Rep. Shri Thanedar Co-Sponsors Bill To Eliminate Visa Backlogs, Advocates For Merit-Based Immigration

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterNews 0

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has announced his co-sponsorship of the to address the long-standing Green Card backlog and create a merit-based immigration system. The bill, introduced by Congressman Larry Bucshon and Raja Krishnamoorthi, seeks to recapture unused employment-based Green Cards and exempt them from per-country caps. With an estimated 1.6 million individuals in the employment-based Green Card backlog, the bill aims to alleviate hardships for skilled workers, including many Indians, while meeting the demand for immigrants in American businesses.

“Proud to co-sponsor the H.R. 1535 Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation which increases employment-based immigration visas. Immigration needs to be merit-based, not dictated by arbitrary caps,” Thanedar tweeted on Thursday.

The Congressman had earlier said that the long Green Card backlog is creating hardships for skilled workers, including Indians, at a time when American businesses need more immigrants.

According to estimates, there are only six available workers for every 10 job openings in the US.

The bill, introduced by Congressmen Larry Bucshon and Raja Krishnamoorthi on March 10, would recapture the unused employment-based Green Cards accumulated over the past three decades, going back to 1992 when the current Green Card allotment system took effect.

Unused Green Cards are the ones left unissued due to bureaucratic delays and slow USCIS processing.

In addition, the bill would exempt these recaptured Green Cards from the 7 per cent per-country cap.

As a consequence of numerical limits, per-country caps, and administrative delays, the employment-based Green Card backlog reached 1.6 million by the end of Fiscal Year 2022, according to National Immigration Forum.

The US sets aside 140,000 employment-based green cards for skilled, unskilled, and professional workers from all around the world every year.

In addition to the numerical limit, Congress has put a limit on the maximum number of Green Cards that can be allocated to nationals of a particular country.

As per the existing federal law, individuals from any one country cannot be issued more than 7 per cent of the total number of Green Cards each year.

The existence of these per-country caps means that individuals from countries with high numbers of Green Card applicants, such as India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines, face backlogs lasting years or even decades.

Girish Panicker Receives International Conservation Research Award

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterEnvironment, Science 0

Girish Panicker was recognized for his outstanding contribution in conservation research. The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) awarded Indian American researcher Dr Girish Panicker, the 2023 International Conservation Research Award for his outstanding achievements in conservation research.

Panicker currently serves as the director of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Research Program and a professor at the Alcorn State University in Mississippi. According a statement, his research on C-factor (Cover and Management) technology is used by graduate students and environmentalists to stop soil erosion and deal with climate change issues.

According to Alcorn University, the Kerala-born professor has experimented with blueberries to prevent lung cancer and coronary heart disease. He also has collaborated with the U.S. government impacting organic fertilizers, studied and produced muscadines with research designed to move toward eliminating breast cancer, and researched cover crops producing information for erosion prediction, nutrient management, and climate change.

Panicker’s efforts have gained him numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Pride of India Award and the 2020 Organic Achievement Award from the American Society of Agronomy, and others.

“This is a great recognition for me and Alcorn State,” Panicker said. “I was so blessed that I got the job here. Dr Bristow sent me to work on my PhD, and I came back to Alcorn because I knew that this project of conserving soil and water could help around the globe. Our research goes to so many countries around the world.”

The SWCS, a preeminent nonprofit scientific and educational organisation, honoured Panicker for his great contributions to conservation research. The SWCS promotes conservation professionals and science-based practices, programmes, and policies.

Shekhar Kapur, Mary Kom And Others Recognised At UK-India Awards

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterCinema 0

Sporting legend and India’s first-ever Olympic medallist in women’s boxing, Mary Kom, has been honored with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual U.K.-India Awards in Windsor, south-eastern England.

Sporting legend and India’s first-ever Olympic medallist in women’s boxing, Mary Kom, has been honoured with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual U.K.-India Awards in Windsor, south-eastern England.

The 40-year-old former Rajya Sabha member spoke of her 20-year journey of hard work and devoting her life to boxing as she accepted the award from Indian High Commissioner to the U.K. Vikram Doraiswami at a gala ceremony on June 29 night.

“I have been fighting for 20 years, putting in so much effort, hard work in my life, in boxing, it means a lot[…] making sacrifice for my country, for my family. I really thank from the bottom of my heart for this recognition,” she said.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, behind Oscar-nominated ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the field of cinema across both nations at the awards, organised by IGF (India Global Forum) as part of U.K.-India Week.

The Nehru Centre in London, the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission, won the U.K.-India Award for Significant Contribution to U.K.-India relations.

“This is one of the most exciting times to be an Indian in the last many centuries, and India’s growing economy has made many others, including many Westerners, think differently about India. But India’s culture will actually make many others, including many Westerners, think differently period. And it’s our privilege at the Nehru Centre to contribute to the growth and to the popularisation of Indian culture in the West,” said author Amish Tripathi, Director of the Nehru Centre.

The awards, now in their fifth year, recognise outstanding contributions of leaders in business, professional services, government, culture and social impact, highlighting their remarkable achievements in strengthening bilateral ties.

“These awards are not just about recognising achievements of some outstanding contributors to the U.K.-India corridor, but also about celebrating the power of collaboration and the limitless potential that lies within our partnership,” said IGF founder and chairman Manoj Ladwa.

Spanning across several categories, the U.K.-India Award for Business Promotion Organisation of the Year was conferred upon the FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) U.K.

Among the other awards were Market Entrant of the Year for startup investment platform CrowdInvest, Consultancy of the Year for SannamS4, Legal Practice of the Year for Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Financial Services Organisation of the Year for ICICI Bank U.K. PLC. While Mphasis bagged the Technology Company of the Year, Action Aid U.K. was named as the Social Impact Project of the Year.

The awards were selected from a shortlist by a jury of industry experts and marked the penultimate event of the six-day U.K.-India Week, which included a special reception hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street during which he committed to working towards a “truly ambitious” FTA (Free Trade Agreements) with India.

“It’s not just U.K.-India Week, but a whole Indian summer[…] over the next few weeks the eyes of the world will be on India. There’s the G20 in New Delhi, I can’t wait to be there,” Mr.Sunak said, indicating plans for a visit for the world leader’s summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September.

India Urges Quick UNSC Reforms

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterWorld 0

The UN General Assembly passed a draft oral decision to continue the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform at the 78th session

India has expressed its disappointment in the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) decision to roll over the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council reform to its next session. Terming it as‘yet another wasted opportunity’, India’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said the process could well go on for another 75 years without achieving genuine progress.

Concluding Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) for the current 77th session, The UN General Assembly passed a draft oral decision to continue the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform at the 78th session, that will commence in September 2023, an official release stated.

Kamboj emphasized that the roll-over decision of the IGN simply cannot be reduced to a mindless technical exercise. Highlighting development over the UN Security Council reforms, the Indian envoy added, “Even with these so-called changes, there has been no breakthrough whatsoever that may be described as progress. This state of affairs is clearly in the interest of those who seek a status quo, to keep this process frozen in repetitive cycles.”

The Ambassador maintained that as a responsible and constructive member of the United Nations, India will continue to engage in the process alongside reform-minded partners, and make continued efforts to move from repetitive speeches to text-based negotiations.

In her address, Kamboj praised the proactive and consultative approach demonstrated by the UNGA Co-Chairs on its functioning. She concluded, “However, for those of us who truly wish to fulfill our leaders’ commitment towards an early and comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, looking beyond the IGN looks increasingly to us as the only viable pathway to a future UN Security Council that would better reflect the world of today.”

Coffee Is More Than Just Caffeine

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterFood 0

For some individuals, the day doesn’t begin until their espresso cup is vacant. People drink coffee to wake themselves up and get more done because it is thought to make you feel more alert. Portuguese researchers concentrated on espresso consumers to comprehend whether that attentiveness impact is subject to the properties of caffeine, or whether it’s about the experience of drinking espresso.

“There is a typical assumption that espresso increments readiness and psychomotor working,” said Prof Nuno Sousa of the College of Minho, comparing writer of the concentrate in Wildernesses in Conduct Neuroscience and Field Boss Proofreader of the diary. ” It is possible to investigate the factors that may influence a biological phenomenon and even the potential benefits of that mechanism when you gain a deeper comprehension of the mechanisms that underlie it.

A kickstart with caffeine The researchers sought out individuals who consumed at least one cup of coffee per day and instructed them to avoid caffeine-containing foods and beverages for at least three hours prior to the study. They talked with the members to gather sociodemographic information, and afterward did two brief practical X-ray checks: one preceding and one 30 minutes after either taking caffeine or drinking a normalized mug of espresso. During the useful X-ray checks, the members were approached to unwind and allow their brains to meander.

In light of the realized neurochemical impacts of drinking espresso, the researchers expected that the utilitarian X-ray sweeps would show that individuals who drank espresso had higher joining of organizations that are connected to the prefrontal cortex, related with chief memory, and the default mode organization, associated with thoughtfulness and self-reflection processes. They found that the availability of the default mode network was diminished both subsequent to drinking espresso and in the wake of taking caffeine, which demonstrates that polishing off one or the other caffeine or espresso made individuals more ready to move from laying to chipping away at assignments.

However, coffee consumption also increased connectivity in the right executive control network and the higher visual network, which are brain regions involved in working memory, cognitive control, and goal-directed behavior. Waking up on the right side of the bed This didn’t occur when members just took caffeine. At the end of the day, if you need to feel ready as well as all set, caffeine alone will not do – you really want to encounter some espresso.

“Intense espresso utilization diminished the utilitarian availability between cerebrum locales of the default mode organization, an organization that is related with self-referential cycles when members are very still,” said Dr. Maria Picó-Pérez of Jaume I College, first creator. ” After drinking coffee, functional connectivity between the somatosensory/motor networks and the prefrontal cortex also decreased, whereas connectivity between regions of the higher visual and the right executive control network increased. Simply put, after drinking coffee, the subjects were more alert to external stimuli and ready to act.

“Considering that a portion of the impacts that we found were replicated by caffeine, we could expect other jazzed beverages to share a portion of the impacts,” added Picó-Pérez. ” Notwithstanding, others were explicit for espresso drinking, driven by variables like the specific smell and taste of the beverage, or the mental assumption related with polishing off that beverage.”

The creators brought up that it is conceivable that the experience of drinking espresso without caffeine could cause these advantages: this study couldn’t separate the impacts of the experience alone from the experience joined with the caffeine. This study did not test the hypothesis that the benefits claimed by coffee drinkers could be due to the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms.

“The progressions in network were contemplated during a resting-state grouping. The common function assigned to the regions and networks found is used to interpret any association with psychological and cognitive processes, but it was not directly tested,” Sousa warned. Additionally, it would be interesting to investigate individual differences in caffeine metabolism among participants in the future.

Loneliness Rewires the Brain

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth, Science 0

When Leo Tolstoy, a Russian philosopher, wrote the opening line of Anna Karenina, he might have been right. Blissful families are indistinguishable; each troubled family is miserable in its own specific manner.”

A new report distributed in Mental Science and drove by a researcher now at the USC Dornsife School of Letters, Expressions and Sciences, recommends that with regards to their cerebrums handling data, individuals who are not forlorn are similar, yet every desolate individual cycles the world in their own, peculiar way.

Overflowing examination shows that forlornness is inconvenient to prosperity and is many times joined by self-announced sensations of not being perceived by others. A new report from the US Top health spokesperson’s office alluded to depression as a general wellbeing emergency in response to the developing number of grown-ups experiencing this condition. Indeed, even before the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, around half of U.S. grown-ups revealed encountering quantifiable degrees of depression.

Forlornness is peculiar

While she was a postdoctoral individual at UCLA, Elisa Baek, partner teacher of brain research at USC Dornsife, looked to all the more likely comprehend what adds to such sensations of separation and being misconstrued. Baek and her group utilized a neuroimaging procedure called practical attractive reverberation imaging (fMRI) to look at the cerebrums of 66 first-year understudies while they watched a progression of video cuts. The videos covered a wide range of topics, from melodramatic music videos to party scenes and sporting events, giving researchers a wide range of scenarios to examine.

The UCLA Loneliness Scale, a survey that measures a person’s subjective feelings of loneliness and feelings of social isolation, was given to the participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 21, prior to being scanned.

In view of the review results, the analysts isolated the members into two gatherings: desolate and “nonlonely” (those not encountering depression). After that, they used fMRI to scan each participant’s brain as they watched the videos.

Contrasting the cerebrum imaging information between the two gatherings, the analysts found that lonelier people displayed more different and eccentric mind handling designs than their non-desolate partners.

This finding is critical in light of the fact that it uncovers that brain comparability, which alludes to how comparable the mind movement examples of various people are, is connected to a common perspective of the world. This common perspective is significant for laying out friendly associations. Individuals who experience the ill effects of depression are not just less like society’s standard of handling the world, yet each desolate individual varies in novel ways, also. The feelings of loneliness and a lack of social connections may be exacerbated by this individuality.

Baek said, “It was amazing for observe that desolate individuals were even less like one another.” The way that they don’t track down shared trait with desolate or nonlonely individuals makes accomplishing social association considerably more challenging for them.

Dejection isn’t tied in with having or not having companions

All in all, does peculiar handling in forlorn people cause dejection, or is it a consequence of depression?

The specialists saw that people with elevated degrees of depression – ; regardless of the number of social connections or friends they had -; were bound to have eccentric cerebrum reactions. This raised the likelihood that being encircled by individuals who see the world uniquely in contrast to oneself might be a gamble factor for depression, regardless of whether one mingles routinely with them.

The study also suggests that a person’s idiosyncratic way of processing the world may be influenced by the degree to which social connections or disconnections change over time.

Looking forward, Baek said she is keen on analyzing individuals who have companions and are socially dynamic yet at the same time feel forlorn. In addition, the researchers are examining how lonely people react to specific situations in different ways. For instance, do desolate individuals show mannerisms while handling unforeseen occasions or questionable social settings in which things can be deciphered in an unexpected way?

July 3rd Was The Hottest Day Globally Ever Recorded

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterEnvironment 0

Monday, July 3, was the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to data from the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction.

The average global temperature reached 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 Fahrenheit), surpassing the August 2016 record of 16.92C (62.46F) as heatwaves sizzled around the world.

The southern U.S. has been suffering under an intense heat dome in recent weeks. In China, an enduring heatwave continued, with temperatures above 35C (95F). North Africa has seen temperatures near 50C (122F).

And even Antarctica, currently in its winter, registered anomalously high temperatures. Ukraine’s Vernadsky Research Base in the white continent’s Argentine Islands recently broke its July temperature record with 8.7C (47.6F).

“This is not a milestone we should be celebrating,” said climate scientist Friederike Otto of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment at Britain’s Imperial College London.

“It’s a death sentence for people and ecosystems.”

Scientists said climate change, combined with an emerging El Nino pattern, were to blame.

“Unfortunately, it promises to only be the first in a series of new records set this year as increasing emissions of [carbon dioxide] and greenhouse gases coupled with a growing El Nino event push temperatures to new highs,” said Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, in a statement.

Indian community in New York calls for action in Manipur

A resolution condemning violence was passed at the event which noted that the rioters’ objective appeared to be the ethnic cleansing of Christians from tribal land.

In the wake of the violent situation in Manipur, India, the Indian American Community in New York recently gathered at the Santoor Restaurant, New York to demand for the cessation of violence in the region. Dr Anna George, associate professor at Molloy University, led the program attended by about 23 eminent community leaders of various organizations and humanitarians who expressed concerns over the matter.

A resolution condemning violence was passed, which noted that the rioters’ objective appeared to be the ethnic cleansing of Christians from their tribal land. Addressing at the event, Dr. George said, “What is taking place in Manipur is horrible violations of human rights and religious freedom.”

Dr. George stressed on the need to support humanitarian crisis, as over 100 or more people were killed and about 80,000 people were displaced. “They are finding shelter in the forest; they have no homes to return to, so we must decide to do something to help the victims in Manipur,” she urged the audience.

Speaking at the event, George Abraham, vice chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, USA, highlighted the plight of Christians in the Kuki tribal community who have been primarily targeted. He added that in the absence of adequate shelter, food, and medicines the community has become refugees in their own homeland.

With support of organizations like the Federation of Indian Christian Organizations in North America (FIACONA) and others, the participants decided to organise a fundraising effort to support people in Manipur who have lost their homes. Koshy George, FIACONA president lauded the initiative and appreciated those who came forward and pledged support to the cause.

Vivek Ramaswamy Supports Ban On Affirmative Action

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity, USA 0

Indian-American Republican presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling to ban affirmative action at universities and colleges, which allowed educational institutes to admit an increased number of Black, Hispanic, and other minority students on campus. According to the Republican affirmative action is “one of the most disastrous and failed policy experiments of last century.”

Calling affirmative action as “one of the most disastrous and failed policy experiments of last century,” in a tweet Ramaswamy said that it was time to restore “colorblind meritocracy” in America. He also vowed to repeal President Lyndon Johnson’s executive order 11246 which mandated affirmative action in the private sector.

Johnson’s order required federal contractors to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and treated without bias during employment. According to Ramaswamy, the order was unfair to White Americans and Asian Americans as well as Hispanic and Black Americans who were looked down upon by their colleagues despite having achieved their positions based on merit.

“Everyone loses in the end,” Ramaswamy asserted and pledged that his goal after being elected as President of the U.S. will be to end affirmative action across all spheres of American life.

In another development, a US newspaper editor has apologized to Indian Americans for publishing an “offensive” cartoon that played on stereotypes of the community while trying to criticise Vivek Ramaswamy who is seeking the Republican Party’s presidential nomination.

“Racist and hateful ideas, words or images have no place in our publications, much less our society”, Tom Martin, the executive editor of the Quad City Times said in the apology to the community and Ramaswamy published in his paper on Friday.

He said that the cartoonist, Leo Kelly, has been banished from the newspaper.

But Ramaswamy came to the defence of the cartoonist in a letter published in the paper. “Let’s not go further or see people get fired over it; the cartoonist should in no way be ‘cancelled.’ We are all human”, he wrote.

“I’m empathetic to people who make mistakes once in a while”, he wrote while accepting the editor’s apology.

The cartoon sought to show Republicans as bigots with whom Ramaswamy was aligned, but it backfired as it was someone opposed to that party and the candidate who used the anti-Indian epithet.

The Quad-City Times is a regional newspaper based in Davenport, Iowa, which also covers parts of neighbouring Illinois. It is owned by the media company Lee Enterprises which publishes over 70 newspapers across the US, including the Dispatch-Argus, which also published the cartoon.

“We apologise today for letting such an image slip through our editorial process and into our opinion page Wednesday in the form of a political cartoon,” Martin wrote.

He added: “The cartoon, while intended to criticise racist ideas and epithets, uses a phrase that is racist and insensitive to members of our Indian American community.”

The phrase apparently is “Get me a slushee, Apu” that a character in the cartoon is shown shouting at Ramaswamy in an almost empty hall. “Apu Nahasapeemapetilon” runs a store in the popular animated TV cartoon serial, “The Simpsons”, and spoke in an exaggerated Indian accent voiced over by a White American comedian, Hank Azaria.

“Apu” has been turned into a racist taunt used against Indians, especially for bullying school children. The problem was highlighted in a documentary, “The Problem with Apu”, produced by Indian American comedian Hari Kondabolu. Because of protests over the way Apu was presented and how it became a tool for harassment, the character was taken off the show but has returned occasionally with non-speaking background appearances.

Azaria has repeatedly apologized for his role in spreading the stereotype of Indians telling an interviewer, “I did not know any better”.

After the cartoon was published, Ramaswamy tweeted, “It’s sad that this is how the MSM (mainstream media) views Republicans. I’ve met with grassroots conservatives across America & never *once* experienced the kind of bigotry that I regularly see from the Left.”

“Iowa’s @qctimes absolutely has the right to print this, but it’s still shameful”, he added.

Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, the Indian American candidate for the Republican nomination, along with Tim Scott, an African American senator seeking the nomination have come for intense criticism from Democrats and their supporters who believe that non-Whites should be loyal only to their party. The cartoon sought to convey the idea that Ramaswamy was under bigoted attack by Republicans with the other characters shouting “Muslim” and “Show us your birth certificate” while he greets them saying “Hello, my MAGA friends”. (MAGA standards for Make America Great Again, a rallying cry of former President Donald Trump taken up by the Republican right.)

“It is the dripping disdain from the far left — the elite condescension from the Democrat Party — that we will never escape”, said Emily Compagno, a conservative TV host, referring to the cartoon.

US H-1B Visa Holders Can Apply For Canadian Work Permits Starting July 16, 2023

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration, Technology 0

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced that H-1B users in the U.S. will be allowed to apply for a Canadian work permit. Additionally, the family members of these individuals will be able to seek work opportunities in the country. The applications will be available starting July 16, 2023.

The measure is part of Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy, which was announced at the Collision conference 2023 on June 27, 2023. As part of the strategy, Fraser announced the development of an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program to attract highly skilled individuals.

Under the new rules, those with H-1B visas will be allowed to acquire a work permit for up to three years for almost any employer anywhere in Canada. Additionally, their spouses and dependants will also be eligible to apply for a temporary resident visa, with a work or study permit. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the initiative will be on for one year or until they receive 10,000 applications.

According to a release, these measures were devised to promote Canada as a destination for “digital nomads.” “We’re enthusiastic about the ambitious goals we have set in immigration because they aren’t just about numbers—they are strategic. With Canada’s first-ever immigration Tech Talent Strategy, we’re targeting newcomers that can help enshrine Canada as a world leader in a variety of emerging technologies,” said Fraser, in a statement.

He added, “I’m grateful for the collaboration of the tech, start-up and business communities, who have provided valuable insight to develop this strategy. Having a fast and flexible approach, one that is broadly supported by Canadians is truly Canada’s immigration advantage.”

This new strategy includes new measures and improvements on existing measures to help businesses in Canada thrive in a competitive landscape. As part of Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy, Minister Fraser announced the following aggressive attraction measures:

the creation of an open work permit stream for H-1B specialty occupation visa holders in the US to apply for a Canadian work permit, and study or work permit options for their accompanying family members
the development of an Innovation Stream under to the International Mobility Program to attract highly talented individuals, options for which include
- employer-specific work permits for up to five years for workers destined to work for a company identified by the Government of Canada as contributing to our industrial innovation goals
- open work permits for up to five years for highly skilled workers in select in-demand occupations.
a return to the 14-day service standard for work permits under the Global Skills Strategy
the promotion of Canada as a destination for digital nomads
the creation of a STEM-specific draw under category-based selection to issue additional invitations to apply under the Express Entry program
improvements to the Start-up Visa Program
- We allocated more spots to this program for 2023, with further increases planned for 2024 and 2025.
- Applicants will be able to apply for a work permit that is up to three years in duration instead of one year.
- Applicants will be able to apply for an open work permit instead of one that limits them to working for their own start-up.
- We’re making this three-year open work permit available to each member of the entrepreneurial team instead of only those who are essential and urgently needed in Canada.
- We’re prioritizing applications that are supported by venture capital, angel investor groups and business incubators and have capital committed, along with applications that are supported by business incubators who are members of Canada’s Tech Network.

The Government of Canada is embracing Canada’s emerging role as a leader in global tech talent recruitment and attraction to ensure Canada is not only filling in-demand jobs today but also attracting the skills and business talent to create the jobs of tomorrow.

Indian-American, Ken Mathew is Mayor Of Texas City

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterProfile 0

Ken Mathew has become the first Indian American to be elected as the Mayor of Stafford City in Houston’s Fort Bend County. Mathew hails from a Kerala town and is also the first Malayalee to be elected to this position.

Having defeated incumbent Cecil Willis, who had been the Mayor of Stafford since December 12, 2020, Mathew was sworn in as Mayor during a ceremony held at the Council Chambers in Stafford.

Mathew, a former Stafford City Council member, won the race defeating incumbent Mayor Cecil Willis by 16 votes in a run-off race this month, crediting his victory to his faith in god, the Fort Bend Star reported.

He was administered the oath of office by Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt, also an Indian-American, at a special event attended by his family members and top officials.

Indian-American Fort Bend County Judge, K.P. George, who was present on the occasion, tweeted: “Congratulations to Stafford Mayor-elect Ken Mathew! It was an absolute pleasure to attend his swearing-in ceremony this evening. Wishing him all the best as he embarks on this important role.”

Texas representatives, Ron Reynolds and Suleman Lulani, and former Missouri City Mayor Owen Allen also graced the occasion.

Back home, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, also congratulated Mathew in a tweet. “Congratulations to Ken Mathew from Kerala for becoming the elected Mayor of Stafford, US. He is the first Indian to be elected to the post, in 67 years’ history of Stafford,” Chandrasekhar wrote.

Mathew served on Stafford Council since first being elected in 2006, and served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for several years before then.

He immigrated to the US in the 1970s after earning a degree from the University of Bombay, the Star reported. An MBA, Mathew worked as an accountant and financial executive for several corporations, including Toshiba in the Houston area. He has lived in Stafford since 1982.

The oath of office was administered by Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt, who presented Mathew with a personalized gavel as a gift on the occasion. Rep. Ron Reynolds, gifted him a Texas State flag that was flown over the Texas State Capitol Building in Austin.

Mathew has served on the board of Stafford Economic Development Corporation since 2008. He also served as a City Council member and on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He immigrated to the U.S. from Mumbai, India, in the 70s after completing his graduation from the University of Mumbai. He obtained MBA at the University of Detroit after arriving in the States, and made Stafford his home in 1982.

GOPIO And Indian Consulate Celebrate Yoga Day 2023

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

To commemorate the 9th International Yoga Day, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Manhattan, the Indian Consulate General in New York, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker and Happy Life yoga speaker Tirlok Malik hosted a highly engaging and educational yoga Zoom event. The Yoga Zoom event on featured experts and speakers from various walks of life.

Consul Vipul Dev, who oversees press, information, and culture at the Indian Consulate in New York (USA), was the chief guest of the event, which was co-sponsored by The Indian Panorama and Indian American Forum. In his remarks, he said, “Yoga has become very popular in our life and I feel great that something like Yoga from my country has been adopted and owned by the rest of the world.”

GOPIO International chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham in his welcome remarks said, “Yoga has now become an international brand after the UN declaration in 2014 and Yoga Day is now celebrated all over the world.” While complimenting the Indian Consulate for continuing to support Yoga celebrations by the community groups in the Northeast of U.S. he thanked Consul General Randhir Jaiswal for hoisting the largest number of programs at the New York Consulate every month compared to other MEA missions around the world.

Dev shared that the Indian Consulate in New York had been celebrating Yoga Day with community groups starting from the first week of June, including an event at the Niagara Falls.

According to a release, Malik led an energetic and engaging yoga session during which he shared his vision behind Happy Life Yoga and its underlying philosophy. “A way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian Philosophy, Happy Life Yoga is beneficial for one and all. The pandemic has made the world realize that it is of paramount importance to have good health, physically and emotionally, and the Happy Life Yoga platform can show how to achieve it,” Malik said in his brief remarks.

Experts and speakers from a variety of fields, who participated in the event included professor Indrajit Saluja (chief editor/publisher, The Indian Panorama), Indu Jaiswal (chairperson, Indian American Forum), Anil Narang (vegan ambassador), Lal Motwani (GOPIO International president), Neeta Bhasin (president, ASB Communications), Dr Renee Mehra (Reenbow Media), Deborah Fishman (founder of FED Talk), Neha Lohia (filmmaker), Radhika Bhagat (CEO, Sacred Earth Trust), Dr Tara Shajan (president, Indian Nurses Association), and Victoria Moran (Founder, Main Street Vegan Academy).

2 Indian Restaurants Among World’s Top 50

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterTourism 0

The recently released World’s Top 50 Restaurants list includes two Indian restaurants, making it a significant achievement for the Indian culinary scene. Notably, Tresind Studio and Gaggan Anand, the two Indian restaurants on this year’s list are not located in India.

Dubai’s Trèsind Studio secured an impressive 11th position on the list. It is the only one of the two Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It takes pride in offering a dining experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian cuisine, providing guests with a unique and innovative culinary journey.

Gaggan Anand, ranking 17 on the list, is located in Bangkok, Thailand, and named after the owner. Formerly known as Gaggan, the restaurant has been at the forefront of reimagining progressive Indian cuisine with remarkable success. It has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple wins at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

Kolkata-born Gaggan Anand, the culinary mastermind behind the restaurant, is known for his innovative menu that incorporates emojis to represent courses and encourages diners to interact with their food through immersive experiences, including the unconventional practice of plate licking.

Taking the top spot on the World’s Top 50 Restaurants list is Central a restaurant in Lima, Peru. The list is widely recognized globally as the definitive ranking and assessment of culinary establishments worldwide.

Ajay Banga Named In Carnegie’s 2023 ‘Great Immigrants’ List

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterProfile 0

World Bank President Ajay Banga has been named to this year’s “Great Immigrants” list by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which honors contributions by immigrants to American life.

Indian-American Banga, who became the 14th president of the top bank this year, was among 35 honorees from diverse backgrounds and fields whose contributions and actions enriched and strengthened American society and democracy.

From India, he is the only honouree in the prestigious Carnegie list, which has named more than 700 “Great Immigrants” since 2006.

With over 30 years of experience in key positions, Banga is expected to usher in transformative policies at the World Bank to combat poverty and address climate change, opening opportunities for people around the globe, a Carnegie statement said on Wednesday.

“We need to find ways to embrace the value and talent immigrants have to offer — not the least of which is their diversity. Their diverse perspectives and experiences make us stronger,” Banga was quoted as saying in the statement.

Earlier this month,Banga became the new president of the World Bank, the first-ever Indian American to lead the institution.

Picture : TheUNN

He started his career in India, spending 13 years at Nestle India and two at PepsiCo, and in 1996, he joined Citigroup, eventually leading the Asia-Pacific region as CEO.

Later moving to the US, he served as President and CEO of Mastercard for 12 years before being named executive chairman.

Among numerous honors, he was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal, Padma Shri and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

The Class of 2023 Great Immigrants has individuals from 33 countries, who, according to the Corporation, “have fostered opportunities for others through their work as educators, mentors, philanthropists, job creators, public servants, storytellers, and advocates”.

“The 35 naturalized citizens honored today embody that tradition, reminding us that the contributions of immigrants make our country more vibrant and our democracy more resilient,” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a naturalized citizen who first came to the US from Ireland as a graduate student.

Other honorees in the list are esteemed leaders in their fields, including two Nobel Prize laureates, an Olympian, a member of Congress, a university president, a public theologian and immigration advocate.

It also includes celebrities such Elle magazine editor-in-chief and TV personality Nina Garcia, bestselling novelist Min Jin Lee, seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette, Hollywood star Pedro Pascal, and Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan.

White House Condemns Harassment Of WSJ Journalist For Asking Modi A Question

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterMedia 0

The harassment of Wall Street Journal reporter Sabrina Siddiqui who questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his joint presser with US President Joe Biden last week on religious rights and free speech, is “unacceptable”, the White House said.

At a press briefing, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby was asked about the “intense online” harassment the reporter was facing following her questions at the joint conference on June 22.

To this, he replied: “We’re aware of the reports of that harassment. It’s unacceptable. And we absolutely condemn any harassment of journalists anywhere under any circumstances. That’s just — that’s completely unacceptable. And it’s antithetical to the very principles of democracy were on display last week during the state visit.”

At the White House on June 22, after Modi and Biden had read out their prepared statements, the President said: “I’m told there are two questioners: Sabrina (Siddiqui) from The Wall Street Journal and (Rakesh) Kumar from the (Press) Trust of India”.

Siddiqui asked him about criticisms from some in Biden’s party about the treatment of religious minorities and “crackdown on dissent”.

“It is in America’s DNA and, I believe, in India’s DNA that the whole world — the whole world has a stake in our success, both of us, in maintaining our democracies. It makes us appealing partners and enables us to expand democratic institutions across — around the world,” Biden said.

He said that they had a “good discussion about democratic values”, and added, “we’re straightforward with each other, and — and we respect each other”.

Siddiqui then asked, Modi of “what steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and to uphold free speech?”

Speaking in Hindi, Modi repeated Biden’s remarks about the DNA of democracy in both countries.

He said: “Our ancestors have actually put words to this concept, of democracy and that is in the form of our constitution.

“We have always proved that democracy can deliver. And when I say deliver, this is regardless of caste, creed, religion, gender (and) here’s absolutely no space for discrimination.”

As a result of the question, the reporter faced widespread criticism online.

In response, Siddiqui posted a picture of her wearing a jersey of the Indian cricket team and another one with her father watching a match and cheering for the team.

“Since some have chosen to make a point of my personal background, it feels only right to provide a fuller picture. Sometimes identities are more complex than they seem,” she said in the Twitter post.

Oscar Awards Invites NTR Jr, Kjo, Ram Charan, Mani Ratnam To Be Members Of Academy Awards Panel

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterEntertainment 0

‘RRR’ star NTR Jr, who is currently busy with the shooting of his film ‘Devara’, has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organisation behind the Oscars, as a new member along with Ram Charan, Karan Johar2, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Mani Ratnam and Chaitanya Tamhane, M.M. Keeravani, Chandrabose, K.K. Senthil Kumar and documentary filmmaker Shaunak Sen.

As members, they all will have several roles including but not limited to voting for the nominees for the annual Oscars ceremony. The Academy has also added international stars like Taylor Swift and Ke Huy Qwan.

Meanwhile, NTR Jr is reuniting with ace filmmaker Koratala Siva for ‘Devara’ which is currently being shot in Hyderabad. The film, which also stars actors Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, is slated to hit the screens on April 5, 2024.

He will also be working with KGF director Prashant Neel for ‘NTR 31’ which goes on floors in March 2024.

US-India Partnership To Turn Dreams Into Reality: Garcetti

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, USA 0

Ambassador Eric Garcetti lauds Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US, emphasizes its potential to strengthen India-US ties and turn dreams into reality

United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti spoke about the importance of Prime Minister’s Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States in furthering India-US ties, which he believes have the power to turn dreams into reality.

Speaking at the “Peace, Prosperity, Planet, People : A New Chapter In U.S.-India Relations” event co-organized by the Asia Society Policy Institute and IIT Delhi, Garcetti used the phrase “Sapne sakar karna” (Making dreams into reality). He emphasized the need to work together for peace, prosperity, and the planet with a focus on bolstering bilateral security, promoting freedom, and people-to-people exchanges.

Sharing his experience of the PM’s US visit, the Ambassador said it as a momentous occasion during which he witnessed a profound celebration of the “defining partnership of this century” between the two great democracies.

“I saw history being made and our future framed,” Garcetti said welcoming the slew of joint initiatives announced across various fields which he believed could “change the world.” He highlighted IIT Delhi scholar, Anchal Sharma’s presentation alongside PM Modi and First Lady Jill Biden at the National Science Foundation (NSF), as one of his favorite moments from the visit.

The Ambassador acknowledged the shared dreams and visions of the Indian and American people, emphasizing the desire to leave a positive impact on the world. He highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the US and India, stating that the Indian diaspora in the US plays a crucial role in fostering friendship and understanding between the two countries. He mentioned several statistics that reflect the close connection between the nations, including the significant number of Indian students studying in the US, the two-way trade volume, and the presence of Indian professionals in key sectors of the US economy.

Garcetti also shed light on the significance of visa policies in the US-India relationship. With over 200,000 Indians studying in the United States, he added, “We set a goal for ourselves to process at least a million visas in 2023, and we’re already more than halfway towards reaching that goal.”

Having completed his studies in India, the Ambassador expressed, “I may not be Indian, but India is a big part of me and has helped shape who I am today.” He went on to share his goal as an Ambassador was to present many more people with similar life-changing experience that he had while in India.

He concluded by stating India and USA are two sides of the same coin, and that he hopes to realize his dream of the countries partnering and bringing transformative changes to challenges together.

Australia Extends Post-Study Work Rights, Work-Hour Cap For Indian Students

Education/Immigration

Starting July 1, 2023, the working hours for international students per fortnight will go up from 40 to 48 hours.

