hi INDiA | June 2, 2023 | The Community First

Bringing Culture and Cinema Together

The 4th edition of Vadilal International Gujarati Film Festival will be held in Chicago from July 7-9

actor Danny

found guilty on two rape counts

China criticises US plan for trade deal with Taiwan

US

Masterson

U.S. President Joe Biden trips and falls during graduation ceremony

his hands, then got up on one knee helped by three people. He walked back to his seat unassisted.

After Biden was helped up, he pointed behind him, seeming to indicate what he tripped over. He mingled with other officials afterward, smiling and giving a "thumbs up" sign.

White House communications director Ben LaBolt said on Twitter that Biden was fine. "There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands," he explained.

The fall came after a commencement address Biden delivered to a flag-waving audience where he warned graduates they will enter service in an increasingly unstable world, citing challenges from Russia and China. Biden, the oldest person to hold the Oval Office, is running for re-election in 2024. Polls show Americans are concerned about anyone over 75 becoming president. His leading Republican opponent, Donald Trump, turns 77 this month. Doctors declared Biden healthy and fit for duty after a physical examination in February, noting the President does not drink alcohol or use tobacco and exercises "at least" five times a week. Biden fell as he was dismounting his bicycle last June, after snaring a foot in a toe clip, but was uninjured.

US House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Raise Debt Ceiling

US actor Danny Masterson found guilty on two rape counts

home from 2001-03. Prosecutors argued Masterson had relied on his status as a prominent Scientologist to avoid accountability. The jury of seven women and five men was unable to reach a verdict on a third count after a week of deliberations, ending up deadlocked at 8-4.

US to open diplomatic post in Norway

Oslo: (IANS) The US will open its first diplomatic post in Tromso, a northern city of Norway, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

"To deepen our own engagement in the high North, I am announcing today the US will be opening an American presence post in Tromso," Blinken told reporters on Thursday during a press conference held after a two-day informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Oslo, capital of Norway. With a population of more than 77,000, Tromso is the largest urban area in Northern Norway and the third most populous city in the Arctic Circle, Xinhua news agency reported. The move is part of the US administration's efforts to strengthen its presence in the Nordics and the Arctic Area.

Indian-American teen wins $50,000 Young Scientist award

The vote came just five days before the deadline to avoid a crippling default. The bipartisan agreement will now go to the Senate before President Joe Biden can sign it into law.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill raising the government's $31.4 trillion (€29.4 trillion) debt ceiling.

The vote was a crucial step in preventing a destabilizing default. "This agreement is good news for the American people and the American economy," President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act needed a simple majority to clear the 435-member Republican-controlled House before advancing to the Senate. The agreement between Republicans and Democrats allows more borrowing and ensures the country doesn't miss loan repayments, which would send the US and global economies into a potentially ruinous nosedive. "It does what is responsible for our children, what is possible in divided government, and what is required by our principles and promises," Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy said.

Ahead of the vote, Biden and McCarthy sounded upbeat as they assembled a coalition of centrist Democratic and Republican representatives opposed to the conservative backlash and progressive dissent. The two politicians drafted a compromise bill after weeks of negotiations.

A jury in Los Angeles has found US actor Danny Masterson guilty on two out of three counts of rape.

The star of That '70s Show, a TV series, faces up to 30 years in prison. He was led from court in handcuffs.

Three women, all former members of the Church of Scientology, accused the actor of sexual assault at his Hollywood

One of his victims, who was raped in 2003, said in a statement quoted by the Associated Press: "I am experiencing a complex array of emotions - relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness - knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behaviour." Masterson's wife, actress and model Bijou Phillips, wept as he was led away, CBS News reports. Other family and friends sat stone-faced.

China criticises US plan for trade deal with Taiwan

The Chinese foreign ministry accused Washington of violating agreements on the status of Taiwan, which split with the mainland in 1949 after a civil war

China’s government criticised the United States’ plans to sign a trade treaty with Taiwan and called on Washington on Thursday to stop official contact with the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. The agreement due to be signed on Thursday comes amid increased Chinese efforts to intimidate Taiwan by flying fighter jets and bombers near the island, a global centre for high-tech industry. American and European politicians have visited Taiwan in a show

of support for its elected government. The Chinese foreign ministry accused Washington of violating agreements on the status of Taiwan, which split with the mainland in 1949 after a civil war. The United States has no official relations with Taiwan but has extensive informal ties and multibillion-dollar annual trade.

“The United States should stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, refrain from negotiating agreements with Taiwan that have sovereign connotations or official nature and refrain from sending wrong signals to the Taiwan independence’ secessionist forces,” said a ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning.

New York, June 1 (IANS) A 17-yearold Indian-origin student in Missouri has won the prestigious Regeneron Young Scientist Awards of $50,000 for his research relating to the mpox virus. Saathvik Kannan of David H. Hickman High School in Columbia was awarded for using biocomputational methods to understand the causes of heightened infectivity in the disease mpox after it re-emerged in 2022. Saathvik's approach, named Bioplex, uses a combination of machine learning and three-dimensional comparative protein modeling to decode structures like those that enable the mpox virus to replicate. This allowed him to identify the mutations in the virus that likely made it more infectious as well as other mutations that could make it resistant to antibiotics. He credited his mentor, Kamlendra Singh, an assistant professor of veterinary pathobiology at the University of Missouri.

"I was overjoyed and incredibly excited!" Saathvik wrote in an email to the Columbia Daily Tribute about the prize."I felt that it reflected our work with Dr. Singh's mentorship and guidance over the last few years culminating in my project from this year."

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Saathvik Kannan

President Joe Biden tripped and fell after handing out the last diploma at a graduation ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Academy on Thursday, but got up quickly and walked back to his seat. The 80-year-old U.S. president fell forward, caught himself with

General Kyrylo Budanov promises revenge after latest Kyiv attack

Monday's attack followed two nights of heavy drone strikes, the latest in some 16 air attacks on the Ukrainian capital this month.

The latest was unusual because it came during the day and seemed targeted at the city centre, whereas other strikes on Kyiv in May have been at night and directed at key infrastructure or air defences on the outskirts.

The head of Ukraine's military intelligence has warned of a swift response to a series of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv.

General Kyrylo Budanov said Monday's attacks failed to intimidate people in the capital who just got on with life.

All the missiles were shot down, officials said, and there were no reports of casualties. However flaming debris from the intercepted missiles landed in residential areas in central Kyiv.

Iraq exports over 100 mn barrels of crude oil in May

Gen Budanov said he wanted to "upset" Russia's supporters by letting them know people in Kyiv were undeterred by the attack and had continued working after it. "All those who tried to intimidate us, dreaming that it would have some effect, you will regret it very soon," he added in a statement published by Ukraine's intelligence ministry. "Our answer will not be long."

According to reports, only one person was injured and all missiles were destroyed by Ukrainian air defences. Russian authorities claimed all their targets had been hit.

Belgorod: Russia blames Ukraine for shelling inside border

"Report: 17% of Sri Lanka's Population Faces Moderate Acute Food Insecurity

Baghdad: (IANS) Iraq exported about 102.46 million barrel of crude oil last month, generating $7.3 billion in revenue, the country's Oil Ministry announced.

The average price for Iraqi crude oil in May was $71.3 per barrel, said the Ministry on Thursday in a statement, citing statistics from the State Organisation for Marketing of Oil, an Iraqi company.

It added that crude oil exports during the month were from oil fields in central and southern Iraq via the port of Basra, Xinhua news agency reported.

Iraq's economy heavily relies on crude oil exports, which account for more than 90 per cent of the country's revenues.

Japan records warmest spring on record

Tokyo: (IANS) Japan's average spring temperature this year was the highest on record since comparable figures became available in 1898 as the latest sign of global warming, the weather agency said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Thursday that the average temperature for the March-toMay period was 1.59 degrees Celsius higher than the mean temperature for the same three-month period over the past 30 years, exceeding the previous record high logged in 1998 when the difference was 1.24 degrees Celsius.

The Russian region of Belgorod has again come under attack from across the Ukrainian border, with at least eight people reportedly hurt in shelling. Russia's defence ministry has also claimed it thwarted other attempts by Ukraine to "invade" the region. Kyiv has not commented on the allegations but has denied involvement in previous attacks across the border. The latest strikes come more than a week after one of the most significant cross-border raids since the war began. Belgorod's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said Ukraine's armed forces shelled several districts on Thursday, damaging buildings. No fatalities have been reported but Mr Gladkov said hundreds of families would be evacuated once the situation became

calmer.

Mr Gladkov added that as a result, some school exams in Shebekino had been cancelled and the authorities were now devising a way to allow students to secure university places without sitting them.

He also said that there had been an explosion in Belgorod city, which was thought to have been caused by a drone. Two people were injured in that attack. Alongside the shelling, Russia's defence ministry has claimed its servicemen in the region repelled several attacks.

It said in a statement on Thursday evening that more than 50 Ukrainian "terrorists", four armoured combat vehicles, a Grad multiple rocket launcher and a pickup truck were destroyed. It has not been possible to independently verify the reports.

UN special envoy for Myanmar to end assignment in June

Colombo, May 29 (IANS) With 17 per cent of the total population still in moderate acute food insecurity, especially in the regions of Indianorigin Tamil in the tea plantations and former war affected Northern and Eastern Tamil settlements, there is an improvement in food security in other parts of Sri Lanka, FAO and WFP report reveals.

Amid the severe financial crisis that Sri Lanka has been suffering from last year, the food security is improving across all provinces except Nuwara Eliya district, where Indian-origin Tamils who came as labourers to work in the tea plantations and former war-torn northern and eastern regions including Kilinochchi, Mannar, Batticaloa, Vavuniya, and Jaffna, it reported.

United Nations, June 1 (IANS) A UN spokesman has confirmed that Noeleen

Heyzer, special envoy of the SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Myanmar, will conclude her assignment on June 12, the date of the end of her contract. "The Secretary-General is thankful to Heyzer for her tireless efforts on behalf of peace and the people of Myanmar," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, told reporters. Following the end of Heyzer's tenure, the Secretary-General will appoint a new special envoy, said the spokesman. Guterres appointed Heyzer of Singapore as his special envoy on Myanmar in October 2021.

"The highest level of acute food insecurity was found within the tea plantation communities in the estate sector and among daily wage labourers and households who rely on social assistance programmes as their main source of income," the report stated.The Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report was jointly carried out in February/March 2023 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).The report estimates 3.9 million people or 17 per cent of the population is in moderate acute food insecurity, which is nearly a 40 per cent decrease from June/July last year.

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Russia's defence ministry has also claimed it thwarted other attempts by Ukraine to "invade" the region

Care For Soul, Inc.

