hi INDiA | March 1, 2024 | The Community First

PUBLISHED WEEKLY Hi INDIA

CORPORATE OFFICE :

PUBLISHED WEEKLY Hi INDIA CORPORATE OFFICE :

6525 N. Crawford ave., Lincolnwood, ILL 60712 advt@hiindiaweekly.com

6525 N. Crawford ave., Lincolnwood, ILL 60712 advt@hiindiaweekly.com

EAST COAST :

EAST COAST : Tel.: 773.684.4058

Tel.: 773.684.4058

Advertising : 773.552.6083 editor@hiindiaweekly.com

vimal@hiindia.com

ADVERTISING

Hemant Brahmbhaatt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yogesh Brahmbhatt | Ibrahim Keriwala Jitendra Kumar

/

hi INDIA is published weekly by hi INDiA, Inc. 3152 W. Devon Ave, C-3 Chicago, IL 60659

hi INDiA, Inc.

All right reserved as to the entire content.

hi INDiA is a trademark of hi INDiA Inc.

Copyright 2022 DISCLAIMER

hi INDiA makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of the content and assumes no liability or responsibility for any error or omission in the content. hi INDiA is not responsible or liable for any claims made in advertisements. Any questions or comments concerning advertisements or classifieds in this newspaper should be directed to the advertiser. The views, advice, opinions and information in letters to the editor, analysis section, legal section or any other article in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of hi INDiA, Inc.

not necessarily represent those of hi INDiA, Inc.

hi INDiA weekly newspaper distribute free copies

hi INDiA weekly newspaper distribute free copies

is available in the stores near to your area, However if you need

major Indo-Pak stores, where we have obtained the permission

major Indo-Pak stores, where we have obtained the permission from the

than reading purposes. We watch our inventory at the

than reading purposes. We watch our inventory at the stores constantly

Illinois Judge

Former US President Donald Trump is disqualified from Illinois ballot, judge rules

Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter sided with Illinois voters who argued that the former president should be disqualified from the state's March 19 primary ballot and its Nov. 5 general election ballot for violating the anti-insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment

In a surprise move, an Illinois judge has removed former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot based on the 14th Amendment’s so-called “insurrectionist ban.”

The decision is paused, giving Trump a short period of time to appeal.

Wednesday’s unexpected decision comes as a similar anti-Trump challenge from Colorado is pending before the US Supreme Court, which is widely expected to reject arguments that Trump is barred from office.

Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter heavily relied on the prior finding by the Colorado Supreme Court, calling Colorado’s “rationale compelling.”

“The court also realizes the magnitude of this decision and its impact on the upcoming primary Illinois elections,” Porter wrote. “The Illinois State Board of Election shall remove Donald J. Trump from the ballot for the General Primary Election on March 19, 2024, or cause any votes cast for him to be suppressed.”

Mitch McConnell to step down as Senate Republican leader in November

Mitch McConnell, the US Senate's longest-serving Republican leader, has announced he is stepping down from his leadership position in November.

The Kentucky politician said it was "time to move on" in his address to the Senate on Wednesday.

Mr McConnell has proven key to passing conservative priorities and electing Republicans to Capitol Hill. But he has fallen out with Donald Trump in recent years and feuded with him over his election falsehoods.

The judge stripped Trump from the Illinois ballot one month after the anti-Trump challenge was dismissed by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

A retired Republican judge who was tapped by the election board to examine the matter held an evidentiary hearing and concluded that Trump should be barred from the ballot because he engaged in the January 6, 2021, insurrection. But he determined that only courts, and not the board, had the power to implement his recommendation.

The election board tossed the anti-Trump case in a unanimous and bipartisan vote because it said it didn’t have jurisdiction to review the matter.

Illinois is now the third state where Trump was booted from the ballot, after Colorado and Maine. But those decisions were paused pending the appeal of the Colorado case to the US Supreme Court.

Trump can appeal the judge’s decision in Illinois state courts.

I2U2 Continues To Be Priority For Biden Administration: White House

Washington: The grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the US continues to be a priority for the Biden administration and is not on the back-burner due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the White House has said.

The I2U2 grouping remains critically important and President Joe Biden is "deeply committed to making sure that

we continue" with the grouping, White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre told reporters at the White House here on Wednesday.

Asked if the grouping is now on the back-burner or no longer active because of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the official said, "No, not at all, still a priority". "The I2U2 remains critically important and the president is deeply committed to making sure that we continue with the I2U2, obviously with our partnership among our four countries and beyond through innovative, inclusive and science-based solutions to advance... let's not forget, enhance food and energy security space operations and other ventures, advancing projects on water conservation, waste management and other areas," Jean-Pierre said.

Winklevoss crypto firm Gemini to

return $1.1bn to customers Court Rejects Trump's Bid to Halt $454m Penalty

Donald Trump must post a bond to cover the full $454m penalty while he appeals against the judgment in his New York civil fraud trial, a court has ruled.

Mr Trump's lawyers had argued he would "suffer irreparable harm" if forced to pay the entire sum and that he was prepared to post a $100m (£79m) bond.

Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss

Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini has agreed to return at least $1.1bn (£870m) to customers of its defunct lending programme as part of a settlement with the New York Department of Financial

Services (NYDFS). The company will also pay a $37m fine for "significant failures". Gemini's Earn programme was halted during a crypto crash in November 2022. The exchange was co-founded by twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss - known for their legal dispute with Facebook. "Gemini failed to conduct due diligence on an unregulated third party, later accused of massive fraud, harming Earn customers who were suddenly unable to access their assets after Genesis Global Capital experienced a financial meltdown," NYDFS Superintendent Adrienne Harris said in a statement.

High winds and suspected tornadoes pound Chicago area

Severe wind and possible tornadoes have damaged buildings in the Chicago area as a cold front pounds the US Midwest. The National Weather Service (NWS) said it received word of at least 10 sightings, including "likely" tornadoes throughout the region on Tuesday night.

In Mundelein, 36 miles (58km) north-west of Chicago, wind tore part of the roof off an apartment building. The local fire department said 59 residents were displaced and one was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Curb Your Enthusiasm star Richard Lewis dies aged 76

Stand-up comedian and Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Richard Lewis has died aged 76. Lewis announced last April that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and would retire from stand-up comedy. He died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles Tuesday night after suffering a heart attack, his publicist, Jeff Abraham, told the BBC's US partner CBS News.

Texas battles secondbiggest wildfire disaster in state history

The Smokehouse Creek Fire has caused several towns, a neighbourhood in the city of Amarillo, and other communities to evacuate, according to the forest service and local law enforcement.

The National Weather Service has warned residents near Amarillo to remain indoors with their pets because of the poor air quality. Texas has issued warnings to farmers about the potential impact on agriculture and livestock. In the affected area, more than 4,500 homes and businesses are without power, according to PowerOutage. us.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York: A New York medical school will scrap tuition fees after receiving a "transformational gift" worth $1 billion from a wealthy benefactor, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine's parent organization said in a statement.

The charitable donation is one of the largest ever publicly received by an educational institution in the United States and will see the almost $60,000 undiscounted annual tuition fee become zero.

The school, and its affiliated hospital the Montefiore Medical Center, are located in the Bronx -- New York City's poorest borough, where health outcomes are some of the worst in the state, according to official statistics. A clip of the announcement being

New York medical school eliminates tuition after $1bn gift

The charitable donation is one of the largest ever publicly received by an educational institution in the United States and will see the almost $60,000 undiscounted annual tuition fee become zero.

made on campus, posted to social media, showed an auditorium

Doing Everything To Improve H-1B Visa Process: White House

Washington: US President Joe Biden is doing everything he can to improve the H-1B visa process, 'green card' backlog and other issues related to the country's legal immigration system, the White House has said.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

"One of the steps, if we look at the H-1B visa process, we have taken action to improve that and the process and backlog for lawful permanent residents (green card) who are eligible to become US citizens," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference on Wednesday. She was responding to questions about the feeling among a section of Indian Americans that the president is not putting as much

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

effort on addressing the woes of legal immigrants as he is doing for illegal immigrants.

Biden heads to the southern border with Mexico in Texas on Thursday.

"Just last month, for example, as a part of our efforts to strengthen the integrity of our immigration system and reduce potential for fraud, the DHS published a final rule relating to H-1B visa," JeanPierre said.

"So, the changes promote fairer and more equitable outcomes and, so, we will continue our work to improve the system within our authorities and that has certainly been a priority," she said and added that the administration takes that "very seriously" and is continuing to do everything that it can to improve the visa process. The USCIS has announced the launch of myUSCIS organisational accounts that will allow multiple people within an organisation, as well as their legal representatives, to collaborate on and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.

"Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received a transformational gift from Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., Chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees and Montefiore Health System board member," the organization said in a statement late Monday. "This historic gift -- the largest made to any medical school in the country -- will ensure that no student at Einstein will have to pay tuition again." All current fourthyear students will be reimbursed their spring 2024 semester fees and from August all future students will receive free tuition, the statement added. Gottesman, 93, is a former clinical professor of paediatrics at Einstein and the wife of David Gottesman, a former Wall Street financier. They were significant donors to the school during his lifetime. of students reacting rapturously, cheering, screaming and applauding.

US State Halts Man's Execution As Officials Fail To Find Vein For Lethal Injection

Washington: The execution by lethal injection of a convicted serial killer in Idaho was halted on Wednesday after a medical team was unable to insert an intravenous line.

Thomas Creech, 73, was strapped to a table in the execution chamber for an hour as repeated attempts were made to establish an IV line to deliver the lethal drugs, prison officials and witnesses said.

Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) director Josh Tewalt said the execution was called off after the failure of eight attempts to set an IV line in Creech's arms and legs.

"We don't have an idea of timeframes or next steps at this point," Tewalt told reporters at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution south of the capital Boise. "Those are things we will be

Convicted serial killer, Thomas Creech, was strapped to a table in the execution chamber for an hour as repeated attempts were made to establish an IV line to deliver the lethal drugs.

discussing in the days ahead."

Brenda Rodriguez, a reporter with the local KTVB television station, said Creech did not appear to have been in severe pain at any point although he told the medical staff at one stage that his "legs hurt a bit."

"At the very end, when the execution was halted, he was just looking up," said Rodriguez, one of four media witnesses. "He kept mumbling a couple of words that I could not make out," she said. "And also it felt like he was almost in relief."

Creech, who has been on Death Row for more than 40 years and was to have been the first person executed in Idaho in 12 years, was sentenced to die for murdering his cellmate in 1981 with a battery-filled sock.

He was imprisoned at the time after being convicted of five other murders, although he claimed to have committed dozens more.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

All current fourth-year students will be reimbursed their spring 2024 semester fees.

Dr. Ruth Gottesman

Prince Harry loses legal challenge over UK security protection level

The younger son of King Charles III, who relocated with his family to the US after stepping back as a front line royal, had argued that he was treated wrongly in the government's decision to change the level of his UK taxpayer-funded personal security

Prince Harry on Wednesday lost a legal challenge against the British government over the level of his security protection when he is in the UK, with a High Court judge in London ruling that the decision to remove police protection was not “unlawful or irrational”.

The 39-year-old, younger son of King Charles III, who relocated with his family to the US after stepping back as a frontline royal, had argued that he was treated wrongly in the government's decision to change the level of his UK taxpayer-funded personal security.

His lawyers told the court that it was "unlawful and unfair" to take such an approach to his protection while he is in his home country.

However, Judge Sir Peter Lane ruled that the decision to remove police protection

Journalists call for foreign media access to Gaza in open letter

More than 50 journalists have sent an open letter calling on Israel and Egypt to provide "free and unfettered access to Gaza for all foreign media". The letter is signed by correspondents and presenters for broadcasters with UK bases, including the BBC's Jeremy Bowen, Lyse Doucet and Mishal Husain. It says the need for comprehensive onthe-ground reporting is "imperative". Israel's military says its troops have taken journalists on escorted trips in Gaza to allow them to report safely. Palestinian journalists and media workers have reported from inside Gaza since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October, but dozens have been killed, injured or gone missing. In the letter, the 55 journalists write that "foreign reporters are still being denied access to the territory, outside of the rare and escorted trips with the Israeli military". The escorted trips are highly controlled and often only to show tunnels that the military says are used by Hamas or weapons stores. Only one foreign journalist has been granted entry into Gaza through Egypt on an escorted visit. CNN's Clarissa Ward - who is among the signatories of the letterwas able to spend only a few hours on the ground in the southern border city of Rafah with an Emirati medical team in December.

was not “unlawful or irrational”.

"Even if such procedural unfairness occurred, the court would in any event be prevented from granting the claimant [Prince Harry – the Duke of Sussex] relief,” said Lane.

"This is because, leaving aside any such unlawfulness, it is highly likely that the outcome for the claimant would not have been substantially different," he said.

The bulk of the court proceedings were held in private because of the confidential nature of evidence over security measures.

The case goes back to February 2020, following a decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) – delegated by the UK Home Office on security – to review the senior royal’s security profile.

The UK government had told the court the case should be dismissed because RAVEC was entitled to conclude that Prince Harry’s protection should be "bespoke" and considered on a "caseby-case" basis given his lack of full-time royal duties in the country.

Last year, Prince Harry lost a legal bid to be allowed to make private payments for police protection when he was visiting the UK.

Australia: Former politician became foreign agent, nation's spy boss says

Australia's spy chief Mike Burgess did not name the ex-politician

A former Australian politician "sold out" the country to a foreign spy network, the nation's intelligence chief has alleged in a speech. Outlining the activities of the group dubbed the "A-Team", Mike Burgess claimed the MP had offered it access to

the then-prime minister's family. He did not name the person or the country they worked with but said the plot had unfolded "several years ago". The claim has rocked Canberra, with some calling for the MP to be unmasked.

