NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 759 February 2 2024 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News
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NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 759 February 2 2024 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News
I'm sorry for everything Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has apologised to families who say their children had been harmed by social media, during a fiery hearing in the US Senate Page No. 04
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Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg apologises to families in fiery US Senate hearing HiIndia Newsdesk
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has apologised to families who say their children had been harmed by social media, during a fiery hearing in the US Senate Mr Zuckerberg - who runs Instagram and Facebook - turned to them and said "noone should go through" what they had. He and the bosses of TikTok, Snap, X and Discord were questioned for almost four hours by senators from both parties. Lawmakers wanted to know what they are doing to protect children online. It was a rare opportunity for the US senators to question tech bosses. Mr Zuckerberg and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew voluntarily agreed to testify - but the heads of Snap, X (formerly Twitter) and Discord initially refused and were sent government-issued subpoenas. Behind the five tech bosses sat families
Visa Sued In US Over "Vanilla" Gift Card Scam Known As "Card Draining"
who said their children had self-harmed or killed themselves as a result of social media content. They made their feelings known throughout, hissing when the CEOs entered and applauding when lawmakers asked tough questions.
White House blames Iran-backed militia for deadly drone strike
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
A group of consumers have filed a lawsuit against the Visa card company, claiming that the card payments network did not take adequate measures to prevent the theft of funds from prepaid "Vanilla" gift cards. According to Reuters, Ira Schuman, who is leading a proposed class action in the federal court of White Plains, New York, claimed that he bought 8 "Vanilla" gift cards worth $500 each as holiday gifts for employees in both 2022 and 2023. However, he was disappointed to find out later that the cards had been emptied, which led him to take legal action. In his complaint, Mr Schuman has alleged that Visa and two "Vanilla" card issuers were aware of their cards' vulnerability to tampering but did not provide refunds when money was stolen. He also alleges that the defendants have violated a New York state law that prohibits deceptive and unfair consumer practices. According to the complaint, the non-reloadable debit cards are commonly available for purchase at popular retailers such as CVS, Target, Walgreens, and various grocers. The cards are typically packaged in thin cardboard sleeves, which unfortunately present an opportunity for theft. Thieves can open these sleeves, record the account information, and then reseal them without raising suspicion or being detected.
While the hearing mostly focused on the protection of children from online sexual exploitation, the questions varied widely as the senators took advantage of having five powerful executives there under oath. TikTok's Mr Chew was asked whether his
The White House has blamed an Iran-backed militia for a deadly drone strike on an American base in Jordan, as the US considers how to hit back. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said US intelligence believed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq was responsible for Sunday's attack. President Joe Biden has said without elaborating that he has already decided
what the US response will be. The strike killed three US soldiers and injured at least 40 other US troops. The "attribution that our intelligence community is comfortable with is that this was done by the umbrella group", said Mr Kirby in a daily press briefing on Wednesday. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has already claimed responsibility for the strike. The national security spokesman repeated that the US response would be "in a time and in a manner of our choosing, on our schedule". "Just because you haven't seen anything in the last 48 hours, it doesn't mean that you're not going to see anything," he said.
DeSantis wins as judge dismisses Disney's lawsuit against him
HiIndia Newsdesk
A US judge has sided with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his fight with Disney, rejecting a lawsuit that had accused the Republican of organising a campaign of "government retaliation". Judge Allen Winsor said the actions that Disney opposed were legal and it lacked standing to sue the governor. Florida moved to tighten its oversight of Disney's amusement park last year. The change came after the company
criticised a state law that restricted the teaching of sexuality in schools. In his ruling, Judge Winsor said the changes were clearly detrimental to Disney, which had enjoyed unusual power over the special tax district where its Walt Disney World park is located since 1967. They gave Mr DeSantis the power to appoint members to the district's governing board, removing that authority from landowners in the 25,000-acre district, of which Disney is by far the biggest. But the judge said state legislators had the right to make the changes and the company had failed to prove it faced any imminent harm from the governor. In dismissing the suit, the judge wrote that courts cannot rule that a law is unconstitutional solely because lawmakers may have had an "illegitimate motivation" in enacting it.
company shared US users' data with the Chinese government, which he denied. He said "as a father of three young children myself I know the issues that we're discussing today are horrific and the nightmare of every parent" - and admitted his own children do not use TikTok because of the rules where he lives in Singapore. But it was Mr Zuckerberg, chief executive of Meta, who came under the most scrutiny, as he testified before Congress for an eighth time. At one point, Republican Senator Ted Cruz asked, "Mr Zuckerberg, what the hell were you thinking?" when he showed the tech boss an Instagram prompt that warns users they may be about to see child sexual abuse material, but asks if they would like to "see the results anyway". Mr Zuckerberg said the "basic science behind that" is "it's often helpful to, rather than just blocking it, to help direct them towards something that that could be helpful". He also promised to "personally look into it".
Houthis claim to have hit US merchant ship in Red Sea
HiIndia Newsdesk
The Houthi movement in Yemen says it has struck a US merchant ship in the Red Sea in a fresh attack targeting commercial shipping. It named the ship as the KOI, which it said was US-operated. Maritime security firm Ambrey said a vessel operating south of Yemen's port of Aden had reported an explosion on board but it did not name the ship. Meanwhile, the US has launched new air strikes in Yemen, targeting 10 drones reportedly being set up to launch.
Trump runs low on cash for campaign as legal fees drain him HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: (IANS) Former President Donald Trump is literally roughing it out in the 2024 presidential race, despite being a front runner for the GOP nomination, as he is facing a cash crunch with legal fees draining him out and as he tries desperately to lock down the Republican nomination spending monies to eliminate Nikki Haley from the competition. Trump has spent more than he has earned through his donations or selffinancing schemes.As a potential 2024 Trump-Biden general election rematch looms large, President Joe Biden appears money-flush.
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War in Ukraine has 'quietly corroded' power of President Vladimir Putin: CIA director HiIndia Newsdesk
The war in Ukraine has “quietly corroded” the power of President Vladimir Putin of Russia, CIA director William J. Burns wrote in an essay published on Tuesday. While Putin’s grip on power was unlikely to soon weaken, Burns wrote in Foreign Affairs, that disaffection had “gnawed away at the Russian leadership and the Russian people”, allowing the CIA to recruit more spies. The agency has made a series of videos aimed at recruiting Russian officials. The most recent, released last week, encourages Russians to securely provide information to the CIA using a secure browser on the dark web. The latest video makes an appeal to their anger over corruption in the Russian government. While the US government will not say how many spies have been recruited with the videos, officials said the agency would not have continued to push them on Telegram and YouTube if they were not effective. Burns echoed this sentiment in his article. “That undercurrent of disaffection is creating a once-in-a-generation recruiting opportunity for the CIA,” he wrote. “We are not letting it go to waste.” Part of Putin’s weakness stems from his handling of the mutiny last year by members of Russia’s most powerful mercenary group.
put in front of the Russian people “will not soon disappear”, Burns wrote. Russia has rebuilt its military-industrial production, but its economy has been deeply wounded by the war, he said. And the long term, Russia is “sealing its fate” to be a vassal of China, dependent on Beijing for trade and technology. Russia’s efforts to modernise its military has been “hollowed out”, and 315,000 Russians have been killed or wounded, Burns wrote. The key to Ukraine’s success, Burns wrote, was to continue providing US aid. Congress is considering a new package of military aid, but it has become entangled with the politics of a border and immigration deal on Capitol Hill. Cutting off Ukraine, Burns wrote, would be a huge mistake.
The agency has made a series of videos aimed at recruiting Russian officials. The most recent encourages Russians to securely provide information to the CIA using a secure browser on the dark web. The latest video makes an appeal to their anger over corruption in the Russian government He looked “detached and indecisive” in the face of the mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, Burns wrote. Burns wrote that Putin
“eventually settled his score with Prigozhin”, a reference to the mercenary leader’s death in a suspicious plane crash. Despite that, the critique of Russian leadership that Prigozhin
Prisoner exchange
Russia and Ukraine said on Wednesday they had completed another large prisoner exchange despite the crash last week of a Russian military transport plane that Moscow says was shot down by Ukraine carrying Ukrainian PoWs en route to a similar swap. The two countries have carried out periodic prisoner swaps via intermediaries since the war began.
Israel's Netanyahu Says UN Aid Myanmar hands over three juntabacked Chinese warlords to Beijing Agency "Totally Infiltrated" By Hamas
HiIndia Newsdesk
Myanmar has handed over three Chinese warlords to Beijing, who were notorious for trafficking thousands of foreign nationals to forcibly run scams. Bai Suocheng, Wei Chaoren and Liu Zhengxiang led three of four families which ruled Laukkaing on Myanmar's north-eastern border with China.
Police arrest 91 as protesting farmers force into Paris food market HiIndia Newsdesk
Paris: (IANS) French Police have arrested 91 people in a standoff with protesting farmers, who blocked motorways with tractors and briefly broke into the main wholesale food market Rungis. The people were put under custody after they made a brief intrusion into a storage area of Rungis and caused damage, Paris police prefect Laurent Nunez said on Wednesday. Earlier on Wednesday, 15 farmers were arrested for obstructing traffic on the A6 motorway, a few kilometre from Rungis, Xinhua news agency reported.
They were taken to China on a chartered flight, with seven others. This is the latest twist in the stunning downfall of the military-backed Chinese mafia in Myanmar. And it's yet another blow for Myanmar's military regime, whose power is waning. Myanmar's army, which had been locked in a brutal stalemate since it sized power in early 2021, is now losing as it battles well-organised ethnic armies on more than one front. General Min Aung Hlaing is known to have supported the Chinese mafia in Laukkaing. For years, China had been pressing his regime to rein in the scam centres, where people are trapped and forced to run telephone and online scams targeting victims everywhere.
of UN ambassadors in Jerusalem, adding that "we need to get other UN agencies and other aid agencies replacing UNRWA". Netanyahu's comments came as UNRWA said it is "extremely important" to conduct an independent investigation into Israeli allegations that 12 of its employees were involved in the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel. HiIndia Newsdesk Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Following these allegations important Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday donors -- among them Britain, Germany, that the UN agency for Palestinian Japan and the United States -- have refugees had been "totally infiltrated" announced their suspension of aid to by Hamas, after several countries UNRWA. suspended funding over Israeli claims "It (UNRWA) has been in the service of Hamas, in its schools and many other 12 UNRWA staffers participated in the things," Netanyahu said at the meeting, October 7 attack. "UNRWA is totally infiltrated with video footage of which was released by the government press office. Hamas," Netanyahu told a meeting
Bank of England expected to hold rates at 5.25% HiIndia Newsdesk
The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates for the fourth time in a row on Thursday, with some analysts expecting possible cuts later in the year. The UK inflation rate has come down sharply in recent months, easing cost-
of-living pressures. However, the UK economy has been stagnating amid increased borrowing costs and other pressures. Borrowers have seen costs go up to the highest rate for 15 years. Allan Monks, an economist for JP Morgan, said it was widely expected that rates will be kept the same on Thursday. He added the Bank will "almost certainly" hint that rate cuts are moving up the agenda - but policymakers will remain cautious about cuts. Sanjay Raja, a senior economist for Deutsche Bank, said he expected the Bank to unanimously vote to hold rates at 5.25%.
Nepal deports head of Chinese NGO for 'overstaying' HiIndia Newsdesk
Kathmandu: (IANS) The government of Nepal recently deported a Chinese lady who was running an NGO inside Nepal and staying illegally in the country. Zou Zhiqiang, who was heading an NGO named 'China Foundation for Rural Development', triggered a controversy after a Maoist leader, Gorakh Bahadur KC, allegedly beat her up during relief distribution at Jajarkot in Western Nepal. Zhiqiang, on behalf of the Chinese NGO, had reached Jajarkot for relief distribution but the local Maoist leaders, including KC, refused to accept the relief materials calling them substandard items.
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Interim Budget gives big push to tourism, states to get longterm loans
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: (IANS) FM Nirmala Sitharaman rolled out a scheme for the comprehensive development of tourist centres in the country as part of the Interim Budget proposals presented in Parliament on Thursday. Sitharaman said that states will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at a global scale. She further added that long-term interest free loans will be provided to states for financing such development on a matching basis. In order to promote comprehensive development of the centres, the Minister said that a framework for rating of the centres based on quality of facilities and services will be established. The Finance Minister highlighted the fact that India’s middle class also now aspires to travel & explore; and tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship.
No Tax slabs or Job Sector Changes, Budget Prioritizes National Development:Modi HiIndia Newsdesk
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the latest budget of the Modi government on Thursday, February 1. The budget speech lasted for 58 minutes. This budget is significant as general elections are scheduled for April-May. The complete budget is expected to be presented in July after the formation of the new government. This interim budget is the sixth budget of Finance Minister Sitharaman. The Finance Minister stated, "We are continuing the tradition of presenting the interim budget. This is because the government refrains from making any major announcements during the election period. In this interim budget, the focus was on four key sectors - the poor, women, youth, and farmers. Prime Minister Modi has termed this budget as the 'budget of development.'"
Key Points Related to the General Public: • Income Tax Slab: The government has not provided any relief in income tax for the common people at this time. There is no change in the income tax slab. • Stable Prices: Currently, there have been no significant changes in the budget regarding any increase or decrease in prices. Why? Because since the implementation of GST in 2017, changes in customs duty, excise duty, affecting some aspects, have been
limited to the budget. Focus on 4 Sectors: • For the Poor: The government has removed 25 crore people from poverty. Under the Poor Welfare Scheme, approximately ₹34 lakh crores will be deposited in the accounts of the poor. • For Women: About 1 crore women have become beneficiaries. The goal is now to create 3 crore lakhpati sisters. • For the Youth: Plans are underway to open about 3,000 new IITs. Training will be provided to 54 lakh youths. Indian youth have achieved success in the Asian Games. • For Farmers: Under the PM Kisan scheme, 11.8 crore people have received economic assistance. These are the major highlights from the budget, emphasizing welfare for the poor, empowerment of women, opportunities for the youth, and support for farmers.
