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NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 758 January 26, 2024 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News

PM Modi leads ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

USA NEWS

'I just love you': Tim Scott and Donald Trump's other challengers fall in line

Haley vows to fight on after second loss to Trump

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Donald Trump shared the stage at his New Hampshire victory party on Tuesday night with a team of former rivals and young conservative stars. Tim Scott and Vivek Ramaswamy, who ran against and criticised Mr Trump just months ago, served as headliners. Speculation has grown that they may seek future White House posts - and many have suggested Mr Scott could even be a potential running mate.

Still, Mr Trump introduced the men by taking a couple of jabs at them. He introduced Mr Ramaswamy and said he would only allow him to speak "if he promised to do it in a minute or less". This was likely a dig at the biotech

United Auto Workers Union Backs Biden for Re-Election

entrepreneur's numerous loquacious moments on the Republican debate stage. In a moment that drew more attention and a slightly awkward silence at the watch party, Mr Trump suggested that Mr Scott "must really hate" Nikki Haley, since the former South Carolina governor appointed him to his Senate seat in 2013.

Mr Scott moved quickly in a bid to salvage the moment by stepping to the lectern, grinning widely and shouting: "I just love you!" Pundits have characterised the moments as politically cruel and reminiscent of Mr Trump's poor treatment of past surrogates.

Houthi Rebels Launch Missiles at Ships in Red Sea, White House Reports

HiIndia Newsdesk

The United Automobile Workers, a major US union representing more than 400,000 people, has endorsed the re-election bid of President Joe Biden.

It comes after the Democrat, 81, joined UAW workers on a picket line last year, in a first for a sitting president.

Mr Biden is expected to face off in the November general election against Donald Trump, who polls more strongly among blue-collar voters.

Microsoft Joins Apple In $3 Trillion Club

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: Yemen's Huthi rebels launched missiles at ships in the Red Sea on Wednesday, but two were intercepted and the third missed, the White House said.

US and British forces carried out two rounds of joint strikes aimed at reducing

Top US court refuses to block nitrogen gas execution in Alabama

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York: Microsoft joined Apple on Wednesday as a three trillion dollar company, as its big bet on artificial intelligence continued to impress Wall Street.

No w s e c o n d t o Ap p l e a s t h e world's biggest company by market capitalization, Microsoft's shares were up 1.31 percent at $404.

Apple remains narrowly in first place at $3.02 trillion after reaching the $3 trillion market capitalization mark for the first time in January 2022.

the Huthis' ability to target shipping, while Washington has also launched a series of unilateral air raids on missiles that were ready to fire -- but the Iranbacked rebels have vowed to continue their attacks.

"There were three Huthi missiles fired at two merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea, one missile missed ... and the other two were shot down by a US Navy destroyer," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the missiles were fired "toward the US-flagged, owned, and operated container ship M/V Maersk Detroit," but did not mention a second vessel being targeted.

Kenneth Eugene Smith faces execution over a 1988 murder HiIndia Newsdesk

The US Supreme Court will not block Alabama from executing Kenneth Eugene Smith with nitrogen gas, a method never used before for capital punishment.

Death row inmate Smith had asked the court to intervene saying the execution was a cruel and unusual punishment.

The execution, in which nitrogen would be pumped into his body through a mask, is planned for Thursday.

Smith, 58, also made a separate legal challenge with a lower court - but that has now also rejected his request.

Alabama already tried to execute the convicted murderer by lethal injection two years ago.

But the attempt failed b ecaus e executioners were unable to raise a vein before the state's death warrant expired at midnight. Alabama is now trying again, this time by using nitrogen gas.

It would make Smith the first person ever to be executed by this method, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, which researches capital punishment in the US and around the world.

Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has vowed to press on with her campaign in the wake of a second consecutive loss to Donald Trump. Ms Haley campaigned across New Hampshire ahead of Tuesday's primary, courting both independent and moderate Republican voters.

But she was unable to catch Mr Trump, who had a comfortable 11-point lead with most ballots counted.He now appears set to clinch the Republican nomination.

FAA Clears Boeing 737 MAX Jets for Return to Service

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York: US regulators approved a detailed inspection framework that would allow the return to service of Boeing 737 MAX planes grounded after an emergency landing earlier this month, officials said Wednesday.

Shortly after the Federal Aviation Administration announced inspection protocols on the Boeing 737 MAX 9, United Airlines said it expects grounded aircraft to return to service starting Sunday.

Top Arizona Republican quits over leaked tape offer to Kari Lake HiIndia Newsdesk

Arizona's Republican party chairman has quit over a leaked tape in w hich he is heard apparently trying to induce a Senate candidate to quit the race.

On the audio, Jeff DeWit asks Kari Lake if there is "any number" that would make her take a political "pause" as "very powerful people" want her out.

In his resignation letter, he denied any bribery and said Ms Lake had released a "selectively edited" tape.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

3 Indians win UK's prestigious Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists

in the lab and those that make transformative scientific breakthroughs,” said Sir Leonard Blavatnik, Founder and Chairman of Access Industries and Head of the Blavatnik Family Foundation.

“We are proud that the Awards have promoted both UK science and the careers of many brilliant young scientists and we look forward to their additional discoveries in the years ahead.”

Professor Nair, a materials physicist at The University of Manchester, was named Laureate in Physical Sciences & Engineering for developing novel membranes based on twodimensional (2D) materials that will enable energy-efficient separation and filtration technologies.

Using graphene and other 2D materials, his research aims to study the transport of water, organic molecules, and ions at Three Indian Scientists Win UK's Prestigious Blavatnik Awards; the nanoscale, exploring its potential applications to address About Professor Rahul Nair, Malik And Tanmay Bharat societal challenges, including water filtration and other separation technologies.

HiIndia Newsdesk He will receive 100,000 pounds in unrestricted funds for London,: (IANS) Three Indian scientists are among the nine his research that has provided valuable insights "into the recipients of this year's Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists movement of water and other molecules in nano-capillaries, in the UK for their pioneering work in the fields of chemical, as those movements differ from their behaviour on the macro physical, and life sciences. scale," the award statement said.

Professors Rahul R. Nair, Mehul Malik, Dr Tanmay Bharat, and A Quantum physicist and Professor of Physics, Professor others will be honoured and receive grants totaling 480,000 Mehul Malik, is advancing quantum communications at pounds at a black-tie gala dinner and award ceremony in Heriot-Watt University through revolutionary techniques London, on February 27. that harness high-dimensional entanglement -- a complex “Providing recognition and funding early in a scientist’s career quantum physics phenomenon. can make the difference between discoveries that remain

Asante Gold: UK to loan back Ghana's looted 'crown jewels'

HiIndia Newsdesk

A Russian Ilyushin-76 military transport plane has crashed in the southern Belgorod region bordering Ukraine.

At least 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed, according to Russia's ministry of defence.

Ria Novosti news agency said another nine people were on board, including six crew. None of the details surrounding those on board can be independently verified.

Ukraine's general staff, quoted by the Ukrainska Pravda website, said the plane was transporting missiles for Russia's S-300 air defence systems. It made no mention of prisoners of war.

Arabia Set To China says US 'gravely wrong' Saudi Open 1st Alcohol For Nonto congratulate new leader Store Muslim Diplomats

HiIndia Newsdesk

The UK is sending some of Ghana's "crown jewels" back home, 150 years after looting them from the court of the Asante king.

A gold peace pipe is among 32 items returning under long-term loan deals, the BBC can reveal.

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is lending 17 pieces and 15 are from the British Museum.

Russian jet crashes carrying Ukrainian PoWs - Moscow

HiIndia Newsdesk

China has accused the US of sending "a gravely wrong signal" to those pushing for Taiwan's independence after Saturday's election result.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent Taiwanese president-elect William Lai a message of congratulations

following the result.

Beijing called the message a violation of Washington's commitment to maintain only unofficial ties with Taiwan.

Mr Lai has vowed to protect Taiwan from an increasingly aggressive China.

But Beijing sees Taiwan as its territory and fiercely challenges any government that says otherwise.

Messages of congratulations for Taiwan's new leader poured in from all over the world after the election, including from Mr Blinken - who emphasised the partnership between Taipei and Washington, which he said was rooted in democratic values.

"We look forward to working with Dr Lai and Taiwan's leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values," he said in a statement.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is preparing to open its first alcohol store in the capital Riyadh which will serve exclusively non-Muslim diplomats, a Reuters source familiar with the plans and a document showed on Wednesday.

Customers will have to register via a mobile app, get a clearance code from the foreign ministry, and respect monthly quotas with their purchases, the document accessed

by Reuters said.

UN asks Houthis to reconsider order Dozens dead after to expel US, UK nationals fire breaks out in HiIndia Newsdesk

United Nations: (IANS) The United Nations has asked Yemen's Houthi authorities to reconsider their decision to expel US and British nationals working for the world body in Houthicontrolled areas of Yemen.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN S ecretar y-G eneral Antonio Guterres, confirmed on Wednesday that the United Nations has received communications from the Houthis, which gave the world body one month for all US and British nationals to leave the areas under the control of the de facto authorities, Xinhua news agency reported. "What needs to be said is that any request or requirement for UN staff

to leave based solely on the nationality of that staff is inconsistent with the legal framework applicable to the UN," said Dujarric. "It also, of course, impedes our ability to deliver on the mandate to support all of the people in Yemen. And we call on all the authorities in Yemen to ensure that our staff can continue to

perform their functions on behalf of the UN." He said UN staff serve impartially and serve the flag of the United Nations and none other.

The spokesman refused to say how many US and British nationals are working for the UN in Houthicontrolled areas of Yemen. "I can find out the number of international staff.

We do not give breakdowns of our staff 's own nationality," said Dujarric.

The order of the Houthi militia came amid rising tensions between the US and British forces stationed in the Red Sea and the Houthis who have been attacking "Israeli-linked ships" in the region since the onset of the IsraelHamas conflict on October 7, 2023.

China shop

HiIndia Newsdesk

At least 39 people have been killed and nine injured in a fire that started in the basement of a shop in the Chinese city of Xinyu.

State media said the fire started on Wednesday afternoon local time in the city in Jiangxi province.

Footage from state-backed Global Times showed smoke billowing from buildings and people jumping from windows. The video has not been verified by the BBC. President Xi Jinping has called for an investigation into the blaze.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

INDIA NEWS

Republic Day Chief Guest French President Macron Embarks on India Visit

After Himanta Sarma's Arrest Threat To Rahul Gandhi, Assam's Swift Moves

HiIndia Newsdesk

PM Narendra Modi will join President Emmanuel Macron for the tour of Jantar Mantar a UNESCO World Heritage site.

New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron, chief guest for this year's Republic Day celebrations, will land in Jaipur today. He will be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a tour of a couple of heritage sites and a roadshow.

PM Modi will join him for the tour of Jantar Mantar a UNESCO World Heritage site. The two leaders will then take part in a joint roadshow from Jantar Mantar to Sanganeri gate with a stopover at Hawa Mahal.

Four Indians Drown At Philip Island Beach In Australia's Victoria

HiIndia Newsdesk

Today is the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's last day in Assam, after which it will enter West Bengal.

Guwahati: Two days after Assam Police registered a case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his associates for a clash between party workers and cops during Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the case has been transferred to the specialised Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Assam police chief GP Singh has said in a post on X that the case has been transferred to the CID for a "thorough and

Indian-American Ex-Pfizer Employee Charged With Insider Trading On Covid Pill

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

The Indian High Commission in Canberra shared the news and said the Consulate General in Melbourne is in touch with the victim's friends.

New Delhi: Four Indians drowned off an unpatrolled beach at Phillip Island in Australia's Victoria on Wednesday. The victims - a man and two women in their 20s and another woman in her 40s belonged to an extended family, local media reported.

The Indian High Commission in Canberra shared the news and said the Consulate General in Melbourne is in touch with the victim's friends.

"Heart breaking tragedy in Australia: 4 Indians lost their lives in a drowning incident at Phillip Island, Victoria. Deepest condolences to families of the victims. @cgimelbourne team is in touch with friends of the deceased for all necessary assistance," said the embassy. Three of them had died at the scene while the fourth victim - in her 20s - was flown to a hospital in Melbourne in a critical condition. She later died, reported news.com.au.

in-depth investigation through a SIT". Mr Gandhi and other Congress leaders have been charged under nine sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to rioting, unlawful assembly and criminal conspiracy.

Congress workers part of the Rahul Gandhi-led Yatra clashed with Assam cops this Tuesday near the Guwahati city limits.

The state BJP government had barred the yatra from moving on key Guwahati roads, citing the possibility of traffic jams.

Declaring the grounds of denying permission frivolous, Congress workers tried to enter the city.

Washington: Indian-American former Pfizer Inc. employee, Amit Dagar, who was charged with insider trading and a conspiracy to commit insider trading last year, has been convicted by the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced on Thursday that a jury "returned a guilty verdict against Amit Dagar for insider trading and conspiracy to commit insider trading," as per a statement from Williams office.

Insider trading generally refers to buying or selling a stock or any

financial assets on the basis of material, non-public information about them.

The defendant was found guilty following a two-week trial before US District Judge Andrew L. Carter.

US Attorney Damian Williams highlighted that proof has been found that Dagar stole information about Paxlovid from his employer, Pfizer, and used that illegal edge to profit in the stock market.

"As the jury's swift verdict shows, the proof at trial was overwhelming that Amit Dagar stole information about Paxlovid from his employer, Pfizer, and used that illegal edge to profit in the stock market. Combatting the corruption of our financial markets continues to be a top priority of this Office. Would-be insider traders tempted by the prospect of easy money should know that the Southern District of New York is watching; we'll catch you, and we'll make sure you pay the price for violating the law," he stated.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue Unveiled in New York

Zofeen Maqsood

New York Mayor Eric Adams and Indian American Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar unveiled a new Mahatma Gandhi statue in NY. The statue has been unveiled in South Richmond Hill.

The new statue replaces one destroyed in two separate vandalism incidents back in August 2022. Rajkumar said, “Hate against any group will not be tolerated in my district, in Queens, or anywhere in New York City,” she said.

