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IPM News Today

Picture of the day
Date: 06-26-2020

BOWING DOWN TO PRESSURE FROM BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT, UNILEVER DROPS FAIR FROM FAIR AND LOVELY CREAM

With Black Lives Matter protests being globally endorsed by millions of people and big industry houses, the multi-billion pound company is pushed into a corner to make some changes to its widely popular fairness cream.

In an act that is criticized as lip service, the company chooses to drop the word "fair" but keeps the product intact, making the move look dubious to many. Why is Unilever not getting rid of its product altogether like its competitor Johnson and Johnson which last week announced it would stop sales of skin-lightening lotions from its Neutrogena and Clean & Clear ranges?

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Picture of the day
Picture Credit: India Parent Magazine
Date: 06-25-2020

COSTCO SCRAPS THE HALF-SHEET CAKES IN STORES, NO PLANS TO BRING THEM BACK

In May Costco posted a video on its face book promoting its eight-inch round cakes for graduations and other ceremonies with an addendum that it is has stopped selling to order or to customize its popular half-sheet cakes in stores across the US, Costco confirmed the same to IPM acknowledging that that the half-sheet cakes are not available in any US locations and there are currently "no plans to bring them back."

"You can either buy Costco eight inch white or chocolate cakes," a Costco spokesperson explained over the phone when called for confirmation.

"This is really very sad and disappointing," said Chandra Sekhar of Milpitas. "Costco half sheets are very affordable and so tasty, I hope they will bring it back."

To many, Costco sheet cakes are one of most loved items and seeing them go is heartbreaking.

"It could be because of Covid as there were no celebrations and hence they could not sell many half sheets and so had to make this decision. I expect them to change this decision soon."

While many customers seem worried about their favorite sheet cakes being withdrawn at Costco others expressed concern about the plug being pulled on on their other favorite products in future.

"I would die if they stop selling the $4.99 whole rotisserie chicken. I survive on that," moaned Mike, a frustrated Costco member in San Jose. "They have already discontinued my favorite Pizza type (Combo), and now the sheet cakes. What's next?"

Well, we have to wait and see.
Picture of the day
Date: 06-24-2020

Anushree Banerjee of Dougherty Valley High School Creates the Winning Design for California's Mental Health Awareness License Plate

Source: BeingwellCA

LAFAYETTE, CA
Anushree Banerjee's winning design was selected after a statewide contest held for high school students. The talented high-schooler took her passion for art to create meaningful imagery for the new Mental Health California license plate.

"I wanted a design that clearly included California as part of the solution and was positive about mental health," said Anshuree, a student at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California.

"This license plate has the potential of raising millions of dollars for student mental health which are so desperately needed in the post Covid-19 school environment. And it does it without raising taxes," said Graham Wiseman, CEO of BeingwellCA.

"Wellness Centers with Caring Adults have proven to be a key in early intervention. A 12-year University of Michigan study reported a reduction of youth deaths by 660%! We need these in all schools." (JAMA Psychiatry, Feb, 2019)

California Senator Steven Glazer (7th District) is the author of SB1223 (4COLIN) that authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a specialized license plate for Mental Health Awareness. Funds raised by the Mental Health License Plate will go to the California Department of Education for Mental Health Wellness Centers in California Schools. Due to Covid-19, this bill will carry over to 2021.

About BeingwellCA:
Graham & Caroline Wiseman founded BeingwellCA after the tragic loss of their son to suicide at age 15. With Gail Miller, they are now a leading voice to address the alarming rates of anxiety, depression and suicide ideation in our state. Some districts report depression rates amongst female juniors of 50% with serious suicide ideation of 20% in past year (CalSCHLS, 2018).

Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for ages 10-24 (2017 CDC WISQARS).
BeingwellCA's mission is to reduce anxiety, depression and suicide ideation in our youth. We do this by providing schools, parents, students and communities with tool kits and evidence-based strategies for Wellness Centers to provide mental health immediate support.
Picture of the day
Date: 06-23-2020

PRESIDENT TRUMP TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS A RANGE OF WORK VISAS FOR NON-IMMIGRANTS IN ELECTION YEAR

Trump changes immigration visa norms to protect American jobs - suspends H1B, H4, L1 and J1 visas till the end of the year. Those already in the US are safe and have nothing to worry.

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Picture of the day
Picture courtesy NDTV
Date: 06-22-2020

SATELLITE IMAGES OF JUNE 9TH AND JUNE 16TH SHOWING CHINESE BUILT UP OF VEHICLES IN GALWAN AND HARDENING THEIR POSITION

"Neither British or Nehru ever occupied or possessed Aksai Chin. It was a line on a map and a claim. But Galwan was where our (Indian) men actively and regularly patrolled till last week." -Aakar Patel, writer and columnist based in Bangalore.

