2 May 2023_

PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CONSERVATIVE LEADER PIERRE POILIEVRE ATTEND KHALSA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO

"WE ARE ALL THE SAME" NDP LEADER JAGMEET SINGH AT KHALSA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO

Y MEDIA TEAM AT ROUNDTABLE WITH MPP AMARJOT SANDHU & MINISTER STEPHEN LECCE

KAMAL KHERA AT THE FORUM FOR FEDERAL/ PROVINCIAL/TERRITORIAL MINISTERS FOR SENIORS

Y MEDIA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH: KARAMJIT KAUR CHAUDHARY JALANDHAR BYPOLL CONGRESS CANDIDATE

KARAMJIT KAUR SALMS AAP FOR PICKING FORMER CONGRESSMAN

QUESTIONS LAW AND ORDER SITUAITON IN PUNJAB

KARAMJIT KAUR APPEALED TO NRI TO SUPPORT CONGRESS IN PUNJAB EDCUATION TO BE MY TOP PRIORITY, SAYS KARAMJIT KAUR

WRESTLING SCANDAL: DELHI POLICE FINALLY LODGES TWO FIRS

NEW DELHI, (IANS) Delhi Police on Friday finally registered two FIRs allegedly against Wrestling Federation of India coaches and its President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, in connection with the sexual harassment allegations made by women wrestlers.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, Pranav Tayal said that in the matter of complaints received from female wrestlers, two FIRs have been registered in Connaught Place police station.

"The first one pertains to allegations levelled by a minor victim which is registered under the POCSO Act along with relevant IPC sections concerning outraging of modesty etc.

"The second FIR is registered for carrying out comprehensive investigations into the complaints tendered by other, adult complainants under relevant sections pertaining to outraging of modesty etc," he said.

Investigation into both the FIRs is being taken up in right earnest, the DCP added. This development comes after Delhi Police earlier on Friday had informed the Supreme Court that they will register an FIR.

As the women wrestlers expressed their concerns regarding security and safety and the multiple cases against Singh, Chief Justice of India, D.Y Chandrachud, recorded the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta's statement and requested security for the complainant.

TORONTO MAYORAL CANDIDATE ANHTONY FUREY MET THE ATTENDEES OF KHALSA DAY PARADE AND SHARED HIS VISION FOR TORONTO

Y MEDIA POLITICAL SENSEX OLIVIA CHOW LEADING THE TORONTO MAYORAL RACE: SURVEY

Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll Voting will take place on May 10 and the counting on May 13. The bypoll was necessitated as Congress's Jalandhar MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary (76) died on January 14 after suffering a cardiac arrest during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Punjab's Phillaur.

Legislative Assembly elections in Karnataka to be held on 10 May 2023 and the results will be declared on 13 May 2023

Watch Full coverage of Jalandhar and Karnataka elections on Channel Y on Tuesday, May 9 and Friday, May 12.

The court had decided not to monitor the investigation and would ask the police to provide updates. Mehta mentioned that the case is heading in a different direction, and the bench noted that since the allegations implicate the commission for a cognisable offense, an FIR must be registered.

Olivia Chow and Ana Bailão are starting to distance themselves from the rest of the pack in the crowded race for Toronto mayor, a new poll shows. Chow, a progressive who previously served as an NDP MP, has the support of 26 per cent of decided voters, while Bailão, an ex-city councillor that allied with centrist Mayor John Tory, is close behind at 21 Watch detailed coverage of Toronto Mayoral Race on Channel Y Plus

ECONOMY GREW AT AN ANNUALIZED RATE OF 2.5% IN Q1: STATCAN

Real gross domestic product (GDP) edged up 0.1% in February, following a 0.6% increase in January. Both services-producing industries and goodsproducing industries edged up 0.1%. Overall, 12 of 20 subsectors increased.

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KING CHARLES IS OFFICIALLY THE RCMP COMMISSIONER-IN-CHIEF

OTTAWA: Today marked a proud moment in the historical relationship between the RCMP and the Royal Family. In recognition of the RCMP's 150th anniversary and the upcoming Coronation, His Majesty King Charles III consented to assume the title of the RCMP Commissioner-in-Chief, a title previously held by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I CONTD. ON PAGE 5

CANADA'S MOST WANTED: TORONTO POLICE SERVICE ANNOUNCES $250,000 REWARD FOR MAN WANTED IN TORONTO SHOOTING

A reward of up to $250,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Cristian Adolfo Cuxum, wanted in the brazen murder of 49-year-old referee Edwin Farley Alvarado Quintero during a Toronto soccer game. Two others were injured in the shooting on October 9, 2022.

Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary Jalandhar Bypoll Congress Candidate

Yudhvir Jaswal Group Editor and CEO, Y Media Group

Y MEDIA'S TEAM AT CONNECT INDIA, AN EVENT ORGANIZED TO BETTER CONNECT CANADA TO INDIA

I DETAILS ON PAGE 6

MURARILAL THAPLIYAL FORMER CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA CANDIDATE

PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CONSERVATIVE LEADER PIERRE POILIEVRE

ATTEND KHALSA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO

CONSERVATIVE LEADER PIERRE POILIEVRE CALLS FOR DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN CANADA AND AMRITSAR AT KHALSA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO

OTTAWA, ON — The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, announced today he will fight to establish direct flights between Canada and Amritsar. Since Punjabi Canadians started coming to Canada in the 1880s, they have made an enormous contribution to our country. Many Punjabi Canadians still have strong familial, economic and cultural ties to the Punjab region. Canada once had direct flights to Amritsar in the Punjab region. Amritsar is a hugely important city for all Sikhs and is the home of the holiest site in Sikhism – the Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. Punjabi Canadians could visit their family and friends, effortlessly conduct business and visit religious landmarks like the Golden Temple. However, this flight link was cancelled, and Punjabi Canadians have been calling on the federal government to deliver direct flights between Amritsar and Canada ever since. “But even after years of activism from the Punjabi community, the Liberal government has failed to fight gatekeepers and open the skies to Amritsar,” said Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party. In 2022, Trudeau signed an Open Skies Agreement with India that abandoned Punjabi Canadians. Travellers wishing to go to Amritsar often have to wait an additional seven hours once they arrive in India or face an 8-10 hour drive to reach Punjab state. “We need common sense,” said Poilievre. “We have the largest Punjabi diaspora anywhere in the world. Direct flights to Amritsar exist from locations like London, UK and Milan, Italy, where the Punjabi population is smaller. Punjabi Canadians are one of the fastest-growing population groups in Canada. There is a clear case for bringing home these direct flights that I am working with stakeholders to establish,” said Poilievre. Poilievre has been fighting hard, advocating for Punjabi Canadians and working to bring home flights from Amritsar. As part of his efforts, Poilievre has: • Met with the Indian High Commissioner. • Written a letter to Omar Alghabra, the Minister of Transport. • Met with Air Canada. • Met with Air India. “After 8 years of Justin Trudeau, Punjabi Canadians still have to face expensive and tedious trips if they want to travel to Amritsar,” said Poilievre. “I will fight to open the skies between Amritsar and Canada, allowing Punjabi Canadians to visit their loved ones and grow the ties between our country and the Punjab region. A direct flight will mean that seniors, families travelling with children, and anyone with a disability will have the ease and convenience of one flight, instead of a stressful layover and transfer. It will also help passengers and airlines manage the chaos at our airports by creating one less flight for passengers and carriers. We must bring home these direct flights for our people.” The

announcement was welcomed by the FlyAmritsar Initiative, an independent advocacy group working to promote better air connectivity to Amritsar. “We welcome Mr. Poilievre’s calls for renegotiation of air service agreements with India to include direct flights to Amritsar. This will provide a much-needed service to the Punjabi community in Canada,” said Sameep Singh Gumtala, the Global Convener of FlyAmritsar Initiative, Anant Dhillon, Convener for North American region and Spokesperson in Canada Mohit Dhanju. “The Canadian Government’s renegotiation will help create new opportunities for Canadians and Indians alike. Mr. Poilievre’s call for renegotiation is a welcome step in the right direction,” they said. Doing this will bring common sense convenience to our citizens and residents and strengthen trade, tourism and cultural ties between the Punjab region and Canada. Punjabi Canadians deserve a direct flight to Amritsar and support from the federal government to establish these routes. It’s time to remove gatekeepers who stand in the way of our citizens. Let’s bring home flights from Amritsar.

LECCE

KAMAL KHERA AT THE FORUM FOR FEDERAL/ PROVINCIAL/TERRITORIAL MINISTERS FOR SENIORS

The Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers

Responsible for Seniors took place in Mississauga, Ontario on April 26. During the Forum, the ministers reviewed the work underway as part of the Forum's 2022-25 work cycle and shared the realities and needs of seniors specific to their jurisdictions. The Forum was also an occasion for the ministers to examine intergovernmental cooperation opportunities, and to share innovative solutions to pressing issues, such as housing and cost of living, that have been implemented in some jurisdictions, and that could be developed elsewhere.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED WITH TREASURY BOARD FOR 120,000 WORKERS: PSAC

After nearly two years of bargaining leading to one of the largest strikes in Canadian history, PSAC has reached tentative agreements for the more than 120,000 Treasury Board workers who deliver critical services to Canadians.

With the national strike now over for Treasury Board workers, members of the PA, SV, TC and EB bargaining groups are required to return to work beginning May 1 at 9 a.m. ET or their next scheduled shift after that date.

In this tentative agreement, PSAC has secured a fair contract for members that exceeds the employer’s original offer before the launch of strike action, and provides wage increases above the recommendations of the Public Interest Commission as well as those negotiated by other federal bargaining agents. It also provides significant new protections around remote work for PSAC members. “During a period of record-high inflation and soaring corporate profits, workers were told to accept less – but our members came together and fought for better,” said Chris Aylward, PSAC national president.

KING CHARLES IS OFFICIALLY THE RCMP COMMISSIONER-IN-CHIEF

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Upon acceptance of the title and rank, King Charles III was presented with a special commemorative RCMP Officer's sword. As Commissioner-in-Chief of the RCMP, His Majesty will play a titular role in recognizing the importance of the RCMP at home and abroad by highlighting the rich history between the RCMP and the Monarchy, which dates back to the genesis of the RCMP during the reign of Queen Victoria.

To honour Royal traditions, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, along with Canada's High Commissioner in the United Kingdom, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, officially presented the RCMP's ninth Musical Ride horse to the family, Noble, to His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

During Her Late Majesty's reign, the RCMP presented the family with eight horses, three of which are currently in use as charger horses for the Royal Family: George, Sir John and Darby. Participating in the ceremony today were Musical Ride members that are in the UK for His Majesty's coronation procession. Three of these members and the three previouslygifted charger horses, as well as Noble, will participate in the coronation procession on May 6.

CANADA'S MOST WANTED: TORONTO POLICE SERVICE ANNOUNCES $250,000 REWARD FOR MAN WANTED IN TORONTO SHOOTING

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The Bolo Program announced the reward today for the number one spot on an updated Top 25 list of Canada's most wanted individuals, alongside members of the Toronto Police Service, Toronto Crime Stoppers, and police partners from across the country, who were gathered at Yonge-Dundas Square. Today marks five years since the Bolo Program launched its first campaign, also in Toronto.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL, PRIYANKA GANDHI, NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU MEET WITH PROTESTING WRESTLERS

ROUNDTABLE WITH MPP AMARJOT SANDHU & MINISTER STEPHEN

Y MEDIA'S TEAM AT CONNECT INDIA, AN EVENT ORGANIZED TO BETTER CONNECT CANADA TO INDIA

CONNECT INDIA WELCOMES HON'BLE HIGH COMMISSIONER MR. SANJAY KUMAR VERMA TO CANADA

DIRECT FLIGHT FROM TORONTO TO AMRITSAR IS NOT YET POSSIBLE

In the same way, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, the Consul General of Toronto, during her tenure, described Brampton as a part of India. He said that whenever I came to Brampton, I found it to be a city of India and he also thanked the people here for their love, respect and support.

In his address, High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma spent a lot of time on increasing trade between India and Canada and improving their relationship. Along with this, while talking about starting a direct flight, he said that I am in constant contact with Canada Airline as well as Air India on this issue. He said that there is no doubt that the flight to Amritsar will be full of passengers, but the airline is not satisfied that the cargo coming from Amritsar is very small, which makes it impossible to cover the expenses of the airline. are He said that we have to work together in this direction so that there is enough for passengers to come and go from Amritsar, as well as complete arrangements for the import and export of cargo from there and only after that the airlines will take this direct flight there. will be able to

He said that under the Open Sky Agreement, although the flight that will go to Amritsar will reduce the cost of the airport, but the community should talk to the government to work on it so that maximum import and export of cargo is done through these flights. can

BRAMPTON: Recently, the High Commissioner of India in Canada Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma participated in a program named Connect India. The program was held at the Sprenja Banquet Hall in Brampton. The main purpose of the program was to maintain good relations between India and Canada and to discuss a direct flight from Canada to Amritsar.

The event was attended by the representatives of various organizations, the managers of commercial establishments and social workers. High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma along with Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Chinmoy Naik and Consul General Toronto Ms. Apoorva Srivatva also attended. The editor of Hamdard newspaper first. Amar Singh Bhullar welcomed the High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma by presenting a bouquet of flowers and along with him the High Commissioner and other diplomats interacted with all the guests for some time and got to know their issues.

Starting the stage proceedings, Amarjit Singh Rai from Ecum Media Group mentioned the sacrifices made by Punjabis for the country and talked about the close relationship between Punjab and India. In the same way Inderjit Singh Ball mentioned the strong relations between India and Canada and also made a special request to the High Commissioner regarding the direct flight to Amritsar. He mentioned the problems faced by people of Indian origin living in Canada and especially people of Punjabi origin by being deprived of this flight and said that we are sure that this flight will not be empty for you and Punjabi people prefer this flight. will give, because it will be easier for them to reach their home.

Mr. Kuldeep Gupta, President of the Hindu Mahasabha Mandir located on Gore Road, mentioned the positive role he is playing to further improve the relations between India and Canada. He said that the Hindu Sabha temple is currently a favorite center of all communities in the Brampton area. Where SikhHindus come and participate in Dussehra and other events to become a symbol of unity.

Ontario's Minister of Mental Health Mr. Michael Twalo mentioned his visit to India. He said that India is a power that is advancing very fast and we need both the countries to work on many issues in any case. Similarly, Housing Minister Mrs. Neena Tangri also mentioned her visit to India and mentioned the efforts made by Ontario to increase mutual relations and trade between the two countries.

Brampton East to MPP Hardeep Grewal, who mentioned his visit to India this year and expressed his happiness over India's rapidly growing infrastructure and also strongly appealed to the High Commissioner that it is our strong demand that Direct flights can be operated from Canada to Amritsar and from Amritsar to Canada so that the problems related to traveling of people of Punjabi origin are reduced. He specially thanked the High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma for this event and said that I came to know that such an event is being conducted by a High Commissioner for the first time keeping the Punjabi community in focus, for which he thanked the High Commissioner. Thank you

SOUTH TOWER AT BRAMPTON CIVIC NAMED IN HONOUR OF BIKRAM S. DHILLON AND FAMILY

He also thanked Connect India for organizing this great event. Navtej Kang from Nanaksar Gurdwara Sahib and Jasveer Singh Dhatt from Nanaksar Gurdwara Sahib Ray Lawson Area and colleagues and likewise members of Great Friends Club, Satish Takhar from Canada India Friendship and Major Singh Nat, Daljit from various business organizations. Singh Sahota, Billa Sidhu from Sprenja Banquet Hall, Satnam Singh Sarai from Sarai Trucking, K.J.S. Jinder Buttar from Trucking along with Gurcharan Bhaura from Century 21 President Realty, Ajit Garcha from Homelight Silver City and his colleagues along with media from the South Asian community and a delegation from the Ahmadiyya community attended.

The main purpose of this program was to maintain good relations between India and Canada and talk about direct flight from Canada to Amritsar. In the end, Hon'ble High Commissioner Shri Sanjay Kumar Verma was presented with a Kirpan and a very beautiful book about Amritsar.

Pizza Nova's That's Amore Pizza for Kids is back with a month-long fundraiser in support of Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario COMPANY INVITES CUSTOMERS TO DIP N' GIVE TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS AND MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR THE KIDS

BRAMPTON/ETOBICOKE – Bikram and Varinder Dhillon and their children were at Brampton Civic Hospital on Friday afternoon for the official naming of the Bikram S. Dhillon and Family South Tower. The naming, a first of this kind for William Osler Health System (Osler), is in recognition of a transformational $10 million donation from BVD Group to William Osler Health System Foundation (Osler Foundation), announced last June. BVD Group, which serves the North American transportation industry, is led by CEO Bikram Dhillon and his family. As Osler continues to grow to meet the increasing demands in one of the most diverse communities in Canada, this donation supports the priority equipment and redevelopment needs across Osler and will help strengthen health care in Brampton and Etobicoke for years to come.

“This transformative donation from BVD Group represents more than just a monetary sum; it demonstrates a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation. “With the south tower now proudly bearing the Dhillon family name, it serves as an enduring symbol of their commitment to creating healthier communities. Whenever anyone drives by and sees the name, they will not only see a testament to the Dhillon family’s vision, but an investment in the future of health care, close to home.”

“With support from community leaders like the Dhillon family, Osler is building a health system for the future,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “With many exciting projects coming to life over the next few years, our sights are firmly set on delivering world-class health care to our communities, and we are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Dhillon, their family, and BVD Group for their philanthropic leadership."

“All four of my kids and nine grandchildren were born in Osler hospitals, so it is very meaningful for us to leave this legacy of supporting world-class health care for them, their children and their grandchildren,” said Bikram Dhillon, CEO of BVD Group. “We hope this gift inspires others to give to our hospitals in whatever way they can—there’s no better time to give.”

As part of the transformation of health care in Brampton and Etobicoke, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial) will become Brampton’s new hospital. The new Peel Memorial will include a multi-storey patient tower with 250 inpatient beds and space to grow, new and enhanced outpatient services and day programs, and a second 24/7 full Emergency Department in Brampton. The proposed comprehensive cancer care centre at Brampton Civic Hospital will address the growing need for cancer care in the community, and bring radiation treatment closer to home for patients and families in Brampton and the surrounding region. Ongoing redevelopment at Etobicoke General Hospital will further enhance the state-of-the-art services the hospital offers to ensure Osler can continue to meet the evolving health care needs of the community.

Joining the Dhillon family and BVD Group executives for the official naming were Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South; His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton; and leadership from Osler and Osler Foundation. To donate to William Osler Health System Foundation, please visit oslerfoundation.org

TORONTO: Pizza Nova, Southern Ontario's premium pizza brand, launches its 24th annual fundraising campaign in support of Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario. Throughout the month of May, the company invites customers to add a dip to their order and 50 cents will be donated to Variety Ontario.

"Every child has unique gifts, talents and abilities," says Domenic Primucci, president of Pizza Nova. "As longstanding partners of Variety, our customers know we're committed to the organization, the important work they do and, most importantly, to the children who benefit from their programs. I know they appreciate the awareness and the added financial support this brings."

Pizza Nova launched That's Amore Pizza for Kids 24 years ago, but with the arrival of COVID-19, the organization had to come up with a new way of campaigning that would support the initiative and keep customers safe.

"The campaign used to be one day only and focused on an in-store pizza promotion," says Primucci. "In 2021, we launched this new monthly format featuring dips and the results have greatly exceeded our expectations. Our dips are delicious year-round but, in May, it's the time to do even more dipping and sampling to benefit the good cause."

The 2021 campaign raised some $200,000 for Variety and the 2022 edition even more with $203,000. In total, the Pizza Nova annual campaign for Variety has raised more than $2 million.

"Pizza Nova is one of our largest and most committed corporate donors," said Karen Stintz, president and CEO of Variety. "At around this time each year, we feel their deep passion for our work and the children who benefit from our programs and facilities. But the truth is they're present and supportive all year. We cannot thank them enough and invite all Ontarians who can to get into the dipping-giving action." For more than 70 years, the programs at Variety have helped thousands of children with physical and mental disabilities by providing an accessible facility at Variety Village, specialized programs, dedicated staff, and a community in which everyone is equal and welcome.

Last year, Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario, honoured Pizza Nova with the reveal of its newly renovated Primucci Pavilion, the main lobby to the landmark facility located at the intersection of Danforth Ave and Kingston Road. Part of the renovation includes a 22-foot-wide by 10-foot-high mural depicting children at play against the Toronto skyline with the words, "Share the love".

To learn more about the fundraiser or to place your order for pizzas and a dozen dips, visit pizzanova.com.

OSLER AND BAYSHORE PARTNER TO SUPPORT SENIOR PATIENTS AT HOME

BRAMPTON/ETOBICOKE – William Osler Health System (Osler) is pleased to partner with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions (Bayshore) to continue to extend patient-inspired health care beyond its hospital walls with the Osler@Home program.

The Osler@Home program helps older adults who no longer require care in hospital to transition home safely by providing up to 16 weeks of care in their homes. The services are delivered by an integrated Bayshore team, supported by Osler staff and the program began accepting patient referrals from Osler on April 24, 2023.

Osler staff at Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General Hospitals identify and meet with eligible patients and their families to discuss enrollment in the Osler@Home program, ensuring that patients know how it will benefit them. Staff from Osler and Bayshore work in partnership with patients to create a customized care plan for each patient, to support a seamless hospital discharge and a continuous care experience at home.

The program aids patient recovery while helping address hospital capacity challenges, particularly among seniors who may become Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients – no longer needing the specialty of hospital services, but who still require support to recover successfully at home.

“The Osler@Home program aligns with Osler’s Vision to provide patient-inspired health care without boundaries,” said Clint Atendido, Vice President, Clinical Services, William Osler Health System. “We

are proud to partner with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Solutions to bring this innovative program to our patients, and support recovery at home with the expert care of Bayshore staff, supported by Osler.”

"We are thrilled to partner with William Osler Health System to provide patients and families in the Brampton and North Etobicoke community with timely access to quality health care services in the comfort of their home,” said Danielle Holler, Regional Director, Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions. “Providing these services supports patient-centred care and also helps decrease ALC rates in our local hospitals.”

ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM and FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System (Osler) is a hospital system which includes Brampton Civic Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and Etobicoke General Hospital, and serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities within the Central West region. Nationally recognized for its commitment to patient safety, Osler is also Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian hospital can receive from Accreditation Canada. Osler’s emergency departments are among the busiest in Canada and its Mental Health Program is one of the largest in the province. William Osler Health System Foundation seeks to create a healthier community through giving by inspiring its communities to invest in exceptional health care close to home.

TOWN OF OAKVILLE RECEIVES DAVID W. PRETTY CUP FOR LIFESAVING SWIMMING PROGRAMS

PROJECT STALLION: POLICE RECOVER

MORE THAN 500 STOLEN VEHICLES, 119 PEOPLE IN CUSTODY

Today, Police Chief Myron Demkiw was joined by Superintendent Ron Taverner, 22 and 23 District Commander, and Detective Sergeant Peter Wehby of the Organized Crime Investigative Support Team (OCIS) to discuss Project Stallion, an ongoing investigation into vehicle and catalytic converter thefts in Toronto’s west end. The conference can be viewed on YouTube. In November 2022, 22 and 23 Divisions, in collaboration with OCIS, launched an ongoing operation to reduce the number of catalytic converter thefts, and the number of stolen vehicles. So far, Project Stallion has resulted in the recovery of 556 stolen vehicles worth more than $27M, and 314 charges laid against 119 people. Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) is supporting this Toronto Police Service joint investigation. “Vehicle thefts in Toronto have more than doubled since 2019, making it a significant issue in our city and across the GTA,” said Chief Demkiw. “Project Stallion is an example of the actions Toronto Police are taking in our local communities to tackle this growing problem. The Toronto Police Service, including our OCIS team and police divisions, are working in alignment to recover stolen vehicles and hold people who commit these crimes to account.”

The Chief went on to say: “The success of this investigation so far is the result of the dedication of our investigators and their countless support staff in 22 and 23 Divisions, units across the Service, and our partners in law enforcement, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and CISO.” Like in many parts of the GTA, vehicle thefts in Toronto have increased substantially over the past few years. In 2022, almost 2,000 vehicles were stolen in 22 and 23 Divisions, many of them Honda CR-Vs and Ford F-150 trucks. The same two divisions also saw over 300 catalytic converter thefts. Thieves are using highly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, and are using those vehicles to carry out other crimes or to ship them overseas, where they are resold for well above their value.

“Thanks to the dedication of our officers, hundreds of stolen vehicles have been recovered before they left the country or were used in support of other crimes,” said Superintendent Taverner. “Vehicle theft and its impact on violent crime is a growing issue in Toronto, and it can seriously compromise a victim’s personal safety and well-being. Toronto Police take these crimes seriously, and Project Stallion is proof of that.”

Between November 7, 2022 and April 11, 2023, Project Stallion has resulted in the following:

Charged people: 119

Charges laid: 314

Vehicles recovered: 556

Value of recovered vehicles: $27,406,120

“The spike in auto thefts that we are seeing is not exclusive to the GTA. This is now a provincial, national, and even international problem,” said Detective Sergeant Wehby. “Investigators are working around the clock in collaboration with our partners in policing, government agencies, industry and our communities. Project Stallion is an example of how intelligence-led and information sharing can help us tackle this growing problem.” Each TPS division has a Major Crime Unit, which investigates auto theft reports and establishes if there are any similarities or links to other incidents. Every division also analyzes crime trends and implements proactive uniform and plain-clothes projects to tackle particular hot spots.

