# 1 Indian American Weekly: Since 2006

VOL 12 ISSUE 34 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 06 , 2018 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news NOT BY VIOLENCE, MY ‘Real hero’: Crowds brave Arizona SIKH BRETHREN By Prof. Indrajit S Saluja heat to honor John McCain ikhs in the US are belittling themselves by indulging in acts of violence against factions which do not agree with their PHOENIX, AZ (TIP): Hundreds of people Sideology. While there is freedom of expression in this country, there is also a restriction that the expression has to be paid their respects to US Senator John peaceful. Physical attacks are a felony and the US law McCain on Wednesday, standing for hours in enforcement is bound to proceed against the perpetrators of the broiling Arizona sun before filing past violence. the flag-draped casket that his tearful wife, It pains peaceful Sikhs in America (and elsewhere in the world, too) to find a faction of Sikhs supporting creation of Khalistan in Cindy, lovingly pressed her face against after India, making physical attacks on those Sikhs who do not a ceremony for the former North Vietnam subscribe to their ideology. Nobody questions their right to prisoner of war who represented Arizona for advertise and advocate their demand for a Khalistan in India, but all eyebrows will be raised when they commit violence against decades. those not supporting them, or rather opposing them. Former military members in shorts and T- The Sikh groups supporting Khalistan have of late taken to the shirts stopped and saluted the closed casket forbidden path of violence. flanked by National Guard members at the May be, they are frustrated that the mass of Sikhs abroad does Arizona Capitol. Families will small children not support them. In India, where they want Khalistan, they came by,and several people placed their hand hardly have any influence. It is their frustration which is driving them to acts of violence against their opponents. They may not over their heart or bowed, including realize now, but history has a lesson to be reminded of- there is Vietnamese residents who traveled from ultimate failure when a movement goes violent, because then it Southern California. The private service loses direction, and people's sympathy. held earlier marked the first appearance They need to be reminded of the famous words: you may befool contd on Page 32 some for all the time; all for some time; but not all for all times. Real Hero John McCain Advocates of Khalistan need to understand this. They may also do well to remember that Law Enforcement in this country will not allow them the freedom to go violent against Pakistan regurgitating failed approach on Rs 100-cr scam stings Haryana individuals. When the law comes calling these people will repent. In attacking Manjit Singh GK, President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Kashmir, says India in the United Nations 7 Gurugram ETOs charge sheeted Managing Committee, and a Shiromani Akali Dal leader, and his for bogus tax refunds companions at a gurdwara in Yuba City on Saturday, August 25, UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Pakistan's the attackers who claim to be pro- Khalistan, have shown new government must not indulge in GURUGRAM, HARYANA, INDIA (TIP): Seven complete disregard to the Sikh Gurus who have taught us the lesson of universal brotherhood. They have set a bad example for "polemics" but work to build a South Excise and Taxation Officers (ETOs) posted in our younger generation. They have strengthened the already Asian region free of terror and violence, Gurugram helped nine firms siphon off funds worth strong impression among US law enforcement that the Sikhs are India said after Pakistan raked up the over Rs 100 crore from the state exchequer via bogus a violent community. They have further sullied the image of the Sikhs worldwide. They have challenged peace loving majority of Kashmir issue at the United Nations tax refund claims. A FIR in this regard was filed in Sikhs. They have challenged the laws of the land. Security Council (UNSC). July. contd on Page 32 I only hope, wisdom will dawn on them and they will act as the Permanent Representative of India to Sikhs our revered Gurus wanted the Sikhs to be- humble, loving the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin's and treating the entire mankind as children of One God. Only remarks came during the UNSC debate then will the Khalsa have a sovereign sway. We Wish Our Readers a Happy on Mediation and Settlement of And, in fine, I urge the US administration to curb with a heavy hand this tendency to resort to violence. Or, else, this nation Disputes. which has prided itself as being a nation of peaceful and loving Pakistan's Ambassador Maleeha "I take this opportunity to remind - people, will soon be faced with the third world situation in Lodhi rakes up Kashmir issue Pakistan - the one isolated delegation respect of law and order. during debate, drawing a sharp that made unwarranted references to an It is the question of the dignity of the Sikhs and India. It is the reaction from Permanent integral part of India, that pacific question of peace in America. Representative of India to the settlement requires pacific intent Are you all listening? U.N. Syed Akbaruddin contd on Page 32 PTI File Photo

104-02, 120th Street, S. Richmond Hill, NY 11419 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 INDIANS ABROAD CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE India Day Parade in New York City draws thousands

NEW YORK (TIP): August, named after the 15th of the month ripples of joy to Indians Augustus Caesar in 8 BC brings every year on in India and abroad, as it is the day when in 1947 India became a free and independent country. The struggle for freedom was long ang grim. 15th August is a day of fulfillment of a dream for which hundreds of thousands of Indians lost their precious lives. In India, it is the 1.3 billion Indians who Shruti Hassan, Kamal Hassan, Sir Vivian Richards and Kailash Kher at the Reviewing Stand celebrate the day with fervor across the length and breadth of the country. Indians abroad are much more enthusiastic about celebrating independence of India. It is evident from the number of events and the number of people participating in them. Wherever there are a few Indians, there will be festivities on the occasion. In the Tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut where one finds a high concentration of Indians, there is a multiplicity of celebrations. In order that most people find it convenient to attend as many events as they possibly can, Independence Day celebrations are planned by various organizations, avoiding conflicts of date. Thus, the celebrations are spread over almost the whole month of August. By the way, so it is with Dussehra, Diwali and Vaisakhi. These festivals are also celebrated Consul General of India in New York Sandeep all through the month they fall in. Besides the Chakravorty and wife Taruna at the Parade. official Independence Day celebrations at the Also seen is Congresswoman Caroline Consulate General of India in New York and Maloney contd on Page 6 Kailash Kher regaling the audience with his tit bits and snatches from his popular songs THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 NEW YORK 3 Ambitious International Centre for Sikh Studies set to open in New Delhi early next year

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): With a view to young Sikhs all over the world and familiarize reaching out to the world the message of the them with the core values and contemporary Sikh Gurus, an ambitious international center relevance of Sikhism. being built in the heart of New Delhi, the "The message of Guru Granth Sahib is Indian capital,aims to impart knowledge and universal. The Sikh Holy Book provides awareness about the origin and values of the answers to all the problems the world is facing Sikh faith to students and other communities today, including gender inequality, around the world. environment challenges, economic inequality The sprawling International Centre for Sikh and climate change," Singh said adding that Studies is being built at the Gurdwara Rakab the project will help spread the Sikh message Ganj Sahib Complex, Opposite to Parliament of "selfless service to humanity." of India at New Delhi and will be inaugurated He added that the project also aims to on the occasion of Vaisakhi in April 2019. The acquaint the international community with Centre is an initiative of the Delhi Sikh the history of Sikhism and will incorporate Gurdwara Management Committee under the audio-visual communication technologies to leadership of its President Manjit Singh GK, spread the information in an engaging and for which Indian-American hotelier Sant manner. Singh Chatwal has made a contribution of one Sant Chatwal giving his remarks at the press conference on August 24. Seen, from left to right: The work at the Center being built at a cost million dollars. Paramjit Singh Rana, President, Dharam Prachar Committee of DSGMC, prominent hotelier of INR 20 Crore is in full swing. Already Rs. 10 Addressing reporters here on August 24, Padma Bhushan Sant Chatwal, and Manjit Singh GK, President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara crore have been spent, GK said. Management Committee Chatwal said that amid an increase in hate crimes against Sikhs around the world, the Centre will play a pivotal role in explaining the Sikh religion and its universal message of humanity and equality. Chatwal said the project is about the universal message of Guru Granth Sahib and the journey of the Sikhism. He said Sikhs around the world are facing hate crimes and are misidentified because of their articles of faith. The Centre, through its high-quality and easy to access digital content will take the message of the Sikh community around the world. He added that the Centre will also collaborate with research institutes and universities around the world to bring scholars and students to the Centre to facilitate their research and studies. The Centre is expected to be inaugurated by Representatives of Sikh organizations with DSGMC delegation and Sant Chatwal global ambassadors and diplomats stationed relevant sacred texts using state of the art project will help spread the message of in New Delhi, emphasizing the massage of communication technologies so that it is Sikhism to both Sikhs and non-Sikhs. A video on the ongoing construction of the unity in diversity. accessed by people anywhere in the world. The "The Guru Granth Sahib is not just for Center was shown. Several journalists and The Center will house a hi-tech auditorium, content will be in English and Punjabi as well Sikhs. The project will help convey the community members asked questions or made art exhibits, digital research library and a as in other global languages to ensure it is message of the Guru Granth Sahib to suggestions. museum that will have the Guru Granth Sahib reached a wider audience. everybody," Chatwal said. Present on the occasion, besides Indian that was handwritten 400 years ago. It will Describing the initiative as "unique," DSGMC officials had visited the city in the American media, were representatives of showcase the history of the Sikhs and the Chatwal said the young generation of Sikhs summer of 2015 to spread the message about various gurdwaras and Sikh organizations. presence of essential core values in Sikhism's living in India as well as abroad sometimes the project among diaspora living in the US There was a visible excitement among the sacred texts. This will be done by presenting lacks better understanding of the Holy and Canada. Giving details about the project, Sikh community representatives about the stories from the history of Sikhism and other Scripture- The Guru Granth Sahib - and the DSGMC said the Centre aims to engage with Center. India’s ‘KATHAK’ dance Vinny FAMS reigns in Queens, New York Makes A FLUSHING (TIP): "Fantastic, incredible, dynamic, outstanding,awesome, record-breaking, actually just beyond words." The applaud of the standing ovation grew Comeback louder and louder each time these wordswere uttered by the Master of Ceremony Mr. Harbachan Singh to describe To quote the great the performance of the Kathak dancers at the end of their basketball player Michael show by the Kathak group of dancers in Flushing New Jordan, "I'm back." Avid York at a crowded hall full of people including some from video game player and former #1 World Ranked the Chinese community and theWhite Americans. The player of the famous Call audience was totally mesmerized. of Duty video game Ms. Malini Shah, President of the Indo-American Arts franchise, Vincent and Culture Forum, in her welcome speech, informed that Famularo, has recently this world-renounced team had flown to New York in made his comeback in his connection with the 72nd Anniversary of the India's own right. Mr. Famularo, aka VinnyFAMS, is independence day celebrations under the auspices of the getting back into the gaming scene. Turning his hobby into a career, Mr. Famularo regularly Indian Council on Cultural Relations and that she was broadcasts videogames which he plays on the able to get the authorities to give an additional popular video streaming platform: Twitch. performance on in Queens, New York where there was a Providing both entertaining commentary with heavy concentration of the Indian Diaspora. skilled gameplay, Mr. Famularo currently plays At the behest of Mr. Devendra Vora, INOC, USA Chapter primarily "Call of Duty: Black Ops 4" and President of Maharashtra and Mr.Piyush Patel, a "Fortnite." community leader, astute lovers of the Kathak dance Follow Mr. Famularo's Twitch at: flocked to this rare treat event to watch this ancient fine https://www.twitch.tv/vinnyfams art performance by such great artists. Follow his Twitter at: https://twitter.com/vinnyfams?lang=en contd on Page 7 Awesome Kathak presentation THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 INDIAN ABROAD FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 Indian-Origin Satya Tripathi becomes Assistant Secretary- Indian American members of General of UN Environment Body Congress running for re-election UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Indian-origin WASHINGTON (TIP): Never before UN official Satya S has there been such a crop of Indian Tripathi joined the Americans in politics in the US. The long list of Indians Indian American community has come with the United of age in respect of their involvement in Nations. He has been politics. Four Indian American members appointed as Assistant of Congress - Reps Ami Bera, D-CA; Ro Secretary-General and Khanna, D-CA; Pramila Jayapal, D-WA; Head of the New York and Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-IL - are Office of the United running for re-election. Nations Environment Additionally, the following Indian Programme (UNEP) by Satya S Tripathi has been with Americans will be on ballot in UN Secretary General the United Nations since 1998in November: Antonio Guterres. various capacities. He is now Aftab Pureval, Ohio's 1st Tripathi, who will ASG and Head of the New York congressional district: Pureval, son of succeed Elliott Harris Office of the United Nations an Indian father and a Tibetan mother, is Environment Programme (UNEP) of Trinidad and one of the rising stars in Ohio's Tobago, has since 2017 served as senior adviser on the 2030 Democratic party. He won the May Agenda for Sustainable Development at UNEP. primary unopposed and is running A development economist and lawyer with over 35 years against Republican Rep. Steve Chabot. of experience, Tripathi has worked for the United Nations Sri Preston Kulkarni, Texas' 22nd since 1998 in Europe, Asia and Africa on strategic congressional district: assignments in sustainable development, human rights, democratic governance and legal affairs, spokesman for A former diplomat, Kulkarni won a the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric told reporters at contested primary to earn the right to United Nations. face Republican Pete Olson in the Tripathi was previously the Director and Executive Houston area district. Head of the United Nations Office for Reducing Emissions Chintan Desai, Arkansas' first from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing district: Countries Coordination in Indonesia, as well as for the United Nations Recovery Coordinator for the $7 billion Desai, a teacher, won the Democratic post-tsunami and post-conflict recovery efforts in Aceh primary in June and will take on three- and Nias. term incumbent Republican Rick Indian Americans up for re-election to House. Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, He participated as Chair of the Committees on Laws Crawford in November. and Raja Krishnamoorthi and Treaties for the United Nations-mediated Cyprus Jitendra 'J.D.' Diganvker, Illinois' Diganvker, who immigrated to the candidate who will be on the ballot in unification talks in 2004. 6th congressional district: United States in 1995, is the only Indian November. He will face the incumbent Earlier in his career he acted as a Senior Distinguished American Republican congressional Indian American Rep. Krishnamoorthi. Fellow on Natural Resources Governance with the World Agro-forestry Centre and on the World Economic Forum's Global Advisory Council on Forests. Indian-Origin Man in UK to be Deported to Indian-Origin Pathologist Tripathi holds honors in bachelor's and master's degrees in commerce; and bachelor's and master's degrees India to Finish Jail Term for Wife's Murder Accused of Bungling Post- in law from Berhampur University, India. LONDON (TIP): An Mortem Reportsin UK Indian-Origin Man gets $1.2 Indian-origin man serving a jail term in a UK jail for LONDON (TIP): Million in Compensation for killing his wife over eight Indian-origin years ago is to be deported to pathologist, Khalid "Fake News" Article in Canada India to serve the remainder Ahmed, has been of his murder sentence in accused of mis VANCOUVER, Punjab. handling some CANADA (TIP): An Indian- Harpreet Aulakh was post-mortems at a origin Canadian sentenced to a minimum of 28 UK hospital and is businessman has been years in London in December under police awarded $1.2 million in 2010 for plotting the murder of Harpreet Aulakh was sentenced to prison in investigation to damages after he was his wife, Geeta Aulakh, after December 2010 for murdering his wife Geeta establish if any Aulakh defamed in a series of fake she asked for a divorce. The criminal charges Khalid Ahmed faces police news articles instigated by a 40-year-old will be deported under the India-UK Repatriation of Prisoners need to be brought investigation to establish if prominent American Act, the BBC reported today. against him. any criminal charges need blockchain investor. "All arrangements are in place. According to the plan, the UK authorities Ahmed, who to be brought against him It is one of the biggest will bring him to Delhi from where a team of Punjab police officers will bring worked as a for mishandling post mortem reports compensations of its kind him to Amritsar," IPS Sahota, a top prison official in Punjab, was quoted as consultant in Canada. Vancouver-based saying. pathologist at the Royal Oldham Hospital in The huge compensation Altaf Nazerali, who is Inspector general of prisons Roop Kumar said Harpreet Aulakh, who is Manchester, carried out an undisclosed number comes to Altaf Nazerali originally from Bhuj, from Punjab, had told UK authorities that he wanted to serve his remaining of post-mortem tests for the north Manchester after a seven year legal Gujarat, had sued Patrick battle to clear his name term in India. coroner's office. Byrne, CEO of online Geeta Aulakh, 28, was brutally attacked with a machete during the attack An investigation revealed that he repeatedly retailer Overstock.com, for a campaign of lies aimed to in Greenford, west London, in November 2009. She worked for local Indian recorded the wrong cause of death for patients, tarnish the reputation of the NRI businessman. community radio station, Sunrise Radio, and her murder had hit headlines misidentified organs and potentially mixed up Last week, the Supreme Court of Canada rejected around the world at the time of the attack. bodies, The Daily Telegraph reported. Patrick Byrne's appeal against $1.2 million granted to the In November 2009, the victim, who was the mother of Harpreet Aulakh's In May last year, the senior coroner at the NRI businessman by the Supreme Court of British two sons, was hacked to death with a sword, which her husband of 10 years north Manchester coroner's office raised Columbia in 2016. had chosen from a selection of swords at a store days before the murder. concerns about Khalid Ahmed's examinations The huge compensation for Altaf Nazerali comes after The attack took place when Geeta Aulakh went to pick up her sons after and a recent review found "significant concerns" a seven-year legal battle to clear his name after a series of leaving work at the radio station where she worked as a receptionist. with his "inadequate" said reports. articles published in 2011, on an American website She was found with head injuries and her right hand severed, and died a Professor Simon Kim Suvarna, a consultant DeepCapture.com tried to depict the NRI businessman as few hours later in hospital. histopathologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, a drug trafficker, arms dealer and gangster and a financial Harpreet Aulakh, also known as Sunny,and two others, Sher Singh, 19, and carried out the review into Ahmed, who qualified supporter of al-Qaida. The articles tried to show that he Jaswant Dhillon, 30, were also found guilty of Geeta Aulakh's murder in 2010. as a medic in Bengaluru in 1989, and found some had links to Russian and Italian mafias. Sher Singh, who actually wielded the sword, and Jaswant Dhillon, who acted reports to have an "incorrect" cause of death The articles were written by Mark Mitchell and as the lookout for the group, were sentenced to 22 years behind bars. During given. published on the website - owned and published by Byrne- the trial, the court was told that British-born Indian-origin Geeta Aulakh Read full story which reports on criminal financial conspiracies. wanted to divorce her husband over his involvement in violent crimes, @ www.theindianpanorama.news leading him to plot her murder. Read full story @ www.theindianpanorama.news THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 5 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 Jaahnavi Sanskrit camp IALI Celebrates Independence Day of India set to begin in Jersey; 250 to attend at Nassau County Executive Chambers

