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US-China Tariff Clash
China Files WTO Complaint, Calls Trump’s Tariffs ‘Discriminatory and Protectionist’
“Early indications from exporters
Post the ICE Raids, Chicago’s Desi Quarter Devon Avenue bears a Deserted Look
China Files WTO Complaint, Calls Trump’s
Tariffs ‘Discriminatory and Protectionist’
HiIndia Newsdesk
In a heightened tension over fears of an escalated trade war, China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against the 10% trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on Chinese goods and termed it as “discriminatory and protectionist”, BBC reported.
The complaint was filed by the Chinese administration, a day after President Trump announced border taxes, a measure he said was required to address the growing influx of illegal drugs in the United States.
In the complaint filed at WTO, Beijing accused Washington of making “unfounded and false allegations” in relation to the fentanyl trade to justify the tariffs imposed on Chinese goods. However, the complaint by China might not be successful as the panel that settles the disputes
The complaint was filed by the Chinese administration, a day after President Trump announced border taxes, a measure he said was required to address the growing influx of illegal drugs.
related to the case remains unable to function, according to a BBC report. The report further quoted an ex-WTO official who said that China’s
complaint has “no possibility of succeeding”. The trade dispute between America and China comes at a time when Trump has announced his intentions of imposing trade tariffs on all foreign shipments into the country, which has caused greater uncertainty across the trade spectrum in the global landscape.
Trump, while expressing concern over the imbalance in America’s trade, has said that imposing tariffs would encourage companies to start making their goods out of the US.
In a retaliatory measure, China’s finance ministry also announced a 10-15% trade tariffs on US goods which will go into effect on February 10. Trump earlier signed orders to impose 25% trade tariffs on Canada and Mexico, only to pause it for 30 days before getting implemented after premiers of Canada and Mexico said to incorporate the measures Trump had talked about.
"Will Do Irreparable Harm": Another US Judge Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order
The ruling indefinitely bans enforcement of one of Trump's most controversial executive orders, which was due to come into effect nationwide on February 19.
HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: A federal judge on Wednesday blocked Donald Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States in a blow to the president's bid to end a right enshrined in the Constitution for more than a century.
The ruling indefinitely bans enforcement of one of Trump's most controversial executive orders, which was due to come into effect nationwide on February 19.
"The denial of the precious right to citizenship will cause irreparable harm," District Judge Deborah Boardman was reported as saying during the hearing at a Maryland court.
She noted that Supreme Court precedent protects birthright citizenship, adding that Trump's order "conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment," the Washington Post reported.
"No court in the country has ever endorsed the president's interpretation," she said. "This court will not be the first."
The injunction adds to a 14-day stay on enforcement of Trump's executive order
issued in January by a federal judge in Washington state.
There, US District Judge John Coughenour condemned the order as "blatantly unconstitutional," though
Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women’s sports
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President Donald Trump Wednesday signed an executive order aimed at prohibiting transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports. This move, framed as a restoration of fairness in sports, has ignited a fierce debate across political and social landscapes. Critics argue that the order discriminates against transgender individuals, while supporters hail it as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of women’s sports.
Trump signed the executive order, titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a symbolic nod to its intent. In
his remarks at the East Room of the White House, Trump emphasized his administration’s focus on protecting cisgender women athletes, declaring
The president put out a sweeping order on his first day in office last month that called for the federal government to define sex as only male or female and for that to be reflected on official documents.
that “women’s sports will be only for women.”
The order mandates that federal funding be withdrawn from schools that do not comply with this policy. To implement the order, Trump’s administration is using the Education Department to reinterpret Title IX, the 1972 law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal funding.
Trump quickly told reporters he planned to appeal the ruling.
Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the US Constitution under the 14th Amendment which decrees that anyone born on US soil is a citizen.
Trump's order was premised on the idea that anyone in the United States illegally, or on a visa, was not "subject to the jurisdiction" of the country, and therefore excluded from this category.
His opponents have argued that the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 as the United States sought to recover from the Civil War, has been settled law for over a century.
They have cited an 1898 US Supreme Court ruling in the case of a ChineseAmerican man named Wong Kim Ark, who was denied reentry to the United States on the grounds that he was not a citizen.
Thousands of Federal Workers Accept Trump’s Exit Offer
Tens of thousands of US government workers have reportedly accepted an offer from the Trump administration to resign in exchange for continued pay until 30 September.
Some two million federal employees were advised they could opt in to the deferred resignation programme - an offer akin to a gradual buy-out - last week.
So far, more than 1% of that workforce has chosen to take part ahead of the Thursday deadline - making up between 20,000 to 40,000 federal workers, according to US media.
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Palestinians and Arab states reject Trump's Gaza takeover proposal
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The Palestinian president has said he strongly rejects President Donald Trump's proposal for the US to take over Gaza and resettle the 2.1 million Palestinians living there.
"We will not allow the rights of our people... to be infringed on," Mahmoud Abbas stressed, warning that Gaza was "an integral part of the State of Palestine" and forced displacement would be a serious violation of international law.
Hamas, whose 15-month war with Israel has caused widespread devastation, said Trump's plan would "put oil on the fire" in the region.
The idea was also rejected by regional powers including Jordan and Egypt, which the US president wants to take in many of the displaced Gazans, and some key US allies. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Gaza was an integral part of a future Palestinian state,
and warned against "any form of ethnic cleansing". He told a meeting in New York the rights of Palestinians to live as human beings in their own land was slipping further out of reach. The world, he said, "has seen a chilling, systematic
Iran Secretly Developing Nuclear Missiles for Europe: Report
Iran is secretly developing nuclear missiles with the ability to reach Europe based on designs handed to the Islamic regime by North Korea, a new report released by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) claimed. According to the report, the weapons are being produced at two sites disguised as satellite launch facilities. The NCRI, an exiled opposition group, said that Tehran is expediting its alleged nuclear weapons program at these facilities. It also stated that the missiles are capable
Pro-Khalistani Attack
Accused in London Granted Bail
New Delhi: Delhi court has granted bail to a London resident in a case related to the alleged attack on the High Commission of India in London in March 2023. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the incident on March 19, 2023 and an agitation organised on March 22, 2023, in which Inderpal Singh Gaba, a resident of Hounslow in west London, participated, were part of the same transaction. However, principal district and sessions judge Vimal Kumar Yadav, in an order on January 29, said Mr Gaba's role seemed to be confined to the incident on March 22, 2023. Both the incidents were led and planned by the same set of people with a clear objective of influencing the crackdown on "Waris Punjab De" and its leader Amritpal Singh, the NIA said.
NCRI believes that the nuclear warhead being developed at the site would be fitted on a Ghaem-100 missile and would be capable of reaching as far as Greece.
of travelling more than 3,000 km (1,800) miles, potentially targeting Europe.
Citing the report, the New York Post reported that one of the facilities the NCRI flagged as a nuclear weapons site was the Shahrud missiles facility, which is being run by Iran's Organization for Advanced Defense Research and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The group believes that the nuclear warhead being developed at the site would be fitted on a Ghaem-100 missile and would be capable of reaching as far as Greece.
dehumanisation and demonisation of an entire people".
Saudi Arabia said Palestinians would "not move" from their land and it would not normalise ties with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
UK to make it easier to build nuclear reactors
The government has announced plans to make it easier to build mini nuclear power stations in England and Wales, as part of its efforts to boost UK economic growth.
It said it will reform the "archaic" planning rules which ministers believe have held Britain back in the global race for clean, secure and affordable energy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the country had been "let down and left behind" because it had not built a nuclear power station in "decades"and the plans will create thousands of highly skilled jobs. Unions and business groups welcomed the move, but environmentalists criticised the government, saying it had "swallowed nuclear industry spin whole".
Indian media pile into lawsuit against OpenAI chatbot ChatGPT
India's biggest news organisations are seeking to join a lawsuit against OpenAI, the US startup behind ChatGPT, for alleged unauthorised use of their content.
The news organisations include some of India's oldest publications like The Indian Express, The Hindu, The India
10 Killed in Sweden Adult Education Center Shooting, Gunman Dead
Around 10 people have been killed in a shooting at an adult education centre, Swedish police said, the deadliest attack to take place in Sweden on what the prime minister said was a “painful day” for the country.
The gunman is believed to be among those killed and a search is continuing at the school for other possible victims,
the local police chief told a press conference. The perpetrator’s motive was not immediately known.
“We know that 10 or so people have been killed here today. The reason that we can’t be more exact currently is that the extent of the incident is so large,” local police chief Roberto Eid Forest told reporters.
Forest said police believed the gunman had acted alone and that they did not currently suspect terrorism as a motive, though he cautioned that much remained unknown. He said the suspected gunman had not previously been known to police. Police said they had opened an investigation into murder, arson and an aggravated weapons offence and that the search for possible further victims had continued into the evening.
Today group, billionaire Gautam Adaniowned NDTV, and over a dozen others. OpenAI denies the allegations and told the BBC that it uses "publicly available data" that are in line with "widely accepted legal precedents".
On Wednesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was in Delhi to discuss India's plan for a low-cost AI ecosystem with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
He said India "should be one of the leaders of the AI revolution" and said earlier comments from 2023, when he said Indian firms would struggle to compete, had been taken out of context.
"India is an incredibly important market for AI in general and for OpenAI in particular," local media quoted him as saying at the event.
The legal case filed against OpenAI in November by Asian News International (ANI), India's largest news agency, is the first of its kind in India.
Argentina pulls out of WHO, cites ‘deep differences’
Argentina on Wednesday announced it will withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar move by the United States under President Donald Trump on his first day back in the White House in January. “President (Javier) Milei instructed (foreign minister) Gerardo Werthein to withdraw Argentina’s participation in the World Health Organization,” presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni said at a news conference, as quoted by CNN.
Argentina’s libertarian President, Milei, who considers Trump a close ally, ordered the country’s exit in response to what he described as “deep differences” regarding the WHO’s management of health issues, particularly its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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India Weighs New Law for Migrant Safety Amid US Deportation Dispute
New Delhi: The Centre is "seriously considering" enacting a new law to establish a framework which will promote "safe, orderly and regular migration for overseas employment".
This move comes amid a row over the United States deporting over a hundred Indian migrants who landed in Amritsar yesterday on a C-17 US military aircraft, chained and shackled. The tentatively titled 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024' emerged from a report presented in Lok Sabha by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on
33 Gujarati Immigrants, Deported From US
Ahmedabad: A plane carrying 33 persons from Gujarat, who were among 104 Indians deported from the US for illegal immigration, landed at Ahmedabad airport from Amritsar on Thursday morning, officials said.
Soon after their arrival, the 33 immigrants, including some children and women, were transported to their native places in Gujarat in police vehicles, Assistant Commissioner of Police, 'G' division, R D Oza said.
"A plane carrying 33 Gujarati immigrants, including children and women, landed at the airport from Amritsar in the morning. They were among those who were deported from the US. We deployed police vehicles at the airport to transport them to their respective places," Oza told reporters at the airport.
While mediapersons tried to talk to the deported immigrants, they refused to say anything and left for their native places in the police vehicles. Majority of them are from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Patan, Vadodara and Kheda districts, sources said.
A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants, including 33 from Gujarat, landed at Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday.
Family members of these illegal immigrants from Gujarat have claimed they do not know how their kin reached the foreign soil. Deputy Inspector General of Police, CID-Crime, Parikshita Rathod said the police will not question the deportees at this stage.
Monday. The migrants, 104 in total and hailing from various states, were rounded up in a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration in the US. Among them, 33 were from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three
from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a fouryear-old boy and two girls aged five and seven, were also on the flight.
"The government carefully monitors
This move comes amid a row over the United States deporting over a hundred Indian migrants who landed in Amritsar yesterday on a C-17 US military aircraft, chained and shackled.
the number of students in all foreign countries, and carefully monitors their welfare in situations of tension. We alert students, as we have done in Ukraine. Whenever there is a situation when we need to run flights, we are prepared. We have contingency plans," said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament today.
Jaishankar Meets PM Modi as 104 Indians Deported from US
New Delhi:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, amid an uproar over the "inhuman" deportation of 104 Indians who entered US illegally.
The Union minister is also likely to deliver a statement in the Parliament on the matter. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of convening for the day as the Opposition demanded a discussion on the "deeply distressing and humiliating" manner of deportation.
A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed in
Amritsar on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump government as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants. Of them, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh,
Delhi Polls: Exit Polls Favor BJP, AAP Dismisses
Most exit polls on Wednesday predicted a sweep for the BJP in the Delhi Assembly elections, while three projected AAP’s return to power, and another two showed a close contest. Interestingly, many of the polls showed that Congress may open its account, after drawing a blank in the 2020 elections.
