hi INDiA | March 29, 2024 | The Community First

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Biden cabinet to lend $1.5 billion loan for US' first nuclear power plant

JJoe Biden's administration will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced.

oe Biden's administration will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced Wednesday.

Holtec International acquired the 800-megawatt Palisades plant in 2022 with plans to dismantle it. But now the emphasis is on restarting it by late 2025, following support from the state of Michigan and the Biden administration. Governor Gretchen Whitmer said it would be the first nuclear power plant to be reopened in the US. It still faces hurdles, including inspections, testing and the blessing of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, known as the NRC. “Nuclear power is our single largest source of carbon-free electricity, directly supporting 100,000 jobs across the country and hundreds of thousands more indirectly,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a former Michigan governor.

US Bridge Collapse: 6 Feared Dead

In a tragic incident, the bodies of two construction workers, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, were discovered in a red pickup truck submerged approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) underwater. Four other workers remain unaccounted for, with authorities facing challenges in reaching the area indicated by sonar due to safety concerns. It is believed that the vehicles may be trapped within the superstructure and concrete.

Divers are poised to resume search efforts once the debris obstructing access is cleared. Meanwhile, investigators have retrieved a data recorder from the cargo ship involved in the incident, hopeful that it will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), containers aboard the ship contain corrosive, flammable, and hazardous materials, including breached lithium-ion batteries. Despite

the presence of over 1.5 million gallons of fuel oil and hazardous substances on the ship, the US Coast Guard assures there is no imminent threat to public safety.

The repercussions of the incident extend beyond the immediate tragedy, impacting approximately 8,000 jobs and causing significant disruption to the flow of goods valued at $100 million to $200 million (£79 million to £160

2 bodies recovered at Baltimore bridge collapse site

million) that pass through the port daily. Tom Perez, senior adviser to President Joe Biden, expressed condolences to the affected families, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing support during this difficult time. Fortunately, one of the individuals rescued from the river has been discharged from the hospital, offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing crisis.

Millions of Americans caught up in Chinese hacking plot - US

Seven Chinese men have been charged with enacting a widespread "malicious" cyber-attack campaign

Millions of Americans' online accounts have been caught up in a "sinister" Chinese hacking plot that targeted US officials, the justice department and FBI said on Monday.

Seven Chinese nationals have been charged with enacting a widespread cyber-attack campaign. They are accused of ties to a hacking operation that ran for 14 years.

The US state department announced a reward of up to $10m (£8m) for information on the seven men. The justice department said hackers had targeted US and foreign critics of China, businesses, and politicians. The seven men allegedly sent over 10,000 "malicious emails, impacting thousands of victims, across multiple continents", in what the justice department called a "prolific global hacking operation" backed by China's government. "Today's announcement exposes China's continuous and brash efforts to undermine our nation's cybersecurity and target Americans and our innovation," FBI Director Christopher Wray said. "As long as China continues to target the US and our partners, the FBI will continue to send a clear message that cyber espionage will not be tolerated, and we will tirelessly pursue those who threaten our nation's security and prosperity," he added.

US lottery player wins $1.1bn Mega Millions jackpot

A lottery player in New Jersey hit the literal jackpot on Tuesday, becoming the owner of a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket worth $1.1bn (£791m).

The new billionaire had to match the six winning numbers, which were seven, 11, 22, 29, 38 - plus the "Mega Ball" four.

Doing so defied astronomical odds. There is a one in over 302 million shot at winning the Mega Millions jackpot. It was the fifth largest jackpot in the history of the game. The billion-dollar prize is just an estimate, the lottery said on Wednesday, until all sales of Mega Millions tickets are finalised.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Father of three among victims

Six people, including a father of three originally from El Salvador, are now presumed dead after a container ship hit Baltimore's iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge. The US Coast Guard said late on Tuesday that it had concluded the men had died and intended to suspend its massive search and rescue effort. All are believed to be members of a crew working on the bridge and are citizens of Latin American countries.

Ninja: Twitch's biggest gamer shares cancer diagnosis

US streamer Tyler "Ninja" Blevins has revealed he has been diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Posting on X, the 32-year-old Fortnite gamerwho has 19m followers on Twitch - said a mole removed from his foot was found to be cancerous. Ninja said a second dark spot on his foot was also being checked, and though "shocked" he was "grateful to have hope" that the cancer was found early.

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Israel has ‘no choice’ but Rafah offensive, Netanyahu tells US members of Congress

Record Migrant Crossings Strain Rishi Sunak

London: More than 4,600 asylum seekers have arrived in Britain on small boats so far in 2024, a record total for the first three months of the year and giving Prime Minister Rishi Sunak a fresh political headache. Provisional data from the Home Office, or interior ministry, showed on Wednesday that 4,644 people had been detected arriving across the Channel on small boats such as inflatable dinghies up to March 26 this year.

Daniel Kahneman: Nobel prizewinning behavioural economist dies

Nobel prizewinning psychologist Daniel Kahneman has died, aged 90. He became synonymous with behavioural economics, even though he never took a course of economics.

Kahneman wrote the best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow. It debunked the notion that people are rational beings who act out of self-interestthey act based on instinct, he argued. His death was announced by Princeton University where he had been working since 1993.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told a group of US members of Congress that “victory” in Gaza and “getting” Hamas’ senior leadership in the enclave are just “a few weeks away.”

Speaking to a bipartisan group from Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu said: “We’ve killed many senior leaders [of Hamas], including number four in Hamas, number three in Hamas. We’ll get number two and number one. That’s victory. Victory is within reach. It’s a few weeks away.”

Hosting the congressional delegation, which the Prime Minister’s Office said was organized by the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said it was “very important to maintain bipartisan support” but “especially in these trying times.”

Netanyahu said that Israel “had no choice” but to move into Rafah as the country’s “very existence is on the line.”

The prime minister said that since the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel had enjoyed a “remarkable alignment” with the Biden administration but had fundamentally different views on an Israeli move into Rafah.

Israel has faced criticism internationally ahead of its planned offensive on the southern Gaza city, in which more than one million people are currently sheltering. Netanyahu had earlier told the delegation that displaced Palestinians in Gaza could “just move” out of Rafah and “move with their tents.”

Israeli hostages’ relatives arrested at protest as Gaza talks break down

Relatives of an Israeli held captive in Gaza were reportedly among those arrested by police at a protest in Tel Aviv, after the latest talks on a truce and the release of hostages broke down.

Some family members and activists used cages to block a main road on Tuesday night, as they demanded more be done to free those still being held by Hamas. Their calls have become more desperate

since negotiators returned from Qatar. One Israeli official said the indirect talks had reached "a dead end". Mediators had been pushing a deal for a six-week halt in Israel's offensive in Gaza in return for the release of 40 of the remaining 130 hostages. At least 30 hostages are presumed dead. About 300 people took part in Tuesday's demonstration outside the Israeli military's headquarters in Tel Avivsome of them locked in cages, some with placards saying "no price is too high". Israeli police said they had arrested four protesters "following a disturbance". "The police acted with the required sensitivity and allowed the protest of some of the hostages' families even though it was not legal," a statement added. "However, some of the protesters decided to go down to Ayalon Highway and block traffic, endangering motorists and themselves."

BLA Claims Killing more than 30 Pakistani Soldiers, Warns China

Islamabad: (IANS) The Baloch Liberation Army claimed killing more than 30 Pakistani soldiers as it targeted PNS Siddique, the country's secondlargest naval air station located in Turbat and warned China on its "illegal" settlements and projects in Balochistan. In a statement, the group said that its

Majeed Brigade successfully concluded the fifth phase of "Operation ZirPahazag" to "retaliate against ongoing Baloch genocide" and save the region from Chinese "occupation and exploitation". "Majeed Brigade of Baloch Liberation Army, in the fifth phase of Operation ZirPahazag, last night (Monday) at ten o'clock, attacked the occupied army's Naval Airbase, PNS Siddique, engaging the enemy till morning and successfully achieving the objectives of the operation by killing more than thirty enemy soldiers," BLA spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, stated. The statement came as local media reports in Islamabad said that the attack killed one paramilitary soldier while security forces on the Pakistan side killed all five attackers in retaliatory fire.

Thailand moves to legalise same-sex marriage

Thailand has taken a historic step closer to marriage equality after the lower house passed a bill giving legal recognition to same-sex marriage. It still needs approval from the Senate and royal endorsement to become law. But it is widely expected to happen by the end of 2024, making Thailand the only South East Asian country to recognise same-sex unions.

It will cement Thailand's reputation as a relative haven for LGBTQ+ couples in a region where such attitudes are rare.

Julian Assange faces further wait over extradition ruling

The US must assure Julian Assange has freedom of speech protections and will not receive the death penalty before he is extradited, judges have ruled. The UK High Court said the Wikileaks founder could be allowed to launch a new appeal against being sent to the US without those commitments. US authorities say Mr Assange endangered lives by publishing thousands of classified documents.

Kate 'will be thrilled', Queen Camilla says to well-wishers

The Princess of Wales "will be thrilled", Queen Camilla has told well-wishers, after she received homemade posters on a trip to Shrewsbury. The Queen thanked two girls at a farmers' market for making signs, telling one: "I shall send this off to Catherine, she'll be thrilled." The princess revealed on Friday she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis. She said it was a "huge shock" but said she was "getting stronger every day".

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"Unwarranted, Unacceptable": India On US Remarks

The MEA also snapped back at the US' comments on the Congress' claim that its bank accounts have been frozen - over unfair tax demands - just days before the Lok Sabha election.

New Delhi: Remarks by the United States on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest are "unwarranted" and a strong protest has been lodged, the Ministry of External Affairs said during a routine press briefing Thursday. "... yesterday India lodged its strong objection and protest with a senior official from the United States Embassy with regard to comments made by the State Department. The recent remarks are unwarranted. In India, legal processes are driven by the rule of law. Anyone who has similar ethos... especially fellow democracies... should have no difficulty in appreciating this fact," the MEA said.

4 Stabbed to Death in US, Suspect Arrested

Those killed included a 15-year-old girl, a 63-year-old woman and two men aged 49 and 22, according to the police.

Washington: Four people, including a teenage girl, were killed and at least five injured after a man went on a stabbing spree at multiple addresses in the US state of Illinois, police have said. The stabbings took place on Wednesday afternoon, Rockford city police said in a statement, adding that a 22-year-old suspect was taken into custody. The statement did not say anything about a possible motive. Rockford is located about 90 miles northwest of Chicago. Those killed included a 15-yearold girl, a 63-year-old woman and two men aged 49 and 22, according to the police.

"I Don't Have Money To Contest Lok Sabha Elections": Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said she declined the BJP's offer to contest elections pleading that she did not have the 'kind of fund' required to contest the Lok Sabha polls. BJP President JP Nadda gave her the option to contest either from Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, she said.

India's Significance as Global Power: Ukraine Minister

Kyiv: Ahead of his visit to India, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday that Kyiv views New Delhi as an "important global partner" with a "powerful international voice". The Ukrainian FM expressed hope that his visit will further develop India-Ukraine ties.

US Addresses Congress' Frozen Accounts After Kejriwal's Comments

New York: After India summoned a senior US diplomat to lodge a protest over remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Washington on Wednesday stressed that it encourages fair, transparent, timely legal processes and "we don't think anyone should object to that". "We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Miller was responding to a

question during the State Department briefing over India summoning Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gloria Berbena in New Delhi earlier in the day as well as on freezing of Congress party's bank accounts. "We are also aware of the Congress party's allegations that tax authorities have frozen some of their bank accounts in a manner that will make it challenging to effectively campaign in the upcoming elections. And we encourage fair, transparent and timely legal processes for each of these issues.

PM Modi: Congress Culture: Browbeating, Bullying

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the Congress party today after hundreds of lawyers and some bar associations across the country wrote to the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, expressing concerns over attempts to undermine the judiciary's integrity using political and professional pressure. "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. Five decades ago,

"No wonder, 140 crore Indians are rejecting them," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a swipe at the Congress after hundreds of lawyers wrote about concerns over attempts to undermine the judiciary's integrity

they itself had called for a 'committed judiciary' - they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests, but desist from any commitment towards the nation," PM Modi said in a post on the microblogging website X. "No wonder, 140 crore Indians are rejecting them," PM Modi said. PM Modi's comments came after over 600 lawyers, including Harish Salve and Bar Council chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, wrote to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, alleging that a "vested interest group" is trying to put pressure on the judiciary and defame courts, especially in cases of corruption involving politicians.

