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Vol.12 No. 9 June 29-July 5, 2019 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

International Day of Yoga Pompeo in

celebrated the world over
New York: Now in its 5th year,
the International Day of Yoga
(IDY) is receiving wider and wider
Delhi to talk
out irritants in
acceptance all over the world,
cutting across political and reli‑
gious differences.
IDY mandated by the UN is an
annual event created by Indiaʼs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
highlight and promote yoga both
w ithin India and around the
world. This time, Modi, a yoga
India-US ties
enthusiast himself, led a mega The US Secretary of State was scheduled to
event in Ranchi, Jharkhand, to first meet with new Indian foreign minister S.
celebrate the fifth edition of IDY.
“I want to make Yoga part of (the) Jaishankar. The Indian side expects to get US
All day yoga event at Times Square in
lives of all the poor people…
New York on June 21. (Photo IANS)
waiver for Russian S‐400 missile system.
Diseases make a poor person
poorer; I want to take Yoga from was celebrated with great fervor sional rainfall. In a first of its kind
cities to the villages, to the jun‑ across the Tristate area on June yoga celebration, the iconic UN
gles, to the poor and the adivasis 21 and on the following Sunday Continued on page 4
(tribals),” Mo di said while with Times Square seeing thou‑
addressing a crowd of about sands of yoga enthusiasts prac‑ SEE PAGES 3, 5, AND 16‑17
30,000 people at the event. IDY tice in the open, braving the occa‑ FOR MORE STORIES AND PIX.

RCHS celebrates 10th anniversary, US‑Iran tensions

Mukesh Modi gets the gavel boil over
Washington: President Donald
Trump has lashed out at the "igno‑
rant and insulting statement"
released by Iran after the US presi‑
dent announced fresh sanctions
against the Middle Eastern nation.
The tweets came after Iran's
President Hassan Rouhani said the
move proved the White House was
"mentally retarded", the BBC
reported.
Trump said it showed Iran's lead‑
ers "do not understand reality".
Rotary Club of Hicksville South President for 2019‑20 receives He unveiled the sanctions on
the gavel from the outgoing President Roopam Maini as he is Monday, saying they were a
cheered by Rotary District Governor Shawn Weiss, Consul General response to recent "aggressive
Sandeep Chakravorty, Mrs Sudha Modi & Past District Governor and behavior" by Iran.
RCHS Charter President Kamlesh C Mehta. At the 10th Anniversary The sanctions target a number of
and Appreciation Gala of the club on June 23, Amb. Chakravorty was individuals, notably Iran's Supreme
conferred Rotary Internationalʼs highest award, Paul Harris Honor of Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,
Medal. Eminent Jain Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni was presented the who Trump said was "ultimately
Lifetime Appreciations award for promoting world peace.
responsible for the hostile conduct
(See detailed story & more pix on page 2. )
Continued on page 4
U.S Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on his arrival in New Delhi Tuesday
is seen with US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster. (IANS photo)
New Delhi: US Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo arrived in New Delhi
Tuesday ahead of a planned meet‑
ing w ith Foreign Minister S
Jaishankar on Wednesday. This
meeting comes in the backdrop of
growing strain in the economic
relations between the two coun‑
tries. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar
said that India will meet the US
Secretary of State “with a positive
Indian foreign minister
attitude” to find “common ground”
S. Jaishankar.
to resolve trade issues. “Trade
after the Narendra Modi‑led gov‑
issues will be discussed. We will
try to find common ground,” he ernment was re‑elected a month
was quoted as saying by PTI. Also, ago, and also days before PM Modi
this will be Pompeoʼs first visit Continued on page 4

ART 15 YOGA 16-17 SPORTS 24 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism

 2 June 29-July 5, 2019 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Eminent Jain Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni was presented RCHSʼ Lifetime
Appreciations award for promoting world peace by Amb. Chakravorty. Past District Governor Ravi Bhooplapur was honored with Lifetime Appreciations award.

RCHS holds 10th anniversary & appreciations gala

By Parveen Chopra

Hicksville, NY: The Rotary Club of

Hicksville South (RCHS) held their
10th Anniversary and
Appreciation Gala at Antunʼs on
June 23 where key supporters and
community leaders were honored
and Mukesh Modi took over as the
11th President for 2019‑20.
The event was attended by sever‑
al dignitaries including Indian
Consul General Sandeep
Chakravorty, Rotary District
Governor Shawn Weis, Town of
Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S.
Saladinoʼs representative, eminent
Jain Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni and
Past District Governors Ravi
The Lifetime Appreciations award for HAB bank was accepted by
Bhooplapur and Kamlesh C. Mehta. Rizwan Qureshi, Sr Exec Vice President of the bank.
Kamlesh C. Mehta, Past District
Governor and Charter President of
the club, welcomed the guests and
related how RCHS was started 10 Amb. Sandeep Chakravorty was presented Rotary Internationalʼs
years ago by a group of like‑mind‑ highest award, Paul Harris Honor of Medal by PDG
ed friends with over 100 charter Ravi Bhooplapur and District Governor Shawn Weiss.
members, a record for Rotary
Modiʼs team includes Nilima
Internationalʼs 105 years of histo‑
Madan (President Elect), Vice
ry in the US.
Presidents Shashi Jhamb and
PDG Ravi Bhooplapur who had
Kalpana Patel, General Secretary
inspired the formation of RCHS,
Shashi Malik, Treasurer Arjen
lauded the fact that in the last
Bathija and Jt Secretary Anu
decade RCHS managed to raise
Gulati. Over a score new members
$800,000 for club initiated proj‑
were also inducted into the club,
ects and produced one District
including Dr. Pravin Pandhi, Past
Governor, and a few Assistant Subin Varghese of Mekkatti Graphics was presented the Bansi Shah
President of FIA.
District Governors. Memorial Award. Kalpana Patel, wife of late Bansi Shah, is 2nd from right.
Honorees included Dr Raj
Outgoing President Roopam
Bhayani, eminent ENT surgeon,
Maini, Branch Manager BCB Indus
and Jasbir ʻJayʼ Singh, Editor‑
American Bank, thanked her exec‑
Publisher of Hum Hindustani
utive team for a successful year
paper and President of India Day
and related the accomplishments
Parade of Long Island this year.
made during her term. She recog‑
HAB Bank, the premier commu‑
nized and honored Aleya Jung,
nity bank, were recognized and
Shashi Jhamb and Arjen Bathija for
honored w ith Lifet ime
their support.
Appreciations Award for their
The high point of the evening
generous contributions for the
came when Roopam Maini handed
Clubʼs humanitarian projects over
the gavel to incoming President,
the past 10 years.
Mukesh Modi, an entrepreneur,
PDG Ravi Bhooplapur was hon‑
community leader and philanthro‑
ored with Lifetime Appreciations
pist. Modi said in his acceptance
Award for his continued guidance
speech that it was an honor to lead
and mentoring the club since its Baby Angel won the hearts of
the club and he would like to take
inception. the audience with her Dr Raj Bhayani, eminent ENT surgeon, & Jasbir ʻJayʼ Singh, President
a quantum leap in the activities of
the club during his term. Continued on page 4 cute dance performance. of India Day Parade in Hicksville, were honored at the event.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY June 29-July 5, 2019 3

Shocking image of the Yoga Day celebrated in

crisis at Mexico border
NJ with great fanfare

A Salvadoran father and his daughter drowned in Rio

Grande trying to get to the US. (Photo courtesy AP)
New York: A horrific photo from
the US border with Mexico shows a
Salvadoran father and his daughter
face‑down in the water, having
drowned while trying to get to the
United States, reports CNN. The
young girl is tucked inside her
father's shirt, her right arm around
his neck as they lie near the shore.
T hey were discovered on the
Mexican side of the Rio Grande.
The government of El Salvador
Flying Wallendas cross Times
Square on high wire
Nik Wallenda, a seventh‑generation acrobat, and his sister, Lijana
Wallenda, crossed Times Square in NY City on a high wire between
skyscrapers, 25 stories above the pavement, on Sunday. (Photo : NYT)
identified them as Oscar Alberto
Martinez and his daughter, Angie
Valeria M, 2 years old. Their bodies
were found Monday. The photo has
become emblematic of the migrant
crisis at the Mexico‑US border.
Amid the flood of those seeking
asylum in the US a flash point Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty addressing the event with many dignitaries on stage.
occurred last week when it was
reported that a facility housing
By Suchitra Srinivas
migrant children in Texas was over‑
Somerset, NJ: T he Consulate
crowded, underprepared and filthy.
General of India, New York organ‑
ized a well‑attended event to mark
the 5th International Day of Yoga
here on Sunday.
With over 2,000 participants,
the daylong sessions held at Fair
Bridge Hotel & Conference Center,
one could say emphatically that
the environment was charged
with yogic vibes. Over 30 dif fer‑
ent organizations partnered to
showcase the true spirit of yoga,
Indiaʼs gift to the world.
Welcoming the participants,
Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul
General, noted that yoga is able to
combat lifestyle related diseases
and the Consulate had organized
several curtain‑raiser events in
collaboration with yoga organiza‑
tions to spread the awareness.
At the outset, motivational guru
Gaur Gopal Das clarified that yoga
is not mere physical exercise: it
has a higher purpose of unveiling
the spiritual journey. He said the
3 ʻSʼ of yoga are: Self‑control lead‑
ing to mental we ll‑being;
Sensitivity leading to emotional
well‑being, and finally Spiritual
well‑being leading to complete‑
ness. T he worldʼs oldest yoga
pract it ioner and Padma Shri
awardee Tao Porchon‑Lynch cre‑
ated a flutter with her appearance.
She looked enviously young and
happy and even demonstrated
yoga postures.
A guided yoga session based on
the common yoga protocol was
performed by the participants, led
by Dr. Dayashankar Vidyalankar,
teacher of Indian culture at the
Indian Consulate in New York.
Nit in Vyas, of World Veg an
Vision, a supporting organization,
and a prime coordinator of the NJ
event, highlighted an overwhelm‑
ing response from the general
public.
Vikas Khanna, celebrity chef
and film maker; assemblyman
Daniel R. Bensen; Philip Kramer,
Mayor of Franklin Township; Rajiv
Prasad, Councilman At‑Large of
Franklin Township were among
those who attended the celebra‑
tion. Other notable celebrations
were he ld at Pittsburg h,
Westchester and Time Square.

Sunita Williams may become the first woman on moon

Houston: More than 50 years after the
end of the Apollo program, NASA plans
to return to the Moon by 2024 as a
"proving ground" to test the next gen‑
eration of spacecraft ahead of an even‑
tual crewed mission to Mars.
The new program has been named
Artemis after Apollo's twin‑sister in
Gree k my tholog y, and the space
agency has said that the mission will
see the first woman to stride the lunar
surface.
So, who will she be? It's a likely bet
The highly experienced Indian American spacewoman that the candidate will be selected from
is among NASA's current roster of 12 female astronauts. among NASA's current roster of 12
female astronauts.
They're aged between 40 and 53, and
are former military pilots, medical doc‑
tors and scientists who were picked
from among thousands of applicants
since the late 1990s.
Among them is a highly experienced
Sunita Williams, an Indian American
who is preparing for her third space
mission and will be 58 in 2024. No
there is no upper age limit for astro‑
nauts.
"Suni," as she's known, formerly held
the records for total spacewalks by a
woman (7) and most spacewalk time
for a woman (50 hours, 40 minutes).
She was assigned to the International
Space Stat ion as a member of
Expedition 14 and Expedition 15. In
2012, she served as a flight engineer
on Expedition 32 and then commander
of Expedition 33.
In Houston, the chief astronaut will
be keen to build a team whose profiles
will be complementary, a mix of ex‑mil‑
itary and scientific backgrounds, and of
different personalities.
The mission foresees a four‑member
crew, two of whom will walk the Moon.
Why not two women?
 4 June 29-July 5, 2019
Mueller agrees to publicly
testify over Russia probe
Washington: Former US Special Counsel
Robert Mueller has agreed to testify pub‑
licly over his Russia probe before the
House Judiciary and Intelligence
Committees following a subpoena, the pan‑
els has announced in a joint statement.
Mueller will testify before both commit‑
tees on July 17 about his investigation
against alleged Russian meddling in the
2016 US presidential elections, the state‑
ment said on Tuesday.
"Americans have demanded to hear
directly from the special counsel so they
can understand what he and his team
examined, uncovered, and determined
about Russia''s attack on our democracy,
the Trump campaignʼs acceptance and use
of that help, and President Trump and his
associatesʼ obstruction of the investigation
into that attack," said the statement,
reported Xinhua news agency.
Mueller concluded his 22‑month investi‑
gation in March by submitting a report to
Attorney General William Barr. The report
Melania Trump's spokeswoman to
be White House press secretary
Stephanie
Grisham
Washington: Melania Trump's spokes‑
woman Stephanie Grisham will get a
major new role as both White House
Press Secretary and Communications
Chairman and Co-Founder
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stated that there was no evidence that
Trumpʼ's campaign conspired with the
Russian government during the 2016 US
presidential election, but didn't conclude if
the President had obstructed justice.
Instead, Mueller recounted 10 episodes
involving President Trump and discussed
potential legal theories for connecting
these actions to elements of an obstruction
offense.
The Department of Justice concluded
that Mueller did not have "sufficient" evi‑
dence to support a charge in the obstruc‑
tion case, a move that has drawn scrutiny
by Democrats.
In the first public remarks on his report
in May, Mueller said that if his office "had
confidence that the President clearly did
not commit a crime, we would have said
so."
The US Constitution "requires a process
other than the criminal justice system to
formally accuse a sitting President of
wrongdoing," he added.
Director, the First Lady tweeted on
Tuesday. Grisham replaces Sarah
Sanders who stepped down recently
from Press Secretary position.
Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra
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New Delhi Bureau
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Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Pompeo in Delhi to talk out RCHS holds 10th anniversary
irritants in India‑US ties
Continued from page 1
& appreciations gala
Continued from page 2
and President Donald Trump are likely to meet on the side‑
lines of the G‑20 summit.
The Bansi Shah Memorial Award for
highest donation to RCHS's project in a
Jaishankar, who is perceived to understand the US better Rotary year was presented to Subin
than anyone in the government as he had a stint as Indiaʼs Varghese of Mekkatti Graphics. He
ambassador to the US, is expected to convey Delhiʼs position donated over $25,000 for Kerala flood
on a host of issues, but more than anything else – he is like‑ relief.
ly to establish a working rapport so that differences can be Rotary Internationalʼs highest award,
ironed out between the two countries. India inked a deal Paul Harris Honor of Medal was con‑
with Russia for a batch of S‑400 missile defense systems ferred on Amb. Chakravorty by PDG
notwithstanding US warnings against it. Now the Indian Ravi Bhooplapur. The Consul General
side feels that it meets the requirements for waiver from the was also accorded Honorary
US in the Countering America's Adversaries Through Membership of RCHS.
Sanctions Act. In its 10th anniversary year, RCHS
Pompeo is also likely to call on Modi at his residence dur‑ inducted into its Hall of Fame, Past
ing his 3‑day visit, and he will also make a policy speech on Presidents Dave Vyas Sharma and
Wednesday evening. The US Secretary of State was quite Quddus Mohammed (Asstt. District
candid in his speech in Washington DC on June 12, when he Governor 2014‑17) for their continued
had said that he will discuss the recent decision on the GSP support and exemplary leadership to
program. India this month imposed higher tariffs on 28 US the club. "Home‑Cooking: Recipes for
products including almonds, apples and walnuts, following Multicultural Gatherings", a cof fee
the US withdrawal of trade privileges for India. Last year, table book written by Quddus
India had announced tarif fs in retaliation to higher U.S. Mohammed and published by RCHS,
import duties on steel and aluminum. was released at the event. All proceeds
of the book will be used for charitable
International Day of Yoga projects of RCHS. Dr. Urmilesh Arya,
celebrated the world over Nilima Madan and Roopam Maini
Continued from page 1 received a plaque from Fire Medics,
General Assembly hall reverberated with chants of 'Om', presented to RCHS in appreciation for
'Shanti' as UN officials and diplomats joined hundreds to
commemorate IDY. The Indian Consulate organized a day‑
the support for a Stretcher.
Outgoing President Roopam Maini
long event in Somerset, NJ on Sunday.
US‑Iran tensions boil over
told the gathering of over 200 that in
2018‑19 RCHS donated $10,500 for
the Kerala flood relief fund; distributed
Continued from page 1 700 backpacks with school supplies
of the regime". The US has alleged Ayatollah Khamenei has for students; contributed 500 winter
access to vast wealth which helps fund the Islamic coats, 250 blankets for the needy, and
Revolution Guard Corps (IRCG). In a 2018 op‑ed, US garments worth $3,500 for veteran
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested it was as much families. Serving Food for Hunger proj‑
as $95 billion and was "used as a slush fund for the IRGC". ect in collaboration with United
But Rouhani questioned why the US would single out a Methodist Church of Hempstead was
man who he said only "owns a Hoseyniyyeh (prayer venue) continued where 125 people each
and a simple house", calling the sanctions "outrageous and month are served food and fruits. Ms.
idiotic". He also said it suggested the US is lying about want‑ Angel Shah mesmerized over 250
ing dialogue. attendees with her dance performance.
But Trump said the only thing Iran understood was There are over 32,000 Rotary clubs
"strength and power, and the USA is by far the most power‑ in more than 200 countries and geo‑
ful military force in the world". graphical areas, giving rise to a global
"Any attack by Iran on anything American will be met network of 1.2 million business and
with great and overwhelming force," he added in a tweet. professional leaders, all volunteering
"In some areas, overwhelming will mean obliteration." their time and talents to serve their
communities and the world.
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY June 29-July 5, 2019 5

