VIMAL N. UPADHYAYA +91 98676 26290 | vimal@hiindia.com
Hemant Brahmbhaatt
Hemant Brahmbhaatt
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ADVERTISING Hemant Brahmbhaatt
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yogesh Brahmbhatt Ibrahim Keriwala Jitendra Kumar
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yogesh Brahmbhatt | Ibrahim Keriwala Jitendra Kumar
Yogesh Brahmbhatt Ibrahim Keriwala Jitendra Kumar PHOTO
PHOTO / WEB SITE
Jinesh Modi / Vijay Shah
Jinesh Modi / Vijay Shah
Jinesh Modi / Vijay Shah
ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE
ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Purnima Brahmbhatt
ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Purnima Brahmbhatt
Purnima Brahmbhatt
hi INDIA is published weekly by hi INDiA, Inc. 3152 W. Devon Ave, C-3 Chicago, IL 60659
INDiA, Inc. All right reserved as to the
and
necessarily represent those of hi INDiA, Inc.
hi INDiA weekly newspaper distribute
The Naperville Public Library has three locations – Nichols Library, Naper Blvd Library and 95th Street Library. This ensures that wherever you are in Naperville, you would have a library just a few short minutes away from you.
Harris puts Trump on defensive in combative debate
HiIndia Newsdesk
PHILADELPHIA,: - Democratic candidate Kamala Harris put her Republican rival Donald Trump on the defensive in a combative presidential debate on Tuesday with a stream of attacks on his fitness for office, his support of abortion restrictions and his myriad legal woes. A former prosecutor, Harris, 59, controlled the debate from the start, getting under her rival's skin repeatedly and prompting a visibly angry Trump, 78, to deliver a series of falsehood-filled retorts.
At one point, she goaded the former president by saying that people often leave his campaign rallies early "out of exhaustion and boredom."
Trump, who has been frustrated by the size of Harris' own crowds, said, "My rallies, we have the biggest rallies, the most incredible rallies in the history of politics."
He then pivoted to a false claim about
Taylor Swift Backs Kamala Harris, Jokes She's a 'Childless Cat Lady
Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, minutes after the Democratic presidential nominee wrapped up her first debate against Republican rival Donald Trump.
The endorsement aligns Harris with a singular force in the world of music, offering to bolster her support among younger and female voters.
Calling herself a "Childless Cat Lady," a term used by Trump's running mate, JD Vance, to disparage women without children, Swift announced her support in an Instagram post featuring a photo of her posing with a cat in her arms.
immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, that has circulated on social media and was amplified by Trump's vice presidential candidate, Senator JD Vance. "They're eating the dogs!" he said, as Harris laughed in disbelief. "The people that came in, they're
eating the cats! They're eating the pets of the people that live there."
"Talk about extreme," Harris replied. Her plan had always been to goad Trump into saying things that could become viral social media clips, her advisers said beforehand.
Biden hints at ending Ukraine long-range weapons restrictions
President Joe Biden has hinted at Washington lifting restrictions on Ukraine using US long-range missiles against Russia.
If granted, it would fulfil repeated requests by Ukraine to loosen the limits on US-supplied weapons, which officials have said has left them fighting against Russia's full-scale invasion with their hands tied.
Russia is yet to comment, but President Vladimir Putin has previously said such action could lead to "very serious problems".
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his UK counterpart, Foreign
Secretary David Lammy, are in Kyiv to discuss the issue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Blinken said one of their goals ahead of the visit was to "hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership" about their "objectives and what we can do to support those needs".
Blinken and Lammy travelled together to the Ukrainian capital after talks in London.
During his visit to the UK, Blinken accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, saying they could be deployed against Ukrainians within weeks. Lammy described Iran's move as "a significant and dangerous escalation”.
The missiles are likely to boost Russia's arsenal, enabling it to hit Ukrainian cities close to Russia's borders or areas it already controls at the same time as it deploys its longer-range missiles deeper into Ukrainian territory.
Iran has repeatedly denied supplying such self-guided weapons to Russia.
US Jury Awards $50 Million To Man After 10 Years Of Wrongful Conviction
New York: A US jury has awarded $50 million in damages to a man who spent nearly 10 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder, his lawyers said Tuesday.
A federal jury in Chicago on Monday ruled in favour of Marcel Brown, 34, giving the largest award to a single wrongful-conviction plaintiff in US history, Loevy & Loevy, the law firm representing him said.
Brown was arrested and sentenced to 35 years in prison after he was convicted of
being an accomplice in the 2008 murder of a 19-year-old man.
But in 2018 the case against him was dropped and he was released after his
"I Don't Think Hosts Were Fair To...": Musk
Billionaire Elon Musk today spoke on the first presidential debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris and said that while Harris "exceeded expectations", Trump would be "more effective in getting things done". On his social media platform X, Musk wrote, "While I don't think the debate hosts were fair to [Donald Trump], [Kamala Harris] exceeded most people's expectations tonight."
"When it comes to getting things done, not just saying nicesounding words, I strongly believe that Trump will do a far better job," he added.
"You're Running Against
Me, Not Biden": Harris
Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris presented herself as the face of a new generation of leadership as she reminded her Republican rival Donald Trump that he was contesting against her, and not President Joe Biden.
"It's important to remind the former president you're not running against Joe Biden, you're running against me," she said as Trump focussed most of criticism on Biden at the heated ABC debate.
lawyers presented evidence that the confession had been obtained from him illegally.
According to Loevy & Loevy, "Chicago police officers locked (Brown) in an interrogation room for more than 30 hours, interrogated him relentlessly, deprived him of food, denied his repeated requests for a phone call, and prevented him from sleeping."
After a two-week trial in Chicago, the jury unanimously agreed with Brown's defence team "that the police coerced his statement and fabricated evidence," the law firm said in its statement.
The Republican criticism has hinged mostly on the unpopular president who dropped out of race midway after a dismal debate performance against Trump in July. Trump used the same playbook in today's debate, trying to attack Harris with criticism against Biden.
The debate began with a formal handshake as Trump and Harris met for the first time, but turned bitter soon. Trump called Biden the worst president in US history and Harris the worst vice president. He further claimed Harris "hates" Biden and is trying to get away from him.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
UAE Inks Pact For India To Operate Nuclear Power Plants In Gulf Nation
and
New Delhi: The United Aarb Emirates or UAE has inked an agreement with India that provides a framework for giving services for operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants in the emirate.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Bhuwan
India-UAE Ties: The MoU was inked during the ongoing visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India. The Crown Prince held India-UAE bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Chandra Pathak, Chairman and Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), and Mohamed Al Hammadi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) of the UAE.
The MoU was inked during the ongoing visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India. The Crown Prince held India-UAE bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. "The MoU provides a general framework for the possible collaboration between the NPCIL & ENEC in the relevant fields, which inter alia include developing supply chains, sharing experience and providing services for Operation & Maintenance of Nuclear Energy Plants, providing nuclear consulting services, human resources development & training, research and development etc," a statement by the NPCIL said.
UK Says Terminating All Direct Air Services To Iran For Supplying Missiles To Russia
London, United Kingdom: The UK said Tuesday it has started terminating "all direct air services between the UK and Iran" as part of new sanctions on Tehran for supplying Russia with missiles to use in Ukraine.
London said it was acting alongside international partners to "cancel its bilateral air services arrangements with Iran", which would "restrict Iran Air's ability to fly in to the UK". Iran Air operates direct flights between London and Tehran three days a week, according to the schedule listed on its website.
The UK move came as Western powers unveiled fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range
Hamas: 19 Killed in Israeli Strike on Gaza Humanitarian Zone
At least 19 people have been killed in an overnight Israeli strike in the designated humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says. Witnesses said the strike obliterated an area crowded with tents for displaced Palestinians in al-Mawasi, south-west of Khan Younis, leaving huge craters in the sand. “The bombing was incredibly intense. People were thrown into the air,” one displaced man told the BBC. “You can’t imagine the devastation.” The Israeli military said its aircraft attacked what it called “a number of senior Hamas terrorists” operating there - a claim Hamas denied.
London said it was acting alongside international partners to "cancel its bilateral air services arrangements with Iran", which would "restrict Iran Air's ability to fly in to the UK".
missiles for imminent use against Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict that threatened European security.
The foreign ministry in London said in a statement shortly after the curbs were announced that they followed "repeated warnings" to Tehran not to transfer the deadly weapons to Russia. "We will continue to use every lever at our disposal to put pressure on Iran to end its support for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's illegal invasion," UK Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said. "(This) is why we have begun the termination of all direct air services between the UK and Iran."
The UK said it was also joining the United States in sanctioning "a number of key individuals and organisations for their role in facilitating Iran's military support to Russia".
EU Top Court Triumphs In Crackdown On Apple's Tax Deal, Google's Practices
Brussels, Belgium: The EU's top court on Tuesday delivered two major victories in the bloc's battle against tech giants by ruling against Apple and Google in separate legal sagas with billions of euros at play.
The decisions give a boost to the bloc's outgoing competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, who had suffered a series of setbacks in EU courts against her decisions.
Concluding a long-running legal battle, the European Court of Justice ruled that the iPhone maker must pay 13 billion euros ($14.3 billion) in back-taxes to Ireland.
"The Court of Justice gives final judgment in the matter and confirms the European Commission's 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover," the court said in a statement.
Minutes later, the court also upheld a 2.4-billion-euro fine against Google, one of a string of high-profile EU competition cases targeting the tech giant.
The court dismissed an appeal by Google and its parent company Alphabet against the fine, slapped on the search engine in 2017 for abusing its dominant position by favouring its own comparison shopping service.
Chinese giant Chery could build cars in UK
Chinese car giant Chery is weighing up the possibility of building cars in the UK, according to a senior executive. Its UK head Victor Zhang told the BBC it was a "matter of time" before the company made a final decision.
He said Chery, which is already preparing to build cars in Spain, was determined to take a "localised" approach to the European market.
Mr Zhang denied the company’s exports had benefitted from unfair subsidies.
143 Dead, 58 Missing
After Typhoon Yagi In Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam: The number of people dead after Typhoon Yagi swept through northern Vietnam has risen to 143, the government said on Wednesday, with 58 still missing. Around 210,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, ministry of agriculture officials said. It was unclear whether the death count included landslide victims.
Medics Urge Vaccines in DR Congo Mpox Crisis
Medical staff on the front line of the battle against mpox in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have told the BBC they are desperate for vaccines to arrive so they can stem the rate of new infections.
At a treatment centre in South Kivu province that the BBC visited in the epicentre of the outbreak, they say more patients are arriving every dayespecially babies - and there is a shortage of essential equipment. Mpox - formerly known as monkeypox - is a highly contagious disease and has killed at least 635 people in DR Congo this year.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
UAE
India inked a pact for India to operate nuclear plants in the Gulf nation. (Reprensetational)
Prasanthi Ram Wins Singapore Literature Prize for ‘Nine Yard Sarees’
An Indian-origin lecturer at Nanyang Technological University has won the Singapore Literature Prize for English fiction for her short story – ‘Nine Yard Sarees’. Prasanthi Ram, 32, debut work was published in late 2023. The short story cycle is about generations of a Tamil Brahmin family dispersed across Singapore, Sydney, New York and Connecticut.
Prasanthi said of her book, “I am completely in shock. I’m so humbled that the judges saw merit in ‘Nine Yard Sarees’, especially since I wrote this manuscript while caregiving for my late father.
IAF Officer Alleges Senior Rape, Forced Oral Sex
The officer has said that the sexual assault and harassment has had a severe impact on her mental health
Srinagar: A woman flying officer in the Indian Air Force has filed a police complaint, accusing a Wing Commander of rape. Based on the complaint, an FIR has been filed at Budgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir. Both officers are based in Srinagar.
The Indian Air Force has said they are cooperating with authorities. "We are aware of the case. Local police station Budgam has approached the Indian Air Force in Srinagar in this matter and we are fully cooperating with the local authorities," the IAF.The flying officer has said in her complaint that she has been suffering harassment, sexual assault and mental torture over the past two years.
Amit Shah was responding to Rahul Gandhi's remarks at an interaction with students at Georgetown University in the US.
New Delhi: The BJP today launched an all-out attack on Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks in the US, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joining the party's offensive against the Congress leader's reservation remark.
Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said it has become a habit for the Congress leader to stand with "forces that conspire to divide the country".
"Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is
As long as BJP stands, reservations and national security are
untouchable
supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on foreign platforms, Rahul Gandhi has always threatened the nation's security and hurt sentiments," Mr Shah said in a post on X.
