hi INDiA | April 28, 2023 | The Community First

Fugees’ Pras Michel found guilty of illegal lobbying

Disney sues Florida governor Ron DeSantis

Ex-Fugees musician Prakazrel

“Pras” Michel has been found guilty of 10 counts, including corruption, stemming from allegations he used money to peddle influence in the US.

US prosecutors said Michel had received more than $100m (£80m) from Malaysian billionaire Jho Low that was used in two efforts to influence US politics.

The self-identifying “celebrity surrogate” was also convicted of lobbying on behalf of China’s government.

The rapper now faces years in prison.

Michel, 50, was convicted in a Washington DC court of campaign finance violations, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, witness tampering and lying to banks.

China police question staff at US firm Bain & Company

US consultancy giant Bain & Company has confirmed that Chinese police have visited its office in Shanghai and questioned some staff. “We are cooperating as appropriate with the Chinese authorities,” a spokesperson for the firm told the BBC.

It comes as relations between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated in recent months. Last month, another US firm Mintz was raided in Beijing and five local employees were detained.

“We can confirm that the Chinese authorities have questioned staff in our Shanghai office,” Bain said.

Disney has accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of organising a campaign of “government retaliation” in a lawsuit. The new legal action sharply escalates the battle between the entertainment giant and the Republican politician.

The two sides have been fighting since Disney criticised a state law banning discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools.

The lawsuit came after state officials voided a development deal involving the firm’s Florida theme park.

Disney said Mr DeSantis’ steps to assert

Philippines, US in biggest drills yet

control over its operations threatened its business and violated its constitutional rights. It asked the court to undo the moves. “Disney regrets it has come to this,” the company’s parks division said in the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Florida. “But having exhausted efforts to seek a resolution, the company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponise government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain state officials.”

US and South Korea agree key nuclear weapons deal

When China’s foreign minister visited the Philippines last weekend, he had a stern message for President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines: It was vital that Manila “properly handle issues” related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, and follow through on its earlier commitment not to choose sides, he said.

On Wednesday, Marcos turned up at the Philippines’ annual military drills with the United States dressed in an army fatigue jacket and closely inspecting an American rocket launcher. Later, he sat next to the American ambassador as they watched artillery units take out a target ship nearby. Philippines, the Filipino government is again pivoting toward its oldest ally, the US.

J&J’s consumer unit named in talc cancer claims

The US and South Korea have secured a landmark deal to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.

Washington has agreed to periodically deploy US nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea and involve Seoul in its nuclear planning operations.

In return, South Korea has agreed to not

US Bill Seeks To Ban Children Under 13 From Joining Social Media

develop its own nuclear weapons. The Washington Declaration will strengthen the allies’ co-operation in deterring a North Korean attack, US President Joe Biden said. Concern has been rising on both sides about the nuclear threat posed by North Korea. Pyongyang is developing tactical nuclear weapons that can target South Korea, and refining its longrange weapons that can reach the US mainland. The US already has a treaty obligation to defend South Korea, and has previously pledged to use nuclear weapons if necessary. But some in South Korea have started to doubt that commitment and call for the country to pursue its own nuclear programme.

Johnson & Johnson’s newly formed consumer health unit Kenvue has been named in claims that the company’s talcum powder can cause cancer, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. Kenvue has been named in at least seven talc lawsuits filed since the start of April, according to the report, citing regulatory filings and people familiar with the matter. The news comes as Johnson & Johnson (J&J) said it’s seeking up to a $42.95 billion valuation for Kenvue in its initial public offering.

US Blacklists Sri Lanka Governor Over War Killings

A new bipartisan proposal introduced in the US Senate seeks to set a national age limit for use of social media across the country. The federal bill proposes anyone under the age of 13 from using social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and others. The Protecting Kids on Social Media bill also proposes that tech companies need

to get parents’ consent before creating accounts for teenagers, as per a report in CNN. The bill seeks to address what experts say a mental health crisis fuelled by social media, the outlet further said. Under the provisions of the bill, children aged 13 and below would be barred from creating accounts or interact with other users, though they would still be able to view content without logging into an account, according to the draft text of the legislation.

The companies would also be banned from using teens’ personal information to target them with content or advertising. However, some relaxations have been offered, like limited targeted recommendations to teens by relying on other contextual cues.

Washington, United States: The United States said Wednesday it would refuse visas on human rights grounds to a Sri Lankan provincial governor who had been charged with killings during the island’s long civil war.

A Sri Lankan investigation accused former navy chief Wasantha

Karannagoda, among others, of abducting teenage children of wealthy families and killing them after extorting money. Authorities in 2021 dropped charges, prompting an outcry from human rights groups, and he was soon named governor of North Western Province by then president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who served as defense chief when Sri Lanka defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009.

“The United States reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, ending impunity for human rights violators, acknowledging the suffering of victims and survivors and promoting accountability for perpetrators in Sri Lanka,” Blinken said in a statement.

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Jaishankar discusses Sudan situation with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken to UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and discussed the evolving situation in Sudan, as India stepped up efforts to evacuate its stranded citizens from the strife-torn African country.

Jaishankar, who arrived here in Colombia’s capital from Panama, on Monday announced the launch of the mission ‘Operation Kaveri’ to bring back the stranded Indians from Sudan that has been witnessing fierce fighting following a power struggle between the regular army and the RSF.

“Spoke to UK Foreign Secretary @ JamesCleverly just now. Discussed the evolving situation in Sudan,” he tweeted on Thursday.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday that his government has commenced a “large-scale” evacuation effort to help British nationals leave Sudan.

“The government has begun a large-scale evacuation of British passport holders from Sudan on RAF flights. Priority

Panama: Jaishankar interacts with Indians

British PM Rishi Sunak said that his government has commenced a ‘large-scale’ evacuation effort to help British nationals leave Sudan

will be given to the most vulnerable, including families with children and the elderly,” Sunak tweeted. Jaishankar took to Twitter to share

Chinese defence minister in India to attend SCO meet

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has arrived in India to attend a key security summit meeting amid strained ties between the countries. Mr Li will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting on Thursday and Friday in the Indian capital Delhi.

images of the Indian evacuees after their arrival at the Delhi airport.

“India welcomes back its own. Operation Kaveri brings 360 Indian nationals to the homeland as first flight reaches New Delhi,” he tweeted.

“OperationKaveri takes more steps forward. Another 136 Indian Nationals have been moved to safety in Jeddah. They will come home soon,” he said in another tweet.

Pope to allow women to vote at bishops meet

India has launched ‘Operation Kaveri’ to evacuate and safely bring back its stranded citizens from the strife-torn Sudan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Indian community in Panama.

Jaishankar arrived in Panama on Monday from Guyana. He called on President Nito Cortizo and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him.

Pakistan, China agree to enhance military-tomilitary cooperation

Islamabad: (IANS) Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir is scheduled to hold important meetings and consultations in a bid to enhance military-tomilitary cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing during his first maiden trip to China since taking office in November 2022. Munir is currently in Beijing on a four-day trip. In a statement, the military’s media wing, the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), said that the COAS had a brief and progressive meeting with the Commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday, during which, matters of mutual interest and military-to-military cooperation were discussed.

The Vatican announced on Wednesday that the pope would for the first time allow women to vote at a coming meeting of bishops, a fresh sign of Francis’ efforts to give women more say in the affairs of the Roman Catholic Church.

The pope also increased the number of lay people who will participate next October at the meeting, the Synod of Bishops, which periodically meets at the Vatican to discuss important issues such as how to deal with divorced couples. The coming synod is centred on fostering greater involvement of the faithful as the church moves forward.

In 2021, Francis amended the church’s laws so that women could be Bible readers at Mass, serve at the altar and distribute communion — practices already common in many countries. But women are still barred from becoming deacons.

Australia To Revamp Immigration System, Smooth Entry For Skilled Workers

themselves. And most importantly, it is failing Australians. That cannot continue,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in a speech at the National Press Club.

This is the first visit to India by a Chinese defence minister since a deadly clash between their troops in 2020. At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed. The sides have had other confrontations since then, with the most recent flare-up happening in December at Tawang in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Same-sex bond: Lankans raise voice

When Jude Rameshkanth, 28, a hospitality employee working overseas, returned home to his family in eastern Sri Lanka this January, his father organized an arranged marriagefor him with a woman. But Rameshkanth repeatedly explained to his family that he identifies himself as gay, and so has no interest in marrying a woman. His family continued to pressure him to enter a heterosexual marriage.

“My brother told me that if I do not get married, his life will also be spoiled. [Late next day] I [escaped] from home, and took the bus to Colombo,” Rameshkanth told DW.

Mystery over Sudan ex-dictator

SYDNEY: Australia proposed on Thursday overhauling its immigration system to speed up getting highly skilled workers into the country and smoothening the path to permanent residency. The federal Labor government said the current system used to select skilled migrants - the points test - will be modified to identify people with the correct skill sets the Australian economy needs going forward.“Our migration system ... is broken. It is failing our businesses, it is failing migrants

Australia has been competing with comparable countries, like Canada and Germany, to lure more skilled migrants, with the surge in demand exacerbated by an ageing population. The government said the visa process for high-skilled professionals will be made quicker and easier, while steps would be taken to retain international students. Temporary skilled visa holders, who had been denied even the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, will be able to do that by the end of this year, O’Neil said. But it will not add to Australia’s annual intake of permanent migrants, she said.

As Sudan descends into chaos in a battle between rival generals, one question was swirling around the country on Wednesday: Where is the former dictator Omar Hassan al-Bashir? AlBashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. In Sudan, he still faces charges related to the 1989 coup that propelled him to power, and he faces a death sentence or life in prison if convicted. The uncertainty over his whereabouts was another sign of Sudan’s descent into lawlessness and could deal a blow to the receding hopes of bringing democratic rule to the country.

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India’s Antitrust Law Increases Penalty

PM Modi Addresses BJP Workers Virtually in Poll-Bound Karnataka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed through virtual mode tens of lakhs of BJP workers exhorting them to strengthen booth-level campaigning for the coming Karnataka Assembly elections, and made a strong pitch for ending “revdi culture” (culture of distributing freebies).

Modi also hit out at the Congress on the issue, stating what is the meaning of its guarantees when that party’s warranty itself has expired.

Changes to India’s antitrust law will allow the regulator to impose much larger penalties and require companies to pay part of the dues before an order can be appealed, a move some analysts say signals protectionism.

