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NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 745 October 27 2023 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News

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NATIONAL EDITION | Volume 13 • Issue No. 745 October 27 2023 | The Community First - News Update 24X7 | South Asian Views On Global News

22 Killed In US Bowling Alley Shooting Page No. 14

Israeli Tanks Enter North Gaza The military announced the incursion into the north of the Palestinian territory hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared preparations for a ground war were underway.

Page No. 10

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

USA NEWS

US working with G7 countries to compete with Microsoft Announces Billion Investment China's Belt and Road Initiative: Joe Biden In$3.2Australia HiIndia Newsdesk

The US is working with other G7 members to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative through a network of infrastructure projects, including a railroad connecting Saudi Arabia with Europe, President Joe Biden said.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September, key leaders of the world led

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Biden had announced the launch of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

"We are going to compete on that (Belt and Road Initiative) and we're doing it in a different way. The Belt and Road Initiative has ended up in debt and a noose for most of the people (nations) who have signed on," Biden said at a Rose Garden news conference with visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

He said that they are working with G7 partners to provide infrastructure for those nations.

Ford and union agree record pay rise in tentative deal

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in September, key leaders of the world led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Biden had announced the launch of the ambitious India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor

Joe Biden

The Group of Seven (G7) comprises the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

"We want to, for example, at the G20, we were able to act on a proposal to build a railroad all the way from Riyadh all the way through the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Israel, up through Greece, and not the railroad, but pipeline across the Mediterranean up into Europe," Biden

US President Supports Israel's Right to Respond" Biden also thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for working with the US to make sure that food, water, and medical supplies are getting through to innocent people in Gaza

HiIndia Newsdesk

Ford and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union have reached a tentative deal, which includes a record pay rise, to end a nearly six-week strike.

The agreement would be the first settlement of strikes by workers at Ford, General Motors (GM) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis. The deal still needs to be approved by union leaders and members. If the new contract gets approval from Ford workers, it would set the standard for talks at GM and Stellantis. "We told Ford to pony up and they did," UAW President Shawn Fain said.

US "Directing" Israeli Air Strikes In Gaza, Alleges Iran's Khamenei

HiIndia Newsdesk

Israel has the right to respond to the slaughter of its people and it will be ensured that the country has what it needs to defend itself, US President Joe Biden said in a joint news conference with visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Is r a e l h a s l au n ch e d a m a ss ive counter-offensive against Hamas after unprecedented attacks by the militant group on October 7 killed more than

1,400 people.

"Israel has the right, and I would add responsibility, to respond to the slaughter of their people, and we will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against these terrorists. That's a guarantee," Biden said at the Rose Garden joint news conference with Albanese on Wednesday.

"We also have to remember that Hamas does not represent the vast majority of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip or anywhere else. Hamas is hiding behind Palestinian civilians. And it's despicable and, not surprisingly, cowardly as well," Biden said.

US orders immediate halt to some AI chip exports to China, Nvidia says

HiIndia Newsdesk

Tehran: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday accused the United States of "directing" strikes Israel has been carrying out on Hamas in Gaza in response to the October 7 attacks.

Israel has heavily bombarded the Gaza Strip since Hamas gunmen crossed the border and entered Israel and, according to Israeli officials, killed more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians.

said in response to a question.

The US president said that his previous comment of "extreme competition" with China was not conflict. "I talked about how we're going to compete with China in every way according to the international rules, economically, politically, and other ways, but not -I'm not looking for conflict," he said in response to another question.

Albanese is headed to China next month.

Biden was asked "What do you make of China's re-engagement with Australia?" and "Can Australia trust Beijing, and can Australia do business with China?.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Tech giant Nvidia says the US has told it to stop shipping some of its advanced artificial intelligence chips to China immediately.

The restrictions were supposed to be introduced 30 days from 17 October.

That was when President Joe Biden's

administration announced measures to block countries, including China, Iran and Russia, from buying highend AI chips designed by Nvidia and others. Nvidia did not say why the timeline had been moved forward.

In a statement to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nvidia said the US government said these curbs were "effective immediately", but added that "given the strength of demand for the Company's products worldwide, the Company does not anticipate that the accelerated timing of the licensing requirements will have a near-term meaningful impact on its financial results".

HiIndia Newsdesk

Sydney, Australia: Microsoft announced Tuesday a Aus$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) investment in Australia focused on cloud computing and artificial intelligence, saying it would boost the country's economy and cyber defences. Details of the deal were outlined by bosses at the US tech giant and by Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who is on a four-day official visit to the United States.

It represents Microsoft's largest investment in Australia in its 40-year history in the country, the company said in a statement.

Mike Johnson Elected as US House Speaker

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington, United States: The US House of Representatives finally elected a new speaker on Wednesday, ending weeks of bitter Republican infighting that paralyzed Congress at a time of international and domestic crisis.

Mike Johnson, a little-known ally of Donald Trump who spearheaded legal efforts to overturn the 2020 election, won the unanimous support of his party to lead the lower chamber of Congress, which has been at a standstill since Kevin McCarthy was ousted in a rightwing coup on October 3.

Biden meets Australian PM in WH to 'strengthen alliance'

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: (IANS) US President Joe Biden met visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House during which the two leaders renewed their "commitment to defend the values that are the heart of our alliance".

Following a meeting on Wednesday, the two leaders addressed a joint press conference at the White House Rose Garden.

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USA NEWS

Blinken Says Will Respond "Decisively" If Iran Attacks Americans

S

US Accuses Iran of Facilitating Middle East Base Attacks

HiIndia Newsdesk

Antony Blinken also urged others on the 15-member Security Council, including Russia and China, to tell Iran not to open another front against Israel or attack its partners, and to hold them accountable if it does so.

ecretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the US would respond "decisively" if Iran or its proxies attack Americans, the sternest warning yet as the Biden administration tries to keep Tehran from joining the war between Israel and Hamas.

"The United States does not seek conflict with Iran," Blinken told a UN Security Council meeting Tuesday. "We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack US personnel anywhere, make no mistake: We will defend our people, we will defend our security, swiftly and decisively."

Blinken also urged others on the 15-member Security Council, including Russia and China, to tell Iran not to open another front against Israel or attack its partners, and to hold them accountable if it does so.

"To all the members of this council: If you, like the United States, want to

prevent this conflict from spreading, tell Iran, tell its proxies - in public, in private, through every means - do not open another front against Israel in this conflict. Do not attack Israel's partners."

Blinken's remarks were the latest in a stepped-up US messaging campaign to call out what it says is Iran's involvement in violence in the region against US forces, along with its support of Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon who have launched rocket attacks on Israel in recent days. On Monday, the US said it would hold Iran responsible for a spate of drone and rocket attacks on US forces in the region.

In a phone call with France's President Emmanuel Macron on Oct. 15, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi warned that the conflict could expand if Israel doesn't stop what he called its crimes, "including the killing of the people and the siege of Gaza," according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: The White House accused Iran Monday of "actively facilitating" attacks on US bases in the Middle East, as it expressed concern over the potential for escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza.

"Iran continues to support Hamas and Hezbollah, and we know that Iran is closely monitoring these events and in some cases, actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good or for that of Iran," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House. "We know Iran's goal is to maintain some level of deniability here, but we're not going to allow them to do that," John Kirby added.

"We know Iran's goal is to maintain some level of deniability here, but we're not going to allow them to do that," John Kirby added.

At Least 158 Cars Crash In Massive US Highway Pileup Amid "Super Fog" HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington, United States: A large cloud of fog enveloping a highway led to at least 158 car crashes and seven deaths in the southern US state of Louisiana, authorities said Monday.

The so-called "super fog," which US media reported was caused by a mixture of marsh fires and dense fog, led to a massive pileup on Interstate 55, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) outside of New Orleans, the Louisiana State Police said in a statement.

Photos posted by the police showed both lanes of the highway bridge where the incident occurred blocked off by the

wreckage, which included dozens of charred vehicles. A fire had erupted on the highway, police said. One vehicle appeared to have driven off the bridge and into the water below. More than 25 people were taken to hospital, not counting the "many victims (who) sought medical assistance on their own." Super fogs form "when a mixture of smoke and moisture released from damp smoldering organic material such as brush, leaves and trees, mixes with cooler, nearly saturated air," according to the National Weather Service. When they occur, visibility can drop to less than 10 feet (three meters).

US Woman Stabs Daughter, 4, Jewish Leader Stabbed To Death Outside Home In US, Cops Launch Probe Attempts To Kill Other Child The murder came amid escalating tensions in Jewish and Muslim communities across the United States over the Israel-Hamas war.

As per the police, the child was found dead at the scene and had been stabbed with a knife.

police, the child was found dead at the scene and had been stabbed with a knife.

A neighbour spoke to CBS News and said, "How can you just walk away from HiIndia Newsdesk something like that and not be affected?"

A woman from California, United "She was so little, long black hair. Beautiful States, has been arrested by the police little girl," said another neighbour. in connection with the death of her four- A family friend stated that the woman year-old daughter and trying to kill her was suffering from depression and mental 10-year-old son. She pleaded not guilty illness. to stabbing the child and is facing charges The neighbourhood is devastated by the of first-degree murder and child abuse. loss of what may have been for this young Further, she is charged with attempted child and how her father and elder brother murder, assault with a deadly weapon will never be the same. It is to be noted and child endangerment involving her that law enforcement officials have not other child, as per a report in People yet disclosed a motive for the murder. "I Magazine. think about the husband and the little The woman, Mira Nazari, aged 34, killed boy. The tragedy that is left, the impact her Sana Akram on October 14. The it has on this child now, knowing that his Modesto Police received a call around 1 mother did that," another neighbour told p.m. after a 911 emergency call "reporting CBS News. a potential assault incident." As per the

HiIndia Newsdesk

Detroit: The politically active leader of a US synagogue was found dead with stab wounds outside her home on Saturday, as police cautioned against speculation over the motive for the murder. Police requested FBI assistance in investigating the murder of Samantha Woll, 40, who presided over the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, which serves metropolitan Detroit.

Police Chief James White urged "that everyone remain patient" while the investigation is underway despite "many unanswered questions." "It is important that no conclusions be drawn until all of the available facts are reviewed," White said in a statement. "An update ... will be forthcoming tomorrow."

The murder came amid escalating tensions in Je w ish and Muslim communities across the United States over the Israel-Hamas conflict that has taken thousands of lives this month.

Emergency personnel found Woll dead "with multiple stab wounds to her body," police said. A trail of blood led officers to Woll's nearby home, "which is where the crime is believed to have occurred."

The motive in the killing "is unknown," a police statement added.

The Detroit office of the FBI told AFP in an email that it "will assist the Detroit Police Department as requested." "We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President," the synagogue posted on its Facebook page. "At this point, we do not have more information."

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

"All Hamas Members Are Dead Men Walking": Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that the two main goals of the war were "to eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governance capabilities, and to do everything possible to get our captives home".

HiIndia Newsdesk

Jerusalem: Israel is in the midst of a fight for its existence and preparations are underway for a ground incursion into Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said and added that "all Hamas members are dead men walking".

In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening, he stressed that the two main goals of the war were "to eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governance capabilities, and to do everything possible to get our captives home".

Seeking national unity, the prime minister said that, "Israel is in the midst of a fight for our existence." "All Hamas members are dead men walking — above and below ground, inside and outside Gaza," Netanyahu said. Together with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Minister Benny Gantz, the Security Cabinet, the Chief-of-Staff and heads of the security organisations, "we are working round the clock in order to achieve the aims of the war until victory, and doing so without political considerations," he said. The goals are "saving the nation, achieving victory", Netanyahu said and added that "we are raining down hellfire on Hamas, and we have already eliminated thousands of

Canada Welcomes India's Visa Service Resumption as 'A Good Sign

terrorists – and this is only the beginning".

On speculation about an imminent ground operation in Gaza, the Israeli leader said that it was coming but he would not share when or how. "We are preparing for a ground incursion.

I won't specify when, how, how many. I also won't detail the range of considerations, most of which the public is not aware of. And that's the way it is supposed to be. This is the way, so that we protect our soldiers' lives," Netanyahu said. Israel has drafted 350,000-400,000 soldiers for a ground operation in Gaza since the dastardly attacks on its southern communities on October 7. "I would like to be clear. The timing of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) action will be determined unanimously by the War Cabinet, together with the IDF Chief-of-Staff.

Together with the Security Cabinet, we are working to ensure the optimal conditions for our soldiers in the coming actions," Prime Minister Netanyahu said. "When we go into Gaza, in the continuation of the fighting, we will exact the full price from the murderers, those perpetrators of atrocities", he said and equated Hamas with Daesh (ISIS).

Biden says US will defend the Philippines if China attacks

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Canada has welcomed India's decision to resume some visa services in the country from Thursday, saying the move was a "good sign" after "an anxious time" for many Canadians, amid a diplomatic row over the killing of a Sikh separatist. India's high commission in Canada said on Wednesday that the country's officials will resume processing some types of visa applications for Canadians applying from across the country as well as abroad.

The decision came a month after New Delhi suspended the services in Canada and for Canadian citizens worldwide as tensions flared between the two nations last month following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on June 18 in British Columbia.

India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. India has rejected Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated".

US President Joe Biden has warned China that the US will defend the Philippines in case of any attack in the disputed South China Sea. The comments come days after two collisions between Filipino and Chinese vessels in the contested waters.

Mr Biden reiterated his "ironclad" defence commitment to the Philippines.

Manila has contested Chinese claims to the waters, cutting floating barriers

and inviting media to film what it calls Beijing's dangerous moves at sea. Mr Biden's statement on the South China Sea on Wednesday was his strongest since tensions between Beijing and Manila heated up in recent months.

"I want to be clear — I want to be very clear: The United States' defence commitment to the Philippines is ironclad. The United States defence agreement with the Philippines is ironclad," he said.

Signed in 1951, the Mutual Defense Treaty binds the US and the Philippines, its former colony, into defending each other in the event of an armed attack.

"Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces will invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines," he added in his speech an the White House on Wednesday, as he welcomed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

UK Study: Severe Mental Illness Raises Covid Death Risk

HiIndia Newsdesk

COVID-19 infection increased the risk of death from any cause by 50 per cent in people living with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and psychosis, a study has found. Researchers from King's College London analysed data from over 6,60,000 (6.6 lakhs) UK patients between February, 2020 and April, 2021. Of these, 7,146 people had a severe mental illness.

Turkish Minister Rejects Palestinian Displacement from Gaza

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: (IANS) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Wednesday said that his country will not accept the displacement of Palestinians from their homes in Gaza. “Our region is at a crucial turning point. We are either headed towards a major war or a great peace. We will not accept the displacement of Palestinians from their homes in Gaza,” the Turkish Foreign Minister said during a press conference which was also attended by Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani in Doha.

New Zealand sees population growth in all regions

Li Shangfu: Chinese Israel Refuses to Grant Entry defence minister sacked Visas to UN Personnel HiIndia Newsdesk

Li Shangfu HiIndia Newsdesk

China has officially sacked its defence minister Li Shangfu, two months after he disappeared from public life.

No explanation has been given for his removal, nor has a replacement been announced for his job.

Gilad Erdan in his office at the Israeli Embassy in Jerusalem HiIndia Newsdesk

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan said there are sanctions in Tel Aviv against UN employees who criticize and speak out against Israeli policy.

Wellington: (IANS) New Zealand saw the population grow in all 16 regions in the year ended June 2023, following two years of lower growth when several regions decreased in population, according to provisional estimates by the national statistics department on Wednesday.Nationally, the population grew by 2.1 per cent in the year ended June 2023, a significant increase from the growth of 0.1 per cent in the previous year, Xinhua news agency quoted Stats NZ as saying.

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INDIA NEWS

Israel Destroys Hamas Cell, Saves Hostages

Israeli Tanks Enter North Gaza In “Targeted” Overnight Raid, Retreat Later HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

Kibbutz Be’eri: In retaliation to the Hamas attack on Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is striking down the Hamas operatives to secure Israeli civilians in the Kibbutz Be’eri near the Southern Israel Border.

In a video footage shared by IDF, soldiers were seen chasing a Hamas operatives and neutralising them within minutes.

IDF shared a video on X, saying, “Watch this never-before-seen footage of combat soldiers from the IDF’s Shaldag Unit operating to neutralize terrorists and rescue the civilians of Kibbutz Be’eri.”

It added, “In the footage, you can see the IDF soldiers firing at the terrorists’ vehicle, killing the driver who then lost control of the vehicle.

The unit’s soldiers then killed the other terrorists in the cell who tried to escape. At the same time of the counterterrorism activities, you can see IDF special forces rescuing the residents of Kibbutz Be’eri.”

Meanwhile, the IDF is preparing for the ground offensive in Gaza under which the Israeli tanks and infantry targeted numerous operative cells and destroyed Hamas launch posts in Gaza.

India must call for immediate ceasefire, no space for being partisan: Kapil Sibal

Jerusalem, Undefined: Israel said Thursday that a column of tanks and infantry had launched an overnight raid into Hamas-controlled Gaza, striking “numerous” targets before retreating to home soil.

The military announced the incursion into the north of the Palestinian territory hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared preparations for a ground war were underway.

The Israel Defense Forces described the operation as a “targeted raid” that hit “numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts”.

It said the operation was “preparation for the next stages of combat” adding that “the soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory”.

The military announced the incursion into the north of the Palestinian territory hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared preparations for a ground war were underway.

India-Middle East Economic Corridor Two terrorists killed in encounter at J&K’s Possible Reason For Hamas Attack: Biden Kupwara The US President made the remarks during a joint press conference with Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (US local time).

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington DC: US President Joe Biden has hinted that one of the reasons behind Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel was the recent announcement of the IndiaMiddle East-Europe Economic Corridor that integrates the entire region with a network of rail, road and ports. “I’m convinced one of the reasons Hamas attacked when they did, and I have no proof of this, just my instinct tells me, is because of the progress we were making towards regional integration for Israel, and regional integration overall. We can’t leave that work behind,” Biden said.

The US President made the remarks during a joint press conference with

Australian PM Anthony Albanese on Wednesday (US local time).

HiIndia Newsdesk During the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Srinagar, Oct 26, (IANS) Two Germany, Italy and the European Union terrorists have been killed in an signed a Memorandum of Understanding encounter between terrorists and (MoU) to establish the India-Middle security forces at Machil sector in East-Europe Economic Corridor. The north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, corridor will encourage and provide officials said on Thursday. impetus to economic development “Based on a specific information through enhanced connectivity and provided by Kupwara Police, an economic integration between Asia, West encounter has started in Machhal Asia, the Middle East and Europe, as per sector in which two terrorists sources. have been killed so far. Operation The India-Middle East-Europe Economic underway,” police said.

Corridor will consist of two separate The firefight started after a joint team corridors, the East corridor connecting of police and security forces got an India to West Asia/Middle East and the input about the presence of terrorists Northern corridor connecting West Asia/ in that area.

Middle East to Europe.

Indian-American arrested for alleged sexual assault on minor in California HiIndia Newsdesk

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal Thursday said India must call for an immediate ceasefire in view of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and asserted that there is no space for being partisan in the unveiling tragedy.

Sibal said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with images of innocent children being maimed and decapitated, and civilians being killed is heart-rending and unacceptable.

Over 1,400 people were killed in the unprecedented attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7. Hamas has held more than 220 people hostage in Gaza. According to authorities in Gaza, around 6,500 people have been killed in retaliatory strikes by Israel.

Black-and-white video footage posted by the military showed a column of armoured vehicles and bulldozers winding toward what appeared to be a border fence and breaking through it.

AFP verified the location as south of the Israeli city of Ashkelon but could not verify when the footage was recorded.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York, Oct 26 (IANS) A 21-yearold Indian-American food delivery driver has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl after forcefully getting into her motel room in California, police said.

Identifying Sandeep as “primary susp e c t”, t he S an Jo s e Pol i c e Department (SJPD) said on Wednesday that the incident occurred on October 21 in the 1000 block of

The Alameda in San Jose city.

The girl was staying with her mother in the motel and had ordered a pizza.

The mother was not in the room at the time of the incident, the KTVU news channel reported. Investigations by the SJPD Sexual Assault Investigations Unit (SAIU) revealed that Sandeep forced his way into the motel room and sexually assaulted the female juvenile. SAIU detectives and patrol officers located and arrested Sandeep on the same day in the city of Campbell late in the evening.

He was booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail for assault with intent to commit a sex crime, sexual battery, and false imprisonment.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact Detective Bolduc of the department’s Sexual Assault Investigations Unit.

Al Jazeera Journalist’s Family, In Gaza “Safe Area”, Die In Israeli Strike

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Three members of Al Jazeera journalist Wael Al Dahdouh’s family - his wife, son and daughter - were killed in an “Israeli air strike” on Gaza, the network said Wednesday in a live broadcast. Shortly before their deaths were confirmed Mr Dahdouh was, in fact, live on air reporting on Israeli strikes in the area. “We note this breaking news that we transmit on the Al Jazeera network. A number of family members of our colleague, Wael Al Dahdouh were martyred, including his wife, son and daughter,” an anchor said as he fought back tears, “.. in an Israel bombing that targeted (his) house ...”

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Proposed Tweaks To H-1B Process, What Will Change, What Won't What Changes For Employers?

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: As the Joe Biden administration plans changes in the H-1B visa application system, availed by thousands of Indians to take up job opportunities in the US, there are concerns about what will change and what won't. NDTV breaks it down for you

What Is H-1B Visa?

It is a non-immigrant visa that allows companies in US to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. Usually, employers use the H-1B visa system to hire foreign nationals for a US job role for three to six years. H-1B visa holders who have started the Green Card process for permanent resident status in the US can usually renew work visas indefinitely.

How Do You Apply?

Every year, the US gives out 65,000 H-1B visas and 20,000 more for applicants who hold a Master's degree or higher from a US institution. Each applicant must register with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website and go through a lottery to be selected for H-1B visa. If an applicant is selected, the employer can start the process by filing a petition on his/her behalf. Tech companies currently use this system to hire tens of thousands of employees annually.

Why The Change?

The US Department of Homeland Security said the proposed changes are aimed at streamlining eligibility requirements, improving efficiency, providing greater benefits and flexibilities to employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures.

Secretary of Homeland Security

The US Department of Homeland Security said the proposed changes are aimed at streamlining eligibility requirements, providing more benefits to employers and workers, and strengthening integrity measures Alejandro N Mayorkas said the BidenHarris administration's priority is to attract global talent, reduce undue burdens on employers, and prevent fraud and abuse in the immigration system.

Expert Explains

NDTV spoke to US-based author Soundarya Balasubramani on the proposed changes in the H-1B visa process. Ms Balasubramani had moved to the US as a Master's student and has since navigated the complex processes of getting an H-1B visa and then a Green Card. She now has her own company and her books serve as a guide to the maze of legal immigration Indians must pass through if they aspire to settle in the US. Speaking about the proposed changes, Ms Balasubramani said an employee

can no longer submit multiple applications, something that happens now. "This means everyone gets a fair one chance in the H-1B lottery. That's a major change. There is a good news for founders. So let's say you want to file an H-1B through your own company, they are going to loosen restrictions on what qualifies as an employer-employee relationship. This will let more founders use H-1B to build their companies in the US," she said. The third proposed change, she said, was the modernisation of what qualifies as a cap-exempt organisation, meaning one that need not put employees through the lottery system.

"They are modernising the term, so hopefully as an employee you will have more choices to work at where you don't have to go through the lottery," Ms Balasubramani said.

Ms Balasubramani said the major change for employers is that "you can't game the system" by trying to put in multiple applications for the same person. There is also a proposal, she said, to concretise the process of US authorities making site visits. "They can come and check that you are a legitimate employer and that you are not just setting up a sham company to hire employees on H-1B," she said.

The authorities, Ms Balasubramani said, are also tightening the definition of what qualifies as a speciality occupation. "For example, you have a job, a role that only requires a generic degree, but not speciality training.

Then you cannot use that job role to hire an employee on H-1B visa," she said.

When Will Changes Kick In?

Ms Balasubramani said all these changes are just proposals. "Nothing is final yet. It's in the early stages of being proposed." The proposed rules will made public for feedback later today. "One the public gives comments, the Department of Homeland Security will collect all inputs and publish a final rule, hopefully sometime in late 2024. Until that comes into effect, there is no change in status quo," she said.

What Is Not Changing?

Responding to a question on what's not changing, Ms Balasubramani said, "What is not changing is the fundamental cap on H-1B visas. There are 85,000 H-1B visas that are set aside and issued every year. And this hasn't changed in the last two decades.

That is not going to change (this time either). But your chances in the lottery may increase because everyone gets a fair chance and there is no abuse."

India To Surpass Japan, Become Asia's 2nd Largest Economy By 2030: S&P HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: India, the world's fifth largest economy in the world, is likely to overtake Japan to become the world's third-largest economy with a GDP of USD 7.3 trillion by 2030, S&P Global Market Intelligence said in its latest issue of PMI. After two years of rapid economic growth in 2021 and 2022, the Indian economy has continued to show sustained strong growth during the 2023 calendar year.

India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow 6.2-6.3 per cent in the fiscal year ending in March 2024, being the fastest-growing major economy this fiscal year. Asia's third-largest economy grew by a stellar 7.8 per cent in the AprilJune quarter.

"The near-term economic outlook is for continued rapid expansion during the remainder of 2023 and for 2024, underpinned by strong growth in

helped by a youthful demographic profile USD 4 trillion GDP. and rapidly rising urban household S&P Global said the long-term outlook incomes. for the Indian economy is supported by a "India's nominal GDP measured in USD number of key growth drivers. terms is forecast to rise from USD 3.5 "An important positive factor for India trillion in 2022 to USD 7.3 trillion by 2030. is its large and fast-growing middle This rapid pace of economic expansion class, which is helping to drive consumer would result in the size of the Indian GDP spending. The rapidly growing Indian exceeding Japanese GDP by 2030, making domestic consumer market as well India the second largest economy in the as its large industrial sector have India's gross domestic product Asia-Pacific region," it said. made India an increasingly important (GDP) is expected to grow 6.2-6.3 By 2022, the size of the Indian GDP had investment destination for a wide range of per cent in the fiscal year ending already become larger than the GDP of multinationals in many sectors, including in March 2024, being the fastestthe UK and also France. By 2030, India's manufacturing, infrastructure and growing major economy this fiscal GDP is also forecast to surpass Germany. services," it said. year. Asia's third-largest economy The US at present is the world's largest The digital transformation of India grew by a stellar 7.8 per cent in economy with a GDP of USD 25.5 trillion. that is currently underway is expected the April-June quarter.

It makes up for a quarter of the world's to accelerate the growth of e-commerce, domestic demand," S&P Global said.

GDP. China is the second largest economy changing the retail consumer market The acceleration of foreign direct with a GDP size of about USD 18 trillion, landscape over the next decade. This, investment inflows into India over the past which is almost 17.9 per cent of the world S&P Global said, is attracting leading decade reflects the favourable long-term GDP. Japan is a distant third with USD 4.2 global multinationals in technology and growth outlook for the Indian economy, trillion GDP, followed by Germany with e-commerce to the Indian market.

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DIASPORA NEWS

Biden honours 2 Indian-American scientists with National Medals HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: (IANS) US President Joe Biden has honoured two IndianAmerican scientists -- Subra Suresh and Ashok Gadgil -- with National Medals for their pioneering contributions in the fields of science and technology innovation at a ceremony in White House.

Gadgil (Right) and Subra Suresh "We're determined to return great Ashok (left) were awarded the National Medal of science to America,” Biden said in Technology and Innovation. remarks at the ceremony in the House's East Room on Tuesday.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology "For this year's recipients, 'outstanding' was honoured for pioneering research may be an understatement. They're across engineering, physical sciences, extraordinary… They have paved the and life sciences. way for a generation of other scientists Describing Suresh as a "transformative and innovators to pursue their own educator", a White House statement discoveries to unlock our nation's full said that his "commitment to research potential." and collaboration across borders has Suresh -- a scientist and engineer with demonstrated how science can forge decades of impactful leadership in higher understanding and cooperation among education, industry and government -- people and nations". was among nine recipients who were “It's very satisfying," Suresh said in awarded the National Medal of Science. a statement released by the Brown A profe ss or at l arge at Brow n University’s School of Engineering.

