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VOL 13 ISSUE 49 ● NEW YORK / DALLAS ● DEC 13 - 19, 2019 ● ENQUIRIES: 646-247-9458 www.theindianpanorama.news PM Boris Gets Solid Mandate in UK Invites advertisements and articles for a profusely illustrated New Year special edition by December 16, 2019. Polls; Vows Brexit by January E-mail advertisements and articles for publication by LONDON (TIP): British Prime December 16, 2019 to Minister's Conservative Party won a [email protected]. solid mandate with 365 seats in the For any question, please call House of Commons Friday, December 646-247-9458 13. It is a commanding majority in For further information, please visit www.theindianpanorama.news Parliament to allow Boris to finalize UK's divorce deal with the European Union next month. Johnson (55), who vigorously campaigned on a simple slogan "Get Brexit done", vowed that he would "work night and day" to repay the trust of the voters after the Conservatives' most emphatic majority since the 1980s under Margaret Thatcher. A 365-seat haul gave the party a solid majority in the 650- strong House of Commons. Johnson hailed a "new dawn" which "unarguably" broke the Brexit deadlock Boris Johnson told the public it and vowed not to let down the was time to 'let the healing begin' contd on Page 30 Photo / Courtesy sky news A record 15 Indian- 2019 'Diwali - Power of One Award' Citizenship Law : origin candidates win in Protests Unabated U.K. general election Presented to Four Eminent Diplomats Japan PM cancels visit amid protests Home Minister Shah not to visit Meghalaya, Arunachal

Protests against Citizenship Amendment Bill Indian origin politicians from both the which started in the North East have spread to many parts of India Conservative and the Labour parties have Four Awardees H.E. Volodymyr Yelchenko, H.E. Nicholas Emiliou by H.E. Mavroyiannis, H.E. registered a strong presence in the UK Frantisek Ruzicka, Diwali Foundation Chair Ranju Batra, H.E. Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Ravi Batra, NEW DELHI (TIP): The Narendra Parliament all speakers; 32 co-sponsors present, from Turkey on left , Kuwait on Right Modi government's plan to showcase LONDON (TIP): A record 15 Indian- UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Four included former foreign minister and India's North-East to the wider world origin candidates entered the House of prominent diplomats were honored with Permanent Representative of had to be postponed for another day Commons on Friday, registering seven 'The Diwali - Power of One' award in Kazakhstan to the UN Kairat after Japanese PM Shinzo Abe decided wins each for the ruling Conservative recognition and celebration of their Abdrakhmanov, former Permanent not to visit Guwahati and Bangladesh and Opposition Labour parties in the work, especially at the United Nations, Representative of Cyprus to the United Home Minster AK Abdul Momin put off U.K. General Election. for a secure and peaceful world, at a Nations Nicholas Emiliou, former Chef his visit to Shillong. Abe's visit had The new Parliament is the most ceremony de Cabinet to the President of the 72nd hung in balance till Thursday morning diverse ever, with one in 10 MPs now The diplomats who were honored with Session of the UN General Assembly and as the government was confident of from an ethnic minority background. the 2019 Diwali Power of One Award at Permanent Representative of Slovakia bringing the situation under control. contd on Page 30 the United Nations, December 6, contd on Page 3 contd on Page 30 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 2 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 NY/NJ/CT 3 Ravi Batra Writes to Chairman Engel Voicing Disagreement over Pramila Jayapal's Resolution Urging India to End Restrictions on Communications in Kashmir phone - in the immigration area so as to and has never had the duty to provide Revolution, I urge bipartisan restraint on a enhance public safety and thwart Terror. public safety is visible in her utopia-based bilateral relationship important on a Since communication is a necessary resolution. Terror is real; utopia, a book bipartisan level. If needed, I am happy to "trigger" for Terror, it's interruption in written by Sir Thomas More in 1516, is still come testify and add knowledge and By Ravi Batra necessary to enhance public safety. While a dream. I attach a copy of an article, citing nuances that wisdom requires. all good people want normalcy returned to Thomas Jefferson, that reports my urgent Unlike a jury,creating policy - especially Kashmir ASAP, and I'm a strong concerns to avoid a bilateral mishap. foreign policy - requires expertise and Dear Chairman Engel, proponent of same, I don't second guess I urge in lieu of such misguided action, nuance - and hence, being non-sequestered the decisions made on the ground in real that we, the United States, as an honest helps. Two weeks ago I was in Delhi, and homas Jefferson's June 28, 1776 draft time that affect life and death, to prevent friend of the Sub-Continent use our good had a conversation with our Amb. Ken Declaration of Independence - had the avoidable and unfortunate swap offices, and you, Mr. Chairman, have Juster at a dear friend's event; I've spoken Tsequentiality built into what's more between them. While I welcome a CoDel to global reach and impact as a result of your to good folks, with a Pakistan-centric or important as in - "life, liberty and the Kashmir since my testimony, and hope principled and deliberative action, India-centric view. I applaud State SCA's pursuit of happiness" - in that order. That India will accept my urging, it ill-serves to enriched with infinite calibration, help A/S Alice Wells' efforts to keep things is what I testified to on October 22, 2019 in willy nilly beat up one of the most change the cross-border ground reality to "normal," even as prompting an early the Sub-Committee, and thereafter, timely important and vibrant bilateral aid in fastest return to normalcy. The return to a new normal, that is Terror- supplemented. Sequential rights is the key relationships that will not only define the internal matters of foreign sovereigns are Free. A CoDel will do more good than an to good and proper governance, as defined 21st Century, but extend more American always helped by genuine well-wishers, intrusive and ill-advised resolution. by Lincoln's Gettysburg recipe, which I Freedoms to more of humanity. rather than opportunistic interlopers. https://indicanews.com/2019/12/11/ paraphrase with affection: "of, by and for" As such, Rep. Jayapal's Resolution is ill- As a patriotic American, proud of my disagreement-over-pramila-jaypals- the people. After 9/11, there is a 24/7/365 advised at best, and misguided at best. ancestry, India's several-millennia history resolution-urging-india-to-end-the- days-a-year blackout - a freeze of That she is unfamiliar with Terror, as all of religious freedoms - not just to pray,but restrictions-on-communications/ communication, cell and internet, New Yorkers and Indians are after serial for new faiths to be born, and secular, and Respectfully, including, the instruction not to use the Terror attacks, or she is unfamiliar with, India's vital role in the American Ravi Batra

2019 ‘Diwali - Power of One Award’ Presented to Four Eminent Diplomats CONTD FROM PAGE 1 to the UN Frantisek Ruzicka and Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Volodymyr Yelchenko . The awards, which have come to be known as the 'Oscars of Diplomacy', were established by the Diwali Foundation USA, Inc in 2017.Diwali Foundation USA, Inc was established in 2017 to promote a "peaceful and consensus-based process to achieve societal good," as befitting the "high hopes and ideals of humanity enshrined in the United Nations Charter. They are awarded to former Permanent Representatives or high-level UN diplomats or those diplomats who will soon finish their tenure at the world organization for working selflessly "to help form a more perfect, peaceful and secure world for all.' Diwali Foundation USA Chair Ranju Batra said this year's awardees, all 'exceptional world class diplomats', have well-earned the award 'by their lifetime of principled efforts to help enhance peace 2019 Diwali Stamp Power of One Awardee Amb. Volodymyr and security by their many victories of 'good' over Ambs. Imnadze, Akbaruddin, Diwali Foundation USA Chair Yelchenko, Iryna Yelchenko, Ranju Batra, Neal Batra, Ravi Batra, 'evil' and 'light' over 'darkness'.' 'Whatever the UN Ranju Batra, Amb. Rybakov and Ravi Batra 2018 Power of One Awardee Amb. Agshin Mehdiyev Charter dreams of, the Diwali Foundation USA's Sandeep Chakravorty applauded the efforts of Ranju commemorative 'Forever Diwali' stamp issued by the Power of One awardees have helped to make it a Batra and eminent Indian-American attorney Ravi US Postal Service in 2016, reaching out to the Indian reality,' she said during the ceremony at the UN's the Batra 'for taking the unifying message of Diwali far American community members and influential Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) chamber. and wide and for making it truly international. lawmakers, garnering support for petitions for the India's Permanent Representative to the UN The 'Power of One' awardinstitutionalizes the stamp. Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, in his remarks at the Diwali Stamp effort of Ranju Batra and her partners Previous honorees of the award include former event, said that as a tribute to the power of one to who worked tirelessly and made it the most popular Deputy-Executive Director of UN Women Lakshmi bring about change, as exemplified by the 'passionate stamp issued by the US Postal Services, Akbaruddin Puri, former Permanent Representative of Greece to pursuit" by Batra of the Diwali Forever Stamp in 2016, said. the UN Catherine Boura, the Permanent "we have also celebrated the pursuit of excellence at Diwali Foundation USA Chair Ranju Batra in her Representative of Tunisia to the UN Mohamed Khaled the UN.' "We annually honor those who have made comment on the occasion dwelt on the history of Khiari,former Permanent Representative of Slovenia exemplary contributions in upholding the values that Diwali Foundation and the 7-year struggle to have the to the UN Andrej Logar, Azerbaijan's former envoy to the United Nations stands for," he said, congratulating Diwali Commemorative Stamp issued. the UN Agshin Mehdiyev, Vietnam's former UN colleagues who have stood up for the timeless Speaking about the Power of One Award, Ranju said Permanent Representative to the UN Nguyen Phuong spirit of Diwali. Noting that Diwali is observed as a "Today's slate of exceptional world class diplomats Nga and Thailand's former Permanent Representative floating holiday at the United Nations, with no official have well-earned the Award - by their lifetime of to the UN Virachai Plasai. meetings scheduled for the day, Akbaruddin said principled efforts to help enhance peace & security by The co-organizers of the awards this year were the celebration of Diwali at the world organization "has their many victories of "Good" over "Evil," and Permanent Missions of Belarus, Georgia and India to also evolved as an expression of our collective "Light" over "Darkness." Whatever the UN Charter the UN, along with 32 co-sponsors, including the commitment to promote peace, prosperity, justice and dreams of, the Diwali Foundation USA's Power of One Permanent Missions of Albania, Algeria, Armenia, dignity for all as enshrined in the UN Charter and Awardees have helped to make it a reality! Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Cyprus, Kazakhstan, Universal Declaration of Human Rights.' 'At a more Ravi Batra, in his remarks honoring the four Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, personal level, Diwali is a time to turn inward and awardees, said that "the world needs diplomacy, and Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, Viet Nam introspect. It is a time to rekindle the light of excellence in diplomacy can, and does, enhance peace and the Permanent Observer Mission of State of knowledge and truth in our heart and to dispel the and security by preventing the start of, or bringing to Palestine. dark forces of ignorance," Akbaruddin said. an end, our present-day endless wars.' Ranju Batra (With inputs from PTI ) In his message, India's Consul General in New York had spearheaded efforts for nearly seven years to get a THE INDIAN PANORAMA 4 NY/NJ/CT / IA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan promise to give 99% of their Amneal Pharmaceuticals wealth to charitable initiative NEW YORK (TIP): Mark like scientists, teachers, doctors, who among major Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO and his are really in the business of changing wife, Priscilla Chan, have said they lives. "There are a lot of philanthropies pharmaceutical would donate 99% of their wealth to the that try to bring capital, right? And help Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) - fund important work. But there aren't companies under Among other things, CZI is seeking to that many that have the capability to control and eliminate all human build tools to empower different folks Federal diseases, and also improve the quality of who are on the front lines," he said. The education - The donation is necessary as couple then said that because getting all Investigation the couple said that the tools that would those tools cost a lot, they would be LONG ISLAND, NY (TIP): help people like teachers and scientist giving the initiative almost all their Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , an achieve their goals are very expensive wealth. Chan said that one of the things American publicly traded generics Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, the initiative is trying to achieve is to and specialty pharmaceutical and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have said map out all the cells of the human body company headquartered in that they would donate 99% of their in the proper elimination of diseases. Bridgewater, New Jersey and with a earnings to the Chan Zuckerberg The biggest social media CEO also facility in Long Island is among one Initiative (CZI). It should be noted that Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan spoke about how parenting changes the of the six major pharmaceutical CZI is one that is targeted at using its Photo / CBS Screenshot way one sees life, saying that it makes companies against whom Federal resources to deal with all human in the project during an interview with seeing the world with hope. "When prosecutors in Brooklyn have diseases and improve education in the CBS . you're about to have a new child, it's just launched a criminal probe over the world. They stated their resolve to put Zuckerberg complained about how - you're so filled with hope about how opioid crisis. that whopping amount of their income there are no tools to empower people things can go," he said. The US Attorney's Office in Brooklyn has issued grand jury subpoenas to manufacturers Teva Anjani Sahay has been appointed India's Pharmaceutical Industries, Mallinckrodt, Johnson & Johnson and Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc. Ambassador to Republic of Mali and distributors AmerisourceBergen NEW DELHI / NEW YORK(TIP): New Yorkers remember Corp. and McKesson Corp., according Anjani Sahay as a very amiable person at the Permanent to documents that the companies filed Mission of India to the United Nations. Extremely popular with the Securities and Exchange with the Indian American media community, Anjani was Commission. always eager to be communicative and welcoming. According to the filing of one of the He has been named India's Ambassador to Republic of companies, Teva, it got a subpoena Mali. Recently, he made a courtesy call on President of from Brooklyn prosecutors in August India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, before taking up the for what "the company understands to assignment as India's Ambassador to the Republic of Mali. be part of a broader investigation into Mr. Sahay told The Indian Panorama that he felt deeply manufacturers' and distributors' grateful to Rashtrapati Ji for the audience. monitoring programs and reporting He added that he felt honored to be chosen for the job under the Controlled Substances Act." which entails huge responsibilities . A spokesman for the US Attorney's The Indian Panorama is proud of its association with Mr. Mr. Anjani Sahay, India's Ambassador to Republic of Mali called on Office in Brooklyn declined to Sahay and wishes him all the best. President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind comment. The issuance of the subpoenas to the companies was first The reported by the Wall Street Journal. Michael Bloomberg Making up for billionaire has The companies are already the hired 300 so targets of lawsuits filed by state and far to work on his campaign local governments alleging that they the Lost Time: Frenzied Hiring hold the blame for an opioid epidemic Photo / that has killed hundreds of thousands NEW YORK (TIP): Mike Bloomberg is digital research & engagement, according Twitter of people over the last two decades, making up for lost time - just two weeks to a release from Bloomberg's team. Last @Bloomberg though the companies have denied after his late entry into the Democratic week he announced his departure from the any wrongdoing. presidential primary, the former New York company on Twitter, teasing his next role Earlier this year, the US Attorney's City mayor has hired more than 300 people as being "at the intersection of my passions Office in Manhattan charged the so far to work on his campaign. The self- for tech and politics." worked as chief of staff to the deputy Rochester Drug Cooperative with funded multi-billionaire recently tapped He will work alongside Gary Briggs, the campaign manager of Beto O'Rourke's breaking federal narcotics laws under nearly 100 staffers to fan out across 15 states Facebook executive who was named failed presidential campaign, as his deputy the Controlled Substances Act, the as he pursues his unorthodox strategy of Bloomberg's chief marketing officer. states director. first time in the US that a skipping the four early voting states and The former mayor, who has a long record And days before California Sen. Kamala pharmaceutical company was hit zeroing in on Super Tuesday on March 3. of funding Republicans as well as Harris dropped out of the race, Bloomberg with charges that are normally used His headquarters on Manhattan's tony Democrats, has already spent more than picked up her staffer Kelly Mehlenbacher, to go after drug traffickers. Upper East Side employs more than 200 $100 million on ads for his campaign. who handled operations for Harris' In September, Gov. Andrew Cuomo people, including familiar faces from his And he's got the cash to outspend his embattled bid. Mehlenbacher worked on and the state Department of days in City Hall. Former deputy mayors opponents many times over. When he Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign and is Financial Services announced that Kevin Sheekey and Patti Harris are his entered the race on Nov. 24, Forbes Bloomberg's deputy chief operating officer. the state is suing drug manufacturers, campaign manager and chair, respectively. calculated his wealth to be $54.1 billion. As Other new hires include former aides to accusing them of defrauding New Among his recent hires is Jeff Glueck, of Thursday evening it had climbed to a Hillary Clinton's 2016 race - Brynne Craig Yorkers of $2 billion for peddling CEO of Foursquare, a mobile app that cool $55.6 billion. Team Bloomberg is also will be senior adviser, Carlos Sanchez is opioids that they knew were allows users to virtually check into bars picking off the carcasses of fallen national political director and Jason dangerous. and restaurants. Glueck, who cut his teeth Democratic candidates as he bulks up his Rodriguez was named deputy political in Silicon Valley, will work as director of team. He is naming Cassandra Henry, who director. (Source: Politico) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 5 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 6 US FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 US House panel approves impeachment charges against Trump PROTECT RIGHTS WASHINGTON (TIP): House of Representatives committee approved charges of abuse of power and OF MINORITIES, obstruction against Republican President Donald Trump on Friday, URGES US December 13, making it almost certain he will WASHINGTON (TIP): The US A deeply divided House Judiciary is "closely following" the Committee voted 23-17 along party lines developments after India amended to approve an article of impeachment its citizenship law, a senior official charging Trump with abusing the power has said. Washington has urged of his office to pressure Ukraine to New Delhi to protect the rights of investigate a possible rival in the 2020 its religious minorities in keeping presidential election, Democrat Joe with the country's Constitution Biden. and democratic values. The panel also backed a second article The contentious Citizenship by the same margin accusing Trump of (Amendment) Bill was passed by obstructing Congress' investigation of the Lok Sabha on Monday while the Ukraine scandal by ordering Trump will be the third President in US history to be impeached the Rajya Sabha cleared it on administration officials not to cooperate Wednesday, December 11. with the impeachment inquiry. million in US security aid to Ukraine and sexual relationship with a White House The newly amended law The full House, where the Democrats offering a possible White House meeting intern, but he was acquitted in the facilitates the grant of citizenship hold a majority, is likely to approve the to Zalinski to get him to publicly Senate. to non-Muslim persecuted charges next week, completing the announce the investigations of Biden Democrat President Andrew Johnson minorities from Bangladesh, impeachment process and sending and his son Hunter, who was on the was impeached in 1868 but not convicted Pakistan and Afghanistan. Trump for trial in the Senate within board of a Ukrainian gas company. in the Senate. "We are closely following weeks. But the Republican-led chamber Trump also asked Ukraine to Republican President Richard Nixon developments regarding the is unlikely to vote to find the president investigate a debunked theory that resigned in 1974 before he was Citizenship Amendment Bill. guilty and remove him from office. Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the impeached over his involvement in the Respect for religious freedom and In raucous hearings, Republicans have 2016 US election. Watergate scandal. equal treatment under the law are defended Trump and accused Democrats Trump and Republicans say the Trump is running for re-election in fundamental principles of our two of a politically motivated farce, while president did nothing improper in his 2020, a contest expected to be a bitter, democracies," a State Department Democrats have accused the president of call with Zalinski, and that there is no partisan battle with a Democratic spokesperson said on Thursday. endangering the US.Constitution, direct evidence he withheld aid or a nominee who will be chosen next year. "The US urges India to protect the jeopardizing national security and White House meeting in exchange for a Biden, a former vice president, is among rights of its religious minorities undermining the integrity of the 2020 favor. the leading Democratic contenders. in keeping with India's election by pressuring Ukrainian A senior Democratic aide said the The impeachment inquiry was Constitution and democratic President Volodymyr Zalinski in a July House tentatively plans to hold an launched in September after a values," the spokesperson said. phone call to investigate Biden. impeachment debate next Wednesday. whistleblower complaint about the July (Source: PTI) The abuse of power charge also Democrat Bill Clinton was impeached 25 call between Trump and Ukraine's accuses Trump of freezing nearly $400 in 1998 for perjury for lying about a Zalinski. (Source: Reuters) IRS: Recent legislation requires tax exempt organizations to e-file forms Those who previously filed paper forms IRS, Attn: Request for 8872 Password, Mail electronic filing of Form 990-EZ, Short will receive a letter from the IRS Stop 6273, Ogden UT 84201; Fax (855) 214- Form Return of Organization Exempt informing them of the change. Filing 7520. Organizations can file electronically from Income Tax. For tax years ending deadlines vary by form type. The IRS will using the IRS website at IRS.gov/polorgs. Aug. 31, 2020, and later, Forms 990-EZ must postpone the required e-filing of Form 990- FORM 990 AND 990-PF E-FILING be filed electronically. Generally, Form EZ for one year, while optional e-filing Under the legislation, most e-filings 990-EZ is for organizations with annual continues to be available. Although Forms won't be due before Dec. 15, 2020, from gross receipts less than $200,000 and total 990-T and 4720 will come under the e-filing charities and other exempt organizations assets at tax year-end less than $500,000. WASHINGTON(TIP): The Internal requirement next year, the IRS will that generally file Form 990 or 990-PF by PAPER FORMS 990-T AND 4720: In Revenue Service said today that the continue to accept these forms on paper the 15th day of the fifth month after the 2020, the IRS will continue to accept paper Taxpayer First Act, enacted July 1, pending conversion to electronic format. tax year-end. In other words, Forms 990 forms that are pending conversion into requires tax exempt organizations to FORM 8872: The IRS will no longer and 990-PF with tax years ending July 31, electronic format. These include Form electronically file information returns accept paper Forms 8872 reporting on 2020, and later MUST be filed 990-T, Exempt Organization Business and related forms. The new law affects tax periods after 2019. Forms 8872 reporting electronically.Form 990 and 990-PF filings Income Tax Return, and Form 4720, exempt organizations in tax years information for periods starting on or for tax years ending on or before June 30, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under beginning after July 1, 2019. after Jan. 2020, will be due electronically 2020, may still be on paper. In the case of a Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal The following IRS forms are by Section 527 organizations. These short tax year or certain other Revenue Code. The IRS plans to have included in the mandate: include political parties, political action circumstances detailed in the 990 or 990- these returns ready for e-filing in 2021 Form 990, Return of Organization committees and campaign committees of PF Instructions, the IRS will continue to (reporting on tax year 2020). Exempt from Income Tax. candidates for federal, state or local office. accept paper filing as its systems are yet The Taxpayer First Act aims to expand Form 990-PF, Return of Private Among other requirements, most tax- unable to receive these forms and strengthen taxpayer rights and to Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Trust exempt political organizations have a electronically. More information on reform the IRS into a more taxpayer Treated as Private Foundation. requirement to file semiannual, quarterly software providers is available at IRS.gov. friendly agency. The legislation requires Form 8872, Political Organization or monthly reports on Form 8872. To file FORM 990-EZ TRANSITION RELIEF the agency to develop a comprehensive Report of Contributions and electronically,the organization must have : For small exempt organizations, the customer service strategy, modernize its Expenditures. the username and password it received legislation specifically allowed a technology and enhance its cyber Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership from the IRS after electronically filing its postponement ("transitional relief"). For security. More information on the Income (if filed by a Section 501(d) initial notice (Form 8871). To replace a tax years ending on and before July 31, Taxpayer First Act is available at IRS.gov. apostolic organization). username or password, please contact: 2020, the IRS will accept either paper or (Press Release) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 NY / NJ/CT 7 Sri Niketan Organizes International Music Festival 8-year-old students Thaarun and Tharuni Recite Shlokas at the opening Ceremony

