Austin South Asian. January 2023

Investments in 2023?

Republic Day

By Laura Sánchez

The effects of tighter monetary policy, high inflation, and slowing growth will last until 2023, according to experts.

interest rates peak, the economic cycle will turn, creating opportunities to increase portfolio allocations to risky assets.

(Continued On Page 19)

Republic Day is a public holiday in India where the country marks and celebrates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950. This replaced the Government of India

COVID In 2023

2023 could be the year the world finally figures out how to live with COVID. Well, most of the world. Ironically, we’ll have the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to thank for it.

Act 1935 as the governing document of India, thus turning the nation into a republic separate from British Raj.

The constitution was adopted by the Indian (Continued On Page 18)

Yoga For Diabetes

Influencer Mik Zazon, who’s on a mission to “normalize normal bodies,” tells Parade, “... I want to inform readers that resolutions are in fact NOT an invitation to start a diet or a workout plan but a beautiful reminder that a new year can bring new life to our passions.”

Still want to find a better you, physically, in 2023? In that case...

2. Work out to feel good, not be thinner.

Instead of obsessing over the scale, obsess over how amazing you feel since you started being more active. Numbers don’t mean much.

(Continued On Page 24)

Successive waves of infections from Omicron and its subvariants, starting in late 2021, have produced so much natural immunity across the hu- man population that most countries are now in a good position to weather new subvariants. (Continued On Page 20)

Yoga can be helpful in reducing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to studies. Here are five asanas by yoga guru Grand Master Akshar for managing diabetes.

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, needs to be managed effectively in order to prevent one from the risk of several diseases like cardiac problems, stroke, kidney troubles, lower leg amputation, blindness etc. (Continued On Page 16)

Customer Driven. Community Focused.

Steps You Can Take To Care For Yourself During The Holidays

With seasonal stressors like end-ofyear work deadlines, gift shopping and hosting potentially weighing on you, plus all those extra sweets and indulgent foods to nibble on, the holiday season may be the happiest time of year, but it’s not always the healthiest.

Here’s how to take better care of yourself to feel your best this holiday season.

Protect Your Skin

You may be aware that the more free radicals you have in your body, the more skin damage can accumulate over time. But did you know that exposure can be particularly high during the holiday season?

There are a few reasons for this.

One is that cooler temperatures are linked to sugar cravings, making sweet treats especially hard to resist at a time of year when there are so many to choose from.

Increased sugar intake can boost the production of advanced glyca-

tion end products, and ultimately unwanted free radicals. In general, diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods can contribute to free radical production, as can stress.

Fortunately, you can take steps to protect your skin from the inside out during the holidays and beyond. Fernblock PLE (Polypodium leucotomos extract), the natural antioxidant in the dietary supplement Heliocare Daily Use Antioxidant Formula, can help neutralize free radicals and the damage they

cause. Dermatologist-recommended, Heliocare aids in eliminating free radicals to help maintain younger-looking, more resilient skin.

“Along with the cheer of the season comes skin hazards,” says New York-based dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, MD. “But the holiday season is the perfect time to gift your skin additional protection from the damaging effects of free radicals. You can do this by incorporating a supplement like Helio-

care into your routine in addition to using a topical broad spectrum sunscreen.”

To learn more, visit heliocare.com. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Heliocare is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)

Move Daily

Be sure to take time for yourself each day to receive the combined physical and mental health benefits of movement. Head outdoors for a morning or afternoon walk to get some fresh air, improved blood circulation and some mood-boosting sunlight during the short, dark days of winter. To promote agility, flexibility and relaxation, take a few minutes to unwind with some meditation or gentle yoga.

Practice Healthy Habits Holiday office parties and family gatherings often involve indulging in the kinds of food and drink that

can leave you feeling more dehydrated, bloated and fatigued than you might normally. Counteract these effects by adopting healthy habits now that you can carry into the new year.

Drink plenty of water each day, and incorporate decaffeinated green tea, coconut water or smoothies into your routine for added electrolytes. Likewise, get high-quality sleep each night. It’s especially important to do so if you’re burning the candle at both ends.

For better shut-eye, avoid caffeine and blue light exposure before bedtime, and keep your bedroom temperature comfortable and consistent.

While it can be hard to set aside time in your schedule when there’s so much to do, a bit of daily selfcare is sure to have a restorative effect that helps you refresh, reset and be more focused. (StatePoint)

How To Maximize The Value And Timeliness Of Your Tax Return

Research shows that if you’re dreading tax season, you’re not alone.

According to the Pew Research Center, 47% of Americans say they are bothered a lot by the complexity of the federal tax system. Other taxpayers stress out over getting the

World Finance tax pros have year-round training to stay on top of the latest tax filing requirements and are ready to tailor tax services to each tax customer’s financial situation.

• Review and adjust. Once you know what

com/taxes.

Tax season doesn’t need to create headaches, fears, or anxieties. By gathering important tax documents in advance and un-

derstanding your filing and refund options, you can have confidence that you’ve maximized the value and timeliness of your tax return. (StatePoint)

How To Be A Nurturing Plant Parent In 3 Easy Steps

harm them and bug you. But there are steps you can take to prevent a pest problem in your home. One important thing you can do is to be sure you are not overwatering plants. Too much water in effect drowns plants. It can also create standing water that becomes a breeding ground for flying insects.

details right. In a Credello survey, 22% of respondents say not maximizing their refund is their biggest fear around doing taxes, while another 22% said their biggest fear is making a mistake.

“Many Americans rely on their tax refund to make ends meet. Accessing those funds should be fast and easy,” says Chad Prashad, president and CEO of World Finance.

To help you get a handle on your taxes, World Finance is drawing on its 26 years of filing expertise to offer these timely tips:

• Get ready early. As soon as your employer provides your W2, you can file your taxes. Having all other documentation and receipts ready to go will help expedite the process, which means you will get your tax return faster, too. Collect the necessary materials in one place before filing.

• Consider significant life changes. Did you move in 2022? Have a baby? Get married? Change jobs? Each of these monumental life events can have an impact on your taxes, so be sure to disclose these factors when filing or to the professional filing on your behalf.

• Know what’s new. Visit IRS.gov to learn about any changes to tax filings that are applicable to you. A tax services professional can also help you identify relevant updates.

your return is going to be this year, make any necessary adjustments to your W2 to make sure you’re withholding enough during the year.

If this is your first year working with a professional tax service, have them review your previous years’ filings as well. You may be able to recover additional refunds if anything was missed. World Finance offers this service for no additional charge.

• Consider a tax refund loan. After filing, you can potentially take out a loan for the amount of your expected refund. This is known as a tax refund loan and an option to consider if you need your refund as soon as possible.

• Work with a professional. Filing your taxes with a software program is a low-cost option, but only if you have time to dedicate to the task, and the know-how to get your biggest possible tax return.

Working with a reliable, trusted tax preparation service can help ensure your taxes are filed correctly, and your return is as substantial as it can be.

Look for a service that offers transparent pricing, flexible filing options and same-day Tax Advance Loans, such as World Finance. For more information, visit loansbyworld.

Plants add color, life and vibrancy to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces and can even improve indoor air quality. However, if you are new to plant ownership, you may be wondering how to make your foliage thrive. Here’s are three tips for healthier plants:

1. Make a move: Many plants that do well outdoors in the warmer months can’t tolerate the cold. So don’t wait for subfreezing temperatures to bring planters indoors for the season. Be sure to give your newlytransported plants the right amount of light.

This may require using special grow lights. Keep in mind though that different types of plants thrive better with different color spectrums and intensities, so group plants under the right lights accordingly. If your indoor air is dry in winter, you may find that misting the leaves of your warm climate and tropical plants will help provide needed humidity.

2. Prevent pests: Unfortunately, keeping houseplants often attracts insects that can

You can also provide round-the-clock protection from fruit flies, gnats and flies by plugging a Zevo Flying Insect Trap into a regular outlet near your plants and wherever flying insects enter your home or gather.

Rather than chemical insecticides, the traps use multi-spectrum light technology to attract flying bugs into a discreet glue sheet cartridge. When the cartridge is full, replace it and toss the used one without ever having to touch a dead bug. To learn more, visit zevoinsect.com.

3. Know your lifestyle and limitations: There are many plant species that while beautiful, don’t require much care. So, if you’re new to owning plants, consider starting out with lower-maintenance options, such as succulents or snake plants.

Because these plants don’t need much water, they are also great options for those who travel frequently or those who are simply forgetful. Have furry friends? Always check whether a given plant is toxic to pets before bringing one home.

Having a green thumb can seem like magic. However, with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can become a nurturing plant parent. (StatePoint)

Help Banish Winter Blues With These Home Improvement Fixes

Preparing your home for cold weather can lower your energy bills; promote a more comfortable, healthier environment; and even help banish winter blues. Here’s what to know:

• Call a professional: “Waiting until it gets really cold to run your heater is like not stretching before you run,” says Mark Woodruff, senior product manager, Outdoor Products at Trane Residential, who advises running your heater early in the season for a good hour or so to ensure it’s working. “Scheduling a service appointment now is a much better, and often cheaper option than trying to book an emergency appointment in extreme temperatures or well into winter,” he says.

• Change air filters: For better indoor air quality (IAQ) and to extend the life of your HVAC system, change filters every 30-90 days. If you have pets or household members with asthma or allergies, change filters more often.

• Try zoned heating: Zoned HVAC systems let you keep a consistent temperature

throughout your home, or heat one zone for individualized comfort that helps you save energy and directs heat where it’s desired.

• Consider an upgrade: Forty-five percent of Americans deal with “shockingly high”

energy bills, according to a Trane Residential survey conducted by OnePoll. A heating equipment upgrade, however, can help you enjoy consistent warmth without wasted energy. Consider the XC95m furnace from Trane. Its AFUE rating of up to 97.3% means nearly all of the fuel it uses goes to warming the home. When paired with the energy-efficient XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump, you can enjoy the reliability of a hybrid or dual fuel system. To learn more, visit: trane.com/residential.

• Set your thermostat: Newer technology can help maximize energy savings. With the Trane Home app, for example, you can program your smart thermostat and control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Its geofencing capabilities regulate temperature based on your location.

• Monitor indoor air quality: In the same Trane Residential survey, 57% of respondents said they suffer from indoor stuffiness and lack of fresh air. Improving IAQ can help alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms and reduce the spread of colds and flu.

First, determine what airborne particles may be negatively affecting the air. You can also contact an HVAC dealer who can test your IAQ and offer recommendations to improve it. They may recommend installing a wholehome air cleaner like the Trane CleanEffects, which is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and has been documented to remove 99.9% of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. The Awair Element is a great way to monitor your IAQ by measuring temperature, humidity, etc.

How To Ensure Your Holiday Gifts Become Treasured Keepsakes

We live in a time when digital communication dominates the way we relate to one another, with many people opting for the speed and convenience of texts and emails over the intention and beauty of handwritten cards, letters or keepsakes.

Even around the holidays, people tend to rely on e-cards, social media updates and other digital tools to do the heavy lifting of yuletide greetings. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By being intentional about it, we can share our sentiments in a way that is much more meaningful and long-lasting.

This season, write your holiday cards by hand, then get inspired by these holiday gift ideas, all of which tap into the pre-internet age to embrace the art of handwritten communication:

• Jazzed up Jewelry: A beautiful piece of jewelry will always be appreciated, but you can truly make the gift special, unique and 100% their own by having it engraved with a special someone’s signature. Whether you gift a watch, bracelet or necklace, adding a loved one’s John Hancock to the item will make a statement and give new meaning to the concept of a “signature accessory.”

• Deck out a Diary: Keeping a journal or diary is an act of self-care and a beautiful way to preserve one’s thoughts, memories, poetry, lyrics, artwork, doodles and more. Gift the tools needed to start and maintain this good-for-you habit. From heavy, serious leather-bound journals with a vintage vibe to compact floral notebooks that fit into a small bag, journals come in all styles, sizes and colors, so find one that will foster creativity in your loved one and consider inscribing its inside flap with a personal message or quote. Pair the journal with a smooth-writing, long-

lasting gel ink pen, like the G2 from Pilot, which features black and blue archival-quality ink to ensure their written words stand the test of time and can be appreciated for generations to come.

• Memorialize a Meal: Do you have a special recipe that has been passed down from a loved one’s kitchen? Repurpose a treasured handwritten recipe and have it carved into a cutting board or imprinted on a tea towel. You’ll not only be gifting a useful item for the kitchen, but you’ll also be honoring a special dish, allowing a legacy to live on.

• Upgrade and Inspire: Make sure your loved one is ready for any writing task with the gift of a timeless, sophisticated writing tool. Pilot’s classic Vanishing Point fountain pen features a unique, retractable design and a rhodium plated 18K gold writing nib. Making a thoughtful present for any special occasion, the Vanishing Point comes in an elegant gift box and includes an ink cartridge and converter for easy refilling.

Celebrate the holidays by speaking from the heart, and let your season’s greetings and gifts become treasured, long-lasting heirlooms. (StatePoint)

• Assess humidity: Maintaining a home humidity level between 35 and 60% is one key to improving IAQ and ensuring comfort in colder weather. Mold, dust mites and other air pollutants tend to thrive outside that range, and the body’s natural immune system can be compromised in dry air. “Monitor humidity with a reliable HVAC thermostat. Then, manage it with a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier,” advises Woodruff. “These units are installed professionally and tie into your HVAC ductwork system.”