While delivering his annual threat assessment in the capital on Wednesday, the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (Asio) chief said the now disbanded A-Team was an "aggressive and experienced" foreign intelligence network which had identified Australia as a "priority target".

"The spies pose as consultants, headhunters, local government officials, academics and think tank researchers, claiming to be from fictional companies," he said.

South Korea: Doctors on strike face arrest if

they do not return to work

South Korea's government has threatened to arrest thousands of striking junior doctors and revoke their medical licences if they do not return to work on Thursday.

Around three quarters of the country's junior doctors have walked out of their jobs over the past week, causing disruption and delays to surgeries at

major teaching hospitals.

The trainee doctors are protesting government plans to admit drastically more medical students to university each year, to increase the number of doctors in the system.

South Korea has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios among developed countries, and with a rapidly aging population, the government is warning there will be an acute shortage within a decade.

The empty corridors of St Mary's Hospital in Seoul this week gave a glimpse of what that future might look like. There was barely a doctor or patient to be seen in the triage area outside the emergency room, with patients warned to stay away.

Ryu Ok Hada, a 25-year-old doctor, and his colleagues have not been to work at the hospital for over a week.

China: 15 dead and dozens more injured in Nanjing flat fire

Fifteen people have been killed and more than 40 injured after a fire ripped through an apartment building in eastern China, local authorities said. Footage shared on social medal showed flames and plumes of black smoke engulfing several floors of a skyscraper in Nanjing city. Officials suggested the blaze started on the first floor of the building, where electric bikes were being stored. But the specific cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Singapore faces shrinking population

Singapore, facing a dwindling population and a manpower shortage, has seen its resident total fertility rate (TFR) drop to an estimated 0.97 per cent in 2023, the first time it has dropped below one per cent in the country’s history.

The TFR, which refers to the average number of babies each woman would have during her reproductive years, fell from 1.04 in 2022 and 1.12 in 2021, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Indranee Rajah told Parliament on Wednesday.

Myanmar declares martial law in 2 townships

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

The BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet is among the 55 journalists who signed the letter

Yangon: (IANS) Myanmar's State Administration Council imposed martial law in Momeik and Mabein townships in Shan state of eastern Myanmar, media reported. According to the media report, the council said on Wednesday in its order statement that the martial law was imposed to ensure security, uphold the rule of law, and maintain peace and stability in the region, Xinhua news agency reported.

ED summons Bengal Power Minister

Kolkata, Feb 28 (IANS)

The ED has summoned West Bengal Power Minister and Trinamool Congress Treasurer Aroop Biswas for questioning at the agency’s headquarters in Delhi in connection with the funding received by the party during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from chit-fund entity Alchemist Group. Biswas, who also holds the sports & youth affairs and housing portfolios, has been asked to be present at the ED's office in Delhi on Friday morning, sources said.

Thousands of devotees take part in 'Palkhi Yatra' at BAPS UAE temple

Dubai, Feb 28 (IANS)

Thousands of devotees took part in a grand procession of the Hindu community members at the newly-inaugurated BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi which is set to open its doors to the general public from March 1. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, singing and dancing to devotional songs, more than 1,100 people participated in the "Palkhi Yatra", which usually precedes or follows the opening of a new temple, Khaleej Times newspaper reported on Wednesday.

BCCI's Stern 'Play Domestic Cricket' Message

After dropping Kishan and Iyer from the central contract list, BCCI, in their release, also warned the players to feature in domestic games when they are part of the national team.

"The BCCI has recommended that all athletes give precedence to participating in domestic cricket during periods when they are not representing the national team," the BCCI suggested.

The big names who have lost their contracts include Cheteshwar Pujara, Shikhar Dhawan, Umesh Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, who all have fallen out of favour with the selectors.

Himachal's Ruling Party Bounces Back: 6 Congress MLAs Disqualified

New Delhi: Six Congress MLAs from Himachal Pradesh who cross-voted for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha election have been disqualified from the assembly, the Speaker announced today. The BJP had clapped for and congratulated the six MLAs for their 'bravery' yesterday when they came to the assembly, after staying the previous night in BJP-ruled Haryana. Their kick, however, has gone wide.The disqualified MLAs are Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Devinder Kumar Bhutoo,

The disqualified MLAs are Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Devinder Kumar Bhutoo, Ravi Thakur, and Chetanya Sharma

Ravi Thakur, and Chetanya Sharma. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania today said they have been disqualified for defying the party whip to vote in favour of the government on the Finance Bill in the house yesterday. The assembly passed the state Budget after the Speaker suspended 15 BJP MLAs. The actions of the six MLAs violated the antidefection law, the Speaker said. For now, the MLAs' disqualification has closed the chapter for the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh after a two-day scare over the BJP returning to power with a no-trust vote, since the six MLAs had voted for the state's Opposition party in the Rajya Sabha election.

India Flags Pakistan's 'Reds' At UN After They Bring Up Kashmir Issue

New Delhi: India today presented a resolute counter to Pakistan's allegations about Jammu and Kashmir at the UN Human Rights Council saying that a country with such an "abysmal" record should not interfere in other nation's internal affairs. Exercising its 'Right to Reply', India said Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters that are internal to India.

At the 55th Regular Session of the

"A

Indian diplomat Anupama Singh highlighted the irony in Pakistan's stance, labeling their human rights record as "truly abysmal."

United Nations Human Rights Council, India's first secretary Anupama Singh said that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India. She said it was unfortunate that the council has been again misused to propagate false allegations against India.

"With regard to the extensive references to India made by Pakistan, we note that it is deeply unfortunate for the Council's platform to have once again been misused to make patently false accusations against India," Anupama Singh said.

Very Big Source Of Covid Vaccines For World": Bill Gates Praises India

New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, said that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the government of India are working with the private sector to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world.

"India has a sizeable disease burden; it is an even bigger challenge in Africa. Currently, the costs of available therapies are unaffordable--even for high-income

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who is on a visit to India, said that his foundation and the government of India are working to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world.

countries like the US--and it might be an area for partnership between the foundation and the Government of India, working with the Indian private sector to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world," Bill Gates said. He further said, "The foundation has been privileged to have a strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, working on a range of health priorities, including maternal and child health, anaemia, infectious diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases, digital health and other areas."

Bill Gates also appreciated India as a global innovator, contributing valuable solutions to global health problems.

Sheikh Shahjahan arrested 55 days after attack on ED sleuths

Kolkata, Feb 29 (IANS) Fifty-five days after the orchestrated attack on the Enforcement Directorate and Central Armed Police Forces personnel in Sandeshkhali, the absconding mastermind of the attack and local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan has been arrested by the state police. Although the state police are tightlipped on the exact time and place of the arrest, coincidentally the arrest comes a day after the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam observed on Wednesday that any investigating agency, state or central, is empowered to arrest Shahjahan, against whom complaints about oppression of local people have been piling for the last few years.

Sridhar Ramaswamy Named Snowflake CEO

New York, Feb 29 (IANS) Indianorigin Sridhar Ramaswamy has been named as the Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors of US-based data cloud company Snowflake. Ramaswamy, who previously held the position of Senior Vice President of AI at Snowflake, replaces Frank Slootman who has decided to retire but will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Pakistan's New Govt to Depend on Military: Experts

Pakistan's voters expressed their disillusionment with the nation's powerful military in a surprising election result earlier this month. But the army is still poised to have more control from behind the scenes than ever - and reviving the economy will be its ultimate test. The military, which has ruled Pakistan directly or indirectly for most of its modern history, is set to make all important decisions on foreign policy and security for the country's new government and have a more expanded role in running the nation's economy, a person familiar with the matter said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Indian-American Engineer Honoured With Texas' Highest Academic Award

HiIndia Newsdesk

Indian-origin computer engineer and professor Ashok Veeraraghavan has been honored with the prestigious Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in engineering, a distinguished recognition in Texas. The Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science, and Technology (TAMEST) bestowed this award upon Veeraraghavan for his groundbreaking work in imaging technology, aimed at unveiling the invisible.

Veeraraghavan, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University's George R. Brown School of Engineering, was acknowledged for his revolutionary approach to imaging. His computational imaging lab focuses on holistic research encompassing optics, sensor design, and machine learning algorithms to tackle imaging challenges beyond current technological limits.

Expressing his delight, Veeraraghavan attributed the award to the collaborative efforts of students, postdocs, and research scientists in his lab over the past decade. He emphasized the importance of co-designing imaging systems,

Indian American Prasun Desai Aids NASA's Moon Landing

Indian American engineer Prasun

Desai who is a deputy associate administrator of Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, is part of the team that worked on the prestigious Odysseus lander’s historic soft moon landing. With this achievement, it became the first privately developed spacecraft to land on the moon and the first American spacecraft to do so in over half a century.

Desai has worked at NASA for over three decades. He has helped to establish the Space Technology Mission Directorate from inception at NASA Headquarters for development of next-generation space technologies and capabilities.

Before that, he spent two decades at NASA Langley Research Center as a senior systems engineer. He has “contributed to the design, development, analyses, and flight operations of many NASA missions (Mars Exploration Rover, Stardust, Genesis, Mars Phoenix Lander) pertaining to entry, descent, and landing of probes at Mars and Earth.

Ashok Veeraraghavan is a professor at George R. Brown School of Engineering

integrating optics, sensors, and algorithms to achieve unprecedented functionalities.

His research addresses imaging obstacles posed by scattering media, such as fog, clouds, or biological tissues, which obscure visual targets. By developing advanced techniques to overcome scattering effects, Veeraraghavan aims to revolutionize fields like medical imaging, national security, and autonomous vehicles.

Rice University's academic community lauded Veeraraghavan's achievement, with Luay Nakhleh, the Dean of Engineering, commending his contributions and the continuity

This year's engineering award went to Ashok Veeraraghavan, recognising his group's "revolutionary imaging technology that seeks to make the invisible visible," according to a statement from TAMEST.

of excellence within the institution. Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Rice's Executive Vice President for Research, praised Veeraraghavan's interdisciplinary approach, highlighting its broad applications in various domains, including healthcare, microscopy, and photography.

Veeraraghavan's recognition underscores the significance of his research in addressing some of the most challenging problems in imaging. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds immense potential for practical applications benefiting society at large. The O'Donnell Award serves as a testament to Veeraraghavan's dedication and innovation in the field of engineering, positioning him as a leading figure in the pursuit of transformative imaging technologies.

Indian Philanthropist Donates Rs. 2.25 Crore To Free 900 Prisoners In UAE

Firoz Merchant

Dubai: In a pre-Ramzan gesture, a UAE-based Indian businessman and philanthropist has donated 1 million dirhams (approximately INR 2.5 crore) to ensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails across the Gulf nation.

Firoz Merchant, 66, who is the owner of Pure Gold Jewellers, donated the money to the UAE authorities, a testament to the holy month's message of humility, humanity, forgiveness, and kindness.

"Prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz Merchant of Pure Gold has donated close to ₹ 2.25 Crores (AED 1 million) to ensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails across the Arabian nation," said a statement from his office.

Under the aegis of The Forgotten Society initiative founded in 2008, Merchant has already been instrumental

He gets their debt paid and donates funds for their air tickets to fly back to their home country.

in obtaining the release of 900 prisoners across the UAE since the beginning of 2024, including 495 prisoners from Ajman, 170 prisoners from Fujairah, 121 prisoners from Dubai, 69 prisoners from Umm Al Quwain and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah.

In conjunction with the Director Generals of Police at the Central Jails across the UAE, Merchant has already succeeded in obtaining the release of over 20,000 prisoners over the years from a wide range of denominations, nationalities, and religions.

He gets their debt paid and donates funds for their air tickets to fly back to their home country.

India-born economist Geeta Batra named as first woman Director of World Bank's GEF

HiIndia Newsdesk

Mumbai: (IANS) Geeta Batra, an Indian economist, has been named as the new Director at the Independent Evaluation Office of the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF), making her the first-ever woman from a developing country to hold the coveted post. Batra, 57, is currently the Chief Evaluator & Deputy Director for Evaluation at the GEF's Independent Evaluation Office (IEO), affiliated to the World Bank.

Her name was unanimously recommended for the coveted position at the 66th GEF Council Meeting held in Washington on February 9 and was announced last week. "My top priorities will be to deliver sound evaluative evidence on the results and performance of the GEF, provide leadership to ensure that the GEF IEO stays at the forefront of environmental evaluation and strengthen the IEO teams and invest in skills," Batra told IANS from Virginia, US.

Hindu vote becomes a factor in US elections

Niraj Antani, A Republican running for US Congress, Washington, Feb 27 (IANS) Niraj

Antani, a Republican running for US Congress, is aggressively projecting his Hindu faith. Bhavini Patel, a Democrat running for Congress, is battling allegations of courting Hindu nationalist donors. And Indiandescent donors are pressing the BidenHarris campaign for a "Hindu page" in its 2024 campaign manifesto.

The "Hindu Vote" appears to have become a factor in US politics. There is no rock solid count of Hindus in the US because the US Census does not record religious affiliation in its surveys. But there are several estimates.

Pew Research Center said 0.7 per cent of Americans were Hindu in 2015 and that their number is projected to grow to 4.8 million by 2050. Harvard Divinity School estimated their number to be 2.5 million in 2018.

And some Hindu Americans put the number generously at 5 million, which, they concede, includes Sikhs and Jains.

As crucial as their number is US politics, so is their ability to write big donation checks.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Zofeen Maqsood

Byju's' investors allege $533 million siphoned off, NCLT reserves order on rights issue

Investors in Byju's on Tuesday alleged that the edtech giant siphoned off USD 533 million in an obscure hedge fund in the US and sought a stay on a USD 200 million rights issue, calling it illegal and contrary to law.