NEW YORK (TIP): The performance by dozens of Biplab Mukherjee sang Raga Sudhha Sarang and internationally renowned artists at the International Komal Aangi Kafi and Tarana and after that divine Music Festival organized by Sri Niketan, a sister of the song. He totally mesmerized the audience with his decades old Shikshayatan run by Purnima Desai, one melodious voice. of the best known promoters of Indian classical music Part two , the afternoon session saw great sarod and dance traditions, cast a soothing spell on the player Apratim Majumdar with Amit Chatterjee on audiences who applauded the performances by music Tabla give a stellar performance. Their Jugalbandi was maestros and dance performers. unique which won applause from the audience. The daylong program at the Ganesha Temple Apratim Majumdar sang Raga Jatagi and Kirwani. auditorium in Flushing, Queens was imaginatively Pandit Sanjoy Banerjee accompanied by Namami crafted. Opening ceremony was shloka recitation by 8 years old students Thaarun and Tharuni.

The morning session started with a renowned Odissi dancer Kaberi Sen who performed very graciously and left a great impression on the audience. Kaberi ji's fist Karmakar on harmonium sang Raag Madhuwanti, performance was Surya Pranam and the second was Raag Kafi, and a Meera Bhajan . Anandi Pallavi. The music was composed by Anjan Sixteen students from Chandrika Kurup , principal Saha and dance choreographed by herself. She ended instructor and choreographer of Noopura Institute the performance with Moksha. ofIndian classical dance s, performed various classical After that Anjan Saha , a renowned Sitarist dances of India like Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi and accompanied by top Tabla artist Amit Chatterjee gave a Mohini Yattam. They stole the hearts of all with their splendid performance. Anjan Saha sitarist: Alaap, Jod extraordinary performances. Their first performance Vilambit Gat and Drut Gat in Teen Taal in Raag Sindhu was Pushpanjali; second item was Shanmuga Bhairavi followed by Jhala, then Dhun in Raag Mishra Kautuvam in which the dancers praise Lord Murugha. Pilu. The third item was Neeradha in Mohini Yattam style Biplab Mukherjee a, top class vocalist sang classical and the fourth was Tillana. and light songs in his sweet voice. He was accompanied Abhik Mukherjee a well-known sitarist and Jay sang a bhajan in Raga Bhairavi (maa bhavani dayani) by Anirban Chakraborty on harmonium and Dibyarka Gandhi on flute had the best Jugalbandi. In the third and she also sang another bhajan (araj suno mori banke Chatterjee on tabla. round . Abhik Mukherjee and Jay Gandhir sang Raaga bihari) written and composed by her. She is a disciple Puria Dhyaneshri. of Ustad Amir Khan and Pandit Pratap Narayan. Kankana Banerjee a very famous vocalist sang ragas A Manipuri Dance by Sanjib Bhattacharya with his accompanied by Dibyarka Chatterjee. Kankana ji sang troupe mesmerized the audience. It was a creation of Raga Bageshri (par karo mori naiya prabhuji) in Guru Bipin Singh. Along with Jagannath Leiranjam, Vilambit Taal Jhumra followed by Drut Teen Taal ( Krishnakali Dasgupta and 3 local new students guniyana aage sir jhukau) and then a Meera Bhajan presented Yugal Nartan, Kanduk Tanum, Pung Cholom, (payoji maine ram ratan dhana payo.). Kankana also Radha Roop Varnan, Manjira Nnartan, Dhole Cholam, Geet Govind, Mridang Vadan. they showcased traditional Raslila, Pravandha, Festival and Sankirtan (drum-pung and dhol) tradition of Manipur. The entire program was admired by one and all in the audience. All artists were recognized for their extraordinary performances. The Sangeet Mahotsava will long be remembered for the variety of artists and their soulful presentations. (Based on a Press Release) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 8 EDITORIAL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 AS I SEE IT

By Anupama Roy In the name of a majority The reality of imposing a national order of things, through a CAB and an he Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB), passed in both Houses this NRC, in non-national spaces will unfold in future but Assam has given us Tweek, promises to give the adequate evidence of the risks involved. It can only be hoped that the protection of citizenship to non-Muslims judiciary and civil society are able to restore constitutional and who fled to India to escape religious democratic politics through an exercise of counter-majoritarian power persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and in a context where electoral gains have determined political choices. Afghanistan. While religious persecution is a reasonable ground for protection, the year, Amit Shah had promised an NRC in March 24, 1971. The purpose of the NRC is problem with the CAB is that it does not West Bengal, but only after the passage of to sift out 'foreigners' and 'illegal migrants', include all communities that suffered the CAB to ensure that no Hindu, who were referred to at different points as religious persecution, and explicitly Buddhist, Sikh, Jain and Christian refugee 'infiltrators' and 'aggressors', and a threat excludes Muslims who suffered is denied citizenship for being an illegal to the territory and people of India. persecution in the specified countries and immigrant. In a triumphal note after the EXEMPTING MINORITY GROUPS other non-Muslim majority countries like passage of the CAB in Lok Sabha, Mr. The second strand emerging from the identify them on the ground of religion. Myanmar. Shah declared that a nationwide NRC 2003 amendment has taken the form of the The notifications of September 2015 and This majoritarian notion of religion- would follow soon. CAB, which exempts 'minority July 2016, which changed the Passport and based citizenship, although intrinsic to the Despite their seemingly disparate and communities', Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Foreigners Acts, had mentioned the term Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s idea of adversarial political imperatives, the CAB Jains, and Christians, from three 'religious persecution'. The consideration India, is not shared by the majority of and the NRC have become conjoined in countries - Bangladesh, Pakistan and of religious persecution for making a people in this country. In addition, such a their articulation of citizenship. Indeed, Afghanistan - from the category of 'illegal distinction among persons, the JPC view is alien to the constitutional the two represent the tendency towards jus migrants'. The CAB brings the citizenship argued, could not be discriminatory, consensus which emerged in 1950, sanguinis in the citizenship law in India, law in line with exemptions already made because the distinction was both embodying the idea of a people who which commenced in 1986, became in the Passport Act 1920 and Foreigners intelligible and reasonable - satisfying the committed themselves - and those definitive in 2003, and has reached its Act 1946 through executive orders in standards laid down in the Supreme Court governing on their behalf - to a culmination in the contemporary moment. September 2015 and July 2016. It sets a cut- judgment in State of West Bengal vs. constitutional order. Those in support of In 2003, the insertion of the category off date of December 31, 2014 as the date of Anwar Ali Sarkarhabib (1952) to affirm the CAB have rallied around the argument 'illegal migrants' in the provision of eligibility of illegal migrants for adherence to Article 14. that it is non-discriminatory and its citizenship by birth became the hinge exemption. TEST OF REASONABLENESS objectives are justifiable. In doing so, they from which the NRC and the CAB later It must be noted that a PIL filed by the The JPC appears, however, to have have often invoked the moral imperative of emerged. Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha pending overlooked the substantive conditions that correcting a perceived past wrong - in this The Citizenship (Registration of before the Supreme Court has contested the Supreme Court laid down in the same case the Partition. In the process, the CAB Citizens and issue of National Identity the deviation in the cut-off date set for verdict. These require that the criteria of changes completely the idea of equal and Cards) Rules of 2003 made the registration Assam by the Citizenship Amendment Act intelligibility of the differentia and the inclusive citizenship promised in the of all citizens of India, issue of national 1986, March 24, 1971, from the date reasonableness of classification, must Constitution. identity cards, the maintenance of a specified in Article 6 of the Constitution, satisfy both grounds of protection CHANGES IN CITIZENSHIP LAW national population register, and the i.e., July 19, 1948, which applies to the rest guaranteed by Article 14, i.e., protection The CAB cannot, however, be seen in establishment of an NRC by the Central of the country. The CAB is applicable to against discrimination and protection isolation. It must be seen in tandem with government compulsory. Under these entire India and takes the cut-off date against the arbitrary exercise of state the National Register of Citizens (NRC) rules, the Registrar General of Citizen forward by several years. power. In 2009, the Delhi High Court and other changes in the citizenship law, Registration is to collect particulars of The claim that the CAB does not violate judgement in Naz Foundation vs. which have preceded it. The Home individuals and families, including their the Constitution is reflective of the Government of NCT of Delhi referred to "a Minister and the Law Minister have citizenship status, through a 'house-to- recommendations of the Joint catena of decisions" to lay down a further clarified that the CAB and the NRC are house enumeration'. In an exception to the Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The JPC test of reasonableness, requiring that the distinct - the NRC protects the country general rule, Assam has followed a was advised by constitutional experts to objective for such classification in any law against illegal migrants and the CAB different procedure of 'inviting use a broader category, 'persecuted must also be subjected to judicial scrutiny. protects refugees. This, however, is applications' with particulars of each minorities', to protect the Bill from the (Anupama Roy teaches at the Centre for incommensurate with the election family and individual and their charge of violating the right to equality in Political Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University) speeches made by BJP leaders. For citizenship status based on the NRC 1951 Article 14. The CAB uses the category (Read full article on instance, speaking in Kolkata earlier this and electoral rolls up to the midnight of 'minority communities' and goes on to www.theindianpanorama.news) GUEST COMMENT The day of Boris: Labour lost because it fought a Brexit he decisive victory the Conservative Party clinched in TThursday's elections to election as if it were just another general election Parliament gives British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who built his campaign was to consolidate the pro-Brexit vote, England that had overwhelmingly voted relationship with the EU. Mr. Johnson around the promise to "get Brexit done", get a fresh mandate in Parliament and to leave in the 2016 referendum. has promised to finish the negotiations a clear mandate to take the U.K. out of then quicken the divorce process. The Mr. Johnson is now confident that he during the 11-month transition period, the European Union without further Labour Party,on the other side, has been could push his withdrawal agreement but it could take years. Lastly, more than delay. Initial results show that his party ambivalent on the question of Brexit. through Parliament at the earliest so Brexit, the poll results pose is set to win 364 seats in the 650-member Mr. Corbyn promised another that Britain could leave the union before administrative and constitutional House of Commons, the greatest referendum and declined to state what the January 31 deadline. But a big challenges to the Prime Minister. In performance of the Conservatives in his position would be during that vote. victory or a timely exit does not mean Scotland, the Scottish National Party's over three decades. The Labour, led by His focus was on the economy. He that the road ahead is smooth. His Brexit landslide victory - it is poised to win 48 veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, is promised a radical expansion of the agreement itself is controversial; once out of the 59 Westminster seats - has expected to win 203 seats, its worst state, with plans to tax the rich, increase implemented, it could erect an effective already rekindled calls for a second performance in decades. It is Mr. public spending and nationalizeutilities. customs border between Britain and the referendum on Scottish independence. Johnson's victory. He is the one who The Labour leader may have hoped that island of Ireland. The question is what This will put the SNP on a warpath with called for an early election after reaching his radical economic agenda would cut impact Mr. Johnson's deal will have on the Tories who are opposed to a new a new divorce deal with the EU. He through the Brexit narrative. But it did the Good Friday agreement that brought referendum. Mr. Johnson might go down turned the poll into a de facto Brexit not. In the end, Labour fought a Brexit peace to Northern Ireland and to the in history as the Prime Minister who referendum, arguing that only a stable election without articulating a clear unity of the Kingdom in general. took the U.K. out of the EU. But at what Conservative government could take the position on Brexit. Unsurprisingly,it lost Second, a more difficult part of the cost is the question. The answer will be U.K. out of the EU quickly and end the even its traditional working class Brexit process is negotiating an known in bits and pieces in the coming lingering political standoff. His strategy districts in the Midlands and north of agreement on the U.K.'s future days. (The Hindu) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 PERSPECTIVE 9 Impeachment Hearing Helped President Trump Make Significant Political Gains in Electoral College States Fortunately, for President Trump, the USeconomy is very robust with unemployment at 3.5%, 50 year low, wages are going up, and the minorities - blacks, Latinos, and the Asians all have a record employment. By Ven Parameswaran resident Trump's national average approval is now at 45%, a gain of 5%. PIn electoral college States of The Constitution Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio he is scoring from 48% to 52%, again a has made the significant gain. This must be read with President of the the national polls against impeachment at 51%. United States Chief of the All the leading contenders for the Executive Branch, Democratic Party Presidential race were Pelosi, Schiff and Trump beating President Trump before the conventional Presidents, Trump has been media have succeeded in exposing the Commander-in-Chief and impeachment hearings. Now Trump is slow in planting his own loyal political Presidency of the United States. This has the most powerful official beating all of them including Joe Biden, appointees as ambassadors . Adam Schiff created a serious national security problem Sanders, Warren and others by a margin of has selected junior level bureaucrats for President Trump. American people and in charge to protect and 5%. Polls are changing fast daily in favor disloyal to President Trump to give the voters cannot be fooled. Now because of President Trump because of testimony. These witnesses have no of the public hearing, public opinion is defend the United States. impeachment. credibility. Secondly, they testified in favoring President Trump. No head of the Therefore, President of the The question is -Why? secret. There was no witness who had foreign governments will have confidence direct contact with Trump. In other words, and trust in President Trump because of USA, though not above the The two articles for impeachment have Adam Schiff was manufacturing alleged the fear that their communications would law, has every right to no basis. The Democrats have failed to abuses of Trump administration. be leaked. The Democrats have succeeded marshal evidence.It is a political Trump in his telephone communication in arrest of foreign policy making. initiate and conduct impeachment which is strictly partisan. with the Ukraine President was seeking a President Reagan ended 50- year cold war foreign relations as he Not a single Republican or Independent is favor for the United States and not for with the Soviet Union. Now the Democrats in favor of impeachment. Impeachment of himself personally. He did not say "Do me a have forced Trump to start a cold war with deems fit. I have reviewed Nixon and Clinton was bipartisan and favor". Adam Schiff has twisted this and Russia. Why? the history of American provided tangible evidence. misquoted him. Adam Schiff read a made SPEAKER PELOSI COMPROMISES Another reason, the process has been up of Trump's phone transcript. WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP BY GIVING Presidents from Franklin D called a sham because Adam Schiff, Before the United States extend military SUPPORT FOR TRUMP'S USMCA Chairman, Intelligence Committee held a aid to Ukraine, President Trump has every TRADE PACT REPLACING NAFTA. Roosevelt to Donald J secret proceeding and did not allow the right to investigate corruption in Ukraine WHY? Trump. Whatever Republicans to call witness or participate to make sure our aid is not wasted. In fact, Nancy Pelosi is concerned that she may fairly giving equal time. Whistle blower Obama had delegated his V.P.to investigate not be able to woo all the Democrats to vote President Trump has done was misused by Adam Schiff. He and or his corruption in Ukraine long before the 2016 for impeachment. Those new Democrats in respect of Ukraine has staff had been consulting with the election. His son was given a job with a elected from Trump's 2016 constituencies Whistleblower and concocting an artificial salary of almost a million dollars per year are not fully sold on the impeachment many precedents. Every basis for impeachment. Thus, Adam Schiff because of Biden's official position as Vice because it is 100% partisan and even some President has used foreign having first relied on the Whistleblower to President. In 2016, Biden was not a Democrats had voted against inquiries for start the impeachment has abandoned that candidate for election. He started running impeachment. To pacify them and curry policy as a weapon and source without giving any reasons. for the Primaries in 2019 and nobody knows their favor, it became politically expedient The Constitution has made the President he would be a candidate. Kamala Harris for Nancy Pelosi to compromise with based on quid pro quo. of the United StatesChief of the Executive was running but she is no longer a Trump although it would help Trump President Trump decided Branch, Commander-in-Chief and the most candidate. Therefore, accusing Trump that politically. Thus, politics has come to gutter powerful official in charge to protect and he was trying to get dirt on Biden is wrong. level! Inasmuch as the national poll is to suspend military aid to defend the United States. Therefore, As soon as the hearings started in public, going against impeachment, Nancy Pelosi Pakistan to pressure them President of the USA, though not above the public opinion changed in favor of Trump. is not sure today how the 2018 elected law, has every right to initiate and conduct Biden's son himself has admitted on TV democrats would vote. to withdraw their support foreign relations as he deems fit. I have during an interview that he was able to get If the present trend continues, it is of Taliban in Afghanistan reviewed the history of American such a highly paid job because of his dad's possible that Trump's approval rating will Presidents from Franklin D Roosevelt to position. So, Trump is trying to prove that keep going up steadily and he could become and curb the home-grown Donald J Trump. Whatever President Biden and his son are involved in the a very formidable opponent in 2020. The Trump has done in respect of Ukraine has corruption in Ukraine. trials in the Senate chaired by Supreme terrorists of Pakistan such many precedents. Every President has Ever since Trump became duly elected Court Chief Justice Roberts will also result as Lashkar-e-Taiba and used foreign policy as a weapon and based President, he has not been allowed to in giving Trump frost on his cake. on quid pro quo. President Trump decided function and discharge the duties of the Fortunately, for President Trump, the others. Pakistan has not to suspend military aid to Pakistan to President of the United States. He has been USeconomy is very robust with delivered and therefore is pressure them to withdraw their support of hampered 24/7 by the mainstream media unemployment at 3.5%, 50 year low, wages Taliban in Afghanistan and curb the home- orchestrating against him with the are going up, and the minorities - blacks, has been deprived of grown terrorists of Pakistan such as Democrats using the leaked information. I Latinos, and the Asians all have a record military aid. I can cite Lashkar-e-Taiba and others. Pakistan has have been an eyewitness to American employment. The problem for the not delivered and therefore is has been history from President Eisenhower to Democrats today is they have not yet been many examples. Trump is deprived of military aid. I can cite many present. No President has had to go thru able to identify a winning candidate. succeeding in trade examples. Trump is succeeding in trade what President Trump has been subjected Hillary Clinton wants to run again because negotiations because of quid pro quo. to from day 1 because of non - she claims she is more popular and superior negotiations because of The Democrats and the holdovers from stopinvestigations. When the Democrats to all the current candidates. There is so Obama administration have been leaking failed to catch Trump in Mueller much uncertainty in the Democratic camp. quid pro quo. secrets to the media. In the name of investigations they resorted to political But, surely,no such thing with Trump. investigations, Trump administration has impeachment! (Ven Parameswaran, Scarsdale, N.Y. was been forced to share secrets with the PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS BEEN President & CEO, First Asian Securities investigators and the Congress, who have EMPEROR WITHOUT CLOTHES Corporation, NYC. been leaking to the media. Unlike the The Democrats and their mainstream His email: [email protected]) THE INDIAN PANORAMA 10 SOUTH ASIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019