UN General Assembly reverberates with chants

of 'Om' to mark International Yoga Day
United Nations: In a first of its kind
yoga celebration, the iconic UN
General Assembly hall reverberat‑
ed with chants of 'Om', 'Shanti' as
UN officials and diplomats joined
hundreds to commemorate the
International Yoga Day with the
underlying message of yoga's valu‑
able contribution in addressing cli‑
mate change and promoting toler‑
ance and peace.
T he General Assembly hall,
where world leaders come togeth‑
er every year for the high‑level UN
session, was packed with UN diplo‑
mats, of ficials, yoga gurus and
practitioners, children and people
from various backg rounds as
India's Permanent Mission to the
UN organized the commemoration
of the 5th International Day of
Yoga.
It was the first time a grand yoga
event was held inside the iconic
UNGA hall, five years after Prime
Minister Narendra Modi first pro‑
posed to mark June 21 as
International Yoga Day in his 2014
address to the annual General
Debate from the famed General
Assembly podium.
The event 'Yoga with the Gurus',
w ith the theme of ʻYog a for
Climate Action' began with Prime
Minister Modi's video message on
Yoga Day, where he spoke about
how yoga has connected the entire
world in the present century.
Addressing the large gathering,
Deputy Secretary‑General Amina
Mohammed said the essence of
yoga is balance, "not only within us
It was the first time a grand yoga event was held inside
the iconic UNGA hall (Image courtesy: nwnews.in)
but also in our relationship with
humanity."
She added that by practicing
yoga, people can promote values
that inspire peaceful, environmen‑
tal stewardship for the betterment
of society and the Earth.
Underlining the theme of Yoga
for Climate Action, she said yoga
also has a valuable contribution to
make in addressing climate
change, "the defining issue of our
time, by inspiring us to shift away
from unsustainable pract ices
towards inclusive, green growth,
conscious consumption, and more
sustainable lifestyles. In short, it is
about the tensions between needs
and wants.”
She said yoga can promote soli‑
darity, social integration, toler‑
ance, justice, and peace.
"It teaches us a holistic vision of
the world, encouraging us to live
in harmony with ourselves, society
and nature. This is of obvious rele‑
vance for our efforts to combat the
intolerance that is so prevalent
across today's global landscape.”
The top UN official further said
that while change can start within
people, observance such as the
International Day of Yoga has the
potential to lift yoga from an indi‑
vidual well‑being practice to joint,
global action.
The event 'Yoga with the Gurus'
was originally scheduled to be held
in the sprawling North Lawn in the
United Nations Headquarters but
the venue had to be shifted to
inside the General Assembly hall
due to rain.
"If it rains outside …..#YogaDay
observance @UN moves to a better
location inside ‑ GA Hall," India's
Permanent Representative to the
UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin
tweeted.
In his remarks to the packed
UNGA hall, Akbaruddin noted that
it was in this very General
Assembly Hall that an ancient
practice of Yoga was transformed
into an annual global observance.
"I hope this indoor Yoga session,
in the General Assembly Hall, the
first of its kind, will reinforce the
values of a cleaner, greener and
more sustainable future that all
you Yogis are committed to."
Akbaruddin said with climate
change increasingly being viewed
as an "existential crisis", yoga pro‑
vides the world a framework for
managing "our needs and desires.
When applied to communities and
societies, yoga offers a toolkit for
embracing lifestyles that are sus‑
tainable.”
He stressed that lifestyles that
appeal to the human yearning for
harmony w ith fe llow human
beings and with one's larger habi‑
tat are key to people's contribution
as individuals to climate change.
"The theory and practice of Yoga
is a choice contributing towards a
cleaner, greener and sustainable
future. It is a natural fit to the pur‑
suit of Climate Action at the indi‑
vidual level," he said.
"The theory and practice of yoga,
therefore, is a natural fit with this
moral agenda,” Akbaruddin said.
Artists from Indian Raga, an Arts
education startup founded at the
prest ig ious Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT )
enthralled the audience with their
cultural dance and musical per‑
formances. Yog a Guru Swami
Paramananda of Sivananda Yoga
New York, Kevin Tobar and his
associates from Bhakti Centre and
yoga teacher Sunaina Rekhi from
Mumbai conducted varied yoga
sessions, inviting the audience to
participate in breathing exercises
and try yoga postures while seat‑
ed, aimed at re lieving stress,
improving mental and physical
well being and helping increase
productivity and focus while at
work.
The audience actively participat‑
ed in the yoga sessions and did not
let them being seated in one place
‑ as opposed to doing yoga in the
outdoors ‑ act as a deterrent.
From doing the ʻAnulom Vilom
Pranayam', stretching exercises to
chant ing “Om, Shant i Shant i
Shanti” and meditating, the audi‑
ence enthusiastically followed
instructions of the yoga gurus as
they conducted the sessions.
India's Permanent Mission kick‑
started its Yoga Day celebrations
Wednesday with a special event
during which the United Nations
headquarters was lit up with pos‑
tures of the ʻSurya Namaskar' and
the message of ʻYoga for Climate
Action.'
T he Indian Mission has also
organized photo exhibitions in the
UN Headquarters on yog a.
Displayed in the exhibition are
photographs on the theme of Yoga
for Climate Action, highlighting
various tenets of yoga such as
ʻBhakti Yoga', ʻKarma Yoga', ʻJnana
Yoga' and ʻRaja Yoga.'

Ajay Patil gets reelected Disability bill introduced by Assemblyman

to Edison City Council Raj Mukherji, others, becomes law
New York: Edison, New Jersey, held other tasks at MetLife; was a senior New York: Legislation sponsored
its council election June 4, with project manager at Sansui Software by New Jersey State Assembly
Indian American Democratic coun‑ Pvt. Ltd.; technical project manager Democrats Raj Mukherji, Shavonda
cilman Ajay Patil among the four at First Data Inc.; and had stints Sumter, Eliana Pintor Marin and
victorious candi‑ earlier in his career at Benjie Wimberly to establish a par‑
dates. VF Services, SaraLee tial return to work program for
Pat il, along w ith Corporation, General residents receiving temporary dis‑
fellow running mates Electric and Madhu ability insurance was signed into
Councilman Joseph Software Systems Pvt. law June 17.
Coyle, Richard Ltd. “T he lawʼs intent is to allow
Brescher and Joyce He is a member of workers to transition back to work
Ship‑Freeman won the Edison Finance by initially working on a part‑ time
the Democratic nod Committee and basis, and to provide cost savings
over Councilman Edison Board of by reducing benefit costs during
Michael Lombardi, Education Committee, those transitions,” Mukherji (D‑
Councilman Leonard and is the former Hudson), the only Indian‑American New Jersey State Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, D‑Hudson.
Ajay Patil
Sende lsky, Nimisha president of the Edison lawmaker in the lower house, is (Photo courtesy:politico.com)
Shukla and Bhavin Shah according Hollow South Homeowners quoted saying in the press release. to work due to the disability. eligible for TDI benefits but only
to the voting results. Patil took in Association. “A similar program was imple‑ The law mandates that the part‑ able to return to work on a part‑
the second‑most votes with 5,473, Patil earned his undergraduate mented in Rhode Island in 2007 time TDI benefit is the full‑time time basis while recovering from a
only behind Coyleʼs 5,582. Brescher degree in mechanical engineering and has been reported to have TDI benefit amount minus the disability.
finished with 5,397 while Ship‑ at the Government College of seen savings every year in opera‑ wages paid to the worker during a In addition, the law permits such
Freeman received 5,336. Engineering in Aurangabad and his tion,” Mukherji noted. Prior to the week. partial benefits only after a worker
Patil has been a member of the masterʼs in industrial engineering legislation, the temporary disabili‑ The new law, A‑1980, permits has been completely unable to
council since 2016. Additionally, he and management from ty insurance (TDI) law provided for the payment of TDI benefits on a work due to a disability and receiv‑
served as a director of IT at Se2; Visvesvaraya National Institute of benefits only during the time that reduced basis to temporarily dis‑ ing full TDI benefits for at least
director of ISG‑Retail, big data and Technology. the worker was completely unable abled workers who are otherwise seven days.
 6 June 29-July 5, 2019 LOCAL GOVERNMENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

AG Letitia James
lauds passage LONG BEACH DRINKING
of Sexual
Harassment Bill WATER EMERGENCY OVER
A
ttorney General Letitia

James has released the
follow ing statement
regarding the passage of legisla‑
tion updating sexual harassment
laws regarding prevention poli‑
cies and the claims process:
“There is no place for sexual
harassment in the workplace.
This commonsense legislation
updates our stateʼs harassment
laws by establishing stronger pro‑
tections for employees and steps
up our sexual harassment preven‑
tion policies. New Yorkers strive
to build inclusive communities̶
free of fear, intimidation, and
harassment. Thanks to the work
of the billʼs sponsors,
Assemblywoman Arave lla
Simotas and State Senator
Alessandra Biaggi, this bill bring
us one step closer to making that
ideal a reality.”
The bill (S6577/A8421) clari‑
fies that human rights laws apply
to public employers and lower
the “severe and pervasive” stan‑
G
overnor Andrew M.
Cuomo, Nassau County
and the City of Long
Beach Monday announced the E.
coli contamination has been
cleared from Long Beach's water
supply and the boil water notice
has been lifted.
On June 21, Nassau County
officials has informed the State
Of fice of Emergency
Management that E. coli was
found in Long Beach's drinking
water supply. In response, the
Governor directed State Health
Commissioner Dr. Howard
Zucker and team to investigate
the source of contamination and
work with Nassau County and
the City of Long Beach to ensure
a similar incident doesn't hap‑
pen again.
Dr. Zucker and New York State
Department of Health profes‑
sional engineers are on site at
the Long Beach water treatment
tive, but two of the upstream
and downstream samples were
total coliform positive and one
was positive for E. coli. This
resulted in a Boil Water Order
being issued on June 21.
Nassau County Execut ive
Laura Curran said, "To day
Nassau County has lifted the
boil‑water order for residents in
the City of Long Beach. I'm
grateful to Governor Cuomo for
the swift support his office pro‑
vided us this weekend, and to
Over the weekend, the Governor deployed 115,000 bottles our teams at the Department of
of water to Long Beach residents to ensure access to
Health and Emergency
clean water for residents and visitors.
Management who worked tire‑
plant to work with city officials Long Beach's routinely collected lessly to resolve this issue. The
to help investigate the source of samples came back as total col‑ health and safety of our resi‑
the contamination. Over the iform positive, prompting addi‑ dents is always the highest pri‑
wee kend, the Governor tional samples to be collected at ority of Nassau County. We will
deployed 115,000 bottles of the same location, as well as continue to work alongside our
water to Long Beach residents upstream and downstream sam‑ municipalities and water dis‑
to ensure access to clean water ples. Of the additional samples, tricts to ensure that every drop
for residents and visitors. the repeat of the original posi‑ of our water supply remains
On June 18, one of the City of tive sampling location was nega‑ clean and reliable."

Supervisor Saladino announces STOP LIPA RALLY IN

dard currently needed to submit a
claim, establishing further protec‑
tions for employees. Additionally,
the bill reforms sexual harass‑
summer activities for Seniors SUFFOLK COUNTY
N
ment trainings and call for a

O
study on prevention policies. yster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph
Saladino has announced a variety
Police bust of free weekday senior citizens
summer activities of fered by the
two Hicksville Department of Community and Youth
massage parlors Services (CYS) in community centers
throughout the Town. Ballroom dancing,
4Wednesdays at Glen Head Community
Center: 9:30am Musical Entertainment;
10:30am Tai Chi, Bingo; On six
Wednesdays only, July 10, 17, 24, 31 and
August 7, 14 free transportation will be
provided to the Glen Head Community
Center from locations throughout the
ew York State Senator James Gaughran attended
and supported the Stop LIPA now rally on June
22 at park in East
Northport. He spoke about
the legislative ef forts in
Albany, adding that the com‑
munityʼs ef fort must contin‑

F
our people were charged
w ith prost itut ion after
busts at two massage par‑
lors prompted by community com‑
plaints in Hicksville, police said.
T he arrests o ccurred last
Wednesday, June 19 at the DS
Relax Spa at 1A W. Village Green
and the Oasis Massage and Spa at
535 S. Broadway, according to the
Nassau County Police Department.
They were the result of under‑
cover investigations by Narcotics
Vice Squad Detectives, due to sev‑
eral community complaints,
according to the Nassau County
Police Department.
Charged from D S Spa were:
Delan Shan, 56, of 164th Street in
Fresh Meadows and Jinling Ma,
40, of Sanford Avenue in Flushing.
Charged from the Oasis Massage
were: Jianqun Feng, 45, of Burling
Street in Flushing and Jun Fu, 48,
of Main Street in Flushing. The
four were each charged with unau‑
thorized practice of a profession
and prostitution.
exercise and aquatic classes are just some
of the activities seniors can enjoy as part
of this yearʼs program, which runs from
July 8th to August 30th.
“I invite our senior residents to partici‑
pate in these free activities, where they
can enjoy the company of others, make
new friends, and stay active and engaged
during the dog days of summer,”
Supervisor Saladino said. “Our senior sum‑
mer activities are some of the most popu‑
lar programs the Town offers, and I expect
this year to be no different with the expan‑
sive and diverse activities that will be
offered!”
The following programs are offered:
4Mondays at the Hicksville Community
Center: 10am Ballroom Dancing; (12pm‑
3pm Hicksville Community Center will be
open for cards and conversation)
4 Tuesdays at Marjorie R. Post
Community Center: 10am Exercise;
11:15am Aquatic Class;
4 Tuesdays at North Massapequa
Community Center: 10:30am Tai Chi;
11:45am Sitting Class; and 1pm Line
Dancing. (9:30am‑3pm North Massapequa
Community Center will be open for cards
and conversation)
Town for seniors to enjoy the above‑men‑
tioned programs.
4 Wednesdays at Plainview Old
Bethpage Park: 11:15am Aquatic Class.
4 Thursdays at Syosset‑Woodbury
Community Center: 9:30am Intermediate
Bridge Lesson; 10am Exercise; 11:15am
Aquatic Class; and 12:30pm Play Bridge.
4 Thursdays at North Massapequa
Community Center: 10am Zumba
4 Fridays at North Massapequa
Community Center: 9:30am Beginners
Bridge Lessons, 10am Tai Chi, 11:30am
Line Dancing, 12:30pm Bridge. (9:30am‑
3pm North Massapequa Community
Center will be open for cards and conver‑
sation)
4Fridays at Bethpage Community Park:
11:15am Aquatic Class.
4 Fridays at Hicksville Community
Center: 12:15pm Tai Chi. (9:30am‑3pm
Hicksville Community Center will be open
for cards and conversation)
Please note that a senior must be a pool
member or purchase a daily admission
ticket to participate in aquatic classes. For
more information on these Senior Summer
Activities, please call the Division of Senior
Citizens Services at (516) 797‑7916.
ue and is having effect. The
rally was hosted by the
Northport‑East Northport
community with concerned
taxpayers against LIPA on
behalf of Long Islanders. It
called attention to the “preda‑
tory actions of LIPA, against NY State Senator James
Gaughran addressing
communities on Long Island.”
the rally orgznized to
Scores of people attended.
draw attention to
They are calling upon elected the “predatory
of ficials and in particular actions of LIPA”.
Governor Andrew Cuomo to
immediately intervene, and stop LIPA as a rogue agency
from shifting its tax burden onto residents.
Free Senior IDs ‑ Schedule for Town of Oyster Bay
The Senior ID includes: You name
and date of birth. Emergency
Contact Information. A photo of
that is taken on site. Allergies and
Medical Conditions.
The schedule to receive Senior IDs.
June 27: Hicksville Library, 12‑3 pm
July 16: Massapequa Library, 12‑3 pm
July 23: Farmingdale Library, 12‑3 pm
Aug 19: Bethpage Library, 12‑3 pm
Aug 29: Plainedge Library, 12‑3 pm
Sept 6: Massapequa Library, 12‑3 pm

Now, we are devoting a full page to local government news, initiatives, and other information of significant importance to our readers.
Requesting all government agencies at state, county and town levels to send their press releases to: editor@thesouthasiantimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL June 29- July 5, 2019 7

India, US must utilize Pompeo's visit

to resolve trade frictions: USIBC
New Delhi: India and the US must
utilize the upcoming visit of US
Secretary of State Michae l
Pompeo to resolve outstanding
"trade frictions", a top American
business advocacy group said
Sunday.
The US‑India Business Council
(USIBC) also said tarif fs, forced
localization of data and other bar‑
riers to trade limit economic
opportunit ies and adverse ly
impact consumers in both the
countries.
"We believe that a transparent
and consultat ive dialogue
between the governments and
industry is needed to resolve out‑
standing commercial issues, build
trust and confidence, and
strengthen the broad‑based and
strategic partnership between our
countries," the USIBC said.
Pompeo will be visiting India
from June 25‑27. His visit comes
shortly after India announced a
hike in customs duties on as many
as 28 US pro ducts, including
almond, pulses and walnut, in
response to hig her tarif fs
imposed by Washington on Indian
products like steel and aluminum.
The move will hurt American
exporters of these 28 items as
they w ill have to pay hig her
duties, making those items cost‑
lier in the Indian market.
The US had in March last year
imposed 25 percent tariff on steel
and a 10 percent import duty on
aluminum products. Earlier, there
was no duty on these goods.
As India is one of the major
exporters of these items to the US,
the move has a revenue implica‑
tion of about $240 million on
domestic stee l and aluminum
products.
However, the US has said it has
no plans to impose caps on the H‑
1B work visas for nations that
force foreign companies to store
data locally, according to a state
department of ficial who said the
Trump administration's review of
worker visa programs is "com‑
pletely separate" from the ongo‑
ing discussions with India over
the free flow of data.
T he state department
spokesperson's remarks came
after reports emerged that the US
had told India it was considering
capping the H‑1B visas at 10‑15
percent for countries that had a
data localization policy.
The USIBC said it urges both the
governments to use Pompeo's
visit as an opportunity for dia‑
logue focused on resolving out‑
standing trade frictions.
"As part of the US Chamber of
Commerce, we continue to empha‑
size our longstanding view that
tariffs, forced localization of data
and other barriers to trade limit
economic opportunities in India
and the United States.
"With a new Indian government
in place, we are at a pivotal
moment for the US and India to
reach agreement on some long‑
standing trade and commercial
issues," it said.
The H‑1B visa is a non‑immi‑
grant visa that allows US compa‑
nies to employ foreign workers in
specialty occupations that require
theoretical or technical expertise.
(PTI)

Nuclear expert Rita Baranwal Wall Street Journal runs op‑ed calling
confirmed as assistant for Trump‑Haley duo on 2020 ticket
secretary of energy
Washington, DC: In an overwhelming
show of support, the U.S. Senate June 20
confirmed Indian American nuclear expert
Rita Baranwal to serve as the assistant sec‑
retary of energy for nuclear energy in the
U.S. Department of Energy.
T he Senate voted 86‑5 to prope l
Baranwal to the post, with only Cortez
Masto, Jacky Rosen (D‑Nev.), Ed Markey
(D‑Mass.), Elizabeth Warren (D‑Mass.) and
Brian Schatz (D‑Hawaii) voting against the
President Donald Trump nomination.
Baranwal has directed the Energy
Departmentʼs Gateway for Accelerated
Innovation in Nuclear initiative since mid‑
August 2016. In that post, she has over‑
seen GAINʼs work to develop public‑pri‑
vate partnerships and make available the
departmentʼs financial support and
research and development of ferings to
new nuclear energy technologies in order
to help them move toward a commercial
market.
Through GAIN, Baranwal has worked
closely with the Energy Department, its
national laboratories and the private sec‑
tor and understands how each can be
leveraged together “to more rapidly com‑
mercialize advanced reactor technologies”
and maintain a “gold standard of security
and safety,” said Ryan Fitzpatrick, deputy
director of the Clean Energy Program at
the think tank T hird Way, Morning
Consult reported.
Baranwal spoke at a nuclear summit
Third Way held in 2017 in collaboration
with national labs and other groups, and
the center‑left think tank helped create a
GAIN program developer directory, the
report said.
Her nomination was first submitted to
the Senate on Oct. 5., 2018, but in line
with Senate rules, her name was returned
to the president on the first day of the new
Congress, after the chamber did not act on
the nomination by the end of the 115th
Rita Baranwal
Congress. Baranwalʼs name was resubmit‑
ted for the post on Jan. 16 and the Senate
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
again advanced her nomination on March
7. On April 30, Masto said she would end
her hold on Energy Department nominees
after the agency agreed to start removing,
in 2021, the plutonium it had transported
to the state, according to reports.
Baranwal is a former Westinghouse
Electric Co. of ficial and was part of the
adjunct faculty at the University of South
Carolina from 2010 to 2012, with a doc‑
torate in materials science and engineer‑
ing from the University of Michigan,
according to the Idaho National
Laboratory. She helped develop advanced
nuclear fuel for the U.S. Navy at an earlier
stint at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory,
according to her testimony.
In addition to heading the powerful
office of nuclear energy, she will also be
responsible for the department's nuclear
technology research and the development
and management of the department's
nuclear technology infrastructure.
Baranwal earned her B.A. in materials
science and engineering from MIT and her
Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. She
serves on advisory boards for MITʼs
Materials Research Laboratory and UC
Berke leyʼs Nuclear Engineering
Department.
New York: The Wall St. Journalʻs
editorial page floated a bold idea in
its Sunday op‑ed: President Donald
Trump should dump Vice President
Mike Pence from the ticket in
2020, and instead run with former
U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley.
In a Journal op‑ed posted Sunday,
Andrew Stein, founder of
Democrats for Trump, argued that
Haley would he lp Trump lock
The writer reasons that Haley would help Trump to make
down moderate suburban women
inroads into the demographic of moderate suburban women
̶ a demographic with which Stein
believes Trump needs to make inroads if he is to segment of the electorate, Stein argued, will be
win re‑election. “I mean no disrespect for Mr. firmly in Trumpʼs camp next November.
Pence, whoʼs loyally served the president and the “Mr. Trumpʼs greater obstacle to re‑election
nation,” Stein wrote. “But heʼs given Mr. Trump comes from politically moderate suburban
all the help he can. He inspired his fellow evan‑ women, many of whom see him as divisive,” he
gelical Christians to take a chance in 2016.” That wrote. (Source: Mediaite.com)
SAALT seeks probe into
Indian girl's death at US border
Washington, DC: A South Asian group has sought probe into the girl's death and information about
a probe into the death of a six‑year‑old girl, her mother and the other migrants in their
whose body was found along the US‑Mexico bor‑ group.
der in Arizona, alleging that militarization of the "US border militarization, forced migration, and
area and rejection of migrants attempting to rejection of migrants attempting to cross at ports
cross at the entry ports have created an inhuman of entry have created an environment where a
environment. The body of Gurupreet Kaur was child like Gurupreet can die in the desert alone,"
found by the US Border Patrol officials 27 kilo‑ Sridaran said. "Until a new system is created that
meters west of Lukeville, Arizona last week, when upholds the dignity of all migrants, we will con‑
the temperature reached a high of 42 degrees tinue to see unspeakable tragedies, notwithstand‑
Celsius. The girl was traveling with four other ing the countless deaths that go undocumented."
people, including her mother, and was dropped While ICE and CBP have experienced unprece‑
near the border by human smugglers who dented surges in their budgets, their treatment of
ordered the group to cross in the dangerous and migrants has plunged to new lows, she added.
austere location. Kaur's mother left her with a Indian American attorney Ravi Batra termed
woman and her child and went in search of water. Kaur's death a heart‑wrenching story. "That her
"We are devastated to learn the death of adult parent(s) made the conscious choice to
Gurupreet Kaur," Lakshmi Sridaran, interim co‑ enter the attractive not‑so‑porous Southern
executive director of the South Asian Americans Border of the United States hiring human traf‑
Leading Together (SAALT), said in a statement. fickers is criminally negligent," he said. The num‑
The group said it will send a letter of inquiry to ber of Indians crossing the US border from
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mexico has steadily risen in recent years, accord‑
Kevin K McAleenan this week, demanding a ing to immigration officials.
8 June 29-July 5, 2019 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF

Chicago Youth Cricket Academy to Call for public‑private partner‑

expand youth & women cricket ships to achieve UNʼs Sustainable
Development Goals

N
atasha Mudhar, the
Chief Executive of
Global Impact
Enterprise The World We Want,
an organization aimed to unlock
the creative potential of ideas,
people, network and technology
to accelerate progress towards
achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs),
Coaching clinic held to train budding cricketers
spoke on the potential for pub‑

C
hicago Youth Cricket Academy
(CYCA), the premier institution of
cricket learning, is taking a proac‑
tive approach to provide a platform to
youth cricket in the Greater Chicagoland
Area. Following their vision of providing a
better learning experience, the institution
hosted their first American Cricket
Federation (ACF) Level 2 coaching certifi‑
cation camp during June 15th & 16th
2019 weekend at Hoffman Estate, IL. ACF
coaching & practical training sessions are a
benchmark in coaching in the United
States.
Introducing cricket at a grass root level
has been a challenge not only in the
Chicago Metropolitan area but also in
other states in the Continental United
States. A shortage of well‑trained coaches
makes the mission more challenging if not
impossible. CYCA understands that the
platform for cricket cannot be sustained
without a strong foundation of well‑trained
coaches who bring their own set of expert‑
ise to the table. When combined, a well‑
trained coaching staff can promote and
sustain the sport of cricket through peer to
peer mentoring as well as getting resource‑
ful information and support from the ACF.
Chicago area schools have in the past,
dabbled with the idea of introducing crick‑
et in the school system as an approved
extracurricular activity but have failed to
sustain the program. Inadequate equip‑
ment, untrained coaches, lack of knowl‑
edge with school programs could be all is
linked to the failure that we see today.
CYCA plans to develop cricket with a three‑
prong approach: Have well‑trained coaches
on hand. This provides a baseline under‑
standing of the curriculum; Share the
knowledge with peers, parents, and other
coaches in and outside of the school sys‑
tem.
Spreading the knowledge is the key to
get more interest generated in the sport
itself while also getting more and more
coaches certified; Provide scholastic help to
students who excel in the sport. This can
be accomplished by partnering with the
ACF coaching program & USA Cricket.
The recent weekend‑long cricket coach‑
ing clinic was conducted by renowned
national level ACFʼs Director of Coaching
Jatin Patel. Starting from basics of the
game, player corrections to game situa‑
tions he blended everything well and
empowered the attendees by sharing his
immense knowledge of the game that he
has acquired from his experience.
lic‑private partnerships to
encourage the much needed
$1.6 trillion dollars annual fund (L‑R) Jason Harris CEO Mekanism, Amy Agnew VP
needed to achieve the SDGs by International Markets Global Citizen & Natasha
2030. Mudhar Chief Exec. The World We Want
Entitled ʻCall to Action for
Public‑Private Partnerships to Reach the
Global Goalsʼ, the fireside chat was hosted
by Jason Harris, the President, and CEO of
San Francisco based global creative
agency Mekanism, with Natasha joining
Amy Agnew, Vice President of
International Markets at Global Citizen.
During the discussion, Natasha spoke of
the importance of not only public‑private
partnerships, but for cross‑sector collabo‑
rations to convene governments, corpora‑
tions, media, talent, civil society, and not
for profits to leverage ideas, networks,
and technologies and bring visions to life
to create sustainable solutions.
“There is no single entity in this world
that holds the solutions to the world's
problems. The magnitude of the chal‑
lenges requires collective action, which
means we synergize partnerships with all
stakeholders – corporate, government,
public sector, civil service, celebrities, and
the public ‑ to create transformative
impact. Therefore Goal 17 is perhaps the
most important SDG to focus on to unlock
the potential of all of the other goals.”
When asked how we can encourage cor‑
porates and brands to support the SDGs,
Natasha Mudhar said: “One of the key
ways we can ensure corporate participa‑
tion in the larger SDGs agenda is by
demonstrating the business case to invest
in the Goals – both tangible and intangi‑
ble ‑ and the impact of that investment
not just on the individual business but
locally, nationally and globally through its
supply chain, consumer base and employ‑
ees. Businesses can truly create a sustain‑
able impact to meet its triple bottom line:
to create profit, protect the planet and
improve the lives of people.
“We must constantly reiterate to organi‑
zations that being purposeful and prof‑
itable are not two mutually exclusive con‑
cepts, and that embedding a ʻdoing good
by doing wellʼ philosophy is a key ideolo‑
gy to embed in a businessʼ DNA and not
just as a CSR tactic.”
At the panel, Natasha also announced
the launch of the SDGs Impact Summit in
India in November 2019 with media con‑
glomerate, Times of India Group.

FRIENDS OF ARCH CELEBRATE 25

YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

F
riends Of ARCH celebrated over 25
years of dedicated service to
humanity June 22nd at Hindu
Community Center.
In 1993, Friends of ARCH (FOA) was
formed as a U.S. based non‑profit organi‑
zation with the intention of supporting
the activities of ARCH India. Funds raised
go towards improving health, education
& welfare of the tribals in the areas of pri‑
mary health care, TB care program, edu‑
cation activities, women health program
& health education, land & community
forest rights and forest conservation &
soil‑moisture conservation, empowering
tribal people from the remote areas of
Gujarat, India ‑Mangrol, Taluka Rajpipla,
District Narmada, Dharampur, District
Valsad, serving tribal villages of Narmada
(Dediapada), Vadodara and other tribal
districts of Gujarat.
ARCH, established in 1982, is a non‑
profit charitable organization that works
to improve the health, education and wel‑
fare of the tribal population residing in
Gujarat, India. Our work began in a small
village of Mangrol. Now, after almost 35
years, ARCH and its core group of found‑
ing members have expanded their work
to 3 areas ̶Mangrol, Dharampur and
Dediapada/Kawant.
Several dedicated committee members
and volunteers under the leadership of
President Rajesh Patel have been working
diligently since inception towards this
noble cause.
At the silver jubilee celebration, singer
Bhavin Shashtri left the audience spell‑
bound.
For more info on the organization visit
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni Ji participated in 5th International Yoga Day 2019 at
at www.friendsofarch.org, www.archgu‑
United Nations General Assembly Hall with interfaith leaders.
jarat.org and www.arch‑vahini.org.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info DIASPORA June 29-July 5, 2019 9

Indian‑origin engineer's breathing World celebrates

device for infants wins UK award
London: An Indian eng ineer
whose low‑cost neonatal breath‑
ing device has saved the lives of
new‑born babies across small
towns of India, has won the 2019
Commonwealth Secretary‑
General's Innovat ion for
Sustainable Development Award
in London.
Nitesh Kumar Jangir, who cre‑
ated Saans as a breathing sup‑
port device to tackle avoidable
deaths of premature babies from
respiratory distress syndrome
due to a lack of immediate access
to complex medical equipment,
received his award in the
"People" category alongside 14
other innovators from across the
53 member‑countries of the
Commonwealth.
"Our mission is to try and
ensure that babies don't lose
their lives due to the lack of
access to a piece of technology,"
said Jangir, who was presented
the award at a ceremony in
London last wee k by Prince
Harry ‑ the Youth Ambassador of
the Commonwealth, and
Commonwealth Secretary‑
General Baroness Patricia
Scotland.
"In countries like India, with
erratic electricity supply and lim‑
ited resources at public hospitals,
this neonatal breathing support
Nitesh Kumar Jangirʼs breathing support device to tackle deaths of
premature babies from respiratory problems.
equipment can be used without
any complex training. So, anyone,
anywhere can use this device and
deliver crucial support to prema‑
ture babies," he explained.
The Bangalore‑based electron‑
ics engineer is the co‑founder of
Coeo Labs, a medical device com‑
pany with a vision to prevent
preventable deaths in the field of
emergency and critical care.
Saans, which has been in circula‑
tion for the past three months
across district hospitals of India
that lack neonatal ICU facilities
as well as at medical colleges,
has been in development for four
years.
It is the world's first neonatal
Cont inuous Posit ive Airway
Pressure (CPAP) device that can
Yoga Day 2019
UAE Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan
with the Charge de Affairsʼ of the Indian Embassy Smita Pant and the
be powered in multiple ways ‑ leading Indian businessman B R Shetty at the 5th International Day
of Yoga at Umm al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi.
through direct source electricity,
including a vehicle's electrical
supply, a rechargeable battery,
compressed gas, or even manual
air pumping.
"While this device is low‑cost,
at least three times cheaper than
any other such machine, we had
to ensure that it was of high
quality. This award will go a long
way in upscaling this device
across the Commonwealth coun‑
tries, for use in similar conditions
in regions like Africa," he said.
Each of the 15 winners of the
inaugural Commonwealth
Innovation Awards received a The Indian Embassy in Doha organized a grand yoga demonstration
trophy, a certificate and 2,000 in partnership with Indian community organizations and Qatar
pounds in prize money. Museums, in front of the iconic national monument of Qatar
(PTI) on the occasion of the 5th IDY.

Indian family racially abused on train in Ireland

London: An Indian family on a vacation to
Ireland has been allegedly racially abused in
an hour‑long tirade against their "accents,
skin color and nationality" by a beer‑gulping
man on a train to Dublin, according to a
media report.
Prasun Bhattachrjee, on a three‑day visit to
Ireland, with his family was on a train from
Belfast to Dublin when they were racially
abused by another passenger, the Irish Times
reported.
The call from the Immigrant Council of
Ireland came after Bhattachrjee and his par‑
ents had to endure to an hour‑long tirade
against their accents, skin color and culture,
by a man who was drinking from a can of
beer, and who sat beside them on their jour‑
ney, it said. Bhattachrjee said the person had
abused his family for their "skin color, nation‑
ality and other things." He said he believed
the man was drunk, the report said.
Prasun Bhattachrjee said the person had
abused his family for their "skin color,
nationality and other things."
Bhattachrjee said the abuse continued as
the man sat with them and continued to insult
them all the way to Dublin. "We felt so bad,"
Bhattachrjee said.
A train guard had come along as the man
was moving about the carriage talking into a
mobile phone, but the man had not been put
off the train and the abuse had continued, he
was quoted as saying by the report.
Another passenger, who was identified only
as Peter, said "the train guard could have
done more."
Peter said the guard had told the man to sit
down but had made no intervention in rela‑
tion to the man's abuse. He said the man had
been "boisterous."
Peter said he approached Bhattachrjee and
his parents when the journey ended and apol‑
ogized to them.
Pippa Woolnough, communications and
advocacy manager with the Immigrant
Council of Ireland, said the incident highlight‑
ed the need for a more proactive approach to
tackling racism. "How we respond to this kind
of thing is crucial," she said.
Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said it
was "a shocking incident", and Irish Rail was
"very sorry that this family experienced such
disgraceful behavior on board one of our
train services."
He said onboard personnel did endeavor to
stop the racial harassment, and also arranged
for security to meet the train at Connolly
upon arrival.
Irish Rail has been contacted by the cus‑
tomer directly on social media, and has asked
for further information to assist in the investi‑
gation.
"We have also been contacted by other cus‑
tomers with information. We will also provide
gardai, the police service of the Republic of
Ireland, with CCTV footage to help identify
the individual involved. Abuse of this nature
has no place on our trains or anywhere in our
society," said Kenny. (PTI)
 10 June 29-July 5, 2019 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Trump imposes 'hard

hitting' sanctions on
Iran, offers to talk
Washington: President Donald
Trump on Monday signed an exec‑
utive order, which he said, will
impose a "hard‑hitting" sanction
on Iran and it w ill deny the
Iranian Supreme Leader and other
officials access to financial instru‑
ments within US jurisdiction.
Trump's move to impose fresh
set of sanctions on Iran comes
days after Tehran said it shot
down an American drone in the
region on Thursday.
President Trump called of f a
planned retaliatory military strike
Sanctions will deny the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and
Friday, saying the response would
other officials access to financial instruments within US jurisdiction.
not have been "proportionate".
"We do not seek conflict with Iran
or any other country," Trump said
in a brie f interact ion w ith
reporters at his Oval Office here.
"I can only tell you we cannot
ever let Iran have a nuclear
weapon," he said.
Trump said that the executive
order signed by him will impose
"hard hitting" sanction on Iran
and it w ill deny the Iranian
Supreme Leader and other of fi‑
cials access to financial instru‑
ments.
He signed the order in presence
of Treasury Secretary Steven
Mnuchin.
"I think a lot of restraint has
been shown by us but that doesn't
mean we're going to show it in the
future," Trump said.
"We will continue to increase
pressure on Tehran," he said.
When asked if his executive
order was in response to the
Iranian attack on US drone,
Trump replied "you could proba‑
bly add that into this" but then
said, "this was something that was
going to happen anyway."
"I know many Iranians living in
New York, and they're fantastic
people," Trump said in response
to a question.

Visual framing by media in Use of fresh

debates affects public perception
New York: Researchers have found that
visual techniques used by the media in
visually depict a candidate in a
debate gives viewers subtle, non‑
meat boosts
debates during elections play a big role
in changing public perception.
The study, published in the journal
verbal information about the can‑
didateʼs leadership abilities and
traits.
McDonald's sales
“Politics and the Life Sciences”, shows Among Republicans, the
that during the televised 2016 presi‑ researchers found that Trump
dential primary debates, Donald Trump garnered the most camera time
was the clear winner in terms of visual by far in both 2016 debates, fol‑
framing by the media, such as camera In Republican primary debates, lowed by Jeb Bush.
time and solo shots. Donald Trump grabbed the most “The visual framing findings in
“Although the questions asked and camera time and in the Democrat this study suggest that in
the speaking time given to the candi‑ primaries, Hillary received more debates with numerous candi‑
time than Bernie. Media producersʼ
dates can certainly influence how the dates on stage, there were big
framing gives non‑verbal informa‑
candidates convey themselves and winners and big losers. During
tion about a candidateʼs leadership
their policy positions, perhaps a more the early debates of the 2016
abilities and traits.
primal, subtle and pervasive means by presidential election, the big
which the media af fects public perceptions of candi‑ winner was Donald Trump,” the researchers said.
dates is how it visually depicts each candidate,” said the Hillary Clinton received the greatest amount of cam‑
researchers from the University of Arkansas in the US. era time in both debates, followed by Bernie Sanders.
For the findings, the researchers studied the first two Clinton likewise spent proportionately less time in mul‑
2016 Republican and Democratic debates frame‑by‑ tiple candidate shots, said the study. Chicago: Fresh beef is helping North America, told CNN
frame, keeping track of aggregate camera time, average “If seeing is believing, then who chooses what and McDonald's sell more burgers and Business.
shot time and the type of shot such as solo, split screen, who we see, and how we see them, has enormous influ‑ gain market share. "Our customers are changing at
side‑by‑side, multiple candidate and audience reaction ence and responsibility for a functioning Republic,” said Last year, the burger chain a super fast pace," she said. "As a
for each candidate. Patrick A. Stewart, Associate Professor at T he switched to fresh beef quarter‑ result, we've had to change, too."
Their premise was that the way media producers University of Arkansas. pound burgers from frozen at The company has also made com‑
most of its stores in the contigu‑ mitments to reduce the use of

WH unveils $50 bn Palestinian economic proposal
Washington: The White House has announced the eco‑
nomic portion of President Trump's administration's
Middle East peace plan, aiming at over $50 billion invest‑
ment for the Palestinian people over 10 years. It is the
handiwork of White House senior adviser Jared Kushner.
The White House said in a statement on Saturday that
the economic proposal, called "Peace to Prosperity", has
the potential to achieve multiple results, including facili‑
tating more than $50 billion of investment over 10 years,
doubling Palestinian GDP, and creating over one million
jobs, among others, reports Xinhua news agency.
The plan also aims to provide better education, essen‑
tial infrastructure, and improved governance for the
Palestinian people.
The release of the plan came days before the opening
of a US‑sponsored economic workshop to be held in
ous United States. That change
has led to a 30% spike in sales of
Manama, Bahrain from June 25 to 26, which is expected quarter pounders on average over
to focus on the "economic vision" for the Palestinians but the past 12 months, the company
not "political issues". said Monday. It also he lped
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday McDonald's (MCD) burgers gain
reiterated his staunch rejection of the economic peace market share in what the industry
plan that the US has proposed, saying the economic situ‑ calls the "informal eating out" cat‑
ation should not be discussed before the political one. egory for the first time in five
US Middle East Envoy Jason Greenblatt reportedly said years, the company said, reports
last week that the political portion of the peace plan CNN.
could be delayed until November. McDonald's made the change to
Abbas announced last week that Palestine would not appeal to consumers' growing
participate in the Manama economic workshop. interest in ingredient transparen‑
The Palestinian Authority severed its political ties with cy. Buyers today want to know
the US after Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of where their food comes from,
Israel in December 2017 and moved his country's Marion Gross, the company's
embassy to the city in May last year. chief supply chain of ficer for
antibiotics in its beef and switch
to cage‑free eggs.
McDonald's said sales of the
fresh quarter‑pound burger were
especially strong in May 2018,
when it was first introduced,
thanks in part to market ing
efforts. More recently, the compa‑
ny included the fresh beef burger
in its 2 for $5 deal for the first
time. The promotion performed
well, CFO Kevin Ozan noted in an
analyst call discussing first‑quar‑
ter earnings. Going from frozen to
fresh beef was a challenge.
"There was a huge transforma‑
tion that was required" to make
the shift, Gross said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS June 29-July 5, 2019 11