• Check insulation: Poor insulation is an often-overlooked escape route for heat that forces your heating system to work harder. Homes built in the 1970s or earlier should be checked by an expert, as insulation quality has come a long way since then.

Also, foam insulation can settle after a year, so it’s best to inspect insulation annually. Certain insulation jobs can be accomplished by a handy homeowner; however, you may prefer hiring a contractor. The average insulation upgrade costs $2,400, according to the National Association of Realtors, but will save on utility costs in the years ahead.

“For many, wintertime is unpleasant indoors and outside. While we can’t control the weather, there are many things we can do to improve conditions at home to feel cozier and more comfortable,” says Woodroof. (StatePoint)

Tips To Assess Your Furnace And Save On Heating Costs

Now that cooler weather is here, homeowners are advised to evaluate their furnace to see if it needs to be serviced or replaced. By planning ahead, you can potentially save money on heating bills or dodge a breakdown in the middle of a cold snap.

According to the experts at Carrier, here’s what you need to know about your home’s heat source:

Maintaining Your Furnace

Undue strain can shorten the lifespan of your furnace. Regularly replace the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer, as dirty, clogged filters can restrict airflow, making the furnace work harder and for longer hours.

An annual furnace tune-up from a heating and ventilation professional can also go a long way towards minimizing issues caused by dirt and debris buildup. What’s more, inspections allow your contractor to monitor longer-term issues and take proactive steps to help prevent premature failure or inconvenient breakdowns during the heating season.

Keeping your home properly insulated and sealed can also help by preventing thermal loss and cold air infiltration and may reduce heating bills this winter. Finally, maintain thermostat settings at Department of Ener-

gy recommendations or try a degree or two lower.

Replacing Your Furnace

Regardless of how well the furnace is made and how well you maintain it, the day will come when it’s reached the end of its usefulness. You’ll know it’s time to replace your furnace when you’re making frequent service calls, dealing with expensive repair bills, or when your unit is blowing cold air, making unusual noises or not operating as efficiently as it once did.

In a challenging economy, it can be tempting to buy the cheapest model, however a furnace replacement is a decision that can affect

your family’s comfort and energy bills for years. So how do you make a sound choice?

The first thing to know is that there are many types of heart sources for your house, including gas furnaces, electric heat pumps and newer variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. Your easiest, and probably least costly path, will be picking a furnace that uses the same fuel source as your current one.

If energy efficiency is a priority, you’re in luck. Comparison shopping is easy today, as all furnaces sold domestically are required to display estimated annual operating costs on the EnergyGuide label. Beyond reduced energy bills, federal tax credits for high efficiency equipment have been extended into 2023. Check with your utility company or manufacturer to see if they offer a rebate. All combustion-type furnaces are rated according to annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The minimum allowed rating for

any furnace in the United States is 80%, however, some of the most efficient models available go well beyond that. For example, Carrier’s Infinity 98 gas furnace with Greenspeed Intelligence offers up to 98.5% AFUE performance. It also has the most efficient ENERGY STAR 2022 rating, humidity control and air purification options.

Another factor to consider is heating capacity. Improperly sized furnaces can result in loss of comfort, loss of efficiency and even reduce the lifespan of the furnace. Be sure to have a qualified heating and ventilation professional assess your square footage, number and quality of windows, insulation and other factors to make a recommendation.

Beyond the basics, today’s furnaces offer new comfort-enhancing, energy-saving features that could help you reduce your heating costs. To learn more and to get an estimate, consider contacting a Carrier Dealer at carrier.com. The company has over a century of experience and offers furnaces for nearly every home and budget.

No one wants to be dealing with a furnace repair or replacement when demand is high and temperatures are low. Take steps now to ensure you’re set for a cozy, comfortable winter season. (StatePoint)

Flu And The Holiday Season: What You Need To Know

December through March is typically peak influenza (flu) season, though this season is off to an earlier start, with high activity currently across the country. While common, flu is a potentially serious and highly contagious respiratory illness.

In time for holiday travel and festivities, a new American Lung Association campaign funded by CLS Seqirus aims to educate Americans about the flu and steps they can take to protect themselves and others from severe flu illness. Here’s what to know:

• Who is impacted by flu? Flu can affect anyone, however, certain communities are at higher risk of severe illness and complications, such as those living with chronic medical conditions including chronic lung disease, heart disease and diabetes. During past flu seasons, approximately 90% of flurelated hospitalizations were among adults with at least one underlying medical condition. During the 2021-22 flu season, approximately 30% of hospitalizations were among adults with chronic lung disease. People from certain racial and ethnic minority

groups are also at higher risk for being hospitalized with flu compared to non-Hispanic white adults.

• What will this year’s flu season look like? Flu activity was relatively low the last two flu seasons, but it causes a significant burden every winter. Seasonal influenza activity is

already elevated and continues to increase across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as of early December, there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses and 78,000 hospitalizations.

• How can I protect myself? While covering your cough, washing your hands frequently and staying home when you’re sick can help stop the spread of flu, the very best way to protect your -

self, your loved ones, and your community is with vaccination. The flu shot is recommended on an annual basis for everyone 6 months of age and older and can be given at the same time as COVID-19 vaccination. Flu vaccination is especially important for people with chronic lung disease and other chronic health conditions. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about influenza and annual vaccination.

• When should I see a doctor? If you do get sick, call your doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment -- especially if you’re at high risk for complications. You should also consult your doctor if you have complications such as difficulty breathing, chest pains or a cough persisting for weeks or months after other symptoms go away.

To learn more, visit Lung.org/prevent-flu.

Before you gather with loved ones for the holidays, take steps to protect them from flu. Practice good health habits and get your annual vaccination as early as possible. (StatePoint)

Great Ways To Encourage Imagination During Playtime

There’s no better time than playtime to encourage an active imagination. Here are a few ways to bring more inventiveness into the fun.

Introduce Toys

Look for toys that allow kids to imagine themselves in new roles and scenarios. For example, little ones can transform into superduper, fixer-uppers with the Drill & Learn Toolbox Pro from VTech. Featuring a toolbox, tool belt, hammer, wrench, plastic nails, screws and a working toy drill, along with realistic tool sounds, songs and information about how the tools are used, little DIYers will have all the basics for pretend home repair.

For kids who may have watched older siblings and friends get their game on, another fun toy is the Level Up Gaming Chair. This preschool game station features a swivel chair, joystick and pretend headphones, and a real interactive gaming tablet that teaches letters, numbers, animals and music with gaming sound effects.

SCRIBBLINGS BY ARUN

STOUT OR LEAN

Wonder often, why stout people, struggle to become lean, Likewise, why lean people try hard, to become a bit stout.

Someone else like, we try to be, but sadly not our own, Always wanting what we have not, ignoring that we have.

Some are tall and some are short, some are dark and some are fair, Based on genes, each one’s physique, differ from one with other.

Every one is uniquely made, with Creator’s charm, Some it attracts, some it may not; but need not attract all.

No matter being lean or stout, rejoice to be alive, Feel great and wealthy enough, in good health if you lead life.

(arunsunderraj@gmail.com)

With no Wi-Fi needed, you can turn game time into learning time safely and without worries, while giving young kids an opportunity

to feel like big kid gamers. The Pop & Spin Mower features an engine that rumbles, a sparkly, pretend blade that spins and popping beads that mimic grass clippings.

Little gardeners will enjoy pushing this lean, green mowing machine, and those not quite ready to walk can sit and spin the roller or press the light-up buttons to explore gardening themes and colors. While this is a great way to play pretend, the toy also teaches lawn mower safety to help keep kids safe around the real thing.

Use Creative Prompts

Art is one of the best avenues for the imagination to run free. And when it comes to different forms of art, the sky is limit. Encourage kids to create music, poems, stories, paintings and plays. Feeling stumped? Give them prompts to get them started. Here are a few to try:

• Paint a picture of a beautiful place you want to go.

• Draw a picture of your favorite animal.

• Tell me a story about a kid and their dog.

• Paint a picture of the way you are feeling right now.

• Put on a play about two friends who are lost and trying to find their way home.

With fun role-playing toys and a bit of resourcefulness, you can make the most of playtime by letting imaginations run wild. (StatePoint)

5 Tips To Jump Start Your Weight Loss Post-Pandemic

With the New Year right around the corner, new survey results suggest that 2023 will finally be the year that Americans bring their health back into focus.

According to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above commissioned by Nutrisystem and conducted by OnePoll, two in three Americans credit the past two years with teaching them how important their health really is.

And 71% believe the pandemic has taught them to be more observant of their health.

The poll also revealed that twothirds of Americans said weight loss is a “top health goal” for them over the next year.

However, for many, losing weight can seem like a difficult task. The truth of the matter is it doesn’t have to be. Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers the following tips to help you take that step toward a healthier you.

1. Keep healthy food in sight

Having healthy food at arm’s reach can make losing weight easier. A

Cornell study found that women who kept a bowl of fruit where they could see it weighed an average of 13 pounds less than those

needs to burn stubborn fat.

“Not having a good night’s rest can lead to craving sugar and fat-

4. Drink more water

What’s not to love about water? It’s hydrating and keeps your body healthy. Water aids digestive health, regulates body temperature and even aids in losing weight and maintaining the weight loss. This is because water helps you stay full between meals and avoid unnecessary snacking. In fact, feeling hungry is often a sign that you’re actually thirsty and it’s time to get hydrated.

5. Forgive a slip-up

who didn’t. Plans like Nutrisystem deliver healthy, portion-controlled options right to your door, making it even simpler to make good choices.

2. Give yourself a bedtime

Children aren’t the only ones who need a bedtime! Adults need a set bedtime as well to be productive the next day. Setting a certain bedtime and sticking to it will also help your body get the rest that it

ty foods, which can also lead to weight gain,” says McCormick.

3. Work out in 10-minute sets

If you’re short on time or have back-to-back meetings, working out in intervals of 10 minutes three times a day creates more flexibility in your busy schedule.

Doing this creates long-term healthy habits that will help you lose and maintain weight.

Mistakes can actually help you understand what is healthy for your body. Having a slip-up allows you to consider the progress you’re making in your weight loss journey and be able to hold yourself accountable when making future healthy decisions.

For more great tips, visit Nutrisystem’s The Leaf, at leaf.nutrisystem. com.

There is no better time than now to focus on your overall health and wellness goals. When you are geared with the tools to succeed, living a healthier lifestyle is easily achievable. (StatePoint)

Court Rules Sikh Marine Recruits Can Wear Beards At Boot Camp

The recruits sued the Marine Corps in April, saying its refusal to grant a religious waiver was arbitrary and discriminatory. A federal appeals court on Friday granted a preliminary injunction allowing two Sikh men to immediately begin basic training with the U.S. Marine Corps without shaving their beards, ending a monthslong battle about whether the men could freely practice their religious beliefs.

A third man who plans to enter officer candidate school should have a related case reconsidered by the U.S. District Court, according to the ruling.U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Patricia Millett wrote in the opinion that the three men, Jaskirat Singh, Milaap Singh Chahal and Aekash Singh, who plans to enter officer candidate school, all desired to serve the country and were qualified to enlist. However, their Sikh faith requires them in part to maintain unshorn hair and beards, which conflicted with the Marine Corps’ standard grooming policy for boot camp for

newly enlisted recruits, which lasts 13 weeks.

Judge Millett wrote that while the Marine Corps had agreed to accommodate the men’s religious commitments after basic training was completed, it had not provided a compelling argument for any safety reasons for the policy nor an argument that unshorn hair would interfere physically with boot camp training.

It also did not explain why unshorn hair, kept in compliance with Marine Corps policy, is incompatible with being a Marine after boot camp.

“The balance of equities and the public interest weigh strongly in favor of issuing the injunction,” Judge Millett wrote. “And they are now suffering and will continue to suffer grave, immediate, and ongoing injuries to the exercise of their faith.”

The Marine Corps argued, in part, that allowing the men to keep their beards would interfere with troop uniformity. The court pointed out, however, that recruits were allowed to grow beards if they suffered from razor bumps and that the corps had loosened restrictions over long hair on women and tattoos. The Marine Corps did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday.

In April, the three men and Capt.

Sukhbir Singh Toor, who is fighting for the right to wear his beard during combat deployment, filed a lawsuit against the Marine Corps, saying its refusal to grant a religious waiver was arbitrary and discriminatory, and violates the constitutional right to free exercise of their religion.

The lawsuit is symbolic of a larger issue the military faces: preserving its traditions while also attracting personnel in an increasingly diverse nation. At the crux of the dispute is the ongoing tension between constitutional guarantees of individual rights and what the military says is its need to maintain an effective fighting force that at times must impinge on those rights.

Amrith Kaur Aakre, the legal director of the Sikh Coalition, said the court ruling was “one step toward ensuring our government respects people from all backgrounds.”

“Our clients have lived in limbo for more than two years, waiting for any satisfactory explanation of

why they must sacrifice their faith to serve our country,” she said.

Eric Baxter, a vice president and senior counsel at Becket Law, a nonprofit that defends religious liberty, said in a statement that the ruling was “a victory for our nation, as three brave and dedicated men will soon serve our nation with valor in the Marine Corps.”

Brian W. Song, a partner at the law firm BakerHostetler, said in a statement that the U.S. military and militaries around the world know that Sikhs with turbans, beards and other articles of faith are capable of honorable military service.

