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Trump’s First Cabinet Meeting Musk Tariffs Tensions

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Trump Praises Rubio and Musk

At his first cabinet meeting, Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Elon Musk for their contributions. He emphasized his administration’s focus on reducing government size and achieving a balanced budget within a year or two.

Addressing Cabinet Tensions

Trump dismissed speculation of tension within his team, saying most members support Musk’s work with the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Musk defended Doge’s role in eliminating waste, admitting errors like briefly halting Ebola

Trump’s First Cabinet Meeting Musk Tariffs Tensions

Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, turning the occasion into an extended question-and-answer session that lasted for more than an hour.

Speaking alongside his cabinet - and billionaire Elon Musk who wore a "tech support" T-shirt - Trump covered a wide range of topics, ranging from Doge's efforts to cut government spending to immigration, the economy and the war in Ukraine.

prevention efforts but ensuring quick corrections.

Federal Worker Job Cuts

Trump backed Musk’s e-mail demanding federal employees list five recent tasks or risk termination. He speculated some of the one million nonrespondents "may not exist" and suggested cutting up to 65% of the Environmental Protection Agency’s workforce.

Zelensky's Visit and Ukraine Deal

Trump confirmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit the White House on Friday. The US and Ukraine will sign a minerals deal to help

Supreme Court Halts $2B Foreign Aid Payment Deadline

Chief Justice John Roberts tonight paused a courtimposed midnight deadline that would have required the Trump administration to spend $2 billion in frozen foreign aid — a goal the government has claimed it is unable to meet.

The emergency appeal marks the first time President Donald Trump’s efforts to drastically remake the federal government — including with deep cuts across government agencies — have reached the nation’s highest court. The case appears likely to put the justices on a collision course with Trump’s sweeping efforts to consolidate power within the executive branch. Roberts’ order does not resolve the underlying questions raised by the case. Rather, it imposed what’s known as an “administrative stay” to give the court a few days to review written arguments in the case. Roberts is the justice designated to handle emergency cases from the federal appeals court in Washington, DC.

The chief justice called for the groups that sued the administration to respond by Friday.

Donald Trump May Become Face Of New $250 Bill

the US recover aid given since Russia’s invasion. However, Trump ruled out future US security guarantees for Ukraine, saying Europe should take responsibility.

EU Tariffs and Trade Policy

Trump announced plans for 25% tariffs on EU goods, including cars, citing unfair trade practices. He also confirmed that tariffs on Canada and Mexico, delayed earlier, will take effect on April 2. He claimed these measures would benefit the US economy.

Washington:

South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed a novel idea - introducing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump's face. This move, if approved, would make Trump the first living current or former president to be featured on US currency.

Wilson's proposal is reportedly a response to "Bidenflation," a term used by critics to describe the surge in inflation during former President Joe Biden's administration. Inflation peaked at 9.1% in mid-2022, the highest rate since the early 1980s. Critics argue that Biden's policies, such as increased government spending and economic stimulus measures, contributed to the rise in inflation.

South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed a novel idea - introducing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump's face.

Zelensky: US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Lacks Security Guarantees

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says a proposed deal with the United States on natural resources is a “framework,” and he will want to discuss the countries’ relationship further in person with President Donald Trump,

as a draft of the text obtained by CNN shows it does not provide Kyiv explicit security guarantees. With Trump bent on bringing Russia’s war to a swift end and recouping some of Washington’s financial aid to Kyiv, Zelensky is hoping that the natural resources deal can secure the US president’s future support, as well as security guarantees for Ukraine.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who rose to fame as a child star in the 1990s and 2000s, has died aged 39. Police in Manhattan said they responded to an emergency call on Wednesday morning, and found Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive". She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Gossip Girl’ & ‘Buffy’ Star, Dies at 39

Three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, tensions between the US and its European allies deepened at the UN. In a surprising turn, the US sided with Russia, Belarus, and North Korea to pass a resolution on Ukraine, leaving Europe caught off guard. To mark the invasion's anniversary, Ukraine sought a symbolic General Assembly resolution reaffirming its territorial integrity and calling for Russia's withdrawal. Though it passed, it received less support than in previous years, partly due to US interference. Washington pushed for an alternative, “neutral” resolution, which avoided blaming Russia and focused on ending the war peacefully.

Tensions Rise UN Showdown Deepens US-Europe Divide

A dramatic day of high stakes diplomacy at the United Nations has exposed growing cracks in the transatlantic alliance since President Donald Trump returned to the global stage and massively shifted US foreign policy.

HiIndia Newsdesk

This unexpected US move frustrated European diplomats. A European official told the BBC that the US acted like a “bully,” ignoring European security concerns. Slovenia’s UN ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, stressed that the EU must now take a more proactive role in finding peace rather than reacting to US decisions. In an unusual moment of alignment, both the US and Russia opposed postponing the Security Council vote, while China supported more discussion. European diplomats, including those from the UK and France, sought amendments to label Russia the aggressor and reaffirm Ukraine’s borders. However, the US blocked these efforts, arguing they would derail progress. Russia ultimately vetoed the amendments.

US Citizenship For $5 Million Trump's "Gold Cards" Offer For Rich Migrants

Donald Trump said he will replace the "EB-5" immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors of large sums of money that create or preserve US jobs to become permanent residents, with a "gold card."

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump is planning to make it easier for rich immigrants to get American citizenship via so-called "gold cards" that could be bought for $5 million. The American President said these "gold cards" would convey green-card residency status and a path to American citizenship to foreigners and predicted that one million cards would be sold. According to Mr Trump, the initiative could quickly pay down the national debt. He told reporters he will replace the "EB-5"

immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors of large sums of money that create or preserve US jobs to become permanent residents, with a "gold card."

The US’s neutral resolution then passed, marking the first Security Council action on Ukraine despite three years of deadlock caused by Russia’s veto power. Observers were shocked. UN expert Richard Gowan described the US-Russia coordination as “stunning” and criticized Washington’s crude diplomacy, which reportedly included threats to cut aid to countries opposing its stance. He noted that while many expected Donald Trump to disrupt UN affairs, this shift under the Biden administration was unexpected. While the US celebrated the resolution’s passage, Europe was left scrambling to reassess its role in the conflict, marking a dramatic shift in transatlantic relations.

White House Takes Over Trump Press Pool

The EB-5 program grants "green cards" to foreigners promising to invest in US businesses.

"We are going to be selling a gold card...We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million," Mr Trump said.

"It's going to give you green card privileges plus it's going to be a route to (American) citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card," he added.

President said that more details about the scheme would come out in two weeks. When asked by a journalist if Russians would be eligible for the scheme, he said it is possible Russian oligarchs could qualify. "Yeah, possibly. Hey. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people," he said.

About EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, was created by Congress in 1990 to "stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors," according to the USCIS website.

"The EB-5 program ... it was full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud, and it was a way to get a green card that was low price. So the president said, rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we're going to end the EB-5 program. We're going to replace it with the Trump gold card," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters on Tuesday.

TPresident Donald

taking control from the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) after over a century. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that the administration will determine the makeup of the press "pool" covering presidential events, previously managed by the WHCA. The move comes amid a dispute with the Associated Press (AP), which was recently barred from covering White House events. Leavitt justified the change by emphasizing inclusivity for "new media" like streaming services and podcasts, while still allowing traditional outlets. She framed it as “restoring power to the American people.” However, critics argue it allows the White House to favor sympathetic media. The WHCA strongly opposed the decision, warning it undermines press independence. Fox News reporter and WHCA board member Jacqui Heinrich stated, “This move does not give power back to the people – it gives power to the White House.” The WHCA also noted it was given no prior notice of the change. Trump later confirmed, "We're going to be calling those shots." Leavitt added that the WHCA would no longer have a “monopoly” over the press pool. Meanwhile, the AP is battling to regain access to presidential events after being blocked for refusing to adopt Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." A judge declined the AP’s request for immediate reinstatement, with a hearing set for March 20. The decision marks a major shift in White House-media relations, raising concerns about press freedom and government influence over news coverage.

HiIndia Newsdesk

he White House announced it will now decide which news outlets have access to

Trump,

China Opens Its Arms For Dhaka As Bangladesh-India Ties Deteriorate

A significant diplomatic development is unfolding as a 22-member delegation from Bangladesh, comprising political leaders, civil society activists, academics, and journalists, embarks on a 10-day visit to China. This "goodwill visit", initiated by Beijing, aims to strengthen ties between the two nations amid rising tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi.

"It's basically a goodwill visit, initiated by Beijing," Abdul Moyeen Khan, a senior official from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), told the BBC.

"It is unique because China this time has invited a team representing various groups in Bangladesh," he added. The delegation, led by Khan, will engage in discussions with Chinese government officials and senior members of the ruling Communist Party.

The delegation's visit comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh have become increasingly strained. Former Prime

Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since her ousting in August, and Delhi has refused Dhaka's

Starmer cuts aid to fund increase in defence spending

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has set out plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, as peace talks to end the war in Ukraine gather pace.

The PM said he would cut the UK's international aid budget to fund the rise in defence spending, which is currently 2.3% of GDP. Opposition

Israel demands complete demilitarisation of southern Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has demanded the complete demilitarisation of much of southern Syria. It is an announcement that could make conflict between Israel and the new leadership in Syria, after the toppling of President Bashar al-Assad, more likely.In a speech to Israeli military cadets on Sunday, Netanyahu said that Israel would not allow the forces of HTS - the Islamist group that led the overthrow of Assad - nor the new Syrian army that is being formed to "enter the area south of Damascus".

parties welcomed the move to spend more on defence but the aid cuts were branded "a betrayal" by charities.

The announcement comes ahead of a high-stakes meeting between Sir Keir and US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.

President Trump has been urging European countries to spend more on defence, as global powers attempt to broker a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

The move was praised by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who called it a "strong step from an enduring partner".

Sir Keir said the UK's aid budget would be reduced from 0.5% of gross national income to 0.3% in 2027, "fully funding the investment in defence".

request for her extradition. Hasina's government was criticised for its crackdown on protesters, resulting in

approximately 1,400 deaths, according to UN reports. China has been increasing its engagement with Bangladeshi leaders, activists, and delegations, including those from Islamist parties. This week's visit follows a January meeting between the interim government's foreign policy advisor, Touhid Hossain, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The BNP has also made its second visit to China in recent months, highlighting Beijing's efforts to strengthen its foothold in Bangladesh.

Analysts suggest that China's diplomatic outreach is driven by its desire to expand its influence in the region. Bangladesh, with its population of approximately 170 million people, presents a significant opportunity for China. The two nations have a substantial trade relationship, with bilateral trade reaching around $24 billion, predominantly consisting of Chinese exports.In contrast, India has had limited interactions with the interim Bangladeshi government and political leaders over the past six months.

Zelensky says he hopes to end Ukraine war 'this year'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said "we hope that we can finish this war this year" on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

But he warned that Ukraine needs security guarantees to prevent Moscow returning, suggesting EU and Nato membership will help. Russia has

consistently opposed the idea of Ukraine joining Nato. Earlier, Zelensky said a peace deal with Russia could start with a "full" exchange of prisoners of war. Zelensky was speaking at a summit of European leaders, plus Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, who were in Kyiv to show their support.

Zelensky recently said that he would be willing to stand down as president if Ukraine was made a member of Nato in return. Russia said it would not accept this as part of any peace deal. He was asked about the US and his relationship with President Donald Trump several times, but did not respond directly. Zelensky said he hoped "that the United States will continue support, like all the partners".

India to UN: "Pakistan Can't Lecture Anyone"

New Delhi: India on Thursday launched a scathing critique of Pakistan at the seventh meeting of the 58th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), describing the country as a "failed state" that relies on international aid to survive.

India's Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, Kshitij Tyagi, accused the Pakistani leadership of perpetuating falsehoods dictated by its military. Mr Tyagi's comments came in response to Pakistani law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar's allegations of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

"It is regrettable to see Pakistan's leaders and delegates continuing to spread falsehoods handed down by its military terrorist complex. Pakistan is making a mockery of the OIC by abusing it as its mouthpiece. It is unfortunate that this Council's time continues to be wasted by

India's response came in response to Pakistani law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar's allegations of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir.

a failed state which thrives on instability and survives on international handouts. Its rhetoric reeks of hypocrisy, its actions of inhumanity and its governance of

incompetence. India remains focused on democracy, progress and ensuring dignity for its people. Values that Pakistan would do well to learn from,"

Mr Tyagi said in Geneva.

The Indian envoy accused Pakistan of misusing international platforms to push anti-India rhetoric while failing to address its own domestic crises.

Continuing his response, Mr Tyagi reiterated that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are and will remain integral parts of India. He pointed to the significant development and stability achieved in these regions in recent years, in contrast to Pakistan's claims of unrest.

Mr Tyagi said that Pakistan had no credibility to speak on human rights or democracy, given its own track record of persecution of minorities, suppression of political dissent, and harbouring of internationally sanctioned terrorists.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Trump Sets Date for 25% Tariffs on Mexico, Canada

This comes as a 30-day pause on duties for Canada and Mexico, which Mr Trump tied to illegal border crossings and the flow of fentanyl into the US, is set to expire on March 4.

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump seems to have pushed the deadline for the 25 per cent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods that America imports. Ahead of his first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Trump acknowledged there has been a decline in illegal border crossings into the United States from Mexican and Canadian borders but stressed that it would not "stop" him from levying taxes on American neighbours.

"We've lost millions of people due to fentanyl. It comes mostly from China, but it comes through Mexico, and it comes through Canada. And I have to tell you that, you know, on April 2nd, the tariffs go on...and I think you're going to see something that's going to be amazing," he said.

PM Modi First to Call After Oct 7 Hamas Attack: Israeli Envoy

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his friendship and for always standing by Israel, Reuven Azar, the Ambassador of Israel to India, on Wednesday revealed that the Indian PM was the first world leader to call the Israeli leadership following the deadly Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023.

"We are actually looking with admiration to the achievements of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His friendship is very dear for us. We saw he was the first to call us following the 7th of October. We saw how he stood by us during the last-year-anda-half. We know that we think alike on many things. We look at things in a similar way. We have similar challenges. Therefore, I am confident that in the coming years, we will be able to do many more things together," Azar told.

Centre Counters Sam Pitroda: Not IIT or IIIT

New Delhi:

Sam Pitroda lurched into yet another controversy after the centre factchecked the Congress veteran over a claim about disruptions while lecturing at the 'Indian Institute of Technology in Ranchi'.