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES HUMANITIES INSTITUTE

MAHATMA GANDHI, NELSON MANDELA & MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

INVITATION & REGISTRATION

06 - 09 June 2023

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

The Humanities Institute of the UKZN and PGF take great pleasure in inviting you to the GMK 2023 International Conference. The conference will bring together world-renowned academics, intellectuals, activists, and critical scholars to critically and constructively re ect, conceptualize, and mobilize for nonviolent peaceful change in a violent world.

Conference Programme

Tuesday 6 June 2023:

International Youth Symposium - UKZN

Wednesday 7 June 2023 (morning):

Commemoration of the 130th anniversary of the eviction of MK GandhiPietermaritzburg Railway Station

Wednesday 7 June 2023 (evening):

Gala Dinner and o cial opening of the conference

Thursday/Friday 8-9 June 2023:

GMK Conference – UKZN

Conference Presidents

Hon Dr Ela Gandhi, Gandhi Development Trust, Durban, South Africa

Professor Clayborne Carson, Martin Luther King Jr., Centennial Professor Emeritus of History, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, USA

Ms Razia Saleh, Director: Archive & Research, Mandela Foundation.

International Organising Committee

Professor Johannes A. Smit, Chair: Humanities Institute, UKZN, South Africa

Mr David Gengan, Chairperson Pietermaritzburg Gandhi Foundation, South Africa

Professor Prasad Gollanapalli, Managing Trustee, Gandhi King Foundation, India

Dr Sriram Sonty, Vice-President, Gandhi Memorial Foundation, Chicago, USA

Conference Administrator: Mrs Karen Suter

PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL Mobilizing for Nonviolent Change (Ahimsa)

NCP Urges Tendulkar and Gambhir to Support Women Wrestlers

Delegation to Meet President Murmu for Justice in Wrestlers' Case, Rakesh Tikiat Says

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A Khap Mahapanchayat held here on Thursday decided that a delegation would meet President Droupadi Murmu to seek justice for wrestlers demanding action against BJP MP and outgoing WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accused of sexually abusing female grapplers, farmer leader Rakesh Tikiat said.

Sharad Pawar-led NCP has asked former cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir to support the women wrestlers demanding action against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. In a statement, NCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto asked Tendulkar, who was recently appointed by the Maharashtra government as 'Smile Ambassador', to speak up for the women wrestlers. In a message to cricketer-turnedpolitician and BJP Lok Sabha member Gautam Gambhir, Crasto asked him to fulfil his "duty" towards fellow sportspersons.

"Hello Gautam Gambhir, When the world thinks of India's 2011 cricket world cup final, the first thought that comes to mind is MS Dhoni's winning six, but what actually set the tone for that victory was the gritty unforgettable 97 runs scored by you in the same match," Crasto said.

"We Take Responsibility": Environment Minister On Cheetah Deaths

The mahapanchayat was called by Bhartiya Kisan Union leader Naresh Tikait on Wednesday, a day after he and other farmer leaders managed to dissuade some of India's top wrestlers from throwing their medals in the Ganga river to protest alleged police inaction against the outgoing Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. Naresh Tikait is the head of the Balyan Khap. The mahapanchayat was attended by khap leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.

At the mahapanchayat, Rakesh Tikiat

said the khaps will hold another meeting in Kurukshetra on Friday where more decisions will be taken. "Representatives of the khaps will meet the president and the government in support of the wrestlers and the fight will continue till

BJP polarises society, not inclusive & is damaging India: Rahul Gandhi

they are not inclusive." Criticising the BJP, he alleged, "They brace everybody and divide society and that's damaging India."

they get justice," he said.

"We will meet the president and the government and if they do not take any decision (on Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh), we will take the next step," Rakesh Tikait said without elaborating further.

Indian-American announces bid for Texas county commissioner

Washington: (IANS) Former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday once again launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Central government, saying that the ruling party polarises society and are not inclusive and that is damaging India. Addressing media here, Gandhi said, "They sought to generate a certain amount of hate, polarise society and

The former Lok Sabha MP said that India has a tradition of conversation of openness. Citing examples of great leaders, spiritual and political personalities, he added that they (Congress) promoted peace, harmony and conversation. "So its in our culture, tradition and history to bring people together and have these dialogues and I think it is the difference between us (Congress) and them (BJP). We feel that India should be allowed to express and we feel that political leaders should be comfortable when questioned and should learn from that question. It's just the difference," Gandhi said.

Indo-Canadian Charged with Laundering $24M+ in Bitcoin in the US

New Delhi: With three cheetahs and as many cubs dying at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in three months, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav Thursday said, "We take responsibility for whatever happened", but asserted that the translocation project will be a major success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the first batch of eight spotted felines from Namibia into a quarantine enclosure at Kuno in Madhya Pradesh on September 17 last year. In a second such translocation, 12 cheetahs were flown in from South Africa and released into Kuno on February 18. Three cheetahs died in March and April. Of the 17 remaining adult cheetahs, seven have already been released into the wild. The death of three adult cheetahs and three of the four cubs born to a female Namibian cheetah, Sisaya, has prompted questions from several experts on the suitability of the habitat and wildlife management.

New York: (IANS) A district court in the US has ordered detention of an Indo-Canadian entrepreneur following indictment on charges of laundering 450 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $24,020,699.83 at the time of the transaction.

The order for Firoz Patel, 48, came on Wednesday, shortly before he reported to prison in another case in 2021.

The two-count indictment, unsealed on May 17, charged Firoz with money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from

specified unlawful activity. Judge Dabney L. Friedrich of the US District Court of Columbia ordered that Firoz be detained pending trial, a Department of Justice release said. Previously, Firoz, his brother Ferhan, and their company MH Pillars, doing business as Payza, were prosecuted in the District Court of Columbia for operating an Internet-based unlicensed money service business that processed more than $250 million in transactions. Through Payza.com -- an internetbased payment service -- the defendants ran a money transmitting business that operated without the necessary state licenses and knowingly transmitted funds that were derived from illegal activity.

The brothers each pled guilty to conspiracy to commit crimes against the US by operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and by laundering monetary instruments.

New York: (IANS) Indian-American Taral Patel, a former Biden-Harris presidential appointee, has announced his candidacy to serve as Fort Bend County Commissioner for Precinct 3 in Texas. Patel, a 29-year-old former chief of staff to Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George, will run as a Democrat for the seat held by longtime Republican Commissioner Andy Meyers. "Today, I'm announcing my campaign for Fort Bend County Commissioner. Together, we can push past the divisive politics that we see in the news -- and build a stronger, diverse, & more united Fort Bend," Patel tweeted along with a campaign video showing him driving around the precinct and interacting with residents. Born to Indian immigrants who came to the US in the 1980's, Patel was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021 to serve in his administration as a Liaison for the White House. He has also served as a Law Clerk for the Department of Justice Criminal Division in the Public Integrity Section fighting corruption, bribery, and other crimes at all levels. "I'm running for commissioner to fix potholes in 24 hours; expand healthcare; keep kids safe; give first responders a raise; help families with child care; fight for reproductive freedom; lower property taxes; bring good paying clean energy jobs and unite our diverse community," Patel wrote on Twitter

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Canadian party calls on govt to stop deportation of 150 Punjabi students

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Canada's New Democratic Party (NDP) has called on the government to prevent the deportation of 150 Punjabi students who arrived in the country with fraudulent college admission letters, as confirmed by the Canadian Border Security Agency. The students, facing deportation on May 29, claimed they were victims of a deceitful immigration consulting agency in India that provided them with forged documents without their knowledge.

The NDP released a statement expressing their stance on the matter, emphasizing that international students who were deceived by dishonest recruiters should not bear the consequences. Jenny Kwan, the NDP critic for Citizenship and Immigration, urgently wrote to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser on May 25, urging action to assist these students who unknowingly received fraudulent travel documents from

13 Indians found guilty of money laundering, tax evasion in UAE

opportunistic individuals seeking financial gain. Minister Fraser responded by focusing on identifying the culprits rather than penalizing the victims of the fraudulent acceptance letters, a response welcomed by Kwan. However, Kwan stressed the importance of halting the pending deportations

and suggested alternative pathways to permanent status for the students, such as through a humanitarian and compassionate application process or a broad regularization program. Many of the affected students have resided in Canada for several years, paying international tuition fees to complete their studies and some even working in essential frontline jobs. Kwan emphasized the need for students considering Canada as a study destination to have confidence in fair and trustworthy processes. She urged the minister to take immediate action to prevent these unjust deportations. According to the Canadian Border Service Agency, over 700 Indian students are reportedly facing deportation after discovering that their admission offer letters from educational institutions were fraudulent. The majority of these students arrived in Canada to pursue studies between 2018 and 2019.

Bill introduced in US to hire foreign health workers on H-1B visa

shortage of healthcare providers in the US by allowing immigrant health workers holding H1-B visas to offer the necessary services to veterans.

Birmingham elects first ever British-Indian Lord Mayor

Dubai, May 26 (IANS) Thirteen Indian nationals, including seven companies owned by them, have been convicted of money laundering and tax evasion by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court, a media report said.

The court found them guilty of laundering Dh510 million involving unlicensed provision of credit facilities through points of sale (POS), the Khaleej Times reported last week.

Four of the Indians were sentenced to jail terms ranging from five to 10 years, followed by deportation, and the court ordered them to pay fines ranging from Dh5 million to Dh10 million. The seven companies involved in the crime were each fined Dh10 million. According to investigations, the Indians had set up a "criminal organisation" and used the headquarters of a travel agency to carry out unlicensed economic activities through which they had reportedly gained over half a billion dirhams. They would pay customers in cash and then use their credit cards to make fake purchases through their companies' POS, the Khaleej Times reported. In some cases, they would also assist customers settle credit card debts by depositing cash into their accounts, making another fraudulent POS transaction, and then deducting an interest amount.According to bank transaction reports and financial analysis statements issued by the FIU, an unusually high volume of cash flow into and out of the bank accounts of the defendants and their companies was noticed in a short period of time.

Two US Congresswomen, Rashida Tlaib and Delia Ramirez, have introduced the Expanding Health Care Providers for Veterans Act, a bill aimed at easing the hiring process for foreign employees on H1-B visas by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when suitable applicants cannot be found within the country. The bill seeks to address the

Under the proposed legislation, the Department of Veterans Affairs and State Veterans Homes would be designated as cap exempt institutions within the H1-B visa program. The bill intends to ensure that veterans receive the healthcare they need by leveraging the skills and availability of immigrant healthcare professionals in local communities.

Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, emphasized the duty to fulfill the commitment to veterans who are affected by the shortage of healthcare workers in the nation. She stated that immigrants in communities are willing and prepared to work but face numerous obstacles in doing so.

