Issue 34

India dismisses Pakistan’s attempt to raise Kashmir issue as ‘baseless, deceitful’

Friday, 28 June 2024

By Arul Louis

India has dismissed Pakistan’s attempt to inject Kashmir into a discussion of the workings of the Security Council as an undignified misuse of the General Assembly forum.

Pratik Mathur, a minister at India’s UN mission, reacting to Pakistan bringing up Kashmir, said that it “misused this forum to spread baseless and deceitful narratives, which is not a surprise.”

“I will not dignify these remarks with any response just to save valuable time of this august body,” he added witheringly.

Mathur, who did not name Pakistan and referred to it as “one delegation” was reacting to Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Munir Akram’s suggestion to set up a Security Council body to monitor the implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir.

But the target of his condescending dismissal was clear. Regardless of the topic under discussion or its relevance, Pakistan consistently brings up Kashmir.

While India does directly take on Pakistan by naming it by exercising its formal right of reply on major issues, New Delhi does not name it on other occasions like on Tuesday to deprive Islamabad of an opportunity to prolong the issue, which is ignored by almost all the other 192 members of the UN, but at the same time making a clear rebuttal.

Since it was not named, Pakistan did not get a right to reply when it could amplify its statement. Because Kashmir does not get traction at the UN, Akram repeatedly tries to link it to Palestine – as he did on Tuesday –but with no effect.

For example, in last year’s high-level session of the General Assembly, only one country besides Pakistan even mentioned Kashmir – which means 191 nations ignored it.

Even that was an anodyne remark made in the passing by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who only said that resolving the dispute through dialogue by India and Pakistan “will pave the way for regional peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia.”

Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has himself pathetically admitted Islamabad’s failure to get support for its cause.

North Korea supports Russia’s war with Ukraine as ‘legitimate act of self-defense’

North Korea has criticized the US for its military support of Ukraine and supported Russia’s actions as a “legitimate act of self-defense,” underscoring the growing military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

“If the rulers of the US persist in recklessly pushing their war machine into Ukraine for a proxy war against Russia, it will inevitably provoke a stronger response from Russia,” Pak Jong Chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.

Pak further said, “It is Russia’s right to selfdefense to make a strategic counterattack to defend its security from the ever-aggravating threat posed by hostile forces. Any responsive action taken by Russia will be a legitimate act of self-defense.”

Biden struggles and Trump deflects in a heated presidential debate

In a highly contentious debate, President Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump clashed vigorously on a wide array of issues ahead of the November election. Biden, displaying a shaky and at times halting performance, faced relentless attacks from Trump, who leveled numerous false accusations throughout the 90-minute televised event on CNN. The debate, unprecedentedly held more than four months before Election Day and devoid of a live audience, adhered to strict rules to prevent the chaos of their previous encounter in 2020.

The exchange between the two oldest presidential candidates in history included heated disputes over abortion, immigration, economic policies, and personal character attacks. Despite Biden’s camp attempting to downplay

his performance due to a reported cold, criticism from within his own party intensified, with concerns raised about his age and ability to serve another term. Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged Biden’s initial struggle but urged voters to evaluate both candidates based on their track records in office.

During the debate, Biden regained composure after a shaky start, particularly when confronting Trump on ethical issues and criminal convictions. Trump, in turn, attacked Biden’s family and administration, repeating long-debunked claims and asserting his own achievements before the pandemic. The debate also highlighted deep-seated divisions and fears among voters, with significant concerns about potential violence following the election, as indicated by recent polling.

Blinken condemns Russia-North Korea military cooperation, reaffirms ‘ironclad’ alliance in call with South Korea FM

the “vital” importance of the Seoul-Washington alliance during phone talks with his South Korean counterpart, his spokesperson said.

The call between Blinken and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul came on Friday after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty on their cooperation in defense and other areas during their summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday, Yonhap news agency reported.

“The Secretary condemned deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including ongoing arms transfers that violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions, and reaffirmed the vital importance of the ironclad USSouth Korea alliance in promoting peace, security, and prosperity around the world,” Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson, said in a statement.

S Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and reaffirmed

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Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed “full support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine and pledged to strengthen strategic cooperation with Moscow as he held summit talks with

Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang, reports Yonhap news agency.

Friday, 28 June 2024

Biden struggles and Trump deflects in a heated presidential debate

Both candidates used the platform to present contrasting visions for the country’s future, with Biden emphasizing economic recovery efforts post-pandemic and Trump asserting his record on economic prosperity prior to the health crisis.

Trump, facing legal challenges and persistent allegations of undermining democratic norms, sought to rally his base with promises of continued strong leadership, while Biden aimed to reassure undecided voters about his fitness for office amidst ongoing skepticism about his cognitive abilities.

Looking ahead, the upcoming debates, including the final scheduled for September, will likely continue to shape voter perceptions in what polls indicate is a closely contested race.

The outcome remains uncertain, with a significant portion of the electorate still undecided or considering alternatives, underscoring the high stakes and polarized atmosphere of the 2024 presidential election.

India dismisses

attempt to raise

2

Pakistan’s

Kashmir issue

as ‘baseless, deceitful’

“We face a particularly uphill task to try and get Kashmir onto the center of the agenda at the United Nations,” he said at a news conference here last year.

India “strongly and vociferously object that they perpetuate a post facto narrative” to shut out Kashmir, he lamented.

India maintains that Kashmir and all disputes between the neighbors are bilateral matters under the 1972 Simla Agreement signed by Bilawal’s grandfather Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who was then Pakistan’s President, and India’s Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Moreover, when harping on the implementation of the Security Council resolution on plebiscite Kashmir,

Islamabad ignores a key element that required it to first withdraw from all areas of Kashmir it occupied.

Security Council Resolution 47 adopted on April 21, 1948, requires the Pakistani government first to secure the withdrawal from the State of Jammu and Kashmir of tribesmen and Pakistani nationals not normally resident therein who have entered the State for the purpose of fighting and to prevent any intrusion into the State of such elements and any furnishing of material aid to those fighting in the State.

The “tribesmen” referred to in the resolution are Pakistani soldiers sent in disguised as tribesmen. That resolution also requires Islamabad to not fund or arm terrorists who continue attacks in Kashmir, which element Pakistan ignores.

North Korea supports Russia’s war with Ukraine as ‘legitimate act of self-defense’

“We will always stand together with the Russian army and people in a just struggle to defend sovereign rights, strategic stability, and the territorial integrity of their country,” Pak said.

In particular, Pak criticized the US for recently expanding its agreement with Ukraine to strike over the border inside Russian territory wherever Russian forces are engaging in crossborder attacks into Ukraine, not just in the Kharkiv region as was previously signed.

“This time, the US has gone so far as to allow the Ukrainian neo-Nazis to strike any part of Russian territory at their will,” Pak said.

Canadian minister clueless on why Trudeau government placed separatist Nijjar on ‘no fly’ list, froze his bank account

In a video clip that has now gone viral on social media, Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is seen struggling for answers when asked about the Canadian Parliament paying tribute to slain Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar even though the government led by Justin Trudeau put him on a ‘no-fly’ list and also had his bank accounts frozen long before his assassination.

The video, which shows Freeland taking questions at an event, generated quite a bit of interest on a day when India made it clear once again that it will continue to highlight and oppose the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence.

“We naturally oppose any moves of giving political space to extremism and those

advocating violence,” Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, told the media in New Delhi.

The MEA spokesperson was responding to a question on the Canadian Parliament observing silence on the first death anniversary of Sikh radical Nijjar, earlier this week.

In the viral video clip, Freeland, who has also earlier served as the Foreign Minister of Canada, was asked why the Trudeau

government put Nijjar on a ‘no-fly’ list and even froze his bank accounts while he was alive.

“It was important to have a moment of silence to recognize that this was a murder of a Canadian in Canada and on Canadian soil. That is entirely unacceptable,” Freeland said.

The clip then showed the Canadian minister continuing to praise Trudeau for taking a strong stance on the issue, without answering the queries raised on Nijjar.

“I was very proud of the Prime Minister and of the strong position he took after the murder. It was the right thing to do but not an easy thing. He (Trudeau) made it clear that for the Government of Canada, all Canadians are the same, all Canadians have the same rights, and murder on Canadian soil is just not allowed and the government of Canada will enforce our laws and protect all Canadians

regardless of who is threatening us or what the consequences would be,” Freeland said.

Pro-Khalistan elements continue to spread anti-India feelings through their extremist statements and activities in Canada even as the Indian government has repeatedly expressed its deep concern and strong protest at the disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked in the country.

Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar slammed the Trudeau government for giving refuge to pro-Khalistani elements, asserting that further deterioration in bilateral ties would eventually result in a big loss for Canada.

New Delhi has conveyed to Ottawa on several occasions that democratic countries that respect the rule of law should not allow intimidation by radical elements in the name of freedom of expression.

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India and UAE hail growing momentum in bilateral cooperation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan explored the two countries’ efforts to strengthen joint cooperation in all sectors, including economic, trade, investment, education, culture, health, food security, renewable energy, and climate change during their working dinner meeting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

As both ministers reviewed the multifaceted India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Sheikh Abdullah stressed that the UAE and India share a strong bond, marked by growing momentum in bilateral cooperation.

This collaboration, he was quoted as saying by the UAE Foreign Ministry on Monday, is aimed at achieving comprehensive development and ensuring sustainable economic prosperity for both nations and their citizens.

The two ministers also discussed new

No request so far on providing Consular access to Nikhil Gupta, says MEA

India last Friday said that it has so far not received any request for providing Consular access to Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national accused by the US authorities of having involvement in a murderfor-hire plot against a Khalistani leader.

Gupta was arrested in the Czech Republic at the request of the US and produced in a New York federal court earlier this week.

“We have so far not received any request for Consular access for Mr Gupta but his family has got in touch with us and we are in touch with the family members. We are looking at the matter as to what can be done on the request,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday.

Appearing before Magistrate Judge James Cott on Monday, Gupta made the “not guilty” plea through his lawyer. Assistant Federal Prosecutor Ashley Nichols told the court that Gupta is charged in the murder-forhire plot. Cott ordered him to be kept in custody till the next date of hearing on June 28, when a conference on the case is scheduled.

areas with untapped potential, enhancing collaboration within international organizations besides exchanging views on current regional and international developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

After Colombo last week, this was Jaishankar’s second official visit during the third term of the Modi government. It followed the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy’s Apulia.

During his visit, the EAM participated in the celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga in Abu Dhabi at Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi and also visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in February.

It highlighted that the EAM’s visit to the UAE, within two weeks of his reappointment, signifies the importance India attaches to its relations with the country.

India-US ties achieve ‘escape velocity’, says Campbell

Atop US official said on Monday that progress in the bilateral relationship with India has finally achieved “escape velocity”, using a term from space exploration to describe the velocity required by a body to soar without the pull of gravity.

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell was speaking on a sustainable and enduring US policy in the IndoPacific region at an event at the Council on Foreign Relations, a leading think tank.

He was recently in India along with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan for a much-anticipated visit that also turned out to be the first trip by senior US officials to New Delhi in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.

Campbell also made a strong pitch for according to a higher preference to increasing the intake of Indian students in STEM fields in US universities, than to students from China, who are not trusted in high-technology fields.

“The United States and India have launched an effort to intensify defense industrial cooperation on jet engines and armored vehicles,” Campbell said about ties with India in the context of America’s sustained engagement with the IndoPacific region.

“After working in India for decades, I can tell you that it is my view that finally, the use-end rate relationship has reached escape velocity. I think we have a partnership that can be sustained and there is ambition in both Delhi and Washington to take important next steps.

We’ve worked together on a variety of other issues between the United States and India including announcing new initiatives where we will work together for the first time in the Indian Ocean.”

Campbell was previously the White House czar for President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific policy, which has seen this administration elevate the Quad platform with India, Australia, and Japan to the level leaders, the launch of the Australia, UK and US partnership called AUKUS and deepening bilateral, trilateral and multilateral ties with IndoPacific countries with the shared goal of managing China’s aggressive rise.

The jet engine cooperation that Campbell mentioned is the joint production of GE’s F414 jet engine with HAL that was announced during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit in June last year.

India and the US are also in talks to

co-produce Stryker armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs or infantry combat vehicles). India is looking to this vehicle as a replacement for its fleet of aging Russian-made ICVs.

India and the United States cooperate on a wide suite of issues and people-topeople is one of the most important of them. Indian students in US universities are a key part of it. Indians account for the second largest cohort of foreign students and their numbers are growing rapidly.

Campbell’s strong pitch for a larger intake of Indian students came in response to a question on what needs to be done to shore up declining numbers of Chinese students. “Right now the largest increase that we need to see going forward would be much larger numbers of Indian students that come to study in American universities on a range of technology and other fields more directly,” he said.

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Friday, 28 June 2024

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The Plight of the Hindu Community in Pakistan

Dr. (H) Avi Verma

Publisher

By Dr. Avi Verma Publisher

The Hindu community in Pakistan is an ancient and integral part of the country’s cultural and religious fabric. With a rich heritage and significant contributions to society, the community’s current state is a matter of grave concern. The Hindu places of worship, such as the Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Balochistan, Krishna Mandir in Lahore, Katraj Mandir in Karachi, and Siddhivinayak Mandir in Tharparkar, are not just religious sites but symbols of the historical and cultural legacy of the Hindus in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, these sites, along with the Hindu community, face numerous challenges. Many temples are in a state of disrepair, facing vandalism, neglect, and unauthorized usage. The broader Hindu community in Pakistan endures significant hardships, including religious discrimination, violence, and economic marginalization. The abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of Hindu girls remain particularly egregious issues that need urgent attention.

