Issue 20

PM Modi dials Vladimir Putin, congratulates him on poll victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his landslide victory in the presidential elections on Sunday, and expressed his sincere wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the Russian people.

In a “warm and friendly” and “detailed” telephone conversation, the Russian President, in turn, wished PM Modi a successful conduct of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India.

“Both sides noted with satisfaction that mutually beneficial ties in the trade, economic and investment fields, and in the fields of energy and transport are progressively and dynamically developing in line with a particularly privileged strategic partnership,” a Kremlin readout said on Wednesday.

An exchange of views between the two leaders was held on several issues on the international agenda, in particular the situation around Ukraine. In addition, the mood for further coordination between Russia and India in multilateral formats, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, was confirmed.

PM Modi is expected to travel to Russia for the BRICS Summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24. Russia’s 2024 BRICS Chairmanship began on January 1 this year with the motto ‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security’. VOL:

With remarkable unanimity, UNGA adopts India-backed landmark resolution on AI safeguards

By: Arul Louis

Setting aside their polarizing differences, all 193 countries joined together to adopt a landmark resolution backed by India, aiming to keep the world safe from the excesses of artificial intelligence (AI).

The UN General Assembly’s resolution passed unanimously on Thursday stressed “the urgency of achieving global consensus on safe, secure and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems” in the face of “potential risk for accidents and compound threats from malicious actors”.

India’s Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj said in a post on X after its adoption, “Happy to co-sponsor the Resolution on AI.”

The resolution was proposed by the US and the State Department’s fact sheet about it said it builds on several initiatives, including the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) Summit hosted by India in December. The resolution emphasizes the role of AI in promoting global

India,

US paving

development while making sure it protects private data and human rights and is tested for vulnerabilities before deployment.

The resolution, which calls for the development of regulations for “safe, secure and trustworthy” AI systems, also acknowledges the importance of domestic priorities and national and “subnational”

way for free, prosperous Indo-Pacific, says Garcetti

US Ambassador Eric Garcetti said India and America are paving the way for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific as he hailed the ongoing joint exercise between the two nations, on Tuesday. A bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise between India and the US -‘Tiger Triumph-24’ -- commenced on Monday and will continue on the Eastern Seaboard till March 31.

“Congratulations to @USNavy and @IndianNavy for a stellar kick-off to #TIGERTRIUMPH 2024! Joint exercises like this underscore the vital #USIndiaDefense partnership, strengthening our bonds and securing our shared interests,” Ambassador Garcetti wrote in a post on X.

“Together, we’re paving the way for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that benefits all nations,” he added with a hashtag, USIndiaFWD.

On Monday, US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd

Austin, appreciated the important role being played by the Indian Navy in conducting antipiracy operations in the Indian Ocean region. In a telephonic conversation with Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, he discussed ways to implement the India-US Defence Cooperation Roadmap which was concluded last year.

Tiger Triumph-24 is aimed at developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations and refining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries, the Indian Navy said in a statement.

“The Harbor Phase is scheduled from 18 to 25 March. Personnel from both navies would participate in Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Sports Events and Social interactions.

Following the completion of this phase, the ships, with the troops embarked, would sail for the Sea Phase and undertake Maritime, Amphibious and HADR operations in accordance with injected situations,” the navy said.

policies in framing them.

The unanimity at the UN stresses the fears over AI’s potential to disrupt politics and society through deepfakes and spreading misinformation, and its more sinister capabilities in warfare, development of weapons and disrupting economies.

China says its border issues with India have nothing to do with US

Expressing strong dissatisfaction with the US remarks on Arunachal Pradesh, China on Thursday said that the border issues between Beijing and New Delhi have nothing to do with Washington. The response came after the US said on Wednesday that it recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firmly opposes the US’ move,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to a question at a media briefing, according to a Global Times post on X. “Zangnan has always been Chinese territory, and border issues between China and India have nothing to do with the US, which uses all measures to stir up trouble to serve its own geopolitical interests,” Lin said. India has time and again rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as Zangnan or South Tibet.

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China says its border issues with India have nothing to do with US

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A war of words has ensued between India and China after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the strategically important Sela tunnel. Having routinely objected to Indian leaders’ visits to the northeastern state in the past, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that it “strongly deplored” Prime Minister Modi’s visit and that India’s move would “only complicate” the border issue. After Wenbin’s remarks, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang said that the “Indian side’s actions contradict the efforts made by both sides to ease border situations and are not conducive to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas”.

Reacting to Chinese comments, India slammed China for “advancing absurd claims” over the territory of Arunachal Pradesh and reiterated that the northeastern state will always remain an “integral and inalienable part” of India. “Repeating baseless arguments in this regard does not lend such claims any validity.

Arunachal Pradesh was, is, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. Its people will continue to benefit from our development programs and infrastructure projects,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

With remarkable unanimity, UNGA adopts Indiabacked landmark resolution on AI safeguards

“In a moment in which the world is seeming to be agreeing on little, perhaps the most quietly radical aspect of this resolution is the wide consensus forged in the name of advancing progress,” US Permanent Representative Linda ThomasGreenfield said of its significance.

She added that she worked with more than 120 countries for several months to achieve the consensus and had put the resolution’s draft through several edits.

For wider acceptance and tamping down dissidence, the resolution highlights AI’s role in helping developing nations, especially the poorest, and calls for bridging the digital divide among and within nations that AI could widen.

An important goal of the resolution is deploying AI for “achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions -- economic, social and environmental -with specific consideration of developing countries and leaving no one behind”.

The resolution calls for measures to “promote innovation for the internationally interoperable

Gaza cease-fire resolution falters in UN Security Council amidst diplomatic tensions

The United Nations Security Council convened to address a U.S.-led resolution advocating for an immediate and sustained cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, the resolution met its demise as Russia and China, both permanent members, cast dissenting votes. In the lead-up to the vote, a spokesperson for the U.S. emphasized the resolution’s significance as a unified endorsement of ongoing diplomatic efforts on the ground. Yet, despite these efforts, the resolution failed to garner the necessary support. Russia’s ambassador to the U.N., Vassily Nebenzia, criticized the resolution, labeling it excessively politicized and suggesting it tacitly sanctioned Israeli military action in Rafah. This critique underscored the deep divisions within the Security Council on how to address the conflict.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel coincided with the tense discussions surrounding humanitarian aid and Israel’s proposed ground assault on Rafah. The U.S. continued to exert pressure on its ally while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The resolution itself highlighted the urgency of protecting civilians and expanding aid to the over 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine. However, it faced obstacles, particularly regarding its linkage to a hostage deal and the release of captives held since Hamas’ October attacks on Israel.

Israel’s stance on the issue remained firm, with ongoing disagreements over the necessity of a ground assault and the handling of border crossings for aid distribution. These disagreements, coupled with international pressure, added complexity to the situation.

Despite setbacks, efforts continued to broker a cease-fire through talks involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. The resolution’s failure underscored the challenges of achieving consensus in the Security Council and the pressing need for diplomatic solutions to the protracted conflict.

Secretary Blinken’s diplomatic engagements with key regional leaders further highlighted the multifaceted nature of the crisis and the importance of international cooperation in finding lasting peace in the region.

identification, classification, evaluation, testing, prevention and mitigation of vulnerabilities and risks during the

design and development and prior to the deployment and use of artificial intelligence systems”.

MV Ruen rescue: Bulgarian President thanks his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed his gratitude to President Doupadi Murmu in a phone call on Wednesday after the Indian Navy’s successful rescue operation on the hijacked Bulgarian ship, MV Ruen.

“President Droupadi Murmu received a telephone call from President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria, who conveyed his gratitude for Indian Navy’s rescue of the hijacked Bulgarian Vessel MV Ruen and its crew, including 7 Bulgarian nationals,” a post on Rashtrapati Bhavan’s X handle said.

“The two leaders agreed to further strengthen the India-Bulgaria partnership based on shared values and interests,” the post added.

Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata on Saturday successfully rescued 17 crew members from exMV Ruen, and coerced all 35 Somali pirates to surrender in a 40-hour-long operation. The merchant vessel with Bulgarians, Myanmarese and one Angolan citizen onboard was hijacked in December, 2023.

President Radev also expressed his “sincere gratitude” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said that India was committed to protecting freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean region.

For the operation, the Indian Navy said it deployed its P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, frontline ships INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra, and high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle. The vessel was also sanitized for the presence of illegal arms, ammunition and contraband.

Officials said that MV Ruen, which was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship for conducting acts of piracy on the high seas, was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship on Friday. The vessel opened fire on the warship, which took action as per international law, in self-defence and to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralize the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers, an Indian Navy statement said. The pirates onboard the ex-MV Ruen were called upon to surrender and release the vessel and any civilians they were holding against their will.

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Due compliance with relevant statutory requirements, accused non-cooperative, says ED on Delhi CM Kejriwal’s arrest

Aspecial court on Friday sent arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to six days ED custody, till March 28, in a money laundering case related to the liquor policy scam.

The ED, which arrested him on Thursday evening after questioning him for two hours at his official residence, had sought 10 days custody, terming him the kingpin and the key conspirator of the alleged excise scam in collusion with other ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders, and other persons.

Kejriwal was produced before Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday morning after being kept overnight at the ED office on A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road.

The ED claimed that Kejriwal was involved in the conspiracy of formulation of the Excise Policy 2021-22 to favor certain persons and also involved in demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for favors being granted in the said policy.

It also alleged that Kejriwal was involved in the “use of proceeds of crime thus generated in the Goa election campaign of the AAP to which he is the Convenor and the ultimate decision maker”.

The “Excise Policy 2021-22” was being drafted considering the favors to be granted to the “South Group” and was formed in collusion with co-accused Vijay Nair, then

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and members-representatives of the ‘South Group’.

Kejriwal had allegedly demanded

kickbacks from the South Group in exchange for awarding favors to them in the formulation and implementation of the policy. Nair, on behalf of Kejriwal and AAP, received kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 Crore from the South Group, whose prominent persons are Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, Raghav Magunta, Sarath Reddy, and BRS leader K. Kavitha.

As per the investigation done so far, the ED, in its remand application, termed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime and claimed that the proceeds of crime of about approximately Rs 45 Crore, which was part of the bribes received from the South Group, were used in the election campaign of the AAP in Goa in 2021-22.

On examining the money trail backwards, the federal agency said, it was revealed that the money which was transferred to Goa came from 4 routes -- approximately in sums of Rs. 12 Crore, Rs 7.1 Crore, Rs 16 Crore, Rs 7.5 Crore, and Rs 2 Crore.

It said that statements of various persons engaged in the election campaign-related activities by the AAP in Goa have revealed that cash payments were made to them for their work done as survey workers, area managers, assembly managers etc.

Al-Sisi, Blinken discuss Gaza conflict in Cairo talks

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi met with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the escalating situation in Gaza, the Egyptian presidency said.

The talks, which included Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel, focused on the war in Gaza and efforts to mediate a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, according to the presidency’s statement

released on Thursday.

Al-Sisi emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, citing a humanitarian crisis and famine in the besieged coastal territory that threatens civilian lives, particularly in the city of Rafah, where nearly 1.5 million Palestinian refugees are seeking sanctuary, Xinhua news agency reported.

“The besieged seaside enclave and its residents have been exposed to a humanitarian catastrophe and famine that threaten the lives of innocent civilians,” al-Sisi said, warning against the serious

repercussions of any military operation in Rafah.

The President called for immediate action to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and reaffirmed the necessity of pursuing a political solution to establish an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Blinken commended Egypt’s role in promoting peace and expressed Washington’s desire for continued

coordination with Cairo to enhance regional stability and security.

Both parties agreed on the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and opposed any form of Palestinian displacement, the statement concluded.

Blinken’s visit to Cairo follows his trip to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where discussions centered on advancing a Gaza ceasefire, securing the release of captives, and bolstering international humanitarian efforts, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Princess of Wales receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer

The Princess of Wales has revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is receiving chemotherapy treatment.

In a video statement released on Friday, Catherine said that she had undergone major abdominal surgery in London in January, saying it was initially thought her condition was non-cancerous.

She however has not disclosed what type of cancer it was.

Kensington Palace said that it is confident the Princess will make a full recovery.

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Letter from Publisher

A Remembering the Ultimate Sacrifice of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev Your support matters

Dr. (H) Avi Verma Publisher

s we commemorate the memory of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on this solemn occasion, it is important to reflect on their unshakable courage, unwavering commitment to the cause of India’s independence, and the tragic circumstances that led to their ultimate sacrifice. Their lives epitomize the spirit of selfless sacrifice and unyielding determination in the face of oppression, inspiring generations to come.

Background of the Trio:

Shaheed Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, was a revolutionary freedom fighter who envisioned a liberated India free from the shackles of colonial rule. He was deeply influenced by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 and dedicated his life to the struggle for independence. Shivaram Hari Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were comrades and close associates of Bhagat Singh, sharing his passion for freedom and justice.

The Trio, particularly Bhagat Singh, has emerged as an enduring role model for the youth of Punjab, echoing the sentiments expressed in the iconic song “Mera Rang De Basanti Chola.” Their fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom have struck a chord with the younger generation, inspiring them to stand up against injustice and oppression. Just as the lyrics of the song evoke a sense of patriotic fervor and determination, so too does the legacy of Bhagat Singh and his comrades continue to ignite a flame of resistance in the hearts of the youth, urging them to strive for a brighter future rooted in the ideals of justice and equality.

Role in the Independence of India:

The trio played pivotal roles in various revolutionary activities aimed at challenging British imperialism and arousing the masses to fight for their rights. Bhagat Singh’s actions, including the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928 and the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929, were bold statements against colonial oppression. Their acts were not driven by personal vendetta but by a fervent desire to awaken the conscience of the nation and expedite the struggle for independence.

