hi INDiA | September 22, 2023 | The Community First

US govt announces $600 mn in Covid tests manufacture

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an investment of $600 million in the manufacture of new at-home Covid-19 tests and will deliver the tests for free to households across the country.

Washington, Sep 21 (IANS) The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an investment of $600 million in the manufacture of new at-home Covid-19 tests and will deliver the tests for free to households across the country.

The critical investments in 12 US manufacturers in seven states "will strengthen our nation's production levels of domestic at-home Covid-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus", HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.

Beginning September 25, households

South Korea raids US military bases in drugs probe

South Korean police are investigating 17 US soldiers and five other people who allegedly smuggled or used synthetic marijuana via military mail. This follows raids in at least two US army bases in May, including Camp Humphreys, its largest overseas base. A Filipino and a South Korean have been arrested, while prosecutors review the cases against all 22 suspects. A tip from the US Army's enforcement arm had sparked a four-month investigation by Korean authorities.

US returns Egon

Schiele art stolen by Nazis to heirs

will again be able to order four free tests through COVIDTests.gov, the agency said, adding that these tests will detect the currently circulating Covid-19 variants and are intended for

US govt hacking into Huawei servers since 2009, accuses China

use through the end of 2023, Xinhua news agency reported.

The initiative follows four previous rounds in which the US federal government and the US Postal Service provided more than 755 million tests for free to households nationwide.

It is also meant to complement ongoing federal efforts to provide free Covid-19 tests to long-term care facilities, schools, low-income senior housing, uninsured individuals and underserved communities, with 500 million tests provided to date through these channels, according to the agency.

US Senate confirms Charles Brown as chairman of joint chiefs of staff

The US Senate has confirmed Air Force General Charles Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, local media reported.

CNN reported. US President Joe Biden had formally announced Brown's nomination on May 25.

Hong Kong: (IANS) As the US and China tussle escalates over technology, Beijing has accused Washington of allegedly hacking Huawei's servers and conducting cyber attacks to steal critical data since 2009, the media reported.

According to Nikkei Asia, China's Ministry of State Security posted on its official WeChat account, revealing “key despicable methods by US intelligence agencies in cyberespionage and theft.

The post accused the US government of hacking into Huawei servers.

Washington: (IANS) The US Senate has confirmed Air Force General Charles Brown as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, local media reported. The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Brown as the country's top military officer with overwhelming majority 83-11 and he will assume the post on October 1, succeeding Mark Milley,

The months-long delay of Brown's confirmation was caused by Senator Tommy Tuberville's blockade due to his opposition to a Department of Defence policy related to service members' need for abortions, Xinhua news agency reported.

He was the first Black service chief in US military history when he was confirmed as chief of the Air Force in 2020 and the second Black officer to chair the Joint Chiefs after Colin Powell who served the role between 1989 and 1993.

US says it supports Canada's probe of Khalistan activist's murder

"In 2009, the Office of Tailored Access Operations started to infiltrate servers at Huawei's headquarters and continued conducting such surveillance operations," the post read. The US Department of State was yet to comment on the Chinese accusation.

Nestle unlawfully bottled spring water for over 100 years: US

The US has returned seven artworks by Austrian painter Egon Schiele to the heirs of a Jewish cabaret star who owned them before he was killed by the Nazis in 1941.

Fritz Grünbaum's family had sought the return of his Schiele pieces for more than two decades.

Valued at between $780,000 (£633,000) and $2.75m apiece, some had been on display at prominent museums in the US.

Adrienne Watson,

Washington: (IANS) The United States doubled down on its support for Canada in its ongoing diplomatic row with India, saying on Wednesday that "we support Canada’s ongoing law enforcement

efforts" and that it was coordinating and consulting "closely" with Ottawa. The comment was made by Adrienne Watson, spokesperson of the US National Security Council, in response to media reports that suggested that the US had rejected Canada’s call for a joint statement from the G7 countries because of President Joe Biden’s efforts to keep India on the US side in readiness for any conflict or confrontation with China. And it came a day after NSC spokesperson for strategic communication offered a similar express of support for the Canadian in an interview with CNN.

"Reports that we rebuffed Canada in any way on this are flatly false," Watson said in a post on X on Wednesday. "We are coordinating and consulting with Canada closely on this issue. This is a serious matter and we support Canada’s ongoing law enforcement efforts. We are also engaging the Indian government."

Washington: (IANS) The water regulator of the US state of California has said that the beverage corporate giant Nestle had illegally diverted and bottled water from mountain springs for over 100 years, the media reported.

The bottled water is sold under Arrowhead, a household brand whose label reads "Since 1894."

Nestle sold the bottled water business in 2021 and Nestle Waters North America began operating under the new name BlueTriton Brands later, Xinhua news agency reported. California State Water Resources Control Board ordered the company to stop drawing water for bottling from most of its water-collection sites in the San Bernardino Mountains by November 1 and has given it 30 days to appeal to the board.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Air Force General Charles Brown

Allies Split on Canada's Allegations Against India Over Sikh Leader's Killing

HiIndia Newsdesk

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar have caused a divide among Canada's Five Eyes allies. Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force, was shot dead in British Columbia in June. While Trudeau emphasized the need for a thorough investigation and expressed a desire not to escalate tensions with India, most of the Five Eyes partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, have called for a comprehensive probe into the allegations. The US National Security Council spokesperson, Adm Joh Kirby, expressed support for Canada's stance, stressing the importance of a thorough investigation

Six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank and Gaza

Canada is part of a ‘Five Eyes’ network which is an intelligence alliance consisting of the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand

and urging India's cooperation.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese refrained from commenting directly but acknowledged the concerning

5.1-magnitude quake hits Indonesia

reports and ongoing investigations. The UK's Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, emphasized respecting sovereignty and the rule of law while monitoring the developments. Trudeau's political opponents have demanded more evidence to support his claims, while Sikh-Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh called for India to be included in a public inquiry on foreign interference. Canada's Emergency Preparedness Minister, Harjit Sajjan, expressed hope for continued normal relations with India and dismissed India's accusations of Sikh extremist influence in the Canadian government. As the situation unfolds, tensions between Canada and India remain delicate, with allies calling for a measured approach and a thorough investigation into the allegations.

Rishi Sunak delays petrol car ban in major shift on green policies

Rishi Sunak has delayed a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in a major change to the government's approach to achieving net zero by 2050.

Mr Sunak also faced attacks from his own party, but many Conservative MPs came out in favour of the new direction, alongside some in the car industry. The changes come as Mr Sunak seeks to create dividing lines with opposition parties ahead of a general election, expected next year.

Jakarta: (IANS) A 5.1 magnitude quake hit Indonesia's Northern Sumatra province on Thursday, the GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences said.

The temblor that rocked the region at 0407 GMT was epicentered at 0.32 degrees north latitude and 98.70 degrees east longitude, Xinhua news agency reported. Its depth was 10.0 km.

Poland to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine over grain row

Six Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, medics say. Four men were killed during a military raid in Jenin refugee camp late on Tuesday night. Three of them were claimed by militant groups as members. Another young Palestinian man was killed during an Israeli raid in Jericho on Wednesday morning. The sixth was killed during violent demonstrations on Tuesday evening near the Gaza-Israel separation fence.

DR Congo asks UN force to start leaving this year

The prime minister announced exemptions and delays to several key green policies, alongside a 50% increase in cash incentives to replace gas boilers. The government could not impose "unacceptable costs" linked to reducing emissions on British families, he said. It's prompted fierce criticism from the opposition and some industry bosses.

Framing the changes as "pragmatic and proportionate", the prime minister has unpicked several of Boris Johnson's key policies, many of them launched when Mr Sunak was serving as chancellor.

In a speech from Downing Street on Wednesday, Mr Sunak said moving too fast on green policies "risks losing the consent of the British people".

Beijing demands Hong Kong consulates hand over local staff data

The requirements apply to all foreign missions' local employees, including permanent residents and nonpermanent residents in the financial hub.

Hong Kong in accordance with the law and from a practical point of view," the ministry said on Wednesday, in response to queries seeking confirmation of the move.

Warsaw: (IANS) Poland has announced that it will no longer supply weapons to Ukraine as a diplomatic dispute over grain escalates. Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Wednesday said that it would instead focus on arming itself with more modern weapons, the BBC reported. On Tuesday, Poland summoned Ukraine's ambassador over comments made by President Volodymyr Zelensky at the UN.

Iran hijab bill: Women face 10 years in jail for 'inappropriate' dress

A growing number of women and girls have stopped covering their hair in public in recent months

Democratic Republic of Congo

President Félix Tshisekedi has called for a speedier withdrawal of the UN force in his country to begin this year He told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that he had instructed his government to begin talks with the UN to bring forward “the start of this progressive withdrawal from Dec- 2024 to Dec- 2023”. He said the missionknown by the acronym Monusco - had failed to bring peace in the country despite being there for about 25 years, adding that it was "illusory and counterproductive to continue to cling” to the force to maintain peace.

Beijing has told foreign consulates in Hong Kong to hand over the personal details of all locally hired staff.

Local media reported that a letter from the city arm of China's Foreign Ministry asked for the data to be submitted by 18 October.

The requirements apply to all foreign missions' local employees, including permanent residents and nonpermanent residents in the financial hub. The move is in line with "international practice", the foreign ministry said. It would also bring rules in Hong Kong in line with those on the mainland.

"The Chinese side has been managing the affairs of foreign consular offices in

Hong Kong is part of China, but has had some autonomy since the end of British rule in 1997.

But following months of major demonstrations in 2019, Beijing tightened its control over the city by imposing a strict national security law outlawing many forms of dissent. Just this week, Hong Kong police arrested a 46-year-old office clerk for allegedly posting seditious content online.

The latest requirement from Beijing is believed to be the first time such a policy is being implemented in the territory. Chinese employees of foreign embassies and consulates on the mainland are already required to hand over personal details of locally hired staff.

Iran's parliament has passed a controversial bill that would increase prison terms and fines for women and girls who break its strict dress code.

Those dressed "inappropriately" face up to 10 years in jail under the bill, for which a three-year "trial" was agreed.

It still needs to be approved by the Guardian Council to become law. The move comes a year after protests erupted over the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was held by morality police for an allegedly improper hijab.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Canada MP From Trudeau Party Alleges

Khalistani Threats, Attacks On Hindus

India Suspends Canada Visa Services Amid Row: “Operational Reasons”

New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) India has suspended visa services for Canadians “till further notice” amid a massive international row over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim that his government has intelligence linking New Delhi in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

A notice by BLS International - an online visa application centre said, “Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates: BLS India Visa Application Centre.”

Ottawa: Amid the India-Canada diplomatic standoff, Canadian MP Chandra Arya alleged that the extremist elements are “attacking” and “threatening” Hindu-Canadians to go back to India. He has also urged all the Hindu-Canadians in the country to stay calm, and vigilant and report any untoward incident to law enforcement agencies.

Notably, Chandra Arya is an IndoCanadian leader who comes from the Liberal Party of Canada, the same party as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Few days back Khalistan movement leader in Canada and the president of Sikhs for Justice which organizes the so-called referendum Gurpatwant Singh Pannun attacked Hindu Canadians asking us to leave Canada and go back to India,” Arya posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Vivek Ramaswamy Now 2nd In Race For US President Candidate Pick

The update on Thursday came after a Punjab-origin NIA-wanted gangster Sukha Duneke was also shot dead in Canada’s Winnipeg in an inter-gang rivalry. Sukhdool Singh, alias Duneke, was part of Khalistan movement in Canada. Duneke, an associate of the

This comes as India and Canada are locked in a row over Ottawa’s claim it has “credible allegations” linking agents of New Delhi to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan Sikh terrorist.

Devinder Bambiha Gang in Punjab, escaped to Canada in 2017 on forged documents. On Wednesday, his name figured among the list of 43 gangsters released by the National Investigation

Canada rejects India's travel advisory amid escalating diplomatic row; calls for calm

Singh Nijjar in June. Canada’s response emphasized that it is one of the safest countries globally and called for calm amidst the diplomatic tensions. India had issued a strong advisory to its citizens in Canada, citing growing anti-India activities and politicallycondoned hate crimes, urging them to exercise “utmost caution” and avoid regions and venues associated with such incidents.

Agency (NIA) which sought information about his illegal properties.

His murder on Wednesday night is similar to the killing of terrorist Nijjar in intergang warfare in Surrey in June.

On Tuesday, diplomatic relations between India and Canada nosedived over the killing of Nijjar. The same day India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat based here in a tit for tat move giving a similar reply to Canada.

The High Commissioner of Canada to India (Cameron Mackay) received summons on Tuesday during which New Delhi conveyed its decision to expel a senior Canadian diplomat currently stationed in the country.

The concerned diplomat has been officially instructed to depart from India within the next five days, a statement issued by the MEA said.

“The decision reflects the Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in antiIndia activities,” the statement said.

US Fed leaves interest rates unchanged

The Canadian government has firmly rejected India’s travel advisory cautioning its citizens about security risks in Canada amid the escalating diplomatic dispute stemming from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep

Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, reassured Indian nationals that Canada remains a safe country for travel. He emphasized Canada’s commitment to the rule of law and stated that it is one of the safest nations globally. Despite concerns raised by a Sikh separatist leader planning rallies in Canadian cities, Miller urged everyone to remain calm amid the ongoing situation.

