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Harris Adviser Meets US Muslim, Arab Leaders Angry At Support For Israel
Washington: A senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris met American Muslim and Arab leaders on Wednesday as Harris' presidential campaign seeks to win back voters angry at US support for Israel's wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Harris' national security adviser, Phil Gordan, told the community leaders in the virtual meeting that the administration supports a ceasefire in Gaza, diplomacy in Lebanon and stability in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the vice president's office said. Ali Dagher, a Lebanese-American attorney and community leader, said the outreach from Harris' office was not enough. "It's too little, too late,"
Doctor pleads guilty in Matthew Perry overdose death
A doctor charged in the drug-related death of actor Matthew Perry has pleaded guilty in the case.
Dr Mark Chavez changed his plea to guilty in a Los Angeles court to a charge of conspiring to distribute the surgical anaesthetic ketamine. Chavez, 54, operated a ketamine clinic and sold ketamine lozenges to Dr Salvador Plasencia, who supplied them to Perry, the star of NBC sitcom Friends.
Chavez is one of five people charged in Perry's death. The 54-year-old actor was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in southern California in October 2023. A postmortem examination found a high concentration of the drug ketamine in his blood and determined "acute effects" of the substance had killed him.
Ketamine is used as a treatment for depression, anxiety and pain.
said Dagher, who did not participate in the meeting. Harris, a Democrat, faces Republican former President Donald Trump on Nov. 5 in what polls show to be a tight presidential race.
President Joe Biden won most of the 2020 Muslim and Arab votes, but their backing of Democrats has fallen sharply during nearly a year that Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza. Activists say Biden and Harris have done too little to stop Israel's military campaign in the Palestinian enclave.
The Israeli military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, Palestinian health authorities say. Israel was responding to an Oct. 7, 2023 incursion by Hamas gunmen, who Israel says killed around 1,200 people and abducted about 250 hostages. Gaza has suffered a humanitarian crisis with nearly all its 2 million people displaced and widespread hunger in the enclave.
US: 40 Airlines May Use Boeing 737s with Faulty Rudder Parts
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Monday more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 airplanes may be using planes with rudder components that could pose
safety risks. The NTSB on Thursday issued urgent safety recommendations about the potential for a jammed rudder control system on some 737 airplanes after a February incident involving a United Airlines flight. The NTSB also disclosed on Monday that it had learned two foreign operators suffered similar incidents in 2019 involving rollout guidance actuators.
"We are concerned of the possibility that other airlines are unaware of the presence of these actuators on their 737 airplanes," NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a letter to Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker.
Biden and Harris tour storm Helene havoc as death toll climbs
storm climbed to 180.
Biden flew by helicopter over North and South Carolina to view the scale of the devastation. Hundreds of people remain missing, with search-and-rescue teams struggling to reach remote areas.
Biden has deployed 1,000 active-duty soldiers to help 6,000 National Guard members and 4,800 federal aid workers already working across six states hit by the extreme weather. Aid deliveries have been made by airdrops and mules. The US government has said the clear-up effort could take years.
Biden opposes Israeli strikes on Iran nuclear sites
US President Joe Biden has said he does not support any potential Israeli retaliatory strike on Iranian nuclear sites after Iran launched around 180 missiles at Israel. Tensions are high between Iran and Israel after the Iranian attack on Tuesday, which Israel said was mostly repelled by its missile defense system. Iran said the barrage was a response to the killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan.
Melania Supports Abortion, Trump Backs State Control
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Los Angeles: Melania Trump writes in her upcoming memoir that a woman has the right to an abortion, The Guardian newspaper reported on Wednesday, while her husband, Donald Trump, backs the ability for US states to restrict the procedure. "Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body?" Melania Trump writes in her memoir that is due to be published four weeks before the Nov. 5 election, in which her husband faces Democrat Kamala Harris.
More than 160 left dead in US south-east by Hurricane Helene
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More than 160 people are now known to have been killed by Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms to hit the US in recent times. Hundreds of others remain missing after Helene battered south-eastern states, causing floods, wrecking communities, and cutting power. Search-and-rescue efforts continue, and aid deliveries have been made by airdrops and mules. The US government has said the clear-up effort could take years.
President Joe Biden is due to visit badlyaffected North Carolina on Wednesday,
while Vice-President Kamala Harris goes to neighbouring Georgia. Both happen to be key swing states in November's presidential election - and the storm has already become political after Republican presidential nominee
Donald Trump took his own trip to Georgia earlier in the week. Helene hit the US on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane - the most powerful on record to strike Florida's Big Bend - before tearing through
neighbouring states and downgrading to a tropical storm.
The scale of the rainclouds were unusual, and the storm lingered for relatively long periods. Saturated ground from previous rains was also an aggravating factor.
The BBC's US partner CBS News has reported 162 deaths, recorded across six states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.
The toll surpasses that of Hurricane Ian, which in September 2022 became another of the 21st Century's deadliest storms - claiming at least 156 lives.
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President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris have travelled to southeastern US states hit by Hurricane Helene, as the death toll from the
Mark Chavez pleaded guilty
War Fears Grow Israeli strike in heart of Beirut kills 6
After a day in which Israeli and Hezbollah troops clashed at close range in southern Lebanon, Israel bombed central Beirut in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least six people. Three missiles also hit the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, where Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed last week, and loud explosions were heard, Lebanese security officials said.
What’s the ground situation?
Bombings have been continuing in Lebanon with health officials saying that multiple people have been injured following Israel’s strikes. An American from Dearborn, Michigan, was also killed in Lebanon in an Israeli airstrike, according to the man’s daughter. Democratic US Representative Rashida Tlaib’s office said it was in touch with Kamel Ahmad Jawad’s family, adding he was the Palestinian American congresswoman’s constituent and a US citizen. What’s India’s take on the situation? External Affairs Minister
Iran’s President Pezeshkian visits Qatar
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned Israel of a strong reaction if there’s any further escalation by the latter against it and has sought to rally Asian countries behind Tehran’s back as Pezeshkian visited Qatar on Wednesday. Pezeshkian arrived in Qatar a day after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles on Israel and Israel also stepped up its rally of attack at Iran backed Lebanon based Hezbollah militant groups infrastructure. Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his country will strike back at Iran after it bombarded over 200 missiles at Tel Aviv.
CIA seeks informants in North Korea, Iran and China
The US Central Intelligence Agency has launched a new drive to recruit informants in China, Iran and North Korea. The organisation posted messages on its social media accounts in Mandarin, Farsi and Korean on Wednesday, instructing users how to contact it securely.
This latest effort follows a campaign to enlist Russians in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, which the CIA says was a success. "We want to make sure individuals in other authoritarian regimes know that we're open for business," a CIA spokesman said in a statement.
S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington DC and India, while calling for “restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians”, advised all its nationals to “avoid all nonessential travel to Iran”. Meanwhile, the widening of the conflict has increased the risk of trade disruptions, as Hezbollah shares close ties with
the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are responsible for the majority of the attacks on ships traversing the Red Sea route.
The Israel Defense Forces have urged residents of Lebanese villages who have evacuated their homes not to return until further notice. “IDF raids are continuing,” spokesperson Adraee said on X on Thursday.
Bangladesh Recalls Envoy to India in Diplomatic Shakeup
Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus-led government has ordered five envoys, including its ambassador to India, to relinquish their posts and return
to Dhaka immediately, Bangla daily Prothom Alo reported.
The interim government has recalled its envoys in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.
These include: Mustafizur Rahman, High Commissioner to India; Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in New York; Mahbub Hassan Saleh, Ambassador to Belgium; M Allama Siddiqui, High Commissioner to Australia; and Rezina Ahmed, Ambassador to Portugal.
Israel bars UN chief from the country over Iran attack response
Israel’s foreign minister has declared United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “persona non grata” and barred him from entering the
UK forces involved in response to Iran attacks on Israel
UK forces were involved in supporting Israel in the conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a missile attack on the country.
Defence Secretary John Healey, who is Cyprus to visit personnel based on the island, said British forces had "played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation”, without giving more details.
The BBC understands UK fighter jets were involved, as they were in April when Iran last attacked Israel with missiles.
Twenty children dead after Thailand school bus fire
The bodies of 20 children and three teachers have been recovered after a bus transporting school pupils crashed and caught fire outside Bangkok. The bus was returning to the Thai capital after a school trip to the north of the country. Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing the bus as it burned under an overpass, with huge clouds of dense black smoke billowing into the sky. The driver handed himself in to police 100km (61 miles) north of Bangkok, according to local media.
No imminent nuclear threat from Russia, says new Nato chief
country.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday accused Guterres of failing to “unequivocally” condemn Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Israel has persistently complained over the UN’s approach throughout its yearlong war in Gaza.
“Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel, as almost every country in the world has done, does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil,” Katz wrote on X. Warming to his theme, the official accused the UN chief of giving his “backing to terrorists, rapists, and murderers” and branded him “a stain on the history of the UN”.
Mark Rutte, the new secretary general of Nato, said he does not see any imminent threat of nuclear weapons being used by Russia despite "reckless and irresponsible" rhetoric by the Kremlin. Last week, President Vladimir Putin said Russia was considering changing its military doctrine to regard an attack from a non-nuclear state - such as Ukraine - that was backed by a nuclear-armed one to be a "joint attack". Putin's comments came as Ukraine sought approval to use long-range Western missiles against military sites in Russia.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has barred UN chief Antonio Guterres from Israel
India-US Addressing Regional, Global Challenges: Blinken After Meeting With S Jaishankar
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Washington: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his US counterpart Antony Blinken met in Washington DC and discussed working together to address regional and global challenges. Mr Jaishankar -- on his first visit to the US capital since the third Modi government took office -- met Blinken on Tuesday at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the US State Department.
Blinken said after the meeting, "Together, the US and India are working to address regional and global challenges. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and I met to discuss our continued cooperation on the climate crisis and ways we can promote regional security and prosperity."
Mr Jaishankar, meanwhile, said, "Delighted to hold talks with Blinken in Washington DC. We followed up on the Delaware bilateral and the QUAD meetings. Our discussions also covered deepening bilateral cooperation, the situation in West Asia, recent developments in the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine." The minister was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent bilateral meeting with
S Jaishankar -- on his first visit to the US capital since the third Modi government took office -- met Blinken on Tuesday at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the US State Department.
US President Joe Biden.
The US president hosted PM Modi at his Delaware residence for a bilateral meeting on September 21. They were later joined by leaders from Australia
and Japan for the QUAD Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware. According to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, S Jaishankar and Blinken "discussed the
United States and India's enduring commitment to deepening bilateral ties, coordinating closely on regional and global challenges, and advancing cooperation on critical and emerging technologies".
"Blinken noted Prime Minister Modi's August visit to Kyiv and reiterated the importance of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," he said and added that plans to expand collaboration on clean energy initiatives to address the global climate crisis were also discussed.
Welcoming Mr Jaishankar earlier, US Secretary of State Blinken said the warmth of Biden and PM Modi's recent meeting and the ambition in the relationship were at a level never seen before. "I think it's a reflection of the value that both countries attach to this partnership -- a partnership in so many different areas, including strategic technology sectors, space, semiconductors, clean energy, where our countries increasingly are working together and creating new opportunities for people in both India and the United States but also, more broadly than that, around the world. Of course, the critical role that India plays on the global stage, working for peace, stability, security -- here as well, we are doing more and more together," he said.
