hi INDiA | Januray 06, 2023 | The Community First

Last surviving Apollo 7 astronaut dies in US

Former US astronaut Walter Cunningham, who flew to space aboard Apollo 7 in 1968 on the inaugural crewed Apollo mission that paved the way for the first human moon landing nine months later, died on Tuesday at age 90, NASA said.

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US makes abortion pills available in retail pharmacies

US House adjourns after failing to elect speaker in historic political stalemate

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a rule change on Tuesday allowing retail pharmacies, including large chains and mail-order companies, to offer abortion pills.

The move comes as President Joe Biden’s administration strives to secure more abortion rights after the Supreme Court’s decision last summer to end the constitutional right to abortion.

US proposes massive hike in H-1B, other visas’ fees

Washington: (IANS) The US House of Representatives has adjourned after its members failed to elect a speaker for the lower chamber, leading to a historic political stalemate.

Republican Congressman from California, Kevin McCarthy failed to secure enough votes in three ballots earlier on Tuesday after a group of House Republicans voted against him, reports Xinhua news agency.

Washington: (IANS) The US government has proposed a steep hike in fees for immigration and naturalisation benefits, with the heftiest jumps slated for employmentbased categories such as H-1B temporary work visas for speciality occupations, whose principal beneficiaries have been Indian, and intra-company transfers.

The fee for pre-registration for H-1B visas are proposed to go up by a massive 2,050 per cent from $10 currently to $215, 70 per cent for H-1 category that includes H-1B from $460 to $780, 201 per cent for L visa for intra-company transfers to the US, from $460 to $1,385, and 129 per cent for O category for workers with extraordinary skills.

There will be at least a fourth vote as House members agreed to adjourn until Wednesday noon.

McCarthy had reportedly negotiated with fellow Republicans on Tuesday night. The political drama came nearly two months after the November 8, 2022 midterm elections, in which Republicans flipped the House and Democrats held onto their majority in the Senate. This was the first time in a century that the US House speaker was not elected on the first ballot.

William Singer: US college admissions architect will go to jail

More than 50 people have been convicted for their role in the scandal. Among those convicted are actors Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, who were clients of Singer. Singer’s sentence, delivered on Wednesday, marks the longest of any parent, coach or others who were convicted in the scandal.

Rally driver and YouTuber killed in snowmobile accident

American motorsport legend and YouTube star Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident in Utah at the age of 55.

A competitive rally driver in series such as Rally America and Global Rallycross, he earned wide renown later in life for his “Gymkhana” video series on YouTube. The 10-part series, in which he performed daring racing feats, earned him nearly two million subscribers. Block also co-founded the skate-wear clothing brand DC Shoes. Hoonigan Industries, another clothing company he owned, confirmed its founder’s passing in a statement on Instagram on Monday.

Unless Missouri Gov. Mike Parson grants clemency, Amber McLaughlin, 49, will become the first openly transgender woman executed in the US. She is scheduled to die by injection Tuesday for killing a former girlfriend in 2003.

McLaughlin’s attorney, Larry Komp, said there are no court appeals pending.

The man known as the architect of the notorious US college admissions scandal has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

William “Rick” Singer funnelled money to university coaches from wealthy parents to secure the admission of their children to elite colleges.

US District Judge Rya W. Zobel also ordered Singer to pay $10m (£8.29m) in restitution to the federal government. Prosecutors had sought a six-year prison term for Singer and a payment of $10.6m (£8.79m) to the US Internal Revenue Service as he did not pay taxes on the money he received as part of the scheme.

Joe Biden renominates Eric Garcetti as US envoy to India

M. Garcetti,

States of

to the Republic of India,” the White House said after sending the nomination to the Senate. Today, the White House will begin renominating candidates who were not confirmed in the last Congress, a media statement said. “As Secretary (of State, Tony) Blinken said very recently, our relationship with India is crucial and it’s consequential,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at her daily news conference.

“Confirmation of Mayor Garcetti, who was voted out of committee unanimously and with strong bipartisan support to serve as ambassador to India.

Last surviving Apollo 7 astronaut dies in US

Former US astronaut Walter Cunningham, who flew to space aboard Apollo 7 in 1968 on the inaugural crewed Apollo mission that paved the way for the first human moon landing nine months later, died on Tuesday at age 90, NASA said.

Cunningham joined crewmates Walter Schirra and Donn Eisele for the 11-day mission, which was conducted in low-Earth orbit. It was the first human test flight of the new Apollo spacecraft, which would ultimately land a dozen astronauts on the lunar surface from 1969 and 1972. He was the last surviving member of the Apollo 7 crew.

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US may execute its first openly transgender woman

US President Joe Biden Tuesday renominated Eric Garcetti, the former Mayor of Los Angeles, as his envoy to India, with the White House exuding confidence that he would be confirmed by the United States Senate this time.

“Eric

of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United

America

#FreeTaranehAlidoosti: 600 artists demand release of Iranian actor

Over 600 film personalities, including filmmaker Mira Nair, Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo, Oscar winners Mark Rylance and Kate Winslet, have signed a petition calling for the release of Iranian actor Taraneh Alidoosti.

Ruffalo shared the news in a post on Instagram on Monday and posted an image that included the names of 45 artists who are credited as signatories of the change.org petition, which has so far received close to 20,000 signatures.

“Over 600 artists worldwide have signed an open letter calling for the release of award-winning actor and writer Taraneh Alidoosti. We demand her freedom. Join us. Link in bio. #FreeTaranehAlidoosti #FreeThemAll,” he wrote.

Pope Benedict XVI: Around 200,000 attend lying in state

WHO warns about underrepresenting Covid deaths China Covid:

Mexico’s top court elects its first female chief justice

Almost 200,000 people paid homage to former Pope Benedict XVI during his lying in state over the last three days, the Vatican says. His body has been sealed in a coffin ahead of his funeral on Thursday. Pope Francis will preside over the funeral - the first time a sitting Pope has led his predecessor’s funeral in over 220 years, the Vatican says.

The World Health Organization has warned that China is under-representing the true impact of Covid in the country - in particular deaths.

The removal of most restrictions last month has led to a surge in cases. But China has stopped publishing daily cases data, and has announced only 22 Covid deaths since December, using its own strict criteria.

“We believe that definition [of a Covid death] is too narrow,” WHO emergencies director Dr Michael Ryan said.Dr Ryan said China’s figures “under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths”. China last month changed its criteria for what constitutes a Covid death, meaning only those who die of respiratory illnesses are counted. This goes against WHO guidance, which encourages countries to count the number of excess deaths - how many more people die than would normally be expected based on death figures before the pandemic hit.

Rishi Sunak to make math classes mandatory till age 18 in UK

Sunak has put education reforms at the center of his domestic policy agenda as he tries to answer calls from his own lawmakers for a more positive vision for the UK. The prime minister will use his first set-piece speech of the year to present his priorities for 2023 and unveil his “ambition for a better future for Britain,” according to a statement from his office.

Justice Norma Lucia Pina was sworn in as the first female president of Mexico’s Supreme Court on Monday. “I recognize the significant decision of the majority of this full court to break what seemed to be an inaccessible glass ceiling,” she said.

Her appointment, after a 6-5 majority vote, was a setback for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had backed another woman for the top post.

Pina pledged to maintain the independence of the country’s highest court. “Judicial independence is indispensable in resolving conflicts between the branches of government,’’ Pina said after taking charge of the 11-member court. She would also head the entire judicial branch.

Lula Sworn-In as Brazil President

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will pledge to make all pupils in English schools learn some form of maths to the age of 18, in a speech Wednesday seeking to reset his premiership amid a health crisis, ongoing industrial action and dire poll ratings for the ruling Conservative Party.

This will include a new “ambition” to tackle poor numeracy levels by requiring all school pupils in England to learn maths to 18. Some 8 million adults in England have the numeracy skills of primary school children and only half of 16-19-year-olds study any maths at all, the government has said.

Officials must share data on its impact, says WHO

Chinese officials must share more real-time information on Covid in the country as infections surge, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. Many of the country’s strict restrictions have been lifted over the last few weeks, but cases have soared and several countries are now screening travellers from China.

WHO officials say they want to see more data on hospitalisations, intensive care unit admissions and deaths. It also wants figures on vaccinations. The United States, Spain, France, South Korea, India, Italy, Japan and

Taiwan have all imposed Covid tests for travellers from China, as they fear a renewed spread of the virus. And passengers arriving in England from China will have to provide a negative test before they board a flight.

In a statement issued after talks with Chinese officials the UN health agency said: “WHO again asked for regular sharing of specific and real-time data on the epidemiological situation... and data on vaccinations delivered and vaccination status, especially in vulnerable people and those over 60.”

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Justice Norma Lucia Pina

Brasilia: Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was sworn in as Brazil’s president on Sunday, delivering a searing indictment of far-right former leader Jair Bolsonaro and vowing a drastic change of course to rescue a nation plagued by hunger, poverty and racism. In a speech to Congress after officially taking the reins of Latin America’s biggest country, the leftist said democracy was the true winner of the October presidential vote, when he ousted Bolsonaro in the most fraught election for a generation.

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Hospitals across China are under pressure amid a fresh wave of Covid infections

Breif

US: Efforts on to reduce visa wait time

North India reels under cold wave; Delhi cooler than several hill stations

The US is making every effort to reduce the waiting time for a visa interview appointment in India, a top State Department official has said, asserting that the visa processing is recovering faster than projected and is expected to reach prepandemic levels over the coming year. Addressing the growing concern over the backlog of visa applications from countries like India, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference on Wednesday that he certainly understands the frustrations of those who have to wait for a long time. As of November 2022, the median worldwide wait time for a tourist visa (B1/B2) interview appointment was about two months, and applicants with urgent travel needs who meet certain criteria can apply for an emergency appointment, usually available within days.

“Visa processing is recovering faster than projected and over the coming year, we expect to reach pre-pandemic processing levels,” Price said.

“Uncertain Economy”: Amazon To Lay Off Over 18,000 Employees

Several parts of north India reeled under severe cold and dense fog affected railway movement, with Delhi recording a minimum temperature of three degrees Celsius -- the lowest in January in two years -- making it cooler than several hill stations.

Most people kept indoors and turned to space heaters and cups of hot beverages to keep themselves warm as frosty winds from the snow-clad Himalayas barrelled through the plains, including the national capital.

Delhi’s minimum temperature was lower than Dalhousie (4.9 degrees Celsius), Dharamshala (5.2 degrees Celsius), Kangra (3.2 degrees Celsius), Shimla (3.7 degrees Celsius), Dehradun (4.6 degrees Celsius), Mussoorie (4.4 degrees Celsius) and Nainital (6.2 degrees Celsius), according to

official data.

Jammu and Kashmir too saw a dip in temperature, with capital Srinagar recording its coldest night of the season so far at minus 6.4 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night against minus 5.2 degrees Celsius the night before.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said dense fog blanketed several parts of north India and the situation would continue in the coming weeks.

At least 12 trains were delayed by one-and-a-half to six hours and two rescheduled due to the foggy weather, a Railways spokesperson said.

According to the IMD, ‘very dense’ fog is when visibility is between 0 and 50 metres, 51 and 200 metres is ‘dense’, 201 and 500 metres ‘moderate’, and 501 and 1,000 metres ‘shallow’.]

Centre To Deploy 1800 Paramilitary Soldiers To Jammu After Terror Attacks

to track down terrorists behind the attack on Hindu families in Rajouri district. The army, police and the CRPF have launched a joint operation soon after the terrorist attacks of Sunday evening. Six persons, two of them children, were killed and many more injured in a terror attack in Upper Dangri village on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

Srinagar: The Centre has decided to deploy more troops in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir after the recent terrorist attack on Hindu families in the region. Sources say 18 companies of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) -- around 1,800 personnel -- are being rushed to Rajouri, where there is

widespread panic following two terror attacks in a span of two weeks. Massive protests have taken place in the district, where many blame the administration for what they call its failure to protect the people.

For the last three days, hundreds of security forces personnel have been engaged in a massive search operation

Walmart Gets $1 Billion Tax Bill For Shifting PhonePe To India: Report

Amazon.com Inc’s layoffs will now stretch to more than 18,000 roles as part of a workforce reduction it previously disclosed, Chief Executive Andy Jassy said in a public staff note on Wednesday.

The layoff decisions, which Amazon will communicate starting Jan. 18, will largely impact the company’s e-commerce and human-resources organizations, he said.

The cuts amount to 6% of Amazon’s roughly 300,000-person corporate workforce and represent a swift turn for a retailer that recently doubled its base pay ceiling to compete more aggressively for talent.

Walmart Inc. and other PhonePe shareholders will have to pay nearly $1 billion in tax after the digital payments company shifted its headquarters to India, according to people familiar with the matter.

The bill stems from the relocation and

rise in the value of PhonePe Pvt, which Walmart took majority ownership of after acquiring parent outfit Flipkart Online Services Pvt.

Now separated from Flipkart and re-domiciled from Singapore to India, the fintech firm is raising funds at a $12 billion pre-money valuation from General Atlantic, Qatar Investment Authority, and others, triggering the hefty charge, the people said, declining to be named discussing a private matter.

Investors including Tiger Global Management have now purchased shares of PhonePe in India at the new price, leading to tax implications of roughly 80 billion rupees for existing shareholders, one of the people said.