Indian Medical Graduates Can Now Practice In US, Australia, Canada

Washington: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once considered a chief rival of former president Donald Trump, has fallen behind two Indian-American presidential candidates in the latest GOP polls in the crucial early primary state of New Hampshire, a CNN survey showed. According to the CNN/ University of New Hampshire poll, Trump continues to be the first choice of 39 per cent of likely GOP primary voters in the firstin-the-nation primary state. “That lags a bit behind his performance nationally, where Republican primary polling routinely finds Trump with majority support,” the news channel reported.

Zofeen Maqsood

New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC), India, has been being awarded the coveted World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) Recognition Status for a tenure of 10 years, according to a press release from the Union Health Ministry. WFME recognition will enable Indian medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and practice in other countries that require WFME

WFME recognition will enable Indian medical graduates to pursue postgraduate training and practice in other countries that require WFME recognition.

recognition, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the release added.

Under this accreditation all the 706 existing medical colleges become WFME accredited and the new medical colleges that will be set up in the coming 10 years will automatically become WFME accredited. This will also make India an attractive destination for international students due to our globally recognized standards.

Washington, Sep 21 (IANS) The US Federal Reserve left the interest rate unchanged after the two-day meeting of its top decision making body on Wednesday. It’s a pause and not the end of hikes that the Fed has been announcing for 18 months now to deal with inflation. A paper on the economic projections released indicated another hike might be coming before the end of the year. The benchmark short-term rate remans at a 22-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%.

Khalistani Terrorist Sukhdool Singh Killed In Canada Gang War: Sources

New Delhi: Khalistani terrorist Sukhdool Singh, also known as Sukha Duneke, was killed in Canada today in inter-gang violence, sources said. Duneke was part of the Khalistan movement in Canada.

Duneke was a “Category A” gangster from Punjab’s Moga who fled to Canada on a fake passport in 2017. He was a close associate of terrorist Arshdeep Dalla and is one of 43 gangsters with links to Khalistan and Canada mentioned in the list released by the anti-terror agency NIA yesterday.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Mr Arya clarified that a majority of Canadian Sikhs do not support the Khalistan movement

India Vs Canada Row: 10 Key Developments Amid Soaring Rift Between Both Nations

The tensions soared after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claimed India's alleged links to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, founder of Khalistan Tiger Force and second in command in Sikh For Justice (SFJ)- another Khalistani organisation, was shot dead on June 18 this year.

The ties between India and Canada hit a new low in the last few days. The tensions soared after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claimed India's alleged links to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, founder of Khalistan Tiger Force and second in command in Sikh For Justice (SFJ)- another Khalistani organisation, was shot dead on June 18 this year. Canada claimed that Indian agents were behind the killing. Since then, India and Canada have taken several actions against each other.

• Canada expelled a top Indian diplomat following the allegations made by PM Justin Trudeau. India reciprocated by expelling the top Canadian diplomat posted in New Delhi. India gave him four days to leave New Delhi.

• The Canadian embassy in New Delhi later asked local staffers to leave the mission. It also barred Canadian staffers from interacting with the media.

• Following this, Canada issued travel advisories for its residents visiting Kashmir. Meanwhile SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video message threatening Hindus and pro-India Sikhs

to leave Canada.

• After the threat messages, India issued a travel advisory for its residents and students visiting Canada asking them to be vigilant and exercise restraint. Canadian MP Chandra Arya today urged Hindus to stay calm and report any hate incident to law enforcement agencies in Canada.

• The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday issued details of 43 individuals associated with the terror-gangster network having links to Canada. The NIA further asked the public to share details of their properties and assets which can be taken over by the central government. The NIA in its post issued pictures of Lawrence Bishnoi, Jasdeep Singh, Kala Jatheri alias Sandeep, Virender Pratap alias Kala Rana and Joginder Singh along with their names. It highlighted that many of these gangsters are based in Canada.

• Amid the tension, Canadian singer Shubh shared a distorted map of India with a pro-Khalistan message. Following this, his shows in India were cancelled.

• Amid the diplomatic tussle between India and

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi Says Behind Killing Of Khalistani Terrorist

Canada, Punjab Police are carrying out raids to catch aides of gangster Goldie Brar, who is said to be based in Canada. Brar is accused in the killing of Punjabi singer Siddhu Moosewala. Punjab Police started the mission on Thursday at 7 A.M and will continue through the day. Police are carrying out the operations in Moga, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar rural districts.

• The Canada embassy in New Delhi has now announced that it will reduce its staff count in India. This comes amid the tension and prevailing uncertainties between both nations.

• Indian Missions in Canada today suspended the visa services for Canadian residents. The Indian Mission in Canada has updated its Visa Application page on BLS International reinstating a ticker that cites temporary suspension of Visa services till further notice for operational reasons.

• Gangster Sukhdool Singh alias Sukkha Duneke was shot dead today in Canada. Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination. Sukkha fled India in 2017 on a fake passport.

New Delhi: Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi today claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani terrorist Sukhdool Singh in Canada. Sukhdool, also known as Sukha Duneke, was killed last night in Canada in inter-gang violence. Duneke was part of the Khalistan movement in Canada. Duneke was a "Category A" gangster from Punjab's Moga. He fled to Canada on a fake passport in 2017 and was a close associate of gangster and Khalistani terrorist Arshdeep Dalla. He was one of 43 gangsters with links to Khalistan and Canada mentioned in a list released by the anti-terror agency NIA yesterday.

In a Facebook post, Bishnoi's gang claimed that Duneke played a key role in the murders of gangsters Gurlal Brar and Vicky Middukhera. The gang termed Duneke a "drug addict' who got "punished for his sins" and warned that their enemies will not be able to survive in India or any other country for that matter.

Bishnoi is currently incarcerated in Ahmedabad on drug smuggling charges that are being investigated by the NIA. Bishnoi is also an accused in the murder case of singer Sidhu Moosewala.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Khalistani leader Pannun threatens IndoCanadian Hindus, asks them to leave

Toronto,: (IANS) Stating that proKhalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada, Gurpatwant Pannun, leader of radical Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), threatened Indo-Canadian Hindus and asked them to leave the country in a video which went viral on Wednesday. The emboldened dare from Gurpatwant Pannun, legal counsel of SFJ, which is a banned terror outfit in India, comes after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, resulting in tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats.

"Indo-Canadian Hindus, you have repudiated your allegiance to Canada and Canadian constitution. Your destination is India. Leave Canada, go to India," Pannun, who faces 22 criminal cases in Punjab, said in the 45 seconds video clip.

"Pro Khalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada. They have always sided with Canada and have upholded the laws and the constitution," Pannun said.Pannun announced in the video that another referendum to weigh support for Khalistan will be held in Canada on October 29, and it will be asking voters whether Indian high commissioner Sanjay Verma was

Indian-Origin Lawyer Charged in Singapore for Temple Slapping Incident

Stating that pro-Khalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada, Gurpatwant Pannun, leader of radical Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), threatened Indo-Canadian Hindus and asked them to leave the country in a video which went viral on Wednesday.

responsible for Nijjar's killing in June. Responding to the threatening video, Ottawa-based researcher and commentator Rupa Subramanya wrote on X: "If a white supremacist had threatened saying all people of colour must leave Canada, imagine the uproar.

Yet when a Khalistani threatens Hindus in Canada at an event in Canada, everyone bats their eyelid and looks the other way."

On Tuesday, Pannun told Vancouverbased Global News that protests are slated to take place outside Indian

PIOs sentenced for money laundering, human smuggling in UK

consulates in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver on September 25.

"We will not allow the Indian consulates to function and we're going to push the Canadian government to name the individuals who are responsible for assassinating and giving the orders to hit Nijjar," Pannun told the news channel.

The SFJ has reportedly said that it will also be calling for the expulsion of High Commissioner Verma.

Pro-Khalistan leader Nijjar, who was declared a "wanted terrorist" by the Indian government, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen on the premises of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, of which he was the head, in the Punjabi-dominated Surrey city on June 18.

The police in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have registered separate FIRs against Pannun, a law graduate from Panjab University in Chandigarh, over threats and attempting to disturb peace, stability and communal harmony, IANS reported earlier.

Countries like Canada, the UK and the US, with a sizable Sikh diaspora, have allowed the outlawed group to conduct anti-India activities, including holding illegal referendums to building a campaign for secession of Punjab.

UK to hike student visa fee from October by 127 pounds

Ravi

HiIndia Newsdesk

Singapore: A 54-year-old suspended Indian-origin lawyer has been charged after he allegedly slapped a woman on her cheek and shouted vulgarities at a Hindu temple in Singapore's South Bridge Road. Ravi Madasamy was charged on four counts at the State Courts on Saturday for voluntarily causing hurt, for disorderly behaviour in public for slapping the woman on her left cheek at Sri Mariamman Temple at 12 p.m. on Friday. The other two charges laid on Ravi were under the Protection from Harassment Act, The Straits Times reported, adding that the lawyer was also accused of shouting vulgarities and using indecent language. Before allegedly calling another woman at the temple a prostitute, Ravi had used abusive words on a man in Pagoda Street by shouting a vulgarity in Tamil at him, with the intention of causing harassment.

A group of 16 individuals, including several of Indian origin, have been sentenced to jail terms totaling over 70 years for their involvement in international money laundering and people smuggling operations in the United Kingdom. The National Crime Agency (NCA) conducted an extensive investigation, uncovering an organized crime group based in West London led by Charan Singh. This group is believed to have smuggled approximately £70 million in cash out of the UK between 2017 and 2019, likely stemming from the sale of class A drugs and organized immigration crime. Charan Singh, the alleged ringleader, was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison,

while his key associates Valjeet Singh and Swander Singh Dhal received 11 and 15 years, respectively, for their roles in money laundering and people smuggling. Other members of the criminal network, including Amarjeet Alabadis, Jaginder Kapoor, Jackdar Kapoor, Manmon Singh Kapur, Pinky Kapur, and Jasbeer Singh Malhotra, received sentences ranging from nine years to 11 months. The NCA investigation also revealed a plot by the group to smuggle 17 migrants, including children and a pregnant woman, into the UK in 2019, which was thwarted by Dutch police. Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings will follow the sentencing, aiming to identify and seize assets obtained through the gang's criminal activities.

London, Sep 16 (IANS) In a move set to impact several Indian students, the fee for applying for a study visa from outside the UK is set to increase by 127 pounds beginning next month, following a legislation being laid in the British Parliament. The UK Home Office said on Friday that the fee for applying for a student visa from outside the country will rise by 127 pounds to 490 pounds, to equal the amount charged for in-country applications. Changes have also been made to the cost for a visit visa for less than six months, which is rising by 15 pounds to 115 pounds. Subject to Parliamentary approval, the immigration and nationality fees will increase from October 4, the Home Office announced.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Madasamy

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Hardeep Singh Nijjar: Khalistani Terrorist At Centre Of India Vs Canada

In Tit-For-Tat Move, India Asks Canada Diplomat To Leave Within 5 Days

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was gunned down on June 18, 2023, in Canada. He was shot multiple times outside a Gurudwara in Surrey.

Nijjar was a native of the village Bhar Singh Pura in Jalandhar. He moved from Punjab to Canada in 1997 and worked as a plumber. He was married and had two sons.

He had a long tryst with Khalistan militancy since migrating to Canada. He was the “mastermind” of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) - a banned terrorist group. He was also part of the banned separatist outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). He was declared a designated terrorist by India in 2020.

Nijjar was wanted in several cases, including the 2007 blast that killed six and injured around 40 people in Ludhiana, Punjab. He was also involved in the assassination of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat President Rulda Singh (Patiala, 2009).

“Country’s Concerns Paramount”: Congress Backs Centre

New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between India and Canada, New Delhi on Tuesday expelled a senior Canadian diplomat based here, who has been asked to leave within the next five days. The High Commissioner of Canada to India (Cameron Mackay) received summons on Tuesday during which the Government of India conveyed its decision to expel a senior Canadian diplomat currently stationed in the country. The concerned diplomat has been officially instructed to depart from India within the next five days, a statement issued by the external affairs ministry said.

“The decision reflects Government of India’s growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities,” the statement said.

The decision came after Canada had earlier expelled a high ranking Indian

diplomat.

These developments have occurred after Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday in an emergency statement in Parliament accused the Government of India of involvement in the fatal shooting of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau had said that the Canadian security agencies have been actively

Justin Trudeau has alleged the Indian government’s role behind the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has rejected the allegation as “absurd”.

pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between Indian government agents and the murder of Khalistan Tiger Force chief Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia in June. India has rejected claims by the Canadian government that it had an involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Terming them as “absurd and motivated”, the external affairs ministry in a statement said, “We have seen and reject the statement of the Canadian Prime Minister in their Parliament, as also the statement by their Foreign Minister. Allegations of Government of India’s involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd and motivated.”

Government introduces women’s reservation bill in new Parliament

The bill has proposed that the reservation would continue for a period of 15 years and there will be quota for SC/STs within the reserved seats for women

Jairam Ramesh, Congress’ communications in-charge, said that the country’s interests and concerns must be kept paramount at all times.