"Rahul Gandhi's statement lays bare the Congress's politics of causing rifts
Micron CEO: Ideal Time for India to Boost Semiconductors
Sanjay Mehrotra met PM Narendra Modi ahead of the SEMICON India 2024 Summit
New Delhi: After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the SEMICON India 2024 Summit, Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, appreciated PM Modi's vision of developing semiconductors in India and said policies set up by him to incentivise semiconductor manufacturing in India are also very exciting.
"PM Modi's vision to develop semiconductors in India and make it self-reliant is very exciting. The
PM Modi will inaugurate SEMICON India 2024 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida today.
policies set up by him to incentivise semiconductor manufacturing are equally exciting. This is the perfect time for India to develop semiconductors because opportunities will grow with AI. The best is yet to come," Mr Mehrotra said ahead of SEMICON India 2024 Summit.
PM Modi will inaugurate SEMICON India 2024 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, today.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi chaired the Semiconductor Executives' Roundtable at his residence. During the meeting, the Prime Minister said that their ideas will not only shape their business but also India's future.
BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi for Meeting 'Anti-India' Lawmaker Ilhan Omar
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya accused the Congress of working against the country.
New Delhi: BJP leaders have severely criticized Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi following his meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the United States. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya accused the Congress of working against the country.
"India's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar in the USA, a Pakistansponsored anti-India voice, a radical Islamist, and an advocate of independent Kashmir. Even Pakistani leaders would be more circumspect about being seen with such rabid elements. Congress is now openly working against India," Amit Malviya said in a post on X. Another BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised Rahul Gandhi. "After spewing venom against Sikhs and running down India on foreign soil, now Rahul Gandhi meets and engages with anti-India Ilhan Omar - 1) Ilhan had introduced anti-India resolutions in US Congress 2) She has been against abrogation of Art 370 3) She violated India's sovereignty & visited PoK on a trip sponsored by Pakistan 4) She met Imran Khan & other such elements to discuss "Islamophobia" in India 5) She has been instrumental in peddling hatred against Hindus Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why is he engaging with the most radical anti-India elements on every foreign trip? In BJP virodh - desh virodh is ok?," he posted on X.
on the lines of regionalism, religion, and linguistic differences. By speaking about abolishing reservations in the country, Rahul Gandhi has once again brought the Congress's antireservation face to the forefront. The thoughts that were in his mind eventually found their way out as words," he added.
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties totalling Rs. 2.91 crore on Axis Bank and HDFC Bank for certain deficiencies in statutory and regulatory compliance. In a statement on Tuesday, the RBI said a penalty of Rs 1.91 crore has been imposed on Axis Bank for contravention of certain provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, and non-compliance with certain directions on 'Interest Rate on Deposits', 'Know Your Customer (KYC)' and 'Credit Flow to AgricultureCollateral free agricultural loans'.
Malaika Arora's Father Jumps To Death From Mumbai Building: Police
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Malaika Arora's father died by suicide this morning, police said. Anil Arora, 65, jumped from his apartment building in Mumbai's Bandra. The incident took place around 9 am today. The actor's ex-husband Arbaz Khan and senior police officers have reached her residence. The body has been sent for post-mortem and a probe is underway, police said. Malaika Arora was born in Maharashtra's Thane. Her parents divorced when she was 11 years old.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
"I
Don't Hate Mr Modi": Rahul Gandhi'
Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, is in the US for a three-day trip
New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said he doesn't hate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, he empathises with him. At an interaction in Georgetown University in US' Washington DC, Mr Gandhi said, "You will be surprised, but I don't actually hate Mr Modi. He has got a point of view, I don't agree with his point of view, but I don't hate him."
ISRO Warns of Large Asteroid, "Worst Case Scenario
Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is monitoring a large asteroid called Apophis that is expected to come very close to Earth. The asteroid, which is named after the Egyptian God of Chaos, is hurtling towards the earth and will have its closest encounter with Earth on April 13, 2029. A new domain called planetary defense has been added to the portfolio of the Indian space agency and its job is to protect Earth from extra-terrestrial objects.
You're Bridge" Between Two Nations: Rahul Gandhi
Washington DC: Speaking at Washington DC metro area on Monday (local time), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the Indians in the US are the bridge between the two countries.
The Congress leader said that the Indian diaspora has two identities- that of the US and India. They can transfer the US and Indian ideas back and forth.
NDA Brainstorms Over Maharashtra Polls Seat-Sharing, BJP May Get 140 Seats
Mumbai: The Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP are brainstorming over seat-sharing for the upcoming Assembly polls in Maharashtra, sources have said. According to the sources, the BJP may contest between 140 and 150 seats in the 288-member House. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is likely to contest 80 seats and Ajit Pawar's NCP may fight 55 seats, sources said. Three seats have been set aside for smaller allies.
The NDA Mahayuti alliance faces the formidable Opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Congress, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and NCP the faction led by Sharad Pawar. In the Lok Sabha election months back, the Maha Vikas Aghadi pulled off a stellar show, winning 30 out of the 48 parliamentary seats in the state. The Mahayuti, which managed 17 seats,
will be looking to make a comeback in the state polls, expected this winter.
In the 2019 Maharashtra polls, the alliance of BJP and undivided Shiv Sena had scored a thumping win. The long-term allies then parted ways over the Chief Minister post and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray tied up with the Congress and NCP to form the government.
In 2022, a mutiny led by top Sena leader Eknath Shinde toppled the Uddhav Thackeray government. Mr Shinde then tied up with the BJP to form the state
government. In another setback to the Maha Vikas Aghadi, NCP leader Ajit Pawar led a rebellion against his uncle and veteran politician Sharad Pawar, leading to a split in the party.
The Lok Sabha results, however, saw Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, both losing their party's name and symbol, script a comeback. The two leaders said the poll results showed which is the "real" Sena and NCP.
Against this backdrop, this state election is likely to be a tough fight for the BJP-led alliance as it tries to bounce back from the setback it suffered in the general election.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi is yet to announce their seat-sharing arrangement and the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP are likely to bargain hard following the good showing in the Lok Sabha polls.
Continue Despite SC Order
Bengal Junior Doctors' Strike Over RG Kar to
Agitating junior doctors in West Bengal said they would continue their 'cease work’ to demand justice for the RG Kar hospital medic who was raped and murdered, despite Supreme Court directions to resume duties by 5 pm on Tuesday.
Demanding the resignation of the state’s health secretary and director of health education (DHE), the protesting medics said that they would also take out a rally to 'Swasthya Bhavan' – the headquarters of the health department in Salt Lake –on Tuesday noon.
"Our demands are unfulfilled and justice is not meted out to the victim. We will continue our agitation as well as the ‘cease work’. We want the health secretary and DHE to resign. Tomorrow noon, we will hold a rally to the Swasthya Bhavan," one of the protesting doctors told PTI on Monday evening after a meeting of their governing body here.
The body of the postgraduate trainee doctor was found with injury marks in a seminar room of state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. She was allegedly raped and killed while on duty. The incident has triggered nationwide outrage and protests.
US Ex-Diplomat on Modi's Russia Trip: "No Loyalty Test"
Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Palo Alto, California: Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has dismissed concerns around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Russia visit, saying that the US can't hold India to a loyalty test every five minutes.
Speaking at Indus X (India-United
States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem), she categorised the India-US ties as enduring and bipartisan and stressed that whoever comes to the White House knows the importance of the relationship. "Countries wish to, as India says, have strategic autonomy and I have no problem with that. But it is our (US and India's) deep interests that will ultimately lead to a stronger partnership," she added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited both Russia and Ukraine in the last three months. He also spoke to Putin on August 27, shortly after his trip to Ukraine where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky. India has asserted it will support any feasible and mutually acceptable solution or format that could restore peace between the two warring countries. Sources have said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will visit Moscow this week to hold discussions aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
N Govt Signs Rs 2,600 Cr Deals with US Firms
The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday said it has signed investment pacts worth over Rs 2,600 crore with American companies during the ongoing US visit of state Chief Minister M K Stalin. MoUs were signed with Jabil, a leading provider of electronics manufacturing service and Rockwell Automation for investment and expansion activities in the state. In the presence of CM Stalin in the US city of Chicago on September 9, the government signed MoUs with Jabil and Rockwell Automation for investments of Rs 2,666 crore, creating 5,365 jobs, an official release said here.
Doctor's Family on Mamata's Pujo Call: "Celebrated With Her
Kolkata: Amid the massive outrage surrounding the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks, asking people to "return to (Durga) Pujo" has sparked widespread criticism.
Addressing the media yesterday, the Trinamool Congress chief said, "It has been a month (since the August 9 incident). I request you return to Pujo, return to the festivities and ask the CBI to ensure justice as soon as possible."
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Ganguly: Rishabh Pant on Track for Test Greatness
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes Rishabh Pant is on course to become an all-time great in Test cricket but at the same time, the southpaw needs to raise his game in the shorter formats.
Pant on Sunday returned to the Test side for the first time since his lifethreatening car accident in December 2022. He is expected to the start the first Test against Bangladesh beginning in Chennai on September 19.
Since his return earlier this year following the accident, Pant has played T20s and ODIs and has done well.
"I consider Rishabh Pant one of India's best Test batsmen. I'm not surprised that he's back in the side, and he will continue to play for India in Tests," Ganguly said at a promotional event here.
"He will be an all-time great in Tests if he keeps performing like this. For me, he needs to get better in the shorter formats. With the talent he has, I'm sure with time, he will become one of the best." Indian selectors have opted to give Mohammed Shami more time to recover from an ankle surgery and have named uncapped left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and Akash Deep in the squad. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are the two frontline pacers.
Vinesh Phogat Accuses PT Usha of Fake Support
"I don't know what support I got there," Vinesh said during a chat with a local news channel. "PT Usha madam visited me at the hospital. One photo was clicked...Like you said, in politics a lot happens behind closed doors. Similarly, politics happened there (in Paris) as well. That's why I was heartbroken. Otherwise a lot of people are saying 'don't leave wrestling'. For what should I continue? There is politics everywhere."
India's Recent Test Wins in Australia Intensified Rivalry: Usman Khawaja
India beating Australia in the last two Test series in the latter's backyard has made the rivalry between the two teams
Sri Lanka beat England by 8 wickets
Sri Lanka earned their only fourth Test victory on English soil after an unbeaten century by opener Pathum Nissanka helped the visitors secure an eight-wicket win in the third and final match of the series against England at The Oval here on Monday.
Jannik SinnerCarlos Alcaraz era begins with Sinner’s US Open triumph
more intense, feels senior batter Usman Khawaja ahead of the five-match battle beginning November 22. India had beaten Australia on their last two tours of Australia (2018-19 and 2020-21) with an identical 2-1 margin. In fact, India have won all the last four series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking into account their home wins in 2016-17 and 2022-23 -- both also 2-1 results in a four-match contest. "For Indians it's always been the case to beat Australia. And more recently, you know, since the rise of India and IPL and everything else that happened, it's the same way with Australia against India," Khawaja said.
Take a peek at Monday’s US Open final, and one finds that Jannik Sinner is an elegant shotmaker. Don’t be fooled by his mild manner or wiry frame, the purity with which the Italian strikes the ball, and the strength of his athleticism make for a lethal combination. He can unfurl unplayable forehand strokes, and in the same motion, pirouette into a defensive backhand slice.
From written off after being hit for five sixes to maiden Test call-up
Yash Dayal
In the recent past, the name Yash Dayal has been associated with a bowler who hid his face with a towel after he conceded five sixes, and failed to defend 28 runs in an IPL match.
On Sunday night he received a maiden Test callup as India announced the squad for their first match against Bangladesh. Yash Dayal’s first call was to his father Chandarpal Dayal and the words were: “It took me two years to get India call again. This is for a Test match, the format you love the most.” In 2022, the Uttar Pradesh bowler was picked for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh but was later ruled out due to a lower back issue. “I have played cricket at a competitive level, so I understand what it means for him. Now Yash Dayal doesn’t show much emotion, since he was hit for the
Yash Dayal's consistency and experience with the red ball helped him pip Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmad for the left-arm seamer spot and earned him his maiden Test call-up.
five sixes but if you ask him, playing Test cricket is like taking a dip in the sangam. It is the pure form of cricket,” Dayal Sr told. Back in 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rinku Singh had hit Yash Dayal for five successive sixes – the thrashing would give him and his family life-long trauma. Yash would be the target of trolls and meme-makers. Amit Pal, Yash Dayal’s childhood coach says that over has toughened him. “It was just not his day. But if every cricketer, who has played at that level have seen something like that in their career. Everyone remembers Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes and his all-round ability that helped us win the 2011 ODI World Cup, but the same cricketer was hit for five sixes by Dimitri Mascarenhas. Stuart Broad was the bowler, who Yuvraj hit six sixes, and he became one of the best Test bowler for England. Then Ben Stokes over against West Indies, where he was smashed for four consecutive sixes by Carlos Braithwaite.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Iconic firm Campbell Soup set to drop soup from name
Top executives at the 155-year old Campbell Soup Company plan to change the iconic firm's name to The Campbell's Company.