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Prashant Kishor Launches Party Before Bihar Polls
Patna: Former election strategist Prashant Kishor's long-pending entry into electoral politics came today with the formal launch of his Jan Suraaj group as a political party. The Jan Suraaj Party is expected to contest all seats of Bihar in the next assembly election. The party will be headed by Manoj Bharti, a retired officer of the Indian Foreign Service. Mr Kishor has said if elected, the party would end prohibition of liquor in the state and use the earnings to improve the education sector.
Indian Origin ExMinister In Singapore Gets 1 Year Jail For Corruption
Singapore: Singapore's Indianorigin former transport minister S Iswaran was handed a oneyear jail sentence on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to five charges relating to corruption and blocking of justice in the High Court on September 24. The sentence is more than the six to seven months asked for by the prosecution, which Justice Hoong considers "manifestly inadequate".
"Jai Mata Di!": PM Modi Extends Navratri Wishes
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 3) extended greetings to fellow Indians on the first day of Navratri, wishing everyone an "auspicious" festival. "I wish all my countrymen a very Happy Navratri. May this holy festival dedicated to Shakti Vandana prove to be auspicious for everyone. Jai Mata Di!" PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
Israel Eliminates Hamas Chief, Two Top Leaders in Gaza
Jerusalem: The Israeli military on Thursday said a strike three months ago killed three senior Hamas leaders in Gaza, where the army has been battling the Palestinian operatives for nearly a year.
The military said the strike killed Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, and Sameh al-Siraj, who held the security portfolio for Hamas's political bureau, and Sami Oudeh, a commander.
"Mushtaha was one of Hamas' most senior operatives and had a direct impact on decisions relating to Hamas' force deployment," said the military in a statement.
The military called Mushtaha the "righthand man" to Hamas's top leader Yahya Sinwar.
The military said the strike killed Rawhi Mushtaha, the head of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip, and Sameh al-Siraj, who held the security portfolio for Hamas's political bureau, and Sami Oudeh, a commander.
In 2015, the US State Department had designated Mushtaha as a "specially designated global terrorist".
The Impact of the Iran-Israel War:
Stock Market Faces Major Shock, Sensex Plunges by 1,264 Points
The Indian stock market witnessed significant turbulence today, following fears of a potential war triggered by Iran's attack on Israel. In the pre-open session, the Sensex plummeted by a sharp 1,264 points, while the Nifty 50 saw a steep decline of 345 points. Which Sectors Were Hit the Hardest?
The primary driver behind this market crash is the escalating geopolitical tension between Iran and Israel, raising concerns of a full-scale war. Among the
hardest-hit sectors, the auto industry faced the most significant losses, with the Nifty Auto Index falling by 2.07%.
The FMCG sector also recorded a notable drop of 1.52%. Additionally, the Nifty IT Index, PSU Banks, and Healthcare sectors each saw a decline of around 1%. Other major indices, including Nifty Realty, Consumer Durables, and Oil & Gas, also opened in the red, reflecting the widespread impact of the conflict on market sentiment.
The European Council on Foreign Relations described Mushtaha as a member of Hamas's Gaza politburo who also oversaw its financial affairs.
The ECFR said Siraj was a politburo member, while Oudeh was said to be the leader of the group's internal security agency. Israel's military campaign to wipe out Hamas is believed to have severely weakened the group by killing several of its leaders and thousands of fighters, while also reducing swaths of the territory it rules to rubble.
The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.
India puts blockbuster Pakistani film on hold
The release of a blockbuster Pakistani film has been put on hold in India after officials in Delhi refused to give permission for its screening, the BBC has learnt. A remake of a 1979 Punjabi film, The Legend of Maula Jatt, is the highest ever grossing film in Pakistan. The movie was set to release in the northern Indian state of Punjab on Wednesday, which would have made it the first Pakistani film to hit Indian screens in more than a decade.
The South Asian neighbours share a frosty relationship and tensions often affect cultural exchanges between them.
India engaging in ‘systematic violations of religious freedom’, says U.S. commission
A U.S. federal government commission has flagged the alleged worsening of religious freedom in India and called for it to be designated as a "Country of Particular Concern".
Authored by senior policy analyst Sema Hasan, the section on India describes the use of misinformation and disinformation — including hate speech by government officials — to incite violent attacks against religious minorities and their places of worship, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said in a statement.
In its annual report, the USCIRF also recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate India
as a "Country of Particular Concern" for engaging in systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.
The State department has so far refrained from accepting the recommendations.
"This report highlights how, throughout 2024, individuals have been killed, beaten, and lynched by
India has consistently denied visas to USCIRF members to visit the country, citing "interference" in its internal affairs, it added
vigilante groups, religious leaders have been arbitrarily arrested, and homes and places of worship have been demolished. These events constitute particularly severe violations of religious freedom," the USCIRF said. Beginning with the previous Manmohan Singh-led government, India has consistently denied visas to USCIRF members to visit the country, citing "interference" in its internal affairs, it added.
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"Tensions With China
Will Continue Until...": S Jaishankar
Washington: External Affairs
Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the tensions between India and China will continue until there are forward deployments of militaries on the border. He noted that China violated agreements on how to keep the border peaceful and tranquil in 2020. He made these remarks at an event hosted by Carnegie Endowment in the US. India and China have been in a territorial face-off since 2020 after the Chinese Army transgressed into multiple areas from the Galwan Valley to the Finger area along the Pangong Lake.
$10 for a Gallon: Indian-owned Gas Station overcharging during Hurricane
As Southeast America reels under the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene which has so far claimed 160 lives across six states, a video showing an Indianowned gas station overcharging customers for gas has gone viral. A user on social media posted a video of a gas station in Augusta, Georgia price gouging during such difficult times. The video originally surfaced on TikTok by the user bggfarm, where he showed a small customer altercation at Pope Grocery Store in Georgia.
It can be heard in the video that a customer asks the gas station owner, “How much a gallon? That's all I want to hear.” A woman, presumably the owner, realizing that she’s been filmed, turns around refusing to answer and alerting others that they are being recorded. Another employee can be heard, questioning the customer. "Why are you taking a video?" the employee asks. As there is tension in the air, another employee emerges and confirms that gas is $10 a gallon. He also says record me.
The netizens were quick to react and rebuked the gas station owners for taking advantage during a natural disaster. Some even commented that the store could be reported for the same.
500 kg Cocaine, Worth Rs. 2,000 Crore, Seized By Delhi Police
New Delhi: Over 500 kg of cocaine worth Rs. 2,000 crore were seized in Delhi today in what is the biggest drug bust in the national capital, police said. Four men were arrested in connection with the drug bust after a raid in south Delhi. According to the police, an international drugs smuggling syndicate is behind the massive cocaine consignment.
The latest drug bust in the national capital follows the arrest of two Afghan nationals after 400 gram of heroin and 160 gram of cocaine from their possession in Delhi's Tilak Nagar area on Sunday. On the same day, Delhi Customs seized 1,660 gram of cocaine valued over Rs. 24 crore from a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The passenger is a national of the Federal Republic of Liberia, who arrived from Dubai to Delhi. He was arrested under the NDPS Act 1985.
In a post on X, Delhi Customs said, "On the basis of profiling, Customs@ IGI Airport have seized 1660 grams of Cocaine valued at Rs.24.90 cr from one
Massive Crater Near Mossad HQ After Iran's Big Missile Offensive
New Delhi: One of the 180-odd ballistic missiles Iran fired last night landed near the Tel Aviv headquarters of Israeli intelligence service Mossad. A video that has emerged on social media shows a massive crater near the Mossad headquarters after Tehran's missile offensive.
CNN geolocated the video and found it was shot from a high-rise apartment building in Herzliya, less than 3 kilometers from Mossad headquarters. The video shows the huge crater in what appears to be a parking lot. The missile strike threw up dust and several vehicles parked nearby were covered in soil. This crater is a few hundred metres away from a cinema complex.
Air raid sirens rang through Israeli cities and about 10 million rushed to take refuge in bomb shelters last when after Iran launched a barrage of missiles.
The Israel Defense Forces have said most of the missiles were intercepted by the country's advanced defence systems Iron Dome and Arrow. But some penetrated the shield, leading to minor damage.
The missile offensive was in retaliation to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Israeli military strikes.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Iran made a "big mistake" and warned that it "will pay for it".
Guy Nir, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in India, told NDTV that Tehran would get an appropriate response. "If he (Iran leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) plans to initiate a fullscale war with Israel, it will be a mistake for them (Iran). Israel's response is going to be strategic and pin-pointed, and not a full-scale war. I don't think any side wants that."
India "Very Much" Concerned About Middle East Tensions: S Jaishankar
Washington: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that India is "very much" concerned at the possibility of broadening of the conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at the conversation at the Carnegie Endowment in the US, he called Hamas' attack on Israel a "terrorist attack," and added that Israel had a need to respond and added that India believes that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law. Mr Jaishankar said, " If one looks at the current situation, I think it would be right to start off with October 7th. We regard October 7th as a terrorist attack.
After Iran's Missile Attack On Israel, US' "Severe Consequences" Warning
Iran launched a barrage of 181 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, triggering nationwide air raid sirens and forcing nearly 10 million Israelis into bomb shelters. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a large portion of the missiles was intercepted by the country's advanced missile defence systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow systems. However, several projectiles managed to penetrate the defence shield, leading to minor damage and light injuries.
Immediate Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu condemned the attack, stating that Iran had made a "big mistake" and warned Tehran that it "will pay for it."
The missile salvo is the second direct attack by Iran on Israel this year, following a similar offensive in April, which was quickly subdued by Israeli
and allied defences. Tuesday's strikes, according to Iranian officials, were in retaliation for the recent killing of senior Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Israeli military operations. Guy Nir, spokesperson of the Israeli embassy in India, speaking exclusively to NDTV, said an appropriate response will be given to Tehran. "If he (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) plans to initiate a full-scale war with Israel, it will be a mistake for them (Iran)," Mr Nir told NDTV. "Israel's response is going to be something strategic and pin-pointed, and not a full-scale war.
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male Pax of Federal Republic of Liberia Nationality who arrived from Dubai to Delhi. The Pax has been arrested under NDPS Act, 1985."
Govt considering foreign investment regulatory mechanism for FDI supervision
The government is also developing industrial townships to boost domestic manufacturing and attract foreign investors by providing world-class infrastructure.
The government is considering setting up a foreign investment regulatory mechanism for post-investment review and monitoring in the country, according to sources.
At present, the consideration is at the discussion level only, they added.
“It has been observed that all countries do oversight on the FDI (foreign direct investment), which is coming into their country. People suggest that in India also, there should be an oversight mechanism. It’s a kind of oversight on money, which is coming up in the country as FDI,” one of the sources said.
economy and originates from legitimate sources.
India is a major destination for foreign direct investments given its 1.4 billion market, stable policies, demographic dividend, good investment returns and skilled workforce.
It can help ascertain that the FDI coming into the country is beneficial to the
California governor blocks landmark AI safety bill
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has blocked a landmark artificial intelligence (AI) safety bill, which had faced strong opposition from major technology companies. The proposed legislation would have imposed some of the first regulations on AI in the US.
Mr Newsom said the bill could stifle innovation and prompt AI developers to move out of the state.
Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the bill, said the veto allows companies to continue developing an "extremely powerful technology" without any government oversight. The bill would have required the most advanced AI models to undergo safety testing. It would have forced developers to ensure their technology included a so-called "kill switch". This would allow organisations to isolate and effectively switch off an AI system if it became a threat. It would also have made official oversight compulsory for the development of so-called "Frontier Models" - or the most powerful AI systems.
