Indian Abroad - June 16-30, 2021 by IndianAbroad

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

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75TH INDIAN INDEPENDENCE YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Canadian Minister Prasad Panda extols India in legislature speech Djokovic rallies to win French Open; his 19th Grand Slam title -Page 25

In a speech recently delivered on the house floor, Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Edgemont, Alberta, Canada praised India as a nation having a unique, vibrant and diverse culture, writes Ananya Sharma ailing the Legislature as who elected him twice to that he prays for the well-be“our temple of democ- the Legislature and gave his ing of all Albertans every day racy “, the MLA greeted family every opportunity to by saying “Let everybody live the assembly members with live their “Canadian dream”. happily and peacefully” a “Namaste” and expressed Pledging his and his family’s Continued on page 5 his gratitude to Albertans loyalty to Alberta, Panda said

India logs 70K Covid cases, lowest ASAS launched to bring together since March 31 and 3,921 deaths South Asian diaspora members in Australia Caravan tourism the preferred option for travellers in India? - Page 26

At-home hair care routine this summer -Page 32

resident of ASAS and the Editor of South Asia Times, Neeraj Nanda addressed the people who attended the launch event and emphasized that the primary goal of the organization is to forge and strengthen ties among the diverse spectrum of South Asian community members deaths due to the virus in the from India, Pakistan, New Delhi, June 14: India’s Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri last 24 hours, according to Covid cases continued to Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives and witness decline as it recorded data released by the Union Nepal. He also highlighted 70,421 new Covid cases, low- Health and Family Welfare that the organization would est since March 31 and 3,921 Ministry on Monday. Continued on page 3 be committed to fostering the issues of cultural, social, economic and political significance relevant to the

Luminous Lantern Parade back with a bang at South Bank Parklands

GOPIO Queensland hosts Mental Health Awareness ers included the Black Dog Inseminar stitute, Springfield City Group,

he event organised at QMC Auditorium in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm was sponsored by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and its other major support-

Celebs twinning in same outfits - Page 33

T Yami Gautam ties the knot with ‘Uri’ director Aditya Dhar - Page 37

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he event, commemorated on the virtual platform in 2020, had been a comparatively low-key affair last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic which forced Australia to enter a nationwide

South Asian diaspora members in Australia by facilitating discourse with the State government of Victoria and the Federal government. Continued on page 10

Cornerstone Law Office, World Wellness Group, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Australian Indian Radio and Brisbane Indian Times. Continued on page 8

lockdown. However, this year the quintessential ceremonial splendour which characterizes the Parade, was back in full glory. Continued on page7

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Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Publisher Panda Entertainment Networks Editor Dr Ramana Panda Associate Editor Ananya Sharma Writer Ananya Sharma Kavita Kumari Rabindra Mukherji Editorial editorial@indianabroad.news Advertising adverts@indianabroad.news Indian Abroad Riverwalk Avenue, Robina,Qld-4226

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LEAD STORIES

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Covid-19 in India

TN announces more India logs 70K Covid cases, lowest easing of curbs in 27 since March 31 and 3,921 deaths districts from Monday This is the seventh consecutive day when India has reported less than one lakh Covid cases. On June 13, India recorded 80,834 cases. India's overall tally of Covid-19 cases now stands at 2,95,10,410. The active cases have come down below 10 lakh. The country has 9,73,158 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,74,305 deaths so far. According to the Health Ministry, a total of 1,19,501 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,81,62,947 till

date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 25,48,49,301 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 14,99,771 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 37,96,24,626 samples have been tested up to June 13 for Covid-19. Of these 14,92,152 samples were tested on Sunday.

Karnataka readies to partly unlock in 19 districts p.m.," said the official.

All industries will be allowed to function with 50 per cent staff, while garment units will function with 30 per cent employees. As per the guidelines, ration shops selling foodgrains under the public distribution system (PDS) will function from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bengaluru, June 14: As the pandemic's second wave wanes, Karnataka is reading to partly unlock from Monday in 19 districts where the test positivity rate has fallen below 5 per cent, an official said. "As announced by Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on June 10 and notified by Chief Secretary P. Ravi Kumar on June 11, lockdown restrictions will be relaxed from Monday in 19 districts, including Bengaluru Urban, to resume economic activity and allow movement of people and vehicles," a Home Department official told IANS. The districts are Bagalkot, Ballari, Bengaluru Urban, Bidar, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Kalaburagi,

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Kolar, Koppal, Raichur, Ramanagar, Tumukur, Udupi, Uttara Kannada, Vijayapura, and Yadagir. Curbs will, however, continue in the remaining 11 districts -- Bengaluru Rural, Belagavi, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagalur, Dakshina Kannada, Davangere, Hassan, Kodagu, Mandya, Mysuru, and Shivamogga -- till June 21 to reduce the positivity rate, as advised by the technical committee of health experts. The relaxation will allow autos and taxis to operate with two passengers in these 19 districts. "Essential shopping will be allowed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parks will be open for walking from 5-10 a.m. Street vendors can do business from 6 a.m. to 2

"Hotels, restaurants and eateries can operate their kitchens to provide parcel service only. Dine-in will not be allowed and customers have to maintain social distancing for ordering and collecting parcels," said the order.

Chennai, June 13: The Tamil Nadu government announced more relaxations in 27 districts of the state including Chennai corporation following a decrease in the number of fresh Covid-19 cases as well as active cases in the state. Chief minister M.K. Stalin in a statement said that following representations from various sections of people, the state government is providing relaxations in 27 districts of the state including the capital, Chennai. Tea shops are permitted to function from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday but they are allowed to offer only parcel services and people are not allowed to stand near the shops and consume tea.

As all construction activities are allowed to continue, cement and steel shops will be permitted to reopen from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It may be recalled that when the government announced the opening of TASMAC liquor vends from Friday, there were widespread criticisms against the government's move in not allowing tea shops to function while the liquor shops were allowed to operate.

"Night curfew from 7 p.m. till 5 a.m. will stay in place, while weekend curfew from Friday to Monday will be from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.," he said. Only those having medical emergency or air or rail travellers will be allowed to move in this period.

M. Pugazhendi, an avid blogger and social media influencer while speaking to IANS said, "Thanks to proactive youths of our state who came out against the government's decision to allow liquor vends and prevent tea shops to function, the government was

Liquor shops will be able to allowed to be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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forced to allow opening tea shops, even though we are not permitted to sit or stand near these shops and consume the brew." He adds, "The government was forced into submission as the social media posts pointing out the discrepancies in allowing liquor shops and preventing tea shops to function was a rage in the state as well as outside." The BJP and PMK had also condemned the opening of liquor shops from Monday. The BJP will stage protests across the state against the decision to open liquor shops. While hotels and bakeries are already allowed to function, the state government has now allowed sweet shops to start business from Monday from 6 a.m. 2 p.m. While construction companies are allowed to function, the offices of these companies were not allowed to open leading to difficulties in payment of salaries of the staff as also purchasing of construction materials. The offices of the construction companies will start functioning with 50 per cent of the employees. These relaxations will not be allowed in 11 districts of Tamil Nadu including seven western districts and 4 in Delta region.

LEAD STORIES

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Covid-19 in India

Covid kills: 54 govt teachers die in Champaran, no salaries, no ex-gratia Motihari (Bihar) June 9: "Happiness is no longer part of my life," said Kumari Neha. The 30-year-old was tragically widowed when her husband Deepak Anand, a government school teacher succumbed to Covid-19 while being treated at Government Medical College and Hospital at Bettiah, the headquarters of Bihar's West Champaran district.

It hasn't even been two years since they got married and he leaves behind a one-year-old child. He is among the 54 government teachers claimed by the virus in East and West Champaran districts since the start of the second wave in April. The state education department has initiated an exercise to determine the state-wide toll. "The compilation of data from other districts is being done. It is still at an introductory level," said a senior government functionary, refusing to be identified. "In April and May 2021 alone, 29 of our teachers died," informed Awdesh Kumar Singh, District Education Officer (DEO) of East Champaran. West Champaran has witnessed 25 deaths, according to DEO Binod Kumar Vimal.

The delay in salaries is typical and a delay of two months is quite common for both regular and contractual teachers. The association's president, Amardeep Kumar, told 101Reporters, "Most of them are contractual teachers who died owing to a financial crunch. They were deprived of their salaries for four months, and hence they did not opt for the best medical services. "As per the allotment received, the salary was paid for November, December (2020) and January (2021) -- about 80 per cent of salary was received for the latter. Teachers were without payments between February and May 2021." Stranded in the middle of a crisis

Praful Kumar Mishra, District Programme Officer (Establishment) of the education department in East Champaran, confirmed the delay in salaries. "We process the payment as soon as the allotment arrives. The pending salaries have been paid towards the end of May," he said. Teachers have confirmed that they have now received their salaries but for

many families, it is too late. "Due to lack of money, my husband ignored going to the doctor and preferred to take medicines prescribed by the chemist," said Savita Kumari, 42, about Ramesh Sah, a government teacher in West Champaran. "But his health deteriorated suddenly and he had to be admitted to GMCH on May 1. He passed away the following day before he could even be tested," she says. The mounting death toll has expedited the demand for relief. Premchand (he goes by one name only), State Spokesperson and Media In-Charge of Bihar Rajya Prathamik Shikshak Sangh, said, "The number of deaths due to Covid-19 is high. We are compiling a list from all the districts. A demand for immediate compensation and jobs for dependents of each of the deceased has been made." Sanjay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the State Education Department, had announced in May that dependents of all the teachers who died due to Covid-19 are entitled to claim an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh. However, when asked how many people have received the amount so far,

the district officials chose to remain tight-lipped. BNPSS president Kumar, said families from East Champaran are still knocking at the doors of government offices to claim the promised ex-gratia relief and compassionate appointment. "Paperwork is progressing at a snail's pace," he added. Death and confusion The grieving families have to jump through bureaucratic hoops for the ex-gratia and it has been especially hard to get proper death certificates. "An RT-PCR or antigen report is mandatory for declaration of a COVIDrelated death," according to Dr Srikant Dubey, Deputy Superintendent of GMCH in Bettiah. But in many cases, these tests were not conducted. The family of Ajay Gupta,

a contract teacher posted at Englishiya in West Champaran, is yet to come to terms with his death on May 13. His wife, Vibha Gupta -- a mother to two -- is too deep in mourning to deal with paperwork. The responsibility has fallen on Gupta's father, Rameshwar Prasad, who said that they are yet to receive his son's death certificate. The family have not been able to procure one since the RT-PCR or antigen test, required for the document, was not done. This death too occurred at the GMCH at Bettiah. At that time, the family was in a panic over his deteriorating health and didn't have the time to get an RT-PCR test done. "We left everything for the doctors to decide. For now, we have submitted all the documents to the government, but cannot guess what the investigation report will say."

While online classes were happening in an erratic manner, teachers had been struggling with finances either due to delayed salaries or increasing expenditures. As a result, they were often unable to pay for the treatments.

Rajesh* (name changed) was a teacher who was being treated at GMCH before his death. A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told 101Reporters that the CT scan results are available and Remdesivir was administered to the patient. "Why is the death certificate being denied when all the treatments were provided to the patient as per Covid-19 protocol?" they ask.

Bihar Panchayat Nagar Prarambhik Shikshak Sangh (BPNPSS), a teacher's association in East Champaran, believes that timely salaries could have prevented some deaths.

Many families have not been able to apply for the ex-gratia announced by the government because of the trouble involved in getting the appropriate death certificate.

The districts are now staring at a huge loss to their basic education workforce when schools eventually reopen.

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DESI ACHIEVERS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

75 weeks celebrating 75th Indian Independence: Canadian Minister Prasad Panda extols India in legislature speech and breadth of the country. Nevertheless, through all the uniqueness that one encounters, there is an underlying Indianness which binds the 1.35 billion Indians. World’s first republic

n a speech recently delivered on the house floor, Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Calgary-Edgemont, Alberta, Canada praised India as a nation having a unique, vibrant and diverse culture. Hailing the Legislature as “our temple of democracy “, the MLA greeted the assembly members with a “Namaste” and expressed his gratitude to Albertans who elected him twice to the Legislature and gave his family every opportunity to live their “Canadian dream”. Pledging his and his family’s loyalty to Alberta, Panda said that he prays for the well-being of all Albertans every day by saying “Let everybody live happily and peacefully” Personifying unity in diversity As part of Indian government’s decision to celebrate the 75 weeks leading up to the 75th Indian Independence day on 15th August, the Minister hailed India as the world’s largest democracy espousing the famous Mahaupanishad verse, “Vasudev Kutumbakam” which means “The world is one family”. The verse which is also engraved in the

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entrance hall of the Indian Parliament is a testimony to Indian values which convey that everyone who came into this world has an equal right to everything in life but success of every individual depends on how the common good is pursued. India believes in unity in diversity and so, many “Mini Indias” exist within India. The Indian National Anthem, “Jan Gan Man” reflects all its 28 states and 8 Union Territories. The country has incredibly, 22 official languages and dozens of traditional dialects. This anthem was penned and put into music by a true renaissance man Rabindra Nath Tagore who became the first man in the continent to receive a Nobel Prize. Besides, another one of his songs was adopted as the National Anthem of Bangladesh while his works also influenced the National Anthem of Sri Lanka. In India, the cuisine changes every 100 miles while language and dialect do so in every 300 miles thus making every state in India unique in its own way. Prasad Panda who was born in Southern India and then shifted to Western India, has himself observed the subtle shift in cultural nuances while travelling across the length

The Minister went on to say that to many foreigners, India is synonymous with Taj Mahal in Agra and snow-clad mountains of Kashmir; and sun, sand and fun in Goa but India is a lot more than that. Historical accounts reveal that the world’s first republic was born in India. Elected government ruled over principalities like Vaishali- which is now a part of the state of Bihar in India- a full century before these concepts took root in Ancient Athens. This political concept remained alive in hundreds of thousands of villages in India which continued to elect their leaders and councils through the millennia and could also be the reason why democracy found it so easy to take root in modern India when it became independent in 1947. Today, there are over 3 million elected representatives in India, at least a third of which must be women. Calling the Indian General Elections as “the world’s celebration of democracy”, he further said that even now, the world stares with awe when every five years, 880 million people go to cast their votes to elect a government which becomes responsible for the well-being of one-sixth of the humanity. A safe haven for religious minorities The Minister also emphasized that despite Hindus accounting for 80 per cent of the Indian population, the Indian society has given rise to three other world renowned religions- Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism; the last one having the fourth /IndianAbroadNews

largest following in the world. He also said that this was the society where St. Thomas, the apostle came with the message of Christ in the 1st century. He went on to say that growing in the Indian society; he learnt the importance of “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah” which means “those who protect and uphold the dharma are protected by the dharma” where dharma denotes compassion, love, kindness, respect, forgiveness, truth, peace, non-violence and other noble ideals such as protecting religious minorities and providing them with equal opportunities. He stated how India has time and time again sheltered refugees fleeing religious persecution such as Jews fleeing the desecration of the Temple of Solomon by the conquering Romans in 70 AD and centuries later Zoroastrians fleeing from persecution in Iran, Dalai Lama fleeing oppression in Tibet and more recently, Sikhs targeted by terrorism in Afghanistan. Going forward Panda further highlighted that while India is the only country having a 5000-yearold culture and the oldest living city Varanasi besides world’s oldest languages; it also is one of the youngest nations of the world with a population of almost 65 per cent being below 35 years of age. It is due to the efforts of this young populace that India has become one of the world’s leading knowledge economies.

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Although India is young and vibrant, its various levels of government need to invest in modern health and education infrastructure, and eradicate corruption rampant among many institutions and officials. Advocating partnership between India and Canada who share certain cultural similarities, the Minister stated that he has explored partnership opportunities between human capital-rich India and natural resources-rich Alberta. Not only are many Indian students pursuing education in Alberta’s universities and colleges but recently many Indian companies such as Infosys have made large investments in Alberta. The endorsements of policies being made by the Alberta government are in tandem with Alberta’s recovery and in this regard the Minister even offered to help the Premier and the Minister of Jobs and Economy. He ended his speech by acknowledging the tremendous contribution being made by Indians both in their political and business capacity across different nations such as Canada, USA and Portugal to name just a few. He also expressed his optimism that the tremendous synergies that exist between India and Canada and by employing a little common sense, hard-nosed business acumen and political will, an incredibly strong mutually beneficial relationship can be forged between the two nations.

