hi INDiA | July 14, 2023 | The Community First

Judge rejects Federal Trade Commission’s bid to delay Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger

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A federal judge on Tuesday ruled against the Federal Trade Commission’s attempt to delay Microsoft’s $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, setting the stage for the tech giant and the video game publisher to merge as soon as this month.

In a 53-page decision, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley of US District Court for the Northern District of California said the FTC had failed to show it was likely to prove the merger would result in a substantial reduction in competition that would harm consumers.

She denied the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction, which would have delayed the deal’s closing until after the agency could fight it in an internal court.

The ruling is a significant blow to the FTC’s efforts to police blockbuster

The ruling is a significant blow to the FTC’s efforts to police blockbuster tech mergers more aggressively

Chinese hackers gained access to United States government email accounts: Microsoft

carrying out a broad-brush intrusion that would suck up enormous amounts of data. Adam Hodge, a spokesman for the White House’s National Security Council, said no classified networks had been affected. An assessment of how much information was taken is continuing.

Chinese hackers intent on collecting intelligence on the US gained access to government email accounts, Microsoft disclosed on Tuesday night.

Chinese hackers intent on collecting intelligence on the US gained access to government email accounts, Microsoft disclosed on Tuesday night.

The attack was targeted, according to a person briefed on the intrusion into the government networks, with the hackers going after specific accounts rather than

Ray Epps sues Fox News for Capitol riot conspiracy claim

A former US Marine who became the focus of right-wing conspiracies surrounding the Capitol riot is suing Fox News for defamation.

The legal action accuses Fox of telling a "fantastical story" suggesting Ray Epps was a federal agent to make him a "scapegoat" for the raid on Congress. Mr Epps was filmed encouraging people to enter the Capitol complex in January 2021, but he was not charged. The lawsuit, filed in court in Delaware on Wednesday, does not specify damages. It also names Tucker Carlson, who was taken off air by the network earlier this year.

The attack was targeted, according to a person briefed on the intrusion into the government networks, with the hackers going after specific accounts rather than carrying out a broad-brush intrusion that would suck up enormous amounts of data.

tech mergers more aggressively. That strategy is spearheaded by the agency’s chair, Lina Khan, who has argued that Big Tech’s vast influence over commerce and communications has led

to anticompetitive behaviour.

The FTC has sued Microsoft, Meta and Amazon, but it walked away from one of its cases against Meta and has had little to show for its efforts so far. Microsoft and Activision cheered the ruling. “We’re grateful to the Court in San Francisco for this quick and thorough decision,” Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, wrote on Twitter.

Bobby Kotick, the chief executive of Activision, said in a statement that the merger would “enable competition rather than allow entrenched market leaders to continue to dominate”.

Douglas Farrar, a spokesman for the FTC, said that the agency was “disappointed in this outcome given the clear threat this merger poses to open competition in cloud gaming, subscription services and consoles”.

Our support will last long into the future: US President Biden to Ukraine's Zelensky

The US and global allies unveiled new security assurances for Ukraine at a Nato summit on Wednesday, designed to bolster the country’s defences against Russia over the long haul while Kyiv strives for membership of the alliance. The prospect of long-term protection from members of the world’s most

US inflation rises at slowest pace in two years

month. Brian Coulton, chief economist at Fitch Ratings, said June's slowdown in US inflation was "really only a small step in the right direction."

powerful military bloc comes a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky decried as “absurd” a refusal to offer an invite or timetable for Ukraine’s entry into Nato. Ukraine has been pushing for rapid membership while fighting a Russian invasion unleashed in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. Instead, a declaration by the G7 grouping of the world’s most industrialised countries launched a framework for bilateral negotiations to provide military and financial support, intelligence sharing and a promise of immediate steps if Russia should attack again. “Our support will last long into the future. It’s a powerful statement of our commitment to Ukraine,” President Joe Biden said.

New Yorkers disappointed by cloudy sunset

The rate of price growth in the US dropped to its slowest pace in more than two years last month, helped by cheaper used cars.

Inflation rose 3% in the year to June, according to data, from 4% in May.

Inflation has fallen sharply from a peak of more than 9% in June 2022 and the latest reading marks the slowest pace since March 2021.

The figures suggest a succession of interest rate rises have punctured soaring prices. However, analysts still expected the US Federal Reserve to raise rates again this

"In the context of a still tight labour market and sticky wage growth, the Fed's recent concerns about inflation persistence are not going away, " he said. The rise in US inflation in June was driven by higher housing costs, the Labor Department said.

In contrast, prices for used cars and trucks dropped while the cost of food stuffs such as pork, milk and eggs declined. Many households had been struggling with higher grocery bills after the war in Ukraine disrupted global food supplies.

The figures underscore the relatively rapid progress the US has made in curbing price increases, especially compared to the UK, where inflation hit 8.7% in the year to May despite a number of interest rate rises.

New Yorkers gathered to see Manhattanhenge, but not everybody was happy with the photo opportunity. Cloud coverage left some spectators disappointed with Wednesday's sunset. The city's famous grid system usually frames the setting sun, casting a warm glow over the concrete jungle. The biannual phenomenon draws hordes of onlookers, tourists and locals alike, who vie to capture the perfect image.

But on Wednesday Twitter users grumbled that the show was "ruined" by clouds.

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UK economy 'listless' with little growth in four years

Junior doctors in England start five-day strike

Russian General Sergei Surovikin 'unavailable right now': Defence committee head

The UK economy has barely grown since 2019 before the pandemic, with one economist describing it as "listless".

It shrank by 0.1% in May, partly due to the extra bank holiday for the King's Coronation, which meant there was one fewer working day than normal. The rising cost of living and higher interest rates have been squeezing households and businesses.

When an economy shrinks, people might lose their jobs and find it harder to get pay rises that keep up with prices.

Inflation - the annual rate at which prices rise - is at 8.7%.

The Bank of England has been putting up interest rates to try to slow price rises but this is having a knockon effect on consumer borrowing costs, driving up mortgage and loan repayments for millions. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said high inflation was hitting the economy.

Patients can expect significant disruption as junior doctors in England begin their longest walkout yet over pay, NHS chiefs say.

The five-day strike in England runs until 07:00 BST on Tuesday 18 July.

Thousands of planned appointments will be postponed while more senior doctors fill in to provide emergency care, before then going on strike themselves next week on Thursday and Friday.

People can still call 999 for lifethreatening emergencies.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Sir Julian

Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents trusts, said patients would feel the impact. He said: "The continuous period of industrial action is really damaging for the NHS in terms of first and foremost patients, but also cost.

"The last junior doctors strike cost the NHS in terms of direct cost around a £100m, and then of course there's the impact on progress towards delivering waiting list reduction, so this is really difficult and challenging, and we do need urgently a resolution to this industrial action."

PM's UAE Visit Sparks Hope for New Ties in Indian Businesses and Education Community

Abu Dhabi: (IANS) Indian businesses and the education community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hope to get a new dimension of relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit this week.

Modi will arrive in Abu Dhabi on Saturday after wrapping up his two-day trip to France.

During the visit, he will hold talks with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to and

Nepal bans ‘nonessential’ flights by helicopters

Nepal's aviation regulator has banned helicopters from conducting "nonessential" flights, including those for sight-seeing, for two months after a deadly crash in the Everest region in which six people were killed.

Five Mexican tourists and the Nepali pilot of a small helicopter operated by the private Manang Air company were killed on Tuesday when their chopper crashed while returning from viewing Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest.

Nepal, which is in the midst of the annual June-September monsoon season, has formed an investigation committee to find out what caused Tuesday’s crash.

the Prime Minister's visit will be an opportunity to recognise opportunities

to take it forward in various sectors such as energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defense, and culture. The meeting will also discuss cooperation on global issues, especially in the context of the UAE's Presidency of COP and India's G20 Presidency, of which the UAE is a special invitee. Prime Minister Modi will return to India from the UAE on the same day. This will be his fifth visit to the UAE, after the four previous visits in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022. The Indian business community in the UAE is very positive about the upcoming visit.

Multiple crises push global hunger figure higher: UN

General Sergei Surovikin of Russia, a onetime ally of the Wagner chief who hasn’t been seen publicly since a short-lived mutiny last month, is “taking a rest”, one of the country’s top lawmakers said on Wednesday when pressed by a reporter.

“He is unavailable right now,” the lawmaker, Andrei Kartapolov, the head of the Russian Duma’s defence committee, added in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app before hurrying away from the reporter. General Surovikin was considered to be an ally of Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary company, whose forces mounted the brief insurrection in June. In the days since then, speculation has surrounded General Surovikin, who skillfully pulled out Russian forces from Kherson amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive last year.

Bank of Canada raises policy rate by 25 basis points

Ottawa, July 13 (IANS) The Bank of Canada has increased its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5 per cent.

In light of the accumulation of evidence that excess demand and elevated core inflation are both proving more persistent, and taking into account its revised outlook for economic activity and inflation, the bank's governing council decided to increase the policy interest rate, Xinhua news agency quoted the central bank as saying in a statement.

3 months of violence in Sudan displaces over 3 mn people: UN

Rome: (IANS) Years of multiple global crises have pushed over 122 million more people into hunger since 2019, a new report jointly released by UN agencies revealed.

The 2023 edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report said the Covid-19 pandemic, severe weather events

around the world and global conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, combined to increase the number of people facing hunger globally to around 735 million in 2022, reports Xinhua news agency. In 2019, the number was 613 million. The SOFI report is the UN's flagship publication on global hunger, and the product of research and monitoring by five specialized agencies: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); World Food Program (WFP); World Health Organization (WHO); and the Unicef. The report said that nearly 30 per cent of the world's population, i.e. 2.4 billion people, did not have constant access to food in 2022.

Khartoum,: (IANS) Since the ongoing violence erupted in Sudan in April, more than 3 million people, roughly half of them children, have been displaced from their homes, according to the UN humanitarians.

In its latest situation update, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Unicef reported about 1.5 million children are living away from home, although some are still in Sudan, reports Xinhua news agency.

Overall, one in every two children in Sudan, approximately 13.6 million, needs urgent humanitarian assistance. Since the conflict began, Unicef has provided health supplies to more than 3 million children and women.

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Countdown for India’s third moon mission to begin shortly

Delhi Roads Underwater, Massive Jams, Metro Hit, Schools And Colleges Shut

Chennai, July 13 (IANS) The countdown for the July 14 afternoon launch of India’s third shot at the moon-Chandrayaan-3- will begin at 1.05 p.m. on Thursday, said a senior official of the Indian space agency.

“The countdown for the Chandrayaan-3 will begin at 1.05 p.m. today (Thursday),” a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will be carried by India’s heavy lift rocket the 642 ton LVM3. At 2.35 p.m. on July 14, the three stage LVM3 rocket will blast off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota rocket port in Andhra Pradesh.

During the countdown process, the liquid and cryogenic stages will be fueled up and the rocket systems checked. While the first rocket’s first stage is powered by solid fuel, the second stage is by liquid fuel and the third and final stage consists of a cryogenic engine powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

Google Doodle Celebrates Pani Puri, the Indian street snack popular amongst desis

It’s a rainy day in Chicago and looks like Google read the mind of desis like no one else did today. Google Doodle is celebrating pani puri, the Indian street side snack that most Indians remember eating at weddings, celebrations or just really any time! Variously known as golgappa or puchka or pani batashe the humble street food comprising of a hollow flour ball filled with tangy water, boiled potatoes, chickpeas and sweet and sour chutneys is prepared in many variations depending on which part of India it is being served at.

While the joys of eating pani puri from a roadside cart cannot be replicated in America but across the country in Indian stores and restaurants pani puri has been incorporated as an Indian snack. Realizing the love Desis have for this snack, popular Indian grocery stores have been stocking packets of gol gappas in a ready to eat format.

New Delhi: The water level in the swollen Yamuna in Delhi rose further during the night, flooding homes, affecting public transport and prompting emergency measures.

The water level in Yamuna was 208.62 metres at 1 pm today as Hathnikund barrage in Haryana continues to release water into the river. The current water level is three metres above the danger mark. The Arvind Kejriwal government had urged the centre to step in and stop the water discharge, but the centre replied

that excess water from the barrage had to be released. The water discharge is expected to reduce later in the day. The Haryana barrage has filled up due to very heavy rain further north in Himachal Pradesh. The monsoon has brought large-scale destruction in the hill state, bringing down homes and sweeping away bridges. In the national capital, the posh Civil Lines area was waterlogged as river water entered nearby localities. The waters are barely 350 metres from the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi

“How Can World’s Largest Democracy...”: PM Modi’s Pitch For UNSC Membership

UN Security Council claim to speak for the world when its most populous country and its largest democracy is not a permanent member?” PM Modi said in an interview with French publication Les Echos.

Assembly. Waterlogging has disrupted traffic movement on several roads, including in parts of the arterial Outer Ring Road. Traffic has been diverted to alternate routes, leading to massive traffic jams. Compounding challenges for those taking public transport, Metro services have also been affected. The Yamuna Bank Metro station on Blue Line has been shut owing to waterlogging on the approach road. Although operations on all lines remain normal, trains are running at a restricted speed on Metro bridges.

BSE Sensex crosses milestone of 66,000 points led by IT heavyweights

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) BSE Sensex crossed the milestone of 66,000 points on Thursday morning.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India, now the most populous country, “needs to regain its rightful place”, in a strong push for permanent membership of the country in the UN Security Council.

“The issue is not just of credibility, but something much larger. How can the

The UN Security Council epitomised the dissonance of an institution not in step with a changed world order, he said. “Its skewed membership leads to opaque decision making processes, which adds to its helplessness in addressing the challenges of today. I think most countries are clear on what changes they would like to see in the UN Security Council, including on the role India should play.” He added that French President Emmanuel Macron shared the view.

