hi INDiA | April 5, 2024 | The Community First

Florida is new epicentre in US abortion battle

Florida's Supreme Court delivered two rulings on abortion on Monday, with competing consequences.

First, the court upheld the state's right to prohibit abortion, giving the green light for a six-week ban to take effect on 1 May. The near-total ban will block almost all access in the US South, where Florida had been something of a haven for those seeking abortions, surrounded by states that had already implemented six-week or total bans on the procedure. The ruling was applauded by national anti-abortion activists, many of whom see a six-week ban as the gold standard for abortion policy. The decision is a "victory for unborn children", said Katie Daniel, Florida policy director of Susan B Anthony Pro-Life America.

But in a 4-3 vote, the justices also approved a November ballot initiative that, if approved, would overturn the six-

Actor and comedian

Joe Flaherty dead at 82

Joe Flaherty, the American actor and comedian known for his roles on Freaks and Geeks and the sketch comedy series SCTV, has died at the age of 82. Flaherty's death was announced by his daughter, Gudrun, who said it came after a "brief illness". Born in Pittsburgh, Flaherty got his start in comedy as part of Chicago's improv group The Second City. His career spanned nearly five decades, with credits on many beloved television comedies like Frasier and Family Guy.

US Intelligence Warns Moscow of Specific Attack Target

The U.S. warning to Russia before a terrorist attack near Moscow was highly specific: Crocus City Hall was a potential target of the Islamic State group, according to U.S. officials. The warning had the right venue but imprecise timing, suggesting that the attack could come within days. Indeed, the public warning by the U.S. Embassy on March 7 warned of potential terrorist attacks in the next two days.

week ban and enshrine broad abortion access in the state's constitution.

The decisions have sharpened the glare of the political spotlight on the Sunshine State, and set up perhaps the highest stakes abortion fight since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022.The six-week ban in Florida - the country's third most populous state -

may affect more women than any other statewide ban implemented since the repeal of Roe.Just over 84,000 women received abortions in Florida last year, state data says. According to pro-choice research group the Guttmacher Institute, that figure showed a 12% jump over 2020, which researchers attribute mostly to out-of-state patients.

Trump loses bid to delay hush money trial until US Supreme Court review

NEW YORK: (Reuters) - A New York judge on Wednesday denied Donald Trump's bid to delay his April 15 trial on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star until the U.S. Supreme Court reviews claim to presidential immunity in a separate criminal case.

The Court is scheduled to hear the former U.S. President's arguments that

he is immune from federal prosecution for trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat to Democratic President Joe Biden on April 25.

His defense lawyers in the New York case in March asked Justice Juan Merchan to delay the trial until that review was complete, arguing it was relevant because prosecutors were seeking to present evidence of statements Trump made while he was president from 2017 to 2021.

In a court ruling on Wednesday, Merchan said Trump had waited too long to raise the issue. "Defendant had myriad opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity well before March 7, 2024," Merchan wrote.

Todd Blanche, a lawyer for Trump, declined to comment.

Biden and Xi discuss USChina cooperation and conflict

US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a call on Tuesday in an effort to keep tensions between the two countries at a simmer. They discussed avenues of co-operation, including recent shared efforts to combat climate change and narcotics, according to summaries of the call. But there was significant disagreement on Taiwan and economic issues.

Last survivor of attack on Pearl Harbor ship dies aged 102

The last surviving crew member from the USS Arizona battleship - which was sunk in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii - has died. He was 102. Louis Conter was on watch when the US Pacific fleet was bombarded on 7 December 1941 off the island of Oahu. The surprise assault propelled America - which had been neutral - to enter World War Two, joining Allied forces. Conter went on to carry out bombing missions in the Pacific as a US Navy pilot during the conflict.

Disney defeats critics after bruising battle

Disney has won a boardroom battle against critics who had accused the media giant of botching its streaming strategy and losing its creative spark. Activist investors, including Nelson Peltz of Trian Management, had sought seats on the company's board of directors, which they said was too close to Disney's leadership. They pledged to push for priorities such as higher profits. A majority of shareholders voted to maintain the company's current board.

Maldives President: Indian Troops to Leave Second Platform by April

Mr Biden stressed support for Taiwan, but Mr Xi called US interference in the South China Sea a "red line". Mr Xi also took issue with sanctions the US has put on China and Chineseowned companies, calling it an "endless stream of measures to suppress China's economy, trade, science and technology".

"If the United States insists on suppressing China's high-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, we will not sit idly by," the Chinese leader said, according to a state media summary.

Despite the areas of disagreement, the White House and Chinese state media described the conversation as "candid and constructive". The conversation ranged from AI concerns to military communications.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that Indian military personnel manning the second aviation platform would be withdrawn “within the current month” and reiterated that the entire process would be completed by May 10, a media report said here on Wednesday. Muizzu’s statement comes three weeks after the first batch of approximately 25 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives manning a helicopter gifted by India departed from the island nation after handing over the operations of the chopper to an Indian civilian crew as agreed ahead of the March 10 deadline.

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Taiwan Hit by Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years: 9 Dead, 70 Miners Trapped

The strongest earthquake in a quartercentury rocked Taiwan during the morning rush hour on Wednesday, killing nine people, trapping dozens of miners and sending some residents scrambling out the windows of damaged buildings.

A tsunami warning was triggered but later lifted. The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centred off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed. Just over 150 kilometers (93 miles) away in the capital of Taipei, tiles fell from older buildings, and schools evacuated their students to sports fields, equipping them with yellow

Israeli Government Blocks Al Jazeera Broadcasts

The Israeli parliament has approved a law giving the government the power to ban broadcasts of TV channels including Al Jazeera, the Qatari-owned network Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would "act immediately" to close the network's local office. The US expressed concern over the move.With foreign journalists banned from entering Gaza, Al Jazeera staff based in the strip have been some of the only reporters able to cover the war on the ground. The Knesset, Israel's parliament, approved the bill allowing foreign networks considered a threat to national security to be "temporarily" banned.

Top Iranian General killed in Syria

Tel Aviv: (IANS) A top Iranian General was killed in an airstrike allegedly by Israel in the Syrian capital of Damascus.

The officer identified as Brigadier General Mohammed Reza Zahedi is a top general of the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Arab media reported late Monday night said that he was killed along with a Lieutenant and five other officers in an aerial attack allegedly by Israel.

The quake, which also injured hundreds, was centred off the coast of rural, mountainous Hualien County, where some buildings leaned at severe angles, their ground floors crushed

safety helmets. Some children covered themselves with textbooks to guard against falling objects as aftershocks continued. Television images showed neighbours and rescue workers lifting residents, including a toddler, through windows and onto the street, after doors fused shut in the shaking. All appeared mobile, in shock but without serious injuries. Taiwan is regularly jolted by quakes and its population is among the

best prepared for them, but authorities said they had expected a relatively mild earthquake and accordingly did not send out alerts. The eventual temblor was strong enough to scare even people who are used to such shaking.

Nine people died in the quake, which struck just before 8 a.m., according to Taiwan's national fire agency. The local United Daily News reported that three were hikers killed in rockslides in Taroko National Park, which is in Hualien, and that a van driver died in the same area when boulders hit the vehicle. Another 934 people were injured. Meanwhile, authorities said they had lost contact with 50 people in minibuses in the national park after the quake downed phone networks.

Finnish school shooting motivated by bullying - police

A 12-year-old suspected of shooting

dead a boy at his school and seriously wounding two girls was motivated by bullying, Finnish police say.

The boy was detained some distance from his school in Vantaa on Tuesday morning an hour after he opened fire on other children.

His three victims were also aged 12. The two girls are still in hospital.

Public buildings across Finland lowered their flags from 08:00 (05:00 GMT) on Wednesday to mark a day of mourning. In a statement, police said the boy had been transferred at the start of this year to Viertola school in Vantaa, to the north of the capital, Helsinki. They said the suspect told them he had been bullied after he was detained in the Siltamaki area of northern Helsinki, almost 4km (2.5 miles) from the scene of the shooting. Their initial investigation supported that conclusion, they added. Police have opened an investigation into murder and attempted murder. However, because of his age, the suspect cannot be held criminally responsible and has now been handed to the care of social services.

Chinese Scientist Who Gene-Edited Babies Is Back In Lab After Jail Time

In 2019, a court in China sentenced Mr He to a three-year prison sentence

Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who was sentenced to three years in prison after revealing that he had created the first gene-edited children says he has returned to his laboratory to work on the treatment of Alzheimer's and other genetic diseases.

Over 10 million Pakistanis may fall below poverty line: World Bank

Islamabad: (IANS) The World Bank has cautioned that over 10 million Pakistanis may fall below the poverty line, mainly due to a slothful economic growth rate and spiraling inflation at a staggering 26 per cent for the current fiscal year. The World Bank's bi-annual report titled 'Pakistan Development Outlook' sketched out a very grim picture of the country's economy, giving indications that it is poised to fall short of meeting any of its major macroeconomic targets.

Haiti gangs: More than 50,000 flee capital after surge in violence

Tens of thousands of people have fled the Haitian capital, Port-auPrince, to escape a surge in gang violence over the past weeks. UN figures suggest more than 53,000 left the city of 3m between 8-27 March. The UN is warning that the rural regions to which many have fled are not equipped to deal with such a large influx of displaced people.

Zimbabwe declares national disaster over drought

Mr He told a Japanese newspaper that he had resumed research on human embryo genome editing, despite the controversy over the ethics of artificially rewriting genes. He told the Mainichi Shimbun, "We will use discarded human embryos and comply with both domestic and international rules," adding that he had no plans to produce more genome-edited babies. Previously, he had used a tool known as CrisprCas9 to rewrite DNA in embryos.

In 2019, a court in China sentenced Mr He to a three-year in prison for breaching medical regulations. This followed his assertion in the preceding year that he had engineered genetically modified twin sisters, Lulu and Nana, before their birth.

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a national disaster to tackle the prolonged drought crisis. Mr Mnangagwa said on Wednesday the country needs $2bn (£1.6bn) to tackle hunger caused by low rainfall which has wiped out about half of the maize crop. The grain shortage has pushed up food prices and an estimated 2.7 million people will face hunger.

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Plea to Remove Arvind Kejriwal Denied

Last week the Delhi High Court's acting Chief Justice said the removal of a sitting Chief Minister - Arvind Kejriwal, in this case - fell outside the scope of judicial interference.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has junked - for a third time - a plea seeking the removal of Arvind Kejriwal as Chief Minister after his arrest last month over corruption allegations. In a significant observation, a bench led by acting Chief Justice Manmohan said "let democracy take its own course".

The court was hearing a public interest litigation by the Hindu Sena, which sought direction to the Lieutenant Governor to direct Mr Kejriwal to resign.

"Pace Is Not Bought In Market": Rabada's Ultimate Praise For Mayank Yadav

Rabada praised Mayank for his raw talent and said that "pace cannot be bought from the market".

"It's just raw pace, man. He is really sharp, that's obvious. It's a massive weapon. He will always rush the batsman. And he's showing some good control too. He was born with the pace. Pace is not bought in the market. That's his genuine weapon," Rabada told.

Rabada feels the teams will have to plan well against Mayank, who is making most of the twobouncer rule in an over.

Rashee Rice: Super Bowl champion admits role in Texas hit-and-run

NFL star Rashee Rice has apologised for his role in a hit-and-run crash on Saturday that left two people injured. "I take full responsibility for my part in this matter and will continue to co-operate with the necessary authorities," he posted on Wednesday.

PM Modi Vows Justice for Sandeshkhali Women

P M Modi on Thursday said that those responsible for the oppression and exploitation of women at Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas will have to spend the rest of their lives behind bars. 'Recently the entire country has witnessed how the ruling Trinamool Congress and the state government have tried to defend and protect those who are responsible for the exploitation of women at Sandeshkhali. But I can say that they will not be spared and those responsible for such heinous acts will have to spend the rest of their lives behind bars," he said .

"Even If 1% True, 100% Shameful"

High Court Raps Bengal On Sandeshkhali

Kolkata: Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government received a stern reprimand from the state's High Court Thursday as it heard affidavits seeking probes into the allegations of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault that have surfaced from Sandeshkhali ahead of the Lok Sabha election.

A bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam told Ms Banerjee's Trinamool Congress - which came under heavy fire after it was seen as shielding Sheikh Shahjahan, a local leader who is the primary accused - it

could not shirk accountability in the event the allegations are found to be true.

"Even if one affidavit is correct, it is shameful. Even if one per cent is true it is absolutely shameful. West Bengal says it is safest for women? Even if one affidavit is proven to be right all of this falls," he said, "Entire district administration and ruling party have 100 per cent moral responsibility".

The court also ripped into the lawyer representing Sheikh Shahjahan, who was arrested on February 29 after spending nearly two months evading the authorities.

PM Modi Pushes for Tesla in India, Factory Search Underway

New Delhi: (IANS) It was in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Tesla facility in Palo Alto, California and Elon Musk took him for a tour of his electric car plant, convincing the PM that electric vehicles are going to be the next big disruptor. Nearly a decade later, the Tesla is set to come to - and be made in - India.

The tech billionaire is finally sending a

team of experts to scout for a possible location to set up a $2-$3 billion EV plant in the country.