The Education Ministry put out a sharp statement Wednesday pointing out there is no IIT in the Jharkhand

capital. There is an Indian Institute of Information Technology, the ministry said.

But IIIT Ranchi has no record of Mr Pitroda being invited to deliver any lecture, either in-person or via a video link, the ministry said, calling the claim about hacker-vandals and a disrupted speech a "baseless and reckless statement... to malign the image of an extremely reputed institution".

"This institution has stood the test of time and produced some of the brightest minds in the country..." the ministry said, labelling Mr Pitroda an "uninformed person". "IITs' reputations are built on the merit, hard work, and achievement of many students, teachers, and academia."

Putin & Trump Align, Xi Left Out

Moscow, Russia: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin seem to be on the same page on most issues these days. So much so, that Russia and the US now seem like allies, as the rest of the world is left stupefied. The latest point of agreement between the two leaders is on defence spending. President Trump recently proposed that the United States, Russia, and China all cut their military spending and defence budgets by half. Surprisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the suggestion, calling it a "good proposal" and saying that Moscow was more than willing "for a discussion" to explore such an outcome.

Indian Student in Coma After US Crash, Parents Urgently Seek Visa

HiIndia Newsdesk

Mumbai: An Indian student has been in a coma after an accident in the US this month, with her family members in Maharashtra seeking the Centre's help to get a visa to meet her. Neelam Shinde, 35, a resident of Maharashtra's Satara district, was allegedly hit by a car on February 14 and is currently in the ICU.

The police have arrested the car driver.

"We got to know about the accident on February 16 and have been trying for a visa since then. But we haven't got it yet," her father, Tanaji Shinde, said. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule spoke to NDTV and sought External Affairs

Neelam Shinde, 35, a resident of Maharashtra's Satara district, was allegedly hit by a car on February 14, and is currently in the ICU.

Minister S Jaishankar's help to get Ms Shinde's father a visa. "This is an alarming issue and we all need to get together and help resolve it," she said. "I've been engaged with the family and assuring them that this will be resolved," Ms Sule said. She also said she may have "political differences" with Mr Jaishankar, a BJP leader, but he is "very helpful and empathetic" whenever it comes to the issue of Indian students abroad.

"My experience with the MEA has been

Bangladesh Army Chief Warns of Self-Created Anarchy

with a rapidly worsening law and order situation. Blaming it

on the political turmoil, leading to a sociopolitical crisis, the army chief said the situation is so dire now, that citizens are constantly "preoccupied with vilifying each other".

Speaking at an armed forces function, Gen Zaman said "The anarchy we have witnessed is of our own making".

He also shared his concern over the extremely inefficient police force, saying that officers across the board - from senior to junior ranks - were afraid, because their peers were either facing judicial cases or were jailed. This, he said, brings even more responsibility on the armed forces as law and order has faced a collapse.

extraordinarily very very good. They always go the extra mile to help" Ms Sule said, adding that she has also reached out to the US Embassy in Mumbai. She also took to her official X account and tagged Mr Jaishankar while seeking help for Mr Shinde. According to Ms Shinde's family, the crash left her hands and legs fractured. She also sustained injuries on her head.

"The police admitted her to the hospital and her roommates informed us on February 16. They told us that she's met with a huge accident," her uncle, Sanjay Kadam, told. "They took our permission to operate on her brain. She is in a coma right now and we need to be there," he added. Ms Shinde has been in the US for four years and is in her final year.

5.0 magnitude earthquake rocks Assam's Morigaon

An earthquake measuring 5.0 magnitude rocked Morigaon district in Assam at 2:25 a.m on Thursday. Tremors felt in Bangladesh, China, Bhutan, Guwahati and other parts of Assam. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake struck at a depth of 16 kilometres. "EQ of M: 5.0, On: 27/02/2025 02:25:40 IST, Lat: 26.28 N, Long: 92.24 E, Depth: 16 Km, Location: Morigaon, Assam," the NCS said on X.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Bangladesh Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman

HiIndia Newsdesk

Dhaka: Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has acknowledged that there is a serious problem in his country

Next Mahakumbh May Be Held on Sandy Riverbeds

Wangchuk cautioned that the next Mahakumbh might have to be organised on the “sandy remains of sacred rivers” as they might dry up if the glaciers were not preserved. He also appealed for immediate steps to check the migration of people from the Himalayan region because of climate change

HiIndia Newsdesk

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging India to take the lead in addressing climate change. Returning from a US tour where he carried a piece of ice from a Ladakh glacier to highlight rapid melting, Wangchuk warned that sacred rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna could become seasonal if glaciers are not preserved. He cautioned that future Mahakumbh festivals might take place on the “sandy remains of sacred rivers.”

Wangchuk emphasized that India, home to the Himalayas—the third-largest ice deposit after the Arctic and Antarctica—must lead glacier preservation efforts. He proposed measures such as forming

Shashi Tharoor on Congress Row: "Don't Understand the Controversy"

Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday refuted the alleged controversy over his remarks in a podcast to an English daily, saying that it was a 45-minute conversation about life and nothing about any political controversy. He said he could not comprehend the controversial angle in his conversation during the podcast. "You all heard the podcast. What was the controversy about? I still haven't understood the controversy. Now that you have heard the whole podcast, can you tell me what your question is? I am happy to respond. It is a podcast, a 45-minute conversation about life and pursuits of happiness, nothing there much about any political controversy," Mr Tharoor told reporters.

Pune

Airport:

a commission and declaring key glaciers like Gangotri and Yamunotri as national treasures to ensure their protection.

During a press conference, he highlighted the impact of climate change on Himalayan communities, citing the migration of residents

from Kumik village in Ladakh due to water shortages. He also warned of rising incidents of flash floods and cloudbursts.

As part of his awareness campaign, Wangchuk transported a piece of ice from a glacier in Ladakh’s Khardung La to the US, wrapped in Pashmina wool for insulation. He displayed it at the UN office in Delhi, Harvard Kennedy School, MIT, and the UN headquarters in New York before immersing it in the Hudson River on February 21, ahead of World Day for Glaciers on March 21.

With the UN declaring 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, Wangchuk’s efforts underscore the urgent need for action to protect the Himalayas and India’s water security.

Rape case filed against Domino's Pizza franchise owner in India

Indian police have registered a case against leading businessman Shyam S Bhartia and three others for alleged criminal intimidation and rape of an aspiring Bollywood actress.

Bhartia is the founder and chairman of Jubilant Bhartia Group. Its subsidiary Jubilant Foodworks is the largest franchisee for Domino's Pizza outside of the US. The woman, who can't be named under Indian law, accuses Bhartia of intoxicating and then "brutally" raping her in Singapore.

Bhartia has denied the allegations as "baseless, false and disparaging" in a filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange on Tuesday. The company said Bhartia would fully cooperate with the investigation. Jubiliant FoodWorks has not responded separately to the BBC's request for comment. The woman said she first complained to the police on 11 November 2024. But her case was registered only on 22 February on orders of the Bombay High Court after it heard her petition.

$400K Hidden in Books

Pune: Three students, travelling from Dubai, were stopped at the Pune airport last week. When their bags were searched, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Pune Customs Department found $400,100 (Rs 3.5 crore) concealed between the pages of books. Their questioning revealed the trolley bags belonged to Pune-based travel agent Khushbu Agarwal who told them they contained her office documents. The students had booked a travel package for their Dubai trip through Ms Agarwal.

"At the last minute before departure from Pune, she handed over two bags to students on the pretext that they contained her office documents

urgently required at her Dubai office.

The students accepted these bags and departed from Pune," said AIU sources.

"When the students were interrogated, it was found that they were given some documents to deliver to an office in Dubai. The students did not know that foreign

Adobe brings free Photoshop app to phones

Adobe said on Tuesday it is bringing its Photoshop app to mobile phones for the first time, offering both a free version and a paid version at the lowest cost yet for the app, at $7.99 per month. First released in 1990, Adobe’s digital image software is enough of a household name to have become a verb for touching up photos. But it has always cost money, and the lowest-cost version previously was a $9.99 per month subscription for Apple’s iPad.

Prashant Kishor Calls Actor Vijay Tamil Nadu’s "New Hope"

Chennai: Jan Suraaj Party Chief Prashant Kishor has expressed strong support for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections and said that TVK Chief Vijay is a new hope for the millions of people who want to see a change in state politics.

Mr Kishor attended the TVK's one-year celebration on Wednesday. He is an advisor to Mr Vijay, who is aiming to displace the two Dravidian Parties in the next Assembly polls.

Seized

from 3 Students

currency was hidden in their bags," they added.

The hawala racket involving US currency was busted after information was received on a huge quantity of foreign currency placed inside two trolley bags smuggled out of India by a person using three

passengers. The customs department alerted their Dubai counterparts and kept a watch on the three students. When they returned to Pune by a SpiceJet flight on February 17, their bags were searched by the AIU officers who recovered $400, 100.

Ms Agarwal was detained soon after and her statement was recorded under the Customs Act.

Further investigation led the officials to a forex firm located in Mumbai's Fort area. Foreign currency worth Rs 45 lakh was recovered after the firm was raided, Mohammed Aamir, who had supplied the US currency, was also arrested by the officials.

AIU and Customs officers also conducted simultaneous searches at 10 places in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk addresses a press conference, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

HiIndia Newsdesk

The hawala racket involving US currency was busted after information was received on a huge quantity of foreign currency placed inside two trolley bags smuggled out of India by a person using three passengers.

Shyam Bhartia's Jubilant Foodworks is the largest franchisee for Domino's Pizza outside of the US

Major Asia bank to cut 4,000 roles as AI replaces humans

HiIndia Newsdesk

Singapore's biggest bank says it expects to cut 4,000 roles over the next three years as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on more work currently done by humans.

"The reduction in workforce will come from natural attrition as temporary and contract roles roll off over the next few years," a DBS spokesperson told the BBC.

Permanent staff are not expected to be affected by the cuts. The bank's outgoing chief executive Piyush Gupta also said it expects to create around 1,000 new AI-related jobs.

It makes DBS one of the first major banks to offer details on how AI will affect its operations.

The company did not say how many jobs would be cut in Singapore or which roles would be affected.

DBS currently has between 8,000 and 9,000 temporary and contract workers.

The bank employs a total of around 41,000 people.

Last year, Mr Gupta said DBS had been working on AI for over a decade.

"We today deploy over 800 AI models across 350 use cases, and expect the measured economic impact of these to exceed S$1bn ($745m; £592m) in 2025,"

UK and India relaunch trade talks in Delhi

India and the UK have restarted free trade talks, nearly a year after negotiations were paused ahead of general elections in both countries.

Jonathan Reynolds, the UK's business and trade secretary, met his Indian counterpart Piyush Goyal in Delhi on Monday and kicked off the two-day discussions.

The talks focused on "advancing" the negotiations and ensuring that the deal was "balanced, ambitious and mutually beneficial", Goyal wrote on X.

The countries have held more than a dozen rounds of negotiations since 2022, but an agreement has remained out of reach.

Sticking points include high tariffs in India on Scotch whisky and relaxing fees and visa rules for Indian students and professionals going to the UK. Talks are being held for the first time after the Labour Party came to power in the UK and Reynolds says securing a deal is a "top priority" for his government.

"The reduction in workforce will come from natural attrition as temporary and contract roles roll off over the next few years," a DBS spokesperson. Permanent staff are not expected to be affected by the cuts.

he added.

Mr Gupta is set to leave the firm at the end of March. Current deputy chief executive Tan Su Shan will replace him.

The ongoing proliferation of AI technology has put its benefits and risks under the spotlight, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) saying in 2024 that it is set to affect nearly 40% of all jobs worldwide.

The IMF's managing director Kristalina Georgieva said that "in most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality".

The governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, told the BBC last year that AI will not be a "mass destroyer of jobs" and human workers will learn to work with new technologies.

Mr Bailey said that while there are risks with AI, "there is great potential with it".

Putin offers Russian and Ukrainian rare minerals to US

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he is open to offering the US access to rare minerals, including from Russianoccupied Ukraine.

This comes after US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed for Ukraine to give up some of its minerals in exchange for support, in a deal which is currently being finalised, according to a Ukrainian minister.

In a state TV interview on Monday, Putin said he was ready to "offer" resources to American partners in joint projects, including mining in Russia's "new territories" - a reference to parts of eastern Ukraine that Russia has occupied since launching a full-scale invasion three years ago.

The proposal could also see the two countries collaborating on aluminium extraction and supply to the US to

Apple commits to $500bn US investment

Apple plans to invest more than $500bn (£396bn) in the US over the next four years, starting with a new advanced manufacturing factory in Texas.

The tech giant said it expected to create 20,000 new jobs over that time, with the "vast majority" of roles in research and development, software and artificial intelligence (AI). It is not clear to what extent the spending is an acceleration of the company's current activities. Apple said the sum included everything from spending on suppliers to Apple TV+ productions. The announcement comes days after Apple boss Tim Cook met with President Donald Trump, who has made increased corporate investment in the US a priority.

Bangladesh-Pakistan Resume Direct Trade After 50 Years

stabilise prices, he added.

In his televised interview, Putin countered Trump's push to access Ukraine's mineral deposits, saying they were ready to work with "foreign partners" including companies on mining minerals.

Putin said a potential US-Ukraine deal on rare minerals was not a concern and that Russia "undoubtedly have, I want to emphasise, significantly more resources of this kind than Ukraine".

"As for the new territories, it's the same. We are ready to attract foreign partners to the so-called new, to our historical territories, which have returned to the Russian Federation," he added.

He also suggested that Russia and the US could collaborate on aluminium production in Krasnoyarsk, in Siberia, where one Russian aluminium maker, Rusal, has its largest smelters.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 Liberation War that gave Dhaka freedom from Islamabad in yet another worry point for India. The first shipment of 50,000 tonnes of rice has left Pakistan’s Port Qasim for Bangladesh under a government-togovernment deal, signalling improvement in diplomatic ties after decades of estrangement, Reuters reported on Monday.

The rice shipment, split into two consignments of 25,000 tonnes each, is being transported via the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). This marks the first time a PNSC vessel will dock at a Bangladeshi port.

The agreement follows a significant political shift in Dhaka, where Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government after protests forced long-time prime minister Sheikh Hasina out of power and into exile in India.

