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Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator' as rift between two leaders deepens
The United States had provided funding and arms to Ukraine but, in an abrupt policy shift since coming to power, Trump has opened talks with Moscow.
Miami: US President Donald Trump called Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator" Wednesday, widening a personal rift with major implications for efforts to end the conflict triggered by Russia's invasion three years ago.
The United States had provided funding and arms to Ukraine but, in an abrupt policy shift since coming to power, Trump has opened talks with Moscow.
"A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform of the Ukrainian leader, whose five-year term expired last year.
Trump Wanted Someone Smarter but Settled for Elon Musk
In a recent interview with Fox News, Donald Trump made a startling admission about his collaboration with Elon Musk. Trump revealed that he had initially searched for "somebody smarter" to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but ultimately "settled" on Musk. Trump candidly expressed his desire for someone with exceptional intelligence, stating, "He's good... I wanted to find somebody smarter than him. I searched all over. I just couldn't do it. I couldn't find anyone smarter, right? So, we had to, for the country, settled on this guy".
Trump Admin Moves to End NYC Congestion Hikes
The Trump administration is moving to end New York City’s congestion pricing plan, which charges vehicles in certain areas to fund transit upgrades. Citing federal jurisdiction over highways leading into the city, the administration is revoking its approval, arguing the program unfairly burdens working-class residents. "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD," President Trump declared on social media. "Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" Governor Kathy Hochul responded defiantly: "We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king. We’ll see you in court."
Ukrainian law does not require elections during wartime.On Tuesday Trump held a press conference in which he criticized Zelensky, repeated several Kremlin narratives about the conflict and called for an end to the war.
Zelensky in turn accused Trump of succumbing to Russian "disinformation,"
including Trump blaming of Kyiv for having "started" the war and echoing Kremlin questions over Zelensky's legitimacy. "He refuses to have Elections, is very low in Ukrainian Polls, and the only thing he was good at was playing (Joe) Biden 'like a fiddle,'" said Trump in the Truth post of Zelensky.
Trump to sign order terminating federal benefits for migrants
US President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order tonight stopping any federal benefits going to undocumented migrants Meanwhile, Trump has finished speaking at a Saudi-backed investment meeting in Florida
Trump touched on several familiar lines, including praise for Doge spending cuts
and touting his border policies Earlier, the politics of Trump's hometown of New York were in the spotlight as a judge said he would not decide immediately about whether to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams after a court hearing in Manhattan Controversy has been building around Adams after US prosecutors filed a motion to halt corruption charges against the mayor
A top prosecutor last week alleged the mayor asked the Trump administration to drop a corruption case against him in exchange for his co-operation on immigration enforcement Adams was indicted last year on fraud and bribery charges. He denies any wrongdoing
Judge Won't Block Musk from Firing Federal Workers, Accessing Data
NEW YORK- A judge on Tuesday declined to immediately block Elon Musk's government efficiency department from directing firings of federal workers or accessing databases, but said the case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Washington-based U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied - for now - a
Frigid temperatures chill U.S. single-family homebuilding
WASHINGTON- U.S. single-family homebuilding fell sharply in January amid disruptions from snowstorms and freezing temperatures, with a rebound likely to be limited by higher costs from tariffs on imports and elevated mortgage rates.
The report from the Commerce Department on Wednesday mirrored similar weather distortions that impacted retail sales and job growth last month, and suggested that economic activity slowed early in the first quarter.
Trump Vows 25% Tariffs on Autos, Pharma, and Chips
PALM BEACH, Florida,: - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he intends to impose auto tariffs "in the neighborhood of 25%" and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports, the latest in a series of measures threatening to upend international trade.
On Friday, Trump said levies on automobiles would come as soon as April 2, the day after members of his cabinet are due to deliver reports to him outlining options for a range of import duties as he seeks to reshape global trade.
request by more than a dozen states for a judicial order barring the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, from accessing computer systems at seven federal agencies or purging government workers while litigation plays out.
Musk, the world's wealthiest person, spearheads DOGE, which has taken the lead role in carrying out the Republican president's plans for downsizing and overhauling the federal government.
In her decision, Chutkan wrote that the states "legitimately call into question what appears to be the unchecked authority of an unelected individual and an entity that was not created by Congress and over which it has no oversight." But the judge said the states had not shown why they were entitled to an immediate restraining order.
Trump has long railed against what he calls the unfair treatment of U.S. automotive exports in foreign markets. The European Union, for instance, collects a 10% duty on vehicle imports, four times the U.S. passenger car tariff rate of 2.5%. The U.S., though, collects a 25% tariff on pickup trucks from countries other than Mexico and Canada, a tax that makes the vehicles highly profitable for Detroit automakers.
EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will meet with U.S. counterpartsCommerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trump's nominee to be U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett - in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the various tariffs threatened by Trump.
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Indians Among 300 US Deportees Plead for Help in Panama
In a complex and sensitive situation, Panama is currently housing nearly 300 individuals from various countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, who were deported from the United States under President Donald Trump.
Panama is housing nearly 300 deportees from the U.S., including individuals from India, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, under President Donald Trump’s migration policies. These migrants are held in a hotel, receiving medical care and food, but are not allowed to leave while authorities arrange their return, according to Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego. A major issue is that over 40% of the deportees refuse to return to
'Real-Life Squid Game': Kim Sae-ron's Tragic Fate
Actress Kim Sae-ron's death in an apparent suicide has renewed criticism of South Korea's entertainment industry, which churns out stars but also subjects them to immense pressure and scrutiny.
Kim - who was found dead aged 24 at her home in Seoul on Sunday - had been bombarded with negative press coverage and hate online after a drinkdriving conviction in 2022. Police have not provided further details about her death.
Experts found the circumstances leading to it depressingly familiar. Other celebrities also ended up taking their lives after careers upended by cyberbullying.
As Kim was laid to rest on Wednesday, analysts say they are not optimistic her death will lead to meaningful change.
their home countries. Some have displayed desperate messages on hotel windows, pleading for "help" and stating, "We are not safe in our country."
The U.S. has been using Panama as a transit country due to challenges in direct deportations. Costa Rica is also set to receive a similar flight of deportees. Of the 299 migrants, 171 have agreed to return home with assistance from the International Organisation for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency, while the remaining 128 are still being processed. Some
may be sent to third countries, while those refusing repatriation will be temporarily housed in Darien province.
The Panamanian government agreed to act as a "bridge" for deportees, with the U.S. covering all operational costs. This arrangement follows a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino faces political pressure over Trump’s threats regarding the Panama Canal.
Further updates from the Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office are expected as efforts continue to resolve the situation.
Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs, Vatican says
Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both his lungs and his condition remains "complex", the Vatican says.
The 88-year-old has been suffering from a respiratory infection for more than a week and was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday.
"The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," the Vatican said.
It said lab tests, a chest X-ray and the Pope's clinical condition "continue to present a complex picture".
Despite this, the Vatican said the pontiff remained in "good spirits" and spent the day "reading, resting and praying".
Hamas Offers to Free Hostages at Once –Their Conditions
Hamas has proposed releasing all remaining hostages in Gaza in a single exchange, contingent on a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal. Spokesman Hazem Qassem confirmed the group's stance, rejecting Israel’s demand for disarmament and calling it a "ridiculous psychological war." As a gesture, Hamas has agreed to double the number of hostages set for release on Saturday from three to six, responding to mediator requests and demonstrating its commitment to the agreement. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the release of Eliya Cohen, Tal Shoham, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Hisham Al-Sayed, and Avera Mengistu. The proposal comes amid growing calls for all captives to be freed at once. U.S. President Donald Trump has also criticized phased releases. Meanwhile, Israel continues to blockade Gaza, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Gaza's Ministry of Health reports 48,291 deaths and 111,722 wounded. The Government Media Office estimates at least 61,709 deaths, with many still buried under rubble.
48 people killed As Goldmine Collapses In Mali
Bamako: At least 48 people were killed in the collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali Saturday, authorities and local sources told AFP. Mali is one of Africa's leading gold producers, and mining sites are regularly the scene of deadly landslides and accidents.
Pope Francis also expressed his gratitude to well-wishers and asked them to "pray for him".
Before his admission last week, the Pope had bronchitis symptoms for several days and had delegated officials to read prepared speeches at events.
He had been due to lead several events over the weekend for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year which runs through to next January, however all public events on the Pope's calendar have been cancelled through to Sunday.
On Monday, the Vatican said that doctors had changed the Pope's drug therapy for the second time during his hospital stay to tackle what at the time was thought to be a "polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract".
Authorities have struggled to control unregulated mining of the precious metal in the country, which is among the world's poorest.
"The toll at 1800 today is 48 dead following the collapse," said a police source. "Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back."
A local official confirmed the cavein, while the Kenieba gold miners' association also put the deaths at 48. The search for victims was ongoing, the head of an environmental organisation told AFP. Saturday's accident took place at an abandoned site formerly operated by a Chinese company, sources told AFP.
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Actress Kim Sae-ron
Google
Inaugurates 'Ananta'
Its
Biggest India Office In Bengaluru
Spanning 1.6 million square feet, the facility was developed by Bagmane Tech Park over six years and customised for Google in just 11 months
Google has inaugurated 'Ananta,' one of its largest global offices, in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru.
Spanning 1.6 million square feet, the facility was developed by Bagmane Tech Park over six years and customised for the tech giant in just 11 months. It can accommodate over 5,000 employees - a significant expansion as Google now has around 10,000 employees in India. Celebrating two decades in India, Google has played a pivotal role in digital transformation through AI-driven initiatives such as flood forecasting, early tuberculosis detection, and financial inclusion via Google Pay. Ananta is part of this effort, aimed at strengthening Google's work in India and globally.
"As India has charted an ambitious new reality for its citizens with technology, Google has been its proud partner over the last 20 years. The new Ananta campus in Bengaluru marks a significant milestone in our journey, marking the technological paradigm shift underway with AI," said Preeti Lobana, Vice President and Country Manager, Google India, as per news agency ANI.
2 Dead After Two Small Planes Collide In US' Arizona
Los Angeles: At least two people were confirmed dead after two small planes collided midair at the Marana Regional Airport in the US state of Arizona, officials said.
A Cessna 172S and Lancair 360 MK II collided while upwind of runway 12 on Wednesday morning, according to preliminary information from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The planes that collided were identified as a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II, both fixedwing, single-engine aircraft, the NTSB said in a statement on X.
Delhi Gets New Chief Minister, Mega Oath Ceremony At Ramlila Ground Today
More than 50 film stars and industrialists, will be present. The oath ceremony will be preceded by a colourful musical programme, in which Kailash Kher will perform, sources said.
New Delhi: Delhi's Chief Minister elect, the BJP's Rekha Gupta, will take oath today with six cabinet colleagues. The BJP, which is coming back to power in the national capital after 26 years, has planned a grand ceremony at the iconic Ramlila Maidan.
The mega event will be attended by Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of 20 states, BJP leaders and workers from other states who campaigned in the Delhi elections. Diplomats of major countries have also been invited. The spiritual leaders of
Trump on $21M 'India Fund': 'Trying to Elect Someone Else'
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has once again questioned the Biden administration's move to provide $21 million to India for "voter turnout" and guessed if they were "trying to get somebody else elected".
"Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government... This is a total breakthrough," he said at a summit in Miami on Thursday.
His remarks came days after the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, disclosed that the USAID contributed
Donald Trump's remarks came days after the DOGE, led by Elon Musk, scrapped a $21 million grant intended to boost "voter turnout" in India.
$21 million to boost "voter turnout" in India.
The DOGE, Washington's 'cost-cutting' agency set up by Donald Trump, on February 16 listed items on which the "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent" and the list included "USD 21M for voter turnout in India." It noted that all of the items have been cancelled.
The DOGE also said that another $29 million was slated for "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh" - a country that last year witnessed political turmoil amid allegations of US 'deep state' involvement in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and $39 million for "fiscal federalism" and "biodiversity conservation" in Nepal, among other international fundings.
the country will be represented by Baba Ramdev, Swami Chidananda, Baba Bageshwar Dhirendra Shastri and other religious figures. Among the common people will be farmers of Delhi, and beneficiaries of central government schemes including laadli behen, and common people will also be invited to the ceremony.
The BJP has picked Rekha Gupta, its first-time MLA from Shalimar Bagh, 11 days after the Delhi election results were declared. She was picked the leader of the legislature party on Wednesday evening.
Pentagon given a fiveyear target to slash budget
The Trump administration has ordered senior US military leaders to plan for expansive cuts that could slash the defense budget by eight percent annually, or some $290 billion within the next five years, US media reported Wednesday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Pentagon to develop the deep reductions, The Washington Post reported, citing a memo. The Pentagon's budget for 2025 is some $850 billion. Lawmakers across the political spectrum agree that the massive spending is needed to deter threats, particularly from China and Russia.