“This injunction should be a wakeup call for the U.S. Marine Corps to recognize that fact as well — especially as our Armed Forces move towards becoming more diverse, more inclusive, and more representative of the America they protect,” he said. (Courtesy: https://www. nytimes.com/)

Holiday Tech Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your Shopping List

Holiday shopping season is in full swing and making sure everyone gets the best tech gifts while you snag the best deals is likely top of mind for you.

Nearly 80% of Americans plan on gifting tech-related products and services this year – with the top gifts being headphones and earbuds, smartphones, streaming and downloading services and gaming consoles, according to this year’s Consumer Technology Association report.

The good news? You don’t need to break your budget in order to make your loved ones’ season bright. Here are some affordable tech gift ideas to please everyone on your shopping list.

For Affordable 5G Smartphones: If your loved one has a 5G smartphone on their holiday wish list, you are in luck! T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile offer the latest affordable devices. T-Mobile’s REVVL 6 PRO 5G is developed in collaboration with Google, making 5G more accessible to everyone at a time when saving is a priority for Americans. Priced at $219.99, it’s

free when T-Mobile customers add a line. Another affordable option is the OnePlus Nord N300 5G, retailing for $228. For a limited time, T-Mobile customers can get the Nord N300 5G for free when add-

cludes 5G access.

For the Travel Enthusiast: New tools are making it easier than ever for globetrotters to stay connected while on the go. T-Mobile’s

to create the Un-carrier On, a limited-edition magenta smart suitcase. It’s the only carry-on suitcase with wireless charging and includes a removeable battery pack with USB-C charging to take the hassle out of hunting for a power outlet at the airport. The smart suitcase also features built-in Bluetooth luggage tracking to locate your belongings no matter where you are. The Uncarrier On suitcase is available for preorder exclusively online at travelmagenta.com.

Stocking Stuffers Under $50: Portable Bluetooth speakers, headphones, portable charging banks and phone cases and accessories make for the perfect stocking stuffers. Check off everyone on your list with the following accessories, all priced under $50.

• JLab JBuddies Pro Kids Headphones for only $34.99

• mophie Snap Plus Juice Pack portable charger for $49.99

ing a line and Metro by T-Mobile customers can get it for free when switching. These are worthwhile gifts to consider this particular holiday season because right now, for a limited time, T-Mobile is bringing back a deal that hasn’t been available in more than two years -- four lines for $25 per line per month with autopay for unlimited talk, text and data, which also in-

industry-leading travel benefits, which include high speed data and unlimited texting in 215+ countries and destinations around the world, now get a travel companion just in time for the holidays. T-Mobile collaborated with Samsara luggage

For Children: The SyncUP KIDS Watch can help curious kids explore and navigate their daily adventures with confidence while giving parents peace of mind. The latest SyncUP KIDS Watch features talk and text with approved contacts, real-time location tracking with virtual boundary alerts and a help and 911 button for emergencies. For a limited time, the SyncUP Watch is free for existing T-Mobile customers when they add a line to their existing account.

• JBL GO 3 Bluetooth Speaker for $49.99

• GoTo Phone Cases and accessories starting at $19.99

For more tech gift ideas and deals visit t-mobile.com/devices/techgifts.

When it comes to the tech gifts on your holiday shopping list, don’t stress. Deals abound this time of year which can make shopping easy and affordable. (Statepoint)

How Long Does COVID Cough Last And When Should You Worry About

Long COVID?

Believe it or not, we’re now going on year three of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us know more people who’ve had it than not, and chances are you’ve had it yourself at least once.

What may still take you by surprise, though, are the side effects that can linger for weeks after you’ve recovered. “How long does COVID cough last?” in particular is a question many are asking IRL and on social media.

While a cough can be a sign of many illnesses (your run-of-the-mill cold, for one), it’s also a common symptom that people experience after coming down with COVID-19, according to Luci Leykum, MD, the director of primary care services at Harbor Health and a professor of internal medicine at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas in Austin.

“Up to five percent of people have a lingering cough after COVID, usually lasting up to four weeks, though fewer than half of those people have a cough that lasts beyond four weeks,” she says. “If it lasts longer than that, it could be related to long COVID, particularly if it is associated with other symptoms of long COVID such as brain fog, fatigue, or shortness of breath.” And ICYMI, long COVID is when symptoms linger even after you’re no longer testing positive for the virus or contagious.

While you may have let your guard down a bit, you likely still want to do your best to protect yourself and act prudently if you do get sick. Read on for what you need to know about a post-COVID cough, how to deal with it, and when to see a doctor.

Why does COVID cause a cough in the first place?

Coughing is a reflex that serves to expel foreign substances from the airway, according to Dr. Leykum. And while it can be annoying, a lingering cough post-COVID is often a sign of healing because that’s your lungs’ way of clearing out dead cells, per the American Lung Association. (Continued On Page 19)

Finding Savings Where You’re Already Spending

At a time when Americans are keeping a closer eye on their expenses, finding more value where they are already spending on the essentials is more important than ever.

In a recent study from Morgan Stanley, 64% of Americans said they plan to cut back on overall spending in the next six months as inflation continues to rise and impact wallets.

And while many are making cuts in their everyday life, wireless shows no sign of being scratched from the monthly budget.

With more than 60% of households having cut the cord to their landline, Americans increasingly rely on their mobile connectivity.

This may be why that when it comes to prioritizing monthly bills, the same Morgan Stanley study showed that wireless was top ranked alongside other life essentials, with respondents saying that keeping their connectivity was nearly neck in neck with paying their mortgage.

Another survey, by opinion analytics and research firm CivicScience, had Americans weigh the importance of their wireless service compared to other popular out-of-pocket expenses.

When asked whether they’d rather give up wireless or a video streaming service, 77% said they’d give up streaming and continue binging their mobile connectivity. When it came to choosing mobile service over a food delivery service, 93% said they’d sacrifice food delivery.

Even America’s favorite pastime was no match against reliable connectivity, with 86% saying they’d gladly give up attending a sporting event rather than part with their wireless service.

So, we know people would sacrifice spending on some of life’s little luxuries to stay connected, but do they really have to?

Inflation can be deflating, but you don’t need to be powerless against it.

Simple money saving techniques can make a difference, and as it happens, if you have the right wireless service, you may not need to slash spending after all.

Designed to get the most for your money, T-Mobile offers an unlimited wireless plan, Magenta Max, featuring unlimited talk, text and premium data—so your smartphone data won’t slow down no matter how much you use—nationwide 5G coverage, a dedicated customer service team and more.

The savings don’t end there. T-Mobile customers get $225 each month in extra stuff on the Magenta MAX plan with two or more lines. For the 94% of Americans concerned about inflation, having Netflix , Apple TV+, in-flight Wi-Fi and data in 215+ countries, plus a year of AAA on us, and Scam Shield protection all included can mean some serious savings.

In a time of increasing sacrifice, you can be selective about your wireless phone provider, especially when it offers benefits your family can’t afford to live without. (Statepoint)

Spice Up The Holidays With The Gift Of Flavor

Selecting thoughtful gifts and preparing delicious, home-cooked meals are two ways we show loved ones we care, and now, it’s easier than ever to infuse more flavor into the holidays when accomplishing both these tasks.

Whether you’re shopping for your favorite foodie or you’re hosting and want to add extra oomph to holiday dishes, you can spice things up with The TEN, by McCormick, a giftable and useful kit of 10 staple spices meant to inspire cooks of all backgrounds, from those just dipping their toes into the world of flavor to seasoned kitchen vets.

With a unique numbering system, each sleek package has been designed in a way that’s easy to store and organize, and includes basil leaves, chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano leaves, paprika, parsley flakes and crushed red pepper.

Offering culinary inspiration too, an accompanying QR code unlocks ideas, delicious recipes, spice pairings, exclusive videos and more on the McCormick Flavor Maker app.

But there’s no need to wait until your gift exchange to let flavor take center stage. To help home

chefs get started now, McCormick has partnered with actress, singer and television personality Keke Palmer to share this custom recipe for Bacon and Veggie Quiche using classic McCormick spices included in The TEN.

10 minutes prep time

55 minutes cook time 6 servings 266 calories per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

• 1/2 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 cup)

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper

• 1 refrigerated pie crust, (from 14.1-ounce package)

• 6 slices thick-sliced bacon or turkey bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled (about 1 cup)

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (optional)

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup milk or unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Garlic

Simple Steps To Excellent Exterior Weatherization

ter months with the Duck brand Faucet Cover.

This easy-to-install cover helps trap the heat that naturally radiates through the interior pipes to the outdoor spigot and keeps temperatures regulated.

rubber material won’t freeze or crack and creates a protective airtight seal all year long.

Chimney Sweep: While it’s clear outside, inspect the chimney vents on your roof to clear any blockages.

This step also protects against unwanted rodents or birds taking claim in the warmth of the vents. Nervous about handling any gasrelated home maintenance tasks?

Powder

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Onion Powder

• 1 teaspoon McCormick Parsley Flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Crushed Red Pepper

Instructions:

1. Place oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add vegetables, salt and pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.

2. Prepare pie crust as directed on package for one-crust pie using 9-inch pie plate. Layer vegetable mixture, bacon and cheese in pie crust.

Whisk eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley and crushed red pepper in medium bowl until well blended. Pour egg mixture over filling in pie crust.

3. Bake on lowest oven rack 40 to 45 minutes until set and knife inserted in center comes out clean. If necessary, after 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust with strips of foil to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Test Kitchen Tip: For a low-carb pie crust: Mix 2 cups almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder and 1/3 cup unsalted butter in medium bowl until dough forms.

The winter season often brings strong winds and harsh weather.

However, you can stop drafts and prevent damage from occurring to your home’s exterior with proper weatherization.

Follow these top tips to keep your house in great shape through the winter season and beyond.

Strong Foundation: Check for any

cracks or breaks in your home’s foundation by doing a thorough search.

Issues in this area can lead to water damage inside your home and create the means for pests to invade.

Seal up any cracks with quick-dry mortar or expanding foam filler to provide excellent protection.

Frozen Faucet Prevention: Avoid frozen pipes during those cold win-

Simply place the cover around the spout of any exterior faucet and slide tight for cold-weather winter protection.

Garage Prep: The largest entry point of the home is often the most overlooked – the garage.

However, it’s easy to prevent snow, water and cold gusts of air from entering with a Duck brand Garage Bottom Seal.

Heavy-duty and waterproof, the

Make the investment and call a professional to do a simple inspection or cleanup for a safe way to keep your fireplace running smoothly.

Regardless of the age of your home, prevention and maintenance can help it withstand harsh climate shifts, humidity and general weathering, so that it remains in excellent condition for years. (StatePoint)

Press into bottom of a 9-inch pie plate sprayed with no-stick cooking spray.

Blind bake crust in preheated 325 degree F oven 10 minutes. Prepare recipe as directed using low-carb crust in place of store-bought crust.

For more gifting information, visit https://shop.mccormick.com.

If gifting and cooking are central to the holiday season for you, don’t be shy about infusing more flavor into the festivities this year. (StatePoint)

Resolve To Protect Your Finances And Your Family In The New Year

After a holiday season spent racking up credit card bills, many Americans consider making financial resolutions in the New Year.

However, now is the perfect time to not only reevaluate your saving and spending, but also commit to creating a more holistic financial plan designed to protect your finances and your family.

Consumers are seeking stability and preparedness in today’s uncertain economic environment, according to a recent Consumer Sentiment Tracker study by Lincoln Financial Group. With ongoing inflation and market volatility, 56% of respondents cited protection from risk as being most important to them. When it comes to thinking about their finances, people said they have the greatest interest in protecting their family (39%) followed by their income (26%).

“Our research reinforced the importance of financial solutions

that can help consumers navigate through market cycles and protect their loved ones,” said David Berkowitz, president, Lincoln Financial Network, Lincoln Financial’s wealth management business.

“People are not only concerned about having enough to pay their bills, but also saving for retirement and preparing for the unexpected. It’s important to have a wellrounded financial plan that can

address those risks, protect assets and create positive outcomes for today’s families.”

To achieve a stronger financial future, don’t neglect your finances in 2023 — instead, add a little TLC (Talk, Learn, Commit). Resolve to create a robust financial plan using these three tips from Lincoln Financial:

1. Talk about it. Financial conversations play a crucial role. Be

transparent with your loved ones about financial priorities so you can set expectations and work toward your shared financial goals. Initiate ongoing discussions to stay on track with everything from saving for retirement to paying for a long-term healthcare event, which can happen suddenly and be very costly. Also, consider talking to a financial professional who can help identify solutions that best meet your individual needs, as well as drive better outcomes. Lincoln’s research found those who work with financial professionals are more likely to prioritize retirement savings (26% vs. 10%).

2. Learn more about tax-deferred investments. Life insurance can be more than just a death benefit, with some types of policies offering income replacement for unforeseen events. It can also protect your financial security from the impact of taxes, market volatility and longevity. It’s not just for individuals and families either, but businesses too.

Also, consider diversifying your portfolio with an annuity, which can provide protected growth and monthly lifetime income to help cover expenses in retirement and ensure you have a stream of income.

3. Commit to maximizing your workplace benefits. Look into supplemental coverages like disability, accident and life insurance that may be available through your employer. Solutions like these protect against unexpected events that can disrupt your ability to provide for your family or drive you into additional debt. If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, make sure you are contributing and getting a match, if offered. Tap into any financial wellness tools offered at work to help provide you with an accurate picture of your holistic financial situation and lower stress.