“Vandals may have destroyed the first statue, but nothing can destroy our belief in the Gandhian principles of love, unity, nonviolence, and peace.”

Rohan Bopanna ReWrites Record Books

Maldives President Under Fire Over His Government's 'Anti-India' Stance The words of caution by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats comes amid strained ties between the two neighbours and the Maldives' affinity towards China.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: The Maldives government's "anti-India stance" may turn out detrimental to the island nation's development, the two main opposition parties have warned, two days after the administration announced a Chinese ship will be docking at their port.

The words of caution by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats comes amid strained ties between the two neighbours and the Maldives' affinity towards China, a potentially significant geopolitical and military shift in the Indian Ocean Region. President Mohamed Muizzu won the 2023 elections banking on an anti-India narrative, a departure from his predecessors who pursued a proIndia policy.

HiIndia Newsdesk

India's Rohan Bopanna and partner Matthew Ebden reach the Australia Open men's doubles tennis final, beating the pair of Thomas Machac and Zhang Zhishen in a thrilling 3-set semi-final. The pairing of BopannaEbden won the first set comfortably, 6-3 before losing the second 3-6.

The third set saw both pairs giving their best, taking it to the tie-breaker.

Bopanna and Ebden held their nerves to win the tie-breaker 10-7. In the process of entering the final, Bopanna broke his own record of being the oldest man at a Grand Slam final.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

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DIASPORA NEWS

Indian-Americans in the spotlight as US presidential race picks up HiIndia Newsdesk

In the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the political landscape has witnessed the emergence of Indian-American candidates, mark i ng a s i g n i f i c ant mome nt in American politics. As the 60th quadrennial presidential campaign kicks off, approximately 20 candidates from both sides of the aisle have entered the fray, addressing key issues such as the economy, abortion, war, democracy, and foreign policy.

Among them, four Indian-Americans have stepped into the spotlight, showcasing the community's growing influence in national politics. On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, stands as the presumptive nominee.

Harris, having already made history as the first Indian-origin Vice President, could potentially become the first female

As the 60th quadrennial presidential campaign kicks off, approximately 20 candidates from both sides of the aisle have entered the fray, addressing key issues such as the economy, abortion, war, democracy, and foreign policy.

President if anything were to happen to Biden.From the Republican side, three candidates are vying for the presidential nomination, including Nikki Haley, a prominent figure and former South Carolina Governor. Haley, the lone Indian-American on the Republican

side, has challenged former President Donald Trump, currently the leading contender in the Republican field.

Recent polls indicate that Haley holds a significant lead over President Biden in potential head-to-head matchups.

Another noteworthy Indian-American

Over 60K foreign students became permanent residents of Canada in 2023 HiIndia Newsdesk

options, which include reforming permits and capping intake of nonpermanent residents.

Meanwhile, Montreal-based Desjardins Securities warned that closing doors to temporary workers and foreign students allowed into Canada would blunt the country's economic recovery and deepen recession. According to predictions by the capital market company, the country's real GDP would drop by 0.7 per cent in 2024 and grow an average of 1.78 per cent annually over the following four years.

There are many pathways available to international students who want to transition to Canadian permanent residence, and the fastest among them is the Express Entry Program.

There are approximately 330,000 new immigrants and students from India living in Canada as of 2023.

Toronto: (IANS) Even as Canada considers capping the arrival of international students amid growing housing crisis, 62,410 of them became permanent residents of the country in 2023, according to the country's immigration data.

This number represented an increase of 9,670 from the 52,740 international graduates who became international students in 2022, a November 2023 Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data said.

Much of Canada's population growth -- now one of the fastest in the world -- comes from foreign students, nonpermanent residents, and temporary fore i g n w or ke r s , a c c ord i n g t o immigration experts.The nation opened its doors to immigrants to replace aging workers and fill labour gaps, but the

boom in numbers has put a strain on the country's resources.

Last week, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said he will closely analyse the number of international students and temporary residents entering into the country with the government facing backlash over housing affordability and rising cost of living.

The minister said he is mulling over

Trump makes Racist Remarks Against Nikki Haley

Six Hindu Temples Vandalized in California in Two Weeks

in the race was Vivek Ramaswamy, who campaigned as a vocal supporter of Trump. However, after a disappointing finish in Iowa, Ramaswamy dropped out of the race, endorsing Trump.

While candidates like aerospace engineer Hirsh Vardhan Singh and scientist-entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai did not gain significant traction, the overall presence of Indian-Americans in the race reflects a notable shift in American politics. Accounting for about 1.3% of the U.S. population, these candidates inspire future generations and minorities to engage in public service, contributing to the evolving diversity of American political representation. As the presidential race unfolds, the Indian-American candidates bring a unique perspective to the forefront, shaping the narrative and influencing the trajectory of American politics.

Biden, Trump Equally Bad for Nation, says Nikki Haley

Zofeen Maqsood

Indian American Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley called both the former President and President Joe Biden “equally bad” for the nation. In an interview with CNN, Haley said, “I mean, if they were — if either one of them was good I wouldn’t be running. Yes, they are equally bad, that’s why I’m running is because I don’t think we need to have Biden or Trump. I don’t think we need to have two 80-year-olds sitting in the White House when we’ve basically got to make sure that we can handle the war situation that — that we’re in.”

New York’s Times Square saw hundreds celebrating Ram Temple in Ayodhya

HiIndia Newsdesk

In what can now be called his style, former President Trump unleashed a volley of remarks against Nikki Haley.

Trump, while posting on TruthSocial, misspelt Nikki’s name. Nikki’s original name is ‘Nimrata’ while Trump called her ‘Nimarada.’ Trump’s message also had racist undertones and it also seemed to suggest that Nikki shouldn’t be contesting as her parents were not American citizens when she was born.

He posted: “Anyone listening to Nikki ‘Nimrada’ Haley’s wacked out speech last night, would think that she won the Iowa Primary. She didn’t, and she couldn’t even beat a very flawed Ron DeSanctimonious, who’s out of money, and out of hope.”

Zofeen Maqsood

HiIndia Newsdesk

In unfortunate news, six Hindu temples have been vandalized in California over a period of just two weeks. These claims were made by Indian-American politician Ritesh Tandon. Tandon is a Democratic candidate running for election to the US House to represent California’s 17th Congressional District.

He wrote on X: “In the last two weeks, six Indian temples have been vandalized, five

of which are in Wahab District. There has been no response from Senator Aisha Wahab.” On January 19, however, Wahab had written on X, “the ongoing vandalism of Hindu temples across the Bay Area must stop. There is no room for such hatred in our communities. I trust that law enforcement is working diligently to get to the bottom of this and I am convening a meeting with police chiefs to discuss the matter.”

Hundreds of Indian Hindus congregated at the iconic Times Square in NYC to display their joy at the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya India. An image of Lord Rama shone on the screen at Times Square as hundreds chanted and celebrated the occasion.

Many Indian Hindus are marking the day as a joyous celebration. Saffron flags and chants of ‘Jai Shree Ram,’ reverberated in New York. Despite the cold, the devotees remained undeterred and a feeling of happiness.

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BUSINESS

Sony India Abandons Zee Entertainment Merger, Pursues $90M Break-Up Fee HiIndia Newsdesk

The Sony group scrapped plans for a $10-billion merger of its Indian unit with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, stating the closing conditions to the deal could be not satisfied.

On Monday, the Japanese conglomerate also sought a $90-million break-up fee from Zee, which threatened legal action as the deal petered out more than two years after the initial announcement of the merger.

Sony’s announcement came on a day Zee managing director and CEO Punit Goenka was attending the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

“As I arrived at Ayodhya early this morning for the auspicious occasion of Pran Pratishtha, I received a message that the deal that I have spent 2 years envisioning and working towards had fallen through, despite my best and most honest efforts.

“I believe this to be a sign from the Lord.

I resolve to move ahead positively and work towards strengthening Bharat’s pioneering M&E Company, for all its stakeholders,’’ Goenka said on the micro-blogging platform X. The one-month grace period for extended negotiations to complete the

United Airlines to lose money over Boeing groundings

HiIndia Newsdesk

A major US airline has said it expects to lose money in the three months between January and March due to the grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 jets.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 of them after an unused door broke away mid-flight.

United Airlines has 79 of the aircraft in its fleet, more than any other carrier, followed by Alaska Airlines.

Both airlines have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights this month as inspections are carried out.

United has said it expects the planes to remain grounded until 26 January and its forecast assumes it won't be able to fly them at all this month.

The Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California, had reached 16,000ft (4,876m) when it began its emergency descent, according to flight tracking data, after the unused emergency exit door blew out.

On Sunday, the FAA said another, older 737-900ER model should also be inspected as they use the same door design. United has 136 of these jets in its fleet.

Though Sony did not offer the reasons behind its decision to end the deal, one sticking point during the negotiations was on choosing the merged entity’s leader. While Zee was pitching for Goenka, Sony was uncomfortable with the choice given the allegations of fund diversion against him by Sebi merger ended on January 20.

Sony Group Corporation said in a statement its arm Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt Ltd (SPNI) on Monday issued a notice terminating

the definitive agreements entered by the parties on December 2021.

According to Sony, the deal terms stipulated if the merger did not close within 24 months after their “signature

Govt hikes import duty on gold and silver coins, jewellery findings

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: (IANS) The government has raised the import duty on gold and silver findings as well as coins of precious metals to 15 per cent, from 10 per cent at present, with effect from January 22.

Findings are items like hooks and clips

which are components used for making jewellery. The step has been taken to benefit the domestic industry.

The new duty rate of 15 per cent, comprises a Basic Customs Duty (BCD) of 10 per cent and an additional 5 per cent under the All Industry Duty Drawback (AIDC). However, this increase does not apply to the Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) exemption.

The government has also raised the import duty for spent catalysts that contain precious metals. The new duty rate is 14.35 per cent, which comprises a 10 per cent Basic Customs Duty and an additional 4.35 per cent under the All Industry Duty Drawback. The increase, however, is not applicable to the Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS) exemption.

GenAI spending from banks to reach $85 bn globally by 2030

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi, (IANS) The spending on GenAI by banks will reach $85 billion in 2030, from $6 billion globally in 2024 which is a 1,400 per cent growth, a report showed on Tuesday. Leading banks will adopt generative AI services to offer more personalised user experiences, enabling them to provide increasingly compelling services at reduced cost, according to Juniper Research. “Using AI at the heart

of operations will enable banks to provide a differentiated and personalised user experience, while reducing costs. By not making AI a priority today, banks risk losing ground to competitors,” said research co-author Nick Maynard.

Generative AI platforms learn patterns and structure from training data, and can create text, images and other media.

The research found that generative AI will enable drastic change at banks by providing personalised spending insights and easier access to customer trends.

Banks will increasingly shift to an AIcentric strategy, as these business models are essential to competing effectively in a highly dynamic banking environment, the report noted.

date” or the end date, the parties are required to discuss in good faith an extension of the end date by a reasonable period of time. It disclosed that such discussions were required to be held for 30 days after the end date. If the parties are unable to agree upon such an extension by the end of the discussion period, either of them could terminate the merger. “The merger did not close by the end date as, among other things, the closing conditions to the merger were not satisfied by then.

“SPNI has been engaged in discussions in good faith to extend the end date but the discussion period has expired without an agreement upon an extension of the end date.

“As a result, on January 22, 2024, SPNI issued a notice to Zee terminating the definitive agreement,’’ it said.

Though S ony did not offer the reasons behind its decision to end the deal, one sticking point during the negotiations was on choosing the merged entity’s leader.While Zee was pitching for Goenka — as per the merger agreement signed in 2021 — Sony was uncomfortable with the choice given the allegations of fund diversion against him by market regulator Sebi.

MrBeast reveals he made $250,000 from X video

HiIndia Newsdesk

The world's most popular YouTuber, MrBeast, has revealed he made more than $250,000 (£197,000) from posting a video on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He had previously said it was not worth posting on the social media site as creators only got a small amount of advertising revenue.

However, after a U-turn last week, he posted an old video - which has generated more than 155 million views.

The stunt has been closely watched as X's business struggles.

Elon Musk, the owner of X, has tried various strategies to boost engagement on the platform since buying it in October 2022.

These include sharing advertising revenue with high profile creators, something that other sites, including YouTube, already do.

But the plans have faced doubts, as traffic to the site has declined.

X's advertising revenue has also plunged as Mr Musk's feud with advertisers over issues such as hate speech and misinformation rumbles on. MrBeast - real name Jimmy Donaldson - had previously said that even a "billion views" would not make it worth his while to post videos on X.

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SPORT

Gavaskar feels Virat Kohli misses India’s first two Test matches Yashasvi can cement himself in Test side against England for personal reasons HiIndia Newsdesk

Virat Kohli will miss the first two Tests against England owing to “personal reasons” after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allowed him to spend time with his family.

The Indian players were supposed to assemble in Hyderabad, the venue for the opening Test from Thursday, on Saturday but Kohli joined the squad on Sunday and didn’t attend the training session.

Following a series of discussions with the team management, he left the team hotel on Monday morning.

“Virat Kohli has requested the BCCI to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” BCCI said in a statement. “Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has

The absence of Kohli, who has scored 1991 Test runs against England at an average of 42.36, will come as a big blow to the line-up always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” the statement said. “The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter

and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.

“The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli’s privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.

The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series.” Kohli played India’s last Test series — the 1-1 draw in South Africa — and then missed the first T20I at home against Afghanistan for personal reasons before returning for the last two matches of the series.Kohli had been rested for the white-ball leg of the tour of South Africa.

He had taken a break after joining the squad for the Test series and missed the preparatory three-day intra-squad match ahead of the two Tests there.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal could cement his place in the Indian Test side during the upcoming five-Test series against England at home, feels the legendary Sunil Gavaskar.

The former captain believes that the Indian pitches would allow the 20-year-old to express himself in a better manner than the hard and bouncy tracks of South Africa.