NEW YORK (TIP): Registration for the County Executive and Legislators join the community Jaahnavi Residential Camp ended earlier this week and the three-day event is ready to take off, according one of the organizers. "We have 250 registrants this year," said Suresh Shanmughom, the New York coordinator for the Samskrita Bharati USA-organized event in New Jersey. "They can start arriving at the venue from around 4pm on Friday (August 31)." The camp will be formally inaugurated on Saturday morning. The number of participants is limited to around that figure so that the organizers can focus more effectively on the quality of Sanskrit education to be imparted at the camp, pointed out Deepa Nair, a longtime volunteer for the sponsoring organization. Other segments at the camp include skits, lectures and games - all in Sanskrit. The camp, which will be held at the Radisson Hotel, Piscataway, N.J., is scheduled to end Hosts, officials and honorees at the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 shortly before noon on Monday, September 3. Shanmughom, on the eve of the Labor Day MINEOLA, NY (TIP): Nassau County Alumni Association, HCMCT, Hyderabadi dinner organized by IALI Hospitality Chair weekend event, expressed optimism about its Executive Laura Curran, Deputy Director of Cultural Association of NY, India Home, Sushil Khanna and Catered by Kiran Palace success. It is a Sanskrit-immersion camp. Minority Affairs Farrah Mozawalla INOC, International Ahimsa Foundation, of Hicksville, followed by Flag Hoisting, Though there is no bar on using other languages together with host committee consisting of Jain Samaj LI, Maharashtra Mandal NY, American National Anthem, Indian by individual participants, spoken Sanskrit is Satnam S. Parhar, Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, Nargis Dutt Foundation, NIAASC, Rotary National Anthem, Lamp Lighting encouraged by one and all. Jaya Bahadkar. Sunita Manjrekar, Tina Club of Hicksville South, Sant Baba Nidhan Ceremony, address by County Executive "All arrangements such as transportation of Kundalia, Priyansh Raval and India Singh Ji Cultural Society, SAAWA, Tamil Laura Curran and other elected officials, participants from across the East Coast to the Association of Long Island (IALI) the Host Nadu Foundation, Vaishnav Temple NY, Speech by IALI President Gunjan Rastogi, event and food-breakfast, lunch and dinner, aside organization, celebrated India's Vegetarian Vision, World Malayalee Citation presentations and concluded with a from beverages like coffee and tea-have been Independence Day on August 15, 2018 at Council NY. beautiful Cultural Show which included eye made," he said. "A book fair, comprising Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative The function was a great success and was tearing patriotic song - "Ae mere vatan kay Samskrita Bharati publications, with a souvenir Building Mineola LI. well attended by more than 300 guests. On loogoon" by Jyoti Gupta and Amita Karwal. shop will also be available." IALI took the initiative to invite 25 other this day, IALI also honored 5 worthy Besides County Executive Laura Curran Such camps have been held for nearly 20 years Indian Organizations (listed below) to go in individuals from four major religions of other elected officials attending the in the US with a view to promoting the Sanskrit as one - united - to celebrate the occasion, India - Mr. Veer Mukhi, Mrs Haseena function were - North Hempstead Town language and culture. The New York coordinator which is another first for IALI. Mooppan, Prof Indrajit Saluja, Mr. Matthew Supervisor Judy Bosworth, Presiding estimated there are nearly 15,000 US speakers of Collaborating Organizations with IALI: P. George and IALI Past President Dr. Jagan Officer Richard J. Nicolello, Nassau County the language, who use it as their primary tongue. Asa Mai Temple, AIA, Arya Samaj of LI, Pahuja. County also recognized several Comptroller Jack Schnirman, Nassau The first such camp - named Alakananda -- was Akhil Vishwa Hindi Samiti New York, others including IALI member Mrs. Rita County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder held in California in July 2000. BAPS LI, Brahma Kumaris Org., Brahmin Bathija, Dr. Holalgere Rajagopal, Mrs. and Town Councilman Peter J. Zukerman. "For the last five years, Jaahnavi has taken Society of NY, Rubalya Devi Sridhar besides others. (Based on Press Release) place at the Radisson," she noted. "For years we Five Towns Indian Association, GMC Program began with the sumptuous have closed earlier-than-the-publicized time as participants use early-bird discounts." Experienced teachers from India and the US Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum, County Executive Laura Curran will teach the language to all participants at levels such as beginners, intermediates and advanced. One such expert is attending Jaahnavi and Indian-American Community Leaders Celebrate from the Indian Institute of Technology,Bombay, to deliver a lecture on mathematics. Anniversary of Indian Independence at Flag-Raising Ceremony Though many participants have South Asian origins, others have also taken part in such MINEOLA, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Ellen camps in smaller numbers. W. Birnbaum (D - Great Neck), County Executive Laura Shanmughom and other organizers have made Curran and Indian-American community leaders celebrated it clear that there is no need to have prior the anniversary of India's independence during a flag-raising knowledge of Sanskrit to attend the camp. ceremony in the County Executive's Ceremonial Chambers Separate classes are held for young children. on Wednesday, August 15. Based in India, Samskrita Bharati is a During the event, Legislator Birnbaum presented the nonprofit body dedicated to propagating the Indian American Forum with a Community Recognition language, particularly the spoken variety.The US Award in celebration of their commitment to enhancing branch, established in 1998, has spread to more socio-cultural interactions and highlighting the rich than 20 centers in the country, according to its traditions of Indian culture in the district. The award was website. presented to Jyoti Gupta, a member of the organization's The organization conducts an online board. education program, known as SAFL (Sanskrit As "It was a privilege to welcome this accomplished group of a Foreign Language), for grades from eighth Indian-American community leaders from my district to join through 12th. Some states and counties in us at the Nassau County Legislature for a joyous celebration America have recognized the program. "It started of independence," Legislator Birnbaum said. "I thank in 2009 with just 17 students and has now everyone who took time out of their morning to participate in expanded to more than 300 students this year in this ceremony and salute the Indian American Forum for about half the US states," said SAFL coordinator their ongoing efforts to promote the culture, heritage and Giri Bharatan. values embraced by Indians around the world." All ancient Indian texts in subjects such as In addition to Legislator Birnbaum's welcoming remarks, medicine, mathematics, science and arts, as well Wednesday morning's program included speeches by County as holy books the Ramayana and the Executive Curran, Indian-American Forum Chairperson Mahabharata are widely respected in the world. Indu Jaiswal; Nassau County Human Rights Commission "The key to unlocking the knowledge of those Chairman Bobby Kalotee and Dr. Ajay Lohda, Chairman of works in its original form lies with Sanskrit," she the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. said. Community member Eesha Butani led the gathering in the For further information, please log on to American National Anthem, while Hema Sardana performed samskrutabharatiusa.org the Indian National Anthem. In addition, Jyoti Gupta led aperformance of patriotic Indian songs. (Press release issued by Brahm Kanchibhotla) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 NY/NJ/CT 7 India’s ‘KATHAK’ dance reigns in Queens, New York

Organizers honor the artists.

CONTD FROM PAGE 3 Kathakars communicated stories from the artistically by each dancer. In his opening remarks, Mr. Harbachan great epics and ancient mythology through At the conclusion, a major section of the Singh explained that Kathak is one of the dance, songs and music. Kathak dancers tell audience stayed back and comingled with the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. various stories through their hand performers and took pictures with them and The origin of Kathak is traditionally movements and footwork, but most complimented them personally. All nine attributed to the traveling bards of ancient importantly through their facial expressions." artists including the renounced musicians northern India known as Kathakars or Ms. Promela Suri, President of the United were presented with awards. Mr. Devendra storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from Nations SPICE Indian Club observed that for Vorah and Mr. Piyush Patel presented each the Vedic Sanskrit word Katha which means the novice followers of classical dances the artist a bouquet of flowers. The Consul "story", and Kathaka which means "the one introductory instruction served to better General of India was represented by his Head who tells a story". understand each movement and realize the of Chancery, Mr. Jaideep. Awesome Kathak presentation He further explained that wandering sentiments expounded so skillfully and (PRESS RELEASE)

CONTD FROM PAGE 2 Guinness World Record: World's Indians abroad Largest Tennis Ball Logo celebrate Independence the Permanent Mission of India to the Ashok Parulekar United Nations, Independence Day NEW YORK (TIP): Ashrita Furman celebrations are organized by various holder of the most Guinness Records at the organizations in the Tr-State area. same time (currently over 200) and a team of The most popular and the largest event in friends created the world's largest tennis ball the Tri-State area is the India Day Parade logo within 7 days. The ball composition which is taken out in New York City. It is shows the logo of the Sri Chinmoy Oneness- organized by the Federation of Indian Home Peace Run, the world's longest and Associations (FIA of NY/NJ/CT). The largest relay run for peace, and has a width parade this year was taken out on August 19. of 10.08 metre and a height of 5.30 metre. The Despite of threatened rain, there was a huge sixty-three-year-old health food store turnout. With 40 floats and a 50 marching manager of New York set this Guinness groups/ bands, and a huge participation of World Record to honour the 87th birth people, the parade indeed was impressive. As anniversary of Sri Chinmoy an Indian usual, there were film stars to lend attraction spiritual master, founder of the Peace Run and grace to the parade. Legendary actors and an avid tennis player. The 53.42 square Kamal Hassan and Anupam Kher, great metre ball logo consists of 12,393 tennis balls singer Kailash Kher, and the Cineworld in the colours white, blue, green, orange and heartthrob Shruti Hassan added to the joy of red. the crowds. Sir Vivian Richards, the The content is a factually accurate legendary cricketer also graced the event, as rendering of what it depicts and has not did the upcoming singer Shibani Kashyap. been modified or augmented except for The motto of the India Day Parade was standard cropping and toning. "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" (the world is a Distribution, printing, publishing and family). The spirit of this Vedic Sanskrit archiving of photos and text are free without philosophy was seen throughout the parade. any rights. Photos taken in New York City by Largest tennis ball logo Guinness World Record Madison Avenue became fusion of different Jowan Gauthier cultures who chanted "Vandey Maatarm", The tennis balls were fixed on boards and seven continents, including building the physical power which is needed to "Bharat Mata Ki Jay", and "Jay Hind" along the other day carried from a backyard down world's largest tennis racket, balancing a continuously set new world records. Ashrita with folk songs as well as folk dance the hill to the birthday anniversary pool cue on finger for the longest continuous Furman started setting Guinness World performances. Street was painted rainbow function, where over 900 guests from all over distance (7 miles 220 feet) in front of the Records 39 years ago and hasn't stopped yet. with different colored outfits from different the world celebrated. pyramids in Egypt, racing against a Yak in "Going beyond your everyday capacity is parts of India. Ashrita Furman states: "This tennis ball Mongolia to set the one-mile sack-racing such a fulfilling feeling. The day I break a logo expresses our sincere wish for world record and underwater Aqua Pogo for 3 record I'm just happy the whole day," he says. peace and is our modest offering of joy to the hours 40 minutes in the Amazon River in "I'm trying to show others that our human world. With thousands of tennis balls, we Peru. capacity is unlimited, if we can truly believe want to honour the memory of Sri Chinmoy, As a teenager Furman became inspired by in ourselves." After every record Furman Visit who was the founder of the Peace Run and Sri Chinmoy's philosophy of self- wants to express his gratitude to his Guru an avid tennis player. After the record we transcendence. Indian born Sri Chinmoy Sri Chinmoy. www.theindinapanorama.news will give the tennis balls to people in the also set many records, such as writing 1,301 For more information please go to neighbourhood." poems in 24 hours and composing 22,000 www.ashrita.com and for the Ashrita Furman has been breaking songs during his lifetime. Furman attributes srichinmoy.org Guinness World Records since 1979. His first his success at breaking records to Contact: Ashrita Furman lastest views, news entry in the Guinness Book he achieved by meditation, which he has practised daily for (+1) 646-226 20 22 completing 27,000 jumping jacks. Since then over 40 years. Meditation helps him to keep and reviews he has broken more than 700 records on all his childlike spirit and the mental and or Ashok Parulekar +1 - 917 815 2887 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 GUEST AS I SEE IT COMMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR USA AND INDIA The TO BECOME CLOSE ALLIES A true strategic partnership offers tremendous benefits to demonetization both nations. India gains an opportunity to become a real global power, and the US gains a mammoth regional ally “and counterweight to China, with the potential for greater debacle: By Ven Parameswaran cooperation on issues of global security. Establishing a lasting US-India partnership would be a game-changing success for Collateral rump administration's decision in July President Trump and Prime Minister Modi." to grant India Tier 1 Strategic Trade TAuthorization status, a designation recognizes that the "the US holds the most given only to close allies has created a golden important keys for India's long-term success." damage needs opportunity for India and the US to become Greatly concerned about China's economic close allies. Will the US be bolder and seek and diplomatic expansionism in the Indo- to transform the US-India relationship into a Pacific, India has turned to the USA for immediate robust strategic partnership? support. Pakistan's increasingly anti- TWO PLUS TWO MEETING IN NEW DELHI American and pro-Chinese policies have also brought the USA and India into a closer redress Secretary of State Pompeo and Secretary of embrace. Defense Mattis can begin executing an INDIA'S DEPENDENCE ON IRAN FOR OIL he Modi government's biggest policy ambitious strategic partnership with India decision to flush out black money has when they meet with Prime Minister Modi in The resumption of US sanctions on Iranian Tofficially turned out to be a colossal New Delhi in September for the Two plus Two oil exports Nov.4 will pose a challenge. India failure. In November 2016, the government meeting. Will the Government of India and has no affection for the Islamic Republic, but had taken the entire nation by surprise the Indian media discuss this seriously before after China it is the second-largest importer when it scrapped bank notes of Rs 1,000 and September? of Iranian oil, bought at a substantial Rs 500 denomination worth Rs 15.41 lakh President Trump has started creating a discount. As the US rightly seeks to block crore. The expectation to unearth black new world order. Make America Great and Iranian oil exports, it must be adroit in money amounting to around Rs 3 lakh crore America First call for revolutionary changes persuading India to join. Washington needs now stands belied. After wading through the in US foreign policy and trade relations. to grant India a temporary waiver from the mountains of scrapped notes, the verdict is Trade deficit is the largest with China. sanctions and help New Delhi find acceptable that about 99.3 per cent of the demonetized Trump seems to be ready to do serious alternative energy sources, perhaps by notes have returned to RBI's vaults. It could business with India. India has a comparative persuading Gulf allies to sell oil to India at add up to almost 100 per cent if we include advantage over China because the wages are prices comparable to Iran's. the demonetized notes held by NRIs and in substantially lower in India. If India is able TRADE TENSIONS NEED TO BE RESOLVED neighboring countries such as Nepal and to replace China as the source of American Bhutan. imports of consumer and industrial goods, India has made a formal complaint with The RBI's data, thus, lands us in a the US will gain. the WTO over US tariffs on steel and quandary - either the country never had any Will India be prepared to liberalize its A true strategic partnership offers aluminum, and it is preparing to impose black money at all, or the entire black economy and embark on using capitalistic tremendous benefits to both nations. Modi retaliatory tariffs up to 70% on key hugs Trump at a White House meeting money has been laundered. The first tools as China did with America's help? Will agricultural exports. Additional rounds of between the two. (File photo) explanation is hard to believe and the India be prepared to privatize all its public tariffs are reportedly under consideration. second one hard to prove. It is difficult for sector corporations and release the assets for of using and improving Russian defense Given that India sells $48.6 billion in goods any government to admit its mistakes, but building a modern India? Will India adopt equipment-namely Israel. and services to the US, its largest export no one can defend the indefensible. Rightly, new policies to attract large scale foreign JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES market, a good way to proceed would be to the government has abandoned the alibi of private investments? grant India a waiver on the newly imposed unearthing black money. The other INDIA'S RELIANCE ON RUSSIA FOR Meanwhile, the Trump administration can tariffs and work on negotiating a justifications - a boost to digital economy, broaden US-India defense cooperation by comprehensive bilateral trade deal. MILITARY HARDWARE curb on terror-financing and an attempt to increasing the number of joint military CHALLENGES TO CLOSE PARTNERSHIP weed out fake currency - have also lost Modern wars are won by using exercises and expanding the annual Malabar appeal in the absence of corroborating data. sophisticated technology. Though Russia war games. The members of the India's reliance on Russia, India's The RBI data suggests that post- has been a reliable supplier of military Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, an informal dependency on Iran for oil, and US-India demonetization, Indian households have hardware, we know no country can compete dialogue initiated in 2007 by Japan's Prime trade tensions are challenges that will quickly rebuilt their cash reserves, with the US and Israel on latest technology Minister Shinzo Abe among the US., Japan, require policy makers to negotiate hard and contradicting claims of increased digital and sophisticated weapons systems. While Australia and India, should also be make difficult compromises. A true strategic transactions. It is also evident that India has purchased weapons systems from formalized and meet more regularly. partnership offers tremendous benefits to terrorism continues unabated despite the US to the tune of $15 billion since 2008, its MODI CALLED THE U.S.A. AN both nations. India gains an opportunity to demonetization while the National Crime use of Russian equipment poses become a real global power, and the US gains Records Bureau concedes the continued interoperability problems and raises INDISPENSABLE PARTNER DURING HIS a mammoth regional ally and counterweight circulation of fake banknotes. The benefits concerns about compromising sensitive 2017 VISIT to China, with the potential for greater of demonetization are elusive, but its technology. cooperation on issues of global security. adverse impact on the economy is evident, India's decision to procure S-400 Russian Close alliance with India would provide the Establishing a lasting US-India partnership slowing the country's growth rate by almost air-defense systems is particularly troubling, US with a valuable, democratically would be a game-changing success for 1.5 per cent (a notional loss of Rs 2.25 lakh since those typically involve substantial committed to thwarting China's intensifying President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. crore). The worst sufferers have been the service and training components. The efforts to dominate the region. Already India I must recall the warm hug and embrace poor, whose informal economy was presence of Russian personnel at the heart of has been keen to enhance its relationship between Trump and Modi at the White House shattered due to a cash crunch after India's air defenses, even if only temporary, with America. Prime Minister Narendra in 2017 and its far-reaching consequences. November 2016. The government should could hold up future US-India defense deals. Modi called the USA an "indispensable (The author, a 64-year resident in the USA, is assess the damage done to this section of If the S-400 sale cannot be canceled, the best partner" during his 2017 visit to Washington. Chairman, Asian American Republican society and help it recover. scenario would be to persuade India to limit As India scholar Ashley Telis put it, Modi's Committee (30th anniversary). Email: the scope of Russian support services and "daring decision to collaborate (Tribune, Chandigarh) [email protected]) turn to another country with a strong record wholeheartedly" with America shows he THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu www.theindianpanorama.news CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja Vaaho Photographers LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. 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. 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THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 PERSPECTIVE 9 Pride and foreign aid New Delhi's unilateral decision to not let humanitarian assistance reach a needy State also does not befit the federal character of the country as the spirit of federalism demands that such crucial decisions be taken after consultations with the stakeholders. The Union “government should consult the affected federating units, which have large populations to care for, By Happymon Jacob before crucial decisions of this nature are taken", says the author.

he Central government's decision to requirements for relief and rehabilitation decline offers of humanitarian aid through domestic efforts," its actions so far fly from the United Arab Emirates and in the face of this tall claim. So, if New Delhi is “Whichever other concerned countries for unable to heed Thiruvananthapuram's urgent TKerala, in the aftermath of the requests, shouldn't it let Kerala take help from worst flood in the State in close to a century, is outside? way one plays unfortunate. Whichever way one plays it, New Delhi's unwillingness to accept foreign aid Aid with strings it, New Delhi's reflects poor judgment, Then there is the argument that foreign aid is bad optics, and goes comes with strings attached. Yes, it has in the against the spirit of past, especially developmental assistance from unwillingness cooperative federalism. Western nations or the World Bank. Aid and Moreover, this loans often came with demands of economic to accept decision, when read restructuring or resetting governance with the National priorities, and an occasional sermon on Democratic Alliance human rights. But there is again a fundamental foreign aid government's difference between such funding and adversarial attitude humanitarian assistance. Hence the argument reflects poor towards foreign-funded that UAE's disaster relief to Kerala would NGO activism in the come with strings attached is ludicrous. country, suggests a sense of insecurity and Abu Dhabi's rationale for offering aid to judgment, is paranoia that hardly befits a rising power. Kerala is straightforward: the Malayali While the government itself has been population in UAE has been crucial in bad optics, and very cryptic in its response to the recent its development, and the aid offer is a foreign aid offers, those in support of recognition of that bond. the government's informal decision A related issue is the paranoia goes against have essentially made five sets of displayed by successive governments arguments to justify the government's in New Delhi about the 'foreign the spirit of decision. Let's examine their merit. hand/s' constantly trying to undermine the Indian state. This has Policy precedent increased over the years, particularly cooperative The strongest argument by far for under the current regime: consider the refusing foreign aid flows from past policy manner in which it cancelled the Foreign federalism. and practice. It is argued that there is a Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) policy in place since 2004, enunciated by the licenses of thousands of NGOs, including then Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to not Greenpeace and Amnesty, depriving them of Moreover, this accept foreign aid in times of natural disasters. foreign funding. Dr. Singh had stated in the wake of the tsunami Ironically, even as New Delhi vows to decision, when in December that year,"We feel that we can cope continue the policy of not allowing foreign with the situation on our own and we will take humanitarian aid, and of restricting the their help if needed." The practice thereafter the Centre to operationalizethe word "may" in a activities of foreign-funded NGOs, it recently read with the has been to shun foreign aid during natural generous manner. amended the FCRA to allow foreign funding of calamities because the government has been Indian political parties. National confident of "coping with the situation" using National pride internal sources. The second argument against accepting Money won't bring relief However, it is important to note that the 2004 foreign aid seems to flow from a sense of The fifth argument is that airdropping Democratic statement by Dr. Singh was a political national pride: that India is a not a poor monetary aid doesn't help in the absence of pre- articulation, not a legal directive or policy country any longer and hence it doesn't need existing administrative capacity for proper Alliance document. In any case, his statement did not anyone's charity. There was a time we were distribution, reconstruction and governance. close the door to external aid ("we will take forced to go abroad with a begging bowl, but In fact, some would argue that monetary aid their help if needed"). Does Kerala need help? those days are over, and we can look after without a focus on governance capacity government's Yes, it desperately does. Former National ourselves, goes the argument. Despite its building is useless or could even make the Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon, in a powerful emotional appeal, this argument is situation worse. While there is some merit in adversarial recent tweet, explained the 2004 decision in the misplaced at several levels. For one, it is such an argument, this holds little relevance to following words: "If memory serves, the 2004 misleading to say that only poor states accept the case of Kerala which happens to be one of decision was to not accept foreign participation foreign aid in times of natural disasters. For India's best governed States. What Kerala attitude towards in relief but accept it for long term instance, India's offer of aid was accepted by requires at the moment is monetary assistance, rehabilitation case by case." the U.S. in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in not lessons in governance. foreign-funded In any case, since 2004, various policy 2005, and by China after the 2008 Sichuan New Delhi's unilateral decision to not let documents have explicitly and implicitly earthquake. The reality is that countries humanitarian assistance reach a needy State suggested that the government may accept reeling under natural calamities routinely also does not befit the federal character of the NGO activism in foreign aid during emergencies. The 2016 accept emergency aid from other countries country as the spirit of federalism demands National Disaster Management Plan states: irrespective of how rich or poor they are. that such crucial decisions be taken after the country, "…if the national government of another consultations with the stakeholders. The Union country voluntarily offers assistance as a Self-sufficiency government should consult the affected goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster The third argument is that India is self- federating units, which have large populations suggests a victims, the Central Government may accept sufficient and hence does not need relief to care for, before crucial decisions of this the offer." Similarly, the National Policy on material to deal with natural disasters. Here, it nature are taken. sense of Disaster Management of 2009 and the Disaster is important to make a distinction between The argument here is not that India should Management Act of 2005 are both positively foreign aid during normal periods and seek/ receive regular foreign aid, but that it inclined to coordinating with external agencies emergency humanitarian and reconstruction should accept foreign aid in times of insecurity and and institutions for disaster relief. The 2009 assistance. Besides, in the case of Kerala, by humanitarian emergency, as do several document even argues - thoughtfully so - that providing only a fraction of the emergency and countries, including the U.S., China and Japan. paranoia that "disasters do not recognize geographical reconstruction assistance requested by the Moreover, there is an urgent need to evolve boundaries." State government despite repeated appeals, the sensible, practical and empathetic guidelines In short, while the 2004 policy says that Central government seems to have implicitly on receiving emergency aid for the federal hardly befits a foreign aid can be accepted if need be, the 2016 indicated that there aren't sufficient funds units in times of dire need. policy document states that the government available. Although New Delhi has taken the (The author teaches Disarmament and National rising power”. "may" accept foreign aid. The question is line that "in line with the existing policy, the Security at the School of International Studies, whether the situation in Kerala can persuade government is committed to meeting the JNU, New Delhi) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 Indian-Origin DBS Employee Loses Job China denies plan to send forces over Posting Image of to Afghanistan, says it’s only helping Torn Singapore Flag them with defence Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian, asked about the mountain brigade at a regular monthly news briefing, said China and Afghanistan had "normal military and security cooperation".