The company law court asked Byju's to submit a written response to the investors' plea within three days, and reserved its order.

PlayStation to axe 900 jobs and close London studio

Sony has announced it will lay off 8% of PlayStation employees globally, amounting to approximately 900 people. In addition to cuts in the US and Japan, the gaming giant said this would mean closing PlayStation's London Studio entirely.

In a blog post sharing an email sent to employees, boss Jim Ryan called the move "sad news" and said it was "a difficult day at our company".

"We have concluded that tough decisions have become inevitable," he said.

Currys rejects second takeover offer from US firm Elliott

Currys has rejected a second takeover approach from US firm Elliott, saying the offer "significantly undervalued" the electronics chain.

Elliott valued the retailer at around £757m, up from its initial £700m valuation earlier this month.

The US company is up against Chinese rival JD.com which has also expressed an interest in buying the British firm.

Currys has more than 800 stores globally, but has seen slowing sales due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The founder of the investment firm, who apparently lacked formal training in investing, had luxury cars - a 2023 Ferrari Roma, a 2020 Lamborghini Huracán EVO, and a 2014 RollsRoyce Wraith - registered in his name since the transfer occurred

The rights issue through which promoters of Byju's are seeking to infuse funds into the startup, is to close on Wednesday and the two sides cited technicalities if the rights issue could go ahead. While Byju's did not comment on the charges levelled by four of its shareholders in proceedings before the Bengalurubench of the National Company Law Tribunal, sources close to the firm said in absence of a stay by NCLT, the rights issue can proceed as planned and would close on Wednesday.

However, investors, who are baying for the blood of founders for mismanagement and eroding value of the company through misdemeanours, argued that a rights issue can happen only if the authorised share capital of the company is increased and existing shareholders apply and get the new shares. This hasn't happened yet and it can be done only through an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders where at least 51 per cent vote for such an increase.

Country Garden: China property giant hit with winding-up petition

China's biggest private property developer Country Garden is facing a winding-up petition, which has been filed in Hong Kong by a creditor.

A firm called Ever Credit Ltd filed the case for non-payment of a loan worth HK$1.6bn ($204.5m; £161.2m).

Country Garden, which defaulted on its overseas debt in October, says it will "resolutely oppose" the petition.

Last month, rival real estate giant China Evergrande was ordered to liquidate by a Hong Kong court.

The court has set the first hearing date

for the petition on 17 May, Country Garden said in a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Ever Credit is a unit of Kingboard Holdings, a laminates maker and property investor. Shares in Country Garden fell more than 10% in early Hong Kong trade following the announcement. Country Garden did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.

"The filing of winding-up petition against Country Garden is not surprising for us," Jason Sze from personal finance firm iFAST Financial told the BBC. It comes a month after Evergrande, the world's most indebted property developer, was ordered to be liquidated by a Hong Kong court. The firm has been the poster child of China's real estate crisis with more than $300bn (£236bn) of debt. Liquidators have been appointed to look at Evergrande's overall financial position and identify potential restructuring strategies.

Apple unplugs self-driving electric car project, reports say

Apple has reportedly cancelled its plans to build electric vehicles (EV) a decade after the iPhone maker was rumoured to be working on the project.

The firm has never publicly acknowledged the project, which involves around two thousand people. Many employees from the project

will be moved to the iPhone maker's artificial intelligence (AI) division, according to Bloomberg News.

Apple did not immediately respond to a BBC request for a comment.

The Apple car team was reportedly known as the Special Projects Group as part of its chief executive Tim Cook's Project Titan.

As it spent billions of dollars on research and development, the company was initially rumoured to be working on a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel and pedals.

The team was understood to still be years away from producing a vehicle.

"This is a smart and long awaited decision," Ray Wang, founder and chief executive of Silicon Valley-based consultancy Constellation Research told the BBC.

Google Gemini AI is super racist and sexist: Elon Musk

New Delhi: (IANS) X owner Elon Musk on Wednesday continued his tirade against Google, saying its artificial intelligence (AI) model Gemini is super racist and even "sexist".

The billionaire responded to a follower who said that Google Gemini replied to his prompt that "white people should absolutely acknowledge their white privilege". "Google Gemini is super racist and sexist," said the Tesla and SpaceX CEO. Another follower commented to Musk's post that "Gemini holds Asians to similar standards as Whites when it comes to privilege".

Healthtech startup Zeno Health raises $25 mn

Mumbai: (IANS) Healthtech platform Zeno Health on Tuesday said it has raised $25 million in its Series C funding round led by Korean private equity investor STIC Investments.

Existing Zeno Health investor Lightbox was also a significant participant in the round.

The startup said it will use the funds to reach more consumers, expand its footprint, and further enhance its technological infrastructure.

Centre approves Rs 1,935cr worth highway projects for Himachal, Uttarakhand

New Delhi,: (IANS) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on Tuesday the approval of Rs 1,935.7 crore worth highway projects in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The minister said in a social media post that approval has been given has been given to upgrade the existing road from Kalar Bala village to Nauni Chowk on National Highway.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

CM Naveen Patnaik launches major sports infrastructure projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Tuesday that redevelopment of the historic Barabati Cricket Stadium in Cuttack and laid foundation stone for the redevelopment of the VSS cricket stadium in Sambalpur.

Patnaik added that the Barabati Stadium will be redeveloped into a world-class sports complex with all the modern facilities in partnership with BCCI, OCA and corporates. At the same time, considering the legacy of the stadium, the iconic clock tower will be conserved as a heritage structure. The Chief Minister also said that the VSS stadium in Sambalpur will be expanded and developed with the best cricket facilities for the cricketers in the region.

World Para-Badminton Championships

Pramod Bhagat Beats

Daniel Bethell To Clinch Gold Medal

Indian Para-Badminton player Pramod Bhagat on Sunday scripted a fine comeback to claim a gold medal in the World Para-Badminton Championships. Pramod defeated Daniel Bethell of the United Kingdom 14-21, 21-15, 21-14 (2:1) to claim the medal in a marathon match that lasted one hour and 40 minutes in the final of the MS SL3 category. In the semifinals, the ace shuttler defeated India's Manoj Sarkar in a tight 3-set match. The match lasted 75 minutes with the first set going to the wire and eventually Pramod getting the better of Manoj.

India Star Sent To London For Treatment

Indian cricket team star batter KL Rahul has missed the last three Test matches in the ongoing series against England due to injury and according to Cricbuzz, he may end up missing the final game in Dharamsala. The report claimed that Rahul has not recovered completely from the quadriceps injury he suffered in the first Test and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sent him to London for an expert opinion.

Andy Murray Again Hints At Impending Retirement

Andy Murray suggested he may retire within the next "few months" after winning his opening match in Dubai on Monday. The former world number one battled back from a set down to beat Denis Shapovalov 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 and reach the second round. The 36-year-old, who snapped a six-match losing streak in Doha last week before going out against Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, told the BBC last December.

Push for red-ball cricket: BCCI considers hike in Test match fees

WITH THE recent trend of players opting to save themselves for the Indian Premier League (IPL) while ignoring red-ball cricket, the BCCI is now considering a hike in the match fees for Tests, thus putting a premium on the long-form game.

It is learnt that the board decided to redraft the salary structure in the wake of wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan ignoring the team management’s calls to play domestic cricket, and instead opting to prepare for the IPL that begins next month.

Currently, the BCCI pays Rs 15 lakh as match fees per Test, 6 lakh per ODI and 3 lakh for T20 internationals.

Explaining the new remuneration model, a source in the Board said: “For example, if someone plays all Test series in a calendar year, he should be rewarded additionally, apart from the annual retainer contract. This is to ensure that players turn out for more red-ball cricket. This would be an additional perk for playing Test cricket.”

BCCI Secretary Warns Cricketers: Attend Domestic Matches

BOARD OF Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on Friday wrote to top cricketers — centrally contracted as well as India A — warning them that domestic cricket remains a “critical yardstick for selection” to the national team and non-participation in it will have “severe implications”.

The reason for the communication, according to the letter, was “the concerning trend of players prioritising the IPL over domestic red-ball cricket”.

“There is a recent trend that has started to emerge and is a cause for concern.

Some players have begun prioritising the IPL over domestic cricket, a shift that was not anticipated. Domestic cricket has always been the foundation upon which Indian cricket stands, and

Trend of players prioritising IPL over domestic red-ball cricket has resulted in BCCI secretary shooting off the letter to centrallycontracted and India A players.

it has never been undervalued in our vision for the sport,” Shah said in the letter.

He also said that “domestic cricket forms the backbone of Indian cricket and serves as the feeder line to Team India”.

“Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset – every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic cricket remains a critical yardstick for selection and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications,” wrote the BCCI secretary.

The letter shares the board’s concerns about “the health and status of our domestic cricket”.

Mumbai’s last pair makes twin hundreds

On the final day at the MCABKC ground, Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande became only the second numbers 10 and 11 batsmen in First-Class history to record tons in the same innings. Their stand of 232 for the 10th wicket was one run short of being the biggest stand for the last wicket in the Ranji Trophy.

India Star, Likely To be Axed From BCCI Contract

The BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently made it clear that BCCI's centrally contracted players, who are not part of the national team, will need to play red-ball cricket in domestic circuit. "All contracted players have been told on phone and I'll be writing to them too. If chairman of selectors, coach & captain want you to play red-ball cricket then you gotta play. Nakhre Nahi Chalenge (no tantrums). And as far as Ishan Kishan is concerned, he is young, I am not saying this specifically about him as it will be applicable for all the players uniformly," Jay Shah told reporters.

In the midst of this came a report by Times of India, saying both players might be axed from BCCI's central contract list.

"Kishan and Iyer are likely to be excluded from that list, as both haven't been playing domestic cricket despite the BCCI's diktat to do so," a source told the paper.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

How Indian Woman In US Lost Life Savings To Scammer She Met On Hinge

HiIndia Newsdesk

Philadelphia, United States: The "wine trader" wooed her online for months with his flirtatious smile and emoji-sprinkled texts. Then he went for the kill, defrauding the Philadelphia-based tech professional out of $450,000 in a cryptocurrency romance scam.

The con -- which drained Shreya Datta, 37, of her savings and retirement funds while saddling her with debt -- involved the use of digitally altered deepfake videos and a script so sophisticated that she felt her "brain was hacked."

The scam is commonly known as "pig butchering," with victims likened to hogs fattened up by fraudsters with feigned love and affection before the proverbial slaughter -- tricking them into a fake crypto investment.

The rapid growth of this fraud, thought to be run by crime syndicates in Southeast Asia, has resulted in losses worth billions of dollars in the United States, with victims saying there is little recourse to recover the money.

As it has for many victims, Datta's experience began on a dating app -- Hinge, in her case, where last January she met "Ancel," who introduced himself as a French wine trader based in Philadelphia. Datta said she was "charisma bombed" as the conversation quickly moved to WhatsApp. The gym buff with a dreamy smile deleted his Hinge profile to give her "focused attention," a refreshing experience in the age of fleeting online relationships. They exchanged selfies, flirty emoticons and did brief video calls in which the suave but "shy" man posed with a dog, later determined to be AI deepfakes. They texted daily, with "Ancel" enquiring about little things like whether she had eaten, preying on Datta's desire for a caring companion after her divorce.

The con -- which drained Shreya Datta, 37, of her savings and retirement funds while saddling her with debt.

Plans to physically meet kept getting pushed back, but Datta was not immediately suspicious. On Valentine's Day last year, she received a bouquet from "Ancel" sent from a Philadelphia flower shop, with the card addressing her as "Honey Cream."

When she sent him a selfie, posing with the flowers, he sprayed her with red kiss mark emojis, according to WhatsApp exchanges seen by AFP.

'Traumatizing'

Between the mushy exchanges, "Ancel" sold her a dream.

"The dream was, 'I'm retiring early, I'm well off. What is your plan?'" Datta, who is from India, told AFP. "He's like, 'I've made all this money investing. Do you really want to work till you're 65?'"

He sent her a link to download a crypto trading app -- which came with twofactor authentication to make it appear

legitimate -- and showed her what he called money-making trades through annotated screenshots seen by AFP. Datta converted some of her savings into cryptocurrency on the US-based exchange Coinbase and the fake app initially allowed her to withdraw her early gains, boosting her confidence to invest more.

"As you make astronomical amounts of money trading, it messes with your normal risk perception," Datta said in hindsight. "You feel like, 'Wow, I can do even more.'" "Ancel" egged her on to invest more savings, take out loans and, despite her reluctance, liquidate her retirement fund.

By March, Datta's nearly $450,000 investment had more than doubled on paper, but alarm bells went off when she tried to withdraw the amount and the app demanded a personal "tax."

She turned to her London-based brother, who did a reverse image search of the pictures "Ancel" had sent her and found they were of a German fitness influencer. "When I realized it was all a scam and all the money was gone, I had proper PTSD symptoms -- I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't function," Datta said. "It was very traumatizing."

Indian-American Jeweller Charged In Multi-Million Dollar Trade Fraud

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: An Indian jeweller has been indicted for illegally evading customs duties for millions of dollars of jewellery imports into the US and operating unlicensed money transmitting businesses, a US attorney has said.

Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah (39) -- based out of both Mumbai and New Jersey --was arrested over the weekend and appeared on February 26 before US Magistrate Judge André M Espinosa in the Newark federal court.

Shah alias "Monish Doshi Shah" was released on a bond of USD 100,000, with home detention and location monitoring.

He has been charged on a complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of operating, aiding and abetting the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.