With a robust plan, you can help ensure a solid financial future for you and your family. (StatePoint)

Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer? Here Are 4 Things You Should Know

Bladder cancer is the fourth-most diagnosed cancer among men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, men have a one in 27 chance and women have a one in 89 chance of developing this cancer during their lifetime.

As with any serious illness, being equipped with the right information after a bladder cancer diagnosis is important. Here five things you should know about detection, removal and surveillance.

1. The importance of improved detection. You probably had a cystoscopy procedure during your diagnosis or during a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). While performing the cystoscopy, your urologist likely looked inside your bladder with a small scope using regular white light for illumination. There is also an enhanced cystoscopy procedure called Blue Light Cystoscopy, which uses both white and blue

light. This can reveal additional tumors that are either difficult or impossible to see in white light. If you don’t know whether you had this procedure, ask your doctor.

2. The value of enhanced visibility. Without the use of Blue Light Cystoscopy, it can be more difficult to identify the margins of certain tumors or smaller tumors may be

missed. In fact, some flat tumors, called carcinoma in situ (CIS), are typically invisible with white light alone. While Blue Light Cystoscopy may not detect all malignant lesions, when urologists have a better view of tumors, they’re able to more completely remove them.

3. Impact on your care. A more complete resection of tumors

means that your urologist has removed all the cancer that can be seen using both white and blue light. Less cancer in your bladder improves the chances that subsequent treatment will be successful.

Also, the more tumor samples that can be tested by the pathologist, the better chance there is of more accurately understanding the stage and grade of your cancer. The guidelines that doctors use to make treatment decisions are based on cancer stage and grade, so more confidence in this determination can mean a greater chance of success with appropriate treatment.

4. Surveillance is critical. Historically, bladder cancer has the highest recurrence rate (between 5080%) of any form of cancer. This can be due to missed tumors and incomplete surgeries because not all cancerous tissue is easy to see under white light. This is one reason that surveillance visits are of the utmost importance. It is vital to

keep checking in with your doctor as directed. If you visit an office that uses Blue Light Cystoscopy, you’ll be able to see on the monitor whether any areas of your bladder indicate potential cancer.

Small tumors might be removed right there in the office, while more advanced tumors could mean needing another TURBT procedure in the operating room. Whatever the results, both patients and urologists report having greater confidence in the examination when using enhanced imaging techniques.

5. Find out more. After a bladder cancer diagnosis, it’s important to be aware of the latest technologies available in disease detection. Ask your urologist about whether you were diagnosed using Blue Light Cystoscopy. To find where Blue Light Cystoscopy is available near you, visit https://rebrand.ly/ Find-BLC-4things. This message was sponsored by Photocure, Inc. (StatePoint)

4 Simple Steps To Becoming More Sustainable Over The Holidays

of holly for a simple, elegant winter look.

Ditch the Disposable: While disposable dishes and flatware provide ease during the holidays, they are not so easy on the environment.

Entertaining with reusable plates and flatware provides an on-trend look while also being more sustainable.

Welcome Home – Unexpectedly Useful Housewarming Gifts

Attending a housewarming is a great way to celebrate a friend’s new home, but how do you find the perfect present to accompany the

clude additional essentials, such as Duck Max Strength Nano-Grab Gel Tape for securing miscellaneous items, photos and tempo-

While the holiday season can sometimes feel like it’s all about consumption, keeping sustainable practices alive may be easier than you think.

Here are some simple sustainable practices to try over the holidays.

Brighten Up: Share a flowering or lush green houseplant as a gift this season to bring some life into the home.

Proven to help lift spirits, plants can also assist during those bleak winter months in helping to filter the air and bring the house some freshness and color.

Sent with Love: Care packages, cards and gifts galore! The holidays are all about telling loved ones you’re thinking of them, but all those shipping boxes can sometimes lead to waste.

Go green by choosing greeting cards made from recycled paper, or keep smaller gifts safe in transit using eco-friendly shipping materials such as Flourish brand Honeycomb Recyclable Mailers.

Wrapped Up: Choosing sustainable, recycled paper to wrap presents is a gift to your loved ones and the environment.

Flourish brand Kraft Paper is made of 100% recycled material, making it a great alternative to traditional wrapping paper.

Plus, it’s durable enough to work

for gifts of a variety of sizes and shapes.

For added trim, let your imagination soar with colored pens, or include a beautiful pinecone or sprig

Start small with simple swaps like using washable serving ware and platters, which can still be a meaningful way to use less plastic during the bustling holiday season. (StatePoint)

Samak Ki Khichdi Recipe

By Pawan Kumar

Samak

visit?

These unique gift ideas are not only bound to make a statement, they’re incredibly useful to boot.

Fix-It Essentials: For practicality at its absolute best, pack up some must-haves for the house.

Include a hammer, screwdrivers and some Original Duck Tape brand duct tape to help your friends get all those initial DIY projects handled – and cover bases for any future projects and everyday fixes that may pop up.

Plant Some Love: Flowers are always a great way to brighten a day, but why not offer something that can brighten a space for years to come and grow with the household?

Bring over a gorgeous houseplant or orchid for a gift that lasts and makes your friends think of you every time they see it. Tie on a sweet note and a ribbon for a fun, personal touch.

Organization Must-Haves: Create a welcome home gift that will prove useful for years to come. Put together a basket that includes all those essentials we sometimes forget, like high-quality hangers, drawer organizers, rubber bands and paper clips for paperwork. In-

rary seasonal décor, along with EasyLiner Brand Shelf Liner with Clorox for upgraded home organization.

Stock the Bar: Wine is fine, but why not equip your friends with what they need to entertain in the future?

Bring over a favorite spirit, mixer and cocktail recipe book to keep the party going. Round out this gift with a cute set of rocks glasses or drink shaker.

Take a Photo: In the age of digital photography, you can help make memories more permanent.

Bring your newly relocated friends a large empty photo album and toss in a few disposable cameras or instant film camera to start capturing the fun right away.

Kick off the entries by including a cute photo of yourself!

Gift giving at a housewarming doesn’t have to be stressful.

By getting creative with a variety of useful items, you can help make a house a home while making a lasting impression on those you love. (StatePoint)

China Grapples Massive COVID Wave ..

Funeral homes in China’s capital were also packed, requiring some people to travel hours away to find someone available to cremate their deceased.

“They said we’d have to wait for 10 days,” a resident identified simply by the surname Liang said.

Drinking Coffee and Health

Coffee, generally considered a heart-healthy beverage when consumed in moderation, might be harmful for people with very high blood pressure.

Two or more cups of coffee a day was associated with a higher risk of death from heart problems in people with very high blood pressure, according to a study published on Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Compared to non-drinkers, people

your systolic blood pressure is at least 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) over a diastolic blood pressure of at least 80 mm Hg.

Study authors defined “very high” blood pressure as at least 160 mm Hg over at least 100 mm Hg.

“These findings may support the assertion that people with severe high blood pressure should avoid drinking excessive coffee,” Iso said in an AHA release.

Experts have forecast China will eventually experience a million to 2 million deaths over 2023

China’s ongoing battle with a COVID surge has completely devastated the country’s healthcare infrastructure, especially in the Hebei province.

Hospitals in Baoding and Langfang have been forced to turn away ambulances and ill patients seeking treatment, while health administrators have been required to treat patients in over-capacity intensive care units on benches or the floor, officials said.

“I don’t have much hope,” said Yao Ruyan, whose elderly mother-inlaw requires urgent medical care as she contracted the coronavirus.

However, Yao has been unable to find a hospital with room to treat her, the Associated Press reported.

“They say there are no beds here,” she told AP reporters outside a fever clinic in China’s Hebei province.

Yao and her husband said they have been met with the same response at each hospital: there is no room for another patient.

After the family drove to Zhuozhou Hospital, which is an hour’s drive from Yao’s hometown, the response was the same.

“I’m furious,” a tearful Yao added.

“We’ve

The Chinese government has reported only seven COVID-19 deaths since it loosened restrictions on Dec. 7, but absent a solution to provide quick and adequate care, China’s forecast in its battle with COVID looks grim.

An ICU at Baoding No. 2 Hospital in Zhuozhou was so crowded that a medical worker instructed people wheeling in a patient from an arriving ambulance to seek care elsewhere.

“There’s no oxygen or electricity in this corridor!” the worker shouted, as the Associated Press reported. “If you can’t even give him oxygen, how can you save him?”

“If you don’t want any delays, turn around and get out quickly!” the worker added. The region’s crematoriums have echoed similar complaints.

At the Zhuozhou crematorium, furnaces are burning around the clock as workers struggle to keep up with a spike in deaths, an employee told the Associated Press.

A funeral shop worker estimated said they were burning 20 to 30 bodies a day, up from just three or four before the Chinese government dramatically loosened COVID-related restrictions on Dec. 7.

“There’s been so many people dying,” said Zhao Yongsheng, a funeral worker. “They work day and night, but they can’t burn them all.”

China’s officially reported death toll for COVID since the global outbreak began in the final months of 2019, is a mere 5,241.

For context, the official death toll in the United States is over 1.1 million.

Modeling suggests large numbers of people will continue getting infected and dying throughout Beijing and the rest of China.

Experts have forecast China will eventually experience a million to 2 million deaths over the next year, and the World Health Organization has said Beijing’s way of counting COVID-caused deaths has allowed the country to “underestimate the true death toll.”

A Chinese health official said as recently as Tuesday that China only counts deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official COVID death toll, disregarding deaths that would be attributed to COVID BS counted by countries that use a broader definition. (Courtesy: https://www.foxnews. com/)

who drank two or more cups of coffee were roughly twice as likely to die from heart problems in the study.

Though heavy coffee drinking was more risky for people with severe hypertension, or high blood pressure, the same trend did not occur in people with normal or slightly high blood pressure. The study’s authors were a group of Japanese researchers who analyzed the health data of 18,609 participants aged 40 to 79.

Green tea consumption in any amount did not have an impact on heart health, according to the study.

The study was the first to find a link between coffee drinking and death from heart disease in people with very high blood pressure, the study’s main author Hiroyasu Iso told the American Heart Association.

Blood pressure is measured by the pressure in your arteries both when your heart beats (systolic blood pressure) and when your heart is at rest (diastolic blood pressure). High blood pressure occurs when

The AHA does not have an official recommendation on how much coffee to drink, the group has said one to two cups per day “doesn’t seem to be harmful” on its website.

Previous research has shown moderate caffeine consumption — around one to three mugs a day — might benefit heart health.

A paper from last year that looked at three studies, including one that followed 21,000 adults over at least 10 years, found drinking two cups of coffee per day could lower the risk of heart failure by 30%. Prior research also found having around three cups of joe a day could lower the risk of heart disease, Insider’s Sara Lindberg reported.

Coffee drinking has even been seen to stave off early death, as a large paper from earlier this year that analyzed the health of 171,000 UK residents found regular drinkers of unsweetened coffee were 16 to 21% less likely to die than their java-less peers.

But newer studies have shed light on the potentially negative effects of coffee. A recent paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association found drinking coffee while pregnant could impact the child’s height when they grow up. (Courtesy: https://www.insider. com/)

been out for a long time and I’m terrified because she’s having difficulty breathing.” And the problem exists for more than just Yao.

Many Central Texans Without Gas In Extreme Cold, Atmos Asks Customers To Conserve

Amid extremely low temperatures, several natural gas customers in Central Texas reported low or no gas pressure Friday morning.

The company Atmos Energy has also issued a conservation alert.

Several people in KXAN’s viewing area submitted emails reporting they’re experiencing low or no gas pressure, leaving them without heat and other necessities in their homes.

“ATMOS gas is currently having an ‘outage’ and it appears to be over a large area. Gas line pressure is insufficient for most furnace heaters and as a result, not functioning,” one person wrote. “So while gas is on for stoves, it won’t work for pressure sensitive furnace heaters. No idea on actual wait times but was on hold for over 70 minutes on the emergency line for ATMOS with no response.”

Atmos tweeted Friday morning its customer service line is closed for the day and on Monday because of the holiday. The tweet also said if customers smell gas, they should leave the area and call 911 and Atmos’s 24/7 emergency line at (866) 322-8667. On Friday afternoon, the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates oil and gas in the state, said Atmos’ call center is open and it has more help to respond to customers.

KXAN reached out to Atmos Friday morning to ask about the reports of a disruption in gas service in the Austin-Round Rock area. The company responded it is asking customers to conserve due to extreme temperatures and high natural gas usage but did not specifically address the outage reports.

An Atmos spokesperson also said the company is experiencing high call volumes and there may be a significant wait time for customers wishing to speak with an agent.

Atmos said if it’s not an emergency, or if you’re calling about the status of a previous order, it is “working as quickly as possible to get a service technician to their home.”

If it is an emergency, stay on hold to speak with an agent.

The Railroad Commission said it’s “aware of some localized lowpressure issues due to extremely high demand in areas served by Atmos Energy, Mid-Tex Division.”

The Railroad Commission said Atmos is working to increase system pressure and respond to customers.

“Atmos Mid-Tex reported there is no gas supply issues overall in the system at this time. The Commission remains in close communication with Atmos and will provide updates as we get them,” it wrote.