LEAD STORIES

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Railways brings oxygen relief to 15 states in 50 days

New Delhi, June 13: In a "milestone achievement", the Indian Railways has delivered nearly 30,182 Metric Tonnes (MT) of medical oxygen in more than 1,734 tankers across the country, bringing relief to 15 states in the last 50 days. Oxygen relief by 421 Oxygen Expresses reached to 15 states namely Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam. So far, a total of 614 MT of oxygen has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 3,797 MT in Uttar Pradesh, 656 MT in Madhya Pradesh, 5,722 MT in Delhi, 2,354 MT in Haryana, 98 MT in Rajasthan, 3,782 MT in Karnataka, 320 MT in Uttarakhand, 4,941 MT in Tamil Nadu, 3,664 MT in Andhra Pradesh, 225 MT in Punjab, 513 MT in Kerala, 2,972 MT in Telangana, 38 MT in Jharkhand and 480 MT in Assam. Till now Oxygen Expresses offloaded LMO in around 39 cities in these 15 states across the country-Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Bareilly, Gorakhpur & Agra in Uttar Pradesh, Sagar, Jabalpur, Katni and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Mumbai and Solapur in Maharashtra, Hyderabad in Telangana, Faridabad and Gurugram in Haryana,

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Tuglakabad, Delhi Cantt and Okhla in Delhi, Kota and Kanakpara in Rajasthan, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Nellore, Guntur, Tadipatri and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Ernakulam in Kerala, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Tuticorin, Coimbatore and Madurai in Tamil Nadu, Bhatinda and Phillaur in Punjab, Kamrup in Assam and Ranchi in Jharkhand. Overcoming all hurdles and finding new solutions, the Indian Railways is continuing its journey of bringing relief by delivering Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) to various states across the country. Oxygen Expresses delivered more than 15,000 MT of LMO to the southern states of the country as well as 3,600, 3,700 and 4,900 MT of LMO in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu respectively. Presently, two loaded Oxygen Expresses are on run with more than 177 MT of LMO in 10 tankers. Oxygen Expresses started their deliveries 50 days back on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 MT. It is Indian Railways endeavour to deliver as much LMO as possible in the shortest time possible to the requesting states. The Railways has mapped different routes with Oxygen supply locations and keeps itself ready with any emerging need of the States

Dead bodies continue to be dumped into the Ganga in Bihar

Patna, June 13: The relatives of a man, who died due to snakebite in Bihar's Bhagalpur district, dumped his body into the Ganga on Sunday, despite objections of the local residents. The locals made video clips of the incident, which occurred in Kahalgaon block under Bhagalpur. Mithilesh Kumar died due to snake bite in his native village Nawada Bazar in Banka district. His family members took his body to the Barari Ghat in Bhagalpur but the Dom Raja of the Ghat demanded Rs 1 lakh to allow them to dump it in the Ganga. In Bihar, there is a tradition which provide tankers bringing LMO. Criss crossing the country, Indian Railways is picking up oxygen from places like Hapa, Baroda, Mundra in the West and Rourkela, Durgapur, Tatanagar, Angul in the East and then delivering it to States of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh & Assam in complex operational route planning scenarios. In order to ensure that oxygen relief reaches in the fastest time possible, the Railways is creating new standards and unprecedented benchmarks in running of Oxygen Express Freight Trains, said a Ministry of Railways

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that the last rites of someone who died of snake bite are doing by putting the body into the Ganga, along with a banana tree trunk. The family members negotiated with Dom Raja and the latter agreed to Rs 11,000 but as they did not even have that money, they took the dead body to Kahalgaon, some 50 km away from Bhagalpur city. They negotiated with the Dom Raja of Kahalgaon Ghat for Rs 1,500, and also contacted a boat owner, and set a deal for Rs 2,500. Then they took the dead body to the middle of Ganga, tied it to a banana tree trunk and dumped it in the river. statement. The average speed of these critical Freight trains is way above 55 in most cases over long distances. Running on high priority Green Corridor, with a highest sense of urgency, operational teams of various zones are working round the clock in most challenging circumstances to ensure that Oxygen reaches in fastest possible time frame, it said. "Technical stoppages have been reduced to 1 minute for crew changes over

Local residents claimed that the District Magistrate had deployed a judicial magistrate at every cremation ground when the corona infection was at peak but these were withdrawn from June 1. Contacted for comments, R.P. Sharma, a duty officer of Kahalgaon police station, said: "We have received a complaint pertaining to this case and we are trying to contact the deceased's family." During the severe second wave of corona, people in several districts such as Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, and Bhagalpur dumped a large number of dead bodies into the Ganga. different sections. Tracks are kept open and high level of alertness is maintained to ensure that Oxygen Express keeps zipping through. All this is done in a manner that other Freight Operation doesn't get reduced as well." Running of new Oxygen Expresses is a very dynamic exercise and figures keep getting updated all the time, said the Ministry, adding more loaded Oxygen Expresses are expected to start their journeys later in the night on Sunday.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

GOPIO Queensland hosts Mental Health Awareness seminar

The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland hosted its first ever Mental Health Awareness event on May 29th 2021 in Brisbane, an event based on the theme ‘How to take care of your mental well-being in 2021’ engaged in promoting the well-being of people across the globe conducted this mental awareness seminar as part of their ongoing contribution to spreading awareness on a crucial subject which is often ignored.

he seminar, conceptualized initially by Arpit Singh, the Treasurer of GOPIO’s Queensland chapter, was attended by prominent members of the Queensland community who all lauded the organisers and laid stress on the importance of bringing mental-health related issues to the forefront. The event was opened by Aboriginal Elder and Advanced Aboriginal Health Worker Aunty Betty McGrady and GOPIO Queensland President Rakesh Sharma who both acknowledged the importance of the event in the current scenario. The event primarily featured a presentation on breaking down depression by

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Peter Ferreira of the Sydney-based Black Dog Institute, a non-profit facility for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of mental-health issues. The presentation threw light on the early symptoms of depression and how an individual can monitor, regulate and curtail the onset of depression for himself and those around him. This was followed by an in-depth discussion by a panel comprising mental-health and psychiatry experts; question and answer session and a 30-minute live theatre play performance focusing on the significance of mental health awareness. GOPIO, a non-partisan, secular global organization

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Luminous Lantern Parade back with a bang at South Bank Parklands The iconic Luminous Lantern Parade which is celebrated in the week of Queensland day returned to South Bank Parklands on June 4, 2021

he festival had started less than 15 years ago as a small event, but with the passage of time, it has become one of the most iconic festivals rejoicing the diverse heritage and rich multiculturalism of Queensland. Despite being compelled to follow the social distancing norms this year, there was virtually no dampening in the enthusiasm and spirit of the event which welcomes new Queenslanders including migrants, refugees, international students and people seeking asylum. Multicultural Queensland participated in the Parade. People from diverse cultural background hailing from Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane formed a unified group to walk in the Parade which was led by current rotating chair Ram Mohan, past chair Surendra Prasad and Secretary General Carl

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Wu. Featuring over 400 magnificent lanterns glowing dazzlingly in luminous light, many of which were shaped as animals endemic to Australia such as a koala; symbolised welcome and hope for many people from all over the world. The magnificent Luminous Lantern Parade commenced from the Little Stanley Street at around 6 pm and culminated with a live music concert at South Bank Piazza presenting a wide array of musicians from around the world. Following a Welcome to Country by Nunukul Yuggera, The Mad Mariachi, Unbreakable Dance Crew, Sahara Dance Company and Brisbane North Chinese Group all took to the stage. The line-up also included Imanzi Rwandan Drumming Group, Cachicamo Latin Harp and Bolivia Marka.

The event also had something on offer for individuals with a penchant for creativity. Apart from participating in the Parade, lantern making workshops were also organised in the neighbourhoods across Brisbane, Ipswich and Moreton.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

ASAS launched to bring together South Asian diaspora members in Australia A new South Asian organization, the Australia South Asia Society (ASAS) was launched on May 2 at the Waverly RSL, Glen Waverly, Victoria

e said, “I call upon the South Asian people in Victoria and Australia to join the ASAS and make it a strong platform for community enhancement and raising issues of support and concern before the government.” Formally launching the organization, Dr. Bandu Dissanavake, the renowned patron of ASAS also delineated its broader aims and objectives expressing his fervent hope for the success of the organization in serving the valuable South Asian community in Australia. The traditional lamp signifying knowledge, virtuousness and brightness was lit by Neeraj Nanda, Kapila Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s Consul to Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, Vasan Srinivasan, Member Australian Multicultural Council and the Chairperson of the Mental Health Foundation Australia, Murugapoopathy, Patron AIBC-Victoria and

Liberal leader, Dissanayake, who is also ex Consul Sri Lanka in Melbourne and owner of Pahana media group.

Wood was also played at the event while Vasan Srinivasan and Kapila Fonseka also addressed the

gathering. Another event sponsored by ASAS, the Noel Nadesan Books Launch presided by

Prof. Kaushal Srivastava, also took place after the ASAS launch in which four books were released.

The event was attended by people from Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan. The attendees also included prominent community members such as Tonee Sethi, Editor G’Day India and Preeti Jabbal, journalist and many more. A video message from La Trobe Federal Member and Assistant Minister for Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs Jason

Second curtain raiser for IDY-2021 held at CGI Sydney

he second curtain raiser for the International Day of Yoga (IDY)- 2021 was held recently at the Consulate General of India, Sydney in the lead up to the main celebrations on June 21. The event entailed a yoga session with the intrinsic motive of highlighting the role of yoga and meditation for boosting immunity. Acknowledging the global appeal of yoga and meditation as an integral part of healthy lifestyle habits, the United Nations in 2014, declared that June 21 would be commemorated as the International Day of Yoga every year. Following this paramount announcement, people and organisations all across the world set

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about to make the first IDY a landmark event. Continuing with this tradition, the High Commission of India, Canberra in association with the Institute for Australia-India Engagement and Fight4Balance is organizing a yoga session on June 19, 2021 at Yeronga, Queensland.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Women in Business event organised in Brisbane

roud women serving different business industries came together to share ideas, information and stories of failures and successes, stories that shaped them into the independent, proud, inspired women they are today. The event 'Women in Business' was held in Brisbane on June 8. Organised by Red Carpet Functions, the event brought together women from all walks of life to share stories of their journeys so far in the business world. "Red carpet is overwhelmed at the opportunity of providing a platform for women to interact, account and connect with each other, " said Reena Augustine, founder, Red Carper Functions. "We also had Sharwesh Bob Pillay from Cornerstone Law Offices address the floor and give the participants

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insights into what, when, why, and how of laying the groundwork for a business venture." The participants had a lot of interesting questions on the legal requirements and the mind-mapping process of getting to knowing your own business and achieving set targets. As the microphone changed hands, it brought out experiences that educated the gathering of women entrepreneurs about the mistakes to avoid or challenges to take up in the journey of owning and growing a business.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Panda Group donates $100K worth of oxygen concentrators and medicines in Andhra Pradesh last month.

xygen is an essential medicine in the treatment of COVID-19, but currently due to the massive need in India, there is an acute shortage of medical oxygen. Sometimes this can be a matter of life and death for patients with Coronavirus. Recognising the current need for support, Panda Group has initiated emergency support through Heal Australia and donated $100K worth of oxygen concentrators, medical equipment and medicines. The first shipment of medical essentials was dispatched to Vijayawada

"We are helping in the setting up of oxygen banks in association with Rotary International at Vijayawada and other local organisations throughout South India," informed Dr Ramana Panda, CEO of Panda Group. There are plans afoot to establish oxygen banks in every metropolis in India with help of local voluntary organisations. With things going as planned, the oxygen banks would loan an oxygen concentrator to the patient in need, and after the urgent requirement has been met, the concentrator would be returned to the oxygen bank of that city. Oxygen concentrators are heavily priced in India currently, and one unit,

make India self-reliant in such technologies. including shipping and handling, costs roughly AUD$1,300. In future, Panda Group

plans to establish and support local medtech industries with modern medical equipment to

Donors who are interested in supporting the charity can contact Heal Australia through their email -- vpanda@healaustralia.com.au.

Sri Lankan Tamil Biloela refugee family permitted to stay in Perth The Tamil family which fled from civil-war afflicted Sri Lanka more than ten years ago and was detained in Christmas Island for years, has been permitted to stay in Perth even as their 4-year-old daughter undergoes medical treatment in a hospital in the city.

mmigration Minister Alex Hawke has corroborated the decision on the morning of 15th June, 2021 that, Nades and Priya Murugappan along with their daughters, Tharnicaa and Kopika would now be allowed to reunite on the mainland and stay in suburban Perth with the assistance of a community detention placement in the vicinity of schools and other essential services while 4-year old Tharnicaa receives medical attention due to a blood infection. Nevertheless, the decision regarding the approval of their visa applications under refugee status is still pending. Despite this, Minister Hawke has confirmed that the recent decision to allow them entry into the Perth community releases them from the prohibition of entering the mainland and staying confined off-shore. He said that, “Today’s decision releases the family from held detention and

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facilitates ongoing treatment, while they pursue ongoing litigation before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Federal Court and High Court. Importantly, today’s decision does not create a pathway to a visa.” “The Government’s position on border protection has not changed. Anyone who arrives in Australia illegally by boat will not be resettled permanently. Anyone who is found not to be owed protection will be expected to leave Australia.” Thus, it is clear that the family still does not have the liberty to be an intrinsic part of the Queensland community which has been fighting incessantly for their right to stay. Previously, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg had also stated that even though the family will be allowed to come together, this isolated case should not be interpreted as an act which sets a precedent for the government condoning the

entry of illegal immigrants into Australia through boats. He further said that the border policies of Australia will continue to be the same. Meanwhile, even as the family continues its legal tussle, it is yet to be determined what kind of visa, if any, would be granted to the members. There are chances that they might be sent to a third country. The Murugappan family has been detained on the island since August 2019 following the support that they received from protestors who rallied against their eviction from Australia after the family had been denied asylum, and the expenses for this detention have escalated to more than $ 6 million. While Nades Murugappan is still on Christmas Island, Acting Prime Minister McCormack on June 14 gave assurance that Nades would be reunited with his two daughters and wife quite soon. Politicians and leaders continue to be divided /IndianAbroadNews

on the issue of the fate of the family. Barnaby Joyce, one of the coalition MPs and the former Deputy Prime Minister is clearly in favour of the family getting consent to stay in Australia. Prior to their detention, Nades and Priya were working in Biloela. Joyce feels that the Australian community is in need of such hard-working and valuable migrants. By contrast, erstwhile Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone felt that bending the rules for the Biloela family would set a bad example and those following the correct procedure of visa application would be discouraged while the formal system would continue to be /indianabroadnews

comprised by those who would not consider it necessary to follow the proper, legal procedure. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson also said that although her sympathies lay with the plight of the family, it does not mean that they should be regarded as refugees rather than economic migrants. She feels that had they travelled back to Sri Lanka and applied for citizenship, then they could have had a greater chance of gaining citizenship by now. PM Scott Morrison has also commented that other feasible options are also being explored with the Home Affairs Ministry.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

SVA continues to set the bar high for selfless community service Melbourne-based non-profit volunteer organization Sikh Volunteers Australia (SVA) has once again lived up to its motto of love all and share all by extending their free home delivery service till the mid-June

Council, Dandenong Council, Cardinia Council, Kingston Council and Monash Council.

Recently during the 7-days circuit breaker lockdown announced in Victoria after some Covid-positive cases, SVA was one of the social organisations at the forefront providing much-needed aid. It provided free vegetarian food home delivery service to the elderly, single mothers, self-isolated, unemployed, international students, the homeless and other members of community who were in need; from May 28 to June 3 which was further extended to June 10. The delivery areas included the seven council areas- Casey Council, Frankston Council, Morrington Peninsula

Member of Parliament Lee Tarlamis OAM in the Victorian Legislative Council praised the selfless contributions of SVA. He said, “Rain, Hail or Shine - if there is someone in need in our community - the dedicated team of volunteers at Sikh Volunteers Australia will be there - time and time again - going above and beyond to assist those who are most in need. Their continued selfless contribution - providing freshly cooked vegetarian meals to so many in our community is an inspiration to so many and life-changing even more. Their kindness and altruism is contagious as evidenced from the support they have been inundated with, the many messages of thanks they have received and from the donations of foodstuff that continues to be dropped off. Not to mention all the volunteer delivery drivers assisting with the delivery of around 1,100 meals a day - that range from mums and dads to entire families, taxi drivers to students as well

VA members have been working selflessly and tirelessly since the Covid-pandemic induced a nationwide lockdown in Australia in March last year. From providing door-step delivery of freshly cooked vegetarian meals to delivering groceries and other essential supplies to the most vulnerable members of society such as, foreign students and elderly people, the volunteers have epitomized the noble Sikh principle of “seva” which means community service.

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as SES units from near and far like Narre Warren and Bunyip. In Parliament today I took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the amazing Sikh Volunteer Australia team for their amazing and inspiring work and for continuing to make such a difference to the lives of so many in our community.” Moving ahead with their noble initiative, SVA volunteers recently announced that their dedicated free home delivery service would continue till June 17 and it would not at all be surprising if they extend the service even further. SVA volunteers have been successful in their endeavour because of continual and generous help from various community members and other groups. Local members dedicate food and other essentials to SVA on special occasions such as birthdays of their children in order to make the day special by contributing to those in need. SVA continues to acknowledge such generous and philanthropic contributions which have been instrumental in fostering its good work.

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LATA JI’S KITCHEN

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

‘Indian Cooking with Lata Modi’ GULAB JAMUN

I always make some extra and any left overs , you can freeze them . - 4 cup full cream milk powder - 1/2 cup self raising flour - 1 cup Maida ( white flour) - 500 GMs thickened cream to make dough . - Enogh oil in the deep wok for frying . SYRUP In a big saucepan put 6 cups sugar 6 cups water Elaichi powder And bring to boil . Once it’s fully boiled , leave it on stove on a very low heat ( minimum)

ello friends

It’s cooler weather approaching fast in Australia and we all want to enjoy some nice yummy home made sweets. I wanted to make something for my family too , so I asked my grandson Jonny , if he would like to eat some Indian dessert ? He said Dadi ma can you make some Gulab Jamun ? I said Oh Jonny Gulab jamun is very time consuming, because once you make gulab jamun , you have a make a lot of it . Jonny ‘a answer just won my heart .

He said , Dadi ma ! “Just make two gulab jamuns for me please , that will be so much quicker . “ How can any grand ma not make gulab jamuns after such a heart warming conversation with a 6 year old . So yes , you guessed it right. Today we are making lots of Gulab jamun . Hope you all try it at home , as this is “ you can’t go wrong recipe “ ! Let’s get started ! GULAB JAMUN INGREDIENTS ( for about 60 pieces )

METHOD - in a deep mixing bowl add milk powder, self raising flour and plain flour . - with the help of thickened cream , ( Add little cream at a time ) make a soft dough . - in the meantime, take a big deep wok and heat enough oil ( 1 litre) - in the beginning , keep heat high , once it’s hot , bring the heat to low . - divide your dough , and make small round balls ( smaller than golf ball size ) This should be really smooth balls with no cracks in it . - fry these round balls until dark brown colour - ( Few at a time ) Remember to cook it on low to medium heat , for this to be cooked through nicely from inside . - By now your syrup should be ready . - As soon as it comes out of hot oil , it goes straight into the syrup . Softly dip it in the syrup . - Repeat the frying - fried ones go in the syrup again - and the first lot comes out in a serving dish . Serve this mouthwatering gulab jamuns warm .

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Enjoy !