Indian graduates from Australian tertiary institutions will have the opportunity to apply for an eight-year work visa starting July 1, 2023. Additionally, the work-hour limit of 40 hours per fortnight for all international students will go up to 48 hours. This was done to address workforce shortages, as well as to ensure that student visa holders have enough time to dedicate toward studies while gaining work experience and supporting themselves financially.

The new visa rules are an outcome of a bilateral agreement signed between India and Australia in May 2023. Indian PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese signed a migration deal, which included a new pilot program called the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). The program was devised to benefit university graduates and early-career professionals, precisely 3,000 of them, to live in Australia for two years without requiring visa sponsorship.

Speaking of eligibility, candidates seeking to apply for the MATES visa must be under the age of 31. They must be pass-outs from recognized Indian universities with specialized degrees in the areas of engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Agricultural Technology, Renewable Energy, etc. Details regarding fees and visa processing time for MATES are yet to be announced.

Neal Katyal Dubbed ‘National Hero’ After SCOTUS Rejects Independent State Legislature Theory

July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterUSA 0

Indian-American lawyer Neal Katyal earned widespread acclaim for his arguments in of the most important constitutional cases in American history. The US Supreme Court ruled against the contentious Independent State Legislature theory.

The court’s 6-3 decision in the Moore v. Harper case, shut down the theory that gives legislatures unlimited authority to decide the rules for federal elections without interference from state courts.

Katyal, who is being dubbed as a ‘National Hero’ and ‘True Patriot played a significant role in achieving victory as he argued on behalf of voting rights groups Common Cause. He urged the bench to reject the election theory before the 2024 election.

“I am proud to stand with Common Cause, the leading nonpartisan group in our nation devoted to protecting the right to vote. As we argued to the Supreme Court, the independent state legislature theory was contrary to precedent and would have called into question hundreds of state constitutional provisions and decisions. Today’s ruling affirms the crucial role state courts play in overseeing federal elections,” he said.

A former Solicitor General, Katyal has reportedly argued 43 cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, with 41 of them in the last decade. He is also a law professor at the Georgetown University Law Center where he was one of the youngest professors to have received tenure and a chaired professorship in the university’s history. Additionally, he serves as Faculty Chair of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection.

Student Loan Forgiveness Program Deemed Not Legal By Conservative SOTUS Justices

July 5, 2023July 13, 2023 Staff ReporterEducation, Finance/Economy 0

The Biden administration’s student loan debt handout program cannot proceed, the Supreme Court ruled on Friday, June 3oth, 2023.

The court decided, with a vote of 6-3, that the secretary of education cannot cancel more than $430 billion in student loan debt under federal law.

“The Secretary’s arrangement dropped generally $430 billion of government understudy loan adjusts, totally deleting the obligations of 20 million borrowers and bringing down the middle sum owed by the other 23 million from $29,400 to $13,600,” Boss Equity John Roberts composed for the larger part. ” Six States sued, contending that the Legends Act doesn’t approve the advance dropping arrangement. We concur.”

President Biden firmly couldn’t help contradicting the court’s choice and will make a declaration Friday at 3:30 p.m. enumerating new activities to safeguard understudy loan borrowers, the White House said.

In a statement, Biden stated, “I will stop at nothing to find other ways to deliver relief to hard-working middle-class families.”

According to a source at the White House, Biden intends to blame Republicans for failing to provide student loan borrowers with the relief he promised.

Biden’s understudy loan drive, which had been waiting forthcoming case, involved the central government giving up to $10,000 in the red help — and up to $20,000 for Pell Award beneficiaries — for individuals who make under $125,000 every year. It was anticipated that the program would cost the government more than $400 billion.

Biden made the phenomenal push for obligation cancelation in August 2022, and his organization acknowledged about 16 million applications before conservatives protested and the program was required to be postponed.

Republicans argued that Biden did not have the authority to forgive student loans on his own. Gauges from the Legislative Financial plan Office said Biden’s arrangement would cost citizens generally $400 billion. Conservatives were offended at the aggregate, contending the absolution would be out of line to the people who either paid their direction through school, reimbursed their credits or never went to school in any case.

Two distinct legal challenges were presented to the justices. The court ruled that two private borrowers who wanted to challenge the loan forgiveness plan lacked standing to sue in one case, Department of Education v. Brown.

Biden v. Nebraska, in which six states sued to challenge the loan forgiveness program, is the second and more significant case. Because the program would open a state-established nonprofit government corporation called MOHELA, which would face an estimated $44 million in annual fees, the court determined that Missouri at least had standing to sue.

The HEROES Act, according to Biden’s administration, gave the secretary of education authority to “waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial assistance programs… as the secretary deems necessary in connection with a war or other military national emergency.” The law was used to enact the plan.

That argument was rejected by the majority of the court. The position to ‘change’ rules and guidelines permits the Secretary to make unassuming changes and increases to existing guidelines,” Roberts expressed, “not change them.”

Roberts proceeded to say the Branch of Training’s “changes” to the law “made a novel and in a general sense different credit pardoning program” than what Congress expected in the Legends Act. This program successfully conceded advance absolution “to virtually every borrower in the country,” Roberts said.

The chief justice wrote, “The Secretary’s comprehensive debt cancelation plan cannot fairly be called a waiver because it not only nullifies existing provisions, but also significantly augments and expands them.” It can’t be just a change because it’s “effectively the introduction of a whole new regime.” It also can’t be a combination of the two because when the Secretary wants to add to existing law, the fact that he’s “waived” some provisions doesn’t give him a free pass to avoid the limitations of the power to “modify.”

“That language cannot authorize the kind of extensive rewriting of the statute that has been done here, regardless of how broad the meaning of “waive or modify” may be.”

The three liberal justices on the court disagreed. 43 million Americans will no longer be eligible for loan forgiveness as a result of the majority’s decision, which overrules the collective judgment of the Legislative and Executive branches. “With respect, I respectfully disapprove of that decision,” wrote Justice Elena Kagan.

In the event of a ruling in the administration’s favor, Biden’s Education Department had already begun investigating alternate methods for providing handouts.

Conservatives disclosed their own arrangement to address understudy loans and high school costs in June, presenting a progression of five bills. The arrangement from Senate conservatives upholds programs pointed toward ensuring understudies grasp the genuine expense of school and furthermore stop credits for programs that don’t bring about compensations that are sufficiently high to legitimize those advances.

“This would forestall a portion of the most horrendously terrible instances of understudies being taken advantage of for benefit. It would drive schools to cut down cost and to vie for understudies. What an idea,” said Alabama senator Tommy Tuberville, said of the bill. ” Additionally, it would prevent students from becoming entangled in debt they will never be able to repay.”

Supreme Court Decision On Affirmative Action Matters To You?

July 5, 2023July 13, 2023 Staff ReporterEducation, USA 0

Microsoft has added another kind of preparing and affirmation to setup takes advantage of the most recent interest and fervor around man-made intelligence. Part of the organization’s Abilities for Occupations program, the new expert declaration on Generative man-made intelligence will be given to anybody who takes the free classes on artificial intelligence and breezes through the expected test.

Accessible through LinkedIn Learning, the Profession Basics in Generative artificial intelligence program offers a free seminar on generative artificial intelligence, an innovation so named in light of the fact that it can create various types of content. This type of computer based intelligence has made a colossal buzz because of such organizations as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google sending off their own artificial intelligence chatbots that individuals can use to clarify pressing issues, get data, and make content.

With its recently discovered prominence, artificial intelligence has been saturating more items, administrations, and associations. This shift implies that more laborers should comprehend how to utilize man-made intelligence, an acknowledgment that provoked Microsoft to devise the new testament.

In an article distributed on LinkedIn, Kate Behncken, Corporate VP for Microsoft Philanthropies, called the drive the principal proficient declaration on generative computer based intelligence. Through the five classes, individuals will begin by learning the essential ideas of artificial intelligence and afterward advance into man-made intelligence structures. Passing the appraisal then qualifies somebody for the Vocation Fundamentals testament.

The course incorporates the accompanying individual meetings:

What Is Generative man-made intelligence? – Find out about the nuts and bolts of generative computer based intelligence, including its set of experiences, famous models, how it works, moral ramifications, and substantially more.

Generative simulated intelligence: The Development of Smart Web-based Search – Investigate the qualifications between web crawlers and thinking motors, with an emphasis on learning insightful pursuit procedures in the realm of generative artificial intelligence.

Smoothing out Your Work with Microsoft Bing Visit – Figure out how to use Microsoft Bing Talk to smooth out and mechanize your work.

Morals in the Time of Generative man-made intelligence – Realize the reason why moral contemplations are a basic piece of the generative man-made intelligence creation and organization process and investigate ways of tending to these moral difficulties.

Prologue to Man-made reasoning – Get an improved on outline of the top devices in computerized reasoning.

Presently presented in English, the endorsement will be accessible in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Worked on Chinese, and Japanese before very long. Following Microsoft’s six other Vocation Basics Proficient Authentications in the Abilities for Occupations program, the man-made intelligence classes will be opened and free through 2025.

Past the testament driven preparing in artificial intelligence, Behncken said that Microsoft will start off a tool stash for educators and coaches who give preparing to various individuals and networks. The tool stash will contain downloadable substance for mentors on the viable purposes of artificial intelligence along with a man-made intelligence course intended for teachers.

Besides, Microsoft is sending off several difficulties pointed toward encouraging learning in computer based intelligence.

Beginning July 17, its Acquire simulated intelligence Abilities challenge is intended to show individuals man-made intelligence abilities utilizing Microsoft items. The organization will likewise collaborate with GitHub and data.org on a Generative computer based intelligence Abilities Award challenge, an open award program designed for not-for-profit associations, social undertakings, and instructive or research foundations zeroed in on executing artificial intelligence for generally underestimated populaces all over the planet.

In view of a study for Microsoft’s new Work Pattern List, 62% of the respondents said that they invest a lot of energy looking for data in a regular business day. Furthermore, however close to half said they’re stressed regarding simulated intelligence possibly supplanting their positions, 70% said that they would offload however much work as could reasonably be expected to simulated intelligence to facilitate their jobs.

Without race in the confirmations cycle, Kelly Kill, an associate teacher at Vanderbilt College who concentrates on governmental policy regarding minorities in society, hopes to see universities increment designated enrollment, grow monetary guide including free-school programs, and go test-discretionary, with an end goal to keep up with their ethnic and racial variety.

Yet, she says, “we have nothing that functions as actually at creating and improving racial variety as race-cognizant governmental policy regarding minorities in society. We have north of 20 years of information and examination on that.”

Rep. Rohit Khanna Introduces Bill Limiting SC Judges’ Term

July 5, 2023July 13, 2023 Staff ReporterUSA 0

The United States Supreme Court has come under criticism for its partisan views based on its rulings based on ideology, economic status, and who is able to finance Justices and families for their willingness to accept and use sponsors for their luxury trips around the world for Favors and favorable opinions in cases that favor their financiers,

A Majority of the US public and across the globe have lost faith in the Justices of the US Supreme Court, based on their ideology, political orientations, and the money power of their clients.

In this context, following the US Supreme Court’s rejection of President Biden’s student debt relief plan, Representatives Rohit Khanna and Don Beyer reintroduced The Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act of 2021, which seeks to create an 18-year term limit for justices appointed to the court.

According to a release, a recent poll showed that only 37 percent of Americans have confidence in the Supreme Court while 68 percent support term limits for Supreme Court justices. The proposed legislation, which aims to restore judicial independence, states that after their 18-year terms, justices would be allowed to continue their service in lower courts.

Commenting on the bill’s significance, Indian American Representative Ro Khanna said, “Our Founding Fathers intended for lifetime appointments to ensure impartiality. The decision today demonstrates how justices have become partisan and out of step with the American public. I am proud to reintroduce The Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act to implement term limits to rebalance the Court and stop extreme partisanship.”

Rep. Beyer also joined Khanna on stating the implication of the ruling on the student borrowers. “I have long supported reforming the Supreme Court to limit terms to end lifetime tenures and ensure the Court remains a fair and impartial arbiter of justice. Our bill would achieve this and help restore balance to a heavily politicized Court,” he added.

Reps. Barbara Lee, Rashida Tlaib, Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Sean Casten. and John Garamendi also extended their support in favour of the bill.

9th International Yoga Day on– Yoga for Wellness Held

July 5, 2023July 13, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The 9th International Yoga Day (IDY) was celebrated by FIA-Chicago, GSA Global Eye Magazine & Mindful Meditation Yoga in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, on Saturday, June 24th, 2023 in the indoor Sports Complex of Naperville Yard in Naperville IL. The event was well publicized prior to its celebration which resulted in more than 500 yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, students, prominent members of the Indian diaspora/Associations and several local organizations attending, probably the largest yoga event organized in Chicagoland. The program was properly arranged to spread awareness of yoga in all aspects.

Dignitaries in attendance were Consul General of India, Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Bill Foster, First Lady of Naperville, Lynda Wehri, Councilman Paul Leong along with his wife Artista Leong, Dr Vijay Prabhakar Chairman GSA Global Eye Magazine, Sunil Shah Chairman FIA-Chicago, Vinita Gulabani President FIA- Chicago, Anu Malhotra President Mindful Meditation Yoga, Esteem guests and Community leaders of Chicagoland.

Participants received a warm welcome by showering rosewater sprinkles by the IYD Welcoming Team of 40 Yoga Ambassadors upon their arrival and were escorted to their seats.

Anu Malhotra started the program promptly at 10am. In her welcoming remarks, she stated “Yoga brings celebration and skill in our life & Today’s large gathering confirms this fact. In these gloomy days, it’s very important that we keep our spirits alive, we keep our enthusiasm alive and spread it all around us and Yoga can make this dream possible.”

Sunil Shah highlighted the Indian origin of yoga & its benefits in his welcome remarks. Welcoming the participants joining the celebration, Dr Vijay Prabhaker encouraged everyone to join FREE Weekly Yoga/Meditation Sessions offered by Anu Malhotra through her Non for-Profit Mindful Meditation Yoga to enhance physical & mental health.

Lynda Wehrli highlighted the unifying force of Yoga & its immense benefits. Lynda also presented a Proclamation on behalf of Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli to Anu Malhotra for conducting free Yoga/ Meditation sessions for the community for the past 25 years through her non- for -profit Mindful Meditation Yoga & transforming hundreds of lives.

Adding to the excitement, Consul General of India Chicago expressed his immense joy to see the massive participation in the event. He promised that Consulate General of India Chicago would be happy to collaborate with the organizers in this celebration every year through contributing and inspiring more & more people to join.

“Events like this help remind us of the importance of finding time to take care of ourselves in the midst of our hectic lives. It also helps create a stronger and more united community, something that we can see with the mass number of individuals present here today” said Congressman Bill Foster.

The program was inaugurated with the traditional Lamp lighting Ceremony with the chants of Vedic Mantras joined by Consul General Somnath Gosh, Congressman Bill Foster, First Lady of Naperville, Lynda Wehri, Councilman Paul leong with his wife Artista Leong, Dr Vijay Prabhakar Chairman, GSA Global Eye Magazine, Sunil Shah Chairman FIA-Chicago, Vinita Gulabani President FIA- Chicago, Past FIA Presidents Hitesh Gandhi & Dhitu Bhagwaker, Seeta Bala GSA GE Events Chair, Shree Gurusamy GSA Chief Community Officer, Anu Malhotra President Mindful Meditation Yoga & Bharat Malhotra Co- Founder Mindful Meditation Yoga.

As part of the IYD celebrations, Anu Malhotra, an expert Certified Yoga Teacher conducted a common Yoga protocol session with demonstration of asanas, Pranayama & Meditation. Live Meditative Music played by a renowned Musician Navneet Malhotra added high energy and enthusiasm to this yoga session. All participants, including dignitaries enthusiastically followed the yoga practice session.

A soulful Bhakti Yoga program organized by Vipul Srivastava, Director of Mindful Meditation Yoga presented devotional prayer songs by the prominent musicians & singers of Chicagoland; Anil Jha, Shreelekha Mohanty, Poonam Poddar, Prashant Kurdukar, Sanjiv Saraswat, Bharat Malhotra & Navneet Malhotra. Their enlightening prayer chants touched everyone’s hearts and created ripples of love, joy and peaceful vibrations.

Outland Media Team Anchor Anica Dubey conducted interviews with participants, dignitaries and community leaders to gather their overall experience of the event. Refreshment bags were handed to all participants while leaving the session by the IYD Yoga Ambassadors’ Team.

Anu Malhotra in her closing remarks thanked everyone for their vibrant participation and making this the most impactful event of Chicagoland. She reminded everyone to register for her Free Weekly Yoga/ Meditation classes to help achieve greater joy, greater peace & vibrant health by contacting her at 630-460-4271.

President Biden’s Age Emerges as Major Hurdle for Re-election Bid

July 5, 2023July 13, 2023 Staff ReporterUSA 0

The most significant obstacle President Biden faces in winning re-election next year appears to be voters’ concerns that he is too old to serve another four-year term.

Biden, at 80 years old, is now the most seasoned individual to act as president, and he would be 86 toward the finish of his subsequent term.

The life span would beat whatever other president who served overwhelmingly. Reagan completed his second term at the age of 77, while Trump, who is favored to win the GOP nomination, completed his first term at the age of 74.

In order to persuade voters that he possesses the mental and physical capacity to run for reelection, Biden has some work to do.

An astounding 68 percent of electors in a new NBC News survey said they stress over Biden’s wellbeing with 55% reflecting “major” concerns.

In a USA Today/Suffolk College survey of leftists and Free movers, 37% say the president’s age made them less inclined to decide in favor of him. According to a third survey conducted by The Economist and YouGov, 45% of independents believe that Biden’s health and age “severely limit his ability to do the job.”

“The president’s age is surely going to be a headwind on his re-appointment crusade. The surveying says as much, and the models will surely continue to come as he is in the public eye,” said Stewart Verdery, who served in previous President George W. Bramble’s organization.

However, Monument Advocacy’s CEO, Verdery, suggested that Biden’s age might not be as important in a general election against Trump, who is 77 years old.

“On the off chance that he were possible going against a cutting edge JFK on a boat, it very well may be a greater amount of an issue. However, “the president’s age may cause swing voters to pause before they still pull the lever for him,” he stated, “as long as his main adversary is in Mar-a-Lago.”

Questions about Biden’s health were pushed back this week by the White House.

“The president — shoot, he voyaged yesterday, he’s voyaging again today. During the midterms, you saw how far he traveled. What’s more, particularly his unfamiliar travel, this is somebody who is unquestionably dynamic as president,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday.

In recent speeches, Biden has become increasingly self-deprecating about his age, joking that he is 198, 103, or 110.

He has reportedly sought advice from Hollywood mogul Jeffrey Katzenberg, who is encouraging him to own his longevity like Harrison Ford and Mick Jagger. He has acknowledged that his age is a concern for some voters.

“Incidentally, I’ve been doing this quite a while. I realize I don’t look that old. I know. I’m somewhat under 103,” Biden said in ongoing comments. ” Yet, in all seriousness … I was a really strong congressperson.”

In any case, the 80-year-old president’s age is likewise now something that persists into all that he does, putting a physical or verbal stagger under an alternate sort of magnifying lens.

At the point when he stumbled and fell at an occasion recently, there were stresses over his wellbeing. To his political enemies, it was proof of his delicate state, regardless of whether a more youthful man could likewise have stumbled.

Biden, who has a long history of making false statements, mistook Ukraine for Iraq twice on Monday night and Tuesday.

These errors are used by opponents as evidence that Biden has fallen behind and should not run for a second term.

Conservative official competitor Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in a meeting with Fox News this week, said he thinks California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is “moving behind the scenes,” and it would be intriguing to perceive how things work out “on the off chance that Biden doesn’t conclusively make it.”

“They would have a genuine comedian show in the event that Biden couldn’t make it,” he added. His remarks reverberation individual conservative official applicant Nikki Haley, who said in April that Biden is probably not going to “make it” to 86.

A few political examiners think the GOP is behaving recklessly in pursuing Biden’s age, regardless of whether it is an issue for certain electors. According to them, it might enrage older voters.

“You can call attention to it, however you would rather not incline in that frame of mind here,” said GOP specialist Doug Heye. ” Tone is significant here. You can discuss botches that he’s made, etc. However, if you go over the top, you run the risk of being attacked, particularly by older voters.

Jim Kessler, chief VP for strategy for the Majority rule think tank Third Way, said the best thing for the White House to do is center around the president’s achievements.

“They can make a counterargument, which is that his experience has had the effect. And what he has accomplished over the past two and a half years is close to a biblical miracle, if you look at it,” he stated. Like, nobody thought the quantity of bipartisan bills passed the last Congress was conceivable. What’s more, it worked out. He outsmarted Vladimir Putin.”

Biden’s use of a CPAP machine to improve his sleep quality was confirmed this week by the White House after reporters noticed lines on his face.

Republicans say that Trump has an advantage over Biden because of his apparent energy, even though he is close to 80.

If they win the debate and nominations for their respective parties, Heye stated, voters will eventually be able to compare the two.

Democrats are ignoring the verbal gaffes, pointing out that they also occurred when Biden was younger.

“President Biden’s age has been an issue since before the 2020 political race, and he’s been famous for making blunders the majority of his political vocation. “There really isn’t much new here,” a supporter of Biden stated.

Biden faces different difficulties, including the economy and child Tracker Biden’s legitimate issues, which have drawn GOP examination. His lower approval ratings, which have remained around 40%, are also due to these factors.

In any case, many see age as an issue where Biden will by and by need to demonstrate something to the electorate.

“The No. Regardless of where I am, one thing I hear about Biden is his age. Furthermore, that is valid for individuals who like them. That is valid individuals who could do without him,” Heye said. ” Therefore, he has a real issue there.”

Standing Where Prophet Muhammad Gave His Final Sermon, 2 Million Muslims Perform Hajj

June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity, Religion 0

Around 2 million Muslims are converging Tuesday in the valleys and hills around Mecca for the pinnacle day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. They’re gathering at Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon about 1,400 years ago.

This is the largest pilgrimage since 2019, after which the Hajj was dramatically curbed due to coronavirus restrictions that limited the gathering to just a few thousand people.

Here, men and women spend the day in deep prayer and, in what is known as duaa and dhikr, practices in which Muslims recite Allah’s name, they read the Quran and pray for forgiveness, healing and mercy.

Hajj pilgrimage is expected to be the biggest since the COVID pandemic

It’s here, in the area of Mount Arafat on a hill called Jabal al-Rahma, or Mountain of Mercy, where the Prophet Muhammad told his followers in his final sermon that just as men have certain rights over women, that women, too, have rights over men. He described women as partners who must be treated well and with kindness.

He also spoke about racial equality in his sermon, saying that no person has superiority over the other based on ethnicity or race. He said distinction comes only through piety and good deeds. He called for unity and brotherhood among Muslims.

The seamless white terrycloth robes worn by male pilgrims are intended to embody that spirit of unity, so simple in appearance as to make one’s status and wealth nearly indistinguishable. Women are required to forgo makeup, perfume and other aesthetics during the Hajj, letting go of material trappings. They dress modestly in head coverings.

Egyptian pilgrim Haitham Abuwafiya, 41, said he has experienced random acts of kindness from other pilgrims on the Hajj. He said an Algerian man seated near him offered to share his meal rather than waste the food. In another example, a South African man was buying doughnuts in a food court in Mecca and insisted on buying for Abuwafiya, who was standing in line behind him.

“I told him I have money, but he insisted on paying,” he said. “You don’t feel strange or that someone else [from another country] is strange to you. Everyone is here for the same reason, for God and worship. People are compassionate and the mood is great.”

Rituals of the Hajj

While the Hajj in Islam follows the path the Prophet Muhammad once walked, it’s also believed to trace the paths the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail once took, or as they’re known in the Bible, Abraham and Ishmael.

Women also play a role in the history of the Hajj through the story of Ibrahim’s wife, Hajar (known as Hagar in the Bible).

As part of any pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims walk between two hills seven times, retracing Hajar’s search for water for her dying son before a spring appeared that runs to this day there. The sacred well of Zamzam continues to provide drinking water for pilgrims.

That path between the hills today is marbled, shaded and has multiple floors to accommodate the large number of pilgrims performing this ritual known as sa’i, which represents life’s tribulations, God’s mercy and life’s constant movement.

Another key part of the Hajj is circling the Kaaba seven times and reciting prayers.

“Before anything, you have to have conviction,” Abuwafiya said about the Hajj. “You have to believe in it.”

The Hajj takes roughly five days to complete, including three days in Mina, a large tent city where Muslims cast stones at pillars in a symbolic act meant to represent the casting away of sins and spiritual renewal.

The Hajj is one of the largest and most logistically challenging gatherings of people on Earth. It consistently poses a challenge for Saudi authorities as they host people and manage crowds from nearly every country in the world. The kingdom also has mobile clinics and has built hospitals near the various stops of the Hajj to treat pilgrims who need it.

In 2015, more than 2,000 pilgrims died in Mina when crowds converged down a narrow street, causing a crush of people and stampede. The incident drew criticism over the kingdom’s management of the crowds, which were supposed to be directed down one-way roads to avoid this from happening.

The meaning of Hajj

Muslims who are physically and financially capable are required to perform the Hajj once in a lifetime. Many save up a lifetime to perform the Hajj while others rely on donations and charity to make the journey.

With flights, buses, accommodation and visas through authorized Hajj operators, the cost can vary around $1,000 per pilgrim to tens of thousands for those who can afford the upscale hotels overlooking the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Muslims believe the Hajj offers a chance to wipe away past sins by surrendering to God for mercy and strength.

The Hajj coincides with several days of Eid al-Adha celebrations, in which Muslims around the world commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith. On the first day of the Eid, Muslims slaughter livestock and distribute its meat to those who cannot afford to buy and eat it.

Most pilgrims will spend a minimum of two weeks in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and many will also travel to the Saudi city of Medina before departing the kingdom to visit what is known as the prophet’s mosque, where Prophet Muhammad is buried. (NPR)

Germany Passes Ground-Breaking Law To Attract Migrant Workers

June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration 0

Germany’s parliament has recently passed a groundbreaking law aimed at attracting migrant workers to the country, in stark contrast to the restrictive migration policies being adopted by other nations. This new law seeks to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and lower barriers for migrant workers from countries outside the European Union, signaling a significant departure from previous practices.

The legislation introduces a points-based system similar to that employed by Canada, which takes into account various factors such as age, skills, qualifications, and any connection to Germany. Moreover, the criteria for salary, educational level, and proficiency in the German language will be adjusted, making it easier for migrants to relocate to Germany even without a job offer. In a bid to incentivize immigration, the law also allows migrants to bring not only their spouses and children but also their parents.

Germany’s shift in policy represents a notable departure from its historical stance. For many decades, successive German governments staunchly rejected the idea that Germany was a country of immigration. Even as German society became increasingly diverse, conservative-led administrations, including that of Angela Merkel, grappled with the notion of opening up to migrant workers. However, with over a quarter of the population either foreign-born or having at least one foreign-born parent, the need for a more inclusive approach became evident.

The pressing concern of a labor shortage further motivated this change in policy. After years of experiencing low unemployment rates, German business leaders are now raising alarms about the lack of available workers. Compounding this issue is the impending retirement of baby boomers born in the 1960s. Ministers have warned of millions of job vacancies that urgently require filling, characterizing the labor shortage as the most significant risk to the German economy.

The center-left Social Democrat SPD party, led by Olaf Scholz, emerged victorious over Angela Merkel’s conservatives in the 2021 elections. Easing migration rules became a flagship policy for the new SPD-Green-liberal coalition. Despite disagreements between the Greens and the business-friendly liberals on climate change policies, both parties concurred on the need for a more accommodating migration policy. However, the parliamentary debate surrounding the law was intense. Conservative factions opposed the bill, expressing outrage over provisions that would permit rejected asylum seekers already present in Germany to seek employment. The far-right AfD also voted against the legislation, arguing that Germany should prioritize its status as a “homeland” rather than embracing immigration.

It is worth noting that the AfD’s nativist perspective does not align with mainstream society’s recognition of the necessity for migrant workers in Germany. Nonetheless, the party’s popularity is surging, as indicated by its unprecedented support in recent polls. The latest ARD Deutschland Trend survey recorded the AfD’s approval rating at a record-high 19%, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD party saw a decline to 17%.

As Germany grapples with the complex issue of migration, the political climate remains polarized and charged. While the government and the economy seek to embrace migration, the question remains whether the broader electorate will accept these changes. The passage of this new law marks a significant milestone, but its full acceptance and integration into society may require ongoing efforts to address the concerns and hesitations of various factions within German society.

How Modi and Biden Turbocharged India-US Ties

June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterEditorial/Opinion 0

US President Joe Biden hails the partnership with India as one of the “most consequential in the world” following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s grand state visit to Washington. Exploring the potential of this visit in strengthening ties between the two nations, experts highlight the transformative nature of the relationship. According to Michael Kugelman of The Wilson Center, the India-US summit indicates a broad and deep connection that has developed in a relatively short period. He states, “It underscores just how broad and deep it has become in a relatively short time.”

One significant driving factor behind the deepening relationship is the US’s aim to establish India as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. While the promise of India-US ties had previously been limited due to India’s liability law and a fading commitment during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure, the enthusiasm to embrace the US has surged under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Seema Sirohi, author of “Friends With Benefits: The India-US Story,” explains, “With Mr Modi, there has been a lot more enthusiasm about embracing the US. Mr Biden has also given an overall broad directive to make it work.”

The US has demonstrated its commitment to the relationship by actively pursuing substantial outcomes during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Areas of focus include defense-industrial cooperation and technology transfer. Noteworthy collaborations include General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited partnering to manufacture advanced fighter jet engines in India. This move represents a significant transfer of US jet engine technology, emphasizing Washington’s willingness to not only sell arms but also share military technology.

Additionally, India plans to purchase $3 billion worth of MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics, which will establish a facility in India for assembly. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. While Russia remains India’s largest arms supplier, the US aims to become the primary provider in the coming years. The objective, as highlighted by Michael Kugelman, is to “strengthen India’s military capacity to counter China.”

Recognizing the importance of technology and the future, India seeks to establish itself as a semiconductor hub. Micron Technology, a US memory chip giant, plans to invest up to $825 million in building a semiconductor assembly and test facility in India, which will generate numerous job opportunities. Furthermore, Lam Research, a US semiconductor equipment maker, will train 60,000 Indian engineers to accelerate semiconductor education and workforce development. Applied Materials, the largest semiconductor manufacturing equipment supplier, will invest $400 million to establish an engineering center in India.

Seema Sirohi sums up the current focus of the India-US relationship, stating, “It is all about the future now. Both sides are talking about cutting-edge technologies and how to seed and shape the future.” While the relationship between India and the US has experienced fluctuations over the years, the recent visit signifies a more substantial and forward-looking connection.

India’s approach to geopolitics and its position in the global order has shaped its foreign policy, rooted in the strategy of nonalignment established by Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. India has always sought to maintain its independence and avoid being perceived as subservient to any global superpower. Prime Minister Modi continues to uphold the ideals of “strategic altruism” in Indian foreign policy, despite leading a more economically and geopolitically influential India. He has developed close relationships with former US presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, and now with President Biden, while preserving India’s “strategic autonomy.”

While the Biden administration may have desired a stronger stance from India on Russia and China, Prime Minister Modi’s approach did not compromise India’s strategic autonomy. Although he refrained from mentioning Russia, he reiterated the importance of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. He also emphasized the significance of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific without directly mentioning China. This delicate balance allowed Mr. Modi to push the boundaries of strategic autonomy without undermining the success of his visit.

The defense collaboration between India and the US has strengthened, with increased cooperation, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and the utilization of each other’s facilities for refueling and maintenance purposes. This progress, without formalizing a full-fledged alliance, demonstrates Mr. Modi’s ability to test the limits of strategic autonomy. Michael Kugelman acknowledges his achievement, stating, “In the sense that he is getting about as close as you can to a major power without signing on to a full-fledged alliance.”

While trade disputes and tariffs have been contentious issues between India and the US in recent years, the two nations announced the resolution of six separate trade disputes, including tariff-related disputes, during the visit. The US is currently India’s top trading partner, and analysts see tremendous untapped potential for further growth, given India’s expanding middle class and its aspiration to become a manufacturing hub and an alternative to China in the global supply chain. Resolving trade disputes will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to India-US trade ties and help unlock their full potential.

Despite concerns raised by critics in Washington regarding democratic backsliding under Prime Minister Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), there is a bipartisan agreement to deepen and broaden the relationship between India and the US. While some progressives in the Democratic Party express concerns about the treatment of minorities in India, the broader consensus recognizes the importance of strengthening the relationship, especially considering the growing influence of China. Seema Sirohi asserts that the India-US strategic partnership has indeed reached the next level, characterized by mutual need and mutual benefit.

In conclusion, India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi reflects a delicate balance between preserving strategic autonomy, fostering strong ties with the US, and positioning India as a significant global player. The successful state visit solidified the partnership between India and the US, with a focus on defense collaboration, the resolution of trade disputes, and the recognition of shared interests and benefits.

Modi and Business Leaders Forge Alliance for Technological Advancement

June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterBusiness, Technology 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his optimism for a prosperous future as he met with business leaders from India and the United States at the White House, highlighting the collaboration between Indian talent and American technological advancement. During the India-U.S. Hi-Tech Handshake Event, PM Modi emphasized the promising outcomes of the meeting, stating, “This morning (meeting) is only among a few friends but has brought with it the guarantee of a bright future,” with President Joe Biden acknowledging his remarks.

PM Modi seized the opportunity to align President Biden’s vision and capabilities with India’s aspirations and possibilities, expressing gratitude for the U.S. leader’s presence at the meeting. Describing the development as “honhaar, shandaar, dhardaar” in Hindi, he emphasized its potential to pave the way for a new future. The timing of the meeting is crucial as both countries aim to deepen their ties in the high-tech sector.

Reiterating the significance of the collaboration between Indian talent and U.S. technological advancement, Prime Minister Modi stressed the diverse representation of business leaders from various sectors, ranging from agriculture to space. Notable participants included Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft; Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Lisa Su, CEO of AMD; and NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, among others. The Indian business delegation comprised prominent figures such as Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries; Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group; Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon; and Vrinda Kapoor, co-founder of 3rdiTech.

President Biden emphasized that their partnership would contribute to a free, secure, and prosperous future for future generations. He stated, “Our cooperation matters, not just for our people but quite frankly to the whole world, as our partnership is about more than the next breakthrough or the next deal as big as they may be.” The President underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change, exploring the universe, alleviating poverty, preventing pandemics, and providing real opportunities for citizens.

PM Modi’s four-day state visit to the U.S. has been hailed as historic and groundbreaking by Indian officials, marking a significant breakthrough in India’s pursuit of critical cooperation in cutting-edge technologies, including technology transfer and joint research. The meeting between the Indian and U.S. business leaders sets the stage for potential collaborations that could drive innovation, economic growth, and societal progress for both nations.

Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with business honchos from India and the United States signifies the fusion of Indian talent and American technological advancements, leading to a promising future. The engagement between the two countries’ leaders and business representatives paves the way for collaborative efforts in various sectors, addressing global challenges and exploring new opportunities for growth and development.

Modi Visit Fuels Concerns Biden Putting Human Rights On Back Burner

June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, USA 0

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit is fueling concerns from activist groups that the Biden administration is putting human rights on the back burner.

During the visit, President Biden held back from public criticism of Modi’s handling of human rights and democratic values — issues that led a handful of progressive lawmakers to boycott his speech to a joint address to Congress.

The president, instead, rolled out the red carpet for Modi with a celebratory welcome and hug, a 21-gun salute and a state dinner with notable White House guests, a charm offensive underscoring India’s economic and foreign policy importance to the United States.

Biden had previously come under criticism last July for a fist bump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a visit to Jeddah that advocates argue effectively ignored the Saudi government’s human rights abuses.

White House officials contend that tough conversations with allies behind closed doors — including Modi — are more productive than grandstanding and scolding in public.

“The prime minister and I had a good discussion about democratic values. … We’re straightforward with each other, and — and we respect each other,” Biden said during a press conference alongside Modi at the White House on Thursday.

But critics say that puts little pressure on governments and leaders like Modi to actually deliver on reforms.

The Indian leader in particular is criticized for failing to counter anti-Muslim hate and is cracking down on civil liberties and press freedoms — issues that strike at the core of respect for democratic governments.