The exit polls are projections made by election survey agencies based on interviews of voters.
These may vary widely from the actual results. In the 2020 Delhi polls, most exit polls got their predictions wrong. Exit polls went wrong in the Lok Sabha elections and, more recently, in the Haryana Assembly polls too.
The exit polls on Wednesday were not linked to television channels. Prominent
These may vary widely from the actual results. In the 2020 Delhi polls, most exit polls got their predictions wrong. Exit polls went wrong in the Lok Sabha elections and, more recently, in the Haryana Assembly polls too.
agencies like Axis My India and Today’s Chanakya said they would release their projections on Thursday.
On Wednesday, two exit polls, by Matrize and D V Research, showed a close contest between the BJP-led NDA and AAP. Matrize put BJP+ at 35-40 seats, AAP at 32-37, and Congress at 0-1. D V Research predicted 36-44 seats for the BJP and allies, and 26-34 seats for the AAP.
Six exit polls predicted a BJP victory, including a landslide win by some. Chanakya Strategies said the BJP and its allies were likely to get 39-44 seats, AAP 25-28, and Congress 2-3 seats. P Marq gave the BJP+ 39-44 seats, AAP 21-31 seats, and Congress 0-1 seats.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid an uproar over the deportation of 104 Indians who entered US illegally.
and two from Chandigarh. Nineteen women and 13 minors, including a fouryear-old boy and two girls, aged five and seven, were among the deportees, sources told PTI.
The deportees were questioned inside the airport terminal building by different government agencies, including the Punjab Police, and various state and central intelligence agencies to check if they have any criminal record.
Mujibur Rahman’s Dhaka House
New Delhi: A large group of protesters on Wednesday vandalised and set on fire Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence in Dhaka during a live online address of his daughter and deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Witnesses said several thousand people rallied in front of the house at the capital's Dhanmondi area, which was earlier turned into a memorial museum, since early evening following a social media call for “Bulldozer Procession” as Hasina was supposed to make her address at 9 pm (BST).
Hasina delivered her address organised by the Awami League's now-disbanded student wing Chhatra League and called upon the countrymen to organise a resistance against the current regime.
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Breif News
A US military aircraft carrying first batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants, with the highest number of 30 each were from Haryana and Gujarat, reached Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday. A total of 30 deportees were residents of Punjab. The US military C-17 aircraft landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport amid tight security.
Congress Condemns Images of Deported Indians' Humiliation
The Congress on Wednesday expressed sadness over "pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated" while being deported from the US and recalled that America had to express regret over the treatment meted out to India diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 after the then UPA government retaliated sharply.
US Postal Service suspends inbound parcels from China, Hong Kong
The U.S. Postal Service said it would temporarily suspend parcels from China and Hong Kong, after President Donald Trump shut a trade loophole this week used by retailers including Temu and Shein to ship low-value packages duty-free to the U.S. The Trump administration imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods that came into effect on Tuesday and moved to close the "de minimis" loophole that allows importers and U.S. shoppers to avoid paying tariffs for packages worth less than $800.
US Deports 100+ Indians, Plane Lands in Amritsar
Amritsar:
A US military aircraft carrying first batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants, with the highest number of 30 each were from Haryana and Gujarat, reached Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday. A total of 30 deportees were residents of Punjab. The US military C-17 aircraft landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport amid tight security. Two people each were from Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh, while three from Maharashtra. The deportees include 25 women and 12 minors, with the youngest passenger being just four years old.
Forty-eight people are below the age of 25. The flight, which took off from Texas on Tuesday, also carried 11 crew
PM Modi Takes Holy Dip At Maha Kumbh, Offers Prayers
US to Control Gaza? Key Takeaways from Trump-Netanyahu Meet
US President Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington DC on Tuesday and suggested that the United States would take over the Gaza Strip and “own it”. Netanyahu, who is the first foreign leader to meet Trump after he became the president for the second time, said that suggestion of a US takeover of the Gaza Strip is “worthwhile” to pursue, adding “I think it’s something that could change history.”
The bilateral meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is significant considering the ceasefire agreement in place to pause the hostilities between Israel and Gaza based Hamas militant group, and that the first phase of the ceasefire deal is due to expire on March 1.
members and 45 US officials overseeing the deportation process.
A senior Punjab official said that most deportees from the state belong to Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Mohali and Sangrur. Some of them had entered the US illegally, while others overstayed their visas.
They were deported on the C-17 plane that took off from San Antonio, Texas. This was the first round of deportation of illegal immigrants that coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington next week.
India has expressed readiness to accept these migrants, post-verification, EAM Jaishankar conveyed this to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a 'holy dip' in the sangam, the confluence of three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati - in Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is being held, on Wednesday morning. Wearing a bright saffron jacket and blue trackpants, and holding 'rudraksha' beads, Mr Modi chanted prayers as he took several full body dips in the river waters.
Earlier today he took a boat tour of the sangam with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Apart from the gathering of lakhs of Hindu devotees from around the world, the Kumbh this year made headlines for a tragic stampede exactly seven days ago in which 30 people were killed.
Netanyahu Lists Israel’s 3 Main Gaza Goals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined three primary goals for Gaza amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. Speaking alongside US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s intent to achieve the following objectives:
• Destroy Hamas's Military and Governance: Israel aims to dismantle Hamas's military strength and governance in Gaza to eliminate the threat it poses.
• Ensure Gaza’s Long-Term Security: Netanyahu stressed the need to make sure Gaza never again threatens Israel, ensuring lasting security for the region.
• Hostage Recovery and Humanitarian Support: He expressed full support for efforts to free hostages taken by Hamas, underscoring this as a key element of Israel’s war goals.
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Trump and Musk Target Top US Aid Agency
The Trump administration reportedly intends to merge the US government's main overseas aid agency with the state department, as workers were asked to stay out of its Washington headquarters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters he was now the acting head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the agency that distributes billions of dollars in aid around the world.
Democratic lawmakers have called it an "illegal, unconstitutional" move that would hurt poor people abroad, harm national security and reduce US influence on the global stage.
President Donald Trump and one of his top advisers, billionaire Elon Musk, have been strongly critical of the agency.
Billionaire
and spiritual leader the Aga
Khan dies
Billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader Aga Khan has died at the age of 88, his charity the Aga Khan Development Network has announced.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who trace his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad.
He "passed away peacefully" in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family, his charity said in a statement on social media. Born in Switzerland, he had British citizenship and lived in a chateau in France.
King Charles is understood to be deeply saddened by the death of the philanthropist, who was a friend of both himself and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and is in touch with the family privately .
India Poised to Gain from USChina Tariff Clash: Official
“Early indications from exporters suggest that traders in India are receiving higher orders amid fears that tariffs will rise in China," an official said.
Nearly All Of USAID’s 10,000 Global Staffers To Be Placed On Leave
Nearly all of USAID’s global workforce will be placed on administrative leave starting Friday, according to a notice on the aid agency’s website Tuesday evening, a move that comes as President Donald Trump and several members of his administration have spoken of plans to review and potentially restructure or
abolish parts of USAID.
The notice on USAID’s website said “all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally,” by the end of this week “with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs.”
India stands to gain significantly from the escalating US-China trade war, with a senior government official highlighting that Indian exporters are already experiencing a surge in orders as trade diversion intensifies between the world’s two largest economies. Following a new round of tariffs imposed by the US and China, India is poised to benefit once again, as it did during the previous trade war under US President Donald Trump. India emerged as the fourth-largest beneficiary of trade diversion after the initial US-China tariff conflict, with significant gains in various sectors, particularly electronics. According to Oxford Economics, India's share in US electronics imports has risen nearly tenfold, from 0.2% in 2017 to 2.1% today. This growth is largely driven by India’s increased role in the production of telecommunications equipment, such as Apple’s iPhone manufacturing. Despite the progress, India still lags behind regional competitors like Korea and Taiwan in more advanced electronics, such as semiconductors. However, the ongoing trade disruption presents India with an opportunity to strengthen its position in global markets. With the US-China trade war showing no signs of abating, Indian exporters are well-placed to capitalize on this shift, boosting India’s export growth and solidifying its role as a key player in the global supply chain.
Sanjiv Goenka to Invest Rs,10,000 Crore in West Bengal
Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, on Wednesday announced an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in West Bengal over the next few years.
Goenka made this announcement at the inauguration of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025. This significant investment will be focused on three key sectors: energy, healthcare, and education. "We will invest Rs 10,000cr in healthcare, energy and education," he said.
Goenka praised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating: "We now live in a different Bengal which is transformed."
India Should Lead AI Revolution: OpenAI CEO
Two years after his dismissive stance on India's AI potential raised eyebrows here, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Wednesday gave a ringing endorsement to Artificial Intelligence momentum in the country -- and billed India as an important market not just for the new-age technology itself but for the ChatGPT creator as well.
In New Delhi on Wednesday, Altman -- while sharing dais with Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw -- said India is the second biggest market for the company and that Open AI had tripled its users here in the last year.
He made the most of his whirlwind tour to India, meeting industry captains including Paytm Founder-CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Snapdeal Co-Founder
Kunal Bahl, Unacademy CEO Gaurav Munjal, Ixigo Group CEO Aloke Bajpai,
The cost for a given unit of intelligence, one year later, seems to fall by about 10x, says the 39-year-old
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, Peak XV Managing Director Rajan Anandan, and Partner at leading venture capital firm Accel Prayank Swaroop. Altman during his first visit to India in June 2023 had called India's ability to develop a foundational model similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT "totally hopeless" and a few days later had clarified that his point was about the difficulty of competing with established AI giants on cost-efficient foundational models. Altman said there has been incredible development of technology in India where the company has tripled its user base last year and sees the country as one of the leaders in the AI revolution. "The cost for a given unit of intelligence, one year later, seems to fall by about 10x," Altman said.
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After Olympic Bid, India Aims to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
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AFTER SUBMITTING a Letter of Intent to host the 2036 Olympics last October, India is learnt to have opened an “informal” dialogue with the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to host the centenary edition in 2030 — 20 years after the country first held it.
But unlike 2010, when the Games were hosted in New Delhi, Ahmedabad has emerged as the frontrunner, with Bhubaneswar also in the mix, officials involved in the process told. Over the last week, CGF president Chris Jenkins and chief executive Katie Sadlier travelled to multiple cities in India, meeting state and central government ministers and senior bureaucrats in Gandhinagar, Bhubaneswar and New Delhi. They also toured potential venues in Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar.
On the sidelines of the National Games opening ceremony in Dehradun, Jenkins
also met Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P T Usha where the possible Indian bid was discussed. The IOA doubles up as the governing body for the Commonwealth Games in India.
The CGF said: “CGF President Chris Jenkins was recently invited to attend the opening ceremony of the National Games in India, taking this opportunity to continue to strengthen ties between
Rohit Sharma to Quit After Champions Trophy? BCCI Hints
India's ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma called it quits from the shortest format after India won the T20 World Cup last year. A similar action could be unrolled after the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai. Rohit hasn't had form going his way for a long time and he reportedly came close to hanging his boots in the Test format before reversing the decision. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to have told the India skipper to clarify his future plans after the Champions Trophy concludes. With the board keen on charting out the path for the 2027 ODI World Cup, clarity on Rohit's future is a must.
According to a report in the Times of
India, the BCCI wants the transition to begin, both in ODIs as well as in Tests. The board is keen to find a stable captaincy option in both the formats, hence Rohit has been asked to shed
India captain Rohit Sharma might not have another option but to take a call on his future after the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy.
light on his plans. As for Virat Kohli, however, the management is open to waiting a little more.
"The selectors and people on the board had this discussion with Rohit around the time of the last selection meeting. He has been told that he needs to decide how he wants to plan his future after the Champions Trophy. The team management has certain plans going into the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle and the ODI World Cup.
Varun Chakaravarthy added to India’s ODI squad for England series
Varun Chakaravarthy has been added to the Indian cricket team squad for the ODI series against England, Shubman Gill has revealed. The mystery spinner was spotted training with India’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series, starting Thursday in Nagpur. The 33-year-old tweaker could be in line for his maiden ODI call-up and debut, shortly before the Champions Trophy due to begin in Dubai in two weeks.
On Tuesday, Chakaravarthy was seen bowling for over an hour against the Indian batters during the training session at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha. Varun Chakaravarthy was the pick of
IND vs ENG: Varun Chakaravarthy was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the recent five-match T20I series that the hosts won over England by a 4-1 margin.
the Indian bowlers in the recent fivematch T20I series that the hosts won over England by a 4-1 margin. The Tamil Nadu spinner bagged 14 wickets, including a five-for, the most by an Indian bowler in a bilateral T20I series. Despite playing only 23 List A 50-over games, Chakaravarthy has amassed 59 wickets at a 19.8 strike rate.
