PRAYAGRAJ, (Reuters) – The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is being managed with cutting-edge technology to improve safety and crowd control.
With over 400 million people expected to attend, the festival in Prayagraj has become a testing
SAIVA - Breast Cancer Awareness
In a heartfelt initiative, SAIVA volunteers are preparing to create 150 handmade caps for individuals battling breast cancer.
(Continued On Page 04)
ground for innovative solutions aimed at minimizing the risks associated with such a massive congregation.
One of the most significant upgrades this year is the use of facial recognition technology.
(Continued On Page 19)
Expert Tips
Winter can bring plenty of opportunities for cozy gatherings with loved ones and these moments can be bright spots during cold months.
However, spending more time indoors means more chances for respiratory viruses to spread.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses can make people sick enough that they need to go to the doctor or hospital. (Continued On Page 14)
Birthright Citizenship Order
WCI Academy’s Young Cricketers
By Staff Reporter
AUSTIN, Texas — The young cricket players at WCI Academy have continued to perform well at the highest level.
In a breakthrough year of 2024, WCI players – both boys and girls – under the team name Austin Blasters, won five championships.
Their suc- cess has marked them as a ris- ing powerhouse in the increasingly competitive youth cricket scene in the United States.
(Continued On Page 13)
WASHING -
TON, DC – Indian Americans, along with other immigrant communities, have found themselves at the heart of a seismic shift in U.S. immigration policy, following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on January 20, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.”(Continued On Page 18)
Indie Meme
India | Hindi, Panjabi with English Subtitles | 105 mins | DirectorNishtha Jain
Nishtha Jain’s Farming the Revolution is a moving documentary that chronicles India’s farmers’ protests of 2020–2021, one of the largest civil movements in recent history.
It offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of farmers who camped at Delhi’s borders for over a year to resist three controversial agricultural laws, (Continued On Page 18)
India-West News Desk
5 Tips To Outsmart Scammers
Scammers don’t take days off. From phishing emails to package theft, fraudsters and scammers can cost you money. Fortunately, you can stay one step ahead of them with these simple tips to help protect yourself.
1. Strengthen your online security:
Safeguard your accounts by using unique, 12-character passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Avoid using public Wi-Fi, such as free internet connectivity in coffee shops or libraries, where cyber criminals might be lurking to access your information.
Instead, it’s safer to use your phone’s mobile hotspot. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages promising prizes or freebies — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Block and report anything suspicious before delet-
ing it.
And ask your provider what services they offer for safe browsing, such as Safe Browsing from TMobile 5G Home Internet to block malicious links.
2. Donate only to trusted charities: Before making charitable dona-
tions, check online reviews by looking up the organization and “complaint” or “scam,” or use trusted resources like Charity Navigator.
Use a credit card instead of a debit card as they offer stronger fraud protections and don’t give scammers direct access to your bank
account.
3. Use your wireless provider’s scam protection:
Scammers often rely on robocalls and spoofed numbers to make calls look inviting to answer. Most providers have protection from robocalling and spoofing, including T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, which give customers Scam Shield, a free feature that labels scam calls as “Scam Likely.”
These calls can be blocked by dialing #662# or turning on Scam Block in the Scam Shield and TLife apps. Scam Shield blocked 19.8 billion calls in 2023, giving users peace of mind. Lastly, forward suspicious texts to 7726.
4. Monitor deliveries and protect packages:
Mail and package theft happen all
year round, especially as online shopping continues to grow. Track your shipments in real-time using delivery notifications and apps.
Consider installing a smart door camera to monitor activity on your front porch. Many models offer live video feeds and motion detection, sending real-time alerts so you can quickly contact authorities if needed.
5. Stay informed and report suspicious activity:
Stay updated on the latest scams with resources like T-Mobile’s Privacy Center and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you encounter suspicious or fraudulent activity, report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/ complaint and the National Center for Disaster Fraud. By reporting scams, you can help protect others and reduce the spread of fraudulent schemes. (StatePoint)
Why You Should Take A Vacation In Quirky Kentucky
Kentucky’s beautiful scenery, charming culture and fascinating history, attract visitors from far and near. But Kentucky also has some wonderfully quirky attractions to delight vacationers.
Whether you are looking for a roadside attraction, exotic restaurant or a neighborhood brimming with interesting buildings and fascinating people, Kentucky has something fun and unusual to catch your attention and spur the imagination.
For those seeking the weird and wonderful in far western Kentucky, the Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland is a great start.
This family-owned gas station/diner/general store turned eclectic art and pop culture museum is located just off Interstate 24 in Marshall County.
It features an outdoor hillbilly sculpture park and a toy museum with more than 3,000 toys on display.
Near Interstate-65 in Munfordville, is a replica of England’s worldfamous Stonehenge. Kentucky Stonehenge was built by Munfordville native, Chester Fryer, using every rock and boulder that he could find in a nearby valley.
In addition to the incredible replica, the property also features Fryer’s other rock art installations
such as Earth Mysteries, The Garden of Gethsemane, Rock Gardens and Rock Park.
The Red River Gorge Bigfoot Fest is a quirky event drawing enthusiasts from far and wide, and offering a weekend filled with lectures, workshops and exhibits dedicated to the elusive creature.
The event, which takes place in late May in Stanton, invites attendees to learn about Bigfoot sightings, folklore and scientific research. The festival also features live music, food vendors and a chance to connect with fellow believers in the legend of the Sasquatch. Need more Big Foot? Check out the annual Big Foot Festival held every October in Park City.
If you love dioramas and history, the Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville, Kentucky offers a captivating journey through American history, all in miniature.
With over 200 dollhouses and room boxes, the museum showcases a range of meticulously de-
tailed scenes from historical Native American life to modern times. And from bustling city streets to tranquil rural landscapes, each miniature world tells a story.
For visitors of all ages, whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy intricate details, this museum offers a unique and immersive experience.
To build out your quirky Kentucky trip itinerary, pick up a Kentucky Capitals Quest passport and see the Batter Capital and the Beer Cheese Capital—both in Kentucky.
Or explore larger-than-life attractions around the state like the Big Twigs in Muhlenberg County and the Fork in the Road in Franklin on the Great Big KY Adventure. For more information, visit kentuckytourism.com.
If you’ve been dreaming of a vacation packed with one-of-a-kind experiences, put Kentucky and all its weird and wonderful attractions on your 2025 bucket list. (StatePoint)
Navigating The Exciting Journey Of Buying Your First Boat
Navigating the exciting journey of buying a boat requires careful planning. With various costs beyond purchase price, such as maintenance, insurance, storage and unexpected expenses, understanding how to budget for a boat is essential for a smooth sailing experience.
Here to guide you through the process are the experts at Boatmart, a marketplace for buying and selling boats of every shape and size.
Boat Types
First, determine what type of boat will align with your hobbies, lifestyle and budget. From small dinghies to luxury yachts, the spectrum is broad. Factors to consider include:
1. Intended Use. If you’re planning to use your boat for lake fishing, a simple fishing boat will suffice. But if you’re into water sports or ocean cruising, you might need a specialized, more expensive model. Consider your needs and go from there.
2. New vs. Used. While a new boat may require a higher upfront cost, it’s likely to demand less maintenance during the initial years. On the other hand, a used boat may be more affordable, but could potentially necessitate additional upkeep in the long run.
3. Size. Larger boats tend to come with a higher price tag for both the initial purchase and ongoing expenses, such as maintenance, insurance and storage fees. Take these factors into consideration when evaluating the overall costs of ownership.
Upkeep
Just like cars, boats need regular maintenance to preserve your investment. Regular upkeep consists of engine tune-ups, antifouling, cleaning and winterization. Here are some ways to minimize maintenance costs:
1. DIY Upkeep: Simple upkeep and maintenance can be completed by you, if you feel confident enough to tackle those things. However, for more involved tasks, it’s advisable to utilize experts.
2. Regular Care: Regular checkups to spot problems early can help you avoid larger repairs later.
Insurance
Insurance is a big piece of owning a boat. Your choice of coverage will affect the total overall cost of your insurance. Here are some things to consider:
1. Coverage Type: In terms of in-
surance, thirdparty liability could be a good option, as it’s generally less expensive than full coverage. This insurance prevents you from having to pay for any potential accidents or harm caused by your boat.
2. Boat Value: Your boat’s value affects the price of insurance. In general, more expensive boats require more expensive insurance.
3. Boat Use: Use frequency, where you go boating, and the boat’s main location can change the premium. For instance, if you use your boat for low-key lake trips, you might pay less than someone who goes offshore fishing. Understanding these factors helps you choose the correct coverage.
Storage and Transportation
Where you choose to store your boat and how you decide to transport it between bodies of water factor into overall boat ownership
costs. Consider the following:
1. Storage: Keeping your boat at a marina is generally more expensive than keeping it at home, if you live on the water and have a dock.
The cost of marina storage depends on boat size and type, location, and services. Choosing between outdoor or indoor storage can also impact price. Indoor storage is often pricier, due to offering more protection and security.
2. Transportation: Towing your boat? Remember to include the cost of a trailer into your budget, as well as the added cost of vehicle fuel when towing.
Unexpected Costs
Like with any major purchase, setting some money aside for emergencies is key. Unanticipated expenses can include sudden repairs, part replacements and damages from bad weather. A useful guideline is to set aside 10-20% of your boat’s worth each year for these expenses.
To search for boats and to learn more, visit boatmart.com. Purchasing a boat is a thrilling journey. With good planning, you can avoid financial worries and enjoy lifelong memories on the water.
(StatePoint)
Make Breakfast More Manageable
Mornings for many families involve hurried breakfasts and mad dashes out the door.
These Egg Tot Muffins can help take that grab-and-go breakfast to the next level.
High in protein and flavor, they are a good way to get rid of early morning brain fog.
Plus, you can make them ahead of time so all you have to do is pop them in the microwave and enjoy on the go. Find more morning meal inspiration at Culinary.net.
Egg Tot Muffins Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 12 Butter
36 thawed tater tots 10 eggs
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup shredded cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
salt, to taste pepper, to taste
Heat oven to 350 F.
Grease muffin tin with butter. Place three tots in each muffin hole and smash down.
In bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Fill each muffin hole completely with mixture.
Place cookie sheet under muffin tin to contain messes and bake 20-25 minutes. (Family Features)
3 Things To Know About Digital Mortgage Tools
With the increased use of digital tools, the mortgage process looks quite different today than it did for previous generations.
These new technologies can make the home loan process more efficient for both those buying a home and those refinancing their mortgage.
However, it’s important to understand how your information is being used.
To help ensure you’re a savvy loan applicant, Freddie Mac is providing answers to some commonly asked questions about digital mortgage tools:
Why do lenders use digital mortgage tools? Lenders have traditionally relied on printed documentation that requires them to manually review your application before deciding if you qualify for a loan, including for how much and on what terms.
This can be a time-consuming process for both the homebuyer and the lender. Digital mortgage underwriting tools allow lenders to expedite the process by using electronic documents and automation to more efficiently evaluate your loan application.
Freddie Mac research has found that these tools can decrease the loan origination timeline and may also save you money in closing costs.
In addition, the digital tools mortgage lenders use may help you qualify for a loan if
you have a limited credit profile by looking at factors such as your history of on-time rent payments or the amount of money coming into and out of your bank account each month. This helps demonstrate your ability to pay your mortgage each month.
What information will my lender ask for? Not only will the way you provide documentation change, but in some instances the information your lender evaluates will change as well.
For instance, you may be asked to provide access to digital accounts, such as your bank account, instead of providing printed bank statements.
By using digital tools, lenders can get a more detailed view of your finances, which helps them lend to you if you are a harder-to-un-
Government Spending On Babies Is Falling Short, Say Advocates
Ten percent of all U.S. children did not have enough food to keep them healthy in 2022.
In the same year, the infant mortality rate increased for the first time in two decades and the rate of child poverty more than doubled.
At a time when children need increased support to prosper, a new analysis of government spending in 2024 indicates that funding for programs benefitting the youngest Americans – those below the age of 3 – is falling short.
“Babies in the Budget 2024” provides a comprehensive analysis of the share of spending allocated to children ages 0–3 across more than 150 government programs in the federal budget.