Canadian province allows

Sikh

London: (IANS) Councillor Chaman

Lal has become the first ever British-Indian Sikh to take oath as Birmingham's Lord Mayor.

Born in Pakhowal village of Punjab's Hoshiarpur district, Lal came to England in 1964 with his mother to join his father Sardar Harnam Singh, a British-Indian army officer who in the Second World War served in the Italian campaign. Lal joined the Labour Party in 1989 and has taken part in many social justice campaigns to challenge inequality and all forms of discrimination. First elected to Soho and Jewellery Quarter ward in 1994, he has served the city council for the past 30 years. "By accepting this honour, I am very proud to be able to serve this great city as Lord Mayor. When I was first elected to the city council nearly 30 years ago, I never imagined that one day I would become Lord Mayor," Lal said at a mayor making ceremony at Birmingham city council house last week."It will be a huge privilege to serve this city as First Citizen, and I look forward to representing Birmingham locally, nationally and internationally over the coming year," he said.

motorcyclists

to ride without helmets for special events

Toronto: (IANS) The government in Canada's Saskatchewan province has granted Sikh motorcyclists a temporary exemption from wearing helmets during special events like charity rides.

The move comes after the Legendary Sikh Riders, a motorcycle group based out of British Columbia province, had asked Saskatchewan to consider a change to allow them to ride across Canada to raise money for charitable causes.

While there are permanent, blanket helmet exemptions for religious reasons in provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, Saskatchewan, law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets when operating a motorcycle on public roads.

"Helmets are an essential piece of safety

equipment for motorcyclists," Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SGI, said.

The amendments to the Vehicle Equipment Regulations will be temporary and will not grant blanket exemption for all members of the Sikh

religion to ride motorcycles without a helmet, according to a media release by the Saskatchewan government.

"While we have no plans to introduce a blanket exemption to motorcycle helmet laws, our government sees this provision for temporary exemptions as a fair compromise that will enable future charity fundraisers to proceed," Morgan said.

The exemptions will have to be approved by the minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and would be limited to members of the Sikh community, who wear turban as an expression of their faith and are unable to wear helmets. Any exemption granted would not apply to passengers or riders who are still learners or in their home province's graduated driver licensing programme.

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Councillor Chaman Lal

Bringing Culture and Cinema Together

Indian cinema and its global appeal have now been established through both mainstream as well as independent movies. From the coveted Oscars to the prestigious film festivals across the globe, Indian music and movies are now creating an impact like never before. But with this recognition, comes also an important realization -- Indian cinema is not just restricted to Bollywood.

Regional movies in India have been a thriving industry with a dedicated and large fan following of their own. While the South Indian film industry is having its moment under the sun after the success of Naatu-Naatu, it's time that film aficionados opened their vistas to other regional cinemas too. A flourishing industry of its own, Gujarati movies in the recent past have been noted for the thoughtprovoking storylines and some of the most gripping performances. Supporters of regional cinema and many acclaimed movie critics have been realizing the potential Gujarati cinema holds not just in India but across the world. Gujarati movies also command enthusiastic followers across the globe who want to see more of Gujarati cinema as it is an effective tool in preserving the heritage of the language as well as giving a platform to local artists and crew who work in regional cinema.

To provide Gujarati movies the appreciation they are deserving of and to widen its audience, a film festival

The Schedule

The three-day extravaganza will bring together actors, producers, filmmakers, writers and film buffs together to celebrate mediums of creativity that are educating and entertaining audiences around the world. Besides critically acclaimed film screenings, there will be interactive panel discussions, Q and A sessions, workshops and a host of learning as well as networking opportunities for the attendees.

The opening night on July 7,

will see a high-octane red-carpet ceremony where the crème de la crème of Gujarati cinema will be seen. The opening night film will be showcased.

The next day, July 8 would see the stage being set for screenings of feature films, documentaries and shorts followed by a Q and A session.

will see a gala night, where the culture and tradition of Gujarat will come alive in the form of language, cuisine, performances, art forms and folk artists. The beautiful amalgamation of culture and creativity will be the highlight of the gala night. The event will end with a mesmerizing performance by world renowned Garba legend Shri Atul Purohit and a lavish dinner, full of the flavor and love of Gujarat.

To provide Gujarati movies the appreciation they deserve and to widen its audience, an extraordinary event is coming to America

is because he saw a lot of brilliant cinema emerging from Gujarati industry. He also noted that a lot of overseas Indians knew Gujarati and craved to follow the cinema in the language as well as acquaint the younger generation to the language of their forefathers.

Hemant Brahmbhatt, publisher of www.hiindia.com who is the Chairperson for the 2023 edition of IGFF is extremely upbeat about the response he has been getting. He says, “There is a lot of excitement in the community. People want to explore their roots and retell the stories they grew up with to their future generations. Also, not to forget, Gujarati cinema today is producing features and documentaries of such excellent craftsmanship that one needs to pay attention to them.”

Zofeen Maqsood

CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Esteemed Jury

The jury members for this years’ edition come with a plethora of experience and are masters in their trade. With their vision and expertise they infuse an extraordinary professionalism to the event.

S.J. Chiro, Jury Chairperson

Seattle based filmmaker, Ms Chiro is a member of Director’s Guild of America and is known for many award-winning short films. Her latest, East of the Mountains, was nominated for two Satellite Awards. Chiro brings her unique understanding of story-telling to her features that are able to strike a chord with the audiences.

Gopi Desai, Director, Writer, Actor

A much-loved and wellknown face who has portrayed some of the most memorable roles on screen. She is also a talented documentary film maker and has won national and international awards.

His wealth of experience, knowledge, and vision has been instrumental in providing aspiring filmmakers with a platform on a wider scale. Under his leadership, IGFF has been able to showcase exceptional talent and promote the growth of the Gujarati film industry. We are honored to have Mr. Shukla on board and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the years to come.

This Years’ Selections

A host of realistic, slice-of-life cinema along with gripping storylines are featured in this years’ line up. The diverse range can easily be called the best of Gujarati cinema.

The feature films include –

Aum Mangalam Singlem, Chabutro, Fakt Mahilao Mate, Hello, Keri, Karma, Love you Pappa, Lakiro, Mara Pappa Super Hiro, Mrugtrushna, Medal, Naadi Dosh, Raado, Saiyar Mori Re, Shubh Yatra, Veer Ishanu Simant.

The Documentaries are –

MulSotan and Charan Atva – The Essence of Being a Nomad Short Films on Aapnu Heritage are – Between the Silence, Rekha Rami, Maati, Sandals of Gold, The Birth of Drohin

Other Attraction

Spot the Talent

Hansal Mehta, Director, Writer, Producer

A national award winner for best director in India for his film Shahid, Mr Mehta is the special invited jury member. He is well-known for his works of intense caliber such as Shahid, Citylights, Aligarh and Omerta amongst others. His films regularly receive accolades at film festivals around the globe and he is known as a storyteller who likes to tread the uneasy path to unravel the truth in the society through the medium of movies.

Jay Vasavada, Author, Orator

An excellent columnist, his written works in some of the most popular newspapers and magazines is admired by many. He has been honored by the Government of Gujarat for his contributions.

Mayank Chhaya, Journalist, Writer, Poet, Painter

An authorized biographer of the Dalai Lama, his works have appeared in national and international publications. An acclaimed documentary filmmaker he also has his own successful talk show.

Spot the Talent is a special initiative undertaken by International Gujarati Film Festival (IGFF) where the organizers are inviting entries from actors as well as non-actors to present their hidden talents to an esteemed panel. The initiative is for Indian-origin residents from the US and Canada. Individuals interested in film segments like acting, directing or composing can participate in it. All you need to do is send across a 2-3 minutes video of your work, or pictures to show your prowess. An esteemed panel at IGF will be going through the entries and filtering the best from the rest. Selected top 30-50 applicants will get to attend the prestigious International Gujarati Film Festival to be held on July 7, 8 and 9 in Chicago.

Umesh Shukla

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Nick Jonas enjoys being called 'jiju' by Indian fans

spills the beans on his latest thriller 'Inspector Avinash'

American singer Nick Jonas has acknowledged that a lot of people in India call him 'Jiju' post his marriage to Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra. Nick, 30, recently made an appearance on a BBC chat show, where the host asked him about being called 'jiju', the Hindi term for brother-in-law. "A lot of people do. We were just in Mumbai recently, my wife and I, for the cultural center, the Ambanis opened it, and it was a great event. All the photographers on the red carpet were calling me 'jiju'," the singer said.

Ranveer Singh replaces Shah Rukh Khan; official announcent soon?

Shah Rukh Khan has opted out of Farhan Akhtar's Don 3 leaving fans heartbroken. And as soon as the news of the Badshah of Bollywood not doing the most popular franchise film hit the internet, netizens began to suggest names. Two names were widely shared, one being Ranveer Singh and the other being Hrithik Roshan. And now, the latest reports suggest that Ranveer Singh has replaced Shah Rukh Khan in Don 3. Yep, if reports are anything to go by, Ranveer Singh will take up the mantle in the upcoming movie.

As per a report in an online entertainment news portal, Ranveer Singh has been locked in for the main role in Don 3. The Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani actor has worked with Excel Entertainment before and it seems the makers have found their hero in him.

Following the massive success of the digital premiere of the blockbuster hit 'Vikram Vedha,' JioCinema is now gearing up for the grand premiere of the actionpacked drama 'Inspector Avinash.' Starring the supremely talented Randeep Hooda in the lead role, this gripping cop series is inspired by the incredible real-life cop Avinash Mishra and his relentless fight against crime. Written and directed by the brilliant Neerraj Pathak, 'Inspector Avinash' boasts an ensemble cast that includes the sizzling Urvashi Rautela, the versatile Amit Sial, the fierce Abhimanyu Singh, the captivating Shalin Bhanot, the dashing Freddy Daruwala, the talented Rahul Mittra, and the rising star Adhyayan Suman.

Prepare to be transported to the heart of Uttar Pradesh in the 90s, a time when crime and corruption ran rampant. In a world controlled by the mafia and illegal arms trade, the brave and exceptional cop Avinash

Mishra, along with his team, battles tirelessly to bring down the growing mafia dominance. With an unmatched network of informants known as Mayajaal, Mishra fights for a crime-free state, showcasing the grueling and intense scenes of his struggle against gangsters. This extraordinary tale sheds light on the sacrifices and risks involved in fighting for justice in a corrupt system.