Chief executive Mark Clouse said the move aims to better reflect Campbell's growing product line, which currently also includes sauces, snacks and beverages.
Investors are set to vote on the name change at the company's annual meeting in November.
While canned soup remains a key part of the Campbell's business, the company has sought to adapt to a changing market by acquiring other businesses such as Rao’s sauces maker, Sovos Brands.
Mr Clouse said during the company's investor day. “But today, we’re so much more than soup.”
In addition to its most famous line of
“We will always love soup, and we’ll never take our eye off of this critical business,”
Apple banks on AI to boost sales of new iPhone 16
On Monday, the technology giant revealed its hand - the iPhone 16 which has a camera button on the outside of the handset.
The button is an external clue to the changes Apple said it had made inside its latest smartphone, aimed at harnessing the latest in artificial intelligence (AI). Apple's chief executive Tim Cook said the upgrades would "push the boundaries of what a smartphone can do" but the firm has tough competition, as other brands have already integrated generative AI features into their handsets.
EU facing existential risk without investment - report
The EU faces an "existential challenge" unless it vastly increases investment and reforms its industrial policy, a report ordered by the European Commission has warned. The wide-ranging and long-awaited review, which was led by former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, said the bloc must increase spending by €800bn (£675bn) per year or face being left behind by the US and China. European leaders were told they would be “forced to choose” between climate, economic and foreign policy goals if the EU does not become more productive. The stark findings were published days before the makeup of the new Commission - the EU's equivalent of a cabinet - was due to be confirmed.
products, Campbell's portfolio includes other offerings such as Goldfish crackers, Cape Cod crisps, V8 beverages, Prego sauces.Mr Clouse said Campbell will
only need its soup sales to remain stable for the company to meet its financial targets. Other executives noted, however, that soup sales are set to benefit from an aging population in the US, as older people are more likely to eat soup.
Campbell was the first company to sell canned soup more than a century ago.
The product served as inspiration for one of American artist Andy Warhol's most iconic pop art works. The company estimates its net sales will rise between 9% and 11% in its 2025 fiscal year.
Campbell's leaders expect its Goldfish crackers to be a key driver of growth and to ultimately become its largest brand by 2027.
Paul Marshall Acquires The Spectator for £100
British hedge fund founder Paul Marshall has bought The Spectator political magazine for 100 million pounds ($131 million), seller RedBird IMI said on Tuesday.
Million
The title, which is influential in Conservative circles and was previously edited by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was put up for sale alongside the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph in June after Abu Dhabibacked RedBird IMI was blocked from owning the newspapers by the British government.
Marshall, chief investment officer of the $66.6 billion global hedge fund Marshall Wace, will add the magazine, bought by his Old Queen Street Media vehicle, to his existing right-wing media outlets. He was one of the founders of news website UnHerd and a backer of TV channel GB News.
Boeing offers staff 25% pay hike in bid to avoid strike
Boeing is offering its staff a 25% pay rise over four years in a bid to avoid a strike that could potentially shut down its assembly lines as early as Friday. Union leaders representing more than 30,000 employees have urged the workers to support the proposal, describing it as
the best contract they had ever negotiated. If approved, the agreement would be an important achievement for Boeing's new chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, who faces pressure to fix the company's quality and reputational issues. Boeing workers in the Seattle and Portland region are set to vote on the deal on Thursday. If the deal is rejected, however, a second ballot will need to be approved by two-thirds of union members for a strike to go ahead.
In a video message to Boeing workers, the aerospace giant's chief operating officer, Stephanie Pope, described the proposal as a "historic offer". If ratified by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union, it would be the first full labour agreement between the firm and the unions in 16 years.
The current contract between Boeing and the unions was first reached in 2008 following an eight-week strike. The two sides agreed to extend it in 2014 and it is now due to expire later this week.
Apple Supplier Jabil Invests $238M in Tamil Nadu Plant
Electronic components maker Jabil will set up a manufacturing plant in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu with an investment of about 20 billion rupees ($238.2 million), the state's industries minister said on Tuesday. U.S.-based Jabil, a supplier to Apple, will base its plant near the city of Trichy as part of an agreement signed in Chicago that will create close to 5,000 jobs, Tamil Nadu Minister T R B Rajaa said on social media site X.
"India is emerging as a key manufacturing hub," said Matt Crowley, executive vice president for global business units at Jabil.
"Our expansion in India will enable Jabil to meet and grow with the future needs of our customers and complement our existing facility in Pune," he added, referring to the Western Indian city.
Uber Launches 'Uber Black' in Mumbai
Ride-hailing app Uber on Wednesday announced the return of its upscale 'Uber Black' category in India, starting with Mumbai.
The move is a step towards addressing the growing preference of Indian customers towards premium offerings and Uber's ability to deliver a new standard of on-demand mobility in premium cars, the company said in a release.
"Uber brings Black back to India... Reintroduces its high-end category starting with Mumbai," the release said, adding that Uber Black allows for a personalised ride with customisable features like quiet mode, temperature control, and help with luggage.
"We are thrilled to bring Uber Black back in an all new avatar to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers and introduce the business class of back seats on Indian roads," Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Paul Marshall
What makes Naperville Public Library the Best in the Country?
The city of Naperville in the Western Suburb of Chicago is known for its unique diversity. Home to some of the highest rating schools in the state, it is also known for its many ethnic restaurants, parks and places of worship! Home to a large and an ever-growing South Asian American population, Naperville has another jewel in its crown -- the best library in all of America. Literally a delight for book lovers, the Naperville Public Library was recognized as the top library in the United States for 2022 by “Library Journal” – A 148-yearold publication reporting news about the library world. The Naperville Public Library has earned the five-star library award consistently for 14 times ever since it was established in 2009. Not just this, the library was ranked number one in the country in its expenditure range ($10-$29.9 million) for the year.
If you are traveling towards the western suburbs of Chicago you must make a pit stop to check this book haven with an enormous stockpile of books of all subjects. What also perhaps sets Naperville Library apart is a host of carefully created activities and sessions that are engaging and veered towards the interest of library patrons of all ages. The Naperville Public Library has three locations – Nichols Library, Naper Blvd Library and 95th Street Library. This ensures that wherever you are in Naperville, you would have a library just a few short minutes away from you.
Local library goers confirm that the library’s play area for young kids, the youth programmes and adult activities are all well-loved by the community and for many families in Naperville a trip to the local library every other day is de-rigueur. During the early afternoon hours, moms like bringing their toddlers when the older kids are away to school. During late afternoon, the libraries are often visited by high schoolers looking
The Naperville Public Library has three locations – Nichols Library, Naper Blvd Library and 95th Street Library. This ensures that wherever you are in Naperville, you would have a library just a few short minutes away from you.
for latest study guides or catching up with friends over a group study session. Many Naperville residents also informed Hi India that the easy location of the libraries near other attractions such as riverwalk and downtown also means that the library is a local destination they like taking their out-of-country guests to as well.
To know more about the library Hi India Weekly caught up with Dave Della Terza, Executive Director Naperville Public Library
What would you think is special about the Naperville Library that it has consistently for many years been selected as the Best Library in the country. What sets it apart?
Dave: I think one of the most important aspects of Naperville Public Library that sets it apart is the overwhelming
community support. The residents of Naperville support and use the library in a way any organization would love to see.
Our door counts, circulation of materials, and program attendance are very high compared to most area libraries, so I think that’s a testament that what we provide is resonating with the community.
Our philosophy is to provide the community what they want and need, and I think our success shows that we’re doing that.
We also have 3 full service libraries in one community, so wherever you live in Naperville, you’re no more than 15 minutes from one of our libraries. I think that really helps increase our impact in the community.
Tell us about your association with the library, how long you have been there, your role and What changes you brought and what is your vision
Dave: I have been with Naperville Public Library for 17 years. I started
as a part-time Computer Lab Assistant when I was between jobs, looking for something to complement another parttime job I was getting. I quickly fell in love with public libraries and Naperville Public Library in particular due to the feeling of doing something good for the community and giving back. I was promoted to Computer Lab Supervisor in 2007, Naper Blvd. Library Manager in 2013, Deputy Director in 2017, and Executive Director in 2019. My vision is to carry out our purpose: “Naperville Public Library nurtures lifelong learning, fosters community connections, and provides equitable access to diverse resources in a welcoming and inclusive environment.” That means we need to offer excellent service, be adaptable to community needs, and ensure we offer a wide variety of services. I think with our increasingly digital society, people still need that gathering place as well, and the library is the perfect place for human connections.
Some of the things I’ve done that I am proud of include eliminating overdue fines, updating our marketing and communications strategy, and coming up with a robust strategic plan. And of course, I was very proud of navigating our library through COVID-19. I became Executive Director in 2019, so the pandemic happened within my first year. Having to pivot and learn how to run an organization while also navigating a pandemic was challenging, but I always kept a focus on providing what we could for the community while following best practices, and I had an amazing team
Zofeen Maqsood
Dave Della Terza, Executive Director Naperville Public Library
7 People Shot Along Highway In US' Kentucky, Suspect On The Run
Washington, United States: Kentucky police were searching rugged terrain near a national forest for a suspect after at least seven people were wounded by gunfire while driving down the rural stretch of an interstate highway, officials said on Saturday evening.
The incident began just before 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) about nine miles outside of the town of London, when officers responded to reports of gunshots directed at vehicles traveling on Interstate 75 in Laurel County. The shots came from a wooded area or an overpass, according to local media reports.
Mayor Randall Weddle of London, a small city of about 8,000 near the Daniel Boone National Forest, about 90 miles (145 km) south of Lexington, said in a post on Facebook that seven people were injured, including some who were shot. He said there were no known fatalities. Police offered no further details about the number or nature of any casualties. Weddle asked everyone in the area to "keep your doors locked while this guy is on the loose. A stretch of highway near the Kentucky shootings was closed but later reopened even though the suspect was still at large. About three hours after the shooting, the Laurel County Sheriff's Office named a "person of interest" who it said was "armed and dangerous" and
Continue from page No. 14
of staff to lean on.
Naperville remains a very diverse city in the Chicagoland area, with a lot of people from varying cultures and countries. Tell us about the library initiatives to make it an inclusive place for all
Dave: The fact that Naperville is a diverse community is what drew me to working at the library to begin with. I remember when I started, seeing how the library was a common place for so many people to come together; that was one of the reasons I really fell in love with libraries. We continue to ensure we are inclusive in many ways. First, we work with many community partners to provide programming and services. We have many different collections for different populations, including 10 languages in our World Language collection, large-print books, Braille books, electronic books, and so much more. We also provide regular programming in different languages. We offer a two Spanish and Mandarin Chinese Story times each month. We offer Dual Language Story times every month, where we provide a story time program in both English and another language. These programs foster inclusion for members of the community who speak those languages and also encourage the exploration of new cultures for members of the community who don’t speak those languages. We also have many programs for adults. For example, there’s the English Read Aloud Book Club, where anyone who is learning English can practice reading with a supportive
cautioned the public not to approach the 32-year-old man. "The below individual, Joseph A Couch, is a Person of Interest in the shooting that occurred at the Exit 49/ KY-909 area. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts or location of this individual, please contact the London-Laurel County 911 Center by calling 911 or 606-878-7000. ***DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH***.
Joseph A Couch is a 32-year-old white male approximately 5'10 weighing approximately 154lbs," police posted on Facebook. Agents, from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives have been called in to assist the Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement, the agency posted on X, calling it a "critical incident."
London is a small city of about 8,000 residents near the Daniel Boone National Forest, about 90 miles south of Lexington. The shooting comes days after two students and two teachers were killed, and nine others wounded, at a high school in Winder, Georgia high school. A 14-year-old student and his father, suspected of giving his son access to the gun used in the shooting, were charged in the shootings, which took place soon after the school year opened.