Commonwealth Games Federation officials visit Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar to state, central government officials; "Had some informal chats," says CGF
India, Commonwealth Games India, and Commonwealth Sport. The CGF recently put out the call for Expressions of Interest for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and beyond, and, during his visit to India, President Jenkins had some informal chats around this process.”
Jenkins spent three days in Ahmedabad last week, where he held meetings with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi and senior government officials. During these meetings, the state reasserted its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and conduct multiple world, Asian and Commonwealth events in the build-up.
Shami Unfit,
Bumrah Uncertain: India’s
Champions Trophy Woes
India have a number of question marks on their 15man Champions Trophy 2025 squad, even with just two weeks remaining till the start of the tournament. India's biggest concerns lie in the form of their pacers' fitness, with no final news yet on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami still looking rusty. In the midst of this, former India cricketer-turned-pundit Aakash Chopra believes that a different pacer will likely get added to the Champions Trophy squad, and revealed that he hasn't heard positive news regarding Bumrah's comeback.
"I am not hearing great news about Bumrah's fitness. However, I won't believe in hearsay, and won't share what I heard either," Chopra said, speaking on his YouTube channel.
Bumrah picked up a back injury during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has revealed that Bumrah had been advised five weeks of complete rest.
Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
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Rohit Sharma
WASHINGTON - A U.S. military plane is deporting migrants to India, a U.S. official said on Monday, the farthest destination of the Trump administration's military transport flights for migrants.
President Donald Trump has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out his immigration agenda, including sending additional troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, using military aircraft to deport migrants
Trump Postpones Tariffs on Canada, Mexico
Ottawa:
President Donald Trump delayed the start of tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month Monday after the US neighbors struck lastminute deals to tighten border measures against the flow of migrants and the drug fentanyl. Global stock markets had slumped as Trump's threat of sweeping 25 percent levies on exports from Canada and Mexico to the United States sparked fears of a global trade war.
Trump Moves to Shut Down USAID on Musk’s Advice
The Donald Trump administration is moving to shut down the USAID following discussions between the President and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, as per The Associated Press.
During a live session on X Spaces early Monday, Musk said, “I spoke in detail about USAID with the president. He agreed we should shut it down.” He added, “It became apparent that it’s not an apple with a worm in it. What we have is just a ball of worms. You’ve got to basically get rid of the whole thing. It’s beyond repair.”
Trump’s Plane Repatriates 205 Indians
The sources said each deported Indian national is verified, indicating New Delhi's involvement in the deportation process.
and opening military bases to house them. Under Trump’s administration, the US military has been increasingly involved in immigration enforcement, deploying additional troops to the US-Mexico border, using military facilities to accommodate migrants, and employing military planes for deportations. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in New Delhi said the US is "vigorously enforcing its border, tightening
immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants". "These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,'' the spokesperson said. The military flights are a costly way to transport migrants. Reuters reported that a military deportation flight to Guatemala last week likely cost at least $4,675 per migrant.
China hits back with tariffs on US goods
The announcement by China comes as US President Trump had signed an order on Saturday to impose 10% tariffs on Chinese goods.
China announced an investigation into Google and imposed new tariffs on a range of US products moments after President Donald Trump slapped a 10% tariff on goods from Beijing, reigniting a trade war between the world's largest economies.
China will probe the US tech giant for alleged anti-trust violations, according to a Tuesday statement from the State Administration
FINO Tequila Goes Global with Yuvraj Singh
Chicago: FINO Tequila, an emerging name in the premium spirits industry, has officially announced its expansion into India and key international markets. Strengthening its global footprint, FINO has partnered with cricket legend and entrepreneur Yuvraj Singh, who will play a pivotal role in the brand’s business growth and market outreach. With a strong reputation for quality and craftsmanship, FINO Tequila aims to redefine the premium tequila experience for consumers worldwide. The brand's expansion is being spearheaded by a strategic team comprising Nick Patel, Mayur Patel, Sonali Patel, and Jana. Their collective vision focuses on positioning FINO as a globally recognized brand in the luxury spirits segment. The partnership with Yuvraj Singh is
expected to enhance FINO’s brand appeal, leveraging his influential presence and entrepreneurial acumen. Singh, known for his remarkable career in international cricket and successful business ventures, expressed enthusiasm for this new collaboration.
“I am thrilled to join hands with FINO Tequila as it embarks on an exciting journey of global expansion. FINO represents excellence and innovation in the premium tequila segment, and I look forward to contributing to its success,” said Singh.
As FINO Tequila enters new markets, it aims to set new benchmarks in the world of premium spirits, offering connoisseurs an authentic and refined tequila experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as FINO Tequila makes its mark on the international stage.
for Market Regulation. Beijing also announced 15% levies on coal and liquefied natural gas and 10% on oil and agricultural equipment from the US. The announcement by China comes as US President Trump had signed an order on Saturday to impose 10% tariffs on Chinese goods. However, Trump had also announced a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico but both the nations have been given a respite as the order has been paused for 30 days.
ICE Is Coming to Chicago this Week
— Relax, It's Just Weather, Not a Raid!
This week, the forecast predicts a kind of a “ice storm” that Chicagoans are used to and thank God for that! While February started on a warmer than usual note, the week ahead is all set to bring in the chills back. There will be a potential of developing winter storms, both potentially resulting in ice. And the first one arrived sooner than you think -- Wednesday evening could see some liquid rain mixing in the far-southern area, which will result in freezing rain.
While Monday began foggy, Tuesday will be slightly colder with cloudy conditions. The forecast for the week shows two winter storms both of which promise to bring in ice to Chicago. So, the Chicago area would see at least one but possibly two spells of freezing rain in the first week of February. Ice rains are notorious for sending traffic into a tizzy and Chicagoans need to brace themselves for safer commuting come Wednesday.
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Post the ICE Raids, Chicago’s Desi Quarter
Devon
Avenue bears a Deserted Look
A regular visitor to the Devon area on condition of anonymity said, “The shops and streets
definitely look empty. Some people who feel they do not have proper documentation are not coming out as they fear they can be deported.”
Ask any desi, who have ever been to Chicago, that if they want to see a place in the American Midwest that feels like home away from home then it has to be Devon Avenue. Situated in the Chicago metropolitan area, colloquially known as Chicago’s Little India, Devon is often described as one of most diverse and buzzy places in the city. The place bustling with South Asian eateries serving everything from chaat to biryani is especially busy on Saturday nights. Devon’s mostly non-assuming eateries serving easy-on-pocket fare in homey settings bring visitors from as far as Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. A string of desi grocery stores are also a weekly or monthly de-rigeur pit-stop for South Asians from around the Chicago area as well as nearby states to stock up their kitchens with everything from desi masalas to chai and chutneys. Given
Devon’s diversity and many small businesses as well as mom and pop shops and eateries, Devon is also a place that attracts a lot of immigrant workers – taking up everything from big to small jobs in the neighborhoods’ many businesses. But for the past two weeks, this busy neighborhood according to locals and visitors is bearing a deserted look. Even on weekends when the place is mostly packed with families and groups, businesses report a depleted footfall.
Ever since President Trump took office, there were whispers in the city that Chicago would be one of the first cities to be targeted amongst the sanctuary cities. And the rumors didn’t prove to be wrong as the past Sunday saw “Operation Safeguard,” with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcing “enhanced targeted operations.” Even
Trump’s pick for FBI director Kash Patel is back in the news again. But this time for his young, stunner girlfriend. It has been revealed that Patel is in a relationship with Alexis Wilkins. The 25-year-old rising country music star is also a press secretary at Capitol Hill. It has been said that the two have been in a relationship for over two years. Patel met Wilkins back in 2022 at the ReAwaken America Tour. Based in Nashville, Wilkins boasts of an impressive career graph herself. Born in Arkansas, she attended Belmont University, one of the country’s top music business schools, where she majored in business and political science. She has won the Williams-Murray Writing Award and the Economic Critical Thinking Award. Wilkins created a spot for herself in country music with her debut single which was amongst top ten on iTunes with over 1,000,000 streams
though the agencies did not give a final number on the arrests made so far in the city, a fear of paranoia has gripped the city.
There have been discussions of social media groups and Facebook pages dedicated to Indian communities in Chicago where people have posted pictures of empty looking streets in neighborhoods like Devon even on weekend evenings. People have also posted on Facebook groups asking others if the deserted looks are due to ICE raids. While some users blame the frigid cold weather in Chicago lately, others were convinced that it was ICE raids. A regular visitor to the Devon area on condition of anonymity said, “The shops and streets definitely look empty. Some people who feel they do not have proper documentation are not coming out as they fear they can be deported.”
Devon is certainly not the only neighborhood in the city experiencing a lower footfall thereby affecting businesses. On Monday, February 3, people came ahead to mark “A Day without Immigrants,” across the country. Across the country as well as in Chicagoland a number of businesses remained closed. Many people decided to refrain from buying groceries to mark the importance of immigrants in America. Many schools across Chicagoland also noticed fewer attendance.
But as videos of arrests continue emerging from the past weekend, where authorities can be seen knocking on the doors to conduct arrests, a feeling of fear and anxiety sweeps across the city, with people preferring to stay indoors than invite trouble.
NJ Student Drivers: New Training & Licensing Rules in Effect
NEW JERSEY- Student drivers in New Jersey must now complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice before obtaining their license, under a new law that took effect Sunday. The law applies to student drivers under 21 who received a special learner’s permit or examination permit on or after Feb. 1. At least 10 of the required
hours must be completed at night, and a parent, guardian, or supervising driver must certify the completion of the practice hours.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will enforce the law, which was championed by young student advocates and road safety experts in the Statehouse last year. Supporters say the requirement will improve road safety and reduce accident risks.
In 2022, New Jersey recorded 53 fatal crashes involving young drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Before this law, New Jersey was one of just three states—along with Arkansas and Mississippi—that did not mandate practice driving hours.
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Trainer loses 10kg in 15 days, paralyses foot:
Risks of rapid weight loss
“First consult a certified trainer who will analyse your body, weight, height, underlying health conditions, the activity level and the strength of the muscle before drawing up a customised routine. Similarly, do not run a marathon in a day. That will injure your knees and ankles,” says Dr Shankar.
A30-year-old gym trainer, who lost 10 kg in 15 days, was rushed to the All-India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Delhi, when he could not lift his right foot. Turns out his drastic weight loss routine had led to a temporary paralysis called slimmer’s paralysis. This happens because your legs lose their fat pads and compress the nerve that controls movement and sensation in the lower leg, foot and toes.
He had remained undiagnosed for a month till Dr Vivek Shankar, additional professor in the department of orthopaedics and senior resident Dr Nitish Jagdish, treated him. “Although this is a very rare case, my first here, may be similar cases are unreported. Obsessively working out at the gym for losing weight can even lead to dislocated shoulders, back pain and neck pain besides affecting the hip joint. We see a lot of the latter from gym-goers as they go to fitness centres that are uncontrolled and unsupervised,” says Dr Shankar. In the last three months, he has seen three gym trainers, who have had severe back and lower limb injuries, one of whom was even advised surgery.
What are the symptoms of slimmer’s paralysis?
People develop weakness of the lower limb and lose mobility control, equivalent to paralysis. This happens because rigorous workouts wear out the protective fat around the peroneal nerve, which runs along the outer leg and is responsible for movement and sensation. “If treated early, this neurological disorder can be healed,” says Dr Shankar.
What would you advise gym-goers who work out only to lose weight?
Like a balanced diet, your fitness routine too needs to be
balanced. You cannot lift 200 kg in a day. “First consult a certified trainer who will analyse your body, weight, height, underlying health conditions, the activity level and the strength of the muscle before drawing up a customised routine. Similarly, do not run a marathon in a day. That will injure your knees and ankles,” says Dr Shankar. The body is unprepared for sudden jolts and reacts, so pursue any programme in a graded manner. What are other side effects of rapid weight loss?
The biggest side effect is muscle loss as in the absence of fat, the body breaks it down for energy. According to Dr Raju Vaishya, senior consultant , orthopaedic, joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, this can lead to weakness, reduced metabolism and difficulty maintaining weight loss.
“Rapid weight loss, usually with a restricted diet, triggers nutrient deficiencies, particularly of vitamins like B12 and minerals like potassium and magnesium, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, hair loss and weakened immunity. Gallstones are also common in rapid weight loss as the body releases excess cholesterol, which may form stones in the gallbladder,” he says.
What is the ideal way to reduce weight?
Dr Vaishya says the ideal way to lose weight involves prioritising health over speed. “Aim to lose 0.5-1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week, allowing the body to adapt without significant muscle loss or metabolic slowdown. A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins and complex carbohydrates helps maintain energy levels and prevent nutritional deficiencies,” he adds. Strength training helps preserve muscle mass while burning fat. Hydration, sleep and stress management also play critical roles.