Shot in breathtaking locations never seen before in Uttar Pradesh, the series captures the essence of both urban and rural settings, showcasing the beauty and complexities of the region. Neerraj Pathak, in addition to his role as the writer and director, dons the producer's hat alongside Krishna Chowdhry for this highly anticipated series. Randeep Hooda couldn't contain his excitement as he shared, "“As an actor, I am always drawn towards real-life stories of unsung heroes. It is important to tell stories rooted in India, stories that depict the struggles and triumphs of our people. Mishra’s story is nothing short of a real-life modern day Robinhood, fighting against crime and standing up for what’s right and I am truly honoured to be a part out this heroic story.

Sapna Choudhary fulfils 'lifetime dream' in crepe coloured gown at Cannes

Haryanvi dancing sensation and ex-Bigg Boss contestant, Sapna Choudhary has made her Cannes red carpet debut. Sapna has become the first regional artiste from Haryana to attend the prestigious film festival.

Talking about attending the fest, Sapna said: "Cannes is not just a dream, but a lifetime dream for any actress/actor, and I am thankful to God that today I could conquered this besides the facts of not even knowing English or any international languages. I am a proud Indian standing here at Cannes for my country and my state Haryana." Sapna has collaborated with Air France for the fest. As her debut look, she chose a crepe coloured elegant gown with floral designs and embellishments. Further, sharing her experience Sapna stated: "People of Air France are so generous and accepting, I think acceptance is the biggest step towards change and humanity as well! It was an incredible experience to debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Walking the red carpet was surreal. The atmosphere was electric and I was thrilled to be there with so many other talented artists from around the world."

Dimple Kapadia: We have done our own stunts

In Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo, a scene of two ill-informed men commenting on the fragility of their mother (played by Dimple Kapadia) is juxtaposed with clips of her beating to pulp the goons who had invaded her home. And while the action sequences do not see her kick and punch in the manner that the younger women who helm the series do, Kapadia packs sufficient meat into the scenes to come across as a menacing head that isn't to be messed with. This Disney +Hotstar outing is a hardcore action thriller about the matriarch Savitri or Rani Ba (Dimple) who runs her drug cartel in the guise of a Corporative with the help of her daughter (Radhika), an adopted son (Udit Arora) and her daughters in laws Angira Dhar and Isha Talwar.

Kapadia has had a golden run this year, following up the mammoth success of Pathaan with this. Headlining her own series at 65 was a high Dimple couldn't refuse.

Kapadia has had a golden run in 2023. Following her acclaimed act as Shah Rukh Khan's boss in Pathaan, she finds herself frontlining her own series at 65. "Shows like Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo are rare, the perfect chemistry of characters, narratives, and a mouldbreaking vision. Homi has that knack to him where he can see stories in every little thing and cement its connection with society. So, whenever I get a whiff that Homi is working on a project, I know I have to be a part of it, no choice there. He conceptualized Savitri to be a woman pushed to her limits and eventually learning to become fearless.

Angad Bedi's next is adaptation of Korean drama 'Suspicious Partner'

Actor Angad Bedi, who is known for his work in 'Pink', 'Soorma', 'Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl' and others, will soon start working on his next project. The show is a legal drama titled 'A Legal Affair' and also stars Internet sensation Barkha Singh.

It's the official Hindi adaptation of the hit Korean series 'Suspicious Partner', and has been shot extensively in Delhi and Mumbai. Talking about the show, Angad said: "'A Legal Affair' is a legal drama based on a lawyer and his associate and the affair they have. It's an intense romantic drama, a genre I haven't dabbled in before. I did essay the role of a lawyer previously but that was a different space altogether which was based on a real life case."

He further mentioned: "Also, this show is an official adaptation of the K-drama, Suspicious Partner, which is already such a successful show. It's kind of tricky since the Korean version was already a hit, so people have high expectations and it's up to the actors and makers what more they can bring to the show."

on playing cop in 'Dahaad' Sonakshi

Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is currently riding on the success of her latest release 'Dahaad', said that the intense workshops for her character of cop Anjali Bhati have shaped her to give better performance. To bring authenticity to her role as a judo champion, Sonakshi went through intensive training leaving no stone unturned. Speaking about her preparation for the role, Sonakshi shared: "The role came with a lot of challenges, from learning a new dialect, riding a bike and even learning Judo. But what I can say is that these intense workshops have only shaped me to give a better performance and relate to the character in every way." She added: "I wanted to play the part, and play it right. And once that uniform comes on, everything changes. You get this sense of authority and power. And then that's it, rest everything fell into place."

Is Rajinikanth planning retirement after movie with Lokesh Kanagaraj?

Neetu Kapoor Buys Rs 17.4 Crore Luxurious Apartment in Mumbai's BKC

Veteran actress Neetu Kapoor, known for her remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, has made headlines with her recent real estate investment. Neetu Kapoor reportedly acquired a luxurious apartment in Mumbai's prestigious Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) for a staggering sum of Rs 17.4 crore. The purchase adds to the growing list of high-profile real estate transactions by the Kapoor family in the city.

Kareena Kapoor reacts to Tabu's latest picture

Tabu's picture received lots of love and appreciation from fans. However, it is her 'The Crew' co-star Kareena Kapoor Khan who grabbed the limelight with her comment. "Mere Bina chai pe charcha ho rahi hai …where are the biscuits?" she wrote along with a laughing emoji. Responding to it, Tabu wrote, "waiting to come to set and take from you".

Tabu and Kareena Kapoor Khan will soon be seen together in Rhea Kapoor's film 'The Crew'. The film also stars Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh. Rhea Kapoor began shooting for the film in March this year.

Is Tamil superstar Rajinikanth planning to bid goodbye to the film industry after his 171st movie, which is to be helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The speculations have been doing the rounds in industry circles after Tamil filmmaker Mysskin said in an interview that Rajinikanth's proposed movie with young maverick director Lokesh Kangaaraj may be the last movie of the superstar's film career. The director's comment went viral on various social media platforms. The revelation has taken the social media by storm with several die hard fans of

Rajninkanth refusing to believe it. "No, Thalaiva will not make any such decision," said one fan. Another fan called for putting an end to speculations. The fans say that the actor never spoke of retirement and hence they will not believe anybody else speaking about his retirement. The 72-year-old superstar's next movie to hit the screen will be 'Jailer'. Directed by Nelson, it is scheduled for release on August 10. The next in the line will be 'Lal Salaam' directed by Rajinikanth's daughter Aishwarya.

Raja Kumari is 'thrilled' for her Cannes debut

Hip-hop artiste Raja Kumari, who is known for the chartbuster track 'City Slums' and recently dropped her album, 'The Bridge', is set for the prestigious ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

This will be the first time she will be attending the festival. Speaking of attending the Cannes 2023, she said: "I am thrilled to be a part of The Cannes Festival this year. I recognise that my music and my journey has inspired my audience. I hope I am able to represent everything that I have built. I want to embrace this opportunity entirely and it's an honour to share the carpet with the most influential names. We are all here to celebrate the beauty of being an artist and the work we create." She further mentioned: "We're all here to celebrate the beauty of being an artist and for me, it's important to celebrate Indian couture. Wearing Manish Malhotra represents more than just clothing, it's our Indian pride." The Cannes Film Festival, known for its star-studded lineup, carries immense star power, making it one of the grandest film festivals of the year.

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BCCI Secretary Jay Shah: Asia Cup Venue Decision Post-IPL Final

A final decision on the country -- or countries -- hosting the Asia Cup will be taken on the sidelines of the IPL final, which will be attended by a host of top Asian Cricket Council (ACC) dignitaries, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Thursday. As of now, the decision with regards to hosting of Asia Cup hasn’t yet been finalised. We are busy with IPL but the top dignitaries of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Bangladesh and Afghanistan Cricket Board are coming to watch the IPL final. We will have a discussion and take a final decision in due course,” Jay Shah told.

Indians Dominate UK’s Skilled Worker, Student Visa Tally

Sitharaman Appeals Opposition to Reconsider Parliament Building Boycott

Asserting that power transfers never happen merely at the shake of hands, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday appealed to opposition parties to reconsider their decision to boycott the dedication of the new Parliament building scheduled on May 28, saying it is a “temple of democracy.” It was strange that those who censured the President, now find themselves morally motivated, Sitharaman said.

Kejriwal Hopes for United Opposition Front to Stop Delhi Services Ordinance

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that if all non-BJP parties come together, then the Centre’s ordinance on control of services in Delhi can be defeated in the Rajya Sabha. Talking to reporters after meeting Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar here, Kejriwal said the NCP will support the AAP in Rajya Sabha as no party enjoys majority.

“Matter Of The Country, Not Opposition”: Kejriwal Meets Sharad Pawar

London: Indian nationals top the tally of skilled worker and student visas issued by the UK over the past year, according to official immigration statistics released in London on Thursday. The (ONS data collated by the UK Home Office shows that Indian nationals were the top nationality for cross-sector skilled work, including specifically targeted healthcare visas aimed at filling staff shortages in the NHS.

Germany, World’s 4th Largest Economy, Enters Recession

Mumbai: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal -- out to unite the Opposition to defeat the Centre’s bill on control of Delhi bureaucrats in Rajya Sabha -today declared Delhi has the support of Nationalist Congress chief Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.

From Mumbai, where he met Uddhav Thackeray yesterday, Mr Kejriwal said the gameplan of the BJP is creating “a very dangerous situation for the country”. “This is not a matter of opposition, it is a matter of the country,” he said. Mr Kejriwal has already met his Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Much hope, though, rides on the meeting with Sharad Pawar, one of the most respected

New UK Visa Rules to Close Backdoor to Work for Students: Minister

From Mumbai, where he met Uddhav Thackeray yesterday, Arvind Kejriwal said the gameplan of the BJP is creating “a very dangerous situation for the country”. “This is not a matter of opposition, it is a matter of the country,” he said.

and veteran political leaders in the opposition camp. There is speculation that Mr Pawar’s help might be needed to bring the Congress on board with the Rajya Sabha strategy. “Sharad Pawar sir is one of the biggest leaders of the country today. I request Mr. Pawar that while he himself is supporting us, please help us garner support from other parties of the country,” Mr Kejriwal said.

New Delhi: The United Kingdom’s visa reforms designed to curb migration by restricting postgraduate students from bringing dependents or using their academic status as a conduit to employment will plug immigration loopholes and close a backdoor to work, a minister has said. “The significant rise in students bringing family members is putting untenable pressure on public services,” Suella Braverman, the country’s Home Secretary, said on Twitter. “Tightening the student route will help to cut migration by restricting post-graduate students from bringing dependents or using the route as a backdoor to work.”

Indian-origin hacker gets 51 months jail for computer fraud in US

The euro dropped on Thursday as Europe’s largest economy Germany was confirmed to be in a recession, while the dollar hit a two-month peak, benefitting from safe-haven demand as worries mounted about a US default.