University’s School of Engineering “This is not why you do science. You and former director of the National don't do this for the reward, you do it Science Foundation, Suresh of the for the joy. If somebody notices it, it's

icing on the cake, but it's not the cake itself. This particular one, though, has added significance because it's from the president of the US. It’s national. It has the US stamped on it,” Suresh added.

Born in India in 1956, Suresh graduated from high school at 15 and by age 25 had earned his undergraduate degree, master’s degree and Ph.D, which he earned in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in just two years.

The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was awarded to Ashok Gadgil of the University of California Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for providing lifesustaining resources to communities around the world.

Widely considered to be a “humanitarian inventor", Gadgil was among 12 laureates to receive the honour.

"His innovative, inexpensive technologies help meet profound needs, from drinking water to fuel-efficient cookstoves. His work is inspired by a belief in the dignity of all people and in our power to solve the great challenges of our time," the White House statement read.

US Indian Diaspora Calls for Easier Employment Authorization

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington: Coming to the defence of thousands of Indian-Americans languishing in the decades-old green card backlog, an Indian diaspora body has urged the Biden Administration to relax the rules of issuing employment authorisation cards. Around 1.1 million Indian-origin non-immigrant visa holders are waiting for their priority date to become current to apply for an I-485 for a green card, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) said, adding that the countrywise limit of seven per cent restricts their annual approval, causing almost 135 years of delays, and estimated more than 400,000 would not see permanent residency in their lifetime.

Issuing Employment Authorisation Cards during the early stages of green card processing would help a large number of Indian Americans, their spouse and grown-up kids from a lot of uncertainties and distress, FIIDS said.

Sikhs in Fiji Police force now allowed Man pleads guilty to causing Sikh to wear turban with official crown father's death in Melbourne car crash

HiIndia Newsdesk

Suva: (IANS) Navjeath Singh Sohata has become the first Sikh cop to don a turban with the official Fiji Police crown after the island nation's police force approved changes to the uniform in a bid to promote diversity.

Recognising that the respect for diversity and inclusivity are integral to the success of policing efforts, Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew approved the wearing of a turban with the official Fiji Police crown. Police Constable Sohata, 20, is a member of Batch 66 undergoing the Basic Recruits Course Training in Nasova, after being selected from the open market recruitment drive. A devout Sikh, Sohata had marched into the academy knowing the training requirements would require personal sacrifices on his part. "However, the Acting Commissioner of Police, in respecting Sohata’s rights, approved the wearing of the turban with the official Fiji Police crown," the Fiji Police said in a statement.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Melbourne: (IANS) A 24-year-old man pleaded guilty before an Australian county court on Monday to culpable driving, causing the death of a Sikh father of two in a car collision that occurred in Melbourne last year.

Nirvair Singh, 44, died on the spot from head and chest injuries after a jeep rammed into his Toyota Kluger on the

Bulla-Diggers Rest Road northwest of Melbourne on August 30 last year.

Corey Comport, who drove under the influence of drugs, sobbed in Victorian County Court as he admitted he never should have been behind the wheel, the 9News channel reported.

The court heard that Comport was travelling 168km/h in an 80km/h zone when he struck a jeep that rammed into Nirvair's vehicle at about 3.30 pm.

In the preceding 30 minutes before the crash, Comport evaded cops twice, with multiple drivers later telling police they were scared as he weaved between lanes and overtook them.A roadside drug test showed that he was under the influence of GHB, methamphetamine, and ketamine.

India's 'muscular' foreign policy is essentially for domestic consumption: Ex-Canadian Minister Ujjal Dosanjh HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: (IANS) Calling for immediate de-escalation in strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada, Ujjal Dosanjh, former premier of British Columbia and erstwhile Canadian Minister of Health, stressed that India's "muscular" foreign policy is essentially for domestic consumption and not granting visas to Canadian citizens hurts ordinary Indo-Canadians.

“You cannot give collective punishment just because a few have erred. It is people like us who suffer,” he tells IANS. The diplomatic row that erupted after Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot in Canada, and the Canadian Prime Minister alleged the

Ujjal Dosanjh

possible involvement of Indian security agencies has now led to the expulsion of 41 Canadian diplomats and a visa ban from India.

Maintaining that it is only a minuscule Punjabi population in Canada that

raises the demand for Khalistan, and the majority continues to be pro-India, Dosanjh, who publicly took on the Khalistanis in the 80s and survived a major attack with almost 100 stitches, feels that the whole situation could have been handled more maturely. “Let us not forget that (Justin) Trudeau is surrounded by Khalistanis. However, he should have made the statement in Parliament with some kind of proof. Of course, the fact that the media was all set to publish the story, and he had to act fast is also understandable,” he says.

While stressing that in a free country like Canada, there is nothing wrong in demanding Khalistan, the former Health Minister asserts that keeping in mind the friendly relations between the two

countries, the Canadian Prime Minister should make it clear that he does not support the dismemberment of India. “It did not take long for the Canadian PM to condemn the glorification of the violence Hamas unleashed on Israel recently, what is stopping from condemning the violence of Khalistanis in Canada? By the way, I also wonder if some people in Canada are so interested in the idea of Khalistan, why don’t they come here” Dosanjh, who was recently at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Kasauli, added that contrary to popular perception in India, the idea of Khalistan has very little role to play in Canadian elections, adds, “It is the state of the economy that drives people’s voting behaviour.”

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“Ready To Invade” Gaza Israel Warns Hamas Over Hostages HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Israel, continuing its blistering retaliation on Gaza, urged locals in the Strip to share actionable intel on Hamas hostages. The military offered money, confidentiality, and protection to anyone with information that would lead to their rescue.

In a sharp warning to Hamas, which now has around 220 hostages according to Israel, the Israel Defence Forces said: “If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area.”

“The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We

“We Won’t Stop Until...”: Netanyahu HiIndia Newsdesk

Tel Aviv: Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday announced that the ground personnel massing on the southern border were ready to ‘invade’ Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Briefing reporters at the country’s southern border, IDF Chief-of-Staff, Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi said, “I want to be clear, we are ready to invade.”

He added that the IDF was in the process of deciding on the ‘exact timing’ of the ground invasion of Gaza in coordination with the country’s political echelons.

Hardik Pandya “Suffered Bad Sprain”

HiIndia Newsdesk

India’s marquee all-rounder Hardik Pandya is liekly to remian on the sidelines for a few more games, having injured his ankle last week. Hardik, who has already missed the New Zealand clash due to the same injury, is likely to sit out of India’s next two World Cup matches as he is yet to recover, according to a report.

“Pandya has suffered a bad sprain but fortunately not a fracture. The BCCI medical team wants to take maximum precaution. He is likely to miss next two to three matches. The team wants him fully fit for the knock-out stage,” added a BCCI source.

The Israeli military offered money, confidentiality, and protection to anyone with information that would lead to their rescue.

with two Israeli women being freed on Monday, days after two American women. The group is likely to release another 50 hostages soon, according to

media reports.

The Israel army, fighting the war on multiple fronts, on Wednesday said that it struck military infrastructure inside Syria in response to earlier launches towards Israel on Tuesday. The forces in an overnight raid in the West Bank came under fire by a group of Palestinians, who were then targeted with a drone strike, the Israeli military said, reported news agency Reuters, adding that two Palestinians were killed, medics said.

The IDF on Tuesday announced that the personnel marshalling on the country’s southern border is ready to ‘invade’ Gaza, news agency AFP reported, citing The Jerusalem Post. “I want to be clear, we are ready to invade,” IDF Chief-ofStaff Lt General Herzi Halevi said.

India Urges UN Action on IsraelPalestine Civilian Casualties

Over one-third of hospitals in Gaza shut: UN

guarantee you complete confidentiality,” it said, sharing contact details for anyone with information to come forward.

Hamas has begun releasing hostages,

HiIndia Newsdesk

HiIndia Newsdesk

India has voiced deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian life in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, urging the parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and restarting direct negotiations through de-escalation and ending violence.

The remarks by India’s D eputy Permanent Representative at the UN, Ambassador R Ravindra, came on Tuesday at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

“India is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation and large-

India urged the parties to work towards creating conditions necessary for peace and for restarting direct negotiations including through de-escalation and eschewing violence scale loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict. The mounting humanitarian crisis is equally alarming,” Ravindra said.

He said the escalation of hostilities in the region has only exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation and has once again underscored the fragile nature of the ceasefire.

Gaza, Oct 25 (IANS) The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that one-third of hospitals in Gaza (12 of 35) and nearly two-thirds of primary healthcare clinics (46 of 72) have already shut down due lack of fuel or damage from hostilities. In retaliation to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Jewish nation has cut off electricity supply to Gaza, rendering hospitals and water facilities dependent on backup generators run by fuel.

PM Modi to visit Maharashtra, Goa tomorrow

US Preparing For Possible Mass Evacuation If Israel-Hamas War Escalates: Report

HiIndia Newsdesk

Wa s h i n g t o n : T h e J o e B i d e n administration in the United States is preparing for the possibility of carrying out a mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of American citizens from the Middle East if the ongoing conflict in Gaza isn’t contained, the Washington

Post reported citing officials.

This comes as Israeli forces, aided by US weapons and military advisers, prepare for a ground offensive against Hamas terrorists responsible for the horrific cross-border attack on October 7 that killed over 1400 people.

The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to detail internal deliberations, said Americans living in Israel and neighbouring Lebanon are of particular concern, though they stressed that an evacuation of that magnitude is considered a worst-case scenario and that other outcomes are seen as more likely, Washington Post reported.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra and Goa on Thursday, during which he will dedicate several various projects. As per his itinerary, at around 1 p.m., the Prime Minister will reach Shirdi, where he will perform a puja and darshan at the Shri Saibaba Samadhi Temple. At the temple, he will inaugurate the new Darshan Queue Complex. About an hour later, the Prime Minister will perform the “Jal Pujan” of Nilwande Dam and dedicate a canal network of the dam to the nation.

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Killed In Shootings At US Bowling Alley, Bar, Gunman Not Caught Yet

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington, United States: At least 22 people were killed and "many, many more" were injured in shootings in the city of Lewiston, Maine Wednesday evening, city officials reported, overwhelming local hospitals with gunshot victims.

City Councilor Robert McCarthy told CNN that the death toll had risen to 22 in the shooting spree that took place at a bowling alley and also at least one other location, a local restaurant and bar, according to media.

"My understanding is that they have a tentative identification... of the shooter at the bowling alley, confirmed 22 dead, many, many more injured," McCarthy said.

Rescue vehicles rushed in from around central Maine to tend to the wounded, McCarthy said, and the two Lewiston hospitals "have called in every off-duty staff member that they could to deal with this."

President Joe Biden made calls -- while a state dinner honoring Australia's prime minister was underway -- to Maine's governor, its two senators and a local congressman to offer federal support, the White House said.

Local police posted a photo of the shooter on Facebook carrying what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapon inside the bowling alley.

They later issued a bulletin for 40-yearold Robert Card, saying the suspect in the mass shooting "should be considered armed and dangerous."

"Please contact law enforcement if you are aware of his whereabouts."

Police also released a picture of a white SUV, and asked for the public's help in identifying the vehicle, saying its front bumper may have been painted black.

Law enforcement "are investigating two active shooter events," the Androscoggin County Sheriff 's Department wrote on Facebook.

"We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate.

The suspect is still at large."

Maine Governor Janet Mills said she was "aware of and have been briefed on the active shooter situation in Lewiston."

CNN reported that at least 50 to 60 people were injured in the incidents, citing multiple law enforcement sources, but said it was unclear how many of the injuries were the result of gunfire.

Police and rescuers reportedly arrived at the Sparetime Recreation bowling alley at approximately 7:15 pm local time in response to an active shooter, and thereafter received reports of another shooting at the Schemengees Bar & Grille, according to the Sun Journal local newspaper.

At 8:15 pm, another shooting was reported at a local Walmart distribution center, it said.

'My hometown'

Maine Congressman Jared Golden wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter that "like all Mainers, I'm horrified by the events in Lewison tonight. This is

'I urge all to follow local enforcement directions' - Maine governor The shooting spree took place at a bowling alley and also at least one other location, a local restaurant and bar, according to local media, with police saying the gunman was still at large my hometown." "Right now, all of us are looking to local law enforcement as they gain control of the situation and gather information. Our hearts break for those who are affected," he said.

Distraught citizens flocked to local hospitals.

"I'm just overwhelmed. I've been here trying to spread, you know, some kind of comfort, some kind of support," Cynthia Hunter, a local resident, told CBS affiliate

WGME. The shooting is one of the deadliest since 2017, when a gunman opened fire on a crowded music festival in Las Vegas, killing some 60 people.

Gun violence is alarmingly common in the United States, a country where there are more guns than people and where attempts to clamp down on their spread are always met with stiff resistance.

The United States has recorded over 500 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nongovernmental organization that defines a mass shooting as four or more people wounded or killed.

Efforts to tighten gun controls have for years run up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms.

The political paralysis endures despite widespread outrage over recurring shootings.

Who Is Robert Card, Main Suspect In US Shooting That Killed 22 Maine Shooting: The shooting spree took place at a bowling alley and also at least one other location, a local restaurant and bar.

Local police posted a photo of the shooter Robert Card on Facebook carrying a semi-automatic style weapon inside a bowling alley, and said that he should be "considered armed and dangerous.".

"Law Enforcement is attempting to locate Robert Card 4/4/1983, as a person of interest regarding the mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Sparetime Recreation this evening.

CARD should be considered armed and dangerous," Lewiston Police Department said. Card, 40, is a retired military officer who has been arrested in the past for domestic violence.

