VOL 14 ISSUE 1 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● JAN 03 - 09, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news We wish our Readers a HHAAPPPPYY NNEEWW YYEEAARR THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 VOL 14 ISSUE 1 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● JAN 03 - 09, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news We wish our Readers a HAPPHAPPYY NEWNEW YEARYEAR Five Kashmiri political leaders released after four Trump Assailed for Sharing months of detention Tweet Naming Whistleblower

WASHINGTON (TIP): US President Donald Trump faced staunch criticism for retweeting a post that included the alleged name of the SRINAGAR (TIP): The Jammu and Kashmir whistleblower whose administration on Monday, December 30, released complaint has led to his five political leaders who have been under detention impeachment, the media since August 5, the day when the Centre announced reported on Sunday, Dec 29. the abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the Trump on Saturday shared a bifurcation of the State. post from a user named The five leaders released belonged to the National @surfermom77, Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the contd on Page 50 Congress, and were kept under preventive detention, officials said. US President Donald Trump with faith leaders at the White House in contd on Page 50 Washington DC. File photo Ajit Pawar returns as Deputy Chief A World Without Childhood Blindness Minister in Cabinet expansion is a Possibility: Dr. VK Raju First time legislator Aaditya Thackeray Indian American Ophthalmologist comes calling to offer gets a cabinet berth expertise to prevent avoidable Childhood Blindness

Eminent Indian American Shiv Sena ophthalmologist and MLA Aaditya President of the Eye Thackeray Foundation of America Dr. greets after VK Raju speaking on the being sworn subject of Childhood in as a blindness at the press minister. conference in Chandigarh on Photo / December 28 courtesy Vivek Bendre CHANDIGARH/ MORGANTOWN, The President of Chandigarh WV (TIP): Dr. VK Raju, an eminent Ophthalmological Society Dr.Suresh ophthalmologist based in Morgantown, Kumar Gupta in his welcome address to West Virginia, USA held a meeting with Dr. Raju described him as a crusader for MUMBAI (TIP): Nationalist Congress expanded Cabinet of the Maha Vikas Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society prevention of childhood blindness who Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar was Aghadi (MVA) government. A surprise here on December 28 to discuss ways has for forty years relentlessly worked sworn in on Monday, December 30, for a inclusion in the cabinet was Aaditya and means to prevent avoidable across the world, particularly in India record fourth time as the Deputy Chief Thackeray, grandson of Balsaheb blindness among Children in the States and saved thousands from going blind. Minister of Maharashtra in the Thackeray. contd on Page 28 of Punjab and Haryana, contd on Page 28 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 MESSAGE On this occasion of New Year, I wish all the readers of the Indian Panorama a very happy and prosperous 2020. I am glad that this year as well Indian Panorama is bringing out a New Year Special Edition. I am sure it will add to the festive cheer gripping New York these days. The Indian Panoroma's service to the NRI's and Indian Americans community in the United States is extraordinary, and I would like to congratulate and thank the team for their service. It is even more satisfying to know that with the changing age of technology, the Indian Panorama has made its publication accessible to readers all over the world online and is one of the most viewed websites by NRI's and Indian Americans. Today, India is in a unique position. It is one of the growing economies in the world, a rising power on the global stage, and has an untapped demographic dividend. India is marching ahead towards becoming a US$5 trillion economy in the next five years. While this is a challenge yet it is a big opportunity for all who want to see India rise and stand full in the comity of nation. The Indian Panorama makes important efforts to inform the Indian diaspora about new developments and happenings in India and therein lies its usefulness. I will also like to take the opportunity to thank Indian Panorama for being our solid partner in commemoration of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. We also express our gratitude for helping us to bring the message of Mahatma on his 150th birth anniversary. Once again, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes for the New Year and hope that the newspaper keeps on disseminating objective news and connecting people with South Asia and a New India. Sandeep Chakravorty Consul General of India

In July 2020, India will present her annual report to ASOKE MUKERJI the UN High Level Political Forum in the UN on FORMER PERMANENT progress made in implementing the objectives of REPRESENTATIVE the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The TO THE recently unveiled India SDG Dashboard on the UNITED NATIONS website of her nodal point for SDG implementation (the NITI Aayog) provides details of India's uneven GOVERNMENT progress in meeting the targets set during the OF INDIA negotiations of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015. The July 2020 meeting will be V. K. Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS New Year Greetings! useful to gauge the progress made by India, as Ophthalmologist, Regional Eye As we welcome the coming new year, it is useful well as the international community, in eradicating President & Founder, Eye Foundation of America to look forward to some of the significant poverty, which is the overarching goal of Agenda President & Founder, Goutami Eye Institute international activities that India will participate in 2030. The interlinkage between peace, security during 2020. and sustainable development, which was Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University emphasized by world leaders when adopting Director, International Ocular Surface Society At the United Nations, India is on course to be Agenda 2030, will be a priority perspective for Adjunct Professor, GSL Medical School elected unopposed as a non-permanent member India's multilateral engagements aimed at the of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in June 2020. transformation of India. This will bring her into the select group of 15 My dear Saluja Ji, my tongue slips as it is in a wet place. I countries that are given the "primary In September 2020, India will participate in the point out water shortages, power shortages, I am glad to know The Indian Panorama is responsibility" for maintaining international peace 75th anniversary Summit in New York to drainage problems, mosquitoes, Dengue bringing out a special issue on the occasion and security under the provisions of the UN commemorate the founding of the United Nations. Fever, and diarrheaetc., the list can go on. Charter. The continuing ineffectiveness of the As a founder-member of the United Nations that of the New Year, Congratulations! I wish UNSC to prevent or resolve conflicts across the signed the UN Charter in the 1945 San Francisco readers and patrons of your newspaper a Then my friends point out "look at what we world's five continents due to the dominance of Conference, India is expected to recommit herself very happy New Year. achieved-At first attempt we sent a mission to Mars and no other country could." the 5 veto-wielding permanent members will to multilateralism, which is the theme of the My thoughts go to the coming years in dominate the proceedings of the Council. India Summit. The event will focus on how countries can India's life. On Aug 15, 1947, when India No counter arguments from me; only a deep will need to calibrate her UNSC participation collectively contribute to strengthening the between June-December 2020, bearing in mind principle of international cooperation that provides became independent from British rule, and breath. began a pioneering post-colonial experiment that world leaders had in September 2005 real meaning to multilateral diplomacy, at a time It may be a soul search for someone like me in democratic nation building, many sages unanimously agreed on early reform of the UNSC of growing challenges from the unilateral and (who received stellar medical education had shaken their heads not giving the for it to "carry greater credibility and legitimacy", protectionist policies of many major powers. almost for free in India.) when such exciting new experiment any chance to last making the UN "more representative and effective As the new year dawns, the thousands of Indian comments are made. long. in achieving our goals". troops serving under the United Nations flag in Let's face it: considering the incredible In June 2020, India will be participating at the next peacekeeping operations, especially in the For 70 + years, India has defied such potential of the country and the greatest meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and predictions. Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is being West Asia will anticipate supportive collective asset we have in young people of India hosted by the African nation of Rwanda. This measures by the UN and governments hosting Since 1977, I frequently visited India. What (500+ million of them), we do have islands of meeting provides India the opportunity to play a these peacekeeping missions to ensure that their began with once a year and now 3-4 times a excellence in the sea of mediocrity. No other leadership role in upholding effective international contribution to the objectives of UN peacekeeping year for the last so many years to conduct country has this kind of wealth of young cooperation on all the five themes of the meeting, has not been in vain. This includes maintaining combating blindness projects. This is in people. viz. governance and rule of law; information and the peace, protecting civilians, including women connection with the work of the eye Let me conclude this message with Nelson communications technology and innovation; and children, caught up in violent conflict, and foundation of America, a nonprofit Mandela's quote."There can be no keener youth; environment; and trade. contributing to sustaining and building organization, dedicated to a world without revelation of a society's soul than the way it childhood blindness. Brexit will have an impact on India's trade, resilient local structures that provide livelihood for treats its children." investment and employment priorities with the the many thousands of ordinary and innocent Always one can learn something when they Just think about the girls of India below the European Union (EU), her largest regional trading people in regions of the world far away from India. visit India. 150 years ago, Max Mueller wrote age of five (30% anemic and 20% stunted). partner. Following the recent elections in the An appropriate new year wish would be for a book "What India can teach us". United Kingdom (UK), which endorsed the call to construction to begin of a Memorial Wall in the UN I hope the grim situation will change in the "get Brexit done" and take the UK out of the EU, Yet, you can't help thinking at every Headquarters in New York to honor the 4000 UN new year, making the new year truly happy India will have to address the impact of Brexit on moment, why do Indians endure so much peacekeepers, including 167 from India, who have for underprivileged in India. the future of over 800 Indian companies given their lives so far to defend the UN Charter. without realizing their potential. There is a headquartered in the UK which operate in the EU That would be one of most appropriate outcomes uniform reply" It will change" But I say" Best regards. market. This will play a big role in India's of the 75th UN Anniversary Summit in 2020. justice delayed is justice denied" I try not to Dr. VK Raju aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy by start such conversations but once in a while 2024-25. Asoke Mukerji THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 PROFILE FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 BejBejanan DaruDaruwwalalla:la: An Ardent Devotee of Lord Ganesha who can foresee the Future "Live, love and laugh", recommends "The Astrologer of the Millennium"

ejan Daruwalla has many feathers in his crown. Known as'The Astrologer-Par-Excellence', 'The BKing Astrologer', 'The Man with Power to Foresee'Ganesha Bejan Daruwalla is acknowledged as one of the 100 great astrologers in the last 1000 years in The Millennium Book of Prophecy, published by Harper Collins, USA. His clients list features world's who's who including Head of States, Politicians, film stars among others. But this humble man considers the highest and the most precious reward and award is the love and affection that his followers shower upon him. World-renowned astrologer and prophesier Bejan Daruwalla does not need a lyrical and eloquent introduction as his illustrious line of work speaks well enough for him. Born on 11th July 1931, Bejanji is an ardent devotee of Bejan Daruwalla (left) is addressing a gathering Narendra Lord Ganesha even though he hails from a Parsi Modi, Prime Minister of India in Gujarat Bejan Daruwalla with Sadhguru at Shri Gautam Adani's house in Ahmedabad. From L to R: Vijay Rupani, Chirag, Bejan (Zoroastrian) background. He has also served as a Daruwalla, Sadhguru professor of English in Ahmedabad. Bejanji has won numerous accolades and widespread recognition for his unerring predictions such as the death of Sanjay Gandhi, the rise of Bharatiya Janata Party, the Kargil War and the Gujarat earthquake. He also predicted future of three Prime Ministers of India - Morarji Desai, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Narendra Modi. While a plenty of astrologers tend to follow one or two techniques to make astrologer's predictions, Bejanji is known to combine the principles of Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, Tarot, Numerology, the Kabalah and even Palmistry. The right combination of these principles enables him to make highly accurate and relevant predictions. Moreover, naturally gifted with a spectacular intuitive prowess, he listens to and relies on his inner voice, and seeks Ganesha's blessings to foresee and predict. "By the grace of Ganesha, I have spent most of my life studying and practising astrology, and have thus acquired a lot of experience and knowledge. I want to leave it behind for the betterment of mankind", says India's most famous astrologer. With this vision, he had formally inaugurated his website GaneshaSpeaks.com with its path-breaking Bejan Daruwalla was at the wedding reception of Kapil range of astrological services in the year 2003. Sharma in Mumbai to bless the couple Bejanji has been closely associated with a number of completely got over it. newspapers including The Indian Panorama, magazines, His philosophy of life is "Live, love and laugh. Keep television channels and publishing houses all over the Bejan Daruwalla is cutting cake with Chief Minister of this as the motto of your life. You will always be happy." world. He has also appeared on NBC and ABC TV Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in In the Penguin book, "Change your Life" Bejan was Mumbai. Chirag is seen to the extreme right. channels in Columbus, Ohio, and was featured on the mentioned as one of those who could motivate and BBC in Hard Talk India in August 1999. Moreover, (London), besides others. inspire others to give their very best. Bejanji's vision and accurate predictions have earned Bejanji's achievements and accuracy have been MOTTO IN LIFE: To leave the world a better place to him a place in the coveted group of best-selling Indian appreciated and acknowledged by many.Bharat Nirman, an stay in for all. Fond of Bollywood, Bejan's favorites authors. His articles/ predictions are regularly all India organization that promotes and takes up actors are Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, and the published and carried in The Sunday Times of India constructive program in all walks of life, awarded him the favorite actress is Karishma Kapoor. (Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai), Telegraph (Kolkota), title of "The Astrologer of the Millennium" on August 27, His favorite singers are Bhimsen Joshi and Pandit Navhind Times (Goa), Dell Annual Horoscope (New 2000. Also, the Federation of Indian Astrologers has awarded Jasraj whom he considers theliving legends in the field York), News India (New York), Berkley Communications him the highest degree of Vedic Astrology - Jyotishi of classical music. Mahahopadhyaya, Bejan has hundreds of well-known personalities, from whilst The Russian Heads of State and Heads of governments down, but he Society of Astrologers is particularly fond of a few, among whom is the youthful of St. Petersburg had Prince of Mewar Lakshyaraj Singh, and formerHome conferred on him the Minister of India Sushil Kumar Shinde. Best Astrologer of 2009 Now at the age of 87, Bejan has come to one firm award. conclusion that we all have a right to have our own opinion But if someone asks and ideas. We may differ but must do so with decorum and Bejan about the best dignity and consider the other person's point of view also. moment of his life, his Intuition, imagination, inspiration, investigation, answer will be - when identification are the five I's Bejan believes in. the Dalai Lama asked His advice to astrology students: Be patient, as Bejan to put his own tolerance is the key to success. This patient and humble hand on Dalai Lama's man proved this to be true with his own life. head at the India With Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani athis Bejan Daruwalla is based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. He can residence in Gandhinagar. L to R: Bejan Daruwalla, unidentified With his favorite Prince Lakshyaraj International Centre, be reached over phone at 91 8141234275, and by email lady, Chirag, Rupani Singh Mewar at City Palace, Udaipur Delhi. Bejan has never at [email protected] (The Indian Panorama Bureau) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 7 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 AS I SEE IT

By Vappala Balachandran Treat dissent as the essence of democracy gave a sample of this pernicious influence. Attempts by the government to It published their senior ideologue's speech 'manufacture consent' by on 'Kashmir - Way ahead' to a select gathering in Mumbai that Pakistan would encouraging a new local leadership be a 'part of Hindustan after 2025' and they in Kashmir was seen during the could live there to do business. He also farcical visit of 27 unknown added that 'Delhi had ensured that Members of European Parliament in Bangladesh had a government favorable to it'. To others, it appeared that the August 5 October which did not work. The crackdown in Kashmir had followed this nationwide agitation is coming at a script. Efforts to sugarcoat the hard blows, time when international opinion, that it was to protect the state from especially in the United States, has Pakistan and for its economic development Outspoken Pramila Jayapal (left) complained that India's foreign minister Jaishankar(right) hardened against India. through outside investment, did not refused to meet her mislead anybody. More serious security being sent to the rest of India as agitations first time that a foreign dignitary had ometime in the second half of 1976, I situations from the 1980s were handled are engulfing the whole country against demanded from a US was asked by RN Kao, then chief of there without such heavy deployment of the hastily passed Citizenship Congressional Committee Chairman to Sour foreign intelligence, to convey a force, a blanket ban on communications or (Amendment) Act, National Population exclude an elected Congressional member personal message to Ambassador Apa by arresting thousands of locals, including Register and the National Register of when he was meeting them. Saheb Pant who was living in Pune after senior politicians, who were a part of our Citizens with Prime Minister Narendra Congresswoman Jayapal also complained retiring in 1975 as our envoy to Italy. Apa government. I had assessed at that time Modi contradicting at Ramlila Maidan on that our ambassador in the US had Saheb, who was close to Prime Minister that the government would get bogged December 22 our President's speech over cancelled two of her appointments with Indira Gandhi, then told me a story down there in the Operation Parakram the NRC to the joint sitting of Parliament him. All these betray ignorance about how describing her dilemma. Indira Gandhi quagmire during 2001-02. on June 20 this year. This country-wide the US governmental system works with was deeply upset at the unexpected turn On December 19, the Kashmir Chamber agitation is coming at a time when parallel importance to their legislative the Emergency had taken and had met of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) international opinion, especially in the US branch, unlike ours where the executive philosopher J. Krishnamurti for advice. estimated the economic losses suffered by Congress and US media, has hardened branch is supreme. It is as unseemly as a She told him that she was riding a tiger the local people as $2.4 billion due to against India. On December 24, US foreign dignitary asking our Speaker or which would devour her if she disruption of communications, heavy Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, the first Rajya Sabha Chairman to exclude a dismounted. Krishnamurti, according to presence of troops, panic, loss of Indian-American woman in the House of member of our Parliament when he visits Apa Saheb, advised her to dismount and confidence, loss of tourism and hotel Representatives, wrote an op-ed in them for discussions. allow the natural process to happen if she business. Deutsche Welle, the German Washington Post, "India's foreign minister Or were we trying to emulate Israeli PM believed in democracy. Sure enough, the broadcaster, said the KCCI was planning to refused to meet me. I won't stop speaking Benjamin Netanyahu who had prevented 1977 elections shattered her, albeit sue the Central government for the out on human rights." two US Muslim Congresswomen, one a temporarily. destruction of Kashmir's economy. She was referring to the recent incident member of the House Foreign Relations In 2019, the Modi government had no The second avowed objective was when our External Affairs Minister S. Committee, from entering Israel in reasons to ride a tiger as it was elected with replacing the 'dynastic rule' which was Jaishankar had reportedly informed the August? If so, we forget that Netanyahu a record mandate. Still, it chose to lead us hindering development. This also proved to Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs had done it under pressure from President through a destructive path, selected by be wrong on December 23 when middle- Committee that he would not attend a Donald Trump. This had resulted in their ideological mentors, which would level leaders of the National Conference meeting on Capitol Hill if Jayapal was bipartisan condemnation. Jaishankar's have suited the early part of the 20th (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) present. The apparent reason was that she action has been described in the century Europe. Otherwise, the country reposed confidence in their 'dynastic' had co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution in Congressional circles as 'weakness' to face would not have been torn apart through the leadership during their first political the Congress, asking India to uphold up to dissent the same way as US House Kashmir lockdown, protests over the meeting since August 5. The attempts of human rights in Kashmir. Jayapal added Speaker Nancy Pelosi had described the Citizenship Amendment Act and the the Modi government to 'manufacture that the Chairman refused our External Israeli action on Muslim Congresswomen National Register of Citizens, besides consent' by encouraging a newlocal Affairs Minister's request as it was 'wholly as a 'sign of weakness' of their democracy. police excesses in the BJP-ruled states. leadership, seen during thefarcical visit of inappropriate for any foreign government We would not have been in this They also appear to have followed an 27 unknown Members of European to try to dictate which members of the predicament had our government been extreme version of the American Parliament (MEP) in October, also did not Congress participate in meetings on more tolerant and followed Vice-President journalist Walter Lippmann's theory on work. Continued detention of pro-India Capitol Hill'. M. Venkaiah Naidu's description of the 'Manufacture of consent' (Public leaders contradicts the claim on December In the past, Israel and Russia had 'dissent as the essence of democracy' on Opinion, 1922), thus lowering their 24 that 72 paramilitary companies might be prevented some US Congressional December 23. domestic and international credibility. withdrawn from the Valley as the situation members from visiting their countries by (The author is Ex-Special Secretary, On March 17 this year, a national daily has improved. Or are these security teams denying a visa. But to my mind, this is the Cabinet Secretariat) GUEST COMMENT General Rawat crossed the lines Arms and the man: On Gen Rawat’s comments of military propriety in making direction', as he himself put it, then Gen. the politically incorrect word they are meant to carry out. If what Gen. political comments Rawat, who heads nearly fifteen lakh "lebensraum" into the mix for good Rawat said was deplorable, what V.K. f a diplomat should think twice men in uniform, sent out all the wrong measure, while referring to migration in Singh, the Minister of State for Road before saying nothing, an army signals. The Army Chief's remarks could the region. On matters such as education Transport, spoke in his support was Igeneral should not think of saying have been discounted as an unfortunate in Kashmir too, the General's unsolicited most unfortunate. Especially since he anything at all. The Chief of Army Staff, slip of the tongue or a one-off instance, if views have stirred controversies. himself was the Army Chief not so long General Bipin Rawat, should have it were not for the frequency with which It is possible to argue that since the ago. It is likely to encourage soldiers in known better than to offer his views on he weighed in on matters he ought to Army is so heavily and continually the making and those in uniform to move political controversies and agitations of have been extremely circumspect about, deployed in these areas, the north east in wrong directions. But it is also notable the day. In making thinly veiled in public at least. Berating students from and Kashmir, where the Armed Forces that not many others have flocked to Gen. comments on the protests against the a seminar podium is bad enough but last (Special Powers) Act operates, the Army Rawat's defense. Allowing chiefs of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, the year, Gen. Rawat felt compelled to point Chief can make comments on other three services to make political General crossed the line of military out, at yet another seminar, that the All aspects of governance and politics as statements undermines the civil propriety. The egregious remarks on India United Democratic Front (AIDUF) - well. The argument that the Army has a leadership in the long run. It is to be student protests and leadership of led by Badrudin Ajmal - had grown much political voice in these States will not hoped the government makes the lines agitations constitute a serious error in faster than the BJP in Assam. "Finally, travel far, though. Among other things, it clear to them so that such incidents do judgment. If the task of a leader is to what will be the state of Assam, we have reflects the failure of the political class not recur. (The Tribune) lead by example, and in the 'right to take a call," he had said, throwing in to keep the Army confined to duties that THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 PERSPECTIVE 9 In Citizenship Amendment Act narrative, finding the judiciary’s lost voice This is a watershed moment for the judiciary not to falter and for judges to undo the wrongs of the past.

reaction, particularly from a generation CAA Protesters being assaulted by police Photo / Courtesy PTI Ajit Prakash Shah that has lived through and seen the worst of the authoritarian regime that was the Emergency. In this context, what I "The primary, personally feel worse about is that the voice of the judiciary in this narrative is either and arguably, almost entirely absent or has been the most overwhelmed by a strong executive. The CAA is touted as a "fast-track" important view means of granting citizenship by is that the legislation is naturalization to what it identifies as persecuted minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, The protests that have followed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), unconstitutional. It is so Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) 2019, were not surprising, but the for many reasons, not from three neighboring countries manner in which the protesters were (Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan). treated certainly is. The reaction of Germany? They being in minority were least that it is arbitrary Those belonging to these communities the law and order machinery to what driven out from Germany." While from these countries will not, as per the were essentially student-led peaceful absorbing what I read as a child, and protests has led to incidents of and violates the right to law, be regarded as "illegal immigrants". admiring (even now) his poetry, I was also violence and loss of property across equality before the law Restrictive definition the country, which is terribly always questioning the Mahasabha as an unfortunate. This is a reflection of the institution, attempting to understand what enshrined in Article 14 Since the Bill was proposed, and after it times we live in and signals that the prompted their actions. Even in those was eventually enacted, we have seen youth in our country have to spend times, I was especially struck by Savarkar's of the Indian the next significant amount of time multiple perspectives emerge that offer obsession with Fascist dictators of the battling a leadership that comes Constitution. It frameworks of different kinds to explain across, at once, as communal and times, notably Hitler and Mussolini. deliberately the legislation and the politics authoritarian. The ideological positions on surrounding it. The primary,and arguably, marginalization, majoritarianism, and marginalizes Muslims the most important view is that the automatically makes Muslim immigrants constitutionality taken by the Hindu legislation is unconstitutional. It is so for second class priorities when they are on Mahasabha and its successors have been as a minority many reasons, not least that it is arbitrary Indian soil, even though they may have consistent, but in their consistency, they community anduses and violates the right to equality before the made the long trek to India for the same have also revealed flaws in holding on to an law enshrined in Article 14 of the Indian reasons (poverty,political persecution, etc.) imaginary idea of a Hindu rashtra, and religious identity as the Constitution. It deliberately marginalizes that drove their Hindu or Christian disengaging from the reality of a culturally, basis for granting Muslims as a minority community and neighbors out. If you expand the linguistically, and religiously diverse, uses religious identity as the basis for understanding of this law, as the modern India. citizenship. In doing so, granting citizenship. In doing so, it erodes government has overtly done (by linking Because the CAA is immoral, a people's it erodes the the spirit of the Constitution. There is no the NRC to the CAA), it has implications of movement is inevitable and necessary, for legislative basis for singling out making all Muslims in India second class otherwise the fundamental principles on spirit of the persecution of religious minorities as the citizens. In doing so, this law and policy which the constitutional idea of India rests Constitution." basis for granting Indian citizenship, just subverts and even destroys fundamental will be destroyed for something that can as there is no logic in restricting "fast constitutional principles of secularism, render deep wounds forever. track" naturalization to persons from three fraternity,and humanity. A turning point he recent enactment of the countries alone. Surely,persecution of any The roots of this lie in the ideology of amendments to the Citizenship Act kind ought to be the sole criterion for cultural and religious nationalism In the wake of the CAA protests, the Thave left many,and certainly myself, granting citizenship to immigrants. propagated by Hindutva icons, i.e., Vinayak Chief Justice of India reportedly said that very disturbed. The legislation itself is Restricting the definition of persecution in Damodar Savarkar and his ilk, with if people/protesters wanted to "take to the undoubtedly problematic and is this manner erodes the premise based on Savarkar propounding that the ideal was streets", then they need not approach the compounded by the linkages with the which the republic of India was the "Hindu Rashtra (state), Hindu Jati courts. Some could read this statement as a National Register of Citizens (NRC). I was constructed and ignores the historical (race) and Hindu Sanskriti (culture)". In the sort of warning that good behavior was a a part of a People's Tribunal on the realities of the freedom struggle (founded form of religious nationalism, this ideology prerequisite for obtaining justice. In any deployment of the NRC in Assam, and we on principles of equality and diversity) envisages a nation under Hindu rule, a event, in a democracy, protest and a found that even though it was conducted which brought us Independence. Hindu rashtra in Akhand Bharat (a United recourse to the judiciary are options that under the aegis of the court, it was a Alternative perspectives exist too, on the India), premised on the belief that only are legitimately available to the people. disastrous exercise with terrifying opposite side of the spectrum, fueling a Hindus can claim the territory of British Indeed, to dissent or protest is the lifeline of consequences. narrative that the CAA is not harmful at all India as the land of their ancestry, i.e. a democracy. But, what is the judiciary The protests that have followed the and is intended merely to offer amnesty pitrubhumi, and the land of their religion, supposed to do when society as a whole is Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, and a speedy route for legitimate i.e. the punyabhumi. In this context, protesting? In such a scenario, as is playing were not surprising, but the manner in migration. Arguably, this narrative - that Muslims and Christians are viewed as out now, there is no clear line that can be which the protesters were treated certainly the CAA is not harmful -is a more foreigners who are not indigenous to the drawn between declaring protesters as is. The reaction of the law and order important issue than the question of territory of India, and whose religion good or bad. Historically, Indian courts machinery to what were essentially constitutionality,for it tries to sweep under originated in a separate holy land. have had a chequered history in tackling student-led peaceful protests has led to the carpet the grand design that this My personal background links up with circumstances where they are the final incidents of violence and loss of property legislation forms a small part of. this narrative in more ways than many arbiter. Especially when faced with a across the country, which is terribly Of a religious nationalism would imagine. My maternal grandfather powerful executive, courts have tended to unfortunate. This is a reflection of the was the president of the Hindu Mahasabha falter, the Emergency being a case in point. times we live in and signals that the youth What is the grand design, you may well in the 1940s, and the first writings that I This is a watershed moment for this in our country have to spend the next ask. On the face of it, the implications of was ever exposed to in my school days were generation of judges to undo the wrongs significant amount of time battling a the CAA is to isolate individuals who Savarkar's works. Writing in 1938, when done by their predecessors 40 years ago to leadership that comes across, at once, as identify as belonging to the Muslim Hitler was on the rise, Savarkar justified the people of India. We eagerly await these communal and authoritarian. community. If you restrict the Hitler's policies towards the Jews and reparations. Subdued judiciary understanding of the law, as the driving them away from the motherland. (The author is a former Chief Justice of the Delhi government would have it, to applying it He said, "A nation is formed by a majority High Court and former Chairperson of the Law At such times, empathy is but a natural only to immigrants, then this law living therein. What did the Jews do in Commission of India) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