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INDIA

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Defence reforms will make India global powerhouse in coming times: Rajnath

Addressing a gathering during launch of a e-booklet, he said the booklet is a reflection of the resolve of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to make the defence sector stronger and more efficient. The e-booklet, titled '20 Reforms in 2020', provides a brief overview of defence reforms undertaken in the year by the Ministry to bring about greater cohesion and modernisation of the armed forces through policy changes, innovation and digital transformation. Reforms also focused on 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat', increased collaboration with industry to boost defence exports, measures to accelerate defence acquisitions with greater transparency, digital transformation, strengthening of border infrastructure, increased participation of women in armed forces, transformation in research and development to boost innovation, expansion of NCC to remote locations, and aid extended to the civil administration in fight against Covid-19. Rajnath Singh also mentioned the appointment of India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and creation of Department of Military Affairs (DMA) as one of the major decisions taken by the government. The post of CDS was created to increase efficiency and coordination among the armed forces and reduce duplication, while the DMA was established to ensure improved civil-military integration. To promote 'Make in India'

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in defence sector, a list of 101 items was notified in August 2020, a 52,000 crore budget earmarked for indigenously-made defence equipment in 2020-21, and corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) approved in May 2020 for greater efficiency and productivity, the ministry stated. It also said that there was an unprecedented push towards new technology developments. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) developed a ventilator in record time to meet Covid-19 requirements in May 2020. In November 2020, the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile, indigenously designed & developed by the DRDO, hit bullseye at medium range and medium height, while indigenously built Pinaka rocket system cleared test of 45-60 km range. The increased partnership with the private sector has led to a substantial rise in defence exports, with their value rising from Rs 1,941 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 9,116 crore in 2019-20. Also, for the first time, India figured in the list of defence equipment exporting nations, as the exports expanded to more than 84 countries. In highest-ever thrust towards modernisation in last 10 years, there was 10 per cent budget increase in 2020-21 over the previous year. Policy reforms for increased transparency included launch of new Defence Acquisition Procedure in September 2020 and revision of DRDO Procurement Manual in October 2020. To encourage start-ups, a provision was introduced for procurement as Buy Indian-IDDM, while leasing for non-mission critical requirements was introduced for the first time. First five Rafale fighter aircraft arrived in India in July 2020 and several

more since then, adding firepower to the arsenal of the Indian Air Force. Despite the Covid-19 challenge, the aircraft were delivered timely and inducted into IAF. To promote innovation by young minds, five Young Scientists Laboratories of DRDO were launched in 2020 in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. The DRDO has joined hands with the private sector in design and development and identified 108 systems and subsystems for the industry to design, develop and manufacture. For the first time, several organisations of Ministry of Defence went digital. Directorate General Quality Assurance (DGQA) started online Pre-Delivery inspection in May 2020 to address security threats, while tge Armed Forces Tribunal began digital hearing for the first time in August 2020. The Defence Estates, Canteen Stores Department, services in Cantonment, MoD Pension and National Cadet Corps (NCC) also went online providing faster

“

To promote ‘Make in India’ in defence sector, a list of 101 items was notified in August 2020, a 52,000 crore budget earmarked for indigenously-made defence equipment in 2020-21, and corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) approved in May 2020 for greater efficiency and productivity, the ministry stated.

“

New Delhi, June 7: Expressing confidence about the reforms in defence sector, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that these reforms will make India a global powerhouse in the times to come.

/IndianAbroadNews

and transparent services. Reforms of processes and work flows within Border Roads Organisation (BRO) enabled it to achieve targets ahead of schedule, in some instances. World's longest Atal tunnel above 10,000 feet, at Rohtang on the Leh-Manali Highway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020. Zojila pass, situated on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway, was opened almost a month ahead of schedule in April 2020. In 2020, the Defence Ministry took some historic decisions to increase participation of women in the armed forces. Ten streams of Indian Army were opened for giving Permanent Commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) Women officers, while women pilots of Indian Navy were operationalised for the first time. All Sainik Schools were thrown open for girl students from academic session 2020-21. Expanding the reach of NCC to remote locations was a major announcement made by Prime Minister Modi from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day on August 15, 2020. More than 1,075 schools and colleges in border and coastal areas were identified and the enrolment began in November 2020. In another decision, it was decided to give preference to NCC cadets in employment in Central Armed Police Forces from May 2020. Youth Exchange

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Programme Allowance for NCC cadets was increased from Rs 100 per day to Rs 750 and the number of countries was increased from 10 to 15. Ministry of Defence and the armed forces have mobilised resources to aid the civil administration in fight against Covid-19. The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) provided all emergency support to tide over the situation. They have mobilised doctors, health professionals and set up Quarantine facilities at several locations across the country. The DRDO has set up several hospitals to treat Covid patients across the states, passed on technology expertise to manufacture ventilators, oxygen plants, medicines, test kits and PPE kits to private sector for mass production. The armed forces also extended a helping hand to the countries in distress. Indian Navy mounted eight relief missions during 2020-21. Besides evacuating stranded Indians from Iran, Sri Lanka and Maldives under Vande Bharat Mission, Indian Naval ships provided Covid-19 medical relief, including medicines and doctors, to five countries. INS Airavat provided 270 MT foodaid to Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea, struck by natural calamities. The Indian Coast Guard led the rescue operation to save Sri Lanka coast of its biggest oil spill. Indian Air Force carried out over 800 relief missions during 2020-21.

INDIA

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Two wanted Punjab gangsters gunned down in Kolkata shootout robbery, murder, extortion and kidnapping, among others. However, details regarding a third gangster are not available yet. Senior STF officials are present on the spot.

Kolkata, June 9: Personnel of Kolkata Police's Special Task Force ( STF) on Wednesday gunned down two Punjab gangsters believed to be involved in gun running and responsible for killing two policemen. The deceased duo has been identified as Jaspreet Jassi and Jaipal Bhullar. The STF encircled a residential block in New Town's Shapoorji complex after a tip-off that the two gangsters were hiding there. Kolkata Police said the gangsters fired on the STF personnel and tried to escape, but both were killed in the encounter that lasted for around 35 minutes. The STF raided the

residential block after receiving intelligence inputs that the two criminals involved in bringing weapons into West Bengal from Bihar via Birbhum had taken refuge at the New Town complex. These weapons also find their way into Bangladesh and the northeastern states of India. According to Kolkata Police, Jaspreet Jassi and Jaipal Bhullar -- who were wanted in connection with the killing of two assistant sub-inspectors in Jagraon in Punjab's Ludhiana district -were killed in the encounter.

Sources in the STF said that the cops came to know about the duo a week back when a truck carrying 20 kg explosives was seized and two persons were arrested in this connection. "Interrogating the duo, we came to know about these two gangsters who were hiding in Kolkata for some days. Further investigation revealed that the duo was hiding in a rented apartment in the Shapoorji complex in New Town," an STF officer said.

At around at 3.30 pm on Wednesday, an STF team raided flat number B 153, an LIG apartment where they were hiding since May 22. Suddenly, they started firing from inside and as a result the cops had to open fire in retaliation. "We wanted them to surrender but they started firing, so we had to fire back. As a result, both of them died. One of our

Both were wanted in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for over 40 cases related to

personnel, Kartick Ghosh, was injured in the firing. He has suffered a bullet injury on his left shoulder and has been admitted to a private hospital," one of the officers said. According to STF sources, in May this year, Bhullar, who was a resident of Ferozepur district in Punjab, along with three others had snatched firearms from two cops in Jagraon and shot them dead.

Suspected Chinese spy held while illegally entering India from B’desh New Delhi, June 10: In a major catch, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday arrested a suspected Chinese spy who was trying to illegally cross the India-Bangladesh border into Indian territory in West Bengal's Malda district. Identified as Han Junwe, 36, he belongs to China's Hubei. He entered Bangladesh on June 2. Han's capture is a big achievement for the BSF as he is a wanted for working in India for a Chinese intelligence agency, according to a statement issued by the paramilitary force. The Chinese man and his wife have a case against them in Uttar Pradesh. He also said he has a hotel in Gurugram named "Star

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Spring" and has visited India more than four times. All intelligence agencies are working together and interrogating the Chinese national as some electronic equipment found from his possession raised suspicion that he was working in India for a Chinese intelligence agency, the statement said. "This apprehension is a big achievement for the Border Security Force and the matter will be investigated in the depth. Many startling details may get surfaced." The BSF troopers, of the South Bengal Frontier, arrested the Chinese national in the area under Border Outpost Malik Sultanpur. The BSF statement said that the intruder started moving stealthily after crossing the

border and tried to run away when the vigilant troopers on border duty challenged him and asked to stop.

The BSF troopers chased and caught him and after arresting him, brought him to the Border Outpost Mohadipur for questioning. From interrogation and his recovered passport, it was learnt that Han reached Dhaka on June 2 on a business visa, and stayed there with a Chinese friend. On June 8, he came to Sona Masjid in Chapainawabganj district (Bangladesh) and stayed in a hotel there, the statement said, adding he was trying to enter Indian territory today (Thursday) when he was caught by the BSF trooprs. During interrogation, the

/IndianAbroadNews

Chinese man said that even before this he has come to India four times. He had come to Hyderabad in 2010 and Delhi-Gurugram thrice after 2019. According to him, he has a hotel in Gurugram named "Star Spring". Some of his colleagues in this hotel are from China and rest are Indian. On further questioning, Han told when he had gone to his hometown Hubei, one of his business partner Sun Jiang used to send him 10-15 numbers of Indian mobile phone SIMs after a few days, which were received by him and his wife. But a few days ago, his business partner was caught by the Anti-Terrorist Squad from Lucknow. The Chinese man that a case has been registered against him and his wife

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after his business partner revealed his name to the ATS, and due to this, he did not get an Indian visa in China and got visa for Bangladesh and Nepal to come to India. An Apple Laptop, two iPhone mobiles, a Bangladeshi SIM, an Indian SIM, two Chinese SIMs, two pen drives, three batteries, two small torchs, five Money Transaction Machine, two ATM and Master Card, US dollars, Bangladeshi takas and Indian currency were recovered from his possession.

INDIA

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Is Centre planning 'something big' in J&K? delimitation deliberations. The extended term of the delimitation commission ends in March 2022, but those connected with the working of the commission suggest it would give its final report before the end of its extended term.

Srinagar, June 9: With rumours becoming rife over New Delhi planning 'something big' in J&K, top sources told IANS on Wednesday that the focus of the central government is on two important issues: whether the suspended Amarnath Yatra can be resumed and whether assembly elections can be held before the year end.

delimitation of new assembly segments depending upon the guiding principle that both the regions and various races, tribes and communities get an equitable deal", the source asserted.

"Much depends upon the COVID situation which has shown a steady improvement during the last one week.

Leaders of the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference (PC), Apni Party and others have started activating their ground level cadre.

"If the situation permits, you can have assembly elections before the year end", a top source in New Delhi told IANS. Asked whether these elections can be held till the delimitation commission completes its work, the source said, "Why do you think the delimitation commission cannot complete its work during this year?" "The commission has started its ground level process of collecting data and population break-up etc from various district development commissioners. "Once the statistical backup is ready, the commission will start its final duty of

The developments on the ground also indicate that various political parties have started coming out of hibernation.

NC patron and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah is scheduled to meet PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti later on Wednesday. Sources in these two parties suggest the meeting is likely to decide on the participation of these parties in the meetings of the delimitation commission to put forth their viewpoint on the new delimitation and increased representation to some tribes, races and communities. The sources added that the NC patron is underlining the importance for the regional parties to take part in

Tribals like Gujjars, Bakarwals, races like the Paharis, Dogras etc and communities like the Kashmiri Pandits expect that the delimitation commission would end their under-representation in the J&K assembly. Given the present political scenario in J&K it is logical to assume that no political party would choose to remain out of the electoral process. "Out of hustings would mean out of politics", said a senior NC leader requesting not to be named. On the other priority, the resumption of the suspended Amarnath Yatra, authorities are of the opinion that while the normal Yatra with thousands of pilgrims might not be possible, yet the Amarnath Yatra must be held with all religious formalities and with minimum participation this year. While Kashmiris are besieged with rumours of statehood for Jammu, declaration of safe areas for Kashmir migrant Pandits and the further truncating of the districts of Kashmir division, the real 'big development' could be restoration of democracy with equitable representation to every community, tribe and race and the holding of a subdued Amarnath Yatra this year.

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One who lives in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones at others: SC to Ex-Mumbai CP New Delhi, June 11: The Supreme Court on Friday expressed shock and declined to entertain a plea by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh seeking transfer of all inquiries against him outside Maharashtra and also for transferring of all investigations from state police to an independent agency. A bench comprising Justice Hemant Gupta and V. Ramasubramanian told counsel representing Singh: "The person living in a glasshouse shouldn't throw stones at others." The bench told senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Singh, "You have been in the police force for 30 years. Now, you can't say you want your inquiries outside the state. You can't have doubts over your own force." Singh has alleged a witch-hunt after he accused then state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of adopting corrupt practices in posting or transfers in police in addition with extortion of Rs 100 crore per month from various establishments. Jethmalani argued that cases are being registered against his client and he is facing a punishment for writing the letter to the Maharashtra chief minister in connection with the former home minister. The bench replied, "It is shocking that you served in the same system for 30 years and now you are suddenly making allegations against everyone." The court pointed out that Singh is a Maharashtra cadre officer. Jethmalani pointed at political pressure exerted on officers probing cases against Singh. However, the top court decided to dismiss the petition. Senior advocate Puneet Bali, representing Singh,

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urged the court not to dismiss the petition and allow his client to pursue other legal remedies. After hearing arguments, the bench allowed Singh to withdraw the petition. In a writ petition, Singh alleged that the inquiry officer of the state government is threatening him with false cases unless he withdraws complaint against Deshmukh. Singh has asked the top court to transfer all investigations already initiated or contemplated against him to the CBI which is presently probing the charges against Deshmukh. He claims to have submitted to the CBI transcripts linked with alleged phone call conversations from the inquiry officer threatening him. "Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ order or direction directing the Respondent no. 1, its officers and agencies to: (i) transfer all the enquiries already ordered for considering departmental actions the petition to any other state. (ii) transfer all the investigations already contemplated or initiated against the petitioner for any punitive prosecution to independent agency like the respondent no. 2 Central Bureau of Investigation, which is already the connected case or any other investigation agency outside the state of Maharashtra," said the Singh's plea.

AUSTRALIA

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

NSW state seeks return of int'l ISB partners with students University of Sydney Business School Sydney, June 10: International tertiary students will soon b e allowed back onto campuses in Australia's New South Wales (NSW), if a state government proposal announced on Thursday gains federal approval. The students, who have been blocked from entering Australia during the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, are usually a major source of revenue to the NSW economy, with the sector estimated to have been worth A$14 billion ($11 billion) in 2019, reports Xinhua news agency. Overseas students are still enrolling at Australian universities but are studying online from their home countries. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said international students' education was the state's second most valuable export and "we need to do what we can to help students return and revive this sector as quickly as possible". Under the NSW

government's pilot plan, 250 international students would arrive in the capital city of Sydney each fortnight from mid-year. The students would be in addition to the 3,000 returning Australians allowed back into NSW each week. The students would then go into quarantine at specially approved accommodation at no cost to taxpayers. The proposal has been made after several months' collaboration with the NSW Vice-Chancellor's Committee, one of the state's senior academic groups. "This program has carefully considered the personal, social and academic aspects of our students, to

ensure they successfully resume their studies and re-join NSW's vibrant, multicultural community as soon as possible," said committee member Professor Barney Glover. Council of International Students president Belle Lim was also encouraged to learn that the plan has been submitted for federal review. "We are so happy to see that international students will be welcomed back to NSW, and it sends a great message to those studying online offshore that there is hope that things will return to normal again," Lim said. The final decision on the plan will be made by the federal Education Minister Alan Tudge.

Aus can't wait for quarantine facilities: Oppn leader Canberra, June 6: Leader of Australia's opposition Labor Party Anthony Albanese on Sunday said the country cannot wait until 2022 to open dedicated quarantine facilities for international arrivals. Albanese criticised the federal government for waiting to build quarantine facilities, saying construction should have begun in 2020, reports Xinhua news agency. "That was the best time to do this, the next best time is right now," he told Sky News Australia. The government last week announced A$200 million ($15 million) in funding to build a 500-bed facility in Victoria state to help repatriate more Australians stranded overseas amid the pandemic.

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However, construction on the site will not start until September and it will not be operational until 2022. The New South Wales state government on Sunday confirmed it is also seeking funding for a dedicated facility. "This needs to fixed now, not wait until after the next federal election which will occur perhaps as late as May of next year," Albanese said. "We can't afford to keep having these lockdowns." Arrivals to Australia have been forced into quarantine for 14 days in hotels, but the system has repeatedly been breached. According to Albanese, there have been many Covid-19 outbreaks in Australia linked to hotel quarantine breaches,

including the current outbreak in Victoria that has thrust the greater Melbourne area into its fourth lockdown. "We know that the facilities at the moment, in hotel quarantine, the outbreak in Victoria has come from Adelaide and we know that 21 separate outbreaks have occurred," Albanese said. He said that the problems have been exacerbated by Australia's troubled vaccine rollout. As of Sunday, more than 5 million doses have been administered in Australia.

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Hyderabad, June 9: The Indian School of Business (ISB) on Wednesday announced that it has signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the University of Sydney Business School (USBS) for five years. The two world-class business schools signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote research collaborations, academic exchange, and student mobility. This is expected to provide a major impetus in fostering new and futuristic paradigms in management education. Joint initiatives being planned include a dual master's degree, which would be delivered both at the University of Sydney and the Indian School of Business, executive education programmes, as well doctoral student mobility and co-supervision. Both schools see international immersion as a core requirement for developing future-ready graduates. In 2019, the University of Sydney was ranked the largest student mobility programme in Australia for the second year in a row. Cooperation between the two schools will be explored in academic research, doctoral research, coursework education, corporate engagement and in contributing to policy development in and for a

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post-Covid world, ISB said. The partnership is ISB's first comprehensive partnership with an Australian School in the business and management field. This was formally launched on Wednesday at a webinar. "The need of the hour is to forge new academic partnerships that will enhance ISB's global insights and presence through exchange of ideas and people. I am confident that ISB's comprehensive partnership with University of Sydney Business School will usher in new insights based on multidisciplinary research that will contribute to management thought leadership and in designing new trajectories in management education globally," said Professor Rajendra Srivastava, Dean of the Indian School of Business. "In the face of what seems an increasingly divided world since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must seize opportunities to deepen our partnerships with international institutions. Despite the challenges of distance, we are delighted to celebrate this new partnership with such a prestigious institution and look forward to many more collaborations with the Indian School of Business," said Professor Greg Whitwell, Dean of the University of Sydney Business School.