Hindus Pray In Gyanvapi Cellar, 30 Years After Mulayam Yadav Sealed It HiIndia Newsdesk
Varanasi: Members of a Hindu priests' family started praying at a cellar in the basement of Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque after a district court yesterday ordered the administration The mosque committee has said they to unseal the premises, 30 years after it would be challenging the court's order was sealed on the orders of former Uttar in Allahabad High Court Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh
Yadav, shortly after the Babri Masjid demolition. "Hindu side allowed to offer prayers... district administration will have to make arrangements in seven days. Everyone will have the right to pray there," Vishnu Shankar Jain, lawyer for the Hindu side, told the media.
Hemant Soren Arrested, Champai Soren Indian-American Doctor "Not To Take Over As Jharkhand Chief Minister Guilty" HiIndia Newsdesk
evades summons thrice. Mr Soren, after evading the Enforcement Directorate over the weekend, had agreed to be questioned by the Central agency this afternoon. His statement was recorded during the questioning. The former Chief Minister, who had evaded seven summons for questioning in an alleged money laundering case linked to the ₹ 600 crore land scam, was anticipating arrest for a while. Yesterday, he held a meeting with MLAs of the ruling alliance where the question of his successor was discussed. Initially, it was expected to be his wife, Kalpana Soren. But given the proximity of the state elections -- due in November -- the party had to drop the idea.
New Delhi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate this evening, minutes after quitting the post. Transport minister Champai Soren, one of the veteran leaders of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, will step into his shoes. Later in the evening, Mr Soren was formally arrested after being taken to the ED office. Hemant Soren was taken into custody in connection with an alleged land scam, minutes after meeting the governor and handing in his resignation. Sources said he had discussed the matter with the officials, declaring that he would sign the arrest memo only after stepping down. The ED Officials
then took him to meet the Governor. A Chief Minister can be arrested under the anti-money laundering rules if he
Chicago becomes the largest city in the US to call for Ceasefire in Gaza
3 Indo-Canadians to be extradited to US for drug trafficking
Zofeen Maqsood
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), dubbed "Operation Dead Hand", saw 19 people charged in two US federal indictments for their alleged roles in the organized crime ring. Ayush Sharma, 25, and Guramrit Sidhu, 60, both from Brampton, and Subham HiIndia Newsdesk Kumar, 29, from Calgary, were arrested Toronto, Feb 1 (IANS) Three Indian- under an international arrest warrant, origin men have been arrested in Canada the RCMP said in a release on Tuesday. and will be extradited for trial in the US "Drug trafficking is a global problem for their alleged links with a network being driven by sophisticated, organised trafficking drugs between Mexico and crime groups who put profits over the North American nations. people’s lives. A joint operation between the Federal
Chicago just became the latest US city to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, the Chicago city council approved a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Mayor Brandon Johnson casted the tie-breaking vote. The resolution was approved 24-23 and it includes calling for humanitarian aid and release of all hostages. Supporters included the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Wednesday saw a large crowd gathered at the Daley Plaza soon after the Chicago City Council passed the resolution.
Transport minister Champai Soren, one of the veteran leaders of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, will step into Hemant Soren's shoes.
HiIndia Newsdesk
An Indian-American doctor who was accused of masturbating next to a 14-year-old girl on a plane has been found not guilty. Dr Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was cleared of any wrongdoing Wednesday after a three-day trial in Boston federal court, reported New York Post. The doctor, a primary care physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, was accused of performing the lewd act on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022. "My fiance was sitting next to me on that flight, and neither of us can understand why this happened to us," he said in a written statement as reported by the American newspaper. "I have dedicated my life to caring for others as a physician, and it has been heartbreaking to step away while I dealt with these false accusations," the statement added. The minor, who has not been named, accused him of masturbating, adding that the man had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that his leg was bouncing up and down.
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Maldives Opposition Urges President to Apologize to PM Modi
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Can Nitish Kumar's Reversal Benefit NDA in Elections? Insights from Bihar Survey
HiIndia Newsdesk
The removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was the main campaign plank of Muizzu's party during the presidential elections. Male: A Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP) leader, Qasim Ibrahim, has urged Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to formally apologise to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. This comes as the country's main opposition MDP, which holds a majority in the Maldivian Parliament, said it plans to submit a motion to impeach their President - a development that followed clashes that broke out in the House between progovernment MPs and opposition lawmakers following differences over the approval of four members of his cabinet.
Sakshee Malikkh's Appeal To Anurag Thakur
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: A month after the Centre suspended the newlyelected panel of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Olympic bronze medallist Sakshee Mallikh has alleged that suspended WFI president Sanjay Singh is organising championships and giving out fake certificates. Ms Malikkh has questioned how a suspended official can misuse the federation's funds and warned that the fake certificates will put sportspersons into trouble in the future. She has appealed to Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to intervene in the matter.
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's latest volte-face may have exposed him to a fresh wave of criticism over his string of flip-flops, but has improved the BJP's prospects months before the Lok Sabha polls, an NDTV Prashnam survey has found. The survey, conducted on a sample size
between supporters of other parties and those who were still undecided. Asked what would have been their choice if the Mahagathbandhan of JDU, RJD and Congress was still intact, 35 per cent of those in the survey said they would have backed the Opposition bloc. This was matched by those who said they would back the NDA anyway.
"Bandh Karo": Passengers Protest At Delhi Airport After IndiGo Cancels Flight HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: Scores of passengers at the Delhi airport were on Wednesday seen shouting slogans against domestic carrier IndiGo after their flight was allegedly cancelled. In a video posted by the news agency ANI, the passengers can be heard shouting "band
karo, band karo" (stop it) after their flight from Delhi to Jharkhand's Deoghar was cancelled. IndiGo was fined ₹ 1.2 crore for five violations earlier this month after its passengers were seen eating on the tarmac as they waited for their flight to take off.
BCCI secretary Jay "Not A Picnic Spot": Court Over Non- Shah reappointed as Hindus' Entry In Tamil Nadu Temples chairman of ACC
HiIndia Newsdesk
Madurai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu HR&CE department to install boards in all Hindu temples stating nonHindus were not permitted beyond the 'Kodimaram' (flagpole) area in the respective shrines and said Hindus also have fundamental right to profess and practice their religion.
Justice S Srimathy of the HC's Madurai Bench gave the judgement while hearing a plea from D Senthilkumar, who sought directions to the respondents to permit Hindus alone to the Arulmigu Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple and its sub temples. He also wanted that display boards to that effect in all entrances be set up. The famous Lord Murugan temple is located in Palani in Dindigul district. The respondents were the Tamil Nadu government, represented by Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments, The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) and the Executive Officer of the Palani temple.
Trump Nobel Peace Prize Nomination for Mideast Policy
Mayank Agarwal Files Police Complaint HiIndia Newsdesk
Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal was rushed to a local hospital after falling ill just before his New Delhibound flight was about to take off, an incident that shocked cricket fraternity as the player lodged an official police complaint alleging foul-play. He is believed to be out of danger after drinking from liquid from a pouch which he thought was water and was kept on his seat while travelling by IndiGo airlines.
of nearly 4,000 people, suggests that the Bihar reversal is likely to translate into an advantage for the BJP in the general election. About 53 per cent of the people participating in the survey said they would vote for the BJP-JDU alliance in the upcoming polls. About 23 per cent said they would back the RJD-Congress bloc. The remaining were divided
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: Former US President Donald Trump has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for the fourth time. Mr Trump's name was put forward by a Republican lawmaker Claudia Tenney, citing his “historic” policy in the Middle East. The statement, released on Ms Tenney's official website, revealed that she decided to nominate Donald Trump for his role in the Abraham Accords
"Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years," the nomination statement read. treaty. Signed back in September 2020, the Abraham Accords treaty formally normalised relations between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel. In the statement, Ms Tenney stated, “Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years. For decades, bureaucrats, foreign policy ‘professionals', and international organisations insisted that additional Middle East peace agreements were impossible without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Trump proved that to be false.”
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BCCI secretary Jay Shah w a s on We d n e s d ay appointed as the president of the Asian Cricket Council for a third consecutive term. Shah's extension was proposed by the Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva for the second time and the nomination was unanimously backed by all the members of the ACC at its annual general meeting in Bali. Shah initially assumed the role in January 2021, succeeding Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan. Under Shah's leadership, the ACC successfully organised the Asia Cup in T20 format in 2022 and in ODI format in 2023.
Centre slashes import duty on mobile phone parts to 10%
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) In a bid to further boost mobile manufacturing in the country, the government has slashed import duty on parts used for manufacturing of mobile phones to 10 per cent from 15 per cent. The f inance ministr y said in a notification that the import duty on parts such as battery covers, main lens, back cover, other mechanical items of plastic and metal, among others, has been reduced to 10 per cent.
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DIASPORA NEWS
US Starts 5-Week H-1B Visas Renewal Drive, To Accept 20,000 Applications HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: H-1B workers, including Indian nationals, can begin applying to renew their visas without leaving the US, marking a significant change after nearly two decades. Up to 20,000 qualified nonimmigrant workers can renew their H-1B visas domestically. The announcement by the US Department of State on the pilot program for in-country renewal of certain petition-based temporary work visas, including for Indian nationals, was made in June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US. During the visit, PM Modi announced at an Indian American community event in Washington that the H-1B visa renewal stamping was being conducted in the US. The joint statement released by the White House following the visit mentioned this development, indicating the commitment of both nations to streamline visa processes and facilitate the lives of temporary visa holders. A total of 20,000 participants will be accepted for the pilot over the next five weeks, split equally between workers who recently received their H-1B specialty occupation visas at New Delhi: In a chilling tale that seems plucked from the script of the acclaimed TV series Ozark, an Indian-origin couple residing in the UK has been sentenced to 33 years in prison each for a crime that transcends international borders. Arti Dhir, 59, and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, 35, from West London's Ealing, found themselves at the centre of a multi-million-pound drug trafficking operation that spanned continents, mirroring the intricate webs of deceit portrayed in the popular crime drama. The National Crime Agency (NCA) unraveled the elaborate scheme when the Australian Border Force intercepted over half a tonne of cocaine, valued at a staggering 57 million pounds, which is over ₹ 600 crore, upon its arrival in Sydney in May 2021. The drug-laden cargo, cleverly concealed within metal toolboxes, was traced back to the seemingly ordinary couple who had established a front company named Viefly Freight Services to facilitate their drugs smuggling network.
The Cocaine Caper
A court heard that the couple's front company had dispatched the narcotics via a commercial flight from the UK. When authorities cracked open the metal toolboxes, they discovered a staggering 514 kilograms of cocaine. The street value of this illicit cargo in Australia, where drug prices soar well above those in the UK, was estimated to be 57 million pounds. Dhir and Raijada vehemently denied the charges of exporting cocaine to Australia and money laundering. However, a jury at Southwark Crown Court convicted
A total of 20,000 participants will be accepted for the pilot over the next five weeks, split equally between workers who recently received their H-1B specialty occupation visas at consulates in India and Canada consulates in India and Canada. A website released by the State Department ahead of the pilot's launch allowed visa holders to confirm their eligibility. Applicants could fill out a visa application form on the agency's website last week, although they couldn't be submitted until Monday. "I am thrilled to see the announcement
that the State Department has officially launched the Visa Stamping initiative in the USA today. This endeavor aims to streamline and improve the visa process for legal immigrants, making it more efficient and less burdensome. This would eliminate the need for these applicants to travel abroad to renew visas," Ajay Bhutoria, a
Murder In Gujarat, Drugs In Australia: Indian-Origin Couple's Empire Falls Arti Dhir, 59, and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, 35, from West London's Ealing, found themselves at the centre of a multi-millionpound drug trafficking operation that spanned continents. HiIndia Newsdesk
them on 12 counts of exportation and 18 counts of money laundering.
Web Of Deceit Unraveled
The NCA connected the dots leading to the convicted couple. Raijada's fingerprints on the plastic wrappings of the toolboxes and receipts found at their residence were key evidence linking them to the crime. The agency revealed that the couple had orchestrated 37 consignments to Australia since June 2019, with 22 acting as decoys and 15 containing cocaine. Both Dhir and Raijada had prior employment at a Heathrow flight services company, exploiting their insider knowledge of airport freight procedures to cloak their illicit activities. The intricate scheme, however, began to
unravel when the couple was arrested at their Hanwell residence on June 21, 2021, leading to the discovery of substantial amounts of cash and gold-plated silver bars.
Money Trail And A Failsafe
Investigations in February last year exposed the extent of the couple's hidden wealth. Reminiscent of Walter White's cash stockpile portrayed in the hit crime drama Breaking Bad, NCA officers uncovered almost 3 million pounds in cash concealed in boxes and suitcases at a storage unit in West London. Financial inquiries revealed that despite declaring meager profits, the couple had purchased a flat in Ealing for 800,000 pounds (approx. ₹ 8.5 crore) and a Land
prominent advocate for immigration issues, told ANI. "I believe this positive change will benefit thousands of the individuals invited to work in the US and contribute to the growth of our nation's companies and economy," Bhaturia added. This pilot is one of the recommendations presented by Bhutoria of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which is now implemented by the State Department. The initiative for now is limited to only H-1B workers who meet the criteria outlined in December and excludes dependent visa holders like spouses and children on H-4 visas--a source of frustration that many workers expressed when eligibility details emerged. Bhutoria is also advocating for other important immigration reforms, including reducing the green card backlog The DOS has indicated that the initial launch of this stateside visa renewal process will be a limited pilot program to test out the operationality of the program. If the pilot program proves successful, the DOS has expressed its strong desire to expand the program's eligibility to other visa categories and individuals. Rover for 62,000 pounds. Their cash deposits of nearly 740,000 pounds into 22 different bank accounts since 2019 raised suspicions of extensive money laundering. "Arti Dhir and Kavaljitsinh Raijada used their insider knowledge of the air freight industry to traffic cocaine worth tens of millions of pounds from the UK to Australia, where they knew they could maximise their revenue," Piers Phillips, NCA Senior Investigating Officer, said as quoted by news agency PTI.