AMAZON FIRE TO BAGHDADI KILLING, TOP EVENTS OF 2019 he year 2019, the last year of blasts were triggered by suicide People from across the world heavily criticised after his first this decade — was full of bombers. watched in shock the footage of the meeting, which had ended without Ttwists and turns not only for spire and roof of the 850-year-old any promises on denuclearisation India but the world in general. Amazon wildfire Notre-Dame cathedral collapsing by North Korea, was hopeful of Several key events not only re- Amid growing concerns over after a massive fire. The Gothic inking a deal in Hanoi, Vietnam. shaped our worldview, but also climate change, a thick smog structure sat in the French capital Meanwhile, North Korea has pushed nations towards uncharted covered the skies of Sao Paulo in of Paris on a small island called the continued on the path of testing its territories. Brazil this September. The smog Ile de la Cite, with river Seine ballistic missiles. We look back at the top global emanated from the world’s most flowing on both sides. The incident events that made and headlines and biodiverse rainforest, the Amazon. evoked reactions from around the Iran’s nuclear deal breach drew attention in 2019: Described as a global tragedy, the world — from US President Donald fire occurred as farmers cleared the Trump calling his French Killing of Al-Baghdadi path for agriculture, adding to the counterpart to Britain's Queen rapid deforestation of the Elizabeth expressing sadness. In the rainforest. Facing criticism, the days following the incident, donors Brazilian government sent in the pledged close to a billion dollars to Army and imposed a temporary ban restore the fallen structure. French on fires to clear land. Referred to as President Emmanuel Macron set a the 'earth's lungs', the Amazon five-year timeline to rebuild the rainforest spreads over an area of Notre-Dame cathedral. 5.7 million sq km. In 2019, over Nearly a year after US President 46,000 forest fires were reported in Christchurch shooting Donald Trump abandoned the Iran the Amazon, the worst figures in In one of the worst attacks in the nuclear deal, the Iranian nuclear almost a decade. history of New Zealand, a lone-wolf agency in May 2019 said it was Months after the Islamic State lost gunman opened fire in a mosque on raising uranium enrichment past control in major strongholds of Hong Kong protests March 15, killing 51 and leaving 49 the 20 per cent level and had Syria, its leader Abu Bakr al- The Hong Kong protests, also wounded. The attack took place at launched advanced centrifuge Baghdadi killed himself during a known as 'Water Revolution' have the Al Noor Mosque and the machines in further breaches of raid by United States commandos in been going on against the Linwood Islamic Centre in the commitments. "We have started northwestern Syria. Announcing controversial Anti-Extradition Law suburbs of Christchurch where lifting limitations on our Research the development, US President Amendment Bill introduced by the people had gathered for Friday and Development imposed by the Donald Trump said Baghdadi Hong Kong government. It allows prayers. The gunman live-streamed deal... It will include the retreated into a tunnel with three of the extradition of fugitives to the attack on Facebook. development of more rapid and his children during the raid and mainland China, in a move feared to Described as a white supremacist advanced centrifuges," the agency then detonated an explosive vest undermine the judicial radicalised online, Brenton Tarrant said. The deal had capped the level when US military dogs were sent in. independence of the country. While has been arrested for the crime and of purity to which Iran could enrich Baghdadi had risen to prominence the Bill was withdrawn in is awaiting trial. Weeks after the uranium at 3.67 per cent — suitable in 2014 when he announced the September amid extreme criticism, attack, the New Zealand for civilian power generation and creation of ‘Caliphate’ and carried a the protests are still continuing, government, led by Prime Minister far below the 90 per cent threshold bounty of $25 million on his head. demanding full democracy and an Jacinda Ardern, banned military- of nuclear weapons-grade. The US At its peak, the terrorist inquiry into police action against style semi-automatic weapons in the has been pushing for isolating Iran organisation ISIS controlled over protestors. The country has been country. by choking its oil exports. 80,000 sq km of area stretching from ruled under ‘One country, two western Syria to eastern Iraq. systems’ arrangement since it was Second Trump-Kim First black hole image handed over to China by Britain. meet ends up dud Described by scientists as a Sri Lanka’s Easter blasts The continuous clashes between the monster, the Event Horizon Eight serial blasts ripped through police and protestors have marked Telescope captured the first image the island nation of Sri Lanka on several days of agitation. of a black hole located in a distant April 22 on Easter Sunday, killing galaxy. The result was from an over 200 and wounding 450 people. Notre-Dame fire experiment designed by Prof Heino The explosions targetted three Falcke of the Radboud University in churches and prominent luxury the Netherlands. The professor hotels in the country. Four Indians called it "heavyweight champion of were among the victims of the black holes in the universe". The serial blasts. The blasts were What was likely to be a historic stunning new image showed the conducted in a well-coordinated event ended up as a dud after North shadow of the supermassive black fashion to cause maximum damage, Korean leader Kim Jong Un cut hole in the centre of Messier 87 targetting Christians during short his second meeting with US (M87), an elliptical galaxy some 55 worship service and guests during President Donald Trump, without million light-years from the earth. the breakfast in beachfront hotels in attending the joint-signing This black hole is 6.5 billion times the capital. All six of the first set of ceremony. Trump, who had been the mass of the Sun. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 11

JET COLLAPSE TO NBFC MESS, BIGGEST BUSINESS NEWS OF 2019 arked by both good and bad lenders’ consortium, led by State debt-free in the next 18 months. Gopalan, Surendra Singh and news, the year 2019 was an Bank of India, indicated the effort Aparajita Jain had been appointed. Mimportant one for India’s to select a new investor would PMC Bank collapses major business houses and continue even as Jet was The Mumbai police arrested two Voda Idea, Airtel, corporate leaders. While the non- “temporarily” grounded. directors of HDIL in the Punjab and Jio raise tariffs banking financial companies Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) (NBFC) crisis started with IL&FS Adani Group bags 6 Bank scam and also seized Rs 3,500- Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea going belly up in September the non-metro airport projects crore property of the company. A announced a tariff hike in the previous year got worse, the Special Investigation Team of the range of 15 per cent to 40 per cent aviation sector witnessed a major In February,the Adani group won Economic Offences Wing (EOW) across different plans with effect setback with cash-strapped Jet a mandate to run all six arrested Rakesh Wadhawan, from December 3. Reliance Jio Airways suspending flights. government-owned airports that chairman and managing director of followed suit, introducing new The telecom sector, meanwhile, were put up for privatisation. It HDIL, and his son Sarang plans with unlimited voice and data faced a life-threatening crisis with bagged a 50-year contract for the Wadhawan, for loan default. but priced up to 40 per cent higher, Rs 1.47 trillion in dues to be paid to operation, management, and with effect from December 6. the government after the Supreme development of airports in Another whistleblower Court order on adjusted gross Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, crisis at Infosys ArcelorMittal buys Essar revenues (AGR). Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest and Mangaluru, becoming the India's second-largest IT services steel maker, officially set foot in Govt revises FDI norms third-largest private airport firm Infosys' run-ins with India for a second time and in a operator, next only to the GMR and whistleblowers appear continued, much bigger way. It closed a Rs GVK groups. with an anonymous whistleblower 42,000-crore deal with the lenders of group called 'Ethical Employees' Essar Steel, along with Nippon Steel. IndiGo promoters’ alleging that the company’s current In a statement, ArcelorMittal said it feud intensifies management was taking 'unethical' had established a joint venture with steps to spur short-term revenue Nippon Steel Corporation, which IndiGo, India’s largest airline, and profits. In a statement, Infosys would own and operate ESIL. faced its worst crisis as promoters said, "The whistleblower complaint Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal has been placed before the audit Cyrus Mistry as Tata made serious allegations against committee in line with the Sons chairman Amazon and Walmart ’s grand each other, forcing the Securities company's practice and will be dealt plans for India were thrown into and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) with in accordance with our More than three years after the chaos as the country implemented to intervene. Bhatia and Gangwal, whistleblowers policy." dramatic boardroom sacking of new e-commerce regulations, which who brought charges of lapses in Cyrus Mistry, the National could cap their growth in the corporate governance, together Chandra steps down as Company Law Appellate Tribunal market. Tightening rules amid hold more than 70 per cent in the Zee Ent chairman reinstated him as the executive strident complaints from small company and IndiGo’s success has chairman of the Tata group. The shops and domestic sellers, the often been credited to their synergy. 172-page order, while upholding government banned retail giants’ Mistry’s charges that he was ousted exclusive arrangements with Mukesh Ambani announces without due process, said the action sellers to offer deep discounts. They partial RIL stake sale taken by Ratan Tata and others were also barred from holding against the former Tata Sons business interest in online chairman was oppressive and merchants on their websites. illegal. The order also held the appointment of N Chandrasekaran Jet Airways as Tata Sons executive chairman as suspends flights “illegal”.

Media mogul Subhash Chandra resigned as the chairman of his flagship company, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd Saudi Aramco and Reliance (ZEEL), in line with the Sebi listing Industries Ltd (RIL) had signed a regulations that prohibited the letter of intent for a proposed chairperson of the board from investment in RIL’s oil-to-chemical being related to the managing Jet Airways, started more than 25 division, the company announced at director or the chief executive years ago by Naresh Goyal, its annual general meeting. The officer of the company. The firm suspended operations after lenders deal is expected to fetch $15 billion also said its board had been turned down the airline’s demand (Rs 1.06 trillion) for a 20 per cent reconstituted and three new for emergency funding. The stake. RIL is also looking to turn independent directors — R THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

HOW WORLD’S TOP BUSINESS PERSONALITIES FARED IN 2019 he year 2019 proved a mixed healthy growth in the group’s Page stepped down from their with the Alibaba Group, which he bag for global business telecom business (Reliance Jio). leadership roles. Pichai became one helped found in his apartment over Tleaders. While some vacated of the most powerful corporate 20 years ago, had given up the CEO’s top positions at the organisations Bill Gates leaders in the world, spearheading role in 2013 and used his chairman’s they founded and nurtured, some all functional and significant post to develop managerial talent. In others were sacked for alleged operations of Google such as web 2019, his departure marked the end misconduct and financial search, Chrome project, YouTube, of an era for Alibaba in China. wrongdoings; and there also were advertising, cloud computing and tycoons who continued to rake in more. Dennis Muilenburg billions for their flourishing After a year of intense scrutiny businesses. Elon Musk and industrial setbacks set off by two crashes of the 737 MAX jetliner, Jeff Bezos aircraft major Boeing fired its CEO After a 48 percent increase in Dennis Muilenburg in December shares of Microsoft in November 2019, saying a change was necessary 2019, co-founder Bill Gates amid attempts to restore the reclaimed the spot of the world’s company’s reputation. The sudden richest person, surpassing sacking of Muilenburg, who worked Amazon’s Bezos. Gates may never for Boeing for over three decades, have lost the top rank in the first seemed a desperate attempt by place if it were not for his Boeing to win back the trust of philanthropy — he has donated over The year 2019 proved a topsy- regulators and customers. $35 billion to the Bill & Melinda turvy one for billionaire American Gates Foundation since 1994. businessman Elon Musk. The Michael Bloomberg The year 2019 was full of In an interview in 2019, the founder and CEO of Tesla and Former New York City Mayor upheavals for the Amazon founder. billionaire philanthropist admitted SpaceX has always been someone Michael Bloomberg, who is the co- Early in the year, Bezos and his wife that ceding the mobile operating who attracts praise and founder, CEO, and majority owner of Mackenzie announced their intent systems (OS) space to Android was condemnation in equally strong Bloomberg, is the 2020 US to part ways and in April they his biggest mistake. He stated that it measures — the former for his presidential election candidate in reached a $35-billion divorce was within their skillset of being visionary leadership, and the latter the Democratic Party primaries. As settlement. Two months later, Bezos the leading player in the for failing to meet deadlines and of November 2019, he was the ninth- sold $1.8 billion worth of shares in smartphone OS market, but the engaging in public disputes.In 2019, richest person in the US and the Amazon, reducing the value of his company was distracted by an Musk launched an electric battery- 14th-richest person in the world. stake in the e-commerce behemoth ongoing anti-trust litigation. In 2019, powered commercial vehicle, With an estimated net worth of $58 to about $110 billion. In another Microsoft boosted Gates’ net worth Cybertruck, which looked like an billion, according to Forbes, setback, Bloomberg Billionaires to $107.5 billion. He also remains an armoured wagon straight out of a Bloomberg is using his personal Index showed Bezos was replaced by aggressive stock investor, with over video game. He also unveiled Smart fortune to spend heavily on online Microsoft founder Bill Gates as the 60 per cent of his portfolio in Summon with an autonomous and TV ad campaigns for his world's richest man. equities. ‘fetch-my-car’ parking feature, but presidential candidature. some found this a ‘glitchy’ Mukesh Ambani Sundar Pichai experiment in automation. Mark Zuckerberg Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance In 2019, Facebook CEO Industries Ltd (RIL) created history Zuckerberg was accused of being in the stock market in 2019 by Jack Ma aware of potentially problematic becoming the first Indian company privacy practices at the company. to breach the Rs 10-trillion valuation There are also concerns that mark. RIL also replaced Indian Oil Facebook’s Libra coin might be used Corporation (IOC) to emerge as the to evade money-laundering rules or number-one Indian company in undermine government control revenue terms on the Fortune 500 over the flow of money. list for the year. RIL’s revenues for the 2018-19 financial year, at Rs 5.81 Whether it was dealing with trillion, was higher than IOC’s Rs demands from governments around 5.36 trillion.In August 2019, RIL the world or leading a workforce entered into a joint venture with BP that was increasingly divided about Jack Ma, the Chinese tycoon who plc for its fuel retail business in culture and policies, Indian- ushered e-commerce into China as India. Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s American Sundar Pichai gradually the co-founder of the Alibaba group, richest man, saw his wealth worked his way up the corporate stepped down as the head of the increasing by $528 million ladder in 2019. Already at the helm company on September 10, handing (approximately Rs 3,800 crore), of Google LLC since 2015, Pichai in over the reins of one of the world’s primarily on account of RIL’s 2019 took over the parent company largest e-retailers to his handpicked partial stake sale to Saudi Aramco Alphabet Inc as its CEO after Google successor Daniel Zhang. and British Petroleum, besides co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Ma, who had become synonymous THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 13

EVENTS THAT MADE BIGGEST POLITICAL NEWS IN INDIA IN 2019 he year 2019 saw several Delhi’s Tihar jail. While both CBI events that could be termed and Enforcement Directorate T‘turning points’ in India's alleged financial misconduct modern history. From revoking involving Chidambaram during his Jammu & Kashmir’s special status time as the country’s finance through abrogation of Article 370 to minister, the Congress party the Citizenship Amendment Act labelled the action plain vendetta on (CAA), which brought the country’s the part of the ruling BJP. youth to the streets in chilly nights of December, there are several good Citizenship Act and bad memories this year is going The passage of the Citizenship to leave Indians with. Amendment Bill by both Houses of Parliament, followed by the Abrogation of Article 370 President’s assent, led to widespread protests across the country. The Bill, now an Act, three decades that a party — the proposes to grant Indian citizenship BJP in this case — secured a clear to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh and majority on its own. As a coalition Christian minorities who took unit, the NDA increased its strength refuge in India after facing in the Lok Sabha. persecution in Bangladesh, Even as the Indian National Pakistan and Afghanistan. Congress managed to win more The requirement of having lived seats than it did in 2014, its in the country for at least 11 years On August 5, 2019, Home Minister president Rahul Gandhi lost his before getting to apply for India’s Amit Shah announced the family pocket borough of Amethi to citizenship has also been relaxed — scrapping of Article 370 of the the BJP’s Smriti Irani. Gandhi, any immigrant from the Indian constitution, a move that however, won the other seat from February 14, when a military communities mentioned above stripped the state of Jammu & where he had contested — Wayanad convoy of the Indian Army was could apply if they came to India on Kashmir of its special status. Shah in Kerala — by a record margin. In attacked by terrorists allegedly December 31, 2014, or earlier. also announced that J&K would Uttar Pradesh, the BJP bettered all backed by Pakistan. The move has faced opposition cease to be a state and get split into expectations to bag 62 of the state’s On February 26, India launched from several quarters, mostly the two Union Territories — J&K with a 80 seats. Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj pre-dawn airstrikes in Pakistan’s youth, over its allegedly legislature, like Delhi, and Ladakh Party, which had won no seats in Balakot, destroying a terror camp discriminatory nature. Many have without one, like Chandigarh. This 2014, benefitted from its alliance and eliminating several terror questioned the intent behind the Bill proposing revocation of the with the Akhilesh Yadav-led operatives. In retaliation, Pakistan choice of only three Muslim- erstwhile state’s special status was Samajwadi Party (SP) and won 10 sent across the border its F-16 majority neighbouring countries, as cleared by both Houses of seats. This was even as SP was not fighter jets, one of which was shot well as leaving out of the Muslim Parliament after heated debates. able to make any improvement to its down. In this operation, however, an community from the list of those Prior to the abrogation of Article Lok Sabha tally of 5 seats. Indian fighter pilot, Wing that could seek Indian citizenship. 370, the central government had to Battlefield UP turned out to be a Commander Abhinandan There also are concerns that the take the Jammu & Kashmir disaster for the Congress, with only Varthaman, was captured by government might enforce the government’s permission to enforce its former president, Sonia Gandhi, Pakistani forces and released after National Register of Indian Citizens laws in the state. Now, that will not managing to win a seat. several rounds of negotiations in a (NRC) across the country, as in the be required. Another major surprise came victory of Indian diplomacy. case of Assam earlier, The government move drew from West Bengal, where the BJP simultaneously with the strong reactions, not only from won 18 of the state’s 42 seats. This Chidambaram’s arrest implementation of the CAA. The various political outfits in India but was its best show ever in Bengal. government, however, has denied also from international community. While Mamata Banerjee’s these claims.The protests against The residents of the affected region Trinamool Congress saw its tally the Act turned violent mid- also opposed the move, and political telling getting pared from 34 seats to December following police action on leaders of Jammu & Kashmir were 22, the Left parties could not even students, mainly of the Jamia put under house arrest or detained open their account. Narendra Modi Millia Islamia University in Delhi. elsewhere to prevent strife. returned as the prime minister with The students of several Following early protests, Article 144 a bigger and stronger majority than universities, as well as other groups, was imposed in various parts of the in his first stint. came to the streets in support of Valley and there was a clamp-down The Central Bureau of Jamia students. A series of protests on internet and telephone services Pulwama attack Investigation (CBI) arrested former ensued in various cities of the to check spread of misinformation. In an event that would shake the finance minister P Chidambaram in country — some of them turned nation and trigger an action by the connection with the INX Media violent, leading to loss of lives and Lok Sabha elections 2019 Indian government across the money-laundering case. Several of property. At least 25 people are The Lok Sabha election of 2019 border in Pakistani territory, 40 his bail pleas were rejected by the reported to have been killed in CAA- was a historic event in more ways soldiers were killed in the Pulwama different courts and it was not related protests so far, and hundreds than one. It was the first time in district of Jammu & Kashmir on before 106 days that he could leave have been injured. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 Uddhav expands M'rashtra Cabinet; Ajit Pawar back as Youth doesn’t like anarchy, deputy chief minister instability, nepotism: PM Modi MUMBAI (TIP): NCP leader Ajit Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on Monday (December 30) during expansion of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Council of Ministers. in 2019’s last Mann Ki Baat Pawar was sworn in to the post for the second time in just over a month. NEW DELHI (TIP): Prime Earlier, Pawar took oath as deputy CM on Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday November 23 after he rebelled against the NCP and said the youth of India doesn't like joined hands with the BJP. However, he resigned on anarchy, instability and nepotism November 26, leading to collapse of the three-day on his monthly radio programme Devendra Fadnavis government. Mann Ki Baat. Besides Pawar, former Maharashtra Chief Minister "The youth in India likes to follow and senior Congress leader Ashok Chavan also took the system They question the oath as Cabinet Minister in the Thackeray-led system when it does not work and government on Monday. don't like anarchy as they question NCP leader and former Assembly Speaker Dilip the loopholes in the system What Walse Patil, former Leader Of Opposition in the today's youth dislikes is instability, Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde and former chaos, nepotism," said PM Modi. LoP in Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar were also sworn Modi's comment comes at a time in. when students across the country Governor B S Koshyari administered the oath of have been protesting against the office and secrecy to the new ministers in the Vidhan contentious Citizenship Bhavan (state legislature) complex. Amendment Act (CAA). Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and NCP He further said that the new supremo Sharad Pawar were among those present at generation was an embodiment of a certain about the decade to come is, courageously question the system the swearing-in ceremony. new system and new order which it will witness active contribution of itself ! I consider this attribute as a will elevate the country to greater those who were born in 21st century, virtue", he added. PM posts video of Sadhguru heights. in country's progress; these are In his last 'Mann Ki Baat' address "Our new generation is an people who are growing up, on November 24, Modi had supporting CAA, lauds him for embodiment, a reflection of a new understanding the significant announced the launch of 'Fit India system, a new order, a new age, a issues pertaining to this century." School grading system' in schools providing ‘historical context’ new thought. These are the very He also outlined the talent of the across the country. people who have to elevate the younger generation and said, "All of He had also encouraged people to NEW DELHI (TIP): Spearheading a campaign in country to greater heights", the us experience that this generation use one's mother tongue saying all support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Prime Prime Minister told listeners is extremely talented. It thrives on progress is meaningless if one's Minister Narendra Modi on Monday posted a video of during Mann Ki Baat address. the dream to do something new, mother tongue is neglected. spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, in support of Speaking during the 60th edition something different". The radio programme is the law. of the monthly radio broadcast, he "Not just that, they prefer to broadcast on the last Sunday of “Do hear this lucid explanation of aspects relating said, "I extend my heartiest follow the system. And in the event every month and suggestions, to CAA and more by @SadhguruJV. He provides greetings to all countrymen on the of the system not responding stories and ideas are invited from historical context, brilliantly highlights our culture of arrival of the year 2020. One thing properly, they get restless and even people for it. brotherhood. He also calls out the misinformation by vested interest groups. #IndiaSupportsCAA,” Modi tweeted. The Twitter handle of Modi’s personal website also had a message saying that the CAA is about giving Hemant Soren sworn in as Jharkhand citizenship to persecuted refugees and not about taking anyone’s citizenship away. The message was posted with the hashtag “India CM, Oppn leaders band together Supports CAA”. It also asked people to share content, graphics and RANCHI (TIP): Hemant Soren on videos from the prime minister’s NaMo app to show Sunday took oath as the 11th chief their support for the law, which has triggered protests minister of Jharkhand in a in different parts of the country. ceremony billed as a show of strength by opposition parties amid Indian Navy bans smartphones, nationwide protests against the amended citizenship act and a social media on bases, ships proposed move for an all-India National Register of Citizens (NRC). NEW DELHI (TIP): After the recent arrest of The alliance of Soren’s Jharkhand seven navy personnel for allegedly leaking sensitive Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Congress information to an espionage racket with links to and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Pakistan, the Indian Navy has issued direction to ban cruised to a majority in the 81- the use of all smartphones and social networking member state assembly in the platforms onboard ships and naval bases. recently held elections, clinching Chief Minister Hemant Soren after being administered the oath of office, is seen "All social networking platforms including power from the Bharatiya Janata accompanied by Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and other Party (BJP) government in the state. Sitaram Yechuri, D Raja, , JMM President Shibu Soren , and others at Ranchi. messengers from here on now will not be allowed at On Sunday, governor Droupadi Hindustani Awam Morcha’s Jitan government argues that the act is the naval bases and ships," said a senior Indian Navy Murmu administered the oaths of Ram Manjhi attended the oath- meant for “persecuted minorities” officer. office and secrecy to 44-year-old taking ceremony in Ranchi. from the three Muslim-majority The officer said that moreover no smartphones Soren, who became the state’s chief West Bengal chief minister and nations -- Pakistan, Bangladesh and were allowed onboard ships and naval bases. minister for the second time. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Afghanistan. On December 20, Intelligence agencies busted an A host of opposition leaders, Banerjee, and her counterparts from While the leaders of several espionage racket linked to Pakistan with the arrest of including Congress leader Rahul Rajasthan (Ashok Gehlot) and opposition parties turned up for seven Indian Navy personnel and a hawala operator. Gandhi, Dravida Munnetra Chhattisgarh (Bhupesh Baghel) were Soren’s swearing-in, the Samajwadi The arrest of the seven navy officials from Mumbai, Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin, also present. Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Karvar and Vishakapatnam for leaking sensitive his party colleague Kanimozhi, The development comes amid a Party (BSP) skipped the function, information about the movements of warships and Communist Party of India (Marxist) political slugfest between the along with Maharashtra chief submarines to Pakistani agents had exposed lapses in general secretary Sitaram Yechury, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) minister and Shiv Sena president the security apparatus placed around critical assets in Communist Party of India general government and several opposition Uddhav Thackeray. Nationalist India. "Three sailors were arrested from Visakhapatnam, secretary D Raja, Tejashwi Yadav of parties, which say the Citizenship Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad two from Karwar and two from Mumbai," said intelligence the RJD, the Aam Aadmi Party’s (Amendment) Act,or CAA, is against Pawar and Congress president Sonia agencies, which busted the espionage racket being run by Sanjay Singh, former Janata Dal India’s secular Constitution because Gandhi also did not attend the Pakistan. (United) leader Sharad Yadav, and it links citizenship with religion. The function. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 INDIA 15

MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT Army chief General Bipin FOR CHIEF OF DEFENCE Rawat named India's first STAFF PUT AT 65 NEW DELHI (TIP): The government has amended rules putting the maximum age limit of 65 years for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to serve in Chief of Defence Staff the post. The changes have been made in the Army Rules, NEW DELHI (TIP): Indian Army 1954, according to a notification by the defence chief General Bipin Rawat has been ministry. named as India's first Chief of In a landmark decision, the Cabinet Committee on Defence Staff. General Rawat was Security on Tuesday approved the creation of the named the Chief of Defence Staff CDS who will act as the principal military adviser to just a day before he was to retire the defence minister on all matters relating to tri- from service after completeing a full services. three-year term as the Chief of According to rules, the service chiefs can serve for Army Staff. a maximum period of three years or till attaining the General Rawat is the first officer age of 62, whichever is early. to hold the post of the Chief of The CDS will also be the member of Prime Defence Staff, which was set up just Minister-led Nuclear Command Authority which days ago. The CDS will function as a looks after nuclear weapons of the country. Besides, single-point adivsor to the CDS has been assigned the task on integrating government on matters related to different assets and resources of the armed forces. the military and will focus on better It is expected that name of officer to become first synergy between the Indian Army, CDS will be announced before the end of this year. Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. Independence Day speech, promised completing three years in office or No breach in security: CRPF General Bipin Rawat was the that his government would once they reach the age of 62, front-runner for the post. establish the top military post. whichever is earlier denies Priyanka Gandhi’s claim An alumnus of the St. Edward PM Modi's Independence Day The CDS will be the "first among School, Shimla, the National assurance fulfilled a long-pending equals" with respect to the three NEW DELHI (TIP): The Central Reserve Police Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, recommendation that a single-point service chiefs, all four-star officers Force (CRPF) on Monday denied the allegation and the Indian Military Academy, military advisor be appointment to themselves who will retain the levelled by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Dehradun, General Bipin Rawat is advise the government on all operational command of their and said there was no breach in her security. from a Gorkha regiment. According matters related to the military. The respective forces. In its statement, the CRPF clarified that there was to his profile on the Indian Army's recommendation was first made by The government said that the no breach in Gandhi's security during her trip to website, General Rawat has a committee that examined the CDS will head the newly established Lucknow on December 28. CRPF also blamed the commanded an infantry battalion military's performance during the Department of Military Affairs Congress leader for riding pillion on a scooter and along the Line of Actual Control in 1999 Kargil conflict. within the Ministry of Defence. added that she herself violated security protocol. the Eastern Sector, an infantry On December 24, the government Among the areas the CDS will focus The CRPF, which provides her armed commandos division in the Kashmir Valley and formally established the post of on will be promoting jointness in under the 'Z+' category of security cover to her, said a corps in the Northeast. Chief of Defence Staff. The procurement, training and staffing the Congress leader undertook "unscheduled" General Rawat was appointed the government released the charter and facilitation the restructuring of movement without intimation. Therefore, an Chief of Army Staff on December and duties of the CDS and said that military commands for optimal advanced security liaison (ASL) could not be 31, 2016 and was to retire tomorrow. the post would be occupied by a utilisation of resources. conducted, it said in a statement. However, he will continue his four-star officer from the Indian It is widely expected that the CRPF said, "There was unscheduled movement of service now as the Chief of Defence Army, Indian Navy or the Indian Chief of Defence Staff will be able the protectee without any intimation. During Staff. Air Force. to better synergise the operations of travelling the protectee used non-BR civil vehicle Days later, the government the three armed forces -- the Army, without PSO. The protectee took a lift in scooty as a CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF amended the rules of the Army, Navy and the Air Force -- and pillion rider." The announcement of the name Navy and the Air Force to allow a reduce wasteful expenditure by "Despite this security constraints, appropriate of India's Chief of Defence Staff Chief of Defence Staff to serve until better coordinating the security cover was provided by CRPF during the was made months after PM the age of 65. Currently, the three procurement plans of the three visit. Such security lapses are communicated to the Narendra Modi, in his service chiefs retire after either services. protectee and advised for ensuring proper security arrangements," it added. Gandhi was in Uttar Pradesh's capital city Lucknow on December 28 and alleged that threats Navy plans to build 24 submarines, were issued to her security personnel by local police and that she was warned to restrict her movements. six of them nuclear powered ‘Govt to ensure 100 days a year leave for paramilitary men’ NEW DELHI (TIP): To strengthen Mumbai, the Defence Ministry has its underwater fleet, the Indian Navy approved Medium Refit cum Life NEW DELHI (TIP): Paramilitary personnel will plans to build 24 submarines, Certification or MRLC of six older soon have at least 100 days of leave available to them including six nuclear attack submarines, so that the force levels in a year, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday. submarines, a parliamentary panel do not decline drastically, the report Shah was speaking during an event to lay the was told. stated. With regards to the MRLC of foundation of the new building of the Central The Navy also told the panel that first submarine, work has already Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Medium Refit Life Certification commenced in Russia on July 16 and “I do not know when we will be able to implement (MRLC) of submarine Sindhuraj has is on schedule. it fully.But we are trying to have a system where our been held up since the Russian side “Contract conclusion for MRLC of jawans have at least 100 days of leave in a year… We has not been able to submit bank “Eighteen (conventional) + six SSN second submarine, Sindhuraj, is held believe if our jawans are protecting the country, it is guarantees and integrity pact due to (nuclear attack submarines) are up since the Russian side has not the duty of the government to take care of them and sanctions imposed by the US. planned but the existing strength is been able to submit requisite bank to protect their families,” Shah said. In its report tabled this month, the 15 and one is available on lease,” it guarantees and integrity pact as a Denial of leave is among the reasons for the high Navy stated that there are presently stated. The Indian Ocean Region, the result of the sanctions imposed by attrition rate among paramilitary forces, as well as 15 conventional submarines and two area of operations of the Indian the US Govt on them,” it said. incidents of suicide and fratricide. Because of nuclear submarines in its fleet. The Navy has witnessed rising activities The Nav has also recommended to constant deployment due to elections and law-and- Indian Navy has two nuclear of the Chinese Navy. On its part, the the Defence Ministry that corporate order situations across the country, paramilitary submarines -- INS Arihant and INS Indian Navy has been revamping its guarantee of the JSC USC, a 100 per jawans are unable to get enough relief postings and Chakra, the latter being leased from infrastructure, including procuring cent Russian government-owned leave. Shah further said that the government has Russia. Majority of the conventional new ships. Due to the delay in the firm, could be accepted and fast- decided to enhance housing satisfaction for jawans submarines are over 25 years old. submarine construction projects, track approval of the competent and officials of central armed police forces (CAPFs) Thirteen submarines age between 17 including the Six Project 75 authority accorded for contract and steps will be taken in the upcoming Budget to and 32 years, it said. submarines at Mazagaon Docks, conclusion. allocate funds for this subject, Shah said Sunday. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 THEATER FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 ‘In the Spotlight’: NJSO’s 2020 Winter Festival

By Mabel Pais NJSO in performance "……. (NJSO is) a vital, artistically significant musical organization" -The Wall Street Journal (NJSO Music Director Xian Zhang is) - a "dynamic podium presence" Xian Zhang, conducts (praised for her) "technical abilities, the NJSO musicianship and maturity" - The New York Times Inon Barnatan, pianist Xian Zhang conducts three weeks of concerts featuring ballet and opera music Week I: Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto with Inon Barnatan Week II: Scenes from Mozart's "Don Sun, Jan 12, at 3 pm | State Theatre New Giovanni" and "The Marriage of Figaro" Jersey in New Brunswick featuring singers from Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development XIAN ZHANG conductor Program ERIC WYRICK violin Week III: NJSO premiere of Wagner's "The Singers from the METROPOLITAN Ring Without Words" arranged by Maazel, OPERA'S LINDEMANN YOUNG ARTIST Liszt's Second Piano Concerto with Simon DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Trp?eski NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Jan 3-19 in six New Jersey venues Eric Wyrick, MOZART "Exsultate, jubilate" violinist MOZART Violin Concerto No. 4 he New Jersey Symphony MOZART Scenes from "Don Giovanni" and Orchestra's (NJSO) 2020 Winter "The Marriage of Figaro" TFestival is inspired by Music Director Xian Zhang's love of opera and NJSO Accents ballet. Three weeks of epic works from the Talkback - Jan 9 & Jan 12 after the stage in the NJSO's 2020 Winter Festival, concert will take place, January 3-19 in six New Hear from the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Jersey venues. The Orchestra's signature Program singers who take center stage Simon Trpceski, pianist artistic event features music from for Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and "The Photos / Courtesy NJSO Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," Mozart's Marriage of Figaro." "Don Giovanni" and "The Marriage of WEEK III: Wagner's "The Ring Without podium presence" 'The New York Times' Figaro" and Wagner's "Ring" cycle, all Words" has praised for her "technical abilities, conducted by Zhang. Fri, Jan 17, at 8 pm | Richardson musicianship and maturity"-continues her The festival's opening weekend features Auditorium in Princeton acclaimed leadership of the NJSO. The selections from Prokofiev's "Romeo and Sat, Jan 18, at 8 pm | State Theatre Orchestra presents classical, pops and New Jersey in New Brunswick Juliet" ballet, paired with the NJSO family programs, as well as outdoor Sun, Jan 19, at 3 pm | NJPAC in premiere of Clara Schumann's Piano from the NJSO Academy and a closer look summer concerts and special events. Newark Concerto-featuring returning pianist Inon at Wagner's "Ring" cycle with pianist and Embracing its legacy as a statewide Barnatan-and "The Moldau" from musicologist Jeffrey Swann. More XIAN ZHANG conductor orchestra, the NJSO is the resident Smetana's "Má vlast" (January 3-5 in information is available at SIMON TRPESKI piano orchestra of the New Jersey Performing Newark, Red Bank and Morristown). The njsymphony.org/accents. NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark and January 3 concert opens with the annual More information on the Winter Festival WAGNER Prelude to Act I of "Lohengrin" regularly performs at State Theatre New featured showcase performance by the and related events is available at LISZT Piano Concerto No. 2 Jersey in New Brunswick, Count Basie NJSO Youth Orchestras' Academy njsymphony.org/winterfestival. WAGNER/arr. Maazel "The Ring Without Center for the Arts in Red Bank, Orchestra. In a new collaboration, the PROGRAM Words" (NJSO Premiere) Richardson Auditorium in Princeton, NJSO welcomes singers from the Mayo Performing Arts Center in WEEK I: Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet NJSO Accents Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Morristown and bergenPAC in Englewood. Fri, Jan 3, at 8 pm | NJPAC in Newark* Prelude Performance - Jan 18 at 7 pm Artist Development Program for scenes Partnerships with New Jersey arts Sat, Jan 4, at 8 pm | Count Basie Hear captivating young musicians from the from Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and "The Center for the Arts in Red Bank NJSO Academy perform in State Theatre organizations, universities and civic New Jersey's Heldrich Room. Marriage of Figaro." The all-Mozart Sun, Jan 5, at 3 pm | Mayo Performing organizations remain a key element of the program also features Concertmaster Eric Arts Center in Morristown "The Ring": A Closer Look - Jan 19, 1:30 pm Orchestra's statewide identity. In addition Wyrick's annual solo appearance with the XIAN ZHANG conductor, Pianist and musicologist Jeffrey Swann to its lauded artistic programming, the explores Wagner's epic opera cycle on Orchestra (in the composer's Fourth Violin INON BARNATAN piano NJSO presents a suite of education and stage before the NJSO performs "The Ring Concerto); it opens with "Exsultate, community engagement programs that NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY Without Words." jubilate," a church solo from Mozart's ORCHESTRA promote meaningful, lifelong engagement teenage years (January 9-12 in Englewood, SMETANA "The Moldau" from Má vlast TICKETS with live music. Programs include school- Newark and New Brunswick). CLARA SCHUMANN Piano Concerto Tickets are available for purchase at time Concerts for Young People and the The NJSO premiere of Wagner's "The (NJSO Premiere) njsymphony.org or by calling NJSO Youth Orchestras family of student 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476). Discounted PROKOFIEV Selections from Romeo Ring Without Words," arranged by the late Student tickets purchased in advance are ensembles, led by José Luis Domínguez. and Juliet American conductor Lorin Maazel, also available at njsymphony.org/students. NJSO musicians annually perform anchors the festival's closing weekend. * The Jan 3 concert opens with a NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY original chamber music programs at Simon Trp?eski, who made his NJSO debut performance by the NJSO Youth community events in a variety of settings Orchestras' Academy Orchestra. on Xian Zhang's first program as music ORCHESTRA statewide through the NJSO Community director, returns to New Jersey stages for NJSO Accents Named "a vital, artistically significant Partners program. Lizst's Second Piano Concerto on a Classical Conversation - Jan 4 at 7 pm & musical organization" by 'The Wall Street Connect with NJSO: program that opens with the Prelude to Act Jan 5 at 2 pm, Enjoy a lively 30-minute Journal," the New Jersey Symphony Classical Conversation before the Website: njsymphony.org I of Wagner's Lohengrin (January 17-19 in Orchestra embodies that vitality through performance. Learn more about the music Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: Princeton, New Brunswick and Newark). from NJSO musicians, guest artists and its statewide presence and critically @NJSymphony NJSO Accent events include Classical other engaging insiders. acclaimed performances, education YouTube: @NewJerseySymphony Conversations, talkbacks with WEEK II: Mozart's "Don Giovanni & Figaro" partnerships and unparalleled access to Email: [email protected] Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Thu, Jan 9, at 7:30 pm | bergenPAC in music and the Orchestra's superb (Mabel Pais writes on Spirituality, the Arts and Artist Development Program singers, a Englewood musicians. Entertainment, Social Issues, and Health & Prelude Performance by young musicians Sat, Jan 11, at 8 pm | NJPAC in Newark Music Director Xian Zhang-a "dynamic Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 Hindi Finds Favor with Indian American Community A wide range of New Jersey and New York based Indian American communities support Hindi education in local schools

Consul General of India in New York Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty (extreme right) makes a Prof. Indrajit S Saluja makes an impassioned appeal for support to HYS and HSF point at the meeting of Advisory Board NEW JERSEY (TIP): At a meeting, jointly organized by NJ based educational organizations, Yuva Hindi Sansthan and Hindi Sangam Foundation, held at Bharat Sevashram Sangha auditorium, Kendall Park, NJ, December 22, community leaders unanimously supported promoting Hindi as a heritage language through education. The attendees at the meeting unanimously decided to hold an International Hindi Conference in NY Metropolitan area in 2020. The Consul- General of India in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty, who also attended, supported the proposal. "Such an event will help promote Hindi in USA", commented Ashok Ojha, organizer of the meeting who serves as the president of Yuva Hindi Sansthan and Hindi Sangam Foundation. Ashok Ojha, program director of YHS and HSF STARTALK Hindi programs, spoke about Indian American community leaders gathered in support of Hindi. Prominent among them wereConsul General Sandeep Chakravorty, Padma Shri awardee Sudhir Parikh, former NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, YHS president Ashok Ojha, HOC Jaideep and Prof Indrajit Saluja importance of Hindi as a vehicle of Indian culture. "It is time to motivate the unanimously expressed their support to selected to teach at the STARTALK representative of Franklin Gujarati younger generation to learn Hindi", he the idea of Hindi as a language of programs conducted by Yuva Hindi Samaj, Hemant Bhatt, Pradip Tandan, said. "There are multiple opportunities identity. "Hindi should be the language of Sansthan and Hindi Sangam Foundation. Akhil Vishva Hindi Samiti, Major Sher available for young learners to learn expressing the identity, culture and "We choose interesting stories that Bahadur Singh, International Hindi Hindi that could accelerate their traditions of the Indian-Americans in inspire moral values among the young Association, Mamta Puri, West Windsor professional career. United States USA", they suggested. learners and make Hindi learning very STARTALK, Mamta Tripathi, Education encourages young people to graduate "Hindi was appropriately suited and meaningful. Our programs help students Society for the Heritage of India, also from college with knowledge of two recognized in USA as a competent feel proud of their heritage and become spoke in support of HSF and YHS. languages." language to express our heritage and life-long learners of Hindi", he pointed Jaideep, Head of Chancery, Consulate In the past four such conferences were culture", said Upendra Chivukula, out. Ojha said that his organizations General of India expressed support of the held at NYU (2014); Rutgers (2015); The Commissioner of NJ Department of needed financial support from Indian Mission to Hindi programs, such Consulate General of India, New York Utilities, who explained the importance of individuals and philanthropist to build as, STARTALK programs conducted by (2016) and GITAM University, supporting Hindi. Narrating his own resources for language learning. YHS and HSF. Vishakhapatnam, India (2017). experience of how he learned Hindi, Purnima Desai, a leading proponent of About YHS and HSF: Dr. Sudhir Parikh, anentrepreneur, Chivukula gave credit to Bollywood Indian culture and languages from New philanthropist, medical professional, movies for motivating him to learn Hindi York, extended her unconditional support Yuva Hindi Sansthan (YHS), a NJ based 'PadmaShri' awardee and Chairman- during his youth. "I started learning to Hindi. She compared Hindi as an icon non-profit educational organizations, publisher, Parikh Worldwide Media, Hindi in Mumbai and Chennai simply of Indian identity about which 'we all strives to promote Hindi, as a heritage shared his views about the need of because of my needs of watching should be very proud of'. Desai also serves language, among the youths in the United learning heritage languages, such as, movies", he said. on the board of trustees of Hindi Sangam States and other countries. Gujarati and Hindi. He said that he Chivukula took over as the Chairman Foundation. Hindi Sangam Foundation, a New learned Hindi effortlessly lived during his of Yuva Hindi Sansthan in early 2019. Professor Indrajit Saluja, editor, The Jersey based non-profit educational and youth when he lived in various cities in YHS has been conducting Summer Indian Panorama, a NY weekly cultural organization, complements the India. intensive programs called STARTALK in newspaper, appealed the audience to goals of promoting Hindi learning and The community leaders and collaboration with North Penn School support Yuva Hindi Sansthan, and Hindi cultural practices in the Indian Diaspora. professionals gathered at the event District in PA since 2013 to teach Hindi to Sangam Foundation that are dedicated to HSF organizes International Hindi demonstrated a rare show of unity Primary, Middle and High School teaching Hindi to the younger generation. Conferences in collaboration with supporting Hindi through education in students. "Supporting these organization is like universities, educational organizations USA. The attendees represented various Introducing YHS and HSF, Ojha supporting your own efforts to teach your and institutions that support the idea of organizations and professionals from pointed out that authentic materials children about who they are!", he said. promoting Hindi language and culture New Jersey and New York. They about Indian heritage are carefully A number of speakers, such as, globally. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 NY/NJ/CT 19 Indian Overseas Congress, USA holds protest Rally (Bharat Bachao) in front of the Indian Consulate in New York NEW YORK CITY (TIP): "When India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, ran for the top job five years ago, he promised development but what he has delivered us is a mismanaged economy" Stated Mohinder Singh Gilzian, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA who was addressing the crowd which has gathered in front of the Indian Consulate in New York on December 14th to protest Narendra Modi Government's economic policies as part of joint protest called by the All India Congress Committee. "Under the Modi Government, the unemployment has reached a 45 year high with increasing suicides among the farmers and rising inflation, it is apparent that Modi's governance has brought the country to economic stagnation and to the brink of paralysis" Mr. Gilzian added. About 130 people mostly belonging to IOC, USA gathered in front of the Consulate for this protest rally and shouted slogans like 'Modi Hatao, Bharat Bachao" and displayed slogans like "farmers are dying, and Modi is flying", "Save secularism and Save India", and "save democracy". Mr. George Abraham, Vice-Chairman of the IOC, USA, spoke about the deteriorating economic conditions where Modi's crony capitalistic policies have contributed to the highest level of Non- Mr. RajenderDichpally, General Secretary, decried President,PradeepSamala, Vice-President, John performing Assets (Bad debt) thereby putting the Government's apathy in addressing youth Joseph, Vice-President, Sawaran Singh, Treasurer, banks and its depositors at risk. "Modi government is unemployment in India. "With over 8% unemployment Satish Sharma - Chairman Punjab Chapter Chairman, busy diverting attention away from the real issues that and rising, Modi has broken his promise to the young Leela Maret, President, Kerala Chapter, Rajeswara affect the people but rather engaged in promoting a people of crating 2 Crores jobs a year," Dichpally Reddy - President, Telengana Chapter, Dr. Jayesh Patel divisive and polarizing agenda to create a majority added. - President, Gujarat Chapter, Sandeep Kumar - vote bank to retain power," Abraham added. Mr. Gurmit Gill Mulapur, President of the Punjab President, Delhi, Chapter, Devendra Vora, President, Mr. Harbachan Singh, Secretary-General lamented Chapter spoke about the declining prices of Real Maharashtra Chapter, Pavan Daris - President, the sharp decline of the Indian economy and said: Estate in India and added that the second generation Andhra Chapter, Gurmit Buttar - Vice-President, Kris "factories are slowing down and with GDP in a free fall Indians are increasingly afraid to travel to India Arora, Senior leader, Vijay Nadella, Pappy Badesha, to 4.5% at this point, the employment situation for the because of the security concerns. Manoj Shinde, Chairman, IOC-IT Wing, Vinay Vikas- young people looks rather dim, and Modi is not only The leaders who spoke at the rally included Phuman Vice-President, IOC-Massachusetts Chapter and damaging the economy but also its democracy". Singh, Sr. Vice-President,RajeshAlladad, vice- Dhananjay Nawadner of IOC, Mass. Exhibition on Jews of India Proves Informative S. SAWANT Varulkar. NEW JERSEY (TIP): "I realized many American The exhibit, which Jews knew very little about the Jews of India," John is expected to be Perry said at the opening of the exhibition on Jews of loaned to other India at the Jewish Historical Museum in Freehold, NJ museums across the last weekend. country, runs through "They need to hear about our community because we August and includes are here, we live with them, and we are just as Jewish as ritual objects, they are." artifacts, and Perry, donated has family's books, documents and photographs of artifacts a few months to the museum. During his Jewish life in India. speech, he also referred to India as the only country in Ritual items include a the world where Jews did not face anti-Semitism and mezuzah and a handi, credited the teaching of Hinduism that stresses on the a fixture hung on the value of tolerance and equality. wall featuring two Sherona Varulkar, vice president of the International glass jars filled with Organization of Bene Israelis, another presenter, said water and oil. Each jar the group has held onto its traditions over many is lit at the start of the centuries, including its belief that Elijah is the Sabbath guardian prophet of the community. on the Konkan coast anywhere from the eighth century Some books on display are more than a century old, "We blended in with the population as much as BCE to the sixth century CE. such as a Bible written in Marathi, from which Perry's possible, but kept our customs," said Varulkar, a native "Seven men and seven women survived and that was grandmother used to tell him stories. of Mumbai who now lives in Port Jefferson, N.Y. "We the start of the Bene Israel community," said Varulkar, The white and gold traditional Indian wedding saree kept the traditions of Eliyahu Hannavi." The Bene who was dressed in a colorful orange and bright blue of Sophie Perry is draped inside a display case with Israel are the largest of the Jewish communities in sari with rows of bracelets hanging from her arms. books and photos of their wedding in India over 50 India. Only about 3,000 are left in India, mainly in "Every Bene Israel child knows this story." years back. Mumbai and Thane and over 85,000 are settled in Israel. In an effort to mix into Indian society while keeping The opening also featured several speakers and David Legend has it that the community began when a their Jewish identity, the community took Hebrew first Galsurkar, an Indian cantor from Brooklyn, who small group of Jews fled persecution in Palestinian, as names and Indian last names, but many added "kar" at performed some of the religious songs of the Indian- the Jewish homeland was known and were shipwrecked the end of those surnames, said, and exemplified by, Jewish community which are based on Indian tunes. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 As lawmakers struggle to deal with anti-Semitism, Mayor de Blasio launches ‘Neighborhood Safety Coalitions’