Reports say that on top of the Tesla CEO’s mind are three states -- Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu -- which have an EV infrastructure in place, as well as ports which make it easier for the electric car giant "to export cars".

The credit goes to PM Modi’s persistent efforts in convincing Musk to look at India as his next big destination to establish a Tesla Gigafactory and export EVs to the rest of the world. In June last year, PM Modi met Musk in the US and appreciated his efforts at making technology accessible and affordable in various sectors.

The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore opportunities in India for investments in the electric mobility sector.

The court also ripped into the lawyer representing Sheikh Shahjahan - the key accused - who was arrested on February 29 after spending nearly two months evading the authorities.

Learn From PM Modi: Hema Malini

New Delhi: Responding to the row over Congress leader Randeep Surjewala's remarks on Mathura MP Hema Malini, the actor-politician said Opposition leaders must learn how to respect women from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to reporters before filing her nomination for the Lok Sabha election in the temple town, she said the Opposition targets only "popular people". "They target only popular people because targeting the unpopular ones won't do them any good. They should learn how to respect women from PM Modi."

Muslim community members in US decline

White House Iftar dinner invite: Report

Members of the Muslim community in the US have declined the White House's iftar dinner invitation this week, protesting the Biden administration's continued support for Israel amid humanitarian concerns in Palestine, according to multiple media reports.

“Many of the invitees, distressed over President (Joe) Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza, said they would not attend an iftar meal with the president on Tuesday evening while so many Palestinians were under siege,” The New York Times newspaper reported

on Wednesday. The White House held a pared-down meal just for staffers.

"How can we talk to you about famine and starvation over bread and steak?” Dr

'Many of the invitees, distressed over President Biden’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza, said they would not attend an iftar meal with the president on Tuesday evening while so many Palestinians were under siege'

Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American doctor who was in Gaza in January was quoted as saying by The New York Times report. Dr Ahmed attended a separate hour-long meeting of the community leaders and President Biden. The meeting on Tuesday was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

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Manmohan Singh Ends 33-Year Parliament Career

Congress Expels

Sanjay Nirupam for 6 Years

Capping a day of fast-moving developments, the Congress has expelled Sanjay Nirupam, a senior leader from Maharashtra, for six years for his "anti-party statements". Earlier on Wednesday, the party had removed him from the list of star campaigners for the Lok Sabha elections and sources had said that a proposal to expel him was being prepared by the state unit to be sent to the central leadership.

Announcing Mr Nirupam's expulsion late on Wednesday, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said in a statement, "Taking note of the complaints of indiscipline and anti-party statements, the Hon'ble Congress President has approved the expulsion of Shri Sanjay Nirupam from the party for six years with immediate effect."

The man who famously spoke of studying under the dim light of kerosene lamps in his village without electricity and went on to become a storied academic is the copybook reluctant politician, almost stumbling into the rough and tumble of mainstream politics

Manmohan Singh, the soft-spoken architect of India's economic reforms, concludes his 33-year tenure in Parliament with his retirement from the Rajya Sabha. Widely revered for his pivotal role in liberalizing India's economy in the 1990s, Singh, 91, quietly exited politics, having served as both Prime Minister and Finance Minister. Despite facing criticism for alleged corruption during his premiership, Singh's contributions to Indian politics are significant. While he never secured a Lok Sabha seat, his six-term stint in the Rajya Sabha exemplified his enduring presence in Indian governance. Singh's commitment to inclusive growth was evident through legislative initiatives ensuring citizens' rights to food, education, work, and information. Born in 1932, in what is now Pakistan, Singh's academic prowess and public service trajectory paved the way for his influential roles in academia and government. From his early days as an economics scholar to his leadership positions in international organizations and Indian ministries, Singh's journey epitomizes a blend of scholarly intellect and pragmatic governance. His iconic budget speech in 1991 symbolized India's emergence as an economic powerhouse, setting the stage for transformative reforms. Singh's departure from Parliament elicits praise from political leaders across party lines, recognizing his indelible mark on India's economic and social fabric.

Suspense Grows Over Gandhis' Gameplan For Amethi, Raebareli

Though Rahul Gandhi filed his candidature from Wayanad yesterday, there is no word on the fate of Amethi, which he won thrice before losing it to Smriti Irani.

New Delhi: The Congress announced another list of candidates this evening that left only three seats undecided in Uttar Pradesh -- among them the Gandhi stronghold Raebareli, and Amethi, which turned against the Congress, voting en masse for BJP's Smriti Irani in 2019.

Though Rahul Gandhi filed his candidature from Wayanad yesterday, there is no word on the fate of Amethi, which he won thrice before losing it to Smriti Irani.

Raebareli had its sitting MP, Sonia Gandhi, shifting to parliament's Upper house Rajya Sabha.

There is a desire in the Congress that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra take over her mother's seat, while Rahul Gandhi make another effort to win back Amethi.

The BJP camp is gleefully watching the situation, remarking that Mr Gandhi

is not too keen on Amethi for fear of another defeat.

The Gandhis, they also point out, are not frequent visitors in Raebareli and Amethi. Mr Gandhi passed through his former constituency during his recent Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, after a very long time. The Gandhis do not even have a house in the constituency.

There is concern that in case the Gandhi siblings decide to contest from these two

seats, their long absence would feature prominently in the campaign of the BJP, which is eager to add the Gandhi bastions to its kitty.

The party, which has been aiming at 370 seats this time, is expecting the biggest chunk to come from the 80-seat Uttar Pradesh. Smriti Irani, meanwhile, will be in Wayanad on Thursday to support the BJP candidate -- the party's state unit chief K Surendran.

"Will Now Back INDIA Bloc": Denied Tickets, 22 Leaders Quit Chirag Paswan's Party

Patna: In an upheaval within the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), 22 party leaders have tendered their resignations simultaneously while expressing anger at not getting tickets for the Lok Sabha elections. Among the notable figures who stepped down include former minister Renu Kushwaha, former MLA and national general secretary of LJP, Satish Kumar, state organisation minister Ravindra Singh, Ajay Kushwaha, Sanjay Singh and State General Secretary Rajesh Dangi. The resignation wave appears to stem from grievances within the party ranks, with

allegations surfacing about the distribution of tickets in exchange for money.

On her resignation from the party, former MP Renu Kushwaha said, "Ticket should be given to the party workers instead of people the from outside. Tickets were given to the outsiders which means that able people are not there in your party. Are we the labour class people in your party who will work for you, make you a leader? Our devotion was questioned when an outsider was given a ticket. We are not here to serve as labourers for the party."

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One of the leaders claimed Chirag Paswan "sold the tickets"

Most of India Will Witness Above Normal Temperatures Till June, IMD Warns

With nearly a billion people expected to vote amidst extreme weather conditions, preparations are underway to ensure public safety and facilitate electoral participation

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a stern warning of an unusually hot summer ahead, with temperatures expected to soar above normal from April through June. This announcement coincides with the UN World Meteorological Organization's recent caution that 2024 may surpass previous records for heat, following a scorching year globally, particularly in Asia and India.

Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra revealed that most parts of India, excluding select regions like Jammu and Kashmir and parts of northeast India, are likely to experience above-normal temperatures during this period. Additionally, the forecast predicts an increase in heatwave days, particularly in Gujarat, central Maharashtra, and north Karnataka, with the potential for 10 to 20 days of intense heat compared to the usual four to eight days.

Central India, north India, and the north peninsula are expected to bear the brunt of the heatwave, as indicated by Mohapatra's presentation. While rainfall across the country is anticipated to be normal, certain areas, including the east and west coasts and southern India, may experience belowaverage precipitation.

Furthermore, Mohapatra discussed climate phenomena like El Niño, which currently prevails but is expected to transition to ENSO-neutral conditions during the monsoon, followed by La Niña later in the season. These changes are aligned with international forecasts and can impact heatwave frequency, with El Niño years typically experiencing above-normal heatwaves.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with Union Minister for Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju and other officials, convened to address the dual challenges of extreme weather

and impending elections. With nearly a billion people expected to vote amidst extreme weather conditions, preparations are underway to ensure public safety and facilitate electoral participation. Preventive measures, including issuing advisories and updating heat action plans, have been initiated across all 23 states and Union territories prone to heatwaves. However, the urgency to address climate change-induced vulnerabilities persists, with long-term solutions such as urban planning and environmental resilience strategies being emphasized.

Recent reports underscore the severity of climate impacts, with 2023 standing out as the hottest year on record globally. As India braces for heightened heatwaves, the imperative for proactive measures and sustainable solutions becomes increasingly evident in mitigating the impacts of climate change on public health and safety.

Top 10 Richest Indians On Forbes 2024 List

Forbes has recently revealed its annual ranking of the richest Indians in 2024. As many as 200 Indians have made their mark this year, a significant increase from 169 in 2023. Their combined wealth is $954 billion, a 41% increase from last year's $675 billion. Here is the list of the 10 richest Indians: (It may be noted that all net worth figures mentioned are as of March 8, 2024, as reported by Forbes)

Mukesh Ambani (net worth - $116 billion)

Mukesh Ambani, chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited which deals in petrochemical, oil, natural gas exploration, telecommunication and retail, leads the list with a net worth of $116 billion.

Gautam Adani (net worth - $84 billion)

Gautam Adani is the chairman of Adani Group, with interests in ports, airports, power generation and transmission, and green energy, among others.

Shiv Nadar (net worth - $36.9 billion)

Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies, one of the largest leading IT companies. In 2020, his daughter Roshni Nadar Malhotra took over his role as the chairman of the company he founded in 1976.

Savitri Jindal (net worth - $35.5 billion)

Savitri Jindal retains her status as the richest woman in India, climbing to the fourth position from sixth place last year.

Dilip Shanghvi (net worth - $26.7 billion)

Dilip Shanghvi is the founder of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited,

which is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally.

Cyrus Poonawalla (net worth - $21.3 billion)

Cyrus Poonawalla is an Indian entrepreneur who founded the Serum Institute of India, a leading global vaccine manufacturer. His life's work revolves around the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on vaccine production to serve worldwide needs.

Kushal Pal Singh (net worth - $20.9 billion)

Kushal Pal Singh is an estate developer who serves as the Chairman of DLF Limited, a prominent real estate company in the country.

Kumar Birla (net worth - $19.7 billion)

Business conglomerate Kumar

Mangalam Birla is the Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group. He belongs to the renowned Birla family, known for their influential business ventures in the country.

Radhakishan Damani (net worth - $17.6 billion)

Radhakishan Damani is a billionaire investor, entrepreneur, and the founder of Avenue Supermarts Limited. Avenue Supermarts Limited operates the popular retail chain D-Mart, making Mr Damani the founder of D-Mart as well.

Lakshmi Mittal (net worth - $16.4 billion)

Billionaire industrialist Lakshmi Mittal is the Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaking company. He was born in India and is now a British citizen.

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Delhi BJP Sues AAP's Atishi

New Delhi: The Delhi unit of BJP has sent a defamation notice to AAP leader and minister Atishi after she alleged that the BJP approached her with a request to switch over. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva told the media today that they have sent the notice and demanded a public apology from Ms Atishi. "Atishi failed to provide evidence of who approached her, how and when. The AAP is undergoing a crisis in Delhi, which is why they are making such baseless allegations out of frustration. But we will not let her get away with this," he said.

Congress To Expel Sanjay Nirupam?

Sanjay Nirupam has been hitting out at the Uddhav Thackeray-led party ever since it named its candidates for Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra

Mumbai: The Maharashtra unit of the Congress is prepping a proposal to expel party leader Sanjay Nirupam for his recent remarks against INDIA ally, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), over seat-sharing for the Lok Sabha election. The proposal would be sent across to the Congress high command in Delhi and the party's disciplinary committee will take the final call. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state Congress committee, which has also decided to push for the removal of Mr Nirupam from the party's list of star campaigners in the run-up to the polls.

Boxer Vijender Singh Switches From Congress To BJP

New Delhi: In another jolt to the Congress weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, boxer Vijender Singh has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sources said the Congress had planned to field the 38-year-old against BJP MP Hema Malini, who has been named as a candidate from the Mathura seat once again. The move is expected to help the BJP consolidate votes from the Jat community, which is especially important in Haryana and Western UP. The boxer is expected to campaign extensively for the BJP in these two areas.

CM Kejriwal's vitals normal, say Delhi prisons officials

Delhi Prisons officials on Wednesday said the vitals of incarcerated Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are normal and his weight has been constant since he was lodged in Tihar jail. "On April 1, Arvind Kejriwal was examined by two doctors and all vitals were normal. Also, his weight is constant at 65 Kg, since arrival to Jail and till date. Home cooked food is being provided as per Court order," said a senior prison official.

Delhi HC reserves its verdict on CM Kejriwal's plea challenging arrest

The Aam Aadmi Party leaders will sit on a fasting dharna at Jantar Mantar on April 7 in protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, party leader Gopal Rai said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference, Rai, who is also a cabinet minister in the Kejriwal government, gave a call for a nationwide fast against the arrest of the party national convener.

"If you are against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister, you can fast against it on April 7. You can hold the collective fast anywhere -- at home, in your city, anywhere," he said.

