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# 1 Indian American Weekly : Since 2006

VOL 15 ISSUE 20 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 ● [email protected] www.theindianpanorama.news

12 OPPOSITION LEADERS WRITE TO PM MODI, US lifts most mask DEMANDING FREE MASS VACCINATION, guidance in key step back SUSPENSION OF CENTRAL VISTA PROJECT to post - Covid normalcy Fully vaccinated Americans can ditch their masks in most settings, even indoors or in large groups. WASHINGTON (TIP): President Joe Biden took his biggest step yet toward declaring a victory over the coronavirus pandemic - as public health officials said fully vaccinated Americans can ditch their masks in most settings, even indoors or in large groups. "Today is a great day for America in our long battle with coronavirus," Biden said in the In a joint letter to PM Modi, 12 opposition White House Rose Garden on Thursday,May 13, party leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, have demanded Central govt to provide calling the US vaccination program an foodgrains to the needy and Rs 6,000 "historical logistical achievement." monthly to the unemployed. - File photo of The guidance shift Thursday, May 13, is a Prime Minister | Twitter turning point in the fight against Covid-19 and @BJP4India comes as US caseloads fall and vaccinations NEW (TIP): In a joint letter rise. It signals a broad return to everyday to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lifeand is also a bet that any surge in spread May 12, 12 Opposition parties have from relaxed guidelines won't be enough to urged the government to immediately reverse progress in inoculations. The begin a free, universal mass administration also used it as a further vaccination campaign across the incentive for vaccination. country as the COVID-19 pandemic has "The rule is very simple: Get vaccinated or "assumed unprecedented dimensions wear a mask until you do," Biden said Vice President Kamala Harris listens as President Joe Biden speaks on updated guidance of a human catastrophe." on face mask mandates and COVID-19 response, in the Rose Garden of the White House, READ FULL STORY ON PAGE 26 CONTD ON PAGE 36 Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Washington. - Photo credit: AP Photo/Evan Vucci Nassau County, Friends For Good Health, Indian-origin workers allege ‘forced labor’ South Asian-American community Join at BAPS Hindu temple in New Jersey together to Appeal for Aid to NEW JERSEY(TIP): Six former workers have accused operators of a I.S.SALUJA major Hindu temple in Robbinsville, LONG ISLAND, NY New Jersey, of trafficking hundreds of (TIP): Nassau County Indian laborers, camouflaged as officials and Friends For religious volunteers while keeping them Good Health, on May 10, locked down in the very temple they joined together with the were building. South Asian-American The workers filed a federal civil community, civic, and lawsuit Tuesday, May 11, against religious leaders to Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar The lawsuit against Bochasanwasi Shri announce a major aid Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Akshar Purushottam (BAPS) Swaminarayan campaign to help India Nassau County officials and Friends For Good Health, on May Inc., (BAPS) a Hindu religious Sanstha Inc., a Hindu religious organization which is facing an 10, joined together with the South Asian-American organization, and several business has been filed by Mukesh Kumar, Keshav unprecedented health community, civic, and religious leaders to announce a major entities, according to local media Kumar, Devi Laal, Niranjan, Pappu, and aid campaign to help India. Nassau County Legislator Rose Brajendra. - Photo credit: New York Times crisis on account of the Marie Walker addresses the gathering. Also seen in the reports. third wave of the picture are Bobby Kumar Kalotee, Chair, Friends For Good which broke the temple Tuesday, May 11, following the pandemic. Health (front-3rd from left) and Nassau County Legislator story first, said the FBI agents and other lawsuit accusing the temple of CONTD ON PAGE 36 Richard Nicolello (right of the speaker). TIP photo law enforcement officials raided the CONTD ON PAGE 36 Anupam Kher slams Indian government for the COVID crisis in the country Says "There's More to Life than Image Building" MUMBAI (TIP): Actor Anupam Kher has taken on the government of India over the handling of the coronavirus crisis in the country.He mentioned how it is important for the government to understand that there is more to life than image building and added that criticism is valid in a lot of cases. "I Anupam Kher said that think the criticism is valid in lots of cases. Only an inhuman the criticism is valid in a person will not get affected by the bodies floating," he said in lot of cases. reference to floating bodies in Ganga. CONTD ON PAGE 36 THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 02 -: GUEST COMMENTS:-

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja VICE PRESIDENT: Covid corpses on Ganga Chitagam Saluja CHIEF EDITOR: Visuals of Buxar and Ghazipur expose bogey of a new India Prof Indrajit S. Saluja CONSULTING EDITOR : ovid seems to have taken us back to and hoarding of oxygen cylinders. UP Deepak Dwidedi, Chairman, the colonial times of pestilence and Minister and MLA Brajesh Bhaskar Group, Delhi Cfamines, when the poor just floated Pathak, Bareilly MLA Kesar Singh (who ASSISTANT EDITOR: their dead down the nearest river. All the later died), Mohanlalganj MP Kaushal Bidisha Roy tall claims of a new India have washed up Kishore, Basti MP , SPL. REPORTER UNO: on the banks of the holy Ganga in Buxar Bhadohi MLA Dinanath Bhaskar, H.S. Panaser in Bihar. Some say 48, others claim to have MP Satyadev Pachauri and others have GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: counted 150 bodies of suspected Covid written similar letters expressing their Om Parkash Malik victims on the Ganga at Chausa block in inability to help their constituents. DIRECTOR Buxar bordering . The Jasrana MLA Pappu Lodhi released a gruesome visuals leave us in no doubt, video on social media of his wife lying on ADMINISTRATION: Covid seems to have taken us back to the Gauri Beri unless UP Chief Minister colonial times of pestilence and famines, the floor of a Covid ward. disputes it to lock up those who have There are BJP MLAs who have no CONTRIBUTING when the poor just floated their dead down PHOTOGRAPHERS: caught the corpses on camera. The the nearest river. File photo qualms about blaming UP's aggravated officials on either side of the river are second surge on the state's panchayat polls Baldev Singh / BJ Videos Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction only trying to disown the corpses. Bihar's last rites. and the Kumbh Mela. While they claim Jay Mandal, officials believe that these bodies must This is the story of Covid hitting the that things are getting better, there is no Mohammad Jaffer, have drifted downstream from Hindi heartland, particularly UP, which denying that the situation is dismal in UP. SnapsIndia neighboringGhazipur or further up, has lost four ruling party MLAs to the This is the real India of mindless politico- Mohammad Shahzad, Varanasi. Tuesday's sighting of bodies at pandemic. Union Minister Santosh religious priorities with no health Zia Khan, Ghazipur in UP leaves no doubt that Gangwar had last week written an angry infrastructure, no advance planning for a Nisha Rani villagers upstream are throwing their letter to Adityanath pointing out the known disease, no treatment and finally, Vaaho Photographers, dead in the river, unable to afford their glaring lapses, apathy of medical officers no dignity for its dead. (Tribune, India) Vijay Shah - Photo Journalist. CORRESPONDENTS : SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla NEW YORK : Dig out Covid truth Chitagam FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh The world must question China on bio-warfare documents DALLAS: ver 34 lakh (3.4 million) people published in the Australian and British amid allegations that the Chinese Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon have succumbed to the media, the People's Liberation Army authorities did not offer 'full cooperation' OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Ocoronavirus pandemic in the past documents seem to fantasize that a to the visiting contingent. year and a half, but the world is still bioweapon attack could cause the China, which again finds itself under Nirpal Singh Shergill awaiting conclusive answers to the all- 'enemy's medical system to collapse'. intense international scrutiny, needs to SPL CORRESPONDENT important questions: Is Covid-19 a man- do a lot of explaining for the whys and DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: made bioweapon? Did the virus leak These 'revelations', predictably wherefores of the 2015 documents. The Chandan Singh accidentally from a lab in Wuhan? Or dismissed by China's state-run Global WHO, on its part, has to ensure that a CHANDIGARH: was there no human lapse at all? Was it Times newspaper as an attempt to thorough investigation is conducted, Manjit Sidhu just a case of transmission from animals tarnish the country's image, have making it incumbent on the Chinese LUDHIANA: to humans? Media reports referring to reignited the global clamor for getting to government to keep the proceedings A.S. Arora, Chinese documents allegedly obtained the bottom of the matter. It's a pity that transparent. Reeling under the second R.P.Sharma by the US State Department have turned the World Health Organisation (WHO), wave of the pandemic, India should push JAIPUR : the spotlight on sinister possibilities. the UN nodal agency spearheading the harder for ascertaining the truth and The papers written by Chinese military fight against Covid-19, has not been able fixing responsibility. With the Union Dr. Yashpaul Goyal scientists and public health officers in to bring us closer to the truth. A probe Health Minister heading the WHO's DALLAS BUREAU CHIEF & VP 2015 describe SARS (Severe Acute conducted by a team of experts from the Executive Board, India needs to use this Lovllien Kaurr Respiratory Syndrome) coronaviruses, WHO in Wuhan in January-February platform effectively so that Covid-like 972-330-3139 of which Covid is an example, as this year had dismissed as 'unlikely' the catastrophes don't recur. [email protected] presenting a 'new era of genetic theory that the virus leaked from a lab. (Tribune, India) The Indian Panorama weapons'. According to the reports The investigation left a lot to be desired P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, Tel: 646-247-9458 Email: [email protected] DISCLAIMER THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS. WE ONLY SELL SPACE. VIEWS PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSPAPER ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE NEWSPAPER. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM THE INDIAN PANORAMA IS PROHIBITED. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 03 Eid ul Fitr, the prime festival of 1.8 billion Muslims across the world was celebrated in Jersey City on May 13, 2021

Muslims greet each other after Eid Namaz at Lincoln Park in Jersey City Muslims praying at Lincoln Park in Jersey City Photos / Mohammed Jaffer-snapsIndia CHANCELLOR PORTER LAUNCHES FIVE-BOROUGH FAMILY ENGAGEMENT FORUMS

NEW YORK (TIP): Schools Over the next month, forums will be held in all five boroughs to gather Chancellor Meisha Porter announced, feedback and answer questions from school communities on the Executive May 14, the launch of a five-borough Budget and school reopening family engagement tour to hear directly from school communities about their Chancellor Meisha Porter. "Now more technology," said Deputy Chancellor experiences over the school year, help than ever, we need to engage with and Adrienne Austin. "The upcoming Family answer questions and gather feedback on empower our families so that every voice Forums are an opportunity for us to hear the Executive Budget and foster a is heard. I look forward to having these directly from families and communities discussion on school reopening for the important discussions over the next few about how we leverage the additional fall. There will be a virtual forum held in weeks and encourage all New York City resources of this moment to improve and every borough over the next four weeks, families to participate." expand educational experiences for all and all families are invited to "The infusion of additional federal and students. We want our students to thrive participate. state funds are providing New York beyond recovery, and we look forward to "These family forums are critical to City's public schools with a unique partnering with local communities to get inform our plans for September and opportunity to dream big about the it right." ensure our school communities are summer and fall, from academic (Read full story at "Now more than ever, we need to engage supported as we prepare for a strong acceleration and STEAM enrichment to www.theindianpanorama.news) with and empower our families so that every reopening this fall," said Schools social emotional wellness and voice is heard", said Meisha Porter Religious and political events major factors that accelerated COVID-19 transmission in India: WHO WHO SAID VIRUSES IN B.1.617 LINEAGE WERE FIRST REPORTED IN INDIA IN OCTOBER 2020 UNITED NATIONS (TIP): The World Health contributions of these each of these factors on increased Organisation has said a recent risk assessment of the transmission in India are not well understood," it said. situation in India found that "resurgence and The update said that approximately 0.1% of positive acceleration" of COVID-19 transmission in the country samples in India have been sequenced and uploaded to had several potential contributing factors, including GISAID to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants. GISAID enables "several religious and political mass gathering events rapid and open access to epidemic and pandemic virus which increased social mixing". data. The WHO, in its COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological The WHO update said that "the prevalence of several Update, published Wednesday, May 12, said that viruses VOCs including B.1.1.7 and B.1.612 sublineages increased in the B.1.617 lineage were first reported in India in concurrent to the surge in COVID-19 cases reported in October 2020. India." "Since the identification of these variants through "The resurgence in COVID-19 cases and deaths in India late April 2021, B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 accounted for 21% has raised questions on the potential role of B.1.617 and and 7% of sequenced samples from India," the update other variants (e.g., B.1.1.7) in circulation," the update said, adding that preliminary analyses conducted by said. Devotees gather at Har Ki Pauri ghat to offer prayers during WHO using sequences submitted to GISAID suggests that "A recent risk assessment of the situation in India Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar. Photo / PTI File B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 have a substantially higher growth conducted by WHO found that resurgence and potentially increased transmissibility; several religious rate than other circulating variants in India, suggesting acceleration of COVID-19 transmission in India had and political mass gathering events which increased potential increased transmissibility compared. several potential contributing factors, including increase social mixing; and, under use of and reduced adherence (Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news) in the proportion of cases of SARS-CoV-2 variants with to public health and social measures (PHSM). The exact THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 04 Indian-origin Indian-origin Sikh woman Pam wins hearts online for helping Gosal becomes the first one to visually impaired be elected as MSP in Scotland man in EAST DUNBURNSHIRE, investment, business, cultural, legal SCOTLAND (TIP): Pam Gosal has and regulatory policies in both Scotland Singapore created history by becoming the first and the UK. Indian Sikh to be elected a member of Pam holds a BA, an MBA in Scotland Parliament. Pam has been Consumer Law and is currently elected as Member of the Scottish pursuing a PhD. Pam has always been Parliament (MSP) on a Conservative supportive of women and has received party ticket from West Scotland. the 2015 Women Leader Business Award Pam Gosal has tweeted: "It's a and the 2018 Public Service Award. Pam privilege to be the first female MSP is the Deputy Chairperson of the elected to the Scottish Parliament from Conservative Women's Organization of an Indian background. Thank you to Scotland (CWO), a national group of everyone who's supported me. Can't Conservative men and women, and is Gunasekaran Manikandan,an Indian-origin wait to get to work for the people of the actively working to encourage and in Singapore has been lauded for helping West of Scotland." support women to play an active role in a visually impaired elderly man to cross Gosal helped her family business the party. the road and then walk him to a polyclinic. before working in local government She is also the director of the prior to being elected to the Scottish Conservative Friends of India Scotland SINGAPORE (TIP): An Indian- Parliament. (CFIS). The organization seeks to build Pam Gosal has created history by becoming origin in Singapore has been lauded Pam Gosal was born in Glasgow and the first Indian Sikh to be elected a member strong ties between the Conservative for helping a visually impaired elderly spent most of her life in Scotland. She of Scotland Parliament Party and the British Indian man to cross the road and then walk made her political debut as a community in Scotland. Pam is him to a polyclinic. parliamentary candidate from East accumulated over 30 years of knowledge confident she will make new strides in Gunasekaran Manikandan, who is Dunburnshire in the 2019 general and experience in the public, private her political career as a Scottish working here as a land survey election for the Scottish Conservative and voluntary sectors, working on Conservative and Unionist advocate for assistant, was working along Ang Mo and Unionist Party. Pam has economic development, inward British, Scottish and BAM women. Kio Avenue 6 when he noticed the elderly man who appeared to be visually impaired waiting by the road for a long time to cross it. Indian-origin entrepreneur, Rajesh "The uncle told me that he wanted to see the doctor, so I walked him to the nearest polyclinic," said the 26-year-old Agrawal re-appointed London's Gunasekaran, a resident of Sivagangai in Tamil Nadu. Deputy Mayor for Business To Gunasekaran's surprise, his act of kindness on April 18 was captured by a member of the public and went viral LONDON (TIP): Indian-origin has committed to working for all on Facebook. The video has since entrepreneur Rajesh Agrawal has been Londoners and bridging divides as he attracted over 280,000 views. re-appointed as London's Deputy Mayor unveiled his top team this week "I saw it on my Facebook page for Business by Mayor Sadiq Khan after reflecting much of the continuity of his during my lunch break after my he won a second term in local elections first term. friends shared (the clip) with me," The last week. "I look forward to working with them Straits Times quoted him as saying. As Khan made "jobs, jobs, jobs" a top to deliver a better and brighter future for On Wednesday, the Ministry of priority for his next term in office, everyone who calls this amazing, diverse Manpower (MOM) posted on Facebook Agrawal also committed himself to the city home," said Khan, the Pakistani- that Assurance, Care and Engagement agenda on Thursday and made a pledge origin Labor politician who became the (Ace) Group officers had tracked down to focus on a "fairer and greener first Muslim mayor of a European the foreign worker by pinpointing the recovery" for the UK capital from the capital back in 2016 when he was first location using the video. They then coronavirus pandemic. elected. handed him a token of appreciation. "I want to thank all Londoners for "I pledge to use this second term to do The Ace Group, which was set up giving a decisive mandate to this everything I can to build the bridges that Indian-origin entrepreneur Rajesh Agrawal late last year as a division under the administration. Past five years have been has been re-appointed as London's Deputy bring us closer together and I will work ministry, frequently hands out such hugely challenging for London with Mayor for Business by Mayor Sadiq Khan tirelessly throughout the next three goody bags to foreign workers involved uncertainty caused by Brexit and the after he won a second term in local elections years with my team to deliver for all in helping others. biggest health, social and economic last week, an indication of South Asian Londoners," he said. When asked what he did with his crisis caused by coronavirus," said 43- solidarity On Thursday, Khan announced that reward, Gunasekaran said: "I shared year-old Indore-born Agrawal. Opposition Labour Party, arrived in GBP 900,000 of City Hall office funding them with my friends." "The COVID-19 pandemic has London in 2001 and went on to grow a will be invested in a successful police He added that his mother, father and exacerbated economic and social small foreign exchange and money custody program that supports young brother and relatives back home were inequalities in our society.Young people, transfer enterprise into a multi-million- adults to stay away from violence proud of him after watching the video. women and people from ethnic pound UK-headquartered business. alongside the Metropolitan Police. While accompanying the elderly minorities have been disproportionately "London is a resilient city. It has "I'm concerned that we could see an man had made the Indian national late hit by the pandemic. As we work towards overcome huge challenges in the past increase in violence this summer as for work, he said he would gladly do it recovering from this crisis, our top and it will do so again. Anyone who bets lockdown measures continue to be eased again. priority is 'jobs, jobs & jobs'. We want a against London will lose their shirt," so I'm not only working with the Met "Since I was young, my parents fairer and greener recovery," he said. added Agrawal, Founder of RationalFX Police to suppress violent activity at a taught me to help people with Agrawal, who is also the co-chair of and Xendpay. local level but focusing on prevention disabilities. Everyone in my family is the Labour Friends of India (LFIN) For his second term as Mayor of programs that divert Londoners away like that," he said. diaspora representative group of the London over the next three years, Khan from violence," he said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIANS ABROAD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 05 Indian American group deploys INDIAN AMERICAN CONGRESSWOMAN volunteer response team for PRAMILA JAYPAL APPEALS TO RAISE vaccination in Philadelphia: FEMA FUNDS FOR INDIA WASHINGTON (TIP): An Indian management specialist at FEMA AMID COVID-19 SURGE American non-profit organization has Region III. deployed a volunteer response team to "They show up ready to help support a vaccination center in Philadelphians with a positive attitude Philadelphia that administers up to and learn everything they can about 6,000 doses of the anti-COVID vaccine emergency management so they can each day, a federal agency has said. transfer their skills to future disaster The Federal Emergency Management deployments," she said. Agency (FEMA), in a statement on Over one dozen Indian American Friday, May 7, said the Philadelphia volunteers arrive daily to provide non- center is the second federally clinical support at the vaccination supported community vaccination Sewa International and 25 other center, such as wheelchair escort organizations of the Indian American center in the nation to benefit from assistance and traffic control, FEMA "India needs our help and it's our moral community in the greater Philadelphia region responsibility to rise to the challenge. Hindu Swayamsevak's (HSS) service. are working closely with the HSS to offer said. This is a global pandemic and until we Sewa International and 25 other support "We are honored to serve in this crush the virus everywhere, we cannot organizations of the Indian American national cause of ending the COVID-19 fully recover," Ms. Jayapal said on Friday, community in the greater Philadelphia and medical resources decrease," pandemic and sincerely thank the May 7. region are working closely with the FEMA said. FEMA Region III team for giving us an HSS to offer support, it said. Sewa and HSS have deployed 351 opportunity to serve our brothers and The HSS has named its campaign volunteers at the CCVC and 21 sisters in Philadelphia," said Mukund WASHINGTON (TIP): Indian "Sewa With FEMA," the statement said. volunteers at the Esperanza Kute, president of PA East Division of American Congresswoman Pramila "Now more than ever, volunteers of Community Vaccination Centre, it HSS. Jayapal has issued an urgent appeal to Sewa International and Hindu said, "They are incredibly eager to be "We have distributed USD 55,000 raise funds for India, which is Swayamsevak (HSS) are impassioned here, and they have the drive to worth of PPE kits, food and masks experiencing one of the worst to invest in the US vaccination efforts volunteer for a community that some of since early April 2020. We will continue outbreaks of COVID-19. as India's COVID-19 case rates rapidly them are not even a part of," said to support FEMA until we beat COVID- "India needs our help and it's our increase and its supply of oxygen tanks Justice Colbert, emergency 19," he added. moral responsibility to rise to the challenge. This is a global pandemic and until we crush the virus everywhere, we cannot fully recover," Indian American philanthropist urges Indian Ms. Jayapal said on Friday. Pramila Jayapal, who was recently Americans to support family and friends in India in India to visit her family before the surge spiraled out of control, said all WASHINGTON (TIP): Describing the US has done very well in getting to the funds raised would go to three the current COVID-19 crisis as the the US administration to make them see initiatives. biggest India has ever faced, an eminent how important this is not just for Indian First is the WISH Foundation, which Indian American philanthropist and Americans but for the US and the world works round-the-clock to set up venture capitalist from Silicon Valley as well. COVID-19 care centers. Second is has urged the diaspora community to Members of the diaspora community GiveIndia, which supports families, help support the . are in close touch with different people living in poverty that have lost a loved India has been severely affected by in the administration, he said. one often the sole breadwinner with the unprecedented second wave of the The community leaders are also in direct cash payments of ? 30,000. coronavirus and hospitals in several touch with the Indian side, he said as he Third is EdelGive Foundation, states are reeling under the shortage of appreciated the recent decisions of the which in coordination with Goonj and Indiaspora founder M R Rangaswami, an health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs Indian government to waive and reduce Jan Sahas, works to provide migrants entrepreneur and philanthropist who lost his and beds. sister in due to COVID-19, has urged various taxes including import duty and and vulnerable population cash "This is the biggest crisis India's ever Indian Americans to support family and GST. support, food and health supplies, the seen. So, what I urge them to do is two friends in India "That was a big deal. Things like that Indian American Congresswoman things: One is make sure you support response to a question. are happening. Now the diaspora is also said. your family and friends in India. But Indiaspora, a network of eminent calling for maybe a waiver of the FCRA Talking about her recent visit to this is the one time that everybody diaspora leaders, has raised over USD (Foreign Contribution (Regulations) India, she said, "The cases had started should do more," Indiaspora founder M 2.5 million. Over the weekend, he was Act) rules which prevents sub granting ramping up, and my parents who are R Rangaswami, an entrepreneur and part of a "Help Tamil Nadu Breathe" of money… so that we can have friction 80 and 90 years old were both philanthropist who lost his sister in campaign that raised USD 1.5 million. free-flowing of money to the last mile," diagnosed with COVID-19 just weeks Chennai due to COVID-19, told the In addition, Rangaswami has been he said. after receiving their first dose of a media. involved in multiple campaigns to raise Noting that the diaspora community vaccine." Silicon Valley-based Rangaswami funds for India, which he says is crucial is closely observing the developments in "They both ended up in the hospital said that he has been working around to saving lives not only in India but also India, Rangaswami hoped that it would and have recovered but I shudder to the clock to galvanize as many funds in the region and the world. soon slow down. think what would have happened had and resources as the diaspora "The problem is if India doesn't "We don't know when they will reach they not been vaccinated, or had they community from the US and other parts contain it, it's going to hit Nepal, their peak. But we all in general, our gotten sick at the height of the surge of the world can do for the people in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, many countries prayers are with them, our thoughts are we're seeing now, she said. India, which is experiencing the worst around India. This could cause a big with them, our support is for India, and Describing the situation in India as ever public health crisis post- human toll and economic toll. we will keep all that this goes away," he dire, Ms Jayapal said hundreds of independence. "We don't want to be solving this in added. thousands of new COVID-19 cases are "This is the one time that we should three months in America," he said, After recording over four lakh fresh confirmed every day. "There are no give more than what we can; more than adding that the variant of COVID-19 in cases for four consecutive days, India hospital beds open. There is no oxygen what we think; more than what we want India is much more contagious and witnessed a single-day rise of 3,66,161 supply left. People are dying before to do. This kind of crisis doesn't come damaging to people. COVID-19 cases on Monday and 3,29,942 they can even get to a doctor," she said. across every day," Rangaswami said in Rangaswami said that the diaspora in infections on Tuesday. THE INDIAN PANORAMA NY/NJ/CT FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 06 Indian American Wife unable to attend husband's funeral in US due to travel ban EDISON, NJ (TIP): During these grief-stricken experiencing such heart-breaking stories." times, tragedy has hit hard an Indian family in the US. "President Biden's immigration advisors instead of Edison, New Jersey,resident Kiran Shukla's husband, helping legal immigrants are hurting the soul of people Jitendra Shukla, passed away in a New Jersey hospital who are law-abiding, tax paying residents of the US." on Monday,May 10 due to liver failure, while she was in "Penalizing and issuing partial travel bans for US Mumbai attending to her Covid struck relatives. residents on visa, who have jobs, homes and families in Shukla, who is on an H-4 visa for spouses, is now the USA has become a new trend," she says. struggling to get back to her US home to attend her "And Presidents in power seem to hold a magic wand husband's funeral. But she cannot do so due to named executive orders every time to stop even the re- restrictions imposed on May 4 on travel from India in entry of legal immigrants/non-immigrants even for the grip of a deadly pandemic surge. those who have a visa stamped on their passport, but Kiran had been trying to fly back to the US since her not a US born child changing their destiny forever." husband was hospitalized a week ago, but she could not "Especially during pandemics, when all the air- do so as she is on an H-4 visa that's not stamped on her travelers are following US Covid protocols, why only passport. Edison, New Jersey, resident Kiran Shukla's husband, Jitendra legal immigrants/non-immigrants' re-entry is banned?" Her i539 is valid only till June 2021. Due to stamping Shukla, passed away in a New Jersey hospital on Monday, May Chavan asks. requirement and the travel restrictions, she was unable 10 due to liver failure, while she was in Mumbai attending to "Biden said 'Build Back Better-2021'", she says, "Can to be with her husband during his last moments. her Covid struck relatives. White House show empathy for all the people including Kiran had travelled in February to Mumbai, India, to possible. Currently another family friend is traveling legal residents while being flexible on rules for H-1B's, attend to her ailing father. While her father passed away from within the US to help her son with the last rites." H-4s, L-1s, L-2s, etc. and be strict on following Covid19 last month, there was more bad news in store as a Kiran also fears that since she is on an H-4 visa and protocols." couple of days ago; her 35-year-old brother-in-law too her husband was on H-1B, her status may be invalidated "It's time to start e-services within USA as well as at succumbed to Covid in India. with her husband passing away. US missions world-wide for online submission of The couple have a 20-year-old-son, a US citizen, who is The couples had lived in the US for 20 years and were applications and uploading documents," Chavan says. in the US. While parents of US citizens even on work expecting to get their green cards in a few months, "After all we are in an advanced tech-savvy AI world visas are allowed to enter the , Kiran is Yaduvanshi said. But her husband's sudden death has reaching Mars," she says hoping immigration advisors finding it difficult to travel back as her passport needs thrown things in a state of flux and the family does not would help fix the broken US immigration system stamping. know what awaits them next. instead of jeopardizing talented lives and careers in Friends back in the United States are trying to help Kiran was on H4-EAD and was working in a bank. this endless green card wait." the family as Kiran understandably is in a state of However, she left her job in February when she had to During this tragedy,the Shukla family also has to deal shock. travel to India to attend to her family. with the added stress of legalities of their visas. They Speaking to the media, family friend Aparajita Immigration consultant Netra Chavan says, "It's not hope authorities would look into their case and help Yaduvanshi said, "We want her to travel back as soon as even a week since this travel ban and we are already ease out their tragic situation.