BEIJING / KABUL (TIP): China’s defence ministry said on Thursday that it was supporting Afghanistan’s defence and DBS bank said that Avijit Das Patnaik counterterrorism efforts, a day after Beijing had received counselling after posting denied a plan to build a base in Afghanistan the image. and to send Chinese forces to the war-torn country. SINGAPORE (TIP): Indian-origin China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday Avijit Das Patnaik, employee of dismissed a report by the South China Singapore's DBS Bank, has lost his job Morning Post that cited sources with ties to after he posted on Facebook an image of the military as saying it was funding the country's torn flag to reveal the construction of a camp in Afghanistan’s Indian flag underneath on the eve of narrow Wakhan Corridor linking the two India's Independence Day.Patnaik had countries, and could send hundreds of troops on August 14 posted a picture on the there. Facebook page of the Singapore The Hong Kong newspaper later updated its Indians & Expats group, showing the report to quote Afghanistan’s embassy in Singapore flag on a T-shirt being ripped Beijing as saying China was helping the up to reveal the Indian flag underneath. country set up a “mountain brigade” to boost Avijit Patnaik, who had been living counterterrorism efforts, but that there would in Singapore for a decade, had posted be “no Chinese military personnel of any the image along with the caption -- Phir kind on Afghan soil at any time”. Bhi dil hai (Still my heart is Indian) Chinese defence ministry spokesman Wu which alludes to a popular Bollywood Qian, asked about the mountain brigade at a song. regular monthly news briefing, said China stationing forces in Afghanistan, this does not Uighur people. The post had caused outrage in the and Afghanistan had “normal military and accord with the facts,” he said, without In recent years, hundreds of people have city-state, with many terming it security cooperation”. elaborating. been killed in the far western region in unrest "offensive" and "insulting to “China and the international community Reports have repeatedly pointed to China China blames on Islamist militants. Singapore". The post has since been are all supporting Afghanistan to strengthen seeking a military presence in Afghanistan, China has also worked with Pakistan and taken down. its defence and counterterrorism building although it has denied them. the United States to broker peace talks to end Singapore-headquartered DBS Bank, efforts,” Wu told reporters. In January, the defence ministry dismissed Afghanistan’s Taliban insurgency that has in a comment to complaints on its “At present, both sides are in a report that it planned to build a military raged since the militants were ousted by U.S.- Facebook page on August 19, had said communication and coordination about the base in Afghanistan, and it previously refuted backed forces in 2001. Last year, China opened that Avijit Patnaik had posted the relevant matter. China is willing to continue assertions that Chinese military vehicles its first overseas military base, in the Horn of image because he "wanted to show that working hard with Afghanistan to jointly were patrolling in the south Asian nation. Africa country of Djibouti. It has previously even as he is in Singapore, he remains protect both countries and regional security China has long worried that militancy in denied having plans for other overseas bases, Indian at heart". and stability,” Wu said. Afghanistan could spill over into its violence- but the United States expects it to build more, "Upon realizing the graphic was “As for the so-called reports on China prone Xinjiang region, home to the Muslim with Pakistan a possible location. (Reuters) offensive, he took it down immediately," DBS said, adding that it had counselled Avijit Patnaik. China pulls out of $1.2-billion The Bank released a statement on its Myanmar dam breach floods 85 villages, drives Facebook page on August 24, saying that Avijit Patnaik was no longer its Nepal project thousands from homes employee. "Since the incident, a disciplinary The 750-MW project, the first The disaster spotlights safety concerns about dams in committee has been convened and as of reservoir project in Nepal, was to Southeast Asia after last month’s collapse of a August 24, he (Patnaik) is no longer be completed by next year as per hydroelectric dam in neighbouring Laos that displaced with the bank," the DBS Bank said in thousands of people and killed at least 27. the post. the CTGI’s earliest commitment, "DBS strongly disapproves of such but its pull-out without even YANGON (TIP): As many as 85 villages were flooded in Myanmar after a dam failed, actions by our employees. At the same beginning construction may have unleashing waters that blocked a major highway and forced more than 63,000 people time, it is fair and right that all from their homes, a state-run newspaper said on Thursday. employees are given the benefit of due an adverse impact on China’s The disaster spotlights safety concerns about dams in Southeast Asia after last process," it said. credibility. month’s collapse of a hydroelectric dam in neighbouring Laos that displaced thousands When asked about the circumstances KATHMANDU (TIP): China’s Three Gorges of people and killed at least 27. surrounding Avijit Patnaik's International has decided to pull out from the $1.2 Firefighters, troops and officials launched a desperate rescue effort on Wednesday departure, including whether he West Seti Hydro project in Nepal, six years after it after the spillway of an irrigation dam burst at Swar creek in central Myanmar, sending resigned or was sacked, a DBS signed the MoU to build it. A high-level team of the a torrent of water through villages and the nearby towns of Swar and Yedashe. spokesman declined to elaborate, CTGI, a subsidiary of the China Three Gorges, Flooding at the dam site has receded, Zaw Lwin Tun, the deputy director general of according to the report. conveyed to the Nepal government Wednesday that the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department, told the Global New "We have nothing further to share the project is not cost-effective. Light of Myanmar newspaper. beyond the post," it said quoting the The 750-MW project, the first reservoir project in “The collapse is caused by the damaged spillway,” the paper quoted him as saying. bank as saying. Nepal, was to be completed by next year as per the “The dam is in good condition.” According to the Singapore Arms CTGI’s earliest commitment, but its pull-out without The ruptured spillway had flooded 85 villages, affecting more than 63,000 people and and Flag National Anthem Act, any even beginning construction may have an adverse submerging a section of highway, the paper added. person that treats the flag with impact on China’s credibility. Days earlier, authorities had given the all-clear to the dam, which can hold 216,350 disrespect may be fined a maximum of According to sources, Nepal had offered to lower acre-feet of water, despite residents’ concerns about overspill, state-run media have 1,000 Singapore dollar. the capacity to 600 MW from 750 MW at the same cost said. Meanwhile, according to the media and extend the power purchase agreement to 12 years Traffic between Myanmar’s major cities of Yangon and Mandalay and the capital, report, police have confirmed that a from 10 years. But China insisted the resettlement Naypyitaw, was disrupted after the flooding damaged a bridge on the highway linking report has been made and and rehabilitation of the to-be-displaced people and them. (Reuters) investigations are underway. the transmission cost would be too high. (PTI) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 Indian American Democrats win Ex-Trump campaign chief congressional primaries unopposed Paul Manafort seeks to move second trial out of Washington Manafort, who sought unsuccessfully to move the first trial away from the Washington suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, is hoping for better luck with Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who is presiding over the second case in a federal court in Washington.

WASHINGTON (TIP): Lawyers for former “Having case-relevant experience tends to Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort be riskier for defendants because it is easier said on August 28 that they would seek to for someone with some knowledge of a field to move his second trial, scheduled to start next hold a defendant to a higher standard than is month, out of Washington, DC, due to appropriate or necessary,” Ellis said. concerns that a jury from the Democratic JURY SELECTION SET FOR SEPT. 17 stronghold would be biased. Their request for a change of venue Manafort’s trials are the first to arise out of highlighted the extent to which politics has Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s coursed through the prosecution of Manafort, investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 who US President Donald Trump defended as election, although Mueller has secured a a “brave man” even after a jury convicted him number of indictments, guilty pleas and of tax and bank fraud in the first trial that immunity deals. Indian Americans Hiral Tipirneni and Sanjay ended last week. Berman said jury selection for the second Patel ran and won unopposed on August 28 Manafort, who sought unsuccessfully to trial would start on Sept. 17 and set opening Democratic primaries in Arizona and Florida. move the first trial away from the Washington statements for Sept. 24, a scheduling tweak suburb of Alexandria, Virginia, is hoping for she said was aimed in part at appeasing NEW YORK (TIP): Indian Americans better luck with Judge Amy Berman Jackson, Manafort’s lawyers who had requested a week appear to be doing well in politics. In the who is presiding over the second case in a delay in the trial’s start date of Sept. 17. latest political bouts, Hiral Tipirneni and federal court in Washington. The move came after an earlier bench Sanjay Patel ran and won unopposed on Jackson said she would entertain the conference in which Kevin Downing, one of August 28 Democratic primaries in motion but said she believed he could get a Manafort’s lawyers, could be heard Arizona and Florida. fair trial in her court. complaining to the judge about the time On Tuesday , another Indian American “This jurisdiction has had very high profile pressure they were under. The conference was Democrat, tech executive Anita Malik, is cases before,” Jackson said at a hearing on supposed to be inaudible to attendees in the leading by 383 votes against her nearest Tuesday. “I’d like to believe that is still courtroom due to a white-noise machine. rival in Arizona's 6th congressional possible.” “We don’t have the resources,” Downing district. Malik's race is too close to call. Manafort, a longtime Washington lobbyist said. “We just finished a trial last week.” Tipirneni, who lost a close special and consultant, faces seven criminal counts in Also on Tuesday, Jackson approved the election to Rep. Debbie Lesko in April, will the upcoming trial, including allegations of prosecution’s request to allow evidence about now face the same rival in the midterm money laundering, obstruction of justice and Hillary Clinton in 2016, would be biased Justice Department inspections in the 1980’s elections on November 6 in Arizona's failing to register as a foreign agent for his against associates of Trump. that found Manafort had failed to disclose 8thcongressional district. work on behalf of pro-Russian politicians The political tilt is more pronounced in lobbying activities for foreign governments, In the highly competitive special from Ukraine. Washington, which Clinton won with 90 per one way the government planned to show that election, which was warranted because Change of venue requests are rarely cent of the vote. Manafort knowingly broke the law. the incumbent GOP Rep. Trent Franks approved, according to two jury consultants Leslie Ellis, a director at jury consulting But Jackson said she would limit what they resigned last December after he was interviewed by Reuters. firm DecisionQuest, saw a bigger risk for could show and asked both sides to agree on a embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal, In denying Manafort’s motion to move the Manafort in the probability that jurors from stipulation that would tell the jury how Tipirneni received more than 82,300 votes first trial to Roanoke, Virginia, the judge the capital would be knowledgeable about Manafort was notified about lobbying (47.4 percent), roughly 9,000 fewer than rejected the notion that a jury pool from lobbying, tax law and other issues central to disclosure rules in the past in a way that Lesko. Alexandria, which voted two-to-one for the case. would not prejudice the jury. (Reuters) However, despite the competitive nature of their last race, Cook Political Report rates the district as a solidly Republican Minorities in Pakistan cry for justice: SAMAF to highlight Pakistani seat in November. Patel will run against face incumbent atrocities on Minorities in Pakistan at the Hill on Sept. 5 Bill Posey,who similarly ran unopposed in the Republican primary in Florida's 8th WASHINGTON (TIP): South Asia congressional district. Minorities Alliance Foundation (SAMAF) is Patel, a first-generation immigrant and hosting ' Day on The Hill ' atCapitol Hill on small business owner, also starts as an September 5. underdog. Cook Political report rates the Members of the U.S. Senate and House of district as a solidly Republican seat, with Representatives, members of think tanks and GOP having a 11-percentage point South Asia experts will attend this historic advantage. Sabato's Crystal Ball also rates event at Capitol Hill. the district as a "safe" Republican seat. Patel is also behind in the money race, having raised only $231,000, less than half PROGRAM of the nearly $600,000 collected by Posey, Date: 5th September 2018 according to the Center for Responsive Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Politics. Address: Veterans Affairs The Indian American is running on a committee room, 340 Cannon number of issues such as healthcare, House Off Bldg. economy and jobs, environment and Washington D.C. 20515 education. On healthcare, he has vowed to work "to make healthcare a right for every This event is aimed at highlighting the issue American by supporting Medicare for of religious freedom and minority rights in SAMAF, an IRS 501(c)(3) public charity minorities a platform to speak as one voice on All." Pakistan as well as to show solidarity with the foundation1 based in the USA, is striving to Human rights & religious freedom; Economic With the primary victories of Patel and Afghan people and US troops and their bring global attention to the injustices, uplifting and security of minorities; Tipirneni, the number of Indian families. The event will also recognize and persecution, and ethnic and religious Eradicating terrorism and ensuring stability Americans on the midterm congressional honor Congressman Tom Garrett's role in cleansing that minorities are facing in South in South Asia; Promotion of democracy and ballots has reached double digits. promoting minority rights. Asia. SAMAF provides these oppressed freedom of press. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 US 13 DONALD TRUMP Ahead of 2+2 dialogue, US official says VOWS TO ‘GET no change in H-1B visa policy INVOLVED’ IF JUSTICE DEPT, FBI DON’T DO The Trump administration is pushing for a reform of the H-1B system, saying some THEIR JOB IT companies were abusing the US work visas to deny jobs to American workers. Trump told Bloomberg News WASHINGTON (TIP): There is no change on September 6 in New Delhi,” she had said. The H1-B visa has an annual numerical in an interview that in the US’ H-1B visa policy which is currently Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a limit cap of 65,000 each fiscal year as undergoing a review to ensure that it does not senior official of the administration mandated by the Congress. The first 20,000 Sessions, whom he has disadvantage US workers or wages, a senior acknowledged that it was prepared for India petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries with Trump administration official has said ahead raising the H-1B issue at the 2+2 Dialogue, but a US master’s degree or higher are exempt repeatedly attacked for of next week’s 2+2 Dialogue during which added that it would not have much to say as from the cap. recusing himself from India is expected to raise the issue of the the policy remained the same and was Additionally, H1-B workers who are work visa popular among Indian IT undergoing review. petitioned for or employed at an institution of oversight of the Russia professionals. “The Trump Administration’s executive higher education or its affiliated or related probe, was safe in his job The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that order has called for a broad review of the US nonprofit entities or a nonprofit research allows US companies to employ foreign worker visa programme known as H-1B in the organisation or a government research until the November workers in speciality occupations that interest of ensuring that they are organisation are not subject to this numerical congressional elections. require theoretical or technical expertise. administered in a way that doesn’t cap. In July, a report by an American non- Technology companies depend on it to hire disadvantage US workers or wages,” the profit body claimed that there has been a WASHINGTON (TIP): President Donald tens of thousands of employees each year official said. substantial increase in denial of H-1B visa Trump said on Thursday Attorney General from countries like India and China. “But there has been no change to the petitions of Indians by the US Immigration Jeff Sessions was safe in his job until The Trump administration is pushing for a processing of H-1B visas. So it’s really authority as compared to people of other November but warned, at a campaign-style reform of the H-1B system, saying some IT impossible for me to speculate on the outcome nationalities. rally in Indiana, that he would “get involved” companies were abusing the US work visas to and any possible changes to the system. It is According to the US Citizenship and if the FBI and Justice Department didn’t deny jobs to American workers. obviously an issue that is important to Immigration Services (USCIS), between 2007 “start doing their job.” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj India,” the official added. and 2017, it received the maximum number of Trump told Bloomberg News in an told the Rajya Sabha last month that India Recently, the US has extended by over five 2.2 million H-1B petitions from high-skilled interview that Sessions, whom he has was taking up the issue with the White House months the temporary suspension of Indians. India was followed by China with repeatedly attacked for recusing himself as well as with US Congressmen. premium processing for H1-B visas as part of 301,000 H-1B petitions during the same from oversight of the Russia probe, was safe “We will raise it humbly at the 2+2 dialogue its efforts to clear the backlog. period. (PTI) in his job until the November congressional elections. But he declined to say if he would keep Asian-American Students Foundation Stone-laying ceremony of the Sessions on after that. Speaking later at a rally in Evansville, Suing Harvard over Admissions New Haridham Mandir in Chicago Indiana, Trump suggested that the leadership of the Justice Department and Win Justice Dept. Support CHICAGO, IL (TIP): FBI were biased against Republicans and Temple is a divine and that “people are angry.” "Harvard has failed to show that it majestic place of pilgrimage, “Our Justice Department and our FBI – at where life unites with the top of each, because inside they have does not unlawfully discriminate 'Jagadish' - the divine ruler of incredible people – but our Justice against Asian-Americans," the Justice this world. It is a place, where Department and our FBI have to start doing Department said. devotees unify with their their job and doing it right and doing it now,” daitee, where soul fades into Trump said. WASHINGTON (TIP): The Justice Department lent its the ultimate divinity, where “I wanted to stay out, but at some point if it support on Thursday,August 30, to students who are suing our next generation gets a doesn’t straighten out properly … I will get Harvard University over affirmative action policies that dose of our true Samskara involved and I’ll get in there if I have to.” they claim discriminate against Asian-American (sacrament) and culture. Trump has held Sessions responsible, in applicants, in a case that could have far-reaching It's a place where a mere part, for the Russia investigation. After consequences for the use of affirmative action in college stone transfigures itself to Sessions recused himself, Deputy Attorney admissions. become a divine idol. This is a General Rod Rosenstein appointed Special In a so-called statement of interest, the department place, where our material Counsel Robert Mueller to lead the probe into supported the claims of the plaintiffs, a group of Asian- being, and physical existence Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential Americans rejected by Harvard. They contend that convert into a divine temple. campaign, which Trump has called a “witch Harvard has systematically discriminated against them by It is a place, from where the hunt.” artificially capping the number of qualified Asian- message of brotherhood, Asked in the Bloomberg News interview Americans from attending the school in order to advance profoundness, unity and whether he would comply if Mueller issued a less-qualified students of other races. intimacy spreads door-to- subpoena for him to appear for questioning, In its filing, the Justice Department argued that the door. Trump said, “I’ll see what happens.” court should deny Harvard's request to dismiss the case With such benedictory “I view it differently,” Bloomberg quoted before trial. purpose and a soulful resolve Trump as saying. “I view it as an illegal The government said that Supreme Court rulings for welfare and well-being of investigation” because “great scholars” have require that universities considering race in admissions the people, the erection of the said that “there should never have been a HH Swamiji delivering a discourse meet several standards. They must define their diversity- temple in Chicago city of special counsel.” related goals and show that they cannot meet those goals Illinois State of the United States began on May 12 with Mahapuja under total The president resumed his attacks on without using race as a factor in admissions decisions. Vedic practice. Session via Twitter last week, saying the The department argued that Harvard does not Along with the celebrations marking the beginning of construction work for attorney general had never fully exerted adequately explain how race factors into its admissions the new Temple, the auspicious occasion of Rakshabandhan was also jointly control over the Justice Department. decisions, leaving open the possibility that the university celebrated in the august presence of HH Swamishri. Sessions, in a rare rebuttal, responded that is going beyond what the law allows. On this occasion, young members of Chicago Mandal performed mellifluous he took control of the department the day he "Harvard has failed to show that it does not unlawfully music including some of the marvelous kirtana and bhajans, which enthralled became attorney general and would not allow discriminate against Asian-Americans," the Justice the listeners. it to be “improperly influenced by political Department said in a statement Thursday. Shree Himanshubhai narrated the significance the occasion of considerations.” The Harvard case, which was brought by an anti- Rakshabandhan in a poetic way and stated that Guru Hari Swamishri has Trump said in a Twitter post on Saturday affirmative-action group called Students for Fair committed to protect us from all evils from with-in and outside. He recounted a that Sessions “doesn’t understand what is Admissions, is seen as a test of whether a decades-long variety of incidents to explain his philosophy. happening underneath his command effort by conservative politicians and advocates to roll HH Swamiji deliberated upon the importance of Rakshabandhan and said, position.” He charged that Mueller’s probe back affirmative action policies will ultimately succeed. "We celebrate the festival of Rakshabandhan to pray to God so that he continues was “highly conflicted” and that “real That push has broad support from President Trump. to protect us in all situations. Five Pandavas conquered the 100 Kauravas, corruption goes untouched.” The Department of Education and Justice Department because they had Lord Shri Krishna on their side to protect them. Likewise, if we Some Republican lawmakers have said in July that the administration was abandoning surrender ourselves to the God of Godly Saint, we will remain protected in all predicted Trump would replace Sessions, a Obama-era policies that asked universities to consider situations. As much faith we put in God, that much we shall be protected." former US senator, after the November 6 race as a factor in diversifying their campuses and would elections. (Reuters) Read full story on www.theindianpanoramanews.com favor race-blind admissions instead. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 Rafale jets deal: Rahul Gandhi demands parliamentary probe NEW DELHI (TIP): Congress Anil Ambani. The Congress claims the president Rahul Gandhi on August 30 earlier deal was scrapped and a new stepped up his attack against Prime one signed just to provide Ambani this Minister Narendra Modi and finance opportunity for an offset deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BIMSTEC leaders minister Arun Jaitley on the Rafale Both the government and Reliance at the Leaders’ Retreat, in Kathmandu, on August 31. jets deal and reiterated his party’s have repeatedly denied this. demand for a joint parliamentary “It is a clear case. Anil Ambani had MODI MEETS SRI LANKAN committee (JPC) probe into the never manufactured aircraft. He had a contract. debt of Rs 45.000 crore. He set up a PREZ IN NEPAL, DISCUSSES The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) company some days before the deal responded soon after, alleging that the was signed. On the other hand, HAL Congress was making excuses to cover has been manufacturing aircraft for BILATERAL COOPERATION up for its own inability to strengthen last 70 years and has no debts,” Gandhi KATHMANDU (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian Air Force (IAF) when the said. Thursday held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan United Progressive Alliance (UPA) enter an $8.7 billion government-to- He and Jaitley had sparred on social President Maithripala Sirisena on the sidelines of the government was in power. government deal with France to buy 36 media on Wednesday over which BIMSTEC Summit here to discuss ways to boost “(Arun) Jaitley is writing lengthy Rafale warplanes made by Dassault government had struck a better deal. cooperation. blogs but why is the government silent was announced in April 2015, with an Jaitley said the current deal also Modi arrived here in the morning to attend the 4th Bay of on the demand for a JPC probe into the agreement signed a little over a year includes customised weaponry and the Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic deal? Jaitley is scared to ask the Prime later. This replaced the UPA decision to aircraft being supplied now are “fully Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. Minister about constituting a JPC,” buy 126 Rafale aircraft, 108 of which loaded” and wrote a 15-point “Cementing cooperation with a valued neighbour and Gandhi told a news conference at the were to be made in India by the state- questionnaire to Gandhi in a blog. close friend. President @MaithripalaS and PM party headquarters in Delhi. owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. Gandhi said Thursday that instead of @narendramodi meet on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC “Why did you (Modi) buy an aircraft The deal has become controversial telling the nation who benefited from Summit in Kathmandu,” External Affairs Ministry of Rs 520 crore at the cost of Rs 1,600 with the Opposition, led by the the deal, Jaitley was asking questions spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. crore? Who were you trying to Congress, saying that the price at from him. “He can ask but the The BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising benefit?” he added. which India is buying the aircraft now government needs to give answers to my Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan Later in the evening, Gandhi tweeted is Rs 1,670 crore for each, three times three questions and order a JPC probe.”. and Nepal. The grouping accounts for 22 per cent of the that the government had not initiated a the Rs 526 crore initial bid by the The BJP hit back soon after, with a global population. Source: PTI JPC probe within the 24-hour deadline company when the UPA was trying to party spokesperson accusing Gandhi of he had prescribed the previous day. buy the aircraft. It has also claimed the having nothing new to say. “You first India, Pakistan hold talks “Dear Mr Jaitley, I guess your boss previous deal included a technology need to get your facts rights about the refused to hold a Joint Parliamentary transfer agreement with HAL. pricing. This kindergarten debate was on Indus Waters Treaty Committee on the GREAT RAFALE The deal has also become rightly pointed about Mr Arun Jaitley. ROBBERY? Too much to hide, too controversial on account of the fact Rahul Gandhi has quoted seven scared to face the people, I suppose...” that one of the offset deals signed by different figures of the Rafale aircraft The NDA government’s decision to Dassault is with the Reliance Group of so far,” Sambit Patra said. Source: HT Land scam: Court grants bail to Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav The CBI court also issued a production warrant against Lalu Prasad Yadav for October 6