"Totally Unfair": Trump on Elon Musk's Tesla Expanding to India
Washington DC: Days after Tesla began hiring in India, signaling its potential market entry, former US President Donald Trump criticized any plans for a Tesla factory in India, calling it "very unfair." Speaking in a joint Fox News interview with Elon Musk, Trump argued that India's high import duties make it "impossible" to sell US-made cars there. Trump recalled raising the issue of India’s 100% car tariffs during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent US visit. While Modi met Musk and discussed Tesla’s India entry, the country’s March 2024 EV policy now allows reduced import duties (15%) for companies investing at
least $500 million in local manufacturing. Despite this, Trump believes a Tesla plant in India would disadvantage America. “If he built the factory there, that's okay, but that’s unfair to us,” he said. Trump also reiterated his support for reciprocal tariffs, vowing to impose equivalent duties on imports from countries that tax US goods. His stance has
The Indian government in March unveiled its new EV policy, lowering import taxes substantially to 15 per cent if a carmaker invests at least $500 million and sets up a factory
heightened concerns of a global trade war. Meanwhile, Tesla is expected to enter India as early as April, reportedly securing showroom locations in New Delhi and Mumbai while hiring for mid-level roles. The EV giant has long pushed for lower import duties and incentives but faced regulatory hurdles. India’s foreign ministry has yet to comment on Trump’s remarks.
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Trump on Tariff Talks With Modi: "Nobody Can Argue With Me"
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New Delhi: In a joint televised interview with billionaire Elon Musk, US President Donald Trump made it clear that India will not be spared from Washington's reciprocal tariffs. In a conversation with Fox News' Sean Hannity, President Trump reiterated his stance on global trade and existing tariff structures between the US and its partners. "I told Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi yesterday - he was here - I said, 'Here's what we're going to do: reciprocal. Whatever you charge, I'm charging,'" President Trump said, recounting his conversation with the PM. "He (PM Modi) goes, 'No, no, I don't like that.' 'No, no, whatever you charge, I'm going to charge.' I'm doing that with every country."
India has some of the world's highest tariffs on certain imports from the US, particularly in the automobile sector, where duties on foreign cars can reach up to 100 per cent. Mr Musk, sitting beside President Trump, confirmed this, saying, " It's
I told Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi yesterday - he was here - I said, 'Here's what we're going to do: reciprocal. Whatever you charge, I'm charging,'" President Trump said, recounting his conversation with the PM. "He (PM Modi) goes, 'No, no, I don't like that.' 'No, no, whatever you charge, I'm going to charge.' I'm doing that with every country."
100 per cent - auto imports are 100 per cent." President Trump responded:
"Yeah, that's peanuts. So much higher. And others too."
He argued that such tariffs make it nearly impossible for American companies to sell in India unless they establish manufacturing plants there, which he considers "unfair" to the US economy.
Under his proposed reciprocal tariff system, the US would impose the same level of tariffs on Indian imports as India levies on American goods. "Nobody can argue with me," President Trump insisted. "If I said 25 per cent, they'd say, 'Oh, that's terrible.' I don't say that anymore... because I say, 'Whatever they charge, we'll charge.' And you know what? They stop." This is not the first time President Trump has clashed with India over tariffs. During his first term, he often referred to India as the "tariff king", citing high import duties on US goods. Following Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to Washington, both countries committed to doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 and negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by Autumn 2025.
– Is It Falling Behind? India Pursues AI Breakthrough
Two years after ChatGPT’s emergence, China’s DeepSeek has disrupted the AI landscape by significantly reducing development costs. While the global race for AI dominance accelerates, India struggles to develop its own foundational language model to power chatbots and other applications. The Indian government insists a homegrown equivalent to DeepSeek is imminent. It is providing startups, universities, and researchers with high-end chips to build it within 10 months. Meanwhile, global AI leaders are showing confidence in India’s potential. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, once skeptical, now sees India as a major AI player, with the country becoming OpenAI’s second-largest market. Microsoft has committed $3 billion to cloud and AI infrastructure, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has praised India’s unmatched technical talent. With over 200 startups working on generative AI, there is significant entrepreneurial activity. Despite these positives, experts warn that India risks lagging behind due to weaknesses in education, research, and policy. China and the
The Indian government insists a homegrown equivalent to DeepSeek is imminent. It is providing startups, universities, and researchers with high-end chips to build it within 10 months. Meanwhile, global AI leaders are showing confidence in India’s potential. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, once skeptical, now sees India as a major AI player, with the country becoming OpenAI’s second-largest market.
U.S. already have a 4-5 year advantage, having invested heavily in AI research, academia, and military applications. While India ranks in the top five on Stanford’s AI Vibrancy Index, it
remains far behind in key metrics. Between 2010 and 2022, China received 60% of the world’s AI patents, the U.S. secured 20%, and India managed less than 0.5%.
Investment is another hurdle. India’s state-funded AI mission is worth just $1 billion, compared to the U.S.’s $500 billion Stargate project and China’s $137 billion AI initiative. Although DeepSeek proved that AI models can be built using older, less expensive chips, India still lacks long-term financial backing from the government and industry. Additionally, the country faces a shortage of high-quality datasets in regional languages like Hindi, Marathi, and Tamil, which is critical for AI development in a linguistically diverse nation. India’s biggest strength is its talent, contributing 15% of the global AI workforce. However, many skilled professionals leave the country due to a lack of deep-tech research opportunities. Experts suggest India replicate the collaborative model behind its digital payments revolution (UPI), where government, academia, and industry worked together to drive innovation. While India has the essential ingredients for AI success, it must act swiftly with stronger investments, policy reforms, and research infrastructure to compete with global superpowers.
iPhone parts maker Murata eyes supply chain shifts toward India
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iPhone components maker Murata Manufacturing Co. is weighing whether to move some of its production capacity to India, reflecting a global realignment of the supply chain toward the world’s most populous country.
The Kyoto-based maker of multilayer ceramic capacitors sees growing demand in India and is running simulations for what it would take to dial up its pace of investment there, according to Murata President Norio Nakajima.
“We’ve been making our newest capacitors mostly in Japan, but customers are asking us to manufacture more overseas due partly to business continuity planning purposes,” Nakajima said.
Murata’s components are found in
DeepSeek 'shared user data' with TikTok owner ByteDance
South Korea has accused Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of sharing user data with the owner of TikTok in China. "We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance," the South Korean data protection regulator told Yonhap News Agency. The country had already removed DeepSeek from app stores over the weekend over data protection concerns. The Chinese app caused shockwaves in the AI world in January, wiping billions off global stock markets over claims its new model was trained at a much lower cost than US rivals such as ChatGPT. Since then, multiple countries have warned that user data may not be properly protected, and in February a US cybersecurity company alleged potential data sharing between DeepSeek and ByteDance.
DeepSeek's apparent overnight impact saw it shoot to the top of App Store charts in the UK, US and many other countries around the world - although it now sits far below ChatGPT in UK rankings. In South Korea, it had been downloaded over a million times before being pulled from Apple and Google's App Stores on Saturday evening. Existing users can still access the app and use it on a web browser. The data regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission, told South Korea's Yonhap News Agency that despite finding a link between DeepSeek and ByteDance, it was "yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent".
almost all electronics, from Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. smartphones to Nvidia Corp. servers and Sony Group Corp. game consoles. The company has also helped put a NASA helicopter on Mars. Right now,
it makes almost 60% of its MLCCs in Japan, but that proportion will likely fall closer to 50% in the years ahead, 63-year-old Nakajima said. Murata is the world’s leading supplier of capacitors, which regulate the delivery of power to electric components. Apple has been diversifying production beyond China, most recently beginning production of its AirPods wireless earphones on a trial basis in India. Many Chinese manufacturers of mid-range smartphones are also expected to open more factories in India, drawn by the country’s abundant workforce and surging consumer spending.
Fast-food giant KFC leaves Kentucky home for Texas
KFC, the fast-food restaurant chain formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is moving its corporate headquarters in the US from Louisville in Kentucky to Plano in Texas, according to a statement from its parent company, Yum Brands.
About 100 corporate employees and dozens more remote workers will be required to move and will receive relocation support.
The decision by Yum Brands is part of a plan to have two headquarters for its main brands — KFC and Pizza Hut will be headquartered in Plano, while Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill will remain in Irvine, California.
In recent years, many companies have relocated to Texas attracted by the state's lower taxes and business-friendly policies. "These changes position us for sustainable growth and will help us better serve our customers, employees, franchisees and shareholders," said David Gibbs, the chief executive of Yum Brands in the company's statement. Yum also expressed hope the plan will boost collaboration between its employees and brands.
MPs
criticise 'wealth-hoarding' boomers stereotype
MPs are challenging stereotypes around older people stockpiling wealth as younger generations struggle.
A report from the Commons' women and equalities committee is calling for action to tackle age discrimination, which MPs describe as widespread in the UK. They criticise depictions of baby boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964 and now in their 60s and 70s - as either frail or enjoying a life of luxury at the expense of their children and grandchildren.
Argentina's President Milei denies crypto fraud allegations
The statement added that Yum will be maintaining it corporate offices as well as the KFC Foundation in Louisville.
The governor of the state of Kentucky, Andy Beshea, has criticised the move to relocate KFC's headquarters, according to a statement given to the Associated Press. "I am disappointed by this decision and believe the company's founder would be, too," Mr Beshear reportedly said.
"This company's name starts with Kentucky, and it has marketed our state's heritage and culture in the sale of its product." KFC's history in the state dates back to the 1930s, when its founder Colonel Harland Sanders began selling fried chicken at a service station in Corbin. Today, Sanders' face is emblazoned on the shop fronts of more than 24,000 KFC restaurants in over 145 countries and territories around the world. Since the pandemic, many US companies have moved their headquarters. According to a report by real estate services firm CBRE, Austin and other Texan cities have been particularly successful due to the state's business-friendly environment.
Argentine President Javier Milei has denied promoting a newly launched cryptocurrency which collapsed shortly after he mentioned it in a social media post on Friday. The cryptocoin $Libra quickly rose in value before nosediving, causing severe losses for the majority of people who had invested in it. A judge will now determine if the president should face fraud charges over the incident.
On Monday, Milei said he had acted "in good faith" and dismissed investors' complaints, comparing their actions to people who gamble: "If you go to a casino and lose money, what's there to complain about when you knew the risks?"
US government tries to rehire nuclear staff it fired days ago
The US government is trying to rehire nuclear safety employees it had fired on Thursday, after concerns grew that their dismissal could jeopardise national security, US media reported. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) workers were among hundreds of employees in the energy department who received termination letters.
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PCB Takes Big Step Days After India Flag Controversy In Champions Trophy
India's flag couldn't be spotted at the National Stadium in Karachi ahead of the start of the ICC Champions Trophy. But, the PCB seems to have rectified its mistake.
Just days after a controversy was triggered due to the absence of India's flag from Karachi's National Stadium ahead of the start of the ICC Champions Trophy, amends seem to have been made. In the latest visuals that have been shared on social media from the venue, India's flag has been placed alongside other participating nations for the Champions Trophy. Many theories were contemplated when the National Stadium didn't feature India's flag a few days before the start of the event. But, all seems to be well now.
Several users on social media shared the visuals of the flags of all 8 nations which are participating in the Champions Trophy.
Ex-US Open Champ
Hides Behind Umpire’s Chair to Escape Stalker
Emma Raducanu was targeted by "a man who exhibited fixated behaviour" during the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai, tennis officials said Wednesday, after the former US Open champion was reduced to tears on court. The 22-yearold Briton was down 2-0 in the first set against Karolina Muchova on Tuesday when she approached the umpire, then briefly took refuge behind the umpire's chair. Muchova went over to see what was wrong before the 2021 New York champion Raducanu reappeared, wiping away tears with her towel.
The Women's Tennis Association said it would ban the man after what it called "the security incident in Dubai".
"On Monday, February 17, Emma Raducanu was approached in a public area by a man who exhibited fixated behaviour," a statement said.
As social media went berserk, with fans criticising Pakistan's refusal to raise the Indian flag at its stadiums, the PCB brushed aside the controversy, saying the flags of the countries who are playing in Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 have only been raised at the stadiums.
"As you know, India is not coming to Pakistan to play its matches during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025; the National Stadium in Karachi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have hoisted flags of countries that are going to play at the said venues," said a PCB source was quoted as saying by IANS.