New Delhi: The Congress today backed the government over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegation that “Indian agents” had a role in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last June. The government has denied the charges levelled by Justin Trudeau as “absurd and motivated”.Jairam Ramesh, Congress’ communications incharge, said that the country’s interests and concerns must be kept paramount at all times. “The Indian National Congress has always believed that our country’s fight against terrorism has to be uncompromising, especially when terrorism threatens India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity. Our country’s interests and concerns must be kept paramount at all times,” he posted online.

The government on Tuesday introduced a constitutional amendment bill to reserve one-third of seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women, reviving a bill pending for 27 years for want of consensus among parties.

Making it the first bill to be introduced in the new Parliament building, the government said it will enable greater participation of women in policy-making at the state and national levels and help achieve the goal of making India a developed country by 2047. The bill be named Nari Shakti

On Canada PM Justin Trudeau’s “India’s Agents” Charge, US Says This

New Delhi: Soon after Canada Prime Minister accused India of being behind the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the US said it is “deeply concerned” about the allegations.

“The US was deeply concerned about the allegations disclosed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in an emailed statement.

“It is critical that Canada’s investigation proceed and the perpetrators be brought to justice,” Ms Watson said.

Vandan Adhiniyam. With several parties parties pushing for reservation of women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the bill is likely to see a smooth passage this time, unlike the earlier instances when several regional parties had opposed it. However, its implementation may still take some time and is unlikely to be in force for the next Lok Sabha elections in 2024 as the reservation will come into effect only after a delimitation exercise is completed.

“It Is Ours, Apna Hai,” Says Sonia Gandhi On Women’s Reservation Bill

New Delhi: The Congress’ parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday said the women’s reservation bill “is ours”, amid speculation that the bill may be tabled in Parliament.

The Congress on Monday said it welcomed the reported move as the party has been raising the demand for long. Asked about the bill when she was entering Parliament on Tuesday, Mrs Gandhi said, “It is ours, apna hai.” In a post on ‘X’ a day back, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “We welcome the reported decision of the Union Cabinet and await the details of the Bill.” “This could have very well been discussed in the all-party meeting before the Special Session, and consensus could have been built instead of operating under a veil of secrecy,” he said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Painting with Islamic symbols at Hindu religious centre in K'taka, one held

HiIndia Newsdesk

Kolar (Karnataka): (IANS) A man has been arrested for colouring boulders in green and drawing Islamic symbols atop a hill in a painting at Hindu pilgrimage centre in the district.

The arrested person has been identified as Anwar a.k.a Pyarejaan, a resident of Paparajanahalli in Kolar Rural police station limits.

Police said the officials of the Forest department had lodged a complaint against a man for constructing a room amid boulders and painting them in green with Islamic symbols on it. The land atop Antara Gange hill belonging to the Forest department is considered as a religious centre of Hindus in Kolar district. The incident came to light on Tuesday stirring a controversy. The police rushed to the spot, while the authorities had whitewashed the boulders and the Islamic symbols. They said the matter is being investigated and questioning the accused on his

Telangana braces for rains as IMD predicts weather shift

A man has been arrested for colouring boulders in green and drawing Islamic symbols atop a hill in a painting at Hindu pilgrimage centre in the district.

intention behind the act. Further investigation is on.

Notably, a large number of people throng Antara Gange hills located three kilometres away from Kolar to visit the ancient temple established thousands of years ago as per mythology. The water comes out from the mouth of the statue of Basava (holy cow) throughout the year and fills up the holy kalyani (water body). The pilgrims take a bath before entering the temple.

PM Modi To Flag-Off Hyderabad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express Train On Sept 24

Nine Vande Bharat Express trains will be flagged off by PM Modi on Septemeber 24, which also includes the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau nabs three with charas, ganja

Hyderabad: The Telangana State Anti Narcotics Bureau along with Pahadishareef police nabbed three persons who were possessing charas and ganja on Wednesday. The police seized 1030 grams of charas and 2 kilograms of ganja from them. The arrested persons are Hyder Iqbal (35) and Mustaq Shah (35) of Jalna Maharashtra and Syed Javeed (50) of Pahadishareef.

Hyderabad: Missing girl traced by Madhuranagar police

Hyderabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for the regions of North, East, and Central Telangana, forecasting the onset of rains starting from Wednesday. As winds alter their course, conditions are becoming increasingly favorable for the occurrence of evening to midnight thunderstorms in these areas. Residents of Telangana, especially those in the mentioned regions, are advised to prepare for potential thunderstorm activity that is expected to prevail over the coming days. Hyderabad is also expected to experience an evening and night spell of rain on Wednesday. However, it is likely to be scattered in nature, rather than widespread.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off 9 Vande Bharat Express train on September 24. The list includes the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express train as well, which will become operational from September 25 onwards, as the PM will virtually flag off the train from New Delhi on September 24. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture G. Kishan Reddy and senior officials will attend the programme to be held at Kacheguda Station. The HyderabadBengaluru Vande Bharat Express will operate via Kacheguda - Yeswantpur stations.

This Vande Bharat Express will cover a distance of 609 km between the two tech hubs in eight hours and 30 minutes. Train no. 20703 Kacheguda - Yeswantpur will

depart from Kacheguda at 5.30 a.m. on and will reach Yeswantpur at 2 p.m. with stoppages at Mahabubnagar, Kurnool, Anantapur, Dharmavaram and Hindupur. On the return journey, Train no. 20704 Yeswantpur - Kacheguda, will depart from Yeswantpur at 2:45 p.m. and arrive at Kacheguda at 11:15 p.m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate nine Vande Bharat trains on September 24. These include Vijayawada-Chennai Vande Bharat. The train will be operated on all days of the week except Thursday. It will depart from Vijayawada at 5.30 a.m. and reach Chennai at 12.10 p.m. with stoppages at Tenali, Ongole, Nellore and Renigunta. In the return direction, the train will depart from Chennai at 3.20 p.m. and reach Vijayawada at 10 p.m.

Andhra Pradesh: School bus driver saves 40 students despite cardiac arrest

HiIndia Newsdesk

Amaravathi: As many as 40 school children had a narrow escape after the driver of the bus they were travelling in suffered cardiac arrest.

The bus was transporting the student in Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. The incident took place when the driver, 53-year-old Gurrala Edukondalu was driving the bus through Mylavaram, Uppalapadu and Vempara villages to a private school bus in Addanki town. According to police,

the driver suffered a heart attack after moving from Uppalapadu. But, before he passed out, in a fraction of second, he stopped the vehicle averting a tragedy. The locals rushed him to the hospital

The incident occurred as Gurrala Edukondalu, a 53-year-old driver, was transporting students from Mylavaram, Uppalapadu, and Vempara villages to a private school in Addanki town

where he was declared brought dead. The students were taken to the school by another driver in the same bus. The police have taken up the matter for investigation.

Hyderabad: The Madhuranagar police rescued a teenager girl who was allegedly kidnapped by her neighbour two days ago. The girl, who is daughter of a woman working with the police department, went missing from her house on Sunday. On a complaint, the police registered a case of kidnapping and launched efforts to trace her. On Monday night, the girl was traced and rescued her. A man, Anjaneyulu, who is neighbour of the girl was arrested and remanded. The police registered a case under various Sections of POCSO Act.

Hyderabad: Milad procession on October 1

Hyderabad: The Markazi Milad Juloos Committee, Hyderabad, announced that the Milad juloos (procession) will be taken out on October 1 from the historic Mecca Masjid at Charminar.

Maulana Hafeez Mohd Muzaffar, member of the committee, said the procession actually scheduled for September 28 was rescheduled as the Vinayaka Visarjan procession is being taken out on the same date. “After deliberate discussion between different groups who participate in the procession, we had finalized October 1,” Hafeez Muzaffar told media persons.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Akasa Air gets nod for international operations

Pulses and Newsprint Prices Set to Surge Amid IndiaCanada Diplomatic Tensions

New Delhi: (IANS) Akasa Air, a budget-friendly airline, has secured authorisation to operate international flights. According to sources, the airline is poised to commence international routes in December, with initial destinations centred around Middle Eastern nations. However, the airline awaits the allocation of traffic rights by the government and subsequent approval from the relevant countries. These traffic rights are typically granted reciprocally on a bilateral basis by governments to airlines of their respective nations.

WhatsApp to let users pay businesses with credit card

New Delhi: (IANS) To complete a purchase directly in the chat, Meta Founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday announced a new feature in India that will allow WhatsApp users to pay businesses using a variety of payment options, including all supported UPI apps, debit and credit cards, and more. The company partnered with online payment solutions provider PayU and Bengaluru-based Razorpay to add support for payments via credit and debit cards, net banking and all UPI apps in India.

The tense diplomatic relations between India and Canada are likely to impact trade and investments between the two countries in the short to medium term. The prices of pulses could shoot up further as India is a major buyer of Canadian pulses and it would add to the inflationary pressure on the economy as output in the country is expected to be hit by lower acreage because of poor rainfall.

'The strong stand taken by Canada is due to political compulsions. Even after Galwan clashes the trade ties between India and China did not sour so badly, though India had taken steps to reduce its dependence on Beijing', a trade expert said

Pulses acreage continues to lag, down by (-) 5.2 per cent on the back of scanty rainfall with arhar sowing down by (-) 5.6 per cent and urad sowing lower by (-) 2.2 per cent. The risk of lower crop yield might push the prices higher, analysts said. Trade experts said one has to watch out for how political developments pan out to assess their economic impact.

Biswajit Dhar, a trade expert, said: “The country’s 21 per cent of its pulses imports

come from Canada, similarly 40.5 per cent of newsprint is from that country. These would be impacted as the diplomatic fallout has been due to the political compulsions of the ruling party in Canada. So, the impact on trade in the short term has already been visible with the suspension of trade talks and there would be impact on fresh investments too.” There would be pressure on the ruling Liberal Party headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to weaken its economic ties with India.Trudeau heads a minority government which is backed by the New Democratic Party (NDP), headed by Jagmeet Singh, an arch-Khalistani separatist. The NDP has 24 seats in parliament, whose support is critical for the survival of the Trudeau government, analysts said.

WhatsApp rolling out 31-people group calling feature on Android

San Francisco: (IANS) Meta-owned WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a feature to initiate group calls with up to 31 participants, along with minor improvements to the calls tab on Android, and it is available to some beta testers. WhatsApp has made some minor changes to the calls tab. Call links, in particular, are no longer mentioned on this screen, which now only states that it is possible to call one or more contacts, according to WABetaInfo. In addition, the floating action button was updated with a plus icon. According to the report, the chatting platform already allowed group calls of up to 32 participants in the past updates, but users initially had a selection limit of 15 contacts when starting such a call. With this update, users can now immediately begin large group calls by selecting up to 32 people, including the caller who initiated the call, removing the previous restriction that could appear restrictive in some situations and cause user confusion. The feature to initiate group calls with up to 31 participants, along with minor improvements to the calls tab, is available to a limited number of beta testers and will roll out to even more people over the coming weeks, the report said. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out an 'automatic security code verification' feature for end-to-end encryption to a limited number of beta testers on Android.

Residential real estate: 'Silicon Valley' Bengaluru emerges as major investment destination for NRIs

Bengaluru: (IANS) India's IT capital Bengaluru has evolved as the major investment destination for NRI investors in residential real estate.

Real estate industry pundits are claiming that 2023 is going to be a remarkable year in connection with NRI investments as the slew of infrastructure projects, new IT corridors emerging in the city and conducive atmosphere in terms of peace, law and order situation in Bengaluru, and cosmopolitan outlook are also contributing to the trend.

Sources say that NRIs from Asian regions, from countries like Singapore and from the Middle East, are also making huge investments apart from those in the US. The trend is catching up as NRIs in the Middle East and Singapore want to come back to India and settle down here.

Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune are preferred destinations for investments in the real estate sector, say trade experts.

Talking to IANS, BCD Group MD Angad Bedi said: "As we observe the

increase in NRI investment in India and particularly in Bengaluru, 2023 is destined to be a remarkable year, with expected investments reaching an astounding $80 billion by the year's end, a remarkable increase from the $65 billion invested in the previous year.

"First, India's economy is growing steadily, providing a fertile environment for NRIs to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Secondly, the proactive measures taken by the Indian government to facilitate investment opportunities for NRIs, combined with an array of enticing incentives, have fostered an investment-

India's IT capital Bengaluru has evolved as the major investment destination for NRI investors in residential real estate.

friendly environment."

"The recent appreciation of the rupee has increased the appeal of Indian assets to non-resident Indians with Bengaluru and Mumbai, the biggest markets with a combined 42 per cent share of the H1 2023 sales. Bengaluru is witnessing huge interest from UHNIs and NRIs with the residential prices in the city experiencing the highest increase of around 11-12 per cent y-o-y in the first half of this year as compared to the 6-9 per cent price rise in major cities during the period," he added.

Cornerstone Group CEO Captain K. Srinivas told IANS that, the country’s real GDP growth witnessed a yoy growth of 6.1 per cent as of March 2023 and is expected to reach 6.5 per cent by FY24.

