Issue 22

India again objects to China’s attempts to rename places in Arunachal

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as well as Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on Tuesday strongly condemned China for renaming some places in India’s easternmost state of Arunachal Pradesh.

In response to media queries about renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh by China, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in Delhi that China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

“We firmly reject such attempts. Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India,” Jaiswal said.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, slamming China, posted on X: “Another gimmick from China. Being a proud citizen of Bharat and a native of Arunachal Pradesh, I strongly condemn this act of naming places within Arunachal Pradesh which have been an inalienable integral part of India. Proud citizens and patriots of Arunachal Pradesh are rejecting such antics.”

Despite India’s strong objection to these renaming attempts in the past, China on Monday reportedly released a fourth list of 30 new names for various places in Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday suggested that India should counter by assigning its own names of 60 places in “Tibetan areas of China”.

He urged the Indian government to adopt a “tit-for-tat” approach in response to China’s efforts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh.

“My request to the government of India is that we should give 60 geographical names to Tibetan areas of China,” Sarma told the media at Diphu in Assam.

However, he said: “But I don’t want to make any comment on this issue as it is a policy decision of the government of India. But if they have named 30, we should name 60.”

US Congress members seek update on probes into temple attacks

By: Dr. Avi Verma

US Congress’ five Indiandescent members on Monday demanded a briefing from the Justice Department on the spate of vandalism at Hindu temples across the country, some of whom were left with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, alongside Indian American congressional representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Pramila Jayapal (WA07), and Ami Bera (CA-06), has taken a proactive step by requesting a briefing from the DOJ.

In their letter dated March 29, the members expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of vandalism and attacks on temples, which have fueled anxiety within the Hindu American community. They highlighted the lack of progress in investigations, with “no leads”

on suspects, leaving many living in fear and intimidation.

“Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” the five members wrote in a joint letter.

“Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed that there

US support of Gaza war hinges on Israel’s steps to protect civilians,

Biden tells Netanyahu

US President Joe Biden on Thursday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza would be determined by the latter announcing and implementing a “series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers”.

The US President also called for an “immediate ceasefire” to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation there. The two leaders spoke on the phone amidst growing outrage around the world over the killing of six aid workers of Spanish American chef and restaurateur Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen.

“President Biden emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable,” said the White House in a readout of the phone call.

“He made clear the need for Israel to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers,” it added. He went on to warn Netanyahu that the US policy with respect to Gaza “will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps”.

The American leader also underscored that

an “immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians, and he urged the Prime Minister to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home”.

Relations between the US and Israel, strong allies in the best and worst of times, have plunged as Israel under Netanyahu is seen to be conducting the war in complete disregard to US’ concerns. Biden is facing mounting pressure at home to use US clout to rein in Israel and in an election year the President can barely afford to lose support, especially in key swing states such as Michigan.

In a tense 30-minute call, the US President went further than ever before in pressing Israel to change its conduct of the war in Gaza. Asked about what specific changes were demanded by the US, John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesperson, told reporters, “What we want to see are some real changes on the Israeli side and, you know, if we don’t see changes from their side there will have to be changes from our side.” But he did not specify them.

are unfortunately ‘no leads’ on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding these biasmotivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law.”

Recent polls have revealed a significant discontent among American voters regarding the potential rematch between Biden and Trump. According to a nationwide survey of 1,250 U.S. adults, Trump currently leads Biden by a margin of 40% to 34%, with a notable portion of respondents undecided or considering alternative options. This shift towards Trump underscores a growing dissatisfaction with the prospect of another election dominated by the same candidates.

The sentiment of dissatisfaction is palpable, with 67% of respondents expressing fatigue with the recurring candidates in presidential elections. This widespread feeling reflects a broader discontent with the current political landscape, where polarizing figures often overshadow alternative voices. As Kimberly Sofge aptly put it, “I honestly feel that we can do better.”

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The discontent behind the Biden-Trump rematch

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Earthquake rattles NYC and beyond

A strong earthquake sent shockwaves throughout New York City and the surrounding area Friday morning. The 4.8 quake was centered in Readington Township, New Jersey, 40 miles west of New York City, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It hit at approximately 10:23 a.m.

The impact was felt throughout the TriState Area, including upstate in Syracuse, as well as in Philadelphia and as far away as Baltimore. The USGS said it was felt all the way from Maine to Washington, D.C. Reports of buildings shaking and rattling came in from New Jersey to Long Island at the time of impact.

A 2.0 aftershock struck west of Bedminster, N.J. about an hour later.

US Congress members seek update on probes into temple attacks

Contd. from Pg. 01

“The number of incidents and the closeness of the timing of incidents raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent behind them,” the members said further. “It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear within a community that has often been marginalized or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America. We, therefore, request that you provide us with an understanding of what the Department’s strategy is specifically concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus in the US.”

“Deeply disturbed” by the recent attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, Congressman Shri Thanedar said, “Such acts of vandalism against places of worship are reprehensible and undermine the principles of religious freedom and diversity that are foundational to our nation. I stand in solidarity with the Hindu community and commit to working tirelessly to ensure their safety and the protection of all religious minorities. Together, we must condemn these hate crimes unequivocally and work towards a

more inclusive and tolerant society.”

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in January, just a few weeks after similar graffiti was noted on a temple in Newark, also in California.

“With at least two incidents recorded in the last couple of weeks, attacks on Hindu temples by Khalistani separatists are seemingly on the rise,” the Hindu American Foundation, an

advocacy group had said in a statement at the time. The members urged the Department of Justice to provide a briefing on their strategy by April 18th to address these pressing issues.

Pro-Khalistani activists were involved in the two incidents of arson and vandalism at the Indian consulate in San Francisco in 2023. While US President Joe Biden-led administration had responded with outrage promising to punish those responsible, no arrests have been made yet.

The discontent behind the Biden-Trump rematch Pakistan court suspends Imran Khan’s sentence in Toshakhana case

Contd. from Pg. 01

In response to this dissatisfaction, alternative candidates have emerged, each posing a unique challenge to the Biden-Trump rematch. The No Labels Party, for instance, offers a potential candidate who could disrupt the traditional two-party system. However, despite significant funding, ballot access remains a formidable obstacle, highlighting the entrenched barriers facing third-party contenders.

Additionally, figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. present another alternative for disenchanted voters. His anti-establishment stance resonates with those seeking a departure from politics as usual. Yet, his candidacy also faces challenges, particularly in garnering widespread support and navigating the complexities of the electoral process.

Amidst this landscape of discontent, the candidacy of Literally Anybody Else stands out as a symbol of frustration with the status quo. While unconventional, his campaign reflects a broader desire for change and a rejection of the binary choice between Biden

and Trump. However, securing ballot access and gaining traction among voters remain significant hurdles for his candidacy.

As we approach the upcoming election, it’s crucial to acknowledge the depth of dissatisfaction among American voters. The prospect of another Biden-Trump rematch has galvanized support for alternative candidates and fueled a broader conversation about the need for political reform. How these alternative candidates may affect the Biden and Trump candidacies remains to be seen. A strong showing by a thirdparty candidate could potentially alter the dynamics of the race by siphoning votes from both major parties. Additionally, the presence of alternative voices on the ballot may prompt voters to reconsider their allegiance to the established political order.

In this moment of discontent, it’s essential to consider the potential implications of alternative candidates on the electoral process. While challenges lie ahead, the desire for change and a more inclusive political landscape is evident. The path forward may be fraught with obstacles, but the possibility of a brighter future remains within reach.

By: Hamza Ameer

In a major positive development for former Pakistan Premier Imran Khan and his wife, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the 14-year sentence of the former Prime Minister and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana case.

Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were found guilty in the Toshakhana case, a case related to mishandling and illegal means of acquiring gifts received by foreign dignitaries by Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi during their time in office.

Imran Khan was sentenced in the case days before the general elections, in what was being said as a hasty proceeding and a hasty decision to ensure Imran Khan stayed behind bars. The verdict was initially announced by the accountability court on 31 January, which was later challenged in the Islamabad High Court

(IHC), which now has suspended the sentence and has allowed Imran Khan and his wife Bushra to be released on bail.

The relief for Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi is a big success and news for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters and followers, who have been taking our protests and rallies and holding social media campaigns for the release of their leader Imran Khan, who they say has been put behind bars in false, fake and concocted cases with an intend to punish Imran Khan for standing against global powers like the United States and call out the country’s powerful military establishment for their interference in the country’s politics.

While speaking to reporters from the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Imran Khan said that his struggle has been for decades only for the rule of law and accountability. Imran Khan said that it is the powerful establishment that has been calling the shots and trying to shut his voice down.

EAM Jaishankar highlights untapped potential for Indian business community

xternal Affairs Minister

ES. Jaishankar on Tuesday encouraged the Indian business community to look beyond the traditional and mature markets like the US and Europe, and explore the “untapped potential” in regions such as Africa.

Speaking at a Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry event, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the significance of international policy in shaping a “Viksit Bharat” (developed India) while also emphasizing upon Gujarat’s role in India’s development.

“While most businesses explore mature markets like the US, Europe, or the Gulf, we want you all to now explore Africa. It has a lot of potential. The Gujarati diaspora is big in Africa and that can work as an advantage,” EAM Jaishankar said.

The Union Minister outlined five key

areas vital for achieving development as production, consumption, technology, logistics, and demography. Jaishankar said that a key diplomatic task is to tackle external challenges.

He also delved into the complexities of India’s foreign policy, its essential role in advancing national interests, forming global alliances, and adapting to the shifting geo-political landscape. EAM

Russia’s Murmansk Governor in serious condition after being stabbed in stomach

Governor of Russia’s Murmansk region Andrei Chibis, who was stabbed in the stomach after a meeting in the town of Apatity on Thursday, is in a “serious condition”.

Chibis, 45, is in a serious condition and is being operated on in the intensive care unit, Yuri Shiryaev, chief doctor of the Apatity-Kirov Hospital, was quoted by Xinhua news agency.

The attacker, identified as Alexander Bydanov, was detained by security guards on the spot. According to the governor’s spokesperson, the attack happened suddenly and the perpetrator did not make any demands or shout any slogans. He was quickly apprehended by a Russian National Guard (Rosgvardiya) officer. Investigation is underway to determine the causes and motives.

Jaishankar also stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement in fostering international relations.

He highlighted India’s dedication to promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity, and pointed to the proactive steps taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to harness economic diplomacy for boosting India’s growth and enhancing the country’s global stature.

He also encouraged Indian citizens and businesses overseas to utilize Indian embassies more effectively, saying: “Even if you travel or work in other countries, then please use those foreign Indian embassies; they are getting bored! Now our embassies’ approach towards people and businesses is better than it was earlier.”

EAM Jaishankar further said that the safety of Indians abroad is a priority. “Whenever you go out of the country, your safety is our responsibility,” he said.

Aid workers’ death: IDF chief apologizes, says ‘misidentification’ led to mishap

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has apologized for the airstrike on an aid convoy in Gaza that led to the death of seven workers of World Control Kitchen (WCK). In a statement late Tuesday, IDF chief Herzi Halevi said that seven employees of the World Central Kitchen were killed on Monday night. The mishap occurred due to “misidentification” and an investigation has been launched.

Halevi further said that WCK is an important organization that worked in conflict areas and the IDF had worked closely with it in the past. He also said

that the IDF has already completed its preliminary probe into the strike and the findings were shared with him.

There were “no intentions” for harming the WCK aid workers, added the IDF chief.

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Standing against attacks on Hindu temples in the US and supporting Congressional action

Secent attacks on Hindu temples in the United States have deeply saddened and outraged us all. These places of worship, sacred to millions, have been subjected to vandalism and desecration, causing immense distress within the Indian American community and beyond.

In response to these alarming incidents, distinguished members of the US Congress of Indian Origin - namely, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorti, Promila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Shri Thanedar - have taken a commendable step by addressing this issue in a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Led by our very own Congressman Raja Krishnamoorti, this collective effort underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for action.

The attacks on Hindu temples are not isolated incidents. They represent a disturbing trend of religious intolerance and bigotry that has no place in our society. These acts of vandalism not only violate the sanctity of religious institutions but also instill fear and insecurity within the community.

It is unacceptable that such acts of hatred are allowed to persist unchecked. The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We urge the US and local authorities to prioritize the protection of Hindu temples and take swift and decisive action to apprehend those responsible.

As a publisher committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and religious harmony, I condemn these acts of vandalism in the strongest possible terms. The Indo-US Tribune stands in solidarity with the Indian American community and all those affected by these senseless acts of violence. We call upon our readers to join us in advocating for the protection of religious institutions of all faiths and fostering a culture of tolerance and acceptance in our society.