The latest concern was raised by ratings agency Fitch, who put the United States’ “AAA” debt ratings on negative watch, a precursor to a possible downgrade should lawmakers fail to agree to raise the debt limit.

New York: (IANS) A 38-year-old Indian-origin hacker from Virginia was sentenced to more than four years in prison for hacking into computers and stealing customer credit card numbers.

Chirag Patel from Norfolk pleaded guilty to computer fraud and was sentenced by US District Judge G Murray Snow to 51 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

He also was ordered to pay $87,522.25 in restitution, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona said on Monday.

According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), between August 2017 and July 2020, Patel hacked into the Phoenix-based computers of an international hospitality company

on numerous occasions. He then fraudulently transferred and redeemed customer reward points from the company’s customer loyalty program. In addition, Patel also stole credit card numbers and other personally identifying information (PII) from customers and loyalty program members, which were stored in the company’s computers. Patel took screenshots of customers’ and members’ information, which included credit card numbers and other PII, and saved the screenshots to a Google Drive he controlled.

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Sam D’Souza Denied Interim Protection in Cordelia Cruise Drug Bust Case

New Parliament building will make every Indian proud: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the new Parliament building will make every Indian proud, and shared a video of the newly-constructed complex.

Posting the video on Twitter, Modi also urged people to share the video with their voiceover, using the hashtag ‘My Parliament My Pride’.

“The new Parliament building will make every Indian proud. This video offers a glimpse of this iconic building.

I have a special request -- share this video with your own voice-over, which conveys your thoughts. I will re-Tweet

some of them. Don’t forget to use #MyParliamentMyPride,” the Prime Minister said on Twitter. The ceremony to inaugurate the new Parliament building on Sunday will begin with an early morning havan and a multireligion prayer followed by a formal opening in the Lok Sabha by Prime Minister Modi. As many as 25 parties are expected to attend the inauguration of the new Parliament building on Sunday even as 20 opposition parties have decided to boycott the event.

India Plans Pushback Against “AgendaDriven” Global Ranking Firms: Report

The Bombay High Court on Friday denied interim protection to Sanville, alias Sam D’Souza, in a case related to an alleged demand of Rs 25 crore bribe from actor Shah Rukh Khan for not implicating his son Aryan Khan in the Cordelia cruise drug bust case. Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director Sameer Wankhede is one of the accused in the case.

D’Souza, through advocate Pankaj Jadhav, has filed a plea seeking quashing of the case against him. He also sought interim protection from any coercive action, like arrest, until his plea is decided.

However, a vacation bench of Justices Abhay Ahuja and MM Sathaye refused to give any intern protection to the D’Souza.

Indian American Student from Indiana acing Rape Charges

New Delhi: India plans to push back against “agenda-driven”, “neo-colonial” country rankings produced by global agencies on topics like governance and press freedom, a key advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of PM Modi’s Economic Advisory Council, said India has begun to raise this issue at global forums. He said the indices were being compiled by a “tiny group of thinktanks in the North Atlantic,” sponsored by three or four funding agencies that are “driving a real-world agenda.”

“It is not just narrative building in some diffused way. This has clear direct impact on trade, investment and other activities,” Mr Sanyal said.

India ranked lower than Afghanistan

and Pakistan in the new World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders. It was below Pakistan and Bhutan in an academic freedom index by V-Dem Institute.

Over the past year, India has in various meetings pointed out the flaws in

New US visa policy before general elections an ‘insult to Bangladesh’

of several newspapers.

In their official reaction, the government and the ruling Awami League did not express any discontent and reiterated that the Sheikh Hasina administration was committed to holding a free and fair election. The state department also conveyed that it was “heartened” by the reaction from Dhaka.

methods used to compile global indices used by institutions like the World Bank, World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr Sanyal said. The “World Bank is involved in this discussion because it takes these opinions from these think-tanks and effectively sanctifies it by putting it into something called the world governance index,” Mr Sanyal said.

The World Bank, WEF, Reporters Without Borders and V-DEM Institute did not immediately respond to requests for comment. UNDP said it would respond shortly. Mr Sanyal said the ratings also get hard-wired into decisionmaking through environmental, social and governance (ESG) norms and sovereign ratings. Multilateral development banks offer subsidised loans to ESG-compliant projects.

Panera Brands CEO Niren Chaudhury to become Chairman

The incident occurred back in 2022. According to reports, a female residential assistant was alerted to Patel screaming inside his dorm. She went to check on him and after knocking and waiting several minutes for a response she used a master key to enter the dorm room. She found Patel slumped over his desk and called 911.

But then suddenly, Patel tried to assault her sexually. Patel got on top of the woman, strangled her, touched her and bit her fingers. The assistant fought Patel off until Indiana University Police Department officers arrived and took him into custody.

The US government’s attempts to use punitive measures on people undermining the democratic election process — by imposing visa restrictions — reached the subcontinent on Wednesday with the state department announcing a new visa policy for Bangladesh barely seven months before the country’s next general elections.

The crux of the new rules — announced by US secretary of state Anthony Blinken — is that the US will deny visas to individuals, from law enforcers to political leaders, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.

“They have clubbed us with Nigeria, Somalia. This is not only ridiculous, it’s an insult to Bangladesh... I simply can’t digest it,” said Nayeemul Islam Khan, a senior journalist credited as the founding editor

Off the record, however, several ruling party insiders echoed Khan’s feelings. They referred to how the netizens went after Blinken, who made the announcement, using his Twitter handle to ask why the US was not taking similar measures against Pakistan or Thailand. Questions on whether the US was plotting a regime change in Dhaka or whether it had the moral authority to talk about a “fair election” after destabilising nations were also doing the rounds in Dhaka’s diplomatic and political circles.

Krishnan Srinivasan, former Indian foreign secretary, echoed similar feelings and termed the US decision ridiculous.“During the last two elections (in Bangladesh), the US were huffing and puffing... It seems, this time they mean business,” said the former diplomat, referring to the US activity in Dhaka ahead of the hustings in 2014 and 2018.

Indian American Niren Chaudhury who joined Panera Brand in 2019 as the CEO is all set to transition into the new role of the chairman of the company. Niren will be replaced by Jose Alberto Duenas, Duenas is currently the president and CEO of Einstein Bros Bagels.

Panera Brands operates around 4,000 establishments across ten countries. The company consists of brands -- namely Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee®, and Einstein Bros. Chaudhary worked in the past as Krispy Kreme’s COO. He did his bachelor’s from St Stephen’s, Delhi, and MBA from the University of Delhi. He did an Advanced Management Programme at Harvard Business School.

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Over the past year, India has in various meetings pointed out the flaws in methods used to compile global indices used by institutions

Is There A Hidden Actor In You? Spot The Talent Can Help Make You A Star

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If you think you can act, emote and entertain. Or if you have that directorial streak in you or you think you can compose soulful melodies or lyrics. If you have any or all of these talents, then you may just get a chance of a lifetime. Spot the Talent is a special initiative undertaken by the upcoming International Gujarati Film Festival (IGF) where the organizers are inviting entries from actors as well as non-actors to present their hidden talents to an esteemed panel. The initiative is for Indian-origin residents from the US and Canada. Individuals interested in film segments like acting, directing or composing can participate in it. All you need to do is send across a 2-3 minutes video of your work, or pictures to show your prowess. An esteemed panel at IGF

will be going through the entries and filtering the best from the rest. Selected top 30-50 applicants will get to attend the prestigious International Gujarati Film Festival to be held on July 7, 8 and 9 in Chicago. The lucky men and women will not only get to rub shoulders with the celebrities and most esteemed members of the

Indian Who Crashed Into The White House Not A US Citizen

film fraternity; they can also enjoy screenings of some of the most critically acclaimed cinema from Gujarat. But that’s not all, the highlight for these budding actors is a 2-hour master class where they will get to learn important skills that can hone their talent and give them unfiltered advice from the top talents and masters of their fields. They will also get a chance to interact with looming personalities of cinema like Hansal Mehta, Umesh Shukla and others. There is a small registration fee for the participants which gives them access to an opportunity of a lifetime. The shortlisted candidates get to attend the IGF workshop on Saturday and Sunday too. All this for no extra fee. So, go ahead fill those registrations and send your entries. Who knows you could be the next star. Do not miss this chance to get the spotlight on you

Vibrant Mahavir Jayanti Festivities

Enliven Indian Consulate In NY

WASHINGTON, DC- Sai Varshith

Kandula who rammed a U-Haul truck into the White House made a courtroom appearance on May 24. He was dressed in orange jail clothes. An important detail that emerged after his appearance was that Kandula may not be an American citizen. According to NBC, a Department of Justice official informed that he held a green card. According to legal experts, he may face deportation but his family in Missouri will not be affected. Currently Kandula has been held without bail until his next court date.

Bloody Brawl Breaks Out at Chicago O'Hare Baggage Claim

The Consulate General of India, NY, and International Ahimsa Foundation Inc. co-hosted a grand celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, marking Lord Mahavir's 2621st birth anniversary. The event, held at the Ballroom of the Consulate General of India in NY, attracted approximately 200 attendees. Distinguished dignitaries and community leaders graced the occasion, including Hon. Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, who delivered the keynote address emphasizing the importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness). Congressman Gregory W. Meeks sent his best wishes via video message, highlighting the significance of honoring Lord Mahavir's principles of peace and non-violence. The event featured enlightening talks on non-violence by esteemed guest speakers, Samniji Nirdeshika Kamal Pragya and Samniji Karuna Pragya.

The celebration not only commemorated Lord Mahavir but also contributed to India's yearlong initiative, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which celebrated 75 years of India's independence.

Dr. Neeta Jain, Founder and President of International Ahimsa Foundation Inc., stressed the importance of passing down Lord Mahavir's teachings to future generations.

Four individuals, Dr. Ashok Shaha MD, Mr. Arvind Vora, Ms. Sweta Jain, and Ms. Kavita Bafana, were honored with the "Ahimsa Award" for their

exceptional contributions to society. The International Ahimsa Foundation Inc., established in 2012, was recognized for its global efforts in spreading the message of non-violence and peace based on Jain teachings. The event also showcased cultural performances, including a skit by young Jains and mesmerizing presentations by Little Ustad Arts. Aditi Lamba emceed the event, and the American and Indian National Anthems were sung by Michelle DellaFave and Dr. Smita Guha, respectively. The celebration not only commemorated Lord Mahavir but also contributed to India's yearlong initiative, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, which celebrated 75 years of India's independence. The event brought together diverse individuals to foster a world of peace and harmony, inspiring attendees, especially the younger generation, to contribute to a better world.