Democratic Primary first debate on June 26‑27

20 presidential hopefuls who made the cut will slug it out at a debate hosted by NBC in Miami, FL.
Who will be there?
Night 1 ‑ June 26
(in order of stage placement)
4 New York City Mayor Bill de
Blasio (D)
4Rep. Tim Ryan (D‐Oh.)
4Former Secretary of House and
Urban Development Julián Castro
4Sen. Cory Booker (D‐N.J.)
4Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D‐Mass.)
4Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D‐Texas)
Joe Biden is frontrunner with 26 percent support among Democratic voters, Elizabeth Warren has moved to 2nd position
with 16%, Bernie Sanders is at 12%, followed by South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg (9%), 4Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D‐Minn.)
Kamala Harris (7), Beto OʼRourke (3%), and Sen. Cory Booker (2%). 4Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D‐Hawaii)

T
he init ial takeaway
among political watch‑
ers on the placements
last week was that Warren got
the short end of the stick.
Warrenʼs chance to directly
hit Biden and Sanders was
taken away when she was
placed on a dif ferent stage,
despite polls showing her clos‑
ing the gap with Sanders, who
has trailed Biden.
However, the placement
could give Warren a chance to
further capitalize on her
detailed policy plans, which
have earned her widespread
praise on the campaign trail
and inspired one of her slo‑
gans: "Warren has a plan for
that." Warrenʼs placement on
the first nightʼs stage also
gives candidates like former
Rep. Beto OʼRourke (D‑Texas)
and Sen. Cory Booker (D‑N.J.)
an opportunity to break out of
the crowded Democratic pack
and hit at the prog ressive
Massachusetts senator.
The forum will allow viewers
and President Trump a look at
each candidate's debate style,
as well as any emerging fis‑
sures between the Democrats,
who have mostly pledged to
rise above the political fray.
While Warren could have
ample opportunity to delve
deep into her policy proposals,
which have been linked to her
recent success in the polls, her
opponents, who have been
struggling to gain traction, will
likely take every opportunity
to swipe at her.
Frontrunners Biden and
Sanders will likely face‑off on
a series of issues, illustrating
the divide between the estab‑
lishment and progressive fig‑
ures in the party. Harris and
Buttigieg will also look to get
in on the action, and will both
have an opportunity to take
aim at Biden and Sanders.
NBC will host Wednesday
and Thursdayʼs forums, which
will air across NBC, MSNBC,
and Telemundo.
Five mo derators for the
debate are: “Today” co‑anchor
Savannah Guthrie, NBC Nightly
News host Lester Holt, “Meet
the Press” moderator Chuck
To dd, MSNBC host Rache l
Maddow and “Not icias
Telemundo” host José Diaz‑
Balart.
4Gov. Jay Inslee (D‐Wash.)
4Former Rep. John Delaney (D‐Md.)
Night 2 ‑ June 27
(in order of stage placement)
4Marianne Williamson
4Former Gov. John Hickenlooper
(D‐Colo.)
4Andrew Yang
4South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete
Buttigieg
4Former Vice President Joe Biden
4Sen. Bernie Sanders (I‐Vt.)
4Sen. Kamala Harris (D‐Calif.)
4Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D‐N.Y.)
4Sen. Michael Bennet (D‐Colo.)
4Rep. Eric Swalwell (D‐Calif.)
 12 June 29-July 5, 2019 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Modi, Xi, Putin to discuss Foreign minister

Trump's trade war at G20 Jaishankar joins BJP
Beijing: The leaders of China, India
and Russia will meet on the side‑ Democratic ethos
lines of the G20 summit later this
week in Japan to discuss ways to
prevailed over
counter US President Donald authoritarian
Trump's "protectionist" trade policy
and bullying practices. Ahead of
mindset: Modi
President Xi Jinping's visit to Osaka New Delhi: On the 44th
to attend the summit on June 28‑29, anniversary of the Emergency,
Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Zhang Jun on Monday said the on Tuesday paid tributes to
PM Narendra Modi with "all those greats who fiercely
leader will have a sit‑down with
Russian President Vladimir and fearlessly resisted" it,
Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Putin and Chinese President adding that the country's
Modi and Russian President Xi Jinping in Buenos Aires,
"democratic ethos successfully
Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of Argentina. (Photo: IANS/PIB) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joins the
the meet. Zhang said the trilateral prevailed over an authoritari‑ BJP in New Delhi. (Photo: IANS)
meet, which first occurred at the Trump to end the trade war will be an mindset".
the major highlight of the summit, The Emergency refers to the New Delhi/Ahmedabad: President J.P. Nadda at the
G20 summit in Buenos Aires last
his trilateral meet with Modi and period from June 25, 1975 to External Affairs Minister S. party headquarters in New
year, is of great significance and will
Putin will also draw attention. Modi March 21, 1977, when then Jaishankar, who was nominat‑ Delhi.
have a positive outcome of this time.
will also have a one‑on‑one with Xi Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ed to contest from a Rajya BJP National General
"Indeed during the Osaka summit,
and Putin separately. After waging a had declared a state of Sabha seat in Gujarat hours Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya,
the leaders of China, Russia and
damaging trade war on China, Emergency, a political environ‑ after he joined the BJP on Minister of State for External
India will have a trilateral meeting.
Trump seems to have turned to ment leading to the suspen‑ Monday, landed in Ahmedabad Affairs V. Muraleedharan and
The mechanism of China, India,
India. Earlier this month, sion of election and curbing in the evening to file his nomi‑ BJP MP Bhupender Yadav were
Russia trilateral meeting has main‑
Washington ended the preferential civil liberties, on the nation. nation on Tuesday. also present.
tained a sound momentum of devel‑
trade treatment to Indian goods that "India salutes all those greats Along with Jaishankar, who Jaishankar, who played a key
opment," Zhang said at a press con‑
allowed their duty‑free entry into who fiercely and fearlessly was inducted into the Union role in shaping the foreign pol‑
ference.
the US. India hit back by imposing resisted the Emergency. India's Cabinet by Prime Minister icy in Prime Minister Modi's
"Under the current circumstances,
tariffs on US products which it had democratic ethos successfully Narendra Modi last month, the first term, was inducted into
it important for the three countries
held off for long. prevailed over an authoritari‑ BJP has nominated Jugalji the Cabinet and given the cru‑
to strengthen coordination of major
Without naming the US, China's an mindset," Modi said in a Thakore, an OBC leader from cial portfolio of External
global issues and jointly uphold
Vice Minister of Commerce, Wang tweet, which also included a North Gujarat, to contest Affairs on May 30, when the
multilateralism, oppose protection‑
Shouwen, who was also briefing the 90 second video detailing on another Rajya Sabha seat in the new Council of Ministers was
ism and deepen cooperation on mul‑
media said that "some individual the various aspects of state. sworn in.
tilateral and international affairs to
country has been insisting on unilat‑ Emergency, from newspapers The two seats fell vacant As of now, he is not a mem‑
make an important contribution to
eralism, protectionism and abusing to justice delivery, referring it after Union ministers Amit ber of either House of
the global peace.
trade remedial measures (and) to a "dark period" that tram‑ Shah and Smriti Irani were Parliament.
"China will work with others to
national security exceptionalism". pled over democracy. The elected to the Lok Sabha in the The 1977‑batch officer has
firmly uphold multilateralism. The
"That country has slapped tariffs Prime Minister in the video April‑May election. served in various capacities in
international community has fully
on its trading partners, causing a said: "During emergency, The 64‑year‑old former the Ministry of External Affairs
recognized the repercussions of uni‑
major threat to global trade, invest‑ many top leaders were jailed... Foreign Secretary Jaishankar and as Indian envoy in impor‑
lateralism, protectionism and bully‑
ment and economic growth," Wang Internal vigilance is the price was earlier welcomed into the tant countries such as the US
ing practices," he added. Although
added. of liberty." party by BJP Working and China at crucial times.
Xi's much‑anticipated meet with

Cracks emerge in Grand Alliance in Bihar

Patna: The RJD‑led Grand
Alliance in Bihar is show‑
ing signs of breaking up.
The alliance of the RJD,
Cong ress, Hindustani
Awami Morcha (HAM),
Rashtriya Lok Samta Party
(RLSP) and Vikasshee l
Insaan Party ( VIP) was
formed in Bihar ahead of
the Lok Sabha elections.
But after its disastrous
showing, the alliance part‑
ners have started openly
speaking out against each
other.
The Congress leader in the
Assembly, Sadanand Singh, has
been stressing that the party
must get rid of its polit ical
crutches. "The Congress must
improve its base and go solo in
the Assembly elections," he said.
On Monday, Hindustani Awami
Morcha chief Jitan Ram Manhji
The grand alliance leaders in Patna. (Photo: IANS)
criticized the Rashtriya Janata
Dal (RJD) for not including the
Communist Party of India‑
Marxist (CPI‑M) in the Grand
Alliance.
"The RJD leadership lacks expe‑
rience. Leaving the CPI‑M out
was a mistake," Manjhi said.
SC NOTICE TO CENTRE, BIHAR
ON ENCEPHALITIS OUTBREAK
New Delhi: The Supreme Court
on Monday asked the Centre and
the Bihar government to apprise
it about the steps taken to pre‑
vent the recent deaths of children
due to acute encephalitis syn‑
drome (AES). T he court's
response came on a PIL filed over
the outbreak of AES, which
claimed the lives of more than
140 children in Bihar's
Muzaffarpur district. A bench of
Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B.R.
Majhi also alluded to differences
Gavai said: "This PIL raises a mat‑
in the coalition. "Dif ferent types
ter of grave concern about nutri‑
of animals climb on to a tree dur‑
tion, sanitation and hygiene."
ing floods... The same is true for
The court observed that the
the Grand Alliance which came
deaths due to the outbreak raise
together for the elections. Now
valid questions on the availability
all its members are singing their
of medicines along with the pub‑
own tunes," he said.
lic policy in place to counter the
current scenario. T he court
observed that all the victims were
children therefore, it is important
to get answers. Issuing the notice,
the court has asked the parties to
file an af fidavit within seven
days.
As per reports, the
Superintendent of Muzaffarpur's
S.K. Medical College, where most
of the af fected children were
admitted, expressed his inability
in ensuring them proper treat‑
ment due to lack of medical facili‑
ties, said the petition. The peti‑
tioners contended that the state
government must compensate
the families of each of the dead
with Rs 10 lakh.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA NEWS June 29-July 5, 2019 13

Mike Pompeo to meet top Indian leaders

New Delhi: India was expected to
press for de‑escalation of ten‑
sions in the Persian Gulf when
External Af fairs Minister S.
Jaishankar holds talks with US
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
here on Wednesday amid indica‑
tions that Indian oil companies
have stopped imports from Iran
for the time being.
The issue, along with cross‑
border terrorism emanating
from Pakistan and bilateral
aspects of the Indo‑US relations,
is expected to figure in the talks
between Jaishankar and
Pompeo, which will mark the
first high‑level engagement in
the Modi government's second
term, diplomatic sources said on
Tuesday. Pompeo will also meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
here on Wednesday.
During the visit, the two sides
will review the overall bilateral
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo with Foreign Secretary Vijay
Gokhale in Washington, DC. (File Photo: State Dept./IANS)
relationship and decide on the
future course of action over the
next five years. It will particular‑
ly set the stage for the meeting
between Modi and US President
Donald Trump on the sidelines
of G‑20 Summit in Osaka in
Japan later this week.
Reg arding the talks that
Jaishankar and Pompeo will
have, the diplomatic sources
said the growing tension in
the Persian Gulf would figure
in the discussions.
The sources said the devel‑
oping situation there is a "mat‑
ter of great concern" to India,
considering its interests in the
region, including the large
diaspora present there.
India wants de‑escalation
and it will be conveyed to the
US Secretary of State, the
sources said, adding: "We have
a strong interest in maintain‑
ing stability in the region. We
hope the US will understand."
The sources said India is also
in touch with Iran in the con‑
text of its ef forts to ensure de‑
escalation.
With respect to the lifting of
waiver by the US to Indian com‑
panies importing oil from Iran,
which came into ef fect from
May, the sources said buying
petroleum products is a com‑
mercial decision by the firms.
They said the Indian compa‑
nies have decided not to import
oil from Iran for the time being.
Tensions have been building in
the Persian Gulf region over the
recent weeks and the US was on
the verge of conducting military
action against Iran a few days
back.
After withdrawing the military
action, the Trump administra‑
tion on Monday imposed fresh
sanct ions targeted at Iran's
Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei and his military aids,
a decision Iran described as "end
of diplomacy" between the two
countries.

India expects US Internal security on top of

to grant waiver on
S-400 deal with Russia
New Delhi: India expects
the US administration to
grant a waiver from sanc‑
tions to its procurement of
five S‑400 missile defense
systems from Russia over
which a threat of sanctions
is looming large.
India is of the firm view
that the waiver can be
granted by the US govern‑
ment as it meets the
requirements prescribed in
the American legislation on
sanctions.
"It is an issue (with the
US). There has been some
discussion in private with
the US government," diplo‑
matic sources said here on
Tuesday, just ahead of the
visit of US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo here
for talks with External
Affairs Minister S.
Jaishankar in the first high‑
level contact with the Modi
government during its sec‑
ond term.
India decided to buy the
five S‑400 Triumf air
defense missile systems
from Russia in September
2018 at an estimated cost
of $5.43 billion.
The US wants India to
cancel the deal with Russia,
failing which sanctions
could be imposed.
The sources noted that
the US has some concerns,
which they have articulat‑
ed. However, India has
"long‑standing defense
relations" with Russia,
which "we can't wish away",
the sources asserted. They
said the deal was under dis‑
cussion for a long time
before it was signed in
2018.
The US is well aware of
the reasons and the Indian
government has explained
the rationale behind the
deal, the sources said.
With regard to sanctions,
the sources said, the
American legislation is
clear about the conditions
under which a waiver can
be granted by the US
administration.
India is confident that it
meets those requirements,
the sources said, adding the
US administration can give
a waiver, legally.
Commenting on the over‑
all relationship between
India and the US, the
sources said that some‑
times the ties face "collater‑
al damage because of
Russia and Iran. But there
is enough resilience in the
Indo‑US relationship, they
added. In a relationship,
there will be give‑and‑take,
they said.
On Pompeo's visit, the
sources said that India is
not looking at it from the
aspect of deliverables.
Amit Shah's Kashmir visit
Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit
Shah, who arrives here on a two‑day
visit to Kashmir Valley on
Wednesday, will co‑chair the unified
headquarters meeting with J&K
Governor Satya Pal Malik.
On his maiden visit to J&K after he
took over as the Union Home
Minister, Amit Shah will focus on
internal security in the state,
informed sources said. However, he
would not visit Jammu and Ladakh
divisions of the state.
"The Home Minister will co‑chair a
meeting of the unified headquarters
w ith Governor Satya Pal Malik
tomorrow," sources said.
Unified headquarters is the state's
apex anti‑militancy security grid,
which comprises top officials of the
Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
security forces, including the army
and the state police engaged in intelligence agencies are also part of pay obeisance. This year's annual
counter‑insurgency operations. these meetings. Shah will also visit Amarnath Yatra begins on July 1
Senior officials of state and central the Shri Amarnathji Cave shrine to and will end on August 15.
People have elected a stable
government: Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister mandate. They have brought back a ple of India are thinking about the
Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked government by g iving more good of the nation. And this spirit is
the voters of the country have elect‑ powers. wonderful."
ed a stable government and said In today's atmosphere, in India's The Prime Minister said that he
that the spirit of the people in the Vibrant democracy it is a moment do not think about elections in
democracy is wonderful. of proud that the e lectorate is terms of who won and who lost.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha while aware now." "For me, what is satisfying is the
replying to the Motion of Thanks to He said, "The people of India have opportunity to serve 130 crore
President Ram Nath Kovind's elected a stable government. The Indians and do work that has made
address, Modi said, "After many 2019 Lok Sabha elections show a positive difference in the lives of
decades, country has given a strong that more than themselves, the peo‑ our citizens," Modi said.
 14 June 29-July 5, 2019 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Indo‑US trade irritants: Negotiation not retaliation

By Pradeep S. Mehta low. As argued by an eminent out on their economic interests.
Indian American business leader The US should look at products

S
ince the US announcement
of its withdrawal of bene‑
fits to India under the
Generalized System of
Preferences (GSP) on March 4,
2019, there is speculation that
Indo‑US trade re lat ions may
plunge into a downward spiral.
Mark Linscott, Former Assistant
US Trade Representat ive for
South and Central Asian Af fairs
and Senior Fe llow, Atlant ic
Council caut ioned that "this
action could be a first step in a
series that might follow, with a
cumulative effect of creating sig‑
nificant new tension in the bilat‑
eral trade relationship".
Tulsi Gabbard, Democratic pres‑
idential aspirant, among several
other influential US lawmakers,
had urged the Donald Trump
administration not to allow any
sort of political misrepresentation
of the US announcement of GSP
withdrawal until general elections
in the country were over. Such an
The opportunity cost of retaliatory measures ‑ which India has taken
on 28 US products ‑ will be significant and unbearable.
understanding would provide
more flexibility to respective gov‑
ernments on both sides to resume
talks ef fectively before the US
decision is enforced. However, in
the US, policy makers are
demanding that action be taken
to curb imports of shrimp from
India, contending that they are
heavily subsidized. Also, in 2018,
the US Foo d and Drug
Administration (FDA) intensified
their number of inspections of
Indian pharmaceutical manufac‑
turers' manufacturing practices
by 24% more than a year earlier.
Also, issues around data localiza‑
t ion and e‑commerce, among
other market entry barriers, are
likely to complicate bilateral rela‑
tions.
Despite this current trade envi‑
ronment, it will be wiser for both
countries to avoid hitting a new
and philanthropist, Frank Islam,
CEO and Chairman, FI Investment
Group, USA and Member,
International Advisory Board,
CUTS Washington DC Center,
"negotiation is the only way out of
the India‑U.S. trade conflict and
the negot iat ion must work
towards achieving rapproche‑
ment in the short‑term and a part‑
nership in the long‑term".
In this context, CUTS Policy
Note on US Withdrawal of GSP
Benefits to India suggests a con‑
structive approach to which both
the countries may adhere to pre‑
vent further erosion of their eco‑
nomic and strategic interests.
First, India can reconsider its poli‑
cy stance on e‑commerce as it
limits fair compet it ion and
encourages trade and technology
distortion.
Second, both countries can
identify products on which there
can be mutual market access
without any major negative fall‑
which it is importing from China
but can be easily imported from
India, through necessary adjust‑
ments in technical regulations.
Similarly, India should look at
products which are otherwise
being imported from China and
can be imported from the US. This
would help both to reduce their
respective trade deficits with
China and could significantly
boost the growth of their bilateral
trade. Above all, this would
strengthen their economic and
strategic partnership in the Indo‑
Pacific region, which will, in turn,
he lp shape new rules on the
emerging global economic and
political order. The opportunity
cost of retaliatory measures ‑
which India has taken on 28 US
products ‑ will be significant and
unbearable. Not only will that
dampen the bilateral vows of tak‑
ing relations to greater heights
but also cause trade diversion in
favor of third countries.