Best Regards, Dr. (H) Avi Verma Publisher, IndoUS Tribune

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Nine killed, over 800 injured as 7.3magnitude quake rocks Taiwan

At least nine people were killed and 800 others injured after a 7.3-magnitude quake jolted Taiwan on Wednesday morning, according to the local emergency operation centre. Data from the centre showed that about 821 people were injured following the earthquake that hit the sea area near Hualien County, Taiwan, Xinhua news agency reported. Due to the earthquake, a nearly 40-year-old building in Hualien has tilted severely. Multiple trapped residents have been rescued, but one woman remains missing. According to an official from Taiwan transportation authorities, the railway linking Yilan County and Hualien has been severely disrupted, with multiple collapses and falling rocks reported.

Ongoing aftershocks in Hualien have hindered repair personnel from accessing affected areas, the official said. The official stated that the current priority is to restore the Taiwan railway service, saying dualtrack travel on the rail line section connecting Yilan and Hualien is expected to be restored by Thursday noon.

In letter to PM Shehbaz Sharif, Biden says US ‘will work with Pakistan’ for regional security & counter-terrorism efforts

In a first official communication, US President Joe Biden has broken with tradition and has written a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing readiness to work together for regional peace and counter-terrorism efforts. Biden, who till last week, has carried a tradition of not engaging with any of the Prime Minister in Pakistan during his tenure, has not only reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif but effectively has also put forward the lens through which US looks at its relationship with Pakistan along with expectations from the new government in Islamabad.

The US President emphasized the sensitivity and critical nature of “pressing global and regional challenges,” assuring Islamabad that it would continue to work with it and Shehbaz Sharif-led government to counter the menace of terrorism.

“The enduring partnership between our nations remains critical to ensuring the security of our people -- and people around the world -- and the US will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time,” said Biden’s letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“That includes advancing our shared

Russia calls for jointly combating terrorism with India, other nations

Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, said on Saturday that his country is committed to fighting terrorism together with India and other nations, as he highlighted the strong statement of support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks came after a dastardly terror attack near Moscow on March 22 left more than 140 people dead and several injured as terrorists, reportedly dressed in camouflage uniforms, stormed the Crocus City Hall, opening fire and setting off explosives.

“Russia is committed to decisively fight the menace of terrorism together with India and other countries bilaterally and multilaterally,” Ambassador Alipov said in a post on X. “Strong statements of support to Russia and rejection of terrorism in all manifestations were made by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra

Modi, leaders of political parties, ministers, senior officials and public activists,” he added.

He also “highly appreciated” the sentiments towards the victims, their kin, and the Russian government shown by the people of India and other countries. Ambassador Alipov added that the Embassy keeps receiving condolence messages expressing sympathy over the huge loss of lives and condemnation of the “monstrous terrorist attack” on March 22 near Moscow.

Expressing his solidarity with the people of Russia, PM Modi had strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands in solidarity with the government and the people of the Russian Federation in this hour of grief.” According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the deadly terrorist attack was carried out by radical Islamists, but “many questions still remain”.

vision for a future of greater health, security, economic growth, and access to education for all. Through our US-Pakistan Green Alliance framework, we will also continue to strengthen our climate resilience, support sustainable agriculture and water management, and assist with Pakistan’s recovery from the devastating floods in 2022. And, the US remains committed to working with Pakistan to protect human rights and promote progress,” Biden’s letter added.

Biden did not interact with former Prime Minister Imran Khan after his victory during

2018 nor did he speak to Shehbaz Sharif when he took charge of the Prime Minister’s office after removing Imran Khan through a vote of no-confidence in April 2022.

While Biden’s letter to PM Shehbaz Sharif signifies the value Washington gives to Pakistan in terms of its regional relevance and importance; one thing that the letter also indicates is that Washington still looks at Islamabad through the lens of counterterrorism, regional and global security in reference to terrorism.

Despite the fact that US is not longer engaged in Afghanistan and its level of priority for Pakistan is not what is used to be after its withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021; Pakistan’s regional role in countering terrorism retains it as a key player for the Biden administration.

The Biden administration seems to be ready to work with the newly-elected Pakistani government, despite the widespread allegations of rigging and ballot fraud.

It should also be noted that despite difference of opinion about the current government set-up in Pakistan and broadly debated power centre still with the military establishment; the American military establishment still seeks a working cooperation with Pakistan.

Baltimore shipping set to resume by end of April with full capacity by end of May

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Thursday it expects to open a new channel to the Port of Baltimore by the end of April, freeing up commercial shipping blocked by a collapsed bridge, and then restore port access to full capacity by the end of May. The main channel has been blocked by wreckage since the fully loaded container ship Dali lost power and rammed into a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, killing six road workers and causing the highway bridge to tumble into the Patapsco River.

The Army Corps, part of a multiagency team responding to the Baltimore disaster, announced the plans one day ahead of a visit by President Joe Biden, saying that within four weeks the channel would be suitable for some roll-on/roll-off vessels that transport automobiles and farm equipment. The Port of Baltimore ranks first in the United States for the volume it handles of autos and light trucks and farm and construction machinery, according to the state of Maryland. Most of that traffic has been suspended since the accident, though some terminal operations outside the affected area have resumed.

Earlier this week, two auxiliary channels suitable for emergency vessels, tugs and barges were opened on either side of the disabled ship, which is stuck beneath bridge debris with thousands of containers and a crew of 21 sailors still aboard. But with depths limited to 11 feet (3.35 meters) and 14 feet, those two channels are too shallow for major cargo ships,

which need a depth of 35 feet. By the end of May, the corps said it expects to restore port access to its full capacity with a 700-foot-wide by 50-foot-deep navigation channel.

Before then, salvage crews must remove steel bridge debris from atop the Dali in order to extract it from the harbor, then clear the twisted metal and highway wreckage that fell into the water. Ensconced within that debris are the bodies of four of the six highway workers who were killed. The Biden administration has provided an initial $60 million in emergency funding to clear the channel and begin recovery, and Biden has said he would ask Congress to fund the complete rebuilding of the bridge.

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Thieves steal $30 million from Los Angeles vault

Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the theft of as much as $30 million from a money storage facility in Los Angeles, according to local media. Law enforcement sources told local KABC television station that the burglary happened at a GardaWorld facility in Sylmar, a suburban neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, on Easter Sunday.

The thieves broke into the facility undetected -- without setting off alarms -- by going through the roof and somehow getting into the money storage area, which may have been a vault, said the report, citing officials briefed on the investigation. The company that owns the building did not discover the massive theft until Monday morning, the report added. Law enforcement sources were quoted as saying by the major local newspaper, Los Angeles Times, that the break-in was among the largest burglaries in city history when it comes to cash, and the total surpassed any armoured-car heist in the city as well.

The burglary occurred Sunday night at the facility where cash from businesses across the region is handled and stored, said the report, adding that the break-in was described as elaborate and suggested an experienced crew of burglars who knew how to gain entry to a secure facility unnoticed.

Tennessee court weighs challenge to abortion ban’s narrow medical exception

ATennessee court will weigh whether to temporarily block the state’s abortion ban when it comes to dangerous pregnancies, after hearing arguments Thursday in a legal challenge to the law’s narrow medical exception. The three-judge panel could also decide to dismiss the case entirely when it eventually renders its written decision. The case against the state was brought by the Center for Reproductive Rights, which argues that the “unconstitutionally vague” language in the medical exception in Tennessee’s abortion ban endangers the lives of pregnant women.

The nonprofit filed a lawsuit in September on behalf of Blackmon, who is the lead plaintiff, and six other women who were denied abortions despite facing major health complications, as well as two obstetrician-gynecologists who say the threat of extreme penalties has impeded their ability to provide care. The penalties include up to 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine and the loss of one’s medical license.

FDA faces backlash over approval of genetic test for opioid addiction risk

The Food and Drug Administration is facing backlash over its approval of a genetic test intended to determine if a person is at increased risk for opioid addiction. The test, called AvertD, was approved by the FDA in December. It detects a handful of genetic markers that the manufacturer, Californiabased SOLVD Health, claims are associated with opioid use disorder.

It’s meant to be used before a person is prescribed an opioid for the first time; for example, ahead of a surgery that a doctor may prescribe a short course of opioids for recovery. It’s a promising test, in theory: An opioid prescription, even short-term, can be a path to addiction for some people.

The opioid crisis in the United States has been responsible for almost 645,000 deaths over the last two decades. In 2022, about 6.1 million people in the U.S. were reported to have an opioid use disorder, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The agency’s clearance of AvertD, however, went against the advice of its own independent advisory committee,

which overwhelmingly voted against approval in 2022 because of concerns that the test may fail to identify people at risk for opioid use disorder, potentially leading to overprescribing.

In a letter addressed to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf dated Thursday, a group of doctors and researchers called on the agency to revoke its approval, saying the test doesn’t predict opioid use disorder “any better than chance.”

NASA selects 3 firms to develop vehicle to explore Moon’s surface

The US space agency NASA has selected four companies — Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab —to develop a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) that Artemis astronauts will use to travel around the Moon’s surface.

The vehicle will help conduct scientific research during the agency’s Artemis campaign at the Moon and preparing for human missions to Mars, NASA said in a statement.

“We look forward to the development of the Artemis generation lunar exploration vehicle to help us advance what we learn at the Moon,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

“This vehicle will greatly increase our astronauts’ ability to explore and conduct science on the lunar surface while also serving as a science platform between crewed missions,” Wyche added.

NASA intends to begin using the LTV for crewed operations during Artemis V.

The contract with “firm-fixed-price task orders” has a combined maximum potential value of $4.6 billion for all awards. Each provider will begin with a feasibility task order, which will be a year-long special study to develop a system that meets NASA’s requirements through the preliminary design

maturity project phase.

Between Artemis missions, when crews are not on the Moon, the LTV will operate remotely to support NASA’s scientific objectives as needed.

Outside those times, the provider will have the ability to use their LTV for commercial lunar surface activities unrelated to NASA missions, said the space agency.

“We will use the LTV to travel to locations we might not otherwise be able to reach on foot, increasing our ability to explore and make new scientific discoveries,” said Jacob Bleacher, chief exploration scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts – including the first woman, first person of colou, and its first international partner astronaut – to explore the Moon.

Section of crane falls on to bridge in Florida, killing one worker

Part of a steel crane plunged from a high-rise building under construction on to a road bridge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Thursday, killing one worker who fell with the equipment and injuring three people on the ground, authorities said.

Two vehicles were struck by the fallen structure of steel girders and struts, which gouged a hole in the surface of the bridge and left three people with non-lifethreatening injuries, Gollan said.

Two of them, a man and a woman from separate vehicles, were taken to the hospital for treatment, while the third person declined to be transported.

The man who went to the hospital, identified by local television station WSVN-TV as Mark Cerezin, said a fallen piece of the crane landed on a minivan in front of him, then bounced and sliced through part of his vehicle as he hit the brakes.

A construction worker who was on or near the platform when it collapsed fell to his death. The bridge over the New River was closed for repairs, and the cause of the accident, which occurred at the start of the evening rush hour in downtown Fort Lauderdale, was under investigation.

Biden moves to protect civil service as Trump

plans to install loyalists

The Biden administration on Thursday issued final rules meant to protect the jobs of the government’s 2.2 million civil servants, as Republican challenger Donald Trump plans to replace thousands with hardline loyalists if he returns to the White House.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management said the rule is meant to clarify longstanding protections for career civil service employees, after former President Trump in his final months in office sought to impose rule changes that would have made it easier for him to fire them.

Democratic President Joe Biden revoked that executive order, known as Schedule F, shortly after he took office in January 2021. Trump has pledged to reintroduce the rule if elected, and Thursday’s action would likely only slow, not stop, him from doing so.

That would give him the power to potentially fire tens of thousands of career, nonpolitical workers and bring in loyalists willing to implement farright policies and his self-described “retribution” agenda against those he feels have wronged him.

Unions representing government workers have vowed to sue to block attempts by Trump to strip workers of employment protections.

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Early hurricane season forecast suggests extremely high number of storms

Early forecasts for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season suggest it could be extreme, perhaps even record-breaking.

Colorado State University, a prominent hurricane and tropical weather forecast center, released its predictions on Thursday: 11 hurricanes, five of which are expected to become Category 3, 4 or 5, meaning they’d have wind speeds of at least 111 mph. Overall, the researchers anticipate 23 named storms this season.

An average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes (Category 3 or above), according to the National Hurricane Center. The two main reasons forecasters expect the coming season — which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 — to

Bird flu dairy cow outbreak widens in Ohio, Kansas, New Mexico

Bird flu has infected a dairy herd in Ohio for the first time and was detected in additional herds in Kansas and New Mexico, according to the U.S. government, expanding an outbreak in cows that has raised concerns about possible risks to humans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed infections in herds across six states since it first reported cases in Texas and Kansas on March 25. The infected dairy in Ohio received cows on March 8 from a Texas dairy, which later confirmed a detection of bird flu, the Ohio Department of Agriculture said.

