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Trump, Biden Dominate Super Tuesday Polls As They March Toward Rematch

Washington: Donald Trump won the first 13 primary elections in the "Super Tuesday" states, including Texas and California, but lost out on a clean sweep after Nikki Haley's surprise upset in Vermont.

The former president, bidding for a sensational White House comeback after being unseated by Democrat President Joe Biden in 2020, hopes to take home an almost-decisive haul of delegates on Tuesday in his march to the Republican Party nomination.

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, California, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia were all called by US networks for Trump, who expressed thanks on his Truth Social site as counts continued in the other Super Tuesday states across the country. His longshot challenger, former UN ambassador Haley, narrowly won the

Michelle Obama Not Running for 2024 President, Office Says

After a poll revealed that Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, was the leading choice to replace President Joe Biden as the Democratic party's candidate for the presidential elections, her office has revealed her stand regarding the upcoming presidential elections, as per a report in NBC News.

Michelle Obama has no intentions to run for President, even though many of her supporters are looking forward to this development. She is actively supporting the reelection campaigns of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.

northeast state of Vermont. She has so far refused to drop out of the race. In the Democratic nomination contest, as expected, Biden won all of the 14 states to be called by US networks, though he was projected to lose to

little-known challenger Jason Palmer in the small Pacific Ocean territory of American Samoa. Polling averages from RealClearPolitics show Trump two points ahead of Biden in a one-on-one match-up in the November election.

US Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Texas Law on Migrant

Arrests

US Company Claims Scientific Evidence in MH370 Search

A company in the US has claimed that they have scientific evidence of the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370's final resting place. According to the Independent, Ocean Infinity, a marine robotics company based in Texas, submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government for a new search in the southern Indian Ocean where the plane is believed to have crashed.

Washington: The US Supreme Court on Monday temporarily blocked a Texas law that would allow state police to arrest and deport migrants who cross illegally into the United States from Mexico. The law, known as Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), has been tied up in the courts as Democrat Joe Biden's White House wrangles with Republican-run Texas over it. Now its fate is in the hands of the Supreme Court, which has blocked the law from

going into effect until March 13 while it reviews the case. In the United States, immigration matters including policing are handled by the federal government, not states. The Texas law would have made illegally crossing the border a state crime, a move the federal Department of Justice has called unconstitutional. In a tense presidential election year, Republicans blame Biden for the recent record flow of migrants into the United States. Democrats have tried to pass tough immigration reforms but the legislation, tied to aid for Ukraine, was scuttled by Republicans in Congress. The White House says the party of Donald Trump, who is seeking to challenge Biden for the White House again in November, is deliberately sabotaging a bipartisan attempt to find a solution.

Musk Blasts Biden For "Importing Voters", With "Worse Than 9/11" Warning

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New Delhi: Tesla CEO and 'X' boss Elon Musk has accused the Joe Biden administration in the US of "importing voters" and "creating a national security threat". Musk added that it is "highly probable that the groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11"a reference to the September 2001 terror attacks by Al-Qaeda that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

Musk made the remarks while sharing a screenshot of a Daily Mail report from his X account today. The headline read, "Biden administration admits flying 320,000 migrants secretly into the US to reduce the number of crossing at the border has national security 'vulnerabilities'".

In the accompanying post, Musk wrote, "This administration is both importing

Elon Musk added that it is "highly probable that the groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11"

voters and creating a national security threat from unvetted illegal immigrants. It is highly probable that the groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11. Just a matter of time."

The Tesla CEO is no fan of the US president, and the two have often traded jibes. But this is a much more serious

charge and is likely to spark a row. Musk has, in the past, accused the Biden administration of bias against Tesla and alleged that US' electric vehicle policy is tilted in favour of competitors such as General Motors that have unionised workforces. "It is not the friendliest administration. It seems to be controlled by unions," Musk said in 2021. The White House last year slammed Musk for endorsing what it called a "hideous" anti-semitic conspiracy theory. Earlier, in 2022, Musk described Biden as "a damp sock puppet in human form" after the White House overlooked him for a meeting of business leaders. Months later, when asked about the Tesla CEO's negative predictions about the US economy, Biden said "lots of luck on his trip to the Moon" - NASA has picked Musk SpaceX to build a lander for a Moon trip.

The company's chief executive officer Oliver Plunkett said, ''We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for MH370, and have submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government. Finding MH370 and bringing some resolution for all connected with the loss of the aircraft has been a constant in our minds since we left the southern Indian Ocean in 2018.''

FBI Warns of Alleged Iranian Spy Plot

The FBI is hunting for an alleged Iranian spy it believes is involved in plots to kill current and former US government officials. The agency accuses Majid Farahani, 42, of plotting revenge for the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani, commander of Iran's Quds force, was assassinated in a US drone attack in Iraq in January 2020. The FBI says Mr Farahani has acted on behalf of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence.

Ex-Colonel Accused of Leaking US Secrets on Dating Site

A retired US Army colonel in Nebraska has been charged with sending classified information to a person through a foreign dating website.

David Franklin Slater, 63, was employed until 2022 by US Strategic Command (Stratcom), which oversees the US nuclear missile arsenal. He was arrested on Saturday and will appear in court on Tuesday.

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EARLY VOTING FOR THE MARCH 19, 2024 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

माचर् 19, 2024 के रा�पित �ाथिमक चुनाव के िलए समयपूवर् मतदान

2024 Early Voting Sites and Hours

March 4 through March 19

Weekdays: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Election Day: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm (March 19)

2024 lugares y horarios de Votación Temprana

4 de marzo al 19 de marzo

Días laborables: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sábado: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Domingo: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Día de Elección: 6 am – 7:00 pm (19 de marzo)

2024 年提前投票地點及時間

3 月 4 日至 3 月 19 日

星期一至星期五：上午 9:00 時至下午 6:00 時 星期六：上午 9:00 時至下午 5:00 時 星期日：上午 10:00 時至下午 4:00 時 選舉日：上午 6:00 時至下午 7:00 時 (3 月 19 日)

2024 समयपूवर् मतदान स्थल और समय

4 माचर् से 19 माचर्

सोमवार से शु�वार: सुबह 9:00 बजे से - शाम 6:00 बजे तक

शिनवार: सुबह 9:00 बजे से - शाम 5:00 बजे तक

रिववार: सुबह 10:00 बजे से - शाम 4:00 बजे तक

चुनाव के �दन: सुबह 6:00 बजे से - शाम 7:00 बजे तक (19 माचर्)

Voter registration services (new voters, name changes and address updates) will be provided at all Early Voting sites. Los servicios de registro de votantes (nuevos votantes, cambios de nombre y actualizaciones de dirección) se proporcionarán en los lugares de Votación Temprana. 所有提前投票地點將會提供選民登記服務 (新選民 、更改姓名及更新地址) 。

सभी समयपूवर् मतदान स्थल� पर मतदाता पंजीकरण सेवाएँ (नए मतदाता, नाम या पते म� प�रवतर्न जैसी सेवा�) �दान क� जाएँगी।

These university sites for Early Voting will be open March 12 through March 14 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Estos sedes universitarias para la Votacion Temprana estarán abiertas del 12 de marzo al 14

US imposes new sanctions on President Mnangagwa and leaders

Emmerson Mnangagwa

was sworn in as Zimbabwe's leader for a second term in 2023

The US has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa for corruption and human rights abuses.

The order also affects other senior leaders in the country - blocking their assets in the US and barring them from unofficial travel there.

The new sanctions replace a broader programme that was introduced two decades ago. "We continue to witness gross abuses of political, economic, and human rights," the White House said in a statement. "The targeting of civil society and severe restrictions on political activity have stifled fundamental freedoms, while key actors, including government leaders, have siphoned off public resources for personal gains," it added. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, meanwhile cited "multiple cases of abductions, physical abuse, and unlawful killing" in Zimbabwe that had left people "living in fear".

Children starving to death in northern Gaza - WHO

Children are dying of starvation in northern Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) chief says.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the agency's visits over the weekend to the Al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals were the first since early October.

In a post on social media, he spoke of "grim findings".

A lack of food resulted in the deaths of 10 children and "severe levels of malnutrition", while hospital buildings have been destroyed, he wrote.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported on Sunday that at least 15 children had died from malnutrition and dehydration at the Kamal Adwan hospital.

A sixteenth child died on Sunday at a hospital in the southern city of Rafah, the Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported on Monday.

Dr Tedros reported "severe levels of malnutrition, children dying of starvation, serious shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies, hospital buildings destroyed" in northern Gaza, where an estimated 300,000 people are living with little food or clean water.

"The lack of food resulted in the deaths of 10 children," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The visits were the WHO's first in months "despite our efforts to gain more regular access to the north of Gaza", he wrote.

"The situation at Al-Awda Hospital is particularly appalling, as one of the buildings is destroyed," he added.

China sets ambitious 2024 economic target

China has set an ambitious growth target of around 5% for this year, as it outlined a series of measures aimed at boosting its flagging economy. Premier Li Qiang made the announcement at the opening of the annual National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday.

Mr Li acknowledged that China's economic performance had faced "difficulties", adding that many of these

Jack Teixeira: US airman pleads guilty to Pentagon documents leak

An Air National Guard member has pleaded guilty to posting dozens of classified documents online in one of highest-profile intelligence leaks in recent years. Prosecutors recommend that Jack Teixeira, 22, be sentenced to up to 16 years and eight months in prison.

While working at an Air National Guard base, he posted documents to Discord, a platform popular with gamers. The material included maps, satellite images and intelligence on US allies.

Teixeira pleaded guilty to six counts of wilful retention and transmission of national defence information in a US federal court in Boston on Monday.

Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal sues Musk

had "yet to be resolved". It comes as China struggles to reinvigorate its oncebooming economy.

"Risks and potential dangers in real estate, local government debt, and small and medium financial institutions were acute in some areas," he said. "Under these circumstances, we faced considerably more dilemmas in making policy decisions and doing our work.

UN Human Rights Chief concerned about civic space restrictions in India

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Monday expressed concern over the increasing restrictions on civic space in India and stressed the need to ensure an open field during the upcoming general elections for the meaningful participation of every citizen of the country. India, in response, said his concerns are unwarranted and do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world.

“In any democracy, argumentation is natural. It is imperative that those in positions of authority do not allow their judgment to be clouded by propaganda,’’ India’s permanent representative

to the UN in Geneva, Arindam Bagchi, said. Presenting his global update to the UN Human Rights Council, Turk in his brief on India said: “With an electorate of 960 million people, the coming election will be unique in scale. I appreciate the country’s secular and democratic traditions and its great diversity. I am, however, concerned by increasing restrictions on the civic space — with human rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics targeted — as well as by hate speech and discrimination against minorities, especially Muslims.

San Francisco, March 5 (IANS)

Indian-origin Parag Agrawal, former CEO of Twitter (now called X), and three other employees have sued Elon Musk for about $128 million in unpaid severance.

Agrawal, along with ex-chief financial officer Ned Segal, former Twitter head of legal and policy Vijaya Gadde and former Twitter General Counsel, Sean Edgett, have filed the lawsuit against the billionaire.

Musk on Tuesday reacted with just an emoji, when a follower posted: “Parag Agrawal is suing Elon Musk claiming that he did in fact get a lot done that week”. The lawsuit claimed that the Tesla CEO showed "special ire" towards them by "publicly vowing to withhold their severance payments of around $200 million”, when he took over Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion.

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Premier Li Qiang

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk

Imran Khan's Party Plans March 10

Protests

Jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Tuesday announced that it will launch nationwide protests on March 10 against the “stealing” of the mandate, nearly a month after an inconclusive general election marred by allegations of vote rigging.

“We will unite all political forces and will launch a movement within the law and Constitution,” said former National Assembly speaker and senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser while speaking to the media here. He said that they are planning to take to the streets in all provinces so their demands are met, Geo News reported. “Our movement will continue and will bring together all political forces,” he said, adding that they will ally with like-minded parties.

Macron Urges Allies: Act Boldly on Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said it was time for Ukraine’s allies to step up, stressing now was not the time to be cowardly.

“We are certainly approaching a moment in our Europe where it will be appropriate not to be a coward,” Macron told French expats living in Prague. Macron faced a backlash from many western allies after he openly discussed the idea of sending western troops to Ukraine at a Paris-based conference on Ukraine on February 26.

We are certainly approaching a moment in our Europe where it will be appropriate not to be a coward, Macron told French expats living in Prague

In a reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Macron said on Tuesday that France and the Czech Republic were “well aware that war is back on our soil (in Europe), that some powers which have become unstoppable are extending every day their threat of attacking us even more, and that we will have to live up to history and the courage that it requires”.

Macron’s February 26 comments, made after he hosted a meeting of western leaders to rally support for Ukraine, fitted with his reputation as a diplomatic disruptor who likes to break taboos and challenge conventional thinking. French officials were later sent out to explain that Macron had wanted to stimulate debate and that ideas under discussion involved non-combat troops in roles such as demining, border protection, or training Ukrainian forces.

World Food Programme says northern Gaza aid convoy blocked

The World Food Programme (WFP) says its first attempt in two weeks to bring food aid to northern Gaza was blocked by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The UN agency says the convoy of 14 lorries was "turned back" at a checkpoint and was later looted by crowds of "desperate people".

The BBC has contacted the IDF for comment. It comes a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) said children are dying of starvation in northern Gaza. In a statement, the WFP said efforts to "deliver desperately needed food supplies" to the area resumed on Tuesday "but were largely unsuccessful". The agency says the convoy was turned back by the IDF after a three-hour wait at the Wadi

Modi Congratulates

Gaza checkpoint.

The trucks were then rerouted and "later stopped by a large crowd of desperate people who looted the food, taking around 200 tons from the trucks", the WFP said.

The BBC contacted the IDF for comment, which directed any questions towards Cogat, the Israeli defence ministry body tasked with co-ordinating aid access in Gaza. It was the WFP's first attempt to deliver supplies to northern Gaza in a fortnight.

On 20 February, the agency said it was suspending food deliveries to the area because its recent convoys had endured "complete chaos and violence due to the collapse of civil order", including violent looting.

Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif

New Delhi: (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Shehbaz Sharif after he was sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Sharif, 72, was administered the oath of office on Monday in a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr, the presidential residence.

UK's Birmingham To Approve Service Cuts, Tax Hikes To Avoid Bankruptcy

Councillors in the UK's second-largest city Birmingham were poised Tuesday to approve tax hikes and deep cuts to public services that could include axed arts funding and reduced rubbish collection, as the city fights to avoid bankruptcy.

Birmingham is the latest UK council

Hamas seeks permanent ceasefire for releasing hostages

Tel Aviv: (IANS) Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamaden has said that the outfit will release the remaining 134 hostages only when the permanent ceasefire is in place and Israelis completely withdraw from Gaza.

Hamadan in a statement in Beirut on Tuesday said that in the past two days the organisation had clearly presented this view before the Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

He said that Hamas had reaffirmed its position that a permanent ceasefire was possible only after a full pull out of the IDF from Gaza Strip and return of displaced Palestinian families to their homes.

Russia, China Considering Putting Nuclear Power Plant On Moon

Russia and China are considering putting a nuclear power plant on the moon from 2033-35, Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos said on Tuesday, something he said could one day allow lunar settlements to be built.

to struggle with its finances, amid spiralling costs for services such as adult social care alongside decades-high inflation over the last two years and reductions in revenues.

Many councils also blame years of under-funding by the Conservative government in Westminster, which in turn has blamed mismanagement in authorities run by the Labour opposition. The country's 190 largest local authorities -- typically responsible for services ranging from garbage collections to street lighting -- have collective budget deficits of £5.2 billion ($6.6 billion), according to BBC research last year.

Borisov, a former deputy defence minister, said that Russia and China had been jointly working on a lunar programme and that Moscow was able to contribute with its expertise on "nuclear space energy". "Today we are seriously considering a projectsomewhere at the turn of 20332035 - to deliver and install a power unit on the lunar surface together with our Chinese colleagues," Borisov said. Solar panels would not be able to provide enough electricity to power future lunar settlements, he said, while nuclear power could. "This is a very serious challenge...it should be done in automatic mode, without the presence of humans," he said of the possible plan.

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Emmanuel Macron

"Rae Bareli Calling": Posters Backing Priyanka Gandhi In Congress Bastion

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For the past two decades, the seat has been represented by Sonia Gandhi, who has now become a member of Rajya Sabha.

Rae Bareli: Supporters of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have put up posters in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli, demanding that the party leadership picks her as the candidate for the Lok Sabha seat.

A traditional Congress stronghold, Rae Bareli has earlier been represented by former Prime Minister, late Indira Gandhi, and is a prestige seat for the Congress. Interestingly, this is also the seat that Indira Gandhi lost to Raj Narain in the 1977 general electionthe only sitting Prime Minister to lose a Lok Sabha contest.

For the past two decades, the seat has been represented by Sonia Gandhi, who has now become a member of Rajya Sabha. The Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the Rae Bareli seat. Amid speculation over the party's choice for this prestige battle, supporters of Ms Gandhi Vadra have put up posters in the constituency.

"Take Congress's development work forward, Rae Bareli is calling, Priyanka Gandhi ji, please come," a poster read.

The posters have photographs of Sonia Gandhi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad.

The BJP, too, has not announced its candidate for the Lok Sabha seat.

In the 2014 and the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the Congress managed to win Rae Bareli despite a wave in favour of the BJP. Therefore, there is immense

interest surrounding the BJP's pick for this seat and whether Sonia Gandhi vacating the seat will impact the Congress's prospects. In the 2019 election, the BJP had fielded Dinesh Pratap Singh from the seat. Mr Singh, who lost to Sonia Gandhi by a margin of 1.60 lakh votes, has said whoever the party chooses this time will have his full support. "I will help him fight elections with all my heart, body, mind, and wealth. It is my resolve to make the lotus blossom," Mr Singh, now a state minister, recently said in a social post.

Food Authority Verifies McDonald's Uses 'Real' Cheese, Says Franchisee

Mumbai: An executive at McDonald's biggest Indian franchisee Westlife Foodworld said on Tuesday the country's top food standards authority had verified its claims of using real cheese in its products after a crackdown by Maharashtra state.

Maharashtra in November suspended the licence of a McDonald's outlet in the east of Mumbai for allegedly using cheese alternatives made of vegetable oil instead of real cheese, and misleading consumers.

The state revoked the suspension after an appeal by Westlife, which dropped the word "cheese" from some of its products including burgers and nuggets in December.

Following a decision by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Westlife can use the word cheese in product names where it is one of the key ingredients, Managing Director Saurabh Kalra said

Maharashtra in November suspended the licence of a McDonald's outlet in the east of Mumbai for allegedly using cheese alternatives made of vegetable oil instead of real cheese, and misleading consumers.

at a press conference on Tuesday.

The FSSAI and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

New Cyber Fraud Exposed

How Chennai Woman Evaded 'Drug Smuggling' Scam

After two Gurugram residents were duped of nearly ₹ 2 crore by cyberfraudsters, a marketing professional from Chennai on Tuesday said she received a similar scam call claiming her Aadhaar number was used to send drugs to Thailand. In a series of posts on X, Lavanya Mohan detailed the conversation she had with a man impersonating a customer care executive from delivery service FedEx claiming drugs were being transported internationally using her ID.

"Two weeks ago, there was news of one man from Gurgaon losing 56 Lakhs to a scammer and another, 1.3 Crores. I got the same call today. A customer care exec from FedEx will call you and say that your Aadhar card is being misused to send packages with drugs to Thailand," she wrote.

"The verification confirms the brand's assertion that it uses 100% real cheese and that it does not use any cheese analogues or substitutes in any of its products," Westlife said in a statement. Westlife, which operates McDonald's outlets in western and southern India, added that a nationally accredited independent lab had also confirmed it used real cheese in its products.

Kalra said the FSSAI's decision was binding on all local authorities, including Maharashtra's, adding that Westlife was working with the state agency to close the issue. Shares in Westlife reversed an early fall of 1% to stand 9.4% higher after the press conference. They sank 6.7% on Feb. 27 when Reuters reported Maharashtra would inspect all its McDonald's outlets in the state.

Kalra described the incident as a "bump" in Westlife's long-term plans.

To make it sound like a legitimate concern, the caller also provided her with fake package details, an FIR number and also their own fake employee ID. The caller then offered to connect her to a customs official to solve the issue.

"Ma'am, if you don't go ahead with the complaint, your Aadhar will continue to be misused so let me connect you right away with the cyber crime branch" Threatening consequences + urgency = scam," she wrote.

Ms Mohan said the caller even warned her of "rising scams" and offered to help her with the issue urgently by contacting the police.

"Whats worrying is the level of details he had to provide me. The modus operandi is they connect you to the police who then claim that your ID is linked to the underworld. People are losing their hard-earned money and they can't be blamed because these scams are growing more sophisticated," she said. Warning against falling for such "sophisticated" threats, Ms Mohan said it was highly unlikely that a delivery service would contact you over a serious issue like this, adding that if your ID was being misused the police are likely visit you personally to inform you.

"Anyway, I told the scammer I'd wait for the police to contact me and cut the call," she said.

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Jaishankar Calls for Expanded IndiaKorea Cooperation

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday called for expanding cooperation in areas of critical and emerging technology to a safe and secure Indo-Pacific in his opening remarks at the 10th India-Korea Joint Commission Meeting in Seoul.Speaking of the "enormous goodwill" between the two nations, the minister, who was joined by representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, Defence and NITI Aayog, said that bilateral ties have grown from strength to strength.

Bengal Denies CBI Handover, Appeals to Supreme Court

Kolkata: The Bengal government has refused to hand over custody of Sheikh Shahjahan - the former Trinamool strongman accused of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Bengal's Sandeshkhali - to the CBI despite a Calcutta High Court order Tuesday to the police's criminal investigation department, or CID. The court had directed the police to transfer custody of Shahjahan, as well as case materials, by 4.30 pm. At 7.30 pm a CBI team left the police HQ in Kolkata emptyhanded. The reason - the state has approached the Supreme Court, and so refused to release Sheik Shahjahan till the top court's ruling.

PM Modi To Unveil Projects Worth Rs.12,800 Crore In Bihar

Patna: Amid a soaring political temperature in Bihar in the runup to the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday set foot in the state for the second time in less than a week. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Bettiah town, the headquarters of the West Champaran district, in the afternoon and unveil projects worth ₹ 12,800 crore.

PM Modi Inaugurates India's First Underwater Metro Section

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday unveiled multiple metro projects across the country, including India's first underwater metro line in Calcutta, reports PTI.

The Rs 4,965-crore Howrah MaidanEsplanade section of Calcutta Metro's East-West Corridor, which has the first transportation tunnel "under any mighty river in India", was inaugurated by the PM. The stretch also has the deepest metro station in the country -- the Howrah metro station.

After the inauguration programme, Modi took a metro ride from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan along with school children. The under-river section of the tunnel is 520 metres long, and a train will take around 45 seconds to cross it, officials said. From the function at the Esplanade metro station, the PM also inaugurated the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the New Garia-Aiport line and the TaratalaMajerhat section of the Joka-Esplanade

Spanning a 4.8-km stretch between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, it forms a vital segment of the East-West Metro corridor, connecting key areas such as the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V

line of the Calcutta Metro, the country's oldest metro network.

The Majerhat metro station is a unique

"Using All Might To Save Culprit": PM's Sheikh Shahjahan Barb At Trinamool

Kolkata: Women in West Bengal are outraged and the storm that started in Sandeshkhali will not remain restricted to the island but reach every corner of West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.

Firing barbs at the Mamata Banerjee government over what has emerged as the biggest talking point in Bengal politics, the Prime Minister said the Bengal government is using all its might to save a "culprit" - an apparent reference to Sandeshkhali strongman Sheikh Shahjahan.

Switching to Bengali, the Prime Minister gave the BJP's war cry, "Ei baar, 400 paar, NDA sarkar, 400 paar" at a rally of the BJP's Mahila Morcha in Barasat, in the

The Prime Minister said Bengal government is using all its might to save a "culprit" - an apparent reference to Sandeshkhali strongman Sheikh Shahjahan.

same district as Sandeshkhali. Ahead of the Barasat event, the Prime Minister opened several new routes of Kolkata Metro and also took a ride in it while interacting with several schoolgoers. The Prime Minister said modernising public transport is a priority for his government. Several generations, he said, have grown up looking at Kolkata Metro. "When I first came to Kolkata as a child, seeing the Metro was an attraction. But today, the Kolkata Metro is also a witness to the fast pace at which the BJP government works. In the 40 years before 2014, the Kolkata Metro route expanded to 28 km. But in the past 10 years, 31 km of Metro route have been added. The BJP government has worked very honestly for the development of Bengal and the country," he said.

UK Trade Mission Racing to Seal Deal Before

Indian Elections

prepared to make big concessions, the delegation that flew to India could be on “Mission Impossible.”

A UK government official told local media ahead of the delegation’s departure Monday that the team led by a senior civil servant was making one “last-gasp attempt to secure an FTA before the Indian election campaign pauses talks”. India’s Model Code of Conduct will go into force in a few weeks once the election dates are published.

The India-UK FTA pact would be the most deep and wide-ranging trade agreement ever signed by India.

elevated installation across railway lines, platforms and a canal, an official statement said.

Modi also inaugurated the DuhaiModinagar (North) section of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor, Pune Metro's Ruby Hall Clinic-Ramwadi stretch, Kochi Metro's SN Junction to Tripunithura section and Agra Metro's Taj East Gate-Mankameshwar section.

"Glad To Have Met": PM Modi Meets Actress Vyjayanthimala

Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met with legendary actress Vyjayanthimala in Chennai. Taking to X, PM Modi shared pictures from her meeting with Ms Vyjayanthimala.

In one of the images, PM Modi can be seen greeting Ms Vyjayanthimala with folded hands.

"Glad to have met Vyjayanthimala Ji in Chennai. She has just been conferred the Padma Vibhushan and is admired across India for her exemplary contribution to the world of Indian cinema," he wrote.

Haiti Gang Leader Threatens Civil War Over PM Henry

Jimmy Cherizier, the Haitian gang leader behind a violent attempt to overthrow Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has warned of civil war and “genocide” unless Henry steps down. Armed criminal gangs, who control large swathes of the country, launched a coordinated assault to remove the prime minister when he was out of the country last week.

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The British have embarked on a “lastgasp” effort to clinch a free trade deal with India before the looming Indian general elections pull down the curtain on negotiations. But unless the UK is

Indian Tycoon Loses Rs. 20,000 Crore in US Due to Sibling Rivalry: Case Details

In a dramatic turn of events, a long-standing legal battle among five brothers from India, who have amassed significant wealth in diamonds and Los Angeles real estate, has come to the forefront.

The lawsuit, spanning over 21 years, recently culminated in a staggering multibillion-dollar verdict, possibly one of the largest of the decade in the United States.

Following a rigorous five-month trial, a jury ruled that Haresh Jogani must pay his brothers, Shashikant, Rajesh, Chetan, and Shailesh Jogani, over $2.5 billion in damages. Additionally, they ordered the division of shares in their Southern California property empire, comprising approximately 17,000 apartments valued at billions more.

The lawsuit revolves around allegations of Haresh breaching a longstanding partnership with his siblings. Despite enduring 18 appeals, involving numerous attorneys and five judges in the Los Angeles Superior Court, the case, dubbed Jogani v. Jogani, continues to captivate legal observers, drawing comparisons to Charles Dickens'

The trial, over allegations that Haresh breached a longstanding partnership with his siblings, continues with a punitive damages hearing Monday that could add to the award.

fictional probate case, "Jarndyce v. Jarndyce," albeit with a twist.

Unlike the bleak outcome in Dickens' narrative, this legal saga promises a different fate, as billions remain to be distributed among the brothers. The rarity of such a monumental verdict against individuals, rather than corporations, further amplifies the intrigue surrounding the case.

