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VOL 14 ISSUE 11 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● MAR 13 - 19, 2020 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news Trump suspends travel from Europe to US for 30 No More 1947 No More 1984 days amid growing fears of spread of Coronavirus No More 2002 Europe is furious over the ban NO More 2020 WASHINGTON (TIP): President Donald Trump announced, March 11 that he is suspending all travel from Europe, excluding the UK, to the US for the next 30 days to stop the spread of the coronavirus that has claimed 37 lives and infected 1,300 in the country. In a televised address to the nation from his Oval Office in the White House, Trump said the new rule would be coming into effect from Friday, March 13 midnight and there would be exemptions for Americans returning to the US after undergoing multiple screenings. The President said the European Union had "failed to take the same precautions" as his administration had implemented to contain the coronavirus outbreak. This is not a financial crisis. This is just a temporary moment in time that we will overcome as a contd on Page 32 nation and a world," Trump said.

Air India announces COVID-19 Shocks: World stocks Government of India justifies total temporary suspension plunge into bear market, oil slumps visa suspension over COVID-19 NEW YORK (TIP): NEW DELHI of services to Rome, Global stocks plunged (TIP): Amid Milan, Seoul into a bear market growing concern and oil slumped over the spread of MUMBAI (TIP): Air India on further on Thursday , SARS-CoV-2, Wednesday, March 11 night announced March 12, after Union Health temporary suspension of its flight stimulus efforts from Minister Harsh services to Rome, Milan and Seoul. the European Central Vardhan and While services to Rome (Italy) are Bank failed to calm External Affairs being discontinued from March 15 to investors alarmed by Minister S. March 25, flight operations to Milan U.S. moves overnight Jaishankar made Health Minister Harsh Vardhan requested (Italy) and Seoul in South Korea will to restrict travel from statements in the MPs to discourage large gatherings as a preventive measure. Photo / Courtesy PTI remain suspended between March 14 Europe over the spread of COVID-19. Lok Sabha, and March 28, an airline official said. Trading was halted for 15 minutes shortly after the open in detailing the government's response to the WHO-certified The decision came following the New York after the S&P 500 index fell more than 7%. It was pandemic. government suspending all visas, except recently trading down 8.20%. contd on page 32 contd on Page 32 a few categories such as diplomatic and employment, till April 15 to prevent the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday. New Jersey Declares State of Emergency to Combat Spread "All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN / International organi- of COVID-19, First Death Reported from Bergen County zations, employment and project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020. TRENTON, NJ (TIP): As part of the 19. Executive Order No. 103 declares a This will come into effect from 1200GMT state's coordinated response to address state of emergency and public health on 13th March 2020 at the port of the novel coronavirus outbreak, New emergency across all 21 counties in New departure," an official statement said. Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on March Jersey, allowing state agencies and Visa-free travel facility granted to 9 declared a State of Emergency and a departments to utilize state resources to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) Public Health Emergency, effective assist affected communities responding NJ Governor Phil Murphy declared on March card holders is also kept in abeyance till immediately, to ramp up New Jersey's to and recovering from COVID-19 cases. 10 a State of Emergency after several April 15, it said. contd on Page 32 efforts to contain the spread of COVID- contd on page 6 Coronavirus outbreaks have occurred in the state. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 CORONAVIRUS CRISIS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic Typhus outbreaks he World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the There were various typhus epidemics Tcoronavirus outbreak a pandemic. throughout history, but perhaps one of The Director-General of the World the most notable outbreaks was in 1848 Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom when the infectious disease killed over Ghebreyesus, officially characterized 20,000 people, mainly Irish immigrants COVID-19 a pandemic at a media who had fled to Canada to escape the briefing. Great Irish Famine. A raging fever, red The WHO panellists said it's still not spots over the arms, back and chest, too late. Officials wanted countries to delirium, gangrenous sores pull out all stops to fight the accompanied by the smell of rotting transmission of the virus and aggressive flesh were its symptoms. public health action from the beginning Much later, during World War I the of the outbreak can do that. disease ran rampant among the armies "All countries can still change the of the Eastern Front, with an estimated course of this pandemic. If countries 150,000 dying in Yugoslavia alone. Three detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and million people are also thought to have mobilize their people in the response," he died from typhus during the Russian said. “We are deeply concerned by the Civil War, with 25 million to 30 million alarming levels of spread and severity cases reported in 1922, considered the and by the alarming levels of inaction.” peak of the epidemic in Soviet territory. Iran and Italy who are at the new front SARS-CoV outbreak lines of the battle against the virus that started in China have recorded increased Severe acute respiratory syndrome numbers of cases and deaths over the (SARS) caused Asia and Canada to fall past few weeks. into chaos between 2002-2003. Caused by “They’re suffering but I guarantee you the highly infectious coronavirus other countries will be in that situation SARS-CoV, the disease quickly spread soon," said Michael J Ryan, WHO's to 37 countries globally within a matter Executive director, who also believed of weeks. SARS symptoms included there is underdiagnosis of the virus in fever, chills and body aches and usually some countries. progressed to pneumonia. The WHO has to date confirmed The SARS epidemic that began in 124,519 global cases and 4,607 deaths. Hong Kong between November 2002 and July 2003 almost became a pandemic after claiming 922 lives, with 8,422 Deadliest infectious disease confirmed cases worldwide. The WHO outbreaks in history announced the mortality rate as 10.9%. SARS was contained in 2003, and no Before the novel coronavirus, many cases of SARS have been reported since momentous epidemics and pandemics 2004. altered the course of human history, Swine flu killing large percentages of the global Swine flu killed approximately 2 population. million people between 1957 and 1958, The sudden outbreak is a reminder while 1 million people each died in the that throughout history, mankind has flu outbreaks in Russia and Hong Kong survived many similar epidemic in the years 1889-1890 and 1968-1969, diseases that have caused huge numbers respectively. The swine flu pandemic of of death and suffering. Many of the 2009 killed an estimated 284,500 people. worst worldwide outbreaks have killed Caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, millions. swine flu infected its first known victim Infamous ‘Black Death’ in central Mexico in March 2009. By April it had reached California, The plague has killed far and away the infecting a 10-year-old, and then quickly most people – claiming tens of millions spread around the world, triggering of lives around the world. fears and mass panic. The fears Throughout history, plague epidemics reflected the unusual nature of the have erupted in several eras, becoming virus, which contained bits and pieces known under different names such as of bird, swine and human flu viruses, a Athens, Antoninus, Cyprus and combination never before detected. Justinianus. Ebola outbreak About a third of Europe’s population was wiped out in the 14th century by The Ebola outbreak that erupted in bubonic plague, also known as the Black West Africa between 2013 and 2016 Death because it forms black spots on the caused more than 11,300 deaths. The skin, making it one of the deadliest West African Ebola outbreak started in recorded in human history. Guinea in December 2013, and the virus Black Death, which caused great spread to 28,616 people in West African destruction across Europe between 1347 countries such as Liberia and Sierra and 1351, is estimated to have killed 75 Leona. The epidemic, which ended in million to 100 million people. The June 2016, was recorded as the deadliest epidemic started in southwest Asia and Similar to the disease caused by the Cholera Ebola outbreak in history in terms of reached Europe in the late 1340s. Ebola or dengue viruses, viral The cholera epidemic that broke out the number of people infected and Three centuries later, between 1647 hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are in Asia and Europe in 1817-1824 killed amount of deaths. and 1652, bubonic plague swept into contagious, continuous and for the most approximately 1,500 people between the Ebola virus was first detected in 1976. Spain. Some 76,000 people died in the part, lethal. VHF outbreaks swept years 1899 and 1923. The biggest cholera Its suspected origin is forest bats. It is Great Plague of Seville, about a quarter through Mexico between 1545 and 1548 outbreaks were in Japan in 1817, in not an airborne virus but is transmitted of the Andalusian city's population at and killed an estimated 5 million to 15 Moscow in 1826 and Berlin, Paris and through blood, vomit, diarrhea and the time. million of the native population, making London in 1831. The cholera epidemic other bodily fluids. Symptoms The Great Plague of London, lasting it the worst disease epidemic in the in the Ottoman Empire during the generally appear between two and 21 from 1665 to 1666, another insurgence of country's history. Characterized by high Balkan War of 1912-1913 also caused days after infection, and recovery Black Death, killed 20% of the city's fevers and bleeding, the mysterious many deaths. greatly depends on the patient’s population, 68,596 people. illness came to be known as "cocoliztli," Cholera still affects many people immune response. People who recover Cocoliztli by the native Aztecs, or the Great today, with the WHO reporting 1.3 from Ebola develop antibodies that last Pestilence. million to 4 million cases annually. for at least 10 years. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 CORONAVIRUS CRISIS 3 Coronavirus and its symptoms oronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness Cranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS- CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms Positive cases worldwide of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. 124,519 When to see a doctor? Deaths Contact your doctor right away if you have COVID-19 symptoms and you've 4,607 possibly been exposed to the virus. Tell your doctor if you've recently traveled Most-affected countries internationally.Call your doctor ahead to China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, tell him or her about your symptoms and recent travels and possible exposure Germany, France, USA, Switzerland, before you go to your appointment. Norway, Japan.

Causes make you more susceptible to It's unclear exactly how contagious the respiratory infections and new coronavirus is. It appears to be complications. spreading from person to person among The mysterious coronavirus those in close contact. It may be spread outbreak in the Chinese city by respiratory droplets released when Wuhan, now termed as Covid-19, someone with the virus coughs or and its fast spread to many other sneezes. countries, endangers thousands of lives. The pandemic has catalysed Risk factors the development of novel Risk factors for COVID-19 appear to coronavirus vaccines across the include: biotech industry, both by Recent travel from or residence in pharmaceutical companies and an area with ongoing spread of research organisations such as the COVID-19 as determined by CDC or National Institutes of Health (NIH), WHO US. Close contact with someone who The first Covid-19 vaccine in China has COVID-19 — such as when a is expected to be ready for clinical family member or health care trials by the end of April, according worker takes care of an infected to Xu Nanping, China’s vice- person minister of science and technology. Inovio Pharmaceuticals plans to Prevention begin clinical trials on a Although there is no vaccine available coronavirus vaccine in April this to prevent infection with the new year. coronavirus, you can take steps to reduce Health officials from WHO have your risk of infection. WHO and CDC noted that Gilead’s remdesivir has recommend following the standard if you're sick. Avoid contact with live animals and demonstrated efficacy in treating precautions for avoiding respiratory Clean and disinfect surfaces you surfaces they may have touched if the coronavirus infection. viruses: often touch. you're visiting live markets in areas Favilavir, the first approved Wash your hands often with soap Stay home from work, school and that have recently had new coronavirus drug in China. The and water, or use an alcohol-based public areas if you're sick. coronavirus cases. National Medical Products hand sanitizer. CDC doesn't recommend that Travel Administration of China has Cover your mouth and nose with healthy people wear a facemask to approved the use of Favilavir, an your elbow or tissue when you protect themselves from respiratory If you're planning to travel anti-viral drug, as a treatment for cough or sneeze. illnesses, including COVID-19. Only internationally, first check the CDC coronavirus. The drug has Avoid touching your eyes, nose and wear a mask if a health care and WHO websites for updates and reportedly shown efficacy in mouth if your hands aren't clean. provider tells you to do so. advice. Also look for any health treating the disease with minimal Avoid close contact with anyone WHO also recommends that you: advisories that may be in place side effects in a clinical trial who is sick. where you plan to travel. You may involving 70 patients. The clinical Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, Avoid eating raw or undercooked also want to talk with your doctor if trial is being conducted in bedding and other household items meat or animal organs. you have health conditions that Shenzhen, Guangdong province. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Indra Nooyi Honored with Outstanding Indian American Chandrika Tandon selected Woman in Business Award for Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2020 NEW YORK (TIP): Composer and Her "limpid, serene voice" - as The STAMFORD, CT vocalist, Chandrika Tandon has been New York Times describes it - has filled (TIP): Indian selected to receive the prestigious Ellis major venues around the world, American Indra K. Island Medal of Honor. She will be including Lincoln Center, the Nooyi, Former presented the award on May 16, 2020 in Smithsonian, Olympiastadion (Berlin), Chairman and CEO Ellis Island's Great Hall, where Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, and of PepsiCo, received immigrants were once processed. the 2016 World Culture Festival in New the Outstanding Chandrika is a recognized leader in Delhi - supporting efforts towards peace Woman in Business the worlds of business, education, and and harmony. award last month the arts, and is dedicated to public Chandrika has received several from the League of service. In addition to being founder awards for integrity and leadership - Women Voters of and head of her financial advisory firm, the Gallatin Medal, New York Connecticut on the Indra Nooyi has she is a member of the Board of Lincoln University's highest honor for consistently occasion of its 100th ranked among Center for the Performing Arts, and the outstanding contributions to society; Anniversary Gala. the world's 100 Berklee School of Music's President's the Walter Nichols Medal for leadership As the former most powerful Council. Additionally, the Berklee and integrity; and the Polytechnic Chairman and CEO women Tandon Global Clinics connect world- Medal, recognizing her involvement in of PepsiCo., Nooyi was the chief class music faculty from the US to other science and engineering. In recognition architect of Performance with Purpose, countries. At New York University, she of her efforts on behalf of higher PepsiCo's pledge to do what's right for the is Vice-Chairman of the Board of education, she was inducted as a business by being responsive to the Trustees, Chair of the President's Sterling Fellow at Yale and into the Chandrika is a recognized leader in the needs of the world around us. She has Global Council, Chair of the Board of worlds of business, education, and the arts, Harold Acton Society of New York consistently ranked among the world's the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and is dedicated to public service University. She was named an 100 most powerful women. In 2014, she and she serves on the Boards of the Inaugural Distinguished Alumnus of was ranked at number 13 on the Forbes NYU Stern School of Business and the topped world music charts, garnering both the Indian Institute of list of The World's 100 Most Powerful NYU Langone Health System. great acclaim, and earning a Grammy Management Ahmedabad and Madras Women and was ranked the 2nd most Chandrika was trained by masters in nomination. All four of her albums Christian College - her two alma powerful woman on the Fortune list in Hindustani, Carnatic, and Western were released under her not-for-profit maters. Chandrika is Chair of the 2015. Sponsored by Moffly Media and the Traditions. Her album - Soul Call - label, Soul Chants Music. Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation. Connecticut Bar Association, The League of Women Voters of Connecticut's 100th Anniversary Gala Indian Journalist Rana Ayyub took place on February 22, 2020 at the Indian American Tufts Awarded with McGill Medal for Italian Center in Stamford, CT. Indian American UPenn Journalistic Courage Doctoral Student Wins NSF Rana Ayyub, Student Natasha global opinions writer Menon Wins 2020 2026 Idea Machine Prize for the Washington Thouron Award NEW YORK (TIP): An Post, will Indian American is part of a accept the NEW YORK (TIP): Tufts team that is one of four 2020 McGill An Indian American grand prize winners in the Medal on April 22 is among four National Science Foundation's University of search for big ideas to inform WASHINGTON (TIP): Rana Ayyub, global Pennsylvania seniors its research agenda for the opinions writer at the Washington Post, who has who have won a coming decade. reported on religious violence and extrajudicial Thouron Award to Matthias Scheutz, a killings in India, will receive the 2020 McGill Medal pursue graduate professor of computer science for journalistic courage. The medal ceremony will studies in the United and director of the Human- take place in the Peyton Anderson Forum atThe Kingdom. Each Vasanth Sarathy is a Ph.D. candidate in Robot Interaction Lab at Tufts, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Computer Science and Cognitive Science at scholarship winner and Vasanth Sarathy, a Communication, University of Georgia on Senior Natasha Tufts University receives tuition for as Menon, of doctoral candidate in Wednesday, April 22 at 3:30 p.m. long as two years, as Scottsdale, computer science and cognitive science, won a grand prize for their In a career spanning fourteen years, Ayyub has Arizona, is well as travel and project "From Thinking to Inventing" from The National Science been awarded the Sanskriti award for integrity and pursuing a major living stipends, to in philosophy, Foundation (NSF). They received $26,000 and were honored at a ceremony excellence in journalism from the President of earn a graduate politics, and at the NSF last month. India. She was the recipient of the Global Shining degree there. economics The first-ever NSF 2026 Idea Machine prize competition encouraged Light award for Investigative journalism in the Senior Natasha Menon, of Scottsdale, individuals from all walks of life, age 14 or older, to submit pressing year 2017 and the Most Resilient Global Journalist Arizona, is pursuing a major in philosophy, "grand challenges" requiring fundamental research in science, of 2018 at the Peace Palace in Hague. Ayyub politics, and economics with a engineering, or STEM education in order to inform NSF's long-term authored an international bestseller titled "Gujarat concentration in distributive justice and a planning. Approximately 800 entries were received from nearly every Files: Anatomy of a Cover-Up," an undercover minor in legal studies and history in the state in the U.S. and from established researchers, undergraduate and investigation which exposes the complicity of the School of Arts and Sciences. Menon serves graduate students, teachers on behalf of their classes, and high school Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in state- as president of the Undergraduate and middle school students. The submitted entries went through five sponsored genocide. She has also been named by Assembly, through which she works to selection stages, including a public comment phase. A blue-ribbon panel Time magazine among ten global journalists who elevate the voices of marginalized of 12 eminent, broad thinkers recommended seven ideas for the final face maximum threats to their lives and has been communities on campus to effect change. prizes that were found to be exciting, ambitious, creative, and highly profiled by New Yorker. Ayyub is based in Mumbai, She is also a Civic Scholar, and has interdisciplinary. Each team winning a grand prize will receive $26,000. India. Nominations for the medal came from volunteered at Modern Patshala, a Professor Matthias Scheutz and PhD candidate Vasanth Sarathy's journalists and journalism educators from across Bangladeshi immigrant services center in proposal to work with machines to solve mankind's seemingly intractable the country. The 2019 class of McGill Fellows, 12 Philadelphia, for three years. Menon plans problems was the focus of a winning entry in the NSF Idea Machine students chosen for academic achievement, to pursue a master's degree in international Competition. Vasanth Sarathypreviously received an M.S. in Electrical practical experience and leadership, researched migration and public policy at the London Engineering and Computer Science from MIT and a J.D. from Boston the nominees and made the selection. School of Economics. Upon returning to the University School of Law. Prior to coming to Tufts,he was a lawyer and (Read full story on U.S., she hopes to pursue a law degree and practiced Intellectual Property law for nearly a decade at Ropes & Gray in www.theindianpanorama.news) engage in public service in Arizona. Boston. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 5 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 NEW YORK FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 New Jersey Declares State of Emergency to Combat Spread of COVID-19, First Death Reported from Bergen County contd from page 1 "The State of New Jersey is committed to deploying every available resource, across all levels of government, to help respond to the spread of COVID-19 and keep our residents informed," said Governor Murphy. "My Administration will continue to work closely with our federal partners to ensure that local health agencies on the front lines of the state's response are equipped with the resources needed to further prepare our health care system for a broader spread of COVID-19." The declaration tasks the State Director of Emergency Management and Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, Colonel Patrick Callahan, in conjunction with New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner, Judith Persichilli, to oversee the implementation of the State Emergency Operations plan and generally direct the State's emergency response. Additionally, the declaration triggers A Taskforce meeting after Governor Phil Murphy declares a State of Emergency after several Coronavirus outbreaks have occurred in New Jersey other executive powers and safeguards, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 Picture courtesy / NJ Governor's Office such as prohibiting excessive price and response efforts. Commission to take all appropriate steps results, bringing statewide total to 15. A 69- increases pursuant to New Jersey's Governor Murphy's emergency to address the public health hazard of year-old male from Bergen County with a Consumer Fraud Act and the ability to declaration also empowers all State COVID-19. history of diabetes, hypertension, atrial waive certain procurement procedures to agencies, specifically the Departments of In a press briefing March 10, Lieutenant fibrillation, GI bleeding and emphysema, expedite the delivery of goods and services Banking and Insurance, Health, Human Governor Sheila Oliver said that they have became the first victim of COVID-19 who necessary for coronavirus preparedness Services, and the Civil Service received four presumptive positive test died on March 10. Asian Woman CT Governor Announces First Gov. Cuomo bans public events with Assaulted in New Positive Case of Novel Coronavirus more than 500 people to fight York City over Corona Involving a Connecticut Resident coronavirus; Mayor de Blasio Virus Fear, Cuomo HARTFORD, CT (TIP): Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont on declares state of emergency in NYC March 8 announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Takes Strict Action Health (DPH) State Laboratory has confirmed the first presumptive NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor de Blasio declared a state of NEW YORK (TIP): New York positive case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) involving a emergency, and Gov. Cuomo banned public events of more Governor Andrew Cuomo has Connecticut resident. The patient, a resident of Wilton who is 40 to than 500 people Thursday, March 12, as the dogged and directed State Police Hate Crimes 50 years of age, is being treated at Danbury Hospital. The person potentially-deadly coronavirus picked up steam, nearly Task Force to assist in most likely became infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 doubling the number of infected New Yorkers in just a investigation of assault against an during a recent trip to California and sought medical care shortly single day. Asian Woman in Manhattan on after returning to Connecticut. No bright lights. No Bible studies. No big or jam-packed March 10. This presumptive COVID-19 case is not related to the COVID-19 crowds. That was the effect of the governor's gathering ban, "I am disgusted to hear that a case involving a Danbury Hospital employee who is a resident of which goes into effect 5 p.m. Friday, and applies to large woman of Asian descent was New York State that was announced on March 6, or the COVID-19 houses of worship, arenas and concert halls including physically assaulted in Manhattan case involving a community physician who made rounds at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center and the Apollo on Tuesday - an attack apparently Bridgeport Hospital and is also a New York State resident that was Theater in Harlem. All Broadway theaters went dark motivated by the bigoted notion announced on March 7. Thursday evening.Venues that draw crowds of less than 500 that an Asian person is more likely This case is considered a presumptive positive case until it is people - including bars and restaurants - can only be filled to to carry or transmit the novel confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 50% capacity under the ban, Cuomo said. coronavirus", Cuomo said. Extensive contact tracing is being done on this case. All people who Mayor de Blasio declared a state of emergency, and Gov. "To be clear: there is zero have had direct, face-to-face contact with this person are being Cuomo banned public events of more than 500 people evidence that people of Asian instructed to stay home and self-isolate. Risk of becoming infected Thursday, March 12, as the dogged and potentially descent bear any additional with COVID-19 is considered low for people who had contact with an deadlycoronavirus picked up steam, nearly doubling the responsibility for the transmission individual who does not have COVID-19 and does not have symptoms. number of infected New Yorkers in just a single day. of the coronavirus", he assured. In other words, a contact of a contact is considered low risk. The new restrictions and the state of emergency were put Describing the incident as not in place amid a rapid rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases in only despicable but also illegal, the The Queens Museum Closed the city.De Blasio said there were 95 confirmed cases across Governor has directed the State until March 20 the five boroughs including an alarming 42 cases in just one Police Hate Crimes Task Force to day. Of the sobering total, 29 people were in mandatory assist in the investigation to make NEW YORK (TIP): As the situation around COVID-19 continues quarantine, de Blasio said. The mayor predicted the city sure the assailant is held to evolve, the Queens Museum authorities said they were taking could have 1,000 cases by next week and said the crisis could accountable. every necessary step to protect the health of their staff and visitors. last six months or longer. "No one in this state should ever "At this point in time, we have decided to temporarily close the Under a state of emergency, the mayor can order public feel intimidated or threatened Queens Museum starting Friday, March 13th, 2020 to Friday, March spaces to be closed and cleared, restrict vehicle access, because of who they are or how 20th, 2020. While there are no confirmed cases connected to the initiate curfews and modify labor contracts. they look. Diversity is our greatest Museum, this decision has been made to support regional and De Blasio said the restrictions will be hard on city strength - it's one of the things that national efforts limiting the spread of COVID-19. businesses. "We don't do any of this lightly. This is difficult makes New York great - and in "We are assessing the situation on a daily basis and will adjust our stuff," de Blasio said. "It's really going to be kind of a hole in difficult times we need to band events schedule accordingly.We encourage you to check our website our lives. It's painful. It's not something we would ever want together even tighter" Cuomo said. and social media channels for regular updates andlook forward to to do, but we have to do." welcoming you back to the Queens Museum in due course". (Read full story on www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 NY/NJ/CT 7 Making History: Ekal's Monumental "Parivartan Kumbh"With 110,000 Delegates