UCC neither necessary nor desirable, says All India Lawyers Union

the campaign for the same by none other than the Prime Minister of India at this juncture, on the eve of the general election, is thoroughly inappropriate, ill motivated and impacting and vitiating the democracy,” said the lawyers union. Referring to Goa Civil Code, AILU said that Common Civil Code is not the panacea for discriminatory provisions in law against women.

BSE Sensex is up 625 points in a ferocious rally at 66,019 points powered by positive cues from the US market. Sensex was up 586 points at 65,980 points in Thursday morning trade. IT stocks powered the Sensex rally with TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra up by more than 2 per cent. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services said the ongoing global rally in stock markets will get a further mild boost from the latest US consumer inflation for June which has come at 3 per cent, better than market expectation of 3.1 per cent.

National Hindu Advocacy Day on the Hill

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) In response to the Law Commission’s call for suggestions on Uniform Civil Code, All India Lawyers Union (AILU) said that imposition of UCC was neither necessary nor desirable at this stage, at all.

“The projection of the concept of Uniform Civil Code and initiation of

“Under the Goa Civil Code if a Hindu wife fails to deliver a child before she is 25 or if she fails to deliver a son before she is 30 then the Hindu man can marry a second wife. Similarly if a Hindu woman commits adultery then it is a ground for divorce. But if a Hindu man does so it is not a ground for divorce for the woman,” it added.

On Tuesday, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) organized an event titled ‘National Hindu Advocacy Day on the Hill’ at the Capitol Hill. The event was attended by both Republicans and Democrats. Some of the lawmakers who were. Part of the event were Congressman Rich McCormick, Sri Thanedar, Buddy Carter of Georgia, Congressman Thomas Keane and Hank Johnson

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Foxconn withdraws from JV for chip manufacture, Vedanta to go ahead

In a major setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans of making India a chipmanufacturing hub, Taiwanese chip-making giant Foxconn on Monday announced that it has withdrawn from a joint venture with India-based industrial giant Vedanta.

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Bengaluru: (IANS) In a major setback to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plans of making India a chip-manufacturing hub, Taiwanese chip-making giant Foxconn on Monday announced that it has withdrawn from a joint venture with India-based industrial giant Vedanta. Foxconn was supposed to execute a $19.5 billion semiconductor joint venture with metals to oil conglomerate Vedanta.

Foxconn and Vendanta had signed a MoU in 2022 to establish semiconductor and display production parts in Gujarat, the home state of PM Modi.

"Foxconn has determined it will not

Microsoft lays off 276 employees in new job cut round

San Francisco, July 11 (IANS)

Microsoft has laid off 276 employees, mostly in customer service, support and sales teams, in a new job cut round. The fresh job cuts “go beyond the 10,000 global layoffs announced by Microsoft on January 18,” reports Geek Wire. Microsoft laid off 276 employees in Washington State. The cuts will affect 210 workers in the company’s Bellevue and Redmond offices and 66 virtual staffers, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN). “Organisational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business,’ a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.

move forward on the joint venture with Vedanta," the company said in a statement, without elaborating over the matter.

It maintained that the withdrawal matter is settled between the two companies. However, Vedanta said it will go ahead with the project.

IPL’s business enterprise value tops $15 billion

"Vedanta reiterates that it is fully committed to its semiconductor fab project and we have lined up other partners to set up India’s first foundry. We will continue to grow our Semiconductor team, and we have the license for production-grade technology for 40 nm from a prominent Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM). "We will shortly acquire a license for production-grade 28 nm as well. Vedanta has redoubled its efforts to fulfill the Prime Minister's vision for semiconductors and India remains pivotal in repositioning global semiconductor supply chains," a company spokesperson said.

TV BRICS summarises the results of the BRICS Global Media Tour, Russian Edition

BRICS and Africa, which were held at the GITR Film & Television school and the Gorchakov Fund.

New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Houlihan Lokey, Inc., the global investment bank, Tuesday issued the IPL Brand Valuation Study 2023, its inaugural report into the business enterprise and brand values of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With a brand value of $212 million, growing year-on-year at 45.2 per cent, Chennai Super Kings is ranked No. 1 in both brand ranking and business enterprise value ranking. Royal Challengers Bangalore ranks second in terms of brand value at $195 million.

Rajasthan Royals saw the highest incremental brand value rise in percentage terms year-on-year of 103 per cent.

According to the report, the standalone brand value of the IPL is now $3.2 billion, up by 80 per cent from $1.8 billion in 2022.

New Delhi: (IANS) TV BRICS

International Media Network summarised the results of the BRICS Global Media Tour, Russian Edition, which brought together heads of iconic media from BRICS countries and Africa.

The event was organised by the BRICSMedia Association in cooperation with TV BRICS, with a grant provided by the support of Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.

The media tour programme consisted of several tracks: educational, business and cultural. The educational track included a series of conferences and expert sessions devoted to the problems of professional education in journalism and media, as well as multilateral cooperation between

During the educational track, the participants of the media tour visited the UN Information Centre in Moscow, where they took part in the expert session "UN Work in Russia. SDGs and Media". During the session, TV BRICS presented the results of cooperation with the UNIC in the framework of SDG promotion. In addition, the heads of the leading BRICS and African media had a tour of the RGISI (Russian State Institute of Performing Arts) branch in Kemerovo. They were told about the educational programmes, teaching principles and opportunities to study at this university. RGISI is the oldest theatrical university in the country and Europe's largest scientific and educational centre of performing arts that trains specialists in theatrical professions."During the media tour, delegates from Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique visited the leading higher education institutions in the Russian capital .

New Apple software updates bring more power to Indian users across devices

The business enterprise value of the IPL stands at $15.4 billion, up 80 per cent from $8.5 billion in 2022, mainly due to the impact of the 2023–2027 media rights deal with Viacom18 and Disney Star after a fiercely contested auction.

Dukaan Deploys AI Chatbot, Cuts Support Staff by 90%

New Delhi: (IANS) From bi-lingual Siri experience to more transliteration keyboards for major Indian languages, the latest

Apple software updates across its platforms and devices have brought more power to millions of users in the country. Apple has rolled out the public betas of its iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10, and tvOS 17. iOS 17 is one of the best iPhone updates in years and there are several little tweaks that stands out, like StandBy mode. keyboard improvements, live voicemail and new stickers. iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 offer a convenient bilingual Siri experience, so users can interact with Siri using a mix of English and Hindi for activities throughout the day. Users can also combine English with Telegu, Punjabi, Kannada, or Marathi. This experience includes asking Siri for help with setting an alarm or timer, sending messages, making calls, playing music, checking the weather, and looking up directions

New Delhi: (IANS) Homegrown SaaS platform for online stores, Dukaan, has laid off 90 per cent of support staff after introducing an AI chatbot for customer support.

Dukaan Founder and CEO Suumit Shah said that given the state of economy, startups are prioritising "profitability" over striving to become "unicorns," and so are we.

"We had to lay off 90 per cent of our support team because of this AI chatbot. Tough? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely," he posted on Twitter. The results, according to him, was that time to first response went from 1.44 minutes to instant, resolution time went from 2.12 hours to 3.12 minutes and customer support costs were reduced by 85 per cent.

"It's less magical, sure, but at least it pays the bills! Customer Support had been a struggle for us for a long time and fixing it felt like an opportunity to me," said Shah.

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Indian-origin researchers’ air monitor device can check for Covid, flu & RSV

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New York: (IANS) A team of Indianorigin researchers has developed a realtime monitor that can detect any of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants in a room in about five minutes.

The inexpensive, proof-of-concept device, developed by combining recent advances in aerosol sampling technology and an ultrasensitive biosensing technique, could also potentially monitor for other respiratory virus aerosols, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It can be used in hospitals and health care facilities, schools and public places to help detect the viruses.

“There is nothing at the moment that tells us how safe a room is,” said John Cirrito, a professor of neurology at the School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis.

“If you are in a room with 100 people, you don’t want to find out five days later whether you could be sick or not. The idea with this device is that you can know essentially in real time, or every 5

minutes, if there is a live virus,” he added. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers called it the most sensitive detector available. Cirrito along with Rajan Chakrabarty, Associate Professor at the varsity’s McKelvey School of Engineering and Joseph Puthussery, a post-doctoral research associate in Chakrabarty’s developed the detector by converting

First Hindu temple to come up in UK's Oxford city

located at Court Place Farm in Marston, Oxford the BBC reported. While plans for the internal design are due to be submitted, the new structure will house two halls in the building -- one as a place of worship, and the second as a place for community gatherings.

Chakrabarty and Puthussery exchanged the antibody that recognises amyloid beta for a nanobody from llamas that recognise the spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The team developed the nanobody that is small, easy to reproduce and modify and inexpensive to make. They integrated the biosensor into an air sampler that operates based on the wet cyclone technology.

Air enters the sampler at very high velocities and gets mixed centrifugally with the fluid that lines the walls of the sampler to create a surface vortex, thereby trapping the virus aerosols. The wet cyclone sampler has an automated pump that collects the fluid and sends it to the biosensor for seamless detection of the virus using electrochemistry. “The challenge with airborne aerosol detectors is that the level of virus in the indoor air is so diluted that it even pushes toward the limit of detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and is like finding a needle in a haystack,” Chakrabarty said.

Indian-American physician announces bid for Kansas' 3rd district

London: (IANS) The city council in Oxford in central southern England has approved plans to convert changing rooms at a derelict sports pavilion into a Hindu temple and a community centre, a media report said.

The Oxford Hindu Temple Project will transform the football changing rooms

Indian-origin man gets jail, caning for role in alleged stabbing

Singapore,: (IANS) A 29-year-old Indian-origin recalcitrant offender in Singapore was sentenced to more than 17 months in prison on Tuesday for possessing and handing over a weapon, which was allegedly used to stab a man in 2022. S. Mageshwaran, who was out on bail, was also awarded 12 strokes of the cane, after he pleaded guilty to multiple crimes including harassment, being in possession of the harpoon and traffic offences, The Straits Times reported. According to court documents, Mageshwaran had a 20 cm tactical harpoon with him which he handed over to his accomplice Sheran Raj Balasubramaniam, who then allegedly used it to stab a 23-yearold man.

"We feel extraordinarily proud at this historic moment as we look forward to creating a welcoming hub at Court Place Farm," Dr Gian Gopal, founding chairman of the Oxford Hindu Temple Project, told BBC.

The group had been looking for a suitable building for 15 years, and had appealed to the council to help them find a site for the temple after bids at other venues fell through.

New York: (IANS) Indian-American physician Prasanth Reddy is seeking a Republican nomination from the third Congressional district of Kansas, currently represented by Democrat Sharice Davis.

The Chennai-born military officer and oncologist is the third candidate, after

businesswoman Karen Crnkovich and former cop Jonathon Westbrook, to throw his hat in the ring for the 2024 Republican Primary. “As an immigrant, I’ve lived the American dream, and I’ve spent my life trying to give back to the country that gave me everything,” Reddy, a political newcomer, said in a statement. He said that American citizenship is the privilege of a lifetime, and has worked every day to make the most of it. In his campaign statement, launched Wednesday, Reddy called for secure borders, support for police and parental voice in education.

“Right now, our country is at a breaking point, and there’s no time to sit on the sidelines... I’m stepping up now because it’s time to bring common sense back to this district," Reddy said.

Indian-origin techie accuses Meta of anti-Asian bias, files lawsuit

New York: (IANS) An Indian-origin tech executive from Singapore has filed a lawsuit with the California's Civil Rights Department accusing Meta of racial discrimination that cost her promotions and work opportunities.

Vaishnavi Jayakumar, 36, who joined Meta in January 2020 after stints at Disney, Google and Twitter, said she was punished for asking how to move up the ranks at Meta, left out of opportunities, and layered under less experienced colleagues.

"I've never felt more keenly that as an Asian woman, I'm destined to be a worker, I'm not destined to be a leader," Jayakumar wrote in a recent

LinkedIn post, adding that last month she faced "a retaliatory termination at Meta disguised as a mass layoff".

As the head of youth policy at Meta, Jayakumar was responsible for managing a team that provided guidance on age-appropriate policies and product features across all of Meta's apps.

"Everything went well for the first two years. I worked hard with my colleagues to improve the wellbeing of youth on Instagram and other Meta services, and received positive feedback," Jayakumar said in her long post.

However, after two years when she enquired about a path to promotion, she said she faced the familiar "bamboo ceiling" that Asian-Americans encounter.

According to Jayakumar, her manager suddenly began giving racially-coded negative feedback, claiming she wasn't senior enough for leadership, even though Jayakumar claimed she had more experience than other candidates.

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A team of Indian-origin researchers has developed a real-time monitor that can detect any of the SARSCoV-2 virus variants in a room in about five minutes. a biosensor that detects amyloid beta as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease.

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Hindu activists killed during both BJP, Cong govts in K'taka: Pramod Muthalik

Chandrayaan 3: All set for countdown to begin for India's third moon mission

The countdown for the launch of India's third moon mission on July 14 is expected to begin soon with the completion of the "launch rehearsal" on Monday.

ejected by the rocket LVM3, it said.

After travelling about 3.84 lakh km, the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is expected to land on the lunar surface on August 23 or 24. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft comprises a propulsion module (weighing 2,148 kg), a lander (1,723.89 kg) and a rover (26 kg), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

Hubballi, (Karnataka) : (IANS) Sri

Rama Sena founder Pramod Muthalik on Tuesday said that Hindu activists have been killed in both BJP as well as Congress government.

Pramod Muthalik said that after the Congress government came to power in Karnataka there is an anti-Hindu atmosphere in the state. However, when BJP was in power, the Hindu activists were living under fear as well. “BJP was demolished in the state. The Congress leaders are with Muslims,” Muthalik told reporters. He said that BJP leaders are ‘nalayaks’ (useless).