New Delhi, Jan 4 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has applauded Captain Shiva Chauhan of Fire and Fury Sappers, who has become the first woman officer to be operationally deployed at Kumar Post, post completion of arduous training, in the highest battlefield of the world, Siachen.

“This will make every Indian proud, illustrating the spirit of India’s Nari Shakti,” the Prime Minister tweeted in response to a tweet by Fire and Fury Sappers.

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PM lauds Capt Shiva Chauhan on becoming first woman officer to be deployed at Siachen

Delhi’s minimum temperature was lower than Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Kangra, Shimla, Dehradun, Mussoorie and Nainital

As of November 2022, the median worldwide wait time for a tourist visa (B1/B2) interview appointment was about two months

Bandh in T’gana’s Basar over atheist’s remarks against Hindu Goddess

Hyderabad: (IANS) A shutdown was being observed on Tuesday in the Basar town of Telangana’s Nirmal district over alleged derogatory remarks made by atheist Renjarla Rajesh against Hindu Goddess Maa Saraswati.

Demanding arrest of Renjerla Rajesh, a leader of Bharatha Nasthika Sangham, protesters were staging a sit-in on the road near the Gnana Saraswati Temple. Priests and temple workers also joined the protest near the main gate of the temple.

Condemning the remarks made by Rajesh, villagers and traders were also staging rasta roko (road blockade) on the Nizamabad-Bhainsa highway. The protest led to a traffic jam. Raising slogans, the protesters were demanding Rajesh’s arrest.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed in response to the bandh call given by some Hindu organisations. They were demanding that the police invoke the Preventive Detention (PD) Act and arrest Rajesh.

Senior TDP leaders endorse Naidu son’s rise through yatra

Basar town on the banks of Godavari River is known for the Saraswati temple. It is considered as a destination for the Akshara Abhyasam ritual. Before the commencement of a child’s formal education, a special prayer is performed for Goddess Saraswati. After the ritual, devotees request the priest to make their children write their first letters on a slate.

Vikarabad district police had last week arrested state president of Atheist Society Bairi Naresh and another functionary Dolu Hanumanthu for allegedly making derogatory comments against Hindu Gods, mainly Ayyappa

Swamy.

Naresh had made the comments at Kodangal on December 19 and a video clip of his speech had gone viral on social media three days ago.

This had sparked state-wide protests by Ayyappa devotees, who had demanded immediate arrest of Naresh and stringent action against him. They had also lodged complaints with the police against him in various places.

Later, the Karimnagar police arrested another man Bairi Agni Tej for social media posts derogatory to Ayyappa Swamy.

Malla Reddy University announces scholarships worth Rs 10 crore

Skeeter syndrome cases rise in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: A retrospective analysis of nearly 500 patients from all age groups has indicated that there is an increase of at least 30 per cent to 40 per cent in cases of skeeter syndrome or mosquito allergies among patients in Hyderabad. Skeeter syndrome also known as mosquito allergies occurs when individuals develop an allergy to the polypeptide or protein present in the saliva of mosquitoes. When humans get bit by mosquitos, due to their inherent allergy to the protein, some individuals do develop skeeter syndrome.

Five of family killed in early morning pileup in

Senior TDP leaders on Wednesday endorsed the decision for N Lokesh Naidu, son of party chief Chandrababu Naidu, to start a padayatra — ‘Yuva Galam’ (Youth Voice) — on January 27 and claimed that this would be a game-changer in dislodging the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government in the state. Lokesh, 39, is TDP national general secretary. Party leaders said that he will connect with the youth and come closer to the people through the padayatra. Lokesh will undertake a 4,000-km march for 400 days beginning January 27, 2023, they said in a statememt.

Hyderabad Metro Rail employees protest for pay hike

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) employees on Tuesday staged a sit-in protest during their duty hours demanding increase in wages. Their protest caused disruption in offline ticketing services. According to protesters, they draw around Rs 11,000 and allegedly have not been given a pay hike for the past five years now.

“We demand to hike our pay to Rs 15,000 to 18,000,” employees said. Due to the protest, lengthy queues were seen in front of the ticketing counters.

Hyderabad: Malla Reddy University on Monday has announced scholarships worth Rs 10 crore for students with good academic performance in its Common Entrance Test (CET) and also for talented students from economically weaker sections.

As part of the initiative, the Malla Reddy University is conducting a scholarshipcum-admission Common Entrance Test (MRUCET-23) from April 23 to 29, 2023, which is open to students of all state and central boards and other recognized institutions across India. Dr. VSK Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, Malla Reddy University, said, “For the upcoming Academic Year (2023-24), we are inviting applications for engineering, agriculture, paramedical, management and public policy courses”. From the past 3 years, our world-class professors with experience of more than 35 years have left an indelible mark.

Tamil Nadu CM announces Rs 50.88 crore relief to farmers

Chennai : (IANS) Five members of a family were killed in a six-vehicle pileup on the Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district early Tuesday, police said.

The police team, which reached the spot, informed the mediapersons that the deceased were yet to be identified. The vehicle RC check revealed that the car was registered in Chennai.

The pileup involved two buses, two trucks and two cars. All the five deceased were travelling in one car. The bodies were recovered using the help of a fire force team from Veppur, Cuddalore. The bodies are at Cuddalore hospital for autopsy. Police said that further details would be shared later.

Winter chill almost over for Hyderabad

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday ordered a compensation of Rs 50.88 crore to 48,593 farmers of 27 districts, including the worst-affected Mayiladuthurai, for their crop loss due to the Northeast Monsoon.

The monsoon had caused extensive damage to the standing crops since its onset on October 1 to December 4, 2022, in many districts in the state, an official press release here said. The crops raised in Mayiladuthurai district — Sirkazhi, Kollidam and Sembanarkoil — were severely affected due to heavy rains on November 3 and November

11, respectively. On December 14, the Chief Minister visited Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore districts affected by unprecedented rains and provided relief to the affected people. Also, he directed the officials to take steps to provide appropriate relief to the affected paddy growers. Accordingly, about 40,031 farmers will be provided a relief of Rs 43.92 crore to compensate the damage of crops on 32,533.4630 hectares of land in Mayiladuthurai district, besides Rs 6.96 crore to 8,562 farmers for crop loss in 5,222.192 hectares of agricultural lands in 26 districts including Cuddalore, Tiruvarur and Ariyalur, thus totaling Rs 50.88 crore for 48,593 farmers.

Hyderabad: It appears like the winter season is well and truly over for people in Hyderabad! The city is not likely to witness extreme cold spells this month with the latest India Meteorological Department – Hyderabad (IMD-H) forecast indicating that minimum temperatures will be normal and on some occasions, warmer than the normal temperature.

For the past few days, there was a clear indication that the winter was coming to an end, as the weather in Hyderabad consistently remained warmer. Maximum and minimum temperatures during night and day have been above normal.

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The monsoon had caused extensive damage to the standing crops since its onset on October 1 to December 4, 2022, in many districts in the state, an official press release here said.

TN’s Cuddalore

Jaishankar hopes more Austrian work permits for ‘deserving’ Indians

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Vienna,: (IANS) To further cement India and Austria relationship, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hoped more Indians will get Austria’s Red CardWhite-Card that allows its holders to stay and work in the country for a period of upto two years.

“The Red-White-Red cards, we hope, will be given in larger numbers to qualified and deserving Indians, who I am sure, will help to build the reputation of this country and strengthen our relationship,” Jaishankar said addressing the Indian community in Vienna on Sunday.

A Red-White-Red Card is a work permit and residence permit that is issued for a period of 24 months to highly-skilled individuals from other countries who wish to work in Austria.

This will come under the Working Holiday Programme agreement, which will be signed between the two nations

shortly, and will enable Indian students in Austria to work for six months.

“It is for us, I would say, a novel experiment. If it works well in Austria, (it) is something which we would like to take forward in other countries,” Jaishankar said.

He added that this is the first time India is signing such an agreement with any country. Jaishankar, who is on his

Canada admits record 431,645 new immigrants in 2022

new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole.” The Minister hinted that even more newcomers could be admitted in 2023. “I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers.”

three-day maiden visit to Austria, will be signing a total of five agreements, including the Migration and Mobility pact. “It (the agreement) will make it easier for people who want to work here (Austria), who want to come here for business, who want to come here as students, who want to come here as professionals,” Jaishankar said. India recently signed a similar agreement

with Germany, and before that with a host of other European countries, including the UK, France, Portugal and Denmark. Describing the Indian diaspora as a “community of great standing and reputation”, the Minister said that he is “pleased” and glad to interact with them.

“When people think of India, they don’t think of a country, they think of a person. They relate to an Indian and the experience they had with that Indian. If that experience with that Indian is good their impression of India flows from there. For me, all the diplomacy I do is nothing compared to the image and the sentiment that you create. So, keep doing what you are doing here,a he said.

Inviting applause from the Indian community, Jaishankar said: “I would sincerely want to thank all of you because if India-Austria relationship is so good that it didn’t need the Foreign Minister for 27 years, then a lot of credit really goes to all of you.”

Jaishankar’s trip is the first India-Austria Foreign Minister-level visit in the last 27 years, which is taking place against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations.

British-Indian jailed for attacking son-in-law with meat cleaver

the Birmingham Live reported.

The Birmingham Crown Court heard that Singh was under the influence of alcohol when he attacked his son-in-law, 30, in April last year.

Toronto: (IANS) Canada has set a new record in immigration by admitting 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, the largest number of people ever welcomed in a year in the country’s history.

In a statement on Tuesday, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said: “Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year.

Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing

Canada had set a new record in 2021 by welcoming 401,000 new immigrants. The last time it admitted more than 400,000 new immigrants was in 1913 to settle the lands in western parts of the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the department dealing with immigration, also processed a record 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship in 2022.That’s double the number of applications processed in 2021, according to the statement.

London: (IANS) An Indian-origin man has been jailed in the UK for more than eight years for attacking his son-in-law with a meat cleaver due to a ‘festering feud’ over a trip to India, a media report said.

Bhajan Singh, who lived with his daughter, her two children and sonin-law at his Cornwall Road home in Handsworth, swung the weapon towards the victim, aiming at his neck,

27 Indians abroad to receive Pravasi Bharatiya Samman

Born to an Indo-Guyanese Muslim family, Ali took oath as Presiden in August 2020.

He will also be the chief guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.

The court was told that Singh worked at the same factory as his son-in-law and there had never been any problems between them. Prosecutor Alex Warren said the victim felt a blow to the back of his neck when he was in the living room.

He initially thought the defendant had slapped him but then realised he had been cut.

The victim put up his left hand to protect himself and the meat cleaver made contact with his left palm causing it to bleed.

The attack damaged the victim’s middle finger, which required two surgeries, the court noted.

“He thought the defendant was going to kill him,” Warren told the court.

Indian-origin man charged for allegedly attacking 2 men in Singapore

New Delhi: (IANS) Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and renowned Canadian scientist Dr Vaikuntam Iyer Lakshmanan are among 27 recipients of the 2023 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award -- the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians.

The award will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, which will be held from January 8-10 in Indore.

Polish businessman from Goa Amit Kailash Chandra Lath, 45, who helped in the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine into Poland when war with Russia broke out, is also a recipient of the award. Scientist and innovator Dr Vaikuntam Iyer Lakshmanan, who moved to Canada in 1974, channeled his passion for community service through supporting organizations like IndoCanada Chamber of Commerce and CanadaIndia Business Council.

He has sponsored clean drinking water systems and a mobile hospital in rural India, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from IndoCanadian Chamber of Commerce in 2019.

Among other recipients are FedEx Corporation CEO Rajesh Subramaniam, Australian economist Chennupati Jagadish, and Israel-based chef Reena Vinod Pushkarna.

Singapore: (IANS) An 36-year-old Indian-origin man has been charged with one count of assault for allegedly attacking two men in Singapore on New Year’s Eve, police said.

Lavan Saravana was arrested by the Singapore police for allegedly hitting a man, 47, with a pair of scissors and punching another 44 year-old several times near an HDB block in Jurong East Avenue 1, The Straits Times reported.

The attacker also approached a 15-year-old, who managed to escape and alert the police.

All three victims were unknown to the man, the police said, adding that the scissor attack victim was taken to hospital.

The reason for the attack, which happened on New Year’s Eve at 4.50 p.m., was not disclosed in the court documents.

Saravana, whose identity was established with the help of police cameras and ground inquiries, has been remanded at the Changi Prison Complex medical centre for an examination, and his case has been adjourned to January 16.

He can be jailed up to seven years, fined or caned for voluntarily causing hurt to another person using a dangerous weapon.

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External affairs minister provided this lesson in history in an interview with the Austrian public broadcaster during his three-day visit to the central European country

S Jaishankar talks about ‘longterm relationship with Moscow’

Faced with a slew of questions in a European setting on India’s reluctance to openly criticise Russia, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar reminded the critics that Moscow had stood with India when the democratic West preferred to arm Pakistan, even during times it was a military dictatorship.

Jaishankar provided this lesson in history in an interview with the Austrian public broadcaster, ORF, during his three-day visit to the central European country.

Asked whether India’s reluctance to criticise Moscow owed to Russia being India’s most important supplier of weapons and military equipment, Jaishankar said: “No, we have a relationship with Moscow. We have had a long-term relationship with Moscow. It is important to look at the history of the relationship. It was a relationship built in a period when western democracies used to arm a military dictatorship called Pakistan and deny India defensive weapons. So if we are talking about principles, let’s talk a little bit of history out here. “How did the Indian exposure to Russia and previously to the Soviet Union build up? Because the western democracies, for whatever reason, decided that their natural partner in our part of the world is a military dictatorship,” Jaishankar said while denying that India was a Russian ally. He underlined that India had made it “very clear that this conflict is not in anybody’s interest including theirs (Russia’s)”.

