels, adding to the list of challenges for policymakers,” it said. the economy. In a circular on Wednesday, cent from 7.6 per cent earlier. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 32 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

TIP brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the WEEKLY HOROSCOPE World's most trusted Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla. April 5 to April 11, 2021

ARIES : Your relationships will progressively get long time will be resolved this week as well hence a of luck in all matters of love. betterthis week. Although things will go greatfor you lot of positive things will happen for you. You need CAPRICORN : You will be able to get through this week, it won't come as a surprise for you because not worry about any obstacles with this dispute as things that you were stuck at since a long time this you have been working really hard to be a better everything will go smoothly. week. It will be easy to focus on work and the new version of yourself as well as putting a lot of effort VIRGO : Your relationship demands you to step prospect this week as the energies align in your favor into every relationship of yours. up and pull your weight this week. Try to be a better a lot this week. Learn what works for you in calming TAURUS : You will enjoy a lot of solo time and partner this week, try practicing patience, it comes a your energies this week. This new-found confidence explore nature this week. Use this time to improve little hard to you and but you can get there if you try. will keep you happy throughout the week. Your love your health both mentally and physically.Go on some Being loving and kind is the option you should go for life might be troublesome for you this week. Some hikes you have wanted to go for a while now. If you do this week because you need to work on being a better unexpected negative behavior from your partner not think about your future, your life will feel great person. might tick you off at the beginning of this week. This this week. LIBRA : You will take some classes you have been week might also get you slightly overwhelmed but GEMINI : Your health might remain a little upset wanting to for a while now with your partner today don't lose your focus. Over thinking about the future this week. You can help yourself by maintaining a which will bring both of you a lot closer.Thisemotional will harm your current projects. good diet and focusing on hydrating and nourishing availability from your end will make you and your AQUARIUS : New opportunities will knock on your body which will help you maintain a balance partner feel very secured, satisfied and happy in your your door this week, and they can really work in your internally. A mix of green vegetables and raw food relationship. It is easy for your significant other to favor in the near future. Try to worship lord Shiva by will give you the energy to go forward. Only focus on align with your energies this week. chanting the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' 11 times eating nutritious food this week and exercise SCORPIO : Your love life is blossoming this week. every day in this week; it will be beneficial for your regularly as well. You will experience love in abundance this week. You personal as well as professional life. Your Health CANCER : Irrational fights in thefamily might will feel blessed to have your partner this week might create minor inconveniences this week. Work arise at the beginning of the week, but nothing major because you will face a lot of troubles wherein your on improving your health by taking time to hydrate that you need to worry about. If you lay low and learn partner will be your biggest support system through and exercise. Relaxation exercises will help you to control your anger and not be impulsive you will all thick and thin. You will realize today that they are navigate through the week very well. be able to calm the situation down and turn things in a keeper and you will immediately start planning for PISCES : You will come across some amazing positively very quickly. You have to be proactive in your future together this week itself. strangers this week. You will experience a great solving arguments this week. SAGITTARIUS : Your energies will be high this social life this week, which will keep you occupied LEO : Your love life is progressing rapidly.Taking week due to planetary alignment in your favor. It is a throughout the week. You will realize this week that the next step in your relationship will be a good idea good week for you to relax and enjoy. If you're single you're doing great in your life. Consider that the stars this week as luck stands in the support of your sign. you'll come across many new love interests. Venus is are in your favor the entire week. Great things are Your property disputes that have been stuck for a dominant in your sign and will provide you with a lot coming your way this week.