Glenn Maxwell Coco Gauff Grinds Past Rohan Bopanna, oldest world No. 1, Hospitalized After Adelaide Party; Cricket Marta Kostyuk Into reaches Australian Open semi-final Australia Investigates Australian Open Semis

HiIndia Newsdesk

Coco Gauff in action HiIndia Newsdesk

US Open champion Coco Gauff overcame huge resistance from the unseeded Marta Kostyuk on Tuesday to move into her first Australian Open semi-final. The American fourth seed wore down the Ukrainian in hot conditions on Rod Laver Arena to clinch a scrappy encounter 7-6 (8/6), 6-7 (3/7), 6-2 in three hours and eight minutes. She will face either defending champion and second seed Aryna Sabalenka or ninth-seeded Barbora Krejcikova on Thursday for a place in the final. After showing ominous form to race into the last eight, it was a far from convincing display by the 19-year-old, who struggled on serve and fluffed countless opportunities.

RCB Star Replaces Virat Kohli In Test Squad HiIndia Newsdesk

The news of Virat Kohli's sudden withdrawal from the first Two Tests against England left all the fans utterly shocked. As per the BCCI, Kohli has cited 'personal reasons' for skipping the first two matches. As the first Test will kick-start from Thursday in Hyderabad, everyone is eagerly waiting to see that who will be replacing the star India batter in the squad. As per reports, Royal Challengers Bangalore star Rajat Patidar has been picked to replace Kohli in the Indian squad for the first two matches.

India's Rohan Bopanna is set to become the oldest tennis player to achieve the World No. 1 ranking in men's doubles after reaching the semifinals of the

Australian Open along with his partner Matthew Ebden here on Wednesday.

The 43-year-old, who had entered the tournament with a career-high ranking of world no. 3, and Australian Ebden recorded a comfortable 6-4, 7-6 (5) win over sixth seeded Argentinian duo of Máximo González and Andrés Molteni in the quarterfinals that lasted an hour and 46 minutes here.

The second-seeded Indo-Australian pair will cross swords with unseeded Tomas Machac and Zhizhen Zhang in the semi-finals. Bopanna will be crowned the new numero uno on Monday after the end of the tournament.

After Initial No, England Star Shoaib Bashir Gets Visa To Travel To India

HiIndia Newsdesk

England spinner Shoaib Bashir gets green light to travel to India after initial refusal by New Delhi England's spinner Shoaib Bashir has eventually received his Indian visa after the initial refusal from New Delhi. The player is set to travel to India and join up with the team by this weekend, informed England Cricket on Wednesday. "We're glad the situation has now been resolved," the board added. The issue hogged limelight as the England cricket team in December had announced its squad for the five-match Test series in India, giving enough time for the visa processing of the players.

However, Bashir, who is from Pakistani heritage, failed to get an approval intially

which saw him being unavailable for the first Test, starting January 25 in Hyderabad.

Bashir will now be in contention for an England Test debut in the second match at Visakhapatnam.

The delay in issuance of an Indian visa to rookie off-spinner Bashir had snowballed into a major controversy ahead of the first Test in Hyderabad.

England skipper Ben Stokes called the turn of events "frustrating" while a British government spokesperson demanded "fair" treatment of the youngster.

The 20-year-old Pakistan-origin cricketer, who plays for Somerset in the English county, had to head back home from the team's Abu Dhabi training base after a prolonged wait to secure an Indian visa.

"When I first found the news out in Abu Dhabi, I did say we shouldn't fly until Bash gets his visa," Stokes said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test.

"But that was a little bit tongue in cheek. I know it's a way bigger thing than doing that. That was probably just emotions around the whole thing.

"I'm pretty devastated that Bash has had to go through this," he added.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Cricket Australia (CA) has launched an investigation into an incident involving flamboyant all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who had to be rushed to a hospital following a late-night party in Adelaide last week.

According to Daily Telegraph, Maxwell was out drinking and watching a concert by 'Six and Out', the band featuring former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, when he felt unwell.

CA said it is aware of the incident involving the all-rounder who played a key role in Australia's triumphant World Cup campaign in India last October-November. "Cricket Australia is aware of an incident involving Glenn Maxwell in Adelaide at the weekend and is seeking further information," a statement by CA said, according to 'ESPNcricinfo'.

Naomi Osaka Accepts Wild Card Into Abu Dhabi Open HiIndia Newsdesk

Former No.1 Naomi Osaka has accepted a wild card into the Abu Dhabi Open, the WTA 500 tournament begins on February 3. Osaka joined a strong field that already includes Ons Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, and Maria Sakkari.

"I'm very excited about competing in this year's Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and performing in front of the UAE tennis fans, who I know from previous experience will create a fantastic atmosphere," Osaka said.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

"Let It Be A Gateway To Peace": Gautam Adani On Ayodhya Ram Temple

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Ahead of the grand opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya later today, Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani said he hopes the temple will serve as a testament to communal harmony in the country.

"On this auspicious day, as the Ayodhya Mandir's doors open, let it be a gateway to enlightenment and peace, binding the communities with the timeless threads of Bharat's spiritual and cultural harmony," Mr Adani posted on X.

Isha & Akash Ambani Attend Grand Ceremony

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Isha Ambani, chairman of Reliance Retail, is attending the grand Ayodhya Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishta' ceremony with her husband Anand Piramal. She said that she is overjoyed to be in Ayodhya for the opening of the temple, an occasion that is being hailed as Diwali -- the festivities that marked Lord Ram's homecoming after the battle with Ravan.

"Today is one of the most sacred days for us. I am overjoyed to be here," Ms Ambani told reporters.

"Jai Siya Ram": PM Posts Historic Video Of Entering New Ram Temple New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today posted a video of him taking the steps to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He carried offerings for Lord Ram as he walked slowly inside the temple. "... It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme," PM Modi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Dressed in a golden kurta teamed up with a cream dhoti and patka, he walked into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple holding a silver umbrella on a folded red dupatta. The Prime Minister then took 'sankalp' for the consecration ceremony.

Ram Lalla idol unveiled after PM Modi leads ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration: The idol of five-year-old Lord Ram has been placed at the sanctum sanctorum HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the Ram Temple in Ayodhya - a 50-year-project of the BJP and one realised less than three months before the general election - and led the 'pran pratishtha', or consecration, ceremony. e consecration showed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat sitting next to the PM. The RSS, or the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is the ideological mentor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, and visuals of the two next to each other have been seen as acknowledgement that the Ram Temple project is a joint BJP-RSS project.

Shortly before the ceremony Mr Modi said it is a "great pleasure" to be part of a "divine programme" at the Ram Temple. "The supernatural moment of the consecration of Shri Ram Lala's life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional," he wrote in Hindi.

Earlier today the PM shared an aerial video of Ayodhya, which was shot from the helicopter that ferried him from the town to the temple, which has been festooned with flowers and decorations - a distance of around 18 km.

The consecration will be celebrated across

India and Indians abroad will mark the occasion with prayers at their local temples. The occasion has been hailed as a 'Diwali' - referring to the festivities that marked Ram's homecoming after the battle with Ravan.

The list of high-profile invitees includes Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his South Indian counterpart Rajinikanth, as well as top actors like Katrina Kaif and business tycoons Like Sunil Bharti Mittal and Anil Ambani.

India cricket stars, past and present, like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohil, have also been called.

Rahul Gandhi, Denied Entry In Temple, Asks "What Crime Have I Committed?"

Huge Ram Temple Billboard Put Up In US State Ahead Of Consecration

Ahead Of 'Pran Pratishtha' In Ayodhya, Mexico Gets Its First Ram Temple

HiIndia Newsdesk HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today alleged that authorities in Assam are preventing him from visiting the Batadrava Satra Temple, the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva, an Assamese saint and scholar from the 15th century, in Nagaon.

Mr Gandhi questioned the restrictions imposed on him, stating, "We want to visit the temple. What crime have I committed that I cannot visit the temple?"

Houston, US: Amid ongoing celebrations across the globe ahead of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya, a majestic billboard conveying the essence of Shri Ram has been put up in Houston and is alluring thousands of motorists daily on the busiest highway since Monday. Three hundred feet tall billboard, depicting information about the inauguration of the temple, provides warmth and rare surprise for Houstonians, amidst current freezing temperatures.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Mexico City: On the eve of the Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya, Queretaro, a city in Mexico, got its first Lord Ram temple on Sunday.

The temple was inaugurated after the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony was performed by an American priest with Mexican hosts and the idols brought from India. The ceremony was held amidst hymns and songs chanted by the Indian diaspora which reverberated throughout the venue.

'If Rama Comes...' 10 Faces that were once the inspirations of the Ram Mandir Movement

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EXPLAINED

From 1528 To 2024, A 500-Year Timeline Of Ayodhya Ram Temple

New Delhi: Nearly 400 pillars, 44 doors, and a brand new idol of Lord Ram - the grand temple in Ayodhya was officially inaugurated today

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with hundreds of religious figures, politicians and Bollywood celebrities in attendance.

As the country witnesses the ceremony in the ancient city, here's a look back at how a 500-year dispute culminated in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Despite assurances to the Supreme Court, the mosque was razed by Hindu activists. The cataclysmic event and the riots that followed changed Indian politics forever.

1993-1994: Post-Demolition Riots

1528: Babri Masjid's Origin

The beginning of the Ram Temple movement lies in the construction of the Babri Masjid in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a commander of Mughal emperor Babur. The belief that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple set the stage for decades of debate and clashes between two communities.

As the country witnesses the ceremony in the ancient city, here's a look back at how a 500-year dispute culminated in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

1751: A Maratha Claim

Writer and former Rajya Sabha MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Balbir Punj, in his book 'Tryst with Ayodhya: Decolonisation of India', writes that the Marathas sought control of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura, effectively setting the stage for several contentions.

2009-10: Liberhan Report Submission

In 1858, Nihang Sikhs made an attempt to claim Babri Masjid as Lord Ram's birth place. This incident marked the beginning of the struggle for control over the disputed site, foreshadowing conflicts to come.

The Supreme Court, in its landmark 2019 ruling, mentioned that Nihang Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa, along with 25 Nihang Sikhs, reportedly barged into the Mosque's premises and made a claim that the site of the mosque was the historic birthplace of Lord Ram.

After 399 sittings over 16 years, the Liberhan Commission submitted its report, revealing intricate details of the Babri Masjid demolition and implicating key leaders.

The Liberhan Commission submitted its report on June 2009 - naming LK Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other BJP leaders - almost 17 years after it began its inquiry.

The Allahabad High Court's 2010 verdict attempted to settle the dispute by dividing the land among Hindus, Muslims, and the Nirmohi Akhara.

However, the decision faced appeals and further legal challenges.

1885: The First Legal Claim

Raghubar Das, a priest of the Nirmohi Akhara filed the first legal suit in 1885, seeking permission to build a temple on the outer courtyard of the mosque.

Though dismissed, it set a legal precedent and kept the dispute alive.

By then, the British administration in the city put a fence around the site marking separate areas of worship for Hindus and Muslims, and it stood that way for nearly 90 years.

The night of December 22, 1949, saw the placement of 'Ram Lalla' idols inside the Babri Masjid, intensifying the religious sentiments around the site and leading to legal battles over its ownership.

The Hindus claimed that the idols "appeared" inside the mosque. The property dispute went to court for the first time this year.

1950-1959: Legal Suits Multiply

The following decade witnessed a surge in legal suits, with Nirmohi Akhara seeking rights to worship the idols and the Sunni Central Waqf Board seeking possession of the site.

2002-2003: ASI's Excavation and Allahabad High Court Hearing

The Allahabad High Court began hearing the title case in 2002, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted excavations, claiming evidence of a Hindu temple beneath the mosque.

The legal battle continued.

1858: Nihang Sikhs' Demand

1949: 'Ram Lalla' Idols Inside Babri Masjid

In the aftermath of the Babri Masjid's demolition, communal riots erupted across India, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.

The PV Narasimha Rao-led Central government's acquisition of the disputed area was challenged by Dr Ismail Faruqui, leading to a Supreme Court ruling in 1994. The judgment upheld the acquisition, further entrenching the state's involvement in the matter.

2019: Supreme Court's Historic Judgment In a landmark judgment in 2019, the Supreme Court awarded the entire disputed land to Hindus for the construction of the Ram Temple and allocated an alternate site for the construction of a mosque.

The legal quagmire deepened.

1986-1989: Babri Masjid Locks Opened

In a controversial move, in 1986, during the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government at the Centre, the locks of the Babri Masjid were opened, allowing Hindus to worship inside.

This decision further fueled tensions and became a pivotal moment in the Ram Janmabhoomi narrative.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) set a deadline for the construction of the Ram Mandir in 1990, escalating the demands for a temple. This period also saw the beginning of a Rath Yatra

by BJP veteran LK Advani.

A seismic shift as political leaders, particularly from the VHP and the BJP, mobilised support for the 'liberation' of Ram Janmabhoomi.

1990: Rath Yatra and Failed Demolition Attempt

Amidst the Mandal Commission's implementation and rising political tensions, L.K. Advani's Rath Yatra in 1990 aimed to mobilize support for the temple. Despite a failed attempt to demolish the mosque, it marked a significant turning point in the movement.

1992: The Infamous Demolition The year 1992 witnessed a climax -

2020: Ram Temple Foundation Stone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a grand Ram Temple on the Babri masjid site on August 5, 2020.

A 'Bhoomi Pujan' and the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple, bringing a semblance of closure to a protracted legal saga.

2024: PM Modi Inaugurates The Ram Temple

PM Modi led the consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla in the newly-built temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS New Delhi: The idol of Ram Lalla or infant Lord Ram found a home on Monday with a Pran Pratishtha ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the new Ayodhya temple. The stone used to create the 51-inch idol is special black granite brought all the way from Karnataka.

"The stone is 2.5 billion years old," confirms HS Venkatesh, Director of the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, the national facility that helped in testing the stone using physico-mechanical analysis. The NIRM is the nodal agency to test rocks for Indian dams and nuclear power plants.