Published by the bipartisan advocacy organization First Focus on Children, the analysis finds that for the third straight year, the share of federal spending on children ages 0-3 declined, from just 1.98% in fiscal year 2021 to 1.52% in 2024.
On top of that, the small increase in dollars these programs received failed to keep up with inflation, ensuring that support for the nation’s youngest children lags behind the estimated average rise in the cost of living for families.
According to advocates with First Focus on Children and the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), President Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget presents an opportunity to turn the tide. (Continued On Page 07)
Specific requirements may vary by lender — some may prefer a fully-digital process while others may use a combination of printed and electronic documents. Talk to your lender to get a better understanding of their loan application process.
What if I’m not comfortable providing my information? Though your lender will have a more detailed look at your finances through a fully-digital process, keep in mind that digital documents often provide a higher level of security than printed documents.
If you still prefer not to share digital access to your personal information, your lender should understand your concerns and be willing to work with you on an alternative solution.
If not, you can find a different lender who is willing to accommodate a loan application process that is not digital.
In either scenario, you should always take steps to ensure your personal information is protected and remain vigilant against potential fraud.
You can help mitigate your risk of fraud and identity theft by researching lenders and working only with reputable companies that take steps to protect their customers’ information.
Learn more about the mortgage application process with Freddie Mac’s step-bystep guides to homebuying and refinancing, which are available at myhome.freddiemac. com.
As the housing finance industry continues to modernize, you can expect a faster, easier home loan process. Staying knowledgeable about these new tools can ensure there are no surprises when it comes time to secure a loan. (StatePoint)
SAIVA - Breast Cancer Awareness
(Continued From Page 01) The caps, designed to provide comfort and warmth to those undergoing chemotherapy, are part of SAIVA’s ongoing efforts to support the local community during difficult times.
Chemotherapy often leads to hair loss, leaving many patients searching for ways to feel more comfortable and confident. These handmade caps will not only offer a physical layer of protection but also serve as a reminder to patients that they are supported by a community that cares.
The project is expected to make a meaning-
ful difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer, providing both practical and emotional relief. The volunteers are currently in the preparation phase, organizing materials and setting up the production process. Once complete, the 150 caps will be distributed in care packages for individuals undergoing treatment through one of our partners in San Antonio.
This initiative underscores the power of volunteerism, as members of the community come together to make a tangible impact. SAIVA encourages others to get involved and help make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. This special mission is just one example of how SAIVA continues to make a positive impact in the community, and the organization looks forward to completing the caps and sharing them with those in need.
The project serves as a reminder of the strength of community and the importance of supporting one another. To get involved, please visit saiva.org.
derwrite buyer.
Navigating Your Finances During A Presidential Transition
It’s common to wonder how a new presidential administration will impact your wallet. As policies and regulations change, many people are left questioning what it means for their money.
According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, here’s how to safely navigate your finances during a presidential transition:
Take market coverage with a grain of salt: Media headlines might feel overwhelming, but it’s wise to avoid making big investment decisions based solely on the 24-hour news cycle.
Unlike what you may hear, U.S. market growth and resilience have historically remained steady regardless of the political climate. For investment planning and advice, always rely on trusted resources, such as the insights of your financial advisor.
Focus on fundamentals: Market volatility
around election cycles is historically shortlived, so now is not the time to try to game the system, fully revamp your portfolio or reverse course on your long-term investment strategy. As always, you should stay focused on sound investment principles, like diversification and compound interest.
Examine your tax strategy: Consider whether your tax strategy will need tweaking in light of laws ushered in by the new administration. Whether it is your capital gains taxes or your small business taxes, new regulations can impact what you pay. Your financial advisor can help ensure you continue to maxi-
mize every dollar you earn.
Take a look at your savings: Policies coming out of Washington could affect healthcare costs, energy prices, Social Security income and other factors that impact your overall financial picture.
Work with a CFP® professional to create a holistic financial plan that is both tailored to your needs and adaptable to change.
To find a CFP® professional that will work in your best interests throughout this presidential administration and beyond, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.
Navigating your finances during a presidential transition can feel tricky but with a big-picture mentality and the partnership of a qualified financial advisor, you can meet your financial goals. (StatePoint)
How To Use Color To Be More Productive And Creative
For many people, the start of a new year is the time to get serious about projects large and small.
But if you’re struggling to buckle down, or you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, you may be surprised to learn that by leaning into color and the science behind it, you can hack your way to a more productive and creative 2025.
Studies have shown that colors can have a powerful effect on the mind and body, impacting the way we feel and think. In fact, certain colors can do everything from lowering your heart rate to improving your memory. There are many ways to harness the power of color science, from painting the walls of your home office and adding plants into your workspaces, to even selecting your writing tools wisely.
When it comes to boosting your productivity and creativity, here’s how to harness the power of color science for writing:
Unleash Your Creativity
Did you know that Purple is a powerhouse for creative thinking? Reach for a lighter shade when you need a fresh idea for this year’s school fundraiser or you’re meeting with your work teammates for a crucial brainstorming session. Want to add some
drama or personality to your next presentation? Darker shades of purple have an aura of luxury, mystery and sophistication, and can be used strategically in presentations and hand-written communications to project these qualities in your work and ideas.
Stuck on a seemingly unsolvable problem? Lighter shades of purple are known to help break through writer’s block and open a
world of possibilities.
Reach for the G2 Purple Creativity pack to help you whenever you need a flash of inspiration. Comprised of purple hues, use this color pack to fuel your creative spark when making visual art, writing poetry or composing music, or whenever you simply need to unleash your inner visionary.
Unlock Your Productivity
Blue is a strong choice for generating ideas and evoking peace, making it a helpful color to employ when you need to stay cool and confident in the face of a challenge. The G2 Blue Productivity pack features curated hues of blue to give you an arsenal of tools to work with for tackling different tasks.
Lighter shades of blue can help you hone in on the details, so if you’re balancing your household budget, making your daily to-do list, or proofreading your work, use a light blue pen to do it. Because darker blues aid in problem-solving under pressure, you can lean into these shades for tasks like delivering a wrap-up report to your supervisor on a deadline, working out an equation during a timed test, or taking notes during a call.
Color science can also help you in other areas of your life. That’s the idea behind the new G2 Boost Collection from Pilot Pen. Each pack of pens is offered in a range of hues within one color family to keep your projects organized, and is designed to fuel your writing, self-empowerment and selfexpression.
Shades of green can be used for achieving more inner balance, while pinks can be used for adopting a more optimistic mindset. To learn more about reaching your goals with writing tools, visit powertothepen.com/g2boost.
Whether you’re a visionary who has trouble getting started, or you’re raring to go but just need a great idea, color science and the right writing tools can help you amplify your innate talents, harness new skills, and maximize your mindset to unlock your potential. (StatePoint)
Gen-Z Is Guiding The Retail Revolution. Here’s What To Know
Customer expectations continue to evolve at breakneck speed, and 2025 is likely to usher in further changes to brick-and-mortar stores as retailers compete for shoppers’ attention.
With Gen-Z’s spending power projected to reach $12 trillion by 2030—according to Nielsen IQ— industry experts say that they’re leading the retail revolution.
“Gen-Z are digital natives, fiercely value-driven, and accustomed to on-demand, personalized experiences.
As such, shoppers can expect retailers to dive into new technologies as they strive to deliver innovative experiences that are as seamless and personalized as they are meaningful in the new year,” says Christa Anz, global marketing director at Sensormatic Solutions, a leading global retail solutions provider.
According to Sensormatic Solutions data, experience and convenience remain top factors in consumer purchasing decisions among all generations, with crowds and lines (53%), out-of-stocks (46%) and long waits for pickups (29%)
Unleash Your Creativity In The Kitchen And Eat Healthier In The New Year
Eating healthier in the New Year doesn’t have to be boring, according to chefs, fitness experts and dietitians.
Here’s how to unleash your creativity to ensure your meals and snacks satisfy your cravings:
Go bold: Don’t equate healthy eating with blandness. Instead, add big, bold flavor to meals using herbs, spices, and tangy add-ins, such as vinegar and citrus.
Not only will doing so help keep you satisfied, some of these ingredients even have powerful health benefits.
Be willing to learn: If culinary experimentation intimidates you, consider taking a cooking class to gain confidence in the kitchen. Classes are offered at every level and focus on different cuisines and techniques, making it possible to find a course that suits your needs and interests.
If you can’t find the right in-person class or your time or budget are tight, check out the wealth of free cooking instruction available online and on social media channels like YouTube and Instagram.
Focus on protein: Make sure all of your meals and snacks are rich
in lean protein. This macronutrient is an essential component of a healthy body and can help you feel full for longer. Fortunately, there are flavorful protein options that are also convenient and practical, such as StarKist’s Creations Protein Pouches.
From tangy and sweet to spicy and savory, these pouches include Tuna Creations, Chicken Creations, Salmon Creations and the newly launched Beef Creations, and are the ultimate canvas for flavor experimentation.
Each fully-cooked, ready-to-eat pouch packs 8-17 grams of protein per serving and comes in over 20 unique flavors, including favorites like Honey BBQ, Bacon Ranch, Hot Buffalo, Thai Chili Style and Zesty Lemon Pepper and more.
Mix it up: Avoid dietary ruts. To keep things interesting try new recipes using different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Here to encourage you to think bold and go big in the kitchen in 2025 is StarKist. The StarKist Mashup is open for entries from Jan. 22 to Feb. 18. The challenge invites you to:
1. Create an original recipe using two or more StarKist Creations
Pouches and at least one additional ingredient.
2. Name the dish to capture its unique fusion of flavors.
3. Share the name of the dish, specifying which StarKist Creations Pouch flavors were used, with a photo, drawing, painting or video on Instagram, tagging @StarKistCharlie and using the hashtag #StarKistMashupContest.
Every mashup you make is another chance to win the grand prize: a round trip for two to the 2025 Austin Food & Wine Festival or other cash prizes. The top 10 finalist recipes will be showcased on the StarKist Mashup Challenge website, where fans can vote for their favorites between Feb. 26 and Mar. 13.
Every vote enters fans for a chance to win $1,000 and a year’s supply of StarKist Creations Pouches. For official rules, visit StarKistMashupChallenge.com. For more nutritious, protein-rich recipes and products, visit StarKist.com. You don’t have to be a top chef to create dishes that are anything but ordinary. This new year, step outside your comfort zone, experiment, and have a blast discovering new possibilities in the kitchen. (StatePoint)
making the implementation of this technology a win-win.
Another rising trend is retail media. P2PI predicts that in 2025, retail media advertising spend will surpass linear TV spend.
Despite their popularity, most consumers are unaware of how retail media networks impact their shopping experiences and improve their interactions with brands.
Fortunately, the foundation for improvements has been laid. Retailers are employing emerging technology to meet these desires, and consumers will soon start to see the benefits.
For example, solutions that draw on organizational data to provide predictive analytic insights can help retailers get ahead of disruptions to ensure customer service issues are addressed proactively and resolved quickly.
Meanwhile, the same types of data can be used to enhance personalization and gamification in retail apps, websites and loyalty programs, making them simpler and more satisfying for shoppers to use.
Technology and personalization efforts will also help ensure customers get the products they want, right when they want them. RFID-enhanced inventory tracking will improve in-store pickup, and end-to-end supply chain digitalization efforts will help retailers and manufacturers address material shortages, severe weather and other challenges expected in 2025.
Additionally, shoppers can expect to be connected with products they need—and those they don’t yet know they need— thanks to the ubiquity of data retailers now have access to and refinements in the way businesses use that information to personalize offers.
According to “Frontiers in Psychology,” personalization efforts boost loyalty in 68% of customers,
Using in-store and online data to create omnichannel customer and demographic profiles, retail media networks help stores adjust inventory tactics, promotions, displays and more to reflect the preferences of their customers.
On the security side of the equation, Sensormatic Solutions notes that the impact that loss prevention and safety measures will have on customers will likely wane this year.
This shift comes as more retailers adopt a smart hybrid approach, with a focus on balancing safety and satisfaction.
The combination of physical deterrents and item- or category-level inventory data allows retailers to protect the most at-risk parts of the store (and the people in them) without adding unnecessary friction elsewhere.
Finally, market pressures will continue to guide retailers. As 2025 unfolds, private-label products are expected to gain popularity, appealing to shoppers looking to save and retailers looking to boost revenue.