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England Greats Call Team India's Champions Trophy Edge 'Undeniable'

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Pakistan may be the official hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but India's matches are set to be played exclusively in Dubai. While other teams play across five venues, Team India remains stationed in one location, a factor former England cricketers Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain believe gives them a major advantage. Speaking on the Sky Sports Podcast, Atherton called India’s fixed venue a "hard-to-quantify but undeniable advantage." He noted that Rohit Sharma’s side benefits from no travel, familiarity with conditions, and consistent team selection. "Selection can focus on Dubai conditions, and they'll know where they’ll play the semi-final. That’s a big advantage," Atherton said. Nasser Hussain echoed the sentiment, saying, "The best team in

Afghanistan Cricket: A Nation's Fairytale in the Making

Dr Nilesh Mehta

In times of political uncertainty, sports can serve as a unifying force, offering hope and joy to a nation. While individual athletes have inspired their countries—such as Didier Drogba in Ivory Coast and George Weah in Liberia—Afghanistan has found collective strength in its national cricket team. More than just a group of players, they have become a symbol of resilience, inspiring millions amidst the nation's struggles.

A Rapid Rise in International Cricket

performance, knocking out defending champions England. This triumph on February 26 in Lahore is not an isolated

back in stunning fashion to eliminate England, a team they had also defeated in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Afghanistan’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The country gained Full Member status in the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017, a milestone that placed them among the sport’s elite. Since then, they have evolved from an emerging side into a formidable force capable of challenging cricket’s biggest teams.

A defining moment came in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Afghanistan reached the semi-finals of a major ICC event for the first time. Their victories over cricketing giants like New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh demonstrated their growing strength. Although they lost to South Africa in the semi-finals, their performance was a source of immense pride for Afghan cricket fans. Now, in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Afghanistan has once again made headlines with a stunning

event but part of a pattern that cements Afghanistan’s reputation as a serious contender on the world stage.

A True Team Effort

Afghanistan’s rise is built on teamwork and a shared vision, rather than individual brilliance alone. Under the leadership of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, the team has played with unity and determination. Their journey in the Champions Trophy has been particularly inspiring—despite an initial loss to South Africa, they bounced

Ibrahim Zadran: The Star of the Show

While Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan’s most renowned cricketer, the spotlight in this tournament has belonged to 23-year-old opener Ibrahim Zadran. His spectacular 177run innings against England, scored at a strike rate of 121, propelled Afghanistan to a commanding total of 325. His performance not only dismantled England’s bowling attack but also highlighted the depth of talent within the Afghan squad. Despite Rashid Khan’s limited impact in this particular match, Afghanistan’s victory proved that they are no longer reliant on just one or two players. They have developed into a well-rounded team capable of taking on the world’s best.

A Story That Captivates the World

Afghanistan’s success in cricket is more than just sporting achievement; it is a story of national pride and unity. While some still view them as underdogs, their recent performances tell a different tale. They are no longer just a rising team—they are a legitimate force in international cricket. Regardless of how far they progress in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan’s journey has already secured its place in cricketing history. Their story is one of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—one that will inspire generations to come.

Team India's 'undeniable home advantage' has been cited as a big reason behind their solid start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

selection, particularly their emphasis on spinners, which suits Dubai's pitches. "Injuries forced England and Pakistan to adjust, but India smartly picked a spin-heavy attack," Hussain added. He also pointed out that other teams must travel and adapt to varying conditions in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, Hussain acknowledged that once India refused to travel to Pakistan, Dubai became the only viable alternative. "You can’t have this tournament without India-Pakistan. They sit comfortably in Dubai, knowing they have six matches there. If they win all, they’ll secure another global trophy," he concluded.

Wasim Akram Slams Abrar Ahmed for Rude Send-Off to Gill

This doesn't even look nice on tv. (There is a time and place. If you are winning and celebrating, there's no harm. But you know, we are struggling in the game. You have to be humble. But that's not happening and no one is there to tell him. It doesn't even look nice and tv)" Wasim Akram said Sports Central. "If I was there, or Waqar.....It was such a nice ball and then the celebration killed that all."

Ex-India Star Accuses PCB of 'Wasting ICC Money' After Rawalpindi Washout

The Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and South Africa was abandoned due to heavy rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, causing the PCB to face further flak. Not only was the weather forecast in Rawalpindi a worrying sign for both this game and the one between South Africa and England, The ground wasn't sufficiently covered in spite of heavy rain. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif blasted PCB for the arrangements .

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the tournament has an advantage. I saw a tweet saying 'Pakistan host

nation, India home advantage'—it sums it up." He praised India's squad

Trump's "Gold Card": A Game Changer for Indian Students' American Dream?

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Washington, DC:

Defending his "Gold Card" proposal against allegations of serving just wealthy immigrants, US President Donald Trump said American businesses could purchase his proposed offer to help keep bright students from countries like India, who went to schools in the United States for tighter studies.

"I get calls from, as an example, companies where they want to hire the No. 1 student at the school, a person comes from India, China, Japan, lots of different places, and they go to Harvard to Wharton School of Finance, they go to Yale, they go to all great schools and graduate number one in their class and they are made job offers," the President said Wednesday as he convened the first full Cabinet meeting of his second term.

Mr Trump suggested that American firms struggle to recruit or retain high-quality talent because of uncertainty over the immigration status of some students.

"And they (immigrant students) made job offers, but the offer is immediately rescinded because you have no idea whether or not that person can stay in the country. I want to be able to have that person stay in

Donald Trump suggested that American firms struggle to recruit or retain high-quality talent because of uncertainty over the immigration status of some students.

the country. These companies can go and buy a gold card, and they can use it as a matter of recruitment. We're going to start selling, hopefully, in about two weeks now," he said.

US companies, particularly in Silicon Valley, have reportedly complained about difficulty filling many of their posts. Mr Trump, who has taken steps to crack down on undocumented migration, has said he wants to

welcome more legal immigrants with in-demand skills or the wealth to invest in the country.

The President also insisted that he saw the 'Gold Card' as a tool to raise money to pay down the national debt. He predicted that the 'gold card' would be well received by businesses. "I happen to think it's going to sell like crazy. It's a bargain," he said.

Trump's "Gold card"

The president unveiled the proposed program on Tuesday. The gold card initiative would offer residency and a path to citizenship for people who pay $5 million, creating a new avenue for legal immigration.

The President said the program would start in two weeks and insisted he did not believe he would need congressional approval to launch it.

Are Kash Patel and his Girlfriend Alexis Wilkins the Hottest Couple in Capitol Hill?

The couple's relationship has attracted attention due to their significant age difference— Patel is 44, while Wilkins is 26. Despite this, they have maintained a strong and supportive partnership, with Wilkins frequently accompanying Patel to public events and ceremonies.

While the new Indian-origin FBI chief Kash Patel has been grabbing headlines there is someone who is often seen accompanying Patel who has managed to steal the spotlight. Alexis Wilkins --- whose presence at the swearing-in ceremony of Patel was seen as the affirmation of the seriousness of the relationship between the two.

But who is Alexis Wilkins?

26-year-old Alexis Wilkins, is a Nashville-based country music artist. She has also been a conservative speaker. Those who may be into country music may have caught her performances as she has been active in the music industry and has performed at many concerts. One of her music career highlights is when she and her band opened for Aaron Lewis in 2024. But before you thought Wilkins is from the entertainment industry only, you may be surprised to know that she serves as a press secretary for Republican Representative Abe

The couple's relationship has attracted attention due to their significant age difference—Patel is 44, while Wilkins is 26.

Hamadeh on Capitol Hill. Relationship with Kash Patel As all eyes are on the hot new couple in Capitol Hill, there are also talks about the 18-year-gap between Kash Patel and Alexis Wilkins. There is also curiosity on how the two met. Word has it that Wilkins and Patel first met in October 2022 at a ReAwaken America event, a

gathering known for its conservative themes. But they began dating in January 2023 and have been together for over two years and the way Wilkins has been involved in Patel’s life and important milestones it is clear that they are going strong.

Swiss Born, England Bred

Wilkins was born in Switzerland and raised in England before moving to Arkansas in the United States. Her family moved to Nashville when they realized Alexis wanted to make a career in music. Besides wearing many hats, in 2021 she also launched American Westward, a lifestyle brand.

Immigration experts, however, say lawmakers likely would need to approve the change.

Mr Trump said that they are still discussing the vetting parameters to qualify for the gold cards. Asked if there would be restrictions on US rivals, such as China, Trump said limits might not be nationalityfocused, but there would still be rules on which individuals could take part.

"We want to make sure we have people that love our country and are capable of loving the country," Trump said.

Sitting beside the President, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the move could replace the existing EB-5 program, which allows foreign investors and their immediate families to gain permanent residence by investing a certain amount toward an American business and funding at least 10 US jobs. Under the proposal, individuals would pay the money to the US government, which Mr Trump has said can be used to pay down the debt. On Wednesday, he said selling 1 million gold cards could raise $5 trillion but immigration experts have said that the pool of individuals who could afford to take part in the program is far smaller.

Trump Plans 65% EPA Staff Cut

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said his administration aims to cut around 65 percent of staff at the Environmental Protection Agency, a key regulatory body that works on a range of areas, including climate change. "I spoke with Lee Zeldin and he thinks he's going to be cutting 65 or so percent of the people from environmental," he said, referring to the EPA administrator. The agency currently employs more than 17,000 people, of the roughly two million total US federal workforce.

Trump has made slashing the size of the federal government a key priority in his first days in office, tasking Elon Musk, the world's richest person, with aiding that effort as well as cutting government spending.

The Republican ran on a platform that promised to curb environmental protection regulations, specifically those related to climate change, in order to increase economic growth.

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Zofeen Maqsood

Kash Patel and Alexis Wilkins.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Gold Card vs. Green Card: Key Differences in New Residency Plan

US President Donald Trump has introduced a new “Gold Card” residency permit, priced at $5 million, as an alternative to the current Green Card system. Set to launch in two weeks, it aims to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program.

Key Differences

Green Card:

Grants permanent residency through employment, family sponsorship, or investment via EB-5.

Gold Card:

Offers the same residency benefits but through a direct $5 million purchase, fast-tracking the process.

Why Replace the EB-5 Program?

The EB-5 program, established in 1992, allows foreigners to invest $1.05M ($800K in distressed areas) in US projects for a Green Card. While it has financed major developments, including those linked to Trump’s family, it has faced criticism for misuse Trump’s Plan

Trump claims the Gold Card could generate $5 trillion if 1 million are sold, helping to reduce national debt. He also hinted at Russian oligarchs being eligible.Further details will be revealed in two weeks.

Trump Proposes Fines, Jail for Unregistered Migrants

Washington: Immigrants in the US illegally who fail to register with the federal government could face significant fines, potential imprisonment or both, according to a directive issued by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.

“The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws — we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce," a department spokesperson said. "We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.” Once an immigrant has registered and been fingerprinted, the Department of Homeland Security will issue evidence of registration, which must be carried by immigrants over the age of 18 at all times, according to the website.

Maha Kumbh Ends Today with Huge Shivratri Dip

The government has taken comprehensive measures that include efficient crowd management, enhanced sanitation and adequate medical facilities.

New Delhi: The 45-day Maha Kumbh -- one of world's largest religious gatherings -- ends today with the final dip at the confluence in Prayagraj on Shivratri. So far, a record 63.36 crore people from every echelon of society have taken the holy dip at Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam - the meeting point of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the long-lost Saraswati.

Huge arrangements have been made for today's dip that will begin before dawn and ring down the curtains on the festival that takes place every 12 years. Since Monday, crowds started swelling at the mela grounds for the final "Amrit

Snan" that will begin in the early hours. The government has taken comprehensive measures that include efficient crowd management, enhanced sanitation and adequate medical facilities. This is complemented by elaborate arrangements for security, transportation and emergency response systems.

Amid 'Hindi Imposition' Row, Tamil Actor Quits BJP, Joins Vijay's TVK

Chennai: In a big political development in Tamil Nadu, actor Ranjana Natchiyaar joined fellow actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Wednesday. This comes a day after quitting the Bharatiya Janata Party - which she joined eight years ago - citing dissatisfaction with its policies, including the alleged imposition of Hindi.

Ms Natchiyaar - present this morning at a TVK anniversary bash organised by Vijay at a private resort near Chennaiexpressed her admiration for her new political boss, calling him "the next MGR".

The reference was the late iconic actorpolitician MG Ramachandran, who was Chief Minister for a decade in the 1970s and '80s and founded the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, one of the state's two dominant political parties and currently in the opposition.

She said Vijay's blend of 'nationalism and Dravidian policies' resonated deeply with her, and made TVK the ideal platform for her political future. "Vijay is the biggest hope for Tamil Nadu." At his meeting, TVK boss Vijay also took up arms against the education policy.

Inside US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Likely To Be Signed On Friday

Washington, US:

The United States and Ukraine have agreed on the terms of a draft minerals deal to turn over Kyiv's revenue from some of its mineral resources to Washington, after an intense pressure campaign from President Donald Trump. The agreement could be signed as early as Friday when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits

Washington to meet his American counterpart. President Trump, who seeks to rapidly end the war with Russia, has demanded that Ukraine give access to its rare earth minerals to compensate for the billions of dollars of wartime aid it received under Joe Biden. The deal came after the two leaders exchanged hostile words last week after America's dramatic policy shift that includes reaching out to Russia.

President Trump told reporters that Mr Zelenskiy wants to come to Washington on Friday to sign a "very big deal."

The exact details of the deal are not yet known, but the draft agreement discussed on Tuesday did not include a clause requiring Ukraine to pay back the United States twice the amount of any future American aid.

Kumbh, mentioned first in Rig Veda, the oldest Hindu scripture, means a pitcher. The story goes that drops of amrit, the nectar of immortality, had spilled when it was brought up by gods and demons through churning the cosmic ocean. A bath in the rivers at these spots under the right constellations is believed to wash off all sins.

Arvind Kejriwal's Parliament Entry? AAP Sparks Buzz

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s move to field its Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora in an assembly bypoll has set off a buzz that party chief Arvind Kejriwal may replace him in the Upper House after his recent poll defeat ended his Delhi assembly membership.

AAP announced this morning that Mr Arora will contest the by-election to Ludhiana West, which had fallen vacant after the death of AAP MLA Gurpreet Gogi last month.

Mr Arora was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022 from Punjab, and his tenure is set to end in 2028. But to contest the assembly elections, he must resign from the Parliament. In that case, his vacant seat may be allotted to Mr Kejriwal.

PM Modi Likely To Visit Russia

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Russia for the May 9 parade at Moscow's Red Square to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russian news agency TASS reported on Wednesday, citing a source in military circles.

As per the military source cited by TASS, the visit by the PM has a "high probability".

