hi INDiA | August 9, 2024 | The Community First

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Goodbye Wrestling

"Wrestling won the match against me, I lost... My courage is all broken, I don't have any strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 20012024. I will forever be in your debt,"

Who are the three student leaders who overthrew the Hasina government?

Asif Mahmood, Nahid Islam, and Abu Bakar Majumdar are the three prominent faces of the movement against reservations in Bangladesh

Sunidhi Chauhan opens up about about Bollywood music mafia: 'I haven’t been paid for many films'
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Who Is Asif Merchant, Pak Man Arrested For Plot To Kill Donald Trump

Harris and Walz hold first rally together as new Democratic ticket

Tim Walz touted his rural roots and said Donald Trump would take the US "backwards" as he appeared for the first time as Kamala Harris’s running mate at a raucous Democratic Party rally.

At the event in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, the party’s new nominee for vicepresident said their Republican rivals in November's election were "weird as hell".

The Minnesota governor spoke in front of thousands of supporters just hours after he was announced as Ms Harris’s pick for the role.

The Trump campaign, meanwhile, was quick to attack Mr Walz as a "dangerously liberal extremist".

The 60-year-old is billed as someone who could win back rural and workingclass voters who have gravitated to Donald Trump in crucial midwestern states.

At the rally in the key swing state of

Chinese Academic Convicted as Foreign Agent in US

New York: A Chinese academic was convicted on Tuesday of illegally acting as a foreign agent in the United States by collecting information about New Yorkbased activists supporting democracy in China and sharing his findings with Beijing. A jury found Wang Shujun guilty on four counts including acting as a foreign agent without notifying the US attorney general and lying to US authorities, following a week-long trial in Brooklyn federal court. Prosecutors said Wang was actually spying on the activists and sharing his findings with four officials in China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), an intelligence service.

Pennsylvania, Ms Harris, currently the US vice-president, said she and Mr Walz were the "underdogs" in what is expected to be a close election but had the momentum.

She introduced her running mate as “a fighter for the middle class, a patriot”.

Mr Walz then recounted his small-

town roots in Nebraska and his career as a national guardsman and teacher, before attempting to draw a contrast with Trump.

"He doesn’t know the first thing about service - because he's too busy serving himself," said the former army sergeant and football coach.

Elon Musk sues Unilever and Mars over X 'boycott'

Elon Musk's X/Twitter is suing a group of advertisers and major companies, accusing them of unlawfully agreeing to "boycott" the site.

It has filed a claim against the food giants Unilever and Mars, private healthcare company CVS Health, and renewable energy firm Orsted - along with a trade association called the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) - in a Texas court.

X claims they have deprived it of "billions of dollars" in revenue.

Legal experts say the case is unlikely to succeed as any collusion or agreement between companies will be hard to prove.

The lawsuit relates to the period in 2022 just after Mr Musk bought X, then known as Twitter, when advertising revenue dived.

Some companies had been wary of advertising on the platform as concerns rose that its new owner was not serious enough about removing harmful online content.

In the year after Mr Musk bought what was formerly Twitter, advertising revenue slumped by more than half. X chief executive Linda Yaccarino said: "People are hurt when the marketplace of ideas is constricted. No small group of people should monopolise what gets monetised."

She said the alleged "boycott" threatened the company's "ability to thrive in the future".

NASA Delays SpaceX ISS Mission As Boeing Starliner Faces Issues

Washington: NASA on Tuesday postponed the departure of astronauts bound for the International Space Station on a SpaceX flight due to ongoing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The Starliner, which brought two NASA astronauts aboard the ISS in early June, has been docked for the past two months due to anomalies detected in its propulsion system during its flight, with the mission's return date increasingly uncertain.

Trump Announces "Major" Interview With Musk

New York: Former US President Donald Trump has announced that he will be interviewed by billionaire CEO and entrepreneur Elon Musk next week.

"On Monday night I'll be doing a major interview with Elon Musk," the former president wrote on his Truth Social media platform. "Details to follow," Trump added, as reported by US publications including The Hill newspaper. The Republican presidential nominee was recently interviewed at his Mar-a-Lago residence by live streamer Adin Ross.

Who Is Asif Merchant, Pak Man Arrested For Plot To Kill Donald Trump

Federal prosecutors said Asif Merchant, 46, orchestrated a plot to kill an unidentified politician or US government officials on American soil.

New Delhi: The US has charged Pakistani national Asif Merchant, 46, with plotting to assassinate American politicians, including former President Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors allege Merchant, who has ties to Iran, orchestrated a scheme involving theft, protests, and assassinations on American soil.

Asif Merchant, also known as "Asif Raza Merchant," has wives and children in Pakistan and Iran and frequently travels to Iran, Syria, and Iraq. His plot included stealing documents ("flannel shirt"), planning protests ("tee-shirt"), and assassination ("fleece jacket"). He tried to recruit people he

believed were hitmen but were actually undercover FBI agents. In mid-June, Merchant met with these undercover agents in New York, outlining his plans to steal documents, stage protests, and assassinate a "political person." He arranged to pay $5,000 as an advance for the assassination, which he successfully delivered on June 21. He planned to leave the country on July 12, one day before the attempted assassination, but was arrested before his departure. The plot prompted the US to increase security for Trump and other officials. Merchant's arrest highlights the ongoing threat of politically motivated violence.

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Bangladesh Mobs Attack Hindu Homes After Hasina Exit

New Delhi: In Bangladesh, violent mobs have attacked Hindu temples, businesses, and homes following Sheikh Hasina's ousting as Prime Minister. Despite appeals for calm from leaders of the movement that toppled the Awami League government, concerns about the safety of the Hindu minority persist. Some communities have united, with Muslims and Hindus guarding temples together. Hindus, who make up nearly 8% of Bangladesh's population, have traditionally supported Sheikh Hasina's Awami League due to its secular stance and ties with India. With the government toppled and a new administration yet to take charge, chaos has ensued, targeting police stations, prisons, Awami League leaders' homes, and Hindu establishments. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that 200-300 homes and businesses, mostly Hindu-owned, were attacked since Monday, with 15-20 temples vandalized and 40 people injured. The attacks began

Niger's junta cuts diplomatic ties with Ukraine

Niger has cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, a move which signals a burgeoning rift between some West African states and Kyiv. Niger's military government said it made the move in "solidarity" with neighbouring Mali, who severed their own relations with Ukraine two days ago. Both countries cited comments by a Ukrainian military official, who suggested Kyiv played a role in the killing of dozens of Malian soldiers last month.

Hamas names Yahya Sinwar as new overall leader

After two days of lengthy negotiations in Doha, Hamas has named Yahya Sinwar as its new overall chief, replacing Ismail Haniyeh who was assassinated in Tehran last week. Since 2017, Sinwar has served as the group's leader inside the Gaza strip. He will now become leader of its political wing. The Hamas leadership unanimously chose Sinwar to lead the movement, a senior Hamas official told the BBC. The announcement comes at a moment of soaring tensions in the Middle East, as Iran and its allies threaten retaliation for the killing of Haniyeh, which they blame on Israel. Israel has not commented.

Tarique Rahman, senior BNP leader and son of former PM Khaleda Zia, is among the key voices that have appealed for calm.

hours before Sheikh Hasina's resignation. In Netrokona, Avirup Sarkar's cousin reported a mob attack on her home, destroying property and stealing cash and ornaments. Journalist Pradip Kumar Bhowmik died during a mob attack in Sirajganj, with 25 journalists injured nationwide. In Dhaka, singer Rahul Ananda's ancestral house was attacked, and his musical instruments burned.

Despite the violence, some Muslims are joining Hindus to protect temples. At Dhakeshwari National Temple, locals, both Muslim and Hindu, are guarding the site. Similar efforts are seen at Ramna Kali Temple and ISKCON Swamibag temple, where posters declare solidarity. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. India is monitoring the situation closely, maintaining contact with the Indian community and ensuring the safety of the 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, many of whom are returning home. An Air India flight recently evacuated 205 Indians, including six infants.

Putin accuses Ukraine of 'provocation' amid alleged border incursion

President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of launching "another major provocation", after defence officials said Ukrainian troops crossed into Russia's Kursk region on Tuesday.

Moscow said troops, supported by 11 tanks and more than 20 armoured combat vehicles, crossed the border near the town of Sudzha, 10km (six miles) from the frontline.

In televised remarks broadcast on Wednesday afternoon, Russia's Chief

of General Staff Valery Gerasimov told President Putin that the "advance" into Kursk region had been stopped with Russian forces "continuing to destroy the adversary in areas directly adjacent to the Russian-Ukrainian border".

Mr Gerasimov also said that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops had entered the region with the aim of taking over the area around the town of Sudzha, and that Russian forces had already killed 100 men and injured another 215. Ukraine has yet to comment on the Russian allegations.

Thousands of local residents have left their homes in the region, officials said.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of the Security Council in Moscow, Mr Putin accused Ukrainian forces of "firing indiscriminately" at civilian buildings and residences.

Australia Raises Terror Threat Level From "Possible" To "Probable"

Sydney: Australia on Monday raised its terror threat level to "probable" from "possible", citing an increase in extremist views in the country leading to a more than 50% chance of the planning of an onshore attack in the next 12 months.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had raised the country's threat level

Bangladesh’s former foreign minister Hassan Mahmud detained

Bangladesh’s former foreign minister Hassan Mahmud and ex-state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak were detained on Tuesday at the Dhaka airport while attempting to flee the country, a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following deadly protests against her government.

China, Saudi, UAE Agree To Roll Over Pak's $12 Billion Debt For A Year

Islamabad: China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have agreed to roll over cash-strapped Pakistan's $12 billion debt for one year, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to approve its $7 billion bailout package later this month. After a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance yesterday, Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told reporters that there was no delay in the IMF Executive Board meeting, which is going to take place by the end of this month to approve the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, the Express Tribune reported today.

UK Expands Jails Amid AntiImmigrant Riots

following advice from security services, but said there was no imminent threat of an attack.

"The advice that we have received is that more Australians are embracing a more diverse range of extreme ideologies and it is our responsibility to be vigilant," he told a news conference.

Australia lowered the threat level to "possible" in 2022, following eight years at "probable". Mike Burgess, director general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the country's main intelligence agency, said tensions in the Middle East, including a conflict between Israel and Hamas that began on Oct. 7, were a contributing factor to raising the threat level.

The British government has increased its prison capacity to help tackle violent, weeklong anti-immigrant riots that have prompted a growing number of countries to warn their citizens about the dangers of travelling in Britain. Riots across a number of towns and cities have erupted following the murder of three girls in Southport, a seaside town in northern England, after false messaging on social media wrongly identified the killer as an Islamist migrant.

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Hassan Mahmud

Vinesh Phogat Appeals CAS for Olympic Silver

Vinesh Phogat, who was earlier disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100 gram overweight than the permissible limit, has decided to file an appeal in Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision. She has asked for the Olympic silver to be given to her. The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an international body established in 1984 to settle disputes related to sport through arbitration. Vinesh has asked for an urgent hearing and has requested for two silver medal to be given.

Wrestler Aman Sehrawat 1 Win Away From Medal

Wrestler Aman Sehrawat is one win away from ensuring a medal for India in the Men's 57kg event at Paris Olympics. Aman beat Albania's Zelimkhan Abakarov on technical superiority (12-0) to move into the next round. In women's 57kg, Anshu will hope to make it to the repechage round after losing her Round of 16 match to USA's Helen Louis Maroulis.

Goodbye wrestling

Mother, wrestling won the match against me, and I lost. I am sorry. Your dreams and my courage have all shattered. I no longer have the strength.

Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024.

I will always be indebted to all of you. Sorry.

Heartbroken over her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, India's ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. The grappler stood on the cusp of a gold medal in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event before exceeding her weight by 100 grams during the morning weigh-in on Wednesday. Vinesh even lodged a protest at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging her disqualification. Vinesh, in a post on social media, said that wrestling won the final bout against her, but she lost, breaking all her courage. Having made her professional debut in 2001, the year 2024 was the last that saw her compete as a wrestler.

"Wrestling won the match against me, I lost...my courage is all broken, I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024.

I will forever be in your debt"

The 29-year-old wrestler's disqualification from

the Paris Olympic Games broke over a billion hearts, with PM Narendra Modi also taking to social media to give his support and courage to Vinesh. Others from the sporting fraternity also rallied behind Vinesh's cause and asked her to focus on the 2028 LA Games in her pursuit of a wrestling gold medal in the Olympics. However, Vinesh feels she has lost her final battle, and doesn't have what it takes to continue anymore. Vinesh was disqualified after being found 100gm overweight during the morning weigh-in. She reached out to CAS, asking for a joint-silver medal to be given.