This economic resilience is creating a favourable condition for the NRIs to

foresee a bright future where they can not only multiply their investments multifold, but also get long term value appreciation. The case in point is the country’s real estate sector where a lot of NRIs are infusing their cash flows due to the sector’s phenomenal growth story, especially in Bengaluru, he added. This positive investment sentiment can be witnessed across all asset classes as NRIs are equally enthusiastic about the country’s luxury residential segment that is growing exponentially, as well as the CRE segment, he said.

"Apart from the existing office REITs, Q223 saw the launch of India’s maiden retail REIT ‘Nexus Select Trust’ and it raised Rs 32 billion from its share sale in May 2023. A lot of NRI investors are actively eyeing on these developments as they see great potential in the market. Besides, with the rising demand, large scale urbanisation and overall uptick in land and real estate prices across the key markets in India, the NRIs are enthusiastically optimistic to park their money in various investment machines in India," Srinivas said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

ICC to announce New York as venue for 2024 Men's T20 World Cup matches: Report

New York: (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to announce New York as one of the venues for the much-anticipated 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted by the USA and the West Indies.

The venue could be understood to play host to the marquee clash between India and Pakistan. A similar venue was supposed to be built in Van Cortlandt Park in the borough of Bronx. But some of the neighborhood residents and a nearby cricket league voiced strong opposition to the plans, forcing the city officials and ICC to abandon the plan. The report added that as a result, the Nassau County officials, who oversee the running of Eisenhower Park, jumped in to the talks, which is now getting serious consideration ahead of 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.

The lack of cricketing infrastructure

Asian Games: China outwit Indian challenge in Hangzhou

Hangzhou: (IANS) Despite a brave first half performance, India fell to hosts China 1-5 in their opening group game at the 19th Asian Games at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, here on Tuesday.Rahul KP scored India's only goal in injury time of the first half. It was but natural that the hosts would kick the game off at a frenetic pace, buoyed as they were by a partisan crowd. The vigour and passion generated by the anthems had barely subsided when they conjured their first chance.

Formula 1: Ferrari's Carlos Sainz wins Singapore GP for second career win

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to announce New York as one of the venues for the muchanticipated 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted by the USA and the West Indies.

in the USA has always been an area of great concern for the ICC. The inaugural season of the Major League Cricket (MLC) did unveil its 15k-seater Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, but apart from it and Central Broward Park near Miami, the country lacks another permanent floodlit stadium with all facilities.

There’s Church Street Park in Morrisville, North Carolina, but it doesn’t have any permanent structure or practice facilities. The Eisenhower Park arrangement should significantly reduce ICC's issues with USA venues, who are aiming to host 20 matches of the event in the country.

The 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the West Indies and the USA. 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five each for the first round. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super eight stage.

Rohit Sharma looks at Ashwin as a match-winner: Saba Karim

Ravichandran Ashwin as a matchwinner and he’s very clear in the kind of approach he wants to portray in white ball cricket. Now with the World Cup coming up, he understands the dynamics of one-day cricket quite well and knows that he has to pick players who have that kind of an attacking mindset,” Karim told JioCinema.

Stuart MacGill: Australian cricket star charged over drug supply plot

Stuart MacGill was released about an hour into the ordeal

Former Australian star cricketer Stuart MacGill has been charged over his alleged role in a large cocaine supply plot. Police arrested the 52-year-old, who played 44 Test matches for Australia, in Sydney on Tuesday. Their investigation was sparked when MacGill was allegedly abducted and beaten in 2021. The former spinner is yet to enter a plea but has previously denied being involved in supplying drugs.

MacGill made global headlines in April 2021 after telling police he was confronted and forced into a car in the Sydney suburb of Cremorne. He was allegedly driven to a remote site on the city's outskirts, where he says he was assaulted and threatened at gunpoint, before being driven to a third location and released.

New Delhi: (IANS) Former cricketer Saba Karim weighed in on Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to India’s ODI squad.

“I think Rohit Sharma looks at

“He also knows that in his bowling lineup, he needs to have out of six, at least five wicket-taking options and if he has Ashwin in the eleven, then that attacking option is available.

India Clinches Eighth Asia Cup Title with Mohammed Siraj's Six-Wicket Haul

HiIndia Newsdesk

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz delivered a stellar performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, securing his second career victory. Sainz, who had dominated the weekend with the fastest practice times and pole position, maintained his lead throughout the race. Despite challenges from Lando Norris and the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Sainz held on to claim a well-deserved win. A crucial Safety Car period, triggered by Logan Sargeant's crash, played a role in Sainz's victory. While Mercedes attempted a strategic tire change, Sainz successfully defended his lead. Russell's late-race crash allowed Norris to secure second place, with Hamilton finishing third. Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen completed the top five.

Colombo,: (IANS) Mohammed Siraj became only the second bowler to take a six-fer in a men's ODI Asia Cup final after Ajantha Mendis, as he picked 6-21 in a deadly spell to set up India’s eighth title with a 10-wicket thrashing of Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

After play resumed at 3:40 pm, due to rain delaying the start, Siraj got massive help from movement off the pitch, making the ball talk both ways and leaving Sri Lanka batters bamboozled

to pick a magnificent career-best 6-21 in seven overs, including four scalps coming in his second over of the game. While Siraj blew away Sri Lankan batters and became the first Indian bowler to take four wickets in as many balls, Hardik Pandya claimed three wickets while Jasprit Bumrah had a scalp to his name as the Indian fast bowlers took all ten wickets in bowling out Sri Lanka for just 50, their second lowest ODI total ever and their lowest score ever against India.

MacGill sustained minor injuries in the alleged incident but did not require medical care. In an interview following the alleged abduction, MacGill said "I've done nothing wrong" and police at the time said he was "purely" a victim.

We can beat any team in the world: Lakshya Sen

India, the Thomas Cup champions, are favourites to win the Asian Games men’s team gold in badminton, feels Lakshya Sen. He is also looking forward to meeting compatriot and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra during the quadrennial event. The star India shuttler, a 2021 world championships bronze medallist, was one of the architects of India’s Thomas Cup victory in May last year. He said India will be a top contender for the gold at the Asian Games. “Definitely, the team is looking really good. It is the same team that won the Thomas Cup, so we are going in as world champions. I think the players who are playing against us know that it is not easy (to defeat India), as we can beat any team in the world,” Sen said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Democracy at Risk Without Hard Work: Kharge Warns

“Article 370, GST, One Rank One Pension”: PM Remembers Key Bills In Parliament

A warning that Mallikarjun Kharge issued to the Congress leaders and ranks on Sunday underlines the gravity of the crisis: “If you don’t work hard, democracy will perish, constitutional rule will be over.” While Kharge was exhorting the extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) to gear up for the battles ahead, Rahul Gandhi explained how to go about it: “Avoid irrelevant issues, don’t fall into the BJP’s trap. Listen to the voice of the people and ensure these voices are crystallised into policies and guarantees. That’s how the Congress system is designed.” The Congress strategy will be evolved on these critical counsels. The election strategy for five states was discussed at the extended CWC meeting on the second day. The party issued a statement after the meeting, exuding confidence about victory in all the states.

“Many Annoyed By My Rise, Believe I’m Too Young”: Vivek Ramaswamy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed “historic decisions” - referring to his government’s controversial moves on Article 370 and the GST and ‘One Rank-One Pension’ bills - in opening remarks on the first day of a special session that will see Parliament shift to a new building. In a lengthy speech - which included multiple jabs at the opposition, including a comment about the ‘cash for votes’ scam during the Manmohan Singh government - the Prime Minister also recalled “bitter-sweet memories”

The highlight of this five-day special session of Parliament will be the shift from the old building to the new.

associated with the old building, including the terror attack of 2001.

“The House will always say proudly that (the abrogation of) Article 370 became possible due to it... GST was also passed here... ‘One Rank-One Pension’ was witnessed (and) 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections was successfully allowed for the first time without dispute,” he said.

“Bidding goodbye to this building is an emotional moment...many bittersweet memories associated with it. We had differences and disputes but we witnessed ‘parivaar bhaav’ (‘feeling of family’),” he continued as MPs from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party thumped their desks in agreement.

“Will Always Inspire Us”: PM Remembers Nehru’s ‘Tryst With Destiny’ Speech

New Delhi: The echo of Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic ‘A tryst with destiny’ speech in Parliament will continue to inspire the country’s elected representatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today. The Prime Minister was tracing the nearly eight-decade journey of the old Parliament building that has also been the country’s journey following its Independence from British rule. Addressing the nation on August 15, 1947, the country’s first Prime Minister Nehru had said, “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” “The echo of Nehru ji’s Stroke of Midnight speech will inspire us. It is also in this House where Atal Bihari Vajpayee said governments will come and go, but this country will stay,” Prime Minister Modi said today .

investment destination for NRIs

Bengaluru is emerging as a prime investment hub for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investors in residential real estate, with experts predicting a significant uptick in 2023. Factors such

NYC Conceals Homeless Ahead of UNGA Session

as infrastructure projects, burgeoning IT corridors, peace, law and order, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere contribute to this trend. NRIs from various regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Singapore, and the US, are increasingly investing in Bengaluru, with the city’s robust economy and government incentives adding to its allure. In 2023, NRI investments are expected to reach $25 billion, driven by rising housing demand, higher NRI incomes, and government infrastructure development initiatives.

Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy, following his standout performance in the maiden Republican presidential primary debate, is gaining popularity, with a recent opinion poll showing a 12-point increase since August. Despite his rise, Ramaswamy faces criticism, with some doubting a 38-year-old’s suitability for the US presidency. In response, he invoked Thomas Jefferson, who was 33 when he penned the US Declaration of Independence. Ramaswamy emphasizes the need to shift focus from criticizing the Biden agenda to presenting a vision centered on meritocracy, excellence, economic growth, free speech, and open debate. He aspires to unite the country with a Reagan-style moral mandate and believes he’s uniquely positioned for the task. In the first post-debate poll, 28% of respondents deemed Ramaswamy the best performer.

You get what’s in your destiny, today it was my destiny: Siraj

If you are not going for wickets, you will be successful on this pitch. It was about sticking to one line and hit the same area, says Siraj

New York City authorities have relocated homeless individuals from the vicinity around the United Nations headquarters ahead of the high-level General Assembly session, aiming to maintain security and shield visiting dignitaries from the homelessness issue. Dozens of homeless residents, who typically reside under makeshift shelters made of tarps, cardboard boxes, umbrellas, and construction sheds along First Avenue (near the UN) and surrounding streets, were cleared from the area by Sunday evening.

The complex questions that Mohammed Siraj asked during his dream spell of 6 for 21 was most due to the simple things that he was able to do perfectly on what turned out to be a Super Sunday for the Indian cricket team. Perhaps, he was destined to have a day like this, said the Hyderabadi.

“Jitna naseeb mein hota hai wahi milta, aaj mera naseeb tha (You get what’s in our destiny, today it was my destiny),” Siraj summed up the mood while talking to broadcasters in the midinnings break. He was particularly referring to the Thiruvananthpuram third ODI in Sri Lanka’s tour of India where he got four wickets early but could not manage a five-for as Sri Lanka folded for 73 while chasing a stiff 391.

This annual operation is carried out in a city grappling with an ongoing housing crisis compounded by mental health challenges that strain social services. In addition to this clearance, New York City periodically dismantles settlements established by its impoverished residents. Despite promises of proper housing for those displaced, an audit by City Comptroller Brad Landler revealed that only three individuals out of many received the promised hearing, leaving the majority still homeless.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

‘Silicon Valley’ Bengaluru emerges as major

Tiger Vs Pathaan’ script locked, shoot to start in March 2024

Bollywood superstars

Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have given their nod to the script of ‘Tiger Vs Pathaan’. This comes in contradiction to a media report that claimed that Aditya Chopra was going to host a joint narration of the film for Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

However, the film has already been narrated to the two superstars in two separate meetings more than a month back and the team of ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ will start the preparations in November for the shoot to commence in March next year. Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ is a part of the YRF Spy Universe which kicked off with the ‘Tiger’ franchise, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, beginning with ‘Ek Tha Tiger’and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, continued with ‘War’, starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, and ‘Pathaan’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. The next film from the spy universe is ‘Tiger 3’ which is set to arrive in cinemas in November, over the Diwali festival holiday, this year.

Rohit Shetty announces beginning of shoot for 'Singham Again'

The shoot for Ajay Devgn-starrer 'Singham Again' began on Saturday, Director Rohit Shetty announced. A follow up to 'Singham Returns', the movie is a part of the director's new 'Cop Universe', and the third installment of the Ajay Devgn-starrer.

Announcing the beginning of the shoot, the ‘Golmaal: Fun Unlimited’ director took to Instagram and wrote: "'Singham', 'Singham Returns', 'Simmba', 'Sooryavanshi'... 12 years ago, when we made 'Singham', we never thought that it

Jaya Bachchan

The kindest & warmest person

KARAN JOHAR

Karan Johar reveals Jaya Bachchan was the favourite person on the sets of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani because of her kindness and warmth

Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan has a bad rap that she hates being followed by cameras and clicked when she is in public. Videos of her annoyed exchanges with photographers have often been shared on social media. However, Karan Johar, who recently worked with the actress in the film 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani', says that this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In the film, Bachchan is cast as the authoritarian matriarch of a rich business family, who isn’t easily pleased. Karan explains her role of Dhanlakshmi Randhawa is not an extension of her real-life personality.