Betrayal and Assassination:

Despite their immense contributions to the freedom movement, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were ultimately betrayed and handed over to the British authorities. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru’s decision to call off the non-cooperation movement in 1922 and the subsequent suspension of civil disobedience in 1934 disillusioned many revolutionaries, including Bhagat Singh and his comrades. They felt betrayed by the compromise with the British, which they believed undermined the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters.

In a particularly tragic turn of events, Mahatma Gandhi was given the opportunity by the British to negotiate for the release of the trio under certain conditions, but he chose not to pursue this option. This decision ultimately sealed their fate and led to their hanging on March 23, 1931, at the Lahore Central Jail, despite international appeals for clemency.

Publisher’s Personal Connection:

As the publisher of this tribute, my heart is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Born in the vibrant town of Banga, now a bustling Tehsil in Punjab, where he once walked and dreamed, I find myself drawn to the echoes of his courageous spirit. Raised amidst the tales of his valor and selflessness, I have been profoundly moved by his steadfast dedication to the noble principles of liberty and righteousness. Having visited Khatkad Kalan, a sacred part of Banga, numerous times, I’ve stood in reverence at his museum, feeling the weight of his sacrifices resonate within me.

Legacy:

The sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev continues to resonate deeply with the Indian psyche, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations. Their unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice reminds us of the importance of standing up against tyranny and oppression, regardless of the odds.

As we pay tribute to these brave souls on this solemn occasion, let us reaffirm our dedication to the ideals they fought and died for. Their sacrifice shall forever serve as a reminder of the price of freedom and the enduring spirit of resistance against injustice.

Best Regards, Dr. (H)

Avi Verma Publisher, IndoUS Tribune

US Congress scrambles to pass $1.2 trillion spending bill ahead of shutdown deadline

The Republicancontrolled U.S. House of Representatives and Democratic-majority Senate on Friday will scramble to beat a midnight government shutdown deadline by passing a $1.2 trillion bill keeping the government funded through September. If they succeed, it will end a morethan-six-month battle over the scope of Washington’s spending for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. If they fail, federal agencies will begin a partial shutdown, furloughing thousands of workers nationwide and abroad.

“This bill funds our highest national security priorities,” Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger said in a statement on Thursday, praising the bipartisan deal. Granger mainly was referring to the Defense Department’s $886 billion in funding included in the 1,012-page bill that also covers agencies ranging from the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service and Justice Department to Treasury and State departments.

It will add to the fast-growing national debt that now totals nearly $34.6 trillion. Not all Republicans were as enthusiastic over the bill. “It spends $5.5 million per word, fully funds and continues the Biden border crisis, and is loaded with radioactive ‘woke’ earmarks,” the hardline House Freedom Caucus said.

Earmarks are special spending requests sought by individual members of Congress, often public works projects for their home states or districts. Still to be seen is whether conservative Republicans in the Senate delay passage of the bill by demanding debate on a series of amendments.

Meanwhile, a separate, controversial money matter is boiling in Congress where its leaders, except for House Speaker Mike Johnson, urgently are calling for final passage of a $95 billion security assistance package approved by the Senate for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Some Republicans are balking at continuing to back Ukraine in its war against the invading Russian military.

While conservatives succeeded in getting Congress and Democratic President Joe Biden to agree to some fiscal 2024 spending cuts, they hoped for far deeper ones. Their disgruntlement led to the historic October removal of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The Republicans’ subsequent political infighting shut down the House for three weeks as Republicans fought over a replacement.

India has to be patient but persevering on China, says Jaishankar

Asserting that India has a ‘very challenging’ and ‘competitive neighbor’ in China, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that New Delhi needs to be patient but persevering while dealing with the East Asian nation.

Speaking at a media conclave, the Minister agreed that the relationship became much more complicated after 2020 but said that “it was building up over a period of time”.

“I agree (that) since 2020, the relationship has become much more complicated. I accept that. But it was building up over a period of time... We weren’t honest about it even to ourselves. We weren’t really articulating it, and frankly, even strategizing accordingly,” Jaishankar added.

On being asked how he intends to tackle the challenge as the country gears up for its April-May general elections, the EAM said that the first thing India needs to do vis-a-vis China is to “stop pretending that everything is nice, stop being worried to express what we feel, and stop using terminology, which doesn’t work for us”.

“The first thing is we’ve got to recognize today that we have a very challenging, competitive neighbor. There are serious issues... over a period of time in our history. Many of those issues have not been resolved, some have

aggravated,” the Minister added.

He further highlighted that in addition to boundary issues, the two nations have major economic issues as well, and while dealing with China, “you got to have an economy which is geared up for it”.

Following the June 2020 clash of troops in Galwan Valley, India and China have held several rounds of military talks, seeking complete disengagement in the areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh as a basis for restoring peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande has called the situation along the LAC “stable” but “sensitive,” adding that the Indian troops have been maintaining a “very high state” of operational preparedness to deal with eventualities.

As a counter-deployment, India has amassed a large number of troops along the LAC to guard the strategically important India-China border.

EAM Jaishankar told the media conclave that the focus in the military discussions has been on disengagement, followed by de-escalation.

“... there are all the dangers associated with that. Both of us are very forwarddeployed. This is not where, in the last many decades, was a natural deployment,” he said.

“... when you are deployed that close-up, there are patrolling issues, obstruction issues, workaround issues -- all of which add up to very complicated metrics,” he said, adding that it “clearly is something where we have to be patient but also very persevering”.

Tennessee becomes first US state with law protecting musicians from

Bill Lee, the governor of Tennessee, signed off on legislation on Thursday, designed to protect songwriters, performers and other music industry professionals against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The move makes Tennessee, long known as the birthplace of country music and the launchpad for musical legends, the first state in the US to enact such measures. Supporters say the goal is to ensure that AI tools cannot replicate an artist’s voice without their consent. The bill goes into effect on 1 July.

“We employ more people in Tennessee in the music industry than any other state,” Lee told reporters shortly after signing the bill into law. “Artists have intellectual property. They have gifts. They have a uniqueness that is theirs and theirs alone, certainly not artificial intelligence.” The state is just one of three where name, photographs and likeness are considered a property right rather than a right of publicity. According to the newly signed statute – dubbed the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act or “Elvis Act” – vocal likeness will now be added to that list.

Yet it remains to be seen how effective the legislation will be for artists looking to shield their art from being scraped and

replicated by AI without their permission. Supporters like Lee acknowledged that despite the sweeping support from those inside the music industry and unanimous approval from the Tennessee statehouse, the legislation is untested. Amid ongoing clashes between the GOP supermajority and handful of Democrats, this level of bipartisan agreement is a shocking anomaly.

Many Tennessee musicians say they don’t have the luxury to wait for a perfect solution, pointing out that the threats of AI are already showing up on their cellphones and in their recording studios.

“Stuff comes in on my phone and I can’t tell it’s not me,” said country star Luke Bryan. “It’s a real deal now and hopefully this will curb it and slow it down.”

AI

The Republican governor held the billsigning event at the heart of Nashville’s Lower Broadway inside a packed Robert’s Western World. The venue is often overflowing with tourists eager to listen to traditional country music.

Naming the newly enacted statute after Elvis Presley wasn’t just a nod to one of the state’s most iconic residents.

The death of Presley in 1977 sparked a contentious and lengthy legal battle over the unauthorized use of his name and likeness, as many argued that once a celebrity died, their name and image entered into the public domain.

However, by 1984 the Tennessee legislature passed the Personal Rights Protection Act, which ensured that personality rights do not stop at death and can be passed down to others. It states that “the individual rights … constitute property rights and are freely assignable and licensable, and do not expire upon the death of the individual so protected”.

The move was largely seen as critical to protecting Presley’s estate, but in the decades since then has also been praised as protecting the names, photographs and likenesses of all of Tennessee’s public figures.

Now Tennessee will add vocal likeness to those protections.

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Biden cancels $6 billion in student loan debt for 78,000 public service workers

President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that about 78,000 public service workers will have $5.8 billion in federal student loan debt forgiven by his administration. The borrowers, which include teachers, nurses, firefighters and others enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, have “dedicated their careers to serving their communities,” Biden said in a statement. The debt cancellations will bring his administration’s total forgiveness to about $144 billion for nearly 4 million Americans, according to the White House.

“From day one of my Administration, I promised to fix broken student loan programs and make sure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity,” Biden said.

He added, “I won’t back down from using every tool at my disposal to deliver student debt relief to more Americans, and build an economy from the middle out and bottom up.”

The student loan forgiveness announced on Thursday brings the administration’s total cancellations for public service workers to 870,000, Biden said. That’s up from only about 7,000 such borrowers “ever receiving forgiveness prior to my Administration,” he added.

“And through all of our various student debt relief actions, nearly four million Americans have had their student debt cancelled under my Administration,” he said.

Officials said the total amount of student loan cancellation issued by Biden so far is more than $143 billion. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program allows for debt forgiveness for people in jobs like firefighting, nursing and teaching after 10 years of continuous payment.

The Biden administration has made fixes to this program that had failed to deliver student loan relief to many due to poor implementations and errors in the program, officials have said. The Biden administration will also send email notifications to 380,000 borrowers who are within two years of getting their loans forgiven through PSLF, to encourage them to stick with their payments.

According to officials, 140,000 borrowers are on track to get this same forgiveness in less than a year. There are 240,000 borrowers on track to have loan forgiveness in the next two years who will receive a similar email noting their timeline. Biden had earlier attempted a sweeping form of federal student loan cancellation -- totaling an estimated $400 billion for 43 million people. But the U.S. Supreme Court rejected that as outside the scope of his authority.

Philadelphia man released after 44 years in prison may face new trial

William Franklin, recently released after serving 44 years in prison, could walk from a Philadelphia courtroom an exonerated man on Friday, or he may face another trial for a 1976 murder he says he did not commit.

His 1980 conviction based on tainted testimony was overturned after the lone eyewitness against him recanted. His conviction dates to a high-crime era when police and prosecutors were so intent to sew up unsolved homicides that they coerced vulnerable witnesses to fabricate stories and frame innocent Black men.

Many such cases have been exposed by District Attorney Larry Krasner, a former defense attorney, since he was elected in Philadelphia in November 2017. Krasner’s office has exonerated 43 wrongfully convicted prisoners - 38 of them Black, three Latino and two white. But Krasner’s office has so far told the court it will seek a new trial for Franklin.

Franklin, 77, has been confined to his North Philadelphia home since his release from prison on March 5. Flashing a ready smile, he said in an interview

before Friday’s hearing that he was able to maintain calm because of his Muslim faith and support from family.

“They won’t let me go astray,” Franklin said. “I’m in a good place. Don’t think I don’t feel it, though. But I’m not going to get out there and rant and rave. That’s just not me.” He also declined to criticize Krasner, saying, “I’m not going to bash the man because he’s helping so many other people.”

Trump fundraising with Republican National Committee to benefit group paying legal fees

Afundraising group that has spent tens of millions of dollars on Donald Trump’s legal fees stands to benefit from a new fundraising tieup with the Republican National Committee, according to media reports on Thursday. Since clinching the Republican presidential nomination earlier this month, Trump can now raise money with the RNC ahead of the Nov. 5 election rematch against Democrat Joe Biden. While he easily swept to the Republican nomination, Trump is facing a growing financial squeeze as legal judgments pile up and many major donors remain reticent about writing checks, sometimes due to concerns about donations going to legal fees.

Highlighting the urgency of his legal fees, the Trump 47 Committee directs funds to the Save America leadership group before anything goes to the RNC, an invitation to an April 6 fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, showed,

according to media reports.

That could help replenish a fund that has spent more than $55 million on legal bills since the start of 2023 but risks running dry as a lifeline from another fundraising group comes to an end. To be sure, however, Save America can legally only accept up to $5,000 from an individual, limiting the boost from the fundraising tie-up with the RNC.

The Trump 47 Committee is asking top donors to contribute up to $814,600 in total, media outlets, including the Associated Press, reported. After Save America gets its share, the RNC would get a cut of up to $413,000. A raft of Republican state parties would then get a share too. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung downplayed the amount going to Save America. “The Trump campaign, the RNC, and state GOP parties ultimately receive the overwhelming majority of funds raised through the Trump 47 Committee,” Cheung said.

Franklin’s defense attorney, Joe Marrone, said he hopes prosecutors will drop the case on Friday and clear Franklin for good. Philadelphia’s criminal justice system became known for “testilying,” an insider’s term made prominent by the Philadelphia Inquirer’s investigative reporting in which police and prosecutors manipulated witnesses into framing the innocent, then leveraged their commissions of perjury or other crimes to force them to stand by their stories.

Embattled US Senator Menendez says he won’t seek reelection as Democrat

Embattled U.S. Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said on Thursday he would not run for reelection as a Democrat, but suggested he could run as an independent. Prosecutors have charged Menendez with taking bribes from New Jersey businessmen to impede law enforcement probes into them, illegally acting as an agent of the Egyptian government and obstruction of justice. Menendez has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The senator has faced calls to resign, including from members of his own party, but has resisted. Menendez’s seat is up for reelection in November and more than a dozen people have filed to run, including Representative Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy, the wife of the state’s governor.

Democrats and the independents who caucus with them hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate that they are hoping to hold onto amid a half-dozen competitive races.

“I will not file for the Democratic primary this June. I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election,” Menendez said in a video posted online. New Jersey has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1972. Menendez’s trial is set to begin May 6.

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NASA’s shoebox-sized satellite en route to ISS to decode cosmic blasts

NASA on Friday launched a shoebox-sized satellite, which aims to unravel the mysteries of cosmic blasts, to the International Space Station (ISS). The satellite, BurstCube, is enroute to the orbiting lab aboard SpaceX’s 30th Commercial Resupply Services mission. It lifted off at 4:55 p.m. EDT on Thursday, March 21, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

After reaching the ISS, “BurstCube will be unpacked and later released into orbit, where it will detect, locate, and study short gamma-ray bursts -- brief flashes of high-energy light”, NASA said in a statement.