An ad-hoc division of the CAS has been set up here for resolution by arbitration of any disputes arising during the Olympic Games or during a period of 10 days preceding the Opening Ceremony.

The matter will be taken up on Thursday morning.

India Beat Spain To Win BackTo-Back Bronze Medals

Harmanpreet Singh has given India a 2-1 lead against Spain in their men's hockey bronze medal match at Paris Olympics 2024 at Stade Yves-duManoir. Harmanpreet converted his second penalty corner of the match, helping India turn around the tie on its head. This comes after Marc Miralles converted a penalty stroke to

give Spain a narrow lead in the second quarter. This is Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh last international match, and the team will look to give him a memorable farewell. After a painful loss to Germany in the semifinal, India are now eyeing back-to-back Olympic bronze medals, having finished third in Tokyo three years back

INDIA Bloc MPs Walk Out, Demand Justice for Phogat

INDIA bloc MPs on Wednesday held a protest on Parliament premises alleging that wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics reeked of a "conspiracy" and demanded justice for her. Members of opposition parties like the Congress, TMC, NCP(SP), JMM, RJD and SP also walked out from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. "The entire opposition... staged a walkout in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha demanding justice for Vinesh Phogat. Modi ji posted a consolation tweet. A consolation tweet will not work Modi ji, justice must be ensured for her," Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala told reporters.

How A Chinese Scholar Ran A Spy Ring In US For Decades Before Arrest

A Chinese-American scholar, Shujun Wang, has been convicted by a U.S. court for acting as a covert agent for China's Ministry of State Security while posing as a pro-democracy activist. The 75-year-old had been living a double life for over a decade, collecting information on Chinese dissidents and sharing it with Chinese intelligence, according to prosecutors.

A federal jury in New York delivered the verdict on Tuesday, finding Wang guilty on four counts following a weeklong trial in the Brooklyn federal court. Wang, who faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced on January 9 next year, was arrested in March 2022. Wang, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1994,

Wang was convicted of providing the contact information of prominent dissidents.

settled in New York and became involved in the Chinese-American community. He co-founded the Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Memorial Foundation in 2006, a pro-democracy group in Queens, New York, commemorating figures linked to the 1989 Tiananmen Square uprising.

Despite his public stance against the Chinese government, Wang secretly gathered and passed on information about dissidents to Chinese intelligence. U.S. attorney Ellen Sise, during the trial, revealed that Wang deceived people who trusted him, portraying himself as an academic and pro-democratic activist to gain access to sensitive information. U.S. attorney Breon Peace described the case as resembling a "spy novel" but emphasized that the evidence was "shockingly real." Prosecutors stated that Wang used his reputation and position within the community to fulfill his role as a covert intelligence asset for the Chinese government, betraying those who believed in his pro-democracy facade.

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Google's online search monopoly is illegal, US judge rules

A US judge has ruled Google acted illegally to crush its competition and maintain a monopoly on online search and related advertising.

The landmark decision on Monday is a major blow to Alphabet, Google's parent company, and could reshape how technology giants do business.

Google was sued by the US Department of Justice in 2020 over its control of about 90% of the online search market. It is one of several lawsuits that have been filed against the big tech companies as US antitrust authorities attempt to strengthen competition in the industry. This case has at times been described as posing an existential threat to Google and its owner given its dominance of the search and online advertising business. It is unclear yet what penalties Google and Alphabet will face as a result of the decision. The fines or other remedies will be decided in a future hearing. The government has asked for "structural relief" - which could, in theory at least, mean the break-up of the company.

In his decision, US District Judge Amit

GST Demands Risk

India's Aviation Potential: IATA

With 10 foreign carriers facing GST demands worth over Rs 10,000 crore, global airlines' grouping IATA on Tuesday urged the government to resolve the issue and said the matter can dampen and risk the country's strong aviation potential. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents more than 330 airlines, including Indian carriers, and its members account for more than 80 per cent of the global air traffic.

Rupee recovers from all-time low level

The rupee recovered from its all-time low level and settled for the day 16 paise higher at 83.93 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, on suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank.

Forex traders said mixed to weak global equities on rising concerns over recession fears in the US and the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East dented investor sentiments. Moreover, the sentimental impact of unwinding of the Yen carry-trade weighed on the riskier currencies such as the rupee. However, suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank supported the local unit.

Mehta said Google had paid billions to ensure it is the default search engine on smartphones and browsers.

“Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly,” Judge Mehta wrote in his 277-page opinion. Alphabet said it plans to appeal against the ruling.

“This decision recognises that Google offers the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed

to make it easily available," the statement from the company said.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland, the country's top prosecutor, hailed the ruling as a "historic win for the American people".

“No company - no matter how large or influential - is above the law," Mr Garland said in a statement on Monday. "The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our antitrust laws.”

Gautam Adani to Transfer Control to Next Generation by Early 2030s

Gautam Adani, 62, is planning to step down as the chairman of the Adani group when he turns 70 as he looks to transfer control to the next generation in early 2030s.

This was disclosed by the billionaire industrialist in an interview to Bloomberg. "Succession is very, very important for the business sustainability. I left the choice to the second generation as the transition must be organic, gradual and very systematic,” he said.

The succession plan of the group began almost a decade ago, with cousins Pranav, Karan, Sagar and Jeet taking up different positions in the conglomerate. Karan and Jeet Adani are the sons of Gautam Adani, while Pranav Adani is the son of Vinod Adani, Gautam Adani’s elder brother.

Sagar is the son of Rajesh Adani, Gautam Adani’s younger brother.

All the cousins will be equal beneficiaries of the family trust guided by a confidential agreement.

The next generation leaders themselves said they will take all decisions jointly after Gautam Adani steps down.

Karan Adani, who is an economics graduate from Purdue University, USA, is the managing director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd (APSEZ). He is engaged in transforming the company to an integrated logistics company.

India's Services Sector Booms on Strong Demand, Tech Investment

Activity in the services sector remained strong in July, though it expanded at a slightly slower pace than in June, driven by robust demand and investment in technology, a survey revealed on Monday.

The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Services Business Activity Index stood at 60.3 in July, marginally down from

US stock markets rise after days of turmoil

US shares opened higher on Tuesday as an uneasy calm returned to global markets after days of sharp falls. The technology-heavy Nasdaq, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 all saw early gains. It followed subdued trading in the UK and Europe with London's FTSE 100 initially rising before falling back. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 stock index jumped by 10.2%, or 3,217 points in its biggest one-day gain in points, after the previous day's plummet. The stock market rout began on Friday following disappointing US employment figures for July which showed that the jobless rate rose, sparking fears of a recession.

Rolls-Royce to give each worker £700 in shares

Rolls-Royce is to give every employee shares worth about £700 in the company following a revival. The engineering giant announced in an internal memo that it would gift 150 shares to its 42,000 workers worldwide. The news comes after the Derby-based company, which makes jet engines, announced profits of £1.1bn in the first half of this year, almost double what it made over the same period in 2023.

'No choice' but to shut X San Francisco office - Musk

60.5 in June. In PMI terms, a reading above 50 signifies expansion, while a score below 50 indicates contraction. “Looking ahead, services firms remained optimistic about the outlook for the year ahead,” said Pranjul Bhandari, chief India economist at HSBC. New export orders grew at the third-strongest pace since the series began in September 2014, reflecting increased global demand for Indian services, amid rising export orders from countries, including Austria, Brazil, China, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands and the US. Favourable economic conditions and positive output expectations supported recruitment among services firms, according to the survey.

Elon Musk has said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he has "no choice" but to move the flagship office of the social platform out of San Francisco. The post was in response to a New York Times report about an email from X chief executive Linda Yaccarino to staff, which said the office was closing, with employees moving to San Jose and Palo Alto. It comes just weeks after Mr Musk said he would move X and his rocket company SpaceX to Texas.

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SPORT

Former England Batter Graham Thorpe Dies At

55

Former England and Surrey batter Graham Thorpe has died aged 55 after battling a "serious illness" since 2022, the country's cricket board announced on Monday. Considered one of the finest batters of his generation, Thorpe was hospitalised shortly after being named the head coach of Afghanistan in 2022 but the details of his medical condition are not known. He is survived by his wife Amanda and four children, Henry, Amelia, Kitty and Emma.

Mandhana, Verma

Nominated for ICC Women's Player of the Month

HiIndia

India openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, along with Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu have been nominated for ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July 2024. Smriti, the left-handed opener and India's vice-captain, is aiming to make it back-to-back success after winning the ICC Women's Player of the Month award in June 2024, after making 273 runs at an average of 68.25 with a strike rate of 139.28 in T20Is in July.

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified

India's ace grappler Vinesh Phogat, on the cusp of ultimate glory in the Paris Olympic Games 2024, was disqualified hours before the final. Vinesh, who was competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, was found 100 grams over the 50-kg weight limit for her event. Vinesh usually competes in the 53 kg category but brought her weight down to 50 kg for the Paris Olympics. On Day 2 of her weigh-in, she was found over the limit by a small margin of about 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed her disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat reportedly found out last night that her weight was up by 1 kg. Desperate to lose the extra weight, she went through a gruelling night of cycling and other exercise and managed to lose 900 grams, say sources. She didn't sleep the entire night, hoping to correct her body weight before the competition. After she was weighted over the limit, Indian officials asked the Olympics committee for more time but there was “very little elbow room for negotiation”, said sources.

ICC's Plan B If BCCI Refuses To Send Team India To Pakistan For Champions Trophy

There continues to remain a deadlock over the ICC Champions Trophy's fate, with Pakistan Cricket Board keen to host the entire tournament at home while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is refusing to send the Indian team across the border. The Indian board wants its matches to be held in UAE or Sri Lanka, Pakistan has shared the proposal of hosting all of India's matches in Lahore. While no resolution has been reached so far, the ICC has reportedly prepared a Plan B in a case where the Indian team doesn't come to Pakistan at all.

Though the ICC hasn't yet publicly discussed the matter with other boards in

the recent meetings, a contingency plan has already been put in place.

As per a report in Cricbuzz, the Chief Executives Committee (CEC) approval note says: "PCB has signed Host Agreement and has worked with management to draft an event budget which is submitted F&CA for approval.

'Our gold medals are squeaky clean' - China slams doping doubts

"Any doubt is just a joke. Stress only makes us stronger," Qin Haiyang - a part of China's history-making men’s 4x100m medley quartet posted after their unprecedented victory over the US on Monday. Qin's seeming defiance came at the tail end of what has been a challenging time for China in the pool. Some of the country's top swimmers - including Qin and his relay teammate Sun Jiajun- have faced a slew of doping allegations, followed by contentious US claims that the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) was covering it up. They were among 23 Chinese swimmers who returned positive doping tests ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. And although Chinese swimmers have been drug-tested twice as much as some other nations this year before heading to Paris, their performance has been met with scepticism.

US Swim Team Goes Viral for Performing to AR Rahman's "Taal se Taal"

Management has also approved an estimate of the increase in the cost of staging the event if it is necessary to play some matches outside Pakistan."

"A planning meeting and inspection of proposed match venues took place in Pakistan in March 2024. A significant amount of renovation work is underway in all three venues to upgrade facilities", the note further read. As far as the budgets are concerned, $35 million has been allocated for the competition itself, while $20 million set aside for participation and prize money distribution. The apex cricketing boxy has kept aside another $10 million for the production costs associated with televising the 15-match, 20-day tournament.

As the Olympics frenzy currently grips the globe, a video from the World Aquatics Doha 2024 held in February this year is going viral. The video shows the USA artistic swimming team performing on Indian music composer and Oscar winning artist AR Rahman’s iconic song ‘Taal Se Taal’ from Bollywood movie Taal. The video shows a group of women swimmers from team USA performing flawless moves in a rhythmic flow underwater as the instrumental version of ‘Taal Se Taal’ plays in the stadium. The teams’ synchronization on the song is a rare treat to the eyes.

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Freedom War Hero's Daughter To Villain Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Mujibur Rehman -- whose statue was desecrated in violence -- was the charismatic leader who led East Pakistan to Independence and the birth of a new nation.

Sheikh Hasina, 77, feted chief of the Awami League and three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh, stepped down today amid a 45-minute ultimatum of the army and took a flight out of the violence-torn nation for an unknown destination. It would probably be familiar territory for a leader who started her political journey with an exile after the assassination of her father by officers of the Bangladesh army.

