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VOL 14 ISSUE 49 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● DEC 04 - 10, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458

America Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhdev Singh UNITED against Dhindsa return Padma awards COVID-19 in protest against farm laws KEEP SAFE ● Follow CDC guidelines ● Observe Social Distancing "Most painful and embarrassing moment in my long political career": Prakash Singh Badal ● Wash Hands Frequently NEW DELHI / NEW YORK (TIP): Former Union Minister KEEP AMERICA SAFE and five-time Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Badal on Thursday, December 3, returned the Padma Vibhushan award in protest against "the betrayal of the farmers by the Government of India." In a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, Badal said he was returning the award due to "the shocking indifference and contempt with which the government was treating the ongoing peaceful and democratic agitation of the farmers against the will bring out a three farm Acts". SPECIAL NEW YEAR EDITION Incidentally, SAD (Democratic) chief and rebel Rajya Sabha on January 1, 2021. member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa has also announced that he News and articles for publication would be returning his Padma Bhushan award. Dhindsa was may please be submitted presented the Padma Bhushan-third highest civilian award -by by December 23, 2020 President Kovind last year for his contribution in the field of to [email protected] public affairs. Welcoming the decision of the Akali stalwart, Space for advertisements may Congress leader Sunil Jakhar said it was the outcome of the Prakash Singh Badal and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, once allies of BJP , please be booked growing public pressure and mass movement against the farm by December 20, 2020. have returned their Padma awards in protest against "the betrayal of bills. contd on page 2 the farmers by the Government of India." Please email to [email protected] Moratorium on federal student Indian American Gitanjali The agitating farmers in India get huge loan payments extended Rao is the first ever support from Indian Americans through end of January WASHINGTON (TIP): Education A section of Secretary Betsy DeVos on Friday, TIME "Kid of the Year" protesters on December 4, extended the suspension of 5th Avenue in front of the federal student loan payments through Indian Consulate the end of January,giving Congress and in New York on the incoming Biden administration December 5 time to impose a longer moratorium, Photo / The Washington Post reported. Courtesy contd on page 2 Gurinder Hothi

I.S. SALUJA The first week of December witnessed in New York and New Jersey enthusiastic support for agitating NEW YORK (TIP): 15-year-old Indian farmers in India, and a damning American Gitanjali Rao, a "brilliant" condemnation of Modi government's young scientist and inventor, has been anti-farm sector policies. named by TIME magazine as the first- States of New York and New Jersey ever 'Kid of the Year' for her on the East Coast have a sizeable "astonishing work" using technology to population of Indian Americans , many tackle issues ranging from of whom come from farming families. contd on page 2 contd on page 6 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 02 CONTD FROM PAGE 1 national Capital from all over the country, leaving their fields, crops and even their families and travelled long distances - thousands of kilometers in some cases - to get the attention of PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhdev... their own government. Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja "The BJP leadership should be gracious enough to respect (Read full story at www.theindinapanorama.news) VICE PRESIDENT: the larger sentiments and call up the Akali stalwart to find a Chitagam Saluja way forward in solving the farmers' agitation". He also welcomed the announcement by Sukhdev Singh CHIEF EDITOR: Dhindsa to return the Padma Bhushan. Indian American Gitanjali Rao is the... Prof Indrajit S. Saluja The full text of Parkash Singh Badal's letter: contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and CONSULTING EDITOR : cyberbullying. Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, Honorable Rashtarpati ji, "The world belongs to those who shape it. And however Bhaskar Group, Delhi I write this letter to return the Padma Vibhushan award in uncertain that world may feel at a given moment, the ASSISTANT EDITOR: protest against the betrayal of the farmers by the Government reassuring reality seems to be that each new generation Bidisha Roy of India and against the shocking indifference and contempt produces more of what these kids have already achieved: SPL. REPORTER UNO: with which the Govt is treating the ongoing peaceful and positive impact, in all sizes," Time said. H.S. Panaser democratic agitation of the farmers against the Farm Acts. Ms Rao was selected from a field of more than 5,000 GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: When the Government of India had brought the Ordnances, nominees as TIME's first-ever 'Kid of the Year'. She was assurances were given that the farmers' apprehensions on interviewed by actor and activist Angelina Jolie for the TIME Om Parkash Malik these Ordinances would be addressed to their satisfaction special. DIRECTOR while bringing the relevant Bills and subsequently the Acts. "Observe, brainstorm, research, build and communicate," ADMINISTRATION: Trusting these assurances, I even appealed to the farmers to Ms Rao told about her process during a virtual talk with Ms Gauri Beri believe the Government's word. But I was shocked when the Jolie from her home in Colorado. CONTRIBUTING Government simply went back on its word. She spoke about her "astonishing work using technology to PHOTOGRAPHERS: That was the most painful and embarrassing moment in my tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to Baldev Singh / BJ Videos long political career. I just cannot put in words the emotional opioid addiction and cyberbullying, and about her mission to Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction stress which I have been going through since then. I have truly create a global community of young innovators to solve Jay Mandal, begun to wonder why has the Government of the country problems the world over. Mohammad Jaffer, become so heartless, so cynical and so ungrateful towards the "Even over video chat, her brilliant mind and generous spirit SnapsIndia farmers. shone through, along with her inspiring message to other Mohammad Shahzad, While writing this letter to you, I am conscious that I address young people: don't try to fix every problem, just focus on one Zia Khan, myself to a President who presides over the destiny of a that excites you," Time said. Nisha Rani population 70% of whom are farmers. For over 70 years, these "If I can do it," she said in the interview, "anybody can do it." Vaaho Photographers, farmers have been serving the country as its "Annadata" with Ms Rao said her generation is facing many problems that Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. the most selfless and self-effacing humility. they have never seen before. CORRESPONDENTS : I hardly need repeat that the country owes a huge and almost "But then at the same time, we're facing old problems that SACRAMENTO: irrepayable debt to them. When the country faced hunger and still exist. Like, we're sitting here in the middle of a new global Parminder S. Aujla humiliation in the sixties, having to beg for food in world pandemic, and we're also like still facing human-rights issues. NEW YORK : capitals, the Government turned to the farmers to pull it out of There are problems that we did not create but that we now have Chitagam starvation. The farmer responded so heartily that in a matter to solve, like climate change and cyberbullying with the of three years, he turned the country from a food-begging to a introduction of technology," she said. FRESNO: food exporting country. "I think more than anything right now, we just need to find Tarlochan Singh The tide was turned principally by Punjab with Green that one thing we're passionate about and solve it. Even if it's DALLAS: Revolution. But in the process, he sacrificed the only two something as small as, I want to find an easy way to pick up Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon natural assets he had: soil fertility and water. litter. Everything makes a difference. Don't feel pressured to OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Today however, the same farmer finds himself forced to come up with something big," she said. LONDON wage bitter struggles just to secure his fundamental right to When asked when she knew that science was her passion, Ms Nirpal Singh Shergill live . The three Acts fell as bolts from the blue on the already Rao said, she always wanted to put a smile on someone's face. beleaguered peasantry of the country. "That was my everyday goal, just to make someone happy.And SPL CORRESPONDENT Now, the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of farmers it soon turned into, how can we bring positivity and DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: crying out for justice in one voice in the national capital would community to the place we live?" she added. Ashishpal Singh have moved any other nation or its government. Tragically, no Ms Rao said that she doesn't look like "your typical scientist. CHANDIGARH: such sensitivity towards the farmers' pain and anger is visible Everything I see on TV is that it's an older, usually white man Manjit Sidhu here. I am sure that as the first Citizen of our great country as a scientist. It's weird to me that it was almost like people had LUDHIANA: and a conscientious public figure, you would be fully aware and assigned roles, regarding like their gender, their age, the color A.S. Arora, perhaps as deeply concerned about these developments as I of their skin." R.P.Sharma have been. "My goal has really shifted not only from creating my own Even before these Acts were passed, the poor farmers had devices to solve the world's problems, but inspiring others to do DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP already been in the grip of sever crisis throughout the country. the same as well. Because, from personal experience, it's not Lovllien Kaurr Agriculture was never a lucrative profession in our country as easy when you don't see anyone else like you. So I really want 972-330-3139 the costs of agricultural inputs had been rising steeply with to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone [email protected] while there has been just meager hike or no hike on the prices can do it," she said. The Indian Panorama of agricultural produce. But in recent years, the crisis She said when she was in second or third grade, she started P.O. Box No. 190067, South deepened with farmers unable to meet the rising costs of thinking about how she can use science and technology to Richmond Hill, NY 11419, inputs and were driven to draw unbearable loans just to be able create social change. She said she was 10 when she told her Tel: 646-247-9458 to keep feeding their families. When farm friendly parties like parents that she wanted to research carbon nanotube sensor Email: the Shiromani Akali Dal pleaded for debt relief to farmers in technology at the Denver Water Quality Research Lab. [email protected] overall national interest, they were mocked. It was cynically When asked by Ms Jolie if she does things that kids her age suggested that farmers take loans just for ostentatious do, she said, "Actually I spend more time doing 15-year-old lifestyle. This cruel cynicism and malice against the farmers things during the quarantine. I bake an ungodly amount. It's DISCLAIMER did not stop even when thousands of farmers in this country not good, but it's baking. And, like, it's science too." were and are being driven to take their own lives in a THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES phenomenon called farmer suicides. NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE Isn't it amazing and unjust that lakhs of crores of corporate Moratorium on federal student loan... CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS loans are waived off with just a single thoughtless stroke of the "The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER governmental pen? But no one has ever thought of even many students and borrowers, and this temporary pause in ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND subsiding the farm debts, forget a complete waiver. Instead, the payments will help those who have been impacted," DeVos said DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE country chose to let its Annadata die. in a statement Friday."The added time also allows Congress to VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL Against this background, the Black Laws now implemented do its job and determine what measures it believes are RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. by the Govt have come as the proverbial last nail in the coffin necessary and appropriate. The Congress, not the executive REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN of the country's annadata. The farmers are out on the streets branch, is in charge of student loan policy." WRITING FROM THE INDIAN battling police batons, tear gas shells and water cannons even The payment freeze, which was first introduced in March PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. as their sources of livelihood dry up. They have come to the and later extended, had been set to expire Dec. 31. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 03 MAYOR SAYS VACCINES ARE ARRIVING National Indo-American Association For Seniors IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS Inc. elects officers for 2021 NEW YORK CITY, NY (TIP): The first of the COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in New York City as early as December 15 with high-risk health care workers and nursing home residents and staff to receive the first doses, said Mayor de Blasio at his daily press briefing on Thursday,December 3. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be rolled out this month, with Pfizer's New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced arriving on December 15 and Moderna's December 3 that City will be getting in two weeks the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines - 2021 Officers. Gunjan Rastogi (President) ; Dr. Bhawani Sirinivasan (Vice President); Harbachan on December 22, Mayor announced File photo Singh ( Secretary); EM Stephen (Treasurer) The city is working with Gov. Cuomo's office on a distribution plan, which will HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): Gunjan Directors and approved by the general body: include over 400,000 doses in the month of Rastogi, a well-known community leader in They are Baldev Seekri, from Rhode Island the December. the New York region has been elected as the and Santosh Kumar from Chicago area. The mayor said it will take at least a few new President of the National Indo- Both Seekri and Kumar, life members of months before the vaccine can be widely American Association for Senior NIAASC, were speakers at NIAASC's distributed to all New Yorkers, with Citizens(NIAASC). Rajeshwar Prasad, the annual meeting in 2019 held at priority going to those in need, including founder and the outgoing President of Shantiniketan, Tavares, Florida. those living in the neighborhoods most NIAASC, made the announcement at the The officers were elected for two- deeply affected by the coronavirus. organization's 22nd annual meeting and "But we're going to, throughout this "It's quite clear at this point that the this Board of Directors Meeting (held virtually) year terms: process, work on the fastest and most second wave is unfortunately right upon on November 8, 2020. ● Gunjan P. Rastogi, currently the effective distribution because the faster us," Mayor de Blasio said. Mr. Prasad elaborated on the process of NIAASC Secretary, was elected as we can move and the more we can educate The mayor said the one promising sign NIAASC Board elections: one-third Board President people and the more we can get people is that city ICUs are not seeing the stress members retire every year; however they ● Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan, currentlyVice involved, the more people who will be they did back in the spring. are eligible for reelection if they are President, was reelected as Vice safe," the mayor said. As for the vaccine, the health recommended by the Nominating President for the second full term. The announcement comes as the city's department has the ability to receive, Committee and approved by the General ● Harbachan Singh, currently a Board coronavirus indicators continue to move store and ship up to 320,000 doses of the Body at its annual meeting. Of the five member, was elected as Secretary,and in the wrong direction, according to the Pfizer vaccine as well as millions of doses retiring members, three would continue as ● E M Stephen, who has been associated mayor.As of Thursday,the daily positivity of the Moderna one, according to the city's Board members for a period of three years with NIAASC since its inception, was rate stood at 3.9%, the seven-day average health commissioner, Dr. Dave Chokshi. ending December 31, 2023. elected as Treasurer. was at 5.19% and daily hospital (Read full story at Two members of NIAASC were also To learn more about NIAASC or to become admissions for suspected coronavirus was www.theindianpanorama.news) recommended by the Nominating a member, please visit www.niaasc.org. at 174, just below the 200 threshold. Committee to serve on the Board of HOUSE OF SPICES, THE OLDEST SOUTH ASIAN FOOD COMPANY SET TO EXPAND IN THE US 2nd Generation Family Owners Share Company's New Vision FOR THE U.S. Market

Laxmi in honor of his parents, Mr. Laxmidas and Mrs. The South Asian Market is the fastest growing Laxmibai. Also, since Goddess Laxmi embodies population in the U.S. since 2000 with a total population of abundance, the name perfectly fits the company's vision 6 million and growing - a 81% growth over the last 10 years! of providing authentic cooking ingredients in Furthermore, the Asian Indians have a combined abundance to South Asian families living in the USA disposable income of $88 billion and an estimated annual and helping them stay connected with their cultures buying power of $20 billion and these numbers are through food. growing. The brother and sister duo know that the time is now to leverage this strong growth of the South Asian segment and do so by delivering authentic ethnic South Asian cuisines and ingredients. They strive hard to ensure that every item with their brand name is delivered with NEW YORK (TIP): House of Spices is the oldest purity,quality and value. The recent rebrand of their logo South Asian food company in the USA and is widely also demonstrates an effort from the young leaders of the known by its brand "Laxmi". It has evolved over the company, to be more inclusive towards the overall South years as a business leader in the South Asian food space Asian diaspora and representative of the hospitality and with multiple leading South Asian food brands under abundance that are trademarks of their culture. The new its umbrella offering condiments, pantry items, snacks, Laxmi logo is contemporary, universal and visually candy, spices and frozen foods representing all regions appealing and the icon represents a modernized red and Neil & Amarpali Soni have taken over the company with their of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. gold Lotus with auspicious royal overtones. But despite the sights set on aggressive business expansion, new branding, Born out of the absolute need of a young family to be marketing and distribution, while maintaining the family and changes and the new vision of the co-presidents, the able to enjoy cuisines from their homeland while being company values. signature product line encompassing the 'Laxmi' Brand away from home, it was founded in 1972 by Indian stays true to its authentic Indian roots providing the Immigrant G.L Soni who longed to enjoy authentic Today, 48 years later the next generation of the family community a way to stay connected to their culture and cuisine from India. As a South Asian immigrant couple carries the torch and enhanced vision into the expanding cuisine. With aspirations to take their product line to the living in New York, the Sonis, particularly Mrs. marketplace. The children of the founder, Neil & Amarpali mainstream market, House of Spices is poised to bring the Shobhana Soni, faced challenges daily to find Indian Soni have taken over the company with their sights set on Indian grocery store items into our neighborhood big box ingredients for home cooking. This inspired Mr. Soni to aggressive business expansion, new branding, marketing grocery retailers and give a new spin to cooking with start importing Indian cooking ingredients and and distribution, while maintaining the family and healthy,authentic and fresh Indian ingredients. founding the 'LAXMI' brand. Mr. Soni fittingly named it company values. (Based on a press release) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 04 Indian American Vivek Murthy to lead COVID-19 fight

WASHINGTON (TIP): US President- administration on Thursday. state. elect Joe Biden has selected two former Fauci told media he expected to have a SECOND SURGE Obama administration officials for comprehensive discussion with senior roles to help fight COVID-19, members of Biden's team working to As director of the National Institute of including the appointment of Jeff Zients establish priorities and ensure a smooth Allergies and Infectious Diseases, Fauci as White House coronavirus coordinator, transition on Inauguration Day. has been the most high-profile member media reported on Thursday, December He said that although he had spoken of the White House task force since the Vivek Murthy will return to his role as Surgeon General with a broader portfolio as 3. with both Zients and Biden's White pandemic began, often disagreeing with the pandemic rages through the country Biden adviser Vivek Murthy will House Chief of Staff Ron Klain in the Trump on how to combat the virus. return to his role as Surgeon General but past, this would be his first "substantive Fauci told MSNBC he expected to stay States, coordinating efforts across with a broader portfolio as the pandemic discussions" with the Biden team. on in his current role under the Biden multiple federal agencies. rages through the country, Politico said, "I'm looking forward to it. It likely will administration. U.S. deaths from the In recent weeks, Zients has served as a citing two people familiar with the be the first of a series of normal type of coronavirus pandemic have surged past pandemic liaison of sorts with decision. transition undertaking," Fauci told 2,000 for two days in a row as the most governors and state officials, frequently Dealing with the virus that has killed MSNBC. A Biden transition official dangerous season of the year joining calls to share data and discuss more than 274,000 Americans as well as confirmed the meeting. approaches. Nearly 200,000 new U.S. concerns, according to two sources the economic fallout from the crisis is Fauci told CBS he wished the process cases were reported on Wednesday, with familiar with the calls. one of Biden's top priorities once he had begun sooner. The administration of hospitalizations approaching 100,000 Biden announced that Brian Deese, takes office on Jan. 20. outgoing President Donald Trump only patients. With Pfizer's vaccine already who helped lead then-President Barack Politico also said Marcella Nunez- gave the green light for the transition to approved by regulatory authorities in Obama's efforts to bail out the automotive Smith, a co-chair of Biden's COVID-19 begin on Nov.23. Trump, a Republican, is Britain, hopes of a respite are resting on industry during the 2009 financial crisis, advisory board, will play a key role in the contesting the Nov. 3 election, alleging the start of widespread vaccinations as will head the National Economic Council. incoming administration's pandemic electoral fraud but offering no evidence. early as this month. "I'm asking Brian Deese to do this job response, focused on disparities. Numerous legal challenges being Zients, a wealthy businessman who because he's someone who looks at hard Current White House coronavirus task pursued around the country have failed has moved between the public sector and problems and finds solutions that help force member Anthony Fauci, the top US to bear fruit, most recently on Thursday corporate America, will oversee the make life better for American families," government infectious diseases expert, when Wisconsin's Supreme Court mammoth and unprecedented operation Biden said in a video posted by his was scheduled to have his first declined to take up a case filed against to distribute hundreds of millions of transition team. "He'll be the first who is substantive talks with the new election officials in the battleground doses of the new vaccine in the United a true expert on climate policy." Indian American Maju Varghese to plan Indian Origin former US Ambassador to India, Richard Biden-Harris inauguration Verma joins Mastercard as Executive Vice President WASHINGTON (TIP): WASHINGTON (TIP): President-elect Former US Ambassador to India Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Richard Verma has joined Harris have formed a Presidential leading financial services Inaugural Committee with Indian- company Mastercard as its American Maju Varghese as executive executive vice-president for director to plan the festivities surrounding global public policy and their swearing-in on Jan. 20. regulatory affairs. Varghese, who played a key role in the In this capacity, Richard duo's campaign as its chief operating officer Verma will oversee the and senior adviser, will be joined by CEO company's public policy, Tony Allen, president of Delaware State regulatory affairs and litigation Former US Ambassador to India Richard University. teams around the world, Verma has joined Mastercard as its executive Nevada state Sen. Yvanna Cancela and Mastercard said in a statement. vice-president for global public policy and Erin Wilson, the Biden-Harris campaign's Mr Verma joins Mastercard regulatory affairs national political director, will both serve as from capital advisory firm The Asia Group, where he served as vice- deputy executive directors on the inaugural Indian-American Maju Varghese has been tasked chair and partner. He was US Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017. In committee. with planning the festivities surrounding Biden- addition, Mr Verma was the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Harris swearing-in on Jan. 20 Accompanying Biden and Harris' Affairs, where he led the department's efforts on Capitol Hill, and was announcement on Monday was the where he was the chief guest at the annual the former National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader for committee's digital rollout, including a new Republic Day parade. Varghese later became many years. website featuring an online store "with assistant to the President for administration Rich (Verma) is a proven leader with extensive experience in public exclusive inaugural merchandise and and management and oversaw the White policy, geopolitics, trade and international law, said Ajay Banga, Chief collectables." House complex. Executive Officer, Mastercard. Articles on sale include Kamala Black T- It remains unclear how the ongoing "In his role as US Ambassador to India, Rich oversaw one of the Shirt for $30.00, Biden/Harris Navy T-Shirt coronavirus pandemic will affect planning largest US diplomatic missions in the world and took integral steps to for $30.00 and Biden/Harris Water Bottle for for the 59th presidential inauguration in deepen bilateral ties," Mr Banga said. $25.00. less than two months, as public health With his expertise and strong relationships worldwide, Rich will be a A lawyer by training Varghese is the son experts warn of surging caseloads during key counselor to industry leaders and governments on the global move of immigrant parents from Thiruvalla, the holiday season. to a digital economy. We look forward to working closely with Rich to Kerala. He ran the logistics for the Allen, the committee's CEO, build on our strong foundation, Mastercard said in its statement. nationwide, multi-million-dollar effort to acknowledged in a statement that "this Richard Verma is a veteran of the US Air Force, and a recipient of elect Biden and Harris, mobilizing tens of year's inauguration will look different amid multiple awards and decorations, including the State Department's thousands of staff and volunteers. the pandemic, but we will honor the Distinguished Service Award. Varghese had worked for former American inaugural traditions and engage He is currently a Senior Fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center President Barack Obama as his special Americans across the country while for Science and International Affairs and he serves on several boards assistant and deputy director of advance, a keeping everybody healthy and safe." and commissions, including the National Endowment for Democracy position in which he worked on organizing and Lehigh University. his travel in the US and abroad. He holds degrees from Georgetown University (Ph.D.), the One of those assignments was organizing (Read full story at Georgetown University Law Center (LLM), the American University's Obama's January 2015 historic trip to India www.theindianpanorama.news) Washington College of Law (JD), and Lehigh University (BS). THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 05 Indian American Neera Tanden nominated to lead White House Office of Management and Budget

