YEARS

# 1 Indian American Weekly : Since 2006

VOL 15 ISSUE 17 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● APR 23 - APR 29, 2021 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 ● [email protected] www.theindianpanorama.news

Will bring out a special edition to With more than 300,000 cases, mark Mother's Day which falls on May 9 this year. India records world’s highest Articles and advertisements are invited from readers. The last date for submission is May 2, 2021. single-day spike on April 21, 2021 Please email articles and advertisements by May 2 to THE COUNTRY REPORTED 3,15,660 INFECTIONS AND 2,091 DEATHS [email protected] NEW DELHI /NEW YORK (TIP): India set a world record of sorts on April 21 when it registered, for the first time, more than 300,000 COVID-19 cases U.S. will cut emissions by in a single day.As many as 3,15,660 cases up to 52% by 2030, said and 2,091 deaths were recorded in the country as of 11.15 p.m. IST on April 21. Joe Biden at the 'Leaders No country has recorded more cases in a Summit on Climate' single day. The country has so far reported a total of 1,59,24,914 cases and NEW YORK 1,84,662 deaths. (TIP): U.S. Also read editorial and opinion President Joe Biden on Pages 8,9 & 10 announced that the U.S. CONTD ON PAGE 36 would cut its Covid cases rise alarmingly in India U.S. President told greenhouse gas << world leaders that there emissions by was 'an extraordinary 50%-52% by Bibi Jagir Kaur engine' of job creation 2030 relative to president SGPC in the climate response Sikh’s Ninth Master ‘Guru’ Tegh Bahadur’s 2005 levels, in a addressing Media Photo credit / AP persons in clean break 400th anniversary: SGPC to telecast live Amritsar on with the Trump administration Wednesday, policies on climate action. Mr. Biden NEW YORK /AMRITSAR (TIP): The President Bibi Jagir Kaur, addressing April 21. also announced that the U.S. would 400th Parkash Purb centenary media persons in Amritsar, April 21, double, by 2024, its annual financing celebrations were scheduled to be 2021. Photo / Courtesy commitments to developing countries, celebrated at Bhai Gurdas Ji Nagar, New Ms Kaur said, "There was a lot of Vishal Kumar including a tripling of its adaptation Amritsar. But due to rise in Covid cases, enthusiasm among the sangat for the finance by 2024. The President made these ceremonies will now be held at the centenary celebrations but considering allowed. A series of events, scheduled at the new target announcements at a Diwan Hall of Gurdwara Sri Manji Sahib the prevailing situation due to the Gurdwara Guru Ka Mahal, CONTD ON PAGE 36 at Golden Temple complex, said SGPC pandemic, no large gathering could be CONTD ON PAGE 36

JURY FIND CHAUVIN GUILTY OF MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER IN FLOYD'S DEATH MINNEAPOLIS (TIP): Former Derek Chauvin was Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday, April 20, of convicted on Tuesday, April 20, of murder and murder and manslaughter for pinning manslaughter for George Floyd to the pavement with his pinning George Floyd knee on the Black man's neck in a case to the pavement with that triggered worldwide protests, his knee on the Black man's neck violence and a furious reexamination of racism and policing in the US. CONTD ON PAGE 36 THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 02 -: GUEST COMMENTS:-

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja VICE PRESIDENT: The Floyd verdict Chitagam Saluja Mindsets must change to rein in CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja police brutality, racism CONSULTING EDITOR : ine minutes and 29 seconds - that's Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, how long Derek Chauvin, a White Bhaskar Group, Delhi Npolice officer, kept African- ASSISTANT EDITOR: American George Floyd pinned under his Bidisha Roy knee on a pavement in Minneapolis on SPL. REPORTER UNO: May 25 last year. Floyd was neither a H.S. Panaser terrorist nor a killer on the loose. All that GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: he was accused of was using a counterfeit Om Parkash Malik $20 note at a store. Yet, he was choked to DIRECTOR death by the cop, with his last words being ADMINISTRATION: a desperate plea: 'I can't breathe.' This Gauri Beri abominable act of police brutality and racism shamed America and gave a new CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: lease of life to the Black Lives Matter movement. On Tuesday, a federal grand Baldev Singh / BJ Videos Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction jury found Chauvin guilty on all three George Floyd was choked to death by the cop Derek Chauvin, with his last words being a desperate plea: 'I can't breathe.' Jay Mandal, counts of Floyd's murder. Soon after the Mohammad Jaffer, verdict, President Joe Biden candidly which is aimed at bringing about police custodial deaths, fake encounters and SnapsIndia admitted that the killing had 'ripped the reforms in the US, but it is yet to be mob lynchings demonstrate blatant Mohammad Shahzad, blinders off for the whole world to see the adopted by the Senate. The biggest disregard for the rule of law. The Zia Khan, systemic racism' in the US. challenge is to catalyze a transformation frequent cases of instant justice point to Nisha Rani With Chauvin set to be imprisoned for in the hearts and minds of the law the dwindling trust in the judicial Vaaho Photographers, a long term, justice appears to have been enforcers as well as the ordinary people. system. The police-politician-criminal Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. done in the Floyd case, and that too The recent massacre of Asian- nexus is taking its toll on the CORRESPONDENTS : within one year of the incident. But is it Americans in Indianapolis is a grim dispensation of justice. What's needed is SACRAMENTO: the beginning of a new dawn in reminder of the enormity of the task of earnest introspection, followed by Parminder S. Aujla America, which has a long history of changing mindsets. course correction, so as to create an NEW YORK : racial inequality and injustice? The The US case has lessons for India, environment in which every Floyd can Chitagam House of Representatives has passed the which is no stranger to police excesses breathe freely and fearlessly. FRESNO: George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and sectarian intolerance. All the (Tribune, India) Tarlochan Singh DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Exiting Afghanistan: On U.S. troop pullout LONDON y announcing that all U.S. troops Nirpal Singh Shergill would be pulled out of SPL CORRESPONDENT BAfghanistan by September 11, DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: President Joe Biden has effectively Chandan Singh upheld the spirit of the Trump-Taliban CHANDIGARH: deal, rather than defying it. In the Manjit Sidhu agreement between the Trump LUDHIANA: administration and the insurgents in A.S. Arora, February 2020, U.S. troops were R.P.Sharma scheduled to pull back by May 1, in JAIPUR : return for the Taliban's assurance that they would not let terrorist groups such Dr. Yashpaul Goyal as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State operate DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP on Afghan soil. When Mr. Biden ordered Lovllien Kaurr a review of the U.S.'s Afghan strategy, 972-330-3139 there was speculation that he would [email protected] delay the pullout at least until there was The U.S. pullout without any settlement leaves the Taliban stronger The Indian Panorama a political settlement. But he chose an P.O. Box No. 190067, South orderly pullout - the remaining troops without the Taliban's participation and killings of journalists, activists and Richmond Hill, NY 11419, (officially 2,500) will start leaving what it would achieve even if it goes other civil society members opposed to Tel: 646-247-9458 Afghanistan on May 1, with a full through without the Taliban. the Taliban. This does not mean that the Email: withdrawal by September 11. Besides the This leaves the already shaky Ghani government is on the verge of collapse. [email protected] U.S. troops, the thousands of coalition government in an even more precarious The U.S. has promised that it would troops under the NATO's command are situation. After September, the continue remote assistance to the DISCLAIMER also expected to pull back along with the government will be left with itself on the government. The role of regional players Americans. Mr. Biden's push to revive battleground against the Taliban. For such as Russia, China and India, which THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES the peace talks between the Afghan now, Mr. Ghani has held together the have a shared interest in a stable NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. government and the Taliban has hit a powerful sections of the state and society Afghanistan, will also be crucial in WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS roadblock. A U.S.-initiated, UN-led against the Taliban at least in the deciding the country's future. But one PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER regional peace conference is scheduled provincial capitals. But once the thing is certain: the U.S., despite all its ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND to take place in Ankara, Turkey,on April Americans are gone, the balance of military might, has lost the war and its DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE 24. But the Taliban have made it clear power in the stalemated conflict could withdrawal, without any settlement or VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL that they will not participate in it and shift decisively in favor of the Taliban. even a peace road map, leaves the RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. have threatened to step up attacks if the In the recent past, whenever the Taliban Taliban stronger and the government REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN U.S. did not meet the May 1 withdrawal overran cities, U.S. air power was crucial weaker. That is an ominous sign. WRITING FROM THE INDIAN deadline. It is not clear whether the in driving them back. The country is (The Hindu) PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. peace conference will go through already witnessing a series of targeted THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 03

SPACE DONATED BY OPINIO MEDIA, INC. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 04 Indian-Origin Billionaire Issa Brothers Buy UK Fast Food Chain Leon LONDON (TIP): Indian-origin billionaire brothers business that has my dad's name above the door. Mohsin and Zuber Issa have acquired a popular British "Mohsin and Zuber will not just be superb custodians fast-food chain, Leon, as part of what they described as of the Leon brand, through EG Group they have the their goal to grow their foodservice operations in vision, investment appetite, foodservice expertise and Britain. network scale to take Leon to many more people and The Issa brothers, whose parents moved to the UK places," he said, adding that he is confident the brand from Gujarat in the 1970s, own the Euro Garages chain will "flourish" and expand its appeal outside of London of petrol stations as part of their EG Group business. under the new ownership. Last year, they acquired leading UK supermarket chain Prior to the addition of the Leon store network, EG Asda from US owners Walmart as part of the strategy to Group said it already operates over 700 foodservice expand their non-fuel business. outlets in the UK and Ireland of which 310 operate from Leon, Founded by John Vincent, Henry Dimbleby and standalone premises. chef Allegra McEvedy in 2004, pitches itself in the Despite the impact of COVID-19, the company said its category of "naturally fast food" with a focus on creating foodservice business accounted for 46 per cent of the a healthy menu that tastes good, in a sustainable way. gross profit of the UK and Ireland division in 2020. The The acquisition is said to be worth an estimated 100 group's foodservice brand portfolio includes other third- million pounds. party brands such as Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, "Leon is a fantastic brand that we have long admired. Greggs, Sbarro, Cinnabon and Subway. As established entrepreneurs in the foodservice retail Indian-origin billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa have The Issa brothers added: "EG Group continues to acquired a popular British fast-food chain, Leon market ourselves, we have a huge admiration for the identify innovative partnerships and acquisitions that business that John and the Leon team have built over transport hubs (mainly airports and train stations) complement our existing consumer offer and enable us the years, and firmly believe that their culture and across Britain and five other European markets, to stay at the forefront of consumer trends, particularly values closely align with our own," said Mohsin and principally the Netherlands. Leon has also made itself in foodservice. "Our equity investment in Leon is to Zuber Issa, co-founders and co-CEOs of the EG Group. accessible to consumers at home and generates strengthen our own participation in the fast-growing "The acquisition of Leon presents EG Group with a significant revenue from its branded cookbooks, own contemporary foodservice segment. This acquisition fantastic opportunity to further develop the menu offer, brand groceries and provision of home delivery ready aligns with our commitment to being a committed the various concession formats including drive- meals. "In some ways this is a sad day for me, to part foodservice operator globally, delivers financial benefit throughs, and will enable us to significantly build on the company with the business I founded 17 years ago in to our underlying business, and supports broader existing network by exploring opportunities across our Carnaby Street (London). But I have had the pleasure of commercial strategies to be able to better realize further own sites along with other strategic locations," they getting to know Mohsin and Zuber across the last few growth opportunities." said. years. They have been enthusiastic customers of Leon, Founded in 2001 by the Issa family, the EG Group With an extensive network of over 70 restaurants, going out of their way to eat here whenever they visit employs over 44,000 people working across more than Leon has 42 company-owned restaurants operated on London," said John Vincent. 6,000 sites across Europe, US and Australia. The leasehold locations, with a strong presence in London as "They are decent, hard-working businesspeople who brothers, Mohsin and Zuber, were each conferred with a well as other large cities across the UK. are committed to sustaining and further strengthening CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honors List 2020, for their In addition, it has 29 franchised sites at key strategic the values and culture that we have built at Leon, a contribution to business and charity. Team led by Indian American Professor Indian Americans Welcome New Simplified finds Covid-19 fighter human genes Rules on Overseas Citizens of India Cards WASHINGTON (TIP): gives the cardholders a host NEW YORK (TIP): A team of US Indian Americans have of privileges normally not scientists led by Indian American welcomed the Indian given to a foreign national. professor Sumit K. Chanda have government's decision to So far India has issued identified a set of human genes that simplify the process of about 37.72 lakh OCI Cards. fight SARS-CoV-2 infection, the virus maintaining Overseas The previous provision of that causes Covid-19. Citizens of India (OCI) OCI card holders below 20 Knowing which genes help control cards, saying more overseas years of age and above 50 viral infection can greatly assist citizens will now opt for The simplified rules on OCI years of age requiring to re- researchers' understanding of factors this form of residency. card renewal have been apply for a fresh OCI card that affect disease severity and also In a remarkable discovery, ateam of US The OCI cardholders will widely welcomed by the every time their passport suggest possible therapeutic options. scientists led by Indian American professor now be required to get their Indian American community was renewed was causing a The genes in question are related to Sumit K. Chanda have identified a set of document re-issued only lot of anxiety and travel human genes that fight SARS-CoV-2 infection, interferons, the body's frontline virus once at the age of 20 instead of multiple turbulence to people of Indian origin. the virus that causes Covid-19. fighters, according to the study by times needed to be done currently, "With a view to facilitate the OCI scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys resulted in some of the more severe according to the Indian Union Home cardholders, it has now been decided by published in the journal Molecular Cell, cases of Covid-19, the release said. Ministry. the Government of India to dispense according to a media release. This knowledge led Chanda and his "This will remove the confusion to with this requirement," the Union Home "We wanted to gain a better collaborators to search for the human many OCI cardholders on the process of Ministry said in a statement on understanding of the cellular response genes that are triggered by interferons, renewing the card at the age of 20 and 50 Thursday. to SARS-CoV-2, including what drives a known as interferon-stimulated genes and one doesn't have to go through the A person who has got registration as strong or weak response to infection," (ISGs), which act to limit SARS-CoV-2 whole OCI card renewal process again," an OCI cardholder prior to attaining the says Chanda, professor and director of infection. Dr Thomas Abraham chairman of the age of 20 years will have to get the OCI the Immunity and Pathogenesis Based on knowledge gleaned from Global organization of People of Indian card re-issued only once when a new Program and lead author of the study. SARS-CoV-1, the virus that caused a Origin (GOPIO) told PTI on Thursday. passport is issued after his/her "We've gained new insights into how deadly, but relatively brief, outbreak of "This will also encourage more completing 20 years of age, so as to the virus exploits the human cells it disease from 2002 to 2004, and knowing overseas Indians to become OCIs and it capture his/ her facial features on invades, but we are still searching for its that it was similar to SARS-CoV-2, the will benefit India, through their travel, attaining adulthood. If a person has Achille's heel so that we can develop investigators were able to develop business and investment in India," he obtained registration as an OCI optimal antivirals." laboratory experiments to identify the said. cardholder after attaining the age of 20 Soon after the start of the pandemic, ISGs that control viral replication in Highly popular among overseas years, there will be no requirement of re- clinicians found that a weak interferon COVID-19. (Read full story at Indians, the OCI card provides long term issue of the OCI card. (Read full story response to SARS-CoV-2 infection www.theindianpanorama.news) visa-free travel and stay in India and at www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 05 Indian American Table Indian American Artist Madhuri Tennis Stars Kanak Jha, Nikhil Kumar qualify for US Srikanth to display her art in Milan Olympic team CHARLOTTE, NC (TIP): Madhuri at the Truist Bank, Srikanth has Srikanth, an Indian American artist developed strong command over various with roots in Telangana state is all set to forms of paintings, without any formal showcase her works at "Romantica", an training. international art exhibition at Milan, From color portraits to murals, from Italy from April 23 to May 3. sand art to Tanjore paintings, Srikanth Born in Nalgonda, Cary town, North has done some exceptionally great works Indian American table tennis stars Kanak Jha Carolina resident Srikanth is the lone in at least six forms of paintings. and Nikhil Kumar are among six players artist of Indian descent invited to Three of her works to be showcased at chosen to represent the US at the Tokyo showcase her works at the exhibition the exhibition are: Olympic Summer Games set to open July 23. organized by M.A.D.S., a contemporary Benevolent Buddha (Acrylic painting art gallery. on a clay board); Size: 24 inches x 18 NEW YORK (TIP): Indian "I consider this as a great opportunity Madhuri will showcase her works of art at inches. American table tennis stars Kanak Jha for me to showcase the traditions and "Romantica", an international art exhibition Golden Geisha (Tanjore painting with and Nikhil Kumar are among six culture of India on an international at Milan, Italy from April 23 to May 3. .22 carat gold, semi-precious stones players chosen to represent the US at platform," says the self-taught painter origin born or living in the United States accompanying with poster colors on the Tokyo Olympic Summer Games set who expresses her dreams through to make painting their manner of wooden panel); Size: 11 inches x 14 to open July 23. In all, 118 athletes have canvas. expression." inches. so far qualified for the US Olympic "This festival opens doors to Inspired by her mother's Rangoli as a Shadow Sway (Tanjore painting with team, which should be more than 500 possibilities of showcasing art in a kid, Srikanth started dealing with colors .22 carat gold, semi-precious stones, and total athletes come the July 23 Opening different light, with colors becoming the from a young age. Her innate talent was Swarovski crystals accompanying with Ceremony, according to NBC Sports. messengers of thought and memory," she recognized in school, when she received poster colors on wooden panel); Size: 11 Many of the qualified athletes stated in a press release. accolades at the national level, and ever inches x 14 inches. needed to be re-confirmed by their "By setting an example, I would also since there has been no looking back. All the paintings are priced at $2,000 national governing body and US like to encourage more girls of Indian A mother of two, and Vice-President, each. Olympic and Paralympic Committee following the Olympic postponement to 2021. But there are no signs that any Indian American Politicians, Groups Indian American Congressman wants April as of their spots are in jeopardy, it said. Welcome George Floyd Verdict "Sikh Awareness Month'' in Illinois Kumar and three others - Juan Liu, former Chinese national team player, WASHINGTON WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian Huijing Wang, and Xin Zhou - qualified (TIP): Several Indian American Congressman Raja for the games at a competition in 2020. American lawmakers Krishnamoorthi has entered a The four qualifiers joined Jha and Lily and groups have statement into the Congressional record Zhang, who had previously qualified. welcomed the decision to recognize April as 'Sikh appreciation Jha and Zhang qualified for the of a federal grand jury and awareness month' in his home state games by merit of being the highest in Minneapolis of Illinois. ranked American in their gender in holding Derek Congressman Raja Underscoring the importance of the the February ITTF World Rankings Several Indian American lawmakers and Chauvin, a former Krishnamoorthi has recognition, Raja Krishnamoorthi said 2020. Jha is 25th, while Zhang is 28th. entered a statement into groups have welcomed the Jury verdict police officer, guilty on there has been a disturbing rise in hate Jha's career-high ranking to date holding Derek Chauvin, a former police the Congressional record all three counts in the crimes and violent acts perpetrated was 22nd in September 2019. The officer, guilty on all three counts in the to recognize April as 'Sikh death of George Floyd. death of African appreciation and against the Sikh-American community. Milpitas, California, based table tennis American George awareness month' in his "Madam Speaker, today I rise to player made his Olympic debut in Rio Floyd. home state of Illinois recognize the month of April as "Sikh in 2016, competing in both singles and "Justice was served today but convicting Derek Chauvin appreciation and awareness month'' in my home state of doubles. In the 2014 ITTF Men's World won't fix the system that continues to terrorize and kill Illinois," Raja Krishnamoorthi said in a statement submitted Cup, Jha became the youngest ever to Black lives. It won't bring back George Floyd," into Congressional record. play in the world cup at age 14. Two Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said. This recognition, he said, is timely,given the disturbing rise in years later, he became the first athlete "Black lives matter - and we must keep fighting for them hate crimes and violent acts perpetrated against Sikh- born in the 2000s to qualify for a US by passing the Justice in Policing Act and transforming Americans, most recently on April 15 at a Federal Express Olympic Team. policing," Ms Jayapal said. facility located in Indianapolis in which four Sikhs, including He competed at the Summer Youth Congressman Ro Khanna said: "This verdict brought three women, were killed. Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 and accountability. I hope it will be the first of many. But it The first followers of the Sikh religion emigrated to the United earned bronze, the first men's Olympic doesn't change the fact that George Floyd should still be States over 125 years ago, where they found work on farms or Youth Olympic table tennis medal alive today. We now must pass the Justice in Policing Act." located in California and in the lumber mills of Washington for the US. In July 2019, Jha became "My heart remains with the Floyd family. His life state, he said. the first American to four-peat - fourth mattered. Black lives matter," said the lawmaker Despite suffering persecution and discrimination, these consecutive or first place finish by a representing Silicon Valley in the US House of patriotic Sikh-Americans persevered and found ways to single participant - in men's singles at Representatives. participate in civic life, including service in the United States the national championships. Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera tweeted: Army, he added. Kumar played in his first major "Justice has been served." "In 1918, Sergeant Bhagat Singh Thind was the first tournament when he was eight. The "Grateful for justice. My heart goes out to the Floyd serviceman in the history of the United States Army allowed to San Jose, California, based left-handed family," said Neera Tanden, president of Center for wear a turban as part of his military uniform. Sikh-Americans player won the Mini Cadet Boys American Progress. continued to proudly serve with distinction in the Second World Singles Championship at the 2016 The South Asian Bar Association of North America War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and in our conflicts in China Junior and Cadet Open-ITTF applauded the jury verdict that found Chauvin guilty on all Afghanistan and Iraq," Raja Krishnamoorthi said. Golden Series Junior circuit. counts. In addition to military service, Sikh-Americans have made In 2016, he was part of an India "While this verdict was a step in the right direction, it is countless contributions to our common good, he said. Community Center contingent that only one step in a broader fight against the systemic racism "They include scientists like Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, who claimed 19 gold, 14 silver and 18 bronze within our country," SABA said. is widely known as the 'father of fiber optic technology'' and Dr. medals at the 2016 US National "Justice was served today,but justice must be served every Gurtej Singh Sandhu, one of the world's most prolific inventors. Championship event in Las Vegas, day," said Rippi Gill, president of SABA North America. They include artists and musicians like Grammy nominee Nevada. In 2020, Kumar became the "We must not let our guard down, and we must continue to Snatam Kaur Khalsa, and activist and award-winning filmmaker second youngest US table tennis player fight against the racism and violence plaguing our Valarie Kaur," Raja Krishnamoorthi said. (Read full story to qualify for the Olympic Games at communities throughout the country," he said. at www.theindianpanorama.news) just 17. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 06 Indian American engineer behind NASA’s Ingenuity’s historic Mars flight

HOUSTON (TIP): An Indian Institute of Technology envision flying on Mars, a planet with an atmosphere (IIT), Madras trained Indian American robotics that is only 1% as dense as Earth's. technologist Bob Balaram is the man behind Monday, He compares it to flying on Earth at a 100,000-foot April 19 history making flight of NASA's Ingenuity altitude - about seven times higher than a typical Mars Helicopter on the Red Planet. terrestrial helicopter can fly. The 19.3-inch-tall, 4-pound Ingenuity with no science Another challenge was that the copter could carry instruments inside its tissue-box-size, fuselage became only a few kilograms, including the weight of batteries the first aircraft in history to make a powered, and a radio for communications. controlled flight on another planet on April 19. "You can't just throw mass at it, because it needed to The solar-powered helicopter first became airborne fly," he says. It dawned on Balaram that it was like at 3:34 a.m. EDT - 12:33 Local Mean Solar Time (Mars building a new kind of aircraft that just happens to be a time) - climbing to its prescribed maximum altitude of spacecraft. 10 feet and maintained a stable hover for 30 seconds. And because it is a "passenger" on a flagship mission, It then descended, touching back down on the surface he says, "we have to guarantee 100% that it will be safe." of Mars after logging a total of 39.1 seconds of flight, Once it was built, Balaram says, the question was, according to the Ingenuity team at the agency's Jet "How do you test this beast? There's no book saying Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. how." The US space agency hailed the achievement as "our Because there is no easily accessible place on Earth Wright brothers moment." Balaram, Ingenuity's chief with a thin atmosphere like the one on Mars, they ran engineer, said the helicopter was in fine fettle following tests in a vacuum chamber and the 25-foot Space Bob Balaram is the man behind Monday, April 19 history the maiden run." making flight of NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Simulation Chamber at JPL. " She's even healthier than she was before this flight - "Bob is the inventor of our Mars Helicopter. He she shook off some of her dust that had been covering time" told him that the rotorcraft that rode to the Red innovated the design and followed up on that vision to the solar panels and is in fact producing even more Planet aboard NASA's Perseverance was a "crazy idea." its fruition as chief engineer through all phases of solar energy than before," he said. Although Balaram probably didn't know it at the design, development and test," says project manager The success of Mars helicopter "basically opens up a time, the seed for an idea like this sprouted for him in MiMi Aung. whole new dimension of exploring Mars," Balaram said the 1960s Apollo era, during his childhood in south "Whenever we encountered a technical roadblock - in February. India. and we encountered many roadblocks - we always In March, Balaram revealed for the first time that His uncle wrote to the US Consulate, asking for turned to Bob, who always carries an inexhaustible set Ingenuity is carrying a small piece of cloth that covered information about NASA and space exploration. The of potential solutions to be considered. Come to think of one of the wings of the Wright brothers' first aircraft bulging envelope they sent back, stuffed with glossy it, I don't think I have ever seen Bob feeling stuck at any that achieved the first powered flight on Earth at Kitty booklets, entranced young Bob. point!" Balaram points out that in addition to the usual Hawk in 1903, to pay tribute to the milestone. His interest in space was piqued further by listening "seven minutes of terror" experienced by the team on For Balaram, who joined NASA in 1986 after getting a to the Moon landing on the radio. "I gobbled it up," he Earth during a Mars landing, once the helicopter is on bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the says. "Long before the internet, the US had good Mars and attempting to fly,"This is the seven seconds of IIT, Madras and a master's and PhD in computer and outreach. You had my eyeballs." terror every time we take off or land." systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic In the 1990s, Balaram had proposed using a miniature Does Balaram worry about all this, even a little? Institute, it was the culmination of a 35-year career as a airborne vehicle for Earth applications on Mars. The "There's been a crisis every single week of the last six robotics technologist. idea "sat on a shelf" for 15 years before he was asked to years," he says. "I'm used to it." Balaram had his early education at Rishi Valley revive it by Charles Elachi, then director of JPL. Balaram sheds any stress that may crop up through School founded by the philosopher Jiddu Balaram and his team had eight weeks to submit a backpacking, hiking and massage, according to the Krishnamurti. proposal. Working day and night, they met the deadline NASA article about him. He is the second prominent engineer of Indian-origin with two weeks to spare. Although it was not selected as There's also his very supportive wife, Sandy, who to feature in Nasa's Mars Mission after Swati Mohan, an instrument, NASA decided to fund the helicopter for bears a title within the team and her own acronym: who is the lead operations engineer of the Mars Rover flight as a technology demonstration. CMO, or Chief Morale Officer. Perseverance. Balaram describes the task of build a helicopter to fly She has regularly baked cakes, pies and other goodies Recounting the saga of how it all began, Balaram told on Mars as a perfectly blank canvas, but with for Balaram to share with his colleagues for sustenance a NASA interviewer last year that "Everyone. All the restrictions. His physics background helped him during the long process.