“BurstCube may be small, but in

addition to investigating these extreme events, it’s testing new technology and

US appeals court directs probe of juror bias in Boston Marathon bomber’s case

Afederal appeals court on Thursday directed the judge who presided over Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s 2015 trial to investigate whether two jurors were biased and should not have been seated, creating potential grounds to overturn his death sentence.

The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stopped short of granting Tsarnaev’s latest bid to overturn his death sentence for his role in the 2013 attack that killed three people and wounded 260 others.

But on a 2-1 vote, the panel concluded that U.S. District Judge George O’Toole’s earlier investigation into Tsarnaev’s claims that two jurors lied about whether they had discussed the case on social media before being seated to hear his trial “fell short of what was constitutionally required.”

The U.S. Supreme Court had not addressed that argument when it restored Tsarnaev’s death sentence in 2022, after the 1st Circuit set it aside in an earlier ruling in 2020, prompting a new round of arguments before the appeals court.

Lawyers for Tsarnaev, 30, said one juror was told by a friend on Facebook to “get on the jury” and send Tsarnaev “to jail where he will be taken care of,” while the second juror

retweeted a Twitter post that called Tsarnaev a “piece of garbage.” U.S. Circuit Judge William Kayatta, writing for the majority, said that should the trial judge conclude that either juror should have been disqualified, Tsarnaev would be entitled to a new penalty-phase trial to determine if he should be sentenced to death.

“And even then, we once again emphasize that the only question in any such proceeding will be whether Tsarnaev will face execution; regardless of the outcome, he will spend the rest of his life in prison,” Kayatta wrote.

A spokeswoman for acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy, whose office prosecuted the case, declined to comment. The U.S. Department of Justice could either ask the full 1st Circuit to reconsider the case or try to take it for a second time to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lawyers for Tsarnaev did not respond to requests for comment. He is currently being held in a “Supermax” prison in Florence, Colorado.

Tsarnaev and his older brother, Tamerlan, detonated two homemade pressure-cooker bombs near the Boston Marathon’s finish line on April 15, 2013. Tamerlan Tsarnaev died four days later after a shootout with police. Jurors found Dzhokhar Tsarnaev guilty on all 30 counts he faced and said six warranted the death penalty, which was later imposed.

providing important experience for early career astronomers and aerospace

engineers,” said Jeremy Perkins, BurstCube’s principal investigator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, US.

BurstCube, which belongs to a class of spacecraft called CubeSats, can detect gamma rays with “energies ranging from 50,000 to 1 million electron volts”. Current gamma-ray missions can catch only about 70 per cent of the sky as the Earth blocks their view. But with BurstCube “more bursts coincident with gravitational wave detections”, can be detected.

“BurstCube’s detectors are angled to allow us to detect and localise events over a wide area of the sky,” said Israel Martinez, research scientist and BurstCube team member at the University of Maryland, College Park and Goddard.

New York notifies suburban county of Trump fraud judgment as possible seizures loom

New York state Attorney General Letitia James this month made an official notification of the civil fraud court award against Donald Trump in suburban Westchester County, where he owns property, according to county clerk records, in what could be a preliminary step toward seizures in the case. The former U.S. president faces a Monday deadline to post a bond covering a $454 million civil judgment against him for overstating his net worth and the value of his real estate properties to dupe investors and lenders, or risk state authorities seizing his assets while he appeals.

Westchester, just north of New York City, is home to the Trump Organization’s Seven Springs estate, as well as the Trump National Golf Course Westchester. James registered the judgments in Westchester against Trump, the Trump Organization and two of his adult children on March 6, according to county records that reflected the official notification. The registrations do not necessarily mean that seizures of the Westchester properties are imminent. But they are a procedural step that would be necessary should James seek to seize them in the future.

Trump’s lawyers have previously said in court filings that 30 surety companies that would have guaranteed the bond have turned him down. Bonds are typically backed up with a mix of cash and assets equal to 110% of the total judgment and are returned if the defendant prevails on appeal. Trump has said on social media that he could be forced to sell assets at potentially “fire sale prices” to post bond in the case. He is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic President Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

Trump’s lawyers and a spokesperson for James’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Before a three-month, non-jury trial in Manhattan, Justice Arthur Engoron found that Trump had engaged in fraud by overvaluing properties including Seven Springs, as well as better-known properties such as his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and his penthouse apartment in Manhattan’s Trump Tower.

Engoron found that Trump fraudulently inflated the value of Seven Springs by more than 400% in 2014, when he said in his financial statement it was worth $261 million despite a professional appraisal valuing it at or below $30 million.

Trump continues having to balance raising money for both his campaign and his legal expenses - costs that are likely to rise as he faces four upcoming criminal trials. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the criminal cases and has denied wrongdoing in all of the cases.

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Punjab man stabs wife in Canada to death after arguments over finances

A50-year old man from Punjab has been charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed his wife to death in Canada, as per Abbotsford Police Department. Balwinder Kaur, 41, was found at her home in British Columbia’s Abbotsford with “lifethreatening stab wounds” on March 15 at the 3400-block of Wagner Drive.

Police first attempted life-saving measures, but she died in hospital shortly thereafter.

Jagpreet Singh was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. After the incident, Jagpreet made a video call to his mother back home in Ludhiana and told her that he had killed his wife.

The couple had regular arguments over finances as Jagpreet, who went to Canada just a week ago, had stopped working and was unemployed, she said. They got married in 2000 and had a daughter and a son. Jagpreet’s family, however, denied the allegations and said they were a “happy couple”.

Delhi innovator, mental health campaigner from Haryana win Diana Award in UK

ADelhi-based innovator whose low-cost electric invention helps overcome power cuts and a mental health campaigner from Haryana are the Indian winners among 20 worldwide recipients of Diana Legacy Awards, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Diana Award charity set up in memory of the late Princess of Wales. Uday Bhatia, founder of Uday Electric, and Manasi Gupta, founder of Huesofthemind Foundation, received their awards from Prince William, the older son of Princess Diana, at an awards ceremony in London’s Science Museum last week.

Taking place every two years, the Diana Legacy Award is a prestigious accolade for exceptional young people from around the world for their social action or humanitarian work.

“The paths taken by these young people have not always been easy. Many have overcome adversity and prejudice, but they are driven by courage, compassion and commitment –qualities shared by my mother,” said William, Prince of Wales, in his speech.

“Over the next two years, Diana Award, alongside many of their partners here today, will equip these young people with the skills to have an even bigger impact. I am excited to see what they can all do together,” he said.

When Uday Bhatia began mentoring students as a 16-year-old schoolboy in the slums of Bichpuri, Uttar Pradesh, he saw how frequent power cuts rendered children unable to study. To tackle the power crisis, he developed his ground-breaking invention called the Outage Guard bulb, as a low-cost solution designed to provide uninterrupted lighting for up to 10 hours during power cuts. It has reportedly resulted in 950 families receiving stable and reliable power, boosting their educational and employment opportunities.

Manasi Gupta, 24, was recognized for having personally delivered over 100 sessions globally to encourage an emphasis on mental health support. Impacting over 50,000 lives through her non-profit Huesofthemind Foundation, she is credited with creating an empathetic community focused on mental health support, and in collaboration with over 200 stakeholders, has delivered innovative campaigns, projects and events globally.

Gupta’s work during the pandemic was recognized by the former Health Secretary of India at IHW (Integrated Health & Wellbeing) Digital Health Awards. Gupta has also created an illustrated book to raise funds and increase awareness through social media, reaching more than 1.2 million viewers in the past four years.

Bhatia and Gupta joined young changemakers from around the world, including the UK, US, UAE, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Oman, Romania, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Australia, at the awards ceremony. Princess Diana’s younger son, Prince Harry, made an appearance via video call from his California home to interact with the winners.

Indian-origin couple, daughter killed in ‘suspicious’ fire in Canada’s Brampton

An Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter were killed in a “suspicious” fire which tore through their home last week in Canada’s Ontario province, police said on Friday.

A fire engulfed a home at the Big Sky Way and Van Kirk Drive area of Brampton on March 7, a press release by the Peel Police said. After the blaze was put out, investigators located what was believed to be human remains within the gutted house, but the number of people killed couldn’t be ascertained at the time.

The charred remains were on Friday identified as those of three family members: 51-year-old Rajiv Warikoo; his wife, 47-yearold Shilpa Kotha; and their 16-year-old

daughter, Mahek Warikoo.

Police said that they resided at the address before the fire. Peel police Constable Taryn Young on Friday said the fire had been deemed suspicious, the CTV news channel reported.

“At this time, we are investigating this with our homicide bureau, and we are deeming this as suspicious as the Ontario Fire Marshal has deemed that this fire was not accidental,” the report quoted Young as saying.

In a press release, police said they are continuing to investigate the deaths of the three family members and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Two Indian-origin members among three new additions to National University of Singapore board of trustees

Two prominent Indian-origin professionals, Justice Judith Prakash and Ravi Menon, were among three new members to be appointed to board of trustees of National University of Singapore (NUS), according to a statement from the institution.

NUS said Justice Judith Prakash, Tan Chong Meng and Ravi Menon have been made part of its board of trustees of the prestigious varsity. The three new members of the board, who are all NUS alumni, will begin their terms on April 1, the university said.

Menon was the longest-serving managing director of Monetary Authority of Singapore, holding the position from 2011 until his retirement on January 1 this year. He was also the deputy chairman of Central Provident Fund Board and sat on the boards of Housing and Development Board and DBS. He is currently the chairman of Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) Asia-Pacific Network advisory board and a member of GFANZ Principals Group. He is also a trustee of Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA).

Justice Prakash, who is a senior judge, has served on the Supreme Court Bench for more than 30 years. She was the first woman to be appointed a permanent judge of Court of Appeal and was previously the lead judge for arbitration matters. She currently sits on the boards of trustees of SINDA and Eurasian Association.

Tan was the group CEO of port operator PSA International until his retirement this month. He is currently the chairman of Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and the deputy chairman of the board of National University Health System. He was also the governor chair of the World Economic Forum’s Supply Chain & Transport Industry Community and co-chairman of Singapore’s Emerging Stronger Taskforce, a committee set up by the government to guide the country’s economic recovery from Covid.

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American Dream of several Indian-descent families ends inexplicably in pools of blood

By: Yashwant Raj

Their American dream ended in a pool of their own blood, at their own hand, and at their homes. But the world will never know what drove these Indian-origin families in the US to this extreme step because the police have either closed their investigation or will, as has been the trend.

Anand Sujith Henry, 37, his wife Alice Priyanka Benziger, 38, and their 4-year-old twin children Noah and Neithan were found dead at their home in San Mateo, California on February 13.

The police called it a case of murder-suicide in which Henry killed his wife, their children, and himself.

“We do not yet have an answer towards the motive to share,” said Jeanine Luna, Community Relations Officer, San Mateo Police Department, on Monday, almost a month after the discovery of the bodies.

Henry and Benziger came to the US from Kerala for higher studies and stayed on. They were both IT professionals. Henry worked for Google and then Meta before founding his own AI company and she worked for Zillow. Both died of gunshots and the children had either been smothered or poisoned because there were no signs of trauma on their bodies.

A month ago, another Indian-descent family was found dead at their home in Dover, Massachusetts. The police said Rakesh Kamal, 57, had shot his wife Teena Kamal, 54, and their daughter Arianna Kamal, 18, before turning the gun on himself. The motive appeared to be financial troubles.

Kamal was under a mountain of debt and had been served an eviction notice from their multi-million dollar home. He had been living it up without the means to support his

expensive taste for luxury cars and bespoke suits. But there are no leads to the motives or reasons for the two Indian-descent families that were found dead at their home in Dublin, Ohio in February 2023.

Rajan Rajaram, 54, had shot himself after killing his wife Santhalatha Rajan, 51, and their son Anish Rajan Rajaram, 19.

Rajaram worked as an engineer for Technosoft Corporation, based in Cincinnati. “This case has been closed and ruled a murdersuicide. The Dublin Police Department does not have any information on a motive per that investigation,” said Rebecca Myers, Public Information Officer for the city of Dublin, Ohio.

Why did Rajaram, who had lived in that house since 1998, take this extreme step?

Another family’s end is headed for a similar blind alley.

Tej Pratap Singh, 43 had killed his wife Sonal Parihar, 42, and their son, 10 and daughter, six. Singh, a software engineer from Kanpur, and the family came to the US in 2009 and neighbors have recalled them as a nice and happy family. The bodies were found at their home in Plainsboro, New Jersey.

The police have suggested it was a case of murder-suicide. But why did Singh take this extreme step? The police “informed me that they are in the process of closing out that investigation. No criminal charges are being filed due to the fact of all parties being deceased”, said Brynn Krause, Public Information Officer of Middlesex County prosecutor’s office, which has jurisdiction over the Plainsboro Township Police Department.

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Student from Hyderabad goes missing in US, family receives ransom call

Astudent from Hyderabad has gone missing in the US while his family here has received a ransom call. Mohammed Abdul Arfath, 25, who was pursuing a master’s degree in Information Technology at Cleveland University, Ohio, has not been in touch with the family since March 7.

His parents residing in Malkajgiri district near Hyderabad have received a call demanding a ransom of $12,000. The unidentified caller informed them their son had been kidnapped and threatened to sell his kidney.

Arfath went to the US in May 2023. His family claims he has not spoken to them since March 7. His father, Mohammed Saleem, last week, received a phone call from an unknown person claiming that his son had been kidnapped by a gang selling drugs in Cleveland. The caller demanded the ransom but did not mention the mode of payment.