APRIL 7: Positive news today will boost your digestive issues are high for you. BIRTHDAY HOROSCOPE mood and motivate you to move out of your home, APRIL 10: Positive energies are mild for you April 5 to April 11, 2021 socialize and be expressive about your ideas more in today. You have been lazy for a while now and the your workplace. You will find finances in abundance consequences of that are showing up today. APRIL 5: You might face some drama in your today. Budget and financial planning will help you While it might seem like a negative thing, it is family at the beginning of the day. Although the manage your finances better. You should focus on actually good for you today and it will help you drama does not include you directly, choosing improving your savings instead of spending today. in the long run to be more responsible. You will between two people you love will be difficult for you. APRIL 8: Today will be fruitful for your feel really content and secure in your You might want to be cautious about foods that you profession, but only if you stay focused and do not get relationship today. You can rest assured that this consume today because your health is in a sensitive distracted by the celebrations around you. You need is the person you want to spend the rest of your state and you do not want to mess it up hence try to to be ready for a whole day of work as you have a lot life with and work on being the best partner eat as healthy as you can and also make some time for of work piled on. You are in the pink of your health yourself. exercising today. today. Your mood, energy levels and strength are all APRIL 11: Everyone that comes across your APRIL 6: You will receive a lot of compliments really high today. You do not need to worry about work will be infatuated with the way you present from your partner, friends and family because you your health today at all. your work today. Today you will earn yourself a have been working really hard on your business. You APRIL 9: Your relationship which has been stuck lot of business prospects and finances. You will will be able to celebrate to the fullest today because at the same stage for a while now will move forward have a great day at work today and you feel your health will be amazing today, you will feel like today.You will experience a new sense of being today settled financially and emotionally. Keep your you're extremely energized and ready to dance the as your relationship moves forward due to your diet rich with nutrition and proteins to improve day away today. Although nothing major, delay in efforts. You can do this by engaging yourself in some your stamina. You will realize the value of your seeking help won't allow you to enjoy anything else. creative work and by shrugging off all negative health and then work hard to maintain it. You Hence seek help and relief as quickly as you can. energies. You also need to keep an account of what might also get some neck and backache today due Take time out to rest and for self-care as well. and how much you are eating today as chances of to poor posture for a long duration of time. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 33 Indian American Indian American Rupa Congressman Ro Khanna pushes for USD 10-trillion Ranga Puttagunta re-industrialization plan "What we're saying is, let's at least have consensus on re- nominated as federal judge industrializing America. That's productive WASHINGTON(TIP): President Joe bono legal services by volunteering at investment", Khanna said. Biden has announced his intent to DC Superior Court's Family Court Self- nominate Indian American Rupa Ranga Help Center and Attorney Negotiator WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian Puttagunta as a federal judge among a Program and representing victims of American Congressman Ro Khanna slate of 11 "trailblazing" judicial domestic violence in DC Superior Court. has pushed for a massive USD 10 nominees reflecting "the full diversity of Puttagunta began her legal career as a trillion investment plan over a decade the American people." law clerk for Judge William M. Jackson to re-industrialize the country. If confirmed by the US Senate, of the DC Superior Court from 2008 to On the eve of President Joe Biden Puttagunta would be the first Asian 2010, as well as the Senior Judges of the unveiling his economic vision, American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) If confirmed by the US Senate, Puttagunta DC Court of Appeals from 2010 to 2011. Khanna, in an interview to 'Fox News' woman to serve on the US District Court would be the first Asian American and Pacific Puttagunta received her JD from Ohio on Tuesday, March 30, said there was a Islander (AAPI) woman to serve on the US for the District of Columbia, the White District Court for the District of Columbia, the State Moritz College of Law in 2007 and need for a massive investment to re- House said. White House said. her BA. from Vassar College in 2002. industrialize US. Other "groundbreaking nominees" Among the nominees announced "What we're saying is, let's at least include three African American women people - both in background and in Tuesday