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Sarah
Palin Wins
Retrial in NYT Defamation Case
NEW YORK: (Reuters) - Sarah Palin on Wednesday won her bid for a new trial against the New York Times (NYT.N), opens new tab over an editorial that the former Alaska governor said was defamatory. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Palin can try again to prove that the Times should be liable for a 2017 editorial that incorrectly linked her to a mass shooting six years earlier that killed six people and seriously wounded Democratic U.S. congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
Trump Faces New 2020 Election Charges
US prosecutors have issued revised charges against Donald Trump for the former president's alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election after losing the contest.
The updated wording tries to navigate a Supreme Court ruling that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. The ruling had thrown this case into doubt.
Trump denies accusations that he pressured officials to reverse the results, knowingly spread lies about election fraud and sought to exploit a riot at the US Capitol to delay the certification of Joe Biden's victory.
It appears unlikely the case - and other criminal cases he faces - will reach court before the next election on 5 November.
The revised indictment, brought by Department of Justice (DoJ) Special Counsel Jack Smith, leaves in place the four crimes Trump is accused of committing: conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to obstruct an official
proceeding, attempting to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
But these now relate to Trump's status as a political candidate rather than a sitting president.
Trump has previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
He wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform that the fresh indictment was "an effort to resurrect a 'dead' Witch Hunt" and "distract the American People" from this year's election. He called for it to be "dismissed IMMEDIATELY".
His campaign has not responded to a BBC request for comment. But a source close to his legal team told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, the second indictment "was not a surprise".
"This is what the government is supposed to do based on what the Supreme Court did," the source said.
"It doesn't change our position that we believe Smith's case is flawed and it should be dismissed."
Supreme Court blocks Biden's latest try at student debt relief
The Supreme Court has kept a block on President Joe Biden's student-loan relief program that would extend payment periods and effectively forgive outstanding debts of $12,000 (£9,100) or less.
It was another blow for Mr Biden's goal of providing sweeping relief to millions of Americans after the Supreme Court struck down his attempt to cancel as much as $400bn in student loans last year. Earlier this summer, Republicanled states sued to stop the latest program,
known as Save, saying Mr Biden had overstepped his authority.
Lower courts put Save on pause while the lawsuits worked their ways through the courts, and in an emergency ruling the Supreme Court backed one of those injunctions. More than one in 10 Americans hold federal student debtand it has been a major election issue for young voters.
To date, Mr Biden has approved nearly $150bn in relief affecting close to five million people - but largely through executive actions, and not via Congress. Mr Biden has touted Save, which stands for "Saving on a Valuable Education", as "the most affordable student loan repayment plan ever".
More than 400,000 Save participants have already seen some or all of their debts cancelled, including many lowincome borrowers.
Rare Mosquito Disease Where 1 In
3 People Die Has US State On Alert
Washington: A person in the northeastern US state of New Hampshire has died after contracting the very rare mosquitoborne eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, health authorities have announced.
The patient, identified only as an adult from the town of Hampstead, was hospitalised with severe central nervous system disease and later succumbed to the illness, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said in a statement.
"The last reported human EEEV infection in New Hampshire was in 2014, when DHHS identified three human infections, including two fatalities," the department
Travis and Jason Kelce sign $100m podcast deal
NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce have signed a lucrative podcast deal with Amazon, reportedly worth $100m (£75m).
The three-year deal, announced on Tuesday, gives the company's Wondery audio network exclusive multimedia rights to the brothers' popular New Heights podcast. The pair said they "couldn't be more excited" at the deal ahead of the show's third series.
The siblings launched the podcast in 2022 - interviewing celebrity guests and discussing their own lives - all with brotherly humour.
SpaceX delays first private spacewalk mission
SpaceX has postponed its attempt to launch an expedition featuring an all-civilian crew that is aiming to carry out the first-ever spacewalk by private citizens. The mission, known as Polaris Dawn, had been scheduled to take off from Nasa’s space centre in Florida early on Wednesday morning.
Hours before the launch, Elon Musk's company said it would be delayed “due to unfavourable weather forecasted” in the capsule’s splashdown areas.
US tourist dies in Viking voyage sinking off Norway
said.
The new infection and death comes amid rising concerns from state officials across New England about the increasing risk of EEE, a threat believed to be exacerbated by climate change. Earlier this month, Massachusetts announced the year's first human case of EEE in the state - a man in his 80s - and officials have asked the public to observe voluntary outdoor curfews, closed public parks, and initiated aerial and ground spraying to control the mosquito population.
An American woman has died after the replica boat she was in capsized in rough seas during an expedition from the Faroe Islands to Norway. Six people were on board the Naddoddur when it got into trouble on Tuesday evening, on the fourth day of the trip, and a distress signal was sent.
Only five people managed to get into an inflatable life raft. They were later airlifted to safety by helicopter.
A woman's body was eventually found on Wednesday morning not far from where the boat sank.
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NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce
(L-R) The crew of Polaris Dawn includes Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis
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At least nine Palestinians have been reported killed in the occupied West Bank as the Israeli military continues its biggest raid in close to two decades, involving hundreds of troops and air attacks in the cities of Jenin and Tulkarem. Israel’s foreign minister has called for the displacement of Palestinians from areas of the northern occupied West Bank, comparing the situation to the country’s war on the Gaza Strip.
South Korea faces deepfake porn 'emergency'
South Korea’s president has urged authorities to do more to “eradicate” the country’s digital sex crime epidemic, amid a flood of deepfake pornography targeting young women.
Authorities, journalists and social media users recently identified a large number of chat groups where members were creating and sharing sexually explicit "deepfake" images – including some of underage girls. Deepfakes are generated using artificial intelligence, and often combine the face of a real person with a fake body.
South Korea’s media regulator is holding an emergency meeting in the wake of the discoveries.
Japan says Chinese spy plane violated its airspace
Japan has accused a Chinese spy plane of breaching its airspace, in what would be the first known instance of such a direct violation. Japan scrambled fighter jets after a Y-9 surveillance plane "violated the territorial airspace" of Danjo Islands for about two minutes at 11:29 local time Monday (02:29 GMT). Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary called the breach "utterly unacceptable" and summoned a Chinese embassy official in Tokyo in protest.
The incident comes as tensions rise in the region, where China competes for influence against the US and its allies, including Japan.
At least nine Palestinians killed as Israel raids West Bank cities
At least nine Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces, Palestinian health officials and the Israeli military say. Israeli officials say those killed were "armed terrorists"
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At least 20 people have been killed in the most recent Israeli strikes mainly targeting Deir el-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis in the south, our correspondent in the Gaza Strip reports.
“The timing could hardly be worse” says a UN official as staff are forced to abandon Gaza headquarters and halt operations ahead of a polio vaccination campaign.
At least 40,534 people have been killed and 93,778 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza. An estimated 1,139
people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has interrupted his visit to Saudi Arabia to return to the occupied West Bank after Israel launched military operations there, Palestinian news agency Wafa has reported. “Abbas cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to his homeland on Wednesday to follow up on the latest developments in light of the Israeli aggression on the northern West Bank,” Wafa said.
Starmer in Berlin to 'turn corner on Brexit'
The UK is starting talks on a new co-operation treaty with Germany, as the Labour government looks to "reset" relations with Europe.
Sir Keir Starmer, who is in Berlin for meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the deal was part of a bid to "turn a corner on Brexit". Downing Street said the agreement would
cover areas such as energy security, technology, defence and illegal migration. It added it would also cover access to each other's markets and trade across the North Sea. After Berlin, Sir Keir will travel to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and attend the Paralympics opening ceremony.
Ukraine to present 'victory plan' to US - Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his troops' incursion into Russia's Kursk region is part of a "victory plan" that he will present to US President Joe Biden next month.
Speaking at a forum on Tuesday, President Zelensky said the success of the plan would depend on President Biden and on whether the US would give Ukraine "what is in this plan or not, [and] whether we will be free to use this plan, or not".
"It may sound too ambitious for some, but it is an important plan for us," he added, saying that he would also show the plan to both US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
A number of Ukrainian troops made an incursion into Russia's Kursk region in early August, and Russia has so far seemingly been unable to repel them.
Speaking at the same forum, Ukraine's Kyiv's top military commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Ukraine now controls 1,294 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory and 100 settlements - although these figures have not been verified by the BBC.
Man posing as YouTube star jailed for global sextortion
A predator posing as a famous teenage YouTuber who blackmailed hundreds of girls around the globe into performing sex acts on camera has been jailed for 17 years in Australia.
Muhammad Zain Ul Abideen Rasheed pleaded guilty to 119 charges, relating to 286 people from 20 countries, including the UK, the US, Japan and France. Two-thirds of his victims were aged under 16. A Perth court heard the 29-yearold coerced them into a cycle of increasingly extreme abuse by threatening to send explicit messages and images of them to their loved ones.
Australian authorities say it is "one of the worst sextortion cases" in history.
Bangladesh Lifts Jamaat-e-Islami Ban
Dhaka: Bangladesh's caretaker government revoked a ban on the country's main Islamic party and its affiliated groups on Wednesday, saying it has not found evidence of their involvement in "terrorist activities".
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had banned the Jamaat-eIslami party under an anti-terrorism law, blaming it for stoking deadly violence during student-led protests that turned into an uprising against Hasina, forcing her to resign and flee to India on Aug. 5.
A gazette notification on Wednesday by the caretaker government that replaced Hasina's administration said there was "no specific evidence of involvement of Jamaat" and its affiliates "in terrorist activities".
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29 Dead, More Rain In Store For Gujarat Over Next Two Days
The India Meteorological Department has predicted extremely heavy rains in isolated parts of districts in Saurashtra on Thursday.
Gujarat, ravaged by rain and flood, has no hope of respite anytime soon, with the met department predicting more showers. The Met office has sent out an alert for very heavy rainfall till August 30. The India Meteorological Department has forecast of extremely heavy rains in isolated parts of districts in Saurashtra on Thursday.
With the latest spell, Gujarat has so far received 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall, the State Emergency Operations Centre has said. Twenty-nine people have died in rain-related incidents since the deluge started on Sunday. Around 18,000
Paralympics 2024 Officially Open
French President Emmanuel Macron declared the 2024 Paralympics open on Thursday (IST) during a colourful ceremony in the heart of Paris. A total of 4,400 Paralympians, representing 167 nations, marched from Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde.
24,000+ IndianAmericans Join PM Modi's Event
New York: More than 24,000 members of the Indian diaspora have signed up to attend a mega community event that will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here next month. The ‘Modi & US' Progress Together' event will be held on September 22 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which has a capacity of 15,000. The Indo-American Community of USA (IACU) said Tuesday that over 24,000 Indian-Americans have signed up to attend the mega event, a community gathering that will be addressed by Modi.
people have been evacuated to safety. Water from the Ajwa and Pratappura Reservoirs was released into Vishwamitri River, causing floods downstream. Parts of Vadodara and other cities and villages along the river have been under 10 to 12 feet of water.
Vadodara grappled with floods as the Vishwamitri river, flowing through the city, breached its banks and entered residential localities, inundating buildings, roads and vehicles. An official release said 140 reservoirs and dams, and 24 rivers in the state were flowing above the danger mark.
Besides the National and State Disaster relief forces,
the Army, the Air Force and the Coast Guard have been called in for rescue and relief work.
Many people are yet to be evacuated from flooded areas. Hungry and wet, they are struggling to stay safe, moving to rooftops under temporary sheds.
This morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured all possible support and assistance.
State health minister Rushikesh Patel said the government is considering diverting the flood water into the Narmada canal instead of releasing it in Vishwamitri river.
UP Govt's New Social Media Policy Sparks Opposition's 'Free Speech' Fears
The Uttar Pradesh government has drafted a new digital media policy that allows it to pay up to Rs 8 lakh per month to an influencer to promote its schemes. It also warns of legal action if any "objectionable content" is put online.
The move triggered sharp reaction from the opposition, which has accused the state's BJP government of trying to
The government will take legal action against social media operators, influencers, firm or agency concerned in case 'objectionable content' is uploaded
stifle freedom of expression. The state government will pay up to Rs 8 lakh per month to influencers and holders of these accounts on different social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube depending on their followers and subscribers.
The government will also take legal action against the social media operators, influencers, firm or agency concerned in case "objectionable content" is uploaded, it stated.
200+ Ex-GOP Staffers Back Kamala Harris Over
Washington: Donald Trump has faced a jolt from within the Republican party. More than 200 Republicans who previously worked for former US President George W Bush have written
Trump
an open letter endorsing Kamala Harris for the top post instead of their own party candidate Donald Trump. This comes weeks ahead of the US Presidential election scheduled in early November. According to Fox News, a group of Republican officials, including several former aides to George HW Bush, has endorsed Kamala Harris, a Democrat and current Vice President, urging "moderate Republicans and conservative independents" to support her. However, this is not the first time this has happened. In the previous US election, held in 2020, the same group had opposed Donald Trump.