“If you (BJP) had stood with Hindu activists, we would have celebrated BJP. What fact finding will you do?

You blame Congress and carry out dramas,” Muthalik said.

He asked Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar why in the Jain pontiff murder case he has not taken the name of the second accused who is a Muslim.

“Why did you take the name of a Hindu accused? We are not going to leave this matter. We will teach a lesson. The Congress appeasement policy has only increased,” he said.

25 Foreigners Detained In Bengaluru

Chennai: (IANS) The countdown for the launch of India's third moon mission on July 14 is expected to begin soon with the completion of the "launch rehearsal" on Monday.

"The 'Launch Rehearsal' simulating the entire launch preparation and process lasting 24 hours has been concluded," said the Indian space agency on Monday.

And just after 2.50 p.m. on July 14, India’s Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft will begin its own long moon journey after being

Noted cyclist, specially abled entrepreneur joins GIC

Hyderabad: In a heartwarming display of their commitment to environmental preservation, noted cyclist Mohit Niranjan and specially abled green entrepreneur Chandrakant Sagar came together to support the “Green India Challenge.”

Led by Joginipalli Santosh Kumar, founder of the initiative, the duo planted saplings at Begumpet in the city, on Tuesday. During the event, Santosh Kumar expressed his admiration for them. He commended their remarkable efforts in making a tangible difference in their respective fields.

Santosh Kumar, alongside Niranjan and Sagar, actively participated in the sapling plantation and took the opportunity to honour their contributions. He lauded the 21-year-old cyclist for launching the “Save Soil and Sustainability” campaign, which covered an astounding 6,300 kilometres across Uttar Pradesh. Sagar also earned the praise of Santosh Kumar. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he courageously embarked on a mission to create a “Plastic-Free Society” from his wheelchair.

Incidentally, the Chandrayaan-2 payload weighed about 3.8 ton with the orbiter weighing 2,379 kg, the Vikram lander 1,444 kg (including the Pragyan rover 27 kg).

The main purpose of Chandrayaan-3 is to safely land the lander on the moon soil.

Following that, the rover will roll out to do the experiments. The life of the payload carried by the propulsion module post ejection of the lander is between three and six months. On the other hand, the mission life of the lander and the rover is 1 Lunar day or 14 earth days, the ISRO said.

Kembara launches bar; set to serve signature cocktails

Bengaluru: Bengaluru Police late Saturday night conducted surprise checks on the high streets of MG Road, Brigade Road, and Church street based on suspicion of people indulging in 'immoral activities'. The checks were based on a tip off received by the central division police that people are indulging in illegal activities and acting as agents to sell drugs. Those detained are foreign nationals who were trying to attract customers by standing on the road. About 25 African nationals, both women and men, have been detained and subjected to narcotics tests. The surprise checks were led by Central Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Srinivasa Gowda.

Hyderabad: Kembara’s Pan-Asian journey gets a spiritual twist, as it launched its bar with Stranger & Sons. Kembara is entrepreneur Shilpa Datla’s love letter to all things delectably Asian, a reminder that ‘comfort food’ is an emotion that doesn’t have to compromise on luxury, a press release said.

“Setting the Bar” at Kembara, Ground Floor, Knowledge City, Argus Building, Gate 11, Next to T-Hub, saw signature cocktails from Stranger & Sons, charged conversations and music, and crowds raising their glasses for the curated oriental expedition.

With blaring sirens, ambulance stops for snacks in Hyderabad!

Hyderabad: (IANS) It is a common sight on Indian roads that police at traffic intersections stop other vehicles to give clearance to siren-blaring ambulances, but in Hyderabad, a cop was shocked when an ambulance crossed a traffic signal with its emergency lights and sirens on, only to stop at a roadside eatery to buy snacks.

The video of the ambulance of a private hospital standing in front of the roadside eatery and the conversation between a policeman and the ambulance driver was widely circulated on social media on Tuesday.

The policeman is heard questioning the driver as to why he activated the siren.

The driver, with a bottle of a cold drink in his hand, initially said the patient was not in good condition and when the cop insisted on seeing the patient, the driver then said that he stopped the ambulance for a nurse who had not taken food.

“I gave clearance to you by stopping other

vehicles and you have stopped here to eat mirchi bhajji,” the policeman told the driver.

The cop is then heard saying that he will forward the video to his higher-ups for strict action.

Telangana Director General of Police Anjani Kumar posted the video on Twitter and called for responsible use of ambulance services.

“Telangana police urges responsible use of ambulance services, citing misuse of sirens. Genuine emergencies require activating sirens for swift and safe passage. Strict action against abusers is advised. Together, we can enhance emergency response and community safety,” he tweeted.

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India: 415 Million Escaped Poverty in 15 Years - UN

30 Dead, Over 500 Stranded As Himachal Pradesh Faces Rain Mayhem

A total of 415 million people moved out of poverty in India within just 15 years from 2005/2006 to 2019/2021, the UN said on Tuesday, highlighting the remarkable achievement by the world’s most populous nation.

The latest update of the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) was released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) at the University of Oxford. A total of 415 million people moved out of poverty in India within just 15 years from 2005/2006 to 2019/2021, the UN said on Tuesday, highlighting the remarkable achievement by the world’s most populous nation.

America’s Major League Cricket to Live Stream in India

Shimla: Heavy rain continued to batter Himachal Pradesh, leading to the deaths of 30 people and causing damage worth ₹ 3,000 crore. The state capital Shimla reported the highest number of casualties with 11 dead. According to the police, 29 of the 30 dead have been identified.

Over 500 tourists are stranded in Chandertal, Pagal Nallah, and other places in Lahaul and Spiti after rain-induced landslides cut off access to the areas. According to officials, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rescued 515 labourers stranded in a waterlogged slum in Una district.

Speaking to NDTV, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukh said, “We are trying hard to restore electricity and water supply in the affected areas. The tourists in the state are safe and the situation is under control. Every minister is in every district of the state looking over relief and rescue operations.” Chief Minister Sukhu on Monday presided over a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) from Nadaun and gave necessary directions to the authorities to contain the damage caused by the unprecedented rain, highest in over 50 years, in the state.

Tata Group Closes In On Deal To Become First Indian iPhone Maker

of iPhones, according to people familiar with the matter.

A takeover of the Wistron Corp. factory in Karnataka, potentially valued at more than $600 million, would cap about a year of negotiations, said the people, asking not to be named as the matter is private. The facility employs more than 10,000 workers, who assemble the latest iPhone 14 model.

Geeta Rao Gupta Sworn in as Global Women’s Issues Ambassador

A takeover of the Wistron Corp. factory in Karnataka, potentially valued at more than $600 million, would cap about a year of negotiations, said the people, asking not to be named as the matter is private.

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America’s first professional Twenty20 cricket league, Major League Cricket (MLC) will be airing its first ever edition of the landmark competition exclusively in India on its sports network. MLC has signed a media rights partnership deal with Viacom 18.

The coverage will include live streaming on JioCinema and broadcast television coverage on Sports18. The tournament starts on July 13. In the inaugural match the Texas Super Kings take on the Los Angeles Knight Riders. The match will be held at the Grand Prairie Stadium near Dallas, Texas.

Four of the six teams in the league feature investors from owners of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises including MI New York (five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians), the LA Knight Riders (twotime IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders), the Texas Super Kings (fivetime IPL champions Chennai Super Kings) and the Seattle Orcas (Delhi Capitals co-owner GMR Group).

Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate, is close to an agreement to acquire an Apple Inc. supplier’s factory as soon as August, marking the first time a local company would move into the assembly

Wistron has committed to ship iPhones worth at least $1.8 billion from the factory in the fiscal year through March 2024 to win state-backed financial incentives, the people said. It also planned to triple the plant’s workforce by next year. Tata is set to honor those commitments as Wistron exits the iPhone business in India. Spokespersons for Tata, Wistron and Apple declined to comment. The addition of an Indian iPhone is likely to add momentum to Apple’s efforts to diversify its product base beyond China and build up technology manufacturing in the South Asian nation.

Foxconn Plans To Apply Separately For Chip Manufacturing Unit In India

“Foxconn is working toward submitting an application related to Modified Programme for Semiconductors and Display Fab Ecosystem. We have been actively reviewing the landscape for optimal partners,” Foxconn said in a statement. The development follows Foxconn’s announcement of exit from a semiconductor joint venture with Vedanta.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday swore in Indian-American Geeta Rao Gupta as the Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues in the State Department. Gupta was confirmed by the US Senate by 51 to 47 votes for the position in May, this year.

According to Gupta, there are many inequities and indignities that women suffer around the world, which hold them back from participating fully in the economy. “They are subject to threats to their safety and have a fear of violence even on a daily basis, and that determines their mobility.

Indian American CEO of Vimeo Anjali Sud to Leave

New Delhi: Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn is working to apply separately for setting up a semiconductor manufacturing unit in India, the company said today. It said it is reviewing the landscape for optimal partners for the project.

On Monday, Foxconn said it has withdrawn from the USD 19.5 billion joint venture with mining baron Anil Agarwal’s Vedanta Ltd as the venture struggled to get a technology partner to make chips that are used in mobile phones to refrigerators and cars.

Anjali Sud, the Indian American CEO of video-hosting platform Vimeo will be leaving her position and pursue other opportunities. Sud joined the company nine years ago as director of marketing. Sud had remained at the helm of Vimeo for the past six years. Board member Adam Gross, will take over as interim CEO, effective Sep 1, while the company looks for a permanent replacement.

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Trinamool Sweeps Violence-Hit Bengal Rural Polls

Many Homes Flooded As Delhi Yamuna Level Nears All-Time High

New Delhi: The Yamuna’s water level in Delhi is now at an all-time high amid a monsoon fury across north India. The rising water mark has led to flooding in several riverside areas. The river is now flowing at 207.55 metres after it crossed the record level of 207.49 that it had touched 45 years back.

The swollen river has flooded homes and markets, causing immense hardship to residents. Many of the nearby residents have now moved to the terrace with their belongings, helplessly staring at the rising water level.

Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) swept the West Bengal panchayat elections, winning a majority in all three tiers of the rural local government. The TMC won 2,552 out of 3,317 gram panchayats, 232 panchayat samitis, and 12 out of 20 zilla parishads. The BJP was a distant second, winning only 212 gram panchayats, 7 panchayat samitis, and no zilla parishads. Some results are still awaited.

“It’s TMC all the way in rural Bengal. I want to thank the people for their love, affection and support towards the TMC. This election has proved that only TMC resides in the heart of the people of the state,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a Facebook post.

Indian American Employee Files Lawsuit Against Meta

At 11 am, the river was flowing at 207.38 at Old Railway Bridge. This was higher than the 2013 water level of 207.32, when the national capital saw flooding. In 1978, the Yamuna had flowed at 207.49 metres, a record that was broken today.Officials from Central Water Commission has predicted that the water level may rise further, reaching 207.57 metres later in the day. The

consistent rise will prompt an extreme flood alert in Old Delhi. Delhi has recorded a rapid rise in the Yamuna level over the past three days. The administration has relocated people living in the flood-prone areas and shut the Old Railway Bridge for traffic and

Indian-American admits to promoting illegal charitable contribution tax scheme

tax shelter for wealthy clients by making it look like they contributed to a charity. According to court documents and statements made in court, Garuda engaged in a scheme -- Advanced Legacy Plan or the Ultimate Tax Plan -- to assist high-income individuals in unlawfully reducing their taxes using a plan organised, marketed and sold by a co-conspirator.

train movement.

According to a PTI report, an official has said the sharp rise in water level was due to continuous rainfall in upper catchment areas and saturated soil from heavy precipitation in Delhi and nearby regions.

BJP holds high-level meeting to review MP Assembly polls’ preparations

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Vaishnavi Jayakumar, an Indian American techie has filed a lawsuit with California’s Civil Rights Department. Accusing Meta of Anti-Asian Bias, Jayakumar said that when she asked for promotions, her superiors would not include her and told her she was not qualified.

Jayakumar is from Singapore and she has worked with Disney, Google and Twitter in the past. About her experience at Meta and the lawsuit she filed, Jayakumar told USA Today,” I’ve never felt more keenly that as an Asian woman, I’m destined to be a worker, I’m not destined to be a leader,” she told the daily in an interview. “And that’s an awful feeling.”

The USA Today report says that Jayakumar is demanding that “Meta make policy changes, from tracking the rates of promotion for Asian Americans to training managers in tropes and stereotypes about Asian American employees.”

New York, July 12 (IANS) An Indian-American financial planner from Cleveland has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the US government in addition to aiding and abetting the filing of a false tax return.

Rao Garuda, President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Concepts Agency (ACA), was accused by federal prosecutors last month of providing a

ACA’s former Chief Operating Officer previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the US on September 26, 2022. To accomplish the scheme, Garuda, his co-conspirators, and other accomplices instructed clients to transfer assets to an LLC in exchange for 100 per cent ownership interest in the LLC; assign the ownership interest to a charity controlled by co-conspirators, and claim a charitable contribution tax deduction for the purported donation.

Garuda and others marketed the scheme as a way for clients to receive the tax deduction without relinquishing control over the LLC or its assets, a Department of Justice release stated.

Bhopal, July 12 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday held a high-level meeting here to review the preparations for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections. Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah, who was present at the meeting, reviewed the poll preparations and held discussions on the party’s strategies.

After the meeting, Madhya Pradesh unit BJP president V. D. Sharma said Amit Shah went through all the details and programmes lined up in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. Sharma said the party has decided to launch a ‘Vijay Sankalp Abhiyan’ campaign across Madhya Pradesh.