WORLD

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Antigua Cabinet discusses US mounts pressure Pak for access to Choksi's abduction claim on military bases after He further said there was sufficient evidence Barbara Jarabica and the other men involved in the incident had carried out a "reconnaissance or a failed attempt to kidnap" Choksi in April this year, adding that the fugitive businessman should be returned to Antigua. Giving details of the abduction attempt, Polak said Jabarica, who lured Choksi to her Airbnb accommodation on May 23, had specifically asked the owner if there is a place for docking a small boat in the backyard.

he Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet held a brief discussion into Indian fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi's abduction claim, as well as on the decisions rendered by the Magistrate and the High Court of Dominica, local media reported. "No new information has emanated from the Dominica authorities that now hold Choksi's fate in their hands. The authorities in Antigua continue their investigation of Choksi's claim that he was abducted in Antigua. Since abductions and kidnappings are not crimes usually reported in Antigua, no effort is being spared to uncover all the facts in this supposed abduction," the Antigua News Room quoted a Cabinet note as saying following the discussion. Choksi, who is currently facing charges of entering Dominica illegally, was "unlawfully renditioned" from Antigua and Barbuda to Dominica so that he would no longer have the option of appealing to the UK Privy Council, his lawyer contend-

ed on Thursday. Michael Polak, part of the legal team representing Choksi and an expert in providing legal assistance to foreign nationals around the world, told a virtual news conference that the team has also filed a complaint with the War Crimes Unit of the UK's Metropolitan Police on the ground that the Indian fugitive businessman was tortured. Describing the case as one of "egregious breach of the rule of law and fundamental fairness", Polak said: "What happened to Choksi has been terrible. He was lured into a property, kidnapped, a bag placed over his head, beaten, forced on to a boat and unlawfully renditioned into another country. "In Antigua, he has the right to appeal to the Privy Council in London to determine whether the government is acting properly against him. In Dominica, he does not have such protection. The motive behind the kidnapping could not be clearer."

Revealing chats between Jabarica and owner of the properties, Polak said she had discussed taking two adjoining properties after getting confirmation about docking place for boats. Polak alleged that one property was used by people with her, who were part of kidnapping team. The lawyer also claimed that soon after the kidnapping of Choksi, Jabarica left Antigua and Barbuda in a private plane to Dominica. Choksi, who is wanted in India in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case had gone missing on May 23 from Antigua sparking a massive manhunt. He was reportedly captured on May 26 in Dominica. Choksi is facing the charges of entering Dominica illegally. A Dominican High Court has restrained the extradition. He had taken the citizenship of Antigua in 2017 and left India on January 4, 2018 days before the case came to light.

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Afghan withdrawal

in the military, intelligence and diplomatic channels to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a base from which terrorist groups could attack the US.

As the US gears up to end its longest fought war in Afghanistan and withdraw its troops from the country, the Joe Biden administration is in deliberations with Pakistan to provide the US access to its airspace and a drone base, which would be used to keep an eye on the situation in Afghanistan after the troops withdrawal and also to make sure that it does turn into a terrorist base again. However, Pakistan does not seem to be ready to facilitate the US to station itself in Pakistani bases to operate drones, like it did previously. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, has clearly refused to facilitate the US with any airbase to operate from Pakistani soil. While Islamabad seems to be sticking to its position of not allowing the US to operate from any of its bases, US' demand continues to assert the Pakistani military, intelligence and diplomatic channels to give access to airspace and airbases, insisting that they would be used for surveillance purposes in Afghanistan only. Pentagon was the first to announce that Pakistan had allowed the US troops to station there and use its airspace to operate surveillance drones, a claim that has been categorically rejected by the Pakistani government. In a latest development, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has confirmed that he had detailed discussions with Pakistan

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"We've had constructive discussions in military, intelligence and diplomatic channels with Pakistan about the future of America's capabilities to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a base from which al-Qaeda, ISIS or any other terrorist group can attack the United States. But in terms of the specifics, what that would look like will have to remain in those private channels as we work through them," Sullivan said. "What I will say, we are talking to a wide range of countries about how we build effective over the horizon capacity both from intelligence and defense prospective to be able to suppress terrorism threat in Afghanistan," he added. The US has been working on exploring options to maintain military and intelligence footprint in the region to tackle a possible terrorist resurgence in Afghanistan. It is for this that the US is seeking bases in neighboring countries of Afghanistan where it can ensure surveillance and can also target terrorists through drones. But Pakistani government officials have said that since the US does not enjoy the kind of leverage it did in the past, it cannot force Pakistan. "The US has long suspended military and security assistance as well as the Coalition Support Fund (CSP). In the past, the US did use this as a bargaining chip. Now, the US is left with fewer options such as keeping Pakistan in the FATF grey list. Rest it has no option," a Pakistan government official said.

WORLD

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

'Bridge-builder': UNSC backs Guterres, ensuring second term as Secy General

he UN Security Council on Tuesday recommended Antonio Guterres, who is running unopposed, for a second term as the Secretary General, ensuring his re-election. "He has proven worthy of the post," Council President Sven Jurgenson said while announcing the decision after a brief closed-door meeting of the UN body which effectively has the final say on the appointment. The recommendation for another five-year term will now go to the 193-member General Assembly for a formal vote. India, which is a non-permanent member of the Security Council, supports Guterres's re-election. After a meeting with Guterres last month, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted that

New Delhi "values" his leadership and would back his re-election. India's Permanent Represenative T. S. Tirumurti tweeted that "India welcomes" the Security Council resolution recommending a second term for Guterres. Re-election of Guterres, who has not antagonised the permanent members of the Security Council, is seen only as a formality as seven of his predecessors sailed through to further terms in office. Only Boutros Boutros Ghali, an Egyptian, did not get re-elected because of Washington's opposition. Guterres was able to navigate the shoals of UN polarisation that has sharpened during his term, managing even the reflexive opposition of then US President Donald Trump to the UN and China's aggressive

diplomacy. Jurgenson, who is from Estonia, described Guterres as a "bridge-builder". "He's able to speak to everybody, and I think this is something that is expected from the secretary-general," he said. India's former Permanent Representative Syed Akabaruddin tweeted: "It augurs well for diplomacy, when the world's top diplomat is amongst the most affable too." Guterres's main achievement is his leadership of the world body during the Covid-19 crisis, pleading for equitable distribution of vaccines and other resources, and promoting an agenda for post-pandemic rebuilding while fighting disinformation. The top item on his agenda has been global warming, which he has called an existential threat to humanity. Guterres, a former Prime Minister of Portugal and a UN High Commissioner for Refugees, was the surprise consensus candidate in 2016. It had been expected that a woman, likely from East Europe, would get the job that had been held only by men and never by a East European.

US state sees more deaths than births for 1st time due to Covid Washington, June 14: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the US state of Montana witnessed more deaths than births for the first time since data collection began in 1908. The Independent Record newspaper based in Helena, capital city of Montana, reported on Sunday that early and provisional data from the state's health department showed that the mortality rate increased by 14 per cent in 2020 to 12,018 deaths, surpassing the 10,791 births, reports Xinhua news agency. In 2019, births outpaced deaths in Montana by 677, the report said, adding that in 2020 there were approximately 1,900 excess deaths compared to the average over the five previous years, reports Xinhua news agency. Kenneth M. Johnson, senior demographer at the Carsey School of Public Policy and professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire and an Andrew Carnegie Fellow, was quoted by the report as saying that not only in Montana, Covid-19 had a "dramatic and immediate impact on deaths in the US". Johnson released a paper titled "Deaths Exceeded Births in a Record Number of States in 2020" last

month, in which births outpaced deaths in Montana by 677 in 2019, but there were 1,200 more deaths than births in 2020. Johnson' research showed that Montana's neighbouring states like Wyoming and the Dakotas also saw similar trends, and nationwide, 25 states reported more deaths than births last year - this was the first time that happened in all but five states. The surge of deaths was caused directly by Covid as well as other factors impacted by the pandemic, Johnson explained in an email to the newspaper. "People delaying treatment for other diseases, being reluctant to get medical tests that might have detected disease early and deaths that may have occurred because people were reluctant to go to a hospital if they had chest pains," Johnson said. His research also noted that in 2020, the impact of the pandemic contributed to a record 3,376,000 deaths in the US: 18 per cent more than in 2019. In addition, births diminished by 4 per cent to 3,605,000 in 2020. "The surplus of births over deaths added just 229,000 to the population in 2020 compared to 892,000 in 2019: a decline of 74%,".

Canada condemns 'targeted' killing of Muslim family The Canadian government has condemned the "targeted" killing of four members of a Muslim family by a pick-up driver in the city of London in Ontario province. Two women, one man and a teenager were killed when they were out for a walk when the pick-up truck hit them. A nine-yearold boy is in hospital with serious injuries. Police said the killings were premeditated as the 20-year-old driver, identified as Nathaniel Veltman, was wearing a vest that looked like body armour. Veltman could face terrorism charges even though

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he has already been charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one attempted murder. "We believe this was an intentional act. The victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith," said the city's police chief. In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday: "I'm horrified by the news from London, Ontario. To the loved ones of those who were terrorised by yesterday's act of hatred, we are here for you. We are also here for the child who remains in hospital, our hearts go out to you, and you will be in our thoughts

as you recover." Sympathising with the Muslim community of Canada, he said: "We stand with you. Islamophobia has no place in any of our communities. This hate is insidious and despicable and it must stop."

generations of one family - targeted and murdered because of their Islamic faith and to stand in solidarity with our Muslim community". He added that the city

stands "with the Muslim community in London and here in Toronto in the face of this tragedy. And we absolutely reject the hatred and Islamophobia that led to this deadly violence".

London city Mayor Ed Holder called the incident "an act of mass murder, perpetrated against Muslims - against Londoners and rooted in unspeakable hatred". Meanwhile, Toronto Mayor John Tory announced to dim the Toronto Sign on Monday night "to mourn the London family - three

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BUSINESS & INVESTMENT

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Basmati to saffron, cherry to strawberry - the story of peace and development in Kashmir R.S. Pura rice and the world famous Pampore Saffron.

New Delhi, June 9: As much as 60,000 hectares of Basmati agricultural land will be converted into a more productive one as the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration has decided to provide good quality seeds at cheaper rates to around 7.5 lakh farmers in the Union Territory. In a campaign to increase the productivity of Basmati agricultural land, the farmers of the region would be provided high quality seeds at a cost of Rs 16 crore and encouraged to switch over to organic farming. Basmati, a long grain aromatic rice known for its superior aroma and distinct flavour, has for many years generally been grown in the sub-tropical plains of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. As per the Agriculture Department of the UT, J&K accounts for nearly two per cent share in the all India area and 1.60 per cent share in production of Basmati rice. Approximately

around 90,000 farming families are involved in Basmati cultivation in J&K, out of which more than 90 per cent are small and marginal farmers having low investment and risk bearing capacities. India is the largest exporter of Basmati rice, sending it over to 80-90 countries all over the world including USA, European Union, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Commonwealth of Independent States, etc. Basmati rice grown in the Ranbir Singh (RS) Pura area of Jammu, including the famous Mushk Budji variety grown in higher reaches of Kashmir valley like Anantnag and Budgam, is now in a huge demand. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag - a sign on products that have a specific geographical origin and the product may have special quality or reputation - has also led to the overall economic prosperity of the producers, including those engaged in the farming of

"From carpets to saffron, from apples to Basmati, what is not there in Jammu and Kashmir? Even during the lockdown caused by corona, the government took care that the apple growers here have least of the problems," PM Modi had said while launching the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY SEHAT scheme for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir last December. A new dawn in Kashmir That the development of the people of region remains one of the top priorities of the Narendra Modi government has once again been proved as the J&K administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is going all out to provide all facilities like harvesting, management and processing to the farmers and providing linkages for their products to national and international markets. Highlighting the various initiatives undertaken by the government to bring reforms in the horticulture sector, Sinha revealed on Tuesday that the UT administration has signed an MoU with NAFED through which 5500 hectares of high density apple, walnut, mango and litchi would be cultivated in the next five years. For this, an investment of about Rs 1700 crore will

be made in the Union Territory. Three cold storage clusters will also be set up at Kathua, north Kashmir and south Kashmir with an investment of Rs 500 crore which will provide more convenience to the farmers. "GI tagging of regional products is being done to further empower the farmers through effective marketing of their products. The quality of many of our products like saffron, walnut, cherry, strawberry, plum, almond and apricot is no less than those produced in other countries. Kashmir's saffron was launched in Dubai in December after the GI tagging. The world market was dominated by the Iranian saffron but now Kashmir's Saffron is making its mark in the global market," remarked the Lt Governor. The government is also focused on increasing the income of farmers and providing employment to more and more youth in collaboration with the administration and scientists, researchers related to agriculture. To promote agriculture and horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir, the current year's budget has been increased to Rs 2008 crore, which is Rs 695 crore more than the previous year. Agricultural universities of Jammu and Kashmir are also being roped in for promoting food processing units and agriculture

related start-ups. Despite the corona pandemic, scores of agricultural programmes have been organized in the past 10 months. With the help of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, effort is being made to reach out to every farmer to ensure the use of innovation and technology in agriculture and allied sectors. Sinha said that, in order to take technology to the fields of farmers, it has been decided to provide machinery worth Rs 65 crore to the identified 30,000 farmers, besides providing modern irrigation facilities to 25,000 farmers at a cost of Rs 91 crore. Further, the state-of-the-art training will also be imparted to around 35,000 farmers to implement new experiments in agriculture with the changing environment for which provision of Rs 26 crore has been kept. Special provision has been kept in this year's budget for skill development and employment generation opportunities of rural youth, one of the focus areas of the J&K government. "We have made a provision of Rs 74 crore to increase the capacity of cold storage as well as provide employment opportunities to our youth," Sinha said while stressing on building a strong framework for farmer-industry connect, besides giving a determined push to agricultural entrepreneurship.

Defence Ministry approves Rs 498.8 cr for startups, defence manufacturRajnath Singh said that been brought together to innovation iningthesector. the iDEX initiative stands push for innovations in the New Delhi, June 9: The Defence Ministry on Wednesday approved Rs 498.8 crore to support startups and innovation in the defence manufacturing sector. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the step is a big boost to startups in defence. He stated that the approval will give a big boost to become self reliant

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Sanjay Jaju, Additional Secretary heading Defence Production, stated on social media "The Scheme with budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore for iDEX aims to support 300 startups and 20 partner incubators over next five years to produce functional prototypes and foster innovation in Defence." Earlier, Defence Minister

out as one of the most effective and well-executed defence startup ecosystems created in our country and it would be a decisive step towards achieving self-reliance in the spirit of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" campaign. Singh said for the first time an atmosphere has been created in the country when different stakeholders have

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defence sector. In 2018, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had introduced the "Innovations for Defence Excellence" (iDEX) initiative. iDEX is aimed at creating an ecosystem which fosters innovation and encourages technology development in Defence by engaging research and development institutes, academia,

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industries, start ups and even individual innovators. iDEX will function under the aegis of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) (formed as a 'Not For Profit' company under Section 8 of the Companies Act,2013), as its executive arm.

BUSINESS & INVESTMENT

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Global regulator for banks red-flags crypto-assets such as Bitcoin committee added.

New Delhi, June 11: The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, said on Thursday that cryptoassets such as Bitcoin pose additional and higher risks to banks and would be subject to a new conservative prudential treatment. Cryptoassets are seen as a risk to financial stability because of their potential for money laundering and wild swings in prices that could lead to defaults and saddle banks with huge losses.

Under new prudential norms banks would be required to set aside more capital for covering the risk of any cryptoassets that they hold. This is required to safeguard depositors and other senior creditors of the banks to a loss that could occur due to a sudden crash in the prices of these assets which happens quite often. The Reserve Bank of India has also flagged the high risk that the banking system faces due to the widely fluctuating prices of these digital currencies. The RBI had in fact banned cryptocurrencies but then the Supreme Court had intervened to allow limited use of these assets. The Basel committee's proposals come as a shot in the arm for the RBI as the government is working on legislation to ban these riskydigital currencies. The Basel Committee on

Banking Supervision (BCBS) is the primary global standard setter for the prudential regulation of banks and provides a forum for regular cooperation on banking supervisory matters. Its 45 members comprise central banks and bank supervisors from 28 jurisdictions. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has issued a public consultation on preliminary proposals for the prudential treatment of banks' cryptoasset exposures. "While banks' exposures to cryptoassets are currently limited, the continued growth and innovation in cryptoassets and related services, coupled with the heightened interest of some banks, could increase global financial stability concerns and risks to the banking system in the absence of a specified prudential treatment," the Basel committee said in a press statement issued on Thursday. Given the rapidly evolving nature of this asset class, the Committee believes that policy development for cryptoasset exposures is likely to involve more than one consultation, the

El Salvador becomes 1st country to make Bitcoin a legal tender

The Committee welcomes comments on the proposals, which should be submitted here by 10 September 2021. All submissions will be published on the BIS website unless a respondent specifically requests confidential treatment. Bitcoin prices jumped from about $10,000 last September to as high as $63,000 in mid-April. However, in the past month, prices have collapsed, falling back to $37,000, on the back of tougher regulatory scrutiny in China and Elon Musk's criticism of Bitcoin's high energy cost. Earlier Bitcoin prices had suddenly skyrocketed because Elon Musk invested $1.5 billion in the cryptocurrency through his electric car company Tesla Inc, and said Bitcoin would soon be accepted for payments. However, Microsoft founder Bill Gates "sincere advice" to potential investors at the time was : "Unless you are as rich as Elon Musk you should not go in for buying Bitcoin." Similarly, Warren Buffet, known as the most successful investor of all times, has serious reservations about Bitcoin. He believes that Bitcoin has no underlying value and has referred to it as "rat poison squared" and has said he won't ever buy the cryptocurrency. "I don't have any cryptocurrency and I never will," Buffett had said on CNBC.

San Salvador, June 9: El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday announced that the country has approved the bill to make Bitcoin cryptocurrency a legal tender in the Central American country. The Central American country is now the first country in the world to make Bitcoin legal tender. "The #BitcoinLaw has been approved by a supermajority in the Salvadoran Congress. 62 out of 84 votes! History!," tweeted Bukele. Bukele on June 5 announced the move in a pre-recorded message played at the Bitcoin 2021 conference in Miami, Florida, during a presentation hosted by Jack Mallers, founder digital wallet company Strike. "In the short term this will generate jobs and help provide financial inclusion to thousands outside the formal economy," the President had said. Mallers said he has been working with Bukele to determine the logistics of the move. "Over 70 per cent of the active population of El

Salvador doesn't have a bank account. They're not in the financial system," Mallers said during the presentation. "They asked me to help write a bill and that they viewed bitcoin as a worldclass currency and that we needed to put together a bitcoin plan to help these people." According to Shivam Thakral, CEO of, BuyUcoin. EI Salvador's decision to make Bitcoin a legal tender will boost financial inclusion in their country as the majority of the population does not have access to formal banking channels. "In India, our approach towards crypto is different. We don't see it as a legal tender but as an asset class. Indian investors have shown their faith in crypto even during the massive price fluctuations because they have an investment horizon of 2-3 years," Thakral said in a statement. "We are eagerly waiting for CBDC (central bank digital currency) in India which will open up new avenues of growth for the digital asset industry," he added.