India Demands Immediate Release of Israeli Hostages from October 7
New Delhi: India on Wednesday reiterated its "strong and unequivocal condemnation" of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, calling for ceasefire in the region and unconditional, immediate release of all hostages. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reconveyed India's stance on the ongoing turmoil during the 17th IndiaIsrael Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi where both sides also reflected on the strength of their strategic partnership.
India's Student Suicides Outpace Population Growth: Report
New Delhi: Incidents of student suicides in India have grown at an alarming annual rate, surpassing the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, according to a new report. Based on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the "Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India" report was launched on Wednesday at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024.
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BJP On Kangana Ranaut's Farmers' Protest Remarks "She's Not Authorised..."
New Delhi: Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has been reprimanded by the BJP leadership after her remarks on the farmers' protest triggered controversy. A clarification accompanied the reproof: Ms Ranaut's remark does not represent the party's views. The BJP expresses disagreement with it.
The BJP's disapproval came a day after the 38-year-old suggested that the farmers' protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis in India if not for the strong steps taken by the government.
"Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to speak on policy matters on behalf of the party and has not been given permission to do so. The BJP has directed Ms Ranaut to refrain from making such statements in the future," the BJP said in a statement.
Earlier, BJP leaders in Haryana and Punjab also advised the MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi to refrain from making inflammatory comments. "It is not Kangana's department to speak on farmers, Kangana's statement is personal. PM Modi and the BJP are farmer-friendly. The Opposition parties are working against us and Kangana's
Bangladesh Suspends 2 Diplomats in India Under Yunus Government
New Delhi: Two Bangladeshi diplomats serving in India were dismissed from their duties following an order from the interim government of Bangladesh. Shaban Mahmud, serving as First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi was asked to resign before the end of his contract. Similarly, Ranjan Sen, serving in the same capacity at the Bangladeshi consulate in Kolkata, was also dismissed from his duties. The interim government of Bangladesh, headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, was established amid a volatile political landscape that saw mass protests and violence resulting in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
On August 5, Ms Hasina, aged 76, fled Bangladesh by helicopter to India as protesters overran the streets of Dhaka. Her 15-year rule, marked by allegations of human rights abuses, came to a dramatic end. The weeks leading up to her ousting were bloody, with more than 450 dying during the unrest.
A clarification by the BJP accompanied the reproof: Kangana Ranaut's remark does not represent the party's views and the BJP expresses disagreement with it.
statement is doing the same. She should not make such statements, on sensitive or religious issues, religious organisations," Punjab BJP leader Harjit
"Batenge Toh Katenge": Yogi
Grewal said. Her comments also drew a response from the Congress with leader Randeep Surjewala asking the BJP leader to "get well soon". Mr Surjewala. who is campaigning in poll-bound Haryana that witnessed year-long farmers' protest, asked, "Were these just Kangana's words or did someone else copy them? If not, then why is the BJP silent on the issue?" Ms Ranaut - who has issued several provocative remarks in the past - has been a strong critic of the farmers' protest against the nowrepealed three farm laws.
Famous Indian-Origin Doctor Shot Dead In US
Dr Ramesh Babu Peramsetty had 38 years of experience
An Indian-origin doctor was shot in US in Tuscaloosa, a city in Alabama, on Friday. The victim, identified as Dr Ramesh Babu Peramsetty, died on the spot. He was a renowned physician who operated several hospitals in America.
Dr Ramesh, who was from Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, was one of the founders and medical director of a group of local medical officers operating as the Crimson Network. He was known for his contributions in the field of healthcare and also practiced as a physician in Tuscaloosa. "As many are aware at this moment, we have been informed of Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty's passing. The Peramsetty family ask for us to give them privacy as they grieve his passing. They have received abundant outpouring of love and faith. We will continue to honor
Dr Ramesh, who was from Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, was one of the founders and medical director of a group of local medical officers operating as the Crimson Network.
him as he would want us to do. Thank you for your understanding," the Crimson Care Network Team said in a Facebook post. (sic)
The Crimson Care Network said its team "is prepared to make more statements within the next few days."
Who Was Dr Ramesh Babu Peramsetty? Dr Peramsetty graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Sri Venkateswara Medical College in 1986, according to his Wedmd page. He had 38 years of experience. He worked in Tuscaloosa and four other locations and was specialised in Emergency Medicine and Family Medicine, it says. He was also affiliated with Diploma in Child Health (DCH) Regional Medical Center. As per local reports, a street in Tuscaloosa was named after him due to his significant contributions in the medical profession. He also did extensive work during the Covid-19 pandemic and also received awards for the same, reports suggest. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters and all are settled in the US, as per reports.
"You are seeing what is happening in Bangladesh. Those mistakes should not be repeated here... batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge," Yogi Afdhe added, while addressing a gathering in Agra.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, citing the case of neighbouring Bangladesh, has made a strong pitch for national unity, saying " Batenge toh katenge (If we are divided, we will be destroyed)." The nation, he added, "will be empowered only when we stay united".
Speaking at a rally in Agra today, the Chief Minister said, "Nothing can be above the nation. And the nation will be empowered only when we are united".
"You are seeing what is happening in Bangladesh. Those mistakes should not be repeated here... batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge," he added, while addressing a gathering after unveiling a statue in Agra.
The Chief Minister had accused the Opposition of playing divisive politics yesterday, saying they are more concerned about votebank than the plight of Hindus in the Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina stepped down from the post of Prime Minister and left the country.
"While the opposition is quick to speak out on global issues, it has remained conspicuously silent about the persecution of Hindus and the demolition of temples in Bangladesh. They see Palestine but turn a blind eye to Bangladesh because its fears losing their vote bank," he said.
"We must unite to expose and counter those divisive forces that seek to fracture society for their petty interests," he added.
In his address today, he encapsulated a veiled warning.
"We will work for unity. We will not allow anyone any scope of spreading divisiveness in society, be it in the name of case, region, language, or an any other ground. We should be wary of such people and we should do our duty as citizens," he added.
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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Modi Govt to Release Wheat from Buffer Stock to Curb Price Surge
The government plans to release wheat from its buffer stock to bulk buyers such as flour mills to cool soaring prices.
Wheat prices have hit a nine-month high of Rs. 28,000 per metric tonne, up from Rs. 24,000 in April. The government is concerned about rising demand during the festival season.
“As the demand for grains and other food items goes up during the festival season beginning September to December, the government would be keeping a close watch on the situation and intervene in the markets,” said a government official. The period September to December has several wedding days besides a string of festivals such as Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali that are likely to lift consumer demand after tepid sales in the first half of calendar year 2024.
In Russia, questions swirl over arrest of Telegram boss
Since Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and founder of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested on landing in Paris on Saturday evening, there has been more speculation than substance about his fate.
The headline in a Russian newspaper summed up the story: “The arrest (or detention) of ‘Russia’s Zuckerberg’, Pavel Durov, is one of the most important, but mysterious global news stories,” declared Nezavisimaya Gazeta.
Uber fined £246m for personal data transfer
The ride-hailing app Uber has been hit with a €290m (£246m; $324m) fine for transferring the personal data of European drivers to US servers in violation of EU rules, the Dutch data protection regulator said on Monday.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) said the transfers were a "serious violation" of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as they failed to appropriately protect driver information.
According to the watchdog, information
including ID documents, taxi licences and location data was transferred to the company's headquarters in the US over a two-year period.
Uber said it would appeal the fine, which it called "unjustified".
"Uber's cross-border data transfer process was compliant with GDPR during a 3-year period of immense uncertainty between the EU and US,” an Uber spokesperson said.
"This flawed decision and extraordinary fine are completely unjustified," the statement added.
While data transfers to the US are allowed under EU law, there is significant uncertainty around when the can occur without the need for further authorisation.
DPA chairman Aleid Wolfsen said the company failed to meet GDPR requirements to “ensure the level of protection to the data with regard to transfers to the US.”
Time has come for interest rate cut, says Fed chair
The head of the US central bank has said "the time has come" for officials to cut interest rates, but he offered few clues as to how quickly or how far borrowing costs might come down.
The speech from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell was being closely watched, as rising unemployment has revived concerns about how the US economy is holding up under higher interest rates.
Mr Powell said the bank was increasingly focused on the job market, as it gains
confidence that the US was moving past the surging prices that started during the pandemic.
Inflation, which tracks the pace of price rises, fell to 2.9% in the US last month, its lowest rate since March 2021.
"The time has come for policy to adjust,"
Mr Powell said, speaking from a conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, while adding that the timing and pace of cuts would depend on data.
The remarks signalled the start of a new fight for the Fed, after more than two years focused on stabilising prices.
In his own speech on Friday, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said it was "too early" to declare victory over inflation in the UK, despite the Bank's decision to cut rates at its most recent meeting. "We need to be cautious because the job is not completed – we are not yet back to target on a sustained basis," he said.
Canada to cut number of temporary foreign workers
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he plans to lower the number of low-wage, temporary foreign workers and permanent residents being let into Canada.
Mr Trudeau made the announcement on Monday, on the second day of a cabinet retreat where his team is hammering out their autumn agenda.
It comes as Canada grapples with a rapidly growing population that economists say has put strain on housing and public services like healthcare.
The vast majority of Canada’s population growth last year - about 97% - was driven by immigration, according to the federal statistics. Mr Trudeau and his government have been criticised for increasing immigration without
bolstering services or housing construction.
At the same time, Canada’s unemployment rate has increased to 6.4% in the last two months, with an estimated 1.4 million people unemployed across the country.
In a press conference, Mr Trudeau said he is eyeing an overhaul to the temporary foreign workers programme because of changes to the labour market.
“It’s not fair to Canadians struggling to find a good job, and it’s not fair to those temporary foreign workers, some of whom
Australia Embraces 'Off-theClock' Freedom
Australia has implemented a "right to disconnect" rule, allowing employees to ignore work-related communications after hours without fear of repercussions. The law doesn't ban employers from contacting workers but empowers employees to decline unless their refusal is deemed unreasonable. If disputes arise, Australia's Fair Work Commission (FWC) can intervene, imposing fines up to A$19,000 on employees or A$94,000 on companies for non-compliance. The move is welcomed by labor organizations, which argue it promotes work-life balance and benefits both employees and employers by reducing sick days and turnover. However, reactions are mixed; while some workers appreciate the protection, others doubt its impact in high-pressure industries.
Modi Govt Unveils Unified Pension Plan for Govt Employees
are being mistreated and exploited,” he said.
The Temporary Foreign Worker programme allows employers in Canada to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary jobs when qualified Canadians are not available.
The programme has come under criticism by labour advocates and most recently the UN, which called it “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery” in a report this month.
UN special rapporteur Tomoya Obokata, a professor of human rights law at the University of York in the UK, said he received reports of abuse and of workers being underpaid, among other complaints. The programme’s use by employers has surged in recent years in industries ranging from agriculture to construction.
The Modi administration on Saturday approved the Unified Pension Scheme, which would provide an assured pension from April 1, 2025 to government employees. “Fifty per cent assured pension is the first pillar of the scheme… second pillar will be assured family pension…About 23 lakh employees of the central government would benefit from the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)…There will be an option for the employees to choose between NPS and UPS…” Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. Under the assured pension scheme, the beneficiary will get 50 per cent of the average basic pay drawn over the last 12 months prior to superannuation for a minimum qualifying service of 25 years. The pension drawn will be proportionate for a lesser service period up to a minimum of 10 years.
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on US Covid-19 Censorship Pressure Regrets Silence
Washington: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes US government pressure on his social media platforms to take down certain Covid-19 content in 2021 was "wrong," and said he would resist similar attempts in the future, according to a letter submitted to a US congressional committee.
In the letter, addressed to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and released by Republicans on the committee, Mr Zuckerberg addressed a number of controversies centered on content moderation on his platforms.
He also asserted that he did not plan on repeating funding efforts for US election infrastructure ahead of the country's presidential poll this year, donations that had drawn sharp criticism from Republicans.
Mr Zuckerberg's submission to the committee on Monday comes just over two months out from a tightly contested US presidential election race, with the spotlight on widespread online misinformation about the candidates.
Regarding the pandemic, the Facebook founder said President Joe Biden's administration had in 2021 "repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humor and satire."
"I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it," Mr Zuckerberg wrote.
"I feel strongly that we should not compromise our content standards due to pressure from any administration in either direction -- and we're ready to push back if something like this happens again."
