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Prosecutors
US charges Indian billionaire with fraud
Prosecutors alleged the tycoon and other senior executives had agreed to the payments to Indian officials to win contracts for his renewable energy company expected to yield more than $2bn in profits over 20 years.
Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been charged with fraud in the US, which has accused him of orchestrating a $250m (£198m) bribery scheme and concealing it to raise money in the US. The criminal charges, filed on Wednesday in New York, are the latest blow to 62-year-old Mr Adani, one of India's richest men, whose business empire extends from ports and airports to renewable energy. In the indictment, prosecutors alleged the tycoon and other senior executives had agreed to the payments to Indian officials to win contracts for his renewable energy company expected to yield more than $2bn in profits over 20 years.
The Adani Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The conglomerate has been operating under a cloud in the US since 2023, when a high-profile company published a report accusing it of
fraud. The claims, which Mr Adani denied, prompted a major market sell-off.
Reports of this bribery probe have been circling for months. Prosecutors said the US started investigating the company in 2022, and found the inquiry obstructed. They allege that executives raised $3bn in loans and bonds, including from US firms, on the backs of false and misleading statements related to the firm's antibribery practices and policies, as well as reports of the bribery probe.
“As alleged, the defendants orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bribe Indian government officials to secure contracts worth billions of dollars and... lied about the bribery scheme as they sought to raise capital from U.S. and international investors,” US Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement announcing the charges.
“My office is committed to rooting out corruption in
Texas offers Trump land for migrant 'deportation facilities'
Texas authorities say they are prepared to offer President-elect Donald Trump 1,400-acres (567 hectares) of land along the US-Mexico border to build detention facilities for undocumented migrants.
In a letter, the Texas General Land Office said the plot could be used to build facilities for "processing, detention, and co-ordination of the largest deportation of violent criminals in the nation's history".
Trump has repeatedly pledged to deport millions of undocumented migrants
and mobilise the National Guard to help carry this out. His plan, however, is likely to face enormous financial and logistics hurdles, as well as immediate legal challenges from rights groups.
The letter, published online and sent to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, notes that the owner of the recently purchased land had refused to allow a border wall to be built there and "actively blocked law enforcement" from accessing it.
"Now it's essentially farmland, so it's flat, it's easy to build on. We can very easily put a detention centre on there,"
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said in an interview with Fox News, which first reported the offer.
The state government in Texas, which launched its own unilateral border security operation after Trump left office, has been broadly supportive of Trump's promises to strengthen the US-Mexico border.
the international marketplace and protecting investors from those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the integrity of our financial markets,” he added. On several occasions Mr Adani met personally with government officials to advance the bribery scheme, officials said.
Mr Adani is a close ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has long faced claims from opposition politicians alleging that he has benefited from his political ties, which he denies.The US Attorney positions in the US are appointed by the president. The filing comes just weeks after Donald Trump won election to the White House, pledging to overhaul the US Justice Department.
Last week on social media, Mr Adani congratulated Trump on his election win and pledged to invest $10bn in the US.
Las Vegas man who called 911 for help killed by police in his home
A 43-year-old father was fatally shot by police in Las Vegas after he called 911 for help while fighting off an intruder in his home. The family of Brandon Durham, including his 15-year-old daughter who was hiding in a nearby room when her father was killed, have asked for the officer to be fired.
Mr Durham's teenage daughter said she was "disgusted" with Las Vegas police as they treated him like "the suspect" not "the victim". A lawyer for Alexander Bookman, the officer who shot Mr Durham, said he committed no crimes.
The incident last week brought police shootings back into the spotlight,
occurring just days before the Justice Department opened an investigation into the death of Sonya Massey, who was fatally shot in July by an officer inside her home in Illinois.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said Mr Bookman, 26, had been placed on paid administrative leave while they conduct an internal review of the 12 November incident.
Mr Durham had called 911 to report that two people were shooting outside and were trying to break into his home, police said in a press statement.
Officers responding to the report found cars with broken windows outside.
They also noticed damage to the house and heard yelling from inside, police said, prompting Mr Bookman to kick down the front door to enter.
Body camera footage released by the police shows Mr Bookman walking through the home with his gun drawn, while screaming and banging can be heard out of view.
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News Courtesy BBC
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New York's First Drought Warning In 22 Years As City Faces Water Crisis
New York City has declared its first drought warning in 22 years, responding to a severe lack of rainfall and a series of brush fires that plagued the Northeast this autumn. The city's longest recorded rainless streak has prompted Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to elevate a drought watch initially issued on November 2.
Mayor Adams told NBC News, “It's hard to believe that we'd be talking about brush fires and droughts in New York City. Our reservoirs are nowhere near where they should be, and our city and watershed continue to experience significant precipitation shortages.”
Officials said New York City's water supply required nearly eight inches of rain to return to normal levels.
The drought warning comes after a dry spell significantly impacted the
city's water supply. As of now, New York City's reservoirs are at 60.1 per cent of their capacity, a stark drop from the usual 79 per cent at this time of year, according to a report in NBC
Trump Appoints WWE's Linda McMahon as Education Chief
Washington, United States: Donald Trump nominated Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, on Tuesday to lead the Department of Education, which he has pledged to abolish.
Biden agrees to give Ukraine anti-personnel mines
US President Joe Biden has agreed to give Ukraine anti-personnel land mines, a US defence official told the BBC, a move seen as an attempt to slow Russian troops who have been steadily advancing in Ukraine's east in recent months.
The official, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, said such mines would be delivered soon and Washington expected that they would be used on Ukraine's territory. Ukraine was also committed to not using the mines in densely-populated areas, the official said.
Describing McMahon as a "fierce advocate for Parents' Rights," Trump said in a statement: "We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort."
McMahon is a co-chair of Trump's transition team ahead of his return to the White House in January. It is tasked with filling some 4,000 positions in the government. Regarding McMahon's experience in education, Trump cited her two-year stint on the Connecticut Board of Education and 16 years on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic school.
News. “Over the last 10 weeks, we have had 8.23 inches less rain than in the average year,” Rohit Aggarwala, commissioner at NYC's Department of Environmental Protection, told NBC
Los
Angeles
News. Mr Aggarwala added, “This drought has come on fast, it has come on furious, and that's why the last six weeks have been the driest on record.”
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State, said she was “declaring a statewide drought watch because of a historic shortage of rainfall.”
A drought warning is the second stage of New York City's water conservation system, following a drought watch. If conditions worsen, the city could enter a drought emergency and enforce stricter water conservation measures, including restrictions on its use, higher rates, and limitations on restaurant water service and decorative fountains.
The drought warning comes at a time when the region is grappling with numerous brush fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. New York City has seen a record 271 brush fires in the first two weeks of November.
declares itself an immigration 'sanctuary'
Los Angeles, the second largest US city, is setting itself up for a standoff with President-elect Donald Trump over immigration.
On Tuesday, its city council passed a "sanctuary city" ordinance to bar using local resources to help federal
Logan Paul accused of misleading fans over crypto investments
Logan Paul, the massively popular social media personality, is facing fresh questions over his cryptocurrency dealings amid ongoing concerns he may have profited from misleading fans.
The BBC has seen new evidence suggesting he promoted investments without revealing he had a financial interest in them.
The influence of Paul - whose YouTube
channel has more than 23 million followers - appears to have caused prices in these investments to spike, leading to suggestions he could have profited from sales of any tokens he held.
Paul also currently faces a multimillion-dollar lawsuit over a failed crypto project called CryptoZoo. He denies any wrongdoing.
The BBC has discovered that shortly before Paul tweeted about a particular crypto coin in 2021, an anonymous crypto wallet with close connections to his public wallet had traded in the coin. That anonymous wallet went on to make a $120,000 (£92,000) profit.
Crypto wallets (which can be physical devices or an online service) hold users' keys to their accounts, and let people send, receive and spend crypto.
Our finding comes after Time Magazine reported similar activity involving a different cryptocurrency and another anonymous wallet.
immigration authorities.
LA's public school system also reaffirmed itself as a "sanctuary" for undocumented immigrants and LGBTQ students in a series of emergency resolutions. Trump, who will be sworn in in two months, has promised mass deportations once he returns to the White House. His chosen "border czar", Tim Homan, has urged sanctuary cities to "get the hell out of the way" of federal immigration crackdowns. The term "sanctuary city" has been popular in the US for more than a decade to describe places that limit their assistance to federal immigration authorities.
'Bomb cyclone' to bring rain, snow and winds to US northwest
A storm developing off the coast of the US northwest is forecast to bring high winds, flooding and snow to over seven million residents living in states along the Pacific Ocean.
It started impacting the region Tuesday and is expected to worsen through the end of the week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Beyond wind, rain and snow, the storm could also bring flash flooding, rock slides and debris flows as well as heavy mountain snow and blizzard conditions in areas of high elevation.
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India Rejects Canada's Nijjar Murder Claims
New Delhi: India on Wednesday strongly trashed as "smear campaign" a Canadian media report that claimed that the Indian prime minister was aware of the alleged plot to kill Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Referring to the report quoting an unnamed official, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said such "ludicrous statements" should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.
"We do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper
U.S. Blocks U.N. Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
The
immediate
20, 2024) because it is not linked to an immediate release of hostages taken captive by Hamas in Israel in October 2023.
Rare Painting Sells for $121M, Sets Surreal Art Record
New York: A painting by the 'Master of Surrealism' Rene Magritte has smashed the auction record for any of his works by selling for an astonishing $121 million at a Christie's auction in New York on Tuesday.
The piece of art, titled 'L'empire des lumieres' or 'The Empire of Light' brilliantly juxtaposes night and day. While Magritte depicts the skies above as a bright, sunny, spring-summer day, he paints a grim, damp, suspenseful, almost-eerie streetscape covered in inscrutable darkness and shadow; with a solitary street lamp lighting up the side facade of what seems like a traditional English manor and its reflection in a puddle of water left after a recent drizzle.
purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve," he said. "Smear campaigns like this only further damage our already strained ties," he said.
Jaiswal was responding to media queries regarding the report in Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. In the report, the newspaper cited inputs from a senior national security official.
The report claimed the Indian national security advisor and the external affairs minister were also in the loop of the plot. Nijjar was gunned down on Canadian soil last year.
Several exit polls give edge to BJP-led alliances in Maharashtra, Jharkhand
Several exit polls on Wednesday gave a clear edge to the Bharatiya Janata Partyled alliances in the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, while some projected that the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition may emerge on top in Maharashtra. In the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, 145 is the majority mark, while it is 41 in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. The BJP-ShivSena-Nationalist Congress Party alliance is in power in Maharashtra, while the Jharkhand Mukti MorchaCongress is ruling in Jharkhand.
PM Modi
In Maharashtra, the P-MARQ exit polls predicted 137-157 seats, with 42% vote share, for the ruling Mahayuti alliance and 126-146 seats, with 41% vote share,
Receives Dominica's Highest National Honour
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Georgetown: Dominica has conferred its top award on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his contributions to the Caribbean nation during the COVID-19 pandemic and his dedication to enhancing the bilateral partnership
between India and Dominica.
The prime minister, who is in Guyana on the last leg of his three-nation visit, was conferred the "Dominica Award of Honour" by President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica during the IndiaCARICOM Summit here on Wednesday.
"Honoured to be conferred with highest national award by Dominica. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India," Modi said in a post on X.
"The award is a recognition of PM's statesmanship and contribution to Dominica during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to strengthening India-Dominica ties," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a post on X.Guyana and Barbados will also confer their top awards on Prime Minister Modi, bringing his tally of international honours to 19.
Migrants Depart From Mexico Hoping To Reach US Before Trump Takes Office
Trump -- who has vowed massive deportations -- takes office in January. The group of about 1,500 people set out from Tapachula in southern Mexico in the early morning hours for a walk of some 2,600 kilometers (over 1,600 miles).
"My mentality is to get there, I want my (asylum) appointment before he (Trump) takes power," Colombian Yamel Enriquez told AFP."If I don't get the appointment before, I will give myself over to whatever God wants."
for the MVA. It gave two to eight seats to others. The Matrize exit poll predicted 150-170 seats, with 48% vote share, for the Mahayuti, and 110-130 seats, with 42% vote share, to the MVA. It gave eight to 10 seats, with 10% vote share, to others. According to Electoral Edge, the MVA is likely to win 150 seats and the Mahayuti 118 seats, while others could bag 20 seats. Poll Diary predicted 122-186 seats for the Mahayuti, 69-121 for the MVA, and 10-27 seats for others, while Chanakya Strategies said the Mahayuti could come back to power with 152-160 seats, and the MVA would get 130-138 seats.