Launched in June 2022, the OCIS team is specifically designed to investigate auto thefts that are associated with organized crime. This team of investigators additionally works with our other units such as the Hold-Up Squad to identify those responsible. The Service is also part of a GTA taskforce dedicated to carjackings as auto theft crimes, through their very nature, often have no borders.

ECONOMY GREW AT AN ANNUALIZED RATE OF 2.5% IN Q1: STATCAN

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Public sector expands

The public sector (educational services, health care and social assistance, and public administration combined) expanded 0.2% in February, up for the thirteenth consecutive month, with increases in all three subsectors.

Professional, scientific, and technical services rise for the third consecutive month

OAKVILLE: The Town of Oakville has received Lifesaving Society Ontario’s David W. Pretty Cup for a third year in a row. The award is presented annually to a municipal affiliate with the largest lifesaving program in a community with a population between 100,000 and 250,000. The town offers a variety of aquatic programs, including learn to swim, leadership courses and recertification, and swim to survive school programs.

Earlier this month, the town also received the 2023 Parks and Recreation Ontario Aquatics Facility Design Award. Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre has been recognized for its excellence in aquatics facility design and the innovative ways it meets the community’s needs. The facility features a 25-metre lap pool swimming pool and a warm lap swimming pool that are kept at 84°F and each have a wheelchair access ramp into the water.

To learn more about the aquatics programs the town offers, visit oakville.ca. QUOTE “Council and I are proud of the recognition the Town of Oakville is receiving

for delivering great programs and services in high quality facilities. A big thank you to staff for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our town’s livability and to our partners Diamond Schmitt Architects, Graham Construction, Austin Carrol Pools and DEI Consulting Engineers for helping the town build the award-winning Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre.”

- Mayor Rob Burton

“Congratulations to our staff who are deeply committed to providing quality programs and services that residents value. The town is honoured to receive the 2022 David W. Pretty Cup for a third year in a row. We are also thrilled that the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre has been recognized for its excellence in aquatics facility design and the innovative and creative ways it meets the community’s needs. Providing our residents with sustainable, inclusive and innovative spaces is a top priority for the town.”

- Julie Mitchell, Director of Recreation and Culture

The professional, scientific, and technical services sector rose 0.6% in February, as seven out of nine subsectors posted gains in the month. Computer systems design and related services (+0.9%) has posted uninterrupted gains since May 2021, and continues to be among the top contributors to growth in the sector.

Construction activity expands for a fifth consecutive month

The construction sector expanded 0.3% in February, as all subsectors were up for a second month in a row. Residential building construction (+0.3%) was the top contributor to growth in the month, posting a second consecutive increase to start the year after declining in the last five months of 2022. Home alterations and improvement, which was a large contributor to the downward trend in residential building construction activity in 2022, drove the gains in both January and February 2023. Engineering and other construction activities expanded 0.3% in February and continued the upward trend that began at the end of 2020. Non-residential building construction (+0.4%) posted a third consecutive increase, driven by gains in both new building construction and alterations and improvement.

Finance and insurance advances on non-mortgage debt

Finance and insurance increased 0.3% in February—its second consecutive monthly growth—as all subsectors advanced. Credit intermediation and monetary authorities (+0.3%) contributed the most to growth, driven by increases in credit card debt at chartered banks and personal loans. Financial investment services, funds, and other financial vehicles (+0.3%) and insurance carriers and related activities (+0.2%) also contributed to the gain.

Wholesale trade declines

Wholesale trade contracted 1.3% in February, partially offsetting the large January gain, with five of nine subsectors decreasing in the month. Lower activity in food, beverage and tobacco, building material and supplies, motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories, and personal and household goods wholesalers drove February's decline. Building material and supplies wholesalers followed a downward trend during most of 2022 and was a large contributor to the downward trend in the overall sector. Yet, recent monthly movements suggest a flattening of the trend in the subsector, with February's decline the first downward movement in three months. Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories wholesalers (-4.4%) reached its lowest level since June 2020, after posting its third consecutive decline, as imports of motor vehicle engines and parts and manufacturing activity contracted in the month.

INDIA TALKS TOUGH AT SCO MEET

Last week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting, India adopted a very tough stand to deal with its immediate neighbour China, which has been the founding father of the bloc.

Relations between two Asian neighbours have not been very cordial in the recent past, on the issue of border transgressions by China in the Indian territory.

India's Tough Posture

China's Defence Minister, Li Shangfu, in his first visit to India by a Chinese defence minister since 2020, when 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died in clashes along the Himalayan border in Ladakh and the two sides came the closest to war for almost 70 years, was indeed not expecting such a dressing down by the Indians.

In his meeting with Li Shangfu, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused China of border aggressions that have "eroded the entire basis" of bilateral relationship, as negotiations over the line of actual control (LAC) remain deadlocked.

Border transgressions from China have continued despite strong condemnation from India. In December last year, more than 20 Indian soldiers were injured in a clash with Chinese troops in the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, in what India described as a Chinese attempt to "transgress the border".

In March, China announced plans to "rename" 11 places in Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as part of Tibet. When the Indian home minister visited the border region that same week to assert the Indian territorial claim, Beijing hit back, calling the visit a violation of its territorial sovereignty.

Border Issue

While in the recent past, there has been disengagement in some areas, Indian army officers and defence experts say about 1,500 sq. km. in Ladakh taken over by the PLA in 2020 remains under Chinese control.

Two main areas of contention in Ladakh are Demchok and Depsang, which were previously patrolled by Indian troops but are now occupied by PLA soldiers. Both areas remain tactically important for India, but in spite of many round of talks, there is no move forward and there also does not seem any inclination from China to resolve the issue.

People living near the border in Ladakh allege that in the disengagement negotiations, New Delhi has ceded land to Beijing by agreeing to the creation of buffer zones -- where neither side can patrol -- in land that was previously claimed by India, specifically in the disputed Pangong Tso and Chushul areas. Thus, the real loser in the case has been India.

In reality, this happened due to the fact that India couldn't see the hegemonic Chinese designs for the area. China has been building new highways, railway lines, bridges, air strips and sophisticated military bases, modern housing and 5G towers in the disputed area, while India- which historically avoided developing areas near the Chinese border in

PEOPLE LIVING NEAR THE BORDER IN LADAKH ALLEGE THAT IN THE DISENGAGEMENT NEGOTIATIONS, NEW DELHI HAS CEDED LAND TO BEIJING BY AGREEING TO THE CREATION OF BUFFER ZONES -- WHERE NEITHER SIDE CAN PATROL -- IN LAND THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY CLAIMED BY INDIA, SPECIFICALLY IN THE DISPUTED PANGONG TSO AND CHUSHUL AREAS. THUS, THE REAL LOSER IN THE CASE HAS BEEN INDIA. IN REALITY, THIS HAPPENED DUE TO THE FACT THAT INDIA COULDN'T SEE THE HEGEMONIC CHINESE DESIGNS FOR THE AREA. CHINA HAS BEEN BUILDING NEW HIGHWAYS, RAILWAY LINES, BRIDGES, AIR STRIPS AND SOPHISTICATED MILITARY BASES, MODERN HOUSING AND 5G TOWERS IN THE DISPUTED AREA, WHILE INDIA -- WHICH HISTORICALLY AVOIDED DEVELOPING AREAS NEAR THE CHINESE BORDER IN ORDER TO PREVENT ANY PROVOCATION - HAS BEEN LEFT BEHIND, WITH MANY OF ITS BORDER AREAS STILL IMPOVERISHED. IN THE RECENT PAST INDIA HAS DOUBLED ITS FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE NEAR THE BORDER WITH CHINA, TO CORRECT ITS EARLIER MISCALCULATIONS. JANUARY 2023 SAW THE INDIAN DEFENCE MINISTER INAUGURATING 27 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE, IN ADDITION INDIA IS SPEEDING UP THE CONSTRUCTION OF 37,500 MILES OF ROADS, 350 MILES OF BRIDGES, 19 AIRFIELDS AND A FEW TUNNELS IN BORDER AREAS OR NEARBY.

order to prevent any provocation - has been left behind, with many of its border areas still impoverished.

In the recent past India has doubled its focus on infrastructure near the border with China, to correct its earlier miscalculations. January 2023 saw the Indian Defence Minister inaugurating 27 infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the border infrastructure, in addition India is speeding up the construction of 37,500 miles of roads, 350 miles of bridges, 19 airfields and a few tunnels in border areas or nearby.

The scale and speed of this Indian infrastructure push is evident in the construction of ambitious 8-mile tunnel in the Himalayan range, at an altitude of about 3,000 metres, to provide all-weather connectivity to Ladakh. India is trying hard to get the $1.4 billion Zojila tunnel completed at the earliest.

SCO Summit

Though the SCO is not a platform for bilateral issues, the Defence Ministers' meeting highlighted policy priorities, while India focussed on terrorism. Russia reiterated its criticism of the West's Indo-Pacific concept and creation of regional groups like the Quad.

Addressing the summit, Rajnath Singh underlined that any form of terrorist act or support towards it was a heinous crime against humanity. Though the issue of terrorism may have been pointed towards Pakistan, India also reiterated that a "robust" framework of regional cooperation should respect the "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states by taking care of their legitimate interests".

Meanwhile, the Chinese Defence Minister harped on President Xi Jinping's

'Global Security Initiative', and said that Beijing was willing to work with other SCO members to implement the Global Security Initiative. On his part, the Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu took a blunt aim at the West for attempting to integrate the emerging security architecture in the Indian Ocean with NATO.

Russia has always opposed the Indo-Pacific policy, advocated by the West and supported by India, describing it as an attempt to encircle China. The Russian minister expressed his belief that the SCO's "independent policies" towards global and regional security challenges could serve as a blueprint for the international community.

He emphasised the need to strengthen SCO's role as a key pillar of the emerging multipolar international system, one that promotes inter-state relations based on principles of equality, mutual respect, and compliance with international law.

Additionally, the General stated that NATO countries should bear the primary responsibility for post-war reconstruction in Afghanistan and Taliban should not be blamed for the current situation in the country. Besides a virtual participation by Pakistan, defence ministers of eight SCO member states attended the meeting in New Delhi.

The writer is a senior political commentator based in New Delhi. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal ideas of the author. The facts and conclusions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Y Media and Midweek Newspaper, and Y Media does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

ONTARIO INVESTING $12 MILLION TO HELP THOSE WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS FIND A JOB

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $12 million to support nine innovative projects designed to help up to 2,000 people leaving the justice system or with prior criminal records find meaningful jobs with local businesses, helping them create connections and a sense of belonging within their communities. More than one million people in Ontario live with a criminal record, which can decrease the chances of a second interview by 50 per cent and drastically increases the likelihood of long-term poverty. Stable employment has been shown to help address the root causes of crime and reduce the likelihood of someone re-offending.

“Across Ontario, tens of thousands of people have paid their dues and just want to roll up their sleeves and give back,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government believes in the power of second chances. I urge business leaders to join us as we smash through the stigma of a criminal record.”

Led by various organizations across multiple sectors, the programs announced today will prepare jobseekers for well-paying careers in construction, manufacturing, hospitality, food and beverage processing, and other industries. They will provide a range of employment and training needs through apprenticeship and technical training, on-the-job learning, and improving job readiness and interview skills. The projects include wrap-around support like mentorship, job placement, and mental health resources to ensure a smooth transition to the job market. "We believe in second chances and in the inherent potential of each person,” said Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General. “Building a strong Ontario means that no one gets left behind, including those with previous criminal records. By connecting those with criminal records to skills training, we are creating brighter futures and better

tomorrows.” The government will be unveiling additional programs to help people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system over the coming months. These projects are funded through the Skills Development Fund, a $700 million initiative, which supports groundbreaking programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home. "Minister McNaughton and his team have done incredible work to support training and skills development in the hospitality sector,” said Terry Tsianos, Chairman of Scale Hospitality. “The ongoing funding received through the provincial SDF program has allowed us to provide second chance training to at-risk youth across the GTA and provide them with valuable training to transform their lives. The support this year will, once again, position the hospitality sector as a viable option for individuals who want meaningful, well-paying employment. We are thankful for the leadership of Premier Ford, Minister McNaughton, and Minister Kerzner for their continued support for skills development and second chance programs."

CANADIANS DONATE OVER $8 MILLION TO THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY IN QUARTER 1 OF 2023

OTTAWA- Pierre Poilievre's first Q1 as Leader of the Conservative Party brought in $8,306,535 from 45,659 contributors.

The $8,306,535 raised in Q1 speaks to the growing movement of Canadians who are putting their hard-earned dollars behind a Leader who is listening to them and speaking to their concerns.

"Everywhere you look, Canadians are fighting just to live a decent life. We had a deal in this country, if you followed the rules, went to school, got a job, and worked hard, you could by a home, afford to go on a vacation, and have enough left over to put money away for a rainy day. That deal is broken. Justin Trudeau's inflationary spending and reckless tax and spend policies have broken this country and have made Canadians broke," said Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre.

"A Poilievre government will remove the gatekeepers, axe the costly carbon tax, cut wasteful spending, restore powerful paycheques, and put Canadians back in control of their lives." "Our team will continue to honour and respect Canadians by fighting to put them back in charge of their lives and making this nation the freest on earth. We are going to turn the hurt Justin Trudeau has caused into hope for a people and a country so full of potential," said Poilievre. The full fundraising report can be found online at elections.ca.

ONTARIO GETTING MORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND BY MAKING IT EASIER TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN POLICE OFFICERS

TORONTO — The Ontario government is making it easier for police services across the province to recruit and train more police officers by removing tuition fees for the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College (OPC) and immediately expanding the number of recruits that can be trained each year.

“Ontario is grateful to the thousands of brave women and men who serve as police officers across the province, keeping our communities safe,” said Premier Doug Ford. “To push back the growing tide of crime in our communities, we’re urgently getting more boots on the ground. That’s why our government is making the path to becoming a police officer as open as possible, expanding enrollment at the Ontario Police College and covering 100 per cent of the tuition cost for Basic Constable Training.” To get more boots on the ground, the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College will be expanded immediately to accommodate an additional 70 recruits per cohort, from 480 to 550. Starting in 2024, the Basic Constable Training program will also be expanded to four cohorts per year instead of three. Additionally, to support recruitment efforts at a time when local police officers have signaled challenges in doing so, the province is introducing legislation that, if passed, will eliminate the postsecondary education requirement to become a police officer, as set out in

TDSB TO DEVELOP ISLAMOPHOBIA STRATEGY

Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have unanimously voted to develop and implement a system-wide comprehensive strategy to address Islamophobia.

The creation of this new strategy will further build on the work of the broader TDSB Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, which addresses all forms of racism, hate and discrimination.

With tonight’s approval, staff will now prepare a report to be presented to the TDSB’s Planning and Priorities Committee at a fall meeting, where they will update Trustees on the development of the new strategy. In March 2022, the TDSB launched a formal plan to ensure students and staff move beyond performative responses to hate and racism. The Combatting Hate and Racism – Student Learning Strategy became part of a multi-faceted approach to better understand and address the impact of hate and racism within the TDSB.

DHRUBO HASAN, 29 OF TORONTO FACING MORE THAN 40 CHARGES AFTER WOMAN FORCIBLY CONFINED, SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to an arrest made in a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

a man assaulted, forcibly confined and sexually assaulted a woman on several occasions over the period of a year and a half

On Friday, April 21, 2023, Dhrubo Hasan, 29, of Toronto was arrested. He has been charged with:

Three counts of Sexual Assault

Two counts of Fail to Comply Release Order

Six counts of Assault

Six counts of Assault by Choking

Three counts of Mischief Under $5000

Two counts of Publish intimate image without consent

Nine counts of Fail to Comply

Assault with a Weapon

Administer noxious substance

Aggravated assault

Threaten Death

Three counts of Forcible confinement

He was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Toronto East Courts located at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East. Police are concerned there may be more victims. Images of the accused have been released.

Furthermore, police would like to encourage all affected individuals to come forward and report human trafficking occurrences to the police. We want to ensure everyone has access to support services and an exit strategy, regardless of their decision to proceed criminally.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-8087474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). If passed, the act would amend the CSPA to provide that a secondary school diploma or equivalent is sufficient education for the purposes of being appointed as a police officer. “These changes are good news for police services across the province, as well as for Ontarians considering a career as a police officer,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “We listened to the concerns about recruitment shortfalls and training limitations and have taken steps to remove barriers and expand the possibilities for those considering a career as a police officer.” Ontario’s new measures compliment other recent enhancements in Basic Constable Training at the OPC. Earlier this year, the duration of the training program was expanded from 60 to 66 days to accommodate immediate rapid deployment and active attacker and mental health response training for individuals in crisis. The college’s mental health response training for individuals in crisis provides police officers with the skills they need to work with on-the-ground supports such as mobile crisis response teams. The elimination of the tuition fee for the Basic Constable Training program at the Ontario Police College will be retroactive to January 1, 2023. Recruits who paid for their twelve-week Basic Constable Training earlier this year will be reimbursed.

CANCEL COUNCIL’S IRRESPONSIBLE REQUEST TO DECRIMINALIZE DRUGS IN TORONTO FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS

TORONTO – Mark Saunders is immediately calling on Council to cancel their request to the federal government to decriminalize drugs for personal use for both adults and youth in the City of Toronto. As a police officer for almost four decades, Saunders had a front row seat to the carnage caused by illicit drugs. Heroin, crack cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamines, crystal meth, fentanyl – the list is extensive and growing as new drugs are showing up on streets, including Tranq.

For years, City Hall has failed to do anything about the safety impacts that supervised injection sites have on residents, families and businesses who live, play and work near them. In fact, some of their status quo policies have hurt, more than helped, those struggling with addiction, and the communities most impacted. As Mayor, Saunders will put in place a compassionate plan to make the number of overdose deaths go down, not up and up and up as the city has seen for years. His plan will help those struggling with addiction by:

Revisiting the Toronto Overdose Action Plan to focus more on treatment as a key priority for the City’s response, as opposed to continuing to expand the facilitation of drug use.

Establishing a formal working group with key service providers and experts to understand how to best lead drug users to treatment, as opposed to continuing a cycle of addiction.

Working closely with the province to identify and explore the creation of additional in-patient treatment options and resources that are urgently needed for users of supervised injection sites.

Working with the federal and provincial governments to right-size the available treatment beds and resources to reflect the state of urgency in the City of Toronto; right now, mental health and addiction funding is not keeping pace with the share of healthcare resources that are used for treatment. “We can’t normalize illicit drug use - especially for youth aged 12 - 17. As a police officer, I’ve seen how the lives of those suffering from addiction and their loved ones have been destroyed by pain, loss and grief,” said Saunders.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

General Accounting & Bookkeeping

COMMUNITY

CELEBRATE MUSEUM MONTH WITH PAMA THIS MAY

QUICK POLICE RESPONSE RESULTS IN MULTIPLE ARRESTS AND FOILED ROBBERY ATTEMPT

BRAMPTON– This May, Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) welcomes a new multi-media exhibition featuring the work of Sikh-Punjabi artist Simranpreet Anand as part of our Museum Month celebrations. Join us for a full line-up of other exciting workshops, activities, and events all month long!

SHEESHE ‘CH THARE? | A CRACK IN THE MIRROR

April 29 – September 3

Guest Curated by Sajdeep Soomal

This exhibition is a survey of multi-media work by artist Simranpreet Anand who has been deeply influenced by her experience as a young Punjabi-Sikh Canadian. The exhibition includes works made in collaboration with Ethnomusicologist and scholar Conner Singh VanderBeek.

This exhibition was developed by the Reach Gallery Museum where it previously premiered. It is readapted for its PAMA presentation.

Art Gallery Opening Reception

Saturday, May 6, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for the opening of crack in the mirror and an artist talk with Simranpreet Anand and Conner Singh VanderBeek, alongside curator Sajdeep Soomal.

This event is free, but registration is required.

Register now to reserve your spot.

Workshops, Activities and Events

DIY Studio Time

Saturdays and Sundays

Explore exhibitions and connect with your family over self-guided art projects that inspire creativity. Do-it-yourself studio time activities change every month.

May’s activity: Create a blossoming flower reveal inspired by the season.

Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop with Brampton Library (18+) Thursday, May 4, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

This interactive workshop will introduce the practice of reflective writing and give participants an opportunity to take part in communal storytelling. This workshop is offered in collaboration with Brampton Library and local multidisciplinary artist Jeyolyn Christi. Free admission. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Register with Brampton Library here.

Native Plants + Art Workshop with Brampton Library and TRCA

Thursday, May 11, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Join Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), PAMA and Brampton Library for this unique plant and art workshop just in time for Mother’s Day! Learn about native plants then decorate a pot for your plant. Registrants will receive a complimentary plant to go along with their painted pot. A wonderful gift or keepsake. Free admission. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required.

Click here to register with Brampton Library.

All ages welcome, and guardians must accompany children.

Mother’s Day Tea with Botanical Art Workshop

Saturday May 13, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate an early Mother’s Day in our historic spaces with tea, finger sandwiches and sweets from Totally Tea, paired with a botanical art workshop!

Public: $45 (includes general admission), members $40, pre-registration is required.

Reserve your spot now.

Sunday FUNday

Sunday, May 26, 1 – 4:30 p.m.

Drop in and engage with art through a special instructor-led activity!

May’s activity is all about celebrating Museum Month. Let your imagination run wild and design your own work of art or artifact that you would like to see in the museum. Recommended for children 5-12, guardians must accompany children. This drop-in is included with general admission. Members are free.

About PAMA

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street East in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.

REGION OF PEEL – Peel Regional Police have charged three young persons regarding an attempted robbery at a pharmacy in Mississauga and recovered a stolen vehicle. On April 25, 2023, it is alleged that three young persons attended a pharmacy near Lorne Park Road and Lakeshore Road in Mississauga. All three suspects had their faces covered to disguise their identities and made efforts to gain access to the front security doors. Working inside the pharmacy, the victims secured the doors and contacted the police. Following a quick, coordinated and efficient police response, uniformed officers located the suspects a short distance away, operating a vehicle reported stolen earlier this month from York Region. All three suspects were arrested and held pending bail hearings. Three 15-year-old male youths from Mississauga have been charged with the following alleged offences: Attempt to Commit an Indictable Offence, Wearing a Disguise with Intent and Possession of Stolen Property. One of the youths was also charged with Failing to Comply with a Release Order stemming from previous outstanding robbery charges. This remains an ongoing investigation, and investigators anticipate that further charges may be laid. A general provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Y.C.J.A.) prohibits the release of the name of a Young Person, and, therefore, the identity of the Young Person charged in this investigation is protected. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact investigators with the Central Robbery Bureau at (905)453-2121 ext. 3410. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.

WE URGENTLY NEED BAIL REFORMS, SAYS DOUG FORD AS ONTARIO INVESTS G $112M TO STRENGTHEN BAIL SYSTEM

SCARBOROUGH — The Ontario government is investing $112 million to immediately strengthen the province’s bail system and ensure that high-risk and repeat violent offenders comply with their bail conditions. The funding will be used to support new technology, establish violent crime bail teams, expand the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad and provide prosecutors with the resources they need to conduct complex bail hearings. “As the country and our province face rising crime rates and people are feeling increasingly unsafe in their communities, this funding will help ensure anyone out on bail is following the rules and high-risk, repeat offenders are kept in jail,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We can’t have a justice system where violent criminals are arrested one day and back out on the streets the next. We’re doing our part to fix a broken bail system and look forward to working with our federal partners to finish the job.”

Specifics of the investment include:

* The creation of a new Bail Compliance and Warrant Apprehension Grant $24 million will be made available over three years to help the OPP and municipal and First Nations police services establish dedicated bail compliance teams. Teams will also assist prosecutors with gathering evidence and assessing public safety risk during the bail hearing stage.

BADAL, TOWERING LEADER OF PUNJAB POLITICS, CREMATED WITH STATE HONOURS

SCO DEFENCE MINISTERS' MEET: RAJNATH HOLDS BILATERAL TALKS WITH RUSSIAN COUNTERPART

NEW DELHI, (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday met his Russian counterpart Ser gei Shoigu in the national capital on the sidelines of the Sha nghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meet.

The Ministry of Defence said that during the meeting, both the ministers discussed various matters related to regional peace and security. Singh and Shoigu held wide-ranging discussions on several issues of bilateral cooperation, including defence and industrial partnerships. The two ministers also discussed the participation of Russia's defence industry in the 'Make in India' initiative, and ways to further accelerate it. It has been learnt that both expressed satisfaction "at the continued trust and mutual respect between India and Russia, particularly in the defence sector, and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening mutual partnership".

Meanwhile, during the meeting, Shoigu slammed the US and groupings like Quad while showing inclination towards China. India is part of Quad, which also comprising Australia, Japan and the US. The Russian Defence Minister said that "a front is being set up to stop China". He said that tensions around the 'so-called' Taiwan issue

have been deliberately raised.

Shoigu said "the supporters of Washington are pursuing their strategic agenda of provoking other countries for a military confrontation with other countries, especially Russia and China".

At the conclusion of the SCO meeting, SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming also met Rajnath Singh. Various activities undertaken by India under its chairmanship were discussed.