Cyber attacks on crypto users' devices quadrupled: Report New Delhi, June 7: With the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies, the attacks on crypto users quadrupled in the first quarter this year, as cybercriminals installed malicious programmes called Miners to steal cryptocurrency from infected devices, a new report has showed. The number of unique modifications of miners more than quadrupled

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from 3,815 to 16,934 in Q1 2021. In total, researchers from cyber security firm Kaspersky discovered 23,894 new modifications of miners in the period. Miners are often installed without users' knowledge and then begin slowly siphoning off various types of cryptocoins and in some cases, the miners walk away with millions.

The number of Kaspersky users that encountered miners on their devices steadily increased as well, from 187,746 in January to 200,045 users in March 2021.

seem that the increase in the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency has sparked a renewed interest in miners," said Evgeny Lopatin, security expert at Kaspersky.

In total, 432,171 unique users encountered miners in Q1 2021.

"If the crypto markets remains strong this year, it's like we'll continue to see more instances of users encountering miners," he said in a statement.

"It's too early to say for sure if the trend we've noted in Q1 2021 is here to stay. However, it does

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Other notable trends

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included a decrease in the number of users encountering both mobile and PC banking Trojans and an increase in the number of modifications of ransomware Trojans -- from 3,096 in Q4 2020 to 4,354 in Q1 2021. Since miners are often distributed as "riskware", they are not automatically blocked by security solutions.

ART & CULTURE

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

'Ek Saath India Will Rise Again' concert proves to be for the ages Mangeshkar stated, "Covid has hurt everyone physically and economically. Covid came to India and the second way has traumatized India for which I am filled with sorrow. Anupam ji is working with the organisations which is extremely beneficial. I pray to God that the world is freed from this disease, and we can once again lead our normal lives. Everyone should do good works and inspire others to do good."

New Delhi, June 8: The Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) in collaboration with I Am Buddha Foundation and Anupam Kher Foundation hosted a mega online Covid relief fundraising concert on June 5 – ‘Ek Saath India Will Rise Again. The event was supported by Sewa International Foundation, Kashyap Seva Foundation, the US India Pragati Foundation and Federation of Indian Physician Associations. The concert was in aid of thousands of victims of the Covid pandemic that has struck India. Widows and orphans have been left behind to fend for themselves and the refugees, migrants, indigenous people, artistes and minorities have borne the brunt of having lost their livelihood and earnings. Following the successful concert, on June 7, the members of the organising teams met the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, to apprise of him of the Covid

initiatives taken by the teams, including organising the fundraising concert. The delegation comprised Utpal Kaul, GKPD International Coordinator, Parikshit Kaul, Media Coordinator, Sanjay Kachru, KSF member of Governing Council, Siddarth Zarabi, KSF trustee, Bhawna Pandita and Dimple Kaul from I Am Buddha Foundation, and Rashmi Sachdeva Shukla from Anupam Kher Foundation. The minister acknowledged that the citizens of the country had come together at a crucial time and worked jointly to extend a helping hand. He appreciated the various initiatives. Anupam Kher stated, "Inspite of being refugees in their own country, the compassionate Kashmiri Pandits heard the cry of agony of those orphaned or widowed, those migrants and refugees, those who have lost all hope. They rose to meet the challenge and demonstrated by their actions that India will rise again." Legendary singer Lata

Utpal Kaul said, "We are immensely grateful to all the legendary artistes, including Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, who supported the event and gave us the honour of listening to their melodious voices, poem renditions that uplifted our spirits with their encouraging words." Director and Producer Vivek Agnihotri stated, "It was an honour for Pallavi Joshi to anchor the programme and for the I Am Buddha Foundation to produce it on behalf of Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora. We are filled with gratitude at how the artist community responded to the call. We are deeply appreciative to the audience from across the world who joined live in thousands on all online platforms. It continues to be watched across the world." There has been an outpouring of emotion for the concert and viewers from across the globe, including the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and South Africa, who contributed to the fundraising effort. The money raised from the public will go to the end beneficiaries or reputed organisations serving them.

Assam to confer 'Asom Ratna', other awards every year to 'icons' Guwahati, June 8: The BJP-led government in Assam on Tuesday decided to confer various awards including "Asom Ratna" on a regular basis to recognise the "icons" who have made significant contributions

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to the society and various other fields including literature.

Officials said that the Assam cabinet in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has

also decided that besides "Asom Ratna", the government would also confer "Asom Bibhushan", "Assam Bhushan", "Asom Shree" awards, carrying Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively, along with /IndianAbroadNews

Ayodhya to get Ram Dwars, Ramayana gardens

Ayodhya, June 8: Grand entry gates called 'Ram Dwars', flanked by gardens, will come up at all the entry points in Ayodhya soon. The gardens flanking the 'Ram Dwars' will be called 'Ramayan Vatika'. Vice chairman of Ayodhya Development Authority, Vishal Singh, said, "There are six entry pints in Ayodhya. Grand gates or Ram Dwars will be constructed at all entry points to give a grand religious look to Ayodhya town. Gardens based on Ramayana stories will also be developed." The initiative is a part of a plan to transform the holy city from a small town to a new city, equipped with modern facilities that are befitting a seat of culture. Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Deepak Kumar, who reviewed the development work in Ayodhya on Monday, told reporters that an exercise on war-footing is on to meet the target of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision document on Ayodhya on time.

Various departments are involved in executing the vision on ground for increasing infrastructure and making Ayodhya a world-class city. The target is to develop international tourism in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, the stone work at the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to start in December after the laying of compressed concrete base for the temple's foundation which is likely to be completed by October. According to Anil Mishra, trustee of Ram temple trust, "Work on the base plinth of the temple will start as part of the second phase of construction in December for which pink stones from Mirzapur would be used. Development work is on in Ayodhya and this includes widening of roads, river front, restoration of river banks, bus stand and parking facilities. The state government also plans to connect villages in neighbouring districts such as Basti and Gonda.

other benefits including free medical treatment of critical illness, free lodging at Assam Bhawans outside the state, free travel in Assam State Transport Corporation buses. An official of Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that from this year onwards, literary pension would be conferred in the name of litterateur Homen Borgohain on his birthday on December 7. Sahitya Akademi awardee, renowned litterateur Borgohain died in Guwahati on May 12 following post-Covid-19 complications at the age

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of 89. The cabinet also decided to provide sports pension in the name of Bhogeswar Barua on his birthday on September 3. Barua was the first Arjuna Award-winning athlete from Assam.

LITERATURE

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Author Rajiv Bahl's new literary take on jobs post-pandemic New Delhi, June 9: Reflecting on this time of great change brought about by new discoveries and breakthroughs happening continuously in nearly every field of human endeavour, economics enthusiast and acclaimed author of 'The Economic Reactor' Rajiv Bahl has come up with a new book on work in an ever-changing world. Titled 'Re-imaging Jobs in a Fast-Changing World', the 2021 book is published by Rupa Publications. It proposes a Universal Supplementary Income Scheme to create over a hundred million jobs in India. A seasoned entrepreneur, Rajiv is also known in the startup ecosystem as the Founder of Fun Foods, an internationally popular brand later acquired by a multinational food major. No matter where we look, we see rapid change either already upon us, or being imminent. Says the author: "Never before in the history of our species have we encountered such rapid change. It is important that we understand the magnitude of the coming changes and where we are headed as a civilization and also how we may cope with the changed circumstances that the rapid changes will usher in upon us." The book's first part looks closely at the changes that are being wrought in eight distinct spheres of human activity that the author thinks will have the largest impact upon the way we live our lives. The eight areas are: Artificial intelligence, energy, manufacturing, the sharing economy, transport and connectivity, water purification and desalination, agriculture and meat production, and health and well-being. In addition, the author has summed up the changes coming to the construction industry, automated clothes manufacturing and automated home cooking

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Of interpersonal relationships and science fiction New Delhi, June 8: From poetry on the vibrance of 'letting go', a reference guide on married lives and a sprinkle of self love and even mythological fiction, these five books by forthcoming authors are on our bookshelf this summer. 'Ceasing to Disown' by Sunny Ramesh Sadnani

solutions. At the end of each chapter, which studies one of these areas, the book analyzes the likely consequences of the developments in that field. It examines both the desirable and worrisome consequences. The consequences are similar across all fields. The desirable consequences are that all goods, including energy, manufactured goods of all sorts, clean water, agricultural produce, meat production and health delivery will become cheaper, of better quality and less damaging to the environment. The one worrisome consequence that runs through all fields is that jobs will become scarcer. "We are already beginning to see the loss of jobs. The virus from Wuhan has speeded up the process. Many jobs that were until recently being done by humans, are now being done by machines and Artificial Intelligence. Businesses are discovering that they can make do with fewer employees. This process will speed up further until the loss of jobs will become the central issue before all countries and governments. If not handled properly the dearth of jobs could lead to a breakdown of law and order or even anarchy. "We are not entirely helpless against the advancing tide of automated human-less jobs. There are many jobs that intelligent machines will not be able to do for at least one of three reasons.

The first reason is that some jobs that require human interactions will be difficult to automate. It is difficult to imagine a robotic nurse imparting the same level of comfort and confidence that an experienced human nurse can. The list of jobs that machines cannot do for technological reasons will grow progressively shorter as technology improves but will never vanish. The second reason is that while it may be possible to automate some tasks, it will not be financially viable to try and automate them. Street foods and gourmet foods are examples. The third reason is that while it may be possible to automate a certain task, there would be no takers for it. For example computer programs are already the best chess players in the world, but no one is interested to watch two computer programs slug it out in a match that will last all of a few nano-seconds," says Bahl. While the logic of the book applies to every country, the second part of the book, which addresses job creation, is India specific. Like every country India has some attributes that will make the process of meaningful job creation easier and some that will make it harder. The book proposes a modest Universal Supplementary Income (USI) scheme, which will not only alleviate immediate hardship but also kick start the process of job creation.

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'Ceasing to Disown' is the very persona of the similar antithesis that life is. It is a collection of poetries that serve as a reminder of what we have found solace in or maybe continue to hopelessly endure, not for a few moments or days, but for perhaps years and decades and what we choose to not let go regardless of the consequences. Maybe even feel vibrant about it! In this book, Sunny has attempted to relay his emotions with respect to family, parents, romantic alliances, failure, redemptions, loneliness, anger, sex, the natural environment, diversity. And then some more. 'The Rape Trial' by Bidisha Ghosal 'The Rape Trial' begins with the revelation that, many years ago, Rahul Satyabhagi had indeed raped Avni Rambha. Rahul has long since been acquitted and Avni had left the country for her peace of mind. Now, it looks like he's about to get away with it again. Rhea, Amruta and Hitaishi are beyond furious. What unfolds is a thriller worth a read. 'The Last War and Other Stories' by Sambhit Daspatnaik 'The Last War and Other Stories' is a collection of science fiction stories written by Sambit Daspatnaik. In the main story "The Last War", the author takes his readers back to a time of post Mahabharata War era, featuring the descendants of the Pandavas, a mammoth invasion by the Gandharvas and /indianabroadnews

a desperate attempt by the protagonists Senapati Agrasen and princess Charulata to save the city of Moenjo and Hariapa. The rest of the short science fiction stories cover different genres of sci-fi from space travel, solar systems to alien planets. 'Love Your Wife' by Soumitra Singh Thakur An insightful reference manual to have a joyous married life. This companion of love and devotion will invoke deep thoughts in you. It will reveal the true husband inside you, a husband, who you don't show to anyone, not even to your wife, maybe. This book will share such an insightful perspective of human relations between a husband and a wife that will give you an outcome of joyous married life in this materialistic world. If used effectively, this book will serve as a lifelong practical reference manual and a workbook for all the world's erring husbands and all eligible bachelors to efficiently handle all the difficult phases of their married lives. 'Self Love - The Power Within You' by Aaira Kaurr This book makes you aware of a miracle ingredient necessary for your flowering and becoming the best version of yourself, self love. If you don't love your own self first, you can't love anyone else, be it a person , a profession or anything else.

SPORTS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Need to put in more than 100% effort in WTC final: Shami

Dingko Singh: Boxer with a deadly left hook-right cross combo became chief boxing coach of the Navy. I never thought one day I will be at the same post. I can't believe he is no more," he said.

London, June 11: The India cricket team will have to put in "more than its 100 percent" if it wants to win the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand commencing in Southampton on June 18, said India pace bowler Mohammed Shami on Friday. "We need to give our 100, may be 110 percent, in this match because this is the final effort of our two years of hard work. Double your effort in the coming few days," Shami told bcci.tv. Fellow pacer Ishant Sharma, who has played 101 Test matches, said the WTC final is an emotional journey for him.

"This journey, besides being practical, is also an emotional journey. This is an ICC (International Cricket Council) tournament and is a final. It is like a World Cup final. "Virat has always said that this is not a one-month effort; it is the result of the hard work put in over the past two years. And (for us) there was more hard work because in between there was Covid-19 pandemic. After that, the rules for WTC changed and we were under tremendous pressure," said Sharma adding that the series against Australia was the turning point for the team. "We had a tough series

Jitender Kumar, Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist, remembers Dingko as a boxer with integrity.

in Australia where we won (2-1 and retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy). I was not a part of that series but I felt that the series gave a different type of self-belief. In India, we had to win by at least a 3-1 margin (against England). We lost the first match and then made a comeback, said Sharma. Shami felt the belief the team got from the win in Australia was "very good for the confidence". "The best part was, obviously, there were no senior players and that was a big moment for Indian cricket. The performance of the youngsters in Australia was truly praiseworthy. It has taken our confidence to a different level." Spinner R Ashwin said the WTC final brought some context to Test cricket. "I think for a long time cricketers have wanted this sort

of a space, some context to Test cricket. I'm looking forward to the final." All the bowlers felt adjusting to the English conditions would be the key to success. "Experience plays a very big role in Test format especially in such conditions. Clouds, wind, weather etc. So, it really helps if you know the conditions well," said Shami. Ashwin said being aware of the conditions can make the difference between victory and defeat. "Conditions are king here and sometimes, on a very funny note, I say 'you don't need to cover the ground or the pitch here, you need to cover the clouds in England'. There are two aspects to playing cricket here -- first is looking down at the pitch and second is looking upwards," added Ashwin.

New Delhi, June 10: Former Asian Games gold medallist in boxing Ngangom Dingko Singh, who passed away on Thursday morning, will be remembered as a person who revolutionised boxing in particular, and sports in general, in Manipur -- and in India. Dingko, was suffering from liver cancer, and he passed away aged 42. He had to undergo radiation therapy for liver treatment in January last year. He even had to sell his house for his medical treatment. He had also tested positive for Covid-19, and later recovered from it. Dingko, who was deadly with his left hook-right cross combination, had won the bantamweight title in Bangkok in 1998 to end India's 16-year boxing gold medal drought at the Asian Games. Kaur Singh had won gold in 1982 Asian Games in heavyweight (91 kg). "I was one of those who was inspired by Dingko's 1998 Asian Games gold. Later, I had the opportunity to polish my boxing skills under him when he was chief boxing coach of the Navy from 2009 to 2012," Manipur's Suranjoy Singh, the 2010 Commonwealth Games flyweight champion, told IANS from Mumbai. Suranjoy, who is chief boxing coach of the Navy, said all the boxers observed two minutes of silence before they started their routine on Thursday. "Dingko is the man who inspired me. He later

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"He was a junior to me in the national camp, and he was a thorough gentleman. His indomitable spirit made him a good boxer," said Kumar, who was also a member of the Indian team at the 1998 Asian Games. According to Kumar, Dingko was initially dropped from the 1998 Asian Games squad. "There was a big drama. He was later included in the Indian team. But he shut his critics by winning the Asian Games gold," he said. Kumar said Dingko had a tough Thai opponent in the semis at the 1998 Asian Games. "The local fans rooted for the Thai boxer, but Dingko didn't get nervous. The unruly crowd even threw empty bottles at the Indian team after Dingko won his semi-final bout. We had to duck empty bottles and other stuff thrown at us. Even Dingko was hit by an empty bottle. We all escaped unhurt," he recalled. S. Suresh Singh, another international boxer from Manipur who represented India at 2000 Sydney Olympics, said that after the Bangkok Asian Games gold winning performance Dingko couldn't prolong his international career due to injury. "He got injured in 1999 and wasn't impressive at the Sydney Olympics. He wasn't able to train hard and became a coach of the Navy team. Later, he joined Sports Authority of India (SAI)," said Suresh. Dingko was conferred the Arjuna Award in 1998 and honoured with Padma Shri in 2013.

SPORTS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Vinoo Mankad, 9 other stalwarts Djokovic rallies to win French Open; his 19th inducted into ICC Hall of Fame Grand Slam title of Australia (Inter-War Era, 1918-1945); Ted Dexter of England and Vinoo Mankad of India (Post-War Era, 1946-1970); Desmond Haynes of West Indie and Bob Willis of England (ODI Era, 1971-1995); and, Andy Flower of Zimbabwe and Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka (Modern Cricket Era, 1996-2015).

Dubai, June 13: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday announced a special edition intake of 10 cricket icons -- including former India cricketer Vinoo Mankad -- into the ICC Hall of Fame to celebrate the prestigious history of Test cricket, coinciding with this month's maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand. The stalwarts, who have made great contribution to the game and were inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame are: Aubrey Faulkner of South Africa and Monty Noble of Australia (Early Cricket Era, prior to 1918); Sir Learie Constantine of West Indies and Stan McCabe

These 10 legends have all made a significant contribution to the history of Test cricket, and join an illustrious list of ICC Hall of Famers, taking the total number to 103 as a result of this intake, said the ICC. The ICC announcement comes just five days before the first WTC final, between India and New Zealand starting on June 18 in Southampton. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who holds Mankad in high esteem, said he learnt the greatest cricketing lesson from him. "Vinoo Mankad's legacy has been to tell the aspiring Indian cricketer to believe in oneself. He was a great proponent of self-belief,"

said Gavaskar, also an ICC Hall of Famer.