Asked whether India can remain neutral in a war “for which obviously one side bears all responsibility”, Jaishankar again dipped into history.

Jaishankar said: “Well, absolutely. I can give you many instances of countries who have violated the sovereignty of another country. If I were to ask where Europe stood on a lot of those, I’m afraid I will get a long silence…. At the end of the day, we make judgements in foreign policy based on what we think are our long term interests and what is good for the world.” On the inevitable question about India increasing its energy imports from Russia and thereby financing its war

against Ukraine, Jaishankar, as always, shot back that Europe imported six times what India did.

Reminded that Europe had reduced its imports after the war began while India had increased its imports of Russian energy since February 24, the minister said: “Essentially, if it is a matter of principle, why didn’t Europe cut on the first day? Why didn’t we see on25th of February a complete cut-off of energy imports from Russia? You can’t say, ‘It’s my principle but by the way, I will do it by my timing’.”

The anchor persisted, asking if there was no difference between decreasing imports while making sure that Europe did not freeze to death in winter and increasing Indian imports

If it is a matter of principle, why didn’t Europe cut on the first day? Why didn’t we see on25th of February a complete cut-off of energy imports from Russia? You can’t say, ‘It’s my principle but by the way, I will do it by my timing’.”

by five times.

“No,” Jaishankar replied.

“Europe has managed to reduce its imports while doing it in a manner which is comfortable for Europe. If at 60,000euros, or whatever is your per capita income, you are so caring about your population, I have a population at 2,000 dollars. I also need energy. I am not in a position to pay high prices. The price of oil has doubled. And what Europe is also doing is moving into the Middle East and diverting production out of the Middle East into Europe and raising prices.”

Stating that European actions are putting pressure on the global oil markets and Indian imports, Jaishankar added that “if European political leadership understandably would like to soften the impact on their population, I think it’s a privilege they should extend to other political leaderships as well”.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh has marked his first visit to Arunachal Pradesh after the skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops in Tawang in December by asserting that India does not believe in war “but if forced upon us, we will fight”.

Rajnath was in Arunachal, which China considers an extension of South Tibet, on Tuesday to inaugurate 28 infrastructure projects, including eight in Ladakh and five in Arunachal, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of around Rs 724 crore. The defence minister did not visit any forward area.

While inaugurating the strategically located, 100-metre-long, double-lane Siyom bridge in Siang district, and 27 other projects through the virtual mode, Rajnath said: “The world is witnessing a number of conflicts today. India has always been against war. It is our policy. Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji drew the world’s attention to that resolve when he said ‘this is not the era of war’.” Invoking Lord Ram and Buddha to drive home his point, Rajnath said: “We do not believe in war, but if it is thrust upon us, we have tackled it with all our might and we are sure we will do so in the future as well. For this, we have to be always prepared and we are ready.”

Rajnath added: “Our armed forces are ready and it is heartening to see that the BRO is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them.”

Rajnath later tweeted:“India has always remained against war as we believe

Pushed, we will fight Rajnath Singh in Arunachal Pradesh

in ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam (the world is one family). We do not believe in war, but if it is forced upon us, we will fight. We are ensuring that the Nation is protected from all threats.”

Twelve of Arunachal Pradesh’s 25 districts share a1,126km border with China. There is heavy deployment of forces in the state.

On December 9, Indian and Chinese troops had clashed in the Yangtse

area in the Tawang sector. Both sides “immediately” disengaged. The bridge Rajnath inaugurated is in Siang district, over 840km from Tawang.

On December 14, Rajnath had informed Parliament that Chinese forces had tried to “transgress” the Line of Actual Control and “unilaterally change the status quo” in the Yangtse area but Indian forces had prevented the bid. Ties between the neighbouring

countries nosedived following the June 15, 2020,clash in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh that left 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troopers dead. TheTawang skirmish has further strained ties between the two nations.

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu said the Siyom bridge on the AlongYinkiong Road would facilitate faster induction of troops, heavy equipment and rations to forward areas of Upper Siang district and the Tuting and Yinkiong regions along the LAC.

Besides eight projects in Ladakh and five in Arunachal Pradesh, the other projects are located in Jammu and Kashmir (four), Sikkim (three), Punjab (three), Uttarakhand (three) and Rajasthan (two). In addition, three telemedicine nodes — two in Ladakh and one in Mizoram — were inaugurated virtually, a government press release said.

Our armed forces are ready and it is heartening to see that the BRO is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them, says defence minister

Adani, Ambani can’t buy my brother Priyanka Gandhi

“Adaniji, Ambaniji ne bade se bade neta khareed liye, desh ke sabhi PSU (public sector units) khareed liye, desh ki media khareed lee, lekin mere bhai ko naa khareed paye naa kabhi khareed payenge,” Priyanka said as she welcomed the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Ghaziabad as general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday said that Adani and Ambani had “bought” some of the biggest politicians in the country but couldn’t buy her brother Rahul Gandhi.“Adaniji, Ambaniji ne bade se bade neta khareed liye, desh ke sabhi PSU (public sector units) khareed liye, desh ki media khareed lee, lekin mere bhai ko naa khareed paye naa kabhi khareed payenge,” Priyanka said as she welcomed the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Ghaziabad as general secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh. A translation: “Adani and Ambani have bought some of the biggest politicians in the country, most of the PSUs and the media but could not buy my brother, nor will they be ever able to.”

Rahul, who didn’t speak, has ceaselessly been alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is controlled by Adani and Ambani and works for the two industrialists. He has alleged that Adani and Ambani, and not the Modi government, run the country.

Priyanka said she was proud of all the Bharat Yatris who had walked from Kanyakumari to Delhi and had now entered Uttar Pradesh.

“Idhar dekho mere bade bhai, sabse jyada garv tum par hai. Poora satta ka zor lagaya gaya, sarkar nein hazaro karor kharche inki chhavi ko kharab karne ke liye. Lekin yeh sacchai se peechhe hatey nahin. Inpe agenciyan lagai gai, yeh darey nahin. Yoddha hai,” she said.

(Look at my elder brother, object of the greatest pride. The government has employed its entire might, spent thousands of crores to spoil his image, but he never abandoned the path of truth. Agencies targeted him but he wasn’t scared. He is a true soldier).

Priyanka said: “Some people ask me, ‘Is your brother not feeling cold, he is walking in a T-shirt? Give him a jacket’. Somebody said, ‘Aren’t you worried about his security, the Yatra is now going towards Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir?’ My reply is, ‘Yeh satya ka kawach pahan kar chal rahe hain, Bhagwan inko surakshit rakhega (He wears the armour of truth, God will protect him).”

However, the Congress and the Gandhi family are indeed worried about Rahul’s security, with the massive crowds threatening safety protocols, particularly given that Indira Gandhi was killed by her own security guards and Rajiv Gandhi assassinated during a popular interaction in Tamil Nadu.

Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra at Yamuna Vihar in east Delhi on Tuesday

Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra at Yamuna Vihar in east Delhi

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday called her brother Rahul Gandhi a “warrior” and said he is not afraid of the might of the government which spent thousands of crores to destroy his image. Welcoming Rahul Gandhi and the Bharat Jodo Yatra at the Loni border as it entered Uttar Pradesh from Delhi, she said big industrialists like Adani and Ambani may have bought many a politician, PSUs and the media, but “they have not been, and will never be, able to buy my brother.” People say Rahul Gandhi does not feel cold even in winter, this is because “he is wearing the shield of truth,” the Congress leader said.

on Tuesday

The surging crowds and Rahul’s own desire to meet the highest possible number of people have resulted in breaches of the security protocol at several places. On Tuesday, too, he was found jostling with the crowd without a protective ring several times. The party has formally raised concerns about his security with Union home minister Amit Shah.

Any fears about the scale of the response to the Yatra in Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress has been a marginal player for decades, evaporated as soon as the walkathon entered the heartland state. A huge crowd was waiting at the Loni border, as were all the senior Congress leaders and office-bearers from the state.

Some party workers put the size of the crowd at over 1 lakh. People lined both sides of the roads for kilometres at a stretch, encouraging local Congress leaders to claim that Uttar Pradesh would eclipse the response the Yatra had received in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

All the three main Opposition leaders in the state — Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav and Jayant Chaudhary — lauded the purpose of the Yatra and extended their good wishes. National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah joined the walk.

A.S. Dulat, former Intelligence Bureau special director, RAW ex-secretary and adviser to the Vajpayee government on Kashmir affairs, too participated as did author Ram Puniyani.

Rahul Gandhi a warrior, not afraid of govt’s might

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Demonetisation: Time to recall what Raghuram Rajan wrote

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan had asserted in his book I Do What I Do: “At no point during my term was the RBI asked to make a decision on demonetisation.”

Rajan stepped down as RBI governor on September 4, 2016, at the end of his threeyear term. The demonetisation was announced a little over two months later on November 8, 2016. The economist’s account in his book, released in September 2017, assumes fresh significance in light of the Narendra Modi government’s insistence that it had been in consultations with the central board of directors of the Reserve Bank of India for six months before the announcement on November 8, 2016.

Monday’s Supreme Court verdict that upheld the constitutional validity of the demonetisation revealed some details about how the RBI’s consent was obtained — and raises certain questions about the independence of the central bank.

“The record would reveal that the matter was under active consideration for a period of six months between the RBI and the Central Government,” the verdict says.

That is not how the former RBI governor recalled it. There has always been a lot of speculation on whether Rajan and his team knew about the government’s move to impose the demonetisation and, if so, whether they approved of it.

In the introduction to his book, Rajan gives his version. “I was asked by the government in February 2016 for my views on demonetisation, which I gave orally. Although there might be long-term benefits, I felt the likely shortterm economic costs would outweigh them, and felt there were potentially better alternatives to achieve the main goals. I made these views known in no uncertain terms,”

Rajan writes. Rajan stepped down in September. It appears the consultations between the RBI intensified in the two months before the November 8 announcement.

Rajan went on to add: “I was then asked to prepare a note, which the RBI put together and handed to the government. It outlined the potential costs and benefits of demonetisation, as well as alternatives that could achieve similar aims. If the government, on weighing the pros and cons, still decided to go ahead with demonetisation, the note outlined the preparation that would be needed, and the time that preparation would take. The RBI flagged what would happen if preparation was inadequate.

“The government then setup a committee to consider the issues. The deputy governor in charge of currency attended these meetings. At no point during my term was the RBI asked to make a decision on demonetisation.”

Consent process

The verdict also explains the process through which consent from the RBI was obtained.

It becomes clear that the Centre had asked the RBI’s central board to consider the issue and recommend demonetisation -– which raises some questions about how independent the central bank’s decision-making really is. “Merely because the Central Government has advised the Central Board to consider recommending demonetisation and that the Central Board, on the advice of the Central Government, has considered the proposal for demonetisation and recommended it and, thereafter, the Central Government has taken a decision, in our view, cannot be a ground to hold that the procedure prescribed under Section 26 of the RBI Act was breached,” the court verdict said. Sections 22, 24 and 26 of the RBI Act say that in various matters pertaining to currency, the course of action is to be taken by the central government on the recommendation of the Central Board.

It cannot be disputed that the final say with regard to economic and monetary policies of the country will be with the central government. However, in such matters, it has to rely on the expert advice of the RBI.

“An element of interaction/consultation in such important matters pertaining to economic and monetary policies cannot be denied to the RBI and the Central Government,” the court said on Monday.

After Rajan

Later, it was reported that the RBI Central Board had met hours before the demonetisation announcement, and although it had recommended the decision, it had cited at least two objections to the rationale behind the move. It had said that a large part of black money was held not in cash but through assets like real estate and gold. The board had also said that the percentage of counterfeit notes was not very significant. At the helm of the RBI, Rajan was succeeded by Urjit Patel who resigned on December 11, 2018, nine months before his term was to end. The premature stepdown prompted many to ask whether the central bank was an independent body. The then deputy governor, Viral Acharya, had said on October 26, 2018: “Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution.”

Demonetisation Verdict: The Supreme Court today upheld the government’s 2016 note ban decision which phased out old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes by a 4:1 majority. The apex court said that the decisionmaking process was not flawed. A five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, headed by Justice S A Nazeer, said that there has to be a great restraint in matters of economic policy and the court cannot supplant the wisdom of the executive by a judicial review of its decision. However, the dissenting judge said that the order was unlawful and vitiated.

Justice BV Nagarathna, who did not agree with the four other justices, said that the process of banning Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes could not have been

Judgement by SC: Justice

initiated by the Centre. She agreed with the petitioners’ submission that as per section 26 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, the central board of the RBI should have come forward to independently recommend the demonetisation. She said that the RBI should not have done demonetisation based on the advice of the Centre.

She, however, added that since the decision was taken in 2016, a status quo ante cannot be restored. Justice BV Nagarathna also said that she is not questioning the noble objectives of demonetisation but only the legal angle of it. She said that the note ban decision was well-intentioned and well-thought-off as it targeted evils such as black money, terror funding, and counterfeiting.