PRAKASH WAGHMARE NEW YORK (TIP): From February 16th to 18th, Lucknow, India witnessed the most monumental public Convention in its history that was attended by over 110,000 delegates on expansive 'Ramabai Park' grounds. Headlined as "Parivartan Kumbh" (meaning, 'Transformation'), it was hosted by "Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation" ('Ekal', as it is popularly known) to highlight the 'Parivartan' (change) it has brought to over 105,000 rural and tribal areas across India. Although rooted in education, in past 31 years, Ekal has significantly come a long way and evolved intoeconomic empowerment of rural folks, village development, social-life improvement and digital connectivity. Initially, the rural-tribal children struggled to incorporate basic functional literacy in their daily chores. There wasn't any trace of modernity either, affecting their lives. Now, the little ones, with digital 'Tablets' in hand, are aspiring to touch the Moon in their routine folklores. The main objective of this historic gathering was not only to highlight this willful reformation, but also, to emphasize villager's confident stridestowards contemporary 'mainstream'. February 16th saw a mammoth rally comprising representation from most of Adityanath Yogi , Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh inaugurating the convention the Ekal villages in day-long awe- inspiring various village artistry alcohol-freeenvironment and overcome sessions. The unprecedented gathering downside of caste, creed & religion,so was also addressed by Didi Ma Sadhvi that Gandhiji's dream of 'Su- Ritambharaji. Currently, Ekal has Swaraj'(ideal Admin - life) becomes a 105,000 schools in the same number of reality. With thistask in mind, Ekal has rural regions all over India, including decided to create units of 10 youths in Nepal, that are grooming 2.8 Million each village, called 'Swaraj Senani' children each year. Internationally,it has (comprehensive nation building teams) presence in ten countries - biggest among that would keep track of progress and them is in USA. Ekal-USA provides, not development in their village and also tap only financial assistance, but also, gives into governmental schemes& active support in fields of 'technology- entitlements for the benefit of their transfer' and healthcare. brethren.Accordingly, the steps are February 17th was the inauguration already being taken at every level of Ekal day of this congregation and it was to handover the baton for the new age to officiated by Uttar Pradesh Chief younger generation. A ceremony Minister, Hon. Adityanath Yogiji at the representing the new dawn was huge 'Ambedkar Auditorium' in 'Ram performed by 'Ekal Abhiyan' Chairman, Lohiya College' in presence of capacity Defense Minister Rajnath Singh honored Ekal's alumni Bajrang Bagraji, by handing over the crowd. This day was devoted to honoring Parivartan-flag to a youth group that outstanding achievements of Ekal defined rural and urban areas. This alumni who brought social, economic or entire 3-day event had pronounced cultural transformation to their own presence of youths and every aspect of it lives under most hardship conditions was flawlessly administered, managed and had managed to become the toast of and executed by them. the ranking society. Board members of As a departure from usual Bollywood- Ekal's international chapters, generous singers for its fund-raising events, Ekal- Donors and special-project initiators USA this year, has invited an array of were also felicitated. This entire event diverse rural entertainers with was organized and conducted by village exceptional artistry,as the headliners for youths. There were numerous stalls on the concerts. Their performances under the grounds displaying products from the banner of 'Bharat Ke Rang, Ekal Ke Ekal villages that are now integral part Sang' have already started in southern of its cottage industries. parts of USA. This unique concert is a The closing ceremony on February spectacular splendor of ethnic music, 17th was presided over by Defense dances and dramas by enormously Minister, Hon. Rajnathji. During this talented rural-tribalartistes. In 2017, if Passing the baton to youth entire eventthere were deliberations on one can recall, the similar variety where Ekal wants to be in Yr.2025?In tribal regions. So, in addition to its main more 'women & youth-centric' to develop programs were sold-out wherever they 2017, Ekal had already resolved to reach objectives, it was decided on this village's and villager's full potentials. On took place. For performance in your out to all of India's 650,000-plus rural momentous occasion to make rural areas the social front, Ekal wants to create town, kindly visit www.ekal.org. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 AS I SEE IT

By Sun Weidong Fighting COVID-19 together for a "The Chinese government has mobilized the whole nation with shared future the whole nation. and the international community. Japan, the Republic of Korea and Iran confidence, unity, a science-based The Chinese government has The UN Secretary-General, António and countries with fragile health approach and a targeted response. mobilized the whole nation with Guterres, described China's sacrifice in systems in Asia, West Asia, Africa and We focused on the following confidence, unity, a science-based fighting and containing the spread of Latin America. We have shared aspects: first, formulated timely approach and a targeted response. We COVID-19 as a great contribution to all diagnosis and treatment experience and focused on the following aspects: first, mankind. At this critical moment, many protocols with many countries including strategies for epidemic prevention formulated timely strategies for countries embodied the spirit of India. Recently,the number of confirmed and control; second, strengthened epidemic prevention and control; second, standing together with mutual cases in India is increasing. I sincerely a unified command and response strengthened a unified command and assistance amid difficulties. Leaders of wish the patients an early recovery. We in Wuhan and Hubei; third, response in Wuhan and Hubei; third, over 170 countries and the heads of more are ready to maintain communication coordinated the prevention and coordinated the prevention and control than 40 international organizations with India, share experience in a timely work in other regions; fourth, expressed sympathy and support for manner, render assistance and make control work in other regions; strengthened scientific research, China. Also, 71 countries and nine joint efforts to overcome the epidemic. fourth, strengthened scientific emergency medical and daily necessity international organizations announced The impact on the Chinese economy research, emergency medical and supplies; fifth, effectively maintained the donation of epidemic prevention and will be short lived and generally daily necessity supplies; fifth, social stability; sixth, control materials to China. manageable. China has a resilient effectively maintained social strengthened public MUTUAL SUPPORT : economy with robust domestic demand education; and seventh, China and India have and a strong industrial base. We will stability; sixth, strengthened actively engaged in maintained close definitely sustain the good momentum of public education; and seventh, international communication and economic and social development and actively engaged in international cooperation. cooperation on meet the goal of achieving moderate cooperation". A RESILIENT epidemic prevention prosperity in our society and eradicating COUNTRY: We are and control. In a extreme poverty in China. We will also he COVID-19 outbreak is a major consolidating the letter to President strengthen coordination and public health emergency that is positive Xi, India's Prime communication with economic and Tmost difficult to contain for China momentum in Minister Narendra trading partners and give priority to the since the founding of the People's outbreak control Modi has expressed resumption of production and supply of Republic of China in 1949. It is also a across the country. In support for China. We leading enterprises and key sectors that formidable challenge to global public general this round of appreciate the medical have a major impact on the stability of health security. Under the strong the epidemic peak is over supplies provided by India global supply chains. The fundamentals leadership of the Communist Party of in China. The progress once and have helped facilitate the of China's economy will remain strong China (CPC), China adopted again demonstrates the great safe return of Indian nationals in in the long run, and China will remain unprecedented, most comprehensive, strengths of the CPC's leadership and the Hubei. I am also deeply touched by the an important engine for global economic rigorous and thorough prevention and system of socialism with Chinese understanding and support in various growth. control measures, which not only characteristics. As President Xi pointed ways from all sectors of the Indian The history of civilization is also one protected the health and the security of out, China is a resilient nation that has society. of a history of fighting diseases and a the Chinese people, but also gained time emerged stronger from numerous trials We have been closely following the great journey of ceaseless global for global response. and tribulations. The bigger the global footprint of COVID-19. President integration. President Xi Jinping has Since the outbreak of the epidemic, difficulties and challenges China faces, Xi Jinping has said China will stay in said that to prevail over a disease that President Xi Jinping has personally the more cohesion and fighting spirit the close communication with WHO, share threatens all, unity and cooperation is taken charge of the nationwide response. Chinese nation demonstrates. We have its epidemic control experience with the most powerful weapon. In the process He has chaired a series of important all the confidence, capacity and other countries, seek closer of fighting the epidemic, China is meetings, passed instructions every day, determination to triumph over the international cooperation on medicine fulfilling its solemn commitment to build clearly guided and ensured the scientific epidemic. and vaccine development, and provide a community with a shared future for deployment of epidemic prevention and Guided by the vision of a community assistance to the best of its capabilities mankind with its own actions. The world control, and enabled the resumption of with a shared future for mankind, China to countries and regions that are affected is facing a real threat as WHO work and production. On March 10, is fulfilling its responsibility for the life by the spread of the virus in keeping characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic. President Xi went to Wuhan, the capital and health of its own people and for with its role as a responsible major In the face of an increasingly severe city of Hubei Province and the epicenter global public health. With an open, country. situation, China will strengthen of the epidemic, to inspect prevention transparent and responsible attitude, we REACHING OUT : China has international coordination and and control work there. He paid respects have actively engaged in international provided various kinds of assistance cooperation, and jointly safeguard our to the front-line workers and local cooperation against the outbreak, and including testing reagents, remote only home, the blue planet, together with residents. This has greatly encouraged our efforts have been highly recognized assistance and medical supplies to the world. and inspired the people of Wuhan and by the World Health Organization (WHO) countries with a severe outbreak such as (The author is China's Ambassador to India) COMMENT Jyotiraditya ScindiaFollows Family Prof I.S.Saluja Tradition : Quits Congress t was Jyotiraditya Scindia's grandmother Rajmata Vijayraje Congress and formed his own party, the uphold the "secular, liberal and social organization. However, all his hopes were IScindia who after having major Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress, and justice values" of his father. Contesting belied, leaving him with no choice except clashes with the then chief minister of even defeated Congress candidate in a from Guna Parliamentary constituency in to follow the family tradition of breaking Madhya Pradesh, D P Mishra, before the subsequent election. Eventually, the 2002, he defeated his rival BJP candidate away from the Congress Party. 1967 election, left the Congress and Congress had to persuade Madhavrao to by a margin of approximately 450,000 Scindia's exit will surely hurt the contested for the state assembly from the return to its fold in 1998. votes. He had made his place in the party. Congress Party even as it will strengthen Jan Sangh while fighting for Parliament On 30 September 2001, the Guna A friend to Rahul Gandhi and a BJP in Madhya Pradesh. If not now, the on the Swatantra Party. She won both the constituency fell vacant due to the death Congress loyalist , Jyotiraditya during the Congress party may find it very difficult polls and decided to hold on to the of Madhavrao Scindia in an airplane last three years felt ignored in the to deal with the challenge posed by the assembly seat, formally joining the Jan crash in Uttar Pradesh. On 18 December Congress party. After the Congress party rebel Scindia who is now enjoying the Sangh. the same year Jyotiraditya won assembly elections in Madhya company of BJP which has already Jyotiraditya Scindia's father Madhav Scindiaformally joined the Indian Pradesh, Scindia expected an important nominated him for Rajya Sabha from Rao Scindia in 1996 resigned from the National Congress party and pledged to position in the government or in the Madhya Pradesh. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 PERSPECTIVE 9 An unrest, a slowdown and a health epidemic "India has slid from being a global showcase of liberal democracy to a majoritarian state in economic despair"

floundering, the impact of such social By Manmohan Singh unrest will only exacerbate the economic slowdown. It is now well accepted that the scourge of India's economy currently It is my belief that the is the lack of new investment by the government must quickly private sector. Investors, industrialists embark on a three-point plan. and entrepreneurs are unwilling to “ undertake new projects and have lost First, it should focus all energies their risk appetite. Social disruptions and efforts on containing the and communal tensions only compound COVID-19 threat and prepare their fears and risk aversion. Social adequately. Two, it should harmony, the bedrock of economic withdraw or amend the development, is now under peril. No Citizenship Act, end the toxic amount of tweaking of tax rates, showering of corporate incentives or social climate and foster national goading will propel Indian or foreign unity. Three, it should put together businesses to invest, when the risk of a detailed and meticulous fiscal eruption of sudden violence in one's stimulus plan to boost neighborhood looms large. Lack of consumption demand and revive investment means lack of jobs and will be tasked with addressing the issue. plan. First, it should focus all energies incomes, which, in turn, means lack of There could be some best practices we and efforts on containing the COVID-19 the economy." consumption and demand in the can adopt from other nations. threat and prepare adequately. Two, it It is with a very heavy heart that I economy. A lack of demand will only Regardless of whether this virus will should withdraw or amend the further suppress private investments. enter our shores on a large scale or not, it Citizenship Act, end the toxic social write this. This is the vicious cycle that our is now evident that the economic impact climate and foster national unity. Three, ndia faces imminent danger from the economy is stuck in. of COVID-19 will be very big. it should put together a detailed and trinity of social disharmony, Adding to these self-inflicted woes is International bodies such as the World meticulous fiscal stimulus plan to boost Ieconomic slowdown and a global the real threat of the COVID-19 epidemic Bank and the Organization for Economic consumption demand and revive the health epidemic. Social unrest and that has originated in China. It is still Co-operation and Development (OECD) economy. economic ruin are self-inflicted while the unclear how far this global health hazard have already pronounced a sharp Prime Minister Narendra Modi must health contagion of COVID-19 disease, will spread and impact the world. But it slowdown in global economic growth. convince the nation, not merely through caused by the novel coronavirus, is an is very clear that we should be fully There are reports that China's economy words but by deeds, that he is cognizant external shock. I deeply worry that this prepared and ready to counter it. A may even contract, which, if it happens, of the dangers we face and reassure the potent combination of risks may not health epidemic is one of the most will be the first time since the Cultural nation that he can help us tide over this only rupture the soul of India but also dangerous threats that a nation can face. Revolution of the 1970s. China today as smoothly as we can. He must diminish our global standing as an It is imperative that all of us collectively accounts for nearly a fifth of the global immediately provide details of the economic and democratic power in the prepare to face this threat. We have not economy and a tenth of India's external contingency plan for the threat of the world. faced a public health crisis in trade. The forecast for the world COVID-19 scare. Delhi has been subjected to extreme contemporary times at the scale that the economy is quite dire. This is sure to A moment of deep crisis can also be a violence over the past few weeks. We current crisis threatens to unfold. It is impact India's economic situation too. moment of great opportunity. I recall have lost nearly 50 of our fellow Indians therefore important to launch a full- Millions of small and medium that in 1991, India and the world faced a for no reason. Several hundred people scale, mission-mode operation to counter businesses in India that account for more similar grave economic crisis, with a have suffered injuries. Communal this threat immediately. than three-quarters of all formal balance of payments crisis in India and a tensions have been stoked and flames of Dealing with COVID-19 employment are part of the global supply global recession caused by rising oil religious intolerance fanned by unruly chain. In such an integrated global prices due to the Gulf War. But we were sections of our society, including the Nations across the world have sprung economy,the COVID-19 crisis can further able to successfully turn this into an political class. University campuses, into action to contain the impact of this slow India's GDP growth by half to one opportunity to reinvigorate the economy public places and private homes are epidemic. China is walling off major percentage point, other things being through drastic reforms. Similarly, the bearing the brunt of communal cities and public places. Italy is shutting constant. India's economic growth was virus contagion and the slowing down of outbursts of violence, reminiscent of the down schools. America has embarked already tepid and this external health China can potentially open up an dark periods in India's history. aggressively both to quarantine people shock is bound to make things much opportunity for India to unleash second - Institutions of law and order have as well as hasten research efforts to find worse. generation reforms to become a larger abandoned their dharma to protect a cure. Many other nations have Bringing in reforms player in the global economy and vastly citizens. Institutions of justice and the announced various measures to address improve prosperity levels for hundreds fourth pillar of democracy, the media, this issue. India too must act swiftly and It is my belief that the government of millions of Indians. To achieve that, have also failed us. announce a mission critical team that must quickly embark on a three-point we must first rise above divisive Charred soul of the nation ideology, petty politics and respect institutional salience. With no checks, the fire of social It is not my desire to offer a dire tensions is rapidly spreading across the prognosis or to exaggerate fears. But I nation and threatens to char the soul of believe it is our solemn duty to speak our nation. It can only be extinguished truth to the people of India. The truth is by the same people that lit it. that the current situation is very grim It is both futile and puerile to point to and morose. The India that we know and past instances of such violence in India's cherish is slipping away fast. Willfully history to justify the present violence in stoked communal tensions, gross the country. Every act of sectarian economic mismanagement and an violence is a blemish on Mahatma external health shock are threatening to Gandhi's India. Just in a matter of few derail India's progress and standing. It is years, India has slid rapidly from being a time to confront the harsh reality of the global showcase of a model of economic grave risks we face as a nation and development through liberal democratic address them squarely and sufficiently. methods to a strife ridden majoritarian (The author, a Member of state in economic despair. India's Parliament, was the Prime At a time when our economy is Minister of India from 2004 to 2014) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