Role of Hindu Leaders in Pakistan

Hindu leaders in Pakistan, such as Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Veerji Kohli, and others, have been vocal advocates for the rights and safety of their community. Their presence in the government and their continued efforts to raise awareness about the issues faced by Hindus are crucial. However, the challenges they face are substantial, and their influence is often limited by broader systemic issues.

These leaders must take a more assertive role in addressing the concerns of the Hindu community. They need to:

Advocate Strongly: Use their positions in the government to consistently and forcefully advocate for the protection and rights of Hindus. This includes pushing for stricter laws and policies against forced conversions and abductions, and for the preservation and restoration of Hindu religious sites.

Engage with International Bodies: Collaborate with international human rights organizations and platforms to bring global attention to the plight of the Hindu community in Pakistan. This can help in applying pressure on the Pakistani government to take concrete actions.

Community Mobilization: Work closely with local Hindu communities to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. This includes organizing community meetings, creating support networks, and providing legal and social assistance.

Interfaith Dialogue: Promote interfaith dialogue and understanding to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society. Engaging with Muslim leaders and other religious communities can help in building solidarity and support for the Hindu community.

Transparency and Accountability: Ensure transparency and accountability in their actions and decisions. By building trust within the community, they can better mobilize collective efforts and resources to address the challenges faced.

Recommendations for the Government of India

The Government of India can play a pivotal role in addressing the plight of the Hindu community in Pakistan. Here are some recommendations:

Diplomatic Engagement: Engage in consistent and constructive dialogue with the Pakistani government, emphasizing the importance of protecting minority rights and preserving religious sites.

International Advocacy: Leverage international platforms, such as the United

Nations and human rights organizations, to highlight the issues faced by Hindus in Pakistan and advocate for their protection and rights.

Support and Relief: Establish dedicated funds and initiatives to support the restoration and maintenance of Hindu temples and cultural sites in Pakistan. This can be done through partnerships with NGOs and international heritage organizations.

Legal Assistance: Provide legal aid and support to Hindu families in Pakistan, especially those affected by abductions, forced conversions, and other forms of persecution. Collaborating with international legal bodies could enhance the impact of these efforts.

Community Support Programs: Develop programs aimed at the economic and educational upliftment of the Hindu community in Pakistan. Scholarships, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs can help empower the community.

Cultural Exchanges: Promote cultural exchanges that highlight the shared heritage between India and Pakistan. These exchanges can foster mutual respect and understanding, thereby strengthening the cultural bonds between the two nations.

Humanitarian Aid: In cases of extreme persecution or humanitarian crises, India should be prepared to offer asylum and support to affected individuals and families from the Hindu community in Pakistan.

Conclusion

The dignity and rights of the Hindu community in Pakistan are paramount, and it is imperative that concerted efforts are made to ensure their protection and well-being. Hindu leaders in Pakistan must take the lead in advocating for their community, supported by robust measures from the Indian government and the international community. By working together, we can strive for a future where the Hindu community in Pakistan can live with dignity, security, and freedom.

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

Pakistan does not believe in perpetual hostility with India, says Deputy PM Ishaq Dar

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called on the Modi 3.0 regime to work towards a sober reflection on the future of bilateral relations between the two nuclear-powered neighbors In his address at an event, he reiterated his previous statements about relations with India, stating that Pakistan has always been desirous of having good relations with India.

“To our east, the relationship with India has historically remained troubled. Pakistan does not believe in perpetual hostility. We seek good-neighborly relations with India on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a just and peaceful resolution of the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” Dar said. However, he also emphasized that while Pakistan would take every step to ensure better relations with India, it would not refrain from responding effectively to any Indian military misadventure.

“We also take every step needed to maintain strategic stability in South Asia and would respond effectively and decisively to any ill-considered military misadventure” in New Delhi, he added.

His statements come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken office for the third consecutive term, heading a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

New Kuwaiti Ambassador meets EAM Jaishankar, discusses bilateral ties

Meshal Mustafa Jasim Alshemali, the newly appointed Ambassador of Kuwait to India, met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday, marking his first meeting with the EAM after assuming his new post. During the discussions, EAM Jaishankar and Ambassador Alshemali focused on the bilateral ties between India and Kuwait, with particular emphasis on the Indian community and workers residing in Kuwait. India and Kuwait share strong ties, with many Indians traveling to the Gulf country for employment opportunities every year.

Recently, a tragic incident occurred on June 12, where over 50 people, including 45 Indians, died in a fire that broke out in a building housing workers in Kuwait City. In response to this tragedy, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, went to Kuwait and met its Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. During the meeting, the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister assured full support and the early repatriation of the mortal remains of the Indian nationals who perished in the fire.

“In our view, as the BJP-led NDA government starts a new term, it is time for a sober reflection on the future of India-Pakistan relations and the cross-cutting issues affecting the entire region,” he said. He contended that India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and 35A to change the special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir through what he termed as a unilateral and illegal action on August 5, 2019, had adversely affected the overall

Guterres

“The onus remains on India to take necessary steps to create an enabling environment for purposeful engagement and result-oriented dialogue on all issues,” he said.

However, he said that in this context, it is equally important that India “eschews its relentless smear campaign against Pakistan”, stops its alleged “state-sponsorship of terrorism and extrajudicial killings inside Pakistan”, and “takes tangible steps to move the relationship in a positive direction”.

urges fight against tyranny of algorithmdriven digital

media promoting disinformation

prejudices including racism, misogyny, and discrimination of all kinds,” he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged a global fight against the tyranny of algorithmdriven online media supercharged by artificial intelligence (AI) that promotes disinformation and puts “lives at stake”.

“You are the majority, and this is a fight we can win -- together,” he said on Monday. “Demand accountability; demand choice; demand control.”

Releasing the UN’s Global Principles for Information Integrity, he said, “No one should be at the mercy of an algorithm they don’t control, which was not designed to safeguard their interests, and which tracks their behavior to collect personal data and keep them hooked.”

“Opaque algorithms push people into information bubbles and reinforce

He warned that threats to information integrity are not new, “they are proliferating and expanding with unprecedented speed on digital platforms, supercharged by AI technologies” becoming vehicles for spreading hate.

“Do your part to safeguard our future by providing quality journalism based on facts and reality,” he said.

He also came out against “drastic measures, including blanket internet shutdowns”.

Guterres said that he had himself been the victim of campaigns of disinformation, citing the example of the campaign falsely claiming that he had never condemned Hamas, which carried out brutal attacks on Israel last year.

A fact check showed that he had, in fact, condemned Hamas 102 times.

Blinken condemns Russia-North Korea military cooperation, reaffirms ‘ironclad’ alliance in call with South Korea FM

Blinken thanked Cho for Seoul’s continued support for Ukraine while the two sides agreed to continue working together to address the “complex and evolving” security challenges posed by North Korea, as well as to support peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to Miller. This week’s summit between Putin and Kim has been a major source of concern for both Seoul and Washington due to its implications for regional and global security.

WikiLeaks founder Assange walks out of court as a ‘free man’

AUS federal court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, on Wednesday ordered that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who pleaded guilty to a single felony count of violating the Espionage Act, should be released immediately.

He will leave the court as a ‘free man’, Judge Ramona Manglona said.

The judge said that it is fair to accept the 62 months, which he has already spent in a cell in the UK, as his sentence. “You will be able to walk out of this courtroom a free man,” Judge Manglona said.

Earlier in the day, Assange pleaded guilty in court as part of a deal with the US Justice Department to avoid further prison time and end the years-long legal saga.

The Wikileaks founder on Wednesday morning arrived in the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory in the Pacific Ocean, after being freed from the UK prison, where he spent more than five years.

Australia’s ambassador to the US and former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith were also present in the courtroom. Assange will now fly home to Australia’s capital, Canberra.

Dar hoped that the new term of PM Modi would use this opportunity to carve a more sober reflection on the future of India-Pakistan relations.

environment of bilateral relations between the two countries.

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Biden designates Kenya as major non-NATO ally of US

US President Joe Biden has designated Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) of the United States.

“By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2321k)..., I hereby designate Kenya as a Major Non-NATO Ally of the United States for the purposes of the Act and the Arms Export Control Act...,” stated a memorandum published by the White House on Monday.

The MNNA status is a designation under US law that provides certain benefits to foreign partners in defense trade and security cooperation.

According to the US Department of State, the MNNA designation is a “powerful symbol of the close relationship the United States shares with those countries and demonstrates our deep respect for the friendship for the countries to which it is extended”.

While the MNNA status provides military and economic privileges, it does not entail any security commitments to the designated country.

Biden had pledged to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally during Kenyan President William Ruto’s three-day visit to the US last month.

At least two killed, hundreds evacuated as floods hit US

At least two people have been killed while hundreds rescued as flood hits the north-central United States. A vast swath of lands from eastern Nebraska and South Dakota to Iowa and Minnesota has been flooded from torrential rains since last week, with 18 inches of rain in some areas. Homes were damaged, and some roads were closed, reports Xinhua news agency.

Flood breached levees in the northwestern part of the US state of Iowa on Tuesday, prompting evacuations of local residents.

The Little Sioux River breached levees in several areas, local media quoted the sheriff’s office in Monona County as saying on Tuesday. The sheriff’s office in neighboring Woodbury County posted a drone video on Facebook showing the river overflowing the levee and flooding land.

Severe thunderstorms also left more than 150,000 homes and businesses in the US state of Michigan without power on Tuesday morning.

The flood warnings are expected to continue into the week.

US President Joe Biden declared on Monday that a major disaster exists in the State of Iowa and ordered federal aid to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding.

Trump, Biden squabble over credit for Quad revival

By: Yashwant Raj

Who “put together” or “reestablished” the Quad? The Trump campaign on Tuesday criticized President Joe Biden for claiming in a recent interview that he “put together” the Quad, a growing multilateral group of nations including the United States, India, Australia, and Japan aimed at addressing China’s assertive rise.

“This is a classic example of Crooked Joe Biden taking credit for something he didn’t do. The reality is President Trump re-established the Quad in 2017 - a historic agreement that was praised as a breakthrough in foreign policy,” the Trump campaign said in a document titled “Biden Lies: Foreign Policy Edition”.

“It’s just one of many significant foreign policy accomplishments that set the world on a path to unprecedented peace - until Crooked Joe Biden messed it all up.”

Trump and Biden squared off on Thursday in an unusually early presidential debate, and their campaigns have engaged in a bitter exchange of words leading up to it.

Biden aimed to use the debate to reverse the negative narrative weighing on his poll numbers, while Trump sought to protect his chances amid legal issues, including a groundbreaking conviction on criminal charges for a former president.

The Quad was established in the wake of the 2004 Tsunami by four nations - India, Japan, the US, and Australia - to pool resources for relief and rehabilitation efforts, primarily in the

Indo-Pacific region. Over the subsequent years, the group evolved into a counterbalance to China, which utilized its economic influence to lure away Australia. Canberra withdrew in 2008, effectively ending the group.

President Trump’s administration revived the Quad in 2017 with a meeting of officials from the four nations on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Manila. Over the next two years, it was elevated to the level of foreign ministers, who convened for the first time as a group in 2019 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings. It was a pivotal meeting for its time.

Biden, who won the US presidential election the following year and took office in January 2021, made the Quad a top

DoJ charges nearly 200 people in $2.7 billion health care fraud schemes crackdown

The Justice Department announced a significant crackdown on health care fraud schemes, resulting in charges against nearly 200 individuals across the U.S. Allegations include false claims totaling over $2.7 billion. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the breadth of the charges, targeting doctors, nurse practitioners, and others involved in various scams. One notable case in Arizona involves accusations against owners of wound care companies who allegedly orchestrated a $900 million scheme by fraudulently billing Medicare for unnecessary amniotic wound grafts.

These grafts were reportedly applied to elderly patients, including those in hospice care, leading to fatalities shortly after treatment.

The defendants, Alexandra Gehrke and Jeffrey King, were arrested attempting to flee the country and are accused of preparing for their legal troubles with evasion tactics. Their assets, including luxury items and substantial sums in cash and gold, have been seized. In total, the nationwide sweep encompassed 193 individuals, including medical professionals, with over $230 million in assets seized. The Justice Department conducts these periodic crackdowns to deter future fraudulent activities in the health care sector.

priority and raised it to the level of leaders in a virtual summit in March, just two months after his inauguration.

That marked the first-ever summit-level meeting of the Quad, whether in person or virtually. Biden followed it with the group’s first in-person summit a few months later in September, when leaders gathered in the US for the annual UN General Assembly meetings in New York City.

“We put together the Quad, which consists of India, Australia, the United States, and Japan,” Biden told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria in an interview. Biden did not put together the Quad. He raised it to the level of leaders. That’s a fact. Trump did indeed re-establish the Quad. That’s a fact as well.

Supreme Court rules Idaho women can have abortions during health emergencies

The Supreme Court’s recent decision on Idaho’s strict abortion law has resulted in a temporary dismissal of an appeal by Idaho officials, preserving a lower court ruling that permits abortions in emergency situations. This ruling remains in effect for now, as the Supreme Court opted not to provide a definitive decision on whether Idaho’s law conflicts with federal statutes mandating emergency care, which include provisions for abortions in certain medical emergencies.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the decision, emphasizing the need to resolve the legal conflict promptly.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, also expressed disagreement with the court’s approach, arguing against the Biden administration’s interpretation of federal law regarding abortions.

The debate revolves around Idaho’s 2020 Defense of Life Act, triggered in 2022 following the Supreme Court’s revision of Roe v. Wade. This legislation imposes criminal penalties on abortion providers except in cases where the pregnant woman’s life is at risk. The federal government’s lawsuit contends that the Idaho law infringes on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor.