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US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on Ukraine

The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the United Nations to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration's change of stance on the war.

First the US opposed a Europeandrafted resolution condemning Moscow's actions and supporting Ukraine's territorial integrityvoting the same way as Russia and countries including North Korea and Belarus at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Then the US drafted and voted for a resolution at the UN Security Council which called for an end to the conflict but contained no criticism of Russia.

Federal Workers Confused as Musk Repeats Threat

US government workers faced widespread confusion on Monday following conflicting advice over compliance with an Elon Muskbacked order to list their last week's work in an email or face termination. Just 48 hours after an email asking "what did you do last week?" was sent, the office behind it clarified responses were voluntary, leaving agencies to decide their approach.

But as this new guidance was shared with federal agencies, President Donald Trump weighed in that workers who did not comply with Mr Musk's demand would be fired or "sort of semifired". The mail from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Saturday, instructed recipients to reply with five examples of what they did over the past seven days, without revealing any classified information. The recipients were asked to respond by end of Monday. Mr Musk, who is leading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), said that failure to respond would be taken as a resignation. The comments fuelled backlash, with federal worker unions and activist groups filing a lawsuit in California to halt the email mandate.

Delhi Govt Faces Rs.2,002 Cr Loss Due to Liquor Policy: CAG

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New Delhi: Pointing to a string of wrong decisions and omissions, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) tabled in the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday states that the scrapped liquor policy which was implemented in November 2021 and scrapped in September the next year caused a loss of Rs 2,002.68 crore to the Delhi government. The liquor policy was an albatross around the neck of the previous AAP government and had led to several of its leaders, including then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, landing behind bars. The corruption allegations surrounding the policy are also seen as having played a key role in

the AAP being defeated in this month's Assembly elections and the BJP forming a government in Delhi after a gap of 26 years. The report, which was tabled amid

Several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, had been jailed because of allegations surrounding the liquor policy.

Ex-Congress MP Sajjan Kumar Gets Life Term in 1984 Riots Case

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar in a murder case related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja pronounced the judgement for the alleged killing of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh on November 1, 1984.

The complainant, wife of Jaswant, and the prosecution had sought death penalty for Kumar.

The offence of murder carried a maximum punishment of death penalty,

1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Case: Special judge Kaveri Baweja pronounced the judgement for the alleged killing of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh on November 1, 1984.

while the minimum sentence was life imprisonment.

The court on February 12 convicted Kumar for the offence and sought a report from Tihar Central Jail on his psychiatric and psychological evaluation in view of a Supreme Court order asking for such a report in cases attracting capital punishment.

Kumar is currently lodged in Tihar jail.

Though Punjabi Bagh Police Station registered the case, a special investigation team took over the investigation much later. The prosecution alleged a huge mob, armed with deadly weapons, resorted to large-scale looting, arson and destruction of properties of Sikhs to avenge the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

a huge uproar in the Assembly - which also saw 15 AAP MLAs being suspended - divides the losses into various subheads. It states that the biggest chunk of the loss, Rs 941.53 crore, was because liquor shops were not allowed to open in non-conforming areas - those that do not conform to land use norms for opening liquor vends - under the new policy.

The next big loss amount of Rs 890.15 crore was because of tenders not being issued for 19 zones where licences had been surrendered.

"Consequently, no excise revenue accrued as licence fee from these zones in the months after surrender. Notably, no other contingent arrangement was put in place to continue liquor retail in these zones," the report states.

Shashi Tharoor’s Selfie With Union Minister After Congress Jibe

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's Tuesday morning post on X - a photograph of himself with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and British Secretary of State for Trade Jonathan Reynolds, after a discussion on the India-UK trade deal - has added to buzz over his future with the party. In his post a smiling Mr Tharoor - a four-time MP from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram - is seen standing with Mr Goyal, who sports a broad grin of his own, and Mr Reynolds. The post follows an apparent souring of ties between Mr Tharoor and the Congress after he praised the policies of Kerala's ruling CPM.

Canada's New Visa Rules May Trouble Indian Students, Workers

Ottawa, Canada: Canada’s latest migration policies, effective from February, could significantly impact foreign students, workers, and residents, particularly from India. The new Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations grant border officials expanded powers to alter visa statuses, reject applications, and cancel permits at their discretion. Under these rules, officials can now deny temporary resident documents such as electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), temporary resident visas (TRVs), work permits, and student visas. If an officer believes an individual may not leave Canada after their authorized stay, they can reject entry or cancel existing permits, even while the person is in Canada. With over 4.2 lakh Indian students currently in Canada, along with thousands of workers and tourists, the policy

shift introduces significant uncertainty. Those affected may be stopped at entry points and deported or given a notice to leave by a specific date if their visa is revoked. Canada is a top destination for Indian migrants, with more than 3.6 lakh travel visas issued to Indians in the first half of 2024 alone.

However, there is no clarity on what happens to the money invested in tuition, loans, mortgages, or rent if a visa is suddenly canceled. Impacted individuals will be notified via Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emails and accounts. This comes just three months after Canada shut down the SDS visa program, which was a preferred option for Indian students willing to pay upfront for education.

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Kohli is a once-in-ageneration cricketer, a Kohinoor... This is a man with pedigree, with passion

Navjot Singh Sidhu

Kohli Hits 51st ODI Ton as India Crush Pakistan in Dubai

Virat Kohli scored his 51st ODI century as India defeated Pakistan by six wickets in their ICC Champions Trophy groupstage encounter in Dubai on Sunday. Chasing 242, India reached the target comfortably, with Kohli sealing his hundred and the win with a boundary.

Trump Appoints Dan Bongino as Deputy FBI Director

US President Donald Trump has appointed right-wing commentator Dan Bongino as deputy director of the FBI. Trump posted on social media that Bongino was "a man of incredible love and passion for our Country" and would serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel.

Bongino, 50, has worked for the New York police department and the Secret Service - as well as having been part of the protection detail for two presidents, George W Bush and Barack Obama. He hosts a self-titled podcast whose Facebook posts often attract more attention than those of Fox News and CNN combined. "Thank you Mr President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel," Bongino wrote on X in a post after Trump's announcement.

Survival Unlikely: 8 Trapped in Tunnel for 48 Hours

Hyderabad: Rescuers are racing against time to bring out the eight workers trapped for over 48 hours in a collapsed tunnel in Telangana. A state minister has warned that their survival chances are "very, very remote" as a pileup of muck and water hinders the rescue mission. The tunnel, proposed to be 44-kmlong - behind the Srisailam dam in

The 44-km-long tunnel behind the Srisailam dam in Nagarkurnool collapsed Saturday morning when some workers were inside repairing a leak.

Nagarkurnool collapsed Saturday morning when some workers were inside repairing a leak. While most of them managed to escape, eight got trapped and have been out of contact since Saturday. Four of them are labourers and four are employees of the construction company, said state minister Krishna Rao, who is overseeing the rescue efforts. Army, National Disaster Response Force and state agencies are already engaged in the rescue operation while Navy commandos have also arrived to assist them.

US Agencies Warn Staff: Don't Answer Musk's Email

Key US departments within the Trump administration have told staff not to comply with a Saturday email from Elon Musk's cost-cutting initiative asking what they accomplished in the past week.

The FBI, state department and Pentagon were among agencies that instructed employees not to answer the message. Other department heads advised staff to comply, while some told workers to wait for further guidance before responding.

Rs. 2.1 Lakh Crore Investment in MP to Generate 1 Lakh+ Jobs: Adani

Bhopal: The Adani Group will invest Rs 2.1 lakh crore in Madhya Pradesh which will create over a lakh jobs, billionaire Gautam Adani announced Monday. Besides, talks are underway for a greenfield smart city, an airport project, and a coal gasification project that would bring in more investments, he told Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit in Bhopal.

Mr Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, said Rs 2.1 lakh crore will be invested across the pumped storage, cement, mining, smart meters, and thermal energy sectors, which would

create over 1,20,000 jobs in Madhya Pradesh by 2030.

"These are not just investments. These are milestones in a shared journey - a journey that will make Madhya Pradesh a national leader in industrial and economic growth. They reflect our deep confidence in the leadership of the

Donald Trump Fires 1,600 USAID Employees, Others On Paid Leave

Washington: President Donald Trump's administration on Sunday said it was placing all personnel at the foreign assistance agency USAID, except leaders and critical staff around the world, on paid administrative leave and eliminating 1,600 positions in the United States.

Just before midnight on Sunday US Eastern Time, all United States Agency for International Development direct hire personnel except essential workers, will be put on leave, the agency said on its website. The agency is also "beginning to implement a Reductionin-Force" affecting about 1,600 USAID personnel in the U.S., the notice said.

An earlier notice sent to staff and reviewed by Reuters said about 2,000 US positions would be eliminated.

Billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has led an effort to gut USAID, the main delivery mechanism for American foreign assistance, a critical tool of US "soft power" for winning influence abroad. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Friday, a federal judge cleared the way for the Trump administration to put thousands of USAID workers on leave, a setback for government employee unions that are suing over what they have called an effort to dismantle it.

Two former senior USAID officials estimated that a majority of some 4,600 USAID personnel, career U.S. Civil Service and Foreign Service staffers, would be placed on administrative leave.

"This administration and Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio are shortsighted in cutting into the expertise and unique crisis response capacity of the US," said Marcia Wong, one of the former officials. "When disease outbreaks occur, populations displaced, these USAID experts are on the ground and first deployed to help stabilize and provide aid?"

Gautam Adani said Rs 2.1 lakh crore will be invested across the pumped storage, cement, mining, smart meters, and thermal energy sectors

Prime Minister and the Chief Minister and our unwavering commitment to this state's extraordinary rise," he said. Mr Adani said his ports-to-energy conglomerate has already invested Rs 50,00 crore in the state across energy, infrastructure, logistics, and other sectors, and pointed out that these investments had created over 25,000 jobs.

"People Are Tired": Trump Applauds Conservative Win in Germany

Berlin: The conservative alliance in Germany secured victory in the national election, with Friedrich Merz set to become the next German chancellor, exit polls showed on Sunday. The result marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the far-right AfD, which enjoyed the endorsement of prominent US figures including Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and ally of President Donald Trump, making record gains and finishing in second place. US President Trump welcomed the election results, saying the people of Germany have rejected the policies of Olaf Scholz-led centre-left government "lacking common sense." "Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no common sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration, that has prevailed for so many years.

HiIndia Newsdesk

FAKEBUSTER

Block bookings, bollywood’s quick fix to create perception of success, hide box office failures

Bollywood’s box office business has been struggling for a while, and with each passing Friday, the challenges continue to grow. To understand the root of the problem, industry experts shared their insights on the financial future of the film industry.

Ah, welcome to the magical world of Bollywood’s latest blockbuster innovation: the art of creating success out of thin air! Gone are the days when movies needed trivial things like compelling stories, decent acting, or actual paying audiences. Why bother with such outdated concepts when you can simply buy your own tickets? It’s like giving yourself a standing ovation in an empty room – pure genius!

Bollywood, the grand factory of dreams, has found a new trick to stay relevant—block booking. When films fail to impress the audience, producers and stars have started “self-congratulating” by buying their own movie tickets in bulk. This shameless inflation of box office numbers is their way of saying, “Look, our movie is a hit!” while the theaters remain emptier than the plotlines they peddle. What is Block Booking, and Why is Bollywood So Desperate?

Block booking is a practice where producers, distributors, or even lead actors bulkpurchase tickets for their own films to create an illusion of high demand. This results in inflated first-weekend collections, misleading trade reports, and, most importantly, deceiving the audience. Instead of making films that captivate viewers, Bollywood has resorted to rigging the box office to maintain the façade of stardom.

A high-profile star’s latest magnum opus releases with great fanfare. The story? Well, who needs one when you have six-pack abs and gravity-defying dance numbers! But wait – what’s this? The dreaded public actually expects entertainment for their money? How inconsiderate! Never fear, though – our resourceful producers have mastered the ancient art of block booking, where they transform box office disasters into “successes” faster than their heroes can punch twenty goons simultaneously. The math is beautifully simple: Empty theaters + Bulk ticket purchases = “Houseful” shows!

It’s like throwing your own birthday party, buying all the gifts yourself, and then bragging about how popular you are. The trade analysts get their cuts, the PR machinery whirs into action, and voilà – another “Rs.100 crore club” masterpiece is born! Never mind that the only people who’ve actually seen the film are the theater’s cleaning staff and a few confused souls who wandered in seeking shelter from the rain. The real comedy isn’t on the screen anymore – it’s in the carefully orchestrated dance of distributors and producers playing “pass the ticket” like it’s a hot potato made of gold. Social media is flooded with suspicious tweets raving about “mind-blowing performances” in theaters that are emptier than a politician’s promises. Meanwhile, the actual audience, those pesky people who dare to expect quality entertainment for their money, are relegated to the role of unwitting extras in this grand performance of self-delusion.

Inflated Box Office Figures: A Scam Exposed Sky Force, Game Changer, Chhaava—Three films, one common strategy: Block Booking. Each of these movies was accused of pumping up their collections through bulk ticket purchases. It is reported that block bookings are at an all-time high, with many films “ending as horror shows” despite strong opening numbers. It was revealed that Sky Force reportedly made Rs. 80 crore in its opening week, but trade experts exposed that the actual number was closer to Rs. 40 crore, making it the biggest deception in Bollywood history. It was found that Ram Charan’s Game Changer had more block bookings than actual advance ticket sales—yes, you read that right! More fake tickets than real ones.

Shreya Ghoshal Music Industry’s Gap: ‘Bewildering’

“Only male presence at all times. I find it bewildering” — singer Shreya Ghoshal has opened up about the inadequate representation of women in the music industry, claiming that even songs sung by women were written by men who were imagining how a woman should ideally feel in a situation.

In a candid conversation on YouTuber-comedian Lilly Singh’s podcast Shame Less, the National Awardwinning singer said that women have always played a secondary role in Indian films, which reflects on the music industry as well, with men getting a major share of work.

“There are a number of songs that should be female. The ratio is 90:10 — 90 being male voiced songs,10 female. Female presence in music or films has always been little secondary. The hero has a

Govinda and Sunita Ahuja Divorce After 37 Years?