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Mayor de rolling pogrom.'" Blasio announced Sunday, December 29, The pols go on to demand Cuomo send new efforts to crack down on anti- the National Guard and state police to Semitism on Sunday, following the latest "visibly patrol and protect" Orthodox in a horrifying series of attacks targeting Jewish nabes statewide. Jewish people in New York and beyond. "It is no longer safe to be identifiably "Fearing the next act of terror will not Orthodox in the State of New York," the become the new normal for our Jewish letter states. neighbors," Hizzoner said in a statement. Driving while running: Meet the Uber "In New York City, diversity is our driver aiming to rep the South Bronx in strength and we respect the traditions of Congress " all who call New York City home. A Cuomo official said there was a Intolerance will never take hold here." "significant deployment" of state police The new steps include "multi-ethnic forces but declined to provide a number, interfaith Neighborhood Safety citing security concerns. The official Coalitions," increased NYPD presence in added that emergency declarations Jewish neighborhoods and new suspend hiring rules for circumstances Education Department curriculums like snowstorms and wouldn't help boost about anti-Semitism. security. The new coalitions "will identify and Mayor Bill de Blasio joins prominent Jewish Rabbis and community members in the lighting of Lawmakers have struggled to combat address issues that drive hate-based the Menorah at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn on the last night of Hanukkah. the city's shocking spiking in anti-Semitic crimes, bringing together stakeholders Photo courtesy /New York Daily News-Danny Ludici incidents. There were 214 such crimes in from across their communities" in in Brooklyn. "Young people who do not Georgia battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer the city as of Friday, a 14% spike schools, street corners and places of understand the meaning of their actions " compared to last year, according to NYPD worship, according to de Blasio's office. don't understand that hatred only breeds "With respect to the governor, parking statistics. In a response to the increase in attacks more hatred." state police in a selective number of Right now, the NYPD doesn't include on Jewish people, Mayor de Blasio held a The mayor also said NYPD precincts in synagogues is not the answer," said breakdowns of hate crimes in its weekly press conference to address new Borough Park, Midwood, Crown Heights, Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who chairs neighborhood-by-neighborhood strategies against hate crimes. Bedford-Stuyvesant and Williamsburg the body's Jewish Caucus. "The governor "CompStat" reports, though it compiles In a response to the increase in attacks will get an extra four to six officers per needs to place protection at synagogues quarterly reports on hate crime. on Jewish people, Mayor de Blasio held a tour, among other security measures. all over the city and state. Councilman Mark Treyger (D- press conference to address new Jimmy Carter appears at church for "He's been sending out on social media Brooklyn) and 26 other Council members strategies against hate crimes. first time since brain surgery " that he's sending extra state police," he called on Police Commissioner Dermot Details of the coalitions, including Gov. Cuomo promised an increased added. "I haven't seen any state police in Shea to change the policy. budgets, the number of expected police presence in Jewish communities in front of any synagogues that I know of." "Adding hate crimes to CompStat may members and a launch date, were not response to Saturday's attack on a Deutsch and three other Jewish also help make sure justice is delivered immediately known. They'll be overseen Chanukah celebration in Monsey, N.Y., in lawmakers called on Cuomo to declare a equally to all communities," lawmakers by de Blasio's Office for the Prevention of which five were injured. state of emergency following Saturday's stated in the Dec. 19 letter. Hate Crimes, which opened in the fall, However,a member of the congregation machete attack, which came after eight "The NYPD extensively reports on hate after its promised launch date. that was targeted and a Brooklyn anti-Semitic attacks struck New York City crimes consistent with local law on our Cuomo vows to renew fight to lift paid councilman said they hadn't seen any earlier in the week. website and provides the latest hate crime surrogacy ban in New York " signs of extra state police. "Anti-Semitic hate crimes have grown information to the media on a weekly The Education Department will "We would like to see more police to frighteningly high numbers over the basis," NYPD spokeswoman Det. Annette conduct hate crime awareness programs officers on the street. I've been driving past several months," reads the letter co- Shelton said in a statement. "This sharing at Brooklyn middle and high schools around since yesterday after the attack signed by Councilman Kalman Yeger, of information will continue." starting next month, the mayor's office and didn't see any cops" at synagogues state Sen. Simcha Felder and De Blasio's office did not directly said. other than Congregation Netzach Yisroel, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, all comment on the letter, but spokeswoman "We have to reach out to our young said Simon Guttman, 27, who worships in Dems repping Brooklyn nabes with large Olivia Lapeyrolerie said, "We have no people more effectively," Hizzoner said at Monsey. Orthodox Jewish populations. "This has tolerance for anti-Semitism in New York a press conference at Grand Army Plaza Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis of been appropriately described as a 'slow- City." (Source: Daily News) Observance of International Migrants Day 2019 NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian Compact to life, so that migration works conditions at both origin and destination. populations and low birth rates mean that Diaspora Council International (IDC), in for all". United Nations Secretary-General "Migration draws increasing attention they will have to rely on immigrants to collaboration with its global membership António Guterres in the world nowadays. Mixed with drive and sustain economic growth. It is, and affiliates, is pleased to join with other https://www.un.org/en/observances/ elements of unforeseeability, emergency, therefore, in the best interests of these organizations, associations, agencies and migrants-day and complexity, the challenges and developed nations to support a safe and individuals in observance of "Throughout human history, migration difficulties of international migration orderly migration International Migrants Day 2019, has been a courageous expression of the require enhanced cooperation and "On Sep. 19, 2016 the UN General recognizing the movements of refugees individual's will to overcome adversity collective action among countries and Assembly adopted a set of commitments and migrants, and commitments to and to live a better life. Today, regions. The United Nations is actively during its first ever summit on large enhance their protection. globalization, together with advances in playing a catalyst role in this area, with movements of refugees and migrants to Today, more people than ever live in a communications and transportation, has the aim of creating more dialogues and enhance the protection of refugees and country other than the one in which they greatly increased the number of people, interactions within countries and migrants. These commitments are known were born. While many individuals who have the desire and the capacity to regions, as well as propelling experience as the New York Declaration for Refugees migrate out of choice, many others move to other places. exchange and collaboration and Migrants (NY Declaration) . The NY migrate out of necessity. In 2019, the "This new era has created challenges opportunities. Declaration reaffirms the importance of number of migrants globally reached an and opportunities for societies "Contrary to what some may believe, the international protection regime and estimated 272 million, 51 million more throughout the world. It also has served to migrants play a vital role in the global represents a commitment by Member than in 2010. underscore the clear linkage between economy. Studies show that immigrants States to strengthen and enhance "All migrants are entitled to equal migration and development, as well as the bring growth and innovation in both the mechanisms to protect people on the protection of all their human rights. On opportunities it provides for co- countries they come from, and in those move. this International Day, I urge leaders and development, that is, the concerted they move to. Most Western nations face a (Read full story on people everywhere to bring the Global improvement of economic and social demographic time-bomb as their aging www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 21 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 HUNGAMA 2: SHILPA SHETTY, PARESH RAWAL ARE READY FOR A LAUGH RIOT aresh Rawal is all set to tickle some funny bones with the sequel of his 2003 comedy film PHungama. The veteran actor is joined by Shilpa Shetty Kundra along with Meezaan and Ranbir Kapoor and Pranita Subhash in this hilarious ride. Shilpa Shetty took to social media to announce Shraddha Kapoor to star the news. Sharing a poster of the film, the actress wrote, "Happy to be a part of the reboot of in Luv Ranjan's next everyone’s favourite comedy entertainer #Hungama2! Grateful to be working again with anbir Kapoor is currently busy Ratanji who introduced me to this industry and with the shooting of his upcoming @priyadarshandir Sir for the first time. @rtnjn Rfilm Brahmastra with girlfriend @meezaanj @pranitasubhash @venusmovies Alia Bhatt. Meanwhhile, actor's another @hungama2film (sic)." new project has been announced. The first poster of Hungama 2 features all the The Barfi actor will star in Luv lead actors of the film - Pranita Subhash, Meezaan, Ranjan's next film opposite Shraddha Paresh Rawal and Shilpa Shetty. Kapoor. The film will be produced by Luv Paresh Rawal also shared the poster on his social Ranjan and Ankur Garg. media accounts. He wrote, "Ready for Confusion Ranbir and Alia's Brahmastra is Unlimited? Priyadarshan & Ratan Jain return with directed by Ayan Mukerji. The film will reboot of everyone's favorite comedy entertainer release in 2020. Brahmastra also stars #Hungama2 Produced by @rtnjn Hungama2 will Amitabh Bachchan.. release on 14 Aug@priyadarshandir Earlier, news made it to internet that @SirPareshRawal @TheShilpaShetty @MeezaanJ Ranbir and Ajay Devgn will star in Luv @pranitasubhash #Venus @hungama2film (sic)." Ranjan's next. After some time, rumours Just like the first film, Hungama 2 will be directed of the film being shelved made it to social by Priyadarshan. The first film, which hit screens media. in 2003, starred Akshay Khanna, Aftab Shivdasani, After which, Luv gave a statement to Rimi Sen and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles. PTI, clearing that the film hasn't been Hungama is one of the most entertaining comedy shelved. He said, "It hasn't been shelved. films of its time. The work is going on. There will be a Hungama 2 is set to hit screens on August 14, 2020. proper announcement... That's when I Shilpa Shetty is making her comeback to the big will talk about it." screen almost after 13 years with the film Nikamma. Whether Ajay will be a part of Luv's The film also stars Abhimanyu Dassani and Shirley this film with Ranbir and Shraddha isn't Setia. The film is being directed by Sabbir Khan. clear yet. DILJIT DOSANJH AND MANOJ BAJPAYEE TO STAR IN SURAJ PE MANGAL BHARI

ctors Diljit Dosanjh and Manoj Bajpayee will share Ascreen space for the first time in a family comedy titled Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. They will be seen facing off in the Abhishek Sharma directorial that will also feature Fatima Sana Shaikh. Manoj took to Twitter to make the ANANYA PANDAY EXCITED TO announcement of the film. He wrote, "2020 ki sabse khari WORK WITH DEEPIKA bhavishvaani. Aapki manoranjak ctress Ananya Pandey says working with seva aur janhit mein jaari. Ab Deepika Padukone in an upcoming film ticks off padega Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. Aa bucket list wish. It was announced a while ago With the very talented that Ananya will be seen with Deepika in an untitled @diljitdosanjh and project co-starring Sidhant Chaturvedi. #fattysanashaikh. A @ZeeStudios_ "I'm really delighted that I can finally tick it off my production, directed by wishlist now. The film is really of a different genre, #AbhishekSharma. Film goes on where there will be some romantic drama. It's floor on January 6, 2020. something that I haven't done before and I'm looking @shariqpatel @abhishekv_77." forward to," added the actress, who made her debut this "Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari is a year with Student Of The Year 2 and followed it up with unique family comedy that draws ensemble cast, I am sure we will be added. Pati Patni Aur Woh. humour from the quirks of its able to create an entertaining Shariq Patel, CEO, Zee Studios, The film is produced by Karan Johar's Dharma refreshing yet relatable characters. narrative for our family audience. I shared, "It's a new and unique Productions and directed by Shakun Batra. The world is set in the innocence of am proud and excited to be concept, a mad family comedy with "Deepika Padukone is an actress I truly love and I the 1990s when there was no social associated with Zee Studios' first in- a powerful cast that will definitely also really enjoyed watching Siddhant in Gully Boy'. media or mobile phones," said house production. It's a start-to- entertain the audiences! We are Moreover, I'm working again with Dharma Abhishek Sharma. finish schedule; we start shooting happy to associate with Abhishek as Productions, which feels like home and I'm really "With awesome actors like Diljit, on January 6 till mid-March and the captain of this ship; excited to happy about it. I'll forever be grateful to Karan (Johar). Manoj, Fatima, and a fantastic release it before year-end," he begin our journey next month." My director Shakun Batra," Ananya gushed. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 HOLLYWOOD 23 DANIEL CRAIG ON RETURNING AS JAMES BOND FOR LAST TIME

ctor Daniel Craig said that he had some unfinished business with the James Bond Afranchise that made him come back as the famed British spy for one last time. Craig, who took over the role of the suave 007 agent from Pierce Brosnan, has so far featured in Gwyneth Paltrow joins four Bond films -- Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). He ex-husband and his reprises the character for the fifth and final time in Cary Fukunaga's No Time To Die. girlfriend for family day Craig said that though Spectre had a perfect ending, the film did not give him a proper closure in hey made headlines in 2014 when terms of the story. they announced they would be "If that had been it, the world would have carried T'consciously uncoupling'. on as normal, and I would have been absolutely fine. And since then, Gwyneth Paltrow, 47, But somehow it felt like we needed to finish and Chris Martin, 42, have proved to be something off. If I'd left it at Spectre, something at two of the most amicable exes ever, the back of my head would have been going, I wish frequently spotted holidaying and I'd done one more'," the actor told Empire magazine. spending time together with their new "I always had a kind of secret idea about the lovers. whole lot in my head, and where I wanted to take it. That was the case once again on Sunday, And Spectre wasn't that. But this feels like it is," he with the Goop founder tagging along with added. Chris and girlfriend Dakota Johnson, 30, No Time To Die will also mark the return of while in Aspen, Colorado, during a day at Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as the snow. Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, Rory Kinnear as Gwyneth was all rugged up in a black Bill Tanner, Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter, Lea ski jacket and matching snow pants for the Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, and Christoph Waltz outing. as Ernst Stavro Blofeld. She teamed the look with snow boots, New cast members are Rami Malek, Ana de eye mask and helmet for full protection Armas, and Lashana Lynch. The film will release while on the slopes. worldwide in April next year. KEITH URBAN AND NICOLE KIDMAN SHARE HOLIDAY WISHES AND SWEET SELFIE

JENNIFER ANISTON SHARES HOLIDAY PHOTO WITH RITA WILSON AND LAURA DERN ennifer Aniston is celebrating the photo shoot.” he actress, 52, and country music “Goals? Merry Christmas,” one fan holidays with her celebrity friends, The photo shows Aniston in the superstar, also 52, both shared a wrote in the comment section. While Jsharing a festive snap on Instagram. middle of the group, posing with her Tselfie on Instagram on Monday another said, “Wishing you a beautiful “Say CHEESE!! ?????? Lotta love in that hand over her mouth, while Dern, 52, alongside a sweet message to their fans holiday surrounded by love. room ?? Happy Holidays!” Aniston, 50, stood next to Aniston, tousling her own and followers. Earlier this week, the New Zealand wrote in the caption for the snap, in hair. Wilson, 63, and McMillan smiled “From our family to you and yours. native picked up his longtime love at which she tagged fellow actresses Laura alongside them and another friend. Blessings to you all this holiday season the airport in Sydney,Australia, where Dern, Rita Wilson and her longtime Aniston’s post comes a little more than . Kidman captioned the photo, in which they’ll be spending the Christmas hairstylist and friend Chris McMillan. a week after she threw her annual tree she’s wearing a white linen blouse, a holiday. McMillan commented on the post, trimming party, which was attended by white fedora hat and aviator In September, Urban shared a selfie hailing the Morning Show star for several A-list stars, including the sunglasses. of the couple from their trip to throwing the “party of the year.” Friends alum’s ex-husband, Brad Pitt. Urban, wearing a black ball cap and Florence, Italy. In the photo, the “@jenniferaniston ?? was definitely “The annual tree trimming party is a gray t-shirt, posted the same photo Bombshell actress laid her head going on. ALWAYS the party of the year. always Jen’s favorite to host,” a source with the caption, “From our family to against her husband and put her arm MERRY MERRY!!!!!” he wrote. previously told PEOPLE. “She loves you and yours- Blessings to you all this around him as the country star David Spade added, “I guess I was in Christmas. As usual, a large group of holiday season!!!!!!!!!! captured the stunning views. the kitchen getting more chili during the friends attended.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

ABHIJIT BANERJEE TO HIMA DAS, INDIANS WHO MADE US PROUD he year 2019 has seen several P V Sindhu the chief executive of Alphabet, the Garima Arora Indians bringing laurels to the parent company that controls the Garima Arora is the first Indian Tcountry,and it has been a year American technology giant Google. woman to receive a Michelin star. of many firsts, especially for Indian Born and raised in Madurai and a She was named Asia's Best Female women. Business Standard brings graduate from IIT Kharagpur, Chef for 2019 on February 28 by you a list of scientists, businessmen Pichai has been with Google for 15 World's 50 Best Restaurants. The and pioneers from India or of years now. His rise at the firm has award recognises female chefs who Indian origin whose achievements been meteoric, largely because of inspire the next generation of in their respective fields made the his phenomenal success with the cooks. In April 2017, a 32-year-old country proud this year. Chrome project. Pichai and his team Arora had opened Gaa, a three- Shuttler P V Sindhu created were instrumental in creating storey restaurant in Bangkok. On Abhijit Banerjee history this year when she became Google Chrome and then making it November 14, the Michelin Guide the first Indian badminton player to the world's most used web browser. 2019 announced a star for her win a gold medal at the World restaurant for its “modern eclectic Championships in August 2019. She Satya Nadella cuisine". This is a first for a defeated Japan's Nozomi Okuhara restaurant headed by an Indian 21-7, 21-7 to win the coveted title. woman. What adds to Sindhu’s glory is the fact that her achievements have Manu Bhaker made her a household name in India, where cricket players are Indian-American Abhijit often the more followed sports icons. Banerjee won the 2019 economics Nobel along with Esther Duflo and Ravish Kumar Michael Kremer for their work on Indian journalist Ravish Kumar finding new ways to tackle poverty. was honoured with the prestigious Microsoft's India-born Chief Banerjee, who teaches at Ramon Magsaysay Award for Executive Officer Satya Nadella was Massachusetts Institute of "harnessing journalism to give named Fortune's Businessperson of Technology, is only the second voice to the voiceless" and his the Year for 2019. Under Nadella, Indian-born to get an economics "unfaltering commitment to a Microsoft has generated incredible Nobel. Educated at the University of professional, ethical journalism of growth from new businesses like the Manu Bhaker created history at Calcutta, Jawaharlal Nehru the highest standards". He was Azure cloud platform. Born in 2019 ISSF World Cup this year by University and Harvard University, among the five recipients of the Hyderabad, Nadella attended the winning for India its first gold Banerjee has also authored of Magsaysay award for 2019. The 44- Hyderabad Public School and did medal this year at the tournament several books, including What the year-old television journalist is his graduation from Manipal in Women's 10m Air Pistol. Bhaker Economy Needs Now (2019), and known to report real-life problems Institute of Technology in is only the second Indian shooter — Poor Economics (2011). of ordinary people. Karnataka. the other one is Heena Sidhu — to win a gold medal in Women's 10m Sub-Lieutenant Shivangi Hima Das Pranav Mistry Air Pistol at the ISS World Cup. Gagandeep Kang Gagandeep Kang is India's first woman scientist to be elected Royal Society Fellow in 360 years. She, and fifty-one other eminent scientists, were elected Fellows of the Royal Society in April 2019. Currently, Kang is the executive director of On December 2, 2019, Shivangi Translational Health Science and became the first woman pilot of the Indian sprinter Hima Das won Technology Institute (THSTI), Indian Navy.She will fly the Dornier five gold medals this year — in Nove A Gujarat-born computer Faridabad. She is India's leading surveillance aircraft for maritime Mesto, Czech Republic, Poznan engineer, Pranav Mistry scripted scientist and her main area of reconnaissance, search and rescue Athletics Grand Prix in Poland, history with his appointment as research is viral infections among operations for the Indian Navy. Kutno Athletics Meet, Kladno CEO of Samsung Technology & children. She has written over 300 Shivangi was commissioned into Athletics Meet in Czech Republic Advanced Research Labs, an scientific research papers. the Navy in 2018 after her training and at the Tabor Athletics Meet in independent entity of Samsung and joined operational duties at the the same country. The 19-year-old Electronics, in October. Mistry, 38, Kochi naval base. She has made not sprinter from Assam made India joined Samsung in 2012 and was the only her home state of Bihar but proud with her achievements in an global vice-president at Samsung also the entire extremely proud. She area of sports that is not always Electronics since May 2017. His is the second woman from the state seen as India’s strength. promotion to a key position within to become a pilot in the Indian Samsung put another Indian closer armed forces. The 24-year-old is Sundar Pichai to the top at a major technology from Muzaffarpur. Sundar Pichai, 47, was appointed company. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 25

DEADLIEST DISASTERS THAT SHOOK INDIA IN 2019 espite the fact that humans elevation of 12000 feet. have made tremendous Dprogress in various aspects Encephalitis outbreak in terms of technological growths, yet there is one area where they have not been able to surpass and that is the supremacy of Nature. Natural disasters cause massive losses of life and property and India is vulnerable to a wide range of natural hazards, particularly flooding, cyclones, drought, extreme heat waves, landslides, wildfire, and earthquakes. Time and again, we have seen and read In June 2019, an outbreak of acute about many natural disasters encephalitis syndrome occurred in occurring in the country, which Muzaffarpur and the adjoining have caused a great havoc in the districts in Bihar state of India, society, killing thousands of people security measure in the prevailing in India, most notably in the city of amidst the second-longest heatwave and destroying lives and properties. situation of heavy rains, the Chennai in Tamil Nadu. On 19 June in the region, resulting in deaths of Here are some most dangerous Government of Kerala had issued 2019, Chennai city officials declared more than 100 children, mainly due natural disasters that occured in Red alert in the 9 districts in that "Day Zero", or the day when to hypoglycemia. India in the year 2019. Northern and Central Kerala, almost no water is left, had been orange alert in 3 districts of Central reached, as all the four main Cyclone Fani Delhi fire Kerala, and yellow alert in the 2 reservoirs supplying water to the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm districts of southern Kerala. city had run dry. Fani is the strongest tropical Thousands of people have been Two years of deficient monsoon cyclone to strike the Indian state of evacuated to safer places and relief rainfall, particularly in late 2017 Odisha since the 1999 Odisha camps. A total of 101 people have and throughout much of 2018 had cyclone. The second named storm died due to rain-related incidents led to this crisis. Because tap water and the first severe cyclonic storm since 14 August 2019, These camps has stopped running, some families of the 2019 North Indian Ocean now host more than 2 lakh people have been relying on alternative cyclone season, Fani originated from various parts of the state. water sources such as distant, from a tropical depression that Another deluge had hit the state in unreliable public water pumps, and formed west of Sumatra in the August 2018, in which over 470 costly private water tankers. Indian Ocean on 26 April. Vertical On 8 December 2019, a fire people died and properties worth wind shear at first hindered the occurred at a factory building in US$5.8 billion (Rs 40000 crore) were Antonov An-32 crash storm's development, but Anaj Mandi area of Delhi, India. At damaged. conditions became more favorable least 43 people died and more than The 2019 Bihar floods affected 13 for Fani on 30 April. 50 were injured. The fire started in a districts of North Bihar, India, Fani rapidly intensified into an workshop that produced school causing 130 deaths by the end of extremely severe cyclonic storm bags and shoes. The Delhi Fire July. 1269 panchayats (settlement and reached its peak intensity on 2 Service (DFS) received a call for councils) under 92 blocks of 13 May as a high-end Category 4 major help around 5:22 a.m. and reached districts of Northern Bihar were hurricane. Fani weakened before the location within five minutes, severely affected in the flood. making its landfall, and its but their entry to the building was Around 88.46 lakhs (8.846 million) convective structure rapidly prevented by the intensity of the people were affected. degraded thereafter, degenerating fire and blockages to the entry into a remnant low on 4 May, and points. Gas cutters had to be Chennai water crisis dissipating on the next day. employed to remove the iron grilles. Thirty-five fire engines reached the location and extinguished the fire On 3 June 2019, an Antonov An-32 with an estimated 150 firemen twin engine turboprop transport involved who were able to rescue 63 aircraft of the Indian Air Force en people. A team from the National route from Jorhat Airport in Assam Disaster Response Force was to Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh deployed to assist the fire lost contact with ground control department in the rescue work. about 33 minutes after takeoff. There were 13 people on board. Kerala floods After a week-long search operation, On 8 August 2019, due to heavy the wreckage with no survivors was rainfall in the Monsoon season, The 2019 Chennai water crisis is found near Pari hills close to Gatte severe flood affected Kerala. As a an ongoing water crisis occurring village in Arunachal Pradesh at the THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

FIVE BEST HOLLYWOOD FILMS OF 2019

espite film franchises and tried-and- in itself. trusted properties, good films based on Doriginal scripts continued to be made in Joker 2019. Some might say original movies made a A comic-book film that had little to do with comeback this year after getting buried and comics, Joker was the origin story of the popular ignored in favour of CGI and VFX-heavy Batman villain. The supreme, extremely blockbusters last year. physical performance by Joaquin Phoenix as the The list below consists mostly of crowd- titular character and exquisite camera work by pleasers from various genres. Lawrence Sher buried any shortcomings the film might have had. Toy Story 4 When Pixar announced the fourth film in the Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood iconic Toy Story franchise, I was sceptical. The Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time trilogy had ended with a film that perfectly in…Hollywood, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, concluded the story.The end was bittersweet and Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie among others, was left fans emotionally drained. The fourth film a stunning looking and highly entertaining love felt like a cash grab, which is highly unlike Pixar. letter to the art form of cinema The film’s brutal, And indeed, Toy Story 4 made it feel like the tale violent ending had audiences falling over of Woody and others was incomplete after all. themselves laughing by looking at people burnt to death, their heads smashed to pulp and so on. Avengers: Endgame Only Tarantino can make gore look so cathartic. A grand, extravagant event of a film, Avengers: Endgame wrapped up the Infinity Knives Out can still be whodunits that are a little more than Saga, a giant 22 film story, and it did it almost Rian Johnson’s murder mystery Knives Out shallow duplicates of what has already been flawlessly. The Russo Brothers took care to give would have made Agatha Christie proud, and done before. The payoff of the mysteries piling nearly every one of more than a dozen there cannot be any better praise about the film over mysteries was shocking, and the film made superheroes their due — an act of superheroism than this. This whodunit was proof that there moviegoers laugh all the way through. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 27