An Indian American mathematician working with Indian American mathematician working with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, Shuvro Biswas's cryptocurrency found floating in Hudson River body was found floating in New York's Hudson River, April 19. NEW YORK (TIP): No foul play is suspected in the "He's a really good guy. He's brilliant," he was quoted No foul play was suspected. death of an Indian American mathematician working as saying. "He went to Bronx High School of Science. He with cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence whose went on to study applied mathematics. We're still not body was found floating in New York's Hudson River. sure where things went wrong." The dead man found off West 45th Street and 12th Biswas told the media his sibling was self-employed Biswas said his family urged his younger brother to Avenue in Manhattan on Monday, April 19 was and most recently working on a cryptocurrency talk to someone. "We tried to convince him to the best of identified as Shuvro Biswas, 31, the media reported security program, and online profiles show that the our abilities to seek professional help, but he always citing police sources and his "devastated" family. younger Biswas also dabbled in artificial intelligence. denied that he needed psychiatric help," the elder His body was found near a tourist area where a The family started to see changes in Biswas' Biswas said. "He was going to a neurologist, but he decommissioned aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid, that is demeanor over the past year, but that he largely kept his wouldn't say for what." now a museum is moored and there are piers for struggles to himself, according to the deceased's In February, the management of the younger Biswas' sightseeing boats. There were no immediately apparent brother. "He was always a normal, healthy person, or so West 37th Street apartment building took him to signs of foul play, according to police sources. he led us to believe," the elder Biswas said. Manhattan Supreme Court, seeking to evict him over a Biswas' brother told the media that he and his family "The changes started coming only in the past year. He slew of alleged bizarre acts inside the building, were gutted by the news, noting that they'd tried in vain would say things that didn't make much sense from including setting fires, openly brandishing a knife and to get Biswas help as he battled apparent mental illness. time to time. He had a girlfriend, and they had a bad smearing blood inside the elevator, the media reported "We're all extremely devastated," said Biprojit Biswas, breakup, but I don't want to say that was the cause of citing court filings. 34, when reached by phone by the media. "There's no everything. He didn't really like to share much. He's a (READ FULL STORY AT words." private person." WWW.THEINDIANPANORAMA.NEWS) THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 07 On the Earth Day, Mayor Bill de Blasio commits CURBSIDE COMPOSTING to 100% electric school bus fleet by 2035 PROGRAM TO RESUME IN NY City will phase in 75 electric school buses over the next two years; To support citywide electric vehicle adoption, the administration will expand legislation that requires all new parking lots include EV charging CITY: MAYOR DE BLASIO infrastructure NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor "When people think about NEW YORK (TIP): Mayor Bill de Blasio doubled down on his Bill de Blasio announced the work of the Department commitment to reduce carbon and air pollution from vehicles by April 22, Earth Day, that the of Sanitation, all too often announcing that school buses in New York City will be electric by City of New York will resume they think it's our job just to 2035. In partnership with the City, the NYC School Bus Umbrella its world-leading Curbside make trash disappear. But we Corporation (NYCSBUS), an independent non-profit that will manage Composting Program, which are a sustainability school bus operations, is pursuing aggressive goal of having an all- had been put on hold due to organization - one of the electric school bus fleet by 2030 and becoming a model for electrified the budgetary impact of the largest municipal resource urban pupil transportation. Through a partnership with NYCSBUS, COVID-19 pandemic. This recovery operations in the the City will purchase 75 accessible electric school buses in the next new iteration of the program world," said Edward two years to advance this goal, and as part of the 960 buses they will will be available to the 3.5 Grayson, Commissioner of manage. million New Yorkers who the New York City The transition from a diesel school bus fleet to an all-electric fleet previously had curbside Department of Sanitation. "I will have significant climate, health and cost-saving impacts: The collection service, with want to thank Mayor de new fleet will reduce 30% of carbon emissions from school buses, buildings and residents able On Earth Day, April 22, Mayor Bill de Blasio for his commitment to remove enough air pollution citywide to avoid two premature deaths to voluntarily opt-in to Blasio announced resumption of this mission, and I'm excited each year, reduce asthma emergency department visits and receive free weekly curbside Curbside Composing Program to see brown bins back on respiratory and cardiac hospitalizations, and save about $18 million composting service. Enrollment will launch in the streets." in health care costs. August, with collection services set to begin in "Our students are the future leaders of New "Today(April 22- the Earth Day), we are doubling down on reducing October and expand as more buildings opt in. York City, and initiatives like our school air pollution and carbon emissions from our vehicles," said Mayor Significant expansions of community composting program will empower them with Bill de Blasio. "The clean transportation future we need is being built composting, reuse, and hazardous waste the knowledge and resources to care for our right here, right now." disposal programs are included in the environment," said Schools Chancellor Meisha "For our kids' sake, it's time to leave the internal combustion announcement as well. Porter. "We are thrilled for the return of engine behind," said Ben Furnas, Director, Office of Climate & "Today is Earth Day, but New York City's curbside composting at our schools, and we're Sustainability. "Electrifying our school buses will give our commitment to sustainability is year-round," grateful for our partners at DSNY for their schoolchildren cleaner air to breathe while confronting the climate said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "No other continued commitment to educating our crisis and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. Thank municipality ran a compost program like ours, students on the importance of reducing waste you to the Department of Education for your commitment to an all- and this new citywide program will advance the and protecting our planet." electric school bus fleet and thank you to NYCBUS for leading the cause of environmental justice in all five Read full story at way!" boroughs." www.theindianpanorama.news Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news India’s Outreach to the Indian Diaspora - Youth Perspective: Webinar by GOPIO International

well as the government. 79% of Indian diaspora each 25 and Way Forward The political clout of India's diaspora older in the United States had earned at Indian diaspora can provide the can be estimated by the fact, the role it least a bachelor's degree compared to requisite strategic impulse, which played in turning around doubting 31% of the US population overall. 44% of makes it all the more important to BY ALICIA PANASER legislators into voting for the India-U.S. Indian diaspora age 25 and elders in unlock India's potential. nuclear deal. United States at earned a master's India should formulate a new NRI Foreign Policy Front degree advanced professional degree or policy, the government must will start placing my perspective as a PhD versus 11% of the US general immediately work with developed member of youth representing Indian diaspora is not just a part of public countries to ask that they kick back a IIndian Diaspora through 4 lenses, India's soft power, but a fully Indian first-generation immigrants portion of the income tax revenues they my verticals that is Economic. Political, transferable political vote bank as well. were especially well educated and in fact collect from the Indian diaspora. Foreign Policy and Education: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's their academic achievements surpassed There is a need for a strategic Economic Front reception at Madison Square Garden, that of the second generation the Indian diaspora evacuation policy from conflict NY and later in Houston and then in diaspora was unique among the 15 zones in a world where crises Indian diaspora is one of the richest Ahmedabad is a way of thanking the countries 45% versus 39% holding the materialize without warnings and give minorities in many developed countries, Indian- American community members advanced degree Indian ancestry in the very little reaction time for this helped them to lobby for favorable who played a big part in his electronic United states did not hold true for governments. terms regarding India's interests. For campaign and election funding. woman 51% of Indian first-generation India's foreign policy aims to translate example, at 2.8 million, Indians may The institutionalization of "diaspora men and 37 of second-generation men partnerships to benefits for key projects number just 1% of the U.S. population, diplomacy" and now "Vaccine held an advanced degree whereas 38% of like Swachh Bharat, Clean Ganga, Make but they are the most educated and diplomacy" is a distinct indication for Indian first-generation woman and 41% In India, Digital India, and Skill India, richest minority,according to a 2013 Pew the fact that a country's diaspora of second-generation women hold the diaspora has plenty of scopes to survey. community has become considerably Challenges contribute. In general, migrants' remittances more important as a subject of interest VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint have positive systemic effects on the for foreign policy and associated Regulatory Cholesterol: There are Research Faculty) scheme which seeks balance of payments. Remittances of government activities. many inadequacies of the Indian to formalize a rotation program wherein $70-80 billion help to bridge a wider Education Front system for the diaspora to collaborate top NRI scientists, engineers, doctors, trade deficit. with India or to invest in the country. managers and professionals serve Political Front Attainment distinguishes the Indian Negative Fallout: It must be Indian public sector organizations for a diaspora population from the US remembered that having a strong brief period, lending their expertise- is Many people of Indian origin hold top German population, and the Indian diaspora does not always translate to a step in the right direction. political positions in many countries, in diaspora was one of the most highly benefits for the home country. Improvement in ease of doing the US itself they are now a significant educated off the 15 groups in the RAD India has had problems with negative business will go long, in enabling part of Republicans and Democrats, as analysis. campaigning and foreign funding. investments from the Indian diaspora. THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 08

and social activist Yogendra Yadav wrote AS I SEE IT the following: 'It was woefully short on everything people needed. People demanded answers; he offered none. Did Modi Government bungle People needed credible assurances; he offered empty words. People were angry at the criminal negligence of their elected Government; he trivialized their the fight against Covid? suffering by treating it as personal misfortune. It was not the speech of a Contrary to the democratically elected leader; it was an claim of the imperious ruler telling his subjects that Health Ministry all is well, they must trust him and his of India that the country government". BY GEORGE ABRAHAM produces over There is no doubt that India would 6900 metric have managed the Covid crisis better if ton Oxygen the Government based its policies on the “There is no doubt that India would annually, and advice of health experts rather than that there is no have managed the Covid crisis shortage of relying on ancient traditions and beliefs. better if the Government based its Oxygen, there Banging of the thalis, lighting candles, policies on the advice of health have been and switching off lights at a certain time credible in the evening will not end this epidemic. reports of experts rather than relying on It takes dedicated leadership that relies Oxygen ancient traditions and beliefs. shortages, on science and depends on valuable Banging of the thalis, lighting leading to advice from the country's renowned candles, and switching off lights at a deaths epidemiologists. This is just another reminder to build more hospital certain time in the evening will not facilities especially in rural areas to end this epidemic. It takes dedicated combat a sudden increase in demand in leadership that relies on science and any future crisis. Building statues and depends on valuable advice from the without safety protocols or social especially the vulnerable population. other monuments may make us proud distancing. Although on television, However, up until now, only less than 2% but will not substitute institutions that country's renowned epidemiologists. national leaders would occasionally of India's population have been fully would serve people's daily needs and This is just another reminder to appear to exhort the citizens of their vaccinated. In many cases, people are their career aspirations. build more hospital facilities solemn duty to cover their faces with still waiting for their second shot. There Although the States were raising the especially in rural areas to combat a masks, keep social distancing and have been vaccine shortages everywhere. alarm on the Pandemic, the central maintain hygiene. However, in a While there was no countrywide vaccine health ministry had it on record that sudden increase in demand in any campaign rally held by Modi in the strategy in place, the Modi government Covid is not a concern for India. On the future crisis. Building statues and constituency of Konni, Kerala, declared victory over Covid and started other hand, states like Gujarat have been other monuments may make us thousands of people were bused in from exporting them to the International vaccinating people above 18 years of age. proud but will not substitute all over the neighboring districts into a market. Notwithstanding India's Karnataka and Haryana started door-to- crowded stadium where it was almost obligation to the rest of humanity, door campaigns and vaccination camps institutions that would serve next to impossible to keep up with their Charity must begin at home. Modi in Malls. However, when the Non-BJP people's daily needs and their career own guidelines. It has happened with administration's callous behavior in this States asked for the same, the requests aspirations." BJP rallies and every other political regard has undoubtedly contributed to were said to be denied. It is time to party in contravention to the the ongoing crisis. Moreover, official examine whether this Government ndia is gasping for oxygen,' said Government's stated advisories. Then arrogance, hyper-nationalism, and treats all its citizens equally. There Rahul Gandhi, apparently referring there were cricket matches, religious bureaucratic bungling all might have appears to be a communal or regional Ito the shortage of oxygen flagged by festivals, and other crowded events that played a part in the current fiasco. angle to everything they do. Addressing several state governments as the country went on with the knowledge and consent Addressing the nation on the latest this disparity, Manmohan Singh, the is once again fighting the Covid-19 in a of the authorities who miserably failed crisis, Prime Minister Modi appears to former Prime Minister, asked the second wave which many health experts in their mission. have no answers. In the last month, the Government to be transparent about the have predicted. The seven-day average Soon, it all began to unravel as India whole focus of the leadership has been supply of vaccines expected in the now stands at 264,838, which means that started breaking records averaging more on how to take Mamata Banerjee out in coming next six months and how they this new outbreak is the largest ever than 100000 cases a day. Today, the social Bengal and take over that State for the will be distributed to states. He further recorded in the world. There is little media is full of information and pictures saffron brigade. What a clever way it was advised that "there are many things we doubt that the country appears to be in a on Covid funerals in crowded cemeteries, to stagger the elections in Bengal in eight must do to fight this epidemic, but a big severe health crisis where patients are weeping relatives, long queues of phases? Does one wonder what an insane part of this effort must be ramping up being turned away due to lack of oxygen, ambulances carrying gasping patients, idea it was to drag the polls for a month the vaccination program". He also ventilators, or even beds. mortuaries overflowing with the dead, and with huge rallies and other campaign- appealed to Modi to assist vaccine In early March, India's health minister two or more patients to a bed, and in related activities in this Covid era? To producers "with funds and other Harsh Vardhan declared that India was corridors and lobbies fighting for services, the current leadership, the focus is not concessions" so that they expand their "in the end game" of this Pandemic and tests, medicines, and even oxygen. It has the governance but the power grab, manufacturing facilities quickly. applauded Prime Minister Modi's become a sad spectacle where the ordinary whether it is overthrowing a duly elected In an exclusive interview with PTI, statesmanship in this regard. Soon, India citizen once again has become the hapless government or buying of legislators. No Priyanka Gandhi, the Congress General started shipping millions of doses of victim of this continuing tragedy. wonder then, other than offering Secretary, said constructive suggestions vaccines to foreign countries. The Underlining Government's responsibility platitudes, Government appears to have from opposition parties are dismissed as optimism about India overcoming the to provide oxygen to medical facilities, the no plans for aiding the poor or providing politicization rather than being accepted deadly virus began to surface in early Delhi court, in a recent ruling, an immediate supply of oxygen or in the spirit that the nation is in crisis, January among experts and admonished the Administration by saying vaccines to the people of India. The every single life matters, and therefore, policymakers. They were quite confident that "human lives are not important to… United States, United Kingdom, Israel, "all of us must stand together and do about bending the curve on the Covid the State. We are shocked and dismayed Japan, and China are among countries whatever we can to save lives regardless infection rate. The country had already that the Government is not seeing that that give free vaccines to their citizens. of our politics." We have yet to see suffered enough, and the people were reality… what is happening? Why is the However, States in India are told to leave whether the Government would take just eager to bring some normalcy to Government not waking up to the reality?" it to their own devices! Total vaccination heed or continue with championing of their lives. What has gone wrong? We were is the only way the world is going to its electoral politics at the expense of The election Commission of India supposed to vaccinate as many as eradicate this Pandemic. Undoubtedly, if India's welfare! soon announced key elections in five possible to arrest this Pandemic. A money becomes the criteria, the well-to- (The author is a former Chief Technology states where 186 million people were country like Israel has shown the world do will get all the shots! Officer, the United Nations, and Vice Chairman eligible to vote. Kerala was one of those that an effective way of prevention is a Commenting on Modi's speech on the of Indian Overseas Congress. He can be states where election rallies were held vaccination that would protect all, second wave of Covid, noted journalist reached at [email protected]) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 09 Prosecute Modi for COVID Deaths in India BY DAVE MAKKAR In last one year, rather than deploying resources in healthcare & vaccines; Prime Minister of India was busy in promoting himself, superstitions, quackery and mythology for Covid treatment like ringing of bells, banging of plates, clapping, lighting earthen lamps (diya) or candle, using Cow urine, Cow Dung, Quack Ramdev's Coronil, his own minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's Bhabhiji Pappad,and showering flower petals from helicopters on healthcare workers. In USA, as of April 20, 2021 an average of 3.5 million On April 21, 2021 India become number shots are administered each day and nearly 1 in 4 adults 1 country in the world for highest covid are now fully vaccinated. According to CDC about 130 million or 50.4 % of the adult population have been infections with 314,644 cases vaccinated, 86.2 million or 33.5% of the adult AND 2,104 deaths, beating USA with population from 18 & above had been fully vaccinated. Vaccine doesn't mean second wave won't infect. Many 300,669 infections & 3,895 deaths on have been infected despite being vaccinated. But the Jan. 8, 2020 in a single day. On April good of the bad, for which the second wave has not yet taken the form of an epidemic in America is the 21,2021 Covid infections in USA vaccine preparedness of this country. Today, America has 600 million Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in the haddropped to 64,853 & 879 deaths special warehouses for its 340 million people. for a single day. On top of that USA's Fiscal response to Covid is $5.3 Trillion for 340 Million people with $12,900.00 direct cash payment to a family of 4 making less than $75,000.00 plus weekly Unemployment and Covid allowance. Modi'sfiscal response is $90 Billion (IMF data) for 1,400 Million people with no direct cash payment or unemployment to its citizens not even to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary steps poorest of the poor. In May 2020, a European-led fund-raising effort administrations even going back to Nehru, and his own brought $8 billion in pledges from the world's ministers. People around him worship him like a Deity, governments, philanthropists and leaders for once his minister now Vice President Naidu said,"Modi coronavirus vaccine research.By Aug 2020, US, UK & is a gift to the nation from God". Recently, Modi, to look EU with a combined population of 800 million had taller than one of the founding fathers,Sardar Vallabh placed orders for 850 million doses of vaccine. In Bhai Patel, replaced Patel's name with his at the biggest contrast, India with 1,400 million population under Stadium in India. Modi, placed its first order of 16.5 million doses in Jan. Since Dec. 2020 the number of daily infections was 300,000 plus covid positive cases on April 21, 2021 2021 and later, 100 million to the domestic producer going up. A spokesmanof Modi, citing that reason, Serum Institute of India. A control-freak instinct took announced that the Kumbh Mela will not start on over Modi and he announced only Center would buy the Makar Sankrantion Jan 14, 2021 but on March 11 and vaccines. There will not be any private buying. Non- will end on April 10, 2021. It was not that Modi cared BJP ruled states like Punjab, Kerala, Maharashtra and about people getting infected and dying; he was more Delhi have accused the Centre of not supplying enough concerned about 5 state assembly elections and vaccines. Modi "Nationalized" India's private vaccine influencing Hindu voters with Kumbh Mela. In January industry and now Indians are paying with their lives. 2021, the rate of infections was much higher, still in Feb Since Modi had no clear vision or plan or will or 2021, BJP declared Victory on Covid under the able honesty on vaccinating Indians; instead of vaccinating leadership of Modi by passing a resolution. 1400 million Indians in the country, sent vaccines and medical supplies to 23 countries to assure India's victory is all around! Knowingly that India is only 1 % T fully vaccinated and 7 % has got one shot! Since Dec 2020 rate of infections was rapidly increasing and Modi ignored it, now when Covid has become epidemic, Modi 2,000 plus deaths on April 21, 2021 is asking for Moderna and Pfizer vaccines from America! I mean Modi is forced!! The search for popularity is really a staircase to go down. Modi must rump lost elections because of his initial sloppy understand that the procession of dead bodies cannot handling of Covid and rising Covid infections & be stopped by promoting WhatsApp University. When Tdeaths. Voters punished himfor that despite his the dead bodies will talk, can hisfans of WhatsApp administration worked on a war footing to get/develop University then stop this? vaccines by different Pharma companies for the entire n last one year, rather than deploying resources in world.Under Operation Warp Speed initiated in April- healthcare & vaccines; Prime Minister of India was May 2020, billions of dollars were given to Pharma Ibusy in promoting himself, superstitions, quackery companies in USA, UK & EU countries for rapid and mythology for Covid treatment like ringing of development of a Vaccine. His administration totally bells, banging of plates, clapping, lighting revamped the healthcare infrastructure from testing earthenlamps (diya) or candle, using Cow urine, Cow tomedical supplies manufactured in USA, to Dung, Quack Ramdev's Coronil,his own minister Arjun availability of additional beds. Ram Meghwal's Bhabhiji Pappad and showering flower On Sep. 18, 2020, USA had 48,887 infections with 949 petalsfrom helicopters on healthcare workers. deaths and on that day, Indiahad peaked with 93,337 Asia's richest person Mukesh Ambani & his family BJP declared Victory on Covid under the able leadership of Modi in a resolution, February,2021 infections and 1,290 deaths. Think about it, India got were seen banging bells made of gold to scare Covid to almost a year. So did America. The second wave is go away on the call of Modi! hitting in America too, and the entire world. Entire Unfortunately, Modi is surrounded by "Yes Men" hat ebullient mood was communicated across the universe knew about it that there will be a second and although some of them are highly educated,not country. It is not that they wanted to get the third wave. The only way humanity can be saved is uneducated like Modi, but they also believe in Teconomy going but wanted to get back to rapid vaccination. Still Modi had no clear vision or plan superstitions, quackery, and mythology. Modi takes campaigning. or will or honesty on vaccinating Indians. credit for every work including work done by previous CONTD ON PAGE 10 THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 10

CONTD FROM PAGE 9 CEC, ignoring the infection numbers in Feb & partial March 2021 declared the election dates for 5 State assembly elections starting from March 27 and ending on April 29. The worst hit was West Bengal with voting in 8 phases from March 27 to April 29, followed by Assam in 3 phases and Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry on April 6 in a single phase. An 8-phase election in Bengal for whole 1 monthand a 3 phase in Assam gave to BJP an edge to play Hindu-Muslim card. It also gave Virus a chance to skyrocket again because of mega election rallies of BJP, being the 2nd super spreader after the Kumbh Mela that was attracting 1 million devotees a day with a total of 100 million celebrants in a month -long festivities with no mask and no social distancing ! BJP gave a full-page advertisement in local and national newspapers with Modi's picture to invite people for Kumbh Mela and election rallies. All of this was done when the country was already grappling with a COVID-19 exponential surge on day-to-day basis.