The Defence Minister told the Secretary-General that India is committed to contribute constructively to the implementation of the SCO's mandate. Rajnath Singh also held bilateral talks with the Defence Ministers of Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting.

He held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Defence of Uzbekistan, Lt Gen Bakhodir Kurbanov; Defence Minister of Belarus, Lt Gen Victor Khrenin; and Minister of Defence of Kyrgyzstan, Lt Gen Bekbolotov B. Asankalievich. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said: "The entire gamut of defence cooperation with the three countries was reviewed during the meetings, with a focus on identifying beneficial avenues for furthering bilateral ties. Issues of mutual interest were also discussed."

PEOPLE LIKE BAGESHWAR DHAM CHIEF SHOULD GO TO JAIL: RJD

PATNA, (IANS) RJD leaders have reacted strongly to the upcoming visit of self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, the chief of Bageshwar Dham, a pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district, who is scheduled to hold a five-day spiritual camp in Patna soon. RJD's state unit chief Jagadanand Singh said that people like Shastri should be put behind bars.

"It is extremely unfortunate that he (Shastri) is not in jail. The BJP is lining up communal hooligans in Bihar. The people of this country have great faith in saints, but the BJP is destroying that. How can a hooligan turn into a saint? It has never happened in our country before," Singh said. "Dhirendra Shastri advocates turning India into a Hindu nation. I firmly believe that people's comments should be within the purview of the Constitution. Such saints are dangerous for the society," Singh added. State minister and RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav said: "If Dhirendra Shastri is coming here to stoke communal tension, I will stage a protest at the airport. He can enter Bihar only if he sends across the message of Hindu-MuslimSikh-Christian brotherhood."

Earlier this month, Shastri had drawn the ire of Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil for his "I don't consider Saibaba as

God... He may be called a saint or fakir" remark.

"A criminal complaint should be filed and action should be taken against him for his irresponsible statement," Patil had said.

'EVIDENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES..': COURT DENIES SISODIA BAIL IN ED'S EXCISE POLICY CASE

NEW DELHI, (IANS) A Delhi court on Friday denied bail to AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in connection with the Delhi excise policy case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), holding that that the evidence, prima facie, "speaks volumes" of his involvement in commission of the offence.

Special Judge M. K. Nagpal denied the relief, noting the "serious nature of allegations made and role played by Sisodia in the criminal conspiracy, his connection with the activities relating to generation or acquisition and use etc of the proceeds of crime and the oral and documentary evidence collected in support of the same".

"Hence, this court is not inclined to grant bail to the applicant in this case of economic offences having serious repercussions upon the general public and society at large as the evidence collected during investigation speaks volumes of his involvement in commission of the said offence."

The judge also said that the purported medical condition of Sisodia's wife was not a reason to grant him bail in this case. Additionally, he stated that it was impossible to rule out the potential of Sisodia influencing key witnesses in the case.

The judge noted that the alleged offence against Sisodia was a "serious economic offence of money laundering" and that he has not been accused of committing the offence in his personal capacity, but rather in his official

capacity as a public servant overseeing the Excise Ministry and serving as Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister.

"The seriousness or gravity of the offence and its nature or category, the capacity of applicant in which it was committed, the manner of its commission and also certain other factors like impact of the offence as well as the possible impact of release of applicant on society etc. are the factors which go against the applicant and force this court to decide against his release on bail in the present case," the judge said. Judge Nagpal pronounced the order on Friday after having reserved it on April 18.

'WHY PARADED BEFORE MEDIA', SC SEEKS STATUS REPORT ON STEPS TAKEN AFTER ATIQ-ASHRAF MURDERS

NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday directed Uttar Pradesh government to bring on record steps taken and inquiries which have been initiated into the killings of Atiq Ahmed and his brother, while they were taken for medical check-up in police custody, and also shot a volley of questions to the state government in connection with the lapse of their security.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the UP government, said the killers came in the guise of news photographers. A benc h comprising Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta asked how did they know? Referring to the shooting of Atiq and his brother live on TV, the bench questioned why they were not taken into the van till the hospital, why were they made to walk and paraded before the media? The UP government counsel submitted that as per orders of the court, they have to be taken for medical test every two days, so the press knew and the government has appointed a commission to examine the matter and urged the court to not issue notice in t he matter and the government will produce records.

The bench said that the petitioner is claiming there is a pattern, maybe the commission can take a sample case, and there was a nother encounter. The UP government counsel said Atiq and the family were involved in criminal activities for a long time.

The bench also sought a report from the UP government on the police encounter of Atiq Ahmad's son, Asad in Jhansi. Asad was kil led in an encounter by a special task force (ST) team of the UP Police on April 13. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing after three weeks. The top court was hearing a plea seeking a probe into the killings of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf. The plea sought a direction for setting up of an expert co mmittee headed by a former apex court judge to investigate the killings. Advocate Vishal Tiwari moved the apex court seeking an independent expert committee and also sought an inquiry into the 183 encounters that have taken place in Uttar Pradesh since 2017.

Ahmad and his brother were shot dead by three assailants, posing as journalists, while they were being escorted by police personnel to a medical college in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj for a check up on Saturday night.

The plea sought guidelines to safeguard the rule of law by constituting an independent expert committee under the chairmanship of a former Supreme Court judge and also to inquire into the 183 encounters which had occurred since 2017 as stated by the Uttar Pradesh Special Director General of Police (Law and Order). The petitioner also sought a probe into the murder of Ahmad and his brother under police custody and stressed that "such actions by police are a severe threat to democracy and rule of law and lead to police state".

BADAL (PUNJAB) (IANS) Cutting across party lines, the tallest leader of state politics and the Akali patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, who always valued and practised secular credentials, was cremated with full state honours at his native village of Badal in Muktsar district in southwest Punjab. His death at the age of 95 on Tuesday evening marked the end of an era of 70 years in Punjab's politics.

In political circles, Badal, the country's oldest politician -- next only to BJP veteran L.K. Advani -- was known as the 'Baba Bohr' (banyan tree) of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

He is survived by son and former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and daughter Parneet Kaur and grandchildren. He lost his life-partner, Surinder Kaur, in 2011.

His son lit the pyre. As the bugle sounded, a pall of silence descended at the cremation ground before police personnel fired shots into the air as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The elderly Badal entered politics at the age of 20 when he got elected as the sarpanch of Badal in 1947, the village that remained his native place despite being election as the Chief Minister five times. And for the villagers the veteran leader was their sarpanch till he breathed his last.

The cremation was held at the family's kinnow farm where a raised platform was erected for performing the last rites. The farm was raised by the elderly Badal himself.

Scores of dignitaries from all political spectrum and supporters flooded his native place early in the morning where former Chief Minister's body was kept to catch a last glimpse of the late leader. Amid 'Shabad Kirtan', his body, kept in a flower-decked tractortrailer, was taken in a procession to the nearby agricultural field for a state funeral.

A stoic Sukhbir Singh Badal, often consoled by his 'estranged' cousin Manpreet Badal, along with his wife Harsimrat Kaur and his three children acknowledged the tributes of hundreds of people, some tearful, who came to pay respect to the elderly Badal, whose mortal remains were brought from Chandigarh on late Wednesday evening at their residence.

Under the helm of senior Badal, SAD made history in 1997 by becoming the first non-Congress party to complete its first full term in office since Independence.

It repeated its feat in 2007 and 2012 in alliance with the BJP.

BJP national President J.P. Nadda, Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Som Parkash, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Ministers Bhagwant Mann and Ashok Gehlot, former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Hooda, National Congress leader Omar Abdullah, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, former union minister Praful Patel, among others, attended the cremation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reached Chandigarh to pay his last respects to the patriarch where his body was kept for public to pay their respects.

Modi had, on Tuesday, described the demise of Badal as a "personal loss" and said he was a colossal figure of Indian politics who contributed greatly to the nation. Congress leader and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a letter to Sukhbir Badal, expressed his deepest condolences and acknowledged his contributions for the welfare of farmers and weaker sections.

For local villages, the elderly Badal was their mass leader who had always remained attached with his roots despite his political aura. "I am the third generation of my family who has been associated with bade (elder) Badal saab since he won the first election (of sarpanch)," remarked an emotional local villager Davinder Bhullar.

BADALS GETS CLEAN CHIT FROM SC IN SAD'S DUAL CONSTITUTION CONTROVERSY CASE

NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday quashed cheating and forgery proceedings in connection with the controversy over the dual constitution of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) against the party's late patriarch Parkash Singh Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal. Parkash Singh Badal, also a five-time former Chief Minister of Punjab, died at a private hospital in Mohali on Tuesday. He was 95. On April 11, the Supreme Court had reserved the judgment on a plea filed by the Badals and Daljit Singh Cheema, challenging the proceedings pending before Punjab's Hoshiarpur court in the alleged case of forgery and cheating filed against them, in the controversy over dual constitution of the SAD.

Pronouncing the judgment, the Justice M.R. Shah-led bench said: "No ingredients made out, criminal proceedings quashed, clear case of abuse of law... We set aside summoning order".

The petitions were filed by Badals and Cheema, in connection with a complaint filed by a Hoshiarpur resident Balwant Singh Khera. In 2009, Khera had filed a criminal complaint before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate.

The complaint accused SAD of submitting two different constitutions, i.e., one with the Gurdwara Election Commission (GEC) and the second with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to seek recognition as a political party.

Senior advocates K.V. Viswanathan and R.S. Cheema appeared for the Badals, and advocate Sandeep Kapur for Cheema.

The petitions were filed by Karanjawala & Co. and the brief was led by Nandini Gore and Sandeep Kapur and others. Advocate Prashant Bhushan appeared for Balwant Singh Khera. During the hearing, the top court asked the counsel for the original complainant how the offences mentioned in the private complaint were made out in the instant case.

The top court orally observed that prima facie offences of forgery, cheating, falsifications of documents etc., were not made out.

WHY IS BRIJ BHUSHAN SHARAN SINGH NOT BEING ARRESTED DESPITE POCSO ACT CHARGES: SIDHU

'WHAT DID YOU DO TO STOP CORRUPTION IN K'TAKA', RAHUL ASKS PM MODI

BENGALURU, (IANS) Continuing his attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the poll-bound state of Karnataka, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain all the action he took to stop corruption in the state.

Addressing a huge public rally in Hassan, Rahul Gandhi said: "The BJP first stole your government and then, through the government, it stole money from you. Now, the PM gives speeches here. But the truth is that he knew about all the corruption that took place in Karnataka in the last three years.

"If even a six-year-old child in Karnataka knows it, the PM must also be aware of it. So, I ask him -- what action have you taken to stop corruption in Karnataka in the last three years? And, against how many people did you take action?" Rahul Gandhi questioned.

"Ask any kid of Karnataka -- what is the name of the government? He will tell you '40 per cent Sarkar'. Everyone knows this. The Contractors' Association wrote to the PM telling him about the 40 per cent commission; he may have read the letter but didn't give any reply. Dingaleshwar Swami ji says that 30 per cent commission was taken from his mutt, and he was given a 10 per cent discount," he said.

Rahul Gandhi further said: "In the Mysore Sandal soap scandal, a BJP MLA's son was caught with cash. There were scams in recruitment of Police Sub-Inspectors, Asst. Professors, Asst. Engineers. There was a Cooperative Bank scam.

"Modi ji, please talk about these issues in your speeches. You come here

and say that 'Congress attacked me'. Please also tell what you did for Karnataka in the last 3 years. Here, the question is not about the PM. It is about Karnataka's youth, farmers and women," he said.

Posing another question to PM Modi, the former Congress president said: "Modi ji, what action did you take when violence took place at KarnatakaMaharashtra border? How did you help Karnataka in the matter of the water dispute between Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka?

"When we give speeches, we take the names of our leaders. Like I showed respect to Congress leaders before starting my speech. We talked about Siddaramaiah ji, Shivakumar ji, Kharge ji, Parameshwar ji. You (addressing the PM) come to Karnataka but don't talk about your leaders. You don't even take the name of Yeddyurappa ji or Bommai ji. Take the names of BJP leaders also in your speeches, they will feel good. Respect them as well," he said. Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress has laid out a roadmap for Karnataka for the next five years.

"We have brought out these schemes after talking to the public. Congress is going to give 5 revolutionary schemes to the people. We are going to put the money, looted from them by the BJP, back in their pockets," he said. "BJP leaders love the number 40. They took a 40 per cent commission in every work. Make them remember this '40' number. For 3 years, they made you remember the '40' number. Give them 40 seats in elections and Congress has to be given at least 150 seats because if we get less than 150 seats, the BJP will again try to 'steal' the government. Teach a lesson to the BJP," Rahul Gandhi told the people.

MANISH SISODIA PLANTED EMAILS TO COVER DELHI EXCISE SCAM, CLAIMS ED

NEW DELHI, (IANS) Delhi's former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a bid to cover the conspiracy in the excise policy scam allegedly planted emails, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed in the third supplementary chargesheet, sources told IANS.

"To cover the conspiracy and to provide legitimacy to their hidden agenda, Manish Sisodia even went to the extent of planting mails which furthered his agenda and the changes he wanted to make in the policy which reflects his malafide intention," the ED has claimed.

The ED said that its PMLA investigation so far has revealed that the Delhi Excise Policy, 2021-22 was brought by the leadership of the AAP, specifically by Manish Sisodia, to continuously generate and channel illegal funds to themselves.

The ED had mentioned in it's previous chargesheet that the excise policy was formulated with deliberate loopholes to facilitate illegal and criminal activities. The policy promoted cartel formations through the backdoor, awarded exorbitant wholesale (12%) and a huge retail profit margin of 185% and incentivized other illegal activities on account of a criminal conspiracy by Manish Sisodia and other leaders of the AAP to extract kickbacks from the liquor businesses.

The Excise Policy 2021-22 was formulated in secrecy and in connivance with the major beneficiaries. The substantive provisions of the policy were made without any deliberation, either with the GoM or with the

excise department. Calling for comments and suggestions from the public was only an eyewash. "The conspiracy of the GoM to give the wholesale business to private entities and fix a 12% margin (to get 6% kickback from it) is clear from the statement of C. Arvind wherein he disclosed that there was no discussion in the GoM meetings about giving wholesale to private," the ED has mentioned in the chargesheets.

AAP QUESTIONS SGPC CHIEF FOR SEEKING VOTES IN JALANDHAR BYPOLL

JALANDHAR, (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday raised questions over Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) chief Harjinder Singh Dhami campaigning for the Akali Dal-Badal candidate in the Jalandhar Lok Sabha byelection.

Senior AAP leader and Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the SGPC's job is to propagate Sikhism, not to promote any political party. Therefore, the SGPC chief should not do anything to hurt the dignity of his position, he added.

He said the top leadership of the Akali Dal, for whom Dhami is campaigning, has faced serious allegations like sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and firing at Sikh sangat.

By propagating such a party, he has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh sangat, Dhaliwal said.

Questioning the SGPC head, he said: "Why does he remain silent on the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and the incident of firing on Sikh sangat in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan?" Dhaliwal said Dhami has not spoken anything on this matter till date and always kept his silence, while both these incidents have hurt the Sikh sangat deeply. He said the duty of the SGPC is to provide religious and social education to the children of Sikh

community and to protect Sikh culture. "It is wrong to use such an organisation for political gains." He appealed to the SGPC chief that he should fulfill his responsibility honestly as per the laws of the SGPC and should stay away from political activities.

TIES WITH CHINA ABNORMAL, PAK BACKS CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM: JAISHANKAR

NEW DELHI, (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India is trying to ensure that its ties with all nations advance further without exclusivity. "Whether it is the US, Europe, Russia, or Japan, we are trying to ensure that all these ties advance without seeking exclusivity," he said in an address at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.

He was on a visit to Dominican Republic from April 27 to 29.

The Union Minister noted that China falls in a somewhat different category due to the boundary dispute and the currently abnormal nature of the ties with that country. That is a result of a violation of agreements regarding border management by them, he added.

While elaborating on India's priority of cooperating with its neighbours, Jaishankar said that while India has seen a dramatic expansion in connectivity, contacts, in cooperation across the region, the exception to this has been Pakistan, in view of the cross-border terrorism that it supports. "To the north, India has been similarly pursuing a strategy of connecting to Central Asia more effectively and this has taken the form of structured engagements across multiple domains.

"These concentric circles of priority give you a conceptual sense of Indian diplomacy and one that we have pursued very assiduously over the last decade. But at a higher level, we are also practising the approach of engaging all significant centres of power, such multi-alignment reflects the reality of multi-polarity," he further noted.

Jaishankar also mentioned that each engagement has its own particular weight and focus.

He said the rise of China and India in a parallel timeframe is also not without its competitive aspects.

The Dominican Republic was the last stop of Jaishankar's four-nation tour of North and South America.

NEW DELHI, (IANS) Coming out in support of protesting wrestlers and saying the fight is for honour and dignity of every women, senior Congress leader Navjot Sidhu on Monday questioned that why accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Brij Sharan Singh wasn't arrested despite a case was registered against him under the "non-bailable POCSO Act".

Also he sought the BJP MP's custodial interrogation. Two first information reports (FIRs) were registered against him after the intervention of the Supreme Court.

"To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice. Why was the FIR delayed? Not making the FIR public reflects that the FIR is mild and not corroborative to the complainant's complaint," he told the media after meeting the protesting wrestlers at Jantar Mantar here. Sidhu also questioned the "motive" behind protecting Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

"Intent is questionable and motive is to protect the accused. Are things being swept under the carpet? Why is the officer who delayed the FIR not being tried under Section 166 of the IPC as he was duty bound to register an FIR which is mandatory in case of a cognizable offence?" The first FIR against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh pertains to allegations levelled by a minor, which has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code concerning outraging modesty. The second FIR has been registered for carrying out comprehensive investigations into the complaints by adult complainants under relevant IPC sections pertaining to outraging of modesty. "Cases registered under POCSO Act are non-bailable... why no arrest so far? Is the law different for the high and mighty?" former Indian cricketer Sidhu questioned in a tweet.

"Why does the man in question continue to be in the position of influence and dominance which can make and break anyone's career? "With him at the helm of affairs, a fair investigation is impossible. The nation understands that committee formations are merely delay and deflect. The only way forward to a meaningful investigation and to uncover the truth is 'custodial interrogation', without it a fair investigation is meaningless. "The fight is for the honour, integrity and dignity of every woman," added Sidhu.

FARM WOMEN UNION TO BOYCOTT AAP, BJP IN JALANDHAR BYPOLL

JALANDHAR, (IANS) The Mahila Kisan Union, a member of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, on Tuesday announced to boycott the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP during the by-election in the Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituency as they failed to safeguard the interests of farmers and labourers. The union said they have cheated the peasants at every step and did not implement the demands of the farmers even after agreeing to them. "Both the political parties should be taught a lesson by giving them a crushing defeat in this election." Mahila Kisan Union president Rajwinder Kaur Raju said the world is aware of oppressive policies of the BJP and its leaders during the farmers' protest against implementation of "black agricultural laws". Even after accepting written demands of the farmers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet implemented them and not given any relief to about 750 farmers, who died during the year-long agitation. The entire farming community and farm labourers were opposing the pro-corporate party.

AFTER MORNING RESIGNATION, SHARAD PAWAR AGREES TO 'RETHINK' IN EVENING

MUMBAI, (IANS) Barely six hours after his move to step down as party chief kicked up a dust storm, Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday agreed to do a 'rethink' and announce his final decision in the next few days, his nephew Ajit Pawar said here. "We all leaders have met him and convinced him on the issue. Pawar

Saheb has agreed to re-consider. Let's give him 2-3 days to make his decision," Ajit Pawar told mediapersons.

Apparently, annoyed by the spate of protests after his move to quit, Pawar, 83, told his senior leaders that "if they are stubborn, I am even more adamant". He also frowned at the agitations, sit-in protests, indefinite hunger strikes, resignations of various officebearers from across the state, people writing letters in blood, etc. Ajit Pawar said that the party work will continue as usual and nobody's resignation shall be accepted, putting the lid on the political storm that rocked national politics since noon on Tuesday. Sharad Pawar and other leaders again appealed to all their party workers sitting near the Y.B. Chavan Auditorium and other parts of the state to call off all their protests and go home peacefully.

RAGHAV CHADHA, 3RD AAP LEADER, NAMED IN ED SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGESHEET IN DELHI LIQUOR SCAM

CONGRESS WANTS TO HOLD LORD HANUMAN 'CAPTIVE', SAYS PM IN POLL-BOUND KARNATAKA

VIJAYANAGARA (KARNATAKA), (IANS) Reacting strongly to the Congress's promise of banning Bajrang Dal if voted to power in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the grand-old party wants to hold Lord Hanuman "captive". While addressing a huge public rally in Vijayanagar, he said, "Congress had kept Lord Sri Ram in captivity (in Ayodhya). Now, they are preparing to keep Lord Hanuman captive too." Prime Minister Modi further alleged that Congress does not like lord Hanuman. "I bow to the people of Vijayanagara kingdom. I am in the land of Lord Hanuman. At the same

time, Congress is claiming in its manifesto that they will lock up Bajrang Bali and impose a ban on those who raise the slogans of Jai Bajrang Bali," he said. Modi said Congress was sensing trouble if there are people who chant Jai Bajrang Bali. "Earlier, Congress kept lord Ram in captivity as it did not like him. Now, they are up to keeping Hanuman captive and the party is nursing deep hatred towards Hanuman, who is a devotee of Prabhu Shri Ram," he said. "They (Congress) are announcing that they will ban Bajrang Dal. They have planned to tame Bajrang Bali (Lord Hanuman). We revere Sri Ram and Hanuman equally," he added.

NO RELIEF FOR RAHUL GANDHI FROM GUJARAT HIGH COURT IN 'MODI-SURNAME' DEFAMATION CASE

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday named Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha in the supplementary chargesheet in Delhi liquor scam case. However, the leader has not been named as an accused. Two more leaders - Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain have already been named in the chargesheet.

According to the chargesheet, Manish Sisodia's PA C Arvind named Raghav Chadha in his statement. C Arvind said in his statement that there was a meeting at the residence of Manish Sisodia in which Raghav Chadha, Excise Commissioner of Punjab, Excise Officer and Vijay Nair were also present.

What else has been mentioned in the chargesheet

Vijay Nair arranged zoom calls with Arun Pillai, Abhishek Boinapalli and Buchi Babu

Delhi's new excise policy was the brain child of Kejriwal.

K Kavita held several meetings with Vijay Nair after the Excise Policy was formulated and implemented.

Magunta Srinivasa Reddy also had a meeting with Kejriwal

Vijay Nair had the support and immunity of Delhi Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia for illegal activities in framing and implementing the excise policy.

Arun Pillai's aide was Abhishek Boinapalli Buchibabu

Vijay Nair told Sameer Mahendru that Arun and his associate group were keen to invest in the Delhi liquor policy because the group had a lot of money, political connections and were friends with Arvind Kejriwal Sameer Mahendru had asked Vijay Nair to arrange a meeting with Kejriwal to test Vijay Nair's credibility, after which Vijay Nair arranged a FaceTime meeting between Sameer Mahendru and Kejriwal. Initially he met Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh after which he came in contact with Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at a partymeet.

MORINDA SACRILEGE INCIDENT:

ACCUSED JASVIR SINGH DIES AT MANSA CIVIL HOSPITAL, POLICE INFORM

Gujarat High Court on Tuesday reserved orders on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's plea seeking a stay on conviction in 2019 'Modi surname' defamation case. Justice Hemant Prachchhak will pronounce the verdict after vacations. However, the Court refused to grant any interim relief to Rahul Gandhi until then.

Earlier on March 23, a metropolitan magistrate's court in Surat sentenced the formed Congress president to two years in jail after convicting him under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 499 and 500 (criminal defamation) in a 2019 case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Gujarat MLA Purnesh Modi. Following the verdict, under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, Gandhi, elected to the Lok Sabha from Wayanad in Kerala in 2019 was disqualified as an MP.

Court earlier refused to stay his conviction Gandhi, 52, then challenged the order in the Surat sessions court along with seeking a stay to the conviction. While granting him bail, the court on April 20 refused to stay the conviction.

The criminal defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was filed by Purnesh Modi over his 'How come all thieves have Modi as the common surname?' remark made during an election rally at Kolar in Karnataka on April 13, 2019. Earlier on April 29, 2023, Gujarat High Court adjourned the hearing to May 2 after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahul Gandhi, made lengthy arguments today before the court. He sought time to certain documents on record, after which the court allowed it and adjourned the hearing to May 2.

'NO PRIVILEGE OVER DOCUMENTS ON REMISSION OF CONVICTS IN BILKIS BANO CASE': CENTRE TELLS SC

NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Centre and Gujarat government on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that they would not claim privilege over the documents in connection with the remission of sentence of convicts in Bilkis Bano gang-rape and murder of her family members case during Gujarat riots, and agreed to share the documents with the apex court for its perusal.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and Gujarat government, submitted before a bench headed by Justice K.M. Joseph that they do not claim privilege over files in connection with grant of remission to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. Mehta submitted that the Centre and state government will also not seek review of the apex court's earlier order directing them to bring on record documents in connection with the remission of the convicts.

The top court recorded Mehta's statement that Centre and Gujarat government are not seeking review of the order with the direct ion of production of records.

The apex court is likely to take up the matter later in May to ascertain the completion of service of documents and the case may come up for hearing in July. On April 18, the Centre and Gujarat government, before the Supreme Court, claimed privilege over files in connection with grant of remission to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. The Centre's counsel had said the government is likely to seek review of the court's March 27 order, asking them to be ready with the original files on remission granted to the convicts.