80 Killed, Rs. 3,000 Crore Damage: Himachal Rain Devastation In Numbers

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New Delhi: Torrential rain has caused widespread devastation in Himachal Pradesh, with landslides, power outages, blocked roads, and damaged bridges. The death count has risen to 80 while many tourists are stranded in various parts of the hill state. The estimated cost of the damage is reportedly between ₹ 3,000 crore and ₹ 4,000 crore. According to the state disaster management department, 31 people have died since July 8.

The department added that more than

1,300 roads have been blocked due to landslides, including the ChandigarhManali and Shimla-Kalka highways.

One-way traffic from Manali to Mandi was opened last night, and more than 1,000 stranded tourist vehicles passed

through the route overnight.

The department said that 40 bridges have been damaged in the rain fury while schools across the state have been declared shut till July 15. More than 20,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the affected areas. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu visited Kullu to assess the damage caused by the floods and landslides. The Chief Minister said that the situation has improved significantly, but there is still much work to be done.

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Railways Slashes Fares of AC Chair Car and Executive Classes by Up to 25%

11 Dead In Violence As Bengal Votes For Panchayat Polls

Bengal panchayat election 2023: The polls to elect representatives for village councils are being held under the watchful eyes of the central forces for a second time.

Fares of AC chair cars and executive classes of all trains, including Vande Bharat, and those with Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches will be reduced by up to 25 per cent, depending on occupancy, a Railway Board order has stated.

The fares will also depend on those of competitive modes of transport. With a view to optimising utilisation of accommodation, the rail ministry has decided to delegate powers to principal chief commercial managers of railway zones to introduce discounted fare schemes in trains with AC seating.

“This scheme shall be applicable in AC chair car and executive classes of all trains having AC seating accommodation, including Anubhuti and Vistadome coaches,” the Railway Board order stated.

Implementing UCC Challenging; Will Impact All Religions: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Kolkata: At least 11 people have been killed as rural West Bengal votes for the crucial three-tier panchayat polls today, which serves as a litmus test for the 2024 parliamentary elections and could reshape the state’s political landscape. Among those killed were six Trinamool members, and one worker each of the BJP, Left, Congress and ISF, and

another person whose political identity could not be known, officials told news agency PTI. The ruling Trinamool Congress alleged a “colossal failure” on the part of central forces tasked with security. Besides violent clashes that injured several people, ballot boxes were destroyed in several parts of the state, PTI reported.

Voting began at 7 am in 73,887 seats in the rural areas of the state with 5.67 crore people picking between 2.06 lakh candidates for nearly 928 seats across 22 zilla parishads, 9,730 panchayat samitis, and 63,229 gram panchayats seats. Till 1 pm, 36.66 per cent voter turnout was recorded.

PM Modi calls KCR govt ‘most corrupt’, takes dig at BRS, AAP in Delhi excise policy scam

In a veiled dig at the ruling BRS in Telangana and the AAP government in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it was for the first time that allegations of corruption deal between two political parties and state governments were cropping up. Pacts between two state governments for welfare and development issues like sharing water are common, but it is for the first time that such allegations are levelled against two parties, he said referring to the Delhi excise policy case. While AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Mninister Manish Sisodia has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over the matter, BRS leader and Telangana CM K

Chandrasekhar Rao’s daughter, K Kavitha, had appeared before the ED for questioning in connection with the case. Addressing a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for various projects worth ₹6100 crore here, Modi said the BRS government has used up an entire dictionary to shower abuses on the central government and asserted Telangana says ‘ab ki baar, BJP sarkar’,

Over a Dozen Indians Charged in $53 million Covid Relief Fraud

Former Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday cautioned the Centre over implementing a uniform civil code, saying it will affect all religions. Talking to reporters here, he also said that implementing UCC will not be “easy as it was to revoke Article 370”. “There is no question (of implementing it). It is not easy as it was to revoke Article 370. All religions are involved in it. Not only Muslims, but Christians and Sikhs also, tribals, Jains, Parsis, annoying all these people at once, will not be good for any government,” the chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) said. “So, I suggest this government to not even think about taking this step,” he said.

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Several individuals, including several Indian Americans, have been federally charged for allegedly defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and financial institutions of over $53 million in loan proceeds. The arrests were made by special agents from the FBI, the Treasury Department’s Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), and the FDIC Office of Inspector General. US Attorney Leigha Simonton emphasized that defrauding the

government, especially during a pandemic when many entrepreneurs were struggling, is an affront to American taxpayers. The defendants are accused of submitting fraudulent PPP loan applications, inflating payroll expenses, and falsifying bank statements and tax forms to misrepresent business income. The charges include conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit money laundering, wire fraud, and making false statements to the FDIC. The individuals facing charges include CFOs, owners, controllers, and employees of various companies involved in recycling and scrap businesses.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud-related charges, 20 years for wire fraud, and 10 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Addressing a public meeting in Telnagana’s Warangal, Modi said the BRS government has used up an entire dictionary to shower abuses on the central government.

meaning it prefers a BJP government. “There used to be news on agreements between two countries or states on development projects. There used to be news that there was an agreement between two states for water.. But, this is the first time allegations of deals for corruption between two parties and two state governments are made. This is unfortunate,” Modi said.

Washington D.C. to include Sikhism as part of school curriculum

Washington, July 8 (IANS) Students in Washington D.C. will now have a chance to learn about the Sikh community with the District of Columbia State Board of Education voting in favour of new social studies standards that will include Sikhi, or the Sikh faith, in the school curriculum.

With this development, Washington D.C. will now join 17 states in the US to incorporate accurate information about Sikhs into their social studies standards for public schools.

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SRK's bald look, heavy-duty action in 'prevue' of 'Jawan' promise another blockbuster

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who earlier set the box-office on fire with his last release 'Pathaan', is back to repeat the feat with his upcoming film 'Jawan' and the 'prevue' for the same cements the fact. The asset titled 'prevue', which was released on Monday, features the megastar, known for his hair texture, sporting a bald look, and doing heavy duty action. The word 'prevue' means an advertisement of short scenes from a motion picture that will appear in the near future. The prevue, two minutes and 12 seconds in length, begins with a bird's eye view of a remote area which is attacked by unidentified bandits and people run for cover, it then quickly moves to a metro city where people are running around in commotion wearing the signature mask that SRK wore in the first look of the film as SRK's voice-over of, "Main kaun hoon kaun nahi, pata nahi". As visuals of army men fill up the screen with a tight close up of, wait for it, SRK in a pair of black aviators.

30 seconds into the prevue, things pace up as the viewers get to see explosions, fights, flames, gun shots, before SRK finally makes the appearance albeit with half face covered with the mask.

The prevue further invokes hysteria as superstars from south India like Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi, and Bollywood stars Sanya Malhotra, and Deepika Padukone in a special appearance grace the screen.

Adnan Sami to perform live in Nairobi on July 14

am an Jaaved

50 Cent to perform in Mumbai on November 25 for 'The Final Lap Tour 2023'

Karan Johar’s next production starring Vicky Kaushal and Tripti Dimri to release in February 2024

Playback singer Adnan Sami is set to perform in Nairobi after a decade for his concert 'Adnan Sami Live' at the 'Sarit Expo Centre', on July 14, 2023. The concert is said to be a tribute to his fans in Kenya. The artiste will be treating the fans to his most popular numbers including 'Lift Karade', 'Sun Zara', 'Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao', 'Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein' and others. Talking about the concert, Adnan Sami said: "Performing in Nairobi after more than a decade is definitely a major highlight of this year and it became possible for Ranee." He further mentioned in his statement: "The kind of love and appreciation I got over here overwhelmed me as an artiste and I am looking forward to showing my gratitude towards them through my performance. I promise to bring tenfold more happiness and magic at the live concert than the last time I performed there."

Grammy winning artist Curtis James Jackson III, professionally known as 50 Cent is set to tour India as part of his global 'The Final Lap Tour 2023' on November 25. The concert will commemorate the 20th anniversary of his pioneering album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' and will take place at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai.

The tour is expected to showcase the best of 50 Cent's illustrious career, including a lineup of fan-favourite hits and long-awaited tracks. The show will also feature supporting performances from internationally renowned hip-hop and urban acts from India and across the world.Excited for his India show, 50 Cent said: "It's been a minute—16 years to be exact - since I came to India.

Karan Johar’s upcoming production venture with Vicky Kaushal, Tripti Dimri and Ammy Virk will arrive in cinemas on February 23 next year, announced the filmmakerproducer on Sunday. The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director announced the release date of the yet-to-be-titled project on social media and penned a heartfelt note about the team. “A film that is exceptionally close to my heart for various reasons…. @bindraamritpal (the producer and family to me) has not only grown to be such a force of content and talent but I’m proud of how he has created a company of warmth and creativity. A company that puts goodwill over any commerciality. @anandntiwari, his partner and director of our film is the funniest guy in town with a golden heart! His film reflects both in absolute abundance,” he wrote.

I

From engaging Jaaferi spanning and beyond, anticipated Breaking

In a career portrayed

am almost 60 and haven’t played older character in my career Jaaved Jaaferi

career spanning decades Jaaved Jaaferi has effortlessly portrayed a diverse range of characters

his impeccable narration skills to his unmatched mimicking prowess, from his engaging hosting and judging stints to his captivating performances as an actor, Jaaved Jaaferi is admired by all who effortlessly dons multiple hats. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Jaaved Jaaferi, known for his versatile performances in Bollywood beyond, is set to captivate audiences once again with his unique role in the highly anticipated series, "The Magic of Shiri’ slated to stream on JioCinema from 13th July. Breaking the barriers of his previous on-screen portrayals, Jaaferi steps into uncharted territory as he brings to life the enigmatic character of Jaadugar Saleem, a role unlike any he has ever played.

In a career spanning decades Jaaved has effortlessly portrayed a diverse range of characters, demonstrating his immense talent and versatility as an actor. However, "The Magic of Shiri" marks a significant milestone in Jaaferi’s career, as it showcases his portrayal of an older character for the very first time. With his undeniable charm and magnetic screen presence, Jaaferi effortlessly embodies the essence of Jaadugar Saleem, a seasoned magician grappling with the complexities of life. Speaking about his character Jaaved shared “I am almost 60 and I haven’t played an older character, Jaadugar Saleem is my first, that’s maybe because I do not look that old (laughs). It was quite a different experience playing an old washed-out magician. It allowed me to delve deeper into the nuances of aging and the wisdom that comes with it. From the body language to the dialogue delivery a lot must be focused on while playing such a character, and I am glad that I got the opportunity of presenting a different side of me as an actor.”

Shiamak Davar is 'grateful' as he reflects on 25th anniversary of National Award win

Deven Bhojani Finds Silver

Lining in the Dark Clouds

Sarabhai vs Sarabhai' Memory Inspires Him to Uncover Good in the Worst Situations!

Actor-director Deven Bhojani joined for a quick monsoon special chat, where he shared precious memories.

How did you kick off the season?

I was on my terrace with my mom, watering plants in the small garden that she has developed. Mom was cutely cribbing about the gardener who often takes leave. Just then it started pouring and I quickly ran to the living room but mom stood there enjoying the rain and cheerfully said, now even if the gardener doesn’t come often, we won’t have to worry as the ‘rain- raja’ will water my plants fully. This was my first encounter with the monsoon this year.

What food or drink do you indulge in during the monsoon?

These days all through the day I follow a strict diet regime of fruits, salads, boiled vegetables, quinoa and oats but then rain plays ‘culprit’ it lures me to eat something sinful. As cliched it may sound but I can’t resist having ‘bhajiyas’ with fried chillies, spicy chutney and masala chai when it rains.

What is your favourite place to visit in Mumbai during the monsoon?

Sitting with my wife on the ‘jhula’ covered by a big canopy of my terrace, listening to slow romantic Hindi film songs is our favourite thing to do during monsoon.

Favourite rain song on your playlist?

‘Barso re’ from the film 'Guru' is my favourite rain song. Favourite monsoon memory in Mumbai?

My belief in finding good in the worst situation reminds me of 26th July 2005, when the heavy rainfall had almost paralysed the city. We were shooting for ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ in Kanjurmarg, a place little away from most of the team members residences. Being the director, artistes requested me to wrap up the shoot as it was raining heavily and there were news about the flooding, traffic jam, landslides etc. I wrapped the shoot immediately and left the studio at 1pm with my two assistants who didn’t have a vehicle of their own. We got stuck at Andheri Saki-Naka area at 3pm. Assistants, driver and I had one one paratha each which I’d found from my tiffin box at 9pm. We could not move an inch from there until 3am. All were extremely hungry but everything was shut. Got to know through someone that within 5 minutes of walking distance there was a small restaurant still open. We all ran there only to hear, ‘Abhi abhi band kiya’. Assistants requested the manager to feed us at least something but in vain. I was standing at a distance. The cook who was leaving recognised me and turned out to be my huge fan. He looked like an angel to me when he agreed to cook especially for us. Thank God, eventually we all could eat ‘garam garam daal chawal’. I’ll never forget the taste of that food and we finally reached home at 9am.

Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar on Monday celebrated the 25th anniversary of his prestigious National Film Award win for the iconic Bollywood film 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.

Taking to social media, he shared a throwback picture of him, receiving the award from the former President of India, K. R. Narayanan. This has marked a significant milestone in Davar's illustrious career and catalyzed his remarkable journey in choreography.

He captioned the post: "Grateful as I celebrate 25 Years of receiving the National Award as a Best Choreographer for 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai!' This film holds a special place in my heart as it marked my Bollywood debut as well. Thank you Yash uncle for believing in me and for the love and support throughout the journey."

Kapil Sharma’s ‘sold-out’ show in Dallas

S. Jaishankar Files Rajya Sabha Nomination from Gujarat

At Least 28 Dead In North India Rain Rampage, Himachal Worst-Hit

Gandhinagar: External Affairs

Minister S Jaishankar on Monday filed his nomination papers for elections to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP Gujarat unit president C R Paatil accompanied Jaishankar to the state Assembly complex where he submitted the nomination papers to Returning Officer Rita Mehta. The last date for filing nominations is July 13 and the deadline for withdrawal of nominations is July 17. Polling will be held on July 24 if required.