Ashfaq Syed, President, Board of Trustees, Naperville Public Library talks about his association with the library and why the library remains a beacon of pride for Naperville residents
Tell us more about your involvement with the library?
Ashfaq: I am honored to be serving on the Naperville Public Library board of trustees since 2020 and humbled to be reelected as the Naperville Public Library Board President for my second term in 2024. I am excited to embark on my year ahead to conceptualize and carry out numerous innovative activities to elevate the Naperville Public Library to new heights. The Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees is a governing board of community volunteers, appointed by the Mayor of the City of Naperville with the approval of the Naperville City Council. The Board is made up of nine Trustees who can each serve up to two consecutive three-year terms. The Board’s responsibilities include overseeing the Library’s budget and policies. since I have been on the Board, the Board helped oversee the elimination of overdue fines and the creation of a new strategic plan. I had also hosted Community Engagement Meetings with elected officials and community leaders at Naperville Library.
As a Naperville resident and an active community member why do you think this library had been able to create a space for itself.
Ashfaq: I have been a Naperville resident for eight years and my children used to go to 204 school districts, and they have used Naperville Library for their study time with friends and also to refer books. Naperville is a diverse community, and we continue to ensure we are inclusive in many ways. First, we work with many community partners to provide programming and services. We have many different collections for different populations, including 10 languages in our World Language collection, large-print books, Braille books, electronic books, and so much more. We also have many programs for adults. For example, there’s the English Read Aloud Book Club, where anyone who is learning English can practice reading with a supportive group.
What is your favorite feature/part of the library. What is it that you use most?
Ashfaq: I like the extended time, meeting rooms and large seminar halls for the community, I also like digital collections, Children, teen and adult events by Naperville Library. Naperville Public Library has been named the No. 1 Public Library in the U.S. in the 100,000 250,000 population category for the last 10 years and has been a beacon of pride to the entire community
Peter Nygard sentenced to 11 years for sexual assaults
Former fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years for sexually assaulting four women in Toronto, Canada from the late 1980s to 2005. The 83-year-old was convicted last November by a jury after he denied the charges.
Prosecutors sought a 15-year prison sentence for Nygard, arguing that he displayed a "pattern of behaviour" when he assaulted the women. His defence team argued for a sentence of less than two years, asking the judge to factor in his advanced age, declining health and the time he has already spent behind bars. The sentencing is not the end of Nygard's legal challenges. He faces separate sexual assault and sex trafficking charges in Montreal and Winnipeg as well as in the US. He has denied any wrongdoing and the other charges have not been tested in court.
Nygard's 11-year sentence will take into account the time he has already spent behind bars meaning he has more than 6 years left to serve.
group.
Naperville also has a very fast growing Indian/ South Asian population -- are there any programs promoting Hindi, Urdu or other languages from the subcontinent or any other cultural events promoting that demography too?
Dave: Yes, we offer our Dual Language Story times in many languages, and they have included Hindi and Urdu (and many other languages). Our World Language Collection also has 10 languages, with Hindi, Urdu, Marathi, and Tamil included. The other languages are Arabic, Chinese, French, Polish, Russian, and Spanish. We have also worked with outside groups, including Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, to provide programming. We always look to see what else we can provide to the community, utilizing data from the Census and the school districts, as well as requests from community members, to help us determine where we can focus. Another great program we collaborated with the City of Naperville on was the Embrace Naperville – The Power of Connection: AAPI Voices & Community program, which was a terrific panel discussion about the AAPI experience in Naperville.
Are there any special programs, initiatives, anything about the library or Naperville you want to tell us about.
Dave: If you can’t tell, I am very enthusiastic about library programs and services! I think that no matter who you are, there is something for you at our library. I encourage everyone to stop in and get to know our wonderful staff and you’ll find plenty to love about the library!
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Whatever you do, someone will always find a flaw
Actress Ananya Panday has been garnering praise for her performance in the Amazon Prime Video show Call Me Bae. Recently, Ananya spoke to Indianexpress. com about her character in the show and also about facing judgments as a celebrity. The actress also shared her take on whether women are empowered today.
In Call Me Bae, Ananya’s character Bella/Bae faces certain kinds of judgments at every step. When Ananya was asked if she has been in a similar situation in real life where there has been underestimation at every turn, the actress said,
Jigra : Alia Bhatt dons action avatar
Alia is back in the producer’s chair for the upcoming film, Jigra.
Directed by Vasan Bala, the movie, also starring Vedang Raina, is an action-packed prison break film featuring a doting sister who would go to any lengths to save her brother.
The teaser opens with a grim-looking Alia talking about having no one in her life except her brother, who is fighting a race against time.
“There is judgment and people say all kinds of things to all sorts of people. But I have realized over time to not pay heed to that because people will say whatever, no matter what you do, how you do it, they will find something negative to say at the end of the day. So I think it is about doing good work and focusing on that.”
At the show’s trailer launch, Ananya Panday was asked how important was it for her to make sure that her character did not come across as a bimbet. She said, “The first step for me was not to think of Bae as that. She has her vulnerabilities and flaws, so both Colin and I not judging her was important. As an actor, it was important for me to be fully convinced by what Bae was saying even though it might seem ridiculous to everyone around. I couldn’t make fun of her. I had to deeply believe what she was saying and I feel like on the surface Bae might look like something else, but when you get to know her, automatically that perception will be shaken off.”
Diljit Dosanjh joins Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan for ‘Border 2’
Actor and Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh has joined stars Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan for “Border 2”.
A motion poster shared by the makers started with a verse of “Sandese Aate Hai” from the 1997 blockbuster “Border”. It then had “The bravest come together for the biggest war” written after Diljit's name was unveiled.
“The battlefield grows mightier with Diljit Dosanjh stepping in alongside Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan on the frontline of Bhushan Kumar & JP Dutta’s Border 2 for the Anurag Singh directorial! #Border2 hits the theatres on January 23, 2026,” mentioned the makers. Sunny Deol took to his Instagram and welcomed Diljit on board.
Ananya Panday
Shilpa Shetty
Allu Arjun, Sneha Reddy And Family
Vettaiyan First Song Manasilaayo: Rajinikanth Rules The Dance Floor
New Delhi: The makers of Rajinikanth's upcoming film Vettaiyan released the first single, titled Manasilaayo, on Monday. This celebratory track, reminiscent of the hit Chumma Kizhi from Darbar, features a grand welcome for Rajinikanth's character, seemingly as he is about to take charge. The song's title is inspired by a popular line delivered by Vinayakan in Rajinikanth's previous film, Jailer. The late singer Malaysia Vasudevan's voice was recreated using AI for the track, with vocals provided by Yugendran Vasudevan, Anirudh Ravichander and Deepthi Suresh. The lyrics were written by Super Subu and Vishnu Edavan.
Akshay Kumar's Birthday Treat Bhooth Bangla - A Reunion With Priyadarshan
It's Akshay Kumar's birthday and fans can expect a new film announcement. Akshay Kumar didn't disappoint fans either and came up with a new horror comedy. Akshay Kumar is set to return to the big screen in the direction of Priyadarshan after 14 years.
The film is titled Bhooth Bangla and the actor also revealed the first look from the film. In the poster, Akshay Kumar can be seen posing with a bowl of milk as a black cat stands on his shoulder. Intriguing music plays in the background building an eerie
atmosphere. Sharing the motion poster, Akshay Kumar wrote, "Thank you for your love on my birthday, year after year! Celebrating this year with the first look of 'Bhooth Bangla'! I'm beyond excited to join forces with Priyadarshan again after 14 years. This dream collaboration has been a long time coming... can't wait to share this incredible journey with you all. Stay tuned for the magic!" The film will be jointly produced by Akshay Kumar's production house and Ektaa Kapoor's production house.
When Raj Kapoor admitted he was ‘never on beautiful terms’ with wife Krishna Raj
Raj Kapoor was only 21 when he got married to Krishna, who was only 16 at the time. The actor-filmmaker was yet to find fame, and was still in the early days of his career. In fact, his studio RK Films, where he made films like Awara, Barsaat, Shree 420, was also formed after he got married. Rumours of infidelity never left the Showman’s side. Nargis, who was his closest collaborator in those early days of RK Films, was rumoured to be in a relationship with him while he was married. He also had an affair with his co-star Vyjayanthimala. While Raj never left his wife, he also confessed that they weren’t on best terms, while admitting that he was not a ‘good family man’. In the book Raj Kapoor – The One and Only Showman, written by his daughter
Raj Kapoor and Krishna Kapoor's marriage went through many ups and downs, and they opened up about it in daughter Ritu Nanda's book.
Ritu Nanda, Raj said, “Though sometimes we don’t get along very well-we have never been on beautiful terms ever for that matter —we have always been together. And the credit is hers and not mine. I can assure you that she is a very kind and tolerant woman. And she has been a great daughterin-law to my parents, cared for and looked after them.”
Krishna was also “jealous” of all the female attention that Raj would get from his fans and his heroines. She is quoted in the book as saying, “Although he always treated me like a queen, I was very jealous when his fans and girls chased him. All this was too much for me to handle then.”
She also accepted that there was “turmoil” in their marriage and there were days when they didn’t talk to each other.
Kangana Ranaut Sells Controversial Pali Hill Bungalow for Rs.32 Crore
Amid the controversy surrounding her upcoming biographical political drama Emergency, actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has reportedly sold her bungalow in Bandra’s Pali Hill area, Mumbai, for a whopping Rs 32 crore, according to property registration documents reviewed by Zapkey. This property also served as the office for her production company Manikarnika Films.
Stree 2 box office collection day 25: Film surpasses Gadar 2 to emerge as third highest earner ever
This achievement also means that Stree 2 has surpassed Gadar 2 at the box office. Sunny Deol’s film had collected Rs 525.7 crore in India, whereas Stree 2 now stands at Rs 527 crore. Additionally, the Amar Kaushik-directed film has outpaced the Hindi version of Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, which had minted Rs 524.53 crore. With this, Stree 2 has emerged as the third highest Hindi earner ever. Reports also indicate that Stree 2’s worldwide collection has now reached Rs 759.30 crore. After surpassing Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein, which released on the same day as Stree 2, the film has maintained its dominance at the box office, enjoying an uninterrupted run.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Salman Khan Performs Aarti With Niece Ayat
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations At Mannat
Shraddha Kapoor
"India Must Rethink Production": Rahul Gandhi in US
Rahul Gandhi said there is no shortage of skills in India and the country could compete with China if it starts aligning itself for production.
Washington: India, the US and other countries in the West are facing the problem of unemployment while China isn't as it is dominating global production, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, underscoring the need to focus on manufacturing in India. During an interaction with students at the University of Texas in Dallas on Sunday, Mr Gandhi said there is no shortage of skills in India and the country could compete with China if it starts aligning itself for production.
India Ends Paris Paralympics 2024 With 29 Medals
The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 concluded for India on Sunday, with Pooja Ojha the final athlete in action. Ojha failed to qualify for the women's kayak 200m final and bowed out of the competition. As a result, India's medals tally at the Paris Paralympics ended at 29 -- seven golds, nine silvers and 13 bronze, making it the most rewarded campaign for the country. Courtesy of the 29 medals, India stood at the 18th position in the points table.
PoK Residents Should Join India, Unlike Pakistan: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asked the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to come and join India as "we consider you as our own unlike Pakistan which treats you as foreigners". He welcomed the "sea change" in the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, and said youths now carry laptops and computers instead of pistols and revolvers.
Hand over unified command to state govt: Manipur CM urges Centre
Imphal, Sep 8 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for the second consecutive day on Sunday met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya at the Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum urging the Centre to provide adequate powers and responsibilities to the elected state government as per the constitution by handing over ‘Unified Command’ to deal with the prevailing situation.
A top official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that the Governor would forward the memorandum, submitted by the Chief Minister, to the Central government for taking the necessary course of action.
Currently, Chief Security Advisor to the Manipur government Kuldeep Singh, who is the former Director
General of CRPF, is the chief of the Unified Command of all the Central Para Military and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), deployed in the state. Working under the advice of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Kuldeep Singh was appointed by the Centre soon after the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May last year. The CMO official told IANS on
Will Prove Him Wrong": Vinesh Phogat on Brij Bhushan's "Conspiracy"
New Delhi: Olympian Wrestler-turned politician Vinesh Phogat today suggested that everything former Wrestling Federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said has been proved wrong. His latest comments about her would prove no different, Ms Phogat said.