Rai said that the top leadership of the party was arrested with an "aim to finish

AAP." "On April 7, Delhi government ministers, AAP MPs, MLAs, councillors and office-bearers will hold a fast at Jantar Mantar. This will be an open event and student organisations, farmer bodies, traders can come and participate

Vistara Expects To Resume Normal Operations By Weekend: Sources

New Delhi: Vistara expects to resume normal flight ops by the weekend, company sources told NDTV Wednesday evening, hours after CEO Vinod Kannan and senior members of his management team held a virtual town hall with striking pilots. Company sources said the pilots had been promised a course correction to address concerns in the wake of Vistara's merger with Air India. This,

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had asked the airline to share the steps they are taking to deal with the inconvenience caused to passengers.

sources said, will include improved growth potential once the merger is complete and better rostering of pilots, which is expected by May.

The pilots have been told that opportunities to earn more will exist post the merger. Almost 100 per cent of the pilots have now accepted the new contract, sources said, adding that no protest had been expressed by pilots during the virtual townhall.

Emphasising the point that crisis brought on by pilot shortage is nearing an end, Vistara sources also said only 24 flights were cancelled today compared to the 52 affected yesterday.

7 Dead, 730 Injured As

in it," he said.

Kejriwal was arrested last month by the Enforcement Directorate in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. He has been sent to judicial custody till April 15.

Centre Issues "HighRisk" Warning For iPhone, iPad And MacBook Users

New Delhi: Centre's security advisory from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a "high-risk" warning for users of Apple's iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets. The advisory highlights a critical vulnerability, identified in connection to "remote code execution" in various Apple products. The vulnerability affects a range of Apple software and hardware, including Apple Safari versions prior to 17.4.1, Apple macOS Ventura versions prior to 13.6.6, Apple macOS Sonoma versions prior to 14.4.1, Apple visionOS versions prior to 1.1.1, Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 17.4.1, and Apple iOS and iPadOS versions prior to 16.7.7.

"Strongest Earthquake In 25 Years" Hits Taiwan

Officials said the quake was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead.

Tokyo: At least seven people were killed and nearly 730 injured Wednesday by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan that damaged dozens of buildings and prompted tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted.

Officials said the quake was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead. "The earthquake is close to land and it's shallow. It's felt all over Taiwan and offshore islands," said Wu Chien-fu, director of Taipei's Central Weather Administration's Seismology Center.

Strict building regulations and disaster awareness appear to have staved off a major catastrophe for the island, which is regularly hit by earthquakes as it lies near the junction of two tectonic plates.

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Indian Premier League: Never mind boos, Mumbai Indians with Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s wait to win over the hearts of Mumbai Indians fans in his second homecoming will linger a little longer.

The anti-Hardik booing hung thick in the air at the Wankhede in their first home match this season, against Rajasthan Royals on Monday. Their third defeat on the trot meant the tension and the trolling surrounding Hardik, since replacing Rohit Sharma as captain, will not end in a hurry.

“Mumbai ka raja kaun? Rohit Sharma,” the crowd chanted almost right through the match, except for a brief period when Hardik was batting. Amid the chaos, there was an apparent attempt by Rohit to pacify the spectators when he appealed to the stands to calm down by waving his hands.

Anju Bobby George advocates Neeraj Chopra for India's Paris Games flag bearer

Anju Bobby George on Thursday questioned Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decision for not considering Neeraj Chopra as India’s flag bearer for the upcoming Paris Olympics. “Surprisingly, the Indian Olympic Association did not consider our golden boy Neeraj Chopra as a flag bearer for the 2024 Olympic Games .. ??????ultimately its Neeraj’s choice based on his own assessment of the situation.. still…. Why . ???..,” she wrote in her Instagram.

Last week, the IOA had named veteran table tennis star Sharath Kamal as India’s flagbearer for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medallist MC Mary Kom was named as India’s chef de mission for Paris 2024 while Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan has been appointed as the Deputy Chef de Mission for Paris 2024.

There is already talk that Mumbai Indians may have to give in to the fans’ demands and be forced to reinstate Rohit if this downfall continues. However, it is understood that such a move is unlikely since the team management has longterm goals in mind. Rohit will be 37 this month and Mumbai Indians had to think about his successor. The think-tank is even ready to accept failures during the transition phase. The 30-year-old Hardik has already proven his leadership skills with Gujarat Titans having won the IPL in the franchise’s inaugural year and finishing runner-up the following season. He also has a good record as India captain. Still, if circumstances do force a change, it is unlikely that Rohit will be handed back the reins; the management will look forward and choose a much younger home-grown cricketer.

Sanjay Singh, Brij Bhushan’s close aide, gets control of Wrestling Federation of India

Sanjay Singh – a close aide of Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the BJP MP accused of sexually harassing women athletes – will assume full charge of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) starting Monday. This comes after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced it would dissolve ‘with immediate effect’ the three-member ad-hoc committee, formed under the instructions of the government after it suspended the Sanjay-led WFI executive committee. The development means the rules that could make or break the Paris Olympics ambitions of Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, the two wrestlers at the forefront of protests against the WFI and its former president Brij Bhushan, will be taken by Sanjay, whose election they opposed.

High Court asks sports ministry to take a ‘clear stand’ on Wrestling Federation of India status

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to take a “clear stand” on certain aspects raised by the court concerning the management of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) after the dissolution of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appointed ad-committee running the affairs of the suspended body.

High Court observed that the sports ministry's affidavit "does not take a position on" whether the suspension of the WFI remains in force

The Delhi HC asked the joint secretary concerned in the Ministry to appear through video conferencing on April 10, when the matter will be heard next.

The HC was hearing an application filed in a pending writ petition moved by wrestlers Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and her husband Satyawart Kadian for declaring as illegal and setting aside the December 2023 elections held by Wrestling Federation of India. The application sought, among various prayers, a direction for immediate appointment of a ‘one man committee’, preferably a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to take over the management, control and administration of Wrestling Federation of India.

"He's

A Human Being Like You": Ravi Shastri

Former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Mumbai Indians fans need to be patient with skipper Hardik Pandya and stop booing him during the IPL 2024 matches. Hardik replaced Rohit Sharma as the MI captain after completing a sensational trade from Gujarat Titans but under his leadership, the team has lost three consecutive matches in the competition. The reaction from a section of the crowd has been less than favourable as Hardik was booed during the home match against Rajasthan Royals. Shastri said that Hardik is a new captain and at the end of the day, the fans need to be remember that the all-rounder is a "human being like them".

Mayank Yadav Sets New Record: 156.7kph

Mayank's impressive run in his debut IPL season, the LSG pacer made headlines with his fast-bowling masterclass against Bengaluru. Mayank bowled the fiery delivery of 155.8 kmph in the 12th over of PBKS innings to become the fastest bowler at the IPL 2024.

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"Be Ready For Action": Supreme Court To Ramdev

A bench of Justices Hima

Kohli and Ahsanuddin

Amanullah also refused to accept an apology tendered by Patanjali last month. "We are not happy with your apology," the top court said.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today came down heavily on Patanjali Ayurved's co-founder Ramdev and Managing Director Balakrishna for their "absolute defiance" in not filing proper affidavits over the company's misleading advertisements.

"Not just the Supreme Court, every order passed by the courts across this country has to be respected. This is absolute defiance," the top court said.

The top court observed that advertisements issued by Patanjali are in the "teeth of law" of the land. " Be ready for action," the Supreme Court told Ramdev.

India Will Get Permanent UN Security Council Seat, But...: S Jaishankar

Rajkot, Gujarat: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said India will definitely get permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council as there is a feeling in the world that it should get the position, but the country will have to work harder this time for it. He was speaking during an interaction with intellectuals in Gujarat's Rajkot city and was asked by the audience on India's chances of becoming the permanent member of the world body.

Atishi Claims BJP Switch Offer, Says These AAP Leaders To Be Arrested Soon

New Delhi: Four more senior leaders of the AAP are set to be arrested over the next two months, Delhi minister Atishi alleged today, accusing the BJP of using central agencies in its attempt to crush AAP. The ruling party, she alleged, plans to arrest her, Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP MP Raghav Chadha and party MLA Durgesh Pathak.

"Chun Chun Ke Saaf Kar Do...": PM Counters

Rahul Gandhi's "Fire" Remarks

Rudrapur (Uttarakhand): Hitting out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the "prince" of the Opposition party's "royal family" has declared that the country will be on fire if the BJP returns to power. "They ruled the country for 60 years, but after just 10 years out of power, they are talking about setting the country on fire," the Prime Minister said.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh granted bail after 6 months in liquor policy case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh and posed tough questions to the Enforcement Directorate - which had arrested Mr Singh - including asking why he had been jailed for over six months without a trial or recovery of alleged bribe of ₹ 2 crore. "Nothing has been recovered... there is no trace (of money allegedly received by the AAP as bribes for allotting liquor licences to the 'South Group')..." the court told the agency, which claims the party received ₹ 600 crore in bribes. The court then directed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju to confer with the ED and decide if custody of Mr Singh is warranted at this stage. Mr Singh was released after the Enforcement

Directorate said it did not want custody. "I am making this statement (not opposing bail) without going into the merits of the case and keeping all the rights and contentions open," Mr Raju said. The court earlier observed Dinesh

India rejects China's attempts to rename Arunachal Pradesh places

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday firmly rejected attempts by China to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh and asserted that assigning "invented names" will not alter the reality that the state "is, has been, and will always be" an integral and inalienable part of India.

The statement was issued by the MEA in response to media queries in the wake of China releasing a fourth list of 30 new names of various places in Arunachal Pradesh amid Beijing's

The statement was issued by the MEA in response to media queries in the wake of China releasing a fourth list of 30 new names of various places in Arunachal Pradesh amid Beijing's stepped-up assertions in recent weeks to re-emphasise its claim over the Indian state

stepped-up assertions in recent weeks to re-emphasise its claim over the Indian state. "China has persisted with its senseless attempts to rename places in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. We firmly reject such attempts. Assigning invented names will not alter the reality that Arunachal Pradesh is, has been, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India," MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted as saying in the statement.

AAP Rajya Sabha MP

Sanjay Singh has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since his arrest October last year in the alleged liquor excise policy scam.

Arora, an accused who turned approver, or government witness, did not implicate Mr Singh in his initial statements. Mr Singh was arrested on the basis of statements by Mr Arora, who got bail in August. Sanjay Singh has been in Delhi's Tihar Jail since his arrest in October in the alleged liquor policy scam, which has roiled the opposition party - and seen the arrests of Mr Sisodia and his former boss, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal - weeks before the election.

SBI Refuses To Share Info On Its Electoral Bond Guidelines

New Delhi: Weeks after it was pulled up by the Supreme Court on the electoral bonds issue, the State Bank of India has refused to reveal details of the Standard Operating Procedures issued to its branches regarding sale and redemption of bonds under the now-scrapped scheme.

Transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj had filed a petition under RTI Act, seeking information about the SOPs laid down by the bank for the electoral bonds scheme.

US Congress members seek update on probes into temple attacks

Washington: (IANS) US Congress' five Indian-descent members on Monday demanded a briefing from the Justice Department on the spate of vandalism at Hindu temples across the country, some of whom were left with proKhalistan and anti-India graffiti.

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

Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar and Ami Bera penned a letter to the DOJ highlighting the plight of Hindu

"Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately 'no leads' on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law."

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi is leading the initiative, his office said.

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Americans.

"One Vehicle, One FASTag" Rule Comes Into Force

PM warns on electoral bonds data

The Prime Minister said it is due to the electoral bond system put in by his government that the sources of funding and its beneficiaries could be found out.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday rejected the suggestion that the electoral bond issue caused a setback to his government, saying no system is perfect and any shortcoming could be improved upon. He also said those who are "dancing" over the matter will repent it. "Tell me what have we done that I should see it as a setback? I firmly believe that those dancing over it (bond details) and taking pride in it are going to repent," he told Thanthi TV in an interview when asked if the electoral bond details have caused a setback to the ruling BJP.

Modi on Ram Temple, Article 370: More to come

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said what the country had seen in the last 10 years under him was only a trailer and dwelt on his pet themes — the Ram temple, Article 370 and the instant triple talaq. Addressing an election rally in Meerut, Modi said: “You have seen only the trailer in the last 10 years of my rule, but we have to move forward in the coming years. I am already prepared to come to you with a report in 2029.”

The Prime Minister also pointed to Katchatheevu, the 163-acre uninhabited island administered by Sri Lanka.

New Delhi: The National Highways Authority of India's "One Vehicle, One FASTag" rule, which aims to discourage using single FASTag for multiple vehicles or linking multiple FASTags to a particular vehicle, came into force today, a senior official said.

The NHAI had extended the "One Vehicle, One FASTag" initiative's compliance deadline to March-end over problems facing Paytm users.

These States Likely To See Worst Impact Of Heat Wave

New Delhi: India is set to experience extreme heat during the April to June period, with the central and western peninsular parts expected to face the worst impact, the IMD said on Monday as the country prepares for seven-phase general elections from April 19.

Gujarat, central Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, north Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience the worst impact of heat waves, Mohapatra said.