NBC 5 in Dallas is also reporting a conservation alert, and a newspaper in Plainview said Atmos per-

in Texas prepared for increased production and storage, and many took steps to further weatherize.

How to conserve gas Atmos Energy shared the following tips:

Do not use your natural gas fireplace.

Lower your thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider wearing additional layers of clothing and turning down the thermostat even lower.

Businesses should minimize energy usage as much as possible.

Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees, because it can account for as much as 25 percent

pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.

Trust in Texas grid waivers

Lilly Chilton who lives in far northeast Round Rock lost pressure in her home’s gas lines on Friday.

The inside of her home grew colder as her gas-powered heating slowly puttered out. Leaving Chilton and her small dog to bundle up in robes and start making phone calls to her property owner.

“Inside the house it got down to 31 degrees,” Chilton said.

Chilton was one of the many Williamson County residents to call Atmos Energy – to no avail.

“I call, and I call, and nothing. Nothing. It just rings and that’s it. You can not get connected to a human being right now,” Chilton said.

Chilton says this latest outage made her feel abandoned by utility providers and state agencies meant to keep homes powered.

“I feel like we’re just alone here like. We’re gonna die and the government will say oh it’s not our fault,” Chilton said.

She stresses that energy leaders must do more to secure power for citizens during emergency weather events.

“I’m just extremely disappointed that even after the freeze of 2021, that we’re still in this position,” Mayor Deisle said.

A warming center set up at Life Church for those still without heat Friday afternoon.

Leander emergency operations

personnel said as of 4:30pm Atmos Energy reported to them that 171 customers had been impacted by this natural gas outage, though they speculate that number is much more.

The areas affected most were Leander’s southwestern Travisso and Grand Mesa neighborhoods.

Why do gas lines freeze?

Michael Webber is an energy resources professor for the University of Texas.

He explains that natural gas outages like those seen Friday happen when water is pulled out of the ground alongside oil during freezing conditions.

If it’s cold enough, the water can freeze inside of natural gas lines, completely blocking or interrupting it.

sonnel are investigating outages that happened in the area Thursday.

Natural gas throughout the state Texas’ natural gas pipelines are “reporting good pressure and plenty of storage even with some production declines,” the Texas Oil and Gas Association said in a release Friday morning. TXOGA is the statewide trade association for the industry.

It added it expected some decreases in production and that has happened, but there aren’t any major issues. A few power issues “are being quickly resolved” and it has notified the Public Utility Commission and Electric Reliability Council of Texas. It noted in 2022, all aspects of the natural gas process

of the energy consumed in your home.

Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use. By conserving electricity, you are also helping to conserve natural gas which keeps the power on.

Reduce shower time and avoid baths. Showering accounts for about 40 percent of your home’s hot water use.

Refrain from using large appliances like your washer, dryer, oven, and dishwasher for the next few days. When in use, limit opening the oven door to prevent wasted energy.

If you have a pool, do not use the

Leander Mayor Christine Deisle says she heard from Atmos Energy representatives earlier this week about some of their preparations for the storm.

The company sent gas trucks to feed the resource directly into lines in the Travisso neighborhood which had been hit hard in the 2021 February freeze.

“They used those trucks quite a bit and we got word from them this [Friday] morning that they’re still having pressure issues. It’s just not enough,” Deisle said.

Mayor Deisle said she was frustrated with the lack of communication from the energy provider once lines started to fail.

Because natural gas is used and replaced simultaneously, these blockages put more strain on the natural gas system- and during times of high-demand, like when people need to heat homes, the gas is used faster than it can be replaced.

Webber says this leads to reduced pressure for users or no output at all.

Webber says these instances have become more frequent in Texas as gas companies fail to update and weatherize their lines.

“It’s a reminder for us to take our infrastructure more seriously as the weather changes, as the climate changes,” Webber said. (Courtesy: https://www.kxan.com/)

New Tax Credits Increase Appeal Of Heat Pumps For Homeowners

More and more people are turning to heat pumps to heat and cool their homes. It is estimated that 18 million American households already use them.

With new energy incentives being offered, and more homeowners choosing greener technologies, that number is expected to rise dramatically.

What is a heat pump? Heat pumps are powered by electricity and transfer heat using refrigerant. Heat pump technology moves

heat outside your home in warmer months and is able to pull heat into your home during cooler months. Here are three reasons to consider one for your home:

1. Sustainability. Heat pumps are electric and don’t burn fossil fuels like furnaces do, making them more environmentally friendly.

In fact, heat pumps are becoming the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry goto for reducing consumers’ carbon footprints.

2. Control.

Newer two-stage and variable speed heat pumps offer high- and low-stage heating to warm your space

when outdoor weather changes; they operate more efficiently for longer periods of time at lower speeds and use less energy.

They provide more precise temperature controls and more consistent comfort. Both options contribute to

Pyazi Kebabs

A common Pakistani vegetarian onion kebab with lemongrass and mint cooked in light oil. Served as an appetizer with a walnut, jaggery and tamarind sauce.

Ingredients of Pyazi Kebabs

1 Kg Onion (large), sliced

200 gram Lemon grass

1 tsp Red chilli (crushed)

5 Green chilli, chopped

2 tbsp Ginger, finely chopped

200 gram Mint

1 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)

200 gram Fresh coriander

1/2 tsp Nutmeg powder

1 1/2 cup Makai ka atta

1/2 cup Refined flour (maida)

1 tsp Sweet soda to taste Salt

1/2 kg Desi ghee

Prepare Pyazi Kebabs: 1.Spread thin slices of onions on a plate. Lightly rub with lemon grass, red chilli, green chilli and ginger, and keep aside for 5-10 minutes.

2.Then add sweet soda and all remaining spices except salt. Mix well.

3.Sprinkle salt on each slice just

before cooking.

4.Make tikki and fry them twice in desi ghee.

Prepare the Sauce:

1.Take crushed walnut in a bowl and mix with lemon juice.

2.Add jaggery, salt and black pepper.

3.Boil this mixture in 1/2 cup water

managing humidity levels too.

3. Technology.

Heat pumps today are more advanced than ever and handle both heating and cooling by redistributing air.

Carrier’s Infinity 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence operates at temperatures down to -15 degrees Fahrenheit, making heat pumps an advanced solution for mild and colder climates.

Does your region get colder than that? Heat pumps can be combined with a gas furnace for a dual fuel system that is energy efficient and cost effective. Looking ahead, heat pumps that work in colder temperature are in development and will be available soon.

Get the Right Size

There are several factors that go into picking your ideal heat pump. The size of your home, climate, sun exposure, desired features and ductwork all play into the size of heat pump.

An undersized unit will work overtime to hit target temperatures.

Heat pumps, including installation, can range anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. Thankfully, there are many cost-saving options for homeowners.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes federal tax credits that reward homeowners for purchasing certain high-efficiency HVAC equipment, including many of Carrier’s line of heat pumps. Up to $8,000 in tax credits are available for all-electric heat pumps.

Lower energy consumption means energy bill savings, up to $500 on energy bills every year in some cases. Look for Energy Star certification and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.

The SEER rating is like your car’s mileage per gallon – the higher the number, the greater the potential for savings.

Many manufacturers and utility companies also offer rebates and low-rate financing.

For example, Carrier’s heat pump rebate offerings are listed on their website.

for 10 minutes.

4.Remove from heat and add thin onion slices while sauce is still hot

5.Soak tamarind in 1/4 cup water. Strain and add this tamarind water to the sauce. Mix again and serve with pyazi kebabs. (Courtesy: https://food.ndtv.com/)

A unit that is too large will achieve the desired temperature before its cycle is complete and waste energy.

It is best to work with a professional dealer in choosing the heat pump that is best for your home.

Money-Saving Tips

At the time of this publication, up to $1,300 in rebates are being offered for most units.

Beyond the basics, today’s heat pumps offer new comfort-enhancing, energy-saving features that could help you reduce your heating costs. (Statepoint)

Yoga For Diabetes: 5 Asanas For Managing The Condition

keep your spine erect.

Exhale and bend forward at the hip, placing your upper body on your lower body. Try to hold your big toes with your fingers.

(Continued From Page 01)

Apart from medication, the patients are advised to lose weight, modify their dietary habits by incorporating low GI (Glycemic Index) foods in their diet, do yoga and other exercises to keep blood sugar level in check.

While type 1 diabetes occurs when body stops making insulin as a result of autoimmune response, in type 2 diabetes which is more common in people, insulin resistance is developed due to which the sugar stays in the blood, instead of being utilized by the body and leads to many health problems.

Several studies have established the efficacy of Yoga in reducing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 Diabetes.

1. Marjariasana

For doing Urdhva Mukhi Marjari Asana, come on your knees, place palms under shoulders and knees under hips, and then inhale, curve your spine to look up.

For Adho Mukhi Marjari Asana, exhale, round your back and drop your chin to chest. Focus your gaze towards your navel region.

2. Paschimottanasana

Also known as seated forward bend, begin the asana by stretching your legs forward while ensuring that your knees are slightly bent. Raise your arms upward and

Pregnant women should refrain from practicing this asana. Also those suffering from slip disc, sciatica or asthma should avoid doing this apart from ulcer patients.

3. Adomukhi Svanasana

Also known as Downward Dog, begin this asana on all fours and ensure that your palms are under the shoulders and knees below hips. Lift the hips up, straighten the knees and elbows, and make your body in the shape of an inverted ‘V’. Now keep the hands shoulders width apart. Keep your eye focused on your big toes.

This asana should not be performed in case you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and/or diarrhea. Also avoid this asana in advanced stages of pregnancy.

If you have high blood pressure or headache, go slow and in case of chronic or recent injury to the arms, hips, shoulders and back, this asana must be avoided.

4. Balasana

It is also known as Child’s Pose. To perform this asana, kneel down on mat and sit on your heels. Inhale and raise arms above head, exhale and bend your upper body forward. Place your forehead on the floor resting your pelvis on the heels. Ensure that your back is not hunched.

5. Manduka Asana

fist. Bend your arms at your elbows, place your balled fists over your navel. Bend your upper body and place it over your lower body. Stretch your neck and focus your gaze forward.

Pregnant women should refrain from practicing this asana. Those who experience pain in the ankle or have recently undergone an injury or surgery to the ankles/ligaments, should

avoid this asana.

In case of ulcer issues, one must avoid this asana. In case of pain or injury to knees or back, please refrain from performing this asana.

“Practise regularly holding each pose for 30 seconds and repeat for 3 sets. Poses such as HalfFish Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana), Paschimottanasana, Adomukhisvanasana, Vajrasana etc. can be very helpful to prevent and treat diabetes.

Practice these asanas very slowly with awareness on your breathing,” says Grand Master Akshar. (Courtesy: https://www.hindustantimes.com/)

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace, also known as Kalkulam Palace, is a Travancore era palace located in Padmanabhapuram in the Kanyakumari district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The palace is owned, controlled and maintained by the government of the neighbouring state of Kerala. Padmanabhapuram is the former capital city of the erstwhile Hindu kingdom of Travancore. It is around 20 km from Nagercoil, 39 km from Kanyakumari town and 52 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The palace is complex inside with an old granite fortress around four kilometers long. The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which forms a part of the Western Ghats. The river Valli flows nearby.

Another palace known as Kuttalam Palace is situated in Kuttalam in Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu which is also under the ownership of Kerala government. It is situated in the Tenkasi District, Tamil Nadu (before state reorganisation, Kanyakumari District, Chenkottah Taluk, Tenkasi Taluk including the areas of Kuttalam are in the control of Travancore Kingdom in Kerala). It is owned, controlled and maintained by the Kerala Government.

Another name for this asana is Frog Pose. Begin this asana by sitting in Vajrasana, and extending your arms in front of you. Fold your thumbs into your palms, wrap the remaining four fingers over it and ball your

The palace was constructed around 1601 CE by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal who ruled Venad between 1592 and 1609. The founder of modern Travancore, King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1706–1758) who ruled Travancore from 1729 to 1758, rebuilt the palace in around 1750.

King Marthaanda Varma dedicated the kingdom to his family deity Sree Padmanabha, a form of Lord Vishnu and ruled the kingdom as Padmanabha dasa or servant of Lord Padmanabha. Hence the name Padmanabhapuram or City of Lord Padmanabha. In the late 18th century, precisely in 1795 the capital of Travancore was shifted from here to Thiruvananthapuram, and the place lost its former glory.

However, the palace complex continues to be one of the best examples of traditional Kerala architecture, and some portions of the sprawling complex are also the hallmark of traditional Kerala style architecture. The Palace though surrounded entirely by the State of Tamil Nadu is still part of Kerala and the land and Palace belongs to the Government of Kerala. This Palace is maintained by the Govt. of Kerala Archaeology Department. (Continued On Page 17)

Padmanabhapuram Palace

(Continued From Page16)

Unique rooms

The Padmanabhapuram Palace complex consists of several structures:

Mantrasala; the King’s Council Chamber

Thai Kottaram, constructed before 1550

Nataksala; the Performance Hall

A four-storeyed mansion at the centre of the complex

Thekee Kottaram; the Southern Palace

Central mansion:

The four-storeyed building is located at the centre of the palace complex. The ground floor houses the royal treasury. The first floor houses the King’s bedrooms. The ornamental bedstead is made of 64 types of herbal and medicinal woods, and was a gift from

the Dutch merchants. Most of the rooms here and in other parts of the palace complex have built-in recesses in walls for storing weapons like swords and daggers. The second floor houses the King’s resting and study rooms. Here the King used to spend time during fasting

days. The top floor (called upparikka malika) served as the worship chamber of the royal household. Its walls are covered with exquisite 18th century murals, depicting scenes from the puranas, and also few scenes from the social life of the Travancore of that time.