WASHINGTON (TIP): President elect Joe Biden has "This crisis-tested team will help President-elect Joe named Indian American Neera Tanden to head the Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris lift powerful White House Office of Management and America out of the current economic downturn and Budget. build back better," an announcement from Biden Tanden, 50, who currently heads left leaning think transition said. tank Centre for American Progress, will be the first "These choices reflect the president-elect's Indian American to get a cabinet level position in a commitment to building an administration that looks Democratic administration. like America, drawing on the diverse backgrounds and But overall it will be the second such position for the lived experiences of some of our nation's foremost community as Republican Nikki Haley held cabinet- economic experts," it added. rank as President Donald Trump's US ambassador to "As we get to work to control the virus, this is the the UN. team that will deliver immediate economic relief for Besides Tanden, key members of Biden's economic the American people during this economic crisis and team include Janet Yellen as Secretary of the Treasury, help us build our economy back better than ever,' he Indian American Neera Tanden has been named by President- Wally Adeyemo as her deputy,Cecilia Rouse, as Chair of said. elect Biden to head the powerful White House Office of the Council of Economic Advisers with Jared Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news Management and Budget Bernstein and Heather Boushey as members. Indian origin Republican Nikki Haley Indian-American Ajit Pai announces his intent to leave as FCC chair on January 20 slams Biden's immigration policies WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian- American Ajit Pai has announced WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian origin his intent to leave Federal Republican politician Nikki Haley has slammed Communications Commission on President-elect Joe Biden's immigration policy January 20, the day Joe Biden takes as an "insult" to legal immigrants and called his oath as the 46th President of the US. choice of Neera Tanden as budget director As Chairman of FCC, Pai is the "deeply concerning." highest ranking Indian-American "Biden's immigration policies will create official in the Trump another border crisis that will undermine the Administration. rule of law, hurt American workers, and insult "It has been the honor of a the legal immigrants who did the right thing," lifetime to serve at the Federal Trump appointee Ajit Paihas she said in a series of tweets Tuesday, December "Biden's immigration policies will create another border Communications Commission, announced his intent to leave 1. crisis that will undermine the rule of law, hurt American including as Chairman of the FCC Federal Communications "It's one more reason why America needs a workers, and insult the legal immigrants who did the over the past four years," 47-year-old Commission on January 20 - conservative-led Senate to stop Biden's plan in right thing," Nikki Haley said in a series of tweets Pai said in a statement on Monday. Photo / @AjitPaiFCC- Twitter its tracks," said the former US ambassador to the Tuesday, December 1.. Pai thanked President Donald UN campaigning for two Republican Senators in John Cornyn calling her "radioactive" and Trump for giving him the opportunity to lead the agency in 2017, the Georgia runoff election next month. perhaps the "worst nominee so far". to President Barack Obama for appointing him as a Commissioner The control of the powerful 100-member Another, Tom Cotton tweeted that she was in 2012, and to Senate Majority Leader McConnell and the Senate Senate hangs in the balance with the Republican "filled with hate & guided by the woke left" and for twice confirming him. Party currently having 50 seats to Democrats' 48 cited one of her tweets in which she said she "To be the first Asian-American to chair the FCC has been a after losing the White House. Democrats have loved Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch particular privilege. As I often say: only in America," he said. retained their majority in the House of McConnell being called "Moscow Mitch". During his term as FCC Chairman, the federal commission over Representatives. However, Biden has defended Tanden as the past four years closed the digital divide; promoted innovation "Biden has promised to reverse the Trump "battle-tested" who will fight for your family as if and competition, from 5G on the ground to broadband from space; admin's immigration policies, halt all it were her own." protected consumers; and advanced public safety. deportations, & introduce amnesty legislation "Neera is battle-tested and ready to get the job "And this FCC has not shied away from making tough choices. for illegal immigrants on day 1," Haley said. done as our next Director of Office of As a result, our nation's communications networks are now faster, "The amnesty bill would send a clear signal to Management and Budget. She has been at the stronger, and more widely deployed than ever before," he said. people across the world: Come to America forefront in creating policies designed to support He was designated FCC Chairman by Trump in January 2017. illegally & get rewarded for it," said the former America's working families," he told his He had previously served as Commissioner at the FCC, appointed two-term Governor of South Carolina. supporters in an email. by then-President Obama and confirmed unanimously by the In another tweet, Haley criticized Neera "She'll fight for your family as if it were her United States Senate in May 2012. Tanden's nomination as the Director of Office of own, because her experience as a child relying Pai's regulatory philosophy is informed by a few simple Management and Budget saying she has shown on food stamps and Section 8 housing instilled in principles. Rules that reflect these principles will result in more "bad judgment" in the past. her a belief that our economy must serve the innovation, more investment, better products and services, lower "Tanden has shown bad judgment in the past. dignity and humanity of all people," he wrote. prices, more job creation, and faster economic growth, according She said that @realDonaldTrump is 'part of "If confirmed, she'll be the first woman of to his profile on the FCC website. conspiracy against US' & has a track record of color and the first South Asian American to lead He believes that consumers benefit most from competition, not disparaging Rep Senators," she wrote. the OMB, and I'm excited to watch her make preemptive regulation. Free markets have delivered more value to "There's a saying that 'personnel is policy,' history," Biden added. American consumers than highly regulated ones. which is why Biden's nomination of Tanden is Meanwhile, South Asians for Biden's National He believes that no regulatory system should indulge arbitrage; deeply concerning," Haley added. Director Neha Dewan said it was "thrilled" at the regulators should be skeptical of pleas to regulate rivals, dispense "Biden's pick for budget chief is Neera Tanden. selection of Tanden as it "represents Biden's favors, or otherwise afford special treatment. Pai believes that Tanden is one of the architects of ObamaCare, commitment to pick qualified appointees who particularly given how rapidly the communications sector is has been described as a Clinton loyalist for her reflect the diversity of America." changing, the FCC should do everything it can to ensure that its years of service to Hillary Clinton & spent years Biden and Harris "expressed the importance of rules reflect the realities of the current marketplace and basic leading a liberal think tank where she oversaw having every American's voice heard and principles of economics. proposals like "Medicare Extra for All."," Haley represented in the administration, and Tanden's Pai was born in the US after his parents moved from India to the said in another tweet. selection to serve in such a high-profile role US in 1971. His mother grew up in Bangalore, and father was Several other Republican politicians have also confirms this commitment," she said. raised in Hyderabad. (Source: PTI) criticized Tanden's nomination with Senator THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 06 COUNCIL MEMBER ADRIENNE ADAMS UNVEILS GURDWARA STREET RICHMOND HILL, NEW YORK (TIP): On business enterprises that the Sikh community has November 30, 2020 Council Member Adrienne Adams established in Richmond Hill and beyond," said joined Assembly Member David Weprin, and members Assemblyman David I. Weprin. "I am thrilled that 97th of the community to celebrate the co-naming ceremony Avenue between Lefferts Boulevard and 117th Street is of Gurdwara Street. The co-naming ceremony now formally recognized as Gurdwara Avenue and celebrated the contributions of the Sikh community thank Council Member Adrienne Adams for her efforts that remains a part of the fabric of Richmond Hill, in reaching this significant milestone." Queens and New York City as a whole. Gurdwara Street "The co-naming of Gurdwara Street was held within Council Member Adrienne Adams joined Assembly Member is located on 97th Avenue between 117th Street and the most auspicious timing," said Harpreet Singh Toor, David Weprin, and members of the community to celebrate the Lefferts Boulevard. Former President of the Sikh Cultural Society. "This co-naming ceremony of Gurdwara Street. Seen among other community leaders are Master Mohinder, founder President of "It is important that New York City's diverse acknowledgement of the historic inception of the first Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center (second communities see themselves and their varying cultures and largest Gurdwara on the east coast which from left) and Harpreet Singh Toor, a former chairman of Sikh represented in the historical landscape," said Council established the first place of worship for the Sikh Cultural Society which manages Gurdwara Richmond Hill ( Member Adrienne Adams. "There was no better day to community is a welcomed inclusion to our celebration third from right) . celebrate the co-naming of Gurdwara Street than on the of the birthday of Baba Nanak, the founder of to shine and rise and give the light of hope. A ray of birthday of Guru Baba Nanak, one of the most Sikhism." hope to the whole world conveying that we are one and celebrated Sikh gurus. This is a long overdue "Gurdwara no doubt belongs to the Sikh religion we are equal. As the co-naming was bestowed upon our recognition for the contributions of the Sikh however today was a spiritual one," said Rajwinder community on this significant day, we've expressed to community and I am so proud to bring Gurdwara Street Kaur, District 28 Community Education Committee the people the belief of oneness, despite our color, race, to our city." Member. "Today we celebrate Guru Baba Nanak's class and creed." "Our city thrives from the cultural, civic, and birthday. The basic motives of Guru Baba Nanak were (Based on a Press Release) The agitating farmers in India get huge support from Indian Americans contd from page 1 burn the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi all The ones from Indian States of Punjab and Haryana, across the country on December 5, followed by a call for where the major chunk of population depends on BHARAT BANDH (total closure of India) agriculture , have been fuming at the Modi government The Indian Panorama reporters spoke to a cross policies recently announce in the form of three section od the Sikh community in New York to know ordinances which are the reason why the farmers from what exactly , according to them is the solution. all over India have come together to demand repeal of Without exception, all wanted immediate repeal of the the anti-farmer ordinances. anti-farmer ordinances, in the first place. It is a decisive battle the farming community is Here are pictures of protests in New York on fighting against an insensitive to farmers government of India which seems more inclined to kill them rather December 1, and Long Island , on December 3. than protect their interests. The protests which had started some four months ago immediately after the promulgation of the ordinances -The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Ordinance 2020 and The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance 2020, on June 5, 2020, remained confined to Punjab chiefly, but when the government of India turned a deaf ear to their protests and demand for repeal of ordinances, Punjab farmers marched towards Delhi. They were later joined by farmers from Haryana Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and other states. The protest has turned into a movement, the like of which Modi government has never faced. The overseas Indians coming from families of agriculturists, and justice loving Indians abroad have lent their support to agitating farmers. Even leaders of other countries have supported the agitating farmers in India and condemned violence against the peaceful protesters. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau took the lead in suggesting to government of India to be civil to peaceful protesters. It is another matter that government of India did not approve of foreign interference in "domestic policies". In New York, groups of demonstrators have held rallies in front of the Indian Consulate. The one on December 1 is being followed by a larger group with participation from all gurdwaras in the two States. The Indian Panorama will A protest march was held on Long Island on bring to readers next week a December 3 in which 300 vehicles and around 500 report on the protest on protesters participated. December 5 in front of the Reports of protests against government of India and Indian Consulate in New York support for the agitating farmers in India are coming City . from different parts of USA, particularly from California where there is a large population of Sikh agriculturists. The coming days will see a more vigorous response even as the agitating farmers in India have decided to THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 07 THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 08 AS I SEE IT Trump shows that we need to reform U.S. democracy By assaulting U.S. democracy in so many ways, Trump has shone a light on its weaknesses. We should seize this moment to strengthen our institutions. That way, if another By Fareed Zakaria Trump-like politician (or Trump himself in four years) tries to t is much too soon to be thinking about pervert the system again, American a post-Trump America. President democracy will be better equipped ITrump remains the most popular figure among Republicans, and he will to withstand it. continue to play a huge role in U.S. politics ballot challenges and the reporting of in the years to come. But it is not too soon results. to begin thinking about a post-Trump We also need a broader set of reforms democracy - a political system that learns that draw on the experience of the Trump from the challenges and threats it has years, ones that codify into law what have endured over the past four years. been traditions and practices. Candidates To those who think this concern is should have to disclose their tax returns overblown, that America has proved so that the public can be aware of any resilient, I would simply say,"Look out the potential conflicts of interest. Winners window." Even now, the president of the :"….it is not too soon to begin thinking about a post-Trump democracy - a political system that must be required to place any of their learns from the challenges and threats it has endured over the past four years. United States is attempting to use the businesses or assets into genuine blind powers of his office and public platform to Raffensperger to resign because he trusts. overturn the results of an election. affirmed that the state's vote was free and We need a set of post-Trump Additionally, we can now see that the Happily, Trump's efforts have not borne fair. In Michigan, party officials hounded reforms to bolster U.S. democracy. lag between the election and fruit. The courts have refused to bend the the two Republicans on the four-person Independent, nonpartisan boards inauguration is much too long - far rules; even Republican-appointed judges Board of State Canvassers that certifies should be established to manage longer than most other countries - and have followed the law rather than their the state's results. In the face of this that the incumbent enjoys far too much political party of choice. Local officials assault, one of the two folded. It was only elections rather than partisan power during this period. The Trump did their job. because the other Republican, 40-year-old officials. Standardized rules should administration has made the dangers All of this is encouraging. Even so, this Aaron Van Langevelde, stood his ground be set about voter registration, clear by initially withholding funds for past month has exposed fundamental that Michigan's results were certified. mail-in voting, ballot challenges the transition and refusing to provide weaknesses in America's electoral system. (President-elect Joe Biden won by more intelligence briefings to Biden. Laws American elections are mostly run not than 150,000 votes.) and the reporting of results. should be written to ensure a smooth by apolitical federal officials but rather by And remember, the story is not over yet. groups are periodically called upon to transition and minimize the possibility local politicians. Elected or appointed In all likelihood, Trump will keep up his perform official functions. The Anglo- that the outgoing president can act to representatives of both parties monitor attacks on those Republican officials in Saxon approach contrasts with the enhance his personal fortunes and elections and must collectively sign off on the key swing states who refuse to do his French continental system in which the cripple his successor. them. The system has worked because bidding. If Raffensperger and Van state has more control. But the Anglo- By assaulting U.S. democracy in so both sides have upheld their duty to Langevelde are drummed out of politics, American system depends on the idea many ways, Trump has shone a light on certify election results that were free and the message to Republican officials in the that these citizens will place the public its weaknesses. We should seize this fair, no matter the winner. next close election will be clear: Put party interest ahead of their private interest. moment to strengthen our institutions. But in this election, the Republican over country or you can say goodbye to Trump has put that assumption to the That way,if another Trump-like politician Party - the president, the party's national your career. The next set of local officials test, plunging our democracy into crisis. (or Trump himself in four years) tries to chair, key senators and state party bosses - might prove to be less honorable. So might We need a set of post-Trump reforms to pervert the system again, American put unrelenting pressure on these local a younger and more partisan batch of bolster U.S. democracy. Independent, democracy will be better equipped to officials to delay or reject the routine judges. nonpartisan boards should be established withstand it. certification of results. In Georgia, the America's election arrangements are to manage elections rather than partisan (Fareed Zakaria is a columnist) state's two current Republican senators rooted in a venerable Anglo-Saxon officials. Standardized rules should be set (Source: The Washington Post) called on Secretary of State Brad system in which citizens or private about voter registration, mail-in voting, GUEST COMMENT

mechanism that covers the entire country. There is a Trust deficit: On MSP and the need for a legal guarantee strong case for reworking the incentive structures and cropping pattern in order to account for changes in Apart from the fresh amendments, the Centre alienation via contract farming; strengthening the water availability and changing dietary requirements. must consider a legal guarantee for MSP State-run mandi system and ensuring its equal footing The problems faced by farmers are by no means the he Samyukta Kisan Morcha, a federation of with private buyers through equalizing taxes; allowing same across India. But a sense of hostility from the around 500 farmer organizations, has resolved to grievance redress in civil courts rather than just in the state and market is now pervasive. Changes in land Tintensify its agitation against three farm laws offices of Sub-Divisional Magistrates; and ensuring acquisition laws and the general thrust towards hurriedly enacted by the Centre. After dismissing the proper verification of private traders. It has not, industrialization together with the pressure on protests as ill-informed and motivated initially, the however, offered a legal guarantee of MSP and the agriculture subsidies have increased the feeling of Centre has offered to make some changes to the laws, question of power subsidies also remains contentious. vulnerability of farmers in recent years. but the farmers have now called for a Bharat Bandh on The Narendra Modi government has a declared policy The abrupt changes in the sector brought in through December 8. Thousands of farmers camping on the of ensuring farm prices that are at least 50% more than the three laws have aggravated the trust deficit of the outskirts of the national capital are skeptical of the the input costs. This has remained more an intent than government. The combative attitude of the government government claim that these laws would make reality,and the discussion has also been muddled by the and the Bharatiya Janata Party towards criticism agriculture more lucrative and secure by allowing government's refusal to include rental value of the land worsened it further. Food security is considered a market forces to play. The fear that the new regime will in input costs. Agriculture has to remain component of national security by all countries. The dismantle the system of procurement under Minimum environmentally sustainable and remunerative for Union Agriculture Minister has said the government Support Price (MSP) and leave farmers at the mercy of farmers. Significant challenges have emerged with has no ego. The Centre must strive for reaching an corporations is real. Responding to concerns, the regard to these benchmarks, though India has ensured agreement with the farmers that addresses their Centre has suggested safeguards to prevent land substantial food stock and a robust distribution concerns. - (The Hindu) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 09 Kerala: It is time to demand clean governance