Sheikh Mujibur Rehman -- whose statue was vandalised in today's violence -- was the charismatic leader who led East Pakistan to Independence and the birth of a new nation.

Sheikh Hasina, only 28 when Mujibur Rehman was assassinated, remained in exile from 1975 to late 1980s. While in exile, she rose through the ranks to head the party her father founded and on her return, dived into politics.

In 1996, she steered Awami League to victory in the national election, becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The initial years of her stewardship brought a phase of huge growth to Bangladesh in terms of both economy and infrastructure that led to rapid change in the living standards in what once was one of the world's poorest nations. But her strained relationship with the judiciary and handling of an earlier series of protests gave rise to a generation of critics who accused her of totalitarianism and autocracy. Her victory in two subsequent elections saw widespread allegations of rigging – adding layers of controversy to one of the country's most prominent leaders of the time. Sheikh Hasina's efforts to bring peace after 25 years of conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts was recognised by the UNESCO with the Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize in 1998. The current wave of student protests – which had started weeks ago as one about quota in government jobs to the families of freedom fighters – had unexpectedly snowballed into demands for her resignation. As the violence continued, the army took action today, scripting what some see as the last chapter of the political career of the leader whose life has mirrored the ups and downs of the nation since her birth in 1947. In her tumultuous career, Sheikh Hasina has faced grenade attacks and assassination attempts. She had been placed thrice under house arrest by the army, once over her opposition to the coup and assumption of power by. Lt. Gen. Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Many believe it is still too premature to compose her political epitaph.

Who are the three student leaders who overthrew the Hasina government?

Nahid Islam is the most prominent face of the student movement. On Sunday, he stated, "Today we have taken up sticks; if sticks don't work, we are ready to take up arms. PM Hasina wants to push the country into a civil war. Now it's up to Sheikh Hasina to decide whether she will step down or resort to bloodshed to stay in power." Islam, a student at Dhaka University, accused the police of detaining him on the morning of July 20th, which the police denied. A viral video on social media showed people in uniform putting Islam into a car. The student leader was found unconscious under a bridge 24 hours after he went missing. He claimed he was beaten with iron rods until he lost consciousness. On July 26th, the Detective Branch took Nahid from the hospital again, citing his and his associates' safety. Before being taken again, Nahid told a newspaper that around 2 AM on July 20th, 25 to

30 people forcibly took him without any explanation.

the nationwide movement against reservations that began in June. On July 26th, Asif was among those detained by the Detective Branch. Like others, he was detained from the hospital during treatment, with security reasons cited for his detention. On July 27th, the Detective Branch detained two more student leaders, Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, holding them at their office. On July 28th, their family members requested to meet them but were denied. On July 29th, the police allowed students to meet

them. However, before this, Nahid, Asif, and their associates released a video calling for the withdrawal of the protests. Reports indicate that the police forced and beat them to make the video. Asif was injected, leaving him unconscious for several days. Due to protests against the students' arrests, Asif was released from custody on August 1st. On August 3rd, Asif posted on Facebook, urging students not to stay home and to join the nearest demonstration.

Bakar Majumdar is one of the three student leaders who played a crucial role in ousting Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina. A geography student at Dhaka University, Majumdar also works on civil and human rights. Following a High Court decision on reservations on June 5, he started a student movement against discrimination. Majumdar was abducted on July 19 from Dhanmondi and released two days later. He told the media the police pressured him to call off the movement and beat him when he refused. Injured, he was hospitalized and later taken into custody again on July 26 by Dhaka Metropolitan Police for allegedly disturbing the peace.

Asif Mahmood, Nahid Islam, and Abu Bakar Majumdar are the three prominent faces of the movement against reservations in Bangladesh
Nahid Islam
Asif Mahmood is a student of Language Studies at Dhaka University. He joined
Asif Mahmood
Abu
Abu Bakar Majumdar

Vinesh Phogat, Neeraj Chopra Bid For Gold With 'Season Best' Displays

India's Vinesh Phogat is one win away from securing a medal for India after advancing to the semi-finals of the women's 50kg event at Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat stunned world no. 1 and defending champions Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16, before edging out Ukraine Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals. Vinesh will take on Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman Lopez for a place in the final. Meanwhile, India's 'Golden Boy' Neeraj Chopra will also be in action in men's javelin throw qualification round. India's other javelin star Kishore Jena, however, failed to qualify for the men's final.

Kamala Harris picks Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as running mate

Washington: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate on Tuesday, choosing a progressive policy champion and a plain speaker from America's heartland to help win over rural, white voters. Harris announced the selection in a text message to supporters. "I'm pleased to share that I've made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate," she said.

Panic In Beirut As Israeli Warplanes Break Sound Barrier Thrice

Beirut, Lebanon: Israeli warplanes swooped low over the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday, setting off a series of sonic booms that rattled windows across the city minutes before the head of Lebanon's Hezbollah was set to give an address. The loud booms sent residents rushing to open their windows to prevent the glass from shattering, or standing on their balconies to get a glimpse of the planes flying over.

Nobel Peace Prize winner to lead Bangladesh interim government

Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of the interim government of Bangladesh. This information was provided by President Shahabuddin's press secretary late Tuesday night. The decision was made during a meeting between President Shahabuddin and student leaders after the dissolution of parliament. The heads of all three armed forces were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina may stay in India for a few days. Her hopes of seeking asylum in Britain seem bleak as the government there has indicated that she may face legal action due to protests in Bangladesh upon her arrival. According to news agency PTI, Sheikh Hasina has currently been moved to a secure location. At the same time, some media reports claim that the United States has canceled Sheikh Hasina's visa. The former Prime Minister of the country, Khaleda Zia, has also been released.

On Monday, during a two-month-long protest against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, there was a lot of violence. Following this, she resigned from her position and reached India. NSA Ajit Doval spoke with her for about an hour at the Hindon Airbase.

On Tuesday, during an all-party meeting in India, Foreign Minister Jaishankar said, "Sheikh Hasina is in shock. The government is giving her some time before speaking to her. She will decide on her future." There are speculations that she may go to London or Finland.

UK Dismisses Sheikh Hasina Asylum Reports

New Delhi: British immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to that country to seek asylum or temporary refuge, the UK Home Office told NDTV Tuesday morning, amid persistent speculation ousted Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina, now in Delhi, will fly to London to claim sanctuary. The UK government - now headed by Sir Keir Starmer following Labour's

landslide win last month - also said individuals seeking asylum must do so "in the first safe country they reach".

"The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it. However, there is no provision for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge." "Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach - that is the fastest route to safety," a UK Home Office spokesperson told. Nevertheless, sources indicate a formal asylum request is being processed. Mrs Hasina, 76, was forced to resign as Prime Minister Monday evening after weeks-long protests over a jobs quota killed over 300 people. She fled Dhaka in a military aircraftreportedly after the Bangladesh Army gave her a 45-minute ultimatum - and flew first to an IAF base in Uttar Pradesh.

Vinesh Phogat Achieves Historic First, Assured Of At Least Silver

Vinesh Phogat defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez (Cuba) 5-0 to enter Olympics 2024 women's wrestling 50kg final. With that Vinesh became the first Indian woman to enter wrestling final at the Olympics. Vinesh Phogat. earlier, stunned world no. 1 and defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16, before edging out Ukraine Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals. Vinesh will take on Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman Lopez for a place in the final.

India Lose To Germany, Face Spain In Hockey Bronze Match

India trail 2-3 against Germany in the final quarter of the men's hockey semi-final match at the Paris Olympics 2024. Gonzalo Peillat, Marco Miltkau and Christopher Ruehr scored for Germany while Harmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored for India. India won last of their eight Olympic gold medals way back in the 1980 Moscow Games. Paris provides them a great opportunity to make history.

Amit Mehta, Indian-American Judge Behind Landmark Google Antitrust Ruling

New Delhi: Amit Mehta, an Indian-origin US judge, has handed Google a legal blow, ruling that the tech giant used exclusive agreements to make itself the “default” search engine and ad provider on devices, giving it a major advantage over its rivals. The trial revealed that Google paid billions to companies like Apple to remain the default search engine on their devices.

Born in Patan, Gujarat, Amit Mehta moved to the United States with his parents at the age of one. Mr Mehta earned his BA degree in Political Science and Economics from Georgetown University in 1993 and later graduated with a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1997. After law school, Mr Mehta worked at the San Francisco office of Latham & Watkins

LLP. He also clerked for the Honourable Susan P. Graber of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Mr Mehta joined Zuckerman Spaeder LLP in Washington, DC in 1999, where he worked until 2002. He then joined the District of Columbia Public Defender Service as a staff attorney from 2002 to 2007. In 2007, he returned to Zuckerman Spaeder, focusing on white-collar criminal defence, complex business disputes, and appellate advocacy. Amit Mehta has represented high-profile clients, including former US Representative Tom Feeney and Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former president of the IMF. Mr Mehta helped Mr Strauss-Kahn defeat criminal assault charges in a New York court.

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Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus

‘Panchayat’ star Faisal Malik to start shooting for Season 4 in 2025

New Delhi: (IANS) Actor Faisal Malik, who has gained eyeballs with his effortless portrayal of Prahlad Pandey in "Panchayat 3”, will start working on the fourth installment next year. Asked what he learned from Prahlad Pandey, Faisal told IANS: “I learnt the simplicity around him.” Talking about the challenges from him, Faisal, who was present at the Chitrashaala Film Festival in the National Capital, said: “Every act is a challenge. Every performance is a challenge… The good part is that Prahlad Pandey as a character is loved by people and I will try my best to make that happen next year also.”

The actor revealed that it was the “writing” that drew him to “Panchayat 3”, which tells the tale of of an engineering graduate who joins as a Panchayat secretary in a remote fictional village of Phulera in Uttar Pradesh.

“It’s the writing that inspired me. It is the best thing. The show is written by the very talented Chandan Kumar. It is such a beautiful show for people especially,” he said. The series also stars Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Sanvikaa, Chandan Roy, Durgesh Kumar, Ashok Pathak and Sunita Rajwar, whom he describes as his “family”.

Handle Mental Health Quietly and Gracefully

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor recently spoke about seeking therapy and how it didn't work for him. In a recent interaction, the Barfi actor also opened up about male vulnerability and men's mental health in the country, noting how they often shy away from seeking help. During the interaction with Nikhil Kamath, the Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani actor revealed that he sought therapy before his father, the late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, was diagnosed with cancer. "I have tried therapy before my father got sick. I don't think it worked for me for two reasons. Firstly, because I couldn't express myself completely to the therapist. Secondly,

the therapist, in some way, was teaching me how to manipulate life," he said. The actor continued, "In order to overcome all this, there is a method that you can learn by teaching yourself certain things. Whatever he was telling me, it made me realise that I don't want to manipulate life. I don't want to put some emotion aside to avoid it because it gives me peace."

Ranbir Kapoor responded, "You can't comment so freely on this topic anymore because somebody might pick up something and you will be called anti-feminist or male chauvinist. I feel whether it is a man or a woman, if they aren't well mentally, there is no shame in taking help. There is no shame in crying about it, and the people who love you will understand." The actor added that it is important to deal with mental health issues "quietly" and "with grace". He pointed out that many take advantage of the situation and use it as an excuse to avoid responsibilities. "Mental health is something that it is nice to tackle it quietly with a lot of grace. Don't use it as an excuse to not do things and not be a certain way. It's a problem, find a solution and keep working at it," he added.

Mumbai: (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has shared that there will be “some new interesting changes” in the upcoming season of “Kaun Banega Crorepati”. Talking about it in his blog, Amitabh first shared a few pictures from the sets and wrote: “.. some fresh new interesting changes in the GAME and the impact it will have and the learnings .. but above all the 'emotions' that overcome us all when the outcome of the contestant before us narrates his or her story.” He talked about “the dire circumstances” the contestants “exist in and then the volume of their years of distress .. and suddenly they find themselves here on the 'garam kursi' and they get taken up by the emotion of the moment.”

Sharvari: 'Vedaa' is a very important film for my survival

Actress Sharvari has spoken about why her upcoming film 'Vedaa' is important for her and "her survival". The actress said: “I hope ‘Vedaa’ becomes a huge success for us all. I’m very greedy. I want all my films to be hits! I came into this industry, my first film didn’t do well, and then I had to wait for three years because of the pandemic for my films to release and do well.”

