[Goanet] Tax Dispute Becomes Political as India Freezes Opposition’s Accounts

[Dr. Vivek Pinto]

>"India’s largest opposition party accused the national authorities on
Thursday of paralyzing its political activities by blocking the party’s
access to its bank accounts, in what it described as a heavy-handed
response to a tax dispute just weeks before a pivotal general election."

>“'We can’t support our workers; we can’t support our candidates,' Rahul
Gandhi, an Indian National Congress leader, said at a news conference in
New Delhi. 'Our leaders can’t fly. Forget flying — they can’t take a train.'

'Our ability to fight elections has been damaged,' he [Gandhi] said."]

>"The Congress party has acknowledged filing the tax returns late, but
argues that the penalty should be in the thousands of dollars rather than
millions."

>“'The idea that India is a democracy is a lie,' Mr. Gandhi said."

>"The country’s top court recently forced the government-owned State Bank
of India to release a list of all those who had made anonymous political
donations through a financing mechanism known as 'electoral bonds,'
removing a veil of secrecy that opposition groups had long argued was
helping those in power.

Mr. Modi’s party received the highest amount of the funds, more than 10
times that going to the Indian National Congress."
---
By: Sameer Yasir -- Reporting from New Delhi
Published in: *The New York Times*
Date: March 21, 2024
Just weeks before pivotal elections, the authorities have blocked access to
several of the Indian National Congress’s main bank accounts, the party
said.


India’s largest opposition party accused the national authorities on
Thursday of paralyzing its political activities by blocking the party’s
access to its bank accounts, in what it described as a heavy-handed
response to a tax dispute just weeks before a pivotal general election.

Officials with the party, the Indian National Congress, said that eight of
its 11 main accounts at four banks had been frozen, and that there was no
clear indication of when the party would regain access to the money.

“We can’t support our workers; we can’t support our candidates,” Rahul
Gandhi, an Indian National Congress leader, said at a news conference in
New Delhi. “Our leaders can’t fly. Forget flying — they can’t take a train.”

“Our ability to fight elections has been damaged,” he said.

Campaigning is heating up for a six-week-long election that starts on April
19 and will determine the next prime minister for the world’s most populous
democracy. To run election campaigns from the Himalayan mountains to
India’s southern shores, political groups spend billions of dollars

 in what is seen as one of the world’s most expensive elections.

Under Indian law, political groups are exempted from paying income taxes on
their funding from individuals and corporations, but must declare their
income to the tax authorities each year. The current dispute relates to how
heavily the Indian National Congress should be penalized for past
irregularities.

Last month, the country’s Income Tax Department, which is controlled by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, froze the Congress party’s
accounts on accusations that it had been 45 days late in filing tax returns
on its cash contributions for the 2017-18 financial year. The department
also took from the party’s bank accounts

 $2 million of the $16 million that it said was owed in penalties.

The Congress party has acknowledged filing the tax returns late, but argues
that the penalty should be in the thousands of dollars rather than millions.

Last week, a Delhi high court declined to interfere with the tax
authorities’ order, saying that it was unable to stop the authorities from
freezing the party’s accounts.

In recent years, opposition groups have accused Mr. Modi’s governing
Bharatiya Janata Party of establishing a near monopoly over political
funding. They accuse Mr. Modi of using the powers of his office to enrich
his party and dry up funding for competitors.

“The idea that India is a democracy is a lie,” Mr. Gandhi said.

Mr. Modi’s officials rejected those claims, describing them as a desperate
attempt by a political opposition that is struggling in an election
campaign that is likely to return the B.J.P. to power.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, a leader from the governing party, said the tax
exemption for any political group remained valid only if the group declared
any contributions to the national tax authorities on time.

“In utter desperation of imminent defeat, the Congress party at the highest
level sought to create an alibi today,” Mr. Prasad said on Thursday.

The issue of political financing has exploded in India in recent weeks. The
country’s top court recently forced the government-owned State Bank of
India to release a list of all those who had made 

[Goanet] Schedule for Friday 22nd March 2024

[CCR TV]

CCR TV GOA

Channel of God's love


You can also watch CCR TV live on your smartphone via the CCR TV App
Available on Google PlayStore for Android Platform.