Monishkumar Kirankumar Doshi Shah (39) -- based out of both Mumbai and New Jersey --was arrested over the weekend and appeared on February 26 before US Magistrate Judge Andr M Espinosa in the Newark federal court.

From January 2015 through September 2023, Shah engaged in a scheme to evade duties for shipments of jewellery from Turkey and India to the US, according to documents.

He would ship or instruct his conspirators to ship goods from Turkey or India, which would have been subject to an approximately 5.5 per cent duty if shipped directly to the US, to one of Shah's companies in South Korea, these stated.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Shah's conspirators in South Korea would change the labels on the jewellery to state that they were from South Korea instead of Turkey or India, and then ship them to Shah or his customers in the US, thereby unlawfully evading the duty. He would also make and instruct his customers to make fake invoices and packing lists to make it look like Shah's South Korean companies were actually ordering jewellery from Turkey or India.

- 'Brainwashed' -

Dating sites are rife with disinformation, with Facebook groups such as "Tinder swindler dating scams" and "Are we dating the same guy?" cropping up, and researchers calling out the growing use of AI-generated profile pictures.

But the use of romance as a hook to commit financial fraud is provoking new alarm.

The FBI told AFP that last year more than 40,000 people reported losses totaling well over $3.5 billion from cryptocurrency fraud, including pig butchering, to the agency's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

But that estimate is likely low, as many victims tend not to report the crime out of shame. "What's horrific about this crime is it is meant to take every last penny from its victim," Erin West, a Californiabased prosecutor, told AFP, adding that she is "deluged with victims every day."

Self-harm among victims is a common concern, campaigners say, with most unable to recover their losses and some falling prey to another breed of scammers -- fake recovery agents.

Datta, who is in therapy and has moved to a smaller apartment to manage her debt, said she had little hope of recovery after reporting the crime to the FBI and Secret Service.

Neither body responded to AFP's queries about her particular case. Nor did Coinbase, which informed Datta in an email -- after she was conned -- that she "may have sent cryptocurrency to a fraudulent investment platform."

More agonizing, Datta said, was dealing with public judgments such as, "How could you be so stupid?"

"There should be no shame in becoming a victim of this absolutely masterful psychological scam," West said. "Victims are truly brainwashed."

During the scheme, Shah shipped millions of dollars of jewellery from South Korea to the US, prosecutors alleged.

From July 2020 through November 2021, Shah operated numerous purported jewellery companies in New York City's Diamond District, including MKore LLC (MKore), MKore USA Inc. (MKore USA) and Vruman Corp (Vruman), it said.

He used these entities to conduct millions of dollars in illegal financial transactions for customers, including converting cash to checks or wire transfers, the documents said. Shah would also collect cash from customers and use conspirators' jewellery companies, also located in the Diamond District, to convert the cash into wires or checks.

The documents said that at times, Shah and his conspirators moved more than a million dollars of cash in a single day. In exchange for their services, Shah and his conspirators charged a fee.

Prosecutors said that none of Shah's or his conspirators' companies were registered as money transmitting businesses with New York, New Jersey, or the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

Trump defeats Nikki Haley in Michigan primary

Incumbent US President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump won their respective parties’ Michigan's presidential primaries on Tuesday, and the two candidates continue marching toward a likely rematch in the November 2024 race for the White House. Trump easily defeated his main rival, Indian-American Nikki Haley, winning yet another early contest and additional delegates — bringing him one step closer to being able to formally secure the Republican Party's nomination.

Sachin invites the world to 'come and experience J & K'

New Delhi, Feb 29 (IANS)

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who visited Kashmir with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara, shared a mesmerising video from his vacation, inviting the world to 'come and experience' the beauty of one of the 'several jewels of India'.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates visits slum in Bhubaneswar

Besides enquiring about the well-being of the residents of the slum, Gates also interacted with members of women's self-help groups (SHGs) that work there

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday morning visited a slum in Bhubaneswar and interacted with the people who live there.He visited the Biju Adarsh Colony in the Maa Mangla Basti along with state government officials.

Besides enquiring about the well-being of the residents of the slum, Gates also interacted with members of women's self-help groups (SHGs) that work there.

"Haven't Resigned": Himachal CM Denies Rumours Amid Congress Crisis

The Congress had 40 MLAs and the backing of three independents before the Rajya Sabha poll debacle - comfortably above the majority mark of 34.

New Delhi: The Congress faces a crisis in Himachal Pradesh after yesterday's shock Rajya Sabha election loss. Six MLAs cross-voted, and three independents who offered their support, sided with the BJP, leaving doubts over the majority status of its government.

On Wednesday afternoon, under-fire Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu rubbished talk of his resignation. "Neither (has) anyone asked for my resignation nor have I presented my resignation to anyone. We will prove our majority. We will win..." he said, accusing the BJP of "spreading rumours" to break the party before the budget is tabled.

"They want to create a break in the party. They want Congress MLAs to leave and join them. But Congress is united..." he declared, claiming also that some of his lawmakers who had cross-voted had already reached out, and were trying to return to the fold.

The defiant note comes amid buzz the BJP will force the Congress into a floor test to prove its majority in the 68-member House, in which the majority mark is set at 35.

The Congress had 40 MLAs before the cross-voting. However, if it has lost the six cross-voters, its count slips to 34 - one seat below majority. The BJP had 25 but could now have as many as 34 too, including the independents, making for a dramatic hung House. Alarmed at the potential loss of another state government, the Congress has rushed three 'observers' - Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, ex-Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and state-in-charge Rajeev Shukla - to defuse the situation.

Senior leader Jairam Ramesh called the cross-voting "unfortunate"; the six who did so have been served disqualification notices.

"Purge The Party": Navjot Sidhu's War Cry

Amid Congress' Himachal Crisis

The Congress' Punjab leader, Navjot Singh Sidhu, this morning launched a strong attack on six party lawmakers who cross-voted in Tuesday's Rajya Sabha election - handing the party a defeat in an exercise it should have won with ease - and then appeared to ally

with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The shock Rajya Sabha loss has triggered a political crisis in the hill state - in which the Congress cantered to a win less than two years ago - with the BJP now demanding that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's depleted government prove its strength in the 68-member House.

"Himachal fiasco calls for an assessment of assets and liabilities for the 'Grand Old Party'..." Mr Sidhu then ripped into "'masqueraders'... covertly dancing to the tunes of agencies like CBI, ED..." and declared the Congress well-rid of leaders who "prioritise personal gain over the collective good".

Ramdev's Ads Banned After Supreme Court Rebuke to Centre

The Supreme Court on Tuesday restrained Patanjali Ayurved from advertising its herbal products as permanent cure for incurable diseases, saying “the entire country is being taken for a ride and the government is sitting with its eyes shut”.

The court issued contempt notices to the company and its managing director Acharya Balkrishna.

A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah also pulled up the Centre for failing to take action against Patanjali Ayurved for making “misleading” claims and directed it to file an affidavit on the steps taken against the company and its officials for flouting the undertaking given by

Patanjali, with which yoga guru Ramdev is associated, had on November 21 last year assured the court that it would not put out any advertisements making claims about the medicinal efficacy of its products until the court disposed of the matter

the firm in the court about its products and their medicinal efficacy.

Patanjali, with which yoga guru Ramdev is associated, had on November 21 last year assured the court that it would not put out any advertisements making claims about the medicinal efficacy of its products until the court disposed of the matter.

“Prima facie this court is of the opinion that the respondents are in violation of the undertaking given to this court on November 21, 2023…. The respondents are restrained from advertising products manufactured and marketed by it which are meant to address ailments specified as diseases/disorders in the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act…” Justice Kohli, who headed the bench, said.

India-Middle EastEurope Corridor in doubt

However, the Israel-Hamas war has halted progress on IMEC, as have attacks on vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. The project's future is now somewhat uncertain. The IMEC would not travel through the Red Sea but its maritime route from India would go through the Strait of Hormuz, a highly sensitive chokepoint vulnerable to Iranian influence.

Navy Seizes Drugs Off Gujarat Coast

In a joint operation, the Indian Navy and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday seized around 3,300 kg of drugs from a ship near Gujarat's Porbandar, making it the biggest such drug seizure in recent times, the Navy said.

On Tuesday, a small ship was intercepted by the Navy and over 3089 kg of charas, 158 kg of methamphetamine and 25 kg of morphine was recovered. The ship's five crew, all Pakistani nationals, have been arrested.

While officials are yet to specify the total value of the drugs seized, news agency PTI said one kg of charas is priced at ₹ 7 crore in international markets.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Kangana Ranaut

says her ‘nationalist’ image has taken over her ‘glorious acting career’

Is Kangana Ranaut actively considering joining politics?

The actor says not being a politician has never come in the way for her to work for the country, but if she were to take the plunge into the world of politics, this just may be the “right time.”

During an event of TV9 Bharatvarsh, Kangana was asked if she would contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The actor has been vocal about her political stand, with constant speculations that she would join the BJP.

Kangana Ranaut said she is a proud nationalist-- a tag that is today widely known more than even her twodecade-long acting career.

“It is not my place to announce whether I should be contesting or not,” Kangana said and laughed. The actor then added, “It has never kept me away from being a really aware person. I have done more than anyone could from

this so-called seat for the country.

“I have literally fought from film sets with political parties. That doesn’t keep me away, it doesn’t take me a seat to do what I want to do for my country. But, if I want to get into politics, I probably think this is the right time.”

At the summit, the actor spoke about she is a proud nationalist– an image that is widely known more than even her two-decade-long acting career. When asked how she is doing South films today, the actor said she feels grateful that she is loved everywhere.

“This country and its people have given me wings, love from all corners. I come from up North, I have worked in South, I have done roles about Delhi girls, Haryana girls, I have also done Jhansi ki Rani from central India. This country has given me so much, I feel deeply responsible to give back. I have always been more of a nationalist and that image has taken over even my very glorious acting career. I do have the awareness that I am deeply loved and appreciated,” she added.

On the work front, Kangana Ranaut will be next seen in Emergency, which she has directed and also produced. Featuring her in the role of India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the film is gearing for a global release on June 14.

Bhagyashree: One must not copy diet of their favourite stars, it can be dangerous

Actress Bhagyashree on Tuesday said one should not follow the diet plan of their favourite stars, as it can be 'dangerous' for them. The 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actress was present at an event in PD Hinduja Hospital & Medical research Centre, and was seen talking about how to not ignore thyroid, as it can be a trigger point for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and others.

707 mn Indian Internet users avail OTT

entertainment services: Report

HiIndia Newsdesk

Mumbai: (IANS) About 86 per cent of Internet users or 707 million people in India enjoy OTT audio and video services, making it the top use-case for Internet in the country, according to a report on Tuesday.

The ‘Internet in India Report 2023’, jointly prepared by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and KANTAR, a marketing data and analytics company, showed that the rise is majorly driven by non-traditional devices

(smart TV, smart speakers, Firesticks, Chromecasts, Blue-Ray etc). Together, these witnessed a growth of 58 per cent between 2021-23 at all India levels, said the report.

“‘Internet in India’, which is based on the ICUBE 2023 study, covering over 90,000 households across all states and Union Territories of India (barring Lakshadweep), is the most comprehensive survey of internet usage in the country,” said Harsh Jain, Chairman, IAMAI, and CEO and Co-founder Dream Sports. He released the report at the inaugural session of the India Digital Summit 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre.

The report also showed more people accessing video content over internet only devices (208 mn) than over conventional linear TV (181 mn). Other top use-cases of the internet include communications (621 mn users), and social media (575 mn users).

Talking to media persons, the actress, who was most recently seen in 'Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video' said: "No one talks about thyroid. Everyone talks about diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Thyroid is such a disease which can be a trigger point for all these ailments, including stress and depression, which can happen due to thyroid. It is very necessary to get your thyroid checked regularly." She said that especially the thyroid of the kids and newborns need to get checked, because if it is not checked, then mental retardation can also happen. Opening up on what diet one should follow, Bhagyashree, who celebrated her 55th birthday on February 23 said: "Your diet should be good. People open Google, and copy the diets of their favourite actors. This is wrong. You should visit your general practitioner, who understands your health. You should have a diet according to your place of residence-like people living around mountains, beaches or in the south everyone has their different types of diets that suits them."

"It should not be like if a Hollywood actress or Indian actress is following any diet then you also copy the same. It can be dangerous for you." The actress also paid tribute to ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas and said: "I have attended a lot of Pankaj ji's programmes. He was the most soft spoken person that I have known. ofcourse a musical genius by himself. But apart from that he was a lovely person.

Pankaj Udhas passes away at 72

Actors are not supposed to be crusaders

Anupam Kher

ctor Anupam Kher says that while he has participated in protests in an individual capacity, he believes artistes shouldn’t act as activists.

The negative impact of demonstrations and rallies is the subject of his next film Kaagaz 2. Directed by VK Prakash, the movie highlights hardships of an ordinary individuals due to protests and rallies.

“Actors and entertainers are not supposed to be crusaders. In an individual capacity, I’ve raised my voice about whatever has bothered me and faced the consequences. I became unpopular with so many people but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, I’ve to sleep peacefully with my thoughts,” Kher told PTI in an interview.

The actor, who took part in the India Against Corruption movement in 2011, said the ideal way to resolve issues is through “negotiations”. “We are an independent country, thanks to the ‘aandolan’ that (Mahatma) Gandhi ji did. We are an outcome of Quit India movement, noncooperation movement, but the people of India were together, it was not something that is just helping you (few people) and not others.” Anupam Kher, speaking about the ongoing farmers protests, said that while everyone has the right to protest, it should not affect the life of ordinary people. “Everybody has a right to freedom to move around, freedom of expression, but not at the inconvenience of other people. This is the current scenario in our country, the protest, just because it is called farmers protest, I don’t think farmers all over the country feel like that, farmers are givers.