Murder Allegations AndLegal Battle
The couple faced extradition sought by India on charges of murdering their adopted son, Gopal Sejani, in Gujarat. The 11-year-old's tragic fate unfolded in February 2017, with Indian police alleging a sinister plot involving adoption, insurance, and a staged kidnapping for an insurance payout. The accused, who traveled to Gujarat in 2015 to adopt Gopal, promised the young boy a better life in London. However, Gopal was abducted, stabbed, and left by a roadside on February 8, 2017. The couple reportedly placed an advertisement in a local newspaper, enticing prospective parents with the promise of bringing an adopted child to live in London. Gopal, a farm boy living with his older sister and her husband, became the target of their plan. Indian police alleged that Dhir and Raijada had ulterior motives beyond providing a home for Gopal. India's extradition request was denied in 2019, followed by an unsuccessful appeal in the High Court in London in 2020.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 2024
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BUSINESS
Elon Musk: Judge blocks 'unfathomable' $56bn Tesla pay deal
UPS to cut 12,000 jobs after 'disappointing' year
HiIndia Newsdesk
A judge in the US state of Delaware has annulled a $55.8bn (£44bn) pay deal awarded to Elon Musk in 2018 by the electric car company Tesla. The lawsuit was filed by a shareholder who argued that it was an overpayment. Judge Kathaleen McCormick ruled that the Tesla board's approval of the pay package was "deeply flawed." In a post on X, which is owned by Mr Musk and formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: "Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware". The pay deal was the biggest ever in corporate history, helping to make Mr Musk one the richest people in the world. negotiating on Tesla's behalf ". During the week-long trial, Tesla "Given the judge found Mr Musk to be in directors argued the deal was made control of the board, it's hard to justify to ensure that one of the world's most a transaction like this," Brian Quinn, a dynamic entrepreneurs continued to professor at Boston College Law School, dedicate his attention to the company. told the BBC. But the judge ruled that Tesla and Mr In he r 2 0 0 - p age r u l i ng , Ju d ge Musk's attorneys "were unable to prove McCormick called the compensation that the stockholder vote was fully "an unfathomable sum" that was not fair informed", and that he had "extensive to shareholders. ties with the persons tasked with The judge also said the compensation
US Fed keeps interest rate unchanged HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: (IANS) The US Federal Reserve Bank has kept the interest rate unchanged for the fourth consecutive time after its customary two-day meeting, saying the "economic outlook is uncertain" despite the economy was "expanding at a solid pace". The Fed has kept the rate at 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 per cent. "The Committee does not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward two per cent," the Fed said on Wednesday in a statement after the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, the top decision-making body.
HiIndia Newsdesk
package had been negotiated by Tesla's directors who had been "swept up by the rhetoric" surrounding Mr Musk's "superstar appeal". Greg Varallo, an attorney for the Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta who brought the lawsuit in 2018, said it was a "Good day for the good guys," in an email reported by the Reuters news agency.
Parcel delivery firm UPS has said it will cut 12,000 jobs, after it was hit by a softer economy and a labour fight that scared away some customers. Chief executive Carol Tomé said 2023 was a "difficult and disappointing year", and the firm was investing in artificial intelligence (AI) as it pushes to become more efficient. She has also called staff back to the office five days a week. The job cuts are expected to reduce costs by $1bn (£790m) this year.
John Lewis planning major job cuts over five years
China Threat Sparks Opportunity for India-US FTA: US Congressman
Republican Congressman Darrell Issa HiIndia Newsdesk
The "threat" posed by China offers an opportunity for the US and India to make strong agreements, including a genuine Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to ensure that the two countries will look at each other as first partners,
according to Darrell Issa, an influential American lawmaker. Issa, a Republican Congressman from California, said this during a conversation with Aparna Pande, Research Fellow, India, and South Asia with the think tank Hudson Institute here on Monday. Agreeing that the India-US relationship today does seem to be based in no small part on the China threat, he said, “Having said that, I view this China threat as an opportunity to do with that we did not do.” The items produced in China could be produced in India, at substantially similar costs (and) would more than allow for India to substantially replace its dirty fuel with clean fuel, Issa said.
HiIndia Newsdesk
John Lewis has confirmed it is planning to further cut its workforce over the next five years. Up to 11,000 jobs at the retail partnership - out of a total workforce of 76,000 - could reportedly go, according to the Guardian. John Lewis said the losses would include redundancies and not replacing vacant positions. It would not confirm numbers to the BBC, but said plans to return the business to profit would mean cuts.
“US wants More of its Investments to flow into India” - Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India Zofeen Maqsood
At a conference held in India, organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), Eric Garcetti, the US ambassador to India pitched for easier corporate tax practices and relaxations of other barriers for companies to invest in India. The event titled, “Strengthening Indo-US Relationship in Amritkal-Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ saw the US ambassador saying, “We also have to see that opaque corporate tax practices still are a barrier to too many companies that want to be here. And this is a great moment for all of you to recruit our companies. Every, CEO is saying, tell me about India. They want to invest.`` Noting that he would want foreign direct investments to shift from China to India, he, however, added that the flow of FDI into India is not at par with its potential currently and several companies are looking more towards the Southeast Asian countries. “We want the foreign direct investment from China to shift, but… FDI is not flowing into India at the pace it
desired goals. “Export control and export policies have to change if India is going to achieve her goals and America is going to achieve her goals,” Mr. Garcetti said. In a bid to further enhance and strengthen bilateral ties, he said that there is need for both the countries to get rid of the walls, be it bureaucratic, taxation related, regulatory or part of the federal system which would unleash more jobs, prosperity, investments and strength. He also said that the US has issued 60% more visas to Indians, and within a shorter span of time, about 70% less time than before. He further Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India said that the US is trying to bring down the time required for issuance of visas to Indians. Mentioning should be. Instead, it’s going to countries like Southeast the growth in employment amid strengthening Asia, countries like Vietnam. I would selfishly like to Indo-US ties, he said that American companies have see more of that happening here but I need your help.” created 3 million jobs in India. Applauding India’s He also expressed his vision for India to become a manufacturing prowess, Mr. Garcetti also said that larger trade partner of the US and vied for changes in as India did with the iPhone, India would soon do export policies for both the countries to achieve their the same with the Tesla.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 2024
SPORT
England Beat India By 28 Runs
IND vs ENG, Test series: England game for more spin in tale Speaking to SEN Radio, McCullum said: 'If the wickets continue to spin as much as what we saw in the first Test as the series goes on, look, we won't be afraid to play all spinners or a balance of what we've got'
T
HiIndia Newsdesk
he current England team, unlike most of the previous touring sides to India, are not afraid to take the spin challenge headon. They are not just fearless to counter
Thailand Masters: Srikanth, Manjunath, Ashmita advance to Round of 16
HiIndia Newsdesk
Bangkok: (IANS) Kidambi Srikanth, Mithun Manjunath, and Ashmita Chaliha, advanced to the second round with straight-game victories in their respective opening round matches at the Thailand Masters, BWF Super 300 badminton tournament, here on Wednesday. Srikanth faced off against Wang Tzu Wei of Chinese Taipei in a thrilling encounter that tested his mettle. Despite a strong start, Srikanth found himself trailing as Wang orchestrated a comeback. The first game saw a seesaw battle, with Srikanth saving three game points before sealing it 22-20. The second game proved steadier, with both players probing each other's defenses. However, Srikanth's lategame acceleration secured him a 21-19 victory.
HiIndia Newsdesk
England defeated India by 28 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series in Hyderabad on Sunday. Set a target of 231, India were all out for 202 in 69.2 overs on the fourth day of the series opener. Hosts India were 95 for three at tea. Debutant spinner Tom Hartley (7/62) was the most successful bowler for England in India's second innings, finishing with one of the best figures by an overseas bowler playing in his first match in India.
the Indian spinners, but also have the conviction that they have able tweakers to put the hosts under pressure. C oach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes have said that in as many words. Speaking to SEN Radio, McCullum said: "If the wickets continue to spin as much as what we saw in the first Test as the series goes on, look, we won't be afraid to play all spinners or a balance of what we've got." Stokes, in an interview to JioCinema, backed his mostly inexperienced spin line-up to the hilt. "I think sometimes inexperience can be looked at into a bit too much. There's no doubt that experience makes players feel more
comfortable and settled, especially in this environment. "But the spinners we've selected on this tour are ones we think will give us the best opportunity to beat India. For me, it's not just about the spinners but understanding the talent they have and allowing them to go out there and express that talent and giving them the platform and the best possible opportunity to not worry about the outcome too much," Stokes said. "We've got an amazing opportunity ahead of us. The squad we've picked from spinners to our seam bowlers to our batters, I think it's going to give us the best opportunity to win a series in India."
Jack Leach doubtful for England’s second Test
HiIndia Newsdesk
(IANS) England’s Manju Rani wins 10km gold at National Visakhapatnam: left-arm spinner Jack Leach is highly doubtful for playing in the Open Race Walking Competition second Test against India, starting in
HiIndia Newsdesk
Chennai: (IANS) Punjab’s international race walker, Manju Rani, had a good
run at the 11th edition of the National Open Race Walking Competition. The day after winning gold in the women’s 20km, she dominated the 10km on Wednesday to brighten her chance to compete in the inaugural marathon race walking mixed relay that will feature at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Manju, 24, gold medal winning time in 10km was 45:20.00. The promising race walker from Punjab had paired with Ram Babu to win bronze in the 35km mixed relay race walking team event at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Visakhapatnam on Friday, after sitting out the side’s first training session held on Wednesday. Leach jarred his left knee while fielding during England's thrilling 28-run win over India in the series opener at Hyderabad last week. He aggravated the injury later on in the same match, bowling with a swollen joint and took out the wicket of Shreyas Iyer in the second innings. "He's a tough kid, Leachy, so I'm not sure. You can never really write him off. We'll see how he pulls up in a couple of days," said opening batter Zak Crawley to reporters.
The Shamar Joseph story: Guyana boy who used fruits for ball, quit security job to become cricketer Shamar Joseph, 24, hails from the maroon village of Baracara in Guyana. Home to over 400 people, Shamar's native place is two hours away by boat from the nearest city – New Amsterdam. Telephones were the popular means of communication in the village, which reportedly got internet for the first time in 2018. The people of the remote village knew only two games Dominoes and cricket. And like most country kids, Shamar picked up the basics of the game by playing in available places around him. There were no proper cricket grounds so Shamar Joseph and chums played in little patches of ground by their homes. The kids reportedly called it
"jungle-land cricket." Cricket bats and balls were unavailable during their childhood, Shamar's cousin Orlando Tanner reportedly told the Indian Express. They used fruits to play with. And when they couldn't find any, Shamar Joseph's gang patiently melted plastic from bottles to make balls. Lack of money and kits were not the only issue. Like most parents, his parents were not happy about his cricket plans. He was bound to religious dictums and his parents wanted the boy to devote Saturdays entirely to Chruch, Tanner told Indian Express. Cricket or any other form of entertainment was prohibited. Shamar could only start training full-time after he turned an adult.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 2024
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Ex Pak PM Imran Khan Gets 10-Year Jail
"Act Of Treason": AAP Furious After Loss To BJP In Key Chandigarh Polls The Chandigarh mayoral election - claimed by the BJP - was to have been the landmark first win for the INDIA bloc, of which the AAP and Congress are key members.
HiIndia Newsdesk
Imran Khan and PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) vice-president Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years each inside prison in the cypher case," a spokesman for the party told AFP. Islamabad: Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in jail, state media and a spokesman for his party said, in a controversial case related to a leaked document. The sentence, handed down following a trial held inside the jail where Khan has been detained for much of the time since his arrest in August, comes as the country heads to the polls on February 8. "Former prime minister Imran Khan and PTI (Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf) vice-president (Shah Mahmood) Qureshi have been sentenced to 10 years each inside prison in the cypher case," a spokesman for the party told AFP. The case centres around how the pair handled a so-called "cypher" sent by Pakistan's ambassador to the United States that alleged Washington was complicit in a plot to turf Khan from office in 2022. Millions of people will vote in polls in less than two weeks, in a campaign marred by allegations of pre-vote rigging and Khan's party heavily suppressed.
M. Kharge Urges Action to Prevent BJP Rule akin to Putin's
officer Anil Masih of deliberately invalidating those ballots. Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party Physical confrontations and a crying exploded Tuesday after the Bharatiya AAP candidate followed the poll results. Janata Party cantered to a surprisingly In one video, shared by news agency comfortable win in the Chandigarh ANI, Congress and AAP councillors mayoral election. AAP boss Arvind were seen pushing and shoving their Kejriwal accused the BJP of "dishonesty" BJP counterparts as they tried to gather and senior leader Raghav Chadha around Mr Masih to celebrate their win. labelled the poll results "an act of "The manner in which dishonesty treason (desh droh)". has been done in broad daylight in The BJP's Manoj Sonkar was elected the Chandigarh mayor elections is Mayor after winning 16 of a possible extremely worrying. If these people 36 votes. The AAP's Kuldeep Kumar can stoop so low in a mayor's election, was second with 12. Eight were deemed then they can go to any extent in "invalid" and are at the heart of a growing the country's elections. This is very row, with the AAP accusing presiding worrying..." Mr Kejriwal posted on X. HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) US Ambassador Eric Garcetti on Tuesday hailed the swift action taken by the Indian Navy against pirates to rescue sailors of merchant ships operations ensuring the safety of shipping in the Indian Ocean. Addressing a meeting of the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce, Garcetti said the Indian Navy was not only rescuing Indian crew but also sailors belonging to other countries being attacked by pirates and missiles of terror groups. This reflects the bigger strategic role that India was playing in the Asian region, he added. Garcetti said that India is the biggest country in the region, and because of its democratic values, was looked upon by other countries to provide protection.
BJP Secures Victory in Chandigarh Mayor Elections Against INDIA Bloc The mayor polls were the first clash between the NDA and the INDIA bloc before the general elections and Nitish Kumar's sensational switch.