Robert Card, 40, is a retired military officer and has arrested in Earlier this year, he reported mental health issues including the past for domestic violence hearing voices and had threatened an attack at the military HiIndia Newsdesk training base in Saco, Maine. He was admitted to a mental Lewiston: An emergency alert has been sounded in a county health facility for 2 weeks. After the shooting, he was seen in US' Maine after 22 people were killed and dozens injured driving a White Subaru, of which cops have released pictures. in shootings. Police have launched a massive operation to Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said he is "heartbroken for catch the gunman, who has been identified as Robert Card, our city and our people" and urged residents to follow the recommended guidelines. and asked locals in Lewiston to stay inside their homes.

"There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to President Joe Biden has also been briefed, according to the shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors White House. Efforts to ban the powerful weapons have run locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple up against opposition from Republicans, staunch defenders of the constitutional right to bear arms. locations," Maine State Police said on X The shooting spree took place at a bowling alley and also at The political deadlock endures even though there have been least one other location, a local restaurant and bar, according 500 mass shootings in the US -- defined as incidents in which four or more people were shot or killed -- so far this year. to local media.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

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BUSINESS

Breaking : BJP-Led NDA’s Staggering Instagram sued harm to young Rs 25 Lakh Crore Loan Write-Off over people's mental The NDA government, a combination of NDA Government-1 and NDA Government-2, held power for nine years, spanning from 2014-2015 to 2022-2023. During this period, they authorized the write-off of Rs 10.41 lakh crore through public banks across India and an additional Rs 14.53 lakh crore through Scheduled Commercial banks. The cumulative sum of these loans adds up to an astonishing Rs 24.95 lakh crore.

T

health

HiIndia Newsdesk

he Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Right to Information (RTI) application, filed by Surat-based social activist Sanjay Ezhawa, has exposed a massive financial development. The BJP-led NDA government, during its nine-year tenure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has written off a staggering Rs 25 lakh crore worth of loans. This information has left the nation in awe and has triggered a cascade of debates and discussions.

The NDA government, a combination of NDA Government-1 and NDA Government-2, held power for nine years, spanning from 2014-2015 to 2022-2023. During this period, they authorized the write-off of Rs 10.41 lakh crore through public banks across India and an additional Rs 14.53 lakh crore through Scheduled Commercial banks. The cumulative sum of these loans adds up to an astonishing Rs 24.95 lakh crore.

This enormous amount of money has sent shockwaves through India’s economic landscape, raising significant questions and concerns.

It’s important to note that the RBI’s disclosure only includes statistical information, and the names of the defaulters have not been unveiled.

However, it remains the highest loan write-off amount revealed in India’s financial history. This amount written off by NDA-1 and NDA-2 is approximately 810% higher than the sum written off during the combined tenure of UPA Government-1 and UPA Government-2.

To understand the gravity of this revelation, let’s compare it with

HiIndia Newsdesk

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Right to Information (RTI) application, filed by Surat-based social activist Sanjay Ezhawa, has exposed a massive financial development

the loan write-offs during the UPA governments. UPA Government-1 and UPA Government-2 governed for 11 years, from 2003-2004 to 20132014. During this time, they approved the write-off of Rs 1.58 lakh crore through public banks and Rs 2.17 lakh crore through Scheduled Commercial Banks, totaling Rs 3.76 lakh crore.

What makes this comparison more astonishing is the annual loan writeoff amounts. UPA Governments wrote off an annual average of Rs 34,192 crore during their 11-year tenure, while the NDA Government-1 and NDA Government-2 together wrote off an average of Rs 2.77 lakh crore per annum. In essence, the amount written off by the UPA government in 11 years equals the amount written off by the NDA government in just 17 months.

Out of the massive Rs 25 lakh crore written off, the burden falls disproportionately on common citizens and farmers, who took relatively smaller loans. The major beneficiaries of this write-off are the crony capitalists who fled the country after borrowing substantial amounts.

The Reserve Bank of India established

the Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC) to gather, store, and disseminate credit data to lenders. As of June 2023, CRILC has reported that Scheduled Commercial Banks have written off 3,973 accounts with loans exceeding Rs.5 crore. This staggering number is indicative of the magnitude of the issue at hand.

Out of the Rs 25 lakh crores written off by Scheduled Commercial Banks over the nine-year period from 2014-2015 to 2022-2023, only Rs. 2.5 lakh crore (10% of the total) has been recovered. This prompts a critical question: Why has the Indian government not been more effective in retrieving these substantial amounts?

The figures tell a disconcerting story – that immense wealth has been siphoned abroad by industrialists, and the government’s efforts to recover these loans have not been fruitful. The question now arises: Should the nation have to endure these monumental losses with the government’s support? Until the people are fully aware and engaged, India will continue to bear the brunt of such financial setbacks.

Electric cars to increase by almost 10 times by 2030: International Energy Agency to keep alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius,” the IEA New Delhi: (IANS) The energy world report mentioned. is set to change significantly by 2030, The combination of growing momentum based on the current policy settings, behind clean energy technologies and which includes almost 10 times as many structural economic shifts around the electric cars on the road worldwide, the world has major implications for fossil International Energy Agency (IEA) said fuels, with peaks in global demand for on Tuesday.

According to the IEA's new 'World 2030 in new coal- and gas-fired power coal, oil and natural gas all visible this decade. plants, the report mentioned.

Energy Outlook 2023', the share of In this scenario, the share of fossil fuels Renewables are set to contribute 80 per renewables in the global electricity mix in global energy supply, which has been cent to new power-generation capacity would reach 50 per cent by 2030 from by 2030 under current policy settings, stuck for decades at around 80 per cent, the current 30 per cent. declines to 73 per cent by 2030, with "The transition to clean energ y with solar power alone accounting global energy-related carbon dioxide for more than half of this expansion, is happening worldwide and it's (CO2) emissions peaking by 2025, the according to the report. unstoppable. It's not a question of 'if ', report mentioned. it’s just a matter of ‘how soon’ -- and the “If countries deliver on their national sooner the better for all of us,” said IEA energy and climate pledges on time “Every country needs to find its own pathway, but international cooperation and in full, clean energy progress Executive Director Fatih Birol. is crucial for accelerating clean energy would move even faster.

However, even The investment in new offshore wind transitions,” Dr Birol said. stronger measures would still be needed projects would go up by three times by HiIndia Newsdesk

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been accused of misleading the public about the risks of using social media and contributing to a mental health crisis among youth.

The claims were made in a federal lawsuit, which was announced by dozens of US states.

They say the company used addictive features to "ensnare" users, while concealing the "substantial dangers" of its platforms.

Meta said it was "disappointed".

The lawsuit said Meta had broken consumer protection laws by engaging in "deceptive" conduct.

It also said that the company collected data on children under the age of 13, flouting its obligations under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.

Car workers' strike costing GM $200m a week

HiIndia Newsdesk

Car workers in the US have expanded their strike again, just hours after General Motors (GM) warned investors that costs from the industrial action remained unpredictable.

The US car giant said the industrial action was expected to cost the company roughly $200m (£164m) each week.nExecutives declined to predict when the row over pay and benefits might end. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union began strike action against GM, Ford and Stellantis in September.

More than 45,000 workers are now participating in the walkout - the first in the union's history to target all three firms at once.

The UAW's latest announcement expanded the stoppage to a GM assembly plant in Texas where about 5,000 union members work. The site makes popular vehicles such as the Chevy Tahoe SUV. GM said it was disappointed by the escalation, calling the strike "unnecessary and irresponsible". "It is harming our team members who are sacrificing their livelihoods and having negative ripple effects on our dealers, suppliers and the communities that rely on us," the company said.

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Sushmita Sen

ENTERTA

Kangana Ranaut to Lead Ravan Dahan at Delhi's Lav Kush Ramlila

opens up on her takeaway from her role in 'Aarya 3'

Mumbai: After winning the hearts of the audiences in the previous seasons of the crime thriller ‘Aarya’, versatile Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen is set to reprise her titular role in the season three of the series, and shared how her own truth blends with the character's, creating a captivating fusion.

Sushmita plays the character Aarya Sareen in the series. She has revealed how Aarya's strength, imprinted from the script's inception, continues to fortify her presence in season three.

Talking about the same, the former ‘Miss Universe’ said: “I’ve always been inspired by ‘Aarya’ because of the system the 360 - the way we shoot, the truth of both of them get mixed, there has to be the truth of Sushmita being present and Aarya influenced by Sushmita also.”

“The takeaway of Aarya’s strength is something from the moment I read this script, I took it with me, and I think in season three it’s only gotten stronger,” she added.

In the third season, Aarya has her eyes set on the supply and transportation of the narcotic drug but is intercepted by Ila Arun, who herself is the undisputed queen on the supply side. Hot on Aarya’s heels is ACP Khan, who after being preoccupied in the second season is back with vengeance and will do anything in his capacity to put an end to Aarya’s illegal drug empire.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Mumbai: (IANS) Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is awaiting the release of her aerial combat film ‘Tejas’, is all set to grace the iconic Lav Kush Ramlila at Red Fort ground, in Delhi.

The actress will attend the Dussehra celebration in the national capital on October 24 and will participate in the Ravan Dahan, a tradition in which an effigy of Ravan is set ablaze by shooting an arrow.

Usually, the Prime Minister of the country does the Ravan Dahan but since this year PM Modi is busy with elections, the Lav Kush Ramlila committee has decided to invite women from all walks of life for the Ramlila, this is also to mark the recently passed Women's Reservation Bill by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Sidharth Malhotra as next face in cop universe: Rohit Shetty Director Rohit Shetty has unveiled the next face of his cop universe, and it’s the ‘Shershaah’ actor Sidharth Malhotra. Armed and prepared to strike, Rohit Shetty’s upcoming streaming series ‘Indian Police Force’ is set in the coveted cop universe, and will be connected to Rohit’s previous projects like ‘Singham’, ‘Simmba’ and ‘Sooryavanshi’.

With the addition of Sidharth Malhotra, Rohit Shetty's cop universe has just been taken a notch higher.

Both Rohit Shetty and Sidharth Malhotra took to their respective Instagram accounts to announce the release date of their latest collaboration, ‘Indian Police Force’.

Sid’s poster shows him as a suave cop, who is ready to jump head first into action. The actor effortlessly carries the uniform with unmatched swag.

Vicky Kaushal-starrer ‘Sam Bahadur’ is shot with real Indian soldiers

Mumbai: (IANS) Vicky Kaushal’s upcoming biopic ‘Sam Bahadur’ recently released its teaser which got heavy praise from audiences. The film is based on the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Many of the soldiers featured in the action scenes were in fact real life personnel in the Indian Army.

The ‘Sardar Udham’ star is essaying the roles of some of the most revered heroes of India, which even makes the roles themselves a harrowingly difficult task, given the weight of the subject matter and the reverence of the figure on hand.

Nonetheless, the actor was perfectly able to pull off the role of Sam Manekshaw, nailing it right from his posture to his overall demeanour, thus really helping to bring the iconic military figure to life.

The film being a biopic based on one of the greatest and most battle-hardened soldiers ever naturally features several war scenes, as well as scenes depicting settings of the Army command, Armed Forces personnel and more.

Rashmika Mandanna goes underwater in 1st glimpse from ‘The Girlfriend’ The title glimpse looks like the film will be a psychological-thriller-horror-crime film which likely revolves around a man who just wants a girlfriend. But for him, his girlfriend is more than just someone to love, hold, and caress.

Instead, for him it is something he can call his own rather than someone, meaning that he treats them more like a showcase property. In the video, an unseen man can be heard speaking in Telugu, saying: Hyderabad: (IANS) Director Rahul “I love her so much that she doesn’t need any friends or family…I am all she needs.

Ravindran has unveiled the first glimpse I want her 24/7 to myself and myself only. of his next feature film ‘The Girlfriend’ But to call a girlfriend, and say that she is which stars actress Rashika Mandanna MINE is a different kind of high.” in the lead role and it sure is a creepy one.

Salman calls ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’ from ‘Tiger 3’ one of the best dance tracks of his career Mumbai: (IANS) Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is gearing up for his upcoming Diwali release ‘Tiger 3’, has said that the song ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’ from the film is one of the best dance tracks of his career.

Salman is once again reuniting with actress Katrina Kaif in the film for the third time in the ‘Tiger’ franchise as the two will reprise their characters off super-agents Tiger and Zoya from the Spy Universe.

Elaborating on the same, Salman said: “Katrina and I have some great songs together and I understand that the expectation from people every time we do a song together will be sky high. I’m very confident that ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’ will make people happy.”

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

AINMENT

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Nupur Sanon on 'Tiger Nagashwera Rao' co-star Ravi Teja: 'Phenomenal actor & better human being'

Mumbai: (IANS) Actress Nupur Sanon, who has made her debut with the recent release 'Tiger Nageswara Rao', has heaped praise on her costar - the Telugu superstar Ravi Teja.

The actress has said that he is both a phenomenal actor and also an amazing human being.

For 'Tiger Nageswara Rao', director Vamsee had met 200-300 girls to cast for his next film before finalising Nupur Sanon.

For the uninitiated, Nupur is the talented sister of Bollywood star Kriti Sanon, and has been receiving a lot of positive response to her work alongside Ravi Teja in ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao’.

Sharing her experience of working with Ravi, Nupur said: "It was a magical experience. He is a phenomenal actor and a better human being.

I thought he would be serious and wouldn't be talkative. I had that perception. From day 1, he turned out to be the opposite. He is rarely in his vanity, always chatting with people on set."

The actress said: “I was surprised with how fantastic his Hindi is. He would give me cues in Hindi. He is such a secure actor that he lets you shine in a scene and is happy to help by being present. He is thoughtful and kind. He wanted my performance to be good." Talking about the director, Nupur said: "When he met me he said I saw how you talk and how you conduct yourself and knew instantly I had met my Sara. I am thrilled that I am doing a pan-India film.

17 Mouni Roy to host Indian version of global reality series 'Temptation Island'

Actor Mouni Roy has come on board to host the Indian version of American dating reality series 'Temptation Island'. Jio Cinema unveiled the show's promo in which Mouni is seen telling the audience what they can expect from the show.