The USDA has said transmission of the disease between cows cannot be ruled out. The initial cases in Texas and Kansas appear to have been introduced by wild birds, and the strain of the virus in subsequent cases in New Mexico, Michigan and Idaho was very similar, according to USDA.

Migratory birds have spread avian flu around the globe since 2022, infecting poultry and other species.

“In the state of Kansas, all the genetic sequencing data that we can come up with is still indicating it is a spillover event from a wild bird exposure,” Kansas Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith said in an interview on Thursday.

Bird flu has been found in three dairy herds in Kansas, two in New Mexico, seven in Texas and one each in Ohio, Idaho and Michigan, according to USDA.

The spread to an increasing number of species and its widening geographic reach have raised the risks of humans being infected, the head of the World Organization for Animal Health said on Thursday.

Texas officials reported on Monday that a farm worker tested positive, and the only symptom was eye inflammation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk of bird flu for humans to be low.

be so far above average are extreme levels of Atlantic Ocean heat and a seasonal switch to La Niña, a natural pattern of variability.

Ocean temperatures have been recordhigh for a year, which makes powerful storms more likely and can enable them to intensify more quickly.

The Colorado forecast says there is a 62% chance that a major hurricane strikes the U.S. coastline, which is about 19% higher than the baseline. The prediction comes early in the year, however, and will be updated throughout the season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has not yet released its forecast. Other hurricane researchers said they share concerns about a combination of unnatural ocean heat and the natural effects of La Niña.

Judge denies New York county’s request to let it enforce trans sports restrictions

Afederal judge on Thursday denied a request by New York’s Nassau County to let it enforce new restrictions on transgender athletes at county sports venues without facing legal action by the state’s attorney general for violations of anti-discrimination laws.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, issued an order in February that denies permits at countyrun parks and sports facility to girls’ and women’s sports teams that cannot attest that all their members were designated female on their original birth certificates.

His order, one of scores of laws, rules and regulations advanced by Republican politicians around the U.S. in recent years to regulate trans people’s conduct, does not place any restrictions on men’s or mixed teams.

Days later, New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, sent Blakeman a letter telling him to rescind the order, which encompasses a large section of Long Island adjacent to New York City, or risk

legal consequences. She called the order “transphobic and blatantly illegal” under the state’s human rights laws, which put New York among 22 states that forbid discrimination based on gender identity.

Blakeman sued James in U.S. District Court on Long Island, asking the judge to order New York’s chief law-enforcement officer not to pursue legal action against the county, and arguing that the state’s anti-discrimination laws violate the U.S. Constitution.

On Thursday, Judge Nusrat Choudhury ruled against Nassau County, noting that the Constitution’s 11th Amendment generally prevents a local government from suing a state government in federal courts. She also ruled that Nassau County had no legal standing, nor did an unnamed 16-year-old girl who plays volleyball who joined Blakeman as a plaintiff in the lawsuit through her parents.

The New York attorney general’s office declined to comment beyond its court filings. Since issuing his order, Blakeman has been sued in a state court by at least one women’s team accusing the county of violating anti-discrimination laws.

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Kolkata graduate’s team makes it to the final of ‘toughest’ TV quiz in UK

ALondon-based computational science graduate from Kolkata has answered a series of complex questions as part of his university’s team to make it to the last leg of what is among television’s “toughest” quiz tournaments in the UK.

Sourajit Debnath, 31, will join his four-member Imperial College London team as they go headto-head with University College London (UCL) in the BBC’s ‘University Challenge’ grand final to be telecast on Monday.

In clips being aired from the show this week, Debnath can be seen dressed in a red and black kurta dominating a set of bonus questions on BAFTA-winning video games. Described by the BBC as “TV’s toughest quiz team tournament”, ‘University Challenge’ is hosted by British Indian broadcaster Amol Rajan and attracts teams of students representing the top universities from across the UK to be crowned quiz champions.

Sikhs in Canada observe April as Heritage Month

With eight lakh Sikhs calling Canada their home, April is observed as Sikh Heritage Month to celebrate the rich history and contributions of the community there. As per the Canadian encyclopedia, Sikhism is a major world religion that arose from the teachings of Guru Nanak. There are about 27 million Sikhs worldwide, making Sikhism the fifth-largest religion. “Throughout the month, we’ll feature prominent Sikh Canadians and events related to the Sikh community that had a strong impact on Canadian history,” said Historica Canada, a non-profit Canadian organization dedicated to enhancing awareness of Canadian history.

According to City of Surrey’s official account on X, “It is an opportunity to

remember, celebrate, and educate about the vital role Sikhs have played, and continue to play, in our communities.”

This year’s Vaisakhi Parade is on April 20. The official page of Veterans Affairs Canada says: “Today, we remember

Indian student group begins ‘Fair Visa, Fair Chance’ campaign in UK

One of the UK’s prominent Indian student representative organizations on Thursday began a new ‘Fair Visa, Fair Chance’ campaign in favor of the post-study Graduate Route visa, which has proved hugely popular with students from India since its launch around three years ago.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK, which had originally campaigned for the visa that allows international graduates the chance to gain work experience for two years after their degree, fears the ongoing review of the route would reverse the progress made.

The independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been commissioned to review the Graduate Route visa by UK Home Secretary James Cleverly to ensure it is “fit for purpose” and is expected to report by next month.

Since its relaunch for the 2020-21 cohort of international students, the Home Office says a total of 213,250 visas have been granted under the route – with Indians consistently dominating as the largest group of students granted leave to remain with 43 per cent of grants last year.

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Buckam Singh -- one of the first Sikhs in Canada to enlist in our military.” Son of Badan and Chandi Kaur Singh and husband of Pritam Kaur of Jalandhar, Buckam Singh was in Canadian Infantry (Eastern Ontario Regiment). His enlistment was on April 23, 1915.

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US man executed for killing Indian and another person in Oklahoma in 2002

A41-year-old man convicted of shooting and killing two people, including an Indian, in the US state of Oklahoma in 2002 was executed on Thursday.

Michael Dewayne Smith was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester town, television station KOCO-TV reported.

Smith had been on death row for the murders of 24-year-old Indian store clerk Sharath Pulluru and 40-year-old Janet Moore in separate incidents on February 22, 2002.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond released a statement on Smith’s execution, saying, “I pray that today brings some measure of peace for the families of Janet Miller-Moore and Sharath Pulluru. It has been a long and difficult 22 years for their loved ones, and my heart aches over the agony they have endured.”

“I want the people of Oklahoma to know that the victims of Michael Smith were good and decent people who did not deserve their

Indian child sex offender arrested after Maryland courts give light sentences

An Indian national convicted of child sex offenses, but given light sentences, has been arrested after he was released from a Maryland detention center without any warning to federal immigration authorities, official said.

The 32-year-old man, who has not been identified, was arrested on March 20 near his home in Ellicott City. He was arrested by Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Baltimore, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (CBP) said Thursday.

“This predator’s presence in our area constituted a significant threat to the children of our Maryland neighborhoods,” said Matthew Elliston, the acting field office director for Baltimore’s ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

“We cannot allow non-citizen sex offenders to roam the streets of our community. ERO Baltimore will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting the most egregious noncitizen offenders,” he said.

fate,” Drummond said.

“Sharath, a bright young man with a generous spirit, was the first in his family to come to the United States to pursue an education. He was fun to be around, was an inspiration to his family, and had a promising future,” he said.

He added that the two were murdered because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. “That was all. I am grateful that

justice has been served,” he said.

Last month, Sharath’s brother, Harish Pulluru, released a statement demanding the denial of Smith’s clemency.

“Sharath was a wonderful person, he was the first in our family to come to the United States. He is the reason I became a doctor. When he first came to the United States I would wait in a phone booth in India for him to call and cherished every conversation we had,” KFOR television channel had reported, citing the statement.

“I saw the pain that my parents lived with every day. Sharath was a loving son, brother and uncle. He was the life of our family. We are a very close family and his sudden death in such a violent manner has affected our lives every day since. We ask that clemency be denied,” Harish said.

Before his execution, Smith said in a statement: “My life is on the line. Despite new evidence, my attorney Mark Henricksen has informed my family that he will be filing no further appeals on my behalf. I am releasing this statement to demand that Henricksen do his job and fight for my life.”

Indian-origin doctors’ union chief confirms pay offer ending strikes in UK

The Indian-origin chair of the British Medical Association’s (BMA) Consultants Committee on Friday confirmed the end of year-long strike action after senior National Health Service (NHS) doctors accepted the government’s pay offer.

Dr Vishal Sharma said the agreement is “the end of the beginning” in consultants’ efforts to restore their pay to 2008 levels and stressed it is “imperative” for the review body to utilise its independence to prevent future pay disputes.

Around 83 percent of NHS consultants who took part in a three-

week referendum tabled by the BMA doctors’ union voted in favor of accepting the offer on behalf of the profession.

The BMA said the latest offer reflects an improvement on the government’s previous proposal to reform the consultant pay scale. It now includes a 2.85 percent (GBP 3,000) uplift for those who have been consultants between four and seven years who, under the original offer, received no additional uplift.

The upgrade is in addition to the 6 percent pay uplift awarded during the review body’s process last year and is separate from the pay award following the outcome of the review body process for 2024-25.

Spiritual leader appeals to PM Modi, MEA for help as Punjabi man fights for life in Los Angeles

In an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), a spiritual leader has urged for urgent assistance for a Punjabi man battling for his life in the US following a heart attack.

“Whenever our youth face crises, whether in Ukraine or anywhere globally, our Prime Minister steps in. It is crucial that in this critical time, the government extends its helping hand to Ravi Kant Sharma,” Sant Guru Swami Paul Ji Maharaj said.

“Ravi Kant Sharma, a journalist working in Canada, was on assignment in the United States when tragedy struck. Now admitted to the Los Angeles Medical Center, Sharma’s critical condition necessitates immediate transfer to Canada due to his insurance coverage being in that country. However, the lack of resources and support has left Sharma and his family in a dire situation,” Swami Paul Ji Maharaj explained.

With Sharma’s life hanging in the balance, the plea for assistance has gained “urgency and significance,” he added.

“Enough, I don’t want to say more. I trust that PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and especially our Doda Member of Parliament if they take this matter into their hands,” the spiritual leader also said.

8 migrants from Asia die in boat accident off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast

The bodies of eight migrants, apparently from Asia, were found after a boat accident off Mexico’s southern Pacific coast, authorities said Friday.

Prosecutors in the southern state of Oaxaca said one survivor, an Asian man, was located. Based on preliminary investigations, the dead appeared to have been from Asia, they said.

The bodies were found near a beach in the town of Playa Vicente, which is about 250 miles (400 kilometers) east of Mexico’s border with Guatemala. The causes of the boat accident were under investigation.The area is a key route for migrants seeking to cross Mexico to reach the US border.

Most migrants travel by land, but some pay to make the journey by sea seeking to avoid immigration checkpoints inside Mexico.

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Akali Dal condemns amendment in rules for doctor recruitment in Chandigarh

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Majithia on Thursday condemned the decision to abolish the 60:40 ratio vis-a-vis recruitment of senior medical officers in the Chandigarh Health Department by the Central government.

Reacting to a notice by the Health Department in which the recruitment rules have been changed, Majithia said, “The UT administration has taken upon itself to change the rules for recruitment to deny deputation rights to Punjab government officers in the union territory.”

Terming this decision as discriminatory, Majithia said Chandigarh was carved out from villages of Punjab. Moreover, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs issued a memorandum on November 4, 1966, that all posts in the UT be filled as per 60:40 ratios between Punjab and Haryana respectively. He said this was done so that the status

Gurugram DC directs officials to keep close watch on illegal liquor trade during LS polls

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, Nishant Kumar Yadav, who’s also the District Election Officer (DEO), on Thursday directed the excise officials to keep a close watch on illegal supply and sale of liquor across the district.

The officials should also check the records of the authorized liquor vends in the district from time to time, he said. The officer also told the excise officials to coordinate with the concerned police stations regarding the seizure of liquor which can be used to influence the voters during the elections.

“Zero tolerance has to be maintained on the sale and production of illegal liquor. The excise department will start a special seizure campaign and check both small and big vehicles at the border check-posts of the district and take action as per the rules,” he said.

Yadav also directed the officials to keep a close watch on suspicious people and places.

Odisha

Lok Sabha

of Chandigarh as the prospective capital of Punjab was not disturbed keeping in mind that the current administrative arrangements were only of a temporary nature till the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab actually materialized.

Terming the entire move as a deliberate attempt to weaken Punjab’s inalienable right over Chandigarh, Majitha said: “Earlier also an AGMUT cadre was created to transfer all IAS and police officers from the Union territories of Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.”