corrupt governments. However, more and more, they look like facilitators of It is time to end this equal opportunity corruption schemes. They are sick to the stomach of games these career politicians are playing at ongoing heist and their expense and are utterly helpless By George Abraham and unable to do anything about it. The grand larceny while swamp that includes these politicians, Administrators, and crony capitalists have been plundering the Treasury and exposing the nexus of "Keralites cannot be dividing up the government lands for so long that it has become business as usual corruption and Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna regardless of who is at the wheels of fooled any longer by Suresh was arrested in Bengaluru by the power. In all of Kerala's history,only one National Investigation Agency. politician has gone to prison for criminality that has Photo / Courtesy PTI corruption, and then Chief Minister these frequent could not wait to get him out of jail so gone behind the stress, and physical agony. fast. denunciations of There must be a woman as one of the In the past, Kerala was blessed with scenes unchecked for main characters in the story,and Swapna great leaders who ruled the states with Suresh is playing that role with passion, high integrity and honor. Having roots in corruption and graft by and the former Chief Secretary M. Chengannur, I could still recollect the decades as both fronts Sivashankar is already branding himself story of late R. Sankara Narayanan one party and as a dynamic man of mysteries. The Thampy, a communist leader who could have covered up for Chief Minister of the State, Pinarai have chosen to live his life in luxury and Vijayan, appears to be twisting in the comfort but decided to give it up to fight presenting themselves wind unsure of his own destiny. The for the rights of the poor and the each other Communist Party that came to power disadvantaged from an entrenched caste as righteous. They see attacking corruption seems to swallow system. He was harassed by the totalitarian ideology. their own words uttered against a former powerful, repeatedly threatened by law However, today,the belly of the beast is Chief Minister. enforcement, and constantly on the run, cut open, baring the ugly secrets of a through most of these As this drama plays out in the open, often saving himself hiding in mud huts party that has sold out its soul for greed one thing is sure. Keralites cannot be with those who were the victims of and obscene profits. The ruling fooled any longer by these frequent oppression. He was frequently arrested hierarchy's hypocrisy is wide open, characters, except a denunciations of corruption and graft by and detained for his powerful speeches having a lavish lifestyle with estates and one party and presenting themselves as aimed at Sir C P Ramaswamy Iyer, posh homes with spoiled children few with integrity, for righteous. They see through most of defending freedom, and promoting social creating a ruckus across the globe and these characters, except a few with justice. engaging in criminal behavior. In the integrity, for their hypocrisy decrying In an interview with Times of India on meantime, the young people at the cadre their hypocrisy decrying corruption at high places. They have the 23rd anniversary of Thampy's death level are being asked to sacrifice their been witnessing these shenanigans for in 2012, P.L. Thankamma, his wife, lives for the party,often engaging in riots the past several decades. It is no longer reminisced her husband, saying he was and killings allegedly ordered from the corruption at high an occasional revelation of wrongdoing an image of honesty, courage, and top. but has become a way of life. dedication. Thampy, who was part of the While the public witnesses the heated places. They have been Kunhalikutty, a rising star of the freedom struggle at a young age married rhetoric, the parties hurl at each other, emerging political reality in Kerala, Thankamma when she was 20 years old. questioning each other's integrity and revealed as much when he said at a press She recalled when she had to bring their motives; bear in mind that it is part of a witnessing these conference that during their time in youngest newborn daughter to the grand deception, and their only goal is to power, many charges of corruption by Poojapura jail in Thiruvananthapuram snatch the power from each other, shenanigans for the the opposition were brought to their as he was serving prison time at the time especially close to an election date. attention. However, they glossed over or of her birth. Foregoing the little Behind the scenes, they are all close did nothing about it. He appeared to have pleasures any married woman would buddies, often engaging in joint ventures past several decades. It taken pride in their inaction about desire and letting go of all dreams that a that bring in hefty profits. One of the IT corruption, fraudulent conduct by those woman has for married life, she companies involved in recent scandals in power. It is quite amusing how our wholeheartedly supported his endeavors alleged to have vital links with family is no longer an politicians view bribery, extortion, in the public arena. His hard work and members of both political fronts with influence peddling, graft, and dedication to the cause did not go strong financial support from prominent occasional revelation of embezzlement with such a tongue-in- unnoticed as he was selected as the first NRIs in the Gulf. cheek attitude. In other words, speaker of the Kerala Legislative It is time to end this ongoing heist and Kunhalikutty is almost telling us that we Assembly in 1957. grand larceny while exposing the nexus wrongdoing but has not only protected our own corrupted As the saying goes, this is not your of corruption and criminality that has souls but even the ones who belonged to grandfather's Communist Party gone behind the scenes unchecked for become a way of life." the opposition! What a sorry state of anymore. It is a party in decline with its decades as both fronts have covered up affairs Keralites are in! failed ideology becoming increasingly for each other. Keralites have been taken f one follows the political dynamics What has changed in the body politic of obsolete. It has survived so far in Kerala for a ride for so long, and their patience in Kerala, the recent events surpass Kerala? Please take a close look at many primarily due to its commitment to the is wearing thin. They deserve a Iany drama on Broadway in terms of of our leaders in the public arena today. Backward and Scheduled castes who government that reflects their character creativity, intrigue, and investigations. Most of them came from humble or truly attribute their improved lot to the and traditions and willing to serve the At the core of any storytelling lies a moderate backgrounds. Some of them decade-old reforms the party has people with clean governance. An honest compelling array of character types. might have come from comfortable championed. Another more recent government will never shy away from Unlike many novels, here, we have many settings but were not wealthy or big phenomena for their success has been exposing the wolves in the sheep's three-dimensional characters with great landlords. However, today,scores of them due to the growing perception among clothing who have violated their oath backgrounds and experiences. Daily, the are said to be filthy rich, with most of some quarters that they are more engaging in corruption and graft. protagonists, antagonists, and all the their assets hidden under some Binami reliable to defend secular nationalism Poojapura Jail still has a lot of room, supporting characters present Kerala as somewhere in India or abroad! Some of and protect the rights of the religious andhonorable R. Sankara Narayanan a little theatre where the audiences are their submissions with the election minorities. In the last election, scores of Thampi never belonged there! condemned to watch this unfolding commission may be characterized as an Christians, Muslims, and secular Hindus (The author is a former Chief Technology drama at a high cost to themselves in affidavit of avoiding the truth. voted for the Hammer and Sickle against Officer of the United Nations) terms of resources, serious mental Keralites, to their credit, tend to topple their own age-old aversion towards a THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 10 Jail for 3 more Hafiz Afghan government, Taliban aides announce breakthrough deal to LAHORE (TIP): A Pakistani anti- terrorism court has sentenced three more leaders of Mumbai terror attack press on with peace talks mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud- Dawa (JuD) to 15-year imprisonment KABUL (TIP): Afghan government each in two more terror financing and Taliban representatives said on cases. Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Wednesday they had reached a Lahore Judge Ijaz Ahmad Buttar preliminary deal to press on with peace handed down the sentence to Abdul talks, their first written agreement in 19 Salam bin Muhammad, Zafar Iqbal years of war. and Muhammad Ashraf on Thursday. The agreement lays out the way JuD chief Saeed's brother-in-law forward for further discussion but is Prof Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki was considered a breakthrough because it sentenced to six months imprisonment will allow negotiators to move on to more in each case. — PTI substantive issues, including talks on a ceasefire. “The procedure including its preamble PoK govt signs of the negotiation has been finalised and from now on, the negotiation will begin agreements with Chinese on the agenda,” Nader Nadery,a member of the Afghan government’s negotiating firm to build 700MW team, told Reuters. The Taliban spokesman confirmed the same on Twitter. hydropower project The agreement comes after months of ISLAMABAD (TIP): The discussions in Doha, the capital of Qatar, when the way forward for talks was minute after the insurgents balked at the government in Pakistan-occupied in negotiations encouraged by the agreed upon. document’s preamble because it Kashmir has signed agreements with a United States. In Afghanistan, the two UN envoy for Afghanistan Deborah mentioned the Afghan government by Chinese company and a local sides are still at war, with Taliban Lyons welcomed the “positive name. renewable energy firm for the attacks on government forces continuing development” on Twitter, adding that The Taliban refused to refer to the construction of 700MW hydropower unabated. “this breakthrough should be a Afghan negotiating team as project at an estimated cost of USD Taliban insurgents have refused to springboard to reach the peace wanted representatives of the Afghan 1.35 billion in the region as part of the agree to a ceasefire during the by all Afghans”. government, as they contest the ambitious China-Pakistan Economic preliminary stages of talks, despite calls Last month, an agreement reached legitimacy of the administration led by Corridor, a media report said on from Western capitals and global bodies, between Taliban and government President Ashraf Ghani. --- Reuters Wednesday. saying that that would be taken up only negotiators was held up at the last China Gezhouba Group and its local partner Laraib Group Pakistan are the shareholders of the ‘Azad Pattan Hydropower Project’, which is located Muslims in Sri Lanka 'denied justice' over on Jhelum river in Sadhanoti district of PoK, Dawn newspaper reported. The consortium of lenders consists forced cremations of Covid victims of China Development Bank, China Construction Bank, Industrial and COLOMBO (TIP): Muslim and justice or fight the authorities,” he said. 'There will be no hope': Muslims fear Commercial Bank of China and Bank Christian families in Sri Lanka whose Eleven affected families, both Muslim Rajapaksa win in Sri Lanka election of China, the paper said. relatives were cremated during the and Christian, took up a legal battle Human rights activists say the policy The implementation agreement and coronavirus pandemic in violation of against the cremations, accusing the is part of an ongoing attack on Sri water use charges agreement for their religious beliefs say they have been government of violating their freedom of Lanka’s Muslim community, who make construction of the project were denied justice after the supreme court religion and fundamental rights under up 9% of the population, by the Sinhala signed by PoK Electricity Secretary threw out their case. the constitution. However, this week the Buddhist majority government, led by Zafar Mahmood Khan and Azad Pattan Sri Lanka’s mandatory cremation supreme court refused to hear the appeal the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Power Private Limited CEO Li Xiaota policy for all bodies suspected to be and dismissed the case, dashing their Rajapaksa was elected last year on a on Tuesday, the paper said. infected with Covid-19 has been the final hopes of justice and a halt to the wave of anti-Muslim, hardline Buddhist The CPEC, which connects Gwadar cause of outrage and trauma for the mandatory cremations, which are still sentiment, following the Easter suicide Port in Balochistan with China’s majority-Buddhist country’s Muslim going on. bombings by Islamist militants in Xinjiang province, is the flagship and Christian minorities, whose beliefs Some Muslim families have begun churches and luxury hotels last April project of Chinese President Xi stipulate bodies should be buried. In disowning their dead because they do which left 267 dead. Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road Islam, to cremate bodies is to condemn not want to be complicit in the Shreen Saroor, a human rights Initiative (BRI). Originally valued at them to hell. cremations, which they see as a sin for activist, said: “The way they are treating USD 46 billion, the CPEC projects were Several of the Muslims whose bodies their loved ones. Many have also refused the Muslim community during this worth USD 62 billion as of 2017. were cremated by the authorities had not to pay the fees of 48,000 rupees (£192) that pandemic is clear-cut racism. The India has protested to China over the been tested for coronavirus, or had even are demanded by the state to cover the community is being forced to abandon CPEC as it is being laid through PoK. tested negative. Sri Lanka has had more costs of cremation, meaning bodies of their own dead in order to protect their The Ministry of External Affairs early than 25,000 cases of Covid-19 and 124 Muslim Covid-19 victims have begun to beliefs and traditions. There is not even a this year said that Pakistan was told that deaths, including more than 50 Muslims pile up in hospital morgues. scientific justification for them being the entire Jammu and Kashmir and who were cremated. Among them was Mohammad Ashraff, denied dignity in death.” Ladakh, including areas of Gilgit and In May,one Muslim man found that his 49, whose uncle Mohammad Jeffrey, 76, Sri Lanka is the only country aside Baltistan, are an integral part of India mother had been wrongfully cremated. died on 26 November of coronavirus. His from China which has mandated and that Islamabad should immediately “The day my mother died at hospital, body was compulsorily brought to a cremations for suspected coronavirus vacate the areas under its illegal they took her body away and then hospital in Colombo. “They demanded fatalities, with the government occupation. The government of Pakistan handed me a pot of her ashes. But the payment for the coffin but I refused justifying it on the basis of concerns of implementation agreement, Punjab next day they told me that my mother’s because I told them it is against our the virus contaminating groundwater, water use agreement and tripartite power test was negative and it was a mistake religion to burn bodies. We have to obey and that Covid-19 victims’ bodies could purchase agreements of the project had cremating her. Every night I wake up and the law but we would not participate, we be used as “biological weapons … by already been signed in the presence of think of mother’s fate. We are poor and would make no payments, we would have certain groups”. Prime Minister Imran Khan. - PTI we do not have the means to demand no part and no complicity in this.” Theguardian.com THE INDIAN PANORAMA MISCELLANY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 11 Michael Flynn wants Trump to declare Renew Your Driver Martial Law and redo the Election License online WASHINGTON (TIP): Michael If the president doesn't declare martial Flynn, President Donald Trump's former law, the statement retweeted by Flynn national security adviser who was warns, "we will also have no other choice pardoned by the president last week for but to take matters into our own hands lying during the Russia investigation, and defend our rights on our own." wants Trump to declare martial law and A retired Army general's support for "temporarily suspend the Constitution" the military takeover of U.S. government until a new election is held. shocked many people on Twitter. Flynn, who had been awaiting Rep. Eric Swalwell of California sentencing for lying to the FBI about his wondered if elected Republicans would Photo for Representational purpose only Russian contacts before Trump's pardon, condemn the call for martial law. on Tuesday retweeted a news release Some people pointed out that Flynn's NEW YORK (TIP): New York State from a right-wing Ohio group called We suggestion could be considered sedition. has made it easier to renew Driver The People Convention asking the The president's freshly pardoned ex-national Others called out the right wing's License online. Almost anyone whose security adviser retweeted a statement president to declare martial law so advocating suspending the Constitution. hypocritical notions of personal license expired or will expire March troops can supervise a do-over of the freedom. through December can renew online 2020 election. planned, illegal election fraud" carried One person tried to see the bright side, and submit their vision test up to one Flynn tagged many conservative out by Democrats. Trump lost the saying the tweet shows it's good Flynn year later. It takes just a few simple celebs in his post and added: "Freedom election handily to President-elect Joe didn't last long as national security steps to complete the process. never kneels except for God." Biden and no widespread fraud has been adviser. For more information, visit The news release cites "massive, found. (Source: The Washington Post) https://dmv.ny.gov/how-renew-license Beyond Covid-19, abook by Dr. Chalil & Ambassador Kapur is now on "Amazon Best Sellers List" BY AJAY GHOSH

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His Better World by Transforming the Future of Healthcare. healthcare systems were ill-prepared to deal with a healthcare contributions include setting up of BP The authors offer sustainable and revolutionary pandemic's challenges. Providing quality and affordable Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Eastern Nepal, solutions to change healthcare delivery in the United healthcare remains a challenge. which is acclaimed as an exemplary bilateral India States and a model for other countries. With a Esteemed personalities worldwide have much Nepal initiative. combination of a public SafetyNet and free-market acclaimed the timely and insightful edition of the book Dr. Joseph Chalil, an author of several scientific and competition, they offer their "Grand Plan." The advances released in October this year. Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar, research papers in international publications, is the and adoption of current and new technology will a globally revered spiritual and humanitarian leader, Chairman of the Complex Health Systems Advisory revolutionize the field of healthcare. They offer critical wrote: "Ambassador Pradeep Kapur and Dr. Joseph Board, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and strategies that countries can adopt during natural Chalil discuss the lessons learned in the book, Beyond Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University in disasters, wars, or a pandemic. the COVID-19 Pandemic: Envisioning a Better World by Florida and a member of Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of The authors focus on breaking the chain of employer- Transforming the Future of Healthcare. The authors Allopathic Medicine (NSU MD) Executive Leadership based health insurance, where your health insurance is offer sustainable and revolutionary solutions to change Council. A veteran of the U.S. Navy Medical Corps, he is not tied to your employment. Too often, the benefits of healthcare delivery in the United States and a model for board certified in healthcare management. He has been providing healthcare for all is lost in discussions about other countries. With a combination of a public awarded a Fellowship by the American College of health insurance. Yet, this book does not allow these SafetyNet and free-market competition, they offer their Healthcare Executives, an international professional issues to control the analysis of healthcare delivery. "Grand Plan." The advances and adoption of current and society of more than 40,000 healthcare executives who This book offers practical solutions, addressing new technology will revolutionize the field of healthcare. lead hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare citizens' needs now and into the future while They offer critical strategies that countries can adopt organizations. Dr. Chalil is the Chairman of the Indo empowering them to be more responsible for their during natural disasters, wars, or a pandemic." American Press Club (IAPC). He is an expert in U.S. health. As envisioned by the authors, the emerging The authors aredonating the profits from the sale of healthcare policy and a strong advocate for patient- global scenarios address healthcare needs, education, their book to AAPI Charitable Foundation and WHEELS! centered care. With years of experience working in the and sustainable lifestyle choices, reducing the need for Ambassador Pradeep Kapur is an acknowledged U.S. healthcare system, he discusses healthcare delivery more intensive and costly interventions to improve the "luminary diplomat," with a distinguished career challenges, including providing quality, affordable overall quality of life. There is a roadmap for U.N. and working with leaders and policymakers in different patient care to all and alternate templates for health WHO, which are not living up to their initial promise, continents of the world: Asia, Africa, Europe, North insurance. beyond just reform. They challenge the world to have the America, and South America. He was the author and The authors challenge the world to have the political political consensus to create meaningful change for all, editor of many books. Kapur was Ambassador of India consensus to create meaningful change for all, both in both in the United States, the United Nations, and to Chile and Cambodia and Secretary at the Indian the United States, the United Nations, and around the around the globe. Ministry of External Affairs before joining as an globe. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that academic in reputed universities in the USA and India. A For more information, please visit ensuring affordable and timely access to health care is a graduate of the globally acclaimed Indian Institute of https://beyondcovidbook.com. priority for all. It has shown us the limitations of each Technology, Delhi (IIT-D), he is Executive Director of country in combating a healthcare crisis like the one we Smart Village Development Fund (SVDF); International THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 12 Interest rates remain the same for UN says 2020 set to be the first quarter of 2021 one of three warmest

WASHINGTON (TIP): The Internal years on record Revenue Service today, December 2, NEW YORK (TIP): The United Nation's World announced that Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on interest rates will Wednesday, December 2, that 2020 is set to enter remain the same for the record books as one of the top three hottest the calendar quarter years, and has the potential to surpass 2016's beginning Jan. 1, 2021. distinction as the warmest year on record. The rates will be: According to the U.N.'s provisional report, the Three (3) percent for overpayments [two (2) percent in the 2020 State of the Global Climate, the past decade case of a corporation];one-half (0.5) percent for the portion of a will be the hottest on record, with the past corporate overpayment exceeding $10,000;three (3) percent for consecutive six years, 2015 through 2020, being the underpayments; andfive (5) percent for large corporate planet's warmest. underpayments. "2020 has, unfortunately, been yet another Under the Internal Revenue Code, the rate of interest is extraordinary year for our climate, WMO determined on a quarterly basis. For taxpayers other than Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas said in a corporations, the overpayment and underpayment rate is the press release. federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points. "We saw new extreme temperatures on land, sea Generally, in the case of a corporation, the underpayment and especially in the Arctic. Wildfires consumed rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points and vast areas in Australia, Siberia, the US West Coast Wildfire in California the overpayment rate is the federal short-term rate plus 2 and South America, sending plumes of smoke percentage points. The rate for large corporate underpayments circumnavigating the globe," he said. already doing so with growing force and fury." is the federal short-term rate plus 5 percentage points. The rate "We saw a record number of hurricanes in the When U.S. President Donald Trump attended a on the portion of a corporate overpayment of tax exceeding Atlantic, including unprecedented back-to-back briefing on wildfires in California in September, a $10,000 for a taxable period is the federal short-term rate plus category 4 hurricanes in Central America in state official spoke of the science that could one-half (0.5) of a percentage point. November," Taalas continued. "Flooding in parts of explain climate change. The president responded The interest rates announced today are computed from the Africa and South East Asia led to massive by saying, "I don't think science knows, actually." federal short-term rate determined during Oct. 2020 to take population displacement and undermined food "Biodiversity is collapsing," Guterres said. "One effect Nov. 1, 2020, based on daily compounding. security for millions." million species are at risk of extinction. Revenue Ruling 2020-28, announcing the rates of interest, is In a speech at Columbia University, U.N. Ecosystems are disappearing before our eyes. attached and will appear in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2020-52, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, Deserts are spreading. Wetlands are being lost." dated Dec. 21, 2020. "Humanity is waging war on nature."3 "This is (Source: Knowhere) (Press Release) suicidal. Nature always strikes back - and it is More than half of emergency small-business funds went to larger businesses, new data shows Much of the funds were used for purposes other than PPP was meant for, which calls for investigation WASHINGTON (TIP): The Trump administration the first time the exact dollar figures received by some has emphasized PPP loans to small firms, but most of of the top recipients, showing that a number of the $522 billion went to a tiny slice of borrowers restaurant chains received the maximum $10 million, More than half of the money from the Treasury among them the parent companies of Uno Pizzeria & Department's coronavirus emergency fund for small Grill, Legal Sea Foods, Boston Market and Cava Mezze businesses went to just 5 percent of the recipients, Grill. Law firms, churches and professional staffing according to data on more than 5 million loans that was services were also among recipients of $10 million released by the government Tuesday evening in loans. response to a Freedom of Information Act request and The SBA calculated loan amounts based on monthly lawsuit. payroll figures and capped loans at a maximum of $10 According to data on the government's Paycheck million. Businesses with up to 500 employees were Protection Program (PPP), about 600 mostly larger eligible, though that limit was relaxed for restaurant companies, including dozens of national chains, and hotel companies. Hempowicz said that because the received the maximum amount allowed under the first round of PPP funding favored those with program of $10 million. benefit," Hempowicz said. established banking connections, smaller operations Officials from the Treasury Department and the The newly released data comes after a federal lawsuit lost out on funding at a critical time. Small Business Administration (SBA) have argued the filed by The Washington Post and 10 other news "Businesses in that top 5 percent likely have access to program primarily benefited smaller businesses organizations under the Freedom of Information Act other capital," she said. "These are not the ones you because a vast majority of the loans ? more than 87 challenging the SBA's refusal to release records on would traditionally think of as a small business. It percent ? were for less than $150,000, as of August. But borrowers and loan amounts. A federal judge ordered really raises questions about what the priorities of this the new data shows more than half of the $522 billion in the release of the data by Tuesday and the agency did SBA are. … Is it to help small business, or is it to return the same time frame went to bigger businesses, and not appeal. money to the top segment of the economy?" only 28 percent of the money was distributed in Devised as a way to temporarily pay small companies Amanda Ballantyne, executive director of the amounts less than $150,000. to keep their employees on staff for eight weeks, the advocacy group Main Street Alliance, said the data Liz Hempowicz, director of public policy for the Paycheck Protection Program is widely credited with shows the impact of relying on banks to distribute the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight, said the helping millions of businesses make payroll during the funds. new data shows how the Trump administration chose to early months of the coronavirus pandemic, benefiting "This new data verifies what we have heard directly focus its coronavirus relief efforts on helping wealthy tens of millions of employees. A bipartisan group of from our small-business members - that the PPP organizations at the expense of truly small firms. senators unveiled plans Tuesday for another $908 program advantaged big businesses over small and "The data shows that this program primarily billion in stimulus, including nearly $300 billion in new exacerbated long-standing disparities in access to benefited the well-banked and well-lawyered at the funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and other credit and capital for underbanked communities," expense of the small businesses it was supposed to SBA programs. The data released Tuesday disclosed for Ballantyne said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 13 US Senate passes bill eliminating per-country cap for employment-based immigrant visas The legislation eliminates the 7 pc cap for employment-based immigrant visas, a provision that will facilitate removal of the massive backlog of Indian IT professionals in the US