Republicans took the letter as a victory, with the Republicans' House Judiciary Committee account on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, labeling it a "big win for free speech."
The White House defended its actions during the pandemic, which killed more than a million people in the United States amid bitter political battles over vaccines and attempts to limit the spread of the virus.
"When confronted with a deadly pandemic, this administration encouraged responsible actions to protect public health and safety," a White House spokesman said Tuesday.
"We believe tech companies and other private actors should take into account the effects their actions have."
Zuckerberg said he would not be repeating his Covid-era push to fund non-profits working to support US electoral infrastructure due to such donations being seen by Republicans as being partisan.
"My goal is to be neutral and not play a role one way or another -- or to even appear to be playing a role," he wrote.
The letter also touched on controversy regarding Facebook's handling of a story regarding US President Joe Biden's son Hunter that was published by the New York Post in 2020.
Zuckerberg said the story, which purported to expose corrupt dealings by the Biden family, was "temporarily demoted" while Facebook fact-checkers probed the possibility of it being "a potential Russian disinformation operation."
The Meta CEO said the story was ultimately found not to be part of such an operation and that the platform has changed its policy such that posts in the United States are no longer demoted while fact checkers investigate them.
Republicans in Congress have been targeting social media and tech companies in recent months, alleging that they are suppressing or censoring conservative views.
Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to power in November after losing his reelection fight to Biden in 2020, claimed that Zuckerberg's statement offered support for his conspiracy theory that the election was stolen.
"This is what everyone's been waiting for -- THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WAS RIGGED!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Biden Commends PM Modi For "Message Of Peace, Humanitarian Support
" For Ukraine
In a post on 'X', Joe Biden said, "I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine."
Washington: US President Joe Biden has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "message of peace" and "humanitarian support" for Ukraine, as they discussed his historic visit to Kyiv and the prospects for the early return of peace through dialogue and diplomacy. The phone conversation between Biden and Modi on Monday, initiated by the US president, came three days after Modi paid a high-profile visit to Kyiv during which he told President Zelenskyy that Ukraine and Russia should sit together to end the war and that India was ready
to play an "active role" to restore peace. In a post on 'X', Joe Biden said, "I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to discuss his recent trip to Poland and Ukraine, and commended him for his message of peace and ongoing humanitarian support for Ukraine." "We also affirmed our commitment to working together to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Biden said.
This was the first call between the two leaders after PM Modi's trip to Russia, Poland and Ukraine and the recent political developments in Bangladesh.
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ICC planning multi-million dollar fund to save Test cricket: Report
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a dedicated fund of at least USD 15 million to support Test cricket, aiming to boost players' match fees and curb talent migration to lucrative T20 leagues. Proposed by Cricket Australia (CA) and backed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, a front-runner for the next ICC Chairmanship, as well as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the fund aims to ensure a minimum Test payment of USD 10,000 per player and cover the costs of overseas tours for struggling nations like the West Indies.
CA Chairman Mike Baird, who introduced the concept in January,
IPL Team Eyes Rohit Sharma Ahead of Auction
The IPL 2025 mega auction promises to be a nail-biter, with many top players expected to join new franchises. Among the biggest names linked with a move away from their existing teams is Rohit Sharma. The Hitman's fallout with the Mumbai Indians isn't a hidden story, ever since he was removed as the franchise's captain, ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Hardik Pandya replaced him as the team's skipper, with the change earning both the India all-rounder and MI bosses plenty of criticism from fans and former cricketers.
KL Rahul Set To Be Axed As LSG Captain
Star wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul is set to be retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2025, but not as a captain. IANS understands that the captaincy pressure is the main reason for Rahul stepping down from the role as he wants to contribute more with the bat. However, it remains uncertain who will be leading the team in the upcoming edition of IPL 2025. Sources close to the Lucknow franchise confirmed that Rahul will be retained but the captaincy role remains uncertain; Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran are the two big names that are in the race.
The fund would increase the minimum match payment for Test players and cover the cost of sending teams on overseas tours.
emphasized the need to preserve the legacy of Test cricket. "We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test
cricket to be the best of the best," he said. The fund is unlikely to benefit the wealthiest cricket nations—India, Australia, and England—as they already offer substantial salaries. However, its size may depend on an ongoing dispute with broadcaster Star, which is seeking to halve a 2022 broadcast deal valued at over USD three billion. Earlier this year, the BCCI introduced an incentive scheme to encourage India's men’s Test cricketers to prioritize the longest format. Under the scheme, players participating in at least 75 percent of India’s Test matches within the annual cycle can earn an additional Rs 45 lakh per match, on top of the existing Rs 15 lakh match fee.
The Indian archer without arms shooting for a gold
Archer Sheetal Devi picks up her bow, loads an arrow and carefully aims at her target, about 50m (164ft) away, with a look of immense focus on her face. So does her opponent, who is playing a practice game with her at a training academy in India.
The difference is that Devi is seated on a chair. She raises the bow with her right leg, pulls back the string using her right shoulder and releases the arrow using the strength of her jaw. What never changes throughout this process is Devi’s calm demeanour.
The 17-year-old from Jammu district was born with phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder, making her one of the few female archers to compete without arms.
The Asian Para Games gold medallist is now gearing up for the Paralympics, which begin on 28 August in Paris.
Bangladesh Thrashes Pakistan with Historic 10-Wicket Test Win
The Bangladesh cricket team brought much-needed respite back home with a historic result in Test cricket. As the country looks to pull itself out of political chaos, its men's cricket team sent a wave of jubilation back home by securing its first-ever victory against
Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish soccer coach dies at 76
Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Swedish soccer manager who spent five years as England's first ever foreign-born coach after making his name winning trophies at club level in Italy, Portugal and Sweden, died Monday. He was 76. Eriksson died at home surrounded by his family, his agent Bo Gustavsson told The Associated Press.
His death followed eight months after he revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had at most one year to live.
Smriti Mandhana Joins Adelaide Strikers
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has signed with Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming 10th season of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), revealed the team on Tuesday. The classy left-hand batter has appeared in three previous WBBL seasons for the Brisbane Heat (WBBL|02), Hobart Hurricanes (WBBL|04) and Sydney Thunder (WBBL|07). It was against Melbourne Renegades in WBBL|07 that Mandhana hit an impressive 114* off just 64 balls. Her strong strike rate of 130 is expected to enhance the Strikers competitive edge and bolster their batting squad.
Olly Stone replaces Wood in England team for second test v Sri Lanka
Fast bowler Olly Stone will replace the injured Mark Wood in the England team to play Sri Lanka in the second test at Lord’s, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday. Wood injured his thigh during the first test and has been ruled out for the rest of the series.
Pakistan in Test cricket. Bangladesh and Pakistan have squared off in a total of 13 matches in the longest format of the game, with 12 of them resulting in a loss for the Bangla Tigers, while one ended in a draw. The opening Test of the 2-match series in Rawalpindi, however, produced a first for Bangladesh, who secured a 10-wicket victory.
The 30-year-old Stone, who has made three test appearances in an injury-plagued career, will play in his first test since June 2021. England lead the three-match series after their five-wicket win at Old Trafford. The second test starts on Thursday.
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Tax terrorism is a dangerous face of BJP rule; it burdens middle class at cost of corporate friends
Special Counsel Revises Trump Indictment
US Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith filed a superseding indictment against former president Donald Trump for his alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election following his loss to Joe Biden. The new charging document tailors the allegations against Trump to the recent US Supreme Court ruling that presidents are immune from prosecution for certain in-office acts.
Jay Shah Elected Unopposed As Next ICC Chairman
Jay Shah, the current honorary secretary of the BCCI, has been elected unopposed as the Independent Chair of the ICC, and will assume his position on 1 December, 2024. On August 20, it was announced that current ICC Chair Greg Barclay would not seek a third term and would step down at the conclusion of his tenure in November. Shah, who was the sole nominee for the chairmanship, emphasised his commitment to expanding the global reach and popularity of cricket, especially with its upcoming inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics.
"16 Days Since CBI Took Over, Where Is Justice": Mamata Banerjee Amid Protests
Countering the BJP's attack over the rape-murder of a doctor in a Kolkata hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today questioned the progress in the CBI's investigation into the sensitive case and questioned "where is justice".
Addressing a public event to mark the foundation day of Trinamool Congress's students' wing, the Chief Minister said she met the victim's parents two days after she was found dead on duty in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
"I asked for five days' time, but the case was sent to the CBI. They don't want justice. They want delay. It has been 16 days, where is justice?" she asked.
The Chief Minister said the state government will call for an Assembly session and introduced a Bill demanding death penalty for rapists.
The Trinamool leader tore into the BJP over the march to state secretariat Nabanna yesterday that led to chaotic scenes on Kolkata streets.
Over 200 people were taken into custody as police used teargas shells,
water cannons and batons to disperse protesters. The BJP called a 12-hour bandh today to protest against the police action.
"BJP has called a bandh because they want dead bodies. We want justice and death by hanging for the accused. They (BJP) have moved away from
"Any Incriminating Statement...": Supreme Court's Fresh Fire On Bail Denials
New Delhi: Stressing that bail is the rule and jail exception, the Supreme Court today said any incriminating statement given by an accused to the investigating officer while in custody in a money laundering case will not be admissible as evidence. The court made the strong observation while granting bail to Prem Prakash, allegedly an aide of Jharkhand
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in a money laundering case. This comes a day after the Supreme Court granted the relief to Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, who was arrested in March in a money laundering case linked to Delhi's now-scrapped liquor policy. Earlier this month, AAP leader Manish Sisodia was also granted bail in a money laundering case.
In today's judgment, the bench of Justice BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan said, "Relying on the judgment in Manish Sisodia, we have said that even in PMLA, bail is a rule and jail the exception." The bench referred to Section 45 of the PMLA that mentions twin conditions for bail -- there should be prima facie satisfaction that the accused has not committed the offence and that he is not likely to commit any offence while on bail.
A gang involving Indian-origin men who used frozen chicken consignments to smuggle drugs has been busted by UK police, with its members now facing prison sentences ranging from 16 to two years. Maninder Dosanjh, 39, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months, and Amandeep Rishi, 42, received 11 years and two months for their roles in drug trafficking and money laundering, as ruled by Birmingham Crown Court last week. West Midlands Police seized 400kg of high-
the goal of demanding justice for the victim. Now they are defaming Bengal. The BJP is shameless. They are indulging in a conspiracy," she said.
The Chief Minister also had words of praise for the city police. "I want to salute the police that despite coming under attack, they did not fall into the trap and prevented deaths."
25% of the season's rain fell in 4 days in Gujarat
In the last three days, heavy rains in Gujarat have brought the season's total rainfall to 100%. By August, the state had received 26.62 inches, which was 76.57% of the season's average. However, by the morning of August 27, the rainfall reached 34.76 inches, completing 100% of the seasonal average. Last year, it took until September 19 to reach this milestone. Sixteen districts in the state have received more than 100% of their seasonal rainfall, with over 40 inches recorded in 66 talukas.
Indian-Origin Drug Gang Busted in UK Using Frozen Chicken Cove
"We believe they were responsible for importing hundreds of kilos of cocaine, estimated to be over a tonne, resulting in them making huge sums of cash, thought to be over GBP 10 million," he added.
purity cocaine and £1.6 million in illegal cash during the operation that dismantled the gang's supply chain. The gang of 10 used pallets of raw chicken to transport drugs, while other illicit cash was hidden in vehicle tyres and industrial machinery inside vans disguised as service vehicles. Detective Chief Inspector Pete Cooke from the West Midlands Police's Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) stated that the investigation uncovered the gang's sophisticated and commercialscale activities. The group was believed
to have imported over a tonne of cocaine, generating over £10 million. The gang communicated using EncroChat, an encrypted messaging platform that has since been shut down by investigators. The messages detailed the logistics of cocaine distribution and the handling of large sums of criminal cash. Dosanjh and Rishi were the first to be arrested after police found 150kg of cocaine hidden in frozen chicken in their van. The rest of the gang were arrested within 10 days in July 2020, pleading guilty to drug smuggling offences.
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Amandeep Rishi (left), Maninder Dosanjh (centre), and Mandeep Singh (right) jailed in UK for their role in a major drug smuggling operation. (Photo: West Midlands Police)
Indian Students Protest Against Canadian Government Over Deportation Fears
New Delhi: Hundreds of Indian student graduates have staged protests against a new federal policy in Canada that puts them at risk of getting deported from the country.
Many international students, particularly those from India, dream of moving to the North American country in hopes of building a better life, but the announced immigration policy changes have left the future of more than 70,000 student graduates in uncertainty.