In the previous hearing, the top court had noted that a pregnant woman, Bilkis Bano, was gang-raped and several people were killed and the case cannot be compared with a standard Section 302 (murder) cases, and while stressing on the gravity of the offence and on the remission granted to 11 convicts, said: "Unequals cannot be treated equally."

The 11 men convicted in the case were released on August 15 last year, after the Gujarat government allowed their release under its remission policy. The convicts had completed 15 years in jail. A batch of the petitions have been filed against the release of 11 convicts, including the one filed by Bano. The other petitions were filed by CPI-M leader Subhashini Ali, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, National Federation of Indian Women, Meeran Chadha Borwankar and others, Asma Shafique Shaikh and others.

'HAS GONE THROUGH CERTIFICATION', SC ON PLEA AGAINST RELEASE OF 'THE KERALA STORY'

NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to immediately hear a plea seeking a stay on the release of the controversial movie 'The Kerala Story'.

A bench comprising Justices K.M. Joseph and B.V. Nagarathna observed that the censor board has already cleared the movie and th e petitioners should rather challenge the film's certification before an appropriate authority. This bench is currently hearing matters in connection with hate speeches. The bench said that the exhibition of films entails a different process, therefore the plea seeking a stay on the release of the movie cannot be clubbed with the hate speech matters.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Nizam Pasha urged the bench to hear their plea saying that the movie will release on Friday.

During the hearing, the bench said, "This has gone through certification. We cannot make it a part of the hate speech case".

Pasha, on his part, submitted that the YouTube trailer of the movie already had 16 million views so far and this is the worst instance of hate speech and this is audio-visual propaganda.

The bench told the counsel, "You should move the high court or any other appropriate forum, but this cannot be here."

Pasha pressed that they do not have time for any other remedy. However, the bench declined to entertain the plea against the movie.

Emphasizing that it cannot tag the plea with hate speech case, the bench orally observed that there is a difference between this and "other matters you brought to our notice. Why don't you move the concerned high court first?"

Sibal urged the bench to look at the transcript of the YouTube trailer during the lunch recess and then take a call and added that they will also file a petition by Wednesday. Declining to entertain the plea, the bench said, "This has gone through a process of certification. Unless you challenge the certification, we can't do anything...you should go to the jurisdictional high court. You cannot start everything here at the Supreme Court..."

Jasvir Singh, accused of desecrating the Guru Granth Sahib and hitting two Sikh priests at the historic Kotwali Sahib gurdwara died on Monday. As per the information provided by the police, Singh who was lodged in a jail in Mansa district, died at the Mansa civil hospital after he complained of "discomfort".

Jasvir Singh was accused in the sacrilege incident that occurred at the historic Kotwali Sahib gurdwara in Morinda town on April 24. He was lodged in the Mansa jail on April 29 after his police remand ended. Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh said the accused died at the civil hospital at around 9:10 pm. Singh was taken to the hospital in the afternoon after he complained of discomfort. The police further informed that the cause of death will be clear after the post-mortem release of the report.

Singh was experiencing difficulty in breathing

As per a report of PTI, a doctor at the Mansa civil hospital said Jasvir Singh was brought from the jail to the hospital at around 4 pm as he was experiencing difficulty in breathing. At around 8:30 pm, his condition deteriorated as his blood pressure and oxygen saturation level dropped considerably, the doctor said.

Singh died at around 9:10 pm despite the best efforts of the doctors to save him, he added.

What is Morinda sacrilege incident?

In a purported video that surfaced on social media platforms, Singh was seen entering the sanctum sanctorum of the gurdwara and hitting two granthis. He was also seen pushing the Holy book.

KASHMIR SET TO HOLD G20 SUMMIT DESPITE PAKISTAN, CHINA’S RESISTANCE

Kashmir is all set to host the first and biggest international summit this year. India will soon host the G20 tourism working group meeting in Srinagar from May 22 to 24, despite strong opposition from neighbouring countries— Pakistan and China. Notably, this is for the first time after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, Jammu and Kashmir will be hosting an international event. Kashmir, which is called heaven on earth, is the best for India place hold a tourism working group meeting. To make this event beautiful and historic, the city of Srinagar has been converted into a smart city. The world-famous Dhal Lake is being decorated like a bride and the Shikara (boat) present in the Dhal Lake are being decorated with new colours. G20 summit hoardings can be seen all over the place and everything is being renovated. More than 40 Shikaras have been booked for guests coming from 20 countries. Special care will be taken to ensure that there is no shortage in the hospitality of the guest. India took over the presidency of the G20 in December 2022. It is expected to host a total of 215 meetings across 55 locations this year. Around 50 delegates, who are expected to participate in the G-20 meeting in Srinagar, will be taken on a tour of the beautiful tourist places of Kashmir along with Dhal Lake, especially the Taj Gulmarg. The tourism department believes that due to this event, Kashmir will come on the global map. People across the world will get to see the real picture of the new Kashmir and Kashmir will benefit the most from this event in terms of tourism.

HINDUS, MUSLIMS, SIKHS FEATURE ON ROYAL MAIL STAMP MARKING KING'S CORONATION

LONDON, (IANS) A stamp depicting Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and their places of worship feature on one of the four stamps issued by the Royal Mail to mark the coronation of King Charles III on May 6. Captioned "Diversity and Community", the stamp reflects a multi-faith community and the cultural diversity of contemporary British society, a news release stated.

The stamp features figures representing the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist religions and is representative of all faiths and none. "The background shows aspects of both rural and urban Britain and includes some of the many different places of worship that are found around the United Kingdom," the release noted. Presented in a miniature sheet, the stamps illustrate the Coronation ceremony and the traditional street party, as well as some of the causes His Majesty has dedicated his years of public service to. This includes cultural diversity and

community, the global ties of the Commonwealth, which he now leads, and sustainability and biodiversity. This is only the third time in history that Royal Mail has issued stamps to mark a Coronation. The previous two occasions were for King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. "Royal Mail is proud to issue this set of commemorative stamps which celebrate the Coronation, and some of the causes which His Majesty has championed throughout his many years of public service," Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of Royal Mail, said. "This is only the third time we have issued Coronation stamps and I am delighted that they mark the start of a new reign and a new chapter in our history," Thompson added. The stamps were designed by Atelier Works and feature newly commissioned wood engravings by British artist Andrew Davidson. Royal Mail will also be applying a special postmark to stamped mail to mark the event. The postmark will run from April 28 until May 10.

2024 POLLS TRUMP-BIDEN REMATCH BUT MAJORITY OF AMERICANS PREFER NEW CANDIDATES

WASHINGTON, (IANS) The 2024 Presidential race to the White House appears to be clearly a 2020 rematch between the GOP favourite Donald Trump and US President Joe Biden as current trends indicate that 70 per cent of Republicans back Trump despite his indictment and criminal investigations and multiple probes of tax frauds, incitement to violence and spiriting away of top secret documents.

Nearly 70 per cent of GOP voters stand behind Trump amid indictment and investigations, says an NBC poll but the majority of Americans are highly displeased with the Trump versus Biden rematch in 2024 as the current scenario emerges.

Almost two-thirds of Republican primary voters say they will back former President Donald Trump and show no concern about his eligibility, electability, despite his recent criminal arrest in a lower Manhattan court in New York for hush money paid to an adult star during his 2016 poll campaign, and other legal investigations into his past conduct, the NBC poll was reported in leading media outlets in the country.

Trump's double-digit lead over his nearest potential GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- makes the former president the clear frontrunner in the primaries as of now in the Republican presidential nomination. Paradoxically, the Republican Party's continued enthusiasm for Trump contrasts sharply with a nation torn apart on critical issues such as abortion rights, gun laws, and high health care and higher education's costs clearly reflecting their displeasure towards the 2024 race and how it is shaping up, while Biden is trying to fix them.

Political strategists and multiple polls by agencies suggest that a huge majority of Americans do not want Trump or President Joe Biden to run for president in 2024, resulting in what they perceive as a potentially divisive and uninspiring general-election rematch between the two heavy weights -- one a rich billionaire with extreme right wing views promoting hard core capitalism, and the other a seasoned politician statesman coming off as a compassionate human wanting to do good for the urban middle class and the poor.

Biden's opponents cite his age (80) as the main reason for their opposition to him to run. Trump, however, is 76 years old.

Both appear too old for the job people feel, which is, however, rejected by senior Congressmen as older senators and Congressmen have contributed a lot to the country.

Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research, which conducted this poll with Republican pollster Bill McInturff and his team at Public Opinion Strategies said: "Sequels are frequently hits at the box office, but apparently not at the ballot box."

McInturff, the GOP pollster, said: "It's clear that people do not want a Biden-Trump rematch." The NBC News poll -- conducted April 14-18 -came after Trump's arraignment in New York City over charges that he falsified business records to conceal damaging information in a hush-

money case. It also followed grand juries in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., examining the former president's reported interference in Georgia's 2020 election results, his role in the January 6 attack on the Capitol and his inept handling of classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago home seized by the FBI claimed to be CIA, FBI and National Security documents which ought to have been handed over to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Such is the popularity of the New York tabloid headliner, Donald Trump, who has occupied the headlines of Manhattans papers despite being out of politics for 30 years, that 46 per cent of Republican primary voters pick him as their first choice, while 31 per cent select DeSantis as the 2024 candidate they favor.

Mike Pence is pretty much a low choice at 6 per cent, and by former South Carolina Governor and US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott (who is exploring a 2024 bid), and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who are all tied at 3 per cent.

Businessman of Indian origin Vivek Ramaswamy has 2 per cent. Meanwhile, DeSantis is the second choice of 33 per cent of GOP primary voters, Trump is the second pick of 20 per cent, and Haley is the second choice of 14 per cent. What is striking is that nearly 70 per cent of Republican primary voters stated that they back Trump despite the various criminal investigations he is facing.

Sixty-eight per cent of GOP primary voters opine that investigations into Trump are politically motivated and are designed to stop him from being president again, and that they must support him now to stop his opponents from winning, reports said.

Contrast this with 26 per cent who say it is important to nominate a candidate other than Trump who would not be distracted and who can focus only on beating Biden in the general election.

Yet among all voters -- not just Republicans -- 52 per cent believe that Trump is being held to the same standard as anyone else accused of doing what he did as he faces charges in New York. Another 43 per cent disagree and say he is being unfairly targeted, the poll said.

PAK PM SHEHBAZ, HINA RABBANI KHAR'S DISCUSSION ON TIES WITH US LEAKED

ISLAMABAD, (IANS) The record of an important discussion between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar was leaked wherein the two, along with an assistant, were talking about Pakistan's ties with the US, reports said on Sunday. The record of the discussion on crucial foreign policy, which has been named 'Discord Leaks', also reveals the Premier's conversation on the United Nations' voting on the Ukraine and Russia conflict, Geo News reported, citing the Washington Post.

As per the leaked documents, Khar said that Pakistan should avoid appeasing the West and that the country's desire to maintain a strategic partnership with the US would sacrifice the full benefits of its original strategic partnership with the long-term friendly nation China, Geo News reported. "According to one of the leaked documents, Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, argued in March that her country can 'no longer try to maintain a middle ground between China and the United States," it cited the US paper as reporting.

During the discussion, an aide advised the Prime Minister that supporting the resolution could jeopardise Pakistan's trade and energy deals with

Russia and would give the impression of a change in Pakistan's position. The story by Washington Post, in which the record has been leaked, revolved around the declining support for the US on the war between Russia and Ukraine.

"When the UN General Assembly voted February 23, Pakistan was among 32 countries that abstained," it noted.

ISLAMABAD, (IANS) At least 140 cases of threats and attacks against journalists, media professionals and media organisations were reported in Pakistan over the past year, indicating an annual increase of over 60 per cent.

The annual Pakistan Press Freedom Report, prepared by the media rights watchdog Freedom Network, showed that Islamabad was the riskiest place to practise journalism in Pakistan, as 56, or 40 per cent, violations took place in the city, Dawn reported. Punjab was the second worst, with 35 (25 per cent) cases of violations, followed by 32 (23 per cent) cases in Sindh.

The report, released ahead of the World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3, noted that the country's media environment became riskier and more violent in recent months, as the number of attacks surged 63 per cent to 140 between May 2022 and March 2023 from 86 in 2021-22, Dawn reported.

The report also documented the killings of at least five journalists in Pakistan in the period under review.

"The escalation in violence against journalists is disturbing and demands urgent attention," said Iqbal Khattak, the executive director of Freedom Network, which tracks press freedom violations around the year and publishes the annual report.

IMRAN KHAN SEES ILL INTENTIONS BEHIND BID TO HOLD POLLS POST-BUDGET

LAHORE, (IANS) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan blamed the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)-led government's "ill-intentions" behind its proposal to hold elections simultaneously after this year's budget, local media reported. The budget is traditionally presented within the first two weeks of June and the federal government has maintained that it would be too early to hold general elections the next month, stressing for holding polls later this year, Geo News reported.

The federal government and the opposition party PTI are in negotiations over a date for holding elections across the country on directions of the Supreme Court - and a final meeting is expected next week. "(The government) is saying that first, it would pass the budget, and then hold the election. This shows its 'ill-intention'," Khan - who was ousted as the prime minister in April last yearsaid during a session with PTI workers in Lahore, Geo News reported. The deposed prime minister said his party would be ready to move forward with the negotiations if the government dissolves the national and provincial assemblies before May 14.

US OFFICIALS REPORT EXTENSIVE FRAUD IN H-1B VISA APPLICATIONS THAT SURGED THIS YEAR

NEW YORK, (IANS) The US immigration officials have reported that they have discovered extensive fraud in the huge surge of 61 per cent in applications filed for the 2024 fiscal year allocation of temporary work visas, known as H1-B, and promised a crackdown. US Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has "undertaken extensive fraud investigations, denied and revoked petitions accordingly, and is in the process of initiating law enforcement referrals for criminal prosecution", the agency said on Friday. According to the agency, some companies applying for H1-B visas may have colluded to submit multiple applications for the same person. The H1-B visas are allocated through a lottery system and having several applications for the same person increases their chances of getting the coveted visa.

Companies file the applications on behalf of persons they want to hire to work in the US.

The agency reported a gigantic increase in the number of applications received for 2024 fiscal year starting October: 780,884, which were 296,957 more than the previous year's 483,927.

"The large number of eligible registrations for beneficiaries with multiple eligible registrations - much larger than in previous years - has raised serious concerns that some people may have tried to gain an unfair advantage by working together to submit multiple registrations on behalf of the same beneficiary," the agency said.

"This may have unfairly increased their chances of selection," USCIS said, adding, "We remain committed to deterring and preventing abuse of the registration process, and ensuring only those who follow the law are eligible to file an H-1B cap petition."

MET GALA 2023:

ALIA BHATT MAKES DREAMY DEBUT IN WHITE EMBELLISHED PRABAL GURUNG COUTURE

SALMAN KHAN, SRK TO START SHOOTING FOR 'TIGER 3' ON MAY 8

ALIA BHATT APPEARED AT THE MET GALA 2023, HOSTED AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART IN NEW YORK CITY ON MAY 1 EST (MAY 2 FOR INDIA), LOOKING LIKE A LOVELY WONDER TO BEHOLD IN A BEAUTEOUS FLOWING WHITE GOWN. FOR 'FASHION'S BIGGEST NIGHT,' THE ACTRESS WORE A PEARL-ENCRUSTED WHITE GOWN BY PRABAL GURUNG. ALIA'S GOWN WAS ENCRUSTED WITH PEARLS AND FEATURED A FIGURE-HUGGING DESIGN ON THE BODICE THAT FLOWED INTO A VOLUMINOUS BALL SKIRT WITH A FLOOR-SWEEPING TRAIN. HER OUTFIT'S LOW NECKLINE CONTRIBUTED TO THE OOMPH FACTOR. YOU MUST ALSO SEE THE SPECIFICS OF HER MET GALA DEBUT GOWN. TO BEGIN, THE ACTRESS COMPLEMENTED HER ENSEMBLE WITH A FINGERLESS GLOVE. THIS YEAR'S MET GALA THEME, WHICH HONOURS FASHION DESIGNER KARL LAGERFELD, WAS ENHANCED BY THE ADDITION. THROUGHOUT HIS SEVEN-DECADE CAREER, THE DESIGNER, WHO WORKED WITH LUXURY FASHION HOUSES SUCH AS CHANEL, FENDI, AND CHLOE, FREQUENTLY WORE FINGERLESS GLOVES AS PART OF HIS SIGNATURE LOOK. ALIA CHOSE AN EMBROIDERED GOWN.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA SLAYS IN THIGH HIGH-SLIT GOWN WITH DRAMATIC TRAIL; TWINS IN BLACK WITH NICK

WHEN DEEPIKA PADUKONE FACED BACKLASH FOR SELLING KURTI WORN AT JIAH KHAN'S FUNERAL

MET GALA 2023: KYLIE JENNER GOES BOLD IN FIERY RED HIGH-SLIT GOWN

MUMBAI, (IANS) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to enter the 'Tiger' franchise through an adrenaline pumping action sequence. SRK and Salman Khan will be on the same set to shoot for 'Tiger 3' on May 8. A source said: "The two Goliaths in the history of Indian cinema - Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan - are coming together again for Aditya Chopra's Spy Universe and the shoot date to witness them together again is set for May 8th! The energy on the sets of Tiger 3 will be palpable when these two iconic megastars set foot on the shooting floor." "They will be doing some insane action sequences in Tiger 3 and this SRK & Salman set-piece was planned for over six months to make it a massive talking point. This is Pathaan's entry in Tiger's timeline so this sequence will be something to watch out for!" the source added. 'Tiger 3' starring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif as Zoya & Emraan Hashmi as Tiger's nemesis is set to release this Diwali.

KAREENA KAPOOR TO RETURN TO ROHIT SHETTY’S COP UNIVERSE IN SINGHAM AGAIN?

Rohit Shetty‘s cop universe is getting bigger. After Deepika Padukone joined Singham Again as ‘Lady Singham’, there is another addition to the franchise. Reports suggest that Kareena Kapoor will become a part of the cop universe as well. This will not be Kareena’s first appearance in the franchise as she has previously been a part of Singham Returns, where she starred alongside Ajay Devgn. “Kareena has been roped in as the female lead. Details regarding her character are being kept under wraps. The film is expected to go on floors by the year-end, and the team is excited to have the lead pair back,” reported Mid-day quoting a source close to the project. It is yet to be known if Kareena will be reprising her role from Singham Returns.

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ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE THRASH LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS IN LOW-SCORING THRILLER

DETAILED SCHEDULE ON PAGE 26

THE POWER COUPLE, PRIYANKA CHOPRA AND NICK JONAS TWINNED IN BLACK VALENTINO OUTFITS FOR MET GALA 2023.

BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS DEEPIKA WAS ONCE SEVERELY CRITICISED FOR SELLING A 'KURTI' SHE WORE TO THE LATE JIAH KHAN'S FUNERAL.

KYLIE JENNER MADE HER MET GALA RED CARPET RETURN ON MAY 1 IN ONE OF HER MOST EYE-CATCHING ENSEMBLES TO DATE.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA SLAYS IN THIGH HIGH-SLIT GOWN WITH DRAMATIC TRAIL; TWINS IN BLACK WITH NICK

Priyanka Chopra made a dazzling entry in a thigh high-slit gown with a dramatic trail. She opted to twin in black with her husband-singer Nick Jonas, who kept it simple in a leather blazer paired with a crisp white shirt and black pants. The power couple twinned in black as they wore Valentino outfits. Before entering the venue, Priyanka and Nick Jonas waved, smiled and interacted with the paparazzi.

Priyanka styled her thigh-slit black off-shoulder gown with regal bell sleeves. She matched her white gloves with the sleeves of her dress. She rounded off her look in an 11-carat diamond necklace and her hairstyle added a pinch of extra drama to her look in a side-parted bun. Priyanka made her debut at the Met Gala in 2017. The Bollywood icon, draped in a Ralph Lauren trench coat dress made the heads turn. While her entrance alongside Nick Jonas caused a stir, it was the trench coat dress's extended train that caught the fashion world's attention. Chopra's sartorial prowess was in full display in 2018, as

she flawlessly embodied the "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination" theme with a deep ruby-red velvet gown. In 2019, Chopra's Met Gala look continued to stun audiences, showcasing a stunning display of whimsy and extravagance in a statement Dior gown, keeping in mind the dress code that pays homage to Susan Sontag's 1964 essay, "Notes on 'Camp'. Referred to as "fashion's biggest night out," the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The event welcomes stars, young creatives, and industry paragons The annual fundraiser began in 1948. Publicist Eleanor Lambert came up with the idea to raise money for the newly opened Costume Institute exhibit. This year's theme is "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty," based on the new Costume Institute exhibition exploring the work of the iconic designer. Lagerfeld, who died in 2019 at the age of 85, spent decades creating clothes for Balmain, Patou, Chloe, Fendi and Chanel in addition to his own namesake label.

ANUPAM KHER ON AAMIR KHAN’S ‘LAAL SINGH CHADDHA BOYCOTT’, SAYS ‘WASN’T A GREAT FILM’

Aamir Khan's previous film, 'Laal Singh Chaddha,' had a terrible box office run, failing to even surpass the 50 crore mark in its opening weekend. The film, directed by Advait Chandan, was a Hindi adaptation of the 1994 Hollywood film 'Forrest Gump,' and starred Kareena Kapoor. In an exclusive interview with ANI, actor Anupam Kher said about the 'Boycott Bollywood' trend, "I personally feel this trend will not affect the film." If your film is good, it will succeed; if it is awful, it will suffer, but not as a result of the trend. Everyone has the right to express themselves freely. If an actor, actress, or other individual in the film industry has the right to say anything about any scenario, he or she should also be bold enough to sort of go through the situation."

Anupam Kher further added that Laal Singh Chadda was not a great film. If it was a great film then no power would've stopped it. Aamir Khan's PK worked really well. He went to say that one should accept the truth. Anupam also stated that he believes the 'boycott Bollywood' movement will have no effect on a film. If a film is good, it will succeed; if a film is awful, it will fail, but not because of the boycott trend, he

claims. Anupam went on to explain that everyone has the right to free expression and that if an actor has the right to speak anything about any scenario, they should also be bold enough to go through it. He seemed to be alluding to Aamir's prior comment.

SALMAN KHAN GIVEN Y+ SECURITY AFTER DEATH THREATS; KANGANA RANAUT SAYS 'THERE IS NOTHING TO FEAR'

Salman Khan has been provided Y+ security after continuous death threats by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The actor is seen amid tight security and is not allowed to go anywhere without it. Actress Kangana Ranaut on Sunday reacted to the same and said that the country is in the safe hands of PM Narendra Modi and there is no need to fear. Earlier, Kangana was also given security when she received death threats. Kangana Ranaut said, "We are actors. Salman Khan has been provided with security by the Centre. He is getting protection from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, then there is nothing to fear. When I was threatened, I was also given security by the government, today the country is in safe hands. We have nothing to worry about."

While Salman Khan has been given security, the superstar isn't too happy with it. During India TV Chairman and Editor-In-Chied Rajat Sharma's Aap Ki Adalat, Salman opened up about his experience and how is he dealing with it. The superstar said, "Security is better than insecurity. Yes security is there. Now it is not possible to ride a bicycle on the road and go alone anywhere. And more than that, now I have this problem that when I am in traffic, then there is so much security, vehicles creating inconvenience to other people. They also give me a look. And my poor fans. There is a serious threat that's why there is security." He added, "I am doing whatever I have been told. There is a

dialogue 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan' 'they have to be lucky 100 times, I have to be lucky once'. So, I got to be very careful." Following the death threat, a few days ago, a minor was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly threatening to kill Salman. Mumbai Police said that a threat call was made to the Mumbai Police control room on April 10. The caller, who identified himself as Rockey Bhai from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, said he was a Gau Rakshak (cow-vigilante). The caller threatened to "eliminate" Salman Khan on April 30.

'PS-2' MINTS RS 150 CR GLOBALLY IN 3 DAYS; IT TOOK 'KISI KA BHAI KISI KI JAAN' 9 DAYS

MUMBAI, (IANS) Mani Ratnams magnum opus 'Ponniyin Selvan: 2', which released recently and also had a special screening attended by the whos who of the Indian film industry, is doing what its predecessor did back in September 2022 - working wonders at the box-office. The film, which released on April 28, has so far minted Rs 150 crore at the global box office. Film trade analyst Ramesh Bala shared the update on the film's collection in a tweet. He tweeted: "Ponniyin Selvan 2 has crossed Rs 150 crore gross at the worldwide box office in 3 days (sic)". The film is having a great run at the North American box-office as it made over $3 million, around Rs 24 crore in just three days, according to production house Lyca Productions. Regarding the domestic box-office, the film is likely to cross the Rs 100 crore mark on M onday. It collected Rs 24 crore on its opening day, Rs 26.2 crore on its second day, and Rs 29.14 crore on its third day taking the collections close to Rs 79 crore. In India, the film is drawing huge footfalls in Tamil Nadu theatres; it collected Rs 18.52 crore on its first d ay. The Salman Khan-starrer 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan' managed to cross the Rs 100 crore mark 10 days after its release as per box-office tracker Sacnilk Entertainment. Both the films star an ensemble cast with the latter riding mostly on Salman Khan's star power. Interestingly, S alman and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who plays dual roles in 'PS: 2', were together back in the 1990s. While Salman has ruled the box-office for long with his Eid releases ringing in deafening box-office noise, this time Aishwarya's work clearly has an edge over Salman's relea se.