Gavaskar Disappointed with Rohit’s Captaincy Performance

New Delhi: Heavy rain in several parts of north India has brought the region to its knees, claiming more than 28 lives in the past three days.

In cities and towns, many roads and buildings remain submerged in kneedeep water.

The weather department has predicted more downpour for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi and its adjoining areas over the next couple of days.

Frightening images of the chaosvehicles floating like paper boats,

The weather department has predicted heavy downpur for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.

muddy waters gushing into residential areas, structures submerged on the banks by the swollen rivers and land cave-ins - were shared online by people from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi.

In Himachal Pradesh, landslides and flash floods, triggered by incessant rain, damaged houses, structures and

Enormous Power, But...”: Supreme Court Draws Line On Manipur Pleas

More than 150 people have been killed and many more injured in ethnic violence in Manipur since clashes broke out between Kukis and Meitis early in May.

bring the situation in the northeastern state under control.

paralysed normal life. Some shops and vehicles were also washed away in flash floods in Manali, Kullu, Kinnaur and Chamba as all major rivers - including Ravi, Beas, Satluj, Swan and Chenabare in spate.

Landslides and flash floods were reported in neighbouring Uttarakhand too, with reports of water level in rivers and streams crossing the danger mark. All schools in Gurgaon and Delhi remain shut today as heavy rain has led to waterlogging. The Gurgaon administration has also advised corporate houses to work from home today to avoid traffic jams.

Joe Biden Arrives In UK For Meetings With King Charles, Rishi Sunak

New Delhi: The Supreme Court cannot run law and order and it is the elected government’s job to do so, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said today while hearing a bunch of pleas on the Manipur situation.

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said that he has been disappointed with Rohit Sharma’s tenure as the captain of the Indian team, and said he expected more from the 36-year-old opener. In addition, he also called for increased accountability from the coaching staff. Rohit took over the captaincy reins in February last year after Virat Kohli’s time as the skipper came to an end. Although India has achieved positive results in bilateral home series, they have encountered difficulties in achieving success in major tournaments as India failed to qualify for the T20 World Cup final in Australia, lost the World Test Championship final last month. “I expected more from him (Rohit). In India it is different, but when you do well overseas that is really the test. That is where he has been a little disappointing. Even in the T20 format, with all the experience of the IPL, hundreds of matches as captain, with a mix of best IPL players not being able to get to the finals has been disappointing,” Gavaskar told .

The two-judge bench, also comprising Justice PS Narasimha, was responding to Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves.

The senior lawyer represents the Kuki community and has been demanding the Supreme Court’s intervention to

More than 150 people have been killed and many more injured in ethnic violence in Manipur since clashes broke out between Kukis and Meitis early in May. Responding to Mr Gonsalves’ allegations that the unrest in Manipur is “state-sponsored violence”, the Chief Justice said, “We do not want this platform to be used for further escalation of violence in the state.”

Mr Gonsalves alleged that the violence in Manipur is being stoked by the BJPled state government.

US, Canada, and UK Greenlight

Khalistan Freedom Rallies

The US, Canada and the UK on Saturday allowed Khalistan freedom rallies to take place despite India urging all these countries collectively and individually to not give space to such separatist elements and warning that it could also affect bilateral ties.

All countries have contended that freedom of expression is an article of faith for them given their commitment to democracy and they cannot stop such mobilisation if they

are peaceful. The biggest mobilisation was outside the Indian consulates in Toronto and San Francisco. In Toronto, where Khalistani supporters came in a long motorcade of cars with the signature yellow Khalistan flag, members of the diaspora also came out in protest against them and to symbolically defend the Indian diplomats; creating a situation where the two groups were lined up on opposite sides of the road. There was a smaller mobilisation in London outside the Indian High Commission where the local authorities had beefed up security and also barb-wired the enclosure where the Indian Tricolour is placed to avoid a repeat of what happened in March when Khalistani supporters took down the flag and tried to set it afire.

London: President Joe Biden arrived in Britain on Sunday where he will meet King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak before continuing to Vilnius for a NATO summit, then a final stop in new NATO member Finland. Air Force One touched down at Stansted Airport north of London late in the evening, an AFP journalist reported. On Monday, he meets the British monarch at Windsor Castle, one of the royal residences, for the first time since Charles III’s coronation. The US president did not attend the ceremony, sending First Lady Jill Biden instead.

Maldives foreign minister to arrive on 2-day visit tomorrow

New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid will arrive in India on a two-day official visit on July 11-12.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Shahid will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, official sources said.

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Three-Day Vadilal International Gujarati Film Festival Enthralls Audiences In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL- The three-day Vadilal International Gujarati Film Festival (IGFF) in Niles treated Indian American audiences to more than a dozen films representing a resurgent Gujarati cinema on July 7-9.

Mumbai-based Kaushal Acharya, the founder of the IGFF, joined hands with Hi India and its publisher Hemant Brahmbhatt this year to offer 16 feature films showcasing a wide variety of themes. They included ‘Om Mangalam Singalam’, ‘Chabutaro’, ‘Fakt Mahilao Matey’, ‘Hello’, ‘Keri’, ‘Karm’, ‘Love You Pappa’, ‘Lakiro’, ‘Mara Pappa Superhero’, ‘Mrugtrushna’, ‘Medal’, ‘Naadi Dosh’, ‘Raado’, ‘Saiyar Mori Re’, ‘Shubh Yatra’ and ‘Veer-Isha Nu Seemant’.

“This was the fifth edition of the IGFF in the U.S. It is a passion project for us to promote Gujarati culture and art as well as, through them, the Gujarati language,” said IGFF founder Acharya.

“It is important that young Gujarati Americans are not only exposed to these films but through them to the Gujarati language. They may or may not be able to writer but I think it is essential for them to be able to understand and speak it. We want all Indian languages to flourish in the U.S. among the diaspora,” said Brahmbhatt, who routinely hosts music concerts, annual Garba festival as well plays.

Over a thousand people watched the movies, discovering a remarkable rejuvenation in Gujarati cinema in terms of modern themes, significantly improved production values, subtly changing performances and even updation in costumes. Unlike the Gujarati movies of the 1970s to 1990s, which were predominantly rural-focused, the movies in the 2020s have become more urban-centric, tackling urban angst. The presence at the festival of Malhar Thakar, currently regarded as Gujarati cinema’s biggest star, along with noted Hindi and

Gujarati cinema actor Darshan Pandya was a testament to that change.

The IGFF enlisted as its jury members well-known Gujarati theater and film artist Gopi Desai, well-known independent American filmmaker and screen writer S J Chiro, popular public speaker, writer and raconteur Jay Vasavada and well-known journalist, writer and documentarian Mayank Chhaya. “This is my first exposure to cinema of this kind. I found it fascinating and, in many ways, captivating. I am so glad I was made a part of the IGFF,” said S J Chiro.

Gopi Desai, with a distinguished theater

and movie career to her name, said, “We have to make sure that the Gujarati language is not only preserved among the diaspora but it even flourishes. Gujarati movies are a great vehicle towards that destination.”

Jay Vasavada, who was tasked with offering a primer on Gujarati cinema since its inception during the concluding gala dinner on July 9, said, “I see some dramatic changes in Gujarati cinema. The IGFF is a great platform to showcase those changes around the world. Gujaratis are by nature global in their outlook. We should ensure that the Gujarati language

“I see some dramatic changes in Gujarati cinema. The IGFF is a great platform to showcase those changes around the world. Gujaratis are by nature global in their outlook. We should ensure that the Gujarati language also becomes global via its cinema and other art forms"

also becomes global via its cinema and other art forms.”

“From a distance it appears that Gujarati cinema is experiencing a version of renaissance. I had watched precisely three Gujarati films in my life before the IGFF—’Akhand Saubhagyvati’ and ‘Kadu Makrani’ in the early 1970s and ‘Bhavni Bhavai in 1980. It was after a gap of over four decades that I had the opportunity to watch so many Gujarati films thanks to the IGFF. It is fascinating,” said Mayank Chhaya, who has been a journalist for the past 42 years with a reporting career out of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the U.S. Both Brahmbhatt and Acharya pointed out that the Gujarati community in America needs to step up to the plate in order to encourage Gujarati cinema and the Gujarati language. As Brahmbhatt pointed out during the gala dinner, “We had priced the tickets at $3 but no one came and then we made them free, and a thousand people came.” He later said that it is that attitude that needed to change.

“It is our responsibility to keep our great Gujarati heritage alive and for that we must put our money where our mouth is,” he said.

The festival also featured the legendary Gujarati singer Atul Purohit, who has become a regular performer in the city and elsewhere in the country, especially during the Navratri Garba events.

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- Jay Vasavada

Triumphant Three-day Vadilal International Gujarati Film Festival draws Film Industry's elite, luminaries, jury members, devoted community, and vast audiences (Photos by Asian Media)

Former Indian Defense Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar Explores India's Innovation Ecosystem

Major League Cricket Is Coming To America

4 Indian American Women Amongst America’s Most Successful

CHICAGO, IL- The Consulate General of India in Chicago is organizing a talk on the subject

“Evolving Innovation Ecosystem in India – Challenges and Opportunities” at 1030 hrs., Tuesday, 11th July 2023 in the Consulate – Suite No. 850, 455 North City front Plaza Drive, NBC Tower, Chicago, IL-606011 followed by a working buffet lunch.

The talk will be delivered by Dr. Ajay Kumar, former Permanent Secretary of Defence of India. Dr. Kumar, who has now retired from government service, has been instrumental in key reforms in the defence industry and defence innovation sector in his capacity as Secretary (Defence Production) and later as Defence Secretary till October 2022. Other than key defence industry and innovation issues, as the Permanent Secretary, he also presided over critical policy issues in defence partnerships with foreign countries including the USA. Before his stint in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Kumar has made an important contribution as Additional Secretary, to the policy reforms in India’s electronic and semiconductor sector. A PhD. from the University of Minnesota, he is working as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, after his retirement from the government service.

On July 6, 2023, the Closing Bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) marked a pivotal moment in the history of cricket in the United States. Major League Cricket (MLC), the country's new professional cricket league, was officially launched, generating tremendous excitement and setting the stage for an upcoming cricket extravaganza.

Backed by substantial investments from six teams, MLC aims to propel the growth of cricket in the US, a sport that has traditionally enjoyed limited attention outside the South Asian diaspora. With passionate fans from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, England, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Australia, and the West Indies, as well as recent interest sparked by performances from teams in the Cricket World Cup Qualifying events, MLC boasts a diverse and vibrant fan base.

The NYSE's Closing Bell ceremony symbolized America's commitment to embracing cricket as a major sport. Co-founders Vijay Srinivasan and Sameer Mehta stood at the center of this historic occasion, radiating pride and determination. Surrounded by

MLC's star players, including Tim David, Shadab Khan, Calvin Savage, Finn Allen, Andrew Tye, and Lockie Ferguson, the co-founders showcased the league's dedication to attracting top talent and fostering a competitive cricketing environment.

Local youth cricket players also joined the celebration, embodying the passion that brought them to this momentous event. The NYSE's prestigious setting highlighted the integration of sports and commerce, symbolizing cricket's vibrant presence in American sporting culture. With the launch ceremony successfully concluded, MLC is set to debut on July 13 in Texas, with matches also taking place in North Carolina. Renovated stadiums, equipped with state-ofthe-art infrastructure, reflect the league's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike.

The Closing Bell ceremony firmly established Major League Cricket as a formidable force, thanks to the tireless efforts of visionaries, investors, players, and cricket enthusiasts who paved the way. This launch signifies the beginning of an extraordinary chapter for cricket in the United States, captivating audiences and inspiring a new generation of players.

Darshan Thomas Honored As Outstanding Young Student Athlete Of The Year

Darshan Thomas, a rising basketball star from Chicago, has been awarded the prestigious title of Student-Athlete of the Year in recognition of his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and remarkable achievements. Having embarked on his basketball journey at the age of 5, Darshan's skills on the court have captured the attention of fans and scouts alike, propelling him to great heights in his athletic career. His accomplishments include a selection for UCLA's esteemed elite basketball summer camp, where he impressed with his exceptional talent and gained recognition from renowned institutions. Additionally, Darshan's outstanding performance led to his well-deserved recognition

as the Chicago Catholic League's AllConference Player, highlighting his significant contributions to the game. His basketball prowess extended to elite travel AAU basketball, where he had the privilege of training under the guidance of esteemed figures such as Ronnie Fields and Greater Purpose Athletics.

Notably, Darshan's success isn't limited to the basketball court. As a current rising senior at Marist High School, he has consistently exhibited a commitment to excellence in education. His intellectual capabilities and dedication to his studies earned him 1st Honors during his sophomore and junior years at Fenwick High School.

Jayshree Ullal, Neerja Sethi, Neha Narkhede, and Indra Nooyi —are featured among the Forbes 2023 List of America’s Most Successful Women. Jayshree Ullal, CEO and president, Arista Networks, is ranked 15 with a wealth of $2.2 billion. Neerja Sethi is ranked 25 with a wealth of $990 million. She launched IT firm Syntel with her husband. At rank 50 Neha Narkhede, co-founder of fraud detection firm Oscilar, has a wealth of $520 million.

Former CEO of Pepsico, Indra Nooyi, has a wealth of $350 million and is on rank 77.

The list is topped by Diane Hendricks,76, of ABC Supply with a wealth of $15 billion.

Indian-American who drove family off cliff asks court for mental health treatment

New York: (IANS) An IndianAmerican doctor, accused of deliberately driving his wife and two kids off a 250-foot California cliff, suffers from a major depressive disorder and needs treatment, his lawyers have said.