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US News

Bird flu outbreak at US dairy farms causes public health concerns

The ongoing bird flu outbreak at US dairy farms has raised alarms among public health experts as more dairy herds have tested positive for the virus in recent months. The influenza A (H5N1) virus, commonly known as bird flu, is widespread in wild birds worldwide and has been circulating in US poultry since 2022, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, the situation escalated in late 2023 when the virus is believed to have jumped from birds to dairy cows at a Texas farm. This was followed by a human infection in April linked to exposure to infected cattle. To date, three human cases of infection have been reported, bringing the total number of US H5N1 cases to four, including one case in 2022 linked to poultry exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The virus had been confirmed in at least 115 dairy herds across 12 states as of Thursday, according to the latest tally posted on the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

In a new study funded by the National

Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers found “small, detectable amounts of infectious (H5N1) virus remained in raw milk samples with high virus levels” when treated at 72 degrees Celsius for 15 seconds -- one of the standard pasteurization methods used by the dairy industry, according to an NIH press release last week.

The CDC noted that while the current public health risk is low, it is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. But public health experts have paid attention to

the government’s slow response and inadequate testing. The World Health Organization considers bird flu a public health concern, as these viruses, including the H5N1 strain, can result in mild to severe illness and death and have the potential to mutate to become more contagious, says the organization on its website.

While infections have been confirmed in cattle across the country, only 45 individuals have been tested for novel influenza A since March, with 550 under monitoring, according to the CDC’s latest update on June 14.

Aside from the limited availability of bird flu tests, experts said the low trust of farm owners and farm workers towards the government also makes it difficult to detect potential cases.b Many dairy farm workers in the United States are undocumented immigrants or migrants who may distrust the government or be hesitant to miss work if they test positive, CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah told Axios in a Tuesday report.

Despite the allocation of federal funds to incentivize farm cooperation, no farms have enrolled in the voluntary on-site milk testing program, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Former Uvalde school district police chief charged with child endangerment after shooting that killed 21

The former school district police chief in Uvalde, Texas, who oversaw the response to the tragic 2022 elementary school shooting where 21 people, including 19 children, lost their lives, has been arrested on a charge of child endangerment, according to an official at the Uvalde jail on Thursday.

Pete Arredondo, 52, was apprehended by law enforcement officers and stands accused of abandoning and endangering a child, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News.

A Uvalde jail official confirmed Arredondo’s booking into the facility on Thursday afternoon. Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco subsequently stated that Arredondo was released on bond later that Thursday night.

Arredondo did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and it remains unclear whether he has legal representation.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department released a comprehensive 600-page report criticizing the handling of the active shooter situation at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. The report cited deficiencies in coordination, training, and the execution of protocols, ultimately characterizing the response by Uvalde officers as a failure.

According to the Justice Department, officers initially engaged the 18-year-old gunman but subsequently retreated instead

of persistently advancing to neutralize the threat. The report highlighted erroneous training that conflated active shooter scenarios with potential hostage crisis, delaying effective intervention.

The delay between the officers’ arrival and the eventual confrontation with the gunman spanned over 70 minutes, during which the tragic loss of 21 lives occurred, including two teachers, with 17 others injured.

A 2022 state report echoed the Justice Department’s findings, citing systemic failures and severe decision-making deficiencies within law enforcement and the school district’s response.

Arredondo, described in the Justice

Department report as the de facto commander at the scene, had previously faced administrative consequences following the incident. He was terminated by Uvalde’s school board last year, with his attorney then describing the dismissal as unjust and unconstitutional.

In response to Arredondo’s arrest, the school district expressed condolences to all affected by the tragedy and reiterated its ongoing support for the community during this challenging time.

Berlinda Arreola, whose granddaughter was among the victims, commented that Arredondo’s arrest did not bring joy, emphasizing the continuing sorrow and the hope that more could have been done to save lives during the devastating event.

Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters orders schools to teach the Bible

Oklahoma’s state superintendent has mandated that all schools teach the Bible and the Ten Commandments, sparking debate over the separation of church and state. Ryan Walters, in a state board of education meeting, announced a new memo requiring every classroom to have a Bible and teach from it, citing its historical significance and role in shaping U.S. law and civilization.

This move follows his efforts, recently blocked by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, to establish a taxpayer-funded religious charter school. Walters has faced controversy before, including calls for impeachment and criticism over his stance against “woke ideology”.

As Covid-19 ticks up, US advisers recommend a fall vaccination campaign

Health officials are gearing up for a fall vaccination campaign amidst rising Covid-19 cases in certain parts of the U.S. An influential government advisory panel has recommended new shots for all Americans this autumn, pending approval from the CDC director.

Despite a decrease in Covid-19 deaths and hospitalizations from recent lows, concerns persist due to waning immunity, emerging variants, and ongoing fatalities and hospitalizations. Recent increases in Covid19-related ER visits and hospitalizations, especially in the southwestern U.S., have raised uncertainty about potential summer waves.

Infectious disease experts have voted to update Covid-19 vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, with the new shots expected by August and September. However, vaccination rates remain low among adults and children, complicating efforts to maintain immunity levels. Additionally, funding cuts will soon halt the CDC’s program providing free shots to uninsured adults.

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Swiss court sentences 4 members of Hinduja family to up to 4 and a half years for exploiting their servants

ASwiss criminal court on Friday sentenced four members of the wealthy Hinduja family with between four and four-and-ahalf years in prison for exploiting their vulnerable domestic workers. The court at the same time threw out the more severe charges of human trafficking.

The four—Indian-born tycoon Prakash

Hinduja and his wife, son and daughterin-law—were accused of trafficking of their servants, mostly illiterate Indians, who were employed at their luxurious lakeside villa in Geneva. The four were not in court in Geneva though a fifth defendant—Najib Ziazi, the family’s business manager—was in attendance. He received an 18 months’ suspended sentence.

The lawyers representing the defendants said they would appeal.

Act against those responsible for Indian’s death, India tells Italy

India on Wednesday asked Italy to take prompt action against those responsible for the death of a 31-year-old Indian worker who died after he was dumped on the road without medical assistance by his employer after his arm was severed by heavy farm machinery. Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary [CPV & OIA], conveyed to Luigi Maria Vignali, the Director General for Italian Citizens Abroad and Migration Policies, India’s “deep concern” about the death of Satnam Singh, the Indian Embassy in Italy said in a post on X on Wednesday.

He “called for prompt action against those responsible. The embassy is in contact with the family of Satnam Singh for consular help and transportation of mortal remains,” the mission added. Singh, who was abandoned by his employer after a strawberry wrapping machine severed his arm in Latina, died last week due to “copious bleeding”, ANSA reported separately, citing initial results of an autopsy. He died in a hospital in Rome two days later.

The court said the four were guilty of exploiting workers and providing unauthorized employment. It dismissed the trafficking charges on the grounds that the staff understood what they were getting into.

The four Hinduja family members were accused of seizing workers’ passports, paying them in rupees and not in Swiss francs, barring them from leaving the villa and forcing them to work excruciatingly long hours for a pittance in Switzerland, among other things.

Last week, it emerged in criminal court that the family—which has roots in India— had reached an undisclosed settlement with the plaintiffs. Geneva prosecutors opened the case for alleged illegal activity including exploitation, human trafficking and violation of Swiss labor laws.

The family set up residence in Switzerland decades ago, and Prakash was already convicted in 2007 on similar, if lesser charges, though prosecutors say he persisted in employing people without proper paperwork anyway.

Swiss authorities have already seized diamonds, rubies, a platinum necklace and other jewelry and assets from the family in anticipation that they could be used to pay for legal fees and possible penalties.

Indian man shot dead during robbery at convenience store in US

In a tragic incident, a 32-year-old Indian man was fatally shot during a robbery at a convenience store in the US state of Texas. Dasari Gopikrishna, who hailed from Bapatla district in Andhra Pradesh, came to the US only eight months ago.

The incident occurred at a gas station convenience store in Pleasant Grove, Dallas, on June 21.

Consul General DC Manjunath, who was in Dallas for a Yoga Day event on Sunday, confirmed that the incident was unrelated to a shooting in Arkansas as previously reported by various sources.

Expressing condolences to Gopikrishna’s family, Manjunath said, “We are deeply

saddened to learn about the tragic demise of Indian national Gopi Krishna Dasari in a robbery shooting incident at Pleasant Grove, Dallas, TX, and are in touch with local family members.”

The Consulate, along with support from Indian associations, is providing all possible assistance to facilitate the repatriation of Gopikrishna’s body to India following local formalities, including autopsy and death certificates.

Gopikrishna sustained critical injuries during the robbery and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment. The incident has deeply affected the Indian community in Dallas and surrounding areas. Gopikrishna is survived by his wife and son.

Indian student fakes father’s death for US scholarship, gets arrested

An Indian student was arrested and deported after it came to light that he falsified documents to obtain a full scholarship. Aryan Anand, a student at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, boasted about building “his life and career on lies” in a nowdeleted Reddit post, which was later flagged by a platform moderator.

Anand made a stunning confession about how he forged his class 10 board exam results and used fraudulent means to secure admission to a US college with a full scholarship.

It included fabricating transcripts, essays and even the death certificate of his father, who is alive. After successfully deceiving his way into college, the 19-year-old admitted he lost interest in his studies, turned to heavy drinking and cheated in exams to maintain his scholarship. He also faked internships to earn money.

Anand was arrested two months ago and faced up to 20 years in prison for felony counts of forgery and theft of services, reported 6ABC. However, at the request of university officials, he was expelled and deported to India instead.

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Fatehabad youth dies in Canada, kin seeks help to get

body back

Ayouth from Ratia area of Fatehabad moved to Canada, but tragically lost his life within a week. Belonging to Pilchian village, he left for Canada on June 14. On June 21, he died in an accident involving a fodder-cutting machine.

His father has appealed for help on social media to bring the body back. As per reports, Kewal Singh (23), son of Bikar Singh, sold an acre of their 5-acre land and left for Canada, where he started working on a farm to cut fodder for animals. On June 21, he fell into a large fodder-cutting machine. Having already spent a lot of money to send him abroad, they now need a large sum to bring the body back home.

Indian student, 11, wins top honors in International Academic Championship

India’s Advay Misra, an 11-year-old student from New Delhi, participated in the International Academic Championship and won the Science and Academic Bee Competitions at the Championships and was runner-up in the Geography Bee Competition. Held over three days from June 14 to June 16, the competition saw participation from over 300 students from 30 different cities across 14 different countries vying for a chance at the Asian Championship.

Advay holds the unique distinction of being the Asian Science Bee Champion for three years in a row, and it was his second consecutive win in the Academic Bee Championship. Last year, representing India as the All India Winner of the National Academic Competition, Advay had achieved the feat of winning all the four Bees (Academic, Science, Geography and History) in offing. Prior to his achievements in the Asian Championships, Advay was the Runner-up in the National Science Bee Championship of the US for the year 202021.

The Bees are an intense individual competition where the contestants vie to answer a number of buzzer based questions. The format tests both the depth and the breadth of knowledge of the contestants. The format consists of a written Qualifier, followed by regional finals and then the Championships, which involve 4 preliminary rounds and one final round for each Bee.

India gives UN $1.16 million for promotion of Hindi

India has contributed $1.16 million to the world organization for the promotion of Hindi. R. Ravindra, the charge d’affaires of India’s Permanent Mission, gave the cheque on Thursday to Ian Phillips, the director of the News and Media Division of the UN’s Department of Global Communications (DGC).

The contribution is a special payment made in addition to the assessments for the UN’s regular and the peacekeeping budgets “to mainstream and consolidate news and multimedia content of DGC in the Hindi language”, the mission said.

India has partnered with the DGC since 2018 when the Hindi @ UN project was launched “to enhance the public outreach of the United Nations in the Hindi language, and to spread greater awareness about global issues among millions of Hindi-speaking people around the world”, according to the mission.

The UN produces an audio Hindi news bulletin every week on matters relating to the world organization. The UN also maintains X, Instagram and Facebook social media accounts in Hindi, in addition to a news website. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken at the UN in Hindi, with simultaneous translation provided by India.

started with five official languages, English, French, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish, in which simultaneous interpretations of meetings are made, and official documents produced and, starting in 1973, Arabic was added.

There has been a push to add to the UN’s range of multilingualism, but the

main constraint is finance, and that is why India is paying for the Hindi initiative. German-speaking Austria and Germany (at that time comprising East and West Germanies) undertook to cover the expenses for a translation service covering documents of some UN bodies.

The DGC has increased the use of Kiswahili and Portuguese, languages used in Africa, in social media and in radio and TV programs It also started producing important announcements and officials’ messages in Persian, Bangla and Urdu.

Indian-American couple jailed for forcing cousin to work at petrol pump in US

AUS court has sentenced an Indian-American couple to prison for coercing their relative to work at their gas station and convenience store for over three years by bringing him to the United States on the pretext of helping enroll him in a school.

Harmanpreet Singh, 31, was sentenced to 135 months (11.25 years) in prison and Kulbir Kaur, 43, to 87 months (7.25 years) by the court that also asked them to pay the victim, his cousin, USD 225,210.76 (Rs 1.87 crores approximately) in restitution. The couple has since divorced.

US Attorney Jessica D Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia said the defendants preyed on the victim’s earnest desire to attain an education and improve his life. Instead, they deprived him of the most basic human needs and robbed him of his freedom, the attorney said.

The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that in 2018, the defendants enticed the victim, Singh’s cousin and then a minor, to travel to the US from India with false promises of helping enroll him in school, the Department of Justice said.

It said that after the victim arrived

in the US, the defendants took his immigration documents and instead forced him to provide labor and services at Singh’s store for over three years, between March 2018 and May 2021.

Singh and Kaur compelled the victim to work at the store, including cleaning, cooking, stocking and handling the cash register and store records, between 12 and 17 hours a day, nearly every day, for minimal pay, according to the evidence presented during the trial.

They used various coercive means, including confiscating the victim’s immigration documents and subjecting the victim to physical abuse, threats of force and other serious harm, and, at

times, degrading living conditions to compel him to continue working, the evidence showed.

