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Hurricane Milton marches across central Florida, destroying homes
More than 2m homes and businesses are now without power across Florida, with whole neighbourhoods going dark
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida: - Hurricane Milton marched across central Florida on Thursday after making landfall on the state's west coast hours earlier, whipping up deadly tornadoes, destroying homes and knocking out power to nearly 2 million customers.
The storm made landfall around 8:30 p.m. EDT (0030 GMT) on Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour (195 kph) near Siesta Key, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. By 11 p.m. EDT (0300 GMT), wind speeds had reduced to 105 mph (165 kph), dropping Milton to a Category 2 hurricane, nonetheless still considered extremely dangerous. The eye of the storm was 75 miles (120 km) southwest of Orlando in the center of the state. A flash flood emergency was in effect for the Tampa Bay area including the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the hurricane center said, with St. Petersburg already receiving 16.6 inches (422 mm) of rain on Wednesday.
TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users
TikTok is facing fresh legal challenges as 13 US states and the District of Columbia filed lawsuits on Tuesday, accusing the social media giant of harming young users and failing to protect them adequately.
The lawsuits, brought forward in states including New York, California, the District of Columbia, and 11 others, expand TikTok’s ongoing legal battles with US regulators and seek financial penalties against the Chinese-owned platform. The states claim TikTok uses addictive software designed to keep children glued to the app for extended periods, while also misrepresenting the effectiveness of its content moderation.
The eye of the storm landed in Siesta Key, a barrier island town of some 5,400 off Sarasota about 60 miles (100 km) south of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, which is home to more than 3 million people. Governor Ron DeSantis said he hoped Tampa Bay, once seen as the potential bull's eye, could dodge major damage and that the worst of the predicted storm surge could be avoided thanks to the landfall coming before the high tide. Forecasters said seawater could still rise as high as 13 feet (4 meters). DeSantis reported Milton had also spawned at least 19 tornadoes caused damage in numerous counties, destroying around 125 homes, most of them mobile homes. "At this point, it's too dangerous to evacuate safely, so you have to shelter in place and just hunker down," DeSantis said upon announcing the landfall. At least two deaths were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the eastern coast of Florida, NBC News reported, citing St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. His department did not immediately respond to a request for details.
Biden to speak with Netanyahu amid rising tensions with Iran
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, with discussions focused on Israel’s potential response to a recent missile attack from Iran. This anticipated call marks the first known direct communication between the leaders since August, amidst escalating conflicts
in the Middle East.
Tensions have surged following a missile strike carried out by Iran last week, which Tehran claimed was retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Lebanon. While the attack did not result in any casualties in Israel and was deemed ineffective by US officials, it has intensified fears of further escalation in the region. In response to the Iranian assault, Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will face consequences, stating that “they will pay for this missile attack.” Iran, in turn, has warned that any Israeli retaliation would result in significant destruction, heightening concerns of a broader conflict that could involve the United States.
Afghan man, planning to attack US on Election Day in November, arrested by FBI
The FBI has arrested an individual who is said to be influenced by the Islamic State terror outfit and was planning to attack large crowds in the US on Election Day, scheduled for November 5.
According to documents in which the suspect is charged, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, of Oklahoma City told the officials that he and one of his co-conspirators were planning to execute the attack on Election Day next month and die as martyrs in the midst of it.
Tawhedi, who came to the United States in 2021, had advanced his attack plan
and even ordered AK-47, liquidating his family’s assets and buying one-way tickets for his wife and child to travel home to Afghanistan, according to news agency Associated Press. The arrest comes at a time when the United States is facing multiple
security threats in various forms and the agency’s Director Christopher Wray telling The Associated Press in August that he was “hard pressed to think of a time in my career where so many different kinds of threats are all elevated at once.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Wray said “Terrorism is still the FBI’s number one priority, and we will use every resource to protect the American people.”
In the preliminary investigation, the officials found that Tawhedi subscribed to Islamic State propaganda, converted to charity which masqueraded as a front for the militant group.
Book: Trump Secretly Sent Covid Test Machine to Putin During Shortage
A new book by veteran Watergate reporter Bob Woodward says Donald Trump secretly sent coveted Covid-19 testing machines to Vladimir Putin for personal use when they were in short supply, a claim angrily dismissed by the Trump campaign. The booktitled War - also includes a claim that Trump secretly has stayed in touch with Putin since leaving office, according to excerpts cited by US media.In response, former President Trump told ABC News: "He's a storyteller. A bad one. And he's lost his marbles."
The Trump campaign also said none of the "made-up stories" were true.
“President Trump gave him absolutely no access for this trash book that either belongs in the bargain bin of the fiction section of a discount bookstore or used as toilet tissue,” said Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung in a statement to the BBC on Tuesday. The new book, due out next week, attributes the continuing communications between the former president and Putin to a single Trump aide who is not named in the book.
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EARLY VOTING FOR THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION
VOTACIÓN TEMPRANA PARA LA ELECCIÓN GENERAL PRESIDENCIAL DEL 5 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2024 2024 年 11 月 5 日總統普選的提前投票
Voter registration services (new voters, name changes and address updates) will be provided at all Early Voting sites. Los servicios de registro de votantes (nuevos votantes, cambios de nombre y actualizaciones de dirección) se proporcionarán en los lugares de Votación Temprana.
所有提前投票地點將會提供選民登記服務 (新選民 、更改姓名及更新地址) 。
1 Goldblatts Building 1615 W. Chicago Ave.
2 Near North Library 310 W. Division St.
3 Dawson Technical Institute 3901 S. State St.
4 Dr. Martin Luther King Center 4314 S. Cottage Gr.
5 Southside YMCA 6330 S. Stony Island Ave.
6 Whitney Young Library 415 E. 79th St.
7 Trumbull Park 2400 E. 105th St.
8 Olive Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
9 Palmer Park 201 E. 111th St.
10 Vodak- East Side Library 3710 E. 106th St.
11 McGuane Park 2901 S. Poplar Ave.
12 McKinley Park Library 1915 W. 35th St.
Clearing Library 6423 W. 63rd Pl.
15 Brighton Park Community Campus 4830 S. Western Ave. (Park No. 596)
16 Lindblom Park 6054 S. Damen Ave.
Thurgood
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20
21 West Pullman Library 830 W. 119th
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24
25
Portage Cragin Library 5108 W. Belmont Ave.
Bucktown-Wicker Park Library 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.
American Indian Center 3401 W. Ainslie St.
UIC Student Center 750 S. Halsted St.
Northeastern IL University El Centro 3390 N. Avondale Ave. 36 West Belmont Library 3104 N. Narragansett Ave.
West Chicago Library 4856 W. Chicago Ave. 38 Hiawatha Park 8029 W. Forest Preserve Dr. 39 North Park Village Admin Bldg 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. 40 Budlong Woods Library 5630 N. Lincoln Ave.
Roden Library 6083 N. Northwest Hw.
Maggie Daley Park 337 E. Randolph St.
Lincoln Park Library 1150 W. Fullerton Ave. 44 Merlo Library 644 W. Belmont Ave.
Kolping Society of Chicago 5826 N. Elston Ave.
Truman College 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Welles Park 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. 48 Broadway Armory 5917 N. Broadway St. 49 Willye B White Park 1610 W. Howard St. 50 Northtown Library 6800 N. Western Ave.
51 Chicago Board of Elections 69 W. Washington, 6th Flr. 52 Supersite Clark & Lake – 191 N. Clark St. * Subject to extended/different hours, go to chicagoelections.gov.
These university sites for Early Voting will be open October 30 through November 1 - 10:00am to 5:00pm Estos sedes universitarias para la Votacion Temprana estarán abiertas del 30 de octubre al 1 de noviembre - 10:00am a 5:00pm
The two forces at work on Biden-Netanyahu phone call
US President Joe Biden and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have held a much-anticipated 30-minute phone call - believed to be their first contact since August - which included discussions on Israel’s intended retaliation to Iran’s missile strike last week.
The White House described the dialogue as "direct" and "productive", and said Biden and Netanyahu had agreed to stay in "close contact" in coming days. Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call.
Speaking shortly afterwards, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said its attack against Iran would be "deadly, precise and above all surprising".
Two forces are at work. One is Joe Biden’s reluctance to see the US dragged into a war with Iran that it believes would be unnecessary and dangerous.
North Korea Seals Border, Boosts Military Defense
In a significant escalation of hostilities, North Korea announced on Wednesday that it will permanently seal its border with South Korea and bolster front-line defense structures in response to what it termed the “confrontational hysteria” exhibited by South Korean and US forces. This declaration comes amid expectations of a constitutional revision that would officially designate South Korea as North Korea’s principal enemy and redefine its national borders, although such changes were not explicitly confirmed.
Nima Rinji Sherpa, 18, Youngest to Scale All 14 Tall Peaks
Nepal’s 18-yearold Nima Rinji Sherpa has become the youngest climber ever to scale each of the 14 tallest mountains (over 8,000 metres) in the world with his successful summit of Mt Shishapangma in China.
Nima and his partner Pasang Nurbu Sherpa reached the summit of the Shishapangma, which stands at 8,027 metres above sea level, shortly after 6:00am (China Standard Time), which is 3.30am in IST, on Wednesday, the youngster announced on his Instagram page.
The other is a strong sense among some in Israel that they have an opportunity to deal a body blow to Iran - their mortal enemy. Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah has energised Israelis who were desperate to break out of the grinding war of attrition on their border with Lebanon. Lebanon, for them, felt like success and progress, a stark contrast to the position in Gaza.
Despite Israel’s onslaught on Gaza that has killed at least 42,000 people, most of them civilians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not been able to deliver his two war aims – the destruction of Hamas and the recovery of the hostages.
Hamas is still fighting, and still holds around 100 hostages, many of whom might be dead.
The damage done to Israel’s enemies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, has produced in some Israelis an urgent conviction to go further and mount a direct assault on Iran. For them, a devastating air attack on Iran is a seductive prospect.Top of the target list for many Israelis are the heavily fortified sites, some driven deep into mountains where Iran houses nuclear facilities that Israel and others fear could be used to make a bomb.
UK firm GSK to pay $2.2bn over Zantac cancer claims
UK pharmaceutical giant GSK says it will pay as much as $2.2bn (£1.68bn) to settle thousands of cases in US courts over claims that a discontinued version of its heartburn drug Zantac caused cancer.
The firm announced that it has reached agreements with 10 law firms who represent around 80,000 claimants. The settlements account for 93% of all cases. GSK will also pay $70m to resolve a
whistleblower complaint by a laboratory that alleged the drugmaker defrauded the US government by concealing Zantac's cancer risks.
GSK did not admit wrongdoing in any of the cases. The company said in a statement to investors that the settlements "remove significant financial uncertainty, risk and distraction associated with protracted litigation." Zantac was first approved for sale in the US in 1983.
Within five years it was the world's best-selling drug, with annual sales topping $1bn.
In 2020, US regulators pulled Zantac off shelves due to fears that a key ingredient, ranitidine, could turn into a substance that may cause cancer when exposed to heat.
Bin Laden's Son Expelled from France Over Social Media Posts
French authorities have ordered Omar bin Laden, a son of dead Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, to leave the country over posts on social media, France's interior minister announced on Tuesday.
Born in Saudi Arabia, where he spent his early years, Omar bin Laden, 43, has also lived in Sudan and Afghanistan.
Israeli Minister Claims Nasrallah's Successor Likely Killed
Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that it appears that the replacement of dead Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has been eliminated. Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official was widely expected to succeed Nasrallah.
Yunus Calls for Reforms Before Bangladesh Elections
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh's interim leader has refused to give a timeframe for elections following the ouster of his autocratic predecessor, saying in an interview published Tuesday that reforms are needed before polls.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was appointed the country's "chief advisor" after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is helming a temporary administration, to tackle what he has called the "extremely tough" challenge of restoring democratic institutions.
China
hits back at EU with brandy tax
He left his father at the age of 19 and eventually settled in Normandy in northern France in 2016, taking up painting. France's new interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, said on X (former Twitter) that Omar bin Laden had lived in the department of Orne in Normandy as a spouse of a British national.
The minister said that the jihadist's son "posted comments on his social networks in 2023 that advocated terrorism."
"As a result, the prefect of Orne issued an order to leave French territory," Retailleau said."The courts have confirmed the legality of this decision taken in the interests of national security," he added.
The interior minister also said he had signed off on a ban preventing Omar bin Laden "to return to France for any reason whatsoever."
China has imposed taxes on imports of European brandy in a move that France has said is retaliation for recent big tariffs the EU announced on Chinese electric vehicles.
The European Commission said it would challenge China's tax at the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling it an "abuse" of trade defence measures. But China said the move was an "anti-dumping" measure that would protect its domestic producers.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, hailing the industrialist as " a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being".
"Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India's oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to making our society better," the Prime Minister posted on X in a series of tweets along with pictures.
State Funeral For Ratan Tata, India's Most Beloved Industrialist
Mumbai: Industry titan Ratan Tata, who died at the age of 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, will be cremated with full state honours.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also announced a day of mourning on Thursday to honour the legendary industrialist and philanthropist. The national flag will be flown at half-mast across government offices in Maharashtra as a mark of respect. Many events scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled.
Ratan Tata's body will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai's Nariman Point from 10 am to 4 pm today, where people can pay their last respects. The cremation will take place at the Worli area later in the day. Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral as Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits.
Mr Tata's death marks the end of an era in Indian business, where a man reshaped the country's industrial landscape and catapulted his familyowned conglomerate into a global powerhouse. Although he controlled over 30 companies operating in more than 100 countries across six continents, Mr Tata lived an unassuming life. Despite his vast influence and success, he never appeared on lists of billionaires and remained a figure of quiet integrity and decency.
Ratan Tata, National Icon, Dies At 86
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Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, has died at 86. Just on Monday, the industrialist in a social media post had dismissed speculation surrounding his health and had said he was undergoing routine medical investigations due to his age.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, in a late night statement on Wednesday, announced the death of Mr Tata, hailing the industrialist's unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation.
"It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," said Mr Chandrasekaran.
"For the Tata Group, Mr. Tata was more than a chairperson. To me, he was a
1937 - 2024
mentor, guide and friend. He inspired by example. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation, the Tata Group under his stewardship expanded its global footprint while always remaining true to its moral compass," said Mr Chandrasekaran.
Remembering Mr Tata's contribution to philanthropy, Mr Chandrasekharan said "from education to healthcare, his initiatives have left a deep-rooted mark
Tomorrow, if not today, NC-Congress government will talk 370: Omar Abdullah
National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hesitantly swore his loyalty to the reinstatement of Article 370 and said the NC-Congress government would move a resolution seeking the restoration of statehood at its first cabinet meeting.
Omar said it would be “foolish” to expect the BJP-led government at the Centre to return what it had snatched from Jammu and Kashmir. “Our political stand will not change. We never said we would be silent on Article 370 or that Article 370 was not an issue for now. But we are not ready to fool people,” Omar told reporters here.
“But we will talk about it. I am hopeful that tomorrow if not today, there will be a new government with whom we will talk about it and seek something for Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
On Tuesday night, Omar had told a TV channel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an honourable man who would fulfil his promise of restoring statehood but he appeared to say that his party would not talk about the restoration of Article 370.
“None of us is foolish enough, nor did we try to convince the voters that we are going to work for the 370 agenda with the current government in Delhi. We know we are not going to get it back from the government that took it away from you,” Omar told the channel.
“So set that aside for now. Our immediate priority is to work with the government in Delhi to get statehood back for Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister is an honourable man, he has promised the people of Jammu and Kashmir that statehood will be restored... promised that in every single speech while campaigning here.”
US To Hold Referendum On Abortion
On Same Ballot As Presidential Vote
Washington: Abortion rights are arguably the single-most important issue in the US ahead of the presidential election on November 5. It affects 50 per cent of the US population and is a matter of an individual's fundamental liberty, which is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution. During his term as President, Donald Trump reshaped the Supreme Court,
Ratan Tata Dies: He became chairman of the $100 billion steelto-software conglomerate in 1991 and ran the group founded by his great-grandfather more than a hundred years ago until 2012.
that will benefit generations to come". As news broke, tributes poured in from the industry and beyond.
Rahul Gandhi said: "Ratan Tata was a man with a vision. He has left a lasting mark on both business and philanthropy. My condolences to his family and the Tata community."
Hailing the industry giant, Gautam Adani said "legends like him never fade away". "India has lost a giant, a visionary who redefined modern India's path. Ratan Tata wasn't just a business leader - he embodied the spirit of India with integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. Legends like him never fade away. Om Shanti," posted Mr Adani.
Israeli PM: Thousands of Terrorists, Including Nasrallah, Killed
Jerusalem: Israeli forces have killed the would-be successors of late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, without naming them. "We've degraded Hezbollah's capabilities. We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of the replacement," Mr. Netanyahu said in a pre-recorded video message. Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hashem Safieddine, the man expected to replace, now killed, Nasrallah, had probably been "eliminated". It was not immediately clear who Netanyahu meant by the "replacement of the replacement".
Trump Praises PM Modi as "The
Nicest"
Now, at least ten states in the US are holding referendums on the issue of abortion, and the questions on it will appear on the same ballots used to cast the vote to select the next US President.
which in 2022 left the states to decide their own abortion policies by overturning Roe vs Wade, the federal guarantee of abortion access - and thus dismantling five decades of precedent protecting abortion rights across the US. Now, at least ten states in the US are holding referendums on the issue of abortion, and the questions on it will appear on the same ballots used to cast the vote to select the next US President.
This is the first US presidential election to be held after access to abortion was banned or restricted across much of the US following a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
The former US President lavished high praise on PM Modi and described him the nicest human being who can be tough when required. "Before him they were replacing him (Indian PMs) every year, it was very unstable. He came along, he's great, he's a friend of mine. On the outside he looks like he's your father he's the nicest...," said Trump, who is seeking re-election as US President. Trump also talked about the success of 'Howdy Modi' in Houston, Texas, in 2019 when he was the US President.
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Ratan Tata, though not among India’s wealthiest billionaires, was widely regarded as its most respected businessman. As chairperson of the Sir Dorab Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, which own 66% of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s largest business conglomerate, his influence was unparalleled.
A reclusive figure, Tata was known for his love of dogs and his reserved nature. His solitary character was shaped by a strict and lonely childhood. Raised by his grandmother, Lady Navajbai Tata, after his mother left when he was 10, Ratan was instilled with the philanthropic values of the Tata legacy, which was founded by his ancestor Sir Jamsetji Tata. However, neither Ratan nor his father, Naval Tata, were direct descendants of Jamsetji. Naval had been adopted from an orphanage by Lady Navajbai after her husband’s death.
Ratan’s early career at Tata was challenging. Initially posted in Jamshedpur without a clear role, he faced hostility, including from JRD Tata, the group’s legendary chairman. However, in 1991, JRD stepped down, and Ratan succeeded him. One of Ratan’s first major decisions was to remove powerful figures within the group, such as Russi Mody of Tata Steel, to consolidate control.
"Had Courage To Speak Truth To Power": Manmohan Singh's Ratan Tata Tribute
New Delhi: 'A man who had the courage to speak truth to those in power' - former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's brief but telling epitaph about industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who died at the age of 86. In a heartfelt letter to Tata Sons Chairperson N Chandrasekaran, the Congress veteran said he had been left "deeply saddened" by the news and lamented the passing of a "stalwart of Indian industry". Ratan Tata, the former Prime Minister said, was much more than a business icon, a sentiment that echoes the thoughts of 145 crore Indians gathered today in their grief.
"He was much more than a business icon... his vision and humanity were demonstrated in the work of several charities founded and nurtured during his life. And he had courage to speak the truth to men in power," Manmohan Singh - branded a 'silent PM' by critics - wrote. "I have fond memories of working closely with him on several occasions (and) take this opportunity to convey my deepest condolences... May his soul rest in peace."
The Introvert Who Became India's Most Respected Businessman RATAN TATA
Ratan Tata's Last Social Media Post
"Thank You For Thinking Of Me"
A TIMELINE OF RATAN TATA'S LIFE AND TIMES
1937: Ratan Tata is born to Soonoo and Naval Tata.
1955: Leaves for Cornell University (Ithaca, New York, USA) at age 17; goes on to study architecture and engineering over a seven-year period.
1962: Awarded bachelor of architecture degree.
1962: Joins the Tata group as an assistant in Tata Industries; later in the year, spends six months training at the Jamshedpur plant of Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (now called Tata Motors).
1963: Moves to Tata Iron and Steel Company, or Tisco (now called Tata Steel), at its Jamshedpur facility for a training programme.
1965: Is appointed technical officer in Tisco's engineering division.
1969: Works as the Tata group's resident representative in Australia.
1970: Returns to India, joins Tata Consultancy Services, then a software fledgling, for a short stint.
1971: Is named director-in-charge of National Radio and Electronics (better known as Nelco), an ailing electronics enterprise.
1974: Joins the board of Tata Sons as a director.
1975: Completes the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
1981: Is appointed Chairman of Tata Industries; begins the process of transforming it into a promoter of high-technology businesses.
1983: Drafts the Tata strategic plan.
1986-1989: Serves as Chairman of Air India, the national carrier.
March 25, 1991: Takes over from JRD Tata as Chairman of Tata Sons and Chairman of the Tata trusts.
1991: Begins restructuring of the Tata group at a time when the liberalisation of the Indian economy is underway.
2000 onwards: The growth and globalisation drive of the Tata group gathers pace under his stewardship and the new millennium sees a string of high-profile Tata acquisitions, among them Tetley, Corus, Jaguar Land Rover, Brunner Mond, General Chemical Industrial Products and Daewoo.
2008: Launches the Tata Nano, born of the trailblazing small car project he guided and commanded with zeal and determination.
2008: Is awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian honour, by the Government of India.
December 2012: Steps down as Chairman of Tata Sons after 50 years with the Tata group; is appointed Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons.
October 9, 2024: Ratan Tata dies at the age of 86.
He epitomised the Tata tradition of ethical practices, in both business and his personal life
Under his leadership, Ratan took bold business steps, including acquiring Tetley Tea, Corus Steel, and the luxury car brands Jaguar and Land Rover. While some of these moves were criticized for financial losses, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) often compensated for the group’s challenges.
Ratan upheld the Tata tradition of philanthropy and ethical business practices. From the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to the Indian Institute of Science, Tata institutions reflected the group’s commitment to societal good. Known for his modest lifestyle, Ratan Tata became a symbol of corporate responsibility, steering the Tata group to global prominence while maintaining its core values.
none can destroy a person, but their own mindset can."
* "Be persistent and resilient in the face of challenges, for they are the building blocks of success."
* "Power and wealth are not two of my main stakes."
* "The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks."
* "The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with assistants and associates smarter than they are."
* "Never underestimate the power of kindness, empathy, and compassion in your interactions with others."
* "Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses."
* "Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, create your own opportunities."
* "If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together."
* "I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in worklife integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other."
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2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine for microRNA Discovery
Scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation, the award-giving body said on Monday. The winners for medicine are selected by the Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute Medical University and receive a prize sum of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million).
Iran Warns Israel; Israel Pressures Hezbollah
JERUSALEM/BEIRUT,: - Iran warned Israel on Tuesday against any attacks on the Islamic Republic a week after Tehran fired a barrage of missiles on it, putting the Middle East on edge. Any attack on Iran's infrastructure will be met with retaliation, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, warning Israel against attacks on his country. Meanwhile, the Israeli military piled more pressure on Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah, eliminating the commander of Hezbollah's headquarters in a strike in the area of Beirut, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
BJP Set For Third Term In Haryana, J&K Picks National Conference-Congress
Turning exit poll prediction on its head, the BJP is leading in 49 of Haryana's 90 seats. In Jammu and Kashmir, which is electing its government after a decade, the National Conference and Congress alliance is ahead in 52 of the 90 seats
New Delhi: The BJP is headed for a third straight term in Haryana and is doing well in Jammu. Kashmir appears to have voted overwhelmingly for National Conference, leaving the Congress with another lacklustre performance in this round of assembly polls. Turning exit poll prediction on its head, the BJP is leading in 49 of Haryana's 90 seats. The Congress is trailing with 34, but is keeping its chin up, declaring it can still win.
Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party, which had high hopes of carving out a niche in Haryana, boosted by its victories in neighbouring Delhi and Punjab, has failed to open its account. The party, however, had some success in Jammu and Kashmir, winning the Doda seat.
of 46. The BJP is ahead in 27 seatsalmost all of them in Jammu. The National Conference is ahead on 44
In Jammu and Kashmir, which is electing its government after a decade, the National Conference and Congress alliance is ahead in 52 of the 90 seatscomfortably ahead of the halfway mark
of Kashmir's 47 seats, posting a steller performance not only in Kashmir Valley but also Pir Panjal and Chenab valleys. The Congress, which was hoping for a thumping victory in Haryana, an outcome also predicted by exit polls, has failed to do well in Jammu and Kashmir as well. The party is leading in only
BJP To Stay With Nayab Singh Saini As Haryana Chief Minister: Sources
Chandigarh: Nayab Singh Saini, the sitting Chief Minister of Haryana, will get another term at the top post, leaders of the BJP have said, ending speculation on the subject amid his alleged ineffectiveness. The BJP looks set to win a historic third term in the state, racing ahead of Congress in 49
of 90 assembly seats. The Congress Is trailing far behind, being ahead only on 36 seats.