The former MP and Wrestling Federation chief had claimed that Ms Phogat's entry into politics -- with a Congress candidature from Haryana -- only proved that the sexual harassment allegations against him and the subsequent protest by wrestlers were engineered by the party as well. He also alleged that Ms Phogat violated rules in Olympics by trying out for two different weight categories the same day and hinted that her disqualification ahead of the final bout was a "result given by god". "Two BJP leaders had taken permission to sit at Jantar Mantar. He should look there. He would find all his answers," Ms Phogat told in an exclusive interview today. "As for Olympics -- look, nobody cares what he says. Think of what he said -- that he would hang himself if any woman came forward to accuse him. Many did. And what did he do? He said I tried to move forward by cheating. That i wanted to change the rules. That I do not want to compete at national levels or at trials. But I did compete nationally, I competed at trials, I went to Olympics, I qualified by myself. I have proved him wrong at every turn and will do so now as well, for whatever he is saying," she added.
2 Indian Kids Drown in NY, Father Stuck in India Over Visa Issues
It is the worst thing that can happen to a mom who was single-handedly taking care of her two toddlers while their father was stuck in India. Two little girls aged 2 and 4 went out of their home and fell into a pond nearby and drowned to death. The incident happened in Long Island, NY. Sudha Parimala Gali lives in Holtsville, Long Island, her two daughters named Ruth Evangeline Gali and Selah Grace Gali were found unresponsive in a pond.
According to authorities the officers responded to a 911 call from a family
reporting two missing girls from an apartment in the Fairfield Townhouses on Saturday afternoon. The girls slipped out of the house while their mother slept.
After the officers searched the complex, they found the girls in a pond. The kids were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
According to some accounts by friends posted on social media and a fundraiser organized by ChristForLife Church in Holtsville, NY, that the family attended, the father of the girls David Gali is currently stuck in India due to visa issues.
Family friends are trying to fundraise to help the family through funeral arrangements and are also trying to bring David back into the US on an emergency visa based on compassionate grounds.
Police are investigating the incident
condition of anonymity that the memorandum, submitted to the Governor by the Chief Minister also demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operation agreement signed with various factions of the Kuki militant outfits in 2008, protection of the territorial integrity of the state, completion of fencing along 398 km border with Myanmar at the earliest and conduct National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state with base year of 1961 and detect all illegal migrants and deport them.
During the meeting with the Governor, the Chief Minister was accompanied by state Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, a few Ministers and MLAs.The Chief Minister also met the Governor on Saturday after a meeting with the MLAs of BJP and other coalition partners at the CM secretariat.
"Truly Delighted": Rahul Gandhi Receives Warm Welcome in US
Texas: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi began his three-day visit to the US, arriving in Dallas, Texas, on Sunday, where he was warmly welcomed by members of the Indian diaspora and the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC). Taking to his social media, the Congress leader shared the pictures of his welcome and wrote, "I am truly delighted by the warm welcome I've received in Dallas, Texas, USA, from the Indian Diaspora and members of the Indian Overseas Congress."
India Squad For 1st Test vs Bangladesh
Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant made his return as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the first Test match against Bangladesh starting September 19. He will be making his return to Test cricket for India after nearly 20 months following the injuries suffered in a car accident. Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli,
Dayal.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Zofeen Maqsood
KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash
Pak National Arrested in Canada for New York Terror Plot
The 20-year-old arrested accused, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7, one year after Hamas' attack on Israel.
New York: A Pakistani national residing in Canada was arrested after being charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and alSham (ISIS), a statement by the US Department of Justice said. The 20-year-old arrested accused, Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, allegedly planned a terrorist attack in New York City around October 7 "with the intent of slaughtering in the name of ISIS, as many Jewish people as possible," Attorney General Merrick B Garland said, as per the statement.
"The defendant was allegedly determined to kill Jewish people here in the United States, nearly one year after Hamas' horrific attack on Israel. This investigation was led by the FBI, and I am proud of the terrific work by the FBI team and our partners to disrupt Khan's plan," FBI Director Christopher Wray said.
Panama Deports 130 Indian Migrants Under US Deal
Panama on Friday deported 130 Indian irregular migrants who had entered the country via the inhospitable Darien jungle, under a deal on repatriations signed with the United States in July.
This was the first such expulsion outside of the Americas under the deal, and the fourth in total.
Washington pledged $6 million for migrant repatriations from the Central American nation in the hopes of reducing irregular crossings at its own southern border. Panama's director of migration, Roger Mojica, told reporters the Indians were deported on a charter flight to New Delhi for "irregular migration." At the same press conference, US Security Attache for Central America Marlen Pineiro said Washington was "very grateful to the government of Panama for all this support," adding that "Irregular migration cannot continue."
Manipur Violence: 5 Dead in Jiribam After Bishnupur Rocket Attack
Manipur’s Jiribam district saw a fresh escalation of violence on Saturday with five people dying following clashes, news agency PTI reported.
After one person was shot dead in his sleep, four others were killed in subsequent exchange of fire between armed men of two warring communities, a police officer told PTI.
Militants entered the house of the person who lived alone in an isolated location around 5 km from the district headquarters and shot him dead in his sleep, he said. After the killing, a heavy exchange of fire broke out between armed men of the warring communities in the hills around 7 km from the district headquarters, leading to the deaths of four armed persons, including three hills-based militants, the officer said.
The attacks using these improvised rockets on Friday began in the early hours of the day in Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, at around 4:30 am, destroying two structures there.
Brij Bhushan Claims "Conspiracy" After Phogat, Punia Join Congress
New Delhi: Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh has claimed that Vinesh Phogat joining the Congress and getting a ticket to contest the Haryana Assembly elections is proof that the sexual harassment charges and the wrestlers' protest were a conspiracy against him by the party.
The former Wrestling Federation of India chief has also alleged that Ms Phogat violated rules by trying out for two different weight categories for the Olympics on the same day and hinted that her disqualification ahead of the
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia were at the forefront of the protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief, who had been accused of sexual harassment by some wrestlers.
final bout was a "result given by god".
Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who were at the forefront of the wrestlers' protests against Mr Singh last year, joined the Congress on Friday and, hours later, Ms Phogat was announced as a candidate from the Julana Assembly constituency while Mr Punia has been appointed working president of the All India Kisan Congress.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Brij Bhushan Singh said in Hindi, "When the protests began on 18 January, 2023, I had said on day one that it is not a protest by wrestlers and the Congress is behind it.
Biden Urges Assault Weapons Ban After US School Shooting
US President Joe Biden has called for a complete ban on assault weapons
Washington: A day after a shooting incident in United State's Georgia left four people dead, US President Joe Biden has called for a complete ban on assault weapons.Speaking at an event on Thursday, President Biden said, "I'd like to say a few words about the school shooting yesterday. As a nation, we cannot continue to accept the carnage of gun violence. I'm a gun owner. I believe strongly in the amendment. We need
While urging the US Congress to take strong action for gun control in the US, he reached out to Republican lawmakers, saying some of its leaders should "finally say enough is enough", adding that "We have to do something together. Let's ban assault weapons."
more than thoughts and prayers," CNN quoted the president as saying. While urging the US Congress to take strong action for gun control in the US, he reached out to Republican lawmakers, saying some of its leaders should "finally say enough is enough", adding that "We have to do something together. Let's ban assault weapons." Mr Biden further said, "I realise I'm in a rural area, like the rural parts of my state, where guns -- we all have them and it's not popular to talk about it, but the truth is, there's a difference between rational and irrational."
This comes a day after a person was killed and five others were injured in Bishnupur district as suspected militants fired improvised rockets at villages. The attacks using these improvised rockets on Friday began in the early hours of the day in Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, at around 4:30 am, destroying two structures there.
One should not claim himself to be god, let people decide: Mohan Bhagat
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said that "no one should declare himself to be god", which was seen as yet another effort by the Sangh Parivar head to obliquely slam Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim of being a "godsend".
"In our lifetime one should do good deeds without bothering about success or failure. Anybody can become a memorable person with his deeds. But whether we have been able to achieve that level, this decision should be left to the people," Bhagwat said. "One should not claim himself to be god. Let people decide whether there is god in you," he added, giving an example of Kane, who worked in Manipur towards children's education, as an ideal of selfless service.
Boeing's Starliner Returns to Earth Uncrewed
Boeing's beleaguered Starliner returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) without astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry E Wilmore. The gumdrop-shaped capsule landed gently at the White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico at approximately 0401 GMT (9:30 am), its descent slowed by parachutes and cushioned by airbags, having departed the ISS around six hours earlier. After years of delays, Starliner launched in June for what was meant to be a roughly weeklong test mission -- a final shakedown before it could be certified to ferry crew to and from the orbital laboratory.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
The "Nostradamus of US presidential elections"
Who Will Win White House Race?
New Delhi: Polls prophet Allan Lichtman, often called the "Nostradamus of US presidential elections", has predicted that Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris will win the race to the White House this year. Mr Litchman, who has correctly predicted nine out of 10 election results, said that Vice President Kamala Harris will beat Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump. To accurately predict who will occupy the Oval Office, Mr Lichtman has designed what he calls "13 keys to the White House," a groundbreaking method that revolutionized election forecasting. The keys, comprising a series of true or false questions, assess various factors such as party mandate, contest, incumbency, third party, short-term economy, long-term economy, foreign success, social unrest, incumbent charisma and challenger charisma.
New York police commissioner and other officials' homes raided
Federal authorities have raided the home of New York Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban.
"The Department is aware of an investigation by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service," the NYPD said in a statement to BBC News.
Other top New York officials appointed by Mayor Eric Adams - who has faced a corruption probe - saw their homes raided on Thursday, including First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III.
Article 370 Is History
Will Never Come Back": Amit Shah In J&K
Unveiling the manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Amit Shah has ruled out the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state, and said the provision has now "become history".
The restoration of Article 370, which was abrogated in 2019, has been promised in the manifesto released by the National Conference, which is contesting the elections in an alliance with the Congress. The Assembly polls will be the first since 2014 and are also being keenly watched to gauge how the people of Jammu and Kashmir feel about the removal of the provision.
If Vinesh Phogat wants to become 'Cong ki beti' from 'desh ki beti', what objection could we have: Anil Vij
Senior Haryana BJP leader Anil Vij on Friday took a dig at wrestler Vinesh Phogat over joining the Congress, saying what objection could they have if she wanted to become "Congress ki beti" from "desh ki beti".
He was asked about Phogat and another wrestler Bajrang Punia, both from Haryana, hours before the two joined
"J&K Transformed From Terrorist Hotspot Into Tourist Hotspot": Amit Shah
New Delhi: Union Home Minister
Amit Shah on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new era of peace and development under the Narendra Modi government and the
region has transformed from a terrorist hotspot into a tourist hotspot.
Heading to the poll-bound Union Territory, Mr Shah also said that during his two-day visit, he will launch the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto) and interact with the party workers at a 'Karyakarta Sammelan'.
"J&K is witnessing a new era of peace and development under the Modi government. The region has transformed from a terrorist hotspot into a tourist hotspot, with an increase in educational and economic activities," he wrote on X.
Mr Shah will launch the BJP's poll campaign and release its manifesto during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir beginning Friday.
India Now World's 2nd Largest 5G Mobile Market, Surges Past US: Report
New Delhi: India has overtaken the US to become the world's second-biggest 5G handset market for the first time, behind China, a report has mentioned.
Global 5G handset shipments grew 20 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024, according to the Counterpoint Research. Apple led the 5G handset shipments, accounting for more than 25 per cent share.
Apple led the 5G handset shipments globally, accounting for more than 25 per cent share, driven by strong shipments of the iPhone 15 series
Global 5G handset shipments grew 20 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of 2024, according to the Counterpoint Research. Apple led the 5G handset shipments, accounting for more than 25 per cent share.
and 14 series, reported news agency IANS. 5G handset shipments have been growing steadily and with the increased availability of 5G handsets in the budget segment, the emerging markets have witnessed high growth in this segment.
"India became the second-biggest 5G handset market during the first half, overtaking the US. The strong shipments from Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung and other brands in the budget segment were the main reason for this trend," said senior analyst Prachir Singh.
the Congress on Friday ahead of the Assembly polls in the state.
"... Agar woh desh ki beti sey Congress ki beti banna chaahti hai, to hamein kya etraaz hai (if Vinesh wants to become Congress' daughter from being the country's daughter, what objection can we have)," the former Haryana home minister said.