Zahid N Quraishi of Pakistani have consensus on re-industrializing chosen for Circuit Court vacancies and professional experience," the White descent, who if confirmed by the Senate America. That's productive one who would be the first Muslim House said. would be the first Muslim American investment," he said. "Up to USD 10 American federal judge in US history, it Puttagunta, nominee for the Superior federal judge in US history. trillion over 10 years to re-industrialize said. "This trailblazing slate of nominees Court of the District of Columbia, Nominee for the US District Court for America, so that we're producing draws from the very best and brightest currently serves as an Administrative the District of New Jersey, Quraishi is batteries here, electric vehicles here, minds of the American legal profession," Judge for the DC Rental Housing currently Magistrate Judge in the same and having critical manufacturing Biden said. Commission. Prior to joining the court since 2019. supplies here." "Each is deeply qualified and prepared Commission in 2019, Puttagunta was a Prior to that Quraishi was a partner at "But I do think that we have to pay for to deliver justice faithfully under our solo practitioner from 2013 to 2019, Riker Danzig where he chaired the firm's it. I mean, we have to pay for most of it. Constitution and impartially to the representing indigent criminal White Collar Criminal Defense and A start would be to actually collect American people - and together they defendants in trial and on appeal. Investigations Group and served as his taxes from those who are evading represent the broad diversity of Before opening her own practice, firm's first Chief Diversity Officer. taxes. Larry Summers has a proposal background, experience, and perspective Judge Puttagunta practiced family and The South Asian Bar Association that, if we just enforced the tax on that makes our nation strong." appellate law at Delaney McKinney, LLP welcomed the nominations of people who aren't paying tax right now, "These highly-qualified candidates from 2012 to 2013. Puttagunta and Quraishi, tweeting, "We we could collect up to USD 1.2 trillion reflect the president's deeply-held While working on domestic relations are proud to see Judges Rupa Ranga in 10 years. So, that's what I would say conviction that the federal bench should matters in private practice, Puttagunta Puttagunta and Zahid Quraishi on the is the first starting point," he said. reflect the full diversity of the American also provided hundreds of hours of pro list" of Biden's judicial nominees. Responding to a question, Khanna said he was completely opposed to a mileage tax or a gas tax. "That hurts working families. That A Sikh man goes hurts people in rural America who have to commute long distances. I missing in Pakistan think it would be tone-deaf to have that kind of a tax," he said. PESHAWAR "What I'm talking about in terms of (TIP): A Sikh collecting taxes isn't just going after man has been fraud and abuse. Right now, a lot of missing from business income is not disclosed. If you northwest created a new IRS form that required Pakistan's banks to have the disclosure of input Peshawar city and output in terms of accounts, you since would be able to collect a lot more," he Wednesday, added. March 31 night Khanna supported Biden's move to and police have raise rates on those making over USD arrested three 400,000, and raising top marginal rates suspects for on them. interrogation, "I would consider a financial according to Pervinder Singh, brother of the transaction tax on speculation. I would missing young man Avinash Singh, officials. in his twenties, registered a case in rather our money be going to Avinash the West Cantonment Police producing batteries. Right now, China Singh, in his Station, Peshawar is eating our lunch when it comes to 20s, went lithium-ion battery production. They missing from the Gulberg area of Peshawar get all of the cobalt from the Cantonment. Democratic Republic of Congo," he His brother Pervinder Singh registered a case said. in the West Cantonment Police Station. "Don't we want America producing City police Chief Ahsan Abbas immediately those lithium-ion batteries? Don't we formed an investigation team headed by the want to be producing the electric Superintendent of Police, Cantonment, Tahir vehicles? Don't we want to be Shah. producing critical manufacturing The investigation team collected mobile data of supplies? We couldn't even have masks. the Sikh man and took into custody three suspects I mean, in World War II, we armed our for interrogation, according to officials. entire military," Khanna said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 34 THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 35

n various Hindu scriptures, we can find some interesting Curses (shraaps) that have been Iaddressed to gods and mortals that apparently changed the course of divine history. Interesting curses in The Curse of Bhrigu Hindu scriptures