LOS ANGELES, (IANS) Reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who was seen walking the Met Gala carpet in a bold pearl ensemble, talked about her upcoming role in 'American Horror Story: Delicate'. "We start shooting my stuff at the end of this month. But production has already started and I'm so excited," Kardashian said, reports 'Variety'. Although she couldn't tease much about the role, she did say, "It's really fun to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new and grow. I'm so excited for the experience." Asked if she was taking acting lessons to prepare, she said, "I am, of course. It's a challenge. I like to challenge myself." 'Delicate' is the twelfth season of the anthology show, which also stars Emma Roberts, Matt Czuchry, Cara Delevingne, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, MJ Rodriguez and Odessa A'zion. It's based on the upcoming novel 'Delicate Condition' by Danielle Valentine, and is said to be a scary tale in the vein of 'Rosemary's Baby'. Outside of her extensive work in reality television, Kardashian has also acted for scripted fare such as 2008's 'Disaster Movie', 2013's 'Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor' and 2021's 'PAW Patrol: The Movie.' Meanwhile, Kardashian's ornate Met Gala look was designed by Schiaparelli. A statement read: "She wore a draped skirt and top made from over 50,000 freshwater pearls and over 16,000 crystals, molded corset is in blush satin, with a bone white washed faille stole. Her choker, pearl drop earrings, and articulated ring are made in crystals and unique baroque pearls. Ms. Kardashian's look took one dozen artisans and over 1,000 hours to create, as each strand of pearls was strung and draped to her body."

ARYAN KHAN ALL SET FOR DIRECTORIAL DEBUT WITH WEB SERIES TITLED 'STARDOM'

MUMBAI, (IANS) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan isn't interested in acting but has a knack for writing and direction. Aryan will make his directorial debut with an upcoming show titled 'Stardom'. It will be a streaming show with 6 episodes and will be set against the backdrop of the film industry. The series is currently in its production stage. It's being produced by Aryan's home production Red Chillies Entertainment owned by his father, who is fresh off the success of his blockbuster movie 'Pathaan'. A few years back, while talking to chat show host David Letterman, SRK told him that Aryan isn't interested in building a career in acting more so because he has the towering achievements of his father to match-upto but he harbours dreams of being a director or a producer.

ADAH SHARMA SPEAKS UP FOR 'THE KERALA STORY'; DON'T JUDGE FILM BY ITS TRAILER

MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Adah Sharma has shared that her upcoming film 'The Kerala Story' has not shown Kerala in a "derogatory light". Adah took to Twitter, where she shared a selfie of herself in a pink saree with gajra in her hair. She said: "Many senior persons in high posts have commented on #TheKeralaStory after watching the 2 minute trailer." "My parents have always asked me to respect my elders so with due respect to all of them i hope they can take 2 hrs out of their busy schedule and watch the movie. I'm sure they will see that we haven't shown Kerala in any derogatory light. Jai hind." In 'The Kerala Story', actress Adah Sharma is playing the role of Fathima Ba, a Hindu Malayali nurse, who is among the 32,000 women who went missing from Kerala and were then recruited to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) after being forced to convert to Islam.

HOLLYWOOD

OFFICIAL! ‘HARRY POTTER’ SERIES ADAPTATION ORDERED AT HBO MAX, WILL FEATURE ENTIRELY NEW CAST

MET GALA 2023: KYLIE JENNER GOES BOLD IN FIERY RED HIGH-SLIT GOWN

Kylie Jenner returned to the Met Gala in another eye-catching ensemble. The mother-of-two made a statement as she walked up the iconic carpeted steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the theme this year honours the late legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld. Jenner chose a custom-made Jean Paul Gaultier gown for the occasion, which featured an asymmetrical neckline, a thigh-high leg split, and a two-in-one train that also functioned as a glossy cornflower blue cape when wrapped around her shoulders. She completed her ensemble with red shoes and diamond stud earrings. Moments before arriving on the iconic steps of the museum, Kylie, who attended alongside sisters Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, was seen leaving her hotel with 5-year-old daughter Stormi, 5.

HBO Max has officially greenlit a "Harry Potter" TV series. The show will be a "decade-long series" based on J.K. Rowling's seven novels, with a fresh cast. It is advertised as a "faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter book series," and once completed, it will be available on HBO Max. Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO Max said that the team is delighted to give audiences the opportunity to discover Hogwarts in a whole new way. Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon, and it is clear that there is a lasting love and thirst for the Wizarding World. This new Max Original series will delve deep into each of the classic books that fans have come to adore for all of these years, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television and J.K. Rowling. JK Rowling also added, “Max's commitment to preserving the integrity of my books is important to me, and I'm looking forward to being a part of this new adaptation, which will allow for a degree of depth and detail only afforded by a long-form television series”. The Harry Potter seven-book series was adapted into eight films that earned over $7 billion at the worldwide box office. Warner Bros. also has the Fantastic Beasts prequel series of films under its belt.

ACTRESS SHARON STONE BREAKS DOWN REVEALING SILICON VALLEY BANK COLLAPSE COST HER HALF OF HER MONEY

MET GALA 2023 CO-HOST DUA LIPA EXUDES ROYALTY IN 100-CARAT DIAMOND NECKLACE AND VINTAGE CHANEL DRESS

Dua Lipa made sure all eyes were on her when she arrived at the Met Gala 2023 in vintage Chanel on Monday. The "Levitating" div a looked like royalty in a white gown with a figure-hugging corset bodice and a low neckline, as well as a long skirt with pockets and t assels. The outfit was initially designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel's fall/winter 1992 collection. Lipa accessorised her Lorenzo Posocco-styled outfit with a stunning Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace weighing more than 100 carats. She also wore a 9-carat ring for the event. It's no surprise that the Grammy winner, 27, wore a stunning ensemble, given she is co-chairing this year's Met Gala with Anna Wintour, Penélope Cruz , Roger Federer, and Michaela Coel. The "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" event (and associated museum exhibition) in 2023 honoured La gerfeld and paid respect to his legendary design work for Chanel, Fendi, Chloé, Balmain, and his namesake label.

American actress Sharon Stone claimed that she lost half of her money due to 'banking thing,' referring to the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, which has rattled markets throughout the world. During the recent fundraiser for the Women's Cancer Research Fund, the actress was honored with the Courage Award. She broke down while speaking at the event, urging the audience to contribute money to a cancer charity. The 'Basic Instinct' actress said, "I know that thing that you have to get on and figure out how to text the money is difficult. I’m a technical idiot, but I can write a fu--ing check. And right now, that’s courage, too, because I know what’s happening. I just lost half my money to this banking thing, and that doesn’t mean that I’m not here." Her remarks on losing money follow the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which resulted in a catastrophic week of stock market losses. Sharon additionally addressed the importance of mammograms for women and shared her own medical problems. She said, "Someone like me who was told that I had breast cancer because I had a tumor that was larger than my breast and they were sure that I couldn’t possibly have a tumor without it being cancer, it wasn’t. But I went to the hospital, saying, ‘If you open me up and it’s cancer, please take both my breasts,’ because I am not a person defined by my breasts. You know, that might seem funny coming from me since you’ve all seen them."

KANGANA RANAUT BACKS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, APURVA ASRANI THANKS HER FOR SPEAKING UP

WHAT! NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI AND NEHA SHARMA MAKE A WONDERFUL PAIR? INTERNET SAYS SO

Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a prominent actor in the Indian film industry, has been a constant topic of discussion in the media due to both his personal and professional lives. Although he is going through a difficult time in his personal life following a tumultuous divorce and custody battle with his estranged wife, Aaliya Siddiqui, he remains focused on his work. Recently, he has been seen in several music videos, including one featuring Neha Sharma and another with Nikki Tamboli. A video of him with Neha Sharma has gone viral, with fans commenting on their chemistry and expressing their approval of the pairing. The viral video shows the duo posing together with a furry friend, the perfect photobomber. They both looked absolutely stunning as they posed for the shutterbugs. As soon as the video surfaced on the internet, fans jammed the comment section, reacting to it. While some users praised their chemistry, others urged them to get

married. One user wrote, "Shadi krlo ap dono ache lgte Ho sath me." Another user commented, "New bhabhi." A third user commented, "You both should marry." Earlier, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, in a social media post, reacted to the allegations by his wife Aaliyah and said, "This is not an allegation but expressing my emotions." He said, "I am termed as a bad guy everywhere because of my silence. The reason I have kept quiet is because all this tamasha will somewhere be read by my small children." He added, "First of all me and Aaliya do not stay together since several years, we are already divorced but we definitely had an understanding only for our kids.(sic)" He also added, "Does anyone know, why my kids are in India and not attending school for 45 days, wherein the school is sending me letters everyday that it’s been too long an absence. My kids have been made hostage for past 45 days & are missing their schooling in Dubai."

CONTROVERSY AT A.R. RAHMAN'S PUNE CONCERT AS POLICE HALT SHOW FOR VIOLATING TIME CONSTRAINTS

superhit song "Chal Chhaiya, Chhaiyaa" at the time and demanded that the show halt immediately. The legendary music director adhered to his instructions.

The audience, which had been enjoying the event for more than two hours, expressed their strong disagreement with a loud uproar as soon as the police officer stepped on stage and Rahman was directed to end his performance.

Amid the ongoing hearing on the validation of same-sex marriage, Kangana Ranaut has shared her opinion and backed it. Lending support to same-sex marriage, the actress has said people's preferences do not matter when their "hearts are one". The National Award winner further described marriage as "a bond of love". During a recent press conference, Kangana said, "Jo shaadi hoti hai, woh dil ke rishte hote hai, ye sab hi jante hai. Jab logo ke dil mil gaye hai, baaki kuch logo ki jo preference hai, usme hum kya bol sakte hai (Marriage is a matter of the heart, and everyone knows that. When hearts have met, what can we say about people's preferences)?” Apurva

Asrani, co-writer of her 2017 film "Simran", thanked the actor for backing "marriage equality" at a time when most stars are shy of speaking up. "A person 'cancelled' by the 'liberal' media has no right to an opinion right?

Even if her statement is humane, brave & timely all at once? Kangana Ranaut speaks for #marriageequality. Something that most movie stars have been shy of doing. From one Queen to another, Thankyou," Apurva, who is openly gay, wrote on Twitter.

RAJA KUMARI SAYS BUDDING ARTISTS SHOULD STRIKE BALANCE BETWEEN MUSIC, GLAM

Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman recently held a concert in Pune. While the concert was going well, the police intervened and asked them to call it off due to time constraints. This disappointed thousands of audience members and admirers.

The event was held in a large open-air venue at Rajbahadur Mills, with many people enjoying some of Rahman's most popular tunes. However, at exactly 10 p.m., a senior police officer directed the organisers immediately to stop the show because it had gone over the allowed time frame.

The cop approached the music legend as he was performing his

Without causing any commotion or uttering any remarks, the artist left the stage calmly. Despite the continued screams of dissatisfaction from the crowd, the concert was brought to a close, and by early morning, the venue was emptied without any incident. On Monday, A. R. Rahman took to his Instagram account and shared pictures from the event. The actor did not write anything about the incident; however, he did mention that he would be back in Pune. His caption read, " Pune! Thank you for all the love and euphoria last night! Was such a roller coaster concert! No wonder Pune is home to so much classical music! We shall be back soon to sing with you all again."

'Crimes Aaj Kal' actor Vikrant Massey blames Net for spike in crime rates

MUMBAI, (IANS) Actor Vikrant Massey, who is receiving a good response to his recently released streaming show Crimes Aaj Kal, has shared that somewhere the Internet has become a tool for those with a criminal mindset to execute the crimes. For the actor, the show brought a unique opportunity to be a part of a genre that he has grown up watching as a member of the audience.

Talking about what appealed to the actor in him about the show, Vikrant told IANS, "I have grown up watching 'Crime Patrol' like most people from my generation, and when the same makers reached out to me with a similar format, I realised I have to be a part of it. The larger idea of the show is to make the younger generation aware about the crimes happening in our society". All the stories that have been a dapted into our show are inspired by true incidents. They also factor in the influence of the Internet on crime as the actor said, "Internet is an important catalyst to crime, the show presents how the younger generation is misusing the Internet for crime or for personal vendetta. It gave me a sense of responsibility to be a part of the show and make people aware, because awareness uplifts the society". To be a part of an artwork which digs the ugly side of the human mind, it can affect an actor n egatively on an emotional plane. Did it ever happen to him? The actor responded as he said, "It happened to me a couple of times, it gets difficult sometimes for me to detach but, I love my job and on most days I draw clear boundaries and not let it affect me on a personal level".

MUMBAI, (IANS) Hip-hop artiste Raja Kumari, who recently performed 'Pasoori' with Pakistani music star Ali Sethi at the Coachella music festival, has released her fourth independent album called 'The Bridge' which consists of 9 songs. She has shared her view on singers adopting a hybrid performance style and choosing to lip-sync the majority of the parts of a song. Commenting on it, Raja Kumari said, "I would encourage more people to focus on the musicality of things so we can become better performers to be on international stages. We should not just focus on the glitz and glam, India has been known for being a centre of arts and music for thousands of years, so let's not let that go". While Raja has given food for thought to many budding artistes, she is also focusing on building infrastructure and music education. She is writing a songwriter's manual to help those blessed with the gift of the gab to get better at their game. She is even working on some other exciting projects which she should talk about soon. The rapper, who released 'The Bridge' under her own music label, Godmother Records, mentioned, "Reward excellence.

WHEN DEEPIKA PADUKONE FACED BACKLASH FOR SELLING KURTI WORN AT JIAH KHAN'S FUNERAL

WHAT IS 'THE KERALA STORY' CONTROVERSY?

WILL IT BE BANNED IN INDIA BY CENSOR BOARD AFTER BACKLASH?

Bollywood film 'The Kerala Story' has been in the spotlight since the release of its trailer a few days ago. Directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film shows how ISIS abducted 32000 Hindu girls from Kerala to make them victims of love jihad and get them involved in terror-related activities. Adah Sharma is playing the lead role in the film, Many political leaders have objected to the film, claiming that it spreads hate and should be banned. The Kerala Story has courted controversy for portraying itself as a real story and for making false claims that thousands of women from Kerala are being converted to Islam and recruited into ISIS, it faces allegations of promoting the Sangh Parivar's agenda. Recently, political leader Shashi Tharoor slammed the makers and said that 'it may be *your* Kerala story. It is not *our* Kerala story.' He further tweeted, "Let me stress, I am not calling for a ban on the film. Freedom of expression does not cease to be valuable just because it can be misused. But Keralites have every right to say loud & clear that this is a misrepresentation of our reality."

In 'The Kerala Story', actress Adah Sharma is playing the role of Fathima Ba, a Hindu Malayali nurse, who is among the 32,000 women who went missing from Kerala and were then recruited to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) after being forced to convert to Islam. "I'm glad we can spread awareness with this film and people giving me so much love and support feels good always. As for performance, I'd credit the makers entirely. The director, the writer, the

cinematographer," said the actress. About the controversy that surrounds the film, Adah said, "Our film is about girls getting drugged, brainwashed, raped, human trafficking, forcefully impregnated and then raped again by multiple people sometimes, the child they deliver been taken away and them being made suicide bombers." "It's about life and death! for the few who are saying its propaganda, I guess once they watch the film with all the facts they will say otherwise."

Talking about the film, Vipul Shah earlier said, "The film is an amalgamation of years of research and true stories which have never been dared to be told before, it will uncover many hidden truths that have been hidden for long. It will uncover the dangerous threat radicalisation poses to the women of our nation and will create awareness about this conspiracy being hatched against India. The film aims to become the voice of tens of thousands of women across the globe who have been indoctrinated and exploited for terrorism and other crimes." Apart from Adah, the film also features Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani. It is slated to hit theatres on May 5. Amid the political storm and severe backlash, it is speculated that 'The Kerala Story' may get banned in India by the Censor Board. Many political leaders have urged the BJP-led Centre to forbid the film from screening. Even the Kerala Government has refused to support the film. However, this decision to ban the film lies with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) which hasn't made any announcement to ban the film yet.

Deepika Padukone's unparalleled success in the entertainment industry has established her as one of the most accomplished actresses of our time. With an enormous fan base, she has reached the pinnacle of her career. Although her personal and professional lives often make headlines, she unexpectedly came under scrutiny in 2021 after a Twitter user pointed out an unusual issue. In 2021, Deepika Padukone faced intense online criticism for putting up her outfit, which she wore to funerals, for auction. The move was unexpected and caused a stir among the public. According to reports, the proceeds from the sale were supposed to be donated to charity. A Twitter user shared images of Deepika wearing the same clothes at funerals and compared them with the images from the auction website. One of the images was of a short kurti worn by Deepika at Jiah Khan's funeral, which she auctioned for Rs. 8000.

Additionally, Deepika auctioned the outfit that she had worn to the funeral of Priyanka Chopra's father, Ashok Chopra.

A Twitter user called out the actress and wrote, "I am so shocked.. my favourite Deepika Padukone has auctioned her non couture clothes from 2013.. I repeat 2013 that she wore to different funeral events. Low blow."

After her tweet, several people flocked to the comment section to react to it. One user wrote, "Don't justify this by telling me she is doing it for charity.. you cannot be reselling Zara's .. jhoothis...10 15 year old ordinary brand clothes.. Why can't you just give it to needy or your househelp.(sic)" Another user commented, "The clothes you wear to a funeral are to be discarded or kept only for funerals. Also we don’t wear clothes of people who are not related, hell!! We don’t even wear used clothes within family.(sic)" A third user commented, "You have showed us the reality....this was very much required.(sic)"

Meanwhile, on the work front, Deepika is currently shooting for 'Fighter.' In the film, she will be sharing the screen with Hrithik Roshan. She is also working on Project K with Prabhas. She also has 'The Intern' remake with Amitabh Bachchan.

HOLLYWOOD

BOYCOTT AQUAMAN 2 TRENDS AFTER AMBER HEARD'S ROLE AS MERA CONFIRMED IN DC MOVIE

SONAM BAJWA LOOKS HOT IN SEXY BACKLESS DRESS

Sonam Bajwa had the internet buzzing with photos from her latest photoshoot, and we must say she looks undeniably stunning. In the images, Sonam can be seen posing by the sea while wearing a short, backless pink dress. She struck several stances in or der to flaunt her dress. With the sun shining on her, she radiated a glow and looked every bit gorgeous. Her photos drew a lot of attention from people who couldn't stop praising her beauty and were left awestruck. Sharing the pictures, she wrote, "Farishtey My most favorite song fr om COJ3. Two days to go. Carry on Jatta 3 releasing worldwide 29th June." For the unversed, she will soon be seen in the film Carry On Jatta 3.

In the latest teaser of Aquaman 2, DC Studios officially revealed that Amber Heard will return as Mera despite the controversies surrounding ex-husband Johnny Depp. It seems fans aren’t happy and are ready to boycott the Aquaman sequel just because of Heard’s presence. Aquaman 2 will be the last DC movie of 2023, and Warner Bros. will have high hopes for the sequel after the first one became the biggest DC film of all time. Fans are fuming as Johnny Depp was instantly replaced in Fantastic Beasts as the scandal broke out. They said that this is unfair. Some said that this was plain misandry. Now #BoycottAquaman2 is trending on Twitter, clearly, fans are not at all liking Amber Heard's presence in the upcoming sequel. For the unversed, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's trial was one of the ugliest slug fests in the history of Holl ywood. The actress had accused him of domestic abuse charges and said that he was a possessive husband. Johnny Depp had filed a defamation case in a Virginia court and he won the case. The trial ended with Depp being awarded $10 million in damages. Heard was awarded $2 million in damages as well for being "defamed" by Heard's lawyer who had accused her of creating a hoax. Heard has repeatedly accused Depp of physical and mental violence, which Depp has denied.

WARNER BROS. ANNOUNCES

‘GODZILLA X KONG’: THE NEW EMPIRE!

ISHA AMBANI DAZZLES IN BLACK STARRY SAREEGOWN BY PRABAL GURUNG AT MET GALA 2023

Isha Ambani, daughter of billionaire Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, attended the Met Gala 2023 in New York City on May 2 (Tuesd ay) wearing a gorgeous saree gown. Keeping her best fashion foot forward, Isha Ambani walked the red carpet in a beautiful Prabal Gurung's black silk saree gown which was hand-embellished with thousands of crystals and pearls. It was styled by Priyanka Kapadia. At the fashion gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Isha exuded exquisite beauty by showcasing an amalgamation of her Indian and western dressing. Isha's ensemble features black silk fabric draped over one shoulder, with thousands of crystals and pearls ha ndembellishments extended into a floor-length silk chiffon train. For the glam, she opted for minimal makeup look and she kept her hair straight. Enhancing her outfit, she wore an embellished choker with diamond necklaces from Lorraine Schwartz, statement earrings and ring s. She styled the look to perfection with the Chanel clutch that elevated Isha's look tenfold. Isha Ambani has attended the Met Gala before. She marked her debut at the fashion event in 2017 with a Christian Dior gown and then again in 2019 by wearing a lilac dress by Prabal Gurung. The Met Gala livestream is hosted by actor and producer La La Anthony, writer Derek Blasberg, and Saturday Night Live's Chloe F ineman. Internet multi-hyphenate Emma Chamberlain will return as Vogue's special correspondent. This year, the theme of Met Gala 2023 is Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, based on the new Costume Institute exhibition exploring the work of the iconic designer. About 150 original looks will be displayed at the Met along with Lagerfeld’s sketches and several video interviews with the designer.

Warner Bros. has officially released the title for the latest edition in The MonsterVerse, indicating a hidden secret for the franchise that has yet to be revealed. The film, named Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, will be released on March 15, 2024, and will be a direct sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong. While specifics about the new film are yet unknown, the teaser does show Kong sitting on his throne among the skeletal remnants of the Hollow Earth. With a title alluding at a New Empire, the cryptic nature of the future project can lead to a lot of speculation. The film will, however, centre on the two eponymous titans as fans are brought to a fresh new world of creatures worthy of being seen on the big screen.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire will be directed by Adam Wingard, who previously directed the franchise's previous edition. Rebecca Hall reprises her role as Dr. Ilene Andrews in the film, with Brian Tyree Henry as Bernie Hayes and Kaylee Hottle as Jia. Godzilla vs. Kong was regarded as one of the first pandemic-era cinema success stories, grossing $470 million at the global box office in March 2021, when theatres were just beginning to recover from pandemic-era mass closures.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE'S 'NO HARD FEELINGS' SET TO RELEASE IN INDIA ON JUNE 23

ELEGANCE. RECENTLY, THE ACTRESS MADE HEADLINES WITH HER STUNNING

SHE WORE FOR HER FIRST LIVE EVENT. UNDOUBTEDLY, SHE LOOKED CAPTIVATING.

The comedy film ‘No Hard Feelings,’ starring Jennifer Lawrence and directed by Gene Stupnitsky, is all set to release on June 23 in India. The announcement was made by the production team. The release date, originally set for June 16, 2023, was pushed back a week to June 23, 2023, following the rescheduling of the release of ‘The Flash.’ The movie is being touted as a hilariously daring venture that is sure to keep audiences in splits.

The official synopsis of the movie states that Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence), who is about to lose her childhood home, finds an intriguing job opening where affluent helicopter parents are seeking someone to 'date' their shy 19-year-old son, Percy, before he heads off to college. However, Maddie is shocked to learn that the uncomfortable Percy is not a definite thing.

Apart from Jennifer Lawrence, many other well-known artists such as Andrew Feldman, Kyle Mooney, Laura Benanti, Ebon MossBachrach, Scott MacArthur, Natalie Morales, Hasan Minhaj, and Matthew Broderick are also featured in No Hard Feelings. The makers also unveiled the first trailer for the movie. Sony Pictures Entertainment India will be distributing it in Indian theaters since it was revealed in October 2021 that Sony had defeated Universal Pictures, Netflix, and Apple Studios to get a cinema release for an R-rated comedy package supported by produceractor Jennifer Lawrence and director Gene Stupnitsky.

