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NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 751 December 08 2023 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News

Rivals attack Haley Nikki draws flak from DeSantis, Ramaswamy but Christie goes for the jugular of Trump

Page No. 4

Gujarat Garba Now on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

‘We take this issue very seriously’: US waits to see ‘results’ on hit job probe

Page No. 21

Page No. 8

Legendary Garba Singer Atul Purohit welcomed the news and said this would enable a larger number of world audience to discover the beauty in the traditional Indian dance form

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

USA NEWS

Nikki draws flak from DeSantis, Ramaswamy Gunman among 3 killed in shooting on but Christie goes for the jugular of Trump university campus in Las Vegas

HiIndia Newsdesk

Alabama: (IANS) Nikki Haley, the most powerful rival and second runner to ex-President Donald Trump in the polls, came under heavy flak in the 4th GOP sponsored presidential debate at the University of Alabama here. It was the most crucial debate as voters get to choose their candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire in less than 40 days. The smallest debate of the three so far, the Tuscaloosa one in Alabama University literally saw knives out for Haley amid her continued rise in the primary polls. Haley and DeSantis took the center stage as they vied for a distant second place spot to Trump remains the polling front-runner. The debate, the smallest yet, featured former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. On the side-lines of the stage, Christie took on Trump, while Ramaswamy took

Govts spying on Apple, Google users via push notifications: US Senator

HiIndia Newsdesk

on everyone else with Trumpian type theatrics, media reports said. Here are five takeaways from the latest Republican debate. Haley takes the brunt of attacks: Haley, who has scored high in past debates, according to polling, was the main target of the attacks on Wednesday night.

"Can't Let Putin Win": Joe Biden Urges Republicans For Ukraine Aid Joe Biden spoke as the United States planned to announce $175 million in additional Ukraine aid from its dwindling supply of money for Kyiv.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: (IANS) Some unidentified governments around the world are spying on Apple and Google phone users through their push notifications, US Senator Ron Wyden has warned in a letter written to the Justice Department. The letter said that his office received a tip in 2022 that government agencies in foreign countries were demanding smartphone “push” notification records from Google and Apple. “My staff have been investigating this tip for the past year, which included contacting Apple and Google.

Iran Orders US To Pay $50 Billion HiIndia Newsdesk

Tehran, Iran: A Tehran court has ordered the US government to pay nearly $50 billion in d amages for assassinating a top Iranian general nearly four years ago, the judiciary said on Wednesday. Then-US president Donald Trump ordered a drone strike near Baghdad airport that killed General Qasem Soleimani, 62, and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi alMuhandis on January 3, 2020. Days later, Iran retaliated by firing missiles at bases in Iraq housing American and other coalition troops. No US personnel were killed but Washington said dozens suffered traumatic brain injuries.

From the very beginning, Ramaswamy and DeSantis took on the former ambassador for her stance on China, social media, transgender rights and more. "She caves any time the left comes after her," DeSantis said as he slammed her record. "Any time the media comes after her."

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: President Joe Biden pleaded with Republicans on Wednesday for a fresh infusion of military aid for Ukraine, warning that a victory for Russia over Ukraine would leave Moscow in position to attack NATO allies and could draw U.S. troops into a war. Biden spoke as the United States planned to announce $175 million in additional Ukraine aid from its dwindling supply of money for Kyiv. He signaled a willingness to make significant changes to U.S. migration

policy along the border with Mexico to try to draw Republican support. "If Putin takes Ukraine, he won't stop there," Biden said. Putin will attack a NATO ally, he predicted, and then "we'll have something that we don't seek and that we don't have today: American troops fighting Russian troops," Biden said. "We can't let Putin win," he said. However, Senate Republicans later on Wednesday blocked Democratic-backed legislation that would have provided billions of dollars in new security assistance for Ukraine and Israel, among other international concerns, saying they wanted to press their point about the importance of tighter border policy.

US announces visa bans after warning Israel on West Bank settler violence

HiIndia Newsdesk

The Biden administration is imposing visa bans on dozens of Israeli settlers who have committed acts of violence in the West Bank, taking action against what US officials call a potential trigger for wider violence as Israel wages war in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Tuesday, secretary of state Antony Blinken announced a new policy “targeting individuals believed to have been involved in undermining peace, security, or stability in the West Bank, including through committing acts of violence or taking other actions that unduly restrict civilians’ access to essential services and basic necessities”. US officials are most concerned about a recent surge in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, but the new policy will also deny entry to Palestinians who have committed violent acts against Israelis. Under State Department privacy rules, the names of the people who will be designated in the coming days will not be made public.

Las Vegas,: (IANS) At least three people, including the gunman, were killed in a shooting on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), local police said. The incident occurred near BEAM Hall on the campus of UNLV on Wednesday morning, Xinhua news agency reported. Addressing media persons, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Sherif Kevin McMahill said: "There is no further threat on campus. No more threat to the community. The suspect is deceased. Right now, we know there are 3 victims, but unknown extent of the injuries. That number could change."

Tobacco giant sees sunset for US cigarette business

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The maker of Lucky Strike and Pall Mall cigarettes says its smoking business in the US is dying out. British American Tobacco (BAT) wrote off £25bn ($31.5bn) in value due to the changed outlook for brands such as Newport and Camel. The move cut the brands' worth by more than a third, and sent the company's share price down more than 8%. BAT cigarette sales have struggled as US smoking rates fall and buyers turn to vapes and other alternatives. Demand for its brands has also dropped as buyers squeezed by higher prices prioritise other purchases or opt for cheaper packs. BAT has been trying to re-ignite growth with vaping products. It hopes to have 50% of its revenue from "non-combustible" products by 2035. It said it now considered that its US cigarette brands had a useful economic life of 30 years, rather than an indefinite one. The write-down is the first such acknowledgment by a major tobacco firm of the sea change hitting the industry. In a trading update, chief executive Tadeu Marroco said the move was "accounting catching up with reality".

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Ukrainian UN Secretary-General playing into Pro-Russian leader shot dead near Moscow hands of Hamas, must resign : Israel HiIndia Newsdesk

Tel Aviv: IANS) Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Thursday alleged that Secretary General Antonio Guterres was playing into the hands of Hamas and reiterated the demand for his immediate resignation. Erdan was responding to the UN S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l ' s ap p e a l t o the Security Council to call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. "Today, the Secretary-General has reached a new moral low," he said in a statement. He said that he is activating, "for the first time," Article 99 of the UN Charter in relation to the Israel-Hamas war, an article that can only be invoked in a situation where international peace and security are threatened. "The Secretary-General's call for a Gilad Ergan said that the Secretary- ceasefire is actually a call to keep Hamas' General decided to activate this rare reign of terror in Gaza." clause only when it allows him to put "Instead of the Secretary-General pressure on Israel, which was fighting e x p l i c i t l y p o i n t i n g t o Ha m a s ' the Nazi Hamas terrorists. responsibility for the situation and He said that this was more proof of the calling on the terrorist leaders to turn Secretary-General's moral distortion themselves in and return the hostages, and his bias against Israel. Ergan said, thus ending the war, the Secretary-

Putin makes rare foreign trip to Gulf states

Israel to increase fuel supply to Gaza

HiIndia Newsdesk

Br it ain’s Immig rat ion Minister Robert Jenrick has resigned from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet over “strong disagreements” with the government’s Rwanda policy of deporting illegal migrants. Jenrick, who was seen as a Sunak ally until recently, Wednesday said he felt the emergency legislation presented in

a parliamentary statement by his boss, Home Secretary James Cleverly, did not go far enough to end the “merry-goround of legal challenges". Sunak responded to his resignation by saying he was “disappointed” but that his reasoning to quit the post was "based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation". "It is with great sadness that I have written to the Prime Minister to tender my resignation as Minister for Immigration,” Jenrick said in a post on X after questions in the House of Commons where he was missing from the front bench. "I cannot continue in my position when I have such strong disagreements with the direction of the government's policy on immigration," he said.

Israel urges international action to get 138 hostages freed

HiIndia Newsdesk

Tel Aviv: (IANS) The Israel security cabinet has voted in favour of the country‘s decision to allow more supply of fuel in Gaza. This was announced by the Israel Prime Minister's office on Wednesday night. However, two ministers of the security cabinet, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, voted against this. The two ministers are considered far right leaders and are known for their hawkish positions. It is to be noted that the US has been putting pressure on the Israeli government to increase the supply of fuel into the Gaza strip. The US has asked Israel to allow a supply of 1,80,000 litres of fuel daily as against the present supply of 60,000 litres per day.

General chooses to continue playing into Hamas' hands." The Israel Ambassador to the United Nations said, "The distorted positions of the Secretary-General only prolong the fighting in Gaza, because they give hope to the Hamas terrorists that the war will be stopped and they will be able to survive".

UK PM Sunak loses ally as immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigns

HiIndia Newsdesk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a rare trip abroad to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Expected discussion topics included the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as oil production, with the UAE president. The UAE is currently hosting the COP28 UN climate summit. Mr Putin, who has barely left Russia since March when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued him an arrest warrant, will also see Iran's leader on Thursday in Moscow.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Tel Aviv : (IANS) Israel's Army S p o k e s m a n D a n i e l Ha g a r i o n Wednesday confirmed there are still 138 hostages being held in Gaza, and called on the international community to do more to secure their release, the media reported. "Our intelligence has been monitoring

the situation of our hostages, and I can say with absolute certainty that every moment in Hamas captivity endangers their lives," Hagari said in a press briefing as quoted by BBC report. “Every day, every hour, every minute is critical." The Spokesman added that the international community "must take action", and that the Red Cross must have access to the hostages, BBC reported. "The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will do everything in its power to bring them home. We call on others to do the same," Hagari said. A total of 110 hostages taken during the October 7 attacks on Israel have been released -- 78 were freed during a sixday ceasefire at the end of November as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas.

Moscow: (IANS) Former Ukrainian MP Ilya Kiva was shot dead in a hotel park near Moscow, local media reported on Thursday. "The Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine claimed responsibility for the death of Kiva," state-run RIA Novosti said. Kiva's body was found in the park of the hotel where he was staying, Xinhua news agency reported quoting TASS as saying. GUR's spokesperson Andrey Yusov admitted on television the involvement of GUR in the killing of the politician. In 2019, Kiva ran for the presidency of Ukraine but withdrew it later. Later, he was elected to the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, becoming a member of the Committee on National Security and Defense.

UNESCO recognises Garba as humanity’s cultural heritage

HiIndia Newsdesk

United Nations: (IANS) UNESCO has declared the Garba, the dance of Gujarat, as “an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” (ICHH), recognising it as an inherited “living expression” that fosters inclusiveness and honours the feminine energy of Shakti. UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage took the decision on Wednesday at its meeting in Kasane, Botswana to inscribe Garba on its ICHH list. “Intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalisation” and an understanding of it from different communities helps intercultural dialogue and mutual respect for other ways of life, UNESCO said. “Over the decades Garba has been an integral, multivalent component of Gujarati culture in India and among the Indian diaspora across the globe”, it said. Garba is performed during nine days of the Navaratri festival that is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or Shakti, UNESCO said.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

INDIA NEWS

Amit Shah sees Jawaharlal Nehru ‘blunders’ in Jammu and Kashmir

HiIndia Newsdesk

Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday used a discussion on two bills related to Jammu and Kashmir in the Lok Sabha to yet again slam Jawaharlal Nehru, claiming that the erstwhile state was suffering due to “two big blunders” committed by the first Prime Minister, inviting loud protests and a walkout by the Congress. Shah delved into history to slam two decisions taken by Nehru — declaring ceasefire without winning the entire Kashmir and taking the issue to the United Nations — claiming that Jammu and Kashmir had suffered for years due to these moves. “...I want to say with full responsibility that Jammu and Kashmir had to suffer for years due to two big mistakes, committed due to decisions taken by then PM Jawaharlal Nehru…,” Shah said in the Lok Sabha.