“I want to put this on record, Aunty J as I call her, is far from what you think she is. She is the kindest, warmest, largest-hearted person I know. My crew, if you ask them who is the favourite person on set, they would say Jaya Bachchan. She is the only person who remembered the 14 AD’s names, knew what they did, where they lived, and how many siblings they had, she cared enough for all of them. When she used to feel a crew member was overworking, she would send for samosas and mithai, or get a cake on set. People loved her,” Karan told.

Indian film personalities wish PM Modi on his 73rd b'day

would turn into a Cop Universe! Today, we begin filming Singham Again... the 5th film in our cop franchise."

Rohit Shetty inaugurated the ceremony in his studio, lighting the diya and offering his prayers to Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for his film.

‘Singham Again’ is the fifth film from Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, also called the Cop Cinematic Universe after ‘Singham’, ‘Singham Returns’, ‘Simmba’, and ‘Sooryavanshi’.

New Delhi,: (IANS) Various film personalities including Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Sunny Deol, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Hema Malini and many others have extended their greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 73rd birthday. Anupam Kher posted a lengthy message on X (formerly Twitter) in Hindi and wrote: Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. I heartily wish you a happy birthday. May God grant you a long and healthy life. You have worked with great dedication and hard work for the nation and guided us. May you continue to do so in the future as well. In the past nine years, you have raised our country’s status so high on the world stage, it makes every Indian across

the world filled with pride. The way you have lived your life is an inspiration to us all. My dear mother who calls you a saint, she too sends you her blessings filled with love. Jai Ho!"

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan wrote: “Wishing PM Narendra Modi ji a very Happy Birthday…. @narendramodi” Akshay Kumar, taking to X wrote: “Happy Birthday @narendramodi ji. Keep inspiring us, year after year. Wishing you great health, prayers and happiness always.”

‘Gadar 2’ sensation Sunny Deol wrote: “Happy Birthday our Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji, wishing you best of health and happiness always #HappyBirthdayModiJi”

Russell Brand accused of rape and sexual assault

Comedian and actor Russell Brand is facing grave allegations of rape, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse spanning seven years during the peak of his fame. Four women have come forward with claims of sexual misconduct between 2006 and 2013, as revealed in a joint investigation by the Sunday Times, the Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches.

Brand vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that his relationships were always consensual. The accusations also involve claims of controlling, abusive, and predatory behavior.

During this tumultuous period, Brand held prominent positions at BBC Radio 2, Channel 4, and in Hollywood films. In response to the allegations, he performed at a comedy gig in London but did not directly address them. Brand released a video denying "serious criminal allegations," believing he was the target of a "coordinated attack." The Metropolitan Police is aware of the allegations but has not received formal reports. The Sunday Times reported that the women spoke out after Brand gained prominence as an online wellness influencer. Most of them remain anonymous. Brand's literary agent terminated ties with him, and Channel 4 expressed shock at allegations, some relating to his work with the network between 2004 and 2007. The allegations also involve Brand's tenure at BBC Radio 6 Music, where he allegedly made inappropriate on-air remarks.

I won’t ask for money to work with Anurag Kashyap: Nawazuddin

Tempted though he may have been to take on the challenge of playing a transgender person in Haddi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui admits that he was also apprehensive about learning the intricacies that would be required to play the part. “It was a tough film, as far as the screenplay was concerned. I had the desire to play this part, so I said yes. But I thought about whether or not people would understand the [complexities of] the screenplay,” says the actor, who has been receiving praise for his act in the Akshat Ajay Sharma-directed venture. Reflecting on the choices he made to play his character authentically, Siddiqui adds, “I was conscious about what not to do—make fun of the community. I had to [comprehend] their soul. We wanted the representation to be accurate and

authentic. When we wear a woman’s attire, we start making fun of the get-up. We don’t delve deeper. While we wanted to stay away from stereotypical mannerisms, we didn’t want [the narrative] to be preachy.”

Haddi not only gave Siddiqui an opportunity to play a unique role after fronting a few romantic films but also reunited him with one of his close friends, Anurag Kashyap. This time, however, director Kashyap was his co-star. “I felt he’d correct me at any moment and say, ‘Why are you doing this scene like this? Do it that way’,” he laughs, adding, “Even while he was my co-actor. I felt that the director in him was watching me.”

Randeep Hooda: ‘It’s great to see Punjabi music trailblazing globally’

Actor Randeep Hooda, who recently made his foray in the space of music videos with the track ‘Zohrajabeen’, is chuffed with Punjabi music trailblazing across the globe.

The actor shared that for him the last 12 months have been exhilarating for him as he got to venture into the OTT space essaying a broad range of characters to now the music video which he described as a great experience.

Randeep Hooda, who has received praise for his work in ‘CAT’, ‘Inspector Avinash’ and ‘Sergeant’, shared: “This year has been a year of a lot firsts for me. From venturing into the OTT space to Playing a Sikh for the first time to a real Dabang UP cop.

Also From being just an actor to becoming a writer, director and producer on Mr Savarkar’s biopic. Doing a music video was a similar step.”

He further mentioned: “To step out of my comfort zone, a music video seemed like the right thing to do and I’m very glad I did it. B Praak is one of the best and biggest singers out there. Also it's not just the song that's great but his sound is so unusual. There is a lot of angst and pain in his songs written by the great Jaani, especially ‘Zohrazabeen’. To do its title track was a pleasure. The fact that Punjabi music is trail blazing globally is great to see”.

Friday Storytellers' action thriller

'The Freelancer' was released on 1st September and gave the audience an absolute dose of action and adventure. While the 4 episodic series have been immensely loved by the audience, now the superstar Hrithik Roshan has also joined the baton when he watched the show and couldn't resist praising the team and the show. While praising Friday Storytellers' action thriller 'The Freelancer', Hrithik Roshan took to his social media and wrote the caption, "Just got done watching The Freelancer on Hotstar - which is yet another brilliant work of art by Neeraj Pandey, Shital Bhatia, and team. I thought 'Special Ops' was peak, but you all have me in awe with this one too. Unbelievably thrilling!

No do-overs for Saurabh Sachdeva

There are two elements that are recurrent in Saurabh Sachdeva’s current cinematic line-up—all of his roles are diverse, and each of his co-stars is a phenomenal talent. After starring in Nawazuddin Siddiqui-led Haddi, he will now be seen in Sujoy Ghosh’s Jaane Jaan, with Kareena Kapoor Khan, and in Ranbir Kapoor’s Animal, which releases in December.

Hrithik Roshan gives shout-out to 'The Freelancer', calls it, 'unbelievably thrilling'

Pak Cover For 3 Terrorists To Cross Line Of Control, All Shot Dead: Army

New Delhi: The army today said Pakistan forces fired at them and targeted a quadcopter when Indian troops foiled an infiltration attempt and shot dead three terrorists along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

A senior army officer said after threefour terrorists tried to infiltrate in Uri sector, a gunfight broke out and went on for two hours. He said the army used rocket launchers and other heavy weapons to neutralise infiltrating terrorists.

“While two terrorists were killed, a third who was injured fled back with help of covering fire from the Pakistan Army,” said Brigadier PMS Dhillon.

“It’s noteworthy that Pakistan Army gave fire support to the injured terrorist and

US starts clinical trial for universal flu vaccine

fired at us as well. The Pakistan Army also fired at our quadcopters,” said Brigadier Dhillon.

The bodies of the two terrorists have been recovered, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Firing by Pakistani forces “interfered” in the attempt to retrieve the third body, the Chinar Corps said. This is a clear violation of the LoC ceasefire agreed in 2021. The army said the operation in the

“In a joint operation launched by Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies, an infiltration bid was foiled today in the morning hours along LoC in Uri sector, Baramulla,” the Chinar Corps said in a post on X

Uri sector is going on.

“In a joint operation launched by Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies, an infiltration bid was foiled today in the morning hours along LoC in Uri sector, Baramulla. Three terrorists who tried to infiltrate were engaged by alert troops,” the Chinar Corps said in the post on X.

“A Big Day”: Rishi Sunak After Tata Steel, UK Sign 1.25 Billion Pound Deal

It is being dubbed as one of the “largest” UK government support packages in history.

Canada Postpones Trade Mission To India

Los Angeles, Sep 16 (IANS) The US has started the phase 1 clinical trial of a new investigational universal flu vaccine candidate, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced. Most seasonal flu vaccines are designed to train the immune system to defend against three or four different common strains of flu, but a “universal” influenza vaccine might someday provide protection against many more, according to the NIH.

El Chapo’s son extradited from Mexico to US

New Delhi: The United Kingdom and Tata Steel on Friday announced a joint investment package worth 1.25 billion pounds, including a government grant of 500 million pounds, for the country’s largest steelworks in Wales. Dubbed as one of the “largest” UK government support packages in history, the investment at the Port Talbot

would modernise production with state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking and reduce Britain’s entire carbon emissions by around 1.5%.

Reacting to the development, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it “a big day for UK steel”.

“We’ve agreed a joint 163;1 billion investment with Tata Steel to save thousands of British jobs and secure the future of the steel industry in Wales. This follows the 163;4 billion investment we secured from Tata Group in July to create 4,000 jobs,” Mr Sunak posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Ottawa: Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng is postponing a trade mission to India planned for October, an official said on Friday, reflecting increasingly tense diplomatic relations just days after India’s prime minister scolded his Canadian counterpart at a G20 summit in New Delhi.

“At this time, we are postponing the upcoming trade mission to India,” said Shanti Cosentino, a spokesperson for the minister, without giving a reason.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held formal bilateral meetings with many world leaders during the G20 summit, snubbed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, allowing only a short, informal meeting on the sidelines five days ago. Canada has the highest population of Sikhs outside their home state of Punjab in India, and the country has been the site of many protests that have irked India.

Earlier on Friday, India said it had paused trade talks with Canada. Canada made a similar announcement earlier this month, saying such a pause was needed to “take stock”.

US Airport Officers Caught On Camera Stealing Money From Passengers’ Bags

Washington, Sep 16 (IANS) Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, has been extradited to the US on drug trafficking charges, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced. In a statement on Friday that referred to Ovidio Guzman, 33, as a “leader of the Sinaloa Cartel”, Garland said the extradition was a “result of US and Mexico law enforcement cooperation”, reports CNN.

A shocking video of two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers stealing money and other items from bags of passengers at Miami International Airport has gone viral on social media. According to the New York Post, the officers allegedly stole at least $600 in cash and other items from passengers’ luggage on June 29 this year. The officers identified as 20-year-old Josue Gonzalez and 33-year-old Labarrius Williams, were arrested in July when enforcement officials began investigating claims of theft occurring at the checkpoint.

A video of the theft has emerged now, showing the agents working together to take money from wallets and purses that passed them on the way to the X-ray machine. In the footage, one of the officers is seen putting his hand inside a wallet and slipping the money inside his own pocket.

Fuster and Gonzalez confessed to ‘’numerous thefts’’ from travelers,

The officers allegedly stole at least $600 in cash and other items from passengers’ luggage.

admitting to stealing an average of $1,000 daily while working together. Both of them have pleaded not guilty to the third-degree felony grand theft charges they face, while

charges against Fuster were dropped in August. ‘’We actively and aggressively investigated these misconduct allegations and presented our findings to the Miami Dade Police Department, and are working closely with them. Any employee who fails to meet our fundamental ethical standards is held accountable,’’ the statement added.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

“Against Hindus”

Nirmala Sitharaman’s Strong Attack On INDIA Bloc

New Delhi: The DMK and opposition alliance INDIA are against Hindus and ‘Sanatan Dharma’, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today, launching a scathing attack on the politics over provocative comments by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, who has blamed Sanatan Dharma for promoting division and discrimination among people and said it should be eradicated.

Speaking to NDTV, the minister

Kashmir Encounter On For 48 Hours

Srinagar: A soldier has reportedly gone missing while two others were injured in an encounter with terrorists that is underway for over 48 hours in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The gunfight broke out early Wednesday morning after the army and the police launched a joint operation to hunt down terrorists in the dense forests of Kokernag. Three officers, including two from the Army and a policeman, were killed in action on that day. There is no update on the casualty figure on the side of the terrorists. The security forces are using new-generation weapons and devices, including strike-capable Heron drones, in their intensified anti-terror operations.

alleged that “anti-Sanatana is the pronounced policy of the DMK”, adding that she has personally witnessed it.

“The people in Tamil Nadu suffered. The rest of the country did not understand it because of a language barrier.

It has always been like that. Now because of social media, you don’t even need a translator to know what a minister is saying. It is not surprising. DMK has been doing it for 70 years. It’s hypocrisy,” she said.

US Outraged by Indian Student’s Death; Biden Promises Investigation

The US govt swung into action after India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, strongly raised the issue at the highest level in Washington and sought prompt action on the killing of Jaahnavi Kandula and the highly insensitive behaviour of the police officer

Following the tragic death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula in Seattle, the Biden administration has promised a swift and comprehensive investigation while pledging to hold the responsible police officers accountable. Kandula lost her life in January when she was struck by a speeding police patrol car driven by Officer Kevin Dave, who was allegedly driving at 74 mph while responding to an overdose report.