Amit Shah at a road show in Bengal, April 21,2021 No mask, no social distancing! Compare this with a strict lockdown when India had just over 500 cases.

ince 2014, there is a Hindu vs minority, including lower castes, SHindus and especially Muslims, narrative being promoted in India. It is a narrative to turn Indians against each other; to turn fellow countrymen against each other that they must hate each other based on their religion and caste. This is a sloppy, lazy and promiscuous argument that has been spreading in India since BJP gave a full-page advertisement in local and national newspapers with Modi's picture to invite people for Kumbh Mela. Image / Courtesy The Hindu, March 31,2021 Modi took power in 2014. After the infections crossed 100,000 in a single day on April 6, 2021, Serum Institute asked for Rs 3,000 crore grant from the government so they can increase production. On April 21,2021, CEO of Serum Institute of India Adar India's health scenario: 3 on a bed in a Poonawalla told CNBC-TV18 on a hospital question of price of vaccine. He said that GOI had only contracted for 100 million doses. Once the supplies were completed, SII revised the price. The new prices are Rs150 for the Center, Rs 400 for states and Rs 600 for Private Hospitals. What Corona did last year -the first wave in India- that was just a trailer of a Tsunami. Because the first wave virus strain came from abroad. The basic immunity level of Indians is a little higher because 70-80% have been living in poor hygienic conditions, breathing foul air and drinking contaminated water. These are some of the benefits of growing up in an immature country! Modi ignored the warnings of epidemiologists who insisted that India would see a deadly second wave of Covid.The second wave has three major strains - they are so indigenous that they have mutated Indians in their immune system like in non-home ground adventure. It means, the Second Wave with domestic viruses ismuch more aggressive and much more infectious" and was now predominately affecting young people. Now it is people in their 20s and 30s who are having very severe symptoms and themortality rate among the young people is high. There is a shortage of beds, shortage of oxygen, shortage of drugs, shortage of vaccines, shortage of testing. Some have died waiting in the hospitals for want of oxygen. Some others died at the hospital entrances waiting to be admitted for necessary treatment. India is going to have catastrophic loss of human lives in the coming A Covid patient waits in a car for admittance to the hospital in Ahmedabad months and Modi is responsible for all lives lost till now and the ones that will elections. He should be held responsible forculpable homicide of thousands be lost. Modi's incompetence to deal with the fearful situation can no longer upon thousands of children, young men and young women,old men and old be hidden. It speaks loud in his lack of any vision or plan to deal with the women of India. Will justice be done? crisis, his criminal negligence of the urgent health care needs of the people (COMPILED & EDITED BY DAVE MAKKAR) in preference for his favorite sport-electioneering- and the mad desire to win THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-INDIA FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 11 ‘National emergency’: SC wants plan on Covid situation, oxygen supply NEW DELHI (TIP): Taking suo motu notice to the Centre and said it would hear cognisance of the current wave of the the matter on April 23. Covid-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court on The SC-appointed senior advocate Thursday, April 22, asked the Centre to Harish Salve as an amicus curiae to assist put in place a "national plan" on issues it in the suo motu proceedings. including supply of oxygen and essential "We, as a bench and as a court, wish to drugs for the treatment of patients take suo motu cognisance of certain infected, and method of vaccination. issues," the bench told Solicitor General The apex court's notice to the Centre Tushar Mehta."One high court thinks comes on a day when India recorded the there is priority for one group while the world's biggest spike-19 in Covid cases - other thinks there is priority for others. 3.14 lakh infections and more than 2,104 We want to know with regard to four deaths in a day. issues -- supply of oxygen, supply of Noting that India was currently facing a essential drugs, method and manner of "national emergency-like situation", the vaccination. We want to keep the power to SC bench led by Chief Justice of India SA declare lockdown to the State and this Bobde said, "We want to see the national should not be by judicial decision..," the plan on this issue." bench added. The SC bench observed that at present As the SC stated that it would issue six high courts, including Delhi, Bombay, notice to the Centre and hear the matter Sikkim, Odisha, Calcutta and Allahabad, tomorrow, Mehta asked the bench were hearing matters related to Covid-19 Relatives wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) attend the funeral of a man who died of whether the government would respond to preparedness. "It's creating diversion and COVID-19 at a crematorium in New Delhi. Photo source: Reuters the high courts on the Covid-19 issues confusion," the CJI said. pending there. It said these high courts are exercising Calcutta and Allahabad. Now they are issue a notice to the Centre on four issues The top court said the Centre may their jurisdictions in bona fide and in the exercising their jurisdiction in best -- supply of oxygen; supply of essential present the national plan to the high best interest. interest. But what is happening is some drugs; - method and manner of courts. The bench also observed that it "We wish to take suo motu cognisance of kind of confusion and diversion of vaccination; and power to declare might withdraw certain issues pending certain issues we find in six High Courts - resources," the Chief Justice noted. lockdown.The bench, also comprising before the high court and deal with them. Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, The bench, therefore, said that it will Justices LN Rao and SR Bhat, issued Source: Livemint Dialysis patients are at high risk to contract Corona-19 virus 30-40 percent already got afflicted in India: Nephrology Expert

dialysis patients died within 28 days of admission to the ICU. The overall mortality among dialysis patients with Covid-19 was approximately 20 percent in two such studies". When asked, so what do we do? Vaccinate all? He said, "Obviously yes, but remember vaccinating a By Dr Yash Goyal country as big as ours is not going to be a cake walk, vaccination generates an Covid-19 be kind immunity over a period of enough to my Kidneys!! weeks to month, so it's not a CAny patient having ready solution either, also diabetes or Kidney illness can be Dr Luvdeep Dogra, DM Nephrology unfortunately we don't have apprehensiveof virus attack enough evidence on how much it specially during ongoing second hospitals frequently it's no A Patient on dialysis at Narayana Hospital, Jaipur protects dialysis patients from wave of pandemic in India at surprise that COVID is usually Covid infection". least where it has spiked multi- Photo/ Dr Luvdeep Dogra under detected, more severe and So what next? On another quiz fold in just one month of April. disease and secondly is kidney diabetes mellitus, he says fast progressing in patients with he said, "It's high time we Not long ago a new disease diseases which have been adding, 16 percent of patients kidney disease and obviously understand the importance of Covid-19 was found (may be described in patients with are suffering from diabetes and this is in proportion to the prevention, it's easy too. Just invented) in humans which severe SARS-CoV-2". hypertension. severity of Kidney disease. follow a "Covid healthy beyond anyone's imagination "Like any severe infection it's The dialysis patients are at Quoting a recent study from behaviour", always wear mask changed the entire world for rather naive to think that high risk to contract prevalent Journal American Society when you have people around such a long period of time that COVID doesn't affect the kidney, Corona virus, quoting recent Nephrology (July, August you or you go out, maintain it's hard to find a precedent for it does involve the kidney and findings Dr Luvdeep points out, 2020),titled: "High Prevalence of social distancing, limit the same. can cause a host of diseases "Patients visiting hospitals for Asymptomatic Covid-19 unnecessary visits and visitors Dr Luvdeep Dogra, DM including a new onset kidney dialysis twice/thrice every week Infection in Haemodialysis and then follow a good hand Nephrology @ Narayana disease to worsening of an and 10 times in a month are Patients Detected Using hygiene". Hospital in Rajasthan's state already ageing kidney to susceptible to the deadly virus. Serological Screening", he said, Is it that difficult? He smiled capital, Jaipur told a few media something as severe as a So far 30-40 percent patients "Patients with ESKD (End Stage saying, "An appropriate persons on Gmail Meet, "We rejection in a functioning graft", went on dialysis got afflicted Kidney Disease) may also be at behaviour may be our sole recognised early that this can be Dr Luvdeep says. with the virus in the country". an increased risk of dying from protection until we vaccinate a deadly disease and has an As per Centre for Disease While interacting Dr Luvdeep Covid-19. In one study, for our population to a critical level immense potential to send Control (CDC), USA, one out of 8 revealed many fact saying example, nearly one third of to develop 'herd-immunity' and shivers across the world. Today persons (12-15 per cents of patients with kidney diseases hospitalised dialysis patients beyond that too. Follow these we talk on two aspects, first, population) kidney related are inherently with Covid-19 died. In another precautions as Covid is COVID in a patient with kidney diseases that mostly include immunocompromised and visit study, one half of critically ill merciless in its ways!" THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 12 ‘Time to do the right thing’ on climate, Greta Thunberg tells U.S. Congress WASHINGTON (TIP): "I don't believe rejoined the Paris agreement in Khanna said in a statement released for a second that you will actually do February, after former President Donald prior to the hearing. this," she lectured the lawmakers of the Trump pulled out. Khanna asked Thunberg if it would be House Oversight Committee's Thunberg, whose activism began at a "gut punch" to the global environmental subcommittee. age 15 when she started skipping school environmental movement if fossil fuel Swedish climate activist Greta on Fridays to protest outside the Swedish subsidies are not eliminated in Biden's Thunberg warned U.S. lawmakers parliament for climate change, voiced current $2.3 plan to overhaul U.S. Thursday, April 22 that history will hold pessimism. infrastructure. them accountable for climate "I don't believe for a second that you "Yes, pretty much, that's a good catastrophes if they do not stop will actually do this," she lectured the description," Thunberg replied. subsidizing the fossil fuel industry lawmakers of the House Oversight The senior Republican on the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg before it is too late. Committee's environmental subcommittee, Ralph Norman, rejected Photo Credit/ AFP Thunberg, 18, whose activism has subcommittee. "doomsday scenarios" about climate. He inspired a global movement, testified "You still have time to do the right said children had been greatly affected fossil fuel use. She says pledges by virtually to a House of Representatives thing and to save your legacies, but that by the fear of climate change, and asked various countries to halve greenhouse panel on the day President Joe Biden window of time is not going to last for Thunberg why she had said previously gas emissions over the next decade are began a virtual two-day Earth Day long," Thunberg said. "We the young that she wanted people to "panic" about insufficient. summit pledging to slash U.S. people are the ones who are going to it. Biden has called for replacing fossil greenhouse gas emissions in half by write about you in the history books ... "By that I mean that I want people to fuel subsidies with incentives for clean 2030. So, my advice for you is to choose wisely." step out of their comfort zones, and not energy production as part of his "The simple fact, and uncomfortable The subcommittee chairman, just see the climate crisis as a distant infrastructure plan, but the plan has not fact, is that if we are to live up to our Representative Ro Khanna, is pressuring threat, but rather as something that is specified which tax breaks for fossil fuel promises and commitments in Paris, we Biden, a fellow Democrat, to keep a impacting people already today," companies would be targeted. have to end fossil fuel subsidies ... now," campaign promise to end fossil fuel Thunberg said. Khanna listed some tax breaks he Thunberg said, referring to the subsidies such as tax breaks and Thunberg, who was Time magazine's wants repealed, including one called international 2016 Paris Climate Change regulatory loopholes. "We appreciate person of the year in 2019 for her work on intangible drilling costs, which allows Agreement. that President Biden ran on ending fossil climate change, has denounced the producers to deduct most costs from The United States under Biden fuel subsidies. But the details matter," "madness" of government subsidies for drilling new wells. 2 million more Economic Impact Payments disbursed under the American Rescue Plan; total reaches approximately 161 million as payments continue WASHINGTON (TIP): The Internal payment based on their recently Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of processed 2020 tax returns. This batch to get all the benefits they're entitled to the Treasury, and the Bureau of the included nearly 700,000 of these "plus-up" under the law, including tax credits such Fiscal Service announced, April 22, they payments, with a value of nearly $1.2 as the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, the are disbursing nearly 2 million payments billion. Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income in the sixth batch of Economic Impact Another 600,000 payments went to Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 tax return will Payments from the American Rescue Social Security beneficiaries and also assist the IRS in determining Plan. Supplemental Security Income whether someone is eligible for an Today's announcement brings the total recipients, including those with foreign advance payment of the 2021 Child Tax disbursed so far to approximately 161 addresses. Credit, which will begin to be disbursed million payments, with a total value of Overall, this sixth batch of payments this summer. more than $379 billion, since these contains about 900,000 direct deposit For example, some federal benefits payments began rolling out to payments (with a total value of $1.5 recipients may need to file a 2020 tax Americans in batches as announced on billion) and nearly 1.1 million paper return - even if they don't usually file - to March 12. check payments (with a total value of provide information the IRS needs to available for qualifying people. The sixth batch of payments began nearly $1.8 billion). send payments for a qualifying The IRS reminds taxpayers that the processing on Friday, April 16, with an Additional information is available on dependent. Eligible individuals in this income levels in this new round of official payment date of April 21, with the first five batches of Economic Impact group should file a 2020 tax return as Economic Impact Payments have some people receiving direct payments Payments from the American Rescue quickly as possible to be considered for changed. This means that some people in their accounts earlier as provisional Plan, which began processing on April 9, an additional payment for their won't be eligible for the third payment or pending deposits. Here is additional April 2, March 26, March 19 and March qualifying dependents. even if they received a first or second information on this batch of payments: 12. People who don't normally file a tax Economic Impact Payment or claimed a In total, this batch includes nearly 2 The IRS will continue to make return and don't receive federal benefits 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments million payments with a value of nearly Economic Impact Payments on a weekly may qualify for these Economic Impact will begin to be reduced for individuals $3.4 billion. basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to Payments. This includes those making $75,000 or above in Adjusted Nearly 700,000 payments, with a value eligible individuals for whom the IRS experiencing homelessness, the rural Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing of more than $1.3 billion, went to eligible previously did not have information to poor and others. Individuals who didn't jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals for whom the IRS previously issue a payment but who recently filed a get a first or second round Economic individuals ($160,000 for married filing did not have information to issue an tax return, as well to people who qualify Impact Payment or got less than the full jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Economic Impact Payment but who for "plus-up" payments. amounts may be eligible for the 2020 Incomes above these levels are ineligible recently filed a tax return. Special reminder for those who don't Recovery Rebate Credit, but they'll need for a payment. This batch also includes additional normally file a tax return to file a 2020 tax return. See the special Individuals can check the Get My ongoing supplemental payments for Although payments are automatic for section on IRS.gov: Claiming the 2020 Payment tool on IRS.gov to see the people who earlier this year received most people, the IRS continues to urge Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't payment status of these payments. payments based on their 2019 tax returns people who don't normally file a tax required to file a tax return. Additional information on Economic but are eligible for a new or larger return and haven't received Economic Free tax return preparation is Impact Payments is available on IRS.gov. THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 13 Treasury Department and Vanita Gupta scripts history IRS provide safe harbor for small businesses to claim as first Indian-American US deductions relating to first- round Paycheck Protection associate attorney general Program loans

WASHINGTON (TIP): Prominent Philadelphia area, Gupta has had an Indian-American civil rights lawyer illustrious career of fighting for civil Vanita Gupta has been confirmed by the rights. US Senate as associate attorney general, She received her Bachelor of Arts making her the first person of color to degree from Yale University and Juris WASHINGTON (TIP): The occupy the third highest position at the Doctor from New York University. Treasury Department and the Internal Department of Justice. At the age of 28, she started her career Revenue Service, on April 22, issued Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund where Revenue Procedure 2021-20 for certain broke away from her party colleagues to she successfully overturned the businesses that received first-round support Gupta (46), giving the Democrats wrongful drug convictions of 38 Black Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 51 votes to see her through the historic Americans in Tulia, Texas. loans but did not deduct any of the It has been a hard-fought Senate confirmation on Wednesday, April 21. original eligible expenses because they confirmation for prominent Indian-American While at the American Civil Liberties The Senate voted 51-49 to confirm civil rights lawyer Vanita Gupta. The Senate Union (ACLU), she fought to end mass relied on guidance issued before the Gupta. voted 51-49 to confirm Gupta. incarceration and secured a landmark enactment of tax relief legislation in Vice President Kamala Harris was settlement against the Immigration and December of 2020. present in the Senate to cast her vote in Gupta is also the first civil rights Customs Enforcement (ICE) on behalf of Under prior guidance, businesses case of a tie. The two parties have 50 lawyer to serve at one of the top three immigrant children that led to the end of that received PPP loans to cover members each in the 100-seat United positions at the Department of Justice. family detention at the facility. payroll costs, interest on covered States Senate. Senate Majority Leader, Senator From 2014 to 2017, Gupta served as the mortgage obligations, covered rent "Congratulations to Vanita Gupta on Chuck Schumer, who played a key role in assistant attorney general for civil rights obligation payments, and covered making history as the first woman of her confirmation, said Gupta is the first- under President Barack Obama, where utility payments could not deduct color to serve as associate attorney ever woman of color and civil rights she advanced criminal justice reform, corresponding expenses. general. Now, I urge the Senate to attorney to serve in the role. prosecuted hate crimes, protected voting With the Dec. 27, 2020, enactment of confirm Kristen Clarke. Both are "She will bring a long overdue rights and fought against the Consolidated Appropriations Act, eminently qualified, highly respected perspective to our federal law discrimination. 2021, businesses now may claim these lawyers who are dedicated to advancing enforcement agency," he said. Indian-American groups deductions even though they received racial equity and justice," President Joe The daughter of Indian immigrants congratulated Gupta on her historic PPP loans to cover original eligible Biden said. who was born and raised in the confirmation. (With inputs from PTI) expenses. These businesses can use the safe harbor provided by this guidance to deduct those expenses on the return U.S. House passes bill to make for the immediately subsequent year. Washington, D.C., the 51st state US warns against travel More information on COVID-19 related tax relief for business can be By a vote of 216-208, the Democratic-controlled found on IRS.gov House approved the initiative with no Republican to 80% nations amid support. US jobless claims fall to WASHINGTON (TIP): surge in Covid cases 5,47,000, another The U.S. House of Representatives on "If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated pandemic low Thursday, April 22, before travel": CDC About 17.4 million people were narrowly voted, for the continuing to collect second time in less than a WASHINGTON (TIP): The US has advised its citizens to reconsider year, to make the District travelling to 80 per cent of the world. unemployment benefits in the of Columbia the 51st state, It has also warned them against travelling to India, even if they are week that ended April 3 sending it to the Senate where it faces stiff Republican fully vaccinated as there is a 'very high level' of Covid-19 in the country. WASHINGTON (TIP): The number opposition. They have been asked The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's of Americans applying for By a vote of 216-208, the Democratic-controlled House (CDC) released travel recommendations by destination. The CDC uses unemployment aid fell last week to approved the initiative with no Republican support. The science-based Travel Health Notices to alert travelers about health 5,47,000, a new low since the pandemic population of Washington, D.C. is heavily Democratic. threats around the world and advises on how to protect themselves. struck and a further encouraging sign As a state, it likely would elect two Democratic senators, The CDC has a four-level system for Covid-19 and in that India is that layoffs are slowing on the strength potentially altering the balance of power in the Senate, placed in 'Level 4: Very high level of Covid-19'. The department noted of an improving job market. which now has 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans. that "the pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers". The Labor Department said Democrats, who have been advocating statehood for The CDC said: "If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before Thursday, April 22, that applications the capital of the United States for decades, hope to take travel. All travelers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid declined 39,000 from a revised 5,86,000 advantage of last November's election of President Joe crowds and wash hands." The State Department said it would begin to a week earlier. Weekly jobless claims Biden as well as control of the Senate and House to update its travel advisories to more closely align with those from the are down sharply from a peak of admit a new state for the first time since 1959, the year CDC. 9,00,000 in early January. Alaska and Hawaii joined the union. The advisories, it said, also take into account logistical factors, At the same time, they're still far Democrats argued statehood would fix a centuries-old including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions above the roughly 2,50,000 level that wrong of "more than 700,000 Americans citizens who for US citizens. "This update will result in a significant increase in the prevailed before the viral outbreak pay federal taxes, who fight and die in wars, who serve number of countries at Level 4: Do Not Travel, to approximately 80 per ripped through the economy in March on our juries and yet have no vote in the Senate or the cent of countries worldwide," the State Department said. of last year. House of Representatives," said Democratic Vaccinated too at risk About 17.4 million people were Representative Jan Schakowsky. "That is the definition continuing to collect unemployment of taxation without representation." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) uses science- benefits in the week that ended April 3, The new state would be named "Washington, based Travel Health Notices to alert travelers about health threats the latest period for which data is Douglass Commonwealth" after George Washington, around the world and advise on how to protect themselves. available, up from 16.9 million in the the first U.S. president, and Frederick Douglass, a The CDC has urged Americans to avoid all travel to India because of previous week. former enslaved person who became a famous the current situation there, saying even fully vaccinated travelers may (Read full story at abolitionist. be at risk for contracting Covid. www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 14 13 Covid patients in ICU killed in Maharashtra hospital fire

VIRAR (TIP): Thirteen coronavirus patients who were in the ICU have died in a fire at a hospital in Maharashtra's Virar, about 70 km from state capital Mumbai. The fire broke out at around 3 am on April 23 in the ICU on the second floor of India has the four-storeyed Vijay Vallabh Hospital, an official said. "Around 90 patients were administered admitted to the hospital at the time of the incident," Dilip Shah, CEO, Vijay Vallabh over 135 million Hospital, told reporters. Distressing visuals showed people mourning their loved ones. Chaos vaccine doses unfolded soon after the incident as ndia had administered over 135 friends and family members gathered million coronavirus vaccine doses outside the hospital, waiting for an Iby Thursday,April 22, evening even update about the patients. as the country registered a new single- The incident comes as Maharashtra day record, forcing the Supreme Court battles the second wave of coronavirus to call it a “national emergency”. and an unprecedented surge in Covid In all, 135,346,729 vaccine doses have infections. Over 67,000 fresh cases have been given in the country till now, been reported since yesterday. With a Thursday. This includes 9,241,384 total caseload of over 40 lakh infections, healthcare workers who have had their Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in the Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh facility. Around 150 patients were either first dose and 5,903,368 who have got country by the pandemic. Tope said: "In today's meeting with the oxygen-dependent or on ventilators. their second dose as well. As many as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Prime Minister, we will talk about Visuals showed gas leaking from the 11,727,708 frontline workers have had the deaths in Palghar district's Virar oxygen, Remdesivir, adequate quantity of tanker outside the hospital and dense their first dose while 6,073,622 have got "tragic". "Condolences to those who lost vaccines for the state...also the Virar fire white fumes covering the area rapidly. their second dose too. their loved ones. May the injured recover incident, it is not national news." Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh In the 45-59-year age group, 45,510,426 soon," his office quoted him as saying in After he was interrupted by the Tope promised the government will look people have got their first dose and a tweet. reporter on the number of deaths in the into the matter and conduct a thorough another 1,891,160 have had their In a statement, Chief Minister Uddhav fire, he said: "The state government will probe. second dose as well. In the 60+ Thackeray's office said he "has expressed provide all financial assistance to all "As per the information available with category, 48,501,906 people have been sorrow" over the deaths. "He has directed those affected." us, patients who were on ventilators at administered their first dose while that other patients undergoing treatment 24 Covid patients ead as tanker leak the hospital in Nashik have died. The 6,497,155 have had their second dose as should not be harmed and should be leakage was spotted at the oxygen tank well. relocated immediately. After learning disrupts oxygen supply in Nasik which was supplying oxygen to these As many as 3,016,085 vaccine doses about the fire, the Chief Minister himself Twenty-four COVID-19 patients died in patients. The interrupted supply could be were given on Thursday till 8pm, as has spoken to the concerned officials and Maharashtra's Nashik on April 21 after linked to the deaths of the patients in the per the provisional report. Of this, asked them to first of all give priority to an oxygen tanker leaked outside a hospital," Tope said. 1,435,858 beneficiaries were vaccinated extinguishing the fire completely and hospital, disrupting supply to patients Panic struck patients and their family with the first dose and 685,184 ensure that treatment on other patients for around 30 minutes. members as the oxygen supply was beneficiaries received their second continues," the official statement read. "As per current information, 24 people stopped. Heart wrenching visuals dose as well. "The cause of the fire should be have died due to the interrupted supply showed families trying to help the On Friday, India reported over properly investigated. He also directed of oxygen at the Zakir Hussain patients as they gasped for breath. 300,000 cases again, clocking 332,730 the administration to immediately municipal hospital," district collector Fire trucks were rushed to the spot to cases in the last 24 hours. With this, inquire whether the fire safety was Suraj Mandhare told NDTV. stop the leak. Videos showed water India’s trend of registering the world’s adequate and whether it was a private All the victims were on ventilators and sprayed to control the leak; the highest daily tally continues, pushing hospital," it added. in need of constant oxygen supply. Zakir firefighting team also wore protective the country’s total infection count to Speaking to reporters this morning, Hussain Hospital is a Covid-dedicated gear. 16,263,695 cases. Second wave will not affect big UAE, Singapore shut out fliers reform push, says Sitharaman from India