15 killed as fire engulfs passenger bus in Pakistan protest: Police hunt PM Imran Pakistan ISLAMABAD (TIP): At least 15 Khan’s nephew over deadly hospital riot people were killed and one other was injured when fire engulfed a passenger LAHORE (TIP): Police in Pakistan bus following its head-on collision say they are seeking to arrest PM Imran with a van in Pakistan's Balochistan Khan's nephew for taking part in a province on December 13. violent protest at a hospital in which The incident took place when the three patients died. van's driver lost control of the vehicle Lahore police raided Hassan Niazi's and hit into the bus coming from the residence and say he may now be hiding. opposite direction in Kan Mehtarzai Mr Niazi was among several hundred area of Zhob district, an official told lawyers who ransacked a city hospital in Xinhua news agency. a dispute with doctors. Riot police had to The van was carrying smuggled be called in to restore order. Iranian oil and the fire erupted in it as Images of lawyers - in suits and ties - soon as it hit the bus. assaulting staff and damaging property The big fire also engulfed the van prompted shock and condemnation. and reduced both vehicles into ashes Photos and videos of Hassan Niazi before rescue teams managed to were widely shared on social media, as arrive, the official said. people lined up to criticise the lawyers. The 44-seater bus carrying 14 people Mr Niazi has admitted taking part in including the driver was on its way to the violence at Lahore's Punjab Institute Quetta from Dera Ghazi Khan district, of Cardiology (PIC) and said on Twitter connection with the violence. demanding Mr Niazi's immediate arrest. while there were two people aboard the he regretted it. The authorities have not explained More than 80 lawyers were arrested van, the official added. From his uncle, who tweets often, what happened after he was detained, over the hospital attack, and 46 have Both people on the van and 13 people there has been no mention of the furore but a spokesman for the city's police been remanded in custody. Lawyers on the bus were burnt beyond over his family's link to Wednesday's chief said Mr Niazi had been identified called a nationwide strike on Friday, recognition while one of the violence. through video footage and was now angry at police treatment of their passengers saved his life by jumping Mr Khan's nephew is prominent in being sought. colleagues in Lahore. off but received serious injuries. footage of the attack, and can be seen "His residence in Lahore was raided by But headlines, editorials and social An investigation regarding the van participating in physical assaults as well the police last night and also this media outrage suggested they were out driver and smuggled oil was underway. as an arson attack in which a police van morning to arrest him, but he was not of step with others in the country. - IANS was set on fire. found there and has possibly gone into One article in Dawn newspaper The lawyer and human rights activist hiding," the spokesman, Waseem Butt, described the attack as "a stain on our Bangladesh SC rejects was held soon afterwards by police and told BBC Urdu's Shahzad Malik. collective humanity". Other Khaleda’s bail petition was seen being escorted out of the area. Many are questioning this account. commentators said it was a new low for So there was surprise when his name Some wonder whether he was freed Pakistani society's sinking levels of DHAKA (TIP): Bangladesh did not appear in the police report listing because he is related to the prime tolerance which is giving way to mob Supreme Court on December 12 those lawyers facing court action in minister. Opposition politicians are justice. (BBC) rejected BNP chief Khaleda Zia's bail petition in a corruption case, delaying the release of the ailing former prime minister from the jail. A six-member bench of the China grips Sri Lanka with Appellate Division of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Syed Mahmud rejected 74-year-old Zia's appeal artificial island off Colombo against an HC order that turned down her bail plea in the Zia Charitable COLOMBO (TIP): China, no stranger Trust corruption case. “Dismissed,” to building islands, has finished one off the bench ruled after hearing the the coast of Colombo that gives Sri arguments from both sides. — PTI Lanka, a strategically located South Asian nation, the potential of erecting a 13 killed in B’desh futuristic business hub. plastic factory fire Billed as Port City Colombo, the 269 hectares of land reclaimed off the coast DHAKA (TIP): At least 13 people of Sri Lanka's largest city was officially were killed and 21 others critically declared part of the country last injured in a devastating fire that weekend. The night sky above Colombo's ripped through an illegal plastic coast lit up with fireworks to mark the factory in Bangladesh, police said on moment this Chinese-led venture was December 12. The fire swept through formally able to begin attracting foreign - a port, airport and highways. Asia's premier residential, retail and the Prime Patent Plastic Limited on investors. Port City Colombo will not join this business destination," as the company Wednesday afternoon at Keraniganj, Seasoned observers reckon the island list; the FDI project comes at no financial states in its promotional material. on the outskirts of Dhaka, the police will further deepen China's economic cost to Sri Lanka. Financial analysts in Colombo reckon said. Of the injured, 13 workers died ties with debt-strapped Sri Lanka, where The project began in September 2014, that Port City Colombo's location will and 21 others were being treated for India, the U.S. and Japan are also vying when Chinese President Xi Jinping first allow it to draw Indian businesses. At the injuries at the Dhaka Medical College for influence. visited Sri Lanka. It involved China company's road show in Mumbai, India's Hospital on Thursday, the report said. But it was China that provided the $1.4 Communications Construction financial capital, one message was "Many of the injured are still being billion investment to dredge the sea and Company, the giant developer and most driven home -- that the new hub is a treated nd are not out of danger," burn build the artificial island. It is the largest active builder when it comes to Sri three-hour flight away. unit's director Samontalal Sen said. foreign direct investment project ever Lanka's BRI projects, through an But as CHEC Port City Colombo points The Fire Service and Civil Defence undertaken in Sri Lanka. affiliate, China Harbor Engineering toward its goal of attracting a further $13 brought the blaze at the factory under Diplomatic sources in Colombo say Company (CHEC). Officials at CHEC billion in property development control around 5:45pm on Wednesday Port City Colombo stands apart from Port City Colombo, a company floated by investments, it awaits some action in the after it originated around 4:30pm, the other big-ticket ventures in the country, CHEC for this venture, are targeting Sri Lankan parliament, which needs to agency's Director General Sazzad a big beneficiary of China's belt and road investors from the Middle East, India, pass several pieces of legislation, Haustoria said. - PTI largesse. Billions of dollars in Chinese Southeast Asia and China in their including one to make the island a loans have resulted in a slew of projects - endeavor to turn the island into "South special economic zone. (Asian Review) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 ADVERTISEMENTS 11 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 12 US FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 Chapman University and USCIS Announces Implementation of Loyola University Venues for Two-day Conference Electronic H-1B Registration Process

focused on quantum WASHINGTON (TIP): U.S. allocations after the initial mechanics and its implications Citizenship and Immigration registration period closes and no Services announced on December later than March 31, 2020. 6, 2019 a requirement for Prospective petitioners with employers seeking to file H-1B cap- selected registrations will be subject petitions, including those eligible for the eligible to file a cap-subject petition only for the alien advanced degree exemption, to first electronically named in the registration. register and pay the associated $10 H-1B registration fee Once the H-1B registration system has been before filing a petition for the fiscal year 2021 H-1B cap. implemented, and when registration is required, the USCIS will open an initial registration period agency will not consider a cap-subject petition properly from March 1 through March 20, 2020. filed unless it is based on a valid registration selection o During this initial registration period, prospective for the same beneficiary, and the appropriate fiscal year. SACRAMENTO (TIP): Chapman University and petitioners or their authorized representatives must Additionally, although petitioners can register multiple Loyola University held a two-day conference focused electronically submit a separate registration naming aliens during a single online submission, duplicate on quantummechanics and its implications. The first each alien for whom they seek to file an H-1B cap- registrations for the same beneficiary in the same fiscal day of the conference, "Copenhagen Interpretation subject petition. year will be discarded. andBeyond" was held on October 18th at Chapman o If a sufficient number of registrations are received, (Read full story on University, where different views of we will randomly select the number of registrations quantummechanics including the Orthodox projected as needed to reach the H-1B numerical www.theindianpanorama.news) interpretation of quantum mechanics were presented. Asecond day of general audience participation entitled "Reimagining Consciousness: AConversation IRS selects new advisory council members for 2020 Across Physical and Life Sciences" was held on October 19th at LoyolaMarymount University, WASHINGTON (TIP): The Internal Association Tax Section, the Women's Bar focusing on two interdisciplinary panels and popular Revenue Service announced December 12 the Association and the Chicago Bar Association talks by Drs. JohnHagelin, and Deepak Chopra. appointment of 12 new members to the Alliance for Women. The conference honored Dr. Henry P. Stapp of Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council. KELLY MYERS - Myers is a tax consultant Lawrence BerkeleyNational Laboratory for his The IRSAC, established in 1953, is an with Myers Consulting Group, LLC, in Owens outstanding contribution to the field of quantum organized public forum for IRS officials and Crossroads, Ala. He is a member of the mechanics. Thetechnical presentations were representatives of the public to discuss National Association of Enrolled Agents, the interspersed with informal discussion, remarks and various issues in tax administration. The National Association of Tax Professionals, openparticipation, including questions and answers council provides the IRS commissioner with the National Society of Accountants and the with the presenters. Topics include the meaning ofthe relevant feedback, observations and National Society of Tax Professionals. Copenhagen Interpretation; Orthodox view of recommendations. It will submit its annual JOSEPH NOVAK - Novak is vice president quantum mechanics; alternative views;observation report to the agency at a public meeting in Nov. 2020. of taxes for Abbott Laboratories in Abbott Park, Ill. and measurement in quantum mechanics; collapse of The IRS strives to appoint members to the IRSAC who Novak has served in Abbott's corporate tax organization the wave function;complementarity and biological represent the taxpaying public, the tax professional since 2004 in a variety of roles, including leadership extensions. community, small and large businesses, tax exempt and positions in the income tax accounting, transfer pricing, Participants and speakers included Drs. Jose Acacio government entities and information reporting planning and compliance groups. He is a licensed De Barros, San Francisco State University;Yakir interests. certified public accountant and member of the Tax Aharonov, Chapman University; John Hagelin, The following persons were appointed to serve Executives Institute. Maharishi University of Management;Menas Kafatos, ROBERT PANOFF - Panoff is a tax attorney in Chapman University; Ruth E. Kastner, University of three-year appointments on the council Miami. He is past chair of both the tax section and the Maryland, College Park;Ulrich Mohrhoff, Sri beginning in 2020: continuing legal education committee of the Florida Bar, Aurobindo International Center of Education; Henry WALTER "TED" AFIELD - Afield is director of the past president and current member of the Greater P.Stapp, LawrenceBerkeley National Laboratory; Eric Philip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic and Miami Tax Institute, and member of the Miami Strauss, Loyola Marymount University; Daniele associate clinical professor of law at Georgia State International Tax Group. He is a recipient of the tax Struppa,President of Chapman University; Neil University in Atlanta. He is a member of the American section's Gerald T. Hart Outstanding Tax Attorney of the Theise, New York University School of Medicine, Bar Association Tax Section, the Florida Bar Association Year Award. aswell as students, other faculty and the general and the Atlanta Bar Association. NANCY RUOFF - Ruoff is the Statewide Payroll and public. MARTIN ARMSTRONG - Armstrong is vice Collections Manager for the State of Kansas in Topeka, Sponsors and donors included an Anonymous president of Payroll Shared Services with Charter Kan. She is a certified public accountant and member of donor; Ashok Narasimhan; Navin and PratimaDoshi; Communications, Inc., in Charlotte, N.C. He is also the American Payroll Association's Strategic Payroll the California Institute for Integral Studies; the Center currently the accounting and finance area chair for the Leadership Tax Force Government/Public Sector of Excellence in Earth Systems, Modeling and University of Phoenix. Armstrong is a member of the Subcommittee and the National Association of State Observations, Chapman University; the Center of American Payroll Association and the National Comptrollers' Payroll Information Sharing Group. Urban Resilience at LoyolaMarymount University; the Association of Tax Professionals. KATHERINE SUNDERLAND - Sunderland is Nalanda Consciousness Network; the Office of the SHARON BROWN - Brown is a partner with Barclay assistant general counsel of tax law at the Investment President,Chapman University; and the Wallis Damon LLP in New York. She is a member of American Company Institute in Washington, an association Annenberg PetSpace.The members of the Organizing Bar Association Tax Section and Affordable Housing and representing regulated funds globally. She is also Committee of the conference were Menas C. Kafatos, Community Development Section, the New York State involved in OECD's Business Advisory Group to the ChapmanUniversity (chairman); Debashish Banerji, Bar Association and the National Association of Bond OECD's projects on the Common Reporting Standard CIIS; Navin Doshi, Loyola Marymount University;and Lawyers. (CRS), Tax Relief and Compliance Enhancement Eric G. Strauss, Loyola Marymount University. ROBERT HOWREN - Howren is tax (TRACE) and the Digital Economy. Besides a rich discussion of physics and biology director/assistant treasurer for BlueLinx Corporation in KEVIN VALUET - Valuet is senior payroll consultant topics as they relate to quantum mechanics, Marietta, Ga. He is a member of the Tax Executives for PayTech, Inc. He is a member of the American theconference approached issues of consciousness Institute, the American Institute of Certified Public Payroll Association Government Relations Task Force, and the mind as they relate to nature. Means Kafatos, Accountants and the Georgia Society of CPAs. Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force and Fletcher Jones Endowed Professor at Chapman DENISE JACKSON - Jackson is the vice president of Certification Item Development Task Force. University asked the panelists of one ofthe two panels tax preparer development with the State Employees' The 2020 IRSAC Chair is Diana Erbsen, a New York- held at LMU "Quantum Consciousness: a new model Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C, where she supervises and based tax partner at DLA Piper. She previously served as for the physical world" intheir views is consciousness coordinates the training program for over 3,000 tax deputy assistant attorney general for appellate and secondary (i.e. a by-product of physical processes)? Or preparers for the credit union's 267 branches. She is an review for the tax division of the U.S. Department of primary(beyond the physical universe). The clear enrolled agent and CFP practitioner. Justice from Nov.2014 until Jan. 2017. Erbsen has been an choice of the panelists was the second one. KATHLEEN LACH - Lach is a partner in the business IRSAC member since 2018. (Based on a Press Release) and finance department of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr For more information on IRSAC, please visit the Facts LLP, in Chicago. She is a member of the American Bar page on IRS.gov. (Press Release) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 US 13 Legendary Poet Kaifi Azmi Remembered At His Centennial Birth Anniversary Washington Aligarh Alumni Pays Tributes At Annual International Mushaira AMU VC Mansoor and Javed Akhtar among the participants

DR. ZAFAR IQBAL, PH.D media personnel, and more than 400 people were WASHINGTON (TIP): Javed Akhtar, legendary Urdu present in the event. Mrs. Zakia Jafri (widow of Mr. poet, lyricist and former Member of Parliament of Ehsan Jafri) came from New Jersey and many others India recited the above few lines of his poem, paying from Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New ParticipatingPoets. From L to R: Aalok Srivastava, Javed tribute to Mr. Kaifi Azmi. Since the Mushaira honored York, Texas, and Massachusetts traveled for this Akhtar, and AMU VC Tariq Mansoor, the birth centenary of the late Kaifi Azmi, the opening memorable event. event was a brief session in which Ms. Ambareen Dr. Abdullah, who has over the years polished and Ambar addressed questions about Kaifi's life and legacy mastered the art of piloting these literary gatherings to Javed Akhtar. Javed Akhtar's responses were with great dexterity, conducted the Mushaira. His scholarly, informative and entertaining, enlivened with introductions of individual poets showcased a some anecdotes based on his first-hand knowledge of delightful fusion of wit and knowledge. the iconic poet. Mr. Afzal Usmani served as the emcee for the evening, The 45th Annual International Mushaira was while Dr. Razi Raziuddin, the current president, organized by the Aligarh Alumni Association, welcomed the guests and poets. Professor Tariq Participating Poets . From L to R: A. Abdullah, Sabiha Saba, Washington DC (AAADC) on Saturday, 16th November Mansoor, vice-chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University Humera Rahman, Ambareen Amber, and Parveen Shere 2019 in Rockville Maryland. The AAA-DC is a non- (AMU), was the chief guest and came from Aligarh to speaker at the event organized by the Association on