"He was the one who kept saying to me that 'you need to keep scoring runs and keep at it. When you get a 100, let that be the knock on the selector's door. If it is unheard, then score that double hundred and let that knock be even louder. You can have the best technique, but if you do not have the temperament to support it you will not succeed, you have to keep hanging in there and have that self-belief.' That was the greatest lesson I learnt from him," he recalled. The ICC Hall of Fame Voting Academy, comprising active Hall of Fame members, a FICA representative, prominent cricket journalists and senior ICC figures, vote online to identify their selections for induction in each of the five eras. The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame was launched on January 2, 2009, in association with the Federation of International Cricketers Associations, as part of the ICC's centenary year celebrations.

Poland Ranking Series: Vinesh clinches 53kg freestyle gold With less than two minutes to go for the long whistle, Vinesh unleashed another attack to increase the margin to 6-0. Khrystyna tried to reduce the gap in the last 60 seconds of the match but was unsuccessful as Vinesh was in no mood to concede points. Warsaw, June 11: Tokyo Olympic Games bound wrestler Vinesh Phogat won the women's 53kg freestyle gold with an 8-0 win over Khrystyna Bereza of Ukraine at the Poland Ranking Series here on Friday.

freestyle event at the Olympics, to be held from July 23 to August 8.

With less than 50 days to go for the Olympic Games to begin, Vinesh looked strong in defence and swift in attacks and counter-attacks.

Khrystyna struggled to keep pace with Vinesh in the initial stages of the bout. As the match progressed, the Ukranian made some good moves but Vinesh was quick to wriggle out of the tricky situations.

The gold-winning effort of Vinesh is likely to improve her seeding in the 53kg

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In the final match, Vinesh went up 2-0 in the opening 70 seconds of the bout. With less than two minutes on board, she led 4-0.

Paris, June 14: World No.1 Novak Djokovic on Sunday made an astonishing comeback from being two sets down to beat fifth seed Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in four hours and 11 minutes and win the French Open title. It was the top seed Serb's second French Open title and 19th Grand Slam title in all. With it, Djokovic has become the first man in the Open Era to win all four majors twice. Exhibiting remarkable temperament, despite losing the first two sets, Djokovic, 34, rallied calmly and won the last three sets against 22-year-old Tsitsipas to walk away with the trophy. Staging a comeback is not new to Djokovic. Sunday was the sixth time he had rallied from being two sets down, and the first time he has done it in a Grand Slam final.

down against Lorenzo Musetti in the fourth round, and then he defeated 13-time champion Rafael Nadal in the semi-final match that lasted four sets. Before Djokovic, there have been four players in the Open Era who had rallied from being two sets down in a Roland Garros final. They were: Bjorn Borg (1974), Ivan Lendl (1984), Andre Agassi (1999), and Gaston Gaudio (2004). The only player to achieve this feat at another Grand Slam in the Open Era was Dominic Thiem, who did it at the US Open final last year. With 19 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic is now just one title short of what his rivals Roger Federer and Nadal have achieved. Djokovic is the first tennis player to win the Career Grand Slam twice in the Open Era, and is halfway to the calendar year Grand Slam.

Djokovic was two sets

Unseeded Czech Barbora emerges French Open women's champion

Vinesh made it 8-0 in the last 30 seconds of the contest to pocket the gold medal. Khrystyna settled for silver. Earlier, in the semis Vinesh scored an emphatic 6-0 win over Amy Ann Fearnside of USA. She defeated Russia's Ekaterina Poleshchuk 6-2 in her first bout of the 53kg. Meanwhile, India's Anshu Malik pulled out of the women's 57kg freestyle event as she was down with fever. /IndianAbroadNews

Paris, June 12: World No.33 Barbora Krejcikova on Saturday became the first Czech Republic woman in 40 years to win the French Open women's title as she registered a 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 win

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over No.31 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the final. Hana Mandlikova was the first Czech woman to win the French Open title in 1981.

TRAVEL

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Caravan tourism the preferred option for travellers in India? to experiment with their road trips and that is where caravanning comes in. We have come in contact with numerous people who either want to rent the Caravan for their next trip or buy one for themselves. We have received an overwhelming response for our Caravans. Not just in terms of renting but also manufacturing. So in a way, travelling in a caravan as a trend is surely and gradually picking up.

ravellers are more mindful about following protocols of social distancing and ensuring proper sanitisation and hygiene at all times for a hassle-free travel experience in the current scenario. Caravans are considered a saviour in these times for those who want a comfortable road trip experience. The van becomes your home for the duration of the trip that helps to avoid the hassle of inflated flying and accommodation costs, local transport, safety and

hygiene and minimizing human contact.

Indian traveller ready for the concept?

Caravan trips may seem like an expansive mode of travel. Jigyasu Joshi, CoFounder, Carvaa Travelers Private Limited speaks to IANSlife and opens up about how the brand was conceived and his aim to make caravanning not only an intimate but an economical and viable option for all budget groups.

Jigyasu: We started working on launching Carvaa Travelers back in 2019. It has been 2 years and when we see the overall current tourism market, there is a significant increase amongst travellers looking for road trips options. The pandemic has further fuelled the trend to minimise human contact and ensure safety and hygiene conditions.

Do you think the Caravan travelling as a trend is gaining ground and is the

People have now started

The best part about travelling in a caravan is that it gives you an immense sense of liberty and that is the very essence of travelling. The freedom of stopping or staying at a point that offers a picturesque view of a place, the freedom of sleeping under the starry night sky, freedom of cooking a fresh meal while on the move are some of the many things that make caravan travelling a wonderful preference. As safety is still a major concern in India, how do you manage the upkeep and sanitisation of the Caravans? Jigyasu: Safety does remain a point of concern when you are travelling. In order to deal with it, we make sure that whichever place the travellers are halting the van is first reviewed by our caretaker-cum-driver that goes along with the vans. Only after speaking with the locals nearby the halting area, we stop at the place overnight. Apart from this, we have certain associations with homestays, camping areas, hostels and resorts in some parts of India where a traveller can go and park the van safely within their premises. We also have a very efficient GPS system in our Caravans and there is also an SOS button in times of emergency. However, travelling in a caravan is a pretty safe

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experience as one is always in charge of their sanitisation plus you don’t have to eat outside food as you can cook inside the van. Moreover, we have hosted many couples, families and groups of friends in our Caravans and none of them has faced any major inconveniences or trouble. In fact, on Women’s Day this year, we did a Caravan pool trip where 7 girls from various parts of India travelled across Himachal Pradesh for 10 days. It was totally a safe journey for them. In order to keep our caravans hygienic, we take a one days’ time between each booking and the Caravans are sent for a wash and basic servicing. Also, before handing them over to a traveller, we sanitise all the spaces inside and outside the vans. Is the popularity only restricted to metros, or do you get bookings from other cities as well? Jigyasu: When we launched Carvaa we expected that our major clientele would be from metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, among others. However, it was a surprise for all of us that the bookings and the queries started coming from all parts of India in the initial days itself. This boosted our morals and made us realise that travelers from across the country are willing to explore and travel in caravans. Our social media presence and reach, especially Instagram has also been instrumental in many ways to get bookings and queries from various parts of India. How is a caravan designed to make it comfortable for travellers and challenges faced in setting it up? Jigyasu: We’re currently operating with two Caravans, called ‘Fine’ and ‘Rare’. Both the caravans have been thoughtfully designed by

TRAVEL

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021 us. We have engineered them keeping in mind the comfort of travelers within the limited space inside the vans. With a capacity to accommodate 5 people, caravan ‘Fine’ is equipped with most of the essentials one might need during a trip. There is a well-stocked Kitchenette, Utensils, Drinking Water, 180 litres of water for other purposes, washroom, camping tents, a portable music speaker, pillows and quilts, among other things. While we choose to call it ‘Fine’, the travellers can call it by any name they feel sounds best for it. As for the sleeping space, the camper van has a master bed, 2 sofa-cum-beds and 2 berths. Beautiful LEDs on the ceiling make for a perfect ambience at night. The van also has a washroom with a shower. The shower can be fitted outside the van as well for taking bath in the open. There is enough storage space inside the camper van that can fit all your stuff. The modular kitchen has a 5-kg LPG cylinder and all the utensils for cooking your meals. With a capacity to accommodate 3 people, caravan ‘Rare’ is an apt choice for the adventure seekers. The van promises comfort and utility even on rugged routes. The caravan is equipped with almost all the essentials you might need during a trip. It comes with a well-stocked Kitchenette, Utensils, Drinking Water, 130 litres of water for other purposes, washroom, camping tents, a portable music speaker, pillows and quilts, among other things. The modular kitchen has a 5 kg LPG cylinder and all the utensils for cooking your meals. Apart from a sofa-cum-bed for sleeping, the roof of the van opens up revealing a cosy bunk bed covered from all sides. There is enough storage space inside the camper van to fit all your stuff. While we choose to call it ‘Rare’, the travellers can call the Caravan by any name they feel sounds best for it. Since we have modified the Caravans all by ourselves,

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there were numerous challenges that we faced. The biggest of them all was the challenge to arrange for required resources for building the interiors. There was a dearth of dealers dealing in appropriate items that we needed for the modification when we started fabricating our vehicles. It was a Herculean task to find out the right equipment without compromising on its quality. Apart from the infrastructural hurdles, understanding the rules and regulations around Caravans was also a tedious job. We had to run from pillar to post in order to get the right paperwork done for the Caravans. Are Caravans an expensive or economical option for travelling? What are the costs involved and how does it compare to other modes of travel? Jigyasu: In my opinion, traveling in a van is the most sustainable way of travel. It is a way of travelling that allows you to manage your work in the most efficient ways. It allows you to keep that balance between working and exploring. You could be sitting by a river bank while working on your laptop at one point of time and you may be sitting in the middle of a green pasture while working the next moment.

have to be borne by the travellers. In terms of cost, the per-day per-person cost in our caravans is as low as INR 2,400 that includes the stay, commute, fuel, state taxes, road taxes and also a caretaker-cum-driver. Travelers don’t have to pay extra for the local commute they do for exploring the city. They do save a good amount of travelling in the caravans and apart from that, given the current pandemic-era we are living in, it is also a safe way of travelling to a place. Pros and cons of Caravan trips? Jigyasu:

Travelling in a caravan can be a luxurious or an economical option based on one’s comfort. We, at Carvaa Travelers, are aiming to make caravan tourism an affordable mode of travel in India. So, we have two Caravans - one in which 5 people (excluding driver) can comfortably sleep in & the other with a capacity to accommodate 3 people (excluding the driver). One doesn’t need to book a separate accommodation as the vans can be their humble abode for the road trip. We charge on a perday basis and the charges for a 5-person Caravan and 3-person Caravan is Rs6,000 per-day and Rs5,500 perday respectively (inclusive of Driver & GST). The fuel, state and toll taxes are not included in this price and

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Pros of Caravan trips: Save big while travelling in a Caravan Travel within the comforts of a home Enjoy picturesque views at any time It makes you understand the importance of limited resources and how to use them judiciously Gives you a different perspective about a lot of things Cons of Caravan trips: The limited space gets messy very easily Always have to keep an eye on your water refilling It gets real tough when a caravan gets stuck in dirt

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If the waste tank is not cleaned properly, it can cause immense foul odour Do you have plans to expand the business PAN India? Jigyasu: In the coming few months, we are aiming to set up our own manufacturing unit wherein we will be making caravans for sale. We are currently looking for potential investors for the same. Amidst the pandemic, slow travel has become the trend of the season. Caravan tourism that is a common concept in the West has now seen a surge amongst travellers in the last one year.

POLITICS

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Yogi discusses UP political situation Big jolt for Congress as with Amit Shah, Apna Dal chief Jitin Prasada joins BJP wave of the pandemic by the Uttar Pradesh government is also likely to be discussed during the meetings. While the state's efforts drew flak from the opposition, the BJP leadership had appreciated the works done by the UP government.

New Delhi, June 10: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the state's political situation and Covid management. Former Union Minister and Apna Dal chief, Anupriya Patel also joined the deliberations.

Patel, who was Minister of State in the first Narendra Modi government but failed to make the grade in its second term, is demanding a ministerial berth for herself in the Modi cabinet and a ministerial post for her husband Ashish Patel in the state.

Adityanath's meeting with Shah lasted for around 90 minutes. Sources said that their discussion revolved around preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls next year and possible cabinet expansion or reshuffle in the state.

Sources said she is also demanding posts of Zila Panchayat Adhyaksh of five districts -- Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Banda, and Farrukhabad.

The BJP's performance in recent panchayat polls was also discussed and it was decided to focus on electing its members as 'Zila Panchayat Adhyaksh' ahead of the polls, sources said.

Adityanath reached the national capital on Thursday. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Modi on Friday morning and BJP chief J.P. Nadda in the afternoon.

"In the meeting, the strategy for winning the maximum posts of Zila Panchayat Adhyaksh was also discussed as a BJP member heading it will send a strong message ahead of the Assembly polls," a source said.

Shah also had a separate meeting with Patel after Adityanath left.

Preparations for the Assembly elections will be the main agenda of Adityanath's meeting with the party's central leadership, sources said. The sources also said that the handling of the Covid situation during the second

Adityanath's visit to New Delhi has fuelled speculation about the possible changes in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet and in the party structure ahead of the Assembly polls. "A possible cabinet expansion or reshuffle is also likely to be discussed in the meetings. Changes in the state BJP unit are also part of the agenda in order to strengthen the party ahead of next year's Assembly elections," a party insider said. Talks of changes are doing the rounds for the last fortnight ever since BJP General Secretary, Organisation, B.L. Santhosh and state incharge Radha Mohan Singh visited Lucknow to review the party's preparations for the Assembly elections. The sources also said that the role of former Union Minister Jitin Prasada, who jumped ship from the Congress to the BJP on Wednesday, will also come up during Adityanath's meetings with the central BJP leadership. A wellknown Brahmin face in Uttar Pradesh, Prasada is son of late Congress leader Jitendra Prasada.

Won't quit Parliament, continue fight for people's rights: Farooq Abdullah President Farooq Abdullah said on Wednesday that he won't resign as a member of the Parliament and will continue to fight for peoples rights. Srinagar, June 9: Amid speculation about any possible changes to the status of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference

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He was talking to reporters after a meeting convened by the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) at the residence of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti here. "I won't resign from the

Parliament. We will continue to fight for the rights of the people in the Parliament till we are alive," Abdullah said. To a question on the rumours about a further bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and the creation of a separate Jammu state with parts of Kashmir Valley in it, he said such rumours keep floating in Kashmir and they have also been

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New Delhi, June 9: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader from Uttar Pradesh Jitin Prasad on Wednesday joined BJP in presence of union railway minister Piyush Goyal and Rajya Sabha member Anil Baluni at party headquarters, giving a big jolt to the Congress party. Welcoming Prasada, Goyal praised his commitment to serve the people and said that he (Prasada) will play an important role in Uttar Pradesh. "He will have a major role in Uttar Pradesh politics in the future. He is someone who is connected to the ground realities and is a popular leader in the state," Goyal said. Prasada thanked BJP president J.P. Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah for accepting him in the saffron fold. Prasada said, "The question is not why I'm leaving a party but why I'm joining another party. If there is a party in the real sense today, an institutional party, then it is the BJP. Other parties are either regional or person specific." After joining BJP, Prasad said, "I feel there is no purpose of your doing politics or staying in a political party if a person is hearing the same. "Rumours always keep floating in Kashmir. Let them do what they want to do, we are holding the rope of Allah and we hope that he will keep our future secure," he said. The meeting convened by the PAGD, a conglomerate of Kashmir-based political parties, on Wednesday was attended by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Farooq /indianabroadnews

not able to serve or protect the interest of its people. I realized being in Congress and not being able to do the same. So, I joined BJP and my work will only speak for itself." His father Jitendra Prasada was a prominent 'Brahmin' face in Uttar Prasad, who had challenged Sonia Gandhi's leadership in 1999 and had contested against her for the post of party chief. He died in 2002. The saffron party believes that Prasada joining BJP will help it pacify Brahmins in Uttar Pradesh, where the Assembly poll will be held early next year. A party insider said that Prasada could be projected as the Brahmin face of the party which is completely missing in Uttar Pradesh. Prasada, once close to Rahul Gandhi, was part of Group-23 (G-23) signatories who had written to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi demanding for sweeping reforms in the party. Despite being a dissenter, he was tasked with the Congress campaign in West Bengal, which turned out to be a disappointment. Taking a stand against the party, he opposed Congress's alliance with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) in West Bengal. Abdullah, Awami National Conference leader Muzaffar Shah and CPI-M leader Yusuf Taragami, among others. The PAGD was floated for the reversal of the constitutional changes made to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Taragami has been appointed as the new spokesperson of PAGD.

SCI-FI

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Samsung develops smallest mobile Microsoft to bring Xbox gaming directly into image sensor for 50MP cameras For low-light environments, web-connected TVs the sensor utilises

"When you talk about Xbox's mission to bring the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet, which I absolutely love, that is precisely aligned with Microsoft's mission, which is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Samsung's four-to-one pixel binning technology, Tetrapixel, which merges four adjacent 0.64Î¼m-pixels into one big 1.28Î¼m-pixel to quadruple light sensitivity for brighter 12.5MP photographs. For enhanced dynamic range, the ISOCELL JN1 comes with Smart-ISO, a technology that changes the conversion gain based on the environment's illumination level. Smart-ISO uses Low ISO mode in bright settings to retain detail in the highlights, and High ISO in low-lit environments to reduce readout noise and generate excellent low-light performance.

Seoul, June 10: South Korean tech giant Samsung on Thursday unveiled industry's first mobile sensor at 0.64-micrometer pixel that offers 50MP options for both front and rear-facing cameras in smartphones.

able to equip tomorrow's sleekest smartphones with ultra-high resolution mobile photographs," Duckhyun Chang, executive vice president of the sensor business at Samsung Electronics, said in a statement.

The new mobile sensor named Samsung ISOCELL JN1 use pixel technology advancements to reduce chip size while enhancing light sensitivity and phase detection capabilities.

"As we drive our commitment to innovation in pixel technologies, we will continue to bring a wide range of mobile image sensor offerings to the market," Chang added.

The mobile sensor also offers inter-scene HDR in mixed-light settings for optimum exposure levels derived from two separate readouts, from Low and High ISOs, that are merged to create a final image.

According to the company, it can capture more vivid images on the industry's smallest 50MP mobile sensor. The new sensor is currently in mass production.

A new addition to Samsung's high-resolution image sensor lineup, the JN1 employs ISOCELL 2.0 technology with added enhancements that improve light sensitivity by around 16 per cent.