Opposition‑mukt India proof of a looming crisis

By Rajdeep Sardesai priety.
The deleterious ef fects of this model of

A
fter being sworn in as a member of
Parliament (MP) amid slogans, a
senior opposition leader lamented:
“Looks like this is a 10 year mandate for
Modi rule.” The MPʼs apprehension was not
surprising: the opposition benches wore a
distinctly deserted look and many familiar
faces were missing. If the Lok Sabha offers
a mirror to the state of our republic, then
we are entering a unipolar age, one where
diversity is giving way to a saffronized poli‑
ty. Never before, perhaps, in the history of
the Indian Parliament has the opposition
looked so bedraggled and dispirited. Not
even in 1984 when Rajiv Gandhi won an
even bigger mandate than Narendra Modi.
At least then, both within Parliament and
outside, there were an array of strong oppo‑
sition leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK
Advani, George Fernandes and
Chandrashekhar to raise their voices, not to
forget regional satraps like NT Rama Rao
and Ramakrishna Hegde, who had given the
Congress a bloody nose in state elections.
Even in the Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira
Gandhi era, there were always a galaxy of
opposition leaders who could be counted
upon to speak up with passionate fervor.
Contrast that with the opposition predica‑
ment today. The Congress appears to be
drifting into a phase of chaos and uncer‑
tainty. Rahul Gandhiʼs decision to give up
the party presidentship has created a vacu‑
um which is unlikely to be filled without
internal turmoil.
The Left, once at the forefront of agita‑
tional politics, is now reduced to just three
MPs. The Trinamool Congress, the third
The 17th Lok Sabha looks increasingly like an opposition‑mukt Parliament in which a
hegemonical party with a dominant leader can call all the shots.
largest party in Parliament, is still recover‑
ing from the dramatic breach of its Bengal
fortress by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP)‑Samajwadi
Party (SP) alliance has broken even before
it could really become a viable alternative.
Regional parties like Jagan Reddyʼs YSR
Cong ress, K Chandrashe kar Raoʼs
Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Naveen
Patnaikʼs Biju Janata Dal are looking to cut
deals with the Centre to keep their state
interests intact.
Which leaves the 17th Lok Sabha looking
increasing ly like an opposit ion‑mukt
Parliament in which a hegemonical party
with a dominant leader can call all the
shots. There appears to be quite simply no
one, both within the government and out‑
side, who can remotely challenge the ruling
establishment. Even restive allies like Nitish
Kumarʼs Janata Dal United or Uddhav
Thackerayʼs Shiv Sena, after being denied
plum ministerial berths, have little choice
this time but to suffer in silence and fall in
line.
This opposition‑mukt legislature is per‑
haps symptomatic of a deeper institutional
crisis in which the checks and balances of
democracy are now under strain. As the
2019 election campaign showed, large sec‑
tions of the media have simply failed to
offer a mirror to the government. The judi‑
ciaryʼs role, too, has come under the scan‑
ner in recent times with charges of impro‑
centralised decision‑making have already
been felt in the 16th Lok Sabha when even
the Union budget was passed without
debate. When attempts are initiated to
change the demographics of the Jammu and
Kashmir assembly, when the economy
seems to be faltering and gross domestic
product numbers are dodgy, who will raise
a red flag?
At least in the previous Parliament, the
Rajya Sabha was able to offer some resist‑
ance. The fact that the government didnʼt
have a majority in the Upper House meant
that it wasnʼt easy for the ruling party to
always have its way. Next year, that too
could change with the BJP inching towards
a majority in the Upper House.
So where will the challenge come from to
any potential abuse of power? In the Rajiv
years, it came from within the government
when VP Singh broke away in 1987 to raise
the banner of revolt. Indira Gandhiʼs sweep‑
ing victory in 1971 eventually saw the
opposition find its muscle when the imposi‑
tion of Emergency galvanized the dissent‑
ing voices of protest.
Modi 2.0 is arguably more powerful than
even Indira Gandhi in her pomp and the
political opposition more discredited now.
Any robust questioning then of government
policies may have to be initiated by civil
society at the risk of being dubbed “anti‑
national”: then be it the economic chal‑
lenges or any attempts made to tinker with
the Constitution, independent voices need
to stand up and be counted.
(The Op‑Ed appeared in The Hindustan
Times)

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Mrinalini Mukherjee draws awe at New York's Met
By Uma Nair
A
t the Metropolitan Museum in New
York, art lovers are walking in and
devouring late Indian sculptor
Mrinalini Mukherjee's retrospective
"Phenomenal Nature" with utmost relish.
Curator Shanay Jhaveri has breathed new life
into the galleries at the Met Breur.
The exhibition brings together 60 pieces by
Mukherjee and explores the artist's long‑
standing engagement with fiber along with
her significant forays into ceramic and bronze
from the middle and latter half of her career.
Mukherjee''s towering colored‑form looms
hang and sit like knotted sculptures. Carefully
suspended from the ceiling, they look like
mega woven monoliths that grow upwards
from the ground. Riveting colors that remind
us of handloom saris and woven dhurries and
ART
Mrinalini Mukherjee (1949‑2015)
mats, each color is not just distinctly anthro‑
pomorphic but figurative in an abstract yet
voluptuous manner. The folds and cavities are
fulsome with gently sensual suggestions, but
each knotted sculptural work echoes the ethos
of Indianesque splendor.
Mrinalini Mukherjee, the daughter of
Benode Behari and Leela Mukherjee, began as
a painter and joined a course for mural design
at Baroda''s MS University at the tender age of
16. With mentors like K.G. Subramanyan and
J. Swaminathan, she was soon into creating
wall hangings and rugs with woven hemp.
Fast forward to 2019 at the Met. Her hemp
sculptures create a choreography of tales from
the past. Her titles ‑ like "Basanti", "Yakshi",
"Pakshi", and "Rudra"‑‑ reflect her deeper
rumination of reading and experience that
form her imagination and her residue of reso‑
nance. In an interview in 2000, she had said:
"My titles are born of my associations with
mythic tales. They are not born of any reli‑
gious practices.”
June 29-July 5, 2019 15
In 60 pieces the Indian
artist’s retrospective titled
"Phenomenal Nature",
explores her long‐stand‐
ing engagement with
fiber. It will run till Sept
29 at the Metropolitan
Museum in New York.
Also in the retrospective are Mukherjee''s
bronze and ceramic works.
These sculptures thread the sojourn of both
tradition and modernity and bring to the fore
the indigenous intricacies of India's humble
crafts and the age‑old discussion on knowing
design dictates that flit back and forth. If view‑
ers can discern the sensual, then it is because
the sensual is part of the iconography of
Indianesque fervor.
On Instagram, "Phenomenal Nature" is being
celebrated as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey and
curator Jhaveri is walking though the portals
of Mukherjee's show with a swagger and a
smile.
The exhibition, made possible by Nita and
Mukesh Ambani and the Reliance Foundation,
marks the first comprehensive display of the
artist's work in the US and will run till
September 29.
 5
16 June 29-July 5, 2019 IYD 2019 TheSouthAsianTimes.info TheSouthAsianTimes.info IYD 2019 June 29-July 5, 2019 17

Odisha Naperville Texas

International
th Yoga Day
From school playgrounds and narrow streets of suburban India to parks of US
Mayor of San Antonio, Ron Nirenberg, whose grandmother was of Indian
cities, from sensitive border areas to urban convention centers ‐ India's gift to origin, performed all Yoga asanas like a professional yoga practitioner in
Over 500 yoga enthusiasts from the Greater Chicago area gathered in San Antonio. He presented a proclamation on 5th IDY and received an
Sand Artist Sudarshan Pattnaik created a Sand art on
SuryaNamaskara at Puri beach in Odisha on this occasion.
the world was celebrated with much gusto all across. A few glimpses... the city of Naperville, IL for International Day of Yoga 2019. autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi “My Experiment with Truth.”

Colorado Houston
Ranchi New York
Haryana

Union Home Minister Amit Shah performing Yoga in Rohtak, Haryana.

Glimpses of enriching interaction by Gaur Gopal Das on
the occasion of IDY 2019 by CGI, New York. Yoga enthusiasts at IDY celebrated at Centennial, Colorado. 5th IDY celebrated at Town Green Park, Woodlands,Houston
Jaisalmer Prime Minister Narendra Modi practicing Yoga in a mass Yoga
demonstration, on the occasion of the 5th International Day of
Yoga 2019, at Ranchi, Jharkhand on June 21st.
New York

An ageless body
and timeless
mind ‑ 100 year
young Yoga
Master Tao
Porchon Lynch
performing
Yoga Asanas at
IDY 2019 event
held by
Consulate
General of India,
New York at
The defence forces took part in Yoga celebrations with great enthusiasm.
Fairbridge Hotel
Army soldiers performed Yoga in the Thar desert in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer.
and Conference
Center
New Delhi

Himalaya Laddakh

Indian Army soldiers performed Yoga Asanas

at Himalyan glaciers in chilling temperature. "Our fit
& fearless soldiers Indian Army practice Yoga on the
icy heights of Himalayan Ranges. We are committed
for having healthy & fit India," the Army
Participants perform Yoga at Qutub Minar Complex, New Delhi tweeted the image. The ITBP personnel practicing yoga at 18K Ft in Laddakh.
 18 June 29-July 5, 2019
Bollywood push for Hollywood Good films are conversation
franchises in India starters: Ken Scott
B H
ollywood King Khan Shah Rukh Khan
will be bringing the life of King
Mufasa alive with his voice in the
Hindi version of Jon Favreaus re‑imagina‑
tion of Disneys classic "The Lion King". It
shows how Hollywood franchises are adding
a Bollywood twist to get it going in India.
Shah Rukh is dubbing for the film along
with his son Aryan, who is lending voice to
the character of Simba, in the upcoming
live‑action movie.
"Glad to be a part of this journey... A time‑
less film. Voicing it in Hindi with my own
Simba. The last time we did a film was
around 15 years ago and it was 'Incredible'
and this time around it is even more fun,"
SRK said.
It is important to note that Hollywood
films are scripting a success story in India.
Now, the studios have started to add diverse
and more relatable chapters to appeal to a
bigger audience. It is homecoming for Shah
Rukh as he was the one who started the
trend by dubbing for the Hindi version of
"The Incredibles" along with Aryan back in
2004.
While Bollywood's livewire Ranveer Singh
lent his voice to Ryan Reynold's avatar as an
adult superhero with a twisted sense of
humor in the Hindi version of "Deadpool 2",
actor Tiger Shroff took on the duty to infuse
his own touch to Spider‑Man in the Hindi
version of "Spider‑Man: Homecoming".
There's more to the story. Bollywood's
'khiladi' Akshay Kumar had lent his voice to
a robot superhero Optimus Prime in
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon", and actor
Varun Dhawan dubbed for Chris Evans in
"Captain America: Civil War".
'MIB...' mints over
Rs 10 crore in India
C
hris Hemsworth and Tessa
Thompson's "Men in Black:
International" has registered busi‑
ness of over Rs 10 crore in its opening week‑
end in India. According to the film's publicist,
the film raked in Rs 10.90 crore in just three
days.
Despite the India and Pakistan match at the
ongoing ICC World Cup in England, the film
managed to get good footfalls in its opening
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan started the
trend of dubbing for Hollywood
films in 2004.
But the task of dubbing comes with it own
challenges. "I discovered (the process of
dubbing) along the way...It is quite a tedious
process. There are loads of challenges that
one faces while trying to translate into the
Hindi language... Sometimes the joke and
the punchline does not directly translate
into Hindi cultural context, so the cultural
translation is one of the biggest aspects,"
Ranveer had told IANS while sharing his
experience of working on the project.
Actors Chris
Hemsworth
and Tessa
Thompson
in a still from
the movie.
weekend.
"Men in Black: International" takes place in
the same universe as the previous trilogy
with Emma Thompson back as Agent O.
Hemsworth and Thompson portray the new
agents dealing with aliens. The plot centres
on a mole in the Men in Black organization.
Sony Pictures Entertainment India released
the film in India on June 14 in Hindi, English,
Tamil and Telugu.
ollywood filmmaker
Ken Scott, who has
directed "The
Extraordinary Journey of
the Fakir" featuring Indian
actor Dhanush, says a good
film holds the power to start
a conversation and changes
people's mind to build a bet‑
ter world.
The film addresses the
global immigration issue.
Asked if it is important for
him to express his political
opinion through his films,
Scott told IANS: "I am a film‑
maker, I tell stories. I think Hollywood filmmaker Ken Scott latest film
filmmaking is important addresses global immigration issue.
because it is an influential
and impressionable media that common
people are consuming all the time. So if
we want to change the way people think, and landscape, asked how he has
filmmakers are more efficient than
politicians.
Scott said there's a need for being
compassionate towards immigrants and
to understand their situation.
According to him, shooting in different India... We have done it in a playful way
countries with local crews and actors
was a big task, but the most important
factor was to capture the very essence of
each country's culture and the distinct
Kabir Singh':
A Shahid Kapoor canvas
Actor Shahid
Kapoor plays
the titular
role in
ʻKabir Singhʼ.
By Troy Ribeiro
A
Hindi remake of the popular Telegu
film "Arjun Reddy", director
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Kabir
Singh", is the story of an academically bril‑
liant medical student Kabir (Shahid
Kapoor) who goes on to become an
orthopaedic surgeon, but suffers from
severe anger management problems. He
sets his eyes on a fresher, Preeti (Kiara
Advani), who has just joined the medical
college. Their love story is unconventional,
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
elements. With most foreign filmmakers
tending to stereotype Indian characters
ensured being different, Scott said: "For
me, the tone of the movie is a fable, it is
a metaphor. So, each one of these coun‑
tries that we visited is an archetype ‑‑‑
whether we are showing France, Italy or
and therefore it is archetype, and not
stereotype.
"The Extraordinary Journey of the
Fakir" was released in India on June 21.
yet, intense. The narrative begins on a pre‑
posterous note to the point of being repul‑
sive, but does so with the intent of estab‑
lishing Kabir's character, his hot‑headed
nature. The self‑destructive phase of
Kabir's life where he becomes an alcoholic
and takes drugs, makes for a bit of tedious
viewing post half time, but one is con‑
vinced of his pain and misery. He is not the
archetypal Devdas kind of lover, but
instead one who firmly believes, Preeti
belongs exclusively to him and
should thus be with him.
The film is Shahid
Kapoor's canvas and he
portrays the noir and
naturally flawed char‑
acter, Kabir Singh
with
unmatched sin‑
cerity. A
nuanced performance, inclusive of all the
excesses his character is guilty of, Shahid
makes them look real, even though in reali‑
ty they may seem incredulous. His pain,
anger, obsession, caring and even self‑
destruction appear raw and real.
Matching him is Kiara Advani as Preeti
Sikka, a quiet and timid girl, who under‑
stands his obsessive love and gradually
falls deeply in love with him. She exercises
restraint and delivers a strong performance
that leaves an impact. The film is engaging
and worth a watch.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Bʼwood divas who add Kids' dance reality shows:
star power to yoga Where does the buck stop?
W
hat ties Kareena Kapoor Khan,
Deepika Padukone, Shilpa Shetty
Kundra, Jacqueline Fernandez and
Alia Bhatt together? Their love for yoga. The
Bollywood divas credit their fitness level to
their yoga routine. A look at the stars who
took to yoga and inspired many others to fol‑
low suit.
Kareena Kapoor Khan: It is known that
Kareena's fitness journey is a result of yoga,
exercise and a strict meal plan. She first
stunned one and all with her 'size‑zero' look
in "Tashan", and continues to set fitness goals
with her workout regime.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra: For many, she is the
poster girl for yoga. She has yoga DVDs, a
YouTube channel of her yoga clips, and a fit‑
ness app, where she has a
#MindItYogaProgram. Bipasha Basu: She is a
yoga freak, and has several yoga DVDs and
videos to prove it. In fact, Bipasha along with
husband and actor Karan Singh Grover, gives
couple goals by doing couple yoga.
Alia Bhatt: She is another celebrity who
practices yoga regularly. It is believed that
she practices 'Ashtanga yoga' at least two
times in a week, and also credits yoga for her
glowing skin and toned physique.
Malaika Arora: She has been inspiring
everyone for long to add yoga into their
ʻHollywood not just tough
for people of colorʼ
A
sian‑American actor Randall Park,
whose performance in "Always Be My
Maybe" has given a
push to his global visibility, has
realized that being an actor is a
career with no real roadmap.
He says the going in Hollywood
is tough for all, not just for peo‑
ple of color.
When he looks back at his
career, Randall says there are
certain jobs which he should
According to actor
have probably passed on. But
Randall Park, the
he doesn't believe in living with
going in Hollywood is "Veep", "The Mindy Project" and
regret. "I think this industry
tough for all.
(Hollywood) is a tough one for
anybody. Not just people of color. Being an
actor is a career with no real road‑map,"
Randall said. "Everyone's journey is different
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD June 29-July 5, 2019 19
By Radhika Bhirani
A
ll of 6, Rupsa Batabyal
was the star of "Super
Dancer Chapter 3",
where her belly dancing and
'latka jhatkas' won the hearts of
the celebrity judges. She is just
one of the many children who
end up imitating bold and sug‑
gestive moves and expressions
in the pursuit to climb up the
ladder of success in the world of
dance reality television shows.
Reality show kids with actress Deepika Padukone.
The Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting, in an advisory, noted how dependent on Bollywood songs. Not
several dance based reality TV shows even one show which sharpens a child's
portray young children performing intelligence and creativity." and left it by
dance moves originally done by adults in raising a question: "Who is responsible
movies and other popular modes of for this? Makers? Parents? Government?
entertainment. In the advisory to private Society? Regulators? Channels? Human
television channels, the ministry said: greed?"
"These moves are often suggestive and Choreographer Ashley Lobo, who had
age‑inappropriate. Such acts may also judged "India's Dance Superstar",
have distressing impact on children, believes it has to be a collective effort to
impacting them at a young and impres‑ ensure choreography for children is age
sionable age." According to filmmaker appropriate.
Onir, this directive was long overdue. "Right at the conception stage, we
"I am glad that this was issued. In a must be careful of what songs, outfits,
country where child sexual abuse is ram‑ steps, make‑up and look is being
pant, encouraging children to perform planned for the performance. At
moves that are essentially sexual, is wor‑ Danceworx, we are very particular about
rying. The channels should have on their age‑appropriate content and choreogra‑
own never allowed this to happen," he phy for children. What they see is what
tweeted. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri they learn and we have to create respon‑
Actors Malaika Arora and Shilpa Shetty
commented: "Almost all channels have sible, conscientious adults," Lobo told
demonstrate yoga postures.
kids dance/singing reality shows fully IANS.
lifestyle ‑‑ and her social media is a testimo‑
ny to it. "Yoga is a way of life that motivates
you, grounds you, tones you mentally and
physically, makes you mindful and invokes a
feeling of happiness in you," says Malaika.
When Dilip Kumar asked
Kangana Ranaut: Yoga is the secret behind
Kangana's toned figure. She says: "Yoga is a
gift and I actually think that I have survived
Anupam Kher to 'relax'
due to it. Through meditation, pranayam and
yoga postures, I could vent out a lot of rest‑
less energy."
Veteran actors
Dilip Kumar (r)
and Anupam
Kher in a still
from ʻKarmaʼ.
and that makes it really tough to know if
you're on the right path. But for me, it's what
I wanted to do. And even when I
knew that there weren't as
many opportunities for an
Asian‑American actor in this
V
industry, I was still willing to go
eteran actor Anupam Kher says it meeting of Dr Dang with Rana Vishwa
for it, because again, it was my
was a pat on the shoulder from Pratap Singh. This was my first day of
passion.”
legendary actor Dilip Kumar dur‑ shoot for Subhash Ghaiji's magnum opus
Randall has been carving his
ing the shoot of their film "Karma" that 'Karma'. I was apprehensive, nervous and
way in Hollywood since 2003
made him feel that he had arrived. excited to be in the same frame with the
by steadily building up his
Anupam shared a still from the 1986 film real thespian and legend Dilip Kumar."
career with cameos and recur‑
"Karma", directed by Subhash Ghai. "His 'Relax! It is only acting' didn't relax
ring roles in hit shows like
Anupam played the iconic villain Dr Dang, me. But his pat on my shoulder after the
while Dilip Kumar essayed the role of shot did make me think that I had arrived.
"The Office". He found fame
Rana Vishwa Pratap Singh, a police offi‑ There is, and there will be, nobody like
through his lead role in 2014 film "The
cer. Dilip Saab. He is the ultimate actor India
Interview", in which he was seen as North
He captioned the image: "The iconic has ever produced," he added.
Korean leader Kim Jong‑un.
 20 June 29-July 5, 2019 SUBCONTINENT TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Curb terror funding by Thousands protest in Nepal