"We continue to follow these actions closely, including the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal," US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Arvind Kejriwal's Custody Extended By 4 Days

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal - in jail on corruption charges in the alleged liquor policy scam - has been sent to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for a further four days, i.e., till April 1. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested earlier this month, after the Delhi High Court refused to intervene. Hours later ED officials raided the Aam Aadmi Party leader's residence and took him into custody. He moved the Supreme Court for relief but quickly withdrew the plea; his legal team argued that precedent was against the Delhi Chief Minister.

Indian-American man in Alabama arrested in $400,000 Ponzi Scheme

Zofeen Maqsood contracts to at least six victims. He promised them high returns through an investment firm named 'Infinity Wealth Management' which was fictitious in nature.

A 23-year-old Indian-American investment adviser hailing from Gujarat’s Gandhinagar has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors of over $4,00,000.

According to allegations, Pathyam Patel, also known as Pat Patel used the money for his personal expenses like gambling, and never invested it in securities.

Patel has now been indicted on nine counts of securities law violations. Patel allegedly sold unregistered investment

Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) stated: “Patel did not invest the funds as communicated to the investors. Instead, he used them for gambling on sporting events, personal expenses and paying other investors.”

Infinity Wealth Management firm was not registered as an investment advisor or broker-dealer.

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EAM Jaishankar meets Singapore's top leadership, conveys PM Modi's greetings

Singapore: (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday met top leaders of Singapore and valued their support for the strategic partnership as he conveyed personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to them.

On a three-day visit to Singapore to cement close ties between both nations, he also met leading corporate figures, who spoke of India's growth story, based on investment experiences.

Dr Jaishankar praised Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's "positive sentiments" on the India-Singapore relationship, which he said, "have always been a source of strength for our ties".

"Honoured to call on Prime Minister @ leehsienloong at The Istana. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @ narendramodi. Valued his perspectives on the current state of the world," the EAM wrote on X.

He also called on Singapore's Indianorigin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan with whom he "exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and West Asia".

"Reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation. Spoke about preparations for the next ISMR (India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable) meeting. Discussed marking 60 years of our diplomatic ties," Dr Jaishankar said. Envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, the first ISMR between the two nations, seeking to "deepen existing cooperation and identifying opportunities for collaboration in new and emerging

Indian-Origin Doctor Needs Rs. 2 Crore For Legal Fees

The Indian-origin doctor is a vocal critic against vaccination

New Delhi: In the summer of 2020, when the world came to a standstill because of the coronavirus pandemic, Indian-origin doctor Kulvinder Kaur Gill spoke out against governmentimposed lockdowns and vaccination mandates. But her stance was met with lawsuits by medical bodies and censorship by X/Twitter's previous management.

Dr Gill, a physician in Canada specialising in immunology and paediatrics, is now embroiled in a legal battle stemming from her Covidrelated tweets. Facing a daunting CAD 300,000 (Rs 1,83,75,078) in legal fees, she received support from X, which has pledged to cover her expenses. The ensuing legal proceedings drained Dr Gill's life savings, leaving her with a substantial debt.

Dr Jaishankar praised Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's "positive sentiments" on the IndiaSingapore relationship, which he said, "have always been a source of strength for our ties".

areas", was held in 2022. Following the inaugural meeting, PM Modi conveyed his appreciation and hoped that initiatives like ISMR would help further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Dr Jaishankar also met Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, where perspectives on

advancing bilateral ties, especially on new-age technologies, were shared, in addition to views on the evolving global economic situation.

He wrapped up his visit to the Southeast Asian nation after meeting Home Affairs & Law Minister, K Shanmugam, and said that he values the Indian-origin minister's "consistent support for our strategic partnership".

The EAM last visited Singapore in October 2023 to deepen the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, where he met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Foreign Minister Balakrishnan. After concluding the Singapore visit, EAM Jaishankar will be travelling to Malaysia and The Philippines to engage with them on regional issues of mutual concern.

Hanuman Mandir Of Greater Chicago Hosts Auspicious Pranaprathista Ceremonies

CHICAGO, IL- The Hanuman Mandir of Chicago (HMC) in Glenview, Illinois, has stood as a steadfast bastion of Sanatan Dharma, catering to the spiritual needs of devotees from Chicagoland and beyond since its inception in April 2016. Founded by the venerable Dr. Khurana, an ardent adherent and servant of Lord Hanuman, the temple proudly boasts the world’s first dwimukhi Hanuman statue.

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our sacred space, marked by the forthcoming pranaprathista ceremonies scheduled from April 12th to April 14th. This momentous occasion will witness the consecration of Lord PanchaMuki Hanuman, Devi Maha

Former NITI Aayog Staff Dies in London PhD Pursuit Accident

Chesitha Kochhar was hit by a garbage truck and the driver is helping the cops with their probe, said police.

A 33-year-old Indian student was run over by a truck while cycling back to her London home last week. Cheistha Kochhar, who had earlier worked with the public policy think-thank NITI Aayog, was pursuing her PhD at the London School of Economics. Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, shared the news of her death in an online post. "Cheistha Kochar worked with me on the #LIFE programme in @ NITIAayog. She was in the #Nudge unit and had gone to do her Ph.D in behavioural science at #LSE. Passed away in a terrible traffic incident while cycling in London. She was bright, brilliant & brave and always full of life. Gone away too early. RIP," wrote Mr Kant on X. Kochhar was hit by a garbage truck on March 19. Her husband, Prashant, was ahead of her when the accident occurred and rushed to her rescue. She died on the spot.

Indian-Origin Man Jailed 13 Weeks in Singapore for Bus Speed Tampering

This momentous occasion will witness the consecration of Lord PanchaMuki Hanuman, Devi Maha Kali Maa, the revered 12 jyothirlingas, and Lord Shri Jagannath prabhu.

Kali Maa, the revered 12 jyothirlingas, and Lord Shri Jagannath prabhu. Additionally, the divine aura of Saint Adi Shankaracharya Guru, Goswami Tulidas Ji, and Maharishi Valmiki Ji will grace our sanctuary. We cordially invite all devotees, whether near or far, to join us in these hallowed festivities and together forge an indelible mark on our spiritual journey. Let us unite in reverence and celebration, ensuring that this occasion becomes etched in the annals of our collective devotion.

Singapore: An Indian-origin owner of a company that provides bus transportation services was sentenced to 13 weeks in jail for his role in a ruse that allowed one of his vehicles to go over the prescribed speed limit, potentially affecting road safety. Sundram Retnam, 51, who owns SV Bus Transportation Services and usually drove the affected bus at speeds of between 70 km per hour and 75 km per hour, was also fined SGD 500 after he failed to ensure its speed limiter was properly calibrated to prevent the vehicle from speeding. On March 25, he pleaded guilty to two counts of cheating and also admitted to an offence under the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Speed Limiters) Rules.

Cheistha Kochhar

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Annual 'Global Connections: Holi' Celebration Hosted by Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, Comed and Navy Pier

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CHICAGO, IL – On Saturday, March 23rd, the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, ComEd and Navy Pier, came together as partners through a shared commitment to Chicago and its diverse communities to host this year’s Global Connections: Holi event. “As the Chairman of the Delhi Chicago Sister Cities Committee, it’s really an honor to present and be a part of this Holi celebration,” said Smita N. Shah, Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International Chairman and SPAAN Tech, Inc. President & CEO. “Navy Pier’s Global Connections Program curated a memorable celebration that has grown into the largest program in the United States for Holi. Chicago Sister Cities International is proud to be its partner as it represents why we do what we do: honor the diverse international communities that make up Chicago, celebrate the best of their culture and support the desire

for others to experience the American Dream, all of which makes Chicago stronger.”

“Holi is a reminder that good always triumphs over evil and those forces that wish to divide us, make no mistake about it, not here in the city of Chicago. Black. Brown. White. Asian. Young. Old. Rich. Poor. We are the greatest city in the world because of the diversity that makes up this city,” said City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Chicago’s positive impact is felt all around the world…thanks to the hard work of Chicago Sister Cities International and

the volunteer work of our committee members like Smita [Shah], who are so passionate about our city, so passionate about diplomacy and so passionate about our democracy.”

The free, public event transformed the Aon Grand Ballroom and Navy Pier Beer Garden into the country’s largest Holi celebration of its kind, featuring live music, traditional cultural performances, authentic food from local vendors, the iconic powderthrowing and more. Delhi’s position as a sister city to Chicago demonstrates the strong relationship between India

and the city, and the cultural impact the established Indian-American community had on Chicagoland. Under Shah’s leadership, the Delhi Committee of Chicago founded the Annual Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi Luncheon in 2014, honoring the long-standing exchange of ideas between Mahatma Gandhi and the U.S., and the ever important principles of truth and non-violence. Shah, who serves on President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian American,

"As Chairman of the Delhi Chicago Sister Cities Committee, it's an honor to join this Holi celebration. Navy Pier's Global Connections Program has curated a memorable event, now the largest Holi program in the U.S. Chicago Sister Cities International is proud to partner in honoring the diverse communities of Chicago, celebrating their cultures, and fostering the American Dream, strengthening our city." said Smita N. Shah, Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International Chairman and SPAAN Tech, Inc. President & CEO

in Chicago.

This program would not have been possible without the generous support of Niranjan S. Shah and Pratima Shah, the winner of the Pravasi Bharatiya Award, Darryl Tom for whom whose family the famous Ping Tom Park is named, and the Sue Ling Gin Foundation.

“We have about 260,000 Indian, Indian American, Indian origin people (here), so thank you, Mayor, for making it a great home for them and for hosting Holi every year,” said Indian Counsel General Somnath Ghosh. “This is the second year of celebration for me, and I see it is even bigger than last year. I hope to see the event continue to grow in the years to come and look forward to many more celebrations in Chicago.” About SPAAN Tech, Inc.

Founded in 1998, SPAAN Tech, Inc. is a leading global, award-winning, engineering and construction management firm. SPAAN Tech provides and implements sustainable solutions in transportation, aviation, water, energy, and technology. SPAAN Tech has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as One Of The Fastest Growing Companies and by the Small Business Commerce Association as Best of Business in Chicago Engineering Services. Learn more about SPAAN Tech, Inc. at https:// www.spaantech.com

(L-R) Rahul, Adrienne Tongate, Exec Director of Sister Cities International , Marilyn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier, Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, Smita N Shah, President & CEO of SPAAN Tech. Inc. Sara and Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, at the Holi Celebration held at Navy Pier.

Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago (third from the left) joins Smita Shah, President & CEO of SPAAN Tech. Inc., along with Pratima Shah, Niranjan Shah, and Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, at the Holi Celebration held at Navy Pier.

Indian Premier League 2024: In T20, brand VK great, grand VK greater

scrutiny, the former India captain has taken it upon himself to prove he can still match the best in the business. On Monday, a packed Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was witness to his 49-ball 77 in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first home game this season. It paved the way for RCB’s first victory

PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth Set For Spain Masters Challenge

Two-time Olympic medallist

PV Sindhu and ace men's shuttler Kidambi Srikanth will continue their European grind at the Madrid Spain Masters tournament, beginning on Tuesday. Last year's finalist Sindhu, seeded second here, will square off against Wen Yu Zhang of Canada in the round-of-32 contest, while seventh seed Srikanth will take on a qualifier. Sindhu will hope to go the distance after having suffered a heartbreaking loss to Indonesia's Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in the previous edition of the tournament. Srikanth, whose run in the recently-concluded Swiss Open Super 300 tournament came to an end after a semifinal defeat to Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-Yi, will hope to make an impact after bowing out of the race for the Paris Olympics. Srikanth, who is playing his ninth tournament this season and had made his first final-four appearance in 16 months at the Swiss Open recently, will have the company of Kiran George and Sathish Karunakaran in the tournament.

With his place in the T20 World Cup squad under scrutiny, the former India captain Virat Kohli has taken it upon himself to prove he can still match the best in the business

following Dinesh Karthik’s finishing touches.

