hi INDiA | August 8, 2025 | The Community First by hi INDiA Weekly

"Ready To Pay Personal Price"

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HinduPACT, an American Hindu organization committed to promoting dharmic values and the Hindu ethos in public life, proudly announces the successful launch of its Austin, Texas chapter.

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Trump's sweeping new tariffs take effect against dozens of countries

Major chipmakers that have made significant investments in the US appear to have dodged the new tariff. Government officials in Taiwan and South Korea have said in separate statements that TSMC, SK Hynix, and Samsung would be exempt from the new levy.

US President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs on over 90 countries have taken effect, with India facing a 50% tariff on exports from August 27 unless it halts Russian oil imports. Trump posted on Truth Social that tariffs are driving “billions” into the US, pushing his agenda of reshaping what he calls an unfair global trade system.

The tariff hike also includes a 100% levy on foreignmade semiconductors, pressuring tech firms to invest in the US. Apple responded with a $100 billion US investment. Countries have scrambled to strike "reciprocal tariff" deals ahead of the 7 August deadline. Some, including the UK, Japan, and the EU, secured reduced rates.

Southeast Asian economies, especially Laos and

Apple to invest $100bn after pressure from Trump

Apple plans to boost investment in the US by another $100bn (£75bn) as the tech giant comes under pressure from President Donald Trump. The White House said the money would be used to encourage firms to make more Apple parts in the US and would add to the company's previous pledge to spend $500bn in the US over four years. It comes after Trump singled out Apple by name earlier this year, threatening to raise tariffs on its products if it did not move iPhone manufacturing to the US.

RFK Jr cancels $500m in funding for mRNA vaccines for diseases like Covid

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to cancel $500m (£376m) in funding for mRNA vaccines being developed to counter viruses that cause diseases such as the flu and Covid-19. That will impact 22 projects being led by major pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, for vaccines against bird flu and other viruses, HHS said. Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, announced he was pulling the funding over claims that "mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits for these respiratory viruses". Doctors and health experts have criticised Kennedy's longstanding questioning of the safety and efficacy of vaccines and his views on health policies.

Myanmar, were hit hardest with up to 40% tariffs— seen by experts as targeting Chinese-aligned trade partners. Switzerland faces a 39% tariff and is holding emergency talks after failing to reach a deal. India condemned the US move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” vowing to protect its energy security and national interest.

Brazil also faces a 50% tariff, following Trump’s accusations of tech firm hostility and political bias. Despite the chaos, some Asian markets remained stable, while Indian and Australian shares dipped. Tariffs on Mexico were delayed by 90 days as negotiations continue. Analysts warn that India may be the first of several countries Trump targets over ties with Russia.

US In Race With China To Claim "Best" Part Of Moon: NASA Chief

Washington: The United States is in a new space race with China to claim the most resource-rich part of the moon, NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy said while

announcing plans to install a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface by 2030. "We're in a race to the moon, in a race with China to the moon. And to have a base on the moon, we need energy," he said Addressing a press conference on Tuesday (local time) titled "Unleashing American Drone Dominance" held by the US Department of Transportation, which Duffy also leads. Duffy explained that energy is the key to setting up a permanent base, and that's why he wants a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor placed on the moon within the next five years. He said such a reactor would generate about the same amount of electricity that a typical US household uses in 3.5 days.

US Hypocrisy? 50% Tariff On India, Zero On EU That Bought Russian Oil

New Delhi has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” The move, triggered by India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, makes India— alongside Brazil—the highest tariffed country by the US. India accused Washington of hypocrisy, pointing out that several US allies, including EU members like Hungary, continue importing Russian energy without facing similar penalties. “It is extremely unfortunate that the US is targeting India for actions other nations are also taking in their own interest,” India’s statement said.

increasing purchases. Meanwhile, China— Russia’s largest energy buyer—has seen no comparable US tariff hike.

Critics note the inconsistency: Washington punishes India while ignoring similar or greater trade from its allies. Even the US maintains a limited trade relationship with Russia, importing chemicals and other goods worth $5.2 billion in 2024.

While India faces this punitive measure, the EU has paid Russia over $105 billion for gas since 2022. In 2024 alone, EU imports of Russian LNG rose 9%, with countries like Belgium

India, whose exports to the US hit $87 billion last year, now risks significant economic fallout. Moscow backed New Delhi, saying sovereign nations have the right to choose trade partners. As Trump pushes for global alignment against Russia, India insists it will protect its national interest and energy security—while pointing to clear Western double standards.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Pak Army Chief Set For US Trip, 2nd In 2 Months, Amid Trump's Tariff War

New Delhi: Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to visit the US for the second time in two months, according to reports in the Pakistani media. This visit, which signals a deepening of ties between Islamabad and Washington, DC, comes amid rising tension between the US and India over tariffs on exports. It also comes after Trump's trade deal with Pakistan, under which he has offered Islamabad's a preferential tariff rate and plans to explore its oil reserves.

Kremlin Dismisses Trump’s Nuclear Talk Ahead of US Envoy Visit

The Kremlin has played down Donald Trump's orders to move two nuclear submarines closer to Russia, saying Moscow did not want to be involved in polemics.

In the first official reaction since the US president's comments last Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said American submarines were on combat duty anyway and dismissed the idea that there had been an escalation.

"Very complex, very sensitive issues are being discussed, which, of course, many perceive very emotionally," Peskov said - though he added that everyone should be "very cautious" with nuclear rhetoric.

US envoy Steve Witkoff is due to visit Russia on Wednesday, according to Russian media.

This visit, which signals a deepening of ties between Islamabad and Washington, DC, comes amid rising tension between the US and India over tariffs on exports.

US President Donald Trump yesterday announced an extra 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports as a 'penalty' for New Delhi continuing to import Russian crude oil. Trump warned other countries that buy Russian oil of similar measures.

After the total tariffs on Indian exports to the US rose to 50 per cent, the Ministry of External Affairs responded that the US targeting India over Russian oil imports is "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable".

"We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people..."

"It is therefore extremely unfortunate the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India... for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest," the government said.

Israeli Ex-Officials Urge Trump to Help End Gaza War

A group of some 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of intelligence agencies, have written to US President Donald Trump to pressure Israel to immediately end the war in Gaza. "It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel," the officials said.

US demands $15,000 deposit for visa applicants from two African countries

The US will require citizens from Malawi and Zambia to pay a $15,000 (£11,300) deposit for a tourist or business visa, according to the US state department.

The 12-month pilot programme aims to curb visa overstays "or where screening and vetting information is considered deficient", according to a notice published by the state department.

Officials say that citizens of countries other than Malawi and Zambia may soon also need to pay a similar deposit, which will be returned at the end of their visit to the US.

The US administration has taken several steps to further President Donald Trump's agenda of stemming illegal immigration. Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term to this effect. The state department notice, published on Tuesday, says: "Aliens applying for visas as

temporary visitors for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2) and who are nationals of countries identified by the Department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering Citizenship by Investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program. "Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance, as determined by the consular officers."

Figures published in 2023 by the US Department of Homeland Security show that about 14% of visitors from Malawi overstay their visas, compared to 11% of Zambian visitors.

Other countries with high overstay rates include Haiti (31%), Myanmar (27%) and Yemen (20%).

China reports 7,000 cases of chikungunya virus

More than 7,000 cases of a mosquito-borne virus have been reported across China's Guangdong province since July, prompting measures similar to those taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Foshan city, which has been hit the hardest, chikungunya patients must stay in hospital, where their beds will protected with mosquito nets. They can only be discharged after they test negative or at the end of a week-long stay.

Spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, the virus causes fever and severe joint pain, which sometimes can last for years, but is not usually deadly. Here is what you need to know about the disease.

Myanmar's figurehead president dies after long illness

Myanmar's figurehead president who came to power after a 2021 coup, Myint Swe, has died, the South East Asian nation's military leaders said. He was 74. Before his death, Myint Swe had been on medical leave for over a year due to declining health.

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been performing Myint Swe's largely ceremonial duties since July 2024. The country's junta named Myint Swe acting president after it overthrew the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Two Ghanaian ministers die in helicopter crash, along with six others

Ghana's ministers of defence and environment have died in a military helicopter crash in the central Ashanti region, along with six other people, a government spokesperson says.

Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, 50, were killed in the crash, which Chief of Staff Julius Debrah described as a "national tragedy".

HiIndia Newsdesk

Trump Hints at More Sanctions After 50% Tariff on India

Donald Trump Tariffs India: US President Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, on top of the 25% tariff he earlier announced for the country citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.

President Donald Trump Wednesday escalated trade tensions with India, imposing an “additional 25 per cent ad valorem duty” above the 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs announced on August 1 and signalling that even higher levies could be on the horizon.

“It has only been eight hours, so let us see what happens over the next…. You are going to see a lot more. You are going to see so much secondary sanctions,” Trump said during a White House event when asked that Indian officials have stated that there are other countries like China that are buying Russian oil, too.

The move drew swift condemnation from New Delhi.

In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “It is extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”

274 Rescued, 59 Missing, Helicopters Deployed In Uttarakhand

Rescue efforts continue in Uttarakhand's Harshil and Dharali after a cloudburst caused flash floods and landslides this week. Fifty-nine people - 50 civilians and nine soldiers - are still missing and five deaths have been confirmed so far. 274 tourists - including 131 from Gujarat and 123 from Maharashtra - stranded in Gangotri and other areas have been evacuated. They are being moved to Uttarkashi and Dehradun. Action plans to rescue other stranded people include air-lifting paramilitary troops and medical teams using the Army's Chinook helicopters. The Boeing CH-47 Chinooka heavy-lift tandem rotor aircraft used for troop and supply transport - will deploy from a helipad at Harshil, while Russianmade Mi-17 choppers will operate from another base in Nelong.

PM Modi's Strong Message Over Trump Tariffs

"Ready To Pay Personal Price"

This was PM Modi's first response after US President Trump announced 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian exports

A day after US President Donald Trump escalated the tariff war by imposing an additional 25% duty on Indian exports—raising the total to 50%—Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message, affirming that India will never compromise the interests of its farmers, livestock holders, and fishermen.

Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, PM Modi said, “The interest of farmers is our top priority… I know I will have to pay a huge personal price, but I am ready. India is ready.” His remarks came shortly after Trump’s new

"Punched, Hair

tariffs were enacted, punishing India for continuing imports of Russian crude oil India exports a range of agricultural goods to the US, and this sector is expected to be hit hard. The Ministry of External Affairs slammed the US move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” defending India’s energy purchases as essential for the needs of 1.4 billion citizens. PM Modi also paid tribute to MS Swaminathan, father of India’s Green Revolution, urging scientists to now focus on nutritional security.

The tariffs arrive amid strained India-US ties following Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump has controversially claimed he mediated peace between India and Pakistan—denied by New Delhi.

Talks over an India-US trade deal have stalled, with Washington demanding more access to India’s agricultural market—resisted by India in order to safeguard its farming community.

Pulled": Racist Attack

On Indian-Origin Girl, 6, In Ireland

Ms Achuthan said she's a proud Indian, but she was happy to be an Irish citizen. "This is my second country. I am so happy to be an Irish citizen, but now I feel that I don't belong here."

Dublin: A six-year-old Indian-origin girl is the latest victim of racist attacks in Ireland. Nia Naveen, whose family hails from Kottayam in Kerala, was playing outside her house in Waterford City in southeast Ireland when a gang of children aged 12 to 14 attacked her, calling her "dirty" and

Amitabh Kant Calls US Tariff a "Oncein-a-Generation" Opportunity

India's former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant is looking at the hefty Trump tariffs as "once in a generation opportunity".

New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump doubled down on India with a 50 per cent tariff, an increase from the 25 per cent tariff announced last month, as a penalty for what he called New Delhi's continued buying of Russian oil. Amid concerns over how it could impact trade and domestic businesses, India's former G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant is looking at the hefty tariffs as "once in a generation opportunity".

Mr Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, a think tank, believes Mr Trump has given India an opportunity to "take the next big leap" on reforms. He has urged to utilise the crisis fully.

"Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms. Crisis must be fully utilised," Mr Kant wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Trump has provided us a once in a generation opportunity to take the next big leap on reforms.

Crisis must be fully utilised. — Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) August 6, 2025

asking her to "go back to India."

Ms Naveen's mother, Anupa Achuthan, told the Irish Mirror that the gang punched her daughter in the face, hit her private parts with a bicycle, punched her on the neck and twisted her hair.

Ms Achuthan, a nurse, has lived in Ireland for eight years with her husband and recently got Irish citizenship. Her children were born in the country. The family moved into the house in January, and everything was going well until Monday's incident.