BEST BOLLYWOOD ACTRESSES OF 2019 n the last few years, the audience is starting to witness a Isignificant shift in Hindi movies. The formula that once had male stars at the forefront is not a formula anymore, and female actors have put in a lot of work to be the voice of change by picking up meaty roles. Things aren’t ideal right now, but they sure are starting to change. 2019 accelerated that process as we saw actors like Yami Gautam, Kangana Ranaut, Bhumi Pednekar and Taapsee Pannu among many others deliver impressive performances. Here are the best performances by female actors in 2019: Alia Bhatt As the title suggests, this was Murad’s story, but despite playing a supporting character, Alia Bhatt hit it out of the park with her portrayal of Safeena. She played the character fiercely and gathered a lot of acclaim for her performance. Safeena’s anger management issues in the film received some criticism, but as an actor, Bhatt made sure that you understood her society, limitations and family structure. Bhumi Pednekar Bhumi Pednekar had four releases in 2019, but it was her performance in Abhishek Chaubey’s Sonchiriya which was quite extraordinary. Bhumi played Indumati in the film. As authentic as Chaubey’s world was, it was Bhumi’s understanding of the milieu that left the audience surprised. It is assumed that the job of an actor is to get into the skin of their character but we seldom see that happen. Here, Bhumi not only largely promoted as an Akshay understood the world but made us Kumar film, it was Vidya Balan who root for her cause. did the actual heavy-lifting in the movie. She played the person-in- Sanya Malhotra charge of the Mars mission Photograph might have stayed alongside Kumar. While the film under the radar for most of the year, wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for, but for those who have seen the film, Balan’s character stood out. Her Sanya Malhotra’s act as Miloni is Kangana Ranaut While the film had its own share of scenes with her husband and kids quite unforgettable. Miloni doesn’t Kangana Ranaut played a issues, Kangana did not disappoint. and the way she balanced her home use many words to communicate, challenging role in Prakash The portions where Bobby imagines and work was in many ways true to but her eyes did the talking. Her Kovelamudi’s Judgementall Hai herself to be a pulp film actress had reality. I found myself thinking poignant performance as the girl Kya. Her character Bobby was Kangana at her best. during the film that I would have who is academically brilliant but is shown to be a woman battling preferred to watch the film that had searching for something deeper left mental health issues who gets Vidya Balan Vidya’s story at the forefront a strong impact on the viewer. drawn into a murder investigation. While Mission Mangal was without the over-simplified science. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 28 US FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 A World Without Childhood Blindness is a Possibility: DR. VK RAJU contd from page 3 America studiedchildhood blindness in Dr. Gupta briefly described the Punjab and Haryana. We found the two enormous work Dr. Raju has done. Dr. states and the neighboring Himachal Raju began the work of the Eye have a high incidence of childhood Foundation of America (EFA) in 1977 by blindness. Th already alarming figures offering eye camps. The West Virginia are expected to double by 2015. Obviously, Ophthalmology Foundation was these States need attention with regard subsequently created in 1982 and became to providing facilities and services to the EFA in 1992. The realization of vision prevent blindness among children. Dr. Raju, the EFA, has a reach that Dr. Raju appealed to the members of currently extends to 30 plus developing Chandigarh Ophthalmological Society to countries and the USA. The EFA has extend a hand of cooperation to the Eye served approximately 3 million patients Foundation of America to combat the and performed 300,000 plus vision-saving serious situation of childhood blindness surgeries, with 30,000 plus surgeries in the region. performed on children alone. Thanking Dr. Gupta and the Dr. Raju received standing ovation Chandigarh OphthalmologicalSociety. from around 60 members of Society Dr. Raju said he was overwhelmed by the present. Dr. Gupta offered the Society's concern the medical fraternity felt on the cooperation and partnership in any issue and appreciated the members for project that Dr. Raju had in mind. their offer of cooperation in his projects. Dr. Raju gave a presentation on Dr, Raju also thanked the veteran childhood blindness and dwelt on the journalist PrabhjotSingh, Mr. Vineet work the Eye Foundation of America Joshi and Mr. Devinder Sharma for had done in the last forty years.He spoke making his meeting possible with the feelingly about the tragedy of childhood Chand?garhOphthalmological Society blindness. Combating childhood is my and the media. passion. A world without childhood He said he will be happy to meet with blindness is possible if we work with the Punjab, Haryana and Himachal State same passion and zeal as the Rotary Club government officials to work with them did to eradicate Polio. Today, except for on the project. stray cases of polio in Pakistan and Dr. V K Raju posed for a photograph with Dr. Suresh Kumar Gupta. President of Chandigarh Earlier in the day he met with Ophthalmological Society. Seen L to R: Vineet Joshi, Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Dr. V K Raju Nigeria, the world is free from the and Dr. Suresh Kumar Gupta themedia at local JM Marriott and spoke scourge of Polio. It is a small world and it extensively about his projects and work. is getting smaller and smaller. Our He took questions and repeatedly Foundation- the Eye Foundation of appealed to media persons to highlight America works in over 25 countries to the tragedy of childhood blindnesswhich combat childhood blindness. leaves individuals dependent on others "Since its inception, the EFA has for life. He was appreciative of the facilitated 600 plus physician exchanges vibrant Chandigarh press. and trained 200 plus ophthalmologists, Dr. Raju visited the headquarters of equipping these medical practitioners PTC TV in Mohali and met with Mr. with the tools to join the global fight Prabhjot Singh, an editor with the against blindness. The EFA not only international channel. The two trains medical practitioners to join the discussed the subject of incidence of global fight against blindness through childhood blindness in Punjab. Dr. Raju exchange programs, but also provides was accompanied by his friend Prof. workshops and training opportunities Indrajit S Saluja, editor of The Indian for medical students and physicians. His Panorama. charisma and vision inspire the EFA Dr. Naresh Mittal, General Secretary of trainees return to their native countries Dhanwantry Ayurvedic College and to prevent and/or alleviate blindness in Hospital invited Dr. Raju for a visit of the the field. For example, India and Ghana college and the hospital and sought his are actively engaged in avoidable expertise for setting up the department blindness elimination projects with of ophthalmology.Dr. Mittal apprised Dr. cooperation from their governments. In Raju of the future plans of the college 2016 in India, 4,889 vision and 374 Dr. V K Raju visited PTC TV headquarters in Mohali and met with editor Prabhjot Singh. authorities to draw up health promotion retinopathy of prematurity screenings Seen L to R: Prof. Indrajit S Saluja, Dr. VK Raju and Mr. Prabhjot Singh based on a healthy style of living as were conducted, 779 eyeglasses were eye camps and masonry hospitals in surgical interventions are performed. recommended by the Vedic sciences. distributed, and 162 pediatric surgeries developing countries, training of With the aim of permanently providing About Dr. VK Raju were performed. In Ghana in 2016, the medical personnel to serve the needy,and world-class state-of-the art services to Avoidable Blindness Elimination Project educating the population at large on populations with poor access to health Dr. Raju was born in Rajahmundry, and the World Sight Day Kids Funfair preventative eye care and healthy care, the EFA helped to build 2 hospitals Andhra Pradesh, India. He earned his screened 9,763 people, including 7,453 lifestyle choices. Dr. Raju quotes his in rural India, namely the Srikiran Eye medical degree from Andhra University children, and detected ophthalmologic mentor in London as saying there are 3 Institute and the Goutami Eye Institute. and completed an ophthalmology diseases in more than 1,000 individuals solutions for any problem. The first is The Goutami Institute has a wing residency and fellowship at the Royal who consequently received treatment, education, the second is education, and dedicated to exclusively to children, and Eye Group of Hospitals in London, which included 157 surgeries. More than the third is education. With this the EFA has future plans to build a England. He is board certified in 20,000 children received vision education, patients are empowered to service and research eye hospital in ophthalmology and is a Fellow of the screenings in Ghana schools, eyeglasses take charge of their lives and their own India where no child will be denied Royal College of Surgeons and the and follow-up care were provided when health and prevent further deleterious treatment and children from around the American College of Surgeons. He has necessary", Dr. Raju said. consequences of their poor lifestyle world can come to receive services. Dr. resided in Morgantown, WV since 1976, The EFA mission is to eliminate choices, while sharing this knowledge Raju and the EFA are also committed to where he is currently a Clinical avoidable blindness under the guiding with their friends and families. finding new cures for age-old eye disease Professor of Ophthalmology at West principles of service, teaching, and When education and preventative in children. Virginia University, research. This is accomplished through measures are insufficient, medical and For long we at the Eye Foundation of contd on Page 50 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 US 29

US mass killings hit Texas church shooting leaves 2 new high this year WASHINGTON (TIP): The first one worshipers dead; gunman killed by occurred 19 days into the new year when a man used an ax to kill four family members including his infant daughter. Five months later, 12 people armed parishioner were killed in a workplace shooting in Virginia. Twenty-two more died at a HOUSTON (TIP): A gunman pulled Walmart in El Paso in August. A out a shotgun and opened fire on database compiled by The Associated worshippers at a church during Sunday Press, USA Today and Northeastern service in Texas, killing two persons University shows that there were more before being shot by an armed member mass killings in 2019 than any year of the congregation, the authorities said. dating back to at least the 1970s, The shooting took place at about 11:50 punctuated by a chilling succession of am (local time), during the morning deadly rampages during the summer. service on Sunday.The service was being In all, there were 41 mass killings, live-streamed on social media. defined as when four or more people According to the authorities, the are killed excluding the perpetrator. Of gunman pulled out a shotgun at the West those, 33 were mass shootings. More Freeway Church of Christ in White than 210 people were killed. Most of Settlement, a suburb of Fort Worth, and the mass killings barely became begun firing. national news, failing to resonate The two churchgoers who were shot, among the general public because they died later in a hospital, police said. didn't spill into public places like Video footage showed the gunman massacres in El Paso and Odessa, stand up and speak to a man nearby,who Texas; Ohio; Virginia Beach, Virginia; gestured at another parishioner. The and New Jersey. gunman then fired at the man he The majority of the killings involved gestured toward. people who knew each other — family The gunman fired again, at the man he volunteers of the security force drew of life,” he said in a statement. disputes, drug or gang violence or had spoken to, before a member of the their weapons and took out the killer The shooting comes more than two people with beefs that directed their congregation acting as a security guard immediately, saving untold number of years after a gunman opened fire at a anger at co-workers or relatives. returned fire with a shotgun, lives,” said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. church in Sutherland Springs—a That's the case with the very first immediately felling the attacker. The security team at the church is community about 300 miles away from mass killing of 2019, when a 42-year- Several other parishioners also made up of volunteers from the church’s White Settlement—killing at least 26 old man took an ax and stabbed to produced handguns and trained them on membership who are licensed to carry people. death his mother, stepfather, girlfriend the attacker. firearms. In September, a new law came into and 9-month-old daughter in Oregon. Their actions, described as “heroic” by “They saved a lot of lives today effect in Texas that allowed licensed The incident in Oregon was one of 18 the Texas Department of Public Safety, because this thing would have been a handgun owners to carry weapons in mass killings where family members brought a quick end to the attack that massacre otherwise,” witnesses places of worship. were slain, and one of six that didn't remained under investigation on Sunday said.Texas Governor Greg Abbott called The state has seen a number of deadly involve a gun. Among other trends in night. The authorities have not provided the shooting “an evil act of violence”. shootings this year. 2019: — The 41 mass killings were the information about a possible motive. “Places of worship are meant to be In August, 22 people died and 24 were most in a single year since the AP/USA “This team responded quickly and sacred, and I am grateful for the church wounded at a Walmart store in El Paso. Today and Northeastern database within six seconds, the shooting was members who acted quickly to take down The same month a gunman killed seven began tracking such events back to over. Two of the parishioners who were the shooter and help prevent further loss and wounded 20 at Odessa-Midland. PTI 2006, but other research going back to the 1970s shows no other year with as many mass slayings. The second-most killings in a year prior to 2019 was 38 in US ready for action if North Korea 2006. The 211 people killed in this year's cases is still eclipsed by the 224 victims in 2017. — AP delivers Christmas gift: NSA Trump says it was an ‘honour’ to appear in WASHINGTON (TIP): National last week over a "Christmas gift" as Security Advisor Robert O'Brien has O'BRIEN'S REMARKS the deadline looms. ‘Home Alone 2’ said that the United States is ready to Kim and Trump have met three PALM BEACH (US) (TIP): Long take action as North Korea delivered a COME IN RESPONSE times since June 2018 but there has before taking up residence in the White threat. been no substantive progress in House, Donald Trump appeared in O'Brien's remarks come in response TO PYONGYANG dialogue and the government in “Home Alone 2” - a turn on the big to Pyongyang threatened a 'Christmas Pyongyang has demanded that screen he described as an “honour.” gift' unless Washington did not THREATENED A international sanctions be lifted first. Trump spoke with deployed members provide concession on Last week, the North Korean state of the military on Tuesday, and one denuclearisation talks by its self 'CHRISTMAS GIFT' media said that the US would "pay asked him about his appearance in the imposed year-end deadline. dearly" for taking issue with Christmas film. "If Kim Jong Un takes that UNLESS WASHINGTON Pyongyang's human rights record and “I was a little bit younger, to put it approach, we'll be extraordinarily that Washington's "malicious words" mildly...It turned out to be a very big hit, disappointed and we'll express that DID NOT PROVIDE would only aggravate tensions on the obviously.It’s a big Christmas hit, one of disappointment," CNN quoted O'Brien Korean Peninsula. the biggest,” said Trump, who had just as saying on ABC's 'This Week' on CONCESSION ON The US envoy for North Korea acquired the Plaza Hotel in New York, Sunday. Stephen Biegun visited South Korea where several scenes for the 1992 film North Korea has set a year-end DENUCLEARISATION and China, last week, making a public were shot. “It’s an honour to be involved deadline for the United States to and direct call to North Korea to in something like that,” said the change what it says is a policy of TALKS BY ITS SELF return to the negotiating table. president, who appeared briefly in the hostility amid a stalemate in efforts to North Korea has conducted a movie. In the film, little Kevin - played by make progress to end its nuclear IMPOSED number of test-launches of short- Macaulay Culkin and again separated programme and establish lasting range missiles in the months since. from his parents - struggles to find his peace. Pyongyang warned Washington YEAR-END DEADLINE. ANI way through the gilded hotel. AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Taliban attack kills 17 Afghan militiamen 12 killed, 53 hurt in KABUL (TIP): A Taliban attack in northern Afghanistan killed at least 17 Kazakh plane crash local militiamen, an Afghan official said on December 29. ALMATY (TIP): Twelve people died The attack apparently targeted a when a plane carrying 100 passengers local militia commander who escaped and crew crashed shortly after take-off unharmed, said Jawad Hajri, a in Kazakhstan on December 30. Many spokesman for the governor of Takhar onboard survived without serious province, where the attack took place injury. late Saturday. The 23-year-old plane operated by Local Afghan militias commonly budget carrier Bek Air was torn apart operate in remote areas, and are under and its nose crushed on impact with a the command of either the defense or building that partially collapsed, a video interior ministries. released by the Central Asian country’s Taliban spokesman Zabihullah emergencies committee showed. The Mujahid claimed responsibility for the aircraft disappeared from the radar attack. minutes after it took off from Almaty The attack came even as Taliban airport at 7.05 am (01:05 GMT) on its way officials said a temporary nationwide to the capital Nur-Sultan with 95 cease-fire may be in the works. passengers and five crew members The Taliban have previously refused aboard, the airport authority said in a all offers of a ceasefire by the Afghan statement. government, except for a three-day It hit a concrete barrier and then truce in June 2018 over the Eid al-Fitr slammed into an uninhabited two-storey holiday. house near the city’s boundary The current cease-fire proposal northeast of the airport. Kazakhstan would last a week to 10 days. During responded to the crash by grounding the that time, a peace deal with the United Fokker model, which makes up the States would then be signed, the whole of the Bek Air fleet, and launched injured also included citizens of China, press conference in Almaty. Taliban officials said. Talks between an investigation. Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Afghans on both sides of the conflict The health ministry said 53 people had Roman Sklyar, Deputy Prime Minister pledged to provide families of the would follow to decide on the shape of been injured, nine of them children, of Kazakhstan, said the plane’s tail had victims with compensation and tweeted a post-war Afghanistan. The Taliban adding that 10 of the adults were in touched the runway twice during take- that those responsible “will be severely shura, or ruling council, is currently critical condition. off. “Either this is a pilot error, or there punished in accordance with the law.” — debating whether to accept the U.S. Most onboard were Kazakhs but the were technical reasons,” Sklyar said at a AFP cease-fire proposal, the Taliban officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they India could carry out 26 killed as Indonesian Musharraf challenges were not authorized to speak to the ‘action of some sort’ in bus tumbles into ravine media, but were familiar with the death penalty ongoing US-Taliban negotiations. PoK, claims Pak PM JAKARTA (TIP): An Indonesian ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan’s On Monday, an American soldier Imran Khan bus plunged over a hill and tumbled 150 former military dictator Gen Pervez was killed in combat in the northern metres into a ravine late on Monday, Musharraf (retd) today filed a petition Kunduz province. The Taliban ISLAMABAD (TIP): Pakistan Prime killing at least 26 people and injuring in the Lahore High Court challenging claimed they were behind a fatal Minister Imran Khan on December 27 13, media reported on Tuesday. the death sentence handed to him by a roadside bombing that targeted claimed that India could carry out “an The bus, with about 50 passengers on special court in a high treason case. American and Afghan forces in action of some sort” in Pakistan- board, crashed on the way to Kunduz. occupied Kashmir to divert attention Palembang from Bengkulu on the Musharraf is in self-imposed The following day, a Taliban attack from its domestic issues and warned island of Sumatra in western exile in Dubai and on a checkpoint killed at least seven that his army was prepared for any such Indonesia, media cited police as undergoing treatment for Afghan army soldiers in the northern move. Khan made the remarks while saying. some critical ailments. The Balkh province. — AP addressing a public gathering in Jhelum Authorities were investigating the district, hours after the army said that cause of the crash, highway police petition challenged the Lahore HC returns two of its soldiers were killed in officer Riski told Indonesia’s TV One. verdict and the gruesome Musharraf’s plea “unprovoked firing” by the Indian Pictures showed a line of people nature of death sentence troops along the Line of Control (LOC). trying to pull wreckage of the bus from handed to Musharraf. against conviction “I have been telling the world for the the river. ISLAMABAD (TIP): The Lahore past five months that the Modi-RSS Traffic accidents are common in The Islamabad special court verdict High Court has returned Pakistan’s government, in order to divert the world Indonesia, with roads often cutting on December 17 led to an unprecedented former military dictator Gen (retd) attention away from Kashmir and the through rough terrain and vehicles confrontation between the judiciary and Pervez Musharraf ’s application protests against the (citizenship) law, often poorly maintained. Reuters military in Pakistan, especially after the challenging the death sentence handed will definitely conduct some sort of details and nature of death sentence to him by a special court in a high action” in PoK, Khan said. 3 students found became public. As per the judgement, if treason case, citing non-availability of The prime minister said he had told dead in flooded found dead, before he is hanged, the full Bench due to winter vacations. army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa Musharraf ’s corpse is to be dragged to a The registrar office of the Lahore about the threats from India and the Indonesian cave public square near the Pakistan High Court (LHC) returned general “told me that Pakistan is BANDUNG (INDONESIA) (TIP) : Parliament House. Musharraf ’s application, which prepared for them”. Three university students were found Musharraf is in self-imposed exile in named the federal government and He extended condolences to the dead in a cave in Indonesia after they Dubai and undergoing treatment for others as respondents, filed through families of the two soldiers killed on were trapped inside by flood waters, some critical ailments. The petition his lawyer Azhar Siddique on Friday. December 27. Khan said the Citizenship officials said on Monday. challenged the verdict and the gruesome The 86 page-long petition sought Amendment Act (CAA) and the National A search and rescue operation nature of death sentence handed to constitution of a full Bench of the Register of Citizens attracted large- launched on Sunday retrieved five Musharraf. court to quash the verdict of the three- scale protests for being against 200 people alive from Lele cave in West Musharraf has pleaded that the member tribunal which sentenced the million Muslims living in India. Java after heavy rain hit the area and special court had “rapidly and 76-year-old Musharraf to death in He also said Pakistan would not do flooded it, authorities said. hurriedly wrapped up the trial” and absentia for high treason following a anything as what Prime Minister Modi The students — part of a university handed capital punishment without six-year legal case on December 17. was doing “would create a backlash that nature club — went there to train in giving him an opportunity to be PTI would bring his downfall”. — PTI basic caving. — AFP examined. — IANS THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 WORLD FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Australian missing after he ‘deliberately jumped’ Syria target Iranian-backed Shi’ite off cruise liner WELLINGTON (TIP): A 62-year-old Muslim militia group Australian man is missing off the coast of New Zealand after he was seen WASHINGTON/BAGHDAD (TIP): jumping overboard from a cruise liner, US officials said on December 29 that air search officials said on December 30. strikes in Iraq and Syria against an Iran- Three helicopters and two nearby backed militia group were successful, container ships searched but warned that "additional actions" unsuccessfully for several hours for the may still be taken in the region to defend man before the search was called off US interests. because of deteriorating weather. The US military carried out the The passenger went overboard the strikes on Sunday against the Kataib Norwegian Jewel at about 7:00pm on Hezbollah militia group in response to Sunday near Napier on the east coast of the killing of a US civilian contractor in the North Island. a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base, In a statement issued to New Zealand officials said. news media, the Norwegian Cruise US President Donald Trump was Line said CCTV footage and witness briefed by his top national security statements indicated the man advisers at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm “deliberately jumped” off the ship. Beach, Florida following the strikes. “Unfortunately, the guest has not "We will not stand for the Islamic US air strikes in Iraq on Sunday. Security Forces near the oil-rich city of been found. Our thoughts and prayers Republic of Iran to take actions that put At least four local Kataib Hezbollah Kirkuk. are with the individual’s family during American men and women in jeopardy," commanders were among the dead, the "In response to repeated Kata'ib this difficult time,” the shipping line US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told sources said, adding that one of the Hizbollah attacks on Iraqi bases that said. It was not immediately known reporters after the briefing with Trump. strikes had targeted the militia group's host Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) whether the missing man had Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark headquarters near the western Qaim coalition forces, USforces have travelling companions or was on his Esper and General Mark Milley, district on the border with Syria. conducted precision defensive strikes ... own. — AFP chairman of the USJoint Chiefs of Staff, The Pentagon said it had targeted that will degrade KH's ability to conduct appeared briefly in a club ballroom to three locations of the Iranian-backed future attacks against OIR coalition 9 die in attack on comment on the airstrikes. Shi'ite Muslim militia group in Iraq and forces" chief Pentagon spokesman military parade in Esper termed the offensive two in Syria. The locations included Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. "successful," but said that Trump was weapons storage facilities and command Earlier this month, Pompeo blamed Yemen informed that a further military and control locations the group had used Iranian-backed forces for a series of SANAA (TIP): A ballistic missile response could be warranted. to plan and execute attacks on coalition attacks on bases in Iraq and warned Iran attack ripped through a military parade "We discussed with him other options forces, it said. that any attacks by Tehran or proxies for a Yemeni southern separatist group that are available," Esper said. "I would A US official, speaking on the that harmed Americans or allies would that's backed by the United Arab note also that we will take additional condition of anonymity, said the strikes be "answered with a decisive Emirates, killing at least six troops and actions as necessary to ensure that we were carried out by F-15 fighter jets. USresponse." Tensions have heightened three children, a spokesman said act in our own self-defense and we deter The United States had accused Kataib between Tehran and Washington since Sunday. further bad behavior from militia Hezbollah of carrying out a strike last year when Trump pulled the United The explosion took place while the groups or from Iran." involving more than 30 rockets on States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal separatists, known as the Resistance Iraqi security and militia sources said Friday which killed the UScivilian with six powers and reimposed Forces, were wrapping up a parade for at least 25 militia fighters were killed contractor and injured four US service sanctions that have crippled Iran's new recruits at a soccer field in the and at least 55 wounded following three members and two members of the Iraqi economy.— Reuters capital of Dhale province, said Maged al-Shoebi, a spokesman for the groups. The southern separatists are allied Zimbabwe journalists with the Saudi-led coalition that's been Ukraine govt, separatists suffer as regime fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels. But the UAE-backed southerners are currently start prisoner exchange tightens grip at odds with Yemen's internationally HARARE (TIP): Fanuel Mapfumo recognized government, which is more ODRADIVKA (UKRAINE) (TIP): has been unable to lift heavy objects closely allied with Saudi Arabia. The Ukrainian authorities and Russia- since a Zimbabwe police officer Cracks within the anti-Houthi bloc backed separatists in the war-torn east SWAP STIRS fractured his left arm as he was have widened over the past several of the country on December 29 began a CONTROVERSY covering a story last August. months. prisoner swap in a frontline operation The prisoner swap has stirred The 28-year-old journalist was filming Footage circulated online of Sunday's that has stirred controversy. controversy as Kiev is expected to a banned protest in the capital Harare attack showed a hole in a stage at the As part of the swap, Kiev was expected hand over to separatists several riot when it happened. edge of the field, apparently from an to hand over to separatists several riot policemen suspected of killing Opposition supporters were voicing protesters during a pro-Western explosion, while other footage showed policemen suspected of killing their discontent with the country’s uprising in 2014, in a move that dead bodies on the ground. — AP protesters during a pro-Western sparked public anger. ailing economy when police descended uprising in 2014, in a move that sparked on the crowd with batons. Taiwan President: public anger. an AFP correspondent reported from the Mapfumo, who works for the Zim Democracy under "At the Mayorske checkpoint the scene. Morning Post, said they ordered him to process of releasing detained persons The location was guarded by stop filming. “I identified myself as a threat from China has begun," the official Twitter account uniformed men with machine guns. journalist,” he told AFP. TAIPEI (TIP): Taiwanese President of the Ukrainian President said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and “But the next thing I remember is Tsai Ing-wen said on December 29 that It was still unclear how many people Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky being dragged into a group of police the self-governing island's democracy were involved in the exchange. held their first face-to-face talks in Paris officers who beat me all over my body.” remains under direct threat from rival A representative of the separatist on December 9 and agreed some Rights groups have accused China, underscoring her calls for closer stronghold of Donetsk, Daria Morozova, measures to de-escalate Europe's only Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson ties with the US and other allies. said earlier that separatists would get 87 active war. Mnangagwa of persistently violating Tsai was speaking at a televised prisoners, while 55 people would be Ties between Ukraine and Russia were human rights since he took office in debate against Han Kuo-yu of the main handed over to Kiev. The two sides were shredded after the bloody 2014 uprising 2018. opposition Nationalist Party and seen preparing the exchange prisoners ousted a Kremlin-backed regime. In August last year six people died veteran politician James Soong of the early Sunday, with vehicles arriving Moscow went on to annex Crimea and after the army used force against People's First Party. Elections for near the village of Odradivka, some 10 support insurgents in eastern Ukraine, civilians protesting a delay in the president and the legislature are set for kilometres (6 miles) from the self- who launched a bid for independence in announcement of election results. January 11. — AP proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, 2014. — AFP AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 WORLD 33