CASES RISE TO 20 IN PAKISTAN Money demanded from him at Pak KARACHI (TIP): The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has airport, alleges Aussie scribe risen to 20 after a 14-year-old boy was tested positive for COVID-19 in Gilgit LAHORE (TIP): Pakistani authorities Baltistan. The boy, who recently have initiated a probe into allegations of returned from Iran with his mother, an Australian sports journalist that showed symptoms of the virus. PTI money was “demanded” from him at the airport here, an official said on Taliban reject Afghan Thursday. offer to release 1,500 Dennis Freedman on March 10, after returning to Melbourne from Lahore, prisoners uploaded a video on social media titled KABUL (TIP): The Taliban on ‘My story of corruption in Lahore’. Wednesday rejected Afghan President He alleged that an immigration official Ashraf Ghani’s offer to release 1,500 at the Allama Iqbal International insurgent prisoners ahead of peace Airport “demanded” money from him Imran’s airport card has been report such behaviour to anti-corruption talks, saying it wanted 5,000 captives for getting his passport stamped in “two cancelled by the CAA. authorities,” Freedman said in the video. freed before opening negotiations. seconds” and saving him from the hassle Freedman had come here for the He said he was standing in a long Taliban political spokesman Suhail of a long queue. Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches. queue to catch his (connecting) flight Shaheen said the prisoners should be The official, Freedman was referring The scribe, who also writes sports back to Australia when an “officer” in released “as a trust-building measure” to, is an employee of a private company columns for a prominent Pakistan-based “plain” clothes walked up to him before intra-Afghan talks. Any which has the contract of the business newspaper, narrated how the officer in offering him to take him to the quick changes amounted to a violation of the class passengers lounge, the official of “plain” clothes at the Lahore airport lane. deal struck between the insurgents the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), facilitated his immigration process and “I accepted his offer. My passport was and Washington in Doha last month, which is probing the allegations, said. asked for money in return. stamped in two seconds by the official at he added. Although Kabul was not a “Such employees at the airport go the Describing it a “bad side” of Pakistan, the immigration counter. Afterwards I signatory to the deal, it stated that up extra mile in facilitating...passengers the journalist said through this video he moved to the lounge where he came and to 5,000 Taliban prisoners held by the with a hope of getting a good tip. did not want to get the “official” in asked for money. I gave him Pakistani Afghan authorities would be released, Muhammad Imran is a waiter at the question any trouble. rupees 350 which was all left with me -- prompting an angry reaction from business lounge. He claimed in his “What I want is some education. I perhaps a few dollars’ worth,” Freedman Ghani. Shaheen’s announcement came statement that he served snacks to made a mistake but the best way to deal said. hours after Ghani issued a decree Freedman who gave him 350 Pakistani with this would have been if I had held The CAA identified the suspect from saying the government would release rupees in tip,” the official said. my ground and said no. Next time I will CCTV camera footage. PTI 1,500 captives starting Saturday — but only if the insurgents cut violence. — Afghan government to AFP 71 Chinese workers Pak Air Force F-16 jet release 5,000 Taliban crashes, pilot killed prisoners if violence quarantined at construction eases ISLAMABAD (TIP): A Pakistan Air KABUL (TIP): The Afghan Force pilot was killed on Wednesday government will gradually release 5,000 when his F-16 fighter jet crashed in site in Nepal Taliban prisoners starting this week if Islamabad while carrying out the insurgents significantly reduce rehearsals for the country’s Republic KATHMANDU (TIP): A total of 71 was keeping a close eye on the condition violence, President Ashraf Ghani’s Day parade to be held on March 23. Chinese workers engaged at a of the Chinese workers engaged at the spokesman said early Wednesday, Wing Commander Nouman Akram construction site in Nepal have been airport construction site. seeking to resolve a dispute that has died in the crash in a jungle near placed under quarantine after their “We’d visited the project site on delayed peace talks between the Shakarparian area of the capital, the return to the Himalayan nation from Sunday morning. All workers are in militants and Kabul. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said in a China, an official said here on good health,” he said. announcement came hours after the US statement. The US-built F-16 fighter Wednesday. Sharma informed his office was also said its forces had started pulling out of plane was carrying out routine The Chinese workers, who returned monitoring the health of Chinese two bases in Afghanistan, in line with a exercises for the Pakistan Day parade to Nepal between March 4 and 6 from workers employed at other projects, deal signed between Washington and when it crashed, it said, adding that Chengdu and Beijing after celebrating such as Nawalpur’s Hongshi Cement the Taliban in Doha last month aiming the PAF has ordered an inquiry into the Chinese New Year, have been kept in Factory, Narayangadh-Butwal road to end America’s longest war. the cause of the crash. There were no isolation at the Pokhara Regional section and Nyadi Hydropower Project. The government will “release 1,500 casualties on the ground or damage to Airport project where they work. China has been investing heavily in Taliban prisoners as a gesture of property, the statement said, adding “They had already been quarantined Nepal in the last few years to enhance goodwill” starting Saturday, with that security forces have cordoned off in China for 14 days before embarking the connectivity and infrastructure. another 3,500 to be freed after the crash site. Smoke was rising from for Nepal. As neither we nor the The two countries signed eight negotiations begin, spokesman Sediq the crash site and rescue efforts were workers wanted to take any chances, we agreements in 2018 for developing Sediqqi said on Twitter. The agreement, going on to contain the fire, the decided to place them in quarantine major infrastructure projects in the which will initially see 100 prisoners statement said. PTI again,” said airport project manager land-locked Himalayan nation to freed each day, will depend on the Binesh Munkarmi. further deepen the bilateral ties. Taliban’s willingness to significantly Two blasts in Afghan The workers’ temperature is being The deadly coronavirus that first limit attacks in the country, he added. capital during presidential checked three times a day, he said. originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan The decision attempts to resolve one of “We’ve informed the Province Health in December last year has claimed over the long-running spats that has stymied inaugurations Directorate about the quarantine of 4,200 lives and infected more than potential peace talks between the KABUL (TIP): Two blasts were Chinese workers. So far, everyone’s is 117,330 people across 107 countries and insurgents and the Afghan government. heard as Afghanistan’s two rival normal,” Munkarmi said. territories. Although the Taliban were due to leaders held parallel presidential Earlier, 36 Chinese workers of the China remains the hardest-hit with start talks with Kabul on Tuesday, inaugurations in Kabul on Monday, airport project were also quarantined more than 80,000 infections and 3,000 negotiations were delayed because the underscoring the country’s woeful after their return from China. deaths. insurgents’ demanded as a prerequisite security ahead of talks with a Munkarmi said a total of 190 Chinese The World Health Organisation the prisoner release in exchange for resurgent Taliban. Hundreds of people workers, including the 36 who raised the global virus risk to 1,000 captives. Ghani had refused but had assembled at two venues inside the underwent quarantine, had been maximum level after the outbreak Wednesday’s decree signalled a presidential palace complex to watch deployed for work. spread to sub-Saharan Africa and stock softening of his stance, with the proviso the swearing-in ceremonies for Gandaki Province Health Directorate markets around the world plummeted. that none of the released prisoners President Ashraf Ghani. PTI Director Binod Sharma said his office — PTI would return to the frontlines. AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 Indian American Sam Kannappan Appointed to One-Call Board of Texas HOUSTON (TIP): Texas Governor Kannappan came to Austin on remaining life in a critical component Greg Abbott has appointed Indian September 6th, 1968 and joined UT. He is a which was already fitted in US American Sockalingam "Sam" Charter Member of the Society of Piping Government satellite. He received Merit Kannappan to the One-Call Board of Engineers & Designers and Advisory award from Tennessee Valley Authority Texas for terms set to expire on August 31, Board Member, Asia Society,Texas Center. for expediting non-conformance reports 2022. The board has authority over "Call Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed in the design of Bellefonte Nuclear Power Before You Dig" systems that notify the Kannappan to the Texas Professional plant. He received award from Crystal underground facility operators for Engineers Board from 2012 to 2017. He Dynamics group of NASA?s Goddard excavation plans so pipelines and utility serves as Enforcement Committee Space Flight Center, Maryland for lines can be marked to prevent accidents. Chairman. He was elected as the improving laser measurement accuracy. Sockalingam "Sam" Kannappan of Secretary and Treasurer, US National PE As Chief Engineer, he implemented Houston is president of ABI Enterprises, Board (NCEES) Southern zone. Houston electric power peak energy reduction Inc. He is the founder of Kannappan Art Mayor Brown declared December 27, 2003 programs. As Chairman of Indo- Museums, Pearland. Additionally, he is as Sam Kannappan day in Houston to American Disaster Relief Council, the past enforcement committee mark his 60th birthday celebration. Kannappan worked with the Indo- chairman of the Texas Board of Kannappan served as member of the American Charity Foundation to donate Professional Engineers and a member of American Society of Mechanical $23,000 to student representatives of Sockalingam "Sam" Kannappan is the Founder of Bharathi Kalai Manram and Texas Onsite Wastewater Treatment Engineers Gas Pipeline Safety Research UTMB and Galveston Recovery Fund in Founder Secretary of Sri Meenakshi Temple, Research Council. He is the author of Committee, ASME B31.3 piping code the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. He is the and GOPIO Houston Chapter book "Introduction to Pipe Stress committee, and Defend Houston against Founder of Bharathi Kalai Manram and Analysis" and technical publications on Bio-terrorism. He served on the Texas On- Founder Secretary of Sri Meenakshi Mechanical Engineering from the Management of Carbon. Kannappan Site Wastewater Treatment Research Temple, and GOPIO Houston Chapter. He University of Texas, Austin in 1970. He is received a Bachelor of Engineering from Council from 2006 to 2011. is from Nattarasankottai, Tamil Nadu. the author of the textbook on Annamalai University and a Master of Kannappan received Lighting Award Kannappan received his B.E. (Hons) in "Introduction to Pipe Stress Analysis" and Science in Mechanical Engineering from from General Electric Company?s Astro Mechanical Engineering from Annamalai developer of Piping Analysis software The University of Texas at Austin. Division, Princeton, NJ for estimating the University, India in 1965 and M.S. in "EZFLEX". Indian Woman Dies Following Flight from Indian American Store Owner in NJ charged Chicago O'Hare to Qatar, Family Quests after Homemade Spray Sanitizer Burns Kids for Answer TRENTON, NJ (TIP): Manisha consumers from fraudulent, deceptive, CHICAGO Bharade, an Indian origin owner of 7- or unconscionable business practices, (TIP): A family Eleven at River Vale, NJ was charged especially during declared states of is hoping to with Endangering the Welfare of a Child emergency. hear from and Deceptive Business Practices for "Let me be perfectly clear: if you try to anyone who was alleged sale of a dangerous "spray take advantage of our residents during a onboard Ritha sanitizer", New Jersey Attorney General public health emergency, we will hold Gopal's flight - Gurbir S. Grewal and Bergen County you accountable," said Attorney General Qatar Airways Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Grewal. "Retailers who try to make a Flight 726 on March 10. quick buck by exploiting others will face February 21 On Monday, March 9, 2020, at civil and criminal consequences." At the from Chicago's approximately 8:13 p.m., the River Vale same time, Attorney General Grewal O'Hare According to media Police Department responded to the 7- announced that the Division of International reports, Ritha Gopal, Eleven located at 207 Rivervale Road Consumer Affairs (DCA) opened an 67 boarded the flight Airport to Doha, after receiving information from social investigation into the store's practices and was ultimately New Jersey convenience store owner Qatar. headed to India media that four juvenile boys (three 10- Manisha Bharade mixed commercially regarding the sale and promotion of According to year-olds and one 11-year-old) had been available foaming sanitizer not meant for health and sanitation products offered media reports, Ritha Gopal, 67 boarded burned after using sanitizer purchased resale with water and sold bottles of it in her by the store since the emergence of the the flight and was ultimately headed to at the 7-Eleven. store, authorities said coronavirus outbreak. India, the Times of India reported. It is The ensuing investigation revealed Picture courtesy / New Jersey Attorney Prosecutor Musella stated that, suspected a medical emergency that BHARADE had mixed General's Office "Bergen County HazMat, the Bergen occurred on the plane. Ritha was taken commercially available foaming violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-7(d), a County Department of Health, Bergen to a hospital where she later died. The sanitizer, which was not meant for disorderly persons offense. BHARADE County Office of Emergency plane left terminal five at O'Hare at resale, with water and packaged it in was issued a Summons. Management, New Jersey Department about 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21 and arrived in aftermarket bottles to be sold at the 7- In addition, the Division of Consumer of Environmental Protection, and DCA Doha at about 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Ritha Eleven on Rivervale Road. An apparent Affairs opened an investigation into the have all been notified and are working Gopal was pronounced dead at around chemical reaction from the mixture store's practices regarding the sale and with law enforcement to monitor the 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. caused the burns. Fourteen bottles in promotion of health and sanitation situation and ensure the safety of the Ritha's son, Vikram Gopal, and his total were sold at the 711. Five bottles products. Earlier today, the Division public, which is our paramount sister traveled to Doha immediately have been turned over to the River Vale sent a letter to the store's owners concern." Anyone who purchased hand after learning of their mother's death Police Department and nine bottles are demanding that they preserve all sanitizer from the River Vale 7-Eleven is but received unclear answers once at unaccounted for at this time. Further records relating to the preparation and asked to contact the River Vale Police the airport. Vikram told the Times of analysis will be performed to determine sale of the "spray sanitizer" seized by Department at 201-664-1111. India he asked airline employees a the exact make-up of the chemical law enforcement, as well as the sale and Prosecutor Musella states that the number of times what caused her mixture. advertisement of any health-related or charges are merely accusations and that death but was told the employees' only As a result of evidence obtained by sanitation-related products that the the defendant is presumed innocent job was to help complete the law enforcement, BHARADE was store began marketing or offering for unless and until proven guilty beyond a documentation process. charged with four counts of sale after December 31, 2019, the first day reasonable doubt, and he would like to Vikram urges anyone who was on Endangering The Welfare Of A Child, in that the government in Wuhan, China thank the River Vale Police Department, the flight to reach out to him on social violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(2), a 3rd confirmed illnesses now known as as well as the County and State agencies media. degree crime; and one count of COVID-19. The letter noted the mentioned above for their assistance in Deceptive Business Practices, in Division's commitment to protecting this investigation. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 US 13