Saleem informed his relatives in the US, who filed a missing complaint with the Cleveland police, which issued a watch order. According to the order, Arfath was wearing a white T-shirt, a red jacket, and blue jeans.

The family also wrote to the Indian Consulate in Chicago on March 18 to help trace Abdul. Saleem has also appealed to External Affairs S. Jaishankar for help in locating his son. IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

Ireland’s Indian-origin PM Leo Varadkar resigns for ‘personal, political reasons’

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Ireland’s Indian-origin Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar, on Wednesday sent shockwaves across the country by announcing his sudden resignation citing “personal and political reasons”, triggering a leadership contest.

The 45-year-old Taoiseach, as the Irish Prime Minister is known, made the announcement in an emotional statement delivered from the steps of the government buildings in Dublin. Varadkar said he believed a new leader “will be better placed than me” to gain seats for his party Fine Gael in the next general election, scheduled for next year.

“My reasons for stepping down now are personal and political, but mainly political... After seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for this job

anymore,” said Varadkar.

“There are loyal colleagues and good friends contesting local European elections, and I want to give them the best chance possible. On a personal level, I’ve enjoyed being Taoiseach... However, politicians are human beings and we have our limitations. We give it everything until we can’t anymore. And then we have to move on,” he said.

“That’s it. I have nothing else lined up or in mind. No definite personal or political plans, but I am looking forward to having the time to think about them,” he added.

Varadkar was born in Ireland to a Mumbai-born father and Irish mother and has led the Fine Gael party since 2017, when aged 38 he became the country’s youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister, and has served as Taoiseach twice since.

Even before finalization of INDIA bloc’s seat sharing formula in Bihar, RJD gives tickets to three candidates

Even as the INDIA bloc’s seat sharing formula has not been finalized in Bihar, the RJD has given tickets to three candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. RJD national president Lalu Prasad gave tickets to three candidates on Wednesday evening while one will be given the same on Thursday, party spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said.

Electorate in Bihar will vote for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19, and the filing of nomination papers is currently underway since Wednesday. The party has given ticket to Kumar Sarwajeet to contest from Gaya reserved seat. Kumar Sarwajeet was the agriculture minister in the Mahagathbandhan government.

He was appointed agriculture minister after the resignation of Sudhakar Singh. He is expected to contest against Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular candidate and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Besides him, RJD has also given the ticket to Abhay Kushwaha

Allahabad HC declares UP Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004 ‘unconstitutional’

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday declared the UP Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004 as ‘unconstitutional’.

A division bench comprising Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Subhash Vidyarthi declared the law as ultra vires and directed the Uttar Pradesh government to frame a scheme so that the students studying in madrasa can be accommodated in the formal education system.

The order came on a writ petition filed by one Anshuman Singh Rathore, challenging the vires of the UP Madrasa Board as well as objecting to the management of madrasa by the minority welfare department, both by the Union of India and state government, and other connected issues like Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2012.

There are said to be around 25,000 madrasas in Uttar Pradesh and over 16,500 are recognized by the UP Board of Madrasa Education. Earlier in March, a special investigation team (SIT) had identified 13,000 illegal Madrasas along the UP-Nepal border in the state and submitted a report to the government, recommending the closure of these madrasas.

to contest from Aurangabad, Archana Ravidas from Jamui (Reserved) and Shrawan Kushwaha Nawada Lok Sabha constituency.

Congress state

chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday to discuss the seat sharing formula.

India, Mauritania hold first Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott

India and Mauritania held their first Foreign Office Consultations in Nouakchott, during which a wide range of issues from bilateral, regional, to global issues of mutual interest were discussed. The discussions encompassed various facets of collaboration, including political cooperation, economic partnership, development assistance, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in multilateral forums.

From the Indian side, the FOC was cochaired by Additional Secretary Sevala Naik Mude, MEA, and Mauritania was represented by Mohammed El Hanchi KETTAB,

Ambassador, Director General of Bilateral Cooperation.

The two countries share long-standing ties of friendship and collaboration with India opening its Resident Mission in Mauritania in June 2021 to provide impetus in strengthening bilateral relations. The bilateral trade between the nations has grown steadily during the last three years, reaching US$ 378.24 million during 2022-23, from US$ 108.91 million in 2021-22.

Both sides agreed to continue engagements through institutional mechanisms during the next round of FOC, which will be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.

ISIS India head Haris Farooqi, key aide arrested from Assam’s Dhubri

The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has arrested the head of ISIS in India, Haris Farooqi, and one of his aides from Dhubri on Wednesday, officials said. According to an official statement, the police had received information from the security agencies that two top leaders of ISIS in India, who were camping in a neighboring country, would cross over to India via Dhubri in Assam to carry out sabotage activities.

Based on the tip-off, an STF team under IGP Parthasarathi Mahanta was deputed to

ED files charge sheet against Karti Chidambaram, others in Chinese visa scam case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet before the Special PMLA Court in Delhi against Karti P. Chidambaram and his former Chartered Accountant S. Bhaskararaman in the Chinese visa scam case. The agency stated on Thursday that the court took cognizance of the charge sheet on Tuesday. Besides Karti Chidambaram, Advantage Strategic Consulting Private Limited, Talwandi Sabo Power Limited and others are also named as accused in the moneylaundering case.

The investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) revealed that Karti P. Chidambaram received illegal gratification of Rs 50 lakh through his close aide S. Bhaskararaman in exchange for facilitating the approval for the reuse of Chinese visas by Talwandi Sabo Power Limited. The official said that the modus operandi employed in this case involved the company issuing a Rs 50 Lakh cheque to an entry operator for fictitious services. The entry operator then provided Rs 50 Lakh in cash to Bhaskararaman.

Surat faces water cut amid metro expansion, 20 Lakh residents impacted

Awater cut was initiated on Thursday across five zones of Surat, impacting nearly 20 lakh residents, due to metro construction work. The authorities announced that the water line’s reconnection in the Simada area is causing reduced water pressure.

Sources said that the Limbayat and Katargam zones are among the affected regions facing an imminent water supply disruption. The timing of the water cut coincides with Surat and Bengaluru topping the charts in a recent study on used water management by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW).

locate and apprehend the ISIS operatives. On Wednesday evening, the accused persons were traced in the Dharmasala area of Dhubri, after they crossed the international border. Both of them were apprehended and brought to the STF office in Guwahati.

The accused have been identified as Haris Farooqi, the head of ISIS in India, and his associate Anurag Singh. The police said that both are highly indoctrinated and motivated leaders of ISIS in India. They had furthered the cause of ISIS in India through conspiracies to carry out recruitment, terror-funding, and terror acts by planting IEDs at several places across the country.

Despite the accolades for their water management practices, both cities are currently grappling with water-related challenges. Surat and Bengaluru achieved scores of 3.32 and 3.23, respectively, out of a possible 5 in the CEEW’s composite index. This study highlighted that no other city surpassed the 3-point mark, with 47 towns scoring above 2.25 and another 151 falling between 1.5 and 2.25.

The comprehensive report, titled ‘Enabling Circular Economy in Used Water Management in India: A Municipal Index for Assessing Urban Local Bodies’ Performance,’ assessed 27 indicators across five themes, including finance, infrastructure, efficiency, governance, and data and information.

president Akhilesh Singh met with RJD

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Ayodhya gears up for rush of devotees on Ram Navami

The Ayodhya administration is gearing up for the next big event of the year after the consecration ceremony held in January. The event is ‘Ram Navami’ -- the first after the opening of the temple -- and the festival is expected to attract the biggest ever inflow of devotees. Ram Navami, the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ram, will be observed on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri and will fall on April 17.

Meetings are being held between Ram Janmabhoomi Trust members and district administration, focusing on the challenge of controlling the crowd and serving the pilgrims who will start arriving in Ayodhya three days before the festival and will stay for two or three days

Budaun murders: Second accused arrested from Bareilly

Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Javed, the second accused in the Budaun double murder case, from Bareilly on Thursday. Javed was on the run after the murder of two children on Tuesday evening. His brother and the main accused Sajid was gunned down in a police encounter within two hours of the incident. Javed was arrested on Thursday, said IG Bareilly range R K Singh. In a video after his arrest, he is heard saying, “I ran straight to Delhi after the incident and from there I have to come to Bareilly to surrender. I have received phone calls from people about what my brother did.”

He claimed that he had no idea why his brother committed the crime. He said he fled because he feared for his own life. Javed is now being brought to Budaun for further interrogation.

Sajid, who had recently opened a barber shop in the locality, allegedly attacked three brothers – Ayush (12), Honey (8), and Piyush (10), with a knife. Ayush and Ahaan died in the attack, while Piyush was rushed to a hospital with grievous wounds. BJP MP from Budaun, Sanghamitra Maurya, visited the victims’ houses and assured them of her full support. “I condemn the murder of the two minor boys,” she said.

after the festival.

The administration is working out strategies to ensure smooth and safe entry

and exit at Ram Janmabhoomi temple while the Trust is pondering over multiple entries and exits for devotees to avoid any stampede-like situation.

The administration is also making elaborate arrangements for a dip in Saryu river and focus is also on providing public toilets and regular cleaning for which more than 2,000 sanitation workers will be involved.

Ram Navami celebration will begin with a prayer to the sun early in the morning. At midday, when Lord Ram is supposed to have been born, a special prayer will be performed. People will sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Ram and rock images of him in a cradle to celebrate his birth.

Rath yatras or chariot processions of Ram, his wife Sita, brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman will be taken out from many temples and people will gather on the banks of the sacred river Saryu for a holy dip.

India conducts trilateral naval exercise with Mozambique and Tanzania

Indian Navy ships Tir and Sujata are participating in the second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) trilateral naval exercise, which began on Thursday and will go till March 29. The joint maritime exercise includes harbor training, damage control, fire-fighting, evacuation, countering asymmetric threats, and search and seizure procedures. According to the Indian Navy, the current edition of the exercise is planned in two phases. As part of the harbor phase scheduled from March 21-24, naval ships Tir and Sujata will engage with the respective navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).

This phase would begin with a planning conference, followed by the conduct of joint harbor training activities like damage control, fire-fighting, visit board search and seizure procedures, medical lectures, casualty evacuation, and diving operations. The sea phase of the exercise is scheduled from

Mhadei Dispute: Goa government warns Karnataka of filing contempt petition in SC

The Goa government on Thursday warned Karnataka of filing a third contempt petition before the Supreme Court for resuming work to allegedly divert Mhadei water to the Malaprabha basin. Goa Water Resource Minister Subhash Shirodkar said at a press conference that the state government is keeping a close watch on the developments taking place in the border areas.

“We will bring this incident to the notice of the Mhadei Water Management Authority (PRAWAH), and request for a joint site inspection,” Shirodkar said.

“This is contempt of court. Hence, if needed, we will file a contempt petition in the Supreme Court. We have already filed two petitions against Karnataka in this matter,” Shirodkar said, adding, “Karnataka is making a mistake. I feel our side is getting stronger.”

Shirodkar’s reaction came after Goa Forward Party President and MLA Vijai Sardesai claimed on Wednesday that Karnataka has started the construction of a nullah to divert water from Kalasa to the Malaprabha basin, as

he asked the Goa government to come clean on the matter.

“The government remains deaf, blind, and dumb on the Mhadei issue. In a move that should shock every self-respecting Goan, Karnataka has started the construction of a nullah to divert water from Kalasa to the Malaprabha basin,” Sardesai said, as he shared a purported video of the ongoing work of the nullah.

The Mhadei River originates in Karnataka and meets the Arabian Sea in Panaji. While the river traverses 28.8 km in Karnataka, it is 81.2 km in length in Goa. Karnataka plans to construct dams on the river, aimed at diverting the water into its water-starved Malaprabha basin in North Karnataka.

March 24-27 and covers practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, visit board search and seizure procedures, boat handling, maneuvers and firing exercises. A joint EEZ surveillance is also planned during the sea phase. The exercise will conclude with a joint debrief scheduled at Nacala (Mozambique).

During the harbor stay, Indian Naval ships would be open for visitors and partake in sports and cultural exchanges with host navies. Training visits for sea trainees of 106 Integrated Officers Training Course are also planned at the respective ports. The first edition of the IMT TRILAT exercise, conducted in October 2022, saw the participation of INS Tarkash with the Tanzanian and Mozambique navies.

Railways to run 540 extra trains to clear Holi rush

Indian Railways is running 540 train services to clear the rush of passengers in the ongoing Holi festive season, the Ministry of Railways said on Thursday. Trains have been planned to connect major destinations across the country on railway routes like Delhi- Patna, Delhi- Bhagalpur, Delhi-Muzaffarpur, Delhi-Saharsa, Gorakhpur- Mumbai, Kolkata-Puri, Guwahati- Ranchi, New Delhi- Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Jaipur- Bandra Terminus, Pune- Danapur, Durg-Patna, Barauni-Surat, etc.

As many as 219 more services have been added for this festive season compared to last year, according to the official statement. Crowd controlling measures by forming queues at the terminus stations under the supervision of Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff for orderly entry of passengers in unreserved coaches is being ensured.

Additional RPF personnel have been deployed at major stations to ensure security of passengers. Officers are deployed on emergency duty at major stations to ensure smooth running of trains.

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Slovenia, Croatia, Italy plan joint police patrols to curb illegal migration

Slovenia, Croatia and Italy are joining forces to implement trilateral border police patrols aimed at tackling illegal migration, Slovenian Interior Minister Bostjan Poklukar said. He added on Thursday that the patrols may replace the temporary controls set up at their borders last October to curb illegal migration. The border controls were originally expected to last until June, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Our goal is to remove border controls on our (EU) internal borders,” Poklukar told a joint news conference with his Croatian and Italian counterparts, Davor Bozinovic and Matteo Piantedosi, after their meeting in Slovenia. “So we agreed to strengthen patrols as an alternative to these controls.”