She also said that if a note ban was to be done, it should have been initiated through an Act of Parliament and not by an executive notification. She said that phrases like “as desired by Centre government” used by the RBI show that there was no independent application of mind by the central bank.

Although there might be long-term benefits, I felt the likely short-term economic costs would outweigh them, former RBI governor wrote in his book

Demonetisation order unlawful, vitiated; could have been done via legislation

Demonetisation

BV Nagarathna, who did not agree with the four other justices, said that the process of banning Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes could not have been initiated by the Centre.

Europeans Needed Wake-Up Call: S Jaishankar

4,000 Homes, Schools, Mosques: Uttarakhand Demolition Row In SC Tomorrow

beseech officials not to go ahead with the demolition.

Besides houses — nearly half of the families claim to have land lease — the area even has four government schools, 11 private schools, a bank, two overhead water tanks, 10 mosques, and four temples, besides shops, built over decades.

Haldwani/New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Thursday hear a petition challenging the Uttarakhand High Court’s order to vacate 29 acres of railway land in Haldwani as residents of the 4,000-odd home continue to protest, pray, and

The district administration, following the court’s order of December 20 after a long litigation, has issued a notice in the newspapers asking people to take away their belongings by January 9. It covers a 2-km strip of land near the Haldwani railway station — Gafoor Basti, Dholak Basti and Indira Nagar, in Banbhulpura area.

Officials carried out an on-ground inspection while residents continued to hold candle marches, sits-ins and prayers to stop the eviction.

Vienna: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar advised the European countries on the new world order, the Ukraine war, and the Chinese challenge and apprised that they need a wake-up call to understand the shaking up of international order, reported Die Presse. In an interview with the Austrian publication, he said, “ Europeans needed a wake-up call to understand that the difficult aspects of life are not always taken care of by others, adding, no region will be stable if dominated by a single power.”

He said that during the 2008 financial crisis, Europe took a defensive stance toward the world. “Above all, Europe wanted to develop within its own space and to keep international problems as far away as possible. Europe focused on trade, emphasized multilateralism and used its economic influence to shape the world on its own terms on issues such as climate change and human rights. Europe tended not to want to be involved in tough security issues,” said Jaishankar.

Pant moved out of Dehradun hospital

Indian-Origin US Man Drives Tesla Off Cliff With Wife, 2 Children Inside

Washington: A 41-year-old Indianorigin man has been arrested in the US on suspicion of attempted murder and child abuse after he intentionally drove a Tesla off a cliff with his wife and two children inside, according to media reports. Dharmesh A Patel of Pasadena, California, will be sent to San Mateo County Jail after he is released from a hospital, the highway patrol said in a statement.

Dharmesh Patel, his wife and children survived and were rescued on Monday at Devil’s Slide in San Mateo County, the California Highway Patrol said.

The rescue involved firefighters who rappelled down the cliff to save the two children, a 4-year-old girl, and a 9-yearold boy. A helicopter crew rescued the two adults from the vehicle, NBC News, an American broadcast television network, said. The rescue was described as almost miraculous, The New York Times newspaper said.

The Tesla was 250 to 300 feet down, according to the highway patrol.

“Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act,” it said in a statement.

Sonia Gandhi admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi was admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital here on Wednesday for routine check-up, sources said. Her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accompanied her to the hospital, they said. According to them, Sonia Gandhi has been suffering from a respiratory infection.nSources added that Sonia Gandhi has been unwell since Tuesday which is why Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had returned to Delhi after walking seven kilometres in the Bharat Jodo Yatra that entered Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday evening. The Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed its journey at 6 am on Wednesday.

Drunk Man Urinates On Woman In Business Class Of US-India Air India Flight

Star cricketer Rishabh Pant was on Wednesday shifted out of a private hospital here for further treatment in Mumbai, sources said.

Rishabh Pant to undergo surgery for ligament tears after being shifted to Mumbai. He will be monitored by BCCI medical team, according to media reports. Pant, 25, was under treatment at Max Hospital here since December 30 following a horrific car accident when he was driving down from Delhi to his hometown Rourkee but lost control on NH-58 highway and hit the divider.

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New Delhi: A drunk man urinated on a woman co-passenger in the business class of an Air India flight in November and left without facing any action. Weeks after the incident, Air India has recommended that the unruly flier be placed on the no-fly list. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has sought a

report from the airline. “We shall take action against those found negligent,” said the regulator. On November 26, the drunk passenger allegedly unzipped and urinated on a co-passenger in her 70s in the business class of an Air India flight from New York to Delhi. Few realised what was happening, as the lights were dimmed after lunch. After urinating, the man allegedly didn’t move until another passenger asked him to leave.

The woman complained to the crew and told them her clothes, shoes and bag were soaked in urine. The crew allegedly gave her clothes and slippers and told her to return to her seat.

After the flight landed in Delhi, the passenger allegedly left without facing repercussions for his egregious behaviour.

The airline acted after the woman wrote to Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran, the Times of India reported. Air India has banned the passenger for 30 days who behaved in an inappropriate and undignified manner on the New York-Delhi flight.

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Zofeen Maqsood

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Haldwani locality faces demolition after Uttarakhand High Court order on “encroachment” of railway land; thousands of residents protesting

‘Don’t spend budget on buying people Starbucks coffee’

Ratna Pathak Shah laughs when asked what is it that the Hindi film industry is doing wrong. The year 2022 was dubbed as one of the worst in recent times, with low success ratio and rare flashes of brilliance. Shah, who has championed and featured in some of the most topical films of Hindi cinema, takes a pause and answers, “Where do I begin?”

“It is mainly lack of good script and ideas. Everything else follows from that,” Shah tells indianexpress.com. The veteran has been in the industry for four decades and is known for her stellar work across theatre, films, TV and streaming platforms.

“One of the big talents that had been missing was that intelligent people never got into production. Educated people didn’t get into production, it was a very risky proposition. That has changed a bit. There are new kinds of financiers and producers coming into the picture and hopefully they will bring their own sensibilities along with it.”

The veteran is also happy to note that writers in the Hindi film industry are finally getting a good positioning. “After 100 years of Indian cinema, we have finally started giving importance to script writers. While it is uncertain where indeed Bollywood goes from here, Shah knows where the audience can find her next: In cinema halls on January 6, when her debut Gujarati film Kutch Express hits the screens. The film, directed by Viral Shah, will mark the veteran actors first lead role in Gujarati cinema. It also features Manasi Parekh, Darsheel Safary and Dharmendra Gohil in pivotal role.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui emerged from playing small roles to leading major films, all on the strength of his talent. He doesn’t hail from a film family, nor does he look like a conventional leading man, but after a series of acclaimed performances, he has carved out his own niche in the Hindi film industry. And now, he doesn’t believe in looking back.

In an interview, Nawaz said that he is ‘done’ playing small roles. “Ab toh aap mujhe 25 crore bhi denge toh bhi main chhota role nahi karunga (Even if you pay me Rs 25 crore I won’t do a small role again),” he said. Interestingly, this goes against what the legendary instructor Konstantin Stanislavski once said: “There are no small parts, only small actors.”

The actor said that ‘money and fame’ are byproducts of hard work. If an actor puts in the effort, money and fame will follow. “I believe that khudi ko itna enhance kar lo, khud ko aisa bana lo ki money aur fame aapke ghulam ban jaaye aur aap ke peeche bhaage (I believe in enhancing yourself to a level where money and fame become your servant),” he added.

Nawaz broke out after playing the lead role in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2.

In his career spanning 40 years, Paresh Rawal has recruited his fine acting chops to breathe life into a variety of Gujarati characters, a job that he could pull off with flair owing to his Gujarati descent. But, the actor admits that having introduced as much variation into his portrayals as he could, he is no longer drawn to similar roles. “How many modifications can you introduce?” he questions when making a case for himself when asked what prompted his decision to play a Bengali man in Ananth Mahadevan’s The Storyteller.

“While I have done Badal Sarkar’s Bengali play, Pagla Ghoda a while ago, and have played Bengali characters, I have never done so for a movie. I have admired stalwarts of Bengali theatre, like Kumar Roy, Shambhu Mitra, Arun Mukhopadhyay, and Soumitra Chatterjee. So, when given the chance to play a Bengali character, I saw no reason to turn it down.”

Having delivered a power-packed performance in ‘Chhorii’ (2021) winning huge critical acclaim, Nushrratt Bharuccha followed the hit game with yet another movie titled ‘Janhit Mein Jaari’ (2022). Continuing the exciting journey of ‘Chhorii’, the versatile actress has recently commenced shooting for ‘Chhorii 2’. While the audience and her fans loved her impeccable performance in ‘Chhorii’ season one and are eagerly awaiting for part two of the movie, the gorgeous actress has kept their excitement intact by sharing a few glimpses of ‘Chhorii 2’ on her social media recently that has also piqued huge curiosity by mentioning, “Back to it!! The ganne ke khet!! #Chhorii2”.

Nushrratt Bharuccha is back to ‘ganne ke khet’ for ‘Chhorii 2’ shoot

To new beginnings

Siddharth Roy Kapur featured on Variety’s 500 Most Influential Leaders in the global media industry

Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur has been featured on Variety’s 500 Most Influential Leaders in the Global Media Industry list for the sixth consecutive year (2017–2022). Siddharth’s production house Roy Kapur Films is behind some of the most pathbreaking films and shows of 2022, including the all-time streaming hit Rocket Boys and the Oscar-shortlisted drama Last Film Show (Chhello Show). This year’s Variety list features only eight Indians, including Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan, S.S. Rajamouli and Akshay Kumar, apart from Roy Kapur. Siddharth Roy Kapur said, “It is a great honour to be included once again among Variety’s 500 Most Influential Leaders in the Global Media Industry, along with so many incredible leaders from India and around the world. I hope to keep working hard at bringing audiences unique and differentiated content that engages, inspires and entertains. ”

So near, so far

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan says his multiple National Award-winning film Hey Ram, which he starred in and also wrote, produced and directed, was his way of saying “sorry” to Mahatma Gandhi, whom he was a “bitter critic” of in his teens.

“I talk a lot about Gandhi ji now, but it wasn’t right from the beginning. My father was a Congressman but my environment made me a bitter critic of Gandhi ji when I was in my teens. My father said, ‘Just read history, you are talking from today.’ But today matters, is what (I had said). He is a lawyer, but he didn’t argue with me on this,” the actor said.

Going by Ajay Devgn’s social media post, it seems that Rohit Shetty has moved on from the debacle of Cirkus. Sharing a picture with the director, the actor wrote, “Made a good start to the New Year with Rohit Shetty’s narration of Singham Again. The script I heard is [fire emoji]. God willing, this will be our 11th blockbuster.”

The filmmaker commented, “Ab tak imaandaari aur mehnat ke saath kaam kiya hai… is baar andar aag bhi hai.” That’s great to hear.

Mohit Raina dismisses divorce rumours with Aditi Sharma

Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan brought in the New Year in London. For those assuming that the Love Aaj Kal actors celebrated the occasion together, well, they did not, even though both geo-tagged their respective location as Claridge’s. While she rang in the New Year with her brother Ibrahim, he welcomed it with an unknown companion. Sharing a picture of herself posing inside a Christmas tree made of glass, Sara wrote, “Happy New Year 2023.” Kartik, who was having tea with someone at a restaurant, captioned his post, “Only black tea for me.”

Shahid Kapoor reduces fee for Anees Bazmee film

Mohit Raina fans were left disheartened after media reports suggested he was heading for a divorce. The actor tied the knot last year and reportedly archived his wedding photos leading to rumour mills buzzing. However, the Mahadev actor exclusively confirmed to indianexpress.com that all is well in his marital life.

Responding to a text message, Mohit said that an online news portal started the commotion. Calling it ‘baseless’, he also mentioned how he was in fact, celebrating his anniversary in Himachal Pradesh at the moment. “I really don’t know from where it started, it was carried by an online portal. I am happily married and celebrating first anniversary in Himachal Pradesh. Just baseless news (sic),” he replied.

Mohit Raina and Aditi Sharma met through common friends and tied the knot in a close-knit yet beautiful wedding. Announcing his wedding on New Year 2022, the actor posted pictures of their Rajasthan wedding and wrote on Instagram, “Love recognises no barriers, it jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, full of hope. With that hope and the blessings of our parents we are no longer two but one. Need all your love and blessing in this new journey. Aditi & Mohit.”

We know that Shahid Kapoor has been roped in to lead Anees Bazmee’s next directorial venture. Industry sources tell us that the actor has reduced his fee for the film that is being produced by Ekta Kapoor and Dil Raju.

Sasha, who is said to have charged producer Dinesh Vijan a remuneration of R35 crore for the debutant director Amit Joshi’s sci-fi rom-com with Kriti Sanon, is apparently taking home R25 crore for Kapoor and Raju’s joint production.

Insiders attribute the development to the increased remuneration for Bazmee, whose last release emerged to be the first runaway hit of 2022. Asserting that the director played a major role in the set-up, our informer said, “Following the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Anees bhai is sought after by actors. What is important is to make the project commercially viable. Any other adjustment, like profit-sharing, can be worked out later. Shahid understands this, and adjusted his fee accordingly.”

When Rahul Gandhi asked, if he came up with the idea of the film, Haasan said yes and added, “It was my way of saying sorry to my Bapu. I have to take the onus of the crimes, including what happened in your family.

We let it happen.”