Dr Venkatesh says, "The rock is highly durable and resistant to climatic variation and will sustain thousands of years in this subtropical zone with minimum maintenance."

Most granitic rocks formed when molten lava cooled down after the earth was formed. The granite is a very hard material.

The Ram Temple has been constructed using traditional architectural designs and highest quality stones, yet it incorporates modern science and engineering techniques to make it durable, says Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh. "It has been designed to last for more than 1,000 years," he adds.

A businessman from Surat gifted Ram Lal a diamond-studded crown worth 11 crores

Ram Lalla Idol At Ayodhya Carved Out Of 2.5 Billion-Year-Old Black Granite

The stone was chosen from the village Jayapura Hobli in Mysuru district, a region known for high quality granite mines.

The rock is dated to the pre-Cambrian era, which is estimated to have begun some four billion plus years ago. The

we see today - the species Homo sapiens - are only 300,000 years old. Scientists estimate that life originated on earth some 4 billion years ago.

The stone was carved into a beautiful idol by 38-year-old Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, who belongs to a family of five generations of sculptors. It took him about six months to craft the Ram Lala statue. Among his other well-known masterpieces is the 30-feet black stone statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate in Delhi.

The NIRM, which helped assess the granite block with its testing laboratories at Kolar Gold Fields, told Nripendra Misra, chairperson of the temple construction committee, that the rock was "massive, melanocratic and uniform in colour". The stone is finegrained, hard, compact and has high compressive strength, tensile strength, bending strength, breaking strength and elasticity.

The rock's qualities make it amenable for any kind of carving, Dr Venkatesh says. "In addition the rock possess high density, low porosity and water absorption with high P wave velocity, it is devoid of any internal cracks and fractures."

The stone does not absorb water or react with carbon.

"Would Like To Thank Judiciary" For Ram Temple, Says PM Modi HiIndia Newsdesk

"The clock that has been on display for 500 years and had been the path to see that clock was completed yesterday.

The consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya has been completed, and Ram Lalla is now enthroned at his birthplace. In the evening, the people of the country celebrated the return of Lord Rama by lighting lamps, marking the celebration of 'Deepawali.'

The first glimpse of the 51-inch idol is enchanting. The idol of Ram Lalla is adorned with jewelry from head to toe.

With a golden bow and arrow in hand, the forehead is adorned with silver and a red tilak. Many devotees are offering valuable items to Lord Rama.

earth is estimated to have originated some 4.5 billion years ago. The black granite rock from which the Ram Lalla statue has been sculpted has seen at least half or more of earth's history.

Early humans appeared on earth about 14 million years ago and the humans as

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi - shortly after completing the 'pran pratishtha' of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya - thanked the judiciary for "justice" dispensed five years, referring to the Supreme Court's controversial November 2019 decision to award the once-disputed site, on which the Babri Masjid, a 16th century mosque stood before being illegally demolished - to camps of Hindu petitioners "Even after the Constitution came into existence, a legal battle was fought for decades (over) Lord Ram's existence.

I would like to thank the judiciary that delivered justice and (allowed) Lord Ram's temple was built in a legal manner..." the Prime Minister said after the consecration ceremony.

"January 22, 2024, is not merely a date... it marks the advent of a new era," Mr Modi declared.

Delivering a series of dramatic pronouncements, the Prime Minister hailed "Ram's supreme blessings" and

January 22, 2024, is not merely a date... it marks the advent of a new era," Mr Modi said, "I seek forgiveness from Lord Ram... there were shortcomings in our penance that we could not complete this work (the temple) for so long. That delay has been overcome."

On November 9 a bench of senior judges, led by then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, relied on a report by the Archaeological Survey of India - which confirmed a structure existed beneath the mosque - to rule in favour of the Hindu side, which argued the site was the birthplace of Ram. The court also called the razing of the mosque - in 1992, followed by riots in which over 2,000 people were killed - a "calculated act of destroying a place of public worship", and said the Muslim

community had been "wrongly deprived of a mosque constructed well over 450 years ago".

The five judges behind that order, among whom was sitting Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, were all invited to the consecration, but it is unclear if any of them attended the event.

The Ram Temple 'pranpratishtha' has been at the centre of a massive political storm, with the opposition, led by the INDIA bloc, accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of politicising a religious event to secure more votes. The government has denied this charge.

The event has also drawn other controversies - including the one that involves the shankaracharyas of four premier monasteries staying away. The Puri and Joshimath shankaracharyas criticised the consecration of an incomplete temple and allowing Mr Modi inside the sanctum sanctorum while they were allotted seats outside.

The event is being given a political angle,

Meet Mysuru-Based Sculptor Arun Yogiraj Who Carved Ram Lalla Statue Mysuru-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj is one of the three sculptors who have worked on the statues of Ram Lalla.

Apart from him, Ganesh Bhatt from Bengaluru and Satya Narayan Pandey from Rajasthan are the other two people.

Arun Yogiraj, who has a family background of five generations of famous sculptors in Mysore, is currently the most sought-after sculptor in the country.

Arun is being sought out by different states of the country due to the demand that the statues of the achievers should be raised by Arun’s skill. The honourable Prime Minister

of the country Shri Narendra Modi has also appreciated Arun’s talent. Arun is enterprising when it comes to an efficient use of opportunities he gets. That is how demand for his art has been created in various states of the country.

Arun’s father Yogiraj is also a skilled sculptor. His grandfather Basavanna Shilpi was patronized by the King of Mysore. Arun Yogiraj, who belongs to this generation, was also involved in carving since childhood.

After completing his MBA, he worked for some time in a private company.

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ENTERTA

Fought my way through life

Sunny Leone turns restaurateur, next wish is ‘to conquer the world’

Arshad Warsi

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From an actress, to an entrepreneur and now a restaurateur, Sunny Leone has added many feathers to her cap.

It was a glittery affair on Saturday night, when Sunny launched her very first restaurant in Noida, called ChicaLoca, the two floored restaurant gives a glimpse of the actress’s fabulous life.

The 42-year-old star, who was accompanied by her husband Daniel Weber at the launch, already has a beauty line.

What other ideas are in her mind?

Sunny told: “To conquer the world.”

The actress then went on to say that she wants to create more ideas.

“On a serious note, I think is to find appropriate businesses to invest in or create and really create ideas.”

Nora Fatehi latest victim to deepfake videos, issues clarification

Actress Nora Fatehi has become the recent victim to the problem of deep fake videos on the Internet.

The actress took to her Instagram stories and raised alarm as she clarified that the woman in the video isn’t her.

Nora shared the video of a clothing brand that used her deep fake.

The video shows her lookalike promoting a fashion brand, aping everything from her mannerisms to the look and voice.

The actress wrote: “Shocked!! This is not me!”

She also branded the video ‘fake’ in bold letters to make it clearer.

The brand is yet to respond to her claims.

The Indian entertainment world was rocked when a deep fake video of the ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ actress Rashmika Mandanna made its way to the Internet.

The video showed a woman, dressed in black, entering a lift. Her face was morphed and edited in a way that it resembled the actor.

ctor Arshad Warsi The actor got emotional after seeing the reminisced about performance of wrestler Sangeeta Phogat the constant on the song ‘Jo Bheji Thi Duaa’. relocation of house The performance conveyed a powerful during his childhood days, and the message shedding light on the plight of adversity of losing his parents at a construction workers who tirelessly build young age, saying it wasn't an easy homes for others but find themselves life for him. without a home of their own.

Arshad, who is currently seen as “We were always told stories that there was the judge on the show ‘Jhalak some renovation going on there, and we Dikhhla Jaa’, was born in Mumbai, would stay here for a few days, then go back. to musician Ahmed Ali Khan. He I would go back and forth, and each time the did his schooling at a boarding house would get smaller. It was basically a school in Maharashtra's Nashik. cycle of difficulties that didn't seem to end.

He was orphaned at a very young Then, my parents passed away when I was age, and struggled for a living in very young, around 16-17 years old,” said the Mumbai during his early days.

‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S’ fame actor.

Recalling his journey, Arshad said: Arshad added: “I brought myself up, “Our situation was quite strange. There connecting the dots and fighting my way was a phase when I used to go to through life. It wasn't an easy life. And you boarding school, and when I returned, know what, I look at life from a different we would shift from that house. I was perspective. If my life had been easy, I very young, around 10-12 years old. wouldn't have enjoyed it.”

I didn't know what was happening.” ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa’ airs on Sony.

SalmanKhan poses with Anthony Hopkins as he attends Joy Awards

Bollywood star Salman Khan was seen posing with veteran Hollywood star Anthony Hopkins at Saudi Arabia's Joy Awards. Salman was honoured at the event, which marked his second time at the Joy Awards in Riyadh, where he was invited by the dignitaries to be a special guest. Pictures and videos of Salman from the event have been doing the rounds on social media. A video of the ‘Tiger 3’ star posing with Hopkins too has made its way on X (formerly Twitter).

In the clip, Salman is seen wearing a grey shirt paired with a metal grey suit.

He also presented an award to a senior Egyptian actor on stage. On the work front, Salman was recently seen in ‘Tiger 3’, directed by Maneesh Sharma.

Sania Mirza's family confirms she and Shoaib Malik have been 'divorced

Sania Mirza's younger sister Anam Mirza took to her Instagram handle to share the official statement from the family. The family decided to speak up owing to the rising speculations around her and Shoaib Malik's relationship. The family confirmed that Sania and Shoaib got a divorce a few months back.

The statement read, "Sania has always kept her personal life away from the public eye.

However, today the need has arisen for her to share that Shoaib and she have been divorced for a few months now. She wishes Shoaib well for his new journey ahead!"

"At this sensitive period of her life, we would like to request all fans and well- wishers to refrain from indulging in any speculation and to respect her need for privacy," read the statement signed by The Mirza family and Team Sania.

Pratik Gandhi-starrer series 'Gandhi' begins shooting in Gujarat The upcoming Pratik Gandhi-starrer series 'Gandhi' has flagged off its filming on Friday, with its first schedule being held in Gujarat.

The series, directed by Hansal Mehta of 'Aligarh' fame, is a biopic based on Mahatma Gandhi and will see Pratik essaying the titular character. It marks the third collaboration between Pratik and Hansal after the superhit streaming series ‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’. On Friday, the makers of the show unveiled a glimpse of Gandhi’s world sharing a carousel of images from the set.

This epic series, capturing the life and times of the Mahatma, is set to be an international production shot across various Indian and foreign locations.

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startup to stream Aarya is an emotion, holds UP five-episode series on special place in my journey Ram temple

Sushmita Sen

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ctress Sushmita Sen, who is all set for 'Aarya Antim Vaar', shared how her role Aarya Sareen is now way beyond a character and has become an emotion that holds a special place in her journey.

In the previous episodes, we saw the rise of the ferocious Aarya, going to extreme lengths to protect her family but it’s time to take it a step further.

As an actor, when you become synonymous with a cherished character, it intertwines with your essence, becoming a part of your heart.

Elaborating on the same, Sushmita said:

Aarya has my heart. She is now way beyond a character I played on a show, she is an emotion and holds a special place in my journey. I am elated to start my new year with Aarya "Aarya has my heart. She is now way beyond a character I played on a show, she is an emotion and holds a special place in my journey. I am elated to start my new year with Aarya."

"The warmth and love from the audience have been overwhelming, making this experience not just mine but ours together.

As an actress, these moments are priceless, and I'm eager to embark on the next part of Aarya's adventure with all of you, the wonderful audience who has made it so meaningful," added Sushmita.

'Aarya Antim Vaar' will be streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from February 9.

Manoj Bajpayee-starrer 'The Fable' to compete in Berlin Film Fest

Singer Anuradha Paudwal on Monday mesmerised audience with her melodious rendition of Ram Bhajan at the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishta ceremony of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya

Acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee’s film 'The Fable', which is directed by Raam Reddy, will have its world premiere at the upcoming 74th edition of Berlin International Film Festival in the competitive category of 'Encounters'.

The film, which also features Deepak Dobriyal, Priyanka Bose and Tillotama Shome, along with debutant Hiral Sidhu and child actor Awan Pookot, has been highlighted by the festival with an evening premiere on the opening day.

The festival will begin on February 15 and the curtains will be brought down on February 25.

Manoj said: “Joining the cast of 'The Fable' has been a remarkable experience.

Working with a creative mind like Raam Reddy and participating in an A-festival backed by an international production house for the first time has been incredibly inspiring. Our film’s presence at Berlinale signifies the global reach and artistic caliber of Indian storytelling."

‘The Fable’, Raam Reddy’s second initiative following his multi-awardwinning film 'Thithi', is a US-Indian co-production.

PM Modi, Amitabh Bachchan exchange greetings, stars share their feelings on Ram Mandir inauguration

Lucknow: (IANS) A UP-based streaming platform startup has come up with a five-episode series on the story of Ayodhya’s Ram temple.

Titled as the ‘Battle for Ayodhya’, the series aims to document the key events of the saga – from its inception about 500 years ago to present times when the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony took place in the new temple. “The target audience of the effort is Gen-Z. The aim is to come up with well-researched and authentic material on the subject so that they do not have to wade through reels, clips and scattered information,” said Director Kushal Srivastava.

Alia Bhatt's saree for 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony adorned with Ramayana motifs

Actress Alia Bhatt, who attended the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram temple on Monday, wore a saree which featured captivating Ramayanathemed border, adorned with intricate embroidery depicting pictures of Lord Ram, sacred Ram Setu, adding a touch of cultural richness to the occasion.

Alia was accompanied by her husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor, who sported a white dhoti and kurta paired with a matching shawl.

Alia-Ranbir, Vicky-Katrina pose for star-studded selfie with Subhash Ghai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pictured exchanging pleasantries with megastar Amitabh Bachchan at the Ram Mandir inauguration

As the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple was held in Ayodhya on Monday, several stars from the Hindi and southern film industries were seen attending the event. To make occasion memorable, Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor, his wife Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, his wife Katrina Kaif, Ayushmann Khurrana, and directors Rohit Shetty and Subhash Ghai posed for a selfie during the ceremony.