Pankaj Udhas Passes Away: Ghazal maestro Pankaj Udhas died on Monday (February 26) in Mumbai after a prolonged illness at the age of 72. His daughter Nayyab confirmed the sad news on social media, “With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness. Udhas family.” His last rites will take place on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Pankaj Udhas’ death. “We mourn the loss of Pankaj Udhas Ji, whose singing conveyed a range of emotions and whose Ghazals spoke directly to the soul. He was a beacon of Indian music, whose melodies transcended generations. I recall my various interactions with him over the years. His departure leaves a void in the music world that can never be filled. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the PM wrote.

‘My family might have been worried about her religion, but nobody expressed it openly’

Manoj Bajpayee and Shabana Raza’s inter-faith marriage

Kareeb and Satya released in July 1998. One was a hit; the other a flop. Shabana’s career was at stake. ‘We were both living in the vicinity but at different addresses. We kept meeting. Sometimes I would stay back at Shabana’s place and sometimes she would stay back at mine, especially when we had a party.’ It wasn’t easy for a man from a traditional Brahmin family in Bihar to marry a Muslim girl, but everyone was aware of Manoj’s persistent nature. The late Radhakant Bajpayee told me, ‘We didn’t say anything regarding marriage because this is how it happens in the film world.’ ‘My family might have been worried about Shabana’s religion, but nobody expressed it openly. They didn’t show any sadness either. On the other hand, Shabana’s family was open and progressive. They were not opposed to interfaith marriage and they had made that abundantly clear.’ Religion didn’t remain important in Manoj and Shabana’s wedding. Bollywood, anyway, is known for being a cultural melting pot. It’s a different thing that prejudices and upbringing impact the decision-making of such a couple. Manoj and Shabana passed this test with flying colours, thanks to their maturity and love for each other.

'Laapataa Ladies' to open Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Summer Fest

Mumbai: (IANS) Filmmaker Kiran Rao's movie 'Laapataa Ladies' has been selected to be the opening film of The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Summer Festival.

Following the success of the first IFFM Summer Festival, IFFM announces the launch of the it’s second edition, which will take place from February 29 to March 2.

Kiran calls it “a great honour” for ‘Laapataa Ladies’ to be the opening film at IIFM.

She added: “I am absolutely delighted and would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the festival. I hope the Melbourne audience enjoys the film, and that I get to visit this great city in person soon!”

The three-day event takes the larger festival that happens annually in August, transforming it into a biannual celebration.

Jennifer Winget on toxic relationships: ‘Lying is a big red flag for me’

Jennifer Winget is currently receiving laurels for her turn as Anushka in the show Raisinghani v/s Raisinghani. Besides exploring lawyers’ world, the show also showcases a toxic relationship between Karan Wahi‘s Virat and Jennifer’s Anushka. In an interview with indianexpress.com, Jennifer and Karan spoke about the toxicity that exists in relationships today.

Jennifer said, “For me, lying is a big red flag in a relationship. In the show, Anushka keeps going back to Virat and that is her toxic nature, not his. Because she keeps going back, he thinks it is allowed. When she stops, he will stop. This kind of situationships are true, it happens now, and certain people keep going back, so they need to stop that.”

Sharing his take on relationships, Karan said, “Today, partnerships should be based on trust and most importantly for me, on equality and equity. There is a big difference that people don’t know about. Usually in relationships, we always tag the man to be toxic, but in real life, there is a reason for everyone to be the way they are.”

Kashmiri Female Professor Denied Entry into India

An Indian-origin professor at Westminster University in Britain was halted from boarding her flight to Bengaluru at the airport and subsequently sent back to Britain. The professor, invited to participate in a program by the Congress government of Karnataka, received the invitation. Nidasha Kaul, residing in London, claimed on social media platform X that immigration officials at Bengaluru airport denied her entry without providing any reasons, and she did not receive any prior notice or information from the Indian government regarding the refusal of entry into the country.

India Seals Border Connected with Myanmar

HiIndia Newsdesk

The Indian government has closed the 1643 km-long border with Myanmar, covering the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, as of February 6th, due to the implementation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Consequently, residents from both countries can now travel within 16 kilometers inside each other's territories without restrictions. Work on fencing is currently underway, with completion already achieved in Manipur up to 10 kilometers inside the border.

"Injustice To Youth": Congress Chief

New Delhi: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu highlighting the "gross injustice" done to the country's youths seeking regular employment in the armed forces due to the Agnipath scheme and urged her to ensure justice for them.

Hindu Prayers To Continue In Gyanvapi Cellar, High Court Rejects Petition

New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court today dismissed a petition challenging the Varanasi district court's decision to allow Hindu prayers in a cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque.

"Hindu Prayers in the 'Vyas Tehkhana' will continue," Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal said dismissing the mosque committee's petition.

The Varanasi district court had last month ruled that a priest can offer prayers in the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque called "Vyas Tehkhana". The district court order was delivered on the petition of Shailendra Kumar Pathak, who said his maternal grandfather Somnath Vyas offered prayers till December 1993. Mr Pathak had requested that, as a hereditary pujari, he be allowed to enter the

tehkhana and resume puja. The mosque has four 'tehkhanas' (cellars) in the basement, and one of them is still with the Vyas family.

Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel Shine; India Beat England To Seal Series

Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel's steady partnership helped India beat England by five wickets in the fourth Test of the five-match series on Monday in Ranchi. Chasing 192. India got an amazing start with Rohit Sharma scoring 55 and Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 37. However, India started losing wickets in quick successions and but Gill (52*) and Jurel (39*) stitched an unbeaten partnership and took their side across the line. For England, Shoaib Bashir scalped three wickets. With this win, India have gained an unassailable 3-1 lead over England in the five-match series. This is England's first Test series loss in the Bazball era

US Air Force Man

Sets Himself

On Fire Outside Israeli Embassy

Washington: An active member of the US Air Force set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington on Sunday, officials said, as media reported he was protesting the war in Gaza. Emergency responders rushed to the scene just before 1:00 pm (1800 GMT) in response to a "call for person on fire

outside the Israeli Embassy," according to a message on X, formerly Twitter, by the capital's fire department. They arrived to find that officers from the Secret Service -- the US law enforcement agency tasked with protecting US political leaders, visiting heads of state and others -- had already extinguished the fire.

The man was transported to hospital with "critical life-threatening injuries," the fire department said.

An Air Force spokesperson confirmed to AFP that he was an active member of the Air Force, but gave no further details.

A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy said no staff were injured in the incident, and that the man was "unknown" to them.

The mosque committee had refuted the petitioner's version. The committee said no idols existed in the cellar, so there was no question of prayers being offered there till 1993.

MEA denies Indians in Russian Army seeking discharge help

New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS) The Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday that it remains committed to pursuing all the relevant cases of its nationals for an early discharge from the Russian army.

The remarks were in response to "inaccurate reports" in the media regarding Indians with the Russian army seeking help for discharge. "We have seen some inaccurate reports in the media regarding Indians with the Russian army seeking help for discharge," the ministry said in a statement.

PM Modi Inaugurates 'Sudarshan Setu', India's Longest CableStayed Bridge

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India's longest cable-stayed bridge in Gujarat's Dwarka.

The 'Sudarshan Setu', connecting Okha and Beyt Dwarka island, has been constructed at the cost of ₹ 979 crore. PM Modi had laid the foundation stone of the 2.3 km-long bridge in October 2017, saying that it will serve as a link between old and new Dwarka.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

UK Gangster Hand Suspected Behind INLD Chief Murder

This gangster has allegedly orchestrated political murders in the past, including that of a BJP leader in Delhi a few months ago.

New Delhi: A gangster based in the United Kingdom is likely behind the sensational murder of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) chief Nafe Singh Rathi, sources said, adding that three more individuals have been named in the FIR.

On Sunday, at a railway crossing in Haryana's Jhajjar district, a Toyota Fortuner carrying Mr Rathi came to an unexpected halt, only to be ambushed by a mysterious i20 car. A cinematic scene ensued as five men emerged, unleashing a hail of bullets upon the SUV. The 66-year-old Mr Rathi and a loyal aide were killed, while two others fought for survival in critical condition. The assailants spared the life of Mr Rathi's nephew, who was driving the vehicle, instructing him to inform the family about the incident. The police are now on a manhunt for the elusive i20 which swiftly fled the scene following the attack. The three new individuals mentioned in the FIR are Virendra Rathi, Sandeep Rathi, and Rajpal Sharma, bringing the total to 15 suspects - 10 known, including former BJP MLA Naresh Kaushik, and five unknown. According to police sources, two out of the three newly named individuals have political affiliations.

"Maybe Virat Kohli Will Miss IPL Too," Sunil Gavaskar

"Kya woh khelenge... kuchh reason ke liye khel nahin rahe hain, shaayad ho sakta hai ke IPL ke liye bhi na khele (Will he play... He is not playing because of some reason, perhaps he may not play in IPL as well)," Gavaskar said rather cheekily when asked if Kohli would be hungry for runs in the IPL as he would be returning to action after a long break.

Gavaskar was interacting with the students of Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi during a Star Sports Star event.

PM Reveals 4 Gaganyaan Astronauts: "Will Take 140 Crore Indians To Space"

New Delhi: India is expanding its space in the global order and this can be seen in its space programme too, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today as he revealed the names of four astronauts part of the country's human space flight mission Gaganyaan.

The Prime Minister today gave astronaut wings to the four selected for the space flight during an event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

The four astronaut-designates selected for the Gaganyaan mission are Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.

The human space flight mission aims to launch a three-member crew into a Low Earth Orbit and bring them back after three days. The astronauts chosen for the

mission have been trained in technical knowledge as well as physical fitness to ensure they stay well during the mission. "The country has come to know about the four Gaganyaan passengers. These are not just four names or four people. These are four powers who will take the aspirations of 140 crore Indians to

Akhilesh Yadav Faces Whiplash on Election Day After Dinner Surprise

Lucknow: In a major setback to Samajwadi Party ahead of the voting for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, its chief whip in the Assembly resigned this morning. The resignation of Manoj Kumar Pandey, MLA from Unchahar, came hours after as many as 8 MLAs skipped a dinner hosted by party chief Akhilesh Yadav - a cause for worry amid the cross-voting buzz in the election to the Upper House.

"Some of our leaders who want personal gains can go to the BJP," Akhilesh Yadav said this morning.

Besides hitting the SP's prospects in this key election, cross-voting will compound the party's worries months ahead of the general election. The SP will be contesting 63 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as part of the INDIA alliance and a mutiny months before the polls will be a massive blow.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has said MLAs who break ranks and vote for BJP candidates will face expulsion. "We knew they would rebel when they skipped the dinner. There was a buzz that different packages have been offered. Those part of the mutiny will be expelled," he told.

India's Gaganyaan Crew: Meet the 4 Astronauts

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today revealed the name of four astronauts who have been selected for the Gaganyaan Mission. The astronauts are undergoing training for the country's maiden human space flight mission. The four astronauts are - Prashanth Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla.

The Gaganyaan Mission is India's first human space flight program for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres. The Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching crew members into an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bringing them back safely to earth by landing in Indian sea waters.

space," the Prime Minister said. "Forty years later, an Indian is going to space. But this time, the timing, the countdown and the rocket belong to us," he added. Earlier, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (retired) went to the space in 1984 as part of a Soviet mission.

Biden expects Gaza ceasefire by March 4

Washington, Feb 27 (IANS) US President Joe Biden has said that he expects a ceasefire to take effect in Gaza by next Monday (March 4) on the conclusion of negotiations to free Israeli hostages being held by Hamas. “I hope by the end of the weekend,” he said on Monday when asked by reporters when he expected a ceasefire. “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close. We’re close. We’re not done yet. My hope is by next Monday, we’ll have a cease-fire.”

British Indian Teen's Family Criticizes UK Police for 'Mismanagement"

London, Feb 27 (IANS) Slamming the police for 'mismanagement', families of the victims of Nottingham murders, which included an Indian-origin student, said they will continue to raise 'serious concerns' about the case and 'will not be silenced'. British-Indian Grace O’Malley-Kumar, fellow student Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane near the University of Nottingham on June 13, 2023.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

US Hindu group asks 'Where is justice?'

New York, Feb 24 (IANS) A top Hindu advocacy group in the US has said that it is "shocking" and "disheartening" to see that the investigation into the killing of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula is dismissed with no charges against those who struck her. Kandula, a student of the Northeastern University in South Lake Union, died after she was hit by a Seattle Police vehicle driven by officer Kevin Dave at a pedestrian crossing on the night of January 23 last year. Authorities in the U.S. ruled on Wednesday that Dave will not face any criminal charges due to the lack of "sufficient" evidence. Hindu advocacy group, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) said on Friday (local time) that it is "doubly shocking that such serious violations of civil rights of Hindus of different backgrounds and ages do not even merit any restorative justice."

"It is shocking and disheartening to see the investigation into the killing of #JaahnaviKandula be dismissed with no charges against those who struck her. Where is #justice for the family of this young international student, run over in a #Seattle sidewalk by a police car?" CoHNA said in a post on X.

'Dilli

Chalo'

protest march by farmers stayed till Feb 29

HiIndia Newsdesk

Chandigarh, Feb 23 (IANS)

With the deadlock between farmer unions and the Centre continuing, the next course of action will be decided on February 29 until which the 'Dilli Chalo; march has been suspended, farmers leaders announced on Friday. However, the farmers will continue to stay at the interstate borders, farmer union leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal told the media at Khanuari border.