New Zealand Crush Pakistan by 60 Runs in Champions Trophy Opener
Will Young and Tom Latham struck fine hundreds as New Zealand maintained their recent dominance over hosts Pakistan with an emphatic 60-run win in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on Wednesday. Young compiled an important innings of 107 off 113 balls, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls to steer the Black Caps to 320 for five after Pakistan put them in to bat. Glenn Phillips' 39-ball 61 also went a long way in the Kiwis getting past the 300-run mark as New Zealand overcame a shaky start.
The Pakistan top-order comprising Babar Azam (64 off 90), Mohammed Rizwan (3 off 14) and Saud Shakeel (6 off 19) were a tad too conservative in
Milind Rege dies of heart attack days after turning 76
Former Mumbai captain and selector Milind Rege, a highly respected figure in domestic cricket, died after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday, just days after turning 76. Rege, who turned 76 last Sunday, was admitted in the intensive care unit of the Breach Candy Hospital here and passed away around 6am on Wednesday morning. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Family Emergency: India's Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Returns Home
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has left for his home in South Africa due to a family emergency.
Morkel, who was appointed for the job in September last year, had travelled to Dubai with the Indian team on Saturday, and also attended the side's first practice session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy beginning on Wednesday.
Manu Bhaker: Jaspal Rana to Remain Coach for April World Cups
their approach. That ultimately cost the home team as it ended with 260 all out in 47.2 overs.
Fakhar Zaman (24 off 41) batted at number four after being off the field for a major part of the New Zealand innings due to an injury scare.
It was New Zealand's third win over Pakistan in less than two weeks, the Kiwis having beaten the Rizwan-led side twice in the preceding tri-series. The sole positive for defending champions Pakistan ahead of their clash against India was the performance of the lower-order with Khushdil Shah smashing 69 off 49 balls. Salman Agha also showed plenty of intent in his 42 off 28 balls but that urgency was missing in the approach of the top-order.
Double Olympic medallist shooter
Manu Bhaker said Jaspal Rana will continue to be her "coach" despite the Dronacharya awardee being roped in as the High Performance trainer for pistol discipline by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) earlier this month.
Rana, a four-time Asian Games gold medallist, had a fall-out with Manu before the Tokyo Olympics but they reconciled before the last year's Paris Games, where the latter made history by bagging two bronze medals.
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Elon Musk's DOGE claimed it saved $8 billion in one contract. It was actually $8 million
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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), championed by Elon Musk, claimed on Monday to have canceled government contracts totaling $16 billion in savings. However, scrutiny of one major contract suggests a significant miscalculation.
Nearly half of the savings came from an $8 billion Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract. But federal records show the contract’s actual value was $8 million, not $8 billion. The contract, awarded to D&G Support Services in 2022, was meant for diversity and civil rights support at ICE. By January 2024, its value was revised to $8 million, and it was canceled shortly after.
DOGE’s website initially displayed a federal database screenshot showing
Trump Blames Ukraine for War
United States President Donald Trump has said he will “probably” meet Russian President Vladimir Putin this month while launching a broadside effectively accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being to blame for Moscow’s invasion. Addressing reporters after US and Russian officials met for their first round of talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Trump dismissed complaints that Kyiv had been denied a seat at negotiations to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it’s going very well. But today, I heard, ‘Oh, well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been there for three years. You should have ended it…,” Trump said at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
“You should have never started it. You could have made a deal. I could have made a deal for Ukraine.”
Trump said that he was “much more confident” of reaching an agreement following the talks in Riyadh led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
In an opinion poll carried out by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology in December, 52 percent of respondents said they trusted Zelenskyy, down 12 percentage points from February. “That’s not a Russia thing, that’s something coming from me, and coming from many other countries also.”
Musk acknowledged the potential for errors in DOGE’s work, stating, “Some things I say will be incorrect and should be corrected.” The Trump administration, while publicly appointing Musk to lead DOGE, denied in court that he is a federal employee.
the contract's correct $8 million value but still claimed $8 billion in savings. After this discrepancy was highlighted, DOGE removed the screenshot but maintained its inflated savings figure, linking to the outdated contract version.
The actual savings from the contract’s
Donald Trump living in Russian 'disinformation space': Zelenskyy
ratings haven't been reliable in Ukraine because of the fighting.
cancellation are much smaller. Of the $8 million, $2.5 million had already been spent, meaning at most $5.5 million was saved—far from the reported $8 billion.
Musk acknowledged the potential for errors in DOGE’s work, stating, “Some things I say will be incorrect and should be corrected.” The Trump administration, while publicly appointing Musk to lead DOGE, denied in court that he is a federal employee.
D&G Solutions, the contractor, holds over 40 federal contracts and generates around $50 million annually. Its founder, Mark Jones, declined to comment on the cancellation or the reported error.
This $7.992 billion miscalculation was found in the first contract reviewed, raising concerns about DOGE’s overall accounting accuracy.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that US President Donald Trump is living in a Russian “disinformation space” regarding his previous day's comments about the Ukrainian leader's approval rating. Trump said at Mar-aLago that Zelenskyy's rating stood at 4 per cent.
relentless onslaught in eastern areas by Russia's bigger army is grinding down Ukrainian forces, which are slowly but steadily being pushed backward at some points on the 1,000-kilometre front line.
Trump told reporters at his Florida residence Tuesday that Ukraine “should have never started” the war and “could have made a deal” to prevent it.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that US President Donald Trump is living in a Russian “disinformation space” regarding his previous day's comments about the Ukrainian leader's approval rating.
Trump said at Mar-a-Lago that Zelenskyy's rating stood at 4 per cent. Zelenskyy replied in a news conference in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv that “we have seen this disinformation. We understand that it is coming from Russia.”
He said that Trump “lives in this disinformation space.”
Trump also suggested Ukraine ought to hold elections, which have been postponed due to the war and the consequent imposition of martial law, in accordance with the Ukrainian Constitution.
Public opinion polls and approval
Zelenskyy made the comments shortly before he was expected to meet with Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday.
Kellogg will meet Zelenskyy and military commanders as the US shifts its policy away from years of efforts to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump suggested Tuesday that Kyiv was to blame for the war, which enters its fourth year next week, as talks between top American and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia sidelined Ukraine and its European supporters. Trump's comments are likely to vex Ukrainian officials, who have urged the world to help them fight Russia's full-scale invasion that began February 24, 2022.
The battlefield has also brought grim news for Ukraine in recent months. A
Kellogg said his visit was “a chance to have some good, substantial talks.” Zelenskyy cancelled his planned Wednesday trip to Saudi Arabia in what some analysts saw as an attempt to deny legitimacy to the US-Russia talks about the future of his country. American officials have signaled that Ukraine's hopes of joining NATO in order to ward off Russian aggression after reaching a possible peace agreement won't happen. Zelenskyy says any settlement will require US security commitments to keep Russia at bay.
“We understand the need for security guarantees,” Kellogg said in comments carried by Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Novyny on his arrival at Kyiv train station.
“It's very clear to us the importance of the sovereignty of this nation and the independence of this nation as well. ... Part of my mission is to sit and listen,” the retired three-star general said.
Kellogg said he would convey what he learns on his visit to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “and ensure that we get this one right.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left), Donald Trump
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Trump Questions
$21M Aid to India Amid DOGE Cuts
On February 16, DOGE published a list of taxpayer-funded programs that have been cut, including the $21 million allocated for India's voter turnout.
New Delhi: Days after the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, scrapped a $21 million grant intended to boost "voter turnout" in India, President Donald Trump defended the move and questioned why US taxpayers' money was used for this initiative. "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?" President Trump said at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Sheikh Hasina Vows Return, Yunus Responds
Dhaka: Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India, called the South Asian nation's interim government chief Muhammad Yunus a "mobster" and accused him of unleashing "terrorists" and fostering "lawlessness" in the country. In response, Dhaka reaffirmed its commitment to bringing her back from India and stressed securing Ms Hasina's extradition remains its top priority. Ms Hasina, who fled to India after her government was toppled in a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024, on Monday held a one-onone interaction on Zoom with the widows of four policemen killed during last July's student uprising. During the conversation, the ousted leader commiserated on their tragic loss and promised redressal upon her return.
Yogi Adityanath Dismisses Faecal Bacteria Report as 'Propaganda'
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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that making baseless allegations or circulating “fake videos” against Sanatan Dharma, “Maa Ganga, India or the Maha Kumbh” is like playing with the faith of the crores of people who have taken a holy dip at the ongoing Mela in Prayagraj. CM Yogi Adityanath also said that Sangam water is fit for not only for dip but also for drinking and alleged propaganda to malign Maha Kumbh after faecal bacteria report by the CPCB. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Monday informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that various
Qatar Commits To Investing $10 Billion In India
Qatar has committed to investing $10 billion in India across various sectors, the two nations said in a joint statement on Tuesday, after Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had a "very productive meeting" with Qatar's Emir, who was on a two-day visit to New Delhi.
"Trade featured prominently in our talks. We want to increase and diversify IndiaQatar trade linkages," Mr Modi said in a
post on X. It was the first such visit by a Qatari Emir to the South Asian nation in 10 years.
According to the statement, Qatar will invest $10 billion in India in infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, food security, logistics, hospitality and other sectors.
The two countries will aim to double their annual trade to $28 billion in the next five years and are exploring the signing of a free trade agreement, the Indian foreign ministry said earlier in the day.
locations in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh were not conforming to the primary water quality for bathing with respect to the level of faecal coliform. Faecal coliform bacteria are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. They are commonly used as indicators of potential contamination in water, as their presence suggests that the water may also contain harmful pathogens, such as viruses, parasites, or other bacteria, that originate from faecal matter or stool that is excreted from the intestines of animals and humans.
Trump: Musk Won’t Be Involved in Space Decisions
Palm Beach, United States: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will not let billionaire Elon Musk take part in any spacerelated government decisions, when the president was asked about Musk's potential conflicts of interest amid his drive to cut government spending.
"So anything to do with possibly even space, we won't let Elon partake in that," Trump told reporters.
The White House has previously said Musk would excuse himself from any conflicts of interest between his various business interests and efforts to cut costs for the federal government via his Department of Government Efficiency.
Elon Musk Claims Biden Left Sunita Williams In Space For "Political Reasons"
Washington DC:
US President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk have claimed that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were "abandoned" at International Space Station (ISS) for "political reasons" and that the previous Biden administration was "going to leave them in space." The remarks were made when Trump and Musk sat down for their first joint interview with Fox News's Sean Hannity. When Hannity asked the President and his advisor about the "two astronauts that I think were abandoned", Musk said, "At the
Donald Trump claimed the previous Joe Biden administration was going to leave NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore in space.
President's request, we - or instruction, we are accelerating the return of the
astronauts, which was postponed, kind of, to a ridiculous degree."
"They got left in space," Trump chimed in.
Musk seconded the President's claim and said, " Yes, they were left up there for political reasons, which is not good."
When asked about Space X's mission to bring back Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, Musk said, "Well, we don't want to be complacent, but we have brought astronauts back from the space station many times before, and always with success."
When asked about the timeline of the mission, Musk said, "I think it's aboutabout four weeks to bring them back."
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China Angered by US Taiwan Policy Shift
The US State Department has dropped a statement from its website which stated that Washington does not support Taiwan's independence - a move which has sparked anger in China.
China said the revision "sends a wrong... signal to separatist forces advocating for Taiwan independence", and asked the US to "correct its mistakes".
Bhaker named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year
Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker has been named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2024 after a global public vote. The 22-year-old was recognised for her historic achievement in becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an OIympic medal in shooting when she won bronze in the women's 10m air pistol in Paris.
Three critically injured after plane flips at Toronto airport
One child and two adults have been critically injured after a plane crashed and overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson airport in Canada, according to emergency services.
Images shared on social media show a plane which appears to have flipped over and is lying on its roof on the snow-covered tarmac. It appears to be missing at least one of its wings.
Toronto Pearson airport said the crash involved a Delta Air Lines flight arriving from Minneapolis, and that "all passengers and crew are accounted for".
$1 Billion Deal for 788 Air Ambulances
Nationwide Service Soon
A major deal has been signed to provide emergency healthcare services to citizens across all districts of India. Reports indicate that a $1 billion (approximately Rs. 86 billion) deal has been made to purchase 788 air ambulances. These air ambulances will be supplied by a startup associated with IIT Madras and
deployed in every district of the country.
The air ambulances will be provided by India’s leading air ambulance company, ICATT, and will be equipped with electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technology, which eliminates pollution. eVTOL is a battery-operated aircraft capable of taking off and landing at high altitudes.
The goal is to start operating the air ambulance service by the last quarter of 2026, with a production capacity of 100 units annually.
The founder of ePlane, Professor Satyajit Chakraborty from IIT Madras, is working to raise $100 million (around Rs. 860 crore) for the project. So far, $2 million has been raised from investors.