Indian with Student Indian American ArchitectVijay Visa Pleads Guilty to Sexual Enticement of Sehgal Named AIA Fellow a Minor BUFFALO, NY (TIP): U.S. WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian technical, scheduling and cost Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. American architectVijay Sehgal, FAIA, management expertise has resulted in a announced March 5 that Sachin Aji AIA California Council, has been portfolio of projects that are high in Bhaskar, 23, of India, pleaded guilty elevated to the American Institute of performance. His keen sense for before Senior U.S. District Judge Architect's prestigious College of balancing client needs and budget William M. Skretny to sexual Fellows, an honor awarded to members constraints has created many successful enticement of a minor. The charge who have made significant contributions projects that are a testament to design carries a minimum penalty of 10 to the architecture profession. He is one excellence. years in prison, a maximum penalty of 116 AIA members and the only Indian Vijay is also expert at mitigating risk of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or American elevated to its College of through the careful facilitation of both. Fellows for 2020. Vijay will receive a various stakeholders. Whether Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell T. Fellowship medal during the Investiture jurisdictional agencies or interest Ippolito, Jr., who handled the case, of Fellows Ceremony at the AIA groups that include local governing stated that the defendant Conference on Architecture 2020 in Los boards, commissions, neighborhood communicated by text and email Angeles on May 15 at the historic councils or user groups, he is able to with an 11-year-old girl for the Orpheum Theatre. strategically guide the project through purpose of engaging in sexual The honor is awarded to architects Sehgal is one of 116 AIA members and the critical decision-making processes. Vijay activity. Through those who have made significant contributions only Indian American elevated to its College is a consensus builder with great communications, Bhaskar enticed of Fellows for 2020 to the profession and society on a success, bringing complex projects to the victim to engage in sexual national level. Those named as fellows is particularly accomplished in the fruition from the entitlements phase to activity with him on August 11, 2018. must have been members of AIA for at programming and master planning planning and on through the design and The plea is the result of an least 10 years and have demonstrated stages of development for a variety of construction phases. investigation by the Federal Bureau influence in one of five areas: design, national and international projects. This As a core value of the Firm, Vijay has of Investigation, under the direction urban design or preservation; education, affords him a global perspective across a brought sustainability to the forefront of of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary research, literature or practice; cultural exchange of ideas while the firm's agenda. His commitment to Loeffert, and the Cheektowaga leadership in AIA or a related exploring the vision for the project. He is 'green' building runs deep within his Police Department, under the professional organization; public service a registered architect with the state of philosophy of maintaining and creating direction of Chief Michael or work in government or industry California and has been in the profession healthy living environments for future Sliwinski. organizations; or alternative career or for almost 30 years. generations. Currently he is directing Sentencing is scheduled for June volunteer work. Vijay's extensive knowledge in all the design of two projects that are slated 17, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Vijay Sehgal heads the feasibility and facets of the architectural process and a for LEED platinum certification and Skretny. exploratory phases of work for FSY and proven record of providing integrated zero-net energy goals. US retaliatory strikes underway in Iraq: US officials WASHINGTON (TIP): The U.S. military launched air strikes against a pro-Iranian group in Iraq following "U.S. air strikes targeted the deaths of two Americans and a Hashed al-Shaabi Briton in a rocket attack, U.S. military positions in multiple officials told AFP on Thursday, March 12. provinces across Iraq, "The operation is underway" and is targeting logistics nodes targeting weapons facilities, one and UAV (drone) storage official said on condition of anonymity, without specifying where units," said a second the strikes were taking place. official, adding that the "U.S. air strikes targeted Hashed al- Iran-backed armed Shaabi positions in multiple provinces across Iraq, targeting faction Kataeb Hezbollah logistics nodes and UAV (drone) was one of those storage units," said a second official, adding that the Iran-backed armed targeted. faction Kataeb Hezbollah was one of those targeted. saw about 18 rockets land on the base, Earlier Thursday U.S. Defense Washington has blamed Iran-backed Secretary Mark Esper warned that "all factions from the Hashed al-Shaabi options are on the table" to respond to military network for recent similar the death of the three soldiers in a violence. rocket attack on the Taji air base on "The strikes began at 1:00 am local Wednesday. time and are using various kinds of Fourteen others were injured in the aircraft," one of the sources said. attack, including Americans, British, "We have no immediate information and Poles. on casualties," the official added. The rocket attack sparked fears of a "This is the response to the rocket fresh escalation of tensions between attacks yesterday.... This is not a the United States and Iran. coalition operation. This a specifically While there was no immediate claim U.S. operation." of responsibility for the attack, which (Source: PTI) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 India’s first coronavirus death: Karnataka man visited Saudi NEW DELHI (TIP): A 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi in Karnataka who died on Wednesday has turned out to be India's first coronovirus death, the state government announced on Thursday. RUPEE HITS RECORD LOW OF "Tests of samples taken earlier confirmed that the person was 74.50 AGAINST US DOLLAR infected with COVID-19," it said. Telangana government has also AMID CORONAVIRUS SCARE been informed as he went to a hospital there, news agency ANI MUMBAI (TIP): The Indian rupee dropped to a reported. record low on Friday, weighed down by worries over State Health Minister B the coronavirus pandemic that has prompted Sriramulu in a tweet said the investors to dump riskier assets and move towards necessary contact tracing, isolation safe havens. and other measures as per protocol The dollar stood tall on Friday as investors were being taken. scrambled for the world’s most liquid currency amid Officials said the patient had deepening panic while the euro nursed losses after the severe co-morbidities such as Haryana, HP, Delhi declared Covid-19 an epidemic European Central Bank disappointed by not cutting history of hypertension, diabetes rates. The partially convertible rupee dropped to a and asthma and appendicitis. State “COVID -19 has been declared an epidemic in Haryana,” state health record low of 74.5075 against the dollar before Joint Director (Communicable minister Anil Vij tweeted on Thursday. Over 270 isolation wards with recovering slightly to trade at 74.4445 by 0355 GMT. Diseases) B G Prakash Kumar said 1,206 beds have been set up in government and private hospitals to deal Traders expect the central bank to step in to prevent all protocols were followed for with any contingency. further sharp falls in the currency but don’t see it disposal of the body. "The body is The Himachal Pradesh government also notified the Epidemic Disease protecting the rupee at any particular level. disinfectants completely and (Covid-19) Regulations, 2020, for surveillance, prevention and control of disposed as per the Government of coronavirus under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. India in global initiative to share India guidelines," he added when The Delhi government ordered all cinema halls shut, Mumbai banned asked to elaborate on the protocols. all public events, and at least four states said they were suspending info on integrating science in Sriramulu had earlier said that regular classes in schools and colleges. there was no confirmation that the coronavirus response death was due to coronavirus. treated at an OPD of a private issued a notification with temporary The man had recently returned hospital in Kalaburagi on 5 March, regulations regarding COVID-19 and WASHINGTON (TIP): India is part of a US-led from Saudi Arabia. the next day he got admitted and on to take special measures to be global initiative to share information on integrating "On his return, he was down with March 9 he got shifted to observed by the public to prevent science into coronavirus response, according to a fever and took treatment at a Hyderabad. outbreak of the disease. White House statement. private hospital. Later, on the advice The state has already reported five It would be called 'The Karnataka Besides the US and India, the UK, Australia, Brazil, of doctors or family he had gone to confirmed COVID-19 cases. A 26- Epidemic Diseases, Covid-19 Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Hyderabad," Sriramulu said, as year-old man who returned from regulations 2020.' The state Singapore and South Korea are part of the initiative. quoted by PTI on Wednesday. Greece tested positive for government has also decided to The second conference call by the science ministers Listing the chronology of events, coronavirus, making it the fifth case, postpone all international and chief advisors of these countries was held on Additional Chief Secretary (Health) the health department said on conferences in the state with Wednesday and it was convened by the Director of the Jawaid Akhtar said the person got Thursday. The state government has immediate effect till further notice. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr Kelvin Droegemeier. “Following the first (conference) call last week, we’ll continue ongoing frequent scientific diplomacy,” the White House said in the statement. Sensex tanks 3,200 points as During the second conference call, participants supported efforts to make available COVID-19 (coronavirus diseases) relevant peer-reviewed corona-led recession fears loom publications, data, and related research in PubMed Central and other publicly accessible repositories immediately. MUMBAI (TIP): Equity benchmark Sensex The countries under the initiative also agreed to plummeted over 3,200 points and the broader Nifty sank make available timely data and publications for near 8,600 level, hitting their lower circuit limits, in addressing emerging infectious disease outbreaks. opening session on March 13 (Friday) as coronavirus Noting that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to pandemic-led recession fears fuelled worldwide panic. organise and synthesise certain data and information Stock exchanges halted trading for 45 minutes. to expedite this process, the participants asserted that Manic selling across the globe rendered stocks at to ensure accessibility, ideally, data should be multi-year lows. disseminated in machine and human readable Continuing its downward spiral, domestic BSE formats, with broad rights for re-use and secondary Sensex sank 3,213 points in early trade, plummeting analyses. 10.86 per cent to 29,564.58, which triggered the lower According to the White House, AI tools and analyses circuit limit. should also be made publicly available in a timely Similarly, the NSE Nifty cracked 966.10 points, or manner, the participants said. 10.07 per cent, to 8,624.05. Science leaders discussed opportunities to promote In the previous session, the 30-share BSE barometer and strengthen common data repositories, such as the settled 2,919.26 points or 8.18 per cent lower at 32,778.14, 1987, while London also had its worst day since that Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data and the broader Nifty slumped 868.25 points or 8.30 per year. (GISAID), the White House said. Participants cent to close at 9,590.15. Frankfurt had its blackest day since 1989, the year the discussed responses to their stages of disease On a net basis, foreign institutional investors sold Berlin Wall fell, while Paris suffered its worst one-day management and updated the group on cases from equities worth Rs 3,475.29 crore on Thursday, data loss on record. their countries. available with stock exchanges showed. Besides selloff in global equities, choppiness in “Each of us has an important role and obligation to All Sensex components were in the red. HCL Tech international oil prices and depreciating rupee added play in addressing the global outbreak of COVID-19,” was the top loser, tanking up to 15 per cent, followed by to investor concerns, they added. Droegemeier, who is also a member of President Tech Mahindra, Kotak Bank, TCS, IndusInd Bank, Axis The rupee depreciated 13 paise to 74.41 per US dollar Donald Trump’s Task Force on Coronavirus, said. He Bank and NTPC. (intra-day). said that “as chief science advisors, we have a firm According to traders, volatility heightened in global Brent crude oil futures dropped 0.90 per cent to USD understanding as to how critical it is for public health markets as benchmarks the world over went into panic 32.92 per barrel. to bring the best available science and data to the mode, insinuating a freakish selloff. Further, incessant foreign fund outflow also spooked forefront to assist in the development of solutions.” Wall Street lost 10 per cent in its worst session since market participants, traders said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 INDIA 15 Leadership, not ideology, drove Jyotiraditya Scindia from Congress to BJP

NEW DELHI (TIP): It was important, even if it sounded No Aadhaar data is being used perfunctory. In his short speech yesterday at the Bharatiya Janata to identify Delhi rioters, says Party headquarters after joining the party, Jyotiraditya Scindia Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha chose to explain his decision to leave the Congress in terms of the NEW DELHI (TIP): Home Minister Amit Shah on difference in the leadership of the Thursday said that the Delhi police have not used two parties. He offered no grand Aadhaar data for identifying the suspects of violence ideological reasons, perhaps that rocked parts of North East Delhi over three days knowing that such an exercise holds in February. He said only driving license and voter little value for a leader’s support identity cards were used for face identification (of the base, and even less for the ambition culprits involved in violence). Shah was speaking on a of a significant presence in power discussion on Delhi violence that claimed 53 lives and politics. left over 300 hundred injured. Amid many explanations for On Wednesday, Amit Shah had informed the Lok Scindia’s decision to leave the Sabha that Delhi police were identifying the rioters by Congress, the most plausible ones using a face recognition software in which data from are premised around the the voter identity card and the driving license was frustrations of an ambitious leader: about how the party had failed to sitting at the top of the party inserted. Today, TMC MP Derek O Brian alleged that tired of being young and waiting grasp the nature of the political hierarchy. If he’s confident of the Delhi police were violating the privacy of the forever in a gerontocracy-driven reality that the last two Lok Sabha striking a rapport with the BJP’s people by using that face recognition software. He also party. That, of course, was aided by elections brought to the fore. The top leadership, or convincing it of cited a report saying Aadhaar data was being used. the frustration of being denied his massive mandates for the Narendra his utility, he can be sure of a The Home Minister said that the news report was share in power arrangements in the Modi-led BJP government at the smoother road to finding the role incorrect and police were not taking data from Congress-governed Madhya centre were more about the popular he’s eyeing. However, he will be Aadhaar. He, however, stressed that those who have Pradesh, especially after his approval of the prime minister’s equally aware of the cadre burned the houses of others and killed people must be energetic campaign for the state’s strong leadership, and his ability to discipline, training, and loyalty that produced before the courts and given stringent 2018 Assembly poll. implement government the BJP prides itself on. The party, punishment. He said no rioters will be spared What could have made Scindia programmes and policies. By in turn, will be watchful to make regardless of their religion, caste or party. Giving the persist with the party he was part of stressing on the element of sure that finding a suitable role for details of actions, Shah said that 2600 people have for the last 18 years? The only leadership, and not ideological Scindia isn’t seen as fast-tracking been either detained or arrested in connection with chance was if his bruised ego — battles, Scindia was reflecting on the royal family scion. the violence — all the arrests have been made on the suffered during the turf war with the key theme in current political It’s interesting to recall that in its basis of scientific evidence. chief minister Kamal Nath and attitudes of a decisive section of the initial years, the Jan Sangh, the The Home Minister said that so far, 1922 rioters party veteran Digvijay Singh — Indian electorate. political predecessor of the BJP, have been identified. could be tamed in favour of Unlike what political scientists was averse to aligning itself with nurturing ambitions for the future. like Suhas Palshikar have argued, former princes, members of royal SBI TO INVEST RS 7,250 This hope might have allowed Scindia’s assessment is that it isn’t families, and the big zamindars. him to make peace with the the appeal of a set of political Kingshuk Nag’s book, The Saffron CRORE IN YES BANK emotional costs of being overlooked beliefs, but the pull of a strong Tide: The Rise of the BJP, describes for the positions of chief minister, leadership that has shaped the how the Rashtriya Swayamsevak MUMBAI (TIP): The State Bank of India will state Congress president, and, more BJP’s remarkable success in recent Sangh had objected to the merger invest Rs 7,250 crore at Rs 10 per share in Yes Bank. recently, the receding possibility of years. In other words, he was trying between the Jan Sangh and the In a filing to the stock exchanges, SBI said its a Rajya Sabha nomination. Last to convey that effective leadership, Hindu Mahasabha on this ground. investment would be within the 49 per cent of Yes year, his Lok Sabha seat loss in and not ideology, is the zeitgeist of The RSS had argued that the Hindu Bank’s paid-up capital. Guna only injected a sense of the current polity. Mahasabha had diluted “The executive committee of central board at its urgency, if not insecurity, to his Second, while the disillusionment organisational purity by opening meeting held on March 11 accorded approval for course of action. with the central leadership appears doors too easily for former royals purchase of 725 crore shares in Yes Bank at a price of Amid mounting costs incurred to be Scindia’s point of departure and zamindars. It exhorted the Jan Rs 10 per share subject to all regulatory approvals. for his association with the from Congress, he still needs to Sangh to distance itself from a SBI’s shareholding in Yes Bank will remain within 49 Congress, the benefits were drying come to terms with a different style feudal character. per cent of the paid up capital of Yes Bank,” State up. The drift in the Congress’s of leadership in his new party. It was only in the later part of the Bank of India said in its statement. central leadership, which appeared Being a product of the “inherited 1960s that Vijaya Raje Scindia, The auditors of the troubled Yes Bank are facing the even more rudderless after Rahul charisma” – to blend Max Weber’s Jyotiraditya’s grandmother, heat from various agencies, including the Reserve Gandhi gave up the party explanation of different sources of contested on a Jan Sangh ticket in Bank of India, as the financial statements of the presidency following the 2019 Lok authority – Scindia could hardly the 1967 Assembly election. She lender dating back several years are opened up for Sabha poll debacle, only meant fault Rahul Gandhi’s dynastic claim later became one of the pillars of scrutiny. there was no respite in Delhi for to the top leadership of the the party in Madhya Pradesh. Along According to sources the central bank has already Scindia’s woes in Bhopal. Congress. with Kushabhau Thakre who, begun investigating BSR & Co -- an affiliate of KPMG For enduring this adversity, the However, here’s what was decades later, also became BJP -- the current auditors of Yes Bank. “There have been lure of realising his political worrisome for young turks like him. president, Rajmata Scindia’s role in meetings of RBI officials and partners of BSR & Co ambitions in any future power Despite being close to the first expanding and consolidating the about Yes Bank’s financial statements,” an RBI arrangement of the Congress was family of the Congress, Scindia party’s reach in the region was official said. needed to make Scindia wait out the could see the slow disappearance of significant. period. Somehow, it wasn’t in sight, a final arbiter or enforcer within Even Jyotiraditya’s father, and Scindia decided that waiting the party. In situations that Madhavrao Scindia, started his was no longer the political virtue of mattered to him, like the internal political journey with the Jan the young and ambitious within the turf battles in the party in Madhya Sangh before switching to the Congress party. Pradesh, either central leadership Congress. His aunt, Vasundhara Here, two things can be seen. was reluctant to help him, or its Raje Scindia, persisted with the BJP First, though it was during his writ didn’t run in Bhopal. So, his and rose to become chief minister formal membership acceptance proximity wasn’t delivering any of Rajasthan, while her sister speech, Scindia alluded to a basic political goods. Yashodhara Raje Scindia is a flaw in the current approach of the In the BJP, Scindia will now at member of the Madhya Pradesh Congress leadership. He talked least have the sense of final arbiters Assembly. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 FEATURE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 CELEBRATING Quotes from prominent women entrepreneurs on International Women's Day. These women leaders continue to conquer new frontiers, they are inspiring WOMAN more women and creating opportunities for others to follow in their wake. Making it big in the startup or corporate impact of their work extends far beyond prove that their talent and competence especially towards the causes of world is no cakewalk - more so for just their companies. They are seen as alone, and not their gender, was the diversity and inclusion, and successfully women. However, today, there are role models in their communities and for reason for their success. And they've steering their organizations towards the several women leaders who are a new generation of women. For these successfully demonstrated this time and future, here are some of the most breaking the glass ceiling and rewriting women leaders, the expectations are far again. Balancing being tough-as-nails influential women entrepreneurs today. age-old concepts in this very world. The more intense since they also have to as their job demands with empathy,