Though the BJP leadership had made it clear ahead of the election that Mr Saini will remain I the top post in case of a victory, there had been speculation about a change in view of his short stint and the caste angle. Mr Saini is a member of the other backward classes, in a state that have mostly being led by Jats from the top post.
Mr Saini was picked for the top post around 200 days ahead of the election.
Part of it was a strategic pre-poll reshuffle that the BJP undertakes in states seen to have anti-incumbency.
Mr Khattar, his predecessor, was picked for the Lok Sabha election and upgraded to the post of a Union Minister.
The transition was seen as smooth, with Mr Saini having the backing of Mr Khattar.
eight of the J&K's 90 seats, that too in Kashmir Valley, riding the pro-National Conference wave. In Jammu, where it was expected to go toe to toe with the BJP, it has failed to stay ahead even on one.
The other big setback in the Valley has been reserved for Mehbooba Mufti's Peoples Democratic Party, which exit polls predicted would play kingmaker in a split verdict. The party, expected to win at least eight seats, is leading only on two.
J&K's smaller parties and Independents, many of them backed by the BJP, are leading on 9 seats. The BJP's state leaders had said their tally would add to the party's score and combined with the five MLAs nominated by the Governor, the party would be able to form government. While the Congress is yet to accept its setback in Haryana, jubilant BJP leaders have attributed it to the party's infighting and its treatment of Dalits and backward castes, pointing to its solid backing of Bhupinder Hooda instead of Kumari Selja.
Congress's Vinesh Phogat Wins Debut Election
New Delhi: Congress candidate and former wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana. Her win comes even as the ruling BJP has crossed the majority mark in the Haryana assembly and was leading on 48 seats, while the Congress was ahead on 37, according to the latest trends on the Election Commission website. The BJP's stellar performance in Haryana, set for a third term in the state, has invalidated the exit poll results that have predicted a Congress comeback in the state.
Trump
"October 7 Attack Would Never Have Happened If I Was President":
Miami, United States: Republican US presidential nominee Donald Trump warned Monday that
Americans should "never forget" the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas militants as he paid tribute to the victims at a campaign event. "We can never forget the nightmare of that day," Trump told a crowd of a few hundred at an event at his Trump National Doral Golf Club in southern Florida to commemorate the first anniversary of the attacks, claiming that "the October 7 attack would never have happened if I was president."
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"Omar Abdullah Banega J&K CM" : Farooq Abdullah
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah will become Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, declared Farooq Abdullah today as his party is set to sweep the assembly elections in the Union territory.
Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey Celebrates a Navratri Garba Event
SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ-
The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) hosted its Grand Navratri Garba celebration on October 4-5, 2024, at South Brunswick High School in New Jersey. The two-day event attracted over 3,000 attendees, marking a vibrant celebration of Navratri, the Hindu festival honoring the Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Each night, devotees danced the traditional Garba, Dandiya-Raas, and Sanedo, celebrating the divine feminine energy.
IACFNJ
Marks 20th Anniversary with a Grand Showcase of Entertainment Unlimited
The event saw participation from local communities, including South and North Brunswick, Princeton, East Brunswick, and Monroe, showcasing Central Jersey’s cultural diversity. Families across generations joined the dance floor, embodying the spirit of unity and tradition. The highlight was the performance of the traditional
ICCCNA Marks 25th Youth Basketball Championship
The Indian Community Center of North America (ICCCNA) recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary Youth Basketball Championship, marking a milestone in its mission to promote sports and youth engagement within the community. The event, held in 2024, featured various age groups competing in a spirited atmosphere, bringing together talented young athletes to showcase their basketball skills. This annual championship is a key event for ICCCNA, drawing participation from both boys and girls across different divisions. The tournament serves not only as a competitive platform but also as an opportunity for cultural exchange and community bonding, reflecting the ICCCNA's broader commitment to youth development and sportsmanship. For more detailed information about the event or related ICCCNA initiatives, you can visit their official site.
to
Property Tax Benefit Payments Arriving Early for New Jersey Residents
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey residents enrolled in the state’s ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program will soon receive property tax benefits. According to the Division of Taxation, the first round of payments began processing on October 1, with checks and direct deposits expected by midmonth. Approximately 1.5 million residents were automatically enrolled this year, and an estimated 2 million people will receive benefits, ranging from $450 to $1,750.
Homeowners and renters who submitted applications will receive payments within 90 days of submission. The Division of Taxation has updated its website to allow residents to check their benefit status, but some users have
Treasury Confirms Benefits Will Arrive MidOctober, Full Payments by November
encountered issues accessing the page. Officials recommend using a desktop computer and ensuring no multiple browser sessions are open. The deadline for new applications is November 30. Homeowners are eligible for up to $1,500, while renters can receive up to $450. Seniors aged 65 and older will get an additional $250. Eligibility is based on 2021 residency, income, and age. Homeowners with an annual income of $250,000 or less, and renters with an income of $150,000 or less, are eligible. Free sessions are available across the state for residents needing assistance with their applications.
featured a statue of Goddess
creating an atmosphere reminiscent of celebrations in India.
Food was catered by Honest Restaurant, with Ice Gola provided by Ice Gola Express, adding to the festive spirit. Local vendors sold traditional clothing, jewelry, and accessories, adding convenience and cultural flavor to the event. Community leaders, including South Brunswick Councilwoman Archana Grover and North Brunswick Councilman Rajesh Mehta, were among the attendees.
The event was sponsored by Faith Home Healthcare and Royal Basmati Rice, with LT Foods sponsoring prizes for the Best Dress and Best Dance categories.
The IACFNJ Executive Committee, Trustees, and volunteers were praised for their dedication in organizing the successful celebration, keeping Indian traditions alive in New Jersey.
Kash Patel Stars in New Right-Wing Documentary
CAMARILLO, CA – The new documentary Government Gangsters features Kash Patel, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump and a former official in his administration. The film, produced by Steve Bannon and Dan Fleuette, is set to stream on the Conservative and Christian platform SalemNOW. The documentary aims to expose what the creators describe as the “deep state” and the influence of unelected government officials on U.S. politics. Patel, who plays a central role in the project, expressed pride in contributing to the film. He highlighted that the documentary successfully simplifies complex and overlapping narratives into a clear critique of the so-called deep state and its operations. Patel has been a vocal critic of government institutions, particularly in relation to the investigations surrounding former President Trump.
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Aarti
Goddess Amba Maa, followed by Prasad distribution. The venue’s décor
Amba Maa,
Kash Patel
India will travel to Pakistan for Champions trophy, says a confident PCB chairman
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 19 with the final set to take place on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the venues.
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said that he was confident that India will participate in the Champions Trophy even if it is played in Pakistan.
“The Indian team should come.
I don’t see them cancel or postpone coming here and we are confident we will host all the teams in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
The 2025 Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 19 with the final set to take place on March 9. Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi have been earmarked as the venues.
since July 2008 due to tense political relations between the two countries.
Naqvi also stated that the preparations for the tournament were on schedule.
India hasn’t sent its team to Pakistan
No-confidence Motion Against PT Usha, IOA's First Woman
President
Less than two years after she became the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association, legendary athlete PT Usha could face a vote of no-confidence during its Special General Meeting on October 25. According to point number 26 of the meeting’s agenda issues by the Executive Council, the IOA will ‘discuss and consider a motion of No Confidence against the President in light of alleged constitutional violations and actions potentially detrimental to Indian sports.’
“The stadiums will also be ready to host
the matches on schedule and any remaining work would be completed after the tournament,” he said..
Asked about Babar Azam’s resignation from captaincy and who is going to replace him, the PCB chief said he had told the selection committee to take their time and make a long- term decision.
“I have told them to take a decision after careful consideration because the captain’s position is important.” Naqvi also said he had inquired from the selection committee including the captain and head coach of the teams whether it was the right time to introduce some fresh blood in the national sides.
Six-hitting Nitish Reddy excels in India’s win over Bangladesh
The pre-winter T20I evening had a midsummer IPL-night feel in New Delhi as India piled up 221 for 9 on a sixlane expressway of a surface at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Wednesday. India would still feel that they missed out on a few runs, after a slow start in the powerplay, where they managed only 45. However, the total proved to be more than enough for Bangladesh as India won the match by 86 runs to take an 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series.
India’s template under the new regime has been the same, which helped them lift the T20 World Cup in Barbados. “Keep the strike rate up, don’t worry about the milestones,” former India coach Vikram Rathour had told The Indian Express on India’s batting mantra of going all out in the T20s after the Adelaide disaster in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
The 21-year old Nitish Reddy showed how to walk that talk by hammering 74 runs in 34 balls and then with the ball picked up 2 for 23. The right-hander smacked seven sixes, six off them were against the spinners. At one stage Reddy was 13 off 13 balls but shook off the jitters by muscling Mahmudullah over wide long-on for a six to open the floodgates.
"Rs 5 Crore, Flat In Pune": Paris Olympics 2024
Medalist's Father Makes Staggering Demand
The father of Paris Olympics shooting bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale on Monday expressed disappointment over the Maharashtra government paying a prize money of Rs 2 crore to his son, saying Haryana doles out much higher amount for its athletes. Swapnil Kusale, who hails from Kolhapur, won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in 50m rifle 3 positions event in August. The 29-year-old's father, Suresh Kusale, said his son should get Rs 5 crore prize money and a flat near the Chhatrapati Shivaji
Sri Lanka Appoints Sanath Jayasuriya as Head Coach Until 2026
Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the permanent coach of the Sri Lankan men’s national side on Monday. Jayasuriya, who was holding an interim position as head coach, overlooked Sri Lanka’s recent series against India, England and New Zealand. While the Lankans endured a 2-1 Test series defeat in England and in the T20Is against India, Jayasuriya’s side stunned Rohit Sharma’s men in the 50-over format in August.
Naomi Osaka Splits from Coach Wim Fissette
Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka has announced that she’s no longer working with coach Wim Fissette. Osaka had expressed frustration with her recent results after a second-round exit at the U.S. Open just over two weeks ago. The 26-year-old Osaka won two of her four Grand Slam titles while working with the Belgian coach. Those were the 2020 U.S. Open and the 2021 Australian Open.
Liverpool
maintain top spot
Maharaj Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune, and maintained the Haryana government gives much higher amounts for its Olympics medal winning athletes. Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur, Suresh Kusale claimed "The Haryana government gives Rs 5 crore to its each (Olympics medal winning) player (Haryana gives Rs 6 crore to a gold medallist, Rs 4 crore to silver medallist, Rs 2.5 crore to bronze winner). Suresh Kusale said the 50-meter-three-position rifle shooting arena in the sports complex should be named after his son.
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Diogo Jota’s ninthminute goal saw the Merseyside club move four points clear of second-place Manchester City, which beat Fulham 3-2. But it wasn’t all good news for Liverpool manager Arne Slot after goalkeeper Alisson sustained an injury and was substituted in the second half.
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Swapnil Kusale
India faces growing risk of dumping by China as US ramps up trade actions against Beijing
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India’s trade landscape is poised for significant disruption as the US intensifies its trade actions against China.
The US is considering revoking China’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and imposing punitive measures on Chinese goods, creating both opportunities and challenges for India. While the US’s actions could benefit India by boosting exports, analysts warn of the risk of increased dumping from China. As the trade war escalates, New Delhi must monitor inbound shipments to safeguard its domestic market.The upcoming US presidential election has added to the uncertainty.
“The US presidential election this November has the chance to spark an escalation of a global trade war if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House,” warned Oxford Economics in a research report. Even without Trump’s return, tariff
China stock rally fizzles as stimulus news disappoints
A stock market rally in China has fizzled out as a highly-anticipated announcement on plans to boost the country's ailing economy disappointed investors.
Shares had jumped by more than 10% as trading restarted after the Golden Week holiday but fell back after a news conference by the country's economic planners. In a volatile session, the Shanghai Composite Index in mainland China was up by around 5% in late morning trade, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong was 5% lower. Investors had been hoping for more information about how the government plans to support economic growth but the announcement gave little in the way of details.
TGI Fridays: 1,000 UK jobs to go despite rescue deal
More than 1,000 TGI Fridays' UK staff will be made redundant despite a rescue deal from the owners of restaurant group D&D London. They have bought the UK operator of the American-themed chain, after its owner fell into administration last month.
The deal will save nearly 2,400 jobs at 51 restaurants, but the administrators, Teneo, said 35 branches have closed.