Indian students have camped in front of the legislative assembly in Canada's Prince Edward Island province, protesting the sudden policy change for more than three months. Similar demonstrations were also seen in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
The new policies are aimed at reducing the number of permanent residency nominations by 25 per cent as well as limiting study permits.
The change comes as Canada saw rapid population growth over the last few years. Around 97 per cent of last year's population increase in Canada was driven by immigration, according to Federal data.
Representatives from student advocacy group Naujawan Support Network warned the graduates are at risk of being deported when their work permits expire
The new policies are aimed at reducing the number of permanent residency nominations by 25 per cent as well as limiting study permits.
at the end of this year.
"I spent the most crucial six years of my life taking many risks to come to Canada," says Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student who is facing deportation.
"For the past six years, I studied, I worked, I paid taxes, I earned enough CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points but the government has just taken advantage of us," Mr Singh said.
Like many international students, Mr Singh had spent his family's life savings on college tuition fees in the hopes of
eventually gaining permanent residency.
Amid a local housing and jobs crisis, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is under pressure to reduce the number of temporary residents, which has seen a staggering growth in recent years. Mr Trudeau has been trailing in polls ahead of an election expected next year.
The Canadian government is also reducing the number of temporary foreign workers it brings in, reversing its decision to expand the programme in 2022. The programme allows immigrants
Australia Restricts Foreign Student Intake For 2025, Indians Impacted
New Delhi: Australia has announced that it will be limiting its international student intake to 2.7 lakh in 2025 in a bid to tackle record levels of migration that has led to skyrocketing house rental prices.
The limit includes higher education courses as well as vocational education and training courses, Australia's Education Minister Jason Clare said today.
The move is set to impact Indian students hoping to go abroad for higher education, especially those from Punjab which accounts for a large number of such students.
"In June 2022, Australia capped the foreign student intake at 5.10 lakh. This number was reduced to 3.75 lakh in 2023. Now they have reduced the annual planning levels further. These levels are accorded to individual universities for all international students and not just for Indian students. The universities
will distribute the quotas country wise then state wise," Sunil Jaggi, a member of Migration Agents Registration Authority of Australia, said.
"The students who were preparing to take admission for the February intake will get affected by this announcement. Students from Punjab will be worst affected," he further said.
"This will affect my career. My family is taking loans for my education as the cost
of studying in Australia is quite high," a student from Haryana, who wishes to study nursing in Australia, said.
"The Indian government must put forward students' point of view to the Australian government," another student said. Notably, the Australian Education Minister on a visit to India last year had signed an agreement to expand
to work in the country on a short-term basis, meant to fill labour shortages.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), 183,820 temporary foreign worker permits were granted in 2023, a steep 88 per cent increase from 2019. The ESDC on Monday criticised employers for using the programme to "circumvent hiring talented workers in Canada".
Under the new changes, work permits will be denied in regions where the unemployment rate is at or above 6 per cent. The changes will exempt sectors like agriculture, food processing, construction and healthcare.
"We're looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there's pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada," Justin Trudeau told reporters on Monday.
The government has also promised more measures to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada's total population in three years.
The International Sikh Student Organization, an advocacy group, insisted that the prevailing employment and housing issues are rooted in broader policy failures rather than the migration of international students.
The limit includes higher education courses as well as vocational education and training courses, Australia's Education Minister Jason Clare said.
in-country access to Australian higher education institutions for Indian students.
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, around 1.22 lakh students from the country study in Australia. India's Quad partner is the fourth most popular destination for Indian students studying abroad, after Canada, the US and the UK. Australia also increased its nonrefundable visa fee for foreign students from AUD 710 to AUD 1,600, another measure that seemingly aims to reduce migration levels.
Canada has also announced new restrictions on its temporary foreign workers' programme. Starting September 26, businesses will only be allowed to fill up to 10 per cent of their workforce with low-wage foreign workers, down from the previous 20 per cent. The decision to limit the number of low-wage foreign workers comes in response to rising unemployment rates in Canada.
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Just a little ahead of the Indian street in Edison, New Jersey every weekend you would see lines of cars slowing down to get a glimpse of the statue of Big Big in Kaun Banega Crorepati avatar sitting encased in a glass structure
If you are a Bollywood fan and visiting the NY, NJ area, chances are your friends or family would have told you to check out a life-size statue of Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan, sculpted right outside a private residence in NJ.
The house which just got listed in Google Maps as a tourist site belongs to Indianorigin couple Gopi and Rinku Sheth. The Sheths hail from Dahod, a historical small city in Gujarat, India and came to the US late in the 1980’s.
Gopi Sheth has always been a huge ‘Big B’ fan and has been writing letters, emails and meeting Mr Bachchan for decades. So, when God bestowed him with the ability to build his dream home in the United States, Sheth did not forget to show his ardent admiration for his idol – Amitabh Bachchan.
In a deep conversation with Hi India, Gopi Sheth tells us how against all odds, he decided to erect a life-size statue of his favorite star, which today is a one-of-its-kind tribute to the global star across the world!
The Idea of the life-size Big Big Statue
The thought of having a global icons’ statue outside your house is definitely interesting and unusual.
But Sheth was determined to do what perhaps not even the biggest fan of any celebrity in the world would have done. He says, “When I proposed the idea of this statue to my wife, she was on board too. We were not looking at making it a statement or turning it into a tourist site. For me it was just a perfect tribute to a celebrity who I admire not just for his stardom but as a person too. I see his conduct towards his family, his life, his career and I feel he is the perfect inspiration for every one and he deserved this expression of my love for him.
The Obstacles Ahead
But the path to getting the statue installed wasn’t an easy one. Gopi Sheth tells Hi India, “We had to apply for a permit with the township to create this structure and it took us two years to get the permit. When I first applied, the township outright rejected me. They said, "That Mr Bachchan is a movie star and had a political career so it could not be allowed.” He explains, “See the township only allows God statues or other generic things like an animal figurine or a fountain etc.” But Sheths did not give up.
Gopi sheth saus, “My attorney was ready to fight for me. He asked me to collect any pictures of Mr Bachchan as a god, we researched and found him being worshipped in a temple in Kolkata. We decided to pursue it with the township and eventually we had all the necessary permits.
How did Amitabh Bachchan React Gopi Sheth says that when he informed Mr Bachchan, the humble man that he is, he said he is not worthy of such honor. But Sheth told Big B that he has followed his ethics all his life, and he along with his family want to do this as an appreciation. And then followed the task of getting the statue made. In 2021, during Covid, Gopi and his family ordered for a statue to
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be made in Rajasthan, India. Once the pictures of the first draft of the structure came to us, we sent it to Mr Bachchan. We were debating on which look to choose and we picked up a few like his Coolie look, his Deewar look and his Kaun Banega Crorepati look. Once we got a thumbs up from him, we decided to go for the KBC look.
Gopi Sheth’s back story and early fan moments
Google Maps just listed Gopi and Rinku Sheth’s New Jersey home as a tourist site
first show. Back then, we would travel to cities like Elizabeth, Jersey City wherever in the tri-state area they were showing Big B movies. I finally met Mr Bachchan in 1992 when he came for a Navratri festival in Edison, NJ. He was in his limo, I shook hands and gave him a letter. Since then, we found many other connections, joined and formed fan clubs and have met him many times.
The Public Response
Sheth admits that he was not prepared for such an overwhelming response. He says, “I never thought there would be a steady stream of people constantly coming to see and admire the statue. Edison in NJ is a very desi dominated area and everybody here knows Amitabh Bachchan. When people started coming in droves we did feel a security concern. But we also are respectful of their love for Big B.” he says, “We have a camera installed inside the house which monitors the visitors. I turn the lights off at 9:00 pm to respect my neighbors. But from morning to late night we keep on seeing people coming in to see the statue. People like to step out of their cars, make videos, leave notes for Big B. I have also installed a screen, where we replay the videos from outside Big B’s house in Mumbai where he meets and greets fans on Sundays. There is an email address where they can leave their messages and I send them over to Big B. Every year on Big B’s birthday we organize a celebration. This year on October 11 too, we are planning something big, we are trying to call officials, we are planning a celebratory atmosphere, we are expecting a crowd of 1300-1400 people.”
He adds, “A few people unfortunately have been critical and commented that why don’t we have a statue of our God. Well, all we can say is how do they know that we don’t have it? My wife got a statue of our guru in our house.”
About the Google Maps
On his journey from India to the US, Sheth recalls, “In 1989, when I decided to visit the US, I went to Mumbai from Dahod, to get my visa. While I was there, I heard that Mr Bachchan was shooting for his movie Hum in Ghatkopar. I wanted to meet him and we went all over to the Filmcity but we could not meet him. However, after I came to the US to study, I did not miss any chance to watch his movies on the big screen on the first day,
The inclusion on Google maps was something that was a long time coming. We got a request a few years ago too but that time we were concerned about giving out our addresses as it’s a private residence so we didn’t give our address but now, when it happened, it was a surprise for us too. But yes, we knew as people would tell us that there is a constant query from visitors asking shops and business owners even bystanders on the way to the Big B statue house, so in a way maybe it will make it easy for people.
Aparshakti Khurana On Credit War Over Stree 2 Success
Stree 2 is minting a whopping amount of money at the box office ever since its release on Independence Day. While the film has an ensemble cast, Shraddha Kapoor emerged as one of the most sought after celebrity post the film's release. Recently, Shraddha Kapoor beat Priyanka Chopra to become the second most followed Indian celebrity on Instagram. When asked about the credit war over the success of the film, Aparshakti Khurana tried to evade the question in an interview with Zoom. Aparshakti, who reprised his role as Bittu in the film, said, "Main ispe kuch bolunga, baat khulegi toh door tak jaayegi, main kuch bolna nahin chahunga, audience jo kahe wo sahi hai (If I comment on this, it will go far. I don't want to comment on it. Whatever the audience says is right)." While Stree 2 boasts of a stellar cast which contributes to the outstanding performance of the film, a section of the Internet credited Shraddha Kapoor more for the success of the film than others. When asked to comment on that, Aparshakti said, "See this is a PR game. If a channel goes and asks the audience, the original audience on street, what are they saying? I want to know that. So, this is a PR game, I don't want to comment on it. I love each and every actor of my film. I am attached to them. In such a happy space, where the film has gotten so much love and success, this can come across as slightly unpleasant now."
Kumkum Bhagya, Adipurush Actor Asha Sharma Dies At 88
Veteran actor Asha Sharma, mostly known for her role in Ekta Kapoor's hit show Kumkum Bhagya, died on Sunday. She was 88 years old. The cause of her death is not disclosed yet. Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) confirmed her death as they shared an obituary post on their X handle. Asha Sharma was mostly seen in the role of grandmother and mother in a number of daily soaps and films. Asha Sharma was last seen in Prabhas and Kriti Sanon's Adipurush. Asha Sharma played the role of Shabari in the mythological drama.
Cine and TV Artistes Association wrote in their post, "Cintaa expresses its condolences on the demise of Asha Sharma."
"It shouldn't have happened now, when everyone is in a happy space, celebrating the film. In between all these things, when this happens, then you have to also take a side, but I don't want to do that. They are all equally close to me and I respect their journeys. I am a big fan of journeys. What someone has gone through and can do well. Someone can dance well, act well, look well, or even do PR well. So there will be talent of all kinds, which can help that journey. I wouldn't call PR my most strong part", said Aparshakti Khurana. Meanwhile, there's no stopping for Stree 2 at the box office. On day 10, the horror comedy minted Rs. 32.5 crore at the ticket window, reported Sacnilk. With this, the total collection of the film now stands at Rs. 341.65 crore. The film stars Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee.
Shraddha Kapoor Surpasses Priyanka Chopra as 2nd Most Followed Indian on Instagram
Shraddha Kapoor is currently basking in the success of her film Stree 2. The film, which also stars Rajkummar Rao, is breaking and rewriting box office records. Now, Shraddha has surpassed Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Instagram. She has become the 2nd most followed Indian on the social media platform with 92.1 million followers. Priyanka's current following stands at 91.8 million. Before this, Shraddha crossed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the platform. He has 91.3 million followers. The most followed Indian on Instagram is cricket icon Virat Kohli. He enjoys a massive 217 million following.
Directed by Amar Kaushik, Stree 2 is the follow-up of the 2018 blockbuster Stree. The plot takes the audience back to the town of Chanderi where women are being kidnapped by a headless entity. Aparshakti Khurrana, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Vijay Raaz play key roles in the horror comedy. On Day 10 (the second Saturday), Stree 2 amassed Rs.32.5 crore at the box office, reported Sacnilk. With this, the film's overall collection stands at Rs.341.65 crore. Previously, in an interaction with The Indian Express, Abhishek Banerjee talked about Shraddha Kapoor and Aparshakti Khurana's limited screen time in Stree 2. He said, “I didn't feel that way. If the audience feels that way, yeh toh unka pyaar hai (it is their love). This means that the work was good and they want more of it, unko lalach (greed) ho raha hai (laughs).
Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal Start Filming Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Next
Another day, another Bollywood update. This time, we are talking about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War. The upcoming film features real-life couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Vicky Kaushal is also part of it. Now, as per a report by Pinkvilla, Ranbir and Vicky, who previously worked in the 2018 Sanjay Dutt biopic Sanju, will start shooting for Love & War in the first week of October. A source close to the makers revealed, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali begins his journey on Love & War by shooting for some sole sequences featuring Ranbir Kapoor and then moves on the friendship portions of RK and Vicky. He has planned and designed the schedule keeping the dates of his star cast in mind.” The report added that Alia Bhatt will join the team in December or early January.
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KBollywood Conspiracy Threatens Those Who Work with Her: Kangana
been instructed not to work with me. Actors were getting calls telling them not to work with me."
She said, "I’m fortunate that despite so many difficulties, I got the opportunity to work with actors like Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Satish Kaushik, and Mahima Chaudhry. It’s the best feeling in the world when people are willing to work with you even during tough times. Along with working on 'Emergency,' our cast has given me respect and love."
Akshay-Sunil Shetty's
film "Welcome
to the Jungle" is stalled
angana Ranaut seems very excited about her upcoming film "Emergency" and is actively promoting it. During this time, Kangana mentioned that she faced many difficulties while making the film because there was a conspiracy against her in the film industry. Kangana claims that many casting directors, cinematographers, and actors refused to work with her. Kangana said, "A lot of conspiracies have been plotted against me, and people have
Vidya Balan Opens Up About Losing Confidence
Revealing her process of preparing for roles, she laughs, “I get bored with being myself a lot. Acting allows me to create excitement in my life by living another person’s life. Whatever it takes for me to completely transform into that character, I’m ready to do it. There’s always some preparation involved in every film I’ve done, except maybe Bhool Bhulaiyaa which was just me.” The actor’s role in the hit 2007 film as Avni Chaturvedi, embodying the malevolent spirit Manjulika, became a resounding success; a role that she will be reprising in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, set for a Deepavali release. The 45-year-old actor, who is also seen as an icon for body positivity, says that the saree has always meant comfort for her. “You don’t have to struggle to fit into it. It allows you to be your most authentic self,” she says with a smile. “The saree has been with me through various sizes in my life, and I always feel sexy and confident when I wear one. It’s very important to feel sexy at any age.”
Earlier, during the trailer launch of the film, Kangana said, "There were many difficulties in making this film. There are always challenges when making any film, and then, at such times, some angels come to support you. I want to thank my cast. Everyone knows that I’ve been boycotted by the film industry, and standing with me is not easy. Being a part of my film is not easy.
YRF announces third instalment of Rani Mukerji’s 'Mardaani'
Athird instalment in the Rani Mukerji-led crime-thriller film franchise Mardaani is in the works, Yash Raj Films announced on Thursday.
On the occasion of the tenth release anniversary of the first film Mardaani (2014), the production house posted a compilation video of scenes from the film and its sequel Mardaani 2 (2019).
“10 years of Mardaani and the next chapter awaits... Celebrating the feisty, daredevil cop Shivani Shivaji Roy and the spirit of Mardaani today. Thank you for a decade of love and appreciation for our beloved franchise. We are inspired... again... thanks to you. Rani Mukerji,” they captioned the post. Rani will reprise her role of the tough cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the next chapter, which the makers stated in a new video is “coming soon”.
The first instalment, helmed by the late Pradeep Sarkar, was released in 2014, and a sequel by debutant director Gopi Puthran in 2019. Rani was last seen in Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway.
Sreelekha Mitra Files Complaint Against Director Ranjith for Sexual Misconduct
KOCHI: Backing her media allegations against filmmaker Ranjith, Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra filed a complaint with the Kochi city police commissioner on Monday. The complainant alleged sexual misbehaviour by the former Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman in 2009 at a Kochi apartment. In her complaint via email, the actor detailed that the incident occurred at DD Flats, Kadavanthra, Kochi, when she was invited to act in the film 2009 movie 'Paleri Manikyam: Oru
Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha', directed by Ranjith. During a film discussion at the flat in Kochi's Kaloor-Kadavanthra where Ranjith was staying, he allegedly grabbed her hand and attempted to touch other parts of her body with sexual intent. Realizing his intentions were inappropriate, she managed to escape and return to her hotel. Sreelekha also mentioned that she shared this distressing experience with scriptwriter Joshy Joseph during that day itself.
Mumbai: The shooting of the film "Welcome to the Jungle," featuring a starstudded cast including Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, and Arshad Warsi, has currently been stalled. It is said that one of the co-producing production companies has pulled out of the project. As all promotional material related to the film has been removed from the production company's website, various speculations have arisen. The film was initially announced for release this December, but with the halt in production, discussions have started on whether the film will release on that date or if it will ever be completed.
Indian Women Safer with Ghosts than Men, Twinkle Khanna
Twinkle wrote, "50 years have passed on this planet. I feel we are still teaching our daughters the same things that I was taught in my childhood. Don’t go alone. Don’t go alone with any man, even if he is your uncle, brother, or friend. Don’t go out alone at night. But it’s not about when, it’s about if. Don’t go alone because you might never come back." Referring to incidents like the rape of a trainee doctor in Kolkata and the sexual abuse of schoolchildren in Badlapur, along with several other cases, Twinkle mentioned how the movie "Stree 2" contradicts these events.
Anger On Kolkata Streets, Cops Use Water Cannons, Tear Gas On Protesters
Kolkata: Chaotic scenes are being witnessed on the streets of Kolkata as police intercepted a protest march to state secretariat Nabanna over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor in the city's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. Riot police are using teargas shells and water cannons to stop the protesters from proceedings towards the state secretariat. Some of the protesters are throwing stones towards the cops.
Apple Taps Kevan Parekh as New CFO Ahead of Big Launch
Kevan Parekh has been with Apple for more than a decade and will join the company's executive committee.
Tech giant Apple on Monday named insider Kevan Parekh as its chief financial officer, replacing company veteran Luca Maestri who will transition from the role on Jan. 1, 2025. The leadership change comes ahead of Apple's multiple product launch this fall season, which analysts have called the biggest software upgrade for the iPhone. It includes artificial intelligence features, which are crucial for Apple as it looks to reverse a slowdown in global sales, particularly in China, and better compete with rivals who have rolled out AI upgrades.
6,000 Cops, Three-Layer Security: Kolkata Turns Fortress For Protest March
Nabanno is the state secretariat, from where the Government of West Bengal operates. It houses the offices of the Chief Minister and other top ministers and officials.
Kolkata: The Kolkata Police have ramped up security for the "Nabanna Abhijan" protest march, anticipating potential violence in the city today. Nabanna, the state secretariat housing the offices of the Chief Minister and top officials, is the destination of the protest organized by an unregistered group claiming to be a student organization. They are demanding justice for the rape-murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College on August 9. The police have uncovered evidence suggesting a conspiracy to incite unrest in West Bengal by "misusing the anger of well-meaning citizens." They allege that one of the protest organizers met a political party leader at a prominent hotel and that there is a plan to provoke the police into using
Nursing Trainee Raped In Maharashtra, Auto Driver Had Spiked Her Drink
force. Over 6,000 police officers, including 26 Deputy Commissioners, will be deployed across 19 barricaded points, with key areas like Hastings, Furlong Gate, Strand Road, and Howrah heavily guarded from 8 am onwards. The Trinamool Congress criticized the BJP for supporting the protest, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of relying on police as a last resort. The police emphasized the irony of a self-proclaimed student body planning disruptions on a day when thousands of students are taking UGCNET exams. Meanwhile, the shocking rape-murder has led to widespread protests by the medical community, with Bengal's doctors on strike since August 9, despite appeals from the Supreme Court and the state government.
Modi Updates Biden on Ukraine, Voices Concerns on Bangladesh
New Delhi: Just three days after his visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister
Joe Biden on his discussions in Ukraine, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had voiced concerns about India’s position leaning towards Russia.
The call between Modi and Biden occurred as Ukraine endured a significant barrage of rockets and drones from Russia, which President Zelenskyy described as “one of the largest strikes” in the two-year-old war.
In addition to Ukraine, the Indian and US leaders also discussed Bangladesh, expressing “shared concern,” according to the Indian statement.
Mumbai: A 19-year-old nursing trainee was raped, allegedly by an auto-rickshaw driver, in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. According to preliminary information, the victim had taken an auto-rickshaw ride home when the driver offered her drinking water. The water was spiked and the teenager lost consciousness. The driver then allegedly took the victim to a deserted place and sexually assaulted her.
Bharat Biotech Launches Oral Cholera Vaccine
Hyderabad: Bharat Biotech International Ltd on Tuesday announced the launch of Hillchol, a novel single-strain oral cholera vaccine.
A press release from the vaccine maker said Hillchol (BBV131) was developed by Bharat Biotech under licence from Hilleman Laboratories (funded by Merck USA and Wellcome Trust) to combat Cholera. Global demand for Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) exceeds 100 million doses annually, making them crucial for cholera control. Globally, there is a shortage of OCVs as there is only one manufacturer.
Massive Russian strikes hit Ukraine for second day
Russia has targeted Ukraine with another wave of strikes, a day after one of its biggest air attacks of the war. Air raid alerts were issued early on Tuesday, as Ukrainian monitors detected Russian aircraft launching hypersonic missiles. Mass drone attacks have also been reported. Ukraine's air defence forces say the whole country is under threat of a ballistic weapon attack.
A statement from the Russian defence ministry said long-range air and sea-based precision weaponry had been used to strike power stations and related infrastructure across Ukraine,
including in Kyiv, Lviv and the Kharkiv and Odesa regions. At least six people died overnight Sunday to Monday and dozens were wounded as more than half of Ukraine's regions were attacked by drones and missiles. Power infrastructure was hit causing blackouts in many cities, with water supplies also affected. US President Joe Biden called the attacks "outrageous", saying Washington would continue to support Ukraine's energy grid.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned "Russia's cowardly missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure".
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Narendra Modi briefed United States President
On behalf of BJP, Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to make statements on party’s policy issues
Russia Launches 100+ Missiles, Drones: Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged European nations to help down drones and missiles over Ukraine in the wake of deadly Russian aerial bombardments across his country. He said a Russian barrage hit Ukraine Monday with more than 100 missiles and around 100 drones, including in several western regions neighbouring or near European countries. "In our various regions of Ukraine, we could do much more to protect lives if the aviation of our European neighbours worked together with our F-16s and together with our air defence," Zelensky said in a post on social media.
SpaceX will return stranded astronauts next year
Two Nasa astronauts who have been stuck in space for over two months will return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX. Nasa said the Boeing Starliner spacecraft the astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore had travelled to International Space Station (ISS) on would return to Earth "un-crewed". The pair took off on what was planned to be an eight-day mission on 5 June but will now spend around eight months in orbit.
Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, has written to Mamata Banerjee in response to her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
New Delhi: In a sharp response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she highlighted incidents of rape across India, the Centre has now flagged that Bengal has been allocated 123 fast-track courts to hear cases of rapes and child abuse, but many of them are not functional yet.
Under fire after a 31-year-old doctor was raped and murdered in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Ms Banerjee shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, demanding a tough central law to punish rapists. The Trinamool supremo highlighted in her letter that, according to available data, 90 rape cases occur in the
Harris Struggles to Regain Muslim Votes in Swing State
Dearborn, United States: In key US swing state Michigan, Democratic voters of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage say Kamala Harris is going to have to win them back after they were alienated by President Joe Biden's handling of Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
The town of Dearborn, home to 110,000 people and a cultural hub for Arab Americans, could play a decisive role in deciding the fate of the battleground state in November's presidential election.
Centre Responds to Mamata's PM Letter on Kolkata Crime
country daily. And in many cases, the victims are murdered. "It is horrifying to see this trend. It shakes the confidence and conscience of society and the nation. It is our bounden duty to put an end to it so that women feel safe and secure. Such a serious and sensitive issue needs to be addressed comprehensively through stringent central legislation that prescribes exemplary punishment for those involved in these dastardly crimes," she wrote, also proposing establishment of fast-track special courts to tackle such cases. "To ensure quick justice, trials should preferably be completed within 15 days," she suggested.