Originating from Gujarat, India, the

Jogani family ventured into the global diamond trade, expanding their wealth across continents. Shashikant Jogani's relocation to California in 1969 marked the inception of their real estate journey, which eventually led to the formation of their property portfolio. However, disputes arose over management and profit-sharing, prompting legal action. The jury

New Zealand acknowledges India's global and regional leadership: Minister

New Delhi : (IANS) Recognising India's leadership role on the global stage, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Tuesday that his country is determined to build a "broader, deeper, mutually beneficial relationship" with the South Asian nation.

Beginning his visit to New Delhi and Ahmedabad on March 10, Peters will also be highlighting the shared interest of the two nations in helping the development of the Pacific Islands region.

“India is a country with which New Zealand can, should, and will be doing more.

New Zealand recognises the global and regional leadership role that India plays, and we are determined to build a broader, deeper, mutually beneficial relationship,” Peters said in a

statement released on Tuesday.

The minister's three-nation tour will also see him visiting Singapore, and

Asia.

The centrepiece engagement of the trip will be his extended meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Singapore's Vivian Balakrishnan respectively.

“It will be a privilege to spend further time with three such experienced and accomplished Foreign Ministers whose views on the issues facing the world and the IndoPacific in particular carry considerable weight," Peters said.

"If New Zealand wishes to maximise our influence and impact in the region, we need to lift our game with all three of India, Indonesia, and Singapore,” he added. Calling Gujarat "an engine of Indian economic growth" with significant connections to New Zealand’s Indian diaspora, a government release said that Peters will also meet state Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel.

ultimately found Haresh guilty of breaching an oral contract, despite his claims of the absence of a written agreement.

The trial witnessed revelations about the customary nature of oral agreements in both the diamond trade and Gujarati culture. Meanwhile, Haresh's attempts to disqualify the judge on accusations of bias further added to the trial's drama. The jury's verdict awarded substantial damages to the brothers, reflecting the magnitude of the breaches. Additionally, it delineated ownership shares within the real estate partnership, underscoring the complexity of dividing the vast property empire.

As legal proceedings unfold, the aftermath of this landmark verdict remains uncertain, echoing the intricacies of familial and business entanglements. The case, emblematic of enduring sibling rivalries and complex legal battles, serves as a cautionary tale in the annals of business disputes.

The case, Jogani v. Jogani, continues to reverberate through legal circles, emblematic of the enduring complexities of familial and business entanglements.

Is Sundar Pichai on his Way Out from Google?

A recent report by the magazine Business Insider has sent some ripples in the tech world. The report suggests that Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., faces internal pressure to step down amid troubles encountered by the company’s AI project, Gemini. According to the report there may be a growing discontent within the organization. This discontent is in regards following the setbacks experienced by Gemini and Pichai’s leadership.

Launched in a limited capacity in March 2023, Gemini is a chatbot, developed in response to Microsoftfunded ChatGPT. It however failed to capture the imagination of the World Wide Web as Google had hoped for. Not just that, many social media users found faults, with many saying that they noticed it generating historically inaccurate images of past figures who were people of color. It was denounced as “woke.”

The project also triggered a decline in Google’s stocks.

It may be noted that Pichai is one of the highest-paid executives in the tech world.

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New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters

Tata Motors announces demerger of its commercial and passenger vehicle segments

Tata Motors on Monday announced the demerger of its commercial and passenger vehicle segments into two separate listed entities. The commercial vehicles business and its related investments would be housed in one entity while the passenger vehicle business, including electric vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its related investments, would be part of the second entity, the auto major said in a regulatory filing.

Tata Motors chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the company has scripted a strong turnaround in the last few years.

by the company board in a meeting on Monday, the demerger will be implemented through an NCLT scheme

of arrangement and all shareholders of Tata Motors shall continue to have identical shareholding in both the listed entities.

“The three automotive business units are now operating independently and delivering consistent performance. This demerger will help them better capitalise on the opportunities provided by the market by enhancing their focus and agility,” he added.

According to the proposal approved

Nigeria orders cryptocurrency firm to pay $10bn

The Nigerian government says it has demanded almost $10bn (£8bn) in compensation from the cryptocurrency firm, Binance.

It says Binance manipulated foreign exchange rates through currency speculation and rate-fixing, which have seen the naira lose nearly 70% of its value in recent months.

Two Binance executives were arrested in Nigeria earlier in the week.

Google and Meta have strong political bias: Musk

New Delhi : (IANS)

Referring to a post claiming Google interference in the US elections, Tesla and SpaceX CEO, Elon Musk on Tuesday said that "Google and Meta's Facebook and Instagram have strong political bias."

A user named Steven Mackey shared a post on X, in which he showed reports claiming Google's interference in the US elections.

"Google is far more than a racist company, it is a firm that has in the past and is currently interfering in our elections," Mackey wrote.

Chandrasekaran said the scheme of arrangement for the demerger shall be placed before the company board for approval in the coming months and will be subject to all necessary shareholder, creditor and regulatory approvals which could take a further 12-15 months to complete.

The auto major stated that the demerger is a logical progression of the subsidiarisation of PV and EV businesses done earlier in 2022.

Tata Motors shares on Monday ended 0.12 per cent down at Rs 987.20 apiece on the BSE.An analyst with a foreign brokerage told The Telegraph that once listed the PV business is likely to get a better valuation than the CV entity, which is in a cyclical business.

Boeing in takeover talks for Spirit Aerosystems

Boeing is in talks to take over Spirit Aerosystems, the supplier that has been involved in many of its recent manufacturing issues.

The company, a major global air parts supplier, was spun out of Boeing in 2005 as part of a cost-cutting drive.

It continues to rely on Boeing for more than two-thirds of its business.

Boeing has been under pressure over

its manufacturing pipeline after a piece of one of its planes blew off in mid-air in January.

The US government's review of the blowout found that bolts meant to fasten the panel had been removed at Boeing's factory in Washington, apparently to fix damaged rivets, and had never been re-installed.

The piece had been made by Spirit, before being sent to Boeing for final assembly.

This week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has been examining Boeing since the incident, gave Boeing 90 days to develop a "comprehensive action plan" for improving its safety management systems.

India a sweet spot for Dutch firms to invest in semiconductors: Report

New Delhi : (IANS) As India embarks on its semiconductor journey, it is offering immense opportunities for Dutch companies to invest and examine chances for collaborative R&D efforts between the two nations, a new report said on Tuesday. India's electronics and semiconductor industry has seen remarkable growth,

US says falling trade with China could be positive

The steep drop in trade with China could be a positive development, the United States' top trade official has told the BBC. Katherine Tai said it "isn't necessarily negative. It could be a positive indication of diversification on both sides."

The amount of goods the world's two biggest economies sold to each other fell 17% last year. It comes amid deepening divisions in the global economy. Those differences were exposed again with the US announcing an investigation in to what it said was a potential national security risk from cars made in China, citing fears that tech-connected cars could collect personal data or be controlled remotely.

Chinese car companies have been expanding their presence in other parts of the world but have virtually no presence in the US, where they already face import duties of 25%.

Tough demand environment continues for IT services

especially in semiconductor design and product consumption, and the government policies and incentives are driving investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

TheIESA and the Netherlands Innovation Network, Embassy of the Netherlands in India, launched a new report titled ‘IndoDutch Semiconductor Opportunities’. The comprehensive document for both the Indian and Dutch ecosystems serves as a roadmap for collaboration between the two nations in the crucial semiconductor sector. “It underscores our commitment to harnessing the power of technology to solve complex challenges and to creating a world where progress and prosperity are accessible to all,” said Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal and Bhutan.

New Delhi : (IANS) An analysis of the latest quarterly results of 24 global companies indicate no material improvement in the demand environment, as macro uncertainties prevail, Emkay Global Financial Services said in a report. Overall commentary remains broadly in-line with Indian IT companies. For IT services companies, weak discretionary spending, slower decision making, and revenue conversion amid uncertain macro environment, are leading to revenue softness in this quarter as well, with an uncertain recovery timeline.

While select companies did highlight the emergence of green shoots in a few areas, the overall near-term environment remains soft. This implies that a muted growth scenario is likely to persist in the near term, the report said. “We believe valuations for large caps are relatively less demanding, while mid-cap valuations are rich,” the report said.

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The commercial vehicles business and its related investments would be housed in one entity while the passenger vehicle business, including electric vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its related investments, would be part of the second entity, the auto major said in a regulatory filing

R Ashwin’s phenomenal career in numbers ahead of his 100th Test

Ashwin Ravichandran has a fondness for scaling rare peaks. Come Thursday, India’s premier spinner will walk into another ballroom of legends during the fifth Test against England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

Ashwin is set to become the 14th Indian and the first Tamil Nadu cricketer to feature in 100 Test matches, a remarkable milestone for a man who loves every facet associated with his sport to the hilt.

A constant pathbreaker across his 13-

year journey in whites, Ashwin could also be joined by three more of his contemporaries – Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee – to be featuring in their respective 100th Tests at the same time on the cricketing calendar – a first in Test history.

High Court seeks Centre, WFI response on wrestlers' election protes

The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Centre on a plea by grapplers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Satyawart Kadian to set aside the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections held in December 2023.

A single-judge bench of Justice Sachin Datta issued the notice to the government through the sports ministry, WFI and the ad-hoc committee appointed to run the federation.

The court granted time to the Centre’s counsel to seek instructions in the matter and listed the matter for hearing on March 7. Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the petitioner wrestlers, argued that they have sought directions against the “illegal action” of the “suspended” WFI to conduct

‘I’ll ensure thrilling season’: Hardik Pandya

The move by Mumbai Indians to hand over the team’s captaincy to Hardik Pandya from long-time skipper Rohit Sharma has the potential to cause a few ripples of discontent not just among the team members but also among the fans, who are one of the most passionate bunch in the Indian Premier League.

“Returning to Mumbai Indians feels like coming back to where it all began. I’m deeply thankful for the immense love and support from fans. It’s a blessing beyond words,” Hardik told Star Sports. “From my journey as a young lad in Baroda to Mumbai, this city has taught me growth, instilling in me humility and resilience. The city’s love and teachings are invaluable to me, shaping me into the cricketer I am today. Mumbai always challenges you to be better and now with the IPL, I have returned home after two years. “I seek the same backing from our fans to propel us towards victory. Rest assured, I’ll ensure a thrilling season that every supporter will relish. It’s a journey we’ll all enjoy together.”

through its circular dated February 26, going against the directives of the ad-hoc committee.

Pakistani boxer vanishes after theft in Italy, embarrassing nation

A Pakistani boxer has disappeared in Italy after stealing money from a teammate's bag, the Pakistan Amateur Boxing Federation said on Tuesday.

Zohaib Rasheed has gone to Italy to take part in an Olympic qualifying

The boxer had won a bronze medal in last year's Asian Boxing Championships and was regarded as a rising talent in Pakistan.

tournament. A senior official of the federation said they had brought it to the notice of the Pakistan Embassy in Italy and also filed a police report about the incident.

"It is most embarrassing for the federation and country the way Zohaib Rasheed has behaved as he had gone there as part of a five-member squad to take part in an Olympic qualifying tournament," the national federation's secretary, Colonel Nasir Ahmed said.

My biggest pain is I don’t enjoy my success as much as I should have: Ashwin

New Delhi: (IANS) As Indian spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin gears up to play his 100th Test match, he revealed that "I didn't enjoy my success as much as

he should have" as he goes back to himself after every tour to become a better player. During the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamshala, starting from March 7, Ashwin will be playing his 100th match in the longer format of the game. In the third Test of the ongoing series in Rajkot, Ashwin became only the ninth and second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to clinch 500 Test wickets joining the elite club of bowlers such as Muthiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Kumble, Glenn McGrath, Courtney Walsh and Nathan Lyon.

"Pakistan Cricket Cannot Be Run In This Manner": Inzamam-Ul-Haq Blasts PCB

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has criticised the country's cricket board for removing Muhammed Hafeez as Team Director due to recent poor results, asserting that it is unfair to "target" ex-players in administrative roles when officials are refusing to shoulder any responsibility for the side's performance. The PCB had last month parted ways with Hafeez after a 0-3 Test defeat in Australia followed by a 1-4 T20 International series loss to New Zealand. Hafeez's contract, initially short-term, concluded after the T20 series in New Zealand, following the sports ministry's recommendation against a long-term agreement.

'IPL Not About Bollywood, After Party': Gautam Gambhir

"I made it very clear on Day 1 that IPL for me, a serious cricket. It's not about Bollywood, it's not about you, it's not about after party and stuff. It's about going out there and playing competitive cricket and that's the reason why I feel is the toughest league in the world because it is proper cricket," Gambhir said.

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selection trials for the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships 2024 and Asian Olympic Games Qualifier, notified

"If Indians Can Be Proud...": Singer On Spanish Tourist's GangRape

Chinmayi Sripaada said all Indians should be "ashamed

A Spanish woman was allegedly gang-raped in Jharkhand when she was spending the night in a makeshift tent along with her husband.

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"You both recently visited Kottayam where close friends hosted you for a meal. This should not happen to anyone anywhere (sic)," the actor wrote on his Instagram Story. Ms Chadha termed the act "shameful".

"Indians are treating foreigners like they treat their own women. Shame on our rotten society," she said.

The police have arrested eight people in connection with the case.

"Don't Blame People But Criminals"

New Delhi: Singer Chinmayi Sripaada has reacted to the alleged gang-rape of a Spanish tourist in Jharkhand's Dumka district and said that all Indians should be "ashamed" by the incident.

The woman from Spain was allegedly gang-raped at Kurumahat in the Hansdiha police station area last Friday when she was spending the night in a makeshift tent along with her husband. The couple had reached Dumka from Bangladesh on two motorcycles and was en route to Bihar and then Nepal.

Taking to her official X account, Ms Sripaada said, "If all Indians can be proud when 'few' Indians win an Olympic medal, all Indians can also be ashamed when 'few' men rape."

Actors Dulquer Salmaan and Richa Chadha were also among those who expressed shock over the alleged gang-rape and demanded that perpetrators be brought to justice. Mr Salmaan said he was "crushed" to hear the news.

The Spanish woman on Tuesday said that she has no complaints against the people of India as she has safely travelled around 20,000 km across the country. Speaking to reporters before leaving for Nepal via Bihar along with her husband on their motorcycles, she said she would continue her world tour.