Parliament this month permitted the Competition Commission of India to levy penalties for anti-competitive behavior and abuse of dominance based on global turnover of the firm, where earlier the up to 10% penalty was on the turnover of the affected business in India. It also said any party challenging a CCI order must first pay 25% of the penalty as deposit.

BJP: Beware of Rahul’s promises

For Karnataka polls Congress has announced ‘guarantees’ that include —

200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), and Rs 3,000 every month for graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25)

First batch of 360 Indian evacuees from Sudan

for two years (YuvaNidhi), on coming to power in the state. The Prime Minister said states are getting immersed in debt because of freebies, and emphasised that the country and the governments cannot be run like this.

“In our country some political parties have made politics the means of power and corruption, to achieve this, they are using all means like ‘saam, dham, dhand, bedh’. These political parties don’t think about the future of the country, future generation of Karnataka, its youth, women,” Modi said.

Badrinath temple opens for pilgrims

While BJP candidate Ramesh Jarkiholi was busy campaigning in neighbouring constituencies, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivaraj Chouhan was in Gokak assembly segment to campaign for him and urged the voters not to fall for “false promises” made by the Congress. In place of Ramesh, his brother Balachandra Jarkiholi -- a BJP candidate from Arabhavi assembly seat - was present during the campaign along with senior local saffron party leaders on Wednesday.

Chrisann Pereira released from Sharjah jail

Actor Chrisann Pereira, arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on charges of drug possession and lodged at a jail in Sharjah, has been released by law enforcement authorities there, a senior Mumbai Police official said on Thursday.

Two men had allegedly cheated the 27-year-old actor, who is from Mumbai, by planting drugs on her and sending her to Sharjah under the pretext of an ‘audition’ while promising her a role in a Hollywood web series.

New Delhi,: (IANS) The first batch of 360 Indians evacuated from Sudan has reached Delhi under “Operation Kaveri”, launched this week to bring back citizens stranded in the war-torn African nation.

“India welcomes back its own.

#OperationKaveri brings 360 Indian Nationals to the homeland as first flight reaches New Delhi,” External Affairs Minister S, Jaishakar wrote in a tweet late Wednesday, sharing pictures of the evacuees.India launched ‘Operation Kaveri’ with Jaishankar assuring that the government is “committed to assisting all brethren in Sudan”.

As part of the operation, India has positioned two heavy-lift military transport aircraft in the Saudi Arabian

city of Jeddah and a naval ship at a key port in violence-hit Sudan as part of its contingency plans to evacuate its stranded nationals.

It has also set up a transit facility at Jeddah and all the Indians have been taken to the coastal Saudi Arabian city after their evacuation from Sudan.

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan is currently in Jeddah to oversee the evacuation mission.

Earlier, France and Saudi Arabia evacuated some Indians along with citizens of other countries as part of their evacuation mission from Sudan. The External Affairs Ministry had said that India is closely monitoring the complex and evolving security situation in Sudan.

The portals of the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand were opened on Thursday and the first puja was done on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the shrine’s committee said. Thousands of pilgrims had gathered at the Himalayan shrine amid light snowfall and rain to witness the opening of the temple at 7:10 am. They also paid obeisance to lord Vishnu to whom the temple is dedicated to. The temple was decorated with 15 quintals of flowers for the occasion, and after the opening ceremony, its chief priest Ishwari Prasad Namboodiri performed a special puja.

Congress’s Police Complaint Over Amit Shah’s Speech

8 Indian Americans win Paul and Daisy Soros

Zofeen Maqsood

Among 30 winners of the 2023 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans are eight Indian Americans. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships is a merit-based graduate school program for immigrants and children of immigrants. The winners will each receive up to $90,000 in funding to support their graduate studies at institutions such as Harvard University, MIT, Stanford

Fellowships

University, and Yale University.

The eight Indian American winners this year are:

Dhruv Gaur: PhD in economics at MIT.

Jaspreet Kaur: MFA in writing for screen & television at the University of Southern California.

Omair M. Khan: MD/PhD in stem cell biology & regenerative medicine at Stanford University.

Nathan Mallipeddi: MD/MBA at Harvard University and Stanford University.

Arjun Menta: MD at Johns Hopkins University.

Vaibhav Mohanty: MD/PhD in chemistry at Harvard University and MIT.

Shyamala Ramakrishna: JD at Yale University.

Shomik Verma: PhD in mechanical engineering at MIT

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Bengaluru: Congress leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala, Dr Parmeshwar and Chief of Karnataka Congress DK Shivakumar filed a police complaint today against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders, according to the complaint copy. In the complaint filed at Bengaluru’s High Grounds police station, Amit Shah was alleged of making provocative statements, promoting enmity and hatred and maligning opposition during his recent rallies in the poll-bound Karnataka.

“Union Home Minister has said that if Congress comes to power then there will be communal riots. How can he say this? We have filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India on this,” said DK Shivakumar after filing the complaint.

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Indian-American Arizona state rep announces run for Congress

Indian-American state representative Amish Shah announced that he will be running for Congress in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, which is presently held by Republican David Schweikert.

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New York: (IANS) Indian-American state representative Amish Shah announced that he will be running for Congress in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, which is presently held by Republican David Schweikert.

An emergency physician for over 15 years, Shah, a Democrat, has been representing districts in the Phoenix area as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives since 2019.

“I am running for Congress because I have seen the difference a single person can make within the government to improve people’s lives. Serving in Congress is an opportunity to make an even greater positive impact on issues affecting Arizona,” Shah said in a statement announcing his candidacy. According to his campaign statement,

Indian working in Canada dies in car collision

Toronto: (IANS) A 29-year-old Indian man, who came to Canada in 2019 to work, died on the spot after he was struck by an Audi in Mississauga, police said. Kunal Mehta, an Uber driver in Mississauga, was fatally struck on Highway 401 at Mavis Road by a white Audi whose driver is absconding. “Suspect driver of white Audi S5 failed to remain and was seen fleeing the scene. 29-year-old driver from Cambridge killed after he was struck by the Audi,” The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) tweeted, adding that investigation into the case is underway.

he has made a name for himself with his unique brand of door-to-door campaigning, having visited over 15,000 households, and to date, he has had more bills signed into law than any other Democrat currently in the Arizona

legislature. “Giving back is a core value for me. Because of the sacrifices of my parents, who both came to this country from India to pursue a better life, I was able to become a doctor, work on field with the NFL, and be the first IndianAmerican to serve in the Arizona legislature,” Shah said. Born and raised in Chicago, Shah’s parents were engineering students who immigrated from India in the 1960s. He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He graduated from the Northwestern University Medical School as part of the Honors Program in Medical Education. Outside of his medical practice, he founded the first Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival as a philanthropic endeavour to promote healthy eating and eliminate preventable disease

India-US bond matters: Hakeem Jeffries

Indian-American lawyer to be inducted to Maryland Business Hall of Fame

New York: (IANS) Sheela Murthy, a prominent Indian-American entrepreneur and immigration lawyer, will be inducted into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame for her leadership skills and entrepreneurial acumen and spirit.

Hakeem Jeffries

The relationship between the US and India will continue to grow in importance because of the shared democratic values and strategic interests, particularly in the resource-rich IndoPacific region, a top Democratic leader in the US Congress has said. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military manoeuvring in the region.

“The relationship between the United States and India is an important one now and will continue to grow in importance because of our shared democratic values. India being the largest democracy in the world, our shared democratic values, and our shared strategic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told a gathering of eminent Indian Americans at the US Capitol during the India-US Summit organised on Wednesday by Congressman Ro Khanna in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus.

“Your presence here today is so important. The Indian-American community matters. The caucus that role leads matters. Your voice matters. The values that you have brought to Capitol Hill matter. You have my commitment that I will continue to work closely with Roe (Khanna) and with (Congressman) Raja (Krishnamoorthi) and the (Congressional India) caucus.

Murthy, founder and president of Murthy Law Firm, will be honoured at the annual Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire MD event on May 11 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. “This honor is particularly meaningful as I believe in the mission of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and the Maryland Chamber Foundation to support a strong business climate, impacting the quality of life for businesses, individuals and families across our great State and country,” said Murthy. She also co-founded the nonprofit MurthyNAYAK Foundation, dedicated to implementing socially transformative projects designed to improve the lives of women, children and immigrants -- both in India, as well as the US. “For her incredible leadership, entrepreneurial acumen and spirit, generous contributions through service and philanthropy, and for her passionate work at helping others achieve their dreams, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce is delighted to induct Sheela Murthy into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame,” a Maryland Chamber of Commerce statement read.

Indians among 60 delivery drivers held for working illegally in UK

London: (IANS) As part of a week-long crackdown on illegal migration, 60 delivery drivers, including Indians, have been arrested across London for working illegally, the UK Home Office said. The drivers, working for companies including Deliveroo, JustEat, and UberEats, were arrested for offences, including illegal working and possession of false documentation.

The majority of offenders were of Brazilian nationality. Indian and Algerian nationals were also found to be working without the right to do so in the country, a UK Home Office statement read. Of those arrested, 44 were detained by the Home Office, pending their removal from the UK, with the remaining 16 being released on immigration bail. It is also expected that a number of the arrests will result in voluntary departure from the UK.

“Illegal working damages our communities, cheats honest workers out of employment and defrauds the public purse. As the Prime Minister has set out, we are committed to going further and faster to prevent the abuse of our laws and borders,” Britain’s Indianorigin Home Secretary Suella Braverman said in a statement.

“The British public deserve a labour market that is fair and honest and must have confidence that goods and services they buy are from legitimate businesses,” she added.

The operation also led to the seizure of weapons and cash suspected of being linked to criminal activity. Following thorough searches of properties linked to the arrests, imitation firearms and other weapons were found, while over 4,500 pounds was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Home Office statement said.

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Indian-American state representative Amish Shah

Tamil Nadu Minister In A Spot After State BJP Chief’s Audio Clip Attack

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Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has released a second audio clip, where his party claims state finance minister PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan is heard denigrating the ruling DMK and accusing Chief Minister MK Stalin’s family of corruption. In the audio clip – which NDTV cannot independently verify -- the speaker is heard saying, “The CM’s son and son-in-law take away a bulk of the spoils”.

In what appears to be a reference to his quitting a party position after becoming minister, the speaker is also heard praising the BJP’s “one man one post” rule and slams DMK for “lack of system”. In his tweet, Mr Annamalai has thanked “PTR” for “drawing a proper distinction between DMK and BJP”.