HiIndia Newsdesk
Chandigarh: The Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) Manoj Sonkar won the Chandigarh mayoral elections today, defeating the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Kuldeep Kumar. The BJP was pitted against an alliance between the Congress and AAP, in the first contest between the newly formed Opposition coalition and the NDA, following Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's sensational switchover to the latter. The BJP won 16 seats in the 35-member Chandigarh municipal corporation
while eight votes were declared invalid. The AAP-Congress alliance strategically nominated candidates for various positions. Mr Kumar, representing the AAP, contested for the mayoral post,
while the Congress fielded candidates for senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. The senior deputy mayor post saw Kuljeet Sandhu of the BJP facing off against Congress's Gurpreet Singh Gabi, while the deputy mayor position was contested between BJP's Rajinder Sharma and Congress's Nirmala Devi.
visas to Indians India Aims for $7 Trillion Economy US have shot up by 60%: by 2030: Finance Ministry Ambassador Garcetti According to data presented in 'Indian Economy - A Review', India has managed to achieve strong growth for a third consecutive year
HiIndia Newsdesk
Bhubaneswar: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday expressed apprehension that the 2024 Lok Sabha elections would be the last opportunity for the people to save democracy, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi might prefer dictatorship in case his party wins the upcoming polls. He also urged people to keep away from the BJP and its ideologue RSS, alleging that they are "like poison". "This will be the last opportunity for the people to save democracy in India. If Narendra Modi wins another election, there will be dictatorship in the country. The BJP will rule India like Putin in Russia," Mr Kharge said while addressing a party rally.
US envoy hails Indian Navy's action against pirates
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: Ahead of the Interim Budget, a Finance Ministry report on Monday projected India's economic trajectory to potentially reach $7 trillion by 2030. According to data presented in 'Indian Economy - A Review', India has managed to achieve strong growth for a third consecutive year, surpassing a 7 per cent expansion right when the global economy struggles to grow at more than 3 per cent. "India's unwavering commitment to ensuring steady economic growth is generating resources for investment needed for climate change adaptation,
building resilience, and mitigating emissions,' the review read. Over the past decade, public sector capital investment has surged, the financial sector remains healthy, and non-food credit growth has been robust, all contributing to India's brisk economic ascent. "The reforms undertaken to strengthen the financial sector have helped clean up the balance sheets of banks and corporates and emboldened banks to resume lending to all sectors of the economy. The unification of the domestic markets brought in by the adoption of the GST has incentivised production on a larger scale, and enhanced economic efficiency while reducing logistics costs," the report reads.
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) The number of US visas issued to Indian students and businessmen has shot up by 60% in recent months compared to the previous year and efforts are on to remove the backlog further, US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said on Tuesday. Addressing a conference of the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce, Garcetti said that India-US trade had gone up sharply to $200 billion a year and he was looking at a target of $500 billion in the near future.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 2024
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
"US Shall Respond": Biden After 3 Troops Killed In Drone Strike
HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: A drone attack on a base in Jordan killed three American troops Sunday, with President Joe Biden blaming Iran-backed militants and vowing to hold the perpetrators to account. It is the first time American military personnel have been killed by hostile fire in the Middle East since the start of Israel's war with Iran-backed Hamas, and the incident will further raise tensions in the region and fuel fears of a broader conflict directly involving Tehran. "While we are still gathering the facts of this attack, we know it was carried out by radical Iranbacked militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq," Biden said in a statement on the attack, pledging to hold "all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing." Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed Sunday afternoon on the attack by several cabinet-level national security officials, the White House said.
Ninth Oath, Unchanged Nitish Kumar Bihar CM Takes Office with a New Alliance NItish Kumar is replacing his ministers from the Rashtriya Janata Dal with those from the BJP and party leaders Samrat Chowdhury, Vijay Sinha and several others also took oath along with him at the Raj Bhavan this afternoon.
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Nitish Kumar took oath yesterday as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record ninth time, at the head of a fresh government formed in partnership with the BJP. Mr Kumar is replacing his ministers from the Rashtriya Janata Dal with those from the BJP and party leaders Samrat Chowdhury, Vijay Sinha and several others also took oath along with him at the Raj Bhavan this afternoon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the new government with a post on X, formerly Twitter. "The NDA government formed in
Bihar will leave no stone unturned for the development of the state and to fulfill the aspirations of its people. I congratulate @NitishKumar. as Chief Minister and Samrat Chaudhary ji and
Xi Jinping Urges Innovation in France "We Failed As A Relations Post-Macron's India Trip Team": Rohit Sharma French President Emmanuel Macron's high-profile visit to India coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.
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Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered to "break new ground" to give a fillip to the China-France ties, days after French President Emmanuel Macron's high-profile visit to India during which the two countries unveiled an ambitious defence roadmap besides
intensifying cooperation in the strategic Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific region. Macron's visit to India also coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. In his message on the occasion, Xi said "As today's world is once again at a critical crossroads, China and France should jointly open up a path of peace, security, prosperity and progress for human development."
Maldives Opposition Moves To Impeach Pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu The Opposition parties have hit-out at President Mohamed Muizzu for his pro-China position after a Chinese spy ship was granted permission by the government to dock in Male.
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New Delhi: The main opposition party in Maldives is set to begin impeachment proceedings against its pro-China president Mohamed Muizzu. The main opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party holds a majority in parliament and the collection of signatures have already started to begin the impeachment filing. The Opposition parties have hit-out at President Muizzu for his pro-China position after a Chinese spy ship was granted permission by the government
Vijay Sinha ji on taking oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. I am confident that this team will serve my family members of the state with full dedication," read a rough translation of his post.
to dock in Male. A massive scuffle took place in parliament yesterday, after which the Opposition
d e c i d e d t o b e g i n i mp e a c h m e nt proceedings. A key vote on parliamentary approval for the Muizzu government was scheduled on Sunday and the violence started as the government MPs (PPM/ PNC party) disturbed the proceedings.
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Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma delivered a blunt verdict on his team's defeat against England in the first Test match in Hyderabad on Sunday. "Hard to pinpoint where it went wrong. Having got a lead of 190, we thought we were very much in the batting. Exceptional batting, one of the best I have seen in Indian conditions by an overseas batter. We bowled in the right areas. The bowlers executed the plans really well, you got to take your hat to Pope and say well played. Overall, we failed as a team. We didn't bat well enough. I wanted them to take the game to the fifth day.The lower order fought really well there. You need to be brave enough, which I thought we weren't," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Indian student killed by homeless man in Georgia fuel station
KL Rahul, Ravindra Terror Group SIMI Banned For 5 More Jadeja Out Of 2nd Test HiIndia Newsdesk
" M r. R av i n d r a Jadeja and Mr. KL Rahul have been ruled out of the second IDFC First Bank Test against England in Vizag, starting February 02, 2024. Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during play on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad while Rahul complained of a right quadriceps pain. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring the progress of the duo," the BCCI said in a statement. Sarfaraz Khan, Sourabh Kumar and Washington Sundar to India's squad for the second Test
Years, Threat To Nation: Amit Shah
and the ban on it has been extended by another five years under the stringent anti-terror law. The outfit has been found involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing peace and communal harmony to threaten the sovereignty, security and integrity of Bharat, said Mr Shah. "B olster ing PM @narendramo di HiIndia Newsdesk Ji's vision of zero tolerance against Underlining zero tolerance against terrorism 'Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)' has been declared as terrorism, Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday announced that the Students an 'Unlawful Association' for a further Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) has period of five years under the UAPA," been declared an "unlawful association" Mr Shah posted on X.
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Washington, Jan 29 (IANS) An Indian student, working part-time at a convenience store in US's Georgia was brutally beaten to death with a hammer by a homeless man he and other employees had been helping for the past couple of days, the police said as quoted by media reports. The incident in which Vivek Saini, 25, was killed occurred on January 18, local channel WSB-TV reported on Sunday.
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RJD, Congress Call Party Meetings
Nitish Kumar's Stunning U-Turn Sends RJD In A Huddle HiIndia Newsdesk
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Reports of an imminent change in government are rife, casting a shadow over the current 'Mahagathbandhan' ruling coalition. New Delhi: Nitish Kumar will likely take oath as Bihar Chief Minister again tomorrow, a record ninth time, supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - mirroring a familiar script from the 2020 elections. The political churn has triggered a flurry of activities, with largescale transfers of officers adding to the suspense. Reports of an imminent change in government are rife, casting a shadow over the current 'Mahagathbandhan' ruling coalition.
Huge Outcry Over 1st Nitrogen Gas Execution In US
"7 AAP MLAs Offered Rs. 25 Crore By BJP ": Arvind Kejriwal's Big Charge HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to "buy" seven Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs with an offer of ₹ 25 crore each in a bid to destabilise his government in the national capital.
Alabama: The White House said Friday it was "deeply troubled" by the first-ever execution in the United States using nitrogen gas, an untested method which also drew condemnation from the United Nations and European Union. The southern state of Alabama put Kenneth Smith, a 58-yearold convicted murderer, to death on Thursday by pumping nitrogen gas into a facemask, causing him to suffocate. "The use of nitrogen gas -- it is troubling to us," White House spokeswoman Karine JeanPierre told reporters. "We are deeply troubled by it." Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Friday defended the decision to put Smith to death through nitrogen asphyxiation saying the execution had been carried out in a "professional manner." "We will definitely have more nitrogen hypoxia executions in Alabama, I believe that number is 43," Marshall told reporters. None are currently scheduled for this year.
Mr Kejriwal claimed that the BJP engaged in talks with the AAP legislators and purportedly threatened imminent arrest for the Delhi Chief Minister in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. The alleged conversation involved a sinister plan to topple the AAP government in Delhi.
DC gives Marathas call off stir, celebrate after Washington Ambassador Sandhu a Maha govt concedes demands rockstar farewell
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Yasmin Cader of the American Civil Liberties Union said Smith "should have never been killed, let alone in such a gruesome manner.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling party in the 2024 elections. The latest speculation about his switch was triggered after the BJP awarded a Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur. Mr Thakur was an iconic socialist leader who was Chief Minister twice in the 1970s and is credited with implementing the state's contentious alcohol prohibition polic y. Still remembered today as 'Jan Nayak', or 'leader of the people', Karpoori Thakur's legacy remains a valuable asset for political parties today.
Patna: Political circles are abuzz with reports that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar may join hands with BJP again, a party he had parted ways with in 2022. Mr Kumar's exit would spell trouble for the ruling 'Mahagathbandhan' coalition in Bihar. Nitish Kumar has jumped between the BJP, Congress, and/or Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal since 2013, so much so that he has acquired the moniker 'Paltu Ram'. After parting ways with the BJP in 2022, he had taken on the initiative of uniting all opposition forc e s to j oi nt ly take on
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Navi Mumbai (Thane), Jan 27 (IANS) The Maharashtra government has conceded all the major demands of the Maratha community, after which the community agitation was called off, here early on Saturday.
The Shiv Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil and the government delegation held detailed discussions around midnight which were successful. Later, the government issued an official notification Government Resolution (GR), a copy of which was handed over to Jarange-Patil around 2 a.m. Thereafter he consulted his team and a battery of legal experts on various aspects and then decided to call off the agitation. A weary but beaming Jarange-Patil told the media early today that the "Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has done a good job".
Two teens dead in shooting in downtown Chicago
Monterio Williams (left) and Robert Boston HiIndia Newsdesk
CHICAGO : Two Chicago high school classmates died after they were shot in the Loop Friday during the lunch hour, a time when that area is typically crowded with tourists, students, workers, and commuters. Chicago Police Central Control Group Deputy Chief Jon Hein said at 12:25 p.m., an estimated six students were exiting Innovations High School, at 17 N. State
St., when two vehicles – a dark-colored sedan and a sport-utility vehicle – pulled up along Wabash Avenue. Several people got out of the vehicles and opened fire – striking two of the students, boys ages 16 and 17. There was no confrontation before the shooting, Hein said. When they were shot, the teens were close to the street – next to an elevator structure at the Washington/Wabash Loop 'L' stop. Afterward, multiple police cars sped through the Loop from all directions to Wabash Avenue, between Washington and Madison streets, around 12:30 p.m. Two people were receiving CPR from paramedics, according to witnesses. One of the teens was quickly taken away by ambulance, while paramedics continued CPR on the second teen for about ten additional minutes, according to witnesses.
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Washington, Jan 26 (IANS) Outgoing Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, is getting a rockstar’s farewell. And the host administration is impressed. "Elton (John) did about 340 shows for his farewell," Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma said, recalling one of the shows that he had himself attended. He added that he has been keeping track of Sandhu’s farewell, which could rival the British singer Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road".
US Alerts Bahamas Travellers HiIndia Newsdesk
The US embassy in the Bahamas has issued a travel advisory, alerting people against visits to the island nation this winter. A surge in violence, with 18 murders reported in January, largely attributed to gang-related activities, has prompted concerns about tourist safety. “The US Embassy in Nassau advises US citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets.
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Ashok Saraf to be conferred with ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ award
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Flattered even after 10 years, director thought of me for role Raveena Tandon
S
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Mumbai, Jan. 30 (IANS) Veteran Marathi and Bollywood films, television and theatre actor Ashok Saraf will be conferred with the coveted ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ Award-2023, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said here on Tuesday. Saraf, 76, has been selected for his substantial contribution to the field of arts. He has straddled from comedy to serious to villainous roles through his acting and won the hearts of the audiences.
Randeep Hooda: Savarkar was always ahead of time Mumbai: (IANS) Actor Randeep Hooda, who makes his directorial debut with the upcoming biopic ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, has said that VD Savarkar was always ahead of time and that today he has become more relevant than ever before. ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’, which has booked its release for March 22, this year, presents a compelling odyssey, bringing to life the tale of VD Savarkar.
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ome things are meant to happen in their own time. If you ask Raveena Tandon, she will tell you that Karmma Calling couldn’t have happened at a better time. The official adaptation of the popular American series, Revenge, was originally offered to her a decade ago, but the actor didn’t feel ready for it. Director Ruchi Narain, however, was certain that whenever the show would be made, Tandon would lead it. Today, as she fronts the Disney+ Hotstar series, the actor is pleasantly surprised at how things fell in place. “It’s flattering and such a huge compliment when a director says that even after 10 years, she thought of me for the role. In today’s times, nobody waits for anyone,” says Tandon, recounting how 10 years ago, the show was being made for television. “They wanted 280 days of a year then. This time, they made it crisper, shorter, smarter, and I liked this version.” In Karmma Calling, Tandon plays Indrani
Kothari, a powerful matriarch who will stop at nothing to protect her family’s name. Her dramatic performance is the show’s highlight and is being widely praised. The actor’s excitement is palpable as she points out how the role is dramatically different from her debut series Aranyak (2021), where she played an honest police officer. “This is such a fertile time for actors because of the kind of characters we get. You have the freedom to experiment on OTT because there is a niche audience for every story you tell. So, you don’t have that fear of, ‘Will this run in the theatres?’” Probably this absence of fear and the experience of a 30-year career behind her are driving Tandon to explore more as an artiste in her 2.0 phase.