According to the Slovenian Police, the country registered 6,415 illegal border crossings in the first two months of this year, compared to 5,234 in the same period of 2023.

Bhutan confers its highest civilian award on PM Modi

Bhutan conferred its highest civilian award, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, making him the first foreign head of a government to receive the kingdom’s highest civilian honor. He was presented the award by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as he landed in the country on a two-day official state visit amidst a rousing welcome and warm reception.

Dedicating the award to 140 crore Indians, PM Modi wrote on X: “Honored to be conferred with ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award by Bhutan. I dedicate it to 140 crore Indians.” The Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as a decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honor system in Bhutan. Since its institution, the award has been conferred upon only four people.

South Korea to suspend licenses of defiant trainee doctors from next week

South Korea’s health ministry on Thursday said it would begin suspending the medical licenses of trainee doctors who have defied a return-to-work order from next week, as the government pushed ahead with its plan to hike the number of medical students. A month-long walkout by trainee doctors in protest of the hike in medical school enrollment appeared to slide into a territory of little compromise as the government allocated on Wednesday an additional 2,000 medical school admission seats to universities across the nation, Yonhap news agency reported.

The ministry sent prior notices of license suspension to some 5,000 trainee doctors, and they are required to submit opinions on the punitive step by next Monday. After that, the ministry will be allowed to send formal notices of license suspension.

About 90 per cent of the 13,000 interns and resident doctors have remained off the job since February 20, forcing surgeries and other public health services to be cancelled or

delayed at major hospitals.

The government has been pushing to sharply raise the number of medical students to brace for the country’s fast-ageing population, and a shortage of physicians in rural areas and essential areas, such as pediatrics and emergency departments.

Officials

Doctors, on the other hand, say the quota hikes will undermine the quality of medical education and result in higher medical costs for patients. They have called for measures to first address the underpaid specialists and improve legal protection against excessive medical malpractice lawsuits.

seek to maximize aid

to Gaza through Cyprus sea corridor

Officials from 36 countries and organizations met to discuss ways of maximizing aid to Gaza through the Cyprus sea corridor. Representatives from the UN, the European Union, the G7 and non-governmental organizations involved in the handling and dispatch of aid supplies to Gaza attended the meeting on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said in Larnaca, where the aid operation is based. The officials also discussed the establishment of a fund to finance the operation, Kombos added. According to local media, Cyprus has agreed with Israel on the lifting of a naval blockade imposed in 2007 to facilitate aid shipment to Gaza.

They discussed ways to improve the operation in terms of aid delivery, transport and distribution, Cyprus’

The first aid consignment through the Cyprus sea corridor left for Gaza on March 12. UN agencies and aid organizations have expressed concern about the imminent famine in Gaza. The quantity of aid permitted by Israel to enter Gaza falls short of the desperate needs.

French PM vows to punish perpetrators threatening

schools

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has promised to hunt down and severely punish the perpetrators who sent threatening messages to dozens of schools in the Paris region this week. The schools, mostly secondary schools in Ile-de-France where the capital Paris is located, received messages on Wednesday threatening to blow up schools, accompanied by footage of beheadings, local media reported on Thursday.

“It is absolutely unacceptable and inadmissible to seek to disrupt the serenity of schools,” Attal told the media after an inter-ministerial meeting on school safety on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported. He said every effort is being made to find the perpetrators of such threats and promised to punish them most severely.

“They think they are anonymous, but we will hunt them down. They think they are safe, but we will punish them... Dozens of perpetrators of such threats that have taken place over the past few months have been brought to justice,” Attal added. According

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to local media reports, schools in France have experienced an increase in bomb threats in recent months. The Interior Ministry disclosed that French schools received nearly 800 hoax bomb alerts in the three months from September to November 2023.

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World News

Japan to raise subsidy to fix liquefaction caused by Noto quakes

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The Japanese government on Friday finalized the support measures for areas affected by liquefaction induced by the New Year’s Day earthquake in Japan. The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake caused liquefaction in the prefectures of Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata, in which the strength of soil is reduced by the earthquake, and it is hampering reconstruction work in the affected areas, Xinhua news agency reported.

The support measures include an augmented subsidy program, a 50 percent subsidy rate hike from the current 25 percent, for local governments in affected areas. The government decided to pay half the costs to municipalities to fix liquefaction damage to residential areas together with public infrastructure such as water supplies, roads and parks.

The government will also provide a subsidy of up to 1.2 million yen (about $7,900) for repairing affected lands and improving earthquake resistance when individuals restore their houses in other areas.

Ukraine gets $1.5 Billion in concessional loan from Canada

Ukraine received a concessional loan from Canada worth 2 billion Canadian dollars ($1.5 billion), the Ukrainian Finance Ministry said. The 10-year credit, which carries an annual interest rate of 1.5 percent, was channeled to Ukraine’s state budget, Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday.

The loan is subject to a 4.5-year grace period from the date of its disbursement. The assistance comes under the third additional agreement with Canada, an extension of the main agreement signed on August 8, 2022. Ukraine has received about 7 billion Canadian dollars from Canada since the start of the fullscale war with Russia in February 2022.

Slovakia to assist Hungary in lifting EU sanctions on Russian oligarch

Slovakia supported Hungary’s proposal to lift sanctions on several Russians, including Russian-Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov, who is close to Vladimir Putin, at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in February, said a Swedish news portal, citing diplomatic sources, as quoted by Ukrainska Pravda report. It added that the issue of lifting sanctions against Usmanov was the subject of negotiations between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar with their Hungarian counterparts in Budapest in December 2023.

At that time, the Slovak authorities requested Hungary’s support for the exclusion from the EU sanctions list of businessman Jozef

Hambalek, who was included due to his ties with the Night Wolves Russian biker organisation close to Putin, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

The Swedish news portal noted that the Hungarians decided to “take advantage of the situation” and, in exchange for supporting the

South Africa will not tolerate threats, intimidation during elections, says President Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said that threats, intimidation and undemocratic actions will not be tolerated during this year’s elections. Ramaphosa made the remarks at the commemoration of the country’s Human Rights Day, which was observed on March 21, in Sharpeville, Gauteng province.

“The regularity, peacefulness, fairness and integrity of our elections are achievements that we must dutifully protect.” South Africa will

hold national and provincial elections on May 29 this year. Some opposition political parties have recently threatened to take violent action during the elections, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ramaphosa said they will work to create more space and open up more opportunities for all citizens to have a say in the decisions that affect them by strengthening the consultation processes in government, parliament, legislatures and municipalities. The president also called for unity in working together to build people’s power at the grassroots level.

US, Jordan conduct joint aid airdrop to Gaza

US and Jordanian aircraft on Saturday dropped food supplies to Palestinian civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip in a joint humanitarian aid operation, US Central Command said in a statement as quoted by media reports.

The airdrops by a US Air Force C-130 aircraft and a Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130 aircraft came as the main UN agency working in the enclave said that one in three children under the age of two is acutely malnourished, The Times of Israel reported. It warned of a looming famine.

US Central Command called the

airdrops “part of a sustained effort and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries”. Much of Gaza lies in ruins and its 2.3 million Palestinian residents face serious food shortages more than five months after Israel launched an air and ground offensive following the October 7 rampage into Israel by the enclave’s ruling Hamas terrorists, The Times of Israel reported.

The US, Israel’s main ally, and other countries have called on Israel to allow in more humanitarian aid. Israel blames UN agencies for slow deliveries, saying it puts no limits on assistance. The US began aid airdrops on March 2 and is planning to begin a sealift from the island of Cyprus.

removal of Hambalek from the sanctions list, they asked Slovakia to support the exclusion of several other Russians.

As per several media reports Bratislava complied with this request concerning them. These individuals include Arkady Volozh, founder of the Russian Yandex company; Sergei Mndoiants, a Kremlin advisor on EU relations; as well as Alisher Usmanov, former Formula-1 racer Nikita Mazepin, and Russian billionaire Viatcheslav Kantor.

While Volozh and Mndoiants were reportedly removed from the sanctions list alongside Hambalek, strong objections were raised within the EU regarding Usmanov, Mazepin and Kantor, and EU sanctions against them remained in place.

Australian government reverses cancellation of Palestinians’ visas

The Australian government has reinstated cancelled visas for some Palestinians fleeing Gaza. Rasha Abbas, executive director of the Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) group, said on Monday that eight of the 11 Palestinians whom her organization was supporting after their Australian visas were cancelled without warning have had them reinstated, Xinhua news agency reported.

The federal government faced criticism earlier in March over the decision to revoke the visas, which left some Palestinians stranded in a third country before being notified of the cancellation. In letters sent to some of those whose visas were cancelled, the Department of Home Affairs alleged they were planning to breach the terms of their visitor visa by staying in Australia longer than allowed.

“We are delighted and happy that they are able to travel to Australia,” Abbas told Nine Entertainment newspapers.

“We are working through booking the flights for them and we will work with the government on the process for the remaining visa holders,” Abbas added. The Australian government has granted 2,200 visas for Palestinians and 2,400 for Israelis since the outbreak of the current conflict in Gaza.

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US FAA relocating control of Newark, NJ, airspace to reduce congestion

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday it will relocate control of the Newark, New Jersey, airspace area to Philadelphia to address staffing issues and congested traffic in the New York City area.

The announcement comes ahead of what could be a record summer travel season. Airlines this week forecast record travel this spring. The FAA, which has struggled with air traffic staffing issues, said it and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) signed a memorandum to relocate control of Newark at New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) (N90) to Philadelphia Tower/TRACON by the end of June.

The FAA said the change will help “meet continued traffic demand in the busy Northeast Corridor.” Several controllers are expected to voluntarily transfer to Philadelphia.

New York TRACON is one of the busiest U.S. facilities overseeing among most complex American airspace. The FAA in 2023 had said it planned to reassign approximately 100 square miles of Newark airspace from N90 to Philadelphia to address staffing issues.

Satya Nadella welcomes Mustafa Suleyman as CEO of Microsoft AI

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday welcomed Mustafa Suleyman as CEO of the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) venture. As CEO of Microsoft AI, Suleyman will lead consumer AI products and research, including Copilot, Bing and Edge. “Welcome to Microsoft. Thrilled to have you lead Microsoft AI as we build consumer AI, like Copilot, that is loved by and benefits people around the world,” Nadella posted on X.

Suleyman was the co-founder and former head of applied AI at DeepMind, an AI company acquired by Google.

After leaving DeepMind, he co-founded Inflection AI, a machine learning and generative AI company, in 2022. He said that Inflection AI will continue on its mission under a new CEO, and look to reach more people than ever by making its API widely available to developers and businesses the world over.

Suleyman has also co-founded DeepMind Technologies, an AI and machine learning company, and became its chief product officer. The company was backed by Founders’ Fund and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, among others. In 2014, DeepMind was acquired by Google reportedly for 400 million pounds.

United Airlines has a hub at Newark International Airport, which often faces significant delays because of congestion and air traffic staffing issues. The carrier reduced flights last summer after flight disruptions and CEO Scott Kirby sharply criticized the FAA performance adding

The FAA extended cuts to minimum flight requirements at New York Cityarea airports through October because of staffing issues. Under minimum flight requirements, airlines can lose their takeoff and landing slots at congested airports if they do not use them at least 80% of the

time. The waiver allows airlines to not fly some flights and still retain slots.

A government watchdog said in June critical ATC facilities face significant staffing challenges, posing risks to air traffic operations and said N90 staffing was at just 54%. At several facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day work weeks to cover shortages and the agency is about 3,000 controllers behind staffing targets. President Joe Biden this month sought funding to hire 2,000 controllers in the coming year.

Polycab targeted by ransomware attack

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Polycab India was targeted by a ransomware attack but the incident has not impacted the core systems and operations of the company. The electricals and cables major said the cyber-security incident occurred on March 17, 2024, wherein the company’s IT infrastructure was targeted by a ransomware attack.

“However, the incident has not impacted the core systems and operations of the company. Currently, the company’s systems are up and running, all factories are operating, and the company continues to serve its customers,” Polycab India said.

“The technical team of the company

along with a specialized team of external cyber-security experts is working actively on analyzing the incident,” the company said.

SpaceX forced workers to sign illegal severance agreements, US agency claims

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been accused by a U.S. labor agency of requiring employees who were laid off or fired from the rocket and satellite maker to sign unlawful agreements barring them from disparaging the company and joining classaction lawsuits against it. The complaint, filed late Wednesday by a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regional official in Seattle, comes as SpaceX is already facing a separate case before the NLRB and has in turn filed a lawsuit claiming the agency’s structure violates the U.S. Constitution.

SpaceX, based in Hawthorne, California, is accused in the new complaint of requiring separated employees to sign severance agreements with confidentiality and nondisparagement clauses that restrict them from exercising their rights under U.S. labor law, the labor board said in a release on Thursday. Those provisions are common in severance pacts signed by workers, but the NLRB has said such agreements must make clear that workers cannot waive their rights to advocate for better working conditions or file complaints with the NLRB. The NLRB said the complaint, which was not immediately available, also alleges that agreements signed by SpaceX employees to bring legal disputes in arbitration rather than court and forego participation in class actions against the company were illegal.

Narayana Murthy gifts Infosys stock worth over Rs 240 Crore to 4-month-old grandson

India has probably seen its youngest millionaire in Ekagrah Rohan Murty - the four-month-old grandson of Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy. According to a regulatory filing, Narayana Murthy has gifted shares worth more than Rs 240 Crore to his grandson. Ekagrah Murty received 15 Lakh shares, or 0.04 per cent stake, in Infosys. The 77-year-old Infosys founder gifted shares to his grandson in an off-market transaction. With this, Narayana Murthy’s holding in the IT bellwether fell to 0.36 percent, or more than 1.51 Crore shares. Narayana Murthy and his wife and now Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty became grandparents in November last year after their son Rohan Murty and wife Aparna Krishnan welcomed a baby boy. Engineer-turned-philanthropist and author Sudha Murty took oath as Rajya Sabha MP last week in the presence of her husband.