INDIAN AMERICAN CHARGED WITH MOTHER'S INDIAN DESCENDANT SHAKUNTALA HARAKSINGH SEXUAL ASSAULT & MURDER IN NEW YORK THILSTED WINS WORLD FOOD PRIZE 2021 NEW YORK (TIP): Dr Shakuntala mother, Soraj Sharma, from behind, Haraksingh Thilsted, a global nutrition placed his hands around her throat and expert of Indian descent has won the then began to choke and punch her prestigious 2021 World Food Prize for her multiple times in the face, Katz said. groundbreaking research in developing They struggled for several minutes, holistic, nutrition-sensitive approaches to falling to the floor as he allegedly aquaculture and food systems. continued to punch and strangle his Thilsted's trailblazing research on mother. He then allegedly sexually small native fish species in Bangladesh assaulted his mother and continued to led to the development of nutrition- Thilsted, who is a native of Trinidad and strangle her until she lost sensitive approaches to aquatic food Tobago, is an Indian descendant NEW YORK (TIP): An Indian consciousness. systems at all levels, from the farm to food to deliver improved nutrition, resilient American man has been charged with According to the charges, immediately processing to final consumers, resulting ecosystems and secure livelihoods for sexual assault and murder of his 65-year- after killing his mother, Sharma went up in improved diets for millions of the most millions of vulnerable people across the old mother on the eve of Mother's Day in to his room, retrieved his wallet and vulnerable people in Asia and Africa, the globe, it said. Jamaica, Queens, in New York, keys and walked to the police precinct World Food Prize said on its website. Nutrition-sensitive approaches place according to prosecutors. and reported his criminal actions. "I am truly honored to receive the 2021 nutrition and public health at the core of Pushkar Sharma, 28, was arraigned Sharma told police he woke up the World Food Prize, and I am deeply how food is produced, processed, Monday afternoon in Queens Criminal morning before Mother's Day "with an humbled to be placed in such transported, priced, distributed and Court before Judge Toko Serita on a uncontrollable urge to hurt someone," distinguished ranks as those of past consumed. complaint charging him with two counts according to a criminal complaint cited laureates. Thilsted expanded the evolution of food of murder in the second degree and by the media reports. Sharma also told "Aside from personal joy and gratitude, systems from "feeding" to "nourishing" sexual abuse in the first degree. police "he continued choking her until as a scientist, I feel this award is an hundreds of millions of people who Judge Serita ordered him to return to he was pretty sure she was dead." important recognition of the essential but depend on fish and other aquatic foods as court on May 24. If convicted, Sharma Soraj Sharma's daughter found her often overlooked role of fish and aquatic an integral part of their food and faces up to 25 years to life in prison. mother unconscious in the basement, food systems in agricultural research for nutrition security, livelihoods and "What should have been a celebration police said. Medics rushed her to Long development. Fish and aquatic foods offer culture, it said. of Mother's Day became a brutal, tragic Island Jewish Hospital, but she could not life-changing opportunities for millions of Thilsted, who is a native of Trinidad nightmare for a Queens family. The be saved. vulnerable women, children, and men to and Tobago and a citizen of Denmark, defendant in this horrific case allegedly A neighbor, who only gave his first be healthy and well-nourished," Thilsted, was born in 1949 in the Caribbean island choked, punched, sexually assaulted and name, Kelvin, told the media that he 71, said. of Trinidad in the small village of killed his mother in their home," Queens knew Sharma had mental health Thilsted, Global Lead for Nutrition and Reform. District Attorney Melinda Katz said. problems, but he was stunned at the Public Health, WorldFish, has brought Most of the inhabitants, including her Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. on slaying. "The family was really nice and together interdisciplinary and family,were descendants of Indian Hindu Saturday, Sharma, of Winchester Blvd. friendly. I am shocked to know that the international collaborators and drove migrants brought to Trinidad to engage in in Jamaica, Queens, approached his son could've done this," he said. transformations in aquatic food systems agricultural labor. THE INDIAN PANORAMA MISCELLANY FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 07 Indian-origin, Global Teacher Prize winner, Ranjitsinh Disale joins new student prize panel NEW YORK (TIP): Indian-origin Ranjitsinh Disale, deadline," he said. Global Teacher Prize 2020 winner has joined the new "This generation of students hold an increasingly Global Student Prize Academy alongside the likes of uncertain future in their hands and so the importance of Hollywood actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. a good education has never been more important. Now Disale, a primary school teacher from the village of more than ever, we must hear their voices," added Kunis. Paritewadi in Solapur district of Maharashtra who Members of the Academy, which also includes bagged the USD 1-million prize at the end of last year, will education and NGO leaders from around the world, will join the judging panel of the USD 50,000 sister award to pick the final winner of the Chegg.org Global Student the Global Teacher Prize launched by the Varkey Prize, expected to be announced in Paris in November. Foundation with Chegg.org - the non-profit arm of "Students throughout the world during the pandemic education technology company Chegg. have shown great strength, focus and determination to The Global Student Prize has been created as a new keep learning and keep fighting for their future. They platform to highlight the efforts of extraordinary deserve huge praise and recognition for never giving up," students making an impact on learning and society at Ranjitsinh Disale, Global Teacher Prize 2020 winner has joined said Lila Thomas, Head of Chegg.org. the new Global Student Prize Academy alongside the likes of large. Hollywood actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. "Whatever the question, education is the answer. Now "Students have limitless potential and the world at their more than ever, we must shine a light on inspiring feet, as long as the right education is made available to members of the Global Student Prize Academy. students who hold the future in their hands," added them and we let them know how valued they are," said They have been chosen based on having a history of founder Sunny Varkey. Disale. mentoring students in their studies or careers, having The prize, which has a closing entry date of May 16, "The Global Student Prize has been launched to shine a campaigned on behalf of student issues or having will be narrowed down to a Top 50 shortlist and Top 10 light on their stories and hear their voices. I am so proud expertise in education and young people. finalists, with the winner chosen from the top 10 finalists to join the academy and support such an inspiring cause," "I admire Chegg's passion for helping young people as by the Global Student Prize Academy. he said. they prepare to inherit an uncertain world," said Kutcher. It is open to students worldwide who are at least 16 Disale joins actors Kutcher and Kunis as well as US "It's important that we recognize and support deserving years old and enrolled in an academic institution or women's national soccer team player Julie Ertz and her student role models at this time. I would urge students training and skills program. Part-time students, as well husband, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, as everywhere to consider applying before the 16 May as students enrolled in online courses, are also eligible.

US CUSTOMS FINDS COW DUNG Stimulus checks: IRS sends 1 million Facing a surprise tax bill? Be sure to CAKES IN LEFTOVER BAGGAGE OF more payments in latest round still file by May 17 INDIAN PASSENGER AT AIRPORT WASHINGTON It's easy for most people to set up an online WASHINGTON (TIP): Nearly 1 million payment agreement with IRS (TIP): The US more stimulus checks Customs and Border were disbursed this WASHINGTON(TIP): The Internal Revenue Protection agents week in the latest batch Service, May 14, reminded taxpayers who owe 2020 discovered cow dung of payments, according taxes that there are different ways to pay through cakes in a leftover to the Internal Revenue IRS.gov, including payment options for many people baggage of a Service, bringing the who can't pay in full. passenger from India total number of payments in the third round to 165 File by May 17 at an international million, including add-on payments for past stimulus airport in the suburb checks. The most important thing everyone with a tax bill of Washington DC, Approximately $388 billion in stimulus payments should do is file a return by the May 17 due date, even according to officials. have been sent so far, about 86% of the $450 billion if they can't pay in full, or request a six-month Cow dung cakes earmarked for stimulus payments, the IRS said in a extension to avoid higher penalties for failing to file on Cow dung cakes Photo Source /Thinkstock are prohibited in the press release on Wednesday. time. Though automatic tax-filing extensions are (Photo for representation only) US as they are More than 500,000 payments were sent to people available to anyone who wants one, these extensions considered to be who previously didn't have information on file at the don't change the payment deadline. It is not an potential carriers of the highly contagious foot and IRS but recently filed a tax return. extension to pay. Visit IRS.gov/Extensions for details. mouth disease. The ninth batch of payments also included more Usually anyone who owes tax and waits until after They were destroyed, the US Customs and Border than 460,000 "plus-up" payments for people who had that date to file will be charged a late-filing penalty of Protection (CBP) said on Monday, May 10. their third stimulus check calculated based on their 5% per month. So, if a tax return is done, filing it by "That is not a typo. CBP agriculture specialists found 2019 tax return, but are now eligible for a bigger May 17 is always less costly,even if the full amount due two cow dung cakes in a suitcase that was left behind payment. This could be the case for people whose 2020 can't be paid on time. after passengers from an Air India flight cleared CBP's income was lower than their 2019 income or who had Free File is an easy,quick way to file that is available inspection station on April 4," a media release said on a baby or a dependent added to their 2020 return that to anyone who makes $72,000 or less and is available on Monday, May 10. qualified them for a larger payment. IRS.gov. "Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the animal diseases About 500,000 of the payments were directly Pay what you can that livestock owners dread most, has grave economic deposited into Americans' bank accounts, while the consequences, and it is a critical threat focus of Customs remainder of the payments were mailed as paper Interest, plus the much smaller late-payment penalty, and Border Protection's agriculture protection mission," checks or prepaid debit cards. will apply to any payments made after May 17. Making said Keith Fleming, Acting Director of Field Operations The IRS will continue distributing the payments on a payment, even a partial payment, will help limit for CBP's Baltimore Field Office. a weekly basis. Future payments will go to penalty and interest charges. The fastest and easiest Cow dung is reported to be a vital energy and cooking individuals who previously didn't have their way to pay a personal tax bill is with Direct Pay, source in some parts of the world. Cow dung has also information on file with the IRS but have filed a available only on IRS.gov. For a rundown of other been reportedly used as a skin detoxifier, an return along with people who qualify for the "plus-up" payment options, visit IRS.gov/Payments. antimicrobial and as fertilizer. Despite these alleged payments. The IRS urges taxpayers to first consider other benefits, cow dung from India is prohibited due to the This round is $1,400 per eligible individual plus a options for payment, including getting a loan to pay the potential introduction of Foot and Mouth disease, the $1,400 bonus per dependent. Around 158.5 million amount due. In many cases, loan costs may be lower CBP said. households are expected to receive the third payment than the combination of interest and penalties the IRS According to the US Department of Agriculture, Foot under the new stimulus deal, a tally that doesn't must charge under federal law. Normally, the late- and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a worldwide concern as it include plus-up payments, according to the White payment penalty is one-half-of-one percent (0.5%) per can spread widely and rapidly and causes significant House. month. The interest rate, adjusted quarterly, is economic losses to livestock populations. (Based on a press release) currently 3% per year, compounded daily. (Read full story at www.theindianpanorama.news) THE INDIAN PANORAMA EDITORIAL FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 08 AS I SEE IT

The BJP's defeat in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu shows the Election verdict a pushback limits of Hindutva. It shows regional parties can overpower Hindutva at the state level and hence the BJP for BJP policies cannot assume a natural monopoly over state politics.

BY ZOYA HASAN

"What the pandemic has done, unlike the disaster of demonetization, is bring to the fore the BJP's incapacity for governance. It has shown the sheer incompetence of the majoritarian model of governance, which is just not suited for running a modern state. The administrative Roadblocks: The BJP's plans to make inroads in certain states has suffered a setback. - Photo credit: PTI ineptitude is impossible to Tamil Nadu (BJP won only four seats), cow shelters, including stocks of suited for running a modern state. It's ignore even for those and it lost spectacularly in Bengal equipment like oximeters and thermal not simply a failure of the Indian State (winning 77 seats, way short of 200 it scanners "for cows and other animals as but a failure of the BJP model of the intoxicated by the right- boasted). The central point of the well". The order comes while UP suffers State. The administrative ineptitude and wing's electoral successes." election outcome is that the majority of from a crippling shortage of medical the government's insensitivity are Hindus voted against the BJP to keep it supplies and oxygen. Instead of tackling impossible to ignore even for those he results of the just-concluded out of power in three important states. oxygen shortage, the government has intoxicated by the right-wing's electoral Assembly elections give us an But this rebuff did not occur in the core slapped an FIR on a Lucknow city successes. Tindication of ground-level areas of BJP's support base in northern hospital, accusing it of spreading false The huge governance failure in UP, in political changes in the key states of and north western India and these will be rumors of shortage. contrast to Kerala, for example, reminds Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil tested in the polls in 2022. The RSS has While people in the state are desperate us during the worst crisis, that a Nadu. While it's important to understand changed the political discourse in these for oxygen, its Chief Minister denies governance model can make the the results in terms of state-specific states, especially in UP. But it would be a there's even a problem. The denialist difference between life and death, and factors, the overall political outcome mistake to presume that issues of rhetoric and the government's the absolute criticality of a politics indicates a successful assertion of unemployment, jobs, farmers' distress, indifference to the crisis will impact the based on empathy,concern, planning and local/regional politics against the regressive farm laws and the massive BJP's popularity in UP. A report in Mint human development in comparison with majoritarian-authoritarian politics of Covid mismanagement will not matter in pointed out that even hardcore BJP one based on building religious places of the BJP. The centrality of the local is India's most significant state. In addition supporters and party workers are worship and vanity projects such as the visible from the Lokniti-CSDS survey to Covid, the continuation of the farmers' sharply criticizing the government's Central Vista in the Capital in midst of which underlines the primacy of local revolt, which began in November 2020, is maladministration in WhatsApp groups the calamitous second wave. factors and state leaders with a mass likely to shift the balance of forces in in UP. The growing anger against the The BJP's defeat in West Bengal, base in determining the choices of many of these northern states, from BJP leadership's handling of the Covid Kerala and Tamil Nadu shows the limits voters. The reasons for this vary from Haryana to UP to Gujarat. crisis has found resonance in the of Hindutva. It shows regional parties state to state but the limits of Hindutva's The gross mismanagement of the panchayat polls. Opposition parties have can overpower Hindutva at the state expansionist politics and its agenda of public health crisis in UP makes it one of won close to 50 per cent of all seats level and hence the BJP cannot assume a polarization are apparent. This has the worst hit states with high caseload contested and swept districts which are natural monopoly over state politics. decisively dashed the BJP's avaricious and fatalities. UP has an archaic and BJP strongholds. The BJP is losing However, regional politics cannot plans of conquering new territories. creaky medical infrastructure which is ground in , Varanasi, Mathura counter the hold of Hindutva in UP These setbacks suggest that the collapsing as Covid rages unchecked and Gorakhpur which is an important which has been the BJP's pathway to polarizing rhetoric of Hindu through the state with people running development given how much political power in 2014 and 2019. The Hindutva nationalism doesn't thrive everywhere in from pillar to post in search of hospital attention has been showered on these project has built an enduring communal India, especially in regions with a beds, including in the big cities of cities by the government. majority in the Hindi heartland. Its distinct culture, a history of social Lucknow, Kanpur, Allahabad and But let's not forget that Modi and the overwhelming size and support in this movements, strong secular tradition, Banaras. The situation in villages and BJP have the ability to turn things region give the BJP an overwhelming and where vernacular languages hold small towns is much worse. The virus around. They did it after demonetization, advantage over its rivals. Therefore, primacy instead of Hindi. It showed how has now reached rural parts where sweeping UP in the 2017 Assembly majoritarianism and the claim of the stunningly out of touch the BJP is from people are struggling to breathe. elections even though everyone had majority to dominate have to be the political reality in these states where However, the state government is predicted an adverse fallout for the party. challenged in these states. The most it was holding Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief claiming that it has the situation under However, the post-Covid situation is effective way of doing this, apart from Minister Yogi Adityanath's road shows, control. This shows how completely different. What the pandemic has done, building big-hearted alliances, is to chanting slogans of Jai Shri Ram, unmindful it is of human suffering. unlike the disaster of demonetization, is claim greater equality of rights of every talking love jihad and trying to excite Amid the surge of the virus, the Chief bring to the fore the BJP's incapacity for section of the people and region, and not Hindus with anti-Muslim dog whistles. Minister has issued orders to set up help governance. It has shown the sheer simply the inclusion of minorities None of this seems to have worked. The desks for the protection of cows in each incompetence of the majoritarian model through the revival of pluralism. BJP lost decisively in Kerala (not district of the state and has directed that of governance based on a politics of hate (The author is Professor Emerita, Jawaharlal winning a single seat), its alliance lost in Covid-19 protocols are maintained at all and obscurantism which is just not Nehru University) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PERSPECTIVE FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 09 INDIA HAS DONE WELL TO ESTABLISH A BACK Sectarian strife in Pakistan CHANNEL FOR TALKS WITH PAKISTAN'S MILITARY. A MAJOR RESULT HAS BEEN THE Deobandi and Bareilvi alignments a challenge to governance and peace SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT FOR A CEASEFIRE ACROSS THE LOC IN J&K. majority Punjab province, have responded to critics by actions 'borne of the religious passion to defend and uphold the Prophet of Islam, from blasphemy by Muslims and non-Muslims alike, at home and abroad'. This led to BY G PARTHASARATHY the establishment of a politically oriented, militant organization called the Tehriq-e-Labaik, which soon he two major schools of Islam, which emerged in swept across towns and villages, preaching religious the 19th century in the territories of present-day intolerance in Pakistan's military-dominated Punjab. TIndia, have traditionally been described as The first victim was a Punjabi Hindu woman, Asia Deobandi and Bareilvi. The sects emerged from the Noreen, popularly known as Asia Bibi, who was efforts of many Muslim clerics and thinkers who fled convicted and sentenced to death for allegedly making from Delhi following their persecution by the British blasphemous comments. She was arbitrarily handed the after the Mughal rule ended. Deobandi practices were death sentence by hanging - a verdict that was overturned widely adopted in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa DIVIDED: Tensions have led to the establishment of militant by the Supreme Court in 2011. She, thereafter, province, and by virtually all Pashtuns in Afghanistan. organizations like the Tehriq-e-Labaik that preach religious immediately fled to . The Deobandis thus established a firm foothold amongst intolerance. - Photo credit: Reuters The Tehriq-e-Labaik attained notoriety,when one of its the Pashtun population in both Pakistan and members, a security guard, assassinated the Governor of Afghanistan. Most importantly, while the Bareilvis Indian Parliament in 2001, the 2008 Mumbai terrorist Punjab, Salman Taseer, for supporting Asia Bibi. The remained content with their influence in the attack was masterminded by the LeT. Moreover, the ISI guard was treated like a revolutionary hero by the outfit. subcontinent, the Deobandis reached out to people in the midwifed the close relations of these groups with the It now has substantial political clout in the Punjab Arabian Peninsula in the 19th century. This was an Taliban in Afghanistan. The Bareilvis were soon finding province. It virtually brought Punjab to a standstill initiative that has paid rich dividends through Saudi that despite their influence and political support in during recent demonstrations to demand the expulsion of financial backing of Deobandi organizations. Pakistani Punjab, they were losing political relevance in the French ambassador, because of alleged disrespect Thanks to the FATF and actions by the US and its allies, Pakistan. Ever since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, shown in France to the Prophet. Pakistan is being squeezed to end support to such groups. the Pashtuns, who are predominantly Deobandi, Thanks to the threats of sanctions by the Financial The most far-reaching decision by India's Deobandi dominated the attention and patronage of the ISI, and, Action Task Force and strong actions by the US and its leaders was to make common cause with the secular indeed, in the world. The Taliban also have what they European allies, Pakistan is being squeezed to end ideals of India, while supporting the struggle led by believe to be Deobandi credentials and collaborate closely support to such groups. Pakistan is also realizing that Mahatma Gandhi for India's independence. The main with Wahhabi-oriented groups like the LeT and the JeM. faith alone cannot hold a nation together,especially in the center for study and learning of the Deobandi school of Pashtun Deobandis in Pakistan's northwest and in face of sectarian differences. Neither the Tehriq-e- Islam was and remains the Darul Uloom, located at southern Afghanistan became natural allies of Gen Zia- Taliban, which is now waging a low-intensity conflict Deoband in UP. While sections of the Bareilvi leadership ul-Haq, after he overthrew and hanged ex-PM Zulfiqar Ali within Pakistan, or even the Taliban leadership in initially shared the views of their Deobandi compatriots, Bhutto. General Zia brought in a new phase of Afghanistan has ever recognized the Durand Line as an those mainly living in Pakistan, eventually chose to 'Islamization' of politics and developed close relations international border. support the Partition. On November 3, 2009, Jamiat-i- with radical Islamic elements in Pakistan, most notably India has done well to establish a back channel for talks Ulama-i-Hind, a group of Deobandi scholars, dedicated to the Jamaat-e-Islami in Punjab and Sind, and the Pashtun with Pakistan's military. A major result has been the the welfare of Muslims in India, met at Deoband and Deobandis in the north. The Soviet Union then made the signing of an agreement for a ceasefire across the LoC in condemned suicide bombings and attacks targeting folly of invading Afghanistan, enabling the US to join J&K. Pakistan's mercurial PM, Imran Khan, meanwhile, innocent civilians. This amounted to direct criticism of Pakistan in waging a Saudi-backed, Deobandi-oriented has rejected a proposal to import Indian agricultural Pakistan's propensity to use terrorism as an instrument jihad against the Soviet forces. Wahhabi-oriented products, which he had initiated and approved earlier. He of state policy. organizations in Pakistan joined this jihad. The ISI certainly does not enjoy global popularity. The world has The Bareilvi population in Pakistan's Punjab province developed links with the Jamaat-e-Islami in J&K and used noted that it was General Bajwa who first met Crown soon found that it had little political space to operate in. this Deobandi-oriented force to facilitate its jihad in J&K. Prince Salman in Saudi Arabia, before the Crown Prince The military extended support to groups like the Given Bareilvi practices of virtually worshipping the gave an audience to Imran Khan last week. US President Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Prophet, Saudi Arabia treats them as heretics. According Biden is yet to meet or speak to Imran Khan. the Afghan Taliban that worked jointly with the military to Najam Sethi, the Editor of Pakistan's Friday Times, (The author is Chancellor, Jammu Central University & former establishment. While the JeM organized the attack on the the Bareilvis in Pakistan, and particularly in the High Commissioner to Pakistan) Education in the Post- Pandemic New Normal to help schools and students recover from students. So, Yes, that's exactly what it the pandemic, Cardona said that to hit the means. It means that in communities that reset button on things, they want to see have high concentrations of cultural more of 'natural authentic engagement of norms, it's our responsibility and our BY BIDISHA ROY families.' Which triggered the immediate privilege as educators to learn those thought in my mind that - for proper norms, to help engage those families in 'family engagement', it's very crucial to ways that they're comfortable, so that their n the post pandemic 'New normal' era, know the cultural background of families students can be successful." undoubtedly everything is going to in America because it's a country of One of the next sessions I attended Education Will Last, and Why?" - was one Ichange forever. Amongst them, immigrants. The upbringing of kids in an which related to the same context was more session I attended,as I was trying to education is of utmost importance as it Indian family, for example, is totally "Family Engagement in a Post-COVID gather answers about the future of would shape the future of the world. But different from that of an American family. Era." Experts explored how the role of international students from countries how? The tone was set by the panel So, bridging the cultural gap would be a families in education may shift as the severely hit by COVID like India and discussion organized by Newmark J- key factor for this 'natural authentic pandemic changed the relationship of Brazil. In this sessionas well, total clarity School for their fellows prior to the EWA engagement', isn't it? I asked Sec Cardona parents to their children's learning, and did not emerge which is understandable at National seminar which helped structure that question; and his answer was - 'Thank ways in which schools and others can this stage as the education fraternity is my line of thinking as a journalist. you for that question because it really support the change; but as we came out of trying their best to cater to the new norm. The first seminar I chose to attend was highlights how our reopening efforts are that session, many of the questions As a representative of ethnic media, I 'A Conversation with Education Secretary not just about turning on the lights, it's not remained unanswered. I would love to would definitely try to explore the Miguel Cardona' because I was curious to just about making sure we have enough hear more about research and new unanswered questions further for the know the Govts' upcoming plans for PPE. We have to be trained or learn the thinking in this space, which I am sure community that I serve with the education policy. cultural norms of different places, then we will emerge slowly. information and understanding I gathered While outlining the government's efforts have to do that in order to serve the "What Pandemic-Driven Changes in from the EWA national seminar. THE INDIAN PANORAMA OPINION FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 10 My bridge over troubled waters