LAHORE (TIP): India and Pakistan on Wednesday commenced crucial talks on various aspects of the Indus NEW DELHI (TIP): Delhi’s Patiala Waters Treaty here, the first bilateral engagement since House Court on Friday granted bail to Prime Minister Imran Khan took office. former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi The first round of the two-day meeting is being held at the and her son and Rashtriya Janata Dal National Engineering Services Pakistan. (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav in the The water commissioners of Pakistan and India are IRCTC land scam case. The accused have required to meet twice a year and arrange technical visits to to furnish a personal bond and surety projects’ sites and critical river head works, but Pakistan amount of Rs 1 lakh each. had been facing a lot of problems in timely meetings and The CBI court also issued a visits. production warrant against Lalu Prasad The Indian side is being represented by a delegation of Yadav for October 6. The former Bihar the Indian Water Commission led by Commissioner P K chief minister did not appear before the Saxena whereas Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters court today as he is serving time in a Syed Meher Ali Shah and his delegation are representing Ranchi jail after conviction in fodder Pakistan, it said. scam cases. Both the countries are expected to present their reports The first chargesheet was filed by the during the talks. After the meeting, a joint notification Enforcement Directorate (ED) against would be issued. the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, his Yesterday, Shah and additional commissioner Sheraz wife Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi Yadav and Jamil received the nine-member Indian delegation led by 13 others in connection with the Indian Saxena on its arrival here via Wagah border. Railway Catering and Tourism The talks will be the first official engagement between Corporation (IRCTC) scam. The agency India and Pakistan since Khan became prime minister on also named RJD leader and Union Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav (right). August 18. minister Prem Chand Gupta, his wife The last meeting of the Pakistan-India Permanent Indus Sarla Gupta and a firm Lara projects in Kochhar. The agency has accused that Rabri Commission was held in New Delhi in March during which the chargesheet. In return, 358 decimal of land was Devi and her son Tejashwi got a valuable both the sides had shared details of the water flow and the The former CM and the IRCTC transferred to Ms Delight Marketing piece of land transferred to their name quantum of water being used under the 1960 Indus Waters officials have been accused of allegedly Company Pvt Ltd (a company owned by by way of share purchase at nominal Treaty. misusing their position for granting sub- family of P C Gupta who is a close prices. It further said that that the India and Pakistan signed the treaty in 1960 after nine lease of the rights of two railway hotels associate of Prasad and an MP from purchase was made using funds of years of negotiations, with the World Bank being a at Puri and Ranchi to Ms Sujata Hotel RJD) in February 2005 at a rate lesser ‘dubious origin’ and had been laundered signatory. Pvt. Ltd. owned by Vijay and Vinay than the then market value. through several groups of companies. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 INDIA 15 Activists held for alleged Maoist links return home after SC reprieve

PUNE (TIP): Civil society members on August 30 demanded action against the Pune police for a “vicious and malafide attack” against five activists arrested for alleged Maoist links, even as the investigators contended they had digital evidence to lead the probe to its logical conclusion and state government 483 DEAD, FLOOD LOSS MORE officials said they will present a “strong case” in the Supreme Court. THAN KERALA’S ANNUAL A day after the Supreme Court refused custody of the five activists — lawyer OUTLAY, SAYS CM VIJAYAN and trade union activist Sudha Bhardwaj, poet P Varavara Rao, activist THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (TIP): The Kerala flood Gautam Navlakha, and lawyers Arun disaster has claimed 483 lives and the estimated value of Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves — to the destruction “is more than the annual outlay of our state”, police and ordered house arrest till Chief Minister Pinarayi Vjayan said. September 6, Pune police commissioner Initiating the debate at a special one-day session of the K Venkatesham said investigations will Assembly to discuss the disaster, Vijayan said 14 people still continue in the case. remained missing although flood waters have receded from “We will continue to investigate the Arun Ferreira, a human rights activist and lawyer, after he was arrested by the Pune almost all parts of the state. case and will take it to its logical end. We police in connection with Bhima Koregaon violence case, in Mumbai. He added that at the height of the floods, the worst to hit have got some leads about people’s links the state in a century, there were 14.50 lakh people in more with banned organisation,” said strong evidence in the form of literature Bhide. than 3,000 relief camps. Venkatesham. He said investigating and communication seized from devices. Senior Pune police officials said on “The latest figure is—there are 59,296 people in 305 relief officials have strong “digital evidence”, “We had detailed communication with the condition of anonymity they camps. A total of 57,000 hectares of agriculture crops have which will be submitted in the court. our legal cell in Delhi in the backdrop of recovered “incriminating” and been destroyed. An approximate estimate of the loss is more In Delhi, activists called the Tuesday the remarks by the SC. We are in the “conclusive” evidence. “What we than the annual outlay of our state,” he said. arrests a mockery of the legal system. process of dispatching the documents to submitted before the court on The Chief Minister said the Meteorological Department “It is a coup against the Constitution. It Delhi, and by Wednesday, the Wednesday was part of evidence. We gave out adequate warnings regarding the rains but the is a very dire situation, potentially more submission in the SC will be completed. have around 250 documents and large unprecedented showers led to a deluge. dangerous than the Emergency,” writer Sensitive documents will be submitted amount of electronic evidence, which The predicted rains from August 9 to 15 were 98.5 mm but Arundhati Roy said, flanked by lawyer to the court in sealed envelopes,” an we will submit in the court,” said the state got 352.2 mm, he said. Prashant Bhushan and Gujarat MLA official from the home department said. another senior official monitoring the Hitting out at the government, senior Congress legislator Jignesh Mevani, among others. According to Pune Police, an event probe who asked not to be named. V.D. Sateeshan, whose constituency Paravur in Ernakulam The five activists have been charged called Elgar Parishad on December 31, “We are confident of nailing the district was submerged, called it “a man-made tragedy”. with criminal conspiracy, creating fear 2017 in Pune where various activists and suspects,” said Venkatesham. “This is not a natural calamity, instead a man-made and enmity between groups, and under Dalit organisations came together, was Pune Police has claimed before the tragedy due to the faulty handling of the dam water the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) responsible for stoking the violence the court that the arrested activists were management. Dams in the state were overflowing and the Act. The arrests were part of an next day.In June, the police arrested five allegedly part of an “anti-fascist” front primary reason for this tragedy is the way the dam waters investigation into violence that broke people -- activist Sudhir Dhawale, lawyer of the Maoists, were involved in were indiscriminately let out,” he said. Source: IANS out in Bhima Koregaon in Maharashtra Surendra Gadling, activist Rona Wilson, recruiting students and young people, on January 1 during the bicentennial researcher Mahesh Raut, and retired had links with separatists in Kashmir India not guaranteed sanctions celebration of a British-era war by professor Shoma Sen – for alleged and were intending to strike “high Dalits. Maoist ties. A separate probe by Pune functionaries” in the government. waiver for Russian arms: US State government officials said on the (rural) police in the January 1 violence Defence lawyers have rejected the condition of anonymity that they has named two Hindu right wing charges, and questioned the arrests. assured the Centre they possessed leaders, Milind Ekbote and Shambhaji Source: HT and agencies SC/STs can get quota in home

state only, says Supreme Court WASHINGTON (TIP): A top Pentagon official has cautioned India that there are no guarantees for a special NEW DELHI (TIP): In a significant a state or a union territory does not waiver from US sanctions if it buys new weapons platforms verdict, the Supreme Court on August 30 necessarily carry the same status in from Russia. held that a member of an SC/ST another state or union territory. Washington is alarmed at the prospect of India, an community from one state cannot claim “A person notified as Scheduled Caste increasingly important US military ally and the world’s top the benefit of reservation in government in state A cannot claim the same status defence importer, buying new systems from Russia, jobs or admission in another state, if his in another state on the basis that he is including its S-400 long-range, surface-to-air missile system. or her caste is not notified there. A five- declared as Scheduled Caste in state A,” Under current US rules against Russia, third countries judge constitution bench headed by it said. could face sanctions if they transact with Russian defence Justice Ranjan Gogoi also held that in The bench said the consideration for or intelligence sectors. Delhi, the central reservation policy specifying a particular caste or tribe or But after lobbying from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, applicable in jobs of the central class for inclusion in the list of SCs, STs Congress granted the US president and the secretary of government regarding Scheduled Castes or Backward Classes in any state state the option of granting waivers, such as when an ally (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), would whether an SC/ST community member depends on the nature and extent of the nation transitions from legacy Russian gear to Western be applicable. in one state can seek reservation in disadvantages and social hardships arms. Randall Schriver, the Pentagon’s assistant secretary It unanimously held that a person another state where his caste is not suffered by the concerned members of of defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, said the belonging to SCs or STs in one state notified as SC/ST. The bench was also the class in that state. waiver authority had created the impression Washington cannot be deemed to be a SC or ST in seized of the question whether SC/ST “These may be absent in another State would insulate India “from any fallout from this legislation other states where he has migrated for people of another state can seek quota to which the persons belonging to some no matter what they do.” “I would say that’s a bit the purpose of employment or benefits for government jobs in Delhi. other State may migrate,” the bench misleading,” Schriver told an audience at the Carnegie education, saying that such persons The bench, which also comprised said. The top court accorded primacy to Endowment For International Peace in Washington. would be eating away the quota meant Justices N V Ramana, R Banumathi, M the list of SC/ST castes prepared by the “We would still have very significant concerns if India for the native SCs or STs. M Shantanagoudar and Justice S A President and said nobody,including the pursued major new platforms and systems (from Russia). I The verdict came on as many as eight Nazeer, said the scheduled castes and Court, can order addition or deletion of can’t sit here and tell you that they would be exempt, that we petitions that had raised the issue scheduled tribes specified in relation to any caste into that list. Source: PTI would use that waiver.” Source: AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 CINEMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 “The First Responder” Rajan Gangahar packs his film on PTSD with emotion and drama A film on the life and experiences of EMS workers is shot in and around New York

film award mega event. "The film was about human relations documentary on the life of EMS workers, I was clear, it is a and founded on emotions," says Rajan. universal subject. Most amongst us have dealt with EMS as Gangahar trained as an actor and worked in theater circuit volunteers or when we sought their service or when one or in India for several years. "Stage performances offered a other member in our family worked with EMS. We all know direct connect with the audience and helped me learn the the essence of the EMS duty. But what interested me was to value of touching the audience's heart. It was instant," he adapt it for a fiction short film yet depicting the life and says while talking about his stage experience. Gangahar trauma of an EMS staffer," says Gangahar. And a short traveled with a theater group all across Canada and USA for documentary was transformed into a docu-drama and then to his play. And the response was universal. It connected with a short film based on fiction, yet close to a real-life story. the audience everywhere. "I was clear. Any form of creative "The hero or protagonist of my film has similar trauma. He work will connect and be successful if we can touch the is suffering every day as his experience haunts him. Days and heart". nights. But he denies and even refuses to take professional Whether it is a debate on India or the USA, Gangahar help. It reaches an extreme when he can't even take always tends to lean on the freedom of expression. Political assignment lest he fail again. He wants to pretend and show or intellectual or creative or even religious subjects are off machoism yet all around him observe his suffering. He deliberated with same zeal keeping the backdrop of human even contemplates suicide," says Gangahar. behavior. The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in any "A compassionate boss and a caring wife help him to take At the shoot. Lucase, Rajan Gangahar, Tara Maldonada profession, including EMS, is essentially due to some or the professional help. Finally, barriers are broken, and he hugs other form of guilt, which may be haunting the sufferer. And his wife in elevator while going back home after he completes ssentially a loner and a voracious reader, US-based then the patient enters the state of denial. Whether it is the the treatment," he adds. director-writer Rajan Gangahar, has just finished guilt or fear of facing it again or inability to confess, the "I have been studying cinema for quite some time. Learning Efilming "The First Responder", a short film in New person keeps running away from reality. from the West, I believe in doing complete homework. It is not York. Says Rajan," When the Producer approached me to Whether it is a play or story-screenplay-dialogues or about the scale of the subject or canvass. A detailed and make a film on the life of EMS members' life and experiences, directing, Gangahar has never tried to rush into anything in thorough pre-production work helps," says Gangahar. With I was not excited. To me, a film is about emotions not just a quest to do a lot. It's not about lust of fame but the about 16 persons in crew and 10 actors, the unit was small. visuals. I liked the perspective, but I wanted to add the most satisfaction of doing good quality creative work that drives The creative team could focus on meaningful output important dimension for a good film. Make it a human story, the Gangahar. It's not about telling the family and world of especially keeping in mind the limited resources. of a traumatic experience of the EMS worker". Rajan has friends about making a film but "telling" the story in the right The filming has been completed in less than ten days while earlier written and made a feature film, "Khushiyan" in manner on screen or stage or television that stimulates shooting all around in New York city. Gangahar expects to Punjabi, one of the most popular languages in India and won Gangahar. "When the producer of "The First Responder" finish post-production work by end of August and then the Best Writer award for the film at PIFA in Toronto, a global shared the subject of the film which he had conceived as a submit the film for festivals around the world. ‘Any story that deals with human with RAJAN GANGAHAR emotions interests me’- Rajan What attracted you to take on in Indian film industry. And that translates to multiple resources trying to ride that wave by creating single international platform this project as a director? always available on call. On the contrary, the crew in America is for everything from screening films to making films. comparatively smaller but better trained in latest technologies, Indian films have recently created history by making almost I would say it was the subject. though the gap is diminishing. $300 million in China? What is the reason? Do you see similar It is a story of EMT workers and You have been an actor yourself. Why did you not act in the their exposure to traumatic possibilities for Indian cinema in USA? circumstances. We see EMT film? workers all the time and expect It is always tempting but I avoid the temptation, especially The present times are probably the best of times for the Indian them to be first responders. In when as a director the performance of the whole cast needs your film industry. India is producing realistic and sensitive cinema worst of the circumstances, undivided attention. and global audience including in US, China, UK is accepting it. An constant exposure to these How is a short film different from making a feature length era of films with universal issues that strike a chord with both traumatic situations can lead to foreign and domestic audience has commenced. Rest is a numbers PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress film? game. Disorder). This medical Any film less than 50 minutes is considered a short film. The Why are Indian Directors not making films in Hollywood? Even condition effects everyone difference is less time to establish characters and still engaging around you, the family, friends, the audience from conflict to resolution. The future of top Indian actors rarely do films in Hollywood. Why? Do you colleagues. Unfortunately, there entertainment as predicted by experts would be shorter films see this changing in near future? is a macho culture and one because of shorter attention span of the younger generation. considers a weakness to seek medical help. It is a story of When What is most important to you in making a film? No one can live in isolation. There is so much to learn from Helping Hurts. experiences of each other. Both industries were catering to their Who wrote the story? Film making is a field of director, DOP Editor Maintaining a own kind of audience, but it is changing. Hollywood studios are single, clear vision through communication before the shoot is the experimenting with adding in Indian actors in significant roles. Ron Basci, a friend of mine, has written the script about an key. Since they all are telling same story in different languages Initially to get wider audience but with time they would be doing EMT worker and silently suffered from PTSD. with their respective tools. It is imperative for all of them to have it for talent. Future is, both industries working with each other or How did you select the cast and the crew? single clear vision. Artistically, I am of the opinion in creating for each other and launching joint ventures. believable characters is the key and I am fascinated by the process In your view, is human interest story a universal subject? Can a Casting was a complicated process. The original casting call of characterization. Acting is doing consciously what we do attracted more than 600 actors. The team brought it down to 30. unconsciously in real life. Recreating that behavior is what creates film appeal to all or majority of audiences across the world? Final auditioning went on for a week. All the hard work paid off a great performance. Yes, there is no doubt in that. Perfect example would be the play and we were able to ensemble a cast of 9 -- probably the best from What kind of cinema do you like as a film maker? "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller -- a story of a middle-class theater and films. family struggle in 1950. This play was translated and performed in How was the experience of working with an American unit Any story that deals with human emotions interests me. every country and almost every language. So, yes emotions and feelings are universal, dressed in local cultures. including an American Producer? Where do you see Indian cinema today and five years from What is next for your short film? Do you see it appealing to all It was an enriching experience since I was able to share my now, especially with Netflix and Amazon redefining experience and also adopt to local technical crew.At the end of the boundaries? audiences across the world? day we have been able to create a believable human story. Yes, I am positive it will, emotions like music are universal. How is it different from making an Indian film? With the availability of internet, we human are no longer What would you like to do next and in what capacity? confined by physical and imaginary boundaries. We are more Internet has created a flat world for every field including in the aware of other cultures, there history, there struggles and There are stories to be explored and told. I would love to remain field of film making. Though some ground realities will always sufferings and curious to listen to stories beyond barriers of a storyteller in any format -- a film, a Play or a book… as a director, influence working environment like availability of low-cost labor language and culture. Corporates like Amazon, Netflix, Apple are an actor or a writer. ADVERTISEMENT 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 PRIYANKA SHOWERING NICK JONAS WITH KISSES