CHICAGO, IL- Police apprehended and took into custody two individuals following a chaotic brawl that unfolded at the baggage claim area of O’Hare Airport. In the aftermath of the incident, one of the victims is advocating for increased surveillance camera coverage throughout the airport due to the involvement of multiple individuals engaged in a violent altercation.

According to law enforcement officials, the altercation originated as a verbal dispute among passengers disembarking from a plane and rapidly intensified upon reaching the baggage claim section. The situation quickly deteriorated as two individuals repeatedly struck a 24-year-old woman, while others engaged in hair-pulling and scuffling. The aforementioned victim intends to issue a formal statement on Thursday morning and is contemplating the possibility of initiating legal action, potentially by filing a lawsuit against those responsible for the assault. The precise cause that triggered the outbreak of the violent brawl remains unclear and has not been immediately ascertained.

Sai Varshith Kandula

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IAMACF Hosts Successful Fundraising Gala, Inspiring Generosity And Support

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ELMHURST, IL- The Indian American Medical Association Charitable Foundation (IAMACF) organized its fundraising gala on May 20, 2023, at the Waterford Banquet in Elmhurst, Il. Dr. Suneela Harsoor, the Chairperson of the organization, emphasized the valuable Not-For-Profit services provided to the community. The event was highly attended, with over 300 guests present. The entire team worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Dr. Annita John, the MC of the ceremony, highlighted that the cost of running the free clinic amounts to approximately $190,000 per year and appealed to the attendees to generously open their hearts and wallets. Many guests made donations in support of IAMACF’s cause.

Dr. Piyush Vyas, the 41st President of IAMA, stressed the importance of recruiting more physicians and encouraging them to become members. This would enable greater support for this remarkable cause. The gala also marked the semiannual meeting of IAMA.

Dr. Suneela Harsoor, a Pain Management specialist with over 20 years of experience, mentioned that the charitable institution has been serving the community for 29 years. She announced with pride that IAMACF had received a Gold rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Associations, which was met with applause. Dr. Harsoor passionately conveyed the message that community health is essential for individual wellbeing and that contributing to charitable causes ultimately serves our own needs.

She expressed gratitude to all the Board members, Medical Director Dr. Praveen Mehta, Banquet Chair Nusrat Deen, staff, volunteers, donors, and medical students for their invaluable service at the charitable clinic.

Dr. Bharat Barai, a community leader, invited the audience to support IAMACF so that it can continue to serve millions of people without health

insurance.

Dr. Abha Agrawal, the keynote speaker, delivered a speech on healthcare equity and emphasized the significance of technology in today’s healthcare landscape.

The IAMACF Board recognized and presented awards to acknowledge the unwavering support of the community’s doctors. Dr. Ashutosh Gupta received the Humanitarian Service Award in recognition of his exemplary and compassionate service to humanity. Additional awards were given to Dr. Brij Malani for his continued volunteering and leadership over 25 years, Dr. Tariq Butt for his lifetime of remarkable achievements and contributions to society, Mr. Kishore Chugh for his loyalty and volunteering for over 18 years, Miss Melissa Maguire for her leadership, Miss Puja Patel for her strong work ethic, and Mr. Dave Vasudevan of Digislate, Inc. for providing exceptional customer service.

Cook County Releases Its First Ever Bike Plan

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Cook County Board President

Toni Preckwinkle has announced the successful completion of Cook County's inaugural Bike Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting cycling, improving bike infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to bike lanes and paths. Spearheaded by the County's Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH), the plan includes the addition of 90 miles of off-street paved trails, 150 miles of sidepaths, and a minimum of 230 miles of on-street bike routes throughout the county.

The Bike Plan aims to provide convenient and safe cycling options for residents, with the goal of ensuring that 96% of the county's population lives within a mile of a bike path or lane suitable for riders of any skill level. President Preckwinkle highlighted the plan's importance in addressing transportation inequities and improving access to affordable and convenient transportation options for residents and their families. The plan outlines strategies for developing bike infrastructure along DoTH-managed roadways, connecting existing trail networks, evaluating potential areas for new off-street trails, and assisting municipalities interested in implementing bike routes on residential streets.

Rotary Club’s Annual Fundraiser Gala And Award Ceremony Triumphantly Hosted By RCOP In NJ

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SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – The Rotary Club of Plainsboro, North and South Brunswick (RCOP) held their annual fundraiser Gala at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey on Friday, May 19, 2023. Over 300 people attended the event, including local elected officials, business entrepreneurs, supporters, and Rotary Club members. RCOP, established in 2002, has been actively involved in humanitarian projects locally and internationally.

The evening began with appetizers, cocktails, and networking. Young singer Sia Dixit performed the National Anthem and led the Pledge of Allegiance. RCOP President Vijay Garg welcomed everyone and highlighted the club’s accomplishments over the past year.

Sudharani Kankanala and Aruhi Vakkalagadda showcased Rotary and Interact projects, including international initiatives organized by RCOP. Elected officials like Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra, and New Jersey State Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer attended the event and praised

RCOP’s community engagement and service. Shanti Narra and Rajesh Mehta, distinguished elected officials, were honored for their outstanding public service. Assemblywoman Jaffer presented a NJ State Senate Proclamation from Senator Vin Gopal to RCOP President Vijay Garg.

Five individuals received recognition for their exceptional community service, philanthropy, and humanitarian efforts. Bina Mehta was acknowledged for

her assistance in earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria. Amar Reddy of SmartIMS, Vinay Mahajan of ITServe Alliance, Thomas V. Allen, and Govind Rajan were also honored for their remarkable contributions to the community.

The Annual Fundraising Gala and recognition ceremony received applause from attendees and dignitaries. The funds raised during the event will support international projects addressing chronic

diseases, clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, education for underprivileged individuals, local economies, environmental protection, and disaster relief efforts. RCOP also contributes to local food pantries, provides scholarships to high school students, develops youth job skills, and offers leadership opportunities through community projects. The event featured captivating performances, including a Kuchipudi Ganesh dance by Tarika Yellula, a classical dance by Grishma Parikh, and a Bollywood dance performance by Tarika and Bhuvan of TARA Arts Academy. A fashion show showcasing Khadi outfits and promoting Khadi was choreographed by Sonal Gadhvi. Local artists, including Priyasha Sanyal, Lipika Jena, and Harshitha Yarralagadda, entertained attendees with melodious Bollywood songs. Incoming President Venkat Jagarlamudi expressed appreciation, followed by a concluding session of singing and dancing. The event’s master of ceremony was skillfully conducted by Kunal Mehta of RCOP.

Indian Restaurants Are Just 7% Of All Asian Eateries In America

Some of the key findings of the study indicate that Indian restaurants account for just 7 percent of all restaurants serving Asian food in America. This would mean that at 7 percent, Indian food is amongst the most underrepresented Asian food in America.

Despite a large population of Indians in America, Asian food is still dominated by Chinese, Japanese and Thai food that top the list of popular Asian foods in America in the research. The study says that 71 percent of Asian restaurants in the US serve Chinese, Japanese and Thai food.

Amongst Asian food Chinese continues to be most popularly known in America. Most Asian eateries are also concentrated in areas with highest Asian populations like California, New York, Texas, New Jersey and Washington. 45 percent of all Asian eateries in the country are concentrated in these states. The survey clearly shows that there is an apparent gap in the market when it comes to Indian restaurants. With the growing Indian population in America and an increasing interest in Indian food, there can be a lot more that can be offered to Americans when it comes to Indian food.

Celebrating Sri Pursotam Priya Dasji Swamiji Maharaj: 81st Birth Anniversary

Illinois Property Tax Reform Supports Struggling Homeowners via Pappas Initiative

The interest rate homeowners and businesses in Cook County are charged for late property tax payments will drop from 18% a year to 9% a year.

CBP Seizes 3,940 Fraudulent Refrigerator Water Filters at LA/LB Seaport

The 81st birth anniversary of Sri Purushottam Priya Dasji Swamiji Maharaj, the fifth heir to Sri Swaminarayan Gadi, was joyously celebrated on May 28th at the Swami Narayan Temple of Maninagar Gadi in Streamwood, IL, near Chicago. The auspicious occasion witnessed the presence of approximately 70 devoted followers.

The festivities commenced with a captivating play performed by the enthusiastic children, showcasing the divine teachings and life events of Sri Purushottam Priya Dasji Swamiji Maharaj. The play served as a beautiful tribute, capturing the essence of his profound spiritual journey.Following the mesmerizing performance, a heartfelt video message delivered by Shri Purushottam Priya Dasji Swamiji Maharaj himself resonated with the audience.

CHICAGO, IL- Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas spearheaded the passage of the most significant property tax reform legislation to be approved by the General Assembly in decades.

The interest rate homeowners and businesses in Cook County are charged for late property tax payments will drop from 18% a year to 9% a year.

The interest rate reduction will save struggling property owners between $25 million and $35 million a year, with most of those savings benefiting Black and Latino communities.

“The vast majority of property owners

who fall behind on their property taxes are in predominantly Black and Latino communities,” Pappas said. “These changes will prevent millions of dollars of generational wealth from being stripped from these households. This is a key step toward greater equity in Illinois’ property tax system and long overdue.”

The Illinois General Assembly passed Pappas’ Property Tax Equity Legislation — now a collaborative effort with The Chicago Community Trust philanthropic organization — on Wednesday, May 24. Governor JB Pritzker is expected to sign it into law. The legislation was drafted by Pappas’ office following the release of studies by her research team last year. Pappas put the team together nearly two years ago to investigate flaws and inequities in the sprawling and complex property tax system. The Pappas studies can be found at cookcountytreasurer.com.

Indian American Doctors and Village Home Care CEO Settle False Claims Act Allegations for $490,000

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Village Home Care LLC (VHC), based in Ocala, Florida, has agreed to settle allegations of violating the False Claims Act (FCA) by paying $225,000. The company is accused of providing kickbacks to two physicians through sham agreements in exchange for patient referrals. VHC's CEO and majority owner, Joy Rodak, will separately pay $105,000. Dr. Vishnu Reddy and Dr. Kuchakulla Reddy have

also reached settlements to resolve allegations of accepting kickbacks from VHC. The United States filed complaints in intervention in two whistleblower

lawsuits against VHC and Rodak. It is alleged that VHC knowingly billed Medicare for home health services based on patient referrals from the two physicians. The settlements emphasize the government's commitment to protecting federal healthcare programs and taxpayer dollars by preventing illegal referral payments. The resolution does not constitute an admission of liability, as the claims remain allegations. The settlements were determined based on the parties' financial ability to pay.