Click the link below.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ccr.tv4

Email ID: ccrgoame...@gmail.com


Schedule for Friday 22nd March 2024


12:00 AM

Rosary - Sorrowful Mysteries


12:27 AM

Pope's Intercessions


12:30 AM

Learning Konkani - 10 - Fr Pratap Naik sj


1:00 AM

Mass in Konkani


1:45 AM

You too can be a Saint - Mother Teresa


1:55 AM

Bhokti Lharam- Bhag 7


2:00 AM

Saibinnichi Ruzai - Dukhiche Mister


2:26 AM

Dev Kaklut Korta ani Sontosta - A talk by Orlando D'Souza


3:07 AM

How we got the Bible- Talk by Dr Sarita Nazareth


3:40 AM

Goa String Orchestra - Kala Academy


4:19 AM

Health Matters - Eye Care - Dr Aires Lobo


4:43 AM

Senior Shepherds - Fr Hector Almeida sj intererviewed by Colin Pereira


5:05 AM

Football and Spirituality - Alfwold Silveira


5:29 AM

Career Guidance - Design & Event Management


5:54 AM

Use of Charisms and Intercession - Talk by Sr Elsis Mathew MSMI


6:34 AM

Parish of the Week - Verna 4


6:54 AM

Ask Dr Sweezel - Preferable sitting position at desk jobs


7:00 AM

Praise and Worship led by Domnic Rodrigues


7:30 AM

Hymn - Namo - Fr Glen D'Silva sfx


7:47 AM

Music - Spiritual Music 1 followed by Povitr Atmeak Dispottem Magnnem


8:17 AM

Devachem Utor - Jeremias Avesor 9 -Vachpi Orlando D'Souza


8:28 AM

Vakhann'ni - Talk by Gaurish Naik


9:00 AM

Khursachi Vatt - Br Malvino


9:34 AM

Xinpyentlim Motyam - Bhag 321 - PANY - Fr. Pratap Naik SJ


9:40 AM

Your Sins are Forgiven - Talk by Fr Michael Peters C.PP.S.


10:05 AM

Bhagevont Zuze Vazacho Ters


10:28 AM

Our Father - Spanish


10:30 AM

Heads Held High - GVM's Utkarsh Vidyamandir


10:53 AM

Hymn - Pavitra Hai Prabhu - Savina & Leon Gonsalves


11:00 AM

Wireless Ministry - Talk by Fr. Solomon Rodrigues


11:20 AM

Lenten Journey - Day 35 - Shirley Gonsalves


11:26 AM

Angelus - English


11:28 AM

Pope's Intercessions


11:30 AM

Mass in English


12:15 PM

Daily Flash/ Jivitacho Prokas


12:18 PM

In Conversation With - Irineu Gonsalves interviewed by Daniel F. de Souza


12:57 PM

Kids Programme Eps 3 - The right way - Table Manners


1:00 PM

Tell me a story - Good Samaritan


1:22 PM

Hymns - Marina English HS -Verna


1:28 PM

Special Prayer over the Sick - Joseph Vaz


1:30 PM

Know your Sarpanch (Nuvem) - Freda D'Sa interviewed by Adv. Mildred Anthony
Mendonca


2:07 PM

Hymn -Come Back My Love - Fr Seville Antao OFM(Cap)