The change in his approach was visible. In his first 15 balls, Kohli had hit eight fours and raced away to 33. It was the most runs he had scored off his first 15 balls in a T20 match. He was fluent in the middle overs too and scored at a strike rate of 150 in that phase.

There was no slogging involved, pure cricketing shots which gave the fielders little chance to anticipate. Kohli though was lucky to have survived off the second ball of the innings when Jonny Bairstow dropped him at first slip.

“In T20 cricket, as I am opening here, I try to give the team a blazing start. But if the wickets fall from the other end, you have to understand the conditions as well,” Kohli said after RCB’s four-wicket victory.

“The wicket was not as placid as Bengaluru usually is. It was a bit two-paced. And I thought I needed to play correct cricketing shots. Playing across the line was not quite working; I tried a few.”

Adani Group to support table tennis sensation Poymantee Baisya

Ahmedabad: (IANS)

The Adani Group has announced support for young table tennis star Poymantee Baisya -- who has the potential to be ranked among the country’s top players -- as part of its GarvHai initiative. The programme will ensure Poymantee has everything at her disposal as she moves forward in her bid to become a world champion. Hailing from Hoogly in West Bengal, Poymantee has the happy habit of registering emphatic and important wins in her young career. A gold medallist in the West Zone national ranking tournament in 2019, she joined a rather illustrious list of national champions from Bengal by swatting away the challenge of Arjuna awardee Ayhika Mukherjee at the 85th Senior Nationals. Ahmedabad, March 27 (IANS)

Rohit Sharma marks 200th appearance for MI

Hyderabad: (IANS) Mumbai Indians’ veteran opener Rohit Sharma is all set to mark his 200th match for the franchise via the Wednesday’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Rohit now becomes just the third player after MS Dhoni (CSK) and Virat Kohli (RCB) to play 200 games for a single IPL team. He was also given a ‘200’ special jersey by MI mentor, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, ahead of Wednesday’s match.

‘We need to bat well,’ says DC Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly

Jaipur : (IANS) Having suffered

Kevin Pietersen Credits Virat Kohli for Indian Cricket Turnaround

New Delhi: (IANS) Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has pondered over the significant impact Virat Kohli has had on Indian cricket players, describing it as transformative and said the 35-year-old batter is responsible for a "turnaround in Indian cricket". Pietersen emphasised Kohli's commitment among his teammates, saying the right-handed batter, a fitness freak who always focused on maintaining his fitness standards, has turned Indian cricketers into out-and-out athletes. While speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, Pietersen spoke on the impact that Kohli has had on Indian cricket and his teammates. "One of the things that everyone will remember and will create the greatest memories as a player will be him finishing

innings and being one the greatest finishers of all time. "One of the things that he has done for Indian cricket is he has turned Indian cricketers into athletes, out and out athletes, and while doing so, he's not just talked the talk. He has walked the walk, and you can see that," he said.

"When he is running between the wickets, his full commitment and his energy and his desire to be the best and he is the best. That starts before the field, that starts with diet, that starts with the energy he puts in the gym, that starts with the sacrifices that he has made to walk the walk because when you talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. That's why all the other players who have played under you are following you, watching you. The turnaround in Indian cricket is because of what he has done," added the former England skipper.

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a four-wicket loss in the opening game, the Delhi Capitals (DC) will look to bounce back when they take on Rajasthan Royals in their second match of the IPL 2024 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday.

Virat Kohli loves challenges and the opportunities always spur him on to scale greater heights. With his place in the T20 World Cup squad under

India's 21st Century Pushpak 'Viman' Successfully Launched

New Delhi: Pushpak, an SUV-sized winged rocket dubbed the "swadeshi space shuttle", successfully landed on a runway in Karnataka this morning, marking a major milestone in the country's attempt to enter the reusable rocket segment.

'His own deeds': Anna Hazare

nti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare on Friday said that he felt “deeply pained” by the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, “who is now paying for his own deeds”.

Interacting with a large crowd of mediapersons at his native village Ralegan-Siddhi this morning, Anna Hazare, 86, recalled his old association with Arvind Kejriwal during the India Against Corruption (IAC)’s long movement in New Delhi in 2011, and other places. “I remember, he was working with me and we both had raised our voices against liquor… But now he’s trying to accord legal sanction to liquor. I felt very hurt by it,” lamented Hazare.

Ram Mandir Rath Yatra to tour 8,000 miles, visit 851 US temples

The Ram Mandir Rath Yatra will kick off from Chicago in US on Monday to travel to 851 temples in 48 states, crossing more than 8,000 miles over the next 60 days, organisers said on Thursday. “The Ram Mandir opening has filled with joy the hearts of over 1.5 billion Hindus around the world and has resulted in a renewed energy and faith. The nationwide Rath Yatra will start on March 25 from Chicago in the USA and travel for over 8000 miles. It will cover 851 temples in the USA and around 150 temples in Canada,” Mittal told PTI.

PM Modi bestowed Bhutan’s highest civilian award ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’

Thimphu, March 22 (IANS) In recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Bhutan ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday conferred the kingdom's highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, which he dedicated to 140 crore Indians. PM Modi was presented the award by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at a ceremony in Tendrelthang, Thimphu, becoming the first foreign leader to be given the kingdom's highest honour.

Kejriwal ‘kingpin of liquour policy ‘scam’: ED

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was the "kingpin" and "key conspirator" in the alleged liquor policy scam in the national capital, the

Several MoUs exchanged as PM Modi meets Bhutan Premier

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bhutan Premier Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu on Friday as the two leaders witnessed the exchange of several MoUs and agreements on energy, trade, digital connectivity, space, agriculture, and youth connect between the two neighbouring countries.

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Bhutan from March 22-23 in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the countries, and India's emphasis on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. "The two leaders held discussions on various aspects of the multi-faceted bilateral relations between the two nations and forged an understanding to further enhance cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, youth exchange, environment and forestry, and tourism," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release on Friday.An MoU on the general supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL), and related products from India to Bhutan was exchanged through which India would facilitate its supply to Bhutan via the agreed entry/exit points.

Ahead of his appearance in the Rouse Avenue court, the Delhi CM said, "Whether I stay in jail, or outside, my life will be dedicated to serving the nation."

The agency has claimed Mr Kejriwal was the middleman between the 'south group' and other accused, including exDeputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia (arrested last year) and AAP officer Vijay Nair.

Total proceeds of the alleged scam, the agency said, exceeded ₹ 600 crore; this includes ₹ 100 crore allegedly paid by the 'south group' the agency has claimed includes Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, who was arrested last week. Mr Kejriwal - the first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested - has denied all charges. His party has repeatedly claimed the ED has yet to recover any allegedly illegally acquired cash. The Chief Minister - who spent the night at the agency's office - will be represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi.bIn his first reaction since the arrest, Mr Kejriwal told reporters "my life is dedicated to the nation".

India declares no-fly zone for Chinese 'spy ship' entering Indian Ocean

A predictable pattern of events is unfolding in the Indian Ocean. India has announced a no-fly zone in the Bay of Bengal possibly for a missile test and almost simultaneously a Chinese missile tracking ship is poised to enter the Indian Ocean.

India has marked a stretch of water around 1,600km long stretching well beyond the Andaman Islands as a nofly zone on April 3 and April 4.

Indra Nooyi Cautions Indian Students In US

Ms Nooyi, considered among the most powerful and influential business executives globally, issued an over 10-minute long video advising Indian students coming to the US to stay safe and alert and to avoid activities that can land them in trouble.

"The reason I'm recording this video is to talk to all of you, all you young people who are looking to come to the United States or are here already pursuing your studies, because I've been reading and listening to all the news about several examples of Indian students finding themselves in unfortunate situations," Ms Nooyi, 68, said in the video.

"It's up to you to make sure you do what it takes to remain safe...stay within the law, do not venture out into dark places alone at night, do not engage in drugs or excessive drinking please. All of these are just formulae for disaster," she said. Ms Nooyi pleaded with the students coming to the US to "choose your university and course carefully".

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Enforcement Directorate told the city's Rouse Avenue Court Friday afternoon, as it argued for 10-day custody of the Aam Aadmi Party boss.

Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Ship Strike, Mass Casualties Feared

Sonam Wangchuk Fast for Ladakh Enters Day 21

The climate activist and social reformer said he is surviving on water and salt and 350 people have joined him in the fast despite temperatures dropping to -10 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar: As his hunger strike to press for statehood for Ladakh and the protection of the fragile Himalayan ecology entered its 21st day on Tuesday, noted climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has urged the Union government to exhibit statesmanship and meet the people's demands.

In a video posted on X, a smiling Mr Wangchuk said he is surviving on water and salt and 350 people have joined him in the fast despite temperatures dropping to -10 degrees Celsius. Pointing to a frozen glass of water to highlight the conditions amid which the protest is being held outdoors, Mr Wangchuk said, "We are trying to remind and awaken the consciousness of our Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and Home Minister Mr Amit Shah to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan mountains in Ladakh and the unique indigenous tribal cultures that thrive here."

Mumbai Surpasses Beijing as Asia's Billionaire Capital

New Delhi: (IANS) Mumbai has surpassed Beijing to emerge as Asia's new billionaire capital while India has overtaken Germany to become the thirdranked country globally with 271 billionaires, according to the latest Hurun Research Institute report.

"Mumbai was the fastest-growing billionaire capital in the world, adding 26 in the year and taking it to third in the world and Asia's billionaire capital.

New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) In a tragic incident, parts of a bridge in the US state of Maryland collapsed early on Tuesday morning, after being hit by a container ship, sending several vehicles into the water as quoted by media reports. Mass fatalities are reportedly feared in the incident that occurred at nearly 1.30 a.m. (US local time), with the Baltimore

Fire Department saying it was searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, CNN reported. CNN reported that response teams are working to rescue around 20 people who may have fallen into the river when the four-lane Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in what the Fire Department described as "a mass casualty multi-agency incident".

22 Indian Crew Members On Board Ship That Collided With US Bridge

The ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and, according to reports, several vehicles and as many as 20 people were sent plunging into the river below.

The container ship that rammed a bridge in US' Baltimore, causing it to collapse almost entirely and sending cars and people plunging into the river below, was manned entirely by a crew of Indians. This was confirmed by shipping company Maersk, which had chartered the Singaporeflagged container ship, named Dali. According to a report by news agency AFP, several vehicles and nearly 20 people are believed to have fallen into the Patapsco River after the 300-metre-long vessel crashed into one of the legs of the bridge. The ship had a crew of 22

members, all of whom were Indian. Quoting the Synergy Marine Group, which manages the Dali, a report said all crew members had been accounted for and none of them were injured. Footage showed lights going out on the ship just before it rammed a leg of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a portion of which collapsed on the vessel itself. Maryland's governor said the ship, which was moving at a "rapid" eight knots (nine miles per hour), issued a Mayday call moments before it collided with the pillar of the bridge and this helped saved lives as some road traffic could be stopped.

PM Modi to Launch BJP's UP Campaign in Meerut March 30

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the BJP campaign in Uttar Pradesh -- the state that accounts for 80 Lok Sabha seats -- on March 30 with a mega rally in Meerut. The candidate is Arun Govil, the actor who played Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan in the 80s, encapsulating a messagev on the Ayodhya temple, which was inaugurated earlier this year.

Uttar Pradesh, a single state that accounts for the largest number of Lok Sabha seats, is crucial to the BJP's plans

Uttar Pradesh, a single state that accounts for the largest number of Lok Sabha seats, is crucial to the BJP's plans to win 370 seats -- the target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

to win 370 seats -- the target set by the Prime Minister. The party knows it needs a bigger push in the state if it has to surpass its score of the two earlier elections.In 2014, the BJP won 71 seats in the state. Five years on, in 2019, the figure shrunk to 62, owing to the alliance between the two regional giants -- Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party. In a handful of seats, the party had just managed to scrape through , with a margin of a couple of thousand votes.

China Urges India to Respect South China Sea Claim

China on Tuesday urged India to respect its sovereignty claims over the disputed South China Sea where it is currently locked in a bitter row with the Philippines, saying that no "third party" will be in a position to interfere in maritime disputes between the two countries. "Maritime disputes are issues between countries concerned and any third party is not in a position to interfere," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to a question.