Protein Powder Side Effects: What to Know
Many of us think that we can meet our protein requirements by simply using supplements but that’s not what we need to do. Unless you are an older adult with a limited appetite, have a restricted diet, a medical condition that warrants use or are into endurance sports, you can get your protein from normal food. For a person with a normal activity level, who is not engaging in heavy strength training or endurance sport, the recommended protein intake is about 0.8-1.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. This can easily be met through a well-balanced diet rich in natural high-quality protein and other essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy fats that protein powders may lack, say experts. Protein powders lack essential nutrients
A well-balanced diet rich in whole foods that include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains should suffice, says Dr Aastha Khungar, Head, Nutrition and Dietetics, Max Hospital, Mohali. “Foods like chicken, turkey, tofu, Greek yoghurt, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, and cottage cheese provide highquality protein and deliver other essential nutrients that protein powders may lack, like vitamins, minerals, fibre and healthy fats,” she says.
Some powders can have side effects
Consuming too much concentrated protein in the form of powders can strain the kidneys which have to work harder to excrete excess nitrogen in the form of urea. “This increases the risk of kidney stones, allergic reactions and acne, especially in those consuming concentrated whey protein. These also change gut microbes, upping the risk of irritable bowel disease and colon cancer,” says Dr Amit Sharma, nephrologist, Fortis, Mohali.
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Indian American Tech Entrepreneur Vishnu Hari Assaulted in San Francisco
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The incident occurred on January 18 but the public came to know about it on Feb. 1 when Hari made a post on X. He wrote “I was recently discharged from the icu at the sf hospital after traumatic brain injury due to a man hitting me on the back of my head with a metal pipe, completely unprovoked, in the mission in san francisco.”
“This man is known to the police since he’s done this before to other people. Afraid they will not be pressing charges or prosecuting this individual due to the state of sf politics.
“As a result of his attack, I’m partially blind in my right eye and can’t hear well out of my left ear. He attacked me when I was walking home from the corner store for absolutely no
Hari, co-founder of the SF based 3D simulation engine firm Ego, was found bleeding on the head
TAGC Hosts Grand Sankranti & Republic Day Celebrations in Chicago
The Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC), a leading organization representing the Telugu commu-nity in North America, hosted grand Sankranti and Indian Republic Day celebrations on January 25 at the Lemont Hindu Temple Auditorium in Chicago. The event began with a Ganapathi pooja and ceremonial lamp lighting, led by TAGC President Shri Ramana Kalva, President-Elect Smt. Archana Reddy Poddutoori, and the Board of Directors. The festivities highlighted the cultural significance of Sankranti and the patriotic spirit of Republic Day through captivating dance performances by children. Membership Chair Shri Srinivas Nagireddy, Treasurer Shri Prashanth Madavarapu, Joint Treasurer Shri Srujan Nainappagari, and former presidents warmly wel-comed attendees.
A key highlight was the presence of Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, who distrib-uted certificates and delivered an inspiring address. TAGC honored him with a shawl and a commemorative memento. Sankranti Chair Smt. Swetha Chinnari noted that 230 performers across 25 teams participated, with prizes awarded to coordinators and choreographers. The event featured Bhogipallu blessings for young children, muggulu and kitemaking competitions, and vibrant decorations by Chair Smt. Madhavi Rani Konakala. A special Sankranti feast, managed by Food Chair Shri Venu Cherukuri and a dedicated volunteer team, delighted over 600 guests.
TAGC President Ramana Kalva thanked donors, artists, volunteers, and media partners for their support. Upcoming events include a family bowling night on February 8 and an International Women’s Day celebra-tion on March 8, featuring a fashion show, games, and dinner.
reason. He did not end up stealing my phone or wallet but he did rip off all my jewelry and piercings,” Hari wrote. “I am confused as to why the sf institutions refuse to take this seriously. I unfortunately have no memory of the incident and pieced this info together from friends who spoke to the police.”
SFPD posted on its X handle: “The SFPD is aware of this incident and has reached out to the victim. The SFPD takes violent crime very seriously and investigators are working diligently on this case.
Here is a synopsis of the case from our report: On January 18, 2025, at approximately 2:08 a.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to the area of 24th and Bryant Streets regarding an unknown male in the street bleeding from the head. Upon arrival, medics were already
on scene rendering aid to the male subject. The victim was transported to a local hospital for further medical attention. During a preliminary investigation, a witness told officers that the victim and another unknown male subject were in an argument that became physical. Shortly after, the suspect fled from the scene.
No arrests have been made yet. This is still an open and active investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 415575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. SFPD Case# 250-034-601
Violent crime is unacceptable in San Francisco and the SFPD has devoted resources to ensure the public is safe and perpetrators are held accountable.
Shocking Mid-Air Crash in DC Claims Lives of Two Indian Americans
WASHINGTON, DC – Two Indian Americans, Asra Hussain Raza and Vikesh Patel, were among the 67 victims of the devastating mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., on January 29. The crash, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, occurred as both aircraft approached Ronald Reagan National Airport. It marks the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. since 2001.
Asra Hussain Raza, 26, a Washington, D.C.-based consultant, was traveling for work on hospital turnaround projects.
A 2020 Indiana University honors graduate, Raza had recently married her college sweetheart, Hamaad Raza, in August 2023. Her father-in-law, Dr. Hashim Raza, described her as selfless and compas-sionate. “She always went out of her way for others,” he said, recalling her late-night calls to keep him company during ER shifts. Hamaad Raza shared his heartbreak, revealing that Asra had texted him just 20 minutes
The crash, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, occurred as both aircraft approached Ronald Reagan National Airport.
before landing. “By the time I reached the airport, my life had changed forever,” he said.
Vikesh Patel, a longtime GE Aerospace employee, was also on board. Larry Culp, CEO of GE Aerospace, confirmed his passing, calling it a profound loss for the company and the industry. Patel had recently been promoted to MRO Transformational Leader after more than a decade in roles such as engine assembly en-gineer, production planner, and senior operations manager. He was returning home from work-related travel.
Colleagues and friends took to social media to mourn Patel, remembering his professionalism and charac-ter in an outpouring of grief and tributes.
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sAra Hussain Raza,
Saif Ali Khan Returns Publicly After Stabbing Incident
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Saif Ali Khan made his first public appearance on Monday. The actor was spotted for the first time in public after he returned to his home following the stabbing incident.
The actor, who attended the Netflix event in Mumbai, was dressed in a denim shirt and pants.
ICYDK, the actor was there to attend the trailer launch of his upcoming streaming title Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins in which he shares screen space with Jaideep Ahlawat.
Kartik Aaryan’s
Aashiqui 3 Set to Begin Filming
Kartik Aaryan's Aashiqui 3 was announced by filmmaker Anurag Basu and since then, fans have been excited to find out how the newest installment of the classic franchise turns out. After a long wait and high anticipation, there is finally an update on the film.
Anurag Basu recently shared an update during an interview with ANI. "We will start the shoot next month," he shared, and confirmed that currently the film is in pre-production stage.
Priyanka Chopra Travels to Mumbai for Brother’s Wedding
Priyanka Chopra took a break from filming her upcoming project, tentatively titled SSMB29. Directed by SS Rajamouli, the movie features Mahesh Babu as the male lead. On February 2, Priyanka was spotted at the Mumbai airport. She was wearing a crisp white shirt, matching trousers, and a cap. Her loose hair and sleek black sunglasses completed the look with the perfect touch of cool.
Who Is Chandrika Tandon? Grammy-Winning Indian Musician
Indian-origin musician and entrepreneur Chandrika Tandon has won her first Grammy Award for her album Triveni in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant category. A multifaceted leader, Tandon is the founder and chair of the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation and Tandon Capital Associates. An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and Madras Christian College, she is also the older sister of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi. Before her music career, she was one of the youngest partners at McKinsey & Co and later founded her New York-based advisory firm. Over the years, she has been honored with awards like NYU’s Gallatin Medal and the Walter Nichols Medal for leadership. Under her non-profit music label, Soul Chants Music, Tandon has released six albums, including her Grammynominated Soul Call. Her latest achievement with Triveni cements her global recognition in the music industry.
Udit Narayan Kissing Row: Old Videos with Shreya, Alka & Karisma Go Viral
Singer Udit Narayan is facing massive backlash online after a video of him kissing female fans during his live concert went viral. The clip shows the veteran singer performing Tip Tip Barsa Paani. After taking photos, the singer kissed them on the lips, sparking outrage on social media. Following the video went viral, old clips showing Udit kissing other female celebrities, including singers Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal and Karisma Kapoor resurfaced on social media. One video from an Indian Idol event shows Udit kissing Alka on the cheek, leaving her visibly shocked as she quickly steps away. In another video, Alka appears uncomfortable when Udit kisses her again at a different event. On another occasion, Udit kissed Shreya on the cheek after she won the award for Best Female Singer. The singer also kissed
actress Karisma Kapoor, who seemed equally surprised by the unexpected gesture. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the singer responded to the kissing incident.
He said, "Fans itne deewane hote hain na. Hum log aise nahi hain, hum decent log gain (Fans are crazy. We are not like this, we are decent people). Some people encourage this and show their love through this. Udaake kya karna hai ab iss cheez ko (What is the point of making a big deal out of this)? There are so many people in the crowd, and we have bodyguards present too. But fans think they are getting a chance to meet, so someone extends their hands for a handshake, some kiss the hands... yeh sab deewangi hoti hai. Uspe itna dhyaan nahi dena chahiye (All this is fans' craze, it shouldn't be given so much attention)." Udit Narayan is a renowned singer who has sung in multiple languages, including
Men Fuel Insecurity Narrative Between Heroines Bhumi Pednekar
Bhumi Pednekar talks about comedy film Mere Husband Ki Biwi and potential ego clashes and insecurities between female actors working together.
Actor Bhumi Pednekar said she is glad that she got the opportunity to try her hands at comedy with her upcoming film Mere Husband Ki Biwi, a genre she believes was more prominent in 90s Hindi cinema.
The comedy film, also starring Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh, celebrates the quirks and complexities of romantic relationships. It is directed by Mudassar Aziz, known for movies such as Happy Bhag Jayegi, Pati Patni Aur Woh and Khel Khel Mein.
“I’ve seen such films while growing up and I would get inspired by actresses (Karisma Kapoor and others) like them, the work they did. I’m glad Mudassar sir gave me the opportunity to do comedy in two of his films (Pati Patni Aur Woh and Mere Husband Ki Biwi).
“Usually, female actors don’t get to do comedy films. I love watching comedy films. In this film, both female actors have done comedy on the front foot, like how you would see back then (in the 90s) with the number one series kind of films where actresses would do comedy. So, we’ve done something similar,” Pednekar told reporters at the trailer launch of the film.
Tabu Hints at Hera Pheri 3 Reunion with Priyadarshan
Bollywood actress Tabu reacted to the buzz of the possible reunion of the lead cast of 'Hera Pheri' for its third instalment which is being directed by Priyadarshan.
On the occasion of Priyadarshan's birthday, the ace director said that he is willing to create 'Hera Pheri 3' with actors Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty. It came in response to Akshay Kumar's birthday post in which he teased the comeback of 'Hera Pheri'. Now, taking to her Instagram handle, actress Tabu also shared her excitement for the film. She shared the birthday post of Akshay for Priyadarshan on her story and wrote, "Of course, the cast won't be complete without me @priyadarshan.official"
Tabu played the lead role in 'Hera Pheri' which starred Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal in the lead role.
When asked about potential ego clashes and insecurities between female actors working together, Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh dismissed the idea, stating that they are actually good friends. “She is my sister. She is married to my best friend (Jackky Bhagnani) and now she has become one of my closest friends. This narrative that two heroines are insecure is not true, and it must have been started by some men who themselves are not secure. There’s nothing wrong between us, we rather had great fun shooting for the movie,” Pednekar said. Singh revealed that their director was worried that her camaraderie with Pednekar should not reflect on screen since their characters dislike each other in the movie.
Arjun Kapoor said he never felt that both Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Preet Singh were “insecure” of each other and added that there’s a “genuine camaraderie” between the two heroines.
Netflix India 2025: SRK & Saif’s Sons Debut
Streaming giant Netflix on Monday unveiled its ambitious line-up of projects for 2025, including debut series by Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, Saif Ali Khan's new movie and his son Ibrahim Ali Khan's maiden film, as well as the new chapters of its beloved shows "Kohrra" and "Delhi Crime".
Shah Rukh Khan was the surprise of the event as he came to unveil "The Ba***ds of Bollywood", which marks son Aryan's debut as a director and creator.
Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan's daughter Suhana Khan has already started her career as an actor with the streamer's 2023 film "The Archies". "It is my prayer that even if they get 50 per cent of the love that I have received, then it will be a lot for them," said the 59-year-old superstar.
Tariffs Nullify Stimulus; Rupee, Markets Crash
The Indian shares tumbled after Donald Trump imposed massive tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico over the weekend, sparking fears of a broader trade war.
New Delhi:
Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade and the rupee hit a record low of 87.29 against the US dollar on Monday after President Donald Trump imposed massive tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico over the weekend, sparking fears of a broader trade war.
The BSE Sensex was down by more than 400 points to 77,084 at 11 am, while the Nifty 50 dropped to 23,320 after losing over 160 points.
Larsen & Toubro, NTPC, Tata Steel, Power Grid, Tata Motors, Reliance Industries, ICICI Bank and Tata Consultancy Services were among the major laggards from the 30-share blue-chip pack, while Titan, Maruti, Nestle and Bajaj Finserv were among the gainers. "Despite an excellent Budget, the market will be under pressure from the Trump tariffs and the heightened global uncertainty these 'initial round of tariffs' has triggered," the news agency PTI quoted VK Vijayakumar, the Chief Investment Strategist at the Geojit Financial Services, as saying.
Indian American Chandrika Tandon wins Grammy
Musician and entrepreneur
Chandrika Tandon has won the Grammy for her album Triveni. At the glittering 67th edition of the event held in Los Angeles on Sunday night, Tandon won the prestigious award along with her collaborators South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. She won in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. Some of the other nominees included: Break of Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Radhika Vekaria. Tandon is the sister of Indra Nooyi of PepsiCo fame.
The Aam Aadmi Party vs Bharatiya Janata Party battle for Delhi - voting for the 2025 Assembly election is in less than 48 hours - hit the home stretch
Monday with senior figures from both sides, including AAP boss Arvind Kejriwal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the BJP, exchanging fierce jabs, and accusing the other of corruption and failing the city's residents.
Mr Kejriwal - borrowing a page from the Congress' book - set the ball rolling this morning by alleging it had done "nothing for the common people, except benefitting billionaire friends" over the last decade. Taking on the BJP over its 'double-engine' push, i.e., the belief that
having its government at the centre and state will speed up development, the AAP leader wrote on X in Hindi, "It has become clear... if such a government is in power, it will crush all under its wheels... poor and middle class."
He also pointed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement Saturday - that individual taxpayers earning up to Rs 12 lakh need not pay income tax - and claimed it to be a
Delhi will vote in a singlephase Assembly election on Wednesday, with results due three days later, on February 8.
populist move. "As soon as you gave them fewer seats in the Lok Sabha (the BJP won only 240 seats in last year's federal election, compared to 303 in the 2019 poll), they immediately gave 'discount' of Rs 12 lakh.
"And, once you defeat them in Delhi, you will see they will halve GST rates on all goods." Also, Mr Kejriwal - who has also had a run-in with the Election Commission last week, over his comment about the BJP's Haryana government "poisoning" the Yamuna water supplytook up that cudgel again, claiming the poll panel had "surrendered before the Bharatiya Janata Party".
Tariff War 2.0: Trump Says Europe Next, Cuts Funds For South Africa
A day after imposing 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada and hitting China with a 10 per cent tariff, US President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would be implementing tariffs on goods from the European Union "pretty soon".
Donald Trump said he will "definitely" place new tariffs on the European Union, adding they have "really taken advantage of us".
"I wouldn't say there's a timeline, but it's going to be pretty soon," he told reporters while reiterating complaints about the US trade deficit with the 27-nation bloc.
Donald Trump has threatened EU tariffs before, including as recently as Friday, saying they have "treated us so terribly".
USAID officials put on leave as
Elon Musk says time for agency to ‘die’
Elon Musk has declared that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) should “die” amid reports that two top security officials at the aid agency were put on leave for refusing his representatives access to classified materials. Musk, who was appointed by US President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), on Monday branded USAID a “criminal organisation” after security officials reportedly denied members of his cost-cutting task force access to restricted areas of the agency’s
The website of USAID appeared to still be offline on Saturday and some users could not access it on Sunday. USAID has a staff of more than 10,000 people
headquarters in Washington, DC.
“Time for it to die,” Musk wrote on his social media platform X. USAID’s director of security, John Voorhees, and his deputy, Brian McGill, were placed on leave after denying DOGE personnel entry to secure areas over their lack of security clearances, multiple US media outlets reported, citing unnamed officials.
The representatives of DOGE, which was created in an executive order by Trump but is not a government department, were ultimately able to access areas with classified information following the confrontation, which was first reported by CNN, according to multiple reports.
Trump has threatened EU tariffs before, including as recently as Friday when he said he'd "absolutely" apply them. "The European Union has treated us so terribly," he had told reporters in the Oval Office.
Experts belive the trade war is likely to slow US growth and increase prices
The EU, however, on Sunday said it would "respond firmly" if the US President imposes tariffs. "The EU would respond firmly to any trading partner that unfairly or arbitrarily imposes tariffs on EU goods," a spokesperson said on Sunday while speaking on Trump's tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico.
Chinese fashion giant Shein re-enters India five years after ban
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Chinese fast fashion app Shein has relaunched in India five years after it was banned by Delhi, under a deal with Indian firm Reliance Retail. An official from Reliance Retail, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC the firm has entered a long-term licensing deal with the parent company to sell products manufactured and sourced in India on the platform. The group has not yet made an official announcement. Shein's re-entry to the Indian market comes with strict terms, which include saving all data within the country, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said in December.
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• Carrier Grade internet switches
• 36 life-saving medicines exempted from basic customs duty
• Scrap of lithium-ion battery, Lead, Zinc, and 12 more critical minerals
• Frozen fish
• Frozen Fish Paste (Surimi)Customs duty will be reduced from 30% to 5%
• Synthetic flavouring essences
• Leather belts
• Leather shoes
• Leather jackets
• Marine products
• Raw materials for manufacturing ships are exempt from basic customs duty for an additional 10 years
• Cobalt products
• Interactive flat panel display
• Knitted fabrics
Giant Tax Relief For Middle Class No Tax On Income Up
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the first full Budget of Modi 3.0, announced major changes in the income tax slabs. In major relief for the middle class, the Finance Minister said that no income tax would be payable up to income of Rs 12 lakh. Besides this, there was also big announcements on the TDS front, where the annual limit on rent was raised from Rs 2.40 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, benefiting small taxpayers receiving smaller
New
To Rs 12 Lakh
payments. The government will also be introducing a new Income Tax bill next week to take forward the “trust first, scrutinise later” concept. In another major reform move, the minister announced that the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector will be increased to 100 per cent from 74 per cent.
Government To Develop 50 Tourism Sites In Partnership With States
New Delhi: The government has announced plans to develop the country's top 50 tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the Union Budget for 2025-26 on Saturday.
MEA: India, US working on Rana’s early extradition
Days after the US Supreme Court rejected a review petition filed by Tahawwur Rana, wanted in India for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian government said Friday that it is working with the Americans on “procedural issues” for his “early extradition”.
This is New Delhi’s first confirmation that work is underway to bring Rana back to face trial in the 2008 terror attacks that killed 166 people. He is currently lodged in a detention centre in Los Angeles. “The US Supreme Court on 21 January 2025 declined to hear a petition from the accused (Rana). We
are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack,” Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said. On November 13 last year, Rana had filed a “petition for a writ of certiorari” — essentially a process to seek review of a lower court order — before the US Supreme Court, arguing that he was tried and acquitted in a federal court in the Northern District of Illinois on charges related to the Mumbai attacks and cannot be sent to India for a second trial on the same charges.
How Donald Trump's Tariffs Will Affect US Households
Washington: President Donald Trump’s tariffs are expected to impact American households, particularly the poor, by reducing their purchasing power, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
A Tax Foundation analysis suggests that these tariffs could add an extra $830 in taxes per US household this year. Trump has long threatened tariffs and, since January 31, has imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with 10% tariffs on Chinese imports starting in February.
“We're doing it, and we might increase it substantially—or not. We'll see,” Trump said, emphasizing revenue generation for the US. He has also warned of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, including India, if they introduce a new currency to rival the US dollar.
The Tax Foundation predicts these tariffs could shrink US economic output by
0.4% and increase taxes by $1.2 trillion between 2025 and 2034, potentially reversing recent economic gains. Tariffs from both Trump’s first term and Biden’s presidency have already hurt the economy. Between 2018 and 2019, Trump’s administration imposed $80 billion in new taxes through tariffs. The Biden administration retained them and added $18 billion in tariff hikes on Chinese goods, including semiconductors, leading to a $3.6 billion tax increase. Research indicates that tariffs under both administrations have lowered output, reduced employment, and raised prices, ultimately having a net negative impact on the US economy. While tariffs may initially increase consumer prices, their long-term effects could stabilize after 2025.
Plane Crash in US; Trump Mourns "Innocent Souls"
At least six people are feared dead after a small private plane crashed in Philadelphia Friday, two days after a passenger jet and military helicopter collided off Washington's Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people onboard. The aircraft, a Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had six people on board, including four crew members, a pediatric medical patient and the patient's escort. There was no immediate confirmation of deaths.
US President Donald Trump said he was "so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia".
Middle Class in Modi's Heart: Amit Shah
Union home minister Amit Shah, applauding the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025 today, said the middle class is always in PM Modi's heart. Pointing to the rejig of the tax brackets that has given a complete exemption to people with an annual income of Rs 12 Lakh, he said it will go a long way towards enhancing the financial well-being of the middle class.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2025 today, made the big announcement, saying there will be no income tax payable up to Rs 12 lakh - i.e., up to Rs 12.75 lakh including standard deductions - under the new tax regime.
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"Lost Faith In You, Party": 7 MLAs Resign From Arvind Kejriwal's AAP
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Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs have resigned just five days before voting in the Delhi election. None of them got tickets to contest the election again. The MLAs who resigned are Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli), Rohit Kumar (Trilokpuri), Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri), Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar), and Bhawna Goud (Palam). BS Joon (Bijwasan) was the first AAP MLA who gave his papers. Palam's Bhavna Goud in her resignation letter directed her disappointment at party chief Arvind Kejriwal. "I have lost faith in you," the MLA said. Naresh Yadav was earlier the Mehrauli candidate. He was convicted by a Punjab court in a Quran desecration case in December and sentenced to two-year jail. When the AAP released
US Congress Bans DeepSeek on Devices
Washington: Congressional offices have been issued a warning against utilising DeepSeek, a Chinese chatbot that's been making waves in the American AI market. The rapid evolution of AI technology has posed significant security and administrative challenges for Congress, prompting the House's Chief Administrative Officer to take proactive measures.
In a notice obtained by Axios, the Chief Administrative Officer stated that DeepSeek is currently under review and unauthorised for official House use. The notice highlighted the risks associated with DeepSeek, citing instances where "threat actors are already exploiting" the chatbot to deliver malicious software and infect devices.
To mitigate these risks, the House has implemented security measures to restrict DeepSeek's functionality on all House-issued devices. Staffers are explicitly prohibited from installing DeepSeek on official phones, computers, and tablets. This isn't the first time the Chief Administrative Officer has restricted the use of an AI product. In 2023, the office imposed limits on the use of ChatGPT, allowing only the paid version for specific tasks. Similarly, last April, staffers were barred from using Microsoft Copilot, although the company is reportedly working on government-oriented tools that may be approved in the future.
its fifth list of candidates for the Delhi election, to be held on February 5, the party announced Mahender Chaudhary as its Mehrauli candidate, replacing Naresh Yadav.
Naresh Yadav in his resignation letter said the AAP abandoned its founding principle of "honest politics." He alleged the party, instead of fulfilling its pledge to reduce corruption, had "become entangled in the swamp of corruption itself", alluding to the Delhi liquor policy
Seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs have resigned just five days before voting in the Delhi election. The seven MLAs of Delhi's ruling party did not get tickets to contest the election again
case in which former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia were jailed for several months. He represented south Delhi's Mehrauli constituency for 10 years. Rohit Kumar Mehraulia, the Trilokpuri MLA who resigned today, in a post on X said he joined AAP during the Anna Hazare-led movement against corruption, with the hope of securing social justice for the Dalit and Valmiki communities.
Delhi, Washington Working On PM's Early Visit To US: Foreign Ministry
New Delhi: The foreign ministry said today that work is on to ensure an "early visit" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US. In a statement this evening, the ministry said, "PM and President Trump had a telephone conversation recently".
"The two sides are working on an early visit of PM to the US to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Specific dates for the visit would be announced at the appropriate time," the ministry added. This would be PM Modi's first trip to the US since Donald Trump came to power for a second term.