The top floor was supposed to be Sree Padmanabha Swamy’s room. This building was constructed during the reign of King Marthandavarma. He was also designated as Padmanabha Dasa and used to rule the Travancore kingdom as a servant of Sree Padmanabha Swamy.

Southern Palace:

The southern palace is as old as the ‘Thai kottaram’ (Mother’s palace), which would make it about 400 years old. Now, it serves as a heritage museum, exhibiting antique household articles and curios. Collections of items

give an insight into the social and cultural ethos of that period.

Uppirikka malika:

To the northwest of Thai Kottaram is one of the most notable parts of the royal complex, Uppirikka malika. Uppiri, which means ‘multistoried’. Back in 1745, the then King Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma built this grand complex.

The ground floor of this Malika housed the coveted Tranvcore royal treasury. Above this treasury was the palace king’s bed chambers. Therein lies the famous sapramancha kattil. Supposedly, 64 timber samples with medicinal properties makes up this grand poster bed. A stair from the King’s room leads us to his fasting Chambers. This is where the King resided when he fasted in devotion.

Goddess Kaali Maa’s Gift To Tenali Rama

Tenali Ramakrishna was born in Thumuluru in the southern part of India. Legend has it that although he did not receive any formal education, he became a great poet because of Ma (goddess) Kali’s blessings. Here is the interesting story of Tenali Raman and goddess Kali.

One day, a great sage visited Tenali Ramakrishna’s village, and everyone in the village went to seek his blessings. Looking at Ramakrishna, the sage predicted that he would become a great poet.

He told him, “Rama, I will teach you an ancient mantra. Recite this for 1,008 times in the goddess Kali temple on the outskirts of the village. The Ma would appear and grant you wishes.”

Rama went to the goddess Kali temple the next morning. He sat in front of the idol with his eyes closed and recited the mantra for 1,008 times, with utmost devotion. After some time, he heard a voice

calling him, “Rama, Rama.”

Ramakrishna opened his eyes, and in front of him was goddess Kali, with all her 1,000 heads and multiple arms!

Suddenly, Ramakrishna began to laugh uncontrollably. Puzzled, the goddess asked, “Why are you laughing, Rama? What is so funny?”

Ramakrishna apologized for his behavior and said, “Oh, Kali Ma, I was thinking about what would happen if you catch a cold, and imagined you sneezing with all your thousand noses.”

Goddess Kali too laughed at his joke and said, “Rama, I like your sense of humor. I have come to grant you wishes. Look! I have two bowls in my hand; one contains sweet milk.

Upon drinking it, you would acquire great knowledge of the world. And the other bowl contains curd, which would give you wealth. But

you can choose only one bowl, so think carefully and pick one.”

Rama stayed silent for some time thinking, and then replied, “Kali Ma, can I taste both before drinking them?”

The goddess agreed and gave him both the bowls. Before the goddess Kali could realize what Rama was doing, he drank from both the bowls.

The annoyed ma said, “Rama! Why did you drink from both the bowls and disobey my orders?”

Rama bowed his head and replied, “I am sorry Ma Kali, but what is the use of knowledge without wealth, and what would I do with wealth without knowledge?”

Goddess Kali was impressed by his quick thinking and intelligence and blessed him, saying that he would become a great poet and would be known for his intelligence and sense of humor.

Republic Day - India

(Continued From Page 01) Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. 26 January was chosen as the date for Republic Day as it was on that day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.

India achieved independence from the British Raj on 15 August 1947 following the Indian independence movement.

The independence came through the Indian Independence Act 1947 (10 & 11 Geo 6 c 30), an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that partitioned British India into the two new independent Dominions of the British Commonwealth (later Commonwealth of Nations).

India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947 as a constitutional

monarchy with George VI as head of state and the Earl Mountbatten as governor-general.

The country, though, did not yet

have a permanent constitution; instead its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935.

Kids Corner

On 29 August 1947, a resolution was moved for the appointment of Drafting Committee, which was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr B R Ambedkar as chairman.

While India’s Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution.

A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.

The Assembly met for 166 days in public sessions spanning two years, 11 months, and 18 days before adopting the Constitution.

The 308 members of the Assembly signed two handwritten copies of the document (one in Hindi and one in English) on 24 January 1950, after much deliberation and some changes.

Two days later which was on 26 January 1950, it came into effect throughout the whole nation.

On that day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s began his first term of office as President of the Indian Union.

The Constituent Assembly became the Parliament of India under the transitional provisions of the new Constitution.

On the eve of Republic Day, the President addresses the nation.

On November 25, 1949, in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly, Dr B R Ambedkar remarked about the potential and pitfalls of life after January 26, 1950,

On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions.

In politics we will have equality and in social and economic life we will have inequality.

In politics we will be recognising

the principle of one man one vote and one vote one value.

In our social and economic life, we shall, by reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny the principle of one man one value.

How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions? How long shall we continue to deny equality in our social and economic life?

If we continue to deny it for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril.

We must remove this contradiction at the earliest possible moment or else those who suffer from inequality will blow up the structure of political democracy which is Assembly has to laboriously built up.

The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India.

On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Rajpath, which are performed as a tribute to India; its unity in diversity and rich cultural heritage.

On the eve of Republic Day, the President of India distributes Padma Awards to the civilians of India every year.

These are the second highest civilian awards in India after Bharat Ratna. These awards are given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

The decoration comprises a sanad (Certificate) issued under the hand and seal of the President and a Medallion.

The recipients are also given a replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/ State functions etc., if they desire.

A commemorative brochure giving out brief details in respect of each award winner is also released on the day of the investiture ceremony.

Storm Ahead In 2023? 10 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Investment

In the current uncertain situation, Stéphane Monier, CIO of Lombard Odier Private Bank, discusses 10 recommendations for investing in 2023 to achieve maximum returns:

1. A pivot year: look for the inflection point

The tightening of monetary policy in the Western world, amid a global slowdown in economic activity, translates into an unfavorable configuration for risk assets. Recession and further cuts in corporate earnings expectations are the main downside risks for both equities and bonds.

Peak real rates should provide a turning point in the markets. To do so, the Fed will have to interrupt its rate hike cycle as inflation slows and unemployment rises.

“As this inflection point approaches, we will gradually increase risk levels in portfolios by adding more duration in government bonds and gold, as well as some equities and credits,” says Monier.

2. Underweight risk assets for now

Macroeconomic conditions warrant cautious exposure to risky assets, focusing instead on assets that can better withstand the impact of weaker growth or higher rates.

Specifically, this means holding quality equities, government bonds, and investment-grade credit. It also means overweighting cash positions in order to be able to invest as soon as we see opportunities.

3. Going for quality and diversifi-

cation

In the coming months, we are likely to see new lows in equity markets as high borrowing costs limit the expansion of company multiples and earnings estimates continue to adjust to recessions. Against this backdrop, quality companies with low earnings volatility and a greater ability to defend their margins are good choices.

These stocks tend to outperform in recessions or when earnings decline.

In terms of quality sectors, healthcare is notable, as it enjoys high margins and some insulation from inflation, due to its high pricing power and attractive shareholder returns. It is also important to note that its valuations remain undemanding compared to other defensive growth sectors.

4. Asymmetric return profiles

Options strategies, such as put spreads over equity indices, can protect portfolios from declines in the coming months.

For this reason, “at Lombard Odier, we have hedged portfolios throughout 2022 and will continue to manage them tactically depending on market conditions,” says Monier.

5. Seek diversification through alternatives

Given that market conditions will remain relatively challenging, it is advisable to favor resilient hedge fund strategies such as global macro, discretionary, and quantitative. These should provide diversification, as they tend to benefit from performance dispersion across asset classes and regions. Their typically convex profiles, designed to perform over more extreme

periods, should benefit from the volatile environment with limited correlation to underlying markets. Some relative value strategies should also offer attractive returns once rates stabilize.

6. Dollar strength will continue

The strength of the dollar should continue in the coming months, supported by rate differentials, liquidity tightening, and US trade issues.

Other currencies supported in this context are the Swiss franc and potentially the Japanese yen. Euro and pound sterling should lag as they suffer from more structural issues related to the energy shock. The Chinese yuan should also underperform as the country’s strong balance of payments begins to weaken.

7. Increased attractiveness of gold

For much of 2022, gold prices were caught between support from geopolitical and recession risks, and downward pressures from real rates and the strong dollar. For Monier, “with lower rates, a weaker dollar and a re-opening China, gold prices should rise. In October, we sold short positions on gold as a potential means of bringing our position back to neutral.”

8. High-yield credit increasingly attractive

As investor sentiment improves,

appetite for risky assets will increase. Once highyield credit spreads better reflect the price of a recession and rates have stabilized, carry in this segment will become more attractive than investment grade and sovereign bonds.

9. Equities as a buying opportunity

As inflation and the threat of higher rates begin to fade, equity valuations and multiples will benefit. Easing financial conditions will cause investor sentiment to improve and, in turn, price-to-earnings ratios to widen. By mid-2023, earnings and sales expectations

How Long

will be revised downward, and markets will begin to look ahead to 2024 and the recovery from the cyclical slowdown. This will offer opportunities to add exposure to cyclical and growth names.

10. Emerging market equities and local currency bonds

When the Fed breaks its interest rate hikes cycle as inflation slows and unemployment rises, emerging assets are likely to rally. However, a change in sentiment and growth dynamics is needed. If these catalysts materialize, emerging equities will outperform developed markets and local currency emerging debt will look increasingly attractive.

“While we are already gradually more constructive on emerging local rates, given well-advanced currency cycles, we expect emerging currencies to recover from low levels only when financial conditions improve,” Monier concludes. (Courtesy: https://www.investing. com/)

Does

COVID

Cough Last And

When Should You Worry About Long COVID?

(Continued From Page 08)

In many ways, coughs related to COVID are similar to the coughs caused by other viruses, allergies, or other infections that cause inflammation in the airways. Most coughs caused by inflammation related to infection are dry coughs that resolve in four weeks. Other causes, like allergies, may last longer depending on the exposure.

“Inflammation itself can lead to a cough causing fluid production in the airways, and because it causes inflammation in the airways, COVID-19 can cause a cough,” Dr. Leykum explains.

How long does a cough last after COVID?

A cough that shows up after COVID typically goes away within four weeks, says Dr. Leykum. And it can last as long as six months after the infection, according to the American Lung Association.

Some risk factors that may make some people more sensitive to coughing include smoking, vaping, pollution, allergies, or asthma.“It can take time for all of the inflammation related to COVID to go away, and each person is different with regard to how long this can take,” Dr. Leykum notes.

Is a lingering COVID cough contagious?

The good news is a lingering cough does not necessarily mean someone is still contagious.

(Continued On Page 21)

Will The Pandemic Become Endemic In 2023?

With Covid infections once again surging in several countries, especially in China which saw over 250 million cases in just 20 days in December, fresh Covid wave fears linger across the world, including in India.

While the BF.7 variant of Omicron virus is a cause of concern in China and India, the Omicron subvariant XBB accounts for 18.3 per cent of the Covid-19 cases in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This marks an increase of 11.2 per cent as the XBB variant continues to drive up cases in Singapore.

Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 accounted for about 70 per cent of new cases in the US.

The total number of confirmed Covid cases in the US have surpassed 100 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, since the pandemic broke out

almost three years ago, with a total of more than 1 million deaths.

Japan is facing an ongoing eighth wave of the pandemic and the

The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that he hopes that Covid-19 will no longer be a global health emergency sometime next year.

WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the WHO Covid-19

country registered 206,943 new cases.

South Korea’s new Covid cases remained below 70,000 for the second straight day on Saturday, while new coronavirus-related deaths hit a three-month high.

Emergency Committee will discuss next month the criteria for declaring an end to the Covid-19 emergency.

“We’re hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency,” he said, adding that however, SARS-CoV-2 virus,

the culprit behind the Covid-19 pandemic, will not go away.

Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist at Fortis Hospital in Kalyan, Mumbai, told IANS that when a pandemic becomes endemic, it means that the disease is present in a particular community or globally, and there is enough immunity among the population to control outbreaks.

“Also, the infections can continue to affect vulnerable members of the community. While an endemic may not experience large outbreaks, it also means that it will not be completely eradicated,” she said.

Health experts said that it is harder to predict if Covid-19 will become endemic in 2023 because it is a respiratory virus that tends to mutate, similar to other Influenza viruses.

“If multiple mutations change the virus’s protein structure or its ability to attach to cells, it could give rise to new strains. However, if the

current protection of the immunity to the virus is sufficient to prevent severe disease or reduce transmission, then definitely Covid can become endemic,” Sabnis said.

It is uncertain when or if Covid-19 will become endemic, but it is unlikely that we will be able to completely eliminate it.

Experts said that we may see occasional outbreaks, particularly during flu season or if new mutations emerge, as is currently happening in China.