He said now this move had been extended to the Health Department with recruitment rules changed for the recruitment of senior doctors, including the Principal Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent, Senior Medical Officer, District Family Welfare Officer, Dental Surgeon, Planning Officer and Nursing Superintendent.

polls: Rebels emerge as key worry for all three major parties in the state

With the declaration of candidates for the simultaneous elections to the Assembly and the Lok Sabha, Odisha’s three major political parties, the ruling Biju Janata Dal, the Congress, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been facing a tough task to quell the rebellion by leaders denied tickets. Disappointed aspirants are either jumping to other parties or announcing to contest as independent candidates in their respective constituencies. Similarly, many aspirants, along with their supporters, have been protesting at the party headquarters demanding reconsideration of the decision.

alking to media persons, senior BJD leader Padmanabh Behera said: “There have always been rebels in politics. This time, the number of rebels is a bit more in number.” He said that BJD has the expertise in winning elections by successfully dealing with such rebellions. Several leaders tendered their resignations from the party within hours of it declaring its candidates list on Wednesday.

MLA Parshuram Dhada and former Phubani

MLA Debendra Kanhar were among those who quit soon after Chief Minister and party President Naveen Patnaik announced the second list of candidates for Assembly seats.

Similarly, two more senior leaders from Berhampur - Rama Chandra Panda and T. Gopi - resigned from the party on Thursday. Heavyweight and Bhadrak constituency aspirant, Asit Patnaik and senior Jagatsinghpur leader Amarendra Das have also quit. Similarly, the BJP has been seeing severe protests by some leaders denied tickets.

Manmohan Singh bids adieu to Rajya Sabha after over three decades

unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi in 1999.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (91) has retired from Rajya Sabha on Wednesday after an over three-decade-long, nearly continuous stint. The Congress leader was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam in October 1991, after being appointed the Finance Minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government. He was re-elected in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. He also

Manmohan Singh, who served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998-2004, chose to remain a member of the Upper House during his stint as the Prime Minister (2004-14). His tenure as a Rajya Sabha member from Assam ended on June 14, 2019, but he was re-elected to the Upper House from Rajasthan on August 19, 2019, in a by-election, following the death of sitting BJP member Madan Lal Saini.

Jaishankar attacks DMK over Katchatheevu issue

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday attacked the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu over the Katchatheevu issue. “DMK has double standards over the Katchatheevu issue. While they opposed it inside the parliament, outside they silently supported it,” EAM Jaishankar said while talking to media persons as he accompanied his cabinet colleague Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the candidate for the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, to file his nomination papers.

The Katchatheevu issue surfaced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently accused Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of handing over the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974. Jaishankar showered praise on the last-decade rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that PM Modi’s rule has lifted the country’s position and due to the stand India took on various global issues has taken the country to a new high.

“The BJP and PM Modi are going forward with a vision for the next quarter of a century,” he said.

‘Survival of 2-year-old Satwik after 20-hour ordeal in Karnataka bore well a wonder’

The survival of 2-year-old Satwik Mujagonda, who fell into an open bore well in Karnataka’s Vijayapura, is miraculous and a challenge to the medical field, as the toddler has survived an almost 20-hour ordeal without any health complications, a doctor said on Thursday. Dr Archana Kulkarni, the Medical Officer at the Indi Government Hospital, told the media that Satwik is absolutely fine. As he fell into the open bore well head downward, he was sent for a CT scan to the Vijayapura District Hospital.

“This is a miracle and a challenge to the medical world. He has miraculously survived the tragedy. The survival of the 2-year-old child without food, water, air, and light in the darkness 20 feet down in a narrow hole is a wonder,” Dr Kulkarni opined. She said that the child had sustained no injuries and his pulse rate, oxygen levels, and all other vitals were normal. Though the narrow pipe inside the open borewell hole did not allow the slightest movement for the child for about 20 hours, he is not even showing symptoms of fatigue or the slightest of sickness after the ordeal, the doctor added.

Meanwhile, top leaders including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cheered for the successful rescue operation and congratulated the National Disaster Response Team (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Team (SDRF), district authorities, police and locals who made it possible. Satwik fell into a newly drilled, 400-foot deep, open bore well while playing in a field on Wednesday evening. According to the police, the bore well was drilled on Tuesday in the agricultural land of his parents to provide water for sugarcane and lemon crops but its opening remained unclosed.

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India News

Navy hands over nine pirates to Mumbai

Police

The Indian Navy on Thursday said it has handed over nine pirates to the Mumbai Police who were apprehended in an operation in the east of Somalia last week. These pirates had hijacked a fishing vessel with 23 Pakistani crew following which the Navy launched an operation to rescue the vessel.

The Navy said, “INS Trishul arrived at Mumbai on 03 Apr 24 and handed over all nine pirates to the local police for further legal action in accordance with the Indian laws, specifically the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022.”

“Robust actions by the Indian Navy ships INS Trishul and INS Sumedha during antipiracy operations East of Somalia on 29 Mar 2024 had resulted in the successful rescue of FV Al Kambar and its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals. All nine pirates involved in the piracy were apprehended for further transit to India,” the officials said.

Four dead, several injured as nor’wester hits Bengal’s Jalpaiguri

At least four persons died while several others were injured after a nor’wester hit parts of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district on Sunday evening.

The deceased have been identified as D.N. Sarkar (52), Anima Rat (49), Yogen Ray (70) and Samar Roy (64).

Expressing her condolences, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation for the victims, family members of the deceased and the injured as per the legal provisions under the model code of conduct (MCC).

“District and block administration, police, DMG and QRT teams swung into disaster management operations and are providing relief. Affected people are being shifted to safer places. The district administration will provide compensation to the next of kin in the case of the deaths, and the injured as per rules and following the MCC,” the Chief Minister said in statement.

Dhupguri and Mainaguri were the worst-affected areas of the district.

District administration sources said that the number of casualties is expected to rise further as conditions of some injured persons are quite critical.

Haryana Women’s Commission summons Surjewala over remarks against Hema Malini

Haryana Women’s Commission on Thursday summoned Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala over his controversial remarks against BJP’s MP Hema Malini. Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, commission chairperson Renu Bhatia said Surjewala has been asked to present himself before the panel on April 9 and give a clarification. She said his indecent remarks hurt the dignity of a woman. The commission’s action comes in the wake of Surjewala’s “vile and sexist” remarks against Malini a day earlier. BJP’s IT department head Amit Malviya shared a video in which Surjewala could be heard making the comment against Malini.

“Congress MP Randeep Surjewala makes

a vile sexist comment, that is demeaning and derogatory, not just for Hema Malini, who is an accomplished individual, but women in general.”

Clarifying on his remark, Surjewala said the BJP’s IT Cell has developed a habit of distorting facts and spreading lies. He clarified that he neither intended to insult Hema Malini nor hurt anyone.

In a post on X, he said, “Listen to the full video -- I said, ‘we also respect Hema Malini a lot because she is married to Dharmendra ji and is our (bahu) daughter-in-law.”

“My statement was only that in public life, everyone should be accountable to the people, be it (Haryana CM) Nayab Saini-ji, or (former CM) Khattar-ji, or myself,” he added.

Arvind Kejriwal moves Delhi court seeking five meetings with lawyer per week

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday moved a Delhi court seeking permission to spend more time with his legal counsel to prepare for the cases pending against him in several parts of the country.

On Monday, the court sent Kejriwal to judicial custody until April 15 in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam, as the AAP supremo moved an application seeking three books -- Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and How Prime Ministers Decide.

Now, he has moved a fresh application claiming that two weekly meetings with his lawyer, as permitted by the court, are insufficient since he is facing multiple cases in various states and needs more time for consultations.

He urged the court to increase the number of meetings to five per week. The application will likely come up for hearing before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday.

Earlier this week, the Chief Minister was produced before the court amid tight security, as the counsels for both the ED and Kejriwal made their submissions virtually. Senior advocates Vikram Chaudhary and Ramesh Gupta appeared for Kejriwal, while Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju represented the probe agency.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 after questioning him for over two hours at his official residence in Delhi. The ED has termed the Chief Minister 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.

Congress expels Sanjay Nirupam for anti-party activities

The Congress on Wednesday expelled senior leader and former MP Sanjay Nirupam for six years for indiscipline and antiparty activities. A terse note from the AICC came hours after Maharashtra unit Congress President Nana Patole had indicated that the party would take action against Nirupam.

Upset at not being nominated for the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat, the journalist-turned-politician had turned rebel and said he would announce his next course of action this week.

Nirupam expressed his ire publicly after the Maha Vikas Aghadi ally Shiv Sena (UBT) had declared the candidature of Amol G. Kirtikar for the seat last week. He had given a severe tongue-lashing to the SS (UBT) and the Congress seat-sharing negotiators.

Nirupam had also launched a vicious veiled attack -- without taking names -- at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, state chief Patole and Mumbai chief Varsha Gaikwad, for allegedly falling at the knees of the SS (UBT).

Incidentally, Nirupam is a former two-time Rajya Sabha MP from (undivided) Shiv Sena and an ex-Mumbai North Lok Sabha MP of the Congress. Sensing his banner of revolt, the state Congress also dropped him from the LS state list of the party’s star campaigners on Wednesday.

Mass resignations hit AAP in Gujarat’s Jamnagar ahead of Lok Sabha elections

Over a dozen Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including the party’s city Chief Kar Karmur, Deputy Chief Ashi Sojitra, and Ashish Katariya, tendered their resignations in Gujarat’s Jamnagar on Wednesday. The collective departure of these party members, citing unmet promises by the AAP’s central leadership, has thrown the local unit of the party into disarray.

The resignations came to light through a letter addressed to the AAP’s state chief, Ishudan Gadhvi, in which the disgruntled members voiced their dissatisfaction.

One of the resigning members stated, “For the last three years, I’ve been part of AAP. During the Vidhan Sabha elections, the party made several commitments but failed to honor them. Despite numerous appeals and discussions, the party did not act on previously agreed matters, leading to my resignation along with 15 other office-bearers.”

This internal strife within the AAP contrasts sharply with the political landscape of Jamnagar where the BJP is standing strong.

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Iran to sue Israel over attack on its diplomatic mission in Syria

Iran’s Vice President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehqan has said that the country would file a lawsuit against Israel for its “deadly attack” on the Iranian consulate in Syria. Dehqan made the remarks on Wednesday in an address to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran, while elaborating on Iran’s legal measures against Israel for its missile strike that leveled the consular building in the Syrian capital Damascus, resulting in at least 14 fatalities.

He said the Israeli attack violated international law and Iran is currently making the legal assessments and will soon provide information regarding its legal decisions, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the semi-official Fars news agency.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said on Tuesday that the death toll from the airstrike had risen to 14, including eight Iranians, five Syrians and one member of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, noting that the death toll is likely to rise due to serious injuries.

UN Biological Diversity gets new boss

Antonio Guterres has appointed Astrid Schomaker of Germany as the next Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). She brings extensive experience in international relations and negotiations, deep knowledge of the global sustainable development agenda and multilateral environment agreements, and policymaking on global environmental issues.

In the official announcement on Tuesday, the Secretary-General extended his appreciation and gratitude to David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who will continue to serve as Acting Executive Secretary until Schomaker assumes her functions.

At the helm of the Secretariat of the world’s foremost Multilateral Environmental Agreement on biodiversity, the newly appointed Executive Secretary will work with the Parties to the CBD to translate the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (the Biodiversity Plan), adopted in December 2022, into action at all levels. Protect and restore, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly and invest and collaborate -- the four goals of the Biodiversity Plan -- will shape the new UN Biodiversity chief’s priorities.

Largest thermal power plant in Ukraine destroyed in missile attack

The Zmiivska thermal power plant (TPP) in Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv region had been destroyed in a Russian missile attack, the media said, citing Ukrainian power generating company Centrenergo.

The missile strike on March 22 destroyed all the plant’s units and damaged auxiliary equipment, Centrenergo said in a report. At present, workers are still clearing the rubble at the site and there is no access to most of the plant’s equipment, Xinhua news agency reported.

On March 22, Russia fired 88 missiles and 63 Shahed combat drones at Ukraine, which Ukrainian authorities described as the largest strike on the country’s energy infrastructure to date, the report added.

The Zmiivska TPP, which had a capacity of 2,200 MW, is the largest power generating facility in eastern Ukraine, local media reported. The Russian Defence Ministry said on March 22 in a statement that the Russian military launched massive missile and drone attacks on energy and military facilities in Ukraine that day, and “all goals of the massive strike have been achieved”.

Bulgaria partially enters Schengen area

Bulgaria along with its northern neighbor Romania have partially joined the passport-free Schengen area. “On 31 March, Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members: the Schengen rules will apply in both member states, including on issuing Schengen visas, and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted,” the European Commission (EC) said on Sunday in a press statement. The European Council green lighted at the end of last year the partial entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen zone, which encompasses most European Union (EU) countries, Xinhua news agency reported. Since Bulgaria’s admission to the EU in 2007, this was the greatest success of the country’s diplomacy, institutions and politicians, Bulgarian outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov said at a special ceremony at Sofia Airport on Sunday.