Gyanesh Kumar Named Chief Election Commissioner
New Delhi:
Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the senior of the two election commissioners after Chief Election Commission Rajiv Kumar, will succeed him, the government announced late this evening. As the next Chief Election Commissioner, he would be in charge
of elections in five states - Oppositionruled Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and NDA-ruled Bihar and Assam -- in the immediate future. The election in Bihar is due later this year - the rest take place in 2026.
Mr Kumar, who will stay in the post January 26, 2029 -- will altogether steer the Commission through 20 Assembly elections, elections for President and Vice-President in 2027, and preparations for the 2029 Lok Sabha election.
The announcement came shortly after a meeting of the Election Committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, where the Congress leader had given a note of dissent.
Russia-US Talks: Zelensky in Saudi, Europe Urgent Meet
Saudi Arabia is set to host talks between top diplomats from Russia and the US to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also visit Saudi Arabia, but a day later, with no plans to meet officials from either side.
Kyiv expressed frustration over being excluded, stating it will not recognize any agreements made without its participation. This meeting marks the first high-level dialogue between Russia and the US since the war began in February 2022. The Kremlin sees it as a step toward normalizing relations, sidelining Europe in the process.
US Tightens H1B Visa Rules
After Donald Trump returned to power as the US President, he initiated several policy changes, including significant revisions to H1B visa rules. Under the new rules, a technical degree alone won’t suffice; skills will be prioritized. Applicants can list all their qualifications, but at least one must be directly related to their job. The US issues around 65,000 H-1B visas annually for technical workers, allowing people from India and other countries to work in the US.
Ukraine Rejects Trump’s Request for Mineral Wealth
MUNICH — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a Trump administration request this past week that Kyiv hand over 50 percent of its mineral resources — an extraordinary demand that could significantly overshadow the value of aid that has been sent to
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Putin's top aide Yuri Ushakov, along with a top-level delegation will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other top diplomats from the United States.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the discussions, with a potential US-Russia summit involving Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on the horizon. In response, European leaders, alarmed by Washington's policy shift, gathered in Paris for an urgent meeting. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit included leaders from Germany, Britain, Italy, and NATO. British PM Keir Starmer warned of a potential need to deploy troops, emphasizing the significance of this moment for Europe’s security. The war nears its third anniversary on February 24.
The request came when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Kyiv on Wednesday, becoming the first Trump Cabinet official to meet the Ukrainian leader, according to three senior Ukrainian officials, two European diplomats and two more people familiar with the situation.
Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials are working on a counterproposal that would still offer Washington more access to the country’s natural resources but would bolster U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, seven people familiar with the discussions said.
Zelensky told reporters Saturday that he had not agreed to the Trump administration’s proposal “because it’s not ready yet.” He said that security guarantees were not part of the U.S. proposal, and that Ukraine needed that in any agreement with the United States. “We can consider how to distribute profits when security guarantees are clear. So far, I have not seen that in the document,” he told reporters at an annual gathering of U.S. and European security elite.
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Trump's Aid Freeze May Cause AIDS Deaths: UN
Donald Trump's decision to suspend US overseas funding could result in millions more deaths from AIDS, the head of the UN's programme for the illness warned.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:
President Donald Trump's decision to suspend US overseas funding could result in millions more deaths from AIDS, the head of the UN's programme for the illness warned Sunday. The United States is the world's largest provider of official development assistance, with most funds directed through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The US move included a 90-day suspension of all work by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), although his administration later issued waivers for medication under the programme.
Netanyahu Warns Hamas: "Gates of Hell" If...
Jerusalem:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to "open the gates of hell" in Gaza if Hamas does not return all hostages, pointing to a joint US-Israeli strategy to take on the Palestinian militants.
"We have a common strategy, and we can't always share the details of this strategy with the public, including when the gates of hell will be opened, as they surely will if all our hostages are not released until the last one," Netanyahu said in a joint statement with visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "We will eliminate Hamas's military capability and its political rule in Gaza," the statement added. "We will bring all our hostages home, and we will ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.
Former CEC Quraishi Denies U.S. Funding for Voter Turnout in India
"The report... about an MoU by the ECI in 2012, when I was CEC, for funding of certain million dollars by a U.S. agency for raising voter turnout in India does not have an iota of fact," S.Y. Quraishi said in a statement.
Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Qureshi on Sunday denied reports that a U.S. agency had funded efforts to raise voter turnout in India during his tenure. The claim followed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, about cutting USD 21 million allocated for "voter turnout in India."
Qureshi dismissed the media reports, clarifying that an MoU with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) was signed in 2012, which only involved training at India's Election Commission's resource center, the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IDEM). He emphasized that there was no
Delhi Earthquake: Strong Tremors Felt on Feb 17
New Delhi: Strong tremors were felt in Delhi and its adjoining areas at 5:36 am today after a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck the national capital.
The National Centre for Seismology, the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake activity in the country, said in an update that tremors were felt across north India, with Delhi as the epicentre. The quake's depth was just 5 km. The epicentre was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of
Though of relatively mild magnitude (4.0), its shallow depth of 5 km meant that the tremors were registered widely; PM Modi urges residents to stay calm yet alert for possible aftershocks
Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, an official told the news agency PTI. That region, which has a lake nearby, has been experiencing smaller, lowmagnitude quakes once every two to three years. It recorded an earthquake of 3.3 magnitude in 2015, he said.
Netanyahu: With U.S. Help, We Can Finish Iran Job
Netanyahu says Israel has dealt a “mighty blow” to Iran over the past 16 months since the start of the war in Gaza and with the support of Donald Trump “I have no doubt we can and will finish the job”
Israel and the United States are both determined to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions and its "aggression" in West Asia, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (February 16, 2025) following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Speaking after a meeting with Mr. Rubio in Jerusalem, Mr. Netanyahu said they had held a "very productive discussion" on a number of issues, "none more important than Iran".
"Israel and America stand shoulder to shoulder in countering the threat of Iran," he said. "We agreed that the Ayatollahs must not have nuclear weapons and also agreed that Iran's aggression in the region must be rolled back."
The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by tech billionaire Elon Musk announced a series of expenditure cuts, including USD 21 million allocated for "voter turnout in India."
financial commitment or funding involved in the MoU. “The agreement explicitly stated there would be no financial or legal obligations on either side,” Qureshi said, refuting any mention of funds in connection with the MoU as false and malicious. Qureshi served as the CEC from July 30, 2010, to June 10, 2012. The U.S. agency’s expenditure cuts also included cancelling USD 486 million in grants to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening.
US Plane Lands in Amritsar with 3rd Batch of Illegal Indians
New Delhi: A plane with 112 Indians, who were deported from the United States for illegally residing in the country, landed in Amritsar on Sunday night, the third such arrival in a span of 10 days as part of the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on such immigrants.
Of the total deportees, 31 are from Punjab, 44 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, two from Uttar Pradesh and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The families of some of them reached the airport to receive them.
Ex-Mauritius PM Jugnauth Arrested for Money Laundering
Port Louis: Police in Mauritius on Sunday arrested the island's former prime minister Pravind Jugnauth in a money-laundering probe and seized stacks of cash in raids on fellow suspects' homes, officials said.
Officers detained the 63-year-old along with his wife Kobita Jugnauth on Saturday and questioned them for several hours, police sources who asked not to be named told AFP.
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Ranveer Singh is NOT turning producer, confirms spokesperson
There have been recent reports claiming that Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh is venturing into film production and has also started scouting for projects. However, his spokesperson has denied all such reports as untrue.
“This news is absolutely untrue, and there is no development like this so far. He is currently shooting and focusing on his upcoming project.”
The reports had claimed that Ranveer was gearing up to launch his own production house, joining the growing list of Bollywood actors who have turned producers. However, this clarification confirms that the actor is not pursuing production at this stage and remains dedicated to his acting commitments.
Ranveer is currently shooting filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar where he is said to be having a meaty role. The film also has an ensemble cast of R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal. The actor was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s cop drama where, apart from him, the cast included Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, among others.
Singer Anuv Jain
Marries Longtime
Girlfriend Hridi Narang
Indie sensation and Gen Z favourite Anuv Jain is now married. The singer married his longtime girlfriend Hridi Narang in a beautiful traditional wedding ceremony. The Tum Mere Ho singer shared the first glimpses of their wedding day on social media. However, the singer didn't mention the name of his partner.
Kumar Sanu Honoured at UK Commons:
"Overwhelmed"
Veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu, whose timeless songs from the 90s continue to be cherished by audiences, recently received two prestigious awards at the UK Parliament. The singer reacted to the honour as he dedicated it to his admirers.
The singer was honored by the House of Commons, UK, for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. This marks the second time the UK Parliament has recognised his remarkable impact on music.
He was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Book of Records, recognizing his extraordinary career and lasting influence on the music world.
Speaking about the achievement, Kumar Sanu shared, “I am both overwhelmed and deeply grateful to receive these prestigious awards. It is a great honor to be recognized for my contribution
to the music industry, especially for recording 28 songs in a single day- a milestone that is very close to my heart”.
He further mentioned, “I sincerely thank my friends, family, and fraternity, but most importantly, my incredible fans, whose love and support have meant everything to me over the years. This honor is truly for all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart”.
The king of melody was joined by his daughter, Shannon K, who accompanied him for a special performance in London following the award ceremonies.
Kumar Sanu expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the honour in a brief acceptance speech, saying, “I am truly honored by these recognitions. Music has been my lifelong passion, and being acknowledged across countries, especially by the UK Parliament for the second time, is incredibly humbling”.
Sikandar New Poster: All Eyes On Salman Khan
The superstar has just unveiled a new poster of his upcoming film, Sikandar, on Instagram. And trust us, it is a total show-stealer.
The poster features Salman in a fierce avatar. Dressed in all black, he sports a rugged bearded look, complete with an earring. But the real highlight? The sheer intensity in his eyes – pure fire!
The poster release comes on a special day – Sikandar's producer, Sajid Nadiadwala's 59th birthday. The project has been bankrolled by Sajid's banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.
Chhaava Box Office Day 4: VickyRashmika's Film Shines on Monday
Vicky Kaushal's latest film, Chhaava, is on track to become Bollywood's first major hit of 2025. Following an exceptional debut and an impressive opening weekend, the film also passed a significant milestone by surpassing the crucial first Monday test, with earnings nearly double that of the next seven highest-grossing Hindi films combined on their respective first Mondays. On Monday, Chhaava raked in an impressive Rs 24 crore nett, marking a 50.52% drop from its Sunday earnings of Rs 48.5 crore, according to Sacnilk. With Chhaava, Rashmika Mandanna has now scored her fourth consecutive theatrical success after Varisu (2023), Animal (2023), and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024).
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Kanwaljit Singh disagrees with Naseeruddin Shah
Amitabh Bachchan “Businessman, not an actor
Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh has responded to Naseeruddin Shah’s recent statement about Amitabh Bachchan, where Shah referred to him as a businessman rather than an actor. Speaking to Hindi Rush, Singh expressed his disagreement with Shah’s opinion while acknowledging his stature in parallel cinema. Kanwaljit Singh, who is receiving praise for his performance in Mrs, defended Amitabh Bachchan’s acting skills. He said, “No, no, I have great regards for Mr. Bachchan. I think he is a very fine actor.” While he respects Naseeruddin Shah’s viewpoint, Singh explained that Bachchan's contributions to Indian cinema cannot be dismissed. Reflecting on the differing paths taken by Bachchan and Shah, Kanwaljit Singh highlighted how the era of parallel cinema shaped careers. He called Naseeruddin Shah ‘lucky’ to have found his niche in serious,
After Criticism, B Praak Now Forgives Ranveer Allahbadia
Singer B Praak was quick to respond to the controversy surrounding YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia after his comment on India's Got Talent sparked widespread backlash. B Praak, who was outspoken about his disapproval of Ranveer's remark, described it as "ghatiya" (low-class) and revealed that he had pulled out of a planned appearance on Ranveer's podcast as a result. This led to speculations about whether he was ever actually invited in the first place. However, in a recent interview, the singer cleared up the matter.
art-house films. “Naseer was lucky to realise that he wouldn’t be cast in commercial films because that was the time when people were making parallel cinema. If those kinds of films weren’t being made, then what?" Singh remarked. He further added, “Naseer is my jaan, I call him the God of acting, but we can’t say that for Bachchan sahab.”
The conversation around Amitabh Bachchan's legacy in cinema is not new. Over the years, Naseeruddin Shah has been vocal about his opinions on mainstream Bollywood. In a 2010 interview with NewsX, he had stated that Sholay—considered one of Hindi cinema’s greatest films—was entertaining but not great.
On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD and Vettaiyan, both of which performed well at the box office.