Iran slams France for Saudi court sentences Yemeni to death ‘interference' TEHRAN (TIP): Tehran accused over Spanish theatre group stabbing Paris on December 29 of "interference" in the case of an RIYADH (TIP): A Saudi court religious hardliners in the deeply Iranian-French academic held in sentenced a Yemeni man to death conservative nation. the Islamic republic, saying she is Sunday for a knife attack on a Spanish Earlier this year, campaigners considered an Iranian national and theatre group, state television said, reported the arrest of religious scholar faces security charges. amid a controversial push to ease Omar al-Muqbil after he criticised the France said on Friday it decades-old restrictions on General Entertainment Authority summoned Iran's ambassador to entertainment. (GEA) for “erasing Saudi society’s protest the imprisonment of The court also sentenced an original identity”. Fariba Adelkhah and another accomplice to 12-and-a-half years in jail The reforms come as the OPEC academic, Roland Marchal of for the November 11 attack during a live kingpin, hit hard by low oil prices, seeks France, saying their detention was performance in Riyadh, which state to boost domestic spending and "intolerable". media linked to militant group Al- Saudi Arabia is leading a military diversify its economy. Their imprisonment has added to Qaeda, and which Madrid said left four coalition supporting the Yemeni Saudis currently splurge billions of distrust between Tehran and Paris performers wounded. government against the Iran-backed dollars annually to see films and visit at a time when French President “The criminal court issues a Huthi rebels and has also been involved amusement parks in neighbouring Emmanuel Macron is seeking to preliminary ruling handing the death in the fight against Al-Qaeda. tourist hubs like Dubai and Bahrain. play a leading role in defusing sentence to the perpetrator of the Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Critics say loosening social strictures tensions between Iran and its arch- terrorist attack... in Riyadh,” the (AQAP), which is active in Yemen, is is a diversionary tactic to make citizens foe the United States. official Al-Ekhbariya television considered by the United States as the more acquiescent and blunt public "The statement by France's reported. radical group’s most dangerous branch. frustration over an economic downturn foreign ministry regarding an The assailant, identified by Saudi Observers also point at burbling and an intensifying crackdown on Iranian national is an act of police as a 33-year-old Yemeni, went on a resentment among arch-conservatives dissent. The kingdom has also faced interference and we see their stabbing spree during a musical in the in the kingdom over the government’s intense international scrutiny over its request to have no legal basis," capital’s King Abdullah Park, one of the multi-billion dollar entertainment push human rights record since last year’s Iran's foreign ministry spokesman venues hosting the two-month “Riyadh as it seeks to lure foreign tourists and killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Abbas Mousavi said in a statement. Season” entertainment festival. diversify its economy away from oil. Khashoggi at the country’s consulate in "The individual in question It was the first such assault since the De facto ruler Crown Prince Istanbul. And nearly a dozen women (Adelkhah) is an Iranian national ultra-conservative kingdom began Mohammed bin Salman has pursued activists were arrested for demanding and has been arrested over 'acts of easing restrictions on entertainment. sweeping social reforms that mark the the right to drive, just weeks before the espionage'," he said, adding that Last week, Al-Ekhbariya said the biggest cultural shakeup in the kingdom lifted the ban on female her lawyer had knowledge about attacker took orders from an Al-Qaeda kingdom’s modern history, allowing motorists last year. the details of the case which is leader in Yemen, but so far there has mixed-gender concerts and the In July, American rapper Nicki Minaj being investigated. been no claim of responsibility from the reopening of cinemas. pulled out of a concert in Saudi Arabia Iran does not recognise dual group. Although the reforms are wildly in what she described as a show of nationality and has repeatedly Al-Ekhbariya did not offer any details popular among Saudi Arabia’s mainly support for women’s and gay rights in rebuffed calls from foreign on his alleged accomplice. young population, they risk angering the kingdom. — AFP governments for consular access to those it has detained during legal Australia bushfires: proceedings. — AFP This Koala found 3 Indians killed, 13 injured in French coastguards cyclist, asked for rescue 31 migrants water; video melts Egypt road accident attempting CAIRO (TIP): Three Indians were Channel crossing hearts killed and 13 others were injured when ADELAIDE (TIP): Australia’s two buses carrying tourists crashed into “We regret to inform that 3 PARIS (TIP): French intense heatwave lead a thirsty Koala a truck in Egypt’s Suez governorate, the Indian citizens have lost their coastguards rescued 31 migrants to a cyclist in Adelaide. A Indian embassy here said on Sunday. trying to cross the English Channel heartwarming clip of a Koala sipping The buses were heading to the beach- lives in the bus accident that overnight after the engine of one water in the middle of the road has resort town of Hurghada on Saturday occurred on 28 December small boat cut out and the other gone viral. when they collided with the truck near dinghy began to take in water, local A group of cyclists were riding from Ain Sokhna town, about 120 kilometres near Ain Sokhna. Others who authorities in France said on Adelaide from Norton Summit Road, east of Cairo. Sunday. when they suddenly ran into the Koala “We regret to inform that 3 Indian are injured are receiving Border and coast guards in that was sitting on the road, according citizens have lost their lives in the bus medical treatment at various Britain and France have recently to a report by 7 News. accident that occurred on 28 December intercepted several attempted One of the cyclists—Anna Heusler— near Ain Sokhna. Others who are hospitals in Egypt,” the Indian crossings, including on December revealed that running into Koalas isn’t injured are receiving medical treatment embassy in Egypt tweeted. 26 when 49 suspected migrants unusual in Southern Australia. But the at various hospitals in Egypt,” the were escorted to British shores surprising thing was hot the Koala Indian embassy in Egypt tweeted. after a rescue and search reacted after seeing them. It said the relatives of the deceased According to the local media, the operation. The Koala stopped her cycle and and the injured have been contacted and deceased also include two Malaysians In the early hours of Sunday, quickly climbed up. It began gesturing all assistance is being provided to them. and three Egyptians. A total of 24 people French coast guards picked up 11 as if it wanted to drink water. Anna “Embassy officials are present at the were injured in the accident and have migrants, including two young gave water to the Koala from her bottle hospitals and in touch with hospital been admitted to hospitals. children, in one boat off the coast and the entire scene was recorded by authorities,” the mission said. Road accidents occur in Egypt mainly near the port city of Calais. another cyclist. The embassy said there were 16 Indian due to damaged roads and poor traffic Another 20, including a pregnant The koala, which was luckily tourists on the buses. regulations. woman, were later rescued by the unharmed by the region's bushfires, The injured Indians have been In 2018, there were 8,480 road accidents same patrol boat further along the was carefully escorted back into admitted to three hospitals. compared with 11,098 the previous year, French coast near Dunkirk, the nearby trees by Anna. Eight Indians are at Sheikh Zayed according to the bureau of statistics. local authorities said in a The bushfires have engulfed over hospital in Giza, one at National Bank Ain Sokhna is a town in the Suez statement. 1000 homes and around 25,000 hectares hospital in Maqqatem, Cairo and the governorate, lying on the western shore Some of the people rescued of land in South Australia. remaining four are receiving treatment of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Suez. It is suffered from hypothermia, they The heartwarming video received at Suez Health Insurance hospital in situated 55 kilometres south of Suez and added. Reuters several comments. (TNS) Suez governorate, the embassy said. about 120 kilometres east of Cairo. PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 WOMEN FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 Women need professional SLIM DOWN YOUR FACE emotional support during WITH HAIR CONTOURING high-risk pregnancies hile there is very little information about how hink of perfect hairstyles and women manage emotional distress during the likes of Jennifer Aniston Whigh-risk pregnancies, researchers learned Tand Sarah Jessica Parker (in that without psychosocial support, women struggle her Carrie Bradshaw avatar) come with fears and tears while feeling isolated and worried. to mind. Their hairstyles are among The study was published in the journal Psychology of the most duplicated looks across the Women Quarterly. globe, but not many know that these About 15 per cent of pregnancies worldwide are high- stylish ladies have been sporting risk, making premature delivery, low infant birth hair contouring, much before it weight and other poor outcomes more likely. became such a hot beauty trend. Rutgers University researchers say keeping anxiety and stress to a minimum during pregnancy is What is it about? important but is especially critical for high-risk A senior hair professional says, pregnancies where it is believed to be a factor in "Hair contouring a process of high- premature birth. lighting and low-lighting certain The researchers interviewed 16 women hospitalized parts of your mane to either during high-risk pregnancies and found that trying to enhance or subdue certain features. manage their emotions by themselves added an Similar to how face and body define your face Colouring can enhance your additional burden to an already stressful experience. contouring works, one may use The way you cut and colour your face colour too, and can really The in-depth interviews are designed to elicit rich colour techniques to create the hair hair can really change your add a lot of character to your interpersonal data. A sample of 16 is typical of the contouring effect." Highlighting and personality.The right colour and cut face. phenomenological research method they used. shading certain parts of the hair can make you look not just younger According to Judith McCoyd, lead author and can create an illusion of a different but also slimmer than you are. Here How does it work associate professor at the School of Social Work, “We face shape, depending on what you are a few helpful tips... Hair contouring is about applying noticed a common theme among the women we spoke to want to accentuate. A very short haircut will make highlights and lowlights in certain -- they were trying to force themselves to feel certain Another hair professional you face appear wider. parts of your hair, to create an emotions like “thinking positive” while trying to explains, "Like with any art form, A mid-length, layered haircut illusion of a different face shape. perform mind tricks to get themselves there.” light shades are for highlighting and can make it look slimmer. This technique of colouring the darker shades are for creating a A side fringe can make your hair can give your cheekbones a shadow effect, similarly to adopt face appear thinner, even if you visual depth. this technique in hair contouring have a short haircut or bob. Hair contouring suits everyone with colours, one might follow these Long hair that covers your because it is customised to your face simple guidelines." cheekbones looks stylish and shape and your hair colour tone. gives your face a lean look. It uses the freehand colouring Be Aware Light coloured hair falling on method and is a low-maintenance Using healthier, natural hair-safe your cheeks can make your style. products are essential to avoid side face look wide.. It is a pretty intensive act and one effects. It is also advisable that every Get low lights or darker shades has to be clear about the basic rules individual reads the ingredients list in the front hair that covers and guidelines. However, depending to be sure of the products being used your cheeks and keep upon the face cut and contouring on themselves. highlights or lighter colours requirement, it may take around Your hair colour and cut can for the crown. one to two hours. Virtual boyfriends a match FOOD CORNER for China’s single women hinese teen Robin spends are single women in their twenties hours online chatting to her with disposable income. Cman, who always has a By day,22-year-old Zhuansun Xu is sympathetic ear for her problems— a foreign exchange trader in Beijing. as long as she’s willing to pay him. By night, he chats with female The 19-year-old pre-medical clients who pay him to be their student has spent more than 1,000 “boyfriend”, something he has done yuan ($150) speaking to “virtual for the past year. boyfriends”. Girls come to Zhuansun with These aren’t seedy sex-chat lines different needs—some want friendly but men who charge for friendly and advice, while others have more flirty online communication, from romantic requests. wake-up calls to lengthy text “While we’re interacting, I tell exchanges and video conversations. myself: I really am her boyfriend, so “If someone is willing to keep me how can I treat her well?” he told company and chat, I’m pretty AFP. willing to spend money,” said Robin, “But after we’re done, I’ll stop who didn’t want to give her real thinking this way.” name. Prices start from a few yuan for MOZZARELLA STICKS Mix the maida and besan flour in a bowl. Add The option for intimacy on- half an hour of texting, to a few enough water and mix to a thick batter. demand has gained popularity thousand yuan to keep a companion INGREDIENTS Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate. Dip the among China’s middle-income on retainer for phone calls cheese sticks in the batter and roll them in the young women, who are often focused throughout a month. 300 gm mozzarella breadcrumbs. on careers with no immediate plans “People have figured out how to 1/2 cup chickpeas flour Place them on a parchment paper and keep it in to marry and start a family. commodify affection,” said Chris 1 cup sunflower oil the fridge for 2 to 3 hours or overnight. Shops selling virtual friends and K.K. Tan, an associate professor at 1/2 cup all purpose flour This is to ensure the cheese does not melt while partners can be found on Chinese Nanjing University who has 1/2 cup crushed breadcrumbs frying and it has a crispy coating. messaging app WeChat or on an e- researched the phenomenon. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Fry the commerce site like Taobao. “This is a new mode of Method mozzarella sticks until light golden brown. Several virtual boyfriends told womanhood that is unprecedented Cut the cheese into 1/2-1 inch sticks and keep Remove and drain excess oil. Serve with a AFP that most of their customers in China,” Tan said. aside. dipping sauce of choice. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 HEALTH 35 CAFFEINE MAY OFFSET HEALTH RISKS OF DIETS HIGH IN FAT, SUGAR affeine may offset some of the negative effects of an Cobesogenic diet by reducing the storage of lipids in fat cells and limiting weight gain and the production of triglycerides, researchers have found. Published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the research team from University of Illinois in Gel made out of a patient's US picked mice for the study and found that rats that consumed the blood could help problem foot caffeine extracted from mate tea gained 16 per cent less weight and ulcers heal quicker accumulated 22 per cent less body fat than rats that consumed gel made from blood could rapidly speed up the decaffeinated mate tea. healing of chronic wounds. Problem foot ulcers The effects were similar with Atreated with the gel, made from the patient’s synthetic caffeine and that own blood, are more likely to heal than those treated extracted from coffee. traditionally, according to a new study. Mate tea is an herbal beverage Many of the 2.2 million wounds treated by the NHS rich in phytochemicals, flavonoids subsequent metabolic disorders from mate tea, coffee or synthetic each year are open wounds or sores that develop on the and amino acids that’s consumed as associated with these conditions,” sources accumulated less body fat skin of the foot in patients with diabetes. a stimulant by people in said study researcher said Elvira than rats in the other groups. These hard-to-treat ulcers are caused by a southeastern Latin American Gonzalez de Mejia. In the rats, the accumulation of combination of factors, including peripheral countries. According to the researchers, lipids in the adipocytes was neuropathy — where chronic exposure to high blood The amount of caffeine per for four weeks, the rats in the significantly associated with sugar damages nerves, leading to reduced sensation in serving in mate tea ranges from 65- study ate a diet that contained 40 greater body weight gain and the feet. 130 milligrams, compared with 30- per cent fat, 45 per cent increased body fat, according to This means patients feel little pain and so any 300 milligrams of caffeine in a cup carbohydrate and 15 per cent the study. injuries go unnoticed and may worsen and become of brewed coffee, according to the protein. To determine the mechanism of infected before being detected. study. They also ingested one of the action, the scientists performed Diabetes also damages blood vessels, so oxygen-rich “Considering the findings, mate forms of caffeine in an amount cell culture studies in which they blood and immune cells that are required for the skin tea and caffeine can be considered equivalent to that of a human who exposed adipose cells from mice to to mend itself aren’t delivered. anti-obesity agents. The results of drinks four cups of coffee daily. synthetic caffeine or the coffee or Previous research has shown that up to 40 per cent this research could be scaled to At the end of the four-week mate caffeine extracts. of diabetic ulcers take at least three months to heal, humans to understand the roles of period, the percentage of lean They found that regardless of and in 14 per cent of cases, wounds are still present mate tea and caffeine as potential body mass in the various groups its source, caffeine decreased the after a year. Every year in the UK, around 5,000 people strategies to prevent overweight of rats differed significantly. accumulation of lipids in adipose have a leg or foot amputation as a result. and obesity, as well as the The rats that ingested caffeine cells by 20 per cent-41 per cent. The new gel uses a technique called platelet-rich plasma, which is already used to treat tendon injuries and has recently been trialled as a way to help improve pain and movement in knee arthritis. THIS IS HOW KARELA JUICE CAN To make the gel, around 20ml of blood — around one-and-a-half tablespoons — is taken from the patient and spun for a minute in a centrifuge. The spinning separates plasma — a clear serum — ACCELERATE WEIGHT LOSS from other elements in the blood. Plasma is rich in platelets, which are important for clotting and itter gourd, also known as karela, is known to be contains proteins called growth factors that help with one of the most bitter vegetables available in the healing. The spun plasma is mixed with other Bmarket but it's also known for all it's health compounds to turn it into a gel, a process that takes benefits as well. around 30 seconds. The gel is then immediately spread Karela is a source of numerous vitamins and over the wound and a dressing put on top. minerals like folate, zinc, iron and magnesium and A new trial, where patients were treated twice a vitamin B1, B2, B3 and vitamin C and other such things. week with fresh gel for the first fortnight and then It's also rich in calcium and potassium and proteins. once weekly afterwards, found it to be superior to This is the main reason why people have been usual care, in which wounds are cleaned and covered. consuming this bitter karela juice. A glass of fresh karela juice once a day,is known to be very beneficial for our health. It's packed with nutrients and is worth the trouble PAGE SPONSORED BY that we end up going through but how does karela juice help with weight loss? DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND Does it really have an impact on your body and weight? Knowing the answer to these questions may DR. SATISH ANAND help you decide if you want to make karela a part of Former Chairman, Board of your weight loss regime or not. Trustees, AAPI National Karela is known to regulate insulin and helps in E-Mail: maintaining blood sugar levels. It activates your Bitter gourd has a lot of fibers which are good for [email protected] insulin and prevents sugar from turning into fat which your body.A high fiber diet also helps you in feeling full means that your body will create less fat leading to fat for a longer time which in turn reduces cravings and loss in your body. prevents you from binge eating or overeating. It also GITANJLI ANAND Karela has very few calories and fat and has high water content which makes it a very healthy Former President, India carbohydrates. This reduces your fat, calories and vegetable to include in your diet. Association of Long Island carbs intake and you don't have to worry about gaining Karela is known to prevent the formation and growth (IALI) extra weight. 100 grams of karela only has about 34 of fat cells which helps reduce the fat in your body and E-mail: calories. helps you lose weight and stay in shape. [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 SCIENCE AND TECH FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 MESSAGING APPS THAT WORK EVEN DURING INTERNET SHUTDOWN ith temporary Internet shutdowns becoming Wincreasingly common across India due to efforts to curb protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), people in HUAWEI TURNS TO INDIA TO the country are on the lookout for messaging apps that work offline. And they have quite a few options to BUILD ECOSYSTEM TO RIVAL choose from. Firechat, Bridgefy and Signal GOOGLE’S APPLICATIONS Offline Messenger are some of these uawei is turning to India to build an ecosystem apps that have gained traction after of applications which will be an alternative to Internet shutdowns cut access to the HGoogle’s popular applications. The company is more popular messaging platforms said to be actively working with the Indian developers such as WhatsApp and Facebook for the new solution. Huawei is confident of Messenger, among others. developing alternatives to Google’s key apps such as FireChat, which has been Maps, payments, and messaging by December end. installed over 10 lakh times from cellular network, FireChat helps you to chat privately with people Huawei and its sub-brand Honor currently face an Google Play Store, works even you reach people worldwide. that are within 100 metres of you. uncertainty over the usage of Google Media Service without an Internet connection or Bridgefy is another offline With the "mesh mode", one can (GMS) after the US restrictions earlier this year. The cellular phone coverage. messaging app that lets you connect also chat with people more than 100 company recently launched a premium Mate 30 To make the application work, you with friends and family when you meters from them by connecting smartphone without Google applications. Huawei, need to make Bluetooth and Wi-Fi don't have access to Internet, by through other Bridgefy users found however, is betting on its home-grown Huawei Media active on your phone. The app works simply turning "on" your Bluetooth. in the middle. Services (HMS). whether you are connected to a Wi- Ideal for music festivals, sports The Signal Offline Messenger, “We have our own HMS and are trying to build a Fi access point or not. stadiums, rural communities, which has been installed over 50,000 mobile ecosystem. Most of the key apps such as The FireChat network becomes natural disasters, travelling abroad, times from Google Play Store, is a navigation, payments, gaming and messaging will be faster when more people use it.The more and more people in India are Wi-Fi Direct-based offline ready by December end,” Charles Peng, CEO, Huawei app is designed to work for people now taking to the app to deal with messaging app that allows people to and Honor India, Consumer Business Group told living in proximity with each other, Internet blockade. communicate without Internet or Economic Times. but when you do have access to a Bridgefy, installed over 5 lakh the local network in a range of up to Peng is confident that the HMS applications will be reliable Internet connection or times from Google Play Store, allows 100 meters. as good as Google’s applications. Huawei plans to offer 100 to 150 applications under its suite. EARTH’S INNER CORE COULD BE COVERED BY IRON ‘SNOW’ he Earth's inner core could be covered by "snow" made of Ttiny particles of iron which are much heavier than any snowflake on Earth's surface, says a study. These particles fall from the molten outer core and pile on top of the inner core, creating piles up to 200 miles (ca. 322 km) thick that TIKTOK IS SEARCHING FOR A cover the inner core, according to the study published online in the HQ OUTSIDE CHINA: REPORT journal JGR Solid Earth. hinese short video making app TikTok’s parent The Earth's core can't be sampled, company ByteDance is considering setting up a so scientists study it by recording Cglobal headquarters outside China, a media and analysing signals from seismic report said. waves (a type of energy wave) as The possible locations include Singapore, London they pass through the Earth. and Dublin, according to the Wall Street Journal. However, aberrations between “TikTok doesn’t have a HQ right now. Parent recent seismic wave data and the company ByteDance is based in Beijing,” the report values that would be expected based said. on the current model of the Earth's University of Tennessee who The variation in snow pile size— The new HQ could bring TikTok closer to growth core have raised questions. conducted the research during a thinner in the eastern hemisphere markets in Southeast Asia, India, Europe and the US. The waves move more slowly than postdoctoral fellowship at the and thicker in the western— The new headquarters would come as US expected as they passed through the University of Texas at Austin in the explains the change in speed. regulators and lawmakers have growing concerns base of the outer core, and they US. And given the core's influence about TikTok, citing national security. move faster than expected when "You have crystals within the over phenomena that affects the Chinese conglomerate ByteDance that owns moving through the eastern outer core snowing down onto the entire planet, from generating its TikTok has finally been able to clock a profit in India. hemisphere of the top inner core. inner core over a distance of several magnetic field to radiating the heat In the financial year 2019, ByteDance registered Rs The study proposes the iron snow- hundred kilometres," Dygert said. that drives the movement of 43.7 crore in revenue and Rs 3.4 crore in net profit in capped core as an explanation for The researchers point to the tectonic plates, understanding more India, reports Inc42.com. these aberrations. accumulated snow pack as the about its composition and With over 200 million users, India is the biggest "It's sort of bizarre thing to think cause of the seismic aberrations. behaviour could help in market for TikTok, where it has also courted several about," said study co-author Nick The slurry-like composition slows understanding how these larger controversies over the past few months. Dygert, Assistant Professor at the seismic waves. processes work. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 BIZ AND FINANCE 37 India may surpass Germany to become fourth-largest economy in 2026: Report NEW DELHI (TIP): India is expected to overtake Germany to become fourth-largest economy in 2026 and Japan to become third SBI GIVES NEW YEAR GIFT TO largest in 2034, according a recent report by the UK-based Centre for HOME, CAR BUYERS, CUTS Economics and Business Research (CEBR). It further said India is also set to EXTERNAL BENCHMARK RATE reach a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 5 trillion by 2026, 2 ON LOANS BY 25 BPS years later than the government’s NEW DELHI (TIP): State Bank of India (SBI) on target. Monday announced a reduction in its external “India has decisively overtaken benchmark based rate (EBR) by 25 basis points to 7.80 both France and the UK to become per cent from 8.05 per cent. The new rates will be the world’s fifth-largest economy in applicable from January 1, 2020. 2019. It is expected to overtake "With this reduction, interest rate for existing home Germany to become fourth largest loan customers as well as MSME (micro, small and in 2026 and Japan to become the medium enterprises) borrowers who have availed third largest in 2034,” the report, loans linked to external benchmark based rate would titled ‘World Economic League come down by 25 bps," the country's largest lender said Table 2020’, said. the current growth rate, reaching India, which till recently was in a release. Japan, Germany and India will the USD 5-trillion GDP target by hailed as the world’s fastest- SBI also said that new homebuyers would now be battle for third position over the 2024-25 is “simply out of question”. growing major economy, has seen able to get loans at an interest rate of 7.90 per cent per next 15 years, according to the Noting that Indian data growth rate decline to a six-year annum as compared to the earlier 8.15 per cent. CEBR. revisions mean that 2019 was the low of 4.5 per cent in the Banks are required to alter the external benchmark Referring to Prime Minister year when the country’s economy September quarter of 2019-20. based rate at least once in three months depending on Narendra Modi-led government’s finally overtook the UK and This has largely been attributed underlying external rate like repo rate. target of taking the economy to 5 France, the report said, “But, slow to the slowdown in investment that SBI's external benchmark lending rate is linked to USD trillion by 2024, it said, “India growth during the year has has now broadened into RBI's repo rate which is currently at 5.15 per cent. The is also set to reach a GDP of USD 5 increased pressure for more consumption, driven by financial rate is fixed at repo rate plus 265 basis points. In trillion by 2026 — 2 years later than radical economic reforms.” stress among rural households and October the RBI had cut its repo rate by 25 bais points the current government target.” Despite the rapid ascent of weak job creation. to the current 5.15 per cent. But, dark clouds gathering all over countries such as India and The World Economic League the economy are leading many to Indonesia, it is striking how little Table is an annual calculation by Tesla delivers its first question the maintainability of the an impact this will have on the US Cebr jointly published by Cebr and target. and China’s dominant roles in the Global Construction Perspectives. Made-in-China car in Shanghai Recently, former Reserve Bank global economy, said Pablo Shah, The base data for 2019 is taken from governor C Rangarajan, said that at senior economist at Cebr. the IMF World Economic Outlook. esla handed over the first 15 Model 3 sedans assembled at Tesla’s new multibillion-dollar TShanghai plant -- its first outside the U.S. -- to company employees at the facility TOP JOBS FOR NEXT DECADE ARE Tesla Inc. delivered its first China-built cars, a milestone for Elon Musk’s company as it accelerates a push in the world’s largest electric-vehicle market. BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST, DATA ANALYST The company handed over the first 15 Model 3 sedans assembled at Tesla’s new multibillion-dollar Shanghai plant -- its first outside the U.S. -- to company he next decade could see growing demand for employees at the facility on Monday. More workers behavioral scientists, data analysts, upcycled will receive vehicles over the next couple of days, and Tclothing designers and even digital detox deliveries to customers will start in January,company consultants. officials said at the ceremony. Brexit, climate change, an economic slowdown and Chief Executive Officer Musk is counting on the technology are among the factors that could have the China plant to help build on recent momentum for the greatest impact on jobs in the 2020s, according to the company in the world’s largest market both for EVs U.K.’s Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, and autos in general. The Model 3 will compete with Manufactures and Commerce. It looked at four possible electric cars from local contenders such as NIO Inc. workplace scenarios: and Xpeng Motors, as well as global manufacturers The Big Tech Economy — “a new machine age” including BMW AG and Daimler AG. where technology develops at a rapid pace, from self- While deliveries to customers haven’t started, driving cars to 3D printing, bringing cheaper goods but Monday’s milestone caps several months of wins for rising unemployment.Jobs: software developers, digital Musk. The latest came Friday, when the locally built transformation consultants, technology public car was included on a list of vehicles qualifying for an relations. exemption from a 10% purchase tax in China. The Precision Economy — “a future of hyper- stewardship” in which technology advances at a clip, surveillance” where technological progress is but so too does public awareness of its dangers, moderate, but a proliferation of sensors allows firms to automation is carefully managed in partnership with create value by capturing and analyzing more workers and unions, and disposable income flows into information on objects, people and the sectors such as education, care and environment.Jobs: behavioral scientists, data analysts, entertainment.Jobs: digital detox planners, personal online reputation managers. public relations advisers. The Exodus Economy — where a crash on the scale of Over the past 10 years, government austerity, the rise 2008 dries up funding for innovation and keeps the U.K. of e-commerce and an aging society have contributed to in a low-skilled, low-productivity and low-paid rut, and changes in employment, the report said. workers lose faith in capitalism.Jobs: food cooperative Computer programmers, finance directors and van workers, upcycled clothing designers, community drivers are among the professions that saw the biggest energy managers. growth. National government administrators, bank The Empathy Economy — “a future of responsible clerks and retail workers were among those hardest hit. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 SPIRITUALITY 38 WHY LORD HANUMAN IS KNOWN AS AN INCARNATION OF LORD SHIVA? ord Hanuman is known for his Strength devotion to Lord Rama. He is the Lson of Anjana and Kesari and The physical and mental strength of blessed by the God of wind, Vayu. Hanuman probably need no mention, but Hanuman is celebrated for his devotion we'll take the liberty to talk about it to Lord Rama. It is believed that anyway. When Lord Rama's brother Hanuman is an avatar of Lord Shiva or Lakshmana was wounded during the Rudra Avatar. Several texts present him course of a fight with Ravana's son, as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Indrajit, Hanuman was asked to fetch the After Vishnu agreed to be born as a Sanjeevani booti before sunrise. With man to defeat Ravana, Brahma felt that time ticking, he decided to become he would need help, so he asked Shiva to several times bigger than his original take on an avatar as well. Shiva decided size and stopped the sun from rising. to born as Hanuman, the son of Vayu the Hanuman's inability to recognise the wind god and the Apsara Anjana, who herb made him lift the entire mountain. was born on earth as a vanara princess Lesson to learn: Strength of body and due to a curse from Durvasa Rishi. mind, anyone? Be it physical fitness or Like Rama who was unaware he was meditation to make the mind strong, do an avatar of Vishnu, Hanuman had no whatever it takes so you can be a ninja idea he was an avatar of Lord Shiva. when it's needed the most. As a child, Hanuman was very mischievous. One time, soon after he was Sense of humour born, Hanuman attacked the sun Even in the most testing of times, thinking it was a piece of fruit, and when Hanuman made it a point to maintain his the sun ran away, he kept on chasing it! sense of humour. For example, the time Despite being naughty as a young when he got himself intentionally monkey, Hanuman was extremely loyal captured by Ravana's son, Indrajit, only to and courageous. Hanuman’s best friend gauge the latter's strength. Or the time he Sugriva was the brother of Vali, the king was threatened with having his tail set on of Kishkindha, the land of the monkeys. fire and he started to increase its length. Through a misunderstanding, Vali Even in the TV adaptation of Ramayana, chased Sugriva out of Kishkindha and most of the comic-relief moments came exiled him. Hanuman was the only one to via Hanuman. accompany Sugriva in his exile. Lesson to learn: Sulking in a tough Hanuman showed just as much loyalty, if situation is very convenient, but smiling not more, to Rama as he did to Sugriva. and putting up a brave fight is the stuff When Rama met Hanuman during his real heroes are made of. Go on, do it. Feels search for Sita, the two became instant great. friends. They were supposed to become instant friends as the event was pre- Selflessness, loyalty planned by supreme gods. Hanuman was It won't be wrong to say that the one responsible for locating Sita and Hanuman was the embodiment of telling her not to lose hope, that Rama selflessness. He dedicated a major part was coming for her. During the battle of his youth to Lord Rama and Sita and between Rama and Ravana, Rama’s army went down in history as their most was badly injured and many were killed. devout follower. Upon seeing the devastation, Hanuman He was fiercely loyal and left to find a life-restoring herb called accompanied Lord Rama throughout. “Sanjeevani Booti” located on a far-off Also, despite his physical prowess and mountain, Dronagiri range of the supernatural abilities, he was quite Himalayas in Uttarakhand. abduction. But there are several other used his tail to burn down Lanka. humble and was always seen with When he reached the herbs, he realized qualities Hanuman is known for and Hanuman's practicality and ability to folded hands. These qualities make that there was no time to pick them, and which all of us should imbibe in one focus on the task at hand might as well be Hanuman the most renowned of in his devotion and loyalty, he lifted the form or another. a hero in itself. His war-winning tactics devotees to ever have existed. entire mountain and carried it back to Here are five of them: and tricks, more often than not, saved the Lesson to learn: You might know Rama and his men. Without Shiva as lives and honour of many. your strengths inside-out, but you're Hanuman, I doubt that Rama would have Perseverance Lesson to learn: Well, learn to 'shape- probably the only person who also been able to save Sita in time. I still The persistence to find Sita and to shift'; by that we mean that you should knows your weaknesses inside-out. believe that Rama would have defeated curb his 'Prabhu's' miserable state learn to prioritise and adapt as per the Always remember those and strike a Ravana, but without Hanuman by his caused by the same, made Hanuman the need of the hour. balance. Be humble. side, the battle would have been much hero Lord Rama needed the most more difficult. during those trying times. Having PAGE SPONSORED BY Hanuman as an avatar of Shiva is not dedicated his whole existence to finding accepted by everyone, but there are still Sita, Hanuman braved several hurdles ARISH K. SAHANI many people who believe it and It is also to ultimately reach Lanka and find Sita. mentioned in Satarudriya Samhita of He offered to help her escape but she Serving Since 1972 Shiva Purana. It makes sense to me that refused, saying Rama's honour is at Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs Brahma would want another one of the stake and she wouldn't risk that at any gods to assist Vishnu on his quest. As cost. Hanuman then went back to Rama Arish K Sahani (Father) Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, and eventually set Lanka on fire with it was nearly impossible to defeat him. As his tail. Shiv Sahani (Son) we look into the story of Ramayana, if Lesson to learn: A certain Shah Rukh Hanuman had not been there, then Rama Khan once said in Om Shanti Om that if Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) would have taken too long to find Sita and you really, really want and pursue not made it back in time to keep Bharata something, the entire universe 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 from killing himself and the whole story conspires to make it a reality. [email protected] would have been different. Perseverance. That's what Hanuman Referred to as an incarnation of Lord embodies and teaches by example. “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” Shiva by some, Hanuman's devotion and heroics helped Lord Rama defeat Ravana Pragmatism “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” in the war, which took place after Sita's He shape-shifted, lifted mountains and “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY3, 2020 FEATURE 39 4 SAHIBZADE: KHALSA WARRIOR PRINCES he four Sahibzade Khalsa warriors princes were the sons of Guru TGobind Singh (1666–1708), the leader of the Sikhs in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal empire (1526–1857). In 1699, Gobind Singh (born Gobind Rai) created the Khalsa, an elite warrior band of initiated devout orthodox Sikhs to protect the innocent from religious persecution. Gobind Singh had three wives and four sons: Ajit, Jujhar, Zorawar, Fateh. All four of his sons were initiated into the Khalsa and all were executed by Mughal forces before the age of 19. Sikhism honors the illustrious martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh in the prayer of ardas for their valor and sacrifice as "Char Sahibzade," the four princes of the Khalsa warrior order. Sahibzada Ajit Singh (1687–1699) Birth Ajit Singh was born on January 26, 1687 CE, according to the Sikh calendar called the Vikram Samvat (SV) on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh, SV year 1743. He was Guru Gobind Rai's eldest son, and he was born to the guru's second wife Sundari at Paonta, and at birth named Ajit, meaning "Invincible." Initiation Ajit was given the name Singh when he was initiated into the Khalsa at the age of 12 and drank of the immortal nectar along with his family on the first Vaisakhi Day,April 13, 1699, at Anandpur Sahib, where his father took the name Tenth Guru Gobind Singh. Martyrdom Ajit Singh was martyred at the age of 18, on December 7, 1705 CE at Chamkaur, after he volunteered to leave the besieged fortress with five Singhs and face the enemy on the battlefield. Sahibzada Jujhar Singh (1691–1705) Birth Sahibzada Jujhar Singh was born on besieged fortress with five of the last Martyrdom wife Jito at Anandpur, and at birth Sunday,March 14, 1691 CE, in the seventh Singhs standing, and all achieved named Fateh, meaning "Victory." of the month of Chet, SV year 1747. He immortality on the battlefield. Sahibzada Singh was martyred at the Initiation was the second eldest son of Guru age of six, on Sirhind Fatehghar, Gobind Rai, was born to his first wife Sahibzada Zorawar Singh December 12, 1705 CE, on the 13th day of Fateh was given the name Singh when Jito at Anandpur, and at birth named (1696–1699) the month of Poh, SV year 1762. Zorawar initiated at the age of three along with Jujhar, meaning "Warrior." Birth Singh and his younger brother Fateh his family members on Vaisakhi Day Initiation Singh were captured with their April 13, at Anandpur Sahib 1699, where Wednesday, November 17, 1696, on the grandmother Gujri, the mother of Guru he partook of baptism by the sword, Jujhar was initiated at eight years of first day of the waning moon in the Gobind Singh. The sahibzade were created by his father, and his mother age along with his family and given the month Maghar, SV year 1753. The third imprisoned with their grandmother and took the name Ajit Kaur, and brought name Singh at Anandpur Sahib on son of Guru Gobind Singh, he was born put to death by cruel Mughal rulers who sugar to sweeten the immortal Amrit Vaisakhi, April 13, 1699, when his father to the Guru's first wife Jito at Anandpur, attempted to suffocate them ?inside a nectar. Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa and at birth named Zorawar, meaning brick enclosure. Martyrdom order of warrior saints. "Brave." Sahibzada Fateh Singh Martyrdom Initiation Fateh was martyred at the age of six (1699–1705) on Sirhind Fatehghar, December 12, 1705 Jujhar Singh was martyred at the age Zorawar was given the name Singh at CE, the 13th day of the month of Poh, SV of 14, on December 7, 1705 CE at the age of five and was initiated along Birth year 1762. Fateh Singh and his brother Chamkaur where he earned the with his family members Anandpur Born on Wednesday, February 25, 1699 survived being bricked up alive, but then reputation of being likened to a Sahib in the first Amritsanchar CE, the 11th day of the month Phagan, the order was given for them to be crocodile for his fierceness in battle, ceremony held on Vaisakhi Day,April 13, SV year 1755, the youngest son of Guru beheaded. Their grandmother Mata when he volunteered to leave the 1699. Gobind Rai was born to the guru's first Gujri died of shock in the prison tower. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 40 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