US Urges Fair, Transparent Legal Process for Arvind Kejriwal's Arrest

New Delhi: The United States government is monitoring reports of Arvind Kejriwal's arrest and has encouraged its Indian counterpart to ensure "a fair, transparent, and timely legal process" for the jailed Delhi Chief Minister and opposition leader, a State Department spokesperson told Reuters this week.

The US' response comes days after Germany's Foreign Office stressed that the Aam Aadmi Party leader, like any other Indian citizen facing charges, is entitled to a fair and impartial trial.

"We assume and expect that standards

relating to independence of judiciary and basic democratic principles will

also be applied in this case," a German government spokesperson said Friday. The Indian government reacted strongly to the comment, summoning the German envoy and labelling the Foreign Office spokesperson's remark "blatant interference in internal matters". Asked about India's protest to Germany, the State Department spokesperson told Reuters, "We refer you to the German Foreign Ministry for comment on their discussions with the Indian government."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has not yet reacted to the US State Department.

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The US' response comes days after Germany's Foreign Office stressed Arvind Kejriwal, like any other citizen facing charges, is entitled to a fair and impartial trial.

Chicago based Pranita Nayar wears many hats. She is an artist, an accomplished dancer, curator of performing arts and the Artistic Director of Mandala South Asian Performing Arts – an award-winning organization that promotes and preserves South Asian music and art forms.

Her MacArthur Award Winning organization brings together various art forms, often from various parts of the world, and fuses it with the rich repertoire of performing arts from the subcontinent, showcasing an uncanny symphony that often exists between cultures and communities.

Born and brought up in Delhi, India, Nayar came to the United States after she got married back in 1985. But she did not let the challenges of adjusting in a new place deter her from following her passions. A trained Bharatnatyam dancer who had spent years under the guidance of legendary Sonal Mansingh, Nayar began thinking about putting her cultural tapestry on the American stage.

Since then, Nayar has accomplished many firsts. She has performed at some of the most prestigious places in America such as at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C; at Lincoln Center in NYC; The Art Institute of Chicago, Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Newark Museum besides many other Indian and international venues.

And for all those who thought that ethnic Indian art forms are enjoyed by a certain genre and do not have an appeal for a younger, contemporary crowd then this couldn’t be further from the truth. Pranita has showcased the mesmerizing power of Bharatnatyam at some of the platforms favored by the gen Z and beyond. She is one of the few Indian artists who have performed at some of the most sought-after events in America. Pranita Nayar performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. She has also taught and choreographed pop star Shakira for her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.

When she landed in Allentown, Pennsylvania back in the mid-eighties, Nayar confessed that she did not foresee this. She says she was just thinking about pursuing her passion.

The 80’s in America

Nayar recalls that the times when she first came to the US were definitely different from times today with much less people aware of Indian arts or cultural practices. She says, “The 80’s saw a bigger population of Indians in America. I would say in terms of the Indian population, it was less than what it is today but more than what it was say in the 1960’s. Same could be said about awareness about Indian cultures and not many people understand the intricacies.”

So, did people know about, for instance, a dance like Bharatnatyam which has a whole detailed background to it. Nayar says, “An art form like Bharatnatyam has costume, hand movements, expression and a history to it. For a majority, the awareness of India came from and still comes from the influence of Bollywood, tandoori food. So sure, there were challenges as everyone may not be ready for an entire discipline and culture that this dance form brings along.”

Nayar recalls a funny and telling episode. She says, back in the day when we started teaching Bharatnatyam at an American Dance Institute, there were

Pranita Nayar

Bringing Cultures Closer through Performing Arts

Pranita Nayar performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. She has also taught and choreographed pop star Shakira for her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.

also bhangra classes. Suddenly bhangra classes were getting fuller. Ofcourse, people were taken in by the peppy, fast moves.” Understandably, performing arts like Bharatnatyam require more dedication and focus but once you are committed to that you can unravel the whole perspective changes.

Setting Stage in Chicago

Today Pranita oversees one of the most prestigious institutes promoting not just Indian but other indigenous art forms too in the heart of Chicago – a place which has become the mecca of cultural diversity in America and especially in the midwest. But interestingly, Chicago was not always this melting pot. Pranita says, “When I first came here, after my degree in dance, I thought I would get a research job. But it didn’t work in Chicago. The city, not many would believe, was not as diverse culturally as it is today. I ended up being a founderdirector of a dance school called Kala Priya. After 20 years it was time to explore the possibilities beyond Indian cultural dance.” Talking about Mandala Performing Arts, she says, “Mandala as a platform is forward looking, forward moving and forward thinking. We explore the boundaries and find similarities in the most unlikely places and that is the beauty of it.”

When Shakira came to Chicago

Pranita is rather humble about teaching dance to none other than Shakira – a pop icon for millions around the world whose music has blurred the barriers of language and cultures. While this is a feat most would shout about from the rooftops, Pranita Nayar remains unaffected by the enormity of it and says, “Shakira’s team was performing in Chicago and she came to see one of our performances. After the performance she came backstage. I was definitely nervous but this is how it began she said she loved what she saw.”

Pranita also recalls another interesting anecdote. Shakira for her song, “Hips Don’t Lie,” wanted to incorporate Bollywood dance moves. It was during this time that Farah Khan – the famous Indian choreographer and I were in the same room with Shakira and talking to her about Indian dance forms.” And that is the power of dance and music. It creates invisible bonds and brings people and places together – a journey Pranita, with her Mandala – South Asian Performing Arts is spectacularly embarking on.

Pranita Nayar and dancer by Ton Rossiter

Zofeen Maqsood

Prajakta Koli : ‘The lines between Dimple and me are blurry’

We might know her from her YouTube sketches, web series and films. But Prajakta Koli steadily continues to use her voice as a young influencer to champion different causes. The actor-influencer, along with Freida Pinto, has lent her voice to She Creates Change, a live-action animation film that promotes gender equality and the importance of education in women’s lives through six stories of young girls around the world. The endeavour is backed by Room to Read, a global education non-profit tackling illiteracy and gender inequality, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the short film series premièred on March 8, 15 and 22 in Asia. Now, as the project is set to screen at Tribeca Film Festival 2024, Koli says, “I was bowled over by the film. It is uncomplicated storytelling, but effective. When you work on something like this, you feel closer to the reality of people who live in this world. Films like this remind me of my social responsibility, something I want to prioritise at every step of my career.”

Koli is currently shooting for the third season of Mismatched. She believes that the Netflix series’ charm lies in how it is unabashedly romantic. “The beauty of Mismatched is that it’s heartwarming and pure. Every day, we work towards holding on to the simplicity of it. Our director Akarsh Khurana and writer Gazal Dhaliwal intimately get what people expect from the show.

Sunil Grover Labels Feud with Kapil Sharma Publicity Stunt

Mumbai: (IANS) Actor-comedian Sunil Grover, who is gearing up for his streaming show 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' with fellow comic artiste Kapil Sharma, shared that his public spat with Kapil was a publicity stunt.

Sunil spoke to the media on Tuesday on the sets of his show, and poked fun at the fight between him and Kapil which took the entertainment industry by storm six years ago.

Sunil told the media in jest that back then streaming platforms were making in-roads in the country so he and Kapil thought what they could do to give the television content an edge or better to hop on the OTT bandwagon.

He joked: "Us time pe Netflix India mein naya naya aaya tha toh humko laga ki television ki audience ko baandh ke rakhne ke liye kuch karna padega (Netflix had just entered in India back then. So, I and Kapil thought that we gotta do something to hold our television audience". "That's how we came up with that idea of a fight as a publicity stunt", Sunil said as he couldn't hold his laughter at the cooked up story. 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' will drop on Netflix on March 30.

Filmmaker-actress Divya Khossla is ready to make her Telugu debut with 'Hero Heeroine'.

The actress said it was the story of the upcoming film, directed by Suresh Krissna, which motivated her to take up the role.

“My work always excites me and I think that’s the place where I find so much happiness being on the sets and performing. My craft is something I connect so much with… I feel like only focussing on my craft. I am very excited about my Telugu debut,” Divya told IANS.

Talking about the film, she said: “I think it is connected with the story. It was my motivational factor and of course the director Suresh Krissna, he is very senior. He has worked with Rajinikanth and delivered iconic films.”

Her reaction on getting to work with the filmmaker, who has previously directed superstar Rajinikanth in four films such as 'Annamalai', 'Veera', 'Baashha' and 'Baba'. Divya said: “I was like ‘wow I am getting to work with such a big director in the south’.”

The actress then heaped praise on producer Prerna Arora and added: “It is such a good feeling to be working with a female producer and I think women are the way forward.”

The filmmaker-actress shared that she has another film lined up for release. However,

Taapsee Pannu marries long-time beau Mathias Boe in intimate ceremony

Actress Taapsee Pannu, who is known for 'Baby', 'Pink', 'Manmarziyaan' and others, has married her long-term boyfriend, Mathias Boe. The two reportedly tied the nuptial knot in Udaipur on Saturday.

As per media reports, the ceremonies began on Wednesday. Their families and close friends attended the ceremony. Actor Pavail Gulati, who has worked with Taapsee in 'Thappad' and 'Dobaara' joined the wedding celebrations along with auteur Anurag Kashyap, who is also Taapsee's good friend. Screenwriting couple Kanika Dhillon and Himanshu Sharma were also at the event.

However, her representatives didn't give any official confirmation when IANS reached out to them.

Story was my motivational factor

Divya Khossla

My work always excites me and I think that’s the place where I find so much happiness being on the sets and performing. My craft is something I connect so much with… I feel like only focussing on my craft. I am very excited about my Telugu debut

she did not divulge much about it. “Another film of mine will be releasing soon which is complete. It's not announced yet that it will be released soon. I am very excited about it,” she said.

Kapil Sharma is ready for take-off; his OTT show recreates airport terminal

Mumbai: (IANS) Actor-comedian Kapil Sharma is coming on the streaming medium after ruling the television. On Tuesday, the makers of his upcoming streaming show 'The Great Indian Kapil Show' organised a set visit in the Film City area of Mumbai.

While the production and aesthetics of the comedian's television show were engineered for the Primetime audience, this time around, the production design ventures into more of a global and urban space. The art department has erected a set suited for the streaming audience which involves mostly young adults. The set on its larger part takes inspiration from the physical space of an airport with elements like a duty-free shop for fashion and perfumes, an airport desk, a currency exchange corner, an airport lounge and set chandeliers which bear a striking resemblance to the ones at the Mumbai International Airport.

Daler Mehndi on his acting debut

Punjabi pop music icon Daler Mehndi is all set for his first ever Bollywood film as an actor in Welcome To The Jungle, a sequel to Welcome Back (2015). The Tunak Tunak Tun singer spoke to us about his debut acting project, facing the camera for his music videos, and his plans for 2024.

One day, my close friend Ahmad Khan called me with a proposition. He presented the idea with one condition — that I have to say ‘yes’ to the project. He then revealed his desire for me to take on a role in his upcoming film and also expressed a keen interest in having Mika join the project. Since Mika was with me at the time, I suggested Ahmad speak directly to him. Fortunately, Mika agreed, and in the following days, when I had my first meeting with Feroz Nadiadwala, the producer, I was satisfied with my decision. The narration had me in splits. Before we could understand and let it seep in, we were already recording the acapella. The experience was both exciting and humorous. I was onboard, ready to embark on a new journey.

This film has one of the biggest star cast, creating absolute madness on the sets. There were times when it felt like an enormous party. Challenging, yet incredibly entertaining. The thrill and passion of embarking on this new journey is indescribable... The

world’s first acapella by singers and actors together. It's a jungle filled with laughter, sincerity and, above all, entertainment. Look at the unique manner in which Ahmad Khan and Firoz Bhai communicated and unveiled the film. It's unconventional. Who welcomes anyone to the jungle? Yet, here we are. I am looking forward to sharing the music I’ll be creating. Collaborating with Speed, Sher Ali Mehr Ali and other diverse artists will offer a wide range of musical genres for all of you. Expect to see more of me on screen. There are my much-awaited tours as well this year.