A similar audio had surfaced recently, in which the speaker -- purportedly PTR -- is heard saying, “Udhayanidhi (Chief Minister M K Stalin’s son) and Sabareesan have accumulated 30,000 crore”.

Calling the clip “fabricated”, the minister had said that “no malicious attempts to divide us will succeed”. He had also said “more such audios and videos” could come. On April 14, Mr Annamalai released what he calls the “DMK files” in which he alleged that key DMK leaders have accumulated assets worth ₹ 1.34 lakh crore. The list included including Chief Minister MK Stalin’s son and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other ministers including Durai Murugan, EV Velu, K Ponmudy, V Senthil Balaji, and former Union Minister S Jagathrakshakan.

Telangana HC completes hearing on CBI plea

In the audio clip tweeted by K Annamalai, the speaker, purportedly Tamil Nadu finance minister PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, is heard saying, “The CM’s son and son-in-law take away a bulk of the spoils”

He had also alleged that in 2011, during the DMK’s earlier tenure, Mr Stalin was paid a ₹ 200 crore bribe for favouring a private company get a contract to supply coaches for Chennai Metro Rail.

The rail company has denied this, saying “a fair process was followed”.

The ruling DMK has denied allegations and issued legal notices to Mr Annamalai, demanding an apology and huge cash damages of upto ₹ 500 crore.

Mr Annamalai has refused to apologise and denied he has violated any

defamation law. He has also demanded an independent forensic analysis of the audio. Mr Annamalai has hit back, challenging the minister to produce an incriminating audio clip with his voice. Since the minister “is resting on an argument that this audio is fabricated, we challenge him to produce an audio clip with similar content but instead in my voice,” Mr Annamalai said. The state BJP leadership has urged Governor RN Ravi to order a forensic audit of the audio clip. The BJP, which has marginal presence in Tamil Nadu, is also witnessing a strain in ties with ally the AIADMK. The south party has suffered three consecutive defeats in elections it contested in alliance with the BJP, after which some leaders had aired suspicion that the BJP could engineer a split within its ranks ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Hyderabad News Govt will ensure relief for farmers, says KT Rama Rao

Amazon Business thriving in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court posted to Thursday orders on the CBI petition to cancel the bail of Yerra Gangi Reddy, the main accused in former Andhra Pradesh Minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy’s murder case. The court completed hearing on the petition filed by the and adjourned the case to Thursday for judgement. The judgement is eagerly awaited as the CBI investigation in the case has entered a crucial phase. The Supreme Court recently extended the deadline for completing the investigation into the sensational case till June 30. The CBI sought the cancellation of the bail on the ground that Gangi Reddy is the main accused and has been influencing key witnesses in the case. During the previous hearing, the CBI counsel had argued that Gangi Reddy is having political backing and is trying to put pressure on the witnesses through his connections.

KCR is more dangerous than Atiq Ahmed, says Telangana BJP chief

Hyderabad: (IANS) Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar has made a controversial statement that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is more dangerous than gangsterpolitician Atiq Ahmed, who was recently gunned down in Uttar Pradesh. Sanjay Kumar tweeted on Wednesday that Chief Minister KCR is a gangster to all the gangsters. He said while Atiq Ahmed threatened people with guns, KCR is using police to threaten and ‘Dharani’ to harass common man.

‘Dharani’ is a portal launched by KCR government for land transactions.

He reiterated the demand for a probe by a sitting judge into the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) exam paper leak. “We don’t trust the Special Investigation Team set up by the KCR government,” he said. Sanjay Kumar, who is also a Member of Parliament, stated that SITs constituted to probe Miyapur land scam, Intermediate students’ suicides and drugs case never submitted report their reports.

Heavy rain, strong winds bring Hyderabad to standstill

Hyderabad: Assuring all possible help to farmers affected by the unseasonal rains and hail storms, Bharat Rashtra Samithi Working President and IT Minister KT Rama Rao said the State government would stand by the farmers and take all administrative and relief measures to help them. Stating that the farmers of the State should not worry about the losses caused by the rain, the Minister directed MLAs and other people’s representatives to visit the affected areas and reassure the farmers that the government would take measures to overcome the situation. “All the MLAs and other public representatives of the State should give assurance to the farmers in this difficult time,” he said.

Hyderabad: With approximately 6.5 lakh sellers on the platform and more than 16 cr GST-enabled products, Amazon Business has continued to act as one-stop destination for business customers in Hyderabad. Started in 2017, Amazon Business has seen an upward trajectory in tier II cities including Hyderabad with a 12 percent YoY (year on year) increase in customer registration. With the vision to empower MSMEs, Amazon Business continues to simplify the procurement process and help MSMEs buy from the seller that best fits their procurement budget, a press release said.

Hyderabad: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and intense lightning hit Hyderabad on Tuesday, causing disruptions across the city. The downpour began at around 7 pm with dark clouds hovering over the city and gusty winds blowing in from different directions.

The rainfall started in north, east, and western parts of Hyderabad before spreading to the south. The heavy downpour disrupted normal life in the city, with traffic coming to a standstill in several areas. The sudden burst of rains also caused power outages in some parts of the city, adding to the inconvenience faced by the residents.

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EU Considers Retaliatory Tariffs over India’s Electronics Duties

New Delhi: The European Union has reportedly said that it will impose retaliatory tariffs on India if New Delhi doesn’t abide by a World Trade Organisation ruling and do away with the customs duties it imposes on electronic goods like smartphones. “In the event there is an appeal to the nonfunctioning WTO Appellate Body (i.e. an ‘appeal into the void’), the EU has in place legislation (the Enforcement Regulation) that allows it to enforce its rights by imposing customs duties or other restrictions in response to an appeal into the void, should the EU decide to do so,” an EU spokesperson told the Business Standard.

According to the newspaper, the EU has claimed that 600 million euros of its technology exports to India were adversely impacted annually due to India’s imposition of tariffs on ICT products.

Last week, on April 17, the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body had said that India’s tariffs on

information and communication technology (ICT) violated the country’s zero-tariff commitment under the Information Technology Agreement enforced by the multilateral trade body.

Indian officials, Business Standard reported, have said since that New Delhi plans to appeal this decision at the Appellate Body, and so it has no immediate repercussions. However, the Appellate Body has been non-functional for a while now as

the US has been blocking the appointment of judges. Perhaps that is why the EU spokesperson referred to it as “the void”.

The EU spokesperson also told the newspaper that India did have the right to appeal the Dispute Settlement Body’s decision. “India has consistently underlined and made clear its support for the multilateral trading system and the WTO. In this context, it has the right to appeal the panel report if it genuinely considers that there is a need to correct it. In the absence of a WTO Appellate Body, this would imply an appeal to the MPIA (multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement) or using alternative appeal arrangements. The EU has over the last months offered to engage in discussions with India on these two different appeal routes,” the spokesperson said. India had earlier rejected the EU’s suggestion that the patter be taken to the MPIA, as it prefers to fight for the restoration of the Appellate Body system.

Who Is BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, at the Heart of Serious Charges By Wrestlers?

New Delhi: “I have committed a murder in the past. Let people say what they want…I did commit a murder.” This is not the confession of a convicted criminal, but a bold declaration made by Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a BJP leader and six-time Lok Sabha MP who has never been tried for murder.

Though tales of the muscle power wielded by Singh, the MP from the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, are well-known, especially in Gonda and its surrounding districts, it is likely that no one knew that Singh had committed a murder until an interview he gave to a web portal in 2022. His affidavit submitted for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections did mention four criminal cases, including one under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 307 (attempt to murder) and other serious crimes.

Singh has also been the president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) since 2011, and there are allegations that he often resorts to the use of muscle power in running the federation. As a result of his tyrannical attitude, Olympic-level wrestlers were

forced to hold a protest against him, staging a dharna at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar from January 18.

The protestors made serious allegations against Singh, including sexual harassment of women wrestlers, physical abuse, dictatorial functioning and financial irregularities in the management of WFI. The players called off the protest after a late-night meeting with sports minister Anurag Thakur on January 20, in which they were given an assurance that Singh would be relieved of his duties as WFI president and an inquiry committee would be set up. Now, saying that they have lost faith in the committee, the wrestlers are back on protest. They have filed a police complaint against Singh, which also includes allegations of sexual assault on a minor. However, the police are yet to register an FIR – and the protesting wrestlers have said they will not leave Jantar Mantar until an FIR is filed. They have even approached the

Supreme Court on the matter.

Meanwhile, regarding the allegations levelled against him, Singh claimed that he would hang himself if the charges were found to be true. He refused to resign from his post as president, calling the allegations politically motivated and terming it a Congresssponsored protest. He even warned that if he opened his mouth, it would bring a ‘tsunami’. He compared the wrestlers’ protest with the Shaheen Bagh protest and added that a few players whose careers are over are levelling allegations against him.

However, Singh, who calls the protesting sportspersons as pawns of the Congress, does not have a slate as clean as he pretends. While he himself proclaimed on camera that he has committed a murder, on another occasion he reportedly confessed that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had held him responsible for “another murder”.

The EU has claimed that 600 million euros of its technology exports to India were adversely impacted annually due to India’s imposition of tariffs on ICT products

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Currently in the headlines because of allegations of sexual misconduct, the BJP MP has a long and controversial relationship with both the law and his party

Never thought I would survive this long in an industry that is driven by box office

Manoj Bajpayee turns a year older today. He is one of the most versatile actors in the country. Bajpayee debuted his feature film with a oneminute role in ‘Drohkaal’ (1994) and a minor role as a dacoit in Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen (1994). After a few unnoticed roles, he played the gangster Bhiku Mhatre in Ram Gopal Varma’s 1998 crime drama ‘Satya’, which proved to be a breakthrough. He received the National Award in Supporting Role for his performance in ‘Satya’. However, the minor roles he got in the following years did not help boost his career. It was his performance in films like ‘Rajneeti’ and ‘Gangs Of Wassyepur’ that gave him much-deserved recognition.

At a recent press conference, Manoj Bajpayee admitted that he did not expect to survive in the industry for so long. “I never thought I would survive this long in an industry that is driven

Manoj Bajpayee announces his next direct-to-digital release, ‘Bandaa’ on ZEE5

ZEE5 announced its next direct-to-digital original movie Bandaa starring Manoj Bajpayee. Inspired by true incidents, Bandaa is a power-packed courtroom drama backed by Vinod Bhanushali’s Bhanushali Studios Limited, Zee Studios and Suparn S Varma, directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and written by Deepak Kingrani. Bandaa will be a direct-to-digital, ZEE5 exclusive release.