The couple left the victim at the store to sleep in a back office for days on multiple occasions, limited his access to food, refused to provide medical care or education, used surveillance equipment to monitor the victim both at the store and in their home, refused his requests to return to India and made him overstay his visa, according to the evidence.

The defendants also forced the victim to marry Kaur and used that marriage to threaten to take the victim’s family’s properties or falsely report him to the police if he left.

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The late Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first to speak in Hindi at the UN when he addressed the General Assembly as External Affairs Minister in 1977. The UN

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Friday, 28 June 2024

Discuss NEET issue, says Rahul Gandhi to Center

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that the NEET exam issue should be discussed in Parliament and urged the government to hold a “good and respectful discussion”.

While talking to the media at the Parliament premises, he said, “Yesterday, all the floor leaders of the opposition met, and it was unanimously decided that today, the NEET issue will be discussed. I would like to say to all the Indian students that this is your issue.”

“We all, the INDIA bloc, think that your concerns are most important because you are the future of the country. This is why we all want the NEET issue to be discussed in the Parliament House before the discussion on the President’s Address,” Gandhi said.

“I request the Prime Minister that this is the issue of the youth of the country and hence, it should be discussed properly and respectfully. Youth is worried about what will happen, so the message should go from Parliament that the government and the opposition

Rain submerges Delhi-NCR, breaks 88-year-old record

Heavy rainfall in Delhi-NCR that started on Thursday, led to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic jams on Friday morning. According to the Meteorological Department, Delhi received 228 mm of rainfall from 8:30 A.M. on Thursday to 8:30 A.M. on Friday, marking the highest 24-hour rainfall in June since 1936, when 235.5 mm of rain was recorded.

Typically, Delhi receives an average of 80.6 mm of rain in June. The deluge significantly impacted daily life in Delhi-NCR, with commuters facing severe waterlogging and traffic jams during their morning commute.

However, the downpour provided respite from the intense heat of the past two months, with the minimum temperature on Friday recorded at 24.7 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees below normal.

This unprecedented rainfall has highlighted the shortcomings in the city’s infrastructure.

Despite claims by Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi on June 18 that the city was prepared for the monsoon, the first significant rain has already caused substantial waterlogging.

are together discussing this issue.” said the Congress leader.

The NTA conducted the NEET-UG 2024 on May 5 with around 24 lakh candidates taking part in it. The results were announced

on June 4. But were followed by allegations of question paper leaks and other irregularities.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the alleged irregularities and has formed special teams to probe the case.

Amarnath Yatra: First batch of pilgrims leaves Jammu amid tight security

Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims embarking on the Amarnath Yatra to start this year’s 52-day-long pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine.

Amid the chanting of religious hymns, a batch of 4,603 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys.

DGP, R.R. Swain and other senior officers were present at the flagging-off ceremony. Pilgrims either take the 48 km-long traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter 14 km-long Baltal route to reach the shrine.

Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the cave shrine while those taking the Baltal route return on the same day after paying obeisance.

The 52-day-long pilgrimage this year will end on August 19 coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima

Over 3,500 police personnel in seven northeastern states have received training while hundreds more security officers of different ranks would be trained on the execution of the three new criminal laws coming into force from July 1. The new criminal laws, namely Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively, from July 1.

Officials said that all the state

festivals. Extensive arrangements for security have been made all along the pilgrimage routes, at the two base camps and the shrine to ensure a smooth, incident-free Yatra. Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims on both routes.

Center to conduct thorough check of airports, says Civil Aviation Minister as canopy collapse at Delhi Airport kills one

Following the canopy collapse at Terminal-1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Friday, the Center will conduct a thorough check of all the airports in the country.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who visited the Terminal-1 site soon after the incident, said, “We will conduct a thorough check on all the airports that come under our purview...we will make the necessary report and see if there is a requirement for an independent body for this.”

At least one person died and four others were injured when a canopy at Terminal 1 collapsed on Friday amid heavy rain.

After inspecting the spot, the Minister said, “We have asked the Delhi International Airport Limited to do a verification and inspection from their side. But we are not leaving it up to them. From the Ministry, we have the DGCA, which underlooks the safety aspect, which will be supervising this inspection and will submit its report.”

“From the ministry side, I can assure you that this is taken as a serious issue, not just in this airport but all across the country, with similar structures,” the Minister said.

governments in the northeast have taken numerous steps to ensure the smooth

implementation of the three new criminal laws. Assam DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh said that around 200 officers of Assam Police have already received training on criminal forensic science while over 500 officers would be trained in the next few months.

Addressing a workshop, Additional Director General of Police, CID, Munna Prasad Gupta, asserted that major changes have been made in the three criminal laws with more focus on the rights of the victim, especially for women and children. There will be more use of technology in the judicial system under the new setup, Gupta said, adding that the three new laws will focus on speedy justice rather than punishment.

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Jailed Maoist leader in Bengal appears for PhD interview

Maoist leader Arnab Dam a.k.a. Vikram, who is currently serving judicial custody at a prison in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, appeared for an interview in the Burdwan State University on Wednesday for doing his PhD in history from there. Dam, who appeared for the interview under the watch of the police, is serving judicial custody in connection with an attack on the Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) camp at Silda in West Midnapore district in February 2010. He was convicted by the court in February last year.

Dam had cleared the State Eligibility Test (SET) after appearing for the examination while being in judicial custody. As the prison authorities were reluctant to allow him to do his PhD, he sat on a fast inside the jail. After the human rights group Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) took up Dam’s case, the prison authorities softened their stand.

Center unveils new draft rules for breath analyzers used by cops, workplace testers

The Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has unveiled new draft rules for Evidential Breath Analyzers which aim to ensure the accuracy and reliability of breath analyzers used by law enforcement agencies and workplaces so that public safety and trust are enhanced, according to an official statement released on Friday.

The rules provide for Stamping and Verification of Evidential Breath Analyzers to be verified every year to protect individuals from wrongful penalties due to faulty equipment, the statement said.

The verified and standardized Evidential Breath Analyzers will accurately measure blood alcohol concentration from breath samples, ensuring that intoxicated individuals are identified swiftly and effectively. This helps prevent alcohol-related incidents on the road, contributing to safer travel for everyone.

The new rules require Evidential Breath Analyzers to follow standardized testing procedures, ensuring consistent and reliable results across different devices. This standardization fosters public confidence in the fairness and accuracy of enforcement actions, the statement explained.

NIA announces cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for Moosewala killing mastermind Goldy Brar

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday declared a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each for designated terrorist Goldy Brar, a key accused in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and an affiliate of the Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, and another gangster wanted for extortion and firing at the house of a businessman in Chandigarh.

The agency said the identity of the person providing information leading to the apprehension or arrest of either of them would be kept secret. The two accused are wanted in a case related to firing at the house of a businessman as part of an extortion bid on March 8. The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Arms Act against accused Satwinder Singh, alias Satinderjit Singh, alias Goldy Brar, of Muktsar Sahib town and accused Gurpreet Singh, alias Goldy Dhillon, alias Goldy Rajpura, of Rajpura town, both in Punjab. Goldy Brar

is now among the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada.

A statement issued by Canadian authorities last year said the country’s Be On Look Out (BOLO) Program -- a not-for-profit organization that amplifies

police fugitive cases to increase public awareness -- has updated its list of 25 most wanted criminals.

CBI gets 3-day custody of CM Kejriwal in liquor policy case

Acourt in New Delhi on Wednesday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to CBI custody for three days in connection with the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam case.

The order was passed by vacation judge Amitabh Rawat on the CBI’s application seeking five-day custody of the Aam Aadmi Party supremo for interrogation.

Earlier in the day, CM Kejriwal, when produced before the Rouse Avenue Court, was formally arrested by the CBI. Permission was granted to the CBI to produce CM Kejriwal in the special court on Wednesday after he was questioned by the agency in Tihar Jail.

During the hearing on CBI’s plea seeking his custody, Kejriwal said that he did not blame any of his party leaders, including former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, for alleged irregularities in the framing of the now-scrapped liquor policy.

Addressing the court, he alleged that the CBI sources were building a false narrative in the media to malign the image of the ruling party in the national capital and its leaders. However, the CBI counsel stressed that custodial interrogation of CM Kejriwal was necessary as he shifted the entire onus onto former Deputy CM Sisodia, who handled the liquor portfolio at the relevant time.

Judge Rawat had then reserved his order on the CBI’s application.

Goldy Brar had allegedly claimed responsibility for the murder of Moosewala and has been on the run since then.

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Outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte appointed as NATO Secretary General

The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), NATO said in a statement on Wednesday. The statement said Rutte will assume his duties as NATO’s Secretary General on October 1, when Jens Stoltenberg’s term expires after 10 years at the helm of the alliance.

On June 19, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis officially announced his withdrawal from the race for NATO’s Secretary General. Consequently, Rutte has gained the support of all 32 member countries. The Netherlands is a founding member of NATO. Mark Rutte (57), whose 14-year term as Dutch Prime Minister is set to end within weeks, will be the fourth Dutchman to head the 75-year-old alliance.

attack on ‘Israeli’

Yemen’s Houthi group has claimed responsibility for launching a missile attack against an “Israeli” ship in the Arabian Sea. The attack was carried out with “a new ballistic missile” deployed after successful experimental operations, Sarea said, adding that the missile showcased its ability to hit targets accurately and over long distances, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Houthi group would “continue to develop their military capabilities ... to support the Palestinian resistance militarily and to defend Yemen in the face of the AmericanBritish aggression,” he said.

The Houthi operations will not stop until the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip is stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in the enclave is lifted, said the spokesman, who declined to provide details about the timing of the latest attack. Since last November, the Houthi group has been launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting what it said were Israeli-linked ships, to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Kenyan President urged to reconsider financial bill after violent protests

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko on Wednesday urged President William Ruto to reconsider signing the finance bill, as violent protests broke out in Kenya killing at least 22 protesters and injuring over 160 others. Sonko urged the President to think about the people of the nation and “send the financial bill back to the sender”, Al Zajeera reported.

The lawmakers on Tuesday morning passed the contentious finance bill 2024, seeking to raise an additional 346.7 billion shillings ($2.67 billion), by such measures as increasing the railway development levy from 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent and the import declaration fee from 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent.

The legislators also imposed an eco-levy on imported items like smartphones and electronics, noting they end up as electronic

waste damaging the environment. Ruto, who won the elections in August 2022 on the platform of helping the poor, has been under pressure to raise additional revenues in the country amid rising government debt repayments.

The finance bill was thus amended to

remove the proposed 16 per cent VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and the 2.5 per cent motor vehicle tax. Amid the violent protests in the East African nation, Indian citizens in Kenya were advised to exercise utmost caution and restrict nonessential movement.”

New Zealand strengthens criminal justice system

The New Zealand government is strengthening the criminal justice system and reforming sentencing to ensure criminals face serious consequences for their acts and the victims are prioritized.

“In recent years, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences despite a 33-percent increase in violent crime,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said on Wednesday.

Public confidence in the ability of the court sentencing system to deter and denounce offending has diminished, Goldsmith said, adding victims are the priority of the government rather than offenders. The upcoming reforms will strengthen the criminal justice system by capping the sentence discounts that judges can apply at 40 per cent when considering mitigating factors unless it would result in

manifestly unjust sentencing outcomes, he said.

The reforms will also prevent repeat discounts for youth and remorse, the minister said, adding lenient sentences are failing to deter offenders who continue to rely on their youth or expressions of remorse without making serious efforts to reform their behavior. Besides these measures to restore law and order, the government is also delivering 500 additional police and giving them more powers to go after criminal gangs, speeding up court processes, and establishing military-style academies for serious young offenders, among others.

South Korea, US hold joint air drills involving F-22 fighter jet

South Korea and the United States on Wednesday staged joint air drills involving some 30 aircraft, including the US F-22 Raptor, the Korean Air Force said, in an apparent show of air power against North Korean threats.

It marked the second exercise between the allies this year featuring the South Korean F-35A and US F-22, which are categorized as the latest fifth-generation fighters and considered one of the most powerful jets in the world due to their stealth capabilities and advanced aviation electronics, Yonhap news agency reported. The drills, conducted over an eastern region in South Korea,

centered on sharpening their air interdiction capabilities, which refers to preventive operations carried out to delay or disrupt enemy forces before they affect friendly forces, the Air Force said. The exercise was conducted as part of the five-day Buddy Squadron exercise that kicked off on Monday. It marked the first time the F-22 participated in the squadron-level exercise first held in 1997, it added.

Wednesday’s exercise was held in the wake of persistent North Korean military threats this week, such as back-to-back launches of trash-carrying balloons and a failed ballistic missile test, possibly involving a hypersonic missile.

Houthis claim

ship in Arabian Sea

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Egypt cracks down on travel agencies over Haj trip frauds

The Egyptian government is set to ban the operation of 16 travel agencies for arranging “fraudulent” Haj trips to Saudi Arabia for unregistered pilgrims. At a Haj deaths crisis unit meeting held on Saturday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said he has ordered the license of these agencies to be revoked and those involved persons and entities transferred to public prosecution, according to an Egyptian cabinet statement.

The move came amid media reports of more than 600 deaths among unregistered Egyptian pilgrims during their performance of Haj over the past week under the extreme heatwaves in the Saudi city. The temperatures there at times hit 51 degrees Celsius. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the meeting that the crisis was most deadly to unregistered pilgrims, claiming that the

Iraq, NATO discuss cooperation after end of US-led coalition mission

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and the Commander of the NATO mission in Iraq discussed on Thursday cooperation between the two sides after the end of the US-led coalition mission in Iraq.

Al-Sudani received in his office Lucas Schreurs, who recently assumed command of the NATO mission in Iraq, as they discussed the security situation in the region as well as the NATO mission’s cooperation with Iraqi security institutions in the fields of advisory, training, and intelligence coordination, according to a statement from al-Sudani’s media office.