"It was around 7.30 pm and she was playing inside the house. She wanted to play outside and go cycling. I let her outside for a few seconds. My husband was at work on night duty. He was off to work, and I was alone with my 10-month-old and my six-year-old. She went out with her friends. I was supervising them just in front of the house. They were playing together and I knew they were safe," the mother said, recalling the event.

New Delhi: (IANS) Leaders across India's political spectrum on Thursday strongly reacted to US President Donald Trump's announcement of imposing a punitive 25 per cent tariff on India for continuing to buy oil from Russia -- a move that would raise total tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

In a sharp rebuke, Indian leaders questioned Washington's authority to "punish" sovereign countries for pursuing independent foreign policy and warned that retaliatory measures would be considered if the tariffs were not rolled back. Trump was singling out India, even though countries like China and Turkey continue to import oil from Russia.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Chinese nationals charged with exporting Nvidia AI chips to China

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged two Chinese nationals, Chuan Geng and Shiwei Yang, with illegally exporting advanced AI chips worth millions of dollars to China without proper licenses. Over the past three years, their California-based firm, ALX Solutions, allegedly smuggled restricted Nvidia GPUs—including the powerful H100 and RTX 4090 models—bypassing U.S. export controls aimed at preventing sensitive technology from reaching China. According to court documents, ALX Solutions shipped the chips through Singapore and Malaysia, often using fake recipients or unverifiable companies to conceal the final destination. The firm never received payments from these transit firms, instead being paid by companies in

According to court documents, ALX Solutions shipped the chips through Singapore and Malaysia, often using fake recipients or unverifiable companies to conceal the final destination.

Hong Kong and China—including a $1 million transfer in January 2024. In one instance, ALX declared to supplier Super Micro Computer that a

Zuckerberg Fumes as Mira Murati Rejects Rs. 8,500 Cr Offer

A few months ago, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly offered $1 billion to acquire Mira Murati’s AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab. Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, declined. In response, Zuckerberg allegedly launched a “full-scale raid,” trying to recruit over a dozen of her 50 employees. One key target was AI researcher Andrew Tulloch, offered a massive $1.5 billion package over six years—he too declined.

Despite Meta’s push, Murati’s team remained loyal, driven by shared values over money. Thinking Machines continues operating in stealth mode, with $2 billion in funding. Zuckerberg’s failure underscores that in AI’s elite circles, purpose and culture often outweigh cash. Meta tried to buy SSI earlier this year. Sutskever said no. This moment in tech isn’t just about building better AI models. It’s about who builds them, why, and for whom. You can’t just throw money at that and expect it to stick. Zuckerberg can offer more zeroes than almost anyone. But what he’s finding is that belief, loyalty and culture often outweigh cash. You can’t just raid your way to the top.

$28.4 million order was destined for a Singaporebased client. However, U.S. officials later found no evidence the chips arrived or that the recipient existed.

Neither Geng nor Yang, who had overstayed her U.S. visa, applied for the required export licenses.

The DOJ noted that both had full authority over the company’s operations.

Yang was arrested Saturday, and Geng surrendered shortly after. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.

Nvidia stated that diverted products receive no support or updates and emphasized its strict compliance with export controls. Super Micro affirmed its commitment to regulations but declined further comment.

ALX Solutions does not appear to have an active website. Investigations are ongoing.

RBI Chief Hits Back at Trump’s ‘Dead Economy’ Remark

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra responded strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial comment calling India a “dead economy.” Addressing media in New Delhi, Malhotra asserted that the Indian economy is “doing very well” and currently contributing more to global growth than the U.S.

“We are contributing about 18% to global growth, while the U.S. is at about 11%. India is expected to grow at 6.5% this year, compared to the global average of 3%,” Malhotra said, underscoring India's resilience and consistent economic performance.

Despite Trump's threats of steep tariffs on Indian imports—set to rise from 10% to 25%—Malhotra remained optimistic.

“We don’t see a major impact unless there’s a retaliatory tariff. We’re hopeful of an amicable solution,” he added.

Malhotra also pointed to India’s robust domestic demand, improving rural economy, and forecast of above-average monsoon as growth drivers. He said India has averaged 7.8% annual growth in recent years.

WhatsApp Deletes

6.8 Million Scam Accounts: Meta

WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts linked to scammers targeting people around the world in the first half of this year, its parent company Meta says.

Many were tied to scam centres run by organised criminals in South East Asia, who often used forced labour in their operations, according to the social media giant.

Meta made the announcement as WhatsApp rolled out new anti-scam measures to alert users to potential fraudulent activity, such as a user being added to a group chat by someone not in their contacts list.

The crackdown targets an increasingly common tactic in which criminals hijack WhatsApp accounts or add users to group chats promoting fake investment schemes and other scams.

Tesla awards boss Elon Musk $29bn in shares

Tesla has granted its chief executive Elon Musk $29bn (£21.7bn) worth of its shares, in an attempt to keep the billionaire at the firm.

The move comes after a US court struck down his 2018 pay package, worth more than $50bn, ruling that it was "unfair to shareholders".

Anand Mahindra on US Tariff: "India Should Seize This Chance"

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has called on India to go beyond incremental reforms and radically improve its business environment in response to the “unintended consequences” of US tariffs. Following President Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on Indian goods over continued Russian oil imports, Mahindra said India must turn this global disruption into opportunity. In a post on X, Mahindra compared the current tariff turmoil to the 1991 crisis that led to liberalisation, asking if today’s “Manthan” could yield “Amrit”

for India. He urged the creation of a truly effective single-window clearance system and proposed a coalition of willing states to align with it. Speed,

simplicity, and predictability, he argued, would attract global capital. Mahindra also emphasized unleashing tourism as a major forex engine by accelerating visa processing and building secure, hygienic tourism corridors. He called for liquidity support for MSMEs, infrastructure investment, expanded PLI schemes, and rationalized import duties to boost competitiveness. Citing strategic adjustments by the EU and Canada, he stressed that India must respond boldly: “Let the unintended consequences we create be the most intentional and transformative ones of all.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

Anand Mahindra

Gautam Gambhir Drops Blunt Message To Critics With Bold "Individual-Centric" Remark

again cleared his intention of building an Indian team that isn't 'individualcentric', unlike some previous occasions.

Ashwin Hits Back at Stokes' 'Joke' After Oval Thriller

Ravichandran Ashwin sent Ben Stokes a stern reminder after India's drawn series against England.

Ravichandran Ashwin's analysis of the India vs England AndersonTendulkar Trophy was a pleasure to hear. While, as a player, he was always the one to have a thinking head when it came to outplaying rivals, off the field, Ashwin has shown a knack to be an eagle-eyed cricket expert, who does not miss anything. Same was the case when he analysed the memorable 5th Test at The Oval. While he had some very good things to say about the series, Ashwin also talked about the imprefection.

"I want to talk about another imperfection in this series. There's a Tamil saying that loosely translates to 'Your karma will affect you almost instantly'. What you sow is what you reap," Ashwin said on Ash Ki Baat. "After the last Test, there were questions asked about the injury to Pant. Gautam Gambhir said that such injuries need a substitution. And when Stokes was asked about this response, he simply brushed it away, calling it a joke. I am a big fan of Stokes' cricketing abilities and his attitude. But he can think and then reply. Ashwin also referred to a quote by England captain Michael Vaughan in the need for rules to evolve.

The era of Gautam Gambhir truly began in Test cricket as the Shubman Gill-led Indian team arrived in England. With a 2-2 series draw, that too in the absence of veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin, India managed to pull off a big result, especially at a stage where many former cricketers and pundits have doubted the young players' abilities. As the series came to its conclusion, with India winning a heroic Test at the Oval by a narrow margin of 6 runs, head coach Gautam Gambhir once again reiterated his philosophy of shaping up a team that isn't 'individualcentric'.

Gambhir has always maintained that there's no space for hero-worship in a team sport. With the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the team, Gambhir seemingly struggled to bring a change in the team's philosophy and the way his unit is perceived by the world. But

the duo's exit from Test cricket has truly given the world a fair idea about how Gambhir's team will shape up in the coming years.

In a video shared by the BCCI, the head coach reaffirmed the 'ideology' of his team, which isn't 'individual-centric'.

"That is going to be the ideology of this Test team, where it won't be about individual-centric, it will be about the team. The way the boys have fought. I've always been a big believer that you should always get what you deserve, not what you want. And I think the guys deserved it," said Gambhir in a video posted by BCCI.

While Gambhir enjoyed early success in white-ball formats, his Test tenure began on a sour note with a 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand. It was followed by a 1-3 defeat in the BorderGavaskar Trophy in Australia.

BCCI Plans Big Call on Bumrah After England Series

The situation surrounding star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and workload management continues to be a major headache for the team management and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite India going through a challenging five-match Test series against England, Bumrah played only three Tests - as previously specified - with an eye on managing his workload. As per further reports, now, the BCCI is open to further limiting Bumrah's game time in order to protect

his body and preserve him for more important matches.

As per a report by The Indian Express, the Indian team management is "unanimous" in its decision to protect Bumrah and give him adequate rest. The main priority for the management is seemingly to prolong Bumrah's career at the highest level.

As per the report, sources in the BCCI have confirmed that Bumrah's case is not one of 'picking and choosing' series to play in, but instead a conscious effort by the management to prioritise his fitness.

Siraj’s Magic Seals India’s Historic Win at The Oval, Series Ends 2–2

Dr. Nilesh Mehta

On the final morning of the fifth Test at The Oval, with just 35 runs to defend, Mohammed Siraj told himself one word: Believe. He set a “believe” emoji as his phone wallpaper — and delivered. Siraj's stunning 5 for 104 dismantled England, securing a six-run win — India’s narrowest Test victory ever — and levelling the Anderson–Tendulkar series 2–2.

It was redemption for Siraj and a testament to belief. England, needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand, collapsed. Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the decider, was missed, but not questioned. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with 754 runs and four centuries, earning Player of the Series in his maiden stint as captain. His composure balanced Siraj’s fire, guiding a young Indian side through a tense series. England, though defeated, showed immense grit. Ben Stokes missed the final Test, and Chris Woakes walked out to bat in a sling — evoking images of legendary courage. This series was more than numbers. It reignited passion for Test cricket. India didn’t just draw the series; they won hearts, spirit, and perhaps, something even deeper — a moral victory at The Oval.

Ahmedabad To Host AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers In November

India will be one of the seven hosts of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be played from November 22 to 30, 2025. All matches in India will be held at The Arena in Ahmedabad. The official draw for the qualifiers is set to be held on August 7, 2025. A total of 38 countries will compete in the qualifiers. These teams will be divided into seven groups, comprising three groups of six teams and four groups of five teams. The winners of each group will qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. They will join nine other AFC teams that have already secured qualification to the FIFA U17 World

India will be one of the seven hosts of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, scheduled to be played from November 22 to 30, 2025.

Cup Qatar 2025.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey said, "It is a matter of great pride for India to be among the hosts of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers, and I am particularly pleased to see Ahmedabad take centre stage. This is an excellent opportunity for our boys to perform on home soil, and for the city of Ahmedabad to showcase its capability to host elite international competitions. I wish our boys the very best, and sincerely hope that they qualify for the AFC U17 Asian Cup, which serves as the gateway to the FIFA U17 World Cup, and take another important step forward in Indian football's long-term development pathway."

HiIndia Newsdesk

Gautam Gambhir once

Russia Cites BRICS Support Amid

Trump Tariff Threats

Moscow: Russia has accused the Donald Trump administration in the United States of pursuing a "neocolonial" policy against nations in Global South to maintain Washington's hegemony, and said no amount of tariffs and sanctions could change the "natural course of history." Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that US was putting "politically motivated economic pressure" on nations who are choosing an independent course on the international stage, and expressed Moscow's willingness to boost cooperation with these countries to form a "truly multilateral" and equal world order.

Remarks from Moscow came days after US President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on dozens of countries.

Satyapal Malik, J&K

Governor During Pulwama Attack, Article 370 Shift, Dies

Satyapal Malik, former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and several other states and a veteran politician, has died. He was 79. Mr Malik had been suffering from kidney-related ailments and was under treatment at Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Two killed, six injured in US Los Angeles mass shooting

Los Angeles, Aug 5 (IANS) Two people were killed and six others wounded in a mass shooting in downtown Los Angeles, the US state of California, local authorities said.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Monday, near 14th Place and Griffith Avenue, where several parties were underway, according to the LAPD. LAPD officers spotted someone entering what they believed was an unauthorised gathering of over 50 people late Sunday night. Officers shut down the party and arrested one attendee for gun possession, Xinhua news agency reported.

Uttarakhand Cloudburst:

4 Dead, 50 Missing

Horrifying visuals surfaced in which a strong stream of water can be seen flowing down from a hill towards the Tharali village in Uttarkashi, causing huge destruction.