“The transmission of the virus in India and the level of immunity acquired through previous vaccination and community transmission will also influence its potential to become endemic. However, it seems unlikely that there will be significant new outbreaks or that the virus will become endemic in the next 2-3 months,” Sabnis said. (Courtesy: https://www. greatandhra.com/)

What To Expect From COVID In 2023

(Continued From Page 01)

“I see the United States and most of the world gradually exiting from the acute phase of the pandemic,” Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown University global-health expert, told The Daily Beast.

Yes, people will get sick when some new form of the virus becomes dominant. But owing to their natural immunity, they probably won’t get very sick.

And fresh infections will seed fresh antibodies that will then prolong the population’s natural immunity through the next wave of cases.

“The waves though will get shallower and shallower and further apart like ripples in a pond,” Jeffrey Klausner, a University of Southern California epidemiologist, told The Daily Beast.

The exception to this hard-earned

natural protection is, of course, China.

The only major country that en-

up to the rest of the world, as far as COVID antibodies go.

The problem, for 1.4 billion Chi-

easy despite SARS-CoV-2 being everywhere all the time, it could also be the year China gets really sick for the first time.

The world, minus China, earned its natural immunity the hard way—by catching COVID.

Vaccines eased the pain, of course, but vaccine-induced antibodies don’t last forever.

showed up.

More transmissible than older variants but less severe, Omicron drove record cases in late 2021 and early 2022—and spawned subvariants such as BA.2, BA.5 and BQ.1 that drove their own, smaller surges in cases throughout the year.

But the overall trend in 2022 was toward fewer and fewer hospitalizations and deaths.

forced strict lockdowns through much of the last year and, as a result, lacks widespread natural immunity.

China could spend 2023 catching

nese, is that catching up means a lot of people getting infected with COVID without the strong protection that natural immunity affords. If 2023 is the first year in four years that most of the world can breathe

By the end of 2021, billions of jabs were wearing off and boosters had just become available to most people.

At the same time, many countries were lifting the last major restrictions on businesses, schools and travel. That’s when Omicron

In countries where people were getting back to a version of normal and the virus was circulating, all those accumulating natural antibodies were doing their thing.

It’s a virtuous, self-reinforcing cycle. “Natural immunity will be continually refreshed as the virus circulates widely, which will mean a population that over time has considerable levels of immunity,” Gostin explained. (Continued On Page 23)

What Is The Most Celebrated Festival In India?

Diwali is the biggest and most important festival in India. It is a national festival, like Christmas in Western countries, but it is also celebrated by some non-Hindu com-

India’s top 10 festivals are celebrated with much pomp and fervor:

Diwali — Festival of Lights (November 12th, 2023)

Navaratri — Victory of Rama on the tenth day (October 24th, 2023) Durga Puja — Victory of Durga (October 20th to 24th, 2023) Onam — New Year in Kerala (August 29th, 2023)

Pongal — a Harvest Festival (January 15th, 2023)

How Long Does COVID Cough Last And When Should You Worry About Long COVID?

(Continued From Page 19)

“For people with mild to moderate COVID-19, the CDC recommends wearing a mask for 10 days after symptom onset, and for people who have severe illness, the recommendation is to isolate for 20 days and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours,” Dr. Leykum says. “After that period, people are unlikely to be infectious, [but] if there is a concern, wearing a mask would be reasonable.”

How do you get rid of a COVID cough?

munities. Diwali falls in October or November, the celebrations last for 5 days, and they celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Holi — Festival of Colors (March 8th, 2023)

Navaratri — the 9-Nights Festival for Goddesses (October 15th to October 24th, 2023)

Makar Sankranti — the Kite Festival (January 15th, 2023) Eid-ul-Fitr — Marks the end of Ramadan (April 21st, 2023)

Ganesh Chaturthi — Birthday of the Elephant-Headed God (September 19th, 2023)

The lingering coughs related to COVID are usually dry coughs, which means you won’t feel the urge to cough anything up. “These coughs generally get better with time, typically within a few weeks,” Dr. Leykum says. “You can soothe your throat by drinking warm drinks with honey, taking sips of water or tea if you feel like you are going to cough, taking lozenges, and keeping yourself well hydrated.”

When should you see a doctor about a COVID cough?

Even though it may seem like we’re past the state of alarm the pandemic initially induced, you still want to take any case of COVID and its symptoms seriously. If you have a lingering cough that lasts longer than a month, Dr. Leykum recommends seeing your healthcare provider.

Experiencing coughing or breathlessness for more than three months also signals that you should check in with your doc ASAP, per the American Lung Association, because it could be a sign of post-COVID interstitial lung disease, which is a condition characterized by scarring in the lungs. Early detection and treatment can stop the progression of the disease.

THEME: WORLD CUISINE

*Like popular Pad

Bring home the bacon

Between ports

favorite cookie, according to some

*Like poke bowl

Magician, in the olden days

Campaigner, for short

Traditional sock pattern

Asian spiky fruit, pl.

Unequivocally detestable

Urge Spot to attack

Chilled (2 words)

Observation point’s attraction

and soft type of tofu

Thrusts out or causes to protrude

One way to steal gas

Without professional help, acr.

Energy to motion converter

H.S. math class

is popular in this cuisine

*Type of soda bread

Francis Coppola’s middle name

Casanova, e.g.

In the thick of

*Brew from China, originally

butter of Indian origin, pl.

What The World Should Really Expect From COVID In 2023

(Continued From Page 20)

That protection gives us a glimmer of hope for 2023—and beyond. “Ultimately, the cycles of repeat waves will progressively decline to a steady-level low transmission endemic state,” Edwin Michael, an epidemiologist at the Center for Global Health Infectious Disease Research at the University of South Florida, told The Daily Beast.

“New variants will cause flare-ups, but I am expecting that given how robust natural immunity is, such spikes in cases will be small relative to Omicron, for example—and so easily manageable.”

Just not in China, which until a few weeks ago still enforced strict lockdowns.

Widespread public protests, extreme rarities in the authoritarian state, put intense pressure on the ruling Chinese Communist Party starting in late November. On Dec. 7, the party rolled back many of the restrictions.

Epidemiologists warned that a

sudden lifting of lockdowns in a country that hadn’t built up much natural immunity—and where vaccination rates are low for the most vulnerable part of the population, the elderly—could bring disaster as severe infections overwhelm hospitals.

Just a couple weeks later, they’ve already been proved right. A major

outbreak in Beijing has compelled local authorities to restore some of the restrictions they’d just lifted. But a return to unpopular lockdowns only delays the inevitable. The Chinese want to get back to their own normal. They’ll need natural antibodies to get there. But natural antibodies only come from infections.

And those infections—potentially tens of millions of them—could define China’s 2023. The rest of the world, however, might have its most normal year since 2020. Its reward for suffering through Omicron and its offspring. If there’s a possible spoiler, it’s that SARSCoV-2 can be unpredictable.

As long as the virus is circulating,

December 2022 Sudoku Answer

Yudhveer Bagga

it’s mutating. For more than a year, the mutations have produced subvariants of Omicron that diminish the effectiveness of vaccines and, in the case of the latest BQ subvariants, render monoclonal antibody therapies totally ineffective. But they haven’t evaded our natural antibodies. Klausner for one doesn’t expect that to change.

“There may be many different subvariant types and no dramatic shifts. We have been in the Omicron or sub-Omicron phase of variants now for a long time. That should continue.”

If it doesn’t, and some new variant or subvariant crops up that dodges our natural antibodies, the whole world—and not just China—will have to endure waves of infections without the protection of natural immunity.

That’s how the dream of a normalish 2023 could turn into a nightmare. (Courtesy: https://www.thedailybeast.com/)

Mr.

Ms Ritika Sood Mr Siddharth Garg

Ms Kumari R.Samineni

Ms Ira Karmalkar

New Year’s Resolution Ideas For 2023

(Continued From Page 01)

3. Stop gossiping. Don’t be that person. Spread positivity.

4. Give one compliment a day. You never know—it just might make that person feel a whole lot better.

5. Go a whole day without checking your email. Nobody’s going to die. It can wait until tomorrow.

6. Do Random Acts of Kindness Norbert, the famous therapy dog, reminds us that anyone can be kind, and it costs you nothing.

7. Read a book a month.

Haven’t you heard? Reading is good for your brain, it can reduce stress, and it can improve your memory and concentration.

8. Go someplace you’ve never been.

Step outside of your comfort zone and do something daring. It’s good for the soul and forces you to learn new things.

9. Clear out the clutter. Clutter is literally bad for your health. Research says it stresses you out. Make 2023 the year of organization and cleanliness.

10. Turn off your phone one night a week.

You’re sleeping anyway. You don’t need it!

11. Reduce your waste.

Some research says that the average American produces over 2,000 pounds of trash every year. Gross. Reduce your waste by ditching paper towels in favor of rags you cut up from old towels and clothes. Another easy switch is reusable grocery bags. It makes a difference!

12. Volunteer. Not only is volunteering good for your own mental and physical health, but you’re doing something kind and selfless for others.

14. Write down one thing you’re grateful for every night. End the night with gratitude and

you’ll feel better when you lay your head down on your pillow.

15. Drink more water. You’ve probably heard that your body needs it. 75 percent of us are chronically dehydrated. Drink up!

16. Take a part of your paychecks and put it in savings or investments.

It’s so easy for it to become trashed, especially if you drive a lot. Spot clean as you go so that your ride is always looking sharp.

23. Put your bills on autopay. If this won’t put you under any financial stress, do it! It’s one less thing you have to think about and you’ll never pay late fees again. Win-win.

24. Take the stairs. It’s good for your caboose.

25. Go to the dentist when you’re supposed to. Your oral health can actually have an impact on things that are happening in other parts of your body, like your heart and lungs.

26. Be kind on social media.

pen unless you post it about it on Instagram,’ it can be a challenge to resist the temptation to post that sunset beach photo or poolside cocktail selfie.”

32. Bring a plant into your home. They might help reduce your stress and improve your productivity.

33. Sanitize your personal belongings.

Cell phones might be the dirtiest things we touch all day, with 25,127 bacteria per square inch. Nasty.

34. Start cooking! Bonus points if it’s something you feel like you’re not good at.

35. Buy less plastic. It’s polluting our oceans, destroying the earth, and hurting animals. Be more aware of what you’re buying.

ing adventure you’ll end up on as a result.”

42. Wear sunscreen. The sun can do damage even when you’re driving in the car. Make SPF your new best friend.

43. Cook more.

It’s therapeutic, and you’ll probably end up with something pretty darn delicious.

44.

Get a Real Haircut

Some of us are so attached to our hair—literally and figuratively. Chop off a few inches. You might feel like a new person.

45. Do Something That Scares You Practice a little bravery.

46. Make Your Bed Every Morning

Even just a small percentage can really add up down the line. Plan for the future and don’t be silly with your money.

17. Stop multitasking. Multitasking can lead to memory problems, it reduces our brains’ grey matter. Focus on one thing at a time.

18. Talk to yourself with kindness. We aim to be nice to others but then criticize ourselves relentlessly. Stop! Think nicer things about yourself.

19. Call a friend instead of texting them.

You can Facetime them for extra measure!

20. Don’t buy things you don’t need.

Bad habit. We love to spend money even if it’s for no good reason. Don’t need it? Don’t buy it.

21. Keep a journal.

The University of Rochester Medical Center says that journaling can help battle anxiety, stress and depression. Even if you write only a few sentences, you can reap the benefits.

22. Clean out your car.

“I think everyone who uses social media should strive to empathize more with strangers and respond to others on the internet with kindness,” says Julia, also known as itsblitzzz. “Don’t let hate or bullying be motivation for interacting on social platforms.”

27. Let go of grudges. Wouldn’t it be nice to start 2023 with a clean slate? Leave hate behind. Anger is so 2022.

28. Stay in touch with the people who matter. Even a quick call, text, or email can make a world of difference.

29. Try a totally new restaurant. Go on. Be adventurous. Get that strange sushi roll or order takeout from the Indian restaurant that just opened up down the street.

30. Start a new hobby. Do new stuff. Let yourself blossom in 2023.

31. Travel somewhere without posting about it on social media. “No status updates, no photos... just go on vacation and not tell anyone,” says travel writer Reannon Muth. “That might seem silly but in a world where ‘it didn’t hap-

36. Send handwritten letters. Nobody does this anymore, and it’s such a thoughtful, genuine gesture. Make somebody’s day!

37. Donate clothes you never wear. We tend to hang onto stuff “just in case.” If you haven’t worn it in a year, give someone else the chance to.

38. Pay off your credit card every month.

And if something is so expensive that you think that you won’t be able to? Don’t buy it.

39. Avoid people who complain a lot.

It doesn’t matter how positive a person you are. Negativity spreads, and it will impact you. And on a similar note...

40. Remove negativity or anything that makes you feel lousy. Even things like super sad movies or news sources that just upset you.

41. Travel somewhere with no map.

“I’d also recommend going on a road trip without using Apple or Google maps. No GPS. Just start driving and see where it takes you,” says Muth. “You’ll never know what sort of fun and excit-

Making your bed helps you accomplish something first thing in the morning and thus starts your day with success.

47. Stay on Top of Your Inbox

Is the number of unread messages creeping up on you? Stay on top of it and aim to clear your inbox out throughout the week.

48. Try Guided Meditation

Meditation offers a whole host of science-based benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety and improved memory and attention span. Try an app like Headspace.

49. Stretch It Out

We spend so much time sitting and staring at our phones, all hunched over. Loosen up those tight muscles with even just five minutes of stretching each day.