Congress Boosted in Haryana with Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia Joining
New Delhi: Shaking up the political landscape in Haryana weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in the state, wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have joined the Congress.
On Friday, Ms Phogat and Mr Punia, who are both 30 years old, met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence before formally joining the party at its headquarters in New Delhi.
China evacuates 400,000 ahead of super typhoon Yagi
China has evacuated some 400,000 people as one of the year's most powerful storms is expected to make landfall in the popular tourist island of Hainan later Friday, state media report. Trains, boats and flights in the area have been suspended for a second day, while schools remain shut in parts of the broader southern region as super typhoon Yagi closes in. Yagi has doubled in strength after wreaking havoc in northern Philippines early this week. It is currently packing winds of up to 240km/h (150mph) near its eye.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Polls prophet Allan Lichtman
India becomes world’s top plastic polluter
India is the world’s largest plastic polluter, releasing enough plastic waste into the environment each year to fill 604 Taj Mahals, according to a study released on Wednesday that has displaced China from the top position.Researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK have estimated that India emits some 9.3 million tonnes of macroplastic waste into the environment, over 90 per cent of it coming from uncollected municipal waste or waste burned at land disposal sites.
Malayalam Actor Accuses Director of Grooming
Her
as a Sex Slave Amid #MeToo
Chennai: The flood of sexual assault and rape allegations roiling the Malayalam film industry has found echoes in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, after popular actor Sowmya accused a Tamil director of horrific mental, physical, and sexual assault - including the insertion of a rod into her genitals as "entertainment". In an emotional but powerful interview with NDTV she spoke about being "groomed as a sex slave" by the director, whose identity she has chosen to withhold at this time. Sowmya said the man - who approached her, she said, with his wife and when she was 18 years old - inflicted mental torture by claiming her as his "daughter" and declaring he wanted a child with her. She said she would reveal the man's identity to the special police team formed by the Kerala government, which is investigating multiple cases of alleged sexual assault in Mollywood.
US, UK, EU to Sign First AI Standards Treaty: FT
The U.S., Britain and the EU are expected to sign the first international treaty on the use of AI that is legally binding, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. The three would sign the Council of Europe's convention on AI on Thursday, the newspaper said, adding that the convention was drafted for over two years by more than 50 countries including Canada, Israel, Japan and Australia.
Yunus: Sheikh Hasina Should Stay Silent in India Until Extradition
Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government, has said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina making political remarks from India is an “unfriendly gesture", asserting that she must remain silent to prevent the discomfort to both countries until Dhaka requests her extradition.
"If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh (government) wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet," he said.
In an interview with PTI at his official residence in Dhaka, Yunus, who was appointed the country's Chief Advisor after Hasina's ouster, stressed that while Bangladesh values strong ties with India, New Delhi must move “beyond the narrative that portrays every other political party except Awami League
as Islamist and that the country will turn into Afghanistan without Sheikh Hasina.” "No one is comfortable with her stance there in India because we want her back to try her. She is there in India and at times she is talking, which is problematic. Had she been quiet, we would have forgotten it; people would have also forgotten it as she would have been in her own world. But sitting
At Least 4 Dead In School Shooting In US's Georgia, Suspect, 14, Arrested
Washington: At least four people have died after a gunman opened fire at a high school in US's Georgia. Police and medics rushed to the school and the neighbourhood was put under "a hard lockdown". The suspect,a 14-year-old teen, is now arrested.
Local news reports suggest that there are some who have been injured and at least one person has been evacuated in an air ambulance. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation or GBI said it responded to the "shooting" at the high school. "At approximately 10:23 a.m., officers from multiple law enforcement agencies and Fire/EMS personnel
were dispatched to the high school in reference to a reported active shooting," the Barrow County Sheriff's office said in a statement.
Students were evacuated from the scene of the shooting and several were seen huddled at a field near the school. The Barrow County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the suspect has been taken into custody.
The shooter who opened fire inside Apalachee High school is believed to be a 14-year-old boy, a law enforcement source told CNN, adding that it is not yet known whether the teen attended that school.
'She is there in India and at times she is talking, which is problematic. Had she been quiet, we would have forgotten it; people would have also forgotten it as she would have been in her own world. But sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it'
in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it,” he said. Yunus was apparently referring to Hasina's statement on August 13 in which she demanded "justice", saying those involved in recent "terror acts", killings and vandalism must be investigated, identified and punished. “It is not good for us or for India. There is discomfort regarding it,” he told PTI. Following unprecedented antigovernment protests that peaked on August 5, Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India.
Trudeau Faces Setback as Jagmeet Singh Withdraws Support
In a major setback to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, key ally Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party has pulled out support for his minority Liberal government ahead of the general election next year. In a video message shared on social media, Jagmeet Singh said Mr Trudeau will not be able to take on the opposition Conservatives amid recent polls showing them securing an easy win in elections. "Justin Trudeau has proven again and again he will always cave to corporate greed. The Liberals have let people down. They don't deserve another chance from Canadians," Mr Singh said.
Taslima Nasreen Warns: Islamic Radicals Aim to Turn Bangladesh into Another Afghanistan
Expressing concern that Bangladesh might go the Afghanistan way, writeractivist Taslima Nasreen has said that Islamic radicals are brainwashing and indoctrinating youths to make them "anti-India, anti-Hindu and proPakistan".
Nasreen said she and others had initially supported the students' movement in Bangladesh against an "autocratic government".
However, the recent actions like violence against Hindus, targeting of journalists and the release of "terrorists" from jails showed it was not a students' movement but was "planned and funded by Islamic jihadis", she said.
"When students protested against the quota system in July, we supported
'When you brainwash youths, they would become a generation who are against Hindus, against India, against women and are proPakistan, pro-jihad, pro fanatics'
them... people who believe in women’s rights, human rights and freedom of expression.
"Sheikh Hasina was an autocrat who
always encouraged fundamentalists and curbed freedom of expression. People were angry with her,” she told PTI in an exclusive interview.
She said they had hoped that a fair election would be conducted to democratically form a new government.
"But afterwards we realised that it was not a students' movement. It was planned and funded by Islamist jihadis and banned terrorist organisation,” said the author, who had to flee Bangladesh in 1994 following death threats from Islamic fundamentalists and faced a ban on her books.
“We realised that after they started demolishing everything, all the statues, sculptures, museums. The way Hindus were attacked and killed, it was a nightmare.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
24 of the Most Powerful Life Lessons
If you are going to succeed in life, you have to learn life’s most important lessons.
There are some who are content to passively coast through, hoping they land where they need to be and know what to do when the time comes.
Here are 24 powerful life lessons that will happen to us, learn how they will be significant:
1. Make yourself necessary and you will always be needed.
If you want to feel successful, learn to create, innovate, or design something other people can use and need.
2. Your thoughts are like boomerangs. What you pass along to others is what will come back to you.
3. You are more defined by what comes out of your mouth than what goes in it. The way you speak and the things you say have power. Speech gives us the power to create or destroy.
4. The journey of your success will always begin with the small step of taking a chance. In business, in relationships, and in life, it all begins with a small step grounded in a desire to be better and do better.
5. Your education is never complete. Determine to live fully and continually learn. Prepare for what life has to teach by being open to the lessons in everything you do and experience.
6. Don’t allow the voice of your fears to be louder than the other voices in your head. Make sure the voice of reason, the voice of belief, the voice of confidence are all strong enough to drown it out.
7. A good reputation is more valuable than money. Your reputation is built on the foundation of your character; it entails the words you speak and the actions you take. Take care of your character above all other things and your reputation will take care of itself.
8. You never really lose until you stop trying. The words “I can’t” never accomplish anything. “I’ll try,” on the other hand, can perform wonders. Until you try you don’t know what you can do.
9. You get more by giving more. Success doesn’t result from how much you get but from how much you give. If you want an abundant life, give as much as you can. 10. Rule your mind or it will rule you. When you rule your mind by controlling negativity and doubt, you rule your world. The choice is yours to make every day.
11. Great heroes are truly humble. Most of us underrate the importance of humility. It’s an important skill because it keeps you teachable, regardless of how much you already know.
12. Defeat isn’t bitter if you’re smart enough not to swallow it. At one time or another we will all experience failure. In fact, the more we are willing to risk, the more we will fail. The trick is to think of failure not as the end but as part of
the process.
13. Your thoughts are powerful, make them positive.
To have a life that’s more abundant and more successful, you must think in the limitless terms of abundance and success. Thinking is among the greatest powers we possess, and it’s our choice to use it negatively or positively.
14. Forgiveness benefits two people — the giver and receiver.
The bravest and the smartest thing you can do in a bad situation is to forgive and move on. Don’t allow grudges and grievances to add to the weight you carry on the road to your own success.
15. The word “impossible” contains its opposite: “I’m possible.”
What’s impossible may be a matter of a limited point of view. Allow no limiting beliefs to restrict your outlook on life.
16. Preparation is a stepping stone to success. As the old saying goes, failing to prepare means preparing to fail. Success can be defined as being totally prepared.
17. You are constantly creating your own reality. Your reality is built out of your thoughts, so remember how much power you have. What you think, you become; what you feel, you attract; what you imagine, you create.
18. You are in control of your own heaven or hell. You’re the master of your own destiny. You may not always be able to control your circumstances and environment, but how you respond is always within your control.
19. Envy consumes itself. And if you give it a foothold in your life, it will take you with it.
20. You can become bitter or better as a result of your circumstances. Your attitude is always up to you. No matter the circumstance, remind yourself that you have a choice. It’s up to you to get the results you want.
21. Those who seldom make mistakes seldom stumble upon new innovation. Mistakes are proof that you’re trying, creating, exploring, and discovering. Every success story, every fulfilled life needs mistakes. We may think of mistakes as meaning you’ve done something wrong, but in truth they mean you’re doing something right.
22. It’s in losing yourself that you find yourself. The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are, and the second greatest is being happy with what you find.
23. When you’re facing the right direction, all you need to do is keep walking. If you’re lucky enough to know what you want, you can apply your passion and always love what you do. If you’re still working to discover what you want, keep exploring. Either way, stay persistent and determined.
24. Be grateful every day, because that’s the source of true power. The most important power lies in a grateful heart. Practice turning your thoughts toward appreciation and giving thanks, because that is where you will find your gifts, strength, and power.
Aries
Author Bio:
Chirag Daruwalla is the best celebrity astrologer who is one of the most famous names in the astrology world. Chirag Daruwalla has more than 18+ years of experience. You can ask for any advice related to career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage. He has complete knowledge, solutions, and guidance to all the problems related to life. If you want to avail his astrological services then you can visit his website chiragdaruwalla.com. For guidance on problems related to your life, you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/ Whatsapp: +91 8141566266 or also mail: info@ chiragdaruwalla.com
13th September 2024 to 19th September 2024
Ganesha says that the beginning of this week will be a bit busy for the people of Aries. At the beginning of the week, more hard work and effort will have to be made in solving the problems related to the workplace. During this time, due to not getting the expected support from seniors and juniors, the mind may remain a little sad.
Taurus
Ganesha says that people of the Taurus zodiac sign will feel sad at the beginning of the week due to a sudden big hurdle in some pending work. During this period, financial worries will arise due to the interruption of means of livelihood and spending money on unnecessary things.
Gemini
Ganesha says Gemini sign people will get many opportunities this week to move forward in life. However, to take advantage of those opportunities, you will have to manage your time and energy. During this period, you may have to travel long or short distances in connection with work.
Cancer
Ganesha says that the people of the Cancer zodiac sign will get full support of good fortune this week. Both seniors and juniors will be seen supporting you fully in the workplace. You will be successful in completing all the incomplete tasks on the basis of your hard work and effort.
Leo
Ganesha says that this week will be very successful for Leo. The week will start with some good news that will enhance your prestige. You may be honored at work or in society for some special work this week. There is a possibility of employed people getting transferred to the desired place or getting important responsibilities.
Virgo
Ganesha says that people of the Virgo zodiac sign should avoid doing any work hastily or under pressure this week. At the beginning of the week, the workload will remain a bit heavy, but your friends will prove to be very helpful. While making any
decision related to land-building, do take the advice of a well-wisher.