South Korean government calls on striking doctors to present reasonable solution

The South Korean government is open to talks with doctors if they come up with a unified and reasonable solution to resolve an impasse over a reform to hike the number of medical students, a senior official said on Tuesday. The comments by Deputy Health Minister Jun Byung-wang followed remarks a day earlier by President Yoon Suk Yeol that doctors need to come up with a “unified proposal” on the appropriate increase in medical school admissions, Yonhap news agency reported.

However, Yoon said a hike of 2,000 medical students is the minimum, vowing not to back down from the number.

“The government is willing to engage in

discussions with an open mind if the medical community proposes unified and more rational measures based on scientific evidence and logic while discontinuing collective action. We hope doctors deliver their opinion in a rational manner while protecting their patients,” Jun told reporters.

About 12,000 trainee doctors have been on strike in the form of mass resignations since February 20, with medical professors having submitted resignations in support of the walkout.

Jolt to Erdogan as Turkey’s opposition registers

big win in local polls

Turkey’s main opposition, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), has claimed a major victory in local polls in 35 mayoralties throughout the country, according to unofficial results of Sunday’s local elections. This comes as a jolt to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s whose Justice and Development Party (AKP) won 24 mayoral positions.

The People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) won 10, the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) 8, the Welfare Party 2, the Great Unity Party (BBP) 1, and the Good Party (iYi) one position, Turkish Supreme Election Council

In the elections for 30 metropolitan municipalities, the CHP won 14 mayoral positions, the AKP 12, the DEM 3, and the Welfare Party 1 mayoral position, Xinhua news agency reported. Yener said the local elections went “smoothly”, with a participation rate of 78.11 percent.

Incumbent CHP mayors in Istanbul and Ankara kept control of their municipalities on Sunday, while the opposition had major gains in many other cities, delivering a surprise defeat to President Erdogan. In his address to his supporters on early Monday, the Turkish president acknowledged the election failure and said the results were “not an end” for them “but rather a turning point”.

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Chairman Ahmet Yener told reporters on Monday.

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Zimbabwe declares national disaster due to drought

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday declared a state of disaster due to an El Ninoinduced drought threatening food security in the country.

“The current agricultural season of 2023/2024 has not performed according to expectations due to the El Ninoinduced drought. As a result, more than 80 per cent of our country received belownormal rainfall,” Mnangagwa said during a State of the Nation address at the State House in Harare, the capital, Xinhua news agency reported.

“By this declaration, I also call upon all Zimbabweans of goodwill, including those in the diaspora, the international community, United Nations agencies, development and humanitarian partners, international financial institutions, the private sector, churches and other faithbased organizations, as well as individuals, to generously donate towards ameliorating this state of national disaster,” Mnangagwa said.

He said that preliminary assessments show that Zimbabwe needs more than $2 billion for various response interventions. “Top of our priority is securing food for all Zimbabweans. No Zimbabwean must succumb to, or die from, hunger,” Mnangagwa said.

North Korea claims successful launch of IRBM tipped with hypersonic warhead

North Korea on Wednesday claimed it has successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) tipped with a hypersonic warhead, saying that all missiles the country has developed are now solid-fuel and nuclearcapable with warhead control capability.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the testing of the Hwasong-16 missile on Tuesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The latest launch came about three months after North Korea test-fired an intermediate-range hypersonic missile on January 14. Last month, North Korea conducted a ground jet test of a solidfuel engine for a new IRBM loaded with a hypersonic warhead, Yonhap news agency reported.

Kim described the Hwasong-16 missile as a “powerful, strategic offensive weapon”.

Pakistan’s aviation body exposes massive corruption scandal

In a major expose of corruption scandal in the sale of land of Walton Airport in Pakistan’s Lahore cantonment area; the Aircraft Owners & Operators Association (AOOA) has written a letter to the Federal Aviation Minister detailing the illegal sale of Walton airport’s land worth Rs 350 billion in exchange of rural land and Rs 50 million.

“Selling of the land of Walton Airport, Lahore is a perfect case of violation of rules, regulations and proceeds done through deception. The land of Walton airport is evaluated to be worth 350 Billion PKR or more which has been sold against the written rules and regulations/laws of Civil Aviation

Authority (CAA) in exchange of a rural land at Mureedke and 50 billion PKR,” the letter from Capt Wg Cdr (Rtd) Muhammad Nawaz Asim, General Secretary AOOA Pakistan to Federal Ministry of Aviation/Defense stated.

“The worst thing is that out of 50

Fresh US-led airstrikes hit Houthi targets in Yemen’s port city

Awarplane of the US-British coalition launched airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah on the Red Sea. The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said on Monday that the strikes hit the al-Taif area in the southern Durayhimi district, without providing more details.

The coalition has been striking Houthi targets since January 12, saying it aimed to degrade Houthi military capabilities and deter the group from launching missile attacks against shipping vessels transiting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Houthis, however, responded by launching more attacks against ships, vowing further escalation. Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iranbacked Houthis seized control of several Northern provinces and forced the Saudibacked Yemeni government forces out of the capital Sanaa.

After the 2018 UN-sponsored Stockholm agreement, supported by the US and Britain, the Houthis consolidated their control over the strategic port city of Hodeidah, thwarting attempts by the internationally-recognised Yemeni government forces to retake the city.

Japan government designates 5 airports, 11 seaports to upgrade for possible defence use

The Japanese government has designated five airports and 11 seaports to be upgraded for possible use by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the Japan Coast Guard, local media reported.

The plan was approved by related government ministers and starts in the current fiscal year through next March, with a 37 billion yen ($244 million) budget earmarked for the first year, Kyodo News reported on Monday, citing the Cabinet Secretariat.

Under the scheme, the designated airports will have runways extended and aprons widened to make them more suitable for fighter jets and SDF transport aircraft, while deeper and well-equipped docks will be constructed in ports so that they can host

destroyers and other large ships, the report said.

Local governments that manage these facilities are expected to sign documents with the Central government to specify that the SDF and the Japan Coast Guard will utilize them in daily operations and emergencies, it added as quoted by Xinhua news agency report.

billion PKR only one billion PKR is received in the account of PCAA (Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority). Where has the rest of the money gone? Who is the beneficiary, and who has been used as a rubber stamp to facilitate such corruption?” the letter added.

AOOA also highlighted the historical value of the Walton Airport, terming it a national asset as the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, landed at this airport in 1947. It should be noted that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) notified a permanent closure of the Walton airport in the year 2021. Taking note of the AOOA letter, the CAA has notified all flying clubs to ground their planes, shutting down the airport for all operations.

Pakistan rules out talks with TTP, asks Afghanistan to take action against terror outfits

Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Thursday ruled out negotiations with the Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and asked the Afghanistan to take immediate action against terrorist outfits operating from its soil to “destabilize” Islamabad. During a weekly press briefing, Baloch said, “Pakistan expected Afghan authorities to take urgent action against terrorist outfits and their leadership for the crimes they were committing and the terrorist incidents they were responsible for in Pakistan.”

“Pakistan remained committed to fighting all terrorist outfits which had targeted the country and the symbols of Pakistan-China friendship,” Baloch said. The statement from Pakistan foreign office comes a day after Afghanistan’s interim Interior Minister Muhammad Nabi Omari called on the Pakistan government to have table talks with the TTP. “We ask the government of Pakistan and advise the brothers (TTP) who are fighting with them to come together and talk,” said Nabi Omari during an Iftar gathering in Khost, Afghanistan. Afghan Taliban have been calling on Pakistan to engage with the TTP, and have expressed their readiness to facilitate table talks like they did during PTI founder Imran Khan’s tenure.

In the past, Pakistan agreed to the offer and held month-long talks with TTP leadership in Kabul, resulting in an announcement of a ceasefire by the TTP, the release of many Taliban prisoners in Pakistani jails and permission for TTP fighters with Pakistan origin to return to their homes with families. However, the previous deal helped TTP militants resettle and reorganize themselves in parts of the country in huge numbers and work towards reclaiming the areas previously under their control.

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Rolls Royce successfully kicks off flight test of aero engine Pearl 10X

Rolls-Royce said that it successfully kicked off the flight test campaign for its latest aero engine for the business aviation market, the Pearl 10X, on the company’s dedicated Boeing 747 flying testbed. The engine has been selected by French aircraft manufacturer Dassault to exclusively power its brandnew flagship aircraft, the Falcon 10X.

The start of flight testing is an important milestone for the Pearl 10X program and for Rolls-Royce as it focuses on growing in the business aviation market, as outlined at last year’s Capital Markets Day.

The Pearl 10X is the newest member of the state-of-the-art Pearl engine family and the first Rolls Royce engine ever to power a Dassault business jet. The French aircraft manufacturer’s selection of the Pearl 10X for its new top product is further evidence of Rolls-Royce’s position as the leading engine manufacturer in business aviation. Based in Tucson, Arizona, USA, pilots and flight test engineers will put the engine through its paces over the coming months. The flight test program will include engine performance and handling checks at various speeds and altitudes, in-flight relights, tests of the nacelle’s anti-icing system and fan vibration tests at various altitudes.

PM Modi hails India’s coal production crossing 1 billion tons for first time

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India crossing 1 billion tonnes in coal and lignite production during 202324, “marks a historic milestone for the country, reflecting our commitment to ensuring a vibrant coal sector.” Hailing the achievement as a “remarkable development,” PM Modi said, “This also ensures India’s path towards Aatmanirbharta in a vital sector.” The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation in response to a statement on X posted by Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi late on Monday night.

“For the first time ever, India’s coal and lignite production has crossed 1 billion tonnes. Owing to favorable support from the Government resulting in capacity expansion, coal+lignite production has grown by more than 70 per cent over the last 10 years,” the Coal Minister said. Due to the increase in domestic coal production, there has been a reduction of 36.69 percent in the volume of coal imported for blending by thermal power plants in the country, amounting to 19.36 million tons (MT) during April 2023 to January 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures compiled by the Coal Ministry.

So far, the development program on the ground has included the rigorous testing of the new ultra-low emissions ALM

combustor, which is compatible with 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the new accessory gearbox, which allows for higher additional power extraction. The engine, which surpassed its target thrust levels on the very first test run, will be the most powerful business aviation engine in the Rolls-Royce portfolio.

Apple doesn’t have access to a customer’s passcode, says company policy

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Amid the debate over Apple reportedly denying to unlock the iPhone of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), people close to the development said on Wednesday that no one at the tech giant in India or the global level were contacted directly for unlocking the device.

The ED had approached “informally” to Apple to help unlock the device, as per reports. However, Apple has a clear-cut policy that it cannot provide the passcode of an iOS device that is currently locked.

“No, Apple does not have access to a customer’s passcode,” according to the company’s ‘Legal Process Guidelines’ for government and law enforcement outside the US.

“Questions or inquiries regarding the government legal process can be emailed to lawenforcement@apple.com”.

According to sources, there was no written communication from ED to Apple. Apple’s notice policy applies to account requests from law enforcement, government and private parties.

“Apple will notify customers and account holders unless there is a non-disclosure order or applicable law prohibiting notice, or where Apple, in its sole discretion, reasonably believes that such notice may pose an immediate risk of serious injury or death to a member of the public, the case relates to a child endangerment matter, or where notice

is not applicable to the underlying facts of the case,” according to the company document.

In 2015 and 2016, Apple objected to or challenged more than a dozen court orders in the US, seeking to compel Apple “to use its existing capabilities to extract data like contacts, photos and calls from locked iPhones running on operating systems iOS 7 and older” to assist in investigations and prosecutions.

A well-known instance was a court case in 2016 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) wanted Apple to unlock a ‘work-issued’ iPhone recovered from one of the shooters who, in a December 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, killed 14 people and injured 22. Apple declined to unlock the iPhone.

Later, the government claimed it managed to unlock the iPhone with help from a third party, and withdrew its case.

Adani Group becomes India’s 1st ‘das hazari’ in renewables sector with over 10,000 MW portfolio

In a first for the country, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), on Wednesday, said that it has surpassed 10,000 megawatts (MW) of operational portfolio, delivering reliable, affordable and clean power to the national grid. AGEL’s 10,934 MW operational portfolio will power more than 5.8 million homes and help avoid about 21 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, moving towards the goal of 45,000 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

“This achievement is a demonstration of the rapidity and scale at which the Adani Group aims to facilitate India’s transition to clean, reliable and affordable energy,” the Adani Group Founder noted. In line with AGEL’s pledge to enhance natural and social capital, the company is pursuing sustainable practices across its operations. AGEL’s operating portfolio is certified ‘single-use plastic free’, ‘zero waste-to-landfill’ and ‘water positive for plants with more than 200 MW capacity’. AGEL is developing the world’s largest renewable energy project of 30,000 MW on barren land at Khavda in Kutch, Gujarat. Built across 538 sq km, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai city.