There's no knowledge or art form that can’t be shown on stage

Puneet Issar

Actor Puneet Issar, who essays the role of Dadababu in the television show ‘Vanshaj’, has said that theatre is the ultimate artform for an actor and that there’s no knowledge, art, wisdom, or action that theatre cannot successfully reproduce.

On the occasion of World Theatre Day on Wednesday, the actor spoke about his love for theatre and how the medium gives him satisfaction as a thespian.

He said: “I have always loved theatre. It is my passion and will always remain so. I continue to juggle between my plays, my TV show Vanshaj, and films. I love touring across India with my plays, especially ‘Mahabharat’. It gives me a chance to interact with a wide variety of theatre-loving audiences.”

“The applause from the audience that echoes the auditorium is very close to any theatre artist and it gives us an adrenaline rush. There is no such knowledge, art, wisdom, or action, which cannot be shown in theatre. Theatre experience allows an actor to grow. It's the best playfield for any actor,” he added.

‘Vanshaj’ airs on Sony SAB.

ARRPD6: Prabhudheva and AR Rahman are teaming up after 25 years

AR Rahman and Prabhudheva, known for their hit collaborations in the late 90s, are set to team up again after a hiatus of 25 years. The project is currently named 'ARRPD6' and will be directed by Manoj MS. The title poster of the film was revealed on March 22.

The film, produced by Behindwoods, boasts a star-studded cast including Yogi Babu, Aju Varghese, Arjun Ashokan, Dr Santhosh Jacob, Sushmitha Nayak, Motta Rajendran, Lollu Sabha Manohar, Singam Puli, Lollu Sabha Swaminathan, and Redin Kingsley.

Kangana Ranaut in Mandi

says politics for her is a way to work for society

Mumbai : (IANS) Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is currently gearing up for her upcoming political period film ‘Emergency’, has entered politics.

The actress, who will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket from Himachal Pradesh, has shared the reason behind her joining politics.

The actress said that the people of India have given a lot to her as an artist, and she feels compelled to give back to society, and politics is the best way to do the same. The actress spoke with the media on Monday, at an event. She told the media that for her, politics is not the means to gain publicity or make money but to serve the country. She said: “God has been kind and has blessed me a lot. For me, politics is not a means to gain publicity or make money, it’s a way to serve the people. As public figures and actors, we reach a point where the audience too expects something from us in terms of giving back to society.”

“What all I have, it's all because of people and the BJP is a party of the people. I'll make sure to not leave any stone unturned and give back way more to people compared to what they have blessed me with. I had used the word 'Nepotism' and I would like to say that the BJP is a political party with a fair outlook and functioning."

India Calls in US Diplomat for Remarks on Kejriwal's Arrest

Earlier Germany's Foreign Office called on the Indian goverment to ensure that Arvind Kejriwal, like any other citizen facing charges, gets a "fair and impartial trial".

New Delhi: The government has objected strongly to remarks by a US State Department spokesperson on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest last week in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. The External Affairs Ministry summoned Gloria Berbena, the US' Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, to a 40-minute meet at its office in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon. In a brief statement released shortly afterwards, the MEA warned of "unhealthy precedents and against "unwarranted aspersions". "States are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others, and this responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. It could otherwise end up setting unhealthy precedents," the External Affairs Ministry said.

ED Investigates IT Firm of CM Vijayan's Daughter

Kochi, March 27 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday initiated an investigation into a money laundering case involving Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena Vijayan’s IT firm and the Cochin-based mining firm CMRL.

The case is already being probed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).

IndiGo, Air India Express Planes Brush in Kolkata

New Delhi: Two aircraft came dangerously close to each other on the runway in Kolkata this morning, in a narrow escape for hundreds of passengers. A Darbhanga-bound IndiGo aircraft, taxiing at the Kolkata Airport, hit a stationary Air India Express flight waiting for clearance to enter the runway. A part of the Air India Express aircraft's wing that was hit fell on the runway, while the IndiGo aircraft's wing was

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today challenged in Delhi High Court his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped liquor policy. The bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has passed over the matter

dented. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, has off-rostered both the IndiGo A320 VT-ISS pilots and ordered a detailed probe, reported news agency ANI. "We have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter and both the pilots of IndiGo airlines have been off-rostered. The ground staff will also be questioned during the investigation. Both the flights have been grounded for detailed inspection," a DGCA official said.

Kejriwal Criticizes ED's Approach to Criminal Law

for a hearing later in the day after Mr Kejriwal's counsel, Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi questioned the agency's "delaying tactics". Appearing for the ED, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju said the agency got a copy of Mr Kejriwal's petition only yesterday and sought three weeks' time to file a detailed reply.

Mr Singhvi responded, "The person has been jail. On March 23, the petition was filed. Defects were cured later. I am sure Mr Raju does not want us to serve the defective copy to him. Defects were cleared late last night and we shared the petition with him

Sonam Wangchuk urges PM Modi, Amit Shah to exhibit statesmanship

Ladakh’s climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah would have to show some character and farsightedness to be counted as statesmen and not just politicians, a terse reminder on the last day of his 21-day fast for the region’s

special status and statehood. Wangchuk said there was no word from the government about the demands of the people of Ladakh in all the days of his hunger strike. “We are trying to remind and awaken the consciousness of our Prime Minister, Mr Modi, and home minister Mr Amit Shah to safeguard the fragile ecosystem of Himalayan mountains in Ladakh and the unique indigenous tribal cultures that thrive here,” Wangchuk, looking frail and struggling to speak, said in a video. “We do not want to think of Modiji and Amit Shahji as just politicians, we would rather like to think of them as statesmen, and for that, they will have to show some character and farsightedness,” he added.

then." Justice Sharma then said she will seek a reply and give a short date for the hearing on interim relief. Mr Singhvi said he has challenged the remand that ends tomorrow. "I am asking the ladyship to decide the basis of the remand. That requires no reply from anyone." "This delaying tactics, I am asking my ladyships to decide it today. There are weighty reasons why a matter which challenges the foundation of the remand requires a hearing today. It is my ladyship's prerogative to allow it or deny it. My ladyship may take a call on that. Therefore, there is no question of reply," he said.

India Allocates Rs.370 Crore for Myanmar Border Fence

New Delhi: India plans to spend nearly $3.7 billion to fence its 1,610km (1,000-mile) porous border with Myanmar within about a decade, said a source with direct knowledge of the matter, to prevent smuggling and other illegal activities.

The centre had said earlier this year it would fence the border and end a decades-old visa-free movement policy with coup-hit Myanmar for border citizens for reasons of national security and to maintain the demographic structure of its northeastern region. Myanmar has so far not commented on India's fencing plans.

"As A Result...": Biden's Shout-Out For SOS By Indian Crew On Ship

Bridge in Baltimore, one of the nation's busiest arteries that collapsed hours on Tuesday after being struck by a massive freight ship. He also made a special mention to the crew of the ship, all of whom were Indians.

"Personnel on board the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel, as you all know and have reported. As a result, local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which undoubtedly saved lives," Biden said in his address.

"We're incredibly grateful for the brave rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene," the US President added.

On Tuesday, the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali, departing Baltimore with a full cargo en route to Sri Lanka, crashed into a concrete pier supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Within seconds almost the entire bridge collapsed and plunged into what officials said was roughly 50 feet of frigid water below.

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Baltimore Bridge Collapse: "As a result (of the call), local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which saved lives," Joe Biden said.

New Delhi: US President Joe Biden praised local authorities for their prompt action during the accident at Francis Scott Key

Amazon India to Raise Seller Fees, Impacting Product Prices

New Delhi: (IANS) The consumers may end up paying more for shopping online on Amazon India for certain products as the company is set to revise its seller fee structure from April 7. In a recent notification, the e-commerce behemoth has informed sellers about revised structure that is likely to result in price increase for several items. The last fee revision was in May 2023. The revised structure “does not include the 18 per cent GST that will be levied on the seller fee”, according to reports. A seller needs to pay a fee to Amazon for the items sold on the Amazon platform.

Boeing chief executive Dave Calhoun to leave as firm faces safety crisis

Boeing boss Dave Calhoun will leave at the end of this year amid a deepening crisis over the firm's safety record.

Boeing also said that the head of its commercial airlines division will retire immediately while its chairman will not stand for re-election. The firm is under pressure after an unused door blew out of a Boeing 737 Max in January shortly after takeoff. No-one was injured but the firm's safety and quality control standards came under renewed scrutiny.

Many analysts said a change in Boeing's leadership was overdue.

"A shake-up at the top is necessary," said Stewart Glickman, equity analyst at CFRA Research, adding that he believed the current crisis stemmed

from problems in the firm's corporate culture that only fresh insight would be able to fix.

"I don't think you can change the culture with internal voices because I think this has been modus operandi for this company for too long." Mr Calhoun took on the chief executive role in early 2020 after the previous boss, Dennis Muilenburg, was ousted in the aftermath of one of the biggest scandals in Boeing's history. Within the space of five months, two brand new 737 Max planes had been lost in almost identical accidents that claimed the lives of 346 passengers and crew.

A board member at the time, after being made boss Mr Calhoun promised to strengthen Boeing's "safety culture" and "rebuild trust".

Dragon Ball: First theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia

It will feature a 70m (229.6ft) dragon at its centre and at least 30 rides, the firm behind the project says.

The park would be the world's first such attraction based on the popular media franchise.

The announcement was met with some criticism from fans, citing Saudi Arabia's human rights record.

The park will cover more than half a million square metres, according to

Saudi Arabia has announced it will build a theme park based on the famed Japanese animated series Dragon Ball, sparking mixed reactions from fans.

Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) which is wholly owned by the Saudi Arabian government's investment fund. The plans are part of "a long-term strategic partnership" between the QIC and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball. According to the official Dragon Ball website, the park will include a roller coaster inside the dragon modelled after Shenron, a wish-giving dragon that features in the franchise.

Donald Trump media firm soars in stock market debut

Shares in Donald Trump's media company have soared, as the firm makes its formal debut on the stock market.

Shares surged past $70 each in opening trade - a price that gives the firm a market value of more than $9bn.

The long-awaited moment will inject more than $200m into Trump Media & Technology Group and hands the former president a stake worth more than $5bn.

Analysts say that is far more than warranted, given the performance of the business.

Trump Media operates Truth Social, a Twitter-like service that brought in just $3.3m in revenue in the first nine months of last year and lost nearly $50m. It says 8.9 million accounts have been created since the platform launched

to the general public in 2022 as an alternative to mainstream sites such as Facebook, but it is not clear how many are active. By comparison, the recentlylisted Reddit currently has a market value of about $11bn. It boasts more than 70 million users and brought in

$800m in revenue last year.

Kristi Marvin, chief executive of SPACInsider, compared Trump Media - which trades under the ticker DJT for Mr Trump's initials - to a meme stock, in which prices are untethered from the business prospects.

Interest in Trump Media has also been fuelled by individual investors, as opposed to Wall Street firms, many of them apparently Trump supporters.

"Everybody expected to trade a little bit crazy today, which it has," she said. "The real question is how does it trade a week from now, two weeks from now and nobody really knows."

The deal to list Trump Media was first announced in 2021.

The move was accomplished via what is known as a SPAC, a merger with a publicly listed shell company, Digital World Acquisition Corp, which was expressly created to buy a company and take it public.

Apple, Meta and Google to be investigated by the EU

The EU has announced investigations into some of the biggest tech firms in the world over uncompetitive practices. Meta, Apple, and Alphabet, which owns Google, are being looked into for potential breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If they are found to have broken the rules, the firms can face huge fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover. EU antitrust boss Margrethe Vestager and industry head Thierry Breton announced the investigations on Monday. Just six companies have obligations under the DMA, but they are also the world's largest tech firms: Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and ByteDance.

United States Federal Reserve expected to cut rates

The U.S. Federal Reserve looks on track to cut interest rates as the presidential campaign season heats up, potentially delivering President Joe Biden a boost as polls show Americans dislike his handling of the economy. The Fed could play an outsized - and potentially uncomfortable - election-year role by helping shape attitudes about stubbornly high inflation and mounting housing costs that have been a drag on Biden's reelection efforts. Rate cuts will also invite critics - Republican challenger Donald Trump chief among them - to argue an agency set up to be an independent monetary authority is tipping the political scales toward Biden.