Meena Ganesh, MD and CEO, - and my startup Pee Safe was the first leadership roles particularly in the marketing. And Portea Medical step towards realizing this vision. pharmaceutical industry. However, my those of us While the Women have the most integral role in a organization has been a pioneer in who've managed society and society, and they do multiple things at equal opportunity and when given one, to make it here workplaces the same time. While we speak of ways I have been able to deliver and achieve are acutely are making to empower them, I feel that any great organizational business goals which I aware that we changes to change in you is initiated by yourself. was assigned to lead. Most businesses I stand on the get women to The most important step in doing so is have led over the last decade have shoulders of feel equal, the to keep yourself healthy and safe and grown by revenue, profits, market giants. We need first step is for follow the right habits to make that share, productivity and most other better visibility us to feel equal possible. Once you follow daily hygiene, business parameters. Organizations for the female from within. We you are likely to get ill less often, and need mindset change to believe that the leaders of our need to shed some of the this will naturally percolate to other best talent aligned to organization goals field so others conditioning that we may have gone aspects of your life as well. This is what are assets irrespective of gender as I with similar through and truly evaluate ourselves we are trying to achieve with Pee Safe - believe gender is just a nomenclature. aspirations can without the lens of gender. That then a healthy, safe, and hygienic Women need to believe in themselves actually see gives us a clear measure of our skills environment for women to realize and and aspire to lead deliver and inspire. themselves in and competency, which can help set our maximize their true potential. This is the change that I am trying to these roles. direction. The second point is that life Naina Aggarwal Ahuja, Founder bring about - both in terms of the Anu Prabhakar, Principal and work tend to flow and bringing our performance and people's perception authentic and complete self to work is and COO, Talking Point about a woman in this domain. On Architect, Housejoy the best way to make a real impact and Communications International Women's Day, I want to The ratio of women to men in the maximize our potential. I have always encourage more women to break out of domain of designing and construction Neha Rastogi, Founder and COO, challenged the their mould and challenge assumptions is perhaps quite uneven. However, I Agatsa status quo and to come out successful. truly believe that there is no difference for me, Ambika Arvindd, Founder and between men and women when it comes Women in gender has to skills or adding value to a project. It technology never been a CEO, A Writing Venture is ultimately about perception and was perhaps limitation to From self-doubts encouraging women to take up these an unheard- what I had set over several opportunities. I feel change begins at of out to do - and things to the home and on an individual level and phenomenon entrepreneurship numerous this is what we should strive towards. until few years was the first step in this direction. I demands from Tintu Saleem, Head - Brand back. The fact began Talking Point Communications all quarters that women are not with the aim of helping brands find on them, the Marketing, Furlenco cut out for tech-related roles or their voice and leverage their stakes are high All functions innovations was a mentality that posed capabilities in the market better. for a woman and industries numerous challenges to even those who Equality to me is in the work that each entrepreneur. The come with their wanted to come up. However, I am one of us does and not in our gender. balance that they must share of biases happy to say that overcoming this Whether you are a man or a woman, it achieve as a professional, mother, when it comes mentality and challenge with Agatsa is important to give in 100% to what you daughter, and spouse can at times even to women. and the SanketLife device has given me do and take your work to greater put a lot of pressure on them -with While the an edge like nothing else. Today, the heights. On International Women's Day, some breaking under it. While a strong branding and SanketLife device is enabling many I wish to encourage women to truly support system at home makes a world marketing side people in both the rural and urban believe in their potential to take on of difference, I feel a lot of it has to do of things is areas to monitor their vital signs such leadership roles given the innate with the woman's own mental strength considered to be as ECG on time and take steps to qualities they have - and multitasking is and spirit - both of which take time but more woman- prevent heart-related complications. the biggest asset. are not impossible to achieve. Being a friendly, that India has a potential goldmine in terms Sumita Mohapatro Pani, Senior woman, or an empowered woman is not belief itself is of women who are adept at technology about taking privileges. For anyone who rooted in as much as other things. They must be General Manager, Lupin Ltd dreams of making it big and bringing conditioning. encouraged through skilling and It's time for solutions to the table, it is important to On a day when handholding to come up as women to stop understand what is at stake, and we are entrepreneurs and bring in viable second- realistically prepare for everything. On celebrating solutions to some of the pressing health guessing International Women's Day, I would women from all issues that India faces themselves urge women to step out of their comfort walks of life, I would like for all of us to today. and start zone and take challenges head on to continue challenging these notions at Srijana Bagaria, believing that emerge successful. the workplace, at home and even in our Co-founder, they are the Priti Srinivasan, Senior Partner, minds. Gender has little to do with Pee Safe best at what Marketing, Redd Experience being in a boardroom, in the kitchen or they do -- because Design a lab. Our choice is all that matters. Women it is only then that (Contributed by Aditi Khandelwal. She can be empowerment others will believe in you. Taking It's no big secret that women, contacted at has been a myself as an example, it is difficult for especially women of color, are sorely [email protected] & Cell personal goal for me people to generally fathom women in underrepresented in tech and # 9811784193 ) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 17 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 IRRFAN, RADHIKA’S TRACK DEFINES RELATIONSHIP OF EVERY FATHER & DAUGHTER rrfan Khan and Radhika Madan starrer Angrezi Medium have Ibeen creating a buzz since the DEEPIKA PADUKONE MAKES A announcement of the film was made. The film is the spin-off to the 2017 MEME OF HERSELF, POSES comedy Hindi Medium and marks Irrfan's comeback on the big screen WITH A BROOM AT THE BEACH after his cancer treatment. The trailer of Angrezi Medium ollywood star Deepika Padukone has shared a explores the beautiful father- meme on her own photoshoot that she did for a daughter bond between Irrfan and Bfashion magazine. Deepika shared a short video on Radhika Madan. It is about Instagram stories in which one of her pictures from a Champak who will go to any extent photoshoot for Elle has been edited to make it look like to fulfill his daughter's dream of she is holding a broom in her hand as she poses on a studying in London. The movie also beach. stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Dimple Deepika was recently seen in Meghna Gulzar’s Kapadia and Deepak Dobriyal. Chhapaak in which she played Malti, a character loosely While the songs Kudi Nu Nachne based on acid attack survivor Laxmi Aggarwal. She will De, Nachan Nu Jee Karda and Ek now be seen as real life husband Ranveer Singh’s Zindagi have been loved and onscreen wife in Kabir Khan’s 83. The film features applauded a lot by the viewers, Ranveer as former cricket captain Kapil Dev while ahead of the release of the film, the Deepika will essay the role of Romi Dev. The film traces makers are all set to release their the journey of the Indian cricket team’s underdog victory next song Laadki. at the 1983 cricket World Cup. Before the release of the song, the Deepika will also begin work on Madhu Mantena’s makers had shared a still of Kareena next, an adaptation of the Mahabharat told from in a white dress sitting beside a bed. Draupadi’s perspective. Deepika will essay the role of The song which is out will touch Draupadi in the film. The film is likely to release by your soul and define the relationship Diwali 2021. While announcing the project, Deepika had of every father and daughter. Laadki Kareena is singing the song. the promotions owing to his health said in a press statement, “I’m absolutely thrilled and is sung by Rekha Bhardwaj, Sachin- The movie is slated tor release on condition. Directed by Homi honoured to be essaying the role of Draupadi. I truly Jigar and the music is composed by March 20, 2020. However, Irrfan will Adajania and produced under the believe that it is the role of a lifetime. While the Sachin-Jigar. The song featuring not be promoting Angrezi Medium. production banner Maddock Films, Mahabharat is popularly known for its mythological tales Kareena, Radhika and Irrfan shows Confirming the news, the superstar filming of the movie began in and cultural influence, many of life’s lessons are also glimpses of Radhika and Irrfan's had released an audio message Udaipur on 5 April 2019 and was derived from the Mahabharat but most often from its beautiful relationship while stating that he won’t be present at completed by July in London. men. Rajkummar Rao-Bhumi After Disha Patani, Tara Sutaria roped Pednekar team up for in to play female lead in ‘Ek Villain 2’ ‘Badhaai Ho’ sequel ollywood actors Rajkummar Rao and ust a few days back, Mohit Suri and the Bhumi Pednekar will step in the shoes of makers of Ek Villain 2 announced that Disha BAyushmann Khurrana and Sanya JPatani will be playing one of the female leads Malhotra as they set out to play lead roles in the in the film. The film has John Abraham and sequel to Badhaai Ho. As per a report in The Aditya Roy Kapur headlining it and they have Times of India, Bhumi essays the role of a PT replaced Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish teacher while Rajkummar plays a solo male cop Deshmukh. Now, the makers have announced the in a women’s police station. second female lead of Ek Villain's second The daily quoted Bhumi as saying, “Badhaai instalment and it's none other than Tara Sutaria. Ho is one of my favourite films in recent times, She will be paired opposite Aditya in the film. and it is really exciting to take this franchise Confirming Tara being a part of Ek Villain 2, forward. For me, the script is one of the best that Mohit told Mumbai Mirror, "t takes a lifetime to I have ever come across, and I immediately get the nuances of a musician but luckily for me, wanted to do this film. My character again is Tara has been training for this all her life. What strong, independent and author-backed, and it more can a filmmaker ask for? A new-age, gives me a lot of scope to bring a very different uninhibited voice which comes from a place of and cool character to life. This time, too, the film honesty. That’s exactly what my character needs will say something extremely relevant and in the film." relatable, but in a hilarious manner. I’m also Meanwhile, a source spoke about the film to the excited to share screen space with Raj for the tabloid by saying, "We have seen a crossover of first time.” The film will go on floors by June and superheroes and super cops. With this franchise, is likely to release next year. Mohit is looking to explore the dark side of human Rajkummar also told the daily,“I have played a behaviour and continue with it in the future." cop before, but never with this perspective. I look Ek Villain 2 is set to go on floors by mid-2020. for layered characters and this is a perfect The movie is all set to hit the screens on January match. My character is surrounded by strong 8, 2021. women at home and work, and that adds This is the first outing of Tara with John, immense depth to his personality. Junglee Aditya and Disha, whereas Kapur and Patani Pictures’ Bareilly Ki Barfi was a fabulous recently shared screen space in Suri's latest experience for me. Badhaai Do is a reunion in directorial, Malang. Whereas Ek Villain also had many ways.” Shraddha Kapoor as the female lead and it was This will be the first time Bhumi and declared super hit at the box office. Rajkummar will feature together in a film. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 HOLLYWOOD 19 LADY GAGA GUSHES OVER NEW BOYFRIEND MICHAEL POLANSKY ady Gaga went Instagram official with her new boyfriend Michael LPolansky a month ago. And the Poker Face hitmaker,33, and tech entrepreneur, 36, put on a smitten display in her latest social media offering shared onto the photo site on Thursday, The singer - real name Stefani KEIRA KNIGHTLEY Joanne Angelina Germanotta - could be seen snuggling up to her beau as she REFUSES TO DO NUDE gushed about their love for one another. SCENES She kept it short and sweet as she ctor Keira Knightley has said that wrote: "I’ve got a STUPID love." she has now introduced a no-nudity Gaga's caption links to her new Aclause in her contract, and has veto studio album Chromatica as the the powers on every sex scene she appears in. first single is called Stupid Love. Speaking to Financial Times, the actor Proving her fans support her said that becoming a mother has changed romance, her supporters - who dub her perspective on onscreen nudity. themselves 'Monsters' took to the “I’m really happy with my body. It’s comments to send kind messages. done an amazing thing,” the actor, mother "You guys are seriously the cutest", to two daughters, Edie, 4, and Delilah, 6 wrote one. months, said, and added, “But I also don’t Others added: "THE CUTEST EVER I want to stand there in front of a whole LOVE U GUY" and "You're so perfect film crew.” She joked, “The nipples together." droop!” The star was first linked to the Keira added, “I have been comfortable entrepreneur over New Year when they earlier with more nudity than I am now. I rang in 2020 together in Las Vegas and have had a kid, I am in my 30s, I am very rumours were fuelled when they were happy with my body.” She mentioned that spotted together over the Super Bowl Parker Group. get engaged to Christian Carino, 51, but an added concern was for the scene to weekend. Gaga was previously engaged to they split a year ago. land up, out of context, on an adult site. Michael is a Harvard graduate and actor Taylor Kinney, with the two She was linked to audio engineer “You can take the whole thing and put it in former investor who works as CEO of splitting after five years in 2016. Dan Horton over the summer, but she a completely different thing, and it’s on former Napster boss Sean Parker's The Shallows songstress went on to confirmed in October she was single. some porn site.” KATY PERRY IS PREGNANT, MICK JAGGER TALKS FIRST MUSIC VIDEO CONFIRMS ACTING ROLE IN 19 YEARS aty Perry has some news to share: ick Jagger is not only the she’s pregnant. The singer magnetic leader of one of the Kreleased a new song, “Never Worn Mmost iconic rock bands of all White,” and video revealing a sizable time – for a while, he was also a fairly bump at the end of the clip. Perry has prolific actor. been dating actor Orlando Bloom for From the late '60s until the early 2000s, over three years — they became the Rolling Stones singer appeared in Instagram official on May 20, 2016. Perry roughly a dozen feature films and TV was previously married to Russell shows, including the 1970 gangster Brand. The couple divorced in 2011 after drama "Performance," 1980s children's 14 months as husband and wife. series "Faerie Tale Theatre," and 1992 “Never Worn White” is a powerhouse sci-fi thriller "Freejack." But after a piano ballad written with Johan starring role in 2001's "The Man from Carlsson, John Ryan and Jacob Kasher Elysian Fields" with Anjelica Huston, Hindlin (known as J Kash). It was he curiously stepped away from acting produced by Carlsson and the video was for nearly two decades. directed by J.A.C.K., a French duo who It wasn't for a lack of offers, he tells have helmed clips for Madonna and USA TODAY. Christine and the Queens. Rather, it came down to "laziness and In an Instagram story, Perry further not getting a decent script," Jagger says stated that she’s due this summer. “Let’s Perry marks more than 12 years in the with a laugh. "I would like to have done call it a reveal,” she said, adding that a business, having released her Capitol a lot more, but it's a funny world, film. new album is also expected in the Records debut in 2008, “One of the Boys.” You don't get that many interesting coming months. “I’m excited, we’re Her cumulative streams top 35 billion in things; you get a lot of rubbish offered novel, the thriller follows a washed-up excited and we’re happy.” addition to worldwide sales of over 45 to you that you might do if that was the art critic named James Figueras (Claes The track’s lyrics point to a yearning million adjusted albums and 135 million only job. But I have other things to do." Bang) who travels to the sumptuous to “get it right.” It also infers that the two tracks, according to her label, which also That changed in late 2018 when he met Italian villa of greedy art collector are on their way to the wedding aisle, as notes that Perry is one of only five director Giuseppe Capotondi about "The Joseph Cassidy (Jagger). There, Cassidy she reveals in the verse, “You asked the artists in history to have topped 100 Burnt Orange Heresy" (in theaters offers Figueras the opportunity to question / I said yes, but I’m scared” and million certified units with their digital Friday in New York and Los Angeles, interview a reclusive artist (Donald also at the top of the clip, when the singles — and the first-ever Capitol expanding wider through March). Sutherland), but on one condition: bride’s march plays as an intro. Records artist to do so. Based on Charles Willeford's 1971 noir Figueras must steal a painting for him. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 THEATER FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 NAVATMAN Music Collective & Dance Comes to Flushing Town Hall By Mabel Pais "In a culturally renowned city highlighted in the global map for its rich abundance of the arts, the traditional classical dances of India thrive on the stage." - Brown Girl Magazine Experience the Soul and Energy of the Navatman Music Collective & Dance Company at Flushing Town Hall at 4 PM on Saturday, March 21

he Navatman Music Collective, a one-of-a-kind choir, brings out the Tdepth and beauty of Carnatic (South Indian classical) music while imbuing it with a soul and energy from contemporary and diverse influences. A special appearance by Navatman Dance Company adds an element of dance and music together. Navatman is a performing arts organization that empowers the individual to nurture his or her personal evolution through interactions with the Indian classical arts. Founded with an eye towards creating a home for the Indian classical performing arts in New NAVATMAN Music Collective York City, Navatman is best known for collaborations that enhance its efforts. Manhattan-based classes, critically As a member of New York City's acclaimed productions, and a dynamic Cultural Institutions Group (CIG), FTH dance company and stellar music serves to restore, manage and program ensemble. the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of Navatman Music Collective, which is the City of New York. FTH celebrates the led by artistic director Roopa history of Queens as the home of Jazz, Mahadevan, is a one-of-a-kind choir that by presenting the finest in Jazz aims to bring out the depth and beauty of performance. FTH is committed to arts Carnatic (South Indian classical) music education and hands-on learning, for the while imbuing it with a soul and energy arts-curious, arts enthusiasts, and from our members' contemporary and professional artists. FTH serves as one diverse influences. of the most diverse communities in the Their sound is simultaneously world and strives to uphold the legacy of nostalgic and boundary-breaking, inclusiveness that has defined our aiming to engage the discerning and community since the Flushing uninitiated alike. Their respect for rich Remonstrance of 1657. musical tradition is paired with an Tickets and More Information honest joy for the music they sing and a desire for self-expression, quirk, and For Tickets to see the NAVATMAN judgment-free community. performance, visit flushingtownhall.org Navatman Dance Company, whose or call (718) 463-7700 x222. mission is to bring extraordinary, In 2020, Flushing Town Hall continues boundary-pushing productions to the to open its doors to teenagers for free. stage, is led by artistic director Sahasra Under the "Teen Access Program," all 13- Sambamoorthi who makes Indian to-19-year-old boys and girls (whether a classical dance more accessible to NAVATMAN Dance Company Photos / Courtesy navatman.org/Anatgerstein.com member or not) are welcomed to attend understand and experience without any performance for free. The program removing the beauties of tradition and Access for wheelchair users and FTH, a Smithsonian affiliate, presents is designed to appeal to students and help history from which the style has individuals with limited mobility is multi-disciplinary global arts that foster a greater love in the arts and developed. available. More information is available engage and educate the global culture. Directions at www.flushingtownhall.org. communities of Queens and New York To learn more about this and other About Flushing Town Hall City, in order to foster mutual NAVATMAN performances in New York Flushing Town Hall is accessible by appreciation. As advocates of arts City and in the USA, visit navatman.org car, bus, train and foot-located a short Flushing Town Hall (FTH) is located at equity since 1979, FTH supports local, (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and distance from the 7 train-at 137-35 137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY immigrant, national, and international Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. 11354. artists, developing partnerships and Health & Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 FILMFEST 21 SR FILM FEST 2020 Unveils 7th Edition By Mabel Pais

The Socially discussion at Church Centre for the Relevant™ Film UN. Visit www.ratedsrfilms.org for Festival NY full schedule and film details. Presents Seventh SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival (SRFF) New York: Edition Founder, Mission *6 narrative features, SRFF is a film festival founded by actress Nora Armani. Nora 10 documentary Armani is an award-winning films, 20 shorts actor/filmmaker with extensive International stage and screen *60% women and credits in many languages. She has curated and organized film events, minority directed and guest-curated film festivals films internationally since 1992. For more information and full bio and *Spotlight on effects filmography, visit her website or of Climate Change on IMDb. Nora is currently based in New York after many years in Los Women - Panel at Angeles and Paris. The Mission of SRFF is to shine CSW the spotlight on filmmakers who he Socially Relevant Film tell compelling, socially relevant™, Festival NY 2020 (SRFF 2020) human interest stories, across a Tpresents its SRFF 2020 broad range of social issues. Official Selection. The festival's The festival was created as a seventh season brings response to the proliferation of international and local films, violence and violent forms of industry workshops and panels, storytelling in media and script readings, and networking entertainment. events to New York City at several SR™ believes in the power of locations, March 16-22. cinema in raising awareness SRFF 2020 opens on March 16 at towards social issues and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film promoting positive social change. Centre at the Lincoln Center with SR™ believes that through raised Sophie Deraspe's ANTIGONE, awareness, expanded knowledge Canada's entry for Best about diverse cultures and the International Film at the Academy human condition as a whole, it is Awards 2020. possible to create a better world Screenings continue all week free of violence, hate, and crime. through March 22 at venues Fostering industry professionals including Cinema Village, Hunter and tastemakers to effect change by College, The U.N., The Baha'i showing that SR films can be Centre, The Lebanese American entertaining, funny, enlightening, University and The Centre for uplifting, appealing and when Remembering and Sharing. made well even commercially SRFF New York is a festival viable. exclusively dedicated to shining the Identifying socially relevant spotlight on filmmakers who tell content and reaching new socially relevant human-interest audiences by using online social stories. To learn more, visit ● Tell My Story by David Freid media and other marketing strategies. The Official Selection covers a ratedsrfilms.org/narrative-features- (USA) Assisting sales and distribution diverse mix of six narrative features, 10 2020 ● Undermined: Tales from the companies in selecting socially documentaries, over 20 shorts, and The selected documentary Kimberley by Nicholas Wrathall relevant content and distributing it. more. There will also be a script- (Australia) Establishing international writing contest with readings from features are: To learn more, visit partnerships (with film festivals, film finalist scripts. ● A Call for Peace by Juan C ratedsrfilms.org/documentary- commissions, industry partners) in The selected narrative feature Borrero - Melodie Carli (USA- features-2020 order to support a currently Columbia, Ireland, UK) Themes for selected short film underserved style of motion pictures in films are: ● Birth Wars by Janet Jarman the marketplace. ● ANTIGONE by Sophie Deraspe (Mexico) groupings include: During its first six years, the festival (Canada) Official Submission to ● Can't Stop the Sun from Shining ● Across the Border, Mental showcased 350 films from 35 countries. the Oscars by Teresa Mular (USA) Health, Climate Change, Women Submissions are received from all over ● BUTTER by Paul A. Kaufman ● Inside/Outside by Nandini & #MeToo, Indigenous Peoples' the world. (USA) Sikand (USA) Rights, Food Justice, Middle East Tickets ● FOSTER BOY by Youssef Delara ● Microplastic Madness by Atsuko Peace, LGBTQ Rights, Workers' (USA) Quirk, Debby Lee Cohen (USA) Rights All-access passes and individual film ● GOOD MORNING by Bahij ● Mother of Tibetans by Niklas Friday March 13 features a Parallel tickets are available by accessing Hojeij (Lebanon) Goslar (Germany - India, Poland) event at NGO CSW at the United ratedsrfilms.org/tickets ● ● LORIK by Alexei Zlobin Potluck: The Altered State of Nations with a selection of short films (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and (Armenia) Colorado by Jane Wells (USA) on Climate: Violence and the Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, ● TRANSFERENCE by Raffaello ● Stonewall with a T by Samy Environment: Women Paying the Price. and Health & Wellness) Degruttola (UK) Nemir Olivares (USA) The films will be followed by a panel THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 WORLD FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