DGCA directs Vistara to submit daily flight disruption reports

In response to the recent surge in flight disruptions by Vistara Airline, a joint venture of Tata and SIA airlines, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), citing various reasons including crew unavailability, has mandated that the airline submit daily reports detailing flights that have been cancelled or delayed. The airline has also been asked to ensure that the relevant provisions of CAR Section-3, Series M, PartIV on “facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights” are complied with like advance information, an option of refund, compensation (if applicable) etc. to the passengers, said DGCA Director General Vikram Dev Dutt.

“Additionally, DGCA officials are monitoring the situation to ensure compliance of the above-mentioned CAR and minimize passenger inconvenience,” said Dutt. “Ministry of Civil Aviation is monitoring the situation of Vistara flight cancellations. However, flight operations are managed by Airlines themselves. Airlines have to comply with DGCA norms to ensure passenger facilitation in case of cancellation or delay of flights,” said the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on X platform. On Monday, the airline had said that in light of crew unavailability and other factors, it has experienced a notable uptick in cancellations and delays.

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15 Business

PM Modi’s determination set to bring Tesla to Indian roads soon, company scouting for factory land

It was in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Tesla facility in Palo Alto, California and Elon Musk took him for a tour of his electric car plant, convincing the PM that electric vehicles are going to be the next big disruptor. Nearly a decade later, the Tesla is set to come to - and be made in - India. The tech billionaire is finally sending a team of experts to scout for a possible location to set up a $2-$3 billion EV plant in the country. Reports say that on top of the Tesla CEO’s mind are three states -- Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu -- which have an EV infrastructure in place, as well as ports which make it easier for the electric car giant “to export cars”.

The credit goes to PM Modi’s persistent efforts in convincing Musk to look at India as his next big destination to establish a Tesla Gigafactory and export EVs to the rest of the world. In June 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

World Bank, South Korea to boost ties on digital ID systems for developing nations

South Korea and the World Bank have agreed to enhance partnership on digital identification initiatives to share expertise and technologies related to South Korea’s advanced digital ID system with developing nations, the state-run minting agency said on Thursday.

During a meeting held in Seoul last week, the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO) and the World Bank discussed ways of how to work together for sharing technology with and providing assistance to developing nations regarding their introduction of digital ID systems.

The World Bank has sought to provide reliable digital authentication services to developing nations, and South Korea has received requests from several nations, including the Philippines and Indonesia, for cooperation on their adoption of South Korean systems, according to the KOMSCO, reports Yonhap news agency.

South Korea launched the next-generation K-DID system in 2020, a blockchain-based decentralized mobile ID system that better prevents personal information leakage and protects related rights of individuals.

opportunities in India for investments in the electric mobility sector. After meeting the Prime Minister, Musk started exploring setting up his own supply chain ecosystem in India, thus producing cheaper electric cars that might even start from Rs 20 lakh. In Musk’s own words, “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”.

PM Modi “really wants to do the right thing for India. He wants to make sure that the advantage from investments accrues to India’s advantage, which is, you know, obviously, that’s the job”, the billionaire told reporters after meeting the PM.

India has more “promise than any large country in the world”, he added. Last November, Union Minister Piyush Goyal also visited Tesla’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in California. He posted on X that it was “extremely delighted to see talented Indian engineers and finance professionals working at senior positions and contributing to Tesla’s remarkable journey to transform mobility”.

“Also proud to see the growing importance of Auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. It is on its way to double its component imports from India,” the Union Minister added. The Tesla owner, however, apologized to Goyal for not being able to meet him as he was unwell.

In the new EV policy announced last month, the PM Modi-led government has reduced the

customs duty to 15 percent, albeit with certain riders. A minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore (about $500 million) will be needed to set up EV manufacturing facilities, production will start 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, according to the new EV policy. This now paves the way for Musk to enter the Indian market.

India’s EV market has the potential to achieve over 40 per cent penetration with $100 billion revenue by 2030. This growth is expected to be driven by strong adoption (over 45 per cent) in both two-wheeler (2W) and three-wheeler (3W) categories, with four-wheeler (cars) penetration projected to grow to more than 20 per cent, according to a recent report by Bain & Company and Blume Ventures.

India is also making progress in building its EV charging infrastructure to phase out diesel vehicles in a stipulated time frame. Additionally, government initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have further incentivized EV adoption.

Brazil keen to have partnership with Punjab in agriculture, says envoy

Brazil is keen to have partnership with Punjab in agriculture with a focus on developing resilient crop varieties, genetic materials in dairy farming, cotton production, solar energy and ethanol use, as well as collaboration in higher education and research, Ambassador Kenneth H. Da Nobrega said on Monday. The Ambassador called on Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit

in Chandigarh. During the meeting, the Governor assured support to enhance bilateral ties and explore avenues of collaboration between Brazil and Punjab.

The Governor highlighted the significant transformation in the economic landscape of India over the past decade, emphasizing its emergence as an investor-friendly destination. He expressed Punjab’s eagerness to attract Brazilian investment and foster mutually benefited partnership. In response, the

Ambassador conveyed Brazil’s keen interest in exploring opportunities for cooperation and investment.

He said Brazil has officially constituted a working group dedicated to furthering conversation and exploring concrete possibilities for collaboration in various sectors. Expressing enthusiasm for potential partnership, the Governor emphasized the state’s commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for investment and collaboration.

X users begin to lose followers as Musk cracks down on bots, trolls

Xusers on Friday started losing followers as Elon Musk-run social media platform kicked off the exercise to remove bots. The action came as spam and porn bots swarmed the platform in the past few months, leaving users flummoxed.

“I lost 48 followers after Elon’s bot and troll purge - that was less than 0.002 per cent,” posted an X user.

“I lost like 6 followers today. Are bot accounts actually being purged?” another wrote.

Musk had announced that a system purge of bots and trolls was underway. “Please reply to me or @XEng if legitimate

accounts are suspended,” said the billionaire.

“X Corp will be tracing the people responsible and bringing the full force of the law to bear upon them,” he added.

A user commented: “To the hundreds of bots leaving me today, I will not miss you.”

X safety account also posted that they have kicked off a “significant, proactive initiative to eliminate accounts that violate our Rules against platform manipulation and spam”.

“As a result, you may observe changes in follower counts”. X has not shared about how many bots are currently there on the platform. In 2022, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO had said that “we will defeat the spam bots or die trying”.

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Kansas City Chiefs’ Rashee Rice apologizes for role in Dallas car crash, says he’s cooperating with authorities

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice on Wednesday apologized to those affected by a highspeed crash over the weekend in Dallas and said he takes “full responsibility for my part in this matter.”

Rice posted the apology on Instagram, marking his first public comments on the incident.

“Today I met with Dallas PD investigators regarding Saturday’s accident,” the post said. “I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the necessary authorities. I sincerely apologize to everyone impacted in Saturday’s accident.”

The crash involved two luxury sport cars and its occupants walked away from the scene,

South African soccer star and Olympian Luke Fleurs killed in hijacking

South African footballer and Olympian Luke Fleurs has been killed in a hijacking in Johannesburg, his Kaizer Chiefs club said on Thursday.

The 24-year-old defender was shot while waiting to be attended to at a gas station in the Honeydew suburb in Johannesburg, according to police.

“Luke Fleurs tragically lost his life last night during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” Kaizer Chiefs said in a statement.

According to police spokesperson

Mavela Masondo, the attackers fled with Fleur’s vehicle and police were investigating a case of murder and car hijacking. Fleurs previously played for the national under-23 side, representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics.

authorities said. Rice’s attorney, Royce West, said in a statement this week his client “will take all necessary steps to address this situation responsibly.”

Officers were called to North Central Expressway in Dallas last week on Saturday after two speeding drivers lost control and crashed, “causing a chain reaction collision involving four

Spanish police arrest ex-soccer federation head Rubiales on return to country amid corruption probe

Luis Rubiales, the disgraced former president of Spain’s soccer federation who kissed a player on the lips without her consent at the Women’s World Cup final, was arrested Wednesday as part of a separate corruption probe by Spanish police before being released. The Civil Guard said that Rubiales was questioned by police at Madrid’s airport after he was detained on exiting the plane that brought him back home from the Dominican Republic. He was released a few hours later. An investigative judge is expected to summon him for more questioning in the coming days.

Rubiales was returning to Spain amid a judicial probe into business deals while he ran the

federation, including his biggest decision to move the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

Rubiales was in the Dominican Republic two weeks ago when police raided a property belonging to him in the southern Spanish city of Granada and the offices of the Spanish Football Federation in Madrid. Seven people were arrested by police before being released and Rubiales was identified as one of five additional individuals under investigation. The corruption and money laundering investigation is looking into contracts for the Spanish Super Cup and the federation’s links with Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium, which hosts the Copa del Rey final and some international games, among other deals.

South Africa’s Kapp reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct

South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka in East London for her aggressive sendoff after dismissing Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu. Kapp was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

other vehicles.”

Police told The Dallas Morning News on Sunday that the drivers were in a Corvette and a Lamborghini and that the Lamborghini veered onto the shoulder and hit the expressway’s median wall.

The newspaper reported that one of the cars is leased or registered to Rice and that a Dallas police call sheet seen by the newspaper lists Rice as the person who authorities believe was behind the wheel of the Corvette.

“The occupants of the Lamborghini and the Corvette all ran from the scene without stopping to determine if anyone needed medical help or providing their information,” police told the news outlet.

IPL 2024: Record 35 crore viewers tune in for live broadcast of first 10 matches, says BARC report

Record 35 crore viewers tuned in to watch the live broadcast of the first 10 matches of the IPL 2024 on television, which is higher than any previous edition of the league including seasons played during the pandemic, according to BARC data.

The overall watch-time for the tournament Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the IPL 2024, has sky-rocketed to 8028 crore minutes which is 20% higher than last year.

The match ratings for the 17th season of the tournament have also galloped 22% compared to the last edition. With the Rivalry Week between April 8 to 14, the broadcaster is geared to take the tournament buzz even higher.

Sanjog Gupta, Head - Sports, Disney Star, said, “Disney Star has started the 17th season from where it left off last year, doubling down on fan-centered initiatives that seek to drive passion and fandom for the tournament. The unwavering support and love received from fans and audiences alike is an affirmation of Star Sports’ belief in the aggregative capacity of IPL on TV as well as its potential for further growth.”

Sports

La Liga: Getafe told to partially close ground for racist incidents against Sevilla

Spanish La Liga side Getafe has been penalised with a partial ground closure punishment for their next three home games by the Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) as punishment for racist insults aimed at Sevilla coach Quique Sanchez Flores and defender Marcos Acuna during last Saturday’s game between the two sides.

The club from the south of Madrid has also been given a 27,000-euro (29,100 US dollars) fine for the incidents which were reflected in the postgame report of referee Javier Iglesias Villanueva.

The insults came from the middle of Getafe’s main stand, and it will now be closed and cordoned off for La Liga games against Real Sociedad, Athletic Club Bilbao and Atletico Madrid, Xinhua said in a report.

“In the 68th minute, I had to halt the game after there were racist insults towards the number 19 of the visiting team, with words such as ‘Acuna monkey’ and ‘Acuna you come from a monkey’, from fans seated in the middle of the ground, behind the position of my second assistant.”

“According to the protocols for these cases, the incident was announced by megaphone and the play wasn’t restarted for another two and a half minutes, with no further incidents,” wrote the referee.

Sevilla coach, Sanchez Flores, who has had three spells coaching Getafe, was also insulted by the same fans, who called him a “gypsy” although the referee made no mention of that in his report.

Singapore has officially ruled out hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. This decision comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as the original host in July due to escalating costs, leaving the Commonwealth Games Federation scrambling to find a replacement.

Despite efforts to entice potential hosts, including offering Malaysia £100 million to cover costs, the search has been met with challenges. Malaysia’s rejection of the offer last month further complicated the situation, leaving the fate of the 2026 Games uncertain with just two years remaining until the event’s scheduled date.

In a joint statement, Commonwealth Games Singapore (CGS) and Sport Singapore (SportsSG) confirmed that they have studied the feasibility of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games and have decided not to make any bid to host the Games, giving no more detail.

Singapore, which has never hosted the Games before, cited various factors in their decision-making process. The uncertainty surrounding the 2026 Games echoes the tumultuous history of the event, with the South African city of Durban originally slated to host the 2022 edition before be-

ing stripped of hosting rights in 2017 due to financial difficulties and missed deadlines. Birmingham subsequently stepped in to fill the void and host the event.