BEST BOLLYWOOD ACTORS OF 2019

President Ram Nath Kovind presents the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2018 to veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. s 2019 is all set to draw its curtains, it is that time of the year again — to honour Asome of the best in the business. This year’s listicle of best actors includes some new players and a few oldies. The list is made in mind keeping not only the performance of the artiste but also how it helped draw in a large audience to theaters without compromising (too much) on other departments of cinema. Ayushmann Khurrana Ayushmann Khurrana is the new poster boy for well-made commercial cinema. In fact, he has been living up to the tag for quite a while now. In 2019, he overworked himself by starring in back- to-back films — Article 15, Dream Girl and Bala. But hey, all that hard work paid off as the actor delivered box office hits one after the other. His films belong to that rare breed of cinema which ticks both boxes — commercial viability and critical appreciation. emerging star of the industry, Vicky Kaushal’s Ranveer Singh name be left behind? Kaushal was convincing as After delivering hits in 2018 (Padmaavat and the army man who was willing to go to any Simmba), Ranveer transformed himself once length to safeguard his country. He not only again for the silver screen – this time as the looked the part but conveyed the difficulties and aspiring and less-privileged rapper Murad complications of his job quite well. Ahmed. And boy did Ranveer nail the multi- layered Murad. And this statement becomes Amitabh Bachchan even more astounding when one recalls that only Over multiple decades, Amitabh Bachchan has two months prior to the release of Gully Boy, we proved to the audience that he not only can act had seen the actor donning the khaki as the but can command the screen and your attention brawny Simmba. at will, almost like a magician. It goes without Manoj Bajpayee saying that he is a fine actor and an even bigger Vicky Kaushal star, and what happens often with big stars is Manoj is one of those rare, special actors who While I had some problems with a few of the that they end up swallowing the whole space. But can show a lot of his character without actually dialogues and the overzealous tone of Aditya Big B managed to contain himself in the Sujoy physically doing much. And in Abhishek Dhar directorial Uri, it would be wrong not to Ghosh directorial Badla — a revenge thriller Chaubey’s dacoit drama Sonchiriya, he does the admit that it was a well-packaged movie, with based on the Spanish original, The Invisible same. Manoj as the ‘daaku’ Maan Singh is excellent cinematography, a great background Guest. And I mean that in the best possible way. quietly powerful, as well as graceful and humane score and some moving performances. And when He gave space to his co-star Taapsee Pannu in a — the two adjectives we don’t often associate we talk about acting chops, how can the new predictable plot. with dacoits. As usual, a job well done. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 41

TIKTOK, LIKEE, WHATSAPP: THE APPS THAT CREATED A BUZZ IN 2019 s 2019 comes to an end, it is whopping 2.5 lac videos with over photos will turn out with less blur clear that the world order of 225.3 million total views and was with Spectre Camera. Asocial media has changed created during Likee’s ‘No matter drastically. Facebook knows it is where I am, #IAMINDIAN’ Facebook perhaps no longer the dominant campaign to celebrate India’s 73rd Facebook was arguably among force it used to be, with apps like Independence Day. The app won the TikTok and Likee rising fast in award in partnership with Indian crucial markets like India. In fact, Express. TikTok now has over a billion users globally and even Zuckerberg filter, though the app was originally Ablo acknowledged that the app was launched back in 2017. Suddenly, bigger than Instagram in a market Instagram and Twitter were filled like India. WhatsApp found itself in with people and celebrities posting focus in 2019 thanks to the Pegasus pictures of what they would look spyware controversy. And then like when old. But there were there were apps like FaceApp, privacy concerns with how the most talked apps on 2019, which went viral because of the ‘old FaceApp was using all of this image though mainly for its privacy issues age’ filter, though their privacy data. and the spread of fake news. The policy also came under scanner. We The app’s terms and services app remains the most downloaded take a look at the apps that created a triggered privacy concerns after Ablo has been picked by Google in the decade with 2 billion plus buzz in 2019: fears that data of users was sent to as the best app of 2019 for its Play users, but its popularity faded Russian servers and that the app Best of 2019 awards. The chat app slightly after a series of data leaks TikTok could access the entire photo makes it easier to connect to people revelations and concerns regarding library on a user’s phone, both of abroad with real-time chats and private data of its users. which was denied by the company. video calls translation, thanks to Privacy was the buzzword at built-in translator. So Ablo helps to Facebook’s F8 annual developer Likee remove the language barrier so that conference 2019 where the company people across the world can connect said it will redesign its products to with anyone they wish to, no matter focus on privacy.Later in the year, it the language. came up with a redesigned logo, which it has placed across all of its Video Editor – Glitch products including WhatsApp and For TikTok, 2019 has been a big Video Effects Instagram. year and it does not look like the popularity of the service will fade Photo editing apps are hugely Rise of Telegram, Signal anytime soon. TikTok was the popular but Video Editor – Glitch after WhatsApp Pegasus seventh most downloaded app of Video Effects, which is the winner spyware attack the decade, according to App Annie. of Google’s Users’ Choice 2019, Of course Facebook tried to acquire Likee is an app similar to TikTok takes a different approach with the app, but unfortunately the plans that lets users create short videos. what it calls glitch video effects. didn’t materialise. Facebook CEO Likee was declared the number one The idea is to “distort video in an Mark Zuckerberg even has a secret “breakout” app by App Annie in artistic way” and make them look TikTok account, reported 2019. The new category of like they have been made way back BuzzFeed. For those unaware, “breakout” apps by App Annie in time and thus, the glitch effect. TikTok allows its users to share included apps that saw the largest short videos, and rivals Facebook’s absolute growth in downloads or Spectre Camera Instagram. consumer spending between 2018 But Tik Tok’s list of and 2019 and Likee was the most controversies is also long as it was downloaded non-game apps WhatsApp suffered in what can banned in India, which is one of its worldwide. be called as one of the biggest biggest markets, for a short while According to Sensor Tower data, spyware attacks, which was used to with Madras High Court citing the app from Singapore BIGO spy on users in 20 countries, reasons that it encouraged Technology has over 100 million including journalists and human pornography and posed a threat to installs on Google Play Store. Likee rights activists in India. Following children. Among other troubles is among the most popular short the Pegasus attack, users quickly that it faced was a fine of $5.7 video creating apps in India as well turned to alternatives like million by FTC for illegally with accounts of Bollywood Telegram and Signal, which also collecting data from children under celebrities like Disha Patani and Spectre Camera by Lux Optics offer end-to-end encryption like the age of 13, banning LGBTQ Sonakshi Sinha on the platform. was Apple’s iPhone App of the Year. WhatsApp. Data from Sensor Tower content in countries such as Turkey. Likee was also talked about for The AI-powered app lets users shoot revealed an 80 per cent decline in Still TikTok remains one of the winning the Guinness World long-exposure photos without the number of downloads of most talked about apps for 2019. Record for the ‘Largest online video needing additional camera WhatsApp in the week after the album of people waving the Indian equipment. So, while trying to attack came to light, while Signal FaceApp flag’ in which more than 1 lakh shoot a moving object like for and Telegram reported up to 63 per The FaceApp went viral in July of Indians participated including instance moving traffic or cent rise in downloads in India (via 2019, thanks to its AI-driven old age athlete Hima Das. The album had a waterfall, there’s a good chance the Business Standard). THE INDIAN PANORAMA 42 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

TOP 5 DEADLIEST DISASTERS AROUND GLOBE IN 2019

iolent changes in the atmosphere June 2019: 90 Dead From Heat Wave associated with extreme weather Vphenomena caused some of the deadliest Another heat wave in Asia, this time in India, disasters this year. In 2019, several killed 90 people in the summer of 2019. meteorological disasters affected the planet, Temperatures topped 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 from historical cities experiencing record flood degrees Celsius) in the northern part of the levels to earthquakes and hurricanes leaving country,reaching very close levels to the all-time countless people without shelter. record established in 2016 of 123.8 degrees In the United States alone, by early October 10 Fahrenheit (51 degrees Celsius) in the western weather and climate disaster events in 2019, state of Rajasthan. including storms, cyclones and flooding, had each led to losses exceeding $1 billion. According July 2019: Japan Heat to the International Disaster Database, put Wave Kills More than 160 together by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters in Belgium, the worst A heat wave in Japan killed 162 people, meteorological events have been storms and heat according to the IDD. Hundreds ended up in waves, with hundreds of people losing their lives hospitals due to sizzling temperatures that in floods or due to sizzling temperatures. Here soared above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees are the top five deadliest meteorological Celsius) in the city of Kumagaya in Saitama, disasters in 2019. outside Tokyo. The heat wave was classified as a October 2019: More than “natural disaster” in Japan. August 2019: Typhoon 80 Dead in Japan From Hagibis Lekima Kills 72 in China March 2019: Cyclone Idai Claims Typhoon Hagibis killed at least 86 people in More than 900 Lives in Africa China experienced a deadly tropical typhoon Japan. Several parts of the country were put in August that killed 72 people. Lekima swept under the most severe weather warning when Tropical Cyclone Idai hit southeastern Africa through several provinces, causing severe floods Hagibis made landfall. Hundreds of thousands of in what is now considered the deadliest storm and major damage to roads and bridges. Many people were placed under an evacuation order ever to occur in the Southern Hemisphere. people went missing and a natural dam while millions more were strongly advised to According to the International Disaster collapsed. Lekima prompted the Chinese evacuate. Due to severe weather conditions, the Database, Idai killed 602 people in Mozambique government to issue a “red typhoon alert,” the parade celebrating the ascension of Japan's and 299 in Zimbabwe. It destroyed almost 90% of highest alert that Beijing issues for such natural Emperor Naruhito was postponed until Mozambique’s second-largest port, Beira. disasters. November. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW 2019 43

CONTROVERSIES THAT ROCKED CRICKET IN 2019 ontroversies revolved around Indian Former Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was cricketers right from the start of 2019. handed a four-match suspension by ICC for CHardik Pandya and KL Rahul faced heavy breaching the Anti-Racism Code for criticism for their sexist remarks on popular Participants. During the second ODI against talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’. The year also saw South Africa in Durban, the wicketkeeper- former India skipper MS Dhoni failing to batsman passed a racist remark against his control his emotions as he stepped on the pitch South African counterpart Andile to intervene during an IPL match. Phehlukwayo. The ODI World Cup also saw some cricketers The Pakistani cricketer later apologised. The get embroiled in some controversies. Pakistan Cricket Board too expressed regret Let us have a look at five of the biggest over the alleged racist remarks made by the controversies that surrounded the cricket pitch captain. in 2019: ‘Captain Cool’ loses his cool Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul landing in hot coffee

count rule. The two teams were tied on 241 runs at the end of the match, which led to the Super Overs. However, both the teams failed to edge out each other as the Super Over ended with both sides scoring 15 runs each. However, England went on to win the contest, as they had hit 26 boundaries, against New Zealand’s 17. The boundary count rule was later scrapped by ICC in October earlier this year.

The bromance between Hardik Pandya and Doping halts Prithvi Shaw KL Rahul landed the duo into trouble when the Prithvi Shaw was suspended from taking part cricketers appeared on TV series Koffee with in cricketing activities for eight months when Karan hosted by Bollywood director Karan the then 19-year-old was tested positive for a Johar. The duo faced criticism for objectifying Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni was doping violation. According to a BCCI release, women, as the duo recollected incidents of fined 50 per cent of his match fees for stepping the 19-year-old Indian batsman had sending flirtatious texts to multiple women. on to the field midway during their thrilling “inadvertently ingested a prohibited substance, The two cricketers were immediately last-ball finish against Rajasthan Royals in the which can be commonly found in cough syrups. suspended from the tour of Australia and later last edition of IPL. Shaw admitted that the suspension had in April, a hefty fine of 20 lakhs each was With the equation getting tighter for CSK and “shaken him” and the Mumbai opener vowed to imposed on them. Both the cricketers also three deliveries remaining in the contest, Dhoni come out stronger from the setback. issued apologies for their comments. was seen losing his usual composure. The Since returning to the sport, Shaw has been in episode began when umpire Ulhas Gandhe sublime touch as he notched up a double ton in Sarfraz Ahmed’s racist slur ruled out a clear waist-high no-ball to Santner Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy-opener against Baroda. after trying to raise his arm. He also slammed three half-centuries for This provoked a furious Dhoni to enter the Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. ground and argue animatedly with Gandhe He scored 63, 30, 64, 30, and 53 respectively on before leg umpire Bruce Oxenford calmed him the five occasions. down and sent him back to the dugout. World Cup snatched from Kiwis

The Eoin Morgan-led England unit lifted their maiden ICC World Cup trophy after securing a hard fought victory against New Zealand, which was decided on the superior boundary count. Despite both the teams being on level terms after the regular 50 overs as well as after the Super Over, the hosts were deemed as winners, sparking a worldwide debate over the boundary Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, consultations. He can be reached at Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( [email protected] and on phone New York and Texas). Bejan's predictionshave mostly been correct and 011-91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com

Aries: Leo: Sagittarius: Ganesha says you are now on the receiving end, The love of mankind now homes in on your You have had it good for some time now. You where finances are concerned. There will be immediate environment. Friends, acquaintances, realize and appreciate this but there is also a additional income from new sources, additional colleagues find you gentle, kindly, caring. You feel totally different kind of realization. It is a fact benefits, raises, joint-financing and capital will get love for your fellow man and also the emotional of life that worries, debts, tensions, poverty are organized smoothly. Surprisingly, though, it is bonding of true love. It may be a wedding / enemies to true spiritual progress and also to your home and family, and your own perception of ceremony that triggers off this feeling - your own material progress. Therefore, to hold on to what your duty to them, that will be of primary or someone dear to you. You enjoy nothing more you have attained, money issues have to be dealt importance to you. This will extend to your than the pleasures of home, surrounded by your with. Loans, funds, trade and export, raising attitude to the community to society, to the entire loved ones and family in an atmosphere of finances / capital are the activities you will world order. domestic bliss. embark on now. Taurus: Virgo: Capricorn: Travel and short trips, for pleasure and profit, The theme of self - improvement of the last Luck and fulfilment are yours now, in terms of are almost certain to happen now. They will be period takes on a new twist in this period. The successful completion of ventures, long - geared to your own growth as an individual - trend will now be to strive to realize your true delayed projects, pending matters. Not so lucky spiritually, intellectually and emotionally, too. potential in your career / profession / vocation. for new start - ups right now. There is cyclic What you are seeking now is enlightenment, study You want your work to be a reflection of yourself, rhythm to the universe and to astrology that tours, sabbaticals could be the reason for your an expression of your values, not just a job / line of governs us. Right now, fulfilment, pleasure, travel. Therefore, you're moving, growing, work where you earn a living. Ganesha is kind - satisfaction, food and fun, good times, emerging from the chrysalis, to a multi - hued new kind, openings, projects now come to a stage hospitality and socializing are the butterfly that's beautiful to be bold! Ganesha has to where you can give of your best, and earn true manifestations of Ganesha's favor. have the last word of course - it's a periodic trend. acclaim and recognition in this world. Aquarius: Gemini: Libra: What you had visualized for yourself in terms Your concern for humanity, for the needy, Your own sign brings zest, energy, the power - of success, assets, acclaim come to you in a disadvantaged and weak, is directly linked to the thrust that can send you soaring skywards, truly spectacular burst. Specially favored is the theme of growth of the last period. In fact, one heavenwards. A burnished public persona and money angle, leading to acquisitions and assets grows out of the other. And both make you feel image, greater status, popularity, credit, in the house. There would be a different kind of that you're finally moving in the right direction - spectacular professional success come to you in a asset / add - on, too, in terms of a new addition the way you've been groping around to find for burst of glory. You know instinctively and or arrival in the family. It could also be some time now. You can also pursue esoteric and intuitively how to say and do the right thing, how intangible - greater unity, closeness, warmth. mysterious spiritual / religious practices, hidden to handle people, above all how to handle You have just the right knack, the clever ideas to knowledge, secret rituals, with the same aim. relationships. You're focused, determine and still, make it all come together. Cancer: very very caring. Pisces: Scorpio: Research, higher study, the pursuit of true Let me keep this short. The money will be knowledge and wisdom will all be important, and Despite your tremendous growth, and the power, spectacular and your popularity and credit very satisfying, too. It's still part of the theme of prestige, success you have tasted, you have likewise. Acquisitions, assets, jewels, objects spiritual / intellectual growth and movement. By foresworn the sins of pride, self-will, self-conceit. d'art, luxuries and also greater warmth, love, movement I would say, is meant moving perhaps to You are grateful for all the gains you have made pleasure. New births, new bonds, new ties could a different plane of consciousness altogether. The and now want to dig in, entrench yourself very be a different kind of gain / acquisition. The self - realization you sought could easily firmly and securely, root yourself in Ganesha, and truly wonderful part is that it's all richly transmute into realization and awareness of the in joy. Home and family are made more empathetic, deserved, and the fruit of your own hard and Higher Self, the Supreme Being. your relationships made stronger and closer. sincere work. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 HOROSCOPE 45

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, consultations. He can be reached at Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( [email protected] and on phone New York and Texas). Bejan's predictionshave mostly been correct and 011-91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. Latest correct prediction: Modi's historic victory Weekly Horoscope January 6 - January 12, 2020 ARIES: Ganesha says you are in expansion LEO: The focus is on people now. Your relation SAGITTARIUS: You are looking for mode and there are many expenses as you buy and to and interactions with others will be of great quality and real value to understand yourself sell furiously. This is a very good period and you significance. The emphasis is on social service, in relation to others as you want to tune in to plough away with serious, single-minded work, performance, your relationship with your the real you. This is a time when you attract determination. The emphasis is on property,land, boss, colleagues and subordinates and on only those people who help you expand your realty, construction and joint investments. There extending a helping hand to those who need it. awareness. So, there will be many interesting will be solid gains, acquisitions, assets. This is a You are preoccupied with kin, neighbours, near counters for you to savour and learn from. lucky phase, and everything will fall easily on and dear ones, as well as your own immediate This, of course, doesn't in any way mean that your lap. family. all your relationships will be strictly TAURUS: The right choices will come easy to VIRGO: Loans and fiscal investments will personal. you, and inspired moves will be the result. You work out in your favour and you may now find CAPRICORN: This is a good time for make progress without difficulty. There could be yourself more comfortable financially than in collaborations and new projects. Your travel and many new agreements to be inked. You the recent past. There is progress but replace negotiations are more solid, you know your think big and plan big and earn big. There could egoism with balance. Please exert some control real needs can appreciate the other person's also be beautiful moments with loved ones. over hasty, belligerent reactions. Ganesha requirements better, and whatever you decide Ganesha blesses you. You are in the throes of blesses you as you go about setting your house in on can be mutually profitable. There is passion. There will be many new relationships order. You will be meeting people from all walks creativity and discipline as you embark on and if you are committed to one partner there will of life and there will be many new relationships new vistas at work and play. be several engrossing and beautiful moments that formed. AQUARIUS: You may even examine will be cherished for a long time to come. LIBRA: This is an excellent time to achieve difficult and exacting techniques as long as GEMINI: The focus now is on partnerships of real stability in your relationships. There will be they are practical or useful; the bottom-line all kinds. You will feel the need to re-evaluate your harmony as your personal needs will not conflict is that you are sincerely looking for attitudes and perceptions so that you can do with the demands of the relationships. You know solutions. Ganesha is with you all the way. justice not only to your own hopes / aspirations who you are and what others need from you. You will be meeting different people as the but also to other people's expectations of you. You Your vision is clear, you know what you want and trend has already begun and various aspects could feel a bit stretched with the various what to expect from others, and you are not likely of your life will be transformed. You will demands on you. There could be some domestic to enter a relationship under the spell of travel and may even settle down in a foreign problems too. romantic illusions. land. CANCER: Children, especially teenagers, could SCORPIO: There will be romance if you are so PISCES: You could meet up with someone be very troublesome and you may have a tough inclined and through it you will understand from a totally different culture and get time disciplining them. There could be other yourself more clearly. When you understand hitched or you could simply get a promotion problems too with the spouse or partner, your emotions and drives, you get to know or take up a new job on another continent. depending on your personal horoscope. There yourself much better. All relationships now will Try to go with the flow, says Ganesha as there could also be illness in the family and elders may provide a window to your soul. Ganesha is with will be many disruptions and you will try to need to be hospitalised. Ganesha wishes you good you. You are a on weeding out and pruning resist them in the beginning. It will be much luck while you grapple with whatever is thrown at process and busy getting rid of all associations later that you will understand the true you. that were in appropriate or didn't quite fit in. import of all the changes.