Dharmesh Patel, a 42-year-old radiologist, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and child abuse in February to which he pleaded not guilty.

According to the New York Post, Patel received a diagnosis that would allow him to enter a statewide diversion program and avoid jail time in connection with his attempted murder case. During a July 31 hearing, a judge will lay out the process for Patel to seek entry into the diversion program -- a process that could take months. Pleading not guilty to the attempted murder, Patel had told investigators that the sensor on his Model Y electric car indicated it had low tire pressure as he was driving on the Pacific Coast Highway on January 2 this year. His claims were rejected by his wife who said her husband deliberately drove off the cliff.

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Dr. Nilesh Mehta

Former Secretary of Defense of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar

Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy Awarded $100K Grant And Generates $75K In Funds At 2nd Annual Gala

FREEHOLD, NJ – Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities, successfully hosted its highly anticipated 2nd Annual “We Are Already Making a Difference Gala!” on June 30, 2023. The remarkable event, which took place at 618 Restaurant in Freehold, was sold out, and passionate supporters of the pharmacy gathered to celebrate its impactful contributions.

The Gala raised an impressive $75,000, which will help fund the pharmacy’s critical mission of providing underserved communities with life-saving medication.

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous support and enthusiasm shown at our 2nd Annual Gala,” said Ritesh Shah, Founder of Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. “The event serves as a testament to our shared commitment to improving healthcare access for those in need. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, volunteers, and sponsors who continue to make a lasting difference in our community.”

The evening featured notable speakers, including Cathleen Bennett of the NJ Hospital Association and County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago. They

delivered inspiring addresses on the importance of accessible healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background. Their powerful messages resonated with the audience, highlighting the significance of Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy’s mission in bridging healthcare gaps within the community.

During the Gala, a special presentation was made to Joseph Howe, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools in Freehold Borough and pharmacy Board Member. Ritesh Shah presented him with a plaque to unveil “Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy’s Thyroid Resource Center,” which is dedicated to the memory of his late father, David E. Howe. Unfortunately, Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Declan O’Scanlon were unable to attend the event due to their critical involvement in finalizing the state budget. Although they couldn’t personally address the attendees, they expressed their gratitude and support for Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy and its mission. Furthermore, despite their absence, they were pleased to announce that the New Jersey State FY2024 budget has allocated a significant amount of $100,000 to support the Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. This funding

showcases the state’s recognition of the organization’s significant impact on the lives of those in need. It will enable the pharmacy to expand its reach, provide essential medications, and deliver critical healthcare services to underprivileged community members. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a delightful dinner, cocktails, dessert, and a silent auction filled with exciting raffles. Renowned comedian Mike Marino brought laughter and entertainment to the event with his Standup Comedy performance. Nicole Donadio, from RSCP, provided a “Year in Review” presentation, highlighting the pharmacy’s impressive accomplishments, such as filling 2,500 prescriptions for patients in need, resulting in over $250,000 in savings for patients. Overall, the Gala was a tremendous success and an important celebration of the crucial work Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy does for the surrounding community. From providing medications, immunizations, and health education to offering comprehensive pharmacy services, RSCP will continue to provide patients with the best possible care, positively impact lives, and create a healthier future for all.

USCIS Launches Online Rescheduling Of Biometrics Appointments

WASHINGTON, DC—On June 28,

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment.

Introducing this tool is another way USCIS is improving customer service. By removing barriers and reducing burdens to applicants, USCIS is demonstrating the agency’s commitment to advancing the goals of Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government Mandates (EO 14058).

“We are working steadily to improve the customer experience by designing and delivering services in a manner that people of all abilities can access,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.

Previously, benefit requestors and accredited representatives could only request to reschedule a biometric services appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center. With this new tool, those individuals who have or create a USCIS online account can reschedule most requests for biometric services appointments without having to call the Contact Center. The new tool, however, cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that already has been

The biometric services appointment rescheduling tool can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether the pending case was submitted online or by mail.

rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours, or that has already passed.

The biometric services appointment rescheduling tool can be accessed via a USCIS online account regardless of whether the pending case was submitted online or by mail. Benefit requestors and accredited representatives will still have the option to call the USCIS Contact Center to reschedule an appointment, but USCIS strongly encourages users to use the new tool to save time, increase

efficiency, and reduce call volume to the USCIS Contact Center.

USCIS is also issuing guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to explain that the agency may consider an untimely request to reschedule a biometric services appointment and the effect of failing to appear for an appointment, and to explain how the agency considers a timely request to reschedule a biometric services appointment for “good cause.” Good cause exists when the reschedule request provides sufficient reason for the benefit requestor’s inability to appear on the scheduled date. Sufficient reasons may include, but are not limited to:

• Illness, medical appointment, or hospitalization;

• Previously planned travel;

• Significant life events such as a wedding, funeral, or graduation ceremony;

• Inability to obtain transportation to the appointment location;

• Inability to obtain leave from employment or caregiver responsibilities; and

• Late delivered or undelivered biometric services appointment notice.

USCIS only accepts untimely rescheduling requests made to the USCIS Contact Center and does not accept untimely requests to reschedule by mail or in-person at a USCIS office or through the myUSCIS online rescheduling tool.

Bill To Ban Caste Bias In California Clears Assembly Panel

A bill that aims to bolster civil rights protections in California by banning caste discrimination has cleared a major obstacle. The Assembly Judiciary Committee passed the bill by a 9-0 vote Wednesday. The bill was passed after some language changes.

It may be noted that the bill already passed in the state Senate earlier in May this year with an almost unanimous 34-1 vote.

The bill will give people who experience caste-based discrimination the clarity they need to file investigations so that they can benefit from the state’s antidiscrimination laws. The decision was met with cheers amongst supporters out at the Capitol once news of the decision broke. In a statement, the bill’s author, Democratic state Sen. Aisha Wahab celebrated the decision. “This bill is about workers’ rights, women’s rights, and civil rights,” she stated. “This bill is about ensuring the American Dream is accessible to all those who pursue it.”

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Florida Revokes Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants

State Rep Ranjeev Puri on Establishing Diwali, Eid and Vaisakhi as State Holidays in Michigan

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In a significant policy change, the state of Florida has declared five state driver's licenses obtained by undocumented immigrants as invalid. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recently announced that licenses issued by Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Vermont will no longer be considered valid identification for individuals lacking proper documentation. This decision marks a notable shift in Florida's stance on driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, emphasizing the state government's firm stance on legal immigration status as a requirement for obtaining a valid driver's license. Consequently, licenses from the aforementioned five states will no longer be accepted as a form of identification for undocumented individuals operating motor vehicles in Florida.

Undocumented immigrants residing in Florida, who possess driver's licenses from Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii,

Rhode Island, or Vermont, will face significant challenges as their existing licenses will no longer be usable for driving purposes. This restriction will limit their ability to navigate daily life and engage in essential activities that require valid identification.

It is crucial to recognize that this policy specifically targets undocumented immigrants, highlighting Florida's commitment to prioritizing legal immigration status as a prerequisite for obtaining a driver's license. By rejecting licenses issued by the aforementioned states, Florida aims to reinforce its dedication to upholding immigration laws and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding driver's license issuance.

This development adds to the ongoing national conversation surrounding immigration policies and the rights of undocumented individuals residing in the United States. Florida's unique approach to driver's license regulations reflects the state's determination to align its practices with federal immigration laws.

Jayshree Ullal talks about challenges Indian Americans Face During Immigration

Indian American State Representative from Michigan, Ranjeev Puri recently introduced a bill to expand the definition of hate crime. His bill also talks about including vandalizing a place of worship as a hate crime. Rep Puri has also introduced a bill to establish the holidays of Diwali, Vaisakhi, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Lunar New Year as official state-recognized holidays in Michigan. Puri, who is currently serving his second term as a state representative, is also the Michigan House Majority Whip and has been an active advocate of social issues. About the introduction of his bill, Puri has said that the original hate crime bill in Michigan was written in 1988 and has not been updated ever since. It's 35 years and so we are updating the definitions to be more inclusive.

He talks to Hi India about why it is important to update the bill and how the Indian American community can feel more included in America. You have introduced a bill to identify defacing places of worship as a hate crime. In the past many instances of vandalizing places of worship have taken place. Why do you think it is important for Indian American community that it is recognized as a hate crime?

In recent years, we have seen a spike in hate crimes against the Indian-American and Asian-American communities. Although a majority of hate crimes go unreported, recent data shows that ethnic and religious minority communities are often amongst the most targeted. Michigan currently does not have the legal tools to prosecute these crimes. The initial “hate crime” laws from 1988 have never been updated, making it difficult for prosecutors to successfully convict crimes as hate crimes. These laws would expand the definition of who and what is protected under the hate crimes laws, and also provide more leeway for the courts to respond to these vicious and hateful acts with the heavy-handed nature they deserve. Michigan is becoming more inclusive, and it is time our laws honor and appreciate the multi-ethnic fabric that makes up Michigan. Do you feel that such a step is important as sometimes hate crimes tend to go unnoticed in the US? Was there an incident or a reason that made you think that there is a need to acknowledge defacing religious places as hate crimes, which they actually are.

A majority of hate crimes go unreported. We need better data collection, but we also need to make it easier for communities to report incidents as they happen. Hate crimes come in many forms, from verbal slurs to acts of violence to homicide. It was a hate crime which led me to run for office. When my parents came to this country nearly 50 years ago, they settled in a small town in Wisconsin. As the community grew, they helped establish the first ever Sikh gurdwara in the state of Wisconsin. Many years later we left for Michigan, but in 2012, a white supremacist, full of hatred, islamophobia and bigotry, opened fire at the Oak Creek Gurdwara, and killed 6 souls. I watched as it went from a national story, to almost completely out of the news cycle not even 24 hours later. That story was my family’s entire legacy, our community’s story, and the American Dream for so many was ripped away that day.

Zofeen Maqsood

In the just released Forbes List of America’s 100 most successful and richest selfmade women, Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks was featured on number 15. Ullal is the highest ranking Indian American woman on the list. Recently in an interview Ullal spoke about the challenges Indians face in the US due to immigration delays. In an interview with The Times of India, Ullal said, “The immigration process is challenging and needs to change. The time taken for approval of the permanent residence visas has gone up to 5, 10 and 15 years, which is a large chunk of professional persons work life. I got mine approved in a year.”

She also told TOI, “it’s unfortunate that the immigration process is now stalled and getting worse after the pandemic.” She also talked about the job lay-offs in America stating, “And now that many companies in America are having to let go of people; several younger professionals from India face uncertainty on two fronts.” She added, “There are factors such as immigration status that employers can’t control; but they can help those getting laid off look for other employment. It’s the best they can do in this dire situation.”

You also introduced a bill to establish Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi, Eid al Adha and Lunar New Year as official state recognized holidays in Michigan?

Michigan is home to a diverse population, and Indian-Americans have played a significant role in shaping our society, economy, and culture. By officially recognizing their holidays, we can foster inclusivity, promote cultural understanding, and strengthen the bonds that tie our communities together. Recognizing Indian-American holidays as official state holidays holds several important benefits. First and foremost, it demonstrates our commitment to embracing diversity and promoting equality. Our state should be a place where all communities feel valued and respected, and this legislation is a positive step towards achieving that goal. Celebrating Indian-American holidays will provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and education. By designating these holidays as official state holidays, we encourage residents of all backgrounds to learn about the traditions, customs, and rich history of the Indian-American community. This can foster a sense of unity and appreciation for the multicultural fabric of our society.

Zofeen Maqsood

Indian Square Bomb Threat Resolved As New Jersey Police Apprehend Suspect

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JERSEY CITY, NJ- Calls reporting a potential bomb threat triggered a rapid response from multiple police emergency cruisers and fire rigs, converging on Jersey City’s India Square on Friday night. The incident occurred as the streets were filled with pre-Independence Day holiday crowds of diners and shoppers along Newark Avenue.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers cordoned off sections of the avenue to investigate the situation. Curious onlookers, comprised of civilians, patiently awaited updates as the police carried out their examination. After a tense two-hour period, the situation came to a peaceful resolution. The police removed the barriers, allowing pedestrians to regain full access to the street. They also escorted a man into a police vehicle, presumably related to the reported bomb threat.

Indian American Attorney Scores A Victory For Voting Rights

Although official details from city personnel were not immediately available, insights into the incident were provided by Poorvan Sharma, the manager of Mithaas Jersey City, an Indian restaurant situated on the south side of Newark Avenue, off

Liberty Avenue. Sharma witnessed the commotion across the street, where a man was engaged in an argument with a couple. According to Sharma, the man allegedly struck the husband in the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

The alleged aggressor subsequently began shouting and running around, claiming to have planted a bomb in his parked car, as recounted by Sharma. The woman involved in the altercation promptly dialed the police using her cell phone, leading to their swift arrival. Sharma managed to capture the incident on his own cell phone and shared the recorded images with one of the police officers. As the authorities diligently searched for the man, Sharma found himself fielding phone calls from potential customers who had heard about the incident. Despite the disruptions, he and other retailers managed to continue serving customers, even accommodating a small group preparing for a Jehovah Witness gathering at the former Stanley Theater just around the corner. The group was able to enjoy their meal despite the commotion transpiring outside the restaurant.

Grand Satyanarayana Puja & Guru Purnima Extravaganza at Hindu Mandir!

Neal Katyal, a leading Indian American attorney, is being celebrated for scoring a key victory for voting rights advocates with the Supreme Court rejecting the so-called Independent State Legislature theory. By a 6-3 judgment, the apex court on Monday rejected the controversial legal theory that state legislatures have almost unlimited power to decide the rules for federal elections and draw partisan congressional maps without interference from state courts.

US-born son of immigrant parents from India, Katyal, 53, a former acting US solicitor general won the day for the watchdog group Common Cause, by pressing the justices to reject the election theory before the 2024 election.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the opinion for the 6-3 majority in this case known as Moore v. Harper, which stems from a dispute in North Carolina.