While the US’s actions could benefit India by boosting exports, analysts warn of the risk of increased dumping from China. As the trade war escalates, New Delhi must monitor inbound shipments to safeguard its domestic market
risks to Asean economies are rising, particularly through anti-dumping measures.
Brokerage Nomura said: “Trump is
likely to launch against China a 60 per cent import duty on all Chinese goods.” This could significantly reduce China’s exports to the US, forcing Beijing
Panasonic Aims for 10-15% Growth in India Amid Rising Demand
Japanese multinational electronics company Panasonic hopes to maintain the growth momentum of 10-15 per cent in India in 2024 amid rising demand across product categories covering both individual and business consumers.
“We are present in multiple business segments in India. Total turnover last year was around Rs.100 billion in
India,” said Fumiyasu Fujimori, MD, Panasonic Marketing India and deputy MD, Panasonic Life Solutions India, on the sidelines of Refcold India 2024 event in Calcutta.
“Out of that almost half is coming from electric works, around 1/4th is coming from HVAC (heating, ventilation and ACs) and the rest is from other consumer electronics and devices,”
“We are experiencing a 10-15 per cent growth this year, depending upon the product category. We hope to maintain this growth momentum going forward,” said Fujimori.
The major growth driver is air conditioners, but Fujimori said the company is seeing demand in refrigerators and other consumer electronics such as microwaves and washing machines.
India, Maldives ink currency swap agreement, to initiate talks on FTA
Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen
to adopt aggressive circumvention strategies.
The US Senate has introduced two bills that could significantly escalate the trade war: the Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act (PNTR Act) and the Axing NonMarket Tariff Evasion Act (ANTE Act). These aim to counter China’s trade practices by raising tariffs and imposing trade barriers.
“The PNTR and ANTE Acts have distinct targets,” said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). “PNTR focuses on imports from China, while ANTE targets Chinese firms producing goods in other countries.” This means Chinese-owned factories in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand could face restrictions under the PNTR Act. As US companies seek alternatives to China, India could see increased investment in sectors such as electronics, textiles and manufacturing.
US judge orders Google to open app store to rivals
A US federal judge has ruled that Google must allow Android apps made by rival technology firms onto its Google Play app store for three years starting next month. The change was among several remedies ordered by Judge James Donato in a case brought against Google by Epic Games, the maker of the hit video game Fortnite.
Wait longer for an electric taxi, says Uber boss
bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.
Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.
After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.
“Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi,” Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.
Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.
People waiting for an Uber should be patient enough to wait a few minutes longer for an electric car, the boss of the ride-hailing firm has said. "A couple of minutes isn't going to kill anyone," Dara Khosrowshahi told the BBC in an interview. Uber has options to encourage customers to choose electric rides but he says governments should be doing more to support sales of electric vehicles. Cheaper, Chinese-made electric vehicles are also "good for the environment" he said. Despite that, many countries are pushing back against the import of Chinese EVs because they see them as unfair competition for domestic carmakers.
Fumiyasu Fujimori
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Bigg Boss Marathi 5 winner is Suraj Chavan
After numerous twists, fights, and gripping moments, Bigg Boss Marathi Season 5 has finally concluded with social media influencer and actor Suraj Chavan crowned as the winner. Suraj lifted the Bigg Boss trophy during the grand finale, which took place on Sunday evening. Singer Abhijeet Sawant secured the position of the first runner-up. The star-studded finale also featured the cast of the upcoming film Jigra—Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, and director Vasan Bala—who made a special appearance at the finale. In addition to the prestigious title, Suraj took home a prize package that included Rs 14.6 lakh in cash, a Rs 10 lakh jewellery voucher, and a two-wheeler. Other finalists—Nikki Tamboli, Dhananjay Powar, and Ankita Walawalkar—rounded out the top five by finishing in third, fourth, and fifth places, respectively. In a surprising twist before the final announcement, Janhavi Killekar decided to exit the competition by taking a Rs 9 lakh cash prize, opting to bow out before the ultimate showdown.
Mocks Action Films, Calls Hero-Worship 'Strange'
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Nawazuddin Siddiqui said that he finds it 'strange' when female characters in films fall for male characters with no qualities.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui is miles away from the traditional idea of a Hindi film hero, and in the last few years, this has worked in his favour. The actor recently shared that stereotypical Hindi film heroes have never appealed to him, and criticised the kind of films where the hero beats up scores of people and wins the affections of the heroine. Nawazuddin also said that these characters aren’t given any complexity, and no one even addresses what they do for a living, but just because they are good-looking, the heroine falls in love with them.
Talking to the YouTube channel The Majlis Show, Nawazuddin was asked about the stereotypical
hero ‘entry shot’, and he said, “To tell you the truth, I find it very boring.” He then added, “He will save everyone, he will save the world. And the girl will also fall in love with him even if he doesn’t have any other quality. A lot of times in these movies, we don’t know how he makes money, what he does for a living, but the girl is still crazy for him because he looks nice and the girl understands only this quality, or he saves her from the goons. He beats up 15-20-25 people and the girl gets impressed.”
Nawazuddin questioned what the appeal of such characters is, and said, “I still don’t understand the reason as to why the girl is impressed with a guy who beats up 25 people. Is she impressed because he has beaten people up? That’s such a strange thing.” In the same conversation, Nawazuddin was asked about the kind of roles he likes to perform. The Sacred Games actor said that he enjoys playing complex characters who aren’t glorified in the script. “I don’t enjoy flat roles where there is no complexity, I don’t enjoy it too much. I like characters with grey shades, where you can see him a person. There are some flaws in him, but there are some good qualities, too. I don’t like those goody-two-shoes characters where everything is just good with them.
Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives Season 3 trailer
“Kya aapke zindagi mein mirch-masala kam pad gaya hai (Are you running low on spice and drama in your life)?” Then worry not, because the latest edition of the reality television series Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives is set to premiere soon, promising to spice things up. The makers have also introduced this time an extra layer of ‘rivalry’ to enhance the entertainment for fans.
Ahead of the release of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives Season 3, the makers of the Netflix show unveiled its official trailer on Monday, giving us a sneak peek of what’s in store. The promo video revealed that, besides the OGs Neelam Kothari Soni, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey and Seema Sajdeh, this season
will also feature a couple of new faces, raising the stakes considerably. The trailer begins by showing the OG four as housewives in average Indian households, with this part of the video having the tone and aesthetics reminiscent of a ’90s television serial. While Maheep is seen cooking for her family in a small kitchen, Bhavana struggles with her noisy children. As Seema washes her husband’s large old underwear in a bucket, Neelam looks sad that her husband loves television more than her. “You tw*t,” Maheep screams at the production team in real-time as the four are in their vanity area getting ready for the shoot, asking, “How old do you think we are?”
Singham Again: Singham Rescues
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s most-anticipated slated to hit theaters on Diwali. have excited fans by dropping The film stars Ajay Devgn in the Tiger Shroff, and Deepika Padukone. antagonist, while Akshay Kumar and Ranveer as their characters from the franchise—Sooryavanshi Salman Khan’s iconic Dabangg character, expected to have a special appearance The Singham Again trailer kicks off narrating the tale of the Ramayana to her son, describing how Ram traveled 3,000 Singham channels Lord Ram when character, Danger Lanka. Declaring, “History burn Lanka for one vachan,” Singham character, who calls Danger Lanka “a underestimate him. Ajay Devgn’s Singham enlists the help of rescue Avni. In the trailer, Deepika showcases goons as she claims the title of “Lady Singham.” with her daughter during the shoot. Tiger is referred to as Laxman to Singham’s Ram.
‘Zoya and Farhan are traditional
Javed spoke about his professional equation
“Its very easy for them to be my boss. freely because I am a senior and veteran, particularly Zoya. Farhan doesn’t fight, engages in fights with me.” He added, dream in English. Mine, however, is nuances of the language in which they they do. Yet, they often tell me, ‘This is In the last 25 years, I have written one written a few dialogues for Zoya’s first asked me to write some dialogue, saying than they did, but after that,
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Again: Ajay Devgn's Sita with Cop Army
most-anticipated film, Singham Again, is Ahead of its grand release, the makers an action-packed trailer on Monday. the lead role, alongside Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor takes on the role of the Ranveer Singh make cameo appearances franchise—Sooryavanshi and Simmba, respectively. character, Inspector Chulbul Pandey is also in the film. with Avni Kamat (Kareena Kapoor) her and Bajirao Singham’s (Ajay Devgn) 3,000 kilometers to rescue Sita. Later, Avni is abducted by Arjun Kapoor’s “History will repeat itself, and Rama will Singham sets off on a mission. Jackie Shroff’s storm of fire,” warns Singham not to of Shakti Shetty (Deepika Padukone) to showcases high-octane stunts and thrashes Singham.” Notably, Deepika was pregnant Tiger Shroff makes a grand entrance and Ram.
Farhan think my lines and outdated,’
equation with his children. He revealed, Other people might hesitate to speak veteran, but my kids have no consideration, fight, he simply rejects my lines, but Zoya “Their first language is English; they Urdu or Hindustani. So, I know the are making the film a little more than too traditional or This feels outdated.’ one script for Farhan: Lakshya. I have first film Luck By Chance. She initially saying I understood the characters better that, she didn’t ask again.”
I now choose projects for their difficulty Asha Negi
From her debut role in the television series Sapno Se Bhare Naina to portraying the mysterious Ambika Nath in the latest OTT thriller Honeymoon Photographer on JioCinema, Asha Negi has come a long way. The Pavitra Rishta actress spoke to us about her new show, how she prepared for her role and her journey as an actor.
Tell us about your character in Honeymoon Photographer.
Asha Negi: In the series, I play Ambika Nath. It was a lot of fun playing her because most of the characters I’ve portrayed till now were good, sweet and naive. But Ambika is someone who is a little different — mysterious. Was there anything about her that you identified with?
Asha Negi: I feel that Ambika has the same level of passion as I do. I am passionate about my craft and so is Ambika (about photography). She is an ambitious, strong and confident girl, and so am I.
Your character is a photographer. How did you prepare for the role?
Asha Negi: Although I can’t actually handle a camera, since it is very technical, it was fun to get behind it. For the role, I wanted to look cool and like I know how to handle a camera. I also wanted to add a little bit of my style to it. So, I took a lot of help from my photographer friends. I would watch them and their style when they were shooting. How was it working with director Arjun Srivastava?
Asha Negi: It was a lot of fun. There was a different energy on set. I guess it is easier when you have directors and co-stars who are of a similar age. He was supportive and caring and made the whole process smooth and comfortable. He was very clear about what he wanted and how he wanted it to be. That really helped me since I am an actor who relies a lot on the director. I believe that a director always has a better vision of the character than I do, so I follow what they have to say. Do you have to work hard while preparing for your roles or is it more instinctual?
Asha Negi: I would say it is always hard work. In fact, I have started accepting characters and projects based on how difficult they are to prepare for. I want to be challenged. I don’t want it to be a piece of cake. I want to have sleepless nights before my shoot starts.
Shark Tank India Season 4 starts filming with OG judges
More business, more deals, more dreams.
Shark Tank India is back with its fourth season, the makers announced on Tuesday.
The popular reality show went on floors in Mumbai with the aim to showcase “innovative ideas and deals” that could potentially “influence” the future of startups in the country.
The shooting of the first episode of the show kicked off with the OG ‘sharks’, led by Anupam Mittal, (Founder and CEO at People Group), Aman Gupta (Co-Founder and CMO, boAt Lifestyle), Namita Thapar, (Executive Director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited), Peyush Bansal, (Co-Founder and CEO at
Lenskart) and Ritesh Agarwal, (Founder and Group CEO at OYO).
Shark Tank India 4 also introduces new hosts, comedians Sahiba Bali and Ashish Solanki. The makers dropped the season four announcement with a video of the ‘sharks’ arriving on set, getting ready and dressed right before they enter the stage for the inaugural episode of the season. While no new ‘sharks’ have been announced yet, SonyLIV teased that as the season unfolds, addition of new ‘sharks’ to the panel will be a possibility. This year, Shark Tank India’s campaign is ‘Sirf Dream Job Nahi, Apne Dream Idea Ke Peeche Bhaagega India.’
in RomCom Abir Gulaal
The wait is finally over for the Indian fans of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The actor will be make making his Bollywood comeback with a romantic comedy titled Abir Gulaal where he will be seen sharing screen space for the first time with actor Vaani Kapoor. Fawad Khan has been away from Indian cinema for around 8 years since the ban on Pakistanti artistes after the 2016 Uri attack.
The film is set against the picturesque backdrop of London and will commence shooting on September 29. The film is directed by Aarti S Bagdi. Sharing about the film’s storyline, he shared in a statement that the film explores the journey of two individuals who unintentionally help each other heal, with love blossoming as an unexpected consequence. The makers also excited about Fawad’s massive global fan base, and thus anticipate that audiences will wholeheartedly embrace this film. As per the makers, the film will showcase Fawad in his most endearing role yet.