Actor Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja have reportedly separated after 37 years of marriage. According to Zoom TV, the couple has been living apart for some time, though neither has officially addressed the divorce rumors. Reports suggest that lifestyle differences and Govinda’s alleged relationship with a Marathi actress may have caused a rift. Bollywood Now claims this affair led to their separation. In an interview with Hindi Rush, Sunita revealed that they mostly live in separate homes. She stays in their apartment with

their children, while Govinda often stays at their bungalow due to late meetings and gatherings. She added, “He loves chatting with people, while I prefer a quiet life.” Discussing their relationship, Sunita humorously remarked, “In my next life, he should not be my husband. He never takes holidays or watches movies with me.” Govinda and Sunita married in March 1987 but announced their wedding only after their daughter, Tina, was born in 1988. They later had a son, Yashvardhan, in 1997.

Ghoshal on Industry’s Gender

‘Bewildering’

bigger importance and role. Very few films are female-oriented where the protagonist is a female, where she has the maximum part, and the storyline is mostly about her,” said Shreya.

“Except Sanjay Leela Bhansali, there are very few filmmakers who take pride in showing the feminine side of stories. So there are a lot of doors that need to be broken with full force. The times will soon change hopefully,” she added.

Shreya said that most of the technicians, composers and lyricists are men in India, adding that if she is ever approached by a female lyricist, she makes that song her priority. “If I don’t even do that, I know she might not get another chance in the industry.”

Shreya explained how love songs, expressing a woman’s feelings, are also often penned by male lyricists.

“Even love songs are written by a man. It is very difficult for a man to think on a woman’s behalf. Why can’t I hear her perspective of the story? It is always the man interpreting what she might be feeling or thinking. Let’s get a girl to write and compose. That needs to change,” Shreya added.

Guru Randhawa

Suffers Injury On Sets OfShaunki Sardar

Guru Randhawa has picked up an injury on the sets of the film Shaunki Sardar. The Punjabi singer-turned-actor has shared a picture of himself resting on a hospital bed. The note attached to the picture read, “My first stunt, my first injury, but my spirit remains unbroken. A memory from the sets of the Shaunki Sardar movie. Bahut mushkil kamm aa action waala but will work hard for my audience .” The post has spread like wildfire on social media. Guru Randhawa's fans and industry friends have dropped get well soon messages in the comments. Sanjana Sanghi was among the first to drop a message under the post. She said, “G?! Hope recovery's super quick.” Celebrity photographer Dabboo Ratnani wrote, “Speedy Recovery.”

John Abraham hasn’t missed gym in 35 years, calls fitness his religion

In a country where religious fanaticism runs deep, John Abraham has positioned himself as an atheist, viewing fitness as his religion. Renowned for his well-maintained physique and striking looks, John recently opened up about his dedication to staying in shape, revealing that he has been going to the gym every day for the past 35 years. Calling himself “practically an atheist,” he described self-care as his religion, emphasising that the body is a temple that must be nurtured and maintained.

“I don’t do it for narcissistic reasons. I’m always in a transformed state most of the time, with maybe about a 10-20 per cent deviation. I genuinely like taking care of myself,” he shared during a chat.

Parineeti Chopra to Star in Netflix Mystery Thriller

Actor Parineeti Chopra is set to star in an upcoming mystery thriller series on Netflix. The yet untitled project, to be directed by Rensil D'Silva, marks another collaboration of Chopra with the streaming platform after her 2024 film Amar Singh Chamkila with Diljit Dosanjh. The series is produced by Siddharth P Malhotra and also stars Tahir Raj Bhasin, Anup Soni, Jennifer Winget and Chaitannya Choudhry. "Working with Netflix has allowed us the creative freedom to push boundaries and bring a unique narrative to life. With a cast as talented as this and Parineeti choosing to foray into series with our production, we are excited for what lies ahead and cannot wait for the world to watch the mystery unfold," their statement read.

From Malegaon to the World: Reema Kagti’s Latest Film Set to Debut in North America

Zofeen Maqsood

What inspired you to make Superboys of Malegaon?

Nasir’s story is a testament to the power of cinema. His journey into low budget amateur filmmaking is incredible. He had very little to work with but eventually created a thriving video film industry in Malegaon. It was complete with their own distribution and exhibition network through video parlours. Nasir is a very inspirational man. What kind of research and groundwork did you undertake while developing the film and did it help to influence the film’s narrative and add depth to the story?

Director Reema Kagti has been winning raves from critics and audiences alike at international film festivals for her latest film Superboys of Malegaon. The film is all set for release in North American theaters this Friday, February 28.

An ode to Indian cinema, the film takes inspiration from the life and journey of Nasir Sheikh, an amateur filmmaker from Malegaon who, along with his passionate group of friends brings a cinematic spotlight on the small town of Malegaon, India.

Kagti who made her Bollywood debut as a director for Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd in 2007 and also gave critically acclaimed films like Aamir Khan starrer Talash, first began working in Bollywood as an assistant director on cult films such as Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya.

She sat down to talk about the journey to the big screen and her upcoming film

created something stunning from that, against all odds.

Portraying real-life characters on screen is not an easy task. How did you go about casting the actors to bring a realistic feel to the film?

Screenwriter Varun Grover spent a lot of time in Malegaon extensively researching Nasir and all the people in the story which no doubt has added a lot of depth and realism to the narrative. Apart from that the cast and crew also spent time in Malegaon and with Nasir and other characters because we wanted to be authentic to the people and place.

Given that Superboys of Malegaon highlights the passion of Malegaon’s residents for filmmaking amidst the struggle and challenges they faced, what can the audience expect from its storyline and portrayal of these themes?

Superboys of Malegaon is a story about filmmaking and friendship colliding to create a powerful end result. It’s about a bunch of guys who didn’t have much but

Casting directors Nandini Shrikent and Karan Mally made my life pretty easy. They did auditions with an exhaustive list of actors and shortlisted the ones that clicked. Once we felt an actor fit the part we did call backs, alone and with other actors. Then we did workshops. Aleem who is a character in the movie came in to train the actors with their diction. Hair, makeup and wardrobe departments all did their own research and referencing which went a long way in lending authenticity to the portrayal.

How did it feel to have Superboys of Malegaon selected at the 49th Toronto International Film Festival? It feels wonderful to be selected for TIFF. My cast and crew and I have really worked hard on this and I am grateful to showcase our work on such a large global platform.

Is there any message you would like to convey to the audience, given that the film is about friends who come up with the idea of making their own movies without any guidance or a big budget?

The film conveys a strong message to follow your dreams and not be daunted by adversity or a lack of resources.

Trump Fires Top General CQ Brown in Pentagon Shake-Up

President Donald Trump has fired US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown, the highest-ranking officer in the country, as part of a major shakeup of the top military leadership. "I want to thank General Charles 'CQ' Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Trump posted on social media. He said five other top officers were being replaced.

Trump Criticizes Starmer & Macron Over Ukraine War Inaction

US President Donald Trump has said French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer "haven't done anything" to end the war in Ukraine, ahead of their visits to the White House next week. Trump also said Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had "no cards" in peace negotiations, adding: "I don't think he's very important to be in meetings." Since Russia's fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK, France and other allies have been supplying Kyiv with weapons and other aid.

Chahal-Dhanashree Divorce Case

and

has filed for divorce and the proceedings are currently underway. The rumours about the divorce was making the rounds for quite some time with both Chahal and Dhanashree posting cryptic messages on social media. While no concrete statement was provided from both parties, several media reports claimed that the divorce was already final.

Atishi Slams Rekha Gupta Over "Failed" Promises to Delhi Women

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi today wrote a letter to newly sworn-in Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, questioning the BJP government's failure to pass a promised financial assistance scheme for women in its first cabinet meeting on Thursday. In her letter, Atishi sought time to meet Ms Gupta along with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Legislature Party on Sunday to discuss

the implementation of the scheme that would provide Rs 2,500 per month to women in Delhi. "First of all, heartiest congratulations to you on assuming the charge of the post of Chief Minister of Delhi," Atishi's letter reads. "Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Prime Minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi ji, had promised the mothers and sisters of Delhi in a rally organized on January 31, 2025, during the election campaign that after the formation of the BJP government, a scheme of Rs 2,500 per month would be passed for them in the very first cabinet meeting. He said - this is Modi's guarantee."

Bhutan PM Hails Modi as Elder Brother & Mentor

New Delhi: Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on Friday described his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi as his "elder brother" and "mentor" and sought his guidance to help him contribute to transformation of public service in the neighbouring country. In his keynote address at the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) conclave here, Tobgay made liberal use of Hindi that drew multiple applause from the

In his keynote address at the School of Ultimate Leadership (SOUL) conclave here, Tobgay made liberal use of Hindi that drew multiple applause from the audience.

audience.

"Without a doubt, I see an image of an elder brother in you, who always guides me and helps me," he said. Tshering termed the SOUL initiative a "brainchild of Modi", adding, it is yet another testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing authentic leaders and empowering them to serve the great republic of India. In his address, the Bhutanese prime minister humbly submitted that he had come to attend the event to not offer any leadership lessons but to "learn as a student".

30 Workers Feared Trapped As Tunnel Collapses In Telangana

Hyderabad: At least 30 workers are feared trapped after a portion of an underconstruction tunnel collapsed in Telangana on Saturday. The construction firm has sent an assessment team inside for more details, the police said. The collapse occurred on a portion of the tunnel behind the Srisailam dam on the under-construction stretch of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) in Nagarkurnool district, said officials.

Musk vs Astronaut Over Sunita Williams "Lie"

Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen has called out Elon Musk who claimed that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were "abandoned" at the International Space Station (ISS) by former US President Joe Biden. Mr Mogensen has quote-tweeted a clip from Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity and said, “What a lie. And from someone who complains about lack of honesty from the mainstream media.” Andreas Mogensen's post didn't go unnoticed as Elon Musk was quick to drop a comment under it.

Trump Pledges Reciprocal Tariffs on India for Fair Trade

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that he will soon impose reciprocal tariffs on countries like India and China, asserting that the United States will charge the same tariffs these nations impose on American goods.

Trump said, "We will soon impose reciprocal tariffs -- they charge us, we charge them. Whatever a company or a country, such as India or China, charges, we want to be fair; hence, reciprocal."

He added, "We have never done that. We were getting ready to do it until Covid hit."

Last week, before his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump had commented on India's tariff structure, saying "they have the highest tariffs" and "it is a hard place to do business".

Before his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, Donald Trump had commented on India's tariff structure, saying "they have the highest tariffs".

Trump made the remarks during a press conference in which he was asked about the meeting of Tesla CEO Elon Musk with PM Modi. "They met. I assume he wants to do business in India. But India is a very hard place to do business in because of the tariffs.

They have the highest tariffs... It's a hard place to do business. I would imagine he met possibly because he is running a company, he is doing this as something that he has felt strongly about for a long time," Trump said. Speaking on the issue of reciprocal tariffs, Trump highlighted India's past trade policies, citing the case of Harley-Davidson motorcycles as an example of how American companies have been forced to set up manufacturing units abroad to bypass exorbitant import duties. "Traditionally, India is right at the top of the pack pretty much. There are a couple of smaller countries that are actually more but India charges tremendous tariffs. I remember when Harley Davidson couldn't sell their motorbikes in India because of the fact that in India - the tax was so high, the tariff was so high, and Harley was forced to build," he had said, US Network Pool via Reuters reported.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Indian cricket team star Yuzvendra Chahal

wife Dhanashree Verma

New Delhi:

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kash Patel vows to 'rebuild' FBI after Senate confirms him

"Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Bureau and our partners, we will rebuild an FBI the American people can be proud of. And to those who seek to harm Americans-consider this your warning. We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet. Mission First. America Always. Let's get to work,"

The FBI's new director, Kash Patel, has vowed to "rebuild" the bureau after he was confirmed by the US Senate to lead the lawenforcement agency that he has long attacked. The upper chamber of Congress narrowly approved President Donald Trump's nominee by 5149. Two Republicans voted no. "My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops - and rebuild trust in the FBI."

"$21 Million 'India Fund"

BJP v/s Congress

BJP lashed out at the Congress, accusing it of seeking foreign funds to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi from coming to power in 2014. The party's allegations came a day after US President Donald Trump questioned a move by former president Joe Biden's administration to provide $21 million to India for "voter turnout" and questioned if they were "trying to get somebody else elected".

Congress's Jairam Ramesh

"USAID is very much in the news these days. It was set up on November 3, 1961. Claims being made by the US President are typically nonsensical to say the least. Even so, the Govt of India should bring out a White Paper at the earliest detailing USAID's support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India over the decades"

US President Donald Trump

Joe Biden's administration to provide $21 million to India for "voter turnout" and questioned if they were "trying to get somebody else elected".

Trump Claims BRICS "Broke Up" After 150% Tariff Threat

US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that the BRICS nations have "broken up", days after he threatened them with 100 per cent tariffs if they tried to seek an alternative for the US dollar.

Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that the BRICS nations have "broken up", days after he threatened them with 100 per cent tariffs if they tried to seek an alternative for the US dollar.

"BRICS states were trying to destroy our dollar. They wanted to create a new currency. So when I came in, the first thing I said was any BRICS state that even mentions the destruction of the dollar will be charged a 150% tariff, and we don't want your goods and the BRICS states just broke up," the US President said. Calling it an amazing turnaround, Mr Trump said, "I don't know what the hell happened to them. We haven't heard from the BRICS states lately." BRICS, formed in 2009, is an intergovernmental organisation made up of 10 countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This is the only major international group of which the US is not a part.

On Friday (21st February), The Indian Express published a report titled ‘Team Musk flags, Trump waves, but a fact-check: $21 million did not go to India for ‘voter turnout’, was for Bangladesh.’ The Indian Daily attempted to suggest that US President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and his team of nerds at DOGE all goofed up on numbers and somehow made the Himalayan blunder of mistaking Bangladesh for India. “That $21 million, records accessed by The Indian Express show, was sanctioned in 2022 for Bangladesh, not India,” the report by The Indian Express alleged.

India's Business Growth Hits 6-Month High in Feb, Led by Services

India’s private sector experienced its fastest growth in six months during February, driven by a surge in services activity, according to HSBC's flash India Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The survey, compiled by S&P Global, further indicated that job creation reached a record high, marking

India’s Pharma Sector Seeks Tariff Relief Through US Talks

Indian drugmakers are hoping that bilateral discussions between the country and the United States will help them steer clear of President Donald Trump's plan to levy at least 25% tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, a trade association said.

In fiscal 2024, the exports to the U.S. were worth $8.7 billion, or about

"This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy," : Musk

31% of total pharma exports, per data from government-backed trade body Pharmexcil.