"People of India are nice. I don't blame the people, but I blame the criminals. People of India have treated me very well, and were very kind to me," the 28-year-old woman said. "We chose the place for the night stay because it was calm and beautiful. We thought it would be okay if we lived there alone," she said.

The woman said that she has been travelling for more than six years.

"We have been in India for the last six months and travelled around 20,000 km. We did not have any problems anywhere. This has happened for the first time," she said.

"I have good memories from India," she added.

Taiwan Minister Apologises After Criticism Over 'Racist' Remark On Indians

Taiwan Minister Hsu had stated that the ministry would initially focus on recruiting workers from northeastern India because 'their skin colour and dietary habits are closer to ours.'

Taipei: Labour Minister Hsu Mingchun issued an apology on Tuesday for her remarks regarding the planned recruitment of Indian migrant workers, which some have criticised as "racist," as reported by Central News Agency Taiwan.

In an interview, Minister Hsu had stated that the ministry would initially focus on recruiting workers from northeastern India because 'their skin colour and dietary habits are closer to ours.'

She further stated that 'individuals in this region, mostly Christians, are skilled in manufacturing, construction, and farming, as per Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) assessments,' as per Central News Agency.

At a legislative hearing Tuesday morning, Hsu expressed regret for her 'inaccurate' comments, clarifying that Taiwan's labour policies aim for equality, devoid of discrimination, be it for local or foreign workers. According to the Central News Agency, she emphasized her intention to highlight the abilities

and performance of Indian workers, dissociating from any discriminatory motives.

Legislator Chen Kuan-ting of the Democratic Progressive Party strongly condemned Hsu's remarks in a video posted on X, "strongly condemned" Hsu's comments, arguing that skin colour and race should not be criteria for recruiting migrant workers.

In a statement issued on Monday night, the Labor Ministry apologised for Hsu's 'inaccurate' choice of words, emphasising that the comments were not meant to discriminate.

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The Taiwan Labor Ministry apologised for minister's 'inaccurate' choice of words

Jay Shetty Allegedly Lied, Plagiarized Instagram Posts: Report

British podcaster and life coach

Jay Shetty is under scrutiny after claims emerged that he plagiarized social media posts and lied about his life story.

Jay Shetty's official website states, “During his school years, Jay Shetty spent vacations living with monks in India, immersing himself in their wisdom and teachings.” However, a report by The Guardian claims that Mr Shetty, author of the bestselling book 'Think Like A Monk:

Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day', falsely claimed to have spent three years in a temple in India.

PM Modi's 10-Day Visit to 12 States and UTs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend 29 programmes spread across 12 states and union territories over the next 10 days ahead of the likely announcement of the Lok Sabha polls. Officials said he will be visiting Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi.

Shehbaz Sharif elected Pakistan Prime Minister

'Corruption and Bribery Threaten...' - Significant Legal Protection Ordered for MPs and MLAs

New Delhi: Lawmakers in parliament and state legislatures are not immune from prosecution in bribery cases, the Supreme Court said today in a landmark verdict by a seven-judge bench

led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.

The verdict set aside a 1998 judgment in which a five-member Constitution bench had upheld the immunity for lawmakers in cases where MPs or MLAs take bribes for a speech or a vote in the House.

Bribery, the court said, is not protected by parliamentary privileges and the interpretation of the 1998 verdict is contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution. These two Articles provide elected representatives legal immunity from prosecution to enable them to work without fear.

"We disagree with the judgment in PV Narasimha (case). The judgment in that case which granted immunity to legislators for taking bribes to cast votes has wide ramifications," the Chief Justice of India said.

The PV Narasimha Rao case had come up in connection with a no-confidence motion against his government in July 1993. The minority government had survived with a slim margin265 votes in favour and 251 against.

"Where Is My Son?" Missing Navy Sailor's Father Seeks Centre's Intervention

The mysterious disappearance of their son has compelled the family to seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.

New Delhi: It has been eight days since Navyman Sahil Verma mysteriously disappeared from a ship. A massive Navy dragnet, involving several ships and aircraft, as of now, has yielded no trace of the seaman. Desperate for answers and seeking an intervention from the Centre, Mr Verma's father gave out an anguished cry, "Where is my son?"

Mr Verma's parents, Subash Chander and Rama Kumari, reside in the Ghou Manhasan area of Jammu. The mysterious disappearance of their son has compelled the family to seek a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. The family has also sought urgent mediation from the highest echelons of the Indian government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, to ensure the safe return of their missing son. Mr Chander expressed astonishment that a soldier could vanish from a naval ship without a trace. "It is astonishing that a soldier went missing from his naval ship and is not traceable. I have been told that the CCTV cameras installed on the ship did not find anyone falling into the sea. Then where is my son?" Mr Chander was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

"We got a call on February 29 informing that our son went missing on board the ship two days before that ... we last talked to him on Sunday (February 25) and nothing is known (about) what happened to him," Mr Chander added.

Nikki Haley Breaks Trump's Undefeated Streak in Primary Win

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Islamabad: (IANS) PML(N) President Shehbaz Sharif was elected 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan on Sunday.National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq announced that Shehbaz Sharif bagged 201 votes, Dawn reported.PTI candidate Omar Ayub Khan secured 92 votes.

Shehbaz Sharif, 72, became the prime minister of the country for the second term.

Washington, United States: Nikki Haley won the Republican presidential primary in Washington DC on Sunday, scoring her first victory as she struggles to remain relevant in her underdog race against Donald Trump.

Nikki Haley's symbolic victory in the nation's capital comes just ahead a decisive day in the long US nominating process -- Super Tuesday, in which 15 states and one territory vote.

Haley's symbolic victory in the nation's capital comes just ahead a decisive day in the long US nominating process -Super Tuesday, in which 15 states and one territory vote.

Washington is a solidly Democratic town with a small number of registered Republicans. CNN, which was among outlets reporting that Haley won on Sunday, put it at just 22,000.

"Great Judgment": PM's Post On No Immunity To MPs, MLAs

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Supreme Court's verdict today that said MPs and MLAs do not enjoy immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or cast a vote in the legislature. A seven-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud unanimously overruled the 1998 verdict delivered by a fivejudge bench in the JMM bribery case, by which MPs and MLAs were granted immunity from prosecution for taking bribe to make a speech or vote in the legislature.

"Swagatam. A great judgment by the Supreme Court which will ensure clean politics and deepen people's faith in the system," PM Modi said in the post.

US VP Kamala Harris calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

US Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for at least the next six weeks, as she called on the Israeli government to "do more" to increase the flow of aid in the war-ravaged enclave. Harris made the ceasefire call on Sunday during a speech in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the annual remembrance of the landmark civil rights movement.

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A high-level board of inquiry has been initiated to find Sahil Verma

EAM Jaishankar's response to bully 'barb' leaves Big B impressed

Amitabh Bachchan has heaped praise on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for the way he exposed Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. The cine icon took to X, where he shared a tweet on Jaishankar talking about Muizzu's claim that "India was being a bully in the sub-continent".

The tweet also featured a clip, where Jaishankar was heard saying: "Big bullies don't provide $4.5 billion when their neighbours are in trouble." He also spoke about how India supported other nations by supplying vaccines to them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jaishankar said: "Bullies don't supply vaccines to other countries when Covid is on. Bullies don't make exceptions to their own rules to respond to food, fuel or fertiliser demands because some war in some other part of the world has complicated their lives."

Sharing this, Amitabh wrote: "WAH...!!! Well said, Sir."

‘People started seeing me in a different light post Maharani’ Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi believes her OTT show Maharani, which is coming up with a third season, was the beginning of a new chapter in her journey as an actor.

Qureshi, who made her acting debut with Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012 and has featured in films such as D-Day, Dedh Ishqiya and Badlapur, said she could also command a certain fee with the show as she is playing the lead in it.

“Today, because I’m doing ‘Maharani’ and the show is mounted around my character, I am able to command a certain fee. It is a show that benefited all of us. People started seeing me in a different light…. I can say without hesitation that ‘Maharani’ first one was the start of a new chapter in my career,” the actor told PTI in an interview.

The first season of Maharani featured Huma Qureshi as Rani Bharti, an illiterate

Farhan Akhtar, Shibani Dandekar team up for Netflix series 'Dabba Cartel'

Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife, actor Shibani Dandekar are joining hands for 'Dabba Cartel,' a new Netflix series. Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, the upcoming show revolves around five ordinary women in Maharashtra's Thane who start a drug cartel through the 'dabba' (tiffin) delivery service. It will star Shabana Azmi, Jyotika, Farhan Akhtar, Nimisha Sajayan, Anjali Anand, Gajraj Rao, Sai Tamhankar, Lillete Dubey and Jisshu Sengupta.

The first look of 'Dabba Cartel,' created by Dandekar, was revealed on Thursday at the Next on Netflix event here. Akhtar has backed the show via his production banner Excel Media & Entertainment.

woman, who is handpicked by her husband and politician Bheema Bharti (Sohum Shah) to become the chief minister of Bihar after he is shot and injured.

The second season of the show, directed by Ravindra Gautam, saw Rani Bharti go head to head with her husband who is keen to get the power back in his hands and is worried with his wife’s growing popularity as a CM. She also has to fight a political rival in Navin Kumar, played by Amit Sial.

The upcoming season, directed by Saurabh Bhave, will see Rani Bharti take on her enemies after the murder of her husband. Subhash Kapoor and Nandan Singh serve as showrunners and writers of the show.

Huma Qureshi, 37, believes the third season will be bigger, better and bolder as there is more at stake. The actor said the makers have just scratched the surface of the story. “There is a lot of potential in the series. There are so many stories. As a country, we are obsessed with politics and everything political. There is a lot that can happen. Right now, we just scratched the surface and there is a lot more to go. Maybe we do 7 or 11 seasons. Even if this were to be our last, I just will be very happy and grateful for all the love we have received,” she said. The actor said Rani Bharti will remain a memorable character in her filmography. “I always say that if you get five (memorable) roles in your career as an actor you become a legend, everything else is EMI. One is done (for me), four more to go.”

'Be persistent, never stop learning': Mohd Danish

Mumbai : (IANS) The third runner up of 'Indian Idol 12', Mohd Danish, who will be seen as the captain in the upcoming season of the kids singing reality show 'Superstar Singer', has shared advice for the aspiring singers, saying one should stay true to the passion, be persistent, and never stop learning. Danish said: "To contestants aspiring to establish themselves in the industry, my advice is simple -- 'Stay true to your passion, be persistent, and never stop learning'. Also, I would like them to learn all the genres of music because it is very important to have versatility in your singing style."

Here to act, not advertise

Portraying a character a third time over is like returning home. Actor Amit Sial attests to that, as he gears up for the third season of Maharani, in which he plays the nemesis to Huma Qureshi’s Rani Bharti. They may lock horns on screen, but off it, Sial is all praise for Qureshi’s ability to motivate the crew with her sheer presence. “Her energy on set is inspiring. Regardless of whether we are tired or bored, we have to give our best to each other. It’s like a friendly boot camp where we are all there for each other, trying to get the shoot going and make the process better for one another,” he says.

Over the last two seasons, Sial has been appreciated for his performance of a conniving opposition leader to Qureshi’s former chief minister. The SonyLIV political drama is one in a string of series that has earned him the audience’s attention. But attention also comes with its own demands. “I have been told many times to [cash in on] this attention, to hire a [public relations] machinery. I have tried that too, but I suck at it. It’s not in my genes,” he laughs.

'Khichdi' is like prescription, Hansa is my stressbuster

Supriya Pathak

Veteran actress Supriya Pathak, who has essayed the iconic character of Hansa in the streaming comedy ‘Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan’, has called ‘Khichdi’ franchise as a prescription and her character as a stressbuster.

She also believes that doing comedy, especially clean comedy, is more complex than other genres.

“Comedy is much harder, and making people laugh is very difficult. I feel that with slapstick and two-layered jokes, you can, but keeping it clean and still making people laugh is very difficult,” she said.

Talking about her character, she says: “‘Khichdi’ is like a prescription, and Hansa is my stressbuster. She is a part of me. It was a challenge to maintain the innocence of Hansa even after so many years. Having said that, I believe Hansa’s character acts as a reminder that one doesn’t have to be so bitter and it’s not difficult to lead a life without having some innocence inside us.”

Created by Jamnadas Majethia and Aatish Kapadia’s Hats Off Productions, the show was made into a movie in 2010. ‘Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan’ is available to stream on ZEE5 Global.

Prabhu Deva Joins 'Kannappa' 2nd Schedule in New Zealand

Mumbai,: (IANS)

Choreographerdirector Prabhu Deva, who has given many iconic dance steps to Indian cinema, joined the second schedule of the upcoming Vishnu Manchu-starrer ‘Kannappa’ in New Zealand. Prabhu Deva will choreograph the film's dance sequences. The film has close to nine songs in its original soundtrack. Talking about working with the ace choreographer, Vishnu Manchu said: “It is my honour and dream come true, working under this legend.

Adah Sharma looks fearless in two avatars in 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' poster

Mumbai : (IANS) A new poster from the upcoming Adah Sharma-starrer film 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' was unveiled on Sunday. The poster features the actress in two different avatars, one wearing the uniform as IPS Neerja Madhavan, and the other on a field operation as a Naxal combat soldier. Committed to her duty, Adah stands in the fight against the Naxals. Sharing the poster on their social media, the makers wrote in the caption: “Duty or Pledge: Committed till the end, relentless in the fight against Naxals. Uncover the truth in #BastarTheNaxalStory, trailer out on March 5, 2024.”

Darker skinned actors don’t get positive roles : Dibyendu

Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who was recently seen in Alia Bhatt produced web series Poacher, opened up about the discrimination faced by darker skinned actors in the film industry. Dibyendusaid that he works diligently but is fully aware that he is never going to star in a Rs 500 crore film, and he added that he doesn’t aspire to star in such films.

In a chat with YouTube channel Digital Commentary, Dibyendu said, “I do whatever work I get. I don’t have any aspiration of starring in Rs 500 crore film. I don’t get offered such kind of parts. But whatever I get, I do it diligently.” In the same conversation, when Dibyendu was asked about his previous statement that “darker skinned actors don’t get positive roles”, the actor nodded in agreement and said “that is the notion.”