"Relationships ka hoga ab ultimate test.

Aa raha hai Temptation Island. Yahaan couples aur paas aayenge ya kisi aur ke pyaar mein dub jaayenge?" Mouni said in the clip.

Tara Sutaria starrer Apurva to directly release on Disney+ Hotstar on November 15

me expand my Now, regional films dubbed in Hindi 'Helped view of art': Aneesha to be certified by local CBFC boards Madhok

Mumbai: (IANS) In a significant initiative, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has allowed regional films dubbed in Hindi to be certified by the regional office where the original language film was issued a Censor Certificate.

An announcement to the effect was made

last week by CBFC CEO Ravinder Bhakar, reversing the board's directive of April 2017 mandating that all regional language films dubbed in Hindi must be certified by the Mumbai head office prior to release.

The move shall be implemented on a pilot basis for six months, till April 20, 2024, when the CBFC shall monitor the language expertise, impact on the workload and other aspects at the regional offices before taking a final decision in the matter, said Bhakar.Besides Mumbai, the CBFC has regional offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and Cuttack in Odisha.

Prabhas fans create massive 230 ft cutout of 'Salaar' actor on his b'day

Mumbai: (IANS) Actor Prabhas, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire', is celebrating his birthday on Monday.

On the occasion of his birthday, the actor’s fans created a record by creating

the biggest ever cut out of him.

The fans created the colossal cutout of the actor’s poster from the film in Kukatpally, Hyderabad.

The massive cutout measures 230 ft. in height.

‘Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire’ marks the first ever collaboration between Prabhas and the ‘KGF’ director Prashanth Neel.

The film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu.

Earlier, Prabhas received a very unique and special birthday gift from X (formerly Twitter), as they introduced a special emoji modelled after his character from his upcoming film 'Salaar: Part One Ceasefire.'

Tara Sutaria, who plays Apurva, says, “This is a powerful and thrilling story of an ordinary girl whose inner strength, intelligence, wit and courage shape a journey that will keep one at the edge of their seat. It's the role of a lifetime for me and I am eagerly awaiting audiences to see my transformation in Apurva as we launch our trailer very soon! Hugely excited and looking forward to Apurva releasing from 15th November onwards on Disney+ Hotstar.”

Mumbai: (IANS) Actress Aneesha Madhok, who is known for her work in the Hollywood movie ‘Bully High’, will now be seen in the musical play ‘Ananda’, and shared her experience about the same, adding that it helped expand her worldview of art with a conglomeration of calmness, creativity and receptibility.

‘Ananda’ is directed by Muzaffar Ali. Aneesha is playing the role of Jhumki, who’s a young seductress as she encounters the spiritual enlightenment seeking Ananda. Noted actor and the owner of baritone voice Kabir Bedi is the narrator of the play. Talking about the same, Aneesha said: “The entire experience has helped expand my worldview of art with a conglomeration of calmness, creativity and receptibility.

Muzaffar Ali sir’s aura keeps me in awe of him.”

Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki to release a day before on December 21

Shah Rukh Khan has the greatest business mind in the entire film fraternity and it's known how the King goes all out in clash scenarios.

Bollywood Hungama has learnt that his next, the Rajkumar Hirani-directed Dunki will hit the big screens on December 21, 2023, a day ahead of its already announced date of December 22, 2023.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

SPORT

Sarfaraz, Shaheen, Rizwan Considered as Potential Babar Captaincy Replacements HiIndia Newsdesk

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Muhammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi are being discussed as potential candidates who could replace Babar Azam as captain when the national team returns home from the World Cup in India.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour Australia immediately after the World Cup. The team also needs to plan for the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

There is a clear consensus developing in the Pakistan Cricket Board that Babar has had his chance to prove himself and he has failed to deliver as captain.

Pakistan have four more league games left in the World Cup, having lost their last three including against Afghanistan on Monday. They can still qualify for the semifinals.

"Only if Pakistan can stage a miracle and win all their remaining matches to

Sarabjot and Surbhi win silver in 10m air pistol mixed team

Australia hammer Netherlands by historic 309 runs HiIndia Newsdesk

surviving as captain and even then he might be relegated to skipper in just the red ball format,” one reliable source close to the developments said.

The source said that the knives were out for Babar and he might as well announce his resignation as captain if the team returns home without playing in the World Cup semifinals.

New Delhi: (IANS) After Glenn Maxwell and David Warner's brilliant show with bat, Australia's Adam Zampa spun a web around the Netherlands' batters as Australia achieved the biggest victory in WC history - 309 runs in the 24th match of the ongoing ICC World Cup, here on Wednesday.

Zampa scalped four wickets, while Mitchell Marsh took two to bundle the Netherlands out for just 90 in 21 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

It has always been my motto to chase betterment, not excellence, says Virat Kohli

Gurbaz, Zadran, Noor help Afghanistan stun Pakistan by eight wickets

There is a clear consensus developing in the Pakistan Cricket Board that Babar has had his chance to prove himself and he has failed to deliver as captain qualify for the semi-finals of this World Cup does Babar stand any chance of

HiIndia

Changwon (Korea): (IANS) Indian duo of Sarabjot Singh and Surbhi Rao won the silver medal in 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Asian Shooting Championships, here on Wednesday.

Sarabjot Singh and Surbhi Rao lost 4-16 to the China’s Jinyao Liu and Xue Li in the gold medal match and settled for silver.This was India’s second medal in the senior category at the ongoing Asian Shooting Championships as Sarabjot clinched the individual bronze medal in the men's 10m air pistol on Tuesday.

F

ormer India captain and country’s greatest ever leftarm spinner Bishan Singh Bedi passed away on Monday. Bedi played 67 Tests for India and took 266 wickets with 14 five wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul.

He was 77 years old and was laid low by a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife Anju, son Angad and daughter Neha.

The outspoken Bedi made his national team debut in 1966 and had an international career that spanned until 1979. He was named captain in 1976, succeeding Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and led the side to a Test win against the West Indies in Port of Spain. This was followed by India also defeating New Zealand 2-0 at home.

Bedi, who started playing his domestic cricket for Northern Punjab, would move to Delhi in the 1968-69 Ranji Trophy season and was the leading wicket taker in India’s premier domestic red-ball competition in 1974-75.

He was a part of Indian cricket’s golden quartet of spinners, along with Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chadrasekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan. Together,

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: (IANS) With India winning five out of five matches in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and sitting comfortably on top of points table, talismanic batter Virat Kohli has emerged as a key player

in acing chases for the hosts’ in the tournament.

With India set to return in action when they face defending champions England at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on October 29, Kohli has given an insight into how the motto of chasing betterment over excellence is fueling his drive to win matches for the team.

“I have always worked on how I can be better myself every day, every practice session, every year and every season.

So, that is what has helped me play for this long and perform. I don’t think it is possible to perform consistently without having that mindset, because if performance is your goal, then one can get satisfied after a while, and stop working on their game,” he said to Star Sports.

The 'Sardar of Spin' is no more

the quartet formed the core of India’s bowling unit for over a decade between 1966 and 1978.

Bedi was briefly the manager of the Indian cricket team in 1990 during tours of New Zealand and England.

He was also a national selector and

mentor to many talented spinners like Maninder Singh and Murali Kartik, who all swore by his technical insight.

“The former India captain and a bowler who people remember to this day, Bishan Singh Bedi, is no more. It’s a tragic moment for world cricket. If I

HiIndia Newsdesk

Chennai: (IANS) Half-centuries

by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah helped Afghanistan cause another big sensation in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup, by beating Pakistan by eight wickets with six balls to spare for their first win against their neighbours, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, here on Monday.

Michael Holding offers his tribute Bishan Singh Bedi was the greatest moral voice of Indian cricket. Bish liked to be morally right; not popularly right. He was never afraid of giving opinions; it was his opinion and he said it the way he saw it. I like that about people and like to think I am similar to him in that vein. He never looked to get something out of the game by any means. A man of morals who didn’t care if his views weren’t popular. speak of Himachal cricket, he held a lot of camps at the Dharamsala stadium, when this stadium was newly formed.

He used to stay in the Indian dressing room when he held camps here. Even though he had a deep connection with Punjab and Delhi, post-retirement he had deep interest in Himachal cricket.

When I played for Punjab and we became national champions, he was our coach. His death is a big loss to the sport,” Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 2023

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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

IRCC Expects Normal India Visa Operations

by Early 2024: Report

“Israel Escalates Gaza Attacks as Iran Expresses Concern Over Escalating Violence

HiIndia Newsdesk

Toronto, Oct 23 (IANS) Canada’s top immigration body said that it expects Indian visa processing, set to be impacted due to recent withdrawal of diplomats, to return to normal by early 2024.

According to senior officials at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the reduction of staff in India is expected to create a backlog of 17,500 ‘final decisions’ across the country’s global immigration system over the next two months. However, the government hopes to return back to normal processing by ‘early 2024’, the CIC News reported citing officials.

“Trudeau Incompetent” Canada Leader Who Want To Restore Ties With India

HiIndia Newsdesk

Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus warned that Hezbollah was playing “a very, very dangerous game”.

New Delhi: Israel stepped up strikes on Gaza which is suffering a “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in the war sparked by Hamas’ attack, as Prime as fears grew that Iran-backed Hezbollah, Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a close ally of Hamas, could enter the a late-night meeting of his top generals conflict, prompting Netanyahu to warn and his war cabinet. it would be “the mistake of its life”.

Israeli troops are massed on the border Israeli army spokesman Jonathan with Gaza ahead of an expected ground Conricus warned that Hezbollah was invasion that officials have pledged will playing “a very, very dangerous game”. begin “soon.”

“They’re escalating the situation. We see There were fresh exchanges of fire over more and more attacks every day,” he said.

Israel’s northern border with Lebanon With the violence raging unchecked,

Urges Israel to Sikh Man Dies After Being US Delay Gaza Invasion for Assaulted In New York Hostage Negotiations Jasmer Singh, 66, died of head injuries after the occupant of the other car attacked him following the crash.

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: The leader of Canada’s main opposition political party, lamenting Canada’s deteriorating ties with India, slammed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said that he is considered a “laughing stock in India”.

The party’s leader, Pierre Poilievre, has vowed to restore a “professional relationship with India”.

Poilievre leads the largest opposition group in Canada’s House of Commons and currently holds a large lead over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party in public opinion polls, though no election is expected until 2025.

Wagh Bakri Director Parag Desai Dies

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: Wagh Bakri Tea Group executive director Parag Desai today died at 49, the company announced on social media. He suffered a brain hemorrhage after a fall last week, and died in hospital on Sunday.

“With profound grief, we regret to inform the sad demise of our beloved Parag Desai,” the company said in an Instagram post.

He had been admitted to the hospital last week and was being treated for a severe head injury after he fell near his residence.

Iran said the region could spiral “out of control”. Iran’s top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian cautioned that if the US and Israel did not “immediately stop the genocide in Gaza or the region will go out of control”.

The US warned it wouldn’t hesitate to act in the event of any “escalation”, just hours after the Pentagon moved to step up military readiness in the region. “No one should take advantage of this moment to escalate to further attacks on Israel or, for that matter, attacks on us on our personnel,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

A Sikh man died in New York after being assaulted by a man after his car collided with his vehicle last week, the police said.

Jasmer Singh, 66, died of head injuries after the occupant of the other car attacked him following the crash.

A report in the New Your Daily News said the vehicles of Mr Singh and Gilbert Augustin collided on Thursday and both cars sustained dents and scratches. As Mr Singh tried to call 911, a man allegedly said “No police, no police” and took Mr Singh’s phone.

The two men argued and Mr Singh walked back to his car after taking his

phone from Augustin, who then punched him three times in the head and face.

“Jasmer Singh fell to the ground and hit his head,” the report said.

Police said Jasmer Singh was taken to a local hospital in critical condition where he died of brain injury.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has condemned the incident and vowed to protect the community. “Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you,” Eric Adams said in a post on X.

HiIndia Newsdesk

The Biden administration has advised Israel to delay a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, hoping to buy time for hostage negotiations and to allow more humanitarian aid to reach Palestinians in the sealed-off enclave, according to several U.S. officials.

U.S. officials also want more time to prepare for attacks on U.S. interests in the region from Iran-backed groups, which officials said are likely to intensify once Israel moves its forces fully into Gaza. President Joe Biden called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday afternoon to discuss the latest developments, the White House said.

10 Die Of Heart Attack At Garba Events In Gujarat, Youngest Was 17 HiIndia Newsdesk

Gandhinagar: At least 10 heart attack deaths have been reported at garba events across Gujarat in the past 24 hours and the youngest of the victims was just 17 years old.

Over 500 ambulance calls were made in 24 hours and the government has also issued an alert and asked the organisers of such events to take all necessary measures, including ensuring that ambulances are available to take people to hospitals if they feel unwell.

One such heartbreaking incident took place in the Kapadvanj town in Kheda

district, where 17-year-old Veer Shah suddenly felt unwell and his nose started bleeding while playing garba at an event.

Shockingly, a 13-year-old also died of a heart attack in Vadodara district’s

Dabhoi. Vaibhav Soni was returning from a garba event on a cycle when he fell and suffered minor injuries. He was taken to a hospital and some tests, including an X-ray, were conducted and he was discharged.

Dr Anurag Mehrotra, chairman of the cardiology department at Siddh Hospital, said data from the Indian Council of Medical Research states that over 11% of people in India are diabetic, more than 15% are pre-diabetic, 36% are hypertensive and more than 50% are obese. All of these lead to problems in heart arteries.

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TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

Canada Receives Support from US and UK in Diplomatic Conflict with India HiIndia Newsdesk

The United States and the United Kingdom have issued a joint call to India, urging the country not to insist on a reduction of Canada’s diplomatic presence within its borders. This plea comes in the wake of Canada’s decision to withdraw 41 diplomats from India, following a diplomatic dispute arising from allegations of Indian involvement in the murder of Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver last June. India has consistently denied these allegations.

India Dismisses Canada’s Diplomat Withdrawal Reasons

HiIndia Newsdesk

India has defended its actions amid a diplomatic standoff with Canada, asserting that it did not violate international norms when seeking parity in diplomatic presence between New Delhi and Ottawa.