Turkey, Russia agree on Idlib ceasefire deal Canada PM Justin Trudeau’s wife ANKARA (TIP): Turkish and Russian officials have largely agreed tests positive for coronavirus details of a ceasefire deal in Syria's Idlib region, Turkish Defence Minister OTTAWA (TIP): The wife of Hulusi Akar said on Thursday, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin third day of discussions between the Trudeau has tested positive for the new two coutries. coronavirus, his office said on Thursday. Last week Turkey and Russia, which “Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau was tested back opposing sides in Syria's war, for COVID-19 today. The test came back agreed on the ceasefire to halt an positive,” the Prime Minister’s office escalation of violence in Idlib that said in a statement. displaced nearly a million people and “Following medical advice, she will brought the two countries close to remain in isolation for the time being. direct confrontation. She is feeling well, is taking all the Under the agreement, Turkish and recommended precautions and her Russian forces will carry out joint symptoms remain mild,” it said. patrols along the M4 highway linking “The Prime Minister is in good health Syria's east and west, and establish a with no symptoms. As a precautionary security corridor either side of it. A measure and following the advice of Russian delegation arrived in Ankara doctors, he will be in isolation for a this week to discuss the details of the planned period of 14 days,” but will not agreement. be tested. Russia supports Syrian President “The Prime Minister will continue to Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey backs fully assume his duties and will address rebels who have fought him for nearly Canadians tomorrow.” nine years. "We have largely reached Trudeau and his wife had announced an agreement. At the moment, the earlier on Thursday that they were self- from a speaking engagement. low fever late last night”, an earlier attacks have stopped, the ceasefire is isolating while she underwent tests for Gregoire-Trudeau’s symptoms, after statement said. She immediately sought holding," Akar was cited as saying by the COVID-19 illness after returning returning from Britain, had included “a medical advice and testing. AFP his office. — Reuters Russia passes Bill allowing Putin to Turkey vows strong military action if remain in power MOSCOW (TIP): The Russian parliament approved a sweeping Syria truce violated constitutional reform in the third and final reading Wednesday, a move that ANKARA (TURKEY) (TIP): Turkey’s will allow President Vladimir Putin to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed stay in power for another 12 years after Wednesday that his military would his current term ends in 2024. launch its harshest retaliation yet if the The Kremlin-controlled lower house, Syrian government breaks a fragile the State Duma, endorsed a set of truce in Idlib province brokered last amendments to the constitution and a week. provision resetting the term count for The cease-fire arranged by Turkey and Putin after the revised constitution Russia—which support opposing sides in goes into force. the conflict — halted a three-month air It passed by a 383-0 vote with 43 and ground campaign by the Syrian abstentions, and was approved by the government against the rebel-held upper house, the Federation Council, province. several hours later. That offensive killed hundreds and A nationwide vote on the proposed sent 1 million people fleeing toward the amendments is set for April 22. Turkish border. Kremlin critics condemned the move The Russian-backed Syrian as a cynical manipulation and called government offensive made significant of the smallest attack there, we not only which has been closed since 2012. with for protests. — AP gains in Syria’s last rebel stronghold, will retaliate, we will reciprocate more workers removing barriers from the and Turkey sent thousands of troops heavily,” Erdogan said. road that links Syria’s coastal region Billie Eilish strips to across the border to reinforce the rebels, Erdogan added that Turkey was with the northern city of Aleppo, the protest body shaming leading to rare direct fighting between engaged in efforts to turn the cease-fire country’s largest, according to Syrian and Turkish troops. into a more lasting truce. opposition activists and state media. Los Angeles: Grammy award “If those across from us don’t keep “We fought the necessary fight, and as State news agency SANA said winning Billie Eilish hit back at body their promise, we will never shy away a result signed a temporary ceasefire in municipal workers in the coastal shamers by stripping down during the from advancing on them in a much more Moscow. Now the issue is to transform province of Latakia have cleared about first concert of her “Where Do We Go” serious way than before,” Erdogan said this temporary cease-fire into a 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the highway world tour in Miami. According to in his weekly address to his ruling permanent one and we are swiftly and have only a small section to finish. TMZ, the 18-year-old pop star made the party’s legislators. pursuing that,” he said. Opposition activist Akaram al-Ahmad powerful statement about clothing and Erdogan said there had been a number Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said insurgents’ checkpoints were self-empowerment in a video interlude of small violations of the truce, which told reporters that talks with a Russian removed from the highway in Idlib in during the kick-off concert in Miami, Turkey was monitoring carefully. delegation about the technicalities of the apparent preparation for reopening the reports nydailynews.com. In between He said Turkey’s priority would be the truce were progressing in a “positive and highway. songs, the “Bad guy” singer, who has security of its troops manning a dozen constructive” manner. The delegation The cease-fire deal also appeared to previously admitted that she wears observation posts inside Idlib. Some of arrived Tuesday. achieve Moscow’s key goal of allowing baggy clothes to keep attention away those posts now fall within Syrian The current deal sets up a security the Syrian government to keep hold of from her figure, played a quick video government-controlled territory. The corridor along Syria’s M4 highway, the strategic north-south highway showing herself in a form-fitting black posts are in place as part of a previous running east-west in Idlib. Russian and known as the M5. tank top, which she then removes. cease-fire agreement reached in 2018. Turkish troops are scheduled to begin Syrian forces had captured its last IANS “The security of our observation posts joint patrols along the M4 on March 15. segments in the latest offensive, which is at the top of our priorities. In the event Work is underway to reopen the M4, began in early December. --- AP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 WORLD 23 2 rare white giraffes slaughtered by poachers in Kenya; Twitterati erupts in anger whole. We are the only community in the world who are custodians of the white giraffe," Ahmednoor said in the statement. "This is a dark day not only to the conservation community but also to all Kenyans who took pride in the existence of this unique species," the release said. The Kenya Wildlife Service also took to their Twitter and wrote, "We are investigating reports of the deaths of a white Giraffe and a calf in Ishaqbini Conservancy in Garissa County. "Our teams on the ground have seen bones believed to be those of the two giraffes. The bones are estimated to be four months old." As the news came out in public domain, social media has been abuzz with reactions. A user wrote, "This is quite Sad news indeed." Another wrote, "I am heart broken, that any human would do something so heartless and evil!!" "Can IJARA- KENYA (TIP): Twitterati Conservancy, Garissa County loses two we please start hunting poachers?" asked erupted in anger on Wednesday as news famous white giraffes to poachers." one user. of poachers killing Kenya's only female In the release, the manager of the "This is beyond terrible. May the white giraffe and her calf surfaced. Ishaqbini Hirola Community poachers and their families for 10 French chef who The Northern Rangelands Trust Conservancy, Mohammed Ahmednoor, generations suffer a worse fate," a user helped spark UK dining (@NRT_Kenya) shared the news on their said the two killed giraffes were last remarked. Twitter handle along with a release. spotted more than three months ago. The white giraffe made headlines in revolution dies at 78 The caption reads: "SAD NEWS: "This is a very sad day for the 2017 after its discovery, with its unique LONDON (TIP): French chef @IshaqbiniHirola Community community of Ijara and Kenya as a white hide. — IANS Michel Roux, widely acknowledged as helping kickstart modern restaurant dining in Britain with “Le Gavroche” Russian pranksters in London, has died at the age of 78, his dupe Prince Harry in Israel president seeks agreement scholarship fund said on Thursday. “We are deeply saddened to have lost hoax call: Report our founding father, Michel Roux LONDON (TIP): Russian pranksters after 3rd stalemate vote OBE,” said a statement from the Roux on Wednesday said they duped Prince Scholarship, a competition set up by Harry into believing he was speaking to JERUSALEM (TIP): Israeli President the chef and his brother Albert to environmental campaigner Greta Reuven Rivlin urged political leaders to identify new talent. Thunberg, after The Sun newspaper seek compromise on Wednesday, as he “A humble genius, legendary chef, gave details of hoax calls. received official results from Israel’s popular author and charismatic “It was us”, Vladimir “Voyan” third stalemate election in less than a teacher, Michel leaves the world Kuznetsov told AFP in response to the year. reeling in his wake. British tabloid’s front-page report, “Any agreement you are able to come “Michel’s star will shine forever, which said the prince was duped into to that produces a stable government lighting the way for a generation of two chats with him and Alexei “Lexus” that gains the trust of the people will be chefs to follow,” it added. Solyarov. The pair, known as “Vovan welcomed,” he told party heads. Roux, who had battled pulmonary and Lexus”, have made a habit of “I am hopeful that the 23rd Knesset fibrosis for some time, followed his fooling politicians and pop stars in (parliament) that will be sworn in next brother to London in the 1960s where prank calls. Their previous victims week will last longer than its the pair opened the signature include Turkish President Recep Tayyip predecessors,” he said, referring to restaurant in 1967, at a time when Erdogan, pop icon Elton John and deadlocked polls in April and September Britain’s reputation for cuisine was in Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself 2019. tatters. when he was foreign secretary in 2018. The final results of the March 2 poll The restaurant, along with “The In the conversations, which took place showed right-wing Prime Minister Waterside Inn” that they opened in in December and January, the prince Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party nearby Bray, Berkshire, were both was tricked into believing he was gaining 29.46 per cent of the vote and 36 awarded Michelin stars in 1974 and speaking to Thunberg and her father, seats in parliament. again in 1977, as fine dining slowly Svante. The daily reported he gave his With his allies—two ultra-Orthodox began to permeate British culture. support to Thunberg and attacked US Jewish parties and a nationalist one— “The Waterside Inn” in 1985 became President Donald Trump for his stance Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc has 58 the first restaurant outside France to on climate change. seats, three short of a majority in the win three stars, and still retains its “Unfortunately the world is being led 120-seat knesset. Its leader Avigdor Lieberman refused rating under the leadership of by some very sick people so the people Centrist rival Benny Gantz’s Blue and to back either candidate following both Michel’s son Alain. like yourselves and younger generation White party gained 26.59 per cent, elections last year. The brothers were also at the are the ones that are going to make all earning 33 seats. President Rivlin, whose role is largely forefront of the television cookery the difference,” the prince reportedly With the support of a leftwing alliance ceremonial, has until March 17 to revolution in Britain, hosting a show said. “I think the mere fact that Donald and the tacit backing of the designate a candidate to form a in the early 1980s. Trump is pushing the coal industry is so predominantly Arab Joint List, which government. Michel also appeared on popular big in America, he has blood on his has 15 seats, he has the backing of 55 He has previously supported forming cooking shows “MasterChef”— hands.” The Russian pair reportedly lawmakers. a unity government and called on all presented by his nephew Michel Jr— also coaxed Harry to discuss his In a repeat of the situation following sides to put aside personal interests. and “Saturday Kitchen”. decision to quit frontline royal life as the April and September votes, the Netanyahu is due to face trial on He founded the Roux Brothers well as to comment on leading nationalist Yisrael Beitenu, which won March 17 over a series of corruption Scholarship along with Albert in 1984. politicians. AFP seven seats, holds the balance of power. charges he denies. — AFP — AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 WOMEN FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 WEAR PERFUME AS PER FOOD CORNER YOUR ZODIAC SIGN ersonality traits based on your zodiac signs can take Pyou to your signature scent with the right assortment of notes for your mood, says an expert. Aries Aries are generally adventurous, energetic, confident, quick-witted, impulsive, MUTTON YAKHNI aggressive, and passionate. The best well-matched perfumes for INGREDIENTS the people falling under this zodiac sign are the notes of rose, 500 gm chopped mutton angelica, mild cinnamon, 4 green cardamom sandalwood, benzoin, soft 1/2 inch Cinnamon stick lavender and other spicy and 1 1/2 tablespoon powdered aniseed oriental fragrances. Musk, pepper 2 pinches salt and myrrh impress them a lot. 400 gm yoghurt (curd) 2 clove Taurus 1/3 teaspoon dried ginger powder Taurus are known for their 2 tablespoon Mint Leaves loyalty, reliability, patience, love and self-indulgence. They love Method earthy fragrances, floral scents, Pressure cook the mutton with 1 1/2 cups of rose, amber, jasmine, sandalwood, water and a pinch fo salt for 20 to 30 minutes or and bergamot. Grapefruit, Vetiver, until 3/4ths cooked. Oak-moss, Geranium and Neroli Reserve the water and keep the mutton pieces sprinkle positivity to them. aside. Heat curd in a pan and stir continously to Gemini prevent it from splitting. Gemini's are versatile, witty, Add the cardamoms, cloves, cinnamons and stir intellectual, lively, curious, and for another 10 minutes. likes to be noticed. Accordingly Leo Libra Add the ginger powder and stir a minute or two violet, angelica, gardenia, amber, more. leather, tuberose, sandalwood, Leos are generous, creative, Librans are found to be diplomatic, Add the aniseed powder and add the mutton jasmine, coriander, nutmeg, faithful, enthusiastic, bossy, self- romantic, charming, self-indulgent, pieces with the water.Gently mix well. common balm, coriander and obsessed and arrogant. Shades of intellectual and jealous. Joyful and Add the mint leaves and reduce flame to low. narcissus support Geminis to be neroli, lemon, rose, cardamom, bubbly shades of fragrances like Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring from time cool and artistic. jasmine, bergamot, jasmine sambac fruity-floral, a mix of grapefruit, iris, to time. and ambrette seed enlighten their and rose and any other playful shade Cover and cook for 3 hours. Serve hot with rice. Cancer personalities. of perfume is considered to be People who are cancerians are appropriate for Librans. emotional, imaginative, cautious, Virgo protective, moody, clingy, and People under this zodiac sign are Scorpio creative. Mild fragrances with a immensely shy,meticulous, reliable, People falling under this zodiac are classic, feminine touch are the analytical, perfectionist and determined, emotional, magnetic and notes which tempt them the best. nurturing. secretive in nature. Sensual, Jasmine, honey, magnolia, The fragrances matching their passionate, mischievous, attractive Tahitian vanilla with a dose of traits are fresh shades of rose, floral and musk perfumes like woody amber or leather, white lily of the neroli, lily and mandarin. Any mild notes, spicy black pepper, musk and valley are some of the most loved and classic shade is suitable and chocolate are the fragrance notes fragrances by them. perfect for Virgos. which are most chosen for Scorpios. High-intensity aerobic training may help reverse ageing