The actor then compared the Indian film industry to Hollywood and said that the West has a “mandate to cast people from all races.” He also acknowledged the racism in western countries but added that

Indian Idol 14 winner is Vaibhav Gupta, takes home trophy and Rs 25 lakh

Kanpur-based singer Vaibhav Gupta lifted the Indian Idol Season 14 trophy on Sunday night. Vaibhav took home the trophy and prize money of Rs 25 lakh. Other finalists who competed with Vaibhav were Ananya Pal, Anjana Padmanabhan, Adya Mishra, Piyush Panwar, and Subhadeep Das. The finale was indeed a grand celebration with Sonu Nigam being the special guest for the night.

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 winner Manisha Rani

The winner of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 has been announced and as expected, it is actor Manisha Rani. Murder Mubarak actors Sara Ali Khan and Sanjay Kapoor announced Manisha as the winner of the dance reality show on Saturday night. Along with the trophy, Manisha has won prize money of Rs 30 lakh and a trip to Yas Islands, Abu Dhabi. Her choreographer Ashutosh Pawar has also won a trip to Abu Dhabi. The finale, which aired on March 2, saw Shoaib Ibrahim and Adrija Sinha emerging as runners-up.

the people in Hollywood are “embarrassed of their racist past” but Indians are increasingly become more racist. “I think Indians have become very racist. The racism outside of India is very clear but they want to get out of it. They are embarrassed of their racism. It is a global issue,” he said. Dibyendu then brought up that the attitude towards casting darker skinned actors and said that he once watched a show on TV where Lord Krishna’s part was played by a fair-skinned actor. In mythological texts and stories, Krishna has been described as a dark-skinned person. “I was once watching a show called Shri Krishna on TV. And they cast a fair skinned man as Krishna and I thought this is their talent that they have made Krishna fair skinned,” he expressed.

BJP May Release 100Name First List For Polls After Midnight Meet: Sources

Overall, the plan is to name at least 50 per cent of its candidates by March 10. In 2019 the party did the same thing; it revealed 164 candidates on March 21, weeks before dates were announced.

New Delhi: The BJP is expected to release a first list of candidates - around 100 names, which will include heavyweights like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah - for the 2024 Lok Sabha election later today, after marathon overnight meetings in Delhi, including one led by the Prime Minister at his Delhi residence that began 11 pm Thursday and finished 3.15 am Friday. Sources have told that the BJP's strategy, as it bids for a third term, revolves around getting feedback on sitting MPs' - including but not limited to discussions with grassrootslevel workers and voters in their constituencies - and a tactical reshuffle to eliminate the antiincumbency bias.

Gates Meets Modi, Talks 'AI for Public Good'

Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday and said they discussed AI for public good, women-led development and innovation in agriculture and health.

Gates said on X, "I is always inspiring to meet with @ narendramodi and there was a lot to discuss. We talked about AI for public good; DPI; womenled development; innovation in agriculture, health, and climate adaptation; and how we can take lessons from India to the world." Replying to him, Modi said, "A wonderful meeting indeed! Always a delight to discuss sectors which will make our planet better and empower millions of people across the globe."

Explosion At Bengaluru Cafe

The blast at the bustling cafe, located in east Bengaluru, occurred around 1.30 pm during the busy lunch hour when crowds from nearby offices generally line up.

Over 400 Lok Sabha Seats Assured by Country's Trust: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sounded the poll bugle in Jharkhand's Dhanbad, asserting that the NDA will win 400 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as the country is relying on Modi's guarantee. He also accused the opposition INDIA bloc of creating hurdles in the implementation of 'Jal Jeevan Mission' and 'Awas Yojana' schemes.

Extortion is at its peak in the JMM-led regime in the state, and appeasement policy had led to infiltration, says the Prime Minister

"Abki bar 400 par (this time we will win over 400 seats) in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as the country is relying on Modi's guarantee. Where all hopes from others end, Modi's guarantee begins," the prime minister said addressing a public meeting 'Vijay Sankalp Maharally' here.

The revival of plants like the Sindri fertiliser unit, and North Karanpura power project are examples of fulfilment of Modi's guarantee, he said.

Launching a scathing attack on the JMM-led alliance in Jharkhand, Modi alleged that it looted the state.

4 Injured, Forensics Team At Site

Bengaluru Rameshwaram Cafe Blast

Live Updates: At least five people were injured after an explosion at Rameshwaram cafe in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area on Friday. The injured, including one woman, were shifted to a nearby hospital.

The explosion at the bustling cafe, located in east Bengaluru, occurred around 1:30 PM during the busy lunch hour when crowds from nearby offices generally line up. Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara spoke to senior police authorities and took stock of the situation.

“We received a call about a cylinder blast in Rameshwaram cafe. Immediately, a fire engine was rushed to the spot. Initial suspicions are that it is a cylinder blast. However, it is being ascertained. It is a minor blast and we have shifted those injured to the hospital. The incident occurred between 1.30 and 2 pm. We are probing it from all angles,” police told PTI.

Sensex jumps more than 1,000 points

New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) BSE

Sensex jumped more than 1,000 points on Friday reacting to India’s impressive GDP numbers.

Sensex was trading up by 1045.99 points up by 1.44 per cent at 73,549.64 points. Metal stocks are top gainers with Tata Steel, JSW Steel up more than 4 per cent, L&T up 3 per cent, Titan up 3 per cent. ICICI Bank, Tata Motors, Maruti, Indusind Bank, Powergrid are up 2 per cent.

20 People Recruited as 'Army Security Helpers' Stranded in Russia: External Affairs Ministry

The external affairs ministry on Thursday said an estimated 20 people were still stuck in Russia after being recruited as "army security helpers" for the Russian army by an Indian agent. A couple of them have been forced to fight Russia’s war against Ukraine and some have complained about not being paid the amount promised at the time of recruitment, forcing them to reach out to the government for help.

Asked whether the government had an estimate on the number of Indians stuck in Russia to fight its war against Ukraine, external affairs ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said: "We have an understanding that something

like 20-odd people are stuck. We are trying our level best for their early discharge." He said the stranded Indians had been told not to venture into the war zone or get caught in situations that are difficult. "We are in regular touch with Russian authorities both here and in Moscow. We are deeply committed to the welfare of our Indians."

A couple of them have been forced to fight Russia’s war against Ukraine and some have complained about not being paid the amount promised at the time of recruitment, forcing them to reach out to the government for help

To the question whether they were all in Moscow, Jaiswal was non-committal and said: "They are at various places but the embassy is in touch with Russian authorities to get them out."

According to media reports, 18 Indians have been stranded at different places along the Russia-Ukraine border since November 2023.

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World Bank approves $452 mn for Assam

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS)

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Saturday announced a new programme of $452 million to support Assam to improve connectivity for over 1.8 million people living in rural areas, especially during extreme weather. The programme loan has a maturity of 19 years with a grace period of 4.5 years. The Programme will help to strengthen the Assam Public Works Roads Department’s financial and procurement processes using the state’s own systems and provide training to improve disaster risk management.

US To Airdrop Supplies In Gaza

Washington: The US military will start carrying out airdrops of food and supplies into Gaza in the coming days, joining other countries like France, Jordan and Egypt that have done the same. The United States will use military aircraft to drop supplies over Gaza. While it is unclear which type of aircraft will be used, the C-17 and C-130 are best suited for the job. According to the U.S. Air Force, a C-130 can hold 16 pallets while a C-17 can carry 40.

Google Removes Indian Matrimony Apps Over Fee Dispute

Google began removing the apps of 10 companies in India on Friday, including some popular matrimony apps such as Bharat Matrimony, in a dispute over service fee payments, potentially sparking a showdown with startup firms.

The dispute centres on efforts by some Indian startups to stop Google from imposing a fee of 11% to 26% on in-app payments, after the country's antitrust authorities ordered it to dismantle an earlier system of charging 15% to 30%.

Centre's Latest Move After Google Removes Indian Apps From Play Store

New Delhi: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has invited representatives from Google for a meeting on Monday over a dispute between the tech giant and some Indian companies over noncompliance with billing policies. Google on Friday removed apps from 10 Indian companies, citing disputes over service fee payments. Among the affected apps were matrimony services such as Bharat Matrimony and job search app Naukri, intensifying the longstanding grievances of Indian startups against Google's practices, including in-app fee charges.

Mr Vaishnaw, expressing optimism about a swift resolution, stated, "I am hopeful that Google will be reasonable

Bengaluru

The dispute revolves around attempts by Indian startups to resist Google's imposition of a fee ranging from 11 per cent to 26 per cent on in-app payments.

in its approach. We have a large, growing startup ecosystem, and it's crucial to protect their interests."

"I have already asked Google to meet

Blast Suspect Caught On

CCTV With Bag That Allegedly Had Bomb

Rameshwaram Cafe Blast: The suspect, according to the police, allegedly placed this bag in the cafe and then left before the blast took place.

Bengaluru: A day after an explosion at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe, CCTV footage has emerged showing a man carrying a bag inside the cafe's premises in the Whitefield area of the Karnataka capital. The suspect, according to the police, allegedly placed this bag in the cafe and then left before the blast took place. Another individual, who was seen along with the suspect, has been detained and is being questioned by the Bengaluru police.

The main suspect, his face hidden by a mask, glasses, and a cap on top of his head, was caught on cameras installed inside the cafe carrying a plate of idlis.

The blast, which took place between 12.50 pm and 1 pm on Friday, resulted in ten people sustaining injuries. The police

have invoked stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act in response to the attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough inquiry. The injured, comprising both cafe staff and patrons, are currently receiving medical treatment.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urged the public not to politicise the incident and called for cooperation in the ongoing investigation. The Chief Minister added that the blast might have been caused by an "improvised explosive" device. "The blast occurred at 1 pm. A young man of about 28-30 years came to the cafe, purchased Rava idli at the counter, placed the bag near a tree and left. After one hour the blast took place," Mr Shivakumar said.

Indian dancer Amarnath Ghosh has been shot dead in the US

New Delhi: Indian dancer Amarnath Ghosh has been shot dead in the US, his friend and TV actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee said on Friday. He was shot "multiple times" while he was taking an evening walk in St Louis City in Missouri on Tuesday, Mr Bhattacharjee said as she sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help on Tuesday.

“My friend Amarnath Ghosh was shot and killed in St Louis academy neighbourhood,

me. We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our startup ecosystem, and I trust that Google, which has adapted well to digital payments, will approach this matter reasonably," the IT Minister added. Google's actions weren't limited to matrimony apps. Info Edge, the parent company of job search app Naukri and real estate search platform 99acres, faced removal from the Play Store as well. Despite initial share price fluctuations, both Matrimony.com and Info Edge managed to recover partially by the end of the day.

Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., defended its actions, claiming that 10 Indian companies had opted not to pay for the "immense value they receive on Google Play" for an extended period.

India raises Amarnath Ghosh's death with US

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) The Office of the Consulate General of India in Chicago said on Saturday that it is extending all possible help to relatives and deceased of Amarnath Ghosh, the Kuchipudi dancer from Kolkata, who was shot dead in the US state of Missouri.

In a post on X, the Consulate said that it has strongly taken up the case with the St Louis police.

Gautam Gambhir Requests Relief From BJP Political Duties

US on Tuesday evening. The only child in the family, the mother died 3 years back. Father passed away during his childhood. Well, the reason, the accused details everything are not revealed yet or perhaps no one left in his family to fight for it except his few friends," she wrote. "Some friends in the US are trying to claim the body but still no update about it. Indian Embassy in the US kindly see to it if you can. At least we should know the reason for his murder,” she added.

In a surprising turn of events, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Gautam Gambhir has announced his decision to step away from active politics. The former cricketer, who represented East Delhi, took to Twitter to share the news with his followers and supporters. He expressed his desire to focus on his cricket commitments, citing the need to redirect his attention to the sport he passionately played before entering politics. "I have requested Hon'ble Party President JP Nadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind," Mr Gambhir wrote

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SBI Seeks SC Extension for Electoral Bond Disclosure

New Delhi, March 4 (IANS)

The State Bank of India (SBI) has moved the Supreme Court seeking extension of time, until June 30, for making public the details of Electoral Bonds purchased until now.

In the application, the SBI said that "decoding" of the Electoral Bonds and the matching of the donor to the donations would be a complex process as stringent measures were undertaken to ensure that the identity of the donors was kept anonymous.

India calls for 'immediate deescalation' in Gaza

United Nations, March 5 (IANS) India has called for an "immediate de-escalation and eschewing of violence" in Gaza but stopped short of specifically mentioning a ceasefire, which is now a broad demand across the UN but opposed by Israel.

"In order to arrive at a lasting solution, we urge for an immediate de-escalation and eschewing of violence," India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj told the UN General Assembly on Monday.

Elon Musk Loses Richest Person Title to Jeff Bezos

For the first time in more than nine months, Elon Musk is no longer the world's richest person. Musk lost his position atop the Bloomberg Billionaires Index to Jeff Bezos after shares in Tesla Inc. tumbled 7.2% on Monday.

Musk now has a net worth of $197.7 billion; Bezos' fortune is $200.3 billion.

It's the first time that Bezos, 60, the founder of Amazon.com Inc., has topped Bloomberg's ranking of the richest people since 2021.

Indian Dies, 2 Others Injured As Hezbollah Strikes Orchard In Israel

The three were cultivating an orchard at the time of the missile strike, the Israel Embassy said

New Delhi: In the first Indian casualty in the Israel-Hamas war, a man from Kerala died in a missile strike in north Israel's Margaliot yesterday. The Israel embassy in India said in a statement this morning that two others were injured in the "cowardly" attack by Hezbollah.