For more insights into the 2025 shopping landscape, visit sensormatic.com.
“The preferences of Gen Z are a reflection of where the industry is at this moment; listening to Gen Z’s needs will help retailers improve both their own operations and the ways they interact with shoppers,” says Anz. (StatePoint)
cited as shoppers’ top pain points.
Government Spending On Babies Is Falling Short, Say Advocates
(Continued From Page 04)
The president recommends increasing total spending on babies
by $36.8 billion and significantly expanding the Child Tax Credit to reach low-income children currently left behind because
their parents earn too little.
These changes would increase the money available for babies by
almost $28 billion in fiscal year 2025 — an inflation-adjusted increase of 630%.
The budget proposal would also make vital investments in child care, housing, paid family and medical leave, mental health, nutrition and other areas that impact babies, toddlers and their families.
“Building a healthy, prosperous, and equitable upbringing for our babies translates directly to a healthy, prosperous, and equitable future for our country.
Funding choices are just that – choices. And Congress and the Administration have the power to choose to support the well-being of children,” says Bruce Lesley, president
of First Focus on Children.
To view the full report and to learn more, visit firstfocus.org.
“Our country can and must do more to make life better for babies, toddlers and families,” said Jennifer Harris, senior health policy advocate for Alabama Arise, a member of the NCIT.
“We should strengthen the Child Tax Credit and expand paid leave to help parents make ends meet.
We should invest more in affordable housing and child care to ensure security and stability for our children.
And we must close the Medicaid coverage gap in every state so families can afford the health care they need to thrive. Strengthening these family supports is the cornerstone to ensuring a brighter future for our children and our nation.”
(StatePoint)
Yalamanchili Realtor - Notary Public TREC License #731796 Ph# 678-787-1557
What Parents And Expectant Parents Need To Know About RSV
Each year, as many as 80,000 children younger than 5 are hospitalized due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United States.
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in all infants. New medical advancements however are safeguarding infants and some toddlers at increased risk, and providing hope.
As RSV season ramps up, the American Lung Association is partnering with Sanofi to help educate parents and expectant parents about the symptoms of RSV and the steps they can take to help prevent severe illness.
Here is what they want you to know:
Risk factors: Virtually every child will contract RSV at some point, however those at highest risk for severe illness and complications are:
• Premature newborns
• Babies up to 12 months old, especially if they are 6 months old or younger
• Children younger than 2 who have a
chronic lung disease or heart disease that was present at birth
• Children who have weakened immune systems
• Children who have neuromuscular disorders
New protection: In 2023, two preventive immunization options were recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help protect infants from serious
RSV illness: a preventive RSV antibody for infants and some young children at increased risk, and an RSV vaccine received during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy.
The RSV antibody is recommended from October through March and provides protec-
tion for at least five months after immunization.
The RSV vaccine is recommended from September through January and provides protection for around six months after birth.
Both immunization options are effective in reducing the risk of a baby being hospitalized from RSV, however most infants do not need both. Speak to your physician about the best course of action for your family.
Symptoms: Most people, including infants, develop only mild RSV symptoms similar to that of a common cold, such as congestion, runny nose and a cough.
You should call your healthcare provider if your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough or their symptoms are getting worse.
Age-old wisdom: To prevent RSV infection, families are also encouraged to follow everyday healthy habits like:
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
• Cleaning frequently-touched surfaces
• Staying home when sick and avoiding close contact with others
• Avoiding sharing cups, bottles or toys
To learn more about RSV and illness prevention, visit lung.org/rsv.
“Thanks to new preventive options, you now have multiple opportunities to offer your child safe, effective protection from a dangerous RSV infection,” says Juanita Mora, M.D., national volunteer medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association. (StatePoint)
Cozy Up With Nourishing, Soup-Centered Meals
As the days grow cooler, nothing comforts quite like a warm bowl of soup. Welcome the crisp air by making wholesome, hearty soups the star of your meals.
Ideal for family dinners, quiet nights in, or meal prep for busy weeks, soups are versatile and satisfying, offering a variety of flavors and textures that the whole family will love.
While soup has always been a cool-weather favorite, incorporating it into baked dishes can bring a new twist to classic recipes. By adding seasonal ingredients, protein and hearty grains, you can create balanced, warming meals that feel both familiar and fresh.
Soups not only provide comfort, but they also pack a nutritious punch. Filled with vegetables, legumes and whole grains, they’re a great way to create nourishing dishes that warm both the body and soul.
Amy’s Kitchen, known for its highquality, organic meals and snacks, cooks its soups from scratch—using slow-simmered broths, fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins.
This soup season, Amy’s is introducing five new soups that
can transform any meal into a nutrient-rich delight. Whether you’re savoring a Sunday supper with their Pasta Fagioli, warming up with Vegetable Jambalaya, Dal Makhani, or Gumbo Soup, or whipping up a pot of 3 Bean Vegetable Chili for a football watch party or tailgate, Amy’s soups provide flavorful, wholesome solutions for every occasion.
Want to elevate your soup game?
Try incorporating classic soups into new recipes! Host a cozy soup night or brunch gathering with friends, where everyone brings their favorite twist on traditional soups. Need some inspiration? Here’s a crowd-pleasing recipe to try that pairs cheesy cornbread with flavorful chili:
Chili Topped Cheesy Cornbread
Ingredients:
• 2 corn on the cobs
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup natural yogurt
• 4.6 fluid ounces olive oil
• 1 cup instant polenta
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 bunch green onions, finely sliced
• 3 ounces feta, crumbled
• 1/2 can Amy’s Organic 3 Bean Vegetable Chili
• 1 1/2 ounce mature cheddar, grated
• 1 teaspoon nigella seeds
Directions:
1. Place a large frying pan over high heat and char the whole corn on all sides for 10 minutes, turning regularly until slightly blackened. Remove to a board and cut off all the kernels into a bowl.
2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
F. Grease and line a 10-inch ovenproof skillet pan.
3. Tip the flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt into a bowl and whisk together.
4. In another bowl, mix together the yogurt, oil, polenta, maple syrup and vinegar; whisk until combined.
5. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and fold to combine. Add the green onions, feta and charred corn and stir again.
6. Pour the cornbread mix into the prepared skillet. Add small spoonfuls of Amy’s Organic Spicy Chili on top. Top with grated cheddar and nigella seeds. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until risen and a skewer comes out clean.
7. Enjoy while warm or serve at room temperature. Best eaten that day.
Pro tip: Serve alongside smashed avocado or fresh tomato salsa. Slice the cornbread up, pop into the freezer and when you fancy a slice, simply defrost and reheat in the toaster. (StatePoint)
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Top Scams To Watch Out For This Tax Season
The days of filing paper tax returns are gone, and criminals are taking advantage. With taxpayers managing their sensitive information online, thieves are finding new ways to scam victims. In 2023 alone, the IRS reported $5.5 billion lost to tax fraud schemes. And the increased prevalence of artificial intelligence means tax scams this year will likely be more sophisticated than ever.
Scammers have an arsenal of weapons, but no matter their tactics, the goal is the same – to have you give them money or access to it. Here are scams to look out for this tax season:
Tax avoidance scams. These scams often promise rewards too good to be true. Scammers claim to have specialized knowledge on exploiting loopholes to avoid taxes or maximize returns. High-income filers are heavily targeted through offers of seemingly legitimate annuities or tax shelters.
Refund scams. In this scam, a criminal will claim to be someone official notifying of an unclaimed or incorrectly calculated refund, prompting the victim to share information – and possibly bank account numbers – to claim it.
Violation scams. This is a fearbased scam, where the criminal poses as an IRS official threatening
or access.
Filing support scams. Similar to tech support scams, criminals offer to help create IRS accounts to assist with the online filing process. Frequently posing as tax preparers, scammers will go through the motions of gathering the victim’s personal information for tax forms they never intend to file.
Social media scams. Social media serves as a great place for criminals to find potential victims and carry out tax scams, fraudulently claiming to offer different types of ser-
Recovery scams. Once a victim is scammed, criminals will try to strike again – believing the victim is gullible. Exploiting a time of vulnerability, they’ll contact the victim with promises of helping them recover their losses and will leverage this as an opening to commit additional crimes.
While it is not always easy to pick out a scam, here are indicators to watch for:
• Promise of a big pay-out. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Request for your account
information. The IRS will never ask for your credit or debit account information over the phone.
• Random contact. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first and will never contact via random phone calls or digital means. The IRS will not leave prerecorded, urgent, or threatening voicemails.
• Demands or threats. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status and cannot threaten to immediately bring in local law enforcement. Taxpayers are allowed an appeals process, so any message of “now or else” won’t come from an official channel.
• Request for you to click a weblink. Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.
The IRS recommends these best practices to protect against tax fraud:
• Get an early start. File early so criminals have less time to imper-
sonate you.
• Set up a verified account. Set up your own IRS account before someone else can and use an Identity Protection PIN – a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS.
• Wait for written notice. Do not respond to any supposed communications from the IRS if you haven’t first received official notification through U.S. mail. If you get a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, hang up and call the official number on the website before engaging. Further, never click a link sent digitally as initial contact.
Apply good cyber hygiene. Do not use public Wi-Fi when filing your tax returns. Do use strong passwords, secured network connections and multi-factor authentication. Run all software updates and keep systems current.
If you fall victim to a tax scam, report it to the IRS. For more scam protection tips, visit PNC’s Security & Privacy Center at pnc.com. One wrong click can cause tremendous damage that ends up earning bad guys a windfall.
However, a little caution can go a long way in helping you avoid a costly tax scam. (StatePoint)
Amidst U.S. Immigration Crackdown, India Promises Cooperation
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Deportations of illegal immigrants in the U.S. have begun as part of what the White House described as the “largest massive deportation operation in history.”
The Trump administration announced that deportation flights are underway, with hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals, including gang members and a suspected terrorist, already apprehended.
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, stated on X, “Promises made. Promises kept. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States, you will face severe consequences.”
Amid these developments, India reiterated its opposition to illegal immigration.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi emphasized its commitment to facilitating the return of Indian nationals overstaying or resid-
ing without proper documentation in the U.S. or elsewhere.
“We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organized crime,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on January 24.
Jaiswal assured that India would cooperate in the return of its nationals.
“If documents are shared with us and we can confirm their nationality, we will facilitate their return,” he said.
The spokesperson also highlighted the strength of India-U.S. relations,
calling them “very strong and multifaceted.”
He noted that India remains in close communication with the U.S. administration to address immigration-related concerns.
“Our approach has always been constructive, focusing on mutual interests,” he added.
Additionally, Jaiswal informed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue of visa delays with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his visit to Washington, D.C. (with ANI input)
(Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)
some punitive action, claiming the victim committed a violation and needs to contact them to resolve the situation.
vices or possessing unique knowledge
Protecting Your Child From Illness In Winter Months
Your child has a stuffy nose, cough and fever. Is it the flu? COVID? A common cold? Or are they symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Or another virus known to cause the common cold? There seem to be so many, especially in young children who can have several colds per year.
Viruses can keep your child out of school for days and aren’t cured by antibiotics. Days being sick mean missing activities and time with friends.
One of the best ways to keep everyone healthy is to get vaccinated when you can, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Children spend a lot of time indoors close to others during the winter. It’s easy to share germs when you are playing, especially for younger children who may not be as good at wiping their nose or
washing their hands,” said Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, pediatrician and mom of three.
“It’s not too late to have your child vaccinated for flu and COVID to help keep them from passing and picking up viruses during play. These vaccines help boost the immune system.
It’s sort of like when your phone
updates its software to recognize and resist viruses. This boost helps protect children and the community from severe illness.”
If your child isn’t feeling well and has a fever, stuffy nose, cough, headache or body aches, is throwing up or has diarrhea, it is most likely from a virus.
There are tests for things like the
flu, RSV and other causes of illness. Be sure to call your pediatrician to help sort out if you need testing and if it could be flu, COVID, or a cold.
Ask your pediatrician about the flu vaccine. It is recommended for everyone 6 months and older each year.
Just last year in 2024, nearly 200 U.S. children died of flu-related illness. Eighty-three percent of the children who died from the flu were not vaccinated, making it clear that the flu vaccine helped children avoid getting very sick.
It’s also important to get the updated COVID vaccine. This virus has not gone away, and it still makes kids sick.