At the 47th National Film Awards, Hey Ram bagged three honours: best supporting actor for Atul Kulkarni, costume design for Sarika and Manthra for special effects. The film, which opened to acclaim, was also India’s submission to the Oscars but was not nominated. The film was simultaneously made in Tamil and Hindi and featured superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a supporting role.

Malaika Arora says her heart is fuller than it has ever been before. Her reality show, Moving in with Malaika, is a reflection of her evolution in her personal space, as she drops her guard on delicate matters, including her divorce. While invasive chatter about her separation from ex-husband Arbaaz Khan is still prevalent, she tells mid-day that she has come a long way since the split. “I am far more calm now. I used to be irritable and angry, and was easily triggered. I am not that person anymore. I am able to channelise my energy better. In the past, I couldn’t accomplish half of the things I sought out in a day, but now I can utilise my 24 hours well. I feel I have a lot in me to give, as a person,” she says, adding that finding company in a sensitive partner like Arjun Kapoor has aided her evolution.

‘I was a bitter critic of Mahatma Gandhi, today I’m a fan’: Kamal Haasan

Malaika Arora: Arjun is my best friend

Bhartiya Senior Citizens Of Chicago Celebrated New Year Eve 2023

Indian American Juli A. Mathew Took Second Term Oath As Judge In Texas

CHICAGO, IL- Bhartiya Senior Citizens of Chicago organized grand New Year Eve 2023 celebration party.

BSC President Shri Haribhai Patel and BSC Managing Trustee Shri Parasottam Pandya welcomed the members and guests at the beginning of this event, more than 500 members at the Rana Regan Center on December 31st.

Live musical program performed by Bollywood Singer Kosha Pandya, Dibayraj Bose, Shivani Shah. Music Group from India provided entertainment by singing new and old songs of Bollywood movies 60, 70 and 2022 from 8 pm to 12 am.

Professional dancers from California performed Samba and Belly Dances.

At 12 o’clock in the night, everyone wished each other for

the New Year. At the end of the program, BSC President Mr. Haribhai Patel expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the committee members and dignitary friends and volunteers who have served diligently every step of the way for the success of the New Year Party. Finally, he said that the donation done by BSC for the hospital of Savar Kundla (Gujarat) India is a tribute to the donors. It was done by Sant Shri Moraribapu and Shri Navinbhai Dholakia became the officer of honor on behalf of BSC. They were greeted by Moraribapu and finally a group photo was taken of all the committee members. Jayanthi Oza, Chicago News Journalist provided services for photography and Jatin Trivedi for videography of this whole event.

After Hindu Protest, California Firm Admits “Mistake” & Removes Lord Ganesha Yoga Towel

VENTURA, CA- Ventura, California based clothing company “Zen Fuego” has admitted “mistake” and withdrew the yoga towel carrying image of Hindu deity Lord Ganesha after Hindus protested, calling it “highly inappropriate”.

Zen Fuego, in an email to distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, wrote: It was our mistake to incorporate the image of Lord Ganesha on our yoga towel. Thank you for making it clear to us that this was not acceptable…We meant no disrespect when we featured Lord Ganesha on our towel, but now we understand our error and that it was offensive to the Hindu community. The towel is no longer available and we will be more thoughtful moving forward.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada today, thanked “Zen Fuego” for understanding the concerns of Hindu community, which felt that such a

Indian-origin woman convicted of abusing domestic help in Singapore

Singapore: (IANS) An 38 year-old Indian-origin woman in Singapore has been convicted of three counts of assault for abusing her domestic help and covering the victim’s bruises with make-up.

Deepakala Chandra Secharana’s offences came to light when police officers arrived at her home following an alert by another domestic help, The Straits Times reported.

Deputy Public Prosecutors told the court that Eni Agustin started working at Deepakala’s flat on December 9, 2019, and faced her first abuse 16 days later after she mixed up some cutlery while placing the items in a kitchen drawer.

product was insensitive.

Rajan Zed suggested that companies should send their senior executives for training in religious and cultural sensitivity so that they had an understanding of the feelings of customers and communities when introducing new products or launching advertising campaigns.

Zed said, Clothing companies should not be in the business of religious appropriation, sacrilege, and ridiculing entire communities. It was deeply trivializing of the immensely venerated Hindu deity Lord Ganesha to be displayed on a yoga towel, Rajan Zed had emphasized.

This objectionable Lord Ganesha “Microfiber Yoga Towel with silicone dots” claimed to give you “improved grip for sweaty yoga or a soft place for your Yin practice” and contain “super absorbent microfiber”. Priced at $45, its description stated: allow Ganesha to help you remove obstacles from your path.

Police Investigating Shooting At 7-Eleven In Chicago

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX- Juli A. Mathew took oath as a judge in Fort Bend County, Texas, for a second consecutive term via videoconferencing from Bheemanady in Kasaragod, Kerala.

Mathew, a native of Thiruvalla in Kerala. She will continue to serve as presiding judge for the Fort Bend County Court. Mathew had run for re-election and won with 123,116 votes, beating Republican Andrew Dornburg.

Judge Mathew grew up in Philadelphia and attended Penn State University before attending Delaware Law School for her Juris Doctorate.

Anil Beephan Becomes First Indian American Republican In NY State Assembly

CHICAGO, IL- The police are investigating a shooting and armed robbery that took place early Sat Dec 31st morning at the 7-Eleven at 2741 W. Touhy. Chicago, IL. Four suspects entered the store at about 5:13 AM on

Saturday morning. There was a struggle, and an employee was shot in the leg. The victim was taken to St. Francis Hospital in stable condition. Police are reviewing video footage from the store, and the incident is currently under investigation. Public safety is my chief priority, and I will remain in communication with 24th District Commander Joseph Brennan. I will update you when more information is available.

NEW YORK, NY – On the first day of new year, Anil Beephan became the first ever Republican of Indian American descent to enter the New York State Assembly in Albany. Anil Beephan Jr. represents the 105th District and will become the first minority to represent Dutchess County in the State Legislature. He is also just 29 years old and the youngest Republican currently in the NY State Assembly. Beephan is a long-time resident of East Fishkill and served as a volunteer firefighter. He is also a private pilot. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arcadia University and a master’s in Management from Harvard’s Extension Schoo

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Police are reviewing video footage from the store, and the incident is currently under investigation.

India-US relationship can define 21st century: Congressman Ro Khanna

The relationship between India and the United States can define the 21st century, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said Monday, as a leading American daily in a long-form article articulated that the post-Ukrainian war world would see India’s emergence.

“The US-India relationship can define the 21st century,” Ro Khanna said in a tweet Monday, referring to The New York Times article.

Khanna said the prominent American daily “writes beautifully” about India’s rising confidence and paradoxes. The article ends on a hopeful note that pluralism, etched by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, are an indelible part of its palimpsest, the Congressman said.

The daily quotes External Affairs

Indian American from California charged with Attempted Murder of Wife

Dharmesh Arvind Patel of Pasadena, California has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and child abuse after he intentionally drove his car off a 250-feet high cliff. His wife and two children were inside the car when the incident happened. The California Highway Patrol said in a statement, “It was alerted to “a vehicle over the side of the cliff on State Route-1” at around 10.50 a.m. on Monday.

Once the CHP and other responding agencies got to the scene, they saw a white Tesla that had plunged 250-300 feet off the cliff. Authorities managed to reach the vehicle and recover two adults and two children, aged seven and four, who were rushed “to a local hospital with serious injuries. Based on the evidence collected, investigators developed probable cause to believe this incident was an intentional act.”

Minister S Jaishankar as saying that a “world order which is still very, very deeply Western,” is being hurried out of existence by the impact of the war in Ukraine, to be replaced by a world of “multi-alignment” where countries will

choose their own “particular policies and preferences and interests.” After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has rejected American and European pressure at the United Nations to condemn the Russian invasion, turned Moscow into its largest oil supplier and dismissed the perceived hypocrisy of the West, the daily wrote. “Far from apologetic, its tone has been unabashed and its self-interest broadly naked,” the daily reported.

“I would still like to see a more rulesbased world,” Jaishankar told The New York Times. “But when people start pressing you in the name of a rulesbased order to give up, to compromise on what are very deep interests, at that stage I’m afraid it’s important to contest that and, if necessary, to call it out,” he said.

3 Guys Robbing People At Gunpoint In Chicago

CHICAGO, IL – Chicago police are warning residents of Logan Square and Old Town to be on the lookout for three guys who are robbing people at gunpoint. Police said the suspects approach victims, threaten them with guns, and then take their wallets, coats and cellphones. Then they take off in a gray Honda SUV and try to use the stolen credit cards and ATM cards.

The robbers struck three times in quick succession: North St Louis near Armitage in Logan Square at 10.37 p.m., West Logan near Sacramento in Logan Square at 11 p.m. and West Wabansia near Oakley in Old Town at 12:30 a.m.

Indian American community Praying for NFL player Damar Hamlin

Ever since the unfortunate news of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsing on field, during a game on Monday night, came about, sports lovers across the country have been praying for the speedy recovery of the National Football League (NFL) player. As everyone closely watches the updates, a large number of his fans comprise young Indian Americans who are fervently praying for the player. Chicago based, high schooler, Amit Singh says, “My friends and I were stunned to see the turn of events. As we watched the match, we hoped that Hamlin would recover quickly and resume the game. But he is a fighter and he will be back with a bang.”

Many Indian American Facebook groups are posting regular updates as

and when available about the player and many are joining in a chain of prayers in the hope that their star footballer recovers soon.

A lot of first and second generation young Indian Americans take a keen interest in NFL, as growing up in the US, it comes as naturally to them as cricket came to their parents. Many

Indian origin teenagers also organize game nights, and watch popular NFL matches as their version of movie nights.

California based, Penny Shah, a student at San Diego says, “We are all praying, players like Hamlin are real heroes who inspire kids of color every day in America. We want to see more of him as a player.”

Not just the Indian community but the entire South Asian community is also rallying for Hamlin’s fast recovery. On many immigrant groups many Bengal fans from the Bangladeshi Indian community are extending their support and prayers for the player. On the Buffalo Bangladeshi community page on Facebook, a user posted, “Prayers to Hamlin. From all Bengal Fans.” Soon a host of people responded with heartfelt messages and prayers for his fast recovery.

New Year’s Eve Attack On Three Cops

Likely Motivated By Islamic Extremism

NEW YORK, NY —The teenager who was charged in the New Year’s Eve machete attack on three New York Police Department officers made some statements to investigators, leading them to believe he was possibly motivated by Islamic extremism, ABC News reported.

Trevor Bickford, a 19-year-old from Maine, told investigators that he sipped some water and then screamed “Allahu Akhbar” before attacking the officers with the machete, sources told the outlet. The phrase means “God is great” in Arabic has become associated with terrorism due to its use in some previous attacks.

The three officers, who were assigned to a New Year’s Eve detail, were attacked around 10 p.m. on W. 52nd

Street and 8th Avenue outside of the security screening zone, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell told

reporters Sunday at a news conference. “Unprovoked” Bickford tried to strike one officer over the head with a machete and then struck the other two officers

in the head with the knife, Sewell said. One of the officers, an eightyear veteran of the force, suffered a laceration to the head, and the second officer, who graduated from the police academy on Friday, was struck in the head and sustained a fractured skull and a large laceration, according to Sewell.

One of the officers fired their service weapon at Bickford, who was struck by a bullet in his shoulder, she said. The NYPD is working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the case, Sewell said. She described the attack as isolated and said there was no active threat to New York City. “This is another exampled of what our officers face,” she said. Investigators are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

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Pluralism, etched by Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, are an indelible part of its palimpsest, says the Congressman

Six Indian Americans Re-Nominated By President Biden For Key Administrative Positions

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WASHINGTON, DC-As the 118th Congress kicked-off on Tuesday with the swearing-in of Senators, President Biden re-nominated half a dozen Indian Americans who could not be confirmed by the Senate in the last Congress. So, who are these six extraordinary achievers who the American President finds worthy to have a spot in his key team

Richard Verma

Nominated for: Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Rahul Verma is a well-known name in diplomatic circles as he was nominated by none other than former President Barack Obama to serve as the US Ambassador to India from 2014 to 2017. The Indian American lawyer and diplomat has also served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from 2009 to 2011. As of now, Verma is the Chief Legal Officer and Head of Global Public Policy at Mastercard. Verma’s parents immigrated to the US back in the 1960’s. His parents were academicians and his father was a professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Verma grew up in Pennsylvania and studied at Georgetown University and American University Washington College of Law.

Dr Vivek Hallegere Murthy

Nominated For: US Representative on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization.

Another well-recognized name amongst the Indian American community, Dr Vivek Murthy who has the exceptional achievement of being the surgeon

general under three US Presidents –Prez Obama, Prez Trump and now Joe Biden. The first Indian American ever to hold this position, Dr Murthy also gained a lot of spotlight during the Covid-19 pandemic when he cochaired President Biden’s Covid-19 advisory board from November 2020 to January 2021. He returned to the post of Surgeon General in December. Born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, Murthy was raised in Miami. He studied at Harvard University and completed his MD from the Yale School of Medicine. Murthy is married to Alice Chen and has two children.