US DOJ to sue Apple for antitrust violations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to sue Apple for allegedly violating antitrust laws by blocking rivals from accessing hardware and software features of its iPhone, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.

Taking action against Big Tech has been one of the few ideas that Democrats and Republicans have agreed on. During the Trump administration, which ended in 2021, the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opened probes into Google, Facebook, Apple and Amazon.

It is not clear what the focus of the charges would be, but makers of hardware devices, like smart-tracker maker Tile, have long complained that Apple has restricted the ways in which they can work with the iPhone’s sensors while developing competing products that have greater access.

Apple began selling AirTags - which can be attached to items like car keys to help users find them when they are lost - several years after Tile had been selling a similar product. Similarly, Apple has restricted access to a chip in the iPhone that allows for contactless payments. Credit cards can only be added to the iPhone by using Apple’s own Apple Pay service. Apple

has long argued that it restricts access to some user data and some of the iPhone’s hardware by third-party developers for privacy and security reasons.

The iPhone maker has also faced criticism over its iMessage service, which only works on Apple devices. Critics have complained that the company has disadvantaged messages sent to and received from Android phones by shrinking pictures and videos.

Last year, Apple changed course said it will support a new messaging technology called RCS, which has been promoted by Google as a way to make messaging smoother across different types of devices.

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India awaits Musk’s response as Centre clears road for Tesla’s entry

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Tesla lovers in the country are anxiously waiting for the first response from Elon Musk after the government approved a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that is designed to attract investments in the EV space by global manufacturers like the Musk-run electric car company.

It was in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tesla headquarters in Palo Alto, California and met the billionaire who gave the Prime Minister a tour of the company’s electric car plant. In later years, the billionaire sought customs duty to be lowered so that he could bring Tesla vehicles to the country.

Presently, customs duty on cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) varies from 60-100 per cent, depending on their cost. In the new policy, the government has reduced the

Hyundai, Kia to recall US vehicles over damaged charging unit, NHTSA says

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Hyundai Motor America and Kia America are recalling a combined 147,100 U.S. vehicles over a damaged charging unit, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Thursday.

Hyundai will recall 98,878 vehicles, affecting certain Ioniq and Genesis models, while Kia will recall 48,232 vehicles impacting certain EV6 models.

The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power increasing the risk of a crash, the safety regulator said.

customs duty to 15 per cent, with certain riders.

“The customs duty of 15 per cent (as applicable to completely knocked down or CKD units) would be applicable on the vehicle of minimum value of $35,000 and above for a total period of five years subject to the manufacturer setting up manufacturing facilities in India within a 3-year period,” according to the government.

This now paves the way for Musk to enter the Indian market. Last year, PM Modi met Musk in the US and appreciated his efforts at making technology accessible and affordable in various sectors.

The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore opportunities in India for investments in electric mobility and the rapidly expanding commercial

space sector. After hearing PM Modi’s ‘Make in India’ pitch, the Tesla CEO announced that his electric vehicle and battery company will come to the country “as soon as it is humanly possible”.

“He (PM Modi) really cares about India because he’s pushing us to make significant investments in India, which is something that we intend to do and we’re just trying to figure out the right timing,” said the billionaire.

In the new EV scheme, the government mentioned that a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore (about $500 million) will be needed to set up manufacturing facilities and production started within three years and reach 25 per cent DVA (domestic value addition) by three years and 50 per cent DVA within 5 years at the maximum.

India’s EV market has the potential to achieve over 40 per cent penetration with $100 billion revenue by 2030.

Airbus wins jet orders from two Asian customers of rival Boeing

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Airbus clinched orders for 65 jets from two of Boeing’s key Asian customers on Thursday, in a win for the European planemaker as its U.S. rival grapples with quality issues after a mid-flight panel blowout on a 737 MAX 9 jet.

The orders are a blow to Boeing, which is struggling with a sprawling manufacturing crisis that has caused it to limit narrow-body jet production, making it harder to catch up to its European rival. Japan Airlines (JAL) said it would buy 21 wide-body A350-

900 and 11 A321neo narrow-body jets from Airbus, which will provide smaller single-aisle jets to the longtime Boeing customer for the first time.

The order from Japan’s second-largest airline allows Airbus to grow its foothold on a part of its rival’s turf following a breakthrough first order of A350 wide-body, or twin-aisle, jets used on longer international routes just over a decade ago. JAL also said it would buy 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets.

South Korea’s largest carrier, Korean Air also said it would order 33 A350s in

a $13.7 billion deal - its first purchase of that aircraft family as it prepares for a merger with Asiana Airlines another South Korean carrier. Boeing and Airbus do not publish current list prices for their aircraft.

Airbus has been steadily growing singleaisle market share with its A321neo in the wake of multiple crises involving the Boeing 737 MAX, including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Following the Jan. 5 panel blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight, Boeing is facing probes into the company’s safety and quality standards, and its production has been curbed by regulators.

Dr Reddy’s launches cancer drug in the UK

Pharma major Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd on Tuesday announced the launch of its cancer drug Versavo (bevacizumab) in the UK. Versavo, its first biosimilar product to be approved and launched in the UK, is a biosimilar of Avastin and indicated for the treatment of several types of cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer, advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, recurrent glioblastoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, advanced cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer, the company said.

It is available in strengths of 100mg and 400mg single-use vials. The company launched Versavo in India in 2019 and later introduced it in other markets such as Thailand, Ukraine, Nepal, and

Jamaica under the same brand name. In Colombia, the product was launched under the brand name Persivia.

“The launch of Versavo in a highly regulated

market underscores our capability for global clinical development of high-quality biosimilar products. Versavo is a potential treatment option for patients with different types of cancers. This launch reinforces our

commitment to bring more biosimilar and other critical biological products to meet the unmet needs of patients and strengthens our focus on oncology,” Dr Reddy’s Global Head of Biologics, Dr Jayanth Sridhar, said.

Third man charged with murder in shooting at Super Bowl rally in Kansas City

Athird man was charged on Thursday with murder after a gunfight on the fringe of a Super Bowl victory rally in Kansas City, Missouri, last month killed one person and wounded more than 20 others in a quarrel over eye contact, prosecutors said.

Terry Young, 20, faces second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action charges for opening fire during an altercation on Feb. 14 near the city’s landmark Union Station, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said in a statement. The incident occurred while throngs of fans had gathered to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win

Osaka sweeps past Cocciaretto, Rogers beats Fruhirtova in Miami

Afour-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka swept past Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-4, 6-3 on her return to the Magic City after maternity leave to reach the second round at Miami Open. She took just 1 hour and 18 minutes to defeat World No.51 Cocciaretto on Wednesday. In seven appearances at the Miami Open Osaka has never lost an opening match. The Japanese last played the Miami Open in 2022, where she beat Angelique Kerber, Danielle Collins and Belinda Bencic before finishing runnerup to Iga Swiatek. At the end of that year, Osaka began her maternity leave, and she gave birth to daughter Shai in July 2023.

Osaka returned to the tour this season, so far, her best result was reaching the quarterfinals at Doha. Later, American Shelby Rogers outlasted Czech teenager Linda Fruhirtova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in firstround action. Rogers was sidelined for the second half of 2023 after Wimbledon as she underwent a second career knee surgery in the summer. She lost to Emma Raducanu in the first round of the Australian Open in her return to the tour this year, WTA reports.

The American will next face 2021 Roland Garros finalist and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the second-round.

over the San Francisco 49ers. Local radio personality Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan, 43, was killed while 25 people, including nine children, were wounded in the bloodshed

that unfolded following a parade and rally.

“The victims were caught in gunfire after the defendant and other individuals fired

Lions release CB Cameron Sutton amid criminal allegations

The Detroit Lions released starting cornerback Cameron Sutton on Thursday, a day after authorities in Florida announced they were looking for him following allegations of aggravated battery-domestic violence. The Lions posted a one-sentence announcement of his release on social media without further detail.

The sheriff’s office in Hillsborough County, Fla., said Wednesday that Sutton was being sought in the case and described the Jeep Grand Wagoneer that he was believed to be driving. The public was asked to contact the office if Sutton or the vehicle were spotted.

The Detroit Free Press reported Thursday that Sutton allegedly was involved in a domestic dispute on March 7 in Lutz, Fla. When

law enforcement arrived at the scene, Sutton was not there, and they have not been able to locate him.

The Lions issued a statement on Wednesday that said team officials had just learned of the warrant.

“We became aware of the ongoing legal situation involving Cam Sutton this morning,” the statement read. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will not have further comment at this time.”

Sutton, 29, joined the Lions last season on a three-year, $33 million deal signed in March 2023 after six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Spanish soccer federation fires executives linked to corruption probe

Spain’s soccer federation (RFEF) on Thursday fired two executives it said were linked to a multimillion-euro corruption probe, adding that the case had caused “very serious damage” to the sport’s image in the country. Pedro Gonzalez Segura, director of legal services, and Jose Javier Jimenez, director of human resources, had been removed from their positions, RFEF said in a statement.

weapons in response to a verbal argument,” Baker said.

A lawyer for Young was not listed in online court records. Six days after the bloodshed, Dominic Miller, 18, of Kansas City and Lyndell Mays, 23, of suburban Raytown were charged with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon.

Two teenagers were also charged as juveniles in family court with firearms offenses and resisting arrest. Prosecutors have said they would seek to also charge the two minors as adults, and that the investigation was continuing.

Easy draw for host France at Paris 2024 football competitions

France will face the United States and New Zealand in the men’s football competitions of 2024 Olympics as the draw for the tournament took place at the headquarters of the Paris Organizing Committee in Saint-Denis. The ceremony was attended by football luminaries including Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry, and Didier Drogba. Former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Henry currently heads the French Olympic team, reports Xinhua. A total of 16 teams will compete in the men’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics, with 12 teams already confirmed. The remaining four slots will be decided based on the results of next month’s U23 Asian Cup. The top three finishers at the U23 Asian Cup will directly qualify for the Olympics, while the fourth-placed team will face Guinea from Africa in a play-off for the last Olympic spot.

The Chinese Olympic team is set to participate in the U23 Asian Cup, facing tough competition in a group with Japan, South Korea, and The United Arab Emirates, making Olympic qualification challenging. On the women’s side, 12 teams will compete at the Olympics, with 10 already confirmed. The final two spots will be determined through the African Zone qualifiers. The football competitions of the Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 24 (two days before the Opening Ceremony) to August 10, across seven cities: Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, and Saint-Etienne, with both finals being held at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Sports

Cricket lights up New York’s iconic Empire State Building to launch Trophy Tour for Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

West Indies legend and one of the most renowned players in white-ball cricket, Chris Gayle along with the USA’s Ali Khan lit up New York’s Empire State Building to launch the Trophy Tour for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Global Trophy Tour will visit 15 countries, including all nine host venues in the countdown to the historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 hosted in the West Indies and USA.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy Tour started on Monday with twotime champion Chris Gayle and USA star Ali Khan lighting up the iconic skyscraper as fans countdown to the biggest global T20 cricket event ever.

An official ceremony to launch the Trophy Tour was held at the Empire State Building, where Gayle and Khan had the honor of pulling the lever down to light up New York’s most iconic building in the navy and pink colors of the event. Sitting atop the 381-metre skyscraper was the prize all 20 teams will be competing for across the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy, the ICC informed in a release on Tuesday.

Following the huge demand of more than 3 million ticket applications in the public ballot, additional tickets have been released to 51 of 55 matches, including to

Former Pakistan Test captain Saeed Ahmed passed away at the age of 86, on Wednesday. Saeed represented Pakistan in 41 Test matches, scoring 2,991 runs with the help of five centuries and 16 half-centuries. He also took 22 wickets with his right-arm off-spin bowling. He made his Test debut against West Indies in 1958 and played his last Test for Pakistan in Melbourne during the 1972-73 tour. He was Pakistan’s sixth Test captain and had replaced Hanif Mohammad as skipper of the side during England’s tour of the nation in 1969. However, his tenure as captain lasted for only three Tests. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences and said, “The PCB is saddened over the demise of former Test captain and expresses deep condolences to the family of Saeed Ahmed. He served Pakistan with all his heart and the PCB honors his record and services for the Test team.”

fixtures where allocations were previously exhausted.

The event marks the first time an ICC World Cup will be held in the USA, including eight matches at the brand new, state-of-the-art modular 34,000-capacity stadium in Nassau County, New York.

The newly renovated existing venues, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas and Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill will each host four fixtures. Co-hosts West Indies have a rich history in T20 cricket, having won the T20 World Cup twice, with popular Caribbean tourist destinations, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago all hosting matches.

The ‘Out of this World’ Trophy Tour will reach 15 countries across four continents as it visits iconic sporting teams and stadia, famous landmarks, and legendary cricketers, while also giving fans the chance to get a glimpse of T20 cricket’s biggest global prize.

In addition to visiting all host venues across the West Indies and USA, the Trophy will also visit emerging Americas cricket countries Argentina, Brazil and Canada - enabling new fans to connect with what will be a landmark event in the region.

Fans can follow Trophy Tour from wherever they are via ICC’s social channels and t20worldcup.com.

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La Liga strugglers Granada sack coach Medina with relegation looming

La Liga strugglers Granada sacked coach Alexander Medina on Tuesday following another defeat that leaves them needing a miracle to avoid relegation. Granada announced the decision with a brief communique reading, “The club thanks Medina for his commitment and wishes him and his technical staff the best of luck in their professional career.”