Four people died and many are feared missing after a major cloudburst struck a village in Uttarakhand on Tuesday, triggering a landslide and flash floods. The cloudburst took place in the catchment area of the Kheer Ganga river.

Horrifying visuals surfaced in which a strong stream of water can be seen flowing down from a hill towards the Tharali village in Uttarkashi, sweeping away many houses. Eyewitnesses posted videos on social media in which people can be heard screaming in panic.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

The Uttarkashi police posted pictures of the destruction and urged people to maintain a safe distance from rivers. "In view of this incident, everyone should maintain a safe distance from the river. Ensure that you, children, and animals are kept at a safe distance from the river," they said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar

PM Modi To

Singh Dhami said that relief teams are engaged in rescue operations.

"The news of heavy damage caused by a cloudburst in the Dharali (Uttarkashi) region is extremely sad and distressing. SDRF, NDRF, district administration, and other related teams are engaged in

Inaugurate

Kartavya Bhavan On August 6

New Delhi:

LED lighting with sensors, solar power plants, wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, solid waste management including composting, and electric vehicle charging points - sustainability

is at the heart of Kartavya Bhavan, the first completed Common Central Secretariat building (CCS-3). Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar announced the eco-friendly features of Kartavya Bhavan at a press conference ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 6.

Aiming for a GRIHA 4-star rating, this six-story building complex covers 1.5 lakh square meters. It will redefine sustainable governance by housing key ministries like Home Affairs and External Affairs in one location.

Kartavya Bhavan is a key part of the Central Vista Project, launched in 2019 to modernise Lutyens' Delhi.

relief and rescue operations on a war footing. In this regard, I am in constant contact with senior officials, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to God for everyone's safety," he wrote in a post on X.

Indian stock market settles lower amid higher US tariffs concerns

Mumbai, Aug 5 (IANS) The Indian stock market settled in negative territory on Tuesday amid a mixed reaction from investors following the US President Donald Trump's fresh tariff threat and India's stern reply to it.

Sensex closed at 80,710.25, down 308.47 points or 0.38 per cent. The 30-share index opened the session slightly down at 80.946.43 against last day's closing of 81,018.72. However, the index further extended the loss amid a mixed approach in Auto, and Consumer Durable stocks and selling in the Pharma and Consumer goods sector

"Respect Terms Of Your Visa": US Warns Indians Overstaying In Country

New Delhi: The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to visa holders, reminding them to respect the terms of their US visa and authorised period of stay in the United States and making it clear that any violation could lead to visa revocation and possible deportation.

In a post on X the US Embassy said, "Respect the terms of your US visa and your authorized period of stay in the United States. Remaining in the United States past your I-94 "Admit Until Date" can lead to severe consequences such as visa revocation, possible deportation, and ineligibility for future visas. Overstaying may permanently

affect your ability to travel, study, or work in the United States."

Also on Monday, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Congresswoman from Georgia's 14th District in a post on X said, "End Indian H1-B visas replacing American jobs instead and stop funding and sending weapons to the Obama/Biden/Neocon Ukraine Russia war."

Her remarks came while referring to

the latest statement by US President Donald Trump, who on Monday said that the United States will "substantially raise" the tariff paid by India for buying "massive amounts of Russian Oil", stating that much of the oil purchased from Moscow is being sold in the open market "for big profits". Trump wrote on Truth Social, "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"

HiIndia Newsdesk

Trump Repeats Claim He Ended India-Pak War With Trade

New York/Washington:

US President Donald Trump on Sunday yet again took credit for stopping conflicts around the world, including the recent one between India and Pakistan.

Since May 10, when Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after a “long night” of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim on several occasions. Trump's latest claim comes days after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for ending several conflicts around the world including the one between India and Pakistan.

Netanyahu Seeks Red Cross Help After Gaza Hostage Videos

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross on Sunday (August 3, 2025) to aid hostages in Gaza, as outrage built at videos showing two of them emaciated. The premier’s office said he spoke to the ICRC coordinator for the region, Julien Lerisson, and “requested his involvement in providing food to our hostages and... immediate medical treatment”.

Indian envoy Kwatra meets US Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard

New Delhi: Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra has met US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard during which both had an "engaging conversation" on various issues of mutual interest.

Taking to X, Kwatra on Sunday wrote: Pleasure to meet DNI @TulsiGabbard and her husband @abewilliamsdp. We had an engaging conversation on various issues of mutual interest".

Top Trump aide accuses India of financing Russia's war in Ukraine

The criticism of India by Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, was one of the strongest yet by the Trump administration

A top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (August 3, 2025) accused India of effectively financing Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, after the U.S. leader escalated pressure on New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.

"What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia," said Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House and one of Mr. Trump's most influential aides.

Mr. Miller's criticism was one of the strongest yet by the Trump

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train to Start Soon: Vaishnaw

India’s first bullet train service on Mumbai-Ahmedabad route will commence soon. Speaking at an event in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train service will begin very soon. Once operational, it will reduce travel time between the two cities to just 2 hours

and 7 minutes (127 minutes), he said.

“The first bullet train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will start very soon, and the work on the project is going on at a fast pace. When it starts running, the journey from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will take only two hours and seven minutes,” Vaishnaw said.

The Railway Minister was at Bhavnagar terminus from where he virtually flagged off three trains: the Bhavnagar Terminus–Ayodhya Cantt Express, the Rewa–Pune Express, and a new train connecting Jabalpur to Raipur.

The 508-km long Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project will have 12 stations namely – Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

administration about one of the United States' major partners in the IndoPacific.

"People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That's an astonishing fact," MR. Miller said on Fox News.

The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi will keep purchasing oil from Moscow despite U.S. threats.

3,200 Boeing Jet Workers to Strike First Time Since 1996

Boeing Co. is bracing for the first strike in nearly three decades at its St. Louis-area defense factories after union members rejected the company's modified contract offer.

About 3,200 machinists are set to walk off the job around midnight after members voted down a deal that would've raised wages by 20% and boosted retirement contributions. The union last went on strike in 1996, with the stoppage lasting 99 days.

Four Indian-origin seniors found dead in car crash after going missing in US

In a tragic incident, four senior Indian-origin persons were killed in a car crash in West Virginia, authorities said on Sunday.

Kishore Divan, Asha Divan, Shailesh Divan, and Gita Divan were found dead following a vehicle crash, Marshal County Sheriff Mike Dougherty said in a statement.

The four individuals were reported missing from Buffalo, New York. Their vehicle was located on August 2 at approximately 9:30 PM off a steep embankment along a road in Marshal County, West Virginia.

First responders were on the scene for more than five hours. Dougherty extended condolences to the families of the victims. Sibu Nair, Director of Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs at Office of New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, had posted an ‘Missing Persons – Please Help’ alert on Facebook Saturday, asking for help to locate the

following a vehicle crash, Marshal County Sheriff Mike Dougherty said in a statement.

four senior individuals who had gone missing. Nair said that the Divans, “beloved members of our community”,

had gone missing. They were last seen on Tuesday after visiting a temple in Pittsburgh, travelling to Palace Lodge Hotel in Moundsville, West Virginia.

“Sadly, they never arrived,” Nair added.

Giving further details, Nair said they were driving a light green coloured car and were last spotted at a fast food joint in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to security footage.

“It has now been over 3 days with no contact,” Nair had said. He had asked people travelling in the area or along the expected route the seniors would have taken to keep an eye out for them, “especially the final 22-minute stretch near the hotel, which is known to be difficult terrain”.

Nair had also uploaded photos and details of the family and their lastknown clothing. “Let’s come together and do all we can to bring them home safely,” Nair had said.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Kishore Divan, Asha Divan, Shailesh Divan, and Gita Divan were found dead

I heard India no longer is going to be buying oil from Russia. That's a good step. We'll see what happens

No pause on Russian oil imports, say govt sources over Trump’s claim

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) After US President Donald Trump claimed that India has stopped purchasing Russian oil, government sources on Saturday clarified there is no such pause on the oil imports from Russia.

According to government sources,

“India's energy purchases are driven by national interests and market forces. We do not have any reports of Indian oil firms halting Russian imports”.

There was, however, no official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Trump’s statement.

“I understand that India is no longer going to be buying oil from Russia. That's what I heard, I don't know if that's right or not. That is a good step. We will see what happens,” Trump told reporters in Washington, DC.

Trump has threatened 100 per cent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine.

Terrorist killed in anti-terror operation in J&K’s Kulgam

Srinagar:

A terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, the Army said this morning. Security forces launched a search operation in the forest area in Akhal after receiving specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists on Friday. The search operation then turned into an encounter after the terrorists opened fire at the forces.

"Intermittent and intense fire fight continued through the night. Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the nooze while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation (Akhal) continues," Army's Chinar Corps said in a post on X this morning.

India Opens 8 New Consulates in US for Diaspora

India has opened eight new consular centres across the US, significantly expanding the delivery footprint for visa, passport and other services and streamlining them to make them more accessible and efficient for the Indian diaspora in the country. India's Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra on Friday virtually inaugurated the new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh and San Jose. An additional ICAC will soon open in Los Angeles. Starting August 1, 2025, all consular services, including passport, visa, OCI, surrender certificate, life certificate, birth/marriage certificate, police clearance, attestations, and more, will be provided exclusively through VFS Global Centres.

“India's energy purchases are driven by national interests and market forces. We do not have any reports of Indian oil firms halting Russian imports”.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that "You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics”.

Some reports have suggested that Indian refiners (Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Bharat

After 'Dead Hand' Threat, Trump Moves Two Nuclear Submarines Near Russia

President Dmitry Medvedev.

US President Donald Trump on Friday has ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the "appropriate regions" after comments made by former Russian

"I have ordered two Nuclear Submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that," Trump said in a social media post. He added that he ordered the submarines as, "Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances."

Medvedev, who currently serves as the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, had written in a post on Telegram, "As for the talk about the 'dead economies' of India and Russia, and 'entering dangerous territory' - maybe he should recall his favorite movies about 'the walking dead,' and also remember how dangerous the so-called 'Dead Hand,' which doesn't even exist, could be." The 'Dead Hand', also known as Perimeter is a Cold-War era automatic or semi-automatic nuclear weapons control system, that could launch a nuclear counterstrike even if the country's leadership had been wiped out.

Petroleum Corp and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd) have stopped buying Russian oil in the past week. India is the biggest buyer of Russian crude.

According to sources, “the four refiners regularly buy Russian oil on a delivered basis and have turned to spot markets for replacement supplymostly Middle Eastern grades such as Abu Dhabi's Murban crude and West African oil”.

India sources its oil purchases based on global market offerings to meet its energy. "Our ties with any country stand on their merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country. As far as India-Russia relations are concerned, we have a steady and time-tested partnership,” said MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said on Friday.

"India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties," Jaiswal said in the weekly media briefing.

Injured SRK

First National Award: "It Matters"

Shah Rukh Khan won his first-ever National Award in a career spanning over three decades. On Friday, the actor won the Best Actor award for his role in Jawan at the 71st National Film Awards.

fter the big win, Shah Rukh Khan shared a video message on Instagram and said that he was "overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility".

"A national award is not just about achievement. It's a reminder that what I do matters. It tells me to keep going, keep working hard, keep creating and keep serving cinema. In a world full of noise to be heard, truly heard, is a blessing. And I promise to use this recognition, not as a finish line, but as fuel to continue striving, learning and giving back. This award is a reminder for me that acting is not just work but a responsibility, to show the truth on the screen. I am grateful for all the love," he added.

After Trump Says "Indian Economy Is Dead", AI From His Own Country Questioned

HiIndia Newsdesk

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump's claim that the Indian economy is "dead" and the announcement of a sweeping 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports have triggered a political slugfest. To assess the claim, NDTV put forward a straightforward query across artificial intelligence platforms created in Trump's own country. "Is the Indian economy dead?" was posed to five major American AI platforms: ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Meta AI, and Copilot.Their responses

uniformly contradicted Trump's assertion.

ChatGPT replied: "India's economy is far from dead. It's dynamic. It is ambitious."

Grok said, "No, the Indian economy is not dead. It remains one of the fastest-growing major economies globally."

Gemini offered: "The Indian economy is characterised by strong growth."

Meta AI agreed: "The Indian economy is not dead. It's one of the fastest-growing major economies globally."

Copilot responded even more bluntly: "Not even close. In fact, it's quite the opposite."

HiIndia Newsdesk

Trump's Revised Tariffs: India Remains At 25%, Pak's Rate Slashed

Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order slapping higher tariffs on dozens of trading partners ahead of a Friday trade deal deadline -- his latest bid to reshape global trade in favour of US businesses. The higher import duty rates from 10 per cent to 41 per cent are set to start in seven days for 69 trading partners, according to the order.