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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Himanta Sarma's Case Warning To Rahul Gandhi After Face-Off During Yatra

HiIndia Newsdesk

Guwahati: Tension has gripped Guwahati limits as about 5,000 Congress workers try to enter the city to continue the Rahul Gandhiled Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. A huge contingent of state police is on the spot to prevent the Congress rally from hitting Guwahati roads.

The Himanta Biswa Sarma government in Assam earlier denied permission to the Yatra to move through arterial roads in Guwahati. Arguing that it is a working day in Guwahati and allowing the yatra to move through key city roads may lead to traffic snarls, the state administration asked the rally to take the national highway route as it moves towards lower Assam. Congress workers were asked to take the National Highway 27 that acts like a ring road around the city.

Old idol will also be placed in new temple: Nripendra Mishra

Thousands Of Devotees At Ayodhya Ram Temple, Day After PM's Rituals temple in large numbers as early as 3 am. The gates were opened to the public from 7 am to 11:30 am and will be reopened from 2 pm to 7 pm.

Thousands of devotees, a blend of locals and out-of-state pilgrims, thronged the Ram Temple gates, braving the winter chill for a chance to be among the first to enter the shrine.

The 'pran pratishtha' rituals were carried out yesterday, with PM Modi prostrating himself before the Ram Lalla idol. The ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

Prime Minister Modi, expressing his emotions on Twitter, said, "The extraordinary moment of the consecration of Shri Ram HiIndia Newsdesk Lalla's life in Ayodhya Dham is going to leave everyone emotional.

Ayodhya: The Ram Temple in Ayodhya was thrown open It is my great pleasure to be a part of this divine programme. Jai to the public this morning, a day after the much-celebrated Siya Ram!" Following the ritual, PM Modi addressed a gathering consecration ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister of about 8,000, consisting of seers, individuals associated with the Narendra Modi and attended by a host of politicians and Ram Janmabhoomi movement, and celebrities from various fields. celebrities. Ahead of the opening, massive crowds were The Prime Minister also visited the Kuber Tila and interacted seen in front of the temple. Devotees began gathering at the with workers involved in the temple's construction.

US Gunman Kills Self After Shooting 7 Dead In 2 Homes Near Chicago The shooting took place at two different homes in Joliet, Illinois and the suspect was identified as Romeo Nance, the police said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: A man shot seven people to death before killing himself with a handgun in the US, the authorities said on Tuesday.

The shooting took place at two different homes in Joliet, Illinois and the suspect was identified as Romeo Nance, the police said.

While five people were found dead with gunshot wounds at a residence at 2212 West Acres Road, two other bodies were recovered from a house at 2225 West Acres Road, the Joliet Police Department said in a press statement.

Both of these shootings took place on January 21, 2024, the police said.

"During this investigation, detectives quickly identified 23-year-old Romeo

The suspect has been identified as Romeo Nance

Nance as a suspect in the homicides on West Acres Road and it was believed that he was also involved in a fatal shooting being investigated by the Will County Sheriff 's Office as well as a non-fatal shooting in Joliet," the police said.

"At approximately 8:30 PM this evening (local time), the Joliet Police Department learned that Nance had been located

by US Marshals near Natalia, Texas at which time it is believed that Nance took his own life with a handgun following a confrontation with Texas law enforcement officials," the police added.

They said that the identification of the victims and manner of death will be determined by the Will County Coroner's Office. The US is struggling with a large number of mass shootings and incidents of gun violence. According to data collected by the Gun Violence Archive, which reports American gun violence incidents, there have been over 875 gun deaths in the first three weeks of this year.

Kumar meets US Man Fatally Shoots Wife And 3 Nitish Bihar Governor; 'Khela Adult Daughters Inside Chicago Home Hobe’ says Manjhi Officials said that the incident was domestic in nature and did not present any harm to the general public.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Ayodhya: (IANS) The original idol of Ram Lalla that reportedly appeared inside the Babri Masjid on the night of December 22, 1949, and led to a prolonged legal battle, will also be installed in the new temple.

The idol was in a makeshift tent after the demolition of the Babri structure on December 6, 1992 and later shifted to a temporary temple.

Several people claim that they saw a Ram idol mysteriously appear in the Babri Majid, which intensified religious sentiments around the site and led to a legal battle that went on for decades.

Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the temple construction committee, said on Tuesday, "The lord, who is already there, will also move to the new temple.

HiIndia Newsdesk

A man in the United States has been accused of fatally shooting his wife and three adult daughters in a small community outside Chicago on Sunday.

According to ABC 7, Tinley Park police arrived at the scene after the man inside the home called 911 to report a mass slaughter. They found four women fatally wounded and described the incident as a "domestic-related shooting". The man, whose identity hasn't been revealed, was taken into custody and officials also recovered a firearm at the scene.

Tinley Park officials called the shootings "an act of senseless domestic violence".

According to the outlet, they said that when they arrived on the scene, the

suspect was found uninjured inside the home with a gun.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the victims as Majeda Kassem, 53, and her three daughters, 25-year-old twins, Halema and Zahia, and 24-yearold Hanan Kassem. Officials said that the incident was domestic in nature and did not present any harm to the general public. "A male subject said his wife was shot. The line disconnected. He wasn't really cooperative," a 911 dispatcher said. They also called the scene a "massacre" when requesting more units.

According to the New York Post, a neighbour who knew the family said that the news of the grisly crime was "shocking" to wake up to Sunday morning, given that the victims and alleged killer were "such a good family that had a bright future". "My daughter knows them," the neighbour said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Patna, Jan 23 (IANS) Political circles in Bihar are abuzz as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday went to the Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, accompanied by his Cabinet Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary.

Nitish Kumar stayed for 40 minutes in the Raj Bhavan but the reason for his visit has not been made public yet, leading to speculation of a government change in Bihar.

What has provided grist for the rumour mills is the fact that while Nitish, Tejashwi Yadav, Chodhary and Arlekar were together at a function to commemorate the birth anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose.

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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Big Win For Donald Trump In Presidential Run-Up

Mamata Banerjee's Bengal Twist Stuns INDIA Bloc: No Alliance with Congress Seat-Sharing Dispute Between Trinamool and Congress Prolongs, Adding Complexity to INDIA Bloc's Strategy Against PM Modi

HiIndia Newsdesk

US Presidential Polls 2024: Donald Trump on Tuesday won the Republican primary in New Hampshire, defeating rival Nikki Haley and continuing his march toward locking up the nomination to seek a second White House term in November.

Manchester, United States: Donald Trump won the key New Hampshire primary Tuesday, moving him ever closer to locking in the Republican presidential nomination and securing an extraordinary White House rematch with Joe Biden.

With vote counting ongoing, it was unclear if Trump had secured the knockout victory to put his sole remaining challenger Nikki Haley out of the contest.

In a speech following the vote, the former UN ambassador during Trump's frequently chaotic presidency said the race was "far from over" and told supporters that Democrats "want" to run against her former boss.

Rahul Gandhi dares Assam Police to file more FIRs

HiIndia Newsdesk

'I don't know how Himanta Biswa Sarma got the idea that he can intimidate me by filing cases. File as many cases as you can. File 25 more cases, you can't intimidate me. BJPRSS can't intimidate me' A day after Guwahati Police filed a case against him and other Congress leaders for allegedly provoking crowd, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday dared the BJPruled state to file "as many cases as it can", asserting that he will not be intimidated.

Addressing his first public meeting on the 7th day of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Barpeta district, the Congress leader slammed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and termed him the "most corrupt CM" of the country with a series of allegations related to land and areca nut.

HiIndia Newsdesk

In a decisive move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has categorically announced that her party, the Trinamool Congress, will contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal independently. Rejecting any alliance with the Congress for the upcoming general elections, Banerjee declared that discussions on a pan-India collaboration with the Congress would only happen post-election results.

Banerjee expressed her discontent with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' criticizing the lack of

courtesy in informing her about the event taking place in her state. Despite her amicable relationship with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, Banerjee's ties with Rahul Gandhi appear strained. The ongoing tussle between the Trinamool and Congress over seat-sharing has added complexity to the larger strategy of the Congress-led INDIA bloc against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. Despite efforts, the parties have not reached a resolution, with Banerjee criticizing Congress' demand for 10-12 Lok Sabha seats in Bengal as unjustified.

Warned by Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh against "unjustified bargaining," Banerjee has directed party leaders in certain districts to plan for the elections independently, showcasing her resolve to contest alone in the state.

In a broader context, Banerjee expressed dissatisfaction with Congress' unwillingness to play a supporting role to regional parties in crucial regions. She urged the Congress to focus on certain seats and allow regional parties the opportunity to contest in areas where they have the best chance of defeating the BJP.

"Expect India To Treat British Citizens Fairly": UK PM Rishi Sunak's Office Shoaib Bashir, a 20-year-old player of Pakistani heritage, was forced to return home to resolve visa issues

A

HiIndia Newsdesk

s Bashir returned home to sort out his visa issue, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the government expects British citizens to be treated fairly by India's visa processes.

"I can't speak to the specifics of this case. But more broadly we have previously raised issues of this kind with the High Commission. We have been clear that we expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa processes.

We have previously raised the issues British citizens with Pakistani heritage have experienced. We've raised the issues about their experience of applying for visas with the Indian High Commissioner in London," the spokesperson said, as quoted by the BBC. Earlier this week, uncapped spinner Shoaib Bashir was effectively ruled out of the first Test of England's tour of India, starting Thursday in Hyderabad. Bashir, a 20-year-old player of Pakistani heritage, was forced to return home to resolve visa issues. As a result, he was unable to join the rest of the squad flying to India from a training camp in Abu Dhabi. England captain Ben Stokes expressed his frustration on the matter, saying that he felt bad for Bashir. India captain Rohit Sharma also hoped Bashir's visa issue could be resolved as soon as possible.

Air India Fined RS. 1.1 Crore By Aviation Regulator For Safety Violations

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Air India has been fined over a crore over safety-related violations on flights operated on certain long-range terrain critical routes, the country's aviation regulator said today. The case pertains to leased aircraft not following performance limits laid down by the manufacturer.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said it opened a probe after an airline employee voluntarily flagged the violations. The probe revealed "non-compliance by the airline", prompting a show cause notice to the airline, and ultimately the penalty.

Ram Temple Timings Extended After Massive Influx Of Devotees In Ayodhya

Maldives allows Chinese ship to dock, but says no to conducting any research

HiIndia Newsdesk

The Chinese research ship the Xiang Yang Hong 3 will dock in the Maldives but will not carry out any research in Maldivian waters, the country’s foreign ministry has said.

In a three-paragraph statement, the Maldives government said China had requested, “the necessary clearances to

make a port call” but added that: “The vessel would not be conducting any research while in Maldivian waters.”

The Maldivian foreign ministry statement came after international reports that the Xiang Yang Hong 3 was coming to carry out extensive research in the Indian Ocean region. The Maldives statement clarified that the ship would make the port call for, “rotation of personnel and replenishment.”

However, it’s still not clear how long the ship would stay in the Indian Ocean/ Arabian Sea area and what research it carries out. Sri Lanka announced on January 1 that it would not allow Chinese research vessels like the Xiang Yang Hong 3 to dock at its port through 2024.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Ayodhya witnessed an unprecedented surge in pilgrims over the past two days, since the grand inauguration of the Ram Temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Following the consecration ceremony, the temple is now open to the general public, leading to a substantial influx of devotees eager to seek darshan of Ram Lalla. In response to the overwhelming crowd of devotees at the temple, authorities have extended the timings, allowing devotees to visit until 10 pm.

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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Israel Allegedly Bombs "Stripped, Hung Upside Gaza University, US Down": 21 Children Allege Asks For Clarity Abuse At Indore Orphanage The horror unraveled after a team of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) carried out a surprise inspection at the orphanage.

HiIndia Newsdesk

1st Photo Of Ram Lalla Idol Revealed The first photo of the idol - which was revealed this morning - depicts the deity as a five-year-old child in a standing posture.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: The new idol of Lord Ram was placed inside Ayodhya's Ram Temple yesterday, days ahead of the 'pran pratishtha' or consecration ceremony on January 22.The first photo of the idol which was revealed this morning - depicts the deity as a five-year-old child in a standing posture.

The 51-inch idol, sculpted by Mysuru-based artist Arun Yogiraj, is made of black stone.

US Congress Passes Resolution honoring Indian American Community, IIT Graduates

Zofeen Maqsood

Raja Krishnamoorthi, US representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district, passed a resolution in the House of Representatives acknowledging the contribution of the Indian American community in America.

Krishnamoorthi said that the "presence of Indian-American residents enriches the United States whereas the Indian-American community and the graduates of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in the United States have made valuable and significant contributions to society across many professions and disciplines.” He also called IIT graduates 'Committed', and added that they are dedicated to research, innovation, promotion of trade, and international cooperation between India and the US. Krishnamoorthi also urged the House to recognize the role of Indian-American in US society and honor the technological, scientific, and economic innovation attributable to IIT Graduates.

Indore/New Delhi: About 21 children at an orphanage in Madhya Pradesh's Indore have alleged horrific abuse and torture by its staff, the police said.

The horror unraveled after a team of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) carried out a surprise inspection at the orphanage last week.

Police said the children told officials that the staff would torture them over minor mistakes. "The children told the team that they were hung upside down, branded with hot iron and photographed after being stripped,"officials said.

They were also made to inhale smoke from burning red chilies.

A First Information Report or FIR has been registered against five employees

of the orphanage and investigation is on.

"A four-year-old child was locked in the bathroom and not given food for two-three days after he defecated in his pants," the FIR said. Police said the orphanage - run by the Vatsalyapuram Jain Trust - had not been registered under the Juvenile Justice Act. The Trust also has orphanages in Bengaluru, Surat, Jodhpur and Kolkata."The case was filed based on a complaint filed by the CEC. The orphanage was immediately sealed and the children were shifted to government facilities," said Amrendra Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police, Indore. "The allegations of the horrific abuse are being probed," Mr Singh said. Police said the team has also submitted pictures of children's injuries along with its complaint. The children at the facility are orphans from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, it's learnt.