Al-Sudani stressed during the meeting the importance of developing bilateral cooperation with the NATO mission, following the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, Xinhua news agency reported.

Iraq and the US agreed in January to form a joint Higher Military Commission to end the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, and the commission has held several meetings to work out a plan to withdraw the foreign troops from the country, according to Iraqi authorities.

tourism companies transporting them “did not provide any services”.

He noted that his Ministry would continue to coordinate with the Saudi authorities to find missing Egyptian pilgrims as soon as

possible and ensure the home return of all Egyptian pilgrims. Haj, a pillar of Islam, is annually performed in Mecca by crowds of pilgrims from all over the world. The number of pilgrims has exceeded 1.8 million this year, according to Saudi authorities.

MP, activist arrested over ‘inflammatory’ posts about Vice President’s plane crash in Malawi

Police in Malawi have arrested a Member of Parliament (MP), Kamlepo Kalua, and an activist, Bon Kalindo, for their social media posts regarding the June 10 plane crash that killed the country’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight other officials.

National police spokesperson Peter Kalaya confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday, saying they had made “inflammatory social media posts which are full of innuendos and insinuations”.

Kalaya said that the voice notes in question contain serious criminal elements as defined by the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act. The police spokesperson further said that the posts have the potential to incite violence and disorder.

The social media posts reportedly made by Kalua and Kalindo questioned and contradicted the authorities’ narrative regarding the cause of the plane crash.

The plane, a Dornier 228 military aircraft belonging to the Malawi Defence Force, crashed on June 10 in a forest a few kilometers away from Mzuzu City in northern Malawi due to poor weather conditions, according to the country’s Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba.

Bolivia coup attempt fails, army general arrested

Armored vehicles and troops of the Bolivian Armed Forces pulled back from the presidential palace in La Paz on Wednesday evening, hours after an attempted coup.

Bolivian police arrested rebel military commander General Juan Jose Zuniga, who led the failed coup attempt.

Bolivian President Luis Arce condemned the coup attempt and called on citizens to mobilize and defend democracy. He also named a new army commander who ordered troops to withdraw.

Earlier, soldiers marched on Plaza Murillo, a square outside the seat of government, led by General Zuniga, and forced their way into the old government headquarters, Palacio Quemado.

The presence of armed troops generated a strong response from citizens, who gathered in the streets surrounding Plaza Murillo, the epicenter of Bolivia’s political power, to denounce the military move.

Representatives of social organizations in different parts of the country also demonstrated in defense of democracy, joining the President’s call to protect the constitutional order.

Russia open to dialogue with US amid global security concerns, says Kremlin

Russia is ready for comprehensive dialogue with the US, particularly due to the rise of global security concerns, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

“The Russian President said that we are ready for dialogue with the US... but only for comprehensive dialogue,” Peskov said on Friday, adding that such talks are necessary as problems continue to mount, especially concerning the global security architecture, Xinhua news agency reported.

Such dialogue would need to be broad and cover all spheres, including the current Ukrainian crisis and “the direct involvement of the US in this conflict,” the Kremlin Spokesman said.

Peskov further noted that Russia’s cooperation with its partners “is in no way directed against third countries,” and is ultimately only aimed at improving the wellbeing of the people of those countries.

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Apple becomes first company to be charged with violating EU’s DMA rules

European Union (EU) regulators on Monday opened a new investigation into Apple’s support for alternative iOS marketplaces in Europe under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), adding that the App Store’s “steering” policies violate the DMA meant to encourage competition. Margrethe Vestager, who heads competition policy in Europe, said their preliminary position is that Apple does not fully allow steering.

“Steering is key to ensure that app developers are less dependent on gatekeepers’ app stores and for consumers to be aware of better offers,” she said in a statement. The EU regulators said they are concerned as Apple’s new business model makes it too hard for app developers to operate as alternative marketplaces and reach their end users on iOS.

“We will look into Apple’s new business model - the commercial terms Apple imposes on app developers who want to reach end users on the iOS platform,” said the regulators. The regulators also said that they have adopted their first preliminary findings in a case of noncompliance.

“And it is again about Apple. About the many ways in which their new terms fall short of the DMA requirements regarding steering users to options outside the Apple App Store.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), Google on Thursday announced to add 110 new languages to Google Translate, including Cantonese, NKo and Tamazight. These new languages represent more than 614 million speakers, opening up translations for around 8 per cent of the world’s population.

“Some are major world languages with over 100 million speakers. Others are spoken by small communities of Indigenous people, and a few have almost no native speakers but active revitalization efforts,” the company said in a statement.

About a quarter of the new languages come from Africa, representing the largest expansion of African languages to date, including Fon, Kikongo, Luo, Ga, Swati, Venda and Wolof.

In 2022, Google added 24 new languages using zero-shot machine translation, where a machine learning model learns to translate into another language without ever seeing an example. Among the new languages, Punjabi (Shahmukhi) is the variety of Punjabi written in Perso-Arabic script (Shahmukhi), and is the most spoken language in Pakistan.

EU charges Microsoft over possibly abusive tying practices regarding Teams

The European Union (EU) on Tuesday accused Microsoft of breaching antitrust rules with the ‘abusive’ bundling of its Teams and Office products.

“The European Commission has informed Microsoft of its preliminary view that Microsoft has breached EU antitrust rules by tying its communication and collaboration product Teams to its popular productivity applications included in its suites for businesses Office 365 and Microsoft 365,” the commission said in a Statement of Objections.

The commission mentioned that it is concerned that, since at least April 2019, Microsoft has been tying Teams with its core SaaS productivity applications, thereby restricting competition on the market for “communication and collaboration products and defending its market position in productivity software and its suites-centric model from competing suppliers of individual software.”

The EU began an antitrust investigation of Microsoft’s inclusion of Teams nearly a year ago, in July 2023 -- two years after a complaint from Teams competitor Slack.

Following this investigation, Microsoft announced in late August last year that it would partially unbundle Teams. However, when announcing the results of its initial inquiry on Tuesday, the European Commission stated that it believes the changes made by Microsoft to distribute Teams last year were not sufficient to address its concerns.

The tech giant is being urged to take further action.

NTSB says Boeing could lose 737 MAX probe status if it violates rules again

The National Transportation Safety Board warned Boeing on Thursday it could lose its status as a party to the probe into a 737 MAX mid-air blowout after it violated rules by providing non-public information to media and speculating about possible causes.

In a letter sent to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun late on Thursday, NTSB Office of Aviation Safety Director Timothy LeBaron said an executive’s comments this week during a factory tour attended by dozens of journalists “released non-public investigative information and made unsubstantiated speculations about possible causes of the Jan. 5 door plug blowout.”

LeBaron said the NTSB had considered removing Boeing as a party to the probe and added further infractions could lead to

Nokia to acquire Infinera in $2.3 billion deal to scale up optical network

Nokia will acquire Infinera Corp in a deal with an enterprise value of $2.3 billion, the companies said on Thursday, as the Finnish firm looks to expand its optical network business, especially in the North American market.

The deal price of $6.65 per share represents a premium of 26.4 per cent to Infinera’s closing price of $5.26 on Thursday.

Nokia will pay Infinera at least 70 per cent in cash. Infinera’s shareholders can elect to receive up to 30 per cent of the aggregate consideration in the form of Nokia’s American Depositary Shares, the companies said in a statement. The deal is expected to add to Helsinki-based Nokia’s comparable earnings per share in the first year after close and over 10 per cent to profits by 2027. San Jose, California-based Infinera makes optical semiconductors and networking equipment for fixed line and mobile telecommunications networks.

Boeing losing its party status, which would bar it from participating in the investigation.

He added that some of the remarks to the media made by Elizabeth Lund, Boeing’s senior vice president of quality, were “either inaccurate or unknown to the NTSB” while others had not been previously disclosed.

Boeing declined to comment directly on the letter, referring to an earlier apology it released after the NTSB said it was sanctioning the planemaker over the remarks to the media.

The NTSB said Boeing would no longer see information produced during its probe, which involved the mid-air blowout of an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 door plug with four missing bolts. Unlike other parties, Boeing will now not be allowed to ask questions of other participants at a hearing on August 6-7.

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110 new languages arrive on Google Translate with AI’s help

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JSW Steel USA to invest $110 million to expand renewable energy biz in Texas

JSW Steel USA, a subsidiary of India’s leading steel company, on Tuesday said it plans to invest $110 million in steel projects in the state of Texas.

The company said this investment will enable the production of high-quality monopile steel plates to support the Joe Biden administration’s new actions to expand offshore wind energy by deploying 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind by 2030, enough to power 10 million homes with clean energy.

JSW Steel USA is part of the $24 billion JSW Group, with over 800 employees. This portfolio expansion will also support the expanded development of the domestic renewable energy market by increasing JSW USA’s service capacity towards its customers within the offshore wind market.

These new projects, which further build upon JSW USA’s recent $145 million investment in its Mingo Junction facility (Ohio), are expected to be completed and commissioned by FY26.

US Supreme Court blocks Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement

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The U.S. Supreme Court has intervened to block a bankruptcy settlement involving Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, which aimed to shield the wealthy Sackler family from legal action linked to the opioid crisis. In a 5-4 decision, the Court overturned a lower court’s approval of the settlement, which would have required Purdue’s owners to pay up to $6 billion to resolve claims of misleading marketing that fueled the opioid epidemic.

The ruling marks a significant win for the Biden administration, which argued that the settlement misused bankruptcy protections intended for financially distressed debtors, despite the Sacklers not filing for personal bankruptcy. Justice Neil Gorsuch authored the majority opinion, joined by conservative justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Amy Coney Barrett, and liberal justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Gorsuch criticized the Sacklers’ attempt to obtain legal immunity without fully disclosing their assets or seeking

creditor approval.

Purdue Pharma filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019 amidst numerous lawsuits alleging its products contributed

to over half a million overdose deaths in the U.S. The central issue debated was whether bankruptcy laws could be leveraged to shield non-bankrupt entities like the Sacklers from liability—a tactic typically used in asbestos litigation.

The settlement, initially approved by a bankruptcy judge in 2021, aimed to provide $10 billion in value to creditors, including government entities, addiction victims, hospitals, and others affected by the crisis. Despite adjustments to the settlement terms following objections from several states and opioid plaintiffs, the U.S. Trustee and some plaintiffs continued to oppose the deal.

Purdue Pharma expressed disappointment with the Court’s decision, emphasizing the potential benefits of the settlement for victims and public health initiatives. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a dissenting opinion joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, argued that blocking the settlement was legally flawed and detrimental to tens of thousands of opioid victims and their families.

Uber, Lyft agree to minimum pay for Massachusetts drivers to settle lawsuit

Uber Technologies and Lyft Thursday agreed to adopt a $32.50 hourly minimum pay standard for Massachusetts drivers and pay $175 million to settle a lawsuit by the state’s attorney general alleging they improperly treated drivers as independent contractors who can legally receive lower compensation than employees.

The companies also agreed to give drivers paid sick leave, accident insurance, and healthcare stipends and to stop funding or supporting a ballot initiative that would have asked voters in November to cement app-based drivers’ status as contractors, Attorney General

Andrea Joy Campbell said.

Uber and Lyft in separate statements said the agreement reflected the desire of most drivers to work on their own terms while receiving many of the key benefits that are legally guaranteed to employees.

“In taking this opportunity, we’ve

resolved historical liabilities by constructing a new operating model that balances both flexibility and benefits,” said Tony West, Uber’s chief legal officer.

The agreement requires Uber to pay $148 million and Lyft to pay $27 million to the state. At least $140 million will be paid out to drivers, according to a court filing.

Campbell, a Democrat, made the announcement hours after Massachusetts’ top court cleared the way for voters to decide whether to approve the industry-backed ballot measure, along with a dueling labor-backed proposal, to allow drivers to unionize that will continue to move forward.

Ten big banks settle US interest rate swaps rigging litigation

Ten major banks, including Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan Chase, have agreed to pay $46 million to settle a lengthy antitrust lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to manipulate the $465.9 trillion market for interest rate swaps. The settlement, filed as a preliminary agreement by lawyers for investors on Thursday in Manhattan federal court, seeks to resolve an eight-year-old nationwide case pending approval from U.S. District Judge Paul Oetken. With this settlement, the total value of all settlements in the case rises to $71 million.

The other banks involved in the settlement

include Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley, NatWest, and UBS. The investors, led by the city of Baltimore and pension funds from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Michigan, alleged that these banks conspired between 2013 and 2016 to control swaps trading. They purportedly achieved this by boycotting three emerging platforms that offered better pricing and

facilitated direct trading among buy-side investors. According to the investors, this strategy resulted in substantial profits for the banks, primarily through bid/ask spreads.

Credit Suisse, now part of UBS, had previously agreed to a $25 million settlement in 2022, while HSBC was dismissed as a defendant in 2017 by a different judge. Throughout the litigation process, all banks involved have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Judge Oetken’s decision in December not to certify the case as a class action complicated matters for the investors, making individual lawsuits more challenging and costly to pursue. Lawyers representing the investors did not

immediately respond to requests for comment but characterized the settlement in court documents as an “excellent recovery” given the complexities and risks associated with further litigation.

Interest rate swaps are financial derivatives that allow parties to exchange future interest payments, often used to hedge against interest rate fluctuations or speculate on market movements.

This case is part of a broader wave of litigation spanning over a decade in Manhattan, accusing major banks of colluding in various financial markets, including interest rate benchmarks, U.S. Treasuries, currencies, and commodities.

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T20 World Cup: Rohit, Axar, Kuldeep excel as India outclass England, set up title clash with SA

Captain Rohit Sharma led India to a convincing victory over defending champions England in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal at Providence Stadium. Rohit Sharma’s 57 off 39 balls, supported by Suryakumar Yadav’s 47, propelled India to 171/7 despite a slow pitch. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel then starred with the ball, taking three wickets each as England collapsed to 103 all out.