The duties ranged as high as 41 per cent on Syria, 35 per cent on many goods from Canada, 50 per cent for Brazil, 25 per cent for India, 20 per cent for Taiwan and 39 per cent for Switzerland. Meanwhile, duties on Pakistan imports have been slashed from 29 per cent to 19 per cent.

This was alongside various levels of duties reflecting trade deals struck between Washington and major partners like the European Union and Japan. The order said that goods from all other

countries not listed in an annex would be subject to a 10 per cent US tariff rate.

Trump's order said that some trading partners, "despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship

Exclusive: Indian state refiners pause Russian oil purchases, sources say

Indian state-owned refiners have paused purchases of Russian crude oil over the past week, according to four industry sources cited by Reuters.

The firms involved include Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), and Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL). These companies, which together control over 60 percent of India’s refining capacity of approximately 5.2 million barrels per day, have refrained from placing new orders for Russian crude as discounts shrink to their lowest since the start of the Ukraine war in early 2022. The suspensions follow mounting geopolitical pressure, particularly from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened nations buying Russian oil with 100 percent tariffs unless Russia reached a major peace agreement with Ukraine, and shortened the window for secondary sanctions to just 10–12 days. Additionally, the United States implemented a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports effective August 1, raising concerns that further trade in Russian crude may be exposed to sanctions risk.

State refiners are now shifting procurement to spot markets, sourcing alternatives such as Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude and West African supplies to compensate for the pause in Russian shipments .

While private refiners—including Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy—continue long-term contracts with Russian producers, they account for roughly 60 percent of India’s Russian oil imports in the first half of 2025.

India remains the world’s largest buyer of seaborne Russian crude, with Russia supplying about 35 percent of its total oil needs. The government and oil ministry have not made any public statement on the developments to date.

or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters." Officials from the Trump administration told reporters that more trade deals were yet to be announced as Trump's higher "reciprocal" tariff rates were set to take effect.

The order said that goods from all other countries not listed in an annex would be subject to a 10 per cent US tariff rate.

"We have some deals," the official said. "And I don't want to get ahead of the President of the United States in announcing those deals."

An exemption for Canadian and Mexican goods entering the country under a North American trade pact remained in place, according to the White House.

The Trump administration issued a separate order for Canada that raises the rate on Canadian goods subject to fentanyl-related tariffs to 35 per cent from 25 per cent previously, saying Canada, the second-largest US trading partner after Mexico, had "failed to cooperate" in curbing fentanyl flows into the US.

US Calls India’s Russia Oil Buys a Strain in Ties

Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said that India's purchase of oil from Russia is "most certainly a point of irritation" in New Delhi's relationship with Washington. Speaking to Fox Radio a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on India and an additional penalty for buying Russian military equipment and energy, Mr Rubio said that India's purchases of Russian oil are helping to sustain Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine.

"Look, global trade - India is an ally. It's a strategic partner. Like anything in foreign policy, you're not going to align 100 per cent of the time on everything," Mr Rubio said when asked if President Trump is "upset" with India getting a "great portion" of the discounted oil from Russia.

"India has huge energy needs and that includes the ability to buy oil and coal and gas and things that it needs to power its economy like every country does, and it buys it from Russia, because Russian oil is sanctioned and cheap and - meaning they have to - in many cases, they're selling it under the global price because of the sanctions. And that, unfortunately, is helping to sustain the Russian war effort," he added. "So, it is most certainly a point of irritation in our relationship with India - not the only point of irritation," Mr Rubio said.

Trump Ended IndiaPak Conflict, Deserves Nobel: White House

U.S. President Donald Trump should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said, claiming that the U.S. President ended several conflicts around the world including the one between India and Pakistan. Since May 10, when Mr. Trump announced on social media that India and Pakistan had agreed to a "full and immediate" ceasefire after a "long night" of talks mediated by Washington, he has repeated his claim on several occasions that he helped settle the tensions between the two countries.

At a White House press briefing on Thursday Ms. Leavitt said that Mr. Trump has “now ended conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, Israel and Iran, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo and Egypt and Ethiopia.”

ED Summons Anil Ambani

in Rs.3,000 Cr Loan Fraud

Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani on August 5 for questioning in connection with an alleged Rs 3,000 crore worth bank loan fraud-linked money laundering case.

The summons came days after the probe agency searched companies linked to Mr Ambani and recovered a number of documents and computer peripherals from multiple locations.

The raids were launched on July 24 as part of the alleged bank loan fraudlinked money laundering case apart from multiple other allegations of financial irregularities with crores of rupees by certain companies.

HiIndia Newsdesk

PROTEIN POWER Social media hype vs fact

Dietitian Anushree Sharma adds, “Most people don’t need supplements. Natural foods—like lentils, tofu, paneer, eggs—are enough.” Experts urge informed, evidence-based dietary choices—not hype.

The surge in protein consumption has been significantly driven by fitness influencers on social media, who promote it as a “miracle nutrient” for weight loss and muscle building. While protein is indeed vital, health experts caution against blind acceptance of such trends without understanding individual needs.

“Protein was long neglected in Indian diets. It’s good that conversations are happening now,” says health expert Prashant Desai. “However, misinformation is also spreading. It’s crucial to verify facts.”

Nutritionist Bhakti Kapoor cites a 2023 American

Black Coffee Daily: 30-Day Body Impact

Many people start their mornings with a strong cup of black coffee, attracted by its bold flavor and energy boost. But what happens after 30 days of this habit?

Experts say the effects can be both beneficial and concerning, depending on consumption.

Dr. Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist at Fortis Bengaluru, notes that black coffee can enhance cognitive focus, boost fat metabolism, improve physical performance, and provide antioxidants. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by blocking adenosine and increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing alertness and mood.

However, poor timing can disrupt sleep. Drinking coffee too late may delay sleep onset by interfering with adenosine. Experts advise avoiding it at least six hours before bedtime. Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach can also cause acidity, cramps, bloating, and cortisol spikes—especially in sensitive individuals—leading to anxiety or jitteriness. Consumed in moderation and at the right time, black coffee can support health. But without care, its effects may turn harmful over time.

Journal of Clinical Nutrition report that highlights protein’s benefits—muscle preservation, reduced appetite, and better weight management. Still, experts warn against excess. Dr. Siddhant Bhargava says overconsumption can damage kidneys and lead to weight gain if unused protein turns to fat. He stresses balanced diets over supplements.

Dietitian Anushree Sharma adds, “Most people don’t need supplements. Natural foods—like lentils, tofu, paneer, eggs—are enough.”

Experts urge informed, evidence-based dietary choices—not hype.

Health Benefits Of Chewing Elaichi At Night

Cardamom, or elaichi, prized for its aroma and flavour, also offers notable health benefits—especially when chewed before bedtime. This simple Ayurvedic practice aids digestion, promotes restful sleep, and boosts overall wellness. Rich in antioxidants and digestive enzymes, cardamom eases bloating, acidity, and stomach discomfort while improving nutrient absorption. It freshens breath by fighting mouth bacteria and supports oral hygiene. Its calming effects may reduce anxiety and improve sleep by supporting melatonin production. Cardamom also detoxifies the body with diuretic and liver-supportive properties that flush toxins during sleep. Additionally, elaichi aids respiratory health by reducing inflammation, loosening mucus, and easing mild asthma or allergies. Early studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity. While not a cure-all, adding elaichi to your nightly routine can naturally support digestion, sleep, immunity, and more—effectively and easily.

What happens when you eat one clove of garlic every morning

For generations, garlic has been used not just for taste but also as a natural remedy. And here’s the best part: eating just one clove of raw garlic every morning on an empty stomach can make a noticeable difference to your health. Let’s break down what really happens when you make this simple habit part of your daily routine.

Your Immune System Gets a Natural Boost

One of the first things people notice when they start eating raw garlic daily is that they fall sick less often. That’s because garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is known to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Whether it’s the flu season or a change in weather, garlic can help your immune system stay a step ahead. Think of it as nature’s own mini antibiotic—minus the side effects.

Good for health

If you’re trying to take better care of your heart, garlic might just be your new best friend. It can help lower bad cholesterol, manage blood pressure, and keep your blood flowing smoothly. Basically, it works behind the scenes to support your cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of clogged arteries. And the best part? It does all this naturally, without any pills.

Digestion Improves

Got sluggish digestion? Garlic might help you with that too. Taking it first thing in the morning helps stimulate bile production, which is great for breaking down fats and absorbing nutrients more effectively. It also supports your liver and kidneys in flushing out toxins, giving your body a gentle but effective detox. Some people even notice clearer skin and better energy levels over time.

Blood Sugar stability

If you struggle with blood sugar swings or are keeping an eye on your glucose levels, garlic can offer support here as well. Its natural compounds can help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar— especially when taken on an empty stomach. Over time, this may even help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes when paired with a balanced diet and regular movement.

Stay in Shape

While garlic alone won’t melt the kilos away, it can definitely play a small role in your weight management journey. It’s known to curb appetite, speed up metabolism, and reduce water retention. So if you're looking to support your efforts with food that works with your goals, garlic is a smart addition.

Trump: Tariffs on Pharma, Chips Coming Soon

US President Donald Trump signaled Tuesday that fresh tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals and semiconductors could be unveiled as soon as the coming week, as he presses on in efforts to reshape global trade.

Trump's latest comments, in an interview on CNBC, come days before a separate set of tariff hikes takes effect on dozens of economies later this week.

The sweeping tariff plans have sparked a flurry of activity as governments seek to avert the worst of his threats -- with Switzerland's leaders heading to Washington on Tuesday in a last-minute push to avoid punitive duties.

Trump Envoy Meets Putin as Ukraine Ceasefire Deadline Nears

Russian President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow on Wednesday, the Kremlin said, two days ahead of a deadline imposed by US President Donald Trump on Moscow to halt its Ukraine offensive or face fresh sanctions.

Trump, who had boasted he could end the conflict within 24 hours of taking office, has given Russia until Friday to make progress towards peace or face new penalties. But three rounds of Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul have failed to make headway on a ceasefire, with the two sides far apart.

28 Kerala Tourists Missing in Uttarakhand Floods

Kochi: A 28-member group of tourists, who are natives of Kerala, has gone missing after a cloudburst triggered massive mudslides in Uttarakhand, family members said on Wednesday. Of the 28 individuals, 20 are reportedly from Kerala settled in Maharashtra, while the remaining eight are from various districts in Kerala, a relative of one of the couples in the group told the media.

PM Modi To Visit China, His First Since Galwan Clash, For SCO Summit

PM Modi's visit comes at a time when Donald Trump has targeted the Brics nations for buying oil from Russia and for what the US President claims is a grouping that challenges the hegemony of the dollar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1. This will also be his first visit to China since 2019.

Before attending the SCO summit, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Japan on August 30, where he will participate in the annual India-Japan Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. From there, he will head to China, according to sources.

PM Modi's visit also comes at a time when Donald Trump has targeted the Brics nations for buying oil from Russia and for what the US President claims is a grouping that challenges the hegemony

of the dollar.

While China was at the forefront of the US tariff war, with duty rates reaching triple digits, the Trump administration has rolled back most of them, bringing the current rate down to 30 per cent

US Foreign Student Enrollments May Drop 30–40% This Fall

Washington: Amid US President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration and wider visa backlog, American universities are likely to see a 30 per cent to 40 per cent decline in enrollment of foreign students in American universities for the upcoming academic session starting in September, according to an alarming new projection from NAFSA-- an association of international educators.

The survey also predicted an estimated 15 per cent drop in total enrollment for the 2025/26 academic year, representing a loss of 1,50,000 students over the previous year. For a country that has long projected itself as the global hub of higher education, the decline in enrolments signals a shift in how international students view American academic promise.

The decline in enrollment would translate into a loss of $7 billion to local US economies and more than 60,000 jobs across the United States, the researchers said.

NAFSA CEO Fanta Aw noted that this would be "one of the most significant drops in international enrolment in recent times" after the COVID-19 pandemic.

amid ongoing discussions. On the other hand, Trump has also cracked down on another Brics nation, India, over its trade with Russia, imposing a 25 per cent tariff and threatening to levy even more.

In June, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Defence Ministers’ meeting of the SCO in Qingdao, China, where he refused to sign a document that, as per sources, would have diluted India’s stand on terrorism and the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead. Due to divergence on the issue of terrorism, the SCO decided not to issue a joint statement. According to sources, China, which holds the SCO chair, and its "all-weather friend" Pakistan tried to divert the attention from terrorism in the SCO document, skipping any mention of the Pahalgam attack

PM Modi inaugurates Kartavya Bhavan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Kartavya Bhavan in Delhi in a gala affair as part of the government's ambitious project to bring central ministries and departments under one roof for seamless functioning.