"The two sides are working on an early visit of PM to the US to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Specific dates for the visit would be announced at the appropriate time," the ministry added.
PM Modi was among the first heads of states to congratulate "My friend" Trump shortly after his victory speech in Florida.
The Prime Minister's post included photos of him with the President elect -- many of them from his visit to India in 2020.
His post, congratulating President Trump, read, "As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to strengthen INDIA-US comprehensive global and strategic partnership. Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity".
Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs on Saturday, Trump says
The president also suggested that he was still planning to impose new tariffs on China
US President Donald Trump has said he will follow through with his threat to hit imports from Canada and Mexico with 25% border taxes, known as tariffs, on 1 February. But he added that a decision about whether this would include oil from those countries had not yet been made. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the move was aimed to address the large amounts of undocumented migrants and the fentanyl that come across US borders as well as trade deficits with its neighbours.
The president also suggested that he was still planning to impose new tariffs on China, which he said earlier this month would be 10%, but did not give any details. "With China, I'm also thinking about something because they're sending fentanyl into our country, and because of that, they're causing us hundreds of thousands of deaths," Trump said. "So China is going to end up paying a tariff also for that, and we're in the process of doing that." During the election campaign, Trump threatened to hit Chinesemade products with tariffs of up to 60%, but held off on any immediate action on his first day back in the White House, instead ordering his administration to study the issue.
"Go Find Another Sucker Nation": Trump Warns BRICS Against Dollar Move
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a warning to BRICS nations, threatening 100 per cent tariffs on their exports if they attempt to replace the US dollar as the dominant currency in international trade.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his stance against de-dollarisation, warning that BRICS countries must maintain the US dollar's role in global trade or face economic consequences. "The idea that the BRICS Countries are trying to move away from the Dollar, while we stand by and watch, is OVER," Trump wrote. "We are going to require a commitment from these seemingly hostile Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS
Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy. They can go find another sucker Nation. There is no chance that BRICS will replace the US Dollar in International Trade, or anywhere else, and any Country that tries should say hello to Tariffs,
Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his stance against dedollarisation, warning that BRICS countries must maintain the US dollar's role in global trade or face economic consequences.
and goodbye to America!" His post is nearly identical to the one he made on November 30, weeks after winning the 2024 presidential election.
The BRICS group - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - has been discussing ways to reduce reliance on the US dollar for years. The BRICS economic collaboration has only intensified since Western sanctions were imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
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LA Highway Blocked as Marchers Oppose Deportation Policy
LOS ANGELES , CA —Thousands protested mass deportations planned by President Donald Trump across Southern California on Sunday, with demonstrations in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego. In downtown Los Angeles, protesters gathered on Olvera Street before marching to City Hall, calling for immigration reform. They carried banners with slogans like “Nobody is illegal.” By afternoon, demonstra-tors blocked all lanes of U.S. 101, causing significant traffic congestion. Protesters sat in the lanes while California Highway Patrol officers monitored the situation. The freeway remained closed for over five hours before reopening, according to CHP Lt. Matt Gutierrez. Authorities reported no arrests.
In Riverside, hundreds gathered at an intersection, waving flags as passing motorists honked in support, according to the Southern California News Group. Meanwhile, in San Diego, hundreds rallied near the city’s convention center. Beyond California, protests extended to Texas, where approximately 1,600 people participated in two demonstrations in downtown Dallas. Protesters, carrying Mexican and American flags, denounced Trump’s rhetoric and his administration’s aggressive deportation policies. Signs reading “Immigrants Make America Great” were prominently displayed, emphasizing the widespread opposition to the administration’s stance on immigration.
Candlelight Vigil & Prayers: Honoring the Lives Lost to Homelessness
WASHOE COUNTY, NV-In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish religious leaders, along with concerned citizens, will gather at Reno City Plaza on February 10 at 5:30 PM to honor homeless Nevadans who died in Washoe County in 2024.
The vigil will feature candle lighting and prayers in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Sanskrit near the BELIEVE sign, remembering those who lost their lives—many from exposure. The names of the deceased will be read in this solemn service, now in its fifth year. Organizers vow to continue the annual vigil if preventable homeless deaths persist.
Father Chuck Durante, Rector at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Cathedral and event coordinator, high-lighted the loss of 77 homeless individuals in Washoe County in 2024. While this marks a decline from pre-vious years, he stressed that even one death is too many. “It is our moral responsibility to care for those in need. Every person is sacred,” he said.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, another coordinator, urged for coordinated efforts to prevent such tragedies.
Sponsored by the Life, Peace & Justice Commission, the Nevada Interfaith Association, and Good Neigh-bors Warming Center, the vigil welcomes all to stand in solidarity and remembrance.
The Fate of American-Born Children After Parental Deportation
WASHINGTON, DC- As immigration enforcement intensifies under the Trump administration, millions of U.S. families face uncertainty. Among the most vulnerable are Americanborn children of undocumented parents. An estimated 4.4 million U.S. citizen children live with at least one undocumented parent, making family separations a widespread crisis. When a parent is detained or deported, children face immediate instability. Many parents have little time to arrange childcare, increasing the risk of foster care placement. Even when relatives step in, deporta-tions often lead to financial hardship, forcing families to relocate, change schools, or rely on public assis-tance. A 2018 study found a 4% rise in poverty rates among U.S.born children of undocumented parents. Beyond financial struggles, the emotional toll is severe. Children separated from deported parents are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Teachers report increased absenteeism and withdrawal in students affected by immigration enforcement. In areas where local police collaborated with ICE, Hispanic student enrollment dropped by 10%.
SGML Eye Hospital Celebrates Second Anniversary with a Grand Event
NEW JERSEY – SGML Eye Hospital marked its second anniversary on January 30, 2025, with a grand celebration in Hasampura near Ujjain. Over 400 attendees, including dignitaries from the USA and UK, gathered to commemorate the hospital’s achievements in providing accessible eye care to rural India. Founded on January 30, 2023, SGML Eye Hospital has performed over 1,000 eye surgeries and hundreds of outpatient consultations, many at minimal or no cost. The event featured musical performances by Jwalant Sharma and Dr. Tushar Patel, who also hosted the evening. A special recognition ceremony honored over 20 hospital staff, including four physicians, and 25 NRI donors received blessings from Swami Anandjeevan Das, the hospital’s founder trustee. Dr. Shekhar Mankad, Medical Director,
highlighted SGML’s achievements and announced plans to introduce retina care services in Ujjain. Dr. Deepak Pippal, Regional Health Administrator, praised the hospital’s efforts, and Dr. Taran Taran Khalsa emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about blindness in underserved areas. In their closing remarks, Swami Harinandan and Swami Anandjeevan Das expressed gratitude to supporters and reaffirmed SGML’s mission to expand services and prevent blindness. Executive Committee: Dr. Tushar Patel, Dr. Sparshil Patel, Smita (Miki) Patel, Jatin Patel, Usha Patel, Chhaya Patel, Arpita Patel, Jigna Patel, Dharmesh Patel – Associate Trust, New Jersey Ramesh Patel, Kamlesh Bhatt, Gita Amin, Dr. Supen Patel, Swami Anandjeevan Das – SGML Trust.
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Fresno’s Central Unified Names Elementary School After Sikh Human Rights Activist
FRESNO, CA - Fresno’s Central Unified School District has made history by naming a new elementary school after a Sikh figure. On January 28, the school board voted 6-1 to name the campus at Shields and Brawley avenues Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary. Opening in August 2025, it will be North America’s first public school named after a Sikh, according to a media release.
The district serves a large Punjabi Sikh community, with 1,700 students (10.55% of total enrollment) identi-fying as Punjabi/ Southeast Asian, per The Fresno Bee. Punjabi students are projected to make up 9% of the new school’s enrollment.
Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary will be Central Unified’s 15th elementary school, accommodating over 600 students from preschool to sixth grade. The campus will feature a
NY Liberty Hire Sonia Raman as Coach
NEW YORK, NY –The reigning WNBA Champion New York Liberty announced on January 13 the addition of Sonia Raman to their 2025 coaching staff as an assistant coach. Raman joins head coach Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion, alongside returning assistants Olaf Lange and Zach O’Brien as the Liberty aim to defend their title. Raman arrives in New York after five seasons (2020-2024) as an assistant coach with the Memphis Griz-zlies, helping lead them to three NBA postseason appearances. Before her NBA tenure, she was the all-time winningest head coach at MIT (20082020).
“We are excited to welcome Sonia as we prepare for our title defense in 2025,” said Brondello. “Specializ-ing in offense, she brings valuable experience and aligns with our core principles of play.”
A Massachusetts native, Raman played basketball at Tufts University before a car accident sidelined her junior year. She later earned a law degree from Boston College and worked at Fidelity Investments and the U.S. Department of Labor before transitioning to coaching. Born to Indian immigrant parents, Raman is a trailblazer in professional basketball. Her addition strength-ens the Liberty’s staff as they build on their championship success for the 2025 season.
multi-purpose building, outdoor amphitheater, play courts, and baseball, softball, and soccer fields. Calling it a “historic moment,” Central Unified School District Board President Naindeep Singh Chann praised the decision, supported by Trustees Nabil Kherfan, Yesenia Z. Carillo, Karla Kirk, Jaspreet Singh Sidhu, and Natalie Chavez. Khalra, a bank director-turned-human rights activist, exposed Punjab police’s extrajudicial killings in the 1990s. His daughter, Navkiran Kaur Khalra, a Fresno State alumna, continues his legacy in the Bay Area. Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh hailed the move on Instagram. He stars in Punjab 95, a biopic on Khalra, set for an international release on Feb. 7. The film depicts Khalra’s 1995 abduction and murder, which led to the conviction of six Punjab police officials.
India's Snow Sculptors Win Bronze in Colorado
BRECKENRIDGE, CO – India clinched the bronze medal at the prestigious International Snow Sculpture Championship, a testament to the nation's growing talent in the art of snow sculpting. Led by team captain Zahoor Ahmad and snow artist Suhail Mohammad Khan, India’s participation showcased remarkable craftsmanship against fierce global competition.
The team’s sculpture featured three hollow, ring-like structures with expressive faces emerging from the front, resting on a bed of meticulously carved snow rocks. Each face bore a unique expression, reflecting the team's artistic vision.
Zahoor Ahmad expressed immense pride in their achievement, highlighting the challenges of competing at such a high level. “We participated in two major championships this year—one
Indian-Origin Man Guilty of Hate Crime, Threats
has pleaded guilty to a hate crime and making interstate threats against employees of a Sikh nonprofit organization, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.
Athale admitted to one count of interfering with federally protected activities through the threatened use of a dangerous weapon and one count of transmitting an interstate threat.
“Threats of violence have no place in our society,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna for the District of New Jersey.
“We will continue prosecuting those who threaten basic freedoms.”
According to court documents, on Sept. 17, 2022, Athale called the Sikh advocacy group and left seven voicemails, making violent threats against employees. He referenced shaving their hair, using a razor to harm them, and forcing them to smoke or eat tobacco, acts that directly violate Sikh religious beliefs.
On March 21, 2024, Athale left two more voicemails, using violent and sexual imagery against Sikhs, Mus-lims, and Jews. He also admitted to sending threatening messages to a former coworker and a recruiter in 2021 and 2024, expressing hatred toward Muslims and Pakistan.
Athale faces up to 10 years in prison for interfering with federally protected activities and five years for transmitting threats, along with fines up to $250,000.
Chicago Residents Advised to Limit Water Use Ahead of Rainfall
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Zahoor Ahmad expressed immense pride in their achievement, highlighting the challenges of competing at such a high level.
in Minnesota and another in Colorado. The latter was particularly challenging due to the exceptional artistry on display. Winning third place is a proud moment for us,” he said.
Drawing comparisons to his native Gulmarg, Zahoor emphasized the potential of hosting similar events in India. “Places like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam are ideal for such competitions, which could boost tourism and support local talent,” he suggested. Suhail Mohammad Khan, a deaf and mute artist, played a crucial role in the team’s success. “Winning this award fills me with joy,” he conveyed through a teammate.
CHICAGO – With rain expected on Friday, January 31, residents are urged to limit water usage to prevent sewer overflows. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) has issued an Overflow Action Alert, warning that frozen ground from recent frigid weather could hinder water absorption, increasing the risk of untreated wastewater entering the river system. MWRD explains that Chicago’s sewer system handles both rainwater and household wastewater, meaning excess water can lead to street and basement flooding or overflows into rivers. To help reduce strain on the system, residents are encouraged to delay showers, minimize toilet flushing, and avoid using dishwashers and washing machines. Small conservation efforts can significantly impact overall water flow, helping to prevent backups and maintain water quality. For more updates, residents should stay informed through official channels.