Salman Khan's production company warns against fake casting calls
Netflix docu-series The Indrani Mukerjea Story on Sheena Bora case tflix partners with long-time to drop on Feb 23 Ne collaborators MakeMake and India Today
On behalf of superstar Salman Khan, his production company, Salman Khan Films issued a statement clarifying that they are not associated with any third party for casting in films. The firm also threatened to take legal action against the fraudsters. "This is to clarify that neither Mr Salman Khan nor Salman Khan Films are casting for any film currently. We have not hired any casting agents for any of our future films. Please do not trust any emails or messages received by you for this purpose. Legal action will be taken if any party is found falsely using Mr Khan's or SKF's name in any unauthorised manner," the statement read.
Boney Kapoor's firm wins bid to develop Film City project in Noida
Group to announce 'The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth', a docu-series that will peel back layers of this scandalous case. The dramatic and fast-paced documentary with jaw-dropping twists, explores sensational family secrets, complicated relationships, buried connections and the possibility of millions of dollars at stake. Charged with intrigue, the docu-series features Indrani Mukerjea, her children - Vidhie Mukherjea and Mikhail Bora veteran journalists, and lawyers spotlighting dysfunctional family dynamics and complex motivations. Helmed by Shaana Levy and Uraaz Bahl, the show also reveals for the first-time ever unsettling call recordings between Indrani, Peter, and Rahul Mukerjea and unseen images of the family that In 2015, the arrest of INX media CEO Indrani Mukerjea for allegedly murdering are bound to keep audiences wondering her 25-year old daughter Sheena Bora about the truth. In 2023, Indrani released sent shockwaves through the nation. An her book, 'Unbroken', detailing a family accomplished media executive and socialite, gathering planned for August 25, 2015, to married to media tycoon Peter Mukerjea, celebrate her birthday. However, her life Indrani was an unlikely suspect. Slated took a drastic turn on that day as she left for release on 23rd February, The Indrani Anand Ashram and a civil-dressed cop Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth covers the from the Mumbai Police approached her, infamous story that continues to garner accusing her of the murder of her daughter, Sheena Bora. interest to this day.
Lucknow: (IANS) Filmmaker Boney Kapoor's Bayview Projects LLP and Bhutani Group will jointly develop the Film City project in Noida's Sector-21, near Jewar airport, as they placed the highest bid, surpassing the other three players, officials said. "The committee of officials of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) opened the financial bids. The Bayview Projects LLP and Bhutani Group placed the highest bid, promising the maximum 18 per cent share of the profit to the government, thereby becoming eligible for developing this project. Lions Films Private Limited of KC Bokadia quoted 15.12 per cent while Supersonic Technobuild Private Limited of actor Akshay Kumar and Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited of T-Series placed 10.80 per cent and 5.12 per cent respectively," officials added.
Farah Khan shares 'Jhalak ki dawat' made by 'chef' Arshad Warsi Mumbai: (IANS) Directorchoreographer Farah Khan judge’s better after a feast, going by her post on social media. Farah took to Instagram, where she shared a video from the sets of the reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa’. In the clip, Farah is seen giving a glimpse of what it looks like in a meal from the sets of the show in her vanity van. The video showed delicacies prepared from her own home and the “chef of the day” was Arshad Warsi, who got biryani.
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‘This trophy has cost me a lot’: Bigg Filmfare Awards 2024 Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui
Talking about the moment Munawar held the Bigg Boss 17 trophy in his hand, he said, “The feeling was unreal, the way my journey has been… that moment was such that I could feel the weight of that trophy. This trophy has cost me a lot, but it is worth it. In the end, what was important was not just taking the trophy home, but a lot many things.” Sharing his views on his personal life being dragged on the show, the Bigg Boss 17 winner shared, “I was not okay with my personal life being dragged on the show to this extent. But things were not in my control. It was a situation I did not want to face, but I had no option. I
am not proud of anything I did, but I have to move on and make things better now.” When asked if this incident also took a toll on him mentally, Munawar revealed, “I have been through a lot of mental breakdowns, there was not a single day that I have not cried under the blanket or in the bathroom. I felt very helpless, mentally too I was affected. But I will have to face it.”
Security stops Nick Jonas at Mumbai airport over documents
Parineeti: My first live singing performance was everything I could wish for
Mumbai: (IANS) Singer-songwriter Nick Jonas, who was recently in India for the maiden gig of Jonas Brothers, was stopped by airport security at the Mumbai airport. The video, which has gone viral, shows the singer, hounded by paparazzi at the airport, being temporarily stopped from entering the terminal. The security personnel at the airport asked his team for some documents as they checked for a solution while the singer had to wait outside the terminal.
Mumbai: (IANS) Actress Parineeti Chopra finally made her live singing debut and said that the performance was everything she could wish for. Parineeti took to Instagram, where she shared a motley of pictures giving a glimpse of what her concert looks like. She also shared a video saying that this performance was special because she
performed in her own city Mumbai. Captioning the memories, she wrote: “Andddd it’s done…. I have tears of joy as I type this: MY FIRST EVER LIVE SINGING PERFORMANCE was last night and it was everythinggg I could wish for and more. Thank you all for the love and kindness you all have shown. It means a lot to me.” It was earlier this month, when Parineeti shared that she is now having two careers – acting and her musical journey. Talking about her acting career, Parineeti, who made her debut in 2011 with the film ‘Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl’, was last seen on screen in ‘Mission Raniganj’ opposite Akshay Kumar. Her next is with Diljit Dosanjh and the title of the film is ‘Chamkila’.
Power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt dominated the 69th edition of the Filmfare Awards by bagging top honours for their performances in films released last year. During the ceremony held in Gujarat on Sunday, Ranbir Kapoor was named the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in Animal, while Alia Bhatt clinched the coveted trophy for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Best Film (Popular): 12th Fail Best Film (Critics): Joram Best Actor in a Leading role (Male): Ranbir Kapoor (Animal) Best Actor in a Leading role (Female): Alia Bhatt (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) Best Actor (Critics): Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) Best Actress (Critics): Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway) and Shefali Shah (Three Of Us). Best Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail) Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Male): Vicky Kaushal (Dunki) Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female): Shabana Azmi (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) Best Music Album: Animal (Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshwardhan Rameshwar, Gurinder Seagal) Best Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya (Tere Vaaste- Zara Hatke Zara Bachke) Best Playback Singer (Male): Bhupinder Babbal (Arjan Vailly- Animal) Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao (Besharam Rang- Pathaan) Best Story: Amit Rai (OMG 2) Best Screenplay: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
Nick Jonas sings ‘Maan Meri Jaan’ ‘Fighter’ tops global box-office, collects $25 with King at Lollapalooza India million on weekend
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan issues clarification over thrashing his ‘disciple’ A video of Pakistani playback singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who is known for songs like ‘Bol Na Halke Halke’, ‘Main Jahaan Rahoon’, ‘Teri Ore’ and ‘Dil Toh Bachcha Hai’, has come to light where he is seen bashing one of his students over a bottle. However, the singer downplayed his actions in the video as he said it’s a personal matter between a teacher and a student. The video uploaded on X shows the singer purportedly thrashing a man brutally, whom he claimed was his disciple, with his shoe. He can be seen slapping and hitting the man while enquiring about a bottle. The man can be heard pleading with the singer as he says: “I have no idea about it."
Mumbai: (IANS) The Jonas Brothers’ set at the second edition of the multi-genre music festival, Lollapalooza India in Mumbai was a hit. While the siblings belted out one hit after another on the stage, it was the surprise performance on ‘Maan Meri Jaan’ which stole the show as Indian rapper King took to the stage with the Jonas Brothers. Nick, who was dressed in a floral cotton shirt and beige pants, sang his portion of
‘Maan Meri Jaan x Afterlife’, a song that he recorded with Indian artiste King. Fans of the singers also loved Nick's sweet surprise. “OMG, OMG, he did it!!!! Maan Meri Jaan,” wrote a fan on Instagram. “OMFGG!!!! Nick Jonas singing Tu Maan Meri Jaan featuring KING at #LollaIndia!! SERVEEEE,” wrote another fan. “I'm crying right now. THANK YOU”, commented a fan.
Los Angeles: (IANS) Hrithik Roshanstarrer ‘Fighter’ was the highest grossing film of the weekend at the global box office, with box office revenues of $25.1 million. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, whose previous film, Shah Rukh Khanstarrer ‘Pathaan’, was one of the biggest Indian hits of 2023, also stars Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, reports Variety.
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Macron Announces Scholarships for Indian Students on Republic Day
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'Nari Shakti', India's Military Might On Display At Republic Day Parade
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"30,000 Indian students in France in 2030. It's a very ambitious target, but I am determined to make it happen," Macron said in a post on X. New Delhi: Emmanuel Macron, the chief guest at this year's Republic Day parade, today announced measures to ensure that more Indian students study in France. He said that France has an ambitious target of having over 30,000 students by 2030. "30,000 Indian students in France in 2030. It's a very ambitious target, but I am determined to make it happen," Macron said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Elaborating on how France will aid the students, Macron said that international classes would be set up to allow students who do not speak French to study in universities there.
Putin Praises Modi: Russia Can Rely on India
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He further said that "Russia can rely on India and its leadership because it is assured that New Delhi won't play 'games' against them at the international stage". Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and credited India for pursuing an 'independent' foreign policy which is not easy in today's world, Russia-based media network Russia Today (RT) reported. He was interacting with university students in Kaliningrad Region on the occasion of 'Russian Student Day' on Thursday. "India has one of the highest rates of economic development and growth in the world, and that too is due to the leadership qualities of incumbent Prime Minister. It was during his leadership that India reached such a pace," President Putin said during the interaction as per the translation by RT.
Republic Day Parade 2024: Based on the twin themes of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat Loktantra Ki Matruka', this year's parade saw the participation of 13,000 special guests HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 75th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in Delhi this morning. French President Emmanuel Macron is the Chief Guest as India showcases its cultural diversity and military prowess. Based on the twin themes of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra Ki Matruka', this year's parade saw the participation of 13,000 special guests. For the first time, the parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments like the shankh, naadswaram, and nagada. It is also be the first time an all-women triservice contingent marches down Kartavya Path. Women pilots will also enthrall the audience during the fly past,
representing 'Nari Shakti', or 'women power'. The contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also consist of only women personnel. The Republic Day parade started at 10.30 am and will run for a duration of 90 minutes. The ceremony will start with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial. Kartavya Path will be witness to a march past by a combined band and marching contingent of the French armed forces. A 30-member band contingent will be headed by Captain Khourda, which will be followed by a 90-member marching contingent, led by Captain Noel. A multirole tanker aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air and Space Force will fly above the contingents.
Nitish Kumar May Take Oath As Chief Minister With BJP Support On Sunday: Sources another) churn in the state's political landscape spins to a frenzied end. Promoted Sources said the Janata Dal (United) boss had cancelled all his engagements for January 28, sparking buzz he is set to reclaim his 'paltu Kumar' nickname by reversing his 2022 jump from Prime Minister HiIndia Newsdesk Narendra Modi's BJP to Lalu Yadav's Nitish Kumar will be sworn in as RJD, which itself was a reprisal of his Chief Minister of Bihar for a seventh 2017 shuffle of loyalties. time Sunday, with support from on- Nitish was scheduled to address a again, off-again ally the BJP, sources public meeting on Sunday, on the told NDTV Friday afternoon as (yet occasion of Maharana Jayanti.
Google's special doodle on 75th Republic Day
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Search giant Google has come up with a special doodle to mark India's 75th Republic Day, depicting the country's transition from the era of analogue TVs to smartphones. The creative artwork signifies how the ceremonial parade would have been seen on screens across these decades. India became independent in 1947 and a republic on January 26, 1950.
economy In A First, US State Alabama Executes US remained shockingly Murderer Through Nitrogen Gas Suffocation robust in fourth quarter Kenneth Smith, 58, was on death row for more than three decades after being convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire of a pastor's wife.
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Washington: The southern US state of Alabama on Thursday put to death a convicted murderer using nitrogen gas, the first time the controversial method decried by human rights advocates has been used in the country. Kenneth Eugene Smith was pronounced dead at 8:25 pm (0225 GMT Friday), according to the state attorney general. "Justice has been served. Tonight, Kenneth Smith was put to death for the heinous act he committed over 35 years ago," the statement by Attorney General Steve Marshall said.
Smith, 58, was on death row for more than three decades after being convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire of a pastor's wife. He was put to death at Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama by nitrogen hypoxia, which involved pumping nitrogen gas into a facemask, causing him to suffocate. According to witnesses, he "began writhing and thrashing for approximately two to four minutes, followed by around five minutes of heavy breathing," local media Al.com reported. The curtain over the media witness room opened at 7:53 pm the publication said, with Smith pronounced dead less than 40 minutes later.
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Washington, Jan 25 (IANS) The US economy remained shockingly robust in the fourth quarter to close out a remarkably strong 2023, a media report said. Gross domestic product, a measure of all the services and goods produced, rose at a seasonally adjusted, annualised 3.3 per cent rate from October through December, which was slower than the 4.9 per cent rate from July through September, when American consumers splashed out on services and goods, CNN reported.
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Puja begins in Gyanvapi basement after court orders
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"Blow To Federalism": M Kharge After Probe Agency Arrests Hemant Soren HiIndia Newsdesk
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Varanasi (UP): (IANS) More than 30 years after worship was banned in the basement of the Gyanvapi complex, barricading was removed at around midnight, within nine hours of the court's order, and puja-aarti was performed and prasad was also distributed at the 'Vyasji ka tehkhana'. Following the court order regarding the basement located at Gyanvapi, top police and administration officials reached Vishwanath Dham, late on Wednesday night. The officials earlier held a meeting regarding the implementation of the order given by the District Judge's court regarding the arrangement of worship in the basement of Vyasji.