KAREENA KAPOOR, NOT PREITY ZINTA, WAS FIRST CHOICE FEMALE LEAD FOR KAL HO NAA HO

AISHWARYA RAI, VIKRAM ARE HEART AND SOUL OF MANI RATNAM'S MAGNUM OPUS

When ace Mani Ratnam, who has helmed films such as Dil Se, Iruvar, and Guru, decided to take on the project of Ponniyin Selvan and bring it to the big screen, everyone was aware that he had a massive responsibility on his shoulder. The revered novel by Kalki was and is loved by many people and is often talked about even today. If that wasn’t enough to make me aware of the books, the numerous women who were named Nandini because of the books in my class at school stood as a constant reminder of the 1955 novel continues to influence families. When I watched Ponniyin Selvan 1, it was evident that Ratnam was under pressure to come through with people’s expectations. As someone who has not read the books, Ponniyin Selvan 1 felt like a never-witnessed-before experience. However, the writing was weak, especially since Ratnam expected that the audience would be aware of the backgrounds and the characters from the book. The narrative also was patchy at the time. Why am I saying all this right now? It’s because, fortunately, Ponniyin Selvan 2 irons out the big narrative problem I had with PS1. PS2 doesn’t start off where PS1 ends. Instead, it shows you who will be the heart and soul of this film — Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and Aditha Karikalan (Vikram). We are finally given a lowdown of what prompted Nandini’s fight for the throne, her history with Aditha, and also given a hint at how an orphan entered the circle of royals. Ratnam makes you invest in their story so well that for a split second, you forget that it is a story about Arunmozhi Varman aka Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi). Soon enough, the director brings us back to Arunmozhi. As the trailers have already revealed, Arunmozhi is alive despite falling into tormented waters in the first film and is preparing for the war to save the Cholan throne. He has his sister Kundavai aka Ilaya Pirattiyar (Trisha), Princess of the Chola Empire, by his side to support her while his brother Aditha is out to keep the Chola Empire intact. Although the battle and safety of the thrones are the primary plots of Ponniyin Selvan 1, Ratnam develops a crucial subplot about Nandini and Aditha. In Ponniyin Selvan 2, Ratnam actually gives time to allow the viewers to understand their relationship. He lets you learn a little more about the motive behind Nandini’s animosity against Aditha, her impact on the decisions of the throne, and her origin story, letting you empathise with her when the climax nears. He also tries to give you a better perspective on the plotting and the impact of each troupe in the war better in the sequel.

However, once the final twist of the film sets in, he returns to rushing through the impact of the twist and even ends the war in a matter of minutes. What remains seamlessly between Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2 is the performances and the magnanimous cinematography. Aishwarya reminds us that she flourishes as an actress under the guidance of Ratnam. She conveys her inner turmoil, her heartbreak, and her wounds so effortlessly. You could tell that the camera

surrendered to her. She is brilliantly supported by Vikram. Their first scene together is nothing but them locking eyes and exchanging a few lines but Vikram emotes the emotion of hurt admirably. One of the best scenes in the film is their confrontation scene. Another star that shone in the first part and continued to carry it forward in PS 2 is Karthi. Playing the role of Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan, he balances humour and emotional scenes with equal prowess.

Trisha continues to be a scene-stealer in the second one. Prakash Raj as a wounded Sundara Cholan stands out in the scenes he’s given. Unfortunately for me, Jayam Ravi in the titular role wasn’t as impactful as I thought he would be. Given that he was kept under wraps for most parts of PS 1, I expected him to truly come forward and shine in the scenes as the great leader. But it did not come through. Ponniyin Selvan 2 excels on the cinematography and music fronts. Cinematographer Ravi Varman helps Mani deliver some of his statement wide-angle shots. One of my favorites is the top-angle shot in which a heartbroken Sundara Cholan confides in Kundavai about his past and falling on his back on the elevated floor. Another scene is the heavily lit chambers in which Aishwarya and Vikram are talking and the gravity of the discussion is conveyed with the growing closeups. Ratnam’s long-time music collaborator, Oscar-winner AR Rahman also helps the director in elevating the film’s magnitude. The film ends with a song sung by Rahman, which feels like a perfect seal of conclusion to the two-part series. Having watched both films now, I feel Ponniyin Selvan deserved a tad more depth, given the various characters and plotlines. The two-part series could have been explored as a grand web series of sorts, something similar to Game of Thrones, or even as a three-part film series, allowing the characters to be fleshed out fully and letting people pick their favourites. Overall, when Ponniyin Selvan was announced, it appeared like a great door-opener for those who weren’t aware of the five-part novel. However, the two-part series concludes as a great cinematic experience that fell short on storytelling.

BAD BOY REVIEW: NAMASHI CHAKRABORTY SHINES IN A WEAKLY WRITTEN LOVE STORY

Love at first sight, boy chases girl, girl falls in love, then boy impresses girl’s family - Bollywood’s typical notebook for romantic comedies may have different shades for us to watch, experience and enjoy, but what does one do when it looks repetitive and doesn’t make you laugh? Well, that’s what Rajkumar Santoshi’s Bad Boy does. The film is a quintessential love story that has the right intentions to tickle your funny bones and make you root for the lovers, but unfortunately, it fails to come through.

Given Santoshi’s illustrious career with films like Andaz Apna Apna and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, 90s’ and 2000s’ charm with overthe-top background music, comedy, and dialogues may work their wonders, but they don’t hold you long enough in this film. Of course, the idea and intention of love winning over everything may strike the right chord, but bad writing and screenplay let you down.

Namashi Chakraborty, the younger son of veteran actor and icon Mithun Chakraborty makes his debut with the film. As someone who hasn’t grown up watching Mithun’s magic in the cinemas, looking at Namashi’s performance with a clean slate - without the baggage of comparisons with his father, was a complete win. There’s so much honesty and conviction in how he plays Raghu. His emotions are pure, his acting is top-notch, so much so that you’d root for him till the end. The story opens with a good-for-nothing Raghu bumping into a grumpy old man, only to fall in love with his daughter, Ritu with one glance. While the first half may quickly establish the narrative and predictability, there are moments where Ritu will remind you about Ek Villain’s Ayesha, while Raghu will remind you about Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani’s Prem. Although their love story, the comic timings, and the music keep you entertained, an overdose of it just makes it tedious. The second half of the story drives smoothly, with the dramatic twists and turns making it look interesting. Johnny Lever’s extended cameo appearance with his humorous dialogue keeps you hooked. He lights up every frame effortlessly. Apart from that, the film’s climax may rile you up for its writing, for all the good reasons as it quickly lets you off the hook.

Amrin Qureshi, who also makes her debut in the movie, brings in a different sense of charm and sensitivity with her on-screen presence.

While she portrayed her part with honesty, she deserved a better character arc. Despite holding on to her roots, Ritu lacks the necessary complexity and character depth that modern audiences expect from female protagonists in cinemas. While Namashi and Amrin’s performances are brilliant individually, their on-screen chemistry fails to give the same vibe. They may talk about innocent love, but it only looks good if watched with rose-tinted glasses. All in all, Raghu and Rituparna’s love story does give out an important message about respect, and emotional maturity.

Saswata Chatterjee as a grumpy old man who’s constantly looking out for high quality and high-standard in everything does a splendid job on his part. He has surely outdone himself in some scenes, but if looked at his filmography, this film could have been an easy pass for him. Mithun’s on-screen aura in his cameo appearance may charm you over.

Overall, Bad Boy offers an overdose of over-the-top entertainment, and cringe-worthy dialogues, and will take you back to the 90s-style comedy. It may also serve you as a guilty pleasure watch, but it fails to deliver a good cinematic experience due to its predictable plot and poor writing. The film’s message about love and respect being the strongest emotion is commendable, but it is lost amidst the film’s lack of novelty and repetitive plot.

Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta starrer Kal Ho Naa Ho was one of the highest-grossing Indian films in 2003. The movie, written by Karan Johar and directed by Nikhil Advani, was a huge box-office success and received an immensely positive response. The characters — Naina played by Preity, Aman Mathur by Shah Rukh and Rohit Patel by Saif — are still remembered and have a special place in the hearts of movie lovers. But do you know who was the initial choice for the role of Naina? Let’s take a look. Everyone knows about Karan Johar’s friendship stories in Bollywood and that he shares a special bond with Shah Rukh, Kajol and Kareena Kapoor. But when Karan was set to produce Kal Ho Naa Ho, he argued with Kareena and the two did not speak to each other for almost a year. According to reports, Kareena first met Karan at a party. Karan was so impressed with 18-year-old Kareena’s confidence that he selected her for the iconic role of Poo in the superhit film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. After this movie, Kareena’s popularity increased a lot. However, when Karan decided to produce Kal Ho Na Ho, Nikhil Advani was roped in as the director, and Kareena was his first choice. But the actress rejected the offer. According to sources, when Karan offered Bebo the role of Naina, she said, “I have recently worked in the film Mujhse Dosti Karoge!, which was produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Kunal Kohli making his directorial debut and the film didn’t do well. Now Nikhil is directing your film, I don’t trust him." Not only this, but Kareena had also put a demand for a huge fee in front of Karan.

In the book An Unsuitable Boy written by Karan Johar, he talked about Kal Ho Na Ho where he stated that Kareena asked for a huge fee, saying, “I want what Shah Rukh Khan is getting. But I denied it because that time we were not doing well. In the meantime, I called Kareena, but she didn’t answer. We didn’t talk to each other for nearly one year. Even at parties, we used to ignore each other." However, later Kareena called Karan when his father Yash Johar was sick and getting treatment for cancer in New York, following which they started talking again.

AMITABH BACHCHAN TO KIARA ADVANI, FILM CELEBRITIES WHO CHANGED THEIR NAMES

As a stepping stone to success, Indian superstars are known to change their real names or spelling. This can be attributed to a variety of factors ranging from numerology to a producer’s decision. Some of these changes, however, are well known. For example, everyone knows that Akshay Kumar’s real name is Rajiv Bhatia, and Katrina Kaif was born Katrina Turquotte. So, here are a few more Indian celebrities whose real names you might not know.

Prabhas has reached superstardom, unlike any other Indian celebrity despite having done only 22 films in his career. The actor has inspired fans throughout the country with box-office successes such as the Baahubali franchise. His most recent bilingual feature, Saaho, became the second highest-grossing Indian film of 2019. According to Indian Express, one of our country’s top stars is named Venkata Satyanarayana Prabhas Raju Uppalapati. Ranveer Singh is a force to be reckoned with among Indian celebs. His energy and acting abilities are enough to blow away the opposition. And as if that wasn’t enough, he is one half of the DeepVeer power couple, thanks to his marriage to Deepika Padukone. According to the Times of India, another unknown truth about the Gully Boy star is that his full name is Ranveer Singh Bhavnani.

Kiara Advani has quickly won the hearts of people throughout the country since her debut in the industry. Her portrayal of Preeti in Kabir Singh established her as a household name.

Alia Advani is Kiara Advani’s real name. According to Pinkvilla, Salman Khan encouraged her to change her name so that she would not be overshadowed by Alia Bhatt.

Amitabh Bachchan is one of India’s most famous actors. His voice, like his onscreen presence, has gravitas. However, it appears that the actor’s father, Harishvansh Rai Bachchan, had a different idea. He was first given the name Inquilaab Srivastava after the patriotic motto “Inquilaab Zindabad" by his father. Later, his name was changed to Amitabh Bachchan.

John Abraham is another celebrity who changed their name. Farhan Abraham is John’s real name. He changed it to John because that is what his father used to call him.

STARRING: VIKRAM, KARTHI, JAYAM RAVI, AISHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN, TRISHA KRISHNAN, SOBHITA DHULIPALA DIRECTOR: MANI RATNAM RATING: 3.5/5

MOVIE REVIEW

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE THRASH LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS IN LOW-SCORING THRILLER

IN THE MATCH PLAYED AT LSG'S HOME GROUND, EKANA CRICKET STADIUM, RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore registered win in the low-scoring thriller against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday. In the match played at LSG's home ground, Ekana Cricket Stadium, RCB beat LSG by 18 runs in a low scoring thriller. Coming to bat first, RCB registered a total of 126/7 (20 overs). Coming to chase, LSG batters managed to score just 108 runs. Coming to chase a target of 127 runs, LSG batters kept losing wicket which resulted in the collapse of their line-up. Moreover, they suffered a big blow as their skipper KL Rahul got injured and could only come to bat towards the end. For Lucknow only Krishnappa Gowtham 23 (13) scored more than 20 runs. RCB bowlers had the grip from the beginning as LSG lost 4 wickets in the powerplay. RCB bowled 66 dot balls and restricted the opposition to 108. While Josh Hazlewood and Karn Sharma scalped two wickets each. Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasarangaamd Harshal Patel took 1 wicket each.

On the low-scoring pitch, RCB batters managed to score 126 runs with Faf du Plessis 44 (40) registering the most runs.Virat Kohli, who came to open, scored 31 runs. After this Anuj Rawat got out after

RUNS

MESSI SET TO PLAY FOR HIS BOYHOOD CLUB NEWELL’S OLD BOYS ON JUNE 24

Argentina world cup winning star Lionel Messi is all set to play a match for his early days club, Newell’s Old Boys this summer. Former Liverpool winger Maxi Rodriguez, who retired from playing football in 2021 after his third spell with Newell’s Old Boys, had invited Messi and former Argentine teammate Sergio Aguero to play in his testimonial game on June 24. The covid pandemic had led to the postponement of his retirement game which will be played in June. Aguero, who had to retire from football due to a cardiac arrhythmia, was Messi’s roommate during the Qatar World Cup where Argentina won its first World Cup trophy since 1986. Sharing the plan with Football Transfers, Rodriguez said, “Hopefully, it’ll be an unforgettable day. Messi’s invited, that’s for sure. We want him there, but he’ll decide as the game approaches. Leo, like everyone else you can imagine, will try to be there.” Meanwhile, Newell’s Old Boys club had put up a banner of support for their country’s captain in their stadium following the attack against his wife Antonela Roccuzzo’s family business in March this year. A threatening hand-written message to the PSG forward was left on a supermarket belonging to the Roccuzzos after two people on motorcycles shot the business. The message of support from Newell’s was posted on social media hours before their home game against Barracas Central in the Argentine league.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC PREPARED TO MISS GRAND SLAMS RATHER THAN HAVE COVID VACCINE

scoring only 9 runs. At the same time, star batsman Glenn Maxwell scored for 4 runs. At the same time, Suyash Prabhudessai (6), Dinesh Karthik (16), Mahipal Lomror (3) and Karn Sharma (2) returned to the pavilion early.

Naveen-ul-Haq took 3 wickets from Lucknow. Whereas Amit Mishra and Ravi Bishnoi took 2-2 wickets.

KL RAHUL’S INJURY BIG CONCERN FOR LSG AS THEY GET READY FOR CSK CHALLENGE

Hit by injuries to skipper KL Rahul and seamer Jaydev Unadkat, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) would be wary of Chennai Super Kings’ ability to bounce back when the two sides face each other in an Indian Premier League match here on Wednesday. LSG would also be facing the heat after failing to chase down a meagre total of 126 in their own den, getting bundled out for just 108 in 19.5 overs by Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday. Rahul sustained injury on his right thigh during the match against RCB here on Monday, while Unadkat slipped badly while bowling at the nets, resulting to a nasty fall on Sunday. The extent of both the injuries is yet to be ascertained but Rahul came out to bat at No. 11 in LSG’s unsuccessful run chase, facing three balls without opening account. His inclusion in the LSG team for Wednesday’s match is doubtful. Players like Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis and Krunal Pandya have chipped in individually as well as collectively in previous games to keep the Lucknow franchise afloat while skipper Rahul has not been at his best after the two half centuries (74 against Punjab Kings and 68 against Gujarat Titans). LSG’s performance this season has swung wildly. While on the one hand, they have given commanding performances that have become the envy of other sides, they also have a self-destruction button hidden somewhere, which goes off automatically. Their match against Punjab Kings on April 28 was a

reminder what the team can achieve collectively, while their game against RCB on Monday was an example of how calamitously a team could lose while chasing a miniscule total of 126. The 257 for five against Punjab Kings, resulting to a 56-run win, had class and composure written all over it, with Mayers, Badoni, Stoinis, Pooran, Naveen-ul-Haq and Yash Thakur all chipping in, while they failed collectively against RCB.

MOHAMMAD RIZWAN UNHAPPY WITH NUMBER FIVE SLOT IN PAKISTAN BATTING ORDER

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan said he is not happy with being pushed down the order to number five for the first two One-Day Internationals against New Zealand and the wicketkeeper-batsman wants to move back up a slot.

The 30-year-old has made the number four slot his own since 2019, scoring both his ODI hundreds at that position, but Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique have been given the place in the opening two games of the five-match series. While Rizwan has excelled in the finisher’s role at five, helping his team win both games, he said he did not want to stay there.

“If you ask me honestly, I am not happy batting at number five (in ODIs), because I want to bat at number four,” he told a news conference on Monday.

“But it is not important that I get what I want. “The captain and coach will do what they like. It is my own wish to bat at number four. But I have not complained to anyone.” Rawalpindi hosted the first two ODIs but the series now switches to Karachi for the remaining three. The teams are scheduled to resume the series with game three on Wednesday.

Novak Djokovic is prepared to miss the French Open and Wimbledon rather than have a COVID-19 vaccination but is not an anti-vaxxer, the world number one said in his first interview since his failed attempt to play at the Australian Open. After an 11-day rollercoaster involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel, the unvaccinated Djokovic was deported before the tournament began. The debacle deprived the 34-year-old the chance to win a recordextending 10th Australian Open and a men’s record 21st Grand Slam title. Instead career-rival Rafa Nadal won the title and moved to 21 and with Djokovic unwilling to have a vaccine limiting where he might be able to play, the Serb is jeopardising his dream of ending his career with the most Grand Slam titles. “I understand the consequences of my decision,” Djokovic told the BBC, adding that he had been prepared not to travel to Australia due to his unvaccinated status.

“I understand that not being vaccinated today, I am unable to travel to most of the tournaments at the moment. Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay. “Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else.”

Encouragingly for Djokovic’s hopes of trying to defend his French Open and Wimbledon titles, travel rules in France and Britain have been eased for unvaccinated travellers and they no longer need to undergo quarantine. His prospects of playing in the United States, including the U.S. Open, look bleak at the moment, however, as vaccination certificates remain compulsory. Defending his right to shun vaccines, Djokovic, who follows a strict diet, said: “I just don’t have enough clarity of how the COVID vaccine will affect me and whether it’s going to create a certain effect on my game and I wouldn’t have the benefits that I would normally have.” However, he said he respected the global vaccine programme and did not entirely rule out having a jab in the future. “I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus,” he said. “As of today this is kind of my decision and my stance and I know I will suffer the consequences. I keep my mind open and you know, we’ll see what happens.”

BEAT LSG BY 18

The volcano has finally erupted. Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir added another chapter to their fierce rivalry on Monday night as the two superstars of Indian got into a heated argument following a tense clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in IPL 2023. Kohli was seen wildly celebrating every time an LSG wicket fell as RCB successfully defended a low total of 127. This after last month Gautam Gambhir of LSG was seen shushing the crowd at M Chinnaswamy Stadium following his team’s thrilling one-wicket against RCB. All was well when Gambhir and Kohli shook hands as is customary after a match after RCB defeated LSG by 18 runs on Monday to exact revenge for last month’s defeat. However, Kohli’s brief chat with LSG opener Kyle Mayers after the match seems to have triggered Gambhir following which the two got involved in a fiery argument. Interestingly, Naveenul-Haq was captured arguing with Kohli during the post-match handshake with the LSG bowler being restrained by Glenn Maxwell. Gambhir looked the more animated of the two and was repeatedly held back from charging towards Kohli. The two eventually came

close, surrounded by players, match officials and support staff of the two teams.

Amit Mishra played the peacekeeper as he tried calming down Kohli.

This isn’t the first time that the two have exchanged words on the field. IPL 2023 Points Table: Check Team Standings, Team Points, Wins, Losses Way back in 2013, Gambhir was still playing in IPL and captaining Kolkata Knight Riders.

During their match against RCB, as Kohli was walking back to the dug-out after being dismissed in the 10th over, Gambhir and the RCB batter charged towards each other aggressively before being separated.

Gambhir had later cla rified that there’s no personal rivalry between the two. “…there was nothing personal (then) and there never will be personal against Virat. I say it again and again that what he’s achieved, I am not surprised. That’s the kind of player he was when we saw him early but what he’s transformed into, I think from a fitness point of view and the way he’s worked on his skills is tremendous", Gambhir had said.

WILL MS DHONI RETIRE AFTER IPL 2023? CSK HEAD COACH STEPHEN FLEMING GIVES AN UPDATE

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni continues to hog the limelight in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The fans are anticipating a special knock from him wherever CSK are playing this season and the team is getting a huge support even in away games thanks to Dhoni. Many reckon that the veteran stumper will retire from IPL as well after this season. However, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has stated that the 41-year-old hasn't yet explicitly stated anything about his retirem ent to either him or the team. "No, he hasn't indicated anything," Fleming said in the post-match press conference on Sunday evening after the CSK vs PBKS clash. Speculations are rife about Dhoni's retirement ever since he has spoken about the fans giving him farewell after the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

"I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd," Dhoni had said. Moreover, MS Dhoni had also admitted that this is the last phase of his career while speaking to Harsha Bhogle earlier in the season after a match at CSK's home ground Chepauk.

"All said and done, it's the last phase of my career, however long I play. After two years, the fans have had the opportunity t o come here and watch, feels good to be here. The crowd has given us a lot of love and affection. Not getting enough chances to bat, but no complaints," the CSK captain had said. While the CSK skipper likes to his keep his cards close to him, the fans will not complain if he walks out for the toss even in IPL 2024. However, for now, the focus of MS Dhoni will be to help CSK qualify for the playoffs this season.

VIRAT KOHLI AND GAUTAM GAMBHIR GET INTO A FIERY ARGUMENT AFTER IPL 2023 MATCH BETWEEN LSG AND RCB MAIN

TORONTO / NEW YORK TIMINGS

Paceman Josh Hazlewood handed Australia an Ashes boost as he made a successful return from an Achilles injury to help Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Lucknow Super Giants by 18 runs in the Indian Premier League. Hazlewood took 2-15 in his three overs as RCB successfully defended a modest total of 126 for nine on Monday. On his spell and bowling on the Lucknow pitch, Hazlewood said,”It was a good change up. We have played a lot of cricket at Chinnaswammy, which has been a batting paradise. I think it’s good to have occassionally one for the bowlers in a low scoring affair. It was quiet a tight match and exciting as well. One team was really never out of it.”

DINESH KARTHIK COULD NOT PROVE EVEN ONCE IN THE LAST 8 MATCHES: IRFAN RIPS THROUGH RCB’S DESIGNATED FINISHER

It’s a topsy-turvy season and a bag of mixed results for the Royal Challengers Bangalore so far. In eight games in the 2023 Indian Premier League so far, they have four wins and as many losses, sitting fifth in the 10-team points table. While Faf du Plessis (422), Virat Kohli (333) and Glenn Maxwell (258) have been among the runs on top, the RCB middle order have failed to contribute. Part of them, the franchise’s designated finisher who was instrumental with the bat last season. Dinesh Karthik scored 330 runs last season in 16 outings at a strike rate of 183.33. A season that helped him earn a spot back in India’s shortest format side and be part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia. This season however, Karthik has only been able to amass 83 runs from the eight matches so far. A strike rate of 131.75. Former India seamer Irfan Pathan also spoke on the middle order dilemma facing RCB.

‘TONIGHT WAS A STEPPING STONE’: JOSH HAZLEWOOD ON HIS SUCCESSFUL RETURN IN IPL

MET GALA 2023: GIGI HADID IN BLACK, KARDASHIANS HONOURING KARL LAGERFELD TO JARED LETO AS CAT

VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY PLANT WILL CREATE THOUSANDS OF NEW JOBS

From mining critical minerals to building batteries and cars, Ontario and Canada continue to attract historic, transformational investments across the electric vehicle supply chain to secure more good-paying jobs for workers today and for decades to come. Last month, Ontario and Canada secured a historic investment from Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen is investing $7 billion to establish its first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. This is the largest electric vehiclerelated investment in Canadian history, signaling a strong vote of confidence in Ontario and Canada’s highly-skilled workers, strong economies, and competitive business environments. Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were joined today by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, to highlight this generational deal for St. Thomas, Ontario, and Canada’s entire electric vehicle supply chain.

LINE OF BEAUTY."

FOLLOWING A DECLINE IN 2023, GTA HOME PRICES TO RISE AGAIN IN 2024 AND 2025

We expect that, after reaching a record high in 2022, the GTA’s average MLS® price will decline in 2023, then increase in 2024 and 2025. We expect MLS® sales to follow a similar path. The continued elevated mortgage rate environment will be the primary factor moving the average MLS® price lower in 2023. According to our estimates, the average household required nearly 22% more disposable income than was being earned to qualify for a mortgage on the average priced GTA home in Q4 of 2022. If mortgage rates remain high in 2023, so too will the required income needed to qualify for a mortgage. High mortgage rates in 2023 will, therefore, prompt: • a continued decline in prices; and • a shift in sales toward lower-priced homes (further weighing down the average price). In 2024 and 2025, there should be a gradual decline in mortgage rates. The decline will bring back to the market a share of buyers who were sidelined in 2022 and 2023. This, along with a large millennial cohort (in their prime homebuying years) and strong expected population growth via immigration (Toronto has historically received the largest share of international migrants to Canada), will translate into increased sales. Meanwhile, new listings aren’t expected to increase significantly due to the modest nature of 2023’s economic slowdown. They will then be outpaced by sales in 2024 and 2025,

resul

ting in renewed upward pressure on the GTA’s average price. Additionally, fewer newly completed homes will be listed on the resale market, due par ticularly to decreased ground-oriented housing starts in 2023. This is another factor that will contribute to rising prices in 2024 and 2025. There are 2 significant downside risks to our resale market forecasts:

• a deeper recession in 2023 than is assumed in our projections could result in extensive job losses and more listings coming to market than anticipated; and

• should mortgage rates remain higher for longer, highly indebted households may be compelled to sell.