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Dallas resident Bushan Athale, 49,
Bushan Athale, 49
Illinois Among States Settling $106M Case with Vanguard
CHCAGO, IL- Thousands of Illinois residents are set to receive a portion of a $106 million multi-state settlement with Vanguard, a mutual fund investment firm accused of failing to disclose tax implications of its retirement funds, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced.
The settlement follows an investigation revealing that Vanguard did not properly inform investors about potential capital gains taxes, leading to unexpected tax liabilities. In Illinois, approximately 9,000 investors paid higher-thananticipated capital gains taxes on their retirement funds.
“The Secretary of State’s office is committed to protecting Main Street investors and ensuring companies follow securities laws,” said Giannoulias, co-chair of the
Mathangi Swaminathan:
Leading Survivor-Led Gender Justice
India’s rapid economic growth often dominates global headlines, yet a quieter, equally transformative movement is reshaping the nation’s social fabric. Among the trailblazers in this arena is Mathangi Swaminathan, a social entrepreneur whose work highlights the extraordinary power of female-led initiatives in advancing gender justice. Her vision took shape as Parity Lab, a groundbreaking organization empowering marginalized communities through survivor-led initiatives. By partnering with survivor-led groups, Parity Lab turns resilience into leadership, redefining progress as inclusive and transformative.
9,000 Illinois residents impacted by Investment Fund’s Tax Implications
National Association of Secretaries of State’s (NASS) Securities Committee. “Investment firms must operate transparently and disclose necessary infor-mation about risks and costs.”
The settlement stems from a three-year multi-state investigation by the North American Securities Admin-istrators Association (NASAA) alongside a concurrent U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) probe. The SEC will oversee fund distribution to compensate affected investors.
The issue began in 2020 when Vanguard lowered investment minimums for its Institutional Target Retire-ment Funds (TRFs). This prompted many retirement plan investors to switch from Investor TRFs to Institu-tional TRFs, forcing Vanguard to sell highly appreciated assets. The resulting capital gains taxes impacted thousands of retail investors still in Investor TRFs, but Vanguard failed to warn them of the tax conse-quences.
Vanguard Group, Inc., the parent company of Vanguard Marketing Corporation, markets and sells retirement funds through broker-dealer channels regulated by FINRA and state authorities.
EPA Union Head Slams Trump Admin on Resignations
CHICAGO, IL-
Nicole Cantello, President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Lo-cal 704, which represents 1,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees across six Mid-western states, has issued a strong statement opposing the Trump administration’s efforts to encourage federal workers to resign.
"We urge all federal employees to resist attempts to undermine the vital work of government agencies by shrinking
the workforce," Cantello said. "The U.S. EPA needs every employee to ensure our air is safe to breathe, our water is safe to drink, and our soil is safe for communities to live and play on."
Cantello pointed to the previous Trump administration’s actions, which she said severely weakened the agency’s ability to protect public health. She warned that similar efforts could have dire consequences once again.
"Do not be tempted by this so-called ‘buyout’ offer—it is not an incentive but a strategy to dismantle the agency," she emphasized. "We must stand firm and resist these cynical attempts to weaken our mission and our service to the American people."
Hope & Support: WeKare Aids Struggling Students
SAN JOSE, CA – Parth Gaba, a high school student at Valley Christian Schools, founded WeKare, a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting homeless and low-income students.
The organization provides essential kits containing hygiene products, first aid supplies, and school materials to those in need.
Driven by the struggles he witnessed among his peers, Parth took action. “I saw students not only strug-gling academically but also lacking basic necessities,” he shared. “WeKare was created to bridge that gap.”
Each kit includes essentials like soap, toothbrushes, band-aids, notebooks, and pens—helping students maintain dignity and focus on their education. To date, Parth has distributed over 20,000 items, making a tangible impact in his community.
Recognizing that poverty is a global issue, Parth has expanded his reach beyond the U.S. In collaboration with Robinhood Army, he facilitated a school supply donation in India, furthering his mission of education access for all.
To sustain his initiative, Parth organizes fundraising activities such as lemonade stands and dog-sitting ser-vices. He also partners with District 8 Council Member Domingo Cardeles to host monthly donation drives at Welch Park in San Jose, extending his support to even more families.
Parth hopes his journey inspires others to take action. “Anyone can make a difference, regardless of age or background,” he says. “Together, we can create a brighter future for all students.”
AAPI-MSRF Hosts Successful Medical Scholars
Summit at Rutgers University
NEW BRUNSWCK, NJ- The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin – Medical Students, Resi-dents, and Fellows (AAPI-MSRF) successfully hosted its annual MSRF & PreMed Medical Scholars Summit at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, from January 25-26, 2025, announced AAPI President Dr. Satheesh Kathula. Organized by young medical students and residents of Indian origin, the summit was led by MSRF Executive Board members: Priya Uppal (President), Priyanka Kolli (PresidentElect), Sohi Mistry (Vice President), Priyal Shah (Treasurer), and Drishti Patel (Secretary).
With over 100 attendees, the two-
day event featured engaging sessions, including a residency and fellow-ship panel, a medical school admissions Q&A by the Dean of Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown Uni-versity,
and an MCAT advice lecture from a 520+ scorer. High school students also participated, gaining early exposure to the pre-medical journey.
The Research Symposium showcased oral and poster presentations evaluated by AAPI parent organization judges, providing invaluable feedback to young scholars. Topics such as leadership in medicine, public health, orthopedic surgery innovations, functional medicine, and financial wellness were presented by es-teemed professionals, including Drs. Mihir Gupta, Jaya Satagopan, Selene Parekh, Subbarao Bollepalli, and Chanakya Bavishi. Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, AAPI PresidentElect, emphasized the summit’s importance in guiding the next generation of Indian-origin physicians. The panel of distinguished judges included experts in hematolo-gy-oncology, cardiology, neuro-oncology, psychiatry, and infectious diseases.
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From Celebration to Service: Vaachi Garg’s 10th Birthday Inspires Community Giving
ATLANTA, GA- In a heartwarming act of kindness, Vaachi Garg celebrated her 10th birthday by giving back to the community. On January 19th, she partnered with Sprinkling Smiles, a local volunteer group, to serve food to those in need at Wood Ruff Park. Unlike most children who anticipate cake and gifts, Vaachi chose to make her milestone birthday meaning-ful. With support from family, friends, and volunteers, she turned the day into an inspiring example of gen-erosity. Weeks of preparation led to a carefully planned event featuring hot meals and snacks, with con-tributions from neighbors and local businesses.
On the chilly morning of the event, tables filled with food created an atmosphere of warmth and gratitude. Vaachi personally handed out meals, her joy evident as she interacted with the recipients. Mr. Johnson, a park visitor, expressed his appreciation: "Seeing a young girl step up like this brings hope to our communi-ty."
The success of Vaachi’s celebration encouraged Sprinkling Smiles to plan future food drives, amplifying the impact of her generosity. Her actions prove that age is no barrier to making a difference. By choosing kindness over celebration, Vaachi set an inspiring example for all.
Gunjan Kedia Appointed CEO of U.S. Bancorp, Marking a Historic Leadership Transition
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Gunjan Kedia has been named the next CEO of U.S. Bancorp, making her one of the most influential women in the financial sector. The company announced on January 28 that Kedia, current-ly serving as president, will assume the role following the annual shareholders meeting on April 15. She will also join the Board of Directors. Kedia, 54, succeeds Andy Cecere, who
Aries
Ganesha says that this week you will get money from more than one source. Health will remain good. There will be an increase in your marital happiness, the mind will be happy from the side of your spouse and children. You will get good news. If you are single, chances of marriage are being made this week
Taurus
Ganesha says that this week will be very auspicious for you and good news will be received from all sides. Relations with high-ranking people will be established. You will get the blissfulness of profit in business, but you will feel stress due to increasing work pressure. The mind will be happy due to auspicious programs happening in the family.
Gemini
Ganesha says that this week there will be success in legal disputes and court cases. Work will progress. You will always make proper use of your courage and patience to deal with adversity. Work done in partnership will give you welfare. Divine help is with you.
Cancer
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the features this week. Your advice will be advantageous to others.
Libra
Ganesha says that this week, you will get favorable results in the government sector. There will be business trips. Will take part in religious functions. More cash will be spent on the education of children. Child pleasure will remain good, sweetness will remain in your married life. This week, there will be an increase in respect in business, profession, or job.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that this week will be mixed and beneficial. You need to control your anger. Growth will be seen in your nature and behavior. Married life will be good. There will be mellowness in your speech, due to which you are able to attract others towards you.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that there will be no success in business this week. This Week good relations will be established with people holding high conditions. There will be happiness in the family, so it is necessary to change your habits.
Capricorn
will transition to executive chairman, continuing to lead the board while supporting Kedia.
A financial industry veteran, Kedia joined U.S. Bancorp in 2016 and has been instrumental in driving revenue growth. With nearly 30 years of experience, she previously held leadership roles at State Street Finan-cial, BNY Mellon, McKinsey & Company, and PwC. A seven-time honoree on American Banker’s Most Pow-erful Women in Banking list, she has also been recognized by Barron’s as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance.
Kedia, who holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, emphasized her commitment to integrity and innovation in shaping the bank’s future. As the transition unfolds, industry experts will be watching closely to see how she steers one of the na-tion's largest financial institutions.
Ganesha says that your health will remain good this week. You will also get good cooperation from your subordinates in the field of work. You will get opportunities to earn good wealth. Luck will be with you in business. Your faith in God will increase. You will dominate your enemies. Family members and friends will extend all possible help to you.
Leo
Ganesha says that this week you may have to face financial defect. You will be able to defeat your opponents in the field of work. Your faith in God will increase. You will also take an active part in virtuous activities. You will get good family happiness. You may be a little worried about your siblings.
Virgo
Ganesha says that this week you may get opportunities to achieve success in politics and you will have friendships with high-ranking people in government service. Being of a liberal nature, you will work for the good of others. You will get money from the government. You will get all
Ganesha says that this week, someone's health will be bad in the family, and mental stress will increase. You will have a good collaboration with colleagues in the workplace. Reputation may increase. Will collaborate with full devotion in religious works and noble works.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that this week, whatever work you do with family members, you will get success. Money may be needed, so you think of taking a loan. Differences can be seen in married life. Some good news will be earned this week
Pisces
Ganesha says that this week, money will be spent on your noble works and works related to religion. You will get all possible support from your best friends and colleagues. You will deftly manage to make every task easy. This week you will be disposed towards religious activities. Happiness and conjunction from the family will be good.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
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Gunjan Kedia
National Retail Solutions (NRS) Continues Commitment to Community with Another Employee Blood Drive
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NEWARK, NJ- National Retail Solutions (NRS), a leading provider of point-of-sale (POS) solutions for inde-pendent retailers, is proud to announce another employee blood drive for January 28. The blood drive demonstrates the company's ongoing dedication to supporting community health initiatives and saving lives.
"We are excited to partner again with the New York Blood Center (NYBC) to allow our employees to do-nate blood," said Elie Y. Katz, President and CEO of NRS. The success of our previous blood drive demon-strates the power of collective action, and we are confident that our employees will continue to make a meaningful impact in the community."
The blood drive is a testament to the continued commitment of NRS and the IDT employees to supporting community health and saving lives. It builds on the success of our previous employee blood drive, which collected 900 ml of blood to potentially save 123
lives. The achievement underscores the impact even small actions can have
The blood drive is a testament to the continued commitment of NRS and the IDT employees to supporting community health and saving lives.
Bal Vihar of St. Louis Celebrates India’s 76th Republic Day with Grand Annual Event
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ST. LOUIS, MO- The Center for Indian Cultural Education – Bal Vihar of St. Louis proudly celebrated India’s 76th Republic Day with an inspiring event that honored the nation’s rich heritage and democratic values. Commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, the celebration provided Bal Vihar stu-dents a platform to deepen their cultural roots through performances, presentations, and discussions. Students of all age groups showcased engaging performances, while interactive presentations highlighted India’s diverse states through cuisine, traditions, and cultural heritage. Middle and high school students tackled critical topics like climate change in India and gender equality, sparking thoughtprovoking discus-sions.
Adding to the occasion's prestige, U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar and his wife, Mrs. Shashi, graced the event as chief guests, emphasizing the significance of cultural education and community engagement.
A major highlight was the student competition, showcasing the knowledge and creativity of Bal Vihar’s learners. Esteemed judges, including Paritosh Sheth, Dr. Chandrakanth Tailor, Professor Vijay Ramani (Washington University), Dr. Suraj Alakkassery (President, Kerala Hindu Organization of St. Louis), and Su-rinder Sabherwal (President, Gita Ramayan Organization), evaluated presentations from Groups 2 through 7. Special thanks to parent volunteer Amit for his valuable contributions.