2:10 PM

Talk on Holiness Adv. F.E. Noronha


2:34 PM

My Music Videos - Golden Sunset - Kevin Mendes


2:40 PM

Power of Forgiveness - Talk by Sr Saral


3:00 PM

Divine Mercy Chaplet - English


3:10 PM

Magnnem, Upas, Dhorm Dan - Anthony D'Souza


3:50 PM

Bhokti Lharam- Bhag 6


3:57 PM

Short Reflections for Lent - Episode 2


4:00 PM

Rosary - Sorrowful Mysteries


4:28 PM

Poem - Bhukeleank Jevonn by Sandhya Fernandes


4:30 PM

Senior Citizens Exercises - 14


4:55 PM

Prayer for Healing from Cancer


5:00 PM

Literally Goa - Interview of Shivangi Reja by Alfie


5:28 PM

Prayer to the Holy Trinity - Prof. Nicholas D'Souza


5:30 PM

The Law and You - Right of Arrested Persons - Dr K.S.Rao


5:50 PM

Santam-Bhoktanchim Ladainh


6:00 PM

Mass in Konkani


6:45 PM

Deliverance - Talk by Fr Thamburaj sj


7:10 PM

Bhavartan Jezu Lagim Magum Ya - Fr Joseph Silva


7:30 PM

Saibinnichi Ruzai - Dukhiche Mister


7:57 PM

Aimorechen Magnnem


8:00 PM

Devachem Utor - Jeremias Avesor 10 -Vachpi Orlando D'Souza


8:09 PM

A Saint Speaks


8:10 PM

Personal Prayer - Talk by Kenneth D'Sa


8:38 PM

Catholic Church Understanding of Suicide - a talk by Fr Melito D Costa


8:45 PM

Ratchem Magnem


9:00 PM

Adoration - Fr. Henry Falcao - SJVSRC Old Goa


9:30 PM

Musical Concert - God still loves the world - Divar


10:43 PM

Poem - Avoi by Ana Rodrigues


10:45 PM

Patok - Talk by Orlando D'Souza


11:15 PM

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Vocation Promotion


11:25 PM

Song - He's got the whole world in His hands


11:30 PM

Jezuchea Nimannea Sat Utrancher Niyall - Br Malvino Alfonso OCD


11:58 PM

Gaionancho Jhelo - Bhogos maka - Monica Fernandes


Donations may be made to:

Beneficiary name : CCR GOA MEDIA.

Name of Bank : ICICI Bank

Branch Name: Panaji Branch

RTGS/NEFT Code : ICIC015

Savings Bank Account No : 262401000183

[Goanet-News] Motets... in the Goa of the 16th century and today (article by Deepti Coutinho)

[Frederick Noronha]

Santos Passos & Motets | Tradition of Christian Sacred Music for Lent
March 9, 2016 admin
Pic source: saligaoserenade.com

Lent is a very special time for every Christian faithful. The 40 days
represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation
of satan and preparing to begin his ministry. In the Konkani language,
 Goans commonly use the term ‘korezm’, which is derived from the Portuguese
‘quaresma’, meaning forty – evidently signifying the forty days in
imitation of Christ’s sojourn in the desert. Christians are called to
prepare for this time through prayer, reflection, penance and charitable
works, during Lent.

Goa has a rich tradition of Christian Sacred Music, which helps us to pray
more meaningfully. In Goa during lent, all forms of entertainment would
come to a standstill. The only form of drama was the ‘Santos Passos’,
literally the ‘holy steps’, through which scenes from the passion of Jesus
were depicted using large statues. The Jesuit priest, Gaspar Barzeo, is
said to have introduced these theatrical-type representations in Goa, in
the XVI century. These pious tableaus portraying the Lord’s sufferings were
accompanied by the singing of peculiar Lenten songs, which took on a
special form, known as the ‘motet’. It is interesting to note that Fr.
Barzeo was a close collaborator (assistant) of St. Francis Xavier. Hence,
one cannot rule out the hand of our beloved Gõycho Saib in the ‘santos
passos’ and in the genesis of the Goan ‘motet’. The rendering of these
somber and awe-inspiring chants was inter spaced with reflections on
Christian life and morals in the light of the Scriptures, delivered by a
priest, who usually employed a rhetorical flair. A young member of the
community was trained by the village choir-master (mestre da igreja) to
sing the hymn of ‘Veronica’.