NEW DELHI (TIP): Union “Even that said, there are NEW DELHI (TIP): At least nine travel ban and Australia announced Finance Minister Nirmala numbers and the surge in certain jurisdictions — the United States, it will reduce the number of its Sitharaman Thursday, April 22, pockets that is so significant — as the United Kingdom, the United citizens who would be able to said the second wave of the in Delhi — we have gone in for a Arab Emirates, France, Australia, return from India and other red- Covid-19 pandemic will not week-long lockdown, which Singapore, New Zealand, Hong zone countries. affect the institutional reforms, affects the movement of goods. Kong and Oman — have imposed According to airline sources, UAE including the disinvestment Also, industry suffers because the fresh restrictions on travel to and authorities on Thursday banned all plans outlined in the Budget, movement of raw materials gets from India on account of the surge flights from India for a period of 10 although the focus right now affected. I think it’s a bit too early in Covid-19 cases. days from Sunday. The suspension was to take steps towards for me to think, and this is what I Experts watching the sector is subject to a review after 10 days. meeting the “immediate have also got as an impression closely said India currently poses In a travel advisory, Dubai-based requirement of saving lives”. from industry, that this is going to affect us the “biggest risk” of exporting new airline Emirates said: “Effective 24 Speaking at the first of a series of online, beyond this week or further. We will have to variants of the coronavirus to April 2021 Saturday, 2359 local time agenda-setting debates organised by The wait and watch a bit and then we will take a countries around the world, and Dubai and for the next 10 days, Indian Express and Financial Times, the call. But at the moment activity is all that they expected more borders to Emirates flights from India to the Finance Minister said the situation in 2020 happening, industry is still on it recovery be closed for travel from India. UAE will be suspended. (when a nationwide lockdown was mode. And therefore I will not rush to think The UAE on Thursday, April 22, Furthermore, passengers who have announced) and the situation now are very that this will hurt us if we are able to became the latest country to close transited through India in the last different. “Micro containment zones would coordinate better, as much as people would its borders for travellers from 14 days will not be accepted to travel be the way forward (now),” she said. have us believe,” the Finance Minister said. India, after Singapore imposed a from any other point to the UAE.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 15 Gangster Chhota Rajan Corona fears: Delhi acquitted in 1993 blasts Police move SC to accused’s murder case handcuff accused MUMBAI (TIP): A special court instead of holding in Mumbai on Thursday, April 22, acquitted gangster Chhota Rajan and one Jagannath Jaiswal for the hands murder of 1993 blasts case accused NEW DELHI (TIP): The Delhi Police have approached and film producer Hanif Kadawala. the Supreme Court, requesting it to let policemen Rajan is already serving life handcuff the arrested persons and undertrials in order to imprisonment for the murder of minimise the exposure to Covid-19 due to holding of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey. hands.The application cites the previous directions The CBI, in its chargesheet filed issued by the top court in a spate of judgments, starting in June 2019, had claimed that the 1980, against handcuffing of the accused persons as a murder was carried out by Rajan matter of protection of human rights of citizens as through his men, based on evidence against actions by the police. including his media interviews, At the same time, the Supreme Court has said that the where he is alleged to have said he police or jail authorities can seek permission for the same would avenge the victims of the if there were certain extraordinary reasons, including blast to “gain public sympathy”. the fact that accused or undertrials were “high-risk Kadawala was booked for helping prisoners”. Seeking a relaxation of the directions issued actor Sanjay Dutt in hiding a by it, the Delhi Police plea has been moved in a pending weapon delivered to him. Kadawala The CBI, in its chargesheet filed in June 2019, had claimed that the murder suo motu (on its own) matter on management of Covid-19 was killed on February 7, 2001. was carried out by Rajan through his men, based on evidence including his that was registered last year by the apex court, and cites Rajan and Jaiswal faced a separate media interviews, where he is alleged to have said he would avenge the victims the crisis triggered by the second Covid-19 wave. trial which began last year after the An urgent listing application has been filed by the Delhi earlier accused booked in the of the blast to “gain public sympathy”. Police in the Supreme Court requesting it to relax the conspiracy were acquitted. in the case, claiming there is the plea stating that there was no directions issued by the apex court prohibiting In March last year, Kadawala’s sufficient evidence to show that the such claim made for 16 years since handcuffing of arrested persons and other undertrial son had moved an intervention murder was carried out at his the murder and it was difficult to prisoners till the time the pandemic subsides so as to application seeking to add a close behest due to a property dispute. gather what had prompted the ensure safe transit while they are being escorted. relative of Kadawala as an accused The court had, however, rejected family to claim so now. Source: HT Ensure Serum Institute fixes Covishield Yechury’s son, uninterrupted price at Rs 600/dose for private ex-Delhi oxygen supply: hospitals, Rs 400 for state govts minister Walia Centre to states, UTs NEW DELHI (TIP): The Serum on Wednesday. Of this, 15 states and NEW DELHI (TIP): The Centre on Institute of India (SII) has union territories have only given die of Covid Thursday, April 22, invoked the Disaster announced that it will price its Covishield. Management Act and directed the states and Covishield vaccine at Rs 600 per dose Sonia demands uniform price NEW DELHI (TIP): CPM chief Sitaram Union territories to ensure uninterrupted for private hospitals and Rs 400 per Yechury’s son Asish Yechury (34) died of production and supply of medical oxygen dose for state governments. Congress president Sonia Gandhi Covid on April 22 morning. and its transport along interstate borders, In a statement, SII has said, "For wrote to Prime Minister Narendra “It is with great sadness that I have to amid reports of several states stopping the next two months, we will address Modi on Thursday, April 22, inform that I lost my elder son, Ashish supply vehicles from travelling to other the limited capacity by scaling up questioning how the government Yechury to Covid-19 this morning. I want areas. the vaccine production. Going could allow “brazen profiteering to thank all those who gave us hope and The order, issued by Union home secretary ahead, 50% of our capacities will be from people’s misery” as she who treated him—doctors, nurses, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, said the district served to the Government of India's demanded a re-evaluation of the frontline health workers, sanitation magistrates, deputy superintendent of police vaccination program, and the Centre’s modified vaccination policy workers and innumerable others who and deputy commissioner of police of the remaining 50% of the capacity will and a uniform price for vaccines. stood by us,” Yechury tweeted. district concerned will be personally liable in be for the state governments and Gandhi questioned how the same “Condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury ji case there is any violation. private hospitals." vaccine manufactured by SII could and his family on the tragic and untimely Section 56 of the Disaster Management Comparing the prices with the have three different prices. She demise of his son, Ashish. Om Shanti,” Act, 2005, which is in force since March 12 other vaccines in the world, SII has added there was no rationale or Prime Minister Modi said on Twitter. last year when the first wave of the stated that while American vaccines justification to this “arbitrary Senior Congress leader and former coronavirus disease had begun in India, says are priced at Rs 1,500, Russian and distinction”. Delhi government minister AK Walia also that any officer refusing to or failing to Chinese vaccines would cost Rs 750 “At a time when medical resources died of Covid-19 in the early hours of implement the directions issued by the per dose, making Covishield a are scarce, hospital beds are Thursday,party leaders said. He was 72. authority may face imprisonment of one cheaper option. unavailable, oxygen supply and Composer Shravan loses Covid battle year along with fine. However, the vaccine price will availability of essential medicine is Asserting that supply of medical oxygen remain at Rs 150 per dose for the dwindling rapidly, why is your Composer Shravan Rathod of popular cannot be limited to one state or district, the Centre. Government allowing a policy that music director duo Nadeem-Shravan order said availability of adequate and In an order earlier this week, the reeks of such insensitivity,” she passed away on Thursday due to Covid-19 uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen is an Centre said all above 18 years of age said. related complications, his son said. Rathod important pre-requisite for managing are eligible for vaccination from Gandhi accused the government of was 66. The composer was admitted to SL moderate and severe cases of Covid-19 and May 1. As it liberalised the abdicating its responsibility of Raheja hospital in a “critical” condition with increasing cases, the medical oxygen vaccination drive, the government providing free vaccination to people after testing positive. He breathed his last supply will need to keep pace with the allowed states, private hospitals and in the age group of 18 to 45. “This is in the hospital. “He passed away around requirements of the states and Union industrial establishments to procure [a] complete abandonment of the 10.15 pm. Please pray for his soul,” his son territories. Bhalla directed there should be no the vaccine doses directly from Government’s responsibility Sanjeev Rathod said. Nadeem-Shravan restriction on the movement of medical oxygen manufacturers. towards our youth.” She reiterated were among the most popular music between the states and transport authorities Of the 12.76 crore vaccine doses the allocation to state governments composers in the 90s, giving chartbuster shall be instructed to accordingly allow free administered so far, the Covishield should be “transparent and soundtracks in films like “Aashiqui”(1990), interstate movement of vehicles carrying comprises over 90% of the vaccine equitable, in line with the spirit of “Saajan” (1991), Shah Rukh Khan starrer oxygen. Source: HT doses, according to government data cooperative federalism”. “Pardes” and “Raja Hindustani”. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ELECTION BEAT FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 16 WEST BENGAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2021 Police firing, stray violence in 6th phase polling; 79% turnout

As they queue up to vote, Covid woes on their lips KOLKATA (TIP): Waiting for her October when a close aide of local BJP turn to vote in the violence-hit Titagarh MP Arjun Singh was shot dead by bike- town of West Bengal, Gauri Kumari like borne assailants. Political violence has everyone else outside a polling booth was become an integral part of Barrackpore wearing masks. Though the town has politics, and its surroundings which seen regular gang wars, bomb blasts and have always been a safe haven for goons political murders ahead of the Assembly and illegal trades. But as the country and elections, her mind is shrouded by the West Bengal witness a surge in surging Covid-19 pandemic. coronavirus cases and stretching the “I am not bothered who wins in this healthcare system to its breaking point, election because every political party is the pandemic seems to have taken the the same. My mother Saraswati Devi is voters’ mind space here. KOLKATA (TIP): Isolated incidents of Order) Jag Mohan said. The OC and a above 60 years old. We took her for At Titagarh Arya Vidyalaya, another violence, including police firing, were constable suffered cut injuries in the (Covid) vaccination on April 14, but were polling station, of the 45-odd people reported in the sixth phase of polling in attack and both were hospitalised, he told to come back some other day as standing in the queue for voting, only 43 assembly constituencies of West said. there was no vaccine. Since then, there four had received both the shots of Covid Bengal, which recorded 79.09 per cent In another incident, three persons has been no communication. There was vaccine, while 15 said that they were voter turnout on Thursday, April 22, were injured when bombs were thrown a shortage of vaccine and only the first waiting for the second dose. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Aariz outside a booth at Khardaha in 100 people were given the dose,” said “Me, you (media) and all political Aftab said. Seven persons, including two Barrackpore constituency, Aftab said. Gauri. parties should be held responsible for policemen, were injured in two incidents ”They are undergoing treatment at a “I am here to vote because that’s the where we are today. We had started of violence in Bagdah and Barrackpore nearby hospital. only thing I can do,” she added. celebrating when there was a visible constituencies in North 24 Parganas Two persons have been arrested in this In the same queue at Titagarh chance of the coming second wave. district. connection, the CEO said. The Election Municipality polling station, Political parties added to the ”Polling was peaceful today other than Commission earlier in the day dismissed Prashansha Shaw, a first-time voter, was complacency by holding large two-three incidents of violence,” the allegations by the Trinamool Congress livid. gatherings without masks. When CEO said. The police fired three rounds that two of its activists were injured in “Our country is suffering from lack of vaccines were available, even then after about 250 people attacked and firing by central forces in Ashok Nagar beds, oxygen, but our Prime Minister people were hesitant to take them. I still injured two policemen near a booth in constituency in North 24 Parganas (Narendra Modi) attends a conference in feel that the shortage of vaccines is not the Bagdah seat. The police went there district, an official said. Bangladesh and give them vaccines. The true, and it could be a political game,” after the sector officer was attacked, Aftab said that at least 79.09 per cent of violence and anti-social activities here said 68-year-old Shiv Kumar Shaw. Aftab said. more than one crore voters exercised were in my mind a few months ago but “I think no murders, no violence The police personnel, including the their franchise till 5 pm in the sixth not anymore. I feel sad when I read and matter to me now.I am worried about my officer-in-charge (OC) of Bagda police phase. Polling was held between 7 am watch videos of doctors, nurses and life and the lives of crores of people in station, were admitted to a hospital. Two and 6.30 pm at 14,480 polling stations in healthcare staff who are fighting all our country. We have invited the second other persons, of whom one has bullet 17 assembly constituencies in North 24 alone with the pandemic. This is such a wave of the pandemic. There was no injuries, were also hospitalised, the CEO Parganas district, nine each in Nadia big failure of the government. They need of holding such big rallies this said. ”The police had to fire three rounds and Uttar Dinajpur districts and eight in chose elections over people’s life,” said time. We haven’t been able to vaccinate in Bagdah where the sector officer was Purba Bardhaman district. Shaw, who is preparing for the medical our elderly. Several of them have attacked. After getting this news, OC Among the four districts, Nadia entrance exam. received only one shot and we have Bagdah and his team reached the spot registered the highest voter turnout of Titagarh is at the centre of the 200sq- already relaxed the age criterion for outside booth number 35 and 36 in 82.67 per cent, followed by Purba km Barrackpore industrial belt, which vaccination. Covid and the situation we Ranaghat pre-primary school,” he said. Bardhaman (82.15 per cent), Uttar has witnessed clashes of all types — are currently in will definitely be on my ”The OC tried to talk to them but it led Dinajpur (77.76 per cent) and North 24 from political to communal — in the last mind when I press the button today,”said to an altercation. The mob attacked them Parganas (75.94 per cent), Aftab added. four years. a young filmmaker, Abhishek Pandey. and their vehicle. To save themselves and The Election Commission has deployed The town had hit headlines last Source: Indian Express save the property, the police had to fire 1,071 companies of central forces for the three rounds,” ADG and IGP (Law and sixth phase. Modi, Mamata go virtual after EC restricts campaigning

NEW DELHI (TIP): Prime Minister and bicycle rallies and said no more tweeted at 5.24 pm. He was supposed to president issued a statement saying the Narendra Modi and Bengal chief than 500 people would be allowed at address a rally at the Shahid Minar Prime Minister would address voters minister Mamata Banerjee late on public meetings where social grounds in the heart of Kolkata. virtually. “The Prime Minister has had Thursday, April 22, evening decided to distancing norms have to be At 9.15 pm, Banerjee tweeted, “In the to cancel his visit to Bengal on April 23, carry out virtual campaigns for the maintained. The order came into force wake of upsurge in #Covid-19 cases in which he was scheduled to address remaining two phases of assembly at 7 pm. across the country and the ECI order four rallies across four districts and 56 polls after the Election Commission Before the order was issued, Modi dated 22nd April, 2021, I am cancelling assembly constituencies….The Prime (EC) issued fresh restrictions on had cancelled the four rallies he was to all my prescheduled meetings and we Minister will be addressing voters of assembly of people in the wake of the address in Bengal on Friday. will reach out to the people virtually. West Bengal, particularly voters of sharp spike in coronavirus infections “Tomorrow, will be chairing high-level We will be sharing the updated Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum and in West Bengal. meetings to review the prevailing schedule of the virtual meetings Kolkata, through a virtual medium at 5 The EC imposed a blanket ban on Covid-19 situation. Due to that, I would shortly.” pm on April 23,” said Ghosh. roadshows, processions and motorcycle not be going to West Bengal,” Modi A few minutes later, Bengal BJP Source: HT THE INDIAN PANORAMA FARMERS’ STIR FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 17 Hectic activity at Singhu as farmers renew protest call amid Covid crisis

Farmers going to Tikri border under the 'Operation Shakti' call of Samyukta Kisan Morcha. Ready for jabs, but unwilling to abandon stir: Farmer leaders armers on April 21 marched in large numbers from three Punjab borders towards Delhi’s FTikri border despite Covid curbs being in place. Claiming that the farmers were fighting both against Covid-19 and the government, farmer leaders said they understood their responsibility during the pandemic, but had no choice but to protest. They appealed to all attending dharnas to get vaccinated. Farmers also reiterated that the dharnas were not causing any obstruction to emergency services. Shingara Singh Mann, president of BKU Growing concerns of a Covid spread in protest sites have often been discounted by protesters by comparing the congregations at (Ugrahan)’s Bathinda unit and also vice president of Kumbh Mela and in election rallies across different states. (Photo source: PTI) the union, led a convoy from Bathinda-Dabwali road along with thousands of farmers. t has been over 200 days that farmers have been Many of the farmers also cited the example of He said, “I am 61 years old and I have got myself blocking the Singhu border and other areas just Shaheen Bagh, which used to be the epicentre of anti- vaccinated. My second dose is due in the second Ioutside Delhi to protest the three contentious farm CAA protests. The site was forcibly vacated because of week of May.No doubt corona is a disease, but not as laws. But even as they continue the fight to get the Covid, and since then, the movement has lost all the deadly as being projected. However, our union’s government back to the negotiation table, a more gained momentum. entire state committee has got the first jab and we pressing challenge confronts them now in the form of a Singh, however, assured that they are taking will be getting the second dose next month. Our second and more potent Covid-19 wave. necessary precautions and ensuring that everyone president had tested positive for Covid last month While India, and especially the Capital, is seeing wears a mask and cooperates with officials at Covid and we do understand our responsibilities.” unimaginable losses owing to the second wave, farmers’ testing centres set up near the protest sites. The farmer leader added: “If the Haryana unions at the Delhi border have refused to vacate the government will organise any vaccination camp in protest sites and are determined to continue the path of Highway blockades and diversions Bahadurgarh area, we will appeal to our members to confrontation. In fact, one of the largest farmers’ It is noteworthy that farmers have been protesting get themselves vaccinated. The government put us organisations of Punjab, BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), has since October 2020 and as per the National Highway all at risk after passing farm laws in September. called for more people to join the protests starting this Authority of India (NHAI), these highway blockages Instead of managing Covid, they forced us to come week. have resulted in losses amounting to over Rs 600 crore out on roads. Otherwise, villagers were busy giving owing to the non-functioning of toll plazas. thikri pehras in villages to get lockdown What satellite images show us Farmers, on the other hand, claim over 300 of their implemented.” The entire stretch along the Singhu border has brethren have lost lives during the protests. The Jagseer Singh, district committee member of BKU turned into a township of sorts extending up to 4 governments of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have (Ugrahan) from Bathinda, said, “I have also got the kilometres in length. Hundreds of tents and makeshift enhanced pressure on farmers’ unions to vacate the first jab and in fact hundreds of us have got the first accommodations have been set up to house protesters. protest sites on Delhi’s borders, namely Singhu, Tikri dose. It is up to a person as to whether to get This location is just on the other side of the Delhi and Ghazipur. themselves vaccinated or not. However, we do appeal border. The Union Home Ministry is working with the two to people coming to dharna because the government The entire 4-kilometre stretch imagery is an BJP governments, along with the Congress government has forced us to sit on roads. So, we should get exclusive image shared by @detresfa_ to India Today, in Punjab, to make farmers’ unions understand the ourselves vaccinated at least as we cannot avoid made available by Maxar Technologies and Google severity of the second wave. All three state dharnas till our demands are met.” Maps. governments have started conducting aerial So far, first dose of the vaccine has been surveillance of the protest sites and setting up administered to Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, general Covid concerns makeshift testing centres for protesters. secretary of BKU (Ugrahan), Joginder Singh Growing concerns of a Covid spread in protest sites Singhu and Tikri are two of the most important Ugrahan, president of the union, Roop Singh have often been discounted by protesters by comparing border points between Delhi and Haryana, and these Chhana, union’ vice president and Jhanda Singh the congregations at Kumbh Mela and in election continue to remain closed as of today. The Ghazipur Jethuke, the union’s senior vice president apart rallies across different states. crossing connecting Delhi and UP, however, is open for from a few other state committee members. The protest sites have the potential of becoming a those travelling to Ghaziabad from Delhi, despite the On Wednesday, Ugrahan led farmers on the new Covid epicentre. In January 2021, the Supreme other elevated highway continuing to remain blocked. Khanauri-Jind highway. Court criticised the Centre for not ensuring strict Commuters have been asked to take routes passing enforcement of Covid protocols in protest sites. The through Anand Vihar, Loni DND and Apsara borders, ‘Op Shakti to courter eviction plans’ civil surgeon’s office had offered to set up testing units and all carriageways connecting the Delhi-Noida Chilla Kokrikalan said, ”As an answer to the Union at the protest sites, but farmers’ unions refused to borders are open right now. government’s plans of ‘Operation Clean Up’, we cooperate. There have also been accusations of protesters organised ‘Operation Shakti’ and went in large BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev blocking the transport of liquid oxygen cylinders for numbers to Tikri despite the fact that farmers are Singh spoke to journalists over concerns regarding the medical use. Farmers’ unions, however, have denied busy with harvesting these days. In Punjab, our second Covid wave. He agreed there are concerns about this. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, a representative body pakka dharnas are going on at 40 different places. the safety of protesting farmers and their families, but of several protesting farmers’ unions, said on April 21 We are facing problems in procurement of wheat as this was not the time to call off the protests. He opined that they have kept a way open for emergency services well in Punjab but still, our batches will continue to that unless the government repealed the farm laws, since Day One of their agitation. go to Delhi borders.” they cannot afford to lose the gathered momentum. Source: India Today Source: Indian Express THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERFORMING ARTS FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 18 WIPA CELEBRATES GALA: ‘MESSENGERS OF HOPE’ BY MABEL PAIS HONOREES: JOHN C. DEBNEY, ROBERT MORRISON students. Arts Education Award," remarked Helen H. Cha-Pyo, & ARTS ED NJ EDUCATION AWARD Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. ANNUAL GALA Robert B. Morrison has a long history as a supporter Robert B. Morrison and Arts Ed NJ receive the of music and arts education and is widely recognized as APRIL 22, 2021 @ 7 PM EDT, FREE inaugural Education Award. Wharton Arts has one of the nation's leading researchers and advocates REPLAY AVAILABLE ON WHARTONARTS.TV established an inaugural annual Education Award that for arts education. Morrison is the founder and CEO of The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts recognizes significant and important contributions to Quadrant Research, the nation's preeminent arts (WIPA) holds its 13th Annual Gala: "Messengers of arts education in its communities as well as those who education data analytics and market research firm. Hope," virtually on Thursday April 22, 2021 at 7 p.m. have shown exceptional commitment to the Morrison also serves as the Director of Arts Ed NJ, the EDT. WIPA celebrates Wharton's thriving, life-changing advancement of music education in general over their statewide arts education policy group for the state of performing arts education programs featuring lifetimes. This inaugural award will honor Robert B. New Jersey.Through his amazing work, New Jersey has performances by the New Jersey Youth Symphony Morrison and Arts Ed NJ for their tireless advocacy of emerged as the leading state for arts education in the (NJYS), Paterson Music Project (PMP), and Performing arts education in the Garden State of New Jersey. country. For more information about Morrison and Arts School (PAS). "On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I am so honored Arts Ed NJ, visit artsednj.org. The theme of the gala recognizes Wharton's to announce that the Wharton Institute for the TICKETS dedicated young musicians who continue to share the Performing Arts will be honoring John Debney, one of gift of music and bring positivity to their communities Hollywood's most prolific composers, with its 2021 To attend and support WIPA's celebration of despite the challenges faced during the global Lifetime Achievement Award," said Executive Director "Messengers of Hope," visit WhartonArtsGala.org. pandemic. Peter H. Gistelinck. "It has been great to see the Tickets for the event are free! If you cannot watch the HONOREES enthusiasm of our students in preparing to perform gala live, you can still view the recording at selections of his work and we can't wait to hear and see WhartonArts.tv the result at our Annual Gala." WIPA JOHN C DEBNEY Wharton (WIPA) is New Jersey's largest John C. Debney is considered one of the most independent non-profit community performing arts successful composers in Hollywood. His unique ability education center serving over 1,500 students through to create memorable work across a variety of genres, as a range of classes and ensembles including the 15 well as his reputation for being remarkably ensembles of the New Jersey Youth Symphony, collaborative, have made him the first choice of top- which serve 500 students in grades 3 - 12 by audition. level producers and directors. Debney combines his Beginning with Out of the Box Music and classical training and a strong knowledge of Pathways classes for young children, Wharton offers contemporary sounds to easily adapt to any private lessons, group classes, and ensembles for all assignment. Debney's work includes "Hocus Pocus," ages and all abilities at the Performing Arts School. "Liar Liar," "The Princess Diaries," "Iron Man 2," Based in Paterson, New Jersey, the Paterson Music "Chicken Little," "Bruce Almighty," "Sin City," "Elf," Project is an El Sistema-inspired program of the Honorees L to R: John C. Debney, Robert Morrison "Passion of the Christ," and most recently, "Jingle Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts (WIPA) Photo / Courtesy Wharton Arts Jangle" and "Come Away" amongst many others. For that uses music as a vehicle for social change by more information visit JohnDebney.com. empowering and inspiring children through the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BOB MORRISON community experience of ensemble learning and playing. Honoree John C. Debney, the Academy Award- "Under the leadership of Bob Morrison, Arts Ed NJ WIPA is located in Berkeley Heights, New nominated composer, receives the Wharton Institute for has played an important role in making New Jersey the Providence and Paterson, NJ and reaches students the Performing Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. first state to provide universal access to arts education from 10 counties. All of Wharton's extraordinary This award distinguishes individuals who, during their for all public-school students. Throughout the global faculty members and conductors hold degrees in lifetimes, have made creative contributions of pandemic, Bob and Arts Ed NJ have shown tremendous their teaching specialty and have been vetted and outstanding artistic significance to the performing arts leadership in advocating for arts education, and we are trained to enable Wharton's students to achieve their and represent a beacon of inspiration to Wharton Arts' honored to present both with the inaugural Wharton personal best. To learn more, visit WhartonArts.org.