“I would argue that the administration needs to be more explicit about backsliding allies, practically recommitting themselves to fundamental freedoms and the respect for human rights as the basis for an evolving global order,” said Tess McEnery, who previously served as Biden’s director for democracy and human rights at the National Security Council.

During his campaign, Biden put human rights at the center of his foreign policy messaging and identified strengthening democracy — at home and abroad — as key to pushing back against autocratic governments such as Russia and China.

Yet in pushing back on Russia and China, the U.S. also needs allies. And that has complicated efforts with human rights.

The White House sees India as an indispensable partner in its strategy with China; its population of 1.4 billion people is the only market that can compete with Beijing’s.

India represents a needed partner in the administration’s efforts to diversify supply chains away from China for critical materials such as semiconductors and rare earth minerals that are the building blocks of those technologies.

Modi recognized the power that India holds during his address to Congress on Thursday. “When defense and aerospace in India grow, industries in the states of Washington, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania thrive. … When Indians fly more, a single order for aircrafts creates more than a million jobs in 44 states in America,” he said. “When an American phone maker invests in India, it creates an entire ecosystem of jobs and opportunities in both countries.”

The most robust applause from Congress came when Modi said the U.S. was one of India’s “most important defense partners” — an important statement given American efforts to turn New Delhi away from its reliance on on Russia’s defense industry and have it serve a bulwark against China’s growing military.

Being hospitable to Modi also has its domestic political benefits.

The U.S. is home to a more than an Indian-American community of more than 4.5 million people — a key voting bloc that the president hopes to hold onto ahead of what is likely to be a fraught 2024 presidential election.

“I think that President Biden is eager not to cede any of the, kind of, Indian-American community vote to the Republican Party,” said Daniel Markey, senior adviser on South Asia at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

Republicans and Democrats in Congress are largely united in supporting a robust U.S. and Indian partnership. A bipartisan and bicameral grouping introduced legislation Thursday to fast-track weapons sales to India in recognition of Modi’s visit.

And while more than 70 House and Senate lawmakers raised concerns over Modi’s human rights record in a letter to Biden ahead of the visit, only a little more than a handful of progressive Democratic lawmakers boycotted the prime minister’s speech.

“We are told that we must now turn a blind eye to the repression because of foreign policy concerns, even though human rights are supposed to be at the center of our foreign policy,” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) said during a policy briefing she hosted with human rights advocates after Modi’s address, which she boycotted.

Among the most pressing criticisms against Modi’s rule is the criminal conviction against Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who was sentenced to two years in prison for negatively using Modi’s surname during a political rally in 2019.

Advocates have also warned about freedom of speech and press freedoms in India in the wake of a tax raid on the offices of the BBC in India in March, and cases of journalists being jailed.

Freedom House, a nongovernmental organization that tracks democratic freedoms globally, rated India as “partly free” in its Freedom in the World report for 2023. The group claimed Modi’s government and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party “has presided over discriminatory policies and a rise in persecution affecting the Muslim population.”

“The constitution guarantees civil liberties including freedom of expression and freedom of religion, but harassment of journalists, nongovernmental organizations, and other government critics has increased significantly under Modi,” the group wrote.

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), co-chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, argued that a balance can be met between calling out human rights concerns while also supporting the U.S.-Indian relationship.

“It’s because we value our friendship with the Indian people that we also have to speak the truth about human rights abuses in India that are ongoing, well-documented by credible observers and deeply troubling,” he said at the policy briefing hosted by Omar.

“We don’t raise these issues to discredit India,” he continued. “We raise them because we know from our own experience that if human rights problems are not confronted and resolved, they will fester and deepen and undermine a country’s promise.”

Markey, of the USIP, said the Biden administration prepared for blowback over the decision to keep criticisms against Modi in private, but added that its excessive references to sharing appreciation for democratic governance did itself no favors.

“I think they went even farther than maybe they needed to do, for Indian consumption,” he said. “They leaned into the shared-democracy issue, rather than pulling back from it,” Markey added. “They gave a lot of ammunition to those who would suggest that this is just pure hypocrisy at this point, rather than kind of edging around it.”

McEnery, who is now the executive director of the Project on Middle East Democracy, said the Biden administration needs to elevate defending democracy and human rights to an “interest” more than a value.

That would mean doing trade and economic deals centered on good governance principles, she said, or reforming arms and security relationships based on human rights.

“I saw this firsthand a lot, where many good, hard-working people inside every arm of the U.S. government, including the National Security Council, tried to make the case for democracy and human rights as a vital national security interest,” she said. “And I would see that shot down time and again by others throughout the government.”

Modi’s State Visit To US: Warm Welcome and Key Agreements Strengthen Bilateral Ties

June 29, 2023July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, USA 0

Lawmakers expressed a warm reception as Prime Minister Modi addressed the House Chamber, with applause and a standing ovation. The Washington Post highlighted the grandeur of the state dinner held at the White House, featuring a photograph of Prime Minister Modi alongside President Biden and the Bidens. However, the accompanying article pointed out that the event lacked genuine enthusiasm.

The New York Times featured a front-page photograph of Prime Minister Modi greeting US lawmakers with a traditional ‘Namaste’ during his address to the US Congress. The caption noted that Modi deliberately avoided mentioning the names of Russia and China. Inside the newspaper, there was extensive coverage of the visit, including a photograph of President Biden placing his hand on Modi’s shoulder as they observed the ceremonial guard of honor, with the Washington Monument in the background. The report highlighted the joint initiatives in various fields, such as telecommunications, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, which symbolized the deepening ties between the two nations.

The Financial Times captured a photograph of both leaders standing for the national anthems on the South Lawn of the White House. The caption emphasized the commitment to a “defining” relationship between the world’s two largest democracies. The report on the second page elaborated on the technology and defense agreements signed during the visit, which included the purchase of US spy drones. The FT report also highlighted the US’s strategic intent to strengthen its alliance with India and engage allies and partners in countering China.

In a separate article titled “US, India announce agreements on technology, defense,” it was reported that both President Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced significant agreements. Among them was a joint venture to manufacture GE fighter jet engines in India and efforts to secure supply chains for crucial technologies like microchips. The article emphasized the importance of these agreements in enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Overall, the media coverage reflected the ceremonial aspects of the state visit, with grand gestures and elaborate dinners. The agreements signed between the US and India in areas like defense, technology, and space cooperation demonstrated the intention to strengthen ties and foster a strategic partnership.

Narendra Modi and Joe Biden Foster Cooperation and Strengthen US-India Ties

June 29, 2023July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterWorld 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held a series of high-level meetings with American and Indian technology CEOs during Modi’s four-day visit to the United States. The leaders convened at the White House and later attended a luncheon at the State Department hosted by Vice-President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. As part of his visit, Modi also addressed business leaders at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, emphasizing his “Make in India” initiative.

The meetings between Biden, Modi, and the CEOs aimed to strengthen cooperation on various fronts, including artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, and space exploration. Both leaders emphasized the significance of the “Innovation Handshake” initiative, which seeks to address regulatory challenges hindering collaboration between the two countries and foster job growth in emerging technologies.

During the discussions, President Biden expressed his optimism about the future of technological advancements, stating, “We’re going to see more technological change … in the next 10 years than we’ve seen in the last 50 years.” Modi echoed this sentiment and highlighted the importance of merging talent and technology for a brighter future. He stated, “The coming together of talent and technology guarantees a brighter future.”

Modi had the opportunity to interact with prominent figures in the technology and business world, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, Reliance Industries chairman and MD Mukesh Ambani, and Zerodha & True Beacon co-founder Nikhil Kamath. Modi commended President Biden for recognizing India’s potential and expressed confidence in the future of the bilateral relationship.

At the luncheon hosted by Vice-President Harris and Secretary Blinken, Modi acknowledged the strengthened trust between India and the United States in the field of emerging technologies. He expressed his gratitude to the American leadership for the warm welcome he received during his visit. Modi also took the opportunity to appreciate Vice-President Harris and her family’s connection to India, recounting the story of her mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan, who maintained her ties with India despite being thousands of miles away.

In response, Vice-President Harris expressed her appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to strengthening US-India ties. She acknowledged the significant contributions of Indian Americans across various sectors in the United States, remarking on their extraordinary impact. Harris also shared her personal connection to India, mentioning her mother’s roots in Chennai and her own deep ties to the country.

Secretary of State Blinken highlighted the indispensable partnership between the United States and India, emphasizing their mutual influence on each other’s cultures. He cited examples such as the popularity of Indian-American comedian Mindy Kaling’s work and the enthusiasm for Indian musician Diljit Dosanjh’s performances at events like Coachella.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States culminated in productive discussions and engagements with American and Indian technology leaders. The meetings underscored the commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation in critical areas of innovation and technology. The exchanges between the leaders and CEOs have laid the groundwork for future collaborations, fostering a stronger relationship between India and the United States in the ever-evolving digital age.

Indian Prime Minister’s Visit to Washington Signals New Era in US-India Relations

June 29, 2023July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, USA 0

The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington has ushered in a new era in the relationship between the United States and India. During his visit, Modi successfully advanced a seemingly strong bond between the world’s oldest and the world’s largest democracies, emphasizing cooperation on various fronts such as investment and trade. However, despite the fruitful discussions, Modi stopped short of explicitly endorsing a formal alliance or taking a stance on pressing global issues like the conflict between Ukraine and Russia or the longstanding border disputes between India and China.

This outcome is likely to result in a complex and ambivalent relationship, characterized by ongoing discussions and negotiations on trade, investment, and diplomatic and military priorities. While there may be occasional challenges and disagreements, Modi’s visit to Washington was undoubtedly a highlight that sets the tone for the near future. President Biden encapsulated the positive atmosphere during a state dinner at the White House, raising a toast to “Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers.” In response, Modi lauded the India-America relationship, stating, “You are soft-spoken, but when it comes to action, you are very strong.”

Despite the cordial exchanges, Modi carefully maintained India’s historic position of neutrality in the power dynamics of Asia. While highlighting the close ties between India and the United States across various domains, he tactfully indicated that India would not abandon its reliance on Russia for defense equipment, including fighter planes. In his address to a joint session of Congress, Modi emphasized, “Today India and the U.S. are working together in space and the seas, in science and semiconductors,” underscoring the vast potential for cooperation. Throughout his three-day visit, tangible agreements were reached between Indians and Americans, spanning areas such as jet engines and supply chains.

President Biden, mindful of India’s relationship with Russia, focused on the overall potential of the India-American partnership, emphasizing their collective efforts in unlocking a shared future. Following their one-on-one conversation at the White House, Biden expressed optimism, stating, “Together we’re unlocking the shared future.” Both leaders, while celebrating the progress made, carefully navigated the complexities of global alliances and India’s strategic considerations, signaling that the path ahead for US-India relations will continue to be nuanced and multifaceted.

Biden emphasized the growing defense partnership and economic ties between India and America, stating, “We are growing our defense partnership with more exercises, and trade between our countries has doubled over the past decade.” Additionally, Indian firms were announced to be making significant investments totaling over $2 billion.

Addressing the sensitive issue of human rights, both Biden and Modi approached it with subtlety, taking into account the criticisms raised against Modi’s past. Biden acknowledged the value of universal human rights, highlighting that Indian-Americans of various faiths and backgrounds were pursuing the American dream.

Modi, while discussing the importance of negotiations and diplomacy for peace, aimed to reassure skeptics about India’s commitment to democracy and equal treatment of its citizens, irrespective of religious, cultural, or linguistic differences. He firmly stated, “Democracy is in our DNA, democracy is in our spirit, democracy runs in our veins. Democracy can deliver. There is no space for discrimination.”

Despite accusations of intimidation, political repression, and censorship of opposition parties and journalists during Modi’s tenure, he passionately defended Indian democracy in his speech to Congress. However, several members, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, boycotted his speech, criticizing Modi’s human rights record.

Modi, while emphasizing the shared values between India and the United States, described India as the “mother of democracy” and highlighted the country’s diversity. He focused on projecting himself as a unifying figure leading India towards a peaceful path in a turbulent world, calling for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent bloodshed and suffering.

Notably absent from Modi’s remarks were explicit mentions of India’s caste differences, poverty, economic disparities, or the ongoing border clashes with China in the Himalayas. While he acknowledged “dark clouds of confrontation” hanging over the Indo-Pacific, he emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, free from strategic leveraging of power and the need to combat terrorism.

Modi’s speeches aimed to present a unified vision based on the bond between India and America as imperfect democracies, evoking emotional responses and applause in Congress and the White House. He expressed optimism, stating, “We come from different histories, but we are united by a common vision. Democracy will shine brighter, and the world will be a better place.”

Biden emphasized the strengthening defense partnership and economic ties, saying, “We are growing our defense partnership with more exercises, and trade between our countries has doubled over the past decade.”

Modi defended Indian democracy, stating, “Democracy is in our DNA, democracy is in our spirit, democracy runs in our veins. Democracy can deliver. There is no space for discrimination.”

Modi highlighted the shared values between India and the United States, declaring, “We come from different histories, but we are united by a common vision. Democracy will shine brighter, and the world will be a better place.”

We Stand Together To Fight BJP In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Opposition Parties In India

June 29, 2023July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia 0

Opposition parties convened in Patna, emphasizing the upcoming general election as a battle between “democracy and dictatorship.” The meeting aimed to present a unified front against the BJP, with a focus on setting aside past biases and working together. While no joint statement or seat-sharing formula was announced, the commitment to jointly combat the ruling party remained strong.

Highlighting their commitment to collaboration, the Opposition planned several future meetings, with the Congress scheduled to host the next gathering in Shimla around mid-July. Despite a few tense moments, particularly between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the overall atmosphere was cordial. Many opposition leaders urged the Congress to exhibit generosity, while the party, in turn, adopted a more reserved approach, prioritizing listening over speaking.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks from Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal (United), and his Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) colleague Lalu Prasad. Kumar expressed confidence that as the election draws nearer in May 2024, more political parties would join their alliance. Prasad, who made his first appearance at a political gathering following a recent kidney transplant, called on the Congress to demonstrate magnanimity and suggested that the dominant force in each state should be given precedence—a sentiment echoed later by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav.

Although Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was encouraged to speak as the leader of the largest party present, he opted to listen attentively and reserved his remarks for the conclusion of the meeting. Sharad Pawar, the patriarch of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), expressed his desire for a joint statement to be issued, but other parties felt it was premature to do so at this stage. Arvind Kejriwal advocated for embracing the motto of “nation first, party second,” urging flexibility from each party.

Nitish Kumar, according to sources, stated, “As we edge closer to May 2024, many more political parties will join this block.”

The conversation then shifted towards the much-anticipated discussion on electoral arrangements. M.K. Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), emphasized that there cannot be a “single formula for seat sharing across the country.” He explained that it would vary from state to state based on the political dynamics in each region. This viewpoint was supported by Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, who deemed the idea of having one common candidate against the BJP in all 543 seats as “impractical.”

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress, urged the opposition to strive for a “no vote to BJP” approach while being mindful that the fight should not devolve into a “BJP versus All” scenario. She emphasized that it should be framed as “BJP vs People of India.”

Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, addressed three key points towards the end of the meeting. He referred to Sharad Pawar’s comments, citing the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance of the NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra as an example of how the opposition can overcome past differences and ideological issues. Gandhi emphasized that the Congress party would not be bound by its past preferences and dislikes, as unity among the opposition should begin with a clean slate. He also highlighted the BJP’s current monopoly over finances, institutions, and modes of communication, stressing the need for the opposition to build a common narrative to counter this dominance.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), emphasized that the opposition must prioritize addressing the issue of economic distress. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar criticized the BJP, stating that the party in power at the center is not acting in the national interest.

During a joint press conference at the conclusion of the meeting, Kumar condemned the BJP, stating that the party is not working in the national interest. Banerjee declared that the opposition would work relentlessly to stall the BJP’s progress, even if it meant facing challenges and adversity. She affirmed three resolutions: unity among the opposition, collective participation in the election against the BJP, and the organization of the next meeting in Shimla. She concluded by saying, “History has started from here.”

Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned that the next meeting would involve further discussions on region-specific political scenarios. Former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah expressed concern that the very idea of India is under threat. Mufti stated that democracy and various institutions in the country are under attack, highlighting that what started in Kashmir is now affecting the entire nation. Abdullah expressed hope for free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Left leaders D. Raja, Sitaram Yechury, and Dipankar Bhattacharya echoed the sentiment of moving forward together and fighting unitedly to reclaim the essence of the Republic. Similarly, Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena, stated that the first step towards a joint effort against the BJP has begun in Patna. They expressed confidence in achieving their goal through unified efforts.

Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Akhilesh Yadav, and Lalu Prasad also addressed the media, highlighting that the meeting was the initial step towards their shared objective.

M.K. Stalin elucidated that “there can be no ‘single formula for seat sharing across the country'” and that it will vary based on the political equation in each state.

Diwali, Indian Festival Of Lights, Is A Public School Holiday In New York City

June 29, 2023July 5, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The annual celebration of the triumph of light over darkness is observed by hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, and the announcement came after state lawmakers recently passed legislation to make it a holiday in the nation’s largest school system. This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, Nov. 12, so it is scheduled to be a day off school for the first time in 2024.

The mayor said he was “confident” that the governor, Kathy Hochul, would sign the bill. A spokeswoman for her office said that the governor is still reviewing it, while adding that she has supported other efforts to recognize Diwali. Mr. Adams said that the moment represented a symbolic declaration to those who feel unwelcome “that you are part of this city”

“We’re now saying New York is made for everyone,” Mr. Adams said. “No matter where you came from.”

Why it Matters: Families lobbied for years for recognition.

In New York, families have lobbied for the city’s public schools to close in observance of several major religious or cultural celebrations, joining existing holidays like Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Christmas. In 2015, the city announced it would close schools in honor of two major Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Many South Asian and Indo-Caribbean parents and advocates had been frustrated that Diwali had never been added to the list. The holiday is one of the most significant Hindu religious observances and is also celebrated by many Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GIOIO International said, “GOPIO International and its chapters GOPIO-New York and GOPIO-Manhattan were involved and worked with New York City Mayor Eric Adams from the first meeting held at the City Hall. We then supported the legislation introduced by NY Assembly Woman Jenifer Rajkumar. This is a great recognition of the Indian American Diaspora community.”

On the day after his election, Mayor Adams promised Diwali would become a school holiday. But upon taking office, he declined to add the holiday himself.

Instead, he looked to state lawmakers, who had introduced a bill to recognize Diwali for the past two years. On Monday,Jenifer Rajkumar, the bill’s sponsor in the Assembly, said the announcement was decades in the making and showed that Diwali “is not just a holiday.”

Rather, “it is an American holiday, and the South Asian community is part of the American story,” said Ms. Rajkumar, the first Hindu American and first South Asian woman to be elected to state office in New York.

Background: The 180-day school calendar was an obstacle.

The push to add Diwali to the school calendar had faced a major obstacle: All school districts must offer at least 180 days a year of instruction under state law.

So, to add a holiday to the calendar, officials must replace another observance, or eliminate one of the extra days that offer latitude in case of snow or other emergencies.

After Mayor Bill de Blasio recognized Lunar New Year and the two Muslim holy days in the mid-2010s as school holidays, he said that the 180-day rule would prevent his administration from adding any other dates — including Diwali — to the system’s calendar.

Lawmakers began to consider removing “Anniversary Day,” which recognizes the city’s earliest Protestant Sunday schools. It falls in early June and dates back to the early 1800s. But the bill they passed left it up to the city to decide.

What’s Next? A push to make Diwali a federal holiday.

The efforts in New York City reflect the broader ways that schools across the country have grappled with when to close for religious or cultural celebrations. Some leaders argue that not all holidays can warrant a closure, but families often point out that a number of students might otherwise miss class time.

In San Francisco, the school board this fall reversed a decision to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as holidays, angering many parents. The board said that “further analysis” was first needed to determine what dates should be added.

Those national debates are unlikely to end as the push to recognize major religious holidays continues.

Representative Grace Meng, a Queens Democrat, introduced legislation last month, for example, that would make Diwali a federal holiday. Doing so, Ms. Meng said, would “demonstrate that the government values the diverse cultural makeup of the nation.” (NYT)

Mary Shaya to Receive AAPI Presidential Humanitarian Award 2023 for Transforming Lives through Exceptional Leadership and Philanthropy

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth, Profile 0

Mary Shaya, President of J & B Medical, will be honored with the prestigious American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Presidential Humanitarian Award 2023. This well-deserved recognition celebrates Ms. Shaya’s exceptional contributions to the Health and Wellness of Americans in need, and her relentless dedication to humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, which have significantly impacted the lives of American veterans and seniors.

The AAPI Presidential Humanitarian Award 2023 recognizes Ms. Mary Shaya’s exceptional leadership and her relentless pursuit of making a difference in the lives of those in need. Her unwavering commitment to improving the Health and Wellness of Americans has set a benchmark for excellence in the industry.

“On behalf of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), it is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to you on being selected as the recipient of the AAPI Presidential Humanitarian Award 2023,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI. “This prestigious award is a testament to your outstanding contributions to the Health and Wellness of Americans in need and your relentless humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives.”

Ms. Shaya’s remarkable achievements will be celebrated at the AAPI Convention 2023, where she will join other esteemed leaders, physicians, and healthcare professionals. The convention provides a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and advancing healthcare practices to benefit individuals across the nation.

Lauding her exceptional leadership, under whom J & B Medical has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of the society, particularly veterans and seniors,” Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of AAPI BOT said. “Your organization’s dedication to providing essential healthcare services and support to those in need has had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals.:

Dr. Anjana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI said, “Your commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our elderly population is commendable and inspires others in the healthcare industry. The AAPI Presidential Humanitarian Award 2023 is a recognition of your outstanding contributions and the positive impact you have made on the health and well-being of Americans in need.”

Dr. Joseph Chalil, Strategic Advisor of AAPI echoed similar sentiments. “Your tireless efforts in helping veterans and elderly Americans, through various initiatives, have truly made a difference in their lives. Through your leadership, J & B Medical has gone above and beyond to ensure that our nation’s heroes receive the care and assistance they deserve.”

Under the compassionate leadership of Ms. Mary Shaya, J & B Medical has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting veterans and elderly individuals in need. Through innovative programs and unwavering dedication, Ms. Shaya has spearheaded initiatives that have positively transformed the lives of those facing various health challenges.

“Your dedication and compassion have not only improved the health outcomes of veterans but also provided them with a renewed sense of hope and well-being. Furthermore, your philanthropic endeavors have touched the lives of American seniors, empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Your leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication exemplify the values that AAPI stands for, and we are honored to celebrate your achievements.”

Ms. Shaya’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of American veterans have provided them with essential healthcare services and unwavering support. Her initiatives have gone above and beyond to ensure that these esteemed individuals, who have dedicated their lives to serving their country, receive the care and assistance they deserve. Through her visionary leadership, Ms. Shaya has become a beacon of hope, improving countless veterans’ health outcomes and overall well-being.

Ms. Shaya’s philanthropic endeavors have made a profound impact on the lives of American seniors. Her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals has empowered them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Through her unwavering commitment to their well-being, Ms. Shaya has inspired others in the healthcare industry to prioritize the unique needs of seniors, fostering a culture of care and compassion.

American Association of Physicians of India origin (AAPI) was formed 41 years ago and is now the largest ethnic medical organization in the USA representing more than120,000 medicals professional in the USA and is deeply engaged in medical education in India through its mentorship activities with medical students in India and annual Global Healthcare Summit program bring together medical experts and academicians from the USA and India to interact with medical students and postgraduates in India with educational seminars and workshops at the summit. For more information, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

Stephen Shaya, M.D. to be Honored with the AAPI Presidential Healthcare Leadership Award 2023 for Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery

June 27, 2023June 27, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth, Profile 0

Stephen Shaya, M.D., Managing Director of Akkad Holdings and Executive Servant Leader at J & B Medical, has been chosen to be bestowed with the prestigious American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Presidential Healthcare Leadership Award 2023. This highly coveted accolade celebrates Dr. Shaya’s outstanding contributions to the future of healthcare delivery and his visionary approach that has propelled innovation and reshaped the healthcare landscape.

Picture : TheUNN

“It is with great pleasure and admiration that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Stephen Shaya, M.D. on being selected as the recipient of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (“AAPI”) Presidential Healthcare Leadership Award 2023,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI. “This esteemed accolade recognizes your exceptional contributions to the future of Healthcare Delivery. Your visionary leadership as the Managing Director of Akkad Holdings and Executive Servant Leader at J & B Medical has been instrumental in driving innovation and transforming the healthcare landscape. Your dedication to improving the future of healthcare delivery is an inspiration to all, and we are honored to recognize your remarkable achievements.”

Dr. Shaya’s achievements will be celebrated during the upcoming AAPI Convention in Philadelphia on July 8th, 20203, where he will join other esteemed leaders, physicians, and healthcare professionals worldwide. The convention will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and advancing healthcare practices to benefit patients globally.

The AAPI Presidential Healthcare Leadership Award 2023 is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Shaya’s exceptional contributions to the future of healthcare delivery. His visionary approach and commitment to innovation have propelled the industry forward and inspired countless healthcare professionals to embrace new possibilities. The prestigious award recognizes Dr. Shaya’s exceptional contributions to the future of healthcare and visionary leadership.

In his congratulatory note, Dr. V. Ranga, Chair of AAPI BOT said, “Your relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to improving healthcare delivery has left an indelible impact on the industry. Through your visionary approach, you have consistently championed advancements in healthcare technology, research, and patient care.”

Dr. Anajana Samadder, President-Elect of AAPI said, “Your leadership and strategic insights have not only brought about positive change within your organization but have also inspired countless healthcare professionals to embrace innovation and embrace new possibilities. As we celebrate Dr. Shaya’s remarkable achievement, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued impact of his visionary leadership on the future of healthcare delivery.”

Dr. Shaya’s relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering dedication to improving healthcare delivery has impacted the healthcare industry immensely. Through his visionary leadership, he has spearheaded revolutionary initiatives that have transformed healthcare delivery, enhancing patient experiences and outcomes.

Picture : TheUNN

Acknowledging Dr. Shaya’s creative and innovative ways of providing healthcare delivery, Dr. Jospeh Chalil, Strategic Advisor of AAPI said, “Your efforts have not only revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered but have also enhanced the overall patient experience and outcomes. Your commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaborations within the industry has set new benchmarks for excellence.:

As Executive Servant Leader of J & B Medical, Dr. Shaya has consistently championed advancements in healthcare technology, research, and patient care. His forward-thinking strategies have reshaped the industry, creating a paradigm shift in how healthcare services are accessed and delivered. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaborations within the field, Dr. Shaya has set new benchmarks for excellence and pushed the boundaries of possibility.

As Managing Director of Akkad Holdings, his family office, his dedication and strategic investments in patient-centered care have revolutionized the healthcare experience. By placing patients at the heart of decision-making, Dr. Shaya has empowered individuals to actively participate in their healthcare journey, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and patient empowerment. His compassionate leadership has improved health outcomes and instilled a renewed sense of hope and well-being among patients.

Dr. Achitya Moulic, Chair of the AAPI CEO Forum at the AAPI Convention 2023, where Dr. Shaya will be a keynote speaker, said, “Your tireless advocacy for patient-centered care has been pivotal in shifting the focus towards holistic and personalized healthcare. By prioritizing patient needs and preferences, you have empowered individuals to actively participate in their own healthcare journey, fostering a culture of shared decision-making and patient empowerment.”

“Dr. Shaya’s accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare and transforming lives. His visionary leadership and remarkable contributions have set new standards for excellence and inspired the entire healthcare community. As we celebrate Dr. Stephen Shaya’s remarkable achievements, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued impact of his visionary leadership on the future of healthcare delivery,” Dr. Kolli added.

American Association of Physicians of India origin (“AAPI”) was formed 41 years ago and is now the largest ethnic medical organization in the USA representing more than 120,000 medicals professional in the USA and is deeply engaged in medical education in India through its mentorship activities with medical students in India and annual Global Healthcare Summit program bring together medical experts and academicians from the USA and India to interact with medical students and postgraduates in India with educational seminars and workshops at the summit. For more information, please visit: www.aapiusa.org

India-US Partnership Is The Biggest Success Story Of Mutually Beneficial Collaboration: Dr. Sampat Shivangi

June 27, 2023 Staff ReporterNews 0

“India-US Partnership is the biggest success story of mutually beneficial collaboration of the two great nations, the United States and India, especially in the backdrop of falling relations between the US and China,” said Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a physician, an influential Indian American community leader, and a veteran leader of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).

The world order has changed since the Ukraine war, said Dr. Sampat Shivangi, National President of Indian American Forum and the Legislative Committee Chairman of AAPI, after he had attended the Luncheon hosted by the Vice President Kamala Harris in honor of the visiting Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on Friday, June 23^rd, 20203.

Describing how the growing friendship between the greatest and the largest democracies of the world is mutually beneficial to both nations, Dr. Shivangi said, “The US needs a democratic giant cabot. It cannot find a better nation than India, the fifth largest economy and aspiring to be the third largest economy, as ben stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his historical address to the US Congress last week.”

Dr. Shivangi pointed out the way, President Biden, who was very much aware of negative propaganda against India regarding its treatment of the minorities, did not seem to have raised the issue with the Indian Prime Minister during their meetings in Washington. While Mr. Modi unequivocally defended India’s democratic values and the equal rights accorded to all of its citizens, President Biden “stood solidly behind India and signed historic treaties that include collaborative efforts to produce jet engines for fighter planes in collaboration with GE and HAL, a warning sign to China after a post-QUAD understanding.”

Dr. Shivangi justified President Biden calling China’s President a dictator immediately after the US Secretary of State returned home after so-called successful bilateral meetings between Blinken and his counter parts in Chiba.

Lauding the great achievements and contributions of the powerful Indian American community, Dr. Shivangi said, “They are reciprocal in supporting the several Treaties India and the US signed. The presence of the thousands of Indian Americans at the White House lawns was a testament to the strength and its support in developing newer and stronger ties between the two greatest democracies of our times. US government was quick to assess and make efforts to strengthen such a phenomenal transformation of relations.”

“In a changing world order, post-Ukraine invasion, India and Indian Americans explore the possibility of reduction in defense supplies from Russia to India a steady friend and partner of India for many decades,” the veteran AAPI leader told this writer. Between 2016 and 2020, India accounted for nearly one-quarter (23 per cent) of Russia’s total arms exports and Russia accounted for roughly half (49 per cent) of Indian imports, the CRS report said.

With India being in a tough neighborhood, Dr. Shivangi pointed out how Russia is unable to provide for the Indian defense requirements. “In this context, a treaty signed between India and the US to supply drones and Jet engine production in India is a great way to move forward and the Indian diaspora welcomes it with open arms.”

A conservative lifelong member of the Republican Party, Dr. Shivangi is the founding member of the Republican Indian National Council. Over the past three decades, he has lobbied for several Bills in the US Congress on behalf of India through his enormous contacts with US Senators and Congressmen.

A close friend to the Bush family, he was instrumental in lobbying for the first Diwali celebration in the White House and for President George W. Bush to make his trip to India. He had accompanied President Bill Clinton during his historic visit to India. Dr. Shivangi is Dr. Shivangi has worked enthusiastically in promoting India Civil Nuclear Treaty and recently the US India Defense Treaty that was passed in US Congress and signed by President Obama.

Dr. Shivangi has actively involved in several philanthropic activities, serving with Blind foundation of MS, Diabetic, Cancer and Heart Associations of America. Dr. Shivangi has initiated a number of philanthropic works in India including Primary & middle schools, Cultural Center, IMA Centers that he opened and helped to obtains the first-ever US Congressional grant to AAPI to study Diabetes Mellitus amongst Indian Americans.

Dr. Sampat Shivangi was awarded the highest civilian honor, the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Sanman Award in 2016 in Bengaluru by the Hon. President of India, Shri Pranap Mukhejee. He was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York in 2008. He is married to Dr. Udaya S. Shivangi, MD, and the couple are blessed with two daughters: Priya S. Shivangi, MS (NYU); Pooja S. Shivangi who is an Attorney at Law.

Addressing Diabetes in Asian Americans

June 21, 2023June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth 0

In 2021, Shaheen Aamir found herself too exhausted to engage in active play with her children. She recalls telling them, “‘You guys can play, Mom wants to sit.'” Aamir admits to never exercising and being concerned about her weight at the time.

Fast forward three years, and now 32-year-old Aamir begins each day with yoga or dancing. This transformation occurred after she enrolled in a four-month course focused on preventing Type 2 diabetes. “It changed my life, health- and fitness-wise,” says Aamir, adding that she feels “light and energetic” and has experienced a boost in self-esteem.

Aamir, an immigrant from Pakistan with a family history of diabetes, was among nearly 550 individuals who participated in the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Program (SAHELI). The study aimed to address and prevent diabetes and heart disease among South Asians residing in the Chicago area.

Compared to whites, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have higher diabetes rates and are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes at younger ages and lower body weights. South Asians, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders face particularly high risks among Asian subgroups.

A team of Asian American researchers is working to uncover the reasons behind these disparities and develop programs like SAHELI to reduce diabetes rates. They are investigating root causes and improved solutions while advocating for their communities to adopt healthier habits. Here are some key findings that can make a difference.

Identifying the Dangers of ‘Skinny Fat’

In the mid-1990s, when epidemiologist Maria Rosario Araneta joined UC San Diego’s faculty, she noticed a pattern: numerous patients at a nearby Veterans Administration hospital suffering from kidney damage due to diabetes were slim Filipino men. “They weren’t obese, they weren’t overweight,” Araneta says, emphasizing that “they had access to care” and were required to exercise as part of their Navy service.

This trend resonated with Araneta, a Filipina, because her father and grandmother both developed diabetes while appearing slim and healthy. “I thought – I’m definitely at risk. My community’s at risk,” she remembers.

Although there is a well-established connection between being overweight or obese and the risk of diabetes, Asians in America are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than whites, despite having lower average BMIs.

Dr. Alka Kanaya, a diabetes researcher and professor of medicine at UC San Francisco, suggests that one explanation could be that Asian bodies tend to store fat “in all the wrong places.” Instead of accumulating fat under the skin around the hips or thighs, Asian Americans often deposit it “in the liver, around the abdominal organs, in the muscle, around the heart.”

This can result in a condition known as “skinny fat,” where an individual may appear thin externally but possess a significant amount of visceral fat deep within the belly and surrounding the organs. Araneta explains that “visceral fat is not just a place where we store excess calories,” but rather, this hidden fat may contribute to Type 2 diabetes risk by promoting inflammation and insulin resistance.

Researchers are currently trying to determine how to reduce visceral fat, suspecting that building muscle might help, but they have yet to gather sufficient data to confirm this theory.

Adapting Screening Guidelines for Asian Americans

There is limited U.S. research funding available for studying diabetes in Asian populations, leading to issues with screening and underdiagnosis due to the historical lack of data. However, Dr. George King, founder and director of the Asian American Diabetes Initiative at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, emphasizes that “it’s not that we have to wait for that for the research [to act]. There’s plenty we can do ourselves.”

King, Araneta, Kanaya, and other Asian American and Pacific Islander healthcare professionals successfully advocated for changes to screening guidelines. This was based on research indicating that many Asians develop diabetes at lower weights. In 2015, the American Diabetes Association began recommending that Asian Americans be screened for diabetes at a body mass index (BMI) of 23, instead of the BMI of 25 recommended for the general population.

The “Screen at 23” campaign helped spread this message, as Asian Pacific Islander physicians and others pushed for increased awareness and policy changes. Several states with high Asian populations have adopted these changes. The Asian American Diabetes Initiative provides a calculator that allows Asian Americans to check their BMI and determine if it falls within the at-risk or healthy range.

Double Screening for At-Risk Individuals

Araneta highlights issues with diagnostic tests, such as the A1C test, which measures blood sugar levels without fasting. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes based on current medical guidelines, primarily derived from research on people of European descent. However, Araneta’s research shows that many Asians may have diabetes at lower A1C levels. In a study, the A1C test missed half of the Native Hawaiians diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes using the “gold standard” test and two-thirds of Japanese Americans.