Sharvari said that she is “hugely” thankful to filmmaker Nikkhil Advani for his faith and support in giving her such an important film and a role like ‘Vedaa.’

“When just a couple of people were backing me in the industry, it is a debt I will never be able to repay. ‘Vedaa’ is a very important film for me, for my survival, and my growth.”

The actress, who is currently basking in the success of her latest releases 'Munjya' and 'Maharaj', called herself a “director’s actor.”

Sharvari: “I’m honestly just too happy right now to enjoy this moment, and I can have this special moment in my life because of my director Nikkhil Advani, and his unflinching faith in me. I decided to be an actor for the love of the craft."

“I’m a director’s actor, and I submit to the story; that is my priority. So, what people are loving is all Nikkhil sir’s vision for ‘Vedaa',” she said.

Sharvari wished all the success to her co-star John Abraham, who she said guided her every step of the way.

“I want ‘Vedaa’ to be a huge hit for Nikkhil sir, Monisha ma’am, Madhu ma’am, for John, who also trusted me to play this part and guided me every step of the way as a true mentor. John’s guidance, his words of advice, will always ring in my ears.

“Imagine I’m doing action with the biggest action superstar of this country! It’s a dream come true for me,” she said.

Regarding the positive response to the trailer, the actress said:

“The love that the trailer is getting is an incredible feeling for us all. I thank the audience for this love too. You are the reason that I’m thriving in this industry. So, I owe it all to you too.”

Sunidhi Chauhan opens up about about Bollywood music mafia: 'I haven’t been paid for many films'

Sunidhi Chauhan, one of India's most renowned singers, is known for her numerous hit songs and is one of the highest-paid vocalists in the Indian film industry. Recently, she opened up about the Bollywood music mafia and payment issues in the industry, a topic that Sonu Nigam has also commented on.

During her recent podcast, Sunidhi was asked if the Bollywood mafia controls things in the industry. She told Raj Shamani, "It’s everywhere. Lobbying is present in awards shows, music, films, and reality shows. It’s something you can’t escape. Do your work, and if you want to be a part of it, make changes to fix things."

Sunidhi was also asked about situations where multiple singers record a song, but only one is chosen, and the others don’t get paid. She responded, "I haven’t been paid for

Ram Gopal Varma on Why Big Multi-Starrers Fail: 'Ego-Driven Proposals'

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma says the industry is witnessing many "proposal films" which are assembled by calculated pan-India casting to cater to a wider audience. These films, RGV said, often focus on pandering to the egos of the stars while the story becomes secondary.

In an interview with Galatta Plus, the filmmaker explained why some multistarrer pan-India films feature stars from different regions, as the producers think this would make more monetary sense. While there is "nothing wrong in theory," Varma said history is proof that such projects often nosedive.

"You

don’t want to hurt anyone’s ego because not everyone thinks like you. They might not understand how you feel.

many films. Even today, they don’t pay me. They ask, and I don’t take money because I feel I don’t need it for that song. Sometimes, I want to help, so I mention my price and sing."

She added, "You don’t want to hurt anyone’s ego because not everyone thinks like you. They might not understand how you feel." Previously, Sonu Nigam had commented on the issue, stating that "only a few people will promote a few people."

'Indian

'Indian 2' featuring Kamal Haasan in the lead role was released in theatres on July 12, and the film released with huge expectations failed to meet its expectations. 'Indian 2' then turned out to be weaker at the box office, and the film has been receiving unsatisfactory occupancy as audiences lost their interest in the film with continuous poor reviews coming in for the film regularly. However, 'Indian 2' is locked to release on Netflix soon, and the film's OTT rights were bagged by the popular platform for a whopping price of Rs 200 crore. 'Indian 2' is planned to be released on the digital platform on August 9, and fans are super excited to catch the mega-budget drama on the digital platform.

Kalki 2898 AD makers share unseen look of Kamal Haasan as "Supreme Yaskin"

(IANS) Atharv Bakshi and Avirbhav S have jointly won the third season of the singing-based reality show 'Superstar Singer'. Along with the trophy, Atharv and Avirbhav were each awarded a cheque of Rs 10 lakh each while the remaining seven finalists received a cheque of Rs 1 lakh each. Atharv was in top form throughout the season with the Super Judge Neha Kakkar even comparing him to Arjit Singh for his emotional depth and vocal prowess. Reacting to his win, Atharv Bakshi said, "Winning 'Superstar Singer 3' is like a dream come true. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and love.

Kalki 2898 AD is a massive blockbuster that has captured the nation's attention. With a stellar cast including Deepika Padukone, Prabhas, and Amitabh Bachchan delivering outstanding performances, the film has already crossed the 1000 crore mark. However, it's Kamal Haasan's mesmerizing portrayal of the formidable villain, Supreme Yaskin, that has truly left an unforgettable impact on audiences. The film's production house, Vyjayanth Movies has treated fans to an exclusive behindthe-scenes look at the making of Kalki 2898 AD by sharing an unseen photo of Kamal Haasan in full Supreme Yaskin makeup.

Ravi Kishan

Ravi Kishan is done with how Bhojpuri is perceived among the masses. He recently introduced a private member Bill in Lok Sabha to include Bhojpuri in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Talking to us, he says the identity of the language isn't limited to the songs we have heard all these years, "My mother tongue is spoken or understood by 25 crore people in India. It's the second most spoken language in Mauritius. People have this notion that only songs like Kamariya and Lollipop Lagelu, is Bhojpuri. It has it's own literature. Our late President of India, Rajendra Prasad ji had a connection with the first Bhojpuri film made, Ganga Maiyaa Tohri Piyari Chadhaibo (1963)." The 55-year-old adds, "Because of few money minded people making those kind of films or the songs, we can't say that's all Bhojpuri is all about. Voh nahi hai jo dikhai de raha hai, it's not just that. Bhaasha mein ek mithaas hai, and to bring that forward was my intention as a Lok Sabha member."

Kishan got a positive response from his fraternity and films ever since the news broke, "Everybody has just been congratulating me. People now know I went for the right reasons to the Parliament. I am a man with a mission."

Dhanush's Raayan blows past Rs 100 crores: Reports

Actor Dhanush's 50th film Raayan released on July 26 in theatres worldwide to mixed to positive reviews.

According to reports from certain box-office trackers, the film has made a gross of over Rs 100 crore worldwide in its eight-day run. There is no clarity on the exact number; while some claim the film has grossed Rs 108 crore worldwide, others believe it made Rs 110 crore. However, there is no dispute that the film has crossed the magical 100 crore mark. Take Control Of Your Privacy! Starring writer-director Dhanush himself in his 50th film as an actor, Raayan tells the story of three brothers and their sister who spent a good part of their childhood without their parents. A young Raayan (Dhanush) takes his siblings, Muthu (Sundeep Kishan), Manickam (Kalidas Jayaram), and Durga (Dushara Vijayan), under his wing and nurtures them into people with a no-nonse, albeit often violent, approach to societal nuisance.

Bhojpuri language isn't just about Kamariya or Lollipop Lagelu
2' OTT release date
Mumbai:
Atharv Bakshi and Avirbhav S win 'Superstar Singer 3'

• S Jaishankar Meets PM Modi As Sheikh Hasina Flees Bangladesh After Army Coup

• Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country after anti-government protests in which hundreds of people have been killed

• Reports say she and her sister have been taken by army helicopter to safety. Hasina's whereabouts are unclear - she's thought to be heading to India

• Huge crowds of cheering protesters stormed her official residence in the capital Dhaka, despite a curfew and internet clampdown

• At least 90 people were killed on Sunday in clashes between police and protesters, taking the death toll in recent weeks to more than 300

• The bloodshed is some of the worst the South Asian country has seen since it came into being in 1971

• The student protest began in July with calls to abolish civil service job quotas, but spiralled into demands for Hasina to quit after over two decades in power

UK PM Keir Starmer Calls For Emergency Meet As Riots Intensify

London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold an emergency meeting with police chiefs on Monday after days of violent anti-immigration protests intensified, with buildings and vehicles torched and hotels holding asylum seekers targeted. Riots have erupted across towns and cities in the last week after three girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport in northwest England, with 420 people arrested so far.

India

To Play Men's Hockey

Semifinal Against Germany With 15 Men

The Indian men's hockey team's victory against Great Britain earned them the elusive spot in the Olympics semi-finals on Sunday. Despite playing most of the match with a man short, India managed to salvage a draw 1-1 before beating their opponents 4-2 in the penalty shootout. While India would be hoping to book their spot in the final for the first time in 44 years, beating Germany won't be a cakewalk, especially considering that India would have to play their match with just 15 men, instead of 16.

Sheikh Hasina lands at Hindon IAF base after fleeing Bangladesh

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on Monday amid escalating chaos, landing in India as the army took control to quell the unrest. The departure follows deadly antigovernment protests sparked by the controversial job quota system, reserving 30% of jobs for veterans' families, which killed over 100 people in two days. Protesters vandalized Hasina’s residence and other key locations, including the Bangabandhu memorial and the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre. The Army chief, General Waqar-uz-Zaman, announced Hasina’s resignation and called for restraint while taking control of law and order. Hasina arrived at the Hindon airbase near New Delhi and was met by

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. She plans to head to London but remains in India for now. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, confirmed she won't return to politics and left for her safety. In Dhaka, jubilant crowds swarmed the airport and vandalized the prime minister’s residence, Parliament, and other key buildings. The unrest spread nationwide, with significant violence in Sylhet and attacks on political figures' homes. India responded by suspending train services to Bangladesh and heightening border security. The UN urged Bangladesh’s leaders and security forces to respect human rights. Amid the turmoil, thousands of Indian students in Bangladesh have returned home, with more expected to follow.

Kamala Harris poised to announce her running mate

Vice-President Kamala Harris is expected to announce her running mate by Tuesday afternoon, ending two weeks of intense speculation that has gripped the US as it hurtles towards the November presidential election.

Ms Harris interviewed several top contenders in Washington DC over the weekend, including governors Josh Shapiro and Tim Walz and Senator

Mark Kelly. Her choice will join her on a whirlwind five-day tour of seven cities this week as Ms Harris ramps up her campaign in key battleground states.

The most recent poll from CBS, the BBC's US partner, shows Ms Harris and Trump in a tight race nationally, with the vice-president holding a one-point lead over the former president.

The poll released on Sunday shows Trump and Ms Harris tied in battleground states, where the former president held a fivepoint lead while Joe Biden remained in the race. Ms Harris reportedly met her vetting team - led by former US attorney general Eric Holder - over the weekend and received in-depth presentations on their findings, including potential political vulnerabilities.

US Woman Found In Maharashtra Jungle Says She Chained Herself To

Mumbai: The 50-year-old American woman found tied to a tree with an iron chain in a forest in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district has now told police she had shackled herself and no one else was involved in the incident, an official said on Monday.

The official cited the woman's mental health conditions for her act of self-harm.

The woman, said to be battling with mental health issues, appeared emaciated

Over Bangladesh Unrest

The Cabinet Committee on Security met at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence this evening amid the turmoil in neighbouring Bangladesh - where its Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid massive protests over job quotas. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were present in the meeting. Separately, PM Modi was also briefed on the situation in Bangladesh by S Jaishankar. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has also spoken to Mr Jaishankar.

Indo-Bangladesh Trade "Halted" Amid Crisis: Report

Kolkata: Indo-Bangladesh trade has 'halted' this afternoon amid unrest in the neighbouring country due to large-scale protests that resulted in President Sheikh Hasina resigning on Monday, according to traders. On Sunday, the Bangladesh government announced a three-day trade holiday, excluding essential services, through a notification. West Bengal Exporters Coordination Committee secretary Ujjal Saha said that due to lack of clearance from Bangladeshi customs at their land ports, export and import activities were stalled in all land ports. "There had been some movement in the morning, but later it stopped," he said.

Calls for foreigners to leave Lebanon as war fears grow

Tree

when a shepherd heard her cries in the forest where she was found tied to a tree with an iron chain on July 27 and alerted the local police, an incident that had caused an uproar and attracted wide media attention. She was rescued by the police and taken to hospital. The Sindhudurg police recorded the woman's statement on Saturday (Aug 3) during which she said she brought three locks and iron chains and used one of the locks and chains to tie herself to a tree in a forest near Sonurli village in the coastal district, around 460km from Mumbai, the official said.

The police had recovered a pair of keys used to lock the iron chain a few metres away from the spot where she was found. It was still unclear for how many days she was tied to the tree, he said.

Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented. His assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Western officials fear that Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and political movement based in Lebanon, could play a key role in any such retaliation, which in turn could spark a serious Israeli response.