The three were cultivating an orchard at the time of the missile strike, the statement said. The Israel embassy has said its prayers go out to the families of the dead and the injured. "Israeli Medical institutions are completely at the service of the injured, who are being treated by our very best medical staff. Israel regards equally all nationals, Israeli or

foreign, who are injured or killed due to terrorism. We will be there to support the families and offer them assistance," it said. "Our countries, who are sadly well versed in civilian loss, stand united in hopes of a speedy recovery for the injured and solace for the family of the bereaved," the statement added. The anti-tank missile was fired from

"Asked West To Mind Their Business": Russia Minister Praises S Jaishankar

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has received praise from his Russia counterpart for asking the West "to mind their own business" when it questioned India's procurement of Russian oil after the Ukraine war began. In a video shared by Russian news agency Sputnik, the country's foreign

affairs minister Sergey Lavrov is seen addressing the World Youth Forum in Sochi. "My friend, Foreign Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar, was once at the UN, giving a speech. He was asked why they started buying so much oil from Russia. He advised them to mind their own business and reminded them at the same time how much oil the West had started buying and continued to buy oil from the Russian Federation. This is national dignity," Lavrov says in Russian. After the Ukraine war broke out, most countries of the West imposed sanctions on Moscow and stopped buying crude Russian oil. India, however, refused to play along. Dr Jaishankar articulated New Delhi's position on international forums, emphasising that Indian citizens cannot afford high energy prices and that the Narendra Modi government is only trying to get the best deal possible for its citizens.

Maldives Receives Free Military Aid from China Amid India Dispute

Male: China on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties, weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation.

The Defence Minister of the Maldives Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon met with Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of China, to discuss enhancing defence cooperation

In a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health on Sunday, Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin presented the letter gifting the ambulances to the Maldives, it said.

between the two countries.

Maumoon and Major General Baoqun "signed an agreement on China's provision of military assistance gratis to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties," the Maldivian defence ministry posted on its X handle. The details of the defence cooperation agreement were not provided. Meanwhile, China has also gifted 12 eco-friendly ambulances to Maldives, Edition.mv news portal reported on Monday. In a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health on Sunday, Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin presented the letter gifting the ambulances to the Maldives, it said.

Lebanon, news agency PTI has reported. The Shia faction of Hezbollah has been carrying out rocket strikes and drone attacks in north Israel in support of Hamas since the war began.

The Israel-Hamas war has raged on for nearly five months after the October 7 attacks on Israeli cities. Tel Aviv's brutal counterstrike has led to thousands of deaths in the Gaza Strip.

Maldives Orders Indian Officials To Leave By May 10

Male, Maldives: Stepping up his antiIndia rhetoric, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that no Indian military personnel, not even those in civilian clothing, would be present inside his country after May 10, a media report said today. President Muizzu's statement comes less than a week after an Indian civilian team reached the Maldives to take charge of one of the three aviation platforms in the island nation, well ahead of the March 10 deadline agreed by the two nations for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.

Hyderabad to get new identity with CARO: PM Modi

Sangareddy (Telangana), March 5 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that Hyderabad and Telangana will get a new identity with the Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO) Centre. He said the first of its kind aviation centre in the country, which has come up at Begumpet Airport, will give a platform for aviation startups, research and skill development.

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Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has praised Dr S Jaishankar.

Tanishq, The Esteemed Jewelry Brand

By Tata Group, Unveils Its Chicago Store

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CHICAGO, IL- Tanishq, a prestigious jewelry brand under the esteemed Tata Group, has proudly unveiled its latest venture in Chicago, marking a significant stride in its global expansion strategy. Following successful establishments in New Jersey and Texas, Tanishq’s new Chicago store, located at 4300 E New York Street, Aurora, Illinois 60504, Opposite Fox Valley Mall, was formally inaugurated on February 29, 2024. The grand opening event witnessed the esteemed presence of notable figures, including The Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh, Mayor of Aurora IL, Richard C. Irvin, Kuruvilla Markose, CEO Titan International Business, and Michael McCabe, Resident Director, North America, Tata Sons, Chicago. Expressing his excitement about Tanishq’s expansion in North America, Mr. Kuruvilla Markose, CEO of Titan International Business, remarked, “Having already captivated the discerning consumer in New Jersey and Texas, Tanishq is thrilled to venture into another iconic American city with a diverse clientele, who can now experience our unparalleled offerings right at their doorstep. Our exquisite Chicago store plays a pivotal role in Tanishq’s global expansion, aiming

to serve not only the Indian diaspora but also the broader American and international communities in the city, with a vast array of over 2,000 unique designs.”

Highlighting Tanishq’s hallmark of superior craftsmanship and product

New Process To Reduce H-1B Fraud

WASHINGTON, DC- As the H-1B registration period begins March 6, this year according to estimates, close to 350,000 unique beneficiaries are expected to seek H-1B cap positions. It may be noted that this number may be less than half of the registrations the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received last year. This reduction can be attributed to USCIS adopting a beneficiary-centric approach this year. The new approach aims to mitigate the risk of fraud in the registration process. Out of approximately 758,994 registrations USCIS received in FY 2024, more than 408,891 turned out to be duplicate

USCIS has also clarified that in case a beneficiary is selected, all of the employers who submitted valid registrations for that particular beneficiary will be eligible to file a formal H-1B petition.

registrations.

Under the new process, USCIS will select registrations by unique beneficiary rather than employer registrations. Employers must register each beneficiary using their valid passport or travel document number. Interestingly, even in a case when multiple employers submit registrations for the same beneficiary, the beneficiary will only be included in the “lottery” only once using their passport or travel document number, ensuring all beneficiaries have an equal chance in the selection process. USCIS has also clarified that in case a beneficiary is selected, all of the employers who submitted valid registrations for that particular beneficiary will be eligible to file a formal H-1B petition. Thus, there can be multiple H-1B petitions for the same beneficiary.

Our exquisite Chicago store plays a pivotal role in Tanishq’s global expansion, aiming to serve not only the Indian diaspora but also the broader American and international communities in the city, with a vast array of over 2,000 unique designs.

excellence, he added, “Tanishq, renowned for its blend of elegance and tradition, operates on the principles of authenticity, innovation, and trust. As a Tata brand, it also champions the values of giving back by preserving and promoting the timeless craftsmanship

of Indian jewelry making, a celebration beautifully showcased in-store.”

The Chicago outlet will feature a specialized and exclusive workwear collection tailored to meet the diverse needs of women, spanning professional and casual occasions. Furthermore, unique collections like Tales of Mystique and Rhythms of Rain will showcase international and contemporary jewelry inspired by the cultural richness of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and Kerala.

Mr. Amrit Pal Singh, Business Head for Jewellery – North America, Tanishq International Business, underscored the brand’s dedication to understanding and satisfying the varied preferences of the diverse American audience. He highlighted Tanishq’s commitment to superior quality, ethical sourcing, and the personalized retail experience that remains synonymous with the brand. Customers are invited to explore the physical store at 4300 E New York Street or browse and purchase select products through the e-commerceenabled website, https://www.tanishq. com With over 420 stores in India and expanding internationally to Dubai, the U.A.E., Qatar, Singapore, and the USA, Tanishq continues its illustrious journey as a globally acclaimed jewelry brand, seamlessly blending traditional charm with contemporary allure.

Indian American 10-Year-Old Prodigy Soaring In Badminton Rankings

ATLANTA, GA– Meet Taneesh

Musunuru, a 10-year-old dynamo from Johns Creek Elementary who has taken the badminton world by storm. Currently ranked as the USA’s No. 7 in the U13 category, Taneesh’s passion for the sport knows no bounds, evident in every match he plays.

His journey into the world of badminton began at the age of 6 when he accompanied his father to the court. Even at that young age, Taneesh showed promise, impressing his father with his ability to connect shots and his pride in hitting fancy shots. Recognizing his potential, his father decided to enroll him in professional training to enhance his skills Under the guidance of Allan De Leon,

the former head coach of the Philippines national team, Taneesh flourished. By age 8, he was ready for competitive tournaments, participating in his first national event, a closed Regional level tournament in Chicago, where he reached the Quarterfinals. Despite setbacks, Taneesh’s dedication remained steadfast, evident in his consistent hard work. Two years later, he emerged as one of the top four under-11 badminton players in the United States, achieving gold at the 2023 USA Junior Nationals held in Spokane, WA. This victory propelled him to the top spot in the USA No. 1 in Doubles U11 category and secured the USA No. 5 spot in the singles category. Notably, Taneesh is Georgia’s first and only athlete to win gold in both the Singles National Tournament (Open Regional Championship) and Doubles National Championship.

Now eligible to compete in the U13 category, Taneesh is tirelessly working to refine his skills and master every aspect of the game. He trains diligently at the Atlanta Badminton Club under the guidance of Coach Allan and Coach Hafeez. Despite his demanding training schedule, Taneesh recognizes the importance of balancing his passion for badminton with his academic responsibilities. A gifted student enrolled in the school’s gifted program, he manages his time efficiently, ensuring he devotes ample hours to both training and academics.

HiIndia Newsdesk

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Meet Taneesh Musumru, 10 with coach Allen

'Office culture' as we know it is dead. Workers have other ideas

Companies are clawing to bring back prepandemic perks and that 'family' feeling – but employees want something more tangible.

As offices around the world strive to reestablish pre-pandemic norms, a clash emerges between employers seeking to revive traditional office culture and employees advocating for a more flexible, humane workplace environment. Before 2020, office culture was synonymous with lavish perks and team-building exercises, drawing workers to offices that served as hubs for social interaction and community building. However, the seismic shifts brought about by the pandemic have left many questioning the relevance of these outdated practices in the new landscape of remote and hybrid work models.

Georgina Fraser, head of human capital at CBRE, notes a fundamental change in employee priorities post-pandemic. Workers now prioritize autonomy, flexibility, and a focus on holistic well-being over traditional office perks. The pandemic catalyzed a reevaluation of work-life balance, empowering employees to vocalize their needs and expectations from both office culture and the broader working world.

However, the transition to a remote- and hybrid-first world has challenged the significance of physical office spaces. With workplaces operating at reduced capacities, the allure of traditional office culture diminishes. Lewis Beck, CBRE's head of workplace for Europe, observes that companies struggle to redefine the role of the office as a cultural center in this evolving landscape. Moreover, younger generations, such as Gen Z, exhibit little interest in the office culture of the past. Their demands for accountability and inclusivity transcend superficial perks, emphasizing the importance of tangible benefits like equitable pay and eco-friendly policies. Jamie Masterson, a 24-year-old digital marketing specialist, reflects this sentiment, prioritizing financial security and meaningful benefits over traditional office amenities.

The ongoing wave of mass layoffs further underscores the disconnect between employees' priorities and the focus on office culture by some employers. As Juan Franco, an associate director of operations, highlights, failing to adapt to the evolving needs of the workforce jeopardizes employee satisfaction and retention.

Aries

Author Bio:

Chirag Daruwalla is the best celebrity astrologer who is one of the most famous names in the astrology world. Chirag Daruwalla has more than 18+ years of experience. You can ask for any advice related to career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage. He has complete knowledge, solutions, and guidance to all the problems related to life. If you want to avail his astrological services then you can visit his website chiragdaruwalla.com. For guidance on problems related to your life, you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/ Whatsapp: +91 8141566266 or also mail: info@ chiragdaruwalla.com

7th March 2024 to 13th March 2024

Ganesha ssays that people of Aries zodiac sign may have to face some sudden problems at the beginning of this week. There may be obstacles in acquiring ancestral property. You may have to go to court for property and land disputes. During this period, if luck is not on your side, your work will not be completed on time, due to which irritability will be seen in your nature.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of the Taurus zodiac sign should think about future losses rather than seeing a little profit this week. Be very careful of those people in the workplace who often try to create obstacles in your work.

Gemini

Ganesha says that people of the Gemini zodiac will have to maintain a balance between heart and mind while taking any major decision this week. Do not make any promises to anyone under pressure or emotions. During this period, unnecessary running around and wasteful expenditure will increase.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week will bring auspiciousness and good fortune for the people of the Cancer zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, people associated with the business will get significant profit in business.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week will give favorable results for the people of the Leo zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, your fame and reputation will increase in your professional field. Seniors will praise your work. During this time, you will get good support from your father while making any major decision related to the family.

Virgo

Ganesha says that the beginning of the week is going to be very hectic for the people of the Virgo zodiac sign. You may suddenly have to go on a long-distance journey in connection with work. However, the middle of the week will bring auspiciousness and good fortune for you.

Libra

Ganesha says that people of the Libra zodiac this week will have to avoid leaving their work to others or postponing it for tomorrow, otherwise not only the success you have achieved may go away from you but you may also have to face unnecessary problems.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that this week is going to be mixed for Scorpio people. You will receive your long pending money at the beginning of the week. There will be additional sources of income for employed people.

Sagittarius

Ganeshasays that people of Sagittarius zodiac sign will need to avoid laziness and pride this week. To complete your work in the workplace on time and in a better way, you will need to work together with both juniors and seniors. During this time, you will get the desired success only after hard work and effort.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week, the people of Capricorn will be successful in finding the solution to a big problem with the help of their discretion and intelligence, due to which their prestige in the family will increase and everyone will be seen appreciating their right decision.

Aquarius

Ganeshasays that the people of Aquarius sign will have less income and more expenses this week, due to which they may have to face financial problems. At the beginning of the week, unnecessary haste and wasteful expenditure will increase due to disputes related to land and buildings.

Pisces

Ganesha says that people of Pisces this week while joking with someone, will have to take full care that they do not become the reason for anyone’s insult. At the beginning of the week, the extra burden of work in the workplace may fall on your head.

Flexibility, personal support and remote work are far more important to employees in a post-pandemic world

(Credit: Getty Images)

Early Voting Now Available Across All 50 Wards In Chicago For March 19th Presidential Primary Election

CHICAGO, IL – Early Voting in all of Chicago’s 50 Wards started today, Monday, March 4 and will be open through Monday, March 18. These sites are open Weekdays from 9:00am to 6pm; Saturdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm; and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. All Ward Early Voting locations and the Supersite will also be open as Vote Centers on Election Day, Tuesday, March 19, from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Any voter living in Chicago can vote at any of these sites, no matter where they live in the city. All Early Voting sites are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Currently, nearly 2,700 voters have Early Voted for the March 19th Presidential Primary Election. “This is our 18th year of Early Voting in Chicago, and we’ve come a long way since 2006. Now, hundreds of thousands of Chicago’s voters prefer to Early Vote each election year. And we expect a big increase in Early Voting as the 50 Ward sites open for voters today,” said Marisel Hernandez, Chairwoman, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.