he New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) is ensembles; innovative educational experiences from holding auditions by video submission for the online webinars and workshops to master classes by New Jersey Youth T2021-22 season. Audition registration for New world-class guest artists; and service to the community Jersey's largest youth orchestra program, through the gift of music. NJYS will continue to share Symphony encompassing 15 ensembles including strings, winds, the joy of music with older adult communities through percussion, jazz, chamber music, and three full its #StayHomeandPlay digital concert series as well as Video Auditions in 2021-22 orchestras, is available online until April 30. For in-person live community concerts at local libraries, Audition requirements and more information, visit hospitals, and senior centers. NJYS.org. Interested candidates with specific questions NJYS can also send an email to [email protected]. Deadline for audition registration is Friday, April 30, 2021. The New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS), founded in "Come join us! The New Jersey Youth Symphony is 1979, is now in its 41st season. The NJYS is a program of more committed than ever to inspire and challenge our the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. To learn young musicians to achieve personal excellence more, visit whartonarts.org/njys through music in a supportive and inclusive Wharton is New Jersey's largest non-profit environment. We will continue to find innovative ways performing arts education organization serving over to offer exceptional learning and performance 1,500 students of all ages and abilities through a range opportunities for our students," said Helen H. Cha-Pyo, of classes and ensembles. In addition to the New Jersey Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Youth Symphony,programs include the Paterson Music NJYS plans to return to a pre-pandemic season of in- Project and Performing Arts School. To learn more, person rehearsals and concerts with a continuation of visit whartonarts.org its online offerings. Preparations are being made for the (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social NJYS musicians with Director Helen H. Cha-Pyo 2021-22 season encompassing exceptional performance Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) Photo / Courtesy Wharton Arts opportunities, including a dozen public concerts by 15 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FILM FESTS FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 19 ReelAbilities Film Fest: New York BY MABEL PAIS

Celebrating Stories of People with Disabilities exclusive events and speakers and more information, Highlighting Themes of Inclusion, Accessibility, visit reelabilities.org/newyork Authentic Casting and Responsible Representation at JCC Manhattan Virtual Cinema ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York April 29 - May 5 ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest film festival The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's (MMJCCM) ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York has its 13th in the world dedicated to promoting awareness and annual run virtually from April 29th through May 5th. appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Founded in New Itzhak Perlman is Opening Night honoree. York in 2007 by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Closing Night honoree is Temple Grandin. the festival presents award-winning films by and about For a selection of Q&As, exclusive events and people with disabilities in multiple locations speakers accompanying the Festival, visit throughout the city. Post-screening discussions and ny.reelabilities.org "Best Summer Ever," opening night film other engaging programs bring communities together eelAbilities Film Festival: New York founded in Photo / Courtesy mmjccm.org/ny.reelabilities.org to explore, discuss, embrace, and celebrate the diversity New York City in 2007 is the largest festival in the of our shared human experience. The New York festival RU.S. dedicated to promoting awareness and start of the new school year. Now faced with the drama is the launching pad for an international program and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic of cliques, an evil cheerleader, and the illegal secret its selections run satellite ReelAbilities festivals in over expressions of people with disabilities. that keeps Sage's family on the move, they are forced to 20 cities worldwide. Learn more at ny.reelabilities.org The 13th Annual ReelAbilities Film Festival: New re-evaluate their relationship. This history-making Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan York will be a hybrid festival; Opening Night will be a musical features eight original songs and a fully drive-in screening (partnered with Rooftop Films) at the integrated cast and crew of people with and without Located on 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, the Queens drive-in with virtual screenings and live Q+As disabilities. JCC is a vibrant non-profit community center on the via the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan virtual CLOSING NIGHT FILM: Upper West Side. The cornerstone of progressive cinema and their partner theaters including the Jacob "NOT GOING QUIETLY" programming in Manhattan, the JCC serves over 55,000 Burns Film Center, Maysles Cinema, among others for MAY 5 AT 7 P.M. VIRTUAL people annually through 1,200 programs each season the rest of the festival. DIR: NICHOLAS BRUCKMAN L US | 2021| 96 MIN that educate, inspire, and transform participants' There are 9 Feature films including Opening Night and When activist and new father Ady Barkan is minds, bodies, and spirits. To learn more, visit Closing Night, and 19 Short films. diagnosed with ALS and given four years to live, he mmjccm.org OPENING NIGHT: finds himself directly impacted by a new legislation ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: proposal jeopardizing essential healthcare programs "BEST NIGHT EVER" critical to Ady's and others' survival. After a chance ReelAbilities strives for inclusion of all people. All April 29 at 7 PM @ Queens Drive-In confrontation with Senator Jeff Flake goes viral, Ady films are screened with open captions and all venues DIRS: Michael Parks Randa & Lauren Smitelli l US | embarks on a cross-country tour, using his final breaths are wheelchair accessible. ASL interpretation, CART, 2020 | 80 min to fight for healthcare justice to try and create a better Audio Description, and information in Braille are Sage (Shannon DeVido) and Anthony (Ricky Wilson, world for his newborn son to inherit. available upon advance request. Individuals needing Jr.) had the best summer ever after falling in love at TICKETS, UPDATES accommodations to participate should contact the summer camp. By a twist of fate, Sage arrives screening venue directly. unexpectedly at the same high school as Anthony at the For tickets, the complete film slate, updates on

Festival Los Angeles is a competition festival presenting cinematic and SEEfest cultural diversity of 18 countries of the Balkans and Caucasus to American COMES TO audiences. It provides a platform in the U.S. for the discovery of new talent from South East Europe, with a wide selection LA of films, art and literary talks, BY MABEL PAIS workshops and panels. The film festival EEfest, the 2021 South East serves as the cultural hub and resource European Film Festival, April 28- for scholars and filmmakers and creates SMay 5, co-presented by ELMA, Honoree Actor, Jasna Djuricic opportunities for cultural exchange foundation for European Languages and Photo / Nebojsa Babic. between Hollywood industry Movies in America, has the lineup of Mijojli?, said, "We are especially excited professionals and filmmakers from official selections for the 16th annual Honoree Writer, Dubravka Ugreši to host a conversation with our South East Europe. edition of the Los Angeles-based film Photo / Courtesy SEEfest 2021 wonderful Legacy Award honoree Twice the recipient of the prestigious festival. The Festival continues to Dubravka Ugreši? on April 17 and the festival grant from the Academy of provide a platform in the U.S. for the Honoree Actor, opportunity to celebrate the great work Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Marija discovery of new talent from South East Škaricicicor by Marija Škari?i? and Jasna Djuri?i?, five other awards for programming Europe, presenting and celebrating who star in four of our highly excellence from the State of California, Photo / cinematic and cultural diversity of 18 Courtesy anticipated selections, "Mare," "Breasts," the festival's growing list of renowned countries of the Balkans and Caucasus SEEfest 2021 "Quo Vadis, Aida?," and "My Morning organizations which now support the to American audiences. Laughter" with the inaugural Mira festival includes the California Arts SEEfest will honor internationally Furlan Memorial Acting Award, Council, Los Angeles County Board of celebrated author Dubravka Ugreši? celebrating the work of two women who Supervisors through the Los Angeles ("The Age of Skin," "Baba Yaga Laid an shine in such a prominent way in this County Department of Arts and Culture, Egg") with this year's Legacy Award and year's film festival." ELMA Foundation, Hollywood Foreign Marija Škari?i? ("Mare") and Jasna TICKETS, UPDATES Press Association, and more as well as a Djuri?i? ("Quo Vadis," "Aida?") with the roster of cultural community partners film festival's inaugural Mira Furlan For Passes or Tickets, complete film representing diversity of the State of Memorial Acting Award. slate and more information,visit: California. For more information, visit A true discovery film festival, this premieres. Among them are 11 narrative seefilmla.org seefilmla.org year's virtual presentation is once again features, 13 documentary features, 15 SOUTH EAST EUROPEAN FILM (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and rich with premieres: 2 world premieres, 2 narrative shorts, 9 documentary shorts, Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, and international premieres, 7 North and 6 animation shorts. FESTIVAL (SEEfest) Health &Wellness) American premieres, and 2 U.S. SEEfest Executive Director Vera SEEfest, the South East European Film THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 20 Sonakshi’s fans stunned at physical transformation, call her ‘duplicate Sona’

onakshi Sinha's fans and followers are stunned by her physical transformation. The actor on Thursday,April Dharma Productions S22, shared pictures of her 'workout from home' routine. She captioned her post, "When #WFH for you means considering Workout from home. #gharperaho (stay at home)." In the pictures, she was seen posing in sportswear, working out in Rajkummar Rao for her apartment. Several people wrote in to tell her how impressed they were. Dostana 2? "Unbelievable! Your looking like a different person!!" he past few days in the film industry Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta commented. have been quite dramatic. Kartik Another person called her a 'duplicate Sona', while trainer TAaryan was ousted from Dharma Namrata Purohit called her a 'Pilates girl' and actor Productions’ film Dostana 2 which stars Priyaank Sharma wrote, "Ufff." Others dropped fire and Janhvi Kapoor and is a launchpad for heart emojis. Sonakshi has often spoken about being body Television actor Lakshya in movies. The shamed in the past. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, she project kicked off in 2019 but due to the admitted that she used to weigh 95 kgs as a schoolkid, and pandemic, the production came to a halt was bullied for it. "I never took the bullying to heart. And I in 2020. As the shooting began, creative didn’t let it bring me down because I’ve always known differences between Karan Johar and there’s much more to me than my weight or my size,” she Kartik Aaryan led to this conclusion. Now, said. that the lead actor’s role is once again Sonakshi lost 30 kgs for her first film, the Salman Khan- available, the makers are going back to starrer Dabangg. "It was a huge achievement for me. And I their first choice. was so proud of myself. But people were still talking about A source revealed Bollywood Hungama, how much I weighed and how I looked!" Sonakshi had said. “Dharma Productions is considering to In 2019, she had put out a video talking about the hurtful bring Rajkummar Rao on board for comments she receives about her weight, on social media. Dostana 2. He was their first choice when “Trolls. That’s what they call themselves. Those people who the project was being made but at the just wanna kill your vibe? The people who have all the time time, he couldn’t do the film due to his to judge others and no work to do! So they say anything. dates. Now, that makers are keen on Sometimes we feel angry, hurt or numb but now we just enlisting someone, they are once again laugh it off because that’s what these people are -- a joke,” thinking of Rao who was fit for the role. she said. Interestingly, Rao and Janhvi Kapoor Sonakshi will soon be seen in a new Amazon Prime Video recently worked together in horror- series directed by Reema Kagti and Ruchika Oberoi, in comedy Roohi and have a great work which she plays a cop. The show also stars Vijay Varma, rapport.” Gulshan Devaiah and Sohum Shah. Source: HT

Salman Khan film Radhe Your Akshay to star in Mission Mangal Most Wanted Bhai to release director Jagan Shakti’s next project on multiple platforms this Eid alman Khan-starrer Radhe: Your Most Wanted kshay Kumar is set to team Bhai is the first Hindi film to simultaneously up again with his Mission Srelease on multiple platforms. The highly- AMangal director Jagan anticipated movie will release in theatres on May 13 as Shakti for an action-drama inspired well as on ZEE5’s pay per view medium ZeePlex on the by true events. same day, the makers announced on Wednesday, April Kumar and Shakti first worked 21. together on the 2019 drama Mission Besides this, the movie will also be available for the Mangal, inspired by the story of audience on various DTH services, including the likes scientists at the Indian Space of Dish, D2H, Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV, thereby Research Organisation (ISRO), who giving the viewers a chance to watch the actioner on contributed to the Mars Orbiter any platform of their choice. Mission, India’s first interplanetary Speaking on the subject, Shariq Patel, CBO, Zee expedition. Studios shared, “The ongoing pandemic forced us to The new film is also inspired by innovate, and we are proud to be the first to embark true events, a source close to the upon this new distribution strategy. While we all love development said. to catch the latest movies at the nearest theatres, we “This is an action-drama with a realized we’d be doing a disservice to Salman’s fans dash of science. It is set in current nationwide if we aren’t able to release theatrically in times. It is inspired by true events. all Indian states. We sensed the need for a pay per view He will play the role of law solution along with theatres, which gives the enforcement officer,” the source consumers flexibility and convenience of viewing the added. film. There cannot be a better film than Radhe to offer The script is locked and the shoot is likely to begin next year. the audiences who’ve been waiting for an out and out “As soon as Akshay fulfils his other commitments, we will begin shooting for this film. There are so many entertainer for over a year now. Radhe continues our things in the pipeline for him, so we are also waiting to go on floors. Currently due to COVID-19, the schedule network’s deep relationship with Salman Khan and we of all projects is affected,” the source said. are looking to release the film in over 40 countries including theatrical release in major overseas THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 21 Hilary Duff to star in a new ‘How I Met Your Mother’ sequel series ulu has officially ordered a "How I Met Your Mother" sequel show Hstraight to series. Starring Hilary Duff ("Lizzie McGuire," "Younger"), the new TV show will be titled "How I Met Your Father" and take place primarily in Khloe Kardashian claps 2021. Duff will play the main character Sophie who, sometime in the "near future," back at Instagram user is "telling her son the story of how she met his father." In a press release, Hulu said the story accusing her of 'insecurity' will "catapult us back to the year 2021 merican reality TV star and businesswoman where Sophie and her close-knit group of Khloe Kardashian recently addressed a critic friends are in the midst of figuring out Awho had unkind words for her. This comes a few who they are, what they want out of life, days after the star made headlines for a leaked bikini and how to fall in love in the age of dating photo debacle. apps and limitless options." According to Fox News, the 36-year-old star shared a Back in 2014, CBS ordered a pilot episode carousel of colourful photos on Instagram featuring of a similar-sounding spinoff show called herself wearing a skin-tight blue bodysuit. The "How I Met Your Dad" starring Greta pictures showed off her figure in a series of photos, in Gerwig (who has since written and which, she struck various poses. directed the movies "Little Women" and "AVATAR," she captioned the post between a pair of "Lady Bird"), but it was ultimately UFO emojis. scrapped. While many of the comments on the post were Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger - positive, one viewer wrote: "If insecurity was a who first created the concept for this person." spinoff in 2016, according to Deadline - will Kardashian didn't waste any time speaking her helm the new "How I Met Your Father" mind, however. series.Hulu and representatives for She wrote in response, "Baby girl, you have to look in Aptaker and Berger didn't immediately the mirror. Only insecure people tear other people respond to Insider's requests for comment down. I'm sending you so much love, health and on how this new sequel show differs from happiness!" the earlier Gerwig project. She concluded: "I'm sorry that you're hurting." Angelina says change in family Taylor Swift breaks The Beatles’ 54 situation after Brad Pitt split years chart record impacted career ith the re-release of her much-anticipated album W`Fearless`, American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, on Saturday topped the UK`s Official Albums Chart, beating a long-held record by the English rock band `The Beatles`. According to TMZ, the album hit number 1 in the UK, and with that Taylor has racked up 3, number-1 albums- `Fearless`, `Folklore`, and `Evermore` in 259 days. This has beaten `The Beatles` record who took 364 days to get number 1 rank with 3 ngelina Jolie has opened up about her life post her divorce from actor albums in a row. `The Beatles` Brad Pitt. The actor, who filed for divorce in 2016, revealed that the maintained the record for 54 years Achanges in her personal life have impacted her career. until Taylor broke the same on The Mr. & Mrs. Smith actor has been taking care of her six children - 19- Saturday. year-old Maddox, 17-year-old Pax, 16-year-old Zahara, 14-year-old Shiloh, and The Grammy-award winning 12-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox - while she and Brad fight for custody in songstress extended gratitude to court. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Angelina said that the shift in her fans by penning a note of priorities has led to her picking less time-consuming jobs. "I love directing, thanks on Twitter that read, but I had a change in my family situation that's not made it possible for me "WELL WELL WELL you all really to direct for a few years. I needed to just do shorter jobs and be home more, went out and left my greatest so I kind of went back to doing a few acting jobs. That's really the truth of it," expectations in shambles this she told Entertainment Weekly. week. Word on the street is you After her filing for divorce, Angelina has appeared in a handful of movies. made Fearless (my version) the Her last outings include Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Come Away. She biggest country album 1st week of will soon appear in Those Who Wish Me Dead. The actor was also seen the last 6 years & the top release of filming her maiden Marvel movie, Eternals. She plays Thena in the Marvel 2021 so far. Honestly?? How?? Did I Cinematic Universe movie. Photos from the sets revealed that the children get this lucky??" had accompanied her to the shoots. THE INDIAN PANORAMA EARTH DAY FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 22

Earth from Space / Adobe Stock Earth Day 2021 Is Set to Galvanize Climate Action

UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Earth Day, celebrated US Leaders' Summit enablers will focus on how to finance The Race to Zero annually on 22 April, will again see more than 1 billion As the US reenters the global climate?fight, US carbon emissions by 2050. The Exponential Climate people participating in activities around the world to President Biden is convening a virtual Leaders' Summit Action Summit is a collaboration between We Don't Have draw attention to the urgency of the climate crisis and on Climate from 22 to 23 April with the participation of 40 Time, the world's largest social network for climate action, environmental degradation and the need for immediate world leaders. The central aim of the Summit is to communications technology firm Ericsson and The action. This year, it also presents a major opportunity galvanize efforts by the world's major economies to keep Exponential Roadmap Initiative, whose mission is to for significant climate action announcements. the vital Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming halve emissions before 2030 through exponential climate Many important environmental events have to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. action and solutions. happened on Earth Day since its inception in 1970, Major economies are expected to announce their new Upcoming installments of the series in 2021 are:" including the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2016. national climate action plans - known as Nationally Sustainable Consumption" at Climate Week NYC in The theme for this year - the second Earth Day Live Determined Contributions or NDCs. September and "Exponential Solutions" at COP 26 in digital event - is: Restore our Earth. The Summit will reconvene the Major Economies November. 22 April is also International Mother Earth Day, as Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate, a US-led initiative Earth Day is an opportunity for climate education proclaimed by the United Nations in 2009. In a that played a major role in delivering the Paris statement to mark the Day, UN Secretary-General, Agreement.?? Recognized as the planet's largest annual civic event, António Guterres, called for decisive action to protect In addition to the major economies, leaders of countries Earth Day has spawned a range of environmental actions our planet from both the coronavirus and the that are key stakeholders in the climate fight will and campaigns, including the passage of landmark existential threat of climate disruption: "Mother Earth participate. These include countries that have environmental laws and reforestation projects. Ahead of is clearly urging a call to action. Let's remind more than demonstrated strong climate leadership, are especially this year's crucial United Nations Climate Change ever on this International Mother Earth Day that we vulnerable to climate impacts, or are charting innovative Conference in November in Glasgow, a Climate Literacy need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works pathways to a net-zero economy.? campaign has been launched, urging governments for both people and the planet," he said. Financing the transition to net zero emissions attending the conference to make climate literacy a core Several major climate-related events will take place feature of school curriculums across the globe. in parallel on 22 April, including the Leaders' Summit UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Patricia It will also be an occasion for UN Climate Change and on Climate, hosted by the United States, and an Espinosa, will be among the participants at the second other UN agencies to explain how the Paris Agreement Exponential Climate Action Summit on Financing the virtual Exponential Climate action Summit - Financing works, and for example what NDCs are and what the Race to Zero emissions. the Race to Zero - where transformers, disruptors and concept of net zero emissions is. INDIAN DIASPORA COUNCIL (IDC) IN SOLIDARITY WITH EARTH DAY 2021 NEW YORK (TIP): The Indian brings almost 200 countries together in jobs". Diaspora Council (IDC) joins in setting a common target to reduce global Indian Diaspora Council solidarity with its global affiliates and greenhouse emissions, was signed on International (IDC) Statement:"Earth membership, other organizations, Earth Day 2016. sustains all life and must be protected in institutions, agencies, and individuals "Recovery from the COVID-19 order for it to continue to provide viable globally in supporting the international pandemic is a chance to set the world on means for sustainable life, health and awareness of Earth Day and its 2021 a cleaner, greener, more sustainable well being of all its inhabitants, campaign to Restore Our Earth. path," said United Nations Secretary- especially as the world population keeps Earth Day 2021 April 22 is Earth Day,an international General António Guterres in a on increasing. Over consumption and Restore Our Earth event celebrated around the world to statement. "Mother Earth is clearly over population adversely affect the pledge support for environmental urging a call to action. Let's remind natural resources and earth's climate share in earth's bounty of life protection. The year 2021 marks the 51st more than ever on this International with catastrophic consequences. It is an sustenance and we have a responsibility anniversary of the annual celebrations. Mother Earth Day that we need a shift to increasingly urgent call to action, a to do that which we must to protect it as This year's theme for Earth Day is a more sustainable economy that works commitment of individual and well." 'Restore Our Earth'. In 2009, the United for both people and the planet". collective responsibility, obligation and For more information, please Nations designated April 22 as "Education is the foundation for duty for environmental literacy and contact:Indian Diaspora Council 'International Mother Earth Day'. Earth progress. We need to build a global awareness from the early stages among president Ashook Ramsaran @ Day was first observed in 1970, when 20 citizenry fluent in the concepts of children as well as among adults, [email protected] million took to the streets to protest climate change and aware of its professionals, businesses, institutions, Indian Diaspora Council against environmental degradation. unprecedented threat to our planet. We agencies and officials. Our legacy is International (IDC), established in The event was triggered by the 1969 need to empower everyone with the intimately linked to protection of earth 1997, is an international non-profit Santa Barbara, California oil spill, as knowledge to inspire action in defense and its environment for a sustainable organization with global affiliates well as other issues such as smog and of environmental protection. future and that is undeniable and and membership in 21 countries polluted rivers. Environmental and climate literacy is indisputable. While economic progress with the objective to embrace, For over the next half century, Earth the engine not only for creating green is important, it is vital that all sectors of engage, and enhance the shared Day continued to play an important role voters and advancing environmental society, as a collective partnership, heritage, aspirations, and interests in environmental activism. The and climate laws and policies but also make this collective commitment for of persons of Indian origin with landmark Paris Agreement, which for accelerating green technologies and earth's sustainable future. We live and optimum inclusivity. THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 23 EU set for legal war against Global Covid-19 caseload AstraZeneca over shortfall tops 144.3mn WASHINGTON (TIP): The overall he European Commission, led by global Covid-19 caseload has topped 144.3 president Ursula von der Leyen, million, while the deaths have surged to TRACKING THE VIRUS Tis working on legal proceedings more than 3.06 million, according to the against AstraZeneca after the Johns Hopkins University. drugmaker cut Covid vaccine deliveries GLOBAL to the European Union, sources In its latest update on Friday, April 23, INDIA familiar with the matter said. morning, the University’s Center for The move would mark a further step Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) Cases Deaths Cases Deaths in an EU plan to sever ties with the revealed that the current global caseload 144,385,217 3,069,293 15,930,965 184,657 Anglo-Swedish company after it and death toll stood at 144,385,217 and repeatedly cut supplies to the bloc, 3,069,293, respectively. contributing to major delays in The US is the worst-hit country with Europe’s vaccine rollout. An EU official the world’s highest number of cases and involved in talks with drugmakers deaths at 31,927,052 and 570,312, confirmed authorities in Brussels were respectively, according to the CSSE. preparing to sue the company. In terms of infections, India follows in The matter was discussed on the second place with 15,930,965 cases. Wednesday at a meeting with EU The other countries with more than diplomats, where most EU states two million confirmed coronavirus cases supported the legal action, two are Brazil (14,167,973), France (5,469,674), diplomats said. However its largest, Russia (4,682,573), Turkey (4,501,382), the Germany and France, asked for more UK (4,413,834), Italy (3,920,945), Spain time to think about the possible move, (3,456,886), Germany (3,238,127), the diplomats said. A spokesman for Argentina (2,796,768), Poland (2,731,256), AstraZeneca said the company was not Colombia (2,720,619), Iran (2,335,905) and aware of any legal proceedings “and Mexico (2,319,596), the CSSE figures continues to hold regular discussions showed. on supply with the commission and In terms of deaths, Brazil comes member states”. Brussels in March sent second with 383,502 fatalities. a legal letter to the company in the first Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 step of potential court proceedings. are Mexico (214,079), India (184,657), the When the deadline for a reply expired UK (127,597), Italy (118,357), Russia this month, a spokesman for the (105,328), France (102,323), Germany commission said the matter was (81,030), Spain (77,496), Colombia (70,026), discussed in a meeting with Iran (68,366), Poland (64,168), Argentina AstraZeneca but the EU was still (60,620), Peru (58,604) and South Africa seeking further clarification from the (53,995). Source: IANS company on “a number of outstanding points”. Disneyland Paris Over 200 mn Covid shots administered in US