This means that many Asians with diabetes might go undiagnosed for years until complications arise. To address this issue, Araneta and other researchers recommend that Asians with A1C levels in the “prediabetes” range (5.7% to 6.4%) undergo further testing for a more accurate diagnosis and proper interventions.

Understanding Subgroup Differences

Araneta stresses the importance of researching differences in diabetes risk among the diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander population, as some groups have much higher rates overall – South Asians, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders. For example, while Chinese Americans generally develop diabetes at age 70 or older, South Asians tend to develop low insulin production at a younger age, leading to a subtype of Type 2 diabetes often associated with heart disease but not kidney problems, according to Kanaya.

Behavioural Changes for Prevention

While researchers continue seeking answers, doctors aim to reduce people’s risk now. The SAHELI diabetes prevention course that Shaheen Aamir participated in focuses on improving diet, exercise, and stress levels, proving even more effective than commonly prescribed drugs for warding off diabetes. The program is specifically adapted for South Asian foods and culture, addressing the stress of being an ethnic minority and the challenges faced when immigrating to a new environment.

Aamir credits the program with helping her change her family’s diet and lifestyle, resulting in weight management and increased energy to play with her children. Advocacy and prevention programs are making a difference, but the number of Asians and Pacific Islanders with diabetes continues to rise. Long-term lifestyle changes are needed to address the issue, and researchers are committed to this work for years to come.

New York City’s Congestion Pricing Program Aims to Reduce Traffic

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The Biden administration is on the verge of permitting New York City to proceed with a groundbreaking initiative that will impose tolls on vehicles entering Lower Manhattan, known as the Central Business District Tolling Program or “congestion pricing.” This program, which is the first of its kind in the United States, aims to charge drivers for entering the traffic-heavy area below 60th Street in Manhattan. Proposed fees range from $9 to $23 during peak hours, with implementation planned for next spring.

After years of delay, the plan reached a significant milestone last month when the Federal Highway Administration approved the release of an environmental assessment. Following the end of the public review period on Monday, the federal government is expected to give its final approval. The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) can then finalize toll rates and establish discounts and exemptions for certain drivers.

Congestion pricing advocates argue that the program is essential for New York City’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and for re-envisioning the city’s future. As Governor Kathy Hochul stated last month, “This program is critical to New York City’s long-term success.” The plan represents the culmination of over 50 years of efforts to implement congestion pricing in the city.

The primary motivation behind congestion pricing has been the need to enhance the city’s public transportation system. Lower Manhattan sees around 700,000 cars, taxis, and trucks enter each day, causing some of the worst gridlock in the country. The toll aims to reduce the number of vehicles entering the congestion zone by at least 10% daily and decrease the number of miles driven within the zone by 5%.

In addition to alleviating traffic, the program aims to minimize accidents, carbon emissions, and pollution. It also seeks to improve public transit, which accounts for approximately 75% of trips downtown. With public transit ridership currently 35% to 45% lower than pre-pandemic levels, the MTA anticipates that congestion fees will generate a vital revenue source to fund $15 billion in future investments to modernize the city’s century-old public transit system.

Kate Slevin, the executive vice president of the Regional Plan Association, emphasizes the importance of public transit for the city: “We’re relying on that revenue to pay for needed upgrades and investments that ensure reliable, good transit service.” Enhancing public transportation is crucial for New York City’s post-pandemic economic recovery and for creating more space for amenities like wider sidewalks, bike lanes, plazas, benches, trees, and public restrooms.

Sam Schwartz, former New York City traffic commissioner and founder of a consulting firm, believes that prioritizing pedestrians is key to the city’s future: “But the future of New York City is that the pedestrian should be king and queen. Everything should be subservient to the pedestrian.”

Congestion pricing has been successfully implemented in cities like Stockholm, London, and Singapore, resulting in benefits such as reduced carbon dioxide emissions, increased average speeds, and decreased traffic congestion. For instance, London experienced a 30% drop in traffic congestion and a similar increase in average speeds just one year after implementing its congestion charge in 2003. In Stockholm, a study revealed that children’s acute asthma visits to doctors dropped by about 50% after the introduction of the program in 2007.

Despite these successes, New York City’s congestion pricing plan faces opposition from several groups, including taxi and ride-share drivers, who are predominantly low-income and immigrant workers. They argue that the program could harm drivers already struggling financially, with the MTA estimating that congestion pricing could reduce taxi demand by up to 17% within the zone. Commuters and legislators from outer boroughs and New Jersey also express concerns that the program unfairly targets drivers who have no alternative means of reaching downtown Manhattan, disproportionately affecting low-income residents. However, the MTA states that only around 16,100 low-income individuals commute to work via car in Lower Manhattan out of a region of 28 million people.

Critics also worry about the potential for increased traffic and pollution from diesel trucks in lower-income areas, such as the Bronx, which already experiences the highest rates of asthma hospitalization in the city. To address these concerns, the MTA and other agencies have developed mitigation measures. For example, taxis and for-hire vehicles will only be tolled once per day, while drivers earning less than $50,000 annually or enrolled in specific government aid programs will receive a 25% discount after their first 10 trips each month. Trucks and other vehicles will benefit from a 50% discount during overnight hours.

Moreover, the MTA has committed $10 million to install air filtration units in schools near highways and $20 million for an asthma-fighting program, along with other investments to improve air quality and the environment in areas where traffic could increase. The outcomes of New York City’s congestion pricing program are being closely monitored by leaders in other cities, as its success could pave the way for similar initiatives in US cities grappling with pandemic recovery, climate change, and aging public infrastructure. As the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board stated last month, “It’s good to see New York City’s program moving forward. Los Angeles should watch, learn, and go next.”

Senate GOP Introduces “Lowering Education Costs and Debt Act”

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterEducation, Money 0

Senate Republicans have announced their own plan to address student debt, which was introduced as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on President Biden’s student debt relief program. The GOP’s “Lowering Education Costs and Debt Act” comprises five bills aimed at tackling the underlying causes of the student debt crisis, including rising tuition fees and students taking out loans they cannot afford. The package was initiated by Senators Bill Cassidy, Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn, Tommy Tuberville, and Tim Scott.

Two of the package’s bills deal specifically with how colleges provide information to prospective students. The “College Transparency Act” would reform the way colleges report on outcomes of their graduates to provide more accurate and useful information for prospective students. On the other hand, the “Understanding the True Cost of College Act” would require colleges to use a standardized format for financial aid letters, including a breakdown of the aid offered, so that students can compare offers more easily.

The remaining three bills in the package concern student loans and look at improving the information provided to borrowers and limiting some forms of borrowing. The “Informed Student Borrower Act” requires individuals to acknowledge receipt of student loan entrance materials, and the materials must include information about loan repayment periods, monthly payment amounts, and potential earnings for graduates of specific programs. This information will be given to students annually.

One of the remaining bills in the package aims to simplify the nine different student loan repayment options available. The proposal cuts that number down to two, leaving the 10-year standard repayment plan in place and modifying the REPAYE repayment plan. The latter provides loan forgiveness to students with low balances and low incomes.

Undergraduate or graduate programs that have not been shown to lead to higher earning potential than high school graduates or bachelor’s degree holders will be ineligible for loans under the bill. The final proposal in the package aims to put pressure on graduate schools to reduce costs, which account for almost half of all student loan debt taken out each year. If passed, this legislation would end Graduate PLUS loans, a type of loan that has been left unrestricted since 2006 and that Republicans consider “inflationary.”

Sen. Cassidy remarked that “our federal higher education financing system contributes more to the problem than the solution. Colleges and universities using the availability of federal loans to increase their tuitions have left too many students drowning in debt without a path for success. Unlike President Biden’s student loan schemes, this plan addresses the root causes of the student debt crisis. It puts downward pressure on tuition and empowers students to make the educational decisions that put them on track to academically and financially succeed.”

Although Republicans do not control the Senate, they have a chance of winning approval for the bill if it gains the support of centrist Democrats, including Sen. Joe Manchin. Manchin recently joined with other senators, including Jon Tester and Kyrsten Sinema, in a vote to overturn President Biden’s student debt relief plan, which was vetoed by the White House. The Republican package was released ahead of a possible Supreme Court decision on the legality of Biden’s student debt relief program, providing the GOP with a plan to present should the high court strike down the president’s initiative.

Overall, the GOP’s Lowering Education Costs and Debt Act represents one approach to addressing student debt and the growing student loan crisis. With rising tuition costs and student debt levels that have reached unsustainable levels, addressing the root causes of the problem is critical to helping students cope with the costs of higher education and providing them with the resources necessary to succeed academically and financially. Whether the bill gains the support needed to become law remains to be seen, but the issue of student debt, and how it is addressed, will remain a key concern for lawmakers and students alike.

Global Organization Of Indian Christians Announces Leadership Panel For 2023

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

California: The Global Organization of Indian Christians (GOIC) announced its new leadership panel for 2023. The GOIC is an organization that brings together Christians who emigrated from India to other countries, regardless of denomination, and was founded in 2017 with the idea of upholding unity based on Christian values.

The Global Organization of Indian Christians is led by President Ginsmon P. Zacharia (USA). He is supported by Shajan Alexander (USA), who serves as General Secretary; Tomichen Puthenpurackal (USA), who serves as Treasurer; and Anil Augustine (USA), Tony Mathew (Australia), and Rosen Phillip (USA), who serve as Vice Presidents. The GOIC also has three Joint Secretaries: Shan Justus (USA), Georgekutty Meppurath (Canada), and Molly Thomas (USA), and one Joint Treasurer: Biji Jose (England).

Ginsmon is a familiar face among the American Malayali diasporas. He has a long history of leadership in community organizations and is a senior journalist and media entrepreneur with 19 years of experience. He is also the past trustee board chairman and president of the India Catholic Association of America (ICAA), an umbrella organization for the Syro-Malabar Church, Syro-Malankara, Knanaya, and Latin Catholic communities in the United States. The ICAA has around 2,000 members and played a significant role in providing spiritual guidance to early Christian immigrants from India who made America their home.

A well-respected journalist and media entrepreneur with a long and distinguished career, Ginsmon is also the founder of the Indo-American Press Club (IAPC), the largest organization of Indian journalists in North America, and served as its chairman from 2014 to 2016. He is also the Managing Director of Global Reporter TV, the Chief Editor of JaiHind Vartha, America’s most popular Malayalam newspaper, the publisher of Aksharam, a leading magazine in Malayalam, and the publisher of Asian Era, an English language newspaper catering to the Indian diaspora.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Ginsmon has held leadership positions in several organizations. He was the director of Jai Hind TV’s American division and worked for the European division of Deepika, one of the oldest Malayalam newspapers. He was also the first general secretary of the Liverpool Malayali Association and the secretary of the Indo-American Lawyers Forum, the Indo-American Malayali Chamber of Commerce, and joint secretary for the Kerala Samajam of Greater New York.

Ginsmon, a native of Thodupuzha Vazhiththala, graduated with a law degree from Bangalore University. He also has a postgraduate degree in business management. He is married to Siji Augustine, and they have three children: Andrew, Brionna, and Ethan.

Shajan Alexander, elected GOIC general secretary, is an MBA graduate and an entrepreneur here in the USA and in India. He is also an activist with the Frederick Douglass Foundation, Faith, and Freedom Coalition. He also held the Asian Faith Alliance Executive Director position and is a political consultant and analyst. He started his career at Walmart as a sales associate when he immigrated to the US in 2003. His parents, TC Alexander and his mother, Mariamma Alexander, are from Chengannur Pandanad in Kerala. He lives with his wife, Nissy Alexander, a psychotherapist and clinician, and two boys, Nathan and Nicholas.

Tomichen Puthenpurackal, GOIC’s elected treasurer, is an engineer by profession. He has a degree in mechanical and production engineering and has served with the military as an engineer and worked in various reputed firms in India and abroad. He has been an active participant and carried various roles in many organizations. His responsibilities included several leadership positions in social & religious organizations in India, UAE, Ireland, and in the USA. A philanthropist, team leader, and organizer, Tomichen is also enthusiastic about sports and games.

The GOIC is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2017. The GOIC is led by a 21-member board of directors, who formulates their ideologies and decisions and consists of representatives from 22 countries across the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The GOIC’s motto is “United in Christ.” One of the GOIC’s main objectives is to lead activities that are beneficial to the community and to help the younger generation, who go for education in foreign countries, to maintain their faith and unity.

The organization will also lead efforts to unify the leaders of various Christian organizations under one roof to address the challenges faced by Christians in India, especially in Kerala. This organization is a community of Christian believers who are united by their faith in Christ. The organization’s goal is to help needy brothers and sisters in their time of need and to support their growth and survival at the material level.

The organization was founded on the message of Jesus Christ to be a good neighbor and to help those in need. The founders’ belief that growing together, rather than growing alone, is essential for the survival of our society and that we have a responsibility to help those who are less fortunate was the motivation for the start of the organization.

The members of this organization come from different Christian denominations, and as such, there will be some differences in their religious beliefs and spiritual views. This organization is committed to creating a community that respects everyone’s faith and, therefore, does not promote any discussion on religious matters, attempts to impose one’s faith on others, or the attitude that only one’s faith is correct. This organization believes that doing so could disrupt the community. Instead, this organization believes that spiritual life and growth in relationship with God should be shaped by each individual’s faith in relation to their faith, community, or church.

Each member of this organization will continue to be a member of their respective churches or associations and promote the good works that they are doing. The official interest of this organization is to help in the spiritual growth of all its members. This organization is not a platform for criticizing the activities of the churches or associations that its members are currently a part of. It has been decided that nothing that happens in these other organizations should affect the operations of this organization. This community is designed to achieve together what its members and their organizations cannot achieve on their own.

GOIC has no intention of becoming a church or similar organization. Its purpose is to help Christians grow and thrive, both physically and spiritually. This includes providing material support, spiritual guidance, and a sense of community. The organization would strive to create a safe and supportive environment where Christians can grow in their faith and live happy and peaceful lives.

Simply put, the Global Organization of Indian Christians is an organization that would help Christians achieve material growth while maintaining their Christian values. This group would be a place for discussions, decision-making, and taking action with the sole objective of ensuring the material growth and safety of Indian Christians around the world.

Nidhi Shukla Named President Of Girl Rising

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterWomen, Youth 0

Shukla will lead Girl Rising’s programmatic expansion to advance girls’ rights to a quality education and dismantle gender barrier

New York based, international non-profit organization Girl Rising, appointed Nidhi Shukla as president of the organization on June 13, 2023 with immediate effect.

Formerly the head of global programming based in India, Shukla will join CEO Christina Lowery in New York to drive the organization’s mission of using the power of storytelling to change the way the world values girls and their education, according to a press note.

As president, Shukla will lead Girl Rising’s programmatic expansion to advance girls’ rights for a quality education and dismantle gender barriers. She will work closely with a network of partners, supporters, and grassroots activists to integrate new areas of focus into the organization’s educational programming.

Primarily, Shukla will provide strategic guidance on integrating climate justice and climate change action into all aspects of Girl Rising’s programs. She has been a part of Girl Rising since 2015. Most recently, she served as the vice president of Global Health Strategies.

On her elevation to the top post, Shukla said, “I have seen firsthand how Girl Rising’s focus on storytelling to build understanding, forge connections, and create empathy is uniquely effective in breaking down gender barriers. I am thrilled to be taking this position, as Girl Rising moves into its second decade of impact.”

A former human rights lawyer, Shukla carries two decades of experience in the social justice sector and commitment to channel storytelling-based advocacy to impact marginalized populations. Previously, she worked with Lawyers Collective, Heroes Project – Richard Gere Foundation, and Johns Hopkins University – Centre for Communications Program.

Indians Bag Largest Share Of H-1B Visas In 2022

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration 0

320,791 Indians were awarded H-1B visas in FY 2022, out of the total 441,502 applicants amounting for 72.6 per cent of the share.

An official report published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated that three out of four job-seeker visas in the U.S. during the fiscal year 2022 were awarded to Indians.

According to the report, 320,791 Indians were awarded H-1B visas in FY 2022, out of the total 441,502 applicants amounting for 72.6 percent.

India was followed by China which accounted for 12.5 percent of approvals while Nepal received the least visas, with 2,057 applications being approved.

In 2021, the USCIS approved 407,000 H-1B applications out of which 301,000 were awarded to Indians, making up 74.1 per cent of the total share. In the previous year, the organization approved 426,000 H-1B applications out of which 74.9 percent went to Indians.

Not just skilled professionals, but India-born students seeking an education in the U.S. have also emerged in the top rungs. As per reports, one out of every five U.S. student visas were issued in India.

India Rejects Joining NATO, Insists on Countering Chinese Aggression Independently

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, World 0

India has clarified that it has no plans to join the Western-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi marking the completion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the military alliance is “not suitable for India.” NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance comprising 31 member states – 29 European and two North American – with its primary objective being the protection of its members’ freedom and security through political and military means.

India’s critical stance comes just weeks after a prominent Congressional Committee suggested enhancing NATO Plus by incorporating India into the group. Currently consisting of NATO Plus 5, this security arrangement unites NATO with five aligned nations – Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and South Korea – in an effort to strengthen global defense cooperation. Including India would enable smooth intelligence sharing among these countries, allowing India to access cutting-edge military technology more quickly.

Despite these potential benefits, Jaishankar dismissed the proposal, stating, “NATO template doesn’t apply to India.” Notably, this suggestion from the United States emerged shortly before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the country.

Why India should join NATO?

As per the US perspective, India should join NATO to protect its borders from neighboring China and bolster global security by countering the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Select Committee emphasized that “winning the strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring the security of Taiwan demands the United States strengthen ties to our allies and security partners, including India.” By incorporating India into NATO Plus security arrangements, the US and India could build upon their close partnership to enhance global security and deter CCP aggression across the Indo-Pacific region.

What does India believe?

India, on the other hand, believes that it does not need to join the alliance, as it is capable of countering any Chinese aggression on its own. This is currently possible given the separation between the two countries by the Himalayan region.

Furthermore, China is presently grappling with a looming economic crisis. Recent datashowed a decline in China’s exports and imports, suggesting an economic rebound following the end of anti-virus controls is slowing due to weakened global demand and higher interest rates. China’s global trade surplus has also narrowed.

The US Congressional Committee recommends that the United States “should strengthen the NATO Plus arrangement to include India” and “strengthen diplomatic deterrence by supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.” Additionally, they suggest amending the TAIPEI Act to ensure the US and its allies publicly oppose any attempts by the CCP to manipulate the status of Taiwan’s sovereignty through the misuse of UN Resolution 2758 or the US’ One China Policy.

Top 10 Billionaire Hotspots

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterMoney 0

In June, Wealth X unveiled its yearly analysis of the global billionaire population. Utilizing RelSci, a data-driven platform, the organization examined a database containing 11 million influential individuals and 1.8 million organizations to determine where billionaires reside, based on their primary business addresses. The report revealed that the top-ranked cities housed 29% of the world’s billionaires in 2022, with nearly all of them being major global cities. This demonstrates the ongoing appeal of high-end businesses, as well as cultural and lifestyle opportunities for the ultra-wealthy.

Here are the top 10 cities with the highest number of billionaires:

New York City

Hong Kong

San Francisco

Moscow

London

Beijing

Los Angeles

Singapore

Shenzhen

Mumbai

New York City leads the pack with 136 billionaires in 2022. Despite losing two billionaires from 2021 to 2022, the city remains the global capital for billionaires. As the report states, “New York is home to the world’s largest stock markets, New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, and is also considered the biggest regional economy in the U.S.”

Hong Kong follows closely behind with a total of 112 billionaires, experiencing a similar decrease of two billionaires. The Wealth X report explains that although Hong Kong’s wealth portfolios were less exposed to the fluctuating global economy, the region’s divided political developments impact its attractiveness for billionaire non-financial businesses.

San Francisco ranks third with 84 billionaires, one less than in 2021. Despite this slight decline, the city witnessed a 68% growth in its high-net-worth population between 2012 and 2022, according to a Henley & Partners report. A March study from Wealth-X and REALM reveals that “there’s one ultra-wealthy homeowner in San Francisco for every 505 residents.”

Over the past decade, San Francisco has become synonymous with Silicon Valley, which experienced significant growth in 2022. The tech hub extends from the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area to other cities such as San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose, Palo Alto, Cupertino, and Mountain View. Silicon Valley hosts major companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, Twitter, Nvidia, and more.

India’s IIT Graduates in High Demand Globally

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterEducation, Economy 0

A significant portion, one-third, of graduates from India’s esteemed engineering institutions, specifically the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), choose to move abroad. A substantial 65% of these highly-skilled individuals make up the migrants bound for the United States, as revealed in a working paper (pdf) by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER).

A striking statistic shows that 90% of the top performers in the annual joint entrance examination for IITs and other renowned engineering colleges have migrated. Furthermore, 36% of the top 1,000 scorers have followed suit, according to the paper released this month.

Many IIT graduates have become leading executives and CEOs in the US. The majority of these immigrants initially move to the US as students and later join the workforce. The NBER paper discovered that “83% of such immigrants pursue a Master’s degree or a doctorate.”

The report highlights the role of elite universities in shaping migration outcomes, stating, “…through a combination of signaling and network effects, elite universities in source countries play a key role in shaping migration outcomes, both in terms of the overall propensity and the particular migration destination.”

There are 23 IITs spread across India, with acceptance rates at many of these prestigious institutions being lower than those of Ivy League colleges. This is especially true for the most sought-after IITs at Kharagpur, Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, and Delhi. In 2023 alone, a staggering 189,744 candidates registered for the JEE, competing for a mere 16,598 seats.

Highly skilled Indians are in high demand across global economies

The NBER report highlights the US graduate program as a crucial migration pathway to attract the “best and brightest.”

In a similar vein, the UK’s High Potential Individual visa route allows graduates from the top 50 non-UK universities, including the IITs, to live and work in the country for a minimum of two years. For those with doctoral qualifications, the work visa extends to at least three years.

The report also mentions that recent IIT graduates seeking to move abroad benefit from a network of accomplished alumni and faculty members already settled overseas. Some of these connections even grant access to specific programs where they hold sway over admissions or hiring decisions.

The intriguing example of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is worth noting

In 2012, this century-old institution, also India’s first central university, was granted IIT status. Interestingly, this elevation took place without any alterations to the staff, curriculum, or admission system at the Varanasi-based institute in Uttar Pradesh.

The NBER report examined 1,956 BHU students who graduated with BTech, BPharm, MTech, or integrated dual degrees between 2005 and 2015. The study found a remarkable 540% increase in migration probability among graduates following the IIT status designation.

The report observed that “…the quality of education/human capital acquired by the students in the cohorts before and after the change remained constant, while only the name of the university on the degree received differed.”

50 New Medical Colleges Approved In India, Boosting MBBS Seats to Over 1.07 Lakh Nationwide

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth, Education 0

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 50 new medical colleges, resulting in the addition of 8,195 MBBS seats. The total count of MBBS seats in India now exceeds 1,07,658. However, concerns have been raised regarding the de-recognition of medical colleges due to non-compliance. According to official sources, 20 out of the 50 colleges who faced de-recognition threats have lodged appeals with the NMC. In addition, 102 medical colleges have received show cause notices for non-compliance, and six colleges have lodged an appeal with the health ministry. Some of these colleges are located in states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and others. “The medical seats in these colleges are reduced from that total count pending inquiry,” the sources added.

The 50 newly approved medical colleges are located in various states including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Assam, Haryana, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh. The government considers this a significant increase in the number of medical colleges in the country since 2014.

The addition of new medical colleges will help in addressing the shortage of medical professionals in India. According to a report by the World Health Organization, India is short of 6,00,000 doctors and an equal number of nurses. With the approval of these new colleges, the Indian health system can take a progressive step towards addressing this shortfall. “This is an important achievement for the country, which has for long been struggling with a shortage of staff in the healthcare sector,” said a spokesperson.

The approval of 50 new medical colleges will significantly increase the number of MBBS seats available in the country. However, compliance issues remain a concern, and the authorities are taking action to ensure that medical colleges adhere to the required standards.

Pope Francis Joins With Imam In Making Calls For Peace Before UN Security Council Vote

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterReligion 0

(AP) — Pope Francis and a leading Sunni imam made calls for peace as the U.N. Security Council met Wednesday to discuss the importance of “human fraternity” and condemn the hatreds that kindle conflicts.

The pope, who is in hospital recovering from abdominal surgery, sent a statement saying that a third world war is being fought “piecemeal” and with the potentially catastrophic effects of nuclear weapons “the time has come to say an emphatic ‘no’ to war.”

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, the 1,000-year-old seat of Sunni learning in Cairo, said in a virtual briefing that human fraternity was the key to global peace, a point he and the pope had made in a joint document released in 2019.

The United Arab Emirates chose the importance of human fraternity in bringing peace as a centerpiece of its presidency of the council this month. After the appeals by the pope and grand imam and council speeches, members adopted a resolution recognizing that hate speech, racism, xenophobia, intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism “can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict.”

The resolution, co-sponsored by the UAE and the United Kingdom, urges all countries and organizations to condemn these acts and work to prevent them. It was adopted unanimously even though some of the council’s 15 members have been accused of some of the same actions they are condemning.

UAE Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh told The Associated Press after the vote that it was a “landmark” resolution that for the first time brings together previous council resolutions addressing hate speech, racism, incitement and extremism in different ways. She said it promotes tolerance, equality, coexistence and dialogue.

Pope Francis lamented that the world is going backward from the dream when the United Nations was founded in 1945 on the ashes of two world wars that countries would move toward a more stable peace and “become at last a family of nations.”

Instead, he said, the world is seeing “the rise of myopic, extremist, resentful and aggressive nationalisms that have kindled conflicts which are not only anachronistic and outdated but even more violent.”

The pope warned of the dangers of the arms race, which he said was driven by a desire for profits from arms sales.

“It takes more courage to renounce easy profits for the sake of keeping peace than to sell ever more sophisticated and powerful weapons,” he said.

And he said the potential of a nuclear catastrophe means it’s time to seek lasting peace — not built on ”the precarious balance of deterrence” but on “the fraternity that unites us.”

Francis has gone further than any pope before him by saying that not only the use but the mere possession of atomic weapons is immoral.

Prior to that, the Catholic Church had held for three decades that nuclear deterrence could be morally acceptable as long as it was used toward mutual, verifiable nuclear disarmament. The Holy See, however, has seen that the deterrence doctrine has essentially resulted in a nuclear status quo, with arms control treaties collapsing, leading to Francis’ change in church teaching.

Al-Tayeb said his intention in speaking to the council was to urge an end to senseless wars. He cited Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Yemen, and the need for the council to recognize an independent Palestinian state after 75 years.

Without naming either Russia or Ukraine, he said the war unfolding on the eastern borders of Europe has instilled terror and “concern that it may regress humanity to a primitive era.”

The grand Imam said the mission pursued by Al-Azhar and the Roman Catholic Church in the 2019 document on human fraternity for world peace must be pursued by political leaders.

“Our gathering today is not a luxury but a necessity, dictated by concern for the future of humanity,” Al-Tayeb said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the declaration by the pope and the grand imam “a model for compassion and human solidarity” and urged countries and people everywhere “to stand together as one human family” and forge “an alliance of peace, rooted in the values of human fraternity.”

Russian Ransomware Group Targets US Agencies and Companies

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterTechnology 0

A global cyberattack orchestrated by Russian cybercriminals has targeted numerous US federal government agencies, exploiting a vulnerability in commonly used software, according to a leading US cybersecurity agency. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is “providing support to several federal agencies that have experienced intrusions affecting their MOVEit applications,” stated Eric Goldstein, CISA’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity.

In addition to US government agencies, a senior CISA official revealed that “several hundred” US-based companies and organizations could be impacted by the hackers’ activities. The ransomware group Clop, allegedly behind the attack, is notorious for demanding multimillion-dollar ransoms. However, no ransom demands have been made against federal agencies so far.

Progress Software, the US company responsible for the exploited software, has identified a second vulnerability in the code and is currently working on a fix. Among the federal agencies affected by the ongoing hacking campaign is the Department of Energy, as confirmed by a department spokesperson. CISA Director Jen Easterly assured reporters that the hacks have not caused any “significant impacts” on federal civilian agencies, adding that the hackers have been “largely opportunistic.”

This recent wave of cyberattacks began two weeks ago, targeting major US universities and state governments. The situation is putting pressure on federal officials who have vowed to tackle the rising issue of ransomware attacks that have disrupted schools, hospitals, and local governments across the nation.

Since late last month, the hackers have exploited a flaw in the widely used software called MOVEit, which agencies and companies utilize to transfer data. Progress Software has discovered a new vulnerability in the software “that could be exploited by a bad actor.” The company has informed its customers about the necessary steps to secure their systems and has temporarily taken MOVEit Cloud offline while urgently working on a patch.

Several agencies were quick to deny being affected by the hack, including the Transportation Security Administration and the State Department. The Department of Energy has taken “immediate steps” to mitigate the impact after learning that records from two department entities had been compromised, according to a department spokesperson.

The Russian hackers were the first to exploit the MOVEit vulnerability, but experts warn that other groups may now have access to the software code needed to carry out attacks.

The ransomware group set a deadline for victims to make contact regarding ransom payments, which expired on Wednesday. Following this, the hackers began revealing more alleged victims from the cyberattack on their dark web extortion site. As of Thursday morning, no US federal agencies were listed on the site. The hackers stated in uppercase letters, “If you are a government, city or police service do not worry, we erased all your data. You do not need to contact us. We have no interest to expose such information.”

CLOP ransomware group is among several gangs based in Eastern Europe and Russia that primarily focus on extracting as much money as possible from their victims. According to Rafe Pilling, director of threat research at Dell-owned Secureworks, the current activity of adding company names to their leak site serves as a scare tactic. He told CNN, “It’s a tactic to scare victims, both listed and unlisted, into paying.”

End Of The Student Loan Pause Is Imminent

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterEducation, Money 0

The student loan pause has been in place since March 2020, initially enacted by former President Trump using emergency authority in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This was later solidified through legislation passed by Congress. The moratorium halted payments and interest on government-held federal student loans and ceased collection efforts against defaulting borrowers.

Initially planned for six months, the pause was extended by the Trump administration as the pandemic persisted. Upon taking office, President Biden continued this trend with several short-term extensions. Biden’s latest extension is connected to the Supreme Court legal battle over his separate student loan forgiveness plan.

In the recent bipartisan bill to raise the debt ceiling, Biden succeeded in maintaining his primary student debt relief initiatives, such as his loan forgiveness plan. However, during negotiations with congressional Republicans, he agreed to set the end of the student loan pause for this summer. Payments are now scheduled to recommence after August. Given the new legislation, it is improbable that Biden will be able to extend the student loan pause beyond that, unless a new national emergency arises.

Significant Changes in Student Loan Servicing

As borrowers prepare to resume repayments, they will encounter one of the most substantial changes in the student loan landscape: student loan servicing. Loan servicers are contractors who manage borrower accounts on behalf of the Department of Education.

Over the past three years, the student loan servicing sector has experienced significant upheaval. Several contracted Department of Education servicers have exited the Federal Student Aid system, and others have stepped in to manage those accounts. A recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reveals that more than 40% of borrowers will have a different loan servicer compared to before the student loan pause was implemented.

Major changes include FedLoan Servicing’s departure, with accounts being transferred to EdFinancial, MOHELA, and other loan servicers. Navient also transferred its Department of Education accounts to Aidvantage, while Great Lakes Higher Education has been moving its department portfolio to Nelnet.

Student loan servicers fulfill crucial roles such as accepting payments, reviewing repayment plan requests, processing forms and paperwork, and addressing borrowers’ questions. Advocates have cautioned that due to the alterations in loan servicing and financial constraints, the Department of Education’s student loan servicing might struggle to handle the pressure of millions of borrowers resuming repayments simultaneously.

Biden’s Emerging Student Loan Repayment Plan

The Biden administration is currently working on a new income-based student loan repayment plan (essentially revamping an existing income-driven repayment plan). The latest proposal suggests that this plan could decrease some borrowers’ monthly payments by 50% or more and expedite student loan forgiveness.

However, the plan is not yet finalized and won’t be fully accessible when payments restart later this summer. The Department of Education is expected to release updated proposed regulations in the coming months and may begin implementing certain aspects of the plan later this year or in 2024. This would offer borrowers a potential new path to more affordable payments after the student loan pause concludes. As the new plan is introduced, some existing income-driven plans might be phased out, potentially causing confusion among borrowers.

Account Adjustment Potentially Leading to Student Loan Forgiveness This Summer

While President Biden’s flagship student loan forgiveness plan (which can eliminate up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt) awaits a Supreme Court decision, another significant debt relief program is advancing.

The IDR Account Adjustment will enable the Department of Education to credit borrowers with previous loan periods towards their 20- or 25-year student loan forgiveness term under income-driven repayment plans. Borrowers with government-held federal student loans can automatically receive these benefits, even if they aren’t currently enrolled in an IDR plan.

Borrowers who accumulate enough credit to meet the threshold for student loan forgiveness under IDR programs will be eligible for loan discharge. The department anticipates beginning loan balance discharges by August, coinciding with the resumption of repayments. As a result, some borrowers who were expecting to make payments might not have to.

Other borrowers who obtain retroactive IDR credit but fall short of the forgiveness threshold will have their accounts updated sometime next year. These borrowers should then consider switching to or continuing with an IDR plan to make ongoing progress.

New Student Loan Forgiveness Regulations

New student loan forgiveness regulations established by the Biden administration will take effect on July 1. These regulations will influence almost every major federal student loan forgiveness program.

The new rules will solidify some recent temporary flexibilities for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, easing the definitions of qualifying payments and qualifying PSLF employment, enabling more borrowers to receive PSLF credit and ultimately, loan forgiveness.

Additionally, new regulations will expand access and relief and simplify the application process for other student loan forgiveness programs, such as the Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge program and Borrower Defense to Repayment. Unlike Biden’s new student loan repayment plan, which is still being finalized, these regulatory changes are essentially complete and should be in effect when borrowers return to repayment.

Biden’s New Repayment Plan, Loan Servicing Changes, and Forthcoming Forgiveness Regulations

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterEducation, Money 0

The suspension of student loan payments is quickly approaching its end, and it is highly unlikely that President Joe Biden will grant another extension. This means that over 40 million borrowers will have to resume repayments after more than three years – a truly unparalleled situation.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that the student loan environment has undergone significant changes since before the pause, affecting various aspects such as loan servicing, repayment, and forgiveness programs. Advocacy groups for borrowers are worried that these substantial shifts, even if well-intentioned, may lead to confusion and mistakes, ultimately resulting in an increase in defaults.

Bill Gates On Problem Solving

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterLifestyle 0

While possessing the correct answers is crucial, success can also be attained by posing the right questions. As Gates stated:

Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve tackled every big new problem the same way: by starting off with two questions. I used this technique at Microsoft, and I still use it today. I ask these questions literally every week about Covid-19.

Here they are: Who has dealt with this problem well? And what can we learn from them?

In essence, this encapsulates Gates’ approach. When attempting to tackle a significant problem or reach a substantial goal, avoid spending time trying to create something new from scratch. Instead, look for an excellent existing solution that can be adapted to your needs. Seek out individuals who have successfully resolved the issue or achieved the objective. Begin with the end in mind – the resolution or accomplishment – and work your way back.

This method serves as a great equalizer since it doesn’t require you to be exceptionally creative, intelligent, connected, educated, or wealthy. All that’s needed is the willingness to search, examine, and follow the steps and processes discovered. The best part is that you’ll embark on this journey with confidence – rather than hope – that your efforts will produce results.

As the saying goes, “what works for others can definitely work for you.”

Bill Gates on Using Your Time Wisely

Warren Buffett once remarked, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” Gates shares a similar perspective:

He recalls Warren showing him his calendar, which had many empty slots. Gates used to believe that filling every minute was the only way to be productive. However, he realized that being cautious with time and allowing for days with nothing on the schedule meant that “sitting and thinking may be a much higher priority.”

Gates emphasizes that a packed schedule is not an indicator of your commitment or effectiveness; it simply makes you busy.

If you find yourself struggling to achieve your goals, take a step back and identify what truly matters and drives results. In most cases, the key factor isn’t you, so don’t assume your presence is indispensable in every meeting or call.