The North Carolina legislators were appealing a ruling by their state supreme court finding that the new congressional map they adopted after the 2020 census was a blatant partisan gerrymander that violated the state constitution.

GRAYSLAKE, IL- The Hindu Mandir of Lake County, located in Grayslake, IL, recently organized two significant events, namely the Samohika Satyanarayana Puja and the Guru Purnima festival. These events aimed to honor and celebrate the living Gurus as the sources of wisdom in our society. The enthusiasm and zeal of hundreds of devotees actively participating in these events were remarkable.

The Samohika Satyanarayana Puja commenced in the afternoon with the sankalpam, where fifty sponsors were provided with all the necessary puja Samagri by the temple. The puja was conducted by three temple priests: Pt. Anil Joshi, Pt. Bala Ji Gopal, and Pt. Radha Krishna. They performed Shree Ganesh and Lord Vishnu and Ma Lakshmi Puja while chanting Vedic Mantras. Pt. Joshi Ji narrated the Swami Satyanarayana Katha, emphasizing that this Katha should be performed collectively with all family members, relatives, friends, and neighbors. Lord Vishnu desires to witness genuine human qualities in everyone. The Katha provides solutions for the problems of Kaliyug and inspires individuals to become humble, real human beings.

Pt. Joshi Ji stressed the importance of

displaying love for others, sharing skills, and finding satisfaction in sacrificing for others, as these qualities are gradually disappearing in people during Kaliyug. He also mentioned that Brahmins and senior citizens are considered the Gurus of our families, communities, and society, representing Lord Brahaspati according to astrology.

In the evening, the Guru Purnima celebration took place, where approximately 30 individuals from the greater Chicago Hindu community were honored. Brahmins and senior members from various Hindu communities were devoutly recognized for their role in preserving our Sanatana Dharma, age-

old knowledge, traditions, customs, and rituals. Young devotees respectfully cleaned their feet and offered tilak, Akshata, Scarf or Anga Vastram, and phalpushpam, accompanied by small gifts. The festivities concluded with the Maha Mangalarati, followed by the distribution of a delightful Prasadam prepared by the temple kitchen committee. This Prasadam was joyfully shared among all the devotees and special invitees of the event. Manoj Adhikari, the temple president, expressed his gratitude to the devotees, special invitees, temple priests, and selfless volunteers for their unwavering support, dedication, and services, which made these events truly memorable.

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Neal Katyal

Hockey India Boosts Officiating Standards: Umpire Javed Shaikh

New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Two of India's best international match officials Javed Shaikh and Mohammed Muneer have lauded Hockey India’s latest initiative, the ‘Match Officials Education and Development Plan’.

Javed Nuruddin Shaikh, FIH International Pro League Panel Umpire, and Moghul Mohammed Muneer, FIH International Pro League Panel Technical Official, believe that this initiative will further help aspiring umpires and technical officials enhance their skills and knowledge about the game.

Around 350 aspiring umpires and technical officials from across the country have enrolled for the Match Officials Education and Development Plan. Javed Shaikh has officiated in more than 150 international matches in his illustrious career. Shaikh was also appointed as an umpire for the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup in 2018, 2020 Tokyo Olympics and FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela.

Muneer has successfully carried out the responsibility of a technical officer in several national and international tournaments. He was also appointed technical delegate for the Asian Games Qualifiers in Dhaka (2010, 2014) and Muscat (2018) and Johar Boro Junior

International Tournament (2016). Talking about the Match Officials Education and Development Plan initiative, Shaikh said, “This is an excellent step taken by Hockey India. Through this, there will be uniformity in how the umpires of different member units interpret the rules during the game."

"It will act as a base where everyone can share their knowledge of FIH rules and regulations about the game and learn from educators and each other. I am sure that it will be a big boost for the match officials. What is happening right now is, everyone is umpiring in their states and with limited knowledge. Once they go through this course, everyone will get the same knowledge and that in turn will help develop

hockey overall. This is a stepping stone by which an aspiring candidate can also be part of Hockey India’s officiating system,” said Javed Shaikh. Meanwhile, Muneer shared his thoughts on the Match Officials Education and Development Plan initiative. He said, “I would like to thank Hockey India for coming up with the Match Officials Education and Development Plan. Through this, the aspiring umpires and technical officials will get a chance to hone their knowledge, skills and at the same time, it will also act as a platform where the transfer of knowledge will take place. It should be promoted more as there are several young aspiring umpires and technical officials who want to officiate at a national level and international level.”

Rahane: 'I'm young and there's a lot of cricket left in me'

Roseau (Dominica): (IANS) Dropped for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at The Oval, Ravichandran Ashwin came up with a strong performance as his recordbreaking five-wicket haul helped India bundle out hosts West Indies for a paltry 150 in their first innings in the opening Test match of the series at Windsor Park here.

Ashwin claimed 5-60 in 24.3 overs as he claimed the wickets of West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite (20), Tagenarine Chanderpaul (12), Alick Athanaze (47), Alzarri Joseph (4) and Jomel Warrican (1) as swung things India's way with a brilliant bowling effort after West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. This was Ashwin's 33rd five-wicket haul in an innings in Tests as he helped India take a dominant position in the first Test. It was a rare day in recent times as two Indian spinners led the show in an away match on a pitch that looked like turning from the first day itself as it was very brown with patches of grass.

MCC Proposes End to Bilateral ODIs After 2027 to Reduce 50-Over Cricket

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodians of the laws of the game, has pushed for extra funding to protect Test cricket and the women's game, and suggested a significant reduction in ODIs after the 2027 World Cup. In a recent meeting at the Lord's, the MCC's 13-member World Cricket Committee (WCC) proposed "removing bilateral ODIs, other than in the one year preceding each World Cup". The panel made the suggestion keeping in mind the crowded calendar, which features T20 domestic franchise leagues around the world.

"The committee questioned the role men's One Day International (ODI) cricket now plays outside of ICC World Cups, and recommended it be significantly reduced following the completion of the 2027 ICC Men's World Cup," the MCC said in a statement posted on its website.

Wimbledon: 'It a dream to play semifinal here', says world no 1 Carlos Alcaraz

Having turned 35 last month, Ajinkya Rahane says he still has a "lot of cricket left" in him, but is firmly focused on living in the moment instead of looking too far into the future as India begin their new WTC cycle with the two-match Test series against West Indies beginning July 12 in Roseau.

"I'm still young and there's a lot of cricket left in me. In the last one year or so, I've worked a lot on my fitness," Rahane said after rain cut short India's training session for a second day in a row at Windsor Park. "There were a few points in my batting that I've worked on. I'm enjoying my cricket a lot, enjoying my batting. I'm not thinking too much into the future. Every game is important, personally and also from the team point of view. I'm focusing on just that."

"My message will be to go out there and express himself, and not think too much about international cricket. It's about playing with freedom"

London, July 13 (IANS) Chasing a second major title after triumphing at the US Open last year, World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, who is into his third major semifinal, said that it is a dream for him to be able to play semifinal here at Wimbledon.

Alcaraz reached the maiden Wimbledon semifinal on Wednesday when he defeated 20-year-old Holger Rune. For the Spaniard, it was another memorable moment in his already record-breaking career.

Alcaraz's match against the World No.6 Rune was the first men’s Wimbledon quarter-final battle in the Open Era (since 1968) to be contested between two players aged under 21. "It's amazing for me. It's been a dream since I started playing tennis -– making good results here in Wimbledon, such a great tournament. I didn’t expect to play at such a great level on this surface. For me, it’s crazy.

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1st Test: Ashwin fifer helps India take dominant position against West Indies

How to choose the best road bike for expert cyclists

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

14th July to 20th July 2023

If you’re a cyclist who wants to ride faster, further, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride more, you need a road bike that matches your skills and goals. But with so many options available right now, how do you find the one most suited for you?

If you’re a cyclist who wants to ride faster, further, and, most importantly, enjoy the ride more, you need a road bike that matches your skills and goals. But with so many options available right now, how do you find the one most suited for you?

As an expert cyclist, you have strict criteria and expectations when deciding on your next road bike. You would want a bike that can assist you in reaching greater heights, no matter if it is a race, a climb, or a ride for fun.

The three main criteria to assess the best bikes for pro-cyclists, are performance, comfort, and durability.

Performance

Performance is the most important criterion. You want a bike that can deliver power, rides efficiently, and be responsive on any terrain and condition.

Usually, such bikes have high-end components, like electronic groupsets, hydraulic disc brakes, carbon wheels, and tubeless tires, which offer better shifting, braking, rolling, and puncture resistance than their lower-end counterparts.

Bikes that have aerodynamic features are a plus as well, such as integrated cable routing, sleek tube shapes, and deep-section rims. These features reduce drag, and lesser energy is therefore needed.

Comfort

Comfort is also another important criterion. You would want a bike that can provide a smooth and enjoyable ride quality, especially on long rides and rough roads.

Such bikes have features that help improve comfort and reduce fatigue of the cyclist, such as vibration damping systems, ergonomic handlebars and saddles, and adjustable frame geometry. These features help to absorb the shocks from the bumpy road, provide better grip and support, and allow the rider to fine-tune the fit and position of the bike according to his liking.

Durability

Durability is the final criterion. You would want a bike that can last longer and hold up over time. Such bikes have strong, high-quality frames

and components that can withstand wear and tear and harsh conditions.

I also looked for bikes that can be easily maintained; hence they feature replaceable parts, standard fittings, and warranty coverage.

The top 5 road bikes for expert cyclists

With these criteria and experience, here are top 5 road bikes for expert cyclists:

Trek

Domane SLR 9 eTap

If you want a bike that can handle any road condition and any ride length, the Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap might be your best bet. This bike is not meant to be a pure race machine but a versatile all-rounder that offers comfort, performance, and reliability.

The Domane has a carbon frame and fork with dual IsoSpeed decouplers that smooth out the bumps and vibrations from the road. The front IsoSpeed is located within the head tube and allows the steerer tube to flex fore and aft independently, while the rear IsoSpeed is adjustable and lets you fine-tune the compliance of the seat mast.

The bike also has clearance for up to 32mm tires, which adds to the comfort and versatility of the bike.

The Domane comes with Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 carbon wheels and R4 320 tires, which are light, fast, and grippy.

The bike is equipped with an SRAM Red eTap AXS wireless electronic groupset and hydraulic disc brakes, which offer precise shifting and braking. The bike weighs only 8.3 kg for a size 56cm, which is impressive for a bike with this level of comfort and versatility.

The drawbacks of this bike are its high price tag ($11,000), heavier weight than some competitors (8.3 kg), and possible lack of agility or stiffness, although some riders prefer that.

But if you’re looking for a bike that can do it all, the Domane might be the one for you. It’s a bike for the love of cycling, not for chasing podiums or KOMs.

Specialized S-Works Aethos

If you want a bike that combines ridiculously low weight with a classic look and superb ride quality, you might want to check out the Specialized S-Works Aethos.

Aries

Ganesha says that this week will prove to be fruitful for the people of Aries. This week luck will be with you at every step. If you were working on an action plan for a long time, then this week you will get good results in it.

Taurus

Ganesha says that this week will be full of ups and downs for the people of Taurus. At the beginning of the week, employed people may suddenly get unwanted responsibilities or additional workload may come.

Gemini

Ganesha says thatthis week will bring opportunities for progress in life for the people of Gemini. At the beginning of the week itself, you will get excellent opportunities to advance your career.

Cancer

Ganesha says thatthe people of Cancer will have to avoid doing distant losses in favor of nearby gains this week. At the beginning of the week, move ahead with care regarding career business. Do not be negligent in any work in the workplace, otherwise, you may have to become a victim of the boss’s anger.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week the people of the Leo zodiac will have to worry about their own benefit as well as the interest of others, otherwise your relationships built over the years may get spoiled. Avoid neglecting old relationships while building new relationships with someone.

Virgo

Ganesha says that the natives of Virgo will be seen to be lucky this week. This week, the efforts made in the direction of livelihood will be successful and you will get desired profit in business. If you are a working person, then you can get praise from the boss for your hard work this week.

Libra

Ganesha says that this week will prove to be very auspicious for the people of the Libra zodiac. When the planned work is completed on time, you will get

to see tremendous confidence and enthusiasm within you. The search for livelihood will end.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the people of the Scorpio zodiac should avoid taking any big decision this week in anger or by getting carried away by emotions, otherwise, they may have to repent later. At the beginning of the week, the job profession may have to face the workload and stress in the workplace.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that the people of Sagittarius will get the full support of luck this week. From the beginning of the week, the planned tasks will be seen to be completed rapidly. There will be full support from friends and family members.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn will need to move forward with great patience and very careful steps this week. If you are associated with any business and are thinking of taking your business forward, then invest money for it very carefully and take the advice of any of your well-wishers while taking a decision in this regard.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that the people of Aquarius will have to avoid putting too much trust in others with excessive enthusiasm this week. Both these things can become a big reason for spoiling your work. The beginning of the week will prove to be auspicious for those people who do work related to foreign countries and then want to establish their career or business by going abroad.

Pisces

Ganesha says that this week will prove to be successful for the people of Pisces. At the beginning of the week, there will be success and profit in the works related to power governance. For those who wanted a transfer or a higher position at a particular place, their wait may end this week. People engaged in the preparation of examination competitions will get good news. For the people of Pisces, this week will also prove to be very favorable from an economic point of view.

The next big advance in cancer treatment could be a vaccine

The next big advance in cancer treatment could be a vaccine. After decades of limited success, scientists say research has reached a turning point, with many predicting more vaccines will be out in five years. These aren't traditional vaccines that prevent disease, but shots to shrink tumors and stop cancer from coming back. Targets for these experimental treatments include breast and lung cancer, with gains reported this year for deadly skin cancer melanoma and pancreatic cancer.