October: FATF warns Pakistan
Paris: The Financial Action Task
Force (FATF) has warned Pakistan
to improve its counter‑terror
financing operations in line with
an internationally agreed action
plan by October or face action,
sources said.
"T he FATF strong ly urges
Pakistan to swiftly complete its
action plan by October 2019
when the last set of action plan
items are set to expire," a state‑
ment issued after three‑day delib‑
erat ions of the internat ional
watchdog, said.
"Otherwise, the FATF will decide
the next step at that time for
against controversial bill
Kathmandu: Thousands of pro‑
testers gathered in the Nepalese
capital demanding the govern‑
ment to scrap a controversial bill
to nationalize trusts that manage
temples amid fears the move
would jeopardize the centuries‑
old Hindu culture and religious
traditions.
After days of protests, the
authorities promised to withdraw
the Guthi bill from Parliament.
However, those opposing the pro‑
posed legislation suspect that
The Financial Action Task Force plenary meeting underway in Paris Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli‑
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli also
led Communist Party government
expressed his support for the
may bring back the bill described
India asks Pak to address by its critics as "repressive".
billʼs withdrawal.

insuf ficient progress," the state‑ "The government promised to the road but no clashes with the
ment added. T he FATF also global terror concerns withdraw the bill from the police took place, the report said.
expressed its concerns over National Assembly. But we con‑ The bill envisions nationalizing
New Delhi: In the wake of the FATF warning, India said Pakistan
Pakistan's failure to complete the tinued our protest to pressurize under a powerful commission all
should take "credible" and "irreversible" steps to address global
action plan first by a January the government not to bring the guthis or trusts ‑ public as well as
concerns related to terrorism.
deadline, and again by May. bill back again," Chairperson of private ‑ that regulate religious
External Af fairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said
"The FATF expresses concern National Identity Protection Joint places in the largely Hindu coun‑
Pakistan should take all necessary steps to effectively implement
that not only did Pakistan fail to Struggle Committee Ganapati Lal try.
the FATF action plan to counter terror financing operations.
complete its action plan items Shrestha told Efe news. Guthis, run by families or par‑
"We expect Pakistan to take all necessary steps to ef fectively
with January deadlines, it also Shrestha said an estimated ticular communities, have been
implement the FATF Action Plan fully within the remaining time
failed to complete its action plan 40,000 people took part in the part of the social system in the
frame i.e. by September 2019 in accordance with its political com‑
items due May 2019,” the FATF demonstration near Singha Kathmandu Valley since the 15th
mitment to the FATF," Kumar said.
statement read. Pakistan has been Durbar, the country's administra‑ century under which land is
"Pakistan should take credible, verifiable, irreversible and sus‑
already put by the FATF on the tive hub in the heart of donated to a temple trust. The
tainable measures to address global concerns related to terrorism
"grey list" of countries with insuf‑ Kathmandu. Prime Minister also expressed his
and terrorist financing emanating from any territory under its
ficient controls to tackle money The protesters shouted anti‑ support for the withdrawal of the
control," he added.
laundering and terror financing. government slogans and blocked bill.

Sri Lanka extends Emergency for another month

Colombo: Sri Lankan President
Maithripala Sirisena extended
the State of Emergency by anoth‑
er month, considering the securi‑
ty situation following the April
Easter Sunday bombings that
killed over 250 people and
injured hundreds.
Sirisena issued orders to
extend the Emergency for anoth‑
er month, according to a gazette
notification.
According to the notification,
the Emergency was in effect for
public security, preservation of
public order and maintenance of
supplies and services essential to
the life of the countrymen, the
Colombo Page reported.
The president had declared the
Emergency on April 22, a day
after attacks on three churches,
three luxury hote ls and two
other locations. The bombings
were claimed by the Islamic State
terror group. Earier on May 22,
Sirisena extended the Emergency
by a month as security forces
continued nationwide raids to
hunt down suspects linked to the
attacks. He had assured the
diplomatic community in Sri
Lanka then that it would not be
extended. Sri Lanka's police and
military have arrested over 100
suspects in the crackdown.
The need to extend Emergency
regulations has been questioned
by some political leaders and
activists in the island country,
with the Tamil National Alliance
voting against the motion when
it was presented in Parliament in
May. "The regulations are far
reaching and draconian in
nature. Also, two cases being
heard on the regulat ions in
courts. We will be voting against
the motion this time as well,"
TNA Parliamentarian M.A.
Sumanthiran told Efe news. Sri Lankan security personnel gather at a street in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

China says Taliban leader was in Beijing

Beijing: China said that one of the top
leaders of the Taliban was in Beijing to
discuss the Afghan peace process and
issue of terrorism with its officials.
"Head of the Taliban of fice in Doha,
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, and his
aides visited China. During his visit,
Chinese of ficials exchanged views with
him on the peace and reconciliation
process as well as the fight against ter‑
rorism," Chinese Foreign Ministry
Chinese Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Lu Kang.
spokesperson Lu Kang said here.
China, whose of ficials have been in
touch with the Taliban leaders, has
emerged an important party interested in
ending the long‑drawn conflict in
Afghanistan.
Muslim Uighurs in China's Xinjiang
province fleeing to Afghanistan and
organizing anti‑Beijing activities is also a
cause for concern for the Chinese gov‑
ernment.
"China has closely followed the devel‑
opment of the situation in Afghanistan
and has been playing a constructive role
in the peace and reconciliation process,"
Lu said. "We always support Afghan‑led
extensive and inclusive peace, reconcilia‑
tion as well as the internal dialogue
among the Afghans.
"So we have made our position clear
with Baradar. This is also an important
part in our ef forts to promote peace
talks," Lu added.
Baradar is the Taliban's deputy chief on
political af fairs and his visit to China
comes ahead of the crucial seventh round
of talks between the militant group and
the US.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INTERNATIONAL June 29-July 5, 2019 21

Iran warns US of 'crushing Baseless allegations

response' to any threat
Tehran: Iran warned the US
against the "mistake" of taking mil‑
itary action against the Islamic
republic, saying any attack will
draw Tehran's "crushing response"
that will cost Washington dearly
and blow up a powder keg in the
region. "Threat for threat means
that if the enemy fires a single bul‑
let at us, it will receive 10 bullets
and have to pay a heavy cost,"
Iranian armed forces general staff
spokesman Brig Gen Abolfazl
She karchi told Tasnim news
agency in an interview.
He said that any act of aggres‑
sion against Iran will draw such a
"historic response that would
make the assailants regret their
move". Brig Gen Shekarchi's com‑
ments came after Iran shot down a
US Global Hawk surveillance drone
earlier this week. Tehran said the
unmanned US aircraft entered
Iranian airspace. Washington, how‑
ever, maintains it was shot down in
international airspace.
Follow ing the incident, US
President Donald Trump said that
he aborted a military strike to
retaliate ag ainst Iran's move
because doing so would have killed
around 150 people. In the inter‑
view with Tasnim, Shekarchi said
that the Iranian Armed Forces
were closely monitoring the US
in UN's Khashoggi
report: Saudi Minister
Riyadh: A Saudi Arabian
minister has slammed a
UN special rapporteur's
report claiming that
there was credible evi‑
dence that Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman
and other hig h‑leve l
officials were individual‑
ly liable for the killing of
Iran had shot down a US Global Hawk surveillance drone last week.
journalist Jamal
Khashoggi, saying the
‘Do not confuse prudence with weakness’ allegations were base‑
less.
Jerusalem: The United States national security Adviser warned that the Adel Al‑Jubeir is Saudi Arabiaʼs minister of
Reacting to the report
decision not to attack Iran is temporary and that the country should state for foreign affairs.
by UN extrajudicial exe‑
not confuse "prudence with weakness". White House national security
cut ions invest ig ator Agnes now. The minister told the Saudi
Adviser John Bolton made the remarks during a meeting with Israeli
Callamard, Minister of State for Press Agency that "the Kingdom,
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, reported Efe news.
Foreign Af fairs and Member of as already announced, has begun
Bolton said that the White House's determination not to attack Iran is
the Cabinet Adel Al‑Jubeir told to take the necessary measures
a temporary decision. Known for his tough stance against the Iranian
Saudi Press Agency that it to bring the perpetrators of this
regime, Bolton emphasized that the US decision not to attack Iran is
"regrettably, presented many crime to justice".
"for the time being."
unfounded accusations, includ‑ "Saudi Arabia, while af firming
moves. "A military mistake from and Central Asia from which the ing the violation of a number of its deep commitment to and
the enemy, particularly from the attackers would not survive". international conventions, and is respect for international conven‑
US and its regional allies, will be Tension has been escalating totally unacceptable to the lead‑ tions and laws and its rejection
tantamount to firing at a powder between the two countries, with ership of the Kingdom". of all the unjustified violations
keg... it will set the region ablaze the US blaming Iran for last week's Khashoggi, a Washington Post and allegations contained in the
and burn up the US, its interests attacks on two oil tankers in the columnist and a critic of the report, reserves the right to take
and its allies." Gulf of Oman and on four tankers Saudi Crown Prince, was killed legal action to respond to them,"
He added that the Islamic repub‑ of f the United Arab Emirates in and reportedly dismembered in he added.
lic "will never be the first side to May ‑‑ both near the Strait of October 2018 at the Kingdom's Al‑Jubeir said that the report
start a war, but the enemy's slight‑ Hormuz, through which between consulate in Istanbul by a team was intended to "undermine the
est mistake will draw a revolution‑ two and three dozen ships pass of 15 agents sent from Riyadh. Kingdom and its leadership" and
ary response from Iran in West every day. His body has not been found till that it lacked credibility.

Ethiopian army chief TORY LEADERSHIP: HUNT

shot dead during
failed coup attempt
Addis Ababa: The chief of staff of
the Ethiopian army was shot
dead during a coup attempt in
the northern Amhara region, the
prime minister's of fice
announced on state television.
General Seare Mekonnen died
after being shot while trying to
prevent the coup attempt, in
which another military chief,
General Gezai Abera, also died,
the office said on state television
ETV.
T he president of Amhara
General
Seare
Mekonnen
died while
trying to
prevent the
coup bid.
region, Ambachew Mekonnen, as
well as his adviser, Ezez Wasie,
were also shot dead in their
of fice in the regional capital,
reports Efe news.
The coup against the govern‑
ment of this region, the second
largest ethnic group in the coun‑
try, began recently in the capital,
Bahir Dar, and was thwarted
soon after by the federal security
forces, the prime minister's
spokesman, Nigussu Tilahun,
announced on ETV.
TO FACE JOHNSON AMID
TACTICAL VOTING CLAIMS
London: Former British Foreign
Secretary Boris Johnson and
Secretary of State for Foreign
Af fairs Jeremy Hunt w ill go
head‑to‑head to become the
country's new Prime Minister
amid claims that tactical voting
knocked Environment Secretary
Michael Gove out of the race.
Johnson's team has denied
such tactics ‑ but at least one
backer suggested some MPs may
have sw itched votes to end
Gove's campaign, the BBC report‑
ed.
A recent vote put Johnson and
Jeremy Hunt top in the race and
they will now battle it out to
become the next Prime Minister.
Hunt promised Johnson "the
fight of his life" in the coming
Former British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.
weeks, the report said.
Johnson's place in the final two Hunt vying for second spot. Johnson and Hunt will now
had been widely expected as he Two ballots were held recently, have to convince the
had been the frontrunner in all resulting in the elimination of Conservative Party's 160,000
four previous ballots of Home Secretary Sajid Javid and members to vote for them, with
Conservative MPs, with Gove and Gove. the contest ending in late July.
22 June 29-July 5, 2019 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya resigns

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy
Governor Viral Acharya. (File Photo: IANS)
Mumbai: Reserve Bank of India's (RBI)
Deputy Governor Viral Acharya has quit six
months before the end of his term, sources
said on Monday.
Acharya is the third top of ficial to quit
RBI before completing their term. The first
being former RBI Governor Raghuram
Rajan and second being former Governor
Urjit Patel.
Sources said that Acharya, who joined as
the RBI Deputy Governor in January 2017,
was against the central bank's decision on
repeated cuts of repo rates to support the
government's public spending and con‑
sumption boost measures to tackle the
slowing growth.
Acharya viewed such steps as putting fis‑
cal discipline into risk and he did not want
to be part of "those decisions", sources
said. Confirming the development, the RBI
said in a statement: "Viral V. Acharya sub‑
mitted a letter to the RBI informing that
due to unavoidable personal circum‑
stances, he is unable to continue his term
as a Deputy Governor of RBI beyond July
23, 2019. Consequential action arising
from his letter is under consideration."
Acharya has not commented on the mat‑
ter yet.
To spur the economy, the RBI had cut
repo rate by 25 bps to 5.75 per cent in
June while switching to an "accommoda‑
tive" stance, implying that the central bank
is amenable to further cuts. This is the
third time on the trot that the six‑member
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has
decided on a 25‑basis points rate cut, mak‑
ing it a hat‑trick of repo rate cuts.
The rate cut also comes in the backdrop
of benign retail inflation. Following the
MPC decision, the repo rate now stands at
5.75 per cent against the earlier 6 per cent.
Acharya will be now returning to the
New York University's Stern School of
Business in August 2019 instead of
February 2020. The BSE index stood at
39,120, down 72.10 points at 10.17 a.m.
on Monday. With Acharya's resignation,
the RBI is now left with three Deputy
Governors ‑‑ N.S. Vishwanathan, B.P.
Kanungo and M.K. Jain.

BUDGET UNLIKELY TO Flipkart co‑founder sells

UP RS 2.5 LAKH I‑T TAX
EXEMPTION LIMIT
There is a huge expectation from the new Finance Minister
of an increase in the basic exemption limit from
Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
New Delhi: The current basic
income tax exemption limit of
Rs 2.5 lakh is unlikely to be
raised in the forthcoming full
Budget 2019‑20, according to
informed sources, as the
Finance Ministry has already
announced a provision where‑
by individuals earning up to Rs
5 lakh can get full tax rebate
under Section 87A.
Those earning Rs 5 lakh per
annum w ill, however, be
required to file tax returns
even if they have zero tax lia‑
bility. There is a huge expecta‑
t ion from the new Finance
Minister of an increase in the
basic exemption limit from Rs
2.50 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
Though there is an expecta‑
tion among salaried class that
the Mo di 2.0 government
would reward them for voting
it to power, officials here have
earlier said that increasing the
basic exemption limit to Rs 5
lakh will defeat the purpose of
the interim budget announce‑
ment.
According to them, increas‑
ing the basic exemption limit
will not require many people to
file income tax and it could
result in a dip in tax filing, and
would even defeat the purpose
of expanding the tax base.
Tax experts have suggested
to the Finance Minister in their
pre‑Budget meeting that rais‑
ing the basic income tax
exempt ion leve l would not
prove to be a wise move since
the Narendra Modi‑led govern‑
ment's fo cus has been on
increasing the country's tax‑
payer base.
There is also little possibility
that the government would
tweak the existing tax slabs in
a way that a 10 per cent tax
rate applies to those earning
up to Rs 10 lakh, instead of the
existing 20 per cent.
Sources said there could be
some additional tax‑saving
measures for salaried individu‑
als.
Income tax collections have
been lower than expected
which also does not support
any possibility of raising the
exemption limit.
Sources also said that there is
no possibility of the threshold
for the highest 30 per cent tax
rate being raised to apply to
incomes above Rs 15 lakh in
the upcoming Budget but could
happen in future years.
part stake to Walmart
Bengaluru: Binny Bansal, the co‑
founder of India's leading e‑tailer
Flipkart, sold around 54 lakh of
his equity shares valued at $76.4
million (Rs 531 crore) to world's
retail g iant Walmart's
Luxembourg entity FIT Holdings
SARL, business intelligence plat‑
form Paper.vc said on Monday.
"Walmart increased its equity
holding in Flipkart by buying
5,39,912 shares of its erstwhile
co‑founder Binny Bansal for $76.4
million through its Luxembourg‑
based entity FIT Holdings SARL,"
said the Chennai‑based Paper.vc
in an e‑mail to IANS.
"According to regulatory filings
by Flipkart, Bansal transferred
5,39,912 of his shares to
Walmart's entity for a cash con‑
sideration of $76.4 million," it
added.
Though the other co‑founder
Sachin Bansal exited Flipkart
US-China trade talks,
Budget the next big trigger
Mumbai: Sensex and Nifty
showed no decisive trend since
the results of the general elec‑
tions last month. Several fac‑
tors like a sharp rise in oil
prices, forecast of a weak mon‑
soon and concern of slowdown
have held back investors from
participating.
In the next fortnight markets
is set to witness two major trig‑
gers. The US‑China trade talks
at the G‑20 in Osaka, Japan,
n e x t w ee k a n d t h e U n i o n
Budget to be tabled on July 5.
While the Indian investors
are desperately awaiting a
budget with plans to kick‑start
a slowing economy, traders
globally expect a resolution
Binny Bansal.
when Walmart bought controlling
stake (77 per cent) in it for a
whopping $16 billion on May 9,
2018, Binny stayed on to lead its
management team.
"Binny, however, resigned a few
months later (November 13,
2018) after an investigation by
Walmart into allegations of per‑
sonal misconduct (sexual harass‑
ment) on his part," the Paper.vc
b e t w ee n t h e t w o b i gge s t
economies entang led in an
expensive trade war.
Both the events will decide
the fate of the markets for the
second half of the year.
During the week gone by, an
escalation in trade tension sent
the oil prices higher, which will
continue to have a bearing on
the market.
Brent crude, the global oil
benchmark rose sharply on
Thursday after war like situa‑
tion developed between Iran
a n d t h e U S a f t e r I r a n sh o t
down a US drone.
US President Donald Trump
on Friday said he was in "no
h u r r y " t o r e t a l i a t e. Tr u m p
statement said.
The latest sell‑of f, however, is
not Binny Bansal's first demoneti‑
zation of his equity holding in 12‑
year‑old Flipkart.
"Binny's holding fe ll to
63,53,838 shares post‑acquisition
from 74,76,271 in pre‑acquisi‑
tion. Our assessment is he sold
11,22,433 shares of his for $159
million when Walmart took over
Flipkart," the statement added.
According to Paper.vc's calcula‑
tions, Binny Bansal's holding has
reduced 0.33 per cent to 3.52 per
cent from 3.85 per cent after the
current sale proceedings.
The financial data platform for
private markets has derived the
share holding in Walmart from its
current Esop pool.
"Our estimates may vary from
the authoritative numbers main‑
tained by Walmart/Flipkart,"
added the statement.
w a r n ed t h a t t h e " w e w e r e
cocked and loaded to retaliate
last night" but chose otherwise
as its was "not proportionate to
shooting down an unmanned
drone".
Global financial markets fell
over fear that a possible con‑
flict would disrupt flows from
t h e M i d d l e E a s t , w h i ch
accounts for over 20 per cent
of the world's oil output.
"Markets continued to correct
for the third consecutive week.
The Nifty ended with losses of
0.84 per cent W‑o‑W. Market
breadth was negative in four
out of the five trading sessions
of the week," Deepak Jasani of
HDFC Securities said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 29-July 5 , 2019
 24 June 29-July 5, 2019 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Shami hat‑trick seals deal in

thriller against Afghanistan
Cricket World Cup 2019 Table
Team P W L T NR Pts NRR
New Zealand 6 5 0 0 1 11 1.306
Southampton: Mohammed Shami
Australia 6 5 1 0 0 10 0.849
(4/40) grabbed a magical hat‑trick
as India scripted a 11‑run last‑over India 5 4 0 0 1 9 0.809
win over Afghanistan in a thrilling England 6 4 2 0 0 8 1.457
World Cup clash here.
Chasing 225 for victory, Sri Lanka 6 2 2 0 2 6 ‑1.119
Afghanistan needed 16 runs in six Bangladesh 6 2 3 0 1 5 ‑0.407
balls riding Mohammad Nabi's
valiant 52 off 55 balls and includ‑ Pakistan 6 2 3 0 1 5 ‑1.265
ing four boundaries and a sixer. Windies 6 1 4 0 1 3 0.19
Nabi smacked Shami for a four to
South Africa 7 1 5 0 1 3 ‑0.324
bring the equation down to 12 off
5, and then refused a single to keep Mohammed Shami celebrates his hat‑trick against Afghanistan in Afghanistan 6 0 6 0 0 0 ‑1.712
the strike. Southampton, England. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)
But in the next three balls, Shami