India’s win sets up a final clash against South Africa at Kensington Oval, Barbados, where the tournament will see an unbeaten champion for the first time. Despite a rain delay, Rohit Sharma’s innings included six boundaries and two sixes, pivotal in India’s strong total. England faltered in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals to India’s spinners and pace attack, sealing India’s emphatic passage to the final.

Lakers draft Lebron’s son Bronny James to form first active father-son duo in NBA history

Following weeks of anticipation, 19-year-old Bronny James was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 55th pick in the NBA draft, forming the league’s first active father and son duo.

LeBron, a four-time NBA champion nearing the end of his career, could potentially share the court with his son next season.

The move is of great significance, as the league has never seen a father-son duo share the court together. It is also a testament to Lebron’s longevity and legacy in the league as he has been dominating the game ever since his debut in the 2003/04 season.

Bronny faced a health scare last July

when a cardiac arrest revealed a congenital heart defect. Fortunately, he received clearance to resume playing in November. While Bronny might not be a starter in his rookie season, the chance of seeing him alongside his legendary father has basketball fans excited to the core.

Euro 2024: Belgium highly motivated to engage France in last-16 clash

The bumpy group performance at the UEFA Euro 2024 seemed a thing of the past for the team of Belgium. After the goalless draw against Ukraine, Belgium’s star midfielder De Bruyne turned his head to the upcoming Classico against France in the round of 16 on Monday in Dusseldorf.

“We are prepared, we are ready for that challenging game,” he said after being rewarded as the “UEFA Player of the Match” against Ukraine. “This is only about getting into the next round. Here we are and now, it’s France. We can make it,” De Bruyne said.

Despite a far-from-satisfying performance in their group with fans booing after the final whistle, Belgian national coach Domenico Tedesco has detected his strong will.

“We face a top team, and everything is possible,” the 38-year-old said before

mentioning his team’s latest achievements against top-class sides. “Therefore, why shouldn’t we make it against France,” the German-Italian coach said. De Bruyne and Tedesco urged fans to keep on supporting the team “as we need them, especially in tight games. I think they know.” The delicate duel against the neighboring country, known as one of football Classico’s, comes at the right time from the perspective of assistant coach Andreas Hinkel.

The 42-year-old and 21-time capped German international, who had been a first-flight performer for Stuttgart, Sevilla, Celtic, and Freiburg, said it is positive to now face archrival France.

The difficult journey through the group is a thing of the past and everyone now is entirely focused on the upcoming duel against the 2018 World Champion and the runner-up of Qatar 2022.

London to host the second edition of Global Chess League

The second edition of the Global Chess League will be held in London from October 3 to 12, said the International Chess Federation. The 10-day, one-ofa-kind chess league featuring top players, will take place at Friends House, located in the heart of central London. The first edition was held in Dubai in 2023. It will feature top players from around the world, including reigning world champions and rising stars, competing in a unique team format.

The 39-year-old LeBron, has the option to become a free agent this summer. While he hasn’t officially declared his intentions, comments made in 2022 hinting at playing his “last year with my son” suggest a strong possibility of him remaining with the Lakers.

Tennis: Andy Murray to take last-minute call on Wimbledon participation

British tennis legend Andy Murray will decide on his participation in Wimbledon “as late as possible” after undergoing back surgery last week. The two-time Wimbledon champion has returned to training but is in doubt over his chances at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament that starts next week. Murray said he will not play the singles as of now. “I’m going to wait until the last minute to see if I’m going to be able to play and I’ve earned that right to do that. This is not clear-cut whether I am 100% going to be ready to play or there is a 0% chance that I can play. That is the situation,” Murray said.

“I would say it’s probably more likely that I’m not able to play singles right now,” he added. The 37-year-old, who withdrew from the Queen’s Club last week because of back pain, had desired to play in the singles and doubles in his farewell appearance at Wimbledon.

Cricket legend Kapil Dev takes over as president of Professional Golf Tour of India

World Cup-winning former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has taken over as the president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). This development marks a new chapter for the PGTI, the governing body for men’s professional golf in India.

Kapil Dev, who has also excelled as an amateur golfer, has been the Vice President and Member of the Governing Body of PGTI for the last three years and since then, he has played a pivotal role in further shaping and developing Indian professional golf along with the core team of PGTI.

“It is an honor to become the President of PGTI, an organization with which I have now been associated for quite a few years. It is a player’s body, and I am great friends with all of them and with whom I often play. And now it is the sport where I spend most of my time. I have been a Vice President and I am on the Board, so it’s an honor to be chosen by the players to be the President.

“I promise to do my best, as I always have. What gives me even greater pleasure is that I will be able to spend more time with my golfing friends and play a little more,” Kapil Dev said of his new position.

Michael Phelps believes athletes can no longer have ‘faith’

in WADA following doping scandal

The most decorated athlete in Olympics history, Michael Phelps has stated that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) can no longer be trusted following China’s swimming contingent getting caught in a doping scandal.

In April, WADA had confirmed that 23 Chinese swimmers were tested positive for trimetazidine, a banned substance, in 2020 ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

The China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) declared that they had unintentionally ingested the chemical and were allowed to compete at the event where the 30-member national swimming team won six medals, three of which were gold.

Wada accepted the Chinese anti-doping agency’s findings that the swimmers were accidently exposed to the drug through contamination, allowing them to compete in Paris

“It is clear to me that any attempts of reform at Wada have fallen short, and there are still deeply rooted systemic problems that prove detrimental to the integrity of international sports and athletes’ right to fair competition, time and time again.”

“As athletes, our faith can no longer be

India’s Santhosh Suvarna wins his second World Series of Poker title

Indian Poker maestro Santhosh Suvrana scripted history by winning his second bracelet in the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and taking home a record prize money of over Rs 45 crore. He ran an eventful 3-day feat at the WSOP where he battled with the best poker players from across the world, emerging as a winner of the prestigious event. Suvarna is a successful businessman from Bangalore and a recognized Poker player in the Indian and International Poker circuits.

blindly placed in the World Anti-Doping Agency, an organization that continuously proves that it is either incapable or unwilling to enforce its policies consistently around the world,” said Phelps at the congressional hearing held to review anti-doping measures in place ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

ATP approves use of in-competition wearable devices to enhance player performance, help recovery

The usher in a new era of innovative data-led performance analytics and injury prevention, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the body responsible for men’s professional tennis, has approved the use of wearable devices during a match in all levels of competition. Players can make use of these devices across the ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour, starting from July 15.

These wearable devices will generate cutting-edge insights for players from physical metrics such as heart rate and high-intensity load data, enhancing their analysis of matches and training sessions. The ATP has approved both STATSports and Catapult devices and will centralize all data into ATP Tennis IQ – Wearables, an intuitive new dashboard for players, the organization announced on Thursday.

The initiative introduces a new dimension to ATP Tennis IQ, an analytics platform launched in 2023, that democratizes access to match data and insights for players, aiding preparation and recovery. It is the latest in a strategic push by the ATP to enhance the sport through tech, data and innovation, the ATP said on its website.

All data collected will remain confidential, ensuring privacy for players and their support teams. Phase Two of the initiative, which will incorporate next-generation insights derived from wearable data and player feedback, is scheduled for later this year, the ATP informed.

T20 World Cup: ICC, CWI release extra tickets for final match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies released additional tickets for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final stage next week with Afghanistan, England, India, and South Africa now confirmed as the four semifinalists. The additional release of tickets includes the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, where general admission tickets were previously exhausted.

Foo Fighters stop Birmingham gig after problem in the crowd

The American rock band Foo Fighters’ gig at Birmingham witnessed chaos in the crowd, after which they were forced to halt their performance. The band’s frontman Dave Grohl warned the crowd “you don’t want” what would happen if the disruption continued, reports Mirror. co.uk.

The band took to the stage at Birmingham on Thursday, and was wrapping up their UK tour at Villa Park Stadium when the incident occurred.

As per Mirror.co.uk, Grohl had to pause the concert due to a “problem in the crowd” that prevented the band from continuing their performance. The show, part of their ‘Everything or Nothing At All Tour’, was stopped to ensure the safety of a fan after an issue was spotted among the massive Villa Park audience.

From the start, the Foos had the crowd in a state of wild excitement, with the entire standing area of the arena packed with fans. Early into the set, Grohl noticed a disturbance in the crowd and halted the music, threatening to play Stairway to Heaven until the unclear issue was resolved.

“Is he up yet? Because if he’s not up, we’re going to start playing Stairway to Heaven”, Grohl warned. “And no one wants to hear me play ‘Stairway to Heaven’,” reports Birmingham Live.

True to his word, Grohl began playing the Led Zeppelin classic, joined by the crowd, until the problem was sorted out. The singer revealed that he often resorts to playing Stairway during crowd disturbances, although this time he only got a few minutes into the song before the issue was resolved.

Karnataka cops arrest superstar Darshan’s fan for issuing threats

Karnataka Police on Tuesday arrested the fan of jailed Kannada superstar Darshan in connection with a threat to a film producer and actor over their comments on the Renukaswamy murder case. The arrested fan has been identified as Chetan and the police have arrested him from Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

The police have also launched a hunt for another accused Nagesh, who is also a die-hard fan of the jailed actor. The Basaveshwara Nagar police in Bengaluru had registered an FIR against the accused as per the directions of the court.

The accused had issued life threats to film producer Umapathy Gowda and Kannada actor Pratham. Umapathy Gowda and Pratham had given their opinions against the actor and sympathized with the victim Renukasamy who was kidnapped and tortured to death by Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 others.

Arrested accused Chetan made a video apologizing for his act of issuing threats and promised that he would abide by the law. The video has gone viral on social media. Darshan’s fans had also threatened

and media persons for talking against the

The fans are also releasing threatening

American fashion designer Vera Wang shares throwback picture as she turns 75

Renowned American fashion designer Vera Wang, who gained international recognition for her wedding dress designs, has turned 75. To celebrate the occasion, she shared a photograph of herself as a child.

The fashion designer, who started her career in figure skating, shared a picture of herself when she was just a little girl. The photograph had the mom of two smiling while wearing a checkered patterned dress. Wang also shared a short video that dates back to when she won the 2013 Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Wang by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for her “consistent, creative influence on fashion,” reports people.com.

In April, Wang said that her birthday plans were “up in the air” since “75 is a lot of pressure.” She did, however, emphasize that she is strongly looking forward to the future.

Over the years in the world of fashion, Wang has dressed Ariana Grande, Vanessa Hudgens, Chelsea Clinton, Karenna Gore, Ivanka Trump, Campbell Brown, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Victoria Beckham, Avril Lavignea, Khloe Kardashian, Kim Kardashian and Michelle Obama among others.

After taking a sabbatical of two years, Wang, in 2019, returned to the New York Fashion Week runway for her Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of her label.

Veteran actress Isabelle Huppert to be feted with French Lumiere Award

Vreceive

Award in the city of Lyon in October. The Lumiere Award honors a leading figure in the world of cinema and his/her entire body of work.

Created by Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux, the

Film Festival celebrates classic and contemporary cinema each fall.

Former recipients of the honor include Tim Burton, Jane Campion, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Clint Eastwood, Francis Ford Coppola, Ken Loach, Catherine Deneuve, Jane Fonda, Pedro Almodovar, Milos Forman, the Dardenne brothers, and Wong Kar-wai, among others.

Huppert called the honor a “magnificent prize”.

“It’s a great honor for me to receive the Lumiere Award. It’s a magnificent prize, and so is the festival. It’s an award that bears the name of the inventors of cinema! Receiving it fills me with joy and pride,” said Huppert. An acclaimed actress who films an average of two to three films a year, Huppert has earned global recognition for her work over more than five decades.

eteran French actor Isabelle Huppert is all set to

the Lumiere

Lumiere

the media

jailed actor.

videos warning critics of the actor of dire consequences. The police department is preparing to initiate action in this regard as well.

Entertainment

Friday, 28 June 2024

Letitia Wright indicates ‘Black Panther’ has ‘lot coming up’ on Marvel Cinematic Universe

Atress Letitia Wright, who portrays Shuri in ‘Black Panther’, and who took over the eponymous superhero role from her late co-star Chadwick Boseman in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, has hinted at her character’s return.

When asked about Shuri appearing in the upcoming ‘Avengers’ movie on ‘The View’, Wright said, “Let’s just say... I would like to continue with Shuri.”

“She’s one of my favorite characters. Such a blessing, honestly. I kid you not, I’m so grateful for her.”

When questioned further about ‘Black Panther 3’, Wright responded, “There’s a lot to -- a lot coming up.”

Last year, the actor shared that she thought ‘Black Panther 3’ was “already in the works.”

Wright added at the time, “You know, we just had a terrific two years of bringing it out and everybody coming together to support it.”

“We need a little bit of a break, we need to regroup, and (director) Ryan (Coogler) needs to get back into the lab, so it’s going to take a little while, but we’re really excited for you guys to see that.”

Marvel has not yet announced ‘Black Panther 3’. Movies on the MCU’s upcoming theatrical slate include ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’, ‘Thunderbolts’, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’, and ‘The Fantastic Four’.

Kangana Ranaut eyes CM’s suite in Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi; sparks verbal duel

Bollywood actress and BJP MP, Kangana Ranaut’s demand, purportedly seeking the Chief Minister’s suite in Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, sparked a war of words between the ruling Mahayuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, on Tuesday. Kangana Ranaut, 38, now a Lok Sabha MP elected from her home town Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, reportedly indicated her desire to stay in the CM’s lavish suite in Maharashtra Sadan in the national Capital.