The incident gained international attention after India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, raised concerns about the case and Officer Daniel Auderer’s insensitive behavior, captured in bodycam footage.

US lawmakers and Indian-Americans

have expressed their outrage, leading senior administration officials to reassure the Indian government of their serious commitment to this matter. They will closely oversee the investigation from Washington to

ensure accountability.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has described the handling of Kandula’s death as deeply troubling and has vowed to pursue a thorough investigation. Prominent figures like Congressman Ro Khanna and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal have called for justice and accountability, underlining the infinite value of every Indian immigrant’s life.

The Seattle Office of Police Accountability has launched an investigation, aiming to conclude it by January 29. This tragic incident highlights the importance of safety and respect for all individuals, sparking calls for positive change and unity in support of Jaahnavi Kandula’s family.

Rallygoers demand accountability in death of Jaahnavi Kandula

More than 200 people on Thursday took to the Seattle intersection where a 23-year-old student was fatally struck by an officer’s cruiser early this year. They called for accountability for the officer who killed her and for a police union leader’s comments about the crash, which some described as “disgusting” and “abhorrent.”

Body-camera footage released this week depicts Officer Daniel Auderer, vice president of the Seattle

Police Officers Guild, joking with the rank-and-file police union’s president after the Jan. 23 crash that killed Jaahnavi Kandula in South Lake Union.

Auderer’s comments, including saying Kandula “had limited value” and suggesting the department should “just write a check” for $11,000, have elicited condemnations in Seattle and internationally.

Thursday’s rally added to criticisms that had come throughout the day from local officials, community

organizations and the consulate general of India in San Francisco, describing the comments as inhumane and devaluing Kandula’s life.

Participants at the rally in South Lake Union called for the resignation of Auderer and the officer who struck Kandula, Kevin Dave. Speakers criticized the police system, saying it is built on white supremacy, and the criminalizing and undervaluing the lives of Black and Indigenous people and other people of color.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

The minister alleged that “antiSanatana is the pronounced policy of the DMK”, adding that she has personally witnessed it.

As if government expects people to die in defence of its muddleheaded policy in Kashmir: Chidambaram

It Lives Inside, is an American supernatural, scary movie made. It debuted at the 2023, South by Southwest film festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. The film will release in theatres on September 22 It may be for the very first time that the American audiences will see a movie that talks about Indian supernatural concepts like ‘bhoot’, (ghost) or ‘Pischaach,’ (vampire). “It Lives Inside,” is an American scary movie written and directed by Bishal Datta. Indian American director Bishal Datta has made many short films and digital series. His recent short film, Life in Color was an official selection at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker showcase at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Indian American actress Megan Suri, known for her role of Aneesa, in Never Have I Ever. The story of It Lives Here, revolves around Sam, an Indian American high schooler who wants to reject Indian culture and is desperate to fit in. But a pischaach latches onto Sam’s best friend. To ward off the spirit, Sam has to understand her cultural traditions. Bishal Datta talks to Hi India about how the story evolved from tales of ‘bhoot’ and ‘pret’ in India he heard from his grandfather Let’s talk about the subject of your movie. Supernatural Indian stories are not something that are talked about or known very well outside India. Can you tell why you chose this subject?

I was inspired by the ghost stories that I heard growing up, many of them passed down through generations of my family. I wanted to tackle themes of Indian-American identity but do so in as visceral and accessible a way as possible, so it felt like this universally relatable boogeyman, which was the source of so many of my own fears growing up, would be the perfect vessel through which to tell Samidha’s story. Give us a little background on the movie. Did you have a tough time explaining the subject, genre to actors, crew, producers? Tell us a bit more.

The great thing about the horror genre is its universality. Strangely enough, the more I talked about the film with collaborators, the more broadly accessible it started to feel. My partners at QC Entertainment and NEON consistently empowered me to be as specific as possible to both the cultural mythology and to my experiences as an Indian-American person. Beyond the specifics of my experience, I knew that if I could tell the story well, anyone

Indian American Director Bishal Dutta on his film

It Lives Inside

The West is certainly ready for more of these stories, especially within accessible and recognizable genres like horror. It’s on the filmmakers to then dig deep to the core of our experiences, mythologies and superstitions, in order to find the essential humanity within them.

ACTIVITY/SINISTER-loving part of me that wanted fun, playful and terrifying commercial horror, and B) it would’ve helped me process a lot of my own feelings about being IndianAmerican to see Samidha’s character deal with them on screen.

As a filmmaker of color, tell us about your journey in the US. Tell us about your background and what made you choose film making. Any challenges along the way.

I was born in India, and my grandfather was one of the only people in our small Assamese town that had a VCR. He showed me JAWS when I was three years old and ever since, all I’ve ever wanted to do is make movies. I was lucky enough to have a family that supported this interest from a very early age, so I was able to make short films through middle and high school, especially as we moved around all over the place: Canada, then Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Virginia. I came to LA directly after high school to pursue filmmaking full-time and while there have been challenges along the way, I’ve been unbelievably lucky to have people in my corner that have fiercely believed in and supported me.

Do you think the West is ready for tales originating from Indian subcultures and even superstitions?

could see themselves within Samidha’s character. We’ve all felt different in some way, shape or form, and it felt like this battle between Samidha and the Pishach could tap into the very core of that feeling.

Who are your target audience?

When we were making this film, I always imagined myself at fifteen watching it. It’s the kind of movie

I wish I had been able to see at that age, because A) it would’ve satisfied that CONJURING/PARANORMAL

I think that the West is certainly ready for more of these stories, especially within accessible and recognizable genres like horror. It’s on the filmmakers to then dig deep to the core of our experiences, mythologies and superstitions, in order to find the essential humanity within them. Cinema is, in so many ways, the most democratic of artforms and, as Roger Ebert said, “an empathy machine.” My greatest hope is that other Indian and Indian-American filmmakers can make undeniably human films about our experiences.

Zofeen Maqsood

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s Remarkable 90th Milestone Celebrated By BAPS

HiIndia Newsdesk

Robbinsville, NJ – The 90th birthday celebration of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj left hundreds of devoted souls deeply moved in Robbinsville on September 13, 2023. The event, coinciding with the Festival of Inspirations and the inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, marked a profound moment in the lives of many.

His Holiness, known for his unparalleled love and compassion, has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. His heartfelt letters, signed "Yours Forever, Sadhu Keshavjivandas," have not only provided solace but also ignited spiritual growth and collective action.

Pujya Yogananddas Swami highlighted the transformative power of Mahant Swami's words, which have guided countless individuals.

Attendees shared personal stories of

how these letters had shaped their lives, emphasizing Mahant Swami's genuine care and empathy. World leaders and spiritual luminaries also praised his divine aura and humility.

A poignant 2001 incident showcased

Mahant Swami Maharaj's exceptional humility when he took responsibility for a presentation mishap. Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami lauded his unwavering humility and his philosophy of seeing the best in everyone.

Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's 127th Birth Anniversary Celebrated

HiIndia Newsdesk

CHICAGO, IL- On September 7th, Hare Krishna temples worldwide celebrated the 127th birth anniversary of their founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Known as ‘Srila Prabhupada’ or ‘Swamiji,’ he popularized “Hare Krishna” globally.

At age sixty-nine, he arrived in Boston after a challenging 35-day journey from Kolkata, enduring two heart attacks. His mission was to spread Lord Krishna’s message in English-speaking regions. Over 11 years, he circled the globe 14 times, translated 70 volumes of Sanskrit and Bengali texts, and established 108 temples on six continents.

During the celebration at the ISKCON temple in Chicago, His Holiness Romapada Swami praised Prabhupada’s contributions, emphasizing chanting, Srimad Bhagavatam translation, and his faith in his spiritual master’s orders. Srila Prabhupada came from a Gaudiya Vaisnava lineage, rooted in Lord Krishna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings, with a history spanning over 5000 years. Arriving in Boston with just 40 rupees and a translated Srimad Bhagavatam, he began chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and attracted followers in the counterculture era of America.

Despite the risks in a rebellious, drug-fueled era, he believed in the

His Holiness, known for his unparalleled love and compassion, has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. His heartfelt letters, signed "Yours Forever, Sadhu Keshavjivandas," have not only provided solace but also ignited spiritual growth and collective action.

On his birthday, Mahant Swami Maharaj turned the spotlight onto senior swamis, exemplifying his humility. In return, they offered heartfelt prayers and garlands, illustrating the mutual admiration. In his concluding remarks, Mahant Swami Maharaj shared his vision for BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, emphasizing the spiritual wisdom attainable through daily introspection. This celebration served as a tribute and an inspiration for all to lead lives of humility, love, and service, encapsulating the essence of Mahant Swami's teachings.

Important Update On Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals

HiIndia Newsdesk

WASHINGTON, DC- On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule. However, the court maintained a partial stay of the order for “all DACA recipients who received their initial DACA status prior to July 16, 2021.”

The ISKCON Chicago temple, representing over 40 nationalities, hosted devotees from various countries who shared how Srila Prabhupada’s teachings transformed their lives.

transformative power of chanting and Vedic lifestyle, turning “hippies into happies.”

Millions worldwide have embraced his teachings. The ISKCON Chicago temple, representing over 40 nationalities, hosted devotees from various countries who shared how Srila Prabhupada’s teachings transformed their lives. The celebration concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian meal.

See the Memorandum and Order (PDF, 1.35 MB) and Supplemental Order of Injunction (PDF, 72.53 KB). Accordingly, current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) remain valid until they expire, unless individually terminated. However, USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewal requests and accompanying applications for employment authorization under the DACA regulations at 8 CFR 236.22 and 236.23, as it has since October 31, 2022, in accordance with this decision. USCIS will continue to accept initial requests, but per the order, not process initial DACA requests. Currently valid grants of DACA and related EADs will continue to be recognized as valid under the Final Rule.

Indian American Comedian Hasan Minhaj Coming To Wisconsin

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Receives Roosevelt Leadership Award

Congressman Krishnamoorthi expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised the organizations for their ongoing efforts to bridge political divides and address the nation’s challenges. He emphasized that unity and collaboration are essential for achieving lasting progress.

Hasan Minhaj known for his razorsharp wit and political satire whose hit Netflix show Patriot Act got rave reviews is all set to perform in Milwaukee followed by Madison. Part of his new stand up comedy tour, ‘Off With his Head,’ the former The Daily Show correspondent will be performing at Riverside Theatre in Milwaukee on September 22. Minhaj will then move to Madison, Wisconsin on September 23 to perform at Orpheum Theatre.

The ‘Off with his Head’ tour, kicks off in Milwaukee and would have stops in Providence, Albany, NY, Detroit, Denver, Boston, New York with many other stops in between.

WASHINGTON, DC On Saturday, near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange and the Ripon Society honored Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi with the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award. This award, inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, recognizes leaders who exemplify qualities such as a sense of duty, love of country, and

USCIS Naturalizes 6,900 New Citizens on Constitution & Citizenship Day

a commitment to the best interests of the American people, irrespective of party affiliation. U.S. Representatives Joyce Beatty, Adrian Smith, and Kelly Armstrong also received this honor during the event.

Congressman Krishnamoorthi expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised the organizations for their ongoing efforts to bridge political divides and address the nation’s challenges. He emphasized that unity

and collaboration are essential for achieving lasting progress.

The Franklin Center brings together members of the U.S. Congress, international counterparts, diplomats, experts, and other policy professionals to foster unbiased international policy discussions. The Ripon Society, founded in 1962, is a public policy organization named after the birthplace of the Republican Party. The Franklin Center for Global Policy Exchange is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting global understanding of significant international issues.

Oakton College Announces 2023 Distinguished Alumni Awardees

DES PLAINES, IL- Celebrate Oakton

WASHINGTON, DC —The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by hosting over 130 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between September 17 and September 22, welcoming more than 6,900 new citizens. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized their mission to promote citizenship, encourage eligible immigrants to naturalize, and uphold American values of fairness, integrity, and respect.

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, part of Constitution Week (September 17 to 23), honor the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, and the observance of “I Am an American Day” since 1940. Citizenship Day, established in 1952 by President Harry Truman, was further recognized by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955 as Constitution Week.

USCIS annually marks this occasion by holding special naturalization ceremonies, emphasizing the link

between the Constitution and citizenship. The Constitution not only establishes the rule of law but also creates the framework for immigration, enabling immigrants to become citizens. Eligible lawful permanent residents undergo a comprehensive process to become U.S. citizens, culminating in the Oath of Allegiance.

During Constitution Week, USCIS highlights naturalization ceremonies from September 17 to September 22 and encourages new citizens to share their photos on social media using hashtags like #NewUSCitizen, #ConstitutionWeek, and #WeThePeople.

In addition to these ceremonies, USCIS showcases initiatives like the Citizenship Ambassador Initiative, launched in July 2022, which collaborates with community leaders to promote naturalization. These ambassadors have expanded USCIS’s reach and promoted naturalization across diverse locations. USCIS is committed to making the naturalization process accessible and has taken steps to support integration and inclusion efforts for new Americans.