Kartavya Bhavan-3, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, is the first of the several upcoming Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings as part of the larger Central Vista project.

US Should Not Burn Relationship With "Strong Ally Like India": Nikki Haley

HiIndia Newsdesk

New York: The US should not burn its relationship with a "strong ally like India" and give a pass to China, Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley said on Tuesday, amid President Donald Trump's attacks against New Delhi over tariffs and purchases of Russian oil. "India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause," Nikki Haley said in a post on X. "Don't give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India," she said. Haley, the former

Governor of South Carolina, was the US Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump's first presidential term, becoming the first Indian-American to be appointed to a cabinet-level post in the US administration. In 2013, she officially announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election and withdrew from the race in March last year. Her comments came hours after Trump said India has not been a "good trading partner" and announced he will raise tariffs on India "very substantially over the next 24 hours" because New Delhi is buying Russian oil and "fueling" the "war machine".

HiIndia Newsdesk

Nikki Haley

Vir Das on ‘Two Indias’ Fallout: No Work, Breakdown, Memory Loss

Vir Das faced a major controversy in 2021 when his video, ‘I Come From Two Indias,’ received a lot of hate from a section of netizens. Vir explained why he shifted to Goa and why he decided to return to Mumbai, “You can’t write stand-up in Goa. For that, you need to know the pulse of the audience. In Goa, it seems like the day is 37 hours long! Time slows down. What I like about Goans is that everybody, who shows up from the outside, is running from something (smiles). They are trying to deal with something in life and hence, they have come and settled in Goa. Goans are non-judgmental about it. They have seen people in all sorts of tragedies. But then I realized it was time to stop running and come back.”

Kumkum Bhagya May End After 11 Years

of Zee TV’s most popular shows, Kumkum Bhagya, is reportedly set to go off air after an incredible 11-year run. The romantic drama, which began with the beloved pairing of Shabir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha, has been a staple of Indian television since its launch and is currently tracing the fourth generation of its storyline.

AI Powers Hrithik’s Voice in War 2 Strategy

A couple of months back, Namit Malhotra made an announcement about using AI to lip sync all his characters from Ramayana in multiple languages all across the world. The producer also promised this to be a one-of-its-kind in-built technology for the cinema-goers. In the midst of him making these announcements, producer Aditya Chopra was silently working on incorporating the similar technology for War 2.

Kathal Wins Best Hindi Film: Team Reacts

“Salman Makes Everything Massive”

Chitrangda on Battle of Galwan

Chitrangda Singh’s next big project, Battle of Galwan, is more than just a film; it’s a tribute. Based on real-life events that have deep roots in military history, the project stars none other than Salman Khan, and Chitrangda Singh is thrilled to be part of it. “It’s a story of bravery and courage,” she says. “Coming from an army background, I remember this event being spoken about in our circles. So to be part of this film feels very personal.” What makes it

In a momentous achievement for Indian cinema, Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery has won the Best Hindi Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards. The comedy-crime satire, produced by Ekta Kapoor, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Achin Jain, and Shobha Kapoor, and directed by debutant Yashowardhan Mishra, captured both critical and audience attention in 2023 for its razorsharp storytelling and rooted social commentary. Following the win, the team behind the film shared emotional and powerful statements that reflect the journey and impact of this Netflixbacked gem.

Lead actor Sanya Malhotra, who delivered a widely lauded performance as Mahima, responded with deep gratitude. Sanya said, “I’m deeply honored that Kathal has been awarded the National Award for Best Hindi Film.

even more special is the scale and intent of the project. With Salman leading the cast, the film is bound to command attention, but for Chitrangda, it’s the emotional and thematic depth that drew her in. “This isn’t just about the spectacle. It’s meaningful. It’s rooted. It’s real,” she emphasizes. There’s a sense of pride in her voice, a connection that goes beyond a typical role. She sees it as a way of honoring the real heroes, of bringing forgotten or lesser-known stories into the mainstream. And of course, working with Salman Khan is a milestone. “Everything he’s part of becomes massive. Whether you’re an actor or technician, it all scales up,” she says. But what excites her more is the chance to be part of a film that says something important. “It’s the kind of story that deserves to be told. And I’m just happy I get to be part of telling it.”

Bigg Boss 19 Teaser Out, Streams Aug 24

The much-awaited teaser for Bigg Boss 19 is finally out, promising more drama, twists, and entertainment than ever before. Set to stream exclusively on JioCinema from August 24, the upcoming season has already created a buzz among fans. While the teaser keeps the house theme and contestant lineup under wraps, it hints at a fresh format and exciting surprises. Hosted once again by Salman Khan, the show is expected to bring back its signature mix of controversies and emotional moments. Viewers can gear up for another rollercoaster season of India’s biggest reality show.

Vineet Kumar: Rangeen Sparked Talk on Female Sexuality

Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, currently seen in Amazon Prime's Rangeen, spoke to HI INDIA about the show’s bold themes and his evolving journey as an actor.

“Rangeen has sparked conversations around female sexuality — a topic rarely explored in Indian cinema,” he said. “Even if people don’t fully understand it yet, discussions have started, and that’s a step forward.” Vineet plays a journalist lost in his own world. He shared that the character's physicality and emotional depth were crafted through detailed preparation. “I read the script multiple times, spoke to the writers, and built the character piece by piece — his habits, thoughts, relationships,” he explained. From Mukkabaaz to Chhaava, Vineet has sought variety. “Now I want

to explore comedy and action — something like Taken. I believe I can do it well,” he shared. He’s also eager to work on historical dramas that leave a social impact.

Reflecting on Chhaava, where he played Kavi Kalash, Vineet said, “The love I got for that role was unexpected. It proved to me that people trust my craft.”

He credited his Rangeen co-stars — Rajshri Deshpande, Sheeba Chaddha, Taaruk Raina, and Meghna Malik — for elevating the performance. “Good actors push you to be better.”

Upcoming projects include a TVF show, a film with Anurag Kashyap, and another with Anand L. Rai. “I don’t plan much,” he said. “I just want to do sincere work and contribute meaningfully through my characters.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

One

Staying Relevant Matters More Than Awards

HiIndia: Maddy, despite decades in cinema, you’ve rarely been awarded. Does that bother you?

Madhavan: Not at all. The fact that people think I deserve recognition is an award in itself. What matters to me is that I’m still here, still relevant.

HiIndia: That’s humble. Even legends like Dilip Kumar didn’t win National Awards for some iconic roles.

Madhavan: Exactly. Many greater artistes never got their due. So I don’t chase awards — I just try to do good work.

HiIndia: Your range from Shaitaan to Aap Jaisa Koi surprised many. Were you nervous playing a nerd?

Madhavan: Never worried about how fans would react. I focus on sincerity. If fans are real, they’ll accept every character.

HiIndia: Was there something personal about your role in Aap Jaisa

Koi?

Madhavan: Yes! My character is from Jamshedpur — and I’m from there too. Also, the mix of patriarchy and progress in the character really intrigued me.

HiIndia: How was it working with Fatima Sana Shaikh?

Madhavan: She’s sweet and very talented. She was concerned about underplaying her role, but I told her — never underestimate the audience.

HiIndia: What keeps you so fit and energetic?

Madhavan: No shortcuts. No boosters. Just good food, early sleep, and waking up excited for each day.

HiIndia: Your son Vedaant chose swimming over acting. Any regrets?

Madhavan: Not at all. He’s doing great. I didn’t follow my father’s path, so why should he follow mine?

Rajinikanth’s Coolie Takes 6X Lead Over War 2 in US Pre-Sales

In a surprising turn of events, the Rajinikanth-led Coolie has taken a massive lead over the Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr. led War 2 in the advance bookings at the US box office. With 9 days to go for release, the 6th chapter of Spy Universe has sold tickets worth USD 205K (Hindi + Telugu) in North America, as compared to Lokesh Kanagaraj's film, which has clocked a phenomenal advance booking of USD 1.2 million.

One must note that the North American market is dominated by the Telugu audience, and yet, a Tamil film has taken a big lead in the booking. The scenario is uniform at every place where the pre-sales have opened, with Coolie taking a big lead over War 2, which includes Australia and New Zealand too.

Madhurima Tuli on Tehran: Her Role Brings "Calm to John’s Chaos"

Bollywood actress Madhurima Tuli is all set to make a powerful on-screen return, this time alongside action star John Abraham in the much-anticipated film Tehran. In what promises to be a pivotal role, Madhurima steps into the shoes of John’s wife—a character layered with strength, sensitivity, and grace.

Speaking about her role, Madhurima shared, “I’m playing John’s wife in the film, where I bring calmness into his chaotic life. It’s a strong, independent woman’s role—something I really connected with.”

Known for her versatility and commanding presence, Madhurima is expected to bring a refreshing emotional depth to the narrative. While Tehran is pegged as a high-octane thriller with geopolitical undertones, her character seems to ground the story in emotion, offering balance to the intensity John Abraham brings to the screen.

This pairing of John and Madhurima is already generating buzz, not just for the film’s gripping premise but also for the unexpected yet compelling chemistry the two actors promise to deliver. With Tehran shaping up to be both a thrilling ride and a heartfelt story, Madhurima’s fans have every reason to be excited.

120 Bahadur Teaser: Farhan Akhtar in Tale of Sacrifice and Patriotism

A day after unveiling a powerful new poster that left fans buzzing, the makers of 120 Bahadur have now dropped the much-awaited teaser — and it roars with scale, soul, and searing patriotism. Featuring Farhan Akhtar in a fierce avatar as Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (PVC), the first glimpse promises a cinematic war epic rooted in courage and sacrifice. Inspired by the real-life heroism of the Battle of Rezang La (1962), the teaser offers a pulse-pounding look at the bravery of 120 Indian soldiers who stood their ground against thousands. At its heart is the thunderous declaration: “Hum Peechhe Nahin Hatenge!” — a line that echoes throughout the visuals and sets the emotional core of the film. Makers, taking to their official handle, posted the teaser along with the caption: "Yeh wardi sirf himmat nahin, balidaan bhi maangti hai!

Indian-Origin Professor Caught In Sting Operation While Trying To Meet A 14-Year-Old Boy

HiIndia Newsdesk

An Indian-origin associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, is facing scrutiny after a viral video showed him being confronted in an alleged online child predator sting. According to San Diego Ville, the sting was conducted by the California-based group People vs. Predators. Widely shared social media footage shows activists confronting Nisarg Jaydeep Shah at a supermarket, where he allegedly intended to meet a 14-year-old boy.

In the video, activist Tim Johnson, who claims to have exposed over 500 suspected predators, confronted Mr Shah about explicit conversations allegedly held on Grindr. Screenshots shared by the activist purportedly show Mr Shah claiming to be 28 and engaging in sexually explicit chats, even after the decoy mentioned being "bout to be 15."

During the confrontation, Nisarg Shah repeatedly expressed remorse,

The footage accuses the professor of attempting to meet someone he believed to be a 14-year-old boy for sexual activity.

saying he feels "horrible, the worst I've ever felt" and calling his actions "abhorrent." In extended footage outside the store, Mr Shah admitted to bringing

Indian American Teen Starts Autism Awareness Nonprofit

SAN RAMON, CA — California High School senior Danya Prakash has launched a nonprofit dedicated to promoting autism awareness, advocacy, and education.

Prakash founded Humanities in Focus during her freshman year at Cal High after witnessing a group of students mocking their autistic peers. “It wasn’t loud, but it was in the way they mimicked how the autism class moved or spoke. I felt helpless,” she recalled. “I realized how uncomfortable people are with differ-ence—and how rarely true acceptance is taught. I didn’t want to just feel upset; I wanted to take action.”

Since its founding in January 2024, Humanities in Focus has grown to three international chapters with over 40 student officers. The organization also helped raise $400,000 at a charity auction for the Morgan Au-tism Center in San Jose, supporting classroom expansion, student supplies, and campus resources. The nonprofit recently launched a podcast titled Beyond the Diagnosis,

featuring autism advocates, au-thors, behavior specialists, and professors.

Prakash said the goal is to challenge the misconception that autism is something to be "fixed" or "eliminated."

“I’ve learned that autism is not one single experience—it varies with every individual and every family,” she said.

“I’ve seen the strength it takes for parents to advocate every single day, and how cultural stigma still silences conversations in many communities. This journey has taught me that the most important thing we can do is listen without judgment.”

In addition to the podcast, Humanities in Focus is developing an educational app designed for autistic learners and planning in-person outreach programs, including panels, family workshops, and school-based events.