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Donald Trump

Maldives President Urged to Mend India Relations

Solih made these remarks days after Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, urged India to provide debt relief to the archipelago nation.

Male: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu must stop being "stubborn" and seek dialogue with neighbours to overcome the financial challenges, his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said. Solih made these remarks days after Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, urged India to provide debt relief to the archipelago nation.

Muizzu, 45, defeated Solih, 62, in the presidential election held in September last year.

Hardik Pandya Gets Booed In Ahmedabad

New Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya had a night to forget as the 5-time champions suffered a 6-run defeat against his former side Gujarat Titans on Sunday. Hardik, leading MI in his first match as skipper, was also booed by fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The jeers even got the commentators talking, with ex-England captain Kevin Pietersen admitting to be surprised as it was the first time he was coming across such an incident involving an Indian player.

"I have never seen any Indian player getting booed like they are booing Hardik Pandya here in Ahmedabad. This is a rare happening," he said in the commentary box. West Indies legend Ian Bishop, who was also present in the commentary box, was baffled hearing the boos too as he asked "What can he do to win them back?"

"US India Dosti": US Envoy Eric Garcetti Eats Gujiya, Extends Holi Wishes

"I want to wish everybody a very happy Holi. We have this amazing gujiyas, which has a little bit of an American twist with some pistachios in here, beautiful rose water. There's no better way than to celebrate Holi across the Indo-Pacific together," Garcetti said in a video message while showcasing special Gujiyas adorned with an American twist.

AAP Launches Campaign to "Save" Democracy, Constitution

AAP launches social media campaign to save constitution, democracy in India. Atishi urges participation. Delhi minister and senior AAP leader Atishi addressed a press conference here to launch the social media "DP campaign", urging people to join in.

China continues to harp on its claim over Arunachal Pradesh

China on Monday continued to claim that Arunachal Pradesh is part of its territory, notwithstanding India dismissing Beijing’s claim as “absurd” and “ludicrous”.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated China’s claim reacting to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's assertions on Saturday, dismissing China's repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh as "ludicrous" and that the frontier state was a "natural part of India".

"This is not a new issue. I mean China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with and remain ludicrous today," Jaishankar said in response to a question on the Arunachal issue after delivering a lecture at the prestigious Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) of the National University of Singapore (NUS).

"So, I think we've been very clear, very consistent on this. And I think you know that is something which will be part of the boundary discussions which are taking place," he said. Lin, replying

This is not a new issue. I mean China has laid claim, it has expanded its claim. The claims are ludicrous to begin with and remain ludicrous today, says External Affairs Minister Jaishankar

to a question from the official media seeking his reactions to Jaishankar’s comments, said the border between India and China has never been settled.

Zangnan, China’s official name for Arunachal Pradesh, was always part of

AAP Slams Probe Agency For Claiming Arvind Kejriwal's Phone "Missing"

New Delhi: Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party today vehemently opposed investigators' claims that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had got rid of his old phone that is likely to have contained records of the alleged liquor scam. The

Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating the case, has alleged that earlier, 170 phones were disposed of by witnesses to eliminate evidence in the case.

AAP had scoffed at the claims yesterday. Sources in the party alleged that the investigation is "being is conducted from the BJP office". The Enforcement Directorate, they alleged, is the "political partner of the BJP". This morning, Delhi minister Atishi said the Enforcement Directorate is an "independent investigating agency".

"If the ED has something to say, they should file a chargesheet and say it in front of a judge," she added.

14 Priests Injured In Massive Fire At Ujjain's Mahakaleswar Temple On Holi

temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on Monday, officials said. The fire occurred during the bhasma aarti inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on the occassion of Holi. As gulal was being thrown to celebrate Holi, some of it fell on the puja thali that contained burning camphor. The camphor fell on the floor and the fire spread, eyewitnesses said. The incident was recorded on CCTV cameras installed in the temple, an official said.

China before it was “illegally occupied” by India, Lin claimed.

China has all along had an effective administration over the region, he said. Claiming that it is an “indisputable fact”, he said India has established the “socalled Arunachal Pradesh” in 1987 on the illegally occupied territory. “We have issued strong statements against their actions and stressed their action is ineffective and this position of China has not been changed”, Lin said.

Ex-Intel Chief Prime Suspect in Telangana Phone-Tapping

Hyderabad: Former Telangana Intelligence Bureau chief T Prabhakhar Rao has been named as Accused No 1 in the phone-tapping case that has roiled the state ahead of a general election.

Mr Rao - on whose order reams of electronic data gathered by illegally tapping the phones of opposition leaders during the earlier BRS government led by K Chandrashekar Rao - is reportedly in the United States. A look-out notice has been issued in his name. Mr Rao's home in Hyderabad have been searched, as have nearly a dozen other locations, including the residence of Shravan Rao, who runs a Telugu TV channel called I News. Sharvan Rao - also believed to be out of the country - allegedly helped set up phone-tapping equipment (from Israel) and servers on the premises of a local school.

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At least 14 priests were injured after a fire broke out at the Mahakaleshwar

FAST FASHION

What France's crackdown on Shein and Temu means for global ultra-fast fashion

What is fast fashion?

Fast fashion is widely considered low-quality apparel. It is produced rapidly to follow current trends in the industry and sold at rock-bottom prices. Fast fashion allows cost-conscious consumers to regularly update and expand their wardrobes with knockoff en vogue styles, and although the monetary cost is low, experts say both textile factory workers and the earth's environment are paying the – hefty – price. "It's important when the price conversation comes up for people to realize that the price of fast fashion is being kept artificially low," said Emily Stochl, the vice president of advocacy and community engagement at Remake, a sustainable fashion nonprofit organisation.

France's fast fashion bill takes aim at retail behemoths lawmakers argue damage the environment, hurt the economy and feed impulse buyers. France's lower house of parliament unanimously approved a "kill bill" on 14 March that targets fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion sold by online retail giants such as Shein and Temu. The measure is a move to offset the fast fashion industry's environmental impact by banning the advertising of certain ultra-fast-fashion companies – and penalising them with annually increasing increments of up to 10 euros (£8.54 or $10.92) per article of clothing by 2030. The bill would also mandate that fast fashion retailers include an item's reuse, repair, recycling and environmental impact near the product's price.

Shein, Temu and the impact of new policies

Shein, a fast fashion behemoth founded in China and headquartered in Singapore, argued in a statement to the BBC that the bill's impact will "worsen the purchasing power of French consumers, at a time when they are already feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis."

Kathleen Talbot, chief sustainability officer and vice president of operations at Reformation, an ecofriendly brand favored by the likes of Taylor Swift, Monica Lewinsky and Sydney Sweeney, says that ultra-fast fashion brands represent the "insane excess" the fashion industry is seeing in terms of speed and volume. Talbot adds that using regulation as a vehicle to drive change may be the only option, as slowing overconsumption seems unlikely in a

Aries

market with a piping-hot demand that isn't simmering down.

"What's interesting about the proposed French bill and regulations like the New York Fashion Act is they do have similar aims," says Talbot. "We're asking these big questions around how we account for the negative impacts of fashion on people and the planet.

How do we start to create incentives for good actors – or on the flip side, tax bad actors – to force brands to pay for negative externalities? I wish it was easier to do that. What we're seeing are these really location-specific, siloed efforts."

"But I think it's a start", Talbot adds. "Hopefully, [it] helps become a model or move other regulatory bodies to consider these issues and consider what the role of regulation is in addressing the challenges we're seeing in the industry."

When approaching lasting change through policy reform, Stochl points out that vital workers in the garmentmaker and textile waste management communities are most harshly impacted by fast fashion – and they are centered in the development of the proposed legislation.

"Lawmakers should ensure that the funds collected via these penalties flow in the direction of where that environmental impact is occurring," Stochl continued. "For example, the frontline communities facing the most environmental impact because of fast fashion are often communities in the global south… So as penalties are collected to address environmental impact, how are those funds distributed to the frontline communities most impacted? As far as I can tell, the policy doesn't address those things."

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

29th March 2024 to 4th April 2024

Ganesha says that for Aries people, you will start getting the desired success in your work from the beginning of the week. Not only juniors but also seniors will be kind to you in the workplace. During this time, advice from a senior person can prove to be very beneficial for you.

Taurus

Ganesha says that for the people of the Taurus zodiac, at the beginning of the week, you may face physical and mental pain due to the reemergence of seasonal or old diseases. If your health does not support you, your planned work may remain pending.

Gemini

Ganesha says that this week will bring auspiciousness and good fortune for the people of the Gemini zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may hear some good news related to your child, which will increase your respect in society.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week may have some ups and downs for people of the Cancer zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may have to rush a lot even for small tasks. The health of any female member of the house will also become a major cause of your worry.

Leo

Ganesha says that for the people of Leo zodiac, from the beginning of the week, all your planned tasks will be completed on time, due to which you will see a different enthusiasm and confidence within you.

Virgo

Ganesha says that this week is going to be more auspicious and beneficial for the people of the Virgo zodiac than the previous week. At the beginning of the week, you may suddenly have to face some big problem, but you will face that challenge boldly and perform your responsibilities in a better way.

Libra

Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious for Libra too. At the beginning of the week, you may hear some good

news related to your career or business. During this period, there will be a possibility of promotion in the workplace.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that if people of Scorpio zodiac sign manage to manage their time and money this week, they can achieve more success than expected. You will get full support from your close friends in completing your planned work and facing challenges related to life.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that people of Sagittarius zodiac sign will be successful in completing all their work on time this week with their wisdom. This week will prove to be lucky for employed people. If your promotion or transfer has been stalled for a long time, then this week all the obstacles coming in the way of your desire will be removed.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that this week is going to be more auspicious and favorable for the people of Capricorn than the previous week. At the beginning of the week, ongoing differences with siblings will be resolved with the help of a senior family member.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that the people of the Aquarius zodiac will need more hard work and effort this week to achieve the desired success. Employed people will have to be very careful of those people in their workplace who often try to create obstacles in their work.

Pisces

Ganesha says that the planned works of Pisces people will be completed on time this week, due to which there will be a different enthusiasm within them. You will get full support from your friends in completing any action plan. At the beginning of the week, you may spend a large amount of money on luxuries. There will be an atmosphere of happiness in the house due to the receipt of the much-awaited thing.

( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)

Clifton Seniors Association Enlightens With Educational Seminar Series

CLIFTON, NJ- Clifton Seniors Association continues to illuminate its commitment to educational and spiritual enrichment through a series of engaging seminars. Following the resounding success of the recent Financial Planning Seminar, the Indo-American Seniors Association of Clifton, in collaboration with the Param Care Foundation, proudly presented “Vedas in Daily Life” by Swami Sri Sharvanandaji from the Adi Shankara Brahma Vidya Peeth Ashram in Uttarkashi. CEO and Owner of the Param Care Foundation, Mr. Vipul Amin, commenced the program with Pathana, followed by a gracious introduction of Swamiji. Association President Bharat Rana extended a warm invitation to Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie and Clifton Mayor Mr. Ray Grabowski to present a bouquet to Swamiji. Swami Sharvanandaji captivated the packed audience at the Param Day Care Center in Clifton with his eloquent delivery in Hindi. A Mechanical Engineering degree holder, Swamiji possesses profound expertise in Vedantic literature, alongside fluency in Sanskrit, Hindi, English, and Bengali. He eloquently expounded on topics such as Karmayoga, Upanishads, and Vedantic Philosophy in daily life, captivating everyone’s attention during his hour and a half discourse and engaging in insightful Q&A sessions.

Chicago Indo-US Lions Chapter Earns Three Prestigious Awards

CHICAGO, IL_ Chicago Indo US Lions were honored with three distinct awards, symbolizing their dedication and service:

The first accolade was bestowed upon Dr. Jay and all members of the club by LCIF, with participation from hundreds of lions across the globe, in recognition of their exemplary service in the realm of mode series.

The Lions of Illinois recognized the Chicago Indo US Lions for their outstanding service during the period of 2023 to 2024, marking their commitment to excellence in community engagement and support. Furthermore, the Chicago Indo US Lions were honored by their own District 1A for their remarkable contributions to community service within the Indo-US sphere, underscoring their impactful initiatives and dedication to making a positive.