Shooting spree in 2 Texas cities leave 6 dead

HiIndia Newsdesk

Houston, Dec 7 (IANS) Six people were found dead and three injured, including two police officers, after a string of homicides and shootings unfolded across two Texas cities -- Austin and San Antonio -- on Tuesday A man and a woman in their 50s were found dead at a residence near the 6400 block of Port Royal Street in San Antonio. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said that officials believe the man and the woman were killed before the series of shootings in Austin on Tuesday, media reports said. The Austin Police Department communicated to Bexar County officials that the suspect in the Austin shooting rampage had connections to the residence on Port Royal Street. Austin officials believe that Shane James, a 34-yearold male, is responsible for the homicides and shootings in Austin, as well as the double homicide in San Antonio, though they have not specified how James is connected to the crime scene in San Antonio, reported the Austin AmericanStatesman, a newspaper published from Austin.

Revanth Reddy To Take Oath As Telangana Chief Minister With 12 Ministers HiIndia Newsdesk

Anumula Revanth Reddy, President of Telangana Congress, will take oath as the new Chief Minister of Telangana in a grand ceremony at Hyderabad's LB Stadium today. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Damodar Rajanarasimha, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Dana Anasuya, Tummala Nageswar Rao, Konda Surekha and Jupally Krishna Rao are the twelve ministers who will take oath along with Revanth Reddy. Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana and will take oath along with the ministers and the Chief Minister-elect. Also known as 'Tiger Revanth' by his followers, Revanth Reddy took on the tallest leader of Telangana, K Chandrashekar Rao, the leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and brought Congress into power for the first time since Telangana was formed in 2014. Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and

Revanth Reddy will sign a file fulfilling poll guarantees in his first order of business after taking charge of the office. Priyanka Gandhi are expected to attend the grand oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Minister-elect. About one lakh

people are expected to attend the event. The Congress is celebrating its win in Telangana. Chief Minister-elect Reddy contested from two seats - Kamareddy and Kodangal, in the assembly elections. Mr Reddy was facing KCR on the Kamareddy seat but the heavyweights lost the election to BJP's Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy. Revanth Reddy won the Kodangal seat.

Her Wedding Cancelled Over BMW, Gold Trump's top Indianorigin ally says his Demand, Kerala Doctor Dies By Suicide admin will target Dr Shahana's family has alleged that Dr Ruwais' family demanded 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land and a BMW car in dowry

HiIndia Newsdesk

Thiruvananthapuram: A 26-year-old doctor has died by suicide in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, allegedly after her boyfriend refused to marry her because her family could not fulfill dowry demands. State health minister Veena George has ordered a probe into the death of Dr Shahana, who was pursuing a postgraduate course at the surgery department of Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. The police have registered a case against the boyfriend under the abetment to

suicide charge and dowry prevention laws. He has been detained, news agency PTI has reported. According to local media reports, Dr Shahana lived with her mother and two siblings. Her father, who worked in the Gulf, died two years back. She was in a relationship with Dr EA Ruwais and the two decided to marry. Dr Shahana's family has alleged that Dr Ruwais' family demanded 150 gold sovereigns, 15 acres of land and a BMW car in dowry. When Dr Shahana's family said they cannot meet the demand, her boyfriend's family called off the wedding, Mathrubhumi reported. This left the young doctor very upset, and she died by suicide, local residents have alleged.

‘We take this issue very seriously’: US waits to see ‘results’ on hit job probe

'They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation. And now we’ll wait to see the results of the investigation, but it’s something we take very seriously'

HiIndia Newsdesk

The US is keeping up the pressure on India to show “results” of the investigation into the allegation that an Indian government official had directed a plot to assassinate an American citizen in New York, stressing again that “we take this issue very seriously”. The allegation was made by the US department of justice in an indictment in court made public last Wednesday.

India did not deny the allegation and only said this was “against government policy”. It has instituted a probe. Responding to a question on the nature of diplomatic conversations taking place between the US and India on “India’s failed assassination attempt on Khalistani Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York”, state department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Tuesday: “We have noted at the most senior levels of this government — the secretary of state has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously.

media if re-elected

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington, Dec 7 (IANS) A top Indian-origin aide to Donald Trump has threatened action against people in the media -- "criminally or civilly" -- if the former president storms back to power in 2024. Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, who was Trump's counter-terrorism adviser on the National Security Council and chief of staff to the acting secretary of defence, made the remarks on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast. "We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media," Patel, who may reportedly serve in a senior national security role in any new Trump administration, said, referring to the 2020 election in which Biden trounced Trump. "We're going to come after you whether it's criminally or civilly... "We'll figure that out," the former Defence Department official said. Patel clarified that they are going to use the Constitution to "prosecute them for crimes they said we have always been guilty of but never have.” However, the Trump campaign has distanced itself from Patel's comments, saying that proclamations "like this have nothing to do with" them, according to 'The Guardian'.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

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INDIA NEWS

90 out of 230 newly-elected MLAs in MP have criminal cases: ADR report According to the report, 34 winning candidates out of 230, which is nearly 15 per cent, in the state have declared serious criminal cases against themselves. Of these 90 MLAs having criminal cases, 51 belong to the BJP and 38 belong to the Congress.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Bhopal: IANS) As many as 90 out of the 230 newly-elected MLAs in Madhya Pradesh have criminal cases against them, according to a report released by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). According to the report, 34 winning candidates out of 230, which is nearly 15 per cent, in the state have declared serious criminal cases against themselves. Of these 90 MLAs having criminal cases, 51 belong to the BJP and 38 belong to the Congress. In the 2018 Assembly polls, 94 MLAs had declared criminal cases against themselves, with 47 facing serious charges, the report said. The report further noted that the number of women legislators in the state Legislative Assembly increased slightly in 2023. In 2023, 27 women candidates won the assembly elections -- six more than the 2018 tally. In the 2018 Assembly polls, out of 230 MLAs, 21 MLAs, around nine

J&K’s Srinagar records coldest night of season so far

per cent, were women. In 2013, a total of 30 women members were elected to the Assembly, the report said. Although the number of women MLAs in the state is a bit higher than that of the last polls, the women's representation in the state Assembly remained far behind the promised 33 per cent. The incumbent BJP had given tickets to 27 women, and Congress to 30. Of the 57 women candidates, 47 per cent won. BJP fared better as 21 of its candidates emerged victorious, a big jump from 2018 when only 14 of its 27 women candidates had won. Only six women candidates, who contested the election on Congress tickets, could manage to win the elections this time. Also, female voter turnout rose by two per cent in the 2023 Assembly polls compared to 2018, when 74 per cent of women stepped out to exercise their franchise. The report further revealed that 205 newly-elected MLAs in the state (89 per cent) are 'crorepati'. Of these crorepati MLAs, 144 belong to the BJP while 61 are from the Congress. The number of crorepati MLAs in the state has increased in comparison to that of the last Assembly polls when 187 MLAs were crorepatis. BJP MLA from Ratlam city constituency in Ratlam district, Chetanya Kasyap is the richest MLA in the state whose total wealth is over Rs. 296 crores. Similarly, a BJP MLA from Vijayraghavgarh assembly seat in Katni district, Sanjay Satyendra Pathak is the second richest MLA having a wealth of over Rs. 242 crores followed by Congress MLA Kamal Nath who has a total wealth of over Rs. 134 crores, the report said. Besides, 161 winning candidates are graduates or above educational qualifications. Similarly, 64 candidates have declared their educational qualification to be between class 5th pass and class 12th pass, while three winning candidates are diploma holders and two are just literate, the report added. The proportion of MLAs with

15 doctors in new Yogi govt sets up SIT to probe Telangana Assembly foreign funding of madrasas

HiIndia Newsdesk

Srinagar: (IANS) J&K’s Srinagar recorded the season's coldest night so far at minus 2.6 on Thursday as mercury remained in free fall due to clear night sky. An official of the Meteorological (MeT) department said, “At minus 2.6 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature on Thursday, Srinagar recorded the coldest night of the season so far. “Due to the clear night sky, minimum temperatures across J&K are likely to drop further. “Gulmarg recorded minus 2.5 and Pahalgam minus 4.9 as the minimum today. “Jammu recorded 9.6, Katra 9.2, Batote 4.3, Bhaderwah 1.5 and Banihal 1 as the minimum today. “In Ladakh region, Leh recorded minus 13.5, Kargil minus 11 and Drass minus 12.2 as the minimum temperature." A 40-day long period of harsh winter cold known locally as the ‘Chillai Kalan’ begins each year on December 21 and ends on January 30.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Lucknow: (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government has set up a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), to look into the financial sources of madrasas in the state. So far, 80 madrasas have been identified for receiving nearly Rs 100 crores as donations from several countries over the past two years. Senior officials said that the SIT is now trying to identify the head under which these funds were spent by the madrasas and if there were any irregularities . The state has around 24,000 madrasas, of which over 16,500 are recognized by the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education. "We will see how the money received through foreign funding has been spent. The brief is to check if the money is

being used to run madrasas or for any other activities," said Mohit Agarwal, Additional DG, ATS, who is heading the SIT. Agarwal said that no time frame has been mentioned by the state government yet to complete the probe. Sources said that the SIT has already sought details of registered madrasas from its board. The Yogi Adityanath government, last year, had directed District Magistrates to conduct a survey of unrecognised madrasas.During the two-month survey, 8,449 madrasas which were not recognised by the state madrasa education board were found to be functioning. Apart from Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Shravasti, Siddharth Nagar and Bahraich adjacent to the Nepal border, over 1,000 madrassas are being run in many other nearby areas.

Hyderabad, Dec 7 (IANS) Fifteen of the MLAs in the newly-elected Telangana Assembly are doctors and they include three orthopaedic surgeons. Majority of them are still practising medicine while others are into business or other professions. Eleven of the doctor MLAs belong to the Congress party while three are from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). One doctor MLA is from the BJP. Three of these MLAs have been elected from constituencies reserved for Scheduled Tribes while three others belong to Scheduled Castes. Murali Bhukya Naik, elected from Mahabubabad (ST) on Congress ticket is a medical practitioner. He holds Master of surgery (MS) from Pondicherry University, JIPMER. Jatoth Ramchander Naik, elected from Dornakal (ST) as a Congress candidate, also practices medicine. He did MS (General) from Osmania Medical College in 2001. Kavvampally Satyanarayana, who won the election as Congress candidate from Manakonduru (SC), has declared himself a doctor in the affidavit submitted while filing the nomination.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

Meet The Four Indians On Forbes' List Of Most Powerful Women For 2023 Forbes' List Of Most Powerful Women :To determine the rank, Forbes had four metrics: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. HiIndia Newsdesk

Business magazine Forbes has released its annual list of the World's Most Powerful Women for 2023, and it features four Indians. These women have not only shattered glass ceilings but also etched their names on the global stage, showcasing the diverse and influential voices emerging from India. To determine the rank, Forbes had four metrics: money, media, impact and spheres of influence.

Nirmala Sitharaman (ranked 32)

Roshni Nadar Malhotra (ranked 60)

Nirmala Sitharaman, 64, is a senior figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has been India's Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs since 2019. Ms Sitharaman served as the 28th Defence Minister from 2017 to 2019, making her India's second female defence minister and finance minister after Indira Gandhi. In 2022, Forbes ranked her 36th in the 2022 list of the world's most powerful women and this year she was ranked 32nd.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, 42, is an Indian billionaire and philanthropist. She is the chairperson of HCL Technologies, making history as the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India. As the only child of HCL founder Shiv Nadar, she is recognised as the richest woman in India, according to the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List (2019). Ms Malhotra has consistently been ranked among the world's most powerful women by Forbes, holding the 54th position in 2019, 55th in 2020 and 60th in 2023.

Soma Mondal (ranked 70)

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (ranked 76)

Soma Mondal, 60, is the current Chairperson of the Steel Authority of India, making history as the first woman in this role since January 2021. Born in Bhubaneswar, she graduated in Electrical Engineering in 1984. With over 35 years of experience in the metal industry, she started at NALCO and rose to become Director (Commercial) before joining SAIL in 2017. Ms Mondal's career milestones include being the first woman Functional Director and Chairman at SAIL. Beyond her corporate achievements, she holds the position of Chairperson of SCOPE and was honoured as 'CEO of the Year' at the ETPrime Women Leadership Awards in 2023. She ranks 70th on the list.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, 70, is a prominent Indian billionaire entrepreneur. She founded and led Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited in Bangalore, India. Besides her role in the biotechnology companies, she was the former chairperson of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Ms Mazumdar-Shaw has received numerous accolades, including the Othmer Gold Medal in 2014 for her contributions to science and chemistry. She was featured on the Financial Times' Top 50 women in Business list in 2011. Forbes recognised her as the 68th most powerful woman globally in 2019, and in 2020, she was honoured as the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year. She ranks 76th in the Forbes List of powerful women 2023.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

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DIASPORA NEWS

British government makes it tougher for Indians to work in the UK HiIndia Newsdesk

London: (IANS) An estimated 300,000 non-Britons – many of them Indians – will be affected by the British government on Monday raising the bar for people eligible to apply for skilled worker visas for the United Kingdom. The minimum salary that an applicant must now command is 38,700 pounds, up from 26,000 pounds. "Enough is enough," said Home Secretary James Cleverly in the House of Commons. The policy is designed, he added, to reduce net migration to the UK. Net migration – the difference between the number of people coming to live in the UK and the people leaving – was 745,000 in 2022 and has become deeply unpopular with Britons across the board. One of the main arguments for exiting the European Union (EU) was to control immigration – which compulsory free movement of people in the EU could not prevent. This has been defeated by people swamping the UK from other parts of the world, including significantly

Indian-origin Dave Sharma officially sworn in as senator in Australia

from India. Those coming on health and social care visas, mostly nurses, will, however, be exempt from the higher salary threshold. They will not, though, be permitted to bring dependents, namely their partners and children, with them. Cleverly stated this will "end the abuse of the Health and Care Visa". Nurses in the UK also come

from India as well as from other parts of Asia, Africa. and the West Indies. Cleverly asserted: "Approximately 120,000 dependents accompanied 100,000 care workers and senior care workers in the year ending September 2023. Only 25 per cent of dependents are estimated to be in work, meaning a significant number are drawing on public

Indian-Origin Samir Shah UK's Choice For Next BBC Chairman

services and not helping to grow the economy." Earlier this year, tougher rules were announced for students bringing dependents to the UK. Undergraduate students are no longer allowed to bring their partners or children. Cleverly also indicated that the health surcharge payable by foreign job seekers will rise by 66 per cent - from 624 pounds to 1,035 pounds. Without criticising the move, the opposition Labour party’s Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper maintained the new proposals are "an admission of years of total failure by this Conservative government". She slammed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by saying he is "clearly veering" without "steering" and is being "pushed around all over the place". The Scottish National Party spokesperson said Cleverly’s pronouncement will be judged on whether it’s "pandering to the right wing of his party". The chair of the Independent Care Group warned: "I think we are going to find more businesses fail, care homes closing." It appears post-study work (PSW) visas available after finishing a masters degree in the UK will not as yet come under the new guidelines. This will come as a relief to Indian students, who numbered 120,000 in 2021-22.

Biden nominates Indian-American VC for key post

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Canberra: (IANS) Indian-origin former MP Dave Sharma was officially sworn in on Monday as a senator for New South Wales (NSW) in the Australian Parliament. Sharma, 47, defeated former state treasurer Andrew Constance last month to become the first person of Indian-origin from the opposition Liberal party to win the NSW senate position. The former Australian Ambassador to Israel received applause after swearing his affirmation of allegiance, and was congratulated by his colleagues, The Canberra Times reported. He was flanked by his NSW moderate faction colleagues, Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic, as he took oath for a seat left vacant by former Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "An honour to escort our newest Senator, Dave Sharma, for his swearing-in today. Congratulations Senator Sharma," Senator Kovacic wrote on X. Sussan Ley, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, said Sharma is a "welcome addition" to the federal Liberal team. "He has strong experience in Parliament and in senior diplomatic postings. Dave’s keen foreign policy intellect will be particularly welcome given we are in the most dangerous set of geopolitical circumstances since WWII," Ley wrote on X.

Deven Parekh HiIndia Newsdesk

Samir Shah has worked in television for more than 40 years (File)

Minister Rishi Sunak plans to block Britain's government on Wednesday a nine percent increase in the annual fee, which is currently £159 ($200) per chose a new BBC chairman after the household. previous incumbent was forced to quit Samir Shah has worked in television earlier this year over a loan to thenfor more than 40 years and has held a prime minister Boris Johnson. number of roles at the BBC, including The Conservative government named as head of current affairs. veteran TV executive Samir Shah as its He said in a statement that he was choice to replace Richard Sharp, who "delighted" to have been named the stood down in April, as head of the government's preferred candidate. publicly funded broadcaster. " We w e l c o m e t h e His app oint ment w i l l an n ou n c e m e nt t h at The Conservative almost certainly be ratified S amir Shah has government by a parliament committee been selected as the and comes at a crucial time named veteran TV Government's preferred for the BBC, which is facing executive Samir candidate to take up the increased funding pressures. Shah as its choice role of BBC chair and The corporation is look forward to him currently looking to make to replace Richard joining the board once Sharp, who stood £500 million in savings the formal process has down in April, as and recently announced cutbacks to its flagship head of the publicly been complete," said a BBC spokesperson. "Newsnight" programme. funded broadcaster. Richard Sharp, a former Samir Shah, 71, will be executive at investment tasked with negotiating bank Goldman Sachs, quit after it with the government an increase to the emerged he acted as a go-between to licence fee, which is where the BBC gets facilitate an £800,000 ($1 million) loan most of its funding. for Boris Johnson. UK media reported recently that Prime HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: (IANS) US President Joe Biden has nominated Indianorigin global venture capitalist Deven Parekh to the Board of Directors of the International Development Finance Corporation for a fresh term of three years. Parekh is a Managing Director at Insight Partners, a growth equity investment fund based in New York City. By statute, the Development Finance Corporation Board of Directors includes four members recommended to the President from Senate and House leadership. Parekh is the nominee recommended by the Senate Majority Leader, the White House said in a statement. Since joining Insight in 2000, Parekh has made more than 140 investments in enterprise software, data, and consumer internet businesses globally, including in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Australia. In addition to his work at Insight and for the Development Finance Corporation, Parekh serves as a Board Member for the Council on Foreign Relations, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, NYU Langone, the Tisch New York MS Research Center, and the Economic Club of New York.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

SOUTH INDIA NEWS

"Huge Respect": Jwala Gutta After Being Rescued By Boat In Cyclone-Hit Chennai HiIndia Newsdesk

On Monday, Chennai witnessed heavy rains due to Cyclone Michaung which flooded various parts of the city and disrupted normal lives. Though rains have stopped now, most parts of the city remain submerged, with heavy inundation in low-lying areas. Amid the chaotic situation, badminton player Jwala Gutta was rescued by the fire and rescue department in a boat in Chennai along with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. Sharing the pictures from the rescue operation, the athlete wrote, "Huge huge respect to the emergency services,fire and rescue services who are working day n night to rescue people like us stranded in flooded communities." In of pictures from the terrace to show his one of the pictures, her husband, Tamil house getting flooded. He wrote on X, actor and producer Vishnu Vishal can "Water is entering my house and the level also be spotted. is rising badly in karapakkam. I have Earlier, Vishnu Vishal shared a couple

Cyclone causes extensive damage to crops in Andhra Pradesh

HiIndia Newsdesk

Amaravati: (IANS) Heavy rains due to severe cyclonic storm Michaung in Bay of Bengal inundated low-lying areas in parts of Andhra Pradesh and caused extensive damage to standing crops. Some villages in the cyclone-affected districts were cut-off as roads were flooded due to overflowing lakes, tanks, and streams. Road connectivity was disrupted in the affected areas due to overflowing water bodies or falling of trees and electricity poles. The cyclone, which crossed the

called for help. No electricity no wifi. No phone signal. Nothing. Only on terrace at a particular point I get some signal. Lets hope I and so many here get some help. I can feel for people all over chennai."

The fire and rescue service responded quickly to the distress call, dispatching boats for the rescue effort. Expressing gratitude on social media, Vishnu Vishal shared pictures of the rescue operation and praised the efforts of the fire and rescue department. He wrote, "Thanks to the fire and rescue department for helping people like us who are stranded. Rescue operations have started in Karapakkam. Saw 3 boats functioning already. Great work by TN govt in such testing times. Thanks to all the administrative people who are working relentlessly." Chennai came to a standstill following heavy rain and flooding. Seventeen people died in the city due to rainrelated incidents, making it one of the worst affected places due to the cyclone.

K’taka govt invites startups to provide tech solutions

coast near Bapatla on Tuesday, triggered heavy rains accompanied by strong winds. Crops over thousands of acres were damaged in the cyclone-hit districts of Bapatla, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Alluri Sitharamaraju, Anakapalli, Nellore, and Tirupati. Farmers were shocked over the losses when they were ready to harvest the crops. Paddy, cotton, chilli and maize crops HiIndia Newsdesk suffered extensive damage. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Bengaluru: (IANS) The Karnataka Mohan Reddy directed the Collectors, government on Wednesday invited SPs and other senior officials of the startups to provide tech products cyclone-affected districts to focus on and solutions for the government restoring normalcy. departments. During a review meeting on cyclone “In tune with its policy to create innovation damage held at the Camp Office here and collaboration opportunities for on Wednesday, the Chief Minister startups, the Karnataka Innovation and virtually asked them to extend support Technology Society (KITS), Department to the affected families with humanity of Electronics, IT/BT and S and T, has and sympathy.

invited proposals from startups for government departments,” an official release said. It said that the last date to submit proposals is Jan 4, 2024 It said that the process has been initiated to empanel eligible startups for procurement of technology products and solutions for state government departments. “The government’s move to empanel startups is one of the several initiatives to enhance the startup ecosystem in Karnataka, which ranks number 1 in software/service exports in the country,” the statement said. It said that the interested startups are required to download the electronic copy of the Call for Proposals and upload the proposal on the Karnataka Public Procurement Portal. “The details of documents required for submission are available in the Call for Proposals,” it said.

Revanth Reddy Has To Deliver 6 Guarantees While Managing Telangana's Tight Finances HiIndia Newsdesk

Hyderabad: Telangana PCC President A Revanth Reddy who is set to take over the reins of the state from Thursday will face the daunting task of managing the bleak coffers and fulfilling the "six guarantees" that the Congress party made during the run-up to the recently concluded assembly polls. Besides, he also has many political challenges to confront. The Congress's robust campaign highlighting the six guarantees is said to have been one of the reasons for the party's victory in the state. However, finding the funds to fulfil them will be a herculean task. The most attractive among the "six" is

free travel for women in Telangana State Road Transport Corporation buses. Sources in the state government told PTI that according to a rough estimate, the Corporation earns ₹ 2,500 crore annually through women passengers. If the scheme is to be implemented, the Congress dispensation will have to replenish the same amount to the corporation, which is reeling under accumulated losses of ₹ 6,000 crore. The Corporation, which was facing a debt burden, started booking operational profits after the present managing director VC Sajjanar took over in August 2021. The party promised to waive up to farm loans of up to ₹ 2 lakh. The BRS

government had budgeted ₹ 21,000 lakh crore to waive up to ₹ 1 lakh. As per the calculation, the Congress government needs to allot at least 35,000 lakh crore for the next five years to implement the farm loan waiver. According to the state government statistics, as many as 42 lakh farmers were identified as beneficiaries during the previous regime for the crop loan waiver. Similarly, the Congress promised to give ₹ 15,000 to farmers and ₹ 12,000 to farm workers under the Rythu Bharosa guarantee scheme per acre annually. Under the BRS government's Rythu Bandhu, farmers were paid ₹ 10,000 annually.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Krystle Kaul, An Three Indian Origin Men In Missouri Indian American Charged With Trapping Indian Student Running For US Congress

HiIndia Newsdesk

ST CHARLES, MO- A 20-year-old Indian student was trapped, forced to do chores, and endure severe beatings at the hands of his cousin and two other men. Three men in Missouri have been charged in this connection. The victim’s name has not been released. He came to the US from India last year with hopes of studying at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla. Instead, he was forced to spend seven months trapped in homes across St. Charles County, Missouri. The man was rescued by the police on Wednesday. The three men arrested are — Venkatesh R. Sattaru, Sravan Varma Penumetcha and Nikhil Verma Penmatsa. The men are charged with offenses including human trafficking, kidnapping and assault. According to reports, over a period of seven months, the three men locked the student in a basement. He was forced to sleep on an unfinished floor without access to a bathroom, according to the charges. The atrocities did not end here. The student had to scavenge for scraps in nearby restaurant dumpsters. He was beaten with electrical wire, PVC pipe, metal rods, wooden boards, sticks and a water supply hose. The student spent time locked inside houses in O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie and the unincorporated community

of Defiance. All the three houses are owned by Sattaru, who was identified by investigators as the ringleader. He lived in the O’Fallon home with his family. After the student arrived in the US, Beginning April, he was taken to Sattaru’s home. Once there, he was forced to begin chores as early as 4:30 am After which he would work full day in Satturu’s IT company and then complete a list of tasks for the evening. If he was not found to do his jobs well,

AICC Reveals Leadership Team For 2024-25 Term

$150K Reward Announced In North Lawndale Postal Worker Robbery Attempt

(L-R) Venkatesh R. Sattaru, Nikhil V. Penmatsa, & Sravan Varma Penumetcha (Photo by: St. Charles County Dept. of Corrections)

HiIndia Newsdesk

Venkatesh R. Sattaru, Nikhil V. Penmatsa, and Sravan Varma Penumetcha face charges related to keeping Sattaru's cousin in the locked basement of a home in the Defiance area where he was beaten and abused he was beaten severely. He was also forced to strip down naked and kicked, stomped and lashed according to the charges. According to the police, they had been tipped off by someone who saw the student at a restaurant and was concerned because he looked injured and anxious. The tipster gave him a phone number to contact if he needed help, then called police after receiving a message from him on Wednesday morning.

The individual in question is described as a male aged between 30 and 40 years old, standing at a height ranging from 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, and having a weight of approximately 280 pounds, characterized by a robust build.

AICC new Board of Directors for the 2024-25 HiIndia Newsdesk

EDISON, NJ – The Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC) convened at the Mogul Ballroom, where the announcement of its new Board of Directors for the 2024-25 term took place. Among the notable additions are three new faces: Neha Mahajan, Shachi Rai Gupta, and Ajay Kumar. The elected members for the upcoming term are Rajeev Krishna, Rekha Sarathy, Chetan Wattamwar, Harry Mehta, Ilayas Quraishi, Komal Dangi, Ajay Kumar, Neha Mahajan, Parag Nevatia, and Shachi Rai Gupta. During the announcement, President Rajeev Krishna outlined his vision for the AICC, which includes plans for AI technology seminars aimed at benefiting small businesses. He emphasized the importance of active participation and idea-sharing among Board members, as stated in a press release.

National Security Expert, Krystle Kaul

HiIndia Newsdesk

C H I C AG O, I L — T h e Po s t a l Inspection Service is currently offering a substantial $150,000 reward for information leading to the resolution of an attempted robbery involving a postal worker. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on November 16 in the vicinity of 18th Street and South Ridgeway Avenue, situated in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Law enforcement investigators have taken significant steps to aid the public in identifying the suspect by releasing a detailed sketch. The individual in question is described as a male aged between 30 and 40 years old, standing at a height ranging from 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, and having a weight of approximately 280 pounds, characterized by a robust build. The suspect is further identified by distinctive physical features, including

sandy brown dreadlocks extending beyond shoulder length, along with light-colored facial hair. During the attempted robbery, the individual was observed wearing tinted sunglasses with black frames, a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt layered over a T-shirt, dark gray or black jeans, and dark-colored shoes featuring reflective lines on the sides. In an effort to gather crucial information from the public, authorities are urging individuals with any details related to the incident to come forward. Those possessing relevant information are encouraged to contact the Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455, making reference to case number 4191731 when providing details. The collaboration of the community is essential in ensuring the swift resolution of this case. Additionally, this incident is not isolated, and the cooperation of the public is crucial in resolving similar cases. For example, the FBI and local police are also seeking assistance in the investigation of a bank robbery in Lincolnwood, emphasizing the significance of community involvement in maintaining public safety.

An Indian American National Security Expert, Krystle Kaul, will be running for the US House of Representatives from a Congressional district in Virginia. If elected, Kaul would be only the second Indian-American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives after Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. Kaul is a foreign policy and national security expert and hails from Kashmir in India. About her promises to the electorate, she told PTI, “The first foremost being is education…The second one is improving our healthcare system here. We have a lot of small business owners and just making healthcare more affordable and more accessible. So, from prescription drugs to seeing specialists, that is something that is a concern. And the third is public safety, making sure we have safe neighborhoods, safe schools, safe communities.” Kaul grew up in Long Island. She graduated with a B A from American University, MAs from Brown University and Johns Hopkins University (SAIS), and has a PhD in Political Science in progress at Brown University.

Surge In COVID, Influenza, And RSV Cases Sweeps Across California HiIndia Newsdesk

LOS ANGELES, CA- California is facing an uptick in respiratory virus cases, leading health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated to alleviate potential strain on the state’s health systems. While not as severe as last year’s “tripledemic,” data show rising COVID and flu hospital admissions. RSV is of particular concern, with 13% positivity in Los Angeles County. However, hospitals have not reached crisis levels seen in the previous season, partly due to potential carryover immunity from last year’s severe RSV outbreak and the availability of RSV vaccines. The emergence of the BA.2.86 coronavirus subvariant prompts a call for new vaccines, as evidence suggests it may offer strong protection.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 08 2023

SPORT

BCCI secretary Jay ICC, CWI Delegates Inspect T20 World Shah wins 'Sports Cup 2024 Venues In USA And Caribbean Business Leader of the Year' award

HiIndia Newsdesk

Delegates of International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have started a second inspection of the venues in the Caribbean and in the USA ahead of next year's T20 World Cup. The two-week review of the preparedness of the venues had started on November 30 and will conclude on December 15, stated a CWI release. ICC Head of Operations, Khushiyal Singh explained the areas the inspection team has been focusing over the fortnight. “Areas that will be assessed include pitch and outfield preparations, practice facilities, players dressing rooms, broadcast and media facilities, IT and security capabilities, hotels and guest houses...areas for fan parks, and other key components that are fundamental to the successful staging of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup,” said Singh. Once the inspections and assessments are completed, the ICC will compile its findings and communicate them to CWI

Brian Lara Backs India Batter To Break His Test World Record

HiIndia Newsdesk

alongside necessary recommendations. In the ninth edition of the marquee event, 20 teams will be divided into four groups and 55 matches will be played from June 4 to June 30, 2024. West Indies and the USA are the cohosts as the latter is staging an ICC tournament for the first time.

Rafael Nadal Confident He Will Be 'Competitive' On Return To Tennis

HiIndia Newsdesk

"Shubman Gill can break both my records. Gill is the most talented batter in this new generation. He will rule cricket in the coming years. I believe he will go on to break many big records. He (Gill) can do it. If Gill plays County cricket then he can break my 501*. In Test cricket, he can surely go past 400,” Lara told Anandabazar Patrika. “Shubman will score big, mark my words. Gill didn't score a century but look at the knocks he has already played. He has centuries in all formats, has smashed a double hundred in ODIs and has also played many matchwinnings in the IPL.

However, Dominica, one of the designated venues for the tournament, withdrew from hosting the event. The Windsor Park Sports Stadium was earlier shortlisted for a group stage match and two Super 8 games of the showpiece.

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Rafael Nadal on Wednesday insisted he will be "competitive" when he returns to professional tennis next month after

enduring nearly a year out of action due to injury. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has undergone surgery twice in 2023 after struggling with a hip injury. He has said next year will likely be his last season before retirement and announced last week he would make his comeback at the Australian Open warm-up event in Brisbane, which runs from January 1-7. "I don't know at what level (he will play at), I don't know what to expect, I have no idea, but I don't care right now," Nadal said in a video posted on social media. "I'm just happy to be back and with great excitement to make the effort that is necessary to have fun and I believe that I will be competitive."

Rohit Sharma has to be there, you need him as a leader more than as a batter, says Mohammad Kaif HiIndia Newsdesk

Visakhapatnam: (IANS) In the aftermath of a hard-fought ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where India's dreams were shattered by the Australians in a nail-biting final, the cricketing world now shifts its focus to the T20 World Cup 2024. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that amidst the rubble of defeat, Rohit Sharma's leadership shines brighter than ever, asserting, "You need skipper Rohit more than a batter Rohit Sharma to lead the team in T20 World Cup 2024." The Indian team's journey to the ODI World Cup final was marked by ten successive victories, culminating in a showdown with the Australians in Ahmedabad. However, a below-par score of 240 and a relentless Aussie chase handed them their first loss of the tournament, conceding the 50-over world title. Now, as the T20 World Cup looms, the question arises: Will Rohit Sharma continue to lead the Indian side,

"Rohit Sharma has to be there because he has got the leadership quality," Kaif told IANS, emphasizing the significance of Rohit's role in guiding a team that demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the ODI World Cup. “The way he led in the 50 years World Cup, he has done a fantastic job as a leader. Without your prime all-rounder (Hardik Pandya) carrying the team in The way he led in the 50 years World the finals, how will you justify it. India Cup, he has done a fantastic job as a will need his experience in T20 too. Rohit leader. Without your prime all-rounder as a skipper as a batter did a fantastic (Hardik Pandya) carrying the team in job which India will need in T20 too.” the finals, how will you justify it. India he added. As the T20 World Cup approaches, will need his experience in T20 too. Rohit Sharma's leadership qualities are Rohit as a skipper as a batter did a deemed crucial for India's success. With fantastic job which India will need in Virat Kohli and Rohit taking a break T20 too.” he added. from white-ball cricket, the absence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane or will a new captain step up? in the Test squad for the South Africa Kaif, who acknowledges the brilliance of Rohit both as a player and a leader, tour raises eyebrows. Kaif also expressed concern, particularly about Pujara's argues that the Mumbaikar’s captaincy is omission, stating, "It will be hard for you indispensable, particularly in the absence Shreyas Iyer to fill the shoes of Pujara." of Hardik Pandya.

New Delhi, Dec 5 (IANS) Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), secretary Jay Shah has been honoured with the prestigious Sports Business Leader of the Year Award at the CII Sports Business Awards 2023. The BCCI took to social media platform ‘X’ to congratulate Shah for winning the award, "CONGRATULATIONS to BCCI Honorary Secretary @JayShah on being awarded the Sports Business Leader of the Year Award at the @ FollowCII Sports Business Awards 2023. A first for any leader in Indian Sports administration, this recognition is truly deserved!” "His leadership has left an indelible mark on Cricket worldwide— spearheading the ICC Men's World Cup to new heights, championing inclusivity with significant strides in pay parity and the creation of the Women's Premier League, steering the inclusion of Cricket at the Olympics, and many more groundbreaking initiatives that have changed the game forever," BCCI posted on X.

Faf du Plessis Teases International Return at Abu Dhabi T10

HiIndia Newsdesk

Abu Dhabi: (IANS) Ahead of Morrisville Samp Army’s clash with Bangla Tigers in the 2023 edition of Abu Dhabi T10 on Tuesday, veteran batter Faf du Plessis opened up on prospects of making a return to international cricket. With India set to tour South Africa for three T20Is in December, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup set to be played just after six months, rumours have been circulating that Faf, along with a couple of other senior players, might be coming back for an international stint. On being asked about the same, Faf during the prematch interview said: "I believe that I can return to international cricket as well.

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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

"Contrary To Policy": India

On US Alleging Official's Role In Murder Plot

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New Delhi: Responding to questions on an alleged plot to murder US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun which allegedly involves a government official too, the External Affairs Ministry today said it is a "matter of concern" and reiterated that New Delhi has launched a high-level probe into the charges. The ministry's spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was responding to the media's questions on allegations that an Indian government employee worked with Indian national Nikhil Gupta and others in a plot to assassinate Pannun, who leads Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice. "As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court, allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said that this is also contrary to government policy," Mr Bagchi said.

15% of US population is now foreign-born: Study

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York, Dec 2 (IANS) The total foreign-born population in the US, legal and illegal, was 49.5 million in October 2023, -- a record 4.5 million increase since President Joe Biden took office in 2021, a study by a Washingtonbased think tank found. At 15 per cent, the immigrant or foreign-born share of the US population is also the highest ever recorded in American history, the Center for Immigration Studies said, citing an October 2023 survey by the Census Bureau. As a debate rages in the country over the ongoing border crisis, the study showed that the 4.5 million increase is larger than the individual populations of 25 US states. The foreign-born population has grown on average by 137,000 a month since Biden took office, compared to 42,000 a month during Donald Trump’s presidency before Covid-19 hit, and 68,000 a month during Barack Obama’s two terms.

PM Suggests 2028 COP In India, Announces Green Credit Scheme

COP28 Dubai: "India's population is 17 per cent of the global population, but in global carbon emissions India is only at 4 per cent," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on all nations to work together to cut global emissions drastically, and announced a "green credit" initiative that focuses on creating carbon skins with people's participation. At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, PM Modi today said India's emissions are very low compared to other nations whose population is much less. "India's population is 17 per cent of the global population, but in global carbon emissions India is only at 4 per cent. We are moving fast in achieving the NDC targets. In fact, we reached our non-fossil fuel targets nine years before the deadline," PM Modi said, referring to the Nationally Determined

Contribution (NDC), a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. "We do not have much time to correct the mistakes of the last century," PM Modi said, and asked every nation to work sincerely to meet their NDC targets. The Conference of Parties (COP) is a decision-making body that reviews

PM Modi meets Israeli President, bats for early, durable resolution to Palestine issue The Prime Minister reiterated the need for continued and safe delivery of humanitarian aid for the affected population, says External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi

HiIndia Newsdesk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and underscored India’s support for an early and durable resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi met Herzog on the sidelines of the COP28 World Climate Action Summit here in the UAE. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences on the loss of lives in the October 7 terror attacks and welcomed

the release of hostages, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on X. On October 7, Israel was stormed by Hamas militants in a deadly assault that launched the war. Modi and Herzog exchanged views on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the region. “The Prime Minister reiterated the need for continued and safe delivery of humanitarian aid for the affected population,” Bagchi said. Modi emphasised India’s support for a two-state solution and early and durable resolution of the Israel-Palestine issue through dialogue and diplomacy.

the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Environment Ministry has introduced two initiatives that indicate India's proactive approach to tackling climate change, and sustainability take forward 'LiFE' - 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement announced by PM Modi in 2021.

BJP, Cong rush to rebels, independents as exit polls hint split verdict

HiIndia Newsdesk

Jaipur, Dec 2(IANS) As different exit polls for the Rajasthan Assembly elections are hinting to a split verdict in the state, Congress and BJP workers are rushing to rebel and independent candidates to play it safe in case they fall short of the majority mark. Third front parties like the RLP, BSP, Bharatiya Adivasi Party and CPI(M) are claiming to jointly win 12 to 17 seats in the state. Besides them, about 10 independents are also certain about their victory. In case these claims turn out to be true, they will together have nearly 25 seats in their kitty and thus in case of hung assembly, these parties and independent candidates can play the role of king maker in the state. While the BJP is claiming to win 130 seats, the party sources say that it would touch the base with support from the rebels.

Indian Student, Who Went Missing Last Month, Found Dead In London River PM Modi thanks UN After Mitkumar Patel failed to return from a daily walk to the home where he was staying in London, his relatives grew worried and reported him missing.

HiIndia Newsdesk

London: A 23-Indian student who went missing in the UK last month has been found dead in the river Thames in London. Mitkumar Patel arrived in the UK for higher studies in September and was reported missing on November 17. The Metropolitan Police discovered his body in the river Thames near the Canary Wharf area of east London on November 21 and was declared dead by paramedics. "The death is not believed to be suspicious," the Met Police said. Parth Patel, a relative, has since launched

a Go Fund Me online fundraiser and raised over GBP 4,500 since last week. "Mitkumar Patel was a 23-year (old) boy who came to the UK for higher studies on 19th September 2023," reads the fundraising appeal. "He belonged to a farmer family and used to live in a village as well. He was missing from November 17, 2023. Now on November 21 police found his dead body from Canary Wharf in the water. It was sad for all of us. So, we decided to do fund raising for helping out his family and to send his body to India as well," it adds.

chief for support to India’s G20 presidency

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Dubai, Dec 2 (IANS) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai on Friday. The Prime Minister thanked Guterres for his support during India's G20 presidency. He highlighted India's initiatives and progress in achieving climate goals.

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Gujarat Garba Now on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Zofeen Maqsood

f you are from India, it is likely that you would have danced to the beat of Garba or reverberated with the Garba music during festive occasions. Now, this traditional dance form has made it to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) It may be noted that this popular dance form is the 15th cultural item from India to make it to the UNESCO list. The inclusion in the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity', was announced on Wednesday, December 6, by the Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wrote on social media site, X: “Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honour inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats for this global acknowledgment.”

3 Arrested For Beating Indian Student, Forcing Him Into Labour For Months In US

Legendary Garba Singer Atul Purohit welcomed the news and said this would enable a larger number of world audience to discover the beauty in the traditional Indian dance form

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also took to X to write: “The age-old tradition of devotion to Goddess Mother in the form of Garba is alive and growing. Garba which has become the identity of Gujarat has been approved by UNESCO under its intangible cultural heritage list.” He also wrote: “This is a moment of pride for Gujaratis spread all over the world. This is a result of importance being given to the heritage of the country under prime minister Narendra Modi's leadership and such heritage being taken to the world. Congratulations to the people of Gujarat.” Legendary Garba singer Atul Purohit who hails from Gujarat, India has been practicing the traditional form of Garba for many decades. One of

the most exemplary names in the world of traditional India music, he thinks that this recognition is a wonderful addition as this will go on to attract more youth and dance lovers to learn and explore this traditional dance form.” For anyone who has been to India during the period of Navratri or has attended any of the concerts that Atul Purohit and his group have been conducting globally, the magic of Garba has left an indelible mark in the heart. Atul Purohit also says, “There is a distinct symphony and beauty in this art form that captivates you. Even for those amidst the audiences outside of India, who see the dance form for the first time, we always see a curiosity to learn more about it.” The honor rightfully bestows the dance form the recognition it deserves. For culture, dance and music enthusiasts from across the globe, the news came as a huge boost as the dance not only represents a beautiful symphony but is also a reminder of the rich heritage and traditions emerging from the state of Gujarat in India. About two years ago, Kolkata’s Durga Puja was added to the list.

Indian-American Swindles Football Team's $22 Million To Fund Luxury Life HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

In a shocking incident in the US state of Missouri, authorities have rescued a 20-year-old Indian student who was held captive for several months, enduring severe abuse and forced labor. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was discovered in a home on a rural highway in St Charles County after a concerned citizen alerted the police. The suspects, Venkatesh R Sattaru, Sravan Varma Penumetcha, and Nikhil Verma Penmatsa, were subsequently arrested and charged with offenses including human trafficking, kidnapping, and assault. The victim, who arrived in the US last year with hopes of studying at Missouri University of Science and Technology, was instead subjected to a harrowing ordeal. He was confined to basements in three different homes owned by Sattaru, forced to sleep on an unfinished floor without bathroom access, and subjected to brutal beatings with various implements. The suspects, described as wealthy with political connections in India, are being held without bond at the St. Charles County Jail.

A former executive of Jacksonville Jaguars, an American Football team, swindled $22 million from the team's coffers to fund his luxury lifestyle to buy expensive watches, a Tesla and pay for his chartered flights. Amit Patel worked as a manager of financial planning and analysis of the team from 2018 to 2023. The accused is named in court documents filed in the US District Court in Jacksonville, Florida. The team has not been named in the filing and has been referred to as "Business A" but the team confirmed it was the victim of Patel's alleged crimes, the Athletic reported. Patel handled the team's financial statements and the department's budget and had access to the club's Virtual Credit Card (VCC) which is used by certain authorized employees to make business-related purchases and expenses.

How He Stole $22 Million The authorized access to the VCC helped Patel and started making fraudulent purchases in 2019. He hid the transactions by manually flagging them as "recurring VCC transactions" such as catering, airfare, hotel fees, etc. and then inflated the amount to forge financial statements and entered an amount that may appear believable but also entered fictitious transactions that never occurred, the Athletic reported quoting documents filed in the court.

The accused, Amit Patel, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of illegal monetary transactions He then used this money to place online bets, buy cryptocurrency, purchase luxury watches and spa treatments, buy concert tickets, fund his travel in chartered flights, and buy a Tesla Model 3 sedan and a Nissan pick-up truck. The accused used the swindled money to purchase a condominium

in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, court documents said. "Over the past several months, we have cooperated fully with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida during their investigation and thank them for their efforts in this case," the New York Post reported, quoting the team. "This individual had no access to confidential football strategy, personnel or other football information. The te am engage d exp er ience d l aw and accounting firms to conduct a comprehensive independent review, which concluded that no other team employees were involved in or aware of his criminal activity," the statement read. He was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of illegal monetary transactions.

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FIA-Chicago Hosts A Triumphant Health Fair Alongside A Coat And Blanket Drive

HiIndia Newsdesk

CHICAGO, IL- The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA), organized a successful Health Fair and Coat and Blanket donation drive at the Golf Maine Community Center in Niles, attended by hundreds of people from Chicagoland. The event, focused on FIA’s core values of community service, provided free medical services and involved over 40 dedicated volunteers. The event featured various medical specialties offering free services, including do c tors, Medicare, Medicaid, and Home Care Solutions representatives. Dr. Raj Dhingra and Dr.

The event, focused on FIA’s core values of community service, provided free medical services and involved over 40 dedicated volunteers. Parag Doshi addressed health-related topics, while Dr. Alamdar Badar and Ashima discussed dental care. Innovative technology for foot problem detection, using artificial intelligence, was a highlight. Anu Malhotra conducted stress relief exercises, and Dr. Usha Karthan emphasized the importance of identifying psychological issues. In the second phase, FIA Chairman Sunil Shah highlighted the organization’s commitment to community service,

Pappas Urges Prompt Payment: 22,884 Face Tax Sale for Owed Amounts Under $1,000

HiIndia Newsdesk

ook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is urging property owners to promptly pay their 2022 property taxes to avoid the Annual Tax Sale scheduled for January 9-12, 2024. Owners of 52,401 properties owe over $236 million in taxes, with almost 30,000 owing more than $1,000 and 22,884 owing less than $1,000. The Treasurer’s Office is sending certified notices to alert property owners, and the Annual Tax Sale marks the first step in a process that could lead to the loss of their properties. To check if a property is on the Annual Tax Sale list, owners can visit cookcountytreasurer.com and use the "Your Property Tax Overview" purple box by entering an address or Property Index Number (PIN). The Annual Tax Sale occurs 13 months after the due date for unpaid 2021 property taxes due in 2022. Owners can make payments online for free at cookcountytreasurer.com, in person at any Illinois Chase Bank

location, at over 100 community banks, by mail, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office. The Treasurer's Office is also publishing delinquent tax lists in local newspapers. Property owners are advised to update their mailing addresses to receive notifications. The Treasurer’s Office is mailing certified notices and publishing lists to inform property owners of their unpaid taxes, which could lead to liens against their properties. Property owners can also use the website to ensure they are receiving eligible exemptions such as Homeowner, Senior Citizen, and Senior Freeze exemptions. The Annual Tax Sale involves the sale of delinquent tax debt to investors and not the sale of actual properties. The Treasurer's Office cannot provide legal advice, and property owners are encouraged to seek legal counsel for any tax sale-related issues. Visit cookcountytreasurer.com for more information about property taxes sold at the Annual Tax Sale.

addressing the healthcare needs of the underinsured or uninsured. President Vinita Gulabani and President-Elect Pratibha Jairath discussed past and upcoming events, including a ‘Toy donations and Coat drive’ focusing on children and young adults. The program’s third phase included a speech by Chief Guest Ms. Michelle Mussman, State Representative of Illinois. Awards were presented to volunteers who contributed significantly to FIA’s

growth in 2023. Special recognition went to Jayantibhai Thakkar for his 40th health fair. Past President Neil Khot outlined upcoming events, including Visa Services, Tax services, and General Counseling. The Consulate General of India Chicago supported the program. Kamlesh Kapoor expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks, acknowledging sponsors, FIA Leadership, healthcare providers, and Ila Patel, the Executive Director, for their generous contributions. The event concluded with a healthy lunch designed by FIA’s dietitian.

Rajkumar Hirani’s Endearing World Unveiled: DUNKI: DROP 4 OUT NOW!

HiIndia Newsdesk

The Dunki: Drop 4, gives the audiences a much anticipated glimpse into the most heart-warming film of the year. Crafted by the ace storyteller and director, Rajkumar Hirani, starring the much loved Shah Rukh Khan, who will be seen as a part of a fantastic ensemble cast featuring, Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. The DUNKI DROP 4, unveiled today, offers a peek into the endearing world of Rajkumar Hirani. Opening with SRK onboard a train, setting the tone for the adventure that lies ahead. The video unit introduces the wonderfully whimsical characters starting with Hardy, played by SRK, who enters a picturesque village in Punjab and encounters a group of spirited friends – Manu, Sukhi, Buggu, and Balli, all sharing a common dream of travelling to London in pursuit of better opportunities and a better life for their loved ones back home. Encapsulating all the myriad emotions in one frame, this heart-warming

tale follows four friends on an extraordinary journey to foreign lands, filled with challenges and life-changing experiences. Rajkumar Hirani, known for his exceptional storytelling, took fans on a whirlwind journey, starting with Dunki Drop 1 on SRK’s birthday, followed by the melodious voice of Arijit Singh in Dunki Drop 2 titled Lutt Putt Gaya. Dunki Drop 3 further tugged at our heartstrings with Sonu Nigam’s soulstirring song, Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se, a poignant melody echoing the emotions of homecoming. The Dunki Drop 4, beautifully unfolds the layers of friendship and love, taking the audience on a thrilling ride through the Dunki route—the path these friends embark on, to reach their desired destination. As the trailer concludes with a glimpse of SRK in an older avatar, it leaves us yearning for more, eagerly anticipating the extraordinary journey that awaits. Dunki is not just a film; it’s an immersive experience, that promises to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. Get ready to embark on a rollercoaster of emotions with Dunki—where let your dreams take flight, friendships blossom, and the magic of the film unfolds. This December, Dunki is all set to deliver a delightful blend of humour and heartfelt moments, creating lasting memories to cherish with your family and loved ones A JIO Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Rajkumar Hirani Films presentation, Dunki is produced by Rajkumar Hirani and Gauri Khan. Written by Abhijat Joshi, Rajkumar Hirani, and Kanika Dhillon, the film is slated to release worldwide on 21st December 2023.

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Indian American Doctor Conducts Breakthrough Trial For Sickle Cell Disease Zofeen Maqsood

Dr Jignesh Dalal has successfully conducted a gene therapy for sickle cell disease – a medical advancement that can have a significant impact on the future of treatment globally. The therapy would be approved early next month by the US FDA.

D r Ji g n e s h D a l a l , a p e d i at r i c hematologist-oncologist based in Cleveland, Ohio has just made a stellar progress in what can be termed as a landmark new cure for treating sickle cell disease. Dr Dalal who is the director of marrow and stem cells at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center has been involved in conducting a clinical trial for treating sickle cell disease, a sickness that causes abnormal breakdown of red blood cells in the body. Recently, Dr Dalal accomplished on his first patient a successful gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Talking to Hi India in between his medical commitments, he said, “The first gene therapy on a patient is based on Crispr Cas gene therapy technology. The Nobel Prize for investing in this technology went to Jennifer Dadhuna in 2020.” This new achievement has the potential to transform lives for many, suffering from this debilitating disease, Dr Dalal

says, “This was my dream come true.” Despite his landmark achievement, keeping his humility, Dr Dalal says, “It’s still unbelievable in my mind that a person like me with modest beginnings and average intelligence could do that.”

Krishnamoorthi Proposes Bipartisan Bill to Address Green Card Backlog

Oakton College Museum Shows Off Its Gems

Dr Jignesh Dalal, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist

Factory Chimneys in Chicago” by Leonard Havens

He also informs that the therapy would be approved early next month by the US FDA. It may be noted that more than 100,000 people suffer from Sickle Cell Disease in the United States. Up until now, the treatment of the disease comprised blood and bone marrow transplants. The clinical trials have shown encouragingly that just after a few weeks into the treatment, patients have shown no traces of the disease. When Dr Dalaal conducted the therapy on his patient it also meant that the positive results do away with the stressful need of looking for a donor that would be an ideal match for the patient suffering

HiIndia Newsdesk

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, along with U.S. Reps Rich McCormick and Pramila Jayapal, introduced the bipartisan Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 (H.R. 6542). This legislation aims to enhance the U.S. economy, reduce green card backlogs, and promote merit-based immigration by eliminating the 7% per-country limit on employmentbased immigrant visas. It also raises the 7% per-country limit on familysponsored visas to 15%. The bill addresses the issue of skilled workers being stuck in the green card backlog based on their country of birth and provides a phased-in system to alleviate this backlog. It is similar to the Fairness for HighSkilled Immigrants Act and includes provisions to strengthen the H-1B visa program and allow individuals waiting in the immigrant visa backlog for two years to file a green card application.

Half Of Indians In The US Have Experienced Racism

Self-portrait On the Beach” by Margaret with Cap” by Bill Burroughs Moll

A new exhibit features selected works from the Koehnline Museum of Art's permanent collection

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorth

from sickle cell disease. While the research and implantation involved a long and intensive process, Dr Dalaal was heartened to see that the treatment was working within three weeks. Encouraged by the trial, Dr Dalal is looking ahead to the time in near future when the treatment would be available to the benefit of many whose lives have been affected by this disease. Dr Dalal hails from Gujarat, India and has nearly four decades of experience in the field of hematology-oncology. He completed his medical education from Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He then shifted to the United States where he finished his residency in pediatrics from Stony Brook University Medical Center at State University of New York. He also did a fellowship in pediatric bone marrow transplant from John Hopkins Hospital. A committed physician, Dr Dalal is much loved in the community for his excellence and involvement to further the cause of future restorative medicine.

DES PLAINES, IL – Don’t miss the opportunity to explore a curated selection of artworks from the Oakton College Koehnline Museum of Art’s permanent collection at the “Gems from the Koehnline” exhibition, running from December 14th to January 26th. Join us for the public reception on December 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. This event will offer you a unique chance to be among the first to view these remarkable pieces and engage with artists and fellow community members. The “Gems from the Koehnline” exhibition, which is free and open to the public, features a dedicated section honoring the late artist and former Oakton art instructor, Bill Moll. Additionally, you can explore new acquisitions by renowned Great Depression-era artists from Chicago, including Todros Geller, Samuel Greenburg, Leonard Havens, David Bekker, William Schwartz, Miriam McKinnie, and William Jacobs. Furthermore, the exhibition showcases recently acquired artworks, such as pieces by Chicago artist and educator Richard Loving, prints by Margaret Burroughs, including her iconic

portrayal of Black Venus, Joseph Meert’s poignant painting depicting a grieving crowd after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and Joe Delaney’s unfinished canvas commemorating the historic meeting between Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. Oakton College’s art collection primarily focuses on modern and contemporary art, with a strong emphasis on works created by Illinois and Chicago artists, constituting approximately 60% of the collection. In total, our permanent collection comprises over 4,000 remarkable objects. Since the establishment of Oakton College in 1969, the connection between art and its audience has been of paramount importance. The Koehnline Museum of Art is named in honor of William A. Koehnline, Oakton’s inaugural president, in recognition of his unwavering support for the arts. Koehnline believed that “art is a creative response to life” and envisioned the campus as a nurturing environment that enriches and stimulates students, staff, faculty, and the entire community. Join us in celebrating this rich artistic heritage.

HiIndia Newsdesk

About six-in-ten Asian adults (58%) say they have ever experienced racial discrimination or been treated unfairly because of their race or ethnicity, Specific discrimination incidents include interpersonal encounters with strangers; at security checkpoints; with the police; in the workplace; at restaurants or stores; and in their neighborhoods. Most Asian Americans experience discrimination in many parts of their day-to-day lives with half of Indians saying they have experienced racial discrimination in America. These are some of the findings of a new Pew Research Center Survey, which is a new analysis of a multilingual, nationally representative survey of 7,006 Asian adults conducted from July 2022 to Jan 2023. In the research 53% of Asian adults say they have experienced racial discrimination from time to time and 5% say they experience it regularly. About 26% of Indian adults say strangers have called them offensive names, a lower share than other origin groups. About 79% of Indian adults say a stranger has mispronounced their name, a higher share than among other ethnic origin groups.

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Contact NAPCA for Medicare, Medicaid, ACA, and Benefit Assistance HiIndia Newsdesk

Why do I need to check my Medicare plan every year during the Open Enrollment Period and how do I check my plan?

If you don’t take any action, your existing plan will be renewed for 2024. But that could come with cost and benefit changes. Your plans’ coverage may change, and your health care needs may have changed, too. This is why it’s important to check-up on your current plan during the period even if you’re happy with your current plan. Your plan will send you a “Plan Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) each fall. If you don’t get this important document, contact your plan. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January. Review any coverage changes including drug formulary. Think about any changes to your healthcare and/or prescription drug needs, and healthcare expenses to decide whether the plan will continue to meet your needs in the next year. Just remember to do so before Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7.

I signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan during my Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) this year, but I would like to change it to Original Medicare because I plan to travel to different states throughout the next year. How can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

Navigating International Holiday Travel: Tips For U.S. Work Visa Holders

You should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) during the Medicare Open Enrollment period. The change will take effect on January 1 of the following year. Original Medicare does not provide any additional benefits such as drug coverage, dental, or vision you may have with your Medicare Advantage plan. If you make this switch and you want drug coverage, be sure to sign up for a Medicare stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). If you do not, and you decide to sign up for Part D coverage later, you may need to wait for another year until the next Open Enrollment Period and face a penalty for late enrollment. You may also want to consider purchasing a Medicare supplemental insurance policy, known as Medigap, that helps to pay your cost-sharing requirements under Original Medicare. You also can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).

If I make a mistake when I change my coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, what can I do to fix it?

If the Medicare OEP is ongoing: you can simply pick a different plan instead (by the December 7 deadline) and the

I have already received COVID-19 vaccines and the last vaccination was in January 2023. Do I still need to get another COVID-19 vaccine?

Like Flu virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. A new vaccine has been developed and was approved by the FDA on September 11, 2023. The new vaccine provides better protection against the currently prevalent COVID-19 variant and is available for administration starting from late September 2023. If your last vaccine was before September 2023, please get this new vaccine. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a Flu vaccine, at the same visit. Possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

Indian Origin Man Pleads Guilty To Firebombing Building Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, 29, of Madison, WI, admits to attempting to commit arson or use explosives with destructive intent

HiIndia Newsdesk

WASHINGTON, DC- As the holiday season approaches, many U.S. work visa holders are gearing up for international travel to reunite with family or take a well-deserved vacation. However, for a seamless and stress-free journey, careful planning is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll delve into essential holiday travel tips tailored for U.S. work visa holders. • Check Passport Expiry Dates: • Verify Visa Stamp Validity: • Gather Necessary Documents: – Valid, unexpired passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your authorized U.S. stay). – Valid visa stamp reflecting your current nonimmigrant visa status (e.g., H-1B visa stamp). – I-797 approval notice or endorsed I-129S, depending on your visa status. Understand Reentry Requirements: Familiarize yourself with reentry requirements specific to your visa c at e gor y, i n c lu d i ng any t r ave l restrictions or conditions. This knowledge will streamline your passage through customs and border control, minimizing surprises.

new choice will take effect on January 1. If the Medicare OEP has ended: you can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP, Jan 1~Mar 31) to pick a different Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare and a Part D plan. If you’ve enrolled in a stand-alone Part D plan that doesn’t fit your needs, your options are more limited. Changes to these plans can generally only be made during the fall Medicare OEP.

Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury, 29 HiIndia Newsdesk

MADISON, WI- A Wisconsin man, Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhur y, 29, of Madison, has pleaded guilty to the May 2022 firebombing of a Madison office building. The incident involved an attempt to cause damage using fire or an explosive. On May 8, 2022, at approximately 6:06 a.m., law enforcement responded to a fire at an office building in Madison, where they found evidence of an incendiary device. During the investigation, DNA evidence was collected from the scene.

In March 2023, Roychowdhury was identified as a suspect, and his DNA was matched to the evidence from the scene. He traveled to Portland, Maine, and was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport on March 28. He now faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2024. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Madison Police Department, Wisconsin State Capitol Police Department, ATF, FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Dane County Sheriff ’s Office, and others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman and Trial Attorney Justin Sher are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Beck for the District of Massachusetts.

Global Migration Digest: Weekly Highlights And Updates

HiIndia Newsdesk

(1) USCIS to Expand myProgress Tool for Family-Based Green Card Processing Times U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled plans to broaden the scope of its personalized processing times tool, myProgress, to include family-based green card applicants. myProgress will now offer applicants personalized estimates for various stages of the application process, providing insights into wait times for critical steps, ultimately leading to their final case decision.

(2) Surge in Border Crossings and Asylum Claims at U.S.Canada Border Despite hazardous conditions and freezing temperatures during winter, there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border over the past year. Recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals 189,402 encounters at the northern border in 2023, encompassing both illegal crossings and arrivals at legal ports of entry.

(3) Immigration Reform Urged as Work Permit Backlog Sparks Tensions A significant backlog in work permit processing has heightened tensions between newly-arrived migrants and long-standing applicants stuck in immigration limbo. Some recent asylum-seekers have received work permits ahead of individuals languishing in the backlog for years, reigniting calls for comprehensive reform to address the challenges within the immigration system.

(4) October Sees 14% Increase in Green Card Backlog The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) witnessed a 14% surge in the immigrant visa (IV) backlog from September to October. Cases ready for scheduling green card interviews grew by 13%, and there was a slight uptick in the number of individuals scheduled for green card interviews, reflecting a broader increase in the overall backlog for green card applicants.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Grand Diwali Festivities Hosted By Bruhud New York Seniors Socio-Cultural Organization

HiIndia Newsdesk

NEW YORK, NY- Bruhud New York Seniors, a non-profit socio-cultural organization serving the greater NYC area since 2009, hosted its Diwali celebration at the Hindu Community Center in Queens, New York on December 2, 2023. The event saw an impressive turnout with over 700 guests from the tri-state area in attendance. The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Acting Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph, who served as the Chief Guest, and the event’s keynote speaker was none other than Mr. Prem

CBP Discovers Migrants Hidden in Laredo Motel HiIndia Newsdesk

LAREDO, TX – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents discovered migrants being stashed at a local motel in Laredo, Texas. On Nov.30, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Border Patrol agents received information that a local hotel in west Laredo was possibly being used to harbor undocumented non-citizens. Agents arrived at the local hotel, and entered the designated room where they discovered four individuals being harbored inside the room. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody and records checks conducted. It was revealed they were all in the country illegally from Honduras. The undocumented individuals were processed according to their individual immigration status.

Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA, and a prominent advocate for the Indian diaspora worldwide. Their participation, support, and words of encouragement resonated deeply within the South Asian community, boosting their morale. Mr. Harish Thakkar, the former president of the AIA NY chapter, has also joined the organization in an advisory capacity. Ajay S. Patel, the President of Bruhud New York Seniors, emphasized that the organization is dedicated to fulfilling his father’s vision of bringing the community together. He highlighted

that in 2024, Bruhud Seniors plans to organize a significant charitable event—a free artificial limb fitment mega camp in Ahmedabad, covering nearby villages. This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Jaipur Foot USA and will provide not only Jaipur foot prosthetics but also hearing aids, wheelchairs, tricycles, calipers, and more. Additionally, they plan to host a medical/health fair and a seniorfocused seminar in New York. D u r i n g t h i s m e m or a b l e e v e nt , several individuals were honored for their outstanding service to the community. The recipients of these

accolades included Mr. Mukundbhai Mehta, former president of IASCC; Mr. Dahyabhai Patel, founder of Adhyatmik Vikas Kendra; Labhubhai Upadhyay, founder of Brahmin Society of NY; as well as Ushaben B. Mehta and Rakeshbhai Patel, community volunteers who have tirelessly served the organization year after year. The event was marked by a joyous atmosphere, with entertainment continuing past 11:30 pm. A delightful musical program was organized, followed by a sumptuous dinner that brought the attendees together in celebration and camaraderie.

IAAC & USISPF Host Farewell for Consul General in New York

HiIndia Newsdesk

NEW YORK, NY- The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) and the US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) hosted a heartfelt farewell reception in New York City on November 28th to honor Consul General of India, Randhir Jaiswal. Consul General Jaiswal has been an exceptional leader, playing

a pivotal role in supporting IAAC’s India@75 programs at prestigious venues throughout New York City. His dynamic leadership was instrumental in bringing the Buddha exhibition to the Met Museum and the awe-inspiring Chakra installation to Times Square.These photos capture the warmth, appreciation, and camaraderie that filled the air during the

farewell event, as we celebrated Consul General Jaiswal’s numerous contributions during his remarkable tenure in New York. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his unwavering dedication to promoting the rich arts of India within the cultural landscape of New York. We also wish him and his wife, Abha Jaiswal, all the best in their future endeavors.

Renowned Artist Kanan Khant's Indian Folk Art Showcase at Kamalnayan Bajaj Gallery

Renowned artist Kanan Khant

An upcoming exhibition, “Maya 2,” is set to grace the Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery in Mumbai from December 4th to 9th, 2023. It will spotlight the mesmerizing artistry of the renowned artist Kanan Khant. The exhibition is a sequel to the successful showcase titled “Maya” held at Jehangir Art Gallery in December, 2021 where the artist’s work invited a lot of praise from critics, experts and art-lovers alike. Inspired by the enchanting Kalamkari folk art style of India, Kanan pays homage to the forgotten Indian artisans at this showcase, particularly women, through her stunning artworks. By depicting the rich tradition of Kalamkari in her paintings , Kanan skillfully conveys narratives akin to the artists who once travelled between villages, sharing tales through this art form. Her exhibition will be a fusion of femininity,

spirituality, and mythology, where she beautifully intertwines the stories of Radha and Krishna, Buddha, and the chakras of our body. Her commitment to continuous learning and experimentation in her art, embraces her belief that she remains a perpetual student of life. Kanan’s art has not only resonated with art lovers in India but also captivated audiences worldwide. Many art lovers of different countries have her painting in their home. She has previously exhibited at prestigious venues like the Jehangir Art Gallery, Nehru Centre, India Art Fair, among others in India. Internationally, her paintings were exhibited at the World Trade Center, Dubai during the global art fair, ‘World Art Dubai’ in March, 2022.

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HEALTH

PrEP: Preventative HIV drug highly effective, study says

Over 40 cough syrup manufacturers fail quality test: Report

The study found use of PrEP, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis. reduced the chances of getting HIV by around 86% when used in everyday life - taking into account inconsistent or incorrect use. Clinical trials suggested the medication is 99% effective. The study of 24,000 users found PrEP to be highly effective in a real-world setting

A drug which stops HIV infecting the body has proved to be a highly effective "real-world" preventative treatment, a study has confirmed. The results of the research on 24,000 people taking it across England, have been described as "reassuring". Thousands of people are already taking PrEP through sexual health clinics. HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust wants easier access to the drug, since many people, including women, do not know it exists. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which led the PrEP Impact Trial with the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said it was the largest ever real-world study of its kind. Funded by NHS England, it was carried out at 157 sexual health clinics across England between October 2017 and July 2020. The study found use of PrEP, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis. reduced the chances of getting HIV by around 86% when used in everyday life - taking into account inconsistent or incorrect use. Clinical trials suggested the medication is 99% effective. Dr John Saunders, a consultant in sexual health and HIV who worked on the study, said: "This trial has further demonstrated the effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission and has, for the first time, shown the protective effect reported by earlier trials, but at scale,

and delivered through routine sexual health services in England." The Terrence Higgins Trust HIV charity welcomed the study's publication, but said there was "more to be done" to increase access to, and awareness of, the drug, particularly among some minority groups. Debbie Laycock, head of policy, said: "We think that there are certain communities and individuals at the moment who could benefit from PrEP but aren't accessing it." "Many women just don't know PrEP exists," she added. She said the charity was calling for PrEP to be made available in pharmacies and online to widen access to it. Dr Saunders said that although the clinical success of the drug had been proven, this study revealed other important information about how it was used. "Before, we didn't know how many people would want it, take it, or how long they would stay on it for," he said. "Now we know who is being prescribed it and we can work with clinics to try and get more people to take it." He said that "real-world effectiveness" was dependent on many factors, particularly whether the drug was taken correctly. John Stewart, National Director for Specialised Commissioning at NHS England and co-Chair of the PrEP Impact Trial Oversight Board, said: "Not only did the trial directly prevent many cases of HIV, help normalise the use of PrEP, remove stigma and pave the way for a routinely commissioned clinically and cost effective PrEP service; but it also made a very real contribution towards our goal of ending new cases of HIV by 2030.

New Delhi,: (IANS) More than 40 companies manufacturing cough syrups in the country have failed quality tests, a CDSCO report said citing the lab tests conducted in different states in the aftermath of reports linking India-made cough syrups to 141 child fatalities globally. As per the report released by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), out of 1,105 samples tested, 59 samples were declared as 'not of standard quality'. The report was released by the CDSCO in November under a list of drugs, medical devices and cosmetics declared as 'not of standard quality' or 'spurious' or 'adulterated' or 'misbranded'. The data has come from the test reports of government testing labs. The report said that no samples were found to be spurious or misbranded. The move came after several deaths were reported globally post consuming Indiamade cough syrups. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) after these deaths had made it mandatory for exporters to seek government clearance on the quality of cough syrups. Noting the DGFT requirement, CDSCO has been testing all the batches of cough syrups which seek export permission.

2 US girls become world’s first to get gene therapy for genetic brain disorder HiIndia Newsdesk

New York: (IANS) A team of US doctors have in a world first delivered a novel gene therapy to treat Rett syndrome -- a rare genetic brain disorder -- in two girls. They became the first children worldwide to receive the promising treatment as part of the firstin-human Phase I/II trial of a new investigational gene therapy, NGN-401, developed by US-based Neurogene. Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects girls, most of whom develop normally until 6-18 months of age when they begin to experience progressive regression in acquired motor and verbal skills and develop constant handwringing behaviour. Eventually, this condition causes severe impairments that affect nearly every aspect of their daily lives, including their ability to speak, walk, eat, and breathe. In 1999, a team led by Dr. Huda Zoghbi, a that drug does not correct the root cause of the disease, distinguished service professor at Baylor College of Medicine, founding director of the Jan and Dan which is the loss or alteration of MECP2. Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan There is, therefore, a significant unmet need to develop better treatments for this devastating condition. NRI) at Texas Children’s Hospital and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, made the “While gene therapy has proven to be a powerful tool in the treatment arsenal for a number of devastating transformational discovery that mutations in methyl genetic conditions, the highly variable transgene cytosine binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene causes Rett syndrome. About 25 years following the discovery, expression associated with conventional gene therapies has limited its application in many complex Baylor College and Texas Children’s has become the first trial site for the gene therapy. At present, only neurological disorders, especially Rett syndrome in which MECP2 transgene overexpression is toxic,” said one specific treatment exists for Rett syndrome, and

Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects girls, most of whom develop normally until 6-18 months of age when they begin to experience progressive regression in acquired motor and verbal skills and develop constant hand-wringing behaviour. Bernhard Suter, principal investigator of the Phase I/ II clinical trial and Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Baylor College. To address these issues, NGN-401 was purposefully designed to maximise the therapeutic activity while averting toxicities due to transgene overexpression. It is administered as a one-time treatment via the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route, which has been shown to maximise the delivery of the therapeutic MECP2 gene to key areas of the brain implicated in Rett syndrome. Based on the first two treatment recipients, NGN-401 has no serious side effects to date. “We are encouraged by the tolerability profile observed in our first two paediatric patients, and look forward to collecting sufficient follow-up data on a larger number of patients to inform the therapeutic potential of NGN-401, which we believe could serve as a bestin-class therapy,” said Rachel McMinn, founder and chief executive officer of Neurogene.

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LIFESTYLE

Indian airport lounges: Where to find the best local cuisine

Author Bio:

New Delhi: (IANSlife) Travelling is an experience that tantalises all our senses. From the sight of new horizons to the sound of adventure, and the touch of different cultures, it's a journey that's as much about the food as it is about the destination. Airports, while often considered transient spaces, can offer a gateway to the culinary treasures of a region. Indian airport lounges, in particular, are where you can unroll on a flavourful journey even before you've taken off. In this article, we will explore the cuisines offered at airport lounges of some of the key cities in India, and discover the hidden gems in terms of the local cuisine they have to offer.

Goa's Foodie Delights

Goa, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, is also a treasure trove of delicious local cuisine. As you wait for your flight at Goa International Airport, also known as the Manohar International Airport be sure to sample some of the state's delectable dishes. Known for the state-of-the-art facilities, Encalm Lounge at the Goa airport is serves the best of delicacies and provides an amazing seating area where travellers can unwind.The lounges are known to serve the local food with great variety and finesse. The Goan cuisine is a fusion of flavours influenced by its rich history, blending Portuguese and Indian culinary traditions. One cannot miss "GoanSorak Coconut Curry" – a mouthwatering dish made from Goan coconuts and onions, garlic and chillies, seasoned with a mix of aromatic spices. If you have a sweet tooth, savour "Bebinca," a traditional Goan dessert. This layered pudding is a sweet delight, rich with coconut and jaggery.

Delhi's Diversity In Food

Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi offers an array of dining experiences that reflect the city's diverse culinary landscape. There are various lounges at the IGI Airport, but the flagship lounges offer a different level of diversity altogether when it comes to the cuisines. Right from chefs preparing international cuisines with the Delhi touch, to inducing live stations from chefs presenting the best of the capital, right in front of your eyes - the Delhi Airport experience promises to be an amazing one. Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is

a testament to this cultural diversity. With superior amenities imbibed at the core, Encalm Lounge offers the finest facilities, including lounge bays, a bar, a multi-cuisine buffet, live food counters, a kid’s play area, a library, and a business centre.

Hyderabad's Spice Extravaganza

Known as the "City of Pearls" and the "City of Nizams," Hyderabad is a place where history and food traditions merge beautifully. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is your gateway to the culinary treasures of this city. The Encalm lounge at Hyderabad Airport is known to boast a spacious extravaganza that ensures an amazing experience for travellers. Hyderabad is celebrated for its biryanis, and you can't leave without savouring one. "Hyderabadi Biryani" is a fragrant rice dish made with tender marinated meat, saffron, and spices, slowcooked to perfection. Another delicacy to explore is “Chicken Haleem," a rich and hearty stew made from wheat, barley, and chicken. It's commonly enjoyed during festivities but is available throughout the year. And don't forget to try "Hyderabadi MirchikaSalan," a spicy curry made with green chilies, peanuts, and sesame seeds, typically served with biryani.

The Joy of Airport Lounges

The airport lounges in India have evolved beyond just offering comfortable seating and complimentary Wi-Fi. They now cater to travellers with discerning tastes by providing a gastronomic experience that rivals some of the best restaurants. As you relax in the serene ambience of these lounges, you can live the tradition and experience the culture through the local cuisines. In a nutshell, Indian airport lounges are a gateway to the heritage of the regions they represent, all through the language of the foodie marvels. The next time you travel through the airport, make it a point to arrive early and indulge in the local cuisine on offer. After all, the journey to a new destination begins long before you board the plane, and what better way to start than the taste of local flavours at Indian airport lounges? Bon appétit!

Astro Friend Chirag

Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla is the son of famous astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. He is known for his detailed astrological predictions on career, health, love, finance, and business. You can visit their website bejandaruwalla.com for guidance on problems related to your life and solve your problem with the help of expert astrologer Chirag Daruwalla. For guidance on problems related to your life you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/Whatsapp: +91 9825470377 or also mail on: info@bejandaruwalla.com

(Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla)

8th December 2023 to 14th December 2023 Aries Ganesha says that this week you will see amazing enthusiasm and confidence. During this time, you will be successful in completing even the most difficult tasks with the help of your family and friends. With the special help received from your father in the middle of the week, you will be able to find a solution to a major problem related to your family.

Taurus

Ganesha says that this week sometimes your work will be completed quickly and sometimes it will suddenly get stuck. At the beginning of the week, some workplace-related problems may cause you to worry.

Gemini

Ganesha says that if the people of the Gemini zodiac sign are successful in managing their time and energy this week, then they can achieve unexpected success in their careers, business, etc.

Cancer

Ganesha says that people of the Cancer zodiac sign will have to avoid doing distant losses in favor of nearby gains this week. Be very careful while talking to others and avoid telling lies, otherwise, you may have to feel embarrassed if it gets exposed.

Leo

Ganesha says that the luck of the people of the Leo zodiac sign will be seen shining like the sun this week. Efforts made towards your career and business will be successful, which will keep your mind happy. You will look full of confidence throughout the week.

Virgo

Ganesha says that for the people of the Virgo zodiac, this week will remove all the problems related to life and fulfill their wishes. At the beginning of the week, you will heave a sigh of relief if a major problem is solved with the help of an influential person.

Libra

Ganesha says that the people of the Libra zodiac will have to sacrifice all the comforts and luxuries and try hard and with full dedication to make their dreams come true

this week. Travel will prove to be pleasant and will increase contact with influential people.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that people of the Scorpio zodiac this week will be able to complete even the most difficult tasks easily due to their wisdom and speech. This week, you will also get full help from your close friends in achieving your desired success in a particular work.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that whatever work you undertake this week, you will get the desired success and profit from it. At the beginning of the week, you may get a big victory in the ongoing court case or your opponent may take the initiative to compromise with you.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week, you may have to rush a little more in connection with work. However, these travels will solve your personal or businessrelated problems to a great extent, due to which you will heave a sigh of relief. During this time, you will remain busy fulfilling some responsibilities related to life, due to which it will be a bit difficult for you to find time for yourself and your family.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that the people of the Aquarius zodiac who have been dreaming of purchasing things related to luxuries for a long time, their wish will be fulfilled this week. This week you will be seen spending a lot of money on luxuries, home repairs picnic parties, etc.

Pisces

Ganesha says that to get the desired success this week, the people of Pisces will have to soften their behavior and get along with people. At the beginning of the week, long or short travel in connection with career business is possible. The journey will prove pleasant and profitable. This time is going to be very auspicious for the people associated with power and governance.

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