The IPA represents some of India's biggest drugmakers, including Sun Pharmaceutical, Dr Reddy's, Cipla and Zydus Lifesciences, as well as the local units of U.S. firms like Abbott. "This (tariff) move is going to be inflationary to the U.S. as they don't have the requisite manufacturing infrastructure in-house to replace the scale of supply that India does," said Vishal Manchanda, an analyst. Sun Pharma Managing Director Dilip Shanghvi told local media that the tariffs, if imposed, will be passed on to consumers.

a significant development for Asia’s third-largest economy. Composite PMI output rose to 60.6 in February, up from 57.7 in January. The PMI, where a reading above 50 signifies expansion, showed substantial improvement, primarily driven by the services sector.

Eknath Shinde's Absence Fuels Maharashtra Coalition Rift Buzz

Mumbai: Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remained absent from three government programs in the state, adding steam to the speculation about a cold war within the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance that came to power in the state in the November 2024 Assembly elections. Mr Shinde was not present at inauguration of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Thane's district's Badlapur, the Maratha king's birth anniversary celebrations at the historic Agra Fort and the inauguration of the second phase of the Shivsrushti theme park in Ambegaon Budruk.

IRS Cuts 6,000 Jobs as Trump Shrinks Government

A tearful executive at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service told staffers on Thursday that about 6,000 employees would be fired, a person familiar with the matter said, in a move that would

eliminate roughly 6% of the agency's workforce in the midst of the busy tax-filing season. The cuts are part of President Donald Trump's sweeping downsizing effort that has targeted bank regulators, forest workers, rocket scientists and tens of thousands of other government employees. The effort is being led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, Trump's biggest campaign donor.

"This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy," said Musk, holding the power tool aloft as a stage prop to symbolize the drastic slashing of government jobs.

HiIndia Newsdesk

BJP

Common Diet Mistakes Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

1. Setting unrealistic goals

This should be a no-brainer. If you start by setting unrealistic goals, you are setting yourself up for failure. In other words, putting too much pressure on yourself to lose weight too quickly will backfire. Healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. Remember this: The winner in weight loss is not the person who loses the quickest but the person who keeps it off the longest.

Also, success shouldn't be measured only by the number on a scale. With increases in exercise and improvement in diet, you may be losing fat tissue and gaining muscle mass. This change in body composition is not reflected on the scale. Also, increasing fiber or reducing sugar are goals that can be measured just as well as weight changes.

2. Thinking about ‘diet,’ not lifestyle

A diet is something you go on and then eventually stop. But if you lose the diet mentality and approach this as a lifestyle change, there is no end date. Hopefully, with this mindset, you will create positive habits that last a lifetime. Also, with this approach, diet should not be your only concern; you should incorporate better sleep habits, improve daily activity and find ways to reduce stress.

3. Trying the next fad diet

If you hear about a diet that promises quick weight loss, run. If you hear about a diet that eliminates food groups, run faster. And if you think trying yet another diet instead of attempting to make lifestyle changes is the answer, think again.

4. Not eating enough protein with breakfast

A person decides to eat healthily and chooses a bowl of cereal with non-fat milk and a banana; one hour later, they start complaining of hunger. People who make this mistake are moving in the right direction, but if they are truly watching their serving sizes, the 8 grams of protein from the milk will most likely not keep them full until lunchtime.

5. Having a snack

This is a tricky one. Most nutritionists recommend a mid-morning snack if it will be more than four hours between breakfast and lunch. But often, people misjudge their snack size and create another meal. A 1-ounce serving of almonds is not the same as a 2-ounce serving. Remember, a snack is a mini-meal and should be less than 200 calories.

A good snack for weight loss should contain protein, healthy fat or both, or you will most likely be hungry one hour later. In other words, don’t just grab a piece of fruit. And guess what? If you aren’t really hungry, there's probably no need for a snack at all.

You've taken the first steps toward weight loss: vowing to eat well, starting now. Many people are so determined to finally lose that weight that the pounds will indeed start to whittle away. The problem, though, is that within a month or so, they've returned to their poor eating habits.

6. Not counting the calories from alcohol

You would think this would be a nobrainer, but too many people sabotage their weight-loss efforts by their cocktail consumption. Cocktails don't need to be flat-out avoided, but you can't drink like a fish on the weekends and reach your weight-loss goals – no matter how well you eat during the week. And watch the size of your weekday pour – a 6-ounce glass of wine doesn’t have the same calories as a 12-ounce glass.

7. Eating a salad for lunch

Dieters often boast they're eating salads for lunch as if they think they're following the No. 1 weightloss guideline. Here’s the thing: Some salads are healthy, and some are not so healthy. If you’re piling your salad with everything but the kitchen sink, it’s closer to the latter.

Croutons, bacon bits, lots of cheese, and a creamy dressing can be just the tip of a diet disaster. Too much chicken, avocado and olive oil can push it over the edge. So, just because you're eating all those healthy greens, you need to make sure all the other ingredients follow suit.

8. Banning carbs

This is a really popular mistake. It’s true that eating too many foods high

in refined carbohydrates – such as white bread, white noodles, white rice and bagels and cereals made with white flour – can contribute to weight gain. Other refined carbs to limit include sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate and glucose.

9. Avoiding your "bad" foods

This is probably the No. 1 diet mistake. Ask yourself: What do you love to eat? And don't list what you think you should be eating. It's important to continue to eat those foods you really love – though you likely think you should avoid them. Sound crazy? When people completely avoid the foods they love, they inevitably feel deprived and give up on healthy eating.

10. Consuming healthy fats in excess

Hopefully, we all know by now that monounsaturated fats are a healthy addition to our diet. However, more is not always better. Nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil are packed with nutritional benefits but are also high in calories. These high-fat foods can and should be part of a well-balanced meal; however, serving size matters. Try and stick to ¼ of an avocado, 1 TBSP of olive oil and 1 ounce of nuts if looking to lose weight.

11. Getting all your advice from TikTok and other social media

Where we get our nutrition advice matters. Just because somebody has thousands or millions of followers on a social media platform does not make them an expert. TikTok is filled with unsolicited advice from individuals with no nutrition background. They often use themselves as an example of something that has worked wonders, but it has only worked for them with no research to support it. Social media can be used in a helpful way, but only if you make sure the advice you follow is from a credentialed individual who uses science as a reference point. Beware of blogs, testimonials and videos that purport to have found the "latest and greatest" nutrition tips that you can’t find anywhere else or are trying to sell you a product. Consulting with a registered dietitian is a good option too. Registered dietitians not only have extensive training regarding nutrition, they keep up with the latest peer-reviewed research on food and how it affects your health.

12. Focusing on what you shouldn't eat

When it comes to dieting to lose weight, lots of people think strictly in terms of foods they need to subtract entirely from their eating regimen. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you’re trying to lose weight, healthy eating isn’t strictly about restriction, but about aiming to have a variety of foods.

13. Making poor eating choices after exercising

Who hasn't at one point reached for a cupcake, cookies or another highcalorie treat, thinking, "I earned it at the gym" after a workout?

That may sound good in theory, but people sometimes overestimate how much they’ve exercised and how many calories they’ve burned. A fitness tracker can help, but they're not foolproof.

14. Giving up on your diet too soon

Don’t give up on your diet just because you’re not seeing changes right away. When people make big lifestyle changes and the scale doesn’t move after one to three weeks, they get very frustrated.

Give your new regimen at least four to six weeks to work. The first few weeks are often trial and error with a lot of room for improvement. If you think you’re doing everything perfectly, then take a fine toothcomb through your new regimen – write down all the food you consume in a journal for at least two weeks, track sleep, track steps and activity minutes and record your alcohol consumption. If you’re consistent during the week but not the weekend, then work on balanced nutrition for the weekend. Consistency is the key.

Lab Operator Convicted of $4M Medicare Fraud Scheme

Sherif Khalil, 50, Convicted in $4M Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Unnecessary Drug Tests

REDONDO BEACH, CA- A federal jury in Detroit convicted Sherif Khalil, 50, of Redondo Beach, California, for defrauding Medicare of over $4 million through fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary urine drug testing.

As the owner of Spectra Clinical Labs in Gardena, Khalil conspired to submit high-reimbursing test claims that doctors neither ordered nor wanted. He paid marketers a percentage of Medicare reimbursements and disguised these payments through shell companies he controlled. Marketers, in turn, trained clinic staff to request unnecessary tests, maximizing profits. Khalil was found guilty of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. He faces up to 25 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for Aug. 7. The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case, with Justice Department attorneys prosecuting. The Health Care Fraud Strike Force has charged over 5,800 defendants, exposing $30 billion in fraudulent billings since 2007.

United Senior Pariwar, Chicago Celebrates Maha Shivratri, Valentine's & Health

CHICAGO, IL- On Sunday, February 16, 2025, 300 members of United Senior Pariwar, Chicago, gathered at Swaminarayan Mandir, Wheeling, IL, to celebrate Maha Shivratri, Valentine's Day, and attend a health seminar conducted by Dr. Ashish Patel. The event commenced with a soulful prayer and Shiv Stuti, led by Mrs. Jyotsna Chokshi, with all members participating.

The Deep Pragatya ceremony was performed by Dr. Ashish Patel and President Shree Ramesh Chokshi, followed by shlok chanting by Vice President Prof. Shree Rohit Joshi. Mrs. Meena Patel captivated the audience with a devotional bhajan dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Vice President Shree Rohit Joshi honored Dr. Ashish Patel by presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. Dr. Patel, from Horizon Medical Center, Schaumburg, delivered an insightful lecture on diabetes and heart-related issues. He explained the causes and types of diabetes, the normal blood sugar range, and preventive measures.

Emphasizing the importance of exercise, he recommended a daily 30-minute walk. He also elaborated on cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart health, providing valuable guidance on reducing heart-related risks. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where Dr. Patel addressed members' concerns and provided expert advice.

United Senior Pariwar also celebrated the birthdays of members born in February, presenting them with

High-Tech Auto Theft on the Rise: Cleveland Police Issue Warning for Jeep & Dodge

CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland Police are warning about a new vehicle theft trend involving advanced technology. Thieves are now targeting Jeep Cherokees and Grand Cherokees, using scanner tools to access the electronic system and reprogram blank key fobs. According to police, the process takes under 90 seconds.

"I didn't even know this was possible,"

Ami Bera Leads Charge Against Trump's NIH Funding Cuts

ELK GROVE, CA - California Congressman and physician Ami Bera is opposing the Trump administration's proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), warning of dire consequences for medical research, patients, and the economy.

A strong advocate for biomedical research, Bera stresses that NIH funding is vital for life-saving clinical trials and innovation. The proposed cuts would slash over $800 million from California alone, jeopardizing jobs and leading institutions.

"As a doctor, I know how crucial medical research funding is," Bera said. "These reckless cuts threaten our leadership in biomedical advancements, putting us behind nations like China and Russia." Bera and 39 California colleagues are urging the administration to reverse the cuts, which could halt research on cancer and heart disease nationwide. He also joined over 150 House Democrats in pressing for NIH funding restoration. Determined to safeguard scientific progress, Bera vows to fight for the resources scientists need to develop treatments and save lives.

said Don-Neil McKenzie. Authorities previously dealt with Kia and Hyundai thefts but now see Jeeps as a new target. "First the Kia thing; now Jeep," said Taylor McKenzie. Ryan Bokoch from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Crime Strategies Unit confirmed that criminals are using sophisticated tools. Search warrants have uncovered blank key fobs and programming devices in suspects' homes. Since November, at least 62 Jeep Cherokees have been stolen in Cuyahoga County, with technology potentially involved in 20 cases. Stolen vehicles are often linked to violent crimes, including drive-by shootings, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

sweet packets as a token of joy. Vice President Shree Rohit Joshi spoke about the significance of Maha Shivratri, enlightening attendees on its spiritual importance.

Dr. Ashish Patel and President Shree Ramesh Chokshi led the Maha Shivratri pooja, beginning with the Abhishek on the Shivling, followed by Aarti. All members had the opportunity to perform Abhishek, fostering a deep sense of devotion and unity.

Smoke Fills 191st Street Subway Station, Injuring 18

WASHINGTON HTS, NY- Smoke filled the 191st Street subway station at St. Nicholas Avenue on Tuesday afternoon, injuring 18 people on the platform and inside a 1 train, according to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Firefighters responded to reports of smoke at around 12:50 p.m., with 60 firefighters and medics arriving at the scene. The smoke was brought under control by 1:50 p.m., and medics evaluated 18 people for minor injuries, officials said. Authorities are investigating the cause of the smoke. As a result, 1 train service is suspended in both directions between 145th Street and Dyckman Street. Drivers should expect traffic delays in the area.

Indian American Doctor Imprisoned for Two Years Over Patient Assault Case

ATLANTA, GA – Rajesh Motibhai Patel, 69, a physician, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a female veteran during a medical exam at a Veterans Affairs (VA) facility. The U.S. Attorney's

Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced his conviction on February 21 for violating the victim's constitutional right to bodily integrity and abusive sexual contact.

"Patel abused his position as a VA physician to assault a veteran who had honorably served our country," said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. "His actions were an egregious breach of trust and abuse of power." Prosecutors stated the assault occurred in January 2020 during a routine exam, where Patel unlawfully touched the victim's breast and vaginal area without consent. A jury convicted him on November 5, 2024.

Along with his prison sentence, Patel received 15 years of supervised release, during which he is banned from practicing medicine.

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Ami Bera

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Stop AAPI Hate Launches Campaign To Counter Trump's Anti-Immigrant Policies

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LOS ANGELES, CA – Stop AAPI Hate has launched Many Roots, One Home, an advocacy campaign opposing the Trump administration's immigration policies, which the organization says fuel racism against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other communities of color. The campaign focuses on resisting mass deportations, confronting racial profiling, supporting familybased immigration, and defending birthright citizenship.

Manjusha Kulkarni, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate and executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance, highlighted the deep ties between anti-immigrant policies and anti-Asian discrimination in the U.S.

"From the Chinese Exclusion Act to

Japanese American incarceration and Trump's Muslim Ban, history shows that when AAPI immigrants are demonized, the harm extends to our entire community," Kulkarni said. The campaign will push back through legislative advocacy, public education,

data collection, and community mobilization. It aims to combat xenophobic policies and advocate for affirmative protections for AAPI and immigrant communities.

Cynthia Choi, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, stressed the urgency of collective action.

"This is a critical moment," she said.

"We must unite across communities to resist racist, anti-immigrant policies and uphold America's promise of equality and freedom."

Many Roots, One Home will organize rallies, protests, and virtual town halls nationwide to educate and mobilize action.