IMG-20160307-WA0003
A Young Girl (Ms. Ruchita Gomes) performing the hymn ‘Veronica’

It is important to note that the Goan motet is quite different in style,
rhythm and harmony from the motet found in other parts of the Catholic
world. Some musicologists have opined that the Goan motet, developed by
native composers, was the result of a fusion of Western and Eastern musical
elements. These motets are unique pieces of Goan Catholic sacred music, and
can be considered as a fine example of inculturation of Catholic sacred
music in Goa. Originally, they were sung by men alone, in a four voice
arrangement. It is to be recalled that till the middle of the XX century,
singing in the Church was the prerogative of men. The voice which sang the
uppermost notes was called Tiple, followed by the Alto voice (equally high,
but lower than the Tiple), then the Tenor and finally the Bass voice. While
males are known to sing the Alto, Tenor and Bass voices even today, it is
rather interesting to imagine how the Tiple was sung. Either the Tiple
singers had very high and fine voices (rather girlish in timbre) like the
“sopranist” voices still sung by some in Europe, or they were castrated
males, or they used the “falsetto”. The third option appears to be the most
plausible.

The instruments used to accompany these sacred chants were carefully
chosen: two violins, two clarinets and one rabecão (three stringed
double-bass).

Goan motets are indigenous musical compositions of quite high standard,
produced by native Goan mestris. The text was biblical and was usually a
very short phrase from the passion narrative. . This method can be said to
be similar to the Benedictine monastic method of meditation, or even quite
near to the Indian mantra-type prayer.

In the present day, only a few parishes in Goa still preserve the tradition
of motet singing, in the traditional style. It is a pity that we are
gradually losing something that is ours! The tradition of Motet is much
older than even Mando- Dulpodam. Hopefully , our present generation helps
awakening their parishes to put talents together and to produce edifying
and rich music for Lent, in their own parishes.

A Lentern Choir Group led by Preethi Coutinho
A Lentern Choir Group led by Ms. Preethi Coutinho

About The Author: Ms. Deepti Coutinho: An active parishioner of St.Michael
Church, Orlim. A violinist and choir member of St. Micheal’s Choir, Orlim
and Santa Cecilia Choir, Rachol. She is currently working with Syndicate
Bank in Goa.
https://goaroots.com/santos-passos-motet-tradition-of-christian-sacred-music-for-lent/#google_vignette

* * *
At the Saligao zhor at Arrarim, the spring at the foothills of the village
boundary hillock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1e_0Rs7i88
--

FN * +91-9822122436 * 784 Saligao 403511 Bardez Goa

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Join a discussion on Goa-related
issues by posting your comments
on this or other issues via email
to goa...@goanet.org
See archives at
http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

[Goanet-News] Meet royal who dated Lata Mangeshkar, ace cricketer, fought family to marry her, both stayed single lifelong when...

[Frederick Noronha]

https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-meet-royal-for-whom-lata-mangeshkar-stayed-single-lifelong-raj-singh-dungarpur-bcci-president-romance-ended-3077073
-- 

FN * +91-9822122436 * 784 Saligao 403511 Bardez Goa

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Join a discussion on Goa-related
issues by posting your comments
on this or other issues via email
to goa...@goanet.org
See archives at
http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

[Goanet] Motets... in the Goa of the 16th century and today (article by Deepti Coutinho)

[Frederick Noronha]

Santos Passos & Motets | Tradition of Christian Sacred Music for Lent
March 9, 2016 admin
Pic source: saligaoserenade.com

Lent is a very special time for every Christian faithful. The 40 days
represent the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation
of satan and preparing to begin his ministry. In the Konkani language,
 Goans commonly use the term ‘korezm’, which is derived from the Portuguese
‘quaresma’, meaning forty – evidently signifying the forty days in
imitation of Christ’s sojourn in the desert. Christians are called to
prepare for this time through prayer, reflection, penance and charitable
works, during Lent.

Goa has a rich tradition of Christian Sacred Music, which helps us to pray
more meaningfully. In Goa during lent, all forms of entertainment would
come to a standstill. The only form of drama was the ‘Santos Passos’,
literally the ‘holy steps’, through which scenes from the passion of Jesus
were depicted using large statues. The Jesuit priest, Gaspar Barzeo, is
said to have introduced these theatrical-type representations in Goa, in
the XVI century. These pious tableaus portraying the Lord’s sufferings were
accompanied by the singing of peculiar Lenten songs, which took on a
special form, known as the ‘motet’. It is interesting to note that Fr.
Barzeo was a close collaborator (assistant) of St. Francis Xavier. Hence,
one cannot rule out the hand of our beloved Gõycho Saib in the ‘santos
passos’ and in the genesis of the Goan ‘motet’. The rendering of these
somber and awe-inspiring chants was inter spaced with reflections on
Christian life and morals in the light of the Scriptures, delivered by a
priest, who usually employed a rhetorical flair. A young member of the
community was trained by the village choir-master (mestre da igreja) to
sing the hymn of ‘Veronica’.