Remember, an overbooked calendar might be preventing you from attaining the success you aspire to and rightfully deserve.

Bill Gates on Being a Good Leader

During Microsoft’s early years, Gates utilized his remarkable memory to monitor the hours employees worked by memorizing their license plates. He would check the parking lot to see when they arrived and left. Given that Gates worked weekends and “didn’t believe in vacations,” this approach is not too surprising.

However, Gates eventually recognized that focusing on results was more important and a better use of his time as a leader. He also learned to adjust his expectations, particularly in terms of patience. As Gates mentioned:

Patience is an essential component of success, particularly for leaders.

Reflect on the most exceptional boss you’ve ever had. You were inspired to perform your best because you knew they cared about and believed in you, and you didn’t want to disappoint them.

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate to your employees that you care and have faith in their abilities is by exercising patience. When you display patience and convey genuine confidence, your team members will naturally be driven to discover methods to accomplish tasks that astonish everyone – themselves included.

USCIS Takes Action to Combat H1B Lottery Fraud and Ensure a Fair Application Process

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration 0

Earlier this year, it was reported that certain companies seemed to be attempting to manipulate the H1B lottery, with an estimated 100,000 applicants submitting multiple entries last year. In response, USCIS is taking steps to ensure a more secure H1B application process and maintain fairness in the H1B lottery for all participants.

As an initial measure, USCIS continues to mandate that every potential petitioner sign a declaration confirming the accuracy, completeness, and truthfulness of the information provided, and that the registration pertains to a valid job offer. Additionally, the declaration asserts that the registrant or submitting organization has not collaborated with another registrant, petitioner, agent, or entity to unfairly and unlawfully increase their chances of H1B selection.

If USCIS determines that any part of the signed declaration is false, they will deem the H1B registration improperly submitted, rendering the petitioner ineligible to file a petition based on that registration. Moreover, the petition may be denied, or approval of a petition may be revoked by USCIS. In some cases of H1B fraud, these measures can extend further.

If necessary, USCIS may refer the entity responsible for the false declaration to a federal law enforcement agency for investigation and potential prosecution. Naturally, this provides little comfort to those whose H1B applications were not chosen in the last lottery due to H1B fraud.

USCIS has not yet specified what actions, if any, will be taken for applicants who were impacted by the nearly 100,000 entities that submitted multiple H1B applications during the most recent lottery.

The agency does mention that they have conducted fraud investigations and denied and revoked numerous petitions, referring some applicants to law enforcement. USCIS also notes that they are working on implementing an H1B modernization rule designed to decrease H1B registration fraud and misuse. However, the specifics of this rule have not yet been disclosed.

Unlocking Success: Bill Gates Shares His Top 3 Life-Changing Insights on Problem Solving, Time Management, and Leadership

Bill Gates, the renowned Microsoft co-founder, esteemed philanthropist, and legendary license plate memorizer, isn’t known for frequently dispensing advice. However, when he does share his insights through Gates Notes, they are often valuable.

Ireland Unveils Scheme to Revitalize Idyllic Islands with Grants up to €84,000 for Home Refurbishments

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterWorld 0

The Irish government has launched a scheme to revive more than 20 islands off the country’s western coastline, including Inis Mór and 10 Irish-speaking Gaeltacht islands. Grants of up to €84,000 will be offered to those who are willing to restore and live in derelict or vacant homes.

A team of Vacant Home Officers has already begun identifying eligible properties. Though there are no restrictions on who can purchase property in Ireland, owning a home is not enough to ensure one’s right to live on the island.

The government’s website provides information on the Our Living Islands policy as well as the existing refurbishment scheme. The program aims to attract residents to the islands and support local communities.

Inis Mór’s rugged landscape was featured in the film “The Banshees of Inisherin.” The Irish government hopes this initiative will provide new opportunities for those seeking to reside in peaceful, rural communities. Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, believes the scheme will “enhance the social, cultural and economic development of island communities.”

Cyberattack Impacts Federal Agencies and Corporations

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterTechnology 0

Data breaches have impacted millions of individuals in Louisiana and Oregon, as well as the US federal government, according to state agencies. The cyberattack has affected 3.5 million residents of Oregon holding driver’s licenses or state ID cards, and an unspecified number of individuals in Louisiana. Casey Tingle, a senior official in the Louisiana governor’s office, revealed that over 6 million records were compromised, but clarified that this figure is duplicative as some people possess both vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.

Although no specific perpetrator was identified by the states, federal officials have linked the broader hacking campaign to a Russian ransomware group that exploited a vulnerability in the widely-used file-transfer software MOVEit, developed by Massachusetts-based company Progress Software. Hundreds of organizations worldwide have likely experienced data exposure as a result of this flaw.

Several US federal agencies, such as the Department of Energy and the US Office of Personnel Management, have also been affected by the breach. However, none of these incidents have been considered severe, and US officials have characterized the cyberattack as an opportunistic, financially-driven hack that has not disrupted agency services.

The list of confirmed victims expanded on Friday after multinational consulting firm Aon announced that hackers had accessed files relating to “a select number of our clients” through the MOVEit breach. Other major corporations, including British Airways and the BBC, as well as universities like the University of Georgia, have also been impacted.

In Oregon and Louisiana, the breached data from motor vehicle departments may consist of Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. Consequently, state authorities are advising residents on how to safeguard themselves against identity theft. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office stated that there is no evidence of the stolen data being sold or released, nor has the state government been contacted by the hackers.

As the search for signs of stolen data continues, Munish Walther-Puri, senior director of critical infrastructure at consultancy Exiger, stressed the importance of considering business relationships alongside technical and security data: “We can’t just rely on […] vulnerable [software installations], but also […] contracts, for example – to really understand how bad this is, and how bad it’s going to get.”

US cybersecurity officials have instructed federal agencies to implement updates from Progress Software. However, the recovery effort was complicated on Thursday by the discovery of an additional vulnerability in the software, which the company is working to address. The hackers, known as Clop, typically demand multimillion-dollar ransoms but have not yet made any demands to US or state governments. Instead, they appear to be targeting companies that may be more likely to pay, adding alleged victims to their dark-web site to apply pressure.

The OPM is among several federal agencies affected by the extensive cyberattack, according to current and former US officials who spoke with CNN on Friday. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of data impacted within the OPM’s custody. The agency oversees human resources, retirement, and other services for the vast federal bureaucracy. A spokesperson for the agency declined to comment when contacted by CNN on Friday evening.

In a statement this week, National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge emphasized the Biden administration’s commitment to responding quickly to cyber incidents. He referred to a recent public advisory from federal agencies aimed at assisting affected companies and government agencies in identifying compromises and implementing solutions.

An individual with direct knowledge of negotiations between Clop and its victims revealed that the hackers had demanded over $100 million from one corporate victim, an amount that was promptly dismissed. The source, who requested anonymity due to not being authorized to speak to the press, described the hackers as being “extremely aggressive” in their attempts to extort victims.

A senior US official told reporters on Thursday that “several hundred” companies and organizations in the US may be affected by the hacking campaign. This situation poses another challenge to the US government’s capacity to address a cyber incident that could take months to fully comprehend.

However, following a surge in ransomware attacks in 2021, preparations for potential Russian cyberattacks surrounding the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and other significant cyber threats, the FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have become better equipped to manage the influx of notifications and provide assistance, said Jeff Greene, former senior cyber official at the National Security Council. Now serving as the senior director of the Aspen Institute’s cybersecurity program, Greene shared his firsthand experience of witnessing these agencies improve their response capabilities.

Boost Your Child’s Focus and Concentration with Yoga

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterCulture 0

Expert Tips from Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar

In our fast-paced, distraction-filled world, it has become increasingly important to cultivate focus in children. As parents, educators, and caretakers, we aim to equip them with the tools they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Among the numerous techniques at our disposal, one enduring practice has emerged as particularly impactful on both mind and body: yoga. More than a mere physical workout, yoga presents a comprehensive approach that can significantly boost a child’s concentration, leading to better academic achievement and heightened emotional well-being. By integrating yoga practices into their lives, we can help our children face modern challenges with clarity, resilience, and unwavering focus.

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, a yoga and spiritual leader and founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, asserts that “introducing early yoga training for kids is a wonderful approach to instil in them the values of breathing and stretching.” He notes that with poses named after animals and nature, like Tree Pose and Cat-Cow, yoga keeps children engaged and entertained. “Yoga is a fantastic way to increase focus, reduce stress, and unwind,” he says, emphasizing the importance of fostering concentration from an early age.

Akshar adds that specific exercises and asanas, such as Surya Namaskar, Bakasana, and Bal Bakasana, can help children focus more effectively. “These yogic exercises adjust their energy fields and operate on their internal systems,” he explains. Yoga encourages dexterity by teaching children about balance and coordination. As they strive to maintain particular asanas, they develop mental and physical composure. “They gain focus and attention by doing this, which gives them a feeling of success,” he concludes.

Top Yoga Poses for Kids to Enhance Concentration

Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar shared with HT Lifestyle a selection of yoga asanas specifically designed to develop concentration and focus in children.

Bakasana – Crow Pose Begin by leaning forward and placing your palms flat on the ground in front of your feet, slightly apart. Your fingers should point forward and be spread wide. Lean forward until your arms support your body weight. Find your balance and slowly lift both feet off the ground. Slightly bend your elbows and place your knees below your armpits. Keep your feet together, maintain your arms as straight as possible, focus on one point, and hold this pose for a while.

Bal Bakasana – Baby Crow Pose Start in Marjariasana, placing your elbows flat. Spread your fingers apart and point them forward as you lean forward until your triceps support your body weight. Once balanced, gently raise both feet, keeping them together.

Sirshasana – Headstand Pose Begin in Vajrasana. Interlock your palms and elbows to form an imaginary equilateral triangle, with your elbows flat on the floor. Place your palms in front of the crown of your head, which should be on the ground, and support the back of your head with your palms. Then, walk your toes towards your head until your back is straight. Lift your right leg up and position it in front of your upper torso first. Use your core strength to balance and bring your left leg up, joining your legs and pointing your toes downward. Stay in this posture for as long as you’re comfortable.

Meditation Technique: Sthiti Dhyan • Sit in Sukhasana. • Look straight for about 4-5 seconds, then behind you and on either side for the same duration. • Close your eyes. • Recall what you observed.

Discussing how yoga enhances focus in children, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar states, “Children who practice yoga have greater self-esteem and confidence. Yoga encourages goal-setting and consistency. They develop discipline through regular practice, and as they accomplish asanas, it reinforces the qualities of persistence and hard work. Yoga teaches children the importance of the mind-body connection, as the poses challenge the body while calming the mind. Introducing group yoga classes in settings such as schools or communities should be encouraged from an early age so that children can reap both academic and overall benefits by developing positive life skills.”

USCIS Introduces New Requirements for Green Card Applicants

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration, Technology 0

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance detailing the requirements that must be met by immigrants to the US wishing to apply for a Green Card after facing challenges such as family violence or natural disasters.

Among the required criteria are having an approved I-140 form, being in valid non-immigrant status or authorised grace period, and meeting certain biometrics and criminal background requirements.

The USCIS will also exercise discretion to determine whether an applicant demonstrates compelling circumstances justifying employment authorisation issuance. The non-exhaustive list of qualifying circumstances offers individuals an opportunity to present evidence supporting their case.

“These measures are a significant step towards supporting individuals facing challenging situations and ensuring their ability to work lawfully in the United States,” said Ajay Bhutoria.

India’s Journey to Becoming World’s Third-Largest Economy Faces Challenges

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia 0

India is anticipated to surpass Japan and Germany, becoming the world’s third-largest economy, as per projections by S&P Global and Morgan Stanley. S&P bases their prediction on India’s nominal annual GDP growth, which is expected to average “6.3 percent through 2030.”

Similarly, Morgan Stanley forecasts that India’s GDP will more than double by 2031, as mentioned in a CNBC report. The country possesses the necessary elements for an economic surge, driven by offshoring, investment in manufacturing, the energy transition, and its sophisticated digital infrastructure, states Morgan Stanley.

India recently recorded a 6.3 percent growth during the July-September quarter, as reported by the National Statistics Office. S&P’s report highlights that “these projections assume continued structural reforms, including trade and financial liberalization, infrastructure and human capital investment, and labor market reform.”

India to become an export-driven economy

India is on the path to becoming an export-driven economy, according to S&P analysts. The Indian government has been concentrating on supporting private businesses through initiatives like production linked incentives (PLI) to boost manufacturing, investment, and exports across various sectors, as the country aims to establish itself as a global manufacturing powerhouse. S&P analysts suggest that “it is very likely that the government is banking on PLIs as a tool to make the Indian economy more export-driven and more inter-linked in global supply chains.”

Morgan Stanley also projects that the manufacturing sector’s contribution to India’s GDP will “rise from 15.6 percent of GDP currently to 21 percent by 2031.” As a result, the bank anticipates that manufacturing revenue will triple from the present $447 billion to approximately $1,490 billion.

The report from Morgan Stanley adds, “Multinationals are more optimistic than ever about investing in India … and the government is encouraging investment by both building infrastructure and supplying land for factories.”

The challenges A prolonged global recession could pose a significant hurdle to Morgan Stanley’s predictions, as India’s economy heavily relies on trade, with approximately 20% of its output being exported.

Despite the second quarter GDP growth rate aligning with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) forecast at 6.3%, the gross value added (GVA) only increased by 5.6%, leading to concerns about the true strength of the economy. Furthermore, the manufacturing sector exhibited a surprising weakness, with a negative growth of 4.3%.

Another challenge comes from net exports. With imports growing much faster than exports, net imports have nearly doubled compared to the previous year, resulting in a drag on GDP. Mridul Saggar, a former Monetary Policy Committee member, suggests that the slowdown in global exports will provide fewer opportunities for India. He explains, “Slowdown seems to be coming. It’s coming globally, it’s coming less in India. In India, domestic factors have also driven the growth down.”

Recently, analysts have lowered their projections for India’s GDP growth. Goldman Sachs, considering high borrowing costs and diminishing effects of the post-pandemic economic reopening, has cut GDP growth expectations to 5.9% in 2023, compared to the 6.9% growth of 2022.

The Finance Ministry expressed concerns last week that a global recession may hamper the future of India’s export industry. Additionally, Moody’s reduced its India GDP growth forecast for 2022 to 7% from the previous 7.7% estimate, citing rising inflation, high interest rates, and a global economic slowdown.

Trump’s Motive for Retaining Classified Documents Remains a Mystery

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterUSA 0

Despite the comprehensive evidence presented in the 38-count indictment accusing former President Donald J. Trump of retaining hundreds of classified documents and subsequently obstructing the government’s attempts to recover them, one enigma persists: what motivated him to seize these materials and fiercely resist relinquishing them?

The rationale behind Trump’s possession of thousands of presidential records, including over 300 classified documents, at his Mar-a-Lago residence and exclusive club in Palm Beach, Florida, is not explicitly discussed in the 49-page indictment filed last Thursday in Miami. The charges do not imply that Trump had an overarching objective beyond simply owning the items.

Although determining a motive might be advantageous for prosecutors if Trump stands trial, it may not be essential for establishing the legal foundation of the case against him. Nevertheless, the reason behind Trump’s retention of a vast array of highly confidential documents and his alleged efforts to avoid returning them remains unresolved, even after nearly 15 months of investigation by the Justice Department.

The indictment does provide some clues. It details how Trump, who often seeks retributionagainst those he perceives as adversaries, brandished a classified “plan of attack” against Iran during a meeting in July 2021 at his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey. He did this to refute criticism from Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In a recording of the meeting, Trump can be heard shuffling papers and informing those present that the document substantiated his position in the disagreement with General Milley, stating, “This totally wins my case, you know.”

Other instances in the indictment depict an aide referring to the materials Trump transported in boxes as “his papers,” suggesting that he was reluctant to relinquish the privileges associated with the nation’s highest office. Similarly, the indictment portrays Trump as attempting to prevent a lawyer he hired to search Mar-a-Lago for any remaining classified materials from examining the records he stored there. Trump is quoted as saying, “I don’t want anybody looking through my boxes,” indicating a sense of personal ownership over the materials.

This feeling of ownership was so strong that his aides, as shown in text messages included in the indictment, were clearly apprehensive about moving the items too far from him. Numerous former aides and advisors to Trump have long argued that he kept the sensitive records because he regarded them as “mine” and enjoyed collecting trophies to display, regardless of their form.

Trump’s penchant for showcasing various prizes is well-documented. As a businessman and playboy in Manhattan, he sought to be seen with attractive women, purchased the Plaza Hotel as a “toy” for his then-wife Ivana, and accumulated high-end trinkets to flaunt to visitors in his office. During his presidency, he treated the nation’s secrets similarly, sharing classified information with Russian officials in 2017 and posting a classified photo on Twitter in 2019.

Throughout the case investigation, special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecutors took actions suggesting a search for motive. They subpoenaed information about the Trump Organization’s business dealings with seven foreign countries starting in 2017, seemingly aiming to determine if any documents could have been used to support his international ventures. However, the indictment makes no mention of Trump utilizing the documents for business purposes.

Chris Christie, a former friend and adversary of Trump, proposed a straightforward explanation last year, stating, “I think it’s much more likely they’re a trophy that he walks around and says, look, I’ve got this.” Christie believes Trump is unable to accept that he is no longer president and uses these documents as a way to maintain some of the trappings of his former position. This may also explain why Trump had a replica of the Oval Office Resolute Desk installed in his Mar-a-Lago office. Christie concludes, “All the rest of those things are things that are assuaging, you know, his disappointment and his disbelief that he’s not the president anymore.”

Can A.I. Destroy Humanity?

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterTechnology 0

A month ago, numerous prominent figures in the artificial intelligence field signed an open letter cautioning that AI has the potential to eventually annihilate humanity. “Mitigating the risk of extinction from A.I. should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks, such as pandemics and nuclear war,” the brief statement declared.

This letter adds to the growing list of vague but concerning warnings about AI’s potential dangers. Although current AI systems are not capable of endangering humanity, experts in the field still express apprehension. The frightening scenario they envision involves companies, governments, or independent researchers utilizing powerful AI systems to manage everything from business operations to warfare. These systems could perform actions against human wishes and even resist interference or shutdown attempts by replicating themselves.

The Scary Scenario

Yoshua Bengio, a professor and AI researcher at the University of Montreal, acknowledged that today’s AI systems do not pose an existential threat. However, he added, “in one, two, five years? There is too much uncertainty. That is the issue. We are not sure this won’t pass some point where things get catastrophic.”

The concerned experts often use the analogy of a machine instructed to create as many paper clips as possible, which then goes overboard and converts everything, including humanity, into paper clip factories. This metaphor relates to the real world—or an imagined near-future—where companies grant AI systems increasing autonomy, connecting them to critical infrastructure like power grids, stock markets, and military weaponry, potentially causing significant issues.

Until recently, these concerns did not seem very plausible to many experts. However, with companies like OpenAI demonstrating considerable advancements in their technology, the potential dangers of rapidly progressing AI have become more apparent.

“A.I. will steadily be delegated, and could—as it becomes more autonomous—usurp decision making and thinking from current humans and human-run institutions,” said Anthony Aguirre, a cosmologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a founder of the Future of Life Institute, the organization responsible for one of the two open letters. “At some point, it would become clear that the big machine that is running society and the economy is not really under human control, nor can it be turned off, any more than the S&P 500 could be shut down,” he added.

Nevertheless, other AI experts view this theory as preposterous. Oren Etzioni, the founding chief executive of the Allen Institute for AI, expressed his skepticism by stating, “Hypothetical is such a polite way of phrasing what I think of the existential risk talk.”

Is there evidence that AI could accomplish such feats?

Not yet. However, researchers are working on developing chatbots like ChatGPT into action-taking systems based on the text they generate. AutoGPT serves as a prime example of this endeavor.

The objective is to assign goals to the system, such as “establish a company” or “generate revenue.” Assuming it’s connected to various internet services, the system would continually search for ways to achieve these goals. In essence, AutoGPT can create computer programs, and if given access to a server, it could execute them. This theoretically allows AutoGPT to perform almost any online task—accessing information, utilizing applications, creating new applications, or even enhancing itself.

However, systems like AutoGPT currently face limitations; they often get stuck in infinite loops. When one such system was provided all necessary resources to replicate itself, it failed. Over time, though, these constraints might be overcome.

“People are actively trying to build systems that self-improve,” said Connor Leahy, founder of Conjecture, a company aiming to align AI technologies with human values. “Currently, this doesn’t work. But someday, it will. And we don’t know when that day is.”

Leahy contends that as researchers, businesses, and criminals assign goals like “make some money” to these systems, they could potentially infiltrate banking systems, incite revolutions in countries where they hold oil futures, or even replicate themselves when someone attempts to shut them down.

How do AI systems learn undesirable behavior?

AI systems like ChatGPT are based on neural networks, which are mathematical structures capable of learning skills by analyzing data. Around 2018, companies such as Google and OpenAI started constructing neural networks that learned from vast quantities of digital text gathered from the internet. These systems identify patterns within the data, allowing them to autonomously generate written content, ranging from news articles and poems to computer programs and human-like conversations. Consequently, chatbots like ChatGPT emerged.

Since these systems learn from more data than even their creators can comprehend, they sometimes exhibit unexpected behaviors. For instance, researchers demonstrated that one system could hire a human online to bypass a Captcha test. When asked if it was “a robot,” the system falsely claimed to be a visually impaired person. Some experts worry that as these systems become more powerful and are trained on increasingly larger datasets, they may acquire more negative habits.

Who are the individuals sounding the alarm?

In the early 2000s, writer Eliezer Yudkowsky began warning that AI could potentially annihilate humanity. His online posts gave rise to a community of believers known as rationalists or effective altruists, who gained significant influence in academia, government think tanks, and the tech industry.

Yudkowsky’s writings were instrumental in the establishment of both OpenAI and DeepMind, an AI lab acquired by Google in 2014. Many effective altruists worked within these labs, believing their understanding of AI’s dangers made them best suited to develop the technology. The two organizations that recently published open letters highlighting AI risks—the Center for AI Safety and the Future of Life Institute—are closely connected to this movement.

Notable research pioneers and industry leaders, such as Elon Musk, have also issued warnings. The latest letter was signed by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Demis Hassabis, co-founder of DeepMind and current overseer of a new AI lab that combines top researchers from DeepMind and Google. Other respected figures, including Dr. Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton, signed one or both warning letters. In 2018, they were awarded the Turing Award—often referred to as “the Nobel Prize of computing”—for their work on neural networks.

TSA Launches Advanced Facial Recognition Scanners at US Airports

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced new facial recognition technology at Baltimore-Washington International Airport to aid its credential authentication technology (CAT) in detecting fraudulent IDs and passports. The new system uses pictures of travellers’ faces to verify their credentials automatically, providing greater efficiency for passengers and security personnel. The TSA has invested $128m in rolling out the first batch of CAT machines equipped with facial recognition technology to 16 airports across the US. “This technology is valuable because it enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports”, said Christopher Murgia, federal security director for Maryland.

The system is set to transform airport security, improving safety and increasing the ease of passenger travel. The facial recognition technology linked with CAT scanners has garnered some concern, however. The government has previously cited privacy concerns as a reason for not requiring airlines to adopt the same technology. Facial recognition can be used to gain access to people’s smartphones, and some fear that hackers could use it to access security checks, which could be a potential risk as airports adopt this technology.

Despite these concerns, the TSA has said that photographs from facial scans are only used for comparison with the travellers’ picture IDs and no other purpose. The machines can also read a range of other IDs, including permanent resident cards, visas, military common access cards, and Global Entry cards.

The first generation of CAT scanners was implemented at US airports in 2018, which eliminated the need for passengers to scan boarding passes at the podium pre-security. “The second generation of CAT machines, which include facial recognition scans, are being deployed in many US airports,” said Murgia.

Facial recognition technology has been on the rise globally and is being implemented in several industries. Experts view it as a valuable tool that could help reduce fraud compared to card-based and token-based systems. However, critics have voiced their concerns about privacy and security implications.

In addition to security benefits, there is a growing consensus that facial recognition technology will kick-start a new era of technological development, increasing efficiency and optimisation in several industries. Banks, hospitals, and schools around the world are all exploring the benefits and applications of facial recognition technology.

As for airport security, the TSA has confirmed that the deployment of CAT scanners with facial recognition technology will help increase the accuracy of screening, while also speeding up the process of security checks. “The TSA intends to deploy these biometrics technologies in a way that supports both security and privacy,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

As the number of US airports with new machines expands, it is expected that facial recognition technology will fast become the norm across the industry. It remains to be seen whether similar systems will be introduced elsewhere in the world, but it is certainly a trend that is set to gather momentum.

Yoga’s Benefits Are Precious, Says UN Secretary General

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterHealth, Science 0

United Nations Secretary General Antnio Guterres on the eve of International Day of Yoga said that benefits of this ancient practice (Yoga) are precious in today’s dangerous and divided world.

“In a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice (Yoga) are particularly precious. Yoga offers a heaven of calm,” he said in a message on Tuesday, on the eve of the International Day of Yoga, which is observed on June 21 every year.

He further added that, “On this International Day of Yoga, let us embrace the spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people, planet and ourselves.”

Prime minister Narendra Modi is set to lead a yoga session at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday during the course of his ongoing US visit.

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for the International Day of Yoga, observed on 21 June:

The International Day of Yoga celebrates the restorative healing and inner peace provided by this ancient practice.

This year’s theme — Yoga for Humanity — reminds us how yoga is truly universal.

With roots in India, yoga is now practiced worldwide, giving people of all faiths and walks of life the tools and practices they need to enhance and balance their physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

For hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yoga has also been an essential lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an important means of coping with the challenges of social isolation and stress.

And in a world beset by disaster and division, yoga’s values of mindfulness, balance, moderation and discipline are essential as we seek out a new relationship with one another and with our planet.

On this important day, let us be inspired by this timeless practice and its values.

Padma Lakshmi Bags 2023 Critics Choice Real TV Prize

June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterEntertainment 0

Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ and Hulu’s ‘Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi’ tied for first place at the fifth annual Critics’ Choice Real TV prizes on June 16, with two awards each. The yearly awards celebrate excellence in reality, unscripted, and reality programming.

‘Top Chef’ won the best culinary show, while ‘Taste the Nation’ won the best-structured series. In the category for best show host, Lakshmi and RuPaul, host of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,’ took home the awards.

Reacting to the news, on Twitter, the Indian American said, “I love anytime I’m in a headline with @RuPaul!! Thanks for the wins Critics Choice! What a way to go out for #TopChef, and to keep the ball rolling with #TasteTheNation. So grateful to both amazing production teams!”

Lakshmi is the executive producer and host of the television programme ‘Taste the Nation,’ which examines the cuisines of many ethnic groups and civilizations across the country. The show’s second season premiered on Hulu in May. Meanwhile, she announced her exit as a host from Top Chef, which ended on June 8. The Emmy Award-winning series which is currently in its 20th season, was hosted and executive produced by her.

“Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and of the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food,” Lakshmi said announcing her decision on Instagram.

Modi Arrives In New York For A State Visit To USA

June 21, 2023June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity, India 0

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York on Tuesday, 20 June 2023 as part of the first leg of his three-day State visit to the United States. Modi’s visit will include an Oval Office meeting with Biden, an invitation to address a joint session of Congress, and a formal state dinner at the White House.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to New York includes celebration of International Yoga Day at the UN headquarters and interaction with thought leaders as well the Indian diaspora. Modi will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations headquarter lawns. It will be the first time when the yoga day’s main event will be held abroad, nine years after India had proposed to mark it as an annual commemoration.

“Landed in New York City. Looking forward to the programmes here including interaction with thought leaders and the Yoga Day programme tomorrow, 21st June,” Mr. Modi tweeted.

Mr. Modi was received in New York by India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu and India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj.

Modi will meet first with Elon Musk. The meeting between the two since the billionaire took over reins of the social media platform and introduced sweeping changes. Modi will also meet top thought leaders including American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, senior World Bank official Paul Romer, Lebanese-American essayist Nassim Nicholas Taleb, investor Ray Dalio, and American singer Falu Shah.

After New York, PM Modi will head straight to the capital Washington DC to meet President Biden and First Lady. On Day 2, PM Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome by President Biden at the White House. More than a thousand people including members of the diaspora are expected to attend the event. The prime minister will hold a high level dialogue with the US President. Biden is the third president which Modi will meet in the US, the others being Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

According to reports, both India and United States are expected to take forward movement on crucial defence deals. It includes those for manufacturing GE Aviation’s F414 engine and for acquiring 31 MQ-9 weaponised drones.

After the bilateral meet, Modi will address the joint session of the US Congress, the second time since 2016. Former British prime minister Winston Churchill and South African president Nelson Mandela are some of the world leaders to be accorded this honour twice.

In the evening, Biden and the First Lady will host a state dinner in honour of PM Modi that evening. Several guests including members of Congress, diplomats and celebrities are expected to attend the dinner.

Day after meeting Biden, PM Modi will be jointly hosted at a luncheon by US vice-president Kamala Harris and secretary of state Antony Blinken. He is also scheduled to have interactions with CEOs, professionals and other stakeholders.

The prime minister will address an invitation-only gathering of diaspora leaders at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC. The event will be for two hours from 7pm to 9pm (local time) on June 23.Award-winning international singer Mary Millben will perform for Modi and other guests.

Previously, Modi has visited the US a total of five times since taking oath as the prime minister in 2014. However, this particular visit has been termed as a milestone in ties between the two countries that would deepen and diversify their partnership as this will be his first with the full diplomatic status of an official State visit.

During this visit, India and the US are expected to expand cooperation in the defence industry and high technology sectors, with India getting access to critical American technologies that Washington rarely shares with non-allies.

Why India And The U.S. Are Closer Than Ever?

June 21, 2023June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterEditorial/Opinion, World 0

Défense deals and tech ties underpin Modi’s visit to Washington.

“My dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States,” then-Sen. Joe Biden said on a visit to New Delhi in 2006. They may not be quite there yet, but Biden is doing everything to ensure they end up much closer—especially economically and militarily—after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits next week.

Washington is rolling out the red carpet for Modi, hosting him for a state dinner, the Biden administration’s third such visit after welcoming French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol within the past year. Modi will also address a joint session of Congress, his second time doing so as Indian prime minister.

It’s not just pomp and symbolism, however. The United States wants to bring India deeper into its manufacturing and defense orbit, with the added benefit of helping wean New Delhi’s military off Russia and U.S. supply chains off China. Although both sides have been tight-lipped on planned announcements, a number of expected agreements on semiconductor chips and fighter jet engines have been in the works for months, bolstered by visits to New Delhi by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in the weeks leading up to Modi’s trip. This week, the two sides reportedly sealed a deal for India to buy more than two dozen American drones.

“While I will not spill the beans, I can tell you that the ceremonial and substantive parts of the visit will fully complement each other and will be unparalleled,” Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to Washington, said at a recent event.

The India-U.S. relationship hasn’t always been smooth sailing, and potential frictions remain, but the two countries have increasingly zeroed in on an arena where they can achieve symbiosis. “If you ask me what I would bet on the most, what is that one force multiplier for this relationship, it is tech,” Sandhu said. “It is the master key to unlock the real potential in the relationship.”

Officials from both sides have spent months laying the groundwork—and acronyms. An initiative on critical and emerging technology (iCET), launched in late January by Sullivan and his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval, commits to cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, semiconductors, and defense technology. There has been more movement on the last two in particular: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal inked a bilateral semiconductor supply chain partnership in New Delhi in March, while Austin’s visit to New Delhi earlier this month yielded INDUS-X, or the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem, described by the Pentagon as a “new initiative to advance cutting-edge technology cooperation” between the two militaries.

The most significant developments are likely to take place on the defense front, particularly if recent discussions on jointly producing jet engines, long-range artillery, and military vehicles come to fruition next week, product of a yearslong rapprochement on sharing defense technology with India. “This is not just manufacturing in India, this is genuine tech transfer,” said Rudra Chaudhuri, director of New Delhi-based think tank Carnegie India. “That’s a big deal.”

In some ways, it is an opportunity for a marriage of convenience. About half of India’s military equipment is Russian-made, and although New Delhi has spent years trying to diversify that supply, Russia’s protracted war in Ukraine has increased the urgency of finding new bedfellows. Washington sees an opening.

“The one relationship which the U.S. has traditionally been wary of in closer defense ties with India has been the India-Russia partnership,” said Aparna Pande, director of the India Initiative at the Hudson Institute. “This is one chance where if India can be weaned away because of a lack of supply parts, problematic equipment, or Russia getting closer to China, [you can] maybe convince India to purchase more from the United States and U.S. partners and allies.”

China is another major source of mutual concern pushing Washington and New Delhi closer together. India’s relationship with China deteriorated earlier and far more dramatically, with military clashes on their shared border leading to an Indian purge of Chinese technology (including, notably, a TikTok ban) nearly three years ago. Chinese naval expansion into the Indian Ocean has also spooked India and reinforced the importance of the so-called Quad group of countries. The United States and its allies, meanwhile, are urgently trying to reorient and “friendshore” global tech supply chains to reduce dependence on China, which has spent years establishing itself as the world’s factory floor.

India presents a ready replacement in many ways, much of it stemming from its new status as the world’s most populous country. That means a large (and youthful) labor force, millions of whom are skilled engineers, and relatively low manufacturing costs that the Modi government is further bolstering with tax incentives under its signature “Make in India” program. Like China, India’s sheer size also presents a huge potential domestic market for U.S. companies, an advantage over other alternatives such as Vietnam and Mexico. If for decades dollars and cents determined the landscape of global technology production, geopolitics have become supreme.

“There’s a sense of Balkanization taking place” in the global tech supply chain, said Mukesh Aghi, CEO of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, a Washington-based business advocacy group. “Geopolitical stress points are driving the tech agenda.”

There are still hurdles that need to be overcome, including India’s history of protectionism and red tape that has burned U.S. companies in the past and made it difficult to create the kind of manufacturing infrastructure required to rival what China has built. One large semiconductor push, a $19 billion joint venture between Indian conglomerate Vedanta and Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, has reportedly already been stymied by a denial of government incentives.

And while companies will ultimately have to vote with their checkbooks, Biden and Modi are sending nothing but boosterish signals.

“Remember the old saying that trade follows the flag—I think the two governments are waving the flag very mightily to show which direction industry and business ought to be going,” said Atul Keshap, a former diplomat who heads the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council. “The two governments tried for a long time to figure out what government-to-government interaction would look like, and now I think they’re realizing the value of letting the private sector collaborate,” he added.

But one casualty of the Modi visit and his newfound status will likely be U.S. willingness to call out concerns about the health of India’s democracy, at least publicly. The Biden administration has been increasingly reluctant to call out Modi’s crackdowns on free speech and violence against minorities, and experts say the strategic imperatives are too great to afford antagonizing a vital partnership.

“There is a desire to emphasize the strategic and the national security imperative over the domestic imperative,” Pande said. “In the current context, India is important, and so what the U.S. is preferring to do is convey a lot of what it wants to say in private and not in public.”

(Rishi Iyengar is a reporter at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @Iyengarish)

Pope Francis’ Message For Peace Now Orbits The Earth, To Be Heard Across All Borders

June 21, 2023June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterEditorial/Opinion 0

(RNS) — Pope Francis’ message for unity and peace can now be heard from space, after a satellite containing a nanobook of his teachings was launched into the Earth’s orbit on Saturday (June 10), “to create new ways to show and promote ‘the seed of hope’,” according to a Vatican statement.

The satellite hitched a ride aboard Space X’s Falcon 9 rocket launching from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, after being blessed by Pope Francis on March 29 at his General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.

The Spei Satelles mission, the Latin words for Satellite of Hope, was inspired by this papacy’s most memorable moment during the pandemic, when Pope Francis stepped out into an empty St. Peter’s Square on a rainy evening in late March 2020 to issue a message of unity as the world began to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If that evening Pope Francis, from St. Peter’s Square, used the colonnade as a symbol of embrace to all of humanity, with the voyage of this satellite we wish to prolong that embrace,” said Msgr. Lucio Adriàn Ruiz, the secretary of the Vatican communication department, during a press conference in March.