Has Kriti Sanon called It quits with Sushant Rajput? hough Kriti Sanon and Sushant Singh Rajput have never really publicly Tadmitted to dating each other, their actions speak loud and clear for their romance chemistry. The two have been spotted on many occasions together. In fact, the duo rang in 2018 together in Switzerland with their close friends. However, if a report in India Today is anything to go by, it seems the two have decided ever the one to indulge in online Wednesday. traditional Hindu roka ceremony and to part ways. Sushant and Kriti had reportedly displays of affection, Bollywood The actor is not just showing Insta threw a huge party for their friends and hit it off while they were shooting Raabta in Nactor Priyanka Chopra has finally affection to her fiance but also to his family. family at night. The following day, both the Budapest. broken her own code. After making her Her to-be mother-in-law, Denise Jonas families paid a visit to an orphanage in "It was never meant to last. Sushant has a engagement official with American singer posted a video from Priyanka and Nick’s Mumbai. roving eye and is an incorrigible flirt, whereas Nick Jonas on August 18, Priyanka has engagement party on Tuesday in which she After the engagement, DNA caught up Kriti is a one-man woman," a source was quoted posted a swoon-worthy picture of her fiance is seen dancing with Priyanka’s mother, with Madhu Chopra for her review of her as saying by the publication. on Instagram. Madhu Chopra. In the video, we see Madhu to-be son-in-law. “Nick enjoyed the prayers "It is definitely over between them," the Priyanka shared Nick’s photo on her point at Denise and call her ‘Munde di maa’. during the puja. It was a new thing for him source added. Instagram stories on Wednesday and Priyanka also caught on to the cute title and and he took it seriously. He followed what Sushant was earlier dating popular TV actor plastered a ‘kiss’ sticker right next to him. wrote it as a comment on the video. She also our panditji said, and chanted the Sanskrit Ankita Lokhande. The two dated each other for In the picture, Nick is seen wearing a white commented ‘Love!’ on the video. mantras accurately.Both he and his parents over six years before announcing their split in T-shirt with ‘Namaste’ embossed on it. “What an amazing day of celebration for did it beautifully.They are nice people,” she 2016. Priyanka flew to Los Angeles earlier this @nickjonas and @priyankachopra said. Soon after their break-up, news of Sushant week and posted pictures of the beaches engagement and Indian culture,” the Priyanka and Nick met for the first time and Kriti's affair started doing the rounds. and delicious drinks. We assume she made singer’s dad and Denise’s husband, Kevin at the 2017 Met Gala. It was in May 2018 that Meanwhile, Kriti is currently busy with the trip to spend quality time with her to-be Jonas Sr, had also commented. paparazzi began spotting them together on Lukka Chhupi, which will see her opposite husband. However, Priyanka also posted a Nick arrived in India on Friday, August dates and less than three months later, they Kartik Aaryan. Sushant has films like picture of the stunning pink skies of 17 with his parents. On Saturday,the couple announced their engagement. Kedarnath, Drive, Sonchiriya and Kizie Aur Mexico as she said ‘hola’ to the country on made their engagement official with a Source: HT Manny in his kitty. Sonam Kapoor starts filming the ‘Zoya Factor’

onam Kapoor, who started filming her upcoming film The Zoya Factor on Wednesday, has occupied a spot on the trends list on Twitter. On Wednesday, SSonam shared a picture of the draft of The Zoya Factor script on her Instagram story and wrote: "New Start." A few days before the film went on floors, Sonam tweeted: "Super excited to shoot for The Zoya Factor with Dulquer Salmaan. Can't wait to share more updates with you all." The Zoya Factor will be directed by Abhishek Sharma and it will feature Dulquer Salmaan, Angad Bedi and Sonam's uncle Sanjay Kapoor, who will be seen playing Sonam's father onscreen. Meanwhile, Sonam's father Anil Kapoor wished the team The Zoya Factor by sharing a sp[ecial tweet. He wrote: "To a new beginning! All the best to the whole team of The Zoya Factor.Let the madness takeover!" Sonam and Dulquer had announced their association with the film on Twitter in March this year, while Sonam mentioned that she was "super happy" to be a part of the film, Dulquer wrote: "Now this one is really special for me! Introducing The Zoya Factor a movie based on Anuja Chauhan's bestseller. Releasing on April 5, 2019! Co-starring Sonam Kapoor, directed by Abhishek Sharma!" The Zoya Factoris based on Anuja Chauhan's bestselling novel of the same name. Speaking to IANS about the film, director Abhishek Sharma had mentioned that Sonam will be seen portraying the role of an advertising agency executive whereas Dulquer will be seen playing the role of Nikhil Khoda, the captain of the Indian Cricket Team. "The book has many layers, characters and tracks. Sonam is our Zoya Singh Solanki, an advertising agency executive. She was the first person that came to my mind as she's as bubbly as Zoya. Dulquer will play Nikhil Khoda, the captain of the Indian Cricket Team in the film. It's always great to work with Adlabs Films," said Abhishek. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 HOLLYWOOD 19 ELIZABETH HURLEY HULA-HOOPS IN BIKINI ternally stunning actor and model Elizabeth Hurley, who seems to have Enever met a bikini she didn’t like, has taken to Instagram to hula-hoop in a tiny pink bathing suit. The 53-year-old actress showed off her toned stomach and fit physique in a photo she captioned “Hula hoop practice.” Her fans’ response was overwhelmingly positive, because what’s not to like about the confident star showing off her moves? “Very pretty lady,” wrote one. Another fan was in awe, writing, “I love what’s in that bikini! How do you do It Liz!? How do you stay so hot fit over 50? Geesh!” “Stunning…..look like a 25 yr old,” added Rosamund Pike was another. The star knows exactly how to work up asked to strip at audition her fans on social media. She recently ctor Rosamund Pike has revealed she celebrated “International Bikini Day” (yes, refused to strip during an audition for a that’s a thing) in a tiny blue bikini. AJames Bond film, but still secured the Although the mother of one has her part. The 39-year-old Oscar-nominated actor brand, Elizabeth Hurley Beach, as an made her Hollywood debut as Miranda Frost excuse to flaunt her incredible body on opposite Pierce Brosnan’s Bond in 2002’s Die Instagram, the longtime model encourages Another Day and was just 21 when she anyone to get into a bikini. All it takes, she auditioned for the role. says, is finding your light to snap a good Pike was asked by producers to strip to her photo. underwear during casting, something that she “Like everybody, I really look to find a flatly refused to do. It was a reaction the flattering light and a suit that fits me and filmmakers admired, giving her the part on the suits me,” she explains. “We spend a little spot. “My first audition was for a Bond film and time setting it up and checking it’s I remember them saying I was to drop my dress flattering, which everybody could learn. and appear in my underwear,” the actor told There’s absolutely nothing wrong with Amazon’s Audible Sessions this week. people wanting to make the best of what “On the day,I don’t know how I got the resolve they have.” and strength of mind, but I just thought ‘if And Hurley is not the only celebrity over they’re going to see me in my underwear, they 50 still rocking a bikini. Salma Hayek, Elle better give me the job’. So, I thought, ‘There’s no Macpherson, and Halle Berry have all way I’m going to take off a dress in the audition shown off a two-piece this summer. for this tape to be sent around Los Angeles and Hurley told PEOPLE about her thoughts to be judged on that’.” on getting older and looking good in 2015. She said she was told by producers to wear a “If you’ve got time to think about aging sexy dress which she would have to then “drop”, then you’re not busy enough,” she said. and was handed “three pieces of string” to wear “Being busy and interested is the key to underneath on the day.Pike said that she picked being attractive. Narcissistic bores who one of her mother’s evening gowns to wear, and stare at themselves in the mirror for hours the costume designer was so flummoxed he are the dullest people on earth.” “didn’t know what to say”. Source: PTI Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner finalise divorce

ormer couple, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have finally Fsettled their divorce case after three long years. The final settlement will be filed in a court after Affleck completes his rehabilitation session, reported TMZ. The Batman v Superman star is undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation centre for his alcohol addiction. A source told Entertainment Tonight: “Jen is proud of the strides he’s made, but some of his friends were worried he might be taking some steps backward and could be on a slippery slope. Ben wants nothing more than to get sober for his kids, for Jen and also for his career. He realises the dangers of what he could lose in life if he doesn’t stick to the programme, and dedicate himself to these big changes.” People close to Ben and Jennifer said that the former couple has also reached a property settlement. The two-time Oscar winner has been open about his battles in the past as he sought help in 2001 and 2017. After his most recent stint, he wrote on his Facebook page in March last year: “I have completed treatment for alcohol addiction; something I’ve dealt with in the past and will continue to confront. I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it, and to be a source of strength for anyone out there who needs help but is afraid to take the first step.” The couple, who have three children, separated in 2015. The duo even agreed to a joint custody of their three children. However, the amount of time that both the stars will get to spend with their children hasn't been decided as yet. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 21 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 WORLD FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 Surveillance State: E- platform in China to air ‘safe, Australian arrested at Cambodian true news’ from govt media rally convicted of spying It will be called Piyao, which The evidence presented against Ricketson appeared thin, but means ‘denying a rumour’ in Chinese. It will include a website, Cambodia's courts are considered highly politicised and their rulings a mobile app and social media often tightly align with the ruling party's agenda. accounts with social media PHNOM PENH (CAMBODIA) (TIP): giants Weibo and WeChat. An Australian filmmaker arrested after BEIJING (TIP): China has decided to to set up a flying a drone to photograph a Cambodian national-level online platform to identify fake news opposition party rally last year was and rumours that are uploaded online. The platform convicted of spying and sentenced to six will be used to alert the public about news deemed to years in prison on Aug 31. be fake by the government and counter such reports James Ricketson faced up to 10 years in as well as pseudo-scientific theories that are prison on the charge of endangering propagated online by individuals. The platform will national security. Almost two dozen jailed be hosted by the Chinese government’s Internet critics or opponents of Prime Minister Illegal Information Reporting Center under the Hun Sen’s government had been freed in Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs recent weeks, raising hopes of leniency in Commission. Ricketson’s case. It will be called Piyao, which means ‘denying a Prosecutors have indicated he was rumour’ in Chinese. It will include a website, a suspected of working with the opposition mobile app and social media accounts with social party or had worked directly for a foreign media giants Weibo and WeChat. power, though that country was never The platform will also allow the public to report on specified in court. The charge against him online rumours or fake news. It will even deploy was tantamount in legal terms to closing argument Wednesday.“He has kept informally adopted daughter, who artificial intelligence to identify reports that are espionage. collecting this information for 22 years, described how he had provided financial false, or which are not from new sources controlled As the prison van left after the panel of until the day he was arrested. The accused assistance to them and other poor by the government. Via those channels, Piyao will judges delivered the verdict, Ricketson person was using his journalism job and members of Cambodian society. broadcast “real” news, sourcing reports from state- shouted to reporters the same question he helping poor Cambodians just to hide his Throughout his trial, Ricketson shouted owned media, party-controlled local newspapers, and often raised throughout his trial: “Who am real work, but in fact he is a spy and has brief but defiant remarks to reporters as various government agencies. I spying for?’ Before hearing the verdict, been filming at the sites of the country’s he was led in and out of the court building The single platform is the integration of 40 he told The Associated Press that based on security forces.” for each hearing. He decried the paucity of rumour-busting websites that have now been the evidence and facts in the case, he The prosecutors had indicated evidence and repeatedly asked the integrated into a single national one. As of this should be set free. Ricketson also was suspected of working taunting question of what country he was month, China has 802 million active internet users, Ricketson, 69, repeatedly insisted he had with the opposition Cambodian National supposed to have been spying for. which is 57.7 per cent of its population. In a heavily no political agenda and his work making Rescue Party, which for a time had enough At one point, however, he took a tried- regulated society, people often turn to the internet to documentary films was journalistic in popularity among Cambodians to be a and-true approach in trying to earn vent their ire. nature. Character witnesses testified to his viable challenger to Hun Sen’s rule. The clemency by expressing contrition. Media reports state that in July alone, internet filmmaking work and financial generosity party’s dissolution by a court ruling last In a July 1 letter addressed to Hun Sen regulators had received at least 6.7 million to several poor Cambodians. year assured Hun Sen’s party of its and published in a pro-government complaints about false information being posted in The evidence presented against sweeping victory. newspaper, he wrote: “May I please, Chinese social media. “Rumours violate individual Ricketson appeared thin, but Cambodia’s The leniency shown to opponents and respectfully, send my sincerest apologies rights; rumours create social panic; rumours cause courts are considered highly politicised critics following the July election followed to yourself and the Cambodian fluctuations in the stock markets; rumours impact and their rulings often tightly align with a pattern of Hun Sen’s long rule, with a Government. I now realize that my normal business operations; rumours blatantly the ruling party’s agenda. A handful of harsh crackdown on opponents and critics statements I have made in the press and attack revolutionary martyrs,” Piyao said in a personal emails seized from Ricketson preceding the vote and clemency and other media are disruptive and ill- promotional video of the launch on its website. suggested he was sympathetic to the conciliatory moves after a resounding informed. These statements were made The platform will also broadcast news that it country’s political opposition and critical victory. from a place of foreign naivety and deems true and safe, which will be sourced from of Hun Sen’s government, but revealed no Ricketson testified in his defense that he ignorance about the complexities and government-controlled media. The platform operates sensitive or secret information. Several of made contacts with the opposition party difficulties of governing Cambodia,” he under the guidance of 27 government departments, his photos and videos showed security strictly for journalistic purposes while wrote. including the Central Party School, which trains forces on duty, but only in publicly making a documentary film. He recounted “I apologize unreservedly and without rising officials, and powerful planning body the viewable situations. a filmmaking career dating to the 1970s, condition for any distress I may have National Development and Reform Commission. “Since he arrived in Cambodia, the and presented acclaimed Australian movie caused as a result of my ignorance of President Xi Jinping said last year that China will accused person has been collecting director Peter Weir to attest to his Cambodian issues. If there is anything I build a “clean and clear” internet space. political, social and economic information professionalism in the field. can do to remedy my mistake, please let me (With agency inputs) about Cambodia and sending it to a foreign Ricketson’s other character witnesses know as I only want the best for you and state,” prosecutor Sieng Sok said in his were several Cambodians, including his Cambodia,” the letter said. (AP) Russia holds up release of report on North Korea sanctions The experts' report said sanctions against North Korea are also being violated by transfers of coal at sea and the flouting of an arms embargo and financial restrictions. UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Russia said on Aug 30 it is objections are in hopes of finalizing and releasing the report. holding up release of a report by U.N. experts who said North “I need to stress that this panel of experts report is Korea is violating U.N. sanctions including by not stopping its independent,” she said. “It’s an interesting question as to nuclear and missile programs and by “a massive increase in whether you should be objecting to an independent report. illicit ship-to-ship transfers of petroleum products.” But, as I say, the council hopes we can resolve this.” Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters Pierce said the Security Council has been “very strong” on after a closed Security Council meeting on the report that he enforcing sanctions against North Korea, “and getting this was blocking its release “because we disagree on certain report out and implemented is the next stage in enforcing the elements of the report.” sanctions.” The experts’ report said sanctions against North He said Russia also asked for an investigation into regular Korea are also being violated by transfers of coal at sea and the leaks of reports on North Korea to the media. The Associated flouting of an arms embargo and financial restrictions. Press and other news organizations reported the panel’s latest North Korea also attempted to sell small arms and light findings in early August. Nebenzia didn’t disclose Russia’s weapons and other military equipment via foreign concerns but diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity ship-to-ship transfers. Britain’s UN Ambassador Karen Pierce, intermediaries, including Syrian arms traffickers in the case because consultations were private, said a key objection was the current Security Council president, said there will be of Houthi Shiite rebels in Yemen as well as Libya and Sudan, the panel’s mention of Russian ships being involved in illegal informal consultations Friday to determine what Russia’s the report said. (AP) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 WORLD 23 Russia to hold Mediterranean Canada says NAFTA agreement naval drills as Syria tensions possible by Friday, but hard work ahead rise MOSCOW (TIP): Russia’s Ministry of Defence said on Thursday it would hold a major naval exercise in After more than a year of talks, Mexico and the United States announced the Mediterranean Sea from Sept. 1 to Sept. 8, the TASS news agency reported, a move that coincides a bilateral deal on Monday, clearing the way for Canada to rejoin talks to with rising tensions between Moscow and Washington over Syria. update 24-year-old NAFTA, which accounts for over $1 trillion in annual Russia has this month been actively expanding its naval forces in the Mediterranean, part of what a trade between the three nations. Russian newspaper on Tuesday called Moscow’s largest naval build-up since it entered the Syrian TORONTO (TIP): Canada said an conflict in 2015. agreement to salvage the trilateral North TASS cited the defence ministry as saying that 25 American Free Trade Agreement warships and submarines and 30 planes, including (NAFTA) is possible by a Friday deadline, fighter jets and strategic bombers, would take part, but it will be hard work to resolve specific and that the drills would involve anti-aircraft, anti- issues as talks with the United States submarine and anti-mining exercises. entered a second day. After more than a The drills come amid rising tensions between year of talks, Mexico and the United Russia and the West over Syria’s northern rebel-held States announced a bilateral deal on region of Idlib. A source said on Wednesday that Monday, clearing the way for Canada to Russia’s ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was rejoin talks to update 24-year-old NAFTA preparing a phased offensive there. which accounts for over $1 trillion in Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on annual trade between the three nations. Wednesday that militants in Idlib had to be liquidated, US President Donald Trump set a describing them as “a festering abscess”. Friday deadline for the three countries to “In the interest of ensuring the security of shipping reach an in-principle agreement and and aircraft flights in line with international law, the warned he could proceed with a deal with areas of the exercise will be declared dangerous for Mexico alone and levy tariffs on Canada if shipping and flights,” TASS quoted the defence it does not come on board with revised reported late on Tuesday. After being cases. Lighthizer said on Monday that ministry as saying. trade terms. Canadian Prime Minister sidelined from the talks for more than two Mexico had agreed to eliminate the Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s Ambassador to the Justin Trudeau said meeting the Friday months, Freeland will be under pressure mechanism. United States, said earlier on Thursday that he had deadline is a possibility and Foreign to accept terms the United States and To save that mechanism, Ottawa plans told U.S. officials that Moscow was concerned by signs Minister and lead negotiator Chrystia Mexico worked out. The US Congress also to change one rule that effectively blocked that the United States was preparing new strikes on Freeland said she was encouraged by the wants a deal that includes Canada. American farmers from exporting Syria. (Reuters) talks and progress so far. The three countries are aiming to seal a ultrafiltered milk, an ingredient in “We recognize that there is a possibility trade pact by Friday to allow Mexican cheesemaking, to Canada, the Globe and Two men burned to death by of getting there by Friday, but it is only a President Enrique Pena Nieto to sign it Mail reported, citing sources. Trudeau possibility, because it will hinge on before he leaves office at the end of repeated on Wednesday that he will defend mob in central Mexico whether or not there is ultimately a good November. The timeline accommodates a Canada’s dairy industry. deal for Canada,” he said at a press 90-day waiting period under US trade law Other hurdles include intellectual MEXICO CITY (TIP): Some residents of a small conference in northern Ontario on before Trump can sign the pact. property rights and extensions of town in central Mexico pulled two men accused of Wednesday. “No NAFTA deal is better The political implications are big for copyright protections to 75 years from trying to kidnap children from police custody and than a bad NAFTA deal.” the other two countries too. Republicans 50, a higher threshold than Canada has burned them to death. Police in Puebla state say the Freeland said she was optimistic that face mid-term elections in November and previously supported. “I think that what men aged 53 and 21 had been detained in the township progress can be made this week, but she Trudeau a national one expected by they probably need by Friday is some of Acatlan and taken to a local police station. added: “When it comes to specific issues, October 2019. “The strategy is to get a indication from Canada to the A crowd of about 150 people gathered and stormed we have a huge amount of work to do.” better deal,” White House spokeswoman Americans that it’s ready to play ball, the jail, taking the men who they accused of trying to She declined to name the specific issues, Sarah Sanders said on Wednesday. that they’re ready to negotiate in good steal children. The crowd then doused them with an but said on Tuesday that Mexico’s Sticking Points faith,” said Mark Warner, a trade lawyer accelerant and burned them and their vehicle. concessions on auto rules of origin and with MAAW Law, which specialises in The state police said Wednesday that local labor rights was a breakthrough. One of the issues for Canada in the Canadian and US law. “If Chrystia authorities had not followed established procedure to Ottawa is also ready to make revised deal is the US effort to dump the Freeland goes down there and she starts request reinforcements and negotiators. Such concessions on Canada’s protected dairy Chapter 19 dispute resolution mechanism going on and on about red lines again, instances of mob killings have been increasing in market in a bid to save a dispute- that hinders the United States from then I think it’s all over,” he added. central Mexico. (AP) settlement system, The Globe and Mail pursuing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy (Reuters) Let police kill criminals, says Brazil presidential candidate Germany, seeking independence from Jair Bolsonaro