This is Padma Shri and National Award recipient, Manoj Bajpayee’s third OTT Original collaboration with ZEE5 after the success of Silence… Can You Hear It? and Dial 100. In Bandaa, he plays an eminent lawyer who single-handedly fought against all odds for truth and justice. Manoj Bajpayee said, “It gives me immense joy to announce my third collaboration with ZEE5 for Bandaa.

Social Media Destroys Life: ‘I Am Scared To Talk’

by box office, an industry which used to be driven by formula. I could not see myself going beyond being hero’s brother or the main villain’s henchman. Now standing here, I am only thankful to God and all my family and the people out there who believed in me and all the directors who never lost hope in me and believed in my ability and kept on pushing me,” he told the reporters.

However, with the boost of OTT platforms, Manoj Bajpayee got roles that did justice to his talent. With shows like ‘The Family Man’, Bajpayee received critical and audience appreciation and love. “I never sought image, my approach was always towards character and that has slowly become possible, now more than ever as there are more mediums. There are theatres and OTT and many other platforms where you can justify yourself as an actor. I am very passionate about this craft called acting. I think this is a love story that is far more important to me than anything else. Me and my craft of acting, that is something that is going to go on forever. Every day the greed is more for some amazing characters,” he said.

‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ Box Office

The film collected over Rs 25 crore on Saturday and Sunday bringing the opening weekend collection to Rs 68.17 crore

Salman Khan’s Eid offering ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ had underwhelming start at the box office. However, on day 2 the collections picked up by over 60 percent and the momentum was intact on Sunday as well. The film collected over Rs 25 crore on Saturday and Sunday bringing the opening weekend collection to Rs 68.17 crore.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his Twitter handle on Monday morning to share the opening weekend collection reports. “#KisiKaBhaiKisiKiJaan packs a solid total in its opening weekend… #SalmanKhan’s star power + #Eid festivities ensured #HouseFull boards across many properties on Sat and Sun… Fri 15.81 cr, Sat 25.75 cr, Sun 26.61 cr.

Total: ₹ 68.17 cr. #India biz.”

“The jump on Sat and Sun - in mass circuits specifically - has contributed to a big, fat total… In fact, a major chunk of revenue has come from this sector, which is a good sign since *many films* were struggling to stay afloat in mass pockets this year. The real test for #KisiKaBhaiKisiKiJaan starts today [Mon]… It’s a wait and watch situation right now,” he added. The film witnessed a growth of 3.40 percent on Sunday in comparison to Saturday.

Helmed by Farhad Samji, ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ also stars Pooja Hegde, Jagapathi Babu, Bhumika Chawla, Vijender Singh, Abhimanyu Singh, Raghav Juyal, Siddharth Nigam, Jassie Gill, Shehnaaz Gill, Palak Tiwari and Vinali Bhatnagar.

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has opened how social media can destroy one’s life their said that he is also “scared to talk” because actor also said that when his daughter Athiya is abused online, it really hurts him.

On The Ranveer Show, Suniel said, “Today’s time media there is no privacy, it destroys your life. One edited in 15 different ways, put out in 15 different it’s destroyed our lives. You know it’s made it I’m scared to talk.”

Suniel further said, “We’ve been forced diplomatic because you’re hammering me otherwise for something that I have not done and who’s hammering me? Somebody I don’t even know on Twitter or on Facebook. Abusing me, my family, calling my daughter a b**ch, calling my mother, for what? That hurts because I come from the old school”.

The actor added that he won’t sit quietly and said, “You know I’m a Shetty boy. I would never keep quiet. Today they’d say ‘You know he’s using his strength to do this’ and not realising how much the other individual has probably damaged me hurt me.”

Ayushmann KhurranaStarrer ‘Dream Girl 2’ To Now Release On August 25

The upcoming film ‘Dream Girl 2’, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana as a crossgender actor, has pushed its release date once again. The film was earlier supposed to bow in theatres on June 23, but now, owing to VFX work, the film will arrive in cinemas on August 25.

The VFX work is crucial for ‘Dream Girl 2’, as the film features Ayushmann Khurrana to play the role of Pooja and Karam. The makers want to ensure that he looks seamless and convincing as Pooja. Speaking about the decision, Ektaa R. Kapoor, Joint Managing DirectorBalaji Telefilms Limited, said: “We want Ayushmann Khurrana’s character to look perfect as Pooja in ‘Dream Girl 2’, and that’s why we are taking extra time to perfect the VFX work for the face. We want to ensure that our viewers get the best possible experience when they watch the movie.”

Talk’

opened up about their lives. He because of it. The Athiya Shetty

time of social One sentence different ways and impossible.

to be otherwise who’s on family, mother, the and never using much me and

Hera Pheri 3: After T-Series, now Eros International issues public notice

Eros International, too, has jumped into the fray. As per a notice published in Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine, Eros has claimed that it holds the Intellectual Property Rights as well as the rights to the title, digital rights and music rights on a ‘sole and exclusive basis’. And that’s not all. Eros also claimed that it has the exclusive rights to Welcome Back (2015).

Further, the notice stated that Firoz Nadiadwala’s Base Industries Group owes Rs. 60,07,75,236, inclusive of interest, to Eros International as on April 17, 2023. The notice then claimed that Base Industries Group had agreed that until it doesn’t make this payment, Eros International will possess the sole rights to Hera Pheri 3. It also claimed that Nadiadwala had made it clear that it would not create third-party rights or try to release Hera Pheri 3 in India or any part of the world without the consent of Eros International.

Dimple Kapadia Is Happy With The Sense Of Responsibility In The New Generation

Veteran Bollywood actress Dimple Kapadia, who shot to fame at the age of 14 with her movie, ‘Bobby’, is creating headlines these days for the web series ‘Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo’ in which she is sharing screen space with emerging faces of the entertainment industry including Radhika Madan, Isha Talwar, and Angira Dhar. She shared her working experience with the young actors and being part of the web show. Talking about her experience, Dimple said: “Working with Radhika, Isha and Angira was an absolute joy. The independence and the sense of responsibility that comes with this new generation makes me really happy and assured that the next generation of actors will carry on the legacy of Hindi cinema.”

The 65-year-old actress has given a number of hits such as ‘Saagar’, ‘Rudaali’, ‘Gardish’,

‘Lekin..’, ‘Kaash’, ‘Prahaar’, ‘Narsimha’, ‘Hum Kaun Hai’, among others. She also played character and supporting roles in many projects. She received several awards for her performances in movies like ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Luck By Chance’, ‘Finding Fanny’, and many more. While sharing her working experience with the new generation of actors and doing action scenes, she added: “These three young actresses are incredibly talented and passionate about their work, and I couldn’t have asked for better co-stars.” “Some of the scenes were full of action and we really depended on each other for both moral and physical support as it demanded a lot from us. There were a wide range of emotions we had to go through right from doing action sequences to high octane drama and together, we did it all,” she concluded.

Ravi Dubey welcomes Vivian Dsena in Udaariyaan; shares promo

Udaariyaan, which has been experiencing quite a bit of plot twists and turns, recently witnessed a massive turn in the story when Nehmat (Twinkle Arora) and Ekam (Hitesh Bharadwaj) continue to stay separated. Ekam has now married Harleen (Isha Malviya) in a shocking turn of events and as the families are trying to cope up with this new twist, Nehmat is in dire need of a support system. We wonder if the entry of Vivian Dsena will provide the beloved daughter of Virk family some comfort.

Shah Rukh Khan to shoot Rajkumar Hirani directorial Dunki in Kashmir

With two more releases this year, Shah Rukh Khan is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that the films stick to the timeline. The actor will reportedly reach Kashmir to shoot for Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki. The shoot will commence today, April 24. As per a report in News18, Kashmir has been trying to revive the movie shoot culture. Satyaprem Ki Katha and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani were the recent movies that were shot in Kashmir. It is being reported Rajkumar Hirani and his team visited the Sonamarg last week as they are likely to shoot a song with choreographer Ganesh Acharya. The film will be backed by Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. It will release on the big screen on December 22, 2023. The film stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role. Even Satish Shah has joined the cast along with Boman Irani. It is a story about immigration. Dunki has already been shot in Mumbai, Budapest and London.

On the work front, Suniel was recently seen in the web show Hunter. The actor is also shooting for the film Hera Pheri 3 with Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Sanjay Dutt

Bodies of Two Indian Students Found in Indiana Lake

SC issues notice to Delhi government on plea of 7 women wrestlers

The wrestlers made an urgent mention before the CJI of their petition seeking registration of FIR for sexual harassment and criminal intimidation against BJP MP Brij

Bhushan Sharan Singh

hearing some arguments from senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who mentioned the matter, it decided to take up the case straightaway, reports.

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Siddhant Shah and Aryan Vaidya

-- two Indian students of Indiana University went missing at Lake Monroe on a boating trip. And now, searchers have recovered the bodies of the two in 18 feet of water in an area east of the Paynetown Marina, located about 10 miles of the university’s campus in Bloomington. Both the boys were boating on a pontoon on April 15 when their group anchored to swim. But both of them did not resurface even as friends attempted to help them but were unsuccessful, Divers searched the area intensively before they could find the missing.

We Love Immigrant NYC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Delhi government and others on a plea by seven women wrestlers alleging non-registration of an FIR on their sexual harassment allegations against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, saying these are “serious allegations” requiring its consideration.

The top court was initially of the view that the plea of the women wrestlers may be listed for hearing on Friday. However, after

The bench said normally, a remedy to approach police is available under Section 156 (police officers’ power to investigate cognisable cases) of the Code of Criminal Procedure. “What are the charges,” the bench asked. Sibal alleged that seven wrestlers, including a minor, have made alleged sexual harassment allegations but no FIR has been lodged so far despite the law being very clear on this aspect. “These are women wrestlers...There are seven which include a minor. There is a committee report which has not been made public. And no FIR is registered,” he said. Referring to judgements, the senior lawyer said even a police personnel can be prosecuted for not registering an FIR in an offence of this nature.

As Kerala develops, India will develop faster: PM Modi

develop, the country will develop faster. He said the central government lays emphasis on cooperative federalism and believes that if the states develop, it will help in the development of the country.

“As Kerala develops, India will develop faster,” Modi said at an event held at the Central Stadium here.