Groups with AMU VC Mansoor profit organization, and as one of its objectives is to attend the festivities. In his brief remarks, he 17th November 2019. preserve and promote Urdu language in North enlightened the audience on the steady progress the Dr. Mansoor is an academician, a medical practitioner America, it has been organizing annual Mushaira in University had achieved in various academic fields in and had served as the principal, Jawaharlal Medical Washington metropolitan area since its inception. Kaifi recent years. College and Hospital at AMU, before taking over as the Azmi participated in its annual Mushaira in 1988, and Tarana team lead by Mr. Masood Farshori sang AMU vice-chancellor. Professor Mansoor recounted the again in 1992 when the Association organized an event Tarana with great passion and the zeal which is a current status of various academic programs and laid in his honor. signature of AMU Alumni across the globe. out his vision of the future. He expressed pleasure at the Javed Akhtar, Ambareen H Amber, A. Abdullah, Sir Syed Day Lecture and Dinner: Every year, the ranking assigned to AMU by the national and Aalok Shrivastava, Humaira Rahman, Sabiha saba, AAA-DC hosts the Sir Syed Day lecture and dinner to international agencies that placed it among the top tier Parvin Shere, Qaiser Abbas, Razi Raziuddin, and honor the historic contributions of the founder of AMU of national institutions. He revealed that the University Mohammad Jaweed entertained the audience with to lifting the morale of Indian Muslims and pushing had added a new hall of residence for women to their poetry. Dr. Tariq Mansoor, Mr. & Mrs. Sethu them to acquire modern, secular education in order to encourage their admissions and named it after Sir Madhavan (Embassy of India), Dr. Arathi Krishna (NRI succeed in the new order unfolding at that time. The Syed's mother, Begum Azizun Nissa. Professor Mansoor Official), Mr. & Mrs. Tejbir Kohli (Air India), Association invites a prominent scholar from the realm was introduced by Mr. Suhail Farooqui, a local Ambassador & Mrs. Islam Siddiqi, representatives of of academia, journalism or politics to talk about some entrepreneur, and community activist. Mr. Mohsin community organizations in the Metropolitan Area aspects of Sir Syed's mission as applicable today. This Khan, Secretary AAA-DC, acted as the compere for the (AIM, GOPIO, NCAIA, UKAA, Hindi Association, etc.), year, Professor Tariq Mansoor was the invited keynote evening. The session concluded on a vote of thanks by Dr. Frank Islam, a well- recognized philanthropist, and businessman. The success of these programs involved tireless efforts of the numerous volunteers who worked behind the scene, without seeking or expecting any recognition. (Report by Dr. Zafar Iqbal.Dr. Syed Amir and Mr. Afzal Usmani contributed to this report. Photographs / courtesy Dr. Rafat Husain and Mr. Afzal Usmani) Audience THE INDIAN PANORAMA 14 INDIA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 Rahul Gandhi’s ‘rape in India’ remark stirs heated exchange

NEW DELHI (TIP): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members of Parliament on December 13 WON'T APOLOGISE, SAYS RAHUL (Friday), the last day of the current NEW DELHI (TIP): Congress Winter Session, sought an apology leader Rahul Gandhi refused to SABARIMALA: WAIT from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi apologise amid controversy over his who, taking a jibe at the 'Rape in India' remark after Union FOR LARGER BENCH TO government’s ambitious Make in Minister Smriti Irani and other India campaign at an election rally women MPs demanded an apology in Jharkhand a day before, said this from the Congress leader. DECIDE, SAYS SC wasn’t happening and instead, Both the Houses of the Parliament NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court (SC) “wherever you look, it is Rape in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha refused to pass any order on petitions seeking India”. witnessed ruckus after women MPs protection for women to visit the Sabarimala temple Both houses witnessed demanded Rahul Gandhi's apology. in Kerala. disruptions over the comment. Speaking to media, Rahul Gandhi “The situation at the moment is explosive. We don’t In the Lok Sabha, some BJP said, "he will not apologise...". want any violence,” a Bench headed by Chief Justice members, including Union minister Further clarifying on the issue, of India SA Bobde told senior advocate Colin Smriti Irani, suggested that Rahul Gandhi said, "the prime minister always talks about 'Make in Gonsalves, representing Rehna Fathima, after he Gandhi’s remark was an invitation India' so we expect to see news about that but when we open newspaper complained that the Kerala Government was not to rape women in India. what do we see are cases of rapes." allowing women to enter the temple. “This is the first time in history Rahul Gandhi added that PM Modi and BJP wants to divert attention “The practice has been going on for thousands of that a leader and the son of the from the protests happening in the northeast over the Citizenship years. Balance of convenience requires that no order Gandhi family is giving a clarion Amendment Act. should be passed in your favour now. The matter is call that Indian women should be The Congress leader also took to his Twitter account and targeted PM under reference and if it is ultimately decided in your raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi’s Modi demanding his apology over the protest in the northeast, favour, we will protect you,” the Bench said, message to the people of the destroying India's economy. maintaining that the matter had already been country?” Irani said. "I have a clip in my phone in which Narendra Modi ji is calling Delhi referred to a seven-Judge Bench. Outside the Lok Sabha after the a 'rape capital', will tweet it so that everyone can see. Just to deflect House was adjourned sine die, attention from protests in North East, this is being made an issue by Budget 2020 likely to be Gandhi clarified his remarks and BJP," Rahul added while speaking to media. mounted a counter attack on the presented on February 1, BJP and the Prime Minister. s soon as the House assembled leading personality of the Congress “The main issue today was that after the first adjournment, defence party has described India as not Economic Survey on January 31 the BJP and PM Modi have set the minister Rajnath Singh rose to say ‘Make in India’ but ‘Rape in India.’ North-east on fire [over the members who made comments This is very serious.” NEW DELHI (TIP): Union Budget for 2020-21 may citizenship amendment Act]... It [such as the one Gandhi had made] BJP MP Saroj Pandey demanded be presented on February 1 and the Economic Survey [the fracas over the comment] was do not have the moral right to be in that Gandhi should apologise for his is likely to be on January 31, Finance Ministry an attempt to deflect attention,” he the House. By then, Gandhi was remarks. Rajya Sabha chairman sources said. said. “It is Prime Minister Modi present in the Lok Sabha. and vice president of India, In the Economic Survey 2019 which was presented who should apologise for destroying Singh, who is also the deputy Venkaiah Naidu, however, on July 4, a day before the General Budget on July 5 the economy, for snatching jobs leader in the Lok Sabha, said cautioned many MPs that they after the Modi government started its second innings from the youth and an older video Gandhi’s comments have not only could not take the name of the in the government, the focus was on “What India where he called Delhi the rape hurt the House but the entire person who is not a member of the needs to become a $10 trillion economy by 2030. India capital (of India),” Gandhi said. country. Demanding an apology House, before adjourning the House needs to spend 7-8% of its GDP on infrastructure In the Lok Sabha, after demands from Gandhi, Singh said that when for half an hour. annually to becoming a $10 trillion economy by 2030”. for an apology from Gandhi were BJP members Ananth Hegde and At Thursday’s election rally in This will be the first time after 2015-16 when the raised by the treasury bench, Niranjan Jyoti made controversial Jharkhand, Gandhi took a swipe at budget will be presented on Saturday. Congress members said the remarks, they expressed regret in the government over the spate of “Tradition will continue,” Parliamentary Affairs government was trying to divert the House. sexual assault cases in the country. Minister Prahlad Joshi said earlier on Friday when attention from the violent protests But Gandhi, who is a Lok Sabha “Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked about whether the government would continue in north-eastern states [over the member from Kerala’s Wayanad, used to say ‘Make in India’ but with the tradition of presenting the budget on the Citizenship Amendment Act] and turned down the demand. “I am nowadays wherever you look, it is first day of February or will there be any change as countered the BJP’s charge by never going to apologise to them,” ‘Rape in India’. In Uttar Pradesh, the first day of February 2020 is Saturday, a non- seeking justice for Unnao rape said the 49-year-old Congress leader. Modi’s MLA raped a woman, then working day. victim. The Rajya Sabha also saw she met with an accident but Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla first disruptions and protests over Narendra Modi did not utter a Satisfied with report saying no adjourned the House for half-an- Gandhi’s remarks. Sonal Mansingh word,” he said in reference to the hour at 11:30am and then for 15 raised the issue and said, case against legislator Kuldeep J&K minors detained, says SC minutes at 12pm. “Yesterday, in a public meeting a Sengar. NEW DELHI (TIP): A fact-finding inquiry by the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court found allegations of the Nirbhaya rape case: Tihar jail asks UP for 2 detention of children in the wake of the August 5 abrogation of Article 370 to be untrue, the Supreme Court said Friday, adding that it was satisfied with hangmen amid speculation of execution process undertaken by the committee. Justice N V Ramana, heading a three-judge bench, NEW DELHI (TIP): The Tihar punishment and are not left with any to sources, mentioned that some said the four HC judges of the committee had Jail in Delhi has asked Uttar constitutional and legal remedy," convicts in the jail were awarded “personally visited each jail. They spoke to many Pradesh to provide two hangmen on Kumar said. capital punishment and their legal children also” and reported that “there is nothing of short notice, amid reports that four "As they were aware that we have and constitutional remedies had the sort as alleged… that no such instance has taken men convicted in the Nirbhaya rape- two hangmen in UP, they asked us to been exhausted. place”. The bench, also comprising Justices R and-murder case may be executed provide them whenever needed on Six people were convicted for Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai, was hearing a petition soon. short notice," the ADG (Prisons) brutally raping and murdering a 23- by child rights activists Enakshi Ganguly and Shanta Uttar Pradesh's Additional added. The prisons department had year-old paramedical student in a Sinha, who contended that security forces had Director General (Prisons) Anand received a request in this regard moving bus while she was on her detained children in J&K after August 5. Kumar told reporters on Thursday from the Tihar administration way back home on December 16, The court said it did not want to sit in review over that the department is ready to through fax on December 9. 2012. She died from her injuries but the exercise undertaken by the four HC judges and provide the hangmen. The letter, however, makes no the brutal gang rape sparked a disposed of the plea, giving liberty to the petitioners "There are no hangmen with the mention of the convicts to be hanged nationwide fury that led to a new to approach the appropriate forum in case they had Tihar Jail administration for those but states there may be legislation to deal with such heinous any grievance with individual instances. who were awarded capital requirements. The letter, according crimes. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 INDIA 15

FM NIRMALA SITHARAMAN Key bills passed in winter ON FORBES 100 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN LIST session of Parliament NEW DELHI (TIP): Finance Minister Nirmala NEW DELHI (TIP): The Sitharaman, HCL Narendra Modi government firmly Corporation CEO and pushed big-ticket reforms and Executive Director Roshni legislation with deep social Nadar Malhotra and implications in the winter session Biocon Founder Kiran of Parliament, taking advantage of Mazumdar-Shaw have a fragmented Opposition that been named among the couldn’t muster enough members to world's 100 most powerful challenge the ruling coalition’s women by Forbes. moves in the Rajya Sabha (where The Forbes 2019 list of the BJP-led NDA doesn’t have the 'The World's 100 Most numbers). Powerful Women' has been topped by German The session (it was also the Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by President of historic 250th one of the Rajya the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde in the Sabha), set new records and second spot and Speaker of the US House of discussed raging issues including Representatives Nancy Pelosi, ranked third. Also on the economic situation, air years with a daily average of 9.5 after the winter session ended, the list is Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pollution and data privacy. questions orally replied to on the Birla hoped that “by 2022, when we (29). The BJP-led government’s floor of the House. The Upper celebrate 75 years of Independence, "In 2019, women around the globe took action, business didn’t get affected despite House’s chairman Venkaiah Naidu our effort is to have a new session claiming leadership positions in government, losing the party’s most trusted ally, described the session as one marked in a new building of Parliament.” business, philanthropy and media. These trailblazers the Shiv Sena, in the aftermath of by “seriousness and brevity” and He also said that as a new measure, are not to be messed with," Forbes said. the Maharashtra election. Sena, noted it was “perhaps the first time” the Lok Sabha Secretariat emailed Sitharaman, a newcomer on the Forbes most which joined hands with when two consecutive sessions of as many as 3,700 video clips of powerful women list, is ranked 34th. India's first Nationalist Congress Party and the the Rajya Sabha showed high speeches to respective members, female finance minister, Sitharaman has also served Congress to form the government, productivity. which they can use in their as the country's defence minister. however, didn’t oppose the The Lok Sabha, for the first time constituencies. Sitharaman is the first female to hold the portfolio controversial amendments to the since 1972, got all 20 questions While the focus of the parties full time. Before this, former prime minister Indira citizenship law even as it remained orally replied to by ministers on remained on the amendments to Gandhi briefly took the additional charge of the a vocal critic of the Modi one day during the Question Hour. the Citizenship Act, two ministry. government’s other policies. In the previous session, the first ordinances—on banning e- Nadar Malhotra is ranked 54th on the list. As CEO The government managed to pass of the new Lok Sabha, there was cigarette and lowering corporate of HCL Corporation, she is responsible for all The National Capital Territory of 135% and 100% utilization of time tax—were replaced by bills. The strategic decisions for the USD 8.9 billion technology Delhi (Recognition of Property in the Lower House and the Upper government also brought the company. Rights of Residents in House respectively according to Industrial Relations Code that Unauthorised Colonies) Bill. It also PRS Legislative Research. In the effectively thwarts trade unions brought the Industrial Relations current session, the corresponding and a new law to handle emerging Code Bill, The Personal Data numbers are 115% and 99%. challenges to personal data Protection Bill and the Code on Birla pointed out that he didn’t protection. The Centre also Social Security bill. adjourn the House except for one amended the SPG act to cover only Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya occasion (the uproar over Lok the PM and his (or her) family for 5 Sabha performed well despite Sabha member Pragya Thakur’s years. The amendments came after occasional disruptions. While the remarks) and said that in future, he the Centre decided to withdraw the Lower House under Speaker Om would ask bureaucrats and experts elite force’s cover for Congress Birla continued its new-found zeal to brief MPs about upcoming president Sonia Gandhi, Rahul to work overtime, the Rajya Sabha legislations. Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had its best Question Hour in 49 Addressing a press conference Vadra.

Why Modi govt has printed SC JUNKS AYODHYA REVIEW PETITIONS

lotus on Indian passports NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court has dismissed all 18 petitions seeking review of its NEW DELHI (TIP): The guidelines. November 9 Ayodhya land dispute case verdict that Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) The Congress party has paved the way for construction of Ram Temple at the has said that the new 'lotus' symbol questioned Modi government over disputed site by giving the 2.77-acre site to Ram Lalla. on Indian passports is part of replacement of 'Lion' with 'Lotus' A five-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice of enhanced security features meant symbol on Indian passports. India SA Bobde, that considered the review petitions to identify fake passports. "This Congress MP MK Raghavan alleged during in-chamber proceedings this afternoon, symbol is our national flower and that "lotus emblem" was being rejected all. part of the enhanced security printed on new passports. He said The Bench, which included Justice DY features to identify fake passports," such passports had been issued in Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice S MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar his Kozhikode constituency. Abdul Nazeer and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, didn’t find said. Raghvan said that the lotus any merit in the review petitions. With regard to a The External Affairs Ministry symbol was printed inside a petition filed by 40 activists, the top court said those also added that the government rectangle on the page near passport who were not part of the Ayodhya case proceedings would be using other national officer's signature and seal. He said could not be allowed to file a review petition. symbols 'on rotation' for the same the matter was highlighted by one “We have carefully gone through the review purpose. "Apart from lotus, other of the newspapers and alleged that petitions and the connected papers filed therewith. national symbols will be used in this was a case "further We do not find any ground, whatsoever, to entertain rotation, right now it is lotus, and saffronisation". Lotus is the party the same. The review petitions are, accordingly, then next month there will be symbol of the BJP. dismissed,” the Bench said. something else. These are symbols Raising the matter in the Lok A five-judge Bench of then CJI Ranjan Gogoi, connected with India such as Sabha on Wednesday, Raghvan Justice SA Bobde (current CJI), Justice DY national flower and national demanded the immediate Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S anthem," he said. Kumar added the introduced as part of International withdrawal of such passports and a Abdul Nazeer had on November 9 given the 2.77-acre new security features were Civil Aviation Organisation high-level inquiry into the matter. disputed land to Ram Lalla. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 16 BOLLYWOOD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 ALIA BEATS DEEPIKA TO BECOME ASIA’S SEXIEST WOMAN IN UK POLL ollywood star Alia Bhatt has been voted as the Sexiest Asian Female for the year 2019, with fellow actor MARDAANI 2 TO BE BDeepika Padukone being crowned sexiest for the decade in an online poll released in London on Wednesday. RELEASED WITHOUT Topping the annual list, released by UK-based weekly Eastern Eye, rounds off a dream year for Alia Bhatt, which PROMOTIONAL SONGS included acting awards as well as starring in India’s official 2020 Oscar entry Gully Boy. “I’ve always believed that true ani Mukerji on Wednesday said beauty goes beyond what is seen and that is what really that her upcoming crime-drama counts,” said Bhatt, who said she was “flattered” by the RMardaani 2 would release without votes. “We’ll grow older, our appearances will change, but a promotional songs as the film strives to good heart will always keep you beautiful and that is really deliver a strong social message about what we should focus on,” said the 26-year-old actor. crimes against women. The Sexiest Asian Female list is based on online votes, "We wanted to protect the sanctity of media coverage, impact and heat generated across various our message and not do any marketing social media platforms.Eastern Eye entertainment editor gimmicks like shoot a promotional song and founder of the list, Asjad Nazir, said: “There is no one on just to get more conversions and more a bigger role than unstoppable star Alia Bhatt and nothing eyeballs. We felt this would be will prevent her from dominating the next decade of counterproductive to what we wanted to commercial Hindi cinema as the queen of Bollywood. achieve," said Mukerji during a press “More than a movie star she is a powerful symbol of girl conference. "When at one hand we are power, who is a representation of the empowered modern trying to deliver a powerful message, we day woman.” Padukone, the topper of the 2018 list, comes in couldn't have recorded and shot a music at second place for 2019 but holds on to her crown for the video because that would have diluted the decade. The highest-placed TV star Hina Khan is ranked intent of the film," the actor added. third in the 2019 list. Fourth-placed Mahira Khan holds on to According to the makers of the film, her title of the sexiest Pakistani woman on the planet for a they wish to communicate about the fifth year in a row and is also named sexiest Pakistani of the serious issue and do not wish decade. promotional songs to cause any “I am so grateful to all my fans who continue to vote for me disturbance during the film. every year. This one is for a decade of love, ups and downs, The thriller will see Rani in a race support and magic. I have never considered myself sexy, but against time to capture a brutal serial I believe when you do you - that’s sexy. And I hope I can rapist who systematically targets women. continue to do just that,” she said. The top 10 for 2019 include Rani plays the role of the fearless and Surbhi Chandna (5), Katrina Kaif (6), Shivangi Joshi (7), Nia committed Superintendent of Police, Sharma (8), Mehwish Hayat (9) and Priyanka Chopra (10). Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 2. VIDYA BALAN ANNOUNCES SHAKUNTALA DEVI RELEASE DATE WITH A MATH PROBLEM idya Balan will soon be seen as math wizard Shakuntala Devi aka ‘human computer’ in a biopic. VThe actor announced the release date of the film in a video posted on Instagram, but not before teasing fans with a math problem first. “Hi, everyone! I have some exciting news to share. The release date for Shakuntala Devi has been decided and it will release in exactly 148 days from now,” she said in the clip. “Kya hua? Calculation nahi kar paa rahe? Kya laga, SONAKSHI SAYS HER BOND Shakuntala Devi hoon, aise hi bata dungi? Chalo, one more try. (What happened? Unable to calculate? Did you think WITH SALMAN GOES BEYOND Shakuntala Devi would give you the answer just like that? Okay, one more try),” she added. PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP Vidya gave fans yet another math problem – “A date onakshi Sinha understands that the fate of a film which is a number 8, when added with the month and year is not in one's hands and audience is the final number, again adds up to 8” – before relenting and Sjudge, but that doesn't deter her from getting revealing the answer in emojis. Shakuntala Devi will nervous before the release of a new project. release on May 8, 2020. "Every film has its own journey in your life, and Shakuntala Devi was nicknamed “human computer” for holds importance. I do get nervous before a release, like her ability to make incredibly complex calculations within anyone," Sonakshi told IANS when asked if she has the seconds. She even made it to the 1982 edition of the same amount of anxiety almost a decade later, as she Guinness Book of World Records for her achievements. had when her first film released. "I learned quite early In an earlier interview with PTI, Vidya said that she was in my career to not take it too seriously,since the fate of “extremely excited” to bring the journey of Shakuntala a film is not in your hands. You do your best and give Devi to celluloid. “ She was truly someone who embraced your 100 per cent and rest is up to the audience her individuality, had a strong feminist voice and braved eventually," she added. many a naysayer to reach the pinnacle of success. But what Sonakshi, daughter of actor-turned-politician truly fascinates me is that you wouldn’t normally associate Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha, entered a fun person with math...and she completely turns that Bollywood with Salman Khan's Dabangg in 2010. She perception on its head,” she said, going on to call her “one credits Salman for making her realise her "true of the most inspiring women of this country.” calling". THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 HOLLYWOOD 17 KENDALL JENNER GETS INTO THE HOLIDAYSPIRIT