Naseeruddin Shah was recently seen in Fateh, a 2025 release starring Sonu Sood.
Juhi Chawla's Holy Dip: "Most Beautiful Morning"
Actress Juhi Chawla took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Tuesday and called it the "most beautiful" experience of her life.
Juhi Chawla, known for films like 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', 'Hum Hain Rah Pyar Ke', 'Yes Boss', 'Darr' and 'Ishq' has joined the list of Bollywood celebrities who visited the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
The actress also paid gratitude to the police and others for the grand arrangements at one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world.
The trailer of the highly anticipated thriller Dabba Cartel has just been dropped. the nearly three-minute trailer offers a gripping preview of the story that follows five middleclass women, played by Shabana Azmi and Jyotika, whose seemingly innocent dabba (lunchbox) business takes a dark turn into the dangerous world of drug cartels.
As the story unfolds, the women and their husbands are drawn into a sinister web of crime and deception, linked to the shadowy world of Viva Life Pharmaceuticals. What began as a humble lunchbox service quickly spirals into a perilous game of survival, where double lives are exposed and the stakes grow higher with every twist. The burning question: how far will they go to protect themselves and their families?
The teaser of the upcoming film Bhool Chuk Maaf is out. The film stars Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi in lead roles. Written and directed by Karan Sharma, Bhool Chuk Maaf is set in the culturally rich city of Varanasi. The plot follows two lovers caught in a time loop on the eve of their marriage.
The teaser begins with Rajkummar's character setting the date for his wedding, which falls on the 30th of the month. Both families gather to finalise the arrangements, and the couple is filled with excitement as they prepare for their big day. The teaser shows a joyful haldi ceremony being hosted by the families.
However, a flower pot falls from the rooftop, and something strange occurs the next day. Rajkummar's character realises it's still the 29th, leading to another Haldi ceremony. The cycle repeats, with Rajkummar growing increasingly frustrated and exhausted as he finds himself stuck on the same day.
Arjun Kapoor On No Entry Sequel: "There's No Better Feeling That This"
Actor Arjun Kapoor, who worked with director Anees Bazmee in the 2017 romantic-comedy film, Mubarakan, is excited to team up with him again for No Entry 2, also starring Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh in key roles. While expressing his excitement, he said, "Comedy is a genre that we all enjoy as an audience watching in theatres. Agar aap logon ko hansa sake, issey achi koi feeling hoti nahi. I have done action, drama, and comedy as well. Mai Anees bhai ke saath Mubarakan kar chuka hu aur ab mauka mil raha hai fir se umeed hai jald chalu hoga..will share more details later but yes I am looking forward to doing more comedy.."
US Plane With 119 Deported Indians Lands Amid Opposition Questions
New Delhi:
Amid US President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration, a second US plane carrying 119 deported Indian nationals is expected to arrive at Punjab's Amritsar airport around 10 pm today. Among them, 67 are from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. A third plane carrying the deportees is also expected to land in India tomorrow. The deportations are likely to continue on a bi-weekly basis, with similar flights bringing back Indian nationals in the coming weeks until all undocumented immigrants have returned.
The first US military plane carrying 104
NEWS IN BRIEF
Musk's 3 Wishes From India: Space, Satellites & EVs
Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent meeting with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has sparked significant interest, particularly given Mr Musk's ambitions to expand his businesses in India. During Mr Modi's visit to the U.S. to meet President Donald Trump, the two men met to discuss various issues, including space, mobility, technology, and innovation.
Mr Modi shared details of their meeting on X. This meeting marks another significant interaction between the two, following their previous encounter in New York in 2023. During that meeting, Mr Musk expressed confidence that Tesla would soon enter the Indian market, stating, "I'm confident that Tesla will be in India... as soon as humanly possible".
1. Space Exploration:
Musk seeks collaboration with India in space, mobility, and innovation.
2. Starlink Internet:
Musk wants to launch Starlink to connect India's offline population, despite regulatory hurdles.
3. Tesla's EV Market Entry: Musk aims to enter India's EV market, leveraging new policies for local manufacturing.
deported Indians landed on February 5.
Of them, 33 each were from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each
from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Many of these migrants had spent a huge amount
A second US plane carrying 119 deported Indian nationals is expected to arrive at Punjab's Amritsar airport around 10 pm today.
of money on promises of legal entry into the US. Instead, they endured gruelling, multi-country treks arranged by human traffickers.
As the Indians landed, many horror stories followed about the manner in which they were transported from the US to India. A video shared by the US Border Patrol also showed the migrants being handcuffed and their legs shackled. As they deboarded the plane, visuals showed the Indians made to a shuffled walk - something that is commonly associated with hardened criminals.
Vance's blast at Europe ignores Ukraine and defence agenda
This year's Munich Security Conference (MSC) was supposed to be primarily about two things: how to end the war in Ukraine without giving in to Russia, and how Europe needed to boost its spending on defence.
But the most senior American present, US Vice President JD Vance, used his time at the podium to talk about neither. Instead, he shocked delegates on Friday by roundly attacking Washington's allies, including Britain, in a blistering attack decrying misinformation, disinformation, and the rights of
free speech. It was a very weird 20 minutes - one met largely with silence from delegates in the hall. Even a
Jaishankar Shows Inked Finger Amid US Senator's Democracy Remark
During a discussion on Western democracy, External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar displayed his inked index finger, symbolizing his recent participation in state elections. He emphasized India's robust democratic process, noting that around 700 million of the 900 million electorate voted in the last national elections, with results counted in a single day. Jaishankar challenged the narrative of democracy being in trouble globally, highlighting that voter participation
S Jaishankar defended India's democracy at the Munich Security Conference, contrasting it with the Western view of global democratic decline.
has increased by 20% since India's modern electoral process began. He also dismissed concerns about electoral disputes, stating that India's election results are accepted without controversy. Responding to US Senator Elissa Slotkin's comment that democracy doesn't put food on the table, Jaishankar countered that in India, it does. He explained that India's democratic framework supports nutrition programs benefiting 800 million citizens, directly impacting their health and well-being.
Jaishankar concluded by urging observers not to generalize global democratic challenges, as different regions experience democracy uniquely based on their contexts and societal needs.
joke, "if American democracy can survive 10 years of [climate campaigner] Greta Thunberg scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk", failed to raise a single laugh. He accused European governments of retreating from their values, and ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech. Vance's speech went down very badly - unequivocally badly. It was extraordinarily poorly judged. But who was it aimed at?A US commentator said to me afterwards: "That was all for US domestic consumption."
India Cuts Bourbon Whiskey Tariffs to 50%
New Delhi: America's most popular bourbon whiskey, known for its hint of sweetness, has got a sweet deal in India. Hours before PM Modi held bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump, where the two leaders discussed trade and tariffs among several issues, India slashed import duty on bourbon whiskey by as much as 66.6 per cent. The massive drop in customs duty on bourbon whiskey - from 150 per cent to 50 per cent - was notified on February 13 by the Department of Revenue.
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The recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in several significant developments: Defense Cooperation:
The United States announced plans to enhance military sales to India, including the eventual provision of F-35 fighter jets.
Energy Trade: India agreed to increase its imports of U.S. oil and gas, aiming to reduce the trade deficit between the two nations. Trade Relations:
Despite the positive developments, President Trump emphasized that India would not be exempt from increased U.S. tariffs, citing concerns over India's high import duties. Both leaders expressed a commitment to strengthening economic ties, with discussions of a potential major trade deal later in the year.
Security Collaboration:
The leaders agreed to collaborate on addressing the threat of radical Islamic terrorism and enhancing security cooperation, including joint production in artificial intelligence.
In terms of favorability, the outcomes present advantages for both nations. India benefits from access to advanced U.S. military technology and a strengthened energy partnership, while the U.S. secures a broader market for its defense and energy sectors. However, the imposition of higher U.S. tariffs on Indian goods poses challenges for India, indicating that the meeting's outcomes have mixed implications for both parties.
India-US to Boost Defence, Energy Ties After Modi-Trump Meet
India and the United States have decided to take a big leap in broad-basing their strategic ties in several critical areas, with President Donald Trump announcing after talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Washington is paving the way to provide New Delhi with F-35 fighter jets as part of increasing military supplies by billions of dollars. After holding wide-ranging talks with Modi, Trump said there is a "special bond" between the world's oldest and largest democracies and both sides decided to shore
Trump Approves Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to India
Washington DC:
In a big announcement after his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump said that United States has agreed to extradite 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India. The key accused in the 26/11 terror attack is currently at a high-security prison in the United States and India has been seeking his extradition for years. "We are handing over a very dangerous man to India, one who is accused of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack," President Trump said.
India Faces Impact from Trump’s Tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners has raised global concerns, particularly for India. With India imposing an average 9.5% tariff on U.S. exports compared to the U.S.’s 3% on Indian goods, the country faces significant economic impact.
Ahead of his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump called India a “hard place to do business” due to high tariffs. He stated that companies manufacturing in the U.S. would avoid tariffs entirely, predicting a job surge. Key Indian exports, including food products, textiles, gems, pharma, and autos, may suffer under the new policy. To ease tensions, India is considering tariff cuts on 30+ products and increasing U.S. defense and energy imports. As the tariffs take effect, India, Japan, and the EU are expected to be the hardest hit, with broader global trade consequences, increased consumer prices, and reduced business competitiveness.
up cooperation in diverse areas such as energy, critical technologies and connectivity.
"Starting this year, we will be increasing military sales to India by many billions of dollars,"
Trump said at a joint press conference with Modi. "We are also paving the way to ultimately provide India with F-35 stealth fighters," he said.
Trump said he and PM Modi have reached an agreement on energy that will make the US a leading supplier of oil and gas to India.
Europe Fears TrumpPutin Deal, Ukraine Seeks Inclusion
A “lengthy and highly productive” call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised fears in Europe of a potential “dirty deal” to end the Ukraine war on Moscow’s terms without Kyiv’s involvement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment, stating it was “not pleasant” that Trump contacted Putin before consulting Kyiv. He insisted Ukraine would reject any peace deal made solely by the U.S. and Russia, questioning the West’s commitment to including Ukraine in negotiations during Russia’s ongoing invasion. While Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Ukraine’s involvement in future talks, Trump’s vague response to whether Ukraine would be an equal partner has fueled uncertainty. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against a rushed settlement, emphasizing that no peace deal can succeed without Europe and Ukraine at the table, fearing any exclusion could jeopardize Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security.
Trump Dodges Questions Citing 'Tough Accent'
“I can't understand a word he's saying. It’s the accent.”
During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed a reporter’s question on anti-India groups, claiming, “I can't understand a word he's saying. It’s the accent.” When asked about U.S.India cooperation on Khalistani terrorism and allegations against Indian agencies, Trump again avoided a direct response, instead criticizing India’s strained relations with the Biden administration.
Trump confirmed the immediate extradition of 2008 Mumbai terror accused Tahawwur Rana to India and hinted at more extraditions, emphasizing U.S.-India cooperation on crime. This is not the first time Trump has dismissed journalists due to their accents. Last week, he similarly brushed off an Afghan reporter’s question during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, remarking, “Beautiful voice, beautiful accent, but I can’t understand a word.”
MODI - TRUMP MEETING OUTCOME
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In the United States, eleven percent of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. In simpler terms, that means one in every nine men will face this disease. Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern, contributing to approximately 366,000 deaths annually in the U.S. When prostate cancer spreads to other organs, it is termed metastatic prostate cancer or Stage IV disease. Since testosterone fuels prostate cancer growth, initial treatment focuses on suppressing or eliminating this hormone through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Unfortunately, over time—ranging from months to years—ADT loses its effectiveness, and the cancer continues to grow and spread. This stage of prostate cancer is referred to as Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC).
Dr. Neeraj Agarwal, a Professor of Medicine and Presidential Endowed Chair of Cancer Research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah, presented on February 13 at the ASCO Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, in San Francisco, groundbreaking findings from the Phase 3 TALAPRO-2 trial. The prognosis for patients with metastatic CRPC remains grim, with a median survival of less than three years. However, scientific advancements have uncovered new avenues for treatment. Some patients with metastatic prostate cancer have alterations in DNA damage response genes, affecting a crucial repair mechanism known as homologous recombination repair (HRR). When these genes are faulty, they leave the cancer vulnerable to treatment with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase
How to Walk Backwards
Walking backwards isn’t just about moving in reverse; it also involves changing how your feet strike the ground.
“When we walk forward, we typically heel strike first, meaning our heel makes contact with the ground first, then our midfoot, then our toes. When you’re backwards walking, it’s the opposite. You touch down with your toes first, then through to the ball of your foot and then off of your heel,” says Cheyanne Oakley, BS, ACSM-CPT, an exercise physiologist at Duke Health and Fitness Center in Durham, North Carolina.