“Inclusion starts with listening,” Prakash emphasized. “Autism isn’t something to fear or fix. It’s a different way of experiencing the world. You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference— you just need to care enough to start.”

personal lubricant and a douche, claiming they were to help the person he believed he was meeting "get ready" and "prep." He repeatedly said, "I f**ked up," and suggested, "I need to get help or something, maybe."

A photo reportedly showed Mr Shah in handcuffs, though SanDiegoVille stated he was only briefly detained and released at the scene.

San Diego Police have confirmed an

ongoing investigation. SDPD Lt Travis Easter said, "We are aware of the incident and our ICAC unit is actively investigating it. There have not been any charges made yet."

"Our ICAC unit will typically not work with civilians acting as undercover operatives and does not condone such activities because the training involved in conducting these investigations consists of hours of intense legal training," Mr Easter was quoted as saying by SanDiegoVille. Nisarg Shah, a UC San Diego associate professor specialising in immunoengineering and nanoscale materials, holds a Ph.D. from MIT and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard. He teaches and leads a research lab at UCSD. In response to the allegations against its faculty member, UC San Diego committed to fully cooperating with authorities, emphasising its dedication to campus safety and a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

New Traffic Law Threatens Jail Time for Slightly Slow Drivers

LOUISIIANA - Louisiana has implemented strict new traffic laws, including one that criminalizes driving just 1 mph below the speed limit in the left lane. Previously, the threshold was 10 mph. The goal: to improve traffic flow and reduce road rage incidents.

On rural interstates, the speed limit is 75 mph; on urban interstates, it's 70 mph; divided highways are set at 65 mph, and most other roads are capped at 55 mph. Motorists who drive too slowly in the left lane now face a $150 fine for the first offense, with additional $100 increments for repeat violations. A third offense within 12 months could result in a $350 fine or up to 30 days in jail under Act 24. Another major change: handheld phone use while driving is now banned. This includes texting, social me-dia, and even map navigation unless done hands-free. Warnings will be issued until January 1, after which fines begin at $100 and can rise to $250 in school or construction zones.

Tinted window regulations have also tightened. Front side windows must now

allow at least 25% light transmission, aligning with standards in Texas and Arkansas. Failure to comply or to display proper inspec-tion decals may result in fines ranging from $150 to $350.

Additionally, the state's “no pay, no play” law has expanded. Uninsured drivers involved in crash-es—regardless of fault—can no longer collect up to $100,000 in damages. New mandatory minimums have also been introduced for hit-and-run offenses to strengthen victim protection.

In Florida, similar reforms took effect August 1. Teen drivers must now complete a 50-hour driver educa-tion course, in addition to the existing TLSAE course, before applying for a learner's permit. Permits must be held for at least a year or until the applicant turns 18. Driving hours for 16- and 17-year-olds are re-stricted until they reach adulthood.

The goal of these sweeping laws in both states is clear: encourage responsible driving, reduce accidents, and hold violators accountable.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Guru Purnima Mela Held at MA Center Chicago

Devotees Gather in Chicago for Satsang, Bhajans, and Paduka Puja at Guru Purnima Mela

CHICAGO, IL- Carpenter Park in Carpentersville, Illinois, transformed into a sanctuary of devotion as I Love Sai hosted the 3rd Annual Guru Purnima Mela, themed “Tvameva Sarvam Mama Deva Deva” (“You are everything, my God of Gods”). Held just two days ago, the celebration brought together thousands of devotees, families, and first-time visitors under the spiritual light of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba.

Guru Purnima, observed on the full moon of Ashadha, honors the Guru as a guide to enlightenment. For Sai devotees, it’s a sacred time to remember Baba’s teachings of love, faith (Shraddha), and patience (Saburi). The event, open to all, reflected his inclusive

message. The park buzzed with chants, incense, and joy as people came together in unity and devotion. Organized by I Love Sai Global—headquartered at 30 N Washington St, Carpentersville—the Mela offered a full day of spiritual and cultural experiences.

The highlight was the awe-inspiring Shri Sai Baba Chariot Procession, where a beautifully adorned chariot carrying Baba’s idol moved through the park to drums and hymns, igniting heartfelt devotion.

Live Bhajans filled the air with divine music, inviting all to sing along. Cultural dances—from Bharatnatyam to folk and modern performances— added color and energy, celebrating India’s heritage

and Sai Baba’s universal appeal.

The sacred Dhoop Aarti, with its incense and chants, created a serene ambiance, offering a moment of deep spiritual connection. A blessed Preeti Bhojan was served to thousands, echoing Baba’s emphasis on sharing and love. Vendor stalls offered Indian foods, handmade crafts, and spiritual goods, highlighting community talent and unity.

Kids enjoyed themed activities like Dahi Handi, adding playful joy to the day. The event’s success was powered by dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic community support. As the sun set, the Mela left behind warmth, unity, and spiritual renewal.

State Senaator Villivalam Leads Charge Against AI Overreach in Mental Health Care

SPRINGFIELD, IL — As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into health care, State Senator Ram Villivalam is championing new safeguards to protect mental health patients from the unchecked use of AI. “It is imperative that we provide our communities with the critical mental health support they need and are seeking,” said Villivalam. “By setting clear guidelines for the use of AI in mental health treatment, we are investing in the well-being of our communities and the integrity of care provided.”

Under House Bill 1806, new standards are established for professionals who use AI in mental health set-tings. The law mandates that only qualified, licensed, or certified individuals may deliver services and ex-plicitly prohibits AI from making therapeutic decisions—such as diagnosing patients, recommending medi-cations, or creating treatment plans. Therapists must also disclose any use of AI to their clients.

The law does not apply to religious counseling, peer support, or self-help resources that are publicly avail-able

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into health care, State Sen-ator Ram Villivalam is championing new safeguards to protect mental health patients from the unchecked use of AI.

and do not provide formal therapy.

“With the signing of HB1806, Illinois has

taken a crucial step to protect vulnerable clients—especially chil-dren—from the risks of unregulated AI therapy,” said Kyle Hillman, director of legislative affairs for NASW-Illinois. “We applaud Governor Pritzker, Senator Villivalam, and Representative Morgan for ensuring licensed professionals remain at the center of ethical, human-centered mental health care.”

Ohio’s New Solicitor General Faces Racism over ‘Bindi’

Zofeen Maqsood

As Indian-origin lawyer Mathura Sridharan was named the 12th Solicitor General of Ohio creating a historic achievement there came a wave of racism over something she wears as a symbol of her Indian origin – a bindi. Sridharan was subjected to racist comments online.

Soon, several commenters online posted racist comments especially pointing to her wearing a bindi – a customary and religious marker worn by Hindu women. While several users questioned her being an American, even though Sridharan is a U.S. citizen born to naturalized parents. To show support, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) publicly condemned the hate directed towards her. CAIR Ohio’s executive director Khalid Turaani issued a strong statement saying: “Religious and cultural symbols—whether a hijab, yarmulke, turban, cross, or bindi— reflect the diversity that strengthens our democracy,” Turaani said. We unequivocally support Ms. Sridharan’s right to express her identity and condemn the racism and xenophobia directed at her.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

FBI Exposes Scam Targeting International College Students with Fake Government Calls

HiIndia Newsdesk

PHILADELPHIA- As colleges and universities across our area begin the fall semester, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office is warning international students about a scam involving foreign government impersonators, urging victims to report incidents immediately.

Since 2022, the FBI has seen a rise in criminals posing as Chinese police officers to defraud members of the U.S.-based Chinese community— particularly students. Victims are told they are under investigation for a financial crime in China and must pay to avoid arrest.

How the scheme works:

1. Initial contact: Victims receive a call appearing to come from a phone service provider, retailer, delivery company, or the Chinese Embassy/Consulate. The caller claims the victim’s personal information is linked to a financial fraud case.

Since 2022, the

members of the U.S.-based Chinese community— particularly students. Victims are told they are under investigation for a financial crime in China and must pay to avoid arrest.

2. Fake transfer: The call is “transferred” to someone posing as a Chinese provincial police officer, who pressures the victim to return to China or threatens arrest.

Justice Department Scales Back Immigration 3000-a-Day Arrest Target

WASHINGTON, DC-Stephen Miller, a senior Trump adviser, declared that ICE aimed to arrest at least 3,000 immigrants daily as part of President Trump’s mass deportation agenda. “President Trump is going to keep pushing to get that number up higher each and every day,” he told Sean Hannity.

But when questioned in court last week, the Justice Department denied any such quota existed. The con-tradiction has become central to several legal cases accusing ICE of overstepping legal boundaries. Judges have cited the 3,000-arrest target as evidence of pressure that may have led ICE to conduct unlawful sweeps.

Judge Jia Cobb ruled that the expansion of expedited deportations violated the law, while Judge Trina Thompson cited the goal in blocking the termination of temporary protected status for certain immigrants. Meanwhile, the DOJ told the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that ICE had no arrest quotas and dismissed the 3,000 figure as “anonymous reports”

— without addressing Miller’s public statement.

This inconsistency has raised concerns among judges and immigration advocates about the administration’s tactics. The issue is particularly contentious in a case challenging ICE’s sweeps in Los Angeles, where a judge had barred "roving" arrests based on vague criteria like presence near car washes or hardware stores.

During 9th Circuit arguments, judges questioned if ICE was under pressure to meet targets that could lead to constitutional violations. DOJ attorney Yaakov Roth conceded that a quota, if real, could support such claims but argued it didn’t justify a court injunction.

ACLU lawyer Mohammad Tajsar argued that the DOJ’s carefully worded denials didn’t rule out a de facto quota influencing agent behavior. The gap between public statements and court testimony continues to erode trust and may impact the DOJ’s credibility in future immigration litigation.

3. Monitoring: Victims are told to submit to 24/7 video and audio monitoring, avoid discussing the case, not search online, and report all daily activities.

4. Payment demand: Victims are instructed to wire large sums to a Chinese bank account to prove inno-cence or post bail.

“These scams cause more than financial loss—victims often face lasting emotional and psychological harm,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge. “If you or someone you know has been targeted, contact us immediately. We are committed to holding offenders accountable and helping victims recover.”

If targeted, take the following steps:

• Report the activity to the payment service provider used.

• Contact your bank immediately to stop or reverse the transaction and have them alert the receiving bank.

• Notify campus security or public safety to raise awareness among students.

Submit a report to the FBI at www. ic3.gov. The FBI Philadelphia Field Office can be reached at 215-4184000.

HinduPACT Launches in Austin, Texas, Unveiling Key Initiatives

AUSTIN, TX– HinduPACT, an American Hindu organization committed to promoting dharmic values and the Hindu ethos in public life, proudly announces the successful launch of its Austin, Texas chapter. The inau-gural event drew strong support from the community, marking a major step forward in HinduPACT’s mis-sion to advance inclusion, pluralism, and human rights. A highlight of the event was a compelling presentation by Rahul Sur, Executive Director of HinduPACT’s Hindus Advancing Human Rights (HAHRI) initiative and former Chief of the UN Peacekeeping Evaluation Office (OIOS) at UN Headquarters.

Sur delivered a powerful talk titled “The Drip, Drip Genocide of Hindus in Pakistan Over 75 Years,” drawing from his extensive global human rights experience.

Sur stated, “The world has turned a blind eye to the killing, rape, and persecution of Hindus under regimes like that of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh’s Hindu population has dropped from 28% in 1947 to just 7% today. This ongoing human rights crisis must be addressed.”

His remarks resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting a genocide often absent from mainstream dis-course.

The Austin launch also spotlighted HinduPACT’s core initiatives:

• HAHRI (Hindus Advancing Human Rights): Inspired by the Bhagavad Gita’s call to uphold righteousness, HAHRI advocates for persecuted Hindu communities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kashmir, and Canada, while also addressing issues of gender equality and racial justice.

• CHINGARI (Coalition for Hindu Girls Abducted and their Rights): Focuses on the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan, driving international awareness and calls for U.S. intervention.

• AHAD (American Hindus Against Defamation): Founded in 1997, AHAD combats Hinduphobia and the defamation of Hindu culture across media and educational platforms using cutting-edge AI tools.

• HinduVote: Promotes civic engagement by encouraging voter registration, educating Hindu voters, and informing lawmakers about Hindu perspectives on key issues.

HiIndia Newsdesk

FBI has seen a rise in criminals posing

Chinese police officers to defraud

HinduPACT Launches in Austin, Texas, Unveiling Key Initiatives

A highlight of the event was a compelling presentation by Rahul Sur, Executive Director of HinduPACT’s Hindus Advancing Human Rights (HAHRI) initiative and former Chief of the UN Peacekeeping Evaluation Office (OIOS) at UN Headquarters. Sur delivered a powerful talk titled “The Drip, Drip Genocide of Hindus in Pakistan Over 75 Years,” drawing from his extensive global human rights experience.