In August 2024 during a COVID spike, nearly 6% of emergency department visits for children younger than 5 years old were from COVID, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Lastly, the most common cause of hospitalization in infants under 1 year of age is RSV. Infecting nearly all children at least once by the time they are 2 years old, RSV can be dangerous.
The infection can spread to the lungs and cause serious breathing problems that can’t be managed at home.
Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) immunization is for infants under 8 months of age during RSV season.
It is also for some children age 8 through 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season.
Healthy Children, the parent and caregiver website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, offers more information at healthychildren.org. (StatePoint)
Rebates.
5 Prep Tips To Brace Your Home For The Winter Cold
With temperatures dropping nationwide, it’s essential that your home and yard are prepared to face the challenges freezing temperatures and snowstorms can bring.
Moen, a leader in water experiences, shares five top tips to prep for the cold.
Store and Secure Your Outdoor Living Space
If left unprotected, patio sets, lawn decorations and outdoor equipment can face rusting from water exposure, and breakage from large amounts of snow and ice. To prevent these issues, invest in waterproof patio covers for larger items like tables and grills. Store smaller objects such as chairs, children’s toys, outdoor pillows, planters and decorative signs away in
Protect Pipes
While snow and ice might look magical, that thought quickly fades when pipes burst or spring a leak. When water freezes, it can expand and put pressure on pipes, increasing the chance of them bursting. Having weak or corroded pipes increases this risk. Proactively protect your plumbing through a smart leak detection device, such as the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff.
This innovative product connects directly to the home’s main water line and constantly monitors water flow rate and pressure to identify potential problems.
If an issue is found, like low flow rate or high pressure, which can indicate a frozen pipe, it will alert you in real-time via the smartphone app so you can take action.
It can even be set to automatically turn off the water before damage occurs. As a bonus, some insurance companies offer discounts for installing a smart leak detection device, helping you save money and providing peace of mind.
On top of protecting plumbing with smart leak detection, don’t forget to check on sprinklers and exterior hoses. Properly shut off water supplies to these areas and drain any existing water to eliminate the chance they’ll cause a frozen or burst pipe.
Beat the Chill By Checking Doors and Windows
Properly sealed windows and doors can act as a vital barrier against winter’s harsh conditions. By preventing heat loss and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, proper sealing helps reduce heating and energy costs while enhancing comfort.
Determine where better insulation is needed by feeling around for cold drafts coming in through windows, doors and even unexpected areas like electrical sockets. To block the chill, do easy upgrades like weatherstripping around windows and doors, covering windows entirely with shrink film, adding covers around electrical sockets and using slide-on draft blockers at
door bottoms.
Prep Heating and Alarm Systems
A home’s heating system gets a workout in the colder months. Hire a professional to do a checkup and install a fresh air filter. Getting your furnace in top shape will help maintain a comfortable temperature, keep utility bills steady and help prevent fires. Don’t leave out carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Having functional alarms can be life-saving if a space heater catches fire or there’s a leak from your gas furnace.
Attend to Your Home’s Exterior
Providing a little extra love and care to your home’s exterior and lawn can ease stress. To avoid a roofing collapse or leaks from heavy snowfall, check your roof – or have a professional check it – for any prior damage and address it as soon as possible. Clean out gutters to remove debris buildup and trim tree branches that may pose risks for falling if piled with heavy snow or ice. Don’t forget to take inventory of snow removal tools, and stock up on supplies like snow shovels and salt to be ready for when bad weather hits.
For more information from Moen, visit moen.com.
A comprehensive winterization checklist can be a significant factor in how much wear and tear winter storms cause on the home –and help ensure a stress-free cold weather season. (StatePoint)
All About Nita Ambani’s Custom Jamewar Saree At Washington Dinner
WASHINGTON, DC – Nita Ambani, wife of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, made a striking appearance at a special dinner hosted in honor of President Donald Trump.
Designer Tarun Tahiliani shared the details of Ambani’s stunning Jamewar saree on his official Instagram.
The couture saree, crafted over 1,900 hours, beautifully showcased Indian craftsmanship, blending traditional aari work with intricate French knots.
Paired with a modern tapered-collared blouse, the ensemble exemplified Tahiliani’s signature style, combining classic elements with contemporary tailoring.
“This creation is a refined play between heri-
tage artistry and modern tailoring,” Tahiliani said.
Skilled artisans worked on heritage jamewar shawls, which were hand-painted, printed, and embroidered to achieve the perfect drape and texture, resulting in a stunning piece of wearable art.
Ambani, a longtime patron of Indian heritage textiles, selected this saree as a modern reinterpretation of jamewar, featuring kashidakari
work as a tribute to India’s rich artistic
tions.
To complete the ensemble, she wore a rare 200-year-old Indian pendant, crafted in Southern India.
The parrot-shaped pendant, encrusted with emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and pearls, was set in gold with intricate red and green enamel detailing, adding to her royal appearance.
BHOPAL- The Enemy Property Act, enacted after the 1965 IndoPakistani War, allows the government to take control of properties belonging to individuals who migrated to enemy nations post-Partition.
A 2017 amendment clarified that such properties would remain under government control, regardless of inheritance claims or changes in nationality.
Under this law, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has lifted a 2015 stay on properties linked to the Pataudi family, designating them as “enemy property.”
Valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore, these assets include iconic landmarks such as Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Flag Staff House, and DarUs-Salam.
The case revolves around the descendants of Bhopal’s last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan. His eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950, while his second daughter, Sajida Sultan, stayed in India, married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and became the
legal heir.
Sajida’s grandson, actor Saif Ali Khan, inherited a share of the properties. However, the government argues that Abida Sultan’s migration makes these assets “enemy property.”
While the court had recognized Sajida Sultan as the legal heir in 2019, the recent decision has revived the dispute. The Bhopal administration is now reviewing ownership records spanning 72 years.
It has indicated that residents of these properties might now be treated as tenants under state leasing laws.
This development has caused significant anxiety among approximately 1.5 lakh residents living on these lands.
Many of them, despite paying taxes and residing there for decades, now face the threat of eviction and an uncertain future. (Courtesy: India-West News Desk)
WCI Academy’s Young Cricketers Shine In National Tournaments
(Continued From Page 01)
WCI Academy was founded by Alok Singh, who attributes their remarkable success to a combination of their natural flair to play skillful cricket, effective processes to develop, and most importantly, a strong team culture.
Singh, a Level 4 Elite coach trained by CoachED and mentored by international coach Gary Kirsten, has been instrumental in shaping the academy’s winning formula.
Alongside Singh, multiple other
successful cricketers have been involved in implementing the performance-enhancing process. International players such as Saurabh Netravalkar, Unmukt Chand, Harmeet Singh, Smit Patel, Chaitanya Bishnoi, Josh Tromp, and Matt Tromp have been guiding young players, focusing on refining their technique and enhancing their tactical awareness.
The Austin Blasters’ triumphs in 2024 have not only solidified their standing in youth cricket but have also set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers across the nation. With an emphasis on disciplined training, strategic growth, and expert mentorship, WCI Academy continues to shape the future of cricket in the U.S.
For more information about the team and their upcoming events, visit WCIAcademy.com .
Jumpstart Your Financial Advising Career While You’re Still In College
Are you a college student interested in a career as a financial planner?
You might think you need to wait until you graduate to get started, but there are steps you can take as an undergraduate to jumpstart your career.
A good place to start is by becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Here’s what to know:
CFP® certification has a two-part education requirement: To become a CFP® professional, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and complete coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program.
The good news is that you can work toward both at the same time.
Your college may offer a financial
planning curriculum registered with CFP Board, allowing you to fulfill this requirement by earning your degree.
If your school does not offer this curriculum, you can complete the coursework through a stand-alone program registered with CFP
Board.
There are more than 300 Board Registered Programs to choose from, both online and in person, giving you the flexibility to find a program that meets your needs.
Coursework prepares you for your
future career: The coursework to become a CFP® professional gives you an advantage as a financial planner, covering essential topics that you’ll use daily, like tax planning and risk management.
A capstone course ties it all together, showcasing your ability to create comprehensive financial plans for your future clients.
Support is available: CFP Board offers tools including mentorship opportunities, exam preparation resources and an online forum to connect with other candidates, all to support you on your certification journey. These resources will be especially valuable as you balance your other academic commitments.
You can apply to scholarships: Juggling college tuition on top of additional educational expenses may sound daunting.
Fortunately, scholarships are available to help offset the costs for eligible students.
Much of this financial aid is specifically geared toward candidates from underrepresented populations, including women and people of color.
And once you obtain certification, you’ll be well-positioned to recoup your investment by earning a competitive salary.
To learn more about the CFP® certification journey, visit www.cfp. net.
Embarking on a financial planning career is not a dream you need to defer. In fact, come graduation day, you could already be well on your way to making it happen. (StatePoint)
Expert Tips For Keeping Loved Ones Healthy This Winter
(Continued From Page 01)
“Getting sick from these viruses can happen more often in the winter months,” said Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
“This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the RSV vaccine, are the best way to avoid serious illness so people can spend time with friends and family.”
How Can You Protect Loved Ones?
Millions of people have already gotten vaccinated this fall or winter. In fact, more people are getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu this year compared to this time last year, according to the CDC. Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness.
To help keep your loved ones healthy this winter, offer to take
them to get vaccinated. Make sure they know it’s safe to get more than one vaccine at the same appointment.
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get flu and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, everyone 75 and older – and those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes – should get one dose of an RSV
vaccine if they haven’t before.
Pregnant people who are 32 through 36 weeks pregnant during the winter months should get an RSV vaccine to help protect their baby during the first 6 months. Are Your Loved Ones at High Risk?
According to the CDC, some people face higher risks of getting
very sick from respiratory viruses, including:
• People not up to date on their vaccines: Vaccines cut your risk of needing hospital care for flu or COVID-19 by about half.
In 2023, 90% of adults admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. People who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need to visit a doctor for flu.
• Older people: Most flu, COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations and deaths are in people ages 65 and older.
If you help care for an older friend or loved one, let them know their risk for getting very sick from these viruses – and that vaccines can help protect them from needing to go to the hospital.
• Those who live in long-term care facilities: Respiratory viruses can spread among people in long-term care who may be older or have
4 Tips For A Fresh Start In 2025
Moving from one year to the next is a perfect opportunity to think about the new chapter you want to write for yourself.
It’s a time to celebrate your wins, identify your growth opportunities and define the goals you want to accomplish. This fresh start is an ideal moment to put pen to paper and set your goals for the year.
Writing your goals on paper can increase the likelihood you achieve them. Pick up a journal and your favorite pens and find a comfortable place to sit. Spend a little time thinking about what will bring you the most joy and fulfillment in the coming year.
Utilize the power of color as part of bringing these resolutions to life. Whether you’re resolving to reset mentally or want to get organized, you can achieve more (and have fun doing it) by adding color to your self-mastery toolkit.
Begin setting and achieving your goals with the G2 Boost Collection from Pilot Pen to make this year about your personal growth.
Here are some steps you can take, with the additional assistance of color science, to boost your goalreaching potential.
1.Reflect on last year’s progress –and the goals you didn’t achieve. Write down the goals you achieved last year and those that remained out of reach to give yourself an empowered fresh start.
2. Select your goals and intentions for 2025. Review the goals you didn’t achieve last year. Select and rewrite those you want to carry forward as goals for 2025. Pick up a G2 Boost “Optimism” pack to write these goals in pink. Color science has shown writing with shades of pink can improve focus and calm nervous energy. If the goal you’re carrying forward
is to have a more positive mindset, rewrite it in brighter shades of pink to feel more optimistic about achieving it this year.
You can also spend time journaling about your emotions surrounding this goal in lighter shades of pink to feel soothed and comforted.
3. Map out your action plan. Define the steps you’ll take to achieve your goals using blue shades. Blues can power your forward momentum and critical thinking ability, while also evoking feelings of peace and tranquility, thus making you more productive.
Mapping out your plan in shades of blue can help you visualize the big picture and identify each of the key steps to get it all done. Writing with darker shades of blue may help your decision-making process while lighter shades of blue can help you focus on the details.
4. Practice self-compassion.
health conditions that raise their risk of severe flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Pregnant people: Getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy provides protection against severe illness for you and your baby during their first 6 months.