Rahane Named In India’s Squad For WTC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated to the nation various developmental projects, including the Kochi Water Metro, and said as states

Earlier in the day, the PM flagged off the state’s first Vande Bharat Express train from the Central Railway Station here. The service will connect the state capital with Kasaragod. Most public transportation systems in the country, including the Kochi Water Metro, are made in India, he added.

Indian-American Arizona state rep announces run

for Congress

New campaign launched to celebrate the New York City’s immigrant community

Launched by Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the campaign promoting community events celebrating the city’s immigrant community will run through Immigrant Heritage Week and the national celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month in June.

“Immigrant Heritage Week is a celebration of the countless contributions that immigrants have made,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

First launched in 2004 in New York City, Immigrant Heritage Week is a weeklong celebration commemorating the 116th anniversary of April 17, 1907, the day in New York City history on which the largest number of immigrants –11,000 – entered the US through Ellis Island.

IANS) Indian-American state representative Amish Shah announced that he will be running for Congress in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, which is presently held by Republican David Schweikert.

An emergency physician for over 15 years, Shah, a Democrat, has been representing districts in the Phoenix area as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives since 2019.

Indian-American state representative Amish Shah announced that he will be running for Congress in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, which is presently held by Republican David Schweikert.

“I am running for Congress because I have seen the difference a single person can make within the government to improve people’s lives. Serving in Congress is an opportunity to make an even greater positive impact on issues affecting Arizona,” Shah said in a statement announcing his candidacy. According to his campaign statement, he has made a name for himself with his unique brand of door-to-door campaigning, having visited over 15,000 households, and to date, he has had more bills signed into law than any other Democrat currently in the Arizona legislature.

Ajinkya Rahane makes his Team India return for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, has not been included. Rahane, a veteran of 82 Test matches, last played for India in the longest format of the game in January last year. Since then, he was not considered for selection owing to poor form. However, having done well in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 34-year-old made his way back.

Indian-American Lawyer to Join Maryland Business Hall of Fame

New York, April 25 (IANS) Sheela Murthy, a prominent IndianAmerican entrepreneur and immigration lawyer, will be inducted into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame for her leadership skills and entrepreneurial acumen and spirit. Murthy, founder and president of Murthy Law Firm, will be honoured at the annual Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire MD event on May 11 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

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Sheela Murthy

Indian-American state representative Amish Shah

Wrestlers addressing a press conference against the WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 24, 2023

Indian-Origin Man Jailed in S’pore for Sham Marriage

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Singapore: An Indian-origin man in Singapore has been sentenced to six months in prison for arranging a marriage of convenience between a colleague and his niece to gain an immigration advantage, a media report said. Meeran Gani Nagoor Pitchai, 73, asked Abdul Kader Kasim, an Indian national who wanted to extend his short-term visit pass in 2016, to marry his cash-strapped niece in return for the payment of S$25,000, the TODAY newspaper reported. Short term visit pass applicants, seeking an extension of 89 days from their date of entry to Singapore, require a local sponsor. As part of the arrangement, Pitchai arranged for his niece, Noorjan Abdul, to become Kasim’s sponsor. After Kasim and Noorjan agreed to the marriage and the financial arrangement, it was agreed that Pitchai would get S$1,000 as Noorjan’s former husband owed him money.

Sikhism To Be Included In Virginia Schools Curriculum

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Virginia State Board of Education voted in favor of new History and Social Science Standards which for the first time ever includes Sikhism Virginia is now 17th state to have worked with the Sikh Coalition to include accurate information about Sikhs in their public school social studies standards.

“After more than two years of engagement alongside the local sangat, this change will help to ensure that Sikhi can

Another Indian Man Urinates On CoPassenger On NYCDelhi Flight

be taught in classrooms across the Commonwealth of Virginia,” added Harman Singh, Sikh Coalition Senior Education Manager. “Inclusive and accurate standards are an important first step to combat bigotry and to reduce bullying, and they benefit all students by increasing cultural competency.”

The Sikh Coalition acknowledges that the new social studies standards come with serious and well-documented flaws, and there are many communities that are not represented as they should be. We continue to fight for not just the Sikh community, but all groups whose histories should be taught accurately.

Pakistani – Origin Man Admits To Committing Export Fraud Violation

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BECKLEY, WV – Rana Zeeshan Tanveer, a 42-year-old resident of Beckley, has pleaded guilty to committing an export fraud violation. Tanveer admitted to knowingly submitting false export valuations for two high-technology devices that he shipped to Pakistan. According to court documents and statements made in court, Tanveer ordered the two items in May 2017, paying more than $4,000 for both. He then created a false invoice that intentionally understated the value of the items as less than $200 and used it to ship the items to Pakistan using a freight forwarding service in July 2017. Tanveer also admitted to using false invoices on at least six other occasions from 2014 to 2018, undervaluing U.S.-origin technology that he exported to Pakistan. Federal law requires the filing of

Rana Zeeshan Tanveer, 43, confesses to submitting fraudulent export valuations for advanced technology equipment sent to Pakistan

accurate Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) about certain items that are exported from the United States. It is a federal crime to knowingly submit

false or misleading Electronic Export Information. Tanveer faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2023. The United States Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Will Thompson, who commended the investigative work of OEE and FBI. OEE Washington Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Anderson and FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall both stated their commitment to working together to prevent and disrupt illicit trade that threatens U.S. national security and undermines U.S. foreign policy

Connecticut Residents Alerted To Increased Incidents Of Mail Theft By Local Police

STRATFORD ,CT- Stratford police have issued a warning to residents in the town, urging them to be cautious when using outdoor mailboxes. According to the authorities, there have been reports of mail being stolen from USPS, FedEx and UPS mailboxes, particularly during overnight hours, weekends, and holidays.

To prevent becoming a victim of these thefts, the police department is advising residents to use alternative mailing methods such as sending items from inside the post office or utilizing online banking services.

The Stratford police are taking the situation seriously and are actively

working to investigate and prevent further mail thefts.

They urge any residents who witness suspicious activity near mailboxes to contact the police department immediately to report it. In conclusion, it is important for residents of Stratford to take extra precautions when mailing items and to remain vigilant against potential mail thefts.

Using the post office and online banking services are viable alternatives to outdoor mailboxes that can help to prevent mail theft and protect personal information.

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NEW YORK, NY- In what is becoming a shameful case of repeat offences, a third case of an Indian man urinating on a fellow passenger has come to light. On Sunday, the incident happened onboard a Boeing 777 operating as AA 292. The accused Rahil Sharma was said to be drunk when he relieved himself on another passenger.

The American airlines handed the passenger over to law enforcement agencies in Delhi. This has been yet another case of a passenger urinating in a flight in a drunk state. Last month, an Indian student studying in the US urinated on another passenger onboard an American Airlines NYDelhi flight. This is the fourth such case in the past few months with earlier two cases occurring on Air India flights. The man was held by the police in Delhi upon landing.

Neeli Bendapudi Gets This Years’ Immigrant Achievement Award

President of Penn State University, Indian American Neeli Bendapudi is all set to receive the prestigious Immigrant Achievement Award this year for her contributions to higher education in the US.

The award would be presented at the DC Immigrant Achievement Awards reception on April 28.

For nearly 30 years, Penn State President Dr Bendapudi’s career in higher education has been committed to student success, fostering inclusive excellence, and creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to thrive,” said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of the American Immigration Council. Born and raised in India, Bendapudi moved to the United States for her doctoral studies at the University of Kansas. At Penn State she oversees the university’s modern land-grant mission of teaching, research, and public service across 24 campuses and the online Penn State World Campus.

New standards will give more than a million students in Virginia the opportunity to learn about Sikh community

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USCIS Provides Clearer Guidance On Citizenship And Naturalization Requirements For Adopted Children

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WASHINGTON, DC- Effective immediately, the USCIS Policy Manual is being updated to provide clarification on how U.S. citizenship and naturalization provisions apply to adopted children. This update consolidates and clarifies existing information in Volume 5 and supplements policy in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual on citizenship and naturalization.

The updated guidance provides detailed requirements for adopted children to meet the definition of a child for citizenship and naturalization purposes. It emphasizes the importance of having an adoption that is considered full, final, and complete for immigration purposes to be eligible for U.S. citizenship. It also provides information on how to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for adopted children who reside in the United States

USCIS Extends Biometrics Pause for Form I-539 Applicants

WASHINGTON, DC- USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The previously announced suspension, which was initially in place until May 17, 2023, has been extended through Sept. 30, 2023.

We will allow adjudications for those specific categories to proceed based on biographic information and related background checks, without capturing fingerprints and a photograph. However, we retain discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to require biometrics for any applicant, and applicants may be scheduled for an application support center appointment to submit biometrics.

As a reminder, if you are a Form I-539 applicant meeting the biometrics suspension criteria, you do not need to submit the $85 biometric services fee for Form I-539 during the suspension period. We will return a biometric services fee if submitted separately from the base fee and will reject paper Form I-539 applications if you meet the above criteria and submit a single payment covering both the filing fee and the $85 biometrics services fee. If we reject the paper application because you included the $85 biometrics service fee, you will need to re-file Form I-539 without the biometric services fee.

and how to apply for citizenship and issuance of a certificate for adopted children who reside outside of the United States.

Furthermore, the updated guidance provides guidance on the acquisition

of citizenship and naturalization when an adoption is disrupted or dissolved. It aims to help adoptive families and adoptees understand the requirements for U.S. citizenship and documentation of their citizenship, if they are eligible.

It is important to note that the updated guidance does not change the requirements for adopted children to become U.S. citizens. Some children immigrating based on adoption automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when they are admitted to the United States as lawful permanent residents. However, for those who do not, their adoptive parents need to take additional steps before the child turns 18 years of age for the child to obtain U.S. citizenship through an adoptive parent. Adoptees who do not obtain citizenship through their adoptive parents before turning 18 may be eligible to apply for naturalization after the age of 18.

USCIS welcomes feedback on this update and encourages individuals to visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update. Any comments received will be considered in future updates to the Policy Manual.

Charlotte Retailers Face Hefty Fines For Allegedly Overcharging Customers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently fined a number of stores in the Charlotte area for overcharging customers. The largest fine was issued to the Family Dollar on Old Statesville Road in Charlotte, with a penalty of $20,000. The store was found to have committed hundreds of overcharges since June of the previous year. Other stores on the list of those fined include Circle K on Matthews Mint-Hill Road in Matthews, which paid a fine of $5,340, Dollar General on West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte, which paid a fine of $7,675, Family Dollar on Pineville-Matthews Road in Pineville, which paid a fine of $10,000, and Target on University City Boulevard in Charlotte, which paid a fine of $8,370.