Swamiji’s dissemination of ritual knowledge was deeply informative.

The event was graced by the presence of New Jersey State Assemblywoman Ms. Rosy Bagolie, Clifton Mayor Mr. Ray Grabowski, as well as community leaders from various organizations. Accompanied by past President of FIA and DD’s CEO Mr. Anand Patel, they added to the distinguished audience. President Bharat Rana expressed gratitude to the committee members,

including Secretary Yogeshbhai Trivedi, Vice President Jayesh Gandhi, Executive Committee members Arun Bhatia, Randhir Naik, Mahesh Patel, Alka Rana, Varsha Trivedi, Nanda Bhatia, Suverna Shah, Hema Trivedi, and numerous volunteers whose dedication ensured the seminar’s success.

The program concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian dinner, fostering further camaraderie among attendees.

Fremont, Nebraska Seeks Migrant Workers, Bans Illegal Aliens

FREMONT, NE. In Fremont, Nebraska, three massive meat-processing plants drive the local economy, with Central American migrants filling jobs vacated by young locals seeking better opportunities. Despite the need for workers, a controversial law, Ordinance 5165, aimed at barring undocumented migrants from residing in the city, has been in place since 2010. The ordinance requires renters to declare legal presence in the U.S., but lacks teeth in enforcement.

While some residents, like Brenda Ray, support the ordinance, citing concerns about illegal immigration, others, like Maria and Vicente Hernandez, who run a Guatemalan church, appreciate the opportunities provided by the meatpacking industry. However, issues arise, such as identity theft for

Balancing Industry Demand and Legal Compliance: Fremont, Nebraska, Grapples with Workforce Needs and Immigration Regulations.

employment, straining city services and schools.

Efforts have been made to integrate newcomers, such as language classes and translation services. Still, the ordinance remains controversial and legally unenforceable, with supporters acknowledging its limitations. Despite this, migrants continue to arrive, contributing to the community while navigating the challenges of legal status.

Aruna Miller Joins Maryland's Women's Hall of Fame

Indian American Lt. Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller has been inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. Miller is the first woman of color and immigrant elected to statewide office in the state. Four others were honored with Miller. These were US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, Secretary of State Susan Lee and Comptroller Brooke Lierman. Miller said, “I am grateful to stand among the remarkable women whose legacies inspire us to see more, do more, and be more. Every day, I work to uplift the people of Maryland and create a strong foundation for a future that our next generation of leaders can be proud of. As Lt. Governor her profile includes matters relating to transportation, mental health, and STEM equity. Miller also chairs Maryland’s first Council on Interfaith Outreach, which convenes faith leaders from across religions and across the state of Maryland to bridge divides, increase religious tolerance, end hate, and better serve all communities. Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, Miller and her family immigrated to the United States when she was seven years old. The daughter of a mechanical engineer, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

American Falls Scraps Hindu Prayer Due to Public Backlash

IDAHO- The City of American Falls in Idaho abruptly cancels a Hindu invocation scheduled for May 15, previously arranged by Mayor Rebekah K. Sorensen, citing “community feedback.” Mayor Sorensen expressed disappointment, mentioning her personal religious beliefs but cited potential complications for the city’s best interest. Rajan Zed, the Hindu statesman slated to deliver the invocation, expressed surprise at the cancellation, emphasizing the significance of prayers for the common good. He planned to recite from Hindu scriptures, aiming to promote understanding across religious lines.

Aruna Miller

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NYC Water Shut Offs Due to $102M Delinquent Bills

Mayor Eric Adams issued a stern warning to holders of 2,400 persistently delinquent water accounts in New York City, collectively owing $102 million. He emphasized that water shut off notices are imminent, exemplified by affixing one to the front door of Hotel Hayden in Chelsea, which owes nearly $400,000. Adams urged delinquent bill holders to pay up, noting that shut offs would occur otherwise. Last year's water bill amnesty program pardoned interest on delinquent accounts, benefiting roughly 100,000 New Yorkers and yielding $22 million in payments and waived fines. Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala reported a total recovery of nearly $105 million from delinquent accounts, crucial for maintaining the city's low water rates. Despite these efforts, some account holders are evading payment, according to Aggarwala. Shut off notices will be dispatched to commercial properties and one-to-three family homes that have not responded to outreach efforts within 15 days, demanding settlement of outstanding balances or arrangement of payment agreements.

Indian Overseas Congress USA Launches 2024 Lok Sabha Campaign

IOC USA Press Conference

NEW YORK , NY The Indian Overseas Congress USA (IOC USA) launches its official campaign for the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, emphasizing its pivotal role in preserving India’s democratic values. Termed the “mother of all Lok Sabha elections,” this campaign underscores the imperative to uphold freedom, fairness, secularism, and democracy, ensuring equality for all citizens regardless of background.

With the specter of potential electoral autocracy looming under a potential third term for Prime Minister Modi, the IOC USA denounces the erosion of democratic principles and constitutional values under the current administration.

The plight of the youth, exacerbated by

high unemployment rates and economic challenges, underscores the urgency for change. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing issues, including hunger and violence against women.

The Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi, emerges as the beacon of hope and the true alternative, committed to addressing pressing national issues.

As the IOC USA advocates for democracy and inclusivity, it invites citizens to unite in safeguarding the nation’s identity and forging a brighter future. For media inquiries, please contact John Joseph George Abraham or Rajiv Gowda.

The Congress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi, emerges as the beacon of hope and the true alternative, committed to addressing pressing national issues.

T. S. Nandakumar Unveils ‘Intricacies Of The Mridangam’ In Latest Book Release

T. Shankaranarayanan Nandakumar, a distinguished figure in Carnatic music, particularly known for his expertise in playing the Mridangam, introduces his latest work, “Intricacies of Mridangam,” aimed at preserving and passing on the rich heritage of this ancient South Indian percussive instrument. With a career dedicated to promoting Indian classical music globally, Nandakumar emphasizes the need to impart the intricate knowledge he acquired from his masters to the younger generation. Renowned for his versatility in various percussion instruments and his role as an accompanist to esteemed Carnatic musicians, Nandakumar’s influence extends worldwide. Through TSN’s Percussive Arts Centre, he has provided a platform for aspiring musicians to refine their skills and collaborate within the Carnatic arts domain. The book launch serves a dual purpose, offering a comprehensive guide to Mridangam playing techniques while also supporting TSNPAC’s educational initiatives.

Nandakumar’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and musical education underscores his belief in the boundless

Biden Halts Contributions from Controversial Indian American Donor

gauravandsharonsrivastavafoundation

President Joe Biden's reelection campaign and the Democratic Party are halting contributions totaling approximately $340,000 from Indian American businessman Gaurav Srivastava amid controversies. The Biden Victory Fund (BVF) is suspending Srivastava's $50,000 donation due to concerns over its legality and source, as reported by Politico. Additionally, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is holding nearly $290,000 in donations from Srivastava as a precautionary measure, according to a spokesperson quoted by Politico. Srivastava, who leads the Gaurav and Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation based in Los Angeles, has faced scrutiny following reports, including one by Politico, of the Atlantic Council severing ties with him after receiving substantial funding. While Srivastava is portrayed as a philanthropist on his website, there is limited information about him, and discrepancies in how he identifies himself in donations have raised questions about his affiliations and activities. Allegations, such as claims of posing as a CIA operative, have been denied by his lawyer, although attempts to contact Srivastava directly have been unsuccessful.

Prepare for Spring Travel: CBP's Advice

This book describes end to end playing techniques of Mridangam and elaborates unique concepts in Music

horizon of music, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. His accolades, including prestigious awards and recognition, reflect his significant contributions to Carnatic music’s preservation and propagation. Through teaching, performances, and philanthropy, Nandakumar continues to fulfill his lifelong mission of spreading the divine essence of music worldwide.

Motorists entering the United States through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel await inspection.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations in Detroit, MI, urges travelers using Michigan border crossings to "Know Before You Go" for the upcoming busy spring travel season to minimize delays. Important information, including advisories, border wait times, documentary requirements, and prohibited items, is available online. Non-U.S. travelers are encouraged to apply for their I-94 online or through the CBP One mobile app, facilitating faster processing times at land border crossings. Visa Waiver Program travelers must obtain Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before seeking entry via air or land. Eligibility details and application are accessible at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

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Biden Halts Contributions from Controversial Indian American Donor

gauravandsharonsrivastavafoundation

President Joe Biden's reelection campaign and the Democratic Party have ceased accepting contributions totaling about $340,000 from Indian American businessman Gaurav Srivastava amid controversies. Politico indicates that the Biden Victory Fund (BVF) is pausing Srivastava's $50,000 donation due to concerns about its legality and source. Additionally, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is holding back nearly $290,000 in donations from Srivastava as a precaution, as per a Politico spokesperson. Srivastava, heading the Gaurav and Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation in Los Angeles, faces scrutiny following reports, including one from Politico, of the Atlantic Council cutting ties with him after substantial funding.

Uttarakhand Samaj Of Greater Chicago Hosts Vibrant Holi 2024 Celebration

HOFMAN ESTATES, IL- The Uttarakhand Samaj of Greater Chicago (USOGC) 2024 Holi celebration was an extraordinary event, epitomizing the spirit of unity and festivity, as members gathered with their friends and families at the Hoffman Estates Clubhouse on Saturday, March 16th, 2024. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the aromas of traditional Uttarakhand Pahadi cuisine and the echoes of cultural richness.

Guests were treated to a delightful array of Uttarakhandi delicacies, meticulously prepared to tantalize the taste buds and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the hills. From mouthwatering appetizers showcasing the flavors of the region to the main course exuding authenticity, every dish served was a testament to the culinary heritage of Uttarakhand. The festivities continued with the traditional Baithak Holi, where participants immersed themselves in the joyous revelry of colors, laughter, and camaraderie. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and playful banter as

everyone joined in the jubilant celebrations, forging bonds of friendship and solidarity.

Following the Baithak Holi, a sumptuous lunch buffet awaited the guests, offering a diverse selection of dishes to please every palate. From fragrant rice dishes to savory curries and delectable sweets, the buffet spread was a culinary delight that left everyone satiated and satisfied. As the afternoon progressed, the celebration escalated with vibrant music and energetic dance performances, further adding to the exuberant atmosphere. Guests took to the dance floor, swaying to the beats of traditional and contemporary tunes, their spirits lifted by the infectious energy of the occasion. Overall, the USOGC 2024 Holi celebration was a resounding success, bringing together members of the community to revel in the rich tapestry of Uttarakhandi culture and cuisine. It was a day filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories, epitomizing the essence of Holi – a celebration of togetherness and the triumph of good over evil.

Sikhs Commemorate 556th Anniversary Of Sikhism At Khalsa Care Foundation

M. Osman Siddiqui Named to National Security Education Board

PACOIMA, CA – Sikhs marked the 556th year of the Sikh religion at Khalsa

Care Foundation on March 13.

Hundreds of Sikhs from the local area and beyond gathered to participate in the festivities, which included religious

observances and a lavish spread of food and drinks. Renowned Ragis, or religious singers, performed hymns and delivered talks on the significance of the day. Attendees continuously filed into the Darbar Hall to pay their respects to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, while outside, volunteers served langar and sweetmeats to a steady stream of devotees.

The celebration commenced at 6 pm and continued uninterrupted until midnight, with attendees eagerly showering rose petals upon the Sri Guru Granth Sahib as a mark of reverence. As the event drew to a close, Ardas was recited to express gratitude to the Almighty for the abundance bestowed upon the congregation.

M Osman Siddiqui

Joe Biden has announced his intent to appoint BangladeshiAmerican diplomat and entrepreneur M. Osman Siddique, to the National Security Education Board (NSEB). The board provides strategic guidance and oversight for the National Security Education Program.

Siddique is the first American Muslim US Ambassador to serve as a Chief of Mission anywhere. He was ambassador to Fiji Islands. He is one of six Presidential appointees, including experts from non-profit organizations and academia, who have been named to the 14-member National Security Education Board

Tamil Nadu Foundation Marks Golden Jubilee Celebrations

BALTIMORE, MD- Established in 1974 in Baltimore, Tamil Nadu Foundation (TNF) stands as the oldest and large U.S.-based humanitarian organization dedicated solely to Tamil Nadu. Over the last 50 years, TNF has evolved as a social organization impacting the lives of less privileged children and families through Education, Women Empowerment, Rural Development, and Health & Hygiene.