New Delhi: C ongress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said "forcing" Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to resign after putting the Enforcement Directorate against him is "a blow to federalism". Soren resigned as chief minister Wednesday evening after over seven hours of questioning by the ED on money laundering charges linked to alleged land fraud. Thereafter, he was arrested by the agency. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress chief Kharge said, "The one who did not go with (Narendra) Modi ji will go to jail. Putting ED against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and forcing him to resign is a blow to federalism." Intimidating opposition leaders by making the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) draconian is part of the BJP's toolkit, he alleged. The BJP's work of destabilising opposition party-led governments one by one as part of a conspiracy is
Hemat Soren resigned as chief minister Wednesday evening after over seven hours of questioning by the ED. continuing, the Congress chief further alleged. "What went into the BJP's washing machine is clean as white, what didn't is tainted? If democracy has to be
saved from dictatorship then the BJP will have to be defeated. We will not be afraid. We will continue to fight from Parliament to streets," he also said. Targeting the government over the development, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that agencies such as the ED, CBI and the I-T Department "are no longer government agencies, now they have become BJP's 'eliminate opposition cell'."
Khan Sony, Zee Clashed Over Russia Assets, Azam acquitted in 2019 Cricket Deal Before Deal Collapse: Report robbery case
honouring the merger commitments. Zee executives repeatedly said that there was nothing out of line, and asked Sony to extend the closure deadline.
"A number of events, circumstances, state of facts, conditions have occurred, which have, or are reasonably likely to have a 'material adverse effect' on the business, operations," Drew Shearer, a top Los Angeles-based Sony executive wrote in an email. A week later, on Dec. 27, Zee's top India counsel Shyamala Venkatachalam accused Sony of attempting to "depict a narrative which has no basis in facts", saying Zee was dismayed by what it called was a "sudden volte face" from the company in bad faith. The Zee-Sony merger, in the works for two years, would have created an Indian TV juggernaut with more than 90 channels across sports, entertainment and news that would have competed with the likes of Walt Disney and billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance.
Justin Mohn is now charged with murder
The 32-year-old was found "hours later" in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania - more than 100 miles from his home and taken into custody.
HiIndia Newsdesk
New Delhi: Sony and Zee disagreed over more than 20 compliance issues, including the Indian firm's failure to dispose of some Russian assets and its $1.4 billion Disney cricket rights deal, before their India merger was scrapped, according to internal emails reviewed by Reuters. The communications between Sony's legal and M&A executives in India and Los Angeles with top Zee executives provide undisclosed details on the highstakes backroom tussle that preceded the Japanese firm's Jan. 22 decision to pull the plug on the $10 billion merger. Emails exchanged between Dec. 20 and Jan. 9 show executives from both companies accusing each other of not
Emails exchanged between Dec. 20 and Jan. 9 show executives from both companies accusing each other of not honouring the merger commitments.
HiIndia Newsdesk
Rampur (UP): (IANS) An MP/ MLA court in Rampur has acquitted SP leader Azam Khan and six others in a 2019 robbery case due to lack of evidence. The case was related to an alleged robbery at a house in the Dungarpur Basti area of Rampur. MP/MLA sessions court judge Vijay Kumar, after hearing the arguments of both sides, acquitted the SP leader, former municipal president Azhar Khan, contractor Barkat Ali, retired CO Ale Hasan, Firoz Khan, Ranu Khan, Omendra Chauhan due to lack of evidence.
US Man, 33, Arrested After Allegedly Beheading Father And Showing His Head On YouTube HiIndia Newsdesk
A 32-year-old man in the United States accused of beheading his father - and posting a gruesome video seemingly showing him holding up the head amid a politically charged rant - was arrested on Tuesday. According to CNN, the video circulated for hours on YouTube before it was taken down. Justin Mohn was taken into custody hours after allegedly beheading his 68-year-old father Michael Mohn at their home in Pennsylvania. The 33-year-old is being held without bond, charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and possessing an instrument of crime with intent. According to CNN, police responded to the scene after receiving a "call of a
deceased male". Justin Mohn's mother, Denice, called 911 after finding her husband's headless body in their home. She reportedly said that she was last in the house at 2 pm and when she returned, she noticed her son and her husband's 2009 Toyota Corolla was nowhere to be found.
"The call to emergency dispatchers came from the victim's wife. When officers arrived, they located the male deceased in the bathroom," the prosecutor's office said in a statement. "The victim's adult son was not present when police arrived and left the area in his father's vehicle,"
the statement added. Cops found a machete and a large kitchen knife in the bathtub. They located Michael Mohn's head inside a plastic bag which was inside a cooking pot in a first-floor bedroom next to the bathroom. Officers also found "bloody rubber gloves" in both a separate firstfloor bedroom and in a trashcan beside a desk. In the affidavit, police cite a video posted on video YouTube by the 32-year-old. In the clip, the man identifies himself as Justin Mohn and apparently reads from a written statement and at one point holds up what appears to be a bloodied head inside a clear plastic bag.
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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
US Announces Fresh Selection Criteria For H-1B Visa, New Rules From October HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: In a move to fortify the integrity of the H-1B registration process and mitigate fraud risks, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a final rule for the fiscal year 2025 (FY 2025) H-1B cap. The rule introduces a beneficiarycentric selection process, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all beneficiaries, regardless of the number of registrations submitted on their behalf. Registrations will now be selected based on unique beneficiaries, reducing the potential for fraud and ensuring equal chances of selection. Beginning with the FY 2025 initial registration period, USCIS will mandate registrants to provide valid passport information or valid travel document information for each beneficiary. The final rule clarifies requirements regarding the requested employment start date on certain petitions subject
The rule introduces a beneficiary-centric selection process, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all beneficiaries. to the H-1B cap, allowing filing with requested start dates after October 1 of
the relevant fiscal year. The rule codifies USCIS' ability to deny or revoke H-1B petitions if the registration contains false attestation or is otherwise invalid. USCIS has also announced a Fee Schedule final rule, effective after the initial registration period for FY 2025 H-1B cap.
The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap will open on March 6, 2024, and run through March 22, 2024. USCIS will launch organisational accounts on February 28, 2024, allowing collaboration on H-1B registrations, petitions, and associated forms. Online filing of Form I-129 and Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions will also commence on the same date. While petitioners can continue to file paper Form I-129 H-1B petitions, online filing options will be available starting April 1, 2024. USCIS Director Ur M Jaddou stated, "The improvements in these areas should make H-1B selections more equitable for petitioners and beneficiaries and will allow for the H-1B process to be fully electronic from registration until final decision." These reforms aim to enhance the overall H-1B programme, making it more transparent, efficient, and resistant to fraudulent activities.
Initiated Indian national sentenced for nearly Review for Acceptance of Manslaughter Pleas $2.8mn healthcare fraud in US in British-Indian HiIndia Newsdesk
New York: (IANS) A 43-year-old Indian national in the US state of Michigan has been sentenced to nine years in prison for orchestrating a nearly $2.8 million healthcare fraud. Yogesh K Pancholi from Northville was also found guilty of wire fraud conspirac y, engaging in money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and witness tampering. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Pancholi owned and operated Shring Home Care Inc, a home health company based in Livonia, Michigan, a Department of Justice release said. Despite being excluded from billing Medicare, Pancholi purchased Shring using the names, signatures, and personal identifying information of others to conceal his ownership of the company. In a two-month period, Pancholi and his co-conspirators billed and were
paid nearly $2.8 million by Medicare for services that were never provided. Pancholi then transferred these funds through bank accounts belonging to shell corporations and eventually into his accounts in India. After being indicted, and on the eve of trial, Pancholi, using a pseudonym, wrote false and malicious emails to various federal government agencies. In those emails, he alleged a government witness had committed various crimes and should not be allowed to remain in the US in an attempt to keep the witness
from testifying. In September 2023, a federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted Pancholi of conspiracy to commit healthcare and wire fraud, two substantive counts of healthcare fraud, two counts of money laundering, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of witness tampering. Pacholi's case was investigated by the FBI Detroit Field Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The Justice Department's Criminal Division has been making efforts to combat healthcare fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal healthcare programs and private insurers more than $27 billion.
10,000 Indian construction workers to reach Israel soon in batches starting next week HiIndia Newsdesk
With Israel's construction sector suffering a severe manpower crisis post the October 7 conflict with Hamas, some 10,000 workers from India are to make their way here starting next week, industry sources said on Wednesday. These 10,000 workers will reach in batches of 700 to 1,000 a week, a source in the Israel's Builders Association (IBA) told PTI here. With Israel's latest conflict with Hamas in Gaza a little short of four months, and a ban on the entry of Palestinian
workers and the departure of several thousand other foreign workers, the Israeli construction industry has been facing a deep crisis and several ongoing projects are getting either stalled or
delayed. Following the conflict, Israel has banned the entry of Palestinian workers. The departure of several thousand other foreign workers, the Israeli construction industry has been facing a deep crisis. Israeli business daily The Calcalist in a report in Hebrew last week said that the quota of foreign manpower for the construction industry has been increased from 30,000 to 50,000 and that the Israeli government last month approved the arrival of 10,000 workers from India.
Teen's Killer Case
HiIndia Newsdesk
London,: (IANS) An independent review has been ordered into prosecutors' decision to accept the manslaughter pleas of a 32-year-old attacker who stabbed an Indianorigin teen and two others to death in the UK last year. Valdo Calocane, a dual GuineaBissau/Portuguese national, killed 19-year-old students, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates during an incident near Nottingham University on June 13, 2023. Attorney General Victoria Prentis said she ordered an urgent review into the way the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) handled the case, the BBC reported. Prentis asked His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate to carry out the review, saying: "The senseless deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates have horrified the country. "While nothing will bring their loved ones back, the families understandably want to understand what happened in this case. "That's why I have asked the inspectorate to carry out a prompt and thorough review of CPS actions."
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Indian Pleads Guilty In US To Running Dark Web Enterprise, Loses $150 Million From mid-2012 through July 2017, Banmeet Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the US, including cells located in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, and Washington, among other locations HiIndia Newsdesk
Washington: A 40-year-old Indian national extradited from the UK has pleaded guilty to operating a global dark web enterprise to sell "deadly and dangerous drugs to communities across America" and agreed to forfeit approximately $ 150 million in cryptocurrency. According to court documents, Banmeet Singh from Haldwani in Uttarakhand created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, Ketamine, and Tramadol, the US Department of Justice said in a press release. Cu s t om e r s ord e re d c ont ro l l e d substances from Banmeet Singh using the vendor sites and by paying with cryptocurrency. Banmeet Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of the drugs from Europe
to America through US mail or other shipping services, the release said on Friday. "Banmeet Singh and traffickers like him think they can operate anonymously on the dark web and evade prosecution... Today's guilty plea, which includes forfeiture of approximately USD 150 million in cryptocurrency, demonstrates that the Justice Department will hold criminals who violate US law accountable no matter how they conceal their activity," Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M Argentieri of the
justice department's Criminal Division said. From mid-2012 through July 2017, Banmeet Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the US, including cells located in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, and Washington, among other locations. Individuals in those distribution cells received drug shipments from overseas and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland, and the US Virgin Islands, the release said. "Banmeet Singh operated a global dark web enterprise to send fentanyl and other deadly and dangerous drugs to communities across America - in all 50 states - as well as Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean," said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Over the course of the conspiracy, Singh moved hundreds of kilograms of controlled substances throughout the US and established a multimilliondollar drug enterprise which laundered millions of dollars of drug proceeds into cryptocurrency accounts, which ultimately became worth approximately USD 150 million. In April 2019, Banmeet Singh was arrested in London, and the US secured his extradition in 2023. Banmeet Singh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces an agreed upon sentence of eight years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, the release said.
Indian Student in US Found Dead FIA Chicago Hosts USA’s Largest Republic Day Celebrations After Mother's Plea for Help
HiIndia Newsdesk
Neel Acharya HiIndia Newsdesk
Indiana: An Indian student studying at Purdue University who was reported missing since Sunday has been confirmed dead, according to the Tippecanoe County Coroner. According to the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office, officials were called around 11:30 am. Sunday to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette for a possible dead body. Upon arrival, a "college-aged male" was found deceased on Purdue's campus. The deceased student has been identified as Neel Acharya by the authorities. On Sunday, Gaury Acharya, mother of the deceased student, in a post on X, appealed, "Our son Neel Acharya is missing since yesterday Jan 28 (12:30 AM EST) He is studying in Purdue University in the US. He was last seen by the Uber driver who dropped him off in Purdue university. We are looking for any info on him. Please help us if you know anything." The Consulate General of India in Chicago replied to her post on X, saying,
"Consulate is in touch with Purdue University authorities and also with Neel's family. Consulate will extend all possible support and help." According to Purdue Exponent, a multimedia agency independent of the university, in an email written to the university's computer science department on Monday, interim CS head Chris Clifton confirmed students and faculty of Neel Acharya's death. Earlier this week, another Indian student was brutally killed with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia, US. A video of the incident went viral on social media, but the date of the incident can't be confirmed. The man seen attacking Saini is reportedly a homeless person. A person familiar with the case told ANI that police authorities acted firmly on the visual evidence of the case, and arrests were made promptly. The mortal remains of the victim, being an Indian citizen, were sent back to Vivek's family in India on January 24, the person added.
CHICAGO, IL-The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA), elevated the celebration of India’s Republic Day on January 28th at the Matrix Club in Chicago. The event showcased grand celebrations, patriotic fervor, and a vibrant display of India’s rich cultural diversity. Led by Founder and Chairman Sunil Shah, FIA’s 2024 Republic Day festivities exemplified their commitment to excellence, featuring diverse events, impactful community service initiatives, and a spectacular show. The evening featured a breathtaking performance by Shahid Rafi, son of the legendary Mohammad Rafi. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing knowledge and wisdom. FIA’s General Secretary, Nilabh Dubey, set the tone, introducing MCs Anu Malhotra and Suchitra Kukreja, who captivated the audience. Fou n d e r C h ai r m an Su n i l S h a h highlighted FIA’s role in uniting the diaspora, while Past President Vinita Gulabani celebrated the organization’s growth. Current President Pratibha Jairath outlined ambitious plans, including a focus on Animal Medical Welfare and Care. Chief Guest Consulate G e ne r a l S om nat h Gho sh sp oke passionately about India’s Republic Day.