LOS ANGELES, CA—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport, in collaboration with Import Specialists from the Machinery Center of Excellence and Expertise, have confiscated 3,940 counterfeit water filters bearing unauthorized National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) logos. The seized filters, with an estimated manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $149,681, were discovered during a routine examination of an ocean freight shipment from China. CBP warns consumers about the difficulty of identifying fraudulent products with copied certifications and advises purchasing water filters only from legitimate sources to ensure consumer protection. Counterfeit refrigerator water filters pose health and safety risks, as they often fail to remove hazardous chemicals from water. CBP's ongoing efforts to combat counterfeits have resulted in the seizure of 67,342 counterfeit filters valued at an MSRP of $3,216,900 at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport since February 2021.

Indian American Coach Honored in Cricket Hall of Fame

Hartford, CT- Indian American multisports coach Jatin Patel has been awarded the prestigious Cricket Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, joining an esteemed group of cricket legends such as Sir Garfield “Gary” Sobers and Dr. Michael Holding. This is the eighth time the award has been given since 1981. Patel’s recognition adds to his list of accolades, including the USA President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the State of Indiana Governor’s Long-Term Public Service Recognition. He is also a USA Cricket Hall of Famer, having been inducted in 2020 and becoming a board member in 2021.

Patel’s contributions to cricket in the United States are highly regarded, particularly in developing scholastic cricket, training coaches, and supporting numerous youth cricket academies and community programs.

A new Pew Research Center study finds that Indian restaurants are amongst the most underrepresented in Asian cuisine in the country

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Jatin Patel with Mr. Michael Chambers, Executive Director, Cricket Hall of Fame. HiIndia Newsdesk

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“Surge In Deportations: Over 11,000 Migrants Expelled From U.S. As Title 42 Restrictions Lifted

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. border agents carried out the formal deportation of over 11,000 migrants who had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border during the week immediately after the expiration of Title 42 border restrictions. The Biden administration has emphasized that these formal deportations serve as a robust deterrent, as they highlight the significant immigration and criminal consequences faced by migrants who engage in unlawful border crossings. By implementing stringent measures, including the imposition of five-year bans from reentering the country and the potential for incarceration, the administration aims to dissuade individuals from attempting to cross the border illegally.

The Biden administration’s emphasis on formal deportations as a deterrence method is based on the belief that imposing severe penalties will discourage migrants from pursuing unlawful means of entry. The application of a five-year ban from the United States signifies a

serious consequence that can greatly impact the future opportunities and aspirations of those attempting to enter illegally. In addition, the potential for imprisonment further underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining the integrity of the border. The administration’s strategy of utilizing formal deportations as a deterrence tool aligns with its broader immigration

policy objectives. By focusing on stricter consequences, the administration aims to discourage irregular migration and reduce the strain on border resources, while also upholding the principles of lawful immigration. The intent is to create a system that prioritizes legal pathways for entry and underscores the importance of following established procedures. It is worth noting that the effectiveness of formal deportations as

State Farm Adapts Insurance Policy for California's New Homes Amid Wildfire Risks

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CALIFORNIA- State Farm announced that it will no longer offer home insurance to new customers in California due to the heightened risks posed by wildfires and a surge in construction costs. In a news release issued on Saturday, the insurance company confirmed that it has halted the acceptance of new applications for business, personal lines, and casualty insurance in the state.

According to State Farm, the decision was prompted by several factors, including a significant rise in construction costs that have outpaced inflation rates, a substantial increase in exposure to catastrophic events, and the challenging nature of the reinsurance market. The company cited these circumstances as the primary reasons behind its choice to discontinue providing home insurance coverage to new customers in California. One notable example that exemplifies the severity of the wildfire risks in the state is the Mosquito Fire, which occurred last year. This wildfire encompassed an area

The Gandhi Mandela King International Conference, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa 6th – 9th June 2023 This conference is being held at a time when the world is going through a crisis. It is a time when millions of people are forced to flee from their countries where they are facing violent conflicts and war; many countries are trying to cope with the increased refugee population; millions are living in abject poverty and facing the crisis of unemployment, homelessness and lack of access to basic necessities of life.While this is so, the world is facing a dwindling economic and environmental crisis. An outcome of this is climate change and natural

exceeding 100 square miles and posed a threat to more than 9,200 structures. Ultimately, the fire resulted in the destruction of over 70 structures.

State Farm’s decision to cease offering home insurance in California reflects

its concerns about the escalating risks associated with wildfires and the mounting costs of construction. The company aims to mitigate its exposure to potential losses while navigating a challenging reinsurance market.

Gandhi Mandela King Conference in South Africa, June 6-9, 2023

disasters resulting in untold tragedies and pain for millions around the world. Many regions in the world are facing political instability, with corruption and incompetent governance causing strife and misery for millions. These issues require a concerted and considered strategy and effort. To overcome this disastrous course on which our world is traveling, Gandhi King and Mandela foresaw this situation. Their ideas indicate a possible path that can help the world out of the present impasse. This conference brings together many

a deterrent remains a subject of ongoing debate. Critics argue that while such measures may dissuade some migrants, they may not address the root causes driving irregular migration, such as economic instability or violence in their home countries. Consequently, there is a need for a multifaceted approach that combines deterrence measures with efforts to address the underlying causes of migration, such as enhancing legal immigration options and fostering international collaboration.

Overall, the Biden administration’s implementation of formal deportations following the expiration of Title 42 border restrictions aims to send a strong message to potential migrants regarding the serious consequences they may face if they attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully. By combining the threat of long-term bans and potential jail time, the administration seeks to dissuade individuals from engaging in irregular migration and emphasize the importance of adhering to legal immigration processes.

Indian Who Crashed Into The White House Not A US Citizen

WASHINGTON, DC- Sai Varshith

Kandula who rammed a U-Haul truck into the White House made a courtroom appearance on May 24. He was dressed in orange jail clothes. An important detail that emerged after his appearance was that Kandula may not be an American citizen. According to NBC, a Department of Justice official informed that he held a green card. According to legal experts, he may face deportation but his family in Missouri will not be affected. Currently Kandula has been held without bail until his next court date.

leading historians, academics and activists who together can help to conceptualize these ideas and produce a blue print that the world may be able to use to overcome this situation.

It has also been seen that youth are key to this transformation and therefore the conference has placed youth as an important part of this conference by organizing a youth summit.

The importance of this conference will be realized when there is a massive revival of the spirit of reconciliation, peaceful negotiations, love, truth, respect and responsibility to ensure conservation and care of the earth as important for the world today. Contact Sriram Sonty; srisonty@gmail.com

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Football: Ankle ligament injury to sideline Barcelona defender Balde for two months

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Madrid (Spain),: (IANS) FC Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde will miss the forthcoming round of international matches and will need around two months to recover after suffering a partial tear in the ligament of his right ankle during Sunday's 3-0 win at home to Mallorca.

The defender was caught by a bad challenge from Mallorca defender Amath Ndiaye, who was sent off in the

Indian athletes excel in Europe as Jyothi Yarraji wins gold at T-Meeting 2023

14th minute of the game, and had to be replaced by Sergi Roberto, reports Xinhua.

FC Barcelona quickly published a medical report, confirming the extent of the injury, saying Balde will be sidelined for at least six or seven weeks. That means Balde will miss Spain's Nations League semifinal against Italy (and the final if they qualify) as well as the start of pre-season training for the 2023-24 season.

Axar Patel confident of India shifting into top gear for WTC final

Dubai: (IANS) With IPL fever only just settling down, India now have little time to switch gears for a format change with the ICC World Test Championship Final starting on June 7.

Several members of the India squad have already reached England and kicked off their preparations for the big finale at the Arundel Cricket Club. While they managed to catch a glimpse of the thrilling IPL 2023 final, allrounder Axar Patel, who was among the training group, confirmed that their preparations were going well for the WTC showdown against Australia. The switch between formats in a short timeframe comes with its challenges, but Axar revealed that the preparations had begun during the IPL season itself where they practiced with the red ball.

"We knew about this before the start of IPL," Axar told the ICC. "So even during the IPL, it was discussed that we will bowl with the red ball. We had red balls, so we were using them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. This mental switch from white ball to red ball is obviously tough, but we have enough time."

"Those who did not qualify (for IPL Playoffs) got more time. So I don't think there will be many problems because we have had a good time to prepare."

While India play their red-ball games at home with the SG ball, the WTC Final will have the Dukes ball which is used in English conditions. Axar stated that they were practicing with the Dukes ball during the IPL, but maintained that the focus was on hitting the right spot irrespective of the ball used.

"The difference is the Dukes ball remains shinier for longer. But during the IPL, we had ordered the ball, so were practising with it and have gotten used to it.

New Delhi,: (IANS) Indian athletes stole the show in meets in Europe in the last few days with hurdler Jyothi Yarraji bagging gold in the T-Meeting 2023 athletics meet in Tilburg, the Netherlands while Selva Prabhu wins a gold medal in the triple jump at Venizelia-Chania 2023 athletics in Greece.

In Tilburg, Jyothi Yarraji clinched the gold medal in the women's 100m hurdles event while Mohammed Afsal Pulikkalakath finished third in the men's 400m race at the T-Meeting 2023 athletics meet, on Monday. The 23-year-old Jyothi clocked 13.20s in the final to win the event at the category E World Ranking competition. En route to the final, Jyothi topped the heats with a time of 13.08s.

Angel Agwazie of Belgium clinched the silver with 13.64s while Dutch athlete Mira Groot clocked 13.78s to bag the bronze.

This was Jyothi Yarraji's second gold medal in two days. The Andhra runner clinched the gold medal in the women's 100m hurdles event at the Kurpfalz Gala 2023 athletics meet, in Weinheim, Germany on Saturday.

"Shubman Gill Will Swallow Trio Of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma": Ex-India Pacer

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Unarguably the finest batter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, Shubman Gill has been ruling the roost for Gujarat Titans. Having already notched up 851 runs this season, Gill will arguably pose the biggest threat to Chennai Super Kings as MS Dhoni's men look to claim the title for the 5th time.

Gill has already decimated the teams of Virat Kohli (RCB) and Rohit Sharma (MI), scoring centuries against both. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan feels MS Dhoni (CSK) is next. In a chat on ABP news, Wassan said that he feels Gill will 'swallow' the iconic trio of Kohli, Rohit and Dhoni as he grows as a cricketer.

"Mujhe to lag raha hai ye tridev ko ye Gill nigal jayega jis tarah se ye batting kar raha hai (I think Gill will swallow this legendary trio the way he has been batting)," Wassan said on ABP news when talking about Gill and his success against the likes of Kohli and Rohit in recent matches.

Wassan also said that MS Dhoni is the next

Former India pacer Atul

Wassan feels Shubman Gill will 'swallow' the iconic trio of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

in line (for Gill to beat), as Gujarat Titans are set to take on Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 final.

"I feel next in line is Mahi. Even the Gujarat Titans team has looked excellent. Mumbai were in the game with Suryakumar Yadav there, but Gujarat have a good bowling depth as well. Despite coming in as a new team, they have made an impact. We had seen such excellence from CSK. Talking about Gill, he is a well-grounded player. Anyone could lose focus given the money and fame in IPL, but Gill has looked composed," he said.

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Indians are ready to explore the world

Author Bio:

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

2nd June to 8th June 2023

According to the latest data from Airbnb, Indian travelers are displaying a strong resurgence in both domestic and international travel. In Q1 2023, nights booked for international travel by Indian guests more than doubled compared to the same period in 2022. The United Kingdom, the United States, and various European countries have emerged as the top destinations for Indian travelers seeking to explore abroad.

Simultaneously, Indians are also seeking domestic travel experiences, with beach getaways, city escapades, and serene hill vacations growing in popularity. Among the most booked domestic destinations, Goa takes the lead, followed by Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, and Kullu. Overall, nights booked within India have seen a 70% growth when comparing full-year 2022 to pre-pandemic 2019, with domestic nights growing by almost 110%.

Airbnb has observed a continuing enthusiasm among international guests to visit India and immerse themselves in the country's rich culture and heritage. The United States stands out as the leading origin for Airbnb guests visiting India, accompanied by the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Airbnb's General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and

Taiwan, Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, expressed excitement about the growing confidence and eagerness among Indian travelers to explore new destinations and create lasting memories. He emphasized Airbnb's commitment to offering diverse accommodation options, promoting responsible travel practices, and working closely with the government and industry stakeholders to support and accelerate the ongoing travel recovery. Airbnb's Travel Outlook for 2023 highlights several travel trends, including the interest in off-the-beaten-path destinations, the rise of solo travel for nature-based experiences, the popularity of family travel with Airbnb accommodations catering to their needs, the growing demand for responsible tourism, and the desire for unique accommodations such as treehouses, houseboats, and farm stays. As the summer season unfolds, Indian travelers are embracing both domestic and international destinations. Puri, Chennai, Goa, Dehradun, Mumbai, Kochi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Munnar, and Nainital have emerged as the top trending domestic summer destinations, while Bali, Lucerne, Vienna, Paris, Lisbon, Split, Rome, Prague, Singapore, and Bangkok are attracting Indian travelers with their captivating charm internationally.

Australian Woman Spent Over $100,000 To Look Like 'Real Life Barbie'

A 25-year-old woman from Queensland, Australia has spent over $100,000 to look like a "real-life Barbie princess". In a recent interview with News.co.au, a woman named Jazmyn Forest revealed that it has changed her life for the better. Ms Forest was just 18 years old when she went under the knife for the first time for a breast augmentation. Last year, she got it again when she was on holiday in Los Angeles. Ms Forest has had multiple plastic surgeries and plans to get more in future. She told News.co.au that she has a long list of "dream surgeries". The 25-year-old believes that she would not have been able to get ahead in life without changing her appearance and people treat her better now that she is "hot".

Aries

Ganesha says that this week is going to be a bit turbulent for the people of Aries. At the beginning of the week, you will also get good opportunities for employment and career business, etc. If you manage to manage time and your energy, then you will get the desired success.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of the Taurus zodiac will have a great need to control their speech and behavior this week because their work will be made and spoiled only by their words and behavior. At the beginning of the week, it will be better for you to ignore small things both at home and outside.

Gemini

Ganesha says that the people of Gemini will need to put in extra hard work and effort for success in any work this week. At the beginning of the week, you should avoid getting involved with anyone. Instead of dispute, take support of dialogue while solving familyrelated matters.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week, people of the Cancer zodiac will have to overcome all the challenges with the help of contemplation leaving worries. In the beginning of the week, the mind will be a little worried about the matter related to the family.

Leo

Ganesha says that the people of the Leo zodiac will need to put in extra labor and effort to get success in a particular work this week. This week, don’t make the mistake of relying on luck, otherwise, the golden opportunity that came in hand will pass away.

Virgo

Ganesha says thatthis week the people of the Virgo zodiac will definitely have to listen to their minds along with their hearts while taking any major decision.

Libra

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week for the people of the Libra zodiac, be very careful with those people who keep a sense of jealousy towards you. They may

try to distract you from your goal. At the beginning of the week, there may be more out-of-pocket expenditure on the purchase or repair of things related to the needs of the house.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the people of the Scorpio zodiac will have to avoid laziness and pride this week, otherwise, the golden opportunities that come in hand will be lost. To get success in a particular task, you have to manage your energy and time.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that for the people of Sagittarius, the week will start with running around to finish the important tasks. During this time, with the help of your best friend or any influential person, you will be able to complete the work stuck for a long time.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn will need to pay special attention to their health and relationships this week. An argument with a family member at the beginning of the week will be a major reason for your mental anxiety.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week the people of Aquarius will remain in danger due to debt, disease, and enemy. At the beginning of the week, you may have to spend more out of pocket to repair the house or purchase things related to amenities.

Pisces

Ganesha says that the people of Pisces should avoid ignoring the advice of their well-wishers and the feelings of their relatives while taking any major decision this week, otherwise, you may have to repent later. In business also, you need to proceed with utmost care or you may have to give and take. This week you may see a lot of ups and downs in your business. However, this is a part of business and you need not panic because things will be under your control once again in the times to come.

Not only does a morning meal provide the fuel you need to start your day, but also numerous studies have found that eating breakfast regularly is associated with a range of health benefits. These include reduced risks for obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; as well as improved short-term memory in adults, better school performance in children and better diet quality overall, said Kathryn Starr, a registered dietitian and associate professor of medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, US.

“All of our meals are important; I don’t think breakfast is the most important meal,” Starr said. But it “kick-starts the process for our body to function properly.”

To maintain healthy blood sugar, energy and fullness levels until your next meal, getting the right balance of protein, fibre and unsaturated fats at breakfast is important, said Lauren Harris-Pincus, a registered dietitian in New Jersey, near New York in the US. This roughly translates to at least 20 grams of protein, eight to 10 grams of fibre and 10 to 15 grams of unsaturated fats, totaling about 300 to 350 calories, Harris-Pincus said. But it’s important not to get hung up on the numbers, said Alice H. Lichtenstein, a professor of nutrition science and policy at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, US. Your nutrient needs will depend on your weight, activity level, age and health conditions, Lichtenstein said. More important, she said, is focussing

The government in England should increase its use of the private sector to tackle the NHS backlog, Labour says. It said as many as 300,000 patients have missed out on treatment since it called for greater use of private clinics in January 2022.

And the party said it was unjust that the lack of action meant only those who could afford to pay for treatment themselves were being seen on time. The government said it was delivering by cutting long waits.

However, data published by NHS England last week showed key targets to tackle the backlogs in cancer care and routine treatment had been missed. Overall, there are now a record 7.3 million people on a hospital waiting list, which is nearly three million higher than it was before the pandemic started. Health minister Will Quince said: "The Conservatives have virtually eliminated waits of over two years, and cut 18-month waits by 91%."

He said Labour politicians were split over use of the private sector in the NHS, adding: "While Labour fight with themselves over how to deliver care, we are cutting waiting lists and delivering for patients."

However, Labour shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said: "It's completely unjust that only those who can afford to pay to go private are being treated on time, while everyone else is left behind.

"Labour would use the spare capacity in the private sector to get patients seen faster.

"If the Conservatives had got their skates on, almost 300,000 patients could have been treated, off the waiting list and back to living their lives to the full.

The Breakfasters’ Guide

at breakfast,” Harris-Pincus said, “you lose that opportunity because you can’t double up on protein later.”

‘Shortfall’ nutrients

Calcium, vitamin D, potassium and fibre are commonly called shortfall nutrients.Over time, deficiencies in such nutrients can lead to problems including weak bones, poor gut health and high blood pressure. But it so happens that many healthy breakfast foods are packed with those nutrients. Most fortified cow’s milk contains calcium, vitamin D and potassium; most fortified cereals contain vitamin D (just be sure to choose those high in fibre and low in added sugars); bananas, citrus and many dried fruits have potassium; and oats are rich in fibre. “So when you think about something like a bowl of whole grain cereal and milk with some fruit, that really makes a dent in those shortfall nutrients,” Harris-Pincus said.

Don’t be limited

on what you enjoy and makes you feel energised and sated. “So many times we’ve tried to give people formulas,” she said, “and if you look at dietary patterns and scores in the US, we’re not doing that well as far as diet quality goes.”

“So what’s the ideal breakfast?” Lichtenstein said. “It’s whatever makes your body work best.”

Protein

Your body needs protein to maintain your muscle mass, metabolism and physical strength (among other things), Harris-Pincus said, but it can use only about 25 to 35 grams of protein per meal for those purposes. If you consume more protein in one sitting, your body will either use it as energy, store it as fat or excrete it. So if you “skip breakfast or don’t eat protein

Use private sector more for NHS patients - Labour

You don’t have to confine yourself to standard breakfast fare to get a mix of nutrients in the morning, said Josephine Connolly-Schoonen, director of nutrition at Stony Brook Medicine, US. “Any whole, plantbased food is going to have lots of phytonutrients,” she said, which are antioxidants that protect your cells from damage. These foods also contain fibre, which helps you stay full and supports gut health. Coffee and tea can also provide some antioxidants and be part of a nutritious breakfast — just don’t overdo it on the sugar or cream.

not be released in the weeks leading up to the local elections at the start of May. Under the arrangements in place, the private sector carries out NHS work at the same rates received by NHS hospitals.

'Cross-party consensus'

That figure is based on the fact the independent sector has said it has capacity to do an extra 30% of the work it was doing for the NHS before the pandemic.

So instead of carrying out the 1.8 million treatments it has for the NHS

between January 2022 and March 2023, the private sector could have done 2.1 million, Labour said.

It urged the government to get on and publish the conclusions of the elective recovery taskforce that has been looking at how to make better use of the private sector.

The taskforce finished its work in March, but its findings have yet to be published - although election rules meant it could

The criticism by Labour is being seen as another sign of the party's renewed interest in getting the private sector more involved in NHS care.

Labour's last two leaders, Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband, focused their election campaigns on protecting the NHS in England from privatisation. But under the New Labour government of the late 1990s and 2000s, the role of the private sector increased in the health service.

Each day, hundreds of thousands of people skip breakfast, by choice. And that, nutrition experts say, may be a mistake

Rishi Sunak's dither and delay is costing patients dear."

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