For senior student groups, youth judges Bhaskar Subbarao, Raj Iyer, and
Giri Yanamala provided insightful feedback. A special mention goes to Dr. Condoor, whose innovative topics inspired students to think be-yond conventional boundaries. Challenges such as designing a Bal Vihar STEM legacy garden and develop-ing a water filter for underserved communities encouraged creativity and problemsolving.
The event’s success was made possible by the unwavering dedication of Bal Vihar’s teachers, volunteers, and parents, who ensure the institution remains a
thriving hub for cultural learning and community build-ing.
As Bal Vihar marks India’s Republic Day, it reaffirms its commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation, fostering a deeper understanding of Indian history, values, and global challenges.
About Bal Vihar of St. Louis Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis founded by Dr. Sudhir Brahmbhatt is a cultural school designed to promote, instill, and foster Indian culture in children ages 5 to 18. Bal Vihar encour-ages the youth group (ages 13 and above) to participate in activities that promote respect and under-standing of different cultures and religions. Bal Vihar has been in existence since 1992, and its current enrollment is over 350 students. Our website is www.balvihar-stlouis.com
when undertaken collectively.
"We believe in the power of collective action, and blood donation is a simple yet impactful way for our employees to make a real difference," added Katz. “NRS is deeply committed to community welfare, as evidenced by our frequent blood drives, yearly toy collections, and coat drives. Our mission extends be-yond business success; we strive to positively impact people's lives and help retailers thrive."
National Retail Solutions (NRS) operates the leading point-of-sale (POS) terminal-based platform and NRS Pay credit card processing for small and mid-size independent retailers. With thousands of active terminals across the USA and Canada, the robust, custom-built POS system includes features such as inventory man-agement, sales tracking, and marketing tools, empowering store owners to compete and thrive against the competition. NRS is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT).
CBP Hosts KB Foundation Youth at PHL for Career Event
PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists hosted a career lunch and learn event for youth from the KB Foundation at Philadelphia International Airport on January 29, 2025. The KB Foundation, a non-profit organization, mentors adolescents by providing educa-tional, recreational, and hands-on experiences to develop their social and professional skills.
During the event, CBP officers introduced the students to careers in federal law enforcement. “This was an opportunity to expose middle school students to CBP and potential careers in public service,” said Donald Josey, Assistant Area Port Director for Passenger Operations in Philadelphia. The students observed live demonstrations, including a CBP K9 inspection, baggage screening, and trade enforcement operations. The event concluded with students witnessing realtime CBP inspections of international travelers. “CBP’s mission is crucial to national and economic security, and engaging with local youth mentoring organizations helps raise awareness of our work while inspiring future careers in law enforcement,” said Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr.
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CBP K9 officer conducts a demonstration for youths from the KB Foundation during a lunch and learn ca-reer event at PHL Airport.
New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Support al Shabaab
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LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Danielle R. Sassoon, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, an-nounced that Karrem Nasr, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres to attempting to provide material support to al Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organiza-tion.
According to court filings and statements, Nasr, 24, a U.S. citizen from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, moved to Egypt in July 2023. By November 2023, he was actively seeking to join al Shabaab, communicating his intent to wage jihad with an FBI confidential source (CS) posing as a terrorist facilitator.
Nasr expressed a long-standing desire for jihad, which intensified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. He viewed America as the "head of the snake" and posted alarming messages online, warning that "Jihad" was “coming soon to a US location near you,” accompanied by airplane, bomb, and fire emojis.
Nasr took deliberate steps to join al Shabaab, including booking a flight to Kenya to meet members of the group before traveling to Somalia for military training. On December 14, 2023, he flew from Egypt to Ken-ya, intending to proceed into Somalia. Kenyan authorities apprehended him the same day. On December 28, 2023, Nasr was returned to the U.S.
‘Quad-Demic’ Strains New Jersey Hospitals as COVID-19, Flu, RSV, and Norovirus Surge
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NEW JERSEY- Public health officials warn that a "quad-demic"—a mix of COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and norovirus—is placing significant strain on New Jersey hospitals and emergency rooms.
According to the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance report, respira-tory virus activity remains high nationwide, with New Jersey categorized at a "very high" level. Nationally, wastewater surveillance indicates high influenza A activity and moderate RSV levels, while COVID-19 re-mains low. However, combined with norovirus, these viruses present a formidable health risk.
Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug causing vomiting and diarrhea, is surging across the country. CDC data shows the Midwest is hardest hit, with positivity rates nationwide exceeding last season’s peak.
New Jersey’s Situation:
• Influenza: Emergency department visits remain very high and continue to rise.
• RSV: Wastewater levels are low, and ER visits are moderate but declining.
• COVID-19: Viral activity in wastewater is high, and ER visits, while currently low, are increasing.
Norovirus: Outbreaks surged 350% in New Jersey over 2023. In December, the
FDA warned restaurants and retailers in 14 states, including New Jersey, against serving certain norovirus-contaminated oysters. The CDC predicts that emergency visits for COVID-19 will stay lower than in past winters, while flu-related ER visits are expected to increase in most states. Health officials urge residents to take precautions, in-cluding vaccination and hygiene measures, to prevent infections.
Nasr pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization, carrying a maxi-mum sentence of 20 years in prison. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 30, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Sassoon commended the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, Kenyan authorities, and the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section for their role in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille L. Fletcher, Kimberly J. Ravener, and Stephen Ritchin are leading the pros-ecution, with support from Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the Counterterrorism Section.
Rajni Sundararaj Wins Presidential STEM Teaching Award
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ATLANTA, GA- Rajni Sundarhiaraj of Georgia is among five Indian Americans recognized with the Presiden-tial Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for outstanding contributions to STEM education in grades K-12. A science educator for 28 years, Sundararaj has taught all science subjects at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts in Jonesboro for the past nine years.
Jay Shetty Helps Raise $650K to
Rebuild Lives of LA Fire Victims
The event, attended by 200 prominent Indian American and philanthropic leaders, aimed to provide imme-diate aid. Shetty, a renowned author and podcast host, emphasized the power of service during crises: “In moments of great tragedy, we seek certainty, but the true path is to serve, give back, and uplift others.”
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA – In response to the devastating Southern California wildfires, Indian American philanthropists Jay Shetty and Anita Verma-Lallian led a highprofile fundraiser on January 26 at Hotel Bel-Air, raising over $650,000 for relief efforts.
The event, attended by 200 prominent Indian American and philanthropic leaders, aimed to provide imme-diate aid. Shetty, a renowned author and podcast host, emphasized the power of service during crises: “In moments of great tragedy, we seek certainty, but the true path is to serve, give back, and uplift others.”
Verma-Lallian, a real estate investor and founder of
Camelback Productions, recently made headlines for purchasing Matthew Perry’s former home. Her company highlighted that funds would support Baby2Baby, a nonprofit that has distributed over six million emergency supplies, including diapers, formula, and food, to families affected by the fires. The evening featured appearances by comedians Lilly Singh and Kumail Nanjiani, who had previously host-ed a comedy benefit for wildfire relief. Attendees participated in a silent auction featuring exclusive items like a Beatles-signed guitar and a 3-carat diamond ring. Concluding the night, Shetty led a meditation ses-sion, offering a moment of healing to all present.
Karrem Nasr, a/k/a “Ghareeb Al-Muhajir,
Rajni Sundarhiaraj
CBP Seizes 984 Counterfeit Driver’s Licenses at O’Hare International Airport
CHICAGO, IL- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the International Mail Facility at O’Hare International Airport confiscated 984 counterfeit driver’s licenses from January 21 to 26, marking a rise in fraudulent documents as the Spring semester begins at colleges. Officers discovered these fake IDs hidden inside laptop chargers, plastic mirrors, and jewelry boxes. Counterfeit licenses, often used by underage college students to access bars and purchase alcohol, pose signif-icant risks. “CBP's interception of these IDs reduces the chances of underage alcohol purchases and the potential consequences, including deadly accidents,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke,
FBI Springfield Warns Public About Online Relationship Scams
SPRINGFIELD, IL- As Valentine’s Day nears, FBI Springfield warns the public about the dangers of online romance scams. While some find genuine connections online, many fall victim to fraudsters who create fake identities to deceive and steal from them. These scammers often use dating websites, apps, and social media to gain trust and establish a relationship quickly. Some even keep detailed notes on victims to manipulate them more effectively.
In 2023, Illinois residents lost nearly $19 million to romance scams, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Nationally, victims lost $652.5 million that year, despite a slight decline since 2021.
“Once money is sent, recovery is difficult,” said Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “That’s why awareness is crucial—recognizing red flags early can prevent emotional and financial devastation.”
Warning signs include:
• Being asked to move conversations off the dating platform.
• Receiving overly glamorous photos.
• Rapid declarations of love.
• Isolation from friends and family.
• Frequent last-minute canceled visits.
• Requests for money or financial information.
To stay safe, never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Report suspected scams to FBI Springfield at 217-522-9675 or file a complaint at IC3.gov.
Director of Field Oper-ations, Chicago Field Office.
Only two entities—the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alli-ance (AATA)—are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue international driver’s licenses. CBP determined the seized IDs were fake due to their lack of fine-line detail and other inconsistencies.
Beyond underage drinking, fake IDs are linked to identity theft, human trafficking, and organized crime. CBP officers work with the Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit and federal agencies to combat illicit activi-ties. For more on CBP’s efforts, visit their YouTube channel.
Free Medical Supplies Available in East Orange, NJ Vending Machine
EAST ORANGE, NJ — East Orange is taking a compassionate approach to public health by launching a free “public health vending machine” open to all residents, including undocumented immigrants. Located at EOFD Firehouse #5, the kiosk provides naloxone, fentanyl test strips, condoms, hygiene products, and cold-weather kits.
Residents can access supplies by answering a brief, anonymous questionnaire, with instructions available in English, Spanish, and
Haitian Creole. The initiative, launched in partnership with TestandGo, aims to re-move barriers to essential health resources. Amid rising fears following a recent immigration raid in Essex County, city officials emphasize that this ini-tiative prioritizes health and safety over division. “East Orange chooses compassion, not intimidation,” said Mayor Ted Green. “No one should be afraid to seek help.” Fifth Ward Councilwoman Naiima Fauntleroy called the effort “groundbreaking,” while U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver praised it as a step toward making healthcare accessible to all. New Jersey Sen. Britnee Timberlake and Assemblymembers Michael Venezia and Carmen Morales echoed support, emphasizing the importance of breaking down healthcare barriers. “Public health and safety go hand in hand,” said Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones. “This initiative sends a clear message—East Orange stands with its residents.”
Indian American ‘Worst Landlord’ in NYC Faces New Investigations
NEW YORK, NY – A five-alarm fire on January 10 at 2910 Wallace Avenue in the Bronx has renewed scrutiny of landlord Ved Parkash, long criticized for unsafe living conditions. The blaze, triggered by faulty wiring, destroyed the building’s roof and displaced hundreds of tenants—marking the third major fire in a Par-kash-owned property in recent years, The New York Times reported.
Parkash, a self-made businessman from Punjab, has amassed a real estate empire of 70 buildings across New York City, mostly in the Bronx. Despite his success, he has faced allegations of severe neglect. In 2015, then-Public Advocate Letitia James named him the city’s worst landlord. City records show over 400 complaints at the Wallace Avenue building in two years, including heating failures, water issues, and infes-tations. Residents say they’ve resorted to space heaters for warmth, a practice linked to past fatal fires. Parkash and his associates also face at least 16 active lawsuits over hazardous conditions, illegal subletting, and tenant harassment. HPD records cite 239 heating complaints at Wallace Avenue alone, while another of his properties, 750 Grand Concourse, has 592. Calls for accountability continue to grow as tenants demand safer living conditions.
NASA Astronaut Captures Stunning Maha Kumbh Mela from Space
HOUSTON, TX – NASA astronaut Don Pettit, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has shared breathtaking images of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, taken from 400 km above Earth.
Posting on X, Pettit showcased the illuminated tent city near the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. “2025 Maha Kumbh Mela Ganges River pilgrimage from the ISS at night. The largest human gathering in the world is well lit,” he captioned the photos.
Rohit Chopra Fired from CFPB
Rohit Chopra, Indian American director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, who has been targeted by Republican lawmakers for putting restrictions on financial institutions in favor of consumers, has been fired.
Chopra received an email from the White House on Saturday morning informing him of the firing. He confirmed his departure in a post on X on Saturday. “This letter confirms that my term as CFPB Director has concluded. I know the CFPB is ready to work with you and the next confirmed Director, and we have a great deal of energy to ensure continued success,” Chopra wrote.