This statement comes in response to Canada’s withdrawal of 41 diplomats, accusing India of breaching the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

India’s external affairs ministry rejected claims of violating international norms and emphasized the need for mutual diplomatic presence parity. It cited the higher number of Canadian diplomats in India and their perceived interference in Indian internal affairs as justifying this move. Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, had earlier announced the withdrawal, stating concerns over the removal of diplomatic immunities for Canadian diplomats and dependents in India.

India clarified that the decision was not arbitrary but was communicated to Canada a month ago, with an extended implementation date.

Delhi Seeks Total Ban On Crackers Across NCR Region HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: In a joint meeting of states with the Centre on Friday, the Delhi government urged the Union environment ministry to impose a complete ban on firecracker burning and the movement of diesel buses across the National Capital Region.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai told reporters here that Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav held a meeting with environment ministers of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Analysts Suggest US and UK Seek to Preserve Relations with India, Seen as a Key Asian Counterbalance to China In a statement, the US State Department expressed concern over the departure of Canadian diplomats from India and underscored the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving differences. The US urged India to

cooperate in the ongoing Canadian investigation and uphold its obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

While both the US and the UK have taken Canada’s allegations seriously, they have been cautious not to damage their relations with India, which they view as a

crucial regional counterbalance to China.

However, the latest statements from these Western powers represent the most direct criticism of India’s actions in this case.

The British Foreign Office also cited the Vienna Convention, stating that the unilateral removal of privileges and immunities for diplomats was inconsistent with the principles and effective functioning of the convention.

As Canada temporarily suspends inperson operations at its consulates in several Indian cities and warns of visa processing delays, the diplomatic tensions continue to unfold.

Fined $5,000 Canadian PM Expresses Frustration Over Trump for Gag Order India’s Handling of Diplomatic Dispute Violation in NY Trial Justin Trudeau was speaking to reporters a day after Canada announced it had withdrawn 41 diplomats from New Delhi.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has expressed deep concern over the Indian government’s actions amid an escalating diplomatic row. Following India’s threat to unilaterally revoke the status of Canadian diplomats, Canada recently withdrew 41 diplomats.

Trudeau emphasized that these actions were disrupting the lives of millions of people in both India and Canada.

Tr ude au noted t hat t he Indian government’s approach contravened fundamental diplomatic principles and

expressed his worry about the wellbeing and happiness of the millions of Canadians with Indian origins. He highlighted the negative impact on travel, trade, and Indian students studying in Canada. India is a major source of international students for Canada, comprising approximately 40% of study permit holders.

This diplomatic dispute, which initially emerged after Trudeau suggested Indian involvement in the June murder of a Sikh terrorist in Canada, has strained relations between the two countries, affecting their citizens and diplomatic presence.

Indian hacker arrested in US for stealing $150k from elderly woman

in northwest Montana.

The fraud occurred because of a popup notice that appeared on Jane Doe’s computer screen, which said it was ‘haked’ and asked Doe to call on a number for customer support.

Doe complied, and fraudsters directed her to remove cash from her bank accounts for safe keeping at the “Fed”.

HiIndia Newsdesk Doe complied and gave $150,000 in New York, Oct 20 (IANS) A 24-year-old cash to the fraudsters, US District Judge Indian national has admitted to his role Donald W Molloy heard. in stealing $150,000 from an elderly In March, Doe told the fraudsters she woman in the US state of Montana still had $50,000 in cash, which was through a computer-hacking scheme. a ruse set up by the Federal Bureau of Sukhdev Vaid pleaded guilty on Tuesday Investigation (FBI). to wire fraud, and faces a maximum of Vaid travelled to Montana, along with 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and co-defendant Eddly Joseph, of Gainesville, three years of supervised release.

Florida, to steal the money from Doe. Vaid has been detained pending further Law enforcement arrested the pair when proceedings and his sentencing is set for they arrived to collect the money.

February 14, 2024, the US Attorney’s The investigation determined that the Office in Montana said in a release. fraudsters remotely accessed Doe’s The prosecution alleged in court computer using UltraViewer, which they documents that a large enterprise installed on her computer. originating from India was involved in Joseph pleaded guilty in August to wire stealing money from the elderly in the fraud and is pending sentencing.

US. In February, various fraudsters stole The court will determine any sentence $150,000 from a 73-year-old woman, after considering the US Sentencing identified as Jane Doe, in Kalispell, a city Guidelines and other statutory factors.

HiIndia Newsdesk

A New York judge on Friday fined Donald Trump $5,000 for violating a gag order barring the former U.S. president from disparaging court staff during his civil fraud trial, warning that any future transgressions would bring “far more severe” sanctions including imprisonment.Justice Arthur Engoron said a Trump social media post attacking the judge’s clerk - which was deleted from the former president’s Truth Social platform - had remained visible on his 2024 campaign website two weeks after an order was issued to take it down.

Hamas frees two American hostages

Chicago-area residents Judith Tai Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan reunited with family on an Israeli military base HiIndia Newsdesk

Two American hostages freed on Friday by the armed wing of Hamas were identified as Chicago-area residents Judith Tai Raanan and her teenage daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan, who Israel said were being reunited with family on an Israeli military base.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the mother and daughter were abducted by Iranianbacked Islamist militants of Hamas from Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where they were staying during the surprise assault on southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7.

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Cricket World Cup 2023 Fuels Illegal Betting, Costs India Billions

Canada Recalls 41 Diplomats from India Amid Escalating Diplomatic Tensions India-Canada Relations Strain Over Alleged Link to Canadian Khalistani’s Killing

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As Cricket World Cup 2023 is gaining momentum, illegal betting activities are also picking up steam with crores of rupees invested through informal routes leading to a loss of about Rs 2 lakh crore to tax authorities, a report said.

The illegal sports betting market receives an estimated inflow of Rs 8,20,000 crore (USD 100 billion) per annum from India, according to Think Change Forum (TCF) report.

Factors such as digital infrastructure growth, smartphone usage, and the expansion of athletic events have contributed to this kind of inflow, it said.

Canada has withdrawn 41 diplomats from India in the midst of a bitter dispute stemming from the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil. The diplomatic row escalated as India planned to revoke diplomatic immunity for all but 21 of Canada’s diplomats and their families, prompting Ottawa’s decision to pull out the remaining diplomats.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the safe departure of their diplomats and families from India. The tensions b e t we e n t he t wo nat i ons we re exacerbated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly linked Indian intelligence to Nijjar’s killing, an allegation India vehemently denies.

HiIndia Newsdesk

2 more Americans identified among abductees in Gaza

“Exercise a high degree of caution in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai,” Canada’s travel advisory said.

occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment. In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you HiIndia Newsdesk should keep a low profile with strangers, New Delhi: Canada updated the travel and not share your personal information advisory for its citizens in India asking with them,” the advisory added. them to “exercise a high degree of caution” Earlier today, Canada withdrew 41 just hours after the country withdrew diplomats and their family members 41 diplomats and closed most of its from India after the Centre threatened to embassies and consulates in India. The strip them of their diplomatic immunity. move comes amid the bitter row between Canada also paused all in-person services the two countries over the killing of a at the consulates in Mumbai, Chandigarh, Khalistani terrorist on Canadian soil. and Bengaluru and urged its citizens “Exercise a high degree of caution in in these three cities to exercise caution.

India due to the threat of terrorist attacks All Canadians in India have been asked throughout the country,” the advisory to contact the High Commission in issued by Canada read.

New Delhi in case they need assistance.

“In the context of recent developments “Exercise a high degree of caution in and in Canada and India, there are calls for around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and protests and some negative sentiment Mumbai. Consular services in-person towards Canada in traditional media are temporarily unavailable in those cities and on social media. Demonstrations, or surrounding areas,” the advisory said. including anti-Canada protests, could

Train Service

HiIndia Newsdesk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off ‘Namo Bharat’, India’s first semi-high speed regional rail service in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister inaugurated the ‘Namo Bharat’ train connecting Sahibabad and Duhai Depot stations in Uttar Pradesh.

This marks the launch of Regional Rapid Train Service (RRTS) in India.

‘Namo Bharat’ is a transformational” regional development initiative, which is designed to provide high-speed trains for intercity commuting, the Prime Minister’s office (PMO) said.

The name of the rail service was changed from RapidX to NaMo Bharat yesterday.

Nikki Haley Calls for Strong US Elon Musk’s Wealth Leadership Amid Global Challenges Shrinks By $16 Billion HiIndia Newsdesk

Nikki Haley Blames Biden for Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Border Issues

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington, Oct 20 (IANS) Two more Americans have been identified as among those who were kidnapped after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and taken to the Gaza Strip, a media report said citing a family member. Iris Haggai-Liniado told CNN on Thursday that her parents, Judih Weinstein Haggai (70) and Gadi Haggai (72) ,were on their morning walk about a mile and a half from their home in Nir Oz, a kibbutz just a few miles from the Gaza border” when they heard an extraordinary number of rockets flying overhead”.

Nijjar, who advocated for a separate Sikh state, was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.

Canada condemned India’s decision to revoke diplomatic immunity for 41 diplomats, deeming it unprecedented and contrary to international law.

Despite this, Canada expressed its

Canada Urges Citizens To Be Cautious, PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Namo Bharat’, India’s “Keep Low Profile” In These Indian Cities 1st Regional Rapid

PM Modi Commits to Aid for Palestinians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday informed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of continued humanitarian assistance to Palestine, currently being bombed

by Israel to flush out Hamas militants and free the Israelis held hostage by the group since October 7. Earlier in the day, the external affairs ministry had said there were no plans to send any fresh humanitarian assistance to Palestine apart from what had already been budgeted and was being routed through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

Canada announced Thursday it had been forced to repatriate 41 of its 62 diplomats based in India

commitment to continue engaging with India to resolve the dispute diplomatically.The strained relationship has led to countermeasures, including the shutdown of visa services for Canadians by India and the expulsion of an Indian diplomat by Canada.

India has dismissed the accusations as “absurd” and advised its nationals to avoid certain Canadian regions due to increased anti-Indian activities.

The situation has created a sensitive diplomatic challenge for Canada’s close ally, the United States, as it seeks to strengthen ties with India in response to regional geopolitical dynamics.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Washington DC: Taking a jibe at US President Joe Biden, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has said that the world is currently on fire, and America needs a new, strong leadership to deal with it.

She said that this situation would not even come if Joe Biden had not been so

weak in Afghanistan, so slow in Ukraine, and so absent from the border.

In a post on social media platform X, Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and former US ambassador to the United Nations wrote, “The shame of it all is that we wouldn’t be in this terrible position if Joe Biden hadn’t been so weak in Afghanistan, so slow in Ukraine, so pandering to Iran, and so absent from the border.” “The world is on fire, and America needs strong new leadership to deal with it,” she said.

Elon Musk’s fortune slumped by $16.1 billion Thursday after Tesla Inc.’s weak third-quarter earnings weighed on shares. Musk, who is the richest person on the planet with a fortune of $209.6 billion, owns 13% of Tesla and derives the majority of his wealth from the auto company. Tesla’s shares fell by 9.3% after it missed both earnings and sales expectations for the quarter. Still, Musk’s wealth is up by more than $70 billion in 2023 alongside a rebound in Tesla shares despite the deteriorating fundamentals. After briefly being overtaken by LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, he’s once again the world’s wealthiest person by a wide margin.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Indian American Assemblywoman Rajkumar Professor at Univ. of Santa Clara Dies in Condemns Sikh American Crimes Car Crash HiIndia Newsdesk

QUEENS, NY-In the past week, Richmond Hill has witnessed two deeply troubling incidents targeting the Sikh American community, leaving us all heartbroken. Last Thursday, we mourned the loss of 65-year-old Jasmer Singh, who tragically lost his life due to a brutal assault. During the same week, 19-year-old Mani Sandhu, en route to his Sikh temple, was subjected to a distressing attack on a bus. His turban was targeted with the assailant stating, “We don’t wear that in this country,” followed by a violent punch to the back of his head.

I proudly represent Richmond Hill, often referred to as the “Sikh Capital of the USA.” In our vibrant community, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews coexist harmoniously, frequently as neighbors on the same streets.

Whenever any one of us is a victim of a crime, it is an affront to us all, and we stand united in solidarity.

Sik hs are the guardians of our community; their faith is built on the principles of seva, or “selfless service.” Their religion emphasizes the presence of divinity in every individual, regardless of their faith, and advocates for safeguarding the well-being of all

Zofeen Maqsood

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar

humanity. Each day, Sikhs generously provide free meals to anyone in need through the practice of langar. Their daily prayers include a heartfelt wish for blessings upon everyone. Every follower of this beautiful faith unquestionably deserves our unwavering respect.

As the first Punjabi-American ever elected to the New York State Office, I am committed to tirelessly advocating for the freedom and dignity of Sikh Americans and individuals of all faiths.

I will continue to collaborate with New

York City Mayor Eric Adams, Police Commissioner Edward Caban, and all stakeholders to ensure that our Sikh community has the necessary resources to live in peace and security.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Adams, the dedicated officers of the 102nd and 106th Precincts, the diligent members of the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz for their prompt response to these abhorrent acts of violence.

A devastating multi-vehicle car crash in Campbell, California, has claimed the life of Sudharshan Bahl, an Indian American adjunct professor associated with the University of Santa Clara. The incident occurred at approximately 12:52 p.m. when Fabian Andres Colorado, 37, lost control of his vehicle at the intersection of San Tomas Expressway and Campbell Avenue.

Campbell Police Chief Gary Berg expressed condolences, stating, "We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim. It is with a heavy heart that we share that the male adult driver of one of the vehicles lost his life at the scene, while the female adult passenger of the same vehicle was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this incredibly challenging time. No other individuals involved in this collision sustained major injuries."

State Dept. Allows In- Annual Shri Sai Bhandara Event Attracts Devotees to Shri Shirdi Sai Temple USA H-1B Visa Renewal

HiIndia Newsdesk

WA SH I NG TON , D C – T he U. S .

