Indo-American News: February 17, 2023

Pakistan Facing Tough Measures

Pakistan Taking Desperate Measures for IMF Release of Bailout Package

Islamabad: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday tabled the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2023, in both houses of the parliament, outlining tax measures to raise an additional Rs170 billion in the next four and half months to meet the last prior actions agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure early disbursement of about $1.2bn instalment.

Two measures — raising the federal excise duty (FED) on cigarettes and increasing the general sales tax (GST) rate from 17 per cent to 18pc — have been immediately implemented through statutory regulatory orders (SROs). The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) expects to generate Rs115bn from these two measures.

The finance bill, generally known as the mini-budget, also proposes increasing GST from 17pc to 25pc on 33 categories of goods covering 860 tariff lines — including high-end mobile phones, imported food, decoration items, and other luxury goods. However, this raise will be notified through another notification.

Through the finance bill, the excise duty on cement has been raised from Rs1.5 to Rs2 per kilogram, a measure estimated to fetch another Rs6bn.

The excise duty on carbonated/aerated drinks has been raised to 20pc from 13pc to raise an additional Rs10bn for the government.

A new excise tax of 10pc was proposed on non-aerated drinks like juices — mango, orange, etc. — to raise an additional tax of Rs4bn.

The increase in excise duty on business-, first- and clubclass air tickets will raise an additional Rs10bn for the government. A tax rate of 20pc (or Rs50,000, whichever is higher) has been proposed on the value of air tickets.

The government has also proposed a 10pc withholding tax on functions and gatherings held in marriage halls, marquees, hotels, restaurants, commercial lawns, clubs, community places, or other places. The FBR expects to raise Rs1bn to Rs2bn from this tax.

Under the income tax, the bill proposes a 10pc withholding tax on off-market sales and purchase of shares to document the unseen transactions.

On completely built mobile phone imports, the sales tax rate has been raised to 18pc from 17pc on mobile phones costing between $200 to $500. However, a 25pc sales tax will be charged on mobile sets worth $500 or above. The increase in sales tax to 25pc from 17pc on luxury items will lead to an additional revenue collection of Rs4bn.

The luxury items that will be subject to 25pc sales tax in the category of food import include confectionary, jams and jelly, fish and frozen fish, sauces, ketchup, fruits and dry fruits, preserved fruits, cornflakes, frozen meat, juices, pasta, aerated water, ice cream, and chocolates.

Other categories of items are home appliances, cosmetics, crockery, pet food, private weapons and ammunition, shoes, chandeliers and lighting (except energy savers), headphones and loudspeakers, doors and window frames, travelling bags and suitcases, sanitary ware, carpets (except from Afghanistan), tissue paper, furniture, shampoos, automobiles, luxury mattresses and sleeping bags, bathroom ware, toiletries, heaters, blowers, sunglasses, kitchenware, cigarettes, shaving goods, luxury leather apparel, musical instruments, saloon items like hair dryers, etc., and decoration/ornamental articles.

These measures proposed through the finance bill are in addition to earlier steps agreed upon with the IMF, including increasing electricity and gas rates and allowing a freefloating exchange rate.

To offset the inflationary impact of the budget, the government proposed that handouts under the BISP welfare scheme to be increased to a total of Rs400bn from Rs360bn.

Soon after laying the bill in the National Assembly and Senate, the finance minister told reporters that Senate recommendations on the bill would come on Friday (tomorrow). The bill would be taken up in the National Assembly on the same day, he said, adding that it was expected to pass the bill into an act on Monday or Tuesday.

The IMF has given a deadline of March 1 for the implementation of all these measures. However, the bulk of tax measures worth Rs115bn was already implemented from Feb 14 through SROs. The Pakistan government is trying its best to secure a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the release of a critical bailout package, failing which it can slump into default. -- Dawn

There is increasing resentment in Pakistan for the economic reforms that IMF is imposing.

Masterji’s ‘Go Green’ Indian Yatra

by Jawahar malhotra

houston: Last December, surrounded by a small group of admirers, Masterji Indravadan Trivedi, the celebrated classical Indian dancer, dramatist, painter and Hindu priest, had shared his plans for his planned trip to India on a to multi-city trek to spread knowledge about his “Go Green” initiative.

It was an ambitious plan to “raise self-awareness of one’s place in the world and impart practical spiritual education,” explained Masterji, “distilled from years of my own experiences and knowledge.”

Realizing that people grasp ideas better through demonstrations, Masterji intended to use puppets to teach young children and pantomime, a craft he knows well from years as a dancer, when addressing university gatherings.