IMG-20160307-WA0003
A Young Girl (Ms. Ruchita Gomes) performing the hymn ‘Veronica’

It is important to note that the Goan motet is quite different in style,
rhythm and harmony from the motet found in other parts of the Catholic
world. Some musicologists have opined that the Goan motet, developed by
native composers, was the result of a fusion of Western and Eastern musical
elements. These motets are unique pieces of Goan Catholic sacred music, and
can be considered as a fine example of inculturation of Catholic sacred
music in Goa. Originally, they were sung by men alone, in a four voice
arrangement. It is to be recalled that till the middle of the XX century,
singing in the Church was the prerogative of men. The voice which sang the
uppermost notes was called Tiple, followed by the Alto voice (equally high,
but lower than the Tiple), then the Tenor and finally the Bass voice. While
males are known to sing the Alto, Tenor and Bass voices even today, it is
rather interesting to imagine how the Tiple was sung. Either the Tiple
singers had very high and fine voices (rather girlish in timbre) like the
“sopranist” voices still sung by some in Europe, or they were castrated
males, or they used the “falsetto”. The third option appears to be the most
plausible.

The instruments used to accompany these sacred chants were carefully
chosen: two violins, two clarinets and one rabecão (three stringed
double-bass).

Goan motets are indigenous musical compositions of quite high standard,
produced by native Goan mestris. The text was biblical and was usually a
very short phrase from the passion narrative. . This method can be said to
be similar to the Benedictine monastic method of meditation, or even quite
near to the Indian mantra-type prayer.

In the present day, only a few parishes in Goa still preserve the tradition
of motet singing, in the traditional style. It is a pity that we are
gradually losing something that is ours! The tradition of Motet is much
older than even Mando- Dulpodam. Hopefully , our present generation helps
awakening their parishes to put talents together and to produce edifying
and rich music for Lent, in their own parishes.

A Lentern Choir Group led by Preethi Coutinho
A Lentern Choir Group led by Ms. Preethi Coutinho

About The Author: Ms. Deepti Coutinho: An active parishioner of St.Michael
Church, Orlim. A violinist and choir member of St. Micheal’s Choir, Orlim
and Santa Cecilia Choir, Rachol. She is currently working with Syndicate
Bank in Goa.
https://goaroots.com/santos-passos-motet-tradition-of-christian-sacred-music-for-lent/#google_vignette

* * *
At the Saligao zhor at Arrarim, the spring at the foothills of the village
boundary hillock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1e_0Rs7i88
--

FN * +91-9822122436 * 784 Saligao 403511 Bardez Goa

[Goanet] Extravagant pre wedding event of Ambanis

[Nelson Lopes]

Extravagant  pre wedding event by Ambanis

The event of Anant and Rhadika has raised eyebrows. Every Indian does
celebrate his  ocassion lavishly according to his means. No one thinks of
less unfortunate  Bretheren to share a part of it.Everyone can controll
ostentatious  expenditure but it is best left to the indivudual  Has
Ambanis  accumulated ill-gotten wealth?  Do they not have  the right and
freedom  to celebrate in a grand manner. Remember the wedding of Charles
and Diana at public expense? Narayan Murti celebration of their wedding was
at a different level,  wherein they thought of differently.  It  does not
mean that everybody should follow  their example. Consider the costs of RAM
temple,  Sardar Valabai statue, Parliament vistas projects that could have
ameliorated  the conditions of needy.Many a Govt  celebrations etc are best
avoided  and put to better use  Imagine the self given privileges of
legislators in comparison with average Indian .It is legitimate and just .
OUR ministers and politicians splurge money in their celebrations far
beyond their means.   The wealth generated by politicians within a short
time in public office is envy of Industrialists, businessmen,who slog to
create  wealth.Everyone can control ostentious expenditure but don't do
it.Those who prescribe to Ambanis must first look inwards and apply these
formulae to themselves. Besides the expenditure helps many others to
benefit by providing those services  and facilities Avoid looking at
Ambanis with blinkered glasses  and pass moral judgements.
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim.



Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com


Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com

[Goanet] Extravagant pre wedding event by Ambanis

[Nelson Lopes]

Extravagant  pre wedding event by Ambanis

The event of Anant and Rhadika has raised eyebrows. Every Indian does
celebrate his  ocassion lavishly according to his means. No one thinks of
less unfortunate  Bretheren to share a part of it.Everyone can controll
ostentatious  expenditure but it is best left to the indivudual  Has
Ambanis  accumulated ill-gotten wealth?  Do they not have  the right and
freedom  to celebrate in a grand manner. Remember the wedding of Charles
and Diana at public expense? Narayan Murti celebration of their wedding was
at a different level,  wherein they thought of differently.  It  does not
mean that everybody should follow  their example. Consider the costs of RAM
temple,  Sardar Valabai statue, Parliament vistas projects that could have
ameliorated  the conditions of needy.Many a Govt  celebrations etc are best
avoided  and put to better use  Imagine the self given privileges of
legislators in comparison with average Indian .It is legitimate and just .
OUR ministers and politicians splurge money in their celebrations far
beyond their means.   The wealth generated by politicians within a short
time in public office is envy of Industrialists, businessmen,who slog to
create  wealth.Everyone can control ostentious expenditure but don't do
it.Those who prescribe to Ambanis must first look inwards and apply these
formulae to themselves. Besides the expenditure helps many others to
benefit by providing those services  and facilities Avoid looking at
Ambanis with blinkered glasses  and pass moral judgements.
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim.



Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com


Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com

[Goanet] Hidden Harvest: Human Rights and Environmental Abuses in India’s Shrimp Industry

[Dr. Vivek Pinto]

>"The current system of farmed shrimp production is not sustainable – not
for workers, the environment, or – ultimately – for retailers, wholesalers,
or consumers. The Indian shrimp sector is rife with discrimination,
dangerous working conditions, hazardous child labor, sexual harassment,
debt bondage, threats and intimidation, toxic sewage, false and misleading
certification schemes, and a general lack of oversight."

>"Rather than continue down a road littered with exploitation,
discrimination, and forced labor, companies – and governments – have the
opportunity and the duty to act now. There is no time to waste in treating
workers with respect and addressing the substantial threats to the
environment presented by the Indian shrimp sector."
-

Source
https://corpaccountabilitylab.org/hidden-harvest
*Click on the link for Full report, Executive Summary and Press release*

Hidden Harvest: Human Rights and Environmental Abuses in India’s Shrimp
Industry — Corporate Accountability Lab
--

This report is the culmination of three years of research and
investigations into the Indian shrimp sector, examining evidence of forced
labor, living and working conditions for shrimp supply chain workers,
environmental impacts of the industry, and the failure of social auditing
certification schemes that purport to to ensure that the shrimp sold with
their imprimatur were ethically and sustainably produced.

The current system of farmed shrimp production is not sustainable – not for
workers, the environment, or – ultimately – for retailers, wholesalers, or
consumers. The Indian shrimp sector is rife with discrimination, dangerous
working conditions, hazardous child labor, sexual harassment, debt bondage,
threats and intimidation, toxic sewage, false and misleading certification
schemes, and a general lack of oversight.

Rather than continue down a road littered with exploitation,
discrimination, and forced labor, companies – and governments – have the
opportunity and the duty to act now. There is no time to waste in treating
workers with respect and addressing the substantial threats to the
environment presented by the Indian shrimp sector.