Health Benefits of Walking Backward
Improves Balance & Coordination
Walking backward enhances posture, strengthens underused leg and core muscles, and aids balance, benefiting both older and middle-aged adults.
Promotes Joint Health
It’s joint-friendly and can reduce knee, back, or arthritis-related pain by altering how forces are applied to the body.
Boosts Brain Function
Requires focus, improves neuroplasticity, and enhances brain health by creating new neural
Prostate Cancer : TALAPRO-2 Trial
By: Dr Nilesh D Mehta
The TALAPRO-2 trial is the first study to successfully combine a PARP inhibitor (talazoparib) with an Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitor (ARPI) (enzalutamide).
inhibitors (PARPi), a class of drugs designed to exploit these genetic weaknesses.
The TALAPRO-2 trial is the first study to successfully combine a PARP inhibitor (talazoparib) with an Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitor (ARPI) (enzalutamide). The combination demonstrated a clinically
meaningful and statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients with metastatic CRPC. Over 800 patients participated in this trial and the addition of talazoparib extended survival by an average of 8.8 months compared to standard treatment alone. Importantly, benefits were observed in both HRR-deficient
Walking Backwards: Should You Try This Workout Trend?
Is walking backwards, also known as retro walking, a fitness trend you should be trying — assuming you’re willing to get a few quizzical looks from friends and neighbors?
pathways.
Burns More Calories
Retro walking has a higher intensity (6 METs) than regular walking (3.5 METs), burning more calories.
Strengthens Leg Muscles
Engages glutes, quads, hip flexors,
and HRR-non-deficient populations, meaning this therapy holds promise for a broad range of patients.
To better understand HRR genes, imagine your body's DNA as an instruction manual guiding the function of organs and cells. Over time, wear and tear can damage some pages of this manual, requiring repair. HRR genes function as handymen, fixing these damaged pages to keep the body running smoothly. However, cancer cells exploit these repair mechanisms, using them to grow and spread uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, ARPI drugs act as a fire brigade, cutting off the fuel (testosterone) that feeds the flames of cancer. By combining the handyman (HRR-targeting PARPi) and the fire brigade (ARPI), Dr Agarwal’s research team aimed to starve the tumour while making it more susceptible to attack by this combination. This strategy reduced the risk of death by 22%. Though some patients experienced side effects—notably anaemia (low haemoglobin) in 43% of cases, which led to fatigue— most tolerated the combination well. The results of talazoparib and enzalutamide significantly outperformed those of enzalutamide plus placebo, making this a promising new standard of care.
This breakthrough is another example of how molecularly driven precision medicine revolutionises cancer treatment. Research like this allows physicians to develop novel, lifeextending therapies that were once unimaginable. While the battle against prostate cancer continues, studies like TALAPRO-2 remind us that science is steadily turning the tide, giving patients and their families more time, hope, and a better future.
researcher and practitioner, shares key safety tips:
Start Slow
Begin at 1–1.5 mph, as it’s harder than forward walking.
Bring a Buddy
Have someone assist with controls initially for safety.
Be Prepared
Stay ready to grab side rails or use the safety clip if needed.
How to Integrate Walking Workouts into Your Routine
If you decide walking backwards fits in with your fitness goals, try starting out with a few 5- to 10-minute sessions per week once you’re feeling comfortable with the motion, says Gagliardi.
You could do that all in one time block, or mix it with forward walking, he says.
hamstrings, and calves differently, improving posture and muscle strength.
How to Walk Backwards on a Treadmill Safely
Walking backward on a treadmill is great for indoor workouts and tracking progress. Dr. Janet Dufek, a
“For example, try walking forward for 10 minutes and then do 1 to 2 minute intervals of backwards walking,” he says.
Use backwards walking to help achieve the overall fitness goals experts recommend for optimal health: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week and strength training for all major muscle groups at least twice a week, says Gagliardi.
Indian American Spelling Bee Record Holder out with a New Book
At just 15 years old, Akash is a spelling prodigy who has already left an indelible mark on the world of spelling. He holds the record as the youngest boy to ever compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, having participated a record six times. With an incredible list of accomplishments under his belt, including working with legendary comedian Steve Harvey, appearing on TV shows like Little Big Shots and Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, and being featured in documentaries such as the Netflix hit Spelling the Dream, Akash is now ready to share his secret formula for success with the next generation of spellers.
The Journey to Spelling Everything
Akash’s journey began at the tender age of 2 when he competed in his first spelling bee. By 3, he had become a member of MENSA, the prestigious high IQ society, and by 5, he had earned recognition as a Davidson Young Scholar. His passion for spelling and language arts was evident from an early age, and his desire to share his knowledge with others has culminated in Spelling Everything.
His new book is not just a guide for competing in spelling bees—it is a comprehensive resource that takes readers through the fundamentals of spelling, from understanding word roots and spelling rules to mastering strategies for regional and national competitions. With the wisdom of a six-time National Spelling Bee
Krishnamoorthi Discusses Healthcare Workforce with OSF Leaders
PEORIA, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joined OSF HealthCare leadership, regional career and technical education leaders, and representatives from organized labor for a facility tour and roundtable discussion at the Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center, located on the campus of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. A collaboration between the University of Illinois College of Medicine and OSF HealthCare, Jump Simulation is a leader in healthcare innovation and workforce training in Illinois.
During the roundtable, Congressman Krishnamoorthi and participants discussed the current state of Illinois’ healthcare workforce, strategies to maximize the impact of federal funding on career and technical education programs, and the path forward to ensure a strong talent pipeline from Illinois schools to critical sectors like healthcare.
“The strength of our healthcare system depends on the skill of our medical workforce. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with leaders from OSF HealthCare and the Peoria community, including Mayor Ali, to discuss the investments needed.
`A Global Influence
Though Akash’s journey began in Maryland, his accomplishments have garnered international recognition. With a massive following of over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, Akash has become a global inspiration for young learners around the world. As an Indian-American, Akash proudly embraces his heritage. His parents, who immigrated from Andhra Pradesh, India, have been instrumental in his success, and Akash often shares how his cultural background has enriched his approach to language and learning. Through Spelling Everything, Akash hopes to inspire children everywhere to pursue their passions and achieve greatness, just as he has.
The Future of Spelling
Looking ahead, Akash’s aspirations are limitless. With plans to continue competing, mentoring young spellers, and expanding his influence in the world of education and entertainment, Akash is just getting started. He is committed to using his voice to inspire future generations of learners and spellers.
As for Spelling Everything, Akash hopes it will serve as the go-to guide for anyone eager to qualify for the Scripps National Spelling Bee and beyond. His ultimate goal? To make spelling an exciting, accessible, and enjoyable pursuit for kids everywhere, one word at a time.
Migrant Spouses' Legal Status at Risk as U.S. Halts Applications
WASHINGTON, DC- The Trump administration has indefinitely paused all immigration applications filed by migrants from Latin America and Ukraine under certain Biden-era programs, citing fraud and security concerns, according to U.S. officials. The freeze aims to identify fraudulent cases and enhance vetting procedures. This move affects several programs that allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to enter the U.S. legally through humanitarian parole. Among them is "Uniting for Ukraine," which granted safe haven to Ukrainians fleeing war, and the CHNV program, which permitted 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter the U.S. with American sponsors. Another impacted initiative enabled
some Colombians, Ecuadorians, and Central Americans to wait in the U.S. for family-based green cards. Since parole status provides only temporary work permits and deportation protections, many migrants applied for additional benefits, including asylum, green cards, and Temporary Protected Status. However, under a USCIS directive, applications from individuals admitted through these programs will no longer be processed. The decision follows reports of fraudulent applications, including those involving serial sponsors and deceased individuals. USCIS officials argue that existing vetting systems do not sufficiently flag security concerns. The freeze could be lifted after a comprehensive review, but for now, affected migrants face legal uncertainty and potential deportation.
Yale Appoints Sunil Amrith as MacMillan Center Director
NEW HAVEN, CT – Sunil Amrith, a historian specializing in South and Southeast Asia, has been appointed the Henry R. Luce Director of Yale University’s Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. He will assume the role on March 1.
A distinguished scholar, Amrith is the Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History at Yale and a professor at the Yale School of Environment. Since 2020, he has played a key role at the MacMillan Center, chairing the Council on South Asian Studies and expanding its focus on climate change, sustainability, and regional literature. His leadership has strengthened the center’s global standing.
Akash Vukoti, a name synonymous with spelling prowess and childhood brilliance, has released his highly anticipated new book, Spelling Everything (Even Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis)
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Sunil Amrith
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Indian American Doctors Allege Racial Bias, File Lawsuit
Indian-origin physicians -- Kapil Pareek, Jyoti Manekar, and Anisha Patel from Georgia have filed a civil rights lawsuit against Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) as well as three other medical groups. The doctors allege racial discrimination and retaliation. According to the claims made by plaintiffs they were subjected to baseless accusations regarding their fitness for duty and faced retaliation after reporting discriminatory treatment.
The lawsuit, filed late in January, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, accuses NGHS, Northside Hospital, Georgia Urology, and Northeast Georgia Physicians Group of undermining their professional practices due to their Indian heritage.
The doctors claim that even after their practices were transferred from NGHS to Northside Hospital and Georgia Urology, the discriminatory behavior continued.
NGHS has responded to the lawsuit through its attorney, Andria Lure Ryan stating – “Given this is active litigation, we are not in a position to comment and look forward to contesting the claims in court.”
Trump Admin Fires Immigration Judges in Workforce Cut
WASHIINGTON, DC- The Trump administration has fired multiple immigration judges as part of a broader effort to reduce government staff. On Friday, terminations affected five assistant chief immigration judges and the entire December class of new judges yet to be sworn in, totaling 20 judges, according to the Associated Press.
The firings come amid a 3.7 million case backlog in immigration courts, as President Trump pushes to expedite deportations. It remains unclear if replacements will be appointed, but the administration aims to address the pileup. The EOIR did not respond to requests for comment.
Kerry E. Doyle, among those dismissed, announced her firing on LinkedIn, criticizing the move given the backlog.
AG Bondi Sues New York Over Immigration Laws
NEW YORK, NY- The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against New York, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Attorney General Letitia James, alleging they have violated federal law by shielding illegal immigrants, newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday.
"This is a new DOJ," Bondi stated, accusing New York of prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens. The lawsuit targets New York's Green Light laws, which grant driver's licenses to undocumented individuals and limit federal access to DMV records. Bondi argued these policies endanger law enforcement officers by preventing them from verifying identities.
Hochul dismissed the lawsuit as "worthless" and "publicity-driven," emphasizing that federal officials can access DMV data with a judicial warrant. She defended New York's commitment to welcoming immigrants while ensuring public safety. James also vowed to defend the state's laws.
At the press conference, Bondi was joined by "angel mom" Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was murdered by an MS-13 gang member. Nobles blamed federal immigration failures for the tragedy, while Bondi urged states to comply with federal law.
"This is simple," Bondi said. "One angel mom is too many. States must comply with the law, or we will hold them accountable."
NYC Issues Guidance to Block ICE Entry Into Public Buildings Without a Warrant
NEW YORK, NY- Mayor Eric Adams is embracing a nonprosecution deal aimed at aiding his cooperation with President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, while his administration retreats from a controversial directive to city workers. In a video message Tuesday, Adams’ corporation counsel, Muriel GoodeTrufant, outlined guidance for city employees if federal immigration agents arrive at city buildings, aligning with New York City’s sanctuary laws. A prior directive that urged cooperation if workers “felt threatened” was removed, replaced with instructions to “never engage in a physical or verbal altercation with law enforcement.” Employees are advised to consult their agency’s counsel
Modi Hosts Vivek Ramaswamy and Fatherin-Law at Blair House
WASHINGTON, DC – Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Blair House on February 13, accompanied by his father-in-law. Following the meeting, Ramaswamy praised Modi as "thoughtful" and "deeply knowledgeable" on a wide range of issues. Their discussion covered innovation, culture, and India-U.S. relations, with India's Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and other officials in attendance. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the conversation also touched on biotechnology and the role of entrepreneurship in shaping the future. Modi later shared photos from the meeting on X, writing, "Met Mr. @ VivekGRamaswamy and his father-inlaw in Washington, DC. We talked about diverse issues, including innovation, culture, and more."
Ramaswamy was previously appointed to co-head DOGE alongside Elon Musk but was later ousted by the latter.