25 Naxalites Surrender in Bijapur, Bounty of Rs 28 Lakh
Twenty-five Naxalites, five of them carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 28 lakh on their heads, surrendered in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh on Monday, a senior police official said. The 25 ultras, who were active in Gangloor and Bhairamgarh area committees of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), include two women, the official added. "The two women, Shambati Madkam (23) and Jyoti Punem (27), and Mahesh Telam were active in company no. 2 of the Maoists and carried rewards of Rs 8 lakh each on their heads. Madkam was active in the movement since 2012 and was allegedly involved in the 2020 Minpa ambush in Sukma in which 17 personnel lost their lives.
Man Sings to Cops While Beheading Parents
A California man sang "I love you" as he was shot five times by policemen after allegedly decapitating his parents in a gruesome double homicide. Joseph Brandon Gerdvil faces two charges of homicide for the murder of his mother, Antoinette, 79, and father, Ronald, 77. On July 9, the 41-year-old reportedly murdered his parents at their home in a mobile home community in San Juan Capistrano. He then sent graphic
images of their mutilated bodies to his cousin, who immediately called the authorities, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. When police arrived at the crime scene, they discovered the bodies of the elderly couple, along with their chihuahua, inside the mobile home. One of the victim's heads had been placed on a counter, reported CBS News. The police found Gerdvil driving a golf cart on a bike path, where he threw a shovel at a police vehicle. Eventually, they managed to corner Gerdvil, who, according to body camera footage, was seen in blood-soaked clothing and held a metal water metre. Ignoring the repeated orders to drop the weapon, Gerdvil charged towards them, after which one of the officers fired five shots at him.
Telegram
Founder Arrested: The Global Rise Of Libertarian Chat App
Paris: The boss of social media platform Telegram has been arrested in France, accused of allowing the sharing of illegal content.
The Russia-founded messaging platform has stayed out of the limelight in the West but has hundreds of millions of users across the world, and plays a key role in the Ukraine war.
Pavel Durov, arrested after landing on his private jet in Paris on Saturday, launched the platform in 2013 with his brother Nikolai.
It claims to have 950 million users -- up from 550 million in 2022.
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The only solution is CM's resignation. BJP will remain on the streets until justice is served
South Asia's Highest Skydeck, a Rs. 500 Crore Marvel, Set for Bengaluru
New Delhi: Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the ambitious project of the Bengaluru Skydeck, set to be South Asia's tallest structure, at a staggering cost of Rs. 500 crores. This project will be a major boost to the city's infrastructure and will provide a 360 degree view of the Indian tech capital.
Neeraj Throws Season Best 89.49m
Neeraj Chopra saved his best for the last and threw 89.49m in his sixth and final attempt to finish second in the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday. This is Neeraj's season best throw, surpassing the 89.45m attempt at the Paris Olympics 2024. This is also his secondbest throw ever.
PM Modi's 8-Hour Train Journey to Ukraine with S Jaishankar
PM Modi's visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his highprofile trip to Moscow which triggered criticism from the US and some of its Western allies.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in war-hit Ukraine and is expected to share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict when he meets President Volodymyr Zelensky later today. The visit comes
Kamala Harris vows
'new way forward'
as she accepts Democratic nomination
Kamala Harris has accepted the Democratic nomination for president on the final night of the party convention in Chicago Harris pledged to lead "for all Americans" and create an "opportunity economy" in a highly personal headline speech. Other key themes included protecting the right to abortion, unity and working-class aspiration Harris also called for a ceasefire in Gaza, but did not address directly the protests taking place outside the convention over US support of Israel
Naidu and Nitish to Oppose
Waqf Bill in Parliament, Says Muslim Personal Law Board
New Delhi: The Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have assured Muslim bodies that they will oppose The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which was sent to a joint parliamentary committee earlier this month, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said on Thursday (August 22). In response to a question by The Wire, at a joint press conference by Muslim bodies, AIMPLB president Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said that meetings had been conducted in recent days with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s key allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
nearly six weeks after his highprofile trip to Moscow which triggered criticism from the US and some of its Western allies.
The prime minister arrived in Kyiv from Poland onboard a 'Rail Force One' train that took around 10 hours, in the second and final leg of his twonation trip. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser.
Modi will hold both one-on-one and delegation-level talks with Zelensky with a focus on ways to find a negotiated settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"I look forward to the opportunity to build upon earlier conversations with President Zelenskyy on strengthening bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict," Modi had said before leaving Delhi.
"I Have Announcement To Make": KL Rahul
Indian cricketer KL Rahul remains one of the most talented batters in the country. The last couple of years, however, haven't been the best for Rahul from the performance point of view, with the wicket-keeper batter losing a spot in India's T20I side. Rahul's Instagram story triggered a huge wave of speculations on social media. Rahul, taking to Instagram, said that he has an important announcement to make. Though the announcement could be completely unrelated to his cricketing future, fans are concerned.
Texas Unveils 90Foot Hanuman murti: Tallest Outside India
away, and the third tallest sculpture in the US.
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Houston, Texas: A 90-foot-tall bronze murti of Lord Hanuman, unveiled near Houston, symbolising "a new milestone in the cultural and spiritual landscape of America," has become the latest landmark in Texas visible from miles
Does the Congress support the NC’s promise of a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir?
Modi Desires Peace More Than Putin: Zelensky
"India (is a) big influential country, not only in the world (but) also through the circle of very skeptical countries. If we will change India's attitude to this war and to Russia, we will stop the war, because Putin will want to stop it," Zeleskyy said in reply to a question while interacting with the visiting Indian media. "PM Modi wants peace more than Putin. The problem is Putin doesn't want (peace).
I am at peace: Shikhar Dhawan announces retirement from all forms of cricket
Veteran India opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket two years after he last donned the national jersey, saying that he leaves the scene a content man after representing the country in all three formats. The 38-year-old made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Australia in Visakhapatnam and his last India game was also a 50-over match, against Bangladesh in 2022.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and PM Narendra Modi expressed mutual interest in working towards elevating bilateral relations from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership in the future
We have chosen the side of peace: PM Modi
New Delhi: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said history was made with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to Ukraine since the European country's independence. He said India and Ukraine have signed four documents on a wide range of fields. In his talks with Mr Zelensky that took place under the shadow of the conflict, PM Modi said India is ever ready to play an "active role" in every effort to restore peace in Ukraine and he would even like to contribute personally in ending the conflict.
"We (India) are not neutral. From the very beginning, we have taken sides. And we have chosen the side of peace. We have come from the land of Buddha where there is no place for war," PM Modi said in his opening remarks during the talks. "We have come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi who had given a message of peace to the entire world," he said.
Foreign Media On PM Modi-Zelensky Meeting
"Mr Modi has carefully calibrated his country's relations with the two warring nations. On a trip to Moscow last month, Mr Modi hugged President Putin, and India has remained an important trading partner with Russia. India sent a representative to a Ukrainianorganised peace summit in June that Kyiv hoped would win backing for its negotiating positions in potential talks. But India did not join the nations that signed a communique at the end of the summit supporting three points of the Ukrainian plan."
"India had never been neutral in the war, he [PM Modi] insisted. 'Right from the first day our side was peace,' Mr Modi argued, pointing out that he came from the land of Mahatma Gandhi, whose statue in Kyiv he visited earlier. But behind the language, the fact remains that India has never condemned Russia's full scale invasion and, in effect, has been helping to power Moscow's war economy with Delhi overtaking Beijing last month as the biggest importer of Russian oil - at a time it has been hit by Western sanctions.'
"The trip is the first to Ukraine by an Indian leader since the country's 1991 independence from the Soviet Union. It follows a period of strained relations. Zelenskiy criticised Modi's recent trip to Moscow, which came on the same day Russian missiles flattened a children's hospital in Kyiv."
"Zelensky called Modi's visit a 'historic moment.' But neither side showed signs of a breakthrough, with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar later saying that it was 'clearly a complex issue' and that India believes Moscow should be involved if peace efforts were to progress."
27 Indians Perish as Tourist Bus Plunges 150 Meters into Nepali River
At
Three killed in Germany festival knife attack
Three people have been killed and another four seriously injured in a knife attack in the western German city of Solingen, police say. The attack happened during a festival in the city centre on Friday evening. The attacker is reported to be still at large.
Bild website says a man randomly stabbed passers-by. A huge manhunt is now under way, with police helicopters seen hovering above the city.
The industrial city was celebrating 650 years since it was founded.
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least 27 Indians were killed after a tourist bus from Uttar Pradesh veered off the highway and dropped 150 metres into the River Marsyangdi in central Nepal on Friday, authorities said.The bus, hired in Gorakhpur, was heading towards Kathmandu from the resort town of Pokhara when it met with the accident in Aaina Pahara, Tanahun district. It was carrying 43 people, including the driver and co-driver. The passengers were part of a group of 104 Indian pilgrims from Maharashtra.
Rahul Gandhi on Resisting Marriage Pressure The Power of Support Systems in High-Stress Jobs
The question of Rahul Gandhi’s marital status seems to be a recurring topic of interest, surfacing once more during his recent visit to Srinagar. This time, it was women students who posed the question, highlighting the curiosity that surrounds the personal lives of public figures.
The Congress leader appears to be conversing with a few women in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in a series of videos that he posted on Monday. Sharing one of the clips on Instagram, Gandhi wrote, “What about marriage pressure? Listen to what these youngsters from Kashmir have to say…” A student asks him in the viral video, “What do you think about marriage?” to which he replies, “I have outlasted that pressure for 20-30 years.” He adds, “But it is a good thing.”
“Sir, do you plan to get married?” asks another student. “Yeah, yeah. I mean, I don’t plan it. But if it happens…,” he replies. “Please do and also invite us,” another student says. “I will. I will,” he promises.
For someone in a highly demanding and stressful career like politics, the ability to balance personal relationships and professional commitments is often scrutinised. This leads to a broader question: Is it possible for individuals in high-stress, high-demand careers to maintain successful personal relationships, including marriage?
Key challenges individuals in stressful careers face
Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “The key challenges faced by individuals in demanding careers primarily revolve around time constraints, emotional fatigue, and conflicting priorities.”
Highly stressful jobs often require long working hours, weekend commitments, and frequent travel, she says. This leaves little time for personal relationships, making it hard to be present emotionally and physically.
She adds, “High-pressure environments drain individuals emotionally, leaving them with little energy for personal interactions. This can lead to emotional
Aries
disconnection with spouses or partners, who may feel neglected.”
The nature of their jobs often makes it difficult to balance work and home life. Career demands can sometimes force individuals to make tough choices that prioritise professional goals over personal relationships, causing tension and dissatisfaction in marriages.
Balancing professional responsibilities and personal lives
Cadabam asserts, ‘Balancing such a demanding career with personal life requires intentional effort, strong communication, and prioritisation. It’s essential to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.”
Allocating time intentionally for personal relationships — much like one would schedule professional meetings — can help balance responsibilities. For individuals in stressful careers, the key is to make the most of the time they do have.
Regular emotional check-ins with their partner can help individuals stay connected and address any feelings of neglect or dissatisfaction before they fester, shares Cadabam.
Strategies and support systems for managing stress while balancing career and personal life
Individuals in high-demand careers can benefit greatly from support systems and strategies designed to manage stress and maintain balance.
“Couples therapy or individual counselling can help individuals in demanding careers navigate the emotional and psychological stress that comes with their roles. Therapy provides a space to express concerns, develop coping mechanisms, and build stronger relationships,” notes Cadabam. She adds, “Learning to delegate professional tasks and taking time off are essential for preventing burnout.
Practising mindfulness and stressreduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can help individuals manage their stress levels.”
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
30th August 2024 to 5th September 2024
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be fruitful for the people of Aries. This week luck will be with you at every step. If you have been working on an action plan for a long time, then this week you will get good results in it. Students who are preparing for the exam competition can get some good news at the beginning of the week.
Taurus
Ganesha says that this week will be full of ups and downs for the people of Taurus. At the beginning of the week, employed people may suddenly get unwanted responsibilities or additional workload may come. During this, the cooperation of family members will be less.
Gemini
Ganesha says that this week will bring opportunities for progress in life for the people of Gemini. At the beginning of the week itself, you will get excellent opportunities to advance your career. There will also be a chance to associate with a good friend or an influential person with a benefit plan, but you will be a little confused about making the right decision in this regard.
Cancer
Ganesha says that the people of Cancer will have to avoid doing distant losses in favor of nearby gains this week. At the beginning of the week, move ahead with care regarding career business. Do not be negligent in any work in the workplace, otherwise, you may have to become a victim of the boss’s anger.
Leo
Ganesha says that this week the people of the Leo zodiac will have to worry about their benefit as well as the interest of others, otherwise your relationships built over the years may get spoiled. Avoid neglecting old relationships while building new relationships with someone.
Virgo
Ganesha says that the natives of Virgo will be seen to be lucky this week. This week, the efforts made in the direction of livelihood will be successful and you will get the desired profit in business. If you are a
working person, then you can get praise from the boss for your hard work this week.