50. Craft Something Yourself

Even if you’re not the artsiest, DIYtype of person, the satisfaction you get from making something with your own hands is undeniable. It can be as small as a candle or as big as a coffee table.

51. Go to Bed Happy Each Night

“Never go to bed angry.” It’s a cliche, but it’s true. Aim to start and end each day with happiness and gratitude. (Courtesy: https://parade.com/)

HC4A Annual Gala 2022

By Ash Rao

Hindu Charities for America, dba as Education and Careers for America (EC4A), a well-known reputed nonprofit organization headquartered in Austin Texas hosted an elite annual gala recently to raise funds and provide vocational scholarship and to cater to schooling needs of students who are homeless and live below the poverty line in Texas.

Driven by the motto “Serve Where You Live” – HC4A led by the founder Harish Kotecha has been tirelessly working over the past twelve years to help the underprivileged youth get access to education and equip them with tools and resources setting them up for long term success.

Recognizing his immense contribution to the society, Harish Kotecha was awarded the 2020 Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY).

He also received the USA President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Our annual gala has a singular purpose - to raise funds and to provide scholarships for our deserving youth in our communities.

The pressures of the pandemic compounded by inflationary surge have made education even more unaffordable to those who need it most.

HC4A is constantly striving to change this by spreading awareness and bringing the community together to help others!

The gala held in October this year brought together Austin’s elite celebrities along with a large number of volunteers and donors who all came together with a shared spirit of giving and uplifting the underprivileged youth!

Icing on the cake was our chief guest and Bollywood star Padmini Kolhapure who came all the way from India to support this noble cause! Special thanks to Bharat Goradia Ji, one of the top artist promoters in the US who helped make this happen!

Celebrity speakers Dr Mamta Motwani and Paul O’Brien also strongly connected with the cause and applauded HC4A for their efforts to ‘Bridge Income Disparities through Education’!

Gala Chair and event organizer Pragya Sen

who is the founder of PS Productions, Mrs Asia Pacific International, was the show host who seamlessly coordinated this mega event by bringing together a mix of entertainment along with conveying a strong message of doing good and helping others!

From working with sponsors, decorators, fundraisers to managing the various programs during the event, Pragya led the evening with elegance keeping the audience engaged and driven towards the noble cause!

She was accompanied by co-emcee Lesley

dio and Sreelatha Madduri from Sai Natya Niketan School of Performing Arts .

The stars of this segment were Binny and Sujal Nanavati, Anita Shekhar and Ganesh Padmanabhan, Sreelatha Madduri.

Champions Ramp Walk

Conceptualized by Pragya Sen, this ramp walk and fashion show featured 10 champions who came from various fields of career to contribute towards raising funds and also entertained the audience by rocking the stage

dishes and cocktails made the atmosphere festive as the attendees enjoyed the evening and stayed connected to the cause!

The evening concluded with the birthday celebrations of the chief guest Padmini Kolhapure as the core team of HC4A came on stage to thank her for gracing the occasion and also wholeheartedly acknowledged the efforts and contributions of all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, guests as well as attendees.

Overall, the gala was an evening to remember with the right blend of fun, entertainment and an unwavering goal of raising funds to provide scholarships to the underprivileged youth!

Verghese who diligently anchored the program.

The event was a cultural extravaganza with abundance of local talent who took the stage to not only entertain the audience but also donate and support the mission of HC4A “Serve Where You Live”

Some of the highlights of 2022 Gala included –

Dancing with the Stars

This was the signature entertainment segment of the Gala where Austin local stars were paired with professional dance school choreographers for a performance on stage!

This year Gala included stars who were entrepreneurs, founders, directors and other eminent personalities in the tech world and they were ably supported and guided by professional choreographers from reputed dance schools – Soham Donwalkar from Agni Bollywood Dance, Prithi Subramanya from Monsoon Dance Bollywood/Yoga Stu-

with their designer sarees draped by fashion designer Yamini Shetty and jewelry sponsored by Mini Collections.

The champions chosen for the ramp walk were – Ash Rao, Malin Pathak, Shwetha Vasudeva, Arpita Gedam, Komal Khatri , Sripriya Santhanam, Charu Gupta, Meghana Malur, Pavana Subbarao and Shweta Padmanabha.

Event also included a live and silent auction which resulted in active bidding by the gala attendees who loved the exciting deals and also generously contributed to raising funds for scholarships!

The core team behind this mega successful event who worked tirelessly to make this happen include Harish Kotecha (Founder), Pankil Matalia (President), Vaishali Tendolkar (VP), Pragya Sen (Gala Chair), Abhay Samant, Lakshmi B Kondubhatla, Vijay Mohan Jagannath Vedula, Shobhna Kotecha.

Thanks to the core team and extended team of volunteers, donors and sponsors, this year’s gala was a huge success resulting in contributions which helped provide more than 100 scholarships so far!

If you missed attending the gala, it is not too late to donate! Click the link below to support in any way you can!

http://www.ec4a.org/gala

We appreciate your support!

Best Regards, HC4A Team

Austin South Asian Invites Contributions From Readers And Community

Grand Indian buffet with mouth watering

Oscar 2023: Joyland Becomes First Pakistani Film To Be Shortlisted

Pakistani film Joyland may have faced trials and tribulations at home, but to the international community, it was a banger from the start, and now it has been shortlisted for the Oscars, the first ever movie to do so from the country.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Thursday released its Oscar shortlists for the upcoming 95th edition in 10 categories.

Joyland is among 15 films that made the cut for the Best International Feature Film honour and will advance to the final stage of nominations. India’s Chhello Show (The Last Show) has also been shortlisted in the International Feature film category.

The critically-acclaimed film, Joyland, follows a patriarchal family craving for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line while

their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for a trans woman.

Sania Saeed along with Ali Junejo, Aleena Khan, Rasti Faruq, Salman Pirzada, and Sohail Samir, are part of the main cast. The movie is produced by Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat and Lauren Mann.

The films from 92 countries and regions were eligible for the Best International Feature Film category. India’s Chhello Show (Last Film Show) also made it to the list, according to the official website of the Academy. Also, the song Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli’s RRR has been shortlisted in the Best

10 Best South Indian Movies 2022 On OTT:

RRR, KGF Chapter 2, Kantara, And More

It’s the year that the South Indian film industries left other film industries including Bollywood far behind.

While RRR and KGF 2 became the face of Indian cinema abroad and crossed over Rs 1,000 crore glob-

ally, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara and Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan-1 became domestic success stories.

The Kannada film industry witnessed a substantial boost with Kantara and KGF 2 and Tamil hits like Kamal Haasan’s Vikram be-

came some of the highest-grossing blockbusters of the region.

These South Indian movies are now streaming on OTT platforms, such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus Hotstar, and more, in multiple languages, including Hindi.

Check out our list of the best South Indian movies in Hindi and other languages on OTT released in 2022:

RRR

KGF Chapter 2 Kantara Ponniyin Selvan Vikram Sarkaru Vaari Paata Valimai Bheemla Nayak Karthikeya 2

Other titles in the Best International Feature Film category include Argentina’s Argentina, 1985, Austria’s Corsage, Belgium’s Close, Cambodia’s Return to Seoul, Denmark’s Holy Spider, France’s Saint Omer, Germany’s All Quiet on the Western Front, Ireland’s The Quiet Girl, Mexico’s Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, Morocco’s The Blue Caftan, Poland’s EO, South Korea’s Decision to Leave and Sweden’s Cairo Conspiracy.

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, who came on board as an executive producer for Joyland, congratulated director Saim Sadiq for making it to the shortlist.

The official Instagram page of the movie shared a video of Malala Yousafzai expressing her happiness to Sadiq over a phone call.

“You guys have done a tremendous job. This is a great moment for all the artists and also for Pakistan. It’s an honour to be associated with this movie. This is amazing,” she said.

“Ten years after forming Pakistan’s Oscar committee, one of our own is on the shortlist! So much to celebrate,” she posted.

It is not the maiden international recognition for Joyland as it was also the first film from Pakistan to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival and win the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section.

Its release in Pakistan, however, was a tricky affair. After being cleared by the censor board, it was declared “uncertified” for containing “highly objectionable material” that goes against the country’s “social values and moral standards”.

After facing backlash from celebrities and the public, PM Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to review the ban, which was later revoked. Punjab reinstated the ban in the province though the film was released everywhere else and elicited glowing reviews. (Courtesy: https://www.ndtv.com/)

Original Song Category. Two films in the Documentary Feature Film category have also been shortlisted from India - All That Breathes and The Elephant Whisperers.

Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, chair of the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee this year, shared the news on her Instagram Stories.

‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ Nears $900 Million Globally, Boosted By International Ticket Sales

Disney and James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” snared an estimated $56 million during its second weekend in theaters, a 58% drop from its debut.

A decline in ticket sales is common for blockbuster titles, with most seeing a 50% to 70% slip. This metric, known as the second-week drop, is often used as an indicator of whether a film will have longevity at the box office or may fizzle quickly.

Films that fall less than 50% are expected to have solid, long runs, while those that top 70% are likely to see ticket sales continue to sharply decline as the movie fades from the public eye.

“The second-weekend drop for ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ puts it right in the zone of where it needs to be as this performance will set

the tone for the ongoing box office journey for the film,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.

Box office analysts noted that cold winter weather and storms during the Christmas weekend likely led to slower ticket sales domestically.

Additionally, international ticket sales continue to thrive. The sec-

ond-week drop for markets outside the U.S. and Canada was 43.9%.

It was always expected that “The Way of Water” would generate at least 70% of its box office from international ticket sales and that is exactly where the split stands as of Sunday.

“The Way of Water” has generated $855 million in global ticket sales since its Dec. 16 release — $254

million domestically and $601 million from international markets. At present, it is the fifth-highestgrossing film released in 2022.

Paramount and Skydance’s “Top Gun: Maverick” is the current leader with $1.48 billion worldwide, followed by Universal’s “Jurassic World: Dominion” ($1 billion), Disney and Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” ($952 million) and Universal and Illumination’s “Minions: The Rise of Gru” ($939 million).

“The Way of Water’s” haul stands at less than half of what Cameron said the film needs to generate in order to be considered profitable. Despite waning word of mouth, which has focused on stunning visuals felled by a lackluster plot, the “Avatar” sequel has room to run at the box office.

The next major blockbuster — Disney and Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” — doesn’t hit theaters until Feb. 17, leaving “The Way of Water” a long stretch at the box office without hefty competition.

“January is absent much direct competition against the film,” said Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com. “That’s when the Avatar sequel could make up for any perceived lost ground toward reaching long-term expectations, if it’s going to.”

“We live in a world where the craving for instant gratification leads to early results being used as the final barometer of a film’s success,” he said. “Realistically, sometimes that makes sense, but sometimes it doesn’t. This is one of the latter situations.” (Courtesy: https:// www.cnbc.com/)

Shah Rukh Khan Is a Masterful Maverick In Electric New ‘Pathaan’ Video

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has made his intentions to return to the silver screen with a bang very clear. His upcoming action epic Pathaan, which is the first true action film to join the actor’s portfolio of over 100 films, has sparked a reel of excitement among his fans around the world. The film is slated to see Khan, who is widely known for being the King of Romance, take on the role of an undercover spy with a legacy that leaves his enemies in disarray. Ahead of Pathaan’s release, Yash Raj Films unveiled a fresh music video alongside the song “Jhoome Jo Pathaan,” which translates to “When Pathaan Gets Into The Groove,” and is set to feature in the action extravaganza. The new track features the vocals of industry giants Arijit Singh, Sukriti Kakar and Vishal and Sheykhar and lyrically teases an insight into Khan’s titular character. From the moment promotional material for the film has surfaced it’s been clear that Khan’s Pathaan is far from a clean-cut agent. Instead, he has almost exclusively been represented as a rough-around-theedges, hyper-intelligent spy that drips charisma from his pores. Al-

luding to the influence Pathaan has over people, the translated lyrics tease how he “steals all hearts” and “even enemies turn to me for an embrace.” In other words, Pathaan is clearly very used to making people dance to the beat of his drum, which is likely what makes him so excellent at his job. Despite a clear understanding of people - and how to manipulate them - there is also

a subtle nod to his fierce loyalty in the lyric, “the promises he makes, he’ll stand by forever.”

From a visual standpoint, the video boasts one of the film’s many exotic backdrops whilst also giving audiences a chance to see Khan’s rugged persona in full form with flowing locks, stubble, and jewelry to tie the bad-boy look together.

Appearing heavily alongside him is his co-star and apparent on-screen flame Deepika Padukone. As the pair effortlessly groove to the melody there is a dangling question over whether Padukone’s character was also one of Pathaan’s enemies and now his potential lover. Little is known about the actress’ onscreen counterpart but having been given glimpses of the pair’s firey

chemistry in previous song “Besharam Rang” and the teaser trailer for the film, it’s clear they’re both drawn to one another. Whether or not this is a ploy on either one of their parts is yet to be unveiled.

Pathaan is teeing itself up as the beginning of a new chapter for Khan who has two further movies dropping next year. Also set to land next year is Jawan and a further project, which recently wrapped, titled Dunki. Given that Khan recently told of his commitment to dedicate the next ten years to “over-the-top action films,” it’s likely both of these subsequent projects will see him cement his claim over the action genre in the coming months. Pathaan hits theaters on January 25. (Courtesy: https://collider. com/)