P. Chidambaram, former finance Minister of India writes in Indian Express:
"Are India and China at the beginning of a new and contentious era? So it seems. In chapter 1, Chinese troops stealthily intruded a few kilometres into Indian territory - without being detected - and occupied key points in the Galwan Valley, Hot Springs and Pangong Tso. The face-off on May 5-6 brought to light the intrusion. In chapter 2, on the night of June 15-16, Chinese troops clashed with Indian troops leaving 20 men dead on the Indian side; 80 soldiers were injured and 10 were taken prisoner and released on June 18.

"The India-China border - or Line of Actual Control (LAC) - has been simmering since the 1962 war, but this is the first occasion since 1975 when lives were lost. To hold the peace for 45 years was no mean achievement. (Now) ... that tenuous peace has been shattered."
Picture of the day
Picture credit: India Parent Magazine
Date: 06-20-2020

PROTESTS AND REDUCING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

With Black Lives Matter and Juneteenth protests are being attended by hundreds of people in full support, Kaiser Permanente has released a few health measures to be followed to avoid Covid-19.

COVID-19 has been the most significant public health challenge of our lifetime. Over the past few weeks, our attention has turned to another ongoing public health threat-racial inequality. Kaiser Permanente is committed to addressing health inequities in our communities while also keeping each other safe. During this pandemic, if you participate in civic actions and demonstrations, here are steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your community:

  • Go with people you've sheltered with. Keep your distance (at least 6 feet) from others when possible.
  • Wear a mask or cloth face covering over your mouth and nose (How to properly wear a face mask).
  • Wear eye protection.
  • Consider carrying a sign to make your message known.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer during and after the event. Don't share phones or other personal items.
  • Stay home if you're sick.


After the event, self-quarantine at home and follow these guidelines:

  • If you have symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and chills, and/or loss of smell or taste, contact us immediately at 1-866-454-8855.
  • If you don't develop symptoms, we strongly recommend you have a phone or video visit with your doctor 3 to 7 days after the protest call 1-866-454-8855.

  • Please stay safe and take care of yourself and each other.

Picture of the day
Picture Courtesy: The Hill
Date: 06-19-2020

South Asians welcome Supreme Court's decision to protect Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Washington, Jun 19 (PTI) South Asian groups in the US have welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to temporarily protect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that prevents deportation of people who entered the country illegally as children, many of whom are Indians.

The US Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump's effort to end legal protections for nearly 700,000 young immigrants, a stunning rebuke to him in the midst of his re-election campaign.
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Picture of the day
Date: 06-17-2020

14-YEAR-OLD SAN JOSE ARTIST NAMED 2020 GLOBAL CHILD PRODIGY

SAN JOSE, Calif.
KRON4 reports that a soon to be 14-year-old San Jose boy has been named a 2020 Global Child Prodigy, one of only 100 children selected from around the world.

Tyler's FREE art class is on his Instagram every Friday at noon. This young talent turns 14 June 24.
The young talent is a painter who has captured the images of celebrities and athletes but whose more recent work has turned to social issues. Amongst his artwork is also a picture of George Floyd.

You can see the entire interview here by Pam Moore of KRON4
Picture of the day
Picture Courtesy: Sushant Singh Rajput's Instagram Account
Date: 06-15-2020

HINDI FILM ACTOR SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT'S LAST SOCIAL MEDIA POST WAS ABOUT HIS MOTHER

Rajput, 34, was found dead on Sunday, June 14, at his residence, and his suicide raised widespread discussions on mental health and depression. While cause of his suicide is still a matter of investigation, the young actor's demise sent shock waves both in the film industry and amongst his fans.

Rajput's last social media communication has been about his mother, who dies when he was 16-years-old. He wrote many poems dedicated to his memory and this one today reflects closely to what he must have been going through.

This self-made actor, who had no filmy background or Godfather, came up the hard way beginning his struggling acting career with the popular TV daily series Pavithra Rishta. He stole millions of hearts with his charismatic smile and boyish charm.

Picture of the day
Picture Credit: A picture of George Floyd and flowers are set up for a memorial service for Floyd, June 6, 2020, in Raeford, N.C. Ed Clemente/AP
Date: 06-10-2020

"GENTLE GIANT" GEORGE FLOYD WAS LAID TO REST IN A LARGELY ATTENDED FUNERAL IN HOUSTON TWO WEEKS AFTER HIS DEATH

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The Stock Exchange, in a historical first, went silent for eight minutes and 46 seconds, which is the length of time former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin bore his knee on Floyd's neck while he cried for release with, "I can't breathe man." This was the longest moment that the Stock Exchange went silent in its 228-year history.

As the coffin went past, two rows of police officers saluted in a humble and respectful gesture.

In related stories, the BuzzFeed News reported that the head of CorssFit Greg Glossman has stepped down after telling staff on a Zoom call, "We're not mourning for George Floyd." In a recording acquired by BuzzFeed News Glossman can also be heard spewing conspiracy theories about Floyd and the corona virus.