[Goanet] Change political parties by rotation

[Nelson Lopes]

Change parties every election
Wisdom is to change political parties, that alone ensures transparency  and
purity. The elected party has either delivered or not delivered and voters
are under ono obligation to extend term with more attractive  promises.
CORRUPTION erupts when party gets entrenched . Consider the price rise of
all common commodities of daily use, unemployment, Women reservation bill,
CCA, crimes against women, selective persecution of citizens, division of
citizens on religious basis, hatred and intolerance, degrading democracy by
fear of threats, poaching by incentives, breaking up democratic parties,
personal attacks on critical politicians et all
Building of monuments  does not raise the standards of citizens  Think
wisely and always vote to change irrespective of promises fulfilled or
not.That way the parties arekept on their toes and prevented on making it
at career  The wealth emassed by politicians is envy of entrepreneurs,
Industrialists. The privileges enjoyed have no comparison to average
Indians  Think carefully and vote wisely
Nelson Lopes Chinchinm

Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com


Nelson Lopes
Chinchinim
https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com

[Goanet] Only seven countries met WHO air standards in 2023, report says

[Dr. Vivek Pinto]

>"Only seven countries and three territories last year met World Health
Organization pollution guidelines for fine particulate matter, the most
risky form  of
pollution to human health."

>"A report  published Tuesday
by the Swiss company IQAir looked at fine particular matter pollution (also
known as PM 2.5) data collected by more than 30,000 ground-level air
quality monitoring stations across 134 countries last year."

>"Long- and short-term exposure to PM 2.5 is associated with heart attacks,
asthma attacks and premature death, the EPA said
,
noting that communities of color and populations with lower socioeconomic
statuses were at elevated risk. Air pollution has also been linked

 to signs of Alzheimer’s disease found in brain tissue, as well as several
eye-related ailments
,
such as cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis and age-related macular
degeneration."

>"Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized stricter
standards
for
fine particulate matter, lowering the annual standard from 12 micrograms
per cubic meter to 9 micrograms, a move it said reflects 'new science on
harms caused by particle pollution.'”

>"According to IQAir report, Bangladesh, Pakistan

and
India had the highest annual averages for fine particulate matter
pollution, with Bangladesh’s PM 2.5 levels averaging more than 15 times
higher in 2023 than the WHO’s recommended threshold."

>"A 2022 study

published
in the Lancet Planetary Health journal estimated that pollution was
responsible for about 9 million premature deaths annually between 2015 and
2019, or 1 in 6 deaths worldwide. More than 90 percent of those deaths
occurred in low- and middle-income countries, it said.


The study also estimated that deaths caused by 'modern pollution risks
factors'— the unintended consequences of industrialization and urbanization
— rose more than 66 percent since 2000."


By: Kelly Kasulis Cho
Published in: *The Washington Post*
Date: March 20, 2024


Only seven countries and three territories last year met World Health
Organization pollution guidelines for fine particulate matter, the most
risky form  of
pollution to human health.


A report  published Tuesday by
the Swiss company IQAir looked at fine particular matter pollution (also
known as PM 2.5) data collected by more than 30,000 ground-level air
quality monitoring stations across 134 countries last year.


Of these countries, seven had annual averages within the WHO’s guidelines
of 5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023: Australia, Estonia, Finland,
Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand. French Polynesia, Bermuda and
Puerto Rico also met the guidelines.


The United States ranked as the 33rd least polluted country, according to
the report, with an average annual PM2.5 concentration of 9.1 micrograms
per cubic meter. Columbus, Ohio, was the most polluted major U.S. city and
Las Vegas was the least.


Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized stricter
standards
for
fine particulate matter, lowering the annual standard from 12 micrograms
per cubic meter to 9 micrograms, a move it said reflects “new science on
harms caused by particle pollution.”


Long- and short-term exposure to PM 2.5 is associated with heart attacks,
asthma attacks and premature death, the EPA said
,
noting that communities of color and populations with lower socioeconomic
statuses were at elevated risk. Air pollution has also been linked

to
signs of Alzheimer’s disease found in brain tissue, as well as several
eye-related ailments
,
such as cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis and age-related macular
degeneration.


“PM 2.5 penetrates every cell of our bodies, from the cells in our skin to
the cells deep in our lung, and even in our brain,” IQAir Global CEO Frank
Hammes said at