College’s accomplished alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Awards on Sept. 28, 6 p.m. at Oakton’s Des Plaines Campus. This year’s honorees have excelled in their commitment to building just and thriving communities, aligning with Oakton’s Vision 2030 goal. Filza Ali, Skokie:

• Former Oakton student and Oakton Muslim Student Association President.

• Earned associate in arts degree at Oakton.

• Received full-ride Magis Scholarship for undocumented students at Loyola University.

• Advocated for undocumented students and immigration reform.

• Holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences and works as a research analyst.

Nathan Norman, Skokie:

• Graduated from Oakton with an associate in arts degree.

• Achieved Suma Cum Laude and a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at Northeastern Illinois University.

• Obtained a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.

Works as a workforce development manager, connecting youth with career opportunities.

• Ambassadors Oakton’s Emory Williams Academy for Black Men.

Julian G. Thompson, Chicago:

• Transferred from Oakton to Loyola University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

• Holds master’s and doctorate degrees in Sociology and Social Welfare.

• Active in various organizations supporting vulnerable populations.

• Authored numerous articles on social work topics.

• Currently an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jerrod W. Tucker, Jacksonville, Fla.:

• Oakton basketball team captain.

• Earned bachelor’s degrees in Sports Management and Journalism.

• Inducted into the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Hall of Fame.

• Head coach of the Jacksonville 95ers in The Basketball League (TBL).

• Dean and head varsity basketball coach at a local charter school.

• Active in volunteering to support homeless and low-income populations.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

(L-R) Jerrod Tucker, Julian Thompson, Filza Ali & Nathan Norman

Congressman Krishnamoorthi at Mount Rushmore with U.S. Representatives. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) after receiving the Roosevelt Leadership Award

Vivek Ramaswamy wants to end H-1B visa programme, calls it 'indentured servitude'

HiIndia Newsdesk

Calling the H-1B visa programme "indentured servitude", Indian-American Republican presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy has vowed to “gut” the lottery-based system and replace it with meritocratic admission if he wins the race to the White House in 2024.

The H-1B visa, the much-sought-after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

Ramaswamy himself has used the visa programme 29 times.

From 2018 through 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services approved 29 applications for Ramaswamy’s former company, Roivant Sciences, to hire employees under H-1B visas. Yet, the H-1B system is “bad for everyone involved,” Ramaswamy was quoted as saying by Politico.

“The lottery system needs to be replaced by actual meritocratic admission. It’s a

The Indian-American Republican presidential aspirant vowed to 'gut' the lottery-based system and replace it with meritocratic admission if he wins the race to the White House in 2024

form of indentured servitude that only accrues to the benefit of the company that sponsored an H-1B immigrant. I’ll gut it,” he said in a statement, adding that the US needs to eliminate chainbased migration.

“The people who come as family members are not the meritocratic immigrants who make skills-based contributions to this country.”

Divine Celebration: Shri Radha Krishna Nauka

Vihar Utsav At Hindu Mandir Of Lake County

Ramaswamy stepped down as chief executive officer of Roivant in February 2021, but remained the chair of the company’s board of directors until February this year when he announced his presidential campaign.

As of March 31, the company and its subsidiaries had 904 full-time employees, including 825 in the U.S., according to its Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

When asked about the mismatch in the Republican presidential hopeful’s policy stance and his past business practices, press secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the role of a policymaker “is to do what’s right for a country overall: the system is broken and needs to be fixed.” “Vivek believes that regulations overseeing the U.S. energy sector are badly broken, but he still uses water and electricity,” she said in a statement.

“This is the same.” Ramaswamy, who is himself the child of immigrants, has captured headlines for his restrictionist immigration policy agenda. He also said he would use military force to secure the border, and that he would deport US-born children of undocumented immigrants.

Hari Om Mandir Hosted Annual Fundraiser Dinner

GRAYSLAKE, IL- The Hindu Mandir of Lake County in Grayslake, IL hosted the Shri Radha-Krishna Nauka Vihar Utsav (Boat Riding Festival) on September 16, 2023, with hundreds of spirited devotees. This event aimed to please the divine couple, Shri RadhaKrishna, by celebrating Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes, understanding their significance, and striving to incorporate them into daily life.

Temple priests, Pt. Anil Joshi Ji, Pt. Radha Krishna, and Pt. Balaji Gopal, conducted rituals including Lord Ganesh and Radha-Krishna Abhishekam following the sponsors’ Sankalpam. They adorned the deities, offered Naivedhyam, and performed Archana with Vedic Mantras. The devotees participated in a Shobha Yatra for Shri Radha-Krishna, circling the temple while chanting various Shri Krishna Maha Mantras and slogans. The temple’s water pool and boat were beautifully decorated with flowers,

Devotees took Lord Krishna and Radha Ma on a boat ride accompanied by joyous Kirtans and offered their heartfelt Seva. They prayed for the fulfillment of their wishes and dreams in life.

colorful umbrellas, and soft Asanas, filling the devotees with excitement. Before placing Shri Radha and Lord Krishna on the boat, the priests purified the water with Ganga Pujan, using

Kumkum, Chandan, and flower petals while reciting Vedic and Krishna Mantras. The sight of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani on the elaborately decorated boat brought pure bliss to the devotees.

Pt. Anil Joshi Ji emphasized the significance of the Shri Radha-Krishna Nauka Vihar Utsav, likening the boat to a Guru guiding us through life’s challenges towards spiritual enlightenment. He encouraged devotees to maintain their devotion to Lord Krishna amidst their daily responsibilities and strive for spiritual growth.

Devotees took Lord Krishna and Radha Ma on a boat ride accompanied by joyous Kirtans and offered their heartfelt Seva. They prayed for the fulfillment of their wishes and dreams in life.

Manoj Adhikari, the temple president, expressed gratitude to devotees, sponsors, priests, and dedicated volunteers for their support and active participation in temple activities. Pt. Joshi Ji blessed the devotees for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life.

On September 16, 2023, Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, IL hosted its Annual Fundraiser Dinner at the Pearl banquet in Roselle, Illinois. The event brought together Patrons, Founder Members, Devotees, and Community Leaders from various social organizations with the aim of raising funds for the Mandir’s Community Services, Growth & Development, and Future Expansion Projects.

The evening began with a grand redcarpet welcome, featuring the Mandir's emblematic logo backdrop, offering memorable photo opportunities. A Diya Lighting Ceremony marked the formal program's commencement, led by Mandir Priests Acharya Ram Naresh Vajpayee and Shastri Dharmender Bhatt, along with key figures like Chairman BOT Brij Sharma and President EB Vipan Wadhera. Anil Saxena, Chairman of Fundraising, provided updates on the ongoing Hanuman murti project from 2022, expressing gratitude for past contributions and urging continued generosity. Vipan Wadhera, President of the Executive Board, emphasized the significance of temples in preserving Indian culture and values, appealing for donations to support Community Service Programs.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Deep Pragatya ceremony

2 Indians get 41 months in jail for defrauding elderly victims in US

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York, Sep 20 (IANS) Two Indian nationals were each sentenced to 41 months in prison for their roles in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud by accepting illegally obtained $1.2 million in wire transfers from victims across the US.

Arushobike Mitra, 29, and Garbita Mitra, 25, had pleaded guilty before US District Judge Esther Salas to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, US Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Judge Salas imposed the sentences on Tuesday in Newark federal court.

"These defendants and their conspirators preyed upon some of our most vulnerable citizens, using trickery and threats to coerce them into sending money," US Attorney Sellinger said.

Western Union Allocates $40 Million in Remission Funds to U.S. and Global Beneficiaries

"Protecting our elderly population from these kinds of deceitful robocall scams is a priority of our office. Those who engage in this kind of elder fraud scheme can expect to face justice."

According to documents filed in this case and court statements, as part of an international fraud scheme, criminal India-based call centres utilized automated robocalls to victims

across the country with the intent of defrauding US residents, particularly the elderly. After establishing contact with victims through these automated calls, other members of the conspiracy would coerce or trick the victims into sending large sums of cash through physical shipments or wire transfers to other members of the conspiracy, including the Mitras. These conspirators used a variety of schemes to convince victims to send money, including impersonating government officials from agencies such as the Social Security Administration, or impersonating law enforcement officers from the FBI or DEA, and threatened victims with severe legal or financial consequences if they did not comply. Another method utilised by the callers involved convincing the victim they were speaking with someone from a

The Immigrant Population Resurge In The U.S.

tech support company and coercing the victim into granting the caller remote access to their personal computers.

The caller would then access the victim's bank accounts and make it appear to the victim that the caller had inadvertently added money to the victim’s bank account, when in fact the caller had simply transferred money from another one of the victim's own accounts.

The caller would then instruct the victim to "return" the money by way of mail or wire transfer to other members of the conspiracy, including the Mitras.

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Salas sentenced Arushobike and Garbita each to three years of supervised release and ordered them to pay $835,324 in restitution.

Judge Rules Biden’s DACA Program Unlawful

Temporary Preservation of Program Benefits

Hundreds of Thousands of Undocumented Immigrant Youth in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Justice Department has commenced the distribution of approximately $40 million from the Western Union Remission Fund to aid roughly 25,000 victims globally, fully reimbursing their losses. This marks the launch of the second phase of Western Union Remission distributions, following the successful compensation of over 148,000 victims in the first phase, amounting to more than $365 million.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized the importance of aiding victims, while U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam reaffirmed the commitment to holding wrongdoers accountable.

Western Union's 2017 deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. government led to the fund creation, benefiting victims of international consumer fraud schemes. Visit WesternUnionRemissionPhase2. com for more information or contact the Western Union Remission Administrator at (855) 786-1048 or info@WesternUnionRemissionPhase2. com for inquiries.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The immigrant population in the United States has surged once again, with nearly a million individuals born outside the country making their way to American soil last year. This marks a historic high, with over 46 million foreign-born residents now calling the U.S. home, as reported by the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This increase is especially notable given the previous slowdown attributed to Trump administration policies and the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, "The foreign-born population saw a substantial increase," noting that the growth in 2022 equaled the total of the previous four years combined. The foreign-born segment of the U.S. population, which had remained relatively steady since 2017, rose to nearly 14% last year.

Experts attribute this resurgence in immigration to the gradual revival of legal immigration processes, including visa processing and refugee vetting, which had ground to a halt during the pandemic. Additionally, the Biden

Florida experienced the most substantial growth in its foreign-born population, adding over 200,000 immigrants last year, followed by Georgia.

administration has welcomed tens of thousands of individuals from Afghanistan and Ukraine, while simultaneously managing a record influx of migrants from Central and South America at the U.S.-Mexico border. Census data reveals significant increases in immigrants from Latin America and Asia, many of whom hold college or post-college degrees, challenging the stereotype of immigrants as primarily low-skilled and reliant on government support.

Florida experienced the most substantial growth in its foreign-born population, adding over 200,000 immigrants last year, followed by Georgia. States like Maryland, New Jersey, and Iowa also saw notable gains in their immigrant populations. Immigrants often choose states where they have a support system, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of their new homes.

WASHINGTON, DC — A federal judge, Andrew Hanen, ruled on Wednesday that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is once again deemed unlawful, rejecting the Biden administration's efforts to preserve and formalize the program as a federal regulation. Judge Hanen, presiding over the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, stated that while the program could continue temporarily, new applicants would still be unable to apply.

Hanen emphasized his consistent concerns about the program's legal standing, asserting that the Executive Branch cannot override Congress's authority vested by the Constitution, even in response to a legislative gap. The ruling disappointed the Biden administration, which has supported DACA throughout its tenure. White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre expressed disagreement with the decision and vowed to defend the policy against legal challenges. Seven Republican-leaning states, seeking to terminate DACA, argue that the updated program was improperly implemented and constituted executive overreach, resulting in financial losses.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Canada Seeks U.S. Condemnation of India, Faces Reluctance

HiIndia Newsdesk

In the run-up to the September Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, Canadian officials sought global condemnation of the alleged assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, implicating Indian officials. However, their efforts faced reluctance from allies, including the United States, straining CanadaIndia relations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s mention of “credible allegations” escalated tensions, resulting in the expulsion of diplomats from both nations. India dismissed the claims as “absurd and motivated,” focusing on Khalistani extremists in Canada. This situation underscores Western nations’ delicate balance between allies and India’s strategic partnerships while navigating geopolitical complexities and trade relations.

Australia Raises Canada

Khalistani Terrorist’s Death with India

HiIndia Newsdesk

‘Exercise utmost caution’ India’s advisory for its nationals, students in Canada

Justin Trudeau’s allegations of a “potential” involvement of Indian agents in the alleged killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the advisory.

India has issued the advisory a day after Canada released a similar communication.

The Indian government on Wednesday issued an advisory for Indian nationals and students in Canada, urging them to exercise utmost caution in view of “growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and violence in Canada”.

The notice was issued against the backdrop of Canadian Prime Minister

US Expert Condemns Trudeau’s India Link Claim in Nijjar’s Killing

Michael Rubin

“In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” the advisory read.

The advisory claimed Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community who oppose the anti-India agenda in Canada are likely to receive threats amid the ongoing controversy. “Indian nationals are therefore advised to avoid travelling to regions and potential venues in Canada that have seen such incidents,” the advisory said.