FIA’s Adv is or y B o ard memb ers shared their perspectives, leading to an exhilarating patriotic dance by children from the Athar v Dance Academy. Awards were bestowed upon individuals contributing significantly to the community. FIA’s scholarship program, emphasizing financial need and academic excellence, honored six outstanding individuals. Vice President Chandini Duvvuri expressed gratitude in the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the legacy of Founder Chairman Sunil Shah and praising the dedication of FIA Advisory Board members. President Vinita Gulabani ignited the cultural show, introducing renowned artists and welcoming Shahid Rafi to a standing ovation. The cultural extravaganza featured iconic Bollywood classics, with Sunil Shah’s dance moves adding to the excitement. The audience’s enthusiasm led to impromptu dances, and the evening concluded with a request for an encore. Consulate General Somnath Ghosh praised the event as a vivid manifestation of love for India, leaving an indelible impression on the diaspora’s patriotism and pride. FIA Chicago’s Republic Day festivities were a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of India and its diaspora.
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LIFESTYLE
Futuristic innovations changing the whisky market in 2024
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 HiIndia Newsdesk
Right from developments in manufacturing to the advertising of the spirit, there are numerous ways in which distillers and alcohol manufacturers are looking to elevate the whisky drinking experience New Delhi: (IANSlife) Just like any other industry, the whisky market is being impacted on a large scale by the prominence of future-looking trends that are set to change the course of the industry. Right from developments in manufacturing to the advertising of the spirit, there are numerous ways in which distillers and alcohol manufacturers are looking to elevate the whisky drinking experience. With the surge in the use of AI along with innovations in this space, 2024 is set to be a brilliant year for developments in the whisky industry. Poonam Chandel, Managing Director, of NeuWorld Spirits, outlines futuristic innovations that are set to change the overall whisky experience.
Quantum Cask Maturation
Say goodbye to the traditional barrel aging process! Quantum cask maturation is poised to revolutionize the way whisky ages. Using quantum principles, distillers can precisely control the interaction between spirit and wood, allowing for accelerated aging without compromising on flavourcomplexity. This innovation promises a shortcut to premium, wellaged whiskies in a fraction of the time, and is set to facilitate the increase of whisky production in 2024.
Augmented Reality Tasting
2024 is the year where whisky enthusiasts can step into the future – all thanks to augmented reality (AR) tasting experiences. Imagine savouring a dram while virtually touring the distillery, learning about the intricate details of production, and exploring the whisky's origin—all from the comfort of your own home. AR is set to redefine the art of whisky appreciation, making each sip a multisensory journey.
Robotic Distillery Assistants
Enter the age of robotic distillery assistants. These high-tech marvels are designed to handle repetitive tasks with unparalleled precision, allowing
master distillers to focus on creativity and quality, while automating a large portion of the manufacturing processes. From ingredient measurement to temperature control, these robots can ensure consistency in production, promising a new standard of excellence in every bottle.
Sustainable Water Purification
Sustainability is a key focus for industries across the world, and is now set to take centre stage as the whisky industry embraces advanced water purification technologies. Innovative filtration systems not only ensure the purity of the water used in the production process but also contribute to minimizing environmental impact. As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, sustainable practices are set to become a cornerstone of whisky production.
AI-Enhanced Personalization: Crafting Tailored Whisky Experiences
In 2024, we can expect Artificial Intelligence (AI) to step into the spotlight, ushering in a new era of personalization. From recommending the perfect blend based on individual preferences to predicting trends in consumer tastes, AI is set to enhance the whisky experience by tailoring offerings to the unique preferences of each enthusiast. As technology meets tradition, the marriage of AI and whisky promises a future where every sip is a customized delight. The whisky industry is, without a doubt on the brink of a transformative era in 2024, with innovations like Quantum Cask Maturation, AR Tasting, Robotic Distillery Assistants, Sustainable Water Purification, and AI-Enhanced Personalization. These advancements promise a future where whisky production is accelerated, experiences are immersive, and sustainability and personalization are at the forefront. Cheers to the exciting evolution of whisky!
Aries 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.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Two Indian American Sentenced for conspiracy to steal data from the US Govt.
HiIndia Newsdesk
WASHINGTON, DC -Three former federal employees, two of whom are Indians, have been sentenced by a US court for their roles in a conspiracy to steal sensitive data from the US government. The two Indians are — Murali Y Venkata, from Aldie, Virginia, Washington DC, and Sonal Patel, from Sterling, Virginia, Washington DC. Murali has been sentenced to four months of prison and Patel has been sentenced to two-years-probation with one year of home incarceration, along with a fine of $40,000. While Patel was employed in DHSOIG’s information technology department. Venkata was Acting Branch Chief of the Information Technology Division of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS-OIG). The three of them conspired to steal proprietary US software and databases containing sensitive law-enforcement information and the personally identifying information (PII) of over 2,00,000 federal employees from DHS-OIG and USPS OIG. According to allegations, they planned to use the stolen software and databases to create a commercial software product and then offer them for sale to government agencies.
California Businesses Evacuated Over Suspicious Package
Deputy with LASD on the scene of a suspicious package investigation in West Hollywood (Photo Credit: LASD) HiIndia Newsdesk
WEST HOLLYWOOD- CA Businesses in West Hollywood were evacuated, and a bomb squad was summoned in response to reports of a suspicious package on Sunday, as per the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department. The incident unfolded when a package was discovered in the 8800 block of Melrose Avenue, prompting the Sheriff ’s deputies to respond around 11:20 a.m. A subsequent call for a bomb squad ensued, resulting in the closure of the affected road and the evacuation of nearby businesses.After thorough investigation, authorities confirmed that the package did not contain any hazardous materials. Consequently, the area was declared safe, and normal operations were allowed to resume by 2 p.m., according to the police statement.
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Ajay Arora Clinches Victory In New Jersey NEUSCA Carrom Showdown HiIndia Newsdesk
The 2024 NEUSCA Winter Carrom Championship, held in New Jersey, recently concluded with a spectacular showcase of carrom talent. The event, organized by the North Eastern United States Carrom Association (NEUSCA), drew participants from across the USA and Canada, reaffirming the game's popularity among the South Asian diaspora. Ajay Arora, a stylish left-handed carrom player and previous USA Nationals Singles title holder, emerged victorious in the singles event, demonstrating precision and calculation in his gameplay. Ajay's success adds to his growing trophy collection and showcases his commitment to the sport. The tournament's flawless execution was attributed to the leadership of Tournament Director Roshan Rauff
and the dedicated team of Abul Shakeel Baig (President), Roshan Muhsin (Vice President), Arshad Shaik (Secretary), and Amaan Ghazaly (Treasurer). Mr. Baig expressed excitement about the tournament's tough competition and diverse participation from states across the country and Canada. The event commenced with practice sessions and a professional coaching session for children led by Sam Mallisetti, the Operational Director of USCA, adding a professional edge to the competition. In the doubles event,
the remarkable duo of Ishan Rizvi from Canada and Preeti Jakhotia from California secured victory, showcasing impressive synergy on the carrom board. With 117 participants, including 14-year-old Aditya Godugu, the championship highlighted the depth of talent within the carrom community, emphasizing its inclusive nature. The tournament's success was further enhanced by entertaining interludes, enhanced lighting, and the support of sponsors, supporters, and dedicated volunteers.
CGI Chicago Marks 75th Indian Republic Day
The event started with Consul General Somnath Ghosh, unfurling the National Flag HiIndia Newsdesk
CHICAGO, IL- The Consulate General of India, Chicago Celebrated the 75th Republic Day of India on Friday, 26 January 2024. The event started with Consul General Somnath Ghosh, unfurling the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem of India. The Consul General read out the Address of
the Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu and spoke on the India-US strategic partnership and the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora. A cultural programme was organised. This included Hindustani classical instrumental by Mr. Souryadeep Bhattacharya on Sarod accompanied by Tabla Player Mr. Arun Sabapathy;
Odissi dance performance by Mr. Colin Mascarenhas and Ms. Neeti Sabarwal from Aikyam Odissi Dance Collective Chicago; and rendition of patriotic songs by Mr. Ishaan Ahmed and Ms. Nalini Parikh. The programme was attended by State Senator Ram Villivalam, Cook County Treasurer Ms. Maria Pappas, and prominent members of the Indian diaspor
Overnight In Chicago, Armed Robbers Target And Victimize 5 Pedestrians HiIndia Newsdesk
CHICAGO, IL – At least five pedestrians fell victim to armed robberies on Monday morning across three Chicago neighborhoods. In each incident, a black sedan approached, and one to four armed males disembarked, forcibly taking the victims’ belongings at gunpoint, according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Shockingly, two of the victims were subjected to physical assault, being pistol-whipped during the course of the robberies. The initial robbery occurred in Lake View East at 2:24 a.m., involving a 35-year-old man and a 31-year-old
woman walking on the sidewalk in the 500 block of West Diversey Avenue. Four males emerged from the sedan, compelling the man to the ground before seizing wallets and phones at gunpoint, as reported by the police. Approximately 15 minutes later, two women were targeted on the sidewalk in the 900 block of West Weed Street in
Goose Island. An armed male forcibly took their purses, phones, and other belongings before making a hasty escape from the scene. Around 3:15 a.m., a 55-year-old man was ambushed while walking on a South Loop sidewalk in the first block of East 11th Street. Four males exited a black sedan, physically assaulting him by striking his face with a handgun and making off with his wallet and backpack, according to the police. As of now, no suspects are in custody. Area Three detectives are actively conducting an investigation into the matter.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
NYPD Raids And Closes Down Numerous Brothels Masquerading As Massage Parlors In Queens HiIndia Newsdesk
QUEENS, NY- The NYPD has recently taken action against at least six massage parlors posing as brothels along Roosevelt Avenue in Queens. After receiving complaints from residents in Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and Corona, police, along with elected officials, conducted an analysis of Roosevelt Avenue around 1:30 a.m. During this investigation, they observed the brothels in full operation, addressing concerns raised by the local community. Mayor Eric Adams slaps a “closed” sign onto a suspected Queens brothel May o r Ad a m s e mp h a s i z e d t h e importance of maintaining the quality of life and expressed concern about the negative impact these brothels could have on the community. He stated, ‘It’s crucial to focus on these brothels that are contributing to a deteriorating
Mayor Eric Adams slaps a "closed" sign onto a suspected Queens brothel
quality of life in this community.’ Adams announced plans to investigate other potential prostitution hotspots in New York City, including Pennsylvania
Avenue in East New York and Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica. In Nove mb e r, D e mo c r at i c C it y C ou nc i lp e rs on Fr anc is c o Moy a
New Moniker Unveiled For Artesia To LA Rail Line, Enhancing Rider Experience
introduced legislation aimed at c o m b at i n g p r o s t i t u t i o n i n h i s district of Corona. The proposed bill would empower the city to inspect establishments disguising themselves as massage parlors. This would grant the City Health Department the authority to conduct random inspections, assessing the parlors’ sanitar y conditions, employees’ licenses, and investigating any signs of human trafficking. Moya emphasized the necessity of addressing concerns raised by local schools and parents, stating, ‘There’s no reason why children should be exposed to these brothels, especially when they are located just 50 feet from a school entrance.’ The proposed legislation aims to ensure the businesses comply with health and licensing standards while also addressing potential human trafficking issues.
St. Louis Marks India's 75th Republic Day with Grand Celebration
HiIndia Newsdesk
The LA Metro's light-rail project, formerly known as the "West Santa Ana Branch," has undergone a successful rebranding, officially named the "Southeast Gateway Line" after a sixmonth effort to address confusion and secure funding. Whittier Mayor Pro-Tem and LA Metro Second Vice Chair Fernando Dutra emphasized the significance of the renaming, marking an essential milestone in the project's progress. The renaming, initiated in August, involved a public contest resulting in the selection of "Southeast Gateway Line" as the preferred name. Janice Hahn, L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board First Vice Chair, led the renaming effort, highlighting the negative impact of the confusing previous name on funding prospects. With an allocated budget of $4 billion from Measure M, the project, estimated at $9.1 billion, faces a significant funding gap. Construction is set to begin in
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2025, aiming for completion by 2035. The renaming aims to convey the project's importance to Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation, addressing transit needs in densely populated and transit-poor areas of L.A. County. The project is anticipated
to attract federal support aligning with the goals of the Biden administration in reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. Discussions with federal officials emphasize the necessity of significant funding for projects of this magnitude.
GOPIA-LA Unveils Newly Appointed Executive Committee Members HiIndia Newsdesk
LONG BEACH, CA – The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, Los Angeles Chapter (GOPIO-LA) met here on January 20 with the new executive committee taking over the reins of day-to-day operations of this chapter, a press release said. The current leadership team consists of Kalika Gupta as Chairperson, Charu Shivakumar as President, Baljinder Tahim as Vice President, Yatri Shukla as Secretary, Ashok Madan as Treasurer, and Dr. Asmath Noor as Joint Secretary. The Trustees for the current term include Kewal Kanda, Navin Gupta, and Rajinder Dhunna. T h e n e w e x e c ut i v e c om m it t e e immediately approved some events including an American Red Cross Blood Donation Camp for February 11, and
the India Festival 2024 for May 19. A blood donation camp will be held at Buena Park Gurudwara. T he e xe c ut ive c om m itte e a l s o
decided to continue with the yearly signature event Diabetes Reversal Summit in collaboration with its parent organization GOPIO-International.
ST LOUIS, MO- HindiUSA Saint Louis, students, teachers, and parents reveled in the pride of commemorating India’s 75th Republic Day. The event not only demonstrated that at HindiUSA Saint Louis, students not only acquire linguistic proficiency but also delve into the insights of India’s struggle for freedom, its rich culture, and heritage. This distinctive celebration immersed students in the vibrant tapestry of joy and patriotism, instilling in them a profound sense of India’s greatness and molding them into global citizens. The day commenced with a solemn flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by enchanting songs and dance performances showcasing the opulent heritage of Indian culture. Approximately 15 students exhibited their Diwali art projects, showcasing their vibrant artistic skills, and performed patriotic songs such as ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha,’ ‘Hum Honge Kamyab,’ and ‘Nanha Munna Rahi Hoon.’ School teacher Ritu Maheswari also contributed to the event with her rendition of the patriotic song ‘Aye Mere Pyare Watan.’ The extraordinary event was live-streamed on Facebook, allowing online viewers to partake in and relish this cultural spectacle of creativity and camaraderie at HindiUSA Saint Louis school. Snacks were provided to all students, enabling them to savor the flavors of their homeland. The children collectively held and waved mini Tricolors, fostering a strong sense of Indian cultural identity.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Indian American Conman Targeted Community In Ponzi Scheme; Ordered To Pay $1 Million Kumar Arun Neppalli, 56, sentenced to 44 months in prison and ordered to pay almost $1 million in restitution to victims HiIndia Newsdesk
RALEIGH, NC-Kumar Arun Neppalli, 56 yrs, a man from Cary, Raleigh in North Carolina has been sentenced to 44 months in prison and ordered to pay almost $1 million in restitution to victims in connection with a Ponzi investment fraud scam. Neppalli pleaded guilty to 17 counts of wire fraud. According to the Department of Justice press release, Neppalli relied on his good standing within the Indian American community in Cary. He defrauded victims under the false pretense that he would invest their money in real estate development in the Orange County area. Neppalli leveraged his employment with the town of Chapel Hill to convince the victims that he had insider knowledge of development plans. Neppalli would request a specific amount of money within a short timeframe while promising a return of the principal investment plus a profit
Neppalli used the funds from these victims to pay back earlier investors who believed that he was returning their original investment and legitimate capital gains.
Kumar Arun Neppalli
within a few months. Neppalli used the funds from these victims to pay back earlier investors who believed that he was returning
their original investment and legitimate capital gains. Attorney Michael Easley, said, “Neppalli was a conman running a classic ‘affinity
13 Indian American High Schoolers Among 40 Finalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search
fraud,’ targeting Indian American investors in the Triangle for their hard-earned savings. It was a pure Ponzi scheme – stoking false hopes of financial success, but using new investor money to pay off earlier investors, while masquerading those payments as legitimate profits. Investors should beware affinity fraudsters like Neppalli promising outsized returns on short timelines while exploiting membership in a particular religious or ethnic group to gain credibility and target victims.”
Indian Student Found Dead In University Of Illinois
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13 brilliant Indian American students are among 40 finalists in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search list. The prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors has consistently identified young innovators who combine their STEM talent with dedication and leadership skills to drive society forward for the last 86 years. the 13 Indian american kids are: Saraswathy Amjith: Tesla STEM High School, Redmond, Washington. Project: An Integrated Machine Learning Approach Utilizing Radar and Satellite Imagery for Selective Logging Remote Sensing Detection Aditi Avinash: Rock Canyon High School, Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Project: Preclinical Testing of Digestive Enzymes for Gluten Breakdown: A Move to Cure Celiac Disease Aarav Arora: Del Norte High School, San Diego, California. Project: A Mechanistic Basis for the Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Severity Arav Bhargava: The Potomac School, McLean, Virginia. Proj e c t: L ow-C ost, 3D-Pr inte d, Universal-Fit, Transradial Socket for Amputees Harshil Avlani: BASIS Chandler, Chandler, Arizona. Project: Analyzing the Effect of MidCircuit Measurement (MCM) on Spectator Qubits Sarang Goel: Texas Academy of Mathematics and
Akul Dhawan, 18 Zofeen Maqsood
Science, Denton, Texas. Project: Intelligent Vision System for the Visually Impaired: Innovative Low-Cost, AI-Based Eyeglasses Arnav N. Chakravarthy: Homestead High School, Cupertino, California. Project: Leveraging Mitochondrial DNA Mutations for Macrophage Lineage Tracing Alexandra Mahajan: Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Project: A Method to Determine Precise Stellar Radii and Temperatures of Low Mass Stars Amanrai Singh Kahlon Sanford School, Hockessin, Delaware. Project: Enhancing Wearable GaitMonitoring Systems Achyuta Rajaram: Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire.
Project: Automatic Discovery of Visual Circuits Ekansh Mittal: Westview High School, Portland, Oregon. Project: Harnessing Machine Learning and 3D Spheroid Cultures to Identify Biomarkers for Combating Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer Riya Tyagi: Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire. Project: Using Computer Vision to Disentangle Features Enabling AI to Learn Self-Reported Race and Ethnicity From Medical Images Rhea Rastogi: Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, Montgomery, Alabama. Project: Understanding How the Maternal Epigenetic Reprogramming Function of LSD1 Contributes to Inherited Developmental Disease.
An 18-year-old student from India named Akul Dhawan was found dead in the university campus of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The student was found dead on the back porch after his roommate reported him missing. After a search was conducted he was found dead. According to reports, the roommate called the police at 1:30am in the night after he did not find his roommate and his phone was unreachable. According to the father of the deceased student there were concerns amongst Akul’s friends that there may be a potential of him freezing to death due to absence of a coat and the bonechilling weather hovering around -20F and -14 F An autopsy on the student has found that there was evidence of hypothermic skin changes. Dhawan’s parents live in California. He chose University of Illinois, even though his parents wanted him to study closer home because of his passion for robotics and he got admission in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The parents are now demanding answers from the university.
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HEALTH
Disposable vapes to be banned for children's health, government says Disposable vapes are set to be banned as part of plans to tackle the rising number of young people taking up vaping, the government says. Measures will also be introduced to prevent vapes vapour that is inhaled can still contain small amounts being marketed at children and to target under-age of chemicals that are found in cigarettes, including sales. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested adult nicotine - which is addictive but not seen by the health smokers trying to quit would still have access to service as one of the most problematic ingredients in alternatives like vapes under the proposals. cigarettes. The ban is expected to be introduced across the UK, The proposals follow last year's announcement of a the government said. ban on the sale of cigarettes to anyone born on or It is already illegal to sell any vape to anyone under after 1 January 2009 as part of an attempt to create a 18, but disposable vapes - often sold in smaller, more "smoke-free generation". colourful packaging than refillable ones - are a "key Former prime minister Liz Truss criticised the proposed driver behind the alarming rise in youth vaping", ban, describing it as "profoundly unconservative". according to the government. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins told the BBC she Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) was confident the new bill regarding vapeswould charity suggest 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape pass Parliament by the time of the general election regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1% in 2020. expected to be this year - with it coming into force Announcing the plans on Monday, Mr Sunak said it in early 2025. was right that "strong action" was taken to stamp out Once the timing is confirmed, retailers will be given vaping in children. six months to implement it. "Children shouldn't be vaping, we don't want them to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he supported a get addicted, we still don't understand the full long- disposable vapes ban but criticised what he described term health impacts," he said. as a two-year delay by the government in introducing The UK Vaping Industry Association said vapes had legislation. The bill could be brought in using existing helped "millions of adults quit and stay off cigarettes", legislation designed to protect the environment. and said the proposals would put children at risk by Campaigners have long argued that disposable vapes "turbocharging the black market". are wasteful and that the materials and chemicals used Mr Sunak suggested the proposals struck the right to make them, including their lithium batteries, make balance between restricting access for children and them difficult to dispose of safely. The latest changes maintaining access for adult smokers trying to quit would also introduce powers to stop refillable vapes smoking. being sold in a flavour marketed at children and to Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, but require that they be produced in plainer, less appealing it has not been around for long enough for its long- packaging. term risks to be known, according to the NHS. The
Writing by hand may be good for your brain than typing on a keyboard: Study
HiIndia Newsdesk
London: (IANS) Want to boost brain connectivity? Then write by hand instead of typing on a keyboard, suggests a study. Using a keyboard is recommended because it's often faster than writing by hand. However, the latter has been found to improve spelling accuracy and memory recall. To find out if the process of forming letters by hand resulted in greater brain connectivity, researchers in Norway now investigated the underlying neural
networks involved in both modes of writing. "We show that when writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard," said Prof Audrey van der Meer, a brain researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. "Such widespread brain connectivity is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, is beneficial for learning," van der Meer said. In the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, the team collected EEG data from 36 university students who were repeatedly prompted to either write or type a word that appeared on a screen. When writing, they used a digital pen to write in cursive directly on a touchscreen. When typing they used a single finger to press keys on a keyboard. High-density EEGs, which measure electrical activity in the brain using 256 small sensors sewn in a net and placed over the head, were recorded for five seconds for every prompt. Connectivity of different brain regions increased when participants wrote by hand, but not when they typed, showed the results, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
Liver cancer cure possible through target therapy: research
HiIndia Newsdesk
Lucknow, Jan 29 (IANS) A new research has shown that liver cancer, a growing health challenge often diagnosed in its advanced stages, can be prevented by changing the metabolic programming of cells as a target therapy. The research, conducted over six years, is a collaborative effort of scientists from CSIRCentral Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), and Centre of Biomedical Research (CBMR), SGPGIMS, Lucknow. Led by CDRI scientist Madhav Nilakanth Mugale, the research concludes that cancer cells change metabolic programming, and it can be used as a diagnostic tool for cancer prevention. The research, published in the renowned international journal Elsevier, also unravels crucial insights into the metabolic mysteries behind Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a challenging form of liver cancer. Besides delving into the intricacies of HCC, the research opens avenues for targeted therapies. In their research work, CDRI’s Mugale and his team utilised an animal model of HCC induced by a substance called Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), mirroring the development of the disease in humans. The study revealed changes like decreased body weight, higher levels of certain enzymes in the blood, and alterations in the liver structure observed through special staining and microscopy techniques during the progression of HCC. “Our team used advanced techniques like Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify elevated levels of specific markers in the cancerous liver, providing insights into the enhanced cancer-causing potential. They also delved into the role of a signalling pathway called STAT3-NFKB, uncovering its impact on the cell’s metabolism, which was found to be a key driver in the malfunction of mitochondria and reduced cell death,” said Mugale. He said that an advanced technique called Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is employed to analyse the metabolism of the liver cells and blood cells in a highly growing stage. This revealed abnormal changes in cell cycle, including energy formation and utilisation, such as the accumulation of a substance called succinate in the liver tissue, increased breakdown of ketones, and alterations in how the body processes amino acids in advanced stages of HCC. Importantly, these metabolic changes in cells were found to closely align with the progression of liver cancer, potentially serving as early indicators of the upcoming disease. “These findings bring hope for more effective interventions in the battle against liver cancer,” said CDRI director Radha Rangarajan.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Dozens of Indian American Artists come together for an Online Exhibition
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Artists from various regions of India carry forward their memories and legacy and fuse it with their new identities in the US and the result is stunning
ala – Confluence of Art is the name of a group exhibition organized by over 24 Indian American artists. The online exhibition that runs from January to April 2024, has been brought together by Indian American Artists’ Association (IAAA) – a non-profit that aims to bring Indian-origin artists living and working in the United States and expressing their identities through the medium of art. IAAA founding member Sujata Tibrewala talking about the exhibition says, “Just like the organization, the exhibit is a melting pot of diverse cultures. Artists from various regions of India, carry forward their memories and legacy and fuse it with their new identities in the US and the result is
a stunning amalgamation of cultures with a common thread of humanity binding them together.” The participating artists come from a variety of backgrounds. While some have been practicing art fulltime, others manage to pursue their passion for art along with their jobs as technologists, clinicians, teachers and many more. The exhibition is a glimpse into the world of the artists’ imagination and their interpretation of life as an immigrant in the “Land of the Free.” Some of the paintings are a nod to ancient Indian art forms and mythology while others explore space and science from an aesthetic eye. Part of the exhibit is Arvind Vanmali, a Panama born, artist of Indian descent, uses abstract expressions. Through his art he urges the viewers to change their perspective of life. Neha-Luhar Trice, another participating artist who studied art at the University of Illinois, Chicago says, “For years I have saved various papers – anything from Xeroxes of my hands, my mom’s bindi packaging to discarded books. I now
Zofeen Maqsood
believe that I knew back then that one day I would be able to make sense of
that which I could not be parted with. There is something really challenging and cathartic about cutting, tearing, and fitting disparate elements into a cohesive composition. Exploring the two-dimensional picture plane using some familiar elements mixed with some new ones.” The result is a stunning coming together of thoughts and memories. Another participating artists Biplab Chattopadhyay is based in the Bay Area, San Francisco. An engineer by profession, he is also the co-founder of IAA. He he hails from the Bengal region of India where he says, “art is
generationally interwoven into most people's lives.” Biplab does most of his
work in charcoal and graphite. Born and brought up in India, Geeta Dave’s work is inspired by her heritage and the natural beauty of India. She always paints symbols with a full range of narrative expressions from the world of nature and enjoys working on large projects with intense colors, and swirling forms to paint the magical beauty of birds in her art. Another artist Nikita Yelchuru’s work shows a wide spectrum. The engineer and artist uses the ancient art of quilling in her work to ignite sparks of joy through a kaleidoscope of patterns,
colors, and boundless inspiration. Salma Arastu in her art explores -- Mycelia, the great coordinating, underground connection system in forests. Calling Mycelia her my new muse, she says, “For the first time I am adding scientific investigation and research to a project that includes my usual spiritual inquiry and spontaneous explorations of form.” Taking yoga to the canvas is Sujata Tibrewala. She says, “I am a curvy woman and have been practicing yoga for years and over period of years I have been able to master a few challenging poses. Whenever I do these poses in public, people get surprised that I am able to do these
poses despite being a curvy woman with so much extra flab. Also, Yoga originated in India, but the image of yoga is either a male yogi with lion cloth or a white female with thin slender body wearing tights and figure-hugging clothes. I want to challenge the notion, through this series and travel all over India making the iconic Indian ladies in art take a break from being pretty princesses while they strike their favorite poses.” This and many other diverse forms of art can be seen in this exhibition which truly is a slice of India fused with the experience of America. The exhibition can be viewed at: https://www.indianamericanartists. org/events/iaaa-onlineexhibition-2024
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