SAO PAULO (TIP): A leading candidate in Brazil’s US, pushes cyber security research presidential election said police should be given license to kill criminals and those who do should BERLIN (TIP) : Germany announced a state based on the rule of law, we can only receive medals not face prosecution. new agency on Wednesday to fund Interior Minister Horst lose a cyber politics arms race with states Hard-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro said in an research on cybersecurity and to end its Seehofer told reporters that like China, North Korea or Russia,” he interview Tuesday night that he would “leave good reliance on digital technologies from the Germany needed new tools added, calling for “scarce resources” to be people out of range of the shooting” and go at United States, China and other countries. to become a top player in focused on hardening vulnerable systems. criminals full steam. “This kind of people (criminals), Interior Minister Horst Seehofer told Germany and other European you cannot treat them as if they were normal human reporters that Germany needed new tools cybersecurity and shore up countries also worry about their beings, ok? We can’t let policemen keep dying at the to become a top player in cybersecurity European security and dependence on US technologies. This hands of those guys,” Bolsonaro said on TV Globo’s and shore up European security and independence. follows revelations in 2012 by US NSA main nightly news program. “”If he kills 10, 15 or 20 independence. whistleblower Edward Snowden of a with 10 or 30 bullets each, he needs to get a medal and “It is our joint goal for Germany to take its government and industry computer massive spying network, as well as the US not be prosecuted.” a leading role in cybersecurity on an networks. However, the opposition Greens Patriot Act which gave the US government Bolsonaro is polling second ahead of Brazil’s international level,” Seehofer told a news criticised the project. “This agency broad powers to compel companies to October presidential election, with jailed former conference with Defence Minister Ursula wouldn’t increase our information provide data. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the lead. But da von der Leyen. “We have to acknowledge technology security, but further endanger “As a federal government, we cannot Silva is likely to be barred from running by electoral we’re lagging behind, and when one is it,” said Greens lawmaker Konstantin von stand idly by when the use of sensitive authorities for a corruption conviction. lagging, one needs completely new Notz. technology with high-security relevance Bolsonaro has a history of controversial comments. approaches.” The agency is a joint The agency’s work on offensive are controlled by other governments. We He has defended Brazil’s 1964-1985 military interior and defence ministry project. capabilities would undermine Germany’s must secure and expand such key dictatorship and made comments opponents have Germany, like many other countries, diplomatic efforts to limit the use of cyber technologies of our digital called homophobic and racist. (AP) faces a daily barrage of cyber attacks on weapons internationally, he said. “As a infrastructure,” Seehofer said. (Reuters) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 WOMEN FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 STRAWBERRY FACE MASKS FOR GLOWING SKIN

ive your skin a fruity treat by availing numerous beauty Gbenefits of the delicious strawberries. While you can continue devouring their berrylicious flavor, you can also use strawberries to achieve a luminous and clear skin by inducing the fruit’s goodness in various face packs. With their anti-oxidant properties and an abundance of vitamin C, strawberries offer you with scientific reasoning for being ideal skin-treatment agents. Here are 5 strawberry face packs that should be included in your daily Wake up with beauty regime. Strawberries and Yogurt Mask This mask is for those who have an beautiful skin oily and acne-prone skin. Mix strawberry puree with yogurt and a REMOVE MAKE-UP tablespoon of honey. Apply it on your face and leave it to dry for ten minutes. This one is probably the biggest beauty blunder we make. Once dried, wash your face with warm Removing every hint of make-up from your face is really water. This mask will leave you with important as it lets your skin breathe and avoids chances of gradual results of reduced acne and a infections, especially zits. You can buy make-up removing healthier skin. pads, micellar water or use olive oil to make your own DIY Strawberry and Coco Powder Mask make-up remover. CLEANSE Want to achieve that gorgeous inner glow to your skin? Look no further than until you derive a thick paste from the would be enough to gain brilliant results. Don't assume using a make-up remover will completely this strawberry and coco powder mask. products. Apply it on your face and relax Almond Oil, Lemon Juice cleanse your face as well. Invest in a good cleanser, Mix two tablespoons of coco powder until the mask dries. It is necessary to let depending upon your skin type, and make sure to use it with crushed strawberries. Add a the mask stay put for atleast twenty and Strawberry after removing your make-up. It will help in deep cleaning tablespoon of honey and mix well. Apply minutes. Wash your face with fresh cold Mash 3 fresh strawberries in a bowl your pores by removing dirt and oil. the mask all over your face and leave it water and pat it dry with a clean towel. until smooth. Add one tablespoon of MOISTURISE to dry for 15 minutes. Rinse your face This mask is ideal to maintain a younger almond oil and 5 drops of lemon juice to with luke warm water and you’ll looking skin and reduce signs of ageing. the strawberries. Mix well and apply the A night cream is a must have in beauty kit. It helps to experience immediate results. Rice and Strawberry Face Pack mixture with a sanitized brush all over hydrate, nourish and repair the damaged skin cells. Apply Furthermore, your skin will feel supple your face and neck. Leave the mask on a thick layer of it before sleeping and provide the much- and you’ll notice an improved texture by Applying this face pack has proven to for not more than ten minutes. Wash needed care. P.S.- night creams are different from day ones. the day. be the perfect remedy to deep cleanse the your face with warm water and pat dry They are sans SPF, and may have a thicker texture. Milk, Cornstarch, Honey and skin, get rid of dead cells, dirt and with a clean towel. Follow up with a UNDER EYE CREAM impurities. All one needs to do is take 1 suitable skin toner or moisturizer for Strawberry tablespoon of uncooked rice soaked in your skin. This will achieve you an even The area under your eyes is the thinnest skin of your INGREDIENTS water and blend it with 3 strawberries in skin-tone and a better texture. A face body and hence needs special care. An eye cream will help 1/2 cup of ripe strawberries a blender. Once a uniform paste is pack that is suitable to your skin from to reduce dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. Plus, 1/4 cup of cornstarch attained, apply it to your face and leave it the ones mentioned above can be made a it will keep the area hydrated and keep wrinkles away! 1 tablespoon of organic honey on for 30 minutes. Wash your face with part of your daily or weekly beauty FACE MASK 1/4 cup of low-fat milk cold water and pat it dry. Follow this regime and we can assure you it would Mix all the ingredients in a blender remedy two times in a week and that fail you. Depending upon your skin condition, applying a face mask once or twice a week is a good idea. It will help in keeping your skin supple, and complexion luminous. FOOD CORNER SLEEP The importance of sleeping for 7-9 hours every day cannot be over stressed. A good skincare regimen starts CHEESY POTATO with a good snoozing time and a healthy diet. It is the only time when your skin gets to revitalise, and gear up for the next day! WEDGES SLEEP ON YOUR BACK INGREDIENTS Lying on your stomach is bad for "beauty sleep." The average head weighs 7 to 8 pounds-a lot of pressure to be 6 potato, 2 teaspoon mixed herbs, 2 teaspoon chilli flakes, 1 cup chopped onion, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1/2 cup fresh putting on your face every night. In fact, many cream, 4 teaspoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, water as required dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there. Method GET A LIFT Wash potatoes under running water, peel and slice them into thick wedges. Then, add the potatoes in a deep- Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the bottomed pan and pour enough water in it, put this pan headrest area of your bed on 2- to 4-inch pieces of wood. on high flame and boil the potato slices in it. Once the Gravity helps lymph and blood flow so fluid won't wedges turn tender, drain the water and keep them accumulate. To wake with defined cheekbones, eat a high- aside. Next, put a non-stick pan on medium flame and protein, low-sugar dinner (try salmon and asparagus, a melt butter in it, and quickly add the chopped onions and natural diuretic). Skip the rice, pasta and potatoes. When saute till they get translucent and pink. our diet's high in glycemic carbohydrates, our features take To the sauteed onions, add the boiled potato wedges and on a soft, doughy appearance. stir once. Then, add chili flakes in the pan followed by adding fresh cream, mustard sauce, mixed herbs, and WRAP IT UP salt. Mix well all the ingredients and cook for another two To minimize A.M. frizz, sleep on a satin pillowcase or put minutes. When done, transfer to a plate and serve hot! your hair in a silk scarf. Those fabrics are much softer than (Note: You can sprinkle some mixed herbs as garnishing cotton, so there's less friction. to increase the flavour.) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 HEALTH & FITNESS 25 NEW DRUGS MAY HELP SMOKERS KICK THE BUTT cientists say they have developed over a dozen drugs which may help Ssmokers reduce their consumption of tobacco, if not quit altogether. The researchers from the Washington State University in the US created the substances with the potential to curb smokers' desire for nicotine by slowing how it is broken down in the body. The finding, published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, targets a liver BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE enzyme, called CYP2A6, which omegranate is one of the healthiest fruits on earth. metabolises nicotine. Pomegranate has many incredible health benefits for Nicotine triggers the release of Pyour body. It is called as a divine fruit because it is the dopamine and serotonin, two pleasure most mentioned fruit in theological books. Pomegranate has causing chemicals produced by the body. anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties and is said However, as it gets metabolised, users to be a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, can experience withdrawal symptoms vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as folic acid. This amazing like tingling in the hands and feet, fruit consists three times as many antioxidants as both wine sweating, anxiety and irritability. or green tea. Consuming pomegranate also lowers the risk of This is the feeling that the researchers all sorts of diseases. Following are the benefits of are targeting, said Travis Denton, an pomegranate: assistant professor at the Washington Protects us from free radicals State University. Denton and Philip Lazarus, a Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants and thus protects our professor of pharmaceutical sciences, enzyme, people should be fine, and it will substances. body from free radicals, which are responsible for premature designed dozens of molecules that bind possibly help them stop smoking or at This helped narrow the number of ageing. Free radicals are formed by exposure to sun and due to CYP2A6 and inhibit its ability to least decrease their amount of potential drugs down to 18. to harmful toxins in the environment. metabolise nicotine. smoking," he said. Once the US Food and Drug It thins your blood "If you inhibit CYP2A6, it should not The researchers have tested their Administration (FDA) verifies a drug's bother your overall health," said candidate drugs to make sure they do safety, clinical trials would begin to see Antioxidants present in pomegranate act as a 'thinner for Lazarus. not disrupt other major enzymes that how it works in a human, researchers your blood'. The seeds of pomegranate prevent your blood "If we could specifically target this help the body metabolise other said. Source: PTI platelets from forming clots and coagulating. There are two types of blood clots, first is the good one which speeds the recovery during a cut or an injury and second is when there is any internal clot, like in heart, YOGA MUSIC AT BEDTIME BOOSTS arteries or anywhere else inside the body.These type of clots are not good and can be fatal. HEART HEALTH: RESEARCHERS Prevention of atherosclerosis With increasing age and the type of lifestyle we live, the istening to soothing, meditative walls of our arteries become harder due to cholesterol, yoga music before sleep may be resulting in blockages sometimes. The anti-oxidant property Lgood for the heart, according to a of pomegranate prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing. So, study by Indian researchers. eating pomegranates removes the excess fat and prevents the "We use music therapy in our hospital hardening of artery walls. and in this study we showed that yoga It acts like an oxygen mask music has a beneficial impact on heart rate variability before sleeping," said Pomegranate helps to pump the level of oxygen in our study author Naresh Sen, a Consultant blood. Due to anti-oxidants present in pomegranate, it fights Cardiologist at HG SMS Hospital in free radicals, reduces cholesterol and prevents blood clot. All Jaipur, Rajasthan. this eventually helps blood to flow freely and thus improve The study, presented at the ongoing the level of oxygen in your body. European Society of Cardiology It prevents arthritis Congress 2018 in Germany, investigated the impact of listening to yoga music, Pomegranate can reduce the damage of the cartilage by which is a type of soothing or meditative fighting the enzyme that does so. Pomegranate also has the music, before bedtime on heart rate ability to reduce inflammation. variability. Fights erectile dysfunction It included 149 healthy people who participated in three sessions on Though it is not a wonder drug but yes pomegranate juice separate nights: yoga music before sleep can slightly improve erectile dysfunction. And a lot of at night; pop music with steady beats theories prove this as true. before sleep at night; and no music or silence before sleep at night. At each session, heart rate variability PAGE SPONSORED BY was measured for five minutes before the music or silence started, for ten DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND minutes during the music/silence, and five minutes after it had stopped. DR. SATISH ANAND In addition, anxiety levels were Anxiety levels fell significantly after but Indians have long believed in the Former Chairman, Board of assessed before and after each session the yoga music, rose significantly post power of various therapies other than Trustees, AAPI National using the Goldberg Anxiety Scale. The the pop music, and increased after the medicines as a mode of treatment for E-Mail: level of positive feeling was subjectively no music session. Participants felt ailments," he said. [email protected] measured after each session using a significantly more positive after the "This is a small study, and more visual analogue scale. yoga music than they did after the pop research is needed on the cardiovascular The average age of participants was music. effects of music interventions offered by GITANJLI ANAND 26 years. The researchers found that Sen noted that holistic therapies such a trained music therapist. But listening Former President, India heart rate variability increased during as music cannot replace evidence-based to soothing music before bedtime is a Association of Long Island the yoga music, decreased during the drugs and interventions, and should cheap and easy to implement therapy (IALI) pop music, and did not significantly only be used as an add-on. that cannot cause harm," he added. E-mail: change during the silence. "Science may have not always agreed, Source: PTI [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 INSTAGRAM OPENS ITS VERIFICATION PROCESS TO ALL USERS s rumoured earlier, Instagram has opened its verification Aprocess to all users on its NASA INSIGHT MISSION TO platform. Instagram users with large audiences can request for verification through a form within the app. FIND HOW GIANT MARS Verified accounts have a blue tick next to their username indicating that the MOUNTAINS FORMED account is genuine. Every verified ASA said its Insight mission to Mars will measure the account request will be reviewed by red planet's temperature for the first time to decode Instagram to see if it complies with the Nhow the massive mountains on the martian surface company’s criteria. formed. HOW TO APPLY FOR A VERIFIED Mars has some of the tallest mountains in the solar system. They include Olympus Mons, a volcano nearly three ACCOUNT ON INSTAGRAM times the height of Mount Everest, NASA said in a Go to your profile on Instagram statement. and open the Settings menu. The mountain borders a region called the Tharsis plateau, Scroll down to the bottom and where three equally awe-inspiring volcanoes dominate the select “Request Verification”. running, the country where the two-factor authentication to help users landscape. You will then need to provide your account is located, username securely log in to their accounts. NASA and DLR (German Aerospace Center) plan to take username, full name and a copy of changes in the past year as well as Two-factor authentication adds an the planet's temperature for the first time ever, measuring your legal or business other details. extra layer of security on top of how heat flows out of the planet and drives this inspiring identification. “Keeping people with bad intentions usernames and passwords by prompting geology. Once your request is reviewed, you off our platform is incredibly important users for information they have access Detecting this escaping heat will be a crucial part of will receive a notification ... that means trying to make sure the to. InSight mission, managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion confirming or declining it. people you follow and the accounts you Earlier this month, Facebook Laboratory (JPL). Along with verification requests, interact with are who they say they are, introduced this feature for users who InSight, which is scheduled to land on Mars on November Instagram also made two new and stopping bad actors before they managed pages with a large U.S. 26, will be the first mission to study its deep interior. announcements which are part of cause harm,” Instagram co-founder and following, seeking to make it harder to The probe will use its Heat Flow and Physical Properties its “About This Account” feature. Chief Technology Officer Mike Krieger administer a page using a fake or Package (HP3) instrument to measure heat as it is conducted Users will now be able to evaluate said. compromised account. These features from the interior to the planet's surface, NASA said. the authenticity of accounts by Instagram also said it will allow the will be broadly available in the coming This energy was in part captured when Mars formed more allowing them to see the use of third-party apps such as DUO weeks, the photo-sharing app said in a than four billion years ago, preserving a record of its advertisements an account is Mobile and Google Authenticator for blog post. Source: HT creation. That energy is also due to the decay of radioactive elements in the rocky interior. IBM to develop The way heat moves through a planet's mantle and crust For its campaign against fake determines what surface features it will have, said JPL's Sue Smrekar, the mission's deputy principal investigator. tech-based "Most of the planet's geology is a result of heat," Smrekar said. Source: PTI news, Whatsapp leans on radio solution to n a bid to crackdown on spread of fake news on its platform, WhatsApp on tackle natural IWednesday said it is rolling out radio campaigns across various Indian states, disasters asking people to check the veracity of BM on Wednesday information received as a forward before they announced a partnership share it with others. Iwith several technology The Facebook-owned company has been on giants as part of its “Call for an overdrive after it faced severe criticism Code Global Initiative” to from the government over circulation of fake create solutions to mitigate news on its platform that incited multiple the aftermath of natural incidents of mob lynching across the country. disasters. The programme, “The radio campaign will air starting today launched by IBM in May 2018, across 46 Hindi speaking stations of All India It has, however, not accepted government’s now includes Persistent Radio (AIR) across Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya demand for traceability of messages saying Systems, Invest India, Wipro Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar creating such a software will go against the Limited, Capgemini and FACEBOOK ROLLS OUT VIDEO Pradesh and Uttarakhand,” a WhatsApp idea of user privacy and end-to-end NASSCOM. It aims to bring spokesperson told PTI. encryption. start-ups, academic and SERVICE WORLDWIDE The spokesperson added that while the With general elections slated to be held next enterprise developers acebook said on Wednesday it is rolling out globally its current campaign is available in Hindi, there year in India, the government is taking a together to solve one of the Watch video service, which has already been available are plans to offer the same in other regional tough stance on use of social media platforms most pressing societal issues Fin the United States for more than a year. languages over the next few weeks. like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp for of our time: preventing, "We designed the product not just in a mindless These campaigns advise users to verify spread of misinformation. responding to and recovering consumption but in order to get people engaged," said Fidji authenticity of messages before forwarding The government had warned WhatsApp from natural disasters. “2017 Simo, Facebook's vice president for video. them and to report content that they might that it will treat the messaging platform as has been the costliest year Facebook launched Watch amid a shift in video viewing find to be inflammatory.It also cautions users abettor of rumour propagation and legal ever for natural disasters in habits away from traditional television to online platforms to be careful about forwarding messages that consequences will follow if adequate checks the Indian sub-continent. At including Netflix and Hulu, and with more people watching contain misinformation and said doing so, are not put in place. the same time, India has the both professional and user content on services like YouTube. could have serious repercussions. In a recent meeting with WhatsApp Head second largest developer Facebook has been ramping up its video offerings with WhatsApp, which has been slapped with Chris Daniels, IT Minister Ravi Shankar community with 3.5 million original shows and this week announced new formats two notices to check the spread of fake news, Prasad had asserted that the company find a developers -- a community including interactive game shows, quizzes and polls. has taken a series of measures, including solution to track origin of messages on its with great potential to create The announcement comes two weeks after Facebook restricting the number of forwards and added platform, set up a local corporate entity that is innovative solutions,” Seema revealed it would broadcast for free Spanish topflight ‘forward’ label to help users identify such subject to Indian laws within a defined Kumar, Country Leader, division football matches in the Indian subcontinent, and messages. It is also in the process of timeframe as well as appoint a grievance Developer Ecosystem and Champions League matches in Latin America. Source: AFP establishing a local corporate entity. officer. Source: PTI Start-ups at IBM, said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 BIZ & FINANCE 27 Rupee hits lifetime low at 70.81, falls 22 paise against $