“We're getting something to work. Now we need to get it to work better,” said Dr. James Gulley, who helps lead a center at the National Cancer Institute that develops immune therapies, including cancer treatment vaccines. More than ever, scientists understand how cancer hides from the body's immune system. Cancer vaccines, like other immunotherapies, boost the immune system to find and kill cancer cells. And some new ones use mRNA, which was developed for cancer but first used for COVID-19 vaccines. For a vaccine to work, it needs to teach the immune system's T cells to recognize cancer as dangerous, said Dr. Nora Disis of UW Medicine's Cancer Vaccine Institute in Seattle. Once trained, T cells can travel anywhere in the body to hunt down danger.

“If you saw an activated T cell, it almost has feet," she said. "You can see it crawling through the blood vessel to get out into the tissues.”

Patient volunteers are crucial to the research.

Kathleen Jade, 50, learned she had breast cancer in late February, just weeks before she and her husband were to depart Seattle for an aroundthe-world adventure. Instead of sailing their 46-foot boat, Shadowfax, through the Great Lakes toward the St. Lawrence Seaway, she was sitting on a hospital bed awaiting her third dose of an experimental vaccine. She's getting the vaccine to see if it will shrink her tumor before surgery.

“Even if that chance is a little bit, I felt like it's worth it," said Jade, who is also getting standard treatment.

Progress on treatment vaccines has been challenging. The first, Provenge,

Drugmakers Moderna and Merck are jointly developing a personalized mRNA vaccine for patients with melanoma, with a large study to begin this year. The vaccines are customized to each patient, based on the numerous mutations in their cancer tissue.

Eat enough of these 6 foods to lower cardiovascular disease risk: Study

San Francisco: (IANS)

was approved in the U.S. in 2010 to treat prostate cancer that had spread. It requires processing a patient's own immune cells in a lab and giving them back through IV. There are also treatment vaccines for early bladder cancer and advanced melanoma.

Early cancer vaccine research faltered as cancer outwitted and outlasted patients' weak immune systems, said Olja Finn, a vaccine researcher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“All of these trials that failed allowed us to learn so much,” Finn said. As a result, she's now focused on patients with earlier disease since the experimental vaccines didn't help with more advanced patients. Her group is planning a vaccine study in women with a low-risk, noninvasive breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ. More vaccines that prevent cancer may be ahead too. Decades-old hepatitis B vaccines prevent liver cancer and HPV vaccines, introduced in 2006, prevent cervical cancer.

In Philadelphia, Dr. Susan Domchek, director of the Basser Center at Penn Medicine, is recruiting 28 healthy people with BRCA mutations for a vaccine test. Those mutations increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The idea is to kill very early abnormal cells, before they cause problems. She likens it to periodically weeding a garden or erasing a whiteboard. Others are developing vaccines to prevent cancer in people with precancerous lung nodules and other inherited conditions that raise cancer risk.

“Vaccines are probably the next big thing” in the quest to reduce cancer deaths, said Dr. Steve Lipkin, a medical geneticist at New York's Weill Cornell Medicine, who is leading one effort funded by the National Cancer Institute. “We're dedicating our lives to that.”

People with the inherited condition Lynch syndrome have a 60% to 80%

lifetime risk of developing cancer. Recruiting them for cancer vaccine trials has been remarkably easy, said Dr. Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who is leading two governmentfunded studies on vaccines for Lynchrelated cancers.

“Patients are jumping on this in a surprising and positive way,” he said. Drugmakers Moderna and Merck are jointly developing a personalized mRNA vaccine for patients with melanoma, with a large study to begin this year. The vaccines are customized to each patient, based on the numerous mutations in their cancer tissue. A vaccine personalized in this way can train the immune system to hunt for the cancer's mutation fingerprint and kill those cells. But such vaccines will be expensive. “You basically have to make every vaccine from scratch. If this wasn't personalized, the vaccine could probably be made for pennies, just like the COVID vaccine,” said Dr. Patrick Ott of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

The vaccines under development at UW Medicine are designed to work for many patients, not just a single patient. Tests are underway in early and advanced breast cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer. Some results may come as soon as next year.

Todd Pieper, 56, from suburban Seattle, is participating in testing for a vaccine intended to shrink lung cancer tumors. His cancer spread to his brain, but he's hoping to live long enough to see his daughter graduate from nursing school next year.

“I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, either for me or for other people down the road,” Pieper said of his decision to volunteer.

One of the first to receive the ovarian cancer vaccine in a safety study 11 years ago was Jamie Crase of nearby Mercer Island. Diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer when she was 34, Crase thought she would die young and had made a will that bequeathed a favorite necklace to her best friend. Now 50, she has no sign of cancer and she still wears the necklace. She doesn't know for sure if the vaccine helped, “But I'm still here.”

Consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and whole-fat dairy products in combination is key to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults, including heart attacks and strokes, say researchers. According to the study published in the European Heart Journal, a healthy diet can be achieved in various ways, such as including moderate amounts of whole grains or unprocessed meats. Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) researchers and their global collaborators analysed data from 2,45,000 people in 80 countries from multiple studies.

“Previous diet scores including the EAT-Lancet Planetary Diet and the Mediterranean Diet tested the relationship of diet to CVD and death mainly in Western countries. The PURE Healthy Diet Score included a good representation of high, middle, and low-income countries,” said Salim Yusuf, senior author and principal investigator of Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE). According to researchers, processed and ultra-processed foods with foods and nutrients are believed to be protective of one’s health.

“There is a recent increased focus on higher consumption of protective foods for disease prevention. Outside of larger amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, the researchers showed that moderation is key in the consumption of natural foods,” said first author Andrew Mente, PHRI scientist and assistant professor at Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. The PURE Healthy Diet Score recommends an average daily intake of fruits at two to three servings; vegetables at two to three servings; nuts at one serving; and dairy at two servings, three to four weekly servings of legumes and two to three weekly servings of fish.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 18 million people died from CVD in 2019, representing 32 per cent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85 per cent were due to heart attacks and strokes.

These aren't traditional vaccines that prevent disease, but shots to shrink tumors and stop cancer from coming back

Move in US to Recapture Unused Green Cards, Benefits Indian-Americans

High Court Rejects Rahul Gandhi’s Modi Surname Claim

Washington: In a move that could benefit thousands of Indian-Americans waiting for their green cards, a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders has recommended that all unused green cards for family and employment categories since 1992 be recaptured. This includes the recapture of more than 2,30,000 unused employmentbased green cards from 1992 to 2022 and processing a portion of these every fiscal year in addition to the annual limit of 1,40,000 for this category, Indian-American Ajay Bhutoria said in his set of recommendations submitted before the commission on Thursday.

“Recapture Unused Green Cards and Prevent Future Green Card Waste” aims to address bureaucratic delays in the green card application process and provide relief to individuals waiting in backlogs, he said.

Another Indian Store Clerk Shot Dead by a 16-year-old in California

Ahmedabad: Rahul Gandhi will remain disqualified as a Lok Sabha MP after a Gujarat High Court today rejected his request to put on hold his conviction in a defamation case over his 2019 Modi surname remark. The conviction is “just, proper and legal”, the High Court said. The Congress leader will now approach the Supreme Court with his request. Since his disqualification stands, he is not likely to make it back into parliament in the coming monsoon session beginning July 20. If the Supreme Court also rejects his request, Rahul Gandhi cannot contest next year’s election. The Gujarat High Court cited Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Veer Savarkar at Cambridge in its order.

“It is needed to have purity in politics...A complaint has been filed against (Rahul Gandhi) by the grandson of Veer Savarkar in Pune Court after Gandhi used terms against Veer Savarkar at Cambridge,” said the High Court. “Refusal to stay conviction would not in any way result in injustice to the applicant. There are no reasonable

grounds to stay conviction. The conviction is just, proper and legal.” The court said there were “as many as 10 cases pending” against Rahul Gandhi and he was “seeking a stay on absolutely non-existent grounds”. A “stay on conviction is not a rule”, said the judge. The former Congress chief will not go to jail as his two-year sentence had been put on hold by a court previously. Today’s decision is a huge blow to the Congress as it plans strategy for a series of upcoming polls, including the 2024 national election. In May, the Gujarat High Court had denied any reprieve to Rahul Gandhi, saying it would announce its final decision after the court’s summer vacation, which ended three weeks back

“Very Rare”: Congress Reacts To US Envoy’s Remarks On Manipur Violence

“I don’t think it’s about strategic concerns, it’s about human concerns. You don’t have to be an Indian to care when children or individuals die in this sort of violence,” Eric Garcetti said

New Delhi: US Ambassador to India

Eric Garcetti on Thursday said that his country is “ready to assist” the Centre in its peace efforts to restore normalcy in violence-hit Manipur, though it remains India’s internal matter.

“I don’t think it’s about strategic concerns, it’s about human concerns. You don’t have to be an Indian to care when children or individuals die in this sort of violence,” Mr Garcetti said in response to a question on whether the US was concerned about the violence in Manipur.

“We stand ready to assist in any ways if asked. We know it’s an Indian matter and we pray for that peace and that it may

come quickly,” he said. Reacting sharply to Mr Garcetti’s statement, the Congress said it’s very rare for a US envoy to make such a statement on India’s internal affairs and that the

USFDA Issues Public Health Alert for Indian Garam and Sambar Masalas

27-year-old, Parveen Singh, worked at the store. When the officers arrived, they found Singh on the ground with a gunshot wound

As the Indian community in the US was still coming to terms with the news of two teens shooting an Indian working in a store, news emerged of a similar such incident; this time in California. In Hesperia, a city in Saint Bernardino County in California a 16-year-old teenager shot dead an Indian store clerk. The incident happened at 6:30 pm at. Mobil Gas Station located on Main Street.

The teen shot the clerk, robbed the store and then ran off. The deceased store clerk was 27-year-old, Parveen Singh, who worked at the store. When the officers arrived, they found Singh on the ground with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital but he later died.

An alert has been issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding some Indian masalas. The alert advises not to purchase or eat some recalled Indian spices as they may have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Some of the recalled products include Everest Garam Masala, Everest Sambhar Masala, and Maggi Masala ae Magic with specific lot numbers as under.

Everest Garam Masala, 100 grams, coded U25D390373, with UPC: 8 901786 101009; Everest Sambhar Masala, 100 grams, coded U04D384296, with UPC: 8 901786 081004; and Maggi

Masala ae Magic, 6 grams, 20640 455AA. The samples of all the three products were analyzed by the FDA and the results showed they were contaminated with Salmonella. The products were manufactured in India and were not labeled for distribution in the United States.

All three products were imported to the United States and the products were distributed to retail stores in Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania beginning March 16, 2023. Amin Trading LLC initiated a recall on June 1, 2023, after test results showed the products were contaminated with Salmonella. All remaining product on hand with the recalling firm was destroyed under FDA supervision. The FDA said it has contacted the manufacturer of Maggi Masala ae Magic and they are investigating the situation. The foreign manufacturer of the two products

country has never appreciated any such “interference”. “To the best of my recollection going back at least 4 decades in Public life I have never heard a US Ambassador making a statement of this nature about the internal affairs of India,” Congress leader Manish Tewari said. “We faced Challenges in Punjab, J&K , North East over the decades and surmounted those with sagacity & wisdom. I doubt if the New @ USAmbIndia @ericgarcettz is cognisant of the convoluted & torturous history of US-India relations & our sensitivity about interference perceived or real, well intentioned or mal intentioned into our internal affairs,” Mr Tewari said.

4 Indian American Women Amongst America’s most Successful

Jayshree Ullal, Neerja Sethi, Neha Narkhede, and Indra Nooyi —are featured among the Forbes 2023 List of America’s Most Successful Women. Jayshree Ullal, CEO and president, Arista Networks, is ranked 15 with a wealth of $2.2 billion. Neerja Sethi is ranked 25 with a wealth of $990 million. She launched IT firm Syntel with her husband. At rank 50 Neha Narkhede, co-founder of fraud detection firm Oscilar, has a wealth of $520 million. Former CEO of Pepsico, Indra Nooyi, has a wealth of $350 million and is on rank 77. The list is topped by Diane Hendricks,76, of ABC Supply with a wealth of $15 billion.

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HOTEL HELP

Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:

HOUSEHOLD HELP . . Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:

શિકાગો પાસ આવલી ફ્ન્્ચાઈઝ હોટલમા હાઉસકકશપંગ કપલની જરૂર છ. રહવાની સગવડ આપવામા આવિ. લીગલ સ્ટટ્સ અન હાઉસકકશપંગના કામનો અનભવ જરૂરી.

708-688-9174

MOTEL HELP Des Moines, Iowaમા આવલી ફ્ન્ાઈઝ મોટલમા ફ્નટડસ્ક તમજ હાઉસ્કીપીંગ માટ સસંગલ અથવા ્કપલની જરૂર છ. રહવાની સગવડ આપવામા આવશ. લીગલ સટટસ જરૂરી.

Franchise Motel in Des Moines, Iowa needs Single or Couple for Frontdesk and Housekeeping. Accommodation will be provided. Legal Status must.

Call Dipak Amin 319-601-0923

MATRIMONIAL

Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:

North Indian, Punjabi, Hindu parents looking for a suitable match for their 29 yr, Ht 5’4”, beautiful, slim, working in reputed bank in California from Punjabi family, handsome, well educated, well settled boy from USA or Canada.

Please send biodata and recent picture.

Email: sbhalla007@gmail.com

MATRIMONIAL

North Indian, Punjabi, Hindu parents looking for a suitable match for their handsome son, 29 Years/ Ht 5’-7”, US citizen, working in reputed IT Company in Californnia. From beautiful, well educated, family oriented Punjabi or Sikh girl. Please email biodata and recent picture.

Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:

Email: rchaddha62@gmail.com

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