WASHINGTON (TIP): The US Senate that the backlog for an Indian national to said. has unanimously passed a bill that get permanent residency or Green Card In February 2019, Cramer brought eliminates the per-country numerical is more than 195 years. Debjyoti Dwivedy ("DD"), a North Dakota limitation for employment-based The new legislation also establishes State University alumnus and Vice immigrant visas and raises it for family- transition rules for employment-based President of Immigration Voice, a group based visas, a legislation that will hugely visas from FY2020-FY2022, by reserving a which advocates for this bill, as his guest benefit hundreds of thousands of Indian percentage of EB-2 (workers with to the State of the Union. professionals in America who have been advanced degrees or exceptional ability), "As Congress debates the many aspects waiting for years to get their green cards. EB-3 (skilled and other workers), and EB- of our broken immigration system, The passage of the Fairness for High- 5 (investors) visas for individuals not Debjyoti offers expertise and Skilled Immigrants Act by the Senate on from the two countries with the largest experiences that reflect North Dakota The passage of the Fairness for High-Skilled Wednesday, December 2, comes as a big number of recipients of such visas. priorities and values," Senator Cramer Immigrants Act by the Senate on Wednesday, relief to Indian IT professionals who Of the unreserved visas, not more than said at the time, adding: "It is my hope we December 2, comes as a big relief to Indian come to the US on H-1B work visas and 85 per cent shall be allotted to can finally pass a version of the Fairness IT professionals who come to the US on H-1B their current waiting period for Green immigrants from any single country. for High Skilled Immigrants Act this work visas and their current waiting period Card or permanent residency is running Running against time, the Senate on Congress." for Green Card or permanent residency is running into decades. - Picture for into decades. Wednesday moved the process very "Being invited as his guest to the State representational purpose only Originally passed by the US House of quickly. It was passed by the Senate of the Union was a great honor. To me, Representatives on July 10, 2019, by a Judiciary Committee by unanimous this demonstrates his appreciation for card application process, you will wait bipartisan 365 to 65 votes, the legislation consent and soon thereafter it was the important role immigrants play to almost 200 years before your application increases the per-country cap on family- considered by the full Senate. The Senate North Dakota. His ardent support for the is even considered solely because of based immigrant visas from seven per passed it quickly with unanimous Fairness for Immigrants Act is found in where you were born," he had said. cent of the total number of such visas consent. both his conservative principles and his "Almost 200 years on a waiting list. available that year to 15 per cent. It was Currently, there is a backlog of almost commitment to the people of North Some people don't even live that long. sponsored by Republican Senator Mike one million foreign nationals and Dakota," DD wrote after the event. Our country isn't much older than that Lee from Utah in the Senate. accompanying family members lawfully In August, Senator Lee on the Senate and that's the amount of time they would The legislation eliminates the seven residing in the US who have been floor said he had always been struck by have to wait based solely on the basis of per cent cap for employment-based approved for, and are waiting to receive, the fact that the government has the country in which they were born," immigrant visas, a provision that will employment-based Green Cards. The conditioned green cards and a pathway Lee had said, urging his colleagues to lift facilitate removal of the massive backlog largest number of them are from India. to citizenship based solely on the the country-cap on Green Card of Indian IT professionals in the US. It The Fairness for High-Skilled applicant's country of origin. applicants. also removes an offset that reduced the Immigrants Act creates a more merit- There may have been some legitimate "If you're born anywhere else, number of visas for individuals from based system that levels the playing field reason many decades ago in fact for this, anywhere else other than China; let's say China. Because of arbitrary per-country for high-skilled immigrants, said but this has led to a system that largely in Ghana, Sweden, Indonesia, basically caps, the legal status of Indian IT Senator Kevin Cranmer, who worked to discriminates against green card any other country other than India your professionals was constantly in jeopardy. ensure that the legislation includes applicants from one country, he told his application will be considered In fiscal year 2019, Indian nationals safeguards against fraud and abuse in Senate colleagues. immediately.This sort of discrimination received 9,008 category 1 (EB1), 2,908 the visa system. "I mean literally one country. This is is simply inconsistent with the category 2 (EB2), and 5,083 category 3 The Senate passed the bill as Senator inconsistent with our founding principles of a merit-based immigration (EB3) Green Cards. EB1-3 are different Cramer presided over the chamber. principles. This is not how we try to do system and with our founding principles categories of employment-based Green "Immigration is often a contentious things as Americans, and it's not right. and the principles that unite us as Cards. issue but we should not delay progress Today, if you're a work-based immigrant Americans," he had said. In July,Senator Lee had told the Senate where there is bipartisan consensus," he from India entering into the EB- green (Source: PTI) US court blocks two H-1B regulations proposed by Trump administration Most of the nearly 600,000 H-1B In his 23-page order on Tuesday, US during the pandemic; the consequences companies, including Google, Facebook visa holders in the U.S. are from District Judge Jeffrey White of Northern of those restrictions have been a fiscal and Microsoft. District of California blocked the Trump calamity for many individuals, the judge The lawsuit argued the new India and China administration's recent policy that wrote. restrictions are not only illegal on their WASHINGTON (TIP): In a huge required employers to pay foreign "However, the history of the US is in face but that the rushed process for relief to tens of thousands of Indian workers on H-1B visas significantly part made of the stories, talents, and implementing them was flawed. professionals and top American IT firms, higher wages. lasting contributions of those who "This is a major win for our economy a US court has blocked two H-1B He also set aside another policy that crossed oceans and deserts to come here. and for our ability to recover from the regulations proposed by the Trump narrowed the eligibility of H-1B valued The national government has significant worst downturn in generations," said administration to restrict the ability of by US tech firms and other employers. power to regulate immigration. With Jim Wunderman, Bay Area Council American companies to hire foreign As a result of the ruling, the power comes responsibility, and the President and CEO. employees. Department of Homeland Security rule sound exercise of national power over "H-1B workers fill an important need H-1B visas is a non-immigrant visa on occupations and other issues that immigration depends on the nation's in our economy and provide immense that allows American companies to were to come into effect from December meeting its responsibility to base its laws benefits not only to the companies they employ foreign workers in specialty 7, stands invalid. The Department of on a political will informed by searching, work for but the communities where occupations that require theoretical or Labor rule on wages, which took effect thoughtful, rational civic discourse," he they live. Many of the leading and technical expertise. The US issues up to on October 8, is also now no longer valid. said. fastest-growing technology companies in 85,000 H-1B visas each year. Usually, The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked The lawsuit, in this case, was filed by the Bay Area have been founded by they're issued for three years and havoc on the nation's health, and US Chambers of Commerce, Bay Area entrepreneurs from other countries who renewable. Most of the nearly 600,000 H- millions of Americans have been Council and several universities, first came here on visas," he said. 1B visa holders are from India and impacted financially by restrictions including Stanford, and trade bodies (Read full story at China. imposed on businesses, large and small, representing top Silicon Valley www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 14 SC rejects demand for govt nominees Farmers up ante, call for in trust formed for Bharat bandh on December 8 Ayodhya mosque NEW DELHI (TIP): Farmers he Supreme Court on Friday,Dec agitating against three farm laws on 4, rejected the demand to form a Friday, Dec 4 announced a nationwide Ttrust comprising government strike, or Bharat B andh, on December 8 nominees to oversee construction where they said they will block all toll work at the 5 acre land allotted to the plazas and roads leading to Delhi as they Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf hardened their position ahead of the fifth Board following the landmark decision round of talks with the central of the top court in the government scheduled for Saturday, Dec Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid title 5. suit in November last year. Four rounds of negotiations, A bench of justices RF Nariman and conducted between three Union KM Joseph refused to entertain a ministers and farmers’ representatives, petition filed in this regard by two have so far failed to break the deadlock lawyers Shishir Chaturvedi and between the two sides as thousands of Karunesh Kumar Shukla. cultivators continued their stir just Appearing for the petitioners, outside Delhi’s borders for the eight advocate Hari Shankar Jain submitted straight day. that as per the November 9, 2019 On Thursday, the Centre had agreed to decision of the Supreme Court, review the recently enacted legislation deciding the suit in favour of the and “bring amendments” if required to Hindu parties, the Sunni Waqf Board address the farmers’ demands. The was allotted 5 acres of land in village farmers, however, have stuck to their Dhannipur in Ayodhya district. On stand and said that they did not want July 29, 2020, the Waqf Board created a amendments to the new laws but want Farmers during their protest against the Centre's new farm laws, at Singhu border in New Delhi trust called the Indo Islamic Cultural them rolled back entirely. on December 5, 2020. Foundation which had no nominees Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Chadoni the farmers on December 7. However, he minister Piyush Goyal and minister of from either the Central or state said on Friday that if the Centre does not did not divulge the details of state for commerce Som Prakash, a government. accept their demands during fifth sportspersons who would be returning lawmaker from Punjab, while meeting on Saturday, they will further their medals. representatives of some of the biggest TRS largest in intensify their agitation. The call for the Bharat Bandh was farmers unions in the country, mainly “In our meeting today, we have decided supported by various other farmers’ from Punjab, spoke for the farmers. to give a ‘Bharat Bandh’ call on organisations. Hannan Mollah, general Tens of thousands of farmers were out Hyderabad polls December 8 during which we will also secretary of All India Kisan Sabha, said, on the streets around Delhi again on occupy all toll plazas,” said Harinder “We need to take this protest forward.” Friday, forcing police to shut a majority of as BJP improves Singh Lakhowal, general secretary of The government, meanwhile, insisted roads connecting the Capital from Bharatiya Kisan Union, one of the that it was approaching the issue with an neighbouring satellite towns such as tally groups involved in the talks. “We have “open mind”. Union agriculture minister Gurugram and Noida. While the farmers he ruling Telangana Rashtra planned to block all roads leading to Narendra Singh Tomar had said after the want the three farm laws approved by Samithi (TRS) emerged as the Delhi in the coming days if new farm talks that the government has no ego and Parliament in September to be revoked, Tsingle largest party in the laws are not scrapped,” he said, it was discussing the issues raised by the government has leaned on its new Hyderabad civic polls on Friday, Dec addressing a press conference at Singhu farmers with an open mind. “The reform agenda to raise farm incomes and 4,but was jolted by the Bharatiya border that connects Delhi and Haryana. government will discuss points that spur investments in the sector. Janata Party (BJP) that surged into “Yesterday (Thursday), we told the emerged at the meeting on Friday and The recent laws allow businesses to second place, a significant government that the farm laws should be hopes that talks will move towards freely trade farm produce outside the so- achievement for a party that was a bit withdrawn,” he told reporters, adding finality when the next round of called government-controlled mandi player in the state four years ago. that the farmers will burn effigies of the discussions is held on Saturday,” Tomar system, permit private traders to stockpile The TRS won 55 of the 150 seats in government and corporate houses on had said. large quantities of essential commodities the Greater Hyderabad Municipal December 5, and that sportspersons will Thursday’s talks were led by Tomar, for future sales and lay down new rules for Corporation (GHMC), a deficit of 44 return their medals in solidarity with railways, food and consumer affairs contract farming. seats from its 2016 showing of 99. The BJP won 48 seats on the back of a high-octane campaign, a huge improvement over its 2016 performance of four seats when it Poonawalla of Serum Institute among 6 named fought in alliance with the Telugu Desam Party. 'Asians of the Year' by Singapore daily Rajinikanth’s SINGAPORE (TIP): Adar Poonawalla, death and hardship to the world's largest the chief executive of the world's largest and most populous continent, is meeting vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of its tamer in The Virus Busters," the aides urge him to India, is among six people named ‘Asians award citation said. of the Year’ by Singapore's leading daily, "We salute your courage, care, project himself as The Straits Times, for their work in commitment and creativity. In this peril- fighting the Covid pandemic. filled hour, you are a symbol of hope for CM candidate Pune-based Serum Institute of India Asia, indeed the world." amil superstar Rajinikanth is (SII) has collaborated with the University The Serum Institute was founded by being persuaded to project of Oxford and the British-Swedish Poonawalla's father Cyrus Poonawalla in Thimself as the chief ministerial pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca for 1966. Poonawalla joined the Serum candidate for 2021 assembly elections making the Covid vaccine, ‘Covidshield’, Institute of India in 2001 and became the in Tamil Nadu, a close aide said Friday, and is conducting trials in India. CEO of Serum Institute with complete Dec 4, a day after the actor announced The other five named in the list are control of the day-to-day operations of his intention to launch a political Chinese researcher Zhang Yongzhen, who Adar Poonawalla the company in 2011. party by January 2021 and contest the led the team that mapped and published Poonawalla said that he had put USD assembly election. online the first complete genome of Sars- making and dispensing of the vaccines 250 million of his family fortune into “He (Rajinikanth) has taken a firm CoV-2, the virus that sparked the and other Covid-19 treatments to the ramping up his institute's manufacturing stand that he will not be chief pandemic, China's Major-General Chen world. Collectively referred to as "the capacity. minister,” said a person considered Wei, Japan's Dr Ryuichi Morishita and virus busters", they are heroes of a kind, "I decided to go all out," said close to the actor. “He had taken this Singapore's Professor Ooi Eng Eong, who having devoted themselves to the Poonawalla, 39, who has pledged that his decision even before announcing his are among those at the forefront of pressing cause of resolving the firm's COVID-19 vaccines will help supply political entry in December 2017. We developing vaccines against the virus, coronavirus pandemic, each in their own lower- and middle-income countries that are trying to convince him to rethink.” and South Korean businessman Seo Jung- capacity, the daily said. face significant disadvantages in the jin whose company will enable the "Sars-CoV-2, the virus that has brought quest to obtain them. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 15 FTA talks with EU Covid vaccine may be ready in few stuck due to bloc’s reluctance: weeks: PM Modi at all-party meet

Jaishankar NEW DELHI (TIP): India is set to get xternal Affairs Minister S a Covid-19 vaccine within weeks, Prime India’s Covid recovery rate Jaishankar on Friday, Dec 4, Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, improves to 94.2 percent Esaid negotiations for a free trade Dec 4, while briefing political leaders on agreement between India and the the preparations for “cheap and safe” ndia's COVID-19 caseload rose to European Union were stuck for the last Made in India vaccines, assuring them 95.71 lakh, while the total number of six years due to reluctance of the that immunisation would start as soon as Ipeople who have recuperated from grouping. scientists give a go-ahead. the disease crossed 90 lakh pushing the The talks for the FTA have been “There are 8 potential vaccines at national recovery rate to 94.20 per cent, stalled since May 2013 when both sides different stages of trials and their according to the Union Health Ministry failed to bridge substantial gaps on production will be in India. Three data updated on Friday, Dec 4. crucial issues, including on data indigenous vaccines are also at different The total coronavirus cases mounted security status for the IT sector. Asked levels of trials. Experts believe it will not to 95,71,559 with 36,595 new infections during an online interactive session be a long wait for a Covid vaccine. It is being reported in a day, while the death whether the talks were stalled due to believed that in the next few weeks, a toll climbed to 1,39,188 with 540 new India’s reservations against FTAs, Covid vaccine will be ready. As soon as The Prime Minister assured the fatalities, the data updated at 8 am Jaishankar vehemently dispelled it scientists give the green signal, political leaders that Indian vaccines will showed. and said: “It is not a question of immunisation will start in India,” the PM be cheap but safe. He insisted on The number of people who have principle. India has nothing in said, virtually addressing an all-party dispelling rumours for they are “never in recuperated from the disease surged to principle against free trade meeting. public interest or national interest” and, 90,16,289 pushing the national recovery agreements or preferential trade Modi’s remarks, two days after UK’s for the first time, announced the priority rate to 94.20 per cent, while the COVID- agreements.” authorisation for Pfizer’s dose, was seen list of beneficiaries. 19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per Launched in June 2007, negotiations by some as an indication that emergency “A few days ago, I had very successful cent. The active COVID-19 caseload for the proposed agreement have approval may be fast-tracked for the talks with scientists involved in Made in continued to remain below 5 lakh. There witnessed many hurdles as both sides Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which is India vaccines. Our scientists have high are 4,16,082 active coronavirus have major differences on crucial being produced by the Serum Institute of level of confidence and they are hopeful infections in the country which issues. India. The other two local vaccines are about success. We are hearing names of comprises 4.35 per cent of the total Giving a run down of the unlikely to be ready in that time frame: some foreign vaccines in the market. But caseload, the data stated. developments relating to the proposed Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin has started world is looking for the cheap but safest India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the FTA, Jaishankar said at the 6th phase 3 trails but the results aren’t out vaccine. And that’s why it’s natural for 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on Edition of MED dialogue that India yet; Zydus Cadila plans to start final the world to also look at India.” August 23 and 40 lakh on September 5. It was negotiating on it with the trails in December. The PM also announced that in the first went past 50 lakh on September 16, 60 European Union till 2013 but the deal On Saturday (November 28), SII CEO leg (to be spread over first six months) lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on could not be closed. Adar Poonawalla said that SII could priority in immunisation will be given to October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October apply for emergency approval of the health care workers, frontline workers 29, and surpassed 90 lakh on November vaccine within two weeks. and senior citizens with co-morbidities 20. According to the ICMR, 14,47,27,749 Data from final trials in the UK and as per the suggestions of the states. But samples have been tested up to Brazil have shown the vaccine to be he also added that current anti-Covid December 3 with 11,70,102 samples being between 62% and 90% effective, protocols, especially social distancing tested on Thursday, Dec 3. depending on the dosage. and masks, must be continued. INDIA KICK STARTS TWO-DAY NAVAL India asks for DRILL WITH RUSSIA IN EASTERN warning message INDIAN OCEAN with online NEW DELHI (TIP): India Chargesheet filed on Friday, Dec 4, kick- gaming ads started a two-day naval against Arnab in exercise with Russia in the he Union information and eastern Indian Ocean, two broadcasting ministry has 2018 suicide case weeks after it conducted the T asked TV channels to carry he police on Friday filed a Malabar wargames with the statutory warnings whenever they chargesheet against Republic TV US, Australia and Japan. carry advertisements of online TEditor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami The Russian Navy had gaming or fantasy sports sites. and two others in a 2018 abetment of deployed its guided-missile In an advisory issued on Friday, suicide case. The chargesheet was filed cruiser Varyag, large anti- the ministry said that it has come to before a court in Alibaug in submarine ship Admiral its notice that channels were neighbouring Raigad district, where Panteleyev and medium showing ads of gaming sites but did the case for alleged abetment to ocean tanker Pechenga for not inform the viewers of the suicide of interior designer Anvay the “passage exercise”, officials said. financial risks associated. Naik and his mother Kumud has been The Indian Navy has been represented by indigenously constructed guided-missile Online gaming is associated by registered. Besides Goswami, the other frigate Shivalik and anti-submarine corvette Kadmatt along with their integral many with gambling and following two accused named in the chargesheet helicopters. concerns, the Advertising are Firoze Sheikh and Nitish Sarda. “The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability, improving understanding and Standards Council of India (ASCI) imbibing best practices between both the friendly navies. It would involve advanced has released guidelines for issuing Rs14 cr Mallya surface and anti-submarine warfare exercises, weapon firings, seamanship exercises these ads, the ministry said. and helicopter operations,” Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal According to the guidelines, said. which become effective from assets seized in “The passage exercises are conducted regularly by the Indian Navy with units of December 15, no person below 18 friendly foreign navies while visiting each other's ports or during a rendezvous at sea,” years of age should be shown France: ED he said. playing such games for real money usinessman Vijay Mallya’s He said the ongoing exercise reflects the strong long-term strategic relationship winnings. property worth Rs 14 crore between the two countries. Print ads have also been asked to Blocated at 32 Avenue FOCH in “This exercise is being conducted on the occasion of ‘Navy Day’ which emphasises the display a disclaimer that playing France has been seized under the anti- strong bonds of friendship shared between the two friendly militaries. It would be these games may involve financial money laundering law, the another step towards strengthening Indo-Russian defence relations,” Commander risk and can be addictive. The Enforcement Directorate said. It said Madhwal said. guidelines suggest that the the action was taken by French Navy Day is celebrated every year on December 4 to commemorate the Indian Navy’s disclaimer should not occupy less authorities “on the ED’s request”. achievement in inflicting heavy damage on Pakistani vessels in Karachi harbour during than 20% of the space of the print the India-Pakistan war in 1971. ad. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FARM LAWS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 16 WHY FARMERS ARE PROTESTING AGAINST AGRI BILLS The laws enacted by the Modi government lay the framework for allowing farmers to sell produce directly to corporates, but farmers fear that this may be an excuse to pull off the Minimum Support Price (market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices) safety net from under their feet

ince 26th November 2020, the borders of Delhi have been Switnessing a huge agitation being carried out by farmers, most of them from Punjab and Haryana. The three laws introduced by the Government, on paper at least, seem well intentioned. The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 – allows farmers to bypass the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and sell the produce directly to a big company, warehouses, cold storage chains, or even set up shop to sell directly to consumers. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 allows for contract farming, for a farmer to get into a contract with a buyer to cultivate specific products for a specific price. This ensures that farmers know the price they will get even before cultivation starts. The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 allows buyers to purchase and stock commodities without getting called a hoarder and being vulnerable to penal action. The changes in law facilitates the entry of big retailers and exporters in the market. The Government would like to withdraw from the business of procuring foodgrains and eventually hand over the assets of Food Corporation of India (FCI) to these Why has the Centre not private corporates. While it makes reached out? sense from the Government’s point of view, the implications of such a move The Central ministers and Prime are by no means certain in the long run. Minister Narendra Modi have tried reassuring the farmers that the Why are the farmers upset? government has no plans to end the The farmers of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, government procurement system nor the and Haryana are angry with the MSP policy. But fear, misconceptions provisions of these Bills as they are persist and the two sparring parties have afraid that these Bills may be the not had meaningful negotiations. platform that the government (at the Centre) is setting up for the replacement The farmers of Punjab or scrapping of the otherwise robust and Haryana support system prevalent in their states for the purchase of their crops. They fear As per certain reports, nearly 89 per that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) cent of the rice produced by the farmers guarantee that was their safety net since in Punjab is procured by the the Green Revolution of the 1960s kicked government. In Haryana, it is 85%. in, maybe snatched away from under the farmers in Punjab and Haryana face no pretext of giving the farmers more price risk and price risk and are in fact playing ground and better platforms. incentivised to grow paddy and wheat. The state-government driven crop But the nation has been facing a shortage produce procurement infrastructure in of pulses and the wheat and rice instead these areas is very good. Procurement have been a surplus in FCI’s godowns. through the Food Corporation of India at Also, rice is a water-intensive crop and promised MSP to farmers, which is farmers from areas with water shortage declared before every agriculture season, too grow it as there is an MSP assured in What are the big concerns open for negotiation. encourages farmers to focus on taking the end. Continuous adoption of rice- more yield. 23 agricultural crops have wheat cropping system in North-Western Even as the farmer protests against the The other two laws MSPs, though the governments plains of Punjab, Haryana and West three new agriculture-related laws have Consider first the two laws that ought primarily buy only rice and wheat. Uttar Pradesh has resulted in depletion gathered momentum, one thing seems not to be serious cause for farmer angst. Farmers fear the two recent bills as they of ground water and deterioration of soil obvious: Much of the opposition really is The Essential Commodities feel these agriculture reform processes quality, posing a serious threat to its just to one of the three laws. (Amendment) Act is about doing away will kill the government procurement sustainability," says a government study. Even in that one - the Farmers' with the Centre's powers to impose process as well as the MSP.And why d we Also, these Farm Bills are encouraging Produce Trade and Commerce stockholding limits on foodstuffs, except see most protesters from Punjab and farmers to strike deals with large (Promotion and Facilitation) Act - there under "extraordinary conditions". These Haryana? That is because they are the corporates, and farmers do not trust are only some contentious provisions, biggest beneficiaries of this safety net. corporates. which, although key, can still leave doors Continued on Page 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FARM LAWS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 17