An RSV vaccine during pregnancy also protects your baby from severe RSV in their first 6 months.
Urge Loved Ones to Get Vaccinated
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are the best way for you – and your friends and family – to risk less and do more of what you enjoy this winter.
Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Visit vaccines.gov to find a nearby pharmacy.
Additional High-Risk Groups
In the U.S., some additional groups of people are at higher risk of respiratory viruses, according to the CDC.
Revisit your goals and action plan monthly. Note your wins and setbacks. Use the shades of green in the G2 Boost “Balance” pack to help nurture yourself and maintain momentum.
The colors of green are associated with nature and evoke feelings of balance and harmony. Greens can be especially beneficial when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Lighter shades of green inspire positive thinking and harmony, while darker shades can boost your memory.
Your blank page awaits – you have the power to create the life you want. Using color can be a powerful tool to help elevate your wellbeing and maximize your mindset as you write your story for the year ahead.
This year, find the colors to help reach your resolutions by visiting amazon.com/pilotpen (Family Features)
• People in rural parts of the country: People who live in rural areas face a higher risk of getting very sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. In these regions, less than half of adults got a flu vaccine last year.
Fewer than 1 in 5 got an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Serious illness can be even more dangerous in rural areas with less available medical care.
• Black and Hispanic people: At the peak of last year’s respiratory virus season, Black people were more likely than white or Hispanic people to be hospitalized for flu, COVID-19 or RSV.
By season’s end, Hispanic people were more likely than non-Hispanic white people to have been hospitalized for flu.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (Family Features)
Leveling The Playing Field For Asian American Women Entrepreneurs
There are over 1.3 million Asian American women-owned businesses today, generating $265.2 billion in revenue and employing 1.4 million people.
That’s according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report, which finds that despite this robust growth and the important contributions these entrepreneurs make to the U.S. economy, systemic racial and genderbased discrimination and barriers put them at a disadvantage.
However, emerging programs and advocacy efforts are helping to level the playing field. Here’s how:
• Capital is the fuel to start and grow businesses, but unfortunately, Asian American women often have a hard time accessing outside financing. In fact, when compared to white-owned businesses, Asianowned businesses are more likely to apply for outside financing and less likely to receive it. Wells Fargo is working to change that. In 2022, the company collaborated with Community Reinvestment Fund,
What Older Adults And Caregivers Need To Know
As the colder winter weather settles in, rates of respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV can rise.
These infections pose higher risks for older adults and can cause severe illness and hospitalization.
“We all like to gather indoors in the winter because of the cold weather,” said Kari Benson, deputy assistant secretary for aging at the Administration for Community Living.
“But those gatherings are easy places for viruses to spread and for older adults to get sick. The good news is there are many ways for older people to lower their risk of serious illness.”
Here are some expert tips for older adults and caregivers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Pan Respiratory Virus Public Education Campaign, Risk Less. Do More.
Get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Compared to 2023, vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 have increased among older adults.
Vaccines are the best protection against serious illness and can cut a person’s risk of being hospitalized for flu or COVID-19 by about half and for RSV by about 70%. Most deaths from flu, COVID-19 and RSV are among people ages 65 and older, and this risk grows with age.
The 2024-25 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for all people ages 6 months and older.
RSV vaccines are recommended for anyone 75 and older as well as those 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in nursing homes. Older adults and caregivers can talk to their doctors about which vaccines are right for them.
Try to avoid people who are sick. If family or friends you are planning to see aren’t feeling well, it’s best to reschedule or move your gettogether outside.
If you must be inside with someone who is sick, wear a mask and ask them if they will wear one, too. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
You can also improve ventilation
by opening doors and windows and using fans. Limit time spent at large, indoor events. Viruses can spread quickly in large crowds, especially indoors.
Spending extended periods in crowded inside spaces – such as large restaurants or concert and sports venues – can be risky, especially if rates of flu, COVID-19 or RSV are high in your community.
Consider skipping these events until rates go down or going to outdoor events instead, if possible. Respiratory viruses can surge during the winter months. However, there are ways to lower your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
To learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV, go to cdc.gov/ RiskLessDoMore or talk to your doctor. Visit vaccines.gov to get started.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (Family Features)
Initiative for Strategic Empowerment, is a national program dedicated to empowering Asian American women in business.
WISE is a collective united to cultivate a future rich with accomplished and confident Pan Asian American women who speak authentically in their own voices, support each other, build their circle of influence, create their financial freedom and give back.
USA to launch the Small Business Resource Navigator, an online portal that enables Wells Fargo bankers to introduce small business owners to potential financing options and technical assistance through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs work to expand economic opportunity by providing access to financial products and services. By visiting www.bizresourcenavigator.com and completing a short questionnaire, small business owners may be connected to CDFIs or business advisory resources in their area.
• Certification as a women-owned and Asian American-owned business opens doors to business development opportunities and is a growth strategy for Asian American women. Many government agencies and corporations have supplier diversity programs.
Wells Fargo is one such corporation that is actively establishing relationships with diverse suppliers. In the past three years, the company spent more than $1.3 billion with certified Asian American suppliers.
• The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (USPAACC) provides innovative programs that educate, train, develop and connect Pan Asian American and diverse entrepreneurs to business and procurement opportunities with corporations, governments, non-profits, and with each other.
USPAACC’s WISE, the Women’s
• National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) provides free resources and tools designed to support AAPI business owners in areas such as business plan development, networking, competitive scaling and more. The organization also provides mentorship opportunities, offering personalized guidance from industry experts to assist in setting and achieving business goals.
• Financial institutions like Wells Fargo are leading efforts to support the Asian community through financial education, college scholarships, small business loans, inlanguage services and support of local and national Asian-focused non-profit institutions and organizations, such as USPAACC and National ACE.
The company also is focused on providing comprehensive financial services and expertise to diverseowned and diverse-led companies by advocating for the programs and partnerships that will help them grow their business.
“With fewer resources, Asian American women-owned businesses are a remarkable blueprint of perseverance, demonstrating growth and resilience in tough times,” says April Schneider, head of Small & Business Banking at Wells Fargo.
“Nevertheless, these businesses face unique hurdles that can be overcome with the support of financial institutions, government agencies and non-profits.” (StatePoint)
Why Financial Planning Is A Career For Giving Back
Financial planning may be a lucrative profession in a growing sector, but it’s also well-suited for those who love helping others.
Here are six reasons why becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional is a great path for those who want to give back.
The profession prioritizes giving back: Seventy-six percent of CFP® professionals believe that pro bono services are important. In fact, being able to help others is why many people report getting into this profession in the first place.
This philanthropic mindset is also reflected in CFP Board’s recommendation that all CFP® professionals provide at least 20 hours of pro bono services each year, as well as the organization’s 2024 goal of increasing the total number of volunteer hours to 100,000.
Resources make it easy: Financial planners who want to offer their services to traditionally underserved communities can access resources to help them in this endeavor, such as the Foundation for Financial Planning’s Pro Bono 101 Course. CFP® professionals can also visit Pro-
BonoPlannerMatch.org and subscribe to CFP Board’s Pro Bono Newsletter, to connect with volunteer opportunities nationwide.
It’s more than just numbers: Financial planning is not just about crunching the numbers; it’s also about building strong relationships. Money management is associated with a mix of emotions, and every client comes to the table with their own histories, biases, beliefs and anxieties.
To truly help people, financial planners must create a supportive, judgment-free environ-
ment, engage in active listening and validate the feelings of their clients. As fiduciaries, CFP® professionals must commit to CFP Board to always act in their clients’ best interests, with honesty, integrity, competence and diligence.
Financial planners can help reduce wealth gaps: A history of housing and banking discrimination in the United States has created a persisting racial wealth gap.
According to a 2021 report by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the average Black and Hispanic
household holds roughly 15-20% as much net wealth as Asian and white American families. Financial planners can help reduce the racial wealth gap by working with diverse clients and seeking to understand how past experiences with financial institutions shape their approach to money management.
Financial planners can help with specialized needs: Many people enter the workforce wanting to help particular groups of people. Whether it’s helping veterans, the elderly, those mourning the loss of loved ones or people living with disabilities, financial planners can tailor their education and training to serve specific populations.
Financial planners can maximize philanthropic efforts: Financial planners have a key responsibility in the world of charitable giving, advising their clients on how to maximize their money to make the biggest impact possible.
To learn more about how financial planning and altruism go hand in hand, visit cfp.net.
Competent, ethical financial advice can have a transformative impact on someone’s life. Financial planners are helping more Americans achieve secure financial futures. (StatePoint)
Exploring The Origins Of An American Statesman
Visiting Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace and early childhood home within the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky, allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the humble beginnings of a man who would go on to lead the nation through its greatest crisis.
Lincoln was born to Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln on February 12, 1809, just south of Hodgenville in a one-room log cabin. The cabin was situated on a hill overlooking a piece of land known as Sinking Spring.
On that hill today is the neo-classical Memorial Building resembling the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It houses a symbolic log cabin—a replica of the one in which Lincoln was born.
The Memorial Building features 16 windows, 16 ceiling rosettes and 16 fence poles, signifying Lincoln’s place as the 16th president. The 56 steps leading up to the building entrance represent his age at his death.
When the president was 2 years old, his family moved from Sinking Spring to a cabin a few miles northeast of Hodgenville on Knob Creek. Lincoln and his family remained on that farm until he was 8, when they moved to Indiana and then to Illinois, the location of his last personal residence.
Kentucky’s Lincoln sites allow visitors to connect with a pivotal period in American history. History buffs can learn about the social and political climate of the time, understand
the issues that confronted Lincoln and the nation, and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who fought to preserve the Union.
Today the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park hosts approximately 200,000 visitors annually. The Birthplace and its visitor center are open year-round and contain fascinating exhibits, including the Lincoln family bible, a short movie: “Abraham Lincoln: The Kentucky Years,” and the park store.
At Knob Creek, visitors can walk in the boyhood footsteps of the president. The Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek has a diversity of plants, wildlife and topography that will delight nature lovers and history buffs alike.
National Park Service personnel plant a garden each spring that is representative of what the Lincolns might have planted.
Knob Creek also offers wonderful opportunities for bird watching and other wildlife viewing. A nature trail is maintained along the pristine waters of Knob Creek, and a trail takes hikers to the top of an adjacent knob where an overlook allows a magnificent view of the surrounding valley.
Beyond its historical significance, Hodgenville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the rolling hills of the Kentucky countryside.
The city’s charming downtown area features the Lincoln Museum, Lincoln statues, local shops, restaurants, and a warm, welcoming community. Visit www.kentuckytourism.com for more information on this or any other historical site in the Bluegrass State.
Whether you’re a history buff looking for your next travel adventure or you’re in search of a family-friendly getaway, Kentucky, with its culture, outdoor adventure and inspiring history, is a must-visit destination. (StatePoint)
Over 12,000 Tourists Visit Kashmir In First Week Of The Year
Over 12,000 Tourists Visit Kashmir In First Week Of The Year
Fresh snowfall in Kashmir has triggered a massive surge in winter tourism, with over 12,000 tourists visiting in the first week of January alone. Hotels and houseboats across the valley are fully booked
until the end of January, indicating that the region may surpass the tourism figures of 2024.
According to government data, approximately 3 million tourists visited Kashmir in 2024, breaking all previous records. Officials are optimistic that 2025 will see an even
higher number of tourist arrivals.
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has declared 2024 as one of the best tourist seasons in the valley’s history. This increase in tourist inflow is attributed to several factors, including the addition of new attractions.
Currently, efforts are underway to develop 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage and cultural sites, 75 Sufi and religious sites, and 75 adventure treks, all aimed at boosting tourism in the region.
Manzoor Pakhtoon, Chairman of the Houseboat Association, said, “The tourist inflow has been excellent for the past two to three years, and 2024 was a great year for tourism. We are hopeful that the upcoming season will be equally remarkable, especially for winter sports like skiing and the Khelo India event. With the introduction of
train services, we are confident that tourist numbers will increase even further. We also had a significant number of visitors from Southeast and East Asian countries, as well as Europe. Many Russian tourists visit for skiing.”