The Uruguayan has lost his job in the wake of Granada’s 1-0 defeat away to Mallorca on Saturday, which leaves them second from bottom with just 14 points from 28 games. The club is 13 points behind Celta Vigo, who currently occupy 17th place -- the last position guaranteeing survival this season, reports Xinhua.

Medina won just one of his 14 games in charge since replacing Paco Lopez at the end of November, with four draws and nine defeats. Those results are despite the club making a big effort to recover from a terrible start to the season by making ten signings in the January transfer window. These signings have had little effect, with Granada’s last win coming against fellow strugglers Cadiz on January 3.

“The team has played some good matches, but a lot of results have got away from us because of small details,” said Medina in a press conference on Saturday night.

Real Madrid file complaint against referee for not reporting racist abuse towards Vinicius Jr

La Liga club Real Madrid have filed a complaint against the referee Juan Martínez Munuera, who took charge of Saturday’s game against Osasuna, for omitting from his refereeing report the alleged racist abuse suffered by their forward Vinicius Jr.

Vinicius Jr, who scored twice in the 4-2 win over Osasuna that moved Real Madrid 10 points clear at the top of La Liga, is a victim of several racism incidents in the past few years. In a statement, Real Madrid said the humiliating chants were deliberately omitted from the report by Munuera despite his attention being drawn to the crowd continually by Vini Jr at the moment when they were taking place.

“Our club has filed a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplin-

Another suspension looming for Caps Forward

Tom Wilson

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been offered an in-person hearing for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor on Wednesday night. The date and time have not been determined for the hearing, which indicates a potential suspension of six games or more for the repeat offender. Wilson, who turns 30 next week, has been suspended five times during his 11-year career with the Capitals, most recently in March 2021.

ary Committee regarding the match referee Juan Martínez Munuera, owing to the negligent drafting of the refereeing report,” it said in a statement.

“The official omitted, in a voluntary and

deliberate fashion, the insults and humiliating chants directed towards our player on a repeated basis, despite his attention being drawn to them continually by our players as they were happening,” it added.

Real Madrid has also added to the complaint filed before the General State Prosecutor on March 15 regarding hate and discrimination offenses about the racist and hateful abuse aimed at Vinicius Junior by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fans, calling for the perpetrators to be identified.

“Real Madrid once again condemns these violent attacks of racism, discrimination, and hate and demands that measures finally be taken in order to eradicate the violence to which our player Vinicius Junior has been subjected,” it concluded.

Ohtani’s interpreter fired amid allegations of ‘massive

theft’

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter Ippei Mizuhara has been fired by the team amid allegations he had engaged in “massive theft” from the player to pay off gambling debts, multiple news outlets reported. Ohtani’s attorneys told the LA Times that Mizuhara had used the ballplayer’s funds to pay off an alleged illegal bookmaker, who is reportedly under federal investigation.

Former Pakistan Test captain Saeed Ahmed passes away aged 86

Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas & Malti offer prayers at Ram temple in Ayodhya

Actor Priyanka Chopra along with her husband Nick Jonas, daughter Malti Marie and other relatives visited the Ram temple in Ayodhya, on Wednesday. Priyanka and her family offered prayers at the temple and interacted with fans and clicked pictures with them.

She was dressed in yellow saree and a considerable crowd had gathered to see the actor and her family. She termed her visit to the temple as a divine experience.

In a record-making peak, Lakhs of viewers had watched the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya’s Ram Lalla Mandir on YouTube in January.

Punjab Health Secretary gets notice on harassment claim of Moosewala’s father

The Punjab government has issued a show-cause notice to Ajoy Sharma, Principal Health Secretary, after Sidhu Moosewala’s father alleged ‘harassment’ regarding the birth of his second child. The government has questioned why the matter was not brought to the attention of the Chief Minister or the Health Minister before an investigation.

“However, you proceeded to act in the matter without bringing this issue to the notice of your Minister-in-charge and Hon’ble Chief Minister and without taking any orders from them. This is a serious lapse on your part. Hence, you are asked to show cause within two weeks as to why proceedings under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 should not be initiated against you,” the notice read. Moosewala’s father Balkaur Singh in a video message has accused the state government of harassing him over the birth of his second son. He alleged that the Punjab government was questioning the family over the “legality” of the child.

A baby boy was born to the couple on March 17, nearly two years after Moosewala was shot dead in Mansa district. Officials say the couple had opted for the IVF technique for the second child.

Johnny Depp responds to ‘Blow’ co-star accusing him of verbal abuse

Hollywood star Johnny Depp has responded after his ‘Blow’ co-star Lola Glaudini spoke about being mistreated by the actor on the sets of the 2001 film. An episode of the podcast Powerful Truth Angels from January 30 resurfaced, where Glaudini spoke about verbal abuse she faced by Depp.

A representative of Depp said: “Johnny always prioritizes good working relationships with cast and crew and this recounting differs greatly from the recollection of other members on set at the time.”

The actress had said that the film’s director Ted Demme told Glaudini to “burst out laughing” while Depp delivered a monologue, reports deadline. com.

“I hear the cue, and I go haha, I do a big laugh or whatever,” Glaudini said.

“Johnny Depp, when they say cut, walks over to me, comes up to me, sticks his finger in my face and he goes, ‘Who the … do you think you are? Who the … do you think you are? I’m out here, and I’m trying to say my lines and you’re pulling focus. You idiot. Oh, now, oh now it’s not so funny? Now you can shut up? The quiet that you are right now, that’s how you stay.’”

Glaudini said this happened on her first day on the set and had not met Depp before adding: “This was my first studio movie, I’d just done indies until then. And I have the star who I have idolized, who I am so excited to work with, reamed me in my face. The only thing going through my head was, ‘Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry’.”

The actress then jogged her memory and said that Depp approached her later and gave her “a non-apology apology.”

Glaudini also noted that Demme, who died in 2002, didn’t apologize to her after the incident: “He didn’t come over and say anything,” making her feel she was “totally hung out to dry.”

Ellie Goulding feels ‘sad as hell’ after announcing she has split with her husband

English singer-songwriter

Ellie Goulding has confessed that she is “feeling sad as hell” but assured that “tomorrow will be better”, making the remarks just weeks after announcing her separation.

It was announced last month that the singer-songwriter, 37, and her husband Caspar Jopling, 32, have separated, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’. The former couple confirmed the news in respective statements that were shared with their followers on social media.

The singer has kept fans updated since then and took to Instagram with post about her feelings, as reported by OK! Magazine. The BRIT Award winner wrote: “Solidarity to anyone else feeling sad as hell today. Tomorrow will be better.”

As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, the post comes just weeks after Ellie and her husband Caspar announced their separation. There had been rumors that the pair, who are parents to son Arthur, two, together, had split up prior to the announcement last month.

Addressing the speculation, Ellie wrote in her statement last month that she had been separated from Caspar for “some time”. The singer said that the former couple “remain the closest of friends” and have been “co-parenting” together.

Chicago Radio to Ketan Mehta, ties that bind Sara’s ‘Ae Watan...’ character

Sara Ali Khan will be seen shortly in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video presentation, ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’, which is based on the life of the young Gandhian, Usha Mehta, and her Congress Radio, which became the voice of the 1942 Quit India Movement. Mehta was an ordinary young woman with extraordinary resilience, but she may never have been known, had her voice not benefited from the amplification provided by equipment supplied by Nanik Motwane.

He was the Bombay industrialist who ensured, literally, that Mahatma Gandhi got heard by the masses by providing the Congress with mics for its sessions and rallies. In fact, Motwane’s Chicago Radio branding appears on mics in all pictures of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other Congress leaders photographed during some of the iconic moments of the freedom struggle.

Motwane, who was moved by the sight of the Mahatma going from one group of people to another at the 1929 Congress session just to be heard, started providing Chicago Radio mics pro bono for every session of the party from 1931 (the historic

BTS band member Jungkook serves as cook as part of military service

KRecently, Jungkook took to Weverse, a fan communication platform, to update fans on his well-being and said, “How are you, ARMY? I’m doing well. I’ve been exercising diligently.”

He added, “We’ve been doing thorough cleaning, even up to the ceilings.” Moreover, Jungkook hinted at his role as a cook by adding: “I’m cooking well.”

It has been reported that Jungkook flaunted his culinary skills in the past by sharing his own recipes, including perilla oil makguksu, ramen porridge, bulgogi, and cup noodle fried rice, through Weverse and personal broadcasts.

Karachi session) to the 1960s.

When Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his historic ‘Tryst With Destiny’ speech, his mic also bore the Chicago Radio label. So did the mic that Lata Mangeshkar used when she sang ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke

Logon’ live to an audience that included Pandit Nehru, who teared up listening to her soulful rendition.

The Bombay police arrested Motwane on the suspicion that he was providing Usha Mehta the amplification equipment she

Adele suffers major blow; European tour fails to be a sellout

Singer-songwriter Adele is staring at cancellation of her European comeback tour as she has failed to sell out the tour. Fans fear she may pull out of gigs at the last minute. Tickets for her 10-date Adele In Munich gigs went on sale two weeks ago and apparently extra dates were added “due to unprecedented demand”, reports ‘Mirror. co.uk’.

Yet thousands of tickets remain available for the dates listed on Ticketmaster from August 2 to 31.

This seems to be the potential second instance of tour cancellation after Adele was forced to pull out of some of her Las Vegas residency gigs, which were due to take place this month.

Apologizing for the ‘inconvenience’ in a

statement on Instagram on February 28, the 35-year-old wrote: “Sadly I have to take a beat and pause my Vegas residency. I was sick at the end of last leg and all through the break.”

She had further mentioned, quoted by ‘Mirror.co.uk’, “I hadn’t quite gotten the chance to get back to full health before shows resumed and now I’m sick again and unfortunately it’s taken a toll on my voice. And so on doctor’s orders I’ve had to rest thoroughly. The remaining five weekends of this leg are being postponed to a later date. We are already working out the details and you will be sent the information ASAP.”

Adele is set to play a string of gigs in Germany’s Munich singing outdoors at a bespoke open-air arena large enough to fit 80,000 fans each night.

needed for her radio broadcasts to be heard. But somehow they could not connect the dots and hold Chicago Radio responsible for abetting Mehta’s ‘seditious’ act.

So, Motwane got away with some months of imprisonment, but by associating with him, Mehta, who went on to become a Mumbai University professor and doubled as head of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and Gandhi Peace Foundation, got linked to the family history of Bollywood director Vikramaditya Motwane, who was most recently in the news for the streaming series ‘Jubilee’.

That was, however, not Usha Mehta’s only connection with Hindi cinema. She never married, but she was close to her three nephews, one of whom is the acclaimed filmmaker Ketan Mehta, who has been in the news since 1980, when his debut Gujarati film, ‘Bhavni Bhavai’, won a clutch of national and international awards.

Mehta, who has also worked with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) as a producer, went on to make prize-winning films such as ‘Maya Memsahib’, ‘Rang Rasiya’ and ‘ManjhiThe Mountain Man’.

Timothee Chalamet slips into skin of lead character for Bob Dylan biopic

Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet, who is currently basking in the success of ‘Dune: Part Two’, was spotted on the set of James Mangold’s upcoming biopic on Bob Dylan. As the actor starts with his journey to step into the shoes of the ‘Blowing in the Wind’ singer, he looks like a spitting image of the singer, reports ‘People’ magazine.

In photos obtained by ‘People’, Chalamet can be seen dressed in a 1960s outfit while holding a worn guitar case in his hand, as he walked the city streets dressed in jeans, a green jacket, an orange scarf, a paperboy hat and had a large yellow backpack on his back.

Beside him, a retro-looking car drove by, setting the scene for the biopic, which will reportedly centre around Dylan’s controversial transition to the electric guitar in the 1960s and his road to becoming a folk music legend, as per Deadline.

Not much is known about the biopic, though Mangold previously confirmed that Chalamet will be singing in character as Dylan in the film -- his latest musical feat following Wonka.

-pop supergroup BTS member Jungkook is currently serving as a cook while in military service. Industry insiders and concerned authorities have confirmed, reports allkpop. com.

IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

The historic Ram Mandir Rath Yatra organized by VHPA, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada to commence this week

By Vandana Jhingan

In a first-of-its-kind endeavor, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Canada announced the commencement of the Ram Mandir Rath Yatra, that involves visiting more than 851 mandirs (Hindu temples) in America and 150 mandirs in Canada.

The Yatra begins on March 25, 2024, from the World Hindu Council of America Hindu Center in Sugar Grove, IL. A specially adorned van will carry statues of Shree Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman, along with Ram Lalla Pratikruti and Kalash of Prana Pratishtha Pujit Akshat.

The Yatra will stretch from around 45 to 60 days, and will conclude on April 23, 2024, which is considered an auspicious day of Shree Hanuman Jayanti, back at

Sugar Grove, IL, having visited over 1,000 temples across both nations.

Organizers are inviting volunteers to participate and to register at yatra.rammandir2024.org

About VHPA

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), also known as the World Hindu Council of America, is a non-profit organization working in the US since 1970, and has been actively working with the Hindu community in America. Its main objectives include educating future generations, advocacy for Hindu interests, dealing with misconceptions as well as humanitarian and relief services regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or place. For further information and registration, please visit http://www.yatra.rammandir2024.org

Indian Seniors of Chicago hold monthly birthday celebrations, Maha Shivratri event

By Jayanti Oza

About 320 members of the Indian Seniors of Chicago celebrated their monthly birthday and musical event on March 9, 2024. The program was successfully managed by Shri Bhupendra Suthar. The event commenced with the members offering prayers followed by a Shri Hanuman Chalisa recitation.