" BRIDGE IS THE BEST INTELLECTUAL EXERCISE WHICH DOUBLES UP AS AN ENGROSSING BY PRABHU DAYAL GAME "In his message to bridge " YOU FACE NEW SITUATIONS lovers, Sundarshan said: EVERY TEN MINUTES, AND MAKE "The Second wave of DECISIONS BASED ON WHAT YOU COVID-19 has witnessed THINK IS RATIONAL severe damage to human " YOU WEIGH GAIN VERSUS LOSS, life and its activities with DOING CALCULATIONS ALL THE its reeling negative effect TIME WHILE PLAYING THE HAND for the past few months. YOU ARE DEALT Our fellow bridge players filled hours of enjoyment. have been patiently Of all the sporting bodies in India, one Bridge is a wonderful game played with a pack of cards which can bring great cheer in these waiting for this pandemic Covid-stricken times. - Photo Credit: Envato keeps hearing of the Board of Cricket Control (BCCI), but it has also been taken to ease out and only staying one floor above me in my times like nothing else. Warren Buffet out of the action by Covid; the much- apartment complex. The week before it had famously said "Bridge is such a hyped IPL has been postponed online bridge has been a was another dear friend with whom I had sensational game that I wouldn't mind indefinitely as BCCI looks on helplessly. played a round of golf just a month being in jail if I had three cellmates who In this grim scenario, a retired IAS soothing medicine to most earlier. were decent players." officer Suresh Sundarshan, President of of them." Moving beyond For the uninitiated, let me say that the Bridge Federation of India (BFI) has My Facebook page is also becoming an Bridge is the best intellectual exercise stepped in like a knight in shining this, he also says: "In obituary column these days. which doubles up as an engrossing game. armor, challenging the might of Covid What is going on? Have the Chinese You face new situations every ten and providing an amazing extreme cases for those unleashed biological warfare on us, as minutes and make decisions based on entertainment platform. Through his suffering from COVID-19 some experts are saying? Or are we what you think is rational. You weigh initiative, the Bridge Associations of simply inept, incompetent and incapable gain versus loss, doing calculations all various states have created several daily infection, BFI under the of handling the situation created by the the time while playing the hand you are tournaments where people like me can pandemic? dealt. The strategy involves deducing all play for as many hours as we want, current stressed There are hundreds of opinions in the the information you are provided by competing for master-points and market. As regards the black market, it is your hand and then keeping on adding to thoroughly enjoying ourselves without environment will endeavor simply thriving and making hay while that base of information as things having to leave the safety of our homes. to seek financial the Covid- sun shines, conquering ever- develop; you modify your approach as In his message to bridge lovers, newer horizons--antivirals, hospital you get new information as the hand is Sundarshan said: "The Second wave of assistance from its well- beds, oxygen concentrators and even played out. COVID-19 has witnessed severe damage oxygen itself, which we always took for Like bridge, chess is also regarded as to human life and its activities with its wishers towards meeting granted! an intellectual game. Comparisons are reeling negative effect for the past few their medical needs so far A few months back, most people had sometimes unfair, but let me recall that months. Our fellow bridge players have not heard of Remdesivir, but now they in 1996-97, there were two six-game been patiently waiting for this pandemic as possible." are exchanging WhatsApp messages on matches between Gary Kasparov, the to ease out and only online bridge has where it can be procured if the need reigning world champion and Deep Blue, been a soothing medicine to most of Thus, the BFI has taken arises. an IBM supercomputer. Kasparov won them." Moving beyond this, he also says: Everyone is battle ready, so to say, but the first match, but Deep Blue won the "In extreme cases for those suffering on two enemies at the survival of the fittest can be a next. Deep Blue's win was seen as a sign from COVID-19 infection, BFI under the same time-Covid and misleading axiom. Burning calories and that artificial intelligence was catching current stressed environment will developing six-packs may not save you. up on human intelligence and could endeavor to seek financial assistance boredom. People like me You will not know when, where and from defeat one of the great intellectual from its well-wishers towards meeting can stay inside the safety whom you can get infected. champions of the human race. However, their medical needs so far as possible." Survival of the cautious is the new artificial intelligence has not been able Thus, the BFI has taken on two of their homes and still 'mantra'. Lock yourselves indoors to keep to completely master the game of bridge, enemies at the same time-Covid and the virus out of your lives; isolate and human capability reigns supreme in boredom. People like me can stay inside enjoy themselves to the yourself from the herd till there is herd this sport which has been described as a the safety of their homes and still enjoy hilt. Sundareshan and his immunity(another expression now game that combines strategy, themselves to the hilt. Sundareshan and getting embedded in our current daily communication, creative deception, and his BFI team are Covid-warriors of a BFI team are Covid- lexicon). of course, devilish tactics. different kind, coming to our aid in these However, this is easier said than done. In these Covid-dominated times, how dismal times. warriors of a different Apart from mundane needs such as does one get the three other players I would like to end with another kind, coming to our aid in groceries, there is the problem of 'ennui'. needed for a bridge foursome? As they quotation from Warren Buffet: "If I'm Staying indoors for days on end can be say, a friend in need is a friend indeed. playing bridge and a naked woman walks these dismal times." so boring! A near septuagenarian like me My laptop provides the solution, for by,I don't even see her." Well, I do bring a can read, watch TV, exchange WhatsApp there are sites where you can register great deal of concentration when I play, esterday morning, I received the messages--but is that all? and play online bridge. I play on a but can we lesser mortals ever aspire to heartbreaking message that one of No, there is a wonderful game played popular site called 'Bridge Base Online', be a Warren Buffet? Ymy closest childhood friends had with a pack of cards which is called or simply BBO. I cannot describe in mere Your guess is as good as mine! been snatched away by Covid-19. Last bridge which brings great cheer to me words how it has converted what would (The author is a retired diplomat) week, it was a retired colleague who was and many others in these Covid-stricken have been hours of boredom into fun- Courtesy / OPOYI THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 12

INDIAN AMERICAN DR. RUCHIKA TALWAR RAISES Japanese tycoon planning space FUNDS TO SEND MEDICAL SUPPLIES TO INDIA station visit, then moon trip PENNSYLVANIA CAPE CANAVERAL, FL(TIP): The Thursday's announcement comes amid (TIP): Amid the Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a a flurry of private space initiatives. frightening second SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try The Russian Space Agency announced wave of COVID-19 out the International Space Station first. Thursday that a Russian actress and pandemic in the "Going to the ISS before the Moon," movie director will launch to the space country, Indians Yusaku Maezawa announced Thursday, station in October for filming. The movie abroad, already May 13 via Twitter. is tentatively titled "Challenge." In grappling with the Maezawa has bought two seats on a January, the first private mission to the emotional toll of Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in space station from the US will bring three CNN reported that Dr. losing loved ones December on the 12-day mission with his businessmen - from the US, Canada and Ruchika Talwar, 28, a half a world away, production assistant and a professional Israel - who are paying about USD 55 resident physician at the University of are pulling in cosmonaut. million apiece. Pennsylvania, had resources "I'm so curious, What's life like in They will launch aboard a SpaceX raised $5,00,000 so far themselves and space?' So, I am planning to find out on Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space to send medical through my own and share with the world," Center and will be accompanied by a supplies, including crowdfunding to Maezawa said in a statement. former NASA astronaut who now works oxygen concentrators, "I'm so curious, What's life like in space?' to hospitals in India help authorities He'll be the first person to pay his own So, I am planning to find out on my own and for Houston-based Axiom Space, which struggling to cope with back home fight the way to the space station in more than a share with the world," Maezawa said in a arranged the deal. The company plans the crisis. virus. decade, according to Virginia-based statement about two private missions to the space One of those Space Adventures, which brokered the winners. Maezawa, 45, who founded an station a year. trying to send help is Ruchika Talwar, deal. online retail clothing business, will be Before the space station visits, SpaceX 28, a resident physician at the A Space Adventures spokeswoman joined by photographer and assistant will launch its first private spaceflight University of Pennsylvania. On Friday, declined to divulge the cost. The company Yozo Hirano. with four people on board. May 7, Talwar shared a screenshot of a has sent seven other tourists to the space They will be escorted by Russian "This is truly a renaissance in human report that was carried in CNN, which station, from 2001 to 2009. cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, who's spaceflight," NASA's director of stated that she had raised $5,00,000 so Maezawa's trip to the moon aboard spent nearly a year aboard the space commercial spaceflight, Phil McAlister, far to send medical supplies, including Elon Musk's Starship is tentatively station on two separate missions. The told reporters Monday, May 10. "I think oxygen concentrators, to hospitals in scheduled for 2023. He'll fly around the launch is scheduled for December 8 from that is the perfect word for what we're India struggling to cope with the crisis. moon - not land - with eight contest Kazakhstan. experiencing." (Agencies) Thanking all those who have trusted her with their donations, she added, "There's still so much work to be done." She also posted an update, which said, US regularly engages with Indian officials "Our Delhi concentrator shipment has made it through customs intact and is on human rights issues: Official on the ground in India." In another post, she shared a photo of WASHINGTON (TIP): The US "So, with respect to India, I think the "shipment of concentrators and regularly engages with Indian officials at there's genuine opportunities there for supplies on the ground in Delhi". all levels, encouraging them to uphold the government to address some of the Talwar has been regularly posting human rights obligations and concerns they hear from Indian civil updates on Instagram about how and commitments, including the protection society through greater dialogue and where they are sending the much- of minorities, in keeping with India's engagement," Nadel said. needed medical supplies - Delhi, long tradition of democratic values and India has previously rejected the US Ahmedabad, Kolkata. She said they plan its history of tolerance, a senior State nation on April 26 by RSS chief Mohan religious freedom reports, saying it sees to include rural areas as well. Earlier, Department official in-charge of Bhagwat in which he urged the people no locus standi for a foreign government on April 29, she had posted another international religious freedom has said. not to discriminate against anyone in the to pronounce on the state of its citizens' update, saying that she and a group of Speaking at a briefing on the 2020 fight against COVID-19. constitutionally protected rights. other area doctors have raised nearly International Religious Freedom Report At the briefing, Nadel told US officials Earlier, releasing the report, Secretary $75,000 through donations. She outlined released by US Secretary of State Antony regularly engage with Indian of State Blinken said that anti-Semitism the reasons behind setting up the Blinken presented at the State government officials at all levels, was on the rise worldwide, including in fundraiser, saying it was started to pay Department on Wednesday, Dan Nadel, encouraging them to uphold human the United States, as well as across for the first shipment of 25 oxygen the senior official for the Office of rights obligations and commitments, Europe. It's a dangerous ideology that concentrators to India. "It was the most International Religious Freedom said including the protection of minorities, history has shown is often linked with direct way to use every penny, without American officials also meet in keeping with India's long tradition of violence. fees," she added. continuously with civil society democratic values and its history of "Anti-Muslim hatred is still India is facing an unprecedented organizations, local religious tolerance. widespread in many countries, and this, crisis, with COVID-19 cases setting communities, to hear their views and "We also meet continuously with civil too, is a serious problem for the United records for highest single-day figures understand challenges and society organizations, local religious States, as well as in Europe. We have globally. For more than a week, India opportunities that they see. communities to hear their views and work to do to ensure that people of all has reported daily cases in excess of 3 The report took note of the message of understand challenges and faiths and backgrounds are treated with lakh. The medical infrastructure is "unity and brotherhood" by Prime opportunities that they see," Nadel said equal dignity and respect. As this report creaking under the pressure of patients Minister Narendra Modi after members in response to a question on the general notes, some countries have taken and many of them are running out of of the Tablighi Jamaat last year were assessment of the US on the religious positive steps forward, and that, too, oxygen. In such a situation, Indians being targeted in the wake of the first freedom situation in India. deserves comment," Blinken said. around the world are responding to lend wave of COVID-19 in the country. "Because when laws are passed, when Welcoming the report, the Federation a helping hand through such grassroots "Prime Minister Modi tweeted on initiatives are undertaken that are done of Indian American Christian initiatives. April 19, "COVID-19 does not see race, without effective consultation with these Organizations (FIACONA) president On Friday, May 7, India saw more than religion, color, caste, creed, language or communities, it creates a sense of Koshy George claimed that he is worried 4,000 deaths linked to COVID-19 in a borders before striking. Our response disempowerment; at times, of that the persecution of Christians and single day for the first time. In the last and conduct thereafter should attach alienation. And the best way to address other religious minorities continues 24 hours, 4,187 people died, taking total primacy to unity and brotherhood."," the that is to engage in that direct dialogue even during the coronavirus lockdown. deaths to 2.38 lakh. The country State Department noted. between government and civil society, "Prime Minister Modi's silence on recorded 4.01 lakh cases on Friday, The India section of the annual report including religious communities," he these critical issues is very taking the active caseload to 37,23,446. also mentioned the online address to the said. disheartening," he said. (Source: PTI) THE INDIAN PANORAMA US FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 13 COVID-19: Sewa spends USD 6 million on lifesaving equipment for India Sewa has so far raised USD 16 million for the initiative to supply aid material to India HOUSTON (TIP): Non-profit concentrators and 2,084 of them have Sewa volunteers are working hard to organization Sewa International said that reached India. They are being distributed connect the dots. We thank all those who it has spent over USD 6 million to procure to government hospitals and COVID-19 have given help and continue to offer lifesaving equipment in the last two weeks care centers and hospitals run by Sewa's support to Sewa in this time of crisis," as part of its 'Help India Defeat COVID-19' partner organizations. Kankani said. campaign. It is planning to ship more than 6,000 The equipment has gone to Andhra The equipment shipped to India from additional oxygen concentrators to India Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh, New York on May 7 included 260 oxygen in the next two weeks. Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, concentrators, 1,000 oximeters and nine Sewa has spent over USD 6 million to Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure procure lifesaving equipment in the last Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, machines, it said in a statement. two weeks as part of its 'Help India Defeat Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and MedShare, a non-profit organization COVID-19' campaign, it said. Uttar Pradesh, according to Sewa's Vice The equipment shipped to India from New York on May 7 included 260 oxygen that sources and delivers surplus medical "Shipping large quantities of medical President for Disaster Recovery Swadesh concentrators and 1,000 oximeters. supplies and equipment to communities equipment to another country from the Katoch. in need, donated the concentrators. The US has a lot of logistical challenges. We "It's very important to save every life added. United Parcel Service Foundation are optimizing our shipments so that they and I am confident that the equipment we India has been severely affected by the partnered with Sewa International to ship reach India fast," Sewa's President Arun have sent to India will ease the shortage of unprecedented second wave of the them to by air for free. Kankani said. emergency equipment and help COVID-19 coronavirus and hospitals in several It has so far raised USD 16 million for Sewa has established a control room in patients recover and enable families to states are reeling under the shortage of the initiative to supply aid material to Atlanta, and it is managed by 10 protect their loved ones," Katoch said. health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs India. It raised USD 7.7 million from over volunteers. They are constantly Sewa started its campaign to aid India and beds. After recording over four lakh 104,000 donors from its Facebook researching the availability of medical on April 23, 2021, when it saw an alarming fresh cases for four consecutive days, campaign and USD 4.2 million through its equipment, vendor credentials, price and rise in the daily number of new COVID-19 India witnessed a single-day rise of website. other details to purchase them or find cases and fatalities. 3,66,161 COVID-19 cases on Monday,which So far, the organization has spent over donors who can donate them, he said. Describing itself as a "Hindu faith- pushed its tally to 2,26,62,575, according to USD 3.5 million to order 7,482 oxygen "We have received phenomenal support based charitable non-profit," Sewa works the health ministry. concentrators and procured 5,118 of them from across the US for our 'Help India in the areas of disaster recovery, The death toll due to the viral disease from various vendors in the US and Defeat COVID-19 Campaign'. Many education and development, and serves climbed to 2,46,116 with 3,754 more people elsewhere, it said. corporates, hospitals and community people regardless of race, color, religion, succumbing to it, the ministry's data Of these, Sewa has shipped 2,844 oxygen organizations are calling us to offer help. sex, age, disability or national origin, it showed. (Source: PTI) NEW BILL AIMS TO GIVE STRUGGLING FITNESS AND First active-duty service member arrested WORKOUT STUDIOS A $30B SHOT IN THE ARM WASHINGTON (TIP): over Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol Lawmakers put muscle behind WASHINGTON (TIP): A Marine Corps legislation to help the fitness officer was arrested Thursday, May 13, over his industry on Thursday, May 13, involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection, making after a year of strict Covid-19 him the first active-duty service member precautions, capacity charged over the Capitol attack. restrictions, and forced closures. The Justice Department said in a statement Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D- that Maj. Christopher Warnagiris, 40, "violently Ill., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, after pushing introduced the bipartisan GYMS Act, which would provide up to $30 billion through a line of police officers guarding the in grants to fitness and workout studios at risk of closing their doors East Rotunda doors." permanently. He then allegedly used his body to prop a door The attack on the Capitol, Jan 6, 2021 - File photo "Gyms and fitness facilities across the nation had to close their doors last open to allow more people to rush into the year to help stop the spread of Covid-19," said Moran. Capitol. Marine Air-Ground Task Force Staff Training "Small businesses across the country have been hard hit by the Covid-19 "When a U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officer Program, which the Marines Corps website pandemic and gyms are no exception - they've lost 1.4 million jobs along tried to pull the doors shut, Warnagiris refused describes as training to "improve the warfighting with tens of billions in revenue," Duckworth added. "I'm proud to introduce and continued pushing it open. Warnagiris can skills of senior commanders and their staffs." this bipartisan bill that will help ensure gyms and fitness centers have the be seen pushing the officer in an effort to His awards include three Navy and Marine resources they need to get to the other side of this pandemic." maintain his position in the open door in Corps Commendation Medals, a Meritorious Gym owners were optimistic earlier this year that the legislation, security camera footage and publicly available Service Medal and a Defense Meritorious originally introduced in the House by Reps. Brain Fitzpatrick, D-Pa., and video footage," the Justice Department said. Service Medal, according to the records. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., would be included in the nearly $2 trillion Covid-19 Warnagiris, of Woodbridge, Va., is stationed at "The Marine Corps is clear on this: There is no relief package passed on a party-line vote in February, but that did not Marine Corps Base Quantico. He is being place for racial hatred or extremism in the happen. charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding Marine Corps," Maj. J.A. Hernandez, a The renewed push gives the industry fresh hope of recovery as more certain officers; obstruction of law enforcement spokesperson for the service, said in a statement. people get vaccinated and the country opens up. during civil disorder; and obstruction of justice, "Our strength is derived from the individual "This money will be a lifesaver to our gym and enable us to continue to among other charges. excellence of every Marine regardless of serve the people of our neighborhood. Now more than ever our community He is slated to make his first court appearance background. Bigotry and racial extremism run understands the importance of developing health, happiness, and Thursday afternoon. contrary to our core values." Hernandez longevity," said Dale King, owner of a CrossFit gym in Portsmouth, Ohio, The Marine Corps confirmed Warnagiris is an highlighted the service's "multi-layered, policy- struck by the opioid epidemic. "This investment will aid my gym to become active-duty member. He joined the Marines in based approach" to screening new recruits, as a center of fellowship through fitness and help individuals come back October 2002 and has deployed at least four times, well as Marine Corps policy prohibiting stronger than ever." including to Afghanistan and Iraq, according to harassment, unlawful discrimination and "any "As millions of Americans get vaccinated and begin returning to local his service records. type of abuse," including "supremacist activity." businesses in droves, fitness centers still need federal support to recover Warnagiris, whose specialty is as a field (Read full story at from over a year of challenges," Quigley said in a statement. artillery officer, is currently assigned to the www.theindianpanorama.news THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 14 Govt asks SC to Provide food, ration for review order on stranded migrants, Supreme state’s role in defining OBCs Court tells Delhi, UP, Haryana NEW DELHI (TIP): The Union government on Thursday, May 13, NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme moved the Supreme Court for a Court on Thursday, May 13, directed reconsideration of its May 5 Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to judgment, which ruled that after a open community kitchens in the NCR for constitutional amendment in 2018, stranded migrant workers amid the state governments have no power to current wave of Covid-19 and facilitate draw up their own lists of backward transportation for labourers who want to classes. return home. By a 3-2 majority, the verdict -- Passing a slew of interim directions to which also unanimously struck down ameliorate the miseries of migrant a state law granting reservation to workers facing difficulties in the wake of the Maratha community in the recent surge in Covid-19 cases and government jobs and education in restrictions imposed in several parts of Maharashtra -- had held that state India, the apex court directed that dry governments must rely on the Centre ration be provided to them in the to include or exclude any community national capital region (NCR) under for granting reservation to socially ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme’ or any and educationally backward classes other scheme by the Centre and (SEBCs). governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and In its review petition, the Centre Haryana. has contended that the judgment A Bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan required a relook because there were and MR Shah said the Centre may also errors apparent on the face of the issue instructions to the Ministry of record. Railways to take necessary and adequate “NCT of Delhi, state of UP and state of would ultimately go to villages as its Since a review petition is usually measures to cater to the needs of Haryana (for the districts included in the natural course was to look for decided by the judges in their migrant workers. NCR) shall ensure that adequate vulnerable populations to infect. chambers under the Supreme Court The top court passed the order on an transport is provided to stranded VK Paul, who leads the rules, the central government has application filed by three activists who migrant labourers (in the NCR) who government’s Covid response team, asked for an open court hearing so as sought directions to the Centre and states want to return to their home,” it said. said, “The virus will ultimately go to to be able to make oral submissions to ensure food security, cash transfers, “Dry ration to migrant workers in the the villages. Finding new on the grounds of review. transport facilities and other welfare NCR under the Atmanirbhar Bharat transmission pathways, when it does A statement by the Union ministry measures for migrant workers who are Scheme or any other scheme be provided not find enough people to infect in of social justice and empowerment facing distress due to the curbs clamped by the Union of India, NCT of Delhi, cities, it will travel to villages. said: “The Constitution Bench of the in several parts of the country amid the state of UP and state of Haryana Containment is the key.” Paul also Hon’ble Supreme Court has pandemic. “NCT of Delhi, state of UP utilising the public distribution system said while it was known that the pronounced judgement dated May 5, and state of Haryana (for the districts prevalent in each state with effect from second wave would come, no 2021, involving interpretation of the included in the NCR) shall open May 2021,” the Bench said. modelling had indicated its size. provisions of the Constitution 102nd community kitchen at well-advertised The remarks came on a day when Amendment Act, 2018. As provided in places (in the NCR) for stranded migrant Govt: Virus will find new government data showed a plateau in the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, a labourers so that they and their family pathways, curbs the key daily cases and positivity rate for review petition has been filed by the members who are stranded could get two three days but above 15 per cent Union of India on May 13, 2021.” meals a day,” the Bench said. The Centre on May 13 said the virus positivity rate in 24 states. India receives shipment of ventilators, Remdesivir from European Union NEW DELHI (TIP): Amid the COVID-19 crisis in the second wave of pandemic leaving afflicted Indians India, an aircraft carrying a shipment of ventilators, breathless. Remdesivir and medical equipment from EU member The SMS was followed by a telephone call between the states, arrived in New Delhi on Friday, May 14. two ministers as Jaishankar asked for medical oxygen External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson and his Singaporean counterpart agreed with Prime Arindam Bagchi acknowledged the continued Ministers of both countries kept in the loop. The Indian solidarity shown by European countries including foreign minister asked his senior colleague defence Germany, Netherlands, and Portugal. minister Rajnath Singh to call in the Indian Air Force’s "EU solidarity and cooperation continues. Aircraft heavy transporters to pick the first four cryogenic arrives carrying 223 ventilators, 25000 vials of tanks from Singapore which were needed to pick up Remdesivir and other medical equipment from liquid medical oxygen from east India to Covid-19 hit Germany, 30000 vials of Remdesivir from Netherlands north and western parts of the country. and 5500 vials of Remdesivir from Portugal. Value India has received support from several countries, Defence minister Rajnath Singh called up Indian Air support of our European Union partners," EAM including the US, Russia and the UK as it battles a Force (IAF) chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, who spokesperson tweeted. deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. was on a five-day official trip to France at that time, the Earlier today, India welcomed the arrival of 5.6 same day in Paris. Leaving aside everything, Air Chief million masks/respirators that arrived from Singapore extends life-line to Bhadauria worked through the night to plan external Kazakhstan to combat the deadly virus that has put a India in oxygen crisis and internal movement of transport planes. The entire strain on the health infrastructure of the country. transport fleet of IAF was placed on standby 24X7 with "Further deepening our Strategic Partnership. India’s mission oxygen with comprehensive partner multiple sets of pilots as 'Mission Oxygen' began in Welcome shipment of over 5.6 million Singapore began with a three sentence text message earnest with a C-17 picking up four cryogenic masks/respirators that arrived from Kazakhstan," between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and containers from Changi in Singapore and reaching the Bagchi tweeted. foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan on April 22 with transport hub of Panagarh in West Bengal. Source: HT THE INDIAN PANORAMA INDIA FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 15 Covid peak will come, virus SC commission begins can again emerge: Govt two-day Bengal visit