Australian cities Gold Coast, which hosted the 2018 Games, and Perth, also subsequently dropped their joint bid for the 2026 Games, citing a lack of support from the state or federal governments.

Looking ahead, the host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games also remains undecided after the government of Alberta, Canada withdrew its support for a bid. The lack of confirmed hosts for both the 2026 and 2030 Games underscores the challenges faced by the Commonwealth Games Federation in securing suitable venues and partners for its flagship event.

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters due to health reasons. The withdrawal casts a shadow over Nadal’s hope to return to Roland Garros in late May for his 15th French Open title, reports Xinhua.

“These are very difficult moments for me,” Nadal wrote on social media. “Unfortunately I have to tell you that I am not going to be playing in Monte-Carlo. My body simply won’t allow me. And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today.” The 22-time Grand Slam winner went through hip surgery last summer and has played only

Saudi Arabia to host Women’s Tennis Association Finals from 2024-2026

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia will host the next three editions of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals from 2024 to 2026 after the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) signed a new agreement with the WTA. The event will now have a record prize money of $15.25m, it was announced on Thursday. The WTA Finals features the top-eight singles players and doubles teams of the year and is scheduled between November 2-9 for the year 2024 and will be played in Riyadh.

three matches, all in Brisbane, after his return to action at the beginning of this year. He defeated Dominic Thiem and Jason Kubler

Mbappe’s goal sends Paris Saint-Germain to French Cup final

Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the Coupe de France (French Cup) final with a 1-0 win over Stade Rennais in a thrilling, hard-fought encounter at the Parc des Princes. PSG had the upper hand in the first half over Rennes in the attack. The Parisians registered six shots total while the visitors countered with three. Even with these shots, the game remained scoreless for most of the first 45 minutes.

In the 37th minute, Kylian Mbappe had the first chance to open the scoring in the contest on a penalty kick shot, but Rennes goalkeeper Steve Mandanda made the save to keep the game scoreless. The 25-yearold French captain redeemed himself minutes later scoring in the 40th minute after his shot deflected off a Rennes player, allowing PSG to head into the dressing room with the advantage.

The second half didn’t have any goals, but both teams had their chances to find the back of the net. Rennes had six total shots as they attempted to find the equalizer while PSG countered with four total shots with eyes on securing the insurance goal. Paris Saint-Germain will meet Olympique Lyonnais in the Coupe de France final. A six-minute brace from Alexandre Lacazette and an insurance goal from Gift Orban allowed Lyonnais to reach the final with a 3-0 win.

Singapore rule out hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games citing ‘various factors’ Nadal withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters, French Open in doubt

before losing in the quarterfinals to Jordan Thompson, when he felt a hip injury flare-up which prompted his withdrawal from the Australian Open.

“You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events. The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better,” the Spaniard wrote. Nadal, the best tennis player on clay ever, has clinched a record 11 titles in Monte Carlo, of which the last was in 2018 -- he fell at the semifinals in 2019, the quarters in 2021 and missed the 2020, 2022 and 2023 editions. On nine of the 11 occasions, Nadal went on to lift the trophy at Roland Garros as well.

Racer Gupta sole Indian driver for Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie

Indian racer Akshay Gupta has officially inked a deal with Mertens Motorsport for the highly anticipated 2024 Nürburgring LangstreckenSerie (NLS) season which will take place on the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. Akshay’s signing represents a significant milestone for Indian motorsport, as he becomes the country’s sole racer set to compete against over 300 drivers and 117 cars.

1000 dancers to dazzle up Kartik Aaryan’s entry song in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan has started the work on the upcoming installment of the horror-comedy franchise film ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’. Kartik’s entry in the film is being mounted on a big scale. His entry will be marked by a song sequence in the film. The song is being touted as one of the biggest songs in terms of production in Hindi cinema. The sequence will have 1,000 dancers, and a huge set has been erected in Film City, Mumbai with the choreography being handled by Ganesh Acharya.

Talking about the song, a source said: “It is one of the Bollywood’s biggest song shoots till date. 1,000 dancers have joined in yesterday and this is Rooh Baba’s entry scene in the film. Kartik has been working on this for the past two weeks. His prep is flawless.”

Gillian Anderson talks about returning to work 10 days after giving birth

AThe actress spoke about returning to work on ‘The X-Files’ just 10 days after welcoming her oldest child, daughter Piper, in 1994 on “Today” show, reports people.com.

Gillian is also a mother to two sons, Oscar, 15, and Felix, 17.

“If I didn’t feel so guilty that I got pregnant in the first season, I might have taken better care of myself and been more thoughtful about what I needed for my best interest at the time,” the actress said.

“But I think I was so wrapped up in, ‘I almost got fired, I’ll mess this up, I’ll do whatever they say.’ So yeah, 10 days after a C-section,” she continued.

The actress added: “But we’re still talking about it, right? It’s interesting. Whatever it was, 30 years ago.”

Entertainment

Lucky Ali opens up: I like to be selective about the songs I sing for films

Singer Lucky Ali, who is coming back to croon for a Bollywood movie after nine years with ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’, said he likes to be selective about the songs he sings for films.

Ali is making his comeback with ‘Tu Hai Kahaan’ from ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ starring Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi.

Ali shared: “I like to be selective about the songs I sing for films. When I heard the scratch of ‘Tu Hai Kahaan’, I loved it and felt it would suit my voice. I enjoyed working with the young composers. I hope my fans enjoy it.”

The track is a collaborative masterpiece composed and written by the rock band The Local Train.

‘Tu Hai Kahaan’, captures the essence of love in its purest form, evoking emotions of longing and affection.

The Local Train shared: “We’re excited that our first stint with composing for an Original Sound Track has none other than Lucky Ali lending his voice and style to it. We’ve tried to capture a certain bittersweet nostalgia in the track. Like how you feel when you revisit an earlier time in your life that you still cherish deeply.”

The band’s current lineup consists of lead

guitarist Paras Thakur, bassist Ramit Mehra, and drummer and percussionist Sahil Sarin.

Directed by the talented Shirsha Guha Thakur-

ta and presented by Applause Entertainment, an Ellipsis Entertainment production, ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ is set to release on April 19.

Orry talks about his style, describes it as ‘unbothered and unserious’ B

-Town celebs’ bestie and social media sensation Orry, whose real name is Orhan Awatramani, not only makes news for partying with the bigwigs of tinseltown but also his fashion, which he defines as “unbothered, unserious and edgy”. Defining his own style, Orry, who is currently flaunting blonde hair colour, told IANS: “Unbothered, Unserious and always effortless (but only in appearance) yet edgy and aesthetically depressed.” He then shared some words of wisdom on fashion trends that Gen-Z set should be followed as “that’s what hip, hot and that’s what’s cool”.

Orry, 24, said: “I learnt at a young age… Only teenagers can decide what is cool and no one else. And so the trends Gen-Z set, are the trends to follow and abide by, that’s what hip that’s what’s hot and that’s what’s cool.” He loves the “Zoomers” fashion because “it’s young, it stresses on one expressing their own true individuality without burden of who’s watching and commenting, it’s immune to criticism.”

Orry, who is setting up a meet and greet for his “friends, fans, minions and potential minions, on April 15, added, “I also love that Gen-Z fashion emphasizes the importance of sustainability always, they know the importance of being eco-friendly and bringing the earth back to what it once was.” Talking about who are the most stylish Gen-Z stars according to him, Orry replied “Vedang Raina and Tania Shroff”.

ctress Gillian Anderson has opened up about returning to work less than two weeks after giving birth.

Entertainment

Ayushmann signs recording deal with leading global brand

Actor-musician Ayushmann Khurrana has signed a global recording deal with entertainment company Warner Music India. The first release from the partnership is set to drop in May.

Ayushmann, who has lent his vocal prowess to numbers such as ‘Mitti Di Khushboo’, ‘Paani Da Rang’, and ‘Mere Liye Tum Kaafi Ho’, said: “I have always wanted to collaborate with like-minded people in my pursuit of creative excellence.”

He said that he wants to take his music to a global audience.

He added: “I’m confident that with Warner Music India by my side, I will make some significant strides in this realm. I cannot wait to unveil my next song to people. It will be a new sound that people haven’t heard from me before, which is extremely exciting personally for me.”

Jay Mehta, Managing Director of Warner Music India & SAARC, said: “Ayushmann has experienced unparalleled success with his films, and we’re excited to see him now scale new heights as a pop star. With his passion for music, a versatile sonic identity, and our artistfirst ecosystem, we are thrilled to build an iconic roadmap for him on his music journey.”

In just five years in Hindi cinema, Ananya has made it into the big league. Actress Ananya Panday is keen to portray the role of Maharani of Jaipur Gayatri Devi onscreen. Asked if she had to portray a fashion icon onscreen, who would that be, Ananya told: “I think Gayatri Devi.” Tagged as one of the world’s most stylish royal women, Gayatri Devi was one of India’s most elegant and modern Maharanis. She passed away at the age of 90 in 2009, reportedly due to lung failure. In just five years in Hindi cinema, Ananya has made it into the big league. What does stardom mean to her?

“That is not true. I am still very hungry and I have miles to go,” she said.

Michael Douglas on discovering he’s related to Scarlett Johansson: ‘Are you kidding!’

Veteran Hollywood actor Michael Douglas was shocked after discovering he is related to star Scarlett Johansson. The 79-yearold star appeared on a series ‘Finding Your Roots’ to delve into his ancestry, and he was stunned to find out that Johansson, who he appeared alongside in 2019’s ‘Avengers: Endgame’, is a “DNA cousin” of his.

When told the news on the show, Douglas said: “Are you kidding? Oh, that’s amazing. All right. This is cool. This is so cool.”

‘Finding Your Roots’ presenter Henry Louis Gates Jr shared the news to Douglas. He told him that he and the 39-year-old actress “share identical branches of DNA on four different chromosomes”, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The presenter added that the branches of DNA “appear on Scarlett’s maternal lines, which stretch back to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe”.

Douglas said it was “incredible” to find out he and the actress were related, and he “looks forward” to seeing her again. Filmmaker-writer

Lena Dunham also discovered that she was related to a big star.

While delving into her ancestry on the program, Dunham found out comedy legend Larry David is her cousin. She said: “My husband’s going to freak out! It’s Larry David! The other L.D.! This is the hottest information

Shakira lost lyrics for an entire album when her suitcase went missing at an airport

Grammy winner Shakira lost an entire album when her suitcase disappeared from an airport in Bogota and had to start from scratch. The pop star had written enough lyrics for her fourth album when she was 21-year-old in the 1990s which she kept in her suitcase.

“When I was like, 21, I had written a whole body of work. And it got lost at an airport in Bogota. I had all my lyrics in my dad’s briefcase because I used to travel with my parents back in the day. And I think that it just disappeared at the airport,” she said on ‘The Hot Ones’ YouTube series.

“So that’s why I named our album ‘Where are the Thieves?’ After that story,

I had to reconstruct all of the lyrics in my head. When I was able to, like after a great deal of effort.”

The ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ hitmaker doesn’t think she was the target of an attack and feels she was just put in an “unfortunate” situation at the time, reports femalefirst. co.uk.

She said: “I wasn’t targeted specifically. I know. I think just you know, the bag just disappeared.

The suitcase disappeared with my lyrics. I was unfortunate. It was so painful.” The 47-year-old songstress recently said that her voice is “so much better” now than when she first hit the music scene.

I could have ever got.”

The presenter told the filmmaker that she and her mother, Laurie Simmons, share “multiple long identical segments of DNA with the ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ creator. To which, she replied: “This is incredible. You saved the best for last.”

Lizzo not quitting music: I meant quit giving negative energy, she clarifies

Singer-songwriter Lizzo has clarified that she is not quitting the music industry, just days after she posted that she could no longer handle negative opinions on the Internet. Last week, the 35-year-old singer said she would be stepping down from her career altogether after sharing that she was “tired of being dragged by everyone in (her) life.” However, she has now taken back her statement and has claimed that she meant she wanted to stop giving anything “negative” her attention. Speaking in the new video, she said: “When I say ‘I quit,’ I mean, I quit giving any negative energy attention. What I’m not gonna quit, is the joy of my life, which is making music… which is connecting to people. Cause I know I’m not alone.”

“In no way, shape, or form am I the only person who is experiencing that negative voice that seems to be louder than the positive.” Lizzo added that if she can just give one person the inspiration or motivation to stand up for themselves and say they quit “letting negative people win, negative comments win, then I’ve done even more than I could have hoped for.”

Ananya Panday would love to play Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur onscreen

IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

AB KI BAAR 400 PAR

CAR RALLY SHOWCASES OVERSEAS SUPPORT FOR BJP AND PM MODI

By: Vandana Jhingan, Rakesh Malhotra

In a display of unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) chapter organized the ‘Ab ki Baar 400 Par Car Rally’ in Chicago. The event, held ahead of the upcoming general elections in India, saw enthusiastic participa-

tion from the Indian diaspora, showcasing their solidarity with the ideals and vision of the Modi government.