The total number of tourists in 2024 was recorded at approximately 2.95 million, reflecting a significant rise from the 2.71 million visitors in 2023. Foreign tourist arrivals also saw a notable increase, with 43,000 international visitors arriving in the valley. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the Union Territory, contributing around ?8,000 crore to the GDP.
Narayan Kavde, a tourist from Maharashtra, said, “We have been traveling in Kashmir for the past two weeks. We don’t experience such cold weather back home, but here it is incredible. We saw snow and ice, and the nights were very
cold. It felt like living a dream; this place truly is paradise. With fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the valley, even more tourists are expected to arrive.”
Another tourist, Shital Nimbarkar, shared, “We are enjoying our time here so much. We used to see such scenes on notebook covers, and now we’re witnessing them in real life. It’s so beautiful—it was a dream that has finally come true. The snow here is stunning, more beautiful than paradise, and I would encourage everyone to visit this place.”
The government is now focused on creating eco-friendly infrastructure to standardize tourism products and services. Targeted marketing strategies are being employed to unlock the full tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. (Courtesy: https://zeenews.india.com/)
Expert Pregnancy Tips For Staying Healthy This Winter
Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is important during pregnancy.
This is especially true during the winter months when more people tend to get sick from flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These viruses can be especially dangerous for pregnant people and babies.
Vaccines are an important part of routine pregnancy care, both for you and your baby. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 can cut your risk of hospitalization by about half.
Now is the time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. Flu vaccines help protect you from getting the flu and getting seriously ill, so it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment now.
The latest COVID-19 vaccines are important too because they lower your risk of serious illness. An RSV vaccine may also be recommended for when you are 32-36 weeks pregnant. Be sure to talk to your doctor.
“Right now, we are seeing a concerning increase in cases of respiratory diseases, such as the flu, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Adm. Rachel Levin, MD, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“I encourage all pregnant people
to take preventive action to protect their health and the health of their baby. The best and safest way to do this is to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is easy and is usually covered by insurance.”
Help Protect Your Baby
When you get flu, COVID-19 and
RSV vaccines, you’re helping protect your baby by passing your immunity on to them. Getting vaccinated against flu, COV -
ID-19 and RSV during pregnancy can protect your baby during the first 6 months of life.
These viruses can be very harmful to newborns. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants.
Millions of people in the U.S. have already gotten vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV this season. If you haven’t gotten your vaccines yet, be sure to talk with your doctor. They can help you choose the right vaccines and determine the best timing to help protect you and your baby.
Get the Facts
Getting vaccinated can give you peace of mind, ensuring you have done everything you can to protect yourself and your baby from serious respiratory illness. Information can give you power and comfort, especially when you’re pregnant.
Go to cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, or go to vaccines.gov to get started today.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (Family Features)
Talk to Your Doctor About Timing
Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Will Impact 1 Million Indians In Green Card Queue
(Continued From Page 01)
The order seeks to revoke birthright citizenship, which has historically granted automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil, even
if their parents are non-citizens.
This change will directly impact Indian families, particularly those on temporary visas, such as H-1B work visas or H-4 dependent visas, who have long relied on birthright citizenship as a safeguard for their children.
Under the new order, children born in the U.S. to parents who are noncitizens and temporarily residing in the country—often in visa categories utilized by Indians—will no longer automatically receive U.S. citizenship.
More than a million Indians stuck in a decades-long green card back-
log.
For many of these families, the birthright citizenship of their children has offered a sense of stability.
If this order is enacted, it will jeopardize the automatic citizenship status of children born in the U.S. to parents waiting for legal status, leaving these families in legal limbo.
In his order, President Trump challenges the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees birthright citizenship.
The Executive Order argues that
the amendment was never meant to apply universally and suggests that individuals who are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S., such as temporary visa holders, should be excluded.
The executive order also seeks to curb birth tourism, a practice where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. to give birth in order to secure citizenship for their children.
Indian families, along with Mexican families, are among those most frequently reported to engage in birth tourism.
(Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)
Film Review: Farming The Revolution
(Continued From Page 01)
seen as benefiting corporations at the expense of small farmers.
Jain’s storytelling captures the humanity behind the headlines, weaving a narrative of resilience, solidarity, and hope.
The film excels at balancing the personal and political. Jain focuses on the daily rhythms of the protest sites, where farmers shared meals, raised slogans, and held marches, creating a portrait of collective resistance.
Her lens lingers on the elderly farmers, women leaders, and youth, revealing how this movement was powered by diverse
voices and generations.
At the same time, the film connects their struggles to broader socioeconomic injustices, exposing the precarity of rural livelihoods under neoliberal reforms.
Visually, the documentary is both raw and poetic. Jain’s cinematography captures the vibrancy of the protests—tractor rallies, tents stretching to the horizon, and the warmth of communal kitchens.
These images are punctuated with moments of tension: clashes with police, tear gas clouds, and the somber silence of lives lost.
Yet, even in adversity, the film
portrays an unwavering spirit among the protesters.
A key strength of Farming the Revolution is its inclusivity. Jain amplifies the voices of women farmers and Dalit activists, groups often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Their perspectives enrich the film’s portrayal of the protest as not just a fight for farmers’ rights but also a broader struggle for justice and dignity.
Jain resists framing the farmers as mere victims of systemic exploitation. Instead, she highlights their agency, wisdom, and sense of community, transforming the documentary into a celebration of resistance.
It’s not just a critique of the policies that sparked the protests but a tribute to the revolutionary potential of peaceful dissent.
At its core, Farming the Revolution is a story of hope and humanity. Jain’s film reminds us of the enduring power of collective action to challenge injustice, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity.
Farming the Revolution is screen-
ing one time only at AFS Cinema on Saturday, February 8th at 12:00 pm. Director NIshtha Jain will be in attendance for a live Q&A session following the film. Tickets are on sale now at www.indiememe. org.
Article written by Denise Garza Steusloff, Executive Director, Indie Meme.
Maha Kumbh: India Using AI For Crowd Management, Safety
(Continued From Page 01)
When Sarita Singh was separated from her son and mother-in-law, authorities deployed the technology to quickly locate them.
Police ran her son’s photograph through their system, and within hours, surveillance cameras spotted him near a tea shop with his grandmother.
This marked a stark contrast to the chaotic scenes depicted in older Bollywood films, where families often remained separated for decades during the festival.
The 2025 festival, dubbed the ‘Digital Maha Kumbh’ by the Indian government, spans 4,000 hectares and is equipped with over 2,700 CCTV cameras.
These cameras, combined with AIbased software, are essential for real-time crowd management.
Police officers are using the soft-
ware to monitor crowd density and prevent incidents like stampedes, which have plagued previous gatherings, including the 2013 Kumbh Mela.
Amit Kumar, a senior police officer, explained that AI plays a critical role in tracking crowd movements and providing early
warnings about surges in specific areas.
“The software tells us when the crowd is building up, allowing us to take preventive measures,” he said.
In addition to AI, the system also alerts authorities about fires, secu-
rity breaches, or unauthorized access across barricades. These alerts are communicated to onground personnel to quickly address the situation.
Over 500 control center staff are constantly monitoring the situation using these technologies.
Technology is also being deployed to track and assist lost visitors. While facial recognition can only be effective if a person is captured by one of the festival’s cameras, the system has helped authorities locate missing individuals with greater speed and accuracy.
Underwater drones are monitoring the river’s depths to ensure safety during religious dips, sending realtime alerts in case of accidents or drownings.
For visitors from across India who may not speak the local language, multilingual chatbots on the Kumbh app offer guidance and help with navigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Prayagraj last month, highlighted the technological advancements being implemented.
“The era in which Maha Kumbh 2025 is being organised is far ahead in terms of technology,” he said.
“I hope more and more people are united through this union of data and technology.”
With these measures, the Indian government aims to create a safer and more efficient experience for millions of devotees, showcasing how technology can support the management of large-scale religious events.
(Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)
5 Timeless Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
On a day that signifies the importance of love and companionship, many people find it rewarding to show their loved ones just how much they mean.
If you’re in the gift-giving spirit this Valentine’s Day, you may find a bit of inspiration with these ideas.
Just remember, whether you’re celebrating the relationship with your significant other or showing appreciation for a friend, the best gifts come from the heart.
• Food – If your partner is a foodie, a Valentine’s Day date is an obvious choice. Make a reservation at his or her favorite restaurant or opt for takeout and enjoy quiet time together in the comfort of home. Satisfy that special someone’s sweet tooth with a classic box of chocolates or create a personalized candy basket full of guilty pleasures.
• Jewelry – Whether you’ve been together a year, a decade or more,
it’s a perfect opportunity to splurge for a gift he or she will cherish for a lifetime.
Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, watches and more all make for perfect gifts that can often be
customized with engravings like names or important dates.
• Experiences – Oftentimes, the gift of moments together means more than a trinket. Consider the things you enjoy doing side by side
and schedule a day or weekend to do nothing but your favorite activities.
Book a tour at a local museum, find tickets to the next big game, sit frontstage for a favorite band or road trip to a nearby attraction for new sights and sounds.
• Subscriptions – Gifts don’t always need to be sentimental. Sometimes, they can be downright practical.
Creating an account for a new streaming service or music platform, signing up for monthly food or wine gift boxes and buying ticket packages for a favorite local team are all gifts that keep on giving.
• Handwritten Notes and Flowers – Take time to write what you appreciate most about your special someone – personality traits, favorite memories, thoughtful gestures and why they’re important to you – and pair your note with favorite flowers.
Gifts may spark a smile, but sharing a moment of connection offers a reminder of what you’re celebrating in the first place.
Find more Valentine’s Day gift ideas by visiting eLivingtoday. com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash (Family Features)
Man Walked 250,000 Steps In A Week To See What It Would
By JOHN ELY DEPUTY HEALTH EDITOR FOR MAILONLINE
A 28-year-old man has told of how he ‘shrunk’ fat on his belly and arms, while building leg muscle by taking on an extreme walking challenge.
British YouTuber Jack Massey Welsh saw changes in his body after just a week of pounding the streets for an astonishing distance. Mr Welsh walked a total of 250,000 steps in just seven days, covering an average of 35,700 or 17 miles per day, which is more than half a marathon.
This is about ten-times the 3,000 to 4,000 steps the average Briton is estimated to do each day, and three and a half times the 10,000 daily steps recommended by some experts. Documenting the experience in a clip that has been viewed more than 1.5million times, Mr Welsh revealed the gruelling impact of the undertaking.
He endured agonisingly painful feet, swollen ankles and a ‘black’ toenail, which appeared in the days after he completed the 250,000 steps. But Mr Welsh was most surprised by the physical changes he noticed - which he never thought could be achieved simply by walking.
‘What an amazing feeling of accomplishment this was. One quarter-of-a-million steps in one week. For me it was worth it for the experience alone,’ he said. Before embarking on the challenge, Mr Welsh made no changes to his diet apart from eating a bit more protein in a bid to lose fat instead of muscle as he walked.
He also weighed himself and measured parts of his body, like the circumference of this torso and legs, so he could compare any differences at the conclusion. On the first day Mr Welsh kicked off the challenge with a 15,500 step two-hour morning walk, then a 14,000 step walk before then reaching his daily goal following a small stroll with his dog in the evening.
On his first day he said: ‘I am tired, but I am fine. It’s just one step in front of the other.’ These words would come back to haunt Mr Welsh on day two as he was in agony from the previous day’s effort.
‘I was already reflecting on how overly confident I was on day one. When I confidently said, “It’s just putting one step in front of the other isn’t it?” because now putting one step in front of the other is no easy task at all,’ he
said. ‘Literally every single step hurts and is a chore.’ But Mr Welsh noted how he soon got into the rhythm of things and adjusted his routine to try and complete most of the step goal during multi-hour morning walks.
Speaking on day four he noted that the muscle pain in his legs had abated but added he had started experiencing other physical problems. ‘It feels like now the only limiting factor in this challenge is just physical joint pain in my feet,’ he said.
‘Because even though I in myself have the energy to do 30,000 steps easily today, each step just hurts quite a bit and I am starting to blister up in a few places, so that’s kind of what’s slowing me down.’ On day five he even needed a painkiller to help him walk due to the pain in his feet, showing viewers how they were covered in blister pads, and he also suffered what later turned out to be a swollen ankle on day six.