Overall, 37 stores across 22 counties received fines for price scanning errors. These fines serve as a reminder to all retailers to be diligent in accurately pricing their goods and to ensure that customers are not overcharged.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is committed to protecting consumers from such practices and will continue to take action against stores that violate the state’s pricing laws.

Grocery Store Worker Accused Of Contaminating Food With Sewing Needles

HARRISBURG, PA- The police in Eastern Pennsylvania have announced that they will be charging an underage employee of a local Giant supermarket in connection with the discovery of sewing needles in various packaged food items. The contaminated products were found in bagged vegetables and Tastykake packages that customers had returned after purchase.

State police are advising customers who purchased groceries from the Giant store in suburban Allentown between April 13 and April 19 to check their purchases for any signs of tampering. The exact reason for why the police suspect the involvement of the supermarket employee is not yet

known, but the individual in question is a minor and their identity has not been disclosed. The police have stated that charges against the suspect are imminent.

It is not clear if any customers have reported being injured by the contaminated products. The police have not provided any further details on this matter at this time.

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NYC Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Roundtable Discussion With Indian American CEOs

NEW YORK, NY- On Tuesday, NYC Mayor Eric Adams spoke to CEOs from various sectors such as banking, finance, pharmaceuticals, retail, diamond and IT at a CEO roundtable organized by the Consulate General of India in New York in partnership with the NYC Mayors Office for International Affairs. The CEOs who participated in the roundtable included Suresh Muthuswamy, Chairman, North America, Tata Consultancy Services, Michael McCabe, Tata Sons Country Head – North America, and several others.

During the roundtable, Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of understanding the role of the Indian community in the city’s prosperity in three areas: encouraging them to participate in the political scene, making a bridge between school, high school kids, and youth with companies that have the required skills for the

future, and providing tools to help kids intern and volunteer. He also expressed his commitment to expanding and partnering with Indian businesses to grow their businesses together.

Indian Student Shot Dead At Ohio Gas Station

Randhir Jaiswal, Consul General of India in New York, stated that the roundtable provided an opportunity to strengthen the business engagement between New York City and India, particularly

in economic ties in the startup, tech, finance, and energy sectors. Jaiswal also highlighted India’s status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and its expansion of digital public infrastructure at the fastest pace globally. Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for New York City Mayor Office for International Affairs, emphasized the importance the Mayor’s Office places on attracting international businesses and companies to expand in the city’s five boroughs. Chauhan stressed that the mayor’s message is “GET STUFF DONE” and highlighted the incentives being offered to companies looking to expand their footprint in the city. Officials accompanying the mayor included Mira Joshi, Deputy Mayor for Operations, Andrew Kimball, President and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Edward Mermelstein, New York City Commissioner for International Affairs, among others.

Ohio Lawmakers Remove Childcare Assistance Proposal for

Critical-Care Workers

Veera Saiesh (25), hailing from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, was killed at a gas station on West Broad Street, Franklinton in Columbus on Thursday morning.

According to information received by his family, the assailant shot Saiesh at 12.50 a.m. local time at the Shell fuel station, where he was working as a clerk. Saiesh, who was pursuing his master’s course and also doing a part-time job at a gas station, was rushed to a hospital and was pronounced dead after a while. The Columbus Police have released the photos of the suspect and appealed to the people to share any information about him.

Though the motive behind the shooting was not established yet, police suspect it to be a case of robbery.

Saiesh, who lost his father a few years ago, had gone to the United States in

November 2021 for studies. To help the family financially, he had also taken up a part-time job at a gas station. His mother and elder brother, who stay in Eluru, were shocked on receiving the information. They have appealed to the Indian government to help in bringing home the mortal remains.

COLUMBUS, OH—Ohio state lawmakers have removed $150 million from Governor Mike DeWine’s budget plan, which would have provided child-care scholarships for about 12,000 children of critical-care workers across the state. Child-care advocates have expressed disappointment, arguing that the money is necessary to help workers such as nurses, first responders, and child-care workers who are struggling to pay for child care, which can cost up to $10,000 per year.

The money, which would have come from Ohio’s share of federal coronavirus aid, would have been used to offer onetime payments to workers earning less

than 200% of the federal poverty line, or $60,000 per year for a family of four. State lawmakers did not touch a different proposal in DeWine’s budget to offer money to subsidize childcare costs for Ohioans making up to 160% of the federal poverty line ($48,000 per year for a family of four). Several prominent business organizations, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, have urged state lawmakers to approve the $150 million, along with other childcare funding included in the governor’s budget plan. House Speaker Jason Stephens declined to comment on the removal of the money, stating that it was part of the budgeting process.

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(L-R) Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi, NYC Mayor Hon. Eric Adams, Consul General Hon. Randhir Jaiswal, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein & Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs Dilip Chauhan

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Veera Saiesh

Suspect who shot down the Indian student was released by the Columbus police (Twitter/@ColumbusPolice)

Proclamation Of Final Results For The April 4, 2023

cast in that election.

• 266,034 ballots were cast In Precinct on Election Day

• 21,625 ballots were cast at Vote Centers on Election Day

• 186,169 ballots were cast by Early Voting before Election Day

• 161,592 ballots were cast by Vote By Mail

• 30.33% of people Early Voted

• 26.33% of people Voted By Mail

Expedited Consequences For Illegal Crossings Along The Northern Border

foreign countries.

Through this process and cooperation with El Paso and Rio Grande Valley sectors, Swanton Sector has promptly repatriated 204 individuals – who were apprehended while attempting to illegally enter the United States from Canada – to their home country.

CHICAGO, IL – Today, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners met to officially declare and proclaim the results of the April 4, 2023 Municipal Run-Off Election.

The City of Chicago saw 613,795 ballots cast for a 38.67% citywide turnout for 1,587,153 registered voters.

April 4, 2023 Municipal Run-Off Election

This is the most total ballots cast in a Chicago Municipal Election since February 23, 1999, which had 623,755 total ballots cast. The next closest was April 4, 1995 had 620,615 total ballots

MTA Policy Update: More Items Allowed on Mass Transit

• 43.34% of people voted on Election Day

In the April 2, 2019 Municipal Run-Off Election, there were 526,886 ballots cast for a 33.08% citywide turnout for 1,592,658 voters.

In the April 7, 2015 Municipal Run-Off Election, there were 592,524 ballots cast for a 41.10% citywide turnout for 1,441,637 registered voters.

By Age and Gender vote total and percentages for the April 4, 2023 RunOff Election will be released in the near future.

PLATTSBURGH, NY. – Since March 13, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, in conjunction with federal partners, has increased its expedited repatriation process for individuals illegally crossing the northern border into the United States. This repatriation process includes additional personnel support, transportation logistics, optimized processes across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice, and coordination between the State Department and

“Border security and national security are inseparably intertwined and directly support public safety,” said Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia. “These removals represent an undertaking aimed toward ensuring the delivery of consequences to uphold the laws of the United States and protect every U.S. citizen. Whether you live in a border town or anywhere else in our great country, we all share in both the real and potential adverse impacts of illicit cross-border activity if left unchecked.”

Individuals considering illegal entry along the northern border are reminded to not put their lives at risk on the dangerous journey to ultimately be sent back to their home countries.

Oakton College partners with 30+ organizations to address neurodiversity needs

NEW YORK, NY- The New York City (NYC) subway, bus, and commuter rail riders now have the option to bring personal electric vehicles (PEVs) such as scooters and ebikes on board as part of a new policy by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The policy aims to expand access to MTA transit points for commuters who don’t live within walking distance from stations, as part of a broader strategy to offset some of the financial losses incurred by the agency over the past few years. However, not all PEVs are allowed on board. Hoverboards and rentals such as Citi Bikes are prohibited, and express buses are also off-limits. In addition, the PEV must not be charged or ridden on any MTA train, subway, bus, platform, station, facility, or terminal. If the PEV is foldable, it must be compacted and carried, and the doors, seats, aisles, and emergency equipment must remain clear. Other rules include a 100-pound weight limit, a wheel diameter limit of 27 inches, and a length and height limit of 80 inches and 48 inches, respectively. The PEV must use Underwriter Laboratory (UL)certified batteries and must not emit environmental contaminants or have damaged batteries. Violations of these rules may result in penalties, fines, or expulsion from the transit system.

SKOKIE, IL-Oakton College recently organized an event called “Neurodiversity Resources in our Community” at their Skokie campus, which brought together over 30 local organizations to discuss resources and ways to support the neurodiverse community.

This event was part of Oakton’s commitment to creating just and thriving communities and ensuring that the needs of all members of the community, including the neurodivergent population, are understood and met.

Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges that brain differences are normal, and neurodivergent individuals refer to people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or other neurodiverse conditions. According to the National Cancer Institute, neurodivergent individuals make up 15-20% of the world’s population and may require special accommodations and support in school and work. However, the unemployment rate for neurodivergent adults runs as high as 30-40%, which is three times the overall rate for people with disabilities and eight times the rate for people without disabilities, as per the University of Connecticut’s Center for Neurodiversity & Employment Innovation.

The event saw participation from

organizations offering postsecondary disability-related programs, high schools, and libraries.

Panelists from the Anixter Center, Options for College Success, and the Douglas Center led a discussion on how local organizations can collaborate to serve the neurodiverse population better. The goal of the event was to identify the needs, challenges, and experiences of the neurodiverse community and brainstorm how successful alliances could enhance the services offered to them.

Oakton College is committed to providing equitable access to education

for all students and advancing equity by providing educational opportunities for its diverse student body. The college’s new strategic plan, Vision 2030: Building Just and Thriving Communities, includes commitments to advancing racial justice, strengthening the student experience, enhancing workforce readiness, and community engagement. The college’s Access and Disability Resource Center Manager, Teresa O’Sullivan, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s outcome and the potential for partnerships that could make a lasting impact in the community.

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(R – L): The panel was led by Oakton Dean of Counseling, Health and Wellness Services Mark Kiel. Panelists included Options for College Success Executive Director Samantha Kolkey, Douglas Center Director of Program and Clinical Services David Banas, and Anixter Center Strategic Business and Partnership Advisor Bridget Glavaz.

Pak-American Mehtab D. Syed appointed as LA’s Special Agent in Charge

WAHINGTON, DC- Director

Christopher Wray has announced the appointment of Mehtab D. Syed as the special agent in charge of the Counterintelligence and Cyber Division at the Los Angeles Field Office. Ms. Syed has an extensive background in counterterrorism and counterintelligence investigations, as well as experience working in FBI Headquarters and overseas.