NEW DELHI (TIP): As the to probe violence country battles the second wave of NEW DELHI (TIP): The National Commission for COVID-19, the government on Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has directed the West Thursday, May 13, said the virus Bengal police to take “stern action” on the may emerge again and so perpetrators of violence against members of the preparations have to be made at the community after assembly elections results were national level in collaboration with announced on May 2. states, infrastructure needs to be The commission, headed by Vijay Sampla, is in West ramped up while curbs and Bengal for a two-day visit to carry out spot visits in the appropriate behaviour must be East Burdhwan and 24 Paraganas districts where it followed. received complaints of atrocities against Dalits. Dismissing allegations that the Though the West Bengal government had earlier government was unaware of the asked the NCSC to cancel the visit in view of the intensity of the second wave, NITI pandemic restrictions, the panel chose to go ahead Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul with its inquiry into the cases of violence. said, “We kept warning again and “We spoke to affected families in Nabagram village again from this platform that the predict the size of a peak as the disease that it will ultimately go to in East Bardhaman district. Many people were second wave of COVID-19 will come. unexpected behaviour virus is well villages. initially scared of recording their complaints. In “It was said that the sero- known.” This epidemiology is well known, many areas, people have fled their homes in fear,” positivity is 20 per cent, 80 per cent “So peak will come, the virus can Paul said as he urged people to Sampla said. of the population is still vulnerable again emerge, we know. So follow COVID appropriate The commission went to the house of a complainant, and that virus has not gone preparations have to be made at behaviour and embrace vaccination. Ashish Khetrapal, in Nabagram and found it locked. anywhere and other countries were country level in collaboration with Joint Secretary in the Health They were later informed that Khetrapal was injured also witnessing a resurge.” states, infrastructure has to be Ministry Lav Agarwal said that and was being treated in a nursing home. His At a press conference, Paul said, ramped up, containment measures plateauing in daily new COVID-19 statement was recorded wherein he gave details of the “The prime minister had conveyed have to be implemented and COVID cases and a slight decline attack that left two members of his family dead. the country about the emerging appropriate behaviour has to be positivity rate have been recorded The commission later met some of the affected second wave on March 17 without followed. in the country over the past three people at the rest house in Kolkata. creating panic and had said that we “We had not created panic... other days, but added 10 states still have “There, more than 25 complainants were heard in have to fight it.” countries have faced multiple peaks a positivity rate of more than 25 the presence of the district commissioner and SSP who “Was such a peak expected,” he after all it’s a pandemic,” he said. per cent which was “worrisome were directed to take stern actions as per the SC and said, “well, no modelling can He said it is the nature of the trend”. ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,” Sampla said. Probe ordered after Explain how film stars, politicians Nightmare runs bodies found buried are procuring, distributing on in Goa on riverbank in Remdesivir: HC to govt hospital: 15 UP’s Unnao MUMBAI (TIP): The Bombay High Court has asked the Union and more die as Maharashtra governments to explain how some film stars and politicians were able to procure and oxygen dips distribute the anti-viral drug Remdesivir despite its shortages. PANAJI (TIP): A day after the High The order was passed during the Court of Bombay in Goa directed the hearing of PILs on the coronavirus state government to ensure there were no situation on Wednesday but more deaths due to oxygen issues, Goa published on the HC website on Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Thursday, May 13, evening. the state’s largest Covid facility, reported NEW DELHI (TIP): The Unnao district A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar 15 more deaths between 2 am and 6 am on administration has ordered a probe after some Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni said Thursday, May 13, as oxygen supply bodies were found buried on the Ganga that as per previous orders of the pressure dipped, reported The Indian riverbank in Bighapur Patan tehsil area, Supreme Court and several high Express. officials said on Thursday, May 13. courts, Remdesivir was supposed to stocking of such drug," it said. Relatives and resident doctors at The district administration swung into be allocated to states only by the Such a parallel system of GMCH made frantic calls through the action after locals spotted bodies buried on Union government. distribution of anti-COVID drugs night as the oxygen pressure started Baksar ghat of the river. Some photographs of Advocate Rajesh Inamdar, lawyer might cause "serious prejudice" to falling in the hospital’s Covid wards the bodies were seen on social media, they said. of one of the petitioners, said while patients in urgent need, the high around 1 am. One of the petitioners in the "After the matter came to the light, a sub- hospitals were running out of key court further said. PILs filed in the High Court over Covid divisional magistrate was sent to the spot for drugs like Remdesivir and Some unscrupulous persons too management said that after she received the probe. He will submit his report," Unnao Tocilizumab, some celebrities and may take advantage of this for an SOS call, she reached out to the district magistrate Ravindra Kumar said. politicians were easily procuring profiteering, the court said. authorities, and that officials of the He said Baksar ghat is on the border of many and distributing them in response to "Also, such personalities making Health Department and police rushed districts including Raebareli, Fatehpur and pleas on Twitter. the drug available privately, raises a over. Unnao and people go there for cremation. The court said it did not want to grave question as to its equitable However, doctors said, oxygen pressure "We will take appropriate action after seeing come in the way of those helping distribution in a system/regime could be restored only in 20 minutes, the situation. Directives have been issued that COVID-19 patients, but it has to pass which is set into motion for its which proved fatal for 15 patients. such a situation does not arise," the district orders in accordance with law. allocation," the judges noted. The High Court had urged the magistrate. If Remdesivir is being allocated by The Maharashtra government and government to ensure there were no more Sub-divisional magistrate Dayashankar the central government, "then how Centre must file reply affidavits deaths due to oxygen on Wednesday, after Pathak, who visited Baksar ghat with the circle the same can be privately available explaining how Remdesivir was Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said officer, said they did not find bodies out in the for distribution at the hands of such being "parallely distributed by deaths of 26 Covid patients at GMCH in open. political and film personalities", the political and film personalities", the the early hours of Tuesday might have On the exact number of bodies buried on the court asked in the order. court said. been due to oxygen issues. Told about the riverbank, the sub-divisional magistrate said "In our opinion, this would The replies are to be filed by May fresh deaths Thursday, the court said, he was not aware of the number. certainly amount to hoarding/illegal 19. “We are sorry.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRIBUTE FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 16 Indian personalities we lost to Covid

India is battling the worst health crisis of all time - Kannada film September 17, 2020. rising COVID-19 cases, lack of oxygen and medicines. producer Ramu passed Amid all this, in fighting against coronavirus, India has away due to COVID-19 Chetan Chauhan lost several big personalities as well. on April 26, 2021. He Chauhan, a UP was being treated at MS minister and former Music composer Shravan Rathod Ramaiah Hospital in India cricketer, was Shravan Rathod died Bengaluru, where he another important of coronavirus-related breathed his last. Ramu leader who succumbed complications on April had produced more to COVID-19 this year. 22, 2021. He breathed than 30 films under his After getting infected his last at a hospital in Ramu Enterprises by COVID-19, Chauhan Mumbai. Rathod was banner and was married to superstar Malashree. also developed a kidney 66. Shravan was a well- infection and passed known music composer TV Anchor Rohit Sardana away on August 15, and a member of the Renowned journalist 2020, in Gurugram. famous duo of music and TV anchor Rohit directors, Nadeem – Sardana died due to a Govardhan Dangi Shravan. The duo were heart attack on April Govardhan Dangi the most successful Bollywood music directors of the 30. He was infected was a Congress MLA 1990s until the early 2000s. from COVID-19 and was from Madhya Pradesh's undergoing treatment from Biaora in Bollywood actor Satish Kaul in the ICU of a private Rajgarh. He passed Popularly known for hospital in Noida. away on September 15, playing the role of Lord Rohit Sardana, who 2020, in Gurugram's Indra in Mahabharata, was recently tested Medanta Hospital at actor Satish Kaul positive for COVID-19 the age of 54 due to the passed away due to was rushed to a Noida hospital on April 29 after his novel coronavirus. coronavirus-related condition deteriorated. The following morning, he had complications on April a cardiac arrest and died. 10, 2021. He was admitted to Shri Rama Pranab Mukherjee Balli Durga Prasad Rao Charitable Hospital of The former President Balli Durga Prasad Ludhiana where he of India, Pranab Rao was a former MP breathed his last at the Mukherjee, passed from Tirupati who age of 74. away on September 1, passed away at the age 2020. Mukherjee had of 64. Rao had tested Classical singer Pt Rajan Mishra tested coronavirus coronavirus positive Classical singer and positive in August and and was admitted to Padma Bhushan had undergone brain Chennai's Apollo awardee Pandit Rajan surgery at Army's R&R Hospital where he Mishra passed away on Hospital in New Delhi. succumbed to COVID- April 25 due to a heart However, his condition 19 on September 16, attack in Delhi. He was deteriorated over the 2020. 70. Rajan Mishra of the next few days and he ultimately passed away on famous musical duo September 1, 2020. Kamal Rani Varun Rajan-Sajan was Kamal Rani Varun undergoing treatment Ahmed Patel was another UP in Delhi’s St.Stephen The senior Congress Cabinet Minister who Hospital for leader, who was known passed away due to complications that developed after he was tested as 'party's trouble- COVID-19 complication positive for coronavirus. He was associated with shooter' had also tested on August 2, 2020. Rani Banaras Gharana. coronavirus positive this had tested coronavirus year. He was undergoing positive on July 18 and Chandro Tomar aka Shooter dadi treatment in Gurugram was undergoing Chandro Tomar but passed away treatment at the SGPGI popularly knowns as November 25, 2020, after Hospital in the state Shooter Dadi, passed his health deteriorated capital Lucknow. away on April 30, 2021 due to COVID-19 at the age of 89. She was complications. P Namgyal battling COVID-19 and Senior Leh Congress was admitted to a Tarun Gogoi leader and former Union Meerut hospital on The 84-year-old longest Minister P Namgyal also April 26. Chandro was serving CM of Assam had passed away in June last an octogenarian also tested positive for the year after contracting sharpshooter from the deadly infection last year. COVID-19. The 83-year- village of Johri in the He had recovered from the old was a three-time Bagpat district of Uttar Pradesh. infection but passed away Ladakhi on November 23, 2020, after parliamentarian and Filmmaker KV Anand a four-month battle with had served in the Rajiv Noted director and COVID-19 and subsequent Gandhi Cabinet. cinematographer KV complications. Anand passed away on Raghuvansh Prasad Singh April 30, 2021 following Ashok Gasti Raghuvansh Prasad a cardiac arrest at the The senior BJP leader Singh, the former age of 54. He was had tested coronavirus Union Minister who is diagnosed with Covid- positive and admitted to credited for Mahatma 19. KV Anand was best Manipal Hospital on the Gandhi National Rural known for Tamil films Old Airport Road on Employment Guarantee like Kana Kandaen, September 2, 2020. Act (MGNREGA), Ayan, Maattrraan, However, he failed to passed away on Anegan, Kavan and recover from the September 13, 2020, due Kaappaa. infection and ultimately to post COVID-19 passed away on complications. Kannada film producer Ramu THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRIBUTE FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 17 Celebrities who lost battle to virus

Fashion designer Alber Elbaz for a regular hospital room after facing breathing physically played Darth Vader (James Earl Jones issues amid his battle with COVID-19 that began in provided the villain's voice) in the first "Star Wars" Fashion designer December. trilogy — died from complications of COVID-19 on Nov. Alber Elbaz died from 28. He was 85. complications of Sekou Smith COVID-19 in Paris on On Jan. 27, news Lynn Kellogg Simpers April 24. He was 59. The outlets reported that Singer-actress Lynn company behind the NBA reporter and Kellogg Simpers, best known Moroccan-born Israeli analyst Sekou Smith, for her starring role as designer's latest who covered the league Sheila in the original 1968 venture, AZ Factory, for decades, had died Broadway production of confirmed the sad news from COVID-19 at 48. "Hair," died on Nov. 12 in a to The New York Times. "We are all heartbroken St. Louis hospital from The man whose work over Sekou's tragic COVID-19 complications. was worn by celebrity clients including Beyonce, passing," read a She was 77. Natalie Portman, Harry Styles, Meryl Streep and more statement from Turner most notably served as the fashion director for Lanvin Sports, which operates Kenzo Takada from 2001 to 2015. NBA TV and NBA.com — where Sekou worked for the Paris-based Japanese designer Kenzo Takada died last decade-plus. "His commitment to journalism and from coronavirus-related complications on Oct. 4, a Joe Long the basketball community was immense and we will spokesperson for one of the fashion visionary's brands Frankie Valli and miss his warm, engaging personality." confirmed in a statement: "It is with immense sadness The Four Seasons that the brand K-3 announces the loss of its celebrated bassist Joe Long (born Barbara Shelley artistic director, Kenzo Takada. The world-renowned Joseph Louis LaBracio) British actress designer passed away on October 4th, 2020 due to died on April 21 from Barbara Shelley — who COVID-19 related complications at the age of 81 at the complications of was best known for her American Hospital, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France." COVID-19, close friend roles in horror films Anthony Newell, a like 1958's "Blood of the Tommy DeVito member of the Jersey Vampire," 1960's Musician and singer Tommy DeVito — a founding Four tribute band of "Village of the member of The Four Seasons and a member of the Rock which Joe was the Damned" (pictured) and Roll Hall of Fame — died in a Las Vegas area musical director, told and 1966's "Dracula: hospital on Sept. 21 from complications of the NJ.com. The New Jersey Hall of Fame member was 88. Prince of Darkness" — coronavirus, "Casino" actor Alfredo Nittoli confirmed Former bandmates Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio also died from on Facebook. The famed doo-wop star was 92. confirmed Joe's passing in a statement. Another former complications of the Four Seasons bandmate, Tommy DeVito, also died from coronavirus on Jan. 4, the BBC reported. Bruce Williamson coronavirus complications in September 2020. Former Temptations lead singer Bruce Williamson Dawn Wells died from complications of COVID-19 at his Las Vegas Linda Torres Dawn Wells, who was best known for her role as Mary home on Sept. 6, 2020, TMZ reported the following day. Former reality TV Ann on "Gilligan's Island," died in Los Angeles on Dec. Bruce, who became a Temptation in 2006 and performed star Linda Torres, a 30, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. The actress with the group until 2015, was 49. good friend of the late was 82. Angela "Big Ang" Tom Seaver Raiola who appeared on Nick Cordero Baseball icon Tom Seaver — who's widely regarded as the VH1 reality series Tony-nominated Broadway star Nick Cordero died on one of the greatest Mets players of all time — died on "Big Ang" and "Mob July 5 in a Los Angeles hospital from complications of Aug. 31 at his home in Calistoga, California, from Wives," died at Staten COVID-19. He was 41. The singer-actor's wife, actress- complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19, Island University dancer and Rockette-turned-fitness trainer Amanda his family confirmed to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hospital in New York — Kloots, had chronicled his battle with the coronavirus where she spent nine and all the complications that followed — including the Trini Lopez weeks — on April 1 amputation of his leg due to clotting issues — over the Trini Lopez, who found fame in the 1960s with his mix from complications of previous 95 days. of folk, Latin and rockabilly music — his biggest the coronavirus, Big Ang's sister Janine Detore told records were "If I Had a Hammer" and "Lemon Tree" — People magazine. Linda, 67, had been fighting breast Charley Pride died on Aug. 11 at a hospital in Rancho Mirage, cancer and was recovering from surgery to implant a Country music legend Charley Pride — a pioneer for California, from complications of COVID-19. He was 83. chemo port. After developing a fever, she returned to Black artists in the genre and the first Black member of the hospital, where she was diagnosed with COVID-19. the Country Music Hall of Fame — died on Dec. 12 in Herman Cain Dallas from complications of COVID-19. He was 86. The Herman Cain, a former Republican presidential Captain Sir Tom Moore Grammy winner, who was known for hit songs like candidate and former CEO of Godfather's Pizza, died Captain Sir Tom "Kiss an Angel Good Morning" and "Is Anybody Goin' to from complications of COVID-19, his website Moore — the 100-year- San Antone," delivered his final performance at announced on July 30. The co-chair of Black Voices for old WWII veteran who November's 2020 Country Music Association Awards, Trump and contributor for conservative media outlet catapulted to fame in where he was given a lifetime achievement award. Newsmax was 74. 2020 when he helped raise more than $43 Carol Sutton Roy Horn million for Britain's Actress Carol Sutton — German magician and entertainer Roy Horn, who National Health who appeared in films and came to fame as half of the duo Siegfried & Roy — and Service charities in the on TV shows including whose career was cut short when he was attacked by early days of the U.K.'s "Steel Magnolias," "The one of their famed white tigers on stage in 2003 — died coronavirus lockdowns Pelican Brief," "Queen in Las Vegas on May 8 from complications related to by walking more than Sugar," "Treme," "Claws" COVID-19, his rep confirmed. Roy, who was 75. 100 laps in the garden of his home in Bedfordshire, and "Lovecraft Country" — — has died after being diagnosed with COVID- died on Dec. 10 in New Floyd Cardoz 19, his family announced Orleans of COVID-19 "Top Chef Masters" winner on Feb. 2. complications, the city's Floyd Cardoz died on March mayor announced. She was 25 due to complications from Larry King 76. Mayor LaToya Cantrell praised Carol as being the novel coronavirus. The Broadcast legend Larry "practically the Queen of New Orleans theater, having 59-year-old celebrity chef, King passed away at graced the stages across the city for decades." who cooked on dozens of TV Cedars-Sinai Medical shows, was admitted to a New Center in Los Angeles at 87 Jersey hospital after he fell ill on Jan. 23, 2021 — just a few Dave Prowse upon returning from a trip to weeks after leaving the ICU Dave Prowse — the British character actor who Mumbai in March. THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-INDIA FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 18 India’s Covid-19 tally crosses 24 million-mark with 343,144 fresh cases

NEW DELHI (TIP): India on Friday, May 14, registered 343,144 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the country's total coronavirus infection tally past the 24- million mark. 4,000 new fatalities were recorded, taking the death toll to 262,317. The country's total case count has now reached 24,046,809, according to the Union health ministry's dashboard. The active coronavirus cases currently stand at 3,704,893. This accounts for 15.65% of the total confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country. As many as 344,776 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours and so far, and 20,079,599 people in total have recovered from the viral disease, the health ministry’s dashboard displayed. With this, the country’s recovery rate stands at 83.2%, the government said. The country has tested a total of 31,13,24,100 samples as of May 13. Out of this, 18,75,515 samples were tested for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Twitter. The Union health ministry has said that Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are among the states that account for 82.5% of the total active cases in the country. Meanwhile, government advisor VK Paul has said that over 200 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines will likely be available in India between August to December this year. "Two billion doses (216 crore) will be made in the country in five months for India and for people of India. The vaccine will be available for all as we move forward. By the first quarter of the next year, the number is likely to be 300 crore," Paul added.

Gap between two doses of India expecting 200 cr vax doses by Covishield extended to 12-16 weeks, says government Aug-Dec, will cover 95 cr adults: Govt NEW DELHI (TIP): The Union government has NEW DELHI (TIP): Amid a growing clamour for accepted the recommendation for extension of the Covid vaccines and stock shortages across states, the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield Centre on May 13 said it was expecting that over 200 vaccine to 12-16 weeks. The present one is 6-8 weeks. crore doses would become available in India between The Union Health Ministry said in a statement on August and December this year, reaching up to 300 crore Thursday that the decision was based on “available by the first quarter of 2022. real-life evidence particularly from the U.K. The Noting that India had inoculated 32 per cent of its COVID-19 working group chaired by N.K. Arora people aged 45 years and above with single dose as recommended increasing the dosing interval to 12-16 against 27 per cent in France, 34 per cent in Germany weeks between two doses of Covishield vaccine while and 46 per cent in the US, top government advisers suggesting no change in interval of Covaxin vaccine today said the rate of vaccine coverage in India was “a doses.’’ matter to be proud of”. The panel had also recommended that those Chairman of the empowered group on vaccines VK infected with COVID-19 should be administered a Paul projected the availability of 216 crore vaccine trials and will apply for licensure soon. vaccine after six months and people who had received doses in India between August and December 2021, “We expect over 2 billion doses to be made in India plasma during treatment should get vaccinated at saying that the country would soon have enough stocks over August to December. Everyone will get vaccines. It least after 12 weeks. to cover 95 crore adults who would require 190 crore takes time. Even the US, which had sufficient The Ministry said the recommendation of the doses. stockpiles, has inoculated only 46 per cent of its people COVID working group was also accepted by the The projected availability of over 200 crore doses aged 45 and above despite starting a month before India. National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration includes 75 crore doses of Covishield, 55 crore doses of We have covered one- third of our people over 45 years for Covid-19 (NEGVAC), headed by Dr. V.K. Paul, Covaxin, 15.6 crore doses of Sputnik V (vaccines with a single dose. While we humbly accept all other Member (Health), Niti Aayog, in a meeting on May 12. licensed in India) and stocks of the yet to be licensed narratives, this positive narrative is also a reality and At a press conference on Thursday, Dr. Paul said vaccines — Bio E vaccine (projected availability of 30 we must feel proud of it,” Paul said. that the dosing interval extension had been crore doses between August and December); Zydus He defended the Centre’s liberalised policy, saying it recommended after a careful study without pressure Cadila DNA vaccine (5 crore doses), Serum Institute’s was drafted after states urged more say in the vaccine from anyone and in consultation with the World Novovax (20 crore), Bharat Biotech’s nasal vaccine (10 procurement. Health Organization. crore), Gennova’s messenger RNA vaccine (60 lakh “States wanted flexibility, they indicated this. There This is the second time in three months Covishield doses). was also a demand for private sector availability of dosage intervals have been widened by the Health Paul said 1.5 lakh doses of Sputnik V that arrived in vaccines. That is why a liberal vaccine policy came. We Ministry. In March, the States and Union Territories India recently would become available in the market now invite Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson were directed to increase the gap from 28 days to six- next week and domestic production of Sputnik would manufacturers to come and produce in India,” said eight weeks for better results. start by July. Zydus Cadila vaccine is in the last stage Paul. Source: TNS THE INDIAN PANORAMA SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 19 Indian-origin family in Singapore K P Sharma Oli sworn in faces hate crime as Nepal Prime Minister