Continued from page 16 could be war, famine, other natural calamities of grave nature and annual retail price rise exceeding 100% in horticultural produce (basically onions and potato) and 50% for non-perishables (cereals, pulses and edible oils). Given that stock limits apply only to traders - the amendment exempts processors, exporters and other "value chain participants" as long as they don't keep quantities beyond their installed capacity/demand requirements - it shouldn't concern farmers at all. Farmers, if anything, would gain from removal of stocking restrictions on the trade, as it potentially translates into unlimited buying and demand for their produce. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act has to do with providing a regulatory framework for contract cultivation. This specifically concerns agreements entered into by farmers with agri-business firms (processors, large retailers or exporters) ahead of any planting/rearing season for supplying produce of predetermined quality at minimum guaranteed prices. Again, there is little rationale for se would deal with everything that a objecting to an Act that merely enables farmer does - right from field preparation contract farming. Such exclusive and cultivation to also sale of his/her own agreements between companies and produce. farmers are already operational in crops The act of primary sale at a mandi by of particular processing grades (the the farmer is as much "agriculture" as potatoes used by beverages and snacks production in the field. "Trade" begins giant PepsiCo for its Lay's and Uncle only after the produce has been Chipps wafers) or dedicated for exports "marketed" by the farmer. Going by this (gherkins). The processors/exporters in interpretation, the Centre is within its these cases typically not only undertake rights to frame laws that promote barrier- assured buyback at pre-agreed prices, but free trade of farm produce (inter- as well also provide farmers seeds/planting as intra-state) and do not allow material and extension support to ensure stockholding or export restrictions. that only produce of desired standard is But these can be only after the farmer grown. The point to note is that contract has sold. Regulation of first sale of cultivation is voluntary in nature and agricultural produce is a "marketing" largely for crops not amenable to trading responsibility of the states, not the in regular APMC (agricultural produce Centre. Farmers, for their part, would market committee) mandis. want no restrictions on the movement, There is hardly any domestic market stocking and export of their produce. the sub-divisional magistrate and district surpluses will fundamentally have to be for gherkins, just as the milk in mandis Maharashtra's onion growers have collector. "They aren't independent courts different from measures adopted to either. The produce sugar mills and dairy vehemently opposed the Centre's resort to and cannot deliver us justice, leave alone overcome a previous era of scarcity.A law plants source from them is practically ban on exports and imposition of stock guarantee timely payment," alleged the barring purchases of the other 21 crops contract farming. An Act that formalizes limits whenever retail prices have tended same farmer. These may be just fears, but below MSPs by any private trader will contract cultivation through a "national to go up. But these restrictions relate to they aren't small. From the government's also, immediately, fuel high inflation. framework" and explicitly prohibits any "trade". When it comes to "marketing" - standpoint, the elephant in the room Every one percentage point increase in sponsor firm from acquiring the land of especially dismantling of the monopoly of would be if the farmers insist on an MSPs leads to a 15-basis point increase in farmers - whether through purchase, APMCs - farmers, especially in Punjab additional demand: Making MSP a legal inflation. Higher MSPs could also upend lease or mortgage - should actually be and Haryana, aren't very convinced about right. That would be impossible to meet, the Reserve Bank of India’s inflation welcomed. the "freedom of choice to sell to anyone even if the three farm laws were to be put targets, hurting economic growth. An and anywhere" argument. on hold. MSP mechanism that ignores demand The contentious one The reason for this is simple: Much of and global prices creates market distort- That leaves the only law - the FPTC Act, government procurement at minimum Why MSP is not a solution ions. If it is not profitable for traders to for short - which is a bone of contention. support prices (MSP) - of paddy, wheat A key debate after the enactment of buy at MSPs, then the private sector will It permits sale and purchase of farm and increasingly pulses, cotton, three farm-reform laws and the exit the markets. In such a scenario, the produce outside the premises of APMC groundnut and mustard - happens in subsequent protests is around the issue of government cannot be a monopoly buyer. mandis. APMC mandis. federally-fixed minimum support prices Mandatory MSPs will render India’s agri- Such trades (including on electronic In a scenario where more and more (MSPs), a system guaranteeing farmers exports non-competitive because the platforms) shall attract no market fee, trading moves out of the APMCs, these assured prices for their produce through government’s assured prices are way cess or levy "under any State APMC Act regulated market yards will lose revenues. procurement. MSP is an obligatory, not a higher than both domestic and or any other State law". "They may not formally shut, but it would statutory exercise. Farmers have international market prices. At issue here is the very right of the become like BSNL versus Jio. And if the demanded a legislation to prohibit sale of MSPs have also incentivised foodgrains Centre to enact legislation on agricultural government stops buying, we will be left any farm produce below these minimum over other crops, giving rise to marketing. Article 246 of the Constitution with only the big corporates to sell to," said prices. If the government agrees to this, it imbalances of water and land resources places "agriculture" in entry 14 and a Panipat (Haryana)-based farmer. is likely they will end their protests and shifting land away from crops such as "markets and fairs" in entry 28 of the against the three new farm reforms. pulses and oilseeds, necessitating costly State List. But entry 42 of the Union List What could be negotiated But a law making MSPs the legal floor imports. Surplus cereals can’t be empowers the Centre to regulate "inter- If the protesting farmer union leaders price defies economic logic. The exported without a subsidy, which invites State trade and commerce". While trade were to sit down at the negotiating table, government sets MSPs for 23 crops, but it the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s and commerce "within the State" is under the government can possibly get them to is effective only in case of rice and wheat objections. WTO rules cap government entry 26 of the State List, it is subject to agree to drop the demand on repealing all because it buys only these two procurement for subsidised food the provisions of entry 33 of the the three laws. Their problem is commodities in sufficiently large programmes by developing countries at Concurrent List - under which the Centre essentially about the FPTC Act and its quantities. MSPs are an assurance that 10% of the total value of agricultural can make laws that would prevail over provisions that they see as weakening the the government will intervene if market production based on 1986-88 prices in those enacted by the states. APMC mandis. There is also disquiet on rates fall below that threshold, thereby dollar terms. There is no argument that However, some experts make a the dispute resolution mechanism for helping avoid distress sale. This policy farmers need support, but policies that distinction between agricultural transactions outside the mandis. The Act was salutary when India faced acute food are less distortionary are in the interest of "marketing" and "trade". Agriculture per proposes these to be referred to offices of shortages. Farm policies to deal with both farmers and consumers. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 18 KATRINA KAIF CALLS HERSELF A ‘NOOB’

atrina Kaif has spoken about her struggles with Ktechnology, along with a detailed step-by-step explanation of what happens during her video interviews. The actor called herself a ‘noob’. She shared a video on Instagram which showed her trying to connect with a person online. She mistakenly called different people, including her fitness trainer Yasmin Karachiwala and Shaheen Bhatt. The video opened with Katrina Jacqueline Joins Akshay & googling the meaning of the word ‘noob’, which has been explained as - ‘a person who is inexperienced in a Kriti in 'Bachchan Pandey' particular sphere or activity, especially computing or the use of acqueline Fernandez has been keeping quite busy the internet’. She was seen with her projects. She was recently in committing various mistakes, like JDharamshala shooting for the horror-comedy switching off her camera or blaming Bhoot Police alongside Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor and her network as she disconnected Yami Gautam. Now, according to a report by Mumbai with the person on the other side. Mirror, Jacqueline has joined the cast of Sajid She even forgot to switch off the Nadiadwala-produced gangster drama Bachchan virtual meeting before making side Pandey. The film also stars Akshay Kumar and Kriti conversations with her sister. Sanon. Sharing the video, she wrote, “For Speaking to the publication Jacqueline says, "Sajid those not so tech savvy people. Who Nadiadwala and my friendship go way back. I had just else has spent a great deal of time joined the film industry when I did the song 'Dhanno' this year struggling with for Housefull. Bachchan Pandey will be Sajid and my connectivity issues on their lives. - eighth collaboration and I am looking forward to it. As turn your WiFi on , -turn your WiFi for Akshay, its always been great fun to work with off , - are you on 4G ? ‘Yes I AM’. hold him". pleasant face while waiting for your A source told Mumbai Mirror that while Kriti Sanon guest to join who cannot - ensuing a plays a journalist who aspires to be a filmmaker in the small panic. - most important make movie, details about Jacqueline's character is yet to be sure you END your live session - given. The Farhad Samji directorial will go on floors before having side conversations." from 6 January. Aditya Narayan ties the knot with Alia says she has seen ‘a lot of hate’

Shweta Agarwal ctor Alia Bhatt has inger Aditya entered the clothes Narayan and Aretail business and Sactress Shweta what to make it an eco- Agarwal tied the knot friendly,home-grown success on Tuesday, Dec 1, in story. In a recent interview, a small temple she opened about the new ceremony. The venture and how all the wedding took place trolling and hate she has on groom's singer- received online recently, has father Udit Narayan's motivated her to spread more birthday. kindness in the world. The newly-wed After laying low online for couple were dressed the last few months, Alia is in shades of beige back in full throttle on and pink for their big Instagram. She has been day.The bride dazzled promoting her clothes in a glittering, brands for kids--Ed-a- embellished lehenga, mamma and starting a new and the groom opted journey as an entrepreneur. for a classic Speaking to Your Story, sherwani. Alia said, “The new phase of According to a my work life will be different report by Mumbai in taking that time off and Mirror, the couple making time for them. I have had a packed weekend of pre-wedding festivities - Tilak on Saturday, realised we have to be kind to Mehendi on Sunday and Haldi on Monday. each other and to our planet. Narayan Sr, along with the groom's friends, sang ' Mehndi Laga Ke I’ve seen a lot of hate, and a Rakhna' and ' Bole Chudiyaan' for Mehendi ceremony. While Haldi little kindness can take you a ceremony was a family affair, Narayan had informed that the wedding long way." targeting ‘star kids’ for Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali will be at a small temple with just 50 guests in attendance, followed by a Alia received hate hogging limelight in Khan and many others were reception. "I've invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amitabh comments and threats on Bollywood and not letting also targeted. Alia’s sister Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinhaji, Dharmendraji, Ranveer Singh, Deepika social media soon after the outsiders such as Sushant get Shaheen had also shared Padukone and Madhuri Dixit, but with Covid-19 cases on the rise, I don't death of Sushant Singh their due. Apart from Alia, screenshots of the comments know if they will be able to attend," he told Mumbai Mirror. Rajput. His fans were stars such as Ananya Panday, they had been receiving. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 19 GAL GADOT TO STAR IN ‘HEART OF STONE’ n an eight-figure deal that puts her at the upper levels of the actress salary scale, IGal Gadot has been set to star in Heart of Stone, an original international spy thriller hatched by Skydance Media that endeavors to put a female spin on action franchises like Mission: Impossible and 007. Tom Harper, who helmed The Aeronauts and Hailee Steinfeld Wild Rose, is in talks to direct. The script is by Greg Rucka (The Old Confirmed as Kate Guard) and Allison Schroeder, latter of whom was Oscar nominated for Hidden Figures. The film will be produced by Bishop Skydance Media’s David Ellison, Dana he inclusion of Kate Bishop in Goldberg and Don Granger, along with Hawkeye has been the hypest part of Gadot and her Pilot Wave producing Tthis series since it was announced at partner Jaron Varsano, Bonnie Curtis and San Diego Comic-Con 2019. Created by Julie Lynn. Skydance Media is keeping writer Allan Heinberg and artist Jim options open on whether this will be a Cheung, the character is the first woman to theatrical or streaming bow. adopt the Hawkeye mantle. The daughter Gadot, whose next Patty Jenkins of one of New York City's wealthiest collaboration Wonder Woman 1984 has been families, Kate turns her attention to set to debut Christmas Day on HBO Max, fighting crime after a life-changing attack will next star in the Kenneth Branagh- in central park, joining the Young directed Death on the Nile. She also Avengers and eventually settling on fellow recently wrapped Red Notice for Netflix, the archer Clint Barton as a mentor. Renner Rawson Thurber Marshall-directed heist teased Kate's arrival to set on Twitter but drama she stars in with Dwayne Johnson there hasn't been an official casting and Ryan Reynolds. She continues to confirmation from Marvel quite yet. So, gravitate toward tentpole projects, you know, don't tell them about this. including Cleopatra, the Jenkins-directed For as long as people have been talking period pic that Laeta Kalogridis is writing about Kate Bishop finally making the jump based on a story by Gadot. Paramount to live-action, they've been discussing acquired that project in heated bidding. Hailee Steinfeld filling the role. The young Beyond The Aeronauts and Wild Rose, actress first made a spash at 13 in the Coen Harper’s directing credits include the BBC Bros' True Grit remake before starring in miniseries War & Peace, along with Peaky two Pitch Perfect sequels, leading the Blinders, Misfits and This Is England ’86. Transformers spinoff Bumblebee, and He also directed the pilot of AMC’s The providing the voice for Gwen Stacy in Son. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. MILEY CYRUS ADMITS SHE Jennifer Lopez Reacts to Her and Alex ‘STILL’ LOVES LIAMHEMSWORTH iley Cyrus says she still ‘loves’ ex-husband Rodriguez Elopement Rumors Liam Hemsworth and always will. But she Mrevealed why they suddenly married and had things dramatically end in divorce only months later. ife sometimes imitates art for Miley Cyrus says that the massive losses she Jennifer Lopez -- but it's not always suffered when her Malibu home with then-fiance Lplanned. The entertainer has a slew Liam Hemsworth burned to the ground in the 2018 of projects in the works, including the Woolsey Fire ultimately led to the couple’s demise upcoming films Marry Me and Shotgun later down the road. The 28-year-old singer explained Wedding, which have fans speculating if to Howard Stern on his Dec. 2 SiriusXM radio show she and fiancé Alex Rodriguez are either that losing literally everything but Liam, 30, caused already married or eloping. her so much trauma. As a result, they rushed into As Lopez, 51, told ET while promoting marrying six weeks later on Dec. 23, 2018 at her her new skincare line, JLo Beauty, it's Nashville home, which turned out to be a big mistake. just pure coincidence, but it does make “We were together since 16,” Miley explained about for a good story. Liam, as they fell in love while filming the 2010 love "It's funny because life does reflect into story The Last Song. “Our house burned down. We things you are doing at times," the had been like, engaged — I don’t know if we really Hustlers star explained. "But it's just ever thought we were actually going to get married.” kind of a coincidence because when I did 'El Anillo,' the song in Spanish, which is, 'When are you going to give me a ring?,' I was not really trying to send a message. It was just a song that we wrote that we liked and with Marry Me, it was something we were developing for, I would say, seven years." "All of that stuff and it was happening now where Alex and I are engaged and about to get married at some point," she continued. "It just happens that way.It's a funny thing, life and art, they kind of intersect." THE INDIAN PANORAMA FILMS ON VOD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 20 DECEMBER FILMS ON VOD BY MABEL PAIS touching, often heartbreaking, and revelatory film. "So, my mother faded into a kind of negative obscurity." SKY BLOSSOM: Diaries of The "My Darling Vivian" has exclusive, unprecedented access to never-before-seen footage, photographs, and Next Greatest Generation love letters, as well as to all four Cash daughters DIR: Richard Lui l USA l 2020 l Doc l 1h 20m themselves. Rosanne Cash, Kathy Cash Tittle, Cindy Cash, and Tara Cash Schwoebel share first hand, and wanted to for the first time, their mother's entire untold story. show Watch the trailer - youtu.be/3bjwGJOE5VM Icaring for Website: mydarlingvivian.com other people Facebook: facebook.com/mydarlingvivian is still an Instagram: @mydarlingvivianfilm honor. Young Twitter: @mydarlingvivian caregivers are also doing the most KOKO-DI KOKO-DA difficult, but DIR: Johannes Nyholm l Sweden l 2020 l for (the) Director Richard Lui with his ill dad. family. This Swedish & Danish w/Eng subs l next greatest Credit: Sky Blossom Films. Color l 1h 26m l NR generation deserves all the effort we can muster." lin and Tobias are a happily married couple who "I am one in three Americans who is touched by regularly vacation with their young daughter. caring for an ailing loved one. And I'm part of the half EThe family is on a dreamy holiday when an a trillion annual dollars in work me and 53 million innocuous case of food poisoning derails their plans others do for loved ones. A major part of this and forever alters the course of their lives. community is military caregivers. Military caregiver Three years later, the once loving couple is on the journeys start earlier and last longer than most. road again to go camping, looking for one last chance to "Diversity and inclusion remained part of the film's go back to the way things used to be. But what once was DNA in front and behind the camera. I wanted to stay is lost, and our characters instead find themselves true to this both with the families that I chose and my having to relive the same nightmarish events, as that crew. They also lose on average, almost $200,000 in day and the horrors it brings repeat themselves wages over their lifetimes." - Richard Lui, Director infinitely. Together, they must overcome their trauma, "Dear Santa" Poster. Credit: dearsanta.movie/IFC Films. "SKY BLOSSOM" is an Academy-Award-qualifying- reconcile with their past and fight for their lives. Over, film salute to 2020. It is a raw, uplifting window into 24.5 and over, and over again. million children and millennials stepping forward as Discerned through a dreamlike fabric, a story DEAR SANTA frontline heroes. Caring for the family with tough emerges about relationships in general, grief and DIR: Dana Nachman l USA l 2020 l Doc/Family l medical conditions, they stay at home doing things reconciliation in particular, and love as a healing force. 1h 24m often seen only in hospitals. They are cheerleaders, Watch the trailer - youtu.be/TbOanKCcVWA work part time, and go to college - but also live double Vod Release: December 8 (US & Canada) Including: Apple EAR SANTA," from veteran documentarian and lives - quietly growing up as America's next greatest TV/ iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, Vudu, You Tube, producer Dana Nachman. She is one of the great generation. Fandango Now, Dish Network and all major cable providers Ddirectors who are using their talents to tell The filmmaker, veteran journalist and award- (Including: Comcast/Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and Verizon inspiring stories in the face of the pandemic and winning CNN/MSNBC news anchor Richard Lui says Fios) economic downturn that have impacted so many the interviews were so honest they genuinely surprised families. him, as they revealed insights into the lives of young The film shines a light on the 100-year-old Operation people across America. Troops used to look up and say, 18 TO PARTY Santa Program of the United States Postal Service. "Here come the Sky Blossoms" - paratroopers rushing to DIR: Jeff Roda l USA l 2019 l Eng l 1h 20m Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa their aid. Today, there is a new generation answering arrive at Post Offices around the country. Through that call. These are their stories. t's 1984 and outside a small-town nightclub, a group Operation Santa, the United States Postal Service of 8th graders gather, grappling with a spate of makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these Irecent suicides, UFO sightings, their absentee letters and make children's dreams come true. The film My DARLING VIVIAN - Gives Voice parents, and each other. 18 TO PARTY spans a single invites audiences along for the magic of this massive evening in the lives of these kids, but manages to endeavor. Traveling the country, much like Santa does transport us fully to a time when waiting for something on Christmas Eve, the film focuses on select Operation to Johnny Cash's First Wife to happen felt just as significant as the thing itself. Santa centers: some in metropolitan areas like the DIR: Matt Riddlehoover l USA l 2020 l Doc l 1h Gorgeously atmospheric, with a pulsating sense of massive operation in New York City and others in small 30m anticipation that steadily builds, the film pulls us into towns where the post office is the heart of the 'VARIETY': OSCAR CONTENDER for BEST DOC the fears, wounds, and desires of each character, community. FEATURE ultimately revealing that hope may arrive from the last The film highlights letters where a child is asking for place we expect. something poignant, something that goes beyond the n "MY The meticulously authentic production design, killer common wish for a toy. Santa will explain how he DARLING soundtrack, and universally excellent performances enlists kind-hearted strangers across the country for IVIVIAN," recall the spirit of classic 80s teen movies like Stand By these special requests while he concentrates on toy director Matt Me and The Breakfast Club. 18 TO PARTY is a spot-on making and his demanding delivery schedule. Riddlehoover love letter to Gen X, awkward teenagers, and the This timeless documentary captures the warmth and traces the transcendent power of friendship. spirit of Christmastime through the lens of this great romantic, Watch the trailer - youtu.be/k3jqnEzuHWI American tradition, provoking audiences throughout wrenching, and Website: https://www.18topartymovie.com the world to ask themselves how they can make the dizzying journey Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/18ToPartyMovie world a better place, one gesture at a time. of Vivian Twitter: https://twitter.com/18ToPartyMovie Liberto, Johnny Instagram: 18ToPartyMovie Watch the trailer - youtu.be/0MhSPWfBbtE Cash's first wife Vivian Liberto Cash, Johnny Cash with @18ToPartyMovie and the mother For more information, visit www.dearsanta.movie children. #18ToPartyMovie Release: On December 4 in Theaters Nationwide and on of his four Credit: Courtesy, mydarlingvivian.com VOD including Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube Google Play, daughters, who VOD Release: Currently available on Apple TV,Prime Vudu, XBox, XFinity, Spectrum & DirectTV. Visit - was targeted by hate groups over her perceived race. Video, Google Play, Vudu, Fandango and more to follow. dearsanta.movie/watch-at-home "After their divorce, [the public] saw her as, I don't Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social know, as nothing," daughter Rosanne Cash says in this Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NEW JERSEY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 21 NJ: LEADING THROUGH CRISES BY MABEL PAIS