you will die then and there.” In fact, Kindama and his wife were being intimate in the forest when Pandu shot them. Later on, when Pandu was thinking of getting intimate with his second wife Madri, he died of the curse. Four Kumaras’ curse on Jaya and Vijaya At Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s palace), Jaya and Vijaya were the gatekeepers and true devotees of Vishnu. One day, the four Kumaras – Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara – approached them, and as a dutiful doorkeeper, they asked them to leave as the two thought that these four Kumaras were only children trying to After getting tired of getting whipped by Devas on create a nuisance for Vishnu. every occasion, Shukracharya (the Guru of Asuras) The four Kumaras got enraged and cursed Jaya and went to Shiva for powers that could make his clan Vijaya to be born as mortals and suffer the life of the invincible. Devas got scared because they knew that if mortals. Shiva grants him the wish then the tables would turn. As Vishnu returned, Jaya and Vijaya pleaded Vishnu So, they attacked Asuras who were staying at Bhrigu’s to reverse the curse. But Vishnu had his hands tied in (Shukracharya’s father) ashram. Bhrigu was not this matter; he couldn’t reverse this curse. Instead, he present, however, and Shukracharya fled to take shelter. said that he could tweak it a little. He told them that Bhrigu’s wife protected the Asuras from Indra and they could either live on Earth as true devotees of other demigods instead and she left Indra immobile. Vishnu for seven lives or, live as his enemy for just three The Devas went to Vishnu to seek help and to free lives. After that, they could regain their position back at Indra. Eventually accepting their request after a major the palace. verbal conversation and conflicts, Vishnu went to the Jaya and Vijaya thought that seven lives would be too Ashram and cut her head with his Sudarshana Chakra. long of a journey to live away from Vishnu himself. So Bhrigu got angry when he returned to see his wife’s instead, they chose to live only three lives on earth, but head cut-off. So, he cursed Vishnu to be born several as his enemy.In the Kritya Yuga, these two were born as times so that he can suffer the pain of worldly life. Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Then in Treta Yuga, Then, he resurrected his wife using his power. they were born again as Ravana and Kumbhakarna. In the third life in Dwapara Yuga, they were born as The Shraap of Vriddhakshatra Dantavakra and Shisupala. The Shraap of Urvashi

The Curse of Indra Lord Indra has been known for his mischiefs and also his “passion” for women according to Pauranic scriptures. One time, he assaulted a sage’s wife. Getting angry,the sage decided to give Indra what he desired the most – vaginas. He cursed Indra with thousand vaginas all over his body thinking that anyone seeing him in such condition would not take Indra seriously.Devas begged the sage to lift the curse. He instead changed the vaginas into a thousand eyes. Other versions of the story claim that he also had a Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, died after destroying Urvashi was an interesting woman in those days. She thousand testicles as part of the shraap (curse). “Chakravyu” single-handedly. Not many know that it wanted to entice Arjuna with a passion so that he could Source: Vedicfeed was, in fact, Jayadratha who was responsible for his break his exile. Not that she wanted him for herself as death. Getting angry, Arjuna kept repeating the words: what others would do, she instead wanted him to bring “Before sunset tomorrow, I shall slay Jayadratha who shame to the Pandavas, and that would be the way to do PAGE SPONSORED BY killed my son. Anyone who comes between me and him it.But Arjuna saw her more like a mother since she was shall also be destroyed.” related to Puruva, the ancestor of Pandavas. ARISH K. SAHANI There had been one prediction back in the days that As it was considered to be “adharma” to reject a Serving Since 1972 Jayadratha would die a gruesome death in a war where “passionate” woman, she had the power to curse Arjuna someone will behead him. His father, Vriddhakshatra, and she cursed him that he would live the rest of his life Please Call or Write for Your thus cursed: “Anyone who causes my son’s head to roll as a woman without his manly parts. But Indra Insurance Needs on the ground shall have his head gusted into fragments appeared and requested her to reduce the curse to just Arish K Sahani right in the very moment.” one year. She did so. Arjuna spent the final year of his (Father) As the war went on, Krishna deceived Jayadratha by exile without his man-parts. making him seem that the sun had set. Krishna Shiv Sahani (Son) The curse of Yudhishthira to all women instructed Arjuna to shoot the arrow in such a way that Priya Sahani Sood his head would then land straight in the lap of Only after the death of Karna, Kunti revealed that he (Daughter) Vriddhakshatra. When that happened, Vriddhakshatra was her son and that he was also the brother of the couldn’t face the horror of seeing his son’s head on his Pandavas. Pandavas got really angry, but it hit 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 lap. He let go of the head, and right then, his own head Yudhishthira the most. He thought that Karna