Department of State is set to initiate a pilot program aimed at enabling H-1B work visa holders to renew their visas within the United States, eliminating the need for them to travel to their home countries.

The H-1B visa category has historically served as the pathway for skilled foreign employees to work in the U.S. for a minimum of three years. Until this point, the process of renewing these visas has been both intricate and exasperating, often mandating applicants to visit a U.S. consulate overseas. This has resulted in significant expenses and protracted delays.

Eligible foreign workers will now have the opportunity to obtain visa stamps without exiting the U.S., thereby decreasing the risk of becoming stranded abroad due to administrative processing, which sometimes endured for months.

The primary objective of this pilot

program is to evaluate the impact of this policy alteration on the availability of visa appointments worldwide. By lessening the necessity for in-person renewals at foreign consulates, it is expected that this change will alleviate backlogs and open up appointment slots for individuals applying for U.S. work visas outside of the United States.

The State Department intends to implement this program in stages, initially accommodating a limited numb er of vis a applicants and progressively expanding its scope.

However, before the policy can be enacted, it must undergo the rulemaking process, commencing with approval from the White House.

Immigration attorneys and employer a s s o c i at i ons h ave b e e n s t rong proponents of reintroducing domestic visa renewals. The lengthy waiting times, especially at Indian consular offices, have posed significant concerns.

Prolonged periods of absence from the U.S. have caused disruptions for both employees and their employers.

Shri Shirdi Sai Temple Rolling Meadows, IL | Volunteers delivered to Arlington Heights Police Station (L to R) HiIndia Newsdesk

CHICAGO, IL- An annual event hosted

by Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in Rolling Meadows, IL 60008, was a tremendous success this year on Sunday, October 22, 2023. At this event, food prepared at the temple was generously served to all members of the community, regardless of their religion, color, sex, or age.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Sai Bhandara’s compassionate efforts was their endeavor to provide nourishing meals to our local heroes at the police stations and fire stations.

As the delicious aroma of the carefully prepared food wafted through these stations, it felt like a gust of happiness had swept through the premises.

The officers, who often endure long and demanding shifts in the line of duty, were not only delighted but deeply moved by this act of kindness.

Amid their tireless commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, these warm meals

Sai Bhandara’s food delivery not only nourished bodies but also nourished spirits, fostering a sense of togetherness and appreciation within our community that will surely endure. served as a tangible symbol of our collective appreciation.

As part of this wonderful initiative, this year’s volunteers packed more than 100 boxes of food and successfully delivered them to the following stations: • Rolling Meadows Police Station • Palatine Police Station • Arlington Heights Police Station • Mount Prospect Police Station • Hoffman Estates Police Station • Inverness Fire Station • Hoffman Estates Fire Station Reflecting on this exceptional gesture reminds us that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness can have the most profound impact. Sai Bhandara’s food delivery not only nourished bodies but also nourished spirits, fostering a sense of togetherness and appreciation within our community that will surely endure.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Indians Lead Rich Country Citizenship; U.S. Most Popular

NAPCA-Information About 6th Covid-19 Vaccine HiIndia Newsdesk

Zofeen Maqsood

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a report that states that Indians are the largest group of people acquiring citizenship in the richest countries of the world.

According to an OECD report released in ParisInternational Migration Outlook: 2023-Indians form the largest national group acquiring rich-country citizenship. While American citizenship continues

Indian American Teen Wins Second Place in 3M Young Scientist Challenge Zofeen Maqsood

Shripriya Kalbhavi, a 9th grader from San Jose, California has won second place at the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, regarded as the nation’s premier middle school science competition. A student at Lynbrook High School, Kalbhavi will receive a $2,000 prize for developing a cost-effective microneedle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles called EasyBZ. In a blog on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website, Kalbhavi says, “Scientific research and innovations have always interested me, and I find the scientists, especially doctors, all around me to be extremely inspiring because they work to help people every day.”

The first prize of $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” went to Heman Bekele of Annandale, Virginia. He won the prize for his compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS).

Kalbhavi is not the only Indian on the prestigious list. Along with her five other Indian American teens won the top 10 spots in the competition.

They each receive a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card. Their names are as follows:

• Anisha Dhoot of Portland, Oregon, a

9th grader at Westview High School in Beaverton School District.

• Ishaan Iyer of Rancho Cucamonga, California, a 6th grader at Day Creek Intermediate School in Etiwanda School District.

• Anish Kosaraju of Saratoga, California, a 9th grader at The Harker School in Campbell Union School District.

• Adhip Maitra of Oviedo, Florida, a 9th grader at Oviedo High School in Seminole County School District.

• Shruti Sivaraman of Austin, Texas, an

8th grader at Canyon Vista Middle School in Round Rock Independent School District.

to be on the top, Canada has shown a steep rise in granting citizenships to foreign nationals. Canada registered a 174 percent jump between the years 2021-2022. The report says that India has been the main country of origin showing acquiring of OECD country citizenships. The top three countries that gave out citizenships to Indians in 2021 are – the U.S., Australia and Canada.

Indo-Canadian man fined $20K for immigration fraud

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Toronto: (IANS) An Indian-origin man has been fined $20,000 for his role in a scheme that charged newcomers tens of thousands for permits to work in the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Avtar Singh Sohi, 42, pleaded guilty on Monday to misrepresentation under the Canada Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the CBC News channel reported. The Provincial Court of Manitoba heard that Avtar provided a woman with pay stubs to show she was working for him as a nanny from March 2019 to July 2021 while she was illegally employed elsewhere.

In addition, he also provided her with a number of signed documents that she used as part of her permanent residency application.

The woman, an Indian national, came to Canada on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is issued after a need for a temporary foreign worker is demonstrated because there is no citizen or permanent resident available to do the job.

"His behaviour erodes the trust of our immigration system and must be denounced and deterred," federal crown attorney Matt Sinclair said.

Sinclair told the court that in September 2019 the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) received information about Avtar's brother Hartar Singh Sohi, an immigration consultant and owner of Abroad Immigration. In March 2021, CBSA investigators executed search warrants at three properties connected with Abroad Immigration and Education Services -- a Winnipeg company that arranges permanent residency for newcomers in Canada.

Flu season is coming, and newly updated COVID-19 vaccine came out following last year. We want to share some information about COVID-19 vaccinations in this month’s column. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800582-4218, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336 | Email: askNAPCA@napca.org. Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

<Q1> I have already received the Updated Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine when it came out last year. Do I still need to get vaccinated for COVID-19?

Like Flu virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The bivalent vaccine which was available since September 2022 isn’t well matched to the currently circulating strains of COVID. A new vaccine has been developed and was approved by the FDA on Sep 11, 2023. The new vaccine provides better protection against the currently prevalent COVID-19 variant and is available for administration starting from late September, 2023.

<Q2> Does everyone need to get the new COVID-19 vaccine?

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent serious illness requiring hospitalization.

The people most at risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 are over age 65 or have health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. The risk of hospitalization is pretty low for those under 18-yearolds. But if you are 65-74 that risk is 36 times higher.

The older you are, the higher your risk is. So, if you are over age 65 or have underlying condition, it is especially important to get the most updated vaccine. Note that young people should be considered to get vaccinated not only for themselves but also to protect the older adults who live with them.

<Q3> If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19.

You may consider delaying your vaccine by at least 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you had no symptoms, when you recovered a positive test. People who already had COVID-19 and don’t get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.

<Q4> Do I need to wait after getting a Flu vaccine or another vaccine before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

There is no recommendation waiting period between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a Flu vaccine, at the same visit. Possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccines.

<Q5> Does my health insurance cover the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines? What if I don’t have health insurance?

Yes, Medicare Part B and most state Medicaid cover Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. All Health Insurance Marketplace plans and most other private insurance plans cover these vaccines without charging out-ofpocket cost when provided by an in-network provider.

People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department; and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Your state health department can tell you where to go for free and low-cost vaccines, including community centers, schools, and religious centers.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

IACFNJ Hosts Vibrant Navratri Garba Celebration In New Jersey

Family of Queens Attack Victim Demands Hate Crime Charges

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HiIndia Newsdesk

MONROE, NJ- The Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central Jersey (IACFNJ) hosted their Grand Navratri Garba celebration on October 13-14, 2023, at Monroe Township High School in Monroe, NJ, marking the first time at this location. Two thousand people attended the event, which celebrated the Hindu festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Navratri spans nine nights, during which Hindus believe that Goddess Durga destroys evil tendencies, Goddess Lakshmi instills divine qualities, and Goddess Saraswati imparts knowledge.

The tenth day, Vijay Dashami, signifies the victory of good over evil.

This year, IACFNJ held the Garba in Monroe due to its large Indian c o m m u n i t y. R e s i d e n t s f r o m

Sai Mandir & American Red Cross Host Blood Drive

Residents from surrounding towns, including South and North Brunswick, Franklin Park, Somerset, Princeton, Hightstown, Princeton Junction, Monroe, East Brunswick, Robbinsville, East and West Windsor, attended. surrounding towns, including South and North Brunswick, Franklin Park, Somerset, Princeton, Hightstown, Princeton Junction, Monroe, East Brunswick, Robbinsville, East and West Windsor, attended. People of all ages and generations enjoyed the traditional community garba with various dance styles and costumes.

The event showcased the cultural diversity of Central Jersey, with attendees from different parts of the Indian subcontinent. Three generations danced together in traditional garba,

dandiya-raas, and sanedo. A divine Aarti and prayer to Goddess Amba Maa, followed by Prasad distribution, took place on both days, creating a traditional and divine atmosphere.

The cafeteria offered food from Perces Indian Grill in Monroe and Quality Ice Cream in North Brunswick, while local vendors sold clothing, jewelry, and traditional items. Community leaders, local public officials, and business entrepreneurs supported the event, with Faith Home Healthcare and Royal Basmati Rice as grand sponsors.

The dedicated efforts of IACFNJ’s E xe c ut ive committe e, Tr uste es, committee members, and volunteers made the event a grand success. The final weekend of Garba will be held on October 27-28, 2023, at Crossroads S out h Midd le S cho ol in S out h Brunswick, NJ.

An Indian American resident of Queens, NY named Jasmer Singh has died after an attack that took place following his car accident. And now his family are calling for hate crime charges against the suspect.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when Jasmer was driving in his car along with his wife. The duo was returning from a doctors’ appointment when Jasmers’ car got bumped with another car. But soon after, the driver of the other car went on a rampage against him. According to Singh’s family, his skull was broken and he lost his teeth. Following the incident Singh succumbed to his injuries.

The accused is currently caught and is facing several charges but is not yet booked under hate crime.

Singh’s family told the CBS News that since he was a turban wearing Sikh, he was met with such brutality by the accused. Singh’s son Multani said, “The guy was addressing my father with his costumes, with his turbans.

There was no reason for someone to go in that intensity. My father was targeted and it is a possible hate crime.”

Khanna’s Political DHS Proposes H-1B Ro Director Quits as refuses to Program Modernization lawmaker support Ceasefire

HiIndia Newsdesk

CHICAOG, IL- In a heartwarming display of compassion and community unity, the Shri Shirdi Sai Mandir in Rolling Meadows, IL joined hands with the American Red Cross Society to host a blood drive on Sunday, October 15th, 2023, leaving an enduring impact on the local community. This event attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, all united by the shared goal of making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

The sacred halls of Sai Mandir served as a haven not only for spiritual reflection but also for the noble act of donating blood. The drive, skillfully organized by devoted temple volunteers, witnessed a remarkable turnout, exemplifying the unwavering dedication of the community to the cause of saving lives.

Sai Mandir’s blood drive stands as a powerful testament to the inherent goodness within humanity and the transformative potential that emerges when we come together for a common purpose. As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with smiles and gratitude, and the temple’s surroundings echoed with the shared hope for a brighter, healthier future.

HiIndia Newsdesk

WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to modernize the H-1B specialty occupation worker program via a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). This aims to simplify eligibility criteria, enhance program efficiency, offer more benefits to employers and workers, and strengthen integrity measures. The H-1B program aids U.S. employers in hiring foreign workers with specialized skills while maintaining U.S. worker protections.

The proposed changes include: • Reducing fraud risk: The new process would ensure that each individual’s registration is considered once, discouraging multiple registrations for the same beneficiar y and increasing the chance of legitimate registrations being selected.

• Clarifying eligibility: Specialty occupation criteria will be clarified to reduce confusion and allow for a

broader range of degrees, provided they are relevant to the job.

• Efficiency improvements: Adjudicators will generally defer to previous determinations when no significant changes have occurred.

• Flexibility for employers and workers: Certain exemptions to the H-1B cap would be expanded, including for nonprofit entities, government research organizations, and students seeking to change their status to H-1B. New eligibility requirements for rising entrepreneurs would also be established.

• Strengthening integrity measures: The rule would prevent related entities from submitting multiple registrations for the same beneficiary, empower USCIS to conduct site visits, and clarify that non-compliance with site visits could lead to petition denial or revocation.

The public has a 60-day comment period after the NPRM’s publication in the Federal Register.

Zofeen Maqsood

Indian American lawmaker Ro Khanna’s political director has quit from his job as Khanna has not supported the resolution calling for a cease-fire in Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Adam Ramer had joined the job just two week ago. He wrote on X, “Personal note: I resigned my job on Monday because of a refusal to call for a ceasefire. I will be doing everything in my power to stand against war & for Palestinian justice. So please continue to dm for any volunteering/organizing needs that I can assist with in NY/DC.” Authored by Rep. Cori Bush and is co-sponsored by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the resolution calls for “an immediate de-escalation and cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine.” The resolution calls on the Biden administration to “immediately call for and facilitate deescalation and a cease-fire to urgently end the current violence” and “promptly send and facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Kadva Patidar Of Chicago Embraces The Spirit Of Navratri In Grand Fashion

Zofeen Maqsood

HiIndia Newsdesk

BARTLETT, IL- The Kadwa Patidar Samaj of Chicago, a vibrant community organization, hosted a spectacular Navratri Garba Night at Bartlett Park District in Bartlett, Illinois, on the evening of October 15, 2023. This grand celebration drew a crowd of more than 500 enthusiastic participants, all eager to immerse themselves in the joyous festivities.