HiIndia Newsdesk

The United States has requested clarifications from Israel regarding the widely shared footage.

New: A video allegedly showing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeting Palestine University's main campus building in Gaza is viral on social media. The United States has requested clarifications from Israel regarding the widely shared footage.

The video depicts what appears to be an abandoned university building before explosions, likely caused by bombs concealed within, erupt and send shockwaves in all directions.

US State Department spokesperson David Miller refrained from making any comments on the video, citing insufficient information.

Armed robbers target 3 liquor stores in US, threaten Indian-origin employee HiIndia Newsdesk

New York, Jan 18 (IANS) An Indianorigin liquor store employee in the US state of Illinois was left shaken after four armed men in their 20s entered the shop, put a gun to his temple and punched his co-worker before fleeing away with cash and cell phones.

The robbers, carrying revolvers and semiautomatic handguns, hit three liquor "I have two children and a wife," a shaken and terrified Patel told CBS News. stores in Chicago within a period of less Patel told the channel that of the four than 40 minutes on Monday night, the robbers, two were inside the store, holding police said.

Mr P Beverage Depot in Wicker Park, him and his colleague at gunpoint, and two other in the parking lot keeping a close where Pankajkumar Patel works, was watch. The two inside the store jumped the the first store to be targeted in the area counter and put a gun to Patel's temple as at around 8.45 p.m.

the employee raised his hands up.

They then punched Patel's colleague in the face and took around $3,000 to $4,000 from the cash registers, including mobile phones of both the employees.

According to Chicago Police, shortly after 9 p.m., the robbers entered Before You Go Liquors store in Bucktown and at 9.20 p.m., they robbed the Clybourn Market liquor store in North Center.

In all the three cases, the robbers swung into action, saying: "Give me everything – don't move or I'll shoot!", the police said.

The incidents of robbery seem to be on a rise in Chicago with five liquor stores hit in a span of less than two hours in Irving Park last week.

Bodies Of 12 Gujarat Students, 2 Teachers Nikki Haley Ties with Trump in New Recovered Day After Boat Tragedy Hampshire The boat was carrying much more than its capacity and also no life jackets were provided by the operator, it's learnt.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Twelve students and two teachers drowned after a boat overturned in a lake on the outskirts of Vadodara city in Gujarat on Thursday, officials said.

The students of the New Sunrise School were on a picnic when the tragedy occurred at Harni lake in the afternoon.

The visit was organised by the school.

"14 bodies have been recovered from the lake so far," the police said.

There were 27 persons on board - 23

students and four teachers - when the tragedy occurred.

The boat was carrying much more than its capacity and also no life jackets were provided by the operator, it's learnt.

"They were not even given a run-through on the safety guidelines," they said.

A case has been registered against 18 people for the negligence and three people have been detained so far, officials said. The state government has announced a compensation of ₹ 4 lakh each to the families of those who have died.

Zofeen Maqsood

In what can be termed as a great piece of news for Nikki Haley, she and former President Donald Trump tied in New Hampshire, according to a new poll. This is significant as this poll comes ahead of a make-or-break primary battle in New Hampshire.

The survey conducted by American Research Group Inc., puts Trump and Haley at 40% each among the state’s likely Republican primary voters.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

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Chicago Lions Club & MIBG Foundation Distribute Prasad to 14,000 at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir Mahotsav

HiIndia Newsdesk

In a remarkable display of solidarity and community service, the Chicago INDO US Lions Club and the MIBG Foundation collaborated to distribute sacred Prasad to over 14,000 individuals in Ahmedabad, India, as part of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathista Mahotsav in Ayodhya. This noteworthy event, held on January 22nd, unfolded in conjunction with the historic and culturally significant occasion of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathista Mahotsav.

The joint efforts of the Chicago INDO US Lions Club and the MIBG Foundation aimed to spread joy, unity, and spiritual fulfillment among community members gathered for the grand celebrations in Ayodhya. Known for their commitment to humanitarian service and community

Lion Hina, Founder President of the Chicago INDO US Lions Club

development, the Chicago INDO US Lions Club and the MIBG Foundation orchestrated the seamless distribution of Prasad, creating an atmosphere of joy, harmony, and cultural celebration.

Lion Kishan Trivedi, President of the Chicago INDO US Lions Club, expressed

the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration epitomizes the spirit of service and community engagement. We are honored to have contributed to the joyous occasion of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathista Mahotsav and to share the divine blessings through the distribution of Prasad.”

Lion Hina, Founder President of the Chicago INDO US Lions Club, conveyed her gratitude, emphasizing the club's pride in being part of such a momentous event. She stated, “Our commitment to humanitarian service aligns with the values of this auspicious occasion, and we are thrilled to have been a part of this meaningful celebration.”

Deepak Nayak, Chairman of the MIB G Foundation, ref lected on the transformative experience of collaborating with the Chicago INDO

US Lions Club, stating, “It’s heartening to see two organizations come together to contribute to the well-being and joy of a community during the momentous Ram Mandir Pran Prathista Mahotsav.

The distribution of Prasad symbolizes our shared commitment to social welfare and cultural harmony.”

The event not only showcased the dedication of the participating organizations but also highlighted the paramount importance of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as a symbol of cultural and spiritual unity. The presence of the Chicago INDO US Lions Club and MIBG Foundation du r i n g t h i s h i s t or i c o c c a s i on exemplifies their shared dedication to making a positive impact on society, upholding the values of compassion, service, and cultural heritage.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar Unveils Gandhi Statue With Mayor Eric Adams, Promoting Unity

HiIndia Newsdesk

SOUTH QUEENS, NY – On Sunday, January 22nd, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Hindu-American elected official in New York State, orchestrated a significant event at Shri Tulsi Mandir in South Richmond Hill.

Joined by Mayor Eric Adams and the community, they unveiled a remarkable new Mahatma Gandhi statue, replacing one destroyed in two vandalism incidents in August 2022.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s proactive response to the statue’s destruction garnered global attention, with support from the White House and international news coverage. At the mandir, she brought Mayor Adams and the community together, launching a global movement for mutual understanding among faiths and cultures. She successfully persuaded the NYPD to classify the case as an anti-Hindu hate crime, a pioneering decision in New York. This

week, Assemblywoman Rajkumar brought together a diverse coalition of elected officials, community leaders, and individuals from various faiths to celebrate the historic unveiling of the new Gandhi statue and its embodiment of Gandhian values. The ceremony featured notable figures such as Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman, Mayor Adams’ South Asian Community Liaison Sookranie Dhanpat, Tulsi Mandir founder Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, and Richmond Hill community leader Romeo Hitllal.

Dur ing t he unveiling ceremony, Assemblywoman Rajkumar eloquently spoke about Gandhian principles such as ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (love), emphasizing their influence on her commitment to public service. She underscored the importance of not just respecting people from diverse backgrounds but embracing them as if they were one’s own. Assemblywoman Rajkumar also highlighted Mahatma

Gandhi’s impact on the American civil rights movement, drawing parallels to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s admiration for Gandhi’s nonviolent approach.

Addressing the community, she shared her belief that achieving global peace is possible through love, hard work, and dedication. Assemblywoman Rajkumar affirmed her commitment to combating hate in her district and beyond, stating, “Hate against any group will not be tolerated in my district, in Queens, or anywhere in New York City.”

Mayor Adams expressed his admiration for Ass embly woman R ajkumar’s leadership, citing her 2022 event as a source of inspiration. He commended the Richmond Hill community for their commitment to tolerance, faith, family, and hard work. The Mayor shared his personal experience visiting Gandhi’s home and emphasized the enduring impact of Gandhian teachings on his mayoral work.

The event, beyond its symbolic unveiling,

signifies a commitment to continue in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s tireless efforts against hate crimes and her focus on fostering unity among diverse communities have been a hallmark of her tenure. Recently, she passed groundbreaking legislation to address hate crimes by establishing the first State-level Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission. This commission aims to develop policies to end anti-AAPI hate crimes.

Reflecting on the event, Assemblywoman Rajkumar stated, “The unveiling of the new statue symbolizes our City’s resilience. As the statue rises, so too will love always rise above hate.” She highlighted Hinduism’s central tenet of inclusivity and active love towards people of different faiths, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a peaceful, loving world. In Richmond Hill, a diverse community lives together in harmony, serving as a powerful force inspiring peace and understanding worldwide.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

LIFESTYLE

A fragrant start to the day before a new beginning

Author Bio:

Astro Friend Chirag

Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla is the son of famous astrologer Bejan Daruwalla.

He is known for his detailed astrological predictions on career, health, love, finance, and business. You can visit their website bejandaruwalla.com for guidance on problems related to your life and solve your problem with the help of expert astrologer Chirag Daruwalla. For guidance on problems related to your life you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/Whatsapp: +91 9825470377 or also mail on: info@bejandaruwalla.com

(Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla)

26th January 2024 to 1st February 2024 Aries

While you prep for the upcoming festivities here are a few simple ways to ensure your skin and body also look and feel as good as you and you exude radiance and energy from within!

Your self-care journey is designed to elevate your sensorial experience, and a foamy shower to start and end the day is the best way to do it!

New Delhi:(IANSlife) Attention all brides to be! As the day to tie the knot gets close, the dire need to preserve a gorgeous appearance getting that unique bridal glow is supreme for all brides-to-be! While you prep for the upcoming festivities here are a few simple ways to ensure your skin and body also look and feel as good as you and you exude radiance and energy from within!

Your self-care journey is designed to elevate your sensorial experience, and a foamy shower to start and end the day is the best way to do it!

ITC Fiama presents the perfect shower and grooming routine, to refresh your mind, body, and spirit - making your daily shower ritual more special in the run up to your D Day! Vidhi Chauhan a Mumbai-based lifestyle influencer shares her thoughts on her self-care journey before her big day, “The stress of planning a wedding and managing your day-to-day routine can be frantic. My way of unwinding before my D-Day involved a soothing shower and self-care routine to relieve stress and rejuvenate my skin. ITC Fiama Happy Naturals Yuzu and Bergamot Shower Gel and Perfume Mist has been my go-to product for my bathing ritual.

In my routine, I use a shower gel that makes me feel rejuvenated and fresh. To add a spritz of freshness throughout the day, I always layer it up with perfume mist post-shower.’’

Eliminate Stress

Concentrate on the goal of releasing any stress as you lather up your bath, creating a mental and physical blank slate.Cleaning the skin and the mind is the first step of the self-care shower grooming regimen. Use the new ITC Fiama Happy Naturals Yuzu and Bergamot shower gel made with 97% natural origin content to remove the day's stress and make room for a joyous new beginning.This shower gel has yuzu and bergamot whose zesty notes will keep you refreshed at any time of the day. It is dermatologically tested and has a skin-friendly PH. It also has skin conditioners that make your skin feel soft, happy and supple!

Rejuvenating with Care

The secret to displaying a bright, new skin appearance is exfoliation. To remove dead skin cells and increase circulation, use ITC Fiama Lacey Loofah Goldfor exfoliation. This procedure ensures that the products utilized later are more effective and penetrate deeper for optimum benefit, in addition to it ensures that your selected body lotion or oil is absorbed, pat dry your skin gently, leaving it damp helping to achieve smooth skin.

The Fragrant End

A post shower fragrance will instantly elevate your entire routine. Layer your fragrance from the shower with a spritz or two of the perfume mists.

Remember to enjoy the process of layering as you set out on this wonderful journey by applying the perfume mist onto your pulse points and let these times of self-care heighten the happiness of the impending festivities.

By embracing a radiant you, ready to walk down the aisle with confidence, elegance, and the dazzling beauty of a bride poised to start a new chapter, you are not only preparing your skin for the big day—you are also nourishing your bridal glow with this carefully planned shower grooming routine.

Ganesha says that your well-being will remain good this week. You will also get good collaboration from your subordinates in the field of work. You will get opportunities to earn good money. Luck will be with you in business. Your faith in God will increase. You will dominate your enemies.

Taurus

Ganesha says that this week will be mixed fruitfully. You need to control your anger. Matures 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 other people towards you.

Gemini

Ganesha says that married life will be pleasant this week, happiness and cooperation between spouse and children will remain good.

Worshiping God will give you peace of brain. You will get opportunities to travel. This week you will get the amusement of profit in business.

Cancer

Ganeshasays that this week, you will get favorable results in the government sector. There will be business trips. Will take part in religious functions. More currency will be spent on the education of children. Child happiness will remain nice, mellowness will remain in married life.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week you may have to face wealth loss. You will be able to defeat your competitors in the field of work. Your faith in God will increase. You will also have opportunities to participate in religious activities. You will get good family happiness. You may be a little worried about your brothers-sisters.

Virgo

Ganesha says that there will be no success in business this week.

Good relations will be instituted with people holding high positions.

There will be joy in the family, so it is necessary to change your habits.

Better relations will be formed with high-ranking people this week. Libra Ganesha says that this week, you will be successful in everything with your cleverness, and you will get positive

results in the field of work. There will be an increase in prestige. New passion and enthusiasm will be seen in the mind. There will be a good pleasure from the family side.

Your health will remain good this week. A good time will be spent with old friends.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that this week, money will be spent on your noble works and works related to religion. You will get all possible endorsements from your best friends and colleagues. You will definitely manage to make every task easy.

This week you will be inclined towards auspicious activities.

Happiness and collaboration in the family will be good.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that there will be normal conditions in the workplace this week. This week will be favorable. You will get excellent endorsements and collaboration from colleagues and people in high positions. Being intelligent, you will achieve good achievements in the field of work. You will get respect in society. Capricorn Ganesha says that this week, whatever work is done with family members, you will get success.

Wealth may be needed, so you think of taking a loan. Differences can be seen in married life. Some nice news will be received this week. There will be victory in the court-court. There will be honor and respect in job and business.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week will be very auspicious for you and good news will be received from all sides.