Ms. Syed joined the FBI as a special agent in 2005 and began her career in the New York Field Office working on counterterrorism investigations. She also served on the Crisis Negotiation Team and Rapid Deployment Team in New York.

In 2008, Ms. Syed was deployed to Islamabad, Pakistan, where she served as the acting assistant legal attaché. During her time there, she coordinated activities between law enforcement, intelligence, and security services of multiple governments.

Upon returning to the New York Field Office, Ms. Syed was promoted to supervisory special agent in 2012 and worked in the Counterterrorism Division at Headquarters on extraterritorial investigations. In 2015,

she was appointed assistant legal attaché in Amman, Jordan, where she oversaw FBI efforts in the region during the U.S.’s efforts against the self-declared Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Ms. Syed returned to the New York Field Office in 2017 as a supervisory special agent for the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and served as the acting assistant special agent in charge (ASAC) of the New York JTTF’s Extraterritorial Branch in 2020. Later that year, she was selected as the ASAC of the Cyber/

Religious Leaders’ Advocacy Leads to Easing of Immigration Penalties

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TALLAHASSEE, FL Florida

Counterintelligence Branch at the Newark Field Office, and in 2022, she was promoted to section chief in the Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters.

Ms. Syed was born in Pakistan and immigrated to the U.S. in 1988. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Adelphi University in New York and worked as a financial analyst in the private sector and as a contract linguist for the FBI before joining as a special agent.

lawmakers made changes to a proposed immigration bill that would no longer make it a felony to transport individuals without legal status within the state. Religious leaders had raised concerns that the initial language of the bill would have exposed them to felony charges if they transported undocumented individuals to church or Sunday school. The revised bill expands human-smuggling penalties for transporting five or more people without legal status into Florida, outside of the state, or if the defendant has a prior human-smuggling conviction. The bill, which is a top priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis, also requires businesses with 25 or more employees to verify immigration status through E-Verify and prohibits undocumented immigrants from practicing law in Florida.

Orange Line Restaurant opens at Midway Airport with Mayor Lightfoot’s ribbon-cutting

CHICAGO Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of The Orange Line, the latest addition to Midway International Airport’s restaurant concession offerings. This opening is part of the $75M investment to renovate and expand concessions at Midway, which is under the $400M Midway Modernization Program (MMP), the largest capital improvement project at Midway in more than 20 years. The Orange Line offers a variety of dishes, including tacos, burgers, Buffalo chicken mac and cheese,

Latest addition to Midway Modernization Program, the eatery marks a major milestone for Concessions Redevelopment Program

new and improved options, is now complete. The second phase will add 26,000 square feet of concessions. There are currently 61 food, beverage, retail, and vending concessions locations at Midway, including locallyowned favorites like Billy Goat Tavern, Garrett Popcorn, Nuts on Clark, Café Descartes, Shoe Hospital, Farmer’s Fridge, and The Orange Line. Nine new food and beverage concessions

and eight new retail locations are expected to open in 2023. Midway’s concessionaires achieve an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation rate of 55%, which is one of the highest in the United States. Since the Midway Modernization Program began in 2017, the CDA has constructed a new 80,000-squarefoot security pavilion over Cicero Avenue that provides additional TSA checkpoints for improved throughput. Other improvements have included upgrades to the Terminal Parking Garage, a new inline baggage handling system for carry-on bags, and dozens of infrastructure improvements that allow for better passenger flow. The Concessions Redevelopment Program is the final major component of the MMP.

FBI Newark Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed

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near Gate B21 and is open from 5 a.m.

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Mayor Lightfoot cuts ribbon new restaurant at Midway Intl. Airport

IPL franchises tempt 6 English players with multimillion pound deals to quit international cricket

Discussions have already taken place with a number of high-profile Australian players about full-time deals but this has now been extended to English players. Contracts could be worth upwards of GBP 2 million a year and even as high as GBP 5 million — more than five times the value of the highest England central contracts

Owners of top IPL franchises are trying to convince as many as six premier England players to quit international cricket and take up handsome annual contracts ranging up to 5 million pounds in order to play T20 leagues round the year, the ‘Times London’ reported. Almost all the 10 IPL franchises have branched out in various leagues, including CPL (West Indies), SA T20 (South Africa), Global T20 League (UAE) and the upcoming Major League T20 in the US. The report, however, doesn’t state which are the franchise that have approached and who are the players involved in the discussion.

There will also be an ambitious Saudi T20 league where some of the IPL franchises might be investing.

‘The Times’ report quotes: “Initial discussions have taken place after at least six English players, including some international stars, were approached by IPL franchise owners and asked whether, in principle, they would accept a deal that would make an Indian team their main employer, rather than the ECB or an English county.” “This development follows discussions among players’ unions around the world about the potential implications of 12-month franchise contracts, which would be a significant step towards the football model of elite players being primarily contracted to their team

“We Share Love...”: Shoaib Malik Opens

and released for international duty, rather than the other way around.

“One source told The Times that contract offers could come as soon as the end of the year.” There is no doubt that T20 cricket is here to stay and T10 is also fast catching the imagination of the public. While ICC has always thought about putting a cap on the number of leagues that an active contracted player can take part in a year, one can’t rule out a possibility of a lot of young players either retiring from international cricket or giving up on central contracts to become free agents. The only hurdle in such a scenario could be ‘NOC’ from the respective country’s cricket board. “The probability of such a model being adopted has grown increasingly likely in recent years as some IPL franchise owners have bought stakes in several T20

Up

Pakistan star cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis great Sania Mirza are a power couple who have massive fan following. The former Pakistan cricket team captain Malik and Sania, one of the best Indian tennis players ever, got married in 2013, and have a son, Izhan Mirza-Malik. Late last year, there were speculations that the relationship between Shoaib and Sania had soured. Now, Malik has broken silence over the rumours. “Khabre chal rahi hai, taluqat acche nahi hai. What do you want to say?” Malik was asked on Geo News programme ‘Score’.

“Nothing on it. On Eid I would like to say that had we been together it would have been great. But she has got commitments in IPL. She is doing shows in IPL. That’s why we are not together. We share love like always. I miss her a lot, that I can say,” Malik said. “There are (professional) commitments. But Eid is a day when you miss a lot the people who are close to you.” He added that, the duo does not pay heed to such rumours.

“This is why neither I released a statement nor did she,” he added.

tournaments in the UAE, South Africa, Caribbean — and now the United States with the new Major League Cricket venture which begins in July,” the newspaper was quoted as saying.

The paper also claimed that a discussion on similar lines took place with star Australian T20 specialists also.

“Discussions have already taken place with a number of high-profile Australian players about full-time deals but this has now been extended to English players. Contracts could be worth upwards of GBP 2 million a year and even as high as GBP 5 million — more than five times the value of the highest England central contracts.” The paper also spoke about the possibility of having partial contracts both with ECB or county and the IPL franchise, especially, the ones who play white-ball cricket.

“Reduced IPL deals — covering at least three of the rounds — would also be on offer. It is unlikely that any of England’s Test stars will walk away from their central contracts in favour of a franchise contract but the sheer amount of money on offer makes that a risk in the future. “What is more likely is that players will arrange “bespoke” deals depending on their own circumstances, which could result in them being part-contracted to their county or the ECB and partcontracted to a franchise.”

Allegations against WFI chief should be investigated: Bhupinder Hooda

Ravi Shastri’s Message to BCCI Selectors on WTC Final Squad

Former Haryana chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Wednesday said the allegations against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh should be investigated with impartiality. India’s top wrestlers on Tuesday

intensified their protest against Singh and asserted that they won’t leave the protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi until the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, who is facing sexual harassment charges, is arrested. While interacting with reporters here, Hooda said that justice should be given to the sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country. He was asked about the protest by the wrestlers. “The players protesting at Jantar Mantar have made serious allegations against the wrestling federation. It is necessary to investigate them with impartiality,” the leader of Opposition in the state assembly said.

Listen to our ‘Mann Ki Baat’: Wrestlers to PM

The wrestlers continued to receive support from politicians and farmers’ organisations as former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik visited the protest site and said it was a matter of shame that athletes who are honoured in the country for their success are now fighting for justice on the streets.

Country’s top wrestlers resumed their agitation against the wrestling federation’s chief on Sunday, three months after they ended their sit-in protest following the formation of an oversight committee to probe into the serious allegations.

India on Tuesday announced the squad for World Test Championship final against Australia that is slated to kick off on June 7 at the Oval, London. The highlights of the selection were the inclusion of Ajinkya Rahane into the team and the exclusion of Suryakumar Yadav from the 15-member squad. From the Indian squad that featured against Australia in the 3rd and 4th Test, Kuldeep Yadav and Ishan Kishan were also also among the notable absentees. Shreyas Iyer couldn’t be a part of the team owing to an injury.

On the other hand, all-rounder Shardul Thakur has also been included in the squad for the WTC final.

Impressed by the squad named for the summit clash, former India captain and ex-coach Ravi Shastri lauded the BCCI selectors and management. “Best Indian team selected. Well done selectors and team management,” wrote Shastri on Twitter.

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“Why are you not listening to our ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” the protesting wrestlers asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday and sought his time to discuss the sexual harassment allegations against his party’s MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

News Breif

PM Modi praises India’s courage in tough times

PM

Dalai Lama receives Ramon Magsaysay Award in person

Dharamsala, April 26 (IANS)

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama was on Wednesday presented the 1959 Ramon Magsaysay Award personally by members of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation after 64 years at his residence in the hill town of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama’s office said this was the first international award given to His Holiness “for Community Leadership in recognition of his leadership of the Tibetan community’s gallant struggle in defense of the sacred religion that is the inspiration of their life and culture” by the Foundation in the Philippines in August 1959.

Haresh Gurnani named Dean of Stony Brook’s College of Business in NY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India has the courage to do something new, even in the most difficult circumstances, as it faces hurdles on the way to its target for 2047 and forces that threaten to break it. PM Modi said that as the country completed 75 years of independence, it has invoked a sense of pride towards

Albanese to host Biden, Kishida, Modi at Quad summit in May

its heritage. He said the pride in “our heritage will grow as we get to know it by freeing ourselves of our slave mentality”, asserting that India celebrates its diversity.