India-Pakistan Clash Looms Over IPL, Champions Trophy Tensions
With next year's Pakistan Super League dates likely to clash with the Indian Premier League 2025, the franchise owners of PSL have asked the country's cricket board to provide them clarity on the availability of foreign players for the competition. A well-informed source close to the PSL franchise owners said that they have written a letter to the new PSL Director Salman Naseer, asking him to convene a meeting soon to address their concerns.
“The owners want the PCB to give them clarity which players would be available for the PSL if the IPL is also being held at the same time and also about broadcasting schedules,” the source told PTI.
“The owners are worried because of lack of clarity. The England and Wales Cricket Board and some other boards are talking about restrictions on their players playing in leagues so they want clarity ahead of the PSL players draft."
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United States vetoed a U.N. resolution demanding an
ceasefire in the war in Gaza on Wednesday (November
Tapachula: Hundreds of migrants left the Mexican city of Tapachula on foot Wednesday, aiming to arrive at the US border before President-elect Donald
'Never': Jimmy Lai denies foreign collusion in landmark trial
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Jimmy Lai, one of Hong Kong's most influential pro-democracy figures, has testified in court for the first time in a national security trial that may see him sentenced to life in jail.
The 76-year-old founder of the nowdefunct Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily has been accused of colluding with foreign forces.
But Lai told the court on Wednesday that he had "never" used his foreign contacts, which include ex-US VP Mike Pence and former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen, to influence foreign policy on Hong Kong.
Lai is already serving prison sentences for a range of offences for his alleged role in pro-democracy protests in 2019, which led to China imposing a sweeping national security law (NSL) in the city. His hearing comes one day after the
Higher energy bills push UK inflation to 2.3%
A rise in energy prices pushed UK inflation to its highest rate for six months, official figures show.
The inflation rate, which measures price changes over time, hit 2.3% in the year to October, a bigger-than-expected increase from 1.7% in September.
Annual gas and electricity bills for a typical household went up by about £149 last month, but prices are rising much more slowly than in recent years. However, the rate, which is closely monitored to determine interest rates, is now back above the Bank of England's 2% target.
Ugandan Opposition Leader Tried After Kenya Expulsion
The wife of Ugandan opposition figure
Kizza Besigye says he has been kidnapped in neighbouring Kenya and sent back home where he is being held in a military jail.
In a post on X, Winnie Byanyima wrote that her husband had been seized in Kenya's capital Nairobi last Saturday during a book launch event.
"I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala," she said, demanding that the government of Uganda release her husband.
Army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told the Uganda Radio Network agency that he would be arraigned at a court later.
sentencing of 45 pro-democracy campaigners - part of a group known as the Hong Kong 47.
Sporting a brown jacket and glasses, Lai smiled and waved to his family and the public as he entered the courtroom,
looking in good spirits, though he appeared to have lost weight since his arrest several years ago. Outside the court, dozens of people waited in line to show their support for the media mogul.
Palestinian Olive Harvest Threatened
Harvesting olives is an age-old ritual and also an economic necessity for many Palestinians, but, according to the UN, it is increasingly precarious. Farmers across the West Bankinternationally regarded as Palestinian land occupied by Israel - face heightened risks, like organised attacks by Israeli settlers seeking to sabotage the olive harvest, along with the use of force by Israeli security forces to block roads and Palestinians' access to their lands.
“Last year we couldn’t even harvest our olives, except for a very small amount,” says Omar Tanatara, a farmer from the village of Umm Safa.
Rule Again"
Netanyahu Makes Rare Gaza Visit, Says "Hamas Will Never
Tel Aviv:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare visit to Gaza on Tuesday where he said Hamas shall never rule the Palestinian enclave again once the war is over. He also reaffirmed his pledge to annihilate the militant group and said that the Israeli armed forces have destroyed Hamas's military
capabilities thoroughly.
Mr Netanyahu, seen in a battle vest and a ballistic helmet, stood at a seaside location in Gaza and recorded a video where he said "Hamas shall not return" and spoke about the Israeli hostages still in captivity.Prime Minister Netanyahu said that the search for the remaining 101 Israeli hostages still missing in Gaza will continue.
Netanyahu: $5M Reward per Hostage
Israel will pay $5 million to any Gaza resident who returns a hostage plus safe passage out of the war-ravaged territory, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday.
“To those who want to leave this entanglement I say: Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way out for himself and his family,” the prime minister said. “We will also give $5 million for every hostage. Choose. The choice is yours, but the result will be the same. We will bring them all back.” It's the latest twist in Netanyahu's frustrated attempts to deliver on pledges to the families of hostages to bring home those seized when Hamas militants attacked Israel more than a year ago.
Italy, Japan, UK To Invite More Countries
To Co-Develop
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
A potential plan to bring in more nations on board the ambitious 6thgeneration GCAP jet fighter project was discussed today when the leaders of Italy, Japan and Britain met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday.
Italy, UK and Japan had signed an agreement in December 2022 to collaborate an manufacture an advanced front-line fighter jet to enter service by 2035.
Earlier this month UK PM Keir Starmer and his cabinet gave the approval for the Global Combat Aircraft Programme or
6th-Gen Fighter Jet
GCAP. The GCAP programme aims to counter a rising threat from Russia and China. The project will merge two different military programs - UK and Italy's Tempest Project Prime Minister Meloni held a meeting on Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Rio
de Janeiro where the three leaders discussed various aspects of the project, including bringing in new members on board for the project.
"They agreed on the importance of the project continuing to move forward expeditiously, reaffirming their common intent to further strengthen the ongoing collaboration," the statement said.
The final cost of the multi-billion-dollar project is not known yet, but the target to develop and commission the stealth fighter jet has been set for 2035. The project is being jointly developed by British aircraft manufacturer BAE Systems, engine manufacturer RollsRoyce, Italy's Leonardo Aerospace, and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
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Toxic Air Cripples Delhi Delays Closures
"Need Of The Hour": Delhi Government Writes To Centre For Artificial Rain
Nation is watching what's happening in Manipur but PM hasn't visited the state yet
Canada to Deport 7,000 Students in Major Crackdown
A scam has been uncovered where the acceptance letters submitted by students for a student visa to Canada were found to be fake. It is believed that 80% of these letters are from Gujarat and Punjab. As a result, between 7,000 to 8,000 students are at risk of being sent back after the Canadian authorities initiate action, as stated by a senior official from Canada's immigration department, responsible for international student matters, in an announcement made on November 15th. Visa expert Pankaj Patel stated, "If the acceptance letters submitted by students are proven to be fake, their admissions will be canceled, and they will be deported back to India." Due to the strained relations between the Canadian and Indian governments, it is likely that the Canadian government will adopt a strict stance on this issue. They do not want their system to be compromised. As a result, many students from Gujarat and Punjab may have to return to India.
Disruption
New Delhi: A thick blanket of smog continued to grip Delhi and its adjoining areas on Tuesday morning, as the air quality nearly touched the 500 mark. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data, Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 494 at 6 am - in the 'severe plus' category.
Of the 35 monitoring stations in the national capital, most recorded an AQI of 500. The lowest AQI of 480 was recorded at NSIT Dwarka, the real-time data showed. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also
Falcon Soars: SpaceX Launches
India's GSAT-20
India's most advanced communications satellite was successfully lifted off into space by Elon Musk's SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket which launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA.
At the stroke of one minute past midnight on Tuesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s most sophisticated communications satellite, which will provide broadband services in remote areas and in-flight Internet in passenger aircraft, set off for its 34-minute journey into outer space on board Elon Musk-owned SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket on its 396 th flight.
Chinese Man Arrested in Rs.100 Crore Cyber Scam
A Chinese national, Fang Chenjin, was arrested in Delhi for his involvement in a Rs.100 crore cyber fraud case, police revealed on Tuesday. The scam revolved around online stock trading schemes conducted via WhatsApp groups. The case surfaced after a victim, Suresh Kolichiyil Achuthan, filed a complaint on the cybercrime portal, reporting a loss of Rs.43.5 lakhs. The victim was lured into fraudulent stock market training sessions and tricked into making multiple investments. These funds were funneled into several bank accounts controlled by the accused. During the investigation, the police traced Rs.1.25 lakh of fraudulent transactions to a bank account under the name Maha Laxmi Traders in Mundka, Delhi. A mobile phone linked to the
scam was also recovered, containing WhatsApp chats between Chenjin and an associate. In these conversations, Chenjin instructed his aide to recharge the mobile number used for the crimes. Chenjin was residing in Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi, at the time of his arrest. The police confirmed at least 17 related complaints on the cybercrime portal, all linked to the same bank account, amounting to Rs.100 crore in fraud. Further probes connected Chenjin to two additional cybercrime and money laundering cases in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. DCP Shahdara, Prashant Gautam, stated that the fraud was meticulously executed through WhatsApp groups targeting individuals with fake stock trading schemes. Investigations are ongoing.
Trains and flights have been delayed or cancelled as the visibility plunged due to the toxic smog in India's capital.
issued an 'orange' alert for dense fog for the second consecutive day. Trains and flights have been delayed or cancelled as the visibility plunged due to the toxic smog in India's capital. At least 22 trains were delayed and nine others were cancelled on Tuesday morning, reported news agency ANI. IndiGo Airlines, in an advisory late-night, said, "Foggy weather in Delhi, Amritsar, and Chandigarh is affecting travel conditions, including slow-moving traffic and possible changes to flight operations. Please plan accordingly and stay updated on the flight status for a smooth journey.
Breif News
Dhaka-Islamabad Forge Historic Sea Link
New Delhi:
A Pakistani cargo ship docked at Bangladesh's Chittagong port last week, marking the first-ever direct maritime contact between the two countries in over five decades. The vessel from Karachi has successfully unloaded its containers at Bangladesh's southeastern coast, port officials told news agency AFP on Sunday, as both sides seek to rebuild ties frosty since the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
US Urges Google to Sell Chrome, Curb Monopoly
Top Justice Department antitrust officials have decided to ask a judge to force Alphabet Inc.'s Google to sell off its Chrome browser in what would be a historic crackdown on one of the world's biggest tech companies.
The department will ask the judge, who ruled in August that Google illegally monopolized the search market, to require measures related to artificial intelligence and its Android smartphone operating system, according to people familiar with the plans.
Antitrust officials, along with states that have joined the case, also plan to recommend Wednesday that federal judge Amit Mehta impose data licensing requirements, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential matter.
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Special Story
Award-winning Indian American author Monica Saigal-Bhide is out with her newest book. This time the critically acclaimed storyteller is wowing a much younger audience with her mouth-watering words. Her book – “Papa’s Butter Chicken” is aimed at kids aged 3-7 and includes a foreword by celebrity chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, Jose Andres. The book also features one of the authors' childhood recipes of the famed Indian dish – Butter Chicken.
Saigal-Bhide who has authored over a dozen books has always used her writings to bridge the gap between cultures by forming connections through food and human relationships.
Apart from being an accomplished author, Monica Saigal is also a literary coach and an educator with a vast experience.
Born in Delhi, raised in the Middle East and now residing in Washington D.C. Saigal is also a successful corporate-storyteller. A prolific writer, she has contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post. Her debut short story collection, The Devil in Us, was on Amazon’s bestseller list in 2015.
Food, Culture and Communities
Through her words woven intricately around stories involving food, Monica has been able to bring closer the culture she holds dear to. Her novel Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken, led NPR’s café in Washington, D.C., to serve up creations inspired by her protagonist chef.
Earlier this year, popular Indian American chef Vikas Khanna included a dish dedicated to Monica’s new novel in his critically acclaimed restaurant, Bungalow in New York titled A Kiss in Kashmir. About her newest fiction, A Kiss in Kashmir, Monica says, “The novel is set against the enchanting backdrop of India’s Kashmir Valley.” It is inspired from authors’ own travels
Monica Saigal Bringing India Closer to America through Food
From conceptualizing the first ever Butter Chicken Festival in America to writing a children’s book representing Indian culture, Monica Saigal has been using her memories around food to form meaningful new connections.
Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi picked Monica Saigal’s book Modern Spice as one of the "Best Books Ever" for Newsweek in 2009
to magical Kashmir during her teen years. The novel is a sentimental tale depicting a romance between a renowned Rajasthani artist and an American art history professor – again fusing the two worlds the author has come to embrace as her homeland! Books for children
Representing Diversity
While Monica, through her work has been bridging the cultural gaps, her foray into childrens’ book category further emphasizes her commitment towards making kids feel heard and represented. About her new book, Papa’s Butter Chicken, she says, “Papa’s Butter Chicken is my 13th book, and I have another children’s book releasing next year, which reflects my deep commitment to this space.”
Monica has also been using unique, more inclusive platforms to bring people together and talk about food and culture. During the release of her new book, Saigal worked with chefs to start the inaugural Butter Chicken Festival in the DMV area from Oct. 13 to 20 to benefit World Central Kitchen, which provides meals during world crises. During the event, participating restaurants around Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, presented their individual takes on butter chicken – a dish that has become synonymous with Indian cuisine in America. The festival also helped Andrés's nonprofit World Central Kitchen.
Zofeen Maqsood
Vidya Balan breaks silence on drastic weight loss, reveals her new diet: 'I have not worked out all year'
Can you lose weight without exercise? Vidya Balan says she did. From no
'palak
and doodhi' diet to stopping her rigorous gym workouts, here's what all she did.
Vidya Balan has lost drastic weight this year through her diet and 'no exercise'. In a recent interview with Galatta India, the actor opened up about her body image after all the buzz around her recent weight loss. She also touched on growing up with constant judgment around her body and being a 'fat girl' and how she’s reached a point where she no longer cares. Vidya said, “You know, all my life, I have struggled to be thin. I have dieted and exercised like crazy, and sometimes, I would lose weight, and it would come back… and then, early this year, I met a nutritional group called Amura (Amura Health) in Chennai. They said, 'It is just inflammation; it is not fat'. So, they put me on a diet to get rid of the inflammation, elimination of inflammation it is called, and it worked beautifully for me and the weight went like that because they eliminated foods that were not suiting me. I have been a vegetarian all my life, (yet) I didn't know palak and doodhi (spinach and bottle gourd) don't suit me. We think all vegetables are good for us, but that is not the case. You have to figure out what's good for you as just because it is good for someone else, it may not be good for you.” She added the second thing she did was to stop working out like a 'beast'; in fact, she stopped working out at all. Vidya also explained that when she was younger, the media, and people in general, regularly brought up her weight, which led to her self-esteem being based on how fat she was. Vidya said, "They (Amura) asked me to stop working out. You know everyone has been telling me 'Oh my God, you are your slimmest' and I have not worked out all year. This is
the first year that I have not worked out. And I want to say judgment around the body is brutal. A lot of times, people put on weight for various reasons because our bodies express what we are going through emotionally also... even I would not have believed last year if I had been told 'Stop working out'. I used to be a beast in the gym. And I had people telling me, 'You must not be working out at all'. And now, people tell me, ‘So what are you doing?’ and I am like, 'No, I don't do anything'. I am just enjoying myself and I am feeling healthier than ever. I am not saying you should not exercise... but remember no two people are the same... we must respect our individuality."
Over 40? Get Fitter and Live 5 Extra Years
If you're over 40 and raise your levels of exercise to that of the top 25% of your peers, you might gain an average of five more years of life, a new study calculates.
For over-40 folks in the lowest level of daily activity, a similar move could bring an average 11 extra years, the same report found.
The study results surprised even its Australian authors.
“Our findings suggest that [physical activity] provides substantially larger health benefits than previously thought,” wrote a team led by Lennert Veerman. He's a professor public health at Griffith University School of Medicine and Dentistry in Gold Coast, Queensland. The new study focused on U.S. data: Information on daily physical activity gleaned from "activity trackers" worn by
participants aged 40 and above in 2003 to 2006 federal health surveys; and data on U.S. deaths from 2017 and 2019, also recorded in federal databanks. Veerman's team calculated that daily levels of physical activity (in whatever form) that placed people in the top 25% in terms of fitness was equal to about
2 hours and 40 minutes of normal-paced (3 miles per hour) walking.
The researchers calculated that if everyone over 40 suddenly matched this activity level, it would raise everyone's expected life span by five years -- from the 78.6 years it's now estimated to be to nearly 84 years. Of course that leap in fitness would be tougher for some than others. The Australian team said that moving folks in the lowest 25% up to the highest 25% would mean the equivalent of an extra 111 minutes of normal-paced walking daily. There'd be a huge health payoff, though: Almost 11 extra years of expected life for this group, the team said.
Among this group as well, the researchers estimated that each extra hour spent walking each day would translate to an extra six hours of lifespan.
Vreeman's team stressed that the study couldn't prove cause and effect, only that extra physical activity seemed associated with living longer.
The findings were published Nov. 14 in the British Journal Of Sports Medicine. So, how to encourage more couch potatoes to leave the couch behind?
According to the researchers, changes in policy and planning at the community level can make a difference.
“Infrastructure measures that encourage active transport, walkable neighborhoods, as well as green spaces, might be promising approaches to increase physical activity and resultant healthy life expectancy at the population level," they wrote in a journal news release.
In Maharashtra Polls
Youth Demand Jobs, Women’s Safety
A number of youth flocked the polling booths in Nagpur, located in the state's Vidarbha region, from early morning to exercise their democratic right
With the Maharashtra assembly polls underway on Wednesday, the young voters and first time electors in Nagpur appreciated the infrastructure development here, but raised concern over lack of job avenues and inflation. Some of them also raised the issue of women's security.
A number of youth flocked the polling booths in Nagpur, located in the state's Vidarbha region, from early morning to exercise their democratic right. First-time voter Manswi Admane, an engineering student, carried a placard outside a polling booth with the message highlighting the need for women's safety. Ishita Tiwari, another first-time voter and a working professional, was quite disturbed when her name did not figure in the electoral rolls before the Lok Sabha elections held in May this year. But this time before the assembly polls,
US Arrests Anmol Bishnoi, Not for
Murder
Anmol Bishnoi - the younger brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who runs a global criminal syndicate despite being in jail in Ahmedabadwas arrested in the United States, in the California capital of Sacramento last Thursday - for entering that country with illegal documents. Bishnoi - wanted by India in connection with several high-profile cases, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022 and the killing last month of ex-Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique - faces an extradition request filed by Delhi.
India
Coach on Gill's Injury: "Will Decide
Soon"
Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel gave an update on fitness of young batter Shubman Gill, saying that he is improving on "day-to-day basis" and a call on his selection will be taken on the morning of the match. The first Test between India and Australia will kickstart from Friday at Perth's Optus Stadium.
her joy knew no bounds when she received her voting card. Tiwari, who left for work after casting vote, said it was a good experience to exercise her franchise for the first time and she was very happy about it. Manzari Pinjarkar, an MBA student who voted in Nagpur, appreciated the present government's welfare schemes, but raised concern over layoffs in jobs and inflation. Pinjarkar said the government should work to address these problems. She also said everyone should vote as it their duty and responsibility.
Vedant, a management course student who was one of the early voters, said he took time out of his exam preparation and came to exercise his democratic right.
The student said that while voting, he kept in mind the development work done in the city as well as the image of candidates in his constituency.
Poll Body Acts Against UP Cops for Bypoll Violations
New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has taken action against Uttar Pradesh police personnel accused of violating its guidelines during the ongoing bypolls. Acting on complaints, including allegations of voter obstruction, the EC ordered the suspension of several officers, including those deployed in the Sisamau assembly constituency of Kanpur. The move follows directives from Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar to district election officers (DEOs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to ensure impartial and smooth voting.
Ukraine Strikes Russia With US Long-Range Missile
Ukrainian defence forces reportedly carried out their first strike in the border regions within Russian territory using Western-supplied ATACMS ballistic missiles. The move came on the 1,000th day of Russia invading Ukraine, after US President Joe Biden's administration approved Kyiv's limited use of the weapons to hit targets inside Russia.
"Terrorism Is Key Issue With Pakistan": India at UN
The first issue in engaging with Pakistan is the cessation of terrorism, India's envoy at the UN said, underlining that India has been a long-standing victim of cross-border and global terrorism and has zero tolerance towards the scourge. "With Pakistan, the main issue we have is of terrorism," Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said.
Sachin Tendulkar To Akshay Kumar: Celebs Among Early Voters In Mumbai
New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, actor Akshay Kumar and Rajkummar Rao are among the early voters in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024. The Bollywood celebrities stepped out of their homes early in the day to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
Sachin Tendulkar along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara cast their vote at a polling booth in Mumbai. The trio showed their inked fingers to the media.
Oscar winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira, after nearly 30 years of marriage, today jointly announced through their lawyer that they have "made the difficult decision to separate" from each other.
"After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other," read a statement from Vandana Shah and Associates, their lawyer. The decision, said the lawyer, "comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship". The music composer lamented that couple could not reach the "grand thirty" but hoped that there is meaning in "this shattering".
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Maharashtra Assembly Polls
AR Rahman, Saira Split After 29 Years
Paytm UPI goes global; app users can make payments at select international locations
One97 Communications (OCL), that owns Paytm brand, on Tuesday said Paytm users will be able to make UPI payments at select international locations, including popular spots in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.
The move allows users to conveniently pay for all use cases including shopping, dining, and local experiences abroad using UPI through their Paytm app, according to a release.
"One97 Communications (OCL) that owns the brand Paytm, India's leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR, Soundbox and mobile payments, has enabled Paytm users to make
Meghalaya exports one MT Khasi Mandarin oranges to Dubai
Meghalaya exported one Metric Tonne (MT) of Khasi Mandarin oranges to Dubai through Air India Cargo, officials said on Tuesday.
Meghalaya government’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare exported the season’s first consignment of Khasi Mandarin, which was transported via Air India Cargo from Guwahati Customs to Dubai on Monday, marking the firstever direct export shipment from the northeastern region using this route.
South Korean regulator cracks down on Chinese e-commerce platforms
Seoul: South Korea's antitrust regulator said on Wednesday it has issued corrective orders on 47 unfair terms and conditions found in the operations of two major Chinese e-commerce platforms, AliExpress and Temu.
Despite rapid growth -- estimated at around 10 million users in South Korea -- due to extremely low prices and a broad range of products, the Chinese online retailers have recently come under scrutiny for their business practices, advertising and handling of customer complaints and requests.
UPI payments at select international locations," the release said.
Indian travelers can now use their Paytm app to make seamless, cashless
The move allows users to conveniently pay for all use cases including shopping, dining, and local experiences abroad using UPI through their Paytm app, according to a release
payments at destinations where UPI is accepted, including popular spots in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, and Nepal.
"With the upcoming holiday season, we are sure that this launch will make foreign travel even more convenient for users. This expansion reflects our commitment to leveraging technology that empowers our users, wherever they are in the world," Paytm spokesperson said.
Google reacts angrily to report it will have to sell Chrome
Google has said it would harm consumers and businesses if it is forced to sell Chrome, the world's most popular web browser.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) will propose the measure to a judge on Wednesday, Bloomberg has reported.
Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google operates an online search monopoly in
August, and has been considering what remedies or penalties to impose.
The DOJ has not commented on the report - but Google has made clear it is a proposal it opposes.
"The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case," said Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland in a statement. Google will also reportedly be asked to establish new measures around its artificial intelligence, Android operating system and use of data.
"The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed,” Ms Mulholland added.
Thousands of postal workers in Canada strike over wages
More than 50,000 postal workers across Canada entered the fifth day of a labour strike over pay and working conditions, disrupting mail delivery ahead of the busy holiday season.
The union representing employees at Canada Post - the country's main postal operator - has said that negotiations remain “far apart” and are ongoing. Workers are asking for a wage increase, and want the ability to work weekends with overtime pay instead of having Canada Post rely on outside contractors.
The operator, which has faced significant financial losses in recent years, has warned that the labour disruption “would affect millions of Canadians and businesses who rely on the postal service".
The work stoppage, which began on Friday, has halted mail and parcel services
Trump selects financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary
Donald Trump has named investor Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, to lead the US commerce department. In his announcement, Trump said Lutnick, the chief executive of financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald, would spearhead the administration's "tariff and trade agenda".