Libra
Ganesha says that people of the Libra zodiac may have to travel long or short distances in connection with careers or business at the beginning of the week. The journey will prove pleasant and profitable. During this period, friendship with an influential person will be of great benefit to you in the future.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that the people of the Scorpio zodiac will get less good fortune this week than expected. In such a situation, you will have to put extra hard work and effort into completing any task. There may be a delay in getting the desired success.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that this week will bring new opportunities in life for Sagittarius people. Employed people can get important responsibilities in the workplace. Due to this your respect will increase. Everyone senior and junior in the workplace will be seen appreciating your work.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn sign will get less good fortune this week than expected. At the beginning of the week, some problems related to home and family will become a major cause of your problems. During this, there can be a dispute with a brother or sister about something.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that this week is going to be full of relief for the people of Aquarius as compared to the previous week. If the tasks planned at the beginning of the week are completed on time, you will feel amazing confidence within you.
Pisces
Ganesha ays that this week has brought auspiciousness and good fortune for the people of Pisces. At the beginning of the week, if there is any major success related to career and business, there will be an atmosphere of happiness in the family. government.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
Cancer, as we all know, happens when there’s a change in or damage to genes in cells, which then cannot function normally or tell the cells when to start and stop growing. “That’s why cancer can be treated only one way, the right way, the very first time, to help patients achieve longer and better lives,” says radiation and medical oncologist Dr B S Ajaikumar.
And how best to do it ? “Get a deeper insight into the patient’s genetic make-up that can show why he/she has become resistant to certain treatments for cancer, then adjust therapies and stay ahead of the disease,” says the doctor who is making a strong case of genomics (the study of genes) to pave the way for precision and personalized medicine.
What is precision therapy in cancer?
Precision therapy, also referred to as personalized medicine, involves tailoring cancer treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. This approach uses a patient’s genetic makeup to guide the selection of targeted treatments, which tend to be more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional therapies. The goal of precision therapy is to target specific genetic mutations that are driving cancer growth, delivering the right treatment to the
Low-carb diets meet nutrient needs: Study
Low-carb diets can meet and sometimes even exceed one’s nutrient needs, according to a study that examined the scepticism around the nutritional quality of such diets.
Commonly recommended for diabetic patients to manage their sugar levels, low-carb diets restrict the intake of foods high in carbohydrates or added sugar, including sweets, starches, and refined grains.
While low-carb diets have been shown to provide health benefits, including weight loss, researchers said scepticism remains around the nutritional quality of low-carb diets. Some argue that cutting down on carbs leads to over-consuming protein or fat and under-consuming
Breakthrough in cancer treatment
How gene therapy can stop growth of cancer cells
right patient at the right time.
How can genomics improve personalized medicine?
Genomics is the comprehensive study of a person’s genes and their interactions. It helps identify the genetic mutations and alterations that cause cancer cells to grow and spread. Understanding these specific mutations allows for a more accurate selection of therapies that directly target cancer-driving genes while minimising harm to normal cells.
How can genomics help identify genetic changes that cause cancer?
Cancer is often driven by genetic changes like mutations, deletions, or duplications in specific genes. Genomic analysis enables us to sequence the tumor’s DNA and compare it with normal DNA to pinpoint mutations linked to cancer development. Once we identify these genetic drivers, we can target them with therapies. For instance, mutations in the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) or the ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene in lung cancer can be treated using targeted drugs like EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors or ALK inhibitors.
How can it help prescribe targeted therapies?
Genomics helps identify genetic alterations that make
cancer cells susceptible to certain drugs. Targeted therapies are specifically designed to work on proteins driving cancer. By profiling a patient’s tumor at the genetic level, we can prescribe therapies that directly address the cancer’s underlying mutations. Genomic testing may also uncover rare mutations for which existing drugs, already used for other cancer types, can be repurposed to treat the patient more effectively. How can genomics help in predicting the risk of cancer?
Genomic testing can detect inherited mutations that increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to elevate the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Early identification of these mutations allows for proactive monitoring and preventive measures, including surgeries if necessary.
But gene testing is not yet affordable or accessible?
Accessibility of the test is not an issue. But the cost is steep. As volumes increase, the cost will come down. The problem is not with the initial investment but reagent costs. Some validation studies are going on with in-house reagents. I hope in a few years this will be a routine procedure that can cost under Rs 10,000.
essential nutrients, the team, including researchers at the University of Vermont, US, said.
For the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, they assessed the nutrient adequacy of three different seven-day low-carb meal plans. Two were ketogenic diets – – one that averaged about 20 grams of net carbs per day, while the other averaged about 40 grams of net carbs per day. The third was a more liberal meal plan that contained an average of around 100 grams of net carbs per day.
“All three low-carbohydrate meal plans exceeded recommendations (US) for vitamins A, C, D, E, K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate and B12 in males and females in the age group of 31-70 years and exceeded calcium recommendations for adults in the age group of 31-50 years,” the authors wrote.
“Our findings suggest that, in addition to their well-established ability to support weight management, lowcarb eating patterns can actually help promote better diet quality and close
critical nutrient gaps,” co-author Beth Bradley, from the University of Vermont, said.
For certain sub-section of the population — such as younger women requiring higher amounts of iron or older people needing more calcium — the low-carb meal plans fall slightly short in a few nutrients, the researchers said.
Further, they found that two of three meal plans in the study — those containing 40 grams and 100 grams of net carbohydrates, respectively — also provided more than enough fibre for women aged 31-70 years.
While some low-carb diets are known to be also low on fibre, the researchers said the results do not support the idea.
“The idea that a low-carb diet must also be low in fibre is simply not supported by the data. High-fibre foods are actually an important part of a low-carb lifestyle, in part because fibre-rich food choices can help lower net carbohydrate intake,” Bradley explained.
“Non-starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and, in moderation, even higher-carb fruits, starchy vegetables and whole grains can contribute fibre to the diet while keeping overall net carb intake in check, especially in the more liberal low-carb approach,” the co-author said.
Strengthening Ties: Tamil Diaspora Hosts Significant Meeting in Chicago
CHICAGO, IL- In a landmark event for the Tamil diaspora, over 4,500 Tamils gathered at the Rosemont Convention Centre in Chicago to attend a grand meeting led by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Organized by the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board, the event celebrated Tamil identity, unity, and progress.
Mr. Karthikeya Sivasenapathy, Chairman of the Board, welcomed attendees, acknowledging the Tamil community’s significant contributions to Tamil
APEX
Accelerator Grand Opening & Small Businesses Networking Event
On September 19, the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) will host a soft launch for its APEX Accelerator Program at 1016 W Argyle Street, Chicago. The program aims to help underserved small business owners secure government contracts through skilled, multilingual advisors. Over 50 business owners, stakeholders, and leaders, including U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, will attend. The event, from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M., highlights CMAA’s commitment to empowering local businesses.
Nadu’s development. He emphasized the enduring connection between the state and its diaspora, saying, “Our shared heritage will drive future prosperity.”
The Honourable Chief Minister delivered an inspiring keynote speech, reflecting on his leadership and his commitment to Tamils worldwide. He stated, “I work for the well-being of every Tamil, be it in Tamil Nadu or here in the U.S. Together, we are building a future where Tamil identity is globally celebrated.”
Key officials, including Mr. Caldwell Velnambi and
representatives from the Chicago Tamil Sangam, attended the event alongside senior officials from Tamil Nadu. Mr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister and acknowledged the efforts of the Tamil diaspora, particularly praising their unity and support.
The event highlighted the strong cultural and emotional bonds that connect Tamils globally and reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to fostering these ties.
Pharmacists Convicted in $13M Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
OHIO- A federal jury has convicted four pharmacy owners—Raef Hamaed, Kindy Ghussin, Ali Abdelrazzaq, and Tarek Fakhuri—of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud. The defendants, all licensed pharmacists, were involved in a scheme that defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by billing for prescription medications they did not dispense. Operating pharmacies in Michigan and Ohio, their actions resulted in over $13 million in losses.
In addition to the conspiracy conviction, Abdelrazzaq was found guilty of two counts of health care fraud, and Fakhuri of one count. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charges, with additional penalties for health care fraud. Sentencing will be determined later. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Detroit Field Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The Justice Department’s Fraud Section, through its Health Care Fraud Strike Force, has been instrumental in combatting health care fraud since 2007, having charged over 5,400 defendants responsible for more than $27 billion in fraudulent claims. The announcement was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, along with other officials involved in the investigation.
Oakton College Wins Grant for STEM Equity and Leadership
Oakton College, in partnership with Northeastern Illinois University (NIU) and Chicago State University (CSU), has received a $500,000 NSF grant for a three-year initiative to promote equity and leadership in STEM. Focused on Black and Latinx students, the program will provide leadership training, mentorship, and learning assistant roles in introductory STEM courses. Using Tara Yosso’s community cultural wealth framework, the initiative aims to train 60 learning assistants, develop 90 student leaders, and boost success rates for underrepresented students. For details, contact Jim Rabchuk at jrabchuk@oakton.edu.
USA Film Productions Premiere of “RAJA 420” at Bensenville Theater
CHICAGO, IL-On Sunday, September 8, Ramesh Punatar of USA Film Productions hosted the premiere screening of the action-comedy film RAJA 420 at Bensenville Theater in Bensenville, IL. Approximately 150 guests attended the event to watch the highly anticipated film.
The movie received positive reviews, with many guests complimenting producers Anand Bhatt, Sean Patel, and Ramesh Punatar of USA Film Productions for their work. RAJA 420 was filmed entirely in Chicago and is presented in Hindi with English subtitles. The plot follows Raja, a hardworking immigrant from India, who starts a
new job as a driver for his distant uncle Nish’s transportation company. On his first day, Raja discovers that his client is far from ordinary. With his life taking
a dangerous turn,
a mysterious
named 420
survive the chaotic night ahead.
Notable guests at the event included
and film industry professionals from the Indian community.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Raja teams up with
stranger
to
Sunil
Shah, Hitesh Gandhi, and Shreedatt Vyas, the director of over 25 films in India. The premiere also attracted a variety of artists, actors, actresses,
(L-R) J.C. Kapoor, Minakshi Kapoor, Actor Apurva Sharma, Girish Ray & Usha Ray, Mehul Adhikari, Hemendra Shah, Hitesh Gandhi, Actor Producer Sean Patel, Sunil Shah, Actor Prashant Modi, Ramesh Punatar USA Film Productions, Naresh Shah, Altaf Bukhari National Promoter, Bharti Desai, Afsha, Sanskriti Sharma, Farhana Bukhari & Zahid Khan . Sitting in front actress Sachi Patel & actor Josh Patel
Illinois Secretary of Sate Giannoulias Launches Teen Organ Donation Initiative
CHICAGO, IL- Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched the Lifesaving Education and Awareness on Donation (LEAD) program, which allows high school students to serve as ambassadors for the Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Program. This initiative, in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), aims to combat a 38% decline in organ donor registrations among 16- to 21-year-olds over the past decade.
Students participating in the LEAD program can earn community service hours while promoting organ and tissue donation. The program offers various activities, such as hosting donor registration tables, writing newsletters, and organizing donor-themed events. Students who complete at least 20 hours of service will receive a certificate of achievement from the Secretary of
Akshaya Patra Raises over $600,000 At Annual Fundraiser Gala
Navin Goel
of youth involvement in spreading the message of organ donation, noting the program’s potential to create a lasting impact on future generations.
State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders praised the program for empowering students to make a difference while gaining valuable leadership and communication skills.
Beginning this fall, schools can implement the program with the guidance of faculty advisers and regional program coordinators, who will provide training materials and support.
Exceptional efforts by students will be recognized by the Secretary of State’s office.
More information on how to join the program can be found at LifeGoesOn. com or by calling (800) 210-2106.
CBP, USDA, IATA Launch Airline Recycling Program
IRVINE, CA – The Akshaya Patra Foundation recently hosted a charity gala at the Hilton Irvine, raising over $600,000 to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. Nearly 320 attendees gathered to support the cause, with notable contributions from philanthropists Rika and Manu Shah, who pledged to match donations up to $250,000. Their commitment was met with enthusiastic applause, and further encouraged by supporter Navneet Chugh, who motivated the audience for additional pledges.
The evening featured a raffle draw with prizes, including a Kobe Bryant jersey, and heartfelt speeches highlighting the critical issue of child hunger. Akshaya Patra’s CEO, Navin Goel, delivered a compelling address, emphasizing how hunger impedes education for millions of children in India. Many families, unable to afford two meals a day, often
send their children to work instead of school. For those who do attend, hunger hinders their ability to focus and learn. The organization’s mid-day meal
program provides a hot meal to over 2.2 million children in 24,000 schools daily, offering a lifeline to a better education and future. It costs just $20 to feed a child for an entire school year, though the generosity of attendees far exceeded this amount.