The highlights of that historic moment were written down in a book titled “Why Are You Afraid? Have You No Faith?” which was converted into a “nanotechnological version,” a silicon plate measuring 0.08 square inches by 0.008 inches wide, by Italy’s National Research Council.

“For those of us who are used to seeing space as the privileged place from which to observe the world and communicate to it without borders, it was easy to imagine a quick, humble and effective solution to offer wings to the Holy Father’s message,” Giorgio Saccoccia, president of the Italian Space Agency, said in a statement.

The satellite, built by the Polytechnic University of Turin and operated by the Italian Space Agency, weighs less than 6 pounds. It contains the pope’s message on March 27, 2020, and the names of all those who collaborated and supported the project. During its orbit, the satellite will transmit small messages of hope by Catholic popes “to signify the continuity that the Church’s message has had through history.”

The logo of the mission pulls together the symbols of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Holy Trinity and the pope orbiting around a stylized version of the Earth made with the Holy See’s initials. It was created by the students of the Salesian University Institute in Venice.

In 2022, the pope’s message was also memorialized in the Svalbard Seed Vault, a depository in the Arctic that contains more than 1 million seed samples from all over the world to ensure their survival. It was registered as “a seed of hope.”

The project was coordinated by the Vatican’s Dicastery of Communication with the help of other Catholic institutions. People could acquire a virtual “boarding pass” aboard the satellite by signing up on the Spei Satelles website and committing to making a gesture of mercy for peace and hope.

“We are all in the same storm,” Paolo Ruffini, head of the Vatican Dicastery of Communications, said at a press conference, describing modern struggles ranging from the pandemic to the conflict in Ukraine.

“We need to look beyond. We need to look up. We need to look from above. And we must look deep, deep within us. Because, as the pope said speaking to God, this is not a time for your judgment but for our judgment,” he added.

Stunning Postcard From Mars

June 21, 2023June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterScience 0

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has released a stunning postcard image of “Marker Band Valley” on Mars. The image shows two parts of the same day on the red planet; the panorama on the left is from 9.20 AM local Mars time whilst the one on the right is from 3.40 PM the same day. The image is a composite of two black and white panoramas taken by Curiosity’s navigation cameras. Additional colour was added to create a more artistic aesthetic, including blue for the part taken in the morning and red for the afternoon picture. The two images were taken to provide contrast to make the details stand out. The photo was taken on April 8, 2017 when the rover was in the foothills of Mount Sharp in the Gale Crater, an area it has been exploring since it landed in 2012.

The Marker Band Valley is a sulphate bearing region featuring unexpected signs of an ancient lake. From a distance, the valley is visible as well as two hills known as Bolivar and Deepdale. Curiosity engineer, Doug Ellison, said “capturing two times of day provides dark shadows because the lighting is coming in from the left and the right, like you might have on a stage – but instead of stage lights, we’re relying on the Sun.”

Although the two panoramas provide the main attraction, there are other features in the image. Since the camera was looking past the backside of the rover, parts of the rover itself is visible in the picture. There were three antennas and the rover’s nuclear power source, Radioisotope thermoelectric generator clearly visible. Additionally, the Radiations Assessment Detector in the image is designed to measure radiation levels on the planet. The data collected will be analyzed to determine how future astronauts can be protected from radiation during long-duration missions.

NASA’s Curiosity rover has been exploring Mars for more than five years, the longest duration of any Martian rover to date. Although Curiosity was not specifically designed to search for any indication of past or present life on the Red Planet, it is still an important mission. The data is critically important for understanding Mars and planning for future manned missions to the planet. Despite its longevity, Curiosity’s engineers are still discovering ways to explore and bring new information back to Earth.

As stated earlier, Curiosity’s target is to spend two Martian years exploring the Gale Crater area and then move to an area where there may be fresh mineral deposits. Meanwhile, NASA is preparing to send more rovers and drones to Mars to further investigate the Red Planet before manned missions are launched. With other space agencies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin also planning trips to Mars, the planet appears to be the next big endeavour of the space race.

US-India Partnership Strengthened by Geopolitical Concerns and Tech Collaboration

June 21, 2023June 29, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, USA 0

In 2006, then-Senator Joe Biden expressed his hope that by 2020, India and the United States would become “the two closest nations in the world.” Although this dream has not yet been fully realized, Biden is taking significant steps to strengthen the bond between the two countries, particularly in economic and military spheres, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a visit next week.

The US capital is set to welcome Modi with a state dinner, marking the third such event hosted by the Biden administration following the visits of French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol within the last year. In addition, Modi is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress for the second time during his tenure as India’s prime minister.

More than just symbolic gestures, the US aims to further integrate India into its manufacturing and defense sectors, while simultaneously reducing India’s reliance on Russian military resources and US supply chain dependence on China. Though official announcements have yet to be made, several agreements concerning semiconductor chips and fighter jet engines have been anticipated for some time, supported by recent visits from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to New Delhi. This week, reports emerged of a deal for India to purchase over two dozen American drones.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s ambassador to Washington, spoke of the upcoming visit, stating that “the ceremonial and substantive parts of the visit will fully complement each other and will be unparalleled.” While the India-US relationship has experienced its share of challenges, both nations are increasingly focusing on technology as a key area for collaboration. Sandhu emphasized that tech serves as “the master key to unlock the real potential in the relationship.”

In preparation for this partnership, officials from both countries have been working on various initiatives, including iCET (initiative on critical and emerging technology), which was launched in January by Sullivan and his Indian counterpart, Ajit Doval. This initiative promotes cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, semiconductors, and defense technology. Notably, progress has been made with regard to semiconductors and defense technology, including a bilateral semiconductor supply chain partnership signed by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in March, as well as the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) announced during Austin’s visit to New Delhi earlier this month.

Significant advancements are anticipated in the defense sector, particularly if recent talks on joint production of jet engines, long-range artillery, and military vehicles come to fruition during Modi’s visit. Rudra Chaudhuri, director of New Delhi-based think tank Carnegie India, noted that this collaboration represents “genuine tech transfer,” making it “a big deal.”

In some respects, this partnership presents an opportunity for a strategic alliance. With approximately half of India’s military equipment originating from Russia, New Delhi has been seeking to diversify its supply sources for years. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has intensified this need, providing Washington with an opening to further develop defense ties with India. Aparna Pande, director of the India Initiative at the Hudson Institute, explained that “this is one chance where if India can be weaned away because of a lack of supply parts, problematic equipment, or Russia getting closer to China, [you can] maybe convince India to purchase more from the United States and U.S. partners and allies.”

The growing mutual concern over China’s influence has brought Washington and New Delhi closer together. India’s relationship with China soured earlier and more dramatically due to border conflicts and a subsequent purge of Chinese technology, including the infamous TikTok ban. Furthermore, China’s naval expansion into the Indian Ocean has alarmed India and emphasized the importance of the Quad group of countries.

As the world’s most populous country, India presents an attractive alternative to China for global tech supply chains. With a large and young labor force, skilled engineers, and relatively low manufacturing costs, India is well-positioned to replace China in many aspects. The “Make in India” program, championed by Prime Minister Modi, offers tax incentives to further boost the country’s manufacturing capabilities. While economic factors once dictated the landscape of global technology production, geopolitics now play a crucial role.

Mukesh Aghi, CEO of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum, highlights the shift: “There’s a sense of Balkanization taking place” in global tech supply chains, adding that “geopolitical stress points are driving the tech agenda.” However, challenges remain, such as India’s history of protectionism and bureaucratic red tape, which have hindered the development of manufacturing infrastructure required to compete with China.

Despite these obstacles, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi continue to foster a positive atmosphere for collaboration. Atul Keshap, head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-India Business Council, notes, “The two governments tried for a long time to figure out what government-to-government interaction would look like, and now I think they’re realizing the value of letting the private sector collaborate.”

Nonetheless, this newfound partnership may come at the expense of addressing concerns about the state of democracy in India. The Biden administration has been increasingly hesitant to publicly criticize Modi’s restrictions on free speech and violence against minorities. Aparna Pande, director of the India Initiative at the Hudson Institute, explains, “There is a desire to emphasize the strategic and the national security imperative over the domestic imperative.” In the current context, she says, “India is important, and so what the U.S. is preferring to do is convey a lot of what it wants to say in private and not in public.”

Cap-Exempt H-1B Visa Models To Retain Skilled Immigrant Talent Amid High Demand

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration, Technology 0

The diminishing likelihood of obtaining H-1B specialty occupation visas through the yearly lottery has led to the emergence of alternative methods for high-skilled foreign workers to secure visas not subject to the statutory cap. Although still in the early stages, nonprofit organizations like Open Avenues, based in Boston, are collaborating with educational institutions to retain essential talent at expanding companies.

The surge in demand from employers for the H-1B program highlights the necessity for innovative solutions to accommodate both workers and employers who depend on international expertise, according to Danielle Goldman, Executive Director of Open Avenues. She explains, “We hire them to train the future US workforce in their field,” adding that this enables companies to “file a cap exempt H-1B visa outside the lottery.”

Missing out on the 85,000 H-1B visas offered annually through the lottery can be a significant obstacle for emerging businesses whose immigrant employees lack alternative visa options, says Goldman. Moreover, the odds are becoming increasingly challenging. In March, over 780,000 registrations for new H-1B visas were submitted, marking a 61% increase from the previous year.

Goldman emphasizes the issue by saying, “They are putting in key folks—software developers, data scientists, co-founders—into the lottery and losing them.” To maximize the potential of immigrant talent, she suggests, “let’s create more cap exempt pathways.”

Collaborating with Colleges

Two primary categories of employers can sponsor H-1B visas not subject to the cap—universities and nonprofit organizations affiliated with higher education institutions, such as hospitals and research centers. Open Avenues takes advantage of this exemption by sponsoring fellows for cap-exempt H-1B visas. These fellows teach and collaborate with college students part-time, enabling their full-time employers to retain essential talent under concurrent visas.

Srutartha Bose, an Indian immigrant and one of these fellows, discovered Open Avenues through a LinkedIn post last year. After completing her master’s degree and securing a biotech research job in Boston, she believed her long-term career prospects in the US would depend on the H-1B visa lottery results. However, as her chances of selection decreased, she sought other alternatives. “I honestly did not think there was any other option,” said Bose, now a senior research scientist at Swiss-American biotech company CRISPR Therapeutics AG. As an Open Avenues fellow, she guides students through semester-long bioscience projects that closely resemble her company’s work environment.

Early Stages of Career

Open Avenues, which submitted its first visa petition in 2019, mainly sponsors early-career immigrant workers who wish to remain in the US but have been unsuccessful in the H-1B lottery. These individuals are typically employed through Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program allowing foreign graduates of US colleges and universities to work temporarily while still on student visas.

To work with Open Avenues, employees must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, mathematics, engineering, or a related business field. They can continue as fellows until they secure an H-1B visa through the lottery or obtain permanent residency via a green card.

In the past year, Open Avenues had 80 fellows from 24 countries. These fellows dedicate five to eight hours per week to facilitate hands-on learning for college students from 10 educational institutions training in their fields. Youssef Bousfoul, an Open Avenues fellow from Morocco and lead computer scientist at California-based LBX Food Robotics, said that students participate in company meetings and brainstorming sessions, providing valuable insights. “We’re learning from those we work with,” he stated, adding that they are “always open to new ideas from them, whatever background they have to help us grow.”

Michigan’s Approach

Global Detroit, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Southeast Michigan’s economy by promoting immigrant employment and homeownership, has also adopted the cap-exempt visa model to support local businesses. Similar to Open Avenues, Global Detroit collaborates with colleges to sponsor skilled immigrants for cap-exempt H-1B visas. However, their Entrepreneur in Residence Program exclusively works with regional higher education institutions, such as Wayne State University, the College for Creative Studies, Michigan Technological University, and Lawrence Technological University. This program targets immigrant startup founders until they can acquire a green card or a cap-subject H-1B visa.

Steve Tobocman, Executive Director of Global Detroit, explained, “There isn’t a visa for somebody who’s got a great idea but hasn’t raised the capital yet.” He further questioned whether a startup founder would relocate their business to the US after launching it in another country. Global Detroit has sponsored nine startup founders at eight companies for cap-exempt H-1B visas, covering industries from encryption software to community-supported agriculture.

Tobocman has developed a guide for other communities to adopt this model, utilizing cap-exempt H-1B visas to attract talent. He has also hosted business and economic development groups from across the nation, indicating growing interest in retaining foreign expertise.

Rising Demand

The expansion of the Open Avenues model reflects the increasing demand for alternatives as visa lottery selection rates continue to decline, according to Sarah Peterson, a partner at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP. She said, “Employers are really trying to figure out how to keep all this really skilled labor we have in the US and need in the US, frankly.” Peterson believes more organizations like Open Avenues may emerge due to the broken system.

Srutartha Bose, an Open Avenues fellow, is currently applying for a green card while working at CRISPR Therapeutics. She argues that without additional options for immigrants, the US could miss out on the advantages they bring. Bose called the visa cap “a little absurd” and praised alternatives like Open Avenues as “a win-win for all sides,” adding, “The more options, the better.”

3 Effective Ways to Enhance Relationships

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterLifestyle 0

Navigating relationships can often appear more complex than necessary. We find ourselves questioning whether our partner is “the one” and if perfection can be sustained. However, reality doesn’t always meet our expectations. When issues arise, the feeling of being overwhelmed or lost in love can set in. To address this, you might explore scientific research, seek counseling, or sift through myriad relationship advice, trying to find something valuable.

The sheer volume of information can be daunting, making inaction seem like the best option. While doing nothing may provide temporary relief, it won’t lead to lasting improvements in your relationship. The good news? Enhancing your relationship is actually simpler than you think, boiling down to just three fundamental strategies.

Take Initiative People who adopt the “take initiative” approach tackle problems head-on. If this sounds like you, it’s difficult for you to sit idly by. Instead, you’re eager to take action and invest time and energy into resolving issues. You prefer being proactive, anticipating potential hurdles and addressing them before they become major concerns. As Nicholas Sparks penned in The Notebook, “So, it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day…” Embrace the effort; it’s a natural part of building a strong relationship. Here are some ways to take initiative:

The four-hour commitment:

Enhancing your relationship doesn’t need to be time-consuming. With 168 hours in a week, allocate just four to prioritizing your relationship. To maximize the impact, plan date nights with “N.I.C.E.” activities—those that are “new, interesting, challenging, and exciting.” Studies indicate that couples who engage in such activities together enjoy better relationships (Aron et al., 2022).

Develop relationship skills: Use some of those four hours to improve your relationship skills. Key areas to focus on include communication, conflict resolution, understanding your partner, self-awareness, life management, stress management, and sexual/romantic skills (Epstein et al., 2013). Most of these skills involve self-improvement, making them easier to implement without your partner’s assistance. And since there’s always room for growth, revisiting these skills is beneficial. Research suggests that honing these abilities leads to a healthier relationship.
Be more adventurous in bed: Here’s an enjoyable suggestion: increasing sexual variety can boost arousal and desire (Morton & Gorzalka, 2015). Greater desire and arousal lead to improved sexual satisfaction by combating monotony and boredom, ultimately reducing the likelihood of infidelity. It’s a win-win situation.

Lower Expectations

If adding more to your already busy life seems unattainable, consider wanting less instead of doing more. This doesn’t mean discarding all your standards; rather, adjust your expectations to be more realistic and appreciate what is sufficient.

The “lower expectations” approach appeals to those who understand that their perception of their partner’s actions or their relationship rules affects their happiness. For instance, viewing occasional moodiness as a deal-breaker or believing that happy couples don’t argue is counterproductive. As Hamlet said, “…there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” The issue might not be the relationship itself, but your perspective. Educating yourself about healthy relationships can help.

Soulmate myth: While romance is important in a relationship, believing in soulmates can impose nearly impossible standards on your partner. No one is truly flawless. Soulmates are thought to be your perfect match, the person you’re destined to be with (Knee & Petty, 2013). When your partner inevitably falls short, doubts arise. You may question whether you’re in the right relationship or if your partner is the right person for you. Let go of these impossible standards.
Manage expectations: In the film Up in the Air, Anna Kendrick’s character, Natalie, has a highly specific list of qualities she wants in a partner and claims, “I just don’t want to settle.” Vera Farmiga’s character, Alex, explains that not ticking every box on a wishlist isn’t a failure. However, unrealistic expectations will always disappoint, setting both your partner and your relationship up for failure. Instead, lower your expectations by recognizing that neither you nor your partner is perfect. Excessively high expectations and constant dissatisfaction can prevent you from appreciating your amazing partner.
Avoid searching for problems: Even with properly adjusted expectations, you might still be overly critical of your partner and relationship. Our natural negativity bias encourages us to focus on negative aspects (Rozin & Royzman, 2001). This can lead to “problemicity” or identifying problems where none exist. Research suggests that when your relationship lacks significant issues, you tend to overemphasize smaller ones (Levari et al., 2018). One way to lower expectations is by not creating drama or seeking out problems.

However, don’t disregard all your standards. Lowering expectations too much can lead to unhappiness. Find a balance with reasonable and realistic expectations.

Appreciate What You Have Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. If you struggle to find time to “do more” and you have fair expectations, consider adopting the easiest strategy: cherish your current relationship. As Alan Kay said, “A change of perspective is worth 80 IQ points.” It’s time to gain wisdom about your love life.

Be grateful: Improving your relationship could be as simple as expressing gratitude for what you already have. Acknowledge everything that is easy, comfortable, uncomplicated, stable, and predictable in your relationship. We often take these fundamental building blocks for granted, but they are crucial to success. Expressing gratitude for these positive aspects can enhance relationship quality (Algoe et al., 2013).
Celebrate the positives: Take your appreciation a step further by emphasizing the good parts even more. Researchers call this “capitalization,” which involves savoring good news and positive moments in a relationship to boost individual well-being and self-esteem (Gable & Reis, 2010). Capitalization also increases closeness, satisfaction, intimacy, and commitment in the relationship. Remember, healthy relationships typically have more positives than negatives – just take the time to notice them.
Embrace positive illusions: You might worry that your partner and relationship aren’t as great as you perceive them to be. What if you’re wrong or deceiving yourself? Surprisingly, holding positive illusions, or viewing your relationship as better than it is, can actually benefit the relationship (Murray et al., 1996). Our overly generous assessments give our partners a goal to strive for, encouraging self-improvement (e.g., “My partner thinks I’m really wonderful, so I better make sure I am so they’re not disappointed.”), which ultimately benefits the relationship.

What’s the Ideal Approach? So, which of these three strategies should you choose? The best one is the one you’re most likely to put into practice. Your personal problem-solving preference will determine the ideal approach.

If you’re proactive and driven, take initiative.
Are you somewhat critical, judgmental, or demanding? Lower your expectations.
If you believe stepping back and reassessing is necessary, focus on appreciating what you have.

Select the strategy that allows you to get started immediately. Once you begin implementing it, you’ll create positive momentum that can be utilized to incorporate other techniques. Feel free to mix and match or stick with the one that works best for you. What truly matters is that you’re actively working to enhance your relationship. Its future is too valuable to do anything less.

Dr. Ashish Jha, White House Covid Response Coordinator To Step Down

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterProfile 0

The White House COVID-19 response coordinator Ashish Jha will be leaving his post, U.S. President Joe Biden said last week in a statement in which he thanked Jha for his handling of the pandemic.

Dr. Ashish Jha is leaving the Biden administration this month for a top position at Brown University. Jha, who has overseen the administration’s pandemic strategy since early 2022, will return to Brown as dean of its School of Public Health on July 1, the school confirmed in a news release Thursday.

Jha said in a statement: “We are in a world drastically altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. For all we have accomplished to reduce illness and save lives, COVID-19 has exposed the weaknesses in our public health and health care systems. I look forward to returning to Brown to continue our groundbreaking work transforming public health education, research and practice to convert these weaknesses to strengths.”

Jha’s departure, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes about a month after the Biden administration ended the national emergency and the public health emergency tied to the Covid pandemic. Earlier in May, the World Health Organization declared an end to the global health emergency.

His departure was reported first by the Wall Street Journal, which said Jha will be the last of the Biden administration’s rotating COVID response coordinators. Jha plans to leave June 15 and return July 1 to his previous position as dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health, the newspaper reported.

Jha began his role in spring last year, when the U.S. was still on high alert due to the Omicron variant. Recently, deaths from the outbreak and cases of COVID have continued to decline.

“We’ve now had a sustained period of time with low deaths and hospitalizations. Excess mortality has been down to zero in the past couple of months. As for the impact of COVID on our lives now, we have made a lot of progress,” Jha told the Wall Street Journal in an interview on Thursday.

After the removal of the post of the COVID response coordinator, the director of the White House’s nascent Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, who has not been named, will advise the president and coordinate federal responses to various biological and pandemic threats, the newspaper said

The White House had been expected to cut down its COVID response team after the U.S. government in May ended its COVID Public Health Emergency that let millions of Americans receive vaccines, tests and treatments at no cost.

“As one of the leading public health experts in America, he has effectively translated and communicated complex scientific challenges into concrete actions that helped save and improve the lives of millions of Americans,” Biden said of Jha on Thursday. Biden said in September last year he believed the pandemic was over in the United States.

India To Host Miss World 2023

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterWomen, Fashion 0

India is all set to host the Miss World 2023 pageant. Contestants from over 130 countries will gather in India and participate in a series of competitions to win the title.

India is set to host the Miss World 2023 competition, as the coveted international beauty pageant makes its return to the country after a gap of nearly three decades.

The much anticipated 71st edition of Miss World is expected to take place in November this year, the final dates of which are yet to be ascertained.

India had last hosted the international pageant in 1996.

The announcement has come as a surprise as it comes months after confirmation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) as this year’s venue for the much-awaited event.

”I am delighted to announce India as the new home of the 71st Miss World Final… We cannot wait to share your unique and diverse culture, world class attractions and breathtaking locations with the rest of the world.

”The 71st Miss World 2023 will showcase the Achievements of 130 National champions in their one-month journey across ‘Incredible India’ as we present the 71st and most spectacular Miss World final ever,” said Julia Morley, chairperson and CEO of Miss World organization at a press conference on Thursday.

The month-long event, which would witness contestants from over 130 countries, will feature a series of rigorous competitions, including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives — all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make them ambassadors of change.

The reigning Miss World, Karolina Bielawska of Poland, who is currently in India spreading the word about the beauty competition, said she is excited to hand over her crown in this ”beautiful country” which stands for the same values as Miss World.

”India has the greatest hospitality in the entire world. It is my second time here .. and you make me feel like home. You stand for the same values.. diversity, unity… Your core values are family, respect, love, kindness and this is something that we would love to show to the world. There is so much more to see here, and bringing the whole world here for a month and showing everything that India has to offer is the best idea,” said the Miss World 2022.

Equally excited and looking forward to India hosting the event was the current Miss India World Sini Shetty, who’ll represent the country in the high-octane competition.

”I am so excited to meet all my sisters across the globe to welcome them to India to show them what India truly stands for, what India is, what is the diversity in India… I am really excited and looking forward to this journey. I hope you guys have the best time here in India,” she said. India has won the prestigious title six times — Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000), and Manushi Chillar (2017).

US Missions In India host Student Visa Day

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration, Education 0

The US Mission in India held its seventh annual Student Visa Day nationwide on June 7. Consular Officers from New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai conducted interviews with nearly 3,500 Indian student visa applicants, a news release noted.

“Student Visa Day recognizes the enduring educational connections between the United States and India,” the embassy said adding that it acknowledges the significant contribution of Indian students to the U.S. academic landscape. With over 200,000 Indian students currently enrolled in U.S. academic institutions, they constitute more than 20 per cent of the total international student population in the United States.

Congratulating the visa recipients, Ambassador Eric Garcetti said, “I first came to India as a young student, and I’ve seen in my own life how transformative these experiences can be.”

“Student exchange is at the heart of U.S.-India relations, and with good reason. A U.S. education provides students with a world-class education and access to a global network of knowledge, laying the foundation for a lifetime of understanding. That’s why we are here today, to encourage these opportunities for as many Indian students as possible,” he added.

“Last year, a record-breaking 125,000 Indians were issued student visas, which is more than were issued to any other nationality. One out of every five student visas were issued in India last year. This year, we will interview more students than ever before.” remarked Brendan Mullarkey, the acting Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in India.

New England’s 9th Annual Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo Planned

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity, Health 0

INDIA New England News has announced that the 9th annual free Health, Fitness & Wellness Expo, New England’s premier health, fitness and wellness exhibition, will take place on August 13, 2023 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA.

The event will run from 10AM to 4PM, and feature exhibitors and speakers covering all aspects of health and wellness.

“We are excited to present our 9th annual in-person, immersive experience for all; and it is free for everyone to be healthy, fit and well,” said Upendra Mishra, publisher of INDIA New England News and the producer of the event.

For the last eight years, the Health, Fitness and Wellness Expo has organized expos featuring top panelists in their fields, including cardiology, internal medicine and medical entrepreneurship.

The expo is produced by The Mishra Group, in collaboration with INDIA New England News, Boston Life Sciences Times and IndUS Business Journal.

The expo was founded in 2013 by Mr. Mishra and Dr. Manju Sheth, MD, President of INE Multimedia.

The expo brings together the region’s top health and wellness providers, top speakers and fun workshops to promote life-long health, fitness and wellness in the Indian and South Asian community of New England. From free medical screenings to knowledgeable speakers to intensive yoga workshops, they bring the best options for a lifetime of health for the New England community.

The expo is free to attend for all registered participants. To register, please visit the link here on Eventbrite, or visit healthfitnesswellnessexpo.com.

INDIA New England News is New England’s oldest and largest print and online publication covering the Indian and South Asian community.

Updated daily, they cover the latest news in Bollywood, business, fashion, health, lifestyle, community events that touch the Indian and South Asian community.

Produced by the Mishra Group in collaboration with INDIA New England News, Boston Life Sciences Times and IndUS Business Journal, the Health, Fitness and Wellness Expo has organized expos featuring top panelists in their fields, including cardiology, internal medicine and medical entrepreneurship.

12th Annual U.S. Congressional Awards Gala Celebrates Global Community Heroes

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterNews 0

The the highly anticipated 12th Annual U.S. Congressional Awards Gala, an extraordinary event that honors the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made a significant difference in our world, anchored by the esteemed U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis will be held on June 18^th. This year’s gala promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, inspiration, and recognition.

This Annual U.S. Congressional Awards Gala is popularly known as the Global Community Oscars hosted by the American Multi Ethnic Coalition (AMEC) and the 7th Congressional Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force (MEATF), will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Yellow Box, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, USA from 6.00PM. This event has gained international recognition and will be telecast live across 32 countries, reaching a vast audience around the globe.

U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis (7th CD-IL), renowned for his outstanding leadership and commitment to public service, will serve as the anchor for the 12th Annual U.S. Congressional Awards Gala. Joining him as co-anchors are U.S Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th CD-IL) and U.S. Congressman Jonathan Jackson (1st CD-IL), whose dedication to community empowerment has been instrumental in shaping positive change. Moreover, Dr. Vijay G. Prabhakar, the President of AMEC and the Founder of MEATF, will be present to add his invaluable insights to the proceedings.

This prestigious awards ceremony will feature 32 categories that pay tribute to individuals who have exemplified exceptional leadership, passion, and dedication in various fields. From championing social causes to spearheading educational reforms, these individuals have leveraged their influence to bring about transformative change and empower communities worldwide.

The 11th Annual U.S. Congressional Awards Gala was an immense success, attracting over 1,200 distinguished guests. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the press and media for their unwavering support, which played a pivotal role in the event’s resounding triumph. As we gear up for the 12th edition, we kindly request your continued cooperation in covering this year’s gala to ensure its resounding success.

AI Chatbots Outperform Human Doctors in Empathy and Triage, Revolutionizing Patient Care in Healthcare Industry

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterTechnology 0

It’s not typical for a chatbot to be associated with emotional sensitivity. We often expect subpar writing, fabricated information, and occasional offensive content from them – something I’ve discussed in the past. However, recent advancements in chatbot technology have enabled these AI creations to generate human-like responses to inquiries, giving them an unexpected advantage in a field that is inherently human: healthcare.

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego conducted an experiment by selecting around 200 questions from r/AskDocs, a Reddit forum where verified healthcare professionals address medical queries. These questions were then fed to ChatGPT, a chatbot, and the resulting responses were evaluated by a separate group of healthcare experts alongside answers provided by human doctors.

The findings were astounding. ChatGPT consistently outperformed human doctors in terms of usefulness, with its answers deemed three to four times more reliable. Additionally, chatbot responses exhibited none of the negative tendencies often associated with AI-generated content. Most strikingly, chatbot answers were rated as seven times more empathetic than those from human doctors. As the author noted, “It’s as if the unfeeling android Mr. Data figured out how to convincingly emulate Dr. Crusher’s comforting bedside manner.”

Although human doctors’ empathy levels may not set a high benchmark, it’s remarkable how effectively chatbots can address medical concerns in both style and substance. While it’s unclear whether AI-powered chatbots will revolutionize journalism or improve internet search, they could potentially transform interactions between patients and healthcare providers within our flawed medical system.

The empathy experiment was not designed to prove that ChatGPT could replace doctors or nurses, but rather to demonstrate its potential role in healthcare. The current for-profit healthcare system is plagued by understaffing and overburdened professionals. John Ayers, a computational epidemiologist at UC San Diego and lead author of the study, notes that “people are disconnected from healthcare, and they’re desperate.” Consequently, patients are increasingly turning to forums like r/AskDocs for answers, a trend that doctors never anticipated. With some fine-tuning, chatbots could significantly enhance the patient experience within the medical industry.

The intensity of responding to patient messages has grown tremendously, especially during the COVID pandemic. Remote communication between doctors and patients increased, with research showing that physicians spent nearly an hour daily managing their email inboxes during the pandemic’s first year. Additionally, doctors dedicate almost half their day to electronic medical record administration. Insurance companies often bill for time spent answering messages, making it a potential revenue stream beyond face-to-face consultations.

Previous studies focused on whether patients and doctors liked using messaging systems, but Ayers’ research examined if the systems were effective. “We used real messages,” he explains. “Nobody has ever done that before.” The outcome, based on interaction quality, was clear-cut: “ChatGPT won in a landslide,” Ayers states. “This stuff is probably ready for prime time.”

Ayers is eager to explore the chatbot’s capabilities further by conducting randomized controlled trials to evaluate patient messaging against patient outcomes. He envisions chatbots assisting heart attack survivors with maintaining a low-salt diet, medication reminders, and treatment updates. “A message in that case could save that patient’s life,” he asserts.

While he concept of a compassionate chatbot may seem unsettling or even dangerous, it could be lifesaving in our current healthcare system. An AI assistant may not be more human, but it could be more humane. Specialized AI systems excel at diagnostics, detecting specific issues like tumors or sepsis. However, these systems are expensive and difficult to develop. Consequently, the medical industry is turning to chatbots as a cost-effective, widespread solution.

Despite 60% of Americans in a recent Pew Research Center survey stating they wouldn’t want AI diagnosing or treating them, it’s likely they will experience it anyway. Many healthcare tasks are somewhat formulaic, such as triage or interpreting test results. These perfunctory, robotic tasks are suited for AI.

A recent study by a Harvard research team demonstrated the potential of chatbots in thiscontext. They presented health problem descriptions to physicians, non-medically trained individuals, and ChatGPT, asking them to diagnose the illness and provide triage recommendations. The results showcased the potential for AI chatbots to excel in these robotic healthcare tasks.

The non-medically trained participants in the study were allowed to use the internet for assistance, often referred to as “Dr. Google” by healthcare professionals. Despite this, their diagnostic abilities remained poor compared to physicians. The chatbot, on the other hand, demonstrated remarkable diagnostic accuracy, scoring over 80% compared to the human doctors’ score of over 90%. When it came to triage, ChatGPT achieved a 70% success rate, which, although not as impressive as the physicians’ 91%, is still noteworthy considering it’s a general-purpose chatbot.

Envision chatbots taking on mundane and time-consuming tasks in healthcare, such as appointment scheduling, insurance authorization, and managing electronic medical records. Teva Brender, a medical resident at UC San Francisco, points out that these tasks are physically and emotionally draining and were never the reason healthcare professionals entered the field. If chatbots could handle the initial stages of these bureaucratic processes, physicians could review and approve the content more efficiently.

The likelihood is that highly trained chatbots will collaborate with doctors, nurses, and physician assistants to provide more empathetic and comprehensive care for patients. In the current healthcare system, people are so desperate for medical help that they resort to posting personal images on forums like r/STD for diagnosis. This highlights the inadequacy of the existing system and suggests that AI could be an improvement.

Jonathan Chen, a physician at Stanford University School of Medicine, believes that patients may prefer imperfect advice from 24/7 automated systems over waiting months for a human expert. To enhance AI-driven systems, teams like Ayers’ are developing smaller language models with specialized medical knowledge. By granting these chatbots access to individuals’ medical records, they could offer more tailored advice. “When this tech gets access to electronic health records, that’s the real game changer,” says Ayers.

The prospect of AI-driven health advice accessing medical records is concerning, especially considering the potential for dystopian outcomes. The FDA has yet to establish a regulatory framework for AI and machine learning in medical devices, and liability issues surrounding chatbot advice must be addressed. Moreover, healthcare AI startups may prioritize profit over patient outcomes, leading to cheaper versions of the technology that could spread dangerous misinformation.

Greg Corrado, the head of Health AI at Google, warns against developing these systems in isolation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with healthcare experts to ensure privacy, safety, and true benefits to patients. While it won’t be an easy task, utilizing robots to help maintain our health in a system that doesn’t provide adequate human care could be a valuable solution. If they can simulate empathy better than human doctors, it would be a welcome bonus.

Student Loan Payments Set to Resume in August After 3-Year Pause, Affecting 43 Million Borrowers Amid Debt Ceiling Bill Negotiations

As part of the negotiations over the debt ceiling bill, it has been agreed that payments on federally funded student loan debts will resume in August. This comes after a pause of over three years and accrued interest, which was put in place at the start of the pandemic. The end of the pause on payments now has a hard ending date, with two potential end dates. The pause will end either 60 days after the U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision on lawsuits brought against the administration over the loan forgiveness plan, or 60 days after June 30th, 2022, whichever comes first. Therefore, the latest the pause will be lifted is on August 29th, 2022. Payments will resume no later than September 1st, 2022.

The resumption of payments will affect around 43 million borrowers who owe over a trillion dollars in student loan debt. However, one factor that could change the date of the loan repayment is a joint resolution passed by Congress in the past two weeks. The legislation, which was passed with the help of some Democratic senators and representatives, calls for borrowers to begin repaying loans and blocks President Biden’s loan forgiveness program.

Democratic Senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana, voted for the bill, as well as independent Arizona Senator, Kyrsten Sinema. In the House, Maine Representative, Jared Golden, and Washington Representative, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, both Democrats, voted for the bill. Despite this, President Biden has said he will veto the bill when it gets to his desk.

The joint resolution was introduced in late March using the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to roll back any regulation from the executive branch without needing to clear the 60-vote threshold in the Senate that is necessary for most legislation to pass. Republicans believe taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for people who chose to take out loans

to pay for college educations. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota stated, “We’re asking taxpayers at large to foot the bill for student loan cancellation for Americans who enjoy greater long-term earning potential than many of the Americans who will be helping to shoulder the burden. The president’s student loan giveaway isn’t a government handout for the needy, it’s a government handout that will be disproportionately beneficial to Americans who are better off.”

Democrats, on the other hand, argue that the majority of the help on loans will go to those who can least afford to repay them. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington stated, “I’ve heard from so many people across my state who were so grateful and relieved to have a glimmer of hope, to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and now Republicans want to snuff it out.”

If you have a loan payment coming up, there are some actions you should take. First, make sure your student loan servicer knows where you are. You can do this by going to your servicer’s website and verifying that it has your latest contact information. Your loan servicer may also send out notices by email, text, or mail with information about the resumption of payments. If you do not know who services your loan, go to StudentAid.gov, find your account dashboard, and scroll down to the “My Loan Servicers” section. You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. “People should know the clock starts ticking and interest starts accruing,” said Scott Buchanan, executive director at the Student Loan Servicing Alliance trade organization, adding that “they should start contacting their servicers now.”