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PM Modi Chairs Key Meet

Olympics Hockey: India Enter Semis, One Win Away From Historic Medal

India are into the semi-finals of Paris Olympics 2024 men's hockey after beating Great Britain via shoot-out at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir. India are one win away from a second successive medal at the Olympics. They will now face either Germany or Argentina in the semi-finals.

Anti-Immigration

Protests in UK, Northern Ireland: Dozens Arrested

London: Police arrested dozens of people after protests across parts of England and Northern Ireland turned violent on Saturday, as the government pledged tough action against those it said were exploiting the murder of three girls to stir up disorder.

Violent protests involving hundreds of anti-immigration groups have erupted in towns and cities across Britain after three girls were killed in a knife attack at a children's dance class in Southport in northwest England last week.

Railway Cops Need Authority or Ticket for Official Travel

Ahmedabad: GRP and RPF personnel must obtain a travel authority or purchase a ticket for train travel and carrying only the ID card is not enough, the Railway Claims Tribunal ruled dismissing the plea for compensation filed by a constable who claimed to be on official duty when he fell off a train. The Ahmedabad bench of the tribunal also underlined the "negligent attitude of Railway" regarding a circular on issuing duty card passes to GRP personnel required to travel frequently.

91 Killed In Bangladesh Clashes, Centre Asks Indians To "Be In Touch"

New Delhi: India has asked its citizens living in Bangladesh to be in touch and remain alert after 91 people died in fresh clashes between protesters and supporters of the ruling Awami League. Dozens were also injured in fierce clashes today.

"All Indian nationals including students living in the jurisdiction of the Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet are requested to be in touch with this office and are advised to remain alert. In case of emergencies, please contact +88-01313076402," the Assistant High Commission said in a post on X. The protests over government jobs quota restarted today with demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Fourteen policemen were among those killed, news agency AFP reported.

PM Modi Praises

Just days ago, over 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

The clashes broke out this morning

Record Gas Production In India, Cites 'Viksit Bharat' Goal

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the country's self-reliance in the field of energy, as it achieved record gas production, as a step towards the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'.

In a post on X, he congratulated the people of the country for this feat.

"Our self-reliance in the field of energy is very important in achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat'. This record gas production is proof of our commitment in this direction," the Prime Minister posted.

In FY24. India achieved 36.43 billion cubic feet (BCM) gas production, from 28.7 BCM in FY21.

The country is expected to reach 45.3 BCM gas production by FY26, according to Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

"The figures are the proof. Under the guidance of PM Modi, India is moving ahead with new energy, new enthusiasm and new resolve," Mr Puri posted on X. The focus of the Oil Ministry under the new government is to boost oil and gas exploration, green hydrogen and increase gas consumption in the country.

Body Of Indian Man, Who Drowned In US National Park, Recovered From Creek

Washington: Rangers at Glacier National Park have recovered the body of Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a 26-year-old from India who fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6 and drowned, according to a press release. Siddhant Vitthal Patil, a tech professional living in California, was hiking at the park with seven friends when he fell into Avalanche Creek.

In a statement, Glacier National Park officials said, "After weeks of searching,

rangers at Glacier National Park believe they have recovered the body of 26-yearold Siddhant Vitthal Patil from India today after Patil fell into Avalanche Creek on July 6, 2024, and drowned." The officials added, "Clothing and gear similar to what, according to friends, Patil was wearing at the time of the incident were also recovered. Around 10:30 am today, a park visitor reported seeing a body in Avalanche Creek below the gorge. Rangers immediately began recovery efforts. Flathead County coroner is working to confirm identity through DNA or dental records." Rangers suspected that the body was being held underwater by submerged obstacles such as fallen trees or rocks, which limited their ability to search the gorge for weeks due to water depth and whitewater conditions during spring and summer runoff.

Just days ago, over 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters in Bangladesh demanding an end to a controversial quota

when protesters attending a non-cooperation programme to demand the government's resignation faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists, news agency PTI reported. The Bangladesh Home Ministry decided to impose an indefinite countrywide curfew from 6 pm today.

Prime Minister Hasina said that those engaging in sabotage across Bangladesh in the name of protests are not students but terrorists and asked people to suppress them with a firm hand.

Devastated after a split verdict denied him a podium finish at the ongoing Olympics, Indian boxer Nishant Dev said his dream has turned into a "nightmare" following the "injustice", which has left his heart heavy with "anger and sadness". "Nobody truly knows how hard I worked, the countless hours I dedicated to manifesting this dream, and the honesty and truthfulness I poured into my training. Every day was a step toward this goal, every sacrifice a testament to my commitment."And in one cruel moment, it was all taken away from me," he shared.

Kamala Harris Rejects Donald Trump's Offer To Shift Presidential Debate

Washington: Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has rejected her Republican rival Donald Trump's offer to shift the presidential debate to the Fox News channel, media reports said on Sunday. Trump, 78, and President Joe Biden -- who was then in the race to the White House -- agreed in May to participate in two presidential debates. The first was in June, hosted by CNN, and the second - to be hosted by ABC News - was scheduled for September 10.

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Siddhant Vitthal Patil

India Beat Australia For The 1st Time In 52 Years

he Indian hockey team has achieved a historic first in 52 years by defeating Australia 3-2 in their final men's hockey Pool B match of the Paris Olympics 2024 on Friday. This is the first time since the 1972 Olympics that India have defeated Australia in hockey in the quadrennial extravaganza. For India, Abhishek and Harmanpreet Singh (2) scored while Thomas Craig and Blake Govers struck for Australia. The win now sees India (10 points, 5 matches) rise up to the second spot in the Pool B.

Lakshya Scripts Historic 1st, Enters Men's Badminton Semis

Lakshya Sen has scripted a historic first in Indian badminton. With a thrilling three-game win against Chinese Taipei's Chou TienChen in the quarter-final at Paris Olympics 2024, Sen reached where no Indian male shuttler has gone before. Lakshya is now the first Indian male shuttler and third Indian overall after PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal to enter badminton singles semi-finals at the Olympics. He is now just one win away from a medal.

It's Official, Kamala Harris Is Democratic Candidate For US Election

US Vice President Kamala Harris effectively secured the Democratic party's presidential nomination Friday, confirming her remarkable rise to party standard bearer in November's showdown against Republican Donald Trump.

Kamala Harris was the sole candidate on the ballot for a five-day electronic vote of nearly 4,000 party convention delegates. She will be officially crowned at a Chicago convention later this month.

US Scraps Plea Agreement With 9/11 Mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

Washington: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday scrapped a plea agreement with 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, just two days after the announcement of a deal that reportedly would have taken the death penalty off the table.

Agreements with Mohammed and two alleged accomplices announced Wednesday had appeared to have moved their long-running cases toward resolution -- but sparked anger among some relatives of those killed on September 11, 2001.

"I have determined that, in light of the significance of the decision to enter into pre-trial agreements with the accused... responsibility for such a decision should rest with me," Austin said in a memorandum addressed to Susan Escallier, who oversaw the case.

"I hereby withdraw from the three pre-

trial agreements that you signed on July 31, 2024 in the above-referenced case," the memo said.

The cases against the 9/11 defendants have been bogged down in pretrial maneuverings for years while the accused remained held at the Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba.

India Picks 'Prime Astronaut' For Indo-US Mission To Space Station

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen the youngest of its astronaut-designates as the prime astronaut to fly on the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The prime astronaut will be Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla who recently got promoted.

A 'prime astronaut' is one who is chosen to fly, but a backup astronaut is always

The prime astronaut will be Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla who recently got promoted

kept, in case at the last minute due to any mishap a swap needs to be undertaken. He was born in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow on October 10, 1985. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned on June 17, 2006 in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

He is a Fighter Combat Leader and a test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown a variety of aircraft including Sukhoi30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, among others.

The back-up astronaut will be Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the oldest of the astronaut-designates. He was born in Kerala's Thiruvazhiyad on August 26, 1976. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a recipient of the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy.

Indian-American Businessman Investigated in H-1B Lottery Fraud

A big scandal involving the H-1B lottery system and how some may have misused it is being unearthed in the country. The man in the center of this scandal is an Indian American businessman who is currently facing allegations of orchestrating a complex scam by finding loopholes in the current system.

As per investigative reports by news

Agreements with Mohammed and two alleged accomplices announced Wednesday had appeared to have moved their long-running cases toward resolution -- but sparked anger among some relatives of those killed on September 11, 2001.

The New York Times reported this week that Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi had agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy in exchange for a life sentence, instead of facing a trial that could lead to their executions.

Much of the legal jousting surrounding the men's cases has focused on whether they could be tried fairly after having undergone methodical torture at the hands of the CIA in the years after 9/11.

India may take 75 years to reach 25% of US per capita income: World Bank

More than 100 countries, including India, face serious obstacles in becoming high-income countries in the next few decades, and New Delhi may take nearly 75 years just to reach one-quarter of US income per capita, a World Bank report said. It will take China more than 10 years to reach one-quarter of US income per capita and Indonesia nearly 70 years, according to the World Development Report 2024: The Middle Income Trap. Drawing on lessons of the past 50 years, the report finds that as countries grow wealthier, they usually hit a "trap" at about 10 per cent of annual US GDP per person - the equivalent of USD 8,000 today.

Trump: Zuckerberg apologized, won't support Democrat

agency Bloomberg, Kandi Srinivasa Reddy was orchestrating the scam using a complex network of companies. His modus operandi included manipulating the H-1B visa lottery system through multiple registration. He worked by submitting several applications for the same person under different company names so as to increase their chances of being picked up in the lottery. Reddy owned many entities such as Cloud Big Data Technologies LLC, Machine Learning Technologies LLC. These companies together submitted thousands of entries which helped them secure hundreds of H-1B visas. Even though Reddy claims he was just an agent for the companies but the documents it accessed by the news agency said he and his wife owned and controlled those entities.

Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said that the Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently called him to apologise for censoring him and assured that he would “not support a Democrat”. "So, Mark Zuckerberg called me. First of all, he called me a few times. He called me after the event and he said, 'That was really amazing, it was very brave,'" Trump told Fox News in an interview. “He actually announced he's not gonna support a Democrat because he can't because he respected me for what I did that day," Trump said. “They are working on, and I think they fixed it. He’s not doing what he did five years ago, with the 500 million dollars, I don’t believe,” he said.

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The accused remained held at the Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba

2.1 Lakh Indians Renounced Citizenship in 2023, Govt Tells Rajya Sabha

More than 2.16 lakh Indians renounced their citizenship in 2023, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said this in a written response to queries on Indian citizens who have renounced their citizenship in the last five years. In his response, he also shared the corresponding data for 2011-2018. In 2023, the number of Indians who renounced their citizenship stood at 2,16,219 (2.16 lakh).

Hamas Military Chief Mohammed Deif Killed In Gaza Strike: Israel

Jerusalem: Israel's army confirmed on Thursday that Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif was killed in an air strike last month in the southern Gaza Strip.

The announcement came a day after Hamas and Iran said the Palestinian movement's chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Israel has not commented on that report.

"Mohammed Deif, the Osama bin Laden of Gaza was eliminated" on July 13, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said.

Shooter Swapnil Kusale Wins Bronze

Swapnil Kusale wins bronze

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Shooter Swapnil Kusale clinched India's third medal at Paris Olympics, winning a bronze in the Men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions final. So far, India have won all of their medals in shooting.

Candidates, Parents, 'Kingpins' Named In CBI's 1st NEET Chargesheet

Filing its first chargesheet in the NEET-UG paper leak case on Thursday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named 13 people, including four candidates, a junior engineer and two kingpins. The paper leak for the medical entrance exam had sparked protests in several parts of the country and prompted demands for a re-test, but the Supreme Court had ruled against that, noting that there had not been a systemic breach.

two kingpins while the four candidates

examinees, were booked under sections dealing with criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy.

Stating that the parents of some students were also named in the document, officials from the CBI said that the agency will also file at least one supplementary chargesheet as the investigations are in an advanced stage. Nitish Kumar and Amit Anand are the

who feature in the chargesheet are Ayush Kumar, Anurag Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, and Shivnandan Kumar. Sikander Yadvendu, a junior engineer from Bihar's Danapur Town Council, is also named in the document.

All 13 accused, including the four

During its investigation so far, the CBI believes that Nitish Kumar, a resident of Patna's Gopalpur, is the main accused and allegedly one of four "setters". He, along with Amit Anand and Sikander Yadvendu, hatched a conspiracy to leak the paper for a price of Rs. 30-32 lakh per student.