igh-intensity aerobic exercise some manifestations of ageing in the may be the best type of training body's protein function, adding Hfor people over 65, as it can resistance training may also help reverse some cellular aspects of ageing, achieve significant muscle strength, an Indian-origin researcher has found. Nair added. The findings showed that high- In the study, appearing in the journal intensity interval training (or cardio) Cell Metabolism, the team compared like running and walking, improved high-intensity interval training, muscle protein content enhancing resistance training and combined energetic functions and causing muscle training. enlargement, especially in older adults. Researchers tracked metabolic and "We encourage everyone to exercise molecular changes in a group of young regularly, but the take-home message for and older adults over 12 weeks, gathering ageing adults is that supervised high- data 72 hours after individuals in intensity training is probably best,"said randomised groups completed each type K. Sreekumaran Nair, Indian-origin of exercise. endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, a All training types improved lean body non-profit health care research most benefits. machinery responsible for making new mass and insulin sensitivity, but only organisation. Decline in mitochondrial content and proteins, contributing to synthesis, thus high-intensity and combined training Nair explained that this kind of function are common in older adults. reversing a major adverse effect of improved aerobic capacity and training helped both metabolically and The high-intensity exercise regimen ageing. mitochondrial function for skeletal at the molecular level, confering the significantly enhanced the cellular While high-intensity training reversed muscle. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 HEALTH 25 KNOW THE RIGHT WAY TO EAT FRUITS oaded with nutrients and fibre, fruits protect us against many Lhealth conditions. But how to include these fresh fruits in our daily diet is often misunderstood. There is no right or wrong way to eat fruits but consuming them in an effective way can definitely provide a number of health benefits. SURPRISING HEALTH The best time to eat fruits BENEFITS OF LEMONGRASS The first thing you should do in the morning is eating one fruit emongrass is a herb that has been used since before anything else. As our stomach ancient times to treat a range of health is empty, this practice helps in Lconditions. It is a common ingredient in South absorbing its nutrients in the body. East Asian cuisine. This aromatic herb can be added Our body can easily digest the fruit to dishes for flavor or you can also have it as a tea. It eaten empty stomach and allows the has potent antioxidant property that boosts immunity stomach to easily process it. and improves overall health. This herb is also used extensively in aromatherapy to help you deal with THE RULE fatigue, anxiety and bad body odor. It is the lower There applies a rule of eating a meals, your body doesn’t store fat or consumed in a moderate amount, stalks and bulbs of the plant that people use in fruit empty stomach early in the starve. especially for those who have high cooking. These have a fresh and clean lemony scent morning. People who have stomach blood sugar levels. and it can be added to teas, marinades, curries and ulcers or acid reflux should not Wrong time to broths. Here, let us take a look at a few health benefits adapt this practice. Also, people with consume fruits Fruits for people with of lemongrass. weak stomach functions like high sugar levels toddlers and elderly people should It is never recommended to It can lower bad cholesterol levels not consume fruits empty stomach. consume fruits right after a meal. It Eat papaya, passion fruit, Lemongrass contain anti-hyperlipidemic and anti- It is because some fruits like citrus is a wrong belief that eating fruits pineapple, plums, raspberry, pears, hypercholesterolemic properties that regulate fruits, pineapples, cranberries, right after a meal helps in digesting strawberries, peach and apples. cholesterol levels. It maintains healthy levels of grapefruits etc. contain acetic acid. food and breaking down calories. triglycerides and brings down LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the production of This is not true. Fruits contain Before you go off to sleep This, in turn, prevent the build-up of lipids in the gastric acid and can worsen the natural sweeteners and calories Choose the right type of fruits if blood vessels. It boosts circulation and prevents heart condition. too. So instead of breaking the you feel hungry and want to eat a diseases. calories, they only add up to the snack before sleeping. The good Can you eat fruits number. choices of food before you go to It has anti-cancer properties between the meals? sleep are apple, bananas, kiwis and Lemongrass can stop the growth of cancer cells. It is Eat these fruits in cherries. They contain natural particularly good for the prevention of skin cancer Definitely yes. Fruits are a great moderation serotonin, melatonin and because of a compound called citral. This chemical snack when eaten between two tryptophan that calms us down and compound inhibits the growth of hepatic cancer cells meals. This increases the Fruits that contain a high help in a good night sleep. Avoid as well as breast cancer cells. metabolism rate and maintains amount of natural sweetness like fruits like mangoes, grapes as they blood sugar levels. When you pomegranate, mangoes, grapes, fig, might keep brain active and disturb It can help you sleep better consume healthy snack between lychee and watermelon should be your sleep. Lemongrass tea calms down your muscles and induces sleep. If you suffer from insomnia, having a cup of lemongrass tea before going to bed will help you get good sleep. The sedative properties of this tea will EATING ORANGES FOR WEIGHT also help you sleep for a longer time. Help fight respiratory disorders This herb is widely used in Ayurveda for treating LOSS: DOES IT WORK? cough and cold. It is a rich source of vitamin C. This provides relief from nasal congestion, flu and recent study by the the arteries, known as bronchial asthma. University of Western atherosclerosis." Murray Huff, AOntario emphasized on an professor at Western's Schulich It offers relief from aches and pains important benefit reaped from School of Medicine & Dentistry, This herb has amazing analgesic properties. It is a eating oranges: weight loss. said, as quoted in the news release. rich source of essential phytonutrients, which The researchers were able to Huff and his colleagues improve blood circulation. This helps in getting rid of conclude, after experimenting on speculated that AMP Kinase, a spasms, muscle cramps, sprains and backaches. Not rats, that a certain molecule pathway within the body that only that, lemongrass can also help in injuries and compound called nobiletin, enables the body to burn fat and dislocations. specifically found in sweet oranges stop the production of more fat, is and tangerines, was able to bring positively affected by the down obesity significantly. consumption of nobiletin. To PAGE SPONSORED BY The study published in the ensure this was the case, Journal of Lipid Research found researchers genetically modified DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND that a comparison between two the mice and removed AMP Kinase. types of rats was able to However, the effect of nobiletin still DR. SATISH ANAND demonstrate how exactly this changed and become leaner, and the remained, thus broadening the Former Chairman, Board of happened. Strangely enough, the levels of insulin resistance had mystery of how this happens, with Trustees, AAPI National scientists could not figure out the dropped. The second bunch of rats or without activating AMP Kinase. E-Mail: pathway of this underlying who were not given nobiletin did "This result told us that nobiletin [email protected] mechanism. But they were not improve their health. is not acting on AMP Kinase, and is delighted to find a potential therapy "We went on to show that we can bypassing this major regulator of for obesity. also intervene with nobiletin. We've how fat is used in the body. What it GITANJLI ANAND The first group of rats given high- shown that in mice that already still leaves us with is the question -- Former President, India fat and high-cholesterol diets were have all the negative symptoms of how is nobiletin doing this?" Huff Association of Long Island also given nobiletin, while the other obesity, we can use nobelitin to said. The researchers plan to (IALI) group was only fed the high-fat diet. reverse those symptoms, and even conduct human trials in order to E-mail: The former bunch of rats had start to regress plaque build-up in determine how nobiletin works. [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 AN UNLIKELY CORONAVIRUS HERO? SELF-DRIVING CARS akers of autonomous vehicles have long been Mselling the benefits driver- free transportation. But it took a devastating global pandemic to TIKTOK TO OPEN provide a compelling, real-world example 'TRANSPARENCY CENTER' TO A Chinese self-driving delivery company called Neolix has been COUNTER PRIVACY CONCERNS deploying fleets of its self-driving opular social video app TikTok on Wednesday vans to transport medical supplies said it plans to open a transparency center at its and food to areas of the country hit Poffice in Los Angeles as part of its effort to hardest by COVID-19, including the "deepen our engagement with, and earn the trust of, epidemic's epicenter in Wuhan. The our community as well as policymakers and the small vans even have the capacity to broader public." disinfect city streets—now empty TikTok, known for its quirky 15-second videos, has due to quarantine measures. surged in popularity over the past year, but it's also The company has booked over 200 come under increased scrutiny. US lawmakers have orders for its vans over the last two accused the app, which is owned by Chinese company months. Before that, only 125 units ByteDance, of being a threat to national security,and had been produced since without battling the chaos of secured the first federal safety the Army and Navy have banned the app from manufacturing began in May 2019. unpredictable motorists and approval to operate self-driving government devices. After seeing how useful pedestrians. vehicles that don't meet federal The center will open in May, TikTok said, with an autonomous technologies can be in While the U.S. does not have safety standards that apply to other initial focus on the app's content moderation the midst of a global health crisis, sweeping federal laws pertaining to cars and trucks that humans drive. practices, but it will later expand to matters of data the Chinese government has even self-driving vehicles and operation The exemption, granted by the privacy and security. The company said the center offered up a pretty attractive on public streets, companies like National Highway Traffic Safety will give "outside experts" a chance to view its day-to- incentive for companies that would Waymo, Uber, and Argo AI have Administration in February, allows day operations and provide feedback on its practices. like to purchase and operate close relationships with city and Nuro to temporarily test its vans at delivery vans: 60 percent off of the state level governments where low speeds on Texas roadways for price tag. With that in mind, Neolix testing is conducted in states like the next two years. GOOGLE WORKING ON A expects to manufacture and sell California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Given that the World Health 1,000 vans by the end of the year. and Florida, among others. Organization finally declared NATIVE PRINTING, SCANNING While many self-driving vehicles Nuro, a Mountain View, COVID-19 a global pandemic, roads are heavily restricted on busy California-based company, develops will likely become less congested, APP FOR CHROME OS roadways, Neolix's delivery vans delivery vehicles similar to the ones giving self-driving cars an ample can mostly navigate Chinese roads that Neolix offers. The company opportunity to prove their worth. oogle is working on a native Chrome OS app for printing and scanning, according to G9to5Google. Even though Chromebooks are geared towards schools, they don't provide an easy way to see queued print jobs or to figure out the New Ring doorbells claim errors that prevent a printer from properly working. Google's Cloud Print made doing those possible, but the app is shutting down in 2021. Now, 9to5Google has discovered that the tech giant is working on a "Print better motion detection Management app" for the platform. A Chrome OS specific flag in chrome://flags describes it as: ing, Amazon's smart home security brand, today added Print Management App Rtwo battery-powered Enables the print management app that allows doorbells to its roster -- the $200 Chrome OS users to view and manage their native Video Doorbell 3 and the $230 Video print jobs. Doorbell 3 Plus. While they look similar to Ring's previous offerings, #print-job-management-app the company claims both models The app's development is still in its very early have "improved motion detection." stages, but it will apparently show you your recent The Video Doorbell 3 Plus in print attempts, a job's name and which printer it was particular comes with a feature sent to, as well as if it was successful. In addition, the called Pre-Roll. Pre-Roll is supposed app will include the capability to scan documents to record four seconds of activity based on another flag that describes a scanning UI: before the camera detects motion. In theory, that should capture more Scanning UI of an event than other Ring buzzers, An experimental UI that allows users to interact but we'll have to test it out for with a connected scanner. ourselves to compare the difference. Ring has made headlines lately #scanning-ui for its partnership with local police It's unclear when the feature will be available. departments across the US, Hopefully, Google rolls it out before Cloud Print sparking debates among privacy follows Reader and the tech giant's other scrapped advocates about what information products to the trash heap. is shared with law enforcement and how the data is used. In December, Ring had a data leak that exposed Control Center where users can bands, work with Alexa voice users' personal information. access the privacy and security commands and can work with other Due to these concerns, we have settings for their Ring devices. Ring devices. Ring has also removed all Ring products from The Video Doorbell 3 and Video announced new $30 Chime and $50 recommendation. Doorbell 3 Plus offer "adjustable Chime Pro devices for use with its The company has made updates motion zones," which Ring calls battery-powered buzzers, allowing to its security and privacy "near zone," that are supposed to you to hear doorbell chimes inside procedures, including rolling out pick up motion within five to 15 feet your home. All of the new devices required two-factor authentication of your doorbell. The doorbells are available for pre-order now and for its doorbells, and introducing a support both 2.4 and 5GHz Wi-Fi start shipping April 8. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 BIZ & FINANCE 27 Google recommends all employees in Europe, Middle East and Africa to work from home because of coronavirus AMAZON GIVING PAID SICK oogle is stepping up its LEAVE TO ALL EMPLOYEES measures against the Gcoronavirus outbreak. The tech giant will recommend DIAGNOSED WITH CORONA that its workers across the UK, mazon will give all employees diagnosed with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa the novel coronavirus or put into quarantine up work from home starting on Ato two weeks of pay, the company announced Thursday March 12, Business today. That includes the company’s part-time Insider has learned. warehouse workers, according to The Wall Street This comes a week after Google Journal. advised US workers in its The move follows Amazon’s decision to pay hourly Washington state and California workers who support its campuses even if they’re offices to work from home, as well asked not to come to work due to coronavirus through as those in its 8,000-strong Dublin the end of March, which the company announced last office in Ireland. Google then Friday. widened that to all 11 of its offices Amazon also said it will establish a relief fund to in North America. Google has help support its contractors and gig workers who are around 100,000 employees in total, affected by coronavirus. The company’s independent most of whom are based in North delivery service partners, Amazon Flex delivery America. drivers, and other seasonal employees who may Google has yet to report any experience financial hardship as a result of the confirmed cases of the virus in its ongoing coronavirus outbreak can apply for grants US staff, but a worker in its Zurich “approximately equal to up to two weeks of pay” if office tested positive at the end of their California and Seattle offices tech and culture festival in Austin, diagnosed with the novel coronavirus or put into February. A Dublin worker also to work from home. Amazon and Texas, was also canceled. Gaming quarantine. reported flu-like symptoms. The Facebook have both seen a event E3 looks set to be nixed too. Amazon’s initial contribution to the fund, called the tech giant also announced last week confirmed case each among their According to John Hopkins Amazon Relief Fund, will be $25 million. that it was suspending in-person job Seattle workforce. University, there are 121,000 global Last week, Amazon said it was “actively supporting interviews. In the meantime, major tech confirmed cases of coronavirus and employees and contractors on an individual, case-by- Other Silicon Valley companies events including Mobile World the death toll has climbed above case basis” if they were affected by coronavirus, but it have implemented similar remote- Congress, Facebook's F8, and 4,000. The majority of cases are in wasn’t clear if the company had planned to provide work measures: Facebook, Amazon, Google I/O have been canceled, and mainland China where the virus financial support of any kind. and Twitter have all asked staff in on Friday, the South by Southwest originated. Instacart, DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft have also rolled out new policies to give their gig workers up to two weeks of sick pay if diagnosed with or quarantined GOLD RISES AS CONCERNS because of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel Yes Bank crisis: Rs coronavirus. Postmates is launching a fund that OVER US STIMULUS DENT delivery workers can use to pay COVID-19-related 20,000-crore loan under medical expenses. RISK APPETITE MUKESH AMBANI LOSES old prices rose on Wednesday after a steep Rana Kapoor’s tenure fall in the previous session, as doubts about ASIA’S RICHEST CROWN TO Ga stimulus package proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to soften the economic JACK MA IN $5.8 BILLION ROUT declared NPA, says ED impact of the coronavirus epidemic weighed on HE ENFORCEMENT Directorate (ED) said on risk sentiment. ukesh Ambani is no longer Asia’s richest Wednesday that Yes Bank had sanctioned Rs 30,000 Spot gold was up 0.4% at $1,656.37 per ounce by man, relinquishing the title to Jack Ma after Tcrore during the tenure of founder and former CEO 0242 GMT, having fallen nearly 2% on Tuesday on Moil prices collapsed along with global stocks. Rana Kapoor, of which Rs 20,000 crore was declared non- hopes for global stimulus measures. US gold The rout, exacerbated by mounting fears that the performing assets (NPAs). futures slipped 0.2% to $1,656.70. spread of the novel coronavirus will thrust the Kapoor told a special court that the NPAs, before he was The White House and Congress negotiated world into a recession, erased $5.8 billion from asked to step down in 2019, were only 1 per cent of the bank’s measures on Tuesday to bolster the US economy Ambani’s net worth on Monday and pushed him to transactions. Hence the management after him should be and Americans’ paychecks against the epidemic’s No. 2 on the list of Asia’s richest people, according held responsible. Kapoor said till a week before his arrest, he impact, although there was no immediate sign of a to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Ma, the was in touch with senior officials of the government and the deal. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. founder who RBI to take over the bank again “because it was going down”. “Risk sentiment has turned sour … the market relinquished the No. 1 ranking in mid-2018, is back The ED arrested him on Sunday. The ED claimed he had is pretty disappointed by Trump’s delay of the on top with a $44.5 billion fortune, about $2.6 billion received kick-backs and pecuniary benefits for sanctioning stimulus package, which he had promised on more than Ambani. loans. The special court has sent him to further ED custody Tuesday,” CMC Markets analyst Margaret Yang Oil plunged the most in 29 years on Monday as till March 16. Yan said. Saudi Arabia and Russia vowed to pump more in a “Loans worth Rs 30,000 crore were given to various entities A central feature of the legislative proposal is struggle for market share. The slump comes just as during his tenure, Rs 20,000 crore of which already turned payroll tax relief, although the extent and duration the coronavirus is spurring the first decline in into bad debt. There are 78 companies owned by the accused of the proposal were unclear. demand in more than a decade. That raises and his family members, and there is an apprehension that questions about whether Ambani’s flagship the amount has gone to these companies, whether the Reliance Industries Ltd. will be able to cut net debt transactions shown are genuine or not or if the sanctioning to zero by early 2021, as he has pledged. The plan of loans is quid pro quo,”special public prosecutor Sunil hinges on a proposal to sell a stake in the group’s oil Gonsalves submitted before the court. and petrochemicals division to Saudi Arabian Oil “I cannot be held responsible for this, the present Co., the world’s biggest crude producer. management has not been able to perform. All public sector While the coronavirus has curtailed some of tech banks declare more than Rs 1 lakh crore as NPAs. I have been giant Alibaba’s businesses, the damage has been made a scapegoat in this case,” said Kapoor’s lawyer, Satish mitigated by increased demand for its cloud Maneshinde. computing services and mobile apps. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 SPIRITUALITY 28

ur devotion gets redoubled when we find Ganapati available in the Ohome or temple. We all have special and dedicated reverence towards Ganapati. The Hindu people across the WHY IS GANESHA THE world do worship this omnipresent God first. Though the people of the world do worship this powerful elephant headed God first, very rare numbers of people know why Lord Ganesha is prayed first LEADER OF GODS? before starting any auspicious performance. The people or wise Pandit invoke this supreme God before performing Puja for any other lords. Every one of us does have a belief that Lord Ganesha will save us from any disaster and obstacle. Lord Ganesha really an all powerful God whom we unambiguously accept and pray for our betterment. Today, the people put images of the Ganapati on the marriage invitation cards, birthday invitation cards, and business initiation cards etc. This is popular belief that the Lord Ganapati will destroy all sorts of hindrances. That is why the people put the images of Lord Ganesh on various invitation cards. General belief about Ganesh’s body

Lord Ganesha is the only God who has an elephant head, big ear, and large tummy. The elephant head is an indication of knowledge and wisdom. That is why this almighty is worshiped in every school by the students in East India. The big ear denotes that Lord listens to everything whatever his devote says. The people especially pray this omnipresent Lord with great devotion as he is the Vighnahart or destroyer of all misforutune obstracle . Ordeals and disaster etc. Hence, praying Lord Ganapati can eliminate all the belief, all of our activities have been misfortune from the life. categorized into two i.e. material and spiritual. It is said that Lord Ganapati Why Lord Ganapati is controls the ‘Muladhar Chakra’ of our worshipped first? body. Muladhara is considered to be the interface between spiritual and material Have you ever wondered about why worlds. Lord Vinayaka said to control Lord Vinayak is worshiped first? these worlds. According to Hindu scripture Ganapati He is only who gives us enlightenment Upanishad, Ganapati appeared even and make us free from rebirth. He is the before the foundation of nature and only powerful God who gives us success consciousness. This is one of the in the worldly affairs. So far as Yogic important reasons why Ganapati is principle is concerned, the Muladhara worshiped first before starting any Puja. Chakra is controlled by Lord Ganapati. The mythological theory is one day That is the reason, he is prayed first Goddess Parvati advised Ganesha to before starting any undertakings. guard the gate and prevent anyone who Hence, it is imperative to get blessings tries to enter. Lord Shiva came and tried of Lord Ganesha to be free from any to enter the room while Lord Ganesha obstacles. Our devotion towards Lord was guarding the gate. However, the little Gangesha will certainly give us not only Ganapati did not allow to enter the gate. spiritual success but also the material Hence, Lord Shiva beheaded his little boy success. out of anger. Goddess Parvati came running as Ganesha started screaming due to pain the elder brother of Lord Ganesha PAGE SPONSORED BY and saw his boy’s miserable plight. declared that he is the best God among Goddess Parvati got angry and menaced all the Gods. But, Lord Shiva advised to ARISH K. SAHANI to destroy the world if his boy’s life is not both the brothers to encircle the restored back. Seeing the wrath of the universe. Serving Since 1972 Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva replaced the The one will be declared the winner Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs head of elephant and life of Ganesha got who encircled the universe first. Lord restored. Kartikeya started encircling the Arish K Sahani (Father) Shiva realized the Ganesha’s condition universe by taking his peacock. while and Parvati’s sadness. Hence, he Lord Ganesha commence moving around Shiv Sahani (Son) bestowed Lord Ganapati that no puja will Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati be done before Lord Ganesha is thinking the parents as his universe. Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) worshiped. He also blessed with the Understanding, his intelligence Lord immense divine power to Lord Ganesha. Shiva declared him as the winner. Since 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 then Lord Ganesha is being worshiped [email protected] The contest between Lord first. Kartikeya and Ganesh Yogic belief “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” Another myth has also been prevailing There is a Yogic belief that has been “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” since time immemorial. Once Kartikeya prevailing as well. According to Yogic “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 ASTROLOGY 29

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

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

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. Latest correct prediction: Modi's historic victory Weekly Horoscope March 16 - March 22, 2020 ARIES: Ganesha says you will withstand all LEO: You are in a hurry to break free from SAGITTARIUS: You may be attracted to the disruptive events that have been plaguing the established order. You could be on the people who are quite different in age, class, you. You will look within for answers and if threshold of a new freedom, a new way of background or personality. These relationships you find the energies of this period too life. There could be a change of job or will also give you more freedom and this is what destructive, consider necessary changes to residence or the break-up of relationships. you really want. You are ready to give it too, but minimize their effects or to turn them into All this may seem catastrophic at first, but your subconscious mind is looking for something positive ones. You are challenged but you also these changes are fortunate and allow unpredictable and unreliable. This is a very come out triumphant. This is a very positive everything to work out for the best. Please interesting phase and Ganesha asks you to go period and you do well. remember that change is the only constant. with the flow. On the domestic front, there may TAURUS: Unless you ask searching VIRGO: Ganesha urges you to slow down be an addition to the family, even a new pet! questions, you will not get the right answers. and accept the changes as it will be good for CAPRICORN: There are many expenses now Ganesha applauds you and wishes you well. you in the long run. Your emotions and self- and ill health becomes an issue to contend with. You will come out of this with flying colours. doubts may level off somewhat now. You are There may be hospitalization for you or loved You are looking at new directions. You will sure of rapid progress in whatever you do. ones; so, make provisions. You have done confront your inhibitions and self- The ghosts of the past will be laid to rest. enough within the circumstances and can't push restrictions, as well as the restrictions placed You will seek to expand your life and find further. On the personal front, a stable long-term upon you by circumstances. You will break new freedom. You will seize every relationship may also go through a period of free of them in order to enlarge your scope of opportunity to build new structures and readjustment. This is a good time to start afresh activity. expand the already existing order. new life into mundane household chores. GEMINI: You may choose to grow within LIBRA: You will not overextend yourself, AQUARIUS: Ganesha asks you to get creative with the structure of restriction in your life and and whatever you build up now, either in the smaller things of life that finally always impact use the restricting circumstances to enlarge yourself or in the outer world, will be the bigger aspects. This is a period of optimism and your life. There are many choices. It can go lasting. All the confusion has helped you to positive thinking. You seem more balanced and this either way, depending on your temperament. come up with lasting solutions. You have is the right time to make long-range plans and to But there will most certainly be more clarity been baptized by fire and have emerged much reorganize. You may find new perspectives in as you are taking your life in your hands and stronger. This is the best way, assures education or travel or by participating in some making emphatic changes where required. Ganesha. There is no other way to go from consciousness-raising activities. CANCER: Ganesha blesses you; with his now on but forward. PISCES: You will now find psychological blessings you can be sure to turn the corner. SCORPIO: You make many purchases and and physical equilibrium. If you have been This is a very significant period and what you are consumed by love for yourself and for the recently ill, the healing process will have do now will impact your life for a long time to world. But your love life and relationships in begun. This is also the right time to examine come. You are brimming with ideas and general could be unpredictable and difficult your ideals and goals, for it may be possible to workable plans. You break free from your during this time. You may suddenly become actualize them. You may also be involved in shackles and begin to feel very restless. involved in relationships that are quite some movement for reform or get more Events and circumstances will make it clear different from what you would normally involved in religion or philosophy. All these, that you have neglected many areas of your expect. You are looking for more excitement says Ganesha, are indicators of an upward life and now they seem intolerable. as the old relationships have become boring. swing in your affairs.