NEW DELHI (TIP): The rupee continued its downward slide against the US dollar on August 30, falling to a new record low in opening trade at 70.68 UBER CONSIDERING INDIA per US dollar. At 2.23 pm, the partially convertible rupee was trading 22 paise or 0.32% FOR 'AERIAL' TAXI SERVICE lower than Wednesday’s close at 70.77 NEW DELHI (TIP): Running late for a crucial meeting in against the US dollar. Gurugram? Imagine hailing an air taxi to fly you from your On Wednesday, the rupee witnessed office in, say, Central Delhi to the meeting location in under its second biggest single-day crash 10 minutes. If that sounds like a scene straight out of a sci-fi since August 13, when the unit flick, think again. crumbled 110 paise or 1.6%. The rupee Uber intends to achieve this feat with 'Uber Elevate', one of previously had closed at a record low of its most ambitious projects yet. And the SoftBank-backed 70.16 to the dollar on Monday. company is considering India along with countries like The slide was triggered by factors Japan and France to be a part of its futuristic dream. like crude prices hitting multi-month Uber had named Dallas and Los Angeles as its first two highs fuelled by supply shocks along launch cities in the US for the launch of its aerial taxi service with concerns over widening current and has been on the prowl to select an international city as account deficit (CAD), said business its third partner. news wire Reuters. higher by 262.91 points, or 0.69%, at investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net It has now shortlisted five countries-India, Japan, The rupee collapsed to another 37,926.47. The index had lost 188.44 of Rs 825.08 crore on Thursday, Australia, Brazil and France-and one of them will become record low of 70.65 during the day as points in the previous session. provisional data showed. the first Uber Air City outside of the US, Uber said in a investors finally hit the panic button The NSE Nifty reclaimed the 11,400 Investor sentiment turned positive statement. Uber hopes to start operating demonstrator after reports highlighted risks of India mark, by rising 62.15 points, or 0.55%, to after the US and China agreed to flights starting in 2020 and beginning commercial operations breaching the 3.3% fiscal deficit target 11,447.20. resume trade talks last night, traders in 2023 in the three cities. "In pursuit of our first for 2018-19. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex All sectoral indices, led by metal, said. international launch market, where you will be able to push was trading over 60 points lower in late FMCG, realty, auto, banking, PSU, Amid a stalemate in the trade war a button and get a flight, we are announcing a shortlist of five afternoon deals. healthcare, infrastructure, power, with the US, China will send a top countries where Uber Air can immediately transform Sensex rises over 250 points, capital goods, oil and gas and IT, official to Washington this month to transportation and take our technology to new heights," Eric recovered up to 1.38%. resume the high-level dialogue to Allison, Head of Uber Aviation Programs, said. Nifty reclaims 11,400 mark Major gainers were Vedanta, Tata resolve the deadlock over President Uber said Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru The benchmark BSE Sensex staged a Steel, ITC, Yes Bank, Adani Ports, Tata Donald Trump’s demand to drastically are among the most congested cities in the world and strong comeback in early trade on Motors, Axis Bank, SDBI, ICICI Bank, reduce the $375 billion trade deficit. travelling even a few kilometers can take over an hour. Friday gaining over 250 points on RIL and Asian Paints, rising up to Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei Source: PTI widespread buying by participants in 2.13%. While, Wipro, Bharti Airtel, rose 0.44% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng metal, realty and banking stocks after Bajaj Auto and HDFC were trading in was up 0.46%, while Shanghai the US and China agreed to resume the negative zone, falling up to 0.70%. Composite Index was down 0.39%. trade talks last night. Domestic institutional investors US stocks rallied to close higher . The Taking positive cues from global (DIIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended equities, the 30-share index was trading 133.78 crore while foreign portfolio 1.58% higher on Thursday. 99.3% of demonetised currency returned to banks, says RBI

NEW DELHI (TIP): As many as 99.3 how to help industrialists because of Tim Cook richer by $57 million per cent of the old 500 and 1,000 rupee whom he appears on the television daily. notes, that were banned overnight in Crony capitalists market the PM; the PM after Apple hits $1-trillion mark November 2016, have been returned, the snatches people’s money and gives it to Reserve Bank of India said in its annual these capitalists. It is simple,” Gandhi SAN FRANCISCO (TIP): Apple CEO Tim Cook became report. said answering queries on whether he richer by over $57 million in a jiffy when he sold shares given Of the Rs 15.41 lakh crore worth 500 wanted the PM to say sorry for the failure to him as the company’s market cap earlier this month and 1,000 rupee notes in circulation before of note ban. exceeded $1 trillion for the first time. November 8, 2016, notes worth Rs 15.31 DeMo led to higher growth: Jaitley According to a US regulatory filing, Cook sold 2,65,000 lakh crore have been returned. Apple shares worth $121 million, Business Insider reported The “humungous task of processing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on late on Wednesday. and verification of specified bank notes Thursday the demonetisation of Rs 500 Nearly $64 million of the share options were withheld for (SBNs) was successfully achieved,” it Thursday accused Prime Minister and Rs 1,000 notes led to formalisation of tax reasons and Cook took home over $57 million. said. The SBNs received were verified, Narendra Modi of implementing the note economy, more tax collection and higher The stock awards were in addition to his salary and bonus counted and processed in the ban to help a handful of crony capitalist growth. His statement comes a day after scheme. sophisticated high-speed currency friends to convert black money into white. RBI data revealed that almost all the Cook earned $12.8 million last year -- $3 million as base verification and processing system In a blistering attack on the PM, scrapped notes were returned to banks. salary and a $9.3 million cash bonus, rising 46%. (CVPS) for accuracy and genuineness and Gandhi said demonetisation was not a He said the RBI has twice released its “Cook’s net worth is estimated to be $625 million,” the then shredded, it added. mistake; it was PM’s deliberate move to reports stating that the demonetised report said. SBNs refer to the demonetised old 500 hurt people and help India’s top notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 have been Earlier this month, Apple became America’s first publicly- and 1,000 rupee. industrialists who have huge non- substantially deposited in the banks. traded company to hit the $1-trillion milestone. The RBI said the processing of SBNs performing assets. “A widely stated comment has been Apple, maker of the iPhone, iPad and other devices, said has since been completed. “The total “People apologise when they make that just because most of the currency its fiscal 2018 third quarter revenue stood at $53.3 billion, up SBNs returned from circulation is Rs mistakes. PM did not make any mistake. came back into the banks, the object of 17% from the same period last year. 15,310.73 billion.” He demonetised the currency demonetisation has not succeeded. “Was The company is reportedly introducing at least three new Note ban deliberate move to deliberately.His target was to help India’s the invalidation of the non-deposited iPhone models next month which may include a considerably biggest crony capitalists get back the currency the only object of larger version of the iPhone X and a less expensive version. help crony capitalists: Rahul money they have been spending in demonetisation? Certainly not,” he said Source: IANS Congress president Rahul Gandhi on marketing him. The PM wanted to see in a blog. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 28 ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Bejan Daruwalla is world's most famous astrologertoday. He appears regularly on world wide TV shows. Bejan who has been a professor in English, hasauthored a number of books on astrology. India'sPrime Minister Narendra Modi , on March 29, 2012,lunched one of Bejan's books, '2012- End of theWorld? Bejan contributes to a number of journals andnewspapers in many parts of the world which includeBerkley Communications Bejan Daruwalla is available for astrological (London) Times of India(Delhi, Mumbai, consultations. He can be reached at Kolkata, Chennai) and The IndianPanorama ( [email protected] and on phone New York and Texas). Bejan's predictionshave mostly been correct and 011-91-8141234275 people the world overrely on his predictions. www.bejandaruwalla.com WEEKLY HOROSCOPE SEPTEMBER 3- SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 Aries: Leo: Sagittarius:

Ganesha says you are in a great mood. You set This is a mixed period, but certainly not a 'My words fly up, my thoughts remain below: the stone and the pace. You are ambitious and nixed one. You are into problem solving. You Words without thoughts never to heaven go,' get down to the task of nation building, even if do not want to ruffle feathers and will go out said the great William Shakespeare, that is an exaggeration. But that is the mood of your way to keep the peace. You want to playwright and poet. You are in a fantastic you are in. You make headway in your career, get to the bottom of any perplexing issue. creative phase. This is a gold mine for and those who are freelancing widen their There are no ego drives and you are at your writers, poets, actors, film folk and those in client base substantially. The pickings are peaceful best. This wins you brownie points creative pursuits. There is intense social good. You also manage to lay the foundations of and you are socially on the upscale. You walk networking too. You want to experience every a nest egg. away from altercations, confrontations and vista of life and leave no stone unturned. Taurus: naked power play. Capricorn: Virgo: There are boulders but you manage to sidestep The trends are propitious and use your free them with ease. There are expenses but also You are powerful and vital, brimming with will to advantage. The stars tell you in no several new deals in the offing. Those good health. You work hard and accomplish uncertain terms that this is the time to sow. associated with realty do exceedingly well. a lot. You have a high self-image, confidence 'Fill the brain with the highest ideals, place This is also a good time for architects, and vigor, and it seeps into all your dealings. them day and night before you, and out of contractors and stock market payers. You are You are assertive without getting in the way. that will come great work,' said Swami prone to speculation. Your heart strings could There is maturity and repose. Ganesha is Vivekananda. There are rewards and awards, also be pulled. Ganesha watches over you. thrilled as you also manage to take a stand plaudits and applause. The period is bullish When you realize there is nothing lacking, the when necessary.There are new openings and and everything you touch turns to gold. Don't whole world belongs to you,' said Lao-tzu. You opportunities and you take the chances spare the horses. If you are looking for a win kudos, applause, awards and rewards. coming your way. lucky time for start-ups, this is it. Ganesha is Gemini: Libra: also with you Aquarius: "If you stumbled today, remember where and You power ahead and nothing can get in the how it felt. Tomorrow, take a different path. way. You are filled with drive, gusto, 'When you do things from your soul, you feel Life flourishes from its pain and the lessons we ambition and self-belief. You also spend like a river moving in you, a joy,' said Rumi. When gain,' said Dodinky.Ganesha agrees. You are in there is no tomorrow. This can be an it rains it pours. The golden run continues maudlin mode and journey down the past. You indulgent phase with holidays, business unabated. The compatibility of partners and meet up with old buddies and have a great time expansion and new collaborations. Ganesha also the type of life the individual will lead recapitulating old times. It is a pleasant time urges you to use this period well. It is are judged from the placement of stars in the by all accounts. You are not charged to do propitious and it will be in your interest to horoscope. You have an intellectual heavy work. The health of family members take the tide at the flood. appreciation of beauty. New vistas open and may be a cause for concern, though children you spend great times under the fast- bring joy. Scorpio: warming subcontinent sun, if it isn't steaming by now. Cancer: This is a long and eventful period and you should make the most of it. The period Pisces: A new intensity scorches you. You want to get favors travels, meetings, conferences, things done, and in a hurry too. You feel you interviews, trips, more brainpower, You are moving at a frenetic pace. The phase have wasted too much time in nothingness and contacts, communication, correspondence you are in reminds me of Nikki Lauda, the that disturbs you no end. You reach out to and contracts. You have the Midas touch. great race car driver, who came back from the others, network furiously and plan out new There could be international travel and dead to win. Nothing can stop you now. You ventures. There could be secret deals and several new deals in the offing. You open the are irrepressible. 'I think, therefore I am,' powerful love and longing. Singles have a wild throttle and speed away in sixth gear. There said the French philosopher Descartes. You time and those in relationships bond is money and vital associations that think big, live large, and love even larger. magically.You may plan an exotic holiday with pitchfork you into stardom. Wow, says Ganesha is impressed as you go from strength your partner. Ganesha journeys with you. Ganesha to strength. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 SPIRITUALITY 29

anmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great Jdevotion and enthusiasm in India. According to the Hindu calendar this religious festival is celebrated on the Ashtami KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon. Krishna Janmashtami in 2018 is on the 2nd of September. Sri Krishna is considered as the one of the most powerful human incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. He was born around 5,200 years ago in Mathura. The sole objective of Sri Krishna's birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta. Sri Krishna was born in a prison in the custody of Kansa. Vasudev, His father immediately thought of his friend Nand and decided to hand over his child to him to save Krishna from the clutch of Kansa. Krishna grew up in Gokul and finally killed his uncle, King Kansa. The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy night to end the rule and violence of his uncle, Kansa. All over India this day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna. The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples. Significance The festival is important for hindus because Lord Vishnu came in the form of Krishna to eradicate evil and restore ‘Dharma’ at a time when the tyrant and evil ruler of the Vrishni Kingdom Kansa, Devaki’s brother, was making people’s lives miserable. He had overthrown his father to become King. in the evening. The celebrations go on till But he was cursed to die at the hands of the midnight. At midnight, conchs’ are blown in “eighth son of his sister”. To try and escape the temples to announce the baby’s arrival this curse, Kansa killed all of Devaki’s babies amidst much fanfare. when they were born. But when Krishna was The devotees who kept the fast, break it now born at midnight, a divine force helped and eat the ‘Prasad’. Vasudev save Krishna from the evil Kansa. Janmashtami is celebrated with much Vasudev carried Krishna across the River pomp and show in Mathura and Brindavan. Yamuna, to Gokul, to his brother-in-law, Nand The temples come alive with ‘jagarans’(Night Raj’s house, where Krishna spent his Vigil) and dance and drama events, specially childhood happily. based on Krishna’s childhood pranks and love affairs(With Radha, his consort). Celebration In Maharashtra, specially Mumbai and Krishna is one God in Hindu Mythology, Pune, and Dwarka in Gujarat, the festival is whose life has been written about from birth celebrated on a large social scale, by the to ‘demise’, and since the lord appeared in a traditional breaking of the ‘Dahi/Makhan human form and intermingled with one and Handi’(pot with freshly churned butter). With all at different levels, he is worshipped as a time, the butter has been replaced with money god-child, a loveable prankster, a beautiful that would be won by the team which manages lover, a divine guide and the supreme power. to reach and break the pot. Thus, Krishna’s birth is celebrated with In the South, devotees make large Kolams great excitement, devotion and passion by one (decorative pattern drawn on the floor with and all - by the dynamic youth playing rice floor) and make small foot prints of Baby pranks(Breaking the ‘Dahi' handi hanging Krishna outside the main door, depicting the PAGE SPONSORED BY high above), by women whose maternal entry of the Lord inside the house. instincts are roused on this day(they bathe Not only is this festival celebrated in India, ARISH K. SAHANI and dress up ‘Baby Krishna’ and place him in it is also celebrated in many other countries, a cot and rock him while singing devotional specially, the US, where ISKON promotes and Serving Since 1972 songs) and by all age groups as they teaches devotion to Lord Krishna. Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs participate in plays and dances based on Krishna’s life, particularly his youth( Raas- Importance of Being Krishna Arish K Sahani (Father) Leela). For generations, Krishna has been an Many devotees keep fast on this day. They enigma to some, but God to millions, who go Shiv Sahani (Son) clean the temple before placing an idol of the ecstatic even as they hear his name. crawling “Divine Child Krishna”. The idol is People consider Krishna their leader, Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) bathed lovingly and is adorned with new hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and clothes. The whole temple is decorated with friend all rolled into one. Krishna has 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 flowers. White butter and sugar is distributed influenced the Indian thought, life and [email protected] among people as ‘prasad’ since baby Krishna culture in myriad ways. He has influenced loved eating this. not only its religion and philosophy, but also ‘If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it? If India’s own Since Krishna was born at the stroke of into its mysticism and literature, painting children don’t cling to their faith, who shall guard it? Indian alone can midnight, devotees start singing ‘bhajans’ in and sculpture, dance and music, and all beautifully decorated and illuminated temples aspects of Indian folklore. save India, and India and Hinduism are one.’ THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 FEATURE FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 LABOR DAY IN THE US

abor Day is a public holiday in the United States. Always observed on the Lfirst Monday in September, Labor Day celebrates and honors the contribution of the American system of organized labor and workers to the prosperity and economic strength of the nation. The Monday of Labor Day along with the Saturday and Sunday preceding it is known as the Labor Day Weekend and is traditionally considered the end of summer. As a federal holiday, all but essential national, state, and local government offices are typically closed on Labor Day. Along with the day’s historical significance, Americans tend to consider Labor Day as marking the “unofficial end of summer.” Many people wrap their vacations around Labor Day in anticipation of fall activities, like the start of school and cool-weather sports. Labor Day is the day to “throw down your tools,” and eat too many hot dogs while thanking American workers for their collective contribution to the strength, prosperity, quality of life, cold beer, and great sales enjoyed across the nation. In every sense, the underlying meaning of Labor Day is different from that of any other yearly holiday. “All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another,” year later, on September 5, 1883. said Samuel Gompers, founder of the As proposed by the Central Labor Union, American Federation of Labor. “Labor Day...is the first Labor Day celebration was devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, highlighted by a parade to show the public race, or nation.” “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” Not a Day Off for In 1884, the Labor Day observance was Everybody, by Far changed to the first Monday in September as Of course, it should be noted that millions originally proposed by the Central Labor of hard-working Americans, like those in the Union. The union then urged other unions retail and service industries, along with those and trade organizations to begin holding a in law enforcement, public safety, and health similar “workingmen’s holiday” on the same care observe Labor Day by working as usual. date. The idea caught on, and by 1885, Labor Perhaps they deserve the special appreciation Day observances were being held in industrial of those of us who do get to spend the day centers nationwide. eating the hot dogs and drinking the beers. Not to Be Confused With Who Invented Labor Day? The International Workers’ Day Carpenters or the Machinists? In 1866, International Workers’ Day or “May More than 130 years after the first Labor First” was established an alternative holiday Day was observed in 1882, there is still for the celebration of organized labor. Early Labor Day Parade disagreement as to who first suggested the Observed annually on May 1, the day was “national day off.” created by a resolution during the 1884 legislature to propose official, statewide of Americans nationwide. America’s carpenters and construction convention of the American Federation of observance of Labor Day,Oregon was the first “The vital force of labor added materially to workers, along with some historians will tell Labor in Chicago. The date was chosen due to state to actually adopt a Labor Day law on the highest standard of living and the greatest you that it was Peter J. McGuire, general its proximity to the date of the bloody Chicago February 2l, l887. The same year, Colorado, production the world has ever known and has secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters Haymarket Affair labor demonstration and Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York brought us closer to the realization of our and Joiners and a co-founder of the American bombing of May 4, 1886. also enacted Labor Day observance laws, and traditional ideals of economic and political Federation of Labor, who first suggested a day Some labor unions of the day felt that by 1894, 23 other states followed suit. democracy,” notes the Labor Department. “It to honor those “who from rude nature have International Workers’ Day was a more Always looking for already popular ideas to is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays delved and carved all the grandeur we appropriate tribute to the struggles of their get behind, the senators and representatives tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much behold.” cause than Labor Day, which they considered of the U.S. Congress took note of the growing of the nation's strength, freedom, and However, others believe that Matthew a frivolous picnic-and-parade day. However, Labor Day movement and June 28, 1894, leadership— the American worker.” Maguire – no relation to Peter J. McGuire – a conservative Democratic President Grover passed an act making the first Monday in machinist who would later be elected Cleveland feared that a holiday to honor labor September of each year a legal holiday in the Labor Day Key Takeaways secretary of Local 344 of the International on May 1 would become a negative District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Labor Day is a national holiday in the Association of Machinists in Paterson, New commemoration of the Haymarket Affair, United States always observed on the Jersey proposed Labor Day in 1882 while rather than a positive celebration of how the How Labor Day Has Changed first Monday in each September. serving as secretary of New York’s Central nation benefited from labor. As massive displays and gatherings have Labor Day is observed to celebrate the Labor Union. Today, the first day of May is still observed become larger problems for public safety contributions of organized labor and Either way, history is clear that the first in many countries as “International Workers' agencies, especially in large industrial workers to the prosperity of the U.S. Labor Day observance was held in accordance Day,” or more often as “Labour Day.” centers, the character of Labor Day economy. with a plan developed by Matthew Maguire’s celebrations have changed. However, those The first Labor Day celebration was held Central Labor Union. Labor Day Gains changes, as noted by the U.S. Department of on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New Government Recognition Labor, have been more of “a shift in emphasis York City, while Oregon was the first The First Labor Day As with most things involving a potential and medium of expression.” Thanks mainly state to actually adopt a Labor Day law The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated day off, Labor Day became very popular very to television, the internet, and social media, on February 2l, l887. on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York fast, and by 1885, several city governments Labor Day addresses by leading union The United States Congress declared City, in accordance with the plans of the have adopted ordinances calling for local officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, Central Labor Union. The Central Labor observances. government officials are delivered directly 1894. Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a While New York was the first state into the homes, swimming pools, and BBQ pits Robert Longley (ThoughtCo.) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 31