Libra
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be very auspicious for the people of the Libra zodiac. When the planned work is completed on time, you will get to see tremendous confidence and enthusiasm within you. The search for livelihood will end.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that the people of the Scorpio zodiac should avoid taking any big decision this week in anger or by getting carried away by emotions, otherwise, they may have to repent later. At the beginning of the week, the job profession may have to face the workload and stress in the workplace.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that the people of Sagittarius will get the full support of luck this week. From the beginning of the week, the planned tasks will be seen to be completed rapidly. There will be full support from friends and family members.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn will need to move forward with great patience and very careful steps this week. If you are associated with any business and are thinking of taking your business forward, then invest money for it very carefully and take the advice of any of your well-wishers while deciding in this regard.
Aquarius
Ganesha ays that the people of Aquarius will have to avoid putting too much trust in others with excessive enthusiasm this week. Both these things can become a big reason for spoiling your work. Pisces
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be successful for the people of Pisces. At the beginning of the week, there will be success and profit in the works related to power governance. For those who want a transfer or a higher position at a particular place, their wait may end this week.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
Spot reduction, or losing fat in a specific body area through targetted exercises or gadgets, is a common misconception. Devices like tummy trimmers and vibration belts claim to help reduce fat in the abdominal area but they do little. Our body’s fat-loss mechanisms are governed by hormones and enzymes, which cannot be selectively controlled.
Understanding hormones and exercise
Hormones like insulin and glucagon and enzymes like hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) govern our body’s fat-loss mechanisms. For instance, insulin and LPL collaborate to store fat after a meal, while glucagon and HSL team up to release stored fat when the body needs energy. When you exercise, the increased activity of glucagon and HSL in the fat stores promotes fat release. Simultaneously, the LPL activity rises in the muscles during exercise to take up this fat and burn it for energy. This hormonal response, combined with the energy expenditure from exercise, influences fat loss across the entire body, not just a specific area.
Why spot reduction fails
This is because devices cannot change
Can you reduce belly fat with tummy trimmers?
Many believe in spot reduction of fat but here’s all you need to know about it
chemical processes. For instance, tummy trimmers claim to reduce fat by compressing the abdominal area, but this only leads to temporary changes
in appearance and does not affect fat metabolism. Similarly, vibration belts claim to stimulate fat loss through vibration, but scientific evidence does
Are honey, jaggery and other natural sugars good for blood sugar control?
It’s a known fact that high intake of sugar is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. But are all sugars the same or are some better than others?
White or table sugar is the most commonly used, consisting entirely of sucrose and containing about 400 calories per 100 gram (16 calories in a teaspoon). How do natural sugars compare against it?
Brown sugar has molasses that provide the rich brown colour along with texture and flavour. It has more minerals, like calcium and iron, but the amounts are too small to be of significance. Being essentially sucrose, brown sugar has almost the same amount of calories as white sugar — 375 calories per 100 grams or 15 calories in a teaspoon.
gram than white sugar (about 300 calories per 100 grams) it is heavier, so a teaspoon of honey has about 21 calories as compared to 16 for white sugar. In terms of glucose-raising properties, this balances out, and honey has about the same effects on blood glucose as white sugar.
Desi khand (khandsari)
is an unrefined sweetener made from sugarcane juice. It has traces of molasses and thus retains some nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It causes a less rapid rise in blood glucose than white sugar although it has the same amount of calories.
Jaggery or gur
Honey has been traditionally used as a sweetener and for soothing sore throats, controlling cough and reducing allergies. It is roughly composed of 38 per cent fructose, 31 per cent glucose, 17 per cent water, and 7 per cent maltose, along with small amounts of other simple carbohydrates, pollen, amino acids, enzymes and vitamins. Because of its fructose content, honey is sweeter than white sugar and so lesser amounts are required to provide the same degree of sweetness. While honey contains less calories per
is composed of 70 per cent sucrose, with the remaining being fructose and glucose. It is a source of iron, with traces of protein, potassium, magnesium, vitamins and antioxidants. Although the calorie content per gram is similar to brown sugar, it is absorbed more slowly, which is an advantage. In order to get significant nutritional benefits, large amounts of jaggery would have to be consumed, leading to a substantial rise in blood glucose level. Jaggery is a slightly better option than white sugar but is still sugar. For people with diabetes, the adverse effects of consuming jaggery are not very different from white sugar.
not support this.Genetics significantly determine where your body stores fat, which cannot be changed with gadgets or targeted exercises.
Don’t go by anecdotal evidence
Gadgets like tummy trimmers and vibration belts are based on pseudoscience, a set of ideas presented as scientific but lacking supporting evidence. Pseudoscience often relies on anecdotal evidence or misinterpreting scientific studies to make claims. Effective fat loss is not about quick fixes or gimmicks. It’s about making sustainable lifestyle changes that you can maintain in the long run. For instance, adopting a sensible exercise routine involves combining cardio and strength training; a balanced diet incorporates a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as leafy greens, lean proteins like chicken and fish, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts, and ensuring adequate sleep means aiming for 7-9 hours a night. Sleep is often overlooked in the context of fat loss, but it plays a crucial role in regulating hormones that control appetite and metabolism. These changes can alter your body’s hormonal environment and promote an overall reduction in body fat. It’s a journey that requires commitment, but the results are worth it, and you are in the driver’s seat.
"The only limits are what you choose," Milind
Mishri or rock sugar is essentially crystallised refined sugar, offering no nutritional value beyond calories.
Coconut sugar is almost identical to regular white sugar in terms of nutrients and calories. It retains many nutrients found in coconut palm — mostly iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium, but in insignificant amounts. Palm sugar is more or less like jaggery in its properties. High fructose corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made by breaking down corn starch into individual molecules. It becomes corn syrup, which is glucose. To make it sweeter and similar in taste to regular table sugar, some of that glucose is converted to fructose using enzymes. High fructose corn syrup consumption results in higher levels of CRP, a marker of inflammation. Therefore, the perception that jaggery, honey or natural sugars are safe for people with diabetes is not borne out by science. Read labels and try to keep your calories from added sugar to no more than 10 per cent of your daily calorie intake.
A day back, Milind shared a video of himself performing pullups amidst greenery. The actor, in the video, can be seen performing pullups with the help of a rod. Dressed in a black T-shirt and a pair of black gym shorts, Milind can be seen performing the workout routine in steps. With the video, Milind also shared his fitness mantra with his fans on Instagram. Milind often gets asked that how much exercise is the adequate amount of exercise. Addressing that question, Milind wrote that the amount of exercise depends on the objective of doing it.
When it comes to fitness, Milind performs it with only one objective – to stay fit and to be able to do anything that he wants. Hence, he exercises for fifteen minutes every day to achieve that level of fitness. "For me the goal is to maintain a level of fitness, based on performance more than looks, a level that allows me to just get up and do whatever I want in my life," read an excerpt of his post. However, irrespective of the goal and the objective of exercising, Milind has one mantra for his fans – it is important to start slow and increase the pace of workouts gradually. More than anything, it is important to be regular in exercises. "The only limits are what you choose," Milind wrapped his post.
Kamala Ke Saath: Indian American Groups launch Website, Merchandise to Support Harris
With Kamala Harris vying for a presidency in the United States, there is an understandable excitement in the Indian American community. Indian American Impact Fund, an advocacy organization has launched a website titled DesiPresident.com with a tagline “Kamala Ke Saath.”
The website aims to engage the community and is asking the community to come forward and support Harris who could be on her way to become the first ever American President with an Indian heritage. The website has also been conducting weekly phone banking events to garner more support for Harris
from amongst the desi community.
The initiative is also adding other fun elements to its campaign and has also launched a tee shirt with the slogan –
While this is not the first time that desis have used a Hindi tagline to campaign around a presidential candidate. “Ab ki
FDA Greenlights New mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines for Better Variant Protection
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. These vaccines now include a monovalent component targeting the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARSCoV-2. This update aims to better protect against severe outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
The updated vaccines, produced by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc., are approved for individuals aged 12 and older and authorized for emergency use in children as young as six months. The FDA’s decision followed advice given in June 2024, based on the ongoing
Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and rising COVID-19 cases. The new formula replaces the previously recommended
JN.1-lineage.
Dr. Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing COVID-19, especially given waning immunity from previous infections and vaccinations.
The FDA’s rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness have been met by these updated vaccines, which are expected to be reassessed annually, similar to seasonal flu vaccines.
The updated vaccines, Comirnaty and Spikevax, are manufactured using similar processes to previous versions, with millions of doses already administered across the U.S.
The FDA continues to monitor and evaluate additional COVID-19 vaccine applications as needed.
Art, Culture, and Theater Shine at Aabaha Festival 2024
SUGAR HILL, GA—The Aabaha Art and Theater Festival 2024 concluded with great success, enchanting audiences over three days with a vibrant mix of theatrical performances, cultural exchanges, and artistic showcases. The festival, highlighting the diversity of art and theater, featured seven outstanding plays by talented groups from across the U.S. The festival opened with a ceremony honoring India’s rich traditions, attended
by notable figures like Mayor Brandon Hembree of Sugar Hill and Consul of India, Mr. Madan Kumar Ghildiyal. Aabaha founder Kallol Nandi expressed the organization’s vision of fostering cultural exchange, embracing not just Indian immigrant communities but also other diverse groups. Saturday's highlights included the Aabaha Samman Award ceremony, where Dr. Raktim Sen was honored for his dedication to theater. The day featured three plays: “Rangamati (Wretched Land)” by Aabaha,
“Kouto (The Box)” by Atlanta Theater Workshop, and “Harappa House” by Dhoop Chaoon Hindi Theater Group, followed by engaging Q&A sessions. Sunday featured a discussion on community theaters addressing social issues, four plays, and two book launches. Supported by the Georgia Council for the Arts, the festival also included a pottery display and an exhibition on “75 Years of Indian Theater,” celebrating cultural diversity and unity in Sugar Hill.
baar, Trump Sarkaar,” was a campaign one-liner that was used by some Indian American groups to endorse Donald Trump during his presidential run. But with Kamala Harris joining the presidential race, it certainly gives Indians across America a greater interest to watch and participate in the elections with renewed interest. 59-year-old, Harris is of mixed-parentage, her mother an Indian who arrived in the US to study in California. Her father is of Jamaican descent. Harris has very often mentioned her mother Shyamala Gopalan during her various speeches and she continues to hold her mother as a very strong influence in her life.
ICE Detainees Hunger Strike Over 'Inhumane' Conditions
California Detention Centers Face Protests Over Poor Conditions and $1-a-Day Wages
In California, over 60 detainees at ICE processing centers began a hunger strike last month, protesting conditions they allege violate U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. The strike, which started on July 11 at the Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex facilities, followed a July 1 labor strike by 59 detainees who ceased work over dangerous conditions. Briefly paused after guards threatened transfers, the strike resumed in early August. Protesters, including U.S. veteran Juan Carlos Corona, who has been detained for six months, cite "injustice, discrimination, and inhumane treatment." Run by GEO Group under a $1.5 billion contract with ICE, the facilities face accusations of medical neglect, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate food, leading to serious health risks. Detainees, earning just $1 a day, report food poisoning and ringworm outbreaks. Detainees demand better conditions, higher wages, and the reinstatement of free phone calls, which ICE revoked. Despite GEO Group denying wrongdoing, they were fined in 2022 for unsafe pandemic conditions. ICE and GEO officials have yet to respond to the demands.
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“Kamala Ke Saath – Vote Kamala.”
Zofeen Maqsood
Councilman Ian Holzhauer Joins IndianAmerican Community for India Day Celebration
NAPERVILLE, IL – Naperville City Councilman Ian Holzhauer participated in the 10th India Day parade and celebration in Naperville, Illinois, highlighting his strong support for the city’s Indian-American community. Holzhauer, recently returned from a significant 13-day trip to India as part of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) exchange, was the first Naperville official to join this U.S. delegation in 2023. During his visit, he engaged with Indian parliamentarians, regional officials, and government ministers, traveling to Delhi, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar.
At the India Day event, Holzhauer expressed excitement about re-experiencing Indian culture, which he had deeply appreciated during his recent trip. The
celebration drew thousands, featuring traditional Indian dances, music, and a vibrant parade with colorful floats and dancers in traditional attire. The event also included a marketplace showcasing Indian art, fashion, crafts, and an array of authentic Indian cuisine.
Holzhauer’s participation underscored Naperville’s commitment to diversity and the contributions of the Indian-American community. He stated, “It is a privilege to be part of an event that showcases the vibrant culture and traditions of India, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support and celebrate with our Indian-American residents.” India Day in Naperville has grown to become one of the largest Indian cultural festivals in the U.S., reflecting the city’s embrace of cultural diversity.