come up with the support of majority lawmakers to form a new government by 9 pm on Thursday after Oli lost the vote of confidence in the House on Monday. Until Thursday, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who got backing from CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpakamal Dahal "Prachanda" was hopeful to get sufficient votes in the House to stake his claim as the next Prime Minister. Singapore police is investigating a hate crime against an Indian-origin family for not wearing a mask during But as Madhav Kumar Nepal took a U-turn after his the pandemic last-minute meeting with Oli, Deuba's dream to become the next Prime Minister was shattered. The CPN-UML is the largest party with 121 seats in the SINGAPORE (TIP): Singapore police is 271-member House of Representatives. investigating a hate crime against an Indian- At present 136 votes are needed to form a majority origin family for not wearing a mask during the government. pandemic, a media report said on Thursday, May KATHMANDU (TIP): K P Sharma Oli was sworn in If the parties fail to form a new government in line 13, days after a man of Chinese ethnicity was as Nepal's Prime Minister for the third time on Friday, with Article 76 (5) or the Prime Minister elected under arrested for allegedly assaulting a woman of days after he lost a vote of confidence in Parliament. this provision does not secure the vote of confidence Indian-origin. President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath again, the sitting Prime Minister can recommend the Police are investigating a 47-year-old man for of office and secrecy to Oli, 69, at a ceremony at Shital President to dissolve the parliament and announce the public nuisance and uttering words with Niwas, after he was reappointed to the post on Thursday date to hold general elections within the next six deliberate intent to wound the racial feelings of night as the Opposition parties failed to secure majority months. others in relation to an incident, which took place seats in Parliament to form a new government. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 at Pasir Ris Beach Park, the Singapore Police Oli, the Chairman of CPN-UML, lost a crucial trust last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House Force (SPF) said on Thursday. vote in the House of Representatives on Monday. and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at Preliminary investigations revealed that on Oli will now have to take a vote of confidence at the the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a May 2, at about 6 pm, the man had allegedly House within 30 days, failing which, an attempt to form tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist uttered offensive remarks towards an Indian- a government under Article 76 (5) of the Constitution Party (NCP). origin family and confronted a male member of would be initiated. Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from the family for not wearing his mask at Pasir Ris He previously served as prime minister from October a large section of the NCP led by his rival 'Prachanda'. Beach Park, police said in a news release, 11, 2015, to August 3, 2016 and again from February 15, In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved according to the reports. 2018, to May 13, 2021. House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap Police did not identify the ethnicity of the man The president had asked the Opposition parties to polls. PTI who made the alleged remarks. In the video released by media earlier, the 47- year-old is seen shouting at another man. He Sniffer dogs to identify Covid Afghan police say Kabul mosque accuses the man of not wearing a mask and of breaking social distancing rules and asks where patients at Islamabad airport bombing kills 12 worshippers he served his National Service (a compulsory ISLAMABAD (TIP): Authorities at the Islamabad KABUL (TIP): A bomb ripped through a mosque in service for Singaporeans). airport have decided to bring in sniffer dogs to identify northern Kabul during Friday prayers and killed 12 The alleged perpetrator also says, "this is my coronavirus-infected inbound travellers to the worshippers, Afghan police said. country" and "you are spreading the virus" Pakistani capital city, the media reported on Friday. Spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz said the mosque’s imam, during the exchange, according to a report. A senior airport official told Dawn news that the Mofti Naiman, was among the dead. Another 15 people Police investigations are ongoing, and the man well-trained sniffer dogs will detect the virus by were wounded. The bomb exploded as prayers had begun. is assisting with investigations, SPF said. smelling the odours generated by infected people. No one claimed responsibility for the bombing, but initial The offence of public nuisance carries a jail Sniffer dogs can be used as a secondary screening police investigations suggest the Imam may have been the term of up to three months, a fine of up to SGD tool for detecting Covid-19 infection, he said. target, Faramarz said. 2,000, or both. A team of experts have already visited the airport A worshipper at the mosque, Muhibullah Sahebzada, Offenders who utter words with deliberate and have also selected a site to deploy the sniffer dogs. said he had just stepped into the mosque when the intent to wound the racial feelings of any person Earlier, the health authorities in collaboration with explosion went off. Stunned, he heard the sound of face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to the Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has been using screams, including children, as smoke filled the mosque. SGD 5,000, or both. thermal scanners and Rapid Antigen tests to detect the Sahebzada said he saw several bodies on the mosque floor Last Friday,police arrested a 30-year-old man of infected travellers at the airport. and at least one child was among the wounded. Chinese ethnicity for allegedly assaulting a 55- Meanwhile, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority It appeared the explosive device had been hidden inside year-old woman of Indian-origin. has allowed airlines to operate at 30 per cent of their then pulpit at the front of the mosque. The man was arrested "for public nuisance, flights, reports Dawn news. --IANS “I was afraid of a second explosion so I came uttering words with intent to wound the racial immediately to my home,” he said. feelings of others and voluntarily causing hurt", 2 held in Bangladesh for An image circulating on social media showed three the SPF said on Tuesday. bodies lying on the floor of the mosque, which showed The woman was walking along a walkway at plotting attack on Parl minor damage. The explosion comes on the second day of Choa Chu Kang Drive at about 8.45 am on May 7 DHAKA (TIP): The counter-terrorism police in a three-day ceasefire announced by the warring Taliban when she was confronted by a Chinese couple Bangladesh have arrested two people for plotting an and Afghan government. The pause was for the Islamic who told her to wear her mask properly as a attack on Parliament and instigating others to join festival Eid-al-Fitr, which follows the fasting month of safety measure for the public in fight against them, according to a media report. Ramadan. Until now many of the attacks in the capital COVID-19, said the SPF of the case earlier this The arrested persons have been identified as Abu have been claimed by the local Islamic State affiliate, but week. Sakib, 22, a member of the banned militant outfit both the Taliban and government blame each other. Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam Ansar Al Islam, while the other Ali Hasan Osama is a The most recent attack last week killed over 90 people, has also told parliamentarians that Singapore radical orator. many of them pupils leaving a girls’ school when a will fail if the country allows racism and Sakib opened a Facebook group and urged everyone powerful car bomb exploded. The Taliban denied xenophobia to become prevalent. to come with a sword and a flag with Islamic phrases to involvement and condemned the attack. The relentless Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and ministers attack the parliament building, bdnews24 said in a violence comes as the US and allied NATO forces continue have also condemned the attack on the woman recent report. However, no one responded to his with their final withdrawal from Afghanistan after nearly who was brisk walking, one of the exercises for request. PTI 20 years of war. AP which wearing a facemask is exempted. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 20 Sunny Leone’s journey from Bigg Boss to a top entertainer in Bollywood

hen she entered the Dia Mirza says mainstream Hindi film Windustry, she was placed under a lot of scrutiny for her past career in Rehnaa Hai Terre the adult film industry, and her future in India had a big question mark on it. However, almost 10 years down the line, Dil Mein is sexist she has shrugged off the judgement and ollywood actor Dia Mirza made her misogynist gaze on her and has debut in movies with the 2001 film established herself as an unapologetic BRehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, and her entertainer and performer in the journey in the entertainment industry has industry. We are talking of Sunny had several ups and downs. In an interview Leone, who is celebrating her 40th with Brut India, the actor opened up about birthday today, and on this special her early days in the film industry and the occasion, let’s take a look back at her rampant sexism that existed those days. journey in Bollywood. Dia said, “People were writing, thinking After her stint in Bigg Boss season 5, and making sexist cinema, and I was a part she made her Bollywood debut with of these stories. Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein Pooja Bhatt’s erotic thriller Jism 2. has sexism in it.” She also gave an example Although the film failed to perform stating that during those times, a makeup well, and Leone was still under the artist could only be a man, and the job of a scanner for the industry she came from, hairdresser could only be done by a woman. the film catapulted her into fame and She continued, “When I started working she bagged her second, Ragini MMS 2. in films, there were at best only 4 or 5 The song Baby Doll became a huge hit women on any given film crew with a unit and pretty much sealed Sunny’s Story 2, and Balwinder Singh Famous mixed to negative reviews, she strength of over 120, sometimes 180 people. position among the most sought after Ho Gaya. Her subsequent films like generated a wave with the song “Laila There would just never be any female performers in Bollywood. Jackpot or Kuch Kuch Locha Hai failed Main Laila” from the Shah Rukh Khan representation on a film crew, so the gender It was also at this point in her to make a mark, but others including starter film Raees in 2016. ratio was skewed. Nobody really cared Bollywood career when she openly Ek Paheli Leela, or Mastizaade again After this, she expanded her horizon about it. We live in a patriarchal society, admitted that she doesn’t regret brought her to the spotlight. to the Marathi and Bengali film and it is an industry that is largely led by anything she has done earlier, which Meanwhile, she also made her debut in industry as well. The Marathi film men. So there is rampant sexism. And I was a powerful statement considering the South film industry with the 2014 industry saw her in the song Kuth Kuth think for a large part, it is not even how she was still not free from the Tamil film Vadacurry, the Kannada Jayacha Honeymoon La from the film conscious sexism because there are so objectification. film DK where she appeared in an item Boyz while she made her Bengali debut many men who are writers, who are Moving forward, she appeared in a song, and Luv U Alia where she did her with the song “Chaap Nishna” in directors, who are actors, who are not even couple of dance numbers including in second Kannada song. After a couple of Swapan Saha’s Shrestha Bangali. aware of their sexist thinking.” films like Shootout at Wadala, Hate more films that generally opened to Source: News18 Saif Ali Khan to play Ravana in Salman asks fans to watch Radhe on right platforms head of the release of Radhe: Your Most Wanted Adipurush opposite Prabhas Bhai, actor Salman Khan on Wednesday made Aan appeal to his fans to shun piracy and watch ne of the most awaited films that the audiences his much-awaited film on the right platform. are looking forward to is undoubtedly The action-drama was initially scheduled to arrive OAdipurush starring Prabhas, Saif Ali Khan in cinema halls but due to the surge in Covid-19 cases and Kriti Sanon. In a recent interview Saif has opened in the country, the makers decided to release Radhe on up about hoe excited he is to play Ravana in Om Raut’s DTH services, OTT platform and in select theatres on directorial, a pan India mythological magnum opus May 13 on the Eid festival. film. The actor said he will be training hard along "No piracy in Entertainment. .. #Radhe," Salman with Prabhas to look bulkier than he actually is. captioned a short video on social media. “He (Om Raut) is going to make me larger than I am, It takes the hard work of several people to make one but again, that might be giving it away. There will be film and it hurts a lot when some take the route of some trickery involved, but a lot of it is real. He wants piracy to watch the final product, said the 55-year-old us to train and look particularly tough. The point is actor in the clip. "I want a commitment from all of you that Ravana is India’s Satan, he’s the demon king. And that you will enjoy films on the right platform. So this I guess what drives him is vanity. He is the Eid we want a commitment from the audience - no personification of vanity. Everything comes from piracy in entertainment," he added. there – the doom that he prays for, the kingdom that he wants. His whole outlook is just incredibly incredibly clouded, blind and vain. He is a monster. He is strong and fun to play, in that sense. The whole point of the story is to overcome the monster,” Saif told Film Companion in an interview. Saif then spoke about what the audiences can expect from the film’s story. He said, “That’s what story is about. It’s about Lord Rama overcoming him. The stronger he is, the more of an achievement it is for the hero (to defeat him). So he is dressed up in dazzling clothes. He’s got an array of weapons. He’s got a tremendous amount of knowledge and power. He is vain. He says some outrageous things so I still talk to my director saying, ‘Oh no.’ I will tell you one thing though – I do have ten heads at points, which is one of the cool things. It is wonderfully presented. Om is a student, apart from being a very good director. He has a very exciting vision on this.” Source: Indian Express THE INDIAN PANORAMA HOLLYWOOD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 21 Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas raise $1 million for Covid relief in India ike several other celebrities, Priyanka Chopra and her husband Nick Jonas came Lforward to help India fight its battle against Covid-19. Priyanka and Nick started a fundraiser in Wonder Woman 1984 association with GiveIndia to help raise funds for people affected by Covid-19 in the country. They have been able to successfully raise $1 million (Rs digital premiere on 7,36,28,200). The couple has now raised the fundraising target to $3 million (Rs 22,08,80,100). Amazon Prime Video More than 14,000 donors have contributed to ilmmaker Patty Jenkins's 'Wonder Woman 1984' Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas's fundraiser. The starring Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, Chris Pine money raised is already being deployed to help Fand Pedro Pascal among others is all set to people with oxygen concentrators and vaccine premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The highly support. anticipated Hollywood superhero drama Wonder Thanking everyone for their contributions, Woman 1984, this May 15 is joining the exciting list of Priyanka wrote, "Through some of the darkest days superhero flicks available on the OTT giant. in our history,humanity has once again proven that The film will be available to Indian audiences in we are better together. @nickjonas and I are so four languages - English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. humbled by your support and by the outpouring of The action-packed title is the ninth instalment in help for India from so many parts of the world. the DC Extended Universe and is set against the Over 14,000 good Samaritans opened their hearts backdrop of the 1984 Cold War. The film follows and helped us raise $1 Million in these trying times. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) and her past love Steve Countless others helped us spread the world to Trevor (Chris Pine) as they face off against the expedite the process. All the money raised is terrifying Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Cheetah already being deployed across the country in the (Kristen Wiig). form of Oxygen Concentrators, Vaccine Support Warner Bros. Pictures Presents an Atlas and so much more. We can all continue to help so Entertainment/Stone Quarry Production, a Patty let's not stop here. We're raising the fundraising Jenkins Film, produced by Charles Roven, Deborah target to $3 Million and we know that with your Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and help and support, we can achieve this too. Thank Stephen Jones. Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard you all for your support and thank you @give_india Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter for the incredible work you are doing on ground Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller are the (sic)." executive producers. Angelina Jolie admits being Scarlett Johansson to receive picky about dating partners ‘Generation Award’ ollywood star Angelina Jolie quips TV has announced that the Hshe has been single prolific Scarlett Johansson best "for a long time" because she Mknown for her portrayal of is too picky about partners. Black Widow in Marvel Cinematic Jolie divorced Brad Pitt in Universe is the latest recipient of the 2019, and the former couple ‘Generation Award’ at the 2021 MTV have six children -- Maddox, Movie and TV Awards that is going to be (19), Pax (17), Zahara (16), held on Sunday. Scarlett made her debut Shiloh (14), and the twins in the fantasy comedy North in 1994 and Knox and Vivienne (12). hence she is an integral part of Asked if she has a list of showbusiness for over 26 years with `nos` when it comes to finding many blockbusters and critically a new guy to date, she said: "I acclaimed feathers in her cap. probably have a very long list Generation Award suffices of stars who (of `nos`). I`ve been alone for a have been definitive in the generation long time now." they belong to and have managed Jolie can be a worrier, but immense influence through their she`s thankful she doesn`t filmography to have made a strong need to fret about her "cool" impact on the minds of the audiences. children because they are all Some of the previous stars who have "very capable", reports received the awards are Sandra Bullock, femalefirst.co.uk. Jim Carrey, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, She told E! News: "I have six very capable children. Of course, you wake Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Dwayne up and you just feel like, `I`ve got to make sure they`re OK. I`ve got to make 'The Rock' Johnson, Mike Myers, Chris sure they`re mentally OK,` but honestly I think a few years ago it switched Pratt, Adam Sandler, Will Smith, Mark and they`re thinking, `I`ve got to make sure mom`s OK.` Wahlberg, and Reese Witherspoon to "We`re such a team so I am very, very lucky. I`m always the one who name a few. The award will celebrate the worries but I don`t worry about them. They`re cool people." year’s highest-rated films and television She shared that playing PTSD-stricken fire fighter Hannah Faber in her shows and Marvel’s WandaVision is new film "Those Who Wish Me Dead" had been a "very healing" experience leading the game with five nominations. for her. "I am drawn to people who have been through something and are The Boys, The Mandalorian, and Emily broken and then find their way forward and overcome it. As an artiste, it`s in Paris are also some of the shows very healing to play people like that. She`s been very healing for me, because being highlighted at the award night. you just get so broken and then you stand back up," she said. ASIAN AMERICAN THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS HERITAGE MONTH 22 FTH HONORS VICTIMS OF ANTI-ASIAN HATE CRIMES BY MABEL PAIS "AMONG THE EIGHT VICTIMS OF THE RECENT TRAGEDY IN ATLANTA, SIX OF THEM WERE ASIAN WOMEN, or the Asian/Pacific American (APA) Heritage "AT FLUSHING TOWN HALL, WE ARE RESPONDING TO INCLUDING FOUR KOREANS -- IMMIGRANTS WHO Month of May,Flushing Town Hall on May 21 at 7 THE RECENT RISE IN HATE CRIMES AS BEST WE KNOW COURAGEOUSLY CAME TO AMERICA FOR BETTER LIVES. Fp.m. presents a special concert "Jihye Lee HOW -- THROUGH THE ARTS. OUR MISSION IS TO BRING Quintet: Rest in the Arms of Motherlands," honoring MOTHERLAND WAS THE WORD THAT CAME TO MY MIND. PEOPLE TOGETHER BY PRESENTING ARTS AND CULTURE the victims of recent anti-Asian hate crimes. AFTER MANY STRUGGLES AND DEFEATS, BURDENED FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THE ATLANTA KILLINGS LIVES ARE RESTING NOW. THE SOULS ARE COMFORTED WERE WIDELY UNDERSTOOD TO BE DRIVEN BY RACISM IN THE LOVING ARMS OF THEIR MOTHERLANDS." - JIHYE AND MISOGYNY."- ELLEN KODADEK, EXECUTIVE & LEE, PERFORMER ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of anti-Asian hate crimes. To learn more visit "Among the eight victims of the recent tragedy in flushingtownhall.org/event-detail.php?id=95 Atlanta, six of them were Asian women, including four PERFORMERS Koreans -- immigrants who courageously came to America for better lives. They innocently got killed, and To learn more about the concert and the performers, The Jihye Lee Quintet - Photo / Courtesy FTH left their loved ones behind," says Jihye Lee. visit flushingtownhall.org/event-detail.php?id=95 "Motherland was the word that came to my mind. After TICKETS, DONATIONS The Jihye Lee Quintet will perform live from the many struggles and defeats, burdened lives are resting stage at Flushing Town Hall for an all-virtual audience now.The souls are comforted in the loving arms of their Flushing Town Hall's event will be presented free of on Friday, May 21. The GRAMMYs describe Jihye Lee's motherlands." charge with a suggested, pay-what-you-can donation. music as "luminous and personal." For any viewer who PROGRAM Fifty percent of the funds raised will support the wishes to make a donation, Flushing Town Hall's nonprofit, global arts presenter and fifty percent will be virtual event doubles as a fundraiser for the Korean Friday, May 21 at 7:00 PM (ET) donated to the Korean American Family Service Center American Family Service Center's Rainbow House Jihye Lee Quintet: Rest in the Arms of Motherlands (KAFSC) in support of their Rainbow House Shelter, Shelter. FREE with Suggested Donation in support of which provides comprehensive and culturally The livestream event honors Asian American and Flushing Town Hall and KAFSC Rainbow House competent services to women and children in crisis. Pacific Islander Heritage Month and includes a special Shelter Visit flushingtownhall.org for tickets or to donate in dedication to the women who were killed in the Atlanta, An all-female, Korean jazz quintet led by composer, support of the nonprofit. Georgia spa shootings in March. arranger, and vocalist Jihye Lee performs a virtual FLUSHING TOWN HALL "We are proud to present Jihye Lee's all-female, concert live from the stage at Flushing Town Hall Korean jazz quintet to share their message and music honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Flushing Town Hall (FTH) has a redesigned website: with our diverse audience," says Ellen Kodadek, Heritage Month and featuring an elegy for the victims flushingtownhall.org. The new site improves access to Executive & Artistic Director. "Flushing Town Hall will online events, educational programming, artist "KAFSC (KOREAN AMERICAN FAMILY SERVICE continue to bring people together through the arts and services, and rental availability.As always, it remains a ensure that artists of all backgrounds and traditions CENTER) IS THE CHINJUNG (MOTHER'S HOME) FOR great source for information about the history and have a home on our stage. We are very much looking HUNDREDS OF IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC mission of the organization, as well as important forward to featuring Jihye Lee's incredible talent. 50% VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND CHILD ABUSE contact and community engagement information. of donation proceeds will go to support Korean THAT KAFSC SERVES EVERY YEAR. WE JOIN A majority of Flushing Town Hall's "FTH At Home!" American Family Service Center." FLUSHING TOWN HALL, THE JIHYE LEE QUINTET, AND virtual programming is presented for free to the The concert, titled "Rest in the Arms of Motherlands," ALL THE VIEWERS IN DEDICATING THIS general public but donations in any amount are will feature Lee's original compositions, as well as her appreciated to support the artists and the nonprofit PERFORMANCE TO ALL THOSE LOST IN RECENT arrangements of well-known songs. The quintet cultural organization as they continue to provide features Lee's vocals alongside Hayoung Lyou (keys), TRAGEDIES. MAY THEY REST IN POWER." - JEEHAE programming and entertainment across New York and Haeun Joo (piano), Jeonglim Yang (bass), Dayeon FISCHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF KAFSC Seok (drums). the world. To learn more about FTH, visit flushingtownhall.org ARTS ED NEWARK SUPPORTS #StopAsianHate

BY MABEL PAIS We know that racial and ethnic discrimination is Do I believe that a person's uniqueness (be it physical, not new, but we are now seeing dramatically mental, cultural, spiritual or sexual) can never be used increased violence against the Asian community, as a weapon against them? across the country. Many of us who identify as Check-in with your Asian friends. Many of us in the Asian are often uncomfortable speaking out about Asian community are uncomfortable speaking out our own emotions so you may not hear your Asian about the troubles we face, but it is still helpful to be friends publicly talking about it. But please know asked. You may just get a deep sigh in response, but that we are angry. We are scared. We are tired. We know that the fact you asked brought healing and need healing. It's comforting to know that Arts Ed comfort Newark stands together to condemn any acts of Reject assimilation as the norm. Create an violence against any community. environment around you that makes it comfortable for Furthermore, we commit to protect, promote, your Asian friends to embrace their deep cultural embrace, and celebrate all of our differences. This histories (enjoy ethnic food, speak with a different journey is both joyful and uncomfortable, but we accent, etc.)" Stop Asian Hate - Photo / Courtesy Arts Ed Newark believe that life is richer when experienced through Watch this long but insightful video: the multi-faceted lens of a diverse community. youtu.be/14WUuya94QE LIFE IS PRECIOUS Will you join us in this commitment?" - Chiho Okuizumi Feindler & Jee-Hoon Krska, Arts Ed Newark Executive Committee Members LOVE IS LOVE "What can you do to help? RACISM IS RACISM For more information and resources on education, Ask yourself donations, and mental health, visit: Message from Executive Committee Do I believe that all people are of infinite value? artsednewark.org/post/stop-asian-hate Members: Do I believe that I do not have the right to belittle or (Mabel Pais writes on Social Issues, The Arts and dehumanize a person, through words or actions? Entertainment, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA ART MUSIC TALK FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 23 FROM NEWARK ARTS NJ BEAT HARRIET TUBMAN MONUMENT: Final Designs BY MABEL PAIS Submission Deadline: May 24, 2021, Free

Artist finalists THE NEWARK FROM NJPAC (clockwise from top left: Abigail REGINA CARTER: Listening Party Dawn DeVille, MUSEUM May 15, 2021 @ 2 PM, Free Dread Scott, Jules Arthur, Community Day: Art Extravaganza Have you ever heard a performance or recording that Vinnie Bagwell, Saturday, May 15, 10:30am - 8pm EST, FREE Nina Cooke John) had such a profound effect on you, you listened to it over newarkmuseumart.org/community-day-art-extravaganza and over again? Photo / Courtesy Forget everything you thought you knew about art! egina Carter hosts an afternoon "listening party" NewarkArts.org oday we are going to dive into all the wacky, featuring the faculty of NJPAC's Geri Allen Jazz unique, and wonderful ways people create. RCamp and the music that holds a special place in T Delight in an artist who makes masterpieces their hearts. Hear what recordings, musicians, out of pancake batter, step into the world of illusion soundtracks and concerts grabbed hold of them and The monument will serve as encouragement to makeup, or even try your hand at making wouldn't let go-leading them to the engaging world of our present and future generations, allowing them unconventional art of your own. Enjoy a virtual jazz and improvisation. to draw inspiration from the artists who will put a walk-through Newark looking at incredible wall Hosted by Regina Carter (violin), Artistic modern view on Ms. Tubman's life and works." - murals. You will walk away from this event finding Director of Geri Allen Jazz Camp Mayor Ras J. Baraka art everywhere in brand new ways! Featuring esteemed Geri Allen Jazz Camp faculty he City of Newark held a national open call for All programs are on the following platforms members: artists for a new monument honoring Harriet Carla Cook (vocals), Marion Hayden (bass) TTubman, the heroic abolitionist who made unless otherwise noted: Allison Miller (drums), Ellen Rowe (piano) Newark an important stop on the Underground Community Day: Art Extravaganza Bruce Williams (saxophone) Railroad as she personally led enslaved African- 10:30am - Let's Get Messy To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/listening-party- Americans out of the South to freedom. The monument Have you ever wanted to make art with food? Join with-regina-carter-registration-152879599999 of Tubman will be installed in downtown Washington educators from the Children's Museum of AND Park to replace the statue of Christopher Columbus Manhattan as they show you how to create an edible VALERIE SIMPSON: Music, Mentors & Motown that was removed in the summer of 2019. portrait! Spend 45 minutes getting messy and May 18, 2021 @ 7 PM, Free Five finalists were announced in March 2020, each of having fun, while making art using items from THE BRILLIANT SINGER-SONGWRITER ON HER whom was commissioned to create a conceptual design around your house. Register at LIFE AND THE WOMEN WHO HELPED SHAPE IT for the new monument. In October 2020, the City of eventbrite.com/e/lets-get-messy-registration- JOIN VALERIE AND NJPAC PRESIDENT & CEO Newark announced that it will install the new 149734386581 JOHN SCHREIBER for an hour of words and music monument. The City will also rename Washington Park 12pm - Painting with Pancakes to Tubman Square in 2022 when the new monument will be installed. Sizzle sizzle, art comes to life on the pancake The winning design will be selected by a jury of art griddle! In this event, you can bet we will be playing experts, historians, and community stakeholders led with our food. Watch an artist from Dancakes create by the City of Newark's Arts and Cultural Affairs art using pancake batter. Dancakes is the premiere Director Fayemi Shakur. The jury members' names pancake art company filled with friendly, and bios can be found at interactive, and very talented pancake artists. drive.google.com/file/d/18X93zkdwqXaCs91l5FGbgLRc Register at eventbrite.com/e/painting-with- dWZoFNsb/view pancakes-registration-149736789769 To read about the 5 finalists, their designs and 2pm - Dress Like A Work of Art websites, visit storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/45af9aea62184a4290d1a7 Some artists paint on a canvas, but Ariel Adkins d6d50e71f6?mc_cid=020af718be&mc_eid=01b11e6403 paints on her clothes! Enjoy this virtual experience Valerie Simpson - Photo /Courtesy NJPAC Enjoy viewing the designs and submit your where Ariel takes us through her unique process of comments about the 5 designs by May 24, 2021, for the creating outfits that completely mimic a work of art Valerie Simpson, of the songwriting, producing, and jury to consider during their review, at or natural surroundings. Some of her colorful, one- recording duo Ashford & Simpson, brought a string of storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/45af9aea62184a4290d1a of-a-kind creations include a jumpsuit of Claude timeless hits to the world, from "Ain't No Mountain 7d6d50e71f6?mc_cid=020af718be&mc_eid=01b11e6403 Monet's "Waterlilies" and a skirt of "The Ten High Enough" to "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," Largest" by Hilma af Klint. "I'm Every Woman," and, of course, "Solid." From the BEST PRACTICES: Find Ariel on Instagram @artfullyawear and don't 1960s to the present day, Simpson has not only miss this artful experience. Register at performed and recorded her own work but written PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR ART eventbrite.com/e/dress-like-a-work-of-art- songs for Ray Charles, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Aretha May 18, 2021 @ 5 PM, Online Workshop, Free registration-149738406605 Franklin, and many more. Valerie's work has had an 4pm - Video Drop: See It To Believe It: Makeup outsize influence on the world of music for decades. Learn the best practices to photograph your artwork But who influenced her? with any type of camera. This webinar will introduce By Marissa you to techniques you can apply using both natural and You won't believe your eyes. Artist Join Valerie and NJPAC President and CEO John artificial lighting sources. Anthony Alvarez and @makeupbymarissaa shows you how she creates an Schreiber for an hour of words and music that will focus Colleen O'Neal will walk you through some of the illusion out of her looks inspired by The Newark on the iconic women who made Valerie the genre- common pitfalls and easily avoidable mistakes made Museum of Art's collection. Watch as she turns her defining artist she is, including Maya Angelou, Nina when photographing artwork. Technical aspects of face into a work of art! Simone, and Cicely Tyson. Valerie will share her post-production will also be introduced such as color 7pm - Murals in the Brick City memories of them, and of her decades in the business, balance, cropping, and sizing images for social media including her time in Motown and her performing career and submissions. This workshop is open to all levels Experience a virtual tour of a variety of murals with her husband and musical partner Nickolas Ashford. and will be followed up in the summer with a workshop across the City of Newark. Your knowledgeable guide This virtual conversation with music is part of a new designed for advanced photographers to home in on the from Have You Met Newark (haveyoumetnewark.com) series at NJPAC: Every month, a special guest visits our art of art copy. Learn more about the studio, visit will dive into the history of each mural, discuss the virtual theater to talk about their own favorite artists - newarkartistdatabase.org. subject and meaning, and interview some of the and share a few indelible songs. NJPAC's John Register at newarkartistsdatabase.org/events/best- talented artists behind the works. They'll also share Schreiber joins our featured guest in a wide-ranging practices-photographing-your-art-with-anthony- some tips for visiting the murals on your own in the discussion, taking a deep dive into timeless music and alvarez-colleen- future and where to grab a bite, a drink, or shop after. tales of the legendary artists who brought it to life. oneal/?mc_cid=020af718be&mc_eid=01b11e6403 Register at eventbrite.com/e/murals-in-the-brick- To RSVP, visit (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social city-registration-149727564175 njpac.tfaforms.net/145?id=a2F4o000000dlHSEAY Issues, Spirituality, and Health & Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 24 Israel fires artillery into Gaza, Palestinian rocket