The bill "does not take into account whether an Al system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data," Mr Newsom said in a statement.
The government has taken a series of measures to attract overseas investments
like promoting ease of doing business through simplifying procedures and significantly reducing compliance burden for the industry.
The government has also eased FDI norms in several sectors, such as space, e-commerce, pharma, civil aviation, contract manufacturing, digital media, coal mining, and defence, besides rolling out the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for 14 sectors like electronics and white goods. The official added that the measures to improve ease of doing business, zero tolerance for corruption and the focused effort on emerging sectors like electronics have helped promote ‘Make In India’ and boost domestic and foreign investments in the country.
Microsoft: 'ever present' AI assistants are coming
Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants with “really good long-term memory” are about a year away, according to Microsoft's head of AI, Mustafa Suleyman. Products which can recall conversations, projects and problems will encourage users to invest more time and share more of their personal history with them,
he said in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
“I think we’re moving to a fundamentally new age where there will be ever present, persistent, very capable co-pilot companions in your everyday life,” he added.
Critics have voiced strong concerns around this level of integration, including data security, privacy, the possibility of AI tools giving bad advice or wrong information, or displaying inbuilt bias towards the person they are supposed to be helping.
But AI supporters argue that in order to be truly useful, these tools have to be deeply embedded into our lives: that they can only be really helpful if they know the history and context behind what they are being tasked to do.
For example, an AI diary manager can only organise your diary if it can access that diary, edit it, and retain information about your activities.
Mr Suleyman argued that many people’s privacy expectations have changed over time.
He said that devices such as TVs, laptops, phones, in-car cameras and earbuds are already “recording continuously everywhere” in ordinary environments, and gave a further example of an iPhone feature called Live View in which video and audio is recorded at the same time as a photo is taken.
“Most people love that feature,” he said. “Some people turn it off but that’s a very distinct shift in the default expectation of what a photo is.”
US ports shut down as dockworkers
Tens of thousands of dockworkers have gone on strike indefinitely at ports across much of the US, threatening significant trade and economic disruption ahead of the presidential election and the busy holiday shopping season.
Members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) walked out on Tuesday at 14 major ports along the east and gulf coasts, halting container traffic from Maine to Texas. The action marks the first such shutdown in almost 50 years. President Joe Biden has the power to suspend the strike for 80 days for further negotiations, but the White House has said he is not planning to act.
Aston Martin Shares Drop After Profit Warning
Luxury carmaker Aston Martin's share price sank more than 20% after it said profits will be lower than expected this year.
The company, famed for its links to fictional superspy James Bond, has been hit by supply chain issues and falling sales in China.
The share price of Stellantis, the owner of brands such as Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat and Jeep, also plummeted on Monday after a profit warning.
Carmakers across Europe have been suffering lately, with disappointing sales and increased competition from abroad taking a heavy toll on earnings.
Aston Martin is a prestige brand which makes upmarket cars in relatively small quantities.
Last year, it sold 6,620 vehicles, with about a fifth of those going to the Asia-Pacific region. However, the company says it has been hit by a fall in demand in China, where a slowing economy has affected sales of luxury cars.
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Gavin Newsom
We were willing to get all out for 100: Rohit Sharma on India's boldplay in Kanpur Test
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India were willing to take the risk of being bowled for 100-odd in its bold push for a result in the weather-hit second Test against Bangladesh, said Rohit Sharma after the hosts pulled off a dramatic win here on Tuesday.
India managed to win the game comfortably on day five despite two full days were lost due to wet outfield at the Green Park Stadium. Even on day one, only 35 overs possible.
After bowling out Bangladesh for 233, India batted in T20 mode to smash 285 in 34.4 overs before declaring their first innings. Having lost two batters overnight, Bangladesh were bowled out in their second innings at stroke of lunch and India ended the game in the second session.
India defeat Bangladesh by 7 wickets,
make clean sweep of two-Test series test. Once we lost two and a half days, when we came on day 4 we wanted to get them out as quickly as possible and see what we can do with the bat. When they
Sarfaraz Khan's Landmark Ton Sends Strong Message to India Team
India batter Sarfaraz Khan, who wasn't a part of the playing XI for any of the two Tests against Bangladesh, slammed a century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai, sending the team management a clear
Jasprit Bumrah regains top spot in ICC Test rankings
Yashasvi Jaiswal jumps to No.3
India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is back at the summit of the ICC Test bowling rankings following his match haul of six wickets in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. The 30-year-old replaced his India team-mate Ravichandran AshwinPlayer of the Series against Bangladesh - at the top of the chart.
In batting, Player of the Match from the Kanpur Test, Yashasvi Jaiswal, moved to a career-high third position after just 11 Tests. Jaiswal played scintillating knocks of 72 and 51 and helped India win the rain-marred match by seven wickets.
Sarfaraz Khan hit a century in Irani Cup clash against Rest of India, sending Team India management a firm message over his non-selection.
message. Sarfaraz, despite his heroics in domestic red-ball games, hasn't quite managed to cement his place in the Test playing XI. While Sarfaraz was a part of the India squad for the 2-match series against Bangladesh, he was released on both occasions -- first for the Duleep Trophy, then for the Irani Cup. Playing for Mumbai in the Irani Cup, Sarfaraz slammed a hundred on Wednesday, in what was his 15th triple-digit score in First Class cricket. Sarfaraz also reached the landmark in just 150 balls, showing intent to play a positive brand of cricket.
got bowled out for 230, it wasn't about the runs we get but the overs we got at them," said Rohit at the post-match presentation."To make a game out of it on that pitch was a superb effort. It was
a risk we were willing to take because when you're trying to bat like that, you can be bundled out for a low score. But we were ready for it even if we got bowled out for 100-120.
It was India's record extending 18th series win in a row at home. Among the new players, Rohit was pleased by Akash Deep's relentless effort.
"He's been good (Akash Deep). Lot of domestic cricket he has played. When you come up through the ranks like that, there are a lot of overs in the legs. He has the quality and the skill. Good body as well - can bowl long spells. You have to make sure you prepare your bench strength," said the skipper.
It was the first Test series under new head coach Gautam Gambhir who overtook the responsibility from Rahul Dravid.
PV Sindhu Prepares Comeback, Adds This Badminton Great To Coaching Staff
Double Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu will have South Korean great Lee Hyun Il as her consulting coach on interim basis as she bolstered her coaching team ahead of her anticipated
Jannik Sinner Staves Off Chinese Wildcard To Set Up Carlos Alcaraz Final
Jannik Sinner ignored the bubbling controversy over his steroid case and a roaring home crowd to set up a China Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday. The world number one and defending champion defeated the 96th-ranked Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) to avoid a major upset. The Italian faces Spanish second seed Alcaraz, who was in fine form in a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final. In front of a packed house on China's national day, US Open champion
Jannik Sinner ignored the bubbling controversy over his steroid case and a roaring home crowd to set up a China Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Sinner was facing a player he had never met before and who was competing in the biggest match of his life. China's 22-year-old Bu was also in the form of his life, having similarly reached the semi-finals last week in Hangzhou. Bu had Sinner under pressure on the Italian's serve early in the first set, but Sinner staved off the threat and the storm gradually blew itself out as the set wore on. They went to the tie break in the second set, with Sinner serving an ace to convert his third match point after just over two hours.Nobody has won more matches on tour this season than Sinner, 23, who failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of wrongdoing and allowed to keep playing.
return to action next month. The move came after the recent appointment of Anup Sridhar as Sindhu's interim coach. The duo will be in Sindhu's coaching team till December 2024. A decision on a permanent coaching team is expected by that time.
Sindhu is expected to return to competitive action at the Finland Open and Denmark Open, both in October. Hyun Il, a former world No. 1 and Sindhu's teammate during the Premier Badminton League (PBL), brings vast international experience and a reputation for meticulous preparation. He is a 2006 world championships bronze medallist in singles and has two Asian Games team gold medals in 2002 and 2014.
Wimbledon Approved for Controversial Expansion
Wimbledon have been given the green light to go ahead with their controversial plans to expand the historic venue for the grass-court Grand Slam. The All England Club's proposal to build 39 new courts, including an 8,000-seat show court, on the adjacent former Wimbledon Park Golf Club was passed on Friday by London's deputy mayor for planning Jules Pipe. Wimbledon will nearly triple the size of its current site once the project is completed.
Plans were first submitted in 2021, but there had been strong local opposition from groups such as 'Save Wimbledon Park' and environmental protestors who claimed the harm caused to open land was not justified.
The issue had become increasingly acrimonious, but Friday's decision was expected after Greater London Authority planning officers recommended permission be granted due to the financial and community benefits
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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Bay Area based Artist Sujata Tibrewala is using Indian Art to Connect Americans
Zofeen Maqsood
“Long before American book stores began selling Mandala coloring books to de-stress, Indians were using Mandalas to connect to their inner-self and meditate. I am bringing mandalas to the Americans to help them understand Indian art and use it as a therapy,” says artist Sujata Tibrewala
When artist and a successful tech professional, Tibrewala is not giving boardroom presentations or is in tech meetings discussing the latest in open source technology; she can be seen teaching Americans the basics of mandalas during art exhibitions, library events and holiday shows. Based in Bay Area, the hub of cultural diversity in America, Ms Tibrewala has been showcasing and teaching art in America for over a decade now. She is currently working on her new series of mandalas and is also using the medium of mandalas to inform more Americans about Indian art.
Sujata Tibrewala, a self-taught artist who was born and brought up in India, studied engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, had a successful tech career in India’s silicon city Bangalore, immigrated to America more than a decade ago. An avid artist, Sujata was quick to note, the lack of awareness about Indian art in America. So, she began her journey to introduce to America everything from the origin of yoga to techniques like kalamkari or art therapy through
Sujata Tibrewala has helped Americans create Mandalas at prestigious events such as Intel Development Summit, San Jose Street Fair, subzero Festival in San Jose, California and at Tahoe Art League
mandala with the help of her paint brushes.
Sujata says mandalas are a powerful way to connect to your inner self. The store-bought coloring books are in no way a representation of the creativity you can unleash when you create a mandala. I ask the participants to dive into their inner thoughts and think of imagery and then use it as a starting point – this kind of thinking helps them decipher the symbols in their mind and are a great starting point to art therapy.”
From Jaipur to Chicago
Sujata Tibrewala first came to windy
city Chicago, as a new mom. Sujata hails from pink city of India, Jaipur known for its vibrant riot of colors and year-round warm weather. “Chicago was a stark contrast,” she says, adding, “During winters everything was black and white and most people stayed indoors. For me it was essential to break this monotony. So, I took refuge in the colors of my art. It was during this period that I began showing at Life Force Arts Gallery at Belmont Avenue in Chicago. I noticed that my deep colors, landscapes where I used jewel tones of blue and green were an instant hit as a lot of Americans weren’t used to seeing
the vibrancy of colors in art.” Here she also set up her own studio in the diverse Naperville neighborhood called FIRE Art Gallery.
Mandalas in Corporate Culture
As her career in tech took off in the US, Sujata shifted to the Silicon Valley of America, but here too she noticed the dire need of art as a medium to pause, reflect and re-energize. She says, “I work in the STEM fields and in this crazy run of start-ups and excelling to the top, I was also noticing how young techies were getting burnt out faster. They needed an opportunity to slow down, relish life and look at simpler joys.”
Sujata began showcasing her art but it was the mandalas that were an instant hit she noticed.