The Houston Team left on January 3 and has completed its mission in several cities in Gujarat as the portly, 75 year-old Masterji, sometimes in a wheelchair during the long distance treks, Pankaj Trivedi and Jay Prakash made their rounds. In Ahmedabad, they met with Mayor Kirit Kumar and in Baroda with Mayor Keyur Narayandas Rokadia and gave them messages of goodwill from Houston Mayor Sylvetser Turner.

On January 26, India’s Republic Day, the Team visited the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Statue of Unity near the Narmada River Dam and raised the Indian Tricolor.

The trek will proceed from Gujarat to Delhi and end in Lucknow, UP. The volunteer team is staying in Government bungalows and gives seminars in local schools and universities in events co-organized by the Lions Club of India.

Masterji with devotees in Gujarat on with his “Go Green” car.

Masterji with Atul bhai Pandya at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram

EGMH Observes Shraddhanjali to Mahatma Gandhi with Prayers, Bhajans

houston: Mahatma Gandhi who spread the message of truth, non-violence, and global peace, died on January 30, 1948. Eternal Gandhi Museum of Houston (EGMH) commemorated Shraddhanjali, a memorial service, on Saturday, February 11th at Unity of Houston to commemorate the martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi for Truth and nonviolence.

Mahatma Gandhi said “I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.” He was never afraid of death. Currently, the world is encountering several challenges including intolerance, impatience, and terrorism. It is essential to follow the ideas and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, especially truth and non-violence, not only to achieve international peace and prosperity, but achieve the same within one’s own heart.

Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the universal values of truth, nonviolence, love, and service.

The Shraddhanjali program started at 3:00 pm with a gracious welcome by Rev Shirley Knight, Associate minister at Unity Houston. Interim EGMH museum director, Mr. G.V. Krishnan was a brilliant Masters of Ceremony for the program, which initiated with a moment of silence to pay respects to the Great Soul, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

The program started with a beautiful performance by Sm-

riti Shrivastava, director of Swar Sangam School of Music and the precious children of the DAV Montessori School and DAV Sanskriti School of Arya Samaj Greater Houston. The children performed Gayatri mantra and Kabir, Raheem and Tulsi Das ji’s Dohey.

Next, guest speaker Dr. Alejandro Chaoul, assistant professor and director of education at MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Integrative Medicine Program, discussed Gandhi’s Relevance Today

and stated, “let us dream of a better world thru meditation and clarity of mind.”

Next was the amazing Unity choir, conducted by Dr. David York. The choir performed Today is the day and There is a river of joy.

That was followed by Fourth grader Shivam Kelkar from Jenks Elementary, Katy ISD, who was the 2nd place winner of the annual MGW speech contest. He delighted the audience with his winning speech, “How do I prac-

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tice peace.”

The talented Kamal Haji then conducted the Zikr Band in their beautiful rendition of “Allah” and “Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua” (I sing this prayer from my heart) and “AllahTu Hazir” bringing tears of joy in the eyes of many in the audience.

Dr. Manish Wani, Board of trustee member of EGMH, gave an informative update of the museum with a brief video glimpse of the ongoing construction and interior design of the museum and reported all is on track for the museum

to open in Fall 2023.

Deputy Indian Consul General, Mr. Sandeep Chaudary addressed the audience and acknowledged the participation of so many children at the program making our future brighter and the global impact of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Tagore Society of Houston presented a beautiful rendition of a Vedic Hymn and one of Gandhiji’s favorite bhajans “Ekla Chalo.” Their choir was directed by Dr. Raja Banga and Ms. Kamalpriya Roy.

Next was a beautiful recitation of a poem and violin soloist from members from the Bahaii community. This was followed by the Keynote speaker for the event, Mr. Ajit Giani, Secretary of the executive committee of the Interfaith Action of Central Texas. His topic was “Is Gandhi relevant for youth today?” Mr. Giani emphasized Gandhi is relevant to all!

Abhinaya School of Performing Arts, directed by Ms. Indrani Parthasarathy, presented a traditional Bharatanatyam dance with intricate rhythmic patterns and fast foot work. It was a beautiful performance.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Trustee member of EGMH, Dr. Manish Wani.

In conclusion, Swar Sangam School of Music, directed by Smriti Srivastava, sang one of Gandhiji’s favorite bhajan, Raghupati Raghav Rajaram.

A short reception followed outside with tea and snacks.

HOSPITALITY

Young Chef Puts Margaritaville Lake Resort on the Map for South Asian Weddings

Margaritaville Lake Resort Sous Chef Sampath “Sam” Praphu has become instrumental in the resort’s South Asian wedding business.

houston: Among the shining stars of the culinary team at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston is Sampath “Sam” Prabhu, a sous chef who plays an integral role in the resort’s food and beverage operations.

Prabhu joined the resort in 2021 and is responsible for banquet planning, menu tasting, ordering, and training other employees.