Fawad Khan Returns to Bollywood
Jaishankar to Visit Pak, First Since Sushma Swaraj
New Delhi: S Jaishankar will visit Pakistan later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, becoming the first External Affairs Minister to do so in nine years. The last visit was by Sushma Swaraj in 2015. External Affairs Ministry
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that Mr Jaishankar will lead a delegation to Pakistan to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.
J&K Records 68.72% Voter Turnout in Final Phase
Of the 40 constituencies in this phase of voting, 24 come under the Jammu division and the rest are in Kashmir.
The third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls on Tuesday saw a voter turnout of 68.72 per cent, surpassing the Lok Sabha poll figure in the corresponding seven districts, with the traditional boycott bastions of Sopore and Baramulla recording the highest turnout in an election in the last three decades. According to Election Commission (EC) data, the overall polling percentage in the three phases was 63.45 per cent.
10 Dead, No Connectivity as Flash Floods Hit Meghalaya's Garo Hills
Guwahati: Santa N Marak, 57, was working in a kitchen with her 28-year-old daughter Moralistic Marak when a fatal landslide struck Koinadubi in Dalu village on Friday morning, leading to her death. Moralistic was injured and admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Dalu. Incessant rainfall has triggered multiple landslides, mudslides and flash floods across the Garo Hills region in Meghalaya, claiming 10 lives and leaving several others injured.
Haryana Votes Today, 36.7% Turnout Recorded Till 1 pm
New Delhi: The political fortunes of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of the BJP, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Vinesh Phogat of the Congress, besides JJP's Dushyant Chautala and over 1,000 other candidates will be decided today. A turnout of 36.7% has been recorded till 1 pm as Haryana votes for all 90 seats in the Assembly elections today. The ruling BJP is eyeing a hat-trick while the Congress is hoping to make a comeback in the state after a decade. The other key contestants are Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Azad Samaj Party (ASP).
The BJP's campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed four rallies, where he attacked the Congress on several issues and said they kept every matter important for the country entangled, including the Ram temple issue. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also
Bengal: Minor Kidnapped, Murdered; BJP Alleges Rape
Kolkata: A girl who had left home to attend a coaching class has been allegedly kidnapped and murdered in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, sparking anger and protests. A police camp has also been vandalised and set on fire.
While a post-mortem report is awaited, the BJP has claimed it was a case of rape and murder and hit out at the Trinamool Congress-led government in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the West Bengal government are already under fire over their alleged mishandling of the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and
The police have said a post-mortem report is awaited and rape cannot be confirmed until then.
Hospital in August.
Police said that the girl, a minor, had left to attend a coaching class in South 24 Parganas' in Mahishamari on Friday and the family filed a missing complaint at night after she did not return home. Her body was found in a field around 3.30 am on Saturday with multiple injuries. After the body was recovered, angry residents of the area started a protest and also set a police camp on fire after vandalising it.
The father of the girl said that she had informed him that she would head home after the class and when he saw that she wasn't back even after he reached the house, the family approached the police outpost nearby and were directed to the nearest police station. The police said an investigation was launched as soon as the complaint was received.
Haryana voting day: The BJP's campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who addressed four rallies, where he attacked the Congress on several issues
addressed many public meetings where he said a "Congress storm" is on its way in Haryana and his party would form the government, which will be one for the poor and farmers, and a "mohabbat ki dukan" will be opened in every corner of the state. The Congress left the Bhiwani assembly seat for its INDIA bloc partner Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), while the BJP is not contesting the Sirsa seat, from where Haryana Lokhit Party chief Gopal Kanda is seeking re-election.
"Israel Won't Last": Iran's Khamenei in First Sermon in 5 Years
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel "won't last long" as he backed the Palestinian and Lebanese movements against Israel in his rare Friday sermon. Addressing tens of thousands of supporters at a mosque in Tehran, Khamenei justified its missile strikes on Israel as a "public service". Holding a gun while speaking, the Iran leader declared that Israel would not prevail against Hamas or Hezbollah as chants of "we are with you" from the crowd echoed in the vast mosque grounds.
"Hit Iran's Nuclear Sites First": Donald Trump's Advice To Israel
Washington: Republican White House hopeful Donald Trump said Friday he believes Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities in response to the Islamic republic's recent missile barrage.
The former president, speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, referred to a question posed to Democratic President Joe Biden this week about the possibility of Israel targeting Iran's nuclear program.
"They asked him, what do you think about Iran, would you hit Iran? And he goes, 'As long as they don't hit the nuclear stuff.' That's the thing you want to hit, right?"
Trump told a town hall style event in Fayetteville, near a major
US military base.
Biden was asked on Wednesday whether he would support strikes against Iranian nuclear sites and the US president told reporters: "The answer is no."
"I think he's got that one wrong," Trump said Friday, in response to a participant's question about the issue. "Isn't that what you're supposed to hit? I mean, it's the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons,"
The former president, speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, referred to a question posed to Democratic President Joe Biden this week about the possibility of Israel targeting Iran's nuclear program.
he said. "When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later," Trump added.
"If they're going to do it, they're going to do it. But we'll find out whatever their plans are."
Biden on Wednesday expressed his opposition to such strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, in response to the firing of nearly 200 Iranian missiles towards Israel.
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Delhi Cocaine Bust:
Mastermind Arrested, UK-Dubai Links Found
New Delhi: Delhi Police made a fifth arrest Thursday following the seizure of over 500kg of cocaine this week - the largest ever recorded in the national capital and one valued at around Rs, 5,000 crore.
Special Cell cops arrested
Jitendra Pal Singh, also known as Jassi, from the airport in Punjab's Amritsar as he was trying to flee to the United Kingdom, indicating a link between organised crime in that country and a pan-India network smuggling illegal drugs into this country. The cops were alerted to Singh's attempted escape - he has been living in the UK for the past 17 years as a 'permanent resident' - as they had issued a LOC, or look out circular, against him.
Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah Intel HQ
Israel on Thursday said it hit Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in the Lebanese capital Beirut amid growing fears of an all-out war in the Middle East following recent days of exchange of hostilities between Israeli troops and Iranbacked group. Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiye, a stronghold of Hezbollah, came under heavy attack on Thursday after Israel ordered people to leave their homes in parts of the district.
"Faith Issue": SC Orders Laddoo Row Probe
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered an independent probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the allegations of using animal fat in laddoos served as prasad at the Tirupati temple. The SIT will comprise two CBI officers, two state police officials, and a senior officer from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the central food regulator, the court said. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said they do not want political drama over this since it is a matter of faith for crores of devotees across the world.
PM Modi Leads Urgent Security Meet on West Asia Crisis
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called an urgent meeting of the government's topmost decision-making body - the Cabinet Committee on Security over the crisis in West Asia. The committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Defence Minister, the Foreign Minister, the Finance Minister and the National Security Adviser, discussed in detail the fresh hostilities in the Middle East and the sharp escalation after Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel.
Describing the recent developments in West Asia as "deeply concerning", the highest committee in the country delved upon various issues arising from the ongoing and widening crisis. Among several key issues, they discussed the impact on trade, navigation, and supply chains - especially the supply of oil, petroleum, and its products.
India has urged all parties involved in the conflict to address all issues urgently, and through diplomacy and dialogue. New Delhi has also said that the ongoing conflict "must not take a wider regional dimension."
In Tirupati Row, Pawan Kalyan vs DMK Over "Sanatan Dharm Like Virus"
New Delhi: The row over animal fat (allegedly) in ghee used to make the Tirupati laddoos has ramped up after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expanded on his 'sanatan dharm' vow to jab (without naming) the DMK's Udhayanidhi Stalin, his counterpart from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Mr Kalyan's jab at Mr Stalin was swiftly rebutted, though, with DMK spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah saying his party "does not talk about
any religion, or Hinduism in particular" but "will continue to talk against caste atrocities, untouchability, and caste hierarchy". Speaking Thursday at the temple town Mr Kalyan described allegations of adulterated ghee in the laddoosas "the tip of the iceberg" of five years of YSR Congress misrule, in which "we don't know how many crores of rupees they collected (in bribes)". This must be investigated further, he said. But while his attack on the YSR Congress and former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy echo those by ally and the ruling Telugu Desam Party, it was his swipe at "a Tamil Nadu leader who says 'sanatan dharm' is like a virus and must be destroyed" that made headlines.
The jab was inarguably directed at Udhayanidhi Stalin's comment in September last year; Mr Stalin had argued that 'sanatan dharm' against the idea of social justice and compared it to viral diseases like malaria and dengue, declaring "it must be eradicated and not opposed".
India has urged all parties involved in the conflict to address all issues urgently, and through diplomacy and dialogue. New Delhi has also said that the ongoing conflict "must not take a wider regional dimension." A conflict doesn't just affect those who are party to it, but has a fallout that impacts the rest of the region and even the world. With the sharp escalation between Iran and Israel, India is bracing for wider trade disruptions across the key Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes.
The conflict can lead to significantly higher cargo freight tariffs as Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militants have close ties with the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are responsible for most attacks on merchant ships and vessels carrying cargo via the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes. India's overall merchandise trade (exports and imports combined) in FY23 was Rs 94 lakh crore, with 68 per cent (in value terms) and 95 per cent (in volume terms) shipped by sea.
Oil Prices Surge as Middle East Tensions Escalate
Oil prices inched up in early Asian trading hours on Friday, holding on to their strong weekly gains, as investors weighed the Middle East conflict and the potential disruption in crude flows against an amply-supplied global market.
Brent crude futures were up 9 cents, or 0.12%, to $77.71 a barrel as of 0010 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 8 cents, or 0.11%, to $73.79 a barrel.Both benchmarks were on track for weekly gains of about 8%.
President Joe Biden won’t back Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear programme sites
President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he will not support an Israeli strike on sites related to Tehran’s nuclear programme in response to Iran’s missile attack on Israel.
“The answer is no,” Biden told reporters when asked if he would support such retaliation after Iran fired about 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday.
Biden’s comments came after he and fellow G7 leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK spoke by telephone about coordinating new sanctions against Iran. The US and allies are scrambling to keep the West Asia conflict —sparked by Iran-backed Hamas militants’ in Gaza’s October 7 attack on Israel — from spreading
further. They are urging Israel to show restraint as it weighs retaliation against Iran for Tuesday’s attack. Israel is now carrying out what it has described as limited ground operations across its northern border with Lebanon to dig out Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group, after carrying out a series of massive air strikes that killed the group’s
“The answer is no,” Biden told reporters when asked if he would support such retaliation after Iran fired about 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday
leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Last month, thousands of explosives hidden in pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah detonated, killing dozens of people and maiming thousands, including many civilians. Israel is widely believed to be behind the attack. Biden stated his opposition to Israel hitting Iranian nuclear facilities as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu weighed a range of options in how to respond to Tuesday’s attack.
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Canada Backs India's Territorial Integrity
New Delhi: Canada has said its position on the territorial integrity of India is absolute -- the first such statement since the wedge driven between the two nations last year over President Justin Trudeau's allegations about the "potential" involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. One of India's most-wanted terrorists, Nijjar was also a Canadian citizen. Appearing before the foreign interference commission in Ottawa over the weekend, Canada's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs David Morrison said: "Canada's policy is very clear that India's territorial integrity must be respected. There's one India, and that's been made very clear".
PM Modi Meets Maldives' Muizzu: "India
Always First Responder"
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underlined New Delhi's position as a "close friend" of the Maldives and emphasised his government's 'neighbourhood first' foreign policy. Mr Modi pointed to assistance on infrastructure projects and supplying the island nation with Covid vaccines to emphasise that India has always been quick to offer aid whenever help was needed.
Troops deployed ahead of Imran party protests
Pakistan authorities on Saturday called in the army in Islamabad and Lahore to prevent rallies by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan amid rising tensions. The call for protest was given by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder who has been imprisoned at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for more than a year.
Maldives President's Diplomatic Shift, Urges Indian Tourists
New Delhi: The Maldives will not act to undermine India's security and views New Delhi as a "valued partner and friend", and cooperation in several fields - including defence - will "always be a priority", President Mohamed Muizzu said Sunday as he arrived in the national capital for his first bilateral visit. Mr Muizzu - seen by some as a 'proChina' leader who ran his election campaign on an 'India Out' platform - told a national English daily Maldives' relationship with India is "built on respect and shared interests" and that Delhi has been, and is, one of his country's largest trade and development partners.
Following his ceremonial welcome, Mr
This is Mr Muizzu's first bilateral visit and the comments underline growing bonhomie after a diplomatic stand-off last year over three Maldivian ministers' comments about Prime Minister Modi.