Kohli fined for excessive appealing

had Nabi caught by Hardik Pandya crash onto the stumps. who took a low catch running in
at long on and then castled Aftab India lost a review early on when from fine leg, Shahidi was done by a

during Afghanistan match

Alam and Mujeeb ur Rahman in
successive deliveries to grab a hat‑
trick and hand India their fourth
victory in five matches.
Shami became India's only sec‑
ond bowler to bag a hat‑trick in a
World Cup since Chetan Sharma in
the 1987 edition.
Pace ace Jasprit Bumrah (2/39),
wristspinner Yuzvendra Chahal
(2/36) and all‑rounder Pandya
(2/51) all grabbed two wickets to
help Virat Kohli and Co. escape a
scare they never thought would
come their way.
Afg hanistan spinners had
restricted the famed Indian bats‑
men to 224/8 after Kohli chose to
bat first on a sluggish wicket.
Chasing the mo dest target,
Afghanistan lost Hazratullah Zazai
(10) early, with Shami getting the
ball to go through the gate and
a Shami delivery struck Zazai on
the pads and umpire Aleem Dar
turned down loud appeals. Kohli
decided to go for a review as
replays showed the ball pitching
outside line.
Skipper Gulbadin Naib (27) and
Rahmat Shah (36) then shared a
44‑run second wicket stand before
Pandya had the former holed out to
Vijay Shankar at deep midwicket.
There was drama in the 29th
over when Bumrah hit Shah's pads
and was convinced he has got his
man, but the umpire was not con‑
vinced, leaving Kohli furious as
India did not have any reviews left.
But as things panned out, India's
agony was shortlived as the pacer
removed both Shah and
Hashmatullah Shahidi (21; 45b;
2x4) in the same over.
While Shah holed out to Chahal
short‑of‑a‑length ball, angled into
the batsman as he failed to negoti‑
ate it and the ball popped up off his
Southampton: India captain Virat ing an lbw decision. Kohli admit‑
outside of the bat for Bumrah to
Kohli has been fined 25 per cent ted the offence and accepted the
take a return catch.
of his match fee for breaching sanction proposed by match ref‑
From 106/2 after 28 overs with
the ICC Code of Conduct during eree and so, no formal hearing
119 needed from the remaining 22
the World Cup match against was required, said ICC in a media
overs, the Afghans suddenly found
Afghanistan which the Men in statement. Earlier in the match
themselves in a spot of bother with
Blue won by 11 runs in as well, the Indian skipper was
the loss of their two set batsmen.
Southampton. seen arguing with the on‑field
Nabi and Najibullah Zadran (21)
Kohli was found to have umpires after a DRS call.
tried to still keep their hopes alive
breached Article 2.1 of the ICC In addition to the fine, one
but once the latter was gone, and
Code of Conduct for players and demerit point has been added to
Chahal removed Rashid Khan (14),
player support personnel, which the disciplinary record of the
it was all down to Nabi who, in the
relates to "excessive appealing Indian skipper, for whom it was
end, failed. Earlier, Afghanistan
during an international match". the second of fence since the
tweakers spun a web around Indian
The incident occurred in the introduction of the revised code
batsmen to restrict them to 224/8
29th over bowled by Jasprit in September 2016. Kohli now
in 50 overs despite half centuries
Bumrah of the Afg hanistan has two demerit points after hav‑
from Kohli and Kedar Jadhav.
innings, when Kohli advanced ing got one demerit point during
T his was India's lowest first
towards umpire Aleem Dar in an the Pretoria Test against South
innings total batting all 50 overs
aggressive manner when appeal‑ Africa on January 15.
since 2010.

South Africa knocked out of World Cup

London: Pakistan beat South
Africa by 49 runs at Lord's in their
2019 ICC World Cup group stage
match, ensuring they remain in
contention for the playof fs while
making the Proteas the second
team after Afg hanistan to be
knocked out of the tournament.
Chasing a target of 309, South
Africa were restricted to a total of
259/9.
Pakistan were powered to
308/7 thanks to Haris Sohail's 89
off 59 balls and Babar Azam's 69
off 80. Imran Tahir's performance
in the middle overs and Lungi
Ngidi's late wickets ensured that
Pakistan don't get too far beyond
the 300‑run mark but even that
turned out to be too much for the
Proteas to chase. Mohammad Amir
chase a semblance of stability for
the next 18 overs. The pair put up
a partnership of 87 and were
helped quite a bit by dropped
catches. Shadab Khan then provid‑
ed the breakthrough when De
Kock holed out near the boundary
off his bowling in the 20th over.
Shadab then got Aiden
Markram, ensuring that the 24‑
year‑old's poor show in this World
Cup continues. Amir then got the
big w icket of Du Plessis. T he
South African skipper looked to
hit the ball over deep midwicket
and ended up getting a top edge to
it. The ball went quite some dis‑
South African skipper Faf du Plessis. (Photo Credit: Twitter/@ICC) tance in the air and Pakistan cap‑
tain Sarfaraz Ahmed did well to
dismissed Hashim Amla in the sec‑ Plessis and wicketkeeper Quinton hold on.
ond over but captain Faf du de Kock gave the South African South Africa were given hope by
David Miller and Rassie van der
Dussen. With Pakistan continuing
to drop catches, the pair went on
to put up 53 runs for the fifth
wicket. Shadab was once again the
man to provide the breakthrough.
Van Der Dussen tried a slog
towards the leg side and the ball
ballooned up in the air.
Mohammad Hafeez kept his eyes
on it all the way and completed
the catch.
It was all downhill for South
Africa after that as Wahab Riaz
started the swinging the old ball
around corners and went about
cleaning up the tail. Miller fell to a
slower delivery from Shaheen
Afridi and Wahab then got Chris
Morris, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi
Ngidi in consecutive overs.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 29-July 5, 2019
 26 June 29-July 5, 2019
Tilting your face a
bit while clicking is
a key tip.
S
o if you want to impress
your social media follow‑
ers with a cool solo snap,
do not forget to tilt your face a
bit. Experts also suggest that
whenever possible, click it under
natural light.
"Taking photos in the dark is
hard, and it may be tempting to
use your phone's flash. But flash
photography often makes a selfie
look washed out, and you can
lose your background, or add
g lare to your face," Goog le's
Mallory Richards wrote in a blog
post after taking inputs from
Pixel camera experts.
"Using photography's 'Rule of
Thirds' can help you snap a great
picture, by bringing the focus of
your photo to the area in an
image where your eye naturally
falls," she wrote.
1 in 4 women goes on a date for a free meal: Study
C
all it new‑age dating but
nearly one in four women
now goes on a date not for
the sake of romance or building a
long‑term relationship but grabbing
a free meal, an interesting study has
revealed. The new phenomenon is a
"foodie call" where a person sets up
a date with someone they are not
romantically interested in, for the
purpose of getting a free meal.
New research finds that 23 to 33
per cent of women in an online
study admitted they have engaged
in a "foodie call". The researchers
The idea behind the "Rule of
Thirds" is that the subject of the
photograph should not be placed
in the middle. This can help one
creatively use the negative space.
It is also important to know
when to use the portrait mode.
According to the experts, this
mode works best when the sub‑
ject can stand out against a busy
background.
"The subtle blur on Portrait
Mode can help you pop against
the background of your selfie.
With Pixel 3 and 3a, you can
adjust the blur to your liking,"
Richards said.
The experts cautioned against
overdoing the editing part.
"While editing apps are great,
make sure you still look like
yourself after you snap your self‑
ie," Richards wrote.
from California‑based Azusa Pacific
University and University of
California‑Merced found that
women who scored high on the
"dark triad" of personality traits
(psychopathy, Machiavellianism,
narcissism), as well as expressed
traditional gender role beliefs, were
most likely to engage in a "foodie
call" and find it acceptable.
"Several dark traits have been
linked to deceptive and exploitative
behavior in romantic relationships,
such as one‑night stands, faking an
orgasm, or sending unsolicited sex‑
LIFESTYLE
Most people are expected
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T
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Others could live until they're 110
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their life. To get a sense of how
much you'll need in savings, take an
honest look at your life expectancy.
Of course, nobody can predict
exactly how long they'll live. But if
you have health issues or other rea‑
son to believe your retirement
years won't last long, that will help
you better gauge how much you'll
need to save. On the other side of
the coin, if everyone in your family
has lived until age 100, it's proba‑
bly a good idea to prepare for a
very long retirement.
The type of lifestyle you expect to
live in retirement also plays an
important role. Someone who wants
to spend their golden years travel‑
ing constantly or learning expen‑
sive new hobbies will likely spend
more money than someone who
prefers to enjoy most of their time
relaxing around the house and
catching up on their reading.
Once you have an idea of how
many years you expect retirement
to last and how much you predict
you'll spend each year in retire‑
ment, you can plug your informa‑
tion into a retirement calculator to
get an estimate of how much you
should save.
ual pictures," said Brian Collisson
from Azusa Pacific University in a
paper appeared in the journal
Social Psychological and
Personality Science. In the first
study, 820 women were recruited.
They answered a series of questions
that measured their personality
traits, beliefs about gender roles,
and their "foodie call" history. They
were also asked if they thought a
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
How Social Security benefits
factor into retirement:
If you run out of savings in retire‑
ment, you'll still have Social
Security benefits to fall back on. But
Social Security isn't the strongest
safety net, and you may not be able
to survive on your benefits alone.
The average beneficiary receives
around $1,400 per month from
Social Security, which may not be
enough to make ends meet even
when you're relatively young and
healthy ‑‑ and it could be even more
problematic as you age.
As you get older, you'll inevitably
face more health issues. Healthcare
isn't cheap, either, and the average
retiree spends around $4,300 per
year on out‑of‑pocket costs, accord‑
ing to the Center for Retirement
Research at Boston College. That
number also doesn't include long‑
term care, which can be incredibly
costly. The average semi‑private
room in a nursing home costs near‑
ly $7,000 per month, according to
the U.S. Department of Health and
"foodie call" was socially acceptable.
Twenty‑three per cent of women
in this first group revealed they'd
engaged in a "foodie call".
"Most did so occasionally or
rarely. Although women who had
engaged in a foodie call believed it
was more acceptable, most women
believed foodie calls were extreme‑
ly to moderately unacceptable," the
findings showed.
Human Services, and 70% of today's
65‑year‑olds can expect to need
long‑term care at some point in
their lives.
If your savings run dry a decade
or two into retirement and then
you're hit with steep healthcare
costs, Social Security alone proba‑
bly won't cover all of your expens‑
es. There are ways to increase your
Social Security benefits to make it a
little easier to squeeze every dollar
out of your monthly checks, but it's
still smart to save as much as you
can on your own so you're not
entirely dependent on your benefits
to pay for all of your expenses.
Saving for retirement is a big
enough challenge on its own, but as
Americans are living longer ‑‑ need‑
ing their money to go further than
ever before ‑‑ it's becoming even
more difficult to save enough to last
the rest of your life. If you can esti‑
mate how much you'll need to save
and create a retirement plan you
can stick to, it will help ensure your
money lasts as long as possible.
The second study analyzed a simi‑
lar set of questions of 357 hetero‑
sexual women and found 33 per
cent had engaged in a "foodie call".
For both groups, those engaged in
"foodie calls" scored higher in the
"dark triad" personality traits.
The researchers also note that
"foodie calls" could occur in many
types of relationships, and could be
perpetrated by all genders.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Trump delays immigration raids, giving
democrats 'two weeks' to change asylum laws
Washington: President Trump
delayed immigration raids that
were set to begin last weekend, say‑
ing he will give Congress two weeks
to make changes to asylum law
before dispatching Immigration and
Customs Enforcement agents
around the country to deport
undocumented immigrants.
Immigration rights advocates had
been preparing for the planned
sweep of recently arrived migrants,
which, according to sources familiar
with the planned raids, were set to
begin as soon as Sunday in 10 cities
around the country.
A source familiar with the presi‑
dent's decision told NPR that
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi,
D‑Calif., called Trump on Friday
night and urged him to back off the
raids. Pelosi had been sharply criti‑
cal of the planned raids. She called
them heartless and said the presi‑
dent needed "to stop this brutal
action which will tear families apart
Want to study at a US institution?
Get the student visa F-1
By Michael Phulwani,
Esq. and Dev B.
Viswanath, Esq.
T
he F‑1 visa is a temporary
nonimmigrant visa that is
available to individuals who
wish to come to the United States
to attend an academic program or
English Language Program at a
U.S. college or university. In order
to qualify for an F‑1 visa an indi‑
vidual must meet the following
requirements:
8Must be enrolled in an aca‑
demic educational program or a
language training program;
8The program or course of
study must result in a degree,
diploma, or certificate;
8The school which the individ‑
ual plans to attend must be
approved by the Student and
Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP);
8The individual must be
enrolled full time at the college or
university;
8Must be proficient in English
or be enrolled in courses to learn
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called Trump on Friday night and
urged him to back off the raids, announcement of which spread
fear through the immigrant communities.
and inject terror into our communi‑
ties." On Saturday, the president
announced on Twitter that ICE
would hold off on the roundup for
two weeks "at the request of
Democrats," writing that if lawmak‑
ers in Washington cannot approve
changes to asylum law in that time,
he will again direct ICE agents to
resume the raids.
VISA
TALK
English;
8The individual must have
enough financial support to
finance themselves while in the
U.S.; and
8Must maintain a foreign resi‑
dence which the individual does
not intend on giving up.
Only schools certified by the
Student and Exchange Visitor
Program (SEVP) can enroll nonim‑
migrant students. Once the school
determines that the individualʼs
application is complete and they
are academically eligible, the
school will issue an I‑20 form for
SEVIS to allow the individual to
obtain the student visa. Students
on an F‑1 visa are generally not
allowed to work off campus during
their first academic year, but may
be allowed to find employment on‑
IMMIGRATION
Sources close to the White House
say Democrats are unlikely to
accept Trump's pitch that asylum
rules should be tightened. Both par‑
ties are working to pass a border
aid package to help deal with the
influx of migrants arriving illegally
at the border, and a Democratic
aide on Capitol Hill noted that the
raids could have endangered the
campus depending on what they
will be required to do. After the
first year, the student may work
off‑campus but only in the follow‑
ing three categories
8Curricular Practical Training
(CPT)
8Optional Practical Training
(OPT)
8Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) Optional Practical Training
Extension (OPT)
Any employment that an F‑1 stu‑
dent finds off‑campus must be
related to their area of study and
must be authorized by the
Designated School Official (DSO)
and USCIS before they start work‑
ing. The Designated School Official
is the person who is authorized to
maintain the Student and
Exchange Visitor Information
System. The student must also
attend all classes and maintain
passing grades and complete the
program by the date listed on their
I‑20. If they need additional time
to complete their program, they
June 29-July 5, 2019
deal had they not been put on
pause. The $4.5 billion border and
humanitarian supplemental assis‑
tance package has been moving
along with bipartisan support.
Much of the money supports
humanitarian assistance and immi‑
gration enforcement.
But by asking Congress to address
asylum and "loophole problems,"
Trump is upping the ante. There is
no funding for changes to asylum
laws, so Trump's request faces sig‑
nificant hurdles. Pelosi on Saturday
welcomed the president's
announcement delaying the
planned raids. She called for a com‑
prehensive immigration package
that includes a path to citizenship
for the roughly 11 million people
who are in the country illegally.
ICE sent letters in February to
more than 2,000 migrants whose
cases the Justice Department fast‑
tracked as a way of sending a deter‑
rent message to families consider‑
will need to request a program
extension. A student is also
allowed to remain in the U.S. up to
sixty days beyond the length of
time it takes to complete their aca‑
demic program (called a grace
period) or apply to work under the
OPT Program in order to stay for a
longer period of time. OPT is usu‑
ally given for 12 months under the
F1 visa, unless the degree is a
STEM degree, in which case an
Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC
in the United States,
and Banad Immigration in India for which
Attorney Michael Phulwani is also affiliated
as Of Counsel. With Offices in Manhattan,
Queens, Bangalore, and Mumbai, the firm is
able to assist clients with all facets of the
immigration process, including
Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
Citizenship and Green Card Applications
based on Family or Employment. Dev B.
Viswanath can be reached at
Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
27
ing crossing the U.S. border illegal‑
ly. "If Congress does not change the
laws to ensure illegal aliens can be
promptly removed at the southern
border, there is no alternative but to
continuously arrest these fugitive
aliens in the interior," a spokes‑
woman for ICE said in a statement
on Saturday.
In an interview with NPR, Acting
ICE Director Mark Morgan said
many immigrant families are ignor‑
ing requests to turn themselves in.
"So what are our options?"
Morgan said. "They've had due
process, they've had access to attor‑
neys, they've had access to inter‑
preters. Majority of them don't even
show up. And then when they didn't
show up, they received ordered
removal in absentia," he said. "We
have no choice."
Immigration activists have con‑
demned the raids and implored the
Trump administration to call them
off.
additional 17 months of OPT may
be granted.
Any dependents of F‑1 nonimmi‑
grants, spouse and children under
the age of 21, may be eligible for
F‑2 nonimmigrant status. However,
a dependent spouse is not allowed
to work or study, but dependent
children are allowed to study. The
F‑2 status is granted for no longer
than the period of time granted to
the principal F‑1 nonimmigrant.
28 June 29-July 5, 2019 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