The probe also revealed that Yadvendu had told Kumar and Anand that he had four students who were ready to buy papers. "Four students were called by Amit on the night of May 4 (the eve of the exam) and made to solve the leaked question paper and memorise answers," states the chargesheet.

All Parties In Middle East

Blinken Urges End To "Escalatory Actions" For

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged "all parties" in the Middle East to stop "escalatory actions" and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, after Hamas's political leader was killed in a strike in Tehran that Iran blamed on Israel.

The strike that killed Ismail Haniyeh came just hours after Israel said it had killed a top Hezbollah commander in a retaliatory strike on the Lebanese

capital Beirut.

The killings took place as regional tensions were already inflamed by the war in Gaza, a conflict that has drawn in Iran-backed operatives groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen. Israel has declined to comment on the Tehran strike.

Speaking in the Mongolian capital, top US diplomat Blinken warned the Middle East was on a path "toward more conflict, more violence, more suffering, more insecurity, and it is crucial that we break this cycle".

"That starts with a ceasefire that we've been working on," Blinken told reporters alongside his local counterpart.

"And to get there, it also first requires all parties to talk, to stop taking any escalatory actions, it requires them to find reasons to come to an agreement," he said. As he did on Wednesday in Singapore, Blinken did not comment directly on the death of the leader of the Palestinian Islamist movement.

"10 Lakh Offer For Shoes Rahul Gandhi Mended, But Won't Sell": UP

Rahul Gandhi met Ram Chet, a cobbler, during a

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Sultanpur (UP): Ram Chet, a cobbler in Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur, is no longer just another man stitching torn sandals and polishing leather shoes on the roadside. He is now the man in demand, people are coming to his makeshift shop to click selfies, officials are asking him if all is well and passers-by are stopping their cars to greet him. All thanks to a visit by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. In Sultanpur to attend a court hearing

Cobbler

in a defamation case, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha stopped by Ram Chet's shop. During this brief halt, Mr Gandhi asked the cobbler about his trade and also tried his hand at mending shoes. Visuals of him trying to stitch a sandal had gone viral. A day later, Mr Ram Chet got a sewing machine from the Congress leader. This machine makes it easier to stitch shoes and will help Mr Ram Chet in his work. The cobbler is getting huge offers for the footwear Mr Gandhi stitched that day, with one caller offering as much as Rs. 10 lakh. "The offers are becoming bigger. They started with Rs. 5 lakh and have now gone up to Rs. 10 lakh. One caller offered me bags full of cash, but I refused. I won't sell them," he said. While responding to a reporter's questions, the cobbler jokes, "Rahul Gandhi is my partner. We run the shop in partnership."

Sindhu Suffers HeartBreaking Loss

PV Sindhu has been knocked out of the Paris Olympics 2024 by China's He Bing Jiao in the Round of 16 on Thursday. The Indian double Olympic medallist lost the match 19-21, 14-21. The two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu was always kept under pressure by Chinese shuttler He Bing Jiao. Interestingly, PV Sindhu had defeated He Bing Jiao at the Tokyo 2020 Games to win bronze medal match.

"Is She Indian Or Black?": Donald Trump On Kamala Harris

Washington: Donald Trump questioned Wednesday whether Democrat Kamala Harris is really Black or is using race as a political convenience in an interview that sent shockwaves through the 2024 presidential contest.

"She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn't know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black," Trump told a panel of interviewers at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago.

"And now she wants to be known as Black. So I don't know, is she Indian or is she Black?" he said of Harris, who is the first Black, female, and South-Asian-heritage vice president in US history.

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visit to UP's Sultanpur
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Antony Blinken warned the Middle East was on a path toward more conflict, violence and sufferings (File)

At 95, he has learned how to use nostalgia

of Manhattan on Nov. 30, 2023. Herman, New YorkÕs godfather of fashion, knows what makes life worth living for. (Source: Maansi Srivastava/The New York Times)

Stan Herman, New York’s godfather of

fashion, knows what makes life worth living for.

Iwake up each day with a sense of expectation. Once you lose that, you grow old. I’ve signed new contracts, I have new work, and with those things come new expectations. Do I ask myself, “Should we do another account?” Often the answer is yes. I never expect things to end. People say, “Oh, you’ve got so much energy.” Energy is expectations, challenges, moving forward.

Nostalgia can be wonderful, of course, so long as you don’t abuse it. It’s great for a memoir. Having written one, I’m so much more aware of my life at this point. It’s all bubbling to the surface. I think now that I would love to have lived in the 1910s, the ’20s and ’30s in Europe. That’s where my heart is — it’s Zurich, it’s Munich, it’s Vienna. It’s the music. I could cry at the sound of a single musical note. If that’s nostalgia, I’ll buy that any day. I do long for the touch of my lover of 40 years (the writer Gene Horowitz, who died in 1991). It’s something that I would like to have had longer in my life. A great deal of the strength of my life was my long-term relationship with Gene. As a writer, he brought out the parts of me that may never have flowered. His shadow has been rich enough for me to walk with. My father didn’t like the fact that I was homosexual. He told me: “You’re going to have no children. You’re going to die a very lonely man.” It didn’t work out that way. In a different life Gene and I probably

Aries

Ganesha says that people of the Aries zodiac sign will have to take care of both their money and minds this week. Be it at home or outside, avoid following your whims and ignoring the advice of others. At the beginning of the week, you may have to travel long distances for work.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of the Taurus zodiac will get better opportunities to move ahead in life this week, but keep in mind that both your behavior and your health can become a big reason for losing it. This week, irritability will be seen in your nature.

Gemini

would have adopted children. I think I would have been a good father. Now, if anything, it’s my circle of friends that has expanded. I like being surrounded by younger people. It makes a big difference, being exposed to their attitudes. At the same time, people respect my privacy. As you get older, you want to be alone a lot. I do, anyway.

I like the life I live in New York. It’s a young city. You could live in Passaic, New Jersey, and meet the same people every day. Every day in New York there’s a constant rub-up against new people. That makes it exciting. At this stage of my life, I’m happy getting up in the morning. At the same time, I’m not a ballerina anymore. I have to look and listen before I move. But once I get going, I’m good.

I do sometimes find myself falling into old patterns that aren’t relevant. I can sketch like a demon, but I can’t type. Rudi Gernreich once said to me, “Herman, you’re going to be the next Gernreich.” But he didn’t want change. There has to be change to stay relevant, especially in the fashion business, which is built on youth. But when I look ahead, there is absolutely nothing I dread. I don’t want death sitting on my shoulder, but I’m not afraid of death. These days I think of all the people in my life and Gene’s. They’re all my children. They’re all around me, all of them.

Ganesha says that this week will bring auspiciousness and good fortune for the people of the Gemini zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may get a big opportunity to move ahead in life. With the help of well-wishers in your workplace, you will be successful in achieving big targets, but while moving forward on the path of success, you will have to be careful of your secret enemies.

Cancer

Ganesha says that people of the Cancer zodiac sign will need to avoid both debt and marriage this week. At the beginning of the week, you may have to face physical pain due to the re-emergence of some old disease or due to seasonal illness.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week can be very hectic for the people of Leo zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may have to undertake long-distance journeys related to a job or business. During this time, for the health of a family member, one may have to visit the hospital or the court due to matters related to land and property.

Virgo

Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious for the people of the Virgo zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, good luck will be seen knocking at your door. You may achieve some major achievements related to your career and business.

Libra

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

Ganesha says that the people of the Libra zodiac sign should avoid doing distant losses in exchange for nearby gains this week. Avoid adopting shortcuts for any work in the workplace, otherwise, even the work done may get spoiled, due to which you may have to become a victim of your boss’s anger.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that this week will bring some challenges for the people of the Scorpio zodiac, to overcome which they will need to make extra hard work and efforts. At the beginning of the week, you may have to visit the hospital regarding the health of an elderly member of your family.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that people of Sagittarius zodiac sign may have to run around more this week to complete their planned work on time. At the beginning of the week, you may have to travel long or short distances for work. The journey will prove to be tiring but will bring the desired success.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that this week is going to have some ups and downs for the people of Capricorn sign. This week, sometimes your work will seem to be completed very easily and sometimes you may have to run around even for a task that seems very easy. However, amidst all these circumstances, your close friends and family will be seen helping you at every step.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that people of the Aquarius zodiac sign will be successful in finding solutions to long-standing problems this week with their intelligence and wisdom. This week, your planned tasks will be completed on time, due to which you will see a different kind of enthusiasm and energy.

Pisces

Ganesha says that the people of Pisces will get full support of good fortune this week. At the beginning of the week, you may get to hear some good news related to your career and business. The wish of expanding business will be fulfilled.

( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
Stan Herman, a fashion designer, at his home in the Murray Hill neighborhood

Doctor, 78, Shares 3 Secrets to Reverse Aging by 22 Years

Dr Roizen reports that his biological age is now just 57.6 years, thanks to his disciplined fitness routine and lifestyle choices.

A busy doctor and longevity expert who says he's reversed his age by 20 years shared with Business Insider how he finds time to stay fit.

Dr. Michael Roizen, 78, the chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic and author of books on longevity, says his "biological age" (a concept on which researchers are divided) is 57.6.

Regular exercise is a key part of his health routine. Although he doesn't work out enough to achieve maximum strength or fitness, he says, he walks whenever he can and squeezes in a few dedicated exercise sessions each week.

Research suggests that even small amounts of exercise and lower-intensity workouts can help keep us healthy.

That may be welcome news to the vast majority of Americans who, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, don't do the minimum 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week recommended by the government. Evidence suggests a lack of time is one of the biggest factors that stand in

Apinch of salt can make all the difference. While it is undoubtedly the most important and common seasoning in our kitchen, it's not just about taste. Salt is also equally essential for our health and supports many bodily functions. However, not all kinds of salt are the same and we need to consider which one to consume daily. To help us through the dilemma, we have an expert, Anjali Mukerjee, with her advice.

1. Celtic salt

It has less sodium than regular one and more than pink salt and kosher salt.

2. Black salt

It has a lower sodium content than the table salt. It helps with issues like bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea and heartburn. It is also rich in trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc.

3. Kosher salt

In terms of texture, kosher salt is a lot more large-grained and coarse. It is minimally refined and does not have a sharp salty taste. However, it lacks iodine and has a lower sodium content than regular table salt.

4. Low sodium salt

This variety of salt has less sodium

people's way.

Here's Roizen's weekly exercise regime.

Cardio three times a week

Three times a week, without fail, Roizen does 48 minutes of cardio, or aerobic, exercise on a treadmill or exercise bike. He chose that number because that's how long he used to play squash for, and he wants to be fit enough to play again.

He does this on Wednesday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays. If he knows he'll have to miss a session because of a social event, he makes up for it another day.

Cardio exercise has a huge range of health benefits, including strengthening the heart, improving mood, and reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic.

10,000 steps a day

Roizen walks as much as possible, aiming for 10,000 steps a day. To keep moving throughout the day, he uses a treadmill desk when working in his office and walks patients in and out of his clinic.

He also parks his car a mile away from work, helping him to rack up 2,000 steps in his commute. If he hasn't met his target by the end of the day, he'll get on a treadmill or exercise bike.

The popularly quoted goal of 10,000 steps a day has its origins in marketing for a Japanese pedometer company, but walking has many health benefits. In a 2022 study published in the journal GeroScience, 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week appeared to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, improve mental well-being, and increase longevity.

Even if you can't reach 10,000 steps a day, a study found that walking an extra 500 steps a day could improve your longevity.

Weight lifting twice a week

After two of his three weekly cardio workouts, Roizen lifts weights. He says resistance training is great for building muscle and improving longevity.

One 2022 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine linked doing 30 to 60 minutes of resistance training each week with a 17% lower risk of dying from any cause, an 18% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, and a 9% lower risk of developing cancer. Similarly, a 2019 metaanalysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggested one or two weekly resistance-training sessions could lower a person's risk of dying from any cause.

Are You Using The Right Salt? Nutritionist Shares Tips

A pinch of salt can make all the difference. While it is undoubtedly the most important and common seasoning in our kitchen, it's not just about taste. Salt is also equally essential for our health and supports many bodily functions

consumption helps in reducing muscular cramps. Regular intake of pink salt helps blood circulation and balances the pH level within the cells.

6. Regular salt

The white salt that most of us use every day in our meals contains iodine. While it may be very common, expert advice that its consumption should be moderated. An adult should not consume more than 5 grams of this salt per day.