Birthday Horoscope March 16 - March 22, 2020

MARCH 16: Ganesha says the morning position to be in for your sign. It's exercise in futility. mood is active, lively, electric, calling advantageous to keep a low profile. MARCH 21: Renewing contacts - social, for spontaneity in suggesting activities MARCH 19: You're imbued with plenty of drive, business, or a combination of the two - could and responding to those that are fortitude, and inner force. That should find you give you a new lease on life, especially proposed. in the mood to accomplish something. Even rewarding after recent preoccupations, and MARCH 17: Confusing, jarring situations pursuits that should be just fun awaken your especially concerning ambitions. may limit your ability to act freely, competitive spirit. MARCH 22: This could be a day when other spontaneously. Allow yourself time to MARCH 20: You may feel you have less on the people complicate your life, probably through withdraw into your private space. bail today than you did yesterday. No matter adding to your sense of uncertainty or MARCH 18: You could feel hemmed in by how you put it, you don't seem able to get your confusion. Your expectations where they are circumstances, not the most comfortable message across. It could all add up to an concerned might be unrealistic, too. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 CLASSIFIEDS 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 TURN PAGE FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 contd from page 1 essential items, while officegoers are trying to do 3.2% to $1,582.31 an ounce. teleworking. Several public events, including those Indian Rupee sank below 74/USD level, March 12 in Trump suspends travel from... related to sports, have been cancelled, and several schools early trade amid mounting fears of coronavirus-led Trump said he is monitoring the situation in China and and universities have either shut down or considering slowdown South Korea, and asked citizens to suspend all closing. Forex traders said market participants turned jittery nonessential travels. He urged them to adopt best In a letter, several senators urged Trump to amid mounting fears of a coronavirus-led economic hygiene, wash their hands and stay away from large immediately consider disaster declarations that allow slowdown. gatherings to reduce the chance of spread of the FEMA to utilize USD 40 plus billion disaster relief fund to The rupee opened at 74.25 at the interbank forex infection. aid state and local government's responding to the market and then fell further to 74.50, down 82 paise over The deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese outbreak. its last close. city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The local unit had settled at 73.68 against the dollar 4,200 lives and infected more than 1,17,330 people across temporarily waived minimum slot-use requirements at on Wednesday, March 11. 107 countries and territories, with the World Health US airports to help airlines that cancel flights due to the Though weakening of the American currency in the Organization (WHO) describing the outbreak a coronavirus. Under normal circumstances, airlines can overseas market and easing crude oil prices supported pandemic. China remains the hardest hit with over 80,000 lose their slots at congested airports if they do not use the rupee, traders believe there are mounting fears of infections and over 3,000 deaths. them at least 80 per cent of the time. recession in major economies due to the coronavirus "This is not a financial crisis. This is just a temporary The FAA is waiving the 80-per cent-use requirement outbreak. This could weigh on the local unit, they said. moment in time that we will overcome as a nation and a through May 31 for US and foreign airlines that have World Health Organization (WHO), late Wednesday world," Trump said, adding that "we are marshalling the affected flights. night, termed the new coronavirus outbreak as a full power of the federal government and the private Meanwhile, Europe is furious over US travel ban. pandemic, and expressed deep concern over the sector to protect the American people". European officials reacted with surprise and anger on "alarming levels of inaction." (Source: Agencies) The President announced small business Thursday, March 12, after US President Donald Trump administration would begin extending loans to small imposed a trans-Atlantic travel ban they fear will wound Government of India justifies... businesses which would be affected by the coronavirus economies already reeling from the Covid pandemic. Mr. Jaishankar defended the decision to suspend all slowdown. Trump closed US arrivals to travelers from Europe, visas, except those for officials and diplomats, arguing He was asked for payroll tax relief and said some tax except the UK, in what he said was an "aggressive" effort that "exceptional situations require exceptional filings would be delayed to help provide extra liquidity. to contain the spread of the disease. But European response". "We are all in this together. We must put politics aside, leaders said scientific advice suggested travel curbs were "India has said that if people from certain countries stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation ineffective when the virus was already present almost are coming here, they have to go through quarantine - and one family. As history has proven time and time worldwide and lamented they had not been consulted. in certain cases compulsory quarantine and in some again, Americans always rise to the challenge and "Covid is a global crisis, not limited to any continent, cases discretionary quarantine - and Indian citizens overcome adversity," Trump said. and it requires cooperation rather than unilateral who are coming back will obviously come back to "Our future remains brighter than anyone can action," EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles quarantine conditions if that is required," he said. imagine. Acting with compassion and love, we will heal Michel said. (Inputs from PTI , AFP) ) He was responding to a remark by N.K. the sick, care for those in need, help our fellow citizens, Premchandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party and emerge from this challenge stronger and more Air India announces temporary.... (RSP) that "the only country which is imposing a total unified than ever before," he said. All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, ban is India". Over a dozen states in the US have declared a state of arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, "At this time, travel in itself is not recommended as it emergency with cities and counties announcing to take Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after only heightens risks," the Minister said. sweeping measures to contain the spread of the February 15 will be quarantined for a minimum period Stating that the virus outbreak was a matter of "great coronavirus. On Wednesday,officials confirmed 37 deaths of 14 days, the statement said. concern" and the government's initial focus is to bring in various parts of the US due to the virus. Passengers of an Air India flight from Milan to New back Indian pilgrims stranded in Iran, Mr. Jaishankar No nation is more prepared or more resilient than the Delhi, which landed at the Indira Gandhi International told the Lok Sabha that there were over 6,000 Indian US, he asserted and said, "we have the best economy, the (IGI) Airport on Wednesday, were screened as part of nationals in various provinces of Iran. These included most advanced health care, and the most talented doctors, the ongoing preventive measure. some 1,100 pilgrims mainly from Ladakh, Jammu and scientists, and researchers anywhere in the world". "The operating crew of the flight has self-quarantined Kashmir and Maharashtra. Trump said he had taken the decision to suspend travel for 14 days," an Air India official said. In addition, there were nearly 300 students, primarily from Europe to the US after consulting top government from Jammu and Kashmir; some 1,000 fishermen, many health professionals, to protect all citizens from the COVID-19 Shocks: World stocks... from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat; and others who coronavirus. The European Central Bank approved fresh stimulus were on longer term stay in Iran for pursuing their White House Press Secretary Stephnie Grisham said measures and temporarily dropped banks' capital livelihood and religious studies. out of an abundance of caution from the coronavirus requirements to help the Euro zone cope with the shock In response to questions by MPs from the DMK (T.R. outbreak, the President had decided to cancel his of the pandemic, but kept interest rates on hold, Baalu), the Congress (Hibi Eden and Manish Tewari) upcoming events in Colorado and Nevada. disappointing markets. and the Aam Aadmi Party (Bhagwant Mann), Mr. Giving details of the travel ban, the Department of The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1,905.67 points, Jaishankar detailed efforts made by the government for Homeland Security in a statement said Trump signed a or 8.09%, to 21,647.55, the S&P 500 lost 224.83 points, or the safe return of the stranded Indians. Presidential Proclamation, which suspended the entry of 8.20%, to 2,516.55 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped Dr. Harsh Vardhan made a detailed statement on the most foreign nationals who had been in certain European 490.83 points, or 6.17%, to 7,461.22. The pan-European government's efforts at testing, quarantine and countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their STOXX 600 index lost 9.89% and emerging market mapping contact points of those who had been infected. scheduled arrival to the US. stocks lost 6.63%. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific "There has been no lapse in terms of screening. I These countries, known as the Schengen area, include shares outside Japan closed 5.78% lower, while Japan's myself have spent over three hours at the Delhi airport Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Nikkei lost 4.41%. to check our screening process. Today,we are screening Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, In India, Sensex slumped 2,919 points, Nifty sank to at over 30 airports across the country," he said. Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, 33-month low. "As for laboratories, we have 51 such laboratories that Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe shed 7.40%, have been set up with 56 collection points. We went up Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. down more than 20% from its 52-week peak. to the extent that when the Iranian government said This does not apply to legal permanent residents, Oil prices were also hit, compounded by an they had no way of testing our people before being sent (generally) immediate family members of US citizens, intensifying price war between Saudi Arabia and back, we sent an entire laboratory to be set up there," and other individuals who are identified in the Russia, on top of fears of a sharp slowdown in the Dr. Vardhan said. proclamation, it said. global economy. (Read full story on In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, people have U.S. crude fell 5.28% to $31.24 per barrel and Brent www.theindianpanorama.news) been running to grocery stores to stock supplies of was at $33.48, down 6.45% on the day. Spot gold dropped THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan , Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Vaaho Photographers, Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma www.theindianpanorama.news CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy CORRESPONDENTS : The Indian Panorama CONSULTING EDITOR: Deepak Dwivedi SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om P arkash Malik NEW YORK : Chitagam Tel: 646-247-9458 DISCLAIMER DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION: Gauri Beri Email: [email protected] The Indian Panorama assumes no responsibility for the FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh claims made in advertisements. We only sell space. Views CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DALLAS EDITION DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon published in the newspaper are those of the authors and do Baldev Singh / BJ Videos P.O. BOX 121695, ARLINGTON, TX 76012 OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. All rights Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction Lovllien Kaurr, VP & Bureau Chief are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh Jay Mandal, Mohammad Jaffer/ SnapsIndia Bureau Chief Phone: 972-330-3139 permission in writing from The Indian Panorama is prohibited. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 TRAVEL 33 TTHHEE WWIILLDDLLIIFFEE KKIINNGGDDOOMM

xploring the rare wildlife in Indian keeps floating, and this floating foliage is woods has its own glee. From the known as phumdi. Eregal beasts to the sweet chirping avifauna, the verdant beauty of this MARINE NATIONAL PARK glorious country embraces everything The Marine National Park is located that can rejuvenate and galvanise the seawards from the southern coastline of senses of a nature aficionado. The the Gulf of Kutch. It spreads over an national parks in India are certainly area of 458 sq km, and comprises a group wonderful for wildlife buffs to scout the of 42 islands. Few of the popular islands engrossing exquisiteness of nature. among them are Poshitra, Pirotan, All the protected regions in the Karubhar and Narara. The exotic country have beautiful vistas to offer. wildlife of the national park attracts However, some of these protected areas every nature admirer. The fauna that can are bejewelled with a number of be witnessed in the park includes coral inimitable features that make them lichen, sea slug, painted storks, shelled unique. Here are some unique national molluscs, etc. This national park is the parks of India that are popular among first marine wildlife sanctuary and the wildlife enthusiasts and nature buffs. first marine national park in India. The impressive sea creatures such as HEMIS NATIONAL PARK jellyfish, octopus and sea cucumber This high altitude national park is make the trip to the park unique and located in eastern Ladakh region of gratifying. Jammu and Kashmir. The north of this protected area is enclosed by the banks of Jim Corbett National Park the Indus River. The area is an abode to Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest an immense population of snow national park in India and was leopards. It does not receive heavy established in 1936 as Hailey National amount of precipitation; therefore, the Park to protect the endangered Bengal flora present in the park comprises arid tiger. It is located in Nainital district of woods of juniper, birch, fir, and Populus- Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Salix. Apart from snow leopards, the Corbett who played a key role in its flora includes bharal, argali, Asiatic establishment. The park was the first to ibex, Eurasian brown bear, Tibetan wolf, come under the Project Tiger initiative. red fox, etc. The Hemis National Park is The park has sub-Himalayan belt the second largest contiguous protected geographical and ecological region of the country after the Nanda characteristics. An ecotourism Devi Biosphere Reserve. The park destination, it contains 488 different incorporates a trekking route that is one species of plants and a diverse variety of of the prime attractions for tourists. The fauna. The increase in tourist activities, factor that draws wildlife lovers the most among other problems, continues to is the sight of snow leopards. There are present a serious challenge to the park's around 200 snow leopards in the region ecological balance. and witnessing them amid the Corbett has been a haunt for tourists fascinating snowy panorama gives great and wildlife lovers for a long time. pleasure. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve SUNDARBANS NATIONAL PARK so that people get an opportunity to see The Sundarbans National Park is a its splendid landscape and the diverse national park, biosphere reserve and wildlife. In recent years the number of tiger reserve located in West Bengal. The Sundarban is one of the largest vegetation. Other than the rich people coming here has increased park is a part of Sundarban woods, reserves for tigers, boasting around 400 topography and foliage, a major dramatically. Presently, every season extended on the Ganges Delta. The tigers. In 2012, the camera traps in the attraction that entices nature lovers to more than 70,000 visitors come to the mangrove woods cover the delta and park snapped the picture of an unknown the park is Loktak Lake. It is the largest park. make it look verdant. The main animal. It was a never-seen-before cat in freshwater lake in the country. The park Corbett National Park comprises 520.8 attraction of this park is the dense Sundarbans. This cat was smaller than a also embraces an immense assortment of km2 (201.1 sq mi) area of hills, riverine population of tigers. Apart from tigers leopard and bigger than a wild cat. exotic fauna species. The area is the belts, marshy depressions, grasslands that can be witnessed here, the park is preferred abode of the brow-antlered and a large lake. The elevation ranges also home to fishing cat, macaque, KEIBUL LAMJAO deer. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is from 1,300 to 4,000 ft (400 to 1,220 m). leopard, Indian grey mongoose, wild Located in the beautiful state of considered unique as it is the only Winter nights are cold but the days are boar, jungle cat, fox, pangolin, chital, Manipur, the Keibul Lamjao National floating sanctuary in the world. The park bright and sunny. It rains from July to flying fox, etc. Park stretches over 40 sq km of floating has a 1.5-metre deep vegetation, which September. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 34 SPORTS FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020

INDIA VS SOUTH AFRICA Virat Kohli on verge of joining Sachin Tendulkar in ODI elite list NEW DELHI (TIP): Virat Kohli has not been enjoying a good run of form lately but when the Indian cricket team skipper takes the field against South Africa in the first ODI 9th boxer makes Oly cut, encounter in?Dharamsala, he will be on the verge of claiming a major India’s best show milestone in ODI?cricket. Kohli is currently 133 runs away from AMMAN (TIP): World Championships bronze- completing 12000 runs in ODIs - a medallist Manish Kaushik (63kg) today became the feat achieved by five other ninth Indian boxer to book an Olympics berth after cricketers including India legend winning a brutal box-off at the Asian Qualifiers as Sachin Tendulkar. The right-hander the country recorded its best ever qualifying will become only the second India numbers for the quadrennial showpiece. batsman to achieve this feat and he Kaushik defeated Commonwealth Games will also be the fastest as every champion and second seed Harrison Garside 4-1 to other batsman has taken more than make the cut for Tokyo after a draining showdown 300 innings to achieve this feat. which left the Australian with a bloodied face and the Kohli, on the other hand, has played Indian exhausted by painful hits to his ribs. just 239 innings so far. It was a repeat of the 2018 CWG final. Only this Kohli managed just 75 runs time, Kaushik, an Armyman, ended up on the against New Zealand, and going by winning side. The top six in the 63kg category were his standards the India skipper entitled to Olympics berths in the ongoing event. would be itching to silence his Both Kaushik and Garside had lost in the critics, who have raised eyebrows quarterfinals. “It was my dream to play at the after his statement on ODIs not Olympics and it has finally come true for me and my having context in the current family.My coaches have made a huge contribution in calendar. this,” said Kaushik, who is an alumnus of Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri has once again playing spoilsport, his last international game was a Chandigarh’s GGDSD College. spoken openly about ODIs being Hardik Pandya’s all-round T20 against the Proteas in The other Indians to have qualified for the Tokyo least of priority in a World T20 flamboyance will keep skipper Bengaluru in September last year. Olympics are MC Mary Kom (51kg), Simranjit Kaur year. But his men can ill-afford to Kohli in a good headspace as he Especially having lost five (60kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69kg), Pooja Rani (75kg), lose another series against an would be desperately trying to international games (two Tests Amit Panghal (52kg), Vikas Krishan (69kg), Ashish inexperienced South African side forget the 0-3 mauling in the last included) on trot, the Indian Kumar (75kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg). which is buoyed after crushing series in New Zealand. skipper, enduring one of his rarest Australia 3-0 in their own den. Pandya last played an ODI of rare bad patches in last six SHAFALI DETHRONED, SLIPS Amid the ever-rising danger of against New Zealand in the World years will be keen to buck the Coronavirus and threat of rain Cup semi-final in Manchester and trend. TO THIRD IN T20I RANKINGS DUBAI (TIP): Teenage batting sensation Shafali Verma lost the top spot in the ICC women’s T20 Uncertainty over IPL thickens after govt International rankings as she slipped to third after managing only two runs in the World Cup final. The 16-year-old Shafali (744 points) had grabbed the top issues fresh visa guidelines spot at the end of the league stage. NEW DELHI (TIP): In what could be a huge blow to Mooney on top organising the 13th edition of Indian Premier League Australia opener Beth Mooney jumped two spots to (IPL), a second meeting of the Group of Ministers on No. 1 with 762 points to her kitty. Mooney scored 259 Wednesday cancelled all visas, except for a few official runs at an average of 64 in six innings, the highest categories, till April 15 in the wake of the growing aggregate by anyone at a single edition of the coronavirus scare. competition. She has topped the rankings for the first In the meeting held at Nirman Bhavan here, it was time in her career. New Zealand’s Suzie Bates (750 decided that all existing visas, except diplomatic, points) remained in second position in the list that official, UN/international organisations, employment also features the Indian duo of Smriti Mandhana and and project visas, stand suspended till April 15 as the Jemimah Rodrigues in the top-10. While Indian vice- coronavirus outbreak has already seen over 60 positive captain Smriti , who had a forgetful tournament, cases in India. moved down a spot to be ranked seventh, Jemimah The coronavirus outbreak was on Wednesday remained static on the ninth. declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), whose chief expressed his “deep concern” over The advisory from the Government of India does Could have been better in the “alarming levels of inaction” in combating the speak of exception for official visas and IPL franchises all departments: Shikha virus spread. believe that could help as the ban would be for tourists But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) looking to visit the country. Melbourne (TIP): Pacer Shikha Pandey admitted is still keeping their fingers crossed and have said that “See, there is an exception being made for those that India were outclassed not just in the fielding but they will keep working closely with the concerned coming to India for official reasons. So we are still in all the three departments which led to the side’s departments to ensure that all possible precautions are hoping that there shouldn’t be a problem in having our humbling defeat against Australia. “Nerves weren’t taken. “The present scenario is a huge challenge for the foreign recruits over for the tournament. Rest really a factor. Once you get on to the field, you just BCCI-IPL and it is one where the circumstances are obviously depends on what the government feels is best, zone out. I don’t think I felt nerves,” Pandey said. changing every few hours, and the BCCI has no control as public health is of utmost importance,” the official of “Initially, if you gift chances to batters in form over these circumstances. As is usually the case in such an IPL franchise told IANS. they’re going to use them. It could have gone either situations, the BCCI would be in regular touch with the In fact, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly had recently way but those chances costed us. We could have been concerned departments to take the best possible course made it clear that there was no reason to worry about better in all the three departments, it wasn’t just the of action in the interest of the game, the players, the the fate of the tournament as the board was taking all fielding,” she said. fans and the league,” a BCCI official told IANS. necessary precautions. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020 ADVERTISEMENT 35 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 36 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2020