Illinois Court Kicks Off Jury Selection in Muslim Boy's Murder Trial

JOLIET, Ill. Jury selection is set to begin in the trial of 73-year-old Joseph Czuba, accused of murdering 6-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume and attempting to murder his mother, Hanan Shaheen, in southwest suburban Will County. Prosecutors allege that on October 14, 2023, the landlord attacked his tenants after expressing fears for his family's safety amid rising tensions following the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

Court documents claim Czuba stabbed Wadea 26 times in his bedroom, leaving a knife lodged in the child's stomach, while critically injuring Shaheen with more than a dozen stabs. Czuba had reportedly told his wife, Mary, that he wanted Shaheen and her son to vacate the property because he feared threats from her Palestinian relatives and "National Day of Jihad" supporters.

Bomb Threat Disrupts JFK Departure, Forces Emergency Landing

NEW YORK, NY- An American Airlines flight, Flight 292, traveling from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to New Delhi encountered a dramatic turn of events on Sunday when it was diverted to Rome following a reported bomb threat. According to reports, the crew detected a change in the plane's security status approximately three hours prior to its scheduled landing in New Delhi. The diversion led the aircraft to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome, where it safely touched down around 5:30 p.m. local time.

in Rome

A passenger, Neeraj Chopra, recounted that the captain announced the unexpected deviation due to heightened security concerns. Although initial reports cited a bomb threat sent via email from an unnamed source, American Airlines later clarified that the security alert was determined to be non-credible after thorough inspection by law enforcement. An Associated Press reporter captured footage of two fighter jets patrolling the airport's airspace, and fire trucks were observed near the landing str After being inspected and cleared by authorities, the flight was allowed to depart. However, it remains in Rome overnight to ensure that crew members receive the necessary rest before continuing its journey to New Delhi the following day. Officials confirmed no passenger injuries.

New Jersey Among the Nation's Most Educated States

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey residents rank among the most educated in the United States, according to a recent analysis by WalletHub—a credit and finance website. To determine the most and least educated states, WalletHub compared each across 18 metrics that reflect a well-educated population. These metrics include educational attainment, school quality, and achievement gaps between genders and races.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo explained that the most educated states provide high-quality educational experiences from elementary school through graduate programs. "This helps parents

raise children in an environment that offers as many opportunities as possible," Lupo said. "The top states also ensure equitable schooling conditions, with low racial and gender gaps in educational attainment."

In this year's ranking, New Jersey placed No. 7 overall. The state ranked 4th in quality of education and 10th in educational attainment.

Top 10 Most Educated U.S. States, According to WalletHub: 1-Massachusetts 2-Maryland 3-Vermont 4-Colorado 5-Connecticut 6-Virginia

7-New Jersey

8-New Hampshire 9-Washington 10-Minnesota

Conversely, the analysis identified West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma as the least educated states..

Alan Desai's Popwhite Drives Change by Supporting NFL Wives Charity Event

NEW ORLEANS, LA Popwhite, a socially conscious oral care brand, served as the lead sponsor of the Off The Field NFL Wives Association's (OTF) 24th Annual Charity Fashion Show held ahead of the Super Bowl. This year's event, themed "A Legacy of Strength and Resilience," honored the mothers and wives of victims of the recent Bourbon Street attack, spotlighting community support and solidarity.

Fifty spouses and partners of current and former NFL players graced the runway in a powerful display of unity. OTF President Tenisha Patterson Brown emphasized the show's purpose, stating, "True empowerment goes beyond words. It's about fostering a strong foundation of support that uplifts entire communities." Popwhite owner Alan Desai echoed that sentiment, adding, "This event was more than a fashion show—it was a moment to stand together and make an impact." About Popwhite: Popwhite is a peroxide-free oral care brand that uses color-correcting technology to brighten smiles without harsh chemicals. Its product line includes toothpaste, oral rinses, and professional-grade prophy paste for dental hygienists. It is vegan, PETAcertified, and made in the US. For more: www.popwhitesmile.com.

Conditional Green Card Nursing Student Detained at Los Angeles International

WASHINGTON, DC- A recent viral TikTok video has raised concerns among conditional green card holders traveling abroad. The video alleges that a nursing student, who holds a conditional green card, was detained at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) upon returning from Laos. According to the video, Customs and Border Protection officers confiscated her green card, clipped a corner, and held her in a separate room. She reportedly heard that those with less than two years of

status risk reentry denial if they leave the United States.

This alarming report serves as a reminder that no CBP officer can force a green card holder to sign Form I-407, the Department of Homeland Security document used to voluntarily surrender permanent residency. Only an immigration judge may formally revoke your status. If questioned, always request a hearing and consult with an immigration attorney before signing any documents. Additionally, travelers should avoid extended absences from the U.S. and ensure timely filing of Form I-751 to remove conditions on their residency. Understanding your rights and remaining calm at the border are essential steps to protect your legal status. Conditional green card holders should always verify current travel guidelines and consult experts to safeguard their permanent residency rights.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Darien Jungle Region – The World's Most Dangerous Route for Illegal Migration

As per reports emerging some of the deported Indian men traveled illegally to the U.S. via the Darien Jungle. These men encountered hissing snakes, remains of dead bodies and extreme weather conditions during their journey

Zofeen Maqsood

The world saw heartsearing scenes of small children standing against windows at Decapolis Hotel in Panama City holding “Please Help Us,” and “We are Not Safe in our Country” signs. These are illegal migrants that have been deported from the United States to Panama to be sent back to their respective countries. Amongst this group of 299 deportees are Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

According to Panama authorities, while 13 of these detainees have been transferred to their respective countries, 175 amongst those are still awaiting journey to their countries of origin. However, close to 100 of these deportees who have refused to go back to their countries have been moved from the hotel in Panama City to a facility in the Darien jungle region in the south of the country as per Panama government.

What is the Darien Jungle Area?

The Darién jungle, also known as the Darién Gap, is a dense and perilous stretch of rainforest that separates Panama from Colombia. Spanning approximately 100 miles, it is renowned for its challenging terrain, including swamps, rivers, and steep slopes.

Illegal Migration

The region has gained notoriety as a major route for illegal migration. According to reports every year thousands of migrants traverse it in life-threatening circumstances in hopes of reaching the United States. The journey is full of dangers such as treacherous weather, wild animals, and the threat of human trafficking.

Threats and Wildlife in the Darién Jungle Migrants navigating the Darién jungle face numerous threats. The area is home to dangerous wildlife,

including venomous snakes, jaguars, and crocodiles. Additionally, the dense forest harbors criminal groups that exploit vulnerable travelers, leading to incidents of robbery, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The lack of infrastructure and medical facilities exacerbates the risks, making the journey perilous.

Subject of Documentaries

The Darién Gap has been the subject of various documentaries and news reports highlighting the perils faced by migrants. Notably, the documentary "A Journey Through the Darién Gap: The World's Deadliest Jungle" provides an in-depth look at the challenges encountered by travelers in this region.

Is Darien Jungle the World’s Most Dangerous Migrant Route?

The jungle is notorious for its extreme dangers, making it one of the most perilous regions in the world. Migrants traversing this area face an array of life-threatening challenges, from natural hazards to human threats.

Wildlife Danger

The jungle is said to be full of venomous snakes such as the Fer-de-lance and Bushmaster. Jaguars and Pumas also stalk the dense foliage of the jungle. Illegal migrants are supposed to cross rivers with crocodiles and alligators. The jungle is infested with biting insects, including mosquitoes that transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Ticks and leeches are also common.

Trafficking, Robbery, Violence

Migrants traveling through the Darién Gap are often at risk of being exploited by criminal groups engaged in human trafficking. Migrants, especially women and children, have been known to fall prey to sexual exploitation and forced labor. Armed criminal gangs frequently target migrants for robbery, often taking money, supplies, and valuables.

Tough Weather

The region is full of swamps and receives frequent rainstorms. The swampy landscape also increases the likelihood of drowning. The jungle’s thick vegetation, steep inclines, and swampy ground make the journey incredibly exhausting. Migrants have to navigate rugged trails while carrying supplies, often leading to exhaustion and injuries. Tropical Storms and Extreme Heat: Migrants are frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions, including intense tropical storms, high humidity, and heat, leading to dehydration, heatstroke, and other related health issues.

Rogue Cartels and Guerrilla Groups

The Darién region has also been known to house armed guerrilla groups and criminal drug cartels. These groups often control parts of the route, extorting travelers for money or using their locations for illegal activities.

Kamala Harris Signs with CAA to Expand Public Service Platform

LOS ANGELES, CA – Former Vice President Kamala Harris is shaping her post-2024 career by signing with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the talent agency announced on February 18. CAA will represent Harris in speaking engagements and publishing, aiming to expand her platform and advocacy efforts. The agency previously represented Harris during her tenure as a U.S. senator from California before she became vice president.

Harris joins other high-profile political figures represented by CAA, including former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Biden recently signed with the agency as well.

While Harris has not confirmed her future political plans following her loss to Donald Trump, she is seen as a strong contender for California's 2026 gubernatorial race. A recent Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill survey shows she would lead the Democratic field if she entered the race.

Despite speculation, Harris has downplayed a gubernatorial run. During a visit to California wildfireaffected areas, she stated, "My plans are to be in touch with my community, to be in touch with the leaders, and figure out what I can do to support them."

Her collaboration with CAA signals a strategic move to stay in the public sphere.

Trump receives widespread backlash to social post calling himself 'king'

WASHINGTON, DC- Donald Trump is reveling in his latest executive stunt, this time proclaiming himself a "king" after his administration derailed New York City's congestion pricing plan.

On February 19, his transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, revoked a federal agreement supporting the tolling initiative. Trump then took to Truth Social, declaring: "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"

The spectacle escalated when the White House amplified the moment, sharing a doctored Time magazine cover featuring Trump in a golden crown, grinning against the New York City skyline.

Governor Kathy Hochul was unimpressed.

"We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king," she said, stressing the importance of public transit to New York's economy—something "a New Yorker, like President Trump, knows very well." She confirmed the city's Metropolitan Transportation Authority has filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York to challenge the move.

Addressing reporters, Hochul doubled down:

"New York hasn't had a king in over 250 years. We're not starting now."

Public backlash was swift, with reactions ranging from mockery to outrage, as critics slammed the move as political theater.

LIFESTYLE

Aries

Author Bio:

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

28th February 2024 to 6th March 2025

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

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of the Taurus zodiac sign should think about future losses rather than seeing a little profit this week. Be very careful of those people in the workplace who often try to create obstacles in your work. During this period, do not make the mistake of revealing your plans.

Gemini

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

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week will bring auspiciousness and good fortune for the people of the Cancer zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, people associated with the business will get significant profit in business. Money will be spent on things related to luxuries.

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

Virgo

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

Libra

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

Scorpio Ganesha says that this week is going to be mixed for Scorpio people. You will receive your long pending money at the beginning of the week. There will be additional sources of income for employed people. There will be an increase in means of entertainment etc. but this time cannot be good for you from the health point of view.

Sagittarius

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

Capricorn

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

Aquarius

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

Pisces

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

( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)

HiIndia Newsdesk

Ro Khanna Surveys Community on Federal Funding Cuts

WASHINGTON, D.C Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) strongly denounced the Trump administration's decision to halt vital federal funding and lay off federal employees on a massive scale, deeming it unconstitutional and harmful to millions. In response, Khanna launched a public survey inviting those affected by cuts in healthcare, education, and housing assistance to share their experiences. "I am working to prevent the administration from holding critical funds hostage and to allow dedicated, nonpartisan civil servants to return to work," he said, urging constituents to

Amgen Invests $200 Million in India, Strengthening Pharma Ties

WASHINGTON, DC- Amgen, a U.S. drugmaker, plans to invest $200 million in its new technology center in southern India this year, with further investments expected, CEO Robert Bradway announced at the site's inauguration on February 24.

Last year, Amgen disclosed plans to establish a "technology and innovation" center in India, leveraging AI and data science for drug development.

"We have long wanted to expand in India, and that time has come. Amgen is investing an initial $200 million in this center in 2025, with more to follow," Bradway said.

Located in Hyderabad, the facility aims to employ 2,000 people by year-end, with 300 already onboard. Amgen joins global pharmaceutical firms expanding in India, dubbed the "pharmacy of the world."

voice their concerns.

Khanna's criticism also emerged during an online exchange with Tesla CEO Elon Musk on X, formerly Twitter. The spat followed reports that Khanna missed a

congressional vote to subpoena Musk, appointed by President Trump as head of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Clarifying his absence, Khanna noted that a procedural vote occurred without notice, causing him and eight others to miss the session. He criticized Musk's attacks on institutions and argued he should face a subpoena before the committee. Khanna stressed that stopping payments authorized by Congress violates Article I and proposed debating the future of the Department of Education. His survey is central to challenging federal policy shifts and reinforcing congressional spending authority.

Journalist Mehdi Hasan Deletes Social Media Post Amid Backlash

NEW YORK, NY - Journalist Mehdi Hasan removed a social media post after facing criticism from what he described as "MAGA and Islamophobic folks."

On February 16, Hasan, 45, posted, "Make American Plane Crash Again," in response to news of a fatal plane crash at Georgia's Covington Airport. The phrase, a play on former President Donald Trump's slogan, sparked backlash, with some accusing him of inciting violence.

Covered California Enrolls 72,620 Indian Americans, Nears 2M Members

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SACRAMENTO, CA — Covered California, the state's health insurance marketplace, has achieved a record enrollment of 1,979,504 for 2025. Indian Americans have made significant contributions, with 72,620 Asian Indian consumers enrolled, and 391,960 Asian Americans in total – over 24% of all enrollees. Additionally, 13,000 new Asian Indian participants joined, marking a steady rise in insurance uptake among California's Indian American community.

Across the state, 345,711 new health plan enrollees joined Covered California, while more than 1.6 million renewed their coverage. This achievement represents the fourth consecutive year of increasing enrollment, fueled by robust federal and state subsidies that have enhanced the affordability of health insurance.

Governor Gavin Newsom credited these gains to longstanding efforts to optimize the Affordable Care Act. "Our efforts have significantly reduced California's uninsured rate, making quality coverage accessible to more residents," he said. Since its 2014 launch, the uninsured rate in California has dropped from 17.2% to 6.4%, with over 6.3 million Californians obtaining marketplace coverage.

Despite the successes, potential challenges loom as enhanced federal subsidies and state cost-sharing reductions face expiration at the end of 2025 unless extended by Congress. Meanwhile, special enrollment remains open for wildfire-affected areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties until March 8.