Voters can still apply to Vote By Mail and the deadline to apply is March 14th at 5:00pm, though the Board recommends applying before then. Secure Drop Boxes at all 50 Ward sites are now open, and voters who choose to return their Vote By Mail ballot at any Drop Box at an Early Voting site, the Supersite at 191 N. Clark, or the Board Offices at 69 W. Washington.

Due to the court order that removed Ashonta C. Rice as a judicial candidate, all Democratic Vote By Mail ballots had to be reprinted and prepared to mail. These ballots started mailing this Monday, February 26 and have now all been mailed. Currently, there have been over 165,000 applications to Vote By Mail in Chicago, with nearly 4,500 Vote By Mail ballots already returned.

Online voter registration has now closed in Illinois ahead of the March 19th Presidential Primary Election. Voters who still need to register to vote, as well as file a name or address change, can still do so at any Early Voting site ahead of and on Election Day, as well as at their precinct polling place on Election Day. Voters will need to bring two forms of ID, one of those which shows their current address. Voters can go to the Your Voter Information page to verify their voter registration status ahead of the election, see and print their sample ballot, view the locations of nearby Early Voting sites, locate their precinct polling place for Election Day, and check on the status of their Vote By Mail application.

Additionally, 25 Early Voting sites are staffed with bilingual voting officials to assist

voters in their preferred language. These sites will have new signage outside the location alerting voters to the bilingual official on site. All Early Voting sites have touchscreen voting machines and audio ballots in 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, Polish, Gujarati, Urdu, Ukrainian, Arabic, and Russian.

WARD LOCATION

Ward 1 Goldblatts Building 1615 W. Chicago Ave.

Ward 2 Near North Library 310 W. Division St.

Ward 3 Dawson Technical Institute 901 S. State St.

Ward 4 Dr. Martin Luther King Center 4314 S. Cottage Gr.

Ward 5 Southside YMCA 6330 S. Stony Island Ave.

Ward 6 Whitney Young Library 415 E. 79th St.

Ward 7 Trumbull Park 2400 E. 105th St.

Ward 8 Olive Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Ward 9 Palmer Park 201 E. 111th St.

Ward 10 Vodak- East Side Library 3710 E. 106th St. Spanish

Ward 11 McGuane Park 2901 S. Poplar Ave. Chinese

Ward 12 McKinley Park Library 915 W. 35th St. Spanish and Chinese

Ward 13 Clearing Library 6423 W. 63rd Pl. Polish

Ward 14 Archer Heights Library 5055 S. Archer Ave. Spanish and Polish

Ward 15 Brighton Park Community Campus (Park No. 596) 4830 S. Western Ave.

Ward 16 Lindblom Park 6054 S. Damen Ave.

Ward 17 Thurgood Marshall Library 7506 S. Racine Ave.

Ward 18 Wrightwood Ashburn Library 8530 S. Kedzie Ave. Spanish

Ward 19 Mt Greenwood Park 721 W. 111th St.

Ward 20 Bessie Coleman Library 731 E. 63rd St.

Ward 21 West Pullman Library 830 W. 119th St.

Ward 22 Toman Library 2708 S. Pulaski Rd. Spanish

Ward 23 Hall-St Faustina Kowalska Parish 5157 S. McVicker Ave. Spanish and Polish

Ward 24 St Agatha Catholic Parish 3151 W. Douglas Bv.

Ward 25 Rudy Lozano Library 1805 S. Loomis St. Chinese

Ward 26 Humboldt Park Library 1605 N. Troy St. Spanish

Ward 27 Union Park Field House 1 501 W. Randolph St.

Ward 28 West Side Learning Center 4624 W. Madison St.

Ward 29 Amundsen Park 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

Ward 30 Kilbourn Park 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave. Spanish

Ward 31 Portage Cragin Library 5108 W. Belmont Ave.

Ward 32 Bucktown-Wicker Park Library 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Ward 33 American Indian Center 3401 W. Ainslie St. Hindi/Urdu and Tagalog

Ward 34 UIC Student Center East 750 S. Halsted St.

Ward 35 Northeastern IL University El 3390 N. Avondale Ave. Spanish Centro

Ward 36 West Belmont Library 3104 N. Narragansett Ave. Spanish and Polish

Ward 37 West Chicago Library 4856 W. Chicago Ave.

Ward 38 Hiawatha Park 8029 W. Forest Preserve Polish Dr.

Ward 39 North Park Village 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. Spanish and Admin Building Urdu

Ward 40 Budlong Woods Library 5630 N. Lincoln Ave. Urdu

Ward 41 Roden Library 6083 N. Northwest Hw. Polish

Ward 42 Maggie Daley Park Fieldhouse 337 E. Randolph St.

Ward 43 Lincoln Park Library 1150 W. Fullerton Ave.

Ward 44 Merlo Library 644 W. Belmont Ave.

Ward 45 Kolping Society of Chicago 5826 N. Elston Ave. Spanish and Polish

Ward 46 Truman College 1145 W. Wilson Ave. Chinese

Ward 47 Welles Park 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.

Ward 48 Edgewater Library 6000 N. Broadway St. Spanish, Chinese and Hindi

Ward 49 Willye B White Park 1610 W. Howard St. Urdu

Ward 50 Northtown Library 6800 N. Western Ave. Hindi/Urdu

Downtown Chicago Board of Elections 69 W. Washington, 6th Floor

Downtown Supersite 1 91 N. Clark St. Spanish, Chinese and Hindi/Urdu

HiIndia Newsdesk

Kimico Mehta ( in center) , South Asian Community Service Representative, Discusses Early Voting Launch Across Chicago's 50 Wards

IOCUSA Criticizes Abuse of OCI Cards in Suppressing Dissentient Voices

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“The recent denial of entry to India of Professor Nitasha Kaul from the U.K. represents a troubling trend of using OCI cards as a tool to stifle dissent against the BJP Government. This action not only undermines the democratic principles but also tarnishes India’s reputation as a champion of freedom and liberty,” stated George Abraham, Vice-Chair of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA.

Last Sunday, Nitasha Kaul, a UKbased professor of Indian origin at the University of Westminster, reported being refused entry into India and deported back to London from Bengaluru airport, allegedly under orders from Delhi. She cited her views on democratic and constitutional values as the reason for her denial of entry. During a recent media briefing by MEA spokesperson Randir Jaiswal, it was stated, “This UK national (Nitasha Kaul) arrived in India on February 22. As you know, the entry of foreign nationals into our country is a sovereign decision,” a statement surprising given

There is growing evidence that global freedom is under threat as democratic governments increasingly become authoritarian, restricting the freedoms of their citizens and even extending control over their expatriate populations to suppress dissent

the previous celebration of India’s diversity and achievements with the overseas Indian community.

The BJP-led government is reported to have revoked at least 102 OCI cards between 2014 and May 2023, including those of several journalists and academics. In 2021, the Centre introduced new restrictions curtailing

the rights and liberties of OCI card holders, requiring special permits for various activities.

A democratic government confident in its policies and actions should not resort to silencing individuals engaged in policy debates. It’s ironic that this is the same government that criticizes foreign governments for failing to protect the safety and religious freedom of their citizens abroad.

There is growing evidence that global freedom is under threat as democratic governments increasingly become authoritarian, restricting the freedoms of their citizens and even extending control over their expatriate populations to suppress dissent. Unless voters in India and the Diaspora recognize this danger, free expression risks becoming a relic of the past. Therefore, IOCUSA calls on the Indian government to cease targeting Overseas Indians for expressing their opinions on current affairs and instead engage in meaningful dialogue for mutually beneficial interests, strengthening the relationship between India and its Diaspora.”

FBI New York Offering $20,000 Reward In Kidnapping Case

Ruhel Choudhury, 34, faces accusations of grave crimes, notably his purported role in two distressing kidnappings occurring on March 27, 2023, and May 11, 2023, in Queens, New York.

NEW YORK, NY— The FBI is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Ruhel Choudhury, aged 34. Choudhury stands accused of serious crimes, specifically his alleged involvement in two harrowing kidnappings that took place on March 27, 2023, and May 11, 2023, in Queens, New York.

In these distressing incidents, Choudhury and his accomplices reportedly abducted innocent victims from the streets, subjecting them to a series of heinous acts including robbery, torture, and forced drugging. Tragically, one of the victims was further subjected to sexual assault and held for ransom. Choudhury is believed to have played a central role in these crimes, purportedly providing and driving the vehicles utilized to confine and transport the victims to various locations within Queens during the abductions. Additionally,

he is alleged to have personally assaulted and issued threats to the victims.

Choudhury’s actions have resulted in grave consequences, leading to his indictment in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn, New York. On January 9, 2024, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest, charging him with two counts of kidnapping and two counts of kidnapping conspiracy.

In light of the severity of these offenses and the threat Choudhury poses to public safety, the FBI urges anyone with pertinent information regarding his whereabouts or activities to come forward. The safety of the community and the pursuit of justice for the victims remain paramount, and any assistance provided will be met with utmost appreciation and confidentiality.

Oakton College Announces Women’s History Month Events

Oakton Reads WGSS: Intersectional and Transnational Feminisms events focus on current global issues and gender justice.

HiIndia Newsdesk

DES PLAINES, IL- Oakton College is proud to unveil its lineup of events for Women’s History Month 2024, celebrating womenidentified and LGBTQIA2+ individuals, people of color, and those with transnational identities and perspectives.

Oakton Reads WGSS: Intersectional and Transnational Feminisms

The Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Program invites everyone to participate in a collaborative learning experience in which Oakton students, faculty and staff, and the public can engage in a series of reading discussions on intersectional and transnational feminisms. A different Oakton class will host each session, providing various interdisciplinary perspectives on topics of gender and sexuality at the intersections of race, ethnicity and globalization. Join in this unique opportunity to engage in discussions on current global issues of gender justice. March 7, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m., Des Plaines

Kristin McCartney, Humanities and Philosophy professor and Honors Program co-coordinator, will facilitate a discussion on the HIV doula’s perspectives during the pandemic times. Read more March 19, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Des Plaines

Scott McLellan, Liberal Arts lecturer, will facilitate a discussion on white feminism in the United States and juxtapose it with the Global South feminism. Read more April 4, 6:30 – 7:15 p.m., Des Plaines

Marian Staats, Environmental Studies co-coordinator and English professor, will facilitate a discussion on queer indigenous feminism. Read more

April 26, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Skokie

Valeria Benson Lira, Earth Science and Geography associate professor, will facilitate a discussion on feminist perspectives on global capitalism. Read more Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Talent Showcase

March 20, 12:30 p.m., Des Plaines

The WGSS Talent Showcase is a collaboration between the WGSS Department, Creative Writing Program, LGBTQIA2+ Advisory Council, Performing Arts Department and the Peace and Social Justice Committee. All pieces, including poems, essays, and songs, are prepared in the theme of liberation and are created and performed by Oakton students. Most of the featured submissions are thought pieces from women-identified and LGBTQIA2+ individuals, people of color and those with transnational identities and perspectives.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Ruhel Choudhury, 34,

April 1 Deadline for Updated Forms, No Grace Period

WASHINGTON, DC- With the new fee rule that goes into effect April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions of the following forms:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker;

• Form I-129 CW, Petition for a CNMIOnly Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker;

• Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers;

• Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative; and

• Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, and the form’s supplements.

Although we usually provide a grace period when publishing new forms, the forms listed above include changes necessary for us to administer the new fees. We have published preview versions of each of these forms on each form’s webpage linked above. Beginning April 1, 2024, applicants and petitioners must submit the 04/01/24 edition of these forms with the appropriate fee listed on the USCIS Fee Schedule G-1055.

Ohio Pharmacy Owners Convicted of $2.3M Medicaid Fraud

Zofeen Maqsood

Nathanael Thompson, 45, and Sanam Ahmad, 34, collectively billing over $27 billion since 2007, having represented more than 5,400 defendants

COLUMBUS, OH- An Ohio pharmacist and his operations manager were convicted by a federal jury for conspiring to defraud Ohio’s Medicaid program. Nathanael Thompson, 45, and Sanam Ahmad, 34, conspired to charge Medicaid for a higher-priced medication while dispensing a cheaper generic version. They also implemented protocols to dispense medication without prescriptions to maximize profits. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each charge. The case was investigated by various agencies including the DEA, FBI, and HHS-OIG. Trial Attorneys

Kathryn Furtado and Leslie Fisher are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud, having charged more than 5,400 defendants collectively billing over $27 billion since 2007.

Texas Law Granting Police Authority to Detain Migrants Halted by Judge

AUSTIN, TX — A federal judge blocked a Texas law granting police extensive powers to arrest suspected illegal migrants, a setback for Governor Greg Abbott’s immigration enforcement push. The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge David Ezra, halted the law’s implementation just as President Biden and former President Trump visited the southern border. The ruling cited constitutional concerns, rejecting claims of an “invasion” and warning

The injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge David Ezra, halted the law’s implementation just as President Biden and former President Trump visited the southern border.

against state interference with federal law.

This is the second time Ezra has intervened in Abbott’s border policies. The law’s opponents criticized it as akin to Arizona’s controversial “show me your papers” bill, with civil rights groups warning of potential racial profiling. Abbott vowed to appeal, blaming Biden for the border situation and asserting Texas’ right to self-defense. The rejected law would have allowed state officers to arrest suspected illegal entrants, escalating enforcement efforts already underway. Despite Republican support, Ezra and critics argue it undermines federal authority over immigration.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship for Two Indian Americans

Sadhana Lolla and Ishan Kalburge are among 26 academically outstanding and socially committed US citizens who have been selected to be part of the 2024 class of Gates Cambridge Scholars at the University of Cambridge. The selected scholars are from a wide range of backgrounds. Thirteen of them will pursue PhDs while 13 will undertake one-year master’s degrees.