She says, “I have showed at many places such as Tahoe Art League, where people across nationalities were interested in discovering more about my mandala re-invented series.”
Sujata has been also doing mandala as a therapy session at various IIT alumni meets across the country. She also creates mandala to reflect the personality for instance she says, “At the Intel summit I helped people create an electronic mandala. We started with electrons and went on to create the pattern that spoke to the mindset of participants. Similarly, I created Ocean Mandala where we showed the rare sea life thus bringing ecological awareness and conservation
into our mandala program. She adds, “I begin my sessions by informing people the origins of mandala. Mandalas have existed in Indian art for almost 12000 years, Sri Yantra being one of the earliest examples. It represents the universe and the inner self. They are known to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and help one calm down.”
Sujata conducts art therapy sessions for corporate employees and uses symmetry of mandalas to help them re-orient. The artist also conducts classes at public libraries and organizes art retreats in California where people from all walks of life come to know more about mandalas. She says, “Indian art is so rich and has so much to learn that for many Americans the entire process comes as a surprise. It’s sad that not enough has been done to bring Indian art into mainstream America. My effort is to make sure that mandala for meditation becomes an important corporate tool to help employees be more productive and creative.”
Sujata Tibrewala
Artist Sujata Tibrewals helping people create Mandalas at Sevathon event by Indian American Artist Association
Krushna Abhishek on Sunil Grover's Return: 'Made a Huge Difference'
The Great Indian Kapil Show kicked off its season on September 22, and the show’s start has been impressive for Kapil Sharma and his team. But what makes this crew a hit one is a bond forged with love and respect over so many years reveals Krushna Abhishek as he speaks with Indianexpress.com about his journey as a comedian and Kapil. He even admits how Sunil Grover’s return to the Netflix show has made a huge difference to them. When asked about the chances of Sumona Chakraborty and Bharti Singh’s return on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Krushna jokingly said that it is a question that should be asked to Netflix. He also went on to say that Sunil Grover’s return to the show has been a fruitful one. “Yes, Sunil is a very talented person, he has a very different kind of comedy. He has a very subtle style. He is very different from Kapil, me, and Kiku. It has made a huge difference after he rejoined us. He has a fanbase that we got back,” he said.
‘Can’t
Be Good at Everything’
Triptii Dimri
Actor Triptii Dimri opened up about the criticism that she received for her dancing in the recently released song “Mere Mehboob,” from the film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, in which she stars opposite Rajkummar Rao. Triptii said in an interview that she didn’t see it coming, and stressed that making mistakes and learning from them is a part of the game.
Triptii, who rose to fame after appearing in a supporting role in the film Animal, said that acting wasn’t her first love, nor was dancing.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, she was asked about the criticisms surrounding her dancing, and if she could tell while shooting that something was missing. She said, “Not really. As an actor, I’m trying to do different things. First, I thought that you only need to know acting to be an actor, and you’re sorted. When things got real, I realised that when you’re offered shows, you should know how to walk properly, when you get offered a dance number, you should know how to dance well…”
Triptii said that she’s still a work in progress. “I said, ‘I have to try everything’. But one can’t be good at everything. But what’s wrong in trying? You have to give it your best; you’re here now. I didn’t realise (while shooting). It was my first dance number, I haven’t really done one like this before. And I didn’t think that it would get the kind of response that it’s getting. But it’s fine; it happens to everybody. There are things that people like, there are things that people don’t like.
Govinda hospitalised after shooting himself in the leg with own revolver: report
Mithun Chakraborty to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Govinda is currently hospitalized at CritiCare Hospital, and police are investigating the incident after seizing his weapon.
Veteran actor Govinda, known for his string of comedy hits in the 1990s, has been hospitalised after injuring himself in the leg. According to news agency PTI, who quoted the Mumbai Police, the injury was caused by his own revolver. He is currently hospitalized at CritiCare Hospital, and police are investigating the incident after seizing his weapon. According to reports, the accident took place at 4:45 am, when Govinda was leaving for an appointment.
Actor-politician Mithun Chakraborty has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is the highest government honour accorded for contributions in the field of cinema. The three-time National Award winner, who is one of the very few to have won the Best Actor win on debut, is a veteran of over 350 films in Hindi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Odia, Telugu, and Tamil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mithun on the honour, “Delighted that Shri Mithun Chakraborty Ji has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. He is a cultural icon, admired across generations for his versatile performances. Congratulations and best wishes to him.”
Enough atta one for
There is no doubt that filmmaker Anubhav very rare Indian voices from cinema that from calling a spade a spade. Anubhav’s of work reflects his ability to question the not bow down to pressures of doing the same. His Netflix series, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, is a initial wave of positivity that came their way was voices demanding changes in the series, and jeopardised freedom of the filmmaker. But Anubhav didn’t back on to label the controversy as just ‘gobar’ and simply from it by saying the universe is both constructive candidness came to the fore in an interview for casting director Mukesh Chhabra, where he also acting aspirants and what they need to do to break of cinema. He cited the example of actors such as Kumud Mishra and Manoj Pahwa who have honed level that filmmakers have no choice but to cast “Actors are in need of that one opportunity to showcase But are you preparing yourself for it?” asked Anubhav, to explain that an actor can never truly become don’t have the ability to think rationally. “If you or know your history or understand the politics
Rajinikanth hospitalised in Chennai for planned procedure
atta for just two rotis— for you, one for me!
‘There’s No Rulebook, No Need to Advise Each Other’
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on
Being a Supermom
Anubhav Sinha is one of the that doesn’t shy away impressive body the status quo, and His recent work, the a prime example. The was soon hijacked by jeopardised the creative back down, and went simply shrugged away constructive and critical. This Mashable India with also spoke about the break into the world as Manoj Bajpayee, honed their craft to the them. showcase their talent. Anubhav, who went on a good one if they haven’t read poems around you, then
you can’t call yourself a good actor. You have to be educated.” Going on to point out this education doesn’t mean the bookish ones or degree certificates, Anubhav said that it is important to be educated in the school of life. “You have to understand the country, life, society.
Then there is the necessity of honing your craft. Actors spend 85-90 percent of their time in search of the opportunity. Make that 15-20 percent, and instead, spend the rest to understand your craft, and improve it. This would prepare you for the moment you get the opportunity. Any good actor worth their salt is very intelligent and aware,” asserted Anubhav, who spoke about how he can’t now do a film without the likes of Manoj Pahwa and Kumud Mishra. “I feel a sense of insecurity if they are not there in my film.”
Another name that he considers to be an important part of his life but unfortunately hasn’t yet worked with is Manoj Bajpayee.
Reminiscing about the 35-year journey with the ace actor, Anubhav said, “I have known him since 1989, from the time when we had atta just for 2 rotis, and we used to share one each. Recently, he called me after watching IC 814, and spoke about it with so much happiness. He was so proud of me that he called once in the night, expressed his joy, called me back the next morning, and shared his happiness all over again.”
Actor Rajinikanth was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai during the late hours of Monday, it is learnt. Although there has been no official confirmation about the same from the hospital or team Rajinikanth, it is learnt that the actor has an elective procedure scheduled for Tuesday. Hospital sources said the the 73-year-old superstar, who reportedly complained of stomach pain, was stable. Official details about the health status of Rajinikanth and the planned procedure at the hospital are awaited.
In late 2020, a similar health scare had resulted in Rajinikanth abandoning plans to start his longawaited political career. He had announced the political party in December 2020 only to revoke the plan in the same month citing health reasons and the pandemic
TMKOC Sends Legal Notice to Palak Sindhwani,
Actor Alleges 'Exploitation'
Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her daughter Aaradhya are undeniably mother-daughter goals, radiating love and affection whenever they appear in public together. These days, Aishwarya rarely steps out without Aaradhya and they share a warm bond, with the two being each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Once one of B-Towns’s busiest actors, Aishwarya took a step back from her career after Aaradhya’s birth in 2011. Though she made a comeback in 2015, she has been selective about her projects, focusing only on those that truly inspire her, without compromising her time with her daughter. Aishwarya for advice on how to be a supermom like her, she will quickly dismiss the idea of a universal approach to motherhood.
“Listen, you are a mother, and you know best. We are all human beings, we are not gonna sit and advise each other or share with each other. There is no notebook or rulebook we’re all born with. So you do you, and you are incredible with your daughter. Blessings and love,” she shared with NDTV while walking the green carpet at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024, accompanied by Aaradhya.
If you ask Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for advice on how to be a supermom like her, she will quickly dismiss the idea of a universal approach to motherhood.
Palak Sindhwani, who portrayed Sonu Bhide on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has accused the show's producers of exploitation following her decision to leave the series. After announcing her resignation, Palak claims the production team delayed the process, making her exit difficult. She also faced a legal notice alleging breach of contract due to unauthorized brand endorsements, which the show's contract reportedly prohibited without approval. Palak denies these accusations, stating that the makers had previously allowed her to engage in brand endorsements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation escalated only after her decision to leave the show. She emphasized that she chose to resign for personal and professional reasons, but now feels that the production team is attempting to tarnish her reputation as retaliation for her departure(DNA India) (India Today )(Koimoi).
Israeli
Ground Raids Begin in Lebanon
Israeli forces have begun "limited, localized, and targeted" ground raids in Lebanon two days after it killed the group's chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike, threatening to worsen the Middle East crisis.
The ground raids target Hezbollah infrastructure in villages in south Lebanon, close to the border, which pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, said the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), asserting that Operation "Northern Arrows" will continue in parallel to the fighting in Gaza and in other arenas.
Biden Calls for Ceasefire in IsraelHezbollah Conflict
"Public Safety Paramount, Temple, Dargah On Road Must Go": SC
New Delhi: Public safety is paramount and any religious structure encroaching upon a road, water bodies, or rail tracks must go, the Supreme Court said today. The court stressed that India is a secular country and its directions for bulldozer action and antiencroachment drives will be for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.
The bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan was hearing petitions challenging bulldozer action against people accused of crimes. The trend, which has caught on in several states, is often referred to as 'bulldozer justice'. The state authorities have, in the past, maintained that only illegal structures were demolished in such cases.
The Supreme Court stressed India is a secular country and its directions for bulldozer action and anti-encroachment drives will be for all citizens
Mysuru Land Body Responds to Siddaramaiah's Wife's Offer
Until now, Joe Biden has refused to play the military aid card to force Benjamin Netanyahu's hand, other than the suspension of one delivery of bombs in May.
Washington: Despite US calls to avert a ground offensive in Lebanon, Israel has begun "targeted" raids on the country -- more proof that Washington has been unable to rein in its ally, amid fears of a wider Middle East conflict. The US president indicated Monday that he was opposed to Israeli ground operations in Lebanon, calling for a ceasefire as tensions spiralled after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. "I'm more aware than you might know and I'm comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now," Biden told reporters when asked if he was aware of Israeli plans for a limited operation on Lebanese soil. A few hours later, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel had informed Washington that it was currently conducting "limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border."
Mysuru: The Mysuru land authority at the centre of a financial and political storm - involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and alleged losses of Rs. 45 crore to the state - has received an offer of restitution from his wife, the urban development body's Commissioner, AN Raghunandan said.
"I am in possession of a letter written by Siddaramaiah's wife regarding her intention to return 14 plots (of land).
The Chief Minister's son, Yatindra Siddaramaiah, came to our office and delivered the letter. We will take legal advice for the next step..." he told reporters in Mysuru.