7. Sea salt

It is high in mineral contents, owing to its large grain size. However, it also does not dissolve easily.

"There are many types of salts in the market today. My favourite is pink salt which I use in all my cooking. But make sure to read about the qualities of each salt to make an informed pick for you and your family. I also recommend using a mix depending on your needs," read the caption. "If someone in your family has cardiac issues or hypertension and you're using pink salt for cooking (which is fine). You may also try using lowsodium salt in your vegetable stir-fry sometimes. So you may use both, low sodium salt sometimes (for its low sodium and high potassium content ) and pink salt (for its mineral content," she said.

Oakton College Receives $100,000 Gift to Support Student Scholarships

and

and their

College Educational

W.

Board

DES PLAINES, IL- A pair of community members donated $100,000 to the Oakton College Educational Foundation, sparking a matching campaign to encourage others to support students financially. The donation was announced at a recent event, launching the General Scholarship Fund Endowment. This fund aims to create a lasting resource base that will grow and support Oakton students’ access and success for years to come.

The matching campaign allows community members to double their impact, as donations to the fund will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000. Julie Fenton, President of the

Oakton College Educational Foundation Board, emphasized the fund’s role in transforming lives by supporting students regardless of their enrollment status or personal circumstances.

The General Scholarship Fund is notable for its flexibility, supporting students who may not qualify for other scholarships and covering both traditional expenses and real-life challenges like housing, childcare, and transportation. With 20% of Oakton students being parents and a significant number seeking help with basic needs, this fund plays a critical role in overcoming barriers to academic success. For more information on contributing, visit Oakton’s website.

Health Camp of New Jersey Hosts Successful Health Fair

for hepatitis B and Alzheimer’s.

HinduPACT Condemns Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

CHICAGO, ILHinduPACT vehemently condemns the recent violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, including the brutal murder of two councilors and the desecration of sacred sites such as the Kali temple and ISKCON temple during antigovernment protests.

This horrific act is not just an attack on individuals but a direct assault on the Hindu community’s pluralistic values. We stand in solidarity with the Hindu community in Bangladesh and demand immediate action from the Bangladeshi government to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.

The international community must take note of these heinous crimes and support efforts to protect religious minorities worldwide. We call upon human rights organizations and governments globally to condemn these acts and work towards safeguarding the rights of all minority communities.

MORGANVILLE, NJ- Health Camp of New Jersey (HCNJ) held its Health Fair at the Hindu American Temple, Sri Krishna Mandir, in Morganville, New Jersey, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. This event provided underprivileged individuals from minority communities with various health screenings, education, and counseling services. HCNJ, a non-profit organization under tax-exempt code 501(c)(3), has been organizing health fairs at this location

to benefit the South Asian community since 1999.

The fair was open to pre-registered uninsured or underinsured participants, offering screenings for medical, dental, and mental health disorders. Services included blood tests, EKGs, vision screenings, dental evaluations, cardiology assessments, and cancer prevention education. The event targeted chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders, with additional screenings

57,000 Border Arrests Reported by Immigration Authorities

WASHINGTON, DC- Arrests at the U.S. southern border have dropped to their lowest level since President Biden took office, with fewer than 60,000 arrests reported in July, according to sources. This decline is seen as significant for the Biden administration, though its implications for overall illegal immigration trends remain unclear.

Critics, such as the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI), argue that the decrease does not indicate improved border security. IRLI’s Matt O’Brien suggests that seasonal factors like extreme summer heat naturally reduce border crossings, and he criticizes the administration’s handling of immigration, alleging that it is facilitating illegal entry through programs like the CBP One app. The CBP One app, described by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as a tool to streamline various CBP services, has faced scrutiny, with opponents claiming it enables unlawful entry under the guise of asylum.

A diverse team of healthcare professionals volunteered, including physicians, dentists, nurses, and specialists in various fields. NJ State Assemblyman Dr. Herb Conaway, Jr. attended the event, recognizing HCNJ’s contributions with a Senate and General Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution. Since 1998, HCNJ has screened over 13,000 individuals, detecting over 4,200 chronic conditions. The next health fair is scheduled for September 15, 2024, at Durga Temple in Princeton, NJ.

Two

“This incident is a grim reminder of the atrocities committed against Hindus during the 1971 genocide, where an estimated 300,000 Hindus were brutally killed. The echoes of such historical horrors underscore the urgent need for vigilance and protection of religious minorities.”

HinduPACT remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of Hindus globally and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served in this grievous matter.

Decades On, Cancer Causing Chemicals Persist at NYCHA’s Jacob Riis Houses

NEW YORK, NY- Nearly 20 years after discovering toxic chemicals under the Jacob Riis Houses in the East Village, no soil has been removed, despite cleanup plans made four years ago. The NYCHA development, built on a former 19thcentury gas plant site, has dangerous levels of cancer-causing chemicals like benzo-anthracene and benzene lingering just beneath the surface. Con Ed proposed a plan in 2020 to remove 5,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and cap a dirt basement floor, but no action has been taken. Steam leaks from broken pipes exacerbate the issue,

forcing tenant relocations and raising health concerns. Residents and local officials, like Assemblymember Harvey Epstein, are frustrated by the slow response and fear for the community’s health. While state environmental officials claim the contamination poses no immediate risk, the failure to address the known toxins undermines public trust and leaves residents vulnerable.

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The Oakton
Foundation
College leaders celebrated the donation
recent John
Nason Award for
Leadership from the Association of Governing Boards at an event on the Des Plaines campus
Julie Fenton, Oakton College Educational Foundation Board President, announced the $100,000 gift at a recent event on the Des Plaines campus
Katherine Sawyer, Oakton College Educational Foundation executive director, addressed the Oakton College and the Educational Foundation leaders at the event on the Des Plaines campus
Deepti Mahajan, co-convenor of HinduPACT
Ajay Shah, President of VHPA and co-convenor of HinduPACT
NJ State Assemblyman Dr. Herb Conaway (center) with HCNJ team

Federal Court Confirms Work Rights for H-1B Visa Holders’ Spouses

WASHINGTON, DC- An appeals court has upheld a rule allowing the spouses of H-1B visa holders to work, rejecting a challenge from Save Jobs USA, a group representing U.S.-born tech workers. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed the Department of Homeland Security’s authority to grant employment authorization to certain immigrants, preserving the status quo for thousands of H-4 visa holders, mostly from India, who have established careers in the U.S. under an Obama-era policy.

Save Jobs USA had initially filed a lawsuit in 2015, arguing that DHS lacked the authority to permit unrestricted employment for H-4 spouses, contending that it would displace U.S.-born workers. Despite the Trump administration’s

Dismissed a Challenge from U.S.-Born Tech Workers' Group Save Jobs USA

efforts to rescind the rule, the regulation remained intact. Upon taking office, the Biden administration defended the rule, and the district court ruled in its favor. Although Save Jobs USA appealed,

Two Female Tourists Pushed onto Tracks at Manhattan Subway Station

NEW YORK, NY- A 42-year-old woman, Ebony Butts, was arrested after she violently shoved two Mexican tourists onto the subway tracks at the Delancey Street/Essex Street station in Manhattan early Monday, police reported. The unprovoked attack occurred around 2:15 a.m. when the women, aged 27 and 28, were standing on the platform. Butts, who

has a history of at least nine prior arrests dating back to 1999, suddenly pushed one of the women onto the tracks. As her friend tried to help, she too was shoved by Butts. Bystanders, including Joe Avivia, a tourist from Texas, quickly intervened and pulled the women to safety. Fortunately, no train was incoming at the time, and the women were treated for minor injuries at Bellevue Hospital. Butts, described as emotionally disturbed, was taken into custody and charged with reckless endangerment and assault. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the presence of mentally ill individuals in the subway system, with MTA boss Janno Lieber highlighting efforts to address the issue through increased state funding and specialized programs.

‘Jhopadpatti’: A Gujarati Cinematic Experience Premieres in

Chicago

CHICAGO, IL- The premiere of the Gujarati film “Jhopadpatti” in Bensenville, Illinois, was a significant event, especially given its importance as the first such premiere in the USA. The film, produced by Pragnesh Malli and executive produced by Sean Patel, appears to have drawn a substantial crowd, including a strong representation of women and notable figures from the Indian and Gujarati communities. The film’s story, which revolves around an orphan girl from a slum who rises to become an IAS officer, seems to have resonated with the audience, delivering

a powerful and inspiring message, particularly for women. The event also featured additional attractions, such as gifts for early attendees, a lucky draw, and the presence of a cinematographer, Ishana Patel, capturing guest interviews for a short film.

The involvement of personalities like Mrs. Bharat and Mrs. Illinois, along with various artists, singers, and filmmakers, added to the event’s appeal, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees.

This event highlights the growing presence and appreciation of regional Indian cinema in the United States, especially within the diaspora communities.

the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene prematurely, allowing the appeals process to continue. Tech giants like Apple and Amazon, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have supported the rule, emphasizing that work permits for H-4 visa holders are essential for attracting and retaining global talent.

Second Selection of FY 2025 H-1B Regular Cap Completed

WASHINGTON, DC – USCIS recently announced the need to select additional registrations to reach the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap. A sufficient number of unique beneficiaries have now been randomly selected to meet the regular cap allocation. All petitioners with selected registrations from this round have been notified and are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the named beneficiary. Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B capsubject petitions for FY 2025, specifically for the named beneficiary. No additional selection was conducted for the advanced degree exemption, as sufficient registrations were already selected to meet the master’s cap.

Protests Erupt at Pak Consulate in Chicago Over Missing Hindu Girl

CHICAGO, IL – The enforced disappearance of Priya Kumari, a minor from the Hindu community in Pakistan’s Sindh province, has sparked widespread condemnation and protests.

On August 5, the Sindhi Foundation, based in Washington, organized a protest outside the Pakistan Consulate in Chicago. This demonstration is part of a series of planned protests, with the next one scheduled in Houston

on August 19. Sufi Munawar Laghari, Executive Director of the Sindhi Foundation, demanded Priya Kumari’s immediate release, emphasizing that the movement will persist until its goals are achieved. He described the campaign to rescue Priya as the first step in a broader struggle for the liberation of Sindh and its people.

The Sindhi Foundation stated that Priya was abducted three years ago, and while the Sindh police claim to know her whereabouts, they have not secured her release. Laghari also accused the Pakistani state of systematic crimes against Sindhi Hindus, alleging state sponsorship of these actions. Additionally, he criticized a directive from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to construct canals over the Indus River, which the Foundation claims would devastate Sindh.

National Indo-American Museum Launches New oral history initiative

CHICAGO, IL- The National IndoAmerican Museum (NIAM) launched its Oral History initiative, “Broadening Narratives,” on July 19, 2024, at the Umang and Paragi Patel Center in Lombard. The event featured the Consul General, Somnath Ghosh, and other community members, including those whose stories are already part of NIAM’s collection. Funded by the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, this project aims to expand

the narrative of Indian Americans beyond the typical portrayal as a highly educated and successful immigrant group. It will include voices from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including LGBTQ+, retail clerks, gas station attendants, and undocumented individuals.

During the launch, NIAM Board members and project team leaders, including Project Director Padma Rangaswamy and Consultant Peter Alter from the Chicago History Museum, discussed the project’s goals and processes. Attendees also explored NIAM’s exhibition “Desi Roots and Wings,” which covers the history of Indian immigrants to the U.S. from 1620 to World War I. One highlight was the story of freedom fighter Har Dayal Mathur, presented by his greatgranddaughter, Nisha Grover. The exhibition is open to the public on select days, with group tours available by appointment. The museum continues to connect generations and cultures through these narratives.

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Padma Rangaswamy, Project Director, introduces the Broadening Narratives project

17th Pratishtha and Gurupurnima Mahotsav Celebrated at Kaival Gyan Mandir, Chicago

CHICAGO, IL- Kaival Gyan Mandir Chicago celebrated its 17th Pratishtha and Guru Purnima Mahotsav with great enthusiasm in the presence of Pujya Jagadguruji. On Saturday, devotees welcomed Pujya Jagadguruji with a shower of flowers, followed by kirtan, satsang, and a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performed by the youth. A special puja was conducted for Divya Paramguru and other deities. The youth also presented a cultural program that included Bhakti and Satsang, and they explained the 24-task list in honor of Jagadguruji Amrut Janmotsav. Pujya Jagadguruji blessed everyone with a discourse on navigating life by staying connected to a guru like Paramguru. On Sunday, adult devotees participated in a competition by memorizing verses from the 18 holy scriptures. Annakoot was offered to Paramguru and other deities, and everyone had the chance to partake in Paramguru’s Paduka Puja. During this event, Pujya Jagadguruji launched a new website: www.janmotsav.kaival.org.