Congress, AAP Announce SeatSharing Formula For Delhi, 3 States

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress have agreed to a 4:3 seat-sharing formula for Delhi to put up a joint fight in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They have also reached a deal for Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh. In Delhi, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party will contest four out of the seven seats - West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, and New Delhi. The remaining three - North East Delhi, North West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk - will go to the grand old

The AAP and the Congress have also reached a seat-sharing deal for Gujarat, Haryana, Goa, and Chandigarh.

party. The seat-sharing announcement was made during a joint press conference of the AAP and the Congress, weeks after the opposition's INDIA bloc delivered their first electoral win in the Chandigarh mayoral poll.

AAP will contest from two seats in Gujarat - Bharuch and Bhavnagar - and one in Haryana - Kurukshetra. Both seats in Goa and the sole constituency in Chandigarh will be contested by the Congress.

The AAP had declared a candidate for South Goa last week and will withdraw it to make way for its ally.

Seat-sharing has been one of the major headaches for the INDIA bloc with the aspirations of the regional parties dragging the negotiations. The Congress's recent electoral setbacks in three heartland states have emboldened the regional powers to seek a bigger share of seats. The Congress has already struck a deal with Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party. The party will contest from 17 seats in Uttar Pradesh, which sends the most number of MPs to the Lok Sabha. A deadlock remains in Maharashtra with Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) yet to decide on eight seats.

15, Including 7 Children, Killed As Tractor Falls In Pond In UP's Kasganj

New Delhi: At least 15 pilgrimsincluding children and women - died and several others were injured in Uttar Pradesh after their tractor-trolley fell in a pond, the police said.

The pilgrims were headed to Kadarganj to take a holy dip in the river Ganga when the accident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj.

The injured have been admitted to a

UP Kasganj Accident: The pilgrims were headed to Kadarganj when

the accident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj.

local hospital for treatment, officials said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed anguish over the incident and announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh each for the family of those who have died, and ₹ 50,000 each for the injured. The Chief Minister has also instructed the authorities to ensure that the injured pilgrims receive proper treatment.

"I'm Not A Malala, I'm Free In India": Kashmiri Journalist In UK Parliament

Yana Mir, a social activist and a journalist from Jammu and Kashmir, was honoured in the UK Parliament with the Diversity Ambassador award.

At an event hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre, UK, Ms Mir said, "I'm not a Malala Yousafzai...because I'm safe and free in my homeland Kashmir, which is part of India. I will never run away from my homeland and seek refuge in your country (UK). I can never be a Malala Yousafzai."

India's Response to US Release of Cop Who Ran Over Andhra Student

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: India has sought a review of the US court judgment that dropped criminal charges against a Seattle police officer who killed 23-year-old Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula. The prosecutor said she could not pursue criminal charges against the officer due to “lack of sufficient evidence”.

Jaahnavi, a Master's student from Andhra Pradesh, was hit by Seattle police officer Kevin Dave's speeding car on January 23 last year while he was responding to a drug overdose call. The 23-year-old was flung 100 feet after the police vehicle hit her at nearly 120 kmph. Bodycam footage showed Officer Dave's colleague Daniel Auderer laughing about the deadly crash, assuring him that he won't be prosecuted for the death as Jaahnavi was "26 anyway" and "had limited value".

The Indian embassy said its working to

Jaahnavi, a Master's student from Andhra Pradesh, was hit by Seattle police officer Kevin Dave's speeding car on January 23 last year.

ensure justice to her family and is now waiting for Seattle police to complete its investigation.

"On the recently released investigation report of the King County Prosecution Attorney on the unfortunate death

of Jaahnavi Kandula, Consulate has been in regular touch with the designated family representatives and will continue to extend all possible support in ensuring justice for Jaahnavi and her family. We have also raised the matter strongly with local authorities, including Seattle Police for appropriate redress. The case has now been referred to Seattle City Attorney's office for review. We await completion of Seattle Police's administrative investigation and will continue to monitor progress on the case," the embassy said in a statement. On Friday, the King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, while expressing concern about Officer Auderer's "appalling and deeply troubling" comments, said they do not alter the legal analysis of Officer Dave's conduct. Prosecutors said that they did not have "sufficient evidence" to prove Officer Dave showed a "conscious disregard for others' safety."

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Top US University Delegation to Visit India Next Week

A high-powered delegation of 31 provosts, vice provosts, deans, and other leaders from 17 top American universities are travelling to India next week as part of their goal to strengthen India-US collaboration and student and scholar mobility between the two countries.

The delegation from the American universities will visit 26 institutions in New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The delegation builds on recent years of US and Indian government-led efforts to partner in pursuit of mutually beneficial strategies.

Rahul Gandhi's OneHour Phone Call With Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai: As the Congress labours through intense seat negotiations with INDIA bloc allies ahead of the national election, Rahul Gandhi dialled Uddhav Thackeray yesterday to discuss the deadlock over eight of Maharashtra's 48 seats.

Rahul Gandhi, who is in the middle of a Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, reportedly spoke to the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader for an hour.

Manohar Joshi, Ex Maharashtra Chief Minister, Dies At 86

New Delhi: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi died at a Mumbai hospital today, two days after he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was 86. The funeral of Mr Joshi will be held at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Mumbai later today.

Mr Joshi was admitted to the PD Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday.

He also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly during 1990-91.

Trinamool Sources Mock Congress' 5-Seat Demand: 'Even With Binoculars...'

New Delhi: The Congress' renewed attempt at sealing a seatshare deal with the Trinamool for the general election may not end well, with sources telling NDTV Friday morning Bengal's ruling party is unlikely to budge from its initial offer. Sources said the Congress had reduced its ask to five Lok Sabha seats.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, however, appears unmoved from her earlier position; she had said she would only give two to a party that won just that many in the 2019 election and zero in the 2021 state poll.

The Congress has also stepped up talks in Maharashtra, with Rahul Gandhi speaking directly to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to resolve a deadlock over eight seats, including two in Mumbai.

And that seems to be her position still. "Even with binoculars we are unable to find a third seat for the Congress", a Trinamool spokesperson, told NDTV, underlining the divide.

"(However), if consensus is reached then an announcement will be made soon" the spokesperson added.

Sources said the Congress wants to contest three seats currently held by the BJP, including one in the party's north Bengal bastion. This is in addition to the ones offered - Berhampore and Malda (South) - which it won last time.

The Congress wants Darjeeling, Malda (North), and Raiganj, all held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party. Purulia - also held by the BJP - is also in the mix but is the least likely to be surrendered. The Congress - boosted by a rush of agreements with the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party - reached out Thursday evening, hoping for a rapprochement after Ms Banerjee, angered by what she felt were unrealistic demands, cut ties last month and put her INDIA membership on hold.

Cops Narrate Chain Of Events That Led To Indian-American Freezing To Death

New Delhi: Akul Dhawan, a student at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign in the US, was found dead last month. The 18-year-old died on January 20 reportedly after freezing to death near a club in Illinois's Urbana that refused him entry.

Akul Dhawan died of hypothermia following "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death", the Champaign County Coroner's Office in Illinois said. The University of Illinois Police said that information collected so far supports the initial belief that his death was accidental, and "no foul play" occurred.

The report of Champaign County

Akul Dhawan, 18, died on January 20 reportedly after freezing to death near a club in Illinois's Urbana that refused him entry.

Coroner's Office in Illinois released this week found that the18-year-old died of hypothermia following "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death." When his body

US makes first lunar landing in over 50 years

Los Angeles, Feb 23 (IANS) US company Intuitive Machines' first lunar lander has touched down on the moon, marking the first American spacecraft to land on the lunar surface in more than 50 yearsThe uncrewed lander, named Odysseus, landed at the lunar South Pole on Thursday at 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time, according to NASA. Odysseus carries NASA science and other commercial payloads to the moon. The spacecraft was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Thursday last week

NASA, with several research instruments aboard the vehicle, hailed the landing as a major achievement in its goal of sending a squad of commercially flown spacecraft on scientific scouting missions to the moon ahead of a planned return of astronauts there later this decade

from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, codenamed IM-1, marks Intuitive Machines' first robotic flight to the moon's surface, Xinhua news agency reported.

The scientific objectives of the mission include studies of plume-surface interactions, radio astronomy, and space weather interactions with the lunar surface. It will also demonstrate precision landing technologies and communication and navigation node capabilities, according to NASA.

was found on the porch, there were signs of hypothermia but the exact cause of death was under investigation by the campus police.

It is now also being reported that Akul was out for drinks with friends on the night of January 20. A little before midnight, he and his friends decided to go to a nearby club. According to reports in Kansas City Star, the staff at the club denied him entry. He tried to enter the club "multiple times" but was repeatedly denied by staff," investigators said, adding that he also turned down two rideshare vehicles called for him. The night Illinois also experienced extreme weather with wind chills dipping between -20 to -30 degrees. Exposed to the chilly weather he could not survive the night.

Sharad Pawar's Party Allotted New Poll Symbol By Election Commission

New Delhi: Days after the Election Commission awarded the NCP name and 'clock' symbol to the Ajit Pawar faction, a new symbol has been allotted to the camp led by the party's founder Sharad Pawar. The symbol given to the Nationalist Congress Party (Shardchandra Pawar) is called 'man blowing turha'. The 'turha' is a traditional trumpet and is also known as 'tutari'. "The Tutari in the form of great valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had once deafened the emperor of Delhi.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Zofeen Maqsood

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

AI could make the fourday workweek inevitable

As artificial intelligence gains traction in office operations, some companies are giving employees a day to step back.

Working four days while getting paid for five is a dream for many employees. Yet the dramatic shifts in the pandemic-era workplace have turned this once unfathomable idea into a reality for some workers. And as more global data emerges, an increasing number of companies are courting the approach after positive trial-run results across countries including the UK, Iceland, Portugal and more. Now, as pilots continue – in Germany, a trial of 45 companies has just begun, for instance –another factor has entered the mix. Artificial intelligence (AI) is gathering pace in the workplace, and some experts believe it could accelerate the adoption of the fourday workweek.

Data from London-based news-andevents resource Tech.co collected in late 2023 lends credence to this idea. For their 2024 Impact of Technology on the Workplace, the company surveyed more than 1,000 US business leaders. The researchers found 29% of organisations with four-day workweeks use AI extensively in their firms' operations, implementing generative AI tools such as ChatGPT as well as other programmes to streamline operations. In comparison, only 8% of five-day working week organisations use AI to this extent. And 93% of businesses using AI are open to a four-day work week, whereas for those who don't, fewer than half are open to working shorter weeks.

At London-based digital design agency Driftime, adopting AI technology has been crucial to enable the business to operate a flexible four-day work week. "By handing over simple tasks to AI tools, we gain invaluable time previously lost to slow aspects of the process," says co-founder Abb-d Taiyo. "With tools like Modyfi, the graphics are all live and modifiable, making it so much easier and quicker for our designers to create

concepts and ideas."

Taiyo believes it makes sense for both his employees and his bottom line to work the condensed week. "Instead of a dip in the quantity of work created over just four days, we've seen a remarkably high quality of work matched by a high staff satisfaction return. The health and happiness of our team is in direct correlation to the high standard of work produced," he says.

Not only has the company's abridged workweek boosted productivity and morale, Simpson says it's also been key to attracting talent to work within the company itself. "Seasoned recruitment professionals are enticed by our streamlined processes while entry-level talent is eager to embrace new tools." It's lifted the entire business, he adds.

While AI tools are certainly paving the way for a four-day work week within some industries, the technology can't usher in the change alone. Organisational culture within a business is also fundamental, says Na Fu, a professor in human resource management at Trinity Business School, Ireland. "An openness to innovative work structures, an experimental mindset and, importantly, a culture grounded in high levels of trust are all important for the four-day work week to be successfully adopted," she says. As the digital transformation with AI progresses, employees themselves also must be willing to level up, she adds: "Rather than becoming mere caretakers or servants of machines, human workers need to develop new skills that can leverage, complement and lead AI, achieving the enhanced outcomes."

Some industries will benefit from AI more than others, however –notably those who are able to use generative AI tools for such tasks including software development, content creation, marketing and legal services, says Fu. Plus, artificial intelligence development still has a way to go if it is to substantially reduce human working hours across the board.

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

!ST March 2024 to 6th March 2024

Ganesha says that this week is for auspiciousness and success for Aries. From the beginning of the week, your planned tasks will be seen to be completed on time. There will be full cooperation from close friends. Plans will be made to buy new items at the beginning of the week itself.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the first week of August is going to be favorable for the people of Taurus. This week you will be able to easily solve all those problems, due to which you were troubled for the past few days. With the help of a senior person, misunderstandings with family members or best friends will be cleared.

Gemini

Ganesha says that the natives of Gemini will heave a sigh of relief at the beginning of the week when some major problem will go away. Removal of the enemy, fear, or obstacle will give peace to the mind. Misunderstandings arising with seniors or juniors in the workplace will be removed.

Cancer

Ganesha says that the first week of August is going to be very important for Cancerians. At the beginning of the week, you can take a big decision related to your career, business, or life. You can get a big relief related to the matter related to the court, which was causing trouble for some time.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week is going to be mixed for Leo people. At the beginning of the week, due to an argument with a dear person, the mind will be a little sad and upset.

Virgo

Ganesha says that this week is going to be like the fulfillment of dreams for the people of Virgo. Due to this, there will be an atmosphere of happiness in the house and respect will increase in society. At the beginning of the week, you can go on a pilgrimage or a tourist area with your family.