should got ruptured into a hundred fragments. have had the same right as them and that Kunti should [email protected] not have kept such a big secret from them. Rishi Kindama’s Curse on Pandu As part of his reaction, he cursed that the entire An ace archer, Pandu made an unusual mistake while woman’s race would not be able to keep any kind of “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” hunting a deer in the forest. He hit one rishi and his secret henceforth. “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall wife instead of the deer. They screamed out loud and Perhaps, if we believe in this story, this is why the guard it?” Pandu went closer to the place where he hit. number of events that follow in the mythological and Rishi Kindama in his dying breath cursed Pandu: “If historical contexts has shown that women just spill the “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are you even think of mating while approaching a woman, beans. one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 36 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 37 The Golden City Jaisalmer o named for the yellow sandstone beautiful display at this war museum, used in most of its buildings, the situated at the Jaisalmer military base. SGolden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis This exhibit is primarily to pay respect to of splendid old architecture that rises all the soldiers who took part and lost from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. their lives in the battle. Located on the Once a strategic outpost, today the city is Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway,the museum filled with splendid old mansions, has free entry,and holds a very important magnificent gateways, and the massive part of our country’s history. A visit to Jaisalmer Fort-also known as the Golden this museum lets you see a number of Fort-a daunting 12th-century structure captured tanks and other memorabilia that rises high above the town. with many war trophies and vintage In addition to its palaces, temples, and equipment, along with tanks, guns, and fine old homes, the fortress boasts 99 military vehicles, murals of soldiers who bastions along with massive gates leading lost their lives in the war, and weapons to its main courtyard where you'll find the which were used during the same.You can seven-story-tall Maharaja's Palace. also watch an interview with Major Started in the early 1500s and added to by Kuldip Singh Chandpuri who was a successive rulers right up until the 19th crucial part of the Longewala battle. century, the palace offers sections open to the public including areas beautifully Longewal War Museum decorated with tiles from Italy and China, This is around 130 Kms from Jaisalmer and intricately carved stone doors, as well city and This is the spot of the battle of as a number of Jain temples dating from Longewala in 1971 between India and the 12th to 16th centuries, each decorated Pakistan, on which the movie “Border” is with fine marble and sandstone images, based. It is also the last point up to which palm-leaf manuscripts, and brightly civilians are allowed, just 12 km from painted ceilings. Pakistan. There is an audio visual show chronicling the Longewala battle, giving Jaisalmer Fort out interesting details of those days. They This fort is a world heritage site. Forts’ have the actual battle tanks, jeeps and walls and grounds include: Four massive weapons from the battle displayed over gateways through which visitors to the here, both from Indian and Pakistani fort must pass, situated along the main sides. They have also preserved photos of approach to the citadel,The Raj Mahal and after the battle. palace, Jain Temples, The Laxminath temple, Numerous Merchant Havelis. Tanot Mata Temple There are many stories of how during Government Museum the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Tanot was This museum has a unique collection of under heavy attack and shelling. sculptures from townships of that era of However, none of the shells or bombs Kairadu and Lodurva of 12th century, fired at the temple exploded. After the war marine and wood fossils.It is established the Pakistani General actually asked his by the Department of Archeology with an Longewal War Museum. counterpart in India about this incident aim to highlight the diverse tradition, and on knowing the story of the power of culture of Thar Desert and its heritage. the temple that apparently protected the area he asked to see this place. This Nathmal Ji ki Haveli, Salim Singh request was granted and the Pakistani ki Haveli and Patwon ki Haveli General actually went to the temple and paid his respects and acknowledged the The construction of this Nathmal Ji ki supernatural happening. haveli is done by two brothers who started from two different points at the same Akal Wood Fossil Park time. Elephant carvings on yellow stones, Akal Wood Fossil Park is a National and intricately carved exteriors and Geological Monument of India .This interiors are remarkable. A huge statue of Park is a 21-hectare preserved area that an elephant made of yellow sandstones lies about 17 km from Jaisalmer, welcomes every tourist and shopper in towards Barmer. The petrified wood is this Haveli. indicative of lush forests in a tropical Salim Singh Ki Haveli was built in 18th warm and humid climate thriving 180 century by Salim Singh.The construction million years ago.