Tahil Sharma's Surprise DNC Appearance Highlights Religious Pluralism
CHICAGO, IL- On the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), Tahil Sharma, who was not previously listed in the official lineup, made a surprise appearance, closing the day with a powerful display of religious pluralism.
Sharma, wearing a keffiyeh, took the stage alongside Rev. William Emmanuel Hall of St. James Church, offering prayers rooted in both Hindu and Sikh traditions.
According to his website, Sharma is a Los Angeles-based activist and
an advocate for interfaith dialogue and social justice. He is the Regional Coordinator for North America at the United Religions Initiative and serves as the Interfaith Minister in Residence for
the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Additionally, Sharma is a Board Member for Sadhana: A Coalition of Progressive Hindus and a member of the Racial Justice & Religion Collective at the Aspen Institute’s Religion & Society Program.
Sunita Vishwanathan, co-founder of Hindus for Human Rights, tweeted, “Incredibly proud of my friend and @ SadhanaHindus colleague Tahil Sharma, @InterfaithMan, for bringing Hindu and Sikh prayers to the #DNC and wearing a keffiyeh to express his love and solidarity with Palestine.”
GOP States Sue Over Program for Undocumented Spouses
TEXAS- Sixteen Republican-led states have filed a lawsuit to halt a federal program launched by the Biden administration that could potentially allow nearly 500,000 undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to gain legal status and a path to citizenship. The states argue that the administration bypassed Congress to create this program for “blatant political purposes” and that it incentivizes illegal immigration, causing harm to the plaintiff states.
The program, which began accepting applications in June, allows spouses without legal status to apply for “parole in place,” granting them permission to stay in the U.S., apply for a green card, and eventually seek citizenship. Texas
Texas
Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized the policy as unconstitutional, claiming it exacerbates the country’s immigration issues. The lawsuit, filed in Texas federal court, seeks to stop the program while the case proceeds.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has vowed to defend the “Keeping Families Together” program, emphasizing that it aligns with American values by helping families avoid separation. Critics, including the conservative nonprofit America First Legal, argue that the program is an abuse of power aimed at advancing an open-borders agenda. In contrast, supporters, such as the bipartisan organization FWD.us, maintain that the program is lawful and that the lawsuit is politically motivated.
CBP Finds Sea Cucumber Smuggled in the U.S.
CALEXICO, CA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Calexico East Port of Entry (POE) intercepted a traveler attempting to smuggle over 50 pounds of sea cucumbers into the United States. The discovery was made during a routine inspection.
On the morning of August 21, CBP officers encountered a 55-year-old woman driving a 2014 sedan seeking entry into the U.S. from Mexico. During the inspection, a CBP officer opened the vehicle’s trunk and found what appeared to be dried sea cucumbers. The driver and vehicle were immediately referred for further examination. In the inspection area, a CBP agriculture specialist confirmed the items as dried sea cucumbers, weighing 53.79 pounds.
“This interception highlights the dedication and vigilance of our CBP officers and agriculture specialists in protecting our borders and natural resources,” said Roque Caza, Area Port Director of Calexico. “Smuggling attempts like this threaten our country’s security and disrupt the environmental balance.”
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(L-R) :Councilman Ian Holzhauer & Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh participating in the India Day parade.
Councilman Ian Holzhauer (far right) and Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh (next to him) take part in the one of the largest celebrations of Indian culture and heritage at Naperville’s India Day on August 11, 2024.
(L-R) :Councilman Ian Holzhauer & Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh participating in the India Day parade.
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Attorney General Ken Paxton is one of 16 states suing to end a federal program
Indian American Husband Charged with Concealing a Body After Virginia Woman Goes Missing
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MANASSAS PARK, VA — Naresh Bhatt, the husband of missing Virginia woman Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 29, has been officially charged in connection with her disappearance. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County announced that Bhatt faces one felony count of concealing a dead body. Authorities cordoned off the couple’s Manassas Park home on Thursday as they continue to search for Kafle, who was last seen on July 27 at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center.
The investigation began on August 2 after a co-worker reported Kafle missing when she failed to show up for work. Bhatt initially told police that his wife was not missing, but filed a missing persons report three days later. Detectives subsequently classified her case as “involuntary/critical missing.”
Friends and family have been actively searching for the 28-year-old mother, whom they describe as “kind-hearted” and devoted to her 11-month-old baby. Despite Bhatt’s video call urging the community to “try to find her in a positive way,” suspicions grew, leading to his arrest. Mamta’s daughter, covered by a blanket,
Manhattan College Renames Itself After 171-Year Legacy
NEW YORK, NY- Manhattan College will now be known as Manhattan University, following a decision by school officials to better reflect its academic offerings and attract a more globally diverse student body. The New York State Board of Regents approved the name change on August 1st.
The move follows a May 2022 survey involving over 3,000 stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, who overwhelmingly supported the transition to “University.” President Milo Riverso, a 1981 graduate, noted that the institution’s growth in academic disciplines and international reach made the change a natural evolution. “It’s a progression of our legacy that has stood for more than 170 years,” Riverso said. Founded in 1853 as a Lasallian Catholic college in Manhattan, the school relocated to the Bronx in 1923. School officials cited increasing competition from institutions nationwide and globally, noting that the term “college” often creates challenges, particularly in international contexts where it may be equated with high school.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Prince William County announced that Bhatt faces one felony count of concealing a dead body.
was taken out of the home by authorities Thursday morning following his arrest. The little girl is safe and has been placed
SoCal Hindu Groups Unite Against Anti-Hindu Violence in Bangladesh
LOS ANGELES, CA – On August 16, more than 25 Hindu organizations across Southern California gathered for a significant protest on Sunset Boulevard, near the CNN building in Los Angeles. The demonstration was organized in response to the recent and escalating violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. The protest, which saw a robust turnout, sought to draw attention to the alarming rise in attacks that have resulted in several deaths over the past two weeks. In addition to the loss of lives, there has been widespread destruction, including the ransacking of temples and churches, which has left the Hindu community in Bangladesh in fear and distress.
Dr. Amit Desai, a prominent leader
among the protestors, delivered a passionate speech, urging elected officials to recognize the severity of the situation and to take immediate and decisive action to halt the ongoing violence. He emphasized the need for international intervention and support to protect the rights and safety of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The protest underscored the solidarity within the Hindu community in Southern California, as they stood together to advocate for justice and to bring global attention to the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. The gathering also called for a stronger response from the international community to ensure that such atrocities are addressed and prevented in the future.
in the care of the Department of Social Services, police said.
On August 21, investigators executed search warrants at the couple’s home, recovering crucial evidence. Bhatt was named a person of interest and arrested on August 22. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kafle’s disappearance.
California Court Denies HAF’s Position in Caste Discrimination Case
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – On August 12, a federal court in California dismissed the Hindu American Foundation’s (HAF) attempt to frame legal action against caste-based discrimination as a violation of religious freedom. The legal battle traces back to 2020 when the California Civil Rights Department (formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing) filed a lawsuit against Cisco Systems. The CRD accused the tech giant of engaging in caste-based discrimination against an employee of Indian descent. In September 2023, HAF escalated the case by filing an amended complaint, adding 12 plaintiffs, three of whom remained anonymous. HAF argued that the lawsuit against Cisco infringed upon the religious freedom of these plaintiffs. However, the CRD challenged the anonymity of the plaintiffs, and the court sided with the CRD. The court found the plaintiffs’ claims to be “vague and conclusory,” stating that they did not meet the legal standards necessary to justify the protection of their identities. The court further noted that “personal discomfort with the Department’s Cisco Action” did not amount to a “plausible likelihood of threats or harm.”
Naresh Bhatt
Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28,
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Sonu Sood and Harish Kolasani Unveil Sood Charity Foundation's New Chicago Office
CHICAGO, IL – Celebrated actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood and distinguished community leader Harish Kolasani proudly announce the launch of the Sood Charity Foundation office within the World’s Largest Indian Community Center, located in Chicago. This significant milestone also marks the beginning of a powerful partnership between the Sood Charity Foundation and the National India Hub Foundation, aimed at providing essential support and life-saving assistance to people in need across the globe.
Under the leadership of Sonu Sood, the Sood Charity Foundation has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The establishment of the Foundation’s office in this iconic Indian Community Center underscores its commitment to expanding its reach and impact, especially within the Indian diaspora and beyond.
Sonu Sood expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “Launching the Sood Charity Foundation office in the world’s largest Indian Community Center is a momentous occasion for us. This center is not just a building; it’s a symbol of unity, strength, and our shared commitment to helping those in need. Our partnership with National India Hub will enable us to extend our mission globally, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most, no matter where they are.”
Harish Kolasani, a key figure in the Indian-American community and an instrumental force behind the National India Hub, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “The synergy between the Sood Charity Foundation and National India Hub represents a powerful alliance
New Jersey Ranks Among Top States for High IQ
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey ranks 11th in the U.S. for average IQ, with a score of 102.8, according to a new ranking by Data Pandas. The analytics company analyzed public data from IQ tests, SAT and ACT scores, and educational attainment to assess cognitive abilities across states. Massachusetts tops the list with an average IQ of 104.3, followed by New Hampshire (104.2) and North Dakota (103.8). Mississippi has the lowest average IQ at 94.2, with Louisiana and California also ranking low at 95.3 and 95.5, respectively.
The study suggests that socio-economic factors, including access to quality education, significantly influence these rankings. Additionally, the researchers highlight how racial, educational, and economic disparities likely contribute to the variations in average IQ across states, underscoring the complex conditions that shape intellectual development and testing outcomes.
dedicated to humanitarian causes. Together, we aim to provide timely aid, resources, and support to those facing adversity, whether in India, the USA, or any other part of the world.”
The partnership between the Sood Charity Foundation and the National India Hub will focus on various initiatives, including healthcare
support, disaster relief, educational programs, awareness campaigns, and poverty alleviation. With the combined resources and networks of both organizations, this collaboration is poised to make a significant impact on global humanitarian efforts. This launch and partnership exemplify the power of community and the ability
FBI El Paso to Host Diversity Recruitment Event
EL PASO, TX—The FBI El Paso Field Office is hosting an in-person recruitment event on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the UTEP Natural Gas Convention Center. The event, running from 3 to 6 p.m., aims to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore career opportunities within the FBI. John Morales, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office, emphasized the importance of diversity in strengthening investigations and finding innovative ways to protect the community. Attendees will have the chance to meet with FBI executives, special agents,
intelligence analysts, and other key personnel. The event will also showcase various FBI Critical Incident Response components, such as SWAT and Bomb Technicians, with their gear on display. FBI fitness advisors and applicant coordinators will be available to discuss the FBI agent fitness test and provide guidance on the application process. College students can learn about the FBI’s 2026 Honors Internship Program, a paid summer internship available nationwide. While there is no cost to attend, those interested can begin their application process onsite. For more information, visit fbijobs.gov.
to effect meaningful change through collective action. Both Sonu Sood and Harish Kolasani are committed to leveraging their platforms and resources to make a difference in the lives of millions.
For more information about the Sood Charity Foundation, the partnership with National India Hub, and upcoming initiatives, please visit www.IndiaHub. org.
About Sood Foundation:
The Sood Foundation, founded by actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood, is dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities across the globe. The Foundation focuses on providing healthcare, education, and emergency relief to those in need, with a mission to create a more equitable and compassionate world.
About National India Hub:
National India Hub is a prominent organization based in the USA, committed to supporting the Indian diaspora and fostering strong ties between India and the United States.
INDIA HUB recently launched the world’s largest Indian Community Center and also inaugurated one of the largest Indian flag poles outside of India. They are proud to be eligible for the Guinness World Record for having the highest number of social service organizations under one roof. The organization’s initiatives span community development, healthcare, education, and cultural exchange, aiming to build a stronger, more connected global community. INDIA HUB’s vision is to establish Indian community centers in every major city across the U.S. to unite, celebrate, and help each other as one community without borders.
Chicago Players Join US Masters T10 for Season 2
AUSTIN, TX – Ahead of the second season of the US Masters T10, Chicago Players has been announced as the newest franchise set to compete in the league, which will take place in Houston from November 8 to November 12.
The team is owned by businessman Vishal Patel, who has a significant presence in sports franchises worldwide.
Chicago Players will join the league as one of the six franchises competing in the upcoming season. The inaugural season, held last year in Florida, saw the Texas Chargers claim victory over the New York Warriors in the final.
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Sood Charity Foundation and National India Hub Join Forces Globally; Sonu Sood and Harish Kolasani Inaugurate New Office in World’s Largest Indian Community Center
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