The rally, spearheaded by OFBJP volunteers in Chicago, witnessed an impressive turnout of over 125 cars converging at the Hari Sumiran temple in Long Grove, in the northern suburbs of Illinois. Before the rally’s commencement, nearly 250 members of the diaspora and devotees gathered at the temple premises to partake in prayers and Kirtan, setting a spiritual tone

for the event.

Addressing the attendees, Himanshu Sheth, the event’s host, elucidated the rally’s purpose and significance. He underscored the Modi government’s remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructure and economic development, emphasizing their pivotal role in shaping India’s growth trajectory.

Amar Upadhyay, a volunteer from the Chicago chapter, urged attendees to propagate PM Modi’s message of inclusivity and development actively. He emphasized the upcoming Indian election as a watershed moment in the country’s democratic history and called upon the diaspora to play an instrumental role in steering India towards progress.

Rakesh Malhotra, another volunteer from the Chicago area highlighted the indispensable role of the Indian diaspora in shaping the future of their homeland. Terming the rally a ‘Kartavay Rally,’ he

expressed gratitude for the diaspora’s steadfast support. He implored youngsters to leverage social media platforms for advocacy, stressing the importance of assuming responsibility for India’s governance and progress.

Shailesh Rajput of Hindu Mahotsav encouraged the audience to utilize communication channels like WhatsApp to mobilize their friends and family in India to exercise their voting rights, thus contributing to the democratic process.

The event culminated with a ceremonial pooja performed by Purohit Rohit Joshi and Pandit Bharat ji, who led the attendees in the Sankalp of “Ab ki Baar 400 Par,” symbolizing their collective determination to ensure victory in the upcoming elections.

The ‘Ab ki Baar 400 Par Car Rally’ served as a testament to the unwavering support of the Indian diaspora for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, underscoring their commitment to the ideals of inclusivity, development, and progress for a thriving India.

MICHIGAN ALSO IMMERSED IN THE MODI WAVE, HOLDS CAR RALLY TO SHOW SUPPORT TO BJP

By: Vandana Jhingan,

Overseas Friends of BJP held massive car rallies across the USA at various prominent locations on Sunday, 31st March 2024 to showcase the NRI’s support for India’s PM Narendra Modi ji’s re-election, under the leadership of Shri Adapa Prasad ji and Shri Vasudeva Patel ji. As a part of this coordinated event, the Michigan chapter also held a successful car rally in Farmington Hills, under the supervision of Michigan Chapter Convenor Shri Shyam Enaganti ji.

More than 70 families gathered with more than 75 cars that lined up and moved in unison. The cars were all adorned with Shri Narendra Modi’s posters along with

India and USA flags. “Vande Mataram”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Ab ki Baar 400 Paar” slogans reverberated in the atmosphere with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

The rally started from Hanuman temple, Farmington Hills, went through Orchard Lake Road, Grand River Avenue and concluded at Hanuman temple parking lot with cars moving in a slow pace one behind the other surprising a lot of onlookers.

There was a lot of excitement among those who gathered and many of the participants made short videos appealing to the voters in India to go and vote for BJP and Narendra Modi ji.

Shyam Enaganti ji spoke and explained

briefly why it’s important to get Modi ji back in office for another term. He told everyone gathered about the upcoming events being held and encouraged everyone to get involved and participate.

Shyam ji then thanked all those who enthusiastically gathered along with the karyakartas that made this event a success. OFBJP Michigan Volunteers Ravi Gumati Ji, Sushant Tiwari Ji, Amit Thakur Ji, Rajender Sandadi Ji, Vijay Venkat Ji, Rajesh Kutty Ji, Ashok Baddi ji, Badri Talanki ji, Anil Ji, Tejas Ji, Venkatesh Ji and many others made the event a huge success.

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Rajendra Kapil

Phone: 847-962-1291

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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 lower-equity 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

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• Variable and fixed rate options

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

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Proper nutrition serves as a foundation for fertility as the food we consume can have a big impact on one’s ability to conceive.

By: Dr Sulbha Arora

It drastically influences both male and female reproductive health. With informed dietary choices, individuals can improve their fertility potential and increase their chances of conceiving.

Key Nutrients for Fertility:

When it comes to conceiving, certain nutrients play an important role in supporting reproductive function. These include:

Folic Acid: Critical for fetal development and reducing the risk of birth defects

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support hormonal balance and promote overall reproductive health

Iron: Important for maintaining healthy blood levels and fertility

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is also crucial as it helps with egg maturation and embryo implantation

Zinc: It is necessary for sperm production in men

Eating a nutrient-rich diet not only boosts fertility but also increases the chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, fatty fish, and lean meats prepare the human body for conception.

The Impact of Sugar and Processed Foods Consuming high levels of sugar and processed

Dietary recommendations and the impact on reproductive health

foods can hurt fertility. These foods may taste delicious, but they can damage our bodies in the long run. Excessive consumption of sugar has been linked to various health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Processed foods are full of artificial ingredients and preservatives that can trouble our metabolism and gut health. They also tend to be high in unhealthy fats and sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation in the body, disturb hormone levels, and negatively impact reproductive function. By limiting these items intake and focusing on whole, nutrient-rich foods, individuals can make their bodies more

fertility-friendly.

The Role of Hydration in Fertility

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it also plays a significant role in fertility. Proper hydration is often overlooked. Proper hydration ensures that all bodily functions are working optimally, including reproductive health. Staying hydrated supports the body’s natural functions, including hormone balance and the production of cervical mucus. Dehydration can lead to a decrease in cervical mucus production, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg and implant successfully. In addition, being properly hydrated can help regulate hormone

levels, support egg quality, and enhance uterine lining thickness—all factors are important in fertility. It’s recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, but individual needs may vary depending on factors like activity level and climate.

Creating a Fertility-Focused Meal Plan

Developing a meal plan that is rich in fertilitysupporting nutrients foods is key to improving reproductive health. Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the body with the essential nutrients it needs for hormonal balance and optimal fertility. One should focus on maintaining blood sugar levels throughout the day by including complex carbohydrates like quinoa and sweet potatoes. Additionally, prioritize healthy fats from sources like avocado and olive oil to support hormone production and should aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. And finally, consider consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalized guidance for specific needs and goals.

In conclusion, by paying attention to the foods you eat and making conscious choices you can improve your reproductive health and can conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Prioritizing nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding processed food items can lead to a successful fertility journey.

Travel

Consumer desire for wellness-focused vacations is on the rise, as seen in 2024’s wellness trends. The demand for domestic travel has increased by 50 percent, according to CGH Earth Wellness Centers. Since before the pandemic, foreign visitors from regions like Russia and Europe have remained devoted customers. Consumer insights, both from CGH’s diverse customer base and research, highlight the following big trends in the $1.5 trillion global wellness industry. Restorative Travel and Healing Holidays Prevention is better than cure couldn’t ring truer. Rather than having to go for curative spells at a hospital, more and more people are turning towards traditional, holistic health. Classical Kerala Ayurveda & Prakruti Chikitsa - Indian Naturopathy has proven to have produced great results with regards to lifestyle disorders and other long-term health conditions. Wellness is no longer considered a concept for the old. Centresare witnessing a growth in younger audiences for preventive healthcare.

Having seen an older generation who have had to be on lifelong medication for their lifestyle disorders, the young are now turning towards Naturopathy & Ayurveda as a means to prevent going down the same road. One is seeing a big change in the mindset of the younger generation who are emphasizing on clean eating, fitness and leading a more mindful existence. They are opting for wellness based getaways and self-healing journeys.Preventive health programs which are transformative are popular with the young-set. Curative programmes are more for the older generation and are typically need based. Gen Z is now looking for a drug-free, non-invasive approach to leading a more healthy and balanced life.

Renewed interest in Ayurveda post Pandemic

The Kerala Ayurveda philosophy has been accepted worldwide for its immense benefits and the science and methodology of treatments. The Panchakarma treatment course that involves 21 days has helped people change their lives. Society, now at large is realizing the need for the responsibility of taking their health into their own hands, by tapping into India’s ancient wisdom of medicine that is globally revered and respected.

Solo Travel for Wellness

People are increasingly choosing solo travel which helps them go through self-healing and a holistic transformational process. Being able to re-connect with nature helps solo visitors rebalance their lives and be in sync with their mind, body and soul. Solo travel enables people to set themselves on the right path to healthy living.

Investing time and money to travel for well-being

People are willing to allocate one break in the year completely dedicated to their wellbeing. They are also willing to spend more, if it means better year -round health and a more positive state of mind. From a traditional mind-set of pushing wellness to a later date, and a need-to-do basis, one is seeing a more proactive and a must-do approach.

Serene Healing Spaces are lending to the increase in wellness breaks

To be able to address one’s health but not feel like a patient in the traditional sense seems to be what is resonating with a vast number of people, especially those who have understood the importance of preventive healthcare and those addressing the onset of lifestyle disorders. Keeping one’s mind happy during a treatment course has been talked about in modern medicine as well, and healing spaces have become an important role in achieving a positive state of mind.

One of the Top Travel Trends in 2024 Wellness:

Why UV protection is crucial for eye health all year round

By: Dr Rishi Raj Borah

The radiant warmth of the sun, while comforting, conceals a potential threat to our eye health. Many are aware of the necessity of shielding their skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, yet the importance of safeguarding our eyes often goes overlooked. However, understanding the crucial role of UV protection for eye health, regardless of the season, is paramount in preserving our vision and preventing long-term damage.

Year-Round Threat

Contrary to popular belief, UV radiation is not solely a concern during the scorching summer months. Even on overcast days or during winter, UV rays penetrate clouds, posing a continuous risk to our eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various ocular complications, including growths on the eye, cataracts, macular degeneration, sunburned eye and eye cancer. These conditions can significantly impair vision and diminish quality of life if left untreated.

Preventive Measures

Adopting preventive measures to shield our eyes from UV radiation is simple and effective. Investing in quality sunglasses, such as those labelled with UV400, that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays is essential. In addition, wearing wide-brimmed hats can provide supplementary protection by reducing the amount of direct sunlight reaching the eyes.

Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye examinations are

indispensable in maintaining optimal eye health, as they enable early detection of any abnormalities or conditions exacerbated by UV exposure. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can assess eye health and offer personalized recommendations based on individual needs and lifestyle factors.

Limiting Exposure

Limiting outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., can significantly reduce UV exposure. When spending time outdoors, seek shade whenever possible, especially in areas with high reflective surfaces such as water, sand, or snow,

which intensify UV radiation.

Balanced Diet

In addition to external protection, consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can also play a pivotal role in minimizing the sun’s damage to the eyes. Consuming foods high in vitamins A, C and E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can help bolster the eyes’ natural defences against UV radiation. Incorporating fruits such as oranges, strawberries and kiwis, as well as vegetables like carrots, spinach, kale and broccoli, provides essential nutrients that support ocular health.

In addition, including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and walnuts, can further fortify the eyes’ resilience to UV-

induced damage. The eyes, often referred to as the windows to the soul, are also remarkably delicate organs susceptible to damage from UV radiation. As such, prioritizing year-round UV protection is paramount for preserving eye health and preventing vision-related complications. By having a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins, adopting preventive measures such as wearing UVprotective sunglasses and hats and scheduling regular eye examinations, individuals can safeguard their eyesight and enjoy the beauty of the sun without compromising their eye health. Let us not overlook the importance of protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays—our vision depends on it.

Beauty & Fashion

Less Can Be More:

If you’re a bit colorshy, you can still achieve the same on-trend result by adding in clashing accessories like purses and jewelry. This way, you can participate in the trend without going overboard.

Spring fashion extravaganza

Ways to Color

Clash Like a Pro

Embracing this trend doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some simple ways to master the art of color clashing:

Mix Neons with Neutrals:

Neon colors can be quite overwhelming. But, when paired with neutrals, they create a perfect balance that is appealing to the eye.

As the season shifts from the cold winter hues to the vibrant colors of spring, fashion also takes a bold turn. This year’s hottest trend is all about color clashing. Yes, you heard it right! Get ready to embrace color clashing by mixing and matching colors you wouldn’t normally put together. The result is a modern look that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Imagine a pink pant paired with a bright orange bag, or a vibrant green blazer over a yellow blouse. Add in some unique and colorful accessories and you are on your way to standing out this spring season, but in a good way.

If the fall runways are any indication, it’s time to retire monochrome and go for something much more bold. Unexpected color combinations like Technicolor neons and cool pastels give verve to everyday dressing.

Choose Equally Deep Tones: When clashing colors, it’s important to remember that pastels don’t mix well with jewel tones. To create a harmonious look, choose colors with the same level of intensity.