[7] Existence of fossils is done with help of the stones that are of gastropod shells also suggest that the connected with strong iron rods. The region was a sea once upon a time. architecture of this mansion is inspired There are a total of 25 petrified tree by dancing peacock. trunks along with centuries-old fossils, Patwon ki Haveli is the most important and right at the entrance, you can also and the largest haveli. It is renowned for stroke a fossil of an ancient red-wood its ornate wall paintings, intricate yellow Desert National Park. tree trunk. In the geological area that sandstone-carved jharokas or balconies, had only non-flowering trees, an entire gateways and doorways. The haveli is example of the ecosystem of the Thar Jaisalmer located about 18 km from the forest comprising of huge trees was built using yellow sandstone and the Desert. Around 20 % part of park is city by its villagers in the 1800s. It was like fossilized. main gateway is brown in colour. The covered by sand dunes , jagged rocks, the entire town vanished in the course of walls also feature beautiful mirror work dense salt lake bottoms and inter-medial a single night. It remains a mystery as to Amar Sagar Lake and several paintings. areas. Various species of animals such as how no one saw them leave; in fact, even Amar Sagar Lake, located about 7 km black buck, chinkara and desert fox to this date, no one knows where all of towards the western outskirts of Gadisar Lake inhabit the Park. The highly endangered them went either. The village remains Jaisalmer, is a lake cum oasis lying Aartificial water reservoir, the Gadisar Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s uninhabited to the day, in the same state adjacent to the Amar Singh Palace. The Lake was constructed by the first ruler of heaviest flying birds, can also be seen that the villagers had left it, hundreds of palace itself was built in the 17 th century. Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal, It is one of here. In winter, the park hosts an years ago. The location has become a The complex that includes the palace and the most famous tourist places in incredible variety of migratory raptors major tourist destination as people from the lake is also home to several ponds and Jaisalmer. The bank of the lake is such Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon all over the world travel here to revel in wells, along with an old temple dedicated surrounded by artistically carved Vultures, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the the mysteries of the past. to Lord Shiva. Numerous figureheads of Chattris, Temples, Shrines, and Ghats. Saker Falcon. animals carved in stone surround the Jaisalmer War Museum lake, and according to legends, these Desert National Park KULDHARA The Indian Army has commemorated carved figureheads are supposed to be The Desert National Park is an perfect Kuldhara is an abandoned village in the the sacrifices of their soldiers in a protectors of the royal family. THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY APRIL 2, 2021 38 ICC Cricket Germany suffer first World Committee approves Cup qualifying loss in 20 years LONDON (TIP): Germany’s first changes to third World Cup qualifying loss in 20 years added another blemish to the final umpire months of coach Joachim Loew’s 15-year reign in charge of the team. Germany’s 35-match unbeaten run in protocols, DRS World Cup qualifying — a streak dating he ICC Cricket Committee, led back to 2001 — ended with a stunning 2-1 by former Indian captain Anil home loss to North Macedonia on TKumble, on Thursday, April 1, Wednesday that left the team sitting third approved three changes to the in its group after three games. It was only Decision Review System (DRS) as the country’s third ever loss in qualifying well as third umpire protocols that for the World Cup since 1934, the other had recently come into criticism. two coming against Portugal in 1985, Discussing the current issues when it was West Germany, and the being faced in International famous 5-1 thrashing by England 20 years cricket, the ICC decided that for ago. LBW reviews, the height margin of Loew, who led Germany to the 2014 the Wicket Zone will be lifted to the World Cup title, is stepping down as top of the stumps to ensure the coach after the European same Umpire’s Call margin around Championship. After exiting the World the stumps for both height and Cup in the group stage in 2018, the Euros width. could cause the Germans more pain Additionally, a player will be able given they are in the same group as Ilkay Gundogan of Germany looks dejected during the World Cup qualifying match against North to ask the umpire whether a reigning champions Portugal and world Macedonia. genuine attempt has been made to champions France. In November, they play the ball before deciding to lost 6-0 to Spain for their worst defeat missed a golden chance to put