But speaking at the end of the challenge he said he was struck by an ‘an amazing feeling of accomplishment’ after counting down the final few steps to reach 250,000. He also detailed how his body had changed in just a week of extreme walking including a change to his general physique. Comparing before and after pics he said: ‘I seem to be narrower than when I first started, which I didn’t really expect. Does this mean I’ve lost a bit of muscle mass maybe?’.
He also noted he had lost a bit of belly fat in his side profile, which he attributed to dropping 2lbs (0.9kg) over the week. Tape measurements revealed most areas, like the circumference of his arms and torso had also shrunk slightly apart from his thighs which had grown 0.5cm.
‘I wasn’t expecting to be able to see any difference, so this is really surprising,’ he said. While not taking place during the challenge itself Mr Welsh also told viewers how the toenail on the big toe of his right foot had turned black two days after he hit the
250,000 target.
Concluding he said: ‘Do I recommend walking 250,000 steps in a week? Absolutely not.’ ‘My joints just couldn’t keep up, it’s two days later and I’m still waiting for the swelling around my ankles to reduce.’
However, he urged people try to consider incorporating a more reasonable step count into their day. ‘Do I recommend doing somewhere between 8,000 and 20,000 steps per day, depending on your personal circumstances? Absolutely,’ he said.
‘I really do feel that most people will feel better if they end up walking more.’ While Brits have been encouraged to do 10,000 steps a day for years multiple studies have
shown doing less than this can still have great benefits to your health.
The 10,000 daily step goal, often lauded as the holy grail of regular fitness and the default goal for many fitness apps or devices, is a bit of a myth. Do you REALLY need to walk 10,000 steps a day? Why experts say there’s no ‘magic’ number - and that ANY amount of movement is good
It wasn’t based on a forensic study but instead a clever marketing ploy by a Japanese company trying to sell pedometers some 60 years ago with the figure chosen because it was a memorable number. While some studies have since found some health benefits from doing 10,000 steps many of these are also present at lower daily step counts as well.
Experts have previously told MailOnline people shouldn’t get caught up on reaching a 10,000 step goal and that benefits can be seen at as little as 4,000 steps per day. The NHS itself doesn’t recommend a specific step count for walking but instead suggests a brisk 10-minute walk each day as having many health benefits with the activity counting towards the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise for adults. (Courtesy: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/)
SCRIBBLINGS BY ARUN
With confidence, we strive and seek, we persevere,
Yet determined path of fate unfolds, year by year.
Though our desires within us, may burn like fire bright,
We get only what we do deserve,in life’s sight.
Most of our choices, are mere whispers in the wind,
Since the plan of providence, begin to unwind.
We live with those, whom fate has chosen us to be,
Never with those we prefer, but the destiny.
In grand tapestry of life, we are placed with care,
Where circumstances shape us, beyond our prayer.
So let us surrender to, life’s fine twisted thread,
Trusting, cosmic justice is woven in our stead.
(arunsunderraj@gmail.com)
DESTINY’S DESIGN
Kick Off A Winning Game Day With Guac
The best watch parties have two things in common: good food and good company to root for your team with. Kick off your football feast with appetizers made with a game day favorite: avocados. With nearly 2.5 billion pounds of avocados imported from Mexico annually, based on Hass Avocado Board Volume Data, the Big Game is the No. 1 occasion where avocados and guacamole are served and prepared.
In fact, approximately 250 million pounds of avocados are imported in the weeks leading up to the Big Game, according to “Produce Blue Book”.
Just as the first quarter sets the tone for the game, apps are your first opportunity to build excitement and get your guests cheering. Because it’s not game day without guac, start the party by mashing up a bowl of Championship Guac – a real craving crusher made with
creamy, delicious Avocados From Mexico and crispy bacon – to sack hunger.
Take your viewing party to a whole new flavor level with Gronkamole.
This all-star dip features shredded chicken, blue cheese, Buffalo sauce and the same flare that football great and Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski played the game with, so you know it’s ready to tackle every chip, cracker and veggie thrown its way.
These innovative spins on game day guacamole score big when made with fresh avocados, a nutrient-dense fruit everybody can cheer for. They taste good, are good for you and bring the good times on game day.
Find more touchdown-worthy eats, from dips and appetizers to main courses and desserts that are always good at BigGameGuac.com.
Championship Guac Servings: 10
5 Avocados From Mexico, peeled and pitted 1 lemon, juice only 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped 1 cup tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 1 pound bacon, fried 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder salt, to taste pepper, to taste tortilla chips, for serving (optional) crackers, for serving (optional)
To prepare avocado: In a bowl, use fork to mash the avocados and lemon juice until creamy. Then add the onion, tomatoes and cilantro. To prepare bacon: Cut the bacon into squares then place it in a hot skillet over medium heat and cook 15 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a plate to drain excess fat and let cool.
To prepare guacamole: Add the bacon, garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste, to the guacamole; mix
well. To serve, put guacamole in bowl and serve with tortilla chips or crackers, if desired.
Gronkamole
Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski’s favorite guacamole recipe Servings: 4
2 Avocados From Mexico
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled 3 tablespoons Buffalo sauce salt, to taste corn chips, for serving (optional) carrot sticks, for serving (optional)
In a small bowl, mash avocados and stir in lemon juice.
Add chicken, blue cheese and Buffalo sauce to guacamole mixture. Add salt, to taste.
Serve with corn chips or carrot sticks, if desired.
(Family Features)
THEME: VALENTINE’S DAY
ACROSS
1. Past participle of spit
5. King Kong, e.g.
8. Greek portico
12. Not to be mentioned
13. Congeal
14. ____ cell carcinoma
15. Top of Kilimanjaro, e.g.
16. Periods of time
17. D-Day beach
18. *Holiday the day before Valentine’s Day
20. Shade of beige
21. Quantities on doctors’ prescriptions
22. Not amateur
23. *Letters to Juliet destination
26. Come to final conclusion
30. *Ultimate Valentine’s vow?
31. Purchaser
34. Zelensky’s capital
35. Move a plant
37. High-____, as in an image
38. Tubular pasta
39. Not Visa or MC
40. *Moving Valentine’s Day date option
42. “Annie get your ____”
43. a.k.a. ladybird
45. Maximum
47. “Rub A Dub Dub” vessel
48. Suburb of Dallas
50. Skunk’s defense
52. *Sweet Valentine’s gesture
56. Long stories
57. Rhythmic way of talking
58. Yours and mine
59. Send, as payment
60. The E of B.P.O.E.
61. A bit of water
62. Biblical paradise
63. Elfin
64. Sign of boredom
DOWN
1. Doe’s mate
2. One of Three Bears
3. Cain’s brother
4. Prom night garb
5. Bird of prey’s nest
6. *Make them in advance of Valentine’s Day
7. “Or ____?”
8. *”Cupid” singer (2 words)
9. Russia’s Terrible one, e.g.
10. Pearl Harbor island
11. Between Fla. and Miss.
13. Ship’s floating wreckage
14. Afrikaners’ ancestors
19. Group of nine singers
22. For each
23. All over the internet
24. Possible allergic reaction
25. Lassoed
26. *Baby’s breath’s partner
27. Texting vocabulary, e.g.
28. *Cupid’s mom
29. Black tie ____
32. Snob
33. Gymnast’s goal
36. *a.k.a. “love hormone”
38. Deck alternative
40. Chicago baseballer
41. Defrauds
44. Explosion
46. Pleasing notes succession
48. At the same time
49. Too much egg middle
50. Newspaper piece
51. Five and ____
52. Staff leader
53. Heavenly glow
54. Think, archaically speaking
55. Sport spectator’s TV acronym
56. Before, old English
Please email your sudoku answers to info@austinsouthasian.com. Name of the inviduvidual with
What Your Family Needs To Know About Vaccines
This year, make a plan to keep your family healthy by helping them get vaccinated for respiratory infections like flu, COVID-19 and RSV. These respiratory illnesses are more likely to become serious for people who are not up to date on their vaccines.
In colder months, respiratory viruses tend to surge, and people spend more time indoors where they are more likely to be exposed. These respiratory infections can cause serious illness and hospitalization.
This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the RSV vaccine, are the best way to help your family risk less serious illness and do more of what they enjoy.
What should your family know?
Vaccines can keep you and your family from getting very sick from respiratory illnesses. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get this season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
In addition, all adults ages 75 and older – and those ages 60 and older with certain health conditions or who live in a nursing home
– should get one dose of an RSV vaccine if they haven’t before.
Pregnant people should also talk to their doctor about getting an RSV vaccine to protect their baby during their first 6 months of life.
Is your family at high
January 2025 Sudoku Answer
Mr. Venkata Rao Tirupathi
risk?
It’s important to know the risks of getting very sick from flu, COVID-19 or RSV. According to the CDC, some people have a higher risk than others, including:
• People not up to date on their vaccines: Vaccines cut your risk of needing hospital care for flu or COVID-19 by about half, according to the CDC.
In 2023, 90% of adults admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine. People who skipped their flu shot were twice as likely to need to see a doctor for the flu.
• Older adults: Most flu, COVID-19 and RSV deaths are in people ages 65 and older. If you help care for an older family member or friend, let them know vaccines are their best protection from getting very sick.
• People with underlying health conditions: Heart and lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and other chronic conditions can cause complications and more severe illness from flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
• Those who live in long-term care: Respiratory viruses can be a greater threat to older people in longterm care, who often have health issues that raise their risk of severe flu, COVID-19 or RSV.
• Pregnant people: Pregnancy raises the risk of severe illness from flu and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy helps protects the pregnant person and baby. An RSV vaccine during pregnancy protects the baby from severe RSV in their first 6 months of life.
Get your family vaccinated now for a healthy new year
Join the millions of people who’ve
already gotten vaccinated this season.
Take your family to get vaccinated now to risk less severe illness and do more of what you enjoy.
It’s safe to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines (and an RSV vaccine, if eligible) at the same time.
Visit cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore to learn more about flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. Talk with your doctor about which vaccines are right for you or go to vaccines.gov to find a nearby pharmacy. You can order free COVID-19 test kits (up to four per household) at COVIDTests.gov.
Know Your Risk
In the United States, there are additional groups of people who are at higher risk from these respiratory illnesses.
• People in rural parts of the country: Vaccines matter even more in rural areas where there may be fewer doctors or clinics to help people who get very sick.
Yet in these regions, less than half of adults got a flu vaccine last year. Fewer than 1 in 5 got an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
• Black and Hispanic people: At last year’s respiratory virus peak, Black people were more likely than white and Hispanic people to be in the hospital for flu, COVID-19 or RSV.
By the end of last year’s virus season, Hispanic people were more likely than non-Hispanic white people to have been in the hospital for flu.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (Family Features)
Mr. Yudhveer Bagga
Ms. Kumari Samineni
Know These 4 Core Factors To Avoid A Heart Health Syndrome
In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults is at risk for a newly recognized syndrome that comes from a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and excess body weight. This cluster of conditions, called cardiovascularkidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, is an example of how problems in one part of your body can affect other parts.
To avoid CKM syndrome, health experts suggest paying close attention to four of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 – blood pressure, lipids, body weight and blood sugar level – which are core health factors that impact your metabolic health.
Good metabolic health means your body uses energy well and keeps these factors in a normal range. However, when numbers are off in one area, it can affect others, raising your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.
Consider these tips from the American Heart Association to help keep your core health factors under control.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your
blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Because high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, the only way to know you have it is to get your blood pressure checked. Healthy blood pressure is below 120/80. If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, talk to your doctor about checking your other core health factors.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure. One example is a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern that’s low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Losing 10 pounds and reducing alcohol consumption can also reduce blood pressure.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes then circulates in the blood where
7 Pro Tips To Avoid Long-Term Damage
Harsh winter elements like snow, ice and wind can wreak havoc on your home – if it’s not properly prepared and maintained.
Make home maintenance both indoors and out a priority this winter to ensure it’s safe, warm, secure and operating efficiently.
While winterizing can be a daunting task, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help installing gutter guards, sealing cracks in your concrete or ensuring your sump pump is ready for winter, the experts at Thrasher Foundation Repair provide precise repairs for every project.
They’ve seen it all through 50 years of serving more than 150,000 happy customers – from basement flooding to damaged concrete – and know how to prevent these issues before they start.
Recognized with the International Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau Midwest Plains, they set the standard for excellence in their field as a trusted industry leader in home protection.