endall Jenner, 24, looked ready for the holidays when she attended the Calvin Klein Pajama Party Kin New York City on December 11. The supermodel put her insanely toned abs on full display in a red plaid pajama set featuring high-waisted skinny leg flannel pants with a matching sports bra. She topped her look-off with black leather mid-calf lace-up boots and Wonder Woman 2 Shoot tucked her pant legs inside of them. As for her glam, she kept her brown hair down and straight, while she parted Left Gal Gadot Knackered the front in the middle and slicked back both sides of her al Gadot says Wonder Woman 1984 hair behind her ears. Extra long lashes and a clear glossy was more physically gruelling for lip completed her flawless look. Gher than its 2017 predecessor, and Kendall has never looked better and lately, she’s been she suffered many spine injuries during looking more gorgeous than ever if that’s even possible. the making of the film. Gadot is back as Just the other day, on Dec. 6, Kendall was out in Miami the titular superhero with the new film when she looked flawless in a tight nude David Koma that is set in the '80s, taking a time leap of Embellished Stretch-Crepe Dress with crystal spaghetti over 60 years. Patty Jenkins is also back as straps and metallic tinsel trim. She topped her look off the director, and so is Chris Pine, who with a pair of gold Ellie Vail Londyn Lock Earrings and reprises his role of Steve Trevor. Amina Muaddi Begum PVC Pumps. Gadot said the entire shoot was hard but Meanwhile, the day prior, on Dec. 5, she looked sexier believes it was all "worth it". "I have found than ever in a tight, strapless snakeskin corset Nicolas myself with many different spine injuries Lecourt Mansion Bustier Top with a pair of skintight, because shooting this movie [was tough]. high-waisted black leather pants. Her snakeskin top put But, at the same time, it was worth it," she her shoulders and collarbone on full display while the said. Speaking at the Comic Con corset cinched in her insanely tiny waist. Plus, her tight Experience in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Gadot black skinny leg pants hugged her long, lean legs and she said she has forged a close bond with topped her look off with a pair of Yeezy PVC Wedge Jenkins, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Thong Sandals. As for her glam, she parted her jet black "She's one of my closest friends and it's hair in the middle, leaving it down and straight, while a hard for me to say no to her. Also, she has metallic brown smokey eye and glossy nude lip a great will." completed her look. REESE WITHERSPOON WAS TOLD TO ‘DRESS SEXY’ FOR AUDITION

KIM KARDASHIAN RECREATES JURASSIC WORLD AT SON

ollywood actress Reese 'You've got to go meet with the studio SAINT’S 4TH BIRTHDAY BASH Witherspoon says she cannot head because he will not approve you. Hbelieve the things she did to He thinks you really are your merican TV personality and daughter True, who was filmed jumping get roles when she was younger, character from Election and that businesswoman Kim Kardashian along with her cousins in a large bouncy insisting young stars today would you're repellent'," Witherspoon said. AWest along with her family on house in a sweet Instagram Story video rebuke any manager who told them to "And then I was told to dress sexy. Saturday (local time) celebrated son shared by the 'Revenge Body' host. "dress sexy" for an audition. The And you're 23, you have a baby at Saint's fourth birthday with an epic The 39-year-old star also shared actress told hollywoodreporter.com home, you need the money and you're dinosaur-themed bash. Saint, who is the several snaps of her children playing that she once had to meet an being told that by people who know oldest son of Kim Kardashian and Kanye together at the party,including one video unnamed studio head, who believed what they're doing." West, turned 4 on Thursday. that showed the birthday boy wearing a Witherspoon was like Tracy Flick, "It's funny to think of all the things According to People magazine, in festive dinosaur mask. her super-serious, overachiever we were told to do back then, because addition to the rest of the reality star's In the video, Kardashian was seen character in the 1999 film "Election" - now you're thinking, 'Oh God, if children - 22-months-old daughter calling out Chicago who was scared and and she was told to dress somebody told my daughter to do Chicago, 6-years-old North and 5-month began to move away."Look at Saint as the "appropriately", reports aces. that, she'd be like, 'I really hope you're old son Psalm - the party was also dinosaur, Don't be scared. It's just your "My manager called and said, joking.' attended by Khloe Kardashian and her brother with a mask," she said. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 18 THEATER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 'The Gospel of John'at The Sheen Center BY MABEL PAIS "It's much better if one tries in one's actions to be a kind, decent "The Gospel of John:" Among DC Metro Theater's human being. That's much better than being a prideful theologian Top 10 Christmastime Shows in NYC" who thinks he or she is sure of the nature of the Divine." Ken Jennings, Conceiver- Presenter-Performer, Broadway's Award Winner "One of the best Christmas shows in NYC this holiday season." - Time Out New York

elebrate this Christmas Season with Sheen Center's (at 18 CBleecker Street, New York City) "The Gospel of John," conceived and presented by award-winning Broadway veteran Ken Jennings ("Sweeney Todd," "Grand Hotel," "Side Show"). Jennings Ken Jennings in "The Gospel Of John." Photos / Maria Baranova, 2019 brings the Gospel alive on stage - in just 90 minutes, with no intermission. Broadway performance of Sondheim's more specific than the others. So, I've So, in this case they hear an hour and The play is directed by John musical in 1979 and you won several always felt that this was a 1st hand forty minutes of the Gospel of John, Pietrowski (Artistic Director of awards for your performance. account. straight through from beginning to Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey). How is this production "Gospel of So this Gospel has always been the end. So, I love it when people have said The play has a limited seasonal John" different from the most meaningful to me. Even for me, that to me because that's enough for me engagement, several times a week, performances you have done in the many years ago, when I was reading the to aspire to the way the Holy Spirit will until December 29. past? 1st 4 chapters of The Last work in the listener, the person. To go The "Gospel of John" features scenic I'm purposely not approaching this as Supper….those 4 chapters seem to be beyond that, is far beyond me. My design by Charlie Corcoran, lighting an actor (although I've been an actor written by a man who was actually whole idea was to tell it in a way John design by Abigail Hoke-Brady, costume for 53 years). Well….this one is there at that dinner table and actually himself would have first told it. design by Tracy Christensen, and probably the most unique because it's heard what was said. It's more so than Why did you think it would be sound design by M. Florian Staab. as if I'm not acting at all. The whole any of the Gospels….this seems to be a appropriate for The Sheen Center? For more information on the Sheen idea… John The Evangelist this would first-hand account. The first time I did it was at my Center or the presentation or for have been a time when any of this was Would you call yourself a devout Spirituality Reunion Day for the Class tickets, visit SheenCenter.org or call not written down and he would have Catholic. Share with us how of 1965 at my old high school in Jersey 212 925 2812. told these stories as part of an oral Catholic and Jesuit school and City. (Then) I had done it for free in a Ken Jennings, between his tradition. College have influenced your life? number of churches, but very presentations of "The Gospel Of John" So I thought that's the way I should Oh yes! I love this phrase: there was a intermittently. at the Sheen Center, spoke to Mabel tell this….not to play it as an actor or a priest who said about (former parish I always thought it might be Pais. character; because John wasn't an of) St. Elizabeth of Hungary. I love the appropriate for the Sheen Center. The You begin your presentation with actor. As John says in his first Epistle way this priest stated this: we are Sheen Center is the Arts Center for the "What we saw with our eyes, what we Christians in the Catholic tradition. So, Archdiocese of New York. But I didn't these words: touched with our hands…." He's first and foremost, I'm a Christian, but know that I would be able to get it in "In the beginning was the Word, and speaking of the personal experience he a Christian in the Catholic tradition. there, get them even interested in it. I'm the Word was with God. And the Word had with Jesus and he's telling the So I like that. My whole family, my really glad that The Sheen Center came was God….And the Word became flesh audience about these experiences that background is 1st generation Irish, a to learn of this. So, this is perfect. This and dwelt among us, full of grace and he had. Catholic family. All my family is still is a Christian topic. This is essentially truth: we have beheld his glory….(John When I played Tobias Ragg I was under British jurisdiction in northern Christian, one of the seminal works in 1:1,14) certainly playing a character. I was Ireland. My family actually has ties to Christian literature. So, it's perfect for What is your understanding of assuming the characteristics of a being militantly Catholic, and them. these words of John the Evengelist? character…the accent, the wimp….that justifiably so with all the troubles and How do you keep your "In the beginning was the Word……." kind of thing I purposely avoid when things. So, I prefer identifying myself, presentation fresh at every That's a direct reference to Genesis. I'm doing the Gospel of John. This is a first and foremost, as a Christian is in performance? There are some scholars who think that man who's simply saying to the the Catholic tradition. That's not hard at all for me. Don't John the Evangelist was actually one of audience….look I was there. I saw these The Gospel of John is a solo forget, when I've done the big Broadway the Jewish High Priests. That's why things, I experienced these things and performance on a very Catholic shows I've done, I've had much more he's so familiar with the Old I'm going to tell you about them. It's subject. What do you hope the rehearsal than I've had for this, much Testament. And, that is a direct that simple and direct. audience will take away from your more in trips. Often, I've gone out of reference to the 1st book of the Old You have said, "I've always had an performance at the Sheen Center? town with the shows. Sometimes, I've Testament, the Book of Genesis which affinity for John, which has always I would disagree on… a very Catholic played out-of-town for a while, at first, starts with "In the beginning"….and, I seemed to truly be a firsthand subject. I had a Presbyterian pastor the and I've had many more previews. So, think it starts….chaos was moving narrative by a man who was actually other day at the Q&A session and we under those circumstances, one across the water… and God said "Let there." Explain. had a great talk about it, there's was a becomes much more familiar with the there be Light"….. so the word "said" is What is your favorite part of The Baptist minister, Rev. Scott Stearman, text, under those intense and lengthy definitely a reference to that verb from Gospel of John? there was a Lutheran minister. I don't rehearsal periods. Genesis. I've always had an affinity for John…. think this is necessarily a Catholic At The Sheen Center, the rehearsal John is immediately connecting I really love this one. This seems to be topic at all. This is a Christian topic. period was much shorter. So, I'm still Jesus with the promised Messiah that the first hand account as opposed to the What do I hope to achieve with this? discovering the text as I'm playing it. the Old Testament promises. It other 3 Gospels (of Matthew, Mark & Some people have said this to me and And, that's wonderful. That helps me immediately starts there….that this is Luke). Each of the other 3 has only 1 this is enough for me to aspire to: most keep it fresh. the promised Messiah. Passover. This one ("The Gospel Of of the time people only hear these (Mabel Pais writes on Spirituality, the Arts You originated the role of Tobias John") has 3 Passovers: more specific gospels, in little bits and pieces during and Entertainment, Social Issues, and Health Ragg in "Sweeney Todd" in the original regarding time and place. It's much Mass or during some religious service. & Wellness) THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 ADVERTISEMENT 19 THE INDIAN PANORAMA 20 WORLD FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019

Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric condemns 6 to remain jailed in Denmark for killings, kidnappings of protesters: alleged terror attack plot Representative COPENHAGEN (DENMARK) (TIP): Six people who were arrested as part of BAGHDAD (TIP): Iraq's top what Danish authorities alleged was an Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al- Islamist-inspired attack plot have been Sistani on Dec 13 condemned recent ordered held in pre-trial custody for four killings and kidnappings of weeks. protesters, urging the state to assert Police in Denmark arrested 22 control over the widespread use of suspects in a series of raids across the weapons. Scandinavian country earlier this week, He also called on the armed forces saying they had thwarted extremist to remain professional, loyal to the violence. state and free from foreign The six people still jailed have pleaded influence, a representative of not guilty to preliminary terror charge. Sistani said during a sermon on If formally charged and convicted, they Friday in the holy city of Kerbala. face potential life prison sentences, Armed forces "must be loyal to though in practice life sentences end up the nation, and free from foreign averaging 16 years in Denmark. interference," he said. On Friday, the Copenhagen City Court Iraq has been rocked anti- remanded two men ages 24 and 25 to government protests for more than custody for allegedly trying to buy guns, volatility. target for the attack. two months. More than 440 people silencers and ammunition that was “to Both hearings in the Danish capital Officers carried out the coordinated have been killed since October 1, be used in connection with one or several were held behind closed doors. raids on Wednesday as authorities feared according to a Reuters tally. terror attacks in Denmark or abroad”, A sixth suspect, a 28-year-old man, was the suspects were preparing one or Sistani, who rarely weighs in on according to prosecutors. remanded to custody on Thursday by a several violent attacks. Thirteen of the politics except in times of crisis, The Copenhagen court on Thursday central Denmark court. The preliminary 22 people arrested were released holds massive influence over public ordered two 21-year-old men and a 38- charge against him was not known Thursday but remain suspects and the opinion in Shi'ite majority Iraq. year-old woman to remain jailed for because the hearing was held behind so- remainder had pretrial custody hearings Prime Minister Adel Abdul allegedly trying to produce one or called “double-closed doors”, meaning set. Mahdi said he would resign last several bombs with the explosive TATP, no information was made public. Danish authorities have reported month after Sistani withdrew his the prosecution said. It was not known whether the cases foiling several extremist attacks in support for the government. TATP, or tri-acetone tri-peroxide, has are related. None of the suspects can be recent years, including ones linked to the Reuters been used in extremist attacks named under a court order. 2005 publication in a newspaper of 12 worldwide and has been nicknamed the Authorities have been tight-lipped and cartoons by various artists depicting the Twenty-eight killed “mother of Satan” because of its have given no specifics about a potential Prophet Muhammad. — AP after 2 vehicles collide and catch fire in Nigeria Russia’s only aircraft carrier catches KANO (NIGERIA) (TIP): Twenty-eight people were killed in northern Nigeria on December 12 fire; one worker missing when two vehicles collided and caught fire, the country’s Road MOSCOW (TIP): A fire of a Sukhoi fighter jet into Safety Commission said. broke out on December 12 on the sea after a malfunction as The accident involved a bus Russia’s only aircraft carrier it tried to land on the carrier. taking a family to a ceremony and a as it underwent repairs in an The repairs and truck transporting cows to market, Artic shipyard, Russian upgrades—with a reported Rilwanu Sulaiman, the news agencies said, with at cost of up to 62 billion rubles commission’s spokesman in Bauchi least one worker reported ($1 billion/880 million euros) state, said on December 13. missing. -- were to focus on the ship’s “The two vehicles had a head-on The Admiral Kuznetsov power plant and onboard collision and caught fire, killing 28 has been undergoing repairs electronic systems. people on board. All victims were for more than two years in Last year’s collapse of the burnt beyond recognition,” Murmansk and suffered crane on the ship’s deck, Sulaiman said. previous damage in October which killed one worker and “All the 24 people in the commuter 2018 when a crane crashed caused major damage, raised bus and four from the other vehicle onto its deck. concerns the work would be were killed,” he said. State news agency RIA delayed and the carrier out of Officials have launched an Novosti quoted a source in commission beyond the 2021 investigation into the accident, the Zvezdochka shipyard as saying the The vessel was deployed to the deadline. which occurred at Gubi Gari fire broke out during welding operations. Mediterranean in 2016 and early 2017 to Russia’s navy has been battling village, 18 kilometres (11 miles) More than 400 people were on board strike targets in Syria and help Moscow problems with state financing, ageing from the state capital Bauchi. when the fire erupted, state news agency ally President Bashar al-Assad recapture shipyards, and delays in fulfilling orders Accidents are common on TASS quoted a Zvezdochka spokesman rebel-held areas in the war-torn country. for new ships. Nigeria’s poorly-maintained roads, as saying. The ship headed a naval group off the In the last six years, three fires have many caused by reckless driving, News agency Interfax reported that Syrian coast, with fighters from the been reported on submarines under speeding and disregard for traffic the fire had spread over an area of about carrier hitting more than 1,200 targets repair. rules. 600 square metres (6,500 square feet). during its mission. The Admiral Kuznetsov was meant to In April, wedding guests in The Admiral Kuznetsov—launched in It also stopped off the coast of Libya in be the first of a new fleet of Soviet Jigawa state were killed when their 1985 and the flagship of the Russian January 2017 and took on board military aircraft carriers but the Russian navy overloaded bus skidded off the road navy—has been undergoing its first strongman Khalifa Haftar, who Russia has struggled with a massive drop in and crashed after its tyre burst. — major repairs since 1997. has reportedly backed in the country’s funding since the 1991 collapse of the AFP The repairs were expected to be long-running civil conflict. Soviet Union. completed by the end of 2020, with the The ship suffered several mishaps The USSR had five aircraft carriers at warship rejoining the navy in 2021. during the mission, including the crash the height of its power. — AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 WORLD 21