ICE Raids in Durham: Several Indians Taken into Custody
DURHAM, NC – A recent immigration raid in Durham has heightened concerns within the Triangle’s Indian American community as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigration.
and comply with judicial warrants. Goode-Trufant emphasized protecting frontline workers from unnecessary risks. The updated guidance, expected this week, follows a meeting where Adams warned officials not to criticize Trump or interfere with federal immigration actions. Hours later, the Justice Department dropped four corruption charges against Adams, citing the need for his immigration cooperation. The revised policy aligns with prior instructions requiring legal approval before allowing federal agents access. Immigration advocates, including Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition, remain skeptical, urging Adams to explicitly reject collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.
As per report, ICE agents detained 11 individuals in multiple raids, including three men of Indian origin. Footage from a north Durham neighborhood showed officers surrounding a car and later entering a home.
Morrisville Councilmember Steve Rao expressed unease over ICE’s methods, stating, “It’s unsettling when people are taken without clear information. These are community members we know.” He also highlighted risks for the tech industry, where many rely on H-1B visa holders. An expired visa or overstay can suddenly put someone at risk of deportation.
Rao urged businesses to verify immigration status carefully. Meanwhile, community members criticized ICE’s home raids, fearing they foster anxiety and weaken trust between immigrants and law enforcement.
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Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
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Poster Release Ceremony for Upcoming Film "THE UNKNOWN MIND" Held in Chicago
CHCAGO, IL- February 15, 2025: The muchanticipated poster release ceremony for the upcoming film "THE UNKNOWN MIND" took place at Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant in Carol Stream, IL. The film is produced by Raj Patel and Bhojraj Nawani under the banner of Nostrum Entertainment 5 and is directed by Vinod Tewari.
A Powerful Story Inspired by True Events
"THE UNKNOWN MIND" is a gripping tale based on true events and the biography of an individual who faced a rare, life-altering mental disorder. The movie seeks to bring awareness to this little-known condition, which affects 3 out of 1,000 people in India and 5.1 out of 1,000 in the United States.
Despite its prevalence, 72% of patients in rural India and 83.3% in urban non-metro areas remain untreated, primarily due to a lack of awareness— even among medical professionals.
A Visionary Team Behind the Film
The makers of the critically acclaimed films "The Conversion" and "Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle" bring their expertise to this thought-provoking project. With a story and concept by Raj Patel, a screenplay by Vandana Tiwari, and direction by Vinod Tewari, "THE UNKNOWN MIND" aims to shed light on the struggles faced by individuals living with this disorder.
FISANA Elects New Leadership: Suresh Patel Takes Charge as President
NEW JERSEY- The Federation of Indo American Seniors Association of North America (FISANA) has announced its newly elected leadership, with Mr. Suryakant Patel assuming the role of President, succeeding Mr. Bharat Rana.
Mr. Suresh Patel, an active community leader for the past 15 years, continues his dedicated service as the President of Bridgewater Seniors Association. After immigrating to New Jersey from India 40 years ago, he established his own business. Upon reaching retirement, he decided to shift his focus to community service, contributing significantly to various initiatives supporting seniors. As an umbrella organization representing nearly 20 senior associations, FISANA organizes a range of events throughout
the year, including summer picnics, domestic trips, Diwali celebrations, Mother's Day and Father's Day events, and musical programs, among others. These gatherings provide entertainment, engagement, and support through sponsors and community participation. Prominent business leader and entrepreneur Mr. Piyush Patel has been elected as Chairperson and will continue to offer both financial and physical support to senior initiatives. Serving as Vice Chairs, Dr. Mukund Thakar, Subhash Doshi, and Rati Patel will uphold their commitment to FISANA’s mission.
Mr. Suresh Patel encourages other senior associations to join FISANA, strengthening its collective voice for social and political advocacy, ensuring a united and empowered community.
Vindhya Tiwari in a Powerful Lead Role
Renowned actress Vindhya Tiwari takes on the lead role in what is expected to be an emotionally charged performance. Her portrayal will bring to life the devastating effects of the disorder, not only on the individual but also on their families and society.
Production and Release Updates
The film is set to begin shooting on April 10, 2025, in Chicago, USA. As "THE UNKNOWN MIND" progresses toward release, it promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Hindi cinema, offering an unprecedented cinematic experience while raising awareness about mental health.
AMO Aircraft Targeted with Lasers
WASHINGTON, DC- Over the past four months, Air Interdiction Agents with Air and Marine Operations have faced six laser-targeting incidents, forcing evasive maneuvers. Each case involved crews and aircraft struck by lasers while conducting border security operations. The latest occurred on Feb. 9, about 13 miles west of McAllen International Airport, when an AS-350 helicopter was hit three times by a laser from a vehicle on the
Mexican riverbank. On Jan. 9, a similar incident in Jacksonville, Florida, led to an arrest, with the suspect facing felony state charges. Fortunately, no pilots or crew were injured, and investigations are ongoing.
Laser strikes pose severe risks, potentially blinding aircrew and causing midair collisions. While handheld lasers are legal, aiming one at an aircraft is a federal crime, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Air and Marine Operations urges the public to report such dangerous activity.
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Director Vinod Tewari unveils the official poster for the upcoming film The Unknown Mind alongside the vibrant Chicago communityInfo & Photos by Jayantii Oza
Kash Patel Moves Forward in Senate Despite FBI Purge Allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C. Kash Patel has cleared a key Senate panel despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers regarding his role in what they describe as an effort to purge the FBI. Patel, a former Trump administration official, has been a controversial figure due to his involvement in efforts to reshape federal law enforcement agencies. Democrats raised concerns over Patel's alleged role in attempting to politicize the FBI and intelligence agencies. They argued that his past actions, including his involvement in investigating the origins of the Russia probe, indicate a partisan agenda. Despite their objections, Patel secured approval from the panel, marking a significant
step forward in his political trajectory. Republicans defended Patel, highlighting his experience and commitment to government transparency. They dismissed Democratic claims, asserting that his actions were aimed at holding intelligence agencies accountable rather than engaging in partisan purges. This development signals ongoing partisan tensions over law enforcement oversight and the future of intelligence operations. Patel's clearance from the Senate panel suggests strong Republican backing, potentially paving the way for further appointments or influence in federal security matters. His role will likely remain a focal point in debates over the balance between political influence and institutional independence within federal agencies
Indian Seniors of Chicago Celebrate Valentine's Day and Member Birthdays
CHCAGO, IL- On February 8, 2025, the Indian Seniors of Chicago (ISC) held their general meeting at Manav Seva Mandir's Mahalaxmi Hall, attended by 360 members. Conducted by Navinbhai Patel, the meeting began with Bhupendra and Geeta Suthar leading Ganesh Stuti and Shri Hanuman Chalisa. Hemant Modi presented the January financial report and acknowledged donor contributions.
February birthday celebrants were honored with flowers by Manjulaben and Urmilaben Patel, while all members sang "Baar Baar Ye Din Aaye." Vice President Kantibhai Patel highlighted the importance of yoga, balanced
Aries
nutrition, and a positive mindset for senior well-being. Shri C.V. Desai then shared insights about the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, emphasizing its historical and spiritual significance.
A special Valentine's Day program featured devotional love songs, with performances by Hemantbhai Modi, Jayesh and Neelam Shah, and several others. A captivating Radhakrishna and Gopis dance delighted the audience.
The Desai family, sponsors of the lunch, were honored by ISC.
Nitinbhai Patel provided updates on the Bensonville Mokshdham project, and ISC pledged $15,001 in support.
Jayantibhai Oza distributed copies of Jewels of Gujarat to ISC leaders.
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
21st February 2024 to 26th February 2025
Ganesha says that for Aries people, you will start getting the desired success in your work from the beginning of the week. Not only juniors but also seniors will be kind to you in the workplace. During this time, advice from a senior person can prove to be very beneficial for you.
Taurus
Ganesha says that for the people of the Taurus zodiac, at the beginning of the week, you may face physical and mental pain due to the re-emergence of seasonal or old diseases. If your health does not support you, your planned work may remain pending. This week you will have to avoid the habit of spending lavishly, otherwise, your budget may get spoiled.
Gemini
Ganesha says that this week will bring auspiciousness and good fortune for the people of the Gemini zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may hear some good news related to your child, which will increase your respect in society. Your seniors will be kind to you in the workplace. The desire for a much-awaited transfer or promotion may be fulfilled.
Cancer
Ganesha says that this week may have some ups and downs for people of the Cancer zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may have to rush a lot even for small tasks. The health of any female member of the house will also become a major cause of your worry.
Leo
Ganesha says that for the people of Leo zodiac, from the beginning of the week, all your planned tasks will be completed on time, due to which you will see a different enthusiasm and confidence within you. The special thing is that this week both your health and friends will support you a lot.
Virgo
Ganesha ays that this week is going to be more auspicious and beneficial for the people of the Virgo zodiac than the previous week. At the beginning of the week, you may suddenly have to face some big problem, but you will face that challenge boldly and perform your responsibilities in a better way.
Libra
Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious for Libra too. At the beginning of the week, you may hear some good news related to your career or business. During this period, there will be a possibility of promotion in the workplace. People who were thinking of changing their jobs for a long time may get better opportunities.
Scorpio
Ganesha says that if people of Scorpio zodiac sign manage to manage their time and money this week, they can achieve more success than expected. You will get full support from your close friends in completing your planned work and facing challenges related to life.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that people of Sagittarius zodiac sign will be successful in completing all their work on time this week with their wisdom. This week will prove to be lucky for employed people. If your promotion or transfer has been stalled for a long time, then this week all the obstacles coming in the way of your desire will be removed.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that this week is going to be more auspicious and favorable for the people of Capricorn than the previous week. At the beginning of the week, ongoing differences with siblings will be resolved with the help of a senior family member. Will inherit ancestral property.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that the people of the Aquarius zodiac will need more hard work and effort this week to achieve the desired success. Employed people will have to be very careful of those people in their workplace who often try to create obstacles in their work. This week, it would be better to ignore the small things of people both at home and outside.
Pisces
Ganeshasays that the planned works of Pisces people will be completed on time this week, due to which there will be a different enthusiasm within them.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
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COMMUNITY NEWS
FBI Takes Action to Protect Your Hard-Earned Money
WASHINGTON, DC- As cryptocurrency investment fraud scams blanket the nation, causing unprecedented financial and psychological hardship to tens of thousands of Americans, the FBI is stepping up with a hands-on measure to protect the public.
Operation Level Up is a proactive initiative to identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud. Using sophisticated techniques, the FBI identifies victims who are actively being defrauded and promptly intervenes by contacting those victims.
Since the start of Operation Level Up over a year ago, the FBI has notified more than 4,300 victims spanning all 50 states. Of these victims, 76 percent were not aware they were being scammed. Through these notification efforts, the FBI has saved victims more than $285 million.
"The FBI is committed to protecting citizens from cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes," said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. "Unfortunately, we continue to see these scams grow and evolve every day. It doesn't matter where the subjects are—we will use every tool at our disposal to stop them from targeting U.S. citizens. By raising awareness, we can prevent countless people from losing their savings and send a clear message to criminals that these schemes will not be tolerated."
Cryptocurrency investment frauds are elaborate schemes that often involve unsolicited online contact, a long period of trust building, fake investment opportunities, and a false sense of urgency to send money, perpetrated by
PCA
Brentwood
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individuals typically located overseas who target victims in the United States.
In Operation Level Up, specially trained FBI and U.S. Secret Service Agents are contacting victims directly to prevent further victimization and financial loss. Agents also explain how these crimes work and how to avoid them in the future, outline how to file a report with federal law enforcement, and provide access to mental health and other resources to assist with the impacts of these crimes.
In numerous instances, victims told the FBI that the notification stopped them from liquidating their entire retirement accounts, selling their homes, or taking out costly loans to continue investing in fake cryptocurrency applications. Due to the profound emotional toll these scams Federal Bureau of Investigation 935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20535 – 0001 can have, dozens of
Hosts Traditional "Dheeyan Di Lohri" with Cultural Fervor
BRENTWOOD, CA – The Punjabi Cultural Association (PCA) Brentwood hosted a "Dheeyan Di Lohri" celebration, dedicated to honoring daughters. The event featured captivating performances by singers Sukhdev Sahil and Mandeep Sidhu, who engaged the audience for nearly two hours.
Lohri traditionally marks the arrival of longer days after the winter solstice and is often associated with celebrating the birth of male children. However, "Dheeyan Di Lohri" aims to highlight the significance of daughters and promote
gender equality.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, the "Raunak Punjab Di" Gidha team, composed of local Punjabi women, delivered an energetic performance. Held in an open-air venue, the event attracted around 300 attendees, a remarkable turnout given the smaller Punjabi community in the area.
PCA Brentwood Chairman Bhupinder Singh Bajwa expressed gratitude for the community's enthusiastic response and announced the association's participation in the upcoming American Independence Day celebrations.
victims contacted through Operation Level Up were referred to the FBI Victim Services Division and provided direct support and lifesaving measures.