MAN STABS 5 AT NEW attacks persist ZEALAND SUPERMARKET; 3 GAZA/JERUSALEM (TIP): Israel fired artillery and mounted more airstrikes on Friday against Palestinian CRITICALLY WOUNDED militants in the Gaza Strip amid constant rocket fire deep Five people have been rushed to into Israel's commercial centre. hospital, three in critical condition As hostilities entered their fifth day, with no sign of abating, the Israeli military said in a statement shortly after after a stabbing attack at a midnight that air and ground forces were attacking the supermarket in the New Zealand city Hamas-run enclave. Rocket barrages from Gaza swiftly of Dunedin. Police have apprehended followed. the suspect. Although the statement gave no further details, Israeli military affairs correspondents who are briefed regularly DUNEDIN (TIP): Aman began by the armed forces said it was not a ground invasion, and stabbing people at a New Zealand that troops were firing artillery from Israel's side of the supermarket Monday, wounding five border. people, three of them critically, Residents of northern Gaza, near the Israeli frontier, said according to authorities. they had seen no sign of Israeli ground forces inside the Police said a suspect had been arrested enclave but reported heavy artillery fire and dozens of Friday to discuss the violence. and taken into custody after the incident airstrikes. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters at a Countdown supermarket in the city Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on such a meeting would be better next week to allow time for of Dunedin. Two supermarket staff Thursday the campaign "will take more time". Israeli diplomacy in hopes of achieving a de-escalation. members were among those wounded. officials said Hamas, Gaza's most powerful militant group, Standing beside a Gaza road damaged in Israeli People in the store at the time told must be dealt a strong deterring blow before any ceasefire. airstrikes, Assad Karam, 20, a construction worker, said: local media that it was a chaotic scene as The U.N. Security Council will publicly discuss the "We are facing Israel and COVID-19. We are in between two people began screaming and running worsening violence between Israel and Palestinian enemies." In Tel Aviv, Yishai Levy, an Israeli singer, pointed toward the exits. They said some brave militants on Sunday, diplomats said after the United States at shrapnel that came down on a sidewalk outside his home. shoppers had tried to stop the man and earlier objected to a meeting on Friday. "I want to tell Israeli soldiers and the government, don't pin him down. The sound of artillery fire and explosions echoed across stop until you finish the job," he said on YNet television. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said northern and eastern parts of Gaza into early Friday Israel launched its offensive after Hamas fired rockets at the motivation for the attack had not morning. Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli police been established but police didn’t have Witnesses said many families living in areas near the clashes with Palestinians near al-Aqsa mosque in East any evidence to suggest it was domestic border quit their homes, some seeking shelter at United Jerusalem during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. terrorism. Nations-run schools. Several foreign airlines have cancelled flights to Israel “NEEDLESS TO SAY THAT SUCH Violence also spread to mixed communities of Jews and because of the unrest. Arabs in Israel, a new front in the long conflict. Synagogues 'DISRUPTING' HAMAS AN ATTACK IS HUGELY were attacked and fighting broke out on the streets of some CONCERNING, AND I DO WANT TO towns, prompting Israel's president to warn of civil war. Brigadier-General Hidai Zilberman, the Israeli military's ACKNOWLEDGE THE REALLY At least 109 people were killed in Gaza, including 29 chief spokesman, said attacks on militants' rocket children, over the previous four days, Palestinian medical production and launching sites were "disrupting Hamas' EARLY REPORTS OF COURAGEOUS officials said. On Thursday alone, 52 Palestinians were activities", but still not to the point of stopping the ACTS BY BYSTANDERS WHO HAVE killed in the enclave, the highest single-day figure since barrages. TAKEN ACTION IN ORDER TO Monday. He said between 80 and 90 militants had been killed in Seven people were killed in Israel: a soldier patrolling the Israeli attacks. PROTECT THOSE AROUND THEM,” Gaza border, five Israeli civilians, including two children, Zilberman said Israel was "building up forces on the Gaza ARDERN SAID. “OUR THOUGHTS and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said. border", a deployment that raised speculation about a ARE WITH ALL THOSE AFFECTED Worried that the region's worst hostilities in years could possible ground invasion, a move that would recall similar BY THIS ATTACK.” spiral out of control, the United States was sending in an incursions during Israel-Gaza wars in 2014 and in 2009. envoy, Hady Amr. Israeli military affairs correspondents have said however Ardern said five people had been taken Truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations had that a major ground incursion is unlikely, citing high to Dunedin Hospital with stab wounds or yet to deliver a sign of progress. casualties among the risks. related injuries. U.S. President Joe Biden called on Thursday for a de- Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Ubaida responded to Health authorities said three of the escalation of the violence, saying he wanted to see a the troop buildup with defiance, urging Palestinians to rise. wounded had been admitted to the significant reduction in rocket attacks. "Mass up as you wish, from the sea, land and sky.We have intensive care unit, a fourth person After Sunday's Security Council meeting was announced, prepared for your kinds of deaths that would make you remained in the general ward at the Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the curse yourselves," he said. hospital and the fifth person had been United Nations tweeted: "The U.S. will continue to actively So far some 1,750 rockets have been fired at Israel, of treated and released. engage in diplomacy at the highest levels to try to de- which 300 fell short in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military “We are shocked and devastated by the escalate tensions." Militants fired rocket salvoes at Tel Aviv said. The hostilities have fuelled tension between Israeli events in our Dunedin Central Store this and surrounding towns on Thursday, with the Iron Dome Jews and the country's 21% Arab minority who live afternoon,” Countdown said in a anti-missile system intercepting many of them. alongside them in some communities. Jewish and Arab statement. “Our priority right now is our Communities near the Gaza border and the southern desert groups attacked people and damaged shops, hotels and cars injured team members and caring for city of Beersheba were also targeted. overnight. our wider team in the wake of this Five Israelis were wounded by a rocket that hit a building Although the unrest in Jerusalem was the trigger for extremely traumatic event. We are near Tel Aviv on Thursday. hostilities, Palestinians are frustrated by setbacks to their deeply upset that customers who tried to Netanyahu said Israel has struck a total of close to 1,000 aspirations for an independent state in recent years, help our team members were also militant targets in the territory. including Washington's recognition of disputed Jerusalem injured.” UN MEETING DELAYED as Israel's capital. On the Israeli political front, Netanyahu's Police said they would be releasing chances to remain in power after an inconclusive March 23 more details on the incident later Diplomats said the United States, a close ally of Israel, election appeared to improve significantly after his main Monday. (Indiatoday) objected to a request by China, Norway and Tunisia for a rival, centrist Yair Lapid, suffered a major setback in efforts public, virtual meeting of the U.N. Security Council on to form a government. Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA WORLD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 25

SPAIN IS ON TRACK FOR Japanese tycoon planning space HERD IMMUNITY: PM PEDRO SANCHEZ station visit, then moon trip MADRID (TIP): More than two- thirds of Spain’s 47 million people CAPE CANAVERAL (TIP): The will have been vaccinated against Japanese fashion tycoon who's booked a COVID-19 by mid-August, Prime SpaceX ride to the moon is going to try Minister Pedro Sanchez said on out the International Space Station first. Thursday. "Going to the ISS before the Moon," The vaccination rollout has sped Yusaku Maezawa announced Thursday up over the past weeks and Spain is via Twitter. due to receive 13 million doses of Maezawa has bought two seats on a Pfizer vaccine next month, Sanchez Russian Soyuz capsule. He'll blast off in told a conference in Madrid. December on the 12-day mission with his “We are on track for herd production assistant and a professional immunity: 33 million compatriots cosmonaut. will be vaccinated by mid-August,” “I'm so curious, What's life like in he said, using the term for when space?' So, I am planning to find out on most of a population is immune to my own and share with the world,” an infectious disease. Maezawa said in a statement. A growing number of people over He'll be the first person to pay his own 60-years-old are now getting their way to the space station in more than a Misurkin, who's spent nearly a year They will launch aboard a SpaceX second shot, with more than 40% decade, according to Virginia-based aboard the space station on two separate Dragon capsule from Kennedy Space already fully inoculated, and Space Adventures, which brokered the missions. The launch is scheduled for Center and will be accompanied by a vaccination has also started for those deal. A Space Adventures spokeswoman December 8 from Kazakhstan. former NASA astronaut who now works over 50. declined to divulge the cost. The Thursday's announcement comes for Houston-based Axiom Space, which At least three regions - Comunidad company has sent seven other tourists to amid a flurry of private space arranged the deal. The company plans Valenciana, Castille and Leon, and the space station, from 2001 to 2009. initiatives. about two private missions to the space Catalonia - have said they would Maezawa's trip to the moon aboard The Russian Space Agency announced station a year. start vaccinating people aged 40-50 Elon Musk's Starship is tentatively Thursday that a Russian actress and Before the space station visits, SpaceX by mid-June. scheduled for 2023. He'll fly around the movie director will launch to the space will launch its first private spaceflight Spain has reported 79,208 deaths moon — not land — with eight contest station in October for filming. The with four people on board. from COVID-19 and more than 3.5 winners. movie is tentatively titled “Challenge.” “This is truly a renaissance in human million cases since the beginning of Maezawa, 45, who founded an online In January, the first private mission to spaceflight," NASA's director of the pandemic. But the number of retail clothing business, will be joined the space station from the US will bring commercial spaceflight, Phil McAlister, cases per 100,000 people over 14 days by photographer and assistant Yozo three businessmen — from the US, told reporters Monday. “I think that is has fallen to 174, from 523 in mid- Hirano. They will be escorted by Canada and Israel — who are paying the perfect word for what we're January. Russian cosmonaut Alexander about USD 55 million apiece. experiencing.”(AP) If the trend upholds, masks could stop being mandatory outdoors by July or August, the leader of the MAHMOUD School shooting in Russia kills 9 northwestern region of Galicia, AHMADINEJAD IN RACE Alberto Nunez Feijoo, said. Reuters ISRAEL KILLS HAMAS FOR IRAN PRESIDENCY people; suspect arrested COMMANDER TEHRAN (TIP): Iran’s former MOSCOW (TIP): A gunman attacked capital, said four boys and three girls, all hardline President Mahmoud a school on Tuesday morning in the eighth-grade students, died, as well as a GAZA/JERUSALEM (TIP): Ahmadinejad registered on Russian city of Kazan, sending students teacher and another school worker. Israel said it killed 16 members of Wednesday to run again for the running out of the building as smoke “The terrorist has been arrested, (he the Hamas armed wing in Gaza in a Islamic Republic’s presidency, poured from its windows. At least nine is) 19 years old. A firearm is registered barrage on Wednesday and raising the possibility that the people were killed — seven eighth-grade in his name. Other accomplices haven’t Palestinian militants rained rockets populist leader who rapidly students, a teacher and another school been established, an investigation is into Israel as Washington said it advanced Tehran’s nuclear worker — and 21 others were underway,” Minnikhanov said after would send an envoy to try to calm programme to challenge the West hospitalised, Russian officials said. visiting the school. their most intense hostilities in could return to the country’s top Footage released by Russian media According to Tatarstan health years. civilian post. outlets showed students dressed in black officials, 21 people were hospitalised At least 56 people have been killed Ahmadinejad’s attempt to run and white running out of the building. with wounds after the attack, including in Gaza since violence escalated on again in 2017 disregarded the words Another video depicted shattered 18 children, six of whom were in Monday, according to the enclave's of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah windows, billowing smoke and sounds “severely grave condition”. health ministry. Six people have been Ali Khamenei, who had warned the resembling gunshots in the background. Authorities announced a day of killed in Israel, medical officials firebrand, Holocaust-questioning Dozens of ambulances lined up at the mourning on Wednesday to honour the said. politician his standing for office school’s entrance after the attack and victims of the shooting and cancelled all Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin would be a “polarised situation” that police fenced off access to the building. lessons in Kazan schools. Netanyahu said the brigade would be “harmful for the county.” Russian media said while some While school shootings are relatively commander for Gaza City was among This time, however, Khamenei students were able to escape, others were rare in Russia, there have been several senior members of the Islamist seemingly isn’t directly challenging trapped inside during the ordeal. All violent attacks on schools in recent militant group who had been killed. the candidacy of the 64-year-old students were eventually evacuated to years, mostly by students. "This is just the beginning.We'll hit former Tehran mayor, who joins a nearby day care centres and collected by In response to Tuesday’s attack, them like they've never dreamed wide-open election to replace the their families. authorities in several Russian regions possible," he said. relatively moderate President Officials said the attacker has been ordered sweeping security inspections at Hamas confirmed the death of the Hassan Rouhani. arrested and police opened a criminal schools. commander and of "other leaders A council Khamenei oversees investigation into the shooting. Russian media said the shooter was a and holy warriors" in a statement. ultimately will determine if Authorities immediately put additional former student of the school who Its leader Ismail Haniyeh added: Ahmadinejad and other hopefuls security measures into place in all reportedly called himself “a god” on his "The confrontation with the enemy can run in the June 18 poll. schools in Kazan, a city 700 kilometres account on the messaging app Telegram is open-ended." Israeli Defence Ahmadinejad previously served two (430 miles) east of Moscow. and promised to “kill a large amount of Minister Benny Gantz said Israel four-year terms from 2005 to 2013. — Rustam Minnikhanov, governor of the biomass” on the morning of the would continue with strike. — Agencies Tatarstan republic where Kazan is the shooting. AP Reuters THE INDIAN PANORAMA COVID-WORLD FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 26 UK anxious about Indian Global Covid-19 caseload coronavirus variant tops 160.8 mn ritain's government is anxious WASHINGTON (TIP): The about the spread of the COVID-19 overall global Covid-19 caseload has Bvariant first detected in India topped 160.8 million, while the TRACKING THE VIRUS and rules nothing out to tackle a sharp deaths have surged to more than 3.34 rise in cases of it, Prime Minister Boris million, according to the Johns Johnson said on Thursday, May 13. Hopkins University. GLOBAL Johnson has laid out what he In its latest update on Friday, May INDIA describes as a "cautious but 14, morning, the University's Center irreversible" route out of lockdown for for Systems Science and Cases Deaths Cases Deaths England, with the next step planned for Engineering (CSSE) revealed that 160,825,974 3,340,130 24,046,809 262,317 next week. He has warned that new the current global caseload and mutants, such as the B.1.617.2 variant, death toll stood at 160,825,974 and pose a risk to that plan. 3,340,130, respectively. Government agency Public Health The US continues to be the worst- England (PHE) said the total number of hit country with the world's highest confirmed cases of the variant had number of cases and deaths at more than doubled in the past week to 32,852,543 and 584,478, respectively, 1,313 across the . according to the CSSE. Officials fear the variant, one of In terms of infections, India three first found in India, is at least as follows in the second place with transmissible as the so-called Kent 23,703,665 cases. variant identified in southeast England The other worst countries with last year, which fuelled Britain's second over 3 million cases are Brazil wave of infections. (15,433,989), France (5,902,343), Turkey (5,083,996), Russia (4,857,303), the UK (4,460,405), Italy SL to quarantine all (4,139,160), Spain (3,598,452), Germany (3,578,125), Argentina inbound travellers (3,242,103) and Colombia (3,067,879), the CSSE figures showed. for 14 days In terms of deaths, Brazil comes ri Lankan authorities have second with 430,417 fatalities. decided to quarantine all inbound Nations with a death toll of over Stravellers for 14 days even if they 100,000 are India (258,317), Mexico are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as (219,089), the UK (127,912), Italy a new variant has been spreading (123,745), Russia (112,795) and across the island nation, according to France (107,411). the Health Ministry. Source: IANS In a statement on Thursday, May 13, the Ministry said that all travellers including Sri Lankan citizens, foreigners, tourists and diplomats, will have to undergo the mandatory 14-day US lifts most mask guidance in key step quarantine period in designated centres in order to detect any virus carriers, reports Xinhua news agency. back to post Covid normalcy In addition, all incoming passengers would also be subjected to a PCR test on resident Joe Biden took his biggest step yet toward arrival, as well as at the end of their declaring victory over the coronavirus pandemic -- as quarantine period. Ppublic health officials said fully vaccinated Americans can ditch their masks in most settings, even indoors or in large groups. Ontario extends “Today is a great day for America in our long battle with coronavirus,” Biden said in the White House Rose Garden on stay-at-home order Thursday, calling the US vaccination program an “historical ntario, Canada's most populous logistical achievement.” province, has announced the The guidance shift Thursday, May 13, is a turning point in Oextension of its stay-at-home the fight against Covid-19 and comes as US caseloads fall and order against Covid-19 for two more vaccinations rise. It signals a broad return to everyday life, and weeks till early June. is also a bet that any surge in spread from relaxed guidelines "The situation is slowly trending in won’t be enough to reverse progress in inoculations. The the right direction. Make no mistake, administration also used it as a further incentive for we're not out of the woods yet," Ontario vaccination. Premier Doug Ford said at a press “The rule is very simple: Get vaccinated or wear a mask conference on Thursda, May 13. until you do,” Biden said. Ford added that the extension is for The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Ontario to have "the most normal July the change in guidance while citing growing evidence that and August as possible", Xinhua news vaccines are effective against variants and outside of clinical that signal the era of masks isn’t over yet. The agency still agency reported trials, and fully vaccinated people are at low risk to spread the recommends fully vaccinated people wear masks on “all "As much as we're seeing a decline, virus to someone else. planes, buses, trains and other forms of public which is good, everyone is moving “Anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor or transportation,” as well as in health care settings, correctional forward, we're getting the vaccines into outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or facilities, homeless shelters, and where required by state and people's arms, but we just can't risk it. physical distancing,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.“If local governments, or businesses. Just hang in there, we aren't asking a you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing the things that And masks are still recommended for people who are lot, just a couple more weeks," he said. you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We have all partially vaccinated -- those who’ve not yet waited two weeks The order, which was set to expire on longed for this moment when we can get back to some sense of from their final dose -- or who haven’t gotten a vaccine, May 20, has now been extended to June normalcy.” including children. The announcement was first reported by 2. The CDC guidance spelled out ample exceptions, however, the . THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 27 THE INDIAN PANORAMA WOMEN FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 28