For smooth crystal-clear videos, the image sensor supports up to 4K resolution video recording at 60 frames-per-second (fps) or full HD at 240fps, the company said.

"The new ISOCELL JN1 will be

YouTube for Android TV passes 100 mn installs

rolling out support for playback speed controls on YouTube for Android TV.

San Francisco, June 11: Google-owned video streaming platform YouTube's app for Android TV has surpassed 100 million installs.

According to Play Store, Youtube for Android TV now has over 100 million installs, an all-time high since its release in 2014. The previous milestone, 50 million installs, was in May last year. "While the timing is never 100 per cent in the Play Store, this is still some impressive growth for Google's platform," reports Android Police. According to the company, it

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doesn't come as a surprise. The year 2020 was a huge year of growth for nearly every streaming platform, except Roku. Google even mentioned at its I/O developer conference that Android TV growth jumped by 80 per cent in the US. Recently, Google mentioned that there are over 80 million monthly active Android TV devices. The company is also widely

The added support for playback speed controls lets users slow down or speed up a video based on their preferences. This is a feature that's long been available on the YouTube website and in mobile apps, but now it's also available on TVs.

New Delhi, June 11: Microsoft has announced it is working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Xbox experience directly into internet-connected televisions with no extra hardware required except a controller. The tech giant will bring its Xbox Game Pass service to TVs through its xCloud streaming technology. "Xbox is exploring new subscription offerings for Xbox Game Pass so more players around the world can experience the most immersive and fun games across devices, geographies, and financial realities," Microsoft said on Thursday. The company is organising first-ever Xbox and Bethesda Showcase on June 13, when it will unveil best and biggest games lineup ever.

Cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will launch in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Japan later this year, the company announced. "We believe that games, that interactive entertainment, aren't really about hardware and software. It's not about pixels. It's about people. Games bring people together," said Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox. Xbox is also working with telecommunications providers on new purchasing models like Xbox All Access, which allows consumers to buy both a console and Game Pass for a low monthly price, rather than spending money up front.

Pune-based vocalist's music app among Apple Design Award winners New Delhi, June 11: NaadSadhana, a studio-quality iOS music app created by Pune-based classical khayal vocalist Sandeep Ranade, has been selected as one of the 12 winners of the 2021 Apple Design Awards.

The option appears under the extended settings menu.

The app helps musicians of all genres and any expertise perform and publish their music without boundaries.

Once you have landed on it, though, you will have the option to adjust playback speed from 0.25x speed to 0.5x, 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x speeds.

After first finding its tune as an app for practicing Indian classical singing, NaadSadhana has expanded to support seven different genres of music.

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Xbox is building its own streaming devices for cloud gaming to reach gamers on any TV or monitor without the need for a console at all.

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The app does intense real-time processing like music detection AI, synthesising and simulating sounds for realistic instruments, Raga creativity AI, Taal aesthetics AI, analysing music (notes, raga, phrases, layakari, volume modulation, modality, bandish, mukhada, etc).

DIASPORA

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

BJP most popular party among Indian diaspora in US: Survey Among Republican IndianAmericans, Modi received a higher "thermometer rating" 71, versus 55 among Democrats, while Gandhi got more warmth from Democrats with a 42 rating but 31 among Republicans, the study said.

By Arul Louis New York, June 11: While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the most popular Indian political party among the Indian diaspora in the US, a majority is critical of government policies despite showing overall strong support for the country, according to a study. Thirty-two per cent of Indian-Americans surveyed said they identified closely with the BJP and only 12 per cent with the Congress Party, the study reported. But 40 per cent of those in the survey said they did not feel close to any Indian political party. Overall, however, those closely identifying with a party other than the BJP is 28 per cent, if the supporters of the Congress and other smaller parties are added up, according to the 2020 Indian American Attitudes Survey (IAAS) published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in association with Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania. The survey of 1,200 Indian-Americans -- a broad category in the study covering both US citizens as well as non-citizens -- was conducted in September last year by YouGov and the analysis by a group of experts was published on Wednesday. According to US Census Community Survey there are 4.2 million IndianAmericans, the study said. Of them, 2.6 million are US citizens, 1.2 million born

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in the US and 1.4 who took up citizenship after immigrating, and 42 per cent of them have Overseas Citizenship of India, the study said. The study said that more than three-quarters of Indian Americans place a high value on their 'Indian-ness'. Seventy-five per cent of Indian-Americans said that they were "pro-India", but their attitudes to the Indian government varied sharply with 58 per cent critical of the government to some degree. Only 17 per cent identified themselves as also being "pro-government", while 35 per cent were critical of some of the government's policies, and 23 per cent critical of most of the government policies. According to the survey, 49 per cent of IndianAmericans rated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's performance favourably, with 35 per cent giving strong approval. But 31 per cent disapproved of his record, with 22 per cent expressing strong disapproval. Evaluating how warmly the survey participants rated Indian organisations and leaders, the study came up with a "mean thermometer rating" based on a scale of favourable attitudes (not percentages) reported. Modi got 58, the BJP 57, the Rashtriya Swyam Sewak Sangh 46, and the Congress Party 44; Rahul Gandhi lags at 38.

US President Joe Biden and his Democratic Party get a rating of 64, while Vice President Kamala Harris, who is of Indian-American descent, gets 63. The study noted that overall the "thermometer rating" for the Republican Party at 42 and for former President Donald Trump at 37 nearly parallel the ratings for the Congress Party and Gandhi. The survey found "striking" occupational differences in the support for Modi: 61 per cent of engineers and computer scientists back him, while the support falls to 48 per cent among others. In contrast to the attitudes to Modi personally, more Indian-Americans, 39 per cent, believe that India is on the wrong track, while 36 per cent said it is on the right track, according to the study. US-born Indian-American immigrants showed a more negative view of India, with 44 per cent saying it was on the wrong track, while 26 per cent who were immigrants shared the view. But the study found a big contrast in the attitude to the US in the survey conducted before the US elections, and the current COVID-19 surge: 67 per cent reported that the US is on the wrong track, while just 33 per cent believed it is on the right track. Corruption was ranked by the Indian-Americans surveyed as the top problem for India with 18 per cent listing it and the economy came next with 15 per cent naming it. Ten per cent ranked

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"religious majoritarianism" as the country's most important challenge, according to the study. Terrorism and China were each ranked as the top issue by seven per cent of the respondents.

Indian-Americans showed a liberal bent on many issues. A majority of IndianAmericans surveyed, 69 per cent, said they opposed the use of sedition and defamation laws to silence reporters critical of Modi. The National Register of Citizens, which is to identify "non-citizens", was opposed by 55 per cent of the respondents. Support for and opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act, which prioritises citizenship for Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and Sikhs fleeing persecution in neighbouring Islamic or Muslim majority countries, was almost evenly divided, with 51 per cent of those surveyed opposing it and 49 per cent supporting it. But 65 per cent opposed the use of police force against those peacefully protesting the law. Fifty-three per cent of Indian-Americans surveyed said that "Hindu majoritarianis" is a threat to minorities in Indian, but 73 per cent said that "white supremacy" is a threat to minorities in the US. Nearly half the IndianAmericans surveyed said that they had suffered discrimination in the previous year, but there was a contrast between the

first generation and second generations. Among Indian-Americans who had immigrated to the US, 59 per cent said that they had not faced discrimination, but only 36 per cent born in the US denied running up against discrimination in the past year. Explaining the difference, the study said: "There are a host of plausible reasons why US-born Indian Americans might report greater discrimination, including differences in social norms, greater awareness of discriminatory practices, or less fear of retaliation." In a snapshot of the community, the study said that the highest percentage of those surveyed, 14 per cent, claimed Gujarat as their home state in India; Maharashtra followed with 12 per cent, (undivided) Andhra Pradesh at 10 per cent and Tamil Nadu at 9 per cent. Hindi at 19 per cent is the most popular language followed by Gujarati at 14 per cent, Telugu at 10 per cent, Tamil at 9 per cent and Bengali and Punjabi at 7 per cent each. Of those surveyed, 54 per cent are Hindus, 9 per cent religiously unaffiliated, 3 per cent atheists, 4 per cent agnostics, 13 per cent Muslims and 11 per cent Christians. Of those over 25 years, 79 per cent have a college degree and 40 per cent have post-graduate degrees. Fifty-two per cent of them completed their education in the US.

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DIASPORA

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Indian-origin journo wins Pulitzer for Kashmiri Pandit Kevin exposing China's Muslim detention Kishore Kaul readying Muslims from Uighur and camps for California Guv race other minority ethnicites By Arul Louis

were interned.

New York, June 12: Indianorigin journalist Megha Rajagopalan has won the US' top journalism award, the Pulitzer Prize, for innovative investigative reports harnessing satellite technology that exposed China's mass detention camps for Muslim Uighurs and other minority ethnicites.

"I'm in complete shock, I did not expect this," she said.

The award in the international reporting category that she shared with two colleagues from an internet media, BuzzFeed News, was announced on Friday by the Pulitzer Board. Another journalist of Indian-origin, Neil Bedi, won a Pulitzer in the local reporting category for investigative stories he wrote with an editor at the Tampa Bay Times exposing the misuse of authority by a law enforcement official in Florida to track children.

Floyd, the African-American who died in police custody in Minneapolis last year. The video clip made on her smartphone went viral and set off prolonged nationwide protests against police brutality and led to measures in many states and cities to reform policing. The sight of a policeman kneeling on the neck of dying Floyd as he repeated, "I can't breathe", appealed to America's conscience and led to a broader consideration of the problems faced by African-Americans.

This is the 105th year of the Pulitzer Prizes awarded by a board at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism in New York recognising the outstanding work.

The Board said her that her video "spurred protests against police brutality around the world, highlighting the crucial role of citizens in journalists' quest for truth and justice".

In recognition of the proliferation of citizen journalism in the internet age, teenaged non-journalist, Darnella Frazier, was awarded a Pulitzer Special Citation for her courage in filming the killing of George

Rajagopalan and her colleagues used satellite imagery and 3D architectural simulations to buttress her interviews with two dozen former prisoners from the detention camps where as many as a million

According to the publication, she and her colleagues, Alison Killing and Christo Buschek, identified 260 detention camps after building a voluminous database of about 50,000 possible sites comparing censored Chinese images with uncensored mapping software. Rajagopalan, who had previously reported from China but was barred from there for the story, travelled to neighbouring Kazhakstan to interview former detainees who had fled there, BuzzFeed said. "Throughout her reporting, Rajagopalan had to endure harassment from the Chinese government," the publication said. The series of stories provided proof of Beijing's violation of Uighurs' human rights, which some US and other Western officials have called a "genocide". Bedi and Kathleen McGrory were given their award for exposing "how a powerful and politically connected sheriff built a secretive intelligence operation that harassed residents and used grades and child welfare records to profile schoolchildren", the Pulitzer Board said.

Tamil Eelam state can be 'political, economic, defence base for India': the Rajya Sabha, said that Israel and India created Vaiko the Indian government Bangladesh, the Union Chennai, June 11: MDMK general secretary and firebrand leader Vaiko has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make efforts to conduct a referendum among the global Tamil diaspora for a sovereign state of Tamil Eelam which alone could be the political, economic and defence base for India.

should safeguard the wishes of the Tamil people and take steps to conduct the referendum for a separate Tamil Eelam. Vaiko said: "If India fails to safeguard the Tamil Eelam it would lead to the country losing its dominance in the Indian ocean and paving the way for China's presence in the region".

The MDMK leader said that the foreign policymakers opinion that Sri Lanka would lean more towards China if India become proactive on the Tamil Eelam issue is a myth and a delaying tactic.

In a letter written to the Prime minister on Thursday, the Tamil nationalist leader, who is also a Member of

Vaiko who is known for his vocal support for the cause of Tamil Eelam said that just like Jews created

Vaiko in the letter also said, "Even now Sri Lanka is a vocal supporter of China and that Sri Lanka

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government should take a referendum under the observation of the UN for a separate Tamil Eelam.

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By Nikhila Natarajan New York, June 12: Kevin Kishore Kaul, a Kashmiri Pandit who arrived in South Dakota on a student visa 30 years ago is wading into a crowded field of candidates betting that California will likely hurtle into a recall election for Governor in 2021. Kaul, an electrical engineer from Regional Engineering College in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, who made his millions as an entrepreneur in the US West Coast, is upbeat about his chances - if the recall election happens. "I have a good shot at it" he told IANS over phone from Long Beach, Los Angeles. "We've got commitments for more than $1 million." Kaul said he filed his documents in late May, signalling intent to enter the gubernatorial race. Weeks ago, California officials announced that current Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom would face an almost certain recall election that could send him packing. Newsom's tough virus restrictions that shuttered would lean more towards China if India stands with Tamil Eelam is a foul cry put forward by the foreign policymakers aimed at delaying tactics." The leader said that China has already taken over the rights of the Hanbanthotta port for 99 years and the surrounding areas are also with the Chinese. He said that around 3 lakh Chinese labourers are in Sri Lanka and added that a portion of them would be Chinese spies.

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schools and sunk businesses sparked calls for the recall last year. California, the most populous state in the US, is one of nearly 20 states that provides for the recall of elected state officials. By April 2021, recall advocates had cobbled together more than the necessary 1.6 million petition signatures to put the election on the ballot. The review process is now on to certify the recall for the ballot. In the election, likely this Fall, voters would be asked whether Newsom should be recalled and who should replace him. If their answer to the first question is a yes, the candidate with the most votes becomes the next Governor. More than 20 Republican challengers are preparing to take on first term Governor Newsom, a dear friend of Vice President Kamala Harris. Kaul's LinkedIn profile lists him as Founder and Chairman of US Global Business Forum. Before travelling to the US, Kaul worked with the Indian Navy and at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Navi Mumbai. Drawn by the appeal of a quickie MBA in South Dakota, Kaul says he came to the United States in September 1991. He found the place "too cold", dropped out of his MBA and headed further west. Kaul got some early breaks with big construction projects; his business website is splashed with pictures of him with the Obamas, Clintons and other A-listers. Kaul plans a "big launch" for his Governor run on his 60th birthday, this August.

BEAUTY

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Neem and Aloe Vera, your skin care essentials

ired of investing in expensive skin and body care products that assure results but fail to give any? Your answer lies in simple, inexpensive natural ingredients which pack a host of benefits and aren’t going to load your skin with chemicals.

Summers in India are getting hotter with each passing year and the monsoons are almost upon us in some ways. The heat causes our skin to become rough and tanned, the sweat and grime clogs pores, ultimately resulting in an uneven skin tone. Before you purchase your next ‘expensive-so-must-be-great’ product, it's time to check out the kitchen garden for some humble Neem and

Aloe Vera.

Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, which are antioxidants. So basically, it packs in the power of the multiple serums and masks we use into one refreshing gel. Neem, especially in the oil format contains fatty acids (EFA) and is high on the disinfection quotient. A combination of the two can help with a myriad of skin issues that concern us during these months. Clearing the skin, unclogging pores– Neem helps with clearing our bacteria and microbes that cause

acne and eruptions of the skin; the good acids in aloe vera help with skin regeneration and overall smoothness. When combined, these magic ingredients clear out pores, remove blackheads/ whiteheads without drying out the skin or leaving flaky peels. Prolonged use leaves the skin brighter, even toned and smooth.

Acts as an anti-pollutant The antioxidation properties of Aloe Vera reverses effects of sun burns and tan. Neem helps remove the germ/ grime buildup on the skin caused by sweat and grime and is anti-inflammatory. Therefore gives lasting protection from environmental damage especially when used in everyday skin/ hygiene products like in a

body wash. Rejuvenating – The collagen from the EFA in the neem and the antioxidants in aloe vera help in restoring skin elasticity, improves skin texture and appearance, puts back vitality in skin and helps in plumping the skin to make it look vibrant. Hydrating – The most critical summer skin care need is always hydration without an oily finish. Our humble

aloe vera and neem serves this function too! It moisturizes and freshens the skin especially when used pre-or during daily baths. Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to incorporate these humble ingredients. If you don’t have them readily available, do consider planting them in pots or seek out every day, easy-to-use products like the Vivel Neem Oil and Aloe Vera body wash online or instore.

At-home hair care routine this summer and massage your scalp with lukewarm oil and avoid applying too much oil on tresses as cleaning it may again lead to dryness and if left oily after wash, your hair will attract more dust leading it to be greasy. A slow massage provides much-needed nourishment and hydration for your scalp; you will be rewarded with healthy hair follicles as well. Atulya Onion bhringraj hair oil is a good option for deep nourishment of your hair follicles and scalp as it also boosts blood supply and results in good hair growth. It is also recommended to wrap your hair with hot towel for 10 minutes before shampoo to enjoy greater benefits of massage.

hile we are compelled to stay indoors to be safe in this pandemic, haircare is certainly something we cannot docompromise on. Healthy hair is a must but when you are juggling between virtual meeting and household responsibilities, it becomes a challenge

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to find time and care for yourself. Aditya Singh, Brand-Head, Atulya Herbals shares some quick tips to keep in mind while you oil, wash or style your hair: Perform a Hot Oil Massage: Utilise your time at home

Hair Wash: Always remember to use a mild shampoo, preferably paraben and sulfate-free, to wash you hair as it reduces the damage to hair even if you want to wash hair more frequently to care for greasy scalp. An ideal shampoo for daily wash should not have pH exceeding 5.5. You can try Atulya Amala

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Bhringraj shampoo which has the goodness of amla and bhringraj with Reetha which is a natural cleanser.

increases the strength and wheat protein adds length to hair while decreasing split ends.

Use conditioner after every shampoo or Hair mask once a week: Using a conditioner can significantly repair the damaged hair but the frequency of using it, depends on whether you have oily or dry hair. Conditioner increases shine and strength while creating a protective layer. Dry hair can also be benefitted by reverse hair washing or prewash conditioning method wherein conditioner is applied before you wash your hair and without rinsing the conditioner, directly apply shampoo and wash.

Avoid hair styling products: It is better to avoid using of hair styling products like gel, sprays etc. to reduce damage. These styling products tend to attract more dust and does not allow your hair to breathe.

If your hair are extremely frizzy, dry and damaged, hair mask is your go-to solution as it can be applied from root to tip and provides deeper nourishment and repair. Masks should only be used once or twice a week unlike conditioner which can be used after every wash. Atulya VegKeratin and Wheat Protein hair mask is a good choice here as keratin

Avoid Home Hair Dye Products: If you had your hair coloured before lockdown and you require a touchup or a total color change, you may be tempted to try and use a home hair dye kit. Please don't do that as these products do not sit well with treated hair and scalp and can do more harm than good.