Eunice Peterson - Photo / Courtesy NJPAC

NJPAC's Senior Director of Production. John Schreiber Pays Tribute to Eunice and Chris Moses's predecessor, Larry Goldman, created the artist assistant program at NJPAC before the opening night, basing their NJPAC's Eunice Peterson approach on that of Carnegie Hall. unice insisted that every artist - from Aretha "Eunice insisted that every artist - from Aretha NJ Governor Phil Murphy Franklin to a local student who'd never been on Franklin to a local student who'd never been on stage Photo / Courtesy NJPAC Estage before - got the same high-level care." before - got the same high-level care." Allison Wyss, NJPAC's Senior Artist Assistant, "Because she remembered what it was like to be a (worked with Eunice for over 20 years) performer. She would tell stories of all the times she In an open letter to NJPAC wellwishers, John was on the road, how hard it was, the things she LEADING THROUGH CRISES: Screiber, President & CEO of the Arts Center, pays encountered: No proper dressing rooms, no access to tribute to recently deceased Staff member, Eunice food, even the unacceptable names she was called as Peterson. an African-American artist touring in the 1960s and GOV. MURPHY ON NJ, THE He considers NJPAC's team members as NJPAC's 1970s. She vowed nothing like that would happen to "owners" - because they see NJPAC as "their" place. any artist at NJPAC." They're deeply invested in ensuring that it thrives. Eunice's performing days didn't end when she came PANDEMIC, & THE WAY Schreiber considers the Arts Center (NJPAC) to be to NJPAC. In 1998, a year after the Arts Center opened, blessed in having a team of fierce advocates Larry decided to establish a community choir and FORWARD ("owners") working to advance its mission. He encouraged staff members to audition. Eunice was a believes that of all these "owners" of NJPAC, Eunice charter member of what became the 'Jubilation alfway through his first term as New Jersey's Peterson, who passed away recently, was "one of the Choir'. She sang soprano with the choir until she fell governor, Phil Murphy was confronted by a proudest and one of the most effective." ill. Hcrisis of extraordinary magnitude: A worldwide From the Arts Center's opening in 1997 through the "She'd traveled the world with a lot of these artists, pandemic, which immediately impacted NJ, followed by Spring of 2019, Eunice was the Senior Artist she knew them personally. We ended up on a lot of an unprecedented financial downturn. Assistant. An artist assistant is the person who greets projects, like Dionne Warwick's latest, really because Murphy fought these dual emergencies with every performers when they arrive at NJPAC's stage door, of Eunice running her mouth about the choir. She'd tool at his disposal - daily briefings, limits on indoor brings them to their dressing rooms, and sees to their say to them: 'Oh, y'all sound good, but you need to hear gatherings, a celebrity-studded COVID relief every need while they're there. A good artist assistant my choir' and give them a bunch of CDs," Rev.Stefanie fundraiser, even "Don't Be A Knucklehead" signs on will know how to give performers just what they Minatee (Rev. Stef), Artistic Director of the Jubilation major highways to remind Garden Staters to embrace require - silence or conversation, a cup of tea or a Choir, says. social distancing. warm towel - so that when they appear on stage, they "Genuine," "sincere" and "loving" are the words Thanks to his leadership, New Jersey successfully feel nurtured and valued. almost everyone at NJPAC has reached for to describe "flattened the curve" of coronavirus infections - but the "They feel, in short, like they're at home. And no one Eunice as her passing was mourned. state still faces the pandemic's second wave, lingering did that the way Eunice did. That sincerity, that love, made the Center's economic hardship, and delays before a vaccine is She just had the gift of hospitality. When backstage a uniquely warm and welcoming space, and available. performers came to NJPAC and spent time with a particularly appealing one to artists. Great artists Join the next NJPAC Business Partners "Roundtable Eunice, it was like they were hanging out in their know when you're for real and when you're just going @ Home" at 9AM on Friday, December 11, for an momma's kitchen, that's how at ease they felt," Eyesha through the motions. Eunice never went through the enlightening 30-minute conversation with Governor Marable, Director of Community Engagement, tells motions. Murphy at the to find out what the Governor learned John Schreiber. "Although we miss Eunice's hugs and her caring, from the singular challenges of 2020, and his plans for Before she came to the Arts Center, Eunice's first her outfits and her remarkable voice, she'll never the year ahead. career was as an in-demand backup vocalist who really be gone. When you go backstage at NJPAC, Follow the registration link below; details for logging toured and recorded with Cissy Houston, Whitney you'll feel her spirit. You may not know her the way we onto this Zoom meeting will be emailed to you. Houston, Darlene Love, Dionne Warwick and many were privileged to, but her vibe - her great, njpac.org/support/bprt-registration-form/ others from the 1960s through her arrival at NJPAC. comforting, warm, loving vibe - is embedded in our For more information on the event, contact "I have this beautiful memory of hanging out with walls. This was her place; it always will be," Rev. [email protected] Dionne Warwick, Johnny Mathis, Lee and Eunice in Stefanie Minatee. the production office of NJPAC, and all of them just (Mabel Pais writes on Health & Wellness, The Arts and talking about the good old days," says Chris Moses, Entertainment, Social Issues, and Spirituality) THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 22 Suspected murderer China’s Chang’e-5 probe drills remanded in custody Moon’s surface, collects samples BEIJING (TIP): On the most complex in case any contamination occurs during after German car mission to the Moon, China’s Chang’e-5 the course back to earth,” Luan Enjie, probe drilled the lunar surface, collected the chief commander of China’s first samples on Wednesday in the first such lunar mission told the China Central rampage effort in over 40 years and began Television (CCTV). TRIER (TIP): A 51-year old German preparations to bring the precious soil to “The Moon environment is very man suspected of murdering five earth, the country’s space authority said. different from the Earth, so samples people, including a baby, by ploughing The Chang’e-5 probe has collected need to be stored in a very clean a speeding car into a pedestrian zone Moon samples after landing on Tuesday, container,” he added. in Trier on Tuesday, is to be held in the China National Space These soils obtained from the Moon prison after a judge decided he did not Administration (CNSA) announced on are expected to provide information need to be sent to a psychiatric Wednesday. about its geological evolution and offer institution. The unmanned probe landed in the insights into solar activities in the The man, who had been drunk, had area called Oceanus Procellarum, also universe, according to the mission team. shown psychological abnormalities known as the Ocean of Storms, on the The Chang’e-5 probe includes a lander, during and after his arrest on Tuesday, near side of the Moon and started rolling ascender, orbiter, and return vehicle. The said the Trier prosecutor, adding an out its solar panel wings and unlocking the Moon and returned to Earth directly. sealed packages will be stored in the expert would examine him and issue some of the payloads on-board to prepare The US space agency on Wednesday ascender, which will lift off from the an official opinion. for sample collection. congratulated China for the Chang’e-5 Moon’s surface to transfer the samples to "A preliminary evaluation finds no The lander first drilled a 2-meter-deep mission. Nasa’s top science official, Dr the returner and orbiter waiting in lunar concrete indications to completely hole, digging out soil, and sealed it up at Thomas Zurbuchen, said he hoped the orbit. exclude culpability," said the 4:53 a.m. on Wednesday. Next, it will use international research community At the proper time, the returner will prosecutor, adding he was suspected of its robotic arms to scoop up more would eventually get the chance to then separate from the orbiter and carry committing five murders and samples from the lunar surface for analyse any samples sent home. the samples back to Earth, finally attempted murder and grievous bodily backup, state-run media reported. “When the samples collected on the landing in north China’s Inner harm in a further 18 cases. About two kg of samples are expected Moon are returned to Earth, we hope Mongolia. "The accused is suspected of having to be collected and sealed in a container, everyone will benefit from being able to A no stranger to the Moon, China randomly and deliberately driven at CNSA officials said. study this precious cargo that could launched its first lunar probe, Chang’e-1 high speed in the pedestrian zone in State-run media has shown photos of advance the international science in 2007 which orbited 200 km above the Trier ... with a Land Rover with the the lander on the lunar surface after it community,” he tweeted. Moon and mapped 3D images of the intention of killing or at least injuring landed successfully. Explaining why China chose to do lunar surface followed by Chang’e-2 in as many people as possible," said the “We designed two methods for the what has been accomplished by the US 2010 which had sent high-resolution prosecutor. spacecraft to collect samples. One is to and Soviet Union much earlier, Pei photos of the Moon’s surface. The motive of the suspect, not sample the lunar surface, and the other Zhaoyu, deputy director of the Lunar Chang’e-3 was launched in 2013 which named by prosecutors but identified as is to drill underground. The two methods Exploration and Space Program Centre softly touched down on the Sinus Iridum Bernd W. by media, was still unclear, could increase the chance of getting of the CNSA said that China chose a 12 days later. said the prosecutor, reiterating, more diverse samples,” Peng Jing, complicated technological approach The Chang’e-4 probe was launched in however, that questioning so far had deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-5 including unmanned rendezvous and 2018. It made the first-ever soft landing given no indication of a political or probe said. docking in lunar orbit, and could bring on the Von Karman Crater in the South religious background. It is China’s maiden attempt to back more samples and lay a Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the Residents and politicians wept and retrieve materials from an extra- technological foundation for manned Moon. A major space power, China hugged as they placed flowers, candles terrestrial body. lunar missions. launched its first Mars mission and hand-written messages to the The United States sent astronauts to The samples collected on Wednesday, ‘Tianwen-1’ on July 23 this year. The victims in the city's landmark Roman the Moon to collect samples. In the Soviet will be sealed in what scientists have Mars spacecraft which included an gate, Porta Nigra. Union’s unmanned lunar sampling described as a long “sausage-like orbiter, lander and rover is on its way to "The pain of the mother who lost her missions, the spacecraft took off from package”. “Samples have to be sealed up the red planet. PTI child and her husband takes my voice away," said Malu Dreyer, premier of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, her voice breaking. Israel hands over $1 billion in Palestinian tax "There will never again be the laughter of the father and the child. backlog in sign of warming ties Others who have to mourn dead feel the same way... they will have to carry this burden for the rest of their lives," RAMALLAH (WEST BANK) (TIP): several times in 2019 after Israel she said. --- Reuters Israel handed over a backlog of billions trimmed the sum in retaliation for funds of shekels in tax money to the going to the families of jailed or killed Palestinian Authority on Wednesday, militants. It usually amounts to about said they were resuming civil and Argentina cops search both sides said, in another sign of $190 million a month. security cooperation with Israel warming ties between the sides after the "The #Israeli government transfers all suspended over the annexation. The office of 2nd doctor in US presidential election victory of Joe financial dues of the clearance to the announcement came about two weeks Biden. account of the #Palestinian Authority," after Biden beat incumbent Donald The taxes, managed by Israel under Palestinian Affairs minister of civil Trump in the U.S. presidential race. Maradona case interim peace accords from the 1990s and affairs Hussein al-Sheikh tweeted, giving Palestinian President Mahmoud BUENOS AIRES (TIP): The usually handed over monthly, make up the figure as 3.768 billion shekels. Abbas has since indicated he will drop investigation into Diego Maradona's more than half of the budget of the The Israeli Finance Ministry his three-year political boycott of the death continued with police raids on Palestinian Authority (PA), whose confirmed the details. White House. the office and home of the psychiatrist economy has been hard hit by the The PA has been unable to pay full "Right now we are sending clear who cared for the soccer star and is coronavirus pandemic. wages of its 130,000 employees in the past messages not only to the Israelis, not being investigated for possible medical The 3.77 billion shekels ($1.14 billion) months. Palestinian Prime Minister only to the Biden administration but also negligence. transfer is the first since June, when the Mohammad Shtayyeh said this week it to the Europeans and many others that By order of the attorney general's Palestinians snubbed the handover due would pay full salaries once it received Palestine, and the Palestinians are ready office of San Isidro, officers entered an to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin the tax money. to reengage completely with Israel," apartment used by Agustina Cosachov Netanyahu's plans, currently suspended, Israel froze its annexation plans in Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al- for consultations in Buenos Aires on to annex parts of the occupied West August as part of an agreement to forge Maliki said in a November 26 video Tuesday,while another group of police Bank. diplomatic ties with the United Arab conference. searched her private home. AP The Palestinians also rejected the cash Emirates. The Palestinians in November ($1 = 3.2861 shekels) --- Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 23 WeChat blocks Australian Prime South Korea passes Minister in doctored image dispute law allowing BTS stars SYDNEY (TIP): The Chinese social disinformation, it covers up its to postpone military media platform WeChat blocked a horrendous human rights abuses, message by Australia Prime Minister including the detention of more than a Scott Morrison amid a dispute between million Muslims in Xinjiang," Brown service Canberra and Beijing over the doctored wrote in a tweet. NEW YORK (TIP): In a major tweeted image of an Australian soldier. France's foreign affairs spokesman move, the South Korean parliament China rebuffed Morrison's calls for an said on Tuesday the tweeted image was has passed a bill allowing music apology after its foreign ministry "especially shocking" and the comments sensation BTS and other musicians to spokesman Zhao Lijian posted the by Zhao "insulting for all countries postpone their mandatory military picture of an Australian soldier holding whose armed forces are currently service until the age of 30. a bloodied knife to the throat of an engaged in Afghanistan". As per the South Korean laws, all Afghan child on Monday. China's embassy in Paris hit back on able-bodied South Korean men, aged The United States called China's use of Wednesday,saying the soldier image was between 18 and 28, are required to the digitally manipulated image a "new a caricature by a painter, adding that serve in the military for about two low" in disinformation. current and former soldiers would be France has previously loudly defended years, reported New York Times. Morrison took to WeChat on Tuesday referred for potential criminal the right to caricature. Two of the members of the group, to criticise the "false image", while prosecution. China's embassy has said WeChat has 690,000 active daily users Jin and Suga, will soon turn 28 and offering praise to Australia's Chinese the "rage and roar" from Australian in Australia, and in September told an their with the group was under threat. community. In his message, Morrison politicians and media over the soldier Australian government inquiry it would According to the revised Military defended Australia's handling of a war image was an overreaction. prevent foreign interference in Service Act, "a pop culture artist who crimes investigation into the actions of 'Hypocrisy is obvious to all' Australian public debate through its was recommended by the Minister of special forces in Afghanistan, and said Australia was seeking to "deflect platform. Morrison's message had been Culture, Sports and Tourism to have Australia would deal with "thorny public attention from the horrible read by 57,000 WeChat users by greatly enhanced the image of Korea issues" in a transparent manner. atrocities by certain Australian Wednesday. Zhao's tweet, pinned to the both within the nation and throughout But that message appeared to be soldiers", it said. top of his Twitter account, had been the world" would be allowed to blocked by Wednesday evening, with a Other nations, including the United "liked" by 60,000 followers, after Twitter postpone their military service until note appearing from the "Weixin Official States, New Zealand and France – and labelled it as sensitive content but age of 30 if they do not have an Accounts Platform Operation Center" the self-ruled island of Taiwan which declined Canberra's request to remove extraordinary reason. saying the content was unable to be China claims as its own – have expressed the image. Before revision, the Military Service viewed because it violated regulations, concern at the Chinese foreign Twitter is blocked in China, but has Act only gave deferral exceptions to including distorting historical events ministry's use of the manipulated image been used by Chinese diplomats. athletes, classical musicians, and and confusing the public. on an official Twitter account. China on Friday imposed dumping those who enrolled in Ph.D. programs Tencent, the parent company of "The CCP's latest attack on Australia is tariffs of up to 200 per cent on Australian abroad. All seven members of BTS— WeChat, did not immediately respond to another example of its unchecked use of wine imports, effectively shutting off the the full name is Bangtan Sonyeondan a request for comment. disinformation and coercive diplomacy. largest export market for the Australian (Bulletproof Boy Scouts) or Beyond Australian special forces allegedly Its hypocrisy is obvious to all," the US wine industry. The Scene as their English branding— killed 39 unarmed prisoners and State Department said on Wednesday, A group of parliamentarians from 19 meet that requirement as they were civilians in Afghanistan, with senior referring to the Chinese Communist countries that has lobbied against awarded the medal in 2018. commandos reportedly forcing junior Party. State Department deputy China's actions in Hong Kong, where it The fans of the group, known as the soldiers to kill defenceless captives in spokesman Cale Brown said the has cracked down on dissent, and in the BTS Army, celebrated the legal change order to "blood" them for combat, a four- fabricated image of the soldier was "a farwestern region of Xinjiang on social media, calling it a gift to Jin year investigation found. new low, even for the Chinese campaigned on social media for the ahead of his birthday on December 4. Australia said last week that 19 Communist Party". "As the CCP spreads public to drink Australian wine. Reuters PTI Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong defiant as he is jailed over 13 months for protest HONG KONG (TIP): Joshua Wong, 24, one of Hong year old when Hong Kong returned to Beijing 23 years Kong's most prominent democracy activists, was jailed ago with a guarantee of freedoms not enjoyed on the on Wednesday for more than 13 months over an unlawful mainland, including freedom of speech and assembly. anti-government rally in 2019, the toughest and most China's imposition of a national security law on Hong high-profile sentence for an opposition figure this year. Kong on June 30 was seen as the latest blow to the city's Wong's sentence comes as critics say the Beijing-backed liberties, which are crucial for its status as a global government is intensifying a crackdown on Hong Kong's financial hub. opposition and chipping away at wide-ranging freedoms ‘KEEP THE FAITH’ : Ahead of sentencing, the guaranteed after the former British colony returned to district court judge read a letter from Wong's mother to Chinese rule in 1997, a charge authorities in Beijing and the court in which she said her son was "a young person Hong Kong reject. who cares about society and is persistent in his ideals". Reacting to the court ruling, Britain's foreign minister Under the handover agreement in 1997, Beijing Dominic Raab urged Hong Kong and Beijing authorities promised to maintain the free-wheeling city's way of life to stop their campaigns to stifle the opposition. for 50 years under a "one country,two systems" formula, Wong had pleaded guilty to organising and inciting an We're now joining the battle in prison along with many although some fear 2047 is arriving early as authorities unlawful assembly near the city's police headquarters brave protesters, less visible yet essential in the fight for tighten their grip. during the height of the sometimes violent democracy and freedom for Hong Kong." US Senator Marsha Blackburn accused China of demonstrations in June last year. He faced a maximum Wong's long-time colleagues Agnes Chow, 23, and Ivan cracking down on human rights and destroying "any of three years in jail. Lam, 26, were jailed for a total of 10 and seven months, semblance of autonomy in Hong Kong". About 100 supporters gathered quietly inside the respectively, on charges linked to the same siege when "Keep the faith, Joshua, you are truly an inspiration to court ahead of the sentence, while a small group of pro- thousands of protesters surrounded the police freedom fighters everywhere," Blackburn said in a Beijing people rallied outside, calling for a hefty prison headquarters on June 21 to demand the government statement. Rights groups were swift to condemn the sentence. "I know the coming days will be tougher. We withdraw a now-shelved extradition bill. court ruling. "By targeting well-known activists from will hang in there," Wong, wearing a black sweater and Chow, who cried inside the court room on hearing her Hong Kong’s largely leaderless protest movement, surgical face mask, shouted after the sentence was read sentence, had pleaded guilty to incitement and authorities are sending a warning to anyone who dares out. "It’s not the end of the fight," Wong said later participation in an unlawful protest, while Lam pleaded openly criticise the government that they could be next," through his lawyers. guilty to incitement. A familiar face at democracy said Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Regional "Ahead of us is another challenging battleground. protests since he was a teenager, Wong was less than a Director Yamini Mishra. - Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 24 CONNOISSEUR’S HOME REMEDIES TO CHOICE NOURISH YOUR DRY SCALP