'Uncooperative' Arvind Kejriwal Sent To Jail

The court has allowed Arvind Kejriwal to meet his wife and two ministers - Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj - before he is shifted to Tihar Jail.

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will spend the next two weeks in jail in the liquor policy case after his Enforcement Directorate custody ends today. The probe agency did not seek custody of the AAP leader, after which a local court this morning sent him to jail till April 15. The court has also allowed him to meet his wife Sunita Kejriwal and ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj before he is shifted to the Tihar Jail.

"First Burn Wives' Sarees": Sheikh Hasina Slams Rivals' India Boycott Call

New Delhi: Opposition leaders demanding a boycott of Indian products must declare how many Indian sarees their wives have and why they are not setting these on fire, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said. Addressing a meeting of the ruling Awami League, of which she is the president, Ms Hasina tore into the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina said that when the BNP was in power, ministers and their wives would buy sarees on India trips and sell them in Bangladesh

leaders calling for a boycott of Indian products. "My question is, how many Indian sarees do their wives have? And why are they not taking the sarees from their wives and setting them on fire? Please ask BNP leaders," she said. The Bangladesh Prime Minister, who secured the fourth consecutive term in office in the elections held earlier this year, said that when the BNP was in power, ministers and their wives would buy sarees on India trips and sell them in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina then moved to Indian spices and their role in Bangladesh's kitchens.

Mr Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in the alleged liquor policy scam after he skipped nine central agency summons, and has been running his government from the ED lock-up since then. In Delhi's Rouse Avenue court, where Mr Kejriwal was produced this morning before the expiry of his probe agency custody, the ED said he had been "uncooperative" and was giving evasive answers. He did not reveal the passwords of his digital devices, the ED told the court.

"Arvind Kejriwal Named 2 AAP Ministers": BJP

New Delhi: The BJP lashed out at Arvind Kejriwal Monday after the Enforcement Directorate said the Delhi Chief Minister gave "false and contradictory evidence (regarding) other members of (his) AAP" in interrogation. The BJP also pointed to Mr Kejriwal - the "kingpin" in the liquor policy scam - reportedly calling AAP colleagues "confused" when asked about their statements.

"Love Our Indian Students": US Envoy Amid Safety Concerns

New Delhi: Addressing concerns regarding the safety of Indian students studying in the United States, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti urged students to remain vigilant and take appropriate safety precautions.

The envoy emphasised that students should stay connected with peers and to utilize campus safety resources to enhance their awareness and preparedness. In an recent interview with ANI, Eric Garcetti acknowledged the distressing incidents involving Indian students.

The envoy emphasised that students should stay connected with peers and to utilize campus safety resources to enhance their awareness and preparedness.

Emphasising that such incidents can happen statistically in a country of this scale, he urged the students to remain vigilant and take adequate safety measures. "First and foremost, any families, and I've talked to some of those families who have faced a tragedy with their own son or daughter. I mean, our hearts go out. We take the justice issues very seriously of bringing to justice any perpetrators with, you know, a quarter million now a year, statistically, this is going to happen. But that's not acceptable to a parent if it happens to your child," Eric Garcetti stated.

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Santa Barbara based IndianAmerican entrepreneur Anupama, Anu Vaid has been scaling new heights with her parent-school communication platform ParentSquare. Recently she was among 14 winners of 2024 Power of Women award instituted by GSV Ventures, a multi-stage venture capital firm focused on more than $7 trillion global education and workforce skills sector.

The Power of Women award recognizes influential female leaders who are bringing about a world that provides equal access to the future through the promise of education. For Anu, who founded the company during a sabbatical from her Santa Barbara home when she saw a need to enhance the parent experience in school communications she navigated the same with her small children. Today she along with her husband, Sohit who is the CEO of ParentSquare, have not only expanded the team, secured first round of funding and partnering with schools beyond their hometown of Santa Barbara but have also managed to grow ParentSquare enormously. They recently acquired Remind, one of the largest free services in education used in over 80% of public schools and by 60% of teachers in the U.S. Together they serve over 18M student families on their paid platform.

In between her travels, Anu took out time to talk with Hi India to explain the concept behind ParentSquare and why it matters to have a seamless communication between parents and schools.

You founded Parent Square after seeing some significant gaps in parent-school communication. Talk to us more about it. From your own experiences if you would like to give any anecdotes on where you think there was a gap which the medium you conceptualized could bridge? When my daughter started kindergarten in 2008, I was a working parent and struggled to keep track of the various communications being sent home from my kids’ school. The teachers at my kids’ school were sending flyers home in backpacks – a lot of them that I had to check daily – PTA was using Google groups, the school office was sending robocalls home and the principal was using emails—all of this was going on independently, and it was a lot for parents to follow.

It wasn't until I took a sabbatical the following year and had more direct involvement in my daughter's school

Parent Square recently acquired Remind, one of the largest free services in education used in over 80% of public schools and by 60% of teachers in the U.S. Together they serve over 18 million student families on their paid platform.

Winner of 2024 Power of Women award Anupama Vaid -- on Parenting and Academics

Founder and President of ParentSquare, Anupama Vaid found the company in 2011 to bridge the gap between parent experience in school communications

activities that I realized the power of fostering stronger connections between parents and teachers. Being present for pickups allowed me to form a deeper bond with her teacher and witness firsthand the importance of seamless communication between home and school.

I envisioned a 21st-century solution that would unify these fragmented channels of communication, providing a centralized platform for parents, teachers, and administrators to connect effortlessly. Thus, the idea for ParentSquare was born.

So, when my son started kindergarten in the fall of 2010, my husband and I decided to pursue this journey. That was the origin of ParentSquare, which has become the premier safe and secure digital platform for all schoolhome communication.

Today you are serving close to 18 M US families on your platform. Does it feel surreal? What was your vision when you started?

Reaching close to 18 million families on our platform today is indeed a remarkable milestone—one that feels both fulfilling and surreal. When we embarked on the journey of creating ParentSquare, our vision was clear: to improve school-home communication by providing a digital tool that bridges the gap between educators and families.

true for Indian/Asian parents?

Yes, it's true that Indian families often prioritize their children's education and hold high expectations—a value deeply ingrained in our culture, and I like that. However, our decision to raise our children in Santa Barbara, a community with relatively few Indian families, offered a unique perspective on this notion. In my daughter's school, for instance, Indian families were a minority, comprising only three out of 750 students. This prompted us to prioritize not just academic excellence but also a sense of belonging and community for our children. We really wanted to be sure that our kids felt like they were part of a family which is not only about academics all the time. Fortunately, our children were able to manage their homework independently from an early age.

Moreover, the well-rounded and lower pressure of the education system in Santa Barbara resonated with us. The school offered a lot of art and music programs, and just like other families, we used to watch our kids play sports on weekends. We assimilated well with what the Santa Barbara community around us was doing. You recently made it to the Power of Women list. What do awards and recognitions such as these mean for you and for your company?

At that time, we started ParentSquare, the landscape was vastly different. There were next to no tools for helping teachers communicate with families and none that solved the problem of disparate communications across the school and districts. Our ambition was to fill this void with a comprehensive platform that streamlines communication channels and fosters collaboration between schools and families. I talked to the principal at my kids’ school, and she loved the idea of a technologydriven communications platform. She actually connected me with two teachers to help build the product. Developing the whole child has to be the shared responsibility of teachers and parents, and that happens more easily with a collaborative approach to communications. If we can involve parents in their children’s education more effectively and make them full partners with their child’s teacher, that’s a huge key to improving education.

Though early adoption was good at the local schools, we struggled to move beyond our hometown. The first few years were definitely very hard especially since we were new to both the American education system having studied in India, and also new to how to sell to schools. It took us about 4 years to get to our first breakthrough and schools outside our hometown of Santa Barbara. Today, as we reflect on the journey thus far, we are immensely proud of the impact ParentSquare has had on facilitating meaningful connections between schools and families nationwide.

As an Indian-origin parent did you feel a more active academic involvement in your kids' education. Is that notion

It's truly humbling to be included among such amazing women on the Power of Women list who are innovating and making a huge impact in their companies, their communities and in the education technology space. To me, this recognition isn't just about me—it's about the collective effort of our team at ParentSquare and the impact we're making. It’s a validation that our work is not only impactful but is also inspiring to others. It boosts our morale and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and innovating in the education space.

Could you explain ParentSquare and how it works for our readers?

ParentSquare has evolved to be more than just a communication platform— it's the go-to hub for all school-related needs, fostering seamless connections between schools, families, teachers, students, and staff.

ParentSquare brings alive all those paper flyers, notices, forms, and reports that previously cluttered your child's backpack. Think of messages home full of pictures and videos along with essential updates like attendance, lunch balance, grades, bus delays notifications, progress reports all under one platform. Parents can easily fill forms and sign permission slips or RSVP for events. Teachers can request volunteers, class supplies, donations, and even easy sign-ups for parentteacher conferences.

Going beyond school-home communication, ParentSquare also facilitates teacher-student interactions, enabling communication with prospective families, and fostering engagement within the broader school community. With school websites from ParentSquare, you can write messages once and also keep your communities informed, showcasing school achievements and opportunities for prospective families and staff recruitment.

Zofeen Maqsood

Boney Kapoor On Salman Khan And Arjun Kapoor's Rift

The producer, who is also Arjun’s father, confirmed that their relationship is strained even today. However, their fall out has not affected Boney’s equation with Salman. The filmmaker, who is preparing for the release of Maidaan, was speaking about Arjun’s acting career when he mentioned his and Salman’s strained relationship. “I may have separated from Mona (Kapoor, his first wife) but it was never in my mind that Arjun wants to become an actor. It was Salman who called me up and said that, ‘Boney sir, he will become an actor. He has it in him.’ He took it upon himself to see that he becomes an actor,” Boney recalled. “He made his lose weight. I would give credit to Salman where Arjun is concerned. Whatever said and done, today their equation might not be that good but he gave him his best (with regard to) Arjun. His growth was influenced by Salman,” the filmmaker added. Asked if their relationship impacted his relationship with Salman, Boney explained, “(Their fall out) has not altered my equation with Salman. I still love him, I still feel that there are very few like him, big hearted, warm hearted, whenever we meet, we meet with love. There is a lot of respect that he gives me and I love him.”

Arjun Kapoor is currently dating Malaika Arora, who was previously married to Salman Khan’s brother Arbaaz Khan. Arjun and Malika have been together for about five years now. Malaika also shares a son with Arbaaz. For the unversed, Arjun was once reportedly in a relationship with Salman’s younger sister Arpita Khan.

‘I

lived with nine psychopaths’ Nora Fatehi

Fatehi also spoke about living with nine girls in a Mumbai apartment, calling the experience “traumatic”. “I lived with nine psychopaths in a three BHK apartment where I shared the room with two other girls. During my stay there, I used to think, ‘What have I got myself into?’ I am still traumatised,” she shared.

The 32-year-old actor-dancer also opened up about the “rough experience” with agencies who paid her meagre salaries. “The agency would deduct a lot of money and pay me meagre salaries. I survived on one egg and bread. It was a rough time. I needed therapy. The struggle was really bad. They would charge you a commission and deduct money for even breathing. Some of the agencies exploit you and there are no laws to protect you,” she lamented.

In a 2019 interview with Zee News, Fatehi had shared, “The agency, that I used to work with, would only give me Rs 3000 per week. And managing my day-to-day routine within the given amount was really difficult for me. But I managed it smartly so that I didn’t run out of money by the end of the week (sic).”

Nora Fatehi, Avinash Tiwary, Pratik Gandhi, Divyenndu and Chhaya Kadam were recently seen in Madgaon Express, directed by Kunal Kemmu.

Allu Arjun reveals Pushpa The Rule teaser release date

Now, the makers of Pushpa have finally come up with a new update, which reveals the teaser of Pushpa The Rule will be unveiled on April 8, which marks the 42nd birthday of Arjun.

Along with the update, a new poster has also been released which features the feet of Pushpa which is adorned with salangai (anklets).

Other than Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faasil, the film also has Rashmika Mandanna in a pivotal role

Krip Suri says TV is his primary passion, he derives immense fulfillment from the medium

Krip Suri, who portrays Agnee in the mystical revenge thriller 'Baghin' shared that television has always been his primary passion, from which he derives immense fulfilment as an artist.

Krip has been a part of TV shows like 'Phulwa', 'Uttaran', 'Laal Ishq', and 'Fanaa: Ishq Mein Marjawan'. Expressing his profound dedication to his craft, Krip reaffirms his enduring affection for television, stating: "Television has always been my primary passion, where I derive immense fulfilment as an artist. I've had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed producers in television and have been fortunate to be part of exceptional projects over the years."

"While I remained engaged in various endeavours such as web shows and other projects, the timing may not have been conducive to securing significant television roles," he

said. Krip shared how he constantly yearns for meaningful roles. "Now that I've returned as a strong character with the show 'Baghin', I wish to convey a message to my colleagues in the industry. I implore them to consider me for roles, as I am fully committed to continuing my television journey," he said. Added Krip: "It's the medium that holds the most significance for me, and I am resolute in remaining an integral part of it."

The show revolves around the character of ‘Gauri’ played by Aneri who is a simple girl in love with Veer (Zeeshan Khan) but due to unforeseen circumstances has to get married to Veer’s brother Deva (Ansh Bagri).