Mr Raghunandan also confirmed anti-
Investigative action against the Chief Minister follows the Karnataka High Court quashing a challenge to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot's order sanctioning Siddaramaiah's prosecution.
corruption officials from the city's Lokayukta branch had written seeking cooperation in its inquiry into the charges against the Chief Minister. He said the Mysuru Urban Development Authority, or MUDA, "will cooperate with the investigation".
The Enforcement Directorate, however, have not reached out as yet, Mr Raghunandan said. The ED, a federal agency, has filed a money laundering case against Siddaramaiah.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for three states -- Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Asked if being accused in a criminal case can be a ground for facing bulldozer action, Mr Mehta replied, "No absolutely not, even for heinous crimes like rape or terrorism. Like my lord said it cannot also be that the notice issued is stuck one day before, it has to be in advance. One of the concerns was that notice has to be issued... most municipal laws, depending on the subject matter they are dealing with, have provisions for issuance of notice. Your Lordships may read that a notice be issued via registered post."
Govinda Suffers Bullet Injury At Home After Licensed Gun Misfires
Mumbai: Popular actor Govinda was hospitalised this morning after he suffered a bullet injury on his leg, Mumbai Police have said. The actor is out of danger and his manager said he is doing fine. The injury was caused at the actor's Juhu home around 4.45 am today due to a misfire from his licensed revolver. The actor released an audio clip in which he said the blessings of his fans, parents and his guru saved him. "I was hit by a bullet but it has been extracted. I thank the doctors here and your prayers," he said. The 60-year-old actor, also a Shiv Sena leader, was alone at home at the time of the incident and was getting ready to leave for Kolkata when the incident occurred, his manager Shashi Sinha said.
US Warns Iran Of "Serious Consequences" If It Attacks Israel
Washington: The United States Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant and reiterated "serious consequences" for Iran if Tehran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.
The Pentagon Chief discussed security developments and Israeli operations with counterpart Gallant and made it clear that the US supports Israel's right to defend itself.
"I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant today to discuss
security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese
Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," Austin said, sharing a post on X on Tuesday. He said, "I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border and made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iranbacked terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict."
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Joe Biden indicated Monday that he was opposed to Israeli ground operations in Lebanon (File).
France Submits Final Offer to India for 26 Rafale Jets Deal
New Delhi: France has submitted the final price offer to India for the 26 Rafale Marine Jet deal just ahead of the scheduled visit of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to the country.
Defence sources told ANI that the best and final price offer has been submitted to the Indian authorities by the French side for the project and a significant price reduction has been given after tough negotiations in the proposed contract.
India and France are negotiating the deal for buying 26 Rafale Marine jets which are going to be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and different bases.
Haryana BJP Expels Rebel Opposing Chief Minister
New Delhi: The Haryana BJP has expelled eight rebels from the party days ahead of the October 5 assembly elections. The leaders have been expelled for six years after they filed nominations as Independents, contesting against leaders of the BJP including Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. A statement by state party chief Mohan Lal Badoli said the list includes former minister Ranjit Chautala, who had quit the post after he was denied ticket. Sandeep Garg, who had filed nomination to contest against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Ladwa was expelled as well. All eight have been expelled for six years.
RCB Asked To Retain
Only Virat Kohli
The Board of Control for Cricket in India released the IPL auction rules on Sunday. Each franchise can retain upto 6 players with Right To Match (RTM) option included in it. As the teams have started finalizing their picks ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, former India pacer RP Singh has passed a huge verdict on franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
SC Urges Separation of Faith and Politics in Tirupati Laddoo Dispute
New Delhi: Religion and politics cannot be allowed to mix, the Supreme Court said Monday while hearing three petitions over allegations that animal fat was found in the ghee used to make the laddoos, or devotional offerings, 'fed' to the deity and given to devotees at Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati temple.
In a series of pointed questions and sharp observations, the top court underlined the lack of definitive proof of contamination of ghee or, if it was indeed contaminated, that the affected ghee was used to make the laddoos. The court also pointed to an ongoing inquiry and a "false positive" testing caveat. The court took a dim view of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's public statements on this contentious issue, particularly as his administration had already ordered an inquiry into the findings of a Gujarat lab July's report claiming fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (pig fat) were found in the ghee.
"When you (the Chief Minister) hold a
The irked top court also pointed out it has not yet been established if the ghee - about which complaints over quality had been received - was, in fact, used to make the laddoos.
Constitutional post... we expect Gods to be kept away from politics. If you had already ordered (an) investigation, what was the need to go to the press? The lab
Indian-Origin US Health Adviser Fired for Lying About Vaccines, Sex Party
Indian-origin doctor and former COVID-19 czar of New York City, Jay Varma is facing severe criticism for lying under oath by testifying that vaccination is the sole means of stopping the spread of coronavirus. This comes after hiddencamera footage surfaced, revealing Mr Varma, the former COVID czar of New York City, boasting about attending
drug-fuelled sex parties during the pandemic.
Jay Varma, who was a senior health advisor to ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio during the height of the pandemic, confessed in newly released footage that natural immunity to the virus is equally effective as vaccination. “It doesn't make any difference at all... Everybody's been exposed to the virus. Whether you're exposed to the virus because it's breathed on you or because you got injected into you. It's the same immune response,” he said, as per the NY Post. However, during multiple lawsuits against COVID mandates, Mr Varma provided contradictory testimony, in which he said, “The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to offer those persons with a prior COVID-19 infection greater protection against reinfection.”
The controversy arose after the footage, filmed by a hidden camera and released by podcaster Steven Crowder, showed Mr Varma discussing the limitations of vaccine mandates. Critics have since accused him of providing false testimony, leading to a growing call for legal action.
report came in July... your statement came in September. (And) the report is not at all clear..." A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan was distinctly unhappy with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's September 20 comments, in which he hit out at his rival and predecessor, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, over the alleged presence of animal fats in Tirupati laddoo ghee.
Israeli Strikes Kill 105 in Lebanon as Hezbollah Recovers Nasrallah's Body
Israel on Sunday carried out fresh air strikes on Lebanon on Sunday, two days after it killed Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah in an attack on Beirut's densely populated southern suburbs. Lebanon claimed fresh Israeli strikes killed 105 people and injured 359 others on Sunday after Israel said it had kept up its bombardment of Hezbollah targets. Lebanon's health ministry said there had been deadly air raids near the main southern city of Sidon, while dozens more had died in the east, in the south, and in and around Beirut. Four people were also killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut on Monday, the first attack on the city itself since the Iran-backed Hezbollah engaged in cross-border fire with Israel after Hamas attacked Israeli towns on October 7 last year, triggering war in Gaza.
SpaceX Capsule, Sunita Williams'
Ride Home, Docks at Space Station
Washington: The SpaceX crew that will ferry back two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station docked with the orbiting laboratory Sunday, a live stream of the mission showed.
The Falcon 9 rocket took off at 1:17 pm (1717 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, with the Crew-9 mission on a Dragon spacecraft making contact with the ISS at 5:30 pm Sunday.
After docking was completed, NASA
astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov boarded the station just after 7:00 pm, embracing
The newly developed Starliner was making its first crewed flight when it delivered Wilmore and Williams to the ISS in June.
their floating colleagues on the space station. "What a fabulous day it was today," NASA
deputy administrator Pam Melroy said at a news conference. When Hague and Gorbunov return from the space station in February, they will bring back two space veterans -- Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams -- whose stay on the ISS was prolonged for months due to problems with their Boeing-designed Starliner spacecraft. The newly developed Starliner was making its first crewed flight when it delivered Wilmore and Williams to the ISS in June. SpaceX, the private company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, has been flying regular missions every six months to allow the rotation of ISS crews.
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Jay Varma was a senior health advisor to ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio during the height of the pandemic.
Israeli military says Hezbollah leader has been killed
Israel’s military says Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has been killed in an air strike on Beirut. Earlier, the Israeli military said they were mobilising additional reserve soldiers as tensions escalate with Lebanon.\ The military said on Saturday morning they were activating three battalions of reserve soldiers, after sending two battalions to northern Israel earlier in the week to train for a possible ground invasion.
On Saturday morning, the Israeli military carried out several strikes on targets in southern Beirut, including Hezbollah’s headquarters in a series of massive explosions that targeted the leader of the militant group and levelled multiple high-rise apartment buildings.
Hezbollah Chief's Daughter Killed in Israel's Beirut Strikes
At least 43 dead as Helene pummels southeast US
At least 43 people have died and millions left without power on Friday as Hurricane Helene roared through the south-eastern US. Officials continued daring rescues with boats, helicopters and large vehicles to help those stranded in floodwaters - including about 50 workers and patients who crowded on the roof of a flooded Tennessee hospital. It was the most powerful storm on record to hit Florida's Big Bend and moved north into Georgia and the Carolinas after making landfall overnight on Thursday.
India's First Secretary to the UN, Bhavika Mangalanandan, delivered a pointed rebuttal alleging Pakistan's complicity in global terrorism and citing its long history of using cross-border terrorism as a state policy.
New Delhi: India issued a stern warning to Pakistan today at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) following Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's speech, in which he raised the Jammu and Kashmir issue. India firmly responded by stating that Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism will "inevitably invite consequences."
India's First Secretary to the UN, Bhavika Mangalanandan, delivered a pointed rebuttal alleging Pakistan's complicity in global terrorism and citing its long history of using cross-border terrorism as a state policy. Ms Mangalanandan's statement came in response to Mr Sharif's call for India to reverse its 2019 abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir,
India's Warning After Shehbaz Sharif's UN Speech
and his demands for a dialogue between the two countries.
"This Assembly regrettably witnessed a travesty this morning. A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism, narcotics trade and transnational crime has had the audacity to attack the world's largest democracy,"
Ms Mangalanandan said. "The world can see for itself what Pakistan really is."
The First Secretary described Mr Sharif's
Court Orders FIR Against N Sitharaman Over Poll Bonds Extortion Allegation
Bengaluru: A Bengaluru Special Court has ordered the filing of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over allegations of extortion through the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. The complaint was filed by Adarsh Iyer of the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane (JSP), accusing Ms Sitharaman and others of orchestrating an extortion racket under the guise of electoral bonds.
A complaint filed in Bengaluru names not only Nirmala Sitharaman but also BJP President JP Nadda, and Karnataka BJP leaders Naleen Kumar Kateel and BY Vijayendra. The complaint alleges
A complaint filed in Bengaluru names not only Nirmala Sitharaman but also BJP President JP Nadda, and Karnataka BJP leaders Naleen Kumar Kateel and BY Vijayendra.
that corporate entities were coerced into purchasing electoral bonds to the tune of thousands of crores, citing raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as a pressure tactic. These electoral bonds were purportedly cashed by BJP leaders at both national and state levels. The complaint claims that the electoral bonds scheme facilitated the accumulation of illicit funds for political purposes, with Ms Sitharaman and other senior BJP leaders involved in the process. The BJP has defended Nirmala Sitharaman, distancing itself from the allegations. The party argued that the charges are politically motivated and that the electoral bonds issue is a policy matter, not a criminal one. The BJP also attacked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the ongoing MUDA case.
speech as audacious, given Pakistan's international "reputation for terrorism", narcotics trade, and transnational crime.
"A country run by the military, with a global reputation for terrorism...has had the audacity to attack the world's largest democracy," she said, referencing attacks orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror groups, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
BookMyShow CEO Summoned Over Coldplay "Fake Tickets" Sale
Mumbai: The BookMyShow chief executive officer and co-founder Ashish Hemrajani and the company's technical head have been summoned by Mumbai Police over the alleged black marketing of tickets for shows of British rock band Coldplay, an official said on Friday. The Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has initiated a probe on the complaint of an advocate, who accused the ticketing platform of facilitating the black marketing of tickets for the Coldplay concert at the Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium, scheduled to be held from January 19 to 21, 2025. Mr Hemrajani and the BookMyShow's technical head have been asked to record their statements on Saturday, the official said.