HERE'S WHY YOU NEED TO STOP DRINKING TEA FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Tea is not only a tasty beverage to drink with friends, to welcome guests with, or to have by our sides when we want to be alone with our thoughts, but it also has many health benefits, such as the catechins and antioxidants in black tea, which can enhance immunity and metabolism. Drinking bed tea first thing in the morning is a typical practice in the majority of Indian households. While tea can be a delicious and comforting beverage, it does contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can have an i mpact on the body. Drinking tea or any other caffeinated beverage first thing in the morning on an empty stomach can lead to increased acidity and digestive discomfort. This is because caffeine can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can cause irritation and inflammation. Additionally, drinking tea in the morning can interfere with the body's natural cortisol production.

AMERICAN SUPERMODEL GIGI HADID TURNED HEADS WITH HER OUTFIT AT THE MET GALA 2023. SHE SLAYED THE BLACK GIVENCHY ENSEMBLE. SEE WHO WORE WHAT AT THE RED CARPET, THIS YEAR. ONE OF THE BIGGEST FASHION NIGHTS, IS CURRENTLY BEING HELD IN NEW YORK CITY. THE EVENT TOOK OFF ON A STUNNING NOTE WITH CO-CHAIRS, PENELOPE CRUZ AND DUA LIPA MAKING A GRAND STATEMENT IN BRIDAL COUTURES. PENELOPE HONOURED THE LATE KARL LAGERFELD IN AN ANGELIC HOODED SHEER GOWN FROM CHANEL COUTURE'S SPRING/SUMMER 1988 COLLECTION WHILE DUA OPTED FOR A CHANEL COUTURE FROM 1992. THIS YEAR, MET GALA CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE COSTUME INSTITUTE EXHIBITION, "KARL LAGERFELD: A

TAMANNAAH BHATIA ANANYA PANDAY MOUNI ROY SONAKSHI SINHA DEEPIKA PADUKONE

I DETAILS ON PAGE 30

2023 MET GALA RED CARPET: ALL THE FASHION, ALL THE DRAMA

PARENTING TIPS: HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD DEAL WITH STRESS

Is your child suffering from exhaustion, headaches, digestive problems, anxiety, sadness and more. If yes, then there is a high possibility of him/her suffering from stress. The lifestyle of today negatively affects adults, teenagers, and even children which further contributes to poor mental health. Children between the age of 9-13 get exposed to social networking sites like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and many more. Many times, busy parents hand a gadget to their highly active child to keep him/her busy. That child is distracted, and it becomes convenient for the parents to go on with their tasks.

THE MET GALA IS A RIOT OF FASHION, WITH A THEME—THIS YEAR, “KARL LAGERFELD: A LINE OF BEAUTY” (THE SUBJECT OF THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART’S COSTUME INSTITUTE EXHIBIT, MAY 5-JULY 16)—THAT SOME STICK TO, AND SOME, WELL, GO THEIR ON WAY. VOGUE EDITOR IN CHIEF ANNA WINTOUR, WHO WIELDS HER RED PEN WITH RUTHLESS PRECISION WHEN IT COMES TO THE GUEST LIST, CAME WITH RUMORED BEAU BILL NIGHY. PENÉLOPE CRUZ AND DUA LIPA, TWO OF THE CO-CHAIRS OF THE EVENING, ARRIVED IN CHIC WHITE. AND THEN THE GAMES BEGAN! THERE WAS EVEN A CLIFFHANGER AND MYSTERY: RIHANNA FINALLY ARRIVED HOURS LATE IN, NATURALLY, A COMPLETELY BONKERS OUTFIT.

MOUNI ROY'S WARDROBE IS A VERSATILE MIX OF SUBTLETY, BLING AND ABSOLUTE HOTNESS

This is bound to increase the stress levels of children leading to anxiety, and worse, depression. How can the parents tackle such situations, and how can they prevent their children from experiencing stress? Look at some tricks for treating a child’s stressed mind and ways to prevent stressful situations-

1. Keep Them Active:

Most children are extremely active in their early years, with elevated athletic capabilities. Any kind of physical activity will surely help your child in relieving stress. Some activities such as, swimming, hoola-hooping, bike/scooter rides, dancing, running games and many more, are highly effective.

2. Spend Time Together-

Children want additional love, care and support in their initial stages, especially when suffering with something so troubling. Parents, instead of giving them gadgets when they need attention, should put their work on hold, and spend quality time together. This is a definite booster of emotional bonds and relationships, between the child and the parent.

3. Teach Coping Skills-

In a world of harmful coping mechanisms, it is highly important for parents to teach their children healthy ways to cope with stress. They can make them meditate and perform breathing exercises. Motivating them to create artistic items, and inspiring them to learn music, dance, and more, drastically reduces stress.

4. Make Them Write-

Children sometimes have a hard time expressing themselves and fail to make sense of what goes on in their little minds. It is imperative that they learn to communicate their needs in healthy ways. Writing is one such great method, which enhances their capability of channelising their thoughts and emotions.

POWERFUL NEW OBESITY DRUG POISED TO UPEND WEIGHT LOSS CARE

MOUNI ROY IS A THROUGH-AND-THROUGH FASHIONISTA WHO IS ALWAYS IN SYNC WITH THE LATEST TREND AND MAKES SURE TO MAKE FULL USE OF THEM. HER KNOW-HOW OF WHAT TO WEAR WHEN IS JUST PHENOMENAL, SHE IS ALWAYS DRESSED ACCORDING TO THE MOOD OF ANY EVENT. FROM THE MOST GORGEOUS SAREES TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING PARTY DRESSES, TO SOME EXTREMELY SUMMER-FRIENDLY CLOTHING, SHE HAS IT ALL IN HER WARDROBE.

WHAT CAUSES WARTS AND HOW TO GET RID OF THEM?

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Warts is an unpleasant and unattractive skin condition. Skin warts typically seem like little blister-like growths on a person's hands or feet. It might also manifest in other areas of the body. The human papillomavirus (HPV), which is what causes it, is an infection. More than 15,000 viruses make up the HPV virus category. Actually an STD/STI, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection or disease. Anyone who engages in sexual activity has the risk of contracting HPV if their partner has the virus.

How is it transmitted?

Apart from HPV which is sexually transmitted infection warts are also spread through skin contact by shaking hands, turning door knobs or typing on keyboards used by many; sharing common shoes or towels also causes warts. Yes, people do get warts from other people with warts; they don't get them from anywhere else.

If you have any type of skin wart, it means that you came in contact with a wartcausing virus sometime in the past, though it could have been months ago.

Who are at risk?

Any person who has very sensitive or damaged or wet skin is more prone to catch the infection. Apart from this person being sexually active, having weak immune system, under prolonged stress, having hormonal disorders and being exposed to external effects such as radiation, chemical emissions of industrial cities, oily or junk food is at risk to get warts once in a lifetime. Also, the wart virus is transmitted most rapidly in areas having warm and humid air like spas, saunas, swimming pools, gyms or clubs.

Precautions

The first and foremost way to prevent skin warts is to avoid coming into contact with the virus. Make sure you wash your hands properly each time before you touch anything. Do not share your shoes or towels with anybody. Also do not use anybody else's towels or shoes. Keep your skin healthy and well moisturised in all seasons be it winter or summer; do not keep your skin dry for long. Do not bite your fingernails; also while shaving make sure that you use a sharp razor that won't tear or cut your skin.

AIR POLLUTION NOW LINKED WITH INCREASED RISK OF IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT

New Delhi: Long-term air pollution has now been found to be associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, researchers report. Air pollution is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease, but the evidence linking it with arrhythmia ha s been inconsistent to date. To determine whether there is a link, Chinese researchers evaluated hourly exposure to air pollution and the sudden onset of symptoms of arrhythmia using data from 2025 hospitals in 322 Chinese cities.

Air pollution in China is well above the World Health Organisation's guidelines for air quality, and the researchers conducted their analyses using air pollutant concentrations from monitoring stations closest to the reporting hospitals.

"We found that acute exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with increased risk of symptomatic arrhythmia," said Dr R enjie Chen, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

The risks occurred during the first several hours after exposure and could persist for 24 hours.

"The exposure-response relationships between 6 pollutants and 4 subtypes of arrhythmias were approximately linear without disce rnable thresholds of concentrations," Chen noted in a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ).

The common arrhythmia conditions atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, which can progress to more serious heart disease, affe ct an estimated 59.7 million people globally.

The study included 190,115 patients with acute onset of symptomatic arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature beats (originating in either the atria or ventricles of the heart) and supra-ventricular tachycardia.

"Although the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, the association between air pollution and acute onset of arrhythmi a that we observed is biologically plausible," the authors wrote. Some evidence has indicated that air pollution alters cardiac electrophysiological activities by inducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, affecting multiple membrane channels, as well as impairing a utonomic nervous function, they added.

WASHINGTON: As a growing number of overweight Americans clamour for Ozempic and Wegovy — drugs touted by celebrities and on TikTok to pare pounds — an even more powerful obesity medicine is poised to upend treatment.

Tirzepatide, an Eli Lilly and Co. drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro, helped people with the disease who were overweight or had obesity lose up to 16 per cent of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds, over nearly 17 months, the company said on Thursday.

The late-stage study of the drug for weight loss adds to earlier evidence that similar participants without diabetes lost up to 22 per cent of their body weight over that period with weekly injections of the drug. For a typical patient on the highest dose, that meant shedding more than 50 pounds. Having diabetes makes it notoriously difficult to lose weight, said Dr. Nadia Ahmad, Lilly’s medical director of obesity clinical development, which means the recent results are especially significant. “We have not seen this degree of weight reduction,” she said.

Based on the new results, which have not yet been published in full, company officials said they will finalise an application to the US Food and Drug Administration for fast-track approval to sell tirzepatide for chronic weight management. A decision could come later this year. A company spokeswoman would not confirm whether the drug would be marketed for weight loss in the US under a different brand name. If approved for weight loss, tirzepatide could become the most effective drug to date in an arsenal of medications that are transforming the treatment of obesity, which affects more than 4 in 10 American adults and is linked to dozens of diseases that can lead to disability or death. “If everybody who had obesity in this country lost 20 per cent of their body weight, we would be taking patients off all of these medications for reflux, for diabetes, for hypertension,” said Dr. Caroline Apovian, a director of the Centre for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “We would not be sending patients for stent replacement.” Industry analysts predict that tirzepatide could become one of the top-selling drugs ever, with annual sales topping USD 50 billion. It is expected to outpace Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic — a diabetes drug used so commonly to shed pounds that comedian Jimmy Kimmel joked about it at the Oscars — and Wegovy, a version of the drug also known as semaglutide approved for weight loss in 2021. Together, those drugs made nearly USD 10 billion in 2022, with prescriptions continuing to soar, company reports show. In separate trials, tirzepatide has resulted in greater weight loss than semaglutide, whose users shed about 15 per cent of their body weight over 16 months. A head-to-head trial comparing the two drugs is planned.

LIFESTYLE

EXPERT-APPROVED HACKS AND TIPS TO REDUCE BELLY FAT QUICKLY

HERE’S HOW YOUR CUP OF COFFEE CONTRIBUTES TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Global coffee consumption has been increasing steadily for almost 30 years.

With a daily average consumption of 2.7 cups of coffee per person, coffee is now Canada’s most popular drink.

Many people aim to lose belly fat, for which they go on strict diets and workout tirelessly for hours. But it must be known that belly fat is not always a result of eating unhealthy, according to experts it can also be caused by hormonal imbalance, poor lifestyle regimen, and the lack of exercise or stress. However, tweaking your diet can really help you make a difference when it comes to excess fat and even weight.

According to Garima Goyal, a registered dietitian, losing this fat is crucial because higher fat accumulation of fat in the belly area predisposes the body to various metabolic diseases such as diabetes 2 and cardiovascular diseases as it causes insulin resistance and raises cholesterol levels. “The measurement of abdominal obesity is carried out by the waist circumference. Waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women is defined as abdominal obesity,” she told indianexpress.com, adding that she always advises her clients to watch their portion size, irrespective of what they are eating. “But certain other eating habits too can help to reduce abdominal fat,” she added.

Following is her list of ways to reduce abdominal fat:

*Cut down sugar: The main culprit behind abdominal obesity is a rise

in sugar intake that disturbs the metabolic balance of the body. Sugar is basically glucose and fructose, and when the fructose loads up in the body, the liver is forced to convert it into fat, which increases the abdominal and lived fat. Consuming sugary beverages is more harmful as you don’t realise the number of calories you are consuming.

*Include good quality lean protein: The single most effective thing for weight loss is adding lean protein such as eggs, fish, nuts, pulses and vegetables, and dairy products to your diet. 25-30% of protein calories aid in fat loss.

*Have a low carb diet: As proven by various studies, low carbohydrate diets have been helpful in fat loss. Water weight also gets reduced when on low carb diet.

*Nourish the body with high fibre foods: Fibre rich foods add to satiety as well as aid in weight loss.

“Remember that the market is saturated with weight loss products but they don’t specifically focus on abdominal fat. To target your abdominal fat, you need to rewire your system from the inside. This first begins with your diet, then exercise, then cultivating a daily routine that allows you to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” she concluded.

EATING ALMONDS DAILY BOOSTS RECOVERY MOLECULE BY 69 PC, HELPING IN RECOVERY AFTER HEAVY EXERCISE: STUDY

Eating almonds daily has been found to support metabolic recovery following strenuous exercise by increasing beneficial fat by 69 per cent, according to a new study. The researchers concluded that daily consumption of almonds leads to a change in metabolism, downregulating inflammation and oxidative stress from exercise and enabling the body to recover faster.

“We conclude that almonds provide a unique and complex nutrient and polyphenol mixture that may support metabolic recovery from stressful levels of exercise,” corresponding author Dr David C Nieman, a professor at the North Carolina Research Campus, said. The findings have been published in Frontiers in Nutrition. “Almonds have high amounts of protein, healthy types of fats, vitamin E , minerals, and fibre. And the brown skin of almonds contains polyphenols that end up in the large intestine and help control inflammation and oxidative stress,” said Nieman. According to the study, a randomized controlled trial showed that female and male participants who ate 57g almonds daily for one month had more of the beneficial fat 12,13-DiHOME (12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acid) in their blo od immediately after a session of intense exercise than control participants. This molecule, a so-called oxylipin, an oxidized fat , is synthesized from linoleic acid by brown fat tissue, and has a beneficial effect on metabolic health and energy regulation, the study said.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION CAUSES HEALTH CONCERNS

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) A state of decreased response and motor activity, sleep is quickly reversible. The fact that all creatures experience this phenomenon in some way indicates that it probably has some evolutionary significance.

Sleeping takes up roughly one-third of a person's lifetime or eight hours per night. There are many explanations for why people slumber. These hypotheses encompass memory consolidation, energy saving and restoration.

For the best possible physical, immune, mental, and cognitive wellness, getting enough sleep is crucial. Nearly 30 per cent of adults (according to a study from the United States) report having trouble sleeping enough. Short sleep duration has been linked to a number of unfavourable health outcomes, such as decreased performance at work or school, slowed reaction time, an increased risk of accidents, mental health disorders like drug abuse, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as complications during pregnancy and all-cause mortality. The inability to function well at work or in school because of insomnia can result in psychosocial problems, which then may make it challenging to keep up with interpersonal relationships. a bad work environment and decreased output. Depression and anxiety at the job may result from this.

Slow response times increase the chance of serious injury, permanent disability, and death in homes, workplaces, and roadside collisions.

Major health issues brought on by insomnia include mental health disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Insomnia and psychiatric disorders are inversely correlated, and it is frequently essential to treat both conditions concurrently in order to

hasten recovery and increase the likelihood that both conditions will respond sustainably.

Drug abuse and insomnia are both related to mental conditions.

Patients with drug use disorders and chronic insomnia may have "forgotten" how to fall asleep on their own without the aid of a sedative. Increased chance of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Your chance of developing heart conditions like coronary heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, and heart failure rises when you consistently get inadequate sleep. It raises the risk of diabetes and uncontrolled blood pressure, both of which can result in chronic organ damage. Reduced immunity brought on by insufficient sleep can cause repeated infections and slow healing.

Sleep deprivation can worsen pregnancy problems. It increases the possibility of preterm birth, C-sections, more painful labour, depression linked to pregnancy, and low birth weight babies.

DOES THE RIGHT FOOD HELP REDUCE STRESS?

Ancient science knew something that mainstream science is rediscovering, many illnesses can be treated by optimising our food habits. Diet is the most overlooked part of the stress-fighting regime but is equally equipped to manage stress as the other factors. Yes, even a chronic lifestyle condition can be prevented from soaring, provided you know what kinds of food to consume. What is stress?

Stress is our reaction to feeling threatened by any stimuli when we find ourselves in an unpleasant or dangerous situation. The effect of chronic stress on our bodies is harmful. In the long-term, over-exposure to stress can disrupt almost all body processes and put one at an increased risk of several health and lifestyle issues such as chronic headaches and migraine, anxiety and depression, digestive & sleep problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, weight gain, etc. Given that chronic stress is a part and parcel of our lives, we cannot stop it but we can manage it by eating healthily.

Certain nutrients in food can keep stress at bay. Among the multiple ways of stress management, eating certain nutrients in food is the best. According to studies, just by being stressed, your bodily requirements for certain nutrients such as vitamins B & C, selenium, magnesium, etc. increase. Just by eating foods that are rich in these nutrients, you may be able to manage your stress levels. In fact, there are studies showing that quality nutrients taken longterm can have a positive impact on your body.

Research has also proved a relevant, decisive link between gut microorganisms, which live in our intestine, what we eat and how we ultimately feel. No wonder gut health is integral to mood, emotions, and psychological health management. So, managing stress with food is a great tactic for overall health. A well-balanced, nutritious diet is the single most important

element for good health. Next time you feel stressed, observe your palate and adjust it accordingly. Here are some great food options that are known to reduce stress levels:

Dark chocolate: Is said to work in two ways – by having a chemical and emotional impact. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and helps lower stress hormone levels in the body when enjoyed in moderation, as traditionally bereft of any unnecessary surplus sugar.

Warm milk: Known to induce a good sleep-in night and aids stress management when sipped right before retiring to bed. Warm milk has a relaxing effect. Rich in calcium and vitamin D, it helps to maintain the bone and is also known as a muscle relaxant and mood stabiliser.

Nuts & seeds: Teeming with magnesium, healthy fats, and nutrients; nuts and seeds act as a stress-busting snack when consumed in moderation. Almonds, flaxseed, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are great options to choose from.

Foods high in fibre: Fibre-rich foods are hailed as gut-friendly and may lower stress, anxiety, and depression. To add more fibre to your diet, eat adequate amounts of fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts & seeds, and many more. You may also opt for whole-grain-based foods such as whole-grain breakfast cereals.

Whole unprocessed grains: Known to provide a mood-stabilising effect by spiking serotonin (a boosting-mood hormone that decreases stress) levels. Thus, resulting in better concentration and focus. Choose healthy, unrefined carbohydrates such as unprocessed grains for better nutrition and adequate fibre intake that takes longer to digest and thus releases blood sugar gradually over a period.

It is estimated that around two billion cups of coffee are consumed daily worldwide.

This demand has led to considerable diversification in the ways of preparing coffee as well, including the creation of coffee capsules. The popularity of these capsules has divided the public opinion because this method of preparation, which uses single-use individual packaging, is harmful to the environment.

As researchers working on assessing the environmental impacts of products and services, we often discuss coffee’s carbon footprint. We decided to study the carbon footprint of several techniques used to prepare coffee at home, and it turns out that coffee capsules aren’t the biggest carbon culprits.

The life cycle of coffee

The pollution resulting from the preparation of coffee at home is just the tip of the iceberg. Before you can enjoy a cup of coffee, it goes through several steps, starting from the agricultural production of the coffee beans, their transport, the roasting and grinding of the beans, right up to the heating of the water for the coffee and the washing of the cups it is poured in.

These steps, common to all modes of coffee preparation, consume resources and emit greenhouse gases (GHG).

To adequately compare the carbon footprint of several coffee preparation methods, it is important to consider their entire life cycle: from the production of coffee, through the manufacture of packaging and machinery, to the preparation of coffee and the waste produced. Comparing four coffee preparation methods We decided to study this further and conducted an extensive literature review on the subject. We then measured the carbon footprint of coffee by comparing four methods of preparing 280 millilitres of coffee, namely:

1) Traditional filter coffee (25 grams of coffee)

3) Brewed coffee (French press) (17 grams of coffee)

2) Encapsulated filter coffee (14 grams of coffee)

4) Soluble coffee (12 grams of coffee), also known as instant coffee

Our analysis clearly showed that traditional filter coffee has the highest carbon footprint, mainly because a greater quantity of coffee powder is used to produce the amount of coffee.

SAUNF-MISHRI, THE SWEET TREAT TO BOOST YOUR EYESIGHT

Sugar candy and fennel (sauf and mishri) not only offer a cooling effect to the body but also act as a great digestive aid. Although commonly consumed as an after-meal mouth freshener, combining these two ingredients can help to regulate body temperature and promote overall health during the summer season.

Benefits of eating Sugar candy (Mishri)

As per a recent news report by HT, sugar candy (mishri) offers several advantages over regular sugar. It is known to be easily digestible, providing a subtle sweetness that is often preferred over traditional white sugar. People commonly consume sugar candy as a refreshing treat, but it also has other health benefits.

For example, if you’re dealing with dry cough or stubborn phlegm, it can be effective in loosening it up. Additionally, sugar candy can provide natural coolness and help alleviate irritation. If you’re looking to beat the summer heat, drinking sugar candy water can be a great way to cool down. Moreover, for those experiencing nausea or acidity, chewing on it can provide quick relief from these symptoms.

Benefits of eating sugar candy with fennel seeds (Saunf and Mishri) Combining sugar candy with fennel not only creates a tasty treat but also offers a range of health benefits. As a popular after-meal mouth freshener, consuming fennel helps to improve digestion, and when paired with sugar candy, it can speed up the digestive process.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WORKOUT REGIME TO CHECK DIABETES

Physical activity or a regular workout regime is a key element in managing type 2 diabetes. Until recently studies showing the significance of exercise to manage diabetes were very less. However, now we can see that there is plenty of research highlighting the importance of exercise to manage blood glucose levels effectively.

The research indicates that participation in a regular workout regime improves blood glucose control, preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes, and boosts your body's sensitivity to insulin, countering insulin resistance.

Also, regular physical activity positively affects blood pressure, and cardiovascular health, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthens muscles and bones, reduces anxiety, and improves your general well-being.

FIVE REASONS WHY MEN SHOULD FIND THEIR SIGNATURE FRAGRANCES RIGHT NOW

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) The sense of smell is more than merely understanding complex fragrances. It is related to uplifting our mood and striking back some memories that we cherished ages ago. Be it the aftershave that our father wore or the perfume that our mother smothered us with on certain occasions, a distinctive fragrance goes a long way to be recognised even after ages. Taking a cue from the same, the fragrance that we wear has a long-lasting impact on the minds of those who we engage with for a long time. It does the talking about our personality even before we talk. "While choosing a fragrance, men tend to stick to one fragrance and merely experiment with new ones. They often give in to the fragrance used by most men or the newest arrivals on the shelves without understanding whether the fragrance suits their personality or not. Though most-used fragrances can be smelling good, they will not give you a distinctive edge in the crowd," says Neeraj Bhensdadia, Co-Founder of Upsilon - a perfume brand in India. "It hence becomes imperative for a man to have a signature fragrance to have the feeling of being arrived irrespective of the occasion. From being noticed by everyone in the room to letting you be in your element throughout your presentation at the occasion, a signature perfume has an array of benefits." Here are five reasons why men should find their signature fragrances right away outlined by Neeraj. To smell ideal - All perfumes are certainly goodsmelling but just like one size fits all approach doesn't work practically, not all perfumes are made for the unique personality that an individual carries. There needs to be a perfume that smells better than them all on offer for the masses. One must go for a handpicked, select fragrance that is unusual to be picked by many, which of course, is in line with their unique personality traits. To be smelling consistent throughout the day, the collection must include the stronger concentration - Eau De Parfum. After the shower, moisturise yourself well and wear an Eau De Parfum with two or three sprays to keep the fragrance not too light or too strong. Uplifts your mood - A perfume that goes very well with your personality will certainly help you keep your mood

uplifted all the time. Out of the five senses, smell is the most powerful one. Given its complex nature, it is bound to surface underlying emotions and make you feel better. You might be using a particular fragrance for a particular occasion. Like, you might have used your signature perfume on your wedding day or any other occasion, and fragrances can trigger your best memories which will ultimately make you feel better and uplift your mood.

Boosts Self-Confidence - Just like how your signature perfume brings a sense of optimism within you by uplifting your mood, the change can be witnessed in your demeanour from the outside too. You feel more confident in your appearance and your element. To smell good is to feel good. While being noticed and complimented by others, you get this boost of self-confidence, the credit of which goes to the signature fragrance that you wear. Turns heads towards you - How you accessorize has a certain impact on the people at the place where you are arriving. The feeling of being arrived and seeing most of everyone's head turning towards you is cherished by everyone. Be it for your car or the outfit that you wear, the feeling is unique in its way. Likewise, your signature fragrance can turn heads to relish the unique smell and how it suits you. It makes you appear more attractive. It leaves a long-lasting impression wherein people even recognise you over time for smelling uniquely attractive. Statement of Class - Signature perfumes are choicest like your select apparel, watches, and wine collection and hence are a statement of a class of its own. It defines how you are particular about presenting yourself in a certain fashion and engaging in only the best and rare when it comes to your collection of assets. A hint of your signature fragrance can speak volumes about your class and demeanour as compared to others. Though selecting the signature perfume requires a diligent understanding of how you like to present yourself that sets you apart from the crowd, it is not necessary that they must be expensive to be unique. With the evolving consumer market and increased appetite for unique offerings, several homegrown perfume brands in India suit the needs of the modern-day consumer with a unique hint that suits their personality. A little research is all that's required.