Sadhana Lolla, who plans to pursue an MPhil in technology policy, says, “In the rural Indian village that my family calls home, I grew up witnessing my grandmother labor endlessly without assistive technology.” She adds, ““Her experiences, and those of millions of women, elderly, and people with disabilities worldwide, underpin my dedication to pursue artificial intelligence solutions that bring robotic assistive technology to underprivileged communities.” “My background as a machine learning researcher and roboticist has enabled me to deeply

South Asian Actor Kumail Nanjiani returns with Ghostbuster

The Big Sick fame South Asian actor Kumail Nanjiani returns to theatres with the upcoming – Ghostbusters – Frozen Empire. He joins the star cast including Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts.

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a topsecret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an army of ghosts that casts a death chill upon the city, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. The release date is March 22

US Initiative Aims to Reduce Visa Waiting Times for Indian Applicants

appreciate the transformative power of technology, while also recognizing that technologists and governments must work together to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence to uplift those who need it the most.”

Ishan Kalburge, who will do a PhD in engineering, will look at how the human brain forms internal representations of uncertainty. Kalburge is also President of the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Society. At Johns Hopkins University, he completed his BS in biomedical engineering, applied mathematics and statistics, and economics, developing interdisciplinary skills to achieve his goals. Through his research, Kalburge explored the largely unknown processes underlying human decision-making under uncertainty. The postgraduate scholarship program –which fully funds postgraduate study and research in any subject at the University of Cambridge – was established through a US$210 million donation to the University of Cambridge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, a part of the U.S. Department of State (DHS), has been actively addressing the issue of visa appointment wait times for Indian travelers to the United States. In 2023, the U.S. Embassy in India processed a remarkable 1.4 million visas, with significant improvements in wait times across most visa categories, decreasing by 75%. However, there are still delays in obtaining visa appointments specifically for first-time visitors seeking B-1/B-2 tourist visas.

Assistant Secretary Rena Bitter highlighted the substantial increase in visa processing and the reduction in wait times, except for first-time tourists to the U.S. In particular, she emphasized the significance of supporting Indian students, with a substantial portion of F-1 student visas being processed by the U.S. Embassy in India.

Furthermore, Bitter discussed the importance of facilitating Indian workers on H-1B visas and highlighted the State Department’s new H-1B visa renewal pilot program, aimed at streamlining the immigration process and reducing wait times for many Indian workers in the U.S.

Zofeen Maqsood

Sadhana Lolla

Ishan Kalburge

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U.S. District Judge David Ezra

South Asian actor Kumail Nanjiani Zofeen Maqsood

Systematic changes occur in multiple body organs without food for 7 days: Study

The body experiences significant, and systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting, a new study revealed on Friday. The study, published in the journal Nature Metabolism, demonstrated evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss but also showed that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food. Researchers from the Queen Mary University of London and the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences have identified potential health benefits from fasting, which could lead to therapeutic interventions for people who cannot undergo prolonged fasting or fasting-mimicking diets. "Our findings have provided a basis for some age-old knowledge as to why

fasting is used for certain conditions. While fasting may be beneficial for treating some conditions, often times, fasting won’t be an option for patients suffering from ill health," said Maik Pietzner, professor at Queen Mary University. Researchers followed 12 healthy volunteers taking part in a seven-day water-only fast. The volunteers were monitored closely on a daily basis to record changes in the levels of around 3,000

Expand Robotic Surgeries for Eligible Patients in India

New Delhi : (IANS) As robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) gains traction in India, more surgeons need to be trained in advanced technologies to enhance its accessibility for more people, experts said here on Friday.

Leading robotic surgeons from the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association (CRSA), at an event here, stressed upon the need to prepare more surgeons to make robotic surgery available for eligible patients across the country.

"RAS has many benefits for patients such as early discharge, short hospital stay, fewer painkillers, fewer antibiotics, fewer complications, and less ICU stay. Another beauty of robotic-assisted surgery is that it has a short learning curve, and excellent standardisation," CRSA President Dr. Vivek Bindal said. With the precision and dexterity of robotic systems, surgeons can achieve better clinical outcomes, reduced complications, and shorter recovery times for patients.

"Along with training our existing surgeons, it is important to introduce such technologies to our budding surgeons," said Bindal. Dr Randeep Wadhawan, senior consultant and HOD, Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, said that "when it comes to healthcare, it is important to focus on technology backed by clinical evidence". "Hence, it is important to have alliances with global leaders in robotic-assisted surgery through partnerships, investments, and knowledge exchange which will further enhance the local ecosystem," he added.

proteins in their blood before, during, and after the fast. The researchers observed the body switching energy sources -- from glucose to fat stored in the body -- within the first two or three days of fasting. The volunteers lost an average of 5.7 kg of both fat mass and lean mass. After three days of eating after fasting, the weight stayed off -- the loss of lean was almost completely reversed, but the fat mass stayed off, the study noted. "Fasting, when done safely, is an effective weight loss intervention. Popular diets that incorporate fasting -- such as intermittent fasting -- claim to have health benefits beyond weight loss," said Claudia Langenberg, Director of Queen Mary’s Precision Health University Research Institute (PHURI).

1 in 8 people globally is now obese: Lancet

Geneva: (IANS) Every eighth person or more than one billion people worldwide are living with obesity, a precursor to several diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, revealed a study released by the Lancet on Friday. The study showed that in the last three decades obesity among adults has more than doubled worldwide. Among children and adolescents (aged between 5 to 19 years), the condition has increased four times. The study also revealed that 43 per cent of adults were overweight in 2022.

"This new study highlights the importance of preventing and managing obesity from early life to adulthood, through diet, physical activity, and adequate care, as needed," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DirectorGeneral, in a statement. "Getting back on track to meet the global targets for curbing obesity will take the work of governments and communities, supported by evidence-based policies from WHO and national public health agencies. Importantly, it requires

the cooperation of the private sector, which must be accountable for the health impacts of their products," he added. The WHO has contributed to the data collection and analysis of this study. Further, rates of undernutrition were also found to be a public health challenge in many places, particularly in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Combined rates of underweight and obesity in 2022 were found in island nations in the Pacific and the Caribbean and those in the Middle East and North Africa.

At the World Health Assembly in 2022, about 31 countries adopted the WHO Acceleration plan to stop obesity, which supports countrylevel action through 2030. To help curb obesity, they are implementing actions like promoting breastfeeding; regulating harmful marketing of food and beverages to children; nutrition labelling policies; public education and awareness campaigns for healthy diets and exercise; and standards for physical activity in schools.

AI and Robotics Drive Oncology Innovation in India

Bengaluru : (IANS) The global oncology sector has witnessed a funding of $424 million to date this year, as the dynamic landscape of the sector in India unveils a compelling narrative of innovation and funding trends amid advancements in new-age technologies, a report showed on Friday.

In India, 94 companies have been established so far in the sector, with 55 of them successfully securing funding. Perfint Healthcare in the country emerged as a frontrunner, securing $40.1 million in total funding, leading a trail that includes Immuneel and Zumutor with $27.4 million and $26.2 million, respectively.

A groundbreaking revelation is the dominance of the Oncology drugs, securing $27.1 million, with significant contributions from key players like ImmunoACT and Immuneel, according to the report by market intelligence firm Tracxn. Bengaluru takes the lead with the highest number of founded companies (20) in the oncology sector.

“With over 5,500 companies worldwide and approximately 4,000 funded to date, the sector is at the forefront of redefining cancer treatment methodologies through advancements in AI, robotics and genomic sequencing,” according to the report.

The overall funding for 2023 amounted to $9.2 billion. This sector has witnessed the emergence of 12 unicorn companies to date.

“Top investors like Orbimed, EIC Fund, and RA Capital Management are pivotal in driving the Oncology sector.

Payal Shah Emerges As Finalist In Prestigious Haul Monde Mrs. India Contest

Payal Shah, formerly a professional hacker, utilized her skills to safeguard individuals, proudly serving in the USA Army. After starting a family, she transitioned to a more stable and secure career path. Having pursued studies in Epigenetics, Reverse Aging, & Holistic

Wellness at Harvard Medical School, she now aims to launch her MedSpa venture in the USA and Dubai in June 2024. Recently, she emerged as a finalist in the Haut Monde Mrs India Contest 2024, a transformative four-month journey offering extensive training. Throughout this process, Payal is honing various skills:

• Enhancing public speaking abilities

• Perfecting posing techniques for photographs

• Crafting compelling self-introductions

• Mastering the art of ramp walking

• Managing social media presence and content creation effectively

• Cultivating an impressive public image

• Engaging in charitable endeavors

• Acquiring makeup skills suitable for day events, evening occasions, and the camera

• Building confidence, practicing common courtesies, and fostering fearlessness

• Developing concise and impactful responses within 30 seconds. The contest, hosted by Mr. Bharat Bhramar, Chairman of Shri Sai Entertainment Pvt Ltd, is scheduled for May 2024 in Dubai. Payal Shah embraces this opportunity for personal growth and empowerment.

About: Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide

Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide stands as a prestigious international beauty pageant dedicated to celebrating the grace, talent, and intelligence of married Indian women on a global platform. Instituted in the year 2011, this annual event is meticulously orchestrated by the esteemed Haut Monde India Group, with its parent company, Shri Sai Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., spearheading the organizational efforts. The visionary behind this empowering initiative is none other than Bharat Bhramar, who founded Shri Sai Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. with a commitment to uplifting and showcasing the multifaceted essence of Indian womanhood. Through the years, Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide has evolved into a beacon of empowerment, promoting inclusivity, diversity, and the timeless beauty of married Indian women across borders.

National ACE Hosts Small Business Roundtable In Houston

National ACE, Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston, and Houston’s MBDA Gather 75 Asian American Small Business Owners to Push for Equity in Contracting

accessing capital.

HOUSTON, TX- National Asian/ Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), in collaboration with its affiliate partner, the Asian Chamber of Commerce-Houston (ACC), convened an AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable aimed at facilitating dialogue among Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) small business owners in Houston to address prevailing business challenges.

The AAPISTRONG Small Business Roundtable serves as an inclusive platform for AAPI business owners in the United States to engage with policymakers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to identify solutions for the obstacles confronting minority-owned small enterprises today. The event in Houston marks National ACE’s third roundtable discussion this year.

With a turnout of over 75 attendees, participants delved into the distinctive hurdles encountered by residents and small business proprietors in Houston. Topics of discussion encompassed issues such as inaccessible permitting protocols and language, opportunities for MBE contracting, burdensome taxes, interest rates, and fees, as well as difficulties in

Marshette Turner Ray, Director of the Houston MBDA Small Business Center, reaffirmed her dedication to supporting Houston’s AAPI small business community, stating, “The resources that MBDA offers here in Houston are at your disposal. We are attentive to your concerns today and are eager to collaborate on implementing many of the solutions we have discussed, ranging from fostering opportunities in emerging industries to streamlining access for small business owners striving to establish themselves. Let us stand as partners in your endeavors – together, let’s bolster this city.”

Pitsami Norm, CEO & Co-Founder of Houston Pallets & Crates, highlighted the exacerbating effects of inflation and fuel costs on the lumber supply chain, a system already fraught with complexities. Norm emphasized the need for greater transparency from local and state authorities on strategies to mitigate the impact on small businesses.

Yo Shimizu, President of Tokyo Story, echoed concerns regarding the accessibility of importing materials, citing high taxes, stringent inspections, customs procedures, and permit requirements as formidable challenges for small businesses operating out of Houston’s port, the largest in the

IASA Clifton Seminar: Financial Planning for Retirement

CLIFTON, NJ- An educational seminar was organized for the Indo American Seniors Association of Clifton, focusing on “Financial Planning for Retirement.”

Last Saturday, members of the Clifton Seniors Association gathered at Param Health Care in Clifton, eager for learning opportunities and insights into financial planning for retirement. The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Association’s President, Bharatbhai Rana, who initiated the gathering with a prayer of Ganesh Stuti.

Financial Consultant, Ms. Kanan Sarveiya of Primerica, then distributed informative folders to the attendees, equipping them with essential financial insights and preparing them for any inquiries.

nation. Shimizu advocated for more realistic expectations and reduced financial burdens on importers to foster the growth of businesses engaging in international commerce and bolster Houston’s economic vitality.

Among the AAPI entrepreneurs in attendance were Marshette Turner Ray, Director of the Houston MBDA Small Business Center; Mark Winchester, Deputy District Interim Director, U.S. Small Business Administration – Houston; Chris Law, representing UnitedHealthcare and serving as a National ACE Board Member; Vivian Young, representing JP Morgan Chase and serving as a National ACE Board Member; Jason Chan, representing AT&T and serving as a National ACE Board Member; Garrett Gin, representing Bank of America and serving as a National ACE Board Member; and Bin Yu, representing Utegration and serving as a National ACE Foundation Board Member.

Chiling Tong, President & CEO of National ACE, remarked, “Despite encountering various barriers, from capital access to capacity building, AAPI entrepreneurs boast one of the highest rates of business ownership and employ over 5 million individuals, enriching their local communities and contributing to an estimated buying power of $1.6 trillion.

Ms. Kanan elaborated on various crucial topics including Roth IRA, pension planning, annuity funds, 401K plans, term insurance products, estate planning, and other investment accounts. She emphasized the importance for seniors to conduct their own financial needs analysis, ensure proper protection, eliminate debt, and strive for financial independence.

Following the presentations, a dynamic Questions and Answers session ensued, marked by engaging and intellectually stimulating conversations with the consultants. The seminar, lasting over two hours, captivated the attention of attendees, highlighting their eagerness to learn about financial planning tailored to retirement.

Overall, the seminar was deemed highly successful, prompting President Bharat Rana to announce another upcoming seminar focusing on Medicare, Medicaid, and taxation on a larger scale. He extended gratitude to Ms. Kanan, Mr. Vipul Amin for providing the venue, Mr. Yogeshbhai Trivedi, and Mr. Arun Bhatia for their initiative in organizing the seminar, Mr. Jayesh Gandhi for live-streaming the event on social media which garnered over 3200 viewers, and lastly, but not least, to all the committee members and attending members.

A delightful lunch provided by Primerica added to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the seminar attendees.

Payal Shah

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Franchise Hotel near Chicago needs a Housekeeping couple. Accommodation will be provided. Legal status and previous housekeeping experience must.

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