Some unfateful event leads her to get possessed by the spirit of a tigress (Baghin), who embarks on a vengeful journey against those responsible for her demise.

My Gujarati accent is inspired by PM Modi Rupali Ganguly

Actor Rupali Ganguly reached the peak of success with her show Anupamaa, in which she plays the titular role of a strong-willed Gujarati woman. In a recent interview, the actor shared that her Gujarati accent on the hit show has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an interview with CNBC, Rupali said, “Life is about observing people and imbibing things from them. For me, when I saw Anupamaa, I saw her not speaking English. I saw her speaking Hindi with a Gujarati accent. So, I wanted to do that. A lot of stuff I picked up from the honourable Prime Minister.”

She added, “When you hear his speeches, there are certain words he speaks in Hindi, which have a predominant Gujarati accent and he does not shy away from that. He owns it. The way he holds his roots is what I picked for Anupamaa.”

Rupali Ganguly, who is also known for her part in the popular sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai as Monisha, said that her neighbour also helped her nail the Gujarati accent.

“I had a Gujarati neighbour and I used to go to her house to eat. So, I caught my accent for Anupamaa from her,” Rupali said.

Rupali Ganguly plays the titular character of a Gujarati woman in the hugely popular show Anupamaa

Urvashi Rautela

Breaks her silence on controversy over her and Rishabh Pant

Actress Urvashi Rautela, who recently got embroiled in a controversy surrounding cricketer Rishabh Pant, has issued a clarification expressing that her recent remarks were not directed towards anyone but were a part of a script. The actress recently featured in an advertisement for a matrimony brand. In the video, Urvashi was talking about actors, businessmen, singers and batsmen and said "Kuch log toh meri height ke bhi nahi hai.”

While the advertisement went viral, the actress found herself entangled in an unnecessary controversy in which it was alleged that she indirectly mocked Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant in the video.

the rumours in order to shut all trolls.

On Monday, Urvashi took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and wrote: “It’s a generic brand script given by the brand and it’s their prerogative. Not directed towards anyone, #spreadpositivity. As a responsible individual, I understand the impact individuals can have from me as the brand’s basic ambassador #hope #inspirekindness.”

The actress has now issued a clarification on

Meanwhile, on the work front, Urvashi is currently enjoying the success of ‘Love Dose 2.0’ with Yo Yo Honey Singh, and is currently gearing up for 'Jahangir National University' (JNU) where she is playing a college politician. The actress also has projects like ‘Welcome 3’ with Akshay Kumar, 'NBK109' with Bobby Deol, Dulqueer Salman, Nandamuri Balakrishna, 'Baap' (remake of Hollywood blockbuster ‘Expendables;) with Sunny Deol and Sanjay Dutt and ‘Inspector Avinash 2’ with Randeep Hooda in the pipeline.

Love Sex Aur Dhoka 2 teaser

The bold teaser of the much-awaited film, Love Sex Aur Dhoka 2 (LSD 2), is finally here and gives the audience a peek into the dark world of reality shows and the internet, albeit with dark humour. The adults-only teaser, which is full of lust, sexually explicit scenes, and deception, was posted by Balaji Motion Pictures on its social media handles. “Easy to swallow, hard to resist. LSD 2 ka pehla dose,” the video was captioned. The teaser is intriguing and captures the essence of the film, promising bold and gripping content.

Karan Johar Announces Reema Maya to Helm Student of the Year Series

Producer Karan Johar says Reema Maya of Nocturnal Burger fame will direct the series adaptation of his Student of the Year franchise. The filmmaker made the announcement on the closing day of the Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF) in Chandigarh on Sunday. “Reema Maya will be directing the digital version of Student of the Year. But it will be her way and definitely not mine. “If I’ll enter Reema Maya’s world then I will make it more of an illusion… I just wanted it to be her voice. She made it her own series,” Johar said of Maya, whose acclaimed short Nocturnal Burger received its world premiere at 2023’s Sundance Film Festival.

Crew box office collection day 3

After a robust opening at the box office, the film Crew, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kriti Sanon, and Tabu, soared high over the weekend. According to the makers, Crew raked in Rs 11.45 crore on Sunday, bringing its total domestic collection to Rs 32.7 crore. Its worldwide collection stands at Rs 62.53 crore gross.

Ayodhya gears up for ‘Ram Navami’ rush of devotees

Govinda Joins Shiv Sena

Ayodhya (UP), March 29 (IANS) The Ayodhya administration is gearing up for the largest ever crowd management exercise on Ram Navami which falls on April 17. The officials are expecting a congregation of more than 50 lakh pilgrims on the day. Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar and Chief Secretary D.S. Mishra are closely monitoring the preparations being made for Ram Navami and the nine-day long ‘Ram Janamotsav’ starting from April 9 which will conclude on April 17.

Govinda had emerged as a "giant killer" in 2004 when, as the Congress candidate, he defeated BJP stalwart Ram Naik in the Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat.

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Govinda, a mass entertainer of the 1990s who is known for his excellent comic timing and epic dance steps, on Thursday joined the ruling Shiv Sena in Mumbai, making a comeback in politics after a 14-year hiatus. The former Congress Lok Sabha MP joined the Shiv Sena in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the time of election season.

PM Tweets Criticism After 600 Lawyers Appeal to Chief Justice

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the Congress party today after hundreds of lawyers and some bar associations across the country wrote to the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, expressing concerns over attempts to undermine the judiciary's integrity using political and professional pressure. "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. Five decades ago, they itself had called for a 'committed judiciary' - they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests, but desist from any commitment towards the nation," PM Modi said in a post on the microblogging website X.

A large crowd has already gathered outside the former Mukhtar Ansari's house in Ghazipur amid heavy police presence

"Questions For You": M Kharge

New Delhi: Congress's Mallikarjun Kharge issued a strong rebuttal this evening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comment that to "browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture". In a statement that started with a mild "it is not proper form for the PM to comment on our judiciary", the Congress chief went on to ask four pointed questions and accused the Prime Minister of being "personally responsible" for "usurping" the powers of institutions and "weakening our country".

UP on High Alert Following Mukhtar Ansari's Death

New Delhi: Security has been tightened in several Uttar Pradesh towns after gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari died of a cardiac arrest. His family though allege that the gangster, who has been in jail since 2005, was poisoned. Prohibitory orders banning large gatherings have been imposed across the state and additional security personnel deployed in the Banda, Mau, Ghazipur and Varanasi districts. The jailed gangster was rushed to the hospital in Banda after he fell unconscious at a district jail on Thursday night. A few hours later, he was declared dead by the doctors at the Rani Durgavati Medical College.

While the hospital says the cause of

Biden hosts star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton

US President Joe Biden hosted a record-breaking election fundraiser in New York City, alongside his predecessors Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

His team said the star-studded evening at Radio City Music Hall would raise over $25m (£20m) for the campaign - a record for a single political event. They are looking to extend a growing cash gap between the president and his

Republican challenger Donald Trump. Polls suggest the race for the White House rests on a knife edge.

Some of those in attendance, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, were sure to make those election stakes clear to the raucous crowd of 5,000 Democrats. The New York senator told them they must do whatever they could to ensure that the "dishonest, chaotic, ineffective regime of Donald Trump" did not return.

Comedian Mindy Kaling hosted the event and spoke just moments after singer Lizzo finished a rendition of her hit About Damn Time. Other stars such as Queen Latifah and Cynthia Erivo also took the stage.

But the longest standing ovation was saved for the moment when the three presidents - Mr Biden, Mr Obama and Mr Clinton - came out.

death was a cardiac arrest, Mukhtar Ansari's son and his brother have demanded a probe as they believe he was poisoned while in jail. "Two days ago I came to meet him, but I was not allowed. Despite being unwell, he was sent to jail.

If the stomach was bloated then how could there be a heart attack? In the video that went viral, you can see that his stomach was bloated. His condition was serious. He was brought to be admitted to the ICU. But after 12-14 hours he was sent back to jail," his son Umar Ansari told the media. A panel of five doctors will conduct the postmortem today. A large force of police personnel has been deployed outside the Banda hospital where Mukhtar died.

Allegations of Slow Poisoning in Mukhtar Ansari's Death

The family of Mukhtar Ansari - who had been in jail in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh since 2005 - has alleged that he was poisoned in the prison.

"Mukhtar said that he was given a poisonous substance in his food in jail. This happened for the second time. He was given poison around 40 days ago as well. And, recently, on March 19, he was again given this (poison) due to which his condition was bad," his brother Afzal Ansari had been quoted as saying by PTI.

Reliance Takes Stake in Adani Project, Unprecedented Collaboration

New Delhi: In the first collaboration between billionaires, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries has picked up a 26 per cent stake in a Madhya Pradesh power project of Gautam Adani, and signed a pact to use the plants' 500 MW of electricity for captive use.

Reliance will pick up 5 crore equity shares in Mahan Energen Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Power Ltd, of face value ₹ 10 at par (Rs 50 crore) and will use 500 MW of generation capacity for captive use, the two firms said in separate stock exchange filings. The two businessmen hailing from Gujarat have often been pitted by media and commentators against each other but they have for years tiptoed around each other to reach the top two rungs of Asia's wealth ladder.

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PM Modi praises RBI for scrubbing off NPAs, revamping Indian banking system

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Indian banking system's remarkable transformation over the past decade during an event commemorating the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) 90th anniversary. He emphasized the system's newfound strength and sustainability, attributing it to robust credit growth and a significant reduction in bad loans, marking a departure from the twinbalance sheet problem of the past. Modi highlighted the substantial improvement in the gross nonperforming asset (GNPA) ratio, which plummeted from around 11.25 percent in 2018 to below 3 percent by September 2023. He credited the government's infusion of Rs 3.5 lakh crore into public sector banks for strengthening their balance sheets and curbing loan defaults. Despite challenges, such as Urjit Patel's resignation as RBI governor in December 2018, Modi commended the central bank's role in maintaining stability and facilitating a 15 percent

Taylor Swift joins world's billionaire list

Taylor Swift has joined Elon Musk as ranking among the world's wealthiest people, according to a new rich list. The American pop star entered the Forbes World's Billionaires List for the first time with $1.1bn (£877m), along with Sam Altman, creator of the AI chatbot ChatGPT on $1bn (£800m).

LVMH French luxury goods titan Bernard Arnault and his family topped the chart with an estimated $233bn (£185bn). Forbes said there were a record 2,781 billionaires for 2024.

Zee CEO Punit Goenka takes 20% pay cut in cost-cut push

India’s Zee Entertainment said on Tuesday its CEO Punit Goenka will take a 20% pay cut, days after downsizing workforce at its technology and innovation centre, as part of the company’s cost-cut drive. Goenka’s annual remuneration was 350.71 million rupees ($4.21 million) as of March 31 last year. Zee did not immediately respond to a request for the latest figures.

The pay cut comes as the broadcaster tries to trim losses in some of its businesses, including its English TV channels, and reduce costs to meet a key profit target, as instructed by a newly formed review panel last week.

credit growth. He emphasized the importance of balancing inflation control with economic growth, expressing confidence in the RBI's potential to set a global example. Looking ahead, Modi urged bureaucrats to prepare for an influx of work following his anticipated re-election, affirming the government's commitment to enhancing India's economic self-

reliance.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das echoed Modi's sentiments, pledging the central bank's dedication to fostering a stable financial system conducive to the country's economic progress. Das emphasized the RBI's role as a symbol of stability and commitment to citizen welfare, pledging to uphold these values in the coming decade.

Truth Social: Trump's DJT stock plummets days after going public

Trump Media makes its money exclusively through advertising on Truth Social

Shares of Donald Trump's social media company fell by more than 20% on Monday, less than a week after it began publicly trading under the DJT ticker. The drop comes after Trump Media & Technology Group reported it had lost nearly $60m (£48m) last year while only bringing in around $4m in revenue.

The price plunge caused the former president's net worth to shrink by $1bn, according to Bloomberg. Shares had surged last week, giving the company an $11bn valuation.

But experts warned the stock was bound to tumble, as its main product - Truth Social - loses users and burns cash.

The price spike drew comparisons to the pandemic-era "meme stock" mania, when the share prices of companies like GameStop and AMC soared even though basic parts of their businesses, such as revenue, were weak.

Meme stocks are ones that gain sudden popularity on social media, sparking price rises as online investors rush to buy.

On Monday, shares of Trump Media - which makes its money exclusively through advertising on Truth Socialfell $13.30 to $48.66. But they are still up nearly 200% so far this year.

US benefits from decline in China's FDI share

New Delhi: (IANS) The US and a select set of developed markets and emerging markets seem to have benefited from a sharp decline in the share of FDI inflows into China, Kotak Institutional Equities said. China has lost 9.30 pps in the share

Apple's services revenue likely to cross $100 bn mark in 2025: Report

New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) Apple's services revenue is likely to cross the $100 billion mark for the first time, despite legal and regulatory risks, accounting for one-fourth of its revenue by 2025, a new report said on Tuesday. According to Counterpoint Research, the company should breach the $400 billion revenue mark for the first time in 2024, supported by the growth of its hardware and services segments. As per analysts, antitrust lawsuits in the US and EU (European Union) pressure are key risk factors, but they are likely to play out over a longer term.