Birthday Horoscope January 6 - January 12, 2020

JAN 6: Ganesha says you'll be drawn to social of angles. Power struggles, resistance, or after every intrusion there's reason and, by late activities or involved with a friend, but things secrets bought, sold, and supposed to be tonight, warm unity and affection again. may feel more unstable than steady. If at an confidential may make today seem like a bad JAN 11: If there are financial affairs to attend to occasion, a little sugar goes a lot longer than spy novel. - a banking matter, paying bills, paperwork - anything harsher. JAN 9: If something bitter arises in the keep a sharp eye on the details. Later, someone JAN 7: Things go wrong with work relations or morning, possibly regarding work, health, or at home gladly lends a helping hand if needed. with siblings or neighbours, like bad blood commitments, it could take another sudden, JAN 12: There may be a sudden decision or rising. Fortunately, someone from the family startling turn. Methods and moods are announcement today that shakes things up or has a fair, judicious idea or assessments that unreliable and erratic. brings a change. It could involve a home-work can restore harmony. JAN 10: The Moon is in your emotional sign, situation where what gets said impacts the JAN 8: Things can go wrong from any number giving you rising tides of feeling; but trust that other area. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 46 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 CLASSIFIEDS 47

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CONTD FROM PAGE 3 The long-pending expansion of the MVA government West Virginia adopted home state of Dr. Raju, he was Trump Assailed for Sharing took place with the surprise inclusion of Aaditya awarded the Lions Club International, Jarrett Award Thackeray, first-time MLA from Worli and grandson of and the WVU International Service Award in 1995. Tweet Naming Whistleblower Sena patriarch Balsaheb Thackeray. He is the first Morgantown Rotary International presented Dr. Raju who described himself as a "100% Trump member of his family to have jumped into active with an award for community service in 2000. He also supporter", the BBC reported. electoral politics in this Assembly polls. received the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement The retweet was later removed from the President's The Sena inducted 12 Ministers (eight Cabinet and Award from WVU in 2008. Twitter timeline but could still be found via a direct four MoS), while the NCP took 13 Ministers, with nine National link. In response to his retweet on Saturday, attorney Cabinet and four MoS. The Congress has 10 Ministers Stephen Kohn, an expert in whistleblower protection (eight Cabinet and two MoS). The Cabinet can have 43 The American Academy of Ophthalmology has laws, told the Washington Post that the President was ministerial berths, including a Chief Minister, since awarded Dr. Raju 4 times for his teaching and research violating his duty to safeguard whistleblowers. the size of the Council of Ministers should be 15% of contributions, including the Outstanding "The paradox is that it was the president's duty to the strength of the Assembly, which has 288 members. Humanitarian Award in 2002. Dr. Raju received this protect this person," the BBC quoted Kohn as saying to Other senior leaders who took the oath included honor because of the more than 1 million dollars of his the Post. "It's inconceivable that he not only doesn't do former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan; former Cabinet own money that went into building hospitals in India, it but violates it." Michael German, who left the FBI Ministers and NCP's Dilip Walse Patil, Rajesh Tope and teaching, and providing services to needy patients. At after reporting allegations of mismanagement, said it Nawab Mailk; and Congress's Varsha Gaikwad and the same meeting in which Dr. Raju was presented was "completely inappropriate for the President of the Satej Patil. with this award, he also received a Lifetime US to be engaged in any type of behavior that could The Uddhav Thackeray Cabinet now has four Achievement Award from The Association of Asian harm a whistleblower". Muslim Ministers, including, Mr. Malik, Hasan Indians in Ophthalmology. That same year, Dr. Raju In August, the whistleblower filed a report Mushrif, Aslam Sheikh and Abdul Sattar. The gender received the Free to Achieve Award from the Maryland expressing concern over a phone call on July 25 in representation remained inadequate with just three chapter of the American Association of Physicians of which Trump asked his Ukrainian counterpart women Ministers taking oath and skewed regional Indian Origin for his philanthropy. The AAPI also Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Joe Biden, former representation too had upset many. awarded Dr. Raju with their prestigious Distinguished Vice President and a Democratic front-runner for the The swearing-in at the Vidhan Bhavan in South Community Service Award in 2007 for his service, 2020 US presidential election. Mumbai was not without any drama: Governor patient care, teaching, research, and professional and The whistleblower's report ultimately led to an Koshyari protested to Mr. Sharad Pawar and senior community involvement. In 2011, he received a Senior inquiry in the Democrat-controlled House of Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge about the Achievement Award from the AAO. He has received Representatives which culminated in Trump's deviation from oath by as many as three ministers of awards from Lions International and Rotary impeachment on December 18 on charges of abuse of their parties. When K.C. Padavi, a six-term Congress International. For his humanitarian work, the power and obstruction of Congress, making him the MLA from the Akkalkuwa-Akrani constituency American Medical Association Foundation third President in US history to be impeached. started profusely thanking the voters for making him a acknowledged him with the prestigious Dr. Nathan Trump now faces a trial in the Republican-controlled Minister, the Governor started refused to administer Davis International Award for Excellence in Medicine Senate, which is expected to acquit him along party the oath until the Minister repeated it again with in 2013. For the past 2 years, Dr. Raju has expanded his lines. (Source: IANS) corrections. Mr. Koshyari then gestured to Mr. Pawar humanitarian efforts in African countries by joining and told Mr. Padavi, "This is no way to take the oath, the Carter Center Ambassador Program. President Five Kashmiri political please ask seniors here like Mr. Sharad Pawar and Mr. Barack Obama presented Dr. Raju with the 2016 leaders released after four Kharge, they will guide you." President Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2017, Dr. Senior Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raju was inducted into the University of Toledo Global months of detention Raut remained absent, reportedly upset over his Medical Missions Hall of Fame Class of 2017. He was The leaders included Ishfaq Jabbar and Ghulam brother Sunil Raut not being allotted a ministerial recently recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award Nabi Bhat (NC), Bashir Mir (Congress) and Zahoor Mir berth. by the North American Telugu Society in 2019. and Yasir Reshi (PDP), they said. Several allies of the Sena too were missing after the International Mr. Reshi is considered as a rebel PDP leader who party allotted berths to three independents. (With had openly revolted against then Chief Minister and inputs from Agencies) Dr. Raju received first international award in 1970, PDP patron Mehbooba Mufti. CONTD FROM PAGE 28 when he received 2 separate awards for service for the On November 25, two political leaders - Dilawar Mir blind by Lions, India and Jaycees, Vijayawada, India. of the PDP and Ghulam Hassan Mir of the Democratic A World Without Childhood He received several gold medals, including the AP, Party Nationalist - were released by the new Union Blindness is a India Gold Medal for Contributions to Advance Territory administration. Ophthalmology in 2001, the Dr. Hardia Gold Medal for Interestingly, senior leaders of the parties continue Possibility: Dr. VK Raju Best Paper on Refractive Surgery from the All Indian to be in detention. (Source: PTI) the Section Chief of the Ophthalmology Department Ophthalmology Society in 2002, Gold Medal from the at Monongalia General Hospital, runs a private President at the All Indian Ophthalmology Society Ajit Pawar returns as practice at the Monongalia Eye Clinic, and is the Meeting in Cochin in 2012, the Rameshwar Sharma, Deputy Chief Minister in Founder and Medical Director of the EFA, a registered MD Gold Medal Oration from the Indian Academy of non-profit organization. Medical Sciences, Rajasthan Chapter, in 2012, the Cabinet expansion Dr. Raju began the work of the EFA in 1977 by Gold Medal Oration at the Vijayawada Academy of Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered the offering eye camps. The West Virginia Ophthalmology Ophthalmology in 2014, and the Gold Medal Award oath of office to 25 Cabinet Ministers and 10 Ministers Foundation was subsequently created in 1982 and from the International Academy for Advances in of State (MoS) along with the 60-year-old Mr. Pawar, became the EFA in 1992. The realization of vision Dr. Ophthalmology, Bombay Ophthalmologists who was earlier dubbed a proverbial 'trojan horse' for Raju, the EFA, has a reach that currently extends to 30 Association, in 2014. He received the Vaidya Ratna in crossing over to the BJP side and effecting an plus developing countries and the USA. The EFA has 2002, as well as an achievement award from the House overnight coup that barely lasted 80 hours. In a served approximately 3 million patients and performed of Lords, London, and the Mahatma Gandhi dramatic turn of events, Mr. Pawar handed over his 300,000 plus vision-saving surgeries, with 30,000 plus PravasiSamman Award for Achievement in Medicine resignation to then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, surgeries performed on children alone. in 2014. He was also recognized as one of the Leading resulting in the fall of the BJP-led government on Awards/Recognition Received Physicians of the World by the International November 26, 2019. Mr. Pawar, a nephew of NCP Association of Ophthalmologists in 2014. Dr. Raju was supremo Sharad Pawar, had been inducted as Deputy State an invited guest of honor at GITAM University and Chief Minister in November 2010, October 2012 and Dr. Raju has received many honors and awards, the All Indian Ophthalmology Society Meeting in November 2019. including 26 distinguished awards and 17 gold medals. 2012.

THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh Bureau Chief Phone: 972-330-3139 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja Vaaho Photographers LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma www.theindianpanorama.news ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om Parkash Malik DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh The Indian Panorama DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION: Gauri Beri CORRESPONDENTS : P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, DISCLAIMER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla Tel: 646-247-9458 The Indian Panorama assumes no responsibility for the Baldev Singh / BJ Videos NEW YORK : Chitagam Email: [email protected] claims made in advertisements. We only sell space. Views published in the newspaper are those of the authors and do Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh DALLAS EDITION not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. All rights Jay Mandal, DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon P.O. BOX 121695, ARLINGTON, TX 76012 are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without Mohammad Jaffer/ SnapsIndia OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Lovllien Kaurr, VP & Bureau Chief permission in writing from The Indian Panorama is prohibited. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 SIKH HISTORY 51 ‘Sikh history of the month of December - Lest we forget’ In this running reference, It may be disheartening & very sad to know that national status of Anglo-Sikh war monuments; being no more of national importance was withdrawn actually in By Kulbir Singh Sidhu our Independent India Vide Notification- 1962; with the logic & reasons best known to the then decision makers. Anyway, I e have one of the Richest could only have the copies of earlier Legacies in respect of our notification of 1918 and De-notification W Heritage, History & Culture. of year 1962. But I could never reach out Our Guru sahiban, Supreme Martyrs & the hidden wisdom or truth on the deep- Great Patriots have left Unique dumped papers. Traditions of Selfless Service & Supreme It is pertinent here to mention that by Sacrifice for the sake of humanity. Our the official patronage of then Chief Gurus, Saints & Scholars have Minister-Capt. Amarinder Singh, I could enunciated excellent Covenants, high invite & host a very high-powered Ideals & noble Principles. Likewise, our Central team from deptts. of Cultural great ancestors & soldiers have set the affairs, National Archives & National exemplary ways to serve the mankind. Museum under the supervision of But it is a sad story that we have not been Secretary General Sh. K. K. Chakravorty. able to imbibe & follow their Philosophy The Team visited &surveyed all the sites & teachings as a nation. Consequently, with relevant records to further we seem to have lost the fine instincts & recommend in principle the status of great virtues taught by our noble "National Monuments" to these forefathers. Rather we have developed, historical sites in September 2006. unfortunately the insensitivities apropos This "Pilgrim's Progress" however the legacy of Bravery and supreme ended for me at least with my retirement sacrifices. We have apparently put our on 31 Aug 2006. sense & Sensibility in hibernation to But in spite of the genuine handicap of elude the high spirits, will power & retired life, I did try to continue for passion to pursue the traditions of couple of months to follow & keep up the customary courage & Bravery of our track of my passionate endeavor with illustrious Saint- Soldiers like Baba the next govt., under S. Parkash Singh Banda Singh Bahader & Baba Dip Singh Badal but all in vain. ji. Finally, on seeing & believing that Due to our time old slavery, we "Love's labor's lost"; I tried to be at peace developed a mentality with the with myself by agreeing with the perversions like deceit, hypocrisy & practical wisdom of Ustad Saqib sycophancy. Further ungratefulness & Lakhnavi; "Zamana barhey shauq se sun an element of ignorance in our raha tha; hamee-ñ so ga.e dastañ kahte" Character has taken us to the dismal Ultimately, I realised, that in our level where we stopped well neigh to see system of governmental functioning, & recognize the footprints left by our more often, the files with the abstract National Heroes & Sons of the Soil on the Singh besides Beloved Soldiers & again In continuity with the same Ethos; issues of heritage & culture are branded sands of time. on 27th Dec. Sahibzada Zorawar Singh & another Soulful stance may be cited here obsolete & irrelevant and swept long This whole Sad scenario may find its Fateh Singh laid down their lives to relating to our history of "The last under the carpet with cryptic "Seen & elaboration in the history of Punjab present the most Unique gift to Guru- sunset of first & last Sikh empire". File "observation. itself. Where the two most significant Pita's mission of bestowing upon honor, It was in the year 2005-06 that I Anyhow, now a million-dollar question but tragic events took place more Dignity & Sovereignty to the ventured with a sense of national pride remains there as to who the "Fortunate particularly in second fortnight of the Downtrodden. as a Commissioner at Ferozepur to get One "will dig & do the dusting of such month of December though after 140 Thus, a grand journey which started back the Status of "National important files pertaining to the Bravery years from each other. with Baba Nanak's Kalm/Pen writing Monuments" to the battle fields of & Sacrifices of our ancestral One is wonderstruck to mark the Babar-Bani against tyranny was Mudki, Ferushehar, Aliwal & Sabhraon, generations. It is to be further seen that irony of Time & History that the first completed by the (Talwar) Sword of those being the war theatres of first in official hierarchy who will come up event occurred as the completion of Guru Gobind Singh. Anglo-Sikh war fought in Dec/Jan 1845- with the instinctive aptitude besides Sarbans- Daan by Dasmesh-Pita Guru In this connection at this point of time, 1846. required will & skill to pursue this case Gobind Singh between 20th to 27th we must hear the voice of our conscience In the meanwhile, I thought of to the logical end. December in 1705; whereas the Second & accordingly Confess of our including the Memorials of our Bravest More precisely,again at the Competent event happened on 18th & 22nd ingratitude, indifference & Insensitivity of Brave Soldiers of Saragarhi, Martyrs level in the Govt. who would have the December in 1845 with the beginning of towards our Supreme Martyrs. More & Patriots to pay an humble homage. Courage of Conviction & more two battles at Mudki & Ferushehar of especially when we almost go berserk in Therefore, with all the reverence & importantly "Time". to take appropriate the first Anglo-Sikh war. a mood of Festivities during this most gratitude the following Samaraks were decision with regard to the national Therefore, December is a month of Tragic Period of our history. also inducted to be declared as national pride & glory.Unfortunately, in our Vote- most sanguine and ever unheard of Of Course, Christmas celebrations monuments. These were the Shaheedi - Raj, it seems all the more horrendous "Sarbans-Daan" in the world history and also chronologically come in these days Samaraks like the SaragarhiGurdwara, because of the fact that also of unparalleled bravery and which, admittedly, relate to the epoch- Shaheed- E -Azam S. Bhagat Singh, "Shaheeda-n diya-n ta vota-n hi sacrifices of thousands of unsung maker Yug-PurakhJesus- Massiah ie The Rajguru & Sukhdev Memorial at nahi hundia-n" heroes like S. Sham Singh Attariwala Savior of mankind. Hussainiwala; Shelter Place of S. who attained Martyrdom on 10 Feb;1846. But at the same time forgetting about Bhagat Singh and his comrades in FZR Will any Govt. or Organization or else In the context of significance of the Supreme Sacrifices of our Own city. we as a nation ever offer an explanation December in our history, we must not "Massiahs" in a total Festive Mood & And also, RAILWAY LINE going to in view of the Soulful query that Why ever forget that when the Battle of Bonhomie can never be justified. KASUR especially the Bridge at our self-sacrificing Supreme Martyrs, Chamkor was fought on 22 Dec 1705, it Rather during these particular days, Hussainiwala which Stands as Great Patriots & Teeming Soldiers happened to be the 39th Birthday of Siri the wayward "Glassy" Indulgence & anEyewitness to the Bravery of our sacrificed themselves for the ungrateful Guru Gobind Singh ji. Fanfare with an attitude of "Begaani Officers like Major SPS WARRAICH & people? Perhaps only God knows!! It is pertinent here to mention that on Shaadi meinAbdulla Diwana" on the Capt. KJS SANDHU & ORS & Jawans of (The author is a retired IAS officer. this day Sahibzada Ajit Singh & Jujhar Punjab Soil is most regretful. 1965 & 1971 wars. He can be reached at 9814032009 ) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 52 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 TRAVEL 53

h the charm of the French world meeting the sea life - how can one Onot fall for something so surreal yet so real? The quietude of the alleys and the bustling boulevards; the amalgamation of Tamil and French cuisines and architecture; and the jaunty THINGS TO DO IN crowd, all make Pondicherry a compelling place to visit in India. The Union Territory of Pondicherry blessed with picturesque coastline is indeed a destination for beach lovers where they can enjoy multiple water activities. The PUDUCHERRY colonial architecture compliments the beach life whereas the far situated Auroville add another dimension to Pondicherry tourism. If there is one tourist destination in India that can cater to your need for a relaxing holiday, Pondicherry has to be it. Popular Tourist Attractions Sri Aurobindo Ashram In the eastern part of Pondicherry, there is located Sri Aurobindo Ashram - a place where peace and spirituality together help one to attain a balance of mind and soul. Located on Rue de la Marine, Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded in the year 1926 by Sri Aurobindo Ghosh - one of India’s renowned philosopher-poets. Besides Aurobindo, Mirra Alfassa - a Parisian mystic, musician and painter, was another instrumental part behind the establishment of Sri Aurobindo Ashram. She was also given the name ‘The Mother’. At the time of its inception, the Ashram just had two dozen of disciples, but with over the year, it has grown tremendously and today it has a large community with over 1500 disciples. At present, Sri Aurobindo Ashram is one of those tourist places in Pondicherry that are frequented by a large number of tourists every year. The spiritual principle of the Ashram represents a conglomerate of modern science and yoga. The influence of the Ashram can be witnesses most of the regions in Pondicherry. Promenade Beach centre of another tourist attraction in devadasi. As a result of his With a long stretch of shimmering Pondicherry, Bharathi Park, Aayi misconception, he even bowed down on Botanical Garden sand, beautiful trees, azure water and Mandapam is a historical construction his knees and folded his hands to pay his cosy ambiance, Promenade Beach in that was built by Louis Gurre in the year reverence. Some passers-by giggled; The gorgeous fountains, Japanese Pondicherry is an excellent location to 1854 for the gratefulness of an Indian however, one even asked the confused rocks, a large aquarium with beautiful plan a day-out trip with your friends and courtesan. However, there is an king that why he fell on his knees and fishes, a stunning children’s train and a family.The 1.5 km long beach is reckoned interesting legend behind the even paid respect before the house of a dancing fountain, the Botanical Garden to be one of the top tourist attractions in construction of this masterpiece which temple dancer - devadasi. The whole in Pondicherry is indeed a blissful place Pondicherry, mainly because of its tells that in the early 16th century, the incident mortified the king and as a for the travellers of all ages, especially surreal surrounding, exotic landscapes king of Vijayanagara Empire - result of that, he ordered to demolish her for kids. Founded by C.S. Perrottet in the and obviously the enthralling beach Krishnadevaraya once on his visit to house. Hearing that, devadasi Aayi year 1826, this oval-shaped Botanical activities. Here at Promenade, tourists Pondicherry came across a beautiful begged King for his mercy and even Garden is spread over 11 hectares of land can experience the best of this place building which he assumed it to be a assured to demolish it on her own and to and is reckoned to be one of the most through various activities like taking a temple, which was actually a house of a dig a pond in that place. frequented tourist destinations in leisure stroll around the seashore or a Pondicherry, mainly because of the relaxing session on the shore while exquisite floral species that compel admiring the sublime beauty of the tourists from far and wide. Initially, it surrounding. Having said that, the mind- was established with an aim to carry out boggling views of sunrise and sunset are the study on various cultivated plants. the major highlights of this popular From its inception, the place has tourist’s destination in Pondicherry.A lot undergone into the authority of many of tourists can be seen coming early in botanists. However, in 1954, the the morning at the beach to witness the responsibility of maintaining this exotic view of the sun coming out from garden was handed over to the the sea. Similarly, tourists also love to Department of Agriculture. Since then, it gaze upon the gorgeous sunset view. is serving as one of the top tourist Besides, here you can see kids playing attractions of Pondicherry. At present, with the sand or in the water and a the Botanical Garden has a rich number of people doing yoga, jogging collection of various species of trees and and walking. plants. The plantation at Botanical Aayi Mandapam and Bharathi Park Garden in Pondicherry consists of indigenous trees that include both One of the hidden treasures of deciduous and evergreen species. A Pondicherry that adds a unique charm in diverse collection of trees can be seen the city tourism is the beautiful white here with different flower colors, fruit pavilion having a fleur-de-lis like top production, height, leaf shedding and the which is esteemed as Aayi Mandapam or shape of crowns and periods of the Park Monument. Located right at the flowering. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 54 SPORTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020

Murray pulls out of Australian South Africa see off stubborn Open with pelvic injury England to claim 107-run victory in Centurion Test CENTURION (TIP): South Africa broke down stubborn England resistance to win the first Test of their World Test Championship series by 107 runs at SuperSport Park on Sunday. England needed 376 to win but despite some committed batting LONDON (TIP): Andy Murray has withdrawn were bowled out for 268 on the from next month’s Australian Open because of a fourth day of the five-day encounter. pelvic injury, the three-time Grand Slam champion’s An enthralling contest swung management team announced on Saturday. The South Africa’s way when left-arm former world No. 1, who has been making an spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled inspirational comeback after hip resurfacing Ben Stokes to halt a brief flurry of surgery, has decided not to travel to Melbourne after strokes as Stokes and captain Joe the injury he sustained at the end of the season failed Root tried to lift the scoring rate to improve as he had hoped. before the second new ball was due. Murray, who has been able to train on court this The new ball then had an week, will miss the January 20-February 2 Grand immediate impact with Kagiso Slam where he has been a five-time losing finalist and Rabada having Jonny Bairstow will also not play for Britain in the inaugural ATP caught at gully before Anrich Nortje Cup in Australia, starting on January 3. claimed the crucial wicket of Root, “Unfortunately, I’ve had a setback and as a who made a fighting 48 before he precaution need to work through that before was caught behind. competing,” Murray told BBC. “I’ve worked so hard It was the second time in the day to get myself into a situation where I can play at the Nortje claimed a wicket with the top level and I’m gutted I’m not going to be able to second ball of a new spell after he play.”His management team said in an email: “It was made the first breakthrough of the England added only 50 runs in 25 Philander’s bowling, adding only always going to be a tight turnaround, but the team day by dismissing top-scorer Rory overs while losing two wickets seven runs off 37 balls. The change took the decision not to rush back, so he’ll continue Burns for 84. during the morning. to Nortje brought an immediate hitting on court and building up fitness in January.” The remaining wickets fell Rory Burns took his overnight result for South Africa as Burns It was at last year’s Australian Open that Murray quickly, with Rabada finishing with score of 77 to 84 before mistiming a attempted to pull the fast bowler’s was left in tears at a news conference where he told four for 103 and fellow fast bowler pull against Nortje to be caught at second delivery and sent the ball reporters that he was in such pain from a chronic hip Anrich Nortje claiming three for 56. mid-on, while Joe Denly was leg looping to Rabada at mid-on. injury that it might be his last tournament. Maharaj, who broke England’s before wicket to Dwaine Pretorius Nortje made a second crucial Yet, amazingly,the 32-year-old had looked on course first wicket stand of 92 on Saturday for 31. breakthrough when South African to play in his first Grand Slam singles event since when he dismissed Dom Sibley,took Burns and Denly saw off the captain Faf du Plessis made an Melbourne after his recovery from a major hip two for 37. threat of Vernon Philander and inspired bowling change. surgery 11 months ago had seen him climb back to South Africa produced a Rabada but found scoring difficult. First innings destroyer Vernon No. 125 in the world. disciplined bowling performance, Philander conceded only one run Philander sent down three overs After returning to competitive singles play in making scoring difficult on a pitch in five overs. Rabada gave up 23 in with the second new ball but was August, he even won the European Open in Antwerp, which always offered something to six overs, which included two not making the batsmen play many beating his old rival Stan Wawrinka in the final to the bowlers with some sideways hooked sixes by Denly. deliveries, so Du Plessis called on secure his first triumph for more than two years. movement and uneven bounce. Burns, who faced most of Nortje with immediate success. Wisden announces T20I team of decade, Virat Kohli not captain, MS Dhoni misses out isden has announced the T20I crease with both bat and ball will be team of the decade and unlike extremely vital. David Willey will walk Wthe teams in the other format, in next and is perhaps the most this playing XI is far more diverse and penetrative bowler, especially up front finds representation from several other with the new nut in the powerplay overs. countries. There were 897 T20Is played And then there is the irresistible in the decade, in which there were Rashid Khan, who has been an absolute 249,578 scored and 11,293 wickets taken. star in this format and is a hot property For starters, Aaron Finch, who is all across the globe for being a match- Australia’s captain in the limited overs winner with his leggies. format, will open the batting and was The master Lasith Malinga and his also named the captain of this apprentice Jasprit Bumrah will be the particular side. His opening partner will two seamers in the squad and well, this be New Zealand’s Colin Munro, who has forms a superb team in this format. been brilliant for Kiwis in this Both Bumrah and Malinga have the particular role. ability to take wickets with the new ball Indian captain Virat Kohli, who has and then come back at the death to dominated this format, will walk out at wreak havoc. number 3 and will be followed by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson. Here is the team: The maverick Glenn Maxwell will be Aaron Finch (c), Colin Munro, Virat the number 5 in this team and will Kohli, Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, provide a lot of spunk with the ball as best white ball players to have ever come finisher in the side. Jos Buttler (wk), Mohammad Nabi, well as in the field. England’s wicket- out of the country, will don the wicket- Afghanistan legend Mohammad Nabi David Willey, Rashid Khan, Jasprit keeper Jos Buttler, who is perhaps the keeping gloves and will also be the will follow Buttler and his calm at the Bumrah, Lasith Malinga THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 55 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 56 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2020