You will get the pleasure of margin in business, but you will feel stress due to increasing work pressure.

The brain will be happy due to auspicious programs happening in the family.

Pisces

Ganesha says that this week, you will get good cooperation from in-laws’ family members. A nice time will be spent with family. Will undertake business-related travel which will prove to be successful.

You will easily complete the tasks cleverly and will earn good money.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

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COMMUNITY NEWS

6th Annual Hindi Poetry Competition Organized By HindiUSA St. Louis

HiIndia Newsdesk

HindiUSA Saint Louis, a non-profit Hindi school, celebrated its 6th Annual Hindi Poetry Competition on January 20, 2024, at the cultural auditorium of the Hindu Temple of Saint Louis in Ballwin, MO, USA. This event held particular significance as the largest Hindi Poetry Competition in the Midwest USA, marking the celebration of "World Hindi Day." Over 120 students participated in the competition, reciting popular Hindi poems across 8 different grade levels.

The diverse range of performances showcased creativity, with some students incorporating costumes and props into their recitations. The competition, free and open to the public, awarded all participants with medals and recognized 28 students who secured top spots with trophies.

The success of the event is credited to Dr. Anshu and Mayank Jain, the founders and school coordinators, who ensured a fair and entertaining atmosphere. To maintain impartial judging, five judges from the community were invited, including individuals associated with local non-profit organizations and universities in Saint Louis.

The program featured food vendors offering street-style cuisine and Banarasi saree vendors selling ethnic outfits, enhancing the cultural richness of the event. The winners of the competition are now set to compete at HindiUSA's inter-school national level competition scheduled for March 2024.

HindiUSA Saint Louis expressed g r at it u d e t o t h e t e a c h e r s a n d volunteers who played a vital role in the competition's success. The dedication

Michigan Medical Provider Convicted of Aggravated Identity Theft

Indian Origin Georgia Gas Station Clerk Killed By Homeless With Hammer

HiIndia Newsdesk

MICHIGAN- A Michigan businessman, Hassan Kamal Fayad, was convicted by a federal jury of aggravated identity theft.

Fayad, operating medical practices and a transportation business, used another Michigan resident’s name and address in legal documents to evade a $6 million settlement payment to a Texas-based investment firm.

The false information led to the garnishment of funds from the innocent resident’s bank account. Sentencing is pending, and the FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Mark McDonald and Christopher P. O’ D on n e l l f rom t h e Ju s t i c e Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case. Announcement by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg.

Sean Desai of Philadelphia Eagles fired Zofeen Maqsood

Indian American Sean Desai, the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been fired. Desai was in his second season. He was let go by head coach Nick Sirianni, after “that losing streak in mid-December.” He was replaced by Matt Patricia. The Eagles’ season collapsed with the Birds losing six of their final seven games, and the defense was a big reason for the team’s struggles even though Eagles started at 10-1.

Suspect identified as 53-year-old Julian Faulkner HiIndia Newsdesk

LITHONIA, GA- A tragic incident unfolded at a Chevron Food Mart in Lithonia, Georgia, where a 25-year-old gas station clerk, Vivek Saini, was brutally beaten to death with a hammer by a homeless man.

Shockingly, it has been revealed that Saini had been providing food and shelter to the assailant, identified as 53-year-old Julian Faulkner, prior to the fatal attack.

According to witnesses, the horrifying assault occurred late Monday night at the Chevron Food Mart located at Snapfinger and Cleveland Road. Employees at the Food Mart shared that they had been accommodating Faulkner since Sunday evening, generously providing him with chips, coke, water, and even a jacket when he requested a blanket.

of individuals like Anupama Singh, Pooja Sharma, Seema Jain, and many others contributed to making the event a memorable one.

HindiUSA Saint Louis stands as the official school of the nation's largest non-profit Hindi organization, with 4000 students and over 350 teachers across 27 schools in 8 states of the USA. With a vision to spread knowledge of the Hindi language and Indian culture among children growing up in America, it boasts 176 registered students and 32 dedicated volunteer teachers as the Midwest's largest Hindi school.

The commitment to preserving and promoting Hindi and Indian culture is evident through the organization's extensive reach and impactful events like the Annual Hindi Poetry Competition.

One employee recounted, “He asked us for chips, and coke. We gave him everything, including the water.” The staff had extended their assistance to Faulkner for nearly two days, allowing him to come in and out of the store freely. They described him as someone who frequently asked for cigarettes, water, and other necessities. Despite the cold weather, the compassionate employees allowed him to stay inside.

However, the situation took a tragic turn on Monday night when Saini informed Faulkner that it was time for him to leave. The employee stated, “He asked him to leave or else he was going to call the cops; he had been there for two days.” In response to this request, Faulkner launched a vicious attack on Saini as he left to go home.

Police reports indicate that Faulkner assaulted Saini with a hammer, striking him repeatedly from behind. The brutal attack involved approximately 50 blows to the face and head. The motive behind this heinous act remains unclear, leaving the community in shock over the sudden and senseless loss of a young life. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the complex nature of such interactions. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing as law enforcement seeks to understand the events leading up to this devastating act of violence.

Credit Card Scanner Installed at Steelyard Commons Walmart Self-Checkout

Duo put credit card scanner on Walmart self-checkout register (Cleveland Division of Police Second District Community Relations Committee) HiIndia Newsdesk

CLEVELAND, OH – Two individuals stand accused of installing a credit card scanner on a self-checkout register at Walmart, as confirmed

by Cleveland police. The incident unfolded at the Steelyard Commons Walmart located at 3400 Steelyard Dr. on December 16, according to police reports. For assistance in identifying the suspects, the Cleveland Division of Police Second District Community Relations Committee has shared surveillance photos of the individuals involved. Take a careful look at these images. If anyone can recognize either of the suspects or possesses any information related to this criminal act, please contact Detective Murphy at 216-623-5217. Your cooperation is crucial in resolving this case.

Johnny Depp is directing a film titled “Modi.” But no, it’s not about whom you think!

HiIndia Newsdesk

When Indian diaspora and Indians would hear that legendary Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp is all set to direct a biopic titled “Modi,” there is bound to be excitement and curiosity.

But before this news travels far and wide in India, here’s the clincher – The movie Depp is directing is not about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi but instead is a biopic of Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Modigliani, who may not be a popular name in India, was an artist who worked mainly in France. A true legend in the world of art, he is known for portraits and nudes painted in a modern style of art. Interestingly, Modigliani did not receive much attention during his lifetime but in an irony of sorts he was later discovered and reached a cult status.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

Indian American Man And Woman Convicted Of Forced Labor At Gas Station And Convenience Store HiIndia Newsdesk

RICHMOND, VA- In a significant legal development, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Virginia has found a Richmond-area couple guilty of conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, harboring for financial gain, and document servitude. The conviction stems from their operation of a gas station and convenience store in North Chesterfield, Virginia, following a two-week trial.

Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, were convicted for coercing Singh’s cousin, the victim, to provide labor and services at their store between March 2018 and May 2021. The victim, enticed to the U.S. with promises of education, was subjected to physical abuse, threats, confiscation of immigration documents,

Giannoulias, Preston, Stava-Murray Move To Ban Harmful Food Chemicals

Harmanpreet Singh, 30, and Kulbir Kaur, 43, were convicted for coercing Singh's cousin, the victim, to provide labor and services at their store and degrading living conditions. The couple exploited the victim’s trust, inflicted abuse, and compelled extensive

Chicago’s Mandala Arts Appoints Chetan Anant As New Executive Director

Chetan Anant HiIndia Newsdesk

Illinois, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias HiIndia Newsdesk

Illinois aims to bolster food safety with the introduction of the Illinois Food Safety Act, Senate Bill 2637, led by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Senator Willie Preston, and State Representative Anne StavaMurray. Targeting the removal of harmful chemicals, such as brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, Red Dye No. 3, and titanium dioxide from packaged foods, the legislation addresses health concerns linked to hyperactivity, nervous system damage, reproductive issues, hormonal damage, and an increased cancer risk.

Aligned with global practices, the Act encourages food manufacturers to replace these chemicals with safer alternatives, fostering a healthier marketplace for Illinois families, especially children. SB 2637 also mandates a study on the health risks of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), potentially leading to additional regulations. Widespread support for the legislation comes from organizations focused on organ donation, pediatric healthcare, and public health, with the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants endorsing it as a pivotal step towards promoting nutrition and healthier options for residents, particularly children, contributing to overall well-being.

hours of work for minimal pay.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the disgraceful nature of human trafficking and stated that the Justice Department would vigorously prosecute such cases to hold traffickers accountable and bring justice to victims. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber condemned the defendants’ bait-andswitch tactics, praising the prosecutors, agents, and support staff for ensuring justice in the case.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador highlighted the FBI’s commitment to seeking justice for trafficking victims and warned those engaging in such illegal activities. The defendants, in 2018, deceived the victim, a minor at the time, with false promises of education, only to exploit him

CHICAGO, IL – Mandala South Asian Performing Arts has appointed musician and educator Chethan Anant as its interim executive director. In this role, Anant will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the organization’s operations and programs, as stated in a press release.

Chethan Anant is an accomplished Indian classical musician, multiinstrumentalist, music producer, and music educator based in Chicago,

specializing in the Hindustani classical tradition. Known for his versatility, he actively collaborates with artists across diverse genres, including Carnatic, jazz, Thai traditional, roots, blues, and hip hop. With a passion for education, Anant has been teaching music since 2016. The press statement highlights his commitment to sharing a contemporary perspective on the age-old Hindustani Classical music tradition with his students.

Pranita Nayar, who continues in her role as Mandala’s Artistic Director, expressed confidence in Anant’s ability to lead the organization into the next decade. She emphasized the mission to produce forward-looking programming that resonates with the aspirations of the rising, young South Asian population in the U.S. dedicated to the practice and promotion of performing arts.

Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, founded by Pranita Nayar and recipient of the MacArthur Award, remains at the forefront of fostering the rich cultural heritage of South Asian performing arts.

CBP Officers Discover Narcotics Hidden In Vehicle Undercarriages

CBP discovered methamphetamine and fentanyl estimated street value for both seizures is $40,565 HiIndia Newsdesk

SAN DIEGO, CA- U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at San Ysidro Port of Entry intercepted two separate incidents of narcotics smuggling on Monday. In the first incident at 5:15 a.m., a 42-year-old

man in a silver car was found with 7.71 pounds of methamphetamine attached to the vehicle’s undercarriage, valued at $11,565. In the second incident at 7:40 a.m., a 51-year-old man in a black SUV had 2.56 pounds of fentanyl blue pills attached to the undercarriage, valued at $29,000. Both drivers were arrested, and Homeland Security Investigations took custody for further action.

The combined estimated street value of the seized narcotics is $40,565. CBP officers play a crucial role in preventing illegal activities at the border crossing in Southern California while facilitating the entry of millions of legitimate travelers into the United States.

upon arrival in the U.S. The evidence presented includes instances of physical abuse, threats with a revolver, and manipulation to overstay the victim’s visa. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 8, with Singh and Kaur facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution for the forced labor charge. The FBI Richmond Field Office conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys and a Trial Attorney from the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. The press release encourages anyone with information about human trafficking to report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, available 24/7.

Rajan Zed Conferred “Global Hindu Statesman Award”

A global Hindu and interfaith leader Rajan Zed HiIndia Newsdesk

Rajan Zed, a distinguished Hindu leader based in the USA, has been honored with the “Global Hindu Statesman Award” by Jyoti B.Ed. College, a renowned teacher training institute in southwestern Punjab, India.

During Zed’s visit to the college in Fazilka, the award citation acknowledged his role as the voice of Hindus worldwide and his courageous advocacy for various Hindu issues across different countries.

The citation highlighted Zed’s significant contributions, such as reading Hindu prayers in the United States Senate and the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, as well as in 292 other legislative bodies throughout the USA. It commended his efforts in promoting a global Hindu identity and fostering a better understanding of Hinduism on a worldwide scale.

The award citation was signed by President Surinder Kumar Thakral, Secretary Roshan Lal Thakkar, and Principal Anita Arora of Jyoti B.Ed. College. The college’s mission is to train students as socially sensitive, responsible, and professionally skilled teachers.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Shocking! 7 Bangladeshi-Americans Indicted For Kidnappings In Queens, NY Zofeen Maqsood

NEW YORK, NY-Seven Bangladeshi Americans have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn for two alleged kidnappings in the Queens borough of New York City.

A couple, Abu Chowdhury, and his wife Iffat Lubna, have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to abduct two men. The indictment in Brooklyn federal court also named co-defendants Syed Rubel Ahmed, Shahed Alom, and Anzu Khan — all from Jamaica, in addition to 38-yearold Sultana Razia as members of the kidnapping ring.

According to the indictment, on Mar. 27, 2023, Ahmed, Alom, Chowdhury, Khan and a co-conspirator who still

A couple, Abu Chowdhury, and his wife Iffat Lubna, have been charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to abduct two men.

Prosecutors looking for 7th suspect

remains at large, abducted and assaulted a man walking near the181st Street

and Hillside Avenue in Jamaica. Over the course of the next 14 hours the victim was filmed naked standing on a residential street, beaten and threatened with death. When the victim begged for water from the kidnappers, the defendants gave him water laced with a sedative. The victim later lost consciousness and woke up in a local hospital the day after he had been abducted.

A few months later in May 2023,

Chowdhury and Lubna abducted and assaulted another victim who was waiting to meet Lubna outside a restaurant in Woodside, Queens.

Chowdhury forcibly put the victim into a minivan and began beating him. Then he, along with Lubna and a co-conspirator took the victim to a hotel, where Chowdhury allegedly sodomized him. He then made a ransom call to the victim’s father, and demanded $20,000. On the next day, Chowdhury tied up and blindfolded the victim, leaving him at an abandoned house. The victim was able to free himself by chewing through his restraints. He then broke open a window and asked residents in the neighborhood to call 911.