here are several potential By Tript Arora causes of a dry scalp. These Tinclude washing the hair too frequently, not drinking enough PAV BHAJI water, and having a reaction to harsh hair care products. Health av Bhaji is a Mumbai conditions such as psoriasis could Street Food popular all also result in a dry scalp. Pover India. It is sold in However, a person may be able to every nook and corner with treat their dry scalp at home. the name 'Bombay Pav Bhaji' Although they may not work for written on the stalls. The basic ingredients in this mouth everyone, the following are some watering dish are potatoes potential home remedies that may and tomatoes. While cooking have some merit when it comes to this dish at home I try to make treating a dry scalp. it healthy by adding as many vegetables as possible. You Coconut oil can add whatever veggies are Coconut oil has some recognition available at your home. Cut in the medical community as being them in bite-size pieces and an effective moisturizer. Aloe vera when a person applies it to the skin. pressure cook them with A review of research found that Some people use aloe vera for A review of research notes that water for 7 whistles or slow- cook them for 10 minutes after one whistle. Mash the cooked coconut oil is safe and effective in relief from sunburn and dry skin. olive oil has helped boost wound mixture and temper with ginger & garlic paste, onions and butter. treating dry skin, which may Research suggests that people may healing and skin regrowth in animal Street food is always prepared with lots of butter. But you can indicate that it could also be useful experience relief with aloe vera due studies, largely through its anti- adjust the quantities if you are calorie conscience. However the in treating scalp dryness. to its anti-inflammatory effects. inflammatory effects. Skin taste will be a little different if you use less butter. My family loves However, another study showed When a person applies it to the inflammation can lead to dry skin. to have it as breakfast on Sundays. The recipe I am sharing today that although coconut oil did not scalp, aloe vera may help alleviate is very easy to prepare. You can boil vegetables a day before, store have any ill effects, there was no the itching associated with a dry Mashed bananas it in the refrigerator (without mashing) and use it the next day. noticeable difference between the scalp. It may also help with Witch hazel may also help with This way you can enjoy Pav bhaji even on the days when you are scalps of people who used the oil and moisturizing the scalp. the symptoms of a dry scalp, such too lazy to cook, because the subsequent steps don’t take much time. those who did not. In this study, the An old study comparing the use of as itchiness. researchers compared the hair care aloe vera gel with a placebo in 44 According to some research, Traditionally, the Pav is cooked on the Tawa (Girdle) with Bhaji but practices of 240 medical students. participants with seborrheic the nutrients in bananas may that way the paav soaks up a lot of butter. Therefore, there is a dermatitis — which is a condition provide effective scalp treatment. twist here. I cook it on an electric griller to reduce butter. Tea tree oil that causes scaly, flaky skin — found One research paper, for We need Tea tree oil is a popular essential that the aloe vera gel was more example, suggests that the oil that lots of people use for its effective in reducing scaliness and potassium, oils, and vitamins in 1 Cup Peas, 1 Large Capsicum, 200 Gm Potatoes, 250 Gm many potential health benefits. itching. bananas can help moisturize the Tomatoes, 12 Cloves Of Garlic, 2" inch Ginger, 1 Green Chillies, 1 According to a research review in scalp, treat dandruff, and Large Onion, 1 Lemon, 2 Onions Chopped, 1Tbsp Oil, 2 Tbsp Butter, 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds (Zeera), 1 Tsp Kasuri Methi, 2 Tbsp Chopped the journal Clinical Microbiology Olive oil improve hair health. The authors Coriander, 3 Tbsp Pav bhaji Masala, ¼ Tsp Red food Colour Reviews, tea tree oil may have In the diet, olive oil has displayed state that people can try this (optional), 1 Tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder, 1 Tsp of Salt. antifungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic anti-inflammatory properties. Some natural remedy by making their properties that could help with scalp research suggests that these own banana hair conditioner at Let us Start dryness. properties could also be present home. Wash all the vegetables . Peel potatoes. Cut them into cubes. De- seed Capsicum and cut into cubes. Chop tomatoes. Grind ginger, garlic and green chilli together to a fine paste. Add all the vegetables to a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water along with salt and 1 Tsp of Pav bhaji masala. Cook it till 6 whistles. Scotland becomes first nation to make Don't release the pressure, let it cool on its own. Open only when the pressure is totally released. All the vegetables are soft by now. Mash them well with a hand masher. Don't use a blender otherwise bhaji will become very menstrual sanitary products free loose and runny like a chutney! cotland on Tuesday,Dec 1, made sanitary products After everything is blended together , keep another pan on flame. free to all women, becoming the first nation in the Add butter and oil to it. It is always advisable to add oil along with butter to prevent the butter from burning into an ugly brown world to take such a step against “period poverty.” S colour. Add 1 Tsp of zeera. When it starts sputtering, add chopped The measure makes tampons and sanitary pads onions to it. Saute them on low flame till translucent brown. available at designated public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies, at an When the onions turn to translucent brown add ginger, garlic and chilli paste to the pan. Saute for one minute. estimated annual cost to taxpayers of 24 million pounds ($32 million U.S.). Add a pinch of salt, turmeric powder, Coriander powder, Kasuri The Period Products (Free Provision) Scotland Bill methi, 2 tsp of Pav bhaji Masala and kashmiri red chilli powder. passed unanimously, and First Minister of Scotland Add 2 tbsp of water and saute till oil separates out on the sides. Adding water prevents the masala from burning. Nicola Sturgeon called it “an important policy for women and girls.” Now our masala is ready. Add mashed vegetables to it. If you want “Proud to vote for this groundbreaking legislation, market style red colour of Bhaji then you can dissolve ¼ tsp of making Scotland the first country in the world to food colour in 1 Tbsp of water and add to the bhaji . Give it a good mix. Now let the vegetables simmer for 4 to 5 minutes to absorb all provide free period products for all who need them,” the flavours in it. After 4 to 5 minutes of simmering, bhaji is ready Sturgeon posted on Twitter. to serve. Just squeeze one lemon on it and mix well, right before During the debate, the bill’s proposer, Scottish serving it to give it a tangy taste. Labour MP Monica Lennon, said: “No one should have Heat an electric griller. Soften around 3 Tbsp of butter. Now paste to worry about where their next tampon, pad or the Pav with the softened butter. Put it in the griller and grill it till reusable is coming from. children’s charity Plan International in 2017, with your desired level of crispness. Avoid tightly closing the griller. Just “Scotland will not be the last country to consign campaigners warning many skip classes as a keep the lid softly otherwise the pavs will become hard and crisp. period poverty to history, but we have the chance to be consequence. Pav Bhaji is ready to be served! Just top the bhaji with butter, the first,” she said. Sanitary products in the United Kingdom are taxed at serve it with grilled pavs, green chutney and chopped onions. In 2018, Scotland became the first country to provide 5%, a levy that officials have blamed on European Enjoy the street food of Mumbai in the hygiene of your kitchen. free sanitary products in schools, colleges and Union (EU) rules that set tax rates on certain products. universities. Now that Britain has left the EU, British Finance You Can reach me at: www.triptasfoodtunnel.com Some 10% of girls in Britain have been unable to Minister Rishi Sunak has said he would abolish the Email : [email protected]. afford sanitary products, according to a survey by the “tampon tax” in January 2021. Instagram: @triptasfoodtunnel THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 25 Reasons why you're not CAN STRESS CAUSE HIGH losing weight ountless guides exist on how to lose weight, which makes it hard to figure out what BLOOD PRESSURE? Capproach is right for you. However, before you start trying to lose weight, it's important to consider tress—and often how you cope whether or not you should lose weight — and if so, with it—can make so many how much is healthy. Sthings worse, including your Therefore, you should consult with your doctor blood pressure. before beginning any weight loss program, as they A major risk factor for heart can help you decide if losing weight is right for you. disease and stroke, high blood They can also help you determine the safest way to pressure stage 1 is defined as an lose weight based on your own unique health needs. upper or systolic blood pressure While shedding pounds may help decrease your risk reading of 130-139 systolic for heart disease and diabetes, losing too much millimeters of mercury (mm/ Hg) weight can also come with its own set of health and a lower or diastolic pressure conditions such as fatigue, weak bones, and fertility reading of 80-89 mm Hg. Systolic problems. blood pressure is the pressure when Once you're in a healthy weight-loss plan, there's your heart beats while pumping always the risk of not losing as much weight as you blood, and diastolic blood pressure like. Adjusting your diet or activity level might be all is the pressure when your heart is you need to do to see results. But sometimes, your at rest between beats. A blood efforts can fall flat. Here are some common reasons pressure of less than 120/80 mm Hg why you may be struggling to lose weight: is considered normal. Stage 2 is when blood pressure You're eating too many calories consistently ranges at 140/90 mm or-flight response, and this is a good another story altogether. To lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories Hg or higher. This is when doctors thing when you are faced with an Researchers are still trying to than you burn. This is called a calorie deficit. If are likely to suggest medication and immediate threat or scare, says Dr. unravel how chronic stress directly you're in a calorie surplus, your body stores those lifestyle changes, according to the Nambi. impacts blood pressure. What they extra calories as fat. American Heart Association. "If something scares me and do know is that that stress gets in To ensure you're consuming the right amount of Untreated, high blood pressure jumps in front of me, my blood the way of making healthy choices, calories, monitor your caloric intake, as well as can set the stage for heart attack, pressure should go up," he says. In which will have indirect effects on physical activity. You can do this by keeping track of stroke, and other complications by these cases, stress stimulates your your blood pressure. the calories you're eating and burning through damaging blood vessels throughout sympathetic nervous system which When you are stressed, you are fitness apps or in a food log. A large 2006 study found your body. Stress can have both releases the stress hormones less likely to do the things that you that those who planned meals and tracked calories direct and indirect effects on blood adrenaline and cortisol that can know are good for you. This successfully lost weight and maintained weight loss pressure levels, explains Vijay increase heart rate and blood includes following a healthy diet more than those who did not. Nambi, MD, associate professor of pressure. and exercising regularly, says medicine, Baylor College of This is exactly what is supposed Stephen J. Huot, MD, professor of You're drinking too much alcohol Medicine, Houston. to happen to help you avoid harm, medicine (nephrology), associate Alcohol is energy dense, meaning it contains a Here's what you need to know he notes. dean and director of graduate high amount of calories per volume, says Ariana about stress and how it affects your Chronic stress—whether related medical education, Yale School of Chao, CRNP, the medical director of the Center for heart rate and blood pressure. to work, finances, personal Medicine/Yale New Haven Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Stress triggers your body's fight- relationships, or life in general—is Hospital. Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. For reference, alcohol has about seven calories per gram, while a carbohydrate has four calories per gram. Alcohol can also reduce inhibitions about eating, making you more likely to choose high- Cancer survivors at higher risk of calorie foods if you're drinking, Chao says. A large 2018 study of overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes found that people who drank heavily lost less weight over a four-year period than dying from flu: Study those who did not drink and decreasing alcohol consumption may improve weight management in people with diabetes. urvivors from a wide range of cancers are more likely than people in the general population to be You're not drinking enough water Shospitalised or die from seasonal influenza even Drinking water can help you lose weight by several years after their cancer diagnosis, warn boosting your metabolism and suppressing your researchers, including one of Indian-origin. appetite, thus making you feel fuller. The study, published in the journal A small 2007 study found that drinking 500 mL (two EClinicalMedicine, suggests that cancer survivors are cups) of water increased energy expenditure by 24% also likely to be at higher risk of severe Covid-19 in overweight or obese individuals. Additionally, a outcomes. small 2015 study of obese people compared The research team from the London School of participants who drank two cups of water before Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), analysed meals with those who did not. It found those who medical records from 1990 to 2014 of more than 630,000 drank water lost an average of almost three more people in the UK, including over 100,000 survivors of a pounds. range of cancers. Comparing the rates of influenza hospitalisation and death between cancer survivors and the cancer- PAGE SPONSORED BY free population, they found that the risk of these outcomes was more than nine times higher in DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND survivors from lymphomas, leukaemia, and multiple other suspected risk factors such as old age, smoking, myeloma, compared to those with no prior cancer. socioeconomic status, body mass index and other DR. SATISH ANAND Crucially, this raised risk persisted for at least 10 illnesses. Former Chairman, Board of years after cancer diagnosis. The researchers also found that cancer survivors Trustees, AAPI National Despite the risks being raised compared to the were more likely to have other diseases that are E-Mail: general population, the absolute risks of developing associated with increased risk of severe Covid-19 [email protected] severe flu were still relatively low, with about 1 in 1000 outcomes, such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory survivors of these types of cancer hospitalised with disease and kidney disease. flu each year. "These findings have an immediate relevance as we GITANJLI ANAND Survivors from other types of cancer also had more enter the winter period: we have a flu vaccine Former President, India than double the risk of severe influenza outcomes for available, and the likelihood of a Covid-19 vaccine in Association of Long Island up to five years from diagnosis. the near future," said study author Krishnan (IALI) These findings persisted even after accounting for Bhaskaran from LSHTM. E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 26 Google set to win EU approval for Indian companies face highest Fitbit takeover number of malware attacks next week oogle is set to win conditional European Union approval for its after US, Japan: Report G$2.1 billion takeover of health tracker Fitbit Inc. this month, people ndia is on the third position organization’s data. familiar with the discussions said. when it comes to highest “When it comes to existing The deal could be approved as soon as Inumber of malware solutions and strategies, the next week after national competition attacks, after the US and current trends in cyberattacks authorities give their opinion, said the Japan, according to a 2020 all show that traditional people who asked not to be named Acronis Cyberthreats Report. cybersecurity is failing – because the procedure isn’t public. The It has been mentioned that 1168 globally and in India, it’s EU usually consults the so-called advisory malware detections were usually because of weak committee on mergers days before it encountered per 1000 clients in technologies and human error, issues approval. Google announced its a month. Also, Maze which are both avoidable,” said plans to buy Fitbit in November 2019, ransomware detections were Rajesh Chhabra, Global noting that it would use the smartwatch reported at 7.8% in Q3 2020. Business Development Leader maker to improve its lagging hardware The report also warns users of Inside Sales at Acronis. business. Clearing regulatory obstacles about cyber criminals who can “Just as cybercriminals are for the deal come in a tough climate when now pivot their attacks from maximize their financial gain. while 31% of global and Indian evolving their attacks, the company is facing mounting global data encryption to data Not content to collect ransoms companies reported daily organizations in India need to scrutiny of big technology companies exfiltration. “Ransomware to decrypt infected data, they cyberattacks in 2020, the advance their protection and and potentially restrictive regulation in continues to be the leading steal proprietary – and frequency of attacks targeting security. Comprehensive cyber the EU and other regions. threat in India with Maze sometimes embarrassing – their remote workers is protection solutions offer the ransomware accounting for data before encrypting it. They projected to increase in 2021. integration and automation nearly half of all known cases then threaten to publicly That’s because the defenses for that eliminate complexity, Amazon now lets in 2020. Yet the Acronis release the stolen files if the systems outside of the optimize performance, and Cyberthreats Report points to victim doesn’t pay up,” says corporate network are more streamline recovery when a a growing trend of the report. easily compromised, giving successful attack inevitably you interact with cybercriminals trying to It has been mentioned that bad actors access to that occurs.” Alexa via text on iOS Google Maps to Get New ‘Go’ Tab for Hackers Target Covid-19 lexa can now respond to Vaccine Distribution commands via text on iOS. AAmazon appears to have quietly Quick Access to Frequent Destinations added the capability in the last few 'Cold Chain' days, though the company officially ackers “assumed to be state agents” have been confirmed the feature to The Verge. waging a phishing campaign against With the change, users can opt to text Hpharmaceutical firms and other institutions commands to Alexa rather than involved in the forthcoming distribution of a vaccine speaking them. According to Amazon, against the novel coronavirus, IBM announced on the feature is still a “public preview,” Thursday, December 3. so it could have some bugs and may In a post on Security Intelligence releasing their change before it becomes official. But if findings, IBM Security X-Force researchers wrote that you want to try it out now, it’s already “precision targeting of executives and key global available in the Alexa app on iOS organizations hold the potential hallmarks of a nation- (tapping the Alexa button in the app state tradecraft,” adding the unknown hackers likely will bring up a keyboard icon that sought to obtain “advanced insight into the purchase opens a chat window). and movement of a vaccine that can impact life and the global economy.”The target, according to IBM, appears Microsoft aims to to be the “cold chain”—a term for the logistics network that allows vaccines and other drugs to be carried from point of manufacture to distribution in temperature- help businesses oogle Maps is getting a new The new Go tab will also let controlled shipping containers. What the attackers ‘Go' tab to help users users pin public transit routes hoped to accomplish is unknown, with possible motives get handle on data Gnavigate easily to they frequent. “If you take public ranging from theft of technology to intel that could be frequently visited places. This transit, you can pin specific used to undermine trust in the vaccine or disrupt with new tool new tab will replace the Commute routes, which will let you see distribution. icrosoft Corp on Thursday, Dec tab that currently sits between accurate departure and arrival IBM researchers wrote that the individuals targeted 3, announced a new cloud- the Explore and the Saved tabs. times, alerts from your local firms in at least six countries and used tactics such as Mbased tool designed to help Google Maps Go tab will let you transit agency, and an up-to-date impersonating a Haier Biomedical executive to send corporate customers understand where pin your favourite destinations to ETA right from the Go Tab. You spear-phishing emails and targeting the help and data is scattered throughout their quickly get information about can even pin multiple routes support pages of organizations. operations and whether they are in these places. People will be able to (including a driving route and a compliance with data privacy add frequent destinations like a transit route) to the same regulations. Once known for its school or a grocery store marked destination to see which one will Windows operating system and to the new Go tab, to quickly get you there most efficiently,” applications such as Office, Microsoft access directions, see how long it Google said in the blog. has built a large business in cloud would take to reach, as well as live Recently, Google Maps computing, helping store and process traffic trends. This new Go tab is introduced a new community feed huge amounts of data for corporate will go live soon in Google Maps. in the Explore Tab. customers. Last year, it introduced a The tech giant posted on its This new community feed tool called Azure Synapse that is being blog that Google Maps is getting a offers recommendation of used by companies such as FedEx Corp new Go tab soon. Users will be nearby events and places. It to analyse the flow of its 16 million daily able to pin their favourite shows latest reviews, photos, packages. But for large companies, destinations, and once pinned, and posts of places and events stores of data have become so large, and you will not have to type a place's near you, offered by people and distributed across so many countries, address every time they need businesses you follow. It also that Microsoft is rolling out a tool called route information, and can easily offers content from experts like Azure Purview to help companies better head to the Go tab and access food and drink merchants, and understand precisely what information details about frequently visited articles from noted publishing they have and where it resides. places. houses. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 27 RBI keeps benchmark Salesforce to buy office chat lending rate app Slack for $28 billion unchanged at 4% oncerned over elevated inflation, loud computing giant Salesforce is Reserve Bank of India on Friday acquiring workplace chat app Cdecided to leave benchmark CSlack, the two companies interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent announced on Tuesday. The deal, but maintained an accommodative rumblings of which began surfacing last stance, implying more rate cuts in the week, marks one of the most future if need arises to support the consequential acquisitions in the economy hit by the COVID-19 business software industries in recent pandemic. years and Salesforce’s biggest purchase The benchmark repurchase (repo) ever. rate has been left unchanged at 4 per Salesforce is paying $27.7 billion for cent, Governor Shaktikanta Das said Slack, according to the press release. while announcing the decisions taken “Under the terms of the agreement, by the central bank's Monetary Policy Slack shareholders will receive $26.79 in Committee (MPC). cash and 0.0776 shares of Salesforce Consequently, the reverse repo rate common stock for each Slack share, will also continue to earn 3.35 per cent representing an enterprise value of for banks for their deposits kept with approximately $27.7 billion based on the the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). closing price of Salesforce’s common He said MPC voted for keeping stock on November 30, 2020,” the interest rate unchanged and continued announcement reads. revolution, and two decades later, we are Slack has transformed from a fast- with its accommodative stance to “Stewart and his team have built one of still tapping into all the possibilities it rising startup formed as a gaming support growth. the most beloved platforms in enterprise offers to transform the way we work. The company in 2009 into a major competitor The central bank had slashed the software history, with an incredible opportunity we see together is massive,” of Microsoft with more than 12 million repo rate by 115 basis points since late ecosystem around it,” said Salesforce said Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield. “As daily active users as of October of last March to support growth. CEO Marc Benioff. “This is a match made software plays a more and more critical year (and likely many more now, though The RBI had last revised its policy in heaven. Together, Salesforce and Slack role in the performance of every the company has not disclosed concrete rate on May 22, in an off-policy cycle to will shape the future of enterprise organization, we share a vision of numbers) and a market value of close to perk up demand by cutting interest software and transform the way everyone reduced complexity, increased power and $25 billion. The company,led by Flickr co- rate to a historic low. works in the all-digital, work-from- flexibility, and ultimately a greater creator Butterfield, started primarily as anywhere world. I’m thrilled to welcome degree of alignment and organizational an email alternative that pitched itself to Slack to the Salesforce Ohana once the agility. Personally, I believe this is the startups, media companies, and other transaction closes.” most strategic combination in the history tech-savvy businesses to better manage “Salesforce started the cloud of software, and I can’t wait to get going.” interoffice communication. Indian economy is gradually ‘Spice King’ MD Gulati passes recovering: IMF away at 98

ndia’s ahashay Dharampal Gulati, HCL's Roshni economy, the owner of spice Iseverely Mcompany MDH Masala, Nadar richest affected by the passed away on Thursday, Dec 3, coronavirus morning due to a cardiac arrest at a woman in India pandemic, is Delhi hospital. Clad often in T major HCL Technologies' Roshni gradually signature red turban and white Nadar Malhotra has topped a list of recovering, the pearls, the Masala King was the face Ithe richest women in the country International and brand ambassador of his with a networth of Rs 54,850 crore, Monetary Fund company.The 98-year-old went on to followed by Biocon's Kiran Mazumdar- said on Thursday, feature on several television Shaw at Rs 36,600 crore, a report said Dec 3. commercials and became one of the on Thursday, Dec 3. India’s economy country’s most recognisable faces. A total of 31 women in the list of 100 recovered faster The MDH jingle also made an having a networth of at least Rs 100 than expected in indelible impression. crore, prepared by Hurun India and the September However, in the business community and people who knew Kotak Wealth, are "self-made", it said. quarter as a pick- him well, Gulati will always be remembered as the dedicated This includes six professional up in person who built an empire from scratches. Even at the age of managers and 25 entrepreneurs. manufacturing helped GDP clock a lower contraction of 7.5 per 90, Gulati was said to have actively participated in his Shaw leads in the self-made category, cent and held out hopes for further improvement on better company’s day to day operations. Born in Sialkot (Pakistan) in followed by Radha Vembu of Zoho (Rs consumer demand. 1923, he left school before he could have completed fifth class to 11,590 crore networth) and Jayshree “India has indeed been severely affected by the pandemic but help his father Chunni Lal Gulati who had founded Mahashian Ullal of Arista Networks (Rs 10,220 is gradually recovering,” IMF chief spokesperson Gerry Rice Di Hatti (MDH) in 1919. crore), it said. told reporters. Dharampal came to India after partition with just Rs 1,500 in Interestingly, all the three—Shaw, Fiscal, monetary, and financial sector measures announced his hand. Initially, he is started work as a horse-cart puller but Ullal and Vembu—also feature in a to date provided much-needed support to the economy, soon gathered enough to open a spice shop in Karol Bagh and global rich list prepared by Hurun. including businesses, agriculture, and vulnerable households, later in Chandni Chowk. Slowly and steadily, he turned it into The average age of women on the Rice said in response to a question on the IMF’s assessment of an Rs 1,000 crore empire, globally known as MDH Masala today. list, whose cumulative wealth is India’s economy during the coronavirus pandemic. It has a strong global presence with offices in Dubai and pegged at Rs 2.72 lakh crore, is 53 and “To further support growth, we believe the Indian London, and in India it is only second to S Narendrakumar’s 19 of the 100 women are under the age authorities should prioritize swift implementation of the Everest Spices. Gulati himself was one of India’s highest of 40, it said. existing support programs and may need to consider paying executives and took Rs 21 crore salary in 2017. He, Two of the women have promoted expanding their scope, as warranted,” Rice said. however, has donated nearly 90 per cent of his income to charity. unicorns—retailer Nykaa's Falguni In her address to the International Monetary and Financial Gulati’s entry to fame was rather comical and accidental. Nayar who has a wealth of Rs 5,410 Committee (IMFC), the ministerial-level committee of the IMF, Coming to his popularity, ‘Mahashay Ji’, was no less than a crore and 34-year-old Divya Gokulanth through video conference, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Bollywood Star. He was often compared with Queen Elizabeth of Byju's with a networth of Rs 3,490 Sitharaman had said that a V-shaped pattern of recovery is on social media as the duo, despite being 90-plus, enjoyed a very crore. being seen in several high-level indicators. strong recall value. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 28

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

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

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla. WEEKLY HOROSCOPE DEC 07-13, 2020

ARIES: Ganesha says your finances may not be LEO: Financial conditions this week are SAGITTARIUS: You will make a good short on point at the starting of the week and also your looking strong. Be patient while making big term plan this week and your finances will expenses will increase. Don't think about any long decisions this week. Try to stay balanced and support your moves. Goddess Laxmi will send you investments this week. You may travel short meditate. This week is lucky for monetary blessings so worship her. You will make calm and distance. Neptune says you can reveal your transactions. This week be careful about how you clear choices. Health of elderly people will secrets and you can meet new people. Untidy spend your time. People in love will be able to improve. You will also attain good mental health. scenarios of last few days will be swept off. spend time with their partners. You may find that Singles will make unexpected connections. Projects will restart which stopped. You will visit perfect job this week which you have been seeking CAPRICORN: You will set into a new routine to spiritual places with your life partner and since long and your talents will be put on display and adapt new schedule. You may feel negative by Soulmate. soon. the middle of the week but gradually it will TAURUS: Your financial planning will show VIRGO: You may find new projects this week. improve. Venus will help you captivate crowds. results this week. Don't make emotional decisions There are chances of good news coming this You will come over disappointments. You will this week. This week will require you to be week. It would be good seven days to make find higher strata in your family. Students will physically and mentally strong. Also focus on financial moves. You may feel peevish but trust find creative aspects of themselves and will do family security. You can also think about small your intuitions about creativity and take better in studies. investment this week. Take a chance to re-join the recommendations from your superiors will help AQUARIUS: Your finances will be balanced. creative group. You will be attracted to you make better decisions. Your work will be supported by your subordinates spirituality this week. Love will flourish for LIBRA: You must be careful about your health and partners. Avoid taking any emotional people with Taurus zodiac. Praying Lord this week. Your mind is wavering around new decisions this week. You may also spend time Hanuman will help you find peace this week. business plans but widely research and analyse with your family. Heavy gains of past GEMINI: Ganesha says, you may face a your plans before making a decision. Practice investments will find its way to you this week. financial crisis this week and therefore have a red self-care this week as it will remove the feeling of Try to improve relationship with your life partner eye on your spending habits. You may also face dullness. Buying luxury goods this will attract this week. Praying Lord Ganesha will bring you losses in long term investments with siblings you negativity so avoid it. Family issues about domestic peace. make this week so be careful. Praying Lord children may arise but try to deal patiently with PISCES: As your horoscope suggests, you will Ganesha will help you this week. You may them. have a very busy week and find it difficult to experience a little sleep disturbance. Stars in your SCORPIO: Think before spending this week. implement all your plans at once. Your overseas horoscope will boost up some confidence. Things Your hard work is going to pay off this week. network will help you solve your business issues. will be confusing by the end of the week but the Don't doubt yourself so much, you are heading Beware of your distant enemies. This week will next week will calm think down. towards the right direction. Your subordinates be the triumph time for you. Mercury will get CANCER: Laziness may kick in at the starting and superiors are going to appreciate your work your prime concerns on top. You will have lots of of the week and due to less focus, you may feel and capabilities. Avoid taking monetary decisions opportunities this week but be careful about demotivated but things will be fine. You may this week as it is not the good time. Spend more spending. Stay warned about your health and try think of short-term investment but avoid taking time with family. Your over thinking issue is to speed down on road. Spend time with your haphazard decisions. Love is in the air this week. going to go away as Mercury will leave your children this period and pray Lord Shiva, he has Try to restore connection in relationships. zodiac. his eyes on your period.