Rockets from Gaza hit southern Israel ahead of Hamas attack anniversary
The Israeli military reported that rockets fired from northern Gaza entered southern Israel on Sunday, just a day before the first anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attack.
“Several projectiles were identified crossing from the northern Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. One projectile was intercepted, while the others landed in open areas,” the military said in a statement, news agency AFP reported.
Israeli forces remain on high alert as the anniversary of the unprecedented attack by Palestinian militants approaches.
Israeli forces remain on high alert as the anniversary of the unprecedented attack by Palestinian militants approaches. Meanwhile, in northern Israel, rocket barrages from Lebanon have continued, setting off sirens and activating interception systems, as per a report by BBC. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that overnight, it intercepted around 30 rockets fired into the northern region of Israel. Throughout the day, sirens were also heard along Israel’s western coastline, stretching from Haifa in the north to Hadera in the south, according to a IDF post on X.
Hurricane Milton expected to hit Florida midweek, likely to get stronger
Hurricane Milton is expected to quickly grow stronger before hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast midweek. Florida residents were warned on Sunday to prepare for a major hurricane, with Governor Ron DeSantis telling people in risky areas to be ready for serious impacts.
The storm is likely to make landfall near the Tampa Bay area on Wednesday, possibly staying strong as it moves across central Florida and heads toward the Atlantic Ocean. This warning comes while Florida is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, which caused major damage last week and killed 230 people
Muizzu left for Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, after which he holding bilateral talks with the Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House.
The Maldives leader met Prime Minister Narendra Modi this afternoon; he received a ceremonial welcome from President Droupadi Murmu and Mr Modi at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"Maldives would never do anything to undermine security of India. While we enhance cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region..." he told The Times of India in an extensive interview yesterday.
Regulator Warns of Boeing 737 Rudder Jam, Alerts Operators
The Indian aviation watchdog has introduced new safety measures for Boeing 737 aircraft after concerns over the potential risks with its rudder control systems. An aircraft rudder is a primary tool that controls the movement of the jet.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked airlines operating Boeing 737 aircraft to conduct safety risk assessments and cease some types of instrument landing.
"All flight crews are to be informed through a circular/advisory regarding the possibility of a Jammed or restricted Rudder control system. Appropriate mitigations must be communicated," DGCA said in a statement.
Virat Kohli's T20I Record Broken, Hardik Pandya Makes History For India
across the southeast.
Governor DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to 51 counties on Sunday and urged people in evacuation zones, especially on Florida’s west coast and barrier islands, to get ready to leave. “I don’t think there’s any scenario where we don’t have major impacts at this point,” he said, adding that people should have enough food, water, and other supplies for at least a week.
The Tampa Bay area, still cleaning up after Helene, is preparing for more damage. Twelve people died in the region during Helene, and DeSantis has sent National Guard troops to help clear debris and prepare for Milton.
Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya overtook legendary batter Virat Kohli to achieve a unique feat of finishing most T20I matches with a six. Hardik accomplished this feat during the first T20I against Bangladesh at Gwalior. During the game, Hardik delivered a superb all-round performance. First while bowling, he took a wicket for 26 runs in his four overs, with an economy rate of 6.50.
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Omar Abdullah: "Foolish to Seek
Article 370
Restoration from BJP"
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has said that seeking the restoration of Article 370 from the BJP, the very party responsible for its removal is nothing short of "foolish." However, he added that this would not deter his party from keeping the issue alive and continuing their efforts.
Mr Abdullah's remarks come in the aftermath of the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in which the NCCongress alliance emerged victorious.
RBI Holds Interest Rate at 6.5% for 10th Straight Time
The Reserve Bank of India on Wednesday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged for the tenth time in a row but changed its stance to 'neutral' that may lead to a cut in the forthcoming policies.
RBI maintained status quo despite the US Federal Reserve lowering the benchmark rates by 50 basis points last month. The central banks of some developed nations have also reduced their interest rates.
Mithun Chakraborty Receives The Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Mithun Chakraborty received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honour, at a ceremony in New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday. The 70th National Awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu. Mithun Chakraborty, 74, is renowned for his work in films such as Agneepath, Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye, Hum Se Hai Zamana, Pasand Apni Apni, Ghar Ek Mandir and Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki.
The Congress wanted to contest five of the seats, but the Samajwadi Party demurred, pointing to their respective performances in the AprilJune general election.
New Delhi: The fallout of the Congress' poor show in the Haryana electionwhich has included a stinging attack from ally Shiv Sena (UBT) before the Maharashtra election - rumbled on
After Haryana Setback, Congress Faces SP Bypoll Snub
Tuesday, with the Samajwadi Party snubbing a seat-share request for bypolls to 10 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats later this year.
Akhilesh Yadav's party - a high-profile member of the Congress-led INDIA bloc - has named candidates for six of the 10 seats. The number is significant - the Congress wanted to contest five of the seats, but the SP demurred, pointing to the two parties' performances in the April-June general election.
The SP won 37 of 62 seats it contested.
The Congress contested 17 and won six. Given those numbers (the Congress also scored 109 fewer than the SP in the 2022 state poll) the offer was only three seats.
After Haryana Win, PM Targets Congress Eyeing Maharashtra
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi - fresh from celebrating a comeback win in the Haryana election Tuesday evening - was back firing barbs at the Congress this morning, accusing his rival of being an "irresponsible party" and labelling it a "factory to spread hatred". The Congress, he raged, wants to "create fear among Muslims" so it gets minority community votes. "BJP has won the Haryana election... but in Maharashtra we have to get a bigger victory," the PM declared as he launched his party's next poll campaign.
PM Modi also attacked the Congress for trying to "spread lies among the Dalits", and accused it of "snatching reservation from Dalits and giving it to their vote bank".
The BJP's "historic" win - it became the first party to win three consecutive terms in the heartland state - "shows the mood of the country", he said as he inaugurated infra projects in poll-bound Maharashtra, where his party is allied with factions of the Shiv Sena and NCP.
"The Congress is doing politics of hatred... Congress is bent on destroying the country. We all have to be aware and cautious. I am sure the people of Maharashtra will give a befitting reply to all forces bent on destroying the society," Mr Modi said via a video link.
Biden Warns as Millions Face Hurricane Milton Evacuations
Millions of people are being ordered to leave their homes ahead of Hurricane Milton's arrival on the west coast of Florida. The category five storm, with ferocious winds of up to 165mph (270km/h), is expected to be the most powerful to hit the area in a century. Last night, US President Joe Biden warned leaving the area was a matter of "life and death". "Evacuate now, now, now," he told Florida residents.
The storm has prompted the state's largest evacuation effort in years, with Governor Ron DeSantis warning that a "monster" is on the way.
The storm comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene - the deadliest mainland storm since Katrina in 2005 - pummelled the US south-east, killing at least 225. Hundreds more are missing We’ll be bringing you the latest updates here throughout.
The Samajwadi Party releasing its list of six candidates now - for a by-poll that has not yet been announced by the Election Commission - list doesn't just follow the Congress' horrid time in Haryana.
In Haryana the two parties held talks over sharing of seats - as did the Congress with Arvind Kejriwal's AAPbut no agreement was reached in either case, with the Congress' Bhupinder Hooda being blamed.
That failure to accommodate, as the Sena called it, is widely perceived as one of the reasons for the Congress losing a state that exit polls unanimously predicted it would win.
Netanyahu Warns Lebanon of "Gaza-like Destruction" in Video Message
New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday issued a stark warning to Lebanon, claiming the country could face a similar fate to Gaza if it continues to allow Hezbollah to operate within its borders. His statement came as the Israeli military intensified its offensive against Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern coastline, deploying additional troops and advising civilians to evacuate the region. In a direct video address to the Lebanese people, Netanyahu urged them to free their country from Hezbollah's grip to avoid further destruction. "You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza," he said.
Joe Root Scripts History
England cricket team star batter Joe Root scripted history by achieving a mammoth feat on Day 2 of the first Test match against Pakistan in Multan on Tuesday. Root became the first batter in history to score 5000 runs in the World Test Championship (WTC) as he slammed 32 off 54 deliveries with the help of two fours. Root came into the match needing 27 runs to achieve the huge feat and he now has 5005 runs in 59 matches.
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Eye Color Surgery Has 92% Complication Rate
Eye colour change surgery or iris implants, which involves inserting a coloured, artificial iris into the eyes to alter its colour, is now gaining popularity as a cosmetic surgery.
Will you undergo a surgery that has a 92.30 per cent rate of complications, that too, to get the colour of your eyes changed? Well, some do. Eye colour change surgery or iris implants, which involves inserting a coloured, artificial iris into the eyes to alter its colour, is now gaining popularity as a cosmetic surgery.
“While originally developed for medical conditions like congenital defects or trauma to the iris, iris implant surgery has gained attention as a purely aesthetic procedure,” said Dr Karuna Malhotra, aesthetic physician, Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic New Delhi.
According to an August 2024 research by a spectacle brand, Overnight Glasses, it is one of the most “dangerous” surgeries.
What is this surgery, and how is it done?
Dr Nita Shah, MS (BOM), Dr Agarwal Eye Hospital, Chembur, said eye colour is determined by the iris, a ring of pigmented muscle located between the cornea and the lens. “Depigmentation, also known as photoablative iridoplasty, is a procedure that lightens eye colour by reducing melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of skin, hair, and eyes,” said Dr Shah.
In this technique, a Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG) laser is used for depigmentation of the iris, which results in a colour change. However, the exact colour that will result after this depigmentation cannot be predicted – some eyes turn bluish, whereas others turn greenish once the pigment is removed with the YAG laser, said Dr Sri Ganesh, chairman and managing director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore.
Dr Malhotra explained the process in detail
Pre-operative assessment:
– Comprehensive eye examination to evaluate overall eye health.
– Detailed discussion with the surgeon about risks, benefits, and potential complications.
Aries
– Informed consent and selection of the desired eye colour.
Surgical procedure:
– Local anesthesia is administered to numb the eyes.
– A small incision is made in the cornea.
– A folded artificial iris made of biocompatible silicone material is inserted through the incision.
– The implant is carefully unfolded and positioned over the natural iris.
– The incision is then closed, and the implant remains in place to change the eye colour.
Post-operative care:
– Use prescribed antibiotic and antiinflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
– Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
– Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for several weeks.
– Attend regular follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor eye health and implant stability.
– Report any discomfort, vision changes, or redness immediately to the doctor.
Pre-surgery care:
Festive offer
– Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days before the surgery.
– Disclose any medications, allergies, or previous eye conditions to the surgeon.
– Follow specific pre-operative instructions, such as fasting if required.
Do the results stay lifelong?
The implant is intended to be permanent, but can be removed if complications occur, said Dr Malhotra. “Removal can be complex and may not fully restore the original eye condition,” said Dr Malhotra. This is one of the reasons why Venkat, who wanted brown/hazel coloured eyes while growing up, said, “Surgery sounds farfetched considering the risks and care involved. Part of the inspiration or the desire stemmed from family members who had eyes that weren’t black or deep brown.
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11th September 2024 to 17th October 2024
Ganesha says that people with the Aries zodiac sign will have to take great care of their health this week, otherwise, your poor health may come in the way of completing your planned work. At the beginning of the week, you will have to be alert about the emergence of seasonal or any chronic disease, otherwise, you may have to suffer physical pain.
Taurus
Ganesha says that the beginning of the week is going to be very wonderful for the people of the Taurus zodiac sign. Every planned work will be done on time, due to which you will have great enthusiasm and confidence. This time is going to be very auspicious for working women.
Gemini
Ganesha says that people of the Gemini zodiac will need to be very careful about their health and enemies this week. At the beginning of the week, you will have to be extremely cautious of those people who are always trying to mislead you.
Cancer
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be mixed for people of the Cancer zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, students preparing for exams and competitions may get some good news. All efforts made in the direction of career and business will prove to be completely successful.
Leo
Ganesha says that this week has brought a lot of happiness for the people of the Leo zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you will receive good news related to a dear family member, which will create an atmosphere of happiness in the house.
Virgo
Ganesha says that people of the Virgo zodiac may have to travel long or short distances in connection with careers or business at the beginning of the week. The journey will prove to be tiring and a little less profitable than expected, which will leave you a little sad.