Libra

Ganesha says that people of the Libra zodiac should do their work

themselves instead of leaving it to others this week. If you do business in partnership, then keep a close eye on money-related matters and business, otherwise you may have to face a big financial loss.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the people of Scorpio will need to be cautious of known-unknown enemies and opponents this week. In such a situation, be very careful while doing any work. Before the completion of your plans in the workplace, do not disclose them in any form, otherwise, your opponent may create obstacles in them.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that this week can sometimes be happy and sometimes sad for the people of Sagittarius. At the beginning of the week, where your mind will be happy with the great success of a family member and his progress will increase your respect, on the other hand, in your own field of work, your opponents will try to disturb you by putting obstacles in your work.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that the problems that have been troubling you for the past few weeks are going to persist this week as well. In such a situation, you will need to find a solution to them with great patience and discretion.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that the people of Aquarius will continue to need extra effort and hard work this week to complete their work on time in the workplace. At the beginning of the week, your planned work will be completed on time and you will get full support from your best friends.

Pisces

Ganesha says that the people of Pisces will get full support of good luck this week. At the beginning of the week, journeys made in connection with career business will prove to be pleasant and profitable. A meeting with an influential person this week will become a big reason for future profits.of seniors.

NRS Expands Proven NYC Panic Alarm Service Nationwide With Free 3-Month Trial

NEWARK, N.J. – February 27, 2024

– National Retail Solutions (NRS), operator of the leading point-of-sale (POS) platform for independent retailers, nationally expands the Panic Alarm Button service after a successful New York City pilot program in 2023. The POSintegrated Panic Alarm Button is now available in stores nationwide, including New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, Wisconsin, and Georgia, growing throughout the United States.

The Panic Alarm Button is cleverly disguised within the NRS point-of-sale system, enabling the cashier to discreetly alert the police during emergencies while de-escalating the situation. With retail crime rising, NRS provides three months of free Panic Alarm Button service to help stores stay safe.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), in 2022, retailers nationwide lost a reported $112.1 billion

CDC: Stomach Bug Spreading in Northeast

Annually, 19-21 million cases of norovirus occur in the US, with most between November and April, causing hospitalizations and deaths, especially among older adults.

NEW JERSEY – Recent data from the CDC shows a surge in norovirus cases in Northeastern states like New Jersey. Norovirus, causing vomiting and diarrhea, spreads easily through infected persons, contaminated food or surfaces, and is common in late fall to early spring.

In the Northeast, recent three-week averages for positive norovirus tests exceeded 10%, higher than other regions. Despite the rise, New Jersey health officials deem the situation typical for this time of year, with fewer outbreaks compared to 2022. Outbreaks often happen in healthcare, schools, and daycares. Symptoms include sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever, lasting for a day or two, with no specific treatment available.

Annually, 19-21 million cases of norovirus occur in the US, with most between November and April, causing hospitalizations and deaths, especially among older adults. Preventive measures include handwashing, surface disinfection, and hot water laundry.

in merchandise as theft continued to plague cities nationwide. In response to this, The NRS Panic Alarm Button was initially and successfully launched to help safeguard New York City’s bodegas amid a continuing series of robberies and assaults on these stores. The program was highly effective in supporting independent retail store owners to fight the growing crime, many of which serve predominantly immigrant communities in high-crime, low-income neighborhoods underserved

by large retail brands.

NRS offers a comprehensive suite of anticrime solutions, including its patented POS Panic Alarm Button, POS-DVR Camera Integration, and customerfacing screens to assist local authorities in identifying and apprehending suspects.

“Our patented POS-integrated Panic Alarm Button service assists stores in emergencies and helps deter crime,” said Elie Y. Katz, president and CEO of NRS.

“It also makes owners and employees –as well as their customers – feel more

Armed Bandits Robbing Illegal Border Crossers: Border Patrol Chief

CHULA VISTA, CA- A group of “armed bandits” near the U.S. southern border attempted to rob migrants crossing illegally, as reported by US Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens.

Owens shared images of migrants in Chula Vista, California, trying to cross the border on Sunday, only to be confronted by armed robbers.

“Surveillance technology deployed by

USBP near Chula Vista, CA captured these images of armed individuals robbing several groups as they attempted to enter the country illegally,” Owens stated. “This incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by these criminals and smugglers to the public, migrants, and our agents.”

Migrant encounters in the San Diego area, including Chula Vista, decreased in January compared to November and December 2023, according to Customs and Border Protection data.

Last week, the San Diego sector apprehended over 7,500 migrants from 75 countries, as reported by Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel.

A White House official confirmed President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to the border on Thursday, with plans to visit Brownsville, Texas.

Indian Journalist Killed In New York Residential Building Fire

NEW YORK, NY- The New York City Fire Department has determined that the tragic fire in a Manhattan apartment building, which claimed the life of 27-year-old Indian journalist Fazil Khan and injured 17 others, was caused by a lithium-ion battery. Fazil Khan, a journalist with The Hechinger Report, lost his life in the fire at 2 St. Nicholas Place in Harlem. The Consulate General of India in New York has expressed condolences and is providing assistance to repatriate Khan’s remains

Fazil Khan, 27, tragically loses his life in Harlem, Manhattan fire, leaving 17 others injured

to his family in India.Described as a data reporter at The Hechinger Report and an alumnus of Columbia Journalism School, Khan’s death has deeply saddened his colleagues. The Hechinger Report expressed profound grief over his loss and extended sympathies to his family. The fire, originating on the building’s 3rd floor, prompted a swift response from the FDNY. Firefighters encountered residents trapped on the fire escape and hanging out of windows, particularly on the fifth floor. The FDNY highlighted the increasing occurrence of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in the city, emphasizing the dangers posed by these batteries commonly found in various electronic devices.

secure, and in some instances, it can reduce the store’s insurance premiums. I strongly recommend that every bodega and neighborhood convenience store owner consider installing this system to safeguard their premises.”

As a special introductory offer, NRS provides three months of Panic Alarm Button service at no cost, ensuring retailers can experience the benefits risk-free. To learn more about the POSintegrated Panic Alarm Button premium feature or to request it for your store, please call (888) 755-9838 or visit nrsplus. com/panicalarm.

National Retail Solutions (NRS) operates the leading point-of-sale (POS) terminalbased platform and NRS Pay with credit card processing for independent retailers and bodega owners, comprising over 27,000 active POS terminals in stores nationwide. NRS is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT).

Raja Krishnamoorthy makes to Top 50 Powerful Chicagoans

The 'Chicago Magazine' has chosen Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi as one of the 50 most influential individuals in Chicago. The Congressman is ranked 24 on the "heavy hitters" list.

Raja Krishnamoorthi is the highestranked person of South Asian descent on the list.

Krishnamoorthi is currently serving his fourth term as a representative for Illinois' 8th District, which consists of Chicago's west and northwest suburbs and the city's 41st ward.

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson topped the list. The magazine said, “Krishnamoorthi has $14.4 million in his campaign coffers." The magazine also said, “This amount of money exceeds the campaign funds of any other congressional representative from Illinois by over three times.

It ranks as the third-highest total in Congress overall, according to the magazine. "As of now, he is "stockpiling his campaign cash to run for the Senate in 2026, if Dick Durbin retires."

HiIndia Newsdesk

Fazil Khan, 27

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Raja Krishnamoorthi

Increased EB-5 Visa Fees: Here’s Everything you Need to Know

Understanding the Implications of increasing EB-5 or investor visa fee can seem confusing. To help you understand how the new rule affects employment-based visa holders and those interested in investor visas, we get NYC based Peter Calabrese, CEO of CanAm Investor Services to give you a brief on the final rule published by USCIS

“These significant fee increases are set to go into effect on April 1. We expect this will lead to a rush of increased filings in the coming weeks, especially given this coincides with change of financial year in India which has traditionally been the popular time for people to file for EB5” --

Peter Calabrese

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently published a final rule adjusting EB-5 fees and other immigration and naturalization benefit request prices, effective April 1, 2024. There will be fee increases for many immigration benefit petitioners and applicants, resulting in a substantial 40% overall weighted average increase. The largest impact will fall upon employment-based petitioners, especially EB-5 immigration petitioners. The I-526E filing fee will increase from $3,675 to $11,160, and the cost for form I-829 will rise from $3,750 to $9,525. Below is a list of the fee increases most impactful to EB-5 investors:

The USCIS said they will use the additional income generated from fee increases to improve efficiencies and stem backlog growth. This is something that will further strengthen the value proposition of the program. However, it’s not clear when these efficiencies can be realized. There has been some pushback and skepticism in the industry about the increases.

“This might be the biggest understatement I’ve ever made, but I’m not sure these EB-5 fee hikes are legal, especially given the clear language of the EB-5 Reform

Zofeen Maqsood

and Integrity Act,” said Matthew Galati, a Philadelphiabased EB-5 industry veteran and litigator. “USCIS was supposed to complete a fee study to bring Form I-526 adjudication timelines down to 240 days. They haven’t yet done so. Ever since 2016 – when processing times were much lower – we have been told that more fees mean faster processing. If anything, the opposite has proven to be true.”

Still, Galati said, the fee increases should be expected to go into effect on April 1 absent litigation.

“Even though we have some of the brightest minds in the industry looking at how to attack these increases, we are telling our clients to get their filings in as soon as possible if they can,” Galati went on . “Even if litigation can stop the increases, clients of course want the piece of mind of filing their cases at the lower fee levels. The only sure-fire way to do that right now is to make sure the filings are properly receipted before April 1.” While the increase isn’t a make-or-break for most of the EB5 investors, we do expect some surge in filings in the short term since the cost saving is compelling. The

surge will be exacerbated as this coincides with change of financial year in India, which has traditionally been a popular time for people to file for EB-5. Whether or not this will affect USCIS processing times remains to be seen.

The fee increases will most likely compel some new EB-5 investors to move forward with their investments more quickly to beat the deadline. That being said, no one should ever rush into an EB-5 investment. Evaluating Regional Centers and EB-5 projects always requires careful and thorough due diligence. This is much more than a monetary investment- it’s an investment in your family’s future. EB5 remains the fastest way for Indian-born students and professionals to secure green card.

These significant fee increases are set to go into effect on April 1. We expect this will lead to a rush of increased filings in the coming weeks, especially given this coincides with change of financial year in India which has traditionally been the popular time for people to file for EB5.

Farhan Gandhi named Distinguished Prof. at NC State University

HiIndia Newsdesk

Indian American professor Farhan Gandhi has been named a Distinguished Professor at NC State University. Gandhi is known for his research contributions to eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft technologies. The Hassan A. Hassan distinguished professorship the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has been named after the late titan of the MAE department and a legend in the field of aerospace engineering. Hassan helped to establish the professorship shortly before his passing in 2019 alongside his son Basil Hassan and MAE Department Head Srinath Ekkad.

Hassan spent 53 years at North Carolina State University first before beginning his phased retirement in 2015. He died at the age of 87 in 2019, but through his remarkable contributions to the field of Aerospace Engineering, and through his establishment of both the Dr. Hassan A.

Gandhi obtained his BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from IITBombay in 1989, and his doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Maryland

Hassan Distinguished Professorship, the Hassan A. Hassan Distinguished Lecture Series, and many more lasting contributions to the department, his legacy lives on. Gandhi now plays an important role in carrying out that legacy in the MAE Department and at NC State University as a whole. Gandhi obtained his BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT-Bombay in 1989, and his doctoral degree in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Maryland

Professor Farhan Gandhi

10 Indian-Americans Win Sloan Research Fellowship

Zofeen Maqsood

Out of the 126 researchers receiving prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship in 2024, are 10 Indian American earlycareer scholars.

Established in 1955, the fellowships honor exceptional US and Canadian researchers whose creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of leaders, New York-based Alfred P. Sloan Foundation announced.

Indian American fellows are:

Priyanka Raina: Stanford University (Computer Science)

Raina is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. Her research is on creating high-performance and energy-efficient architectures for domain-specific hardware accelerators.

Arvind Satyanarayan: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Computer Science)

Satyanarayan is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at MIT. His research uses interactive data visualization to study intelligence augmentation.

Dipti Nayak:

University of California, Berkeley (Earth System Science).

Nayak is Assistant Professor in

Molecular and Cell Biology at University of California, Berkeley. Her interest lies in the physiology and evolution of Archaea, specifically members within this domain that produce and consume the greenhouse gas methane.

Aaditya Ramdas: Carnegie Mellon University (Mathematics)

Ramdas, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, in the Departments of Statistics and Machine Learning has research interests in selective and simultaneous inference, sequential uncertainty quantification,

and distribution-free black-box predictive inference. His areas of applied interest include neuroscience, genetics and voting.

Ananth Shankar: Northwestern University (Mathematics)

Shankar is an assistant professor at Northwestern University. His research is in arithmetic geometry and number theory, focusing mainly on Shimura varieties and abelian varieties.

Vineet Augustine:

University of California, San Diego (Neuroscience)

Indian man arrested for human smuggling near US-Canada border, caught at O'Hare Airport

HiIndia Newsdesk

CHIAGO, IL – U.S. authorities have apprehended an individual in connection with the tragic deaths of an Indian family of four, who succumbed to freezing temperatures near Manitoba’s southern border with the United States two years ago.

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, also known as “Dirty Harry” per officials who have identified five aliases, faces charges in U.S. federal court in the District of Minnesota for transportation of an illegal alien and conspiracy.

The Patel family (of no relation) perished due to exposure on Jan. 19, 2022, while attempting to cross unlawfully into Minnesota near Emerson, Man. The frozen remains of Jagdish Patel (39), his wife Vaishali (37), their daughter Vihangi (11), and son Dharmik (3) were discovered merely 12 meters from the U.S. border.

According to court documents, Harshkumar Patel purportedly operated a gambling establishment in Florida and enlisted alleged smuggler Steve Shand, another Florida resident currently awaiting trial in federal court in Minnesota for transporting illegal migrants.