WASHINGTON (TIP): More than 200 to be converted million shots of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in the United States, into mass Covid- according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 19 vaccination US President Joe Biden also announced on Wednesday, April 21, that the country has hit 200 million Covid-19 site shots, a target he had set out to meet by isneyland Paris, which is one of the end of April, Xinhua news agency Europe's most favoured tourist reported. Ddestinations, will be converted Biden said the country is entering a into a mass Covid-19 vaccination site at new phase in its vaccination efforts as it its convention centre from Saturday, starts to shift the focus from getting the April 24.The announcement was made vaccine to those most at risk to the as France is trying hard to expedite its general population. mass vaccination drive. Disneyland “The time is now to open up a new Paris will become a mass Covid-19 phase of this historic vaccination vaccination site starting Saturday in effort,” Biden said. “To put it simply, if partnership with local authorities, the you’ve been waiting for your turn, wait theme park said. It may be noted that no longer. Now’s the time for everyone the major amusement park, located in over 16 years of age to get vaccinated.” the east of the capital, has been closed About 215 million Covid-19 vaccine since October 30, when non-essential shots have been administered by 40.5 per cent of the population. authorized the one developed by businesses were ordered to close amid a Wednesday, while more than 277 million Among the fully vaccinated, 35 million American drugmaker Pfizer in surge in infections, putting its 17,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses have been are people 65 years of age or older, partnership with German company employees out of work. distributed across the country, CDC data accounting for 65.6 per cent, CDC data BioNTech, and another by American It had originally planned to re-admit showed. showed. drugmaker Moderna, in December last visitors on April 2, but worsening Currently there are about 87 million The United States has been ramping year. conditions forced it to postpone. The Americans fully vaccinated, accounting up vaccine rollout since last December. Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine vaccination site will be housed outside for 26.4 per cent of the US population, There are three COVID-19 vaccines was approved for emergency use on the amusement park proper at its according to CDC data. authorized for emergency use in the February 27, but it was halted for use last Newport Bay Club, a convention centre About 134 million Americans received country. week after rare blood clotting cases near its hotel complex. at lease one Covid-19 shot, accounting for The US Food and Drug Administration emerged in six recipients. THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 24 WWI martyrs: Britain apologises for racism Russia arrests over 1,700 at rallies

LONDON (TIP): Entrenched prejudices, preconceptions and for hunger-striking Navalny pervasive racism of contemporary imperial attitudes meant that nearly MOSCOW (TIP): Police rounded up 50,000 Indian soldiers who died more than 1,700 protesters on Wednesday fighting for the British Empire during as Russians in dozens of cities took part the World War I (WWI) were not in rallies organised by allies of hunger- commemorated the same way as other striking Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny martyrs, finds a new review released over his failing health in jail. on Thursday. His spokeswoman was jailed for 10 The Commonwealth War Graves days, and another close ally detained, on Commission (CWGC) found that an the same day that President Vladimir estimated 45,000-54,000 casualties, Putin delivered a state-of-the-nation predominantly Indian, African, speech warning the West not to cross Egyptian and Somali personnel, were Russia's "red lines" and pointedly made commemorated unequally. A further no mention of Navalny. 1,16,000 casualties were not "This is one of the last gasps of a free commemorated by name or possibly Russia, as many are saying. We came out not commemorated at all. for Alexei ... against a war in Ukraine UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and the wild propaganda," said Marina, a made an apology on behalf of the student at the Moscow protest. government in the House of OVD-Info, a group that monitors Commons. — PTI protests and detentions, said 1,782 people had been arrested, including 804 in St. 2020 was Europe's hottest Petersburg and 119 in the Urals city of year on record: EU Ufa. Protesters in central Moscow survived a nerve agent attack that CALL TO 'FIGHT THIS DARKNESS' chanted, "Freedom to Navalny!" and "Let Russian authorities denied carrying out, Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira scientists the doctors in!". Navalny's wife Yulia is thin and weak after starving himself Yarmysh, and an ally, Lyubov Sobol, BRUSSELS (TIP): Europe joined the rally in the capital, where for three weeks, and his allies say he were detained near their Moscow homes experienced its hottest year on record demonstrators chanted her name. risks kidney failure or cardiac arrest. hours before the rally in the capital. last year, while the Arctic suffered a The opposition had hoped the rallies The United States has warned Russia it European Council President Charles summer of extreme wildfires partly would be the biggest in modern Russian will face "consequences" if he dies. Michel, who chairs European Union due to low snow cover as climate history, and presented them as an The state human rights commissioner, summits, called their arrests change impacts intensified, the attempt to save Navalny's life by Tatyana Moskalkova, said four doctors "deplorable". European Union’s observation service persuading the authorities to allow his from outside the federal prison agency Yarmysh was later jailed for 10 days at said on Thursday. own doctors to treat him. had visited Navalny on Tuesday and a hearing for inciting people to protest. As world leaders prepared to But turnout looked smaller than found no serious health problems. Sobol was released ahead of a hearing on brandish their plans to fight climate during protests earlier this year before Russia says he has been treated as Thursday. Navalny aide Ruslan change at a U.S.-led summit on Navalny was jailed for 2-1/2 years for would any other prisoner. Shaveddinov tweeted: "This is Thursday, EU scientists issued a stark parole violations related to what he said The confrontation over Navalny's fate repression. This cannot be accepted. We reminder that the impacts of a were politically motivated charges of is a flashpoint in Moscow's dire relations need to fight this darkness." warmer world are already here. embezzlement. with the West, already aggravated by Dozens of police vans were deployed to Europe's average annual Police said 6,000 people protested economic sanctions, diplomatic the centre of Moscow. The square where temperature in 2020 was the highest illegally in Moscow, while Navalny's expulsions and a Russian military activists had hoped to gather was on record and at least 0.4 degrees YouTube channel said turnout in the buildup near Ukraine. cordoned off with metal barriers, as was Celsius above the next five warmest capital was up to 10 times higher. Alexey U.N. human rights experts urged Red Square. years -- all of which took place in the Venediktov, a veteran journalist and Moscow to let Navalny be medically Up to about 300 people protested in last decade, the Copernicus Earth head of the Ekho Moskvy radio station, evaluated abroad. They said they Vladivostok, some toting banners saying observation service said. said 10,000-15,000 people had rallied in believed his life was in danger as he was "Freedom for political prisoners" and "Temperatures are increasing in all Moscow and 7,000-9,000 in St Petersburg. being held in "conditions that could "No war, repressions and torture!" seasons in Europe," said Freja The 44-year-old Navalny, who last year amount to torture". Reuters Vamborg, senior scientist at Copernicus. It was the hottest winter on record, at 3.4 degrees Celsius above the De-coupling from China would be the wrong average European winter temperature seen during 1981-2020. Weather is way to go, warns Germany more variable in winter, so extreme temperatures tend to play out most BERLIN (TIP): The European Union mutual differences. Last month, China At the same time, China does not starkly in that season. needs to engage with China despite was hit by a round of coordinated approve of any re-drawing of ideological It was also Europe's warmest many differences instead of opting for a sanctions from the United States, lines, and is even more opposed to autumn, while summer heatwaves more isolationist approach, Germany European Union, Britain and Canada engaging in "small cliques", and even were not as intense or prolonged as in said on Wednesday. over reports of forced labour in the far arbitrarily imposing unilateral recent years, despite pockets of "In the EU, we have been describing western Chinese region of Xinjiang, sanctions based on false information, record-breaking heat in places China as a partner, competitor and accusations that Beijing rejects. Wang said. including Scandinavia and France. systemic rival at the same time," Ties between China and Germany Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden Meanwhile, the Arctic saw a German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas have generally remained stable since last met with Japanese Prime Minister "spectacular year", Vamborg said, said ahead of a virtual meeting with his year, Chinese State Councilor and Yoshihide Suga in his first face-to-face pointing to a summer of record- Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said later in White House summit since taking office, breaking wildfires in Arctic Siberia, "In all these three dimensions we need his meeting with Mass. where both leaders said they shared which were exacerbated by high strong, sustainable communication Wang also said major economies like serious concerns about the human rights temperatures and lower-than-average channels with Beijing. De-coupling is the China and Germany should jointly resist situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. snow cover. wrong way to go." any de-coupling, and instead seek to In a show of economic cooperation to The average temperature in Arctic Berlin's warning against de-coupling uphold the stability of global industrial the exclusion of China, Biden said Japan Siberia last year broke records by a is in line with Beijing's long-held and supply chains, according to a and the United States would jointly large margin at 4.3 degrees Celsius position against disengagement among statement from the Chinese foreign invest in the tech sector including above the 1981-2020 average. (Reuters) nations, including with China, despite ministry. semiconductor supply chains. Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 25 Syrian missile explodes in RUSSIA ORDERS TROOPS TO RETURN area near Israeli nuclear POST CRIMEA DRILL MOSCOW (TIP): Russia’s Defence Minister on Thursday ordered troops reactor, Israel retaliates back to their permanent bases following massive drills in Crimea JERUSALEM (TIP): A Syrian missile that involved dozens of navy ships, exploded in southern Israel on Thursday, hundreds of warplanes and thousands the Israeli military said, in an incident of troops in a show of force amid that triggered warning sirens near the tensions with Ukraine. secretive Dimona nuclear reactor and an After watching the drills, Russian Israeli strike in Syria. Defense Minister Shoigu declared the An Israeli military spokesman maneuvers over. “I consider the goals identified the projectile as an SA-5 of the snap check of readiness surface-to-air missile fired by Syrian fulfilled,” Shoigu said. — Agencies forces against Israeli aircraft. He said it overflew its target to reach the Dimona CATHAY PACIFIC TO area, 200 km (125 miles) south of the Syrian border. An Israeli military CLOSE PILOT BASE IN The missile did not hit the reactor, spokesman identified landing some 30 km (19 miles) away, the the projectile as an SA- CANADA; PROPOSES spokesman added. 5 surface-to-air missile In a further statement, the military SHUTTING AUSTRALIA, said a preliminary investigation showed fired by Syrian forces that Israel's anti-missile systems had not against Israeli aircraft NEW ZEALAND carried out an interception of the VANCOVER (TIP): Hong Kong's projectile. Israeli security sources said Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd will close the missile exploded in mid-air. country's air defence system intercepted "The trajectory of a stray anti-aircraft its Canadian pilot base and has In response, Israel launched further an Israeli strike in the suburbs of missile on an unintended descent is very proposed to also shut its pilot bases in overnight attacks inside Syria, the Damascus. tricky to track," he told Reuters. Australia and New Zealand, the military spokesman said, targeting "Air defences intercepted the rockets "Israel's air defence systems are in airline said on Thursday. several missile batteries, including the and downed most of them," it said. Four theory capable of carrying out such an No decisions have been made on the one that fired the SA-5. soldiers were injured in the attack and interception with proper preparation, fate of its pilots based in Europe and The sirens that sounded in the dead of there was some material damage, the but it would be at the edge of the the United States, the airline said in a night in the Dimona area followed weeks report added. capability envelope." Had the Syrians statement that noted all passenger of heightened tension between Israel A Syrian military defector said the wanted to attack Dimona, he said, they fleet pilots on overseas bases had been and Iran, a close ally of Syrian President Israeli strikes targeted locations near could have used bigger weapons in their stood down since May 2020. Bashar al-Assad, amid renewed the town of Dumair, some 40 km (25 arsenal, such as Scud missiles. The decision to close the Canadian negotiations surrounding Tehran's miles) northeast of Damascus, where "In 1991, Saddam Hussein tried to base is final, while Australia and New nuclear programme. Iranian-backed militias have a presence. attack Dimona with a Scud, and that was Zealand is a proposal at this stage and For weeks, Israeli media have said air It is an area hit repeatedly in past Israeli from 600 km away," he said, or a distance will involve a good-faith consultation defences around the Dimona reactor and attacks. of 373 miles. process with employees, Cathay said. the Red Sea port of Eilat were being Addressing the likelihood of a Syrian Early on Thursday, the Saudi-led In Australia and New Zealand, strengthened in anticipation of a anti-aircraft missile overshooting its coalition battling Yemen's Houthis employers must consult with staff possible long-range missile or drone target and flying a long distance into intercepted a drone attack by the Iran- before redundancies as part of union attack by Iranian-backed forces, perhaps Israel, Uzi Rubin, an Israeli missile aligned movement on the southern Saudi agreements but it is rare for publicly from as far away as Yemen. expert, said the scenario was "consistent city of Khamis Mushait, state media announced decisions to be reversed. Syria's state news agency said the with the characteristics" of an SA-5. said. Reuters Qantas Airways Ltd and Air New Zealand Ltd made similar announcements last year about consultations before proceeding with Australia cites national interest for cancelling their planned staff cuts. Cathay's proposed closures were first reported by the South China state accords on China's Belt and Road Morning Post. SYDNEY (TIP): Australia said a she told ABC radio's AM programme. includes Australia, Britain, Canada and Cathay had already closed overseas decision to cancel two accords between Beijing had been notified of the decision the United States - but questioned whether cabin crew bases and shut its regional Victoria state and China on the Belt and before it was made public on Wednesday it was the right platform for New Zealand airline Cathay Dragon to help it Road Initiative was taken to ensure evening. to speak out on human rights issues. The conserve cash during the pandemic, consistency in foreign relations and was Speaking to reporters in New Zealand comment, first made on Monday, has been resulting in the loss of more than 5,900 not aimed at any country. after meeting with her counterpart widely interpreted as referring to recent jobs. The Chinese embassy earlier criticised Nanaia Mahuta, Payne said Australia Five Eyes joint statements criticising The remaining Hong Kong-based the move by Foreign Minister Marise sought a clear-eyed and practical China. Payne said the Five Eyes was a vital pilots and cabin crew had to agree to Payne to veto two agreements signed by engagement with China, particularly as strategic alliance and Australia sought to permanent pay cuts to keep their jobs. Victoria state as "provocative" and said it the world emerged from COVID-19. deepen cooperation with its partners, who Cathay, which lacks a domestic would further damage ties with Australia. "We also have to acknowledge that are liberal democracies. market at a time when international Payne said on Thursday that Australia China's outlook, the nature of China's In a joint written statement that did not borders are largely shut, last month was a federation and states entering into external engagement, both in our region mention China, Payne and Mahuta said reported a record annual loss of agreements with foreign governments are and globally, has changed in recent years, they had "reaffirmed their intent to work HK$21.65 billion ($2.8 billion). now required to consult with the federal and an enduring partnership requires us together to preserve the liberal It has been burning through as government. to adapt to those new realities," she said. international order that has underpinned much as HK$1.9 billion of cash a "This scheme is very focused on China is the largest trading partner of stability and prosperity in the region, and month, though the carrier said last Australia's national interest. It’s about New Zealand and Australia. to foster a sustainable regional balance week that figure would begin to ensuring consistency of our foreign Mahuta on Thursday repeated where all countries- large and small – can reduce slightly due to an easing of relations across Australia and it's most comments that New Zealand valued the freely pursue their legitimate interests". cargo crew quarantine requirements. certainly not aimed at any one country," Five Eyes security alliance - which also (Reuters) Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 26 Amazing ways banana can FOOD CORNER Chhola bhatura benefit your skin and hair Ingredients 1 cup Chola anana is one of the most consumed fruit as it is Salt to taste easily available across the globe. But this fruit is 1 packet Tea leaves Bnot only tasty to eat, it also has multiple benefits 1/2 tsp Zeera for one’s health, skin, and even hair. While eating 2 piece Kadi Patta banana helps boost energy,its puree is an excellent way 1 Onion (1/2 thinly slized and 1/2 to make paste) to get amazing skin and silky and smooth hair. It is also 1/8 piece of Ginger, 3 cloves of Garlic (add more or useful to fight off premature aging of the skin. Hence, less to your taste, mince them) it is a great idea to include banana in your beauty 1 tsp Garam Masala regimen and enjoy the benefits of the fruit which is 1/2 big size Tomato and rich in potassium and vitamin A, B, and C. 2 tbsp Tomato Puree (or, 3/4 tomato) 1/4 tsp each Haldi, Mirchi, Dhaniya powder Skin moisturizer 1 tsp Chola Masala (if not doesn't matter) Bananas are the secret to a well-nourished skin as it helps keep it hydrated. It also helps moisturize dry skin, For Onion Paste making it soft and supple. Vitamin A in banana restores the skin’s moisture and smoothens out the rough 1/2 Onion texture by healing dry and parched skin. down on dryness) and also rid your scalp of 2 Red Chillies Bananas act as a great exfoliator and help in microscopic offenders causing dandruff. For centuries, Small piece of Cinnamon sloughing off excess sebum on the skin’s surface. banana peel, leaf, flower and fruit have been in used to 3/4 piece Cloves treat various ailments as the extracts of different parts 2 piece Elaichi Anti-aging effects of the banana have antioxidant and antibacterial Bananas contain high level of antioxidants and act as properties. Method nature’s Botox, preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Smoothens frizzy hair Let chola soak in water overnight. Banana may help smoothen frizzy hair as it has high Next day pressure cook with salt to taste and 1 packet Treats acne silica content. Silica is absorbed by our body to produce of tea or put little tea leaves, we get in India and wrap Bananas are loaded with many nutrients like vitamin collagen, a protein that is a building block of bouncy it in a cloth. A, zinc, and manganese, which are anti-inflammatory. and beautiful hair. This will change the color of chola to black. In a pan, Rubbing a banana peel on your face acts as a blemish in little oil, add Zeera, Kadi Patta. banisher, and also helps in treating acne. Boosts hair growth Then add 1/2 thinly slized onion. Antioxidants in banana can also infuse your scalp Fry till golden brown. Banana for dandruff and hair with a stronger defense system, and decrease Then add minced garlic and ginger paste. Then add Dandruff can be caused by scalp irritation, dryness, oxidative stress — a major reason for hair to look brittle onion paste. as well as fungal and bacterial pathogens. Applying and aged. Using banana overtime can make hair Fry till oil comes out. Then add tomato and tomato banana mask to your scalp can add moisture (cutting follicles stronger, and, as a result, grow longer. puree. Add haldi, mirchi, dhaniya and chola masala. When masala is done, add chola and little water. Check salt. Smart ways to hide your grey hair Let cook for few minutes. Garnish with chopped onion. For Batura rey hair have always been cited as a symbol of ageing. But thanks to the stressful life-style and 1 cup Maida Gunhealthy eating habit, many of us tend to 1/4 cup Atta develop grey hair at a young age of 20s or 30s. Salt to taste (1/4 tsp) Indeed, these grey hair can be huge hit to one’s self- 2 tsp Oil confidence in today’s world where it is all about looking 3 tbs Curd good and young. Method While it is important to change your lifestyle in order to prevent the grey hair, you can still hide your greys Add maida and atta. Add salt and the add oil. instantly with the below mentioned smart tips. Mix with hand, till you can make balls from atta. Mix dahi. Mix very well. Hair chalk Add enough water to make atta dough. One of the easiest way to cover your greys is apply Put the dough in a plastic bag. hair chalk. These are will not give your hide out grey in Roll the bag to remove any air and tie it. a flick but you will also get stylish and colorful hair. Let stand atleast for 6 hours.(You can do it when you Besides, it is easily available in the market. put chola in water, previous night). Heat the oil and make big size poories (batura). Colorful threads Eat with chola. Enjoy with Imli Chutney. Go for a funky look to secrete your greys with colorful threads. Braid a section of your hair with colourful move and mould them easily, and will be spread in threads and include the discoloured area in it different sections of your hair. Sleek side parted ponytail Side swept heavy bangs Hide white hair of your middle part by making sleek This hairstyle will take care of those hairs which side parted pony tail. It is very easy to do, if you are in have turned white bang on top of your head and all hurry you can go for this stylish hairdo. kinds of parting will expose them out. A heavy bang brought from behind and swept cleverly to one side will Light accessories do the trick. There are so many accessories that can be used to hide the grey hairs. Like artificial flowers, transparent Bun it all up stone beads in various colours, transparent head bands If you have grey hair in and around the crown area, and bandanas. you can gather all your hair into an elegant bun and glam this bun up with bling accessories. There Curls shouldn't be any parting in the front otherwise there You can also go for curls to hide you grey hairs. All are chances that white hair would be visible from there. you have to do is use curling rollers or an iron to curl For a casual day out, instead of a sleek neat bun go for your hair or a particular section of it and hide grey messy buns, they will give your overall personality an areas. Curls are best styling trick, because you can edge and compliment your casual attire. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 27 ‘New COVID-19 vaccine may provide protection against existing, future strains’