Beauty Giant Estee Lauder gets an Indian American CFO

One of the leading cosmetics brands Estee Lauder just appointed Indian American financial executive Akhil Shrivastava as their Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Shrivastava’s role will come into effect November 1 onwards. He will be reporting William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman, and Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer, according to a company press release.In his new role as Chief Financial Officer, Shrivastava will be responsible for the Company’s Global Finance, Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Investor Relations and New Business Development organizations, according to the release. He will lead ELC’s Global F&S organization and will continue to cultivate and strengthen the tremendously talented Finance & Strategy Team, continuing to imbue agility and consumer-focus across the organization to drive sustainable value creation, governance, and strategic business objectives and priorities for the long-term. Shrivastava first joined ELC in 2015 as Vice President of Global F& S and was then appointed to the role of Senior Vice President of global Finance & Strategy for Jane Hertzmark Hudis’ Brand Cluster in January 2019.

Gurupurnima was celebrated on Sunday, 21st July, with a 7-hour Akhand Kaival Dhun, bhajan kirtan, and satsang. On the night of Monday, 22nd July, a large number of devotees attended the temple and virtually participated in the completion ceremony of the 75 Balkuver Ashtaka Patha, which had been ongoing for 75 days, in celebration of

Jagadguruji Amrut Janmotsava. Pujya Jagadguruji is scheduled to arrive in the USA in September for his Yatra and will give blessings during the Guru Mahima Parayan, alongside Sadhvi Shri Gitadidi, in New Jersey. The Guru Mahima Parayan will take place on September 19-22 at Royal Albert Hall in Fords, NJ.

Rutgers University Appointed Dr. Vikas Dharnidharka as Chair of Pediatrics

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Dr. Vikas Dharnidharka, a renowned pediatric nephrologist and transplant specialist, will join Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as the Henry Rutgers Professor and chair of the Department

of Pediatrics. He will also serve as physician-in-chief at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital. Previously, Dr. Dharnidharka held the Alexis F. Hartmann Sr., MD Endowed Professorship at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He coled the NIH-funded Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dharnidharka,” said Amy P. Murtha, dean of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Dr. Dharnidharka expressed his excitement about leading the Pediatrics Department and collaborating with the team to advance children’s healthcare. His clinical expertise focuses on kidney disease and transplantation, with significant research contributions to understanding post-transplant complications like BK polyoma virus nephropathy and PTLD.

Congressman Ro Khanna Endorses Biden’s Proposal for SCOTUS Term Limits

WASHINGTON, DC -Congressman Ro

Khanna, co-author of the Supreme Court Term Limits and Regular Appointments Act, has voiced strong support for President Joe Biden’s Supreme Court reform plan. Khanna praised Biden’s proposals, which include implementing

Elderly Sikh Runners Make History in

SF Marathon

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The 47th San Francisco Marathon saw a remarkable turnout this year, with around 31,000 athletes from across the globe participating in the two-day event held on July 26 and 27. Among the notable achievements were 82-year-old Joginder Singh of Manteca, who finished first in the 5K race, and 70-year-old Harbhajan Singh of Fresno, who secured third place in the half marathon (13.1 miles). The marathon showcased a significant presence of Sikh athletes from various California regions, including Manteca, Lathrop, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Fresno. Participants included Rajinder Sekhon, Darshan Singh, Kulwant Gill, Kevin Ghuman, Joginder Singh, Rajinder Tanda, Kamaljit Singh, Narinder Kaur, Jyoti Kaur Brar, Charan Bhandal, and Harbhajan Singh.The increasing participation of older Sikhs in sports and athletic events highlights a growing trend toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle through outdoor activities, according to the athletes.

The SF Marathon contributes to the community by donating to various local and national non-profits, including the Alzheimer’s Association, America Scores Bay Area, San Francisco Safehouse, Silver Charity Partners, Active Minds Inc., Friends of the Urban Forest, and Josie’s Place.

term limits for justices and establishing a binding code of conduct, as essential steps to address concerns over the Court’s influence and to restore public trust in the judiciary.

In response to Biden’s announcement, Khanna stated, “Term limits and a binding code of ethics will rebalance the Court and rebuild confidence in our institutions.” He stressed that these reforms are crucial for ensuring accountability and transparency among Supreme Court justices. Biden’s reform plan includes enforceable rules requiring justices to disclose gifts, avoid public political activities, and recuse themselves from cases where conflicts of interest may arise.

Dr. Naga

Chandrasekaran is all set to join Intel Corporation as chief global operations officer, executive vice president, and general manager of its Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain organization. He will be joining the leading computer component maker on Aug 12.Chandrasekaran will be joining Intel from Micron, where he worked as senior vice president for Technology Development. He will be a member of Intel’s executive leadership team and report to CEO Pat Gelsinger, according to a company press release. Chandrasekaran will be responsible for Intel Foundry’s worldwide manufacturing operations, including Fab Sort Manufacturing, Assembly Test Manufacturing, strategic planning for Intel Foundry, corporate quality assurance and supply chain.

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Devotees welcomes Pujya Jagadguruji
(L-R) Joginder Singh Sahi 82, Harbhajan Singh, 70
Technocrat
Akhil Shrivastava
Dr. Vikas Dharnidharka
Congressman Ro Khanna

New York to Distribute $350 Million in Supplemental Payments to Residents

Governor Kathy Hochul Announces $350 Million Initiative to Support NY’s Moderateand Low-Income Families

NEW YORK, NY — Many parents in New York state will soon receive significant cash payments. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $350 million plan to provide supplemental payments to moderate- and low-income families.

“One million New York families will receive checks in the mail by the end of August,” Hochul stated. “Depending on income and family size, some will receive $330 per child. For a family with three children, that’s $1,000.”

Immigration Permits Paused for Four Nations by Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, DC- The Biden administration has paused its migrant sponsorship policy designed to deter illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border due to concerns about sponsor fraud. The program, allowing up to 30,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally enter the U.S. each month, began in late 2022 and was expanded in 2023.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) halted issuing travel documents to review applications from U.S.-based sponsors after detecting potential fraud, particularly cases where sponsors applied for multiple migrants. DHS stated that the pause is temporary, with application processing to resume with added safeguards. The fraud concerns involve U.S. sponsors rather than migrants themselves, with some reports suggesting online advertisements for sponsorships. The program, known as CHNV, has facilitated the entry of around 520,000 migrants after security vetting, contributing to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings. Republicanled states have legally challenged the program, though a Texas judge dismissed their lawsuit. The pause in the CHNV policy has been criticized by some as evidence of broader immigration policy failures.

“Depending on income and family size, some will receive $330 per child. For a family with three children, that’s $1,000.”

The payments, which will begin being mailed on August 1, require no additional paperwork or action from recipients. Families who qualified for the Empire State Child Tax Credit in 2023 and filed their taxes on time will automatically receive a check. This includes married couples earning $110,000 or less, single parents making $75,000 or less, and married couples filing separately who earn $55,000 or less.

The supplemental payments will range from 25% to 100% of the taxpayer’s Child Tax Credit from last year, with the exact percentage based on family income.

These payments are particularly meaningful to families like that of Mount Vernon mother Lisa Chin, who is raising two children while studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

“The cost of living can be tough, and this extra support will make a difference,” Chin said.

August 1st is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day

CHICAGO, IL- The Chicago Board of Elections is actively recruiting Election Judges for the upcoming November 5th Presidential Election. Judges have the opportunity to earn between $170 and $230, while Election Coordinators can earn up to $450. How to Apply: Interested voters can apply online at pollworker.chicagoelections.gov. Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at 69 W. Washington St., 6th Floor, or via a paper application. Bilingual Judges Needed: The Board is particularly in need of bilingual judges fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, and Tagalog. Judges from both the Republican and Democratic parties are

Dr. Amish Shah Wins AZ Primary, Democrats Aim for Seat Flip

PHOENIX, AZ – Former state legislator Amish Shah has won the Democratic primary for Arizona’s First Congressional District, positioning himself for a November contest against seven-term Republican incumbent David Schweikert. Shah, a 47-year-old Indian American physician, secured the nomination in a crowded primary, defeating his closest competitor, Andrei Cherny, by about three percentage

points. The congressional seat is seen as a potential flip for Democrats. Schweikert, who easily won his primary, narrowly secured re-election in 2022 by just 3,200 votes. The Indian American Impact Fund highlighted the importance of this race, emphasizing that it is crucial for Democrats aiming to reclaim the House.

The National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Shah, labeling him an “extreme liberal” and attacking his positions on taxes, healthcare, and border security. Shah, born and raised in Chicago, has a diverse background in medicine, holding degrees from Northwestern University and UC Berkeley. He has served as an emergency physician and faculty member, in addition to founding the Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival. Shah’s campaign has emphasized his commitment to public service, shaped by his challenging childhood and experiences with bullying.

Indian Blind Cricket Team Begins Historic US Tour

NEW YORK, NY- The Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind has embarked on a historic journey to the United States, aiming to promote and popularize cricket for the blind across the country. This ambitious tour will see the team visiting nine major states, including Boston,

encouraged to apply.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Must be a registered voter in Cook County (if 18 or older)

• Must be able to speak, read, and write English

Responsibilities:

Election Judges are responsible for managing the precinct polling place and assisting voters. Duties include:

• Arriving at 5 a.m. on Election Day to set up equipment

• Opening the polls on time at 6 a.m.

• Issuing correct ballots and assisting voters throughout the day

• Completing all necessary reports after polls close

Additional compensation is available for judges who:

• Pick up the Election Judge key envelope before Election Day

• Allow the use of their cell phone by all judges on Election Day

• Return election materials to a receiving station on election night

For More Information: Contact electionjudge@ chicagoelections.gov or call 312-2697984 with any questions.

Cook County Seeks Public Input for ARP Projects

CHICAGO, IL- Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County is launching a community engagement series to decide which American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs to sustain after funding ends in 2026. From August 1 to September 13, the County will distribute a community survey and host events to gather input on its priorities.

Programs like the Promise Guaranteed Income Pilot, Medical Debt Relief Initiative, and Violence Prevention grants are currently funded by ARPA, offering community members a chance to voice which initiatives should continue long-term. While ARPA has funded over 70 programs, many were intended as short-term pandemic recovery efforts. However, it also created opportunities for lasting community investments.

New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, and the Bay Area.

The team kicked off their tour in New York on July 31, where they spent five days engaging with local communities and institutions. Their journey will culminate on September 17 in the Bay Area, marking the end of an extensive effort to foster the growth of blind cricket in America. The primary objective of this tour is to raise awareness about blind cricket and to teach the sport at various institutions, laying the groundwork for the formation of the first American Cricket Team for the Blind

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our communities,” said President Preckwinkle. The County aims to build on the foundations set during the initial ARPA engagement process, with a focus now on sustaining key programs.

Mykel Selph, Deputy Chief of Staff for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, emphasized the importance of community participation in shaping the future of Cook County. Residents are encouraged to take the survey at arpa.cookcountyil.gov/survey or attend local town halls, which will be announced on the same website.

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Dr. Amish Shah

Parents invite alliance for Physician daughter, 37 years, 5’7” tall, sleek and beautiful. US born and raised. Seeking a well-educated groom brought up in the US. Please send bio-data and recent pictures. Email: dmmt0407@gmail.com Or Call: 630-915-2839

Gujarati Patel family invites matrimonial correspondence for their Son, 37 years, Divorced, No kids, holds a business degree, currently in Hotel Business in Chicago area. The family is seeking a suitable match for him. Call: 630-957-8180

Gujarati (Darji) 46 years, Ht 5’-5”, owner of Convinence store and house in Austin, TX, Devorcee, no childrens, invites matrimonial corrosspondance form suitable Gujarati match. Caste no bar. Please send biodate and recent picture at: P.O.BOX 11912, Austin, TX 78653

Parents invite alliance for Physician daughter, 37 years, 5’7” tall, sleek and beautiful. US born and raised. Seeking a well-educated groom brought up in the US. Please send bio-data and recent pictures. Email: drmony008@gmail.com

HOTEL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with: Seeking Hotel Operations Manager. Previous Hotel Management experience preferred. Salary plus accommodations provided. Call 314-330-4621 or 314-497-3292

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