On the opening day of Parliament, Kangana Ranaut paid a visit to the Maharashtra Sadan on Monday, viewing almost all rooms, many of which she found too cramped for her comfort. She apparently liked the CM’s well-appointed, spacious suite there.

Slamming her for seeking the CM’s suite, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and Chief

Spokesperson, Sanjay Raut termed it as preposterous and wondered “why she can’t stay in the Rashtrapati Bhavan instead of eyeing Maharashtra Bhavan.”

Seemingly a bit more charitable, the Congress’ ex-minister Yashomati Thakur dismissively said that since actress Kangana Ranaut is a newlyelected MP, “she may be ignorant about the protocols in such matters” and hence she could have made the plea.

NCP(SP) National Spokesperson, Clyde Crasto said that barely three years ago when she had a bitter faceoff with the then MVA’s CM, Uddhav Thackeray, Kangana Ranaut had compared Mumbai and Maharashtra with Pakistan.

“Now, suddenly she claims that Maharashtra is like her second home… Then why did she not contest LS polls from her ‘karmabhoomi’

instead of her ‘janmabhoomi’?” demanded Crasto.

BJP MLA Nitesh N Rane hit back at the MVA leaders alleging that they should first answer for how many days did disgraced ex-cop Sachin Vaze reportedly stay at the residence of Uddhav Thackeray.

Rane also attacked the SS(UBT) leader for his comments, saying that Kangana Ranaut is an elected MP unlike Raut whom he accused of making “a backdoor entry to Parliament through Rajya Sabha.”

In the meantime, officials caught in the middle of the row have pointed out that since Kangana Ranaut is an elected MP from Himachal Pradesh, she should have raised such issues with the Himachal Bhawan authorities instead of Maharashtra Sadan, even as they have diplomatically brushed off her plea.

Chicagoland unites for breath and balance: A grand celebration of International Yoga Day

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago and Mindful Meditation Yoga celebrated International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and a vibrant display of community spirit. The event, held at Naperville Yard Indoor Sports Complex on June 23, 2024, attracted over 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds, all united in their love for yoga, health, and harmony.

The morning began on time, embodying Yoga Anushashan or Yoga Discipline, with a common yoga protocol session led by certified instructor and lead organizer Anu Malhotra. The event was orchestrated with precision by a dedicated team of over 30 volunteers, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees. The overall event experience was led and managed by Falguni Sukhadia, Strategy and Planning Director and Chief of Staff for International Yoga Day, under the leadership of both MMY and FIA.

A unique highlight of this year’s celebration was the inclusion of free, live music that reverberated through the Naperville Yard. Professionals and yoga practitioners performed uplifting and serene compositions, creating an atmosphere filled with positive vibrations. The music, described as both therapeutic and inspiring, enhanced the overall experience, complementing the yoga and meditation sessions perfectly.

Dignitaries present at the event included key figures such as FIA Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, Consul Officer Sanjeev Pal, Mayor of Naperville Scott Wehrli, and Alderwoman Shwetha Baid. These leaders emphasized the significance of yoga as a gift from India to the world, symbolizing unity and harmony. The growth of International Yoga Day

was highlighted, noting a substantial increase in participation over the years. The event also saw enthusiastic participation from local leaders like Linda Davenport (Court Judge), Paul Leong (Councilman), Pratibha Jairath (former President – FIA), Vinita Gulabani (President Sindhi Association of Metropolitan Chicago and Indo American Cultural Association), and Kathy Thorat (Global Eye Media), who praised the city’s commitment to health and wellness.

The main highlight of the event was the opportunity to learn and experience yoga under the guidance of Certified Yoga Teacher Anu Malhotra. This transformative session allowed participants to engage not only in physical postures but also immerse themselves in the mental and spiritual

aspects of yoga. One participant eloquently captured the essence of the experience, stating, “It is Unity in Serenity leading to a healthy mind and a healthy body.”

Following the yoga session, a Bhakti yoga segment featured melodious singing accompanied by musical instruments, creating an exhilarating atmosphere. Volunteers from SEWA and HUM ensured smooth distribution of water and free ‘Satvik’ food, and they assisted with cleanup efforts, demonstrating community spirit and teamwork.

The celebration was organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Chicago and supported by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.

Numerous organizations joined hands to make it the largest Yoga Day in Chicagoland, showcasing the power of collaboration and cultural diversity. Media promotion and coverage were provided by various media outlets, and social media efforts were managed to ensure widereaching engagement.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made the event possible. International Yoga Day in Naperville was a resounding success, reflecting the city’s commitment to health, wellness, and cultural diversity. Plans are already underway for next year’s celebration, promising an even larger and more inclusive event, as noted by Anu Malhotra and Sunil Shah.

Photo Credits: Warenium Photography

IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

BSC Chicago’s Annual Picnic: A day of fun and community engagement for seniors

By Jayanti Oza

On June 23rd, 2024, the BSC of Chicago successfully celebrated their yearly planned picnic, drawing over 1200 members, friends, and well-wishers. The event, planned meticulously by the BSC committee, showcased the vibrant community spirit and enthusiasm of its senior members.

The picnic, scheduled from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, saw dedicated BSC committee members and volunteers arriving as early as 7:00 am to set up. Anticipating a large turnout, preparations had started weeks in advance under the leadership of BSC President Haribhai Patel.

The food team was well-prepared to meet the culinary needs of the attendees. The feast, which ran from 9 am to 12:30 pm, was a major hit among the participants.

With temperatures soaring into the 90s, staying hydrated was crucial. Six igloos were filled with water, cold drinks, coconut water, mango lassi, kulfi, and snowballs to help attendees

beat the heat. The scrumptious lunch was loved by all the members.

The picnic was not just about food and drink; it was filled with engaging activities and games. Popular Indian games such as Bingo, Musical Chairs, and traditional Garba dances kept the seniors entertained. Prizes were

awarded to the winners, adding a competitive spirit to the fun.

As the picnic drew to a close, BSC President Haribhai Patel thanked all the sponsors, DJ Ajay Makwana for providing lively music, and URU Swati food for their catering services. The event was a testament to the

strong sense of community and the dedication of the BSC Chicago team in creating a memorable day for its senior members. The annual picnic not only provided a day of enjoyment but also reinforced the bonds within the BSC community, highlighting the importance of togetherness and active engagement in the lives of seniors.

Photo Credits:

Warenium Photography

Community Hindu Mandir of Lake County celebrates 18th anniversary

By Vandana Jhingan

Hindu Mandir of Lake County, Grayslake, IL celebrated its three-day long 18th year anniversary with utmost zeal and zest with several hundred enthusiastic devotees who attended the program in their traditional colorful attires.

The anniversary program on Friday, Jun 21, started with Kalash Sthapan and Sankalpam by the temple donors and sponsors of the program. Temple head priest, Anil Joshi Ji performed all the rituals as per Sanatana Vidhi and Vidhan.

On Saturday, Jun 22, after Puja of all Kalash, a Kalash Yatra along with the Pradakshina of the temple was held while chanting Vedic Mantras. Pt. Anil Joshi Ji and Pt. Radha Krishna performed Homam for Lord Shiva, Ma Durga, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Karthikeya, Ayyappa, and Lord

Bhairava Baba with all the shlokas and mantras to abolish all the negativities and grant positivity in the world.

On Sunday, Jun 23 morning, temple priests along with all the devotees carried on Shobha Yatra. Then they performed Homam for Lord Krishna, Lord Ram Parivar, Lord Balaji, Lord Hanuman Ji, Lord Narashimha, Lord Sudarshan, and Navagrah. Later, temple priests performed Abhishekam, Kumbha Abhishekam, Archana and Aarati of all the deities in the temple by chanting all the Vedic Mantras. All the deities looked magnificent in their new sparkling garments and jewelry. The program concluded with a maha prasadam that was served to all the devotees during the anniversary program.

In the afternoon, Sunderkand was chanted with great devotion. Pt. Anil Joshi Ji blessed all the devotees, sponsors, and volunteers for their better health, wealth, and happiness.

Where is your cash?

With the Fed in higher-rates-for-longer mode, many investors are also staying in “cash” for longer.

By YBB Personal Finance

“Cash” includes anything with less than 1-yr maturity that can be liquidated without concerns about large losses - short-term CDs (at banks or brokerages), online savings accounts (FDIC insured), T-Bills, money-market accounts (at banks; FDIC insured), money-market funds (at fund firms; not insured). In this higher rate environment, “cash” can be part of the fixedincome allocation.

Bank CDs have early withdrawal penalties, typically, 3-6-month interest. Don’t assume that on maturity, the bank will move funds into a new CD with good rates - you must do this yourself. Brokerage CDs fluctuate daily in value but will pay in full upon maturity. However, they may be illiquid & selling them prematurely may cause decent haircuts (sold at “bid”, bought at “ask”, with difference being the “spread”).

Be sure to verify the FDIC insurance for banks (or, the NCUA insurance for credit unions) - many fintech apps that offer attractive rates may have misleading ads about the FDIC insurance; some foreign banks operating in the US may not be covered by the FDIC. Misrepresenting the FDIC is illegal, but the FDIC has limited resources to chase bad actors. There are now limits on how many POD/ TOD

accounts one can have at the same bank & still be covered by the FDIC insurance.

T-Bills can be bought at Treasury Direct, & more conveniently, also at major brokerages without commissions; several brokerages offer auto-rolls (Fidelity, Schwab, etc). They can be bought at Auctions (weekly for most; monthly for 52-week) or in the secondary market (with small bid-ask spreads). For auctions, the orders can be entered from the afternoon of the auction

announcement day to the earlymorning of the auction day (including weekends & holidays); orders cannot be entered before the related Treasury announcement. Brokers may require funds within 1-2 days of auction except when there is a maturing T-Bill on the next settlement day.

There are differences between the money market accounts at banks (with FDIC insurance) and the money-market funds at brokerages or fund firms (no FDIC insurance). Several brokerages

have money-market funds also as core/settlement funds (Fidelity SPAXX, Vanguard VMFXX, etc), but others (Schwab, etc) require moving money around with T+1 settlements. Money-market funds, like other mutual funds, aren’t insured but (i) they are regulated by the SEC, (ii) their portfolio management, administration/ recordkeeping, & securities-custody must be at different subsidiaries or companies, so it won’t be easy to pull a fraud, (iii) brokerage SIPC insurance & any excess coverage may apply (CDs & money-market funds held at brokerages are treated just as other securities in the account).

In workplace retirement accounts (401k/ 403b/ 457), money-market funds or stable-value (SV) funds may be available; instead of mutual funds, some plans may offer CITs (commingled/ collective investment trusts) that are regulated by the OCC (not the SEC).

Beyond these are the ultrashort-term bond funds (ICSH, USFR, JPST, etc) & short-term bond funds (BSV, SHY, VGSH, etc). These may have noticeable fluctuations in values but would also have gains when the interest rates fall. So, it’s important to watch the Fed for action & guidance - the FOMC meetings are almost every 6 weeks.

A future article will cover account safety. For more information, visit: ybbpersonalfinance. proboards.com/

Biden falters as Trump unleashes falsehoods: A detailed analysis of the presidential debate

By Dr. Avi Verma

The recent debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was a critical event in the 2024 presidential race, marked by sharp exchanges and significant media attention. Both candidates, the oldest ever in a presidential race, showcased their distinct styles and engaged in personal attacks, each attempting to gain the upper hand.

Debate Performance

Joe Biden: Biden’s performance began shakily, characterized by a hoarse voice and occasional stumbling over his words. This fueled concerns among Democrats about his age and capacity to serve another term. Despite the rocky start, Biden found his footing midway through the debate, particularly when he targeted Trump over his conviction related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels. Biden also highlighted the lack of endorsements for Trump from his former cabinet members, suggesting a lack of trust from those who had worked closely with him.

Donald Trump: Trump maintained a combative stance throughout the debate, launching a series of criticisms at Biden, many of which were factually dubious. He attacked Biden on various issues, including immigration, crime, and the economy, aiming to energize his base. However, his approach risked alienating moderate voters. Trump’s refusal to take responsibility for the January 6th Capitol attack and his claims about the innocence of many arrested participants stood out as particularly controversial moments.

Media Analysis and Perceptions

The media’s reaction to the debate

was mixed, mirroring the deep polarization in American politics. Biden’s initial struggle and the ongoing concerns about his age were major points of discussion. His supporters, however, emphasized his administration’s achievements and his overall record, seeking to downplay the debate’s impact on his candidacy.

Trump’s performance was noted for its assertiveness and the repetition of several debunked claims. While this approach likely reinforced support among his base, it did little to attract undecided or moderate voters. Analysts suggested that Trump’s rhetoric and his ongoing refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the 2020 election results might reinforce concerns about his commitment to democratic norms.

Who Won?

Determining the debate’s winner is subjective and heavily influenced by individual perspectives. Biden’s policy-focused approach and experience might appeal to voters seeking stability and detailed governance, despite his shaky start. On the other hand, Trump’s commanding presence and aggressive style could resonate with those who prioritize strong

leadership, though his tendency to repeat falsehoods could undermine his appeal to undecided voters.

Should Biden Drop Out?

The debate has intensified discussions about Biden’s age and fitness for office, with some Democrats expressing concern and suggesting he might consider stepping aside. Nonetheless, there is currently no compelling reason for Biden to drop out. His administration’s achievements and substantial support within the Democratic Party provide a solid foundation for his re-election bid. Calls for him to step down would only gain traction if there were severe health issues or a dramatic shift in public support, neither of which are evident at this time.

In conclusion, the debate underscored the significant contrasts between Biden and Trump, both in style and substance. Biden’s focus on policy and experience offered a vision of steady governance, while Trump’s assertive and direct approach aimed to portray strong leadership. The ultimate outcome of the debate, and the election, will hinge on how effectively each candidate’s message resonates with the American electorate in the coming months.