This ongoing human rights crisis must be addressed.”

His remarks resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting a genocide often absent from mainstream dis-course.

The Austin launch also spotlighted HinduPACT’s core initiatives:

• AHAD (American Hindus Against Defamation): Founded in 1997, AHAD combats Hinduphobia and the defamation of Hindu culture across media and educational platforms using cutting-edge AI tools.

• HinduVote: Promotes civic engagement by encouraging voter registration, educating Hindu voters, and informing lawmakers about Hindu perspectives on key issues.

The successful launch of HinduPACT-Austin reflects a growing demand for platforms that enable advocacy, awareness, and community-driven dialogue on issues vital to American Hindus and the global dharmic community.

The inau-gural event drew strong support from the community, marking a major step forward in HinduPACT’s mis-sion to advance inclusion, pluralism, and human rights.

Dr. Hetal Gor Takes Center Stage at AAPI’s 43rd Convention

CINCINATTI, OH- The 43rd Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly of the American Association of Phy-sicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) was held July 24–27, 2025, at the Cincinnati Marriott and Northern Kentucky Convention Center. The event brought together Indian American physicians, entrepreneurs, and leaders, celebrating achievements and shaping the future of AAPI under the leadership of Dr. Hetal Gor, who was appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees on July 26.

Dr. Gor, a board-certified OB-GYN, entrepreneur, and women’s advocate, outlined her vision rooted in clar-ity, transparency, and integrity. She announced new initiatives including monthly medico-legal webinars with the South Asian Bar Association, mentorship for young physicians, and a focus on integrative wellness to combat physician burnout. “A well-balanced person is a better physician,” she emphasized.

Outgoing BOT Chair Dr. Sunil Kaza reflected on a transformative year, highlighting key achievements such as scholarships through the Kakani Fund, funding for young physicians, and advocacy in India, including meetings with Health Minister JP Nadda and $76,000 raised for health and education initiatives. He was recognized for fostering fiscal responsibility and ethical leadership.

A major highlight was the CEO Forum, moderated by Dr. Gor, featuring physician-entrepreneurs Dr. Raj Pandya and Dr. Sandeep Dronawat. Dr. Pandya, founder of Atlanta Orthopedic Institute, stressed clarity and responsibility in leadership: “Every time I walk into the OR, I’m the CEO of that case.” Dr. Dronawat, CEO of Fetal Life, spoke on time management and conflict resolution: “Focus on the problem, not the person.” Audience engagement was strong, with young professionals seeking insights on business, leadership, and purpose. Dr. Pandya encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to “leave it all on the field,” while Dr. Dronawat emphasized gratitude and community service. The convention honored notable physicians including Dr. Navin Nanda and Dr. Jagdish Gupta with AAPI Ser-vice Awards. Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval delivered an inspiring keynote, praising Indian Americans for their contributions to healthcare and public service. As Dr. Gor concluded, “AAPI is embracing multiyear thinking—maintaining continuity while driving innova-tion.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

Dr. Vinay Prasad Resigns from FDA After Just Three Months

Under his leadership, the FDA limited vaccine recommendations to individuals aged 65 and older or those at high risk—a sharp departure from prior guidance.

WASHINGTON, DC – Dr. Vinay

Prasad, the controversial figure who took over U.S. vaccine oversight under the Trump administration, has resigned from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just three months into his tenure.

Prasad’s departure marks one of the shortest stints in recent FDA history. During his brief leadership, he led a dramatic shift in COVID-19 vaccine policy—reversing years of precedent and narrowing booster recommendations.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Prasad is returning to California to spend more time with his family. Officials commended his “important reforms” and noted he did not wish to become a distraction to the agency’s mission.

A longtime critic of federal pandemic policy, Prasad was appointed in May to succeed Dr. Peter Marks as head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Marks was removed by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a sweeping leadership overhaul. Prasad was quickly promoted to chief medical and scientific officer, consolidating oversight of vaccines, biologics, and medical science into one powerful role. His appointment sparked immediate skepticism both inside and outside the agency. A trained oncologist and

public health researcher, Prasad had previously criticized the FDA for approving COVID-19 boosters without robust clinical trial evidence and questioned the need for repeated vaccination in healthy young people. Under his leadership, the FDA limited vaccine recommendations to individuals aged 65 and older or those at high risk—a sharp departure from prior guidance.

Recently released internal records show Prasad overruled FDA staff to restrict emergency use approvals for updated shots from Moderna and Novavax. He also instituted a new policy requiring randomized clinical trials for future vaccine approvals, even for younger populations previously covered under broader author-izations. His tenure also became politically charged. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer launched a campaign high-lighting Prasad’s past support for Democrats and labeling him a “lifelong progressive” with “vicious an-ti-Trump” views—criticism that gained traction among conservative media outlets. Born in Ohio and educated at the University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins, Prasad earned a reputation as a fierce critic of what he saw as excesses in evidence-based medicine. His appointment to the FDA surprised many of his former academic colleagues.

Children Born in the U.S. at Risk: Trump’s Shocking New Policy

WASHINGTON, DC- Since 1868, the 14th Amendment has guaranteed birthright citizenship to nearly all children born on U.S. soil. But Donald Trump’s renewed vow to end this right for children of many immi-grants has reignited a fundamental question: How could the executive branch implement such a sweeping rollback of constitutional protections?

The Trump administration’s attempt took a major step forward when the Supreme Court recently allowed federal agencies to develop implementation plans for his executive order. In response, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a memo last Friday detailing a policy that would deny citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants and many legally present residents, including visa holders, asy-lum seekers, and DACA recipients. The plan envisions evaluating parents’ legal status at or near the time of birth—potentially in hospitals—to determine the newborn's eligibility for citizenship. Children whose parents are “unlawfully present” would be denied citizenship and inherit their parents’ immigration status, making them subject to detention and deportation. Those born to parents with “lawful but temporary” status, such as student or work visas, would also be excluded.

The memo also proposes that these children could inherit temporary legal statuses from their parents, though no federal law supports such a transfer. USCIS even includes children of Micronesians—who legally reside in the U.S. under a longstanding treaty—in this policy. Critics argue that this policy would result in mass statelessness, family separations, and intrusive govern-ment surveillance during childbirth. ICE, which has already repealed a ban on hospital enforcement, could be empowered to interrogate and detain families in maternity wards. Birthright citizenship has long ensured a simple and equal path to American identity—confirmed by a birth certificate. Replacing it with a documentation-based system would create a caste-like structure, where only children of citizens or green card holders are guaranteed rights at birth. For many, the true aim of this policy is not just legal change, but a fundamental redefinition of American identity—one that excludes, punishes, and divides from the first breath of life.

H-1B Visa: In-Person Interviews Mandatory from Sept 2

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of State has announced that in-person interviews will be mandatory for most nonimmigrant visa applicants starting September 2, 2025. This marks the end of broad interview waivers granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Affected visa categories include E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, and O-1, covering both firsttime and renewal applicants. Notably, children under 14 and adults over 79 must now attend interviews. Limited waivers remain for those renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card, provided the renewal occurs within 12 months of expiration, was issued at age 18 or older, and is filed in the applicant's home country without past visa refusals or eligibility issues. Diplomatic and official visa holders in A, G, NATO, C-3, and TECRO E-1 categories may still qualify for waivers, though consular officers retain discretion to require interviews.

Visit to Vedic Wellness International University (IUVW), Streamwood, IL

STREAMWOOD, IL- On July 29, 2025, I had the opportunity to visit Vedic Wellness International University (IUVW) in Streamwood, Illinois, at the kind invitation of Smt. Deepti Ben Shah, Manager of IUVW. The moment I arrived, it was evident that this two-story facility stood out as a unique and spiritually uplifting space in the community.

At the entrance, a beautifully crafted Shivling of Lord Mahadev offers a serene welcome to all visitors. Above, the ceiling is adorned with the national flags of various countries, symbolizing unity in diversity. As I proceeded further, the gentle sound of a large water fountain created a calming, almost musical ambiance that enhanced the spiritual feel of the space.

One of the main highlights is a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of over 400 people. Fully equipped with a modern sound system and a large LED screen, it serves as a prime venue for cultural per-formances, dramas, and community gatherings.

Adjacent to the auditorium is a modern, fully equipped kitchen facility designed to prepare meals for up to 400 guests—highlighting the institution’s capacity for large-scale events and retreats.

I then met with Dr. Pushpa Ben, a highly experienced Ayurveda practitioner known for her therapeutic ex-pertise. Her dedication to holistic wellness reflects the university’s broader mission of promoting tradition-al healing sciences.

On the second floor, I toured a massive yoga hall with mats arranged for up to 400 participants. The space is ideal for large yoga sessions, wellness workshops, and spiritual retreats. Nearby is a dedicated Bha-ratnatyam and dance studio, offering a platform for classical arts training. The facility also features a spacious conference room and a well-stocked library housing a diverse collec-tion of books across multiple disciplines. A separate "Award Room" displays the numerous accolades and recognitions earned by IUVW over the years.

During my visit, I also met Eva Contractor, an art instructor specializing in therapeutic art for seniors. She offers classes that encourage creative expression and mental well-being through painting and color thera-py.

For detailed information on ongoing programs, wellness retreats, cultural events, and academic offerings, please visit the university’s website: https://iuvw.org/current-programs/

HiIndia Newsdesk

Illinois to Require Annual Mental Health Screenings for Students

CHICAGO, IL- Alta-Aurelia High School counselor

Belinda Shea recently highlighted a new initiative aimed at helping teens better understand and respond to mental health issues among their peers. In a significant move to support student wellness, Illinois will soon require annual mental health screenings for public school students.

Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill Thursday mandating that all public school students in grades 3 through 12 receive a mental health screening each year. The requirement will take effect beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, with at least one screening per student annually, according to a press release from the gover-nor’s office.

“This legislation makes Illinois the first state to mandate universal mental health assessments for public school students,” Pritzker said during the bill signing. “At a time when our kids are struggling with anxiety and depression more than ever before, it's our responsibility to ensure that they receive the help and sup-port they deserve.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

quality mental and behavioral health services. The law also ensures that schools will receive resources and support to implement the screenings.

Pritzker emphasized that the new law aims to build a statewide, integrated approach to delivering high-

The new measure, SB1560, also encourages schools to connect parents and caregivers with the BEACON Portal—a digital tool launched in January that provides

New Pilot Program Could Require $15,000 Bond for Select U.S. Tourist Visas

WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. will launch a visa bond pilot program starting August 20, allowing consular officers to require bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 from certain tourist and business visa applicants.

The program aims to reduce visa overstays, according to a notice published Monday in the Federal Regis-ter.

The bonds will apply to visitors from countries with high overstay rates or insufficient screening and vetting procedures. While officers have discretion, they will generally be expected to require at least $10,000. Travelers will receive a full refund if they depart the U.S. on time.

data, vetting con-cerns, citizenshipby-investment programs, and foreign policy priorities. Though no official list has been released, countries previously under Trump’s travel ban— such as Chad, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, and Yem-en—had high overstay rates. Others with elevated rates include Burundi, Djibouti, and Togo, according to FY2023 U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

This initiative reflects former President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agenda, which included travel bans and increased scrutiny of foreign nationals. A similar visa bond program was proposed in No-vember 2020, but was never fully implemented due to the pandemic.

The State Department said countries could be subject to the bond based on overstay

The U.S. Travel Association estimates the pilot will affect about 2,000 applicants, mostly from countries with lower travel volumes to the U.S. Additionally, beginning October 1, a new $250 “visa integrity fee” will be imposed on all approved non-immigrant visa applicants. While potentially reimbursable for those who comply with visa conditions, U.S. Travel warns it could discourage international visitors, saying it would make the U.S. among the most expensive destinations in terms of visa fees.

access to mental health services and resources. This policy change comes amid broader concerns about youth mental health. A recent study found that children who own smartphones before age 13 face poorer mental health outcomes. And just two months ago, the Trump administration announced it would discontinue nearly $1 billion in federal school-based mental health grants, citing concerns over “race-based actions” in the allocation of funds.

According to the CDC, anxiety and depression remain among the most frequently diagnosed mental health conditions in children ages 3 to 17. With these issues increasingly prevalent, mental health remains a top concern as students return to school.

The Illinois State Board of Education has until September 1, 2026, to provide schools with specific guidance and policies for implementing the screenings. The state also plans to offer free screening tools and tech-nology support to help schools comply with the new mandate.

Passport Scan Proposal Aims to Curb Fraud in Green Card Lottery

State Department says it aims to cut fraud in the green card lottery with stricter identity checks

WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. State Department is proposing new rules for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program that would require applicants to upload a scanned copy of their passport when entering the lottery. If finalized, the rule would take effect for the 2026 DV Program, which typically opens each October.