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Try to Avoid Blow-drying: Spending more time at home also means that you may not need to use your blow dryer, hair straightener, or curler for a while. Refraining from performing these treatments for a few weeks is a nice opportunity for your hair to rejuvenate and detox.

FASHION

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Celebs twinning in same outfits C

elebs put in a lot of efforts to finalise their look and deciding upon their OTT outfits. But there have been several instances when celebrities were spotted wearing the same outfit. The most recent one: Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anne Hathway wore the same black bodycon by designer Alexandre Vauthier black for different photoshoots. Priyanka wore the figure-flaunting dress worth Rs 4 lakh for her photoshoot as the cover face of fashion glossy Vogue Australia. The silk embellished-trim maxi silk dress had gem embellishment, slim cut, square neck, and spaghetti straps and is from the French label’s SS21 collection. On the other hand, Anne wore the dress for her shoot for CR Fashion Book China. PeeCee’s look was also compared to one of Deepika Padukone’s old pictures in which she was wearing a black, floor-length Tom Ford gown. The comparison did

not go well with Priyanka's mother Madhu Chopra and lashed out at a media outlet who asked its followers on social media for which actress pulled off the black gown better. Madhu reacted to the tweet by writing, “Only a blind will think they are wearing same outfit. Besides Pri always carries Haute couture better.” Actresses Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor were clicked by the paparazzi wearing the same Zimmerman dress. Shraddha styled the white and pink floral mini with plunging neckline and bell sleeves with a pair of off-white strappy heels and kept her makeup neutral and left her brunette mane down in soft waves. Alia chose to do a bohemian braided hairdo that added extra oomph to her look. She then opted for glowy makeup while sticking to strappy heels and accessorised it with a cross-body sling.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is back on the red carpet Priyanka Chopra Jonas has always managed to stir a conversation around her fashion choices. The actress never fails to impress with her bold style choices made headlines at the recently held Billboard Music Awards.

many ditched the brand altogether as part of the ‘cancel culture’. Be that as it may it doesn't take away from her turning heads on one of the rare red carpet outings that fashion addicts have had the pleasure to see this season.

PeeCee’s appearance at the event held at the Microsoft theatre in Los Angeles, US, garnered a lot of attention, thanks to her ultra-glamorous look. She wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana dress, inspired by the brands Fall 2007 collection. The sheer gold ensemble featured a thigh-high slit and an accentuated waistline thanks a metallic gold belt by Dior.

Priyanka teamed the nude gown with a classic jewels by Bulgari wearing a Serpenti bracelet, diamond drop earrings, and rings. Strappy metallic sandals, soft smokey eyes and silky hair extensions completed the transformation.

Diet Sabya has called her out for wearing a brand which (Dolce & Gabbana) was boycotted in 2018 by many for being "racist" and

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necklaces by Jacquie Aiche and added a sparkly silver clutch.

Priyanka was also on the cover of Australian fashion glossy 'Vogue'. Feeling comfortable in her skin, Priyanka looked incredible in a black gown which showed off what she has referred to as her "now body".

Also spotted at the event was Indian-American TV personality and author Padma Lakshmi, who wore a Christian Siriano pantsuit covered in crystals. Lakshmi chose to go shirtless beneath her plunging blazer. She accessorised the look with a layered, dainty silver

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HEALTH

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

G7 members pledge 1B Covid vax doses for poorer nations London, June 11: The Group of Seven(G7) leaders countries -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US -- have pledged to donate one billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to poor countries to help vaccinate the world by the end of next year, according to media reports. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged more than 100 million surplus doses, which will be delivered in the next year, the BBC reported on Friday. The first five million doses from the UK will be given by the end of September, with another 25 million by the end of the year. Of the 100 million Covid doses, 80 million will go to the COVAX programme -- the international vaccine-sharing initiative -- 20 million will be shared bilaterally with countries in need.

don't include pressure for favours, or potential concessions. We're doing this to save lives," he added. The UK government has already donated over 500 million pounds to COVAX. Early, this month, the Biden administration had announced sharing at least 80 million vaccine doses globally by the end of June. Of these 25 million doses will be distributed this month to countries in the Caribbean and Latin America; South and Southeast Asia; Africa; and the Palestinian territories, Gaza and the West Bank. The remaining 75 per cent of these vaccines will be distributed through COVAX, the White House had said in a statement.

Together, the European Union has committed to donate at least 100 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to middle- and low-income countries before the end of the year, the Euronews reported.

"In doing it so we will take a massive step towards beating this pandemic for good," he said, adding that he hoped his fellow leaders at the summit, which starts on Friday, would "make similar pledges so that, together, we can vaccinate the world by the end of next year".

Japan has pledged to donate 30 million doses this year. Canada has said it will donate excess vaccine doses to COVAX, but has not yet said when or how many, the CTVnews reported.

While the first 200 million doses will be distributed by the end of this year, another 300 million will be distributed by June 2021. "The United States is providing these half billion doses with no strings attached. No strings attached," Biden was quoted as saying. "Our vaccine donations

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At 32 million doses, Africa accounts for under 1 per cent of the over 2.1

billion doses administered globally. Just 2 per cent of the continent's nearly 1.3 billion people have

received one dose and only 9.4 million Africans are fully vaccinated.

France and Germany have committed 30 million vaccine doses each, while Italy has pledged 15 million doses.

"As a result of the success of the UK's vaccine programme we are now in a position to share some of our surplus doses with those who need them," Johnson was quoted as saying.

US President Joe Biden has also promised half a billion doses of Pfizer vaccines to 92 low and middle-income countries and the African Union, the report said.

more doses.

The G7 countries account for over a third of the world's vaccine supply, despite making up only 13 per cent of the global population. COVAX had last month said it needed another $2 billion pledged to secure enough vaccines to vaccinate almost one-third of people living in low and middle-income countries. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation on Thursday said that 47 of Africa's 54 countries -- nearly 90 per cent -- are set to miss the September target of vaccinating 10 per cent of their people unless Africa receives 225 million

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HEALTH

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Wistron hands over 10 oxygen concentrators to Kolar district The model has a large top handle that makes it easy to transport.

Wistron, as part of the commitment to the community, has launched the month-long CSR program to extend support and relief as well as improve the healthcare infrastructure and resource availability in the society, and will further expand the efforts as the need arises.

June 4, Kolar: Wistron Manufacturing India, as part of the WeCare CSR Program, handed over 10 oxygen concentrators to the Kolar district administration to be distributed to community health centers (CHCs) and primary health centers (PHCs) in different talukas of the district such as Kolar Gold Fields, Bangarapet, Mulbagal, Srinivasapura and Narasapura. The oxygen concentrators were handed over by Mr. Nagaraj M, managing director of Wistron India, to Dr. Selvamani R, IAS, deputy commissioner of Kolar, and Dr. Jagadish, district

health officer (DHO) of Kolar. Also present on the occasion was Mr. Senthil Kumar, general manager of Wistron India. The 5L Yuwell Oxygen Concentrator is a compact and light-weight oxygen concentrator with a 95% oxygen generation capacity. It features a built-in nebulizer port, LCD display with timer function and remote control. This model also features a self-diagnosis system and comes with multiple safety alarms. The precision compressor, made with German technology, has a service life of over 30,000 hours.

Under the Wistron WeCare CSR Program, the company has already distributed 1000 face shields and 10000 masks to the district police. Apart from the oxygen concentrators that were handed over today, a high-capacity oxygen generator plant will be installed in one of the taluk hospitals. Besides, thousands of health kits to employees and their families and hundreds of food ration kits and health kits to the poor and the marginalized, from in and around the factory, were to be distributed, among others. Handing over the oxygen concentrators as part of the CSR program, Mr.

Nagaraj M, managing director, Wistron Infocomm Manufacturing India, said, "There is a huge pressure on the healthcare infrastructure, and the district administration is doing its best to manage the same. Oxygen supply is being ramped up and as part of our CSR program, we decided to extend our support as well. We will be installing an oxygen generator plant as well very soon in a taluk hospital as suggested by the administration. "We at Wistron would like to sincerely thankand appreciate all the frontline workers who are selflessly working day and night to

take care of the affected as well as control the pandemic. We are sure that these oxygen concentrators offer some assistance and relief in these efforts. More initiatives will be launched over the next couple of weeks." Wistron Corporation is a global technology service provider supplying innovative ICT information and communications technology products, service solutions, and systems to top branded companies worldwide. Wistron began operations in India in 2017 and currently employs more than 7000 people.

Single dose sufficient for those already infected by Covid: Study Hyderabad, June 14: A single dose of vaccine is sufficient for those already infected by Covid-19, revealed a study by Hyderabad's AIG Hospitals. The hospital announced on Monday that it conducted a study on 260 healthcare workers who got vaccinated between January 16 and February 5 to assess the immunological memory response in all those patients. All patients were given the Covishield vaccine.

those who had no prior infection. It also revealed that Memory T-cell responses elicited by a single dose of vaccine were significantly higher in the previously infected group compared with those who had no prior infection.

Two significant observations came out of the study, which has been published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, a peer-reviewed journal.

It was concluded that higher memory T and B-cell responses in addition to higher antibody response with a single dose of vaccine given at 3-6 months after recovery from Covid-19 may be considered at par with two doses of vaccine for individuals already infected with Covid-19.

The previously infected group (people who got infected with Covid-19) showed a greater antibody response to a single dose of vaccine compared with

"The results show that people who got infected with COVID-19 need not take two doses of vaccine yet with a single dose can develop robust

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antibody and memory cell response at par with two-doses for those who didn't get the infection. This will significantly help at a time when there's a shortage of vaccine in the country and more people can be covered using the saved doses," said Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, and one of the co-authors in the study.

During the second Covid wave when cases were growing exponentially; the vaccination rate took a downturn. As of April 27, when the growth rate of active infection was 5%, the growth of vaccinated people was just 1.4 per

cent. "We need to modify vaccination strategy based on scientific evidence and with the objective that a larger set of the population can be covered in the shortest duration," he said.

"Once we attain the requisite number of people vaccinated for achieving herd immunity, these patients who got infected and received only one dose can take the second dose of the vaccine. At this point, all our strategies should be directed at the widespread distribution of available vaccines and to include the maximum number of people at least with a single dose," he added.

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Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

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ENTERTAINMENT

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Yami Gautam ties the knot with ‘Uri’ director Aditya Dhar

ctress Yami Gautam announced on Friday that she has tied the knot with "Uri" director Aditya Dhar in a private ceremony. The wedding took place on Friday. Yami shared a picture from their wedding venue and said they were both private people and preferred to get married in presence of family and close friends.

"'In your light, I learn to love - Rumi'.With the blessings of our family, we have tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony today. Being very private people, we celebrated this joyous occasion with our immediate family. As we embark on the journey of love and friendship, we seek all your blessings and good wishes. Love, Yami and Aditya," Yami said in an Instagram post. The actress was flooded with congratulatory messages in the comments section from friends and fans alike. Among Bollywood colleagues who greeted the actress were Vaani Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Dia Mirza and Vikrant Massey.

Evelyn Sharma surprises fans with wedding photos from Australia

odel-actress Evelyn Sharma took to social media on Monday to surprise fans with photographs from her wedding. Evelyn tied the knot with longtime beau Tushaan Bhindi in Australia, reportedly last month. The actress shared photographs on Instagram on Monday where she is dressed as a bride with groom Tushaan posing beside her. Evelyn chose a white lace bridal gown and minimal makeup while Tushaan wore a blue suit. "Mr & Mrs Bhindi.. Big big thank you to everyone who made this small wedding the very best day of our

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lives!" the actress wrote. Evelyn also shared a photo embracing the groom, which she captioned: "Forever". Tushaan is an Australia-based dental surgeon and entrepreneur. Evelyn and Tushaan had got engaged in 2019 and tied the knot last month in an intimate ceremony in Brisbane. A lavish wedding was avoided owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. On the work front, Evelyn, who was last seen in Telugu superstar Prabhas' 2019 film "Saaho", will next be seen in the upcoming film "X Ray: The Inner Image".

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ENTERTAINMENT

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Debina Bonnerjee a diehard SRK fan, wishes to work with Ranveer Singh

Mrunal Thakur: I never choose films thinking I will be a star

a National Award-winning filmmaker and I worked with him as a teenager in Kolkata, when I did not know what acting is all about." Asked about her parameters to choose a script, Debina said: "I always look forward to a new challenge in my role. I became popular for playing a mythological character like Sita followed by a girl like Mayuri in 'Chidiya Ghar'.

ctress Debina Bonnerjee says she is "a forever Shah Rukh Khan fan" and that Ranveer Singh would be an interesting actor to collaborate with. She regrets that her wish of working with the late National Award-winning filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh will remain unfulfilled. "One of my favourite filmmakers that I always wanted to work with is Rituparno Ghosh. Such a talented storyteller Ritu da

was. So, when he passed away, I was heartbroken like anything! From the time I became an actress, Rituparno Ghosh was at the top of the list of directors I wanted to work with. That wish will remain unfulfilled," she told IANS. Debina added: "In Bollywood I would love to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali because of the larger-thanlife world that he creates. Also, I would like to work with Kaushik Ganguly. He is

"I again played a Goddess, but an antagonist Poulomi Maa in the show 'Santoshi Maa'. When I was doing 'Vish', the character had a supernatural element and I did that convincingly. But playing an urban character is becoming a comfort zone for me. So, I want to play something that would take me out of it, maybe a character from rural India? Yes, that would be challenging for me." So, who is her favourite costar? Debina replied, "I am a forever Shah Rukh Khan fan. From the new bunch of actors, I would say Ranveer Singh is such an interesting actor to collaborate with!"

On Cancer Survivors Day, Sonali Bendre reflects back on her journey

ctress Mrunal Thakur, who has the films "Toofan", "Jersey" and "Aankh Micholi" lined up, says that she has always taken projects which will help her survive longer in the industry. The actress says that she has always focused on giving her best performance in every role. "I am glad that cinema is reaching a wider audience. There were people and filmmakers who asked me to do a couple of films in order for me to be famous. But I never choose my films thinking that I will be a star. I want to survive longer here. One thing that lasts longer is talent and performances," she told IANS. The actress adds that the she won't let the illness ever define her.

ctress Sonali Bendre took to Instagram on Sunday to share a picture of herself during the time she was battling cancer. As the world celebrates Cancer Survivors Day on June 6, the actress said that

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Sonali was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in 2018 and was treated for it in New York. She battled the illness and emerged victorious eventually. The actress put up a picture of herself from days in hospital and merged it with her current, happy self. She captioned the image /indianabroadnews

medium has never really mattered to her. "No matter where my films come, they need to be good. If you ask me personally my job is just to be a part of the movie. That's what my dream is. Thanks to OTT, in the midst of a pandemic, as an artist if I can entertain then that is only through OTT," she says. However, she does feel insecure due to the current situation. "There is a bit of insecurity also because of the time that we are living in. I am not apprehensive, I am just worried that a film should get the recognition it deserves. Things have slowed down and this has affected the entertainment industry," the actress added. as: "How time flies. today when I look back, I see strength, I see weakness but most importantly I see the will to not let the C word define how my life will be after it... You create the life you choose. The journey is what you make of it... so remember to take #OneDayAtATime and to #SwitchOnTheSunshine."

ENTERTAINMENT

Vol 1, Issue 9, June 16-30, 2021

Malvika Raaj takes to dancing amid lockdown

Srishti Jain meditates to stay calm, stress-free

ctress Malvika Raaj, who played the young Poo in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham", is all set to make her Bollywood debut with the action film "Squad". As shoots remain stalled owing to lockdown, she is utilising the time to hone her dancing skills.

"Dancing has made me happy ever since I was a kid. It's been a long lockdown in different parts. I switch on YouTube and take to any of the dance sessions there. It's a goldmine of content there. Dance helps build rhythm and synchronises our body other than being a great form of working out as well," Malvika said. She added: "I think it's a great time to experiment with a dance routine and everyone should give it a try. The pandemic is not over yet. We should try and stay within the guidelines. Get vaccinated whenever the opportunity arises."

Malvika's upcoming debut film "Squad" marks the debut of veteran actor Danny Denzongpa's son Rinzing. Seventy per cent of the film has been shot in Belarus. The action film boasts of

stunt co-ordinator Keir Beck of "Mad Max: Fury Road'' fame. Beck is working on the film's action sequences along with stunt crew from six countries and with 400 stuntmen.

Rubina Dilaik: Life is a beautiful dance

igg Boss 14" winner and television star Rubina Dilaik engages in random dance therapy in new Instagram photographs she posted on Thursday.

In the set of images, she sports an embellished pastel blouse with a zardozi lehenga. She completes her look with maroon velvet boots. "Life is a beautiful dance," Rubina captioned the image, which currently has over 157K likes on the photo-sharing website.

ctress Srishti Jain feels the Covid 19 pandemic and restrictions have impacted everyone one way or the other. The actress reveals that she follows a certain routine to ensure that she keeps negativity at bay.

or any gadgets for at least an hour," she said.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted one and all. It has made everyone, including me, feel scared and worried. However, I try to be positive in every situation. In fact, I have inculcated several habits that help me deal with stress and give me peace of mind. First of all, I start my day slightly different from others. As soon as I get up in the morning, I usually meditate, and I consciously stay away from my phone

"I have breakfast with my family and only then do I touch my phone. I guess all this helps me avoid any kind of stress after waking up. Also, when I am home and have free time or when I come back after a stressful day, I go and sit with my family or just my sister and speak to them. I go for walks, too. All this really helps me stay positive and I hope everyone inculcates this into their lifestyle as well," added Srishti.

The actress emphasises on the importance of staying away from the phone and spending time with family. She believes it plays an important role in keeping her calm.

Rubina had tested positive for Covid a few weeks back. She was in Shimla and had quarantined herself there. The actress kept her fans updated about her health. Her husband Abhinav Shukla is currently in Cape Town, shooting for the stunt-based reality show "Khatron Ke Khiladi" season 11.

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Indian Abroad - June 16-30, 2021

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The event organised at QMC Auditorium in Kanga- roo Point, Brisbane from 5 pm to 9.00 pm was spon- sored by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and its other major support-

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Yami Gautam ties the knot with ‘Uri’ director Aditya Dhar

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