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Please email resume at [email protected] or text or WhatsApp at 7574781577. Please no phone calls. Once we receive email or text or WhatsApp, will contact. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 MISCELLANY FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 At least seven killed in head-on bus crash in New Mexico ALBUQUERQUE (TIP): At least seven There were 49 people aboard the Greyhound bus. Authorities across the driver of the semi sitting on the people were killed and others were seriously shoulder of the highway. “It was intense,” injured Thursday in a head-on crash said many were transported to hospitals, but they could not Jones said. involving a commercial passenger bus and a immediately provide an exact count of how many were hurt or He said the driver told him that one of his semi-truck along Interstate 40 in New Mexico, their conditions. front tires had popped, forcing the truck to near the Arizona border, authorities said. veer into oncoming traffic, where it struck the Preliminary information indicated the patients’ conditions. Passing motorists strewn across the highway. He saw people bus. Greyhound said the bus was heading semi was headed east when it blew a tire, described a chaotic scene with passengers on sobbing on the side of the road as bystanders from Albuquerque to Phoenix. sending the rig across the median and into the ground and people screaming. tried to comfort them. “We are fully cooperating with local oncoming traffic where it smashed into the Eric Huff was heading to the Grand Canyon “I was really traumatized myself, because authorities and will also complete an bus, New Mexico State Police said. with his girlfriend when they came across the I’ve been driving about two years and I had investigation of our own,” Greyhound There were 49 people aboard the Greyhound crash. Huff said the semi’s trailer was upside never seen anything like that before,” Soto spokeswoman Crystal Booker said in a bus. Authorities said many were transported down and “shredded to pieces,” and the front said. statement. to hospitals, but they could not immediately of the Greyhound bus was smashed, with “I’m a pretty strong person and I broke The crash occurred near the town of provide an exact count of how many were many of the seats pressed together. Part of the down and cried for at least 30 minutes,” he Thoreau. It forced the closure of westbound hurt or their conditions. side of the bus was torn off, he said. added. lanes of the interstate and traffic was backing Nine bus passengers were being treated at “It was an awe-inspiring terrible scene,” he Chris Jones was headed west on Interstate up as travelers were diverted. University of New Mexico Hospital with three said. Truck driver Santos Soto III shot video 40 when he caught his first glimpse of the The National Transportation Safety Board more patients expected to be sent there. UNM showing the front of the Greyhound sheared semi turned over. He saw the rest of the and New Mexico state police are investigating. officials didn’t release any details about the off and the semi split open, with its contents wreckage and stopped to help before coming (AP) contd from page 1 Pakistan under newly-elected Prime Minister acceptable to all parties, it is, in a manner of Secretary, Excise and Taxation, Sanjeev Imran Khan, he said, "We hope that the new speaking, settled international law," he said. Kaushal. ‘Real hero’: Crowds government of Pakistan will, rather than MEDIATION ISSUE: Mr. Akbaruddin said Modus operandi indulge in polemics, work constructively to the questions to be addressed were whether brave Arizona heat to build a safe, stable, secure and developed the apparatus of the United Nations, as Unscrupulous dealers would float a fake South Asian region, free of terror and currently constituted, could perform many of firm, procure bills of a commodity, such as violence." the basic functions required for effective cigarettes taxed heavily (21 per cent during honor John McCain 'RESOLUTIONS REMAIN mediation and were the mechanisms at the VAT regime and 28 per cent under GST now), of McCain's family since the Republican UNIMPLEMENTED': In her remarks, Ms. disposal of the United Nations coherent and from within the state. They would show the senator died Saturday of brain cancer. It also Lodhi said the "Jammu and Kashmir dispute flexible to guide dynamic negotiations with an sale on paper to a firm in another state (also began two days of official mourning in remains a long-standing issue" on the agenda effective strategy. fake) with 2 per cent central sales tax (CST), Arizona before his body is taken to of the Council. She said through its various He pointed out that the United Nations, and using Form C. Having thus 'paid' 21 per cent Washington for a viewing at the US Capitol, resolutions, the Security Council has in particular the Security Council, did not VAT and 'charged' 2 per cent CST, the trader followed by burial at the US Naval Academy in provided that the final disposition of the State come to mediation unencumbered. The would fraudulently claim 19 per cent refund Annapolis, Maryland. of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in problems of the United Nations apparatus as a from the government. For example, on a sale At the emotional private ceremony in accordance with the will of the people mediator were ingrained in the nature of of Rs 10 crore, a dealer would claim a refund of Arizona, Gov. Doug Ducey remembered "expressed through the democratic method of inter-governmental organizations. Rs 1.9 crore. McCain as an internationally known figure a free and impartial plebiscite" conducted "Inter-governmental organizations are The ETOs' role and "Arizona's favorite adopted son" on what under the auspices of the United Nations. hindered by complex decision-making would have been his 82nd birthday. He was She said the Security Council also procedures. Add to it the specificities of the Form C was issued to bogus firms by ETOs born in the Panama Canal Zone while his instituted several mechanisms, including the U.N. Charter, that is premised on cooperation even when they were not entitled to do father, who went on to become an admiral, U.N. Commission on India and Pakistan amongst the permanent members. That business for which they were issued the form. served in the military. (UNCIP), the deployment of the U.N. Military cooperation is clearly not evident. Where it Without the form, the firms could not have "Imagining an Arizona without John Observer Group in India and Pakistan does manifest, it invariably takes the form of shown fake sales. "It was found that two McCain is like picturing Arizona without the (UNMOGIP) and the appointment of U.N. the lowest common denominator," he said. Gurugram firms, Vipin Enterprises and Uma Grand Canyon," Ducey said. representatives. Further, policy-making within an Traders, had created a web of seven more Former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl said he had "Sadly, these resolutions remain international organization added another bogus firms - 15 in Panipat and two in Kaithal been with McCain across the world and he had unimplemented to date. The international layer of bargaining and trade-offs, he said, - and duped the government of nearly Rs 50 better instincts on when to assert US power community cannot succeed in its efforts to adding that it required a time-consuming and crore each by fake claims. than anyone else he knew. strengthen conflict prevention and promote uncertain process of consultation and "The role of the Excise and Taxation "I will miss him as a friend, and a strong pacific dispute settlement if the Security coordination among a multiplicity of actors. Officers came under the scanner because they force for America, and the world," Kyl said. Council's own resolutions are held in "Such tortuous decision-making process, helped the bogus firms commit the fraud by Sen. Jeff Flake offered the benediction, abeyance, by some. What is, at stake is both imbued with political trade-offs, saps the issuing Form C. In some cases, even the expressing gratitude "for his life and for his the Council's credibility as well as the United Nations of necessary dynamism and address mentioned in their registration sacrifice" and "that John made Arizona his objective of durable peace in our region. We flexibility in pursuing mediation. Once the certificates were non-existent," Additional home." By the time the service ended, crowds must not fail these tests," she said. U.N. authorized entities agree on a mediating Chief Secretary Kaushal explained. had gathered to wait for the public viewing of U.N. AND OTHER ACTORS proposal or framework, it cannot easily be Praising Additional Excise and Taxation McCain's closed casket, seeking shelter from CONCERNED: Mr. Akbaruddin said as modified in response to changing Commissioner Vijay Singh, Joint RTC Rajiv Phoenix's summer heat under tents with recognized by the U.N. Charter, pacific circumstances. Modification requires Chaudhary and DETC Ashok Panchal, he said coolers filled with ice and water bottles. settlement of disputes could be through a renegotiation," he said. (Source: PTI) that the government had decided to issue The line snaked down streets even as a variety of mechanisms, and today, there were commendation certificates to them for continuous flow of people flowed past the numerous actors and many forms of pacific Rs 100-cr scam stings unearthing the scam. casket. The visitation was to continue as long settlement that may be better suited to REFUND ON FAKE BILLS as people waited in line, said Rick Davis, address different issues. Haryana McCain's former presidential campaign "Instead of putting the United Nations at 1 A fake firm would procure bills of a manager. (Source: AP) the center of mediation efforts and exhorting Subsequently, ETOs Narendra Dhanda and commodity like cigarettes taxed heavily States to support them, perhaps, the Shobhini Mala were placed under suspension 2 It would show sales outside state and Pakistan regurgitating international community should lend after a preliminary probe. claim refund for VAT paid & CST charged encouragement to those most motivated and Now the government has also suspended 3 It would procure bills from distributors, failed approach on having the capacity to do so to settle these, as ETOs SK Singh, Vijender Dhull, Vikas who generally sell stocks to retailers appropriate," he said. Prashar, Sanjeev Saluja and Suneela Singh. without bill, charging 1% of the bill Kashmir, says India in "Of course, there could be many forms of All seven have been charge sheeted under amount division of tasks of pacific settlement of Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services 4 A firm with bills worth Rs 1 cr was the United Nations disputes between the United Nations and (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, which presumed to have paid Rs 21 lakh VAT other actors concerned that can undoubtedly can lead to their dismissal and demotion. though all it had paid was a mere 1 per in thinking and pacific content in action," be devised. It is important, however, not to As the scam unfolded, investigations into cent Mr. Akbaruddin said at the debate on charge the United Nations with the role of two Gurugram firms further 5 The bogus firm would show sales to Wednesday. responsibilities that it maybe ill-suited to revealed the involvement of 15 firms in another bogus dealer outside Haryana Pakistan's Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi perform. Mediation, in every circumstance, is Panipat district and two in Kaithal. These against Form C and charge 2 per cent CST raked up the Kashmir issue during the debate, one such task, it is not geared to fulfil," he firms too submitted bogus claims for tax 6 Sale on CST is permissible only against drawing a sharp reaction from Mr. said. refund during transition from VAT to GST. Form C. The erring ETOs would issue the Akbaruddin. He said Pakistan was Mediation, on the face of it, was based on In view of the inter-state ramifications of form knowing well the firm did not exist "regurgitating a failed approach, which has the interest, consent and commitment by all the scam, CM Manohar Lal Khattar has 7 The firm would then fraudulently claim long been rejected, is neither reflective of parties for a peaceful settlement. He stressed ordered that the case be handed over to the Rs 19 lakh as refund. pacific intent nor a display of pacific content". that the issue was not whether mediation was State Vigilance Bureau (SVB) as (Source: Tribune, India) In a reference to the government in a useful tool for peaceful settlement. "Where recommended by the Additional Chief THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 TRAVEL 33 SIKKIM — THE LAND OF PEACE & TRANQUILITY ikkim, an untouched, timeless land whose smiling people offer you Sunforgettable friendliness. Sikkim is the second smallest state in India, and is wedged between Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and West Bengal, but encompasses an astounding range of pristine natural beauty of the Himalayas. A traveller’s guide to Sikkim explores the stunning beauty of this Himalayas hill town. The Sikkimese call their land ‘Ney Mayal Lyang’ that translates to ‘heaven.’ Sikkim is located in the north eastern part of India, but is not a part of the Seven Sister states. The state is famous for dazzling waterfalls, virgin forests, Tibetan style Buddhist Gompas, alpine meadows, rhododendron flowers and more. Kanchenjunga (also Kanchendzonga) at 8598 m is the third highest peak in the world, and lies in Sikkim. More than 60 percent of the former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim is mountainous, and there are sizeable numbers of 6000 m peaks on the eastern and western borders of the state. Sikkim has an impressive literacy rate of more than 70 percent. It was merged with India in 1975, and is a prosperous monsoon. Just 9 km before Yuksom, you will state today. cross the Kanchenjunga Waterfall, which is a majestic waterfall falling from a great height. PELLING There is a small pond known by the name of Pelling lies in West Sikkim, perched at an Kathok Lake in Yuksom, a short walk will bring altitude of 2100 m and is approximately 120 km you to a ridge where once stood a palace of the away from Gangtok. At first glance Pelling King of Sikkim. There are also two new looks like a cluster of concrete hotels, but there colourful Gompas above Yuksom, but the most are unparalleled views of the snowy peaks. beautiful monastery is the 1701 built Dubdi Sunrise over the Kanchenjunga is Pelling’s Monastery. The path to Dubdi Monastery is biggest charm. With plenty of budget lined with prayer flags and is located amid lush accommodation options, it also makes for a greenery. great base to explore other parts of West There are no views of the mountains as such Sikkim. from Yuksom, yet it is this place you may Chief sights in and around Pelling are remember long after your Sikkim holiday is Pemangyatse Monastery, built more than 300 over. There are quite a number of hotels and years ago, which is beautifully located amid homestays in Yuksom. Yuksom’s chief claim to green gardens; a huge Buddha statue and fame is that it is the starting point for the treks statues of reincarnations of Padmasambhava; to Dzongri and Goecha La (4940 m), for splendid and Pemangyatse Monastery, famous for the views of the Kanchenjunga. Chaam dances (masked dances) held in February/March. RUMTEK MONASTERY Interestingly, the ruins of Sikkim’s ancient Undoubtedly, this is Sikkim’s most famous capital at Rabdentse, is located at a short monastery,and every visitor to Sikkim is likely distance from Pelling. Rabdentse is a lovely to visit the Rumtek Monastery,even in a 3-4 day spot accessed by a short walk through a dense trip to Sikkim. Rumtek Village is 24 km away forest. The views are spectacular after the walk from Gangtok (Sikkim’s capital), and the that arrives at the ruins which are located on monastery is the headquarters of the Black Hat top of a ridge with clouds on the other side. The Sect (one of the oldest sects of Tibetan ruins are maintained by ASI these days. Buddhism). Also, the second oldest monastery in Sikkim, There are two buildings of Rumtek SangaCholing Monastery, is a bit farther away Monastery, one is relatively newer (built in than Pemangyatse. The steep trail will take no 1966), and the older Rumtek Monastery was more than one hour from Pelling and is a great founded in 1740 by the fourth Chogyal of delight. Views from top of the monastery are Sikkim. A path leads to a shrine called Golden astounding and great for photography Stupa, it is a chorten made of silver and gold, enthusiasts. and studded with precious stones such as turquoise, amber and coral. It is recommended accommodation available in Rumtek; from (AMS). A visit to the Nathu La pass is out of YUKSOM to attend the morning prayers at Rumtek home-stays, hotels, guesthouses to boutique bounds for foreigners. The historic little town of Yuksom was the Monastery. stays. You could then heads towards North Sikkim, first capital of Sikkim when three Lamas The Old Rumtek Monastery is around 2 kms which is perhaps the prettiest region in all of converged from different directions and away from the newer one, and the path is NATHU LA Sikkim. North Sikkim is higher in altitude crowned the first Chogyal (King) in 1641. There surrounded by white prayer flags. The exterior The road climbs around 18 km higher from than other regions, and is an area of unspoilt is still a stone throne that marks the coronation of the monastery is in a light shade of blue, and the spectacular road that continues from natural beauty, framed by snow-capped spot, and is known as Norbugang Chorten, the is built in traditional Sikkimese alpine style, Tsomgo Lake to the nearly 4200 m Nathu La (La Himalayan peaks. A permit is required to visit site is called Norbugang Park. Yuksom has the with latticed wooden windows. is pass in Tibetan). It is always windy and cold North Sikkim. Although it is widely believed charming feel of a hamlet; it is lower in altitude Presence of armed personnel comes as a at this altitude. There is a sizeable army that a package tour is necessary to explore than Pelling and is situated in a valley. rude shock in the heavily guarded complex; presence due to the Chinese border on the other North Sikkim, in reality it is not so. A unique If you are coming to Yuksom (Also Yuksam) there have been disputes over the future side of the pass. It is advised to not spend more social system called Dzumsa prevails in North from Pelling, then a short detour will bring you Rinpoche of this monastery resulting in a tense than 30 minutes - 1 hour at the top of the pass to Sikkim, and Pipon (a village headman) is an to Rimbi Waterfalls which is quite a sight in the situation. There is a wide range of avoid the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness influential person. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 SPORTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018

ASIAN GAMES 2018 After shoot-out heartbreak, India play Pak for hockey bronze INDIA AT THE GAMES total of 76 goals in the Asian Games so far but the Indian men’s hockey team failed to step up when it Amattered the most, losing their semi-final to Malaysia after a penalty shoot-out on Thursday. The defending champions were denied a direct entry into the 2020 Olympics, with Malaysia again proving to be their INDIAN ATHLETES END Achilles heel. The Malaysians handed India a heartbreaking 6-7 loss in sudden death after an exhausting shoot-off. India will play eight-time champions Pakistan in the bronze medal play- CAMPAIGN WITH BEST off. Pakistan lost 0-1 to Japan in the other semi-finals Malaysia, who had beaten India in the last-four stage eight years ago at Guangzhou, made their wasteful opponents pay for their mistakes, both in regulation time SHOWING IN 40 YEARS and shoot-off. Both teams were tied at 2-2 after 60 minutes. India conceded a late goal to push the match into shoot-off after Harmanpreet Singh and Varun Kumar had scored Indian athletes won two from penalty corners in the 33rd and 40th minute. Malaysia gold medals at the Asian struck through Faizal Saari (39th min) and Muhammad Games 2018 on Thursday, Razie, who found the all-important equaliser less than two taking their gold medals to minutes before the end of regulation time. In the shoot-off, it was anyone's game and Malaysia seven and the total tally to handled the nerves better to make their second Asiad final. 19 (10 silver and two India, who had scored a record 76 goals in the group bronze), their best ever stage, were left stunned after SV Sunil missed his attempt in performance since the the sudden death. Only Akashdeep and Harmanpreet scored in the first five shots of the shoot-off while Manpreet 1978 Bangkok Games, and Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Sunil faltered. the third best performance Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh kept India in the game as he only overall let in two goals from Muhammad Ashari and Fitri Saari. Tengku Ahmad, Faizal Saari and Muhammad Azuan JAKARTA (TIP): Some of the best missed the target for Malaysia. and most enduring moments were In sudden death, Malaysia's all five attempts were witnessed this week as Indian athletes, successful while India scored the first four before Sunil high on energy, gave it their all, as the cracked under pressure. Source: The Quint six-day athletics programme at the Asian Games 2018 concluded with a India's Jinson Johnson celebrates winning the final of the men's 1500m athletics strong message being sent out — that event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 30. Neeraj Chopra becomes first India was not willing to accept defeat anymore. Indian to win javelin throw gold The 4x400m women’s relay quartet was a bundle of joy. Dead tired and eeraj Chopra became the first Indian javelin- sweating profusely, had someone told thrower to win an Asian Games gold medal as he them to do 10 victory laps, Hima Das, MR Nshattered his own national record by clearing a Poovamma, Sarita Gayakwad and VK distance of 88.06m in Jakarta on Monday. Vismaya would have obliged. Chopra’s gold is only the second medal India has won in After clinching India’s fifth javelin throw in Asian Games history after Gurtej Singh consecutive Asian Games relay title in a won bronze in 1982 in New Delhi. row in 3:28.72 secs — and dealing a The 20-year-old’s winning throw came in his third crushing blow on Bahrain’s imported attempt. He began with 83.46m and fouled the second athletes — they celebrated as if there attempt. was no tomorrow. Liu Qizhen of China was a distant second, with a best Kerala boy Jinson Johnson made it throw of 82.22m, while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem won the look so simple in the end in 1500m, it bronze with a 80.75 effort. seemed as if he was drawing energy The Commonwealth Games and reigning Asian from the huge crowd gathered at the champion completely dominated the competition as he GBK Stadium. With a time of 3:44.72, he The Indian women’s relay team win gold. bettered his own national record of 87.43, which he had was a good one second ahead of silver- come up with in Doha during the first leg of the Diamond medallist from Iran, Amir Moradi. The slim PU Chitra was only too Poovamma ran an even more inspired League series in May. None of the competitors in the field happy to win her maiden Asian Games race clocking 52.07. Though Sarita had a 85-plus throw this season. SILVER FOR MEN’S TEAM medal in 1500m, her toothy smile saying Gayakwad and VK Vismaya slackened, The Indian men’s 4x400m relay it all. Hailing from Palakkad in Kerala, the initial momentum had done the job. quartet of Dharun Ayyasamy, P Kunhu she timed 4:12.56, not her personal best Johnson from Kerala was the leader of Muhammed, Muhammed Anas and but good enough for bronze. Bahrain’s the pack and had “conserved enough Rajiv Arokia used the last reserves of Kalkidan Befkadu and Belay Tigist energy” for the last 80 metres to ensure a their energy to win silver with a time of finished one-two, clocking 4:07.88 and medal after he had faltered in the last 50 3:01.85 min. 4:09.12. metres in 800m two days back to give the Discus thrower Seema Antil, all keyed As the track and field events gold to Manjit Singh. up to defend her title at the Games, was, concluded on Thursday,India had a haul “It is a sweet revenge for me,” said however, let down by a spur in her right of seven gold, 10 silver and two bronze. Johnson, who overcame a late push from foot which has been troubling her since Moradi to win in 3:44.72 minutes. Manjit the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. HIMA’S EARLY CHARGE finished a distant fourth, clocking Unfortunately, the tempo was lost The women’s 4x400m team’s strategy 3:46.57. However, as the day’s after her poor first throw of 58.51 and was to beat the Bahrain athletes at their proceedings ended, one felt sad for following that she couldn’t do much game — speed. Hima Das was chosen as Seema Punia — for the sheer amount of against the menacing Chinese the first runner and the strategy worked. flak she has taken over the years and competitors, Chen Yang (65.12 metres) By the time she handed the baton to still managed to win gold at Incheon and and Feng Bin (64.25), who finished first seasoned Poovamma, India were leading bronze here. So, is retirement on the and second respectively, pushing the by more than one and-a-half seconds, cards, someone asked. “Definitely not,” seasoned thrower to third spot. courtesy her timing of 52.13. replied Seema. Source: HT THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018 ADVERTISEMENT 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2018