new experimental COVID-19 vaccine has shown promising results in early animal testing, Aaccording to researchers who say the preventive may provide protection against existing and future strains of the novel coronavirus, and cost about USD 1 per dose. The vaccine developed by researchers, including those from the University of Virginia (UVA) in the US, Multivitamins, omega-3, prevented pigs from being becoming ill with a pig model coronavirus, porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV). probiotics may cut risk PEDV infects pigs, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, and high fever, and has been a large burden on pig farmers around the world. of Covid: Study The new vaccine approach might one day open the door to a universal vaccine for coronaviruses, including aking multivitamins, omega-3, probiotics or coronaviruses that previously threatened pandemics or vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of perhaps even coronaviruses that cause some cases of hundreds of millions of doses of those vaccines per Ttesting positive for the novel coronavirus the common cold, the researchers said. year now, for a USD 1 per dose or less," Zeichner said. which causes Covid, at least among women, According to the researchers, the vaccine offers "It may be possible to adapt those factories to make according to a large observational study. several advantages that could overcome major this new vaccine. Since the technology is very similar, The research, published in the journal BMJ obstacles to global vaccination efforts. the cost should be similar too," he added. Nutrition Prevention and Health, found that taking It would be easy to store and transport, even in The vaccine takes an unusual approach in that it vitamin C, zinc, or garlic supplements was not remote areas of the world, and could be produced in targets a part of the spike protein of the virus, the associated with a lower risk of testing positive for mass quantities using existing vaccine-manufacturing "viral fusion peptide," that is essentially universal the virus, the findings show. factories, they said. among coronaviruses. The researchers, including those from King's "Our new platform offers a new route to rapidly The spike protein helps the virus to enter the human College London in the UK, drew on adult users of the produce vaccines at very low cost that can be cells. Covid Symptom Study app to see if regular manufactured in existing facilities around the world, The fusion peptide has not been observed to differ at supplement users were less likely to test positive for which should be particularly helpful for pandemic all in the many genetic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 that SARS-CoV-2. response," said Steven L. Zeichner from UVA. have been obtained from thousands of patients around The app was launched in the UK, the US, and Described in the journal PNAS, the vaccine- the world during the pandemic. Sweden in March 2020 to capture self-reported production platform involves synthesising DNA that The researchers made two vaccines, one designed to information on the evolution of the pandemic. directs the production of a piece of the virus which can protect against COVID-19, and another designed to The researchers analysed information supplied by instruct the immune system to mount a protective protect against PEDV. 3,72,720 UK subscribers to the app about their immune response against the virus. PEDV and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both regular use of dietary supplements throughout May, "Killed whole-cell vaccines are currently in coronaviruses, but they are distant relatives. June and July 2020 during the first wave of the widespread use to protect against deadly diseases like PEDV and SARS-CoV-2, like all coronaviruses, share pandemic as well as any coronavirus swab test cholera and pertussis. Factories in many low-to-middle- several of the amino acids that constitute the fusion results. income countries around the world are making peptide. Between May and July, 1,75,652 UK subscribers regularly took dietary supplements while 1,97,068 did not. Around two-thirds (67 per cent) were women and over half were overweight. Diet drinks, soda might be In all, 23,521 people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 3,49,199 tested negative between May and July. The study found taking probiotics, omega fatty harming your fertility acids, multivitamins or vitamin D was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 14 per cent, 12 per cent, 13 per cent and 9 per cent, re you fond of fizzy drinks or pursuing fertility treatments like respectively. diet cola breaks? Do you IUI & IVF. No such effects were observed among those taking Aprefer sugar in your brew for Studies have found that excessive vitamin C, zinc, or garlic supplements, according to a sweetener? If so, your ‘diet’ consumption of soda is strongly the researchers. beverage could be messing with linked to infertility in both men and When the researchers looked specifically at sex, your pregnancy plans. women. Men who consume soda age and weight (BMI), the protective associations for Did you know, artificial regularly are at four times the risk probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, multivitamins and sweeteners are chemical-based and of lowering the sperm count, vitamin D were observed only in women of all ages all the soda’s and sugary drinks are motility, and other parameters that and weights. made of artificial sweeteners? affect fertility.Moreover, soda being There are so many things to think an acidic beverage alters the pH of about when you’re trying to the body which further affects PAGE SPONSORED BY increase your chances of fertility. Aspartame is an artificial conceiving. But did you know or significantly decreased their softener used in most soft drinks DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND ever think that maybe your daily chances of conceiving a child. which can alter the functioning of intake of soft drinks can affect your Sugared sodas, and diet sodas are the endocrine glands and lead to DR. SATISH ANAND chances of having a baby? among the most popular beverages hormonal imbalances. Excess soda Former Chairman, Board of Couples planning a pregnancy consumed by reproductive-aged consumption can also lead to the Trustees, AAPI National should consider limiting their men and women. Research has generation of free radicals which E-Mail: consumption of these beverages, shown that drinking one soda per can result in the death of many [email protected] especially because they are related day is linked with a 20-25 per cent sperm and ovum. Besides, most soft to other adverse health effects. reduction in the average monthly drinks are rich in caffeine which Research has shown women probability of conception for both reduces menstrual bleeding as it is GITANJLI ANAND undergoing fertility treatments men and women. These adverse a vasoconstrictor. Hence, it is clear Former President, India found that frequent consumption of effects are not only limited to that excessive consumption of soda Association of Long Island the artificial sweeteners commonly natural conception but may also can lead to infertility in both men (IALI) found in these beverages have implications if you are as well as women. E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 28 Facebook In a first, NASA’s Perseverance tweaks ad tools rover makes oxygen on Mars ahead of Apple’s ASA's Perseverance rover keeps making history. The six-wheeled Nrobot has converted some carbon privacy changes dioxide from the Martian atmosphere into oxygen, the first time this has acebook Inc said on Wednesday, happened on another planet, the space April 21, it is making changes to agency said Wednesday, April 21. Fits advertising tools to comply "This is a critical first step at with an upcoming privacy update by converting carbon dioxide to oxygen on Apple Inc, limiting the effectiveness of Mars," said Jim Reuter, associate data collection features used by administrator for NASA's space advertisers. technology mission directorate. The world's biggest social media The technology demonstration took company has been at loggerheads with place on April 20, and it's hoped future Apple's 'App Tracking Transparency' versions of the experimental feature, expected to kick in with the instrument that was used could pave the latest iPhone software update next way for future human exploration. week, which allows users to block Not only can the process produce advertisers from tracking them across oxygen for future astronauts to breathe, different applications. but it could make hauling vast amounts Apple says it defends data privacy of oxygen over from Earth to use as rights, but faces criticism from rocket propellant for the return journey Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment MOXIE produced 5 grams of oxygen. Facebook, app developers and startups unnecessary. whose business models rely on The Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource MOXIE's engineers will now run more pounds (25 tons) of oxygen needed for a advertising tracking. Utilization Experiment -- or MOXIE -- is tests and try to step up its output. It is rocket to blast off from Mars. Facebook said on Wednesday the a golden box the size of a car battery, designed to be able to generate up to 10 Producing oxygen from Mars' 96 changes on its ad tools would limit the and is located inside the front right side grams of oxygen per hour. percent carbon dioxide atmosphere ways in which target audiences can be of the rover. Designed at the Massachusetts might be a more feasible option than selected and how the success of an ad Dubbed a "mechanical tree," it uses Institute of Technology, MOXIE was extracting ice from under its surface campaign is measured. electricity and chemistry to split carbon built with heat-resistant materials like then electrolyzing it to make oxygen. The company said it is investing in dioxide molecules, which are made up nickel alloy and designed to tolerate the Perseverance landed on the Red privacy-enhancing technologies to of one carbon atom and two oxygen searing temperatures of 1,470 degrees Planet on February 18 on a mission to minimize the amount of data collected atoms. Fahrenheit (800 Celsius) required for it search for signs for microbial life. from users. It also produces carbon monoxide as a to run. Its mini helicopter Ingenuity made Facebook and Apple have also tangled byproduct. A thin gold coating ensures it doesn't history this week by achieving the first over commission fees the iPhone maker In its first run, MOXIE produced 5 radiate its heat and harm the rover. powered flight on another planet. charges apps listed on iOS devices, with grams of oxygen, equivalent to about 10 MIT engineer Michael Hecht said a The rover itself has also directly the social media giant backing small minutes of breathable oxygen for an one ton version of MOXIE could recorded the sounds of Mars for the developers most affected by the policy. astronaut carrying out normal activity. produce the approximately 55,000 first time. Instagram working on new Music and tech team up stickers, Star to cut the milliseconds usicians desperate to work together in harmony while kept apart by COVID-19 lockdowns have been collaborating with Wars chat Mtech companies to shave milliseconds from delays on their online connections, driving innovations that will transcend music. themes To recreate the experience of performing together live when artists nstagram is working on a bunch of and audiences are apart, a collective effort has been under way to new stickers for Stories and chat reduce the lag between a sound being produced and being heard, Ithemes. There’s a new link sticker known as latency. Twitter adds support for that will let users add links directly to In rehearsals for Rossini's Barber of Seville, the San Francisco Stories, and a ‘Super Mention’ sticker. Opera has used a test version of a device called Aloha, developed by 4K images on Android, iOS Instagram is also working on new Star Stockholm-based Elk O.S., in partnership with Ericsson, Vodafone witter started testing support for 4K images for its Wars themes for chats in Direct Message and Verizon. Android and iOS apps last month. It has now (DM). The pocket-sized device cuts the lag from around 600 milliseconds, Tannounced it is rolling out support for Twitter users The new stickers and chat themes were which would make two performers sound out of sync, to roughly 20 to post 4K images on Android and iOS. Prior to this spotted by app researcher Alessandro milliseconds, which is no greater than if the performers were in the update, Twitter allowed a maximum resolution of 2048 x Paluzzi (via Social Media Today). The same room. "That was shocking to me that technology has advanced 2048 for images uploaded from its mobile app. new link sticker will let users add links to that far," said soprano Anne-Marie MacIntosh, who is performing in Twitter users can now upload and view 4K images on Stories that viewers will be able to tap on the production scheduled to open to socially-distanced, drive-in their timeline from the Android and iOS apps. Twitter’s and directly go to that web page. This audiences. web client already supports 4K images in tweets. It looks feature will most likely be exclusive to like the tests were successful as Twitter has made the accounts with more than 10k followers feature available to all users. To view and upload images in who currently have access to the ‘swipe 4K, Twitter users will have to enable the feature from the up’ feature. This lets Instagram users add app’s settings by following these steps: a link to their Stories but viewers have to „ Open the Twitter app on Android or iOS. swipe up to open that page. A visible link „ Tap on the hamburger menu to access the app’s would be a better call to action feature. settings. While it seems unlikely that all users will „ Select ‘Data usage’ under general from the settings get the new link sticker, Instagram is yet menu. to confirm on the same. „ Under images, turn on high-quality image uploads, There’s also a new Super Mention and high quality images. sticker in the works. As the name „ You can choose either Wi-Fi or mobile data & Wi-Fi. suggests, this feature will most likely „ Once this is enabled, you will start seeing 4K images show the mentioned account more on your timeline, and also be able to upload 4K prominently in Stories. images. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BUSINESS FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 29 RBI allows Dorsey, Musk bat for S&P flags impact of commercial Bitcoin as future of lockdowns on banks to pay renewable energy Indian up to 50% of economy &P Global Ratings pre-Covid on Thursday, April S22, said the Indian economy is projected to dividends grow at 11% in the he Reserve Bank of India current fiscal, but flagged (RBI) on Thursday, April 22, the “substantial” impact Trelaxed the dividend payout of broader lockdowns on norms of commercial banks and the economy. allowed them to pay up to 50 per cent In its report on Asia- of what they paid before Covid from Pacific Financial the profits for the fiscal ended Institutions, S&P said the March 31, 2021. control of Covid remains For FY20, the RBI had asked banks a key risk for the not to make any dividend payment economy. New infections on equity shares from the profits in have spiked in recent view of the ongoing stress and weeks and the country is heightened uncertainty on account in the middle of a second of Covid-19. HDFC Bank had last pandemic wave. week decided not to pay any rguing for Bitcoin as a key driver of transition”. “Our forecast growth of dividend on the basis of the renewable energy’s future on Earth Day, To complement this work, ARK Invest has 11% for India in 2021 is previous year’s RBI directive. ATwitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Tesla CEO contributed an open source model that followed by a 6.1-6.4% “In partial modification of the Elon Musk have come forward to support the fast- demonstrates how bitcoin mining could augment forecast increase for the instructions, banks may pay growing cryptocurrency, saying that Bitcoin these renewable + storage systems to supply a next couple of years... dividend on equity shares from the incentivises renewable energy. larger percentage of a grid’s base-load energy Some targeted lockdowns profits for the financial year ended Dorsey’s digital payment services company demand for comparable or lower cost unit have already been March 31, 2021, subject to the Square and global asset management firm ARK economics. implemented and more quantum of dividend being not more Invest have jointly released a white paper on “Bitcoin miners are unique energy buyers in will likely be needed. The than 50 per cent of the amount “Bitcoin as Key to an Abundant, Clean Energy that they offer highly flexible and easily impact of broader determined as per the dividend Future”. interruptible load, provide payout in a globally lockdowns on the payout ratio prescribed in paragraph In a tweet on Wednesday, April 21, Dorsey said: liquid cryptocurrency,and are completely location economy could be 4 of the May 4, 2005 circular. Other “Bitcoin incentivises renewable energy.” agnostic, requiring only an internet connection,” substantial, depending on instructions in the circular shall Musk replied: “True,” after tweeting that the paper read. their length and scope,” it remain unchanged,” the RBI said. starting next week, “Tesla Solar Panels and Solar Bitcoin miners are an ideal complementary said. Cooperative banks are permitted Roof will only be sold as an integrated product technology for renewables and storage. S&P, which currently to pay dividend on equity shares ‘with’ Tesla Powerwall battery”. “Combining generation with both storage and has a ‘BBB-’ rating on from the profits of the financial year In the white paper, Square and ARK Invest said miners presents a better overall value proposition India with a stable ended March 31, 2021, as per the that “the energy asset owners of today can become then building generation and storage alone,” the outlook, has forecast an extant instructions, the RBI said. the essential bitcoin miners of tomorrow”. research paper noted. 11% growth in the Indian However, all banks must continue to The ‘Bitcoin Clean Energy Initiative’ has “By combining miners with renewables + GDP for the fiscal meet the applicable minimum developed a short research paper as a “starting storage projects, we believe it could improve the beginning April 1 on regulatory capital requirements point to share our vision for how bitcoin mining — returns for project investors and developers, account of a fast after dividend payment, it added. in conjunction with renewable energy and storage moving more solar and wind projects into economic reopening and – is especially well suited to accelerate the energy profitable territory,”it added. fiscal stimulus.

Millions of Americans are World’s biggest stock owner says banks displaced tech as drivers of returns jobless, yet firms struggle to hire he world’s biggest owner of listed equities, Norway’s $1.3 trillion WASHINGTON (TIP): More Twealth fund, says financial firms than a year into the Covid-19 have displaced tech stocks as the main pandemic, millions of drivers of returns. American remain jobless, but Norges Bank Investment Management, even as the economy reopens which owns about 1.5% of global stocks, some employers are finding beat its benchmark index in the first hiring an unexpected challenge. quarter, and also outperformed the MSCI From fears of being infected World Index. with the coronavirus to trouble “Over time, and especially last year, it billion in UBS Group AG. Its exposure to finding childcare to the lure of was technology and green stocks” that the financial sector last year delivered a generous unemployment drove returns, Trond Grande, the fund’s loss of almost $12 billion. benefits, some jobless deputy chief executive, said by phone. The rise in interest rates that Grande Americans are holding off on “What we’ve seen in the first quarter has says is behind the financial industry’s re-entering the workforce. been a bit different,” with the best returns outperformance comes amid speculation "It's a paradox for the Covid coming from finance and energy. that inflation might be making a crisis," said Gregory Daco, chief US economist at Oxford Economics. "We have, and For finance, “we should see this in the comeback, fed in part by record stimulus risk having over the coming months, an imbalance between job openings and context of rising long rates,” which means packages in the US and Europe. demand." banks can “lend at higher margins,” The fund’s equity portfolio returned The US economy has begun to recover as Covid-19 vaccines allow businesses to Grande said. Financial stocks make up 6.6% last quarter. Bonds lost 3.2% while return to normal, and companies are starting to recruit to meet growing demand. 14.6% of the fund’s investments. Public real estate was up 1.4%. Overall, it But not all unemployed workers are ready to return to their jobs, analysts say. records show JPMorgan Chase & Co. is its generated a 4% return. Rising raw "The main issue is we still have a pandemic, and there is huge concern among job biggest bank holding, worth about $3.5 material and oil prices propped up the seekers about workplace health and safety," said Julia Pollak, an economist for job billion. The investor owns roughly $2.9 fund’s portfolio of energy stocks, Grande search website ZipRecruiter. Source: AFP billion of Bank of America Corp. and $2.5 said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 30 Shree Ganeshaya Namah

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

TIP brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the WEEKLY HOROSCOPE World's most trusted Vedic Astrologer Nastur Bejan Daruwalla. April 26 -May 2, 2021

time. Your business is doing better than the past your emotions as everything new is exciting and Aries few weeks well. This week is a fantastic week for intriguing. You are very likely to meet your you. You are a fireball of energy this week. As the partner's extended family and friends this week. Ganesha says you will achieve a personal goal sun is working against your sign, expect a lot of that you have been secretly working on for a long overwhelming emotion this week. This will make it time. Although announcing your achievement will hard to focus on work or the new prospect. Learn Sagittarius have mixed results from your family, the win is so what works for you in calming your energies this You will make amazing returns on your big you would not focus on the negative attention week. speculations this week. Which will bring your self- and the tantrums some of your family members confidence to the next level. You will receive a lot of show for not letting them know your plans sooner. appreciation from people who did not believe in you Positive energies are mild for you this week when it Leo and underestimated your intelligence. Positive comes to your relationships. This week is a rough Exuberance and ecstasy define your week this energies are mild this week. Your week isn't week for you as you will face a lot of drama at home week. As your health chakras are aligning in your challenging or full of obstacles this week. But your this week. The only positive thing in your life is favor this week you will notice everything working sign is firing up with anger this week. your achievement this week. Your partner will help out great, without much effort or hassle. Your Capricorn: you get out of drama this week. Appreciate their partner is very likely to confront you this week Your personality will shine through in front of a efforts even though you're in a tough situation this with issues you have no answers to. You need to be new prospect and all of your colleagues this week. week you must not forget to express your gratitude. the calm one this week. Reciprocating the same The stars are really making you be the best you can negative energy will only add fuel to the fire. be this week. You'll be smiling all week, thinking Apologize immediately when you think you're about the deal you closed this week. You are Taurus wrong. financially doing a lot better this week. You will You will receive an invitation to a new job meet a new prospect that will challenge you and opportunity this week that is quite unconventional. your team to the core. Your employees will be Your parents will try their best to stop you from Virgo highly supportive this week. You will enjoy the taking such an unpredictable path, they're simply You will be gifted with some inherited wealth this teamwork. looking out for you, do what seems the best for you week that was stuck up with legal issues recently. but do not chose to upset people with your words. This will finally help you make the investment that Be open to the idea of different perspectives and try you have been wanting to for a long time now. You Aquarius to have empathy for your loved ones. Your health will be very engrossed in your art this week. Try to You won't spend much time with your loved one will bother you a little bit this week. You're likely to spend as much time as you can do what you love. this week but things will be great between you and be unproductive and simply rest this week. Which Enrolling in dance or art classes will consistently your partner. You will receive an unexpected is what your body will demand of you. If you still keep you happy. That would be a good decision you amount of empathy from them which will make chose to work against all odds, you will eventually make this week. you feel very confident about your relationship. pay a bigger price for not listening to your body. This week you'll feel very proud of having your partner as your best friend and confidant. You Libra might get lost in your own mess and not remember Gemini Your beauty and charm will lend you a very to express your gratitude towards your partner You will experience a positive shift in your career exciting job opportunity, possibly in the which is not a good thing hence make sure you are this week. You have been struggling a lot lately and entertainment business. Although it all seems very grateful today and you are expressive about it. just when you were thinking of quitting your job, enticing, do not jump into it without understanding your career will take a turn in the best direction it the whole situation as well as consulting those you could ever go. You will not get the expected results trust. You will learn a new skill this week which Pisces from your business from the investment that you will help your business a lot. You will also Your health will keep being a minor made. Fortunately as you are inclined more appreciate the minute efforts your partner has been inconvenience as you're likely to experience some towards spirituality this week, you won't very upset making to cheer you up. Be the one to return the pain and discomfort in your legs. Try to take breaks or low when things don't work out your way which favor this week. to stretch your legs and walk in between long hours is great as it helps you learn from your mistakes of sitting. As the sun is working against your sign and make pragmatic decisions the next time. in this week, expect a lot of overwhelming emotion Scorpio this week. This will make it hard to focus on work Your leadership skills will impress a new or the new prospect. Learn what works for you in Cancer prospect this week and will yield very positive calming your energies this week. Your love life is doing great this week. You will results with very little of your time and attention experience a positive shift in your partner's needed. Your love life will enter into a new phase READ BIRTHDAY HOROSCOPE behavior that you have been wanting for a long this week. You will experience a positive shift in ON PAGE 31 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 31