Jaguar unveils new logo ahead of electric relaunch
Luxury car manufacturer Jaguar has unveiled a new logo and branding ahead of its relaunch as an electric-only brand.
across the country, including the delivery of bank cards and statements, general mail, new passports and online shopping orders - all at a time when people across Canada are preparing and buying gifts for the holidays.
The Canadian government has since appointed a special mediator to help both sides reach an agreement.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post entered a new round of mediated negotiations on Monday, but both sides have said they remain far away from reaching a deal.
The union wants a 24% pay increase over the next four years - higher than the 11.5% increase proposed by employer Canada Post. They are also negotiating issues around benefits, sick leave, job conditions and security. “Our demands are reasonable: fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity and the expansion of services at the public post office,” the union has said.Canada Post has warned that its services will be disrupted even if an agreement with its workers is reached, writing in a statement last week that “a national strike of any length will impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends".
The British vehicle maker, owned by Tata Motors, will launch three new electric cars in 2026, having taken new cars off sale more than a year ago to focus on reinventing the brand. As part of its rebrand, Jaguar revealed a brand new logo on Tuesday, alongside a new prancing "leaper" cat design and marketing slogans such as "delete ordinary".
Popular weight-loss drug Wegovy goes on sale in China
Novo Nordisk has launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in China after it was approved by local health authorities in June. It is set to intensify competition with rival Eli Lilly, whose popular weight-loss treatment also got the green light months ago but has yet to go on sale in the world's second largest pharmaceutical market. More than 180 million people live with obesity in China, which has a population of 1.4 billion. According to Chinese business news website Yicai, a dose of four Wegovy injections will cost 1,400 yuan (£153; $194), a fraction of the drug's price in the United States.
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Emergency Release Date Confirmed
The emergency on Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film has finally been lifted. The political drama which was awaiting a big screen debut date after several postponements is finally seeing a sunrise. Emergency will be released in theatres worldwide on January 17th, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this biographical drama.
Actor Kasturi sent to judicial custody till Nov 29
Actor Kasturi, who was arrested by Chennai police in Hyderabad on Saturday for making derogatory comments about the Telugu speaking community in Tamil Nadu, was on Sunday remanded to judicial custody until November 29. Last week, Justice Anand Venkatesh of the Madras high court dismissed her anticipatory bail application making a distinction between free speech and hate speech. Following the court order, the city police found her hiding inside a film producer’s house in Hyderabad.
Shyam Benegal names his top 3 favorite Indian films
Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal recently shared his top three favourite Indian films, revealing a preference for movies that, while not always acclaimed for their technical perfection, stood out for their compelling themes.
Speaking with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia, Benegal named ‘Aurat’, ‘Roti’, and ‘Sant Tukaram’ as the films that left a lasting impact on him.
Shyam Benegal, known for his contributions to India’s parallel cinema movement, explained that his choices were based more on the subject matter and intent of the films rather than their cinematic quality.
Karan Johar talks about ‘loser winning’ in war of ego
Filmmaker Karan Johar recently discussed the complex dynamics of ego in relationships and how, sometimes, the “loser” ends up being the true winner.
On Monday, KJo took to his Instagram Stories to share a note that read, “In a war of ego, the loser always wins.”
Known for his striking presence on social media, Karan has been sharing cryptic posts lately.A few days ago, he posted an inspiring quote about surrounding oneself with the best people. The note read, “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, but also know how to be happy alone.” He also shared a philosophical post about “avoiding conversations,” writing, “The conversation you are avoiding is the one you need the most.”On the professional front, Johar recently unveiled his upcoming project “Chand Mera Dil”, featuring Ananya Panday and Lakshya Lalwani.
Directed by Vivek Soni, the film is slated for release in theaters next year. Sharing the first poster of the film, Karan wrote, “We have two chands ready to bring an intense & passionate love story like no other!!! Pyaar mein thoda paagal hona hi padta hai… Chand Mera Dil, starring Ananya Panday & Lakshya. Directed by Vivek Soni. Coming to cinemas in 2025.”In the first poster, Ananya and Lakshya are seen hiding behind a blanket, while in the second, they are sitting together on a bed.“Chand Mera Dil” is the fourth film announced by Dharma Productions in collaboration with Lakshya, following the releases of “Dostana 2”, “Bedhadak”, and “Kill.”Recently, Karan Johar’s production “Kal Ho Naa Ho” was re-released in theaters. On Sunday, the director-producer took to his Instagram Stories to share the movie poster, expressing his gratitude for the continued interest in the film, even 21 years after its release. For the caption, Karan wrote, “So heartening to see full shows of our film 21 years later. Watching people dance and repeat dialogues of the film in cinemas is so gratifying.”“Kal Ho Naa Ho” starred Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta, Sushma Seth, Reema Lagoo, Lillete Dubey, Delnaaz Irani, and Jaya Bachchan.
Dhanush’s lawyer to initiate legal action against Nayanthara
Days after actress Nayanthara accused Dhanush of demanding Rs 10 crore for alleged copyright infringement involving her Netflix documentary, the actor’s legal team has issued a strong statement.
Dhanush’s lawyer has threatened legal action if the contentious content, which reportedly infringes on his copyright of the film “Naanum Rowdy Dhaan”, is not removed within 24 hours. The statement reads, “Advice your client to take down the content infringing my client’s copyright over the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan by using the same in your client’s documentary named Nayanthara Beyond the Fairytale within 24 hours, failing which my client will be forced to initiate appropriate legal action, including but not limited to seeking damages to a sum of Rs. 10 crores against your client and Netflix India.”The actor’s lawyer also refuted Nayanthara’s claim that the disputed content was simply behind-the-scenes footage captured on personal phones.
Shekhar Ravjiani reveals he lost his voice due to Left Vocal Chord Paresis
Music composer Shekhar Ravjiani of the duo Vishal–Shekhar, has revealed that he lost his voice 2 years ago. On Monday, the composer took to his Instagram, and penned a note about his scary condition, and how he came out victorious at the other end. He shared that he came to know about his condition of Left Vocal Chord Paresis.He wrote, “Here’s something I’ve never spoken about before, felt like sharing it today. I lost my voice 2 years ago. ‘Left Vocal Chord Paresis’. This was Dr. Nupur Nerurkar’s expert diagnosis. I was destroyed. Honestly, I was pessimistic. I thought I would never be able to sing again. My family was worried. And I was not happy seeing them all stressed out. I just prayed
harder”.He said that despite the odds, he didn’t stop working. He kept trying, kept pushing. In the middle of this he had to travel to San Diego for a few weeks.He continued, “I met Jeremy in San Diego. He connected me to an angel. Dr. Erin Walsh who I couldn’t meet due to Covid. So we did a zoom call instead. I remember tears rolling down uncontrollably as I told her that I wanted to be able to sing again. I begged her to please do something. The first thing she told me was that I should not blame myself for what happened with my voice. We spoke at length and she made me feel comfortable and eventually she miraculously made me believe that I could sing. Which was the first step”.
Divyanka Tripathi: Shiri is a story of every woman
Actress Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, who will be seen in slice-of-life series titled ‘The Magic of Shiri’ directed by Birsa Dasgupta, said it is a story of every woman finding her way in a world that doesn’t always make space for her. Divyanka said:
“Shiri is a story of every woman, finding her way in a world that doesn’t always make space for her. Playing her has been a rewarding experience because
Baaghi 4 First Look: A Bloody Preview Of What's To Come In 2025
Tiger Shroff just announced the fourth installment of his popular Baaghi franchise. Directed by A. Harsha, the action-packed film is set to hit theatres on September 5, 2025. The actor shared the first poster of the upcoming film on Instagram, which hints at a darker and more intense tone. In the poster, Tiger is seen sitting on a toilet seat with a knife in hand and a bottle of alcohol nearby. His face, the walls, and the floor are splattered with blood, while several dead bodies lie around him. Tiger captioned the post, "A darker spirit, a bloodier mission. This time he is not the same! #SajidNadiadwala's #Baaghi4 Directed by @nimmaaharsha."
A. Harsha, the director of Baaghi 4, is known for his work in Kannada cinema, with films such as Birugaali, Chingari, Bhajarangi, Anjani Putra, and Vedha among his credits.
it reminded me of the everyday battles we all face to keep moving forward, no matter the odds.” The actress said that Shiri’s journey is “relatable”.
“It’s about holding onto a dream and pushing through, even when it feels impossible. She is every woman who has ever dared to dream beyond society’s boundaries, refusing to be held back by the challenges life throws at her,” the actress added.
Dilip Joshi, Asit Modi Clash on Taarak Mehta Sets: Report
Actor Dilip Joshi and producer Asit Modi reportedly had a tough argument on the sets of their show, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. As per the latest media report, the actor was trying to talk to him about his leaves when the producer allegedly attempted to avoid the conversation and that irked Dilip.
A report published in News18 quoted a source close to the production explaining how the entire incident unfolded, leaving Dilip to even pull Asit's collar during the heated argument. The source said the 56-year-old actor felt insulted when Asit, instead of talking to him, went to meet actor Kush Shah who had just wrapped his last shoot on the show. Meanwhile, many actors who left the show have complained about the producer's problematic behaviour in the past. Some of them even lodged legal cases against him for harassment and withholding salaries.
Dilip Joshi, who plays the role of Jethalal Gada in the show, has been associated with it for over 16 years. He is immensely loved for his performance in the character, which has now become a part of popular culture.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Outpaces Singham Again in Third Weekend Race
Kartik Aaryan-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again are in a neckand-neck race to cross the Rs 250 crore mark at the domestic box office after a decent performance over the last weekend.
Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has managed to pull ahead of Singham Again during its third weekend. According to industry data-tracking portal Sacnilk, the horror-comedy film opened strong, raking in Rs 158.25 crore nett in its first week, followed by a Rs 58 crore nett in its second week.
In its third weekend, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 demonstrated solid staying power, collecting Rs 4.15 crore nett on Friday, Rs 5 crore nett on Saturday, and Rs 6 crore nett on Sunday. This pushed its total box office collection in India to Rs 231.40 crore nett by the end of its 17th day.
Singham Again, Rohit Shetty’s latest
addition to the cop universe, continues to hold its ground. The film collected Rs 173 crore nett in its opening week and Rs 47.5 crore nett in the second week. Over its third weekend, it amassed Rs 2.75 crore nett on Friday, Rs 3.35 crore nett on Saturday, and around Rs 4.15 crore nett on Sunday. This brought its total box office earnings to Rs 230.75 crore nett after 17 days.
Suriya-starrer Kanguva, which released on November 14, managed to earn Rs 10.50 crore nett on Day 4, taking its extended first weekend earnings past the Rs 50-crore mark. The Siva-directed fantasy drama has collected Rs 53.85 crore nett in India so far.
Meanwhile, Vikrant Massey-starrer The Sabarmati Report minted Rs 6.35 crore nett in three days, while Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II collected Rs 6.14 crore nett in India during the same period.
Uma Dasgupta,
Durga of Pather Panchali, Dies at 83
Uma Dasgupta, best known for her portrayal of Durga in Satyajit Ray’s classic 1955 film Pather Panchali, passed away at the age of 83 on Monday after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to media reports. She breathed her last at 8.15 am at a private hospital in Kolkata and will be cremated at Keoratala Crematorium later today, sources close to her family said. According to media reports, the news of her demise was first shared by actor Chiranjeet Chakraborty, who received the update from Dasgupta’s daughter. Uma Dasgupta’s portrayal of Durga in Ray’s debut film left an indelible mark on audiences and the history of Indian cinema. Pather Panchali, released in 1955 and based on Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s novel of the same name, remains a landmark in world cinema. Pather Panchali narrates the story of a rural Bengali family, focusing on the bond between Durga and her younger brother Apu, played by Subir Banerjee.
Pakistan Cricket Board's Big Blow To India With Champions Trophy Announcement
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday said he is yet to get a response from the International Cricket Council over BCCI's refusal to play the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Earlier this month, the BCCI made it clear to the ICC that it won't send the national team to Pakistan and wants its games to be held in a third country. PCB has rejected the hybrid model and has sought clarity from the ICC on why India doesn't want to travel to Pakistan.
while addressing the media outside Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
"We stand firm on our stance that we will not go for a hybrid model. We're waiting for the ICC to announce the schedule as soon as possible," he added.