CONNOISSEUR’S Healthy foods every CHOICE woman must eat By Tript Arora hile eating healthy is essential for both the sexes, Wmen and women have Shahi Tukda different dietary requirements. Here are some foods that every woman he word Shahi tukda can must include in her diet. be broken down into two Twords i.e. Shahi & Tukda. Lentils Shahi means Royal and Tukda is These little legumes are an piece. Shahi tukda is a rich amazing source of fibre, protein and Mughlai Dish made with fried bread dipped in sugar syrup and importantly for women, iron. Female enriched with thickened milk i.e. athletes, pregnant women and girls in rabri and topped with dry fruits. their teens are more susceptible to It was supposed to have becoming anaemic; but even if you originated in Pakistan. Some don't fall into one of those three believe it originated in Egypt categories, it's important that you and was made with leftover naturally up your vitamin intake bread. There are many stories through iron-rich foods. What's more, regarding the origin of this delicious dessert. It is also said research has proven that lentils and that Mughal Emperors enjoyed their iftar meals in the month of Ramadan. So this dessert surely held a special place in the like can also protect against Royal families. The name itself says Royal piece of dessert. cancer, lower cholesterol and help regulate hormones - alleviating We Need symptoms of PMS and the menopause. If lentils aren't your cup It was Popeye's go-to snack for good calories a cup! It's also emerged as a For Rabri: 1 Litre Full fat Milk, 3 Tbsp Sugar, 3 Green Cardamoms, 20 Almonds, Few strands of Kesar, 2 Tbsp Vanilla of tea, try black beans or chickpeas as reason - this leafy green is an culinary God send amongst gluten Custard Powder, an alternative. amazing source of iron, both helping intolerant foodies, who crave a Friday to improve the quality of the blood night pizza without the terrible For Tukda: 5 Slices of White Bread, 1 Cup Pure Ghee Tomatoes and restore energy. It's also high in bloating and stomach ache alongside. For Sugar Syrup: ½ Cup of Sugar, ½ Cup of Water, Some thinly Ladies if you love tomatoes, you're folic acid, making it the ultimate If you're steering clear of carbs, a sliced Pistachio and Almonds to garnish. in luck - they hold secret healing pregnancy superfood. If you're cauliflower pizza base is a tasty, powers. Rich in the powerful popping tins of spinach, cook it nutritious option that's super easy to Here We Go antioxidant, lycopene (the reason rather than eat it raw. You get the rustle up. Soak Almonds in water overnight or at least for 5 to 6 hours. behind their red pigment), tomatoes same amount micronutrients in each Peel them in the morning and keep aside Cranberry Juice help fight free radicals and protect serving, but when heated, the Take a thick bottomed vessel. Add 1 litre of milk to it. Put it on against cell damage. A natural SPF, vitamin content of spinach is better A staple in any woman's fridge is medium flame. When the milk starts boiling reduce the flame they help keep the skin well equipped absorbed into your system, providing cranberry juice. Not just for the to low and let it boil. Meanwhile keep on stirring it with a for those sun's pesky rays (alongside higher levels of vitamins A and E, vitamin and minerals it provides - ladle. Scrap the milk sticking to the sides. You can do your sun block of course). Adding to that, protein, calcium, and important (it's an excellent source of vitamin C other cooking side by side to utilize the time as this process there's research to suggest that carotenoids like beta-carotene and and manganese!) but for its medicinal will take around 30 minutes. tomatoes can also protect against the lutein. Step aside broccoli, we've a properties too. Unfortunately ladies, Add Cardamoms, peeled Almonds , a few strands of Saffron effects of breast cancer, says Rutgers new favourite green. biology dictates that we are more and ½ tsp of sugar to a grinder jar. Make a fine paste. Add a University. In a study of 70 Cauliflower susceptible to Urinary Tract little milk if necessary for the process. postmenopausal women who Infections (UTIs) and that up to half Add this paste to the boiling milk along with sugar. Keep on followed a tomato-rich diet plan, they It's been sitting on your dinner of all women will experience a UTI stirring otherwise the thickened milk will stick to the bottom. found that after 10 weeks the plate for years, but little did you know during their lifetime. Thanks to its Dissolve 2 tbsp of vanilla custard powder in 2 tbsp of cold participants showed a 9 per ceng what magic it was working on your proanthocyanidin content - a 'unique milk. Add this to the thickened milk. This will enhance the increase in levels of adiponectin (a body... Cauliflower is high in a whole molecular structure' that exhibits taste as well as expedite the process of Rabri. fat/blood sugar regulating hormone), host of vitamins: A, C, K; it's a rich 'potent bacterial anti-adhesion Boil the milk for another 2 minutes till the custard is cooked. which helps lower their risk of breast source of calcium, helps reduce activity,' says The State University of Switch off the flame and let it cool on its own. cancer. cancer risks, and promotes weight New Jersey; cranberry juice offers loss too - providing a flavoursome the perfect treatment to help keep Heat 1 Cup pure ghee in a pan on medium flame. Meanwhile Cooked Spinach crunchy snack to fill-up on at only 25 UTI's at bay. remove the sides of the bread with a knife Now cut each slice diagonally. Shallow Fry these slices in the gher till golden brown on both sides. Keep aside. Add ½ Cup sugar to ½ Cup water. Put it on low flame. Keep on stirring till the sugar dissolves. Keep it on flame for some Use your old mascara in these ways more time till sugar syrup thickens a bit. As a spoolie really important. Our eyelashes too Dip the fried slices in sugar syrup and coat them with sugar On days you want to keep your deserve some attention. An easy way syrup on both sides. Don't leave the slices in syrup. Just coat eyebrows all-natural and thick, this to nourish them is by applying some the slices and take them out on a plate otherwise it will become soggy. old mascara wand will come to use. castor oil on them. You can dip your Use it instead of a spoolie. You can old mascara wand in some castor oil Arrange these slices in a dish and pour rabri over them. use it as is or use it with an eyebrow and then use it to curl your lashes. Do Decorate them with slices of almonds and pistachio. You can gel or petroleum jelly. Brush back this at night before going to bed so serve it both hot & cold. your eyebrows with this wand and that the oil stays overnight and gives Preparation Time : 10 minutes get those natural and fuller you thick and fuller eyelashes. Cooking Time : 40 minutes eyebrows. Exfoliate your lips Serves : 6 Keep baby hair off your face Our lips are exposed to polluted air, Pro Tips: Use 2 days old bread for this recipe as fresh bread We all know the struggle, those dust, dirt everyday and it all starts to will get soggy. baby hair can really ruin any hairdo. build up. It is important to clear off Keep on stirring the milk otherwise it will stick to the bottom. Taming these flyways can be a little all these dead layers from time to Fry the bread in pure desi ghee as it will provide the richness tricky but with a mascara wand, you hairstyle. time. Apply a lip balm, scrub or to the dish. can do it in a jiffy. Pick some Pamper your eyelashes petroleum jelly over your lips and petroleum jelly with the wand and using your wand, start exfoliating You Can reach me at: www.triptasfoodtunnel.com then brush your baby hair with the To be honest, how often do you your lips. The bristles of the want Email : [email protected]. wand. This will keep those hair in think of pampering your eyelashes? will help you exfoliate and give you Instagram: @triptasfoodtunnel place and help you rock that We mostly forget about it but it's soft and hydrated lips. THE INDIAN PANORAMA HEALTH FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 29 Obese girls at higher risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood: Study new study has found that girls are more likely than Aboys to develop metabolic alterations associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure and excessive blood levels of cholesterol Cooling therapy breathes and triglycerides (dyslipidemia). The study was conducted in Brazil on 92 adolescents. The findings of life into newborn 11 the study were published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition. minutes after he was born The study was conducted with s the second Covid wave is sweeping across FAPESP's support by scientists Karnataka, here's a heart-touching story of the affiliated with the University of Sao Ababy soldier, who took his first breath, a Paulo's Biomedical Sciences whopping 11 minutes after he was born. Institute (ICB-USP) and the Medical Bengaluru North's Rainbow Children Hospital School of Santa Casa de revived the baby that was born floppy, which in other Misericordia de Sao Paulo (FCM- words means he couldn't breathe at birth, couldn't cry, SCMSP). didn't have a heartbeat rate and no sign of breathing According to the authors, the movement at all. obese girls displayed a pattern of The hospital's consultant, Dr Pradeep Kumar lipid profile alterations not seen in The lipid profile of the obese boys adulthood. disclosed that the baby was born normal but with a girls without obesity and a higher included in the study displayed no A substantial amount of research very poor APGAR score. "After taking note of this propensity to develop significant differences from that of shows this, but the differences condition, we immediately used every medical cardiovascular disease in normal-weight boys, according to between boys and girls in terms of intervention technique including newborn adulthood. the researchers. the effects of obesity have not been resuscitation technique after which the baby's "We found that girls have a much Childhood obesity is a growing studied in depth. heartbeat came up in one minute but it took 11 greater tendency to undergo the concern among health authorities "We compared obese and non- minutes for this baby to take its first breath," he alterations typical of obesity, such and scientists in the field. The World obese girls and boys aged 11-18, explained. as elevated blood pressure and Health Organization (WHO) simultaneously addressing According to him, the APGAR score is a test given to dyslipidemia. In our study, they had estimates that some 340 million anthropometrics, lipid and newborns soon after birth. This test checks a baby's augmented levels of triglycerides children aged 5-19 worldwide were lipoprotein profile, and hormone heart rate, muscle tone, and other signs to see if extra and LDL, so-called 'bad cholesterol', overweight or obese in 2016. It is well and neuropeptide levels, with a medical care or emergency care is needed. The test is while HDL, 'good cholesterol', was known that childhood obesity is special emphasis on sex-dependent usually given twice: once at one minute after birth, and lower than in eutrophic [normal associated with a higher likelihood responses. To our knowledge, this is again at five minutes after birth. weight] girls," said Estefania of metabolic disorders and the first study to take this He added that when this newborn was born with Simoes, first author of the article. cardiovascular disease in multifactor approach," Simoes said. challenging conditions, a team of doctors in Rainbow Hospitals diagnosed the baby with Stage-2 Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.So to cure him, these experts used the 'Therapeutic Hypothermia method', which is also called the 'whole body cooling method'. How can we stop the next pandemic? Here’s Dr Kumar said that this was a very rare scenario and is observed only in two per cent of live births but what WHO panel recommends contributes for 20 per cent of neonatal deaths. "Prenatal Asphyxia happens because of decreased blood flow from mother to the placenta and to baby, new global system should be set up to respond impaired oxygenation to the baby, reduced gas faster to disease outbreaks to help ensure no exchange across the placenta and increased foetal Afuture virus causes a pandemic as devastating oxygen requirement," he claimed. Talking about the as COVID-19, an independent World Health procedure, and the mental state of the parents, the Organization review panel said on Wednesday, May Neonatology and Paediatrics consultant, Dr M. S. 12. Sreedhara, who treated the baby right from day one The experts found crucial shortcomings in the stated that parents were in a state of emotional shock, global response in early 2020—including a delay in despair and denial. "As clinicians, in addition to giving declaring an emergency, a failure to impose travel the best clinical care to the infant, we counselled the restrictions and an entire "lost month" when parents in such a way that they understand the clinical countries neglected to respond to warnings—that let condition of the baby. We made sure they are ready to the virus quickly spread into a crippling pandemic. accept and face the short term and long-term To address those problems, the WHO should be challenges," he explained. Source: IANS given the power to send investigators swiftly to chase down new disease outbreaks, and to publish their full findings without delay. and the other committees to build a stronger WHO," PAGE SPONSORED BY "It is critical to have an empowered WHO," panel co- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus chair and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen said. DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND Clark told reporters on the launch of the report The panel urged the WHO and World Trade "COVID-19: Make It the Last Pandemic". Organization to convene governments and DR. SATISH ANAND Co-chair Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a former president drugmakers to hammer out an agreement on Former Chairman, Board of of Liberia, said: "We are calling for a new voluntary licensing and technology transfers to boost Trustees, AAPI National surveillance-and-alert system that is based on vaccine production. If a deal can't be reached in three E-Mail: transparency and allows WHO to publish months, then a so-called TRIPS waiver on patents [email protected] information immediately." should apply, it said. Health ministers will debate the findings at the Clark called for "banging heads together" to get a WHO's annual assembly opening on May 24. commitment to secure licenses along with tech and GITANJLI ANAND Diplomats say the European Union is driving reform knowledge transfers. Former President, India efforts at the UN agency though this will take time. "Let's be clear about this. We're dealing with Association of Long Island "We look forward to working with our member pharmaceutical companies in the North that have the (IALI) states to discuss the recommendations of this panel technology," Johnson Sirleaf said. Source: Reuters E-mail: [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA SCIENCE & TECH FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 30

Instagram lets Nearly a fifth of How to speed up your users list their Earth’s surface pronouns on Wi-Fi connection on a profiles transformed acebook-owned Windows PC Instagram has Fannounced to let since 1960 ith the onset of a second wave of the users add up to four hether it's turning forests into COVID 19 pandemic, many people are pronouns to their profiles, cropland or savannah into Wconfined to lockdowns across various which they can then Wpastures, humanity has regions in India. And work from home will display publicly or only to repurposed land over the last 60 years remain the norm, so users will need to be their followers. equivalent in area to Africa and prepared. One good way to make sure you don’t It's another way to Europe combined, researchers said run into connectivity hiccups during work express yourself on Tuesday, May 11. hours from home is to make sure your Instagram and the feature If you count all such transitions connection is working at peak speeds. Here are is now available in a few since 1960, it adds up to about 43 4 ways to speed up your Wi-Fi connection countries today with plans million square kilometres (16.5 square speeds on Windows 10. for more. The company, miles), four times more than previous however, did not specify estimates, according to a study in Disable background apps which countries have this Nature Communications. A good way to make sure your bandwidth is flush your DNS, simply open the command feature at the moment. "Since land use plays a central role not being wasted in tools you’re not going to be prompt first by right-clicking on the Start "Now you can add for climate mitigation, biodiversity using is to disable the Windows 10 apps that you button and choosing Command Prompt. In the pronouns to your profile and food production, understanding will not be using regularly.To do this, head over Command Prompt screen, type with a new field. It's its full dynamics is essential for to Settings> Privacy and in the section on the “ipconfig/flushDNS” and press Enter. This another way to express sustainable land use strategies," lead left, scroll all the way down to Background should flush your DNS. yourself on Instagram and author Karina Winkler, a physical Apps and turn the service off for the apps you we've seen a lot of people geographer at Wageningen University don’t plan on using often. Change Wi-Fi channel adding pronouns already, & Research in the Netherlands, told Your Wi-Fi router may be fast as is your so hopefully this makes it AFP. Deactivate Windows update broadband connection. However, if you’re even easier. Available in a Plants and soil -- especially in Windows 10 has the ability to automatically living in crowded spaces like flats, chances are few countries today with tropical forests -- soak up about 30 download and install updates in the you and someone else’s Wi-Fi router are plans for more," said Vishal percent of manmade carbon pollution, background. While the feature may be useful sending and receiving data over the same Shah, VP of Product at so large-scale landscape changes could for some, it also means Windows is constantly frequency, eventually affecting peak speeds. In Instagram. People can fill spell success or failure in meeting monitoring its servers looking for new updates. such a scenario, it is a good idea to change your out a form to have a Paris Agreement temperature targets. These updates will even start downloading Wi-Fi channel. pronoun added, if it's not The 2015 climate treaty enjoins when you may be working, thereby affecting To do this, you will first need to use a tool like already available, or just nations to stop global heating at "well your download speed. Wifi Analyzer to determine what connections add it to their bio. below" two degrees Celsius, and 1.5C if To disable Windows Automatic Update, users are using what Wi-Fi channels near you. You The news comes at a possible. can go to Settings/ Update and Security and can even use Wifi Analyzer apps on your phone time when a coalition of 44 The planet has already warmed 1.2C choose Advanced Options. Here you can ‘pause’ in the same area and while on the same US Attorneys General has above the preindustrial benchmark, updates until a particular date. Also, go back to connection. signed a letter to Facebook enough to unleash a crescendo of the Windows Update page and on the panel on Once you have figured out what would be the CEO Mark Zuckerberg deadly storms, sea level rise and other the left, choose Delivery Optimisation. most-apt channel for you to switch to, open up urging Facebook not to impacts. Turn off the main toggle and you’ll also your Wi-Fi router’s configuration settings and launch "Instagram for Since 1960, Earth's total forest cover prevent local downloading of updates within navigate to where you can change your Kids", citing mental health has shrunk by nearly a million km2, your LAN network, saving more precious channel. Change it to the desired Wi-Fi and privacy concerns. while areas covered by cropland and bandwidth. frequency. Note that the Wi-Fi settings will be pastures have each increased by different for routers of every brand and you roughly the same extent, the study Flushing your DNS will first have to figure out how to open up and found. Source: AFP Flushing your DNS is a lot like clearing cache navigate through your Wi-Fi’s configuration memory, except it is for your DNS server. To and settings pages. Source: Indian Express

Google is preparing new ‘desktop Singapore researchers control Venus flytraps using smartphones sharing hub’ in Chrome esearchers in Singapore have found a way of controlling a Venus oogle is testing a new Chrome Rflytrap using electric signals from feature known as 'Desktop a smartphone, an innovation they hope GSharing Hub' or 'Chrome will have a range of uses from robotics to Sharing Menu'. employing the plants as environmental In essence, the company wants to sensors. streamline all the many ways you Luo Yifei, a researcher at Singapore's can share content from Chrome and Nanyang Technological University place it into one simple interface, (NTU), showed in a demonstration how a Android Central reported. signal from a smartphone app sent to As spotted by Chrome Story, once tiny electrodes attached to the plant this new hub is enabled, users will could make its trap close as it does when when given a signal, grip something thin be able to do actions like generating catching a fly. and light like a piece of wire. a QR code, sharing to devices, "Plants are like humans, they generate In this way,the plant could be used as a casting a tab and other actions that revolve around sharing the current page to electric signals, like the ECG "soft robot", the scientists say, to pick up another person or device from a centralised location. (electrocardiogram) from our hearts," fragile things that might be damaged by According to the report, it currently exists just behind a "sharing-hub-desktop- said Luo, who works at NTU's School of industrial grippers, as well as being omnibox" flag in Chrome Canary and can only be used on Chrome 92. Materials Science and Engineering. more environmentally friendly. While Chrome had been more or less stable before 2020 (barring user interface "We developed a non-invasive Communication between humans and updates), Google has been working on improving productivity features in its more technology to detect these electric plants is not necessarily entirely one- recent releases, the report said. signals from the surface of plants way. The NTU research team hopes their Things like renaming windows, tab groups, and now sharing hub will go a long without damaging them," Luo said. technology can be used to detect signals way in making Chrome the browser to use, it added. The scientists have also detached the from plants about abnormalities or The company will also be bolstering its Chromebook offerings with any Chrome trap portion of the Venus flytrap and potential diseases before full-blown updates like this Chromebooks recently gained a "phone hub" feature. Source: IANS attached it to a robotic arm so it can symptoms appear. THE INDIAN PANORAMA BUSINESS FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 31 Google wins cloud deal from SpaceX for Starlink internet

oogle has won a deal to provide cloud services to Elon Musk's GSpaceX, which has launched a slew of Starlink satellites to provide high-speed internet, it said on Thursday. SpaceX will set up ground stations Jack Ma’s Ant within Google's data centers that connect to the Starlink satellites, enabling fast and secure internet posted $3.4 services via Google Cloud, the search giant said. This service is expected to be billion profit available in the second half of 2021 for enterprise customers, the company after IPO halt said. The deal comes at a time when nt Group Co.’s profit rose to $3.4 demand for cloud-computing services billion in the December quarter has soared, with players like Microsoft Aafter Chinese regulators Corp and Amazon.com Inc dominating thwarted its record initial public the market. Cloud companies have also Bitcoin recoups some losses offering and told it to scale back its tapped into the telecoms sector, thanks had dropped 14% to a low of $3,550, rose sprawling business. to a jump in demand for 5G from Musk's Tesla u-turn above $4,000 before dipping back to Billionaire Jack Ma’s fintech giant connectivity. Bitcoin regained some of the losses around $3,700. An announcement by contributed nearly 7.2 billion yuan to Google's cloud business accounts for sustained after Elon Musk said that Tesla on Feb. 8 that it had bought $1.5 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s earnings, about 7% of its total revenue, as of the Tesla would stop accepting the digital billion of bitcoin and that it would a company filing showed Thursday. latest earnings report. tokens as payment for its cars, and was accept it as payment for its electric Based on Alibaba’s one-third stake in Last October, Microsoft won a similar trading at nearly $50,000 on Thursday, vehicles has been one factor behind the Ant, that translates to 21.8 billion yuan deal from SpaceX to connect its Azure May 13. digital token's surging price this year. ($3.4 billion) in profit, up 50% from 14.5 cloud computing platform to Starlink. The price of the world's largest But Tesla Chief Executive Musk has billion yuan in the previous three Privately held SpaceX, known for its cryptocurrency dropped 17% from faced pressure about the environmental months. Ant’s earnings lag one quarter reusable rockets and astronaut around $54,819 to $45,700, its lowest impact of bitcoin since the behind Alibaba’s. Ant declined to capsules, is ramping up satellite since March 1, in just under two hours announcement. comment. production for Starlink, a growing following Musk's tweet on Wednesday. "We are concerned about rapidly The tally underscores the earnings constellation of hundreds of internet- Bitcoin later recovered about half of increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin powers Ant boasted before authorities beaming satellites that Musk hopes will that drop and was trading at around mining and transactions, especially demanded China’s largest fintech generate enough revenue to help fund $49,265 at 1119 GMT, while Ether, the coal, which has the worst emissions of company fold its financial business into SpaceX's interplanetary goals. second-largest cryptocurrency, which any fuel," Musk tweeted. a holding company, curtailing its growth prospects. Regulators have issued a battery of proposals that threaten to curb Ant’s dominance in India’s factory output falls Reconsider ties with crypto online payments and scale back its expansion into consumer lending and exchanges, RBI tells lenders wealth management. almost 10% in FY21 he Covid-19 pandemic shrunk India’s factory output by he RBI is informally urging lenders to cut ties almost 10% in 2020-21, the biggest shock to manufacturing with cryptocurrency exchanges and traders as T activity since 1982-83, the earliest period for which Index of Tthe highly speculative market booms, despite a Industrial Production (IIP) data is available. Supreme Court ruling that banks can work with the To be sure, the headline annual IIP number hides the complete industry, sources said. collapse in industrial activity due to the 68-day-long complete The guidance comes as India is crafting a law to ban lockdown which was imposed on March 25, 2020, and a cryptocurrencies and penalise anyone dealing in them, subsequent patchy recovery. Even though the March IIP which would be among the most sweeping crackdowns numbers, which were released on May 12, have a strong base on the new investing fad in the world. But with the effect, they suggest it might have been a good month for the Covid crisis engulfing the country, no one is sure when economy. such a Bill may be passed, adding to investors’ Retail inflation data for April, however, suggests that the confusion. headwinds to rural demand might create additional problems for The RBI in 2018 had forbidden banks from dealing in GoAir rebrands the economy, which has been ravaged by the second wave of all transactions related to bitcoin and other such assets. Covid-19 infections. That diktat was challenged by the crypto exchanges The IIP grew by 22.4% in March 2021 over the corresponding and in March 2020, the Supreme Court overturned the itself as Go First month last year. This huge spike needs to be seen in the context RBI ban and allowed lenders to extend banking of an 18.7% contraction in March 2020. Because IIP numbers facilities to them. With investors continuing to rush fter being in the skies for 15 underwent large contractions in the six-month period beginning into the hot new asset class, however, regulators appear years, Wadia Group-owned March 2020—the numbers were 18.7%, 57.3%, 33.4%, 16.6%, 10.5% to be gearing up for another try. AGoAir has rebranded itself as and 7.1% from March 2020 to August 2020—the base effect will Thousands of new users are piling into the system ‘Go First’ as the airline focuses on ultra- continue to cloud IIP numbers up to August. every day at a time when the prices of major digital low-cost business model amid the But the number also makes one thing clear—industrial activity currencies have been on the rise. There are over 10 aviation industry grappling with more than regained last year’s level in March, although the million crypto investors in India with total holdings of pandemic headwinds. raging second wave and lockdowns imposed in most states and over 100 billion rupees ($1.36 billion), according to The announcement on Thursday also Union territories could see a different story in May and June. industry estimates. No official data is available. comes amid reports that the airline was The March recovery holds across use-based and economic preparing for an initial share sale to activity-based comparisons, with consumer non-durable raise funds for its ambitious expansion category showing the biggest improvement. plans. The Go First as ULCC (ultra-low- The Nomura India Business Resumption Index (NIBRI), which cost carrier) would operate single peaked at 99.3 in the week ending February 23, just 0.7 points aircraft type across its fleet, which below pre-pandemic levels of activity, was slightly lower but currently has both Airbus A320 and stable in March with weekly values ranging from 95 to 94.6. It fell A320Neos (new engine option) planes in sharply from its April 4 value of 90.7 to 75.9 in the week ending operation, it said. April 25. It has since fallen to 64.5 in the week ending May 9. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 32 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. May 17 to 23 2021

ARIES: Ganesha says You will be awarded for LEO: You are feeling mentally elated this week. SAGITTARIUS: You will experience a great your creativity regarding a project that you have Your happiness is the due to a successful amount of love and care this week. This week is a been working on throughout this week. Which will accomplishment of yourself made work that you love filled week for you. As you spend your time in set a very beautiful example for all your colleagues worked really hard on. Practicing gratitude for what new adventures and exploring nature throughout the this week. Take each step with caution as you move you already have will be easy as your personal life is week. Your health will be amazing this week as well. forward with this huge opportunity. No major issues getting better; a feeling of serenity guides you Although you need to start eating more nutrients in your health will arise this week except slight throughout the week. Venus will bring love and the foods to feel better than you do right now. You will anxiety in the end of the week due work-related moon will bring fortune in your fate this week. You realize this week that your stamina is really high stress and pressure might arise. Do not worry about will realize how beautiful this week was for you as because you will have to do a lot of physically these issues, take help of home remedies and try to the week goes on. Your business will reach new exhausting jobs this week. You will have immense relax as much as you can. Meditation and yoga will heights and you will have great financial freedom support from your business partner this week as help you a lot this week hence make sure it is a part this week as well. well. After a long tiring week, you will feel extremely of your daily routine this week. VIRGO: Your tendency to jump on conclusions happy and satisfied with the efforts you have made to TAURUS: Positive energies are on a rise as the might not let you enjoy this week. You need to focus keep yourself and your family happy and financially Saturn turns in your sign's favor this week. This on being mentally and emotionally strong this week. safe. week will be a roller coaster ride for you and you will Your contacts and your PR are your knight in CAPRICORN: You will have a great week this be looking for stability which will be a big for you shining armor this week and will save you from week. Even though there are major positive things this week. Otherwise, you will be stuck wasting a lot falling behind in your business and keep you afloat that will happen this week. Sweet little gestures of time worrying about how people perceive you. You financially. Take time off to do small kind and loving made by your loved one will keep you happy and will enjoy a lot with your partner this week if you try gestures for your partner because you won't be able satisfied throughout the week and will make you to sort out unresolved issues. It would be good for to spend much time with your partner this week. It's happier. Your health is on its way to improvement as you to be patient and most importantly be kind important for you to make your partner feel loved well this week. Your love life is going pretty well, it is towards your partner the entire week. and cared this week as well. You will experience a the right time to say the things you need to say, for GEMINI: You will give the expected results when new sense of responsibility and maturity in yourself you to be able to start thinking about your future. it comes to speculations you made in your business this week which will give you the confidence you Luck is by your side in matters of love; you shall this week. You just have to make sure that you are need to survive this week. definitely receive what you want; hence, go through determined to tread ahead without making any LIBRA: You will experience a lot of beauty in your the week with confidence and no fear. impulsive decisions because it can seriously harm life this week, you might get what you're trying to AQUARIUS: You will be very engrossed in your you this week. If you're single, you may have some accomplish in this week itself. A feeling of serenity business and your work this week. Try to spend as profound realizations this week which will lead to guides you throughout the week. Your health is much time as you can do what you love this week. you becoming more confident and outgoing. doing great; this week is the week you should decide Enrolling in learning classes will consistently keep Priorities yourself this week and try to find things to make it even better. Also exercise regularly and go you productive which would be a good decision you that you're passionate about and people who make for a long walk every day this week because you make this week. Although this is not a very loving you happy this week. If you're looking to find a new require the physical activity to improve your and affectionate kind of week both of you are partner, Venus is dominant in your sign this week physical and mental health this week. Professionally progressing in your own way which is working out and will help you in all matters related to love and you have a lot of work piled up this week that you great for your relationship this week. Your relationships. need to finish and hence you need to be ready and happiness and peace will improve your health this CANCER: Your adjusting nature and leadership capable of it, physically, mentally and emotionally. week. This is a great week for you to go on a long skills will help you move past any hurdles without SCORPIO: You will be much focused and mostly walk, eat healthy drink lots of water and reflect on much effort this week. Use the tremendous energy achieve whatever you want in you want within this your past positively. you have this week to focus entirely on yourself this week. You will be helpful, generous and spend your PISCES: You will have great self - confidence this week, focus on your health, spirituality, goals and money smartly and you are extremely careful in week that is helping you navigate through aspirations. Although you will be loved by your spending on right things only. Which might help difficulties a lot better and faster this week. You partner, you won't have time for them this week. You your partner as they might be facing financial might think that your trust is broken by someone should focus on yourself only this week. Your health crisis this week. Do not worry about the future. that is very close to you. As the week goes by you will will be mildly upset throughout the week due to your Living in the moment will help you. Negative come to realize that it was only a misunderstanding bad eating habits. You may suffer from the problems energies are quite mild this week and you won't and things will just workout fine between the two of in your business related to finances as well. Taking face any major obstacles this week. You will not you. You will receive a lot of help from those who professional help rather than neglecting the issue is experience any significant inconveniences this genuinely care for you this week. New prospects will advisable. You need to be focused on all aspects of week other than some minor health problems. You arise in your business as well, helping you become your life this week and work equally hard to achieve need to take time to hydrate and be physically financially strong. Taking care of your mental and everything you aspire to this week. Make sure you active, your health will start deteriorating if you physical health will be very beneficial for you this eat the correct food and take really good care of don't take out time for it and it might become a week. Hence, make sure you do not overwork to the yourself this week as well. major problem in the future. point of being mentally exhausted and tired. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ASTROLOGY FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 33