Anjali Chaturvedi

Nominated For: General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs

The former head of the global investigations team at Northrop Grumman, Anjali Chaturvedi has been nominated by President Joe Biden to be the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs. After Northrop, she joined the Department of Justice’s criminal division as deputy assistant attorney general. In her previous role, Chaturvedi served as assistant

Brookfield Couple Ties The Knot After Receiving Cook County’s First Marriage License Of 2023

general counsel at global oil company BP. She also held a partner role in Nixon Peabody’s Washington, D.C. office. In the past she has also worked for the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the Northern District of California and the District of Columbia. Chaturvedi taught criminal procedure at the University of California Hastings College of Law and trial advocacy at the Georgetown University Law Center as an adjunct professor.

Ravi Chaudhary

Nominated For: Assistant Secretary of the Air Force

Ravi Chaudhary, is a former Federal Aviation Administration official who served in the Air Force for more than two decades. Chaudhary’s recent role was as the director of advanced programs and innovation in the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. He has also worked as FAA’s executive director of regions and center operations where he handled regulatory oversight and management of the aviation agency’s operations, safety, emergency readiness and facilities management.

Nominated

Mumbai born Geeta Rao Gupta has been a leading voice on gender and women’s issues. She is the executive director of the 3D Program for Girls and Women and senior fellow at the United Nations Foundation. Formerly she has been the president of the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) in Washington. She has also been a fellow at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and also served as deputy executive director for UNICEF. Rao grew up and completed her education in India at the University of Delhi and at Bangalore University.

Radha Iyengar Plumb

Nominated For: Deputy Under Secretary of Defense

The current Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Radha Iyengar Plumb was the Director of Research and Insights for Trust and Safety at Google. She has also worked as the Global Head of Policy Analysis at Facebook. She has also held several senior positions at the Department of Energy and White House National Security Council.

USCIS Proposes Increase in Immigration, Naturalization Fees

CHICAGO, IL- Joined by their two young children and dozens of family and friends, a Brookfield couple was married by Clerk Karen A. Yarbrough after winning a lottery to receive Cook County’s first marriage license of 2023.

Daniel Ferguson, 47, and Mandy Fila, 42, were married January 3 in a ceremony at the Clerk’s Office in downtown Chicago. The Clerk’s Office received more than 100 entries for the annual marriage license drawing and Ferguson and Fila were the lucky winners.

“We are thrilled to be gathered together, in person, to witness this unique and special moment in the lives of Mandy and Daniel as they join together in the union of marriage,” said Yarbrough.

“We wish them a lifetime of health and happiness.” In addition to being married by Clerk Yarbrough, the couple received special gifts donated by several Chicagoarea signature establishments including a gourmet steak and lobster dinner gift box provided by Whittingham Meats, a sparkling wine basket provided by Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, .

During the Covid-19 pandemic the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) faced major shortfalls in its revenue. And now it seems that the agency is trying to meet the shortfall in revenue. USCIS has now proposed raising several immigration and naturalization fees.

The immigration agency said the proposed rule would increase some fees, including a modest increase in the fee for certain naturalization applications.

The proposal is to incorporate biometrics costs into the main benefit fee and remove the separate biometric services fee. The new proposal also would establish separate fees for

each nonimmigrant classification covered by Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Workers; change the premium processing timeframe from 15 calendar days to 15 business days; and institute lower fees for certain forms filed online.

However, the proposed rule would not change existing fee waiver eligibility requirements for low-income and vulnerable populations

Geeta Rao Gupta

For: Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues

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Daniel Ferguson, 47, and Mandy Fila, 42, were married January 3rd

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The immigration agency said the proposed rule would increase some fees, including a modest increase in the fee for certain naturalization applications.

70 Per Cent Of Shanghai May Have Been Infected With Covid: Top Doctor

“Why Don’t I Hear European Condemnation...?”

S Jaishankar On Pak, Terror

“Hate Speech Strikes At...”: Judge Dissents In Order On Minister Statement

The steep rise in infections came after years of hardline restrictions were abruptly loosened last month with little warning or preparation.

Shanghai: A senior doctor at one of Shanghai’s top hospitals has said 70 per cent of the megacity’s population may have been infected with Covid-19 during China’s huge surge in cases, state media reported Tuesday.

The steep rise in infections came after years of hardline restrictions were abruptly loosened last month with little warning or preparation, and quickly overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums.

Chen Erzhen, vice president at Ruijin Hospital and a member of Shanghai’s Covid expert advisory panel, estimated that the majority of the city’s 25 million people may have been infected.

“Now the spread of the epidemic in Shanghai is very wide, and it may have reached 70 per cent of the population, which is 20 to 30 times more than (in April and May),” he told Dajiangdong Studio, owned by the Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily.

Shanghai suffered a gruelling twomonth lockdown in April, during which over 600,000 residents were infected and many were hauled to mass quarantine centres.

Vienna: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who made a veiled attack on Pakistan terming it as “epicentre of terrorism” has in an interview to a popular Austrian TV show said that he could have used much harsher words for India’s neighbour for its role in promoting cross border terrorism even as he criticised Europe for not “condemning the practices that have been going on for multiple decades.” Mr Jaishankar who is in Vienna on the second leg of his two-nation tour had on Monday during a joint press briefing with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, said that the impacts of cross-border terrorism

cannot be limited within a region, especially when they are deeply linked to the drugs and illegal weapons trade, as well as other forms of international crime.

In Monday’s interview with Austria’s ZIB2 podcast, a daily news magazine of ORF television, when he was asked about the “not very diplomatic” term for Pakistan, Jaishankar said, “Because you are a diplomat, doesn’t mean you are untruthful. I could use much harsher words than epicentre, so believe me, considering what has been happening to us, I think epicentre is a very diplomatic word,” said Mr Jaishankar.

“Entry Restrictions Targeting Only Chinese Travellers”: Beijing Hits Out

A Constitution bench of Justices SA Nazeer, BR Gavai, AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, in a separate judgement, ruled that a minister’s statement cannot be attributed “vicariously” to the government.

New Delhi: A hate speech strikes at the foundational values of our Constitution, Supreme Court judge Justice BV Nagarathna said today and held that such statements can be vicariously attributed to the government in case a minister makes disparaging statements in his “official capacity”.

A Constitution bench of Justices SA Nazeer, BR Gavai, AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, in a separate judgement, ruled that a minister’s statement cannot be attributed “vicariously” to the government.

Writing a judgement expressing dissent on this issue, Justice Nagarathna said indiscreet speech is a cause of concern in the recent times as it is hurtful and insulting.

The top court judge said for a country like ours which is a parliamentary democracy, freedom of speech and expression is a necessary right for ensuring a healthy democracy.

“Some

principle of reciprocity”.

Bharat Jodo Yatra resumes from Delhi, to enter UP today

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed in Delhi on Tuesday after a nine-day break for Christmas and New Year. The Yatra resumed from Yamuna Bazaar and will enter Uttar Pradesh at Loni Border in the afternoon.Rahul Gandhi along with senior leader Ambika Soni reached the venue of the march where scores of Congress

workers and leaders were assembled. From Uttar Pradesh, where the Yatra is for three days, it will re-enter Haryana on January 6. The Yatra will be in Punjab from January 11 to 20, and spend a day in Himachal Pradesh on January 19.

The Yatra will then enter Jammu and Kashmir on the evening of January 20. “The message of Bharat Jodo is not limited only to the 12 states and two Union Territories through which the Yatra passes.

General Bajwa started showing his ‘true colour’ after getting extension and eventually conspired against my government on the issue of accountability, Imran Khan alleged.

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“This is a country which has attacked the Parliament of India some years ago, which attacked the city of Mumbai, which went after hotels, and foreign tourists, which every day sends terrorists across the border,” said Mr Jaishankar in reference to the Mumbai 2008 attacks.

Beijing: China on Tuesday condemned fresh Covid test requirements by around a dozen countries on passengers travelling abroad from its territory, warning it could take “countermeasures” in response. The United States, Canada, France and Japan are among a number of countries that now require travellers from China to show a negative Covid test before arrival, as the country faces a surge in cases.

countries have taken entry restrictions targeting only Chinese travellers,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular briefing. “This lacks scientific basis and some practices are unacceptable,” she added, warning China could “take countermeasures based on the

‘Yes, I Was (Playboy)’”: Imran Khan On Pak Ex Army Chief’s Dig

Breif

Demonetisation Was Valid, Says Supreme Court, 1 Judge Disagrees

safeguard”. This consultation did take place for six months, four of the five judges said.

It is “not relevant” whether the objective was achieved or not, the Supreme Court ruled, adding that the period of 52 days given to exchange the banned notes was not unreasonable.

“There has to be great restraint in matters of economic policy. Court cannot supplant the wisdom of executive with its wisdom,” said Justice BR Gavai, reading out the order.

Notes Ban Order "Unlawful", "Vitiated": Dissenting Supreme Court Judge

New Delhi: The government notification on demonetisation was “unlawful” and the process of banning all currency notes of ₹ 1,000 and ₹ 500 could not have been initiated by the Centre, justice BV Nagarathna said today in her strong dissent after a Supreme Court Constitution bench, with 4:1 majority, upheld the demonetisation decision by the Narendra Modi-led Centre. She called the November 8, 2016 notification of the Centre “unlawful” and agreed with the petitioners challenging the notification, that as per section 26 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, the central board of the RBI should have independently recommended demonetisation, and it should not have been done through the advice of the government. There was no independent application of mind by the RBI, she held.

“In my considered view, action of demonetisation by November 8 notification was unlawful. But status quo ante cannot be restored now since it was in 2016,” she said.

BCCI shortlists 20 players as part of

2023 World Cup

New Delhi: The Supreme Court backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 notes ban today in a landmark 4-1 majority judgment and said it was “not relevant” whether the objective of the overnight ban was achieved. One judge disagreed, calling the move “unlawful”.

A constitution bench said the central government’s November 8, 2016 order to ban ₹ 1,000 and ₹ 500 currency notes is valid and the decision-making process could not be faulted just because the Centre initiated the move.

The Centre, said the court, is required to act in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and there is an “inbuilt

In a strong dissenting judgment, Justice BV Nagarathna called the notes ban initiated by the Centre “vitiated and unlawful” but said status quo could not be restored now. The move could have been executed through an act of Parliament, said the judge. The demonetisation order was “an exercise of power contrary to law and unlawful”, said the judge, noting that the entire exercise was carried out in 24 hours.

“The problems associated with demonetisation make one wonder whether the central bank had visualised these,” said Justice Nagarathna. She said documents and records submitted by Centre and the RBI, which included phrases like “As desired by the Central Government”, show there was “no independent application of mind by the RBI”. Some 58 petitions challenged the Centre’s decision to ban ₹1,000 and ₹500 currency notes overnight. ₹10 lakh crore was wiped out of circulation by the move. Petitions argued that it was not a considered decision and caused immense hardships to millions of citizens, who were forced to queue up for cash.

“Sack This Animal”: Woman Who Alleged Harassment By Haryana Minister

Minister Sandeep Singh, who has handed over his portfolio to the Chief Minister, has maintained that this is an attempt to “spoil my image”.

New Delhi: A junior athletics coach who accused Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh of harassing her “sexually, personally, physically, mentally, officially” has appealed to the state chief minister to help her get justice and sack the minister, whom she called a “janwar (animal)”, without delay.

“I am your daughter. I am the daughter of the state. I have worked very hard. I come from a simple family. Have done a lot for my state. I appeal to the chief minister to sack this janwar (animal). There should be strict action against him. There should be a fair investigation,” she told NDTV in an exclusive interview.

The Chandigarh police has registered a sexual harassment and criminal intimidation case against Minister Sandeep Singh, a former captain of the Indian hockey team.

The minister, who has handed over his portfolio to the Chief Minister, has maintained that this is an attempt to “spoil my image”.

The woman has also made an appeal to the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I have great expectations from Narendra Modiji. Please mera bharosa tootne mat dijiye (Do not let me down). Get him to resign and put him in jail,” she told NDTV.

Chetan Sharma Likely To Continue As BCCI’s Chief Selector: Sources

Former India cricketer Chetan Sharma, who was the head of the BCCI selection committee for the men's cricket team from December 2020 till late last year, is likely to continue as the chief selector, sources told. The Chetan Sharma-led panel was earlier dissolved in November as the BCCI started the process to appoint a new selection panel late last year. However, now it is very likely for Chetan to continue in his role. Also, at least seven ex-India cricketers, who have been shortlisted for the selection panel, were also interviewed on Monday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to rotate 20 shortlisted players as part of its roadmap for the World Cup at home later this year.

At a review meeting of India’s performance in 2022, it was decided to prioritise international cricket while laying stress on the World Test Championship and the World Cup. India have not won an ICC tournament since 2013.

The circumstances that led to the debacle in the T20 World Cup semifinal and their failure to reach the final of the Asia Cup were looked into since the Board wants to ensure there are no loopholes in the quest for success.

Most Foreigners In Canada Banned From Buying Houses For 2 Years

a housing crunch. Several exceptions in the act allow individuals such as refugees and permanent residents who are not citizens to buy homes.

In late December, Ottawa also clarified that the ban would apply only to city dwellings and not to recreational properties such as summer cottages.

“Are We Servant Of India...” Ramiz Raja

Ottawa: A ban on foreigners buying residential property in Canada took effect on Sunday, aiming to make more homes available to locals facing

The temporary two-year measure was proposed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the 2021 election campaign when soaring prices put home ownership beyond the reach of many Canadians.