Tesla 'disaster' with fewest deliveries since 2022

Deliveries from Elon Musk's Tesla have slid sharply in the first three months of the year, as the EV company grappled with a fire at its European factory, global shipping disruption and other challenges. The company handed over just under 387,000 electric cars to customersthe smallest quarterly figure in more than a year. That was down more than 8% year-on-year and far fewer than analysts expected.Shares fell more than 4% on the news.

Data from 73 million AT&T accounts leaked online

of global FDI over CY2019-23, while the US has gained 14.3 pps over the same period. Other major countries witnessing an increasing share of FDI inflows are Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Poland. The US has seen a massive increase in FDI in the manufacturing sector in recent years, driven by diversification (near-shoring and on-shoring) in supply chains, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, large incentives for investment under the Inflation Reduction Act and CHIPS Act and large investments in AI, Kotak Institutional Equities said. The recent weakness in gross FDI inflows to India is also symptomatic of a slowdown in global capital flows since CY2021, the brokerage said.

Personal data belonging to 73 million current or former AT&T customers has been leaked online.

Information including addresses, social security numbers and passcodes was published on the dark web, the US telecoms giant said. AT&T said it had not identified evidence indicating the data had been stolen but had brought in cybersecurity experts to investigate. The company said it had reset customers' passcodes. They were urged by the company to "remain vigilant by monitoring account activity and credit reports".

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FM Nirmala Sitharaman, PM Narendra Modi and RBI governor Shaktikanta Das at a ceremony marking 90 years of the RBI in Mumbai.

Arvind Kejriwal's

Sunita Kejriwal — the wife of Arvind Kejriwal — continued her webcast on Friday, a day after her jailed husband put up a show of defiance in court.

Sunita also launched a WhatsApp campaign to seek support for Kejriwal just days before the INDIA bloc's rally to protest his arrest. Her emotional appeal drew criticism from Union minister and BJP leader Hardeep Puri who compared her to Rabri Devi. The BJP, too, highlighted the disarray in the Opposition following the arrest of the AAP's national convener last week.

Indian Navy Rescues 23 Pakistanis from Pirate-Attacked Vessel

New Delhi: The Indian Navy responded to a pirate attack in the Arabian Sea and rescued an Iranian fishing vessel and its crew of 23 Pakistani nationals in an over 12-hour-long antipiracy operation. "Based on inputs on a potential piracy incident onboard an Iranian Fishing Vessel 'Al-Kambar 786' late evening on March 28, two Indian Naval ships - mission deployed in the Arabian Sea for maritime security operationswere diverted to intercept the hijacked fishing vessel," the Navy said in a statement.

US YouTuber YourFellowArab Kidnapped In Haiti

The YouTuber is being held for a $600,000 ransom

American YouTuber Addison

Pierre Maalouf, popularly known as YourFellowArab or Arab, has allegedly been kidnapped in Haiti by one of the gangs that become its de facto rulers. According to the New York Post, the Georgiabased YouTuber had travelled to the violence-stricken country to interview the nation's most notorious gang leader, Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier. However, just 24 hours after he arrived in Haiti, Mr Maalouf and a Haitian colleague were taken by members of the 400 Mawozo gang on March 14. According to The Post, the YouTuber is being held for a $600,000 ransom, and even though $40,000 has already been paid, the kidnappers are continuing to demand a large sum of money to secure Mr Maalouf's release.

Congress Accuses Modi of Tax Terrorism

The Congress on Friday received fresh incometax notices demanding Rs 1,823 crore, a hammer blow that threatened to deepen its financial crisis ahead of the general election and prompted it to accuse the Narendra Modi government of “tax terrorism”.

The Congress said the income-tax department, which earlier imposed a Rs 210-crore fine on the party and froze some of its bank accounts, had clamped the latest penalty on the strength of entries mentioned in diaries seized in 2019.

US, Germany, UN React VP Responds

New Delhi: Stressing that India is a unique democracy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said the country does not need lessons from anyone on the rule of law. His comments came after Germany, the US and the United Nations made remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The questions posed to representatives of the US and the UN, which triggered the comments, were also about the freezing of the Congress' bank accounts. Speaking at an event on Friday, the Vice President said, "India is a democracy with a robust judicial system. This can't be compromised

by any individual or any group. India does not need lessons from anyone on rule of law." Mr Dhankhar emphasised that "equality before law is the new norm" in India and those who thought they are beyond the law are being held accountable. In a possible reference to the AAP's planned rally against Mr Kejriwal's arrest at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday, which will be attended by several leaders from the INDIA alliance, the Vice President said, "But what do we see? The moment the law takes its course, they take to the streets, high-decibel debates, camouflaging culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose," he added.

'Racist' Cartoon After Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said India has a robust judiciary and does not

need lessons from anyone

BJP Candidate Against Rahul Gandhi In Wayanad Has 242 Cases

Kochi, Kerala: BJP state chief K Surendran, who is also the NDA candidate pitted against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, has 242 criminal cases against him. As part of the statutory requirements, Surendran had recently published the details of his cases in the party mouthpiece which ran for three full pages. Similarly, the saffron party's Ernakulam constituency candidate K S Radhakrishnan has around 211 cases against him.

5 Men Arrested for 17 Burglaries

Targeting Indian Americans in Washington

Zofeen Maqsood

Recently a number of home invasion robberies were seen in the Western Washington area targeting specifically Indian American or Asian American

households. Now five men are facing multiple felony charges. Kirkland police in West Washington along with other law enforcement agencies have arrested the men, suspected of orchestrating at least 17 burglaries in the Kirkland area. The men were arrested at a home in Redmond. Police were able to recover multiple stolen items including $17,000 in cash and designer handbags. In February, detectives began investigations on the increase of residential burglaries which occurred

in King and Snohomish counties. These burglaries targeted members of the Indian American and South Asian communities. Surveillance video captured three of the suspects in a Kirkland neighborhood in late February.

According to their modus operandi, suspects traveled between California and Washington in rental cars. They swapped license plates with stolen ones, and stayed in short-term rental properties to change locations, as per the Kirkland Police Department.

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A day later, a US-based webcomic shared a cartoon depicting the incident. The animated video shows unkempt men dressed only in loincloths preparing for the impending crash and was directed at the crew on the ship. "Last known recording from inside the Dali moments before impact," Foxford Comics wrote on X (formerly Twitter) while sharing the video. The cartoon also had the audio of people swearing at each other in English but with a strong Indian accent. The graphic has gone viral garnering 4.2 million views and 2k comments. The account is being criticised not just for its racist depiction of Indians, but also for undermining the ship's crew.

wife launches WhatsApp campaign

DENIM’S VERSATILITY

Denim's versatility, sturdiness, and ability to transcend trends make it timeless, opines fashion designer Anamika Khanna who showcased her latest collection at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI.

Ace fashion designer Anamika

Khanna believes designs should celebrate India’s diverse culture while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. Khanna, the creative force behind AK-OK, recently showcased her new Spring Summer ’24 collection at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI. Drawing inspiration from the adventures of a nomadic biker hailing from Odisha’s Bonda tribe, the collection in collaboration with Ajio Luxe is a fusion of heritage and modernity.

“It celebrates tribal culture with a modern twist, inspired by the Bonda tribe of Odisha. Ajio Luxe and I share a passion for celebrating India’s rich heritage while embracing modern innovation. Together, we are excited to showcase Indian craftsmanship and offer our collection to a wider audience,” said Khanna. Khanna speaks about her love for modern aesthetics, classic denim, and how Gen Z (aka Zoomers, born between 1997 and 2012) is driving the fashion landscape.

Tell us about your new collection inspired by the Bonda tribe.

Anamika Khanna: This collection has kept me busy for the last few months. It celebrates tribal culture with a modern twist. I sought to pay homage to the Bonda tribe’s artistry while adding a contemporary twist. As a brand deeply rooted in celebrating local craftsmanship and heritage, we must create awareness about the exquisite tribal art of Odisha. The collection is grounded in denim with a palette that includes quintessential whites, ivories, and blacks, expanding over to a range of prints and bolder

colours like red and pink. We have incorporated these elements to honour the tribe’s resilience, creativity, and skilled craftsmanship. What sets your designs apart?

Anamika Khanna: We focus on creating pieces that resonate with people. Our designs go beyond fashion; they tell stories, evoke emotions, and empower. We celebrate India’s diverse culture while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. Authenticity and passion shine through in everything we do. Why is denim a timeless fabric?

Anamika Khanna: Denim’s versatility, sturdiness, and ability to transcend trends make it timeless. It effortlessly blends comfort and fashion, suitable for various occasions. Whether dressed up or casual, denim offers a cool sophistication that never goes out of style.

What are the top three things needed to understand fashion today?

Anamika Khanna: Embrace diversity, sustainability, and individuality. Fashion is about expressing yourself, making conscious choices that reflect your values, and celebrating cultural exchange and inclusivity. Has fashion changed for Gen Z?

Anamika Khanna: Absolutely! Gen Z prioritises inclusivity and selfexpression. They are conscious consumers who value authenticity and transparency. They are driving the rise of digital fashion and influencing trends through social media, creating a more accessible fashion landscape.

Aries

Author Bio:

Chirag Daruwalla is the best celebrity astrologer who is one of the most famous names in the astrology world. Chirag Daruwalla has more than 18+ years of experience. You can ask for any advice related to career, health, finance, business, money, and love marriage. He has complete knowledge, solutions, and guidance to all the problems related to life. If you want to avail his astrological services then you can visit his website chiragdaruwalla.com. For guidance on problems related to your life, you can talk to Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla on Call/ Whatsapp: +91 8141566266 or also mail: info@ chiragdaruwalla.com

5th April 2024 to 11th April 2024

Ganesha says that laziness will try to dominate you at the beginning of the week for the people of Aries. During this, the progress regarding career business will also be a little slow. If you are doing business in partnership, then you need to move forward by keeping the accounts properly.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of Taurus will have to avoid being misled by others this week. In such a situation, avoid glorifying your action plan in front of people. Treat senior officers and senior persons politely.

Gemini

Ganesha says that this week will provide new opportunities in career and business to the people of Gemini. If you have been trying for a long time for employment, then you will get better opportunities to advance your career this week. There will be better relations with higher officials.

Cancer

Ganesha says that this week has brought auspiciousness and good fortune for the Cancerians. This week, your long pending work will be completed with the help of an effective person. If you have taken any loan, chances will be there to repay it.

Leo

Ganesha says that this week the people of the Leo zodiac should avoid taking responsibility for any work on others, otherwise, you may have to worry later. If you manage to balance your energy and time, then all your planned work will be completed.

Virgo

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week for the people of the Virgo zodiac, any big problemrelated to the family will become a big reason for their mental troubles. During this, in some cases, relatives will also be seen separating from you, due to which your mind can be hurt.

Libra

Ganesha says that the people of the Libra zodiac will feel lonely many times this week. Your decision

power will be seen to be weak this week. You will find yourself in a state of confusion while doing any work. In such a situation, instead of taking any major decision, it would be better to postpone it further. Instead of getting entangled in small matters in the workplace, it would be better to ignore them.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the minds of Scorpio people will not stay in any one place this week. Sometimes you will be seen focusing on one work and sometimes you will be seen focusing on some other work. If you find yourself confused while doing any work, do not hesitate to take the advice of your well-wishers.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that this week for the people of Sagittarius, you will get new employment opportunities and or opportunities to progress in it. This week, in whatever direction you will try with full dedication, you will get auspicious results in that. There will be desired profit in business. Additional sources of income will be created.

Capricorn

Ganesha says that this week, when you will get income from various sources for the people of Capricorn, there will also be a lot of money spent on amenities and home repairs, etc.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that the people of Aquarius need to be very careful about their known and unknown enemies this week. Your opponents in the workplace may try to disrupt your plans. In the middle of the week, the mind may remain a little upset due to not getting the help of colleagues on time.

Pisces

Ganesha says that people of Pisces may have to travel long or short distances at the beginning of the week itself. This week, youth will spend more time having fun. In the middle of the week, due to the arrival of a dear person in the house, there will be an atmosphere of happiness.

( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)

Introducing 'Zee Family Pack': South Asian Entertainment on YouTube TV Nationwide!

LOS

ANGELES, CA – [March 20, 2024]

– Embark on an immersive journey into South Asian entertainment with the much-anticipated launch of Zee’s new video packages, now gracing screens nationwide on YouTube TV. Unveiling the “Zee Family” package, this strategic partnership introduces an impressive selection of 18 premium channels on the YouTube TV platform, dedicated to captivating the diverse and vibrant South Asian community across the United States.

Asia TV USA Ltd. and YouTube TV are thrilled to announce the successful launch of 18 channels from Zee Entertainment in the USA. This partnership marks a significant milestone in catering to the diverse needs of the South Asian population in the USA, particularly regional language speakers such as Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi etc., the regional languages have seen tremendous growth in the last decade as per the data released in the 2020 US Census. This landmark collaboration not only reaffirms the availability of the flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV, but also introduces a total of 17 additional ZEE channels, offering a rich variety spanning multiple languages. The expanded lineup includes popular channels such as Zee Cinema, &TV, Zee Bangla, Zee Tamil, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, Zee Keralam, Zee Marathi, Zee Punjabi, Zee World, and others.