Libra
Ganesha says that this week is
going to be very lucky for the people of the Libra zodiac. This week, your planned tasks will be completed on time and you will get full results of your efforts. For those who have been thinking of a transfer or change in their workplace for a long time, their wish can be fulfilled this week.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that people of the Scorpio zodiac will need to pay a lot of attention to both their health and relationships this week. Understand this very well whether it is personal life or career or business, the matter will be improved by your words and the matter will be spoiled only by your words.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that this week is going to be more auspicious and beneficial for the people of Sagittarius zodiac than the previous week. From the beginning of the week, you will see full support from people in every aspect of life, due to which all your work will be completed on time.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that this week is going to be a bit busy for the people of Capricorn sign. There may be an additional workload in the workplace at the beginning of the week. Due to this, you will have to put in extra hard work and effort.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that the people of the Aquarius zodiac this week, due to their wisdom, will be successful in achieving everything for which they have been striving for a long time. The special thing is that your close friends will prove to be very helpful in this.
Pisces
Ganesha ssays that for the people of Pisces, this week will prove to increase the happiness of your family. At the beginning of the week, there will be an atmosphere of happiness due to the achievement of a dear family member. For those who are thinking of doing a career or business abroad, the problems coming their way will be removed.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
Chhavi Arya Bhargava, an Indian American Canadian entrepreneur and former elementary school teacher is just out with her new book -- A Kids Book About Diwali." As part of the "A Kids Book About" series from DK/ Penguin Random House, the book is one of the first nonfiction books for children about Diwali. The release that is just around the time of Diwali celebrations on November 1, around the country is especially significant for parents and kids celebrating Diwali.
Chhavi is also a contributor to the Wall Street Journal best seller Beyond Diversity and co-founder of the NonObvious Company and Ideapress Publishing. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Chhavi spent a decade teaching and introduced Canada's first multicultural curriculum on diversity and inclusion.
Based in Washington, DC area, Chhavi lives with her husband and two teenage boys. She took out time from her busy schedule promoting her book and prepping for Diwali to talk to Hi India Weekly
She tells Hi India how through her book she is aiming to help grownups and kids better understand the Diwali holiday along with fostering belonging and pride among those who celebrate. Hi India: Tell us about your growing up years, the significance of festivals like Diwali and how you celebrated it growing up?
Chhavi Arya Bhargava: I was born in India and moved to Canada when I was six, and Diwali always felt like an intimate, family celebration. My family
“A Kids Book About Diwali" has been named the winner of the 2024 NYC Big Book Award in the Children's Religion category.
and a handful of South Asian families around us knew and recognized it, but outside of that circle, it was largely ignored. Meanwhile, Christmas felt like it was celebrated by everyone, everywhere.
We had the most beautiful gatherings filled with delicious sweets and family traditions, but there was always this lingering sense that Diwali wasn’t as important as other holidays. I remember wondering as a kid, 'If Diwali is so important, how come no one else knows about it?' It felt like a secret, an afterthought, and that made me feel like my culture was hidden too—like it didn’t matter as much. As I got older, I knew I didn’t want my kids to have that same isolating experience. I wanted them to grow up feeling like they could be American and they could be Indian —without having to choose one or the other. Those two identities didn’t need to be separate circles that never intersect. But sometimes, it's the intersections that help us accept them. As adults, we need to create more moments like that—where there is space to celebrate the festivals of other cultures, helping us recognize and honor them. When
Diwali is for Everyone
Author Chhavi Arya Bhargava
we make space to celebrate all cultures, it helps everyone feel seen and valued. It also allows us to embrace those parts of ourselves that we might have felt pressured to keep hidden.
That’s why it’s so important to create those moments of celebration and understanding, not just for us, but for the generations growing up now.
Hi India: Tell us more about the book. How did the idea evolve and why did you think of writing this book?
Chhavi Arya Bhargava: When I was teaching elementary school, I began creating lessons about Diwali and saw
how open and excited the kids were to learn about it. As a teacher, I often felt frustrated that there didn’t seem to be any resources available to help me introduce this kind of cultural diversity into the classroom—unless I made them myself. That frustration led me to develop an entire school-wide program around diversity, including crosscurricular lesson plans for Diwali. For years, I taught and refined these materials and shared them with other teachers. Eventually, we built enough momentum that the Ontario School Board adopted sections of
the curriculum for use in all public schools. It was a huge milestone for me as a teacher and one that helped a lot of diverse kids feel seen and valued in school.
After becoming a mom, I felt that same gap when trying to teach my own kids about the significance of the holiday. Once again, there were no resources to help explain it. That’s when I decided to write a book to address this problem, and the idea truly came to life when I got an invitation and book deal to create it as part of the popular A Kids Book About series, which has over 170 titles. A Kids Book About Diwali is their first holiday book, and the incredible support from the team at DK Penguin Random House helped bring this dream to reality. I’m especially excited to join such a well-known series of titles that already counts several celebrity authors, like Billie Jean King, LeVar Burton, and Jessica Biel among its list of writers. The widespread popularity of Diwali, combined with the reach and reputation of this series, is the perfect combination to help get this message out to a wide audience.
Hi India: Tell us about the significance of Diwali being declared as a holiday in school in Fairfax. What do you think the role your book would play in creating more awareness around the country about different festivals?
Chhavi Arya Bhargava: One thing I’m really excited about with the book is the timing. Many more school districts across the U.S. are recognizing and even celebrating Diwali with a day off this year, and that’s such a huge step forward. However, it’s just the first step. It’s great that schools are recognizing the holiday, but it becomes meaningless if students and educators don’t actually know anything about Diwali—its significance or why it’s important to wish someone who celebrates a "Happy Diwali." That deeper understanding is what fosters true belonging, acceptance, and inclusiveness, and that’s what I want to create.
As a former teacher, I know firsthand how demanding the job can be. To make it easier and less timeconsuming for teachers, I’ve included free downloadable worksheets on my website (www.bookaboutdiwali. com) to accompany the book. These resources cover all grade levels and can be integrated into various subject areas, including language arts, math, and art, with fun activities such as word searches, crossword puzzles, and rangoli art. My goal is to provide teachers with ready-to-use materials that not only make teaching about Diwali fun but also help seamlessly incorporate the holiday into lesson plans My hope is that this book can be used both in classrooms and at home as an educational tool, as well as a fun story that brings the traditions of Diwali to life. It’s important to me that the book not only honors the history of the holiday but also shares the “real” story of Diwali in an inclusive way. As I often say when I’m speaking about the book—Diwali is for everyone! I hope this book helps bring that message to life and fosters that sense of belonging in schools and communities across the country.
Zofeen Maqsood
US and India Discuss Strategic Investment in 20 Key Indian Cities
HiIndia Newsdesk
WASHINGTON, DC – Commerce
Minister Piyush Goyal, during his visit to the United States on October 2, met with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo at the India-US CEO Forum. Their discussions centered around enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring new investment opportunities, particularly in India’s 20 upcoming industrial cities.
Both leaders emphasized joint efforts in critical sectors such as defense, space, semiconductors, telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and clean energy. These sectors were highlighted as essential drivers of innovation and economic growth for both nations.
The meeting also underscored the
(L-R) US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo & Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
potential for expanding research and development partnerships, particularly within the technology sector.
Additionally, Goyal addressed the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s CEO Roundtable, where he underscored India’s strong economic growth, thriving manufacturing sector, and improvements in the ease of doing business. He positioned India as an attractive destination for global investors and encouraged American businesses to contribute to India’s growth journey, strengthening bilateral ties and driving global progress.
In separate meetings, Goyal engaged with executives from leading global firms, including a discussion with Ali Dibadj, CEO, and Sukh Grewal, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Janus Henderson Investors, focusing on expanding the company’s footprint in India.
Cook County Launches ‘Syphilis Stops with Me’ Campaign
HiIndia Newsdesk
FOREST PARK, IL The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) launched the “Syphilis Stops with Me” campaign to raise awareness among women of childbearing age about preventing congenital syphilis through prenatal care, including testing and treatment for syphilis, a common STI. Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, Chief Operating Officer of CCDPH, emphasized that 90% of congenital syphilis cases could be avoided with timely intervention during pregnancy.
Empowering Women of Childbearing Age to Prevent Newborn Syphilis Through Education and Awareness
Congenital syphilis cases in suburban Cook County have nearly tripled, rising from 4 in 2020 to 11 in 2021, with 10 cases reported in 2022. Nationally, cases have increased tenfold since 2012, with over 3,700 babies born with syphilis in 2022. Minority groups, particularly Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/
Alaska Native communities, are disproportionately affected, with babies in these groups up to eight times more likely to be born with syphilis compared to White infants.
The campaign, running from Sept. 30 to Nov. 24, 2024, aims to engage Black and Latinx women aged 18-44 who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. It will use social media, digital ads, reproductive health influencers, and educational materials at healthcare providers’ offices in targeted ZIP codes to spread the message.
NASSCOM: Connecting Indian DeepTech Innovators with U.S. Opportunities
CHICAGO, IL –In a significant step to boost the global footprint of Indian deep-tech startups, the Indian Consulate in Chicago, alongside the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, hosted over 35 of India’s top tech innovators through the Global Market Access Program. This event also marked the launch of NASSCOM InnoTrek 2024 USA, an exclusive program that connects Indian startups with U.S. investors, business leaders, and accelerators, fostering collaboration and market opportunities. In his keynote, Somnath Ghosh, Consul
General of India in Chicago, highlighted India’s rapid growth in the global startup ecosystem, ranking third in scale and second in quality. He emphasized the potential of India’s youth and the country’s swift advancements in technology, noting defense sector innovations achieved within just threeand-a-half years.
Mayank Gautam, Director of Global Trade at NASSCOM, led the delegation, underscoring the importance of deeptech sectors like AI and quantum computing in driving future growth. He
Rafe Husain Unveils Revolutionary E-bike in California
CONONA, CA- In Corona, California, Indian American entrepreneur
Rafe Husain has shown the world a significant breakthrough towards sustainable transportation. He just launched Calibike – a revolutionary e-bike that reduces carbon footprints. The city of California has zeroemission goals and the new launch contributes towards this goal as well as creating a better public transport connectivity to ease the choking traffic and pollution in big cities like California. The city of California aims to transition to 100% zero-emission sale of vehicles by 2035. Calibike stands to play a major role in this initiative. Calibike has donated these e-bikes to the city of Corona park rangers to enhance their mobility while patrolling local parks The bike was launched by California mayor Tom Richins.
Biden to End Migrants' Legal Status from Four Nations
stressed that Chicago’s role as a tech hub is crucial for Indian startups to expand globally.
Rakesh Malhotra, President of the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, and Abhinav Raina, Secretary of the Foundation, both echoed the significance of cross-border collaborations and the strong support provided by Chicago’s Indian community in nurturing these partnerships. The event showcased how Chicago is becoming a strategic gateway for Indian startups aiming to make a global impact.
WASHINGTON, DC- The Biden administration announced it will not renew the CHNV initiative, a temporary humanitarian program that allowed over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, and Nicaragua to legally stay and work in the U.S. The program, established in late 2022 to curb illegal border crossings, offered a two-year legal residency to migrants with financial sponsors and successful background checks.
Under the new policy, while new applicants will still be accepted, current participants will not receive extensions. This leaves many migrants without a clear path to legal residency, requiring them to either find alternative immigration solutions or face deportation.
Haitians and Venezuelans may still qualify for Temporary Protected Status, with Haitians who arrived before June 2024 and Venezuelans before July 2023 being eligible.
HiIndia Newsdesk
. Rakesh Malhotra, President of the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (Photos by Jayanti Oza) HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
photo credit: Social Media Team, City of Corona.
Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago Celebrates Vibrant Navratri Festival
CHICAGO, IL- The Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago hosted a vibrant Navratri event at the Fountain View Recreation Center in Carol Stream, IL, on September 28, 2024, which drew an impressive crowd of over 900 KPS members, friends, and families. The celebration was a colorful showcase of cultural heritage, featuring Shree Ambe Maa & Umiya Mataji ni Aartis, along with energetic 3 tali & 2 tali Garbas,
The event's success was made possible through the generous support of Mithabhai & Jayantibhai's family from Orland Park, and Jitubhai and Meenaben Patel from Indiana, with sincere gratitude extended to all sponsors.
Raas Garba, and Sanedo, performed by DJ Ujwal and his team.
The venue's lobby was adorned with captivating decorations, creating a perfect backdrop for memorable photos, while guests enjoyed delicious food
Sachin Tendulkar joins America’s National Cricket League
Cricket lovers in America have another reason to hope that the subcontinent's favorite game is all set to become bigger in America. Sachin Tendulkar known as the God of cricket in India has joined America's National Cricket League ownership group.
Tendulkar was quoted as saying “Cricket has been my life's greatest journey and I am pleased to join the National Cricket League at such an exciting time for the sport in the US.” He added, “The NCL's vision to create a platform for world-class cricket while inspiring a new generation of fans to resonate with me. I look forward to being part of this new initiative and witnessing the growth of cricket in the US first hand.”