Ramiz urged the board members not to bow to India’s demands and show some leadership. “What is leadership? When Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has asked Pakistan to host a tournament and then India say they won’t travel to Pakistan and shift the tournament to a neutral venue, what should be the response? Are we servant of India just because they are a world power in cricket? Should we listen to everything they say?)” Ramiz said

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2 year-old dies in US crash, Indian-origin mother battles for life

Amit Shah’s Big Move In Karnataka Ahead Of Next Year’s Elections

New York, Dec 30 (IANS) Police in US’ Nevada are investigating a fatal Christmas day crash that left a twoyear-old Indian-origin child dead and his mother battling for life in a hospital in the US.

Shravya Muthyala, her husband Ravinder Muthyala, and son Aarav met with a deadly accident while returning from Las Vegas, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help the family. The accident occurred at Las Vegas Boulevard, a major road in Clark County, according to the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol. Ravinder Muthyala survived the accident with minor injuries, the fundraiser page reported.

Following the accident, the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol closed the Las Vegas Boulevard at mile marker 12 to investigate the fatal crash. No other details were available.

American Girls’ Doll of the Year is an Indian American

Bengaluru: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today gave the go-ahead to the much-anticipated Karnataka government’s cabinet expansion to accommodate disgruntled BJP MLAs such as KS Eshwarappa and Ramesh Jarkiholi just ahead of the 2023 elections. He also chaired a key meeting with booth level workers in Karnataka to discuss the required grassroots level preparations ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections in the state, to be held in May. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other party leaders like state Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, BJP General Secretary and state incharge Arun Singh, National General Secretary BL Santhosh, and National Secretary CT Ravi, were in attendance. BJP is making consistent efforts to make inroads into the Old Mysuru region, which is a traditional stronghold of the

The ruling party got its maiden victory in the region only in 2019, when a JD(S) leader switched sides to join them.

Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress. The ruling party got its maiden victory in the region only in 2019, when a JD(S) leader switched sides to join them.

On Friday, sharing the stage with former Prime Minster and JD(S) chief HD

Huge undercurrent against BJP in country: Rahul Gandhi

Devegowda, Amit Shah inaugurated the Mega Dairy plant in Maddur Taluk of Mandya district, part of the Old Mysuru region, that has the capacity to process nearly 14 lakh litres of milk.

In addition to the party’s usual Hindtuva and development pitch, Amit Shah also hit out at the Congress, saying Siddaramaiah, who served as the Chief Minister of the state from 2013 to 2018, withdrew cases against the now-banned Islamist outfit Popular Front of India. It was only after BJP came in power in the state that PFI was banned, and its leaders arrested, he said.

Mandya has seven assembly seats -- six with the JD(S) and one with the BJP, which it won in a by-poll.

“Many chances have been given to JD(S)-Congress, and they have been alternating. This time, lotus will bloom in Mandya and Mysuru. We will win the majority,” he said.

US TV Icon Barbara Walters Dies At 93

In a huge nod to the presence and contribution of one of the fastest growing and well-heeled minority groups in the US, American Girl –the famous doll manufacturers have introduced a brand-new doll for the year 2023. Kavi Sharma, is an Indian American and the first ever South Asian doll from the company. Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, says, “As we ring in a new year, we’re excited to have Kavi Sharma take center stage in our popular Girl of the Year lineup. “Just like all our beloved characters, Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine bright in their own way and be proud of who they are.”

To create Kavi’s story, American Girl worked with New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj. Bajaj says, “Kavi’s story is important to all the young readers who will see parts of their lives represented. I took immense delight in showcasing slivers of Indian culture, including dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and magical festivals like Diwali and Holi.”

If

opposition stands effectively with a vision, it will become very difficult for the saffron to win elections

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said there was a huge undercurrent against the BJP across the country and urged the opposition to unite to present an alternative vision to the people.

Addressing a press conference here, Gandhi said the Bharat Jodo Yatra provided a framework to present a new way of working and thinking to the people. Gandhi also sought mutual respect between opposition leaders and the Congress in taking on the BJP, which has been completely dominating the country’s political space. “If the opposition stands effectively with a vision, it will become very difficult for the BJP to win elections. But the opposition has to coordinate effectively and the opposition has to go to the people with an alternative vision,” Gandhi said.

Jaishankar lauds role of Indian peacekeepers

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has lauded the role of Indian peacekeepers under the flag of the United Nations as he visited a street here in Cyprus named in memory of General K S Thimayya. Jaishankar is currently on his first official visit to Cyprus as India and this Mediterranean country celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. “So nice to see the street in Larnaca named after General K S Thimayya. Indian Peacekeepers serving under the UN flag are appreciated around the world,” Jaishankar tweeted.

Ronaldo Signs For Saudi Arabian Club Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday signed for Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia, the club announced, in a deal believed to be worth more than 200 million euros. The 37-year-old penned a contract which will take him to June 2025. “I can’t wait to discover a new football league in a different country,” said the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player.

Barbara Walters, one of the most visible women on U.S. television as the first female anchor on an American network evening news broadcast and one of TV’s most prominent interviewers, died on Friday at age 93, her longtime ABC News home said. Walters, who created the popular ABC women’s talk show “The View” in 1997, died at her home in New York, Robert Iger, chief executive of ABC’s corporate parent, The Walt Disney Co., said in a statement. The circumstances of her death were not given.

ISRO lines up science missions for 2023

ISRO will turn its focus on science experiments in 2023 with dedicated missions to the Sun - Aditya - and the moon - Chandrayaan-3 - even as the nascent start-up sector is set to soar in the space applications segment. The upcoming year will also witness a series of experiments on India’s maiden human space flight - Gaganyaan project - with the first uncrewed mission expected in the last quarter of 2023 aimed at validating the performance of the humanrated launch vehicle, orbital module propulsion system and recovery operations.

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Covid might not go away but no major outbreak likely in India: Expert

It is unlikely that Covid will be completely eliminated but there seems little chance of a significant outbreak of the disease in India in the next two months, a top infectious diseases expert said on Friday.

The remarks of Dr Parvaiz Koul, director of the SKIMS Hospital in Kashmir, came in the backdrop of the highly transmissible Omicron strains, mostly BF.7, causing a spike in coronavirus cases in many countries, including China.

Pele, Brazil’s Legendary Footballer, Dies At The Age Of 82

Pele, the iconic Brazilian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and the only player to have won the FIFA World Cup thrice, died at the age of 82 late last night, his family said Thursday. “Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely. Rest in peace,” daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram. The legendary footballer had been battling colon cancer and was admitted in a hospital for a respiratory problem on November 29. He cheered for the Brazilian team during the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in Qatar from the hospital bed. Tributes poured in from the entire football fraternity and his fans.

Rishabh Pant Injured In Car Crash, Dozed Off While Driving

“It is uncertain when or if Covid will become an endemic, but it is unlikely that it will be completely eliminated. We may see occasional outbreaks, if new mutations emerge, like in China.

It is uncertain when or if Covid will become an endemic, says Dr Parvaiz Koul, director of the SKIMS Hospital in Kashmir

In India, it seems unlikely that there will be a significant new outbreak in the next two-three months,” Koul, a leading pulmonologist and researcher

Poll trust being violated: Congress to Election Commission

on infectious diseases, said.

Taking to Twitter, Koul said India had an advantage in dealing with Covid due to widespread hybrid immunity but suggested that the high-risk group might have to go for a booster dose.

There is an “advantage due to widespread hybrid immunity, although those at high risk might require an booster if significant time has elapsed from the last dose”, he said.

“Those who haven’t taken the precautionary (booster) dose, must. Watch for government guidelines,” Koul said.

Earlier this week, Koul had said modelling data from credible agencies do not foresee any major Covid wave in Jammu and Kashmir.

Anant Ambani Gets Engaged To Radhika Merchant

Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant has sustained injuries after his car collided with the divider and caught fire while he was travelling from Delhi to Uttarakhand. Pant was driving his Mercedes car, which met with an accident near Roorkee in Uttarakhand. Director General of Uttarakhand Police, Ashok Kumar, has confirmed that the cricketer was alone in the car at the time of the accident and broke the windscreen to escape from the vehicle after it caught fire.

He has sustained injuries to his head, knee and shin as a result of the accident. There could be a fracture in his leg and he is currently undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital in Dehradun.

The Congress on Thursday asked the Election Commission to restore trust in the electoral system, expressing serious concern about the suspicions that have risen under Narendra Modi’s rule.

Though the Congress has formally demanded a return to the ballot papers, replacing the electronic voting machines, passing a resolution to that effect a few years ago at an AICC session, the party stopped short of repeating that demand. The implicit message, however, was lack of confidence in EVMs as well as the impartiality of the Election Commission. There is a deep sense of disquiet about EVMs among large sections of the Congress and some leaders privately suggest a movement for the return of ballot papers soon after the completion of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

PM Modi’s mother Hiraben passes away

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Hiraben passed away at a hospital in Ahmedabad early on Friday. She was 99.

A bulletin from the UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, where she was admitted on Wednesday after her health deteriorated, shared the news of her demise.

The mortal remains of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother Hiraben, who passed away here early on Friday, were consigned to flames at a crematorium in Gandhinagar.

“Hiraben Modi passed away on

30/12/2022 at 3.30 am during the treatment at U N Mehta Heart Hospital”, the medical bulletin said.

The prime minister reached the residence of his brother Pankaj Modi at Raysan village on the outskirts of Gandhinagar, where the mortal remains of his mother were kept.

PM Modi arrived at the airport here in the morning and was driven straight to the house of his younger brother. He offered floral tributes to his mother and bowed down at her feet. Later, PM Modi shouldered her mortal remains on way to the cremation ground for her last rites.

New Delhi: Reliance Industries (RIL)

Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani today got engaged to Radhika Merchant. The couple had a traditional roka ceremony at the Shrinathji Temple in Rajasthan’s Nathdwara.

Roads reopened in the US city of Buffalo, New York in the early hours of Thursday. The city was the epicenter of a major deadly snow storm that swept most of the US. The storm raged for nearly a week during the Christmas holiday, killing 37 people in Erie County, with some 29 dying in the City of Buffalo alone, County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. Many bodies were still unidentified. Some 60 people were killed across the US. County officials were preparing on Thursday for potential floods due to the weather warming up significantly, with the 4.5 feet (140 centimeters) of snow which reportedly landed over the city expected to melt, the National Weather service said. The storm surpassed in ferocity, duration and death toll a 1977 blizzard that went down as the deadliest in the history of Buffalo, after killing nearly 30 people.

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Roads reopen in Buffalo as it recovers from major storm

Biggest New Year’s resolution is to win World Cup: Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, who will be captaining India in the upcoming T20 series against Sri Lanka said that his biggest New Year’s resolution was to win the ODI World Cup later this year.

“The biggest is to win the World Cup. I don’t think any bigger resolution can be there. Really want to win the World Cup, which we will try to do everything possible in our capacity… to go out there and give everything. I think things are looking bright and let’s hope it is,” Pandya said on the eve of three-match series against Sri Lanka.

Talking about India’s drought in the ICC tournaments, the latest being the 2022 T20 World Cup, Hardik said that he felt that the template before the tournament and the template adopted during the

Thousands pay their last respects to Pele in Brazil

tournament were vastly different, which may have been detrimental in the long run.

“Before the World Cup, I don’t think we did anything wrong. Our template, our approach, our everything was the same.

The captain also assured that each player in the squad would get ample opportunities and asked them to go express themselves in the Sri Lanka series.

Just that in the World Cup, things did not go the way we wanted and I think our approach was not exactly what it was before the World Cup,” Hardik said. “What we have noticed and what we have told the boys is that just go out there and express yourself, which they will do and it’s up to us how we back them. We have said it we will back you to the core. All the players have that support from my side that I will back them to the core. I have to make them believe that,” the all-rounder said.

BCCI’s new selection criteria:

One great IPL season can’t get you India cap

Djokovic gets warm welcome in doubles loss at Adelaide

Novak Djokovic lost his doubles match but received a warm welcome from the crowd at the Adelaide International on Monday. The 21-time major winner was deported from Australia a year ago after arriving unvaccinated against COVID-19 at a time when the country was still subject to strict quarantine regulations and proof of vaccination.

His first match was a low-key doubles encounter alongside Vasek Pospisil, and the pair lost 4-6 6-3 (10-5) to Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar.

Questions about how he would be received were quickly answered when Djokovic’s supporters flocked to the stadium to welcome him back.

Santos, Brazil: (IANS) Thousands of people gathered in the Brazilian city of Santos to bid farewell to football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, who died at 82 on Thursday from colon cancer. His wake was being held at the Urbano Caldira Stadium, the home field of Pele’s former team Santos, allowing fans to pay their last respects. Among those who attended were FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and the chief of South America’s CONMEBOL football confederation, Alejandro Dominguez, reports Xinhua news agency.

Rafael Nadal falls to De Minaur

Rafa Nadal suffered his second straight defeat at the United Cup mixed team tournament on Monday, falling to Australia’s Alex de Minaur as concerns about the world number two’s early season form grew ahead of his Australian Open title defence.

Indian

board performance review meeting shortlists 20 players for World Cup, emphasises importance of domestic grind

THE WORKLOAD and fitness of 20 shortlisted Indian players in this year’s 10-team extended IPL will be monitored at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). And, emerging players can no longer bank on just their IPL performances to enter the national team, as “substantial domestic performance” will be mandatory. These were among the key decisions

taken at the high-level BCCI review meeting held in Mumbai Sunday in the wake of India’s semi-final loss in the World T20 last year and the recent unimpressive showing in Bangladesh. The decision-makers in Indian cricket have also drawn up a roadmap for the October-November 50-overs World Cup at home.

VVS Laxman could become next India coach

the end of Rahul Dravid’s tenure: Report

team after the end of Rahul Dravid’s contract, which currently runs till the 2023 ODI World Cup.

A report by News18 Cricketnext has said it is reliably learnt that should Dravid not consider an extension as men’s team head coach, then Laxman, who is currently the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, could be the person to take the top job.

New Delhi: (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) may consider making V.V.S. Laxman the next head coach of the Indian men’s

Laxman, 48, has filled in as the head coach of the Indian team in Dravid’s absence. He was with the team for the bilateral series against Ireland in June 2022, as well as for the first T20I against England and the short tour of Zimbabwe.

Martina Navratilova diagnosed with throat and breast cancer

Former world number one tennis player Martina Navratilova said on Monday she has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer.

The Czech–American is considered among one the greatest players of all time, winning a total of 59 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles.

“This double whammy is serious but still fixable,” the 66-year-old said in a statement to WTA. “I’m hoping for a favourable outcome. It’s going to stink for a while, but I’ll fight with all I have got.”

Czech-born Navratilova, who became a U.S. citizen in 1981, was also diagnosed and beat breast cancer back in 2010.

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Maternity fashion 2022

Vivienne Westwood no more

During her career, British fashion designer and businesswoman Vivienne Westwood inspired many with her edgy and unconventional designs, and her love for art. She made several statements with her headturning looks that were incorporated in films, on red carpets and runways. Westwood’s unorthodox approach to fashion earned her many monikers in her lifetime, including that of the ‘queen of British fashion’ and ‘queen of punk fashion’.

The ace fashion designer died “peacefully and surrounded by her family” in London, her fashion house said in a statement. She was 81.

Throughout her long career, Westwood — who was also a climate activist — worked closely with and dressed several stars and brought into the mainstream ‘modern punk’ and ‘new-wave fashion’. We looked back on some of her iconic looks, starting with Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding gown in the first film instalment of ‘Sex and the City‘, wherein Carrie Bradshaw was slated to marry Mr Big, but (spoiler alert) was left at the altar when the groom got cold feet.

Aries

Ganesha says that sweetness will remain in married life this week. Coincidences of profit will come. Will be profitable in the business job. Promotion can increase jobs. Be a little careful about your health. You will be able to build good relations with others because of being good at conversation.

Taurus

Ganesha says that this week, you can get good news from in-laws and family. Sudden financial gains are possible. You will see the progress of prestige in society. Will try to complete his work with full confidence in the field of work.

Gemini

Ganesha says that this week any kind of religious work or auspicious work can be completed in the family. Getting acquainted with new people will increase. There will be positive results in married life. Interest in religious activities will remain. You will be inclined towards social work this week.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week, there will be a joyful atmosphere in family life. Some kind of favorable work can be organized in your house or relatives, due to which the mind will be happy. There will be an opportunity to travel a long distance or to travel to any desired place.

Leo

Ganesha says that there is a possibility of sudden financial gains this week.

It’s too much fun to get dressed up. I’m not going to let that part disappear because my body is changing,” says @ badgalriri. Throughout her pregnancy, Rihanna has done something profound to fashion— single-handedly rewriting the rules of pregnancy dressing with one jawdropping style maneuver after another.

year 2022 was memorable for some celebrities for reasons more than one — with some tying the knot, and others embracing parenthood. What remained common, however, was their impeccable style. Several celebrity new moms made sure to make a statement with their maternity fashion this year. So, as we approach the year-end, let’s look back at some of them.

Fitness icon Milind Soman cycled 1,000 kms across eight cities in eight days as part Green Ride 2.0 with Lifelong Freeride Cycle at Bengaluru recently. Sharing how he yet again managed to accomplish the ride, he said, “Cycle lifelong. People ask me how long I trained for this, fact is I keep myself fit so that I can do this without training. Workout at home for a few minutes every day, choosing the right exercises, is enough to face almost any challenge.”

The video post on Instagram shows a snippet of him cycling on the roads while flexing his back. The ride which began on December 19, 2022 in Mumbai took him to Pune, Karad, Kolhapur, Belgaum, Shegaon, Hirebennur, and Tumkuru.

birth

Vayu, donned a host of incredibly stunning but comfortable fits for pregnancy. “On the cusp of motherhood and at the brink of my birthday, I’m choosing to dress how I feel – pregnant & powerful, bold & beautiful…,” she wrote.

6th January to 13th January 2023

By Astro Friend Chirag – Son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla

You will get all possible support from your friends and relatives. There will be a plan to visit a friend or relative’s house. You will be able to subjugate your opponents. All possible support and help will be received from family members and friends this week.

Virgo

Ganesha says that this week, there is a situation of profit in the business sector. Good news will prevail for you and you will get good support of luck. There will be an atmosphere of happiness in married life, and a good time will be spent with the life partner.

Libra

Ganesha says that this week there will be a success in legal disputes and court works. Work will be in progress. You will always use your courage and patience appropriately to deal with a difficult situation. Work done in partnership will give you prosperity. Divine help is always with you.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that this week you will get unpleasant news. There will be good success in business-job. There can be some flaws in the happiness received from the family side. This week, there will be interest in the welfare of others, in the works of religion, and in public welfare. You will get success and promotion in the field of work.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that this week, married life is going to be unfavorable. There will be tank trips related to work area or religious field. Due to your intelligence and influential personality, you will be able to please the opposing class. Keep good behavior with your parents, otherwise, you may have to face trouble.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that this week you will get wealth from more than one source. Health will be favorable. Your married

“Slightly chilly mornings! Averaging 150km a day, reached outskirts of Bengaluru,” he shared in one. “The top of Khambatki ghat! Crossed this tough climb on the way to Karad yesterday, very happy with the journey so far. 1000km cycling challenge this month from 19th to 25th December, Mumbai to Bengaluru,.

life happiness will increase, and your mind will be happy with your spouse and children. You will get good news. For unmarried people, marriages are being made this week.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week, you will get good happiness and support from the family. There will be peace and tranquility in the job. You will see an increase in your enthusiasm and enthusiasm. There will be a sudden success in the field of competition. It is possible to meet an acquaintance or friend after a long time.

Pisces

Ganesha says that there will be business trips this week, in which you will see positive results. Along with promotion in the workplace, you will get financial happiness. You will complete any task with ease. The happiness of married life will remain favorable.

Author Bio:

Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla is the son of famous astrologer Bejan Daruwalla. He is known for his detailed astrological predictions on career, health, love, finance, and business. You can visit their website bejandaruwalla.com for guidance on problems related to your life and solve your problem with the help of expert astrologer Chirag Daruwalla. For guidance on problems related to your life you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/Whatsapp: +91 9825470377 or also mail on: info@ bejandaruwalla.com

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Sonam Kapoor, who gave

to baby boy

‘I keep myself fit so that I can do this without training’: Milind Soman

He cycles 1,000 km in eight days

7 easy health habits that will set you up for success in the new year

Going all in once the calendar flips to 2023, without a gradual transition, can set you up for failure. After all, one of the biggest obstacles people face when tackling resolutions is starting off strong, but then having motivation quickly dwindle within a few weeks. If we start taking small steps now, we can make the transition a more gradual one, making it easier to incorporate changes into our routine and stick with them.

Research shows that small accomplishments signal the reward circuitry in our brains, this releases feelgood chemicals making us feel more confident, boosting our self-esteem and fueling our intrinsic motivation. So while these habits may seem like nobrainers, mastering them now can make a huge difference in your motivation level next month.

Over the next few weeks you will slowly gain momentum, setting yourself up to take off running in the new year!

1. Drink a glass of water every morning

By now you’ve probably heard the recommended advice of drinking half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. But if that seems like an impossible feat, or if you’re already doing that, try out this simple way to drink more. Set out a water bottle or a glass of water next to your coffee machine so that in the mornings, before you take a sip of anything else, you’ll drink a glass of water. Before your day has even started you’ve accomplished something healthy for your body.

2. Add one vegetable a day into your diet

Encourage yourself to eat healthier by committing to eating just one additional vegetable a day. It could be mixing an extra handful of spinach into a smoothie, adding broccoli to your stir-fry, or eating kale chips as a nighttime snack.

3. Move for 5 minutes a day

Not into exercise? That’s OK. Commit to moving your body for just 5 minutes a day, whether that be marching in place while cooking over the stove or going on a walk around the block. Lowering your expectations for exercise lessens the motivation required to get yourself off the couch and reduces the amount of willpower needed to power through a longer workout. And you may be surprised how easy it is to turn that 5-minute walk into a 10- or 15-minute stroll once you get moving.

4. Sit down on Sundays and plan your workouts

I love encouraging my clients to take a seat on Sunday and map out their week. If you live and die by your calendar, you’ll love this tip! Spend just 5 minutes looking at the week ahead and scheduling in some “me” time for your

workouts. Whether it’s a 5-minute yoga stretch on an app or a full 45-minute walk or HIIT workout, put it in your calendar on the day and time you plan to complete it. The simple fact that you spent 5 minutes doing this is something to celebrate!

5. Work on your relationship with yourself

Whether you want to find motivation to exercise, feel more confident at work or be happier in general, cultivating a positive relationship with yourself is the first step in getting there. Try setting a journal next to your bed or a self-improvement book on your coffee table next to your remote control. Before going to bed or watching your favorite show, encourage yourself to take a pen to paper and connect with your thoughts and feelings.

6. Loosen up a stiff body part Is your neck always tight? Or maybe your hips are always sore? Choose one area of your body, and commit to one stretch a day to help loosen that area up. If it’s your neck, try dropping your right ear to your right shoulder for a few breaths, and then switching sides. If it’s your hips, try sitting with your right ankle over your left knee to stretch the outer hip and glute. If it’s your shoulders, do shoulder rolls while you open up your emails in the morning.

7. Establish a 5-minute nightly routine

Banish stress and replace unhealthy habits, like snacking and drinking, by taking a few minutes for yourself at night. Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder and then set the timer for 5 minutes. Do a meditation, deep breathing, journal or text a friend. Focus on spending those minutes doing something that relaxes you. It could even be a new nighttime beauty routine, like a face mask or massaging your feet with lotion.

How does cabbage help in weight loss and building immunity

addition, it makes for a great weight loss aid, it is supported by minerals that support the cleansing of the digestive system, boosts the immune system and lowers serum cholesterol levels.

HOW CABBAGE WORKS IN WEIGHT LOSS

As it is rich in fibre and water content, it prevents constipation and maintains a healthy gut, which in turn means no toxin pileup that drags your metabolism down and decelerates calorie pile-up.

If you have it fermented, it boosts probiotics, again good for gut health.

at immunity as it is a rich storehouse of vitamin C, containing 190 per cent of the daily recommended amount in a cup. The sulphur-containing compound, sulforaphane, which gives this vegetable a bitter bite at times, inhibits the progression of cancer cells. Anthocyanins, the antioxidants in red cabbage, slow the formation and even kill already-formed cancer cells. Glutamine, an amino acid found in cabbage, is a strong anti-inflammatory agent.

Busts the top myths about teenagers and sleep

New research exposes common myths about teen sleep and explains why most teenagers don’t hit the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.

Myth 1: Unmotivated kids fall asleep during class

There is a developmental defense for teens drifting off in school (and it’s not because the lesson is a snooze): Puberty. Robbins’ study referenced older data on the sleep habits of 10-year-old children over the course of six or seven years. That data indicated that daytime drowsiness increases with puberty, the process of sexual maturity that usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls and the ages of 9 and 14 for boys.

In the older study, 92% of kids who hadn’t entered puberty stayed awake during daytime assessments, compared with 48% in the later stages of development. That suggests physiology, not laziness, is to blame for sleepiness during the school day.

Myth 2: Teens should study all night before taking tests No one, including teens, can think clearly when sleepdeprived.

Staying up late to study deteriorates the ability to retain information, and the next-day exhaustion clouds cognitive function in areas of problem-solving, reasoning and comprehension.

“The best learning outcomes happen when teens study in chunks,” Robbins told. “So if a test is coming up in two weeks, daily reviews of information combined with sleep is ideal.”

Myth 10: Getting too much sleep is bad for teens

There’s no reason to be concerned if teens sleep in sometimes versus regularly.

This cruciferous vegetable is often seen to be too routine to be talked about but cabbage is versatile, affordable, widely available and easy to prepare. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and compounds that inhibit and cleanse carcinogens. In

At 33 calories per cup, zero fat and a high satiety value courtesy its fibres, it is the ideal diet food. The fibre stacks up with nutrients, binds with acid in the intestines and passes through the stool, pulling out the cholesterol rather than letting it be absorbed in the blood. Cabbage is the best shot

As a source of vitamin K, it is good for brain health, while B vitamins make it a complete reviving food. And with researchers identifying nearly 20 different flavonoids and 15 phenols in cabbage, it has a concentration of antioxidants that cuts down cardiovascular risks while calcium and potassium help regulate blood pressure.

“(Sleep) guidelines relate to consistent nightly sleep duration, not occasional nights of ‘recovery’ sleep after periods of sleep deprivation,” the study states. “Because most adolescents do not even meet the lower end of the recommended range of 8-10 hours of sleep consistently across nights, it is quite rare for adolescents to routinely get more than 10 hours of sleep at night.”

Master these simple habits this month and it will be a whole lot easier to tackle those New Year’s resolutions come January.