Pope presses No Christmas tinsel in Iraq, in anti-nuke, environment call in solidarity with protesters peace message BAGHDAD (TIP): The Christmas tree VATICAN CITY (TIP): Pope in the middle of a central Baghdad plaza Francis is pressing his anti-nuke occupied by anti-government protesters campaign in his annual peace is bare, save for portraits of those killed message, saying the fear of nuclear under fire from security forces. annihilation embodied by the A tribute, the demonstrators explained, doctrine of deterrence provides a to a recent decision by Iraq’s Christians to false sense of security that should be call off seasonal festivities to honour the replaced with policies based on losses. fraternity and mutual trust. Francis' Leaders of Iraq’s Christians message for the World Day of Peace, unanimously cancelled Christmas- which the Vatican celebrates Jan. 1, related celebrations in solidarity with the was issued Thursday. It followed on protest movement—but the aims of their the major theme of his recent trip to stance go deeper than tinsel and fairy Japan, where Francis denounced as lights. “immoral” not only the use of Slogans of a united Iraq free of nuclear weapons but their sectarianism resonate deeply within the possession. AP community, which since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein has fearfully observed 14-year-old actor its diminishing influence amid growing found dead at his Shiite-dominated politics shaping state affairs. home in Scotland, The Christians have also left Iraq in That doesn’t work,” said Sako. Christians numbered around 1.5 million cause of death not huge numbers over the years, after being Chaldeans are the predominant before the US invasion 16 years ago, targeted by militant Sunni groups such as Christian denomination in the country. roughly 6 per cent of the population. known al Qaeda and the Islamic State group. He called on the government and Today the Christian population is LONDON/LOS ANGELES (TIP): On a recent visit to Tahrir Square, the parliament to listen to the demands of the believed to be less than a third of that Child actor and ballet dancer Jack epicenter of the protest movement, protesters and to find suitable solutions figure, though accurate estimates are Burns, who starred in several TV Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, patriarch through dialogue. hard to come by given the lack of census shows including "Outlander" and "In of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, said he “The military solution is bad,” he said. data in Iraq. Plain Sight", has passed away at the was moved. Under the order of the church, holiday During the onslaught by the Islamic age of 14. “Now there you feel you are Iraqi,” he celebrations will be limited to prayers, State group in 2014, Christians were According to Metro UK, the young said in an interview with The Associated and money budgeted for expensive street forcibly displaced and fled fearing actor was found dead at his Press. “A new Iraq is being born.” The decorations and festivities for the persecution from the extremists. Those Greenock, Inverclyde home in protests erupted in Baghdad and the community will be donated to funds who returned found their homes Scotland in early December. predominantly Shiite southern provinces supporting wounded protesters, Sako destroyed and their communities forever Without revealing the identity, a on October 1, when thousands of Iraqis said. changed. spokesperson for Scotland police first took to the streets calling for Christmas decorations were forbidden “We have suffered a lot,” Sako said. said the authorities were called with sweeping political reforms and the end of within the fine interiors of Baghdad’s “Since the collapse of the old regime regard to the death of a 14-year-boy. Iran’s influence in Iraqi affairs. Chaldean Patriarchate. many have been killed, others kidnapped, Investigation is underway to At least 400 have died at the hands of “We will have no other celebration, we others threatened and left, and many determine the cause of death. security forces and unidentified cannot make a big feast when our country homes and properties of Christians have "Around 3:30 pm on Sunday, assailants firing live ammunition and is a in a critical situation,” he added. been occupied by militias.” “So the December 1, police were called tear gas to disperse the demonstrations. But Iraq’s Christians support the protesters are telling them (the following the death of a 14 year-old “Morally and spiritually we cannot leaderless protest movement for other government) we look for justice and boy to a house in the Esplanade area celebrate in such an atmosphere of reasons, said church officials. stability and to be equal citizens. We ask of Greenock. Inquiries are ongoing tension ... it’s not normal to celebrate our Falling demographics capture their for the same justice for ourselves,” he to establish the cause of death but joy and happiness while others are dying. existential anxieties, explained Sako. said. — AP police are not treating it as suspicious. A report has been submitted," they told E! News. Burns was a talented dancer too. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is His dance academy paid tributes to him on Facebook. "It is with a very heavy heart that we write this post. Tragically as you Time’s 2019 person of the year know we lost our much loved student Jack Burns on Sunday 1st of MADRID (TIP): Greta Thunberg, the straightforward message—“listen to the December. Jack was an inspiration Swedish teenager who became the voice scientists”—to global decision-makers, to everyone at Elite and touched the of conscience for a generation facing the accusing them of inaction. hearts of everyone who had the climate change emergency, was The Swedish activist was in Madrid as pleasure of working and dancing announced on Wednesday as Time the award was announced, at a UN with him since 2012. magazine’s 2019 Person of the Year. climate forum tasked with saving the "We and all of Jacks family and The 16-year-old first hit the headlines world from runaway global warming. friends are naturally completely for her solo strike against global “The politics of climate action are as devastated and at a loss for words warming outside Sweden’s parliament entrenched and complex as the and answers," a message on the Elite last year. “We can’t just continue living phenomenon itself, and Thunberg has no Academy of Dance's Facebook page as if there was no tomorrow, because magic solution,” Time wrote in the read. there is a tomorrow. That is all we are interview. “But she has succeeded in "All our thoughts and prayers at saying,” Thunberg told Time. creating a global attitudinal shift, this time are with Jack's immediate The magazine interviewed Thunberg transforming millions of vague, middle- family and friends but especially aboard the sailboat that took her from of-the-night anxieties into a worldwide with his parents Karen, Robert and the United States to Europe after a hectic movement calling for urgent change. his brother Rory," the post continued. 11-week North American trip to several “She has offered a moral clarion call to A funeral service for Burns was US cities and Canada. those who are willing to act, and hurled held on Thursday. PTI Thunberg has taken her disarmingly shame on those who are not.” — AFP THE INDIAN PANORAMA 22 WOMEN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 WOMEN MORE LIKELY HOME REMEDIES TO GET TO HATE THEIR EXES

taying friends with an ex tends to be a touchy subject. To some, the ability to let the love that you RID OF BLACKHEADS Sshared carry over into a platonic relationship is a sign of emotional maturity.To others, it's a red flag that lackheads are small bumps that appear due to suggests the fire hasn't died out, and a threat to any pores becoming clogged with oil and dead skin current relationship. Now, a new study has found that Bbut cinnamon and honey can help in combating there may be a gender divide when it comes to views on this because of anti-bacterial qualities, says an expert. exes: Men seem to view their former partners more Baking soda: Baking soda isn't just for baking or favorably than women do. But the reasons behind this keeping your refrigerator smelling fresh. The gender divide may surprise you. antiseptic quality of it makes it a wonderful The researchers posed a few interesting theories product for your skin. It works as an exfoliant to regarding the source of this disparity.Firstly,they said scrub away dead skin cells leaving skin soft and that "women are more likely to hold 'pragmatic' love smooth. Baking soda also helps to neutralize the attitudes, including stronger preference for long-term, skin's pH, it encourages the skin to produce less oil more exclusive relationships," whereas men are more which means that after regular use, you may be likely to "endorse a 'game-playing' attitude to love" and able to say goodbye to those blackheads for good. "value sex more strongly as a physical act that gives Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an anti-bacterial spice pleasure." that can be used to make an aromatic face mask Simply put, this evolutionary theory would mean that offers all sorts of benefits to the skin, women are more likely to view their investment in a including the removal of blackheads. It also helps relationship as a waste of time if it doesn't result in a to eliminate flaky skin as well as acne, and it can lifelong commitment, whereas men are more inclined be used as a body scrub for a smoother, more to view the relationship as a sexually gratifying glowing complexion. experience that met their needs and expectations. Honey: Honey is both antibacterial and antiseptic, The researchers also noted that women were more properties that help remove blackheads by likely than men to blame their breakup on their exes, destroying germs or impurities that clog pores, and were more likely to report "problematic partner making it another great choice for those with acne behaviors" such as infidelity or emotional and physical related blackheads. Honey also acts as a natural abuse as the reasons for the split. Men, on the other antibiotic, helping to pull dirt from the pores of hand, "are more likely to claim that they do not know the skin to clear blackheads as well as tightening blackheads at the same time. This method draws what caused their past breakups." and hydrating the pores for a clearer complexion. out sebum and pulls out any deep within the pores. Finally, the research showed that women engage in Epsom salts: Epsom salts are not only great for Green tea: Instead of spending endless hours more "constructive coping than men do," seeking easing sore muscles, they can also help to remove attempting to pop, rub or concentrate clogged support from friends who give them closure and assure blackheads. While most of the treatments on this pores from your face, have a go at utilising an all them that their ex was not a good partner. Men, on the list dissolve the dead skin and oil, the Epsom salt common cure, green tea, which is high on other hand, "usually experience greater ambivalence," mixture actually pulls the plug out of each clogged antioxidants. It not only diminishes oil and "often remain emotionally attached longer," and "are pore so they simply wash away. irritation on the skin, but serves to secure it from less likely to believe that their ex-partner was not right Egg whites: Egg whites offer numerous benefits to future harm. So next time you discover small dark for them." It therefore follows that men would be "more the skin. They're rich in protein which offers skin obstructed pores covering your face, just brew up likely to preserve positive evaluations of their ex- toning properties and helps to promote wrinkle green tea to help ostracize the zits for good. If you partners." free skin. Due to their ability to tighten skin and want to apply this solution you will need some Of course, given how much relationship dynamics minimize pores, using egg whites is especially items like one saucepan, drinking glass, soft towel, are shifting in today's society, all of this might change. good for oily skin and reduces the chances of gentle face wash, cotton ball and two bags of green Recent research has shown that many women struggle future blackheads while removing current tea. with monogamy just as much as men do. Signs your relationship won’t last FOOD CORNER They’re selfish CHILLI PANEER

If your partner doesn’t INGREDIENTS seem to care about anyone 250 gm cubed paneer but themselves, take a 2 chopped,de seeded Capsicum ( Green moment to assess your Pepper) relationship. German 4 cloves chopped garlic psychoanalyst Erich Fromm 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup proposed that selfish people, 1 teaspoon white vinegar rather than having too much 1 cup Veg stock self-love, in fact have none at 2 chopped into cubes Onion all. Their self-hatred is the 8 chopped Green Chilli reason they relentlessly take 2 tablespoon light soya sauce from others; they simply 1/2 teaspoon salt have nothing to give. If your 2 cup Refined oil Blend remaining corn starch (nearly a partner displays selfish 3 tablespoon Corn starch tablespoon) along with tomato ketchup behaviour, deeper issues may need to be addressed before your relationship and white vinegar in the vegetable can go any further. Method stock. Let it rest and keep aside. Cut paneer into 1 inch cubes and Heat two tablespoons of oil in a sauce They latch onto all your interests sprinkle 2 tablespoon cornstarch over pan, add crushed garlic to fairly hot oil While it’s great to have things in common with your partner, if you find that it. Toss the paneer lightly to coat the and saute for about 10 seconds or till they are suddenly adopting all of your interests, you could be heading for corn starch. Take care not to break the light golden in colour. Stir-fry for a splitsville. As dating coach Erika Ettin tells Business Insider, "In any paneer. minute. relationship . . . it's important to both bond with your partner but also Heat sufficient oil in a kadai, when oil Add sliced green chillies, onions and maintain your own life. You don't want to become so dependent on someone is medium hot, add the paneer pieces green capsicum to the wok and fry on else that you lose who you are, or that essence that makes you unique. When and deep fry on medium heat until the high flame for 30 seconds. Add the you're doing things on your own, you become a more interesting, well- edges start to turn brown. Take care to remaining capsicum and toss well for rounded person, thereby a better partner to anyone." fry in batches. Drain on absorbent another minute. The vegetables should paper and set aside. be cooked but crisp. Saute for a couple All you feel is passion Cut the onion into 8 pieces and remove of minutes. While it’s natural to get swept up in feelings of lust at the beginning of a the smaller inner pieces from it. Then Add the corn slurry over high heat, relationship, psychologists say that if those are the only feelings you have for cut each capsicum into 8 pieces and stirring till the sauce is thick enough your partner, chances are the relationship will fizzle out over time as you get deseed them. And cut the green chilies to coat the paneer and the vegetables. to know who they really are. into slices. Set them all aside. Serve it hot immediately. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 HEALTH 23 NEW MEDITERRANEAN DIET LETS YOU EAT MEAT WITHOUT ANY GUILT esearchers have developed a new version of RMediterranean diet that includes meat to cater to Western tastes and also deliver health benefits. A typical Mediterranean diet includes extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, INTRODUCING PEANUTS, EGGS legumes, wholegrain breads, pastas and cereals, moderate amount of EARLY MAY HELP SOME fish and red wine, and low consumption of red meat, sweet and INFANTS PREVENT ALLERGIES processed foods. arly introduction of certain foods known to The new version of the cause allergies—like peanuts and eggs—to Mediterranean diet includes 2-3 Einfants can prevent them from developing an serves (250g) of fresh lean pork each allergy even if the children do not adhere strongly to week. the diet, a study says. The findings published in the The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and journal Nutrients showed that the Clinical Immunology, is a continuation from The Mediterranean-Pork (Med-Pork) Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) study in the UK diet delivers cognitive benefits. where over 1300 three-month old infants were "The Mediterranean diet is recruited and placed into one of two groups. widely accepted as the healthiest One was introduced to six allergenic foods diet and is renowned for delivering (including peanut and egg) from three months of age improved cardiovascular and alongside breastfeeding, and another group was cognitive health, but in Western exclusively breastfed for six months. cultures, the red meat restrictions The group which received the allergenic foods was of the diet could make it hard for called the Early Introduction Group (EIG), and the one people to stick to," said Alexandra which was only breastfed was termed the Standard Wade from University of South cardiovascular disease following a "Improving people's processing Introduction Group (SIG). Australia. Med-Pork or a low-fat diet (often speed shows the brain is working The researchers, including those from King’s "By adding pork to the prescribed to negate risk factors for well," Wade said. College London in the UK, said among children with Mediterranean diet, we're cardiovascular disease). "Then, when you add the fact that food sensitisation at study enrolment, about 34 per broadening the appeal of the diet, The results showed the Med-Pork pork production emits only a cent in the SIG developed food allergy, compared to 19 while also delivering improved intervention outperformed the low- fraction of the greenhouse gases per cent of the infants in the EIG. cognitive function," Wade said. fat diet, delivering higher cognitive compared with beef, and the Med- The researchers said one-third of the infants who This study compared the processing speeds and emotional Pork diet is really ticking all boxes - were only breast fed before developed a peanut allergy, cognitive effects of people aged 45- functioning, both markers of good - taste, health and environment," versus 14.3 per cent in the EIG. 80 years and at risk of mental health. Wade said. In the infants who were previously sensitised to egg, 48.7 per cent of them developed an egg allergy in the SIG compared to one-fifth of them in the EIG. According to the researchers, an early introduction VIGOROUS EXERCISE LOWERS of allergenic foods to infants who were not already predisposed to food allergies was not linked to an increased risk of developing a food allergy. There were no significant differences in the allergy MORTALITY RISK IN WOMEN rates between the two groups of infants who were not sensitised to any food at the time of enrolment. omen who exercise vigorously are at “These results have significant implications and are significantly lower risk of dying from heart informative when it comes to infant feeding Wdisease, cancer and other causes, reveals a new recommendations concerning allergies and the study. development of new guidelines,” said study co-author The study, presented at EuroEcho 2019, a scientific Gideon Lack from King’s College London. congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), “If early introduction to certain allergenic foods examined exercise capacity and heart function during became a part of these recommendations, we also have exercise in women and their links with survival. data that tells us what populations may need extra The study included over 4,000 adult women referred support when it comes to implementing the for treadmill exercise echocardiography because of recommendations,” Lack said. known or suspected coronary artery disease. "Exercise as much as you can. Fitness protects against death from any cause," said study author Jesus PAGE SPONSORED BY Peteiro from University Hospital A Coruna in Spain. For the findings, participants walked or ran on a DR. SATISH AND GITANJLI ANAND treadmill, gradually increasing the intensity, and continuing until exhaustion. DR. SATISH ANAND Images of the heart were generated during the test. relationship, METs were significantly associated with Former Chairman, Board of Fitness was defined as a maximal workload of 10 lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, Trustees, AAPI National metabolic equivalents (METs), which is equal to and other causes. E-Mail: walking fast up four flights of stairs or very fast up The annual rate of death from cardiovascular disease [email protected] three flights, without stopping. was nearly four times higher in women with poor, Women who achieved 10 METs or more (good exercise compared to good, exercise capacity (2.2 per cent versus capacity) were compared to those achieving less than 10 0.6 per cent). Annual cancer deaths were doubled in GITANJLI ANAND METs (poor exercise capacity). patients with poor, compared to good, exercise capacity Former President, India During a median follow-up of 4.6 years there were 345 (0.9 per cent versus 0.4 per cent). Association of Long Island cardiovascular deaths, 164 cancer deaths, and 203 The annual rate of death from other causes was more (IALI) deaths from other causes. than four times higher in those with poor, compared to E-mail: After adjusting for factors that could influence the good, exercise capacity (1.4 per cent vs 0.3 per cent). [email protected] THE INDIAN PANORAMA 24 SCIENCE AND TECH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 ‘HOW COSMIC DUST AGGREGATES TO FORM PLANETS DECODED’ esearchers have found how cosmic dust particles stick Rtogether and aggregate, leading to the formation of planets, an advance that may also improve dust handling in industrial processes. WHATSAPP WON'T WORK The researchers, including those from Rutgers University in the US, ON MILLIONS OF DEVICES found that particles under microgravity—similar to the FROM NEXT YEAR conditions seen in interplanetary space—develop strong electrical hatsApp will stop working on millions of charges spontaneously, and stick older mobile devices globally as the company together to form large aggregates. Whas withdrawn support for such phones. Although like-charges repel, The users on Windows Phones will be locked out aggregates from similarly charged forever after December 31, said Facebook. dust particles form since they are "WhatsApp will stop working on millions of phones strong enough to polarise each in the next couple of months as the company other, making them behave like tiny withdraws support for some older mobile platforms. magnets, the study, published in the from plastics to pharmaceutical aggregates in industrial processes "From February 1, 2020, any iPhone running iOS 8 journal Nature Physics, noted. drugs. In these manufacturing have also been identified and that - or older will no longer be supported, along with any “Once those aggregates have units—called fluidised bed we hope - may be controlled in Android device running version 2.3.7 or older," diameters exceeding a few reactors—they said, blowing gas future work. Both outcomes hinge Facebook said. centimeters, they become subject to pushes fine particles upwards, and on a new understanding that "Users of these operating systems are already concentration mechanisms such as when they aggregate due to static electrical polarization is central to unable to create new WhatsApp accounts or re-verify the streaming instability, electricity, these particles stick to aggregation,” Shinbrot said. existing accounts. permitting the formation of self- reactor vessel walls, leading to According to the researchers, the "Furthermore, WhatsApp is withdrawing support gravitating clusters, which might shutdowns and poor product study opens new avenues for for all Windows phones from December 31, 2019 -- the eventually collapse into kilometer- quality. controlling fine particle same month that Microsoft ends support of its sized planetesimals,” the “We may have overcome a aggregation in industrial Windows 10 Mobile OS," the social networking researchers wrote in the study. fundamental obstacle in processing. Shinbrot said platform added. According to the researchers, understanding how planets form,” introducing additives that conduct Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014 similar dust aggregation processes said study co-author Troy Shinbrot electricity may be more successful and aims to integrate the messaging platform into its exist on the Earth in chemical from Rutgers University. for industrial processes than other services Messenger and Instagram. reactors used to produce everything “Mechanisms for generating traditional approaches. JPMORGAN IS GOING TO USE TROPICAL MOUNTAIN TOP GLACIERS MAY ROBOTS TO SCRUTINISE BANKER TRAVEL, EXPENSES MELT BY NEXT DECADE, OR SOONER: STUDY he last remaining glaciers in PMorgan Chase & Co. dealmakers on the road the Earth's tropical zone— have another reason to resist the mini bar: The Tbetween the Himalayas in the Jrobots are watching. North, and the Andes in the South— The bank has started using machine learning will disappear within the next ten technology to process expense reports and determine years, or possibly sooner, due to the whether they comply with company policies, ongoing climate crisis, according to according to Lori Beer, JPMorgan’s chief information a study. officer. The researchers from Ohio State “We basically have eliminated manager approvals,” University in the US said the first she said Wednesday at a conference in New York. glaciers to go could be the ones in “We’re doing 100% of audit through a machine- Papua, Indonesia, which they called learning model that makes sure that, as we process "the canaries in the coal mine" for travel and expense reports, they’re in alignment with other mountain top glaciers around our policies.” Machine learning is a type of artificial the world. intelligence that uses data analysis to spot patterns The study, published in the and improve itself over time, making better decisions journal PNAS, noted that the without being explicitly programmed. melting of mountain top glaciers on While almost every industry wrestles with policing the western half of New Guinea expenses, it’s been a particular bane in finance, have increased rapidly due to a where employees with refined tastes spend much of strong 2015-2016 El Nino. The the year on the road and meeting clients. Wells Fargo researchers explained that the El & Co. last year fired or suspended more than a dozen Nino—a phenomenon that causes employees for allegedly falsifying expense reports, tropical ocean water and the Wall Street Journal reported at the time. atmospheric temperatures to get Quelccaya in Peru, will follow."I polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe Yet putting pressure on managers to spend more warmer—is a natural climate think the Papua, Indonesia, glaciers sections, connected by a rope, into time scrutinizing reports, or hiring auditors to do it process, but has been amplified by are the indicators of what's going to the ice to measure how much ice for them, basically adds to expenses. With artificial global warming. happen around the world," had been lost by periodically intelligence, JPMorgan is “taking some bureaucracy According to the researchers, the Thompson said. measuring the rope sections left out of our managers’ hands,” Beer said. New Guinea mountain glaciers will The researchers have been uncovered as the ice melted. The strategy is just one of the ways the bank has disappear in the next 10 years— monitoring the glacier since 2010, Based on their study, the been trying to harness cutting-edge machines to most likely during the next strong when they drilled ice cores to researchers said the melt started at become more efficient, reduce fraud and improve El Nino. determine the composition and least 150 years ago, but has experiences for employees and customers. Study co-author Lonnie temperature of the atmosphere quickened in the last decade. The bank last year hired Manuela Veloso, Carnegie Thompson said it is likely that other around the glacier throughout Thompson and his team found Mellon’s head of machine learning, to help the bank tropical glaciers, such as those on history. signs of melting at both the top of build on existing work. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and They also installed a string of the glacier and at the bottom. THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 BIZ AND FINANCE 25 MOODY’S CUTS INDIA’S GDP GROWTH FORECAST TO 5.6% FOR 2019 NEW DELHI (TIP): Moody’s Investors Service on Friday said it has lowered its 2019 GDP growth forecast for India to 5.6 per cent as slow employment growth weighs on GOVT RULES OUT BSNL, consumption. It expects economic growth to MTNL DISINVESTMENT pick up in 2020 and 2021 to 6.6 per cent and 6.7 per cent respectively, he government today ruled out any plans to sell but sees the pace of growth stake or disinvestment of ailing telecom PSUs — remaining lower than past. TBSNL and MTNL in Parliament while fixing a “We have lowered our 2019 gross target of Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore for them from domestic product (GDP) growth their asset monetisation in the current fiscal. forecast for India to 5.6 per cent, While the specific assets to be monetised during the which is lower than 7.4 per cent current fiscal have yet not been identified, the target growth in 2018,” Moody’s said in a for asset monetisation during the current fiscal year report. “India’s economic growth for BSNL and MTNL is Rs 200 crore and Rs 300 crore has decelerated since mid-2018, with respectively, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad real GDP growth slipping from said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. nearly 8 per cent to 5 per cent in the “(There is) no proposal for disinvestment of BSNL second quarter (April-June) of and MTNL is under consideration”, he said. 2019,” it noted. State run BSNL’s losses for the year 2018-19 has It further slipped to 4.5 per cent in doubled to nearly Rs 15,000 crore from 2017-18 and July-September quarter. revenue has also dwindled to Rs 19,321 crore in fiscal “Consumption demand has 2019. cooled notably, with slow In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Telecom employment growth weighing on the Reserve Bank of India are not migration to new emission Minister said MTNL operates in metros of Delhi and consumption,” it said. “We expect being adequately transmitted to standards,” it said. Mumbai while BSNL operates in the rest of the economic growth to pick up in 2020 lending rates because of the credit It expected auto loan country.The Cabinet has approved the revival plan for and 2021 to 6.6 per cent and 6.7 per squeeze caused by disruption in delinquencies to increase in the BSNL and MTNL which inter alia, includes in- cent, respectively, but the pace of the non-bank financial sector, it next few quarters as the economic principle approval for merger of BSNL and MTNL. growth will remain lower than in said. slowdown will constrain demand The merger will benefit BSNL/MTNL through pan- the recent past.” Moody’s said Commercial vehicle sales in for freight transportation and put India footprint, synergy in operations, reduced fixed fiscal measures undertaken by the India declined 22.95 per cent in the pressure on freight rates. costs and overheads, sharing of technical government - such as corporate tax six months ended September 30 “However, the slowing economic infrastructure and enhanced Enterprise Business. rate cuts, bank recapitalisation, 2019 compared with the same growth has yet to significantly infrastructure spending plans, period a year earlier. impact the performance of support for the auto sector and “Commercial vehicle sales have underlying loans as the decline in others - do not directly address been hit by the liquidity squeeze in commercial vehicle sales over the widespread weakness in the financial sector and the past quarters has helped ease the consumption demand, which has economic slowdown, despite surplus capacity situation in the been the chief driver of the support from government stimulus medium and heavy commercial economy. measures to boost demand and vehicle segments and supported In addition, interest rate cuts by vehicle purchases ahead of India’s the performance,” it added. FACEBOOK, GOOGLE DROP OUT OF TOP 10 ‘BEST PLACES TO WORK’ LIST FACTORY PRODUCTION FALLS ig tech companies like Facebook Inc. and FOR 3RD STRAIGHT MONTH Alphabet Inc.’s Google, long seen as some of the Bworld’s most desirable workplaces offering NEW DELHI (TIP): Showing signs of economic countless perks and employee benefits, are losing some slowdown, industrial production shrank for third of their shine. consecutive month in October by 3.8%, mainly due The Silicon Valley companies dropped out of the Top to output fall in manufacturing, mining and 10 “best places to work” in the U.S., according to electricity sectors, as per official data released on Glassdoor’s annual rankings released Tuesday. December 12. HubSpot Inc., a cloud-computing software company, According to National Statistical Office (NSO) grabbed the No. 1 ranking while tech firms DocuSign data, the factory output declined by 4.3% in Inc. and Ultimate Software were three and eight, September, 1.4% in August while growing by 4.9% in respectively. July. Factory output, measured in terms of Index of Facebook, which has been rated as the “best place to Industrial Production (IIP), had expanded by 8.4% in work” three times in the past 10 years, was ranked 23rd. October 2018. During April to October, the IIP growth It’s the social-media company’s lowest position since it remained almost flat at 0.5% compared to 5.7% in the first made the list in 2011 as the top-rated workplace. same period previous fiscal. Facebook, based in Menlo Park, California, was ranked The manufacturing growth rate declined by 2.1% seventh last year. Washington-based software company moved to No. 21 in October compared to 8.2% a year ago. Power Google, voted “best place to work” in 2015 and a Top- from 34 a year ago. generation growth slipped sharply by 12.2% in 10 finisher the previous eight years, came in at No. 11 on The annual list ranks companies using employee October, compared to 10.8% in the year-ago period. Glassdoor’s list. Apple Inc., once a consistent Top-25 reviews on areas such as compensation, benefits, Mining output too fell 8% in the month under finisher, was ranked 84th. Amazon Inc., which has culture and senior management. Many of the big tech review as against 7.3% in the corresponding period never been known for a positive internal culture, failed companies, including Facebook and Google, have been last fiscal. to make the list for the 12th straight year. criticized this year for a myriad of issues, and in some Capital goods production, which is a barometer of Microsoft Corp. was one of the lone big technology cases employees have publicly opposed executive investment, declined by 21.9% in October compared companies to jump in the rankings. The Redmond, decisions. to 16.9% rise in the year-ago month. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 26 ASTROLOGY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019

Shree Ganeshaya Namah

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

The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly and Birthday Horoscope from the World's most trusted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. Latest correct prediction: Modi's historic victory Weekly Horoscope December 16 - December 22, 2019 ARIES: Ganesha says your contacts will LEO: You are preoccupied with kin, SAGITTARIUS: Ganesha feels that this definitely help you, both socially and professionally, neighbours, near and dear ones, as well as your period is a fine time to study,improve your mind leading to concrete gains. But it's not going to be a own immediate family. There is progress but and to be receptive to ideas and opinions walk - over. After an interesting and reasonably replace egotism with balance. Please exert different from yours. There is a much wider profitable period. Your projects are always gigantic. some control over hasty, belligerent reactions. canvas for you to paint on. Do not get bogged You travel and have many new experiences. This is There are domestic issues that make you sit up down in old fashioned ideas and ego hassles. also a time when there is a rapid growth in and think. There are many family issues that Change is the only truth and you have to accept consciousness. This is a good time to achieve the you need to solve first before making sure of it. You strive to improve your skills, knowledge, right perspective in all possible senses of the word. your professional moves. wisdom, and acquire new techniques and TAURUS: Ganesha says it is also a good time for VIRGO: You look at your roots, your family improve the vistas of your mind. education, for getting in touch with yourself and your work with new eyes. You look at CAPRICORN: The life of the intellect will through self-awareness studies, or for seeing the security for loved ones and will work towards hold promise and excitement. Ganesha assures larger picture. Life is smooth with beautiful it very seriously. This could be a period of you of success in your efforts. This is a good moments with loved ones and, I must add here, strange impulses and ideas, and some unusual period for contemplation and meditation too. some powerfully passionate moments too. You are events too. But Ganesha says that the money is This is also the time for social networking as busy with the 3 C's - contacts, communication and pleasingly stable, if not good, since your near and dear ones from all over the world tweet contracts. There will also be the frenzy of reaching sources of income will multiply and that's in to say 'hi'. Take care not to get too indulgent out with trips, ties, collaborations and new always important. and try to bring about some discipline into your associations on the cards. LIBRA: This is an excellent time to achieve life. You are energetic, optimistic and confident GEMINI: You will look to establish long lasting real stability in your relationships. There will and the mood is upbeat. and profound bounds. It is important in this period be harmony as your personal needs will not AQUARIUS: You will be very busy with many that you relate well to others. How you relate to conflict with the demands of the relationships. tasks. Ganesha ensures that you have a very people will be vital as it will play a huge role in Towards mid-period, you are on a wedding out busy period ahead. Issues of prestige, power and determining your progress and your happiness and pruning process and are busy getting rid of pelf will take top priority. Renovation / levels. Ganesha warns you to think well, think all associations that were inappropriate or decoration / buying / selling of property or carefully, and not rush into action. I also feel that didn't quite fit in. This is a good time for office are possibilities. Loans and investments you should bide your time and make the right collaborations and new projects. are emphasized. Trying to get things done is choices. SCORPIO: As the period ends, various what keeps you involved. CANCER: You plough away with serious, single- aspects of your life will be transformed. You PISCES: There is love and passion in the air. minded determination. This is a lucky phase, and will be shown many dimensions that can You and your partner will help each other grow everything will fall easily on your lap. You could broaden your life and experience and make a in every way and make it a very profitable feel a bit stretched with the various demands on totally new person out of you. This is a period alliance. Towards mid-period, there will be you. There could be some domestic problems too. of many positive energies. You feel emotionally fireworks and celebrations. You are more As the period ends, the emphasis is on social secure and in touch with your feelings. You ambitious expansion at work and, possibly, a service, work performance, your relationship with will be seriously looking at growth in all areas new romantic interest. This is a valuable period your boss, colleagues and subordinates and on of life. There are many influences working on in life when you learn a lot of lessons and grow extending a helping hand to those who need it. you. as a human being.

Birthday Horoscope December 16 - December 22, 2019

Dec 16:Ganesha says if it's not one thing it's limits, restrictions, and obligations, making it that you can do. You'll feel responsibility another, and the biggest problem could be a seem like the weight of the world is on your empowered. money pinch that comes from some shoulders. If throwing money at a problem Dec 21:Your own self-expression, whether unexpected quarter. It's a day when it helps seems to be the only solution, set limits. creatively or when speaking with others, to be able just to make do with what you Dec 19:You can become embroiled in a deepens as your insight broadens. If you have. dispute, whether over money, children, a teach children, expect them to be rapt by Dec 17:You may be the recipient of good date, neighbours, or a relative. The key is not what you say, and who you are. counsel if you're not the one offering it. to let anyone go off the deep end with Dec 22:The Moon falls in your domestic Useful or needed information is available. exaggerations. Keep your perspective. zone, indicating new beginnings or a Make inquiries. Study and learn. Dec 20:Where there was unreliability there is pending change. Expect more sudden Communication is top-notch. now stability, someone or some situation you shifts, turnarounds, or liberations. Dec 18:The people in your life may impose can count on to be fair and respect for the work THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 SPIRITUALITY 27 THE BEST WAY TO ATTAIN MOKSHA IN HINDUISM n Hinduism, there are no definite paths to liberation. The scriptures Iaffirm that the paths are many, but they all lead to the same goal, which is liberation or oneness with God. To a novice, this is confusing, because it seem to offer him a wide choice from an assortment of practices and traditions about which he may not have much knowledge. In the Bhagavadgita you will find many yogas. Although outwardly they may appear to be different, they are not different yogas but form part of the Moksha Yoga or the Yoga of liberation in which Jnana, Karma, Sanyasa and Bhakti (knowledge, sacrificial actions, renunciation and devotion) play an important role. Other yogas such as Buddhi Yoga or Atma Samyama Yoga contribute to purification and perfection in their practice. What should be renounced are desires and attachment. All the different types of yogas are meant to prepare the mind and body for the final journey. Even in the classical yoga, the eight limbs are complimentary and serve the same purpose. They are meant to purify and silence the mind and the senses which are crucial to experience self- absorption or oneness with the Self. People may follow different methods or yogas to silence their minds according to their beliefs and teacher traditions, but and liberated when it is free from them. their ultimate goal is the same, self- The mind is also of two types, pure and absorption (samadhi) or union with the impure. It is impure when it is ridden Self. with desires and pure when it is freed Thus, in Hindu spiritual practice, the from them. emphasis is upon silencing the mind and Therefore, in spiritual practice your the senses with suitable techniques. focus should be upon cleansing your They have to fall asleep for the hidden mind to make it still. Everything else is Self to emerge from the darkness of the ancillary. When the mind is freed from mind and appear in its true splendor. For instability and distraction and made that all thoughts must subside in the motionless or fixed (nischalam), then it ocean of silence. is the highest state (paramam padam). The scriptures clearly state that there Restraining the mind within the heart is no possibility of liberation as long as as long as possible, one attains the mind is active and produces or knowledge and liberation. All else is harbors thoughts and mental mere continuation of the knots that bind modifications. One should therefore, us to the mortal life. The state of the focus upon silencing the mind and the happiness of the mind which is freed senses by cleansing them with the help of from all impurities by concentration and yoga techniques such as concentration which has settled in the Self is (Dharana), meditation (dhyana) and self- indescribable. control (samyama). Thus, according to the Upanishad the The Maitri Upanishad sums up the key to liberation is concentration and idea very well by suggesting that true purification of the mind and body. liberation is having your mind and Supreme happiness is attained when the thoughts under your firm control. It mind is silenced by freeing it from PAGE SPONSORED BY states (6.34) that one’s own thought is desires, impurities and distractions and Samsara or bondage (chittam eva hi stabilized it in the self with ARISH K. SAHANI samsaram). Hence, a yogi should cleanse concentration, until all thoughts and his thoughts. What he thinks so he movements of the mind disappear and Serving Since 1972 becomes. From thought only both good one remains absorbed in the Self. When Please Call or Write for Your Insurance Needs and bad karma manifest and by the the mind is attached to objects, it is serenity of the mind they are destroyed. bondage (bandha). When it is freed from Arish K Sahani (Father) Therefore, by dwelling upon the Self, them, it is liberation (moksha). with a serene mind one attains supreme You can see from the above that the Shiv Sahani (Son) happiness. If the mind is fixed upon simplest way to achieve liberation is by Brahman as naturally as it dwells upon knowing how to silence your mind and Priya Sahani Sood (Daughter) the things of the world, who will not remain focused on the Self. You may use attain liberation? any number of techniques and yogas to 7 1 8 - 2 7 1 - 1 9 0 6 The Upanishad further states that for accomplish it. Your aim should be how to [email protected] human beings the mind is the cause of become totally silent, free from desires both bondage and liberation (mana eva and distractions and remain absorbed in “If Hindus don’t maintain Hinduism, who shall save it?” manusyanam Karanam bandha the contemplation of the Self. If you can moksayoh). It is in bondage when the enter that state, then everything falls in “If India’s own children don't cling to their faith, who shall guard it?” mind is bound to thoughts and desires place. “Indians alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 TRAVEL 28 BODH GAYA: DOORWAY TO HEAVEN