The gala’s keynote speaker, renowned chef Mary Sue Millikan, inspired the audience with a moving talk about the importance of feeding the hungry. Special guest Dr. Puja Shah, author of the novel For My Sister, also spoke about the bond between siblings and shared her support for the cause. The success of the gala was due in large part to Southern California chapter chairpersons Sonnal Ladvvaa and Parul Mehta, along with the dedicated efforts of volunteers.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by singers Rajeshwari Kulkarni, Sandeep Kulkarni, and Priya Mani, with Sunny Moza skillfully hosting the event.
Guests enjoyed a vegetarian dinner and snacks sponsored by several renowned Southern California restaurants, including the popular Badmash in Los Angeles.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced its participation in a new program allowing airlines to recycle single-use aluminum, paper, and plastic products used during international flights to the United States. This initiative aligns with CBP’s Green Trade Strategy, aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and green innovation. CBP, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will work with airlines and airports to establish recycling protocols based on available resources. APHIS and CBP will evaluate and approve airlines before permitting them to recycle on international flights, ensuring proper safeguarding measures are in place. Historically, the Regulated Garbage program required the incineration or sterilization of waste from international flights. This new initiative marks a shift, allowing recycling while still protecting American agriculture from foreign pests and pathogens.
The program is expected to significantly reduce waste incineration, with over 67 million pounds of recyclables generated annually by international passengers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling just 10 plastic bottles can power a laptop for more than 25 hours, underscoring the program’s potential for resource conservation and energy savings, further advancing sustainability in aviation.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
State’s office. Giannoulias emphasized the importance
Illinois Secretary of State Introduces LEAD Program to Promote Lifesaving Organ Donation Awareness
Rika Shah was honored for her philanthropic work and support of Akshaya Patra. Akshaya Patra’s CEO,
Charity Gala by Akshaya Patra Foundation to Combat Classroom Hunger and Malnutrition in India
(Photo Credit: Universal Weather & Aviation)
Medical Device Company Agrees to Pay $700K Over Inflated Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursements
NATICK, MA- THD America Inc., a Massachusetts-based medical device manufacturer, and its parent company, THD SpA of Italy, have agreed to pay $700,000 to resolve allegations of violating the False Claims Act. The U.S. government alleged that between 2014 and 2017, THD encouraged physicians to use incorrect billing codes to secure inflated reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid for its hemorrhoid removal system, the Slide One Kit. The device was used for a procedure called transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization, which was billed under a temporary “T-Code” for experimental procedures, often resulting in denied claims. To avoid denials, THD allegedly urged
whistleblower provisions by former THD America employee Amber Arthur, who will receive $115,500 as part of the settlement.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton emphasized the importance of compliance with federal healthcare billing rules, while U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron highlighted the ongoing effort to combat healthcare fraud.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) collaborated in the investigation, reinforcing their commitment to addressing fraud in federal healthcare programs.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations, with no admission of liability by THD.
with Congressman Anthony D’Esposito
India Caucus Membership Drive Committee Meets
NEW YORK, NY- The India Caucus Membership Drive Committee recently held discussions with Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, encouraging him to join the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. This bipartisan coalition of U.S. lawmakers is focused on strengthening ties between India and the United States.
Committee Chairman Varinder Bhalla, alongside prominent members Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, Sudhir Vaishnav, Hussain Baqueri, Gobind Munjal, and Gunjan Rastogi, briefed Congressman
D’Esposito on the history and importance of the Caucus. Hussain Baqueri underscored the significant growth in bilateral trade, noting a fiftyfold increase from $4 billion in 1993 to $200 billion in 2023. Sudhir Vaishnav highlighted the deepening defense and security cooperation between the two nations.
The Caucus Membership Drive Committee, formed at the suggestion of Consul General Binaya Pradhan, operates under the Indian American Voters Forum to increase India Caucus membership. The Congressional
Caucus on India and Indian Americans, founded in 1993 by Congressmen Frank Pallone (NJ) and Bill McCollum (FL), started with nearly 100 members and has grown into the largest single-country caucus in the House of Representatives with 142 members. “We aim to expand the Caucus to 200 members within the next two years,” said Dr. Nori. Congressman Tom Suozzi, who joined the India Caucus in July, is actively encouraging colleagues like Congressman Joe Courtney, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes from Connecticut to join the effort.
“Indo-American Votes Matter,” – New Campaign to Encourage Voters
The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) has launched a new campaign to encourage IndianAmerican voters to participate in the upcoming presidential elections. FIIDS is a non-profit institution for policy research and awareness. The aim of this campaign is to encourage IndianAmerican voters to vote. The campaign also aims to register at least one million Indian-American voters for the election. Indian-Americans, are now a community
of 4.5 million and have emerged as one of the most influential immigrant groups in the US. Even though, Indian-Amerocans still make just 1.5% of the population, their votes can be important as they can play a decisive role in the election outcomes particularly in swing states. FIIDS said in a statement, “Both Democrats and Republicans should recognise the importance of IndoAmericans as they are concentrated in critical races spanning states such as Florida, Georgia, Arizona, Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, and California.
Report Highlights Business Challenges in LA's Little Bangladesh
HiIndia Newsdesk LOS ANGELES, CA The South Asian Network (SAN) has published a market research report highlighting the challenges facing small businesses in Little Bangladesh, Los Angeles. Following a previous study on South Asian businesses in Artesia’s Little India, this report focuses on the struggles and opportunities for the South Asian business community in Little Bangladesh. SAN is urging local authorities, banks, and policymakers to provide resources to support these businesses.
The report reveals that 88% of small business owners in Little Bangladesh are of Bangladeshi origin, with others from Indian, Iranian, Latinx, and Nepali backgrounds. Many of these businesses, primarily familyowned, are struggling with cash flow issues and high-interest loan barriers. Additionally, 92% of business owners prefer conducting business in Bangla, pointing to a critical need for language-specific support. In response, SAN has launched the South Asian Small Business Program (SABZ), offering targeted assistance through capital access, technical training, and business planning. This initiative aims to address financial instability and provide the tools needed for business growth. SAN’s report also emphasizes the importance of community reinvestment and language access to support these entrepreneurs in areas such as financial planning and business management.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Kala Utsav 2024 Organized by The Consulate General of India, Chicago
CHICAGO, IL- The Consulate General of India highlighted the theme of unity in diversity and cultural pride with a vibrant display of performances from various cultural troupes in the US Midwest during its annual flagship event Kala Utsav 2024, held at the Yellow Box Theatre in Naperville. The event attracted nearly 400 attendees. The program commenced with the lighting of a traditional lamp by Consul General Somnath Ghosh, accompanied by Ward 10 Alderwoman Ms. Shweta Baid. In his opening remarks, Consul General Ghosh expressed gratitude to dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, Indian American organizations, friends of India and ethnic media groups. He emphasized the Consulate’s commitment to supporting and promoting Indian languages,
State Dept: EB-2 Visa Cap Reached for FY 2024
WASHINGTON DC- The U.S. Department of State declared that all available EB-2 visas for fiscal year 2024 have been issued. The EB-2 visa is designated for foreign workers with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities. Due to the annual caps imposed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), only 28.6% of the worldwide employment-based visa limit can be allocated to EB-2 visas each year.
As of now, the cap for 2024 has been reached, and U.S. embassies and consulates will no longer issue EB-2 visas until the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2024. Employers looking to hire foreign talent through the EB-2 program will need to wait until the next fiscal year to proceed with visa applications. This pause also gives workers time to prepare for the FY 2025 visa window.
cultures, and arts at universities and institutions where there is interest. While acknowledging that Kala Utsav alone is not enough, he noted that it aims to spotlight emerging youth and artists and that the Consulate plans to host more events and collaborate with various organizations to strengthen Indian-American cultural ties. Despite India’s vast diversity in languages, cultures, and religions, he underscored that its core strength lies in its unity in diversity. Alderwoman Ms. Shweta Baid also shared a few words during the event. The performances included: Kathak dance by Sargam Kathak School; Laavni Folk dance by Team Avishkar; Mohiniyattam classical dance by Bharathanjali School of Dance; Rajasthani Folk Dance by American Rajasthani Association; Kuchipudi by Aananda Dance Theater; Bhangra recital by Bhangra Rhymes Chicago;
Bharatanatyam dance by Nrithya Sangeeth; Margam Kali – Kerala Christian Traditional Dance by St. Louis Malayalee Association; Bharatanatyam fusion dance by Kalapadma Dance Academy; Odissi Classical by Aikyam ODC Chicago; Abhang – Abeer Gulal Udhalit Rang (Devotional) by Maharashtra Mandal Chicago; Kathak dance by Nritya Natya Academy Kathak Institute; Assamese Folk Dance by Borluit Chicago Bihu Husori Dol; Haryanvi Folk dance by Bolly Bhangra; Garba Raas by Nritya Rang. Ms. Prachi Jaitly was the emcees at the event. All the performing artistes were given certificates in appreciation of their performances. Some members of the Indian diaspora i.e. Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, Mr. Chetan Notaria sponsored refreshments and Mr. Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan helped in design of fliers.
FBI Atlanta Statement on Incident at Apalachee High School
ATLANTA, GA- FBI Atlanta responded earlier today to Apalachee High School following reports of an active shooter. Throughout the day, FBI personnel have been coordinating with and supporting local and state law enforcement. The FBI will dedicate all available resources, as requested, to seek justice and bring closure for the victims and their families. In May 2023, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received several anonymous tips about online threats to commit a school shooting at an unidentified location and time. The online threats contained photographs of guns. Within 24 hours, the FBI
Panchatantra: A Dance Drama of Ancient Lore Graces the Stage in California
Captivating Performance of 'Panchatantra: Dances of the Lore' by
Charulatha Jayaraman and Shrishti Students
IRVINE, CA – Over Labor Day weekend, the Portola High School Theatre became the stage for an enchanting dance drama, Panchatantra: Dances of the Lore, presented by Charulatha Jayaraman and her students at Shrishti. The production masterfully brought to life the timeless Panchatantra tales, showcasing the performers’ collective and individual talents.
determined the online post originated in Georgia, and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office referred the information to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for action. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office located a possible subject, a 13-year-old male, and interviewed him and his father. The father stated he had hunting guns in the house, but the subject did not have unsupervised access to them. The subject denied making the threats online. Jackson County alerted local schools for continued monitoring of the subject. At that time, there was no probable cause for arrest or to take any additional law enforcement action on the local, state, or federal levels.
Choreographed with exceptional creativity, the performance highlighted the artistic director Jayaraman’s ability to animate the many characters of the Panchatantra alongside her students. The pacing was finely tuned, striking a harmonious balance between narrative storytelling and the moral lessons embedded within each tale. This equilibrium between showing and telling allowed the audience to connect deeply with the performance, enriching their experience as “sahridaya rasikas” (empathetic spectators). The vibrantly designed backdrops added to the storytelling, perfectly capturing the setting of each scene. Complementary music heightened the emotional and visual intensity, ensuring a dynamic interaction between the dancers and the audience.
The choreography cleverly blurred the distinctions between humans and animals, weaving together a visual continuum of “hum-animals” that deepened the audience’s connection to the stories. With five tales presented in five different languages, the production was accessible and engaging for people of all ages.
Memorable characters like the clever crows, fierce lion, cute rabbit, loyal mongoose, and the silly monkey left a lasting impression, making Panchatantra: Dances of the Lore a truly enjoyable and captivating experience for all who attended.
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
HiIndia Newsdesk
Two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School were shot dead
Indian male, 44 yr, Ht- 5’-10”, Computer programming, IFM Light maintenance specialist at Cushman & Wakefield at Cargill Wahpeton, ND, looking for suitable match. For matrimonial correspondence please contact Call: 320-563-8236
Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with: MATRIMONIAL
Gujarati Patel family invites matrimonial correspondence for their Son, 37 years, Divorced, No kids, holds a business degree, currently in Hotel Business in Chicago area. The family is seeking a suitable match for him. Call: 630-957-8180 Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:
Parents invite alliance for Physician daughter, 37 years, 5’7” tall, sleek and beautiful. US born and raised. Seeking a well-educated groom brought up in the US. Please send bio-data and recent pictures.
with:
drmony008@gmail.com
Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:
Gujarati (Darji) 46 years, Ht 5’-5”, owner of Convinence store and house in Austin, TX, Devorcee, no childrens, invites matrimonial corrosspondance form suitable Gujarati match. Caste no bar. Please send biodate and recent picture at: P.O.BOX 11912, Austin, TX 78653