Mr. Punit Misra, President of Content and International Markets at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.,

3 Indian Americans Among Forbes' Top 200 Lawyers

Neal Katyal, former Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States, and two other Indian Americans— Monica Arora and Ambika Kumar — have made it to the Forbes inaugural list of America’s top 200 lawyers. The list “highlights the finest practitioners in the profession— lawyers with stellar track records in their specialties, those who have broken barriers to emerge as leaders in their fields, and attorneys most respected by peers and clients.”

Selected through, what Forbes calls “a rigorous, multi-stage process” from a massive and growing sector—a more than $300 billion industry, the list represents a “collection of top lawyers involved in the most consequential cases, deals or legal trends in recent years.”

Three Indian Americans on the Forbes power list of lawyers with “reputations for integrity, records of excellence— and Forbes’ recognition as the best in the business”.

emphasizes the strategic significance of the U.S. market within ZEE’s global strategy. “The rising South Asian population in the U.S. not only underscores our commitment but also presents a unique prospect for us to fulfill the evolving content preferences of this expanding demographic in the U.S. The strategic partnership with YouTube TV will enable viewers in USA, access to a vast repertoire of rich, multilingual content from India showcasing the Country’s culture and traditions, ensuring an immersive and fulfilling viewing experience for consumers. This collaboration with ZEE marks a significant stride in delivering a premium suite of channels tailored to the South Asian audience to YouTube TV customers nationwide. Emphasizing the importance of this alliance, Mr. Ashok Namboodiri, Chief Business Officer for International Business at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.,

affirms, ‘Our partnership is pivotal in realizing our growth objectives in the U.S., guaranteeing the provision of a diverse range of entertainment options specifically curated for the South Asian audiences subscribing to YouTube TV. For more details on our South Asian TV packages on YouTube TV, immerse yourself in the India Family pack experience at https://tv.youtube.com/ store. Elevate your entertainment and embrace the diversity! “

About YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a subscription streaming service that lets viewers watch live and on-demand TV from over 100 channels through a simple and award-winning experience. Viewers have access to local and national live sports, breaking news, shows, movies and more, and can tune in on any screen (phone, tablet, TV, computer). With over 8 million subscribers, YouTube TV offers features such as unlimited cloud DVR storage space, multiview, the ability to view key sports plays, hide spoilers and check out real-time stats.

About Asia TV USA Ltd.

“Asia TV USA Ltd. distributes the services of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (Zeel) in USA. Zeel is a media company offering content for entertainment of diverse audiences. With presence in over 190 countries and a reach of more than 1.3 billion people around the globe, ZEEL is amongst the largest global Media & Entertainment Companies across genres, languages, and integrated content platforms.”

Taxi Workers Alliance loses battle over driver permit hike

NEW YORK, NY- The Taxi & Limousine Commission plans to re-issue up to 2,500 unused livery driver permits in Upper Manhattan and the boroughs. A Manhattan Supreme Court judge ruled against the New York Taxi Workers Alliance on Thursday, which had sued the city last year to stop the TLC from implementing a pilot program. The program aimed to introduce additional for-hire vehicles (FHVs) without increasing demand, as the Alliance argued.

Justice Nicholas Moyne sided with the city, suggesting that the impact of the two-year test drive would likely be minimal. Moyne noted that the increase under the pilot program, bringing the number of licensed vehicles to 109,051, would only represent a 2.34%

USCIS Revises Policy Manual To Align With New Fee Rule

WASHINGTON, DC- We are revising our guidance (PDF, 364.37 KB) in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request

Requirements Final Rule published in the Federal Register on Jan. 31, 2024, and effective on April 1, 2024.

Revisions to the policy manual apply to all applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1. We will use the postmark date of a filing to determine which form version and fees are correct, but we will use the receipt date for purposes of any regulatory or statutory filing deadlines.

The revised guidance covers new form fees, fee waivers and fee exemptions, limits on the number of beneficiaries for certain employment-based forms, and a new form supplement for orphan intercountry adoption cases. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page, which we recently updated, for more details about the fee rule and fee schedule.

Krishnamoorthi leads in seeking DOJ briefing on Hindu hate crimes amid temple attacks

increase from the existing 106,551 FHVs in the city. The TLC program focuses on reissuing 2,500 “green taxi” licenses, waiving costly requirements such as specific paint jobs, meters, markings, and rooftop lights. Prearranged trips must be booked through livery bases rather than hailed on the street. Approximately 700 participating vehicles are currently on the road, according to the TLC. TLC Commissioner David Do expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that the pilot program aimed to reduce upfront costs for green cab licensees and improve outer-borough service, particularly for non-emergency medical trips. He emphasized the importance of pilot programs in testing ideas based on data and stakeholder feedback. However, Jose Altamirano, president of the Livery Base Owners association, believes the number of licenses should be increased further to support forhire vehicle drivers and businesses, especially in the outer boroughs. The program targets areas historically underserved by yellow taxis, including parts of Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, and Upper Manhattan.

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the TLC has allowed too many vehicles into the market, resulting in decreased earnings for drivers.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, joined by Representatives Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal, and Ami Bera, led a letter urging the Department of Justice for a briefing on ongoing investigations into recent vandalism at houses of worship, assaults on mandirs, and broader strategies concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus. They highlighted the impact of attacks, expressed concerns over lack of progress in identifying suspects, and stressed the need for equal protection under the law. Emphasizing the frequency and proximity of incidents, they called for collaborative efforts to combat bigotry against religious and ethnic minorities. The Members set a deadline of April 18th for the Department of Justice to provide the requested briefing.

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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi

Patel Brothers Chicago Hosts Indoor Holi Carnival for 50th Anniversary

Patel, founder of Patel Brothers,

CHICAGO, IL- On March 30th, Patel Brothers marked a significant milestone with the celebration of their 50th Anniversary, hosting the first-ever Biggest Indoor Bollywood ‘Holi Carnival in Chicagoland. This spectacular event was held in association with Zee5, BSC, Ajshi Events, JD Seventz, RE Skill Academy, PN Entertainment, American Family Insurance, Core Exteriors, OZA 3D Led Dance by DJOZA, Shree ji Builder, and Ashton Place. The Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL, served as the vibrant venue for the festivities.

The highlight of the evening was the live performance by Bollywood Singer Rex D’Souza, renowned for his fame from Gurukul. His captivating singing enthralled the audience, adding an extra layer of joy and celebration to the event. Throughout the day, Patel Brothers ensured non-stop entertainment with hourly raffle prizes, keeping the excitement alive. Mafatbhai Patel, a cornerstone figure of Patel Brothers, graced the occasion with his presence from 11 am to 6 pm,

Jayanti Oza

symbolizing the enduring commitment of the Patel family to their community. Over 5000 attendees from Chicago and beyond reveled in the joyous atmosphere, indulging in the traditional practice of spraying vibrant Holi colors on each other. Despite the unpredictable weather outside, the indoor setting provided a cozy and comfortable environment for people to celebrate Holi with their loved ones without any hindrance. The culinary delights of Indian street food delighted the taste buds of attendees throughout the day, offering a diverse array of flavors to savor. Additionally, attractions like Fire Paan and a Digital LED light man added to the enchantment of the event, particularly capturing the imagination of the younger attendees. This indoor Holi festival marked a pioneering moment, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for celebrating cultural traditions in innovative and inclusive ways. Patel Brothers’ commitment to fostering cultural celebration and community spirit shone brightly throughout the event, leaving indelible memories for all who attended.

SF Consul General celebrates cricket pitch inauguration at University of the Pacific

San Francisco Consul General Dr. K. Srikar

Reddy inaugurated a new cricket pitch at the University of the Pacific's Stockton campus in California. The event, attended by around 100 individuals including Christopher Callahan, the university's president, and Niraj Chaudhary, the dean of libraries, highlighted the significance of the pitch for the university's 450 Indian students, who make up roughly half of the international student body.

Reddy expressed optimism that the initiative would attract more Indian

students to the University of the Pacific, fostering cultural exchange and friendship. The ceremony featured an exhibition cricket match, Indian cuisine, Bollywood performances, and other

festivities celebrating both sport and culture. Yusuf Ejaz '24, a student from New Delhi, expressed gratitude for the pitch, noting its importance in making international students feel at home. University officials, including Callahan and Chaudhary, acknowledged the students' desires for better facilities, with plans for the cricket pitch originating from discussions during a trip to India. The University of the Pacific's cricket club, which boasts 93 active members, anticipates further growth with the new facility.

Ravi Bhalla Lambasts Opponent Over Sam Bankman-Fried’s $250,000 Contribution

Representative Rob Menendez Jr. for his apparent acceptance of support from Sam Bankman-Fried’s Super PAC, Protect Our Future, during the 2022 primary campaign, to the tune of $250,000. Last week, Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding hundreds of thousands of customers. “This constitutes a clear attempt to sway the actions of Senator Bob Menendez, Rob Menendez Jr.’s father, particularly concerning the Senate Banking Committee’s deliberations on cryptocurrencies, and Rob Menendez Jr. appeared content to benefit from this support while remaining silent,” stated Rob Horowitz, spokesperson for Ravi Bhalla for Congress. “It is now apparent that Rob Menendez Jr. likely profited from funds unlawfully obtained from investors.” Horowitz continued, “It is imperative for Rob Menendez Jr. to distance himself from the special interests that have propelled his political trajectory. I urge him to join me in refusing corporate PAC contributions.” The primaries are scheduled for June.

Neal Katyal ranks among America's top 200 lawyers

Indian American Neal Katyal has earned a spot on Forbes' prestigious America’s Top 200 Lawyers list for 2024, an honor reserved for legal professionals exhibiting exceptional expertise and garnering widespread respect. Katyal, a partner at Hogan Lovells, boasts a distinguished career, having argued 50 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and excelling in litigation, constitutional law, patents, arbitration, and employment law. Notably, he serves as the Special Prosecutor for the State of Minnesota in the George Floyd murder case. His tenure as Acting Solicitor General of the United States saw significant victories, including upholding the constitutionality of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Katyal's recent achievement includes the dismissal of the "independent state legislature theory" in a North Carolina gerrymandering case. Apart from his legal prowess, Katyal is recognized for his commentary on national issues and has made appearances on major American news programs. With degrees from Dartmouth and Yale Law School, Katyal's contributions to the legal profession and his appearances in popular television shows underscore his multifaceted influence.

Record Enrollment Spurs GOP Obamacare Dismantling

In a Sacramento Bee op-ed, Congressman Ami Bera praises President Biden's ACA efforts, citing 21.3 million enrolled, 80% paying $10/month or less. He warns of GOP threats to ACA, risking coverage loss for 40 million Americans, including 6 million Californians with pre-existing conditions. Bera urges permanence of cost-saving measures, criticizes Republican repeal attempts, and emphasizes Democrats' focus on accessibility and affordability.

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HOBOKEN, NJ- The Ravi Bhalla for Congress campaign has sharply criticized Democratic primary opponent

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Neal Katyal

Mafatbhai

shares a moment with Jayanti Oza, Chicago News Media Journalist

Mafatbhai Patel, a cornerstone figure of Patel Brothers, graced the occasion with his presence from 11 am to 6 pm, symbolizing the enduring commitment of the Patel family to their community.

MTA Approves Manhattan Toll Plan To Ease Traffic Congestion

NEW YORK, NY – Congestion pricing has been approved, implementing a $15 toll for most motorists entering the heavily congested areas of Manhattan once a day. The MTA board greenlit the toll amounts on Wednesday, set to take effect as early as June, marking the launch of the nation’s first congestion pricing program. The tolls will apply to vehicles traveling below 60th Street. Originally endorsed by state lawmakers and then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2019, the Central Business District Tolling Program aims to generate $15 billion for transit system maintenance and expansion, while also aiming to decrease the daily influx of vehicles into the congestion zone south of 60th Street by 100,000.

“We’ve long grappled with more traffic than any other place in the United States, and now we’re taking action,” remarked MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber

Amitabh Misra Named CTO at Sprinklr for Innovation

NEW YORK, NY- Sprinklr, a leading enterprise software company based in New York, has named Indian American executive Amitabh Misra as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective April 1. In this role, Misra will oversee all research and development teams worldwide, including product and engineering divisions.

Previously, Misra spearheaded global R&D efforts for Adobe’s Experience Cloud Platform, managing teams in India, Europe, and the US. Prior to Adobe, he served as Founder and CEO of GOFro.com and held key positions at Snapdeal.com.

With an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BTech from IIT Kanpur, Misra brings a wealth of experience in scaling businesses and AI technology.

Ragy Thomas, Founder and CEO of Sprinklr, emphasized Misra’s exceptional leadership qualities and industry expertise. Misra expressed enthusiasm for joining Sprinklr, citing its innovative AI technology and commitment to customer satisfaction. Misra’s appointment aligns with Sprinklr’s focus on advancing UnifiedCXM platforms, heralding an exciting chapter for the company’s future in customer experience..

following Wednesday’s approval.