Throughout the past five decades, TNF Life Members, TNF Chapters, and TNF Convention donors have collectively supported over 700 projects, positively impacting more than 500,000 underprivileged individuals across Tamil Nadu. This includes providing aid to over 200,000 students in government

schools through TNF’s flagship ABC education initiative, assisting over 60,000 victims of the 2015 floods, aiding more than 20,000 victims of Cyclone Gaja in 2018, and donating over 1 million USD during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

To commemorate TNF’s Golden Jubilee, a significant milestone, we are delighted to announce our celebratory event scheduled from May 24 to 26 in Rosemont, IL (Chicago), marking fifty years of our Foundation’s impactful journey. TNF lifetime members and the Tamil diaspora are eager to celebrate their accomplishments, reflecting on our journey from a small group of visionaries to impacting over 250,000 children and families across 650 villages

in Tamil Nadu. The event promises a rich blend of music, dance, and informative sessions, providing an opportunity to engage with our Youth Force, the future bearers of our mission, and to minimize administrative costs through event profits, ensuring that 100% of donor dollars directly benefit the beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu.

Event Highlights:

• Grand Music Concert: Featuring the legendary “Isai Gnyani Illayaraja.”

• Therukoothu: By Sangagiri Rajkumar with 260 participants (Attempting to make Guinness record).

• “EGAI” Tamil Symphony: A spectacular musical event by Dr. Kanniks Kannikeswaran featuring over a hundred artists.

• Fusion Dance Performance:

Showcasing 150 local talents.

• Tamil Isai: Featuring traditional Tamil musical instruments.

• The Renowned YouTube – Village Cooking Channel Team.

• Emerge 2024: An all-day Entrepreneurs Event sponsored by TNF and ATEA.

• Youth Conference: Organized by young adults.

• College Alumni Gathering: Expecting participation from over 25 colleges.

• Districts Parade: Representing 38 districts from Tamil Nadu. Other high-quality programs from TNF Chapters and local organizations. Guests from various parts of North America and at least 50 other countries will converge to witness this mega event.

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Animals such as rats are often regarded as disease carriers. But when it comes to the spreading of illnesses, it turns out other animals have more reason to fear us than we them.

An analysis of viral genomes has found that when viruses move between humans and other animals, in 64 per cent of cases it is humans infecting other animals – rather than the reverse. “We give more viruses to animals than they give to us,” says Cedric Tan at University College London. For instance, after the SARS-CoV-2 virus jumped from bats to humans, possibly via another species, humans passed it on to many other species.

Tan and his colleagues have been using a global database of sequenced viruses to study how they jump between species. There are nearly 12 million sequences in the database, but many are incomplete or lack data on when they were collected and from what host species.

So the researchers narrowed down the 12 million to roughly 60,000 high quality sequences with full accompanying data. They then created “family trees” for related viruses. Altogether, they identified nearly 13,000 viral lineages and 3000 jumps between species. Of the 599 jumps

Humans spread more viruses to animals: Study

Some zoo animals have caught SARS-CoV-2 from humans An analysis of viral genomes shows it is more common for viruses to jump from humans to other animals than the other way around

Dogs really do understand that words stand for objects

Recent research suggests that dogs possess a nuanced understanding of language, according to recordings of their brain activity. Although dogs can often fetch objects on command, their performance in lab tests varies. It remains uncertain whether dogs perceive words as object names or simply as instructions.

To delve into this matter, Marianna Boros and her team at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary, conducted tests on 18 dogs of various breeds. Owners selected five familiar objects for each dog. During the experiment, researchers uttered the name of an object and then displayed either the named object or a different one.

By monitoring the dogs' brainwaves via electroencephalography (EEG), the researchers observed differences in activity when the named object didn't match the displayed one. This discrepancy was more pronounced

for words familiar to individual dogs, mirroring findings in human studies and suggesting that dogs associate certain words with specific objects. Marianna Boros highlights the significance of the study, noting that it reveals dogs' capacity to comprehend words referentially. This understanding appears to be widespread among dogs, irrespective of breed. Susan Hazel from the University of Adelaide acknowledges the study's contribution to understanding dog cognition. She suggests that dogs likely possess both greater and lesser comprehension abilities than commonly assumed, noting that while dogs may mentally represent certain words, owners may sometimes mistakenly attribute emotions and comprehension beyond their capabilities. Hazel advocates for broader research into animal cognition beyond dogs, emphasizing the need for studies on other closely associated animals like cats, rabbits, and horses.

involving humans, most were from humans to other animals rather than vice versa.nThe team wasn’t expecting this, but in retrospect it makes sense, says Tan. “Our population size is huge. And our global distribution is basically everywhere.” In other words, a virus spreading among humans will have numerous opportunities to jump to many other species all around the world, whereas a virus circulating in a non-human species that is limited to one region will have far fewer opportunities. SARS-CoV-2, MERSCoV and flu viruses were those most commonly passed to other animals via humans, the study found. This is in line with other studies showing, for instance, that SARS-CoV-2 has spread from people to pets, zoo animals, farmed animals such as mink and to wild animals such as white-tailed deer. However, even when SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and flu viruses were excluded from the analysis, the team found that 54 per cent of jumps were from humans to other animals. The spread of viruses from humans to other species is a threat to many endangered animals, says Tan. For instance, several wild chimpanzees have died in Uganda due to outbreaks of human metapneumovirus and human respirovirus.

Fasting for 24 hours could weaken the immune system

Fasting has previously been suggested as a useful approach for preventing or managing chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity and heart disease – but results from mouse studies show prolonged fasts may impair the immune system.

Filip Swirski at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York and his colleagues analysed blood and tissues samples from five mice without access to food for 24 hours. Blood tests comparing these mice with those given a regular diet showed that, on average, the fasting mice had less than 10 per cent of the number of monocytes – a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections and recruits other immune cells to treat injury.

“These are the cells that are really critical foot soldiers of the immune system,” says Swirski. The researchers found the decrease was due to monocytes retreating from the blood to the bone marrow, where they essentially hibernated, he says. As a result, when the fasting mice were given food again, monocytes rushed back into their bloodstream. “Because there is this excess of monocytes that are hibernating and living in the bone marrow, they survive longer than they would otherwise,” says Swirski. “So, upon

re-feeding, what we see is a surge of monocytes.” Compared with mice that continued to fast or those that never fasted, these mice had nearly four times as many monocytes in their blood, on average.

To understand how this affected immunity, he and his team injected 45 mice with a strain of bacteria that infects the lungs. Twenty-three of the mice fasted for 24 hours before the injection. The researchers then allowed them to access food.

After 72 hours, nearly 90 per cent of the mice that fasted died, while about 60 per cent of the mice that never fasted died. The mice on restricted diets also had greater levels of inflammation, suggesting that long periods of fasting impair immune responses.

However, Satchidananda Panda at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California says that most common fasting regimens for humans don’t last 24 hours. In fact, his own research has shown that a 15-hour fast improves immunity in mice. Even so, Swirski says these findings are important for how we think about the duration and implications of fasting. “Like so many things in life, balance is important.

Indian Man Thwarts Trio of Carjackers at Patel Brothers Store

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EDISON, NJ– A driver successfully fought off three would-be carjackers attempting to steal his luxury SUV in the parking lot of a New Jersey grocery store. Surveillance video captured three masked suspects attempting to pull the driver out of his car on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred before he had even finished parking outside the Patel Brothers grocery store on Oak Tree Road. The suspects managed to pull the driver out and knock him down, but he fought back and escaped from them. He hurried into the store and called the police. His father, the store’s owner, expressed his concerns about the incident on Tuesday. “When I saw the video, I was terrified. But then I called my son, and he said, ‘I’m safe, Dad. Don’t worry, everything is fine, just minor scratches,'” said Kaushik Patel. Since the driver had his key fob in his pocket, the suspects were unable to steal the SUV. Physically, his son is okay and had already returned to work by Tuesday. However, he

USCIS Extends H-1B Cap Registration Period Till Mar 25

WASHINGTON, DC- For the fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. The extension was announced due to technical glitches in the registration system. The agency made the announcement on Thursday. It was announced that the registration period, initially set to close on March 22, 2024, will now run until March 25, 2024. The registration period opened on March 6, 2024 for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. The opening saw a glitch in the system, causing concern among immigration attorneys as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) received reports regarding missing signatures on the PDF version of Form G-28, a document required for H-1B cap registrations when submitted by attorneys. The system also saw some other glitches such as the inability to pay the registration fee, frequent freezing of the system, and different types of error messages.

"When I saw the video, I was terrified. But then I called my son, and he said, 'I'm safe, Dad. Don't worry, everything is fine, just minor scratches,'" said Kaushik Patel

remains shaken as this was the second time he was targeted by carjackers. The first time, they successfully stole his Mercedes G-Class SUV.

Responding swiftly, the mayor of Edison is launching an aggressive anticrime initiative. “We have significantly increased the presence of the police force on the streets, sometimes even quadrupling it,” stated Mayor Sam

Joshi. “We’ve also deployed over 80 license plate readers.” Additionally, he secured a trailer from Middlesex County to establish a police substation in the area where carjackings and home invasions are rampant.

Frustrated with the escalating crimes, community leaders sought assistance from the highest law enforcement authority in the state. “I just concluded a meeting with the attorney general, along with other mayors. It is completely unacceptable for a juvenile or a criminal who commits a crime to be back on the streets the same week they are apprehended,” Joshi emphasized.

According to the police, most of these incidents involve young teens targeting high-end vehicles, from which they can earn tens of thousands of dollars for each stolen car. Authorities advise the public to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

The suspects involved in Friday’s attempted carjacking are still at large, and authorities are actively searching for them.

State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar Launches Holli Tour Across New York

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar of New York is embarking on a trailblazing journey across the state to commemorate Holi, the revered Festival of Colors. This vibrant celebration marks the onset of spring, symbolizing new beginnings, love, and the victory of good over evil—a tradition cherished by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains alike.

One of the hallmark customs of Holi is the exuberant throwing of colored powders among participants, signifying unity and joy.

The festivities kick off this Sunday, March 24, at 11:30 AM at Manhattan's Seaport, where The Culture Tree will host a lively Holi celebration. Assemblywoman Rajkumar's tour continues the same day at 2:00 PM as she assumes the role of Guest of Honor at the India Association of Long Island Holi celebration, taking place at the Asa'Mai Hindu Temple in Hicksville.

On Sunday, March 31, at 1:00 PM, the Assemblywoman will join the Holi revelries at the Vishnu Mandir Temple in the Bronx, located at 1216 Noble Avenue.

The apex of the tour arrives on Sunday, April 7, at 2:00 PM, with Assemblywoman Rajkumar delivering remarks at the esteemed 36th Annual Phagwah Parade in Phil Rizzuto Park, Richmond Hill. This parade, a beloved event in New York's Little Guyana, is one of North America's largest celebrations of Holi, known as Phagwah in the Indo-Caribbean

First Hindu American elected to New York State Office Travels New York to celebrate the festival of colors

community.

The celebration continues as the Assemblywoman participates in the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens Holi celebration on Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 PM at the Flamingo Restaurant and Mantra Lounge in South Ozone Park.

The tour culminates on Staten Island with the Holi Festival on the Esplanade on Sunday, April 28, at noon, taking place at the North Shore Esplanade.

As the first Hindu American elected to New York State Office,

Assemblywoman Rajkumar has been instrumental in raising awareness of the South Asian community. Her historic legislation designating Diwali as a New York City public school holiday underscores her commitment to cultural recognition and inclusivity. Assemblywoman Rajkumar expressed her enthusiasm for Holi, emphasizing its significance in celebrating New York's diversity and vibrancy. She eagerly anticipates engaging with community members in the colorful tradition of exchanging love and affection through the throwing of colors.

For further information, interested parties can contact Jacob Gross, Senior Advisor, at grossj@nyassembly.gov or 347-585-0327.

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Jenifer Rajkumar