“Winter can really take a toll on your home, but a few proactive steps now can save you headaches later,” CEO Dan Thrasher said.
“At Thrasher Foundation Repair, we help protect what matters most – your home and peace of mind.
We’re happy to share our pro tips to help you keep your home safe, dry and ready for whatever winter throws your way.”
your body uses it to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. You may also get cholesterol from eating animal products. If there’s too much cholesterol circulating, your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke may increase.
For optimal CKM health, your LDL cholesterol should be below 100 and triglycerides below 150. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. If your triglyceride level is 135 or higher, talk to your doctor about decreasing your risk.
Losing body weight and increasing physical activity decrease triglyceride levels. In addition, DASH and Mediterranean (plant-based, high-fiber, low-fat) eating patterns support healthy LDL and triglyceride levels.
Body Weight
Healthy weight may be determined by body mass index (BMI), a number that represents your weight in relation to your height. Extra body fat can mean a higher risk for many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
CKM syndrome starts when BMI is 25 or higher and waist circumference is 88 centimeters or higher for women and 102 centimeters or higher for men. Aim for a BMI between 18.5-25. To lose weight and keep it off, start by setting realistic goals. Understand how much and why you eat, manage portion sizes, make smart snack substitutions and be physically active.
Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can slowly damage the kidneys. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Blood sugar is measured in two ways: a fasting blood glucose test (short term blood sugar) and an A1C test (long term blood sugar control). A normal fasting blood glucose level is 70-99 and a normal A1C level is below 5.7%. Fasting blood glucose above 125 and A1C of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes.
It all begins with homeowners taking proactive steps to recognize small problems before they spiral out of control. Use this checklist from Thrasher’s experts to prepare your home for a warm, secure and stress-free winter season.
(Continued On Page 25)
Habits that help you avoid high blood pressure, weight gain and high cholesterol also keep your blood sugar in check. These are especially important if you have a family history of diabetes.
Learn more about CKM syndrome and how to manage your risk at heart.org/CKMhealth. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (Family Features)
7 Pro Tips To Avoid Long-Term Damage
(Continued From Page 24)
Clean and Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
When debris like leaves clog gutters, it causes water to overflow and freeze, leading to ice dams and roof leaks.
These blockages can cause water to damage your roof, siding and foundation, meaning it’s critical to remove debris.
Run water through gutters and check for proper water flow – if you notice pooling or slow drainage, there may be a blockage that needs attention. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation and walkways by extending them at least 10 feet away from the home.
Also be sure to inspect and tighten any loose gutter brackets and fasteners so they can withstand the weight of snow and ice.
Insulate Rim Joists
Rim joist insulation plays a big role in your home’s energy efficiency. If your insulation is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to a more efficient material to reduce heat loss.
Now is a good time to inspect your foundation for any cracks or damage. Bringing in the experts to address problem areas can help avoid larger issues when spring storms arrive. A working sump pump is critical for preventing basement flooding caused by snowmelt or winter storms, so it’s important to test it to ensure proper functionality. It’s also important to inspect discharge lines for potential freezing issues to avoid water backup into the basement. Consider grading
soil to ensure the ground slopes away from your home, preventing water from seeping through.
Seal and Protect Concrete
Carefully inspect walkways, driveways and patios for cracking. During winter, water can seep into cracks, freeze then
expand, causing long-term damage. Seal them with a penetrating sealant (rather than a topical one) for long-lasting protection from moisture, salt and other winter elements.
Optimize Humidity
Turn on your furnace’s humidifier to maintain proper indoor humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier settings to match winter’s low humidity. This helps keep your home comfortable while preventing moisture-re-
lated issues.
Clear Debris Around the House
Along with cleaning gutters and downspouts, it’s important to clear window wells and clean up around the foundation, too. Debris in window wells can block drainage, causing water from snowmelt to pool near the foundation then seep into the basement.
Manage Snow and Ice
Leaving snow and ice on concrete surfaces can erode and weaken the material over time. Regularly shoveling snow from driveways, sidewalks and patios helps prevent ice buildup and protects the concrete from longterm damage.
Find more winter home maintenance tips and contact the pros for assistance by visiting GoThrasher.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (teens shoveling snow)
Photo courtesy of Thrasher Foundation Repair (contractor checking gutters) (Family Features)
Protect the Basement and Foundation
Ajith Kumar Honoured With Padma Bhushan
Story by HT Entertainment Desk
Actor Ajith Kumar, who is on cloud following the win at the Dubai 24H racing event earlier this month, has one more reason to celebrate. The actor has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award.
Padma Awards 2025 announced Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, were announced.
They have been conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activities including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
Ajith Kumar has been honoured with the nation’s third-highest civilian award, Pad-
ma Bhushan, by the Government of India. The actor has been honoured with the award for his contribution to the field of art.
He will get the award from President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremonial function which will be held at the R
Subhash Ghai’s
Timeless
Contributions: Five Iconic Films
MUMBAI – Subhash Ghai, Bollywood’s beloved ‘Showman,’ has spent decades shaping the Indian film industry with his larger-than-life films, unforgettable music, and powerful storytelling.
Let’s revisit five of his most iconic films, each of which left a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Karma (1986): Starring Dilip Kumar, Sridevi, Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, and others, Karma was a bold, multistarrer film that set the stage for a new era in Indian cinema.
It combined action, patriotism, and a gripping storyline, making it one of the standout films of the 1980s.
The ensemble cast delivered powerful performances, and the film’s mix of drama and action made it a box-office hit.
(Continued On Page 27)
ashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi later this year.
This year, 19 icons have been conferred with Padma Bhushan. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
Hrithik,
Earlier this month, actor Ajith Kumar triumphed in the 24H Dubai 2025 endurance race. His team, Racing by Bas Koeten, secured third place in the 991 category, and Ajith received the Spirit of the Race recognition in the GT4 category.
Ajith has two films up for release—Vidaamuyarchi and Good Bad Ugly. The former was supposed to be released during Pongal but was postponed; a new release date has yet to be announced.
The latter will be released in theatres on April 10. He is yet to announce other projects, but Lokesh Kanagaraj recently expressed interest in working with him. (Courtesy: https://www.msn.com/)
Ameesha’s Hit Film
Set For Re-Release
MUMBAI, (ANI) – In an exciting announcement for fans of 2000s Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel’s debut film, ‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’, will be making its way back to theaters to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary.
Following the re-release of ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani‘, another beloved Bollywood classic is set to hit the big screen once again.
PVR Cinemas confirmed that the iconic romantic drama will return to cinemas on January 10 coinciding with Hrithik Roshan’s birthday.
The official announcement was made by the film’s production team, sharing the excitement with fans.
The post read, “Action, romance, drama,
dance…the movie that had it all! 25 years later, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai still reigns as the ultimate love story, and we’re bringing it once again on the big screen. Are you ready? Returns to theatres from Jan 10!”
‘Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai’ originally released in January 2000, and directed by Rakesh Roshan, marked the debut of Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel.
The film became an instant blockbuster, with Hrithik’s iconic double role, dashing looks and unmatchable dance skills grabbing the attention of the audience.
The movie, which was a blend of romance, drama, and thrilling action, also featured a stellar supporting cast, including Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal, Satish Shah, Mohnish Behl, Dalip Tahil, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Vrajesh Hirjee.
The film’s songs including ‘Pyaar ki Kashti Mein’, ‘Ek Pal Ka Jeena’, among others are still fan favorites. (Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)
Akshay Kumar, Veer Pahariya’s Film Takes Off Well
Actor Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force is performing well at the box office. After witnessing a decent opening on Friday, the film saw a steep hike in numbers on the second day. Based on true events, Sky Force is about the deadly Indo-Pak war in 1965.
Sky Force opened at Rs 15.30 crore on the opening day. The film saw a steep jump in Day 2 numbers, earning Rs 26.30 crore on the first Saturday. The film’s total tally
Positive word-of-mouth coupled with the Republic Day weekend could be the main causes behind the film’s growth at the box office. The numbers on Sunday are expected to be rather impressive, predicts trade analyst Taran Adarsh. The weekend total is expected to hit Rs 70 crore-mark at the box office. The film’s numbers are only expected to fly hereon, crossing Rs 100 crore within the first week.
Sky Force’s positive box office numbers lays a solid foundation for the Hindi film industry in 2025, making up for a slow 2024.
The film’s success was important, especially for Akshay Kumar, after his series of flops in the past few years. Taran Adarsh spoke to India Today Digital about the performance of the actor’s past few releases.
He said, “Last year, Akshay did 4-5 films or had 4-5 releases where all the films belonged to the same genre and were no different from each other.
Sarfira was a very towering performance, as was Khel Khel Mein, which was very well done. I’m not denying that. But when a movie doesn’t work, it just doesn’t work.”
Looks like Sky Force, indeed, is the film that helped Akshay Kumar land back safely on his throne.
Published By: Anindita Mukhopadhyay
(Courtesy: https://www.indiatoday. in/)
Subhash Ghai’s Timeless Contributions: Five Iconic Films
(Continued From Page 26)
Taal (1999): Starring Aishwarya Rai, Akshaye Khanna, Anil Kapoor, and Amrish Puri, Taal is a celebration of music, tradition, and modernity.
The film explores the music industry, with Aishwarya Rai’s captivating performance and AR Rahman’s soulful music adding depth to the story.
Taal became a visual and auditory treat, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
Hero (1983): Hero, starring Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Sheshadri, was the film that launched Jackie Shroff into superstardom.
The story of a young man torn between crime and love became an instant hit.
With its emotional depth, actionpacked sequences, and vibrant music, Hero marked the beginning of Subhash Ghai’s unique style,
blending commercial appeal with artistic value.
Khalnayak (1993): In Khalnayak, Subhash Ghai turned the spotlight on the villain, with Sanjay Dutt delivering a memorable performance as the anti-hero.
The film explored themes of redemption, love, and lawlessness, with the song “Choli Ke Peeche” becoming a chart-topping hit.
Khalnayak was both a critical and commercial success, showcasing Ghai’s ability to create compelling stories with complex characters.
While these films are some of Ghai’s finest, his legacy includes other cinematic gems like Saudagar (1991) and Pardes (1997).
Both films offered gripping storytelling and powerful performances that resonated with audiences long after the credits rolled. (ANI)
(Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)
The Highly Anticipated Film Releases Of 2025
NEW DELHI (ANI) – The film industry is set to deliver some exciting releases this year, with fans eagerly awaiting these muchanticipated movies. Here’s a look at some of the biggest upcoming films:
Kantara: Chapter 1
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to the blockbuster Kantara, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2. Shetty, who also stars in the film as a Kambala champion, announced the release date with a striking poster. The movie, set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, explores a gripping faceoff between Shetty’s character and a Forest Range officer.
Game Changer
After the massive success of RRR, global star Ram Charan returns with Game Changer, directed by S.
Shankar of Shivaji: The Boss fame. Co-starring Kiara Advani and SJ Suryah, the political thriller hits theatres today.
Deva
Shahid Kapoor’s Deva, directed by Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrews, will release on January 31. Kapoor plays a rebellious police officer uncovering layers of deceit and conspiracy in a highprofile case. The actor’s rugged and intense look in the film has already captivated fans.
Superman
DC fans are eagerly awaiting James Gunn’s Superman, the first film in his “Gods and Monsters” arc as part of the DC Universe reboot. Starring David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, and Milly Alcock, the film introduces characters like Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Green Lantern. Superman will hit theatres
on July 11.
Salman Khan, Bollywood’s
loved “Bhaijaan,” is back with Sikandar, written and directed by AR Murugadoss. Co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, the film will release on Eid 2025, promising to be
a grand festive treat for fans.
Captain America: Brave New World
Anthony Mackie returns as Sam Wilson in Captain America: Brave New World, taking up the iconic mantle. Directed by Julius Onah, the movie also stars Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, and Xosha Roquemore. This Marvel Phase 5 film is slated for release on February 14.
War 2
Following the success of War (2019), War 2 promises to elevate Bollywood’s action genre. Starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR as the antagonist, and directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film will feature breathtaking stunts and visual grandeur. It is set to release on the eve of India’s Independence Day, August 14.
(Courtesy: https://indiawest.com/)
stands at Rs 41.60 crore.
Sikandar
be-
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