BIRTHDAY HOROSCOPE May 17 to 23 2021

from your friends and family. Make sure you make up and feeling disappointed as you might have poor May 17 : the correct use of the privilege you have today and luck today, but it won't last long, and you will soon Ganesha says you will have a great day today when help those in need. Doing any act of philanthropy have new opportunities and options to explore. it comes to being creative and innovative. You won't will make you feel very good about yourself and it socialize much today but you won't mind that either. will also highly benefit you soon. May 22 You will make sure that everyone around you is You will face some difficulties when it comes to happy and you will try your best to make your loved May 20: maintaining peace at home. You might come across ones happy today because you're in a good mood You might feel a little low at the beginning of the some people who will test your anger to the core today and you want to spread the joy and cheer day today as events of the past few days have left you today. You might give in and lose your temper today around. Make sure you take care of your health feeling sad, confused, and bored. A new career which will only because you more harm. Be stronger today as well. opportunity will spark a ray of hope in your life than those who are provoking you today and make today which will bring you back from the sad mood to sure you work your way towards it. You might want May 18 : being happy and hopeful. You will also become more to focus on being a resilient and smart person today You will have a day full of celebrations today. You social today once you start to feel better which will and focus only on yourself. Remove yourself from might think that today will be boring but as the day make your friends and family very happy with you. any situation immediately if you feel that you're starts you will begin to understand how much fun You might as well focus on becoming the best version getting angry or upset. today has been. You will enjoy yourself to the fullest of yourself today because you need to be ready and today because luck is in your sign today. You will capable for this career opportunity as well. May 23 : have to be responsible and work as well today. You Your work life will be the most positive part of will have to make sure that you finish your work and May 21: your day. A very productive day is on its way for you then enjoy it because you will be in trouble if you do You will have a lot of free time at your hand today. today. You will have a lot of work to do, which you not finish your work before the deadline today. It is up to you to either focus on yourself and works will thoroughly enjoy.As you have been working hard hard on improving your health and your finances. since the past few days you willsee exponential May 19 : You might face some trouble when it comes to your growth today. Being the down to earth person that If you are looking for someone special today, you work and business because you won't acquire any you are, you will continue to work hard despite it might as well find them because Venus is extremely new clients today which will trouble you in the back being your birthday. You will like it this way as your strong in your sign today hence today will be all of your mind today. You need to stay focused on work has always been a celebration to you. about receiving love for you be it romantically or trying your best in getting new clients and not giving THE INDIAN PANORAMA CLASSIFIEDS FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 34 THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPIRITUALITY FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 35 Parashurama Jayanti

The literal meaning of Parshurama is Rama with parshu, which is an axe. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva who gave him his mystical weapon parshu. He is the sixth incarnation and the warrior form of Lord Vishnu. This year, his birth anniversary will be celebrated on Friday, 14 May

arashurama Jayanti, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Parshurama or PParshurama avatar, is observed on Akshaya Tritiya which falls on the third day of the full moon phase or Shukla Paksha in Vaishakh month. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday, 14 May. Parshurama was the sixth incarnation and the warrior form of Lord Vishnu. Akshay Tritiya tithi will begin on 14 May at 5:38 am and end on 15 May at 7:59 am. According to Hindu beliefs, Parashurama is immortal and is still living on Earth, unlike Lord Vishnu’s other avatars. Hence, he is not worshipped like the other gods. On Parashurama Jayanti, devotees start the day by wearing traditional clothes after taking a holy bath before sunrise. They observe fast on this day which starts from a night before. The devotees worship Lakshminarayan, a form of Lord Vishnu, and offer tulsi leaves, chandan, kumkum, fresh flowers, according to Jagran. The day is also believed to be the beginning of Tretayug. The literal meaning of Parshurama is Rama with parshu, which is an axe. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva who gave him his mystical weapon parshu. His parents were rishi Jamadagni and princess Renuka. Parashurama: The Brahma Kshatriya Lord Parashurama was born to Rishi Jamadagni and Devi Renuka. Rishi Jamadagni was a Brahmin sage and his wife Renuka was a Kshatriya. Rishi Why Lord Parashurama beheaded his The fight between the master and disciple continued Jamadagni and Renuka performed penance for mother and Parashurama Kund for 21 days. At one point, the trident of Lord Shiva several years towards Lord Shiva so that the sixth flew towards Parashurama. To save himself from the incarnation of Lord Vishnu would be born to them. One of the most popular stories about Lord trident, he attacked Lord Shiva with his ax which hit Lord Shiva granted them the boon and Vishnu Parashurama was that he beheaded his mother. But the lord on his head. Lord Shiva was impressed with incarnated as their fifth, and youngest, child and was there’s a symbolism of righteousness and following the warfare skill of his disciple and embraced him named Rambhadra. the direction of your master that one can learn from happily. Lord Shiva also preserved the scar that the By birth, Rambhadra was a brahmin but he had the it. Devi Renuka was considered a powerful being ax left on his forehead as a mark of his disciple’s aggression and valor of the warriors (Kshatriyas) because of her devotion to her husband. It is said skills. And since that day, he came to be renowned as and that’s why he was renowned as a Brahma that she had the power to bake a pot from the river Khanda Parshu. Kshatriya. He strove immensely to learn warfare and sand, in which she would collect water every day for Parashurama Jayanti is celebrated every year on archery from wherever he could and became the her husband’s daily rituals. the Tritiya of the Shukla Paksha (the third day after fiercest warrior of his time. He even undertook a One day, while going towards the river, she saw the the new moon of April). Devotees of Lord Vishnu fast severe penance for Lord Shiva and asked for his ax as reflection of a beautiful celestial being (Gandharva) on this day to seek the lord’s blessings. Just like Lord a boon. Lord Shiva tested him multiple times and and lost her balance in the water. Because of that, Parashurama lived a life of righteous valor, the when he passed all tests, he was granted the celestial she lost the power of making the pot and couldn’t devotees are rewarded with the strength for the weapon (also known as parshu). It was then that his collect the water. Sage Jamadagni got to know of this same. name was changed from Rambhadra to via his intuition and ordered his sons to behead their Parashurama. mother. When the other two sons refused, he turned PAGE SPONSORED BY According to the Hindu scriptures, seven different them into stone. When Jamadagni turned to Lord beings were given the boon of being immortal. Parashurama, he beheaded his mother with his ax. ARISH K. SAHANI Rishi Vyasa, Lord Hanuman, Vibhishana, Sage Jamadagni was pleased with Parashurama’s Serving Since 1972 Mahabali, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Lord righteousness and asked him for two boons. Lord Parashurama are the seven beings that were given Parashurama asked his father to restore the lives of Please Call or Write for Your the boon of being immortal. It is said that Lord his mother and brothers and Sage Jamadagni Insurance Needs Parashurama still resides in the Mahendragiri granted him that. Arish K Sahani mountains which are located in present-day Odisha. The legend says that the act of beheading his own (Father) There are other lands associated with mother was so heinous that the ax got stuck to Parashurama as well. Legends say that once Lord Parashurama’s hand. Even after Renuka came back Shiv Sahani (Son) Parashurama threw his battle ax into the sea. The to life, the ax remained stuck in his hand. The sages Priya Sahani Sood power of the ax was such that the whole western in that time advised him that he needed to cleanse off (Daughter) coast started to rise because of that. That region is the heinous deed by washing his hands in the Lohit the present-day Malabar Konkan coast. The area of River. 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 Goa (Gomantak) leading up to Kanyakumari Parashurama walked to the Lohit River, located in (Kerala) was reclaimed from the sea with the help of present-day Arunachal Pradesh, and washed his [email protected] Parashurama. This is why this Malabar-Konkan hands at the river bank. As soon as he touched the region, and the western coast of Kerala, is called as water, the ax got detached from his hands. Because of Parashurama Bhumi or Kshetra. this, the site became a place of worship and since “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” There is a temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama came to be known as the Parashurama Kund. “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall in South Goa as well. The legend also says that guard it?” Parashurama brought 64 brahmin families from The story of Khanda Parshu north and settled them in Kerala to make up for the Once, to test the skills and prowess of his disciple “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are killing of Kshatriya kings. Parashurama, Lord Shiva engaged him in a battle. one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA TURN PAGE FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 36

CONTD FROM PAGE 1 overcrowded hospitals and a desperate marginalized communities in India," lack of medical supplies, PPE and according to the complaint. Anupam Kher slams Indian ventilators. One of the workers, a man named government for the COVID Those with the World Health Moham Lal, "died while he was subjected Organization on Monday, May 10, named to forced labor at the temple, and the crisis in the country the variant discovered in India as the Defendants retaliated against other Anupam Kher, who is often viewed as a fourth COVID variant, but say the workers who organized to demand, strong supporter of the Narendra Modi-led vaccines are effective in protecting among other things, that Moham Lal's government, told NDTV that it is people from it.Vaccine supply, however, remains to be treated according to his - important to hold the government is also an issue in the country. not the Defendants' - religious rituals and responsible for what is happening Friends For Good Health International that the Defendants improve working around. "It is important to hold the Chair Bobby Kalotee who put together conditions," according to the complaint. government responsible for what's the meeting said no cash is being Altogether, "the workers spent years happening. Somewhere they have collected, and that only medical building, improving upon, and slipped. It is time for them to understand equipment is sought to be shipped to maintaining the BAPS Shri that there is much more to life than just India to destinations where it is the most Swaminarayan Mandir," or temple, image building maybe," he said. Anupam required, and appealed for generous according to the lawsuit. also took on the opposition and said, "But donations. The workers' lawsuit also named three for another political party to use it for New Jersey residents - Bharat Bhai, their gain, I think that is also not right. I Indian-origin workers allege Pankaj Patel and Kanu Patel - who think we should, as people, get angry." 'forced labor' at BAPS Hindu allegedly employed or supervised Kher also mentioned that these are workers at the temple. difficult times and added, "There are temple in New Jersey The lawsuit alleged that those who problems, pain, anger, frustration, that's exploiting them and paying the recruited and supervised them obvious… Lot of people say, 'You are equivalent of roughly $1.20 an hour. "weaponized" the caste system to always so optimistic', but I say there's no "We were first made aware of the "coerce" the men from Dalit castes other way out for me. Our lives haven't accusations early this morning, we are because of their vulnerabilities in India. been smooth sailing. It is just that this taking them very seriously and are Their 42-page case document alleges situation has happened on a world level." thoroughly reviewing the issues raised," that they were made to work at the Meanwhile, Kher has also come Matthew Frankel, a spokesman for BAPS temple for more than 12 hours a day, government's attention, both forward to help amid the coronavirus said in a statement cited by local Asbury seven days a week with days off only independently and jointly, had come to crisis in the country. The actor has Park Press. occasionally for which they were paid naught. started Project Heal India which aims to "We're very surprised by this. They've less than $1.20 an hour, an amount far "Without going into all the acts of support the needy amid the pandemic. had a great relationship with the town. less than the state minimum wage that commission and omission by the Central For this, Kher has collaborated with Dr They've been a great corporate citizen," was $10 in 2019 and $11 in 2020. government that have brought the Ash Tewari, urology (chair) at New Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried was Their court papers, however, say that country to such a tragic pass, we are of York's Mount Sinai Hospital, and Baba quoted as saying of the temple in a phone they were instructed while applying for the firm opinion that the following Kalyani, managing director of Bharat interview with the Asbury Park Press. their visa to tell the US embassy staff measures must be undertaken on a war Forge Ltd. "I've certainly never seen anything that they were going to the US for footing by your government," they said. that would give me pause during my "volunteer work at the temple" and The government should procure Nassau County, Friends For visits there. This is absolutely very "would be performing the work as a vaccines centrally from all available Good Health, South Asian- surprising." service to the deities" even though they sources - global and domestic. The township later also issued a assert that they were not members of "Immediately begin a free, universal American community Join formal statement Tuesday, BAPS. According to the court document, mass vaccination campaign across the together to Appeal for Aid to acknowledging "federal law enforcement although came to the US with an R-1 visa, country. Invoke compulsory licensing to activity" but denying knowledge of "any which is granted to missionaries and expand domestic vaccine production," India labor issues that may have been present." religious workers, they did not perform they noted. Friends for Good Health International "The Township was aware of any religious work and instead were The budgetary allocation of ?35,000 and Merchant Industry of India temporary housing on the site and made to do "dangerous" manual work at crore for vaccines should be immediately announced that the aid campaign will conducted inspections of that housing in the temple. spent, the parties said. As of now, only send funding for ventilators, personal April and June of 2020, until in-person The men filing the case are Mukesh close to ?5,000 crore had been spent. protective equipment, medical supplies, inspections were suspended due to Kumar, Keshav Kumar, Devi Laal, 'Scrap Central Vista project' and vaccinations. Local leaders are Covid-19," the statement read. "As to not Niranjan, Pappu, and Brajendra. recommending if people want to donate interfere with this ongoing federal The parties demanded that the supplies or PPE, they bring them to their investigation, the Township will have no 12 opposition leaders write to construction of the Central Vista project local Indian-American or South-Asian further comment." PM Modi, demanding free should be stopped forthright and instead prayer center or community group. The laborers' passports were taken "as the money used to procure oxygen and They include: National Association of soon as they left the airport at JFK" and mass vaccination, suspension vaccines. Indians in America, AIPAC, FIPA, Global "Security guards in BAPS uniforms were of Central Vista project "Release all money held in the Federation of Indian Physicians stationed at the temple premises where unaccounted private trust fund, Association, Gujrati Samaj, Sikh the workers lived and worked," according This is the second joint letter by the PMCares to buy more vaccines, oxygen Cultural Society of America, to the complaint. opposition parties in less than ten-days and medical equipment required," they International Punjabi Welfare Council The workers alleged that they were to the government. In an earlier letter on stated. They reiterated the demand of New York, RANA, Arya Samaj of Long paid only $450 per month, of which they May 3rd, the parties had asked the giving a basic sustenance allowance of ? Island, Hindu Community Center received $50 in the US and the rest were government to ensure uninterrupted 6000 a month to the vulnerable families Queens, Rajasthan Medical Association deposited in rupees in their accounts in supply of medical oxygen and free who have lost their jobs during the of Indians in America, Indian American India. They also that their pay was cut if vaccinations. pandemic. First raised by the CPI(M), Forum, Friends for Good Health, India they spoke to outsiders or if they did not The signatories of the letter include this demand has been raised by the Association of Long Island, Nargis Dutt follow rules like wearing helmets and a Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee, M K Opposition parties since last year when Foundation, IDPUSA, LILC, Rotary swami "called the workers 'worms,' thus Stalin, Uddhav Thackeray and Hemant the pandemic first hit. Hicksville South, Rotary Jericho exacerbating the psychological coercion Soren. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, They demanded that free foodgrains Sunrise, Asamai Temple, Arya Samaj of the workers experienced." JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda, NCP should be distributed to the needy, with Long Island, AAPIQLI, Gurudwara The workers were forbidden from patriarch Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi nearly one crore tons of grains present Glencove, Hicksville, Plainview talking with temple visitors, under pain Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, National in the Central godowns. Gurudwara, Sai Mandir Hicksville and of losing their already "meager" wages, Conference leader Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Lastly, they reiterated the demand of Gurudwara Shaheeda Levittown. according to the complaint. "Supervisors RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI general repealing the farm laws. Meanwhile, India on Monday, May 10, told the workers that they police would secretary D Raja and CPI(M) general "Though it has not been the practice of reported more than 366,000 new arrest them if they left," the complaint secretary Sitaram Yechury are the other your office or government, we would infections and 3,754 new deaths. And it states. The defendants deliberately signatories. appreciate a response to our suggestions does not have the medical infrastructure sought out workers from the "Scheduled The parties complained that all their in the interests of India and our people," to deal with the influx.It is a sad story of Caste," or "Dalit," as well as "other previous attempts to draw the the letter stated. THE INDIAN PANORAMA TRAVEL FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 37

ome to the mighty Brahmaputra, Assam is the gateway to northeast India (NE) with its main city HGuwahati flaunting its one major railway station Assam: Hidden charm and an international airport. But unlike what many think, Guwahati is not the only place to visit in the mystic land of Assam. The biggest city and a commercial hub, Guwahati does have several tourist destinations but the entire length of Assam is filled with countless places to visit which will of the North-East definitely compel you to prolong your stay in this part of the world. Being the centre of trade in NE, Assam (particularly some towns) is an assembly point for people from all its neighbouring states. So apart from getting a glimpse of the microcosm of NE, a traveler can indulge in some wildlife adventures in Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park; pay a visit to world's largest river island Majuli and go for a heritage walk among the monuments of Sivasagar. Assam's cleanest town Tezpur is known for its association with some of the episodes from The Mahabharata. If you are looking for some spiritual solace, don't miss out on Hajo, an epitome of communal harmony, the Kamakhya shrine and the Vaishnavite monasteries of Barpeta. JATINGA Assam is often associated with mysteries and mythical tales and the hill village of Jatinga is just another page in the book of Assam's unsolved puzzles. A sleepy hamlet in the North Cachar Hills (a district in Assam), Jatinga is located at a distance of 9 kms from Haflong, the district headquarters. Take a bus ride to Haflong from Guwahati and from there on you can take local conveyance to reach this mystic village. The most bizarre phenomenon that Jatinga witnesses, is the annual mass bird suicide which is yet to find any conclusive scientific explanation. From September to November every year, hundreds of birds commit mass suicide just after sunset - they move down chaser gets the chance to witness a living legend in action (Jorhat), Burra Sahib Bungalow (Jorhat) and Mancotta Tea from the sky, plunging to their deaths by crashing into here. Estate (Dibrugarh). These gardens are situated off the city buildings and trees. One possible reason behind this is the But you will be utterly wrong if you think that oil is all borders so we suggest you hire a cab and return to your theory that the birds get disoriented by the late monsoon that Digboi is in store. Around 45 km northwest of the hotel only late evenings. But in case you are willing to season amid wind and dense fog. town, there is the Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, spend a night in the silence of the tea hedges, we famous for its rich coterie of flora and fauna. The 18 - hole recommend pre - booking in the commercial bungalows in HAFLONG Digboi Golf Course is another place to visit that offers and around the estates. District headquarters of North Cachar Hills (a district in leisurely walks during the non - tournament season. Digboi Assam), Haflong is one of the best hill stations in Assam. War Cemetery will take you back to the dark days of World POBITORA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This beautiful town is located 310 km southeast of War II when the Japanese army stormed into Assam. In a This wildlife paradise along the Kaziranga National Park Guwahati and there is a regular flow of buses to Haflong. nutshell, this town is a queer blend of nature, natural and Manas National Park form the holy trinity of one- The best time to visit Haflong is from October to April and resources, wildlife and British era mementoes making it an horned rhinoceros preservation in Assam. Located in this is the time when the azure blue hills and the green unconventional tourist destination. Morigaon district of the state, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary rivers of this town are in their full glory. Thanks to the is just 50 kms away from Guwahati. Home to an immense magnificent valleys, adventure sports options like gliding, ASSAM TEA GARDENS land mass of muddy marshland, which is conducive for paragliding and trekking can be availed by the adrenaline Who hasn't heard about the world renowned Assam tea? rhino habitat, Pobitora attracts thousands of visitors junkie. For the tranquility seeker,we suggest Haflong Lake, And what could be better than spending some time in one annually. The constant effort of the park authority is one of the largest natural water bodies of Assam. Spend a of the many tea estates in the state? The history of Assam visible from the fact that this place has the highest density day sitting by its banks and indulging in occasional boat tea goes back to the mid 19th century and the colonial of Indian rhinos in one location! Apart from rhinos, a safari rides which will take away your travel fatigue. charm is still prevalent in some of the oldest estates. The in this forest will give you the opportunity to see Asiatic climate and land quality of Assam is not only conducive for buffaloes, leopards, wild bears, civet cats and wild boars in DIGBOI tea plantation but also offer a dream run for travelers who their natural habitats. Birdwatchers will have a field day Located in the eastern most district of Tinsukia, Digboi are into eco - vacations. Not to mention tea lovers who are here with numerous species of resident and migratory is a historic place in Assam. This town is synonymous with ready to go the extra mile to see their favourite beverage in birds, earning Pobitora the title of Bharatpur of the East! crude oil and is called the Oil City. And there is a reason its birth place! Tea gardens are found in almost all the You can return to your hotel in Guwahati after a day of behind this title - this is the place where crude oil was districts of Assam but the ones in Jorhat and Dibrugarh jungle safari as this place is well connected by the road discovered in late 19th century and in 1901, the town got its districts stand apart from the rest. Both these places are network. But if the traveler in you is not satiated, you can own oil refinery, which happens to be the oldest of its sort easily accessible from Guwahati and we suggest you pay a pre - book rooms in the resorts outside the entrance of the in Asia. The refinery is still in operation and a heritage visit to Gatoonga Tea Estate (Jorhat), Thengal Manor sanctuary. THE INDIAN PANORAMA SPORTS FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 38 Powar becomes Protests outside, struggles women’s team head coach inside: Man U loses to Liverpool MANCHESTER (TIP): While United again supporters again protested against the owning Glazer family — facing riot police he appointment of former India and new steel barriers to guard the spinner Ramesh Powar as India entrances — the game against Liverpool Twomen’s cricket team head went ahead as planned after being called coach came as a surprise on Thursday off 11 days earlier when some fans were after the Cricket Advisory Committee able to storm the pitch. (CAC) chose him for the post, replacing United might have wished it hadn't, WV Raman. The CAC, comprising losing 4-2 for its first home defeat against Madan Lal and Sulakshna Naik its fiercest rival since Jürgen Klopp took interviewed eight candidates for the charge of Liverpool six years ago after post, before picking Mumbai-based Diogo Jota scored twice. Powar. Not only was this United's third game The 42-year-old Powar was the head since Sunday — with this rearranged coach of the team in 2018 before he and fixture squeezed into the week — but the ODI captain Mithali Raj became players had to get to the stadium much embroiled in a public spat. The fight earlier than usual after being unable to began after Raj was dropped from the leave their hotel on May 2 due to the T20 World Cup semi-final against protests at Old Trafford. England, a match that India eventually “The players handled the situation lost. well,” United manager Ole Gunnar What followed was a saga of leaked Solskjaer said. “None of them have been emails and notes from team meetings, complaining. They have got on with it. Twitter rants, accusations and The preparations have been different. Manchester United need more than a couple of signings this summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold counter-accusations and a letter from We’re not going to make an excuse of was sensational for Liverpool, if not England. Raj to BCCI detailing alleged that." "discriminatory" and "humiliating" He also downplayed the sloppy making the Champions League is still a first time since before the pandemic in behaviour that she faced from Powar defensive display, which was more possibility. With three games remaining, March 2020. Never before in the Premier during the World Cup. demoralizing than impactful given Liverpool is four points behind fourth- League has United conceded as many as Powar retaliated, accusing Raj of United has a four-point cushion in second place Chelsea with a game in hand. 27 home goals in a season. "putting her interest first" instead of place with two games remaining. “I like the timing. we needed it tonight It was a Liverpool defender, though, the team's. “Football would be really boring if no the most,” Klopp said of finally winning who helped United go ahead when Nat Soon after the World Cup ended, one made a mistake,” Solskjaer said. “You at United. “We always play to win we just Phillips accidentally helped to divert the Powar was removed from his position. try to eradicate them and work on them.” didn't see it often this season." shot from Fernandes into the net. The controversy revealed deeper rifts For Liverpool, which was playing its While United is unbeaten on the road, “We started quite slow,” Philips said. in the team too, as T20 captain first game since its reign as champion this was a sixth loss of the Premier “We knew, despite the things that were Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain was officially ended by Manchester City, League season at a home that will have happening at the start, we had an extra Smriti Mandhana wrote fervent the win means the reset target of just the fans back inside next week for the gear. So I didn’t feel too worried.” appeals to the BCCI to reinstate Powar as coach. Last qualifier cancelled, Saina, Nadal rallies past Srikanth Tokyo dream over Shapovalov in Rome hen it comes to long, gruelling clay- NEW DELHI (TIP): court battles, nobody is better than London Olympics WRafael Nadal. bronze-medal winner Nearing his 35th birthday, the Spanish Saina Nehwal’s hopes of great showed he’s still got the stamina to making it to the Tokyo withstand much younger challengers in a 3-6, Olympics, already fading 6-4, 7-6 (3) comeback win over 22-year-old away in recent weeks, Denis Shapovalov on Thursday, May 13, that virtually ended after the secured him a spot in the Italian Open last qualifying event, the quarterfinals. Singapore Open, was Nadal roared back from 3-0 down in the cancelled on May 12. second set and then saved two match points Serena suffers Tournament will not be rescheduled,” of the Malaysian Open, on his serve at 6-5 in the third. organisers Singapore BWF said in a statement. Badminton Association Nadal, who will be aiming for a record- shock loss in Badminton Association “All attempts were made of India (BAI) had extending 14th French Open title next month, (SBA) and the by the organisers and reached out to BWF, was also pushed at times in a straight-set win Badminton World BWF to provide a safe seeking clarity on the over 19-year-old Jannik Sinner that ended 1,000th match Federation (BWF) jointly tournament qualification scenario. late Wednesday. erena Williams, playing the agreed to cancel the environment for all With Singapore Then there was his long three-set victory 1,000th Tour-level match of her tournament, which was participants. However, suspending all flights over Stefanos Tsitsipas — another 22-year-old Sglittering career, suffered a shock scheduled for June 1-6. rising Covid-19 cases from India, it was — in the Barcelona Open final last month. 7-6(6) 7-5 defeat by Argentina’s Nadia This was the last globally led to complex unlikely that the Indian Podoroska in the the Italian Open tournament offering challenges in managing players could be able to second round on May 12. Race To Tokyo ranking inbound travel.” participate in the Playing her first competitive match points before the The chances of Saina Singapore Open. in nearly three months, the 23-time Olympics qualifying and leading male player The top-16 players on Grand Slam champion twice came deadline ends on June 15. Kidambi Srikanth the Race to Tokyo back from a break down but struggled “In the interests of all qualifying for the rankings would qualify on her first serve. players, tournament Olympics depended on automatically for the It was the American’s 149th defeat in personnel and the local the Singapore Open after Olympics. Currently, her 1,000 career WTA matches. community’s health and the Malaysian Open Saina is at the 22nd spot World No. 2 Naomi Osaka also safety,the event has been (May 25 to 30) was among the women and crashed out, losing 7-6(2) 6-2 to cancelled. BWF can postponed five days ago. Srikanth at the 20th American Jessica Pegula. confirm the tournament After the postponement place in the men’s list. THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT. FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 39 THE INDIAN PANORAMA ADVT FRIDAY MAY 14, 2021 YEARS 40