Harris Vows To Fix US Immigration System, Trump Says "This Is Bad Timing"
Washington: Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has vowed to impose tougher security measures at the border and fix America's broken immigration system, as she sought to counter frequent political attacks on the issue from her Republican rival Donald Trump ahead of the November election. Vice President Harris' comments came during her visit to the US-Mexico border in Douglas, Arizona, on Friday. Despite taking a hardline stance on border security, Harris said she also supports a "pathway to citizenship" for undocumented
migrants currently in the US. "As President, I will work with Congress to create, at long last, a pathway to citizenship for hardworking immigrants who have been here for years," Harris said. Harris was in Arizona to get a first-hand assessment of the
security situation at the southern borders. Slamming former President Trump, she said politicians have refused to come together and fix the broken immigration system. Illegal immigration is an issue that Americans have grown increasingly worried about in recent years amid record levels of migrant crossings at the southern border. "Well, as President, I will put politics aside to fix our immigration system and find solutions to problems which have persisted for far too long... These issues are highly consequential for our nation," she said.
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Zainab Nasrallah
Zainab Nasrallah, the daughter of top Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut on Friday.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah
Golden Jubilee Celebrations: 50 Years of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, New York
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NEW YORK, NY- In 1974, the first mandir of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in North America was inaugurated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Flushing, New York. This year, BAPS marked 50 years of spiritual upliftment, community service, and cultural preservation with a grand celebration in the same city. The festivities spanned two weekends, drawing thousands from across the country. The event underscored BAPS’s incredible growth, from a small group of devotees to a prominent Hindu organization in the U.S., now boasting over 115 mandirs across North America. An interactive exhibition highlighted BAPS’s five-decade journey and contributions.
Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) lauded BAPS’s impact, presenting the organization with a U.S. Capitol flag in honor of its 50 years of service. He stated, “The journey of BAPS is remarkable.”
BAPS’s roots in North America can be traced back to His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), whose motto, “In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own,” continues to inspire millions. This message was echoed by Pujya Chaitanyanand Swami of ISKCON, who noted, “BAPS is an example of how society can live together and serve together in a loving, friendly way.” The organization’s mission of compassion, integrity, and devotion is now carried forward by His Holiness Mahant
In 1974, the first mandir of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in North America was inaugurated by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Flushing, New York. This year, BAPS marked 50 years of spiritual upliftment, community service, and cultural preservation with a grand celebration in the same city.
Swami Maharaj, whose blessings were sent from India for the occasion.
A team of 12,500 volunteers is currently working on constructing the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Jersey, a symbol of unity and devotion. Attendees at the event shared reflections on BAPS’s impact. Kishore Mehta from Houston, a lead volunteer in 1974,
marveled at the growth from a single mandir to over 115 worldwide, including the largest in the Western Hemisphere— BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. Smruti Brahmbhatt from Robbinsville, NJ, expressed joy at seeing how the “seed sown 50 years ago has blossomed into a beautiful tree.” Tushar Patel from Orlando, FL, shared that the 50th-
anniversary celebration highlighted the transformation BAPS has fostered in society, offering a strong foundation of culture and respect. Dr. Parag Mehta from New York emphasized BAPS’s dedication to humanitarian efforts, saying, “Whether it’s Ukraine or Kutch, BAPS is always first to serve.”
A distinguished lineup of dignitaries attended the event, including Binaya Shrikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, Congressman Tom Suozzi, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. Religious and community leaders, such as Mr. Jagannath Rao of ISKCON and Sister BK Tina of Brahma Kumaris, were also present. Earlier this year, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed resolutions commemorating the 50th anniversary of BAPS’s first mandir in North America, celebrating its spiritual and community contributions.
Senator John Liu emphasized the mandir’s significance, stating, “The BAPS mandir has been a cornerstone of the Hindu community, serving spiritual and social needs for 50 years.” Assemblymember Nily Rozic echoed these sentiments, recognizing the profound impact the mandir has had on its members and the wider community.
The Flushing celebrations mark the beginning of similar events across the U.S. and Canada, further demonstrating BAPS’s ongoing dedication to fostering spirituality, community, and service.
Sardar Patel University Alumni Celebrate 22nd Annual Convention in New Jersey
FORDS, NJ- The 22nd Annual Sardar Patel University (SPU) Alumni Convention was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey, with over 350 SPU alumni, invited guests, and dignitaries in attendance. The event’s highlight was a humorous and insightful presentation by Padma Shree award recipient Dr. Jagdish Trivedi, a renowned humorist, author, poet, and philosopher. His witty wisdom kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the evening. Dr. Nita Patel, Ph.D., an SPU alumna and renowned vaccinologist who led the development of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, and Dr. K.V. Raman, Ph.D., were the event’s Chief Guests. Both received plaques of honor for their significant contributions. Dr. Virendra Rawat, Founder Director of Green Mentors, also attended as a special guest and delivered an inspirational speech on sustainability and climate-readiness in education. He, too, was honored for his commitment to a sustainable future. Other prominent individuals recognized
The event successfully raised more than $40,000, supporting SPU’s mission to provide education and humanitarian assistance in India. For over two decades, the SPU Alumni Association has been organizing such conventions, offering alumni a unique opportunity to reconnect, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives to support the university and educational causes.
for their support to SPU included Hitesh & Kim Bhatt of the Bhatt Foundation, Dr. Jitendra & Ramila Patel, Albert Jasani, Dr. Dinesh Patel, and Hasmukh Patel. The evening began with the traditional Deep Pragatya ceremony, followed by a tribute to India’s beloved leader, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose vision in the late 1940s laid the foundation for SPU. SPU President Mr. Alay Patel opened the event with a welcoming speech, outlining the university’s objectives, current activities, and future vision.
Before the formal start of the convention, Dr. Jatin Mehta delivered an engaging hour-long seminar on “Artificial Intelligence Driven Entrepreneurship with Spirituality,” which was wellreceived by the attendees.
A special tribute was paid to the late Shobhana Patel, a proud SPU alumna who passed away earlier this year. During the event, SPU Executive VicePresident Mr. Jatin Desai appealed for donations to the Alumni Association’s scholarship programs, aimed at helping underprivileged students. Dr. Jagdish Trivedi further inspired donors through his charitable legacy, having already contributed over 60% of his pledged 11 crore rupees for education and healthcare causes.
The event successfully raised more than $40,000, supporting SPU’s mission to provide education and humanitarian assistance in India. For over two decades, the SPU Alumni Association has been organizing such conventions, offering alumni a unique opportunity to reconnect, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives to support the university and educational causes.
Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-3) presents a U.S. Capitol flag to BAPS in honor of its 50 years of dedicated service.
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An India’s ‘answer to linen’
A symbol of self-reliance and resistance
Embracing khadi is not just a fashion choice but a commitment to cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
“Khadi is India’s answer to linen,” according to fashion designer Anju Modi. What began as a symbol of resistance against foreign rule, khadi, a hand-spun and handwoven textile native to India, has evolved into a beacon of climate consciousness and cultural preservation.
“Under British rule, mass-produced textiles devastated India’s handloom industry. Mahatama Gandhi promoted Khadi in the early 20th century, urging Indians to spin their textile as a form of economic resistance,” said Dr Adity Saxena, dean, School of Arts and Design, Woxsen University, Hyderabad. Derived from the Hindi word “Khad” or “Pit,” Khadi became central to the Swadeshi Movement.
Post-independence, its importance was institutionalised through the All India Khadi and Village Industries Board and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). Today, khadi is popular in neighbouring nations such as Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Khadi – a fabric or a textile?
“Simply put, all textiles are not fabrics, but all fabrics are textiles,” said Sugandha Suneja, assistant professor at NIFT Panchkula. In the case of khadi, it qualifies as both, though the terms are often used interchangeably. “Textile refers to woven or knitted materials made from yarn or fibers, which can be natural, man-made, or regenerated. Fabrics, on the other hand, are specifically created using methods like weaving, knitting, or crocheting,” she said. Processes in khadi production
Khadi is hand-spun and handwoven on
Aries
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.
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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
a charkha (spinning wheel) from cotton, silk, or wool threads. The process begins with collecting raw cotton, followed by ginning, carding, spinning, warping, and weaving. Once woven, the fabric is dyed using natural colors, and white pigment is used for printing. Each region in India offers distinct varieties of khadi.
Festive offer
“The finest type of khadi, with yarn counts of 100 or 120, are suited for lightweight summer clothing. Khadi with 500-1,000 counts used to be expensive, but is a rare find now due to its delicate production,” said professor Sanjay Guria, dean for academic affairs, School of Arts and Design, Woxsen University. Khadi of 20 counts are ideal for homeware, while finer yarns of 60-80 counts are used for garments. Challenges faced by the industry
Khadi symbolises self-reliance owing to its association with the Swadeshi Movement, but its artisans face many challenges today. “Many skilled workers struggle with low wages and harsh conditions, triggering a shift away from this labour-intensive craft to more lucrative options. This exodus threatens the fabric of local communities and their traditional arts,” said Asha Patil, founder of Banjara Kasuti. Khadi’s handspun yarn makes weaving difficult, leading to inconsistencies in dyeing, and shrinkage, explained Dr Saxena. Khadi production faces multiple challenges as well. This has led to an unfortunate reliance on subsidies, outdated marketing practices, low product innovation, shortage in funding, and unsold stock.
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
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)
IIFA Rocks 2024: A Spectacular Finale to the IIFA Festival 2024
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Celebrating The Mastery behind the Magic of Indian Cinema at Sobha IIFA Rocks, Co-Presented by NEXA, on 28th September at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
The IIFA Utsavam Technical Awards 2024 delivered a night to remember, celebrating the trailblazers of Indian cinema in grand style. In a spectacular showcase of music, artistry, and cinematic brilliance, the prestigious Sobha IIFA Rocks event lit up Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, reaffirming its status as a global cultural phenomenon. Hosted by the dynamic duo Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee, the night saw some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry come together to celebrate Indian cinema’s finest.
Ponniyin Selvan Part – 2 stole the spotlight, securing three major wins
at the IIFA Utsavam Technical Awards for Best Cinematography, Production Design, and Background Score. Music maestro A.R. Rahman was
also recognized, winning the Best Background Score for his exceptional work in Ponniyin Selvan Part – 2 (Tamil).
The grand finale of the IIFA Festival was nothing short of extraordinary. The legendary musical trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy captivated the audience with their iconic compositions, celebrating their 30-year journey in Bollywood. Their soulful and high-energy performance set the tone for the night, followed by Shilpa Rao, whose powerful vocals added a magical touch. Honey Singh then elevated the energy with his electrifying fusion of rap and Bollywood beats, keeping the audience on their feet. Adding an element of elegance, Lulia Vantur graced the stage with her captivating performance, rounding out the night of star-studded performances. Beyond the musical brilliance, IIFA Rocks 2024 honored the behindthe-scenes technical wizards whose creativity drives the magic of Indian cinema. Categories such as Cinematography, Screenplay, Dialogues, Editing, Choreography, Sound Design, Sound Mixing, Background Score, and
Philadelphia CBP Officers Bag Three Parcels of Dangerous Xylazine
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PHILADELPHIA – In September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Philadelphia seized three parcels containing xylazine, an animal tranquilizer increasingly being cut with fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” poses significant risks as it does not respond to Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses. The most recent parcel, from Spain and labeled as “mica powder for makeup,” contained 1.04 kilograms of xylazine and was intercepted on Thursday. Two earlier parcels, also from Spain, contained similar quantities, bringing the total weight seized to 3.135 kilograms.