He also has become instrumental in the resort’s South Asian wedding business, which has grown exponentially since he joined the team. His culinary expertise, paired with his understanding of South Asian culture and traditions, has proven to be of significant benefit. During his time at the resort, he has successfully led the catering efforts for seven different Indian weddings, with his sights set on more in the near future.

“Chef Sam has proven himself a knowledgeable and skilled culinary leader and an invaluable team member. He has worked diligently to help create a menu and fine-tune our ability to offer a venue that provides the perfect setting for a South Asian wedding,” said Frank Zouari, Executive Chef for Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe Houston. “He is well-organized and had a wide range of skills, which are critical to our success.”

He also has played a lead role in Margaritaville’s participation in The Woodlands Taste of the Town in 2022 and 2023.

Before he joined the team at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Prabhu spent time cooking for the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing the team of international interns and quickly earned a reputation for serving as a mentor to others. He also has worked for several 5-star hotels in India, including TAJ West end Banglore, Vivanta by Taj bekel, Grand Mecure Banglore, and the Westin Hotel.

Prabhu graduated in 2016 from the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration in Manipal, India. As a young chef, he has achieved multiple accolades, including the best chef award and being named employee of the year

by his former employers.

“We look forward to Chef Sam’s continued contributions to Margaritaville as it expands its South Asian wedding business. He is a tremendous asset to us, and we look forward to watching him grow as one of our best culinary leaders,” said Zouari.

Located about an hour north of the Greater Houston area, Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston, offers the perfect setting for a South Asian wedding, offering an array of venues to accommodate the rich traditions of the culture. You can learn more by visiting www. https://www. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-conroe

An outdoor lagoon wedding venue at the Margaritaville Lake Resort

‘Shiv Shastri Balboa’: Anupam, Neena Save Film

by shubhra Gupta

Middle-aged ex-banker from Bhopal Shiv Shastri (Kher) arrives in the US, all set to start a new innings. His doctor son (Hansraj) has done well for himself, in possession of a wife, two sons, a neat suburban home, all the trappings of success. As he begins finding his feet in an alien country, all Shastriji wants is to be able to run up those steps in that Pennsylvania building just the way the very famous Rocky Balboa had done in that very famous boxing film which had turned Sly Stallone into a global star. For fanboy Shastri, ‘Rocky’ is not just a film, but a philosophy which he has internalised deeply: an underdog can be a topdog.

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Send us the correct answer before February 21, 2023. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Please send us your solved Sudoku for your name to be published.

Solution Next Week

His meeting with Elsa-fromHyderabad (Gupta), who works as a housekeeper in the neighbourhood, allows him to break out of the loneliness the elderly are assailed with. He soon learns that just like him, Elsa too has a wish, but of a different kind. She hasn’t been back to India in eight long years, because the Indian family she serves severely underpays her (so what’s new?), and it has taken her that long to put by some money. Would Shastriji be so kind as to help her get a ticket?

And so begins a road-trip during which the two face challenges (a handbag gets stolen), meet a kindly stranger (Hashmi), struggle with racism (a biker gang has them in their sights), and learn some learnings. The proceedings are predictable, but the film’s affection for its leads is infectious.

Both Kher and Gupta face their troubles with a great deal of good cheer, and you cannot help rooting for them as they bump along.

Not everything works: a sequence in a sleazy bar-cumpick-up-joint, where the runaways fetch up for some r and r, is pure cringe. A pug who has the ability to put out his thoughts in a bubble, fetching many laughs in the first half, loses that ability post-interval. Which cat got his tongue? But it’s nice to see Hansraj back, even if it isn’t a big role, and Hashmi, as a wannabe-rappercum-grocerystore-owner is as likeable as ever.

You can do whatever you want, as long as you want it enough. And

senior citizens can also have fun. The message is not new. It’s bumper-sticker, yes, but also, quite light and likeable.

Cast: Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Sharib Hashmi, Jugal Hansraj Director: Ajayan Venugopalan Rating: Two and a half stars

‘Pathaan’ Box Office at Rs. 970 Crore

mumbaI: This Valentine’s Day, Shah Rukh Khan was showered with lots of love from his fans as they thronged the theatres to watch Pathaan again. After seeing a drop in collections on its third Monday, the film picked up again on Tuesday, witnessing a 35-40% jump in collections.

As per the industry tracker Sacnilk, Pathaan earned Rs 5.65 crore on Tuesday, which was also

Valentine’s Day, bringing the film’s total nett domestic collection to around Rs 480 crore. With this, the third-week total of the film is over Rs 38 crore, with two days remaining. This is a strong performance, as Box Office India reported that the only film to have crossed the Rs 50 cr mark in its third week is SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.

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Last Week’s Solution

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