Naqvi, who is also the federal interior minister, confirmed the PCB had sent a letter to the ICC on the BCCI's decision to not send its team to Pakistan.
Alcaraz's Tribute: "Only One Rafa"
India has not played in Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The ICC event is scheduled in February-March.
"If India has any concerns about sending their team to Pakistan they must talk to us and we will remove them. I don't think there is any reason for India not to come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy," Naqvi told reporters.
Earlier this month, the BCCI made it clear to the ICC that it won't send the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and wants its games to be held in a third country
According to media reports, Naqvi also said that there is no question of following Hybrid model, something that the BCCI has advocated.
Ganguly's Advice to Gambhir: India XI vs Australia
Shubman Gill's thumb fracture is certainly a "jolt" for India ahead of the series opener against Australia but former captain Sourav Ganguly firmly believes the team has the quality and mental fortitude to overcome the recent shock loss at home in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Perth from Friday. Gill, who has five hundreds in 29 Tests, had scored a fifty in Melbourne and a game-setting 91 at Brisbane in the two victories on the previous tour. He suffered a left thumb fracture while fielding in the intra-squad simulation between senior team and India A, ruling him out of the first Test.
"Pakistan's pride and respect is our priority. Champions Trophy will take place in our country only, we will not accept Hybrid Model. If India has any issues, they can come to us and we will sort them out", Naqvi said
"We are directly interacting with the ICC and we are still waiting for a response from them so we can take things forward," he said.
Asked if the matter will be complicated further after Jay Shah takes over as ICC chairman on December 1, Naqvi said: "Things don't work like this, every board is independent and has its own say and I think the ICC must also think about its credibility as it represents all cricket boards of the world."
Naqvi sidestepped questions about Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, being removed from the Champions 'Trophy Tour' and also about whether Pakistan would accept the hybrid model for the tournament.
Ricky Ponting Compares BorderGavaskar Trophy Rivalry To The Ashes
Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Hall of Famer, Ricky Ponting has compared the Australia-India rivalry to that of the Ashes, stating that these battles are among the most anticipated in world cricket. The first Test of the highlyanticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy
will be played at Perth's Optus Stadium from November 22 onwards. The former Australian skipper has urged both teams to maintain a competitive but fair spirit throughout the series. Speaking about the intensity and banter expected during the series, Ponting said he anticipates the matches to be played on the edge.
"Australia-England, with the history of the Ashes, but Australia-India is not far behind that and it's built up over a long period. I think we all look forward to these sorts of battles. As a past player, as a commentator, I want to see these two teams go out there and play hard and fair and then see who is left standing at the end of the next five games," Ponting said during a recent episode of the ICC Review.
Young Spanish tennis sensation paid tribute to compatriot and legend Rafael Nadal, who bowed out of professional tennis following Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against Netherlands, saying that it has been a blessing to be able to live through his entire career, first as a child watching his idol play, then teaming up with him during his playing days. The professional tennis journey of 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal came to an end with a straight-set loss to Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp by 6-4, 6-4 in the opening encounter of Spain's quarterfinal match against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup on Wednesday morning. Later, Carlos Alcaraz showcased why he is one of the best out now, levelling the scoreline with a convincing 7-6 (0), 6-3 win against Tallon Griekspoor. Taking to Instagram after the match, Alcaraz wrote, "There will be many more Davis, there is only one Rafa Thanks to you I have become a professional tennis player. It has been a blessing to be able to live your career as a child for whom you were an idol and then as a teammate! The best possible ambassador who leaves an eternal legacy." Notably, Alcaraz also got to team up with Nadal during the Paris Olympics, during which they failed to get a medal. Head-to-Head, they have played three matches against each other, with Nadal winning two and Alcaraz getting one win.
Why Kohli Will Succeed in Australia? Irfan Pathan Explains
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed stalwart Virat Kohli to excel in Australia in the 'biggest Test challenge,' a trial where his competitive spirit truly shines. India and Kohli's recent slump has gone hand-inhand. The Rohit Sharma-led side succumbed to a historic 3-0 home series whitewash against New Zealand weeks before facing Australia in five Tests, beginning in Perth on Friday. In four years, Kohli has racked up just 1,838 runs from 34 Tests, averaging 31.68, comprising just two centuries and nine fifties.
Amid India's struggle to be up to the mark and Kohli's dry spell with the bat, the former all-rounder expects the star batter to rise to the biggest challenge, a series that could be the turning point of his career.
Irfan, who orchestrated India's sole Test victory in Perth in 2008, believes Kohli will "feed off" the energy and big challenges to exude dominance on Australian turfs once
again. "Why I believe Virat Kohli will excel in Australia: 1) He thrives against pace. Despite his recent dip in Test form, his numbers against pace remain exceptional. Australia's fast and bouncy pitches will play to his strengths. 2) Kohli feeds off energy and big challenges. The Aussies will come hard at him, and there's no bigger Test challenge than playing Australia in their backyard. This is when Kohli's competitive spirit truly shines," Pathan wrote on X. When critics pondered Kohli's future, the Australian conditions have offered him solace. In 2012 and 2014, Kohli's charisma took over the headlines. With his charismatic attitude, Kohli scored runs for fun and toyed with Australian quicks, considered to be one of the greats in the format. Kohli's numbers in Australia speak volumes about his prowess to perform under gruelling conditions. He has been Australia's nightmare on their turf with his sheer batting technique and ability to absorb pressure.
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Delhi AQI Worsens To "Severe-Plus"
New Delhi: A thick layer of smog - a toxic blend of smoke and fog - enveloped the DelhiNational Capital Region (NCR) this morning as the air quality index (AQI) plummeted to the "severe-plus" category, forcing authorities to announce stricter pollution control measures. Smog also affected visibility in the national capital which various airlines said could delay flight schedules. Visibility at Palam dropped to 150 metres at 7 am.
Amit Shah Reviews Manipur Unrest
Home Minister Amit Shah called a conferral of senior officials in Delhi on Sunday, said sources, in the wake of escalating crisis in Manipurthe latest trigger being the recovery of six bodies of people believed to have been kidnapped by insurgents.
Mr Shah held the meeting soon after he returned from Maharashtra after cancelling his election rallies there.
The meeting focused on reviewing the security situation in Manipur, the sources said. Another meeting with senior officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs has been scheduled for tomorrow.
PM Modi in Brazil for G20 Summit
Rio de Janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brazil on Monday on the second leg of his three-nation visit, during which he will attend the G20 Summit. PM Modi arrived in the South American country after wrapping up a "productive" visit to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and interacted with the Indian community. the MEA said in a post on X, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Brazil Summit."
"Why Wait?": SC Slams Authorities on Delhi Air Crisis
The bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih asked the authorities why GRAP 3 was implemented three days after the AQI crossed the 300 mark
New Delhi: As Delhi's air quality plunged to the 'severe-plus' category this morning, the Supreme Court today pulled up authorities over the delay in implementing tough restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle the capital's bad air days.
The court also told the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the national capital region and the Delhi government that restrictions
under Stage 4 of GRAP -- implemented after Air Quality Index crosses the 400 mark -- must not be relaxed without its permission even if AQI drops below 300.
The bench of Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih asked the authorities why GRAP 3 was implemented three days after the AQI crossed the 300 mark. When the Centre's counsel replied that they were tracking whether the
Biden's Missile Move Risks WWIII: Russia
Moscow: Russian lawmaker Maria Butina said on Monday that the administration of President Joe Biden was risking World War Three if it had allowed Ukraine to use US-made weapons to strike deep into Russia.
"These guys, Biden's administration, is trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office," Ms Butina told Reuters. "I have a great hope that (Donald) Trump will overcome this decision if this has been made because they are seriously risking the start of World War Three which is not in anybody's interest."
Reuters, citing two US officials and a source familiar with the decision, reported on Sunday that Biden's administration has made the decision to allow Ukraine to make the strikes with US weapons deep into Russia.
China Urges US to Ensure Stable Relations
Xi signalled his concern that the incoming president's rhetoric on the campaign trail could send the US-China relationship in another valley.
China's leader Xi Jinping met for the last time with US President Joe Biden on Saturday but was already looking ahead to President-elect Donald Trump and his "America first" policies, saying Beijing "is ready to work with a new US administration". During their talks on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Xi cautioned that a stable China-US relationship was critical not only to the two nations but also the "future and destiny of humanity". "Make the wise choice," he cautioned. "Keep exploring the right way for two major countries to get along well with each other."
Without mentioning Trump's name, Xi appeared to signal his concern that the incoming president's protectionist rhetoric on the campaign trail could send the US-China relationship into another valley. "China is ready to work with a new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences so as to strive for a steady transition of the China-US relationship for the benefit of the two peoples," Xi said through an interpreter.Xi, who is firmly entrenched atop China's political hierarchy, spoke forcefully in his brief remarks before reporters. Biden, who is winding down more than 50 years of public service, talked in broader brushstrokes about where the relationship between the two countries has gone. He reflected not just on the past four years but the decades the two have known each other.
AQI dips, the court said, "Once it reaches, it has to be invoked... how can the applicability of stage 3 be delayed anyhow... how can you wait for three days?" The court then said, "We are making it very clear that you will not go below Stage 4 without our permission now even if AQI goes below 300, that is the order we are proposing." The matter will be taken up again later in the day.
Biden Moves to Aid Ukraine Before Trump Era
Washington: US President Joe Biden's administration has lifted restrictions that had blocked Ukraine from using US-provided weapons to strike deep into Russian territory, said three sources familiar with the matter, in a significant change to US policy in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ukraine plans to conduct its first long-range attacks in the coming days, the sources said, without revealing details due to operational security concerns.
Yunus to India: "Send Back Hasina"
Dhaka: Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said on Sunday that the interim government will seek the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after the fall of her government following a mass protest movement in August. In an address to the nation on the completion of 100 days of the interim government, Yunus also said that his government has been continuing its allout efforts to ensure the security of all citizens, including religious minorities. "We must ensure justice in every killing... We will also ask India to send back fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina," Yunus was quoted as saying by the state-run BSS news agency. His remarks indicate a U-turn as in an interview with the UK-based Financial Times newspaper last month, Yunus said his government would not immediately seek Hasina's extradition from India.
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Indian Americans Seek US Sanctions on Banglades
Indian Americans are working to reach out to the new Trump administration and the Congress next year to seek action against the Bangladeshi regime, including imposing economic sanctions, an influential community leader has said.
Ramaswamy Plans
Major US Job Cuts
Washington: Entrepreneurturned politician Vivek Ramaswamy, who along with Tesla owner Elon Musk has been nominated in-charge of the Department of Government Efficiency, has indicated a massive cut in federal government jobs in the United States. "Elon Musk and I are in a position to start the mass deportations of millions of unelected federal bureaucrats out of the DC bureaucracy. That, too, is how we're going to save this country," Ramaswamy said.
"We Are Four...": Rohit Sharma Announces Birth Of 2nd Child
India captain Rohit Sharma and his wife Ritika Sajdeh on Saturday announced the birth of their newborn child. Rohit took to Instagram to announce that the family of three has now become four with a subtle reference to the beloved sitcom 'Friends', "The FAMILY, the one where we are four." He captioned his post, "15.11.2024" which indicates the date of birth of his newborn child. Rohit and Ritika were blessed with a daughter Samaira, born in 2018. Due to the birth of his second child, the Indian skipper did not travel with the team to Perth .
10 Newborns Die in UP Hospital Fire
A tragic fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 10 newborns late last night. The fire broke out around 10:45 pm, with
District Magistrate Avinash Kumar confirming the casualties. Out of 54 children admitted to the NICU, 44 were rescued, and 16 are critically injured, receiving treatment at local hospitals. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short-circuit in an oxygen concentrator, according to Deputy Chief Minister
A short-circuit inside the oxygen concentrator possibly caused the fire, said Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.