Xylazine is cheap, easily obtained, and often mixed with opioids like fentanyl and heroin, contributing to
fatal overdoses. Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have issued warnings about xylazine’s growing threat to public health. Unlike narcotics, there is no known antidote for xylazine poisoning.
CBP officers, working with local, federal, and international partners, are committed to intercepting synthetic
drugs like xylazine at U.S. borders. According to Adam Streetman, CBP’s Area Port Director for Philadelphia, these seizures demonstrate CBP’s ongoing efforts to protect communities from the deadly effects of transnational drug trafficking. On average, CBP officers and agents seize 2,339 pounds of drugs daily, including 78 pounds of fentanyl, across the nation’s air, sea, and land ports of entry.
• Production Design (Tamil): Thota Tharani (Ponniyin Selvan Part – 2)
• Background Score (Tamil): A. R. Rahman (Ponniyin Selvan Part – 2)
• Special Effects (Visual – Malayalam): Mindstein Studios (2018: Everyone Is A Hero) The event, co-powered by Maisour and Siggnature Finest Cardamom Seeds, was an unforgettable celebration of innovation, artistry, and the technical mastery that brings Indian cinema to life.
DOJ Awards $86.16M to Support Native American and Alaskan Survivors of Violence
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Department of Justice announced over $86.16 million in grants aimed at supporting American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The funding, administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) through the Tribal Affairs Division, focuses on assisting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. It also strengthens Tribal sovereignty by funding law enforcement, prosecution, and Tribal court initiatives. These grants are part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and include various programs such as the new Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program: Strengthening Tribal Advocacy Responses Track (START), which provides $7.58 million to assist Tribes in building advocacy responses. OVW also awarded $45.17 million to support existing Tribal programs addressing gender-based violence.
New initiatives, including the Healing
and Response Teams Special Initiative, were also launched, allocating $2 million to assist Tribes in addressing Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases. Additional funding supports Tribal collaboration with U.S. Attorneys’ offices, enhancing legal responses to violent crimes in Indian Country. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to addressing disproportionately high rates of violence against Native women, calling the funding a crucial
step toward safety and justice. OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall highlighted the importance of these programs during the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Institute. OVW has provided over $11 billion in funding since 1995 to help communities nationwide reduce gender-based violence. These grants continue to support efforts in policy development, community collaboration, and survivor support, reinforcing the goal of creating safer and more just environments for Native women and girls.
IACCGH Marks 25-Year Milestone with Grand Silver Jubilee Gala Celebration
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HOUSTON, TX- The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Silver Jubilee Gala at the Hilton Americas, attended by over 700 business leaders, elected officials, and distinguished guests. The event recognized the Chamber’s efforts in promoting business growth, trade with India, and job creation.
The evening began with a VIP Reception, where Congressman Al Green and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis honored key supporters, including Nick Dhanani and Wallis Bank. IACC India Secretary General Kamal Vora was
acknowledged as a long-term partner.
Keynote addresses from Houston Mayor John Whitmire and D.C. Manjunath, Consul General of India, highlighted the event, with IACCGH President Rajiv Bhavsar emphasizing the Chamber’s work in supporting small businesses. Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia
opened the event with gratitude for the Chamber’s success.
A special panel titled “25 in 25 – A Legacy in Progress,” moderated by Sanjay Ramabhadran, showcased the Chamber’s achievements with notable panelists, including University of Houston Chancellor Dr. Renu Khator and former Shell USA President Paul Hamilton. The evening featured a Silver Jubilee Cake Cutting Ceremony with former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, followed by dinner and live entertainment. Ahluwalia closed the night, expressing gratitude to sponsors and community members while looking ahead to the Chamber’s future endeavors.
Fugitive Among 77 Migrants Found in Stash Houses Raid
EL PASO, TX – U.S. Border Patrol agents and law enforcement partners arrested an individual wanted for murder as part of a group of 77 smuggled migrants found in two stash houses in El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday. The El Paso Sector AntiSmuggling Units (ASU), Homeland Security Investigations, and local law enforcement agencies uncovered 72 migrants in overcrowded and unsafe conditions in a property on Overland Avenue. Migrants were found living in a storage shed with poor air circulation and piles of trash. Two individuals identified as caretakers will face human smuggling charges.
A second stash house on Val Verde Street was also uncovered, where five additional migrants were found. The 77 migrants,
hailing from Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, were processed under Title 8 for removal.
One individual from the Dominican Republic was identified through The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol)
database as wanted for murder in his home country.
During Fiscal Year 2024, El Paso Sector human smuggling teams have discovered over 270 stash houses, apprehending 2,663 migrants. El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent A. Scott Good urged the public to report suspicious activity, which can help disrupt smuggling operations and potentially save lives. Community members can anonymously report to U.S. Border Patrol at 1-800-635-2509.
CBP Seizes Large Bologna
and Prescription Drug Shipment at Presidio Port
PRESIDIO, TX – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Presidio port of entry seized 748 pounds of prohibited Mexican bologna on September 23, 2024, from a vehicle arriving from Mexico. The driver, a 43-year-old U.S. citizen, declared only a cooked meal, but further inspection revealed the bologna concealed in suitcases. CBP officers also discovered over 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medications, including Tramadol and other controlled substances, hidden in the vehicle’s panels.
Mexican bologna, made from pork, is banned due to the risk of introducing foreign animal diseases into the U.S. agriculture industry. CBP officers seized and destroyed the bologna in accordance with USDA regulations. The driver was fined $1,000, and the medication and vehicle were also confiscated.
Presidio Port Director Benito Reyes, Jr. emphasized the importance of travelers declaring all items to avoid penalties. The seizure highlights CBP’s role in enforcing laws to protect U.S. agriculture and public safety by preventing the entry of dangerous items.
Illinois to Boost Tourism in India with a Delhi Office
While New York and Los Angeles have always been a top-destinations when it comes to Indian travelers coming to the US, now great steps are being undertaken to boost tourism to Illinois. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism has unveiled its plans to open a new office in New Delhi, India as part of a strategy to bring Indian tourists to Illinois.
It may be noted that India has emerged as Illinois’ largest overseas source market. Between 2019 to 2023 the visitor numbers increased by a whopping 55%. Illinois has a lot to offer a global traveler in terms of beautiful cities, serene landscapes, and cultural diversity. While Chicago comes first to the mind of a traveler to Illinois, the cosmopolitan city gives everything that a nuanced traveler may expect. Besides the big city, Illinois also boasts of an array of quaint river towns, natural parks and a deep diversity of cuisine.
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More than 280 boxes of undeclared prescription medications seized by CBP officers at Presidio Port of Entry.
Zofeen Maqsood
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Worcester’s India Society Raises $385,000 in Successful Annual Gala Fundraiser
HiIndia Newsdesk
WORCESTER, MA – The India Society of Worcester (ISW) raised over $385,000 at its annual gala on September 21, 2024, held at the historic Mechanics Hall. These funds will help pay off the remaining loan for the 8,000-square-foot expansion of the India Center, completed in 2021. “Thanks to our community’s generosity, ISW will soon be debt-free, allowing us to focus fully on expanding our services and programs,” said Dr. Sanjay Shah, Gala Fundraising Chair. The event featured performances by the ISW Symphony Ensemble and the Berklee College of Music Indian Ensemble, whose contemporary Indian music kept the audience energized throughout the evening. ISW’s expanded center has introduced new programs such as 3D printing classes, Dhol Tasha Lezim group, college prep workshops, women’s empowerment groups, and various sports activities like pickleball, table tennis, and chess. The organization also offers a wide array of services, including a free weekly Health Stop, crisis counseling, and a popular language and cultural school.
Dr Sanjay Shah
SW’s expanded center has introduced new programs such as 3D printing classes, Dhol Tasha Lezim group, college prep workshops, women’s empowerment groups, and various sports.
The gala’s success brings ISW closer to its vision of a community hub that enriches lives through cultural, educational, and social initiatives, promoting Indian heritage in the Greater Worcester and MetroWest areas.
Cornell University Appoints Kavita Bala as New Provost
HiIndia Newsdesk
ITHACA, NY – Kavita Bala, dean of Cornell University’s College of Computing and Information Science, has been appointed the university’s 17th provost, effective January 1. A recognized expert in computer vision and graphics, Bala’s five-year term was approved by the Cornell Board of Trustees. She will succeed John Siliciano and take on responsibilities as Cornell’s chief academic and budget officer, overseeing academic programs, research initiatives, and strategic planning.
Bala expressed her excitement, highlighting the pivotal role of technological innovation in societal
change. She is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that maximizes intellectual potential and supports creativity. Having spent 25 years at Cornell, Bala has been instrumental in driving growth in the College of Computing and Information Science,
increasing faculty by 30%, and spearheading the construction of a new 135,000-square-foot building set to open in 2025.
A champion of diversity, Bala has worked to increase access for women and underrepresented groups in computing, with women now comprising 44% of the college’s majors, far above the national average. She also co-founded GrokStyle, a visual recognition AI company acquired by Facebook.
Bala holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and joined Cornell as a postdoctoral researcher in 1999, later becoming a professor.
USCIS Updates CSPA Age Calculation Guidance for Extraordinary Circumstances
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued updated guidance in the Policy Manual (Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7) regarding how to calculate the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age for noncitizens who demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.
Key points of the updated guidance include:
CSPA Age Calculation for Extraordinary Circumstances:
For applicants excused from the “sought to acquire” requirement due to extraordinary circumstances, the CSPA age will be based on the date the immigrant visa first became available, provided the visa remains continuously available for a 1-year period without interruptions.
Handling Visa Availability Interruptions:
In cases where the immigrant visa becomes available but later becomes unavailable, applicants demonstrating extraordinary circumstances may still use the date the visa first became available to calculate their CSPA age, even if they were unable to apply before the visa became unavailable.
This update addresses a gap in previous policy announcements, ensuring more efficient and consistent processing of CSPA age calculations in cases involving extraordinary circumstances, particularly when a visa first becomes available within the period in question. The clarification is intended to help noncitizens navigating complex immigration scenarios where extraordinary factors delayed their application for adjustment of status.
Grand Opening of CMAA’s APEX Accelerator in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL – The Chinese Mutual Aid Association’s (CMAA) Business Development Center launched its APEX Accelerator Program on September 19 with great fanfare, drawing over 65 attendees, including local business representatives, community leaders, and advocates from across the Chicagoland area. The event kicked off with an energetic Lion Dance performance by CMAA youth, symbolizing good fortune for the new APEX Accelerator Center.
Darryl Thomas, the State Director of APEX at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), emphasized the program’s critical role in supporting underrepresented small
business owners. What sets CMAA’s APEX program apart is its ability to provide business advising in nine Asian languages and over 40 additional languages, made possible through a collaboration with Vowchats, a real-time translation software used by the CMAA Business Development
Center.
The event was a successful platform for connecting community stakeholders, leaders, and small business owners. Honored guests included 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 13th District State Representative Hoan Huynh, and representatives from the offices of US Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth.