Congress Honors Mounting Challenges: U.S. Immigration Courts Indian American, IIT Grapple With A Backlog Of 3 Million Case Graduates HiIndia Newsdesk

WASHIINGTON, DC- The recent government data reveals a significant backlog of 3 million pending cases in U.S. immigration courts, which has tripled since 2019 and increased by over a million cases in the last year alone. The surge in cases is primarily attributed to unprecedented increases in the number executive director of Catholic Legal of migrants seeking asylum after being apprehended for illegal border crossings. Services for the Archdiocese of Miami, emphasizes that many are released This surge has not only strained the “without any idea of what comes next.” asylum system but has also led to A shortage of immigration judges is prolonged wait times for court dates, identified as another key reason for the negatively impacting migrants. growing backlog and unprecedented One contributing factor to the backlog processing times for court hearings. is the practice of releasing apprehended The current immigration court system migrants with documentation of their places an average caseload of 5,000 cases detention and instructions to attend per judge. The National Association court proceedings in their destination of Immigration Judges suggests that city, leaving them uncertain about the doubling the number of judges from future legal process. Randy McGrorty,

700 to 1,400 could potentially address the backlog by 2032.

Exper ts and advocates propose solutions to alleviate the strain on the immigration court system.

Increased funding from Congress to hire more judges and support staff is deemed essential. Additionally, there is a consensus among immigration experts that major policy changes and streamlined processes are necessary.

Some suggest handling asylum cases administratively rather than through time-consuming litigation in courts, which could expedite the resolution of cases and alleviate the burden on the system. Overall, a multi-faceted approach involving increased resources, polic y reforms, and procedural improvements is considered crucial to address the pressing challenges faced by the U.S. immigration court system.

Oakton College Foundation Wins 2024 AGB Leadership Award HiIndia Newsdesk

DES PLAINES, IL – The Oakton College Educational Foundation Board of Directors has been honored with the John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB). This award, established in 1992, recognizes higher education governing boards that exhibit exceptional leadership and initiative.

Oakton College President, Joianne L. Smith, expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s crucial support in advancing the college’s vision of creating just and thriving communities. The recipients, chosen from diverse nominations, represent boards from various higher education institutions.

Murray Sprung, President of Oakton College Educational Foundation Board of Directors, conveyed excitement about the recognition. The board’s commitment, thoughtful leadership, and engagement were highlighted as key factors in achieving their mission of enabling student

The Oakton College Educational Foundation Board of Directors is one of the four institutions receiving the 2024 John W. Nason Award for Board Leadership by the Association of Governing Boards.

success at Oakton College. The board underwent a transformative five-year evolution, shifting focus from financial stewardship to becoming a substantial enabler of student success. Initiatives included board development, a renewed institution-foundation partnership, and a deep commitment to students and the community. Accomplishments involved increased scholarship support, funding for health and safety during COVID-19,

Raja Krishnamoorthi HiIndia Newsdesk

WASHINGTON, DC -Raja Krishnamoorthi, US representative and the launch of the Emory Williams for Illinois’s 8th congressional district, Academy for Black Men. passed a resolution in the House of Katherine Sawyer, Executive Director of Oakton College Educational Foundation, Representatives acknowledging the contribution of the Indian American expressed honor and emphasized the award as a testament to the board’s work community in America. and donor trust. The foundation’s support Krishnamoorthi said that the aims to create economic, social, and “presence of Indian-American residents enriches the United States cultural mobility for credential earners. whereas the Indian-American The Oakton College Educational community and the graduates of Foundation Board of Directors joins the Indian Institutes of Technology three other institutions as recipients of the Nason Award this year. These include (IIT) in the United States have made Babson College Board of Trustees, Saint valuable and significant contributions to society across many professions and Peter’s University Board of Trustees, and disciplines.”

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire He also called IIT graduates Foundation Board of Directors.

‘Committed’ , and added that they are Ellen Chaffee, AGB interim president dedicated to research, innovation, and CEO, commended the honorees for promotion of trade, and international their impactful work and highlighted the significance of inspiring stories in higher cooperation between India and the US. education leadership. The Nason Award, Krishnamoorthi also urged the House to recognize the role of Indiannamed after John W. Nason, recognizes individuals who supported interned American in US society and honor the technological, scientific, and students during World War II. economic innovation attributable to IIT Graduates.

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R

esearchers have developed a new way to supply the body with smart insulin, providing millions of people with diabetes worldwide new alternatives to syringes or insulin pumps.

There are approximately 425 million people worldwide with diabetes and approximately 75 million of these inject themselves with insulin daily.

The new insulin can be eaten by taking a capsule or, even better, within a piece of chocolate, said the researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

In the research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, the team revealed when prescribed to 20 baboons, the smart pill lowered blood sugar.

The baboons were normal, healthy baboons, but the oral insulin has also been tested on mice and rats that

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New smart insulin pill with sugar-free chocolate to better manage diabetes

The pill now remains to be tested on humans. Human trials are expected to start in 2025 and the researchers hope that the new medicine can be ready for use by everyone in 2-3 years. actually have diabetes.

The mice and rats did not have low blood sugar events (hypoglycemia), gain weight, or fat accumulation in the liver, overcoming current challenges with injectables and other oral insulins, the researchers said.

Inside the pills are tiny nano-carriers in which the insulin is encapsulated. The particles are 1/10,000th the width of a human hair and so small that you cannot even see them under a normal microscope.

"This way of taking insulin is more precise because it delivers the insulin rapidly to the areas of the body that need it most. When you take insulin with a syringe, it is spread throughout the body where it can cause

unwanted side effects," said Professor Peter McCourt at UiT Norway's Arctic University.

"We have created a coating to protect the insulin from being broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes on its way through the digestive system, keeping it safe until it reaches its destination, namely the liver," added McCourt, who is a liver biologist.

The oral insulin has been tested on nematodes, mice, and rats and on baboons in the National Baboon

Colony in Australia.

"In order to make the oral insulin palatable, we incorporated it into sugar-free chocolate; this approach was well received," said Nicholas J. Hunt of the University of Sydney.

The pill now remains to be tested on humans. Human trials are expected to start in 2025 and the researchers hope that the new medicine can be ready for use by everyone in 2-3 years.

Dancing effective way to lose fat for overweight, obese people: Study

Standing while eating? This Wheat diet may exacerbate has higher risk of cancer multiple sclerosis severity: Study

Dancing is an effective way to lose fat for people with overweight and obesity and has a significant improvement on body composition and morphology, a new study has shown.

In the study published in the journal PLOS ONE, the researchers looked at ten randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of dance interventions versus normal lifestyles or other physical activities on body composition in overweight and obese individuals.

They discovered that dancing significantly reduced body mass, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and fat mass when compared to the control group.

However, dancing had no significant effect on the waist-to-hip ratio, which is a measure of central fat distribution. The researchers also noted that dancing can enhance physical and mental health, as well as social well-being, in people with overweight and obesity. "Growing evidence indicates that the benefits stemming from dance are in both physical and mental dimensions, and these advantages are not limited to specific people. Compared to the non-exercise group, dance can ease blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, physical fitness, cognitive disorders, and mental health," they said.

The risk of stomach and intestinal cancer increases if one is used to standing and eating.

Experts at the second foundation day of the radiotherapy department at Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute here highlighted that diseases related to the oesophagus could develop due to certain dietary habits. Head of the department at PGI Chandigarh, Dr Rakesh Kapoor, pointed out that eating and drinking while standing, could lead to various difficulties, such as acid reflux, as it prevented muscles of the oesophagus from functioning properly.

“This dysfunction increases the risk of oesophageal cancer and eating in a standing position disrupts normal digestive process, requiring more effort from the intestines and elevating the risk of colorectal cancer,” said Kapoor. KGMU vice chancellor Dr Soniya Nityanand shared information about trial of a new technique abroad that showed promise in eliminating small tumours with high-dose radiation.

Head of the radiotherapy department at the Cancer Institute, Dr Sharad Singh noted that delayed marriages and smoking were contributing much to the rising cancer rate. “Women are postponing marriage to pursue careers, leading to increased cases of breast cancer, given rise to by delayed planning of children and reduced breastfeeding,” he added.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. The immune system attacks healthy nerve cells in an overreaction, causing them to continuously die.

About 2.8 million people worldwide are affected

by MS. The prevalence is increasing significantly, especially among young adults and women.

In two studies, published in the journals Gut and Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, the researchers found that a natural protein in wheat called amylase trypsin inhibitors (ATI), influences the inflammatory reaction that can result in temporary sensory disturbances, visual disturbances and muscle paralysis. ATI are natural proteins found in cereals such as wheat, barley and rye. The ATI proteins are hardly digested and cause mild inflammatory reactions in the intestine. However, they do not only act in the intestine: Inflammatory cells and soluble inflammatory mediators activated

by ATI can also be transported from the intestine to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, revealed the team at the University Medical Center Mainz in Germany.The team discovered that the ATI proteins promote existing inflammatory processes in organs such as the liver or lungs and, what's new, even in the central nervous system.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

H-1B and Indian immigration to the US As the immigration scene continues to look grim for Indians in America, Hi India talks to Texas based immigration

Attorney Emily Neumann Zofeen Maqsood

The challenges faced

by Indians in the U.S. immigration system have indeed been a deterrent for some, leading them to consider alternative destinations for immigration. Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable trend where skilled Indian professionals and students are exploring options outside of the United States. The difficulties associated with obtaining H-1B visas, the lottery system, and the extensive green card backlogs, especially for Indian nationals, have made the U.S. a less attractive option for longterm career growth and stability.

As the immigration scene continues to look grim for Indians in America, Hi India talks to Texas based immigration attorney Emily Neumann The past few years have seen a dismal reality of Indian immigration to the US. The work-based visas which Indians have traditionally been amongst the highest recipients of in the United States no longer guarantee stability and security which were once the American hallmarks for migrants.

As per the new study done by the Cato Institute in Washington D.C. 400,000 Indians will die waiting for a green card. In America today, there are 1.8 million cases of green card backlog, out of which 1.1 million are from India, making it about 63% of all in the backlog. For new visa applicants from India in EB-2 and 3 category the wait time for American PR is 134 years.

As the immigration scene continues to look grim for Indians in America, Hi India talks to Texas based immigration attorney Emily Neumann. A managing partner at Reddy and Neumann P.C.; Houston’s largest immigration law firm. Emily along with her law-firm have helmed various important immigration cases across America. She gives here important updates on the work-based visa situation for Indians in the United States As an immigration attorney can you point out some reasons why Indians look at America as a top immigration spot?

The U.S. is renowned for its dynamic economy and the vast array of career opportunities it offers, and I see this economic promise is a significant draw for Indians seeking better career prospects and financial stability. Furthermore, America's world-class educational institutions attract numerous students and academics from India, offering unparalleled research and development opportunities.

Beyond economic and educational factors, the U.S. is also celebrated for its cultural diversity and inclusivity, allowing immigrants to assimilate while retaining their unique cultural identities. This multicultural fabric is particularly appealing to Indians who value community and cultural connections. Additionally, the U.S. offers a high standard of living, advanced infrastructure, and access to quality healthcare and education, all contributing to a better quality of life, a key motivator for families considering relocation.

Finally, the American Dream itself continues to inspire - the idea that hard work and determination can lead to success in the U.S. remains the most powerful draw.

What would you say are some of the biggest challenges that Indians students in particular face when they come to study in America?

I've observed that many Indians begin their U.S. journey as international students. The initial challenge they encounter is the lack of employment authorization, which restricts their ability to utilize their educational training effectively and advance in their careers. This limitation persists until after graduation, post which they face a critical time frame of 1 to 3 years, depending on their field, to secure a job and switch to a traditional work visa.

Tell us more about work-based visas such as the H-1B and how they have become restrictive for Indians in particular?

The most significant hurdle is the H-1B visa, capped annually at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for U.S.

master’s degree holders. The competitive nature of this process, exacerbated by the recent shift to an electronic lottery system, has drastically reduced selection chances from about 60% to a mere 15% last year. Those not selected face the dilemma of finding alternate means to stay in the U.S. or having to leave and retry the following year.

For those on work visas, the challenges are ongoing.

Every interaction with immigration services, be it for an extension or a change of employer, is fraught with anxiety over potential requests for additional evidence or outright denials. Administrative delays are common, leading to significant problems like loss of work authorization for dependents or the inability to commute due to an expired driver's license. Travel, too, carries the risk of not being able to return or prolonged waits for visa approval at embassies or consulates abroad.

Let us talk about the Green Card backlog. How is this adversely affecting Indian immigration to the US? Is it really the time to say that for Indians coming to get visas in the US, a residency is a distant dream. ?

The most daunting challenge is the protracted wait for permanent residency. The growing backlog, driven by the limited number of green cards and a 7% per-country cap, disproportionately affects those from populous countries like India and China. This prolonged uncertainty hinders career progression, as promotions may impact ongoing applications, and limits job mobility since changing employers could mean restarting the green card process. Furthermore, this situation significantly impacts families through the problem of aging out children.

Children of green card applicants often 'age out' when they turn 21, losing their dependent status and facing potential deportation or the need to switch to another visa category, often a challenging and uncertain process.

This adds a profound layer of stress and difficulty for families, exacerbating the already complex immigration scenario. Additionally, the long wait prevents Indians from starting businesses, necessitates continuous filings with immigration services, complicates travel, and, most critically, impedes their ability to fully integrate and realize the American Dream.

Is it really the time to say that for Indians coming to get visas in the US, a residency is a distant dream? What are the other challenges Indians in America face The challenges faced by Indians in the U.S. immigration system have indeed been a deterrent for some, leading them to consider alternative destinations for immigration.

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable trend where skilled Indian professionals and students are exploring options outside of the United States. The difficulties associated with obtaining H-1B visas, the lottery system, and the extensive green card backlogs, especially for Indian nationals, have made the U.S. a less attractive option for long-term career growth and stability.

Countries like Canada, Australia, and some in Europe have become more appealing due to their more favorable immigration policies, especially for skilled workers.

Adding to these are cultural adjustments and potential biases in the workplace or community, making their journey in the U.S. a complex and often challenging experience.

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