Brajesh Pathak. Visuals showed panicstricken patients and charred medical equipment. Parents protested this morning after being denied access to their injured children to prevent confusion over identities. DNA tests may be conducted to identify some victims. The Uttar Pradesh government has denied allegations of malfunctioning fire alarms. Pathak revealed that a fire safety audit was conducted in February, followed by a mock drill in June. Investigations by the health department, police, and a magistrate are underway. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced Rs.5 lakh compensation for victims' families and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. He also directed swift rescue efforts and called for a detailed report within 12 hours. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, with Modi announcing Rs.2 lakh for the deceased’s families and Rs.50,000 for the injured. Opposition leader Akhilesh Yadav has accused the hospital administration of negligence, demanding accountability.
Democrats Insulted, Infuriated, Humiliated Hindu-Americans: Community Leader
Washington: Disenchanted by the Democratic Party's use of human rights as a political tool for countries such as India, and encouraged by Donald Trump's stance on Hindu rights in Bangladesh, about 70 per cent of Hindu-Americans voted for the Republican presidential candidate in the November 5 elections, an eminent community leader has said. "The Democratic Party has
Zelensky says war will 'end sooner' with Trump as president
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is certain the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have done once Donald Trump becomes US president. Zelensky said he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump during their phone conversation after his victory in the US presidential election.
He did not say whether Trump had made any demands regarding possible talks with Russia, but said he'd not heard anything from him that was contrary to Ukraine’s position.
Trump has consistently said his priority is to end the war and stop what he says is a drain on US resources, in the form of military aid to Ukraine.
“It is certain that the war will end
Trump has consistently said his priority is to end the war and stop what he says is a drain on US resources, in the form of military aid to Ukraine.
sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House.
This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne.
He added that Ukraine "must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means".
The situation on the battlefield is difficult, with Russian forces making advances, Zelensky said.
He said US legislation only allows him to meet with Trump after his inauguration in January.
Trump and Zelensky have long had a tumultuous relationship. Trump was impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to dig up damaging information on the Biden family.
not really done much to court Indian Americans. Not only that, they have done things which are very insulting, infuriating, and humiliating to Indian Americans... When it comes specifically to India-related issues, number one, the Democrats, somehow or other, use human rights as a political tool," influential Indian American Dr Bharat Barai told PTI in an interview.
Jake Paul Beats 'G.O.A.T' Mike Tyson
Jake Paul, 27, has comprehensively won the BIG fight against boxing great Mike Tyson 79-73. Billed as the biggest boxing match of 2024, the fight went the distance at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul was clearly the better of the two fighters as Mike Tyson, 58, was slow in his reflex. The effect of age clearly showed up in Tyson's game who was slow on his feet. He tried desperately in the first two rounds but soon Jake caught up in the eight-round match. Tyson's weariness showed. According to Forbes, Mike Tyson is to get $20 million from the fight while Jake Paul will get $40 million.
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Breif News Dehradun Party Ends in Deadly Crash: 6 Dead
Six people died a horrific death in a car accident in Uttarakhand's Dehradun earlier this week as they were returning from a party. The incident took place around 1.30 am at the ONGC Chowk on November 12 when the car they were in collided with a truck, reducing their vehicle to a mangled wreck.
A disturbing video of the incident is doing rounds on social media which shows the impact of the collision was so strong that it tore off the Toyota Innova's roof and twisted it. Two passengers were left decapitated in the incident. The visuals also show one of the victim's head ripped off, while another person's body can be seen twisted inside the crushed car. Several other body parts of the victims are also seen scattered around the road.
Fadnavis Snubs Ajit Pawar Before Polls
Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's remark that there is no place for the "batenge toh katenge (division is destruction)" slogan in Maharashtra has drawn a fierce backlash from his colleague Devendra Fadnavis. Angered by his ally's defensive remarks, Mr Fadnavis suggested Mr Pawar's understanding of the slogan was still influenced by his former allies.
The "batenge toh kitenge" slogan was coined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and the BJP's star campaigner Yogi Adityanath at one of his recent rallies in Maharashtra. The opposition has alleged communal overtones in the slogan while Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweaked it earlier this month to "ek hai toh safe hai", repackaging its message of unity. NCP's Ajit Pawar - the nephew of Sharad Pawar whose undivided party enjoyed considerable backing among the Muslims - did not mince his words. "I am not supporting it. I have said this several times.
PM Modi's Plane Faces Snag in Jharkhand
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft suffered a technical snag at Deoghar in Jharkhand this afternoon. The aircraft will now have to remain at the airport in the city until the technical fault is fixed, causing a delay in the PM's return to New Delhi.
The Prime Minister addressed two rallies in Jharkhand today on the occasion of tribal icon Birsa Munda anniversary, which is celebrated as
Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, and ahead of the second round of polling for the Assembly elections in the state on November 20. Barely 80 km away from Deoghar, in Jharkhand's Godda, Rahul Gandhi's helicopter remained grounded for 45 minutes awaiting clearance from the air traffic control, prompting the Congress to claim that the delay was deliberate to disrupt the campaign schedule of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Rahul Gandhi's Chopper Halts Briefly, Congress Alleges Conspiracy
Godda: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi,
his helicopter remained grounded in Jharkhand's Godda awaiting clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC).
The chopper was allowed to take off after a delay of 45 minutes amid highstakes campaigning for the final phase of the state's assembly elections. The Congress claimed the hold-up was a calculated move to disrupt Mr Gandhi's campaign schedule. Party leaders pointed fingers at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally near Deoghar.
Nearly 260 Million Americans Will Be Overweight Or Obese By 2050: Study
The US overweight and obese population will rise significantly in the next quarter century if current trends continue, and new weight-loss treatments won't be sufficient to stem the tide, researchers said.
Nearly 260 million Americans will be overweight or obese by 2050, straining the health-care system and boosting medical costs, according to a study published Thursday in The Lancet medical journal. Rates among adult men will rise to 81% from 76% in 2021,
EC Checks Amit Shah's Helicopter in Maharashtra
New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah's bags were checked by Election Commission (EC) officials in Maharashtra's Hingoli district on Friday, in the latest of a series of examinations of the luggage of high-profile political leaders visiting the poll-bound state, amid allegations that only the Opposition was being targeted.
India vs India A: Kohli Out for 15, Pant Struggles
In a behind-closed-doors match, India and India A squared off ahead of the start of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scheduled the 3-day match starting Friday, though barred fans from attending the fixture at WACA. On the opening day of the warm-up game, a piece of worrying news has emerged as the talismanic Virat Kohli has yet again failed to produce an upturn in his form. Even India's hero against New Zealand in the 0-3 whitewash, Rishabh Pant, was dismissed cheaply.
Lanka President's Party Wins Snap Elections
Colombo: Sri Lankan President
Anura Kumara Dissanayake's leftist coalition won a landslide victory in snap legislative elections, results showed Friday, as voters repudiated establishment parties blamed for triggering an economic crisis.
and to 82% from 73% among women. While medical institutions have been slow to recognize obesity as a disease, it raises the risk for a variety of dangerous, pervasive health outcomes, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The success of weight-loss drugs shouldn't be allowed to overshadow the need for measures — such as promotion of healthy diet and exercise — that are crucial to slowing the growth of the crisis, said Marie Ng, a co-author of the study.
Dissanayake, a self-avowed Marxist, swept September presidential elections on a promise to combat graft and recover stolen assets, two years after a slow-motion financial crash imposed widespread hardships on the island nation.
His decision to immediately call polls and secure parliamentary backing for his agenda was vindicated on Friday, with his National People's Power (NPP) coalition taking at least 123 seats in the 225-member assembly and on track to win many more.
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faced an unexpected delay today as
FIA FIA NY-NJ-CT-NE Announces 2025 Leadership at Election Cycle Meeting
NEW YORK, NY- FIA The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) convened its 2025 Election Cycle Meeting at Akbar Restaurant, finalizing the new Executive Team. Chaired by Jayesh Patel alongside Co-Chairs Anand Patel and Alok Kumar, the Election Commission's selections were ratified by FIA’s Voting Board Members, including trustees Srujal Parikh, Jayesh Patel, Anand Patel, and Dipak Patel. Senior advisors & Dr. H.R. Shah also attended.
Board Chairman Ankur Vaidya commended outgoing President Dr. Avinash Gupta for his steadfast leadership during 2024 and praised the Executive Team for their dedication. He welcomed the 2025 team, led by President Saurin Parikh, emphasizing FIA’s focus on diversity, women’s empowerment, and millennial leadership.
2025 Executive Committee:
• President: Saurin Parikh (Gujarat)
• Executive VP: Smita Miki Patel (Gujarat)
• 1st VP: Priti Ray-Patel (Gujarat)
• 2nd VP: Deepak Goel (Punjab)
• Secretary: Srishti Kaul Narula (Punjab)
• Joint Secretary: Mahesh Dubal (Maharashtra)
• Treasurer: Sanjeev Singh (Bihar)
• Joint Treasurer: Haresh Shah (Gujarat)
Unanimously elected as the 38th President, Saurin Parikh brings over 15 years of dedicated service to FIA and a robust professional background as Chief of Collection Systems Investigation at NYC DEP. Saurin aims to advance FIA’s mission through innovative programs and stronger USAIndia ties.
Additionally, Sreekanth Akkapalli, an accomplished Telugu entrepreneur, will serve as Convenor and Reception Chair. Collaborating with the FIA Board, he plans to enhance community engagement and promote inclusion within the diaspora.
Outgoing President Dr. Avinash Gupta expressed pride in FIA’s achievements and pledged support for the new leadership, ensuring a seamless transition for 2025.
New Era in Behavioral Health: South Holland Launches Southland's First
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL- The Link & Option Center, Inc., located at 900 E. 162nd Street, South Holland, Illinois was selected to be the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in the Southland Region. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) identified 19 mental health and substance use treatment providers across the state to participate in the demonstration program, which will build on the Department’s ongoing work to expand access to behavioral health services statewide. The Link & Option Center’s CCBHC provider status dedicated to the south suburban Cook County region is critical, exciting and timely.
CCBHC
eligible population, the uninsured and others in our underserved and high-need areas. Excitedly, The Link & Option Center, Inc., launched the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) on October 1, 2024.
At The Link & Option Center, Inc., for the past 30 years, we believe in empowering minds and linking you with options. The highlight of this CCBHC model of access to care is the prenatal and postpartum specialty care services for our high-risk moms.
U.S. Employee Charged with Leaking Classified Data
VIRGINIA-- A U.S. government employee stationed overseas, Asif William Rahman, 34, has been charged with unlawfully transmitting two highly sensitive classified documents. The documents, classified at the Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) level, reportedly contained information related to national defense. According to an indictment filed in the Eastern District of Virginia on November 7, Rahman retained the documents without authorization on or about October 17 and transmitted them to an unauthorized recipient. Rahman held a Top Secret/SCI security clearance as part of his government role. Rahman made his initial federal court appearance in Guam on November 14, where the court ordered his continued detention and transfer to the Eastern District of Virginia for further proceedings.
DHS Announces Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2025
Dr. Twin Green, Founder, President & CEO of The Link & Option Center, Inc., stated that “This is truly a momentous opportunity for the State of Illinois and The Link & Option Center, Inc. We are proud to stand beside HFS as a CCBHC provider in being the change we wish to see in the world. This CCBHC model of access to care opportunity at its best brings a much-needed health equity transformation to the large Medicaid–
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Southland’s first Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10.30 a.m., at 900 E. 162nd Street, Suite 102, South Holland, IL 60473. This will be followed by a Community Dialogue on the community impact of a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), moderated by Dr. Twin Green.
Southland Residents, Community Leaders, Elected officials and Stakeholders are invited to this historic opening of a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in the Southland Region.
WASHINGTON, DC- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), will issue an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This is in addition to the 66,000 visas mandated annually by Congress, maintaining the supplemental visa cap used in recent years.
The H-2B program supports industries like hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing by providing seasonal labor where U.S. workers are insufficient. Of the additional visas, 20,000 are allocated to workers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, while 44,716 are reserved for returning workers from the past three fiscal years. Allocations are split across the fiscal year, with a portion set aside for peak summer demand. DHS and DOL emphasize protections for both American and foreign
The H-2B program supports industries like hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing by providing seasonal labor where U.S. workers are insufficient
workers, requiring employers to first recruit U.S. workers and safeguard against exploitation. Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated that the program supports economic growth by addressing labor shortages and deterring irregular migration.