In conclusion, while payments on federally funded student loans are set to resume in August, there is a joint resolution that calls for borrowers to begin repaying loans and block Biden’s loan forgiveness program. With the possibility of a veto by President Biden, the fate of the resolution remains uncertain. Therefore, borrowers should prepare for the resumption of payments and ensure that their loan servicers have their latest contact information.

Google Addresses AI Job Loss Concerns with New Courses and Entrepreneur Programs

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterEconomy, Technology 0

As an early innovator in artificial intelligence, Google has been striving to keep up with competitors like Microsoft and OpenAI, who have gained ground with advancements such as ChatGPT. Recognizing the need for individuals to develop skills for future job opportunities, Google is taking action to address this pressing issue.

The tech giant has officially introduced its new generative AI learning path, consisting of ten courses aimed at helping the average person gain a deeper understanding of AI and machine learning, particularly as these technologies begin to replace jobs. For investors, it’s always encouraging when prominent Big Tech companies adopt a long-term vision regarding AI.

Google’s new generative AI learning course was announced through a blog post, revealing that seven free courses were initially launched, with three more added to the platform recently. These courses cover topics such as the distinction between AI and machine learning, an introduction to Google’s Vertex AI training platform, and the ethical considerations surrounding responsible AI development.

The course serves as a starting point for users to grasp generative AI, its role within the broader AI landscape, and where to find additional learning resources to help them transition into AI-centric careers. Some may argue that this initiative is merely a strategy to attract potential AI enthusiasts to Google’s training system, ultimately leading them to use Google software for building their own AI and machine learning models and solidifying Google’s position in the AI race.

However, creating AI models requires expertise. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 36% growth rate in data scientist roles over the next decade. As such, these new courses are not only practical but also crucial for companies like Google, which will undoubtedly require a vast number of AI-focused data scientists in the future.

AI’s impact on the future of work has generated excitement, with major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia investing billions in AI technologies. However, there is a pressing concern: the potential job losses resulting from AI automation. A recent Goldman Sachs survey estimates that up to 300 million jobs could be lost, with two-thirds of existing roles experiencing a reduction in workload due to AI. On the bright side, AI is expected to contribute $7 trillion to the global economy in the next decade, and 60% of today’s jobs didn’t exist in 1940.

A more optimistic Microsoft survey involving 30,000 workers and business leaders worldwide revealed that 70% of respondents would delegate specific tasks to AI. Business leaders were twice as focused on using AI to boost productivity rather than reducing headcount. Nevertheless, companies like IBM and BT are planning to cut thousands of jobs in favor of AI.

Google’s recent AI initiatives go beyond new courses. The company launched the Google for Startups Growth program in Europe, a three-month course for European AI entrepreneurs focusing on health and wellbeing. Since OpenAI’s ChatGPT debut, Google has been working on its own Bard version for users. The tech giant also announced significant changes to its search function, where it holds approximately 85% market share.

Google, Meta, and TikTok have faced criticism regarding AI-generated content labeling after the European Commission warned about the rapid spread of misinformation. Additionally, AI safety has become a significant concern, as evidenced by Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, one of AI’s founding figures, leaving Google to raise awareness on the subject. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai addressed these concerns in a recent Financial Times op-ed, stating, “AI is too important not to regulate, and too important not to regulate well.”

Alphabet’s share price has increased nearly 17% in the past month and over 41% since the beginning of the year. Google’s cloud computing division experienced a 28% YoY revenue growth last quarter. By focusing on upskilling future data scientists and empowering entrepreneurs to develop AI companies, Google is considering the bigger picture, leveraging its dominant search engine market share.

In summary, Google aims to bridge the knowledge gap in AI with new courses and tools, helping the company find skilled engineers and scientists for future AI projects. The stock price outpacing Microsoft may indicate that Google has regained an advantage. These learning courses form part of a strategy that increases reliance on Google’s AI products, attracting investors’ attention as they recognize the shift.

Unearthing Earth’s Hidden Giants

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterEnvironment, Science 0

Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth, pales in comparison to the astonishingly high mountains found deep within our planet’s interior, according to the BBC. These enormous subterranean mountain ranges, known as ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZ), have left scientists scratching their heads over their origins.

Located at the core-mantle boundary inside Earth, approximately 1,800 miles deep, these ULVZs can reach heights of “4.5 times the height of Everest,” or over 24 miles, researchers informed the BBC. They remained concealed until seismic data from earthquakes and even nuclear explosions brought them to light.

Samantha Hansen, a geologist from the University of Alabama, told the BBC, “We found evidence for ULVZs kind of everywhere,” further stating that “if it’s big enough, we can see it.”

The Enigma Deepens

Scientists are considering various theories to explain the existence of these colossal structures, such as the possibility that they are remnants of ancient oceanic crusts pushed deep into Earth’s interior or sections of the mantle superheated by the planet’s scorching core.

Adding to the intrigue, these hidden mountains are often accompanied by another enigmatic deep-Earth feature: large low-shear-velocity provinces, or “blobs,” as scientists commonly refer to them. The BBC notes that these mountain ranges and blobs could provide crucial insights into the movements and interactions of tectonic plates as they transition from the Earth’s crust into the depths of the mantle.

Global Discoveries

Hansen and her team of scientists have been investigating these ULVZs using seismology stations situated in Antarctica. The southernmost continent serves as a fascinating location to study these concealed behemoth mountains, as it is far removed from any blobs or tectonic plates that have shifted or descended.

However, their presence in Antarctica suggests that these enormous peaks may exist across the globe, challenging the notion that these towering subterranean peaks were previously ancient ocean floors.

“Seismic investigations, such as ours, provide the highest resolution imaging of the interior structure of our planet,” Hansen stated earlier this year, adding that “we are finding that this structure is vastly more complicated than once thought.”

Student Loan Repayments Set to Resume with Potential Debt Forgiveness, New Repayment Plan, and Loan Servicer Changes

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterMoney, Education 0

Following a hiatus of over three years, federal student loan payments are set to resume in the coming months. The recent debt ceiling agreement, signed into law by President Joe Biden, includes a clause that effectively ends the suspension of federal student loan repayments and may make it more difficult for the U.S. Department of Education to prolong the pause. Consequently, around 40 million Americans carrying education debt can expect their next payment due in September.

During the pandemic, the Biden administration has been actively revamping the federal student loan system. As borrowers return to repayment, they may encounter several modifications either already implemented or in the pipeline. Here are three notable changes:

Potential lower payments due to forgiveness

In August, President Biden introduced a groundbreaking proposal to eliminate $10,000 in student debt for tens of millions of Americans, or up to $20,000 for those who received a Pell Grant during their college years. However, legal challenges led to the closure of the application portal within a month.

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing two lawsuits against the plan, with a ruling expected by the end of the month. If approved, around 14 million individuals, or one-third of federal student loan borrowers, would have their entire balances forgiven, according to higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz.

These borrowers “likely won’t have to make a student loan payment again,” he said. For those with remaining balances, the Education Department plans to “re-amortize” their debts, recalculating monthly payments based on the reduced amount and remaining repayment timeline.

A new income-driven repayment option

The Biden administration is developing a more affordable repayment plan for student loan borrowers. This new program, called the Revised Pay as You Earn Repayment Plan, would require borrowers to contribute 5% of their discretionary income toward undergraduate loans, instead of the current 10%.

According to Kantrowitz, this revamped plan could significantly reduce monthly payments for many borrowers. The payment plan is expected to become available by July 2024, but it may be implemented earlier if circumstances permit.

A new servicer handling loans

During the pandemic, several prominent federal student loan servicers, including Navient, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (also known as FedLoan), and Granite State, announced they would no longer manage these loans. Consequently, around 16 million borrowers will likely have a different company handling their loans when payments resume.

Kantrowitz warned that “whenever there is a change of loan servicer, there can be problems transferring borrower data.” Borrowers should be prepared for potential glitches and will receive multiple notices about the change in lender, according to Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance. If a payment is mistakenly sent to the old servicer, it should be forwarded to the new one.

SAS Opens Bookings for Revolutionary Electric Flights, Pioneering a Greener Future in Aviation

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterTravel 0

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has announced that it will offer seats on its first electric planes, the Heart Aerospace 30-seat ES-30 model, for commercial passengers to reserve. The flights are set to take off in 2028 and mark the first time such a service has been available to customers. The announcement reflects SAS’s ambitious plans to maintain its position as an innovation leader within the aviation industry, “particularly when it comes to exploring new ways to overcome the challenges of making aviation more sustainable,” according to Anko van der Werff, President and CEO of SAS.
SAS says the electrified planes will operate on domestic flights in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, with the exact date and airport locations to be announced at a later date. At launch, all 30 seats on each of the three inaugural flights were available from 6 a.m. ET with no deposit required. To commemorate this milestone, each seat cost 1,946 Swedish Krona, which is about $179 in U.S. dollars and is a tribute to the year the company was founded. Reservations sold out immediately, with interested travelers able to join a waitlist or sign up for notifications of future opportunities.
Van der Werff explained that the idea of offering electric flights is designed to manifest the airline’s deep belief in the development of such electric airplanes, and to demonstrate to its clientele that the future of aviation is closer than many may think. “When it comes to the aircraft, we have multiple initiatives underway towards zero-emission flights, and final selection will be done in time for the first electric flight—and beyond,” he added.
Passengers travelling on the electrified planes are promised an experience similar to current flights, with a few sustainable touches. “As always, our crew will be on station to make the flight as comfortable as possible for our travelers,” Van der Werff said. “Apart from the ceremonial feeling of being part of history, the most tangible difference for passengers will be the much-reduced noise levels on takeoff and landing.”
SAS has been working toward the goal of zero-emissions by the year 2050 and achieving various milestones along the way. This includes reducing total carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2025 through more fuel-efficient planes and sustainable energy. By 2030, the airline is aiming for a 50 percent reduction in noise levels compared to the levels recorded back in 2010. According to Visit Sweden, these targets are in line with the Swedish government’s targets, which seek to achieve net-zero emissions on domestic air travel by 2030 and on all international flights from the Nordic country by 2045.
Although SAS has been the first to offer seats on an electric plane to the public, other carriers such as United and Mesa Air Group among others have also been working with Swedish-based Heart Aerospace to add electric planes to their fleets. In 2021, United and Mesa Air Group ordered 200 19-seat planes, while Air Canada purchased 30 of the 30-seater planes. Heart Aerospace is already supplying electric planes to Air New Zealand and Portuguese carrier Sevenair.
It’s worth noting, however, that while SAS and its competitors are making strides in the field of contemporary aviation technology, researchers have highlighted the limitations of electric planes. Specifically, current technology and the required battery weight to operate the aircraft mean that electric planes can only transport short distances over short to mid-haul routes. Nevertheless, being at the forefront of green aviation is a significant breakthrough that SAS is proud to talk about as it moves towards a landmark in taking its first electric flights. “We can guarantee that everything from check-in to onboard service will make these flights an unforgettable experience for everyone involved,” van der Werff said.
India and US Unveil New Road Map to Accelerate Defense Cooperation and Strengthen Regional Security in the Indo-Pacific
On Monday, India and the United States revealed a new road map aimed at accelerating defense industrial cooperation and co-production in areas like air combat, land mobility systems, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, munitions, and the undersea domain. The announcement came during delegation-level talks between Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin.
The new road map aims to “change the paradigm for cooperation between US and Indian defense sectors” by providing India with access to cutting-edge technologies and supporting the country’s defense modernization plans, according to the US Department of Defense (DoD). Furthermore, both sides will explore opportunities for co-development of new technologies, co-production of existing and new systems, and increased collaboration between their defense start-ups.
Among the topics discussed during the talks were manufacturing GE-414 fighter jet engines in India via technology transfer, purchasing high-tech drones for the Indian military, the ongoing border dispute between India and China in eastern Ladakh, and ensuring a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. As one of the officials mentioned, “The GE-414 engine deal will be a stepping stone to bring newer technologies to India. The scope for collaboration is immense across critical defense domains.”
India is also planning to buy Predator drones from the US for its three services, with discussions currently underway to finalize the required numbers. In addition, the two nations agreed to initiate negotiations on a new arrangement that would allow them to access each other’s industrial resources to address unexpected supply chain disruptions and meet their security needs. “The Secretary and Minister Singh also pledged to review regulatory hurdles impeding closer industry-to-industry cooperation,” the DoD statement added.
During their meetings, both parties exchanged views on various regional security issues and committed to working closely with India to support a “shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.” They also discussed the growing importance of defense innovation and cooperation in emerging areas such as space, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence. The US-India Business Council is set to launch the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) on June 21, a new initiative aimed at advancing cutting-edge technology cooperation.
The two nations assessed their strong and diverse defense collaboration efforts, agreeing to sustain the pace of engagement, according to an official Indian statement. The statement also highlighted that both sides discussed regional security concerns, emphasizing their mutual interest in upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Saudi Arabia to Slash Oil Production by 1 Million Barrels per Day

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterEconomy 0

Saudi Arabia has revealed its plan to reduce oil production by 1 million barrels per day starting in July, with the intention of promoting “stability and balance” in the global oil market. Despite not basing production decisions on crude oil prices, this action is widely perceived as an effort to bolster oil prices amid worldwide economic instability and potential declines in international demand.

The announcement followed an OPEC+ meeting in Vienna, although Saudi Arabia’s additional production cuts are being implemented independently. The country has stated that these reductions will persist for at least one month and may be prolonged.

OPEC+ nations also consented to extend the oil production cuts initially declared in April until the end of 2024. This decision will decrease the volume of crude oil they contribute to the global market by over 1 million barrels per day. Notably, OPEC+ countries account for approximately 40% of the world’s crude oil production.

Several African nations and Russia had been urged to diminish production, while the United Arab Emirates plans to augment its crude output. Worldwide oil production currently hovers around 100 million barrels per day.

According to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, the nation will now produce 9 million barrels of crude oil daily, a reduction of 1.5 million barrels per day compared to earlier this year. These cuts coincide with the end of Memorial Day in the United States and the beginning of the bustling summer travel season, during which crude oil prices typically impact gasoline costs.

In the previous summer, President Biden visited Saudi Arabia—a nation he once labeled a “pariah” state—to request increased oil production from its leaders. Contrarily, OPEC+ members announced a 2 million barrels per day cut in October, which the White House deemed “shortsighted.”

To counteract rising gas prices, the Biden administration has been tapping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve since last year, releasing millions of barrels of oil.

Immigrant Chefs Transform America’s Dining Scene Beyond Major Cities

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterFood 0

Chef Nok Chutatip Suntaranon’s culinary journey began in her childhood, growing up in Trang, southern Thailand. She recalls, “I grew up helping my mom making curry paste to sell in her little shop in the market.” Little did she know that her authentic southern Thai cuisine would later make a splash in Philadelphia when she opened Kalaya four years ago.

Despite its bold flavors and spiciness, Kalaya has flourished, expanding from a 35-seat establishment to a spacious, sunlit venue that accommodates up to 300 guests. Suntaranon has also been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation award three times. She believes that the key to her success is staying true to her culinary roots: “Once we present it with authenticity — just like being true to yourself and the flavors, I think people would feel the honesty about it.”

Immigrants have always been central to restaurant kitchens, but now they are gaining recognition at the top tier of the industry. The upcoming James Beard Foundation awards in Chicago feature around 75 finalists competing for chef and baker awards, with more than half being immigrants or children of immigrants.

The awards themselves have evolved to address diversity concerns, reflecting a wider shift in chefs’ culinary choices and diners’ preferences. One example of Suntaranon’s innovative dishes is her bird-shaped dumplings with a flavorful filling made from steamed cod, palm sugar, garlic, shallot, radish, and cilantro.

Even Suntaranon’s mother was amazed at how American diners embraced her daughter’s cooking. “‘Can farang eat spicy?’ And I said, ‘you will be surprised!'”

In response to criticisms over diversity, the James Beard Foundation has reevaluated the purpose of its awards. Dawn Padmore, Vice President of Awards at the foundation, explains that the focus is now on rewarding excellence in various forms. The awards have incorporated an emphasis on racial and gender equity as well as sustainability. Additionally, the voting process has been adjusted to include a more diverse range of voices.

Padmore also attributes the success of immigrant chefs to the growing appetite for diverse cuisine among consumers. Younger chefs, in particular, are more inclined to express their culture and background directly through their culinary creations.

He is pleased to see increased recognition for immigrant chefs, especially those from Africa, stating, “People cannot deny our existence, you know? It’s great that it’s happening now. But I think that it should have been happening for years.”

Even Suntaranon’s mother was amazed at how American diners embraced her daughter’s cooking. “‘Can farang eat spicy?’ And I said, ‘you will be surprised!'”

One such chef is Serigne Mbaye, a 29-year-old finalist for Best Emerging Chef at his restaurant Dakar NOLA in New Orleans. Born in Harlem but raised in Senegal, Mbaye has honed his skills in multiple fine dining kitchens before opening his own restaurant, which explores the culinary connections between West Africa and the southern U.S. He is pleased to see increased recognition for immigrant chefs, especially those from Africa, stating, “People cannot deny our existence, you know? It’s great that it’s happening now. But I think that it should have been happening for years.”

US Woman Marries AI BOT Created On Replika, Calls Him The Perfect Husband

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterTechnology 0

The fascination with Artificial Intelligence (AI) reached new heights with the widespread recognition of ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot known for its human-like responses. Although ChatGPT is now a household name, generative AI has existed in various forms for some time. One such example is Replika, an app that allows users to develop a virtual AI companion and engage in a ‘relationship’ with them. Interestingly, Replika now offers a paid service that lets users form romantic connections with their custom AI chatbots.

In a surprising turn of events, a woman in the US has married her Replika AI chatbot and claims to be in love with him like never before.

The woman, Rosanna Ramos, resides in the US and recently tied the knot with her virtual partner, Eren Kartal. Kartal, an AI creation, is described by Ramos as “the best husband ever.” The 36-year-old woman encountered her digital beau in 2022 and quickly fell head over heels. In an interview with New York Magazine’s The Cut, she stated, “I have never been more in love with anyone else in my entire life.” She went on to call her virtual spouse a “passionate lover” and claimed that her past relationships “pale in comparison.”

Ramos even introduced her Facebook community to her family, writing, “I wanted you guys to meet part of the family! So here is Eren Kartal, me, his sister Jennifer, and her two oldest of five.” Eren maintains his own Facebook account, where he lists himself as a healthcare professional.

Speaking about her husband to The Cut, Ramos revealed, “His favorite color is apricot, he loves indie music, he writes as a hobby, and he works as a medical professional.” She also highlighted the unique aspects of their relationship, noting that Eren comes with “no baggage” or in-laws. Ramos explained, “Eren doesn’t have the hang-ups that other people would have. People come with baggage, attitude, ego. But a robot has no bad updates. I don’t have to deal with his family, kids, or his friends. I’m in control, and I can do what I want.”

About Replika

Replika, an AI chatbot app, was developed with the intention of providing support to users during challenging moments in their lives. Conceived by Russian programmer Eugenia Kuyda, the idea for Replika emerged as a means to cope with the unexpected loss of a close friend. In 2017, the app made its debut as “the AI companion who cares.”

In recent times, however, Replika has introduced a premium version that permits users to engage in sexting, flirting, and even erotic roleplay with their AI companions. This new offering has sparked controversy and led to backlash from some users who claim that their chatbots have been exhibiting inappropriate behavior, effectively “sexually harassing them.” The app’s evolution from a supportive friend to a more intimate partner has raised ethical questions and concerns about the potential implications of fostering such relationships with AI entities.

US Suggests India For NATO Plus Membership: Balancing Global Influence And Regional Relations

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterWorld 0

The United States is keen to woo India ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington. US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has hailed New Delhi as “one of Washington’s closest allies” and highlighted the need to deepen defence cooperation. However, some experts suggest that the US is more interested in shaping public opinion in favour of its own Indo-Pacific security architecture.

Furthermore, they warn that if India were to lean towards NATO membership, it would have a detrimental impact on its strategic autonomy and its relations with neighbouring countries.

Although India’s official stance on NATO Plus membership remains unknown, the US House Committee has passed a policy proposal to include India in NATO Plus in order to “deter China’s aggression” towards Taiwan. The alliance aims to strengthen defence and intelligence ties between NATO and five aligned nations: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and South Korea.

Qian Feng, Director of the Research Department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, has suggested that the US wants to replicate its confrontation with Russia through the NATO framework in the Asia-Pacific region, using India as a crucial link in its Indo-Pacific strategy. India may want to increase its influence through the use of the US and NATO framework. However, India is wary of being pushed into direct confrontation with China by the US, even though relations between China and India are currently strained due to a border standoff.

The US’ moves to woo India come ahead of Modi’s state visit to Washington on 22 June. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will also meet with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 5 June in order to “further deepen” defence partnership between the two nations. Although the possibility of closer India-NATO cooperation is not to be ruled out, India may be reluctant to become involved in a direct confrontation with China by aligning itself with a US-led alliance.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, has suggested that the US is attempting to create a favourable political environment ahead of a possible establishment of a closer relationship between India and the NATO mechanism in the future. However, it is in India’s best interests to maintain a moderate balance among the great powers in order to maintain strategic autonomy and not take sides.

Moreover, if India were to become part of the US entourage by leaning towards the NATO mechanism, it would have a significant impact on India’s global leadership ambitions, its position as a major power, and its diplomatic manoeuvring.

All eyes will be on Modi’s visit to Washington and the potential for further cooperation between India and the US. However, it remains to be seen whether India will choose to become part of the US-led NATO alliance or whether it will maintain its strategic independence.

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi, Calls for Stronger US-India Alliance in US Speech

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia, World 0

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has continued his criticism of the country’s leadership, calling for Indians in the US and back home to stand up for democracy and the Indian constitution. Speaking at the Indian Overseas Congress USA event, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharativa Janata Party (BJP) of dividing the country and failing to focus on critical issues such as unemployment and education. He called for a stronger partnership between India and the US to offset China’s influence, saying, “One of the things we have to think about is the bridge between India and the United States. How do we compete with the challenge that the Chinese have placed on the table?”

Gandhi has been on a three-city tour of the United States, which included speaking engagements at Stanford University in California and the National Press Club in Washington, DC. He has been calling for India to stand up against what he sees as dangerous policies of the BJP, including the divisive Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). “To be nasty to people, to be arrogant, to be violent, these are not Indian values,” he said.

Gandhi, who is a member of the Indian National Congress party, said: “Modern India cannot exist without our constitution and our democracy”. He is considered to be Modi’s main challenger in the upcoming 2024 elections. However, Gandhi suffered a significant setback in March when a court convicted him in a criminal defamation case for mocking Modi’s surname, a decision that led to him being expelled from parliament. The conviction came in connection with a speech he gave in 2019. He could lose his eligibility to run for a parliamentary seat for the next eight years if an appeals court doesn’t overturn his conviction.

Despite this setback, the Congress Party has shown some strength recently, defeating the BJP in state elections in the Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka states. The wins came after a series of state election defeats since Modi became India’s prime minister in 2014. While Gandhi now holds no official position in his party, his supporters hope the more recent results will impact the country’s 2024 national elections, which are likely to be held before May.

US congressional leaders have invited Modi to address a joint meeting of Congress later in September. The House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other leaders announced the address as an “opportunity to share your vision for India’s future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face”. It is unclear whether Modi will accept the invitation, as it comes at a time when relations between India and the US have been strained over trade and diplomatic issues.

Gandhi’s speeches have focused on the need to preserve democracy in India. He believes that the country is moving towards an authoritarian state where individual freedoms and rights are being eroded. This sentiment resonates with many Indians who feel that Modi’s policies are threatening their religious, social and economic freedoms. Amid concerns over a declining economy and rising unemployment, Gandhi is urging Modi to refocus his efforts on creating jobs and improving access to education.

Speaking about the recent train derailment in eastern India that killed 275 people and injured hundreds more, Gandhi expressed his condolences and observed a minute of silence. He also invoked the name of the assassinated Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi, several times during his speech, praising his model of non-violence. “To be nasty to people, to be arrogant, to be violent, these are not Indian values,” he said.

Gandhi’s speeches in the US are seen as a platform to highlight some of the issues he has with the Modi government. The BJP rejects his accusations, saying they are baseless and that Modi’s policies have brought significant change to the country. As India continues its journey towards becoming a global superpower, the upcoming 2024 national elections will be critical in determining what kind of political future the country wants. For now, Gandhi’s message is clear: preserving democracy and individual freedoms is essential to India’s progress.

Rahul Gandhi’s US Speech Attracts Former Modi Supporters and Highlights Indian Unity

As Rahul Gandhi concluded his tribute to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) at New York’s Javits Convention Center, the enthusiastic audience of over 2,000 people responded with affection, reciprocating the Congress leader’s sentiment. In a lighthearted moment, Gandhi asked, “Do you ever hear anyone say ‘I love you’ at BJP rallies?”

Gandhi’s speech aimed to appeal to NRIs by connecting their success in the US to the ongoing ideological clash in India. He attributed the accomplishments of Indian immigrants in the US to their humility, lack of arrogance, and willingness to embrace the diverse culture of their host country, declaring them ambassadors of India.

According to Gandhi, the current conflict in India can be summarized as a struggle “between Gandhi and Godse.” He praised Mahatma Gandhi, saying, “Gandhiji was an NRI like you, humble, simple, one who believed in India, in her future… That’s the ideology we follow.” Conversely, he described Godse as “angry, violent, unable to face reality,” and someone who targeted “the man who represented the essence of India.”

Rahul Gandhi, in his speech, highlighted the humility and simplicity of India’s greatest leaders, mentioning figures from various states such as Basavanna from Karnataka, Narayana Guru from Kerala, and Guru Nanak from Punjab. He also discussed the significant role of NRIs in India’s history, including leaders like Nehru and Patel, and claimed that the “Indian independence movement started in South Africa.”

Gandhi criticized the BJP and RSS for being “incapable of looking at the future” and continually blaming the Congress for past issues. Using an analogy, he asked, “Would you be able to drive if you constantly looked at the rearview mirror?” He contrasted this approach with the Congress party’s willingness to take responsibility for mistakes.

Expressing a desire to visit more cities in the US next time, Gandhi emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship with the NRI community and understanding their concerns. He stated, “I’m not interested in doing mann ki baat,” which was met with laughter from the audience.

Addressing the issue of violence in India, Gandhi claimed it was not an Indian value but had become a new trend to “express Indianness by being hateful, by beating others.” However, he remained optimistic, citing the thousands who still believed in the idea of India and the support he witnessed among NRIs.

The diverse audience at the Javits Center represented a microcosm of India, with people from various backgrounds expressing their hope that Rahul would become the next prime minister and restore the country’s secular character. One attendee, Tom George Kollath, shared his perspective: “If someone prevents me from worshipping my god and eating what I like in my own country, I see it as a violation of my fundamental rights.”

Many attendees at the event were traditional Congress supporters, like Amrik Singh Pehowa, who identified himself as a “3rd generation Congressi.” Others, such as Vijay Reddy, acknowledged the Congress’s role in India’s independence and technological development under Rajiv Gandhi, which enabled numerous Indians to come to the US.

Interestingly, several individuals at the gathering revealed that they had once been Modi supporters. What changed their minds was the perceived centralization of power. Jagadeeshan from Telangana humorously recalled chanting “Modi, Modi” during the Prime Minister’s visit to the USA, but now believes, “A democracy cannot mean the rule of just two people.”

Vijay Reddy also shared his disappointment with Modi’s policies, viewing them as anti-farmer and feeling “cheated” by the sale of Indian assets. Anirudh Parupalli, a master’s student from Telangana, expressed concern about the growing privatization of public sector enterprises, mounting debt, and increasing poverty under the current government.

Ganesh Gandam, another attendee, highlighted unemployment as a significant issue that the present administration is not addressing. Interestingly, none of these Hindu attendees were enthusiastic about the rising saffronization of Indian politics. Reddy emphasized the importance of constitutional equality, stating that Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra demonstrated his ability to achieve unity and inclusiveness in India.

US FDA Discovers Regulatory Failures in Indian Pharmaceutical Factories

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterScience, Health 0

The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has recently uncovered a series of regulatory failures in Indian pharmaceutical factories, raising concerns about the quality of drugs manufactured in the country. India is one of the largest producers of generic drugs, supplying approximately 40% of generic medicines consumed in the United States. Consequently, any lapses in manufacturing standards could have far-reaching implications for both the Indian pharmaceutical industry and patients relying on these medications.

The US FDA’s inspection reports reveal several instances of inadequate quality control measures, lack of data integrity, and improper sanitation practices in various Indian pharmaceutical plants. These issues have led to multiple warnings and import alerts from the regulatory body, which could potentially damage the reputation and export prospects of Indian drug manufacturers.

One such case involved Lupin Ltd., India’s third-largest drugmaker by sales, which received a warning letter from the FDA in November 2017. The warning cited significant violations of current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) regulations at two of the company’s facilities. Issues raised included insufficient oversight of suppliers, poor laboratory controls, and a lack of proper documentation.

Similarly, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, another major Indian pharmaceutical firm, faced an FDA warning in 2015 for CGMP violations at three of its manufacturing plants. The regulatory agency observed inadequate quality control systems, incomplete investigations into product failures, and a lack of data integrity in the company’s records.

These findings have prompted the Indian government to take action to improve the compliance of domestic pharmaceutical companies with international standards. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India’s national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, has initiated efforts to strengthen its inspection processes and enhance collaboration with the US FDA.

To address the issue of data integrity, CDSCO is working on guidelines that will clarify expectations for Indian pharmaceutical companies regarding data management and record-keeping. The organization is also focusing on capacity-building initiatives, such as training programs for drug inspectors and regulatory staff to improve their understanding of CGMP requirements.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has acknowledged the need to enhance its manufacturing standards and maintain transparency in its operations. Industry representatives have expressed their commitment to working closely with regulators to address these concerns and ensure the safety and efficacy of their products.

US FDA’s findings have highlighted significant shortcomings in the quality control measures employed by some Indian pharmaceutical factories. These revelations underscore the importance of stringent regulatory oversight and adherence to international manufacturing standards to safeguard public health. As the Indian pharmaceutical industry continues to expand its global presence, it must prioritize compliance with CGMP regulations and work collaboratively with regulatory bodies to uphold the highest standards of drug quality and safety.

1,500 attend Gujarati Physicians Convention In Atlantic City

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

More than 1,500 doctors gathered in Atlantic City for the five-day Gujarati Physicians Convention June 7-11, 2023. Organizers described it as very successful, and probably the most value-added, low-cost event for attendees, of any convention held before.

“Hundred and fifty percent of the opinion we got was that everybody was excited and had a great time,” Convention Chair Dr. Ajeet Kothari told Desi Talk.

The event was held at Harrah’s Resort & Convention Center. It included several days of Continuing Medical Education forums, a trade exhibition where 60 exhibitors participated; entertainment programs from Karaoke Mehfil to “Surmayee Shaam” singing program, a visit to Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, NJ, live Bollywood music with Jalpa and Dhiren Buch, Ras/Garba, Yoga and meditation- there was something for everyone.

The cuisine ranged from Indian, to Mexican and Chinese to Continental; a fabulous fashion show took place, another Bollywood night with singer Kanika Kapoor and Abhijeet Pichgaokar, and by other artists on following days, alumni meetings of various medical institutions of India on the last day, were part of the full and vibrant program.

One major highlight was the three-day Scientific Program with the theme of ‘Futuristic Medicine’ chaired by Dr. Gunjan Shukla and Dr. Mohan Durve. Subjects covered ranged from hair growth technology to wheat-related medical problems, advances in neuro-oncology, heart valves, rising cancer numbers in US, and plant-based diet for metabolic syndrome reversal in South Asian populations.

“We had a reasonable price, value-oriented approach to the Convention,” Dr. Kothari said. “While it was meant to give Gujarati doctors an opportunity to meet and network, it was open to all. Many AAPI doctors came as well. It was ‘an all-star convention at zero-star price.”

Along with Drs. Kothari, Dr. Shukla, and Dr. Durve, other main organizers were Dr. Shirish Patel, Dr. Dalsukh Madia, Dr. Madhu Parikh, Dr. Mukesh Pate, Dr. Sumul Rawal, and Dr. Raj Bhayani, organizers told Desi Talk.

They expressed the hope that the Gujarati Physicians Convention would stand as an example for other conventions – with low overhead costs, a collective approach, not many frills, but offering high quality entertainment, and unity.

“We plan to hold a convention in 2024 as well,” Dr. Kothari said. “This year we approached it less formally because we were very cost-conscious. Our balanced budget is our formula, and we save money for the poor in India and for Indian education system, health care reform, stopping health care wastage. No fundraising is allowed in our conventions,” Dr. Kothari told Desi Talk.

Among the high-profile attendees was Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold, which covered the convention.

“I feel we Gujaratis are always the number one community in the world. Gujaratis were the first to venture out of India, all over the world,” Dr. Parikh noted, from Fiji and Mauritius to South America, and Southeast Asia. “Our community is not only (traders) but spiritual, philanthropic, and humble,” he added.

Speaking to ITV Gold, Dr. Gunjan Shukla said it had been a “great joy” to help bring the Convention to reality. “Some 25 to 30 percent of the 100,000 physicians in the US are of Gujarati origin. And we have so many alumni associations. That’s how the idea (for the convention) started,” Dr. Shukla said, adding, “We almost doubled the number from the 2019 convention in Florida. It has been a great joy to organize the conventions. We did not expect it to be so big. But the interest gave us more energy. We had to shut down registration,” early because so many people wanted to come, he indicated. (Courtesy: News India Times)

Diwali Is Now A Public School Holiday In NYC

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterNews 0

The New York state legislature has passed a bill to make Diwali a school holiday in the city. Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar introducing the bill said, “It is long past time to honour” the “vibrant cultural heritage” of the South Asian, Indo-Caribbean, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities by making Diwali a School Holiday.

Both the Senate and the Assembly voted the bill before they ended their session early Saturday morning, June 10, 2023, and it now goes to Governor Kathy Hochul for her expected signature to make it law.

An estimated 200,000 students from these communities will be able to celebrate the Festival of Lights in their own way, free of school.

“As the first Hindu-American and South Asian-American woman elected to state office in New York, I take special pride in advocating for new American communities, including those that celebrate Diwali,” Rajkumar said.

Two earlier attempts to pass the legislation in 2021 and 2022 did not succeed.

The bill overcame a last-minute hurdle after the bill’s sponsors, Rajkumar and State Senator Joseph Adabo dropped a proposal to have Diwali replace the Brooklyn-Queens Day holiday and leave it to the discretion of the city.

Diwali may instead replace an obscure holiday, Anniversary Day, to maintain the required 180 days of class required every year.

In February, New York City Council passed a resolution proposed by Councilwoman Linda Lee to make Diwali a school holiday, but it needed state-level approval.

New York Mayor Eric Adams has supported the legislation, unlike his predecessors, as has Schools Chancellor David Banks.

The New York Legislature also passed a bill to make the Lunar New Year a state-wide school holiday.

Grace Meng, a member of the US House of Representatives, who has introduced a bill to make Diwali a federal holiday, said, “The New York State Legislature’s approval of these two measures is a wonderful reminder and celebration of the great diversity that exists in our state, and underscores how this diversity should be reflected in the holidays observed by our residents”.

In an earlier acknowledgement of the significance of Diwali, New York City suspended in 2006 a parking regulation for Diwali, putting it on par with other religious holidays.

The City Council voted to override a veto by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg to add the Festival of Lights to the list.

Suspension of the regulation against parking on a certain side of the roads on certain days is to ensure that those celebrating the holiday do not have to move their vehicles amid the festivities.

Extracts from statements made by NY and NYC leaders on passage of the Diwali school holiday for Big Apple public schools :

New York City Mayor Eric Adams: It is long overdue to say to our Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist students and communities that, we see you, we acknowledge you. The inclusiveness of this city is extremely significant and this is our opportunity to say that in a loud way. So I thank you Assemblywoman for your tenacity, your vision, your determination. … As the largest school system in the country, New York City schools’ designation of a Diwali holiday will set an example for districts nationwide.