Newly released court records shed light on the events leading to the Patel family’s demise, including cellphone exchanges between Harshkumar Patel

and Shand, believed by investigators to demonstrate Patel’s role in facilitating the smuggling operation on the U.S. side of the border.

On the evening of Jan. 18, 2022, Shand allegedly texted Harshkumar Patel, “Make sure everyone is dressed for the blizzard.” Patel promptly responded, “Done.” Shand’s immediate reply allegedly stated, “We not losing any money.”

Additionally, U.S. authorities claim Harshkumar Patel provided Shand with GPS coordinates for a pick-up spot near the U.S.-Canada border and two Canadian contact numbers.

During a March 9, 2022, interview with a U.S. Homeland Security investigator, Shand purportedly disclosed making multiple trips to the international

border in Minnesota to transport Indian nationals, claiming to have earned approximately $25,000 USD in smuggling proceeds from Patel. Furhermore, the affidavit implicates another individual, Fenil Patel, in the family’s tragedy, alleging his involvement in arranging the fatal trip. Fenil Patel, residing in Toronto, Canada, faces charges in India of culpable homicide and human smuggling related to the Patel family’s demise. Harshkumar Patel’s legal representative, Michael Leonard, confirmed his client’s arrest at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Thursday. Patel’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 28 in Chicago, though the case might be transferred to Minnesota.

Augustine is assistant professor of Neurobiology at the University of California, San Diego.

His research has been covered by multiple news outlets including The New York Times, Scientific American and National Public Radio.

Vijay Mohan K Namboodiri: University of California, San Francisco (Neuroscience)

Namboodiri is the Scott Alan Myers

Endowed Professor at University of California, San Francisco. His research explores the biological algorithms and neuronal network mechanisms underlying associative learning, memory and decision-making.

Preeya Khanna:

University of California, Berkeley (Neuroscience)

Khanna is assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at University of California, Berkeley. Her research combines sensorimotor systems neuroscience, network modeling, and neurotechnology development

Karan K. Mehta:

Cornell University (Physics)

Mehta is assistant professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University. He is working at the intersection of photonics, atomic physics, and quantum technologies.

Vikram Ravi: California Institute of Technology (Physics).

Ravi is assistant professor of Astronomy at California Institute of Technology. He is exploring and understanding the unseen Universe.

Raja Krishnamoorthy Makes To Top 50 Powerful Chicagoans

CHICAGO, IL- The ‘Chicago Magazine’ has chosen Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi as one of the 50 most influential individuals in Chicago. The Congressman is ranked 24 on the “heavy hitters” list.

Raja Krishnamoorthi is the highestranked person of South Asian descent on the list. Krishnamoorthi is currently serving his fourth term as a representative for Illinois’ 8th District, which consists of Chicago’s west and northwest suburbs and the city’s 41st ward.

Illinois Governor J B Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson topped the list. The magazine said, “Krishnamoorthi has $14.4 million in his campaign coffers.” The magazine also said, “This amount of money exceeds the campaign funds of any other congressional representative from Illinois by over three times. It ranks as the third-highest total in Congress overall, according to the magazine. “As of now, he is “stockpiling his campaign cash to run for the Senate in 2026, if Dick Durbin retires.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

illeism is the practice of talking about oneself in the third person, rather than the first person. The rhetorical device is often used by politicians to try to give their words an air of objectivity. In his account of the Gallic War, for example, the emperor Julius Caesar wrote “Caesar avenged the public” rather than “I avenged the public”. The small linguistic switch seems intended to make the statement feel a little more like historical fact, recorded by an impartial observer

To the modern ear, illeism can sound a little silly or pompous – and we may even deride famous people who choose to talk in this way. Yet recent psychological research suggests that illeism can bring some real cognitive benefits. If we are trying to make a difficult decision, speaking about ourselves in the third person can help to neutralise the emotions that could lead our thinking astray, allowing us to find a wiser solution to our problem.

The scientific study of wisdom has been spear-headed by Igor Grossmann at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Grossmann first drew on the work of numerous philosophers to decide on a series of “metacognitive components” – including intellectual humility, acknowledgement of others’ viewpoints and search for compromise – that are commonly

Illeism

The ancient trick to help you think more wisely

It’s hard to reason through problems, but there are ways to be more objective and less biased in your thinking.

considered to be essential for wise decision making. The problem seems to be that when making personal choices, we become too immersed in our emotions, which cloud our thinking and prevent us from putting our issues in perspective. If I have received negative feedback from a colleague, for example, my feeling of embarrassment might lead me to become overly self-defensive. I might therefore dismiss their opinions without considering whether their advice could be helpful in the long-term.

How to be wise

Could illeism resolve Solomon’s paradox? The idea makes intuitive sense: by switching to the third person, our descriptions of the situation will start to sound as if we are talking about someone else rather than ourselves. This sense of detachment would allow us to see the bigger picture, rather than getting caught up in our own feelings.

The latest studies show that the regular use of illeism can bring about lasting benefits to our thinking.

Working with Abigail Sholer, Anna Dorfman and colleagues, Grossmann asked participants to keep a daily diary for one

month in which they described a situation they had just experienced. Half were told to write their entries in the third person, while the other half were told to write in the first person. At the start and end of the study, the team also tested the subjects’ general wise reasoning. As hoped, the researchers found that, over the course of the intervention, the participants who had been encouraged to use illeism in their diaries saw a rise in their wisereasoning scores over the course of the month.

By encouraging us to put our problems in perspective, the use of illeism may also help us to have a more balanced response to daily stresses. People who had completed the diary in the third person reported more positive emotions after challenging events, rather than dwelling solely on the sadness, frustration or disappointment.

Based on these findings, I now apply illeism to all decisions, small and big. Whether I’m facing trials at work, conflict with my friends, or strife in the family, I find that a few moments contemplating my problems from a third-person perspective helps me to see the issue more clearly.

The crucial link between motivation and self-awareness

At the start of a new year, many of us are naturally thinking of our goals for the months ahead.

And as we do so, it’s worth paying attention not just about the challenges themselves, but also the reasons we are taking them on.

If you plan to write a novel, for example, are you doing it for the sheer pleasure of creating a fictional world inhabited by curious characters?

Or are you doing it because you love literature, and want to make a valuable contribution to your culture? Perhaps you simply want to prove to yourself that you are capable of being published, or maybe you yearn for fame, and writing a best-seller feels like a great path to recognition?

motivation with distinct consequences – good and bad – for our performance and wellbeing. This research suggests that by picking the right goals, for the right reasons, you will be more engaged and more determined, while deriving greater satisfaction from your success.

A reward in itself

According to “self-determination theory”, each of these questions represents a different source of

To achieve a goal, a drive to do so is key. Yet not all motivation is created equal – and some factors driving a desire to succeed can even be harmful.

Like many scientific ideas, self-determination theory has been years in the making. It has its roots in a few studies from the 1970s, but only started receiving serious interest following the publication of a seminal paper in the year 2000 that outlined some of its core concepts regarding motivation, performance and wellbeing. At the heart of the theory lies the optimistic notion that most humans have a natural desire to learn and develop. “It’s based on the assumption that people are growth oriented,” says Anja Van den Broeck, a professor in the faculty of economics and business at KU Leuven, Belgium.

Uma Amuluru is Boeing’s New Chief Human Resources Officer and Exec. VP

Indian American Uma Amuluru will head Boeing’s Human Resources department as its Chief Human Resources Officer and executive vice president. Her new position becomes effective April 1 onwards. Amuluru is also a former Obama era White House Counsel. The Indian American succeeds Michael D’Ambrose who announced his plans to retire this July. She will be reporting directly to Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun. Amuluru joined Boeing in 2017. She currently serves as vice present and general counsel to Boeing Defense, Space & Security. In the past, she has also served as assistant United States attorney for the District of Columbia. She holds a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University. She currently serves on the board of directors of Legal Aid Chicago. Both her parents are doctors.

Smriti Kirubanandan is Accentures’ New Managing Director of Healthcare Practice

Indian American Smriti Kirubanandan has joined Accenture as managing director of healthcare practice. Kirubanandan was selected Young Global Leader 2023 by the World Economic Forum (WEF). She is also the founder of HLTH Forward Podcast, an award-winning media platform that hosts healthcare leaders, policymakers, and artists to discuss the challenges in the system. A press release from Accenture said, talking about her new position that she is a “contemporary Renaissance figure” who has achieved “significant milestones” as a growth and partnerships executive with “a distinctive background in robotics and public health.” She is also a raw vegan chef and nutritionist, actively engaging in community service, and spearheading initiatives to combat food insecurity.

Minita Sanghvi Clinches Democratic Nomination in New York's 44th Senate District

Indian American Minita Sanghvi has secured the Democratic nomination for New York’s 44th State Senate district. Her nomination is propelled by important endorsements from the Saratoga County Democratic Committee and Schenectady County Democratic Committee.

Saratoga County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Martha Devaney, while endorsing Sanghvi

Minita's nomination is propelled by important endorsements from the Saratoga County Democratic Committee and Schenectady County Democratic Committee.

called her a committed advocate and proven problem solver. Devaney also talked about Sanghvi’s multifaceted background, including her roles as a dedicated parent, respected educator, and effective public servant, as evidence of her capacity to deliver results transcending partisan lines. Devaney expressed confidence that Sanghvi embodies the leadership qualities deserving of New York’s 44th State Senate district.

Frank Salamone, Chair of the Schenectady County Democratic Committee, talked about Sanghvi's successful track record as Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance. If elected Sanghvi would be the first openly gay woman and woman of color to represent New York’s 44th State Senate District, as well as the first openly gay woman in the New York Senate.

Chanel CEO Leena Nair Honored on Time's 'Women of the Year' List

Multiple Scams Surface In NJ: Targeting Taxes,

Phone, Email, And Credit

NUTLEY, NJ- Multiple instances of fraud and other scams have recently been reported in Nutley, as authorities have informed.

According to the Nutley Police Department, the following incidents occurred in the township:

Feb. 17 (Identity Theft, Hilton Street): A resident visited the police headquarters to report an identity theft. They

Cards

discovered that someone had already filed taxes using their Social Security Number when they attempted to do so. The victim has taken proactive steps by contacting their financial institutions and the IRS, finding no compromise to their accounts at present. They were offered assistance to be entered as an Identity Theft Victim.

Feb. 17 (Fraud, Plymouth Road): Another individual reported to the police headquarters regarding a fraudulent activity. They received a phone bill under an unknown individual’s name, not linked to their account. Upon contacting the phone company, they were advised to file a police report. Although given the opportunity, the victim declined to be entered as an Identity Theft victim at the time.

Bengali Hindus Celebrate Saraswati Puja

In Los Angeles Amid Minority Challenge

Bengali Hindus in Los Angeles gathered at a local Hindu Temple to celebrate Saraswati Puja, organized by the Bengali Hindu Association of Los Angeles (BHALA) on February 18. The festival, observed 40 days before spring, honors Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Despite being

a minority in both Bangladesh and California, Bengali Hindus showcased their cultural heritage with enthusiasm, participating in rituals like Hate Khari. Amio Das highlighted the challenges faced by Bengali Hindus in Bangladesh, emphasizing their migration to the U.S. for religious freedom. Smita Sarker, a senior at the Girls Academic Leadership Academy, stressed Hinduism's unifying bond among Indian and Bengali Hindu peers. Dr. Mukherjee emphasized elders' role in preserving the community's identity, urging the engagement of the younger generation. The celebration not only strengthens cultural ties but also reflects the community's resilience in upholding traditions abroad.

NEW YORK, NY – TIME has named Chanel CEO Leena Nair as one of its ‘Women of the Year,’ recognizing her as an extraordinary leader striving for gender equality. Nair, who became Chanel’s global CEO in 2022, aims to foster a leadership style centered on compassion, empathy, and kindness, diverging from traditional norms. Growing up in rural India and now residing in London, Nair advocates for inclusive decision-making, valuing diverse perspectives in boardrooms. With a career spanning three decades at Unilever, she notably increased female representation in management positions and championed socially conscious initiatives. Under her leadership, Chanel saw a significant rise in women holding management roles, while she substantially boosted funding for the company’s charitable arm, Foundations Chanel, focusing on empowering women and girls globally. Nair’s journey includes overcoming gender barriers, exemplified by her pioneering role as the sole woman executive at a Unilever factory in Chennai in the 1990s. Her achievements reflect a commitment to breaking stereotypes and fostering positive change.

Biden names Nimish Patel to Trade Advisory Body

President Joe Biden intends to appoint Indian American attorney Nimish Patel as a member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. The committee is established to provide overall policy advice to the United States Trade Representative.

The Committee includes up to 45 members with “expertise in general trade, investment, and development issues, including representatives of nonfederal governments, labor, industry, agriculture, small business, service industries, retailers, nongovernmental environmental and conservation organizations, and consumer interests,” the White House said.

Patel is the Chair of the Corporate and Securities Department at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp, LLP, a law firm based in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC.

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Zofeen Maqsood

Zofeen Maqsood

Zofeen Maqsood

Zofeen Maqsood

Minita Sanghvi

Nimish Patel

Franchise Hotel near Chicago needs a Housekeeping couple. Accommodation will be provided. Legal status and previous housekeeping experience must.

Now Medicare Advantage PPO Plans available with:

શિકાગો પાસ આવલી ફ્ન્્ચાઈઝ હોટલમા હાઉસકકશપંગ કપલની જરૂર છ. રહવાની સગવડ આપવામા આવિ. લીગલ સ્ટટ્સ અન હાઉસકકશપંગના કામનો અનભવ જરૂરી.

80,000 miles, Asking $9,500 or best offer. For more information please email skadir1001@aol.com