BIO REMODELLING CAN TURN THE CLOCK

Nature has its modus operandi; while most facets are beautiful, others may not be appealing. One such inevitable aspect is maturing of the skin. The late 20s or early 30s are usually marked with the first indications of ageing. Visible signs of ageing are a cause of concern among most people that oftentimes drive them to the reckless use of anti-ageing creams. Have you been applying anti-ageing creams only to see no noticeable difference in your skin appearance? You are not the only one to face disappointment. These topical administrations work externally and therefore impart temporary results. Coming in all shapes and sizes, antiageing creams fail to work on the root cause of ageing. Rightly said, necessity is the mother of invention. One such new-age innovation to tackle skin ageing with proven long-lasting results is bio remodelling. Let us understand what it is and how it delivers the star ingredient - hyaluronic acid - deep into the skin in just the right way.

Too many cooks spoil the broth! Going by the latest skincare trends, an ideal skincare regimen includes a plethora of products and it becomes confusing what, when, and how to take care of the skin. Turns out there are too many serums and creams. For instance, one to boost collagen synthesis, one to moisturise, and one to keep skin sagging at bay.

Hyaluronic acid: the holy grail in dermatology

More than a fad, hyaluronic acid is here to stay in the skincare ageing as long as there is a demand to cease the appearance of ageing signs. This acid is naturally present in our bodies connective tissue and is responsible for the plump and youthful look. However, as we age its synthesis begins to decrease and results in what we call ageing skin. Hyaluronic acid works like pixie dust to fix all ageing issues: it holds water to the skin's surface, thereby keeping it moisturized. In addition, it improves skin elasticity.

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE)

Just as important as eating well is getting a good night's sleep. The majority of us choose to take medications rather than alter our lifestyles to address our problems. Numerous things we do have an adverse effect on how well we sleep, which unwittingly has an effect on our health. We can dramatically improve our quality of life by altering our sleeping habits. Priyanka Salot, Co-founder of The Sleep Company share five behaviours that make it difficult to fall asleep: Use of screens before bed: We all enjoy using our phones, laptops, and computers in the hours before night, but have you ever questioned why doing so is bad for your health? This is so that the screen's light won't interfere with our bodies' normal sleep cycle. This explains why so many individuals struggle to fall asleep after using their laptops or watching television right before bed. So, in order to get a good night's sleep, it is advised that you restrict screen time before bed. In fact, relaxing activities that can aid in getting ready for bed include reading a book or keeping a journal. Working out just before going to bed: Exercise is necessary, but it's not a good idea to work out hard right before bed. Over time, it lowers the quantity and quality of sleep as well as depletes the body's energy stores. Try stretching or yoga before night instead of working out because these activities are less demanding on your energies and are less rigorous.

Mattress type: It's critical to avoid placing strain on our muscles and joints at the end of the day. It can be difficult to sleep on a mattress or pillow made of foam. Many people roll and toss in their sleep as a result of mattress pain. Avoiding a memory foam or standard mattress in favour of a SmartGRID Mattress may be a wise decision if you experience sleep interruptions or are perpetually exhausted. The SmartGRID Mattress, in contrast to other mattresses, keeps our body cool while we sleep, preventing night sweats, and it also conforms to our body shape, minimising back pain. High caffeine consumption around dinner and bedtime: While many of us might not be aware of it, coffee use may be keeping us from falling asleep. While it does provide us with the stamina to stay awake, it also causes our minds to race and could make us uneasy. Because of this, consuming coffee right before bed or right after dinner is like working against our will, making it harder to fall asleep.

Ambience: The impact of light and noise on sleep: Ambience is an important factor in a good night's sleep. People rightly associate bright light as the key hindrance to sleep, but fail to understand that noise is also a major concern. It is extremely difficult to fall asleep when someone is talking loudly in the next room or outside our window. As a result, creating a quiet and suppor tive bedroom is an important aspect of sleep hygiene. We must not underestimate the importance of adequate sleep for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Like in every other situation, a little effort goes a long way and will have a significant impact on one's quality of sleep.

PEPSI ONBOARDS SAMANTHA RUTH

PRABHU AS ITS BRAND AMBASSADOR

NEW DELHI, (IANSLIFE) Personifying the youth's unwavering passion and unshakable spirit through its disruptive narratives, Pepsi unveils yet another rendition of its empowering new brand positioning 'Rise Up, Baby!'. The campaign features actress, youth icon, and an inspiration for women across the country, Samantha Ruth Prabhu. With this campaign, Samantha joins Pepsi's starverse as one of its newest brand ambassadors. All set to redefine the cliches around gender roles in society, the stirring and inspiring campaign aims to encourage women to follow their passions and irrepressible beliefs to break the societal norms that the world has created for them. Portraying the archetypal situations an Indian woman faces daily, from being questioned for not being married by a certain age, shamed for staying out late for work or taking up a lead action-oriented role, the campaign is a commentary on the millions of passive comments and pressures that women go through in life. The gripping campaign through its powerful three words, 'Rise Up Baby', pays homage to the free-spirited women who do not let others define their worth, and march to their own rhythm. Commenting on the campaign, actress Samantha, said, "I strongly believe that women should always follow their hearts, shattering the stereotypes that society has set for us. The campaign, was, therefore, even more special for me as it exemplifies the unshakable and persistent spirit of the women of this generation while inspiring them to wear their quirks on their sleeves. I am truly excited to be associated with Pepsi and cannot wait for fans to get inspired by the campaign and 'Rise Up, Baby!"

Saumya Rathor, Category Lead, Pepsi Cola, PepsiCo India, said, "Pepsi has always strived to reflect the synergy of the younger generation. Through our last two campaigns, we aimed to portray the irrepressible spirit of the youth as they rise above societal norms. For this campaign, our focus was to offer an empowering campaign for the woman of India and pay tribute to their unwavering self-belief and self-confidence. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is the epitome of the independent, bold, and free-spirited modern Indian women, and therefore resonates perfectly with our positioning of 'Rise UP, Baby!'. We welcome Samantha to the Pepsi family and are extremely thrilled to work with her for many more disruptive campaigns going forward."

ASTHMA AND DIET: FOODS TO AVOID AND CONSUME THIS WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2023

Asthma is an airway disorder characterized by cough, chest tightness and wheeze. It is caused by airway narrowing due to inflammation. It is treated with inhaled bronchodilators and steroids. However, avoidance of triggers, such as food, pollens and dust also forms an important part of treatment of asthma. Even though, diet is not a direct cause of a sthma, it can potentially worsen or trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Dr Asmita Mehta, Professor and Head, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Kochi explains the foods to eat and the ones to avoid that can help help manage asthma:

HEALTHY DIET: WHAT TO EAT?

Eat a healthy and balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, that are rich in antioxidants can help support overall health and can help reduce airway irritation and inflammation

WHAT NOT TO EAT? AVOID FOOD TRIGGERS

Avoiding foods that contain additives such as sulfites and preservatives can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Additionally, limiting sodium, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats can help reduce inflammation and keep airways open. As mentioned earlier, certain foods and food

additives can worsen asthma symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help identify these triggers and avoid them in the future.

Anti- inflammatory foods:

Fatty fish like salmon, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties. Such foods can help reduce inflammation in the body and airways.

Stay hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water can help keep airways hydrated and reduce the likelihood of asthma symptoms.

Nutritional supplements:

Some supplements like Vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics may help reduce inflammation and manage asthma symptoms. Such supplements may be taken with concordance of your healthcare provider.

While diet can play a role in managing asthma symptoms, it is not a replacement for medical treatment. A healthy diet can help to manage asthma symptoms by providing important nutrients for respiratory health and reducing inflammation in the body.

YOGA POSES ASTHMA PATIENTS CAN DO SAFELY

Sukasana: Sukasana is said to be a simple pose which can be performed by anyone. The relaxing pose is known to provide relief in asthma by focusing on breathing and lung function. It also helps in reducing stress. To perform Sukasana, start by sitting on ayogamat with cross legs. Now, take the meditation position by bringing both your hands in front of your knees. Now, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Now, release the breath. Now, repeat deep breathing for at least five minutes.

Ardha Bhujangasana : This pose is said to be effective for enhancing breathing and improving spine flexibility. You have to first lie straight on your stomach. Now, bring your hands in front and place your palm on the floor making an L with your elbows. Next,dolight pus h-ups by keeping your legs intact and just lifting your upper body with the support of your hands.

Badhakonasana : Start by sitting with your legs straight. Now, fold your legs and bring both the feet together making a Namaste position. Now, press the feet together with your palms and move your legs just like a butterfly fly. Badhakonasana which is also known as the butterfly pose stimulates blood circulation and helps relieve fatigue by bringing down asthma symptoms.

CAN IRREGULAR PERIODS AFFECT WOMEN'S HEART HEALTH?

Irregular periods are a common issue among women of all ages. While they may not seem like a cause for concern, recent research suggests that irregular menstrual cycles could be a sign of underlying health problems, including heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, making it crucial to understand the link between menstrual irregularities and heart health. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a part of the metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin resistance and excess “male" androgen hormone levels. This leads to irregular periods, weight gain, abnormal lipid profile and diabetes. There is also association noted with sedentary lifestyle, onset of depression and hypertension.

CAN STRESS CAUSE MIGRAINE AMONG WOMEN? FIND OUT

Chronic migraine is a medical condition that is characterized by intense headaches that are accompanied by throbbing pain for at least 15 days per month. These migraines may cause nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to bright light and high decibel sounds and interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, further impacting their quality of life. While 90-95% of people suffer from severe migraine during their lifetime, the condition is more common among women than in men. Women experience 2-3 times more recurrent headaches than men and their migraines mostly occur during adolescence. As hormones play an important role in the causation of migraine; therefore, women are more prone to it. Chronic migraine can be caused due to several factors such as lifestyle and genetic factors.

TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH WHILE ENJOYING A BUFFET

FROM BATHING RIGHT AFTER MEALS TO HAVING LUNCH POST 2 PM: COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID FOR BETTER DIGESTION

We all know the role the gut plays in keeping the body healthy and the immune system strong. As such, it is extremely important to consume a gutfriendly diet. But, did you know that while a healthy diet is essential, what you do after having your meals is also equally important? “In Ayurveda, good digestion is the foundation of health and well-being. Your metabolic fire, or agni, transforms food into the nourishing essence that supports the body’s function and existence. Agni governs the digestion and transformation of food into more subtle substances that nourish our bodies. A steady agni ensures your body functions properly, and an impaired agni leads to the buildup of metabolic toxins – ama, the root cause of diseases,” Dr Archana Sukumaran, Ayurveda expert at Kerala Ayurveda, told indianexpress.com in an earlier interaction.

As such, Dr Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya, an ayurveda expert, took to Instagram to list some common mistakes that affect our digestive system. Sharing the tips, Dr Dixa wrote, “Avoid these 5 common mistakes in your daily routine to improve your digestion without any medicine.”

Bathing right after Meals

According to Ayurveda, every activity has a specific time period, and doing it beyond that limit can harm the body. It is suggested to not take a bath for 2 hours after having a meal. “The fire element in the body is responsible for food digestion, so when you eat, the fire elements get activated and result in increased blood circulation for effective digestion. But, when you take a shower, the body temperature goes down slows the digestion,” she said. “Taking a bath immediately after meals cools down your body. A sudden drop in body temperature will dampen your agni and lead to a sluggish metabolism. Since an impaired metabolism is a major reason for all diseases, according to Ayurveda, this will lead to various diseases. Ideally, taking a bath 2-3 hours before meals would be best,” said Dr Archana.

Walking right after meals

While walking for some time after a meal is beneficial, indulging in heavy physical activities and long walks is not recommended. “Walking long

distances, swimming, exercising — all these activities are Vata aggravating and shall disturb digestion, leading to bloating, incomplete absorption of nutrition and feeling of discomfort post meals,” Dr Dixa said.

Vikas Chawla, Ayurveda Expert, Vedas Cure, added, “A common misperception that needs to be disabused is that walking right after having dinner meals or breakfast supper ensures fast digestion. It is not true. Longdistance walks and exercising are physical activities which aggravate Vata dosha. This hampers nutrition absorption of meals and precipitates feelings of discomfort, pain, and bloating.”

Having lunch after 2 pm

Ayurveda recommends having lunch in the afternoon anytime between 12 to 2 pm when the sun is at its peak. “It is that time of the day when pitta is dominant, which helps digest food easily. For the same reason, Ayurveda considers lunch to be the most important meal of the day and recommends it to be moderate to heavy,” Dr Dixa reasoned.

“People who go for intermittent fasting and fad diets often make the mistake of skipping lunch or eating after 2 pm to maintain long breaks between meals. But it results in patchy digestion and fat accumulation,” Chawla added. Consuming curd at night

Many of us are habitual of adding curd to our dinner thinking that it aids digestion, however, Ayurveda suggests avoiding it at night. “Curd is sour and sweet in taste and it increases Kapha and Pitta dosha in the body. During the night, there is a natural predominance of Kapha in the body, and having curd at this time can lead to excess kapha buildup. It could also sit in the gut and make you feel constipated,” said Dr Dixa.

Sleeping right after meals

Don’t sleep right after your meals; a gap of at least 3 hours between meals and sleeping time is recommended. “During sleep, the body repairs, heals, and restores while the mind digests thoughts, emotions, and experiences from the day. For this reason, Ayurveda recommends that the last meal of the day be relatively light and completed three hours bed,” added Dr Dixa.

EXPERT-APPROVED HACKS AND TIPS TO REDUCE BELLY FAT QUICKLY

Many people aim to lose belly fat, for which they go on strict diets and workout tirelessly for hours. But it must be known that belly fat is not always a result of eating unhealthy, according to experts it can also be caused by hormonal imbalance, poor lifestyle regimen, and the lack of exercise or stress. However, tweaking your diet can really help you make a difference when it comes to excess fat and even weight.

According to Garima Goyal, a registered dietitian, losing this fat is crucial because higher fat accumulation of fat in the belly area predisposes the body to various metabolic diseases such as diabetes 2 and cardiovascular diseases as it causes insulin resistance and raises cholesterol levels. “The measurement of abdominal obesity is carried out by the waist circumference. Waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women is defined as abdominal obesity,” she told indianexpress.com, adding that she always advises her clients to watch their portion size, irrespective of what they are eating. “But certain other eating habits too can help to reduce abdominal fat,” she added.

Following is her list of ways to reduce abdominal fat:

*Cut down sugar: The main culprit behind abdominal obesity is a rise in sugar intake that disturbs the metabolic balance of the body. Sugar is basically glucose and fructose, and when the fructose loads up in the body, the liver is forced to convert it into fat, which increases the abdominal and lived fat. Consuming sugary beverages is more harmful as you don’t realise the number of calories you are consuming.

*Include good quality lean protein: The single most effective thing for

weight loss is adding lean protein such as eggs, fish, nuts, pulses and vegetables, and dairy products to your diet. 25-30% of protein calories aid in fat loss.

*Have a low carb diet: As proven by various studies, low carbohydrate diets have been helpful in fat loss. Water weight also gets reduced when on low carb diet.

*Nourish the body with high fibre foods: Fibre rich foods add to satiety as well as aid in weight loss.

“Remember that the market is saturated with weight loss products but they don’t specifically focus on abdominal fat. To target your abdominal fat, you need to rewire your system from the inside. This first begins with your diet, then exercise, then cultivating a daily routine that allows you to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle,” she concluded.

EATING ALMONDS DAILY BOOSTS RECOVERY MOLECULE BY 69 PC, HELPING IN RECOVERY AFTER HEAVY EXERCISE: STUDY

Eating almonds daily has been found to support metabolic recovery following strenuous exercise by increasing beneficial fat by 69 per cent, according to a new study. The researchers concluded that daily consumption of almonds leads to a change in metabolism, downregulating inflammation and oxidative stress from exercise and enabling the body to recover faster. “We conclude that almonds provide a unique and complex nutrient and polyphenol mixture that may support metabolic recovery from stressful levels of exercise,” corresponding author Dr David C Nieman, a professor at the North Carolina Research Campus, said. The findings have been published in Frontiers in Nutrition. “Almonds have high amounts of protein, healthy types of fats, vitamin E, minerals, and fibre. And the brown skin of almonds contains polyphenols that end up in the large intestine and help control inflammation and oxidative stress,” said Nieman. According to the study, a randomized controlled trial showed that female and male participants who ate 57g almonds daily for one month had more of the beneficial fat 12,13-DiHOME (12,13-dihydroxy-9Zoctadecenoic acid) in their blood immediately after a session of intense exercise than control participants. This molecule, a so-called oxylipin, an oxidized fat, is synthesized from linoleic acid by brown fat tissue, and has a beneficial effect on metabolic health and energy regulation, the study said. “Here we show that volunteers who consumed 57g of almonds daily for one month before a single ‘weekend warrior’ exercise bout had more beneficial 12,13-DiHOME in their blood immediately after exercising than control volunteers.

Festive and wedding seasons are all about meeting your friends and family members. And every gathering, no matter what the occasion, involves a buffet of varied food items. From Chinese and Italian to traditional Indian dishes — one finds herself/ himself indulging in an array of cuisines at such events. “There are several meals and beverages accessible, which might sometimes feel like more than enough to satisfy our taste receptors,” nutritionist Bhakti Kapoor wrote.

While this diversity of foods is appealing to our eyes and taste buds, the expert warned that it may be detrimental to our health. “As a result, it is critical to make informed and healthy decisions at these buffets.” She suggested not being overwhelmed by the several types of meals available and avoiding filling the plates with everything. “Making wise decisions is essential for enjoying such events,” she added. Here are some guidelines, suggested by Kapoor, that you must keep in mind to make smart choices at the buffet. *She suggested not tracking every meal. “It will probably cause you more stress to try to track it,” she said.

*You are allowed to simply enjoy foods for the taste of them, the nutritionist said.

*Don’t just eat all of it because it is in front of you. “If you wouldn’t usually eat croissants and doughnuts at breakfast, you don’t have to just because it’s there.”

*Include protein-rich foods to slow down digestion and support your health.

*She suggested eating your foods slowly and enjoying the flavours. “Pause and check in with hunger signals. Put your knife and fork down between bites,” she said.

“Eat slowly so your brain can recognise when it is full rather than stuffed. Also, be deliberate about your meal selections by avoiding taking a little bit of everything and instead loading up on healthy food options first,” she concluded by saying.

Talking about the same, functional nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan, CEO and Founder, iThrive said, “It is okay to occasionally indulge in foods that aren’t totally healthy if you don’t suffer from any health issues or food sensitivities, especially in social settings which demand so. However, you should actively avoid specific food at a buffet if you suffer from food sensitivities and gut issues that cause you to have a bad reaction to certain foods.”

Common triggers typically include gluten, dairy, refined seed oils, spicy foods, etc. “Don’t hesitate to communicate with the waiters and the chef if in doubt. Tell them you suffer from food allergies and that this information is critical to you,” she shared.

HOW SKIPPING CAN HELP YOU IN WEIGHT LOSS AND BECOME YOUR WHOLE BODY WORKOUT

Skipping workouts may not be good but skipping otherwise, as part of your workout, is very good. In fact, it may be under-rated but is the most effective drill for a full body workout. The bounce gives a massage to your lymphatic system and helps your lymph nodes drain. Also, it improves the firing of your neurons and increases synaptic connections.

BURNS CALORIE AND AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS

It maximises calorie-burn, causing you to lose weight. As it strengthens core muscles and tightens the abdominal area, it automatically reduces belly fat. A study in 2013 even found that those who spent 10 minutes of jumping rope daily for six weeks improved their cardiovascular fitness just as much as joggers in the same time period. Jumping rope is believed to burn up to 300 calories in 15 minutes. That is more than some more strenuous cardio exercises.

This is understandable because when you are skipping, you are working almost every major muscle group in the body. Besides, it generates heat and burns up a lot of calories to do so.

FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Skipping is good for your brain functioning, especially if you know how to move your ropes well in various combinations, sharpening your motor ability and coordination. Boxers find a lot of combinations and recreation in skipping. It is a great kind of foot work which keeps you very agile and alert. It brings focus, attention and concentration.

SUMMER SPECIAL: SAY GOODBYE TO SUNBURN AND TANNING WITH THESE THREE THINGS; NO PRICEY FACIALS ARE REQUIRED

Summer Skin Care Tips: As soon as summer arrives, multiple health conditions, including skin disorders, develop. The majority of these entail various skin issues, the most common of which are sunburn and tanning. Actually, exposure to the sun's harmful rays damages the skin, causing rashes, ageing, tanning, and other skin problems. As a result, the face begins to look bad. To avoid any of these issues, you need to take some precautions ahead of time. You can also try some home remedies if you want. So let's find out.

Lemon-honey

Lemon and honey have properties that are helpful in removing sun tan. In such a situation, if you are troubled by the problem of sunburn and tanning, then you can use lemon-honey. For this, prepare a paste by mixing a little honey and lemon juice in a bowl. After that, leave it on the tanned area for 30 minutes. Then wash it with plain water after

30 minutes. This will not only remove the problem of tanning but also make your skin glowing and beautiful.

Tomato

Lycopene and antioxidants present in tomatoes work to remove dead skin. To use it, first cut a tomato into slices. Then rub it on the affected area for some time, and then wash it with water. Repeat this method twice a week. With this, you will see a significant difference.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is considered very beneficial for health as well as for hair and skin. It also acts as a sunscreen on your skin. This not only eliminates the problem of sunburn and tanning, but it also moisturises the skin. To use, combine a small amount of aloe vera gel and lavender oil in a mixing bowl. Then apply it to the tanning area. It is considered to be highly effective at removing tanning.

STUCK STEM CELLS ARE CONNECTED TO AGEING OF HAIR, SAYS RESEARCH

WASHINGTON: Based on a recent study, specific stem cells can travel between growth compartments in hair follicles with a special aptitude, but as people age, they become trapped and lose the capacity to mature and preserve hair colour. The latest research, led by scientists from NYU Grossman School of Medicine, concentrated on cells called melanocyte stem cells, or McSCs, which are found in both the skin of mice and humans. The signal to mature cells that produce the protein pigments responsible for colour is received by pools of nonfunctional, continuously proliferating McSCs found within hair follicles. The latest learning, which was published online in the journal Nature Online on April 19, revealed that McSCs are remarkably plastic. This indicates that such cells constantly travel back and forth between compartments of the growing hair follicle during normal hair growth along the maturity axis. McSCs are exposed to various quantities of protein signals that influence maturation within of these compartments. The research team discovered that McSCs, depending on their location, undergo a transformation between their most basic stem ce ll state and the following stage of their maturation, the transit-amplifying state. The researchers found that as hair ages, sheds , and then repeatedly grows back, increasing numbers of McSCs get stuck in the stem cell compartment called the hair follicle bulge. There, they remain, do not mature into the transit-amplifying state, and do not travel back to their original location in the germ compartm ent, where WNT proteins would have prodded them to regenerate into pigment cells. “Our study adds to our basic understanding of how melano cyte stem cells work to colour hair,” said study lead investigator Qi Sun, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health.

TRAVELLING IN SUMMERS? FOLLOW THESE SKINCARE TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER SKIN

A perfect skincare routine never fails to make the skin ‘shine bright like a diamond’. What? Do you love traveling, and have a hard time maintaining your skin’s glow? It is highly imperative that our skin gets the hydration, and supervision that it needs. Having a healthy skincare routine not only helps in rejuvenation but also with several skin-related issues like, acne, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, etc. The abovementioned is especially needed for travel lovers, and people who don’t stay in a single place for long. As the skin is exposed to harsh weather, toxins, pollution, dirt and many such harmful ar ticles, it gradually starts losing its sheen and healing capacity. Following are some highly effective skincare tips for travellers, that may turn out to be the best thing you ever try-

1. Don’t skip the SPF!

Exposure to extreme heat causes the skin to burn and damage irrevocably. A Sun Protection Factor is a must-keep, and it should be always applied, even if you are indoors. A sunscreen must contain an SPF of 50+ and it must be PA+++ at the very least.

2. pH Balancing Toner is a Must-

A traveller changes his/her location frequently, which changes the pH of the skin at a rapid rate. Our skin’s pH balance varies from five to six and is naturally acidic. If the pH of the skin turns alkaline, it may cause a chain reaction leading to dehydration, epidermal water loss and finally inflammation. To prevent this a pH balancing toner is highly recommended for every traveller.

3. A Variety of Cleansers-

There are several cleansers for different skin types. But did you know there are various cleansers for different weathers as well? When the weather gets dry, a highly gentle cleanser is to be used, so that the skin doesn’t lose its essential oils and hydration. Whereas during mild summers, a stronger one can be used to rid the skin of dirt-trapping oils and toxins. Travellers should always carry a variety of cleansers according to the weather condition they are in.

4. Embrace Niacinamide-

Travelling from extreme cold to extreme hot weather, make the blood vessels constrict so that the body temperature is maintained. But people having sensitive or reactive skin, may experience a flared-up skin due to such ex treme weather change. Here’s where niacinamide comes into play and helps with calming the skin, it reduces the skin-inflammatory response and soothes it.