Expanding Support for Small Businesses
The APEX Accelerator is a major expansion of CMAA’s Small Business Development Center, which has supported over 800 clients since its opening four years ago. It remains the only Asian American-
led center in the region, offering nocost coaching and business advice in languages including Thai, Chinese, Hindi, Urdu, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Filipino. The center assists entrepreneurs in overcoming common business challenges such as accessing capital, financing, real estate, accounting, legal issues, and human resources. CMAA is proud to offer office hours in several Chicagoland locations, including Uptown, Chinatown, West Ridge, Skokie, and Elgin. The Center is supported by funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Cook County Business Source, City of Chicago, National ACE, Coleman Foundation, Old National Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
51st Health Fair Successfully Organized by Midwest Swaminarayan Temple
CHICAGO, ILThe Midwest Swaminarayan Temple in Itasca, Illinois, hosted its 51st Health Fair on September 22, 2024, providing essential medical services to individuals facing healthcare access challenges. Sponsored by several community organizations, the event catered to over 299 participants with free health checkups.
A team of 21 doctors and 110 healthcare professionals volunteered their time. Participants received various assessments, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, with nearly 280 blood samples sent for analysis. EKGs were provided for individuals over 55, and results were interpreted by cardiologists on-site.
Primary care consultations, along with specialized services such as dental, orthopedic, and ENT care, were
Primary care consultations, along with specialized services such as dental, orthopedic, and ENT care, were offered by expert physicians.
Physical therapy, nutritional advice, and diabetes education were also available, with a booklet on diabetic guidance distributed to attendees.
offered by expert physicians. Physical therapy, nutritional advice, and diabetes education were also available, with a
booklet on diabetic guidance distributed to attendees. Ayurvedic consultations and chiropractic services further expanded
Chinmaya Mission Pioneers Hindu Chaplaincy Services in North America
TUSTIN, CA– In 2018, a frail Hindu woman in a Los Angeles hospital, needing a blood transfusion, sought spiritual support from a Hindu chaplain. However, the hospital lacked one, and when Swami Ishwarananda of Chinmaya Mission offered to visit, he was denied entry due to not being a trained chaplain. This highlighted a broader issue: Hindu patients in the U.S. often lack spiritual care, unlike followers of other major religions.
Chinmaya Mission West (CMW), the only U.S. endorser of Hindu chaplains for the Department of Defense since 1997, recognized this gap. In 2022,
Swami Swaroopananda felicitates a graduate of the program as Vilasini Balakrishnan
CMW launched the “Certificate in Hindu Spiritual Care” program through Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth in India. The course, designed by spiritual care provider Vilasini Balakrishnan, combines Hindu philosophy, general
chaplaincy practices, and teachings from the Bhagavad Gita.
The program’s first cohort of 50 students quickly found roles as volunteer Hindu chaplains at institutions like Houston Methodist Hospital and West Point Academy. By 2024, demand grew, with several students now training for military chaplaincy and positions at hospitals.
CMW aims to provide muchneeded support to Hindus in secular environments, including hospitals, universities, and the military. Graduates have shared impactful stories, such as administering sacred Ganga water to a child nearing death, illustrating the program’s profound spiritual impact.
the range of care.
One unique feature of the fair was a 3D foot screening, which drew considerable interest. The event ran smoothly, thanks to the efforts of volunteers who ensured the seamless operation of registration, testing, and consultations.
Coordinated by Jayanti Thakkar, who has organized 51 health fairs across the Chicagoland area over the past 35 years, this milestone event reflected his long-standing dedication to the community. The temple team provided refreshments for attendees and volunteers, contributing to the fair’s warm and supportive atmosphere.
Jayanti Thakkar expressed his heartfelt thanks to Dr.Neal Thakara, Dr. Biren Patel, Dr. Umang Patel, Dr Seema Mani, all the volunteers for their dedication and continued service over the years.
Scammer Arrested After Attempting to Defraud Elderly Man in Bail Scam
MARIN, CA- A scammer attempting to trick an elderly man into believing his grandson was in custody and needed thousands of dollars for bail was arrested by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday. The scammer contacted the victim, claiming his grandson was at the Alameda County Courthouse and needed $9,000 for bail. When the victim explained he only had $4,000, the scammer agreed to settle for that amount. With assistance from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, the victim arranged for an in-person cash pickup. When the scammer arrived at the victim’s residence to collect the money, sheriff’s investigators arrested them.
Blavatnik Foundation Honors Accomplished Indian American Scientists
NEW YORK, NY – On September 17, The Blavatnik Family Foundation and The New York Academy of Sciences announced the 2024 Blavatnik Regional Awards for Young Scientists laureates and finalists. This follows the earlier announcement of the 2024 Blavatnik National Awards honorees.
Among the distinguished are several Indian Americans making significant contributions:
Raghavendra Pradyumna Pothukuchi (Regional Award Winner, Yale University) has developed brain-inspired computer architectures to enhance memory retrieval and cognition, potentially revolutionizing neurological treatments.
Aavishkar Patel (Regional Award Finalist, Flatiron Institute) contributed to understanding strange metals’ physics, laying the groundwork for superconducting material advancements.
Anima Anandkumar (National Award Finalist, Caltech) led AI innovations,
including a high-resolution weather model surpassing traditional methods.
Yogesh Surendranath (National Award
Finalist, MIT) developed renewable electricity-powered chemical processes for eco-friendly industrial transformations.
Sohini Ramachandran (National Award Finalist, Brown University) applied genomic data and statistical models to ensure equitable outcomes from genetics research. The Blavatnik Regional Awards jury, consisting of prominent scientists and engineers, selected laureates who will receive $30,000, while finalists will receive $10,000. The winners were chosen from 134 nominations across 24 institutions in the Tri-State area. This announcement coincided with the National Postdoctoral Association’s National Postdoc Appreciation Week, recognizing the crucial role postdoctoral scholars play in advancing U.S. research.
The 2024 Blavatnik Regional Awards Ceremony will be held on October 1 at the American Museum of Natural History, New York. Len Blavatnik, founder of Access Industries and the Blavatnik Family Foundation, lauded the laureates for their impactful research that promises longlasting benefits for the global scientific community.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
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HiIndia Newsdesk
Team of Doctors & Volunteers (Photos by Jayanti Oza)
New York Life Celebrates Jaydev Patel’s Unmatched Success with Statue Unveiling
NEW YORK, NY New York
Life has honored Jaydev Patel, its most successful agent, by unveiling a statue of him in a terrace garden next to the Jaydev R. Patel Conference Center at the company’s Home Office. This tribute celebrates his over 50 years of dedicated service. The conference center, a state-ofthe-art facility, was named after Patel last October.
Mark Madgett, New York Life’s executive vice president, noted that the statue, depicting Patel seated on a bench, allows visitors to take photos with him, symbolizing the mentorship and inspiration he provided to countless agents. Patel has consistently ranked among the company’s top agents, qualifying for the Chairman’s Cabinet every year since its inception and earning the
SAHARA Hosts 33rd Annual Gala in CA: "Building
Brighter Futures"
ARTESIA, CA – On September 15, SAHARA – the South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency – held its 33rd Annual Gala at the Old Ranch Country Club, focusing on the theme of building brighter futures.
The event successfully raised substantial funds to continue its vital mission of supporting victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.
Over the past year, SAHARA has experienced a notable 15% increase in demand, serving 2,691 individuals. The agency offers comprehensive wrap-around services, including housing through its two shelter facilities, legal aid, mental health therapy, citizenship assistance, public benefits, educational programs, community engagement and empowerment, and a helpline that was utilized nearly 5,000 times this year.
“SAHARA holds a promise of hope. A promise that, for those who walk through our doors, seems farfetched and unreachable,” said Executive Director Marisol Sanchez during the event. For more than three decades, SAHARA has remained dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse within the South Asian community and beyond. The organization believes that every individual, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, deserves a life of dignity and respect. Since its inception, SAHARA has provided essential services to over 11,500 community members.
New York Life has honored Jaydev Patel, its most successful agent, by unveiling a statue of him in a terrace garden next to the Jaydev R. Patel Conference Center at the company’s Home Office.
title of council president in 1983. Despite his accolades, Patel measures success by the lives he’s impacted,
emphasizing the personal satisfaction derived from helping others. He believes in the power of integrity and compassion in his work, which allowed him to control his own destiny while serving clients.
Patel’s influence extends beyond his career, as he has overseen the renovation of schools in his hometown of Sojitra, India, contributing to education and development. Born in Gujarat, India, Patel’s journey took him through Kenya and Canada before settling in the U.S. in 1968. Struggling initially, he found his calling with New York Life, selling 50 policies in his first month.
Today, Patel’s legacy includes his family, with his son, Sachin, continuing the family business, and his daughter, Seema, managing operations in Livingston, NJ.
Voice of SAP Hosts Inspiring Fundraiser Gala in California
LOS ANGELES, CA – Voice of SAP (VOSAP) successfully raised over $1 million at its annual fundraiser on September 21, supporting its mission to empower Specially Abled People. A U.S.-based non-profit with
Special Consultative Status at the UN Economic and Social Council, VOSAP serves as a catalyst for transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities. The event was supported by key patrons, including BU and Pushpa Patel of the Tarsadia Foundation, and philanthropists from the tech and
Indian American Wins 2024 Best Tech Manager at Timmy Awards
Ekambar Kumar Singirikonda exemplifies exemplary leadership and innovation. His ability to inspire and mentor sets a new benchmark for the tech industry,” said Lindsay Lewis
community sectors. Manubhai and Rikaben Shah inspired attendees with a poem and pledged to match donations up to $500,000, helping surpass the fundraising goal. A former youth volunteer, now an entrepreneur, contributed $50,000.
Founder Pranav Desai outlined VOSAP’s impact on over 27,000 individuals and shared his Vision 2047, which aims to enable the disabled community to contribute $1 trillion to India’s economy by 2047. He introduced Project Hitarth, launched in May 2024, which expands healthcare access for intellectually disabled individuals in India, partnering with programs like Niramaya.
The City of Artesia, CA, recognized VOSAP’s efforts with a certificate from Mayor Tony Lima, presented by pro tem Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj. Entertainment was provided by VOSAP youth ambassador Sparsh Shah, with contributions from volunteers Dr. Dhiren Buch and Priyanka Dujari.
IRVING, TX- Director of DevOps Engineering at Toyota, Ekambar Kumar Singirikonda, has been voted the 2024 Best Tech Manager through a community-driven vote at the prestigious Timmy Awards, hosted by Tech in Motion. The annual awards recognize standout figures in North America’s tech industry, celebrating leaders who create exceptional workplaces and spearhead innovation. With over 20,000 technologists participating in the vote, Singirikonda emerged from a competitive pool of 25 finalists in the Best Tech Manager category, according to a press release. This accolade honors those who go above and beyond in their managerial roles, fostering growth and empowering teams in the dynamic technology landscape.
“Ekambar Kumar Singirikonda exemplifies exemplary leadership and innovation. His ability to inspire and mentor sets a new benchmark for the tech industry,” said Lindsay Lewis, Executive Director of Marketing at Motion Recruitment, the organization behind the Timmy Awards. Singirikonda’s expertise spans DevOps, Cloud Engineering, and AI. In addition to his role at Toyota, he serves on the advisory board of the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business and is the author of DevOps Automation Cookbook. He also contributes as a board director for Gift of Adoption Funds and sits on the Editorial Board of CDO Magazine. Singirikonda’s achievement will be formally recognized at the Timmy Awards ceremony later this year. Born and raised in India, Singirikonda moved to the United States in 2000.