The approved toll rates inside the congestion zone are as follows: $15 for passenger and small commercial vehicles with a valid E-ZPass between 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, with a reduced rate of $3.75 after 9 p.m. Trucks and certain buses will face charges ranging from $24 to $36 during the day and $6 to $9 at night, depending on size. Motorcycles will be tolled at $7.50 during the day and $1.75 at night. However, exemptions will be granted to some emergency vehicles, vehicles transporting individuals with

disabilities, school and commuter buses, licensed commuter vans, and select government vehicles.

Despite being codified into state law in 2019, congestion pricing encountered federal hurdles and is currently entangled in multiple lawsuits that may delay its planned mid-June implementation. The litigation has already impeded progress on planned transit upgrades, including signal enhancements and the northern expansion of the Second Avenue Subway.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey congressman and vocal congestion pricing opponent, criticized the MTA board’s decision as a mere “rubber stamp,” predicting legal battles and public backlash.

Legal proceedings, including a lawsuit filed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, are slated to resume in June. Unless a judge rules against the MTA, tolling scanners at congestion zone entrances will be activated.

Former Indian Ambassador Taranjeet Singh

Sandhu Runs for Amritsar Lok Sabha Seat

Former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu will be contesting the Lok Sabha seat from

the Amritsar constituency in Punjab. Sandhu’s candidacy was announced on Saturday by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sandhu recently retired from the Indian Foreign Service in January. He wrote on X: “I am grateful to Sri Guru Ram Das Ji for being announced by the Central Election Committee of the BJP as a candidate from the Lok Sabha to serve the people of Sri #Amritsar Sahib’s constituency for the #LokSabhaElections2024. Grateful to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, Party President Shri J.P. Nadda Ji, Punjab BJP President Shri Sunil Jakhar Ji, and the entire @BJP4India leadership.” The election in Punjab is scheduled for June 1.

Woman Dies Trying to Cross International Border Fence

SAN DIEGO, CA- A woman died after falling from the U.S.—Mexico border near the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Thursday night, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

On March 21, 2024, around 10:27 p.m., the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Communications Center alerted via service radio that several individuals were nearing the secondary International Border Fence, approximately 2.7 miles west of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, carrying a ladder. The secondary fence, about 30 feet tall

Willow By Cricbuzz': New Cricket Platform for US Fans

NEW YORK, NY Willow, a premier cricket broadcaster in the US and Canada, has joined forces with Cricbuzz, the world’s largest cricket website and app, to introduce ‘Willow by Cricbuzz.’ This venture was inaugurated alongside the opening match of the IPL. According to a press release, this partnership “aims to establish a unified hub for cricket enthusiasts in the United States and Canada, offering live coverage of top-tier matches alongside top-notch reporting and analysis.” The launch of Willow by Cricbuzz will roll out gradually over the next few weeks.

Existing Willow subscribers can still enjoy live cricket on Willow’s digital platforms and now on Willow by Cricbuzz within the Cricbuzz app. New users can register by visiting cricbuzz. com/willow or by downloading the Cricbuzz app. To commemorate the debut, Willow by Cricbuzz will provide free streaming of the IPL for subscribers signing up for Abound, the membership club for NRIs. Television subscribers who currently access Willow through cable, satellite, OTT platforms, or Willow’s websites and apps can continue to enjoy uninterrupted viewing on the channel.

Monank Patel to Lead in T20 Series against Canada

with vertical metal bollards, featured an electrical conduit atop its north side, facilitating an electric gate nearby.

CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) compiled information from radio transmissions, surveillance footage, and interviews.

Around 10:30 p.m., a Border Patrol agent intervened as a woman attempted to climb down the north side of the fence, getting stuck. Despite efforts, she fell at approximately 10:54 p.m., suffering severe injuries. Emergency services arrived promptly, but she was declared deceased by a physician around 11:17 p.m. The victim, a 24-year-old Guatemalan citizen, prompted investigations by local authorities and CBP’s OPR. The incident, partially recorded on body cameras, will have footage released per protocol.

This notification complies with CBP’s policy on reporting deaths involving its operations and DHS reporting requirements.

Indian American player Monank Patel will continue to lead USA Cricket’s men’s team for the upcoming T20 international series against Canada. The five-match series will be held from April 7 to13 in Houston, Texas. Aaron Jones will remain his deputy. The team for T20 against Canada is: Monank Patel (captain), Aaron Jones (VC), Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Gajanand Singh, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Usman Rafiq. The matches will take place at the Prairie View Cricket Complex (PVCC), in Houston, Texas.

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Taranjit Singh Sandhu

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Climate change could affect timekeeping, study says

Climate change is affecting the speed of the Earth's rotation and could impact how we keep time, a study says.

Accelerating melt from Greenland and Antarctica is adding extra water to the world's seas, redistributing mass.

That is very slightly slowing the Earth's rotation. But the planet is still spinning faster than it used to. The effect is that global timekeepers may need to subtract a second from our clocks later than would otherwise have been the case.

"Global warming is already affecting global timekeeping," says the study, published in the journal Nature.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) - which is used by most of the world to regulate clocks and time - is calculated by the Earth's rotation.

But the Earth's rotation rate is not constant and can therefore have an effect on how long our days and nights are.

Changes to the planet's liquid core have meant the

Stem cell therapy can be a safe option for people suffering from hard-to-treat traumatic spinal cord injuries, according to results of a phase 1 clinical trial revealed on Monday.

The trial, published by the Mayo Clinic in the US, showed that stem cells that are derived from a patient's own fat are safe and may help in improving sensation and movement for people living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. "This study documents the safety and potential benefit of stem cells and regenerative medicine," said Mohamad Bydon, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic.

The study, appearing in the journal Nature Communications, included 10 adults. Of these, seven demonstrated improvements like “increased sensation when tested with pinprick and light touch, increased strength in muscle motor groups, and recovery of voluntary anal contraction, which aids in bowel function.”

While the remaining three patients showed no improvement, it did not get worse, the trial showed. No serious adverse events were recorded after the treatment, and the most commonly reported side effects were headache and

Earth has been spinning slightly quicker. Since the 1970s, to correct for this, about 27 leap seconds have been added to the global clock, with timekeepers planning on subtracting a second for the first time in 2026. This is known as a "negative leap second."

However, the study finds that ice melt caused by climate change has partly offset that acceleration.

Ice sheets are now losing mass five times faster than they were 30 years ago, meaning that the negative leap second change will not be needed until 2029, the study suggests.

"It's kind of impressive, even to me, we've done something that measurably changes how fast the Earth rotates," Duncan Agnew, the author of the study, told NBC News.

"Things are happening that are unprecedented." The negative leap second has never been used before and, according to the study, its use "will pose an unprecedented problem" for computer systems across the world.

"This has never happened before, and poses a major challenge to making sure that all parts of the global timing infrastructure show the same time," Mr Agnew, who is a researcher at the University of California, San Diego told AFP news agency.

"Many computer programs for leap seconds assume they are all positive, so these would have to be rewritten," he added.

There has been some scepticism of the study, however.

Demetrios Matsakis, former chief scientist for time services at the US Naval Observatory, told AFP that "Earth is too unpredictable to be sure" if a negative leap second would be needed any time soon.

Human activities like burning fossil fuels are causing world temperatures to rise.

That temperature rise is having a huge effect on the environment, including the rapid melting of glaciers and ice sheets.

Stem Cell therapy safe after a spinal cord injury: Study

"For years, treatment of spinal cord injury has been limited to supportive care, more specifically stabilisation surgery and physical therapy," Dr. Bydon said.

musculoskeletal pain that resolved with over-the-counter treatment.

Even as the spinal cord has limited ability to repair its cells or make new ones, “even a mild improvement can make a significant difference in that patient's quality of life," Dr. Bydon said. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 250,000 and 500,000 people worldwide suffer a spinal cord injury each year. However, options to improve the condition are extremely limited.

"For years, treatment of spinal cord injury has been limited to supportive care, more specifically stabilisation surgery and physical therapy," Dr. Bydon said. "Spinal cord injury is a complex condition. Future research may show whether stem cells in combination with other therapies could be part of a new paradigm of treatment to improve outcomes for patients," he added.

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Mindy Kaling's Humor Highlights Biden Fundraiser

An Evening with the Presidents — a gala fundraiser event for President Joe Biden at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City saw Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton as guests. The evening which raised a whopping $26 million was emceed by Indianorigin entertainer Mindy Kaling. Amongst the many highlights of the evening were also the jokes cracked by Kaling on stage. She said, “When I say Mr. President, three people will answer!” She also said, “It is such an honor to be in this room with so many rich people.” She added that she loved that they were supporting a president who “openly” promises to “raise your taxes.” She also remarked that “people are paying up to $500,000 to be here tonight,” she remarked, “for that kind of money at an RNC fundraiser, you get to be secretary of state.” Kaling did not shy away from commenting on President Biden’s age – a subject that has been much talked about lately. She said, she’s “getting older, but compared to Biden, Obama, and Clinton, she looks like a cast member on Euphoria.” She recalled an incident when her daughter Katherine was two years old. She said, “ “She (her daughter) saw Kamala Harris on TV, and she thought it was me,” Kaling added, “I have never felt so hot or that my daughter was being a little bit racist.” One of her other real funny lines were – “Being here will hurt my chances of landing the lead on the Nikki Haley biopic.”

Times Square Lights Up for Holi!

NEW YORK, NY– On March 25, the Indian Consulate in New York embraced the spirit of Holi by adorning the vibrant Times Square in New York City with radiant banners bearing heartfelt Holi wishes. The Consulate shared their warm sentiments, stating, “Wishing everyone a colorful and joyous Holi from the heart of New York City. #TimesSquare. May the festival of color fill your life with happiness, love, and peace,” via their official platform X. The jubilant atmosphere of Holi was not confined to New York City alone; across the United States, numerous individuals, particularly children, indulged in the festivities, reveling in playful exchanges with water-filled balloons and water guns.

AT&T Probes Large Data Leak on Dark Web

AT&T is currently conducting a thorough investigation into a recent data breach that occurred earlier this month, resulting in the exposure of millions of customers’ sensitive information, including social security numbers, on the dark web.

The company has disclosed that the breach occurred approximately two weeks ago and has since initiated a comprehensive investigation with the support of both internal and external cybersecurity experts.

According to AT&T’s statement, the leaked data appears to originate from 2019 or earlier. The breach has affected approximately 7.6 million current customers and around 65.4 million

former customers. AT&T is actively exploring whether the compromised data fields originated from its own systems or those of its vendors. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting unauthorized access to AT&T’s systems leading to the extraction of the dataset.

As a proactive measure, AT&T has begun notifying affected customers and has reset their passcodes to safeguard their accounts. Additionally, the company is providing complimentary credit monitoring services through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to impacted individuals.

Despite the severity of the breach, AT&T has assured that its operations remain unaffected by the incident as of the latest update.

Social Security Updates Simplified for New Citizens

WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced that, effective April 1, applicants submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, will have the option to request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) or card and update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) without the necessity of visiting an SSA office.

Noncitizens applying for naturalization using the updated edition of Form N-400 (dated 04/01/24) will be able to request an SSN or replacement card at the time of submitting Form N-400. Consequently, new citizens may forego the requirement to physically visit an SSA field office for SSN or card application or to furnish documentation as proof of their new U.S. citizenship status. It should be noted that the SSA may request supplementary information, if necessary. Applicants utilizing the previous edition of Form N-400, dated 09/17/19, will not

USCIS Changes Filing Locations for Certain Employment-Based Forms

Effective April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is transitioning the filing location for concurrently submitted Forms I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service; I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; and I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with related Forms I-131, Application for Travel Document; I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; and I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, within the application package, from USCIS service centers to a USCIS lockbox.

This change is part of our broader efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce agency costs associated with service center intake of these forms.

Furthermore, this shift enables USCIS to centralize the digitization of forms for electronic adjudication, thereby enhancing our capacity to redistribute and align workloads based on resources and priorities.

Starting May 2, 2024, USCIS may decline concurrently submitted Forms I-907, I-140, and I-485, as well as any related Forms I-131, I-765, and I-824 within the application package, received at the USCIS service centers.

If the beneficiary will work in one of the following locations, please mail your form to the corresponding address:

have this option, as the SSA inquiries are exclusively included in the 04/01/24 edition. The updated edition of Form N-400 will be accessible for online submission from April 1 onwards. Prior to filing Form N-400 online, applicants must establish a USCIS online account, which offers a secure and convenient platform for form submission, fee payment, and monitoring the status of any pending USCIS immigration requests throughout the adjudication process. The creation of a USCIS online account incurs no charges and provides various features, including secure communication with USCIS through an online inbox and the ability to respond to Requests for Evidence electronically. USCIS has previously communicated its intention to broaden the Enumeration beyond Entry program to encompass applicants seeking U.S. citizenship, as outlined in the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization: First Anniversary Accomplishment Highlights (PDF, 1.79 MB).

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Indian-origin entertainer Mindy Kaling.

Gujarati Patel family invites matrimonial correspondence for their Son, 37 years, Divorced, No kids, holds a business degree, currently in Hotel Business in Chicago area. The family is seeking a suitable match for him. Call: 630-957-8180