Tendulkar will present the championship trophy to the winning team at the NCL's inaugural tournament.
NCL said that sports legends like Michael Jordan elevated basketball to global heights and Brady carved out a dynasty in football, Tendulkar's influence reached beyond cricket fields, inspiring billions across the world. His presence changes the sport itself, much like how Muhammad Ali became an ambassador of boxing or how Tiger Woods revolutionized golf.
provided by Tasty Bites USA. The event's success was made possible through the generous support of Mithabhai & Jayantibhai's family from Orland Park, and Jitubhai and Meenaben Patel from Indiana, with sincere gratitude extended
to all sponsors.
Special thanks were given to the KPS volunteers, including the young volunteers whose efforts played a significant role in ensuring the event's success.
Mahatma Gandhi Bust Unveiled by Consulate in Seattle
SEATTLE, WA – A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at Seattle Center on October 2, marking the Indian freedom fighter’s birth anniversary. Situated beneath the Space Needle and near the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, this is the first Gandhi installation in Seattle. The bust was gifted by the Government of India. Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation in recognition of the installation, emphasizing Gandhi's legacy of non-violent activism. King County also designated October 2 as 'Mahatma Gandhi Day,' honoring his influence on civil rights movements worldwide. The proclamation highlighted Gandhi’s connection to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was inspired by his teachings. This event follows the opening of the Indian consulate in Seattle last
November, which strengthens cultural and diplomatic ties in the Pacific Northwest. The Gandhi bust is part of broader efforts to promote peace and non-violence in the region. Positioned in a prominent public space, Seattle Center was chosen for its alignment with the city’s values of inclusivity and non-violence. Gandhi's birthday is globally recognized as the United Nations’ International Day of Non-Violence.
Indian American Rafe Husain launches Revolutionary E-bike in California
In Corona, California, Indian American entrepreneur Rafe Husain has shown the world a significant breakthrough towards sustainable transportation. He just launched Calibike – a revolutionary e-bike that reduces carbon footprints. The city of California has zero-emission goals and the new launch contributes towards this goal as well as creating a better public transport connectivity to ease the choking traffic and pollution in big cities like California. The city of California aims to transition to 100% zero-emission sale of vehicles by 2035. Calibike stands to play a major role in this initiative. Calibike has donated these e-bikes to the city of Corona park rangers to enhance their mobility while patrolling local parks The bike was launched by California mayor Tom Richins.
Barbie goes Desi for Diwali!
For the first-time ever little girls can celebrate the festival of lights with their very own Diwali Barbie doll. This year, Mattel decided to come up with a great surprise for kids who may be looking ahead to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, that falls on October 31 this year.
The company just decided to launch its first-ever Barbie Diwali doll just in time for the big Hindu festival. Barbie collaborated with Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre for this launch. Mattel said in a release, “Blending tradition with Barbie’s place in global fashion, the Barbie Diwali doll celebrates India’s cultural richness with a worldwide audience.”
The all-new Barbie doll is dressed for Diwali in a midnight blue outfit, featuring nature-inspired print, golden bangles and shimmer earrings. About the doll, Dongre said, ““In celebration of Diwali, Barbie and I are both encouraging fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture. My brand has always been driven by a mission to empower through fashion, and as the ultimate symbol of women empowerment, partnering with Barbie to create the Barbie Diwali doll couldn’t be a more perfect alignment of our values.”
New Collection of Indian Literature Debuts at Parsippany Library
Newsdesk
HiIndia
EDISON, NJ - On September 29, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) North Jersey chapter, in partnership with the Indian Consulate in New York, launched the India Collection of Books at the Parsippany Library, New Jersey. The initiative was supported by local organizations such as Parsippany Rotary International and Heart and Hand for Handicapped. The event was inaugurated by Pragya Singh, Indian Consul for Visa and Community Affairs, who highlighted the Consulate’s commitment to supporting Indian organizations in the U.S. The Indian Consulate provided many books, which were further supplemented by community donations, including both new titles and rare classics. Library President Melisa Kuzma expressed her gratitude for the donation, announcing plans for a Diwali celebration in October. Mayor Michael
Barberio recognized the contributions of the Indian American community in Parsippany and lauded
the positive impact of the India Collection initiative. GOPIO International Chairman Thomas Abraham noted that similar initiatives have been launched at libraries in Norwalk, Stamford, Edison, Queens, and Long Island. New Jersey Commissioner Upendra Chivukula encouraged greater Indian American participation in local politics for better representation. Former Telangana Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah shared his personal story of working in a library as a child and later donating his autobiography to the Parsippany Library.
Rajendar Dichpally, Director of the Gandhian Society, and Santosh Peddi, President of Parsippany Rotary International and program co-chair, also addressed the gathering. This edited version enhances clarity and flow while maintaining the key details.
The City of Evanston and Cook County Unveil New State-of-the-Art Animal Shelter
HiIndia Newsdesk
EVANSTON, IL- The City of Evanston and Cook County celebrated the grand opening of the Evanston Animal Shelter at 2310 Oakton Street. City and county officials, along with the Evanston Animal Shelter Association (EASA), gathered to mark this milestone in advancing animal welfare and sustainability.
Since 2015, the City has partnered with EASA to operate the shelter as a nokill, open-admission facility. The new 8,800-square-foot shelter, funded through a $2.85 million grant from Cook County and contributions
from the City and EASA, cost $7.2 million to build. It includes medical suites, outdoor runs, and isolation areas, while being Evanston’s first zero on-site carbon emissions building,
designed for LEED certification and future solar panels. Mayor Daniel Biss and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle highlighted the facility’s role in caring for more animals while promoting sustainability.
EASA Executive Director Vicky Pasenko emphasized how the new space will allow for expanded community programs and better care for animals.
The celebration featured a ceremonial “dog treat breaking” with a giant bone-shaped cookie and an appearance by Zeus, a rescue dog with his own Instagram account. The shelter will host an Open House on October 6 and officially open for adoptions on October 12.
FDA Unveils Unified Foods Program, Updates Field Operations
WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is undergoing its largest reorganization in modern history, impacting over 8,000 employees. Central to this change is the establishment of the Human Foods Program, aimed at enhancing the agency's ability to ensure food safety, prevent foodborne illness, and reduce diet-related chronic diseases. This new structure is part of the FDA's broader mission to promote public health through science-based interventions. Additionally, the agency has restructured its field operations unit, previously known as the Office of Regulatory Affairs, to focus on inspections, investigations, and imports across all FDA-regulated products.
News Update: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Clarifies EB-1 Visa Policy
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued updated policy guidance in its Policy Manual, providing further clarification on the types of evidence considered when determining eligibility for the extraordinary ability (E11) EB-1 immigrant visa classification. Key points from the new policy guidance include:
• USCIS will now consider team awards as acceptable evidence under the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field.
• Past memberships will be evaluated under the membership criterion, offering more clarity for petitioners.
• The policy update removes the requirement that published material must demonstrate the value of the beneficiary’s work or contributions to meet the published material criterion.
USCIS will now consider team awards as acceptable evidence under the criterion for lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field.
It clarifies the definition of an “exhibition” by emphasizing that while it generally means a public showing, the regulation limits this to artistic exhibitions. Non-artistic exhibitions will only be considered if supported by comparable evidence.
This update builds on prior EB-1 policy, aiming to provide clearer, more transparent guidance to help petitioners submit evidence that may establish the beneficiary’s eligibility.
The new guidance is effective immediately and supersedes any related prior instructions. For more details, refer to the Policy Manual, Volume 6, Part F, Chapter 2.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Justice Department Awards $4B to Support Community Safety
WASHINGTON, DC- The Justice Department announced a $4 billion initiative today to support public safety and community justice across states, local, Tribal, and territorial communities.
The funding, provided through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will be allocated to over 3,800 programs aimed at reducing violent crime, assisting victims, and improving outcomes in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the collaboration between law enforcement and communities to address violent crime. The grants are part of the Department’s continued efforts, building on its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, released in 2021. A portion of the funds will go toward the Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative, which has allocated more than $270 million to community-led violence prevention programs. These programs, along with the broader
grant initiatives, focus on reducing recidivism, enhancing law enforcement-community trust, and offering trauma-informed services to victims and survivors, particularly in underserved areas.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer highlighted the importance of these grants in supporting violence prevention, expanding victim services, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement and behavioral health professionals. OJP Acting
Assistant Attorney General Brent J. Cohen underscored the ongoing partnerships with community and justice system leaders to address America’s most pressing public safety challenges. The funding will also promote justice system reforms, strengthen the juvenile justice system, and expand research to develop effective public safety strategies. These efforts aim to create safer, more just, and equitable communities across the nation.
Protester Charged for Vandalizing Federal Property at Union Station
WASHINGTON , DC – Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi, 26, of Richmond, Virginia, was arrested on charges of destroying federal property after allegedly spray-painting a monument at Columbus Circle in Washington, D.C., on July 24, 2024. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and U.S. Park Police Chief Jessica Taylor. Mahdawi is set to appear in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Authorities allege that Mahdawi participated in a protest at Columbus Circle, during which demonstrators defaced statues, burned flags, and obstructed law enforcement. Mahdawi
is accused of climbing a monument and spray-painting “HAMAS IS COMIN” along with an inverted red triangle. Video evidence from U.S. Park Police and online sources helped identify him.
The FBI emphasized that its investigations focus on illegal activities, not First Amendment rights. U.S. Attorney Graves condemned politically motivated destruction of federal property, asserting that it is a criminal act.
The damage to federal property, including flags and monuments, is estimated at $11,282.23. Mahdawi had previously been arrested twice in Richmond, Virginia, in 2023 and 2024. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Park Police and FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin leading the prosecution. Mahdawi remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
India Philanthropy Alliance Unveils
3rd Annual Giving Day Celebration
LOS ANGELES, CA – The India Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) has announced the 3rd annual India Giving Day, set for March 14, 2025. This campaign, which seeks to boost participation and accessibility, will expand community and regional events across the U.S., following last year’s success. IPA plans to engage young people in peer-to-peer fundraising through its Youth Leadership Council. “India Giving Day started as a ‘proof of concept,’” said IPA Executive Director Alex Counts. “We believed if we showcased high-impact nonprofits and
celebrated Indian culture, the Indian American community would rally behind them. Our second campaign was a breakthrough.”
The inaugural India Giving Day in 2023 raised nearly $1.4 million from 1,031 donors. By 2024, donations surged to over $5.5 million from 1,770 donors, largely driven by an expansion in community events, which grew from four to over 40, and an increase in volunteer fundraisers from 36 to nearly 200. For 2025, India Giving Day seeks to maintain this momentum, fostering greater community engagement with
Indian American Shailaja Pak receives $800,000 US Genius Grant on Dalit Studies
CINCIINNATI- Shailaja Pak, renowned historian and a professor of history at University of Cincinnati has received a $800,000 US Genius Grant. The grant is granted by Macarthur Foundation. This is awarded for writing about Dalit women and is given to extraordinary individuals. The Foundation while announcing the fellowship said, “Through her focus on the multifaceted experiences of Dalit women, Paik elucidates the enduring nature of caste discrimination and the forces that perpetuate untouchability.”
Pak hails from Yerwada slum in Pune. Her journey from the slums of India to Warwick University where she completed her doctorate.
Blackstone to Raise $10B Asia Fund Focused on India
NEW YORK, NY – Blackstone Inc., the world’s largest alternative asset manager, has begun raising its third Asia-focused private equity (PE) fund, targeting at least $10 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. This new fund will primarily focus on India, which will receive the largest share of the capital, the sources said, though they requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. While India is the key focus, Blackstone will also target markets in Japan and Australia, while considering other regions like South Korea and Singapore. Notably, China will not be a priority for this fund, given the economic challenges, regulatory restrictions, and ongoing tensions with the U.S.
incentives and prizes. Events will vary in scale, from small home gatherings to larger regional events, such as those in Dallas, Texas, where a partnership between TiE and local nonprofits has expanded.
Key sponsors include the Rural India Supporting Trust, MacArthur Foundation, Bank of America, and others. Nonprofits supporting India’s development are encouraged to register by October 31, 2024, at www. indiaphilanthropyalliance.org.
IPA is a coalition of organizations mobilizing resources in the U.S. for development programs in India.
The shift comes as global investors seek growth in regions outside of China, where PE-backed deals have dropped by 9.5% year-onyear. Australia has now overtaken China as the largest PE market in Asia. Meanwhile, China-focused PE fundraising has plummeted to its lowest level in over a decade.
Blackstone, which closed its second Asia buyout fund at $11 billion in 2022, remains optimistic about India’s economic prospects, citing its faster growth compared to other large economies. The New York-based firm manages over $1 trillion in assets, including real estate.