“Today we have the target of India at 2047 (make India a developed country). We also have the challenges of the era of slavery and the period of seven decades after that. We have to take the country forward, but on the way, there will be forces that threaten to break us and people to mislead us. But India has the courage to do something new even in the most difficult of circumstances,” PM Modi said.

BJP’s ‘Rs 45 Crore Arvind Kejriwal Home Renovation’ Charge, AAP’s Rebuttal

“The Prime Minister, who calls himself a fakir, is getting a house built for himself with Rs. 500 crore,” AAP leader Sanjay Singh said in response to the BJP.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Wednesday he will host President Joe Biden and the leaders of India and Japan for a security summit next month.

The meeting at the Sydney Opera House on May 24 will be Australia’s first time hosting the Quad Leaders’ Summit. It will also include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. “President Biden, I regard as a friend. And he’s certainly a friend of Australia,” Mr. Albanese said.

PM pays tributes to Parkash Singh Badal

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal spent more than ₹ 45 crore on renovating his residence, the BJP said on Wednesday, accusing him of extravagant hypocrisy, and prompting emphatic rebuttals involving videos of crumbling ceilings by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said Mr Kejriwal, who leads the AAP, had betrayed his promise of promoting

honesty and simplicity when he entered politics. He called him a “Maharaja,” or king, and said he had a “lust for luxury and comfort.” Mr Patra also alleged, without evidence, that Mr Kejriwal had offered ₹ 20 to 50 crore to media houses to suppress the story, but they had ignored his offer. He cited documents that showed that Mr Kejriwal’s residence had been fitted with expensive marble from Vietnam, pre-fabricated wooden walls and curtains that cost lakhs of rupees each. One curtain alone cost more than ₹ 7.94 lakh, he said.

US lawmaker Khanna takes jab at talk of ‘Hinduphobia’

Indian-American Haresh Gurnani

Zofeen Maqsood

Indian-American Haresh Gurnani will take on the new role of dean of the College of Business at Stony Brook University in New York beginning July 2023. He presently serves as area chair of Business Analytics, Operations Management, Marketing and Economics areas in the School of Business at Wake Forest University. Gurnani has a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, and holds a master’s degree and doctorate in operations research from Carnegie Mellon University, Gurnani has also held faculty positions at University of Miami and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Washington, April 26 (IANS) Ro Khanna, a US lawmaker of Indian descent, has urged those among the Indian diaspora who have been raising the bogey of growing “Hinduphobia” lately, to focus on unifying issues.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a day-long conference he is hosting on Capitol Hill on India-US elections, the lawmaker also indicated that he will push for an invitation to Prime

Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint session of Congress during his June visit, which, to be clear, has not been announced officially. Khanna is one of US Congress’s three Hindu Americans and his home state California is currently a battleground for Hindu Americans who are trying to prevent the enactment of a proposed law that seeks to ban castebased discrimination, which they have blamed on, among other things, those opposed to Hindus.

The phrase “Hinduphobia” is used by these Hindu Americans to describe and define all and any real or imagined slights.

“I grew up Indian American, Hindu American, in the 1980s, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was 97 per cent, white and Christian. And I didn’t know the word Hinduphobia or feel Hinduphobia at any single point in my life growing up,” he said recalling something he said in an earlier conversation with someone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tributes to fivetime Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal at the Shiromani Akali Dal office here. SAD patriarch Badal was admitted to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali on April 16 after he complained of uneasiness in breathing. He breathed his last around 8 pm Tuesday aged 95. After arriving in Chandigarh, Modi reached the SAD office accompanied by Punjab Governoand Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar.

Google CEO Sundar

Pichai earned $226 Million in 2022

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Indian American CEO of Google and Alphabet Sundar Pichai was one of the world’s highest-paid corporate leaders in 2022 with a compensation of a whopping $226 million. Pichai received more than $218 million in the form of stock awards and earned $2 million in base salary as well as $6.3 million in other compensation. Pichai receives major stock awards every three years. In 2019, he was awarded $281 million.

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Sundar Pichai

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Modi said that as the country completed 75 years of independence, it has invoked a sense of pride towards its heritage

Nandini Gupta

discusses plans for Miss World

“From Kota, a small town in India, to the world stage, I am overwhelmed and honoured to be crowned as Femina Miss India World 2023! It’s still sinking in that I’ve achieved this dream of a lifetime. This journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with hard work, determination, and unwavering support,” Nandini Gupta, Femina Miss India World 2023, writes in her Instagram post.

The grand finale ceremony of Femina Mis India 2023 was held on April 15 in Manipur, it was a star-studded affair and celebrated the ethos of beauty in diversity. The showpiece contest culminated into the corrnonation ceremony, wherein the outgoing queens crowned the new winners. Nandini Gupta of Rajasthan was crowned Femina Miss India World 2023, who will go onto represent India at the Miss World content. Delhi’s Sherya Poonja, was crowned Femina Miss India 2023 - 1st Runner-up and Manipur’s Thounaojam Strela Luwang was crowned Femina Miss India 2023 - 2nd Runner-up..

First of all, Congratulations... How does it feel to accomplish something so monumental as a teen?

NG: It feels amazing and surreal at the same time. Can’t wait to discover what the future has in it for me

Have you talked to your family? What was their reaction?

NG: I never saw my dad crying, seeing tears in his eyes truly made me believe that I have made him proud. My parents were supportive throughout the journey, making sure I give my best in all aspects of my life.

What was your experience like in Manipur? Are there any myths about the state that you’d like to debunk?

NG: Manipur was lovely, lively, and kind. The people, the scenery, and the hospitality are all excellent. I’ve mostly heard myths about northeastern food. I tried it, and believe me, it’s finger-licking fantastic!!!!

Tell us more about your outfit by designer Robert Naorem.

NG: Robert Naorem is one of the industry’s best designers, and being able to wear his line was a source of pride in and of itself. I wore a Manipur saree with hand-embroidered deer designs on the dupatta. A one-of-a-kind portrait collection showcasing Manipur’s beauty.

What were some of the qualities you picked up during the Femina Miss India 2023 process?

NG: During the Femina Miss India 2023 process, I learned to be punctual, to live a life that is both hectic and peaceful, and to find a balance between the two. Femina Miss India 2023 taught me a lot of things that shaped my personality.

Is modelling something you want to do for the rest of your life?

NG: If the best opportunities present themselves, I will not pass them up; meanwhile I’d like to keep exploring modelling. Now that you have won Femina Miss India World 2023, you have a huge responsibility to represent India on a global stage. How are you going to get ready for Miss World?

NG: I’ll focus on four key areas: ramp walking, communication, talent, and sports, and I’ll work hard to make every moment count.

Aries

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

28th April to 5th May 2023

Ganesha says that the people of Aries will have to control their speech and behavior this week. From the beginning of the week, you will be burdened with work and domestic responsibilities. This week, when you will get new opportunities to move forward in your career and business, there will also be a lack of time to complete your tasks.

Taurus

Ganesha says that this week has brought happiness and good luck to the people of Taurus. This week you can get benefits from landbuilding etc. If you were thinking of buying or selling any land or house for a long time, then this wish of yours can be fulfilled.

Gemini

Ganesha says that the natives of Gemini may have to travel long or short distances at the beginning of the week to participate in career business or any family event etc. Due to spending more money out of pocket this week, financial worries will remain. In the middle of the week, due to misunderstandings with family members, there can be a debate.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week will prove to be very auspicious and beneficial for the Cancerians. From the beginning of the week, you will manage your time and energy.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week will prove to be mixed for the people of the Leo zodiac. At the beginning of the week, where you will get auspicious information related to career business and will get the support of best friends etc., whereas, in the second half of the week, the mind will remain restless due to some hindrances in the work done.

Virgo

Ganesha says that the people of Virgo will have to manage their money and time this week, otherwise, they may have to face big problems. At the beginning of the week itself, a large amount of money may have to be spent on repairing the house or on any other

work .

Libra

Ganesha says that the first half of the week is going to bring more auspiciousness and success for the people of the Libra zodiac than the second half. During this, the mind will be happy if the planned work is completed on time.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the people of the Scorpio zodiac will have to control their anger and speech this week, otherwise, the work done may get spoiled. As much as the first half of the week will prove to be auspicious and profitable for you, the second half is going to be equally difficult.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that this week has brought happiness and good luck for the people of Sagittarius. At the beginning of the week, with the help of best friends, the planned tasks will be completed on time. Will get an opportunity to participate in religious and auspicious work. Respect will increase in society. Both seniors and juniors will be kind to you in the workplace.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn will not be able to get full support of luck in career and business this week. Obstacles in work will be a major cause of your concern.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that it will take some time for the people of Aquarius to get the results of their efforts and hard work this week, but they will get auspicious results. At the beginning of the week, take special care of both health and relationship.

Pisces

Ganesha says that this week has brought auspiciousness and benefits for the people of Pisces. Enthusiasm and energy will remain in your mind if the planned work is completed on time. You will get full cooperation and support from family members in taking any major decision related to the family. People will appreciate your decision.

CYCLING

Cycling, or riding a bicycle, is a popular form of exercise, transportation, and recreation around the world. It’s a low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Cycling offers a host of benefits for both physical and mental health. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of cycling and why it’s an excellent choice for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Physical Health Benefits:

Cardiovascular Fitness: Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs, increasing overall fitness levels. Regular cycling can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Weight Loss: Cycling is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. Cycling at a moderate pace can burn up to 500 calories an hour. It is also an excellent form of low-impact exercise, making it easier on the joints than running or highimpact exercises.

Muscle Tone: Cycling is a full-body workout that engages multiple muscle groups, including the legs, core, and upper body. Regular cycling can lead to increased muscle tone, strength, and endurance.

Bone Health: Cycling is a weight-bearing exercise that can help to improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.

Improved Balance and Coordination: Cycling requires balance and coordination, which can improve with regular practice. Improved balance and coordination can reduce the

risk of falls and improve overall quality of life.

Mental Health Benefits:

Stress Relief: Cycling is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve mood. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that can help to reduce anxiety and depression.

Improved Sleep: Regular exercise, such as cycling, can help to improve sleep quality and duration. Getting adequate rest is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Increased Self-Confidence: Cycling can help to improve selfconfidence and self-esteem. Achieving fitness goals, such as increasing distance or speed, can boost confidence and improve mental health.

Enhanced Cognitive Function: Cycling can improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and learning. Regular exercise has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

Social Interaction: Cycling can be a social activity, providing opportunities to meet new people and connect with others who share similar interests. Social interaction is essential for mental health and well-being.

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