Birthday Horoscope December 7 to December 13, 2020 Regardless, benefits can be derived from taking a time - out. DEC 7: Ganesha says though activities seen DEC 9: Excellent ideas flow and are DEC 12: It's a good policy to question yourself pretty well lined up when the day begins, plans exchanged, which can stimulate a more and others closely today, as perceptions can go can begin to fall apart. It will help to put aside enlightened approach to relationship interests. askew and misunderstandings ensue, especially habitual or narrow ways of reacting and Some carefully chosen words can work wonders. when you encounter unexplained or passive instead view things from a more inclusive angle. DEC 10: Any one of a number of snags resistance. DEC 8: A rather tense or discouraging mood behind the scenes can make things touch and go DEC 13: Your way with others is confident, can prevail and stir up trouble, but only if you today and tonight. Concentrate on neglected thanks to the Moon in your sign. Still, you let it. Yesterday's advice applies again today; work. Let bygones be bygones. should prepare to disarm some home-front don't be inflexible. Open minds make quite a Dec 11: Your heart may just not be in resistance. difference. whatever you have to do in the outside world. THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 29 ankashti Chaturthi is one of the most auspicious days that is Sobserved every month on the fourth day Krishna Paksha in the honour of Lord Ganesh. This month, Sankashti SANKASHTI Chaturthi will be observed on December 4. On this auspicious day, devotees Lord Ganesh observe fast to seek his blessings and to get rid of all obstacles in their respective lives. If you too are going to fast on Sankashti Chaturthi, then here CHATURTHI we are with the auspicious time of Sankashti Chaturthi and its importance. Auspicious time for Sankashti Chaturthi Puja:

„ Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga- December 3, Thursday afternoon, 12 noon to 22 minutes until December 04, Friday morning at 6:59 am. „ Moonrise time- 7:56 pm „ Sandhya Puja- From 5:24 pm to 6:45 pm. Importance of Sankashti Chaturthi

If Ganesh ji is worshiped on Sankashti, the negative effects of the house go away.Also, peace prevails in the house. It is believed that during this period, all the disasters coming into the house are overcome by worshiping Ganesha by law. Chandra Darshan is also very auspicious on this day. This fast starts at sunrise and ends at lunar darshan. Please tell that 13 fasts of Sankashti Chaturthi are kept in the whole year. It is also said that if the devotees worship Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi, all their sorrows will be destroyed. Every Sankashti day is associated with a Peetha, and a specific form of Ganesha is worshipped on this day. During Adhik Maas Chaturthi, devotees pray to Vibhuvana Palaka Maha Ganapati and the Peetha is Doorva Bilva Patra Peetha. The tradition of keeping fast on this day dates back to the time of King Chandrasen in the Satyuga. Pandava King Yudhishthir also practiced it after learning about its significance from Maharshi Ved Vyasa, a great sage and the author of the Mahabharata. The Rishi Markandeya also narrated the tale associated with Sankashti to King Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarva Difference between Sankashti Chaturthi that falls in the bright half Chandrasena and thus the tradition of Karyeshu Sarvada Chaturthi and Vinayaka is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. keeping fast on this day started. OM Ekadantaya Viddhmahe, Chaturthi „ Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is Vakratundaya Dheemahi observed for the deliverance from Puja Vidhi Tanno Danti Prachodayat „ A lunar month comprises of two difficult times. While Vinayaka On the day of Sankashti Chauth fortnights. The fortnights can be Chaturthi fasting is done for the (Chaturthi), after bathing in the divided into the dark half of the salutations of Supreme Lord, morning, women worship Lord Ganesha, Sankashti Chauth Vrat Katha lunar month (Krishna Paksha) and Ganesha. who offers Riddhi-Siddhi and observe a It is said that in the Satyuga there was the bright half of the lunar month „ Sankashti Chaturthi is popular as fast throughout the day. After this, in the a potter in the kingdom of King (Shukla Paksha). The Chaturthi that Sankatahara Chaturthi, whereas evening, Lord Ganesha is worshiped Harishchandra. Once, despite all efforts, arrives in the dark part is termed as Vinayaka Chaturthi is famous as with rituals and, flowers, sesame, when his dishes were being left raw, he Sankashti Chaturthi. While the Varada Vinayaka Chaturthi jaggery etc. are offered. Do not forget to told this to a priest. The priest told him offer a coach in the worship of Ganesha. that the problem would be solved only by PAGE SPONSORED BY Light a lamp in front of Ganapati and the sacrifice of a young child. After that, chant the mantra of Ganesha. After the the potter caught a child and put it in ARISH K. SAHANI rise of the moon, offer Arghya while Anwa. It was the day of Sakat Chauth. looking down. Even after much searching, when her Serving Since 1972 The fast is performed for the well- mother could not find her son, she Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs being and progeny of the family. The prayed before Ganesh Ji with a sincere devotees must observe the fast from heart. On the other hand, when the Arish K Sahani (Father) morning till evening. After the Ganesh potter woke up in the morning, his puja, moon god is sighted and offerings dishes were cooked in Anwa, but the Shiv Sahani (Son) are made to the moon god. People need to child was also safe. abstain from daily food items but here After this incident, the potter got Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) are few of the items that you can scared and reached before the king told consume during the fast. the whole story. After this, the king 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 summoned the child and his mother, and [email protected] the mother described the glory of Sakat Puja Mantra Chauth, who had overcome the troubles. “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” Om Gam Ganpataye Namah Since then, women started fasting for the Vakratunda Mahakaya, Surya Koti good luck and long life of their children “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” Samaprabaha and family. “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 30

For advertising in www.theindianpanorama.news Call @ 646-247-9458 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-19 CRISIS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 32 Moderna to make up to 125mn Global Covid-19 cases top Covid-19 vaccine 65.7mn: Johns Hopkins doses available globally he overall number of global coronavirus cases has topped TRACKING THE VIRUS S-based drugmaker Moderna T 65.7 million, while the deaths has said that it expects to have have surged to more than 1.51 million, Ubetween 100 million and 125 according to the Johns Hopkins million doses of its experimental University. GLOBAL INDIA Covid-19 vaccine available globally in In its latest update on Saturday, Dec the first quarter of 2021. 5, the University`s Center for Systems Cases Deaths Cases Deaths Out of these, about 85-100 million Science and Engineering (CSSE) doses will be made available in the US revealed that the current global 65,771,488 1,516,035 9,571,559 139,188 and 15-25 million doses will be caseload and death toll stood at available outside of the US, the 65,771,488 and 1,516,035, respectively. company said on Thursday. The US is the worst-hit country with These expected first quarter doses the world`s highest number of cases are inclusive within the 500 million to and deaths at 14,343,430 and 278,605, up to one billion doses that the respectively, according to the CSSE. company expects to manufacture India comes in second place in terms globally in 2021. of cases at 9,571,559, while the Moderna also re-affirmed its country`s death toll soared to 139,188. expectation of having approximately The other countries with more than 20 million doses available in the US by a million confirmed cases are Brazil the end of this year. (6,533,968), Russia (2,382,012), France The development comes after the (2,321,703), the UK (1,694,800), Italy company's November 30 (1,688,939), Spain (1,684,647), announcement that the primary Argentina (1,454,631), Colombia efficacy analysis of the Phase 3 study (1,352,607), Germany (1,157,514), of the "mRNA-1273" vaccine showed Mexico (1,156,770), Poland (1,041,846) efficacy of 94.1 per cent. and Iran (1,016,835), the CSSE figures Also on November 30, Moderna showed. Brazil currently accounts for submitted a request for an emergency the second highest number of use authorisation (EUA) from the US fatalities at 175,964. The countries Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with a death toll above 20,000 are and conditional approval from the Mexico (108,173), the UK (60,714), Italy European Medicines Agency (EMA). (58,852), France (54,859), Iran (49,695), Spain (46,252), Russia (41,730), S'pore to Argentina (39,512), Colombia (37,467), Peru (36,076) and South Africa contribute $5mn (21,963). to help other nations get Covid- US pandemic death toll mounts as 19 vaccines ingapore on Friday announced its decision to contribute $5 million to danger season approaches Ssupport low- and lower-middle- income countries procure Covid-19 S deaths from the coronavirus vaccines. The announcement was made pandemic have surged past 2,000 in a joint statement by the Ministries of Ufor two days in a row as the most Foreign Affairs and Health, reports dangerous season of the year Xinhua news agency. approached, taxing an overwhelmed The money would go through the healthcare system with US political Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access leadership in disarray. (COVAX) Advance Market Commitment The toll from Covid-19 reached its (AMC) mechanism, which will help second-highest level ever on Wednesday support 92 low- and lower-middle- with 2,811 lives lost, according to a income countries' access through the Reuters tally of official data, one short of COVAX Facility, said the statement. the record from April 15. The COVAX Facility is a global risk- Nearly 200,000 new US cases were sharing mechanism which seeks to reported on Wednesday, with record procure, equitably allocate and deliver 2 hospitalizations approaching 100,000 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by patients. The sobering data came as the the end of 2021. Singapore is one of 97 head of the US Centers for Disease self-financing participants in the Control and Prevention on Wednesday Facility. warned that December, January and since the start of the pandemic stands at Republican, said he had been concerned The contribution is part of "our February were likely to be “the most around 273,000. about the transition between the Trump consistent support for vaccine difficult time in the public health history Meanwhile, the administration of and Biden administrations, but he had multilateralism, and the fair and of this nation.” outgoing President Donald Trump has yet grown more hopeful that the federal equitable access and allocation of CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield told to articulate an effective strategy to contain government response would not lapse. vaccines", said the statement. an event hosted by the US Chamber of the virus beyond promoting the “We’re in the middle of the worst battle of The AMC eligible countries include Commerce that the United States could development of a vaccine, which could be this war, and the hand-off has got to be several ASEAN countries as well as start losing around 3,000 people - roughly rolled out later this month but faces an smooth. We’ve got to work together. There’s small states globally, it added. the number that died in the attacks of uphill battle amid a skeptical public and got to be no politics in this virus,” he told The Covid-19 virus "does not respect Sept. 11, 2001 - each day over the next two logistical challenges. ABC News’ “Good Morning America” borders, and no one is safe until months. The Republican president’s few public program. everyone is safe", said the statement, “The mortality concerns are real and I appearances recently had been dedicated to Hogan echoed Redfield’s warning, citing adding that the successful development do think unfortunately before we see efforts to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 dark days ahead and noting even when of safe and efficacious vaccines is a February, we could be close to 450,000 election won by Democratic President-elect vaccines are approved, there initially won’t critical step towards overcoming the Americans that have died from this Joe Biden, who will assume office on Jan. be enough to even cover all of his state’s pandemic. virus,” Redfield said. The US death toll 20. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a healthcare workers. THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 33 odhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the JBlue City.The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, JODHPUR: THE BLUE CITY temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here. Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens. PLACES TO VISIT MEHRANGARH FORT Rising perpendicular and impregnable and to the floors. It is superimposed by the from a hill which is 125 metres above mirror work of brightly painted religious Jodhpur’s skyline is the Mehrangarh Fort. figures cast in plaster. This historic fort is one of the most famous PHOOL MAHAL in India and is packed with history and legends. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the Going by the name, the Phool Mahal or imprints of cannonball attacks courtesy Flower Hall is the most exorbitant of all the the armies of Jaipur on its second gate. halls in the palace. This beautiful chamber Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for is said to be the pleasure dome for the its exquisite latticed windows, carved Maharajas. The gold used for constructing panels, intricately decorated windows and the Mahal came from Ahmedabad, walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Gujarat. Sheesh Mahal. CHAMUNDA MATAJI TEMPLE KHEJARLA FORT Chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha’s Located 85 kilometres from the main city, favourite goddess and so her idol was the 400-year old Khejarla Fort is situated in bought to the Mehrangarh Fort. Thus, the a rural setting. The stunning red sandstone fort became a place of worship and was monument, now a hotel, is an example of turned into a temple. Since then, locals Rajput architecture. Visitors will be have followed the culture of worshipping mesmerised by the fort's picturesque Chamunda Mata. In fact, till date, the settings, latticework friezes and intricate goddess remains the Isht Devi (the adopted Jharokas. goddess) of Maharajas and the royal family. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE RANISAR PADAMSAR Umaid Bhawan Palace was built by Located near the Fateh Pole in Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 to counter a Mehrangarh, the Ranisar and Padmasar famine which had hit the state at the time. are adjacent lakes that were constructed in It was also known as the Chittar Palace the year 1459. Ranisar Lake was built on while being constructed thanks to the use orders of Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao of stones drawn from the Chittar hill. The Jodha's wife while Padmasar Lake was palace was designed by HV Lanchester, a ordered by Queen Padmini of Rao Ganga, renowned British architect, and was daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar. completed in 16 years. Built with sandstone JASWANT THADA and marble, the architecture of the palace is described as a blend of lndo-Saracenic, This milky white memorial built Classical Revival and Western Art Deco towards the end of the 19th century as a styles. It is recognised as one of the largest tribute to the leader Jaswant Singh is a private homes in the world and also one of huge tourist attraction. Jaswant Singh, the more spectacular buildings. It is the who ruled Jodhpur, invested well in his only palace built in the 20th century. state. He made attempts to bring down MOTI MAHAL the level of crime, subdue dacoits, built railways and broadly worked on raising Moti Mahal, as the name suggests, is the the economy of Marwar. Jaswant Thada Pearl Hall where the royal families held is managed and looked after by the their audience. The hall is known to have Mehrangarh Museum Trust (MMT) and glass windows and five nooks that enabled is open to public. the queens to listen to the proceedings The Trust is operating a Museum in taking place in the Sringar Chowki, The Jaswant Thada displaying portraits of Royal Throne of Jodhpur. Marwar rulers along with informative SHEESH MAHAL didactics – the information serves as orientation space to understand the Situated within the compound of history of Marwar through the Mehrangarh Fort is the glass palace of Portraits. Its grounds serve as a serene Jodhpur, popularly known as Sheesh venue for morning concerts during Mahal. This magnificent piece of music festivals such as the Rajasthan architecture is adorned with walls of International Folk Festival and the mirror work that stretch across ceilings World Sacred Spirit Festival. THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 34 Tokyo Olympics delay costs may ‘Concussion Sub’ Chahal reach USD 2.8 billion trumps Australia, India win he cost of the postponed Tokyo Olympics could reach about TUSD 2.8 billion, according to first T20 by 11 runs figures released on Friday by the Tokyo organising committee, the Tokyo city government and Japan's CANBERRA (TIP): Yuzvendra Chahal national government. turned out to be the perfect concussion The numbers are in line with substitute after an injured Ravindra estimates that have been made in Jadeja did his part with the bat as the Japan since the Olympics were duo played their roles to perfection in postponed eight months ago. India's impressive 11-run victory over They are now set to open on July Australia in the first T20 International 23, 2021. About two-thirds of the here on Friday, Dec 4. added costs are being picked up by While Jadeja smashed an unbeaten 44 the two government entities, with off 23 balls to propel India to 161 for 7, his the other one-third going to the head injury turned out to be a blessing in privately funded organizing disguise with India unleashing Chahal committee. The operational cost for (3/25 in 4 overs) on an Australian side the delay is listed at 171 billion yen, caught completely off-guard. or about USD 1.64 billion at the The hosts could manage only 150 for 7 present exchange rate. The in 20 overs. organizing committee and the Tokyo Credit was also due to the lion-hearted government share equally in effort from debutant Thangarasu covering the expenses. Natarajan (3/30) and off-spinner Washington Sundar (0/16 in 4 overs), who Indian teammates celebrate the wicket of Australia's Glenn Maxwell during their T20I match at SA-England ODI bowled well in Powerplay. Manuka Oval, in Canberra. ICC match referee David Boon allowed after a decent ODI debut, was right on the home team till Jadeja came into play the visitors a "like for like" replacement, money and got one to straighten catching with a 44 not out off 23 balls. postponed after as mandated by the rules, for Jadeja in Glenn Maxwell plumb in-front. During 11th and 15th over, India scored Chahal even though home team coach If that wasn't enough, Natarajan 22 runs and lost three wickets in Sanju positive case Justin Langer looked visibly angry. snuffed out a frustrated D'arcy Short (34 Samson (23 off 15 balls), Manish Pandey he first ODI between South And to make matters worse, Chahal off 38 balls) to make it 113 for 4 and India (2 off 8 balls) and Rahul. Africa and England that was dismissed two form men -- Aaron Finch didn't have to look back from then on. However, Jadeja (five fours and a six), Tscheduled December 5 has been (35) and Steve Smith (12) -- in his first two Earlier, vice-captain KL Rahul who suffered from hamstring trouble, moved to Sunday, Dec 6, after a player overs to turn the game on its head. continued his impressive run in the launched into Josh Hazlewood and from the home team testecd positive At the end of it all, he also scooped the shortest format with yet another fifty but Mitchell Starc in the final two overs that for Covid-19. Cricket South Africa said man of the match honours for his superb it took Jadeja's brilliant back-end yielded 34 runs taking Indian to a par- the latest round of tests conducted on effort. flourish to take India to a fighting total. score at the Manuka Oval. Thursday resulted in an unnamed The Australians were not prepared for The Indian vice-captain hit 51 off 40 The Indians found Zampa difficult to South African player returning a Chahal, who bowled way better in his balls but leg-spinner Adam Zampa (1/20 get away as he conceded only one positive result, the third from within most preferred format, varying the pace in 4 overs) and all-rounder Moises boundary while Henriques conceded just the camp during the six-match of his deliveries and using the flight to Henriques (3/22 in 4 overs) were brilliant a six, cleverly varying the pace of his limited-overs series. The teams had good effect. between overs 11th and 15th, which deliveries with a good mix of cutters and travelled to the stadium to prepare for Natarajan, whose nerves had eased shifted the momentum in favour of the seam-up stuff. the game but it was officially called off an hour before the start. The decision places a spotlight on the South Africa camp and their protocols during a Jadeja ruled out of tour. Two players tested positive ahead Williamson’s double ton puts NZ on of the T20I series that started on remainder of T20I series November 27 and was won 3-0 by England. Yet more worrying will be ndia all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out top against West Indies the positive case from within the of the remainder of the T20I series against secure hotel bio-bubble, where both IAustralia after sustaining a concussion in the HAMILTON (TIP): The second teams have been based since first match in Canberra on Friday.In a press release, day of the first Test between New November 17. the BCCI announced that Jadeja will no longer be a Zealand and West Indies belonged to part of the squad for the remaining two T20Is. Kane Williamson. West Indies win “Ravindra Jadeja sustained a concussion after The New Zealand captain, whose being hit on the left side of his forehead in the final actions and decisions shaped the day, over of the first innings of the first T20I against scored 251, his third double century MCC’s Spirit of Australia in Canberra on 4th December 2020,” the and highest score in Tests, before BCCI press release said. making an assertive declaration at Cricket award “The diagnosis was confirmed based on a clinical 519/7 early in the final session. est Indies have won this assessment in the dressing room during the innings Williamson’s innings came to an year’s Spirit of Cricket break by the BCCI Medical Team. Jadeja remains end 14 runs before his declaration Waward after sending both under observation and will be taken for further but he courteously waited for Kyle their men’s and women’s teams to scans if required based on the assessment on Jamieson to complete his maiden tour England during the COVID-19 Saturday morning. He will not take any further part half-century before calling his pandemic, the Marylebone Cricket in the ongoing T20I series,” the release further batsmen in, with around 26 overs left Club (MCC) has announced. The added. in the day. men’s side arrived in England in Jadeja was struck on the helmet by Australian fast At stumps, West Indies, depleted by minor injuries to batsman June for a three-test series played in bowler Mitchell Starc during the final over of India’s Darren Bravo and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, were 49/0. Bravo has a a biosecure environment, which saw innings. The left-handed batsman did not return to sprained ankle and Dowrich an injured hand. international cricket resume for the take the field as leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was Openers Kraigg Braithwaite (20) and John Campbell (22) batted first time since the novel named as his concussion substitute. Chahal picked doggedly through the late afternoon. coronavirus outbreak brought the up 3 wickets for 25 runs as he helped India to a 11-run Most of the day was a process of ticking off milestones for global calendar to a halt. The women win in the first T20I. Williamson who steadily built his innings and played New Zealand into featured in a Twenty20 international Jadeja’s knock of 44*runs set up the victory for a more dominant position than it could have hoped when it lost the toss series against England in September India as the visitors were struggling at 116/5 when Thursday and was sent in. after India and South Africa were Hardik Pandya was dismissed. Jadeja’s cavelier “After the day’s play yesterday and looking at the surface, we were unable to tour because of the knock took India to a competitive total of 161/7 in 20 pretty happy finishing with only a couple of wickets down because both pandemic. overs. teams were pretty keen to bowl first,” Williamson said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020 36