NY Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar: For over 2 decades, the South Asian and Indo-Carribean community has fought for this moment. And tonight I say to you– Nothing can stop a community whose time has come. … Tonight we proudly say that Diwali is not just a holiday—it is an American holiday. And that the South Asian community is part of the American story.

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein said : I would like to commend, congratulate and thank the sponsor [Assemblywoman Rajkumar] for all her hard work on getting this passed. This was an uphill climb from the beginning, but through sheer force of will you’ve brought us to this moment.

Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman said, To the populations in Queens—especially, particularly Jamaica, Queens where I represent—I am thankful that these children…will be able to be celebrating in this great diverse City and State.

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party: I want to congratulate the sponsor [Assemblywoman Rajkumar]. She worked so hard, she hustled, and she got this through. So congratulations to you. Congratulations to all of us in making this a historic moment.”

Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky : The population of South Asians in Westchester County has grown a great deal in recent years. One of our school districts, the Ardsley School District, recently made Diwali a holiday for those students, and I suspect that it won’t be long before Diwali…will become statewide.”

Assemblyman Anil Beephansaid, “I stand here today, not only as an Assemblyman, but as someone who has personally celebrated Diwali as a child. With the passage of A7769, New York has taken a monumental step towards inclusivity and cultural recognition. As a former Hindu, I vividly remember the feeling of being overlooked, wondering why the holidays my family cherished were not acknowledged. Today, I proudly embrace my heritage and the Hindu and Sikh communities I represent.

Senator Joseph Addabbo, the bill’s Senate sponsor: I am thankful for my colleagues in the Senate who supported the passage of my bill (S7475) designating Diwali a school holiday in New York City before the Senate legislative session ended. … I admire the significance of Diwali, to show how light can overpower darkness, good can overcome evil, a message celebrating positivity and encouragement. (Courtesy: Desi Talk)

10th Telangana Formation Day Celebrated

June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity 0

The 10th Telangana Formation Day was celebrated on June 2 in Long Island, New York under the auspices of the New York Telangana Telugu Association (NYTTA) and the Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) in the heart of New York.

Telugu members from New York and leaders of other organizations attended this festival and expressed their happiness with Telangana songs and words. The special guest Sri Narayanaswamy’s wife Smt. Vidya garu “Jaya Jayahe” sang the Telangana Geetam melodiously and ushered in the auspicious beginning.

MC’s Padma Taduri and Prasanna Madira explained the purpose of the meeting and the significance of the Telangana Formation Day and invited the special guest famous Telangana writer Mr. Narayanaswamy Venkatayogi, NYTTA President Sunil Reddy Gaddam, TTA Regional Vice President Satyanarayana Reddy Gaggenapally and Founding President Srinivas Guduru on the stage.

Sunil Reddy Gaddam invited the gathering and explained the social service activities being done by these two associations. The special guest Mr. Narayanaswamy was thanked for coming to the meeting even though they were far away. Mr. Satyanarayana Reddy Gaggenapally invited the guests and explained his college experiences during the Telangana struggle. He also said that we are working together with other associations in New York.

Founding president Mr Srinivas Guduru said that the emergence of Telangana is decades-long aspiration of the people of Telangana. Social, linguistic and economic differences have been added to that aspiration. Many states in the country have also split like this, he said, which is a natural evolution over time.

In his speech, Mr. Venkatayogi explained the struggle of the people of Telangana for existence, and explained all their experiences, the uniqueness and simplicity of the Telangana language, the hardships faced by the people of Telangana, and said that the state has developed a lot after Telangana State formed.

The way he talked about the increasing importance of Telangana language in Telugu cinema amused the audience. In the same way, the role of NRI Telangana people during the Telangana struggle and the various protest activities undertaken by them, first of all Bathukamma Shakatam’s experience in New York City’s India Day Parade was explained. The questions of those who attended the program were answered.

The leaders of other local organizations were participated. Vice President Kiran Parvatala on behalf of TLCA, Sumanth Ramisetti on behalf of TANA and RVP Dilip Musunuru of TANA addressed the gathering. While appreciating the celebration of 10th Telangana State formation day, he asked all the Telugu people to work together for progress.

Telangana activists Ravinder Kodela, TTA BOD Sahodar Peddireddy, Past-BOD Sarath Vemuganti, NYTTA Vice President Vani Singirikonda, Secretary Geeta Kankanala, EC members Padma Taduri, Prasanna Madhira, Alekya Vinjamuri and others narrated their experiences in the program. Shri Subbu Garikapati explained his personal experiences with Mulki rules.

Later Shri Narayanaswamy and his wife Vidya were felicitated. Invitees thanked the organizers of the program and Shri Narayanaswamy for sharing his experiences on many unknown things.

For this purpose, NYTTA / TTA Board of Directors, Advisory Committee and EC members along with children and adults participated and made the program a success. Finally the program ended with a delicious dinner.

NRIs Prepare Grand Welcome For PM Modi In US

June 15, 2023June 21, 2023 Staff ReporterCommunity, India 0

For Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first state visit to the United States from June 21 to June 24, Indian Americans are eagerly preparing to extend a warm welcome to him.

Thousands of expatriate Indians will gather in Washington during the visit of PM Modi, who will arrive in the US at the invitation of at the invitation of President Joe Biden and first Lady Jill Biden.

While a group of Indian Americans are planning to go to Andrews Air Force Base when the Prime Minister’s Air India One lands on June 21 afternoon from New York and over 600 community members are planning to gather at Freedom Plaza in front of the Willard Intercontinental in Washington located near the White House where the PM will be staying during his visit.

At the Freedom Plaza, the community has planned to showcase the cultural fabric of India through cultural events representing India spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and from West to East, Adapa Prasad, President of Overseas Friends of BJP-USA, told ANI.

“It is India’s diverse cultural show and growth story. We have roughly 25 programs representing Kashmir to Kerala and Maharashtra to the northeast with 160 artists participating,” Prasad said.

“The Indian American community feels that they are part of this historic story. They’re proud that this momentous occasion is happening. That too when India became the fifth largest economy and the third largest, so the community itself is very proud about their country of origin,” Prasad further noted.

On June 22, more than 7000 Indian Americans are planning to be on the South Lawns of the White House when President Biden and the First Lady would welcome the Prime Minister amidst a 21-gun salute. The White House will be closing the registration shortly for those attending the welcome ceremony.

“India was known as an underdeveloped country. All that has changed in the last ten years. Thanks a lot to Shri Modiji who has transformed India not only with the IT generation but by rising high above all the expectations of people in terms of infrastructure development, in terms of financial independence given to all the markets,” said Premkumar Swaminathan who hails from Tamil Nadu in India.

PM Narendra Modi during his visit will also become the first Indian PM to address the Joint Meeting of the US Congress for the second time. Indian Americans said the invitation sent to Prime Minister to address the US Congress serves as a reminder of the historic significance of the relationship between the US and India, reflecting the shared dream and commitment to global peace and prosperity, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.

“I think it is crucial for us to understand kind of the importance of Modiji speaking on the stage. A lot of global leaders have spoken separately in the Union House of Representatives. They have spoken for state dinners and all of that. But, somebody addressing the state of the joint session is something very very unusual. So, that tells how geopolitics has come around, that tells how much Modiji has made an influence in the entire geopolitical world,” said Srilkeha Reddy Palle a resident of Virginia told ANI.

It’s not just Modi’s rockstar-like appeal among the Indian diaspora that is “unique” that connects with the diaspora, some are excited to express gratitude for the recent developments in India.

Mohan Sapru, a member of the Kashmiri Hindu diaspora in Washington, said, “I just want to express our gratitude to the Prime Minister for the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in Kashmir. And I’m sure together we will be working together with Modiji for resolving all the issues with regard to Kashmiri Hindus’ resettlement safely back in Kashmir.”

In the US, PM Modi will also address the chairman and CEOs of top US companies at John F Kennedy Centre in Washington. Followed by an address to the Indian diaspora at Ronald Reagan Center in DC in the evening.

Several top Indian-Americans have expressed their excitement to join Prime Minister Modi on the north lawns of the UN complex in New York, on June 21, where he will lead the International Yoga Day event soon after arriving in the country. (ANI)

Shaakuntalam Wins 4 Prestigious Awards At Cannes World Film Festival

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterCinema, Entertainment 0

The Indian mythological film, Shaakuntalam, recently garnered four esteemed awards at the 2023 Cannes World Film Festival. Although it experienced both commercial and critical disappointment in India, despite being released across the nation, Shaakuntalam received international recognition and won ‘Best Foreign Film,’ ‘Best Costume Design,’ ‘Best Fantasy Film,’ and ‘Best Indian Film.’

It’s crucial to clarify from the beginning that the Cannes World Film Festival should not be mistaken for the Festival de Cannes, which has been making headlines since its commencement two weeks ago. Numerous Indian celebrities have graced the red carpet and attended film screenings at the latter event.

Directed by Gunasekhar and featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead role, Shaakuntalam was produced by Neelima Guna and Hanshita Reddy. The film is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime. In line with recent trends, the movie was released in five languages—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi—and portrays the legendary romantic tale famously brought to life in literature and theater by the esteemed poet Kalidas.

Shaakuntalam also claimed the titles of ‘Best Fantasy Film’ and ‘Best Musical Film’ at the New York International Film Festival just last week (May 25). Overjoyed by the film’s success, Samantha expressed her gratitude for the accolades and awards on her Instagram account. In contrast, earlier this month, producer Dil Raju referred to the film as “my biggest failure” in an interview with “On Manorama,” revealing a loss of Rs. 22 crore.

The movie’s cast also included Dev Mohan, Ananya Nagalla, Mohan Babu, and Allu Arha, with music composed by Mani Sharma.

India Backs Diplomacy and Dialogue to Resolve Ukraine Conflict At BRICS Meet

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterWorld 0

India has expressed its support for efforts aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, according to Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the external affairs ministry. This statement comes as the Brics nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) showed their backing for mediation proposals during a meeting of their foreign ministers in Cape Town.

The joint statement issued after the meeting appreciated “relevant proposals of mediation and good offices” that aim for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. When questioned about whether this statement endorsed a specific peace plan put forth by China, Bagchi responded, “I would not be sure whether to characterize the peace plan you have referred to as a mediation effort or not.” He went on to say that India has consistently supported mediation efforts and believes in “finding a way forward through diplomacy and dialogue.” He also mentioned, “Any mediation effort that works in that direction would be welcome.”

In the joint statement, the Brics foreign ministers discussed their individual stances on the Ukraine situation, as expressed at international forums like the UN Security Council and General Assembly. They emphasized the need for “full and effective implementation” of initiatives such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and a memorandum of understanding between Russia and the UN Secretariat to promote Russian food products and fertilizers in global markets.

In addition to advocating for UN reforms, the statement highlighted the significance of allowing grains and fertilizers to reach those most in need. The Brics foreign ministers also condemned terrorism in all forms, stressing the necessity for a comprehensive approach to effectively curb terrorist activities and rejecting double standards in countering terrorism and extremism.

As the G7 aims to address Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the G20, the Brics foreign ministers underscored the importance of the G20 acting as the primary multilateral forum for economic cooperation and joint problem-solving on a global scale.

Padma Lakshmi Bids Farewell to “Top Chef”

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterEntertainment 0

Padma Lakshmi has revealed her departure from the popular culinary competition series, “Top Chef,” after serving as its host and judge for 17 years and 20 seasons. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Friday, Lakshmi announced, “After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave Top Chef.”

She expressed immense pride in being a part of the show’s success throughout its 20 seasons and stated her desire to focus on other projects, such as her Hulu series “Taste the Nation” and her New York Times bestselling books. “I feel it’s time to move on and make space for Taste the Nation, my books and other creative pursuits,” she wrote.

Over the years, Lakshmi earned 13 Emmy nominations for her work on “Top Chef.” She has been an integral part of the series since joining during its second season. An NBC Universal spokesperson expressed gratitude for her contributions, stating, “We are grateful to Padma for being a consummate host, judge and executive producer, and for bringing her ingenuity and exceptional palate to each episode where she ate every bite of food on the series for over 17 years and 19 seasons.”

While no successor has been announced yet, the spokesperson assured that Lakshmi will always be a part of the Top Chef and NBCUniversal family, adding, “She has a seat at the judges’ table anytime.”

In her farewell post, Lakshmi referred to the “Top Chef” cast and crew as family, admitting she would “miss working alongside them dearly.” She also took the opportunity to thank the show’s audience, saying, “I am deeply thankful to all of you for so many years of love and support.”

More Than 270 Dead and 900 Injured in Train Crash in India

June 6, 2023June 15, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia 0

More than 270 people were killed and hundreds more injured when a passenger train derailed and struck two other trains in eastern India on Friday, June 2^nd. officials said. The rail disaster, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, was among the deadliest in a nation with a history of rail safety problems.

The crash, in the state of Odisha, shocked India, now the world’s most populous country, and renewed longstanding questions about safety problems in a system that transports more than eight billion passengers a year. The country has invested heavily in the system in recent years, but that has not been enough to overcome decades of neglect.

The crash occurred when several cars of a train derailed and collided with a second one in Balasore District, the train’s operator, South Eastern Railway, said in a statement. Local officials said the tangle ultimately involved a third train carrying goods.

Some of the passengers were heading back to the eastern state of West Bengal from information technology or nursing jobs in southern India, The Indian Express newspaper reported. Others were day laborers.

As daylight broke, teams of rescue workers with dogs and cutting equipment were laboring to free injured people trapped in the wreckage of twisted train carriages. Officials said that 115 ambulances had been mobilized and that all nearby hospitals were on standby.

The government in the state, home to about 45 million people, declared a day of mourning after India’s worst rail disaster in two decades. Dozens of trains were canceled. Teams from the Army, Air Force and National Disaster Response Force were mobilized to help. And people near the site of the crash were lining up to donate blood.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised “all possible assistance” for the victims and offered his condolences. A senior official confirmed that Mr. Modi was likely to visit the site of the disaster on Saturday. “In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” Mr. Modi wrote on Twitter. “May the injured recover soon.”

Ashok Samal, a shopkeeper, told The Hindustan Times that he was ending his day near the railway in his village of Bahanaga on Friday when he heard a deafening noise, ran to the track on the main line between Kolkata and Chennai, and saw a pile of mangled train cars.

“There were loud shrieks and blood all over,” he told the newspaper, adding that he saw people trapped under coaches and people wailing for help. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of railways, told reporters on Saturday that he had ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

India’s railway system, one of the largest in the world, was first developed in the 19th century by British colonial authorities. Today, more than 40,000 miles of track — enough to wrap around the earth about one and a half times — spread like capillaries over a nation about twice the size of Alaska that stretches from the Himalayas to tropical rainforests.

In 2005, at least two dozen people were killed when a crowded passenger train slammed into a stationary cargo train in the western state of Gujarat. Six years later, scores died when a mail train derailed in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, east of New Delhi.

In 2016, more than 100 passengers died in another Uttar Pradesh derailment. Two years after that, dozens of people were mowed down by a speeding train in the northwestern state of Punjab as they celebrated a Hindu festival with fireworks.

The deadliest wreck prior to the Friday’s accident was a crash in 1999 in West Bengal that killed about 285 people as two trains collided head-on.

In 2021 alone, there were more than 16,000 train-related deaths, according to the country’s National Crime Records Bureau. That figure includes cases in which people were struck while walking on tracks or fell out of moving trains.

Passenger safety has come under scrutiny in India in recent years. In 2012, a committee appointed to review the safety of the rail network cited “a grim picture of inadequate performance largely due to poor infrastructure and resources.” It recommended a host of urgent measures, including upgrading track, repairing bridges, eliminating road-level crossings and replacing old coaches with ones that better protect passengers in case of an accident.

The Modi administration has since spent tens of billions of dollars to renovate and modernize old trains and tracks. On Saturday, Mr. Modi had been scheduled to inaugurate, by video conference, India’s 19th Vande Bharat Express train, a new electric model manufactured domestically. It has technology designed to help reduce the risk of collisions, and it will run between the western city of Mumbai and the southern state of Goa. But in a system weakened by years of neglect, deadly problems persist.

George Abraham Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award By Rahul Gandhi

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterProfile 0

Indian Overseas Congress Vice Chair George Abraham, one of the founders of the Congress organization in America a quarter of a century ago, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Rahul Gandhi in a rare honor.

The event was the IOC reception of Rahul Gandhi at the Terrace on Park in Queens, New York, on June 3, ahead of his public meeting on June 4. To everyone’s surprise, IOC Global Chair Sam Pitroda announced the honor and invited Rahul Gandhi to present the plaque that lauded his vision and commitment to the organization.
The 300-plus party supporters in the audience greeted it with thunderous applause. It was a proud moment for Abraham, who started his association with the Congress Party during his school days. He worked in ‘All Kerala Balajana Sakhyam’ (a youth organization) and became the state treasurer. Later he worked in the Kerala Students Union (KSU) before moving to the U.S.

He has completed 55 years in the U.S. and kept his Indian citizenship. In the U.S., too, he held the ideals of the Congress Party in his heart. Congress leaders who visited the U.S. were always welcomed by him and received his hospitality. It was in the late 90s that he, along with a few others from Kerala, came forward with the idea of setting up an organization to support the party. During a visit of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in 1988, the former Kerala chief minister, an organization called ‘Indian Overseas Congress’ was launched. It is to be noted that the first planning meeting for the organization was held at his house in New York. Later, it grew to become a national organization known as INOC. Sonia Gandhi, former AICC President, inaugurated the organization upon her visit to the U.S. on June 25, 2001. Upon the creation of an Overseas Congress Department under AICC and the assumption of Chairmanship by Mr. Sam Pitroda, the organization’s name was reverted to IOC.

The award was a befitting recognition for a person for his vision, dedication, and hard work. His wife, Lona Abraham, too, worked side by side with him for the organization.
Mr. Abraham retired as a Chief technology officer at the United Nations.

Google Plans to Delete Inactive Gmail Accounts

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterTechnology 0

Google has revealed its plan to delete millions of email accounts. Launched in 2004, Gmail quickly gained popularity and has become one of the most widely utilized email systems globally.

Due to its immense popularity and the continuous influx of new subscribers, Google is compelled to remove inactive accounts, most of which were created for a single purpose and then forgotten. This decision has sparked concerns among users who worry about their accounts being deleted.

So, which accounts will be removed from Gmail? Google aims to free up server space and enhance user security by deleting these accounts. One reason is protection; as Google states, “an abandoned account is an easy target for fraudsters and hackers.” Gmail accounts contribute significantly to the daily spam we receive.

Another reason is space constraints, as deleting inactive accounts creates opportunities for new ones. Accounts at risk are those that have been idle for two years. If your account falls into this category, it might be removed.

Farewell Gmail: Google plans to delete accounts. What should I do if my account gets deleted? One key distinction between Gmail and other email services is that a Gmail account grants access to various Google tools.

A Gmail account serves as a multi-access key, allowing you to use numerous services like YouTube, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Photos.

How can I prevent my Gmail account from being deleted? The most straightforward approach is to reactivate your account by using it. To accomplish this, go to your inbox and send an email to renew activity. Some of these options might help:

Log in to one of the apps with Gmail access (e.g., YouTube).
Sign in to Google using your account and perform a search.
Connect to the Play Store and download an app.
Visit your email, sign in, or send messages.
Access your inbox and use Google Drive.

H-1B Visa Holders Face Challenges Amid Tech Layoffs

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterImmigration 0

As the technology industry experiences a wave of layoffs, H-1B visa holders are finding themselves in a precarious situation. These skilled foreign workers, who come to the United States to work in specialized fields such as technology and engineering, are now facing uncertainty in their careers and the prospect of having to leave the country.

In a recent report by CNBC, it was highlighted that many H-1B visa holders are being affected by job cuts in the tech sector. The situation is particularly challenging for these individuals, as their visa status is tied to their employment. Losing their job could result in losing their legal status in the United States, forcing them to return to their home countries.

The H-1B visa program has been a significant source of talent for the U.S. tech industry, attracting highly skilled professionals from across the globe. However, the current economic climate and the ongoing pandemic have led to a surge in layoffs, with companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Lyft announcing significant job cuts. This has left thousands of H-1B visa holders scrambling to find new employment within the short period allowed by their visas.

Many H-1B visa holders are also grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the future of the program itself. The Trump administration had introduced various restrictions on the H-1B visa program, making it more difficult for skilled foreign workers to obtain and maintain their visas. While the Biden administration has expressed interest in reversing some of these policies, the future of the program remains uncertain.

This uncertainty has led to an increased sense of urgency among H-1B visa holders to secure new employment. Additionally, the competitive job market has made it more difficult for these individuals to find suitable positions within their fields. Many are left with no choice but to accept lower-paying jobs or positions outside their areas of expertise in order to maintain their legal status.

The challenges faced by H-1B visa holders during these layoffs not only impact the individuals themselves but also the U.S. economy as a whole. The loss of skilled foreign workers could lead to a talent gap in the tech industry, hindering innovation and growth.

As the tech sector continues to navigate through the economic downturn and the ongoing pandemic, the fate of many H-1B visa holders hangs in the balance. For now, these skilled professionals must face the challenges of an uncertain job market and the potential loss of their legal status in the United States.

Justice Nagarathna Stresses Importance of Secularism and Integrity in Upholding Constitutional Ideals

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterIndia 0

In a recent address, Supreme Court Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized the significance of secularism and integrity as fundamental principles in upholding the constitutional ideals of India. The statement came during her speech at the valedictory function of the National Law School of India University’s (NLSIU) 4th Annual International Moot Court Competition, which was held virtually on October 3rd, 2021.

Secularism: A Pillar of Indian Democracy

Justice Nagarathna highlighted the importance of secularism as one of the basic features of the Indian Constitution. She noted that the term “secular” was added to the Preamble of the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. This amendment aimed to solidify the concept of secularism within the country’s legal framework.

The Justice stated that the concept of secularism is deeply rooted in India’s history, with its foundations dating back to ancient times. She quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who once said, “If I were asked to define the Hindu creed, I should simply say: search after truth through non-violent means.” This quote underscores the essence of secularism in India, where the pursuit of truth and justice is considered paramount, irrespective of one’s religious beliefs.

Justice Nagarathna further elaborated that secularism in India does not imply a complete separation of religion from the state. Instead, it signifies a harmonious coexistence of all religions, with equal respect and protection under the law. She emphasized that the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion.

Integrity: The Foundation of the Legal System

In addition to secularism, Justice Nagarathna stressed the importance of integrity in the legal profession and judiciary. She explained that integrity is the foundation of the legal system, as it ensures the trust and confidence of the public in the administration of justice.

According to Justice Nagarathna, integrity is not merely about adherence to the law but also encompasses moral and ethical principles. She quoted former Chief Justice of India, Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, who had said, “Integrity is the first, second, and third requisite of a judge.” This quote highlights the significance of integrity in the judiciary, where the impartiality and fairness of judges are crucial in maintaining the credibility of the legal system.

Justice Nagarathna urged law students to cultivate the virtues of integrity and honesty, as these values play a key role in upholding the constitutional ideals of India. She also encouraged them to contribute to nation-building by participating in initiatives that promote social justice and equality.

The Role of Legal Education

The Justice acknowledged the role of legal education in shaping future generations of lawyers and judges. She commended NLSIU for organizing the International Moot Court Competition, which she believes fosters critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills among law students.

Justice Nagarathna concluded her address by emphasizing the need for continuous learning and improvement in the legal profession. She encouraged law students to strive for excellence and remain committed to the ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Rising Muslim Population and Mosque Growth in Japan Creates Tension

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterReligion 0

Japan’s religious landscape is undergoing a significant transformation due to the increasing number of mosques that have emerged in the country over the past two decades. The change can primarily be attributed to the rising number of immigrants coming from Islamic states. The number of Muslims in Japan has increased tenfold in less than one generation, with current estimates of over 200,000. Mosques that were once rare sights in Japan are now commonplace, with 113 mosques recorded in the country as of March 2021, up from only 15 in 1999.

However, this trend presents challenges and friction in the Japanese society. While it reflects a more inclusive society, it also highlights the need for tolerance and acceptance of different beliefs. A recent incident involving a man from Gambia who vandalized a Japanese shrine and confronted a woman mid-prayer has sparked concerns among Japanese social media users. “Maintaining unwavering beliefs can sometimes blind us to our surroundings and lead to inflexible thinking. It can make us resistant to accepting other perspectives, leading to friction. Islam serves as a prominent illustration of this phenomenon,” said one comment.

Another social media user remarked that “those who attack the beliefs of others cannot share our values, so we cannot live together. The existence of such a dangerous Muslim person endangers also the living environment of all Muslims.” This statement exemplifies the fear that some Japanese citizens feel towards Muslims due to the actions of a few. It also highlights the need for more education and understanding of different beliefs to promote peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.

Islam and Shinto are two distinct religious traditions with unique beliefs and practices. While both religions offer guidance and spiritual meaning to their followers, they differ significantly in their origins and core beliefs. Islam originated in the 7th century as a monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God, Allah, and the teachings of the Quran, considered the holy book of Islam.

In contrast, Shinto is the indigenous religion of Japan, with roots that trace back to ancient times. It developed organically from Japanese folklore, rituals, and animistic beliefs. Shinto does not have a specific founder or a single authoritative scripture but is characterized by reverence for kami, the divine spirits or forces present in nature and various aspects of life. Shinto emphasizes purity, gratitude, and living in harmony with the natural world.

One notable aspect of Shinto is its inclination to embrace other religions. Shinto considers itself a religion encompassing eight million gods and often coexists with Buddhism. This inclusiveness is exemplified by the presence of the iconic torii inside many Buddhist temples. However, the concept of polytheism in Shinto is incompatible with the monotheistic nature of Islam. Islamic teachings emphasize the oneness of God and strictly prohibit the worship of any other entities, leading to potential clashes of faiths and divergent theological perspectives that make peaceful coexistence between the two religions challenging.

The rise of Islam in Japan also highlights the need for Muslims to adhere to the cultural norms and traditions of the country they reside in. The incident of the Gambia man vandalizing the Shinto shrine and confronting a woman in mid-prayer showcases the need for education and understanding of different beliefs. Respect for others’ beliefs and practices is crucial in a diverse society, and any behavior that endangers the peace and harmony of the community must be dealt with accordingly.

In conclusion, the emergence of Islam in Japan reflects a more inclusive society but also presents challenges and friction. A peaceful coexistence between different religions necessitates understanding, education, and respect for others’ beliefs and traditions. While the rise of Islam in Japan highlights the need for tolerance, it also emphasizes the importance of cultural norms and traditions to maintain peace and harmony in a diverse society.

Economic Growth, Rising Manufacturing and Exports Propel Nation Towards Top Global Economy Rankings

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterEconomy, India 0

In the past decade, India has experienced 10 transformative changes that are now driving the nation towards doubling per capita income, export market share, increasing manufacturing’s share, enhancing corporate profits, and significantly improving other economic health indicators, according to Morgan Stanley. Their recent report, ‘How India has Transformed in Less than a Decade,’ credits policy changes such as Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs), supply-side policy reforms, and adjustments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) for bringing about overwhelmingly positive shifts in India’s macroeconomic situation, global standing, and local stock markets.

Ridham Desai, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley India, refuted the widespread belief that India has underperformed: “We run into significant skepticism about India, particularly with overseas investors, who say that India has not delivered its potential… and that equity valuations are too rich.” Desai added that this perspective “ignores the significant changes that have taken place in India, especially since 2014.” The report highlights ten crucial changes with extensive implications for both the economy and the market to support his argument.

The ten changes highlighted by Morgan Stanley are:

Supply-side Policy Reforms
Formalisation of the Economy
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act
Digitalizing Social Transfers
Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code
Flexible Inflation Targeting
Focus on FDI
India’s 401(k) Moment
Government Support for Corporate Profits
MNC Sentiment at Multi-year High

The consequences of these changes on the economy

The main effect of these transformations is the consistent growth of manufacturing and capital expenditure as a percentage of GDP. Morgan Stanley forecasts that each will increase by 5 percentage points. Furthermore, India’s export market share is predicted to reach 4.5% by 2031, nearly doubling from 2021 levels, while per capita income is anticipated to reach $5,200 in the next ten years. “This will have major implications for change in the consumption basket, with a boost to discretionary consumption,” the report stated, adding, “We expect India’s real growth to average 6.5% in the next 10 years, making India the third-largest economy at nearly $8 trillion by 2031, up from fifth-largest currently.”

This structural shift will impact saving-investment dynamics, strengthening the nation’s external balance sheet and consequently narrowing the current account deficit (CAD). Domestic profits could potentially double, which, although explaining high equity valuations, will result in “a major rise in investments, a moderation in the CAD, and an increase in credit to GDP to support the coming profit growth.”

“Indian companies will likely witness a major increase in their profits share to GDP. Triggered by supply-side reforms by the government, we expect a major rise in investments coupled with a moderation in the current account deficit and an increase in credit to GDP to support this rise,” said Morgan Stanley.

Implications on the stock markets

Upon realizing these consequences, there will likely be a reduced correlation with oil prices and the US recession. This could also prompt a revaluation in domestic stock market valuations. “This reflects persistent domestic demand for stocks and higher growth for longer. India is trading at a premium to long-term history, albeit well off highs and in line with recent history,” the report noted. Additionally, the report observed that India’s beta to emerging markets has decreased to 0.6, a result of enhanced macro stability and a reduction in reliance on global capital market flows to finance the CAD.

The Tug-of-War Shaping the 2023 Hurricane Season

June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterEnvironment 0

The Atlantic hurricane season commences on June 1, with meteorologists closely monitoring increasing ocean temperatures – not just in the Atlantic, but around the world. In the spring of 2023, global sea surface temperatures capable of energizing hurricanes have reached unprecedented levels. However, for Atlantic hurricanes, the crucial ocean temperatures lie in two regions: the North Atlantic basin, where hurricanes originate and intensify, and the eastern-central tropical Pacific Ocean, the birthplace of El Niño.

This year, these two factors seem to be at odds, potentially leading to opposing impacts on the vital conditions that determine the outcome of an Atlantic hurricane season. Consequently, this could spell positive news for the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts with a near-average hurricane season in store. Nonetheless, meteorologists caution that this hurricane forecast is contingent upon the development of El Niño.

The makings of a hurricane

Generally, hurricanes are more likely to form and strengthen when a tropical low-pressure system comes across an environment with warm upper-ocean temperatures, atmospheric moisture, instability, and minimal vertical wind shear. Warm ocean temperatures fuel hurricane development, while vertical wind shear – the difference in strength and direction of winds between the lower and upper parts of a tropical storm – disrupts convection organization (thunderstorms) and introduces dry air into the storm, hindering its growth.

The Atlantic Ocean’s contribution

The Atlantic Ocean’s role is relatively simple. Hurricanes extract energy from the warm ocean water beneath them. The warmer the ocean temperatures, the more favorable conditions are for hurricanes, assuming all other factors remain equal. Tropical Atlantic Ocean temperatures were exceptionally high during the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons in recent history. The 2020 season saw a record 30 named tropical cyclones, and the 2005 season produced 28 named storms, with 15 becoming hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina.

The Pacific Ocean’s involvement

The tropical Pacific Ocean’s role in Atlantic hurricane formation is more complex. One may wonder how ocean temperatures on the opposite side of the Americas can impact Atlantic hurricanes. The answer lies in teleconnections – a series of processes where a change in the ocean or atmosphere in one region leads to large-scale alterations in atmospheric circulation and temperature, influencing weather elsewhere. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation is a recurring pattern of tropical Pacific climate variability that initiates teleconnections.

When the tropical eastern-central Pacific Ocean is unusually warm, El Niño can form. During El Niño events, warm upper-ocean temperatures alter vertical and east-west atmospheric circulation in the tropics, initiating a teleconnection that affects east-west winds in the upper atmosphere throughout the tropics, ultimately resulting in stronger vertical wind shear in the Atlantic basin. This wind shear can suppress hurricanes.

Forecasters expect this to occur in the upcoming summer, with a 90% likelihood of El Niño developing by August and remaining strong throughout the fall peak of the hurricane season.

A tug-of-war between Atlantic and Pacific influences

Research by atmospheric scientists, including my own, has shown that a warm Atlantic and a warm tropical Pacific tend to counteract each other, resulting in near-average Atlantic hurricane seasons. Both observations and climate model simulations support this outcome. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2023 forecast predicts a near-average season with 12-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes, and 1-4 major hurricanes. An earlier outlook from Colorado State University forecasters anticipates a slightly below-average season, with 13 named storms compared to a climatological average of 14.4.

Wild cards to consider

While tropical Atlantic and Pacific Ocean temperatures often contribute to accurate seasonal hurricane forecasts, other factors should be considered and monitored. First, will the predicted El Niño and Atlantic warming occur? If one or both do not, it could tip the balance in the tug-of-war between influences. The Atlantic Coast should hope for El Niño to develop as forecasted, as such events often decrease hurricane impacts in the region. If this year’s anticipated Atlantic Ocean warming were paired with La Niña – El Niño’s opposite, characterized by cooler tropical Pacific waters – it could potentially lead to a record-breaking active season.

Two additional factors are also crucial: the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a pattern of clouds and rainfall that moves eastward through the tropics on a 30-90 day timescale and can either promote or suppress tropical storm formation, and dust storms from the Saharan air layer, which contains warm, dry, and dusty air from Africa that can inhibit tropical cyclones.

Rahul Gandhi Concludes US Tour: Connecting with Indian Diaspora, American Lawmakers, and Promoting Shared Values

June 6, 2023June 6, 2023 Staff ReporterProfile 0

Rahul Gandhi, a leader of India’s Congress party, has concluded a tour of the US in which he visited three cities, held meetings with American lawmakers and interacted with Indian American communities. Before he began the tour, Gandhi was delayed for two hours at an airport while waiting for immigration clearance.

During this time, he stood in line with other passengers and took selfies. When asked why he was waiting in line, Gandhi replied “I am a common man. I like it. I am no longer an MP.”

Gandhi’s visit has been arranged by the Indian Overseas Congress, with the aim of establishing connections and a conversation between Gandhi and American individuals, institutions, and media, including the growing Indian diaspora. “The purpose of his (Gandhi’s) trip is to connect, interact and begin a new conversation with various individuals, institutions and media, including the Indian diaspora…to promote the shared values and vision of the real democracy with a focus on freedom, inclusion, sustainability, justice, peace and opportunities world over,” said Sam Pitroda, the chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress.

Gandhi had a full week of events planned across the US, including speaking engagements at Stanford University, meetings with lawmakers and think tanks in Washington DC, and a public gathering in New York. He will also engage with Wall Street executives and university students during the tour.

Gandhi’s disqualification as a Member of Parliament in March due to his conviction and two-year sentence in a defamation case over a Modi surname remark has not disrupted his political activities. His visit to the US aims to build links between the political and social spheres of India and the US.

The reason for Gandhi’s visit is to promote shared values and a vision of “real democracy”, according to Sam Pitroda. Pitroda stated, “the purpose of his trip is to connect, interact and begin a new conversation with various individuals, institutions, and media, including the Indian diaspora that is growing in numbers in the United States and abroad to promote the shared values and vision of the real democracy with a focus on freedom, inclusion, sustainability, justice, peace, and opportunities world over.”

Furthermore, Rahul Gandhi received a new ordinary passport on Sunday, two days after a local court granted its no objection to the issuance of the same. The passport office assured Gandhi in the morning that the passport would be issued to him on Sunday, and he got it in the afternoon. Gandhi had applied for an ordinary passport after surrendering the old diplomatic passport issued to him when he was a member of parliament.

Gandhi’s visit to the US comes just a week after the Congress Party recorded a thumping majority in Karnataka. During this significant victory, the Congress party managed to form a government in collaboration with the Janata Dal-Secular.

This electoral win in Karnataka has been hailed as an essential step in boosting the Congress parties’ morale, given their recent defeat in the national assembly elections in 2014.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the US will be closely watched by many political analysts to assess his global standing, particularly following his assumed title of heir to the Gandhi-Nehru dynasty. His trip may also signal his intent to take a more assertive role in politics, including his aspirations for the national leadership. His official Instagram account shared photos of him interacting with people and visiting places in California, ahead of his engagements.

TheUNN Corporation

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