The following day, Hasan shared a screenshot of his deleted post, explaining that bad-faith actors were misrepresenting his intent. "I was obviously mocking the MAGA slogan and highlighting the shocking number of plane crashes under Trump and the FAA cuts," he wrote. However, he acknowledged that the wording was in "poor taste" and had led to accusations of terrorism, even drawing FBI scrutiny. Hasan also criticized conservatives for what he called hypocrisy over free speech, a theme that resurfaced in his exchange with Vice President J.D. Vance.

After Hasan tagged Vance in a post questioning Trump's decision to ban the Associated Press from the White House, Vance dismissed him as a "dummy." The controversy unfolded as the Trump administration moved to fire hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees.

Chicago Man Sentenced for COVID Loan Fraud

CHICAGO, IL- A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to over five years in prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in small business loans under the CARES Act. Between January and May 2021, Feroz Jalal, 51, of Niles, Ill., orchestrated a scheme to defraud banks and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). He submitted at least a dozen fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of businesses he and others falsely claimed to own. These applications contained misrepresentations about employee numbers, revenues, expenses, and operational status. To support the fraud, Jalal provided fake IRS tax filings and falsified payroll documents. In total, Jalal and his co-conspirators sought $1.792 million in fraudulent loans, with lenders disbursing $1.644 million. He pleaded guilty last year to bank fraud and money laundering. On Feb. 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge John F. Kness sentenced him to five years and two months in federal prison and ordered restitution of $1.5 million. The sentence was announced by federal authorities, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. Anyone with information on Covidrelief fraud can report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 7205721 or online at justice.gov.

Indian Migrants to Be Deported After Temporary Stop in Costa Rica

government.

WASHINGTON, DC – A group of individuals who entered the United States illegally will face deportation, with Costa Rica serving as a temporary transit point before repatriation. The deportation flight, carrying Indians and migrants from Central Asia, is scheduled to land in Costa Rica's capital, San José, on February 19. Upon arrival, the deportees will be housed in a temporary migrant center near the Panama border until arrangements are made for their return to their home countries. The repatriation process is coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and funded by the U.S.

Costa Rica has agreed to facilitate this transit, describing its role as "serving as a bridge" for migrants returning to their countries of origin. Costa Rica joins Panama and Guatemala in cooperating with the U.S. government as part of a broader strategy to manage illegal immigration. The Trump administration has swiftly arranged agreements with these regional partners to expedite the repatriation process for migrants who are difficult to deport directly. A similar operation took place in Panama, where a deportation flight carried migrants from countries including India, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

HiIndia Newsdesk

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Criticized for CFPB Comments

WASHINGTON, DC- Freshman

Democrat Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Northern Virginia is pushing back against President Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to slash the federal workforce. Just a month into his tenure, the 38-year-old is tirelessly engaging with constituents and navigating Capitol Hill to address sweeping job reductions. Subramanyam has joined displaced employees outside the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Treasury Department, denouncing Musk's restructuring. In his district— home to 34,000 federal workers— concern is mounting. At a Leesburg town hall, he anticipated a modest turnout but was met with hundreds of worried residents, many spilling into the lobby, voicing fears over job losses and funding freezes.

Having served in the Obama administration, Subramanyam has also raised concerns about Musk's hiring practices. He criticized the Department of Government Efficiency for reinstating Marko Elez, a software engineer linked to racist social media posts. "It shows the values of the people Musk is bringing on," he told Time. Despite his opposition to much of Trump's agenda, Time noted that Subramanyam crossed party lines last month to support the Laken Riley Act, Trump's first signed law of his second term.

Rep. Jayapal Proposes Amendment to Curb Billionaire Influence

WASHINGTON , DC- On February 13, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, aiming to curb the unchecked influence of billionaires like Elon Musk in U.S. politics.

The 2010 Supreme Court ruling allowed corporations and the ultra-wealthy to pour unlimited money into elections. Jayapal's amendment would eliminate

corporate personhood and mandate full disclosure of campaign contributions at all levels of government.

"Corporations are not people, and money is not speech," Jayapal said.

"Each election cycle, we see more dark money flooding campaigns—this year, with a billionaire spending millions to buy a seat as Shadow President." Backed by 28 lawmakers, the amendment comes amid growing concerns over Musk's political influence. After donating $260 million to pro-Trump Super PACs, Musk was controversially appointed as a "special government employee," overseeing federal spending cuts. Critics argue he has already reaped enormous financial benefits, with his wealth surging by $154 billion since Election Day.

Many view Citizens United as the driving force behind this billionaire takeover, shifting power from voters to corporate elites.

Grocery Prices Surge: Congressman Krishnamoorthi Presses Trump to Act Now

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D–IL) has called on President Donald Trump to take immediate action to tackle soaring grocery prices, with a particular focus on the sharp rise in egg costs. In a letter sent last week, the congressman criticized the administration for failing to fulfill its campaign promise to lower

Federal Court Issues Permanent Ban on Unauthorized Bank Account Debits

MIAMI, FL- On Jan. 31, a Miami court issued the final consent decree, permanently banning 10 individuals and entities from running a fraudulent scheme that stole funds from thousands of consumer and small business bank accounts across the U.S. Unsealed on Dec. 11, 2023, a Justice Department complaint alleged that defendants Farhan Khan, Jeremy Todd Briley, Christopher Foufas, Brandon Hahn, and Melinda Petit-Homme, along with their companies, orchestrated a scheme to steal millions through unauthorized recurring charges.

They allegedly used sham companies, including Altitude Processing Inc., operating as Clear Marketing Agency, to make the charges appear legitimate. To conceal their fraud, they created fake websites, customer authorizations, and a call center to handle complaints. Victims never received or signed up for services.

"These consent decrees reflect our commitment to eradicating schemes that prey on consumers and businesses," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. Inspector in Charge Eric Shen emphasized the Postal Inspection Service's role in exposing fraud. The decrees prohibit unauthorized charges and prevent defendants from evading fraud monitoring or disguising transactions. The defendants admit no wrongdoing. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated, with Trial Attorneys Carolyn Rice and Meredith Reiter representing the government. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida assisted.

Altaf Bukhari: A Dedicated Leader for Maine Township

CHICAGO, IL- As the Maine Township Trustee election nears, one candidate stands out—Altaf Bukhari. With decades of experience in real estate development, event organizing, and community leadership, Bukhari has been a dedicated resident of Maine Township for 19 years, actively contributing to its growth.

consumer prices, noting that egg prices have surged 14%—nearly a dollar per dozen—within just three weeks of Trump's tenure.

Krishnamoorthi also highlighted the administration's inaction on avian flu, E. coli, listeria, and salmonella outbreaks, which have collectively contributed to the rising cost of food. During a recent hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he pressed witnesses to explain why no executive measures have been taken to address these issues.

"This is not simply a failed campaign promise; it is a true crisis for everyday Americans whose dollars will no longer stretch as far," he wrote, urging swift action to restore trust in the food system and alleviate the burden on consumers.

A proven community leader, Bukhari has served as Executive Vice President of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) and an Advisory Board Member of the United Punjabis of America (UPA). His deep-rooted commitment to public service is evident in his active involvement with various organizations. Bukhari's campaign is built on fiscal responsibility, inclusivity, public safety, and efficient resource management. His goal is to ensure every resident feels valued and empowered through effective policies and responsible budgeting. Prominent community leaders, including Sunil Shah, Pinky Thakkar, Richa Chand, and Hitesh Gandhi, strongly support Bukhari's candidacy. His voter outreach strategy includes door-todoor campaigning, phone banking, and community engagement through town halls, volunteer activities, and local media. This election is about choosing a leader committed to progress. Early voting starts March 17, 2025; Election Day is April 1, 2025. Vote for Altaf Bukhari to shape a brighter future for Maine Township.

Royal Reconciliation:

Deepak Chopra Advocates Mindfulness

to Mend Family Divides

LOS ANGELES, CA – Author and wellness advocate Deepak Chopra believes that spiritual guidance could help bridge the divide between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the Royal Family—a rift that deepened following their high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey and the release of Harry's memoir, Spare, according to the Daily Mail.

During a recent visit to London, Chopra told the Daily Mail that King Charles could play a crucial role in any reconciliation. "It would help if there were close alliances between the royals

and spiritual help," he said, adding that he would welcome the King seeking spiritual advice to mend relations with Harry.

Chopra, 78, has engaged directly with the couple, serving as Meghan's spiritual mentor and appearing on their first Spotify podcast. He emphasized that releasing antagonistic emotions is particularly important for individuals facing health challenges, as King Charles currently does while battling cancer.

"We know now that all chronic disease is accompanied by three things: inflammation, stress, and depression," Chopra noted. He further explained that while genetics contribute minimally to disease, lifestyle factors—such as diet, social interactions, and emotional wellbeing—play a crucial role in managing overall health and fostering personal healing. His unique perspective emphasizes unity and healing through mindful, compassionate dialogue.

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Altaf Bukhari

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King Charles seeks spiritual help from spiritual guru Deepak Chopra

Oakton College Honors Two Athletes in NJCAA Region 4 Hall of Fame

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SKOKIE, IL- Oakton College proudly inducted two exceptional studentathletes into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 4 Hall of Fame class of 2025, recognizing their game-changing performances and lasting impact on the Owls' athletic legacy.

Alexios Fronimos

Former men's soccer player Alexios Fronimos received his recognition in person during a ceremony on Feb. 13. A standout in Oakton's soccer program, he was named to the Region 4 First Team and Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) First Team as a freshman in 2009. In 2010, he earned Region 4 Division I Men's Soccer Player of the Year honors and was named a Second Team NJCAA All-American. Fronimos led the Owls to consecutive ISCC championships and the 2010 Region 4 title, finishing the season ranked No. 8 nationally. Under his leadership, the team remained

Paul Kapur, a Vocal Pakistan Critic, Nominated

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as U.S. Diplomat for South Asia

WASHINGTON, DC - S. Paul Kapur, a scholar known for his critical stance on Pakistan's state-backed militancy and nuclear policy, is expected to become the next U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, replacing Donald Lu.

A professor at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and a fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, Kapur has extensively studied South Asian security, particularly Pakistan's strategic use of Islamist militant groups. His 2016 book, Jihad as Grand Strategy, argues that Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies deliberately foster these groups to challenge India and exert influence

Panera Bread Appoints Santhosh Kumar as New CIO

ST. LOUIS, MO – Panera Bread has appointed Santhosh Kumar as Chief Information Officer, effective February 12. Reporting to Interim CEO Paul Carbone, Kumar will lead Panera's technology strategy, overseeing development, integration, and deployment across more than 2,200 cafes. He will collaborate with the leadership team and franchisees to enhance the experience for both employees and guests.

Kumar is a seasoned IT executive with expertise in digital transformation, application modernization, retail pointof-sale systems, and electronic payment technologies.

S. Paul Kapur

in Afghanistan.

During the Trump administration, Kapur served on the State Department's policy planning team, shaping South Asia strategy. His writings emphasize

strengthening India's military capabilities while cautioning against deeper U.S. engagement with Pakistan. In a co-authored essay, he asserted that "a strong and genuinely independent India will necessarily impede Chinese efforts to resist hegemony in the IndoPacific."

Kapur's appointment is expected to bolster U.S.-India strategic cooperation, particularly in defense and technologysharing, while signaling a tougher U.S. stance on Pakistan's role in regional instability. His views align with India's concerns over crossborder terrorism and nuclear security, potentially influencing a more favorable geopolitical dynamic for New Delhi.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Criticized for CFPB Comments

NEW YORK, NY – JPMorgan Chase

CEO Jamie Dimon is facing backlash after a leaked audio recording revealed him using expletives to describe Rohit Chopra, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), whom former President Donald Trump has fired. Forbes obtained the tape, which captured Dimon's remarks during

a town hall meeting with employees in Columbus, Ohio. In the recording, Dimon acknowledged the CFPB's role in consumer protections, even as he criticized its leadership. "I think this guy—Chopra or whatever his name is…" he said, before calling the director an "arrogant, out-of-touch son of a b***h who just made things worse for a lot of Americans." Dimon accused the CFPB under Chopra's leadership of exceeding its authority, arguing that other agencies were already handling similar consumer protection efforts. He downplayed the impact of the agency's closure, stating, "So if they get rid of it or not, it makes no difference to me. It should exist, but it should be inside the OCC like it used to be when it comes to banks."

undefeated in conference play for two years. He later played for the University of Illinois at Chicago's Division I soccer team.

"Being inducted is a deeply personal honor that reflects the hard work, passion, and friendships that shaped me," Fronimos said.

Alex Crinigan

A dominant pitcher for Oakton's 2018 NJCAA Division III National Championship baseball team, Alex Crinigan was named 2018 NJCAA Division III Pitcher of the Year. He led the team with 12 wins and 107 strikeouts, earning First Team AllAmerican and ISCC honors.

"Alex was instrumental in our championship run and will undoubtedly carry that same leadership into coaching," said head coach Bill Fratto. Oakton continues its tradition of excellence in athletics. Know a high school athlete looking to compete at the collegiate level? Visit the Owls' website to learn more.

ITServe Alliance Unveils 2025 Leadership Team

NEW YORK, NY- ITServe Alliance, North America's premier association of over 2,500 small and medium-sized IT companies, has appointed its leadership for 2025. Anju Vallabhaneni assumes the role of National President, leveraging over 23 years of IT management experience and seven years of dedicated service to ITServe. His leadership aims to enhance the organization's industry influence and advocacy. Driving Innovation and Unity "I am honored to lead ITServe, the largest association representing IT Solutions, Product Development, and Service organizations in the U.S. Together, we will advocate for our members, drive innovation, and strengthen our collective impact," said Vallabhaneni. Supporting him, Raghu Chittimalla, Governing Board Chair, emphasizes unity and collaborative leadership. "Our goal is to prioritize ITServe's mission, ensuring collective success," he stated. President-Elect Siva Moopanar, poised to lead in 2026, is committed to fostering talent and economic growth. A seasoned entrepreneur, he is the President & CEO of Edify Technologies.

Expanding Influence ITServe operates through four core boards and 23 chapters, with new expansions in Tennessee and New York. Plans for Boston and Sacramento further its national presence.

Christine Paciero, Oakton Athletics director (left), and Steve Brody, Oakton's head soccer coach (right) recognized Alexios Fronimos (center) at Des Plaines campus

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(L-R) Rohit Chopra & Jamie Dimon

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