Rapper Shubh’s India Tour Cancelled After Alleged Support For ‘Khalistan’

HiIndia Newsdesk

Australia has expressed concern and raised the issue of Canada’s allegations regarding the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Australia, a member of the Quad grouping with India, Japan, and the US, as well as part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, considers the reports “concerning.” While addressing the Canadian parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had mentioned “credible allegations” of Indian government involvement in Nijjar’s death, a claim that India has rejected as “absurd and motivated.” Australia is closely monitoring developments and engaging with Indian counterparts on this matter.

Exercise Caution”: Canada Warns Citizens About Travel to India Amid Row

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Canada today updated the travel advisory to India amid escalating tension. The advisory mirrors in many ways what the US advises its citizens. Canadian citizens have earlier been warned against travelling in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, with special mention of Assam and violence-hit Manipur. Explicitly mentioning Jammu and Kashmir, the advisory read, “The security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is tense.

Punjabi singer and rapper Shubhneet Singh, popularly known by his stage name ‘Shubh’ has drawn flak over his alleged support for Khalistan. Now,

BookMyShow in a post on X, formerly Twitter announced that the singer’s “Still Rollin India Tour” has been cancelled. The company said that it will do a complete refund of the tickets within 7-10 days. “Singer Shubhneet Singh’s Still Rollin Tour for India stands cancelled. To that end, BookMyShow has initiated a complete refund of the ticket amount for all consumers who had purchased tickets for the show. The refund will be reflected within 7-10 working days in the customer’s source account of the original transaction,” it said.

A US expert has termed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim of a “potential link” between Indian government agents and the killing of a Khalistani leader a “shameless and cynical action” and urged the United States not be part of it. Participating in a panel discussion at the Hudson Institute think-tank, Michael Rubin, Senior Fellow at American Enterprise Institute, claimed Trudeau is playing into the hands of people who are looking at the Khalistani movement as a movement of ego and profit.

Canada and India have expelled a senior diplomat each after Trudeau alleged the involvement of “agents of the Indian government” in the killing of a prominent Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, in Surrey in June, claims outrightly rejected by New Delhi as “absurd” and “motivated”. Nijjar, the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) and one of India’s most-wanted terrorists who carried a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen outside a gurdwara in Surrey in the western Canadian province of British Columbia on June 18.

Parents, 2 Children And 3 Dogs Shot To Death In Chicago Home

The bodies were found about 8.40 pm on Sunday in Romeoville by police after officers stopped by their home for a welfare check.

The bodies were found about 8.40 pm on Sunday in Romeoville

A tragic and disturbing incident has unfolded in a suburban Chicago home, where a couple and their two young children, along with three dogs, were found fatally shot. Romeoville police are now investigating this

heartbreaking incident as a quadruple murder. The victims have been identified as Alberto Rolon, Zoraida Bartolomei, 10-year-old Adriel, and 7-year-old Diego. The bodies were discovered after police conducted a welfare check around 8:40 pm on

Sunday. The authorities believe the shooting occurred between Saturday night and early Sunday, though they do not suspect it was a murder-suicide. During a press conference, Romeoville Police Deputy Chief Chris Burne stated that the community is not believed to be at risk, and no arrests have been reported. The investigation has been ongoing, with detectives and crime scene investigators collecting substantial physical evidence. This heartbreaking incident has left the community in shock, and local officials are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to bring justice to the victims and their grieving families.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

10 most famous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations

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

22th Septmber 2023 to 28th Septmber 2023

Aries

Ganesha says that people of the Aries zodiac sign need to be very careful at the beginning of the week from those people who often keep plotting for their work. During this period, there will be pressure on you to finish the work on time. Those doing consultancy, tourism, and marketing work will face some complications.

Taurus

New Delhi: (IANSlife) India's bustling and well-known Ganesh Chaturthi festival honors Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of knowledge and prosperity. Ganesha idols are installed during the event, along with prayers, customs, and public meetings. Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have created a list of 10 of India's most wellknown Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations that you shouldn't miss:

Mumbai, Maharashtra:

Mumbai is known for its epic Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Massive Ganesha idols, ornate decorations, and spectacular processions bring the city to life. The Arabian Sea idol immersion is a highlight that draws a sizable number of people.

Pune, Maharashtra:

Pune is known for its rich cultural legacy and its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Throughout the festival, the city hosts a large number of pandals (temporary decorative buildings) and holds a number of cultural events.

Hyderabad, Telangana:

Huge processions with finely carved idols highlight Hyderabad's Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The towering and beautifully crafted idols of the Khairatabad Ganesh are especially well known.

Bengal, West: Kolkata:

While Ganesh Chaturthi is not as well-known in Kolkata as it is in other regions of India, the city nevertheless sees some lovely decorations and celebrations, frequently fusing the event with local culture.

Delhi:

Ganesh Chaturthi is enthusiastically

observed in the capital city. Ganesha idols can be found in numerous pandals and temples, and the festival spirit permeates the entire city.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: The Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in Chennai are a blend of tradition and fun. In addition to processions, idols are kept in the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and other nearby temples.

Goa:

Ganesh Chaturthi is enthusiastically observed in Goa. After the event, many villages construct lovely pandals and submerge the idols in rivers or the sea.

Nashik, Maharashtra: Nashik celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with colorful processions and imaginative idols. An important event is the submersion of the idols in the Godavari River.

Bengaluru, Karnataka: Bengaluru hosts a variety of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, including neighborhood fairs and private homes with idols. Important locations include the Bull Temple and the Dodda Ganesh Temple.

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The popularity of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Jaipur is growing. A magnificent display of decorations and public processions mark the celebration.

These are just a few of India's numerous, exuberant Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The festival is enhanced by the distinct flavors of each location, creating a genuinely vibrant and varied celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.

Ganesha says that this week will bring auspiciousness and benefits for the people of the Taurus zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may get a big opportunity related to your career and business. During this period, acquaintance with eminent people will increase.

Gemini

Ganesha says that compared to last week, this week is going to be very auspicious and full of happiness for the people of the Gemini zodiac. People who are searching for employment will get the desired opportunity at the beginning of the week.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week is going to be very cool for the Cancer zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may have to travel long or short distances in connection with career business.

Leo

Ganesha says that the beginning of the week will be positive for the Leo zodiac people and all your planned work will be completed on time. During this period, you will get full support of good fortune and you will be successful in earning profits from various sources.

Virgo

Ganesha says that this week is going to be more auspicious and fruitful for people of the Virgo zodiac than the previous week. At the beginning of the week, any major hurdle related to work will be removed. With the help of an influential person, you will be successful in finding a solution to a domestic issue.

Libra

Ganesha says that this week will prove to be auspicious for the people of the Libra zodiac sign. At

the beginning of the week, you will get an opportunity to join some profitable schemes. There will be additional sources of income for employed people.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that this week is full of good luck for people of the Scorpio zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, any problems related to power and government will be resolved. If you have been visiting government offices for a long time for some work, then this week all the obstacles related to it will be removed.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that this week may be a bit busy for Sagittarius. At the beginning of the week, you may suddenly face a huge burden of work. To solve this you will need extra hard work and effort. During this time, domestic disputes will also become a major cause of your worry.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that health is a thousand blessings. Capricorn people will need to keep this saying in mind, especially this week, otherwise, you may have to visit the hospital unnecessarily. At the beginning of the week, you may have to travel long distances for work.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week is going to be a mixed one for the people of the Aquarius zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you will heave a sigh of relief if any major work-related problem is resolved.

Pisces

Ganesha says that that people of Pisces should avoid being hasty in any work this week. Do not make the mistake of signing any paper without reading it properly, otherwise, you may have to repent later. In the workplace, instead of leaving your work to others, try to do it better yourself, otherwise you may have to become a victim of your boss’s anger. In the middle of the week, students may lose interest in their studies. During this time, control your speech and emotions and think ten times before saying anything to anyone, otherwise, your relationships built over the years may get spoiled.

MEDITATE

to beat stress blood pressure, say guidelines

There's so much people can do for themselves. All of us need to take a step back and say, actually, I should be able to find half an hour in my day to have a little bit of time to myself and decompress and just relax - whether it's listening to music, going for a walk or going to the gym and doing some exercise

People should try to meditate for around 45 minutes every day to cut stress-related high blood pressure, say new guidelines. Other tips from the International Society of Hypertension include taking time out to listen to music, doing yoga and practicing mindfulness. Established medical advice - quit smoking and cut down on salt - still stands.

But experts say newer "body and mind" lifestyle goals can be recommended. According to the position paper which is published in the Journal of Hypertension, there is enough scientific evidence for some less conventional approaches.

One of the authors, UK blood pressure expert Prof Bryan Williams, said in an exclusive interview with the BBC: "It all sounds like it is a bit soft and fluffy and not as dynamic, for example, as taking drugs but these things make such an important contribution to reducing the effects of stress on the cardiovascular system and the evidence is accumulating.

"There's so much people can do for themselves. All of us need to take a step back and say, actually, I should be able to find half an hour in my day to have a little bit of time to myself and decompress and just relax - whether it's listening to music, going for a walk or going to the gym and doing some exercise."

What can help lower blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a leading cause of premature death.

It puts strain on the heart and blood vessels which, in the long term, can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

More than a billion people or one in four adults worldwide has high blood pressure.

The panel of experts from 18 countries advise:

Try daily stress-busting strategies like meditation, deep breathing, yoga and

mindfulness

Consider practising gratitude by focusing on positive things you can be thankful for, and doing acts of kindness to gain a sense of wellbeing

Chill out to some calming music for at least 25 minutes, three times a week Taking your mind off the daily grind has an important and cumulative stressbusting effect on your mind and heart, says Prof Williams.

Other good habits are staying physically active and getting enough sleep - you might want to use fitness gadgets and apps to track your steps, sleep and progress, the advice says.

Prof Williams, a specialist at University College London, said: "It's not just the duration of sleep but it's also the quality of sleep. And the evidence suggests that

most people should be trying to achieve seven hours of good quality sleep to try and reduce the effects of the stress of not sleeping and not decompressing."

"What we have tried to do is look at all of the evidence for all of the different things that quite often pop up on social media and try and work out how much of it has a scientific basis and how much of it is a sort of fad."

The emerging evidence suggests:

• Eating fish or taking an Omega-3 fish oil supplement may be helpful

• Gut health is important too - and taking probiotics and eating plenty of fibre is a good idea

• Drinking some tea and coffee is fine, but consuming lots of energy drinks containing large amounts of caffeine is not recommended

US Braces for Fall/Winter Covid Surge with Arrival of New Vaccines

The United States is confronting a resurgence of Covid-19 variants, impacting schools, workplaces, and local governments as hospitalizations surge. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive updated Covid-19 vaccines to safeguard against potential severe illness during the approaching fall and winter. Newly formulated Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, designed to target current variants of the virus, are set to become available this week. The CDC underlines that vaccination remains the most effective defense against hospitalization, death, and the long-term effects of Covid-19. The virus's continuous evolution and declining vaccine protection over time have prompted this move. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved these updated vaccines, which specifically target the XBB.1.5 variant.

CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated, "We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from Covid-19." Moderna's updated vaccine, for instance, focuses on the XBB.1.5 sublineage of SARS-CoV-2. The arrival of these vaccines coincides with a 16% increase in SARS-CoV2-related hospitalizations in the US, prompting heightened concerns as the country enters the peak respiratory virus season. The World Health Organization (WHO) also expressed concerns about Covid-19 trends leading into winter, emphasizing the importance of vaccination amid the triple threat of Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, reiterated that vaccination remains crucial for public health and protection against severe Covid-19 consequences.

• Be careful with liquorice tea - this can raise blood pressure

• Beetroot and pomegranate juices may have the opposite effect and help lower blood pressure, perhaps because they contain nitrate compounds - doctors use nitrate in medications to dilate, relax or widen blood vessels

Another tip, if you want to exercise outdoors, do a park run or stroll away from busy roads - because air pollution is bad for the heart and lungs.

Prof Williams said: "Data is coming from a number of countries now showing that air pollution has an effect on cardiovascular function. It probably, based on the evidence, is contributing to the increased prevalence - if you like, the increased commonality - of risk factors for heart disease around the world." Lifestyle changes should be the first-line approach to treating and preventing high blood pressure, but doctors can add in pills if needed, the guidance, endorsed by European Society of Hypertension, says.

Dr Pauline Swift from Blood Pressure

UK said one of the quickest ways to lower blood pressure, especially if you have high blood pressure, is to limit how much salt you consume. Even if you are not adding it to your meals, processed food can contain a lot.

"If you eat too much salt, it causes extra water to be stored in your body, which raises your blood pressure.

"Eating more fruit and vegetables and regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing, also lowers blood pressure by reducing blood vessel stiffness so blood can flow more easily."

Jo Whitmore, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation welcomed the recommendations calling them "an authoritative breakdown" of how our lifestyles can influence our blood pressure.

"Understanding our individual risk factors and how to manage them is key to maintaining a healthy blood pressure and this position paper provides detailed recommendations on how that can be achieved."

Franchise Hotel near Chicago needs a Housekeeping couple. Accommodation will be provided. Legal status and previous housekeeping experience must.

Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with: