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Rhythm Fell Silent
Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary global impact was recognized with the highest honors that can be given in the world of music. His contributions “to the cultural and spiritual betterment of mankind”, were acknowledged in 2022 with his awarding of the Kyoto Prize.
"If They Tax Us, We Tax Them": Trump Threatens India With Reciprocal Tariff
US President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs in retaliation for the “high tariff” imposed by New Delhi on import of certain American products. “Reciprocal. If they tax us, we tax them the same amount. They tax us. We tax them. And they tax us. Almost in all cases, they're taxing us, and we haven't been taxing them,” Trump told reporters on Monday.
He made the remarks while responding to a question on a potential trade agreement with China. Trump said India and Brazil were among countries that impose high tariffs on certain US products.
“The word reciprocal is important because if somebody charges us — India, we don't have to talk about our own —
NY Architect, Serial Killer Suspect, Faces 7th Murder Charge
New York, United States:
A New York architect believed to be responsible for a series of murders on Long Island has been charged with a seventh homicide, that of a woman whose remains were found in 2000, prosecutors said Tuesday. Rex Heuermann had already been charged with the murders of six women whose bodies were found near Gilgo Beach between 1993 and 2010.
if India charges us 100 per cent, do we charge them nothing for the same? You
know, they send in a bicycle and we send them a bicycle. They charge us 100 and
Nasa astronauts Butch and Suni's homecoming delayed again
Nasa says that the astronauts stuck on the International Space Station will have to wait even longer to get home.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were due to be back after just a week when they blasted off in June.
Their stay was extended to February next year because of technical issues with the experimental spacecraft,
Starliner, built by Boeing. Now - following a delay in launching a new capsule to the ISS - the pair won't be back until late March or possibly April. Nasa said the delay posed no risk to the astronauts. In a statement Nasa stated: "The International Space Station recently received two resupply flights in November and is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing, and oxygen. The resupply spacecraft also carried special items for the crew to celebrate the holidays aboard the orbital platform."
Most space station missions last six months, with a few reaching a full year. So the extension to Butch and Suni's already overdue stay in space should not be a problem, according to Dr Simeon Barber, from the Open University.
Amid Rising Bird Flu Cases In Humans, Experts Warn Next Pandemic May Come From The US
The next pandemic might come from the United States, experts in Spain have warned. According to La Vanguardia, infectious disease specialists have said that as H5N1 avian flu continues to mutate and spread in the US, it could trigger a new pandemic in the near future. Avian influenza, commonly called "bird flu", is a viral infection that spreads in birds, cows and other animals. Even though there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission taking place currently, experts have said that the virus's ability to spread through wild species and jump to domestic ones highlights the risk of human infection potentially occurring due to new mutations and recombinations among variants. According to the outlet, the likelihood that the new pandemic originates in the US is high, however,
experts noted that precisely this origin gives them peace of mind due to access to information. "Do not doubt it. If something happens in the US, it will be known instantly," said Fran Franco, head of the microbiology department at Juan Ramon Jimenez University Hospital in Huelva and a member of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC). Experts in Spain are convinced that the surveillance system across the globe
Avian influenza, commonly called "bird flu", is a viral infection that spreads in birds, cows and other animals.
would detect the infection in humans of the H5N1 avian flu. What happened in the Covid pandemic has allowed to strengthen all systems, they said. "We are much better off than in 2020," they stated.
Separately, at last week's media briefing, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, also pointed out the "concerning spread" of the H5N1 avian influenza in the US. "We've seen the concerning spread of H5N1 avian influenza to hundreds of dairy herds in the United States, with 58 human cases," he noted.
Donald Trump made the remarks while responding to a question on a potential trade agreement with China.
200. India charges a lot. Brazil charges a lot. If they want to charge us, that's fine, but we're going to charge them the same thing,” Trump said at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Responding to a question, his Commerce Secretary pick Howard Lutnick said “reciprocity” is something that is going to be a key topic for the Trump administration. “How you treat us is how you should expect to be treated,” he said.
Tom Cruise honoured with US Navy's highest civilian award
Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy's highest civilian honour for "outstanding contributions" to the military with his screen roles. Cruise's lead role in the 1986 smash hit Top Gun shot him into celebrity status, and the film's record-breaking success spiked military enlistment.
The Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to Cruise during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey.
Chennai-Born Wins Miss India USA 2024
Washington: Chennai-born Indian American teenager Caitlin Sandra Neil has been crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. Ms Caitlin, 19, is a second-year student at University of California, Davis. "I want to leave a positive lasting impact on my community and focus on women's empowerment and literacy," Caitlin was quoted as saying in a media release. Born in Chennai, India, Ms Caitlin has been living in the USA for the last 14 years. She wants to be a web designer and also pursue a modelling and acting career.
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Trump made the remarks while responding to a question on a potential trade agreement with China.
Outgoing US Government Relaxes H-1B Visa Rules. What It Means For Indians
Washington:
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The outgoing Biden administration has relaxed rules for H-1B visas that will make it easier for American companies to hire foreign workers with special skills and facilitate a smoother transition from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas, a move that is likely to benefit thousands of Indian tech professionals.
The most sought-after H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, aims to provide greater flexibility to employers and workers by modernising the definition and criteria for special positions and nonprofit and governmental research organisations that are exempt from the annual statutory limit on H-1B visas. The changes will help US employers hire as per their business needs and remain competitive in the global marketplace, an official release said.
President-elect Donald Trump will take charge as the next president of the US after his swearing-in ceremony on January 20.
According to the DHS, the rule also extends certain flexibilities for students on F-1 visas seeking to change their status to H-1B to avoid disruptions in lawful status and employment authorisation for students holding F-1 visas. It also will allow US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to
The most sought-after H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
process applications more quickly for most individuals who had previously been approved for an H1-B visa.
It will also allow H1-B visa holders with a controlling interest in the petitioning organisation to be eligible for H-1B status subject to reasonable conditions. The latest move by the outgoing Biden administration builds on its previous efforts to ensure that the labour needs of American businesses are met to reduce undue burden on employers while adhering to all US worker protections under the law. “American businesses rely on the H-1B visa programme for the recruitment of highly-skilled talent, benefiting communities across the country,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
“These improvements to the programme provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness,
and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation,” he said.
“The H-1B programme was created by Congress in 1990, and there's no question it needed to be modernised to support our nation's growing economy,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.
The changes made in the final rule will ensure that US employers can hire highly skilled workers they need to grow and innovate while enhancing the integrity of the programme, he said.
The DHS said the rule also strengthens the programme's integrity by codifying USCIS' authority to conduct inspections and impose penalties for failure to comply; requiring that the employer must establish that it has a bona fide position in a speciality occupation available for the worker as of the
requested start date.
It clarifies that the Labour Condition Application must support and properly correspond with the H-1B petition; and requires that the petitioner have a legal presence and be subject to legal processes in the courts of the United States.
In order to implement the rule, a new edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, will be required for all petitions beginning January 17, 2025, which is the rule's effective date.
The DHS through USCIS is legally limited to awarding 65,000 H-1Bs per year, with an additional 20,000 for applicants with advanced degrees, but many nonprofits are exempt from that cap. H-1B petitions subject to the cap regularly exceed the number of legally available visas, which are issued annually at the start of the fiscal year. Applicants are chosen by a lottery system for review, meaning eligible applicants are often denied due to chance.
Cap-exempt organisations can petition for H-1Bs year-round, and they are not subject to a statutory limit, the Hill reported.
Under the new rule, nonprofit and governmental research organisations will be defined as those whose “fundamental activity” is research, rather than the previous “primarily engaged” or “primary mission” definitions, which led to confusion regarding which organisations were exempt from the cap and which were not, the report added.
The H-1B programme has previously come under criticism for being susceptible to abuse in large part by organisations that flood the application system, lowering the chances of applicants subject to the cap lottery.
Tech Company Stops Hiring Humans, CEO Says AI Capable Of All Office Tasks
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Klarna, a leading "buy now, pay later" fintech provider, has paused human hiring and turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to replace tasks previously managed by hundreds of employees. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski revealed that the company stopped hiring over a year ago, focusing instead on AI integration across its operations. This shift has led to a 22% reduction in the workforce, with Klarna now employing around 3,500 people, down from 4,500 last year. A major driver behind this move is Klarna's investment in AI, which has proven capable of handling much of the work once done by human staff. One of the significant AI integrations includes an OpenAI-powered assistant, which has replaced 700 customer service agents. Despite this reduction in headcount, Siemiatkowski reassured employees that the productivity gains from AI would be shared by increasing the pace at which salaries grow.
Klarna's focus on automation aligns with its plans for future growth. The company has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) and is aiming to expand its presence in the U.S. Siemiatkowski expressed ambition to transform Klarna into a bank in the U.S., with plans to take up an offer from President Donald Trump to fast-track banking licenses in exchange for a $1 billion investment. While Klarna is not actively expanding its workforce, it continues to recruit for critical roles, especially in engineering. However, the rise of AI has sparked concerns about job displacement, with experts like McKinsey & Company predicting millions of workers could be impacted by automation by 2030. Klarna's approach reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, with companies like IBM also exploring AI to replace human roles, particularly in HR.
The company, which has seen a 22 per cent reduction in its workforce due to attrition, now employs around 3,500 people, down from 4,500 last year.
Canada announces new border rules following Trump tariff threat
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Canada has promised to implement a set of sweeping new security measures along the country's US border, including strengthened surveillance and a joint "strike force" to target transnational organised crime.
The pledge follows a threat from President-elect Donald Trump to impose, when he takes office in January, a 25% tariff on Canadian goods if the country does not secure its shared border to the flow of irregular migrants and illegal drugs. Economists say such tariffs could strike a blow to Canada's economy. Announcing details of the plan, Canada's minister of finance and intergovernmental affairs said the federal government would devote C$1.3bn ($900m; £700bn) to the plan. The measures "will secure our border against the flow of illegal drugs and irregular migration while ensuring the free flow of people and goods that are at the core of North America's prosperity",
Xi Jinping Visits Macau for 25th Anniversary
China's President Xi Jinping arrived in Macau on Wednesday to mark a quarter century of Beijing's rule over the former Portuguese enclave, and is likely during his three-day visit to urge further diversification from its casino industry. Xi's trip to the world's biggest gambling hub is his third as president, during which he will attend the inauguration of the territory's new chief executive, elected in October. Xi last visited in 2019 when anti-government protests were rocking the neighbouring financial hub of Hong Kong.
Namibia Ransomware Hack
Leaks Sensitive Data
Namibia's state-owned telecoms company has fallen victim to what is known as a ransomware attack resulting in the leak of sensitive customer data, including reportedly information about top government officials.
Telecom Namibia said the data had been released after it refused to engage with a group of hackers known as Hunters International. The company said that it is now investigating how such a massive breach of its system occurred.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba has condemned the cyberattack. Mr Shanapinda said in an interview with local media that the company would not "negotiate with cyber-terrorists".
Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Tuesday. The five pillars of the plan cover the disruption of the fentanyl trade, new tools for law enforcement, enhanced coordination with US law enforcement, increased information sharing and limiting traffic at the border. They include a proposed aerial
surveillance task force, including helicopters, drones and mobile surveillance towers between ports of entry. The government is also giving the Canada Border Service Agency funds to train new dog teams to find illegal drugs, and new detection tools for high-risk ports of entry.
Russia to Remove Taliban's "Terrorist" Label
Moscow:
The Russian parliament has passed a law that would allow courts to suspend bans on groups designated as terrorist organisations by Moscow. The new law, passed by parliament's lower house, the State Duma, paved the way for Moscow to normalise ties with the Afghan Taliban and potentially with the new leadership of Syria. It outlines a legal mechanism for groups
to be removed from the country's official banned list of outlawed "terrorist" organisations by order of a court if they cease terrorist-related activity.
Under the law, Russia's Prosecutor General could file a request with a court outlining that a banned group has "ceased" its activities "in support of terrorism." A judge could then rule to remove the designation.
The Taliban was in the first batch of groups to be added to the banned list, in February 2003, and Syria's HTS was added in 2020.
The Kremlin has been courting relations with the Taliban after the Islamist group seized power in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal after 20 years of war. President Vladimir Putin said in July that the Taliban was now an ally in fighting terrorism.
Israel, Hamas "Days Away" From Finalising Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Deal
Cairo: After over a year of deadly war in Gaza, a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas seems closer than ever before. With talks in Cairo making progress, an agreement to halt the 14-month-old war in the Palestinian enclave and free hostages could be signed in the coming days,
Russia detains Uzbek man over general's killing in Moscow
Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces, was outside a residential block early on Tuesday when an explosive device hidden in a scooter was detonated remotely.
The Russian security service said the unnamed suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, according to state media agencies.
The Ukrainian source said Kirillovwho was Russia's chemical weapons chief - was "a legitimate target" and alleged he had carried out war crimes.
Probe Links Sheikh Hasina to Mass Abductions
Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, and senior officials orchestrated a centralised programme of enforced disappearances with thousands of likely victims, a commission set up by the country’s interim government said in a preliminary report.
The full extent of the practice during Hasina’s 15-year rule started becoming apparent after she was toppled this summer and fled to India amid widespread protests against her authoritarian turn.
according to media reports.
For months, Qatar and Egypt along with the United States have been trying to mediate between Israel and Hamas in the quest for a Gaza truce and hostage release. With US President Joe Biden set the leave the office next month, the American administration intensified efforts to broker a dead to halt the conflict.
"We believe - and the Israelis have said this - that we're getting closer, and no doubt about it, we believe that, but we also are cautious in our optimism," White House spokesperson John Kirby said in an interview with Fox News. "We've been in this position before where we weren't able to get it over the finish line," he added.
Dozens in Mozambique killed by 'intense' cyclone
At least 34 people have died following "one of the most intense storms ever recorded" in northern Mozambique, the country's National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management (INGD) has said. Cyclone Chido made landfall in Mozambique on Sunday, after wreaking havoc in the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte.
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"Congress Anti-Ambedkar, Twisted My Words": Amit Shah Amid Massive Row
New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah - at the centre of a ferocious Congress-led maelstrom following his "Ambedkar is the fashion" quip in Parliament last night - counterattacked Wednesday evening by accusing his rivals of being "anti-Ambedkar" and "anti-Constitution", and "spreading lies".
A combative Amit Shah - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's No 2 and one of the most powerful figures in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party - declared his rivals had "distorted facts" after being stung by "examples of how the Constitution was attacked and wounded by the Congress (when it was in power)".
"They (the Congress) have distorted the comment I made in the Rajya Sabha. They made edited versions of Modiji's speeches. I request the media to put my full statement in front of the people... I come from a party which follows the ideals of Ambedkar," Mr Shah told reporters.
"The Congress disrespected the Army and women, and even broke up the
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge held a press conference of his own earlier today, in which he ripped into Amit Shah over the "Ambedkar is the fashion" quip.
country and gave it to foreign powers. When this truth was uncovered... they distorted facts and misled people yesterday."
"During the discussion (a two-day debate on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution), it was proven it is the Congress that has disrespected
13 Killed As Navy Speedboat Collides With Ferry Near Mumbai
Mumbai: An Indian Navy speedboat that was undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry off the Mumbai coast today. The navy in a statement said 13 people including a naval officer and two people from the original equipment manufacturer were killed in the accident. A video of the accident was captured on camera from the ferry which was carrying 110 people. The navy craft was carrying five people.
Ten ferry passengers were killed, while the remaining 102 including the two
survivors from the navy craft were rescued.
"At about 1600 hours (4 pm), a navy craft
undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, off Karanja, Mumbai. The ferry was carrying passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island," the navy said in a statement.
The video of the speedboat colliding with the ferry surfaced over two hours after the accident happened.
Earlier, it was reported the ferry started sinking, but the cause was not known.
The boat had sailed from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, off the Mumbai coast. The Colaba police have started the process of registering an FIR in the incident.
India, China Arrive At 6 Consensus Points As Ajit Doval, Wang Yi Meet
New Delhi: India and China agreed on six points to resolve the border issue as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace and a commitment to continue seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable package solution to the boundary issue. The consensus points also include cross-border tourism including in areas like Tibet and cross-border river cooperation and Nathu La border trade and resumption of Mansarovar Yatra.
This was the first Special-Representative level meet since the flare-up of incidents at the border.
The meeting follows the bilateral
between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit held in Kazan last month. It was the first significant
breakthough amid the chill that had set in following the clashes in Ladakh's Galwan -- the worst in decades.
Today's meet was meant to oversee the management of peace at the border and explore a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question".
At the meet, the two sides agreed to continue to take measures to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations.
During discussions both SRs also underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship.
Ambedkar..." Mr Shah, battling calls to resign, declared.
He also singled out Congress boss Mallikarjun Kharge, who has led the chorus of critical voices, and said he had no intention of quitting. "Kharge is asking for my resignation. If it will make him happy, I will.. but it won't end his problems. He will have to sit in the same place (in the opposition) for 15 years..."
"My resignation will not change that,"
Mr Shah said, also saying the BJP will examine all legal options, "inside and outside the Parliament" against the Congress, for allegedly editing versions of his speech.
In an unusual move - perhaps underlining the impact of the opposition's attack on this issue - the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet have come out in defence of Mr Shah.
"If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!" the PM said.
Gavaskar Criticizes Ashwin's Retirement Timing
Former Indian captain and legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar reacted to Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement decision's impact on the team and said the allrounder the same what Dhoni did during 2014-15 Asutralia series. Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket immediately following the drawn Gabba Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Gavaskar drew parallels to MS Dhoni's mid-series retirement during the 201415 Test series in Australia, arguing that such decisions disrupt team planning.
"He could have said, listen after the end of the series, I won't be available for selection for India. What it does is that, similarly when MS Dhoni retired at the end of the 3rd Test in 2014-15 series, it leaves you one short," Gavaskar told broadcasters.
"The selection committee has picked so many players for a tour with a purpose. If there are any injuries they can select from the reserve players to have in the team. So, Sydney is somewhere where there is a lot of support on offer for spinners. So India could have played with two spinners. You never know. He could have been there for sure. I don't know how the pitch in Melbourne will be like. Normally, you tend to look at the end of the series.
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'Emmanuel Macron is finished': Marine as she prepares for 'early presidential election'
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen said on Wednesday that she was preparing for an early presidential election, saying President Emmanuel Macron's time in office was all but over.
Le Pen, who has brought her antiimmigrant National Rally (RN) party from fringe status into the political spotlight, is seen as a leading presidential contender. She faced off against Macron in 2017 and captured an even greater share of the vote in 2022, when Macron won another five-year term.
"I am preparing for an early presidential election, out of precaution, taking into account Emmanuel Macron's fragility, what little institutional levers he has left," she said in an interview with Le Parisien newspaper.
"Emmanuel Macron is finished or almost finished," she said, adding that Macron was diminished both domestically and internationally. "He has angered
everyone. He has no more influence in the European Union," she said.
Macron has repeatedly said he would not resign. Asked for reaction, the
Elysee said: "The president has already expressed himself on this matter."
Le Pen faces her own political challenges. She and other members of her party have been accused of using funds
Syria's new leaders must keep promises to respect rights, UN envoy says
It is vital that Syria's new leadership keeps its promises to respect the rights of all the country's diverse religious and ethnic groups, according to UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen.
Mr Pedersen, speaking to the BBC in Damascus, said Syrians were experiencing "a lot of hope and a lot of fear... at the same time".
He called for all parties, inside and outside Syria, to do all they could to create stability in the country.
Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown less than two weeks ago by a rebel coalition led by Hayat Tahrir alSham, known as HTS, a Sunni Islamist group that claims to have disavowed its
New Mauritian PM sends fresh Chagos proposals to UK
Mauritius says it has submitted changes to a proposed deal over the future of the Chagos Islands, with the country's new PM saying the original agreement did not benefit his country enough.
Under the terms of the original agreement, which was announced in October, the UK would relinquish sovereignty to Mauritius over the archipelago but maintain a 99-year lease over Diego Garcia, home to a major UKUS military airbase.
jihadist extremist past since it split from al-Qaeda in 2016.
HTS is designated as a terrorist organisation by the UN, the US, the EU, the UK and others.
Symbolically, its leader has dropped his wartime pseudonym of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani and reverted to
his real name of Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Sunni Muslims are a majority in Syria, which has a strong secular tradition. Sharaa insists HTS is a religious nationalist movement prepared to tolerate other groups.
Mr Pedersen said Sharaa has said "many positive things". But some Syrians, he said, did not believe the HTS leader, who until 2016 had a long history as a jihadist extremist.
"I must be honest. I'm hearing from many Syrians that they're asking questions whether this will actually be implemented. They've got their doubts." That, he said, was not surprising, given the speed of change in Syria.
"If the transition is to succeed, this needs to be a process that is co-operative."
Australian radio host pleads not guilty to sex abuse
Alan Jones publicly addressed the allegations for the first time after his court appearance
Veteran Australian broadcaster Alan Jones has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing 10 young men over almost two decades.
The 83-year-old faces 34 charges over alleged incidents between 2001 and 2019, including 11 counts of aggravated
indecent assault.
Mr Jones is one of Australia's most influential media figures and a former coach of its national rugby union team. He has previously denied allegations of abuse, first published by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023.
After appearing in court, he spoke publicly for the first time since his arrest last month, saying: "I have never indecently assaulted these people."
"I want you to understand this: these allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth, and you should know that prior to my arrest I was given no opportunity by police to answer any of these allegations." Mr Jones was taken into custody at his Sydney apartment on 18 November, as detectives from the NSW Police Child Abuse Squad searched the harbour-front property and seized electronic devices.
from the European Union to pay party workers in France.
She has denounced the case as a political witch hunt. If convicted, she could be banned from seeking public office for five years. The trial is expected to close in March.
For more than a decade, Le Pen has sought to rid RN of the xenophobic and racist image it acquired under the nearly 40-year leadership of her father, ex-paratrooper Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Following European Parliament elections, in which Le Pen's party made electoral gains, Macron called snap parliamentary elections that he promised would bring more clarity. Instead, no single party won a majority, leaving Le Pen and her party with considerable influence. The fractious parliament has cost Macron one government so far, when Le Pen's party banded together with the left to back a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
France's ex-President Sarkozy loses corruption case appeal
France's highest court has upheld a corruption conviction against former President Nicolas Sarkozy, brushing aside his appeal.
Wednesday's ruling by the Cour de Cassation means that Sarkozy - who was in power from 2007 to 2012 - must now wear an electronic monitoring bracelet for a year.
Sarkozy, 69, reacted by saying he was not prepared to accept "the profound injustice" and would now turn to the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the verdict.
Irish
parliament
elects first female speaker
Independent Wexford TD Verona Murphy will be the next Ceann Comhairle (speaker) of Dáil Éireann.
She will become the first woman to ever hold the role after being elected by her fellow TDs (members of the Irish parliment).
Fianna Fáil's John McGuinness and Seán Ó Fearghaíl as well as Aengus Ó Snodaigh from Sinn Féin also ran for the position. Politicians in the Republic of Ireland met for the first time since the general election on Wednesday. Voting to elect the 34th Dáil took place on 29 November, with Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Fine Gael winning the most seats.
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Why the Young Indian American Whistleblower said We should be Careful with AI
Zofeen Maqsood
There is no grief greater than that of a promising life cut short. When the news surfaced of 26- year-old OpenAI researcher and whistleblower found dead in his San Francisco apartment, the news was as shocking as it was tragic. On November 26 the young researcher was found dead in his Buchanan Street apartment. After officers and medics were called to his residence in the city’s Lower Haight district to perform a wellness check on him, he was found dead. According to the police, no evidence of foul play has been found. The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said that Balaji died of suicide.
The events preceding Balaji’s death have been eventful. The Indian American, in an interview with The New York Times in October had raised concerns about OpenAI breaking copyright law.
Who was Sudhir Balaji?
Sudhir Balaji was a student of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. He interned at OpenAI and Scale AI while in college before working at OpenAI. Balaji began by working on WebGPT, and then went on to work on the pretraining team for GPT-4, reasoning team with o1, and post-training for ChatGPT as per his LinkedIn profile. Balaji worked with OpenAI for four years before he quit.
An Exceptionally Smart Kid Balaji was born in Cupertino, California.
The Indian embassy in Tbilisi has said it is in contact with the families of the victims and is providing them with the necessary support
Chandigarh:
Among the 11 Indian nationals who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a restaurant in Georgia is a young man from Punjab's Ludhiana who had moved to the country just six months back. Samir Kumar, 26, was from Khanna town in Ludhiana. After moving to Georgia, he had been working at Haveli restaurant in Georgia, where the tragedy unfolded. Sameer's brother Gurdeep Kumar said they have not received any help despite reaching out to the Indian embassy in Georgia capital Tbilisi. "I appeal to the government for help in bringing Sameer's body back so that we can perform his last rites as per tradition."
Gurdeep said Sameer's birthday was on Saturday. "He spoke to mother over the phone and then went to sleep. When we tried calling him again, the calls went unanswered. We found the restaurant's number on the Internet and called. The manager received the call and told us that a gas tragedy had left 12 people sleeping on the premises, Sameer among them, dead," he said.
Indian American young whistleblower Sudhir Balaji told The New York Times that he realized the technology could be harmful. He was also concerned about how OpenAI allegedly used copyright data. Balaji quit his job at OpenAI earlier in August this year. He spoke out against the artificial intelligence company's practice of training the chatbot on copyrighted material. In an interview with the New York Times he said, “he realized that “he no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that he believed would bring society more harm than benefit.” He died a day after he was named in a court filing as someone whose files OpenAI would search as part of a lawsuit brought by those who sued the AI giant.
He showed signs of a genius from his early childhood and excelled in various contests. An avid programmer, he was placed 31st in the ACM ICPC 2018 World Finals and won first place in the 2017 Pacific Northwest Regional and
Berkeley Programming Contests. He was also the US Open 2016 National Champion and a USACO Finalist. His Social Media Post
Last October, an article titled, “Former
Punjab Man Who Choked To Death In Georgia Shifted There 6 Months Ago
Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs has said a preliminary investigation found no signs of injury on any of the victims. Local media had cited police officers to say that the victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning. A power generator was running in the closed space and the exhaust likely choked the restaurant staff in their sleep.
Georgia's Internal Affairs ministry said the bodies of all the victims were
The Unfortunate Death of Suchir Balaji and why it's important to understand technologies
OpenAI researcher says the Company Broke Copyright Law,” appeared in the New York Times. Sudhir Balaji posted on X, after that explaining his take:He wrote: “I was at OpenAI for nearly 4 years and worked on ChatGPT for the last 1.5 of them. I initially didn't know much about copyright, fair use, etc. but became curious after seeing all the lawsuits filed against GenAI companies. When I tried to understand the issue better, I eventually came to the conclusion that fair use seems like a pretty implausible defense for a lot of generative AI products, for the basic reason that they can create substitutes that compete with the data they're trained on. I've written up the more detailed reasons for why I believe this in my post. Obviously, I'm not a lawyer, but I still feel like it's important for even non-lawyers to understand the law -- both the letter of it, and also why it's actually there in the first place. That being said, I don't want this to read as a critique of ChatGPT or OpenAI per se, because fair use and generative AI is a much broader issue than any one product or company. I highly encourage ML researchers to learn more about copyright -- it's a really important topic, and a precedent that's often cited like Google Books isn't actually as supportive as it might seem.”
Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs has said a preliminary investigation found no signs of injury on any of the victims. Local media had cited police officers to say that the victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning. A power generator was running in the closed space and the exhaust likely choked the restaurant staff in their sleep.
local authorities to facilitate the prompt repatriation of the mortal remains to India. We are also in contact with the bereaved families and are committed to providing all possible support," the embassy said in a statement.
found in bedrooms on the second floor of the building.
The Indian embassy in Tbilisi said it is in contact with the families of the victims and is providing them with the necessary support.
"The Embassy of India in Tbilisi is saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of eleven Indian nationals in Gudauri, Georgia, and extends its deepest condolences to their families.
The Embassy is working closely with
"In connection with the fact, investigative actions are actively being carried out, forensic - criminalistics are working on the spot, interviews of persons irelated to the case are being conducted. Appropriate examinations are appointed. A forensic medical examination has also been appointed to determine the exact cause of death," Georgia's internal affairs ministry has said.
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Sudhir Balaji
Redefining Lung Cancer Awareness and Screening in the U.S.: The Impact of ALCSI
Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative (ALCSI) is transforming lung cancer awareness and screening efforts across the United States. One of ALCSI’s driving forces is Priyanka Senthil, a recent Rice University graduate who has elevated the organization into a national movement, significantly amplifying its reach and impact.
What began as a high school internship search in 2021 became a life-changing mission for Priyanka Senthil. Confronted with the alarming reality of lung cancer statistics, she recalls, “Lung cancer claims more lives than any other cancer in both the U.S. and the world. I was surprised to learn that one of the reasons it is so deadly is the underutilization of lung cancer screening among high-risk populations, resulting in late-stage diagnoses.”
Now serving as ALCSI’s Executive Director, Senthil has overseen the organization’s growth from a small team of 50 to a robust network of over 500 members across 50+ university chapters. Together, this passionate team has educated more than 35,000 people through over 800 community events in schools, churches, health fairs, and festivals.
Empowering Awareness and Advocacy
Senthil’s work is fueled by a desire to bridge the critical knowledge gap surrounding lung cancer screening. Despite the availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for early detection, public awareness remains alarmingly low. “At every event, we meet people who’ve never heard of lung cancer screening,” she shares. “In Houston, one community member told us, ‘I had no idea about lung cancer screening even though I’ve smoked since I was a teen.’”
Under Senthil’s leadership, ALCSI has forged impactful partnerships with organizations like the LUNGevity Foundation. Together, they organized 43 walks across the U.S. during November 2024’s Lung Cancer Awareness Month,
impact
saving information with others.
In 2022, Senthil launched The ALCSI Podcast, which amplifies the voices of lung cancer survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. Now in its 48th episode, the podcast serves as a vital extension of the organization’s mission to educate and advocate.
Leadership Philosophy
drawing 1,100 participants. ALCSI has also garnered over 525 proclamations from mayors and governors across North America and created more than 100 public service announcements promoting lung cancer screening.
Research and Policy Impact
Senthil’s academic contributions are equally remarkable. With 11 published research papers, her work has highlighted racial disparities in lung cancer detection and treatment, particularly among Black communities. These findings have informed ALCSI’s advocacy for updated screening guidelines to address inequities.
Since 2020, ALCSI has collaborated with Congress to pass annual Senate
resolutions emphasizing the importance of early lung cancer detection, demonstrating the organization’s ability to influence public health policy at a national level.
Expanding Impact Through Innovation
One of Senthil’s groundbreaking initiatives is the Plus One Campaign, a community-based education program developed in partnership with the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. This student-driven effort encourages individuals to educate someone eligible for lung cancer screening. Early results are promising, with 74% of participants reporting a willingness to share this life-
Senthil attributes ALCSI’s success to its collective energy and creativity. “We thrive on collaboration,” she explains. “Our focus is on equipping team members with the knowledge, resources, and support to bring their ideas to life. Often, the most impactful ideas are the ones that have never been done before, so we work together to figure them out.” Managing a large volunteer base is no small task, but Senthil employs systematic planning to stay on course. “I make time every day to step back from daily tasks and think about ALCSI’s big-picture goals. Our focus is always on what the team can do each week to make progress toward those goals.” Senthil also emphasizes the importance of learning and dreaming big. “I’m grateful to work with an incredible team of passionate students who constantly inspire me with their creativity. At ALCSI, we don’t shy away from ambitious ideas—we get to work making them happen.”
Inspiring a Movement
Through her leadership, Priyanka Senthil has helped transform ALCSI into a powerful force for change, proving that young leaders can drive meaningful progress in public health advocacy. Despite lung cancer receiving less research funding than other major cancers, ALCSI’s efforts are ensuring that awareness and action continue to grow—one community at a time.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang of
Priyanka Senthil, , a recent Rice University graduate who has elevated the organization into a national movement, significantly amplifying its reach and
R Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Indian cricket team spinner R Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket following the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane on Wednesday. Ashwin made the announcement in the post-match press conference along with skipper Rohit Sharma after the game ended in a draw. Ashwin played the second match of the five-Test series in Adelaide but was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja for the match in Brisbane. Ashwin retires from the game as the second highest wicket-taker for India in Tests with 537 scalps in 106 games, leaving him only behind Anil Kumble (619 wickets).
The decision from Ravichandran Ashwin to announce retirement may have come out of the blue, but it was a move that had been long coming. The talk first surfaced during the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home in 2023, but when another showdown came calling, Ashwin seems to have made up his mind particularly because of his knee that has been causing trouble of late.
PM Leads BJP Firefight As Opposition Steps Up Ambedkar Attack On Amit Shah
Countering the Opposition's charge accusing Home Minister Amit Shah of insulting Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the people have seen how the Congress has tried "every possible trick" to obliterate BR Ambedkar's legacy and humiliate Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
In a six-point thread on X, the Prime Minister said the Congress and its "rotten ecosystem" were "gravely mistaken" if
In a six-point thread on X, PM Narendra Modi said the Congress and its "rotten ecosystem" were "gravely mistaken" if they thought "malicious lies" could hide their insult of BR Ambedkar.
they thought "malicious lies" could hide their insult of the architect of the Constitution. "If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious
15,000 Crore Of Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi's Assets Restored To Banks: Centre
New Delhi: Properties worth Rs. 14,131 crore - that once belonged to Vijay Mallya - have been seized and handed to public and private sector banks to pay off a part of the fugitive businessman's substantial debts, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament Tuesday.
Ms Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha the Enforcement Directorate had, in total, restored properties worthRs. 22,280 crore to pay back debts of wanted
individuals like Mr Mallya, Mehul Choksi, and Nirav Modi, and that the fight against economic offenders is set to continue. The restored sum includes Rs. 1,052 crore from Mr Modi and Rs. 2,565 crore from Mr Choksi. A sum of Rs. 17.5 crore in the National Spot Exchange Ltd, or NSEL, case was also restored. "In money laundering cases, the ED has successfully restored properties valued at Rs. 22,280 crore... we have not left anyone. Even if they fled the country, we have gone after them." "... it is important to recognise we have not left (out) anybody. We will make sure the money... which has to go back to banks... will go back," Ms Sitharaman declared. In response to a question asked in the House, Mr Surjewala was told the ED had filed over 900 cases under the strict Prevention of Money Laundering Act, or PMLA, from 2019 to 2023.
lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr. Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken! The people of India have seen time and again how one Party, led by one dynasty, has indulged in every possible dirty trick to obliterate the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar and humiliate the SC/ST communities," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister's remarks come amid a massive protest by the Congress-led Opposition over the Home Minister's remarks in Rajya Sabha yesterday.
1-1 Draw Gives Confidence for Melbourne: Rohit Sharma
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma hailed the resilience of the lower-order batters after his team managed to salvage a crucial draw in the rain-hit third Test against Australia here on Wednesday, saying the side it has given the side renewed confidence for the remaining series. With the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy now tied 1-1, Rohit believes the team's morale will be high during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Activist in NJ Confronts Town Council for Flag Ban; Accuses Mayor Sam Joshi of Sexual Abuse
was removed during his speaking time just for displaying a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
The Town Council meetings in Edison, have been fiery and eventful in the recent past to say the least. What started with the town council banning flags has now drawn in activists and locals confronting the decision and now even accusing Edison mayor Sam Joshi and demanding his ouster. On November 25, an Edison resident
After an activist and independent journalist Shaun Paul Rees noticed this unexplained banning of flag and constitution he decided to confront the town hall directly and showed up at the meeting. He said that he had come to speak to Edison mayor Sam Joshi directly. But since mayor Joshi was not present he decided to go ahead and in harsh words expressed that may be the mayor is hiding in shame.
The activist then went on to say that the apology issued by the Town Council over banning copy of constitution was
inadequate and lacklustre. He also said that he came especially from Long Island to confront the council.
What had got the town talking is that the activist then went on to bring to the fore that Mayor Sam Joshi had been accused of sexual assault. He also read one of the testimonies by one of Sam Joshis classmates in high school which detailed in explicit details Joshi’s inappropriate behavior at a party.
The activist said that the issue is more than just banning the flag and the constitution as when the activists started examining they found that mayor Joshi is corrupt, tyrannical and sexually deviant. He talked about supporting Rich Brescher for mayor. He said he looks forward to him winning the election and evicting Sam Joshi.
The issue is more than just banning the flag and the constitution as when the activists started examining they found that mayor Joshi is corrupt, tyrannical and sexually deviant
The incident posted on YouTube on Long Island Audit is already getting attention and especially the Indian American community has been watching with great concern. It may be noted that earlier this month, a survivor of sexual assault has come out publicly to share her harrowing account. She has alleged that she was sexually abused by Edison mayor Sam Joshi. The testimony has come as a rude wake up call for the community which is demanding a transparent investigation.
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Honda and Nissan hold merger talks
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Honda and Nissan are understood to have held exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers, particularly in China.
In March, the two Japanese car makers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for EVs. The firms responded to the BBC with identical statements, which said: "As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other's strengths."
It comes as many car brands grapple with growing competition as the industry shifts from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric, with production in China booming.
Honda and Nissan have not denied the story, which was first reported by Japanese business newspaper the Nikkei, but said it was "not something that has been announced by either company".
Apple accused of using conflict minerals
The Democratic Republic of Congo has filed criminal complaints in France and Belgium against subsidiaries of the tech giant Apple, accusing it of using conflict minerals.
Reliance Power Secures SECI Deal
Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power has announced a major foray into the solar power arena.
A newly-formed subsidiary of the company has struck a deal with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for a 930 MW solar energy facility with a grid-enabled battery energy storage system project (BESS).
This will be the single largest solar and battery storage system project in Asia ex-China, Reliance Power said.
Reliance Power’s bid in SECI’s Tranche XVII auction secured a tariff of Rs. 3.53 ($0.0416)/kWh.
Airtel, Army Launch
Mobile Services in J&K Border Villages
Bharti Airtel has become the first private telecom operator to launch mobile services in around seven border villages of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipore districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the company said on Wednesday.
Under the Vibrant Village Programme, Airtel has connected villages such as Kachhal, Balbir, Razdan Pass, Taya Top, Ustad, Kathi, and Cheema to the rest of the country.
"These villages are located in the Keran, Machhal, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri valley regions, spanning the three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore. Airtel is the only private telecom operator providing its services in these regions," Bharti Airtel said in a statement.
"If there are any updates, we will inform our stakeholders at the appropriate time," they added.
The discussions are understood to be in the early stages and there is no guarantee that a deal will be agreed.
The two companies are expected to officially confirm that they have held the talks as early as next week, according to Japanese TV channel TBS. Nissan declined to comment on a Bloomberg report that it had been approached by Foxconn about the iPhone maker taking a controlling stake in the car firm. Foxconn did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.
Amazon faces US strike threat ahead of Christmas
Amazon workers in the US could go on strike ahead of Christmas, after members of the Teamsters union voted to support industrial action.
The workers say the online retail giant has refused to recognise their union and ignored a 15 December deadline to hold talks over their contract.
Amazon's facilities in Southern
California, New York and Illinois could be affected, according to a Teamsters statement.
"The corporate elitists who run Amazon are leaving workers with no choice," said Teamsters General President Sean M O'Brien. "Amazon must be held accountable to workers and consumers alike. If workers are forced onto the picket line, Amazon will be striking itself," he added.
UK inflation rate hits highest level for eight months
The UK inflation rate has gone up for the second month in a row, rising at the fastest rate since March. The UK inflation rate rose to 2.6% in the year to November, according to
official figures. Fuel and clothing were among the main drivers behind the rise. Increasing ticket prices for gigs and plays were also a factor.
The Bank of England raises interest rates to try to keep inflation at its target of 2%. Its next rates decision is on Thursday, but economists expect rates to be held at 4.75%
"Inflation rose again this month as prices of motor fuel and clothing increased this year but fell a year ago," said Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which gathered the data.
Acting on behalf of the Congolese government, lawyers have argued that Apple is complicit in crimes committed by armed groups that control some of the mines in the east of DR Congo.
Apple has said it "strongly disputes" the claims and that it is "deeply committed to responsible sourcing" of minerals.
Pawan Hans Wins Rs.2,000 Crore ONGC Helicopter Deal
State-owned helicopter services operator Pawan Hans on Wednesday said it has secured a 10year contract worth over Rs 2,000 crore to provide four helicopters to ONGC for transporting its personnel to off-shore duty locations. Under the contract bagged through competitive global bidding, Pawan Hans will deploy four HAL-manufactured Dhruva NG helicopters for ONGC offshore operations, the company said.
India Must Prepare for Non-Tariff, Duty Measures: Official
India will have to prepare itself in future to deal with potential nontariff and unilateral duty-related barriers like the EU carbon tax, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
DGFT Santosh Kumar Sarangi said that countries like the US and the EU are trying to boost their domestic manufacturing through such measures. "So the US has been trying to boost its domestic manufacturing through the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act, the EU is trying to do it through CBAM deforestation regulation is another mechanism of putting non-tariff barriers on goods coming from developing economies.
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Masti 4: Aftab, Ritesh Start; Vivek Missing Day 1
The iconic Masti trio – Aftab Shivdasani, Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi –are reuniting for the fourth instalment of their hit comedy franchise. Titled Masti 4, the film is directed by Milap Zaveri. The project officially went on floors on Sunday with a launch ceremony attended by Aftab and Riteish, while Vivek missed the first day of the shoot. Aftab Shivdasani shared some fun moments from the set on Instagram. His post included a picture of the Masti 4 clapboard, a group shot with Riteish and Milap Zaveri and a candid moment of the trio laughing together. Adding to the excitement, veteran actor Jeetendra was also present at the ceremony. Although Vivek Oberoi was absent from the pictures, Aftab tagged him in his post, confirming his participation in the much-awaited project. The side note read, "The madness begins. The funniest of them so far. #masti4."
Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous To Release On This Date
Yo Yo Honey Singh fans, we have some good news. Netflix has unveiled the release date of Honey Singh's muchanticipated documentary film Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous. Bookmark the date — December 20. Sharing a poster of the singer-rapper on Instagram, the makers wrote, “The name you know, the story you don't. Witness the rise of a legend who changed the face of Indian music forever. Watch Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous on 20 December, only on Netflix.” Directed by Mozez Singh, the docu-film is produced under the banner of Sikhya Entertainment. It will delve into the life of Honey Singh depicting his journey to fame, challenges and comeback. The producers of the docufilm, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain revealed that through the project, they intend to focus on the “unfiltered truth” about Honey Singh. They said in a statement, “With Yo Yo Honey Singh: Famous, we delve into his story in its rawest form—from his meteoric rise to his struggles and ultimate comeback as Hirdesh Singh.
Shabana Azmi's Post for Naseeruddin Shah:
"Cast Us Together!"
ilmmaker Shyam Benegal celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday. The event was a star-studded affair with several big names from the industry in attendance. Veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah were among those present to celebrate the milestone. Shabana Azmi shared a picture from the bash on her social media. In the snap, she is seen sitting next to the birthday boy, Shyam Benegal. Behind them, Naseeruddin Shah can be seen standing, slightly bending down to pose for the photo. In her caption, Shabana expressed her admiration for Naseeruddin Shah, calling him her "favourite actor" and playfully questioning why they have not been offered films together.
“On #Shyam Benegal's 90th birthday with my co-actor of many films and my favourite actor Naseeruddin Shah. Why aren't more people casting us together ?!!” wrote Shabana Azmi in her caption.
Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah have shared the screen space in numerous memorable films. Their notable projects together include Masoom, Nishant, Gaja Gamini, Khandhar, Dus Kahaniyaan, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Khamosh, Mandi, Pestonjee, Paar, Junoon, Sparsh, Libaas, Hum Paanch, Ek Pal, Shart, Lorie, to name a few.
Raj Kapoor Festival Extended
The ongoing Raj Kapoor Film Festival, marking the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary actor and filmmaker, gets an extension due to increasing public demand. On Sunday, The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) announced that the celebration of the birth centenary of Raj Kapoor will continue till December 19. The event was initially supposed to be a three-day affair, beginning a day before Raj Kapoor's 100th birth anniversary on December 14.
CID Back on Sony Next Week
A new season of the popular TV show CID is set to premiere on Sony Entertainment Television on December 21, with new episodes dropping every Saturday and Sunday at 10 pm, the television channel announced on Monday.
“Sabse tez ACP Pradyuman aa rahe hai har case ko solve karne! Dekhiye #CID sirf 5 dinon mein, 21 December se, Sat-Sun raat 10 baje, sirf #SonyEntertainmentTelevision par,” Sony Entertainment Television wrote on X alongside a teaser of the upcoming season. Previously, a teaser was dropped by the makers, which showed Aditya Srivastava’s Abhijeet shooting at Dayanand Shetty’s Daya, which leaves ACP Pradyuman (Shivaji Satam) shocked.
Aamir Khan's upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par is one of the most highly awaited films of next year. In case you didn't know, the film, directed by RS Prasanna, is a sequel to Aamir's 2007 blockbuster Taare Zameen Par. And now, as per a Pinkvilla report, the actor has finished shooting for this much anticipated film. It will now go for an extensive post-production, post which the film will release sometime in 2025. Featuring Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and Darsheel Safary, among others, the film was earlier supposed to release in December. Speaking about where the film is headed next, the publication quoted a source saying, "With the shoot done, Sitaare Zameen Par has now reached the finish line. Aamir and Prasanna will now shift their focus to post-production, which will include extensive editing, visual effects, and sound design."
Won't Do Shows In India, That's For Sure
During his Chandigarh concert, Diljit announced that he won't be performing live in India anymore until the infrastructure is fixed and improved
The Dil-Luminati India Tour is the first time Diljit Dosanjh is performing live in India, with shows all across the country. But the actorsinger is not happy with the infrastructure provided during his shows. During his Chandigarh concert on Saturday, Diljit announced that he won't be performing live in India anymore until the infrastructure is fixed and improved. Several videos from the concert have surfaced on the internet which show Diljit making the announcement during his performance. In one of the clips, Diljit is seen speaking in Punjabi. He said, "Here we don't have infrastructure for live shows. This is a source of big revenue, many people get work and are able to work here...I'll try next time that the stage is at the centre so that you can be around it. Till this happens, I won't do shows in India, that's for sure."
Rhythm Fell Silent
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died in a hospital in San Francisco, US, his family said on Monday. He was 73. Zakir Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. He had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated. Hussain's sister Khurshid Aulia said he passed away "very peacefully". "He passed away very peacefully after the ventilation machine was switched off. This was 4 pm San Francisco time," she told.
Zakir Hussain’s extraordinary global impact was recognized with the highest honors that can be given in the world of music. His contributions “to the cultural and spiritual betterment of mankind”, were acknowledged in 2022 with his awarding of the Kyoto Prize. In India, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri. He was also a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, India’s most prestigious honor for performing artists, and later the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, a lifetime honor awarded to only 40 artists at a time. , Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his deep sorrow over Hussain's passing.
Taking to social media X, Modi in a post, described Hussain as a genius who revolutionised Indian classical music, bringing the tabla to global recognition.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music. He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity," the post read.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that Hussain's iconic performances and soulful compositions would continue to inspire generations of music lovers and musicians.
"His iconic performances and soulful compositions will contribute to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the global music community," the post further read.
Koopmeiners' Stunner Sends Juventus to Cup Quarters
Holders Juventus progressed to the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup with a 4-0 win at home to Cagliari on Tuesday. Dusan Vlahovic slotted home a first-half opener, before Teun Koopmeiners wrapped up the last-16 tie for the 15-time winners with a sensational free-kick from distance. Francisco Conceicao and Nico Gonzalez netted late to underline an emphatic performance by the Old Lady. "It was a good performance," Juve coach Thiago Motta told Canale 5. "These lads are going through a tough situation in the right way, giving their all in every training session," he added of his players who have endured a stop-start domestic campaign as they sit sixth in the league table.
Juve join Lazio, Empoli, Bologna and AC Milan in the next stage of the cup. Serie A leaders Atalanta are in action on Wednesday against Cesena, while Roma take on Sampdoria.
Outgoing ICC Chair's Candid Message on Cricket, Jay Shah
Outgoing ICC chair Greg Barclay believes Jay Shah has the ability to pull cricket out of the current "mess" and take it to another level but also cautioned his successor against keeping the game "under the yoke of India".
Barclay, who stepped down from his position on December 1 after a fouryear term in the middle of an ongoing crisis over the Champions Trophy venues, has acknowledged that cricket is witnessing challenging times. "I think he (Shah) has got a great opportunity to use what he's got in his background to help India take the game to another level, but without making it sort of under the yoke of India as well," Barclay was quoted as saying by 'The Telegraph'. "We're really lucky to have India, they're a massive contributor to the game across all the measures, but one country having that amount of power and influence does distort a whole lot of other outcomes, which is not necessarily helpful in terms of that global growth."
3rd Australia-India Test Ends In Draw After Bad Weather Strikes
The third Test between Australia and India in Brisbane ended in a draw after storms halted the hosts' bid for an unlikely win Wednesday to leave the series locked 1-1. Early tea was taken on the final day at the Gabba because of bad light with India 8-0 having been set a target of 275 for victory, after Australia declared on 89-7. But a big storm swept
over the ground during the break and play was abandoned, with the five-Test series now heading to Melbourne and then Sydney. The draw badly hurts India's chances of making the final of the World Test Championship at Lord's next year, with Australia now likely to defend their title against South Africa. "Unfortunately a lot of rain, which you can't do anything about, but really happy with how the guys played," said Australia skipper Pat Cummins. "To put 450 (first innings) on is a huge total and then felt like we're right ahead of the game for all of it."
With rain causing regular disruptions throughout the Test, the chance of a result other than a draw looked to have disappeared when India avoided the follow-on late on Tuesday.
Anti-Doping Agency Defends Amid 2024 Criticism
Reflecting on a turbulent year for the World Anti-Doping Agency, marked by controversies over Chinese swimmers and Jannik Sinner, its president in an interview with AFP pushed back against "unfair, defamatory attacks." Last spring, the sports watchdog was severely criticized for clearing swimmers who tested positive for trimetazidine to compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The Montreal-headquartered agency had accepted Chinese authorities' explanation that their 23 athletes had eaten contaminated food at a hotel.
WADA president Witold Banka insists the case is now "definitively" closed since an independent report found "there was no bias towards China." "There was no wrongdoing on our side," he added.
Banka accused US officials who raised those concerns of politicizing the case and making "very unfair, defamatory attacks on WADA."
I feel there is bit of punch left but I would showcase that in club-level cricket: R Aswin
Shortly after the third Test concluded in a draw, R. Ashwin accompanied his skipper Rohit Sharma to the press-conference hall to announce his retirement from international cricket
Alegend bowed out of the game in a matter-of-fact way at the Gabba here on Wednesday evening. Shortly after the third Test concluded in a draw, R. Ashwin accompanied his skipper Rohit Sharma to the press-conference hall. Soon the ace spinner made it obvious why he was there as he announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
His statement is as follows: “I really didn’t want to make this about myself. Honestly, I think it would have been better if (Jasprit) Bumrah was here or Akash Deep was here. But Rohit (Sharma) is unfortunate to have me along his side. I am not going to take too much of your time. This will be my last day as an Indian cricketer in all formats at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me as a cricketer but I would like to expose and probably showcase that in club-level cricket but this will be the last day.”
“I have had a lot of fun. I must say I have
created a lot of memories alongside Rohit and several of my other teammates even though I have lost some of them over the last few years. We are the last bunch of OGs. Obviously there are a lot of people to thank but I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the fellow teammates. I want to name a few of them. All the coaches who have been a part of the journey, most importantly Rohit, Virat (Kohli), Ajinkya (Rahane), (Cheteshwar) Pujara, who have taken those splendid catches to give me the number of wickets I have managed to get over the years.”
“Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team who have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed my time playing against them. I think it is already getting long. I wouldn’t be taking any questions. But it is truly a very emotional moment. I don’t think I am in a position where I would be answering the questions in the right way. So please pardon me for that. Once again, that is my time. Thanks for being the journalists that you have been, writing good things and of course writing nasty things on occasions.”
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File image of Jannik Sinner
Gukesh Becomes Youngest Ever World Champion
At the age of just 18, India's Gukesh Dommaraju scripted history, becoming the youngestever World Chess Champion, as he defeated China's Ding Liren in the 14th and final game. Heading into the game on 6.5 points each, the final match also seemed to head towards a draw. However, a late blunder by Ding Liren handed Gukesh the victory. Gukesh becomes the first Indian World Chess Champion since Viswanathan Anand in 2012. It caps off a stunning year for Gukesh, who has also won the Candidates 2024 tournament and the Chess Olympiad gold. Gukesh also became the first teenager to become World Chess Champion.
Musk's $447B Boom: Tesla, SpaceX Soar
Elon Musk’s wealth has skyrocketed to nearly $450 billion with Tesla’s stock price soaring to new heights. Musk’s net worth is now valued at $447 billion, making him possibly the richest person in modern history.
He's also now almost $200 billion wealthier than Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who's second on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index with $249 billion. The astronomical surge follows a year of relentless growth for the electric vehicle maker, whose shares have jumped 71-per-cent year-to-date to hit $424.88, most of that rise coming after Donald Trump’s US election victory. Musk, Tesla’s largest shareholder with a 13-per-cent stake, took to X to celebrate Tesla’s latest price leap. “As foretold in the prophecy,” he quipped, sharing a screenshot of the stock price.
The stock’s trajectory has been nothing short of electric with Wednesday’s close marking the first time Tesla has crossed $420 since a 2022 stock split.
Rajnath Singh Begins Debate On Constitution; Dhankhar-Kharge To Meet Amid Chaos
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A two-day debate to mark 75 years of the Constitution began, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to reply to the debate on Saturday.
The BJP and Congress have issued a three-line whip for all its members to be present in the House on December 13 and 14.
A special discussion on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution is all set to begin and the newly-elected Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will make her maiden speech in the Lok Sabha during the debate. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to initiate the debate.
The Parliament's Winter Session, which began on November 25, has seen continuing chaos and repeated adjournments amid ruckus over various issues, including Congress' link with billionaire George Soros, and the unrest in Sambhal and Manipur.
Starting a debate on the Constitution, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said
many try to paint it like a gift of the colonial rule, and a collation of the good of many Constitutions of the western civilisations.
"The role of many in drafting the Constitution was muted out. It was born out of the sacred fire of the Independence movement, it's roots
were nourished by the blood of soldiers. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Leader of Opposition in the Upper House Mallikarjun Kharge are scheduled to meet at 12.40 pm amid the Opposition demanding a noconfidence motion against the former.
Four Indian-Americans Sentenced to Serve Decades in Prison Granted Mercy by Biden
Zofeen Maqsood
President Biden is commuting the sentences of close to 1,500 individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their families and communities. He is also pardoning 39 individuals who were convicted of non-violent crimes. These actions represent the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history. Amongst these people are four Indian-Americans -- Meera Sachdeva, Babubhai Patel, Krishna Mote and Vikram Dutta.
Meera Sachdeva was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012 and was ordered
to repay nearly $8.2 million for fraud at a former Mississippi cancer center she used to run.
Babubhai Patel was sentenced in 2013 to 17 years on 26 convictions for a healthcare fraud conspiracy, a drug
"Suspicious, Requires Investigation": Ding Liren Accused Of 'Deliberately' Losing To D Gukesh
Defending world chess champion Ding Liren was made to rue the 'blunder' he made in the 14th and final game against India's D Gukesh on Thursday. Liren's error of judgment turned out to be a costly one as Gukesh pounced on the mistake to become the youngest world champion in the history of the game. While most of the chess fraternity is elated to see the 18-year-old Gukesh
A serious allegation has been made over the result of the FIDE World Chess Championship, with China's Ding Liren accused of 'deliberately' losing the match to India's D Gukesh.
make history, Russian Chess Federation chief Andrei Filatov has accused China's Liren of losing the game on purpose. Russian news agency TASS quoted Filatov asking the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to open a probe and investigate the result.
"The result of the last game caused bewilderment among professionals and chess fans. The actions of the Chinese chess player in the decisive segment are extremely suspicious and require a separate investigation by FIDE," he said.
conspiracy, and related fraud and drug violations.
Krishna Mote was sentenced to serve life in prison back in 2013. He was convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine and more than 500 grams of cocaine, and distribution of crack cocaine as an aider and abettor.
In 2012, Vikram Dutta was sentenced in a Manhattan federal court to 235 months in prison after he was found guilty of conspiracy charges stemming from his use of his perfume distribution business to launder millions of dollars for a Mexican narcotics organization.
India Rejects Hasina's Views: Misri
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on external affairs on Wednesday that India does not endorse deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of the interim government in the neighbouring country before referring to the Indian tradition of giving refuge to leaders fleeing their country under difficult conditions, according to sources. Misri visited Dhaka on Monday — the first high-level visit from India to Bangladesh since Hasina left the country and landed in India in face of a wave of protest — and met the interim government chief Muhammed Yunus, his foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain and foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
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Delhi-NCR AQI crosses 400, 'severe' category
According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi's air quality has worsened further on Tuesday (December 17, 2024) , with levels again breaching the 400 mark and falling into the 'severe' category.
At 7 am on Tuesday, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 421. AQI values in areas including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, Bawana, Jahangirpuri, and Alipur ranged from 400 to 470, signifying hazardous air quality.
Canada Deputy PM Resigns Amid Rift With Trudeau
Ottawa: Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland quit Monday in a surprise move after disagreeing with Justin Trudeau over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats.
Freeland also stepped down as finance minister, and her resignation marked the first open dissent against Prime Minister Trudeau from within his cabinet and may threaten his hold on power.
Liberal Party leader Trudeau lags 20 points in polls behind his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, who has tried three times since September to topple the government and force a snap election.
Sri Lanka's Statement on China's Hambantota Port Ops
New Delhi: In a significant commitment on defence cooperation, Sri Lanka today assured India that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka reiterated Colombo's stand in the joint statement today, making its promise to New Delhi official.
'One Nation, One Election' Bill in Lok Sabha, Sent to Committee
New Delhi: A Constitutional amendment bill - to permit holding Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, part of the 'one nation, one election' push - will likely be tabled in the Lok Sabha today, and then be sent to a parliamentary committee.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to table the bill - the Constitution (One Hundred and TwentyNinth Amendment) Bill, 2024 - sources said. Once introduced, he will likely ask Speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to a joint committee - to be constituted based number of seats held by various partiesfor wider consultation.
As the single largest party in the House, the BJP will chair the to-be formed committee and also get the maximum number of seats. Committee members will be announced by the day's end. The
The 'One Nation, One Election' panel received nearly 21,000 suggestions from the public, of which over 81 per cent were in favour, news agency PTI said in January.
India-China Special Representatives to Meet in Beijing on Dec 18
The Special Representatives of India and China on border issues will meet in Bejing on Wednesday to discuss the restoration of bilateral ties following the October 21 agreement to disengage troops in eastern Ladakh.
As agreed, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will hold the 23rd meeting of Special Representatives for the China-India Boundary Question in Beijing on December 18, 2024, Chinese
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced in Beijing on Monday. According to informed sources, Mr. Doval will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday to attend the crucial talks, which were expected to provide a way forward for the two countries to normalise the relations.
Constituted in 2003 to comprehensively address the dispute of the India-China border spanning to 3488 kms, the SRs mechanism over the years met 22 times. The SRs meeting would take place after a gap of five years. The last meeting was held in 2019.
While success eluded it in resolving the boundary dispute, officials on both sides regard it as a very promising, useful and handy tool in addressing the recurring tensions between the two countries. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on October 21 said in Delhi that the agreement was finalised following negotiations over the past several weeks and that it would lead to a resolution of the issues that arose in 2020.
initial term will be 90 days, but this may be extended, sources added.
Last week the Union Cabinet cleared two bills to amend the Constitution and allow the ruling BJP to implement its 'one nation, one election' proposal. The bills - and the amendments - were recommended by a panel led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, and with Home Minister Amit Shah as a member, in a report filed in September.
The first is an amendment linking the term of state Assemblies to that of the Lok Sabha; this means the terms of state governments elected after 2029 will end with the tenure of that Lok Sabha. So, an Assembly elected in 2031 will dissolve in 2034 and not complete its five-year term, so its next poll cycle can be synced to the 20th Lok Sabha election.
Syria rebel leader meets U.N. envoy in Damascus
The Syrian Islamist leader whose group led the offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad met on Sunday with U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen, who was visiting Damascus, said a statement on the rebels’ Telegram channel. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, discussed with Pedersen “the changes that have occurred on the political scene which make it necessary to update” a 2015 United Nations Security Council resolution “to suit the new reality”, the statement said. Jolani’s HTS is rooted in Syria’s branch of Al-Qaeda, the Al-Nusra Front, designated a “terrorist” organisation by many Western governments.
Setback For US President-Elect Donald Trump In Hush Money Case
Washington:
A New York judge ruled Monday against a bid by US President-elect Donald Trump to have his conviction for covering up hush money payments to a porn star thrown out on immunity grounds, local media reported.
Judge Juan Merchan said in the ruling that a Supreme Court decision granting presidents sweeping immunity for official acts did not apply as testimony at the trial related "entirely to unofficial conduct entitled to no immunity protections," broadcaster CNN reported.
The New York Times newspaper reported the same information. Monday's ruling raises the prospect that Trump could become the first president to enter the White House
with a felony conviction, pending his appeal against the jury's verdict.
Trump has long opposed the criminal process brought against him after he paid a porn star for her silence and then covered up the payments in an effort to boost his chances in 2016's election.
The judge in the only criminal case against Trump that has gone to trial had indefinitely postponed Trump's sentencing at a hearing on November
Judge Juan Merchan said in the ruling that a Supreme Court decision granting presidents sweeping immunity for official acts did not apply as testimony at the trial related "entirely to unofficial conduct entitled to no immunity protections," broadcaster CNN reported.
22, given his win in the November 5 presidential election.
Trump's legal team had cited a landmark July ruling from the Supreme Court that gives US presidents sweeping immunity for official acts committed while in office as justification for their request to throw out this conviction. Prosecutors argued that Trump's bid to have the case thrown out was "well beyond" what was needed to protect the presidency.
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Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain, Music Legend, Dies At 73
Zakir Hussain has received four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.
New Delhi: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain died in a hospital in San Francisco, US, his family said on Monday. He was 73. Zakir Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. He had been in hospital for the past two weeks and was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition deteriorated.
"Edged And Gone"
Kohli's Same Mistakes
"Edged, caught behind the stumps, and gone", there was no change in Virat Kohli's fortunes as the India batter was dismissed for a singledigit score yet again on the tour of Australia on Monday. Kohli, who hasn't had many fruitful outings in Australia, barring a second-innings ton in Perth, was dismissed chasing an outside-off delivery yet again. Kohli's dismissals on Down Under on this tour have come in a similar fashion, with pacers finding the edge of his bat through 6th or 7th stump deliveries. On Day 3 in Brisbane, it was the same case.
GRAP-3 Returns: Hybrid Classes Up to 5
New Delhi: GRAP-III recommendations have been reimposed across Delhi and the national capital region following "highly unfavourable meteorological conditions, including calm winds and very low mixing height", the Commission for Air Quality Management said Monday afternoon.
Under GRAP-III, all schools in Delhi-NCR must switch to a hybrid class mode for students till Class V, and there will be restrictions on the entry of diesel-powered commercial vehicles. A hybrid class mode means students and parents can choose between online and in-person classes, depending on availability of infrastructure like computers and the
Last month air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas was consistently in the 'severe' and 'very poor' category, prompting annual health warnings from doctors.
In Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion,
BJP Gets 19 Berths, Allies Get 20
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis went ahead with his cabinet expansion today -- more than three weeks after the assembly election results were declared. Thirty-nine ministers took oath at a grand programme in Nagpur --- his constituency. Maharashtra can have a maximum of 43 ministers. Nineteen of the ministers were from the BJP, eleven from the Shiv Sena and nine from the NCP - adding Mr Fadnavis and his deputies, 42 berths are full now. Mr Fadnavis attended the programme at the Raj Bhavan
in Nagpur along with Mr Shinde and Mr Pawar. BJP's state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, along with Ashish Shelar, Ganesh Naik, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Pankaja Munde, Girish Mahajan, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Chandrakant Patil, and Nitesh Rane, were among those who took the oath. While former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had to settle for the post of Mr Fadnavis's Deputy this time, his party had been hoping to skim off the cream of the portfolios, including the home ministry, which the BJP was unwilling to accept.
Indian Student Killed, 2
Others Injured In US Crash
An Indian student has been killed and two others injured in a road accident in the US, officials said.
The accident occurred when their car collided with another vehicle just after midnight Friday in Memphis, a city in the US state of Tennessee.
The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Naga Sri Vandana Parimala, who was reportedly pursuing a Master
The accident occurred when their car collided with another vehicle just after midnight Friday in Memphis, a city in the US state of Tennessee.
of Science (MS) degree at the University of Memphis.
She was rushed to a hospital, where she died, police said. A daughter of a businessman in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, Ms Parimala had moved to the US in 2022 for higher studies.
Two other students - Pavan and Nikith - were also taken to the hospital, where the former is said to be in critical condition.
Initial investigation suggests that one of the vehicles failed to stop and crashed into the other car.
internet at home.
Goods vehicles with engines below the BS-IV certification cannot run, except for those used for emergency purposes or to provide essential services, and goods carriers registered outside the national capital cannot, till further notice, enter the city if their engine is below the BS-IV mark.
Government offices in Delhi and neighbouring states will stagger working hours, with the central government likely to implement a similar measure for its offices in the national capital.At 2.30 pm the city's AQI was 366, which is in the higher end of the 'very poor' category. This is a sharp spike from seven days ago; on December 7 it 233, which classified it as 'moderate'.
Return Nehru's Letters: Centre to Rahul
New Delhi: The Prime Minister's Museum and Library (PMML) has appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to return the collection of historical letters belonging to former prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. These letters were removed from public access in 2008 at the request of Sonia Gandhi, the then-chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), and have since been stored privately. "We understand that these documents may hold personal significance for the 'Nehru family.' However, the PMML believes that making these historical materials, more widely accessible would greatly benefit scholars and researchers. We would be grateful for your collaboration in exploring possible solutions," the PMML's letter reads.
Hundreds feared dead after Mayotte hit by cyclone
Hundreds of people are feared dead in Mayotte after the French Indian Ocean territory was devastated by a powerful cyclone.
Entire settlements were flattened when Cyclone Chido brought wind speeds of more than 225km/h (140mph), with the poorest living in makeshift shelters particularly hard hit.
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Rutgers University Hosts 43rd Annual Spring New Jersey Film Festival
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — The 43rd annual Spring New Jersey Film Festival at Rutgers University-New Brunswick runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 21, featuring 44 films from around the world. Organized by the Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center, the hybrid event includes in-person screenings and online, on-demand options.
“All films are New Jersey premieres,” said Al Nigrin, festival curator and executive director. “Patrons will see these works before anyone else.”
In-person screenings take place in Room 105 of Voorhees Hall, 71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick, with showtimes at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per
Thanedar has strongly condemned President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to abolish birthright citizenship, calling it a direct assault on a foundational principle of American democracy. The 14th Amendment, in place for over 150 years, guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil.
“Birthright citizenship is a right every American enjoys,” Thanedar declared on social media. “Trump’s threats to this fundamental concept, enshrined in the 14th Amendment, are antithetical to the rule of law. I will fight tooth and nail to prevent him from deporting American citizens.”
Trump has long criticized birthright citizenship, claiming it incentivizes illegal immigration. During his first term, he suggested eliminating it through an executive order—a plan that resurfaced during his second campaign. Thanedar warned such efforts are unconstitutional, vowing to oppose any attempt to undermine this right.
“If a person is born in America, then they are an American citizen,” he affirmed. “Efforts to ban or circumvent birthright citizenship are wrong and unconstitutional.”
The Migration Policy Institute highlights that children born to Indian nationals on H-1B visas or green cards could face citizenship uncertainty under Trump’s plan. Thanedar emphasized his commitment to safeguarding these constitutional protections.
program ($10 for students), and a $100 all-access pass covers both in-person and virtual viewings.
Highlights include short films with Rutgers connections, like Annabel Lee, a visual response to Edgar Allan Poe’s poem by Rutgers alumna Liat Kisos,
and You Still Can, a moving narrative by Rutgers-Newark graduate Samuel Edelsack.
Feature-length films include No Somos Maquinas: We Are Not Machines by former Rutgers producer Mark Nistico, spotlighting Latino laborers (5 p.m., Feb. 2), and The Storm & The Boats, a documentary chronicling New Jersey’s COVID-19 experiences (7 p.m., Feb. 8).
The festival culminates on Feb. 21 with an audio-visual concert by Renee Maskin, a celebrated Asbury Park singer-songwriter.
Judged by media professionals and academics, the festival finalists were chosen from over 677 submissions.
Prize winners will be announced on social media on Feb. 16.
State Rep. Barbara Hernandez's Office Evacuated After Suspicious Letter Incident
AURORA, Il. — The 50th District office of State Representative Barbara Hernandez was evacuated on Monday evening, December 9, following a concerning incident involving a suspicious letter.
According to officials, a staff member became ill after opening the letter, prompting an immediate response from local police and fire departments.
Emergency crews secured the scene and ordered the evacuation of the office to ensure everyone's safety.
In a statement, Rep. Hernandez confirmed that the affected staff member is recovering well. "We are grateful for the swift response of first responders and are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our team," she said.
As a precautionary measure, the office will remain closed on Tuesday, December 10, while authorities continue their investigation. No additional details about the contents of the letter have been disclosed at this time.
The incident remains under investigation by law enforcement, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Hindus Seek Apology from Kraft Heinz for Non-Disclosure of Beef in Products
CHICAGO, IL- Hindus are urging Kraft Heinz, co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, to issue an official apology and recall products containing undisclosed beef. This comes after revelations that gelatin used in many Kraft Heinz products, such as JELL-O, is derived from beef and pork, contrary to Hindu beliefs.
Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, expressed shock over the lack of transparency in a statement from Nevada. Kraft Heinz acknowledged that their gelatin is made from collagen sourced from
Mayor Eric Adams Cracks Down
on ‘Ghost Cars’ in NYC
NEW YORK, NY-Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday that over 73,000 “ghost cars” have been seized since the start of his administration.
In 2024 alone, the NYPD and Department of Sanitation removed more than 7,500 ghost cars and 27,000 illegal motorized vehicles from city streets.
Ghost cars, which evade traffic cameras and toll readers due to forged or altered license plates, pose significant safety risks. This year, 3,200 vehicles were impounded, and 700 individuals were arrested for alleged toll evasion.
“Our kids, families, and all New Yorkers must feel safe, but ghost cars contribute to disorder,” said Adams. “We won’t stand by as people break the law, defraud the city, and endanger the public.”
In September, a new interagency task force assigned 15 NYPD officers to focus on ghost car removal. Since then, 5,119 vehicles have been seized in just 12 weeks. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch emphasized, “Ghost plates have plagued NYC streets for too long, but those days are over. Violators will face arrest, and their vehicles will be impounded.”
In 2023, the NYPD also confiscated 18,430 illegal scooters, bikes, and ATVs — a record 128% increase from 2022. The city remains committed to ensuring public safety.
Cook County Treasurer: Early 2024 Tax Payment Option
Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, expressed shock over the lack of transparency in a statement from Nevada.
animal hides, but the packaging does not specify its origin. For Hindus, who revere the cow as sacred, consuming beef is deeply conflicting with their faith.
Zed criticized the company for failing to uphold its claimed values of responsibility and transparency, urging Kraft Heinz CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera and Board Chair Miguel Patricio to issue a formal apology. He also called for the immediate recall of affected products and their replacement with packaging that explicitly declares the gelatin source.
Highlighting Hinduism's significance as the third-largest religion with 1.2 billion adherents, Zed emphasized that no faith should be treated frivolously. He questioned Kraft Heinz's commitment to its mission of "feeding the world in healthy, responsible ways."
CHICAGO, ILCook County
Treasurer
Maria Pappas is providing property owners the option to prepay their 2024 property taxes, which are officially due in 2025.
Taxpayers can request an early copy of their First Installment tax bill through the Treasurer’s Office. A printed copy of the bill will be mailed upon request. The deadline to prepay is December 31, 2024.
“Many Chicago-area snowbirds spend their winters in warmer climates like Florida or Arizona,” Pappas said. “The prepay option allows you to enjoy your time away without the worry of returning home in time to pay your tax bill.”
The Treasurer’s Office will begin mailing prepayment bills to registrants and posting PDF copies of the First Installment 2024 tax bills online starting Monday, December 16, 2024.
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Tulsi Gabbard Tours BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in NJ, Honors Hindu Values
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu elected to the U.S. Congress and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Director of National Intelligence, addressed over 1,000 devotees at the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham on December 15. Her visit marked a milestone for the Hindu-American community.
Speaking at a cultural program at the iconic temple, Gabbard praised its intricate craftsmanship and spir-itual significance. “To see the countless hands and hearts that contributed to building this magnificent temple, and to walk through its halls observing sculptures depicting Krishna, Arjuna, and the timeless les-sons of the Bhagavad Gita, was deeply inspiring,” she said.
The BAPS organization lauded
Gabbard’s reflections on shared cultural values, stating her words resonated
CBP Intercepts 22 Pounds of Dangerous “Gas Station Heroin” in New Jersey
PHILADELPHIA, PA- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted 10.22 kilograms (22 pounds) of tianeptine, often called "gas station heroin," at an international consignment facility in South Jersey on December 4. The shipment, from Hong Kong and mislabeled as “deep groove ball bearings,” was destined for Edgewater, New Jersey.
kakHowever, it mimics opioid effects and poses severe health risks, including dependency. Despite FDA warnings, tianeptine is sold online and in smoke shops, often disguised as a die-tary supplement.
CBP officers discovered the substance during inspections on November 25 and December 2, using ad-vanced testing tools to confirm it as tianeptine sodium salt. New Jersey issued a health alert after identify-ing poisoning clusters linked to the substance.
“The exponential growth of the global marketplace has enabled dangerous
CBP officers discovered the substance during inspections on November 25 and December 2, using ad-vanced testing tools to confirm it as tianeptine sodium salt.
synthetic drugs to proliferate,” said Cleatus Hunt, CBP’s Area Port Director for Philadelphia. “CBP remains vigilant in preventing these sub-stances from entering our borders.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports encountering tianeptine in various forms, including counterfeit pills and bulk powder. CBP officers nationwide seized an average of 2,339 pounds of dangerous drugs daily in 2023, underscoring their critical role in safeguarding public health and security. CBP works closely with the FDA to intercept dangerous substances at ports of entry, protecting Americans from illicit drugs and other harmful products.
with the community. As a trailblazer, her journey exemplifies the harmony
between heritage and public ser-vice. Gabbard shared insights into her spiritual path and how Hindu teachings have shaped her career. Raised in Hawaii, she credits her mother’s embrace of the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition for introducing her to the faith. Though often mistaken for being of Indian descent, Gabbard has emphasized her spiritual connection to Hindu principles.
A lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve with combat experience in Iraq, Gabbard made history by taking her Congressional oath on the Bhagavad Gita. Known for her independent foreign policy stance, she has earned both praise and criticism for challenging Washington’s norms. Her speech underscored the enduring relevance of Hindu values in public life, inspiring the audience to integrate spirituality with service.
Crypto Terrorism: Virginia Man Guilty of Financing ISIS with Digital Currency
SPRINGFIELD, VA- A jury convicted Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, of Springfield, Virginia, on Dec. 13 for providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Between October 2019 and October 2022, Chhipa collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria. His activities included financing the escape of ISIS members from prison camps and supporting fight-ers.
Chhipa raised funds via social media, accepted transfers electronically and in person, and converted the money into cryptocurrency. These funds, totaling over $185,000, were then routed through Turkey to ISIS members in Syria.
Chhipa’s primary collaborator was a British ISIS member in Syria who facilitated prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and support for ISIS fighters.
The jury found Chhipa guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing or attempting to provide such support. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, with sentencing scheduled for May 5, 2025.
The FBI investigated the case, and it is being prosecuted by Assistant
The jury found Chhipa guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing or attempting to provide such support. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, with sentencing scheduled for May 5, 2025.
U.S. Attorneys Anthony T. Aminoff and Amanda St. Cyr, along with Trial Attorneys Andrew Dixon and Andrea Broach from the Justice Depart-ment’s Counterterrorism Section. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI, and U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35 (Photo credit: Alexandria Sheriff's Office)
Tianeptine, known as gas station heroin, is a dangerous compound
Indian Among 12 Killed in Devastating Gudauri Ski Resort
Accident in Georgia
GEORGIA- Twelve people have died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a ski resort in Georgia, police have confirmed.
The bodies of 11 foreigners and one Georgian national were discovered in a sleeping area above a restau-rant in Gudauri, the largest and highest ski resort in the former Soviet state, according to officials.
Police stated that "preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies," suggesting the deaths were accidental. According to officers, an oil-powered generator had been turned on after the building experienced a power outage on Friday. The bodies were found on Saturday on the second floor of a building that housed an Indian
restaurant.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the identities of the victims have not yet been made public.
Gudauri is a renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, offering a variety of winter sports activities suitable for visitors of all skill levels. Located in the Caucasus Mountains in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, the resort is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level and lies about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi. The area has historical significance, dating back to the 19th century when it served as a trading post on the ancient Georgian Military Road connecting Russia with Georgia.
Advocacy Group Supports Undocumented Youth in College Pursuits
OHIO -As uncertainty looms over future immigration policies, one organization is intensifying its efforts to help immigrant youth achieve their college dreams. The Dream.US, a national scholarship program, pro-vides undocumented students with financial support to pursue higher education. “These are undocumented young adults who came to this country at a very young age,” said Hyein Lee, chief operating officer of The Dream.US. The organization offers scholarships for students in Ohio to at-tend online partner colleges or utilize the
Aries
Author Bio:
Chirag Daruwalla is the best celebrity astrologer who is one of the most famous names in the astrology world. Chirag Daruwalla has more than 18+ years of experience. You can ask for any advice related to career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage. He has complete knowledge, solutions, and guidance to all the problems related to life. If you want to avail his astrological services then you can visit his website chiragdaruwalla.com. For guidance on problems related to your life, you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/ Whatsapp: +91 8141566266 or also mail: info@ chiragdaruwalla.com
20th December 2024 to 26th December 2024
Ganesha that the week will start with the removal of any major hindrance related to life. Those who were suffering from some disease will get health benefits. Overall, the people of Aries will get freedom from diseases and bereavement this week.
Taurus
Ganesha says that the people of Taurus should avoid getting involved in unnecessary disputes this week. At the beginning of the week, your opponents may be active in the workplace and may try to distract you from your goal. In such a situation, instead of getting entangled in small things, it would be better to focus on your goal
Gemini
The organization offers scholarships for students in Ohio to at-tend online partner colleges or utilize the Opportunity Scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, housing, and meals at outof-state institutions.
Opportunity Scholarship, which covers tuition, fees, housing, and meals at outof-state institutions.
Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s recent comments about supporting Dreamers, Lee expressed con-cerns over potential setbacks. “We saw this happen in 2016, where undocumented students retreated into the shadows due to fear and the political climate,” she said. To combat these challenges, The Dream. US provides comprehensive support, including guidance on immi-gration status, career planning, and pathways to long-term legal adjustments. Lee emphasized the importance of higher education in opening career opportunities for Dreamers. “It’s crucial for undocumented students to pursue their college aspirations, which is why we’ve expanded our efforts,” she said. By addressing both educational and immigration-related needs, The Dream. US is committed to empower-ing immigrant youth, even in uncertain times.
Ganesha says that this week has brought happiness, prosperity, and success to the people of Gemini. At the beginning of the week, people who are preparing for the exam competition can get to hear some good news. If you have been waiting for a transfer or promotion at your desired place for a long time, then your wish will be fulfilled this week.
Cancer
Ganesha says that the people of the Cancer zodiac will have to control their minds, speech, and behavior a lot this week, otherwise, you may have to face all kinds of problems unnecessarily. At the beginning of the week, there can be a debate with colleagues regarding something in the workplace.
Leo
Ganesha says that this week has brought success and good fortune for the people of the Leo zodiac. At the beginning of the week, the journeys made in connection with career and business will bring the desired success. During this, you will get a lot of support from people both at home and outside.
Virgo
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be mixed for the people of Virgo. At the beginning of the week, some problems related to the workplace can be a major cause of your concern. During this time you will get less support from both your seniors and juniors and extra hard
work and effort will be required to fulfill your target.
Libra
Ganesha says that the people of the Libra zodiac may face some difficulties related to careers and business at the beginning of the week. During this time, you will get less support from your seniors and juniors in the workplace and the workload will also be more.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that this week is going to prove to be mixed for the people of the Scorpio zodiac. ‘Veer Bhogya Vasundhara’ This week, the people of the Scorpio zodiac will always have to remember this line and instead of running away from problems, they will have to face them firmly.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that the week for Sagittarius people will start with long or short-distance travel. During this time you can go for tourism with your family. The journey will prove to be pleasant and entertaining.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn will need to focus on their goal this week, not paying attention to the things here and there. At the beginning of the week, any dispute related to landbuilding will be a major cause of your concern.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that this week is going to be auspicious for the people of Aquarius in terms of career and business. At the beginning of the week, the journey done in connection with the business will prove to be pleasant and profitable.
Pisces
Ganesha says that this week is auspicious and successful for the people of Pisces. At the beginning of the week, all the opportunities related to life will be seen knocking on the doors. People wandering in search of employment will get better opportunities. People associated with politics can get desired positions or responsibilities.
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( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
California Hospital Settles False Claims Allegations for $10.25M
OROVILLE, CA- Oroville Hospital in Oroville, California, has agreed to pay
$10.25 million to settle allegations of submitting false Medicare and Medicaid claims. The settlement includes $9.52 million to the federal government and $731,046 to California.
The U.S. government alleged that Oroville Hospital billed for medically unnecessary inpatient admissions, incentivized doctors with bonuses tied to admissions, and submitted false diagnosis codes for increased reimbursements. These practices violated federal healthcare regulations, including kickback and selfreferral laws.
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U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert condemned the hospital's actions, stating they betrayed community trust and distorted patient care decisions. Special Agent Steven J. Ryan of the Department of Health
FBI Urges Vigilance During Holiday Air Travel Season
PHILADELPHIA, PA—As the holiday travel season nears, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office is urging air travelers to remain vigilant in airports and aboard flights. With millions expected to travel, the FBI emphasizes its commitment to investigating federal crimes that threaten passenger and crew safety.
“Stay alert this holiday season,” advised Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “If you witness or are a victim of a crime, report it immediately to flight crews, airport police, or the FBI. Your awareness helps ensure everyone’s safety.”
Crimes commonly investigated during flights include sexual misconduct, indecent exposure, assault, interference with flight crews, and theft. Additionally, airport violations such as violence, security interference, or bomb threats fall under FBI jurisdiction.
FBI Airport Liaison Agents (ALAs) are stationed at nearly 450 U.S. aviation facilities with TSA screening operations. These agents respond to onboard crimes, emphasizing the importance of passenger vigilance. If you experience or observe criminal activity during your travels, promptly notify flight crews, airport authorities, or the FBI to help maintain a safe and secure holiday travel environment.
and Human Services emphasized that such practices divert funds meant for essential care.
As part of the settlement, Oroville Hospital entered a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with
HHS’s Office of Inspector General. This includes mandatory compliance reviews and assessments of claims submitted to Medicare.
The case was prompted by a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act filed by Cecilia Guardiola, who will receive $1.7 million of the settlement.
The settlement reflects the government’s commitment to combating healthcare fraud, which depletes resources intended for patient care. Allegations were resolved through coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice, HHS, and California’s Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse Division.
The claims resolved are allegations only, with no admission of liability by Oroville Hospital. Reports of healthcare fraud can be submitted to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS.
Mass Deportation Fears Rise as Trump Prepares Immigration Crackdown
WASHINGTON, DC- With Donald Trump set to implement a mass deportation policy, immigrant rights and legal aid groups brace for sweeping changes. During his campaign, Trump vowed to launch the "largest deportation program of criminals in U.S. history." Now, these groups anticipate a barrage of executive orders rescinding Biden-era immigration rules and prioritizing aggressive deportations.
Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, confirmed plans to target criminals and workplaces, while critics argue that the definition of "criminal" will broaden. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders are particularly vulnerable. Many from 16 countries affected by conflict or disaster could lose protections. Advocates urge President Biden to intervene, but Trump's strategies might bypass such efforts.
Organizations like United We Dream (UWD) are mobilizing immigrant communities with "Know Your Rights" plans and urging cities to strengthen sanctuary ordinances. Major cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles, vow non-cooperation with mass deportations. California Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated legislative measures to counteract Trump’s policies.
Legal battles loom, with courts seen as critical in challenging overreach, including work-site raids, family separation, and potential military involvement. Activists like Kica Matos warn of Trump invoking laws like the Alien Enemies Act to justify constitutional violations.
Public opposition grows as awareness of deportation impacts increases. Advocates emphasize preparation to protect vulnerable communities, determined to resist what they view as an unconstitutional assault on immigrant rights.