The FBI also works through our Legal Attaché offices located around the world to collaborate with international law enforcement partners and share hundreds of foreign victims identified through Operation Level Up for intervention. Information about illicit applications, websites, and social media accounts are also collected from victims and shared with technology companies for their awareness.
Below are some tips to help protect yourself from these scams:
• Do not release any financial or personal identifying information and do not send any money to someone you met online.
• Do not invest solely based on the advice of someone you met online.
• Do not download or use any unfamiliar
applications or click on any links sent to you by someone you met online.
• Do not pay any additional fees or taxes to withdraw money you have invested in a potential scheme.
• Do not pay for services that claim to be able to recover lost funds, as these are often scams as well.
The FBI knows some individuals involved in criminal activity may try to discourage victims from heeding our warnings. It's important to stay vigilant and cautious if someone advises you to disregard communications from the FBI or provides you with instructions on how to respond to the FBI.
The FBI is launching this public awareness campaign to educate the public, so no one falls victim to these fast-evolving schemes. We also want the public to have information readily available in case they are contacted by the FBI.
If an FBI agent contacts you via phone or email, the FBI will never ask for money, or ask to move communications to private messaging applications, or request bank account details or personal identifying information, other than confirming your identity with information already possessed. When they call or email, agents will provide you with methods you can use to confirm they are truly FBI agents. When in doubt, visit or call your local FBI field office for further clarification: https:// www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices
If you think you may be a potential victim, you should stop sending money immediately and file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Rep. Raja & John Moolenaar Picks Uyghur Leader for Nobel
genocide and oppression.
WASHINGTON, DC Congressmen
Raja Krishnamoorthi and John Moolenaar, members of the China panel, have nominated the Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) and freedom of expression advocate Li Ying, known as "Teacher Li" on social media, for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA).
The lawmakers praised the nominees for their unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and efforts to protect the Uyghur people from
An estimated 12 million Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, live in the Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwestern China, where they face severe repression by the Chinese government, RFA reports. This includes arbitrary detentions, forced labor, family separations, religious persecution, and suppression of Uyghur identity and culture. "In the face of one of the most pressing human rights crises today, the Campaign for Uyghurs and Teacher Li continue to shed light on these issues despite significant challenges.
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(L-R) U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi & John Moolenaar
Lt. Gov. Miller Highlights Disability Employment Gap
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ANNAPOLIS, MD – Lieutenant Governor Aruna K. Miller testified before the House Appropriations Committee in support of House Bill 502 (HB502), which proposes the creation of the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy (ODEAP) and designates Maryland as a Model Employer. The bill, part of the national SAME initiative, seeks to expand job opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities.
Miller emphasized the state's responsibility to lead by example, stating, "Our mission is to make Maryland a national leader in employing individuals with disabilities while addressing both employment disparities and workforce shortages." Currently, only 45% of Marylanders with disabilities aged 1864 are employed, compared to 79% of those without disabilities. Meanwhile, Maryland faces a labor shortage, with only 40 workers available for every 100 jobs.
The bill aims to bridge these gaps by
Democrats Set Up Trump Misconduct Hotline
WASHINGTON, DC - Senate Democrats have launched an online portal for whistleblowers to report misconduct within federal agencies. This initiative comes in response to executive actions by President Donald Trump that have sparked opposition and legal challenges.
In a public letter, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, emphasized the importance of whistleblowers in exposing fraud and abuse. The portal enables civil service employees and other public servants to report abuses of power, threats to public safety, and concerns like retaliation, wasteful spending, fraud, and criminal activity.
"Whistleblowers play a critical role in uncovering wrongdoing in the federal government. If you have information about misconduct or threats to public safety, we are here to support your pursuit of truth and justice," the letter stated.
The Trump administration's policies, including hiring practices, federal workforce protections, and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire Elon Musk, have faced significant legal scrutiny. Senate Democrats view the portal as a crucial tool for oversight and accountability, ensuring that public servants can safely report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
supporting job seekers with disabilities and enhancing workforce participation. Establishing ODEAP will provide critical resources and promote best hiring practices through the Model Employer initiative.
A strong advocate for economic
equity, Miller praised Governor Wes Moore's leadership and reaffirmed her administration's commitment to removing employment barriers. She will testify before the Senate Finance Committee on February 18 in support of SB433, the Senate version of HB502.
Illinois Enacts Law to Protect Privacy in Name Change Process
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois residents seeking a name change will now have greater privacy protections under a newly signed law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago).
"Our residents deserve to be able to change their name in private and without fear for their well-being or safety," Villivalam said. "Requiring name change applicants to publish their new name in a local newspaper compromises their privacy and poses a risk to their security."
House Bill 5164 eliminates the longstanding requirement to publish name changes in newspapers and reduces the Illinois residency requirement from six months to three months. Judges will still have discretion in approving name changes.
"Ensuring the safety and privacy of all Illinois residents is a priority, especially in these uncertain times," said State Representative Kevin Olickal (D-Chicago), the bill's House sponsor.
"This legislation helps prevent the misuse of state records, protecting vulnerable communities and upholding our commitment to keeping Illinoisans safe."
The law also allows individuals to request their court files be impounded,
Gov. DeSantis Signs Sweeping Immigration Crackdown Bill
TALLAHASSEE, Fl. —Florida
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping immigration reform bill into law on Thursday, establishing a state board for immigration enforcement and imposing stricter penalties on undocumented immigrants.
Illinois Enhances Privacy for Name Change Applicants with New Law Backed by Sen. Villivalam
further securing their personally identifiable information. To do so, individuals must file a sworn statement asserting that public disclosure could negatively impact their health or safety. The need for reform was raised by local resident Rondell Merrill during an LGBTQ+ town hall. "We recognized that existing laws on name changes were outdated and posed a danger," said Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Ognisanti.
"This legislation ensures that vulnerable individuals—including survivors of abuse, refugees, transgender individuals, and adoptees—can change their names safely and discreetly."
If a court grants an impoundment request, the Illinois State Police (ISP) must update criminal history records and offender registrations to reflect both the new and former names of individuals aged 18 and older. Those with criminal records or outstanding debts will remain identifiable through their driver's license, Social Security number, and fingerprints.
"At Equality Illinois, we regularly hear stories from trans and gender-expansive individuals about their fears and lack of privacy when changing their name," said Michael Ziri, director of public policy at Equality Illinois. "The previous requirement created a public list of trans people, exposing them to harassment and harm. This law is a significant step in protecting them and aligns with our state's values of equality and freedom."
House Bill 5164 was signed into law on Friday and will take effect on March 1, 2025.
"This is the strongest legislation against illegal immigration of any state," DeSantis declared during a news conference. The legislation emerged after months of negotiation. Initially, Republican lawmakers diverged from DeSantis' vision, crafting their own proposal called the "Trump Act." However, after discussions between DeSantis, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and Senate President Ben Albritton, a compromise was reached. The law creates a state immigration enforcement board comprising the governor, agriculture commissioner, attorney general, and chief financial officer. It also imposes an automatic death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of capital offenses.
Religious Groups Sue Over Immigration Arrests
WASSHNGTON, DC- More than two dozen religious organizations have sued the federal government, challenging the Trump administration's policy expanding immigration enforcement at "sensitive locations," including houses of worship.
The plaintiffs, including the Mennonite Church, Episcopal Church, Union for Reform Judaism, and Unitarian Universalist Association, argue the policy violates religious freedom. They claim fear of enforcement has led to declining attendance, with some congregations at "imminent risk" of raids.
The lawsuit asserts, "Every human being, regardless of birthplace, is a child of God worthy of dignity, care, and love."
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe stated, "We cannot worship freely if some among us live in fear."
Seeking a permanent injunction, the lawsuit aims to prevent immigration enforcement at religious sites without a judicial warrant or security threat. This is the second legal challenge; Quaker groups in Maryland sued in January. The administration has yet to respond.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
New Fund at Caltech to Perpetuate Prof. Chandy's Legacy of Teaching
Professor K. Mani Chandy
ASADENA, CAProfessor K. Mani Chandy, the Simon Ramo Professor of Computer Science, Emeritus, has been a cornerstone of the Caltech community, earning widespread admiration for his intellectual contributions and dedication to education. To honor his impact, alumni have established the Professor K. Mani Chandy Innovations in Education Fund, an endowed fund exceeding $100,000, aimed at supporting teaching faculty, assistants, and staff in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (CMS).
"Mani has been the soul of the department for many years," says Chris Umans, professor of computer science and Executive Officer for CMS. "His humility, generosity, and intellectual kindness have shaped generations of students. We wanted to create a lasting tribute to his legacy."
Eve Schooler (MS '96, PhD '01), a former student, spearheaded the initiative after witnessing the deep gratitude from alumni. "So many students have been profoundly impacted by Mani's wisdom, patience, and encouragement," she reflects.
100 Years of Excellence Ends: Montclair College Prep School Shutting Down
staff in securing placements in other Catholic or private schools.
New Law Alert: No More Single-Use Plastic Bags in Abington, PA
ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA
MONTCLAIR, NJ — Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair will permanently close in June 2025 after a century of educating local students, the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Newark announced.
The decision, effective June 30, comes amid declining enrollment, financial difficulties, and the deteriorating condition of the facility. Despite efforts to sustain the institution, these challenges made it increasingly unviable, according to school officials.
To support students and families during this transition, an informational meeting will be held to provide guidance on alternative educational options and next steps. The archdiocese emphasized its commitment to assisting students and
Rep. Ami Bera on Trump Grant Freeze
WASHINGTON, DC- Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) expressed concerns over the rapid changes under the Trump administration, vowing to resist any overreach while ensuring essential government services remain intact.
“Three weeks into President Trump’s term, Washington is moving fast,” Bera said. “While I seek bipartisan solutions, I won’t hesitate to oppose policies that undermine our core values.”
His office has been inundated with constituent concerns about the administration’s actions. Bera reassured them that he remains committed to protecting fundamental rights and serving Sacramento County.
A major point of contention is the administration’s approach to the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). Bera strongly opposed attempts to cut staff, halt programs, freeze aid, and even dismantle the agency.
“These reckless moves jeopardize American security, global stability, and our competitiveness against China, Russia, and Iran,” Bera warned. USAID, a legally independent agency, is vital to diplomacy, disease prevention, humanitarian aid, and expanding U.S. trade. Bera argued that freezing aid endangers lives and weakens national security.
“Congress has been clear: altering USAID’s structure without approval is unlawful and undermines America’s leadership,” he said, urging bipartisan support to protect USAID’s mission and uphold congressional authority.
Founded a century ago by the Sisters of Charity, Immaculate Conception High School has long been a pillar of faithbased education. While the closure marks the end of an era, the school's legacy will live on through its alumni and broader community.
"We deeply regret this difficult decision and understand its impact on students, families, and faculty," said Barbara Dolan, superintendent of Catholic Schools. "Our priority is to support them through this transition while honoring the incredible legacy of ICHS."
The Archdiocese of Newark operates 67 elementary and secondary schools, serving nearly 22,000 students across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties.
- Abington Township has officially banned single-use plastic bags, joining 36 other municipalities in Pennsylvania and becoming the first in the state to do so this year. The Board of Commissioners approved the measure in a near-unanimous vote, with only one dissenting voice among 15 members. The ordinance, set to take effect in 180 days, prohibits single-use plastic bags and expanded foam polystyrene containers, such as takeout containers, cups, and plates. The initiative was developed with input from PennEnvironment, the Abington Environmental Advisory Council, and local officials. "PennEnvironment applauds Abington for taking this step to address pollution from single-use plastics," said Zero Waste Advocate Faran Savitz.
Samosa Caucus, Others, Condemn Rehiring Of India Hater At DOGE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Shri Thanedar, Suhas Subramanyam, Grace Meng, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, strongly condemned Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for rehiring Marko Elez. Elez, who previously resigned over racist social media posts targeting Indian Americans, was reinstated despite his offensive past remarks. "We are outraged that Elon Musk is rehiring Marko Elez," the lawmakers stated. "This individual was linked to a social media account advocating to 'normalize Indian hate' and boasting, 'I was racist before it was cool.'"
They highlighted additional alarming content, including posts promoting eugenics and criticizing interracial marriage. "This rhetoric has no place in American society," they said, calling the decision an endorsement of hate. The lawmakers warned of broader dangers, referencing the surge in antiAsian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also raised concerns over Elez's access to sensitive personal data, calling it "disturbing and disqualifying."
Jeffries echoed these concerns, condemning the Trump administration's role. "Rehiring a self-described racist to handle Americans' financial data is outrageous," he said. The lawmakers demanded accountability, insisting those responsible be fired.