The H-2B program permits employers to hire noncitizens for temporary work, requiring certification that no qualified U.S. workers are available. Employment under H-2B status is capped at three years, after which workers must leave the U.S. for three months before reapplying.
This move aims to balance labor needs with worker protections, ensuring employers can meet demand without compromising U.S. labor market integrity.
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Asif William Rahman, 34
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Sky Bird Group Founder Mr. Arvin Shah Honored with Lifetime Business Achievement Award
SOUTHFILED, MI – – Arvin Shah, chairman and founder of Sky Bird Group, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Business Achievement Award by the North American Indian Chamber of Commerce. This recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions to the travel industry over a career spanning more than four decades. Under Arvin's visionary leadership, Sky Bird Group has grown into one of the nation’s leading airline consolidators, providing competitive fares and superior service to travel agents. His dedication to innovation and excellence has set new industry benchmarks, reshaping the airline consolidation market and benefiting countless agencies that rely on Sky Bird's expertise.
Beyond his professional achievements, Arvin Shah has made significant
contributions to the community through philanthropy. In 2004, the Shah family established the Jaya Rehabilitation
Institute to provide prosthetic care to victims of the devastating 2001 Kutch Earthquake in India. Alongside this, they
SGML Eye Hospital Hosts Spectacular
Gala in New Jersey
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PRINCETON, NJ- On Sunday, November 10, 2024, a gala evening was held to support the Shiv Gyan Moti Lal (SGML) Eye Hospital near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. Organized by SGML Hospital USA, Inc., a registered non-profit under IRS tax-exempt code 501(c)(3), the event raised $45,000 to enhance eye care services for underserved communities in rural India. Since its inception in January 2023, SGML Eye Hospital has conducted over 700 eye surgeries and 10,000 outpatient consultations, often at little to no cost for those unable to afford care. The funds raised will enable the hospital to acquire modern equipment and expand its services, addressing critical gaps in eye care access. Currently, Ujjain District faces an annual shortfall of 20,000–30,000 required surgeries due to limited resources.
The evening featured a cultural showcase beginning with Ganesh Vandana by dancer Katha Patel, followed by musical performances from singers Rushil and Lipika, led by Music Director Brij Joshi. A dance performance by Nisha Parikh’s Nitya Rhythm Dance Academy captivated the audience.
Dr. Tushar Patel, SGML Hospital USA President, highlighted the pressing need for eye care in rural Madhya Pradesh, where over 250,000 individuals are blind,
founded the Jaya Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Detroit dedicated to improving lives through empowerment and opportunityfocused outreach programs. Arvin is also a prominent figure in the local community. He actively participates in organizations like KOJAIN, JAINA, and the Jain Society of Greater Detroit, where he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Reflecting on his career, Arvin shared his gratitude: "I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to help so many in the travel industry, and I look forward to continuing to contribute in new ways."
Arvin Shah’s legacy extends far beyond business, embodying a commitment to both professional excellence and social responsibility. His work continues to inspire future leaders in the travel industry and beyond.
Man Arrested for Planting Explosive Device Outside Torrance Courthouse
TORRANCE, CA - A 56-yearold man has been arrested for allegedly planting an explosive device outside the Torrance Courthouse early Wednesday morning. Courthouse staff discovered a suspicious package around 7 a.m., about 30 feet from the main entrance. A letter nearby ominously warned, “THESE GET BIGGER,” while investigators found what appeared to be BBs or pellets.
and one million experience partial blindness. Key supporters and trustees, including Dr. Sparshil Patel, Gita Amin, and Ramesh Patel, were honored for their dedication to the cause. Hosted by media personality Sanjiv Pandya, the event recognized donors and sponsors for their contributions to this humanitarian mission. Donations and sponsorships, which are tax-deductible, can be made by contacting Dr. Patel at 848-391-0499. Proceeds will help SGML Eye Hospital in its mission to combat preventable blindness and bring hope to rural communities.
Executive Committee: Dr. Tushar Patel, Dr. Sparshil Patel, Smita (Miki) Patel, Jatin Patel, Usha Patel, Chhaya Patel, Arpita Patel, Dharmesh Patel –Associate Trust – New Jersey Board of Advisors: Dr. Sunil Parikh, Harry Shah & Dr. Rajesh Thaker .
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Arson Explosives Detail deployed a robot to investigate the device, described as an orange bag or balloon. The bag exploded during the assessment, startling bystanders. Carolina Castro, a visitor from Las Vegas, recalled the chaos. “It was a loud bang. Car alarms went off, and people screamed. It’s something I’ll never forget.” Deputies described the package as "an explosive device" next to a cooler. Attorney E.J. Montanez speculated the act might have been a misguided prank, calling it “a terrible joke.”
The FBI is assisting the LASD and Torrance Police in the investigation. The courthouse was temporarily closed but reopened on Thursday, November 14. Officials urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or visit lacrimestoppers.org. The suspect's identity has not been released as the investigation continues.
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(From L-R) Counsel General of India Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Mr. Arvin Shah Chairman of Sky Bird Group, Michigan Governor Ms. Gretchen Whitmer, &Mr. Dhaval Vaishnav NAICC president
Fashion went beyond just clothing Anushka Sen
For actress Anushka Sen, fashion is beyond just clothing and is a beautiful way to express.
Anushka flaunted a black and white ensemble accentuating her toned figure. She completed the look with a free-flowing bohemian shrug at the Entreprenaari by Navya Nanda x Gulabo by Abu Sandeep showcase in Mumbai.“I was excited and incredibly grateful as I walked the ramp for the first time for the Entreprenaari showcase by Navya Nanda and Gulabo by Abu Sandeep. Fashion went beyond just clothing; it was a beautiful way to express who we were,” said Anushka.The actress said that she was waiting for the perfect opportunity and moment.“And this event was a dream come true, especially because it was to support all the women entrepreneurs and also walking for Abu Jani Sandeep Khossla, designers I personally admire, was just perfect,” she added.Anushka describes her meeting with Navya, granddaughter of Amitabh Bachchan as a great experience.“I wholeheartedly embraced that moment and felt thankful for that amazing opportunity! Meeting Navya was a great experience, who is super kind, and someone who is truly inspiring. Really thankful for the opportunity and grateful to see everyone appreciating and loving my walk, So much love!”Earlier this month, Anushka uploaded a stunning Durga Puja outfit on social media. She looked beautiful with a saree having flowers printed on it, accompanied by large earrings.She posted quite a few photos of herself in the saree, captioning it, “Durga Puja 2024.”Anushka Sen is an Indian television actress popularly known for acting on-screen as a child actress. She has recently been appointed as the official brand ambassador for South Korean tourism.She started her career on Indian television in 2009 when she did the show “Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli.” There, she acted as child Parvati in “Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev.” Later, in 2012, she started gaining popularity with her character of Meher in the TV show “Balveer.”.Apart from this, she has portrayed the character of Manikarnika in “Khoob Ladi Mardani – Jhansi Ki Rani Thi.” Anushka will also be seen in the web series “Dil Dosti Dilemma” a story of three teenage friends’s lives, which is also streaming on Prime Video.She recently worked on an international project titled “Crush,” where she starred alongside Olympic silver medalist Kim Ye Ji and played an assassin.
Aries
Ganesha says that the people of Aries should not trust others quickly this week. Do not leave any of your work to the trust of others, otherwise even your finished work may get spoiled. At the beginning of the week, the workload will be more in the field and during this time your opponents will also be active.
Taurus
Ganesha says you will have energy and enthusiasm from the beginning of the week. This week you will be successful in achieving your set goals. This success will be a cause of happiness for you and your family.
Gemini
Ganesha says that Gemini people need to think carefully before taking any major decision this week. If possible, take the advice of well-wishers. If you are in a state of confusion in making a decision, then postpone that decision further. By the second part of the week, positive changes can be seen in your situation.
Cancer
Ganesha says this whole week will be full of ups and downs for Cancerians. This week, it would be better to ignore the small things at home and outside. Do not lose your temper under any circumstances and face the challenges with determination while waiting for the good times to come.
Leo
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be mixed for the people of the Leo zodiac. This week, sometimes you can see the work being done and sometimes the work getting spoiled. At the beginning of the week, long pending work can be completed with the help of a woman.
Virgo
Ganesha says that the natives of Virgo can achieve great success in their workplace or business this week. Your confidence may increase this week and luck will favor you. You will have special blessings on your senior in the workplace. There will be chances of promotion and an increase in income. For those who want to go abroad or wish to make a profit by doing some work related to foreign countries, their wish can also be fulfilled this week.
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
Libra
Ganesha says that Libra natives need to be very careful this week. Do not take any kind of carelessness in the field, otherwise you may have to bear the brunt of your mistakes. During this time your knownunknown enemies will remain active, from whom you need to be careful.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that the people of Scorpio will have to take special care of both their health and relationships this week. Drive very carefully during this time. Be it home or workplace, you have to have full control over your mind and anger. This week, your nature can be a bit fierce and at the same time, pride can also awaken in your mind regarding some things.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that this week there will be a lot of busyness in the life of Sagittarius people. At the beginning of the week, there will be an extra load of work in the workplace. However, you will be able to manage your time and energy and get things done on time.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that this week is going to be a mixed one for the people of Capricorn. At the beginning of the week, health can be a big cause of your concern. During this, you have to take special care of your routine and food habits.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that Aquarius people will have to avoid haste in any work this week. At the same time, you have to avoid making any big decisions by getting carried away by emotions, otherwise, you may have to repent later.
Pisces
Ganesha says that this week will be favorable for the people of Pisces and will prove to be a great success in any special work. At the beginning of the week itself, any good news related to the child side will be the cause of enthusiasm for the whole family. There is a possibility of getting big money from the investments made earlier. Will see the desired progress in my career business. Will get the full support of family and friends.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
Indian Americans Among Fortune’s ‘100 Most Powerful People in Business’
NEW YORK, NY – Several Indian Americans have been recognized in Fortune’s inaugural 100 Most Powerful People in Business, a prestigious list celebrating founders, CEOs, disruptors, and innovators across 40 industries. These leaders influence global markets through their decisions, actions, and wealth.
Satya Nadella, CEO and chairman of Microsoft, earned recognition for leading the company through transformative shifts, including advancements in AI, cloud computing, and quantum technologies. Under his leadership, Microsoft has flourished across diverse product segments.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, heads a tech giant valued at over $2 trillion, encompassing Google, YouTube, and Waymo. Despite facing antitrust
Sharp Rise in Indian Nationals Seeking Asylum in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, DC – The number of Indian nationals seeking asylum in the United States has skyrocketed over the past three years, surging by 855% from 4,330 applications in FY 2021 to 41,330 in FY 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Reports indicate that nearly half of these applicants hail from Gujarat.
In FY 2023, India ranked as the fifthlargest nationality group for defensive asylum applications and seventh for affirmative ones. The DHS’s 2023 Asylees Annual Flow Report, released in October, revealed that 5,340 Indians were granted asylum during the year. The upward trend began in FY 2021 with 4,330 applications, split between 2,090 affirmative and 2,240 defensive cases. By FY 2022, applications nearly tripled to 14,570, including 5,370 affirmative and 9,200 defensive submissions. FY 2023 saw an exponential increase to 41,330 applications. Asylum grants have also risen significantly. In FY 2021, 1,330 Indians were granted asylum, increasing to 4,260 in FY 2022 and 5,340 in FY 2023. Defensive grants accounted for a significant portion, with 2,630 out of the total 5,340 in FY 2023.
challenges, Pichai navigates a dynamic landscape shaped by generative AI and its implications on search advertising.
Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, has driven the company’s growth from $3 billion to $19 billion in annual
revenue. He has championed over 100 AI integrations into Adobe’s creative tools, pushing innovation across digital platforms.
Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube since 2023, has prioritized AI-powered
features and revenue-sharing options for creators. His initiatives have propelled YouTube Music and Premium to over 100 million users, with YouTube TV exceeding 8 million subscribers.
Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, is lauded for his investments in AI, healthcare, and sustainability. Notably, he backed OpenAI with $50 million in 2019 and supported Sam Altman during a leadership controversy in 2023.
Tarang Amin, CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, has led 22 consecutive quarters of sales growth, with fiscal 2024 revenue surpassing $1 billion. His leadership in acquiring Naturium reflects a strategic expansion in affordable skincare.
Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest person and chairman of Reliance Industries, oversees a vast conglomerate spanning telecommunications, retail, and petrochemicals. He is grooming his children to lead Reliance into the future.
Michigan Home Health Care Owner Sentenced for $7.9 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme
WAYNE, MI-A Michigan home health care company owner, Muhammad Zafar, 53, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for his role in a $7.9 million Medicare fraud conspiracy. Zafar, a Wayne County resident, owned a home health care business and collaborated with three doctors and two other business owners to offer kickbacks and bribes for Medicare beneficiary information. This information was used to submit fraudulent claims for services that were medically unnecessary or not provided. Court documents revealed Zafar’s
company billed Medicare approximately $393,500 in false claims. On June 17, 2015, Zafar violated his court-issued bond, fleeing to Pakistan via Canada, and remained an international fugitive for over seven years. He returned to the U.S. to face charges and pleaded guilty to
conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud on May 29. The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the FBI Detroit Field Office. It was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Fraud Section, which oversees the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since 2007, this program has charged over 5,400 defendants for defrauding federal health care programs of more than $27 billion.
Zafar’s sentencing underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud and holding perpetrators accountable.
Diwali and Annakut Celebrated with Grandeur United
CHIICAGO, IL- On November 9th, over 300 members and guests gathered at the Swaminarayan Mandir in Wheeling to celebrate Diwali and Annakut with great enthusiasm and devotion. The event commenced with the ceremonial Prana Pratishtha of Thakorji, followed by the offering of prayers and worship. Shri Ramesh Choksi, Secretary of the Mandir, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and outlined the program for the evening. Shri Pradumanbhai Pathak shared a heartfelt explanation of the Diwali festival, highlighting its spiritual significance and true meaning. The program continued with blessings and messages from key community leaders, including Vice President Shri
Senior Pariwar, Chicago
Rohit Joshi, Former President Shri Raman Patel, and President Shri Virendra Patel. The spiritual atmosphere was enhanced by the melodious renditions of devotional songs and bhajans performed by Mrs. Jyotsna Choksi, Shri Bhadra Shah, and Ranjan Dave, celebrating the beauty of Diwali. The Vedic rituals were led by Acharya Shri Rohit Joshi, adding a
traditional touch to the festivities. Active participation in the Diwali worship was noted from members including Shri Manu Patel, Anandi Patel, Ghanshyam Patel, Jayshree Patel, and Raman S. Patel. Adding a special touch to the evening, those celebrating their birthdays in November were honored, with the gathering singing wishes and distributing sweets.
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Important Travel and Visa Tips for International Students
HiIndia Newsdesk
WASHINGTON, DC- As the holiday season and semester wrap-up approach, international students should review their immigration status to ensure smooth travel and uninterrupted studies.
•. Update Your I-20 Travel Signature
Planning to travel outside the U.S.? Check the travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 form. It’s valid for one year; if expired or nearing expiration, email oip@shu.edu to request a new signature. Processing takes five business days. Also, renew your F-1 or J-1 visa if needed to avoid complications.
•. Apply for Post-Completion OPT
Graduating this semester? Submit your Post-Completion OPT application early. OPT allows you to work in the U.S. in a role related to your field of study. STEM students can apply for an additional two-year STEM OPT extension within 90 days of their initial OPT expiration if
Indian-American CEO Receives Death Threat Over Long Hours
Indian-origin CEO Daksh Gupta
Zofeen Maqsood
Indian American CEO of San Francisco based AI startup Greptile, found himself at the receiving end of a barrage of strong comments when he revealed his company's demanding work culture. In a social media post he wrote about his 84-hour work weeks and minimal worklife balance. The post that was supposed to inform potential employees left him with reactions he may not have earlier anticipated. He wrote on X: “Recently, I started telling candidates right in the first interview that Greptile offers no worklife balance. Typical work days start at 9 a.m. and end at 11 p.m., often later, and we work Saturdays, sometimes also Sundays.”
He also wrote: It felt wrong to do this at first but I'm convinced now that the transparency is good, and I'd much rather people know this from the get go rather than find out on their first day.” It took no time for the story to go viral and responders did not hold themselves back from calling it a “toxic work culture” to “not acceptable.”
Some even went ahead and called this exploitation of workers. Surprisingly, the post went so viral that even he began getting death threats. He himself acknowledged this in a followup post where he wrote: ““Now that this is on the front page of Reddit and my inbox is 20% death threats and 80% job applications.
they have an e-verify employer.
• Academic Performance Matters
Maintain progress toward program completion to stay in status. Consult advisors if you face academic challenges. The Office of International Programs offers in-person and virtual appointments to assist.
• Program Extension
If your I-20 program end date is near and you need more time to complete your studies, discuss a program extension
with your academic advisor and submit a request.
• Spring 2025 Registration
Register full-time: 9 credits for graduate students, 12 for undergraduates. If Spring 2025 is your last semester or you need part-time enrollment, submit a Part-Time Enrollment Request before the semester starts.
• Passport Validity
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date. Check renewal options through your home country’s consulate.
New York City Passes TenantFriendly FARE Act to End Mandatory Broker Fees
NEW YORK, NY- New York City tenants will no longer bear the burden of costly broker fees for services they never requested, thanks to the Fairness in Apartment Rentals Act (FARE Act), which passed the City Council with a supermajority of 42 votes. Proposed by Brooklyn Councilmember Chi Osse, the bill shifts broker fee responsibility to whoever hires the broker, typically landlords.
“Tenants have been forced to hand over thousands to brokers they never hired,” Osse said, calling the law “a win for the people of New York.”
Previously, tenants often paid broker fees—amounting to one or two months’ rent—even though the brokers represented landlords' interests. The FARE Act also requires landlords or brokers to disclose all fees upfront.
Violators face fines starting at $1,000,
St. Louis Bal Vihar Hosts Diwali Celebration
Louis celebrated Diwali with a vibrant event on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Over 400 students and families participated in an evening filled with cultural activities, joy, and community bonding. The festivities began with a sacred Laxmi Puja at the Hindu temple, led by Bal Vihar students. Handmade clay diyas crafted by the children added a heartfelt touch to the ceremony. Following the puja, families enjoyed a communal dinner before the night concluded with a stunning fireworks display. Children received small bags of fireworks, creating moments of joy and togetherness. The celebration also highlighted Diwali’s spirit of giving through the ongoing “Donate a Diya” project. This year, the initiative raised $1,500 for Sankara Nethralaya and Asha for Education, supporting vital education and healthcare programs. The event’s success reflected the dedication of Bal Vihar’s teachers, volunteers, parents, and the Events/ Logistics team. Their efforts not only preserved cultural traditions but also strengthened the sense of community, ensuring a memorable and meaningful celebration for all attendees.
Trump Appoints Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
capped at $2,000 within two years. Critics, including real estate brokers, argue landlords will raise rents to compensate. Mayor Eric Adams expressed hesitancy, suggesting the bill could inadvertently increase housing costs.
Despite opposition, the bill’s supporters highlight the financial relief it provides in a prohibitively expensive city. “Paying for a service you never asked for is exploitation,” said Councilmember Sandy Nurse.
With 42 affirmative votes, the bill is veto-proof and now awaits the mayor’s signature. If enacted, it will take effect on May 12, 2025, aligning with the summer housing rush. Advocates hope this move will make renting in New York City more accessible for thousands of tenants.
WASHINGTON, DC - President-elect Donald Trump announced on November 13 the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Once celebrated as the Hindu congresswoman admired by Indian Americans, Gabbard's recent political positions have drawn skepticism. Her appointment marks a potential resurgence in public service. Gabbard’s nomination, alongside Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for Attorney General, has sparked bipartisan concerns. Critics, including former national security officials, have questioned her suitability, with some calling for formal investigations. John Bolton, former national security adviser, urged the FBI to probe Gabbard’s past statements, citing risks tied to her alleged “Russian propaganda.”
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ST. LOUIS, MO – The Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St.
Chicago Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Fatal August Shooting
22
CHICAGO, IL - A 22-year-old Chicago man, Humza Raja, has been charged with first-degree murder following a deadly drive-by shooting in August, authorities confirmed. Raja was apprehended on November 14 in the 5100 block of North Catalpa Avenue by Chicago police. He is accused of shooting a 28-year-old man multiple times in the 400 block of West Cermak Road on August 25. According to police, Raja allegedly approached the victim in a vehicle and opened fire.
The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed.
Raja is scheduled to appear in court for a detention hearing. Further details regarding the case are expected to emerge during the proceedings.
Indiian American Ohio Doctor Pleads Guilty to Tax Obstruction Scheme
STRONGSVIILLEE, OH- Dr. Suman Jana of Strongsville, Ohio, admitted guilt today in a scheme to obstruct the administration of internal revenue laws. He faces sentencing on March 7, 2025, with potential penalties including up to three years in prison, supervised release, restitution, and fines. Court documents revealed that Dr. Jana participated in a fraudulent tax shelter known as the "Ultimate Tax Plan," devised by promoter Michael Meyer and subpromoter Rao Garuda. From 2012 to 2015, Dr. Jana falsely claimed $764,350 in charitable deductions by pretending to donate assets to charities controlled by Meyer while secretly retaining control. These funds were used for personal expenses, including purchasing multiple vehicles. In 2017, after exploiting the scheme for five years, Dr. Jana reclaimed his "donated"
company by paying $10,000. When the Justice Department subpoenaed him in 2018, Meyer and Garuda instructed him to conceal the buyback, creating backdated documents and promissory notes to fabricate legitimacy. Dr. Jana signed and submitted the falsified records in response to the subpoena. The scheme unraveled following investigations by IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Chief Michael Boteler and Trial Attorney Andrew Ascencio of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe acknowledged the efforts of investigators and prosecutors in exposing the fraud. Dr. Jana’s sentencing will be determined based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutory considerations.
Los Angeles Makes History with Diwali Recognition in City Council Proclamation
LOS ANGELES, CA - The City of Los Angeles celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights, with a special proclamation and cultural presentation, marking a milestone in the city’s recognition of its diverse cultural heritage.
Led by Councilmembers Nithya Raman and John Lee, the event highlighted Diwali’s universal themes of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil. “Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, resonating with people of all backgrounds,” said Raman. Lee added, “As we light our diyas, let us
remember our power to bring light to others’ lives.”
The ceremony featured a traditional invocation by Pundit Balmiki Sharma, chanting Rigvedic mantras. Sunil Agrawal, President of the India Association of Los Angeles (IALA), thanked the councilmembers, stating, “This resolution affirms Los Angeles’ commitment to cultural diversity as a source of strength.”
Community leaders, including representatives from the IALA, Valley Hindu Temple, Art of Living Foundation, and Isha Foundation,
USCIS Extends Medical Exam Validity for Afghan Immigrants
WASHIINGTON, DC- USCIS are updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3, to reflect that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely. This means that Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during OAW and meet certain conditions will not have to repeat an immigration medical examination when they apply to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (also known as getting a Green Card). This updated guidance is effective immediately and applies to any Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, that is pending or filed on or after November 13, 2024. This updated guidance applies to Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during OAW and received a full immigration medical examination either in the United States (documented on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) or outside the United States (documented on Form DS-7794, Electronic Medical Examination for Visa Applicant, or Form DS-2054, Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant). This guidance aligns with a recent decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
USCIS Updates Admission Rules for Residents
participated, underscoring the Indian American community’s contributions to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Diwali sweets and mementos were presented as symbols of goodwill, and Agrawal emphasized the importance of celebrating traditions to foster unity and inclusivity.
This marks the first official Diwali recognition by the Los Angeles City Council, a historic step toward embracing the city’s rich cultural diversity. Agrawal concluded, “When we celebrate our differences, we build a stronger, more united community.”
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its Policy Manual to clarify that the burden of proving lawful admission for permanent residence applies solely to an individual’s initial admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or adjustment to LPR status. The update to Volume 12, Part D, Chapter 2, aligns with the 4th Circuit ruling in Azumah v. USCIS (2024). It states that naturalization applicants must demonstrate lawful admission or adjustment at the time of their original entry or adjustment, regardless of the legality of subsequent reentries. Effective immediately, this guidance applies to all pending or newly filed naturalization applications. The policy ensures consistency in evaluating whether applicants were lawfully admitted under immigration laws at the time of their initial permanent resident status.