Activists like Kica Matos warn of Trump invoking laws like the Alien Enemies Act to justify constitutional violations
Mehtab Sandhu Named Judge in Orange County Superior Court
SACRAMENTO, CA – California
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Mehtab Sandhu as a Judge in the Or-ange County Superior Court on December 13, part of a broader announcement of 11 judicial appointments across the state. Sandhu brings over a decade of legal experience to the bench. Since 2022, he has served as an Assistant City Attorney in Anaheim and previously worked as a Community Prosecutor. From 2012 to 2021, Sandhu was a Deputy District Attorney in San Bernardino County, gaining significant prosecutorial expertise. Earli-er, he practiced law as an associate at Bernstein, Litowitz, Berger & Grossman.
Sandhu earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and is affiliated with the Democratic Party. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Steven Bromberg. The appointment underscores Newsom’s commitment to judicial diversity and strengthening California’s courts. Judges in California earn an annual salary of $244,727. Other notable appointments include Amber Poston in Orange County and María G. Díaz in Fresno County.
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Mehtab Sandhu
Justice Department and EPA File Complaint Against East St. Louis for Clean Water Act Violations
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ST LOUIS, MO- The U.S. Justice Department, representing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Illinois, has filed a complaint against East St. Louis for repeated violations of the Clean Water Act. The city faces penalties and demands for infrastructure improvements to address unlawful discharges of untreated sewage into the Mississippi River and Whispering Willow Lake in Frank Holten State Park. East St. Louis operates a combined sewer system, which, during heavy rainfall, releases untreated sewage
directly into waterways. Since 2020, the city has recorded over 140 days of untreated sewage discharges into the Mississippi River and additional discharges into Whispering Willow Lake, though exact data is unavailable due to missing monitoring equipment. The affected water bodies are popular for recreational activities, heightening public health concerns as untreated sewage contains
Federal Court Halts ACA Coverage Expansion for DACA Recipients
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WASHNGTON, DC- A federal judge has blocked the Biden administration’s rule to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, affecting hundreds of thousands of Dreamers nationwide.
The December 9 ruling by U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor supported Kansas and 18 other states opposing the rule. Finalized in May 2024, the rule aimed to allow DACA recipients to: Enroll in ACA marketplace plans
Access basic health plans
Qualify for financial assistance
Historically, DACA recipients have been excluded from ACA benefits,
classified as not "lawfully present" under healthcare laws. The Biden administration sought to bridge this gap, but the court determined CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) exceeded its authority by redefining "lawfully present," a term governed by Congress.
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach celebrated the decision, stating, "Congress never intended for illegal aliens to receive Obamacare benefits."
CMS is reviewing the ruling but declined to comment further.
For DACA recipients, the decision means continued exclusion from:
• ACA marketplace insurance
• Federal healthcare subsidies
• Basic ACA health plans
Cook County Unveils $2.5M Recovery Fund
CHICAGO, IL- Cook County Board
President Toni Preckwinkle unveiled $2.5 million in funding through the Cook County Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to support suburban municipalities impacted by the severe storms and tornadoes of July 14-15, 2024. The initiative aims to reimburse eligible expenses incurred during disaster response and recovery efforts.
“These storms were a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change,” said Preckwinkle. “This funding addresses immediate recovery needs while bolstering our resilience against future challenges.”
harmful pathogens like E. coli. Both combined and separate sewer systems in East St. Louis are reportedly in severe disrepair, causing sewage to flood streets and buildings, exposing residents to health risks. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, seeks to enforce compliance measures,
including infrastructure upgrades. Community members are encouraged to submit statements on the issue by April 30, 2025, at the provided link. This follows similar enforcement efforts in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. EPA and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency investigations underpin the case, led by the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. Community members are encouraged to submit statements on the issue by April 30, 2025, at the provided link.
DHS Permanently Extends EAD Renewal Period for Eligible Applicants
WASHINGTON, DC-The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule increasing the automatic extension period for employment authorization documents (EAD) from 180 days to 540 days. This aims to provide more certainty for U.S. employers and noncitizens renewing their work authorizations. The rule will take effect on January 13, 2025, benefiting eligible applicants with timely renewal requests pending or filed on or after May 4, 2022.
This move addresses employer concerns about workforce stability and supports the U.S. economy by reducing employment disruptions for noncitizens awaiting EAD renewals. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also reduced EAD processing times significantly in recent years, furthering its mission to bolster economic growth and eliminate unnecessary barriers.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas highlighted the importance of the rule in reducing bureaucratic burdens and ensuring the continued contribution of work-authorized individuals to communities and businesses. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized the agency’s commitment to streamlining immigration processes to help employers retain workers and prevent authorization lapses.
In addition to the rule, USCIS has undertaken measures such as halving EAD processing times for adjustment applicants, reducing processing times for asylum applicants to a 30-day median, extending EAD validity for certain categories, and expanding online application options. These efforts reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen the workforce, reduce red tape, and support economic resilience.
Judge Allows Landmark Fentanyl Overdose Case Against Snapchat to Proceed
Municipalities are invited to apply for reimbursement by detailing their recovery expenses. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on January 17, 2025.
Ted Berger, executive director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management, emphasized the fund’s role in empowering communities to rebuild safely. “This reflects our commitment to helping communities recover and thrive despite challenges,” he said. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit cookcountyemergencymanagement. org/DRRF.
LOS ANGELES, CA - A judge has ruled that a groundbreaking lawsuit against Snapchat, linked to fentanyl overdose deaths, can move forward. The case alleges that drugs were obtained through the social media platform, contributing to the deaths of dozens of individuals.
Sam Chapman, whose 16-year-old son Sammy died after purchasing a fentanyllaced pill on Snapchat, expressed hope following the decision. “It’s a little justice for Sammy,” Chapman said. He believes the case will reveal Snapchat's
role in allowing drug dealers to exploit the platform. Filed in 2022, the lawsuit represents over 60 families who lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses. Earlier, Snapchat’s motion to dismiss the case was denied. The company argues that the First Amendment protects user messages and that federal laws shield it from product liability lawsuits.
Chapman criticized Snapchat’s defense, highlighting outdated internet regulations. "That law was put in place in 1996, before algorithms and AI exploited children's data," he said.
Snapchat denies any wrongdoing and maintains that it works to combat illegal activity on its platform. However, this legal battle may set a precedent for holding social media platforms accountable in cases involving dangerous content.
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Foram Music Presents "Classically Yours" – A Celebration of Indian Classical Music
FORDS, NJ- On Sunday, December 8, 2024, Foram Music, led by Foram Shah and Sanjay Shah, presented the much-acclaimed concert “Classically Yours” at Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey. The event was a resounding success, attracting over 300 music enthusiasts and community supporters.
This unique evening celebrated over 75 years of Indian cinema's Raag-based songs, featuring performances by 14 talented singers accompanied by a skilled ensemble of four musicians. The event was masterfully hosted by Jayesh Mehta of SACHA. The Grand Sponsor for the evening was Piyush Patel, a prominent business entrepreneur from New Jersey.
The highlight of the event was the
presentation by members of Foram Music’s exclusive year-long classical music workshop. These dedicated students showcased their skills through performances of more than 30 songs across various ragas, including Raag Khamaj, Raag Yaman, Raag Shivranjani, and Raag Malgunji. Their impressive renditions demonstrated the depth
AAPI Launches Nationwide Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Drive
CHICAGO, IL- Dr. Satheesh Kathula, an oncologist and President of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), expressed gratitude to local AAPI chapter leaders, members, and volunteers for spearheading Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Registration drives across the U.S. AAPI, the largest ethnic physician organization in the U.S., has partnered with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to boost the Indian donor pool.
“We aim to raise awareness and enroll more youth and adults in this lifesaving initiative,” Dr. Kathula said. Eligible donors must be 18-40 years old, U.S. residents, and free of major medical conditions.
The Urgency of the Initiative
Dr. Sashi Kuppala, Chairman of AAPI’s Stem Cell Drive, emphasized the need: “Thousands with blood cancers like leukemia depend on blood stem cell transplants to survive. Donor-patient matches rely on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing, which is influenced by ethnicity. The lack of Indian donors makes finding matches even more challenging for South Asian
patients.”
Dr. Suni Kaza, Chair of AAPI’s Board of Trustees, added, “Your registration could make you someone’s only hope for a cure. Donation procedures are safe and come with no complications for the donor.”
The Process
Dr. Meher Medavaram, AAPI Vice President, explained, “Registering is simple. Scan the QR code to register on the NMDP website. They’ll send a cheek swab kit, which you return for DNA HLA typing.” If a match is found, donors may be asked to provide blood samples and eventually travel for the donation, with all expenses covered by NMDP.
“It is critical to expand the South Asian donor pool,” noted Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, AAPI President-Elect.
“70% of patients lack a family match, and around 12,000 depend on unrelated donors annually. For Indian patients, the odds are even lower.”
Call to Action
Dr. Shirish Patel, AAPI Treasurer, remarked, “Bone marrow donation saves lives. Increasing donor participation is a noble goal that AAPI is proud to champion.” Dr. Raj Bhayani, AAPI Secretary, added, “The donation process takes about 20-30 hours over 4-6 weeks but can make a lifetime of difference for patients in need.”
AAPI invites community members nationwide to join this life-saving effort. Dr. Kuppala and the AAPI leadership are committed to educating and supporting those interested in organizing local drives. For details on hosting a Bone Marrow Donation Drive, contact Dr. Sashi Kuppala at Sashikuppala@yahoo. com. Learn more about AAPI at www. aapiusa.org. This revision organizes the information more effectively, enhances readability, and maintains the call to action.
and beauty of Indian classical music as used in Hindi cinema.
Foram and Sanjay Shah also delighted the audience with their own mesmerizing performances of melodious classics, leaving a lasting impression on all present. Each singer was recognized for their dedication with a Certificate of Completion for
their classical training. Foram Shah expressed her commitment to spreading awareness of Indian classical music within the community, particularly among the younger generation. She emphasized the importance of discipline, focus, and proper mentoring in helping singers excel. With over 50 singing groups in the tri-state area, Shah aims to set a standard of excellence through her guidance. The evening concluded with a sumptuous spread of appetizers and dinner provided by Royal Albert’s Palace, adding a culinary delight to the musical extravaganza. “Classically Yours” was a true celebration of Indian classical music, leaving attendees inspired and eager for more.
Adco Circuits Achieves SensCy 800+ Club Status and Advances Cybersecurity Standards
ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Adco Circuits, a Michigan-based electronics assembler, has earned SensCy Score™ 800+ Club status with an impressive score of 873, reflecting exceptional cybersecurity practices. Achieving this score demonstrates Adco’s robust defenses against cyber threats, vital for industries like defense, aerospace, and healthcare.
The company also secured Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 compliance, a critical milestone for businesses partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense.
This certification ensures adherence to stringent cybersecurity standards, safeguarding sensitive government data.
“We’re proud to exceed industry standards with our SensCy Score,” said Marc Damman, President of Adco Circuits.
“Data security is paramount, particularly in regulated markets where protection of critical data is non-negotiable.”
SensCy, led by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, evaluates organizations' cyber health, assigning scores based on risk mitigation, compliance, and incident response. A score above 800 signifies excellence, offering benefits such as reduced cyber insurance premiums and increased
The company also secured Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1 compliance, a critical milestone for businesses partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense.
stakeholder trust.
In 2024, manufacturing surpassed tech as the most cyber-vulnerable industry. “We proactively address cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and ensure operational resilience,” Damman emphasized.
Adco’s CMMC Level 1 certification, effective December 16, 2024, solidifies its position as a trusted partner in the defense sector. This certification is crucial for printed circuit board assemblers (PCBAs), aligning with the Department of Defense’s escalating cybersecurity demands.
By integrating advanced cybersecurity measures, Adco Circuits reinforces its commitment to protecting data and supporting national security.
About ADCO Circuits
ADCO Circuits, Inc., established in 1981 in Rochester Hills, Michigan, provides electronic circuit board assembly and module services to a wide range of companies in the industrial, medical, automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace/military equipment markets. As a full-service turnkey supplier of custom electronics, Adco Circuits provides support from design and prototyping to new product introduction and full-rate production.
Its state-of-the-art, 53,000-squarefoot facility handles low- to mediumvolume assembly and testing. Adco Circuits is IS0 9001, AS9100, and IATFI6949 certified, and ITAR and GIDEP registered.