Bodh Gaya, the second largest city in The sacred Dungeshwari Cave Bihar, India is a must visit for anybody Temples (also known as Mahakala remotely interested in Buddhism and it’s Caves), where Lord Buddha meditated teachings. For it is the place, lo and for an extended period, are a short behold, where the thousands of years old distance northeast of Bodh Gaya and religion- Buddhism originated. It is worth visiting as well. indeed this place, where Buddha, or Prince Siddhartha attained Meditation and ‘enlightenment’ under, now a highly Buddhism Courses pious tree- The Bodhi tree, set amid a beautiful garden, its roots, a You'll find plenty of courses and reminiscence of its ancestor. retreats available in Bodh Gaya. The Unsurprisingly, a lot of tourists- Root Institute for Wisdom Culture religious and non-religious visit the conducts introductory and intermediate place dotted with beautiful Buddha meditation and philosophy courses, statues, paintings and monasteries. explained in the Tibetan Mahayana tradition, from October to March. Getting There Gaya airport, 12 kilometers (7 miles) Those interested in Vipassana away, has infrequent direct flights from Meditation can learn it at the Dhamma Kolkata. If you're coming from other Bodhi Vipassana Center, with 10-day major Indian cities, the nearest airport residential retreats starting on the 1st is in Patna, 140 kilometers (87 miles) and 16th of every month. away. From Patna, it's a three to four- The pilgrimage season starts in Bodh Site in 2002. It's open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some monasteries also offer Buddhism hour drive. Gaya in September and reaches a peak in daily, with chanting and meditation held courses. Bodh Gaya can be easily reached by January. Ideally, the best time to visit at 5:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. train. The nearest railway station is weather-wise is between November and The other temples and monasteries, Festivals Gaya, which is well connected with February. Avoid the monsoon season built and maintained by various The biggest festival in Bodh Gaya is Patna, Varanasi, New Delhi, Kolkata, between June and September. The Buddhist countries, are also Buddha Jayanti, held on a full moon in Puri, and other places in Bihar. The weather gets quite oppressive, followed fascinating— particularly the different late April or May each year. The festival journey from Patna by train is about two by heavy rains. Summers, from March to architectural styles. Opening hours are celebrates Lord Buddha's birthday.Other and a half hours. May, are very hot. However, Bodh Gaya from 5 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. festivals in Bodh Gaya include the Bodh Gaya can also be visited as part still attracts a large number of devotees Don't miss the very ornate Thai temple, annual Buddha Mahotsava, a three-day of a pilgrimage to other Buddhist sites in during this time for Buddha Jayanti shimmering with gold. celebration filled with cultural and India. Indian Railways operates a special (Buddha's birthday) celebrations, held in The towering 80-foot sandstone and religious activities. Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist late April or May. granite statue of Lord Buddha is a must- The Kagyu Monlam Chenmo and Tourist Train. see. It took 12,000 stonemasons seven Nyingma Monlam Chenmo prayer Another popular option is to travel to What to See and Do years to complete. festivals for world peace are held around Bodh Gaya from Varanasi by car taking The elaborately carved Mahabodhi Bodh Gaya also has an Archaeological January-February every year. The Maha under six hours. temple, Buddhism's holiest shrine, is the Museum displaying an array of relics, Kala Puja is conducted at monasteries big attraction at Bodh Gaya. The temple scriptures, and ancient statues of for several days before the new year, for When to Go was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Buddha. It is closed on Fridays. purification and to remove obstacles THE INDIAN PANORAMA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 CLASSIFIEDS 29

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for advertisement in The Indian Panorama Please call at 646-247-9458 Visit website for more news, views and reviews www.theindianpanorama.news THE INDIAN PANORAMA 30 MISCELLANY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 Federal Court Upholds Green Light Law NEW YORK (TIP): A federal court on support for Merola's lawsuit, writing in a affidavit form in fact was never issued a Friday, December 13, upheld New York's filing that there were constitutional social security number." law allowing undocumented immigrants issues raised by the state law. The state Department of Motor to apply for driver's licenses - paving the Dozens of county clerks who Vehicles, meanwhile, pointed to the law way for the measure to take effect on administer motor vehicle offices for the itself, saying the implementation is Saturday. state on Friday in a letter to the Cuomo mandated by the law, adding that the law The court rejected a challenge to the administration urged that the law be will take effect as planned. law from Rensselaer County Clerk Frank delayed in its implementation, pointing "We invite any county clerk who feels Merola, who had challenged the the lack of time for training given by the inadequately prepared to implement the measure's constitutionality. state. law on December 16 to contact us so we It is the second time a federal court has "The State DMV has failed to put in can provide further instruction or documents and to prevent fraud. upheld the law, which was approved by place safeguards to prevent someone clarification," said DMV spokeswoman "Moreover, long before the state lawmakers and signed into law in who has a social security number from Lisa Koumjian. implementation of this new law, staff June by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. A separate signing the affidavit form claiming "The law applies to only one license were offered hands-on training to detect court challenge by Erie County Clerk they've never been issued a social transaction and the DMV is not creating fraudulent documents, and they will Mickey Kearns was rejected earlier this security number, enabling people to a new license or overhauling the current continue to follow the well-established year. conceal their true identities," the clerks process. We have provided document process that exists today for reporting Merola this week said he would direct said. authentication devices and resource possible fraud," she said. "The DMV's people he believes to be in the country "In fact, State DMV representatives guides to both state and county DMV investigative unit will also continue to illegally to the motor vehicle office in admitted during their conference call staff to assist them." utilize its tools, such as facial Albany. with County Clerks on Monday, Koumjian added machines used for recognition, to prevent fraud." The Trump administration through December 9, 2019, that they have no way authentication have been used across the (Read full story on the Department of Justice had signaled to check or verify if a person using the country to verify foreign and U.S. www.theindianpanorama.news) contd from page 1 Party, Navendru Mishra for Labour and Munira Wilson morning tweets assuring the people of Assam that their PM Boris Gets Solid Mandate in for the Liberal Democrats among the first timers. culture and language will be preserved. On the contrary "The better our Parliament reflects the diversity people defied restrictions in Brahmaputra Valley, the UK Polls; Vows Brexit by January within the country, the more likely it is that all voices government began contemplating alternate venues but "sacred trust" placed in him by the voters, who turned will be represented," said Mr. Wilson, who won from the the Japanese side was unwilling. out for the first winter election in decades to register a south-west London constituency of Twickenham. Abe along with PM Modi were to hold their annual 67-per cent turnout. "Time to Get Brexit Done and get on with investing in dialogue for the first time in North-East's biggest city of Johnson, who won his own seat in London's Uxbridge our schools, hospitals and police to keep our streets Guwahati and then travel to Imphal to pay homage at and South Ruislip, hailed the Conservative Party's safe," said Goan-origin Coutinho, who clinched victory the war memorial. Around the same time, Union Home triumph as a "powerful new mandate" to move forward in the Surrey East seat. Minister Amit Shah was to link up with his with his deal to leave the 28-member economic bloc on The other Tories to return to the Commons include Bangladeshi counterpart AK Abdul Momin in Shillong January 31. Voters gave Johnson the huge mandate so Priti Patel, the former U.K. Home Secretary who is who was to travel by road from Bangladesh. that he can get the UK out of the European Union by likely to remain in Mr. Johnson's top team in the new However, both Abe and Momin called off their visits January.A perceived anti-India stance since the Labour Cabinet as well. "This has been a hard-fought election in because of the unrest roiling some northeastern states Party passed an emergency motion calling for a very cold time of the year because we needed a after Parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment international intervention in Kashmir is also likely to functioning Conservative majority, said Ms. Patel, who Bill. The Ministry of External Affairs here said Abe's have swayed its connect with the Indian diaspora won the Witham seat in Essex. visit was called off after mutual discussions between voters. Her fellow Cabinet colleagues in the previous both sides. Bangladesh media reported that Momin's "It does look as though this one-nation conservative government Rishi Sunak - the son-in-law of Infosys co- visit was postponed upon the Foreign Ministry's advice government has been given a powerful new mandate to founder Narayana Murthy - won the Richmond seat, which did not deem it safe for him to travel by road to get Brexit done - and not just to get Brexit done but to while Alok Sharma, the former International Shillong. unite this country and to take it forward," he said. Development Minister, clinched victory in Reading Meanwhile , Union Home Minister Amit Shah has Jo Swinson, the leader of the UK's Liberal Democrats, West. decided to cancel his proposed visit to Meghalaya and stepped down on Friday after she was ousted from her Shailesh Vara won his North West Cambridgeshire Arunachal Pradesh, which was scheduled for December own seat in Scotland in the general election held a day seat and Goan-origin Suella Braverman clinched 15 and 16. ago. Swinson lost her East Dunbartonshire Fareham. Though the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) did not constituency to the surging Scottish National Party's From the Opposition Labour Party,Navendru Mishra mention any reason for the cancellation of the visit, it (SNP) Amy Callaghan who prevailed by a margin of clinched the Stockport seat, while Preet Kaur Gill, who is generally perceived that the decision was taken amid just 149 votes. made history in the last election as the first British widespread protests in Assam and Meghalaya against Brussels: EU leaders said they were ready for the next Sikh woman MP, was re-elected from Birmingham the new citizenship Act. phase of Brexit, just hours after the victory of Boris Edgbaston. Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the first turbaned Shah was supposed to take part in the passing-out Johnson that all but seals Britain's divorce from the Sikh MP, will also return to the Commons with an parade at the North Eastern Police Academy near bloc. "My point is very clear, we are ready. We have impressive win from Slough in south-east England. Shillong on Sunday and a festival in Tawang the next decided what our priorities are," said EU President Veteran Labour MP Virendra Sharma won from day. Charles Michel. (With input from Agencies) Ealing Southall. The others holding on to their seats An official in the Arunachal Pradesh Home included Lisa Nandy who won Wigan and Seema Department said Shah's visit to the state on Sunday to A record 15 Indian-origin Malhotra who clinched Feltham and Heston. Valerie take part in a festival in Tawang had been cancelled in candidates win in U.K. general Vaz, the sister of scandal-hit former MP Keith Vaz , held view of the ongoing violent protests in the region over on to her Walsall South seat. (Source: PTI) the Act. "The Union Home Minister was supposed to election visit North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) to attend All the nearly dozen Indian-origin MPs from the Citizenship Law : Protests the passing-out parade of police personnel, but in view previous Parliament contesting this time were Unabated of the law and order situation in the region, especially successful in clinching their seats, with Gagan in Assam, his visit has been cancelled," a top NEPA Mohindra and Claire Coutinho for the Conservative But when there was no impact of PM Modi's early official said. (Agencies) THE INDIAN PANORAMA PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Prof. Indrajit S. Saluja Mohammad Shahzad, Zia Khan DELHI BUREAU CHIEF: Ashishpal Singh Bureau Chief Phone: 972-330-3139 VICE PRESIDENT: Chitagam Saluja Nisha Rani CHANDIGARH: Manjit Sidhu E-mail [email protected]; Phone: 646-247-9458 CHIEF EDITOR: Prof Indrajit S. Saluja Vaaho Photographers LUDHIANA: A.S. Arora, R.P.Sharma www.theindianpanorama.news ASSISTANT EDITOR: Bidisha Roy Vijay Shah -Photo Journalist. Published by Prof. Indrajit Saluja GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Om Parkash Malik DISTRIBUTOR : Sukhwinder Singh The Indian Panorama DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION: Gauri Beri CORRESPONDENTS : P.O. Box No. 190067, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, DISCLAIMER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: SACRAMENTO: Parminder S. Aujla Tel: 646-247-9458 The Indian Panorama assumes no responsibility for the Baldev Singh / BJ Videos NEW YORK : Chitagam Email: [email protected] claims made in advertisements. We only sell space. Views published in the newspaper are those of the authors and do Gunjesh Desai / Masala Junction FRESNO: Tarlochan Singh DALLAS EDITION not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. All rights Jay Mandal, DALLAS: Harjit Dhesi, Amarjit Dhillon P.O. BOX 121695, ARLINGTON, TX 76012 are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without Mohammad Jaffer/ SnapsIndia OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Lovllien Kaurr, VP & Bureau Chief permission in writing from The Indian Panorama is prohibited. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 31 SPORTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019

FIVE AUSTRALIANS IN TOP T20: India beat West Indies BRACKET FOR IPL AUCTION MUMBAI (TIP): Five Australians are among seven overseas cricketers who have enlisted by 67 runs, clinch series 2-1 themselves at the highest base price of Rs2 crore for the Indian Premier League auction next week. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn MUMBAI (TIP): K L Rahul was Maxwell and Chris Lynn will be in the top bracket. determined, Rohit Sharma elegance South Africa’s Dale Steyn and Sri Lanka’s Angelo personified and Virat Kohli at his Mathews complete the list. — Reuters brutal best in India's series-winning 67-run victory over the Windies Players with highest base prices cricket team in the third T20 Rs 2crore: Chris Lynn, Pat Cummins, Glenn International at Wankhede Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Dale Stadium, Mumbai on Wednesday Steyn, Angelo Mathews (December 11). The 'Maximum City' Rs 1.5crore: Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy, Robin witnessed the maximum Uthappa, Chris Morris, Chris Woakes, Adam Zampa, entertainment as the trinity of Shaun Marsh, David Willey, Kane Richardson, Kyle Rahul (91 off 56 balls), Rohit (71 off Abbott 34 balls) and captain Kohli (70 not out off 29 balls) contributed in a Indians with highest base prices total of 240 for 3 which completely Rs 1.5crore: Robin Uthappa took factors like, dew, flat track out Rs 1crore: Yusuf Pathan, Jaydev Unadkat, Piyush of equation. Chawla An asking rate of 12 from the Rs 50 lakh: Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, start would be Herculean for any Stuart Binny, Naman Ojha, Mohit Sharma, Saurabh team and West Indies in the end Tiwary, Manoj Tiwary, Rishi Dhawan, Barinder Sran managed only 173 for 8 with Mohammed Shami (2/25 in 4 overs) seven of them in all. stand with Rahul as he demonised enjoying a good outing in his first India needed a good start but the bowlers. There was another BWF WORLD TOUR FINALS game of the series. With a cushion Rohit and Rahul made it a brilliant flicked six off Kesrick Williams, of runs on the board, Deepak one as they conjured 135 runs in 11.4 whom he intimidated after playing DEFENDING CHAMPION Chahar (2/20 in 4 overs) was also overs. each shot. steady while Bhuvneshwar Kumar The true nature of the pitch with Jason Holder was taken for 54 SINDHU KNOCKED OUT (2/41 in 4 overs) and Kuldeep Yadav no lateral movement only made it runs in his 4 overs and the fifth (2/45) also got wickets even though easier as the batsmen could hit bowling combination of left-arm GUANGZHOU (TIP): they were a bit expensive. West through the line. Rohit in spinner Khary Pierre (0/35 in 2 Defending champion PV Indies cricket team were never in particular pulled with disdain and overs) and Pollard (0/33 in 2 overs) Sindhu was knocked out of contention and 'local man' Keiron also got one one knee to hit the slog gave away 68 in their four. the year-ending BWF Pollard's (68 off 39 balls) five sixes in sweep into the cow corner. In fact, any hopes of a World Tour Finals after familiar surroundings was nothing Rahul was more classical in his competitive game was over when losing to China’s Chen more than consolation for the approach with shots square off the Kohli smashed 27 off Pollard in the Yufei, her second defeat in visitors. wicket, using the pace of the 19th over of the innings as it two days, here today. While this is only a bilateral spinners' deliveries to play it as late included three sixes and a four. A Sindhu lost 22-20 16-21 12- series but the manner of victory as possible. over before that, 17 were taken off 21. Just like in her taking into context West Indies as a But the man who made the Williams. campaign-opener against T20 opposition and the swagger difference between a good and West Indies started their chase Japan’s Akane with which the hosts defended a winning score undoubtedly was with a handicap as Evin Lewis was Yamaguchi, Sindhu total will only help them gain skipper Kohli, who again looked ruled out after sustaining an on- squandered a game confidence. charged up, enjoying his battle with field knee injury. The only time advantage to lose yet again. There were 16 sixes that lit up the Kesrick Williams. there was some fight between bat Akane Yamaguchi’s win over He Bing Jiao Mumbai skyline with Rohit hitting After Rishabh Pant's duck stuck and ball was when Pollard and confirmed Sindhu’s ouster from the prestigious five, Rahul four and surprising out like a sore thumb, Kohli took it Shimron Hetmyer (41 of 24 balls) tournament, which she had won last year. With two everyone, 'boundary man' Kohli had upon himself during the 95-run added 74 runs in 6.2 overs. wins from as many outings, both Yamaguchi and Chen Yufei have qualified for the semifinals from Group A. Trailing 17-20, Sindhu staged a dramatic India vs West Indies: Injured Bhuvneshwar turnaround to score five straight points and claim the first game. However, the Chinese rallied to win the second game after a strong start. Chen Yufei, who out of WI ODIs, Shardul likely replacement has been in rampaging form this season having won all the six of her finals, including the All England NEW DELHI (TIP): After games while ending with 2 for 41 in Championships, carried the momentum into the Shikhar Dhawan, Team India have four overs in the final game. decider and left Sindhu stunned with her wide been dealt another blow in the form Bhuvneshwar, who had a couple repertoire of shots. of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The India of months lay-off due to a pacer has now been ruled out of the hamstring injury and side-strain, upcoming three-match One Day has again suffered a setback only TESTS RETURN TO PAKISTAN International (ODI) series against three matches into his comeback. the West Indies due to an injury. Meanwhile, West Indies all- AFTER 10 YEARS Mumbai pacer Shardul Thakur is rounder Dwayne Bravo on Friday likely to be called in as his announced his return to RAWALPINDI (TIP): Pakistan will no longer play replacement for the series which international cricket, little over a home matches at neutral venue, Pakistan Cricket starts on Sunday. It is the second year after he called it quits due to a Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani said. “If you player to be ruled after India lost bitter fallout with his country’s want to play against Pakistan you have to come to Shikhar to an injury prior to the Board. Bravo said the decision was Pakistan,” said Mani. “The onus will be on the other ODI series, with Mayank Agarwal prompted by the change of guard in teams to tell us why they can’t play in Pakistan,” coming in place of him. the West Indies Cricket Board Mani added. “Our default position will remain that “Bhuvneshwar has been ruled out (WICB), where former team Pakistan is safe. We play cricket in Pakistan (and if) of the series and Shardul will be manager Ricky Skerritt took over as you want to play against Pakistan you have to come replacing him,” a senior BCCI The exact nature of the injury is the new president replacing Dave to Pakistan.” functionary privy to development not yet known though it is believed Cameron earlier this year. Pakistan’s decade-long isolation from hosting Test told PTI on conditions of to either a side strain or hamstring “Today I confirm the cricket ends tomorrow when Sri Lanka will play at anonymity. issue. announcement of my decision to the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test will be Shardul was in the T20 squad for Bhuvneshwar had a below-par return to International Cricket to played in Karachi from December 19 to 23. Sri Lanka the Bangladesh series and till comeback by his standards as he all my fans and well wishers all was the last team to play a Test in Pakistan in 2009, Thursday was playing the Ranji went wicketless for 36 runs around the world,” the 36-year-old when terrorists attacked the team’s bus in Lahore Trophy game against Baroda. (identical figures) in the first two said in a statement. and eight people were killed. THE INDIAN PANORAMA 32 ADVERTISEMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019