Health Corner

Medical Doctor Program (MD) - 4 Year Hybrid Study

IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

The International University of the Health Sciences (IUHS) School of Medicine offers a flexible and accredited 4-year MD program, with a 5-year option available. This hybrid program combines online and in-person study, making it ideal for allied health practitioners and recent graduates who want to become medical doctors without quitting work or relocating.

Program Highlights

Hybrid Learning: The first two

years consist of pre-clinical studies conducted online, complemented by local physician mentorships. The final two years involve clinical rotations in hospitals.

Innovative Technology: The program employs award-winning tools like the DxR virtual patient simulator and the Distributed Online Campus System, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world.

Global Reach: Graduates are eligible to sit for licensing exams in numerous countries, including the USA, Canada,

Australia, Mexico, UAE, India, and South Africa.

Affordable Tuition: The program’s tuition is competitively priced, averaging only 40% of the cost of most other private medical universities.

Course Structure

Years 1 & 2 - Pre-Clinical Years

The pre-clinical phase is a 92-week program divided into 11 blocks, focusing on the basic sciences and the development of clinical skills.

4Block 0: Introduction to Medicine

(12 weeks)

4Block 1: Introduction to Basic Medical Science (8 weeks)

4Block 2: Microbiology & Immunology (8 weeks)

4Block 3: Respiratory & Cardiovascular Systems (8 weeks)

4Block 4: Endocrine & Reproductive Systems (8 weeks)

4Block 5: Gastrointestinal & Renal Systems (8 weeks)

4Block 6: Central & Peripheral Nervous Systems (8 weeks)

4Block 7: Hematology, Musculoskeletal, Pathology, Dermatology, Anatomy, Behavioral Science (8 weeks)

4Block 8: Epidemiology, ENT, Histology, Legal, Autoimmune & Tropical Diseases (8 weeks)

4Blocks 9 & 10: Exams & remediation, customized study plan for board exams (16 weeks)

Throughout the pre-clinical years, students participate in a mentorship program with local physicians to gain early exposure to patients and clinical environments.

Years 3 & 4 - Clinical Years

The clinical phase involves 80 weeks of rotations in hospitals, divided into core and elective rotations:

Core Rotations (48 weeks):

4Internal Medicine (12 weeks)

4Surgery (12 weeks)

4Obstetrics & Gynecology (6 weeks)

4Pediatrics (6 weeks)

4Psychiatry (6 weeks)

4General Family Practice (6 weeks)

4Elective Rotations (32 weeks): Students can choose specialties based on their interests and career goals.

Additional Information

Award-Winning Innovation: IUHS was awarded the Zairi Award for Excellence in Digital Innovation in 2023 for its advanced use of technology in medical education. Year-Round Applications: IUHS accepts applications year-round, with start dates in May and September.

Supportive Learning Environment: The university fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment, integrating technology with best practices in medical education.

Join IUHS to transform your dream of becoming a medical doctor into reality.

For more information and to apply, visit www.iuhs.edu

Health Corner Understanding high-functioning anxiety: Is it really that bad?

By The Health Corner, IndoUs Tribune

How often do people decide to just live with pain until it becomes unbearable? Many of us hope it will simply go away, resorting to self-medication, and only seek help from a physician when the pain is too much to bear.

Psychological pain affects us similarly to physical pain. It wears us down, impacting our well-being and making everyday activities harder to manage. However, psychological pain doesn’t always lead us to seek help from a provider.

Anxiety is a normal physical and emotional reaction to stressful situations, manifesting as sweaty palms, a racing heartbeat, nervousness, or a knot in the stomach. Anxiety becomes disordered when this physical reaction is disproportionate to the situation and hinders our ability to function.

Symptoms of Anxiety Anxiety can present a wide range of symptoms, including:

4Dread or apprehension: Feeling a sense of impending doom or fear.

4Feeling tense or jumpy: Being on edge, easily startled, and unable to relax.

4Restlessness or irritability: Difficulty staying calm or becoming easily annoyed.

4Anticipating the worst: Constantly worrying about potential dangers or negative outcomes.

4Pounding or racing heart: Experiencing a rapid heartbeat or palpitations.

4Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath or are suffocating.

4Sweating, tremors, and twitches: Physical manifestations of anxiety.

4Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia: Frequent headaches, feeling exhausted, and trouble sleeping.

4Upset stomach, frequent urination, or diarrhea: Digestive issues related to anxiety.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are various types of anxiety disorders, each with unique characteristics:

4Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

4Panic Disorder: Sudden and recurrent panic attacks that include intense fear and physical symptoms.

4Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and being judged by others.

4Specific Phobias: Irrational fears of specific objects or situations.

4Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive fear or anxiety about being separated

from loved ones.

The Challenge of Seeking Treatment

People with anxiety or any mental health condition often don’t get the treatment they need. Some don’t realize what they’re feeling isn’t normal, while others feel too embarrassed to seek help. Cultural stigma around mental health can also play a significant role, discouraging individuals from reaching out.

What is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety refers to individuals who manage to get through each day, completing their tasks despite experiencing anxiety symptoms. They may appear outwardly successful and organized but internally struggle with constant worry and stress. This type of anxiety can be deceptive, as these individuals often don’t exhibit the traditional signs of distress, making it harder to recognize and address.

While it is possible to live with highfunctioning anxiety, the more pertinent question is whether you have to live with it. The answer is no. Ignoring anxiety can take a toll on your overall well-being, increasing the risk of depression, low selfesteem, and other issues.

Long-Term

Effects of Untreated Anxiety

Chronic anxiety can lead to numerous health complications, including:

4Depression: Prolonged anxiety can trigger or exacerbate depressive symptoms.

4Cardiovascular issues: Increased risk of heart disease and hypertension.

4Immune system suppression: Higher susceptibility to illnesses due to chronic

stress.

4Digestive problems: Persistent anxiety can lead to gastrointestinal disorders.

4Chronic pain: Increased muscle tension and headaches.

Managing Anxiety

There are many ways to ease anxiety, from self-help strategies to professional support. Anxiety disorders can be treated through:

4Psychotherapy: Engaging in therapy with a licensed professional, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

4Medication: Using prescribed medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, to manage symptoms.

4Support Groups: Joining groups where individuals share experiences and strategies, providing a sense of community and understanding.

4Stress Management Techniques: Practicing methods such as mindfulness, meditation, and exercise to reduce stress levels.

4Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep to improve overall well-being.

Practical Steps for Self-Help

In addition to professional treatment, there are several practical steps you can take to manage anxiety on your own:

4Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm the mind.

4Stay active: Regular physical exercise is known to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

4Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can have a positive impact on your mental health.

4Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both substances can increase anxiety levels.

4Establish a routine: Having a structured daily schedule can provide a sense of control and stability.

Seeking Help

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, remember that you don’t have to just live with it. Help is available. Seeking treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore the best treatment options for you.

For more information and tips on managing diabetes, consult your healthcare provider and stay tuned to Health Corner, IndoUs Tribune.

Amping up your summer style with the right accessories

Summer is not just a season; it’s a vibe—a time when fashion takes on a lighter, more vibrant tone. Incorporating accessories into your summer wardrobe can elevate your style and make a statement without overheating. Here’s how you can effortlessly amp up your summer style with accessories:

Hats: Start from the top with hats that are both functional and fashionable. A wide-brimmed straw hat not only shields you from the sun but also adds a touch of elegance to any summer outfit. For a sporty look, opt for a classic baseball cap or a trendy bucket hat in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.

Sunglasses: A pair of sunglasses is essential for both eye protection and style enhancement. Choose sunglasses that complement your face shape— aviators for a timeless appeal, cat-eye for a retro glam, or oversized frames for a touch of drama. Don’t shy away from bold colors or mirrored lenses to add a playful twist to your look.

Scarves and Bandanas: Lightweight scarves or bandanas are versatile accessories that can be worn in multiple ways. Tie a colorful scarf around your neck for a chic Parisian flair, use a bandana as a headband or hair tie for a boho vibe, or wrap it around your wrist as a stylish bracelet. These accessories effortlessly add color

Aand personality to any outfit.

Jewelry: Keep it minimal yet impactful with jewelry pieces that withstand the heat. Layer delicate necklaces or opt for statement earrings to draw attention to your face. Choose jewelry made from materials like lightweight metals, beads, or natural stones that complement summer fabrics and colors.

Bags: A stylish bag is not only a practical accessory but also a fashion statement. Opt for woven baskets or

rattan bags for a beachy feel, canvas totes for a casual outing, or sleek crossbody bags for a more polished look. Play with textures and prints to add interest to your ensemble.

Footwear: Sandals are synonymous with summer, and there are endless options to suit every style. Slide into comfortable espadrilles or flip-flops for a relaxed beach day, opt for strappy sandals or block heels for a dressier occasion, or choose sneakers with fun patterns or vibrant colors for a sporty yet trendy look.

Belts: A well-chosen belt can clinch your waist and add definition to flowing summer dresses or oversized shirts. Opt for woven or braided belts for a laid-back feel, or choose metallic or embellished belts to add a touch of glam to your outfit.

Incorporating accessories into your summer wardrobe allows you to experiment with different styles and trends while staying cool and comfortable. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, attending a garden party, or exploring a new city, accessories are the perfect way to express your personality and enhance your summer fashion game. Remember, it’s all about mixing and matching to create a look that’s uniquely yours while embracing the carefree spirit of the season.

Embracing the latest summer style for men

s the sun rises higher and temperatures soar, summer presents a canvas for men to showcase their style with a blend of comfort, functionality, and trendiness. The latest summer fashion for men embodies a refreshing mix of classic elements and contemporary twists, ensuring that every outing—from casual weekends to formal gatherings—is marked by effortless coolness and confidence.

1. Lightweight fabrics and breathability: Central to summer style for men are lightweight fabrics that offer breathability and comfort in the heat. Linen and cotton reign supreme, allowing air circulation and preventing overheating. Linen shirts in soft pastels or classic whites paired with cotton chinos or lightweight shorts create a relaxed yet polished look. Breathable knitwear, such as cotton or linen-blend sweaters, is perfect for cooler evenings by the beach or lake.

2. Casual cool with t-shirts and shorts: T-shirts remain a staple, but the trend leans towards quality basics with a tailored fit. Opt for neutral tones or subtle patterns that exude understated sophistication. Combine them with tailored shorts in versatile colors like khaki, navy, or olive. Tailored shorts that hit just above the knee offer a refined silhouette while providing comfort and ease of movement.

wear: For semi-formal occasions or evening outings, lightweight blazers in breathable fabrics like cotton or seersucker are ideal. Pair them with tailored trousers or chinos for a sophisticated look that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Resort wear influences, such as linen shirts paired with drawstring trousers or lightweight suits in pastel shades, add a touch of vacation-ready elegance.

4. Footwear choices for every occasion: Footwear options for summer include loafers, boat shoes, espadrilles, and minimalist sneakers. Loafers in suede or leather elevate casual outfits, while boat shoes are perfect for seaside adventures. Espadrilles with canvas or leather uppers provide comfort and style for leisurely strolls. Minimalist sneakers in white or neutral tones complement almost any summer ensemble, offering versatility and a contemporary edge.

5. Accessorize it right: Accessories play a crucial role in completing the summer look for men. Sunglasses with polarized lenses protect the eyes while adding a dash of personality—aviators and wayfarers are timeless choices. A lightweight scarf or a Panama hat not only shields from the sun but also adds a sophisticated touch to beachside attire. Leather belts and minimalist watches enhance the overall look, offering functional elegance.

3. Relaxed tailoring and resort

As the sun blazes overhead and temperatures soar during the summer months, it becomes crucial to nourish our bodies with foods that not only satiate our hunger but also help us stay cool and refreshed. Eating the right foods plays a significant role in maintaining our body temperature and overall well-being during this hot season.

One of the key strategies to beat the heat is to consume foods that have cooling properties. These foods help regulate body temperature, keep us hydrated, and provide essential nutrients that support our health. Here are some of the best food choices to keep your body cool and energized this summer:

1. Fresh Fruits:

4Watermelon: Known for its high water content (about 92%), watermelon is an excellent fruit to keep you hydrated. It also contains vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which help protect against sun damage.

4Cucumber: Another hydrating fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!), cucumbers are about 95% water. They are refreshing and low in calories, making them a perfect snack to cool down on a hot day.

4Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and water. They make for great additions to salads, smoothies, or simply enjoyed on their own.

2. Leafy Greens: Spinach and lettuce are hydrating and rich in vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium. They can be used as a base for salads or added to sandwiches and wraps for a cooling effect.

3. Yogurt: Yogurt is a probiotic-rich food that supports gut health and digestion. It’s cooling and can be enjoyed as a snack or used in smoothies, dips, and sauces.

4. Coconut Water: Coconut water is nature’s electrolyte-rich drink. It replenishes lost minerals due to sweating and helps maintain hydration levels. It’s a great alternative to sugary sports drinks.

5. Mint: Mint leaves are known for their cooling properties and can be added to salads, drinks, or infused in water for a refreshing twist.

6. Cilantro (Coriander): Cilantro is a herb that not only adds flavor to dishes but also helps cool the body. It can be used in salads, chutneys, and soups.

7. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes are citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C and refreshing to consume in the form of juices or added to water for a zesty drink.

8. Cucumber and Mint Infused Water: This infused water is not only hydrating but also refreshing and can be easily prepared at home by adding cucumber slices and mint leaves to a pitcher of water.

In conclusion, by incorporating these cooling foods into your diet during the summer months, you can effectively manage your body temperature, stay hydrated, and ensure your overall well-being.

These foods not only provide hydration but also essential nutrients that support various bodily functions. So, next time you feel the summer heat rising, reach for these healthy options to keep your body cool and refreshed naturally.

Remember, a balanced diet that includes plenty of fluids and nutrient-rich foods is key to enjoying a healthy and active summer season.

Healthy food items to keep your body cool in summers