Germany disregarding normal protocol by not review an LBW decision. since 1931. ahead and potentially earn the team a mentioning Kosovo as a country and Also, the 3rd Umpire will check a The road to Qatar could be bumpy,too, 19th straight World Cup qualifying using lowercase letters for “kos” in its replay of any short run that has for Loew’s successor. In Group J, victory, Eljif Elmas scored the winner graphics. Spain does not recognise been called and correct any error Germany have slumped to third place for North Macedonia in the 85th at the Kosovo’s 2008 independence from Serbia. prior to the next ball being bowled. after three games — behind North end of a counterattack. England beat Poland 2-1 to stay perfect Macedonia and 99th-ranked Armenia, in Group I. Italy’s unbeaten run extended who beat Romania 3-2 for a third Kosovo controversy to 25 games with a 2-0 win in Lithuania. New Zealand straight win. Europe’s other major powers ended the Italy moved three points ahead of Goran Pandev, a 37-year-old striker first batch of qualifying games on a Switzerland atop Group C. playing in his 20th year of international successful note, with England, Italy,Spain France continued their recovery from beat football, was part of the North and France all picking up wins before an opening-round draw to Ukraine, Macedonia team that shocked Germany, they switch their focus to the Euros. beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0. scoring the opener in first-half stoppage Spain’s 3-1 victory at home to Kosovo France are four points clear in Group Bangladesh by time. attracted attention because of the host D, with Ukraine in second place on three Ilkay Gundogan equalised from the country’s non-recognition of the visitors, points after a third straight draw, this 65 runs in 3rd penalty spot but after Timo Werner with the Spanish national broadcaster time against Kazakhstan. Source: AP T20 ookie Finn Allen made 71 from Naomi Osaka’s 23-match win streak ends 29 balls as New Zealand beat RBangladesh by 65 runs on Thursday, April 1, in the third against Maria Sakkari Twenty20 cricket international, reduced by rain to 10 overs a side. MIAMI (TIP): As Naomi Osaka’s 23- Allen, who only two matches ago match winning streak neared an end, she made a golden duck on debut, raced paused before serving to crane her neck to a half century from 18 balls — the and study the sky, as if seeking second-fastest by a New Zealander in intervention from above. T20 internationals — as New Zealand Then she carried on, and so did No. 23- made 141-4 after being sent in. seeded Maria Sakkari, who upset Osaka Bangladesh didn’t seriously 6-0, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the Miami challenge and was bowled out for 76 Open. in 9.3 overs. “The more stuff like this happens, the Leg-spinner Todd Astle, playing more I’ll learn from it,” the No. 2-ranked only his fourth T20 international for Osaka said. New Zealand since 2016 and his first The defeat was her first since February in almost 18 months, took 4-13 from 2020, and it ended any chance of the two overs he was allowed. In the reclaiming the No. 1 ranking this week reduced match, bowlers were from Ash Barty, who is in the semifinals. permitted two overs each and the Sakkari will next play No. 8-seeded power plays were only three overs. Bianca Andreescu of Canada, who Rain delayed the start until after 9 dropped serve eight times but still p.m., leaving just enough time to outlasted unseeded Sara Sorribes Tormo cram in a 20-overs match. In its 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. at the Australian Open in February, but behind and blew a 4-1 lead in the second limited form, Thursday’s match “I’m super proud of how I handled it in five Miami appearances she has never set. She faced a break point on seven of came down to pure power hitting, tonight, because it wasn’t easy,” advanced beyond the quarterfinals. She her eight service games. which is New Zealand’s forte. Andreescu said. said couldn’t get comfortable on the “Today’s service problems kind of Allen put on 85 in an opening stand “My body was giving out, and then my tournament’s hard-court surface. came out of nowhere,” Osaka said. “My of just 5.4 overs with Martin Guptill, mind gave out at one point, because I was “I felt like I haven’t been playing well first serve wasn’t going in at all today.” who made 44 from 19 balls. There just thinking about how tired I was.” The this whole tournament, like I couldn’t Sakkari earned her sixth career win over were later contributions of 14 from other women’s semifinal Thursday will find a groove,” she said. a top-five opponent. She’s still in the six balls from Glenn Phillips and 11 pit No. 1-seeded Ash Barty against No. 5 Against Sakkari, the only Greek tournament only because she saved six from six balls from Daryl Mitchell. Elina Svitolina. woman ranked in the top 250, Osaka lost match points in the previous round Osaka won her fourth Grand Slam title 15 consecutive points on her serve to fall before beating American Jessica Pegula. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 39 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 02, 2021 YEARS 40