Mr. Bhupendra Suthar announced the name of the new president of the group Mr. Dilipbhai Patel who was unanimously elected by the Executive Committee. This announcement

was welcomed by all the members. Treasurer Mr. C. V. Desai presented the accounts for the month of February 2024 and announced the names of the donors. He also reminded all the members about the daylight saving time change on Saturday night.

A birthday program was celebrated by calling all the members whose birthdays fell in the month of March. President Shri Dilipbhai Patel greeted the members with birthday greeting cards and all the members also wished the birthday members a very happy birthday.

Shri Bipinbhai Shah gave a beautiful speech on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. It holds great importance among Hindus globally. It depicts the celestial union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, depicting the cosmic dance of creation, preservation and destruction.

After this a song and bhajan singing program was organized by the members. The participants were Durgesh Shah, Nalini Chudasma, Arvind Patel, Jyoti Vyas, Jayanti Oza, Manhar Parikh, Jashwant Seth, Chandrakant Chudasma, Satish and Daksha Parikh, Bipin Shah, Baiju Mehta, Hemant Modi and Hasmukh Sathia.

A moment of silence was observed to pay the

The Executive Committee announced the name of the new president of the group, Mr. Dilipbhai Patel, who was unanimously elected.

respect to devgad members of Indian Seniors of Chicago, Bhanuben Pandaya and Suresh Shah.

Rishit and Nupur Shah were invited to explain the information on financial planning and will-making followed by a Q&A session by the members. The program concluded with a sumptuous meal.

Prayers and recitation of Hanuman Chalisa by Bhupendra Suthar, Geeta Suthar, Saroj Patel and Manjula Modi of the Seniors Institute.

A birthday program was celebrated by calling all the ISC members whose birthdays fell in the month of March.

ISC Member Shri Jayanti Oza singing a movie song

ISC members enjoying the program

Formal complaint to UNHRC alleges violation of women’s rights by Sharia

By Hement Patel

Rarely do formal complaints make their way to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) regarding the infringement of women’s human rights stemming from Sharia law. However, human rights activist Deepti Mahajan, leading the Coalition CHINGARI, spearheaded a petition signed by 80 individuals from diverse countries, including the US, Canada, Israel, India, the UK, Austria, Australia, Netherlands, Russia, and South Africa, addressed to the UNHRC.

The Coalition CHINGARI is dedicated to advocating for Hindu girls and raising awareness about their plight, particularly regarding abduction and forced conversion in Pakistan—an issue extensively covered by Jihad Watch over the years. Despite heightened awareness and protests, the grim reality persists, with an estimated 1,000 Hindu and Christian girls forcibly converted to Islam annually.

Mahajan underscored the broad spectrum of signatories, encompassing Muslims, ex-Muslims, victims of Sharia, intellectuals, professors, journalists, and professionals. The petition’s timing, coinciding with International Women’s Day, underscores the urgent need to address the systemic violations of women’s

rights perpetuated by Sharia.

The complaint meticulously outlines the entrenched pattern of gross violations of women’s human rights perpetuated by Sharia law. It highlights the fundamental incongruence between Sharia and international human rights law, particularly citing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). Drawing on an array of evidence, including UN documents and firsthand testimonies from women impacted by Sharia, the complaint paints a vivid picture of the stark reality.

The complaint delineates three principal areas of concern: violence against women, Sharia law, and cultural norms within Islam. It sheds light on the widespread instances of Sharia-linked violence against women globally, ranging from sexual violence and slavery to forced marriages and discriminatory practices entrenched in Islamic culture.

Moreover, the complaint delves into statistical analyses, revealing the inherent gender inequalities embedded in Quranic verses and Hadiths. It exposes the adverse effects of Islamic cultural norms on women’s rights, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and barriers to education and sports participation for

Muslim women.

In a call to action, the complainants urge the UNHRC to take concrete steps, including soliciting a comprehensive response from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding the compatibility of Sharia with women’s human rights. They advocate for the appointment of non-Muslim rapporteurs to investigate discriminatory practices and collaborate with UN Women to address the root causes of gender inequality perpetuated by Sharia.

The complaint resonates as a clarion call

for global solidarity and concerted action to confront the ongoing violations of women’s rights sanctioned by Sharia law. It implores international bodies to uphold their commitment to promoting and safeguarding human rights universally, with a steadfast focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Remembering the jewels of Indian

freedom struggle

Remembering the contributions of Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru:

On March 23, 1931, the trio- Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru were hanged to death by Britishers. In order to honour their sacrifice for India’s freedom struggle, the day is celebrated as Shaheed Diwas.

Every year on March 23, across the country, homages are paid to these revolutionaries. They are the source of inspiration for the youth of India. At a young age, they came forward and for the country’s

Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907 in Faisalabad district of Punjab province (now in Pakistan) and is remembered unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and his ultimate sacrifice at the tender age of 23. Singh became actively involved in India’s freedom movement at an early age after quitting formal education. However he was an avid reader. Singh’s revolutionary plans to achieve freedom from Britishers got immense support from youth.

In April 1929, Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt hurled bombs in the Central Assembly Hall in Delhi, and raised the slogan of “Inquilab Zindabad!”. They were later arrested. Singh and his revolutionary comrades Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged to death on March 23, 1931, in the Lahore

Rajguru plotted the assassination of the superintendent of police James Scott in Lahore to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, the nationalist leader of the famous LalBal-Pal trio. In a case of mistaken identity, assistant superintendent of police John Saunders was shot dead. They escaped.

IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

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Growing businesses need cash flow. We can help.

Together, we’ll put together a loan structure for your business that can get it done—the right way—for your bottom line. SBA 7(a) loans help small businesses grow by offering longer, more flexible terms and lower-equity contributions.

Together, we’ll put together a loan structure for your business that can get it done—the right way—for your bottom line. SBA 7(a) loans help small businesses grow by offering longer, more flexible terms and

contributions.

Benefits to Business

Benefits to Business

• Longer amortization allows for lower loan payments

Size of Loans

• Longer amortization allows for lower loan payments

• No future balloon payment (fully amortizing loan)

Size of Loans

• Up to $5 million

• No future balloon payment (fully amortizing loan)

• Non-collateral dependent loans available

• Non-collateral dependent loans available

• Closing costs can be included in loan

• Closing costs can be included in loan

Typical Customers/Use of Funds

Typical Customers/Use of Funds

• Real estate acquisitions or refinancing—up to 90% financing available (51% owner-occupied)

• Up to $5 million

Terms of Loans

Terms of Loans

• Up to 25 years for real estate debt

• Up to 25 years for real estate debt

• Up to 15 years for non real estate debt (term can be blended if the debt includes both real estate and non real estate debt)

• Real estate acquisitions or refinancing—up to 90% financing available (51% owner-occupied)

• Construction Loans—up to 90% financing available

• Up to 15 years for non real estate debt (term can be blended if the debt includes both real estate and non real estate debt)

Interest Rates

• Construction Loans—up to 90% financing available

• Franchise financing

• Franchise financing

• Business acquisitions

• Business acquisitions

• Insurance Agency Acquisitions

• Insurance Agency Acquisitions

• Machinery & equipment acquisitions or refinancing— up to 100% financing available

Interest Rates

• Variable and fixed rate options

Loan Fees

• Variable and fixed rate options

Loan Fees

• The SBA Guarantee fee ranges from 2% to 3.5% of the guaranteed portion of the loan

• Machinery & equipment acquisitions or refinancing— up to 100% financing available

• Line of credit restructuring

• Line of credit restructuring

• Lease refinancing

• Lease refinancing

• Business Expansion Loans

• Business Expansion Loans

• The SBA Guarantee fee ranges from 2% to 3.5% of the guaranteed portion of the loan

• Other fees include packaging fees, third party reports, lien filings, title charges, etc. (closing fees can be incorporated into the loan)

• Other fees include packaging fees, third party reports, lien filings, title charges, etc. (closing fees can be incorporated into the loan)

Health & Fitness

Understanding the science behind sleepy eyes

Many healthy individuals suffer from the problem of heavy eyelids which is usually due to fatigue lack of rest or spending too much time in front of the computer screens. A few eye allergies, infections, and medical conditions can also be responsible for causing heavy, droopy eyelids.

After a long day at work, we generally feel our eyelids getting heavier as if something is pulling them down. This may be after a day of intense exercise or when we spend hours staring at a computer screen in the office.

But what causes our eyes to get heavy when we feel tired and sleepy?

To understand this, we first need to understand the basic anatomy of the eye. The eyelids are comprised of thin layers of skin and muscles, which play a crucial role in protecting the delicate structures of the eye from external elements like dust, debris, and bright light. They also greatly contribute to the overall appearance and expressiveness of the face.

The muscles around the eyes that hold our eyes in position play a similar role to any other muscle of our body when it comes to experiencing fatigue after a long day of consistent use. In other words, just like our arms and legs muscles grow leaden with extended use after a physi-

cally exhaustive day, similarly the muscles around our eyes also grow weary and experience fatigue.

This is particularly true for ocular and brow muscles since they are the most active during our waking hours. Therefore, in general, the heaviness of the eyelids in otherwise healthy individuals is due to fatigue that these muscles experience during

the hours we are awake.

Various factors that are responsible for causing sleepy eyes are:

Muscle fatigue: After getting an insufficient amount of rest or a prolonged period of staying awake, the muscles around the eyes tend to become fatigued and weakened which can lead to a loss of tone and firmness in the eyelids causing them to

droop or sag.

Reduced blood flow and stasis: The blood in the veins tends to pool, and the stasis causes the eyes to feel heavy, eye bags to appear under the eyes, and also dark circles to form due to the darker colour of the venous blood.

Stress and tension: Having a long screen time or intense visual focus such as working on a computer or reading for extended periods can strain the muscles around our eyes leading to feelings of fatigue and droopiness.

Facial Expressions: Beyond the physical changes to the eyelids themselves, sleepy eyes can also greatly affect our facial expressions and our overall appearance. When we’re feeling tired, our facial muscles tend to slacken, leading to our expressions becoming less animated and lively.

All this can also occur as a result of ageing changes around the eyes. It may be accelerated by chronic exposure to the sun and also the harmful light from our gadgets! Deflation and decent of the tissues around the eyes make them look saggy and tired.

Treatment for sleepy eyes:

Massaging around the eyes: It can help release a lot of strain and make you feel instantly better.

Get adequate sleep: The best solution to combat the problem of sleepy eyes is to prioritize getting enough rest each night.

Keep yourself hydrated: Drink lots and lots of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated as dehydration can exacerbate the feelings of fatigue and heaviness in the eyes.

Take breaks from the screen: One interesting exercise that one can do is practice the 20-20 rule where every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.

Apply cold compresses: Apply a cold compress or chilled cucumber slices to the eyes for a few minutes to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes.

30 Beauty & Fashion

From kurtas to denims & flowy silhouettes: Here’s how to style up this Holi

Why be boring in white in the festival of colors?

Fashion enthusiasts insist that Holi is the perfect opportunity to showcase a “vibrant personality” along with being comfortable yet stylish with the right clothes and accessories.

We have some tips for you to style yourself for your upcoming Holi party:

4Holi festivities provide the perfect opportunity to showcase your vibrant personality through colorful and chic attire. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or chiffon to stay comfortable and stylish throughout the celebrations.

4Indian wear can never go out of fashion as the traditional charm of the attire in bright kurtas paired with leggings or sarees adorned with playful prints bring out the best in fashion statements.

4Don’t shy away from accessorizing with statement jewellery pieces like jhumkas or bangles to add an extra flair to your look. Above all, exude confidence and radiate joy as you immerse yourself in the spirit of Holi.

4You can embrance comfort and style with a colorful flowy kurta and pair it with wide-leg pants. This is perfect for effortless movement and enjoyment. Enhance it with vibrant jewellery for added flair.

4You can also mix a kurta with a denim jacket or jeans for a cool, casual vibe. This is ideal for those who like a mix of ethnic and modern. Add colorful accessories and waterproof makeup to maintain the festive spirit. You can go extra comfortable on the footwear like flat chappals or juttis. Most importantly, what one needs to focus on is enjoying the festival the most.

Acne spots, a stubborn reminder that you need Glutathione

Astubborn pimple can be a frustrating reminder that your skin needs more than just a quick fix. While spot treatments can offer temporary relief, they often act like band-aids on a deeper issue. That stubborn breakout might be a message from your skin, signaling a lack of vital antioxidants like Glutathione. Contrary to what some may say, Glutathione isn’t just another trendy skincare ingredient. It is much more than just that.

Simply put, Glutathione is a powerful

antioxidant naturally produced by your body, acting as a frontline soldier against free radicals – harmful molecules that damage your skin cells and contribute to various concerns. You can think of it as your skin’s internal shield, protecting it from the daily onslaught of environmental stressors and promoting overall health and radiance.

Here’s how Glutathione can battle against various issues including: Hyperpigmentation: Free radicals can wreak havoc on your skin tone by triggering the overproduction of melanin,

the pigment responsible for skin color. This can lead to dark spots and uneven patches, making your complexion appear dull and uneven. Glutathione helps combat this by neutralizing free radicals, preventing them from triggering excess melanin production and promoting a more even, radiant skin tone.

Inflammation: This isn’t just about the occasional sunburn. Inflammation can manifest in various ways on your skin, including redness, irritation, and even acne breakouts. Free radicals contribute to this inflammatory response, and Glutathione’s antioxidant properties help mitigate their harmful effects, creating a calmer and healthier skin environment.

Premature aging: As you age, your body’s natural production of Glutathione declines. This leaves your skin more vulnerable to free radical damage, which can break down essential components like collagen and elastin. These structural proteins are crucial for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity, and their breakdown leads to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and loss of firmness. By supporting your body’s natural production of Glutathione, you can help keep these structures protected

and delay the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other age-related concerns.

So, incorporating Glutathione in your skincare routine can help to combat stubborn acne by addressing skin concerns and truly becoming a powerful ally.