Good parenting means

teaching important lessons
I
ʼve been a parent for more
than 16 years and let me tell
you, it isnʼt easy. Every stage
of a childʼs life unleashes new
challenges on a parent. When I
hear that a group of kids has
committed a misdeed of some
sort, Iʼm not quick to blame poor
parenting. I know from experi‑
ence that itʼs not wise to judge
other parents until youʼve deter‑
mined, beyond any doubt, that
BEST one of your kids wasnʼt involved.
But even if my kids werenʼt
RATE involved (theyʼre good kids), Iʼm
not quick to judge the parents others? I know itʼs hard to imagine such a
FOR because I know that every parent has unique
circumstances and unique challenges. If one
president, but letʼs stretch our imaginations
for a moment. Would you feel proud if your
INDIA of my kids does something terrible, I donʼt
want to be blamed for it. And if one of my
child became a president, but was boastful
and ill‑mannered, always belittling people on
AND kids does something terrific, such as win the
Nobel Prize, I donʼt want to take the credit for
social media? I wouldnʼt. Iʼd want to grab a
slipper and chase him or her around, at least
PAKISTAN it. I just want to take the prize money. (Well,
not all of it. Just enough to pay for the ambu‑
until the bodyguards stop me.
Whether my kids become doctors, lawyers,
lance Iʼd have to call when their mother faints flight attendants or store clerks, Iʼd first want
upon hearing the news.) them to be caring, considerate and conscien‑
New York Head Quarter People often think that a successful parent tious adults. Iʼd rather picture my son as a
422‑S Broadway is one whose children have achieved great courteous waiter at a restaurant than a rude
academic and career success. We admire par‑ billionaire at a beach club.
HICKSVILLE
ents whose children have become doctors or Itʼs up to parents to teach their children
NY 11801 engineers or any type of high‑earning profes‑ important values. Here are just a few of the
sional. All parents want their children to be
516‑827‑1010 successful in their careers, but is that really
lessons Iʼd want my kids to learn:
1. Be honest. Lying, cheating and stealing
enough? are examples of dishonest behavior. Children
Imagine that your child becomes the presi‑ learn at an early age whatʼs acceptable and
dent of a country ̶ any country around the what they can get away with. I never let my
world ̶ but lacks integrity and is disrespect‑ kids get away with lying, except when theyʼre
ful toward political opponents, journalists and telling me that Iʼm the greatest dad in the
world. Fatherʼs Day lies are generally okay –

Laughter is the Best Medicine and so is telling me that Iʼm in great shape
and donʼt need to go on a diet, or that my hair
isnʼt falling out – my scalp is just asserting
itself.
2. Be respectful. I want my kids to be
respectful to their elders, as well as everyone
By else. Itʼs easy to show respect to people in
Mahendra equal or superior positions, but how you treat
the disadvantaged and underprivileged
Shah
reveals your true character. All humans
Mahendra Shah deserve respect, even the ones who are crazy
is an architect by enough to vote for the other party. (Iʼm speak‑
education, ing, of course, about the Libertarian Party.)
entrepreneur by 3. Be humble. I want my kids to do well in
profession, artist life, but I donʼt want them to be boastful
and humorist, about their achievements. I donʼt want them
cartoonist and to think that theyʼre better than others, just
writer by hobby. because those other people werenʼt lucky
He has been enough to have the greatest dad in the world.
recording the 4. Be kind. Itʼs important to be kind to oth‑
plight of the ers and not just your own kind. I hope to
immigrant teach my kids to be kind in many dif ferent
ways, including opening doors for strangers,
Indians for the
helping old people cross busy roads, and
past many year
handing the remote control to their father
in his cartoons.
when the football game is about to start.
Hailing from
5. Be generous. I want my kids to be gener‑
Gujarat, he lives
ous with their time and money. I want them
in Pittsburgh,
to be especially generous when a person
Pennsylvania.
holds his hand out and asks for money. I donʼt
want them to say something rude, such as,
“Get lost, Dad!”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY June 29-July 5, 2019 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; w.premastrologer.com

JUNE 29‑JULY 5, 2019

Aries: Don't take on anything you are
not confident of at work; it can prove
counterproductive for your profes‑
sional image. There is a likelihood of love
blossoming for some. You may settle a
family youngster out of town to pursue
academics. Take precautions against sea‑
sonal ailments. Something new and expen‑
sive may become a new addition to your
home.
Taurus: Hurdles blocking your pro‑
motional prospects are set to gradu‑
ally disappear. Pure bliss is yours
for the asking on the romantic front, as
you spend quality time with lover. Handle
a situation arising on the domestic front in
a fair manner. Your desire for better health
can make you think on practical lines
regarding diet and exercise. Shedding past
grudges will benefit you immensely.
Gemini: A new subordinate at work
is likely to take substantial workload
of f your shoulders. Don't hang out
with negative people, as they are certain to
colour your mind.
It is no fun to have an upper hand at the
expense of your reputation, so review your
actions. On the career front, it is best to
take decisions after due deliberations, so
as not to go wrong.
Cancer: A good financial move may
get you on the path to prosperity.
Some of you may get a chance to
participate in a reality show or a talent
hunt. On the academic front, you get
amply rewarded for your achievements. A
situation may develop on the personal
front where you may have to speak up
your mind, but tread softly. Maintaining
your workout schedule is important to
come back in shape.
Leo: At work, it is best to maintain
your mental equanimity and not get
worked up over petty issues. Dark
clouds that had been playing hide and seek
on the relationship front are finally set to
dissipate. You are set to score over your
rivals on the academic front by your
superlative performance. Good invest‑
ments may add to your wealth and make
life more comfortable and luxurious.
Virgo: Something you are after on the
academic front may need more time
for preparation, so spare no efforts.
Confirm your reservation before departing
for another city or town to avoid unnecessary
hassles. Donʼt waste your time giving
unwanted advice to someone who is bent
upon doing his or her own thing. Money
saved may come in handy for a worthy cause.
Libra: Gaining the confidence of a
superior at work is the first step
towards career progression, so put
your best foot forward. Aim with which
you had undergone a short course or train‑
ing will be achieved. Focus is important on
the academic front, especially if you are
appearing for competitive exams. Don't
fret over what has been irretrievably lost;
what is gone is gone.
Scorpio: Job seekers are likely to get
a call from the organisation they
desire to join. Your partner may put
you under much pressure to do his or her
bidding. A school or college excursion will
prove most enjoyable. Find the will power
to go in for regular workouts. Well‑wishers
may become your biggest supporters on
the academic front and help you achieve
your goal.
Sagittarius: A balanced approach is
called for in tackling a man man‑
agement situation at work. If disil‑
lusion threatens a present relationship,
have a heart‑to‑heart talk with partner to
get to the bottom of the problem. An
urgent and important job needs to be han‑
dled in a perfect manner, so be alert. Those
travelling can become unwell during the
journey, if not careful about what they eat.
Capricorn: Donʼt rush into situa‑
tions that are of someone elseʼs
making, as you are likely to get
unnecessarily embroiled. A change is
envisaged in your profession, but not
immediately. It is a good time to firm in on
the academic front, as the scene is likely to
become hectic at a later stage. Soundness
of an investment option needs to be looked
into, before going ahead with it.
Aquarius: Your output at work may
come under the scanner, but there
is nothing to worry about.
Discussing investments with an expert is
certain to widen your horizon. Just let go
of negative and hateful thoughts, and
guide your mind towards serenity. Time is
ripe to look forward to booking a flat or
buying a plot. A friendship grows stronger
and makes you spend more time together.
Pisces: A lot of socialising is in
store for you. Your holiday mood
may contribute towards a laid back
attitude at work, but donʼt let this come to
the notice of higher ups! Devoting extra
time in coaching is likely to improve your
academic standards. Jobs may be aplenty,
but none to suit your high standards, so
either scale down your expectations or get
set to spend time in job hunting.

June 29, 2019 ments not only in speculative

Ruled by number 2 and the
Moon, you are highly imaginative,
practical, emotional, honest, sim‑
ple and generous person. You
have a very sharp mind, an excep‑
tionally good grasping power and
you believe that itʼs never to late
to learn. You have a pleasing per‑
sonality and manners, but you
need to check your tendency to
behave extravagant and moody at
times.
This year you should concen‑
trate on your priorities and your
e f forts w ill definite ly bring
desired results. Past investments
will fetch returns and long pend‑
ing property disputes will settle
amicably. Unexpected gifts and
presents from near ones and
friends will keep you in high spir‑
its. New plans and ventures will
start on a positive note. Family
front will be pleasant as children
and spouse will provide you with
love and affection. Health seems
fine but even then, it is recom‑
mended that you avoid overeating
and alcohol. The months of May,
October and January will prove to
be highly important.
June 30, 2019
Governed by number 3 and the
planet Jupiter, you are energetic,
honourable, ambitious, dignified
and an intelligent person. You are
a person with outstanding per‑
sonality and ability to make many
friends. You are always appreciat‑
ed for your sincerity and commit‑
ment, but your need to check your
tendency to behave over ambi‑
tious and dictatorial at times.
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
This year you will make major
gains if you associate with cre‑
ative people. Your performance
will be at its best and you will eas‑
ily impress your seniors with your
dedication and ability to handle
jobs, which require immense
responsibilities. Property transac‑
tion, or construction, or renova‑
tion will be high on your agenda.
Moments at home will not be all
that pleasant. You will suffer due
to the very unpredictable behav‑
iour of your spouse. Spiritual
gains provide solace and comfort.
A journey abroad is also on the
cards for some of you. T he
months of April, July, September
and March will remain significant.
July 1, 2019
Governed by the number 1 and
the Sun, you are also dominated
by the planet Mercury.
Serious by nature, you like a
certain degree of privacy in your
life. You enjoy being alone and
like to keep busy, in your own
work. You cannot tolerate to see
the miseries of those who are
physically handicapped. In the
coming year, you will be spending
a lot of your time in doing social
work for hospitals and charitable
institutions. This will not only,
give you a sense of satisfaction,
but also bring you fame and
recognition. You can expect to
see, changes both professionally
and at the domestic front, in the
year ahead of you. Some of you
might lose money through specu‑
lation. You are advised, to lend
money, only when you are sure of
getting it back. Your independent
nature, will allow you to take your
own decisions in the year ahead
of you. T he month of June,
October, February will be eventful
months.
July 2, 2019
Governed by the number 2, you
are also governed by the planet
Moon and Mercury. You are stu‑
dious by nature, and you are hap‑
piest, when you are amongst
books. Teaching comes naturally
to you. You not only like to pur‑
sue it as a profession, but also
find satisfaction in doing it. In the
coming year, you are advised, not
to take hasty decisions. In matters
of love, you will be ready to break
away from traditions and cus‑
toms, and take decisions, which
you think are best. For those who
are to be married this year, you
can expect to achieve prosperity
and happiness, after marriage.
Your bosses will notice your hard
work and dedication, and you are
likely to be rewarded for your
efforts. The coming year, will be
an eventful one for you, but you
are advised not to take trivial mat‑
ters to the extreme. Your lucky
colours are cream, blue, purple
and white. The month of May,
August and January will be highly
eventful.
July 3, 2019
You are governed by the num‑
ber 3 and by the planet Jupiter.
You are also dominated by the
planet Mercury. Kind hearted and
loving by nature, you are sur‑
rounded by friends. You are popu‑
lar with both sexes. In the coming
year, some of you are likely to
inherit ancestral property, espe‑
cially from your fatherʼs side.
Travel will form an important
part of your career, in the year
ahead of you. You like to develop
spiritual powers, and you like to
use this to bring relieve for the
oppressed class. Helping those in
need, gives you a feeling of satis‑
faction. Your self‑confidence will
help you to achieve popularity
and success, in the year ahead of
you. Friends and relatives will
look to you for advice and help.
You can expect to receive a lot of
happiness and love at the domes‑
tic front, especially your children.
Your lucky colours are shades of
yellow, violet, purple and green.
The months of May, December
and March will be very eventful
July 4, 2019
Influenced by number 4 and the
planet Uranus, you are active,
trustworthy, energetic, systematic
and re liable person. Your
approach is practical and you
take serious note of your duties
and responsibilities, but you need
to control your tendency to
behave stubborn and jealous at
times.
Coming year offers you oppor‑
tunities to make major invest‑
fields, but also in real estate.
Benefits in cash and kind from
relatives and friends. Spouse pro‑
vides you with love and affection
and children win laure ls and
make you feel proud. Sudden fall
in the health of some elderly per‑
son in your close relations may
cause some concern. Drive care‑
fully, especially during night. The
months of March, May, July &
November will be highly signifi‑
cant.
July 5, 2019
You are governed by the num‑
ber 5 and by the planet Mercury.
Ambitious by nature, you go all
out to achieve what you desire to.
You will be able to study the sub‑
ject of your choice and will be
able to go deep into its study. This
will bring you success in your
educational field. Following the
law and order, is an obsession
with you. You do not tolerate any‑
thing, which is not correct, and
what is not abiding by the law.
Religion and customs attract you,
but you do not overdo them. You
maintain a perfect balance
between religion and practicality.
Travel will form an important
part of your life in the coming
year. Music and literature will fas‑
cinate you, and you will be able to
get peace through music. You get
a sense of satisfaction in helping
the oppressed.
In the coming year, you will get
many opportunities, to work for
the needy. The months of May,
July and September will be very
important.
 30 June 29-July 5, 2019 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Swimming in the ocean of love

God that soothe our soul. When
our soul is soothed, our body and
mind are naturally at rest.
If this divine pool is always with‑
in us, why donʼt we take a swim in
it? Unfortunately, we are swim‑
ming with the mind. Swimming
with the mind is like swimming
with sharks. Its intent is to devour
By Sant Rajinder Singh us. If we opt to swim with the
Ji Maharaj mind, the lovely pool becomes
muddied. The calm waters turn

W
hen we swim in the crys‑
tal clear, pure ocean of
Go d, we can see the
reflection of our true self or soul.
T here is no grime or dirt to
muddy it. We can see to the depth
of the ocean, undistracted by any‑
thing that keeps our attention
from the calm of the water. Its lov‑
ing waves lap against us. There are
no attractions to lead us away
from our peace. Instead of transito‑
ry pleasures of the outer world, we
enjoy the eternal bliss of God.
There is no ill effect from having
too much love. When we swim in
the ocean of God, we experience
ecstasy.
A blissful pool of divine water is
within all the time. We can dip into
it anytime. When we tap into this
pool, we are free from worries. We
enter total relaxation. Its soothing
waters caress our being, washing
away the tensions of the mind and
body. When our soul is bathed,
bliss also permeates our mind and
body. The mind is under control so
it does not disturb our tranquility
at the level of the soul.
T he origin of the word ʻspaʼ
means taking of the waters; On a
holiday people often like to go to a
spa and swim in a pool or soak in a
hot tub to relax. We have our own
internal spa fed by the waters of
into a mud hole. It is thick, sticky,
and heavy, and it entraps us.
It is like quicksand. When you
step into quicksand, it pulls down
your body deeper into the muddy
ground. It is a horrifying experi‑
ence. When we swim in the pool of
the mind, this is what happens.
The mud pulls us down and on our
own, we cannot get out.
What has caused the pool to be
muddy? The mind is filled with
desires that lead us into ego, lust,
anger, attachment, and greed.
When our pool is filled with the
mind, we become stuck. We are
burdened with more problems and
our lives are filled with stress.
Rather than swimming with the
mind, we should swim with God.
When we swim with God, we are
satisfied. We fall in love with God
and lose our ego. We are like those
who are so much in love that they
forget themselves. We become so
lost in God that we lose ourselves
and become one with God.
It is said that a salt doll went into
the ocean to take a dip. As soon as
it stepped into the ocean, it dis‑
solved into the ocean and became
one w ith it. W hen we are
immersed in God, we are like that
salt doll. We dive into the ocean of
God and become immersed in it,
losing ourselves in intoxication. It
is not an annihilation of self, but
an expansion of our self to be one
with God and eternally permeated
with bliss and love that knows no
end.
When we swim with God, we do
not have any desires for the sensu‑
al pleasures of the world, because
the love of God is fulfilling. The
bliss that permeates the soul when
we swim with God is thousands of
times greater than any worldly sat‑
isfaction.
When we swim with God we are
filled with calm. We have no time
or interest in judg ing others
because we are focused on being
with our divine Beloved. A verse by
Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj
says:
Those who are lost in divine
intoxication,
Have no time to laugh at the con‑
dition of others.
When we swim with God, we
have everything and are content.
There is nothing of this world that
compares w ith the ecstasy of
swimming with God. Our entire
being, from the core of the soul, is
ravished by Godʼs divine love and
embrace. Who would want to tear
oneself away from an ocean of
incredible love? No desires of the
world can pull us away from that
bliss. We realize that everything
and everyone in this world is tran‑
sitory. We know that one day we
will pass away, or those we love
will pass away. Only the soul and
God are permanent. When we lose
our attachment for the transitory
world and attach ourselves to God,
we gain permanent happiness. We
realize that when we fall in love
with God, we are with a Beloved
who will be with us for eternity.
We can swim with God anytime
we want. God has sent the Master
to teach us how to swim in bliss.
We can do so by meditat ing.
Meditation is not just a mechanical
process; it is diving into a pool of
bliss. We focus our attention into
the pool of love between our two
eyebrows and dive in. With our
mind still, we plunge into the
soothing waters of the divine
Beloved and are in pure ecstasy.
Through meditation, we plunge
into the heart of the ocean and are
immersed in the ocean of love.
Even when we are not meditat‑
ing, we can be swimming in ecsta‑
sy. How? We can keep our atten‑
tion on the divine Be loved all
hours of the day and night. While
driving, while working with our
hands or body, while cooking food,
while eating, while exercising, or
doing any other activities, we can
remember God.
When we go to satsang, if we are
receptive, we can let the waters of
divine love flow into us. Swimming
with God fills us with love, and we
become the abode of nonviolence,
truthfulness, purity, humility, and
selfless service. By diving into the
pool of God we can swim eternally
in bliss.

By Sant Rajinder Singh

Ji Maharaj
A VOYAGE
vacation of fers a chance
to take a break from the
stresses of daily living.
We usually seek places that are
relaxing, enjoyable, and beauti‑
ful. Yet going on an outer vaca‑
tion is often stressful. We have to
earn money for the trip; book
tickets; undergo the rigors of
travel, whether by road, train,
bus, or air; find the right accom‑
modations and food service, and
face unexpected inclement
weather. Often, we return from a
vacation more exhausted than
we had left.
What if we could experience a
vacation that did not cost any‑
thing and in which we could
instantly travel to and experience
unimaginable vistas more beauti‑
ful than anything ever seen in
this world? What if that vacation
filled us with relaxation of our
ON AN INNER
body, mind, and spirit, and had
the added benefit of putting us
into the states of tremendous
love, joy, and bliss? What if we
could tap into a restful peace
that washed away our troubles
and stayed with us even when we
returned from the journey? What
if we could take this trip anytime
we wanted, as many times as we
wished, by just closing our eyes?
This is not science fiction. This
journey is not imaginary. Many
enlightened beings, saints, mys‑
tics, and spiritual masters have
taken this inner voyage. Through
the ages, the spiritual journey
was largely a mystery to the
masses but was known to the dis‑
ciples through an oral tradition
whereby Masters passed on the
travel directions for this journey.
This experience is still avail‑
able today to all who want to
undertake this incredible voyage.
The way within is through medi‑
tation. Meditation is the art of
inverting our attention from the
world outside to that within.
Sightseeing in the physical world
may attract our senses w ith
interesting and beautiful sights,
sounds, smells, tastes, and feel‑
ings. Yet inner sightseeing daz‑
zles us. The inner voyage thrills
our soul with bliss, love, and joy
that far surpass any sensory
delights experienced in this phys‑
ical world.
(For more visit www.sos.org)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 29-July 5, 2019
TheSouthAsianTimes.info June 29-July 5, 2019