BIRTHDAY HOROSCOPE April 26 -May 2, 2021

today but you need to focus on the positive aspect of learn to say no. Hence make sure you only do the April 26 your life today which is that you and your family things that give you joy and peace and do not You might be a bit disappointed today because you and financially secure and healthy. It will be a good hesitate in refusing and rejecting things that are not were expecting more people to show up and meet day today if chose to look at the positive aspects of appealing to you. you and not all of the people you were expecting will the day today. show up or even wish you today. Although it's a tough day for you emotionally it will help you in the May 1 long run as you will understand not to rely on other Today is a series of unplanned events and chaos people for your happiness especially those who have April 29 for you. Although you will panic in the beginning of been very inconsistent in your life. A great day for you today to go do things that you the day because you like to know the things that have been scared and afraid to do. You will have a lot you're doing before hand, you will eventually enjoy of confidence today as Saturn is very dominant in the surprises that come along the way today. There April 27 your sign. Hence take the leap of faith and go be as might be some things that you won't really like to do Venus is very strong in your sign today which adventurous as you want to be because you will have but make sure you express your dislike in a means you are very likely to meet someone special if a lot of fun today. Your health will be fine no matter respectful way as you tend to ruin meaningful you are single and if you are already in a how badly you eat today or how little you hydrate relationships when you're angry. All in all, today relationship you will come across as a very loving although health harming habits should be avoided will be a great day for you. and caring person to your partner and they will by you because they are likely to impact you in the reciprocate the same love and care by giving you upcoming days. everything that you want. You will be love-struck all day today. May 2 You will have a lot of fun today. Multiple April 30 celebrations with different people from various April 28 You need to find your voice today. You have been a aspects of your life might leave you exhausted and You might have to spend today working which will people pleaser for so long that you have forgotten tired but you will enjoy it a lot. You won't experience upset you early in the morning because you were your likes and dislikes. You are likely to come across even a bit of unhappiness today; it will be all about expecting to be able to take the day off today. Work some unpleasant people today whom you won't like being happy and making those who you love happy. will actually be very pleasing and interesting for you to spend time with but you will have to if you do not THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 32 NEPAL GOVT INTRODUCES NEW MOUNTAINEERING After talks with govt, Pak RULES KATHMANDU (TIP): The Nepal government has introduced new Islamist party releases 11 regulations for mountaineers planning to scale Mt Everest, in a bid to prevent overcrowding at the base cops from captivity camps and climbing trails. As per the new rules, expedition LAHORE (TIP): The banned radical groups which first receive permission Islamist party Tehreek-i-Labbaik to climb will get the first chance to Pakistan (TLP) on Monday released 11 climb the mountain. police hostages after the first round of The first-come-first-ascent rule will talks with the Imran Khan government, ensure that mountaineering groups which buckled under the pressure of the that have already acquired permission terror outfit over its demand to expel the to climb can make their attempt for French ambassador over a blasphemous summit in the first positive weather caricature published in France last year. window. Now, expedition organisers After declaring the TLP a proscribed are allowed to arrange climbing trips outfit under terrorism laws and freezing with maximum of 170 climbers in its leadership's bank accounts last week, each positive weather window. the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i- Further, the new rules state that Insaf (PTI) government had announced climbers must provide COVID-19 there would be no talks with the terror negative test reports in between outfit as the state would not allow it to climbing of different peaks in the challenge its writ. country. In its notice, the Department However, after Sunday's clash between of Tourism said the new rules would the law enforcement agencies and the ensure proper management of TLP workers in Lahore in which 11 mountaineering route and climbers. policemen and Rangers were taken PTI hostage by the radicals, the government held talks with the outfit leadership on remained closed on Monday on the call of FIRs against them. The party warned Millions face hunger as Monday. senior cleric Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman that if their demands were not met, they Myanmar crisis worsens Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh to condemn the "brutal" police action at would go ahead with their march to Rasheed in a video message said, “Talks the TLP headquarters in Lahore on Islamabad. MYANMAR (TIP): Food insecurity have started with the TLP.It has released Sunday that left three Islamists dead and "On the assurance that Prime Minister is rising sharply in Myanmar in the 11 policemen who were taken hostage several injured. Khan will review TLP demands and wake of the military coup and and kept at its headquarters in Lahore. The TLP has announced a protest there will be no further police action deepening financial crisis with The first round of talks with the TLP march to Islamabad on Tuesday if the against those camping in Lahore, the millions more people expected to go went well and the second will take place government does not expel the French Islamists freed the hostages," said a hungry in coming months, the United in the evening.” The minister hoped the envoy. senior police officer. Thousands of Nations said on Thursday. rest of the matters would be resolved In Monday's talks with the Islamists are camping on the Multan Up to 3.4 million more people will with the TLP in the second round of government, TLP leaders presented four Road outside the TLP headquarters. struggle to afford food in the next talks. demands — expel the French After the release of the 11 law three to six months with urban areas Meanwhile, business centres, markets ambassador, release its party chief Saad enforcers, their pictures were released to worst affected as job losses mount in and public transport in Lahore, Karachi Rizvi, revoke the ban on TLP,and release the media. As per the pictures, most of manufacturing, construction and and some other parts of the country all its activists (over 3,000) and withdraw them had head injuries. PTI services and food prices rise, a World Food Program (WFP) analysis shows. "More and more poor people have lost their jobs and are unable to afford Bangladesh arrests hardline cleric of Islamist food," country director Stephen Anderson said in a statement. group after violent protests "A concerted response is required now to alleviate immediate suffering, DHAKA (TIP): An influential Commissioner Harun-ur-Rashid said Meanwhile, a local court in Dhaka on and to prevent an alarming hardline cleric of an Islamist group that Haque and other Hefazat leaders Sunday placed Hefazat-e-Islam Dhaka deterioration in food security." was on Sunday arrested in Bangladesh had been accused in several cases, city president Junayed Al Habib and its The WFP said market prices of rice on charges of instigating deadly including attacks on law enforcers and assistant secretary general Jalal Uddin and cooking oil had risen by 5 per cent violence in the Muslim-majority police stations and vandalism. These on seven-day remand each in a case and 18 per cent, respectively, since the country. cases are being investigated. lodged over the group’s 2013 violence in end of February, with signs that According to officials, a joint team of He had been watched for some time the capital. families in the commercial capital of police and detectives raided an Islamic now, said the senior officer. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Yangon were skipping meals, eating seminary in Mohammadpur on Sunday The Hefazat leader has been sued in Shahinur Rahman passed the order as less nutritious food, and going into and arrested Hefazat-e-Islam Joint several cases filed over violence in police produced them before the court debt. The agency plans to expand Secretary General Mamunul Haque, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in and pleaded to place them on 10-day operations, tripling to 3.3 million the who has been in the limelight due to Dhaka and following his confinement remand in the case lodged with the number of people it assists, and is some recent controversies, Dhaka with a woman at the Sonargaon resort. capital’s Paltan police station. appealing for $106 million, it said. Tribune newspaper reported. DB officials said Haque is also an Separate units of police arrested A Myanmar junta spokesman did Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) accused in a number of cases. Junayed from the capital’s Baridhara not immediately answer phone calls to Joint Commissioner (Detective Earlier, the Hefazat leader made the area and Jalal from the Mohammadpur seek comment. Myanmar’s army Branch) Mahbub Alam said that 47- headlines by his controversial remarks area on Saturday. seized power from the democratically year-old Haque was arrested around regarding sculptures. He is also During the visit of Prime Minister elected civilian government on Feb.1, 12:30 pm. accused of threatening the government Narendra Modi to Bangladesh last plunging the Southeast Asian nation Teachers and students of the in the past. month, members of the Hefazat-e-Islam into turmoil and cracking down on seminary initially staged protest and In November last year, he demanded staged protests, attacked government mass protests and a nationwide civil tried to obstruct the raid. However, an immediate halt to the installation of structures and clashed with security disobedience movement with brutal Haque was detained from a room on the a sculpture of Bangabandhu Sheikh forces leaving dozens injured. Some force, killing more than 700 people, a first floor of the building, officials said. Mujibur Rahman in the capital’s protesters were also killed in violent monitoring group said. (Reuters) Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Dholaipar. protests. PTI THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 33 Mahavir Jayanti ahavir Jayanti is one of the most significant festivals among the Jain community and is Mcelebrated with splendour in India and across the world. The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavira. As per Jain mythology, Lord Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. In 2021, Mahavir Jayanti will be celebrated on the 25th of April. History As per Jain texts and religious scripts, Lord Mahavira took birth on the 13th day of waxing moon on the Chaitra month (Hindu calendar) in Kundalagrama (now Kundalpur) in Bihar, a few kilometres from Patna. That time, Vaishali was considered to be the capital of the state. However, the year of Mahavira’s birth is disputed. As per Swetambar Jains, Mahavira was born in 599 BC while the Digambar Jains consider 615 BC as his birth year. He was named as Vardhaman by his parents – King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala. As per Swetambar community’s beliefs, Mahavira’s mother had 14 dreams, which were later interpreted by astrologers all of whom said that Mahavira would either go on to become an emperor or a sage (Tirthankara). When Mahavira reached 30, he left his throne and family in search of truth. He lived in exile for 12 years as an ascetic. During this time, he preached non-violence treated all everyone with reverence. He got his name “Mahavira” after showing exceptional skills in controlling the senses. It is widely belied that when Mahavira was 72, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana). Indian place of adoration for Jains in Maharashtra. can get rid of his miseries and sorrows. According to „ Gajpantha: This is also the best place in Mahavira the best way to attain salva-tion is through Festivities Maharashtra. It has a beautiful temple. Devotees have renunciation. The Jain community takes part in several festivities, to climb not less than 460 steps to reach. Rejection of Vedas which permit them to pledge with families and friends. Lord Mahavir is respected and worshipped by this Teachings Jainism also rejected the theory of the Vedas and community.The demonstration of an idol of Lord Mahavir Belief in Soul and Karma attached no importance to the sacrificial rituals of the is the most important festivity of the festival. The effigy of Brahmans. Mahavir is washed by the people with fragranced oil and According to Mahavira every element was a Ahimsa this will denote the purity of the Lord. combination of material and spiritual factors. While the Devotees across India and the globe will visit Jain material factor is perishable, the spiritual factor is Mahavira laid too much importance on Ahimsa. temples in the country. Antique ancient spots, which are external and consistently evolving itself. He held that the According to him all creatures, animals, plants, stones, connected to the community of Jainism, are visited by soul was held in a state of bondage due to karma. rocks etc. possess life and one should not do any harm to people. One of the renowned destinations to visit during The soul can be released from the bondage by getting rid the other in speech, deed or action. Though this principle the festival is Gomateshwara. It is quite interesting to of passions. He believed that the soul could be finally was not entirely a new one, credit goes to the Jains that notice that many Jains bestow money or food to temples. liberated only by the disintegration of Karmik force. they popularized it and thereby put an end to the practice The festivities will remain the same. According to him with the decay of the karmas the of various types of sacrifices. intrinsic value of the soul can be highlighted and the soul Freedom to women Public Life shines in full luminosity. When the soul attains infinite In India, Mahavir Jayanti is a gazetted holiday. State, greatness it becomes Paramatma, the pure soul, with Mahavira favoured the freedom of women and believed local and national level government workplaces will infinite knowledge, power and bliss. that they also had the right to attain Nirvana. In this remain closed. The shops and commercial outlets owned Nirvana respect Mahavira followed the example of his predecessor, by the community of Jains will also remain closed. If not, Parsva Nath. Women were allowed in the Jain Sangha and they may have shortened functioning hours. The chief object of life according to Maha-vira is to many women became Sarmini and Sravikas. The festival is celebrated to champion the cause of peace attain salvation. He therefore insisted on avoiding evil It will be evident from the above teachings of Mahavira and harmony, and also spread the teachings of Lord Karmas, prevent all kinds of fresh Karmas and destroy the that he was more of a reformer of the existing religion Mahavira. A procession is carried out in the form of “rath existing ones. According to him this could be attained rather than the founder of a new faith. yatra” with Lord Mahavira’s idol neatly placed on the top. through five vows viz., non-injury (Ahimsa), speaking Jain temples are decorated with flags while the Jains offer truth (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), non-adultery PAGE SPONSORED BY food and clothes to the needy.Jainism vehemently opposes (Brahmacharya) and non-possession (aparigraha). animal slaughter and hence donations are made to stop In addition to taking these five vows he also insisted on ARISH K. SAHANI animal killings. principles of right conduct, right faith and right Serving Since 1972 Other than charitable acts, prayers are offered in knowledge. Right conduct implied a dispassionate attitude temples dedicated to Lord Mahavira. Some other devotes towards senses. He said that we must treat the sufferings Please Call or Write for Your often engage in meditation—a practice championed by and happiness on equal planks. Insurance Needs Mahavira. Old and famous Jain temples witness a huge Right faith meant belief in the Jinas and right Arish K Sahani surge in devotees on this day. Teachings of Mahavira and knowledge meant the knowledge of the eventual (Father) Jainism are recited by monks and nuns. liberation. The above vows and princi-ples were meant for Mahavir Jayanti is predominantly a Jain festival and to the householders. The Monks etc. had to follow a more Shiv Sahani (Son) get the true essence of it, you can visit any of the Jain severe code. Priya Sahani Sood temples. Non-belief in God (Daughter) Spiritual destinations Mahavira did not believe in God nor did he believe that 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 Consider the following Indian destinations to visit he created the world or exercised any personal control over during this festival: it. According to him the world never comes to an end. No [email protected] „ Madhuban: Madhuban, sited in Jharkhand, is the matter ends, it simply changes its form. Since the universe divinest destination for Jains. is also composed of certain matters it simply changes its „ Girnarji: Girnarji is a place located in the Indian form. We clearly find the influence of the Sankhya “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” state of Gujarat. philosophy as far as this principle is concerned. “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall „ Gomateshwara: Gomateshwara is the most attractive Mahavira further believed that the emanci-pation of guard it?” destination in Karnataka to visit during this festival man does not depend on the mercy of any outside every year. autho-rity. The man was the maker of his own destiny. “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are „ Mangi Tungi: Mungi Tungi is another renowned While leading a life of austerity and self-mortification man one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 34 THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 35 Plan a trip to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh iro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh sits at 1,500 metres above sea level. ZLocated 15 kilometres from Itanagar, it is ornate with dense foliage of pine and bamboo trees. The hills in the valley are studded with around 300 bird and 170 butterfly species. Ziro Valley is famous for its paddy fields, pine forests, bamboo groves, Apatani tribes, and fish farms. The valley is also famous for hosting the Ziro Music Festival, an outdoor music festival that sees more than 40 bands performing. How To Reach By Air Lilabari, Assam is the nearest airport. It is 123 kms from Ziro. The second nearest airport is at Jorhat, 195 kms away. You can also reach Ziro from Tezpur airport, which is around 272 kms from Ziro. By Road You can take a bus from Guwahati to Ziro. Guwahati is situated 470 kms away, and takes about seven hours to reach. There are direct buses from Itanagar organised by the state government of Arunachal Pradesh. These buses are affordable, but might not be very comfortable, so you can also opt to hire a taxi. By Rail The nearest railway stations from Ziro Plateau. Ziro Valley is also famous for its are Naharalagun, 100 kms away, and biking and walking trails. North Lakhimpur that is 117 kms away The original inhabitants of Ziro Valley, .You can also take trains to Naharlagun the Apatani continue to live here. The and Kathal Pukhuri from Guwahati. You major villages where the tribe live are can hire a taxi to reach Ziro from all Hong, Bamin and Hija. The women still these stations. follow authentic customs of face tattoos and putting cane plugs on the sides of Special permissions their nose. Cultivating paddy is one of Indian nationals need to take special the major occupations in Ziro Valley.You permission, the Inner Line Permit (ILP) can visit these lush plantations that are issued by the Arunachal Pradesh surrounded by pine and bamboo trees. government, to enter the state. This Different fish are farmed in the paddy permit is accessible online and available fields. at airports at Kolkata, Guwahati or Tezpur. Best time to visit Apart from the visa, foreigners are Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh has required to have a Protected Area Permit a pleasant climate during summer that (PAP) to visit Arunachal Pradesh. The fills the place with tourists. The best PAP is issued for 10 days and you can time to visit Ziro Valley is between April extend it for another seven days. and June. Things to do The Ziro Music Festival is an important attraction that pulls in huge The beautiful landscape of Ziro Valley crowds to Ziro Valley in Arunachal makes for amazing trekking experiences. Pradesh. The Ziro Music Festival is a The most popular spots are the Dolo four-day event that takes place in Mando hillocks. Midey is also famous for September every year. Invited bands play Dos And Don’ts agents and exchange your currency from its blue pine trees. Talley Valley is a a variety of music ranging from government approved vendors only. centre for biodiversity and also has a alternative, pop-funk, post-rock, to jazz, Ziro Valley In Arunachal Pradesh is wildlife sanctuary with diverse flora hip hop and electronic. The Ziro Music home to around 26 indigenous tribes. Local Experience namely bamboo, fir trees, rhododendron, Festival also has local cultural events When you visit them make sure to treat Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is and ferns. Situated 32 kilometres east of and cuisine that celebrate the region. them with respect and follow their code also known for its delicious food. A must- Hapoli, Talley Valley also has rare The festival has a day and a night stage. of conduct. try delicacy is bamboo chicken. butterflies, Bhutan glory, Kaiser-i-Hind, The day stage or Daynii or Apatani for When you visit a religious site make Arunachal Pradesh is also known to eat and brown gorgon. The valley also Sun has a lot of acoustic songs and folk sure to not enter the place with any distinctive food like rats and silkworms, provides a good camping experience. If music that create a melodious and warm footwear. Dress appropriately. so if you feel adventurous or you are looking for more adventure and atmosphere. The night stage or Pillo Take special care of nature as the experimental, do try. You must also try thrill, be sure to trek the Kile Pakho Apatani for Moon comes alive with the area’s biodiversity is to be protected. Do the local rice beer that adds to the unique Ridge that has stunning views of beats of heavy metal, electronica, not litter or harm the environment. flavours of Ziro Valley. mountains and the beautiful Ziro alternative rock, and more. Stay away from unauthorised travel Source: Travel.earth THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 36

CONTD FROM PAGE 1 The daily vaccination rate in India has scheduled from April 29 to May 1. "It attorney Eric Nelson followed Chauvin declined in the past week. Between April would be open for any channel who out of the courtroom without comment. With more than 300,000... 7-13, India administered an average of wishes to do the live coverage", she said. President Joe Biden welcomed the The figures do not include cases and 34.43 lakh doses every day. However, one She said the decision was taken after verdict, saying Floyd's death was "a deaths in Tripura. Ladakh, whose week later, as on April 20, the average holding discussion with the government murder in full light of day, and it ripped figures were released after this report daily doses given fell to 27.05 lakh. officials. To cater the Covid patients the blinders off for the whole world" to was filed. The data is sourced from exclusively, the SGPC has spared Sri see systemic racism. covid19india.org, an independent U.S. will cut emissions by... Guru Ram Das Charitable Hospital at But he warned: "It's not enough. We aggregator of daily COVID-19 figures. 'Leaders Summit on Climate', which he Chattiwind Gate. A total of 100 beds have can't stop here. We're going to deliver Maharashtra reported 67,468 infections is hosting on Thursday and Friday, April been provided here and corona real change and reform. We can and we (accounting for 22% of the new cases) on 22 and 23 - a summit to which 40 heads of vaccination facility is also being must do more to reduce the likelihood April 21, followed by Uttar Pradesh with state and government are invited - provided free of cost. The SGPC has that tragedies like this will ever happen 33,214 new infections and Delhi with including Prime Minister Narendra made arrangements for vaccination at again." At a park next to the courthouse, 24,638 new cases. Modi of India, President Xi Jinping of Sri Guru Ram Das Medical College a hush fell over a crowd of about 300 as Maharashtra also recorded the China, and President Vladimir Putin of Vallah, Sri Guru Ram Das Charitable they listened to the verdict on their maximum casualties (568) on April 21. Russia. The emissions targets - part of Hospital Amritsar, Baba Buddha Ji cellphones. Then a great roar went up, Delhi followed with 249 new deaths, the Paris Agreement on climate - are Hospital Bir Sahib and at Fuhara Chowk with many people hugging, some while Uttar Pradesh registered 187 new non-binding and the details of how they Amritsar. shedding tears. casualties. As many as 16,39,357 samples will be achieved are not available. "Despite crisis being faced by the At the intersection where Floyd was were tested in India on April 20 (results However, in announcing the targets, the SGPC, it could never step down from pinned down, a crowd chanted, "One of which were made available on April Biden administration is hoping to performing its duties towards humanity. down, three to go!" - a reference to the 21), the highest-ever number of tests encourage other countries to increase Our doctors and allied teams have been three other fired Minneapolis officers conducted on a single day in the country. their commitments. It is also seeking to on job round the clock to treat Covid facing trial in August on charges of This is the first instance when the bring America back into a leadership patients", she said. Lately, the state aiding and abetting murder in Floyd's number of daily tests crossed the 16-lakh role on climate action after Mr. Trump government has recognized the services death. mark. Prior to India, only the United had withdrawn the country from the of SGPC-run Sri Guru Ram Das Medical Out of the thousands of deadly police States recorded more than 300,000 cases Paris Agreement. College and included its image among shootings in the US since 2005, fewer in a single day. On January 2, 2021, the Mr. Biden's financing announcements the best medical treatment hospitals in than 140 officers have been charged with U.S. reported 3,00,310 new infections, its are part of a $100 billion a year the newspapers. murder or manslaughter, according to highest single-day spike. Other countries commitment from developed countries to However, showing concern over the data maintained by Phil Stinson, a with significantly high single-day spikes developing countries for the period 2020- shortage of oxygen cylinders and criminologist at Bowling Green State are Brazil with 1,00,158 cases on March 25, "an investment that is going to pay vaccines, she said "There is a shortage of University. Before Tuesday, only seven 25, 2021; the U.K. with 68,192 cases on significant dividends for all of us", Mr. oxygen supply for the treatment of Covid were convicted of murder. January 8, 2021; and Turkey with 63,082 Biden said. The withdrawal of the U.S. patients. Similarly, the availability of Juries often give police officers the cases on April 16, 2021. from the Paris Agreement means it has vaccine was inadequate. The SGPC had benefit of the doubt when they claim The international figures have been not yet met its financing commitments already deposited money in advance for they had to make split-second, life-or- collated from Our World in Data. During either. The Obama administration had the vaccine. The government should death decisions. But that was not an the peak of the first wave, India's daily promised $3 billion to the Green Climate make steadfast mechanism to ensure argument Chauvin could easily make. case tally did not cross the 1 lakh mark. Fund (to help developing countries), only uninterrupted supply of oxygen and Floyd (46), died on May 25 after being On September 16, 2020, the country $1 billion has been paid. vaccines. The matter has also been taken arrested on suspicion of passing a recorded 97,860 new infections, the In selling climate action to the up with the Chief Secretary of Punjab", counterfeit USD 20 bill for a pack of highest single day rise for the first wave. American public, which until recently she said.(With inputs from Tribune, cigarettes at a corner market. He Around 29.9 lakh of COVID-19 was governed by an administration Chandigarh) panicked, pleaded that he was vaccination doses were administered in skeptical of the climate crisis, President claustrophobic and struggled with the 24 hours ending at 7 a.m. on April 21, Biden and his administration have Jury find Chauvin guilty of... police when they tried to put him in a which is about 2.86 lakh doses lesser than linked climate action and clean Chauvin (45) was immediately led squad car. They put him on the ground what was recorded in the previous 24 technology to jobs and economic growth. away with his hands cuffed behind his instead. hours. However, it is about 3.44 lakh On Thursday, Mr. Biden extended this back and could be sent to prison for The centerpiece of the case was the doses more than what was recorded in message to other countries. "And decades. excruciating bystander video of Floyd the same period one week before. meeting this moment is about more than The verdict - guilty on all counts, in a gasping repeatedly, "I can't breathe" and preserving our planet. It's also about clear-cut victory for Floyd's supporters - onlookers yelling at Chauvin to stop as providing a better future for all of us. set off jubilation tinged with sorrow the officer pressed his knee on or close to That's why, when people talk about around the city. Hundreds of people Floyd's neck for what authorities say climate, I think jobs. Within our climate poured into the streets, some running was 9 1/2 minutes. Floyd slowly went response lies an extraordinary engine of through traffic with banners. Cars silent and limp. job creation and economic opportunity blared their horns. Prosecutors played the footage at the ready to be fired up," he said. "Today, we are able to breathe again," earliest opportunity, during opening "By maintaining those investments Floyd's younger brother Philonise said statements, and told the jury: "Believe and putting these people to work, the at a joyous family news conference your eyes." And from there it was shown United States sets out on the road to cut where tears streamed down his face as over and over, analyzed one frame at a greenhouse gases in half - in half - by the he likened Floyd to the 1955 Mississippi time by witnesses on both sides. end of this decade," Mr. Biden said. "The lynching victim Emmett Till, except that In the wake of Floyd's death, signs are unmistakable. The science is this time there were cameras around to demonstrations and scattered violence undeniable," he said. show the world what happened. broke out in Minneapolis, around the The first guests to speak at the summit Another brother, Terrence Floyd, country and beyond. The furor also led were UN Secretary-General Antonio marveled, "What a day to be a Floyd, to the removal of Confederate statues Guterres, Mr. Xi, Mr. Modi, Prime man." The jury of six whites and six and other offensive symbols such as Minister Boris Johnson of the U.K. and Black or multiracial people came back Aunt Jemima. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of with its verdict after about 10 hours of In the months that followed, numerous Japan. (Agencies) deliberations over two days. The now- states and cities restricted the use of fired white officer was found guilty as force by police, revamped disciplinary Sikh’s Ninth Master ‘Guru’... charged of second-degree unintentional systems or subjected police departments the birthplace of ninth Guru in murder, third-degree murder and to closer oversight. Amritsar, would be telecast live through second-degree manslaughter. The "Blue Wall of Silence" that often various platforms so that the sangat all His face was obscured by a COVID-19 protects police accused of wrongdoing over the globe could get connected with mask, and little reaction could be seen crumbled after Floyd's death: The the historic day celebration while sitting beyond his eyes darting around the Minneapolis police chief quickly called in their homes", she said. During the courtroom. His bail was immediately it "murder" and fired all four officers, centenary celebrations, the requisite revoked. Sentencing will be in two and the city reached a staggering US$ 27 web links would be provided to the months; the most serious charge carries million settlement with Floyd's family as channels for live telecast of the events up to 40 years in prison. Defense jury selection was underway. (Agencies) THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 37

IPL 2021 Padikkal steals thunder from Kohli in 10-wicket win for RCB

MUMBAI (TIP): Devdutt Padikkal managed to overshadow none other than Virat Kohli the great Virat Kohli with an elegant hundred in Royal Challengers becomes first Bangalore's successful 178-run chase against Rajasthan Royals, in a virtual cakewalk of an IPL contest here on player to reach Thursday, April 22. It hardly happens that someone as 6000 IPL runs brilliant as Kohli, plays a second fiddle, allowing the talented left-hander use his irat Kohli became the first sinewy wrists to caress the balls to all player in history to score 6000 parts of the ground during a mind- Vruns in the Indian Premier blowing maiden IPL century -- an League (IPL) during Royal Challengers unbeaten 101 off 52 balls. Bangalore’s ten-wicket win over RCB never looked in any tearing hurry Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede and yet the target was achieved in only Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, 16.3 overs with all 10 wickets intact. April 22. Kohli went on the offensive once The 32-year-old, who had played his Padikkal had ensured victory as his first IPL match against KKR in 2008, contribution was 72 not out off 47 balls in Devdutt Padikkal was named man of the match for his unbeaten 101 runs. extended his all-time run-scoring their unbroken opening stand of 181. (Image: Twitter/IPL, BCCI) record over other batsmen in the cash- The RCB juggernaut continues to roll rich league by getting to 6021 runs in with their fourth victory on the trot and colors. runs in IPL as Royals surrendered way 196 matches. He has five hundreds and a strong foundation in the points table The inside out chip off Riyan Parag before the match officially ended. 40 fifties. going into the third week of the over extra cover to complete his half- Earlier, Rahul Tewatia's impressive Chasing a target of 178, Kohli (72* off tournament. Royals, with a team that century off 27 balls, the sweep shots, the death overs hitting ensured a fighting 177 47) forged a 181-run opening hardly inspires confidence, are again slash over backward point and the for 9 for Rajasthan Royals after yet partnership with Devdutt Padikkal looking good for bringing up the rear. straight sixes with economy of footwork, another familiar top order no-show. On (101* off 52) and helped RCB reclaim The sixes that came off Padikkal's were all testimony to his solid technical a good batting surface, Royals managed a the top spot in the points table. So far, blade was more about timing than power foundation. total which may be 25 runs short but they have won all four of their as he hit 11 fours and six sixes during his Once Padikkal was in his mid 80's, the credit for the decent score goes to a matches. knock. Picking the length of Mustafizur RCB skipper chanced his arms including counter-attacking effort from all-rounder The India captain is also the leading Rahaman's short ball and getting into the a six over extra cover off Royals' costliest Shivam Dube (46 off 32 balls) which run-scorer in men’s T20 shape to execute a perfect pull-shot for a buy Chris Morris. stemmed the rot and big-hits from internationals, having racked up 3159 six showed why experts feel that it's only Kohli's 50 came off 34 balls and was Tewatia (40 off 23 balls) that helped them runs in 90 matches. He also leads the a matter of time before he dons national followed by a personal milestone of 6000 get past 175-run mark. Source: PTI batting charts among Indian batsmen in overall T20s, with 9870 runs in the format. Lionel Messi double powers Fans crush football’s Sushil ignored Barca to big win over Getafe money league n the two-and-a-half days between the for wrestling BARCELONA (TIP): Lionel Messi announcement and collapse of the scored twice as Barcelona crushed IEuropean Super League, the continent’s final Olympic Getafe 5-2 on Thursday,April 22, to stay 12 elite, rebel clubs took a beating in the high- in the hunt for the La Liga title. stakes perception war. When England’s “Big qualifier Messi gave Barca an early lead with 6” with the three biggest clubs from Spain the help of a pin-point pass from and Italy came together to announce the new ormer Asian champion Amit Sergio Busquets but Getafe pulled competition, some of the world’s most Dhankar (74kg) on Thursday level with an own goal by Clement famous clubs hadn’t bargained for backlash Freplaced national gold-medallist Lenglet. from the fans. Or from the European football Sandeep Mann in the Indian wrestling The visitors then conceded a body, UEFA, other stakeholders like team for the upcoming World Olympic calamitous own goal when Sofian broadcasters Sky, and the UK government Qualifying Tournament, signalling the Chakla's backpass deceived keeper that took a particularly strong stand. end of the road for veteran Sushil David Soria and trickled over the line. to Antoine Griezmann who slammed The pandemic has hit the pockets of Kumar. Messi extended Barca's lead before in the spot-kick. European clubs, and some of these 12 clubs The tournament, to be held in Sofia, halftime, hitting the post then The win took Barca back up to third are among the hardest hit in terms of Bulgaria from May 6-9, will be the last following up to net from a tight angle place on 68 points, five behind leaders revenue loss. A super league on the lines qualifying event before the Tokyo and to move on to 25 La Liga goals for Atletico Madrid but with a game in announced on Sunday had been in the works Games. One of the country’s most the 12th season in a row. hand. for a few years; the pandemic perhaps accomplished athletes, Sushil Kumar But the Catalans slowed down in the "It was a very strange game but the expedited it. For years, Europe’s premier won a silver in the 2012 London second half and Turkish forward Enes team knew how to get the job done and competition—Champions League—was Olympics, four years after a bronze in Unal made for an exciting finish by win which is the important thing," being manoeuvred to the wishes of the Beijing. converting a penalty in the 69th said Araujo. richest clubs. After not being considered for minute following a VAR review for a "We suffered a little bit in the second selection, the 37-year-old Sushil told foul by Ronald Araujo. half, we could have been more PTI, “To stay alive is more important Getafe had a couple of half-chances comfortable. Every game we have left at this stage. I have not spoken to WFI to level but Uruguayan defender is like a final and every team will give as yet, will speak to them.” Araujo made amends for his foul on everything." The team was picked by the Unal by heading in Messi's corner in Getafe gave Koeman's side a guard of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) the 87th minute to effectively kill the honour for their recent Copa del Rey after a meeting of its selection game. triumph but the visitors also wore T- committee, the federation said in a Barca earned a penalty in added shirts saying "Earn It", criticising press release signed by its assistant time but Messi surrendered the chance Barcelona's decision to sign up to the A woman pushing a pram walks past anti-Super secretary Vinod Tomar. to score a hat-trick and handed the ball breakaway European Super League. League banners outside Anfield. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 38 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 39 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY APRIL 23, 2021 YEARS 40