The highlight of the evening was the electrifying performance by DJ Vishal, who seamlessly blended traditional Garba and Raas tunes dedicated to Umiya Mataji, the beloved deity revered by this tight-knit community. The heart of the event was the exquisitely adorned palanquin of Mataji, which took center stage within the beautifully decorated mandap, radiating a sense of divine presence.To ensure a smooth and organized event, all attendees were required to wear wristbands, a measure thoughtfully implemented by the dedicated team of volunteers. These hardworking individuals included Harmil Patel, Satish Patel, Narendra Patel, Rajesh

San Francisco Looking At Indian Visitors For Tourism Recovery

Desai, Vijay Patel, Deepak Patel, Tejsh Patel, and Bhagyesh Patel, whose tireless efforts played a pivotal role in making the program an outstanding success.

As the clock struck 7:30 pm, the muchanticipated Navratri Garba commenced with a solemn puja ceremony, led by the venerable Mitha Patel and Jayanti Patel.

The atmosphere became truly enchanting as the community came together to perform the Maha Aarti, deepening their spiritual connection to the event and to each other.

The culinary aspect of the evening was expertly handled by Honest Restaurant,

which generously supplied the delectable food offerings that kept participants energized throughout the night. Their contribution added a delightful culinary dimension to this already unforgettable celebration. In sum, the Navratri Garba Night organized by the Kadwa Patidar Samaj of Chicago was a resounding success, serving as a testament to the unity, devotion, and dedication of this vibrant community. It was an evening filled with music, dance, and spirituality, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all those in attendance.

Nilu Patel Appointed To California Board Of Registered Nursing

HiIndia Newsdesk

Nilu Patel, of Tustin has been appointed to the California Board of Registered Nursing.

The Indian American Democrat has been a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

India ranked among San Francisco’s top five visitor markets with 150,000 visitors

(CRNA) at the University of California, Irvine since 2008 and a faculty educator, and instructor of Clinical Anesthesiology at the University of Southern California since 2006. A member of the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists, she is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. She earned a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Southern California.

Chicago Rally Calls for Palestinian Support and Ceasefire

HiIndia Newsdesk

SAN FRANCISCO, CA- As cities around the world are still grappling to gain the same tourist inflow numbers as pre-Covid times, San Francisco in the US state of California is hoping that the visitor volume coming from India would be able to match the levels in 2019. It is also hoped that excluding Canada and Mexico, India will be the first overseas market to go up to 2019 levels.

It may be noted that last year in 2022, India ranked among San Francisco’s top five visitor markets with 150,000 visitors. Visitor volume from India is expected to grow by 34 percent in 2023.

According to the San Francisco Travel Association (SFTA) , before the Covid-19 pandemic affected the world, India was the fastest growing market.

The trend according to industry insiders is gradually catching up once again.

California Governor Appoints two Indian Americans to top positions

Zofeen Maqsood

A busy Saturday in downtown Chicago saw thousands of protestors come together to call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The rally took place in Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive where protestors carrying flags and placards demanded an end of the Israeli air strikes in Gaza. A huge crowd saw people of all ages and professions.

Students, activists, and community leaders participated in the march to put pressure on the U.S. government to end

the conflict in the region.

The protest saw people from all races and faith come together calling for peace. A number of Jews from Chicago were also part of the protest. Oak Park, Illinois based organization Committee for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine had its members attending the march. The protest also saw attendees coming from MidWest states to be part of this march.

On Friday, two of the hostages taken by Hamas were also released. The mother and the daughter are safe in Israel as their family awaits their arrival.

Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California has appointed two Indian Americans to important positions.

Ami Sheth Sagel has been appointed as Orange County Superior Court judge and Jaydeep Singh Bhatia has been appointed as the Chief Policy Coordinator, Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force at the Department of Cannabis Control.

Ami Sagel has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. She has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School. She will be the second Indian American to serve as the Orange County Superior Court Judge.

Bhatia has been Homeland Security Policy Coordinator at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Indian American Surgeon Finds a Way to Find Molecular Age of Eye Zofeen Maqsood

An Indian-American surgeon who is leading a team has been able to map about 6,000 proteins from different cell types within the eye by analyzing tiny drops of eye fluid that are routinely removed during surgery.

The researchers used an AI model to create a proteomic clock" from this data that can predict a healthy person's age based on their protein profile. The clock revealed that diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and uveitis cause accelerated aging within specific cell type.

Vinit Mahajan, a surgeon and professor of ophthalmology at Stanford University, said, “What's amazing about the eye is we can look inside and see diseases happening in real time."

Indo-Canadian Basketball Player Ishan Sharma to play for University of Virginia

Zofeen Maqsood

Indian Canadian shooting guard Ishan Sharma has been secured by the Virginia Cavaliers. The Fort Erie International Academy standout received a visit from Virginia’s head coach, Tony Bennett and committed to join the university’s basketball team.

Sharma joins the Cavaliers “after a strong summer with UPLAY Canada on the Nike EYBL Circuit The young prodigy represented Canada in the 2021 FIBA U16 Americas and the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup

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LIFESTYLE

Author Bio:

SKINCARE MISTAKES

to be aware

New Delhi: (IANSlife) If you use sunscreen every day and have a variety of skincare products on your counter, you probably believe your beauty routine is flawless. However, there are some simple steps that many of us take every day that may reduce the quality of our skincare.

Dr. Jatin Mittal, cosmetologist and skin expert at Abhivrit Aesthetics in New Delhi, reveals seven skincare blunders you're probably not aware you're committing.

Drying your face with a towel

Many of us go for a towel to dry our faces as soon as we finish washing them. You must stop doing this immediately since dirty towels can harbour bacteria and exacerbate acne on your face and back if not washed daily.

Dr. Jatin instead advised washing your towels frequently or air drying your face and applying skincare while it was still moist. However, avoid doing so while utilising active ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and vitamin C.

Applying skin care products in the wrong order

If you apply moisturisers, serums, and retinol to your face at random, it's likely that they won't work as well as they should. According to Dr. Jatin, applying skincare should be done in a certain order, from thinnest to thickest products.

Forgetting to reapply sunscreen

"If you apply sunscreen every day as directed, you may assume your routine is set in stone. You must, however, reapply SPF every two hours. Particularly if you have hyperpigmentation, a condition in

which some areas of your skin get darker as a result of UV exposure or acne scars." says Dr. Jatin.

Applying your hyaluronic acid to dry skin

To get the most out of hyaluronic acid, apply it to damp skin rather than dry skin and follow it up with a moisturiser, according to skincare experts.

Using your fingers to scoop out your product

Dr. Jatin strongly cautioned against scooping goods from jars with your fingers or fingernails. He cautioned that doing so could reintroduce bacteria into your cream. He recommends washing your hands thoroughly before dipping them into your products or using a scoop or spatula that you wash and dry after each use.

Ignoring signs of dehydration

Tight, flaking skin is a common sign of dehydration. To restore the moisture barrier and boost the water content of dry skin, Dr. Jatin suggests using a hyaluronic acid-based moisturiser in the morning and a heavier moisturiser at night.

Not removing makeup before going to bed

It's true; that's why you've heard it a million times. "Makeup left on all night will damage your skin. Additionally, it stops your skin from going through its nightly repair cycle. The product settles into fine wrinkles. Even with skinfriendly mineral makeup, the day's oil, grime, and debris should be removed each night with a cleansing routine." concludes Dr. Jatin.

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27th October 2023 to 2nd November 2023 Aries Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious for the people of Aries zodiac sign. At the beginning of the week, you may have to travel short or long distances in connection with your career or business. The journey will prove pleasant and profitable. With the help of an influential person, it will help in taking your career and business forward.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of the Taurus zodiac will have to sweat a lot this week to fulfill their dreams.

At the beginning of the week, you will need a lot of extra hard work and effort to be successful in your work. During this time, you may have to run a lot to get your ancestral property or to resolve the dispute related to any other land or house.

Gemini

Ganesha says thatpeople of the Gemini zodiac will need to take special care of their health and relationships this week. At the beginning of the week, you may be affected by seasonal illness. Due to this not only may you have to suffer physical pain, but your work may also be greatly affected.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week is going to have some ups and downs for the people of the Cancer zodiac sign.

This week you will have to avoid any kind of carelessness in your work, otherwise, you may become a victim of your boss’s anger.

Leo

Ganesha says that people of the Leo zodiac sign will get full support of good fortune this week. If you work abroad or want to study or pursue your career abroad, then you may hear some good news at the beginning of this week. Once all the obstacles related to this are removed, there will be an atmosphere of happiness in the house.

Virgo

Ganesha says that people of the Virgo zodiac sign will have to work together with people this week to complete their planned work on time. Extra hard work and effort will be required to complete your

work on time in the workplace.

People preparing for exams and competitions will have to work harder to achieve the desired success.

Libra

Ganesha says that people of the Libra zodiac sign will get full support of luck this week. The journey undertaken in connection with your career and business at the beginning of the week will prove to be very beneficial for you. With the help of an influential person, tasks related to power and government will be accomplished.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that this week is going to be very wonderful for Scorpio.

At the beginning of the week, you can get great success related to your career and business. During this period, working women can achieve some big achievements, which will increase their respect not only in their workplace but also in their families.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that people of Sagittarius zodiac sign will need to spend their time and money wisely on the right things this week, otherwise, you may have to face financial and mental problems. At the beginning of the week, you may have to travel long or short distances in connection with some work.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that this week for people of the Capricorn sign, things will get better only by talking and things will get spoiled only by talking.

In such a situation, do not misbehave with anyone even by mistake, or say the wrong words to anyone, otherwise, even your well-planned work may get spoiled.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week is going to be a mixed one for the people of Aquarius sign. At the beginning of the week, some problems related to home and family will become a big cause of your worry. However, you will ultimately be successful in finding solutions to these problems with your intelligence and discretion.

Pisces

Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious and wishfulfilling for the people of Pisces. At the beginning of the week, journeys undertaken for career-business, etc.

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HEALTH

How AI may be a powerful tool in treating male infertility Infertility affects 7% of the male population. Now artificial intelligence (AI) may be about to help solve the problem.

D

r Steven Vasilescu says that the AI software developed by him and his team can spot sperm in samples taken from severely infertile men 1,000 times faster than a highly trained pair of eyes.

"It can highlight a potentially viable sperm before a human can even process what they're looking at," he says.

Dr Vasilescu is a biomedical engineer at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), in Australia, and founder of medical company NeoGenix Biosciences. The system he and his colleagues have developed is called SpermSearch.

It has been designed to help men who have no sperm in their ejaculate at all, 10% of infertile men, a condition called non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).

Usually in these cases, a small portion of the testes is surgically removed, and taken to a lab, where an embryologist can manually search for healthy sperm.

The tissue is teased apart and examined under a microscope. If any viable sperm are found, they can be extracted and injected into an egg.

This process, says Dr Vasilescu, can take multiple staff six or seven hours, and there is danger of fatigue and inaccuracy.

"When an embryologist looks down the microscope, what they see is just this complete mess - a starscape of cells," he says.

Dr Steven Vasilescu, centre, and colleagues at UTS have developed an AI system to help quickly locate sperm

"If we can make the embryologist more efficient, more accurate, they might find sperm they wouldn't otherwise find. That gives a man the chance of fathering his own biological children."

Dr Meurig Gallagher's fertility work focuses on looking at the health of a sperm's tail

"There's blood and tissue. There might be only 10 sperm in the whole thing, but there can be millions of other cells. It's a needle in a haystack," says Dr Vasilescu.

He says that, by contrast, SpermSearch can find any healthy sperm in seconds, when photographs of the samples are immediately uploaded into the computer.

To achieve this speed, Dr Vasilescu and his colleagues trained the AI to identify sperm in these complex tissue samples by showing it thousands of such images.

In a published scientific paper, the UTS biomedical engineering team said that in a test SpermSearch was 1,000 times faster than an experienced embryologist.

However, SpermSearch is not designed to replace embryologists, but rather to act as an assistive tool. Dr Sarah Martins da Silva says that such speed in finding any sperm is vital. "Time is critical," says the clinical reader in reproductive medicine at the University of

Dundee. "If you've got somebody that's had an egg collection, and you've got eggs that need to be fertilised, there's only a small time window for us to be able to do that. Speeding up the process would be hugely advantageous." With sperm counts widely reported to have declined by half over the past four decades, infertility remains a growing problem.

Factors behind the drop in male fertility are reported to include everything from pollution and smoking, to poor diets, not getting enough exercise, and too much stress.

Dr Meurig Gallagher is another academic working to help men with infertility problems.

An Assistant Professor in the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine at the University of Birmingham, his new technique uses imaging software to track the speed and action of sperm tails.

"Watching the tail gives insight into the health of a sample," he says. "Minute changes can tell us whether the sperm is under environmental stress, about to die, or is responding to a biological cue." Meanwhile, Belfast-

based fertility firm Examen uses a technique known as single cell gel electrophoresis to identify DNA damage in individual sperm.

Prof Sheena Lewis and her team have been developing the technique for more than 20 years.

However, Prof Lewis, who is emeritus professor in reproductive medicine at Queens University Belfast and chief executive of Examen, says that while developments in the use of AI are exciting, medicine moves very slowly.

For example, SpermSearch is currently at the stage of proof-of-concept, following a very small trial involving just seven patients.

"It doesn't mean anything yet," says Prof Lewis. "The length of time between something being at proof-ofconcept to being commercially available is probably between two and five years.

"It's got a long way to go. It's also aimed at the very small group of men who have NOA. Anything you can do is fantastic - but it's never going to be mainstream."

Back in Sydney, Dr Vasilescu says treatment like theirs is the "last stop". "It can be the difference between fertilising an egg - or just stopping treatment," he says.

"If we can make the embryologist more efficient, more accurate, they might find sperm they wouldn't otherwise find. That gives a man the chance of fathering his own biological children."

The UTS team are now poised to take their AI to clinical trials. "An actual live pregnancy - that's the next step," says Dr Vasilescu.

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