Key Proposed Requirements:

• A valid, unexpired passport number

• A scan or clear photo of the passport’s photo and signature page

• File must be in JPEG format, under 5 MB

Currently, a passport is not required to enter the lottery.

Limited Exceptions:

• Stateless individuals

• Citizens of communist-controlled countries unable to obtain a passport

• Individuals with an official U.S. government waiver

Purpose of the Rule:

• According to a Federal Register notice set to publish on August 8, the proposal aims to:

• Prevent unauthorized third-party entries

• Strengthen national security

• Reduce fraud schemes where individuals are entered without consent and later extorted

Applicants must know:

• You must have a valid passport at the time of entry, not after selection

• If your passport is expired or you fail to upload a scan, your entry will be disqualified

• The registration period for the 2026 DV Lottery is expected to open in October 2025 (exact dates to be announced on travel.state.gov)

• The program remains free to enter and is open to nationals of countries with low U.S. immigration rates

This is a proposed rule and not yet in effect. The public will have 45 days to submit comments before a final decision is made, likely ahead of the fall 2025 lottery cycle.

HiIndia Newsdesk

An Unforgettable Evening of Music, Culture, and Community at “Dil Ki Awaaz”

WESTMONT, IL- An evening filled with soulful melodies and cultural pride unfolded on Saturday, July 26, as “Dil Ki Awaaz” — a spectacular musical night — lit up the vibrant atmosphere of Dilli Belly, a beloved Desi restaurant in Westmont, Illinois. Organized with care and vision by Mr. Nareshbhai Shah, CEO of Reliacare, the event was a shining example of community connection through the arts. Guests were warmly welcomed with a selection of mouth-watering appetizers, setting the stage for an evening that blended music, camaraderie, and celebration. The inviting ambiance and culinary delights created the perfect backdrop for what would become a memorable night.

The success of the event was made possible by the collective efforts and generous support of several key contributors. Special recognition goes to Mr. Rameshbhai Punatar, renowned photographer and owner of Dream Motors; Media Oza; AB Entertainment; and playback sound specialist Melody Mahesh—each of whom played a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the program.

The stage came alive with powerful performances by a lineup of immensely talented artists. Joy Christian, Rina Motiwala, Gopal K., Syed Alam, Melody Mahesh, and special guest singer Priyanka Dulari from Cali-fornia, captivated the

audience with their melodious voices and emotionally resonant songs. Their per-formances evoked nostalgia and joy, creating a vibrant and interactive experience that kept the audience enthralled throughout the night. The evening concluded with a delectable dinner hosted by Mr. Shah, leaving guests not only with satisfied palates but with hearts full of joy and memories to cherish.

“Dil Ki Awaaz” was not merely a concert — it was a heartfelt celebration of unity, cultural expression, and the timeless power of music. It left an enduring impression on all who attended, echoing long after the final note was sung.

Airline Co-Pilot, Second Suspect Arrested in Contra Costa County Child Sex Abuse Case

MARTINEZ, CA - A Florida-based airline pilot and a woman have been arrested and charged in a multi-count felony complaint involving the sexual abuse of a minor in Contra Costa County.

On July 26, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s detectives, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security, arrested 34-year-old Rustom Bhagwagar at San Francisco International Airport, where he worked as a commercial copilot. A second suspect, 45-year-old Jennifer Powell, was arrested shortly afterward. Both were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a 24-count felony

complaint against Bhagwagar, including charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child, forcible lewd acts, and sexual acts with a child under 10. Powell is facing charges in a related complaint. Bhagwagar is being held on a $15 million bond. If convicted, both face potential sentences of 15 years to life in prison.

LIFESTYLE

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

8th August 2025 to 14th August 2025

Ganesha says that this week is going to be a bit turbulent for the people of Aries. At the beginning of the week, you will also get good opportunities for employment and career business, etc. If you manage to manage time and your energy, then you will get the desired success. This week, you will get the full support of both seniors and juniors in your field of work.

Taurus

Ganesha says that the people of the Taurus zodiac will have a great need to control their speech and behavior this week because their work will be made and spoiled only by their words and behavior. At the beginning of the week, it will be better for you to ignore small things both at home and outside.

Gemini

Ganesha says that the people of Gemini will need to put in extra hard work and effort for success in any work this week. At the beginning of the week, you should avoid getting involved with anyone.

Cancer

Ganeshasays that this week, people of the Cancer zodiac will have to overcome all the challenges with the help of contemplation leaving worries. In the beginning of the week, the mind will be a little worried about the matter related to the family.

Leo

Ganesha says that the people of the Leo zodiac will need to put in extra labor and effort to achieve success in a particular work this week. This week, don't make the mistake of relying on luck, otherwise, the golden opportunity that came in hand will pass away.

Virgo

Ganesha says that this week, the people of the Virgo zodiac will definitely have to listen to their minds along with their hearts while making any major decision. Do not make any decisions related to home, family, or business by getting carried away by emotions.

Libra

Ganesha says that at the beginning of the week for the people of the Libra zodiac, be very careful with

those people who keep a sense of jealousy towards you. They may try to distract you from your goal. At the beginning of the week, there may be more out-of-pocket expenditure on the purchase or repair of things related to the needs of the house.

Scorpio

Ganesha says that the people of the Scorpio zodiac will have to avoid laziness and pride this week, otherwise, the golden opportunities that come in hand will be lost. To succeed in a particular task, you have to manage your energy and time. Your health can also get in the way of meeting the set target.

Sagittarius

Ganesha says that for the people of Sagittarius, the week will start with running around to finish the important tasks. During this time, with the help of your best friend or any influential person, you will be able to complete the work stuck for a long time.

Capricorn

Ganesha that the people of Capricorn will need to pay special attention to their health and relationships this week. An argument with a family member at the beginning of the week will be a major reason for your mental anxiety.

Aquarius

Ganesha says that this week the people of Aquarius will remain in danger due to debt, disease, and enemy. At the beginning of the week, you may have to spend more out of pocket to repair the house or purchase things related to amenities. Due to this, your budget may get disturbed and you may even have to borrow money.

Pisces

Ganesha says that the people of Pisces should avoid ignoring the advice of their well-wishers and the feelings of their relatives while taking any major decision this week, otherwise, you may have to repent later. In business also, you need to proceed with utmost care or you may have to give and take.

( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)

HiIndia Newsdesk

16th Annual Bible Spelling Bee Championship Held in Naperville, IL

NAPERVILLE, IL- On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Indo-American Christian Children of Chicago and North America (ICCCNA), in association with Calvary Indian Church, successfully hosted the 16th Annual Bible Spelling Bee Championship at Calvary Indian Church in Naperville, Illinois.

The event opened with a prayer and inauguration by Pastor Munidhar Biruduganti of Calvary Indian Church. Mrs. Christina Biruduganti read from the Holy Scriptures, and the program began with praise and worship led by Brother James.

This year marked several historic milestones for the Bible Spelling Bee Championship. For the first time, the judging panel was comprised entirely of women. Leading the panel was Mrs. Rita Nalini Paul, a former ra-dio announcer and TV host, joined by Judge Kamohelo Setloboko and Judge Sharon Rose, both graduate students at Moody Bible Institute; Judge Jessica Joel of Wheaton Bible College; and Dr. Reena Polepaka. The competition reached a record 24 intense rounds before a champion was declared.

Another notable addition this year was a new competition category for Special Needs Children, further expanding the inclusiveness of the event.

Founded in 2009, the Bible Spelling Bee Championship continues to make a significant impact on Bible ed-ucation and literacy.

The 2025 championship drew 47 contestants ranging in age from 4 to 85 years old. Participants came from various churches across Greater Chicagoland and Illinois. The competition was divided into six age-based groups:

* Group 1 (4 and under): Winner –Neetu Paul (Barrington, IL)

* Group 2 (5–7): Winner – Ruth John (Naperville, IL), who triumphed after 24 rounds. Merit Winners: Sha-lom

AMA Chief Dr. Mukkamala Urges Health Care Reform

CINCINNATI, OH- In a compelling keynote at the 43rd annual AAPI Convention on July 26, 2025, in Cin-cinnati, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, President of the American Medical Association (AMA), delivered a powerful message calling for unity, reform, and greater inclusion within the U.S. healthcare system. Drawing from personal experiences as both physician and patient, Dr. Mukkamala urged Indian-origin physicians to en-gage more actively with the AMA, highlighting their growing influence and responsibility.

As the first Indian American to lead the AMA in its 178-year history, Dr. Mukkamala emphasized, “10% of doctors in this country are like you and me. We have an enormous responsibility to improve healthcare in this country.” Yet, he pointed out a gap in engagement: “Only 2% of Indian physicians are AMA members. That must change.” He praised the expansion of telehealth

during COVID-19 and reaffirmed the AMA’s commitment to pre-serving access to care, especially through support of international medical graduates (IMGs). “In Flint, MI, we’d lose 75% of our doctors without IMGs. People would get sick and die from preventable conditions.”

Highlighting advocacy efforts, he referenced AMA's defense of J-1 visa holders and policies supporting open immigration for healthcare professionals—critical for underserved communities.

Dr. Mukkamala also shared personal stories of racism growing up in Michigan, emphasizing the AMA’s role in promoting diversity and social justice, including its stance following George Floyd’s murder. In closing, he urged: “Please join not for me, but for the future of healthcare. Our roots in India give us a unique perspective. Let’s unify and strengthen our voice to shape a better, more equitable system for all.”

Kolagani and Joshua James ($25 gift cards)

* Group 3 (8–11): Winner – Swastik Pahuja Reanne Jayakar (Naperville, IL). Merit Winners: Reanne Jayakar, Lukos Stephen, Esther Stephen, Jeremy James

* Group 4 (12–15): Winner – Saanvi Pahuja (Naperville, IL). Merit Winner: Yizrael Stephen

* Special Needs (12–15): Winner –Noah Polepaka (Barrington, IL)

* Group 5 (16–19): Winner – Samuel Biruduganti (Naperville, IL)

* Group 6 (20 and above): Winner –Mrs. Urmila John Gollapalli (Chicago, IL), age 85

Participants showcased their spelling

skills with challenging Bible words such as “Ecclesiastes,” “Beelzebub,” “Laodicea,” “Zerubbabel,” and “Mahershalalhashbaz.”

Dr. Regi Paul, Founder and Executive Director of ICCCNA, emphasized the purpose of the competition: “The Bible Spelling Bee is designed to build Bible literacy among children, youth, and adults. In today’s age of technology and social media, it is vital to equip individuals with the knowledge of right and wrong through the Word of God.”

He added that the competition improves reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Each of the 2,500 Bible words in the program is cross-referenced with scripture to deepen understanding of the Bible.

Founded in 2009, the Bible Spelling Bee Championship continues to make a significant impact on Bible ed-ucation and literacy.

The event was emceed by Mrs. Anjana Devi of Calvary Indian Church and supported by a dedicated team managing registration, setup, and prize distribution. Technical direction was handled by Mrs. Kethaki Paul and Mr. Saurabh (Audio/Video), with Mr. Vikas Sukh as the official photographer. Pastor Munidhar Biruduganti concluded the event with a closing prayer and distributed trophies, medals, and certificates to all winners.

Fraudsters Use Fake Federal Arrest Warrants in Jury Duty Scam

CHARLOTTE, NC- The FBI Charlotte Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina are warning the public about a jury duty scam involving fake federal arrest warrants. The scammers call or send emails claiming victims missed jury duty and there is a federal warrant for their arrest. To add additional credibility to their claims, the fraudsters either text or email a fake arrest warrant with the names of actual North Carolina federal law enforcement officers, prosecu-tors, or judges. The victims are told to pay a fine via a virtual currency machine or kiosk to avoid jail time. Scammers often direct victims to make virtual currency payments which are more difficult to trace and easily moved to other wallets controlled by the fraudsters. Additionally, criminals may manipulate or “spoof” caller ID information to make it appear the call is from a legitimate source, such as a courthouse or a government agency. Legitimate

The fraudsters either text or email a fake arrest warrant with the names of actual North Carolina federal law enforcement officers

arrest warrants are not emailed or texted, they are served in person by a law enforcement officer or court official and never in-clude a demand for payment to avoid jail time. To avoid falling victim to common scams:

• Be wary of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts.

• Do not give money or personal information to anyone you don’t know.

• Trust your instincts and hang up on any caller who makes you feel pressured or uncomfortable.

Verify the authenticity of legal claims against you with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials. If you believe you have been a victim of a jury duty scam or other fraudulent scheme, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

HiIndia Newsdesk

Rep. Krishnamoorthi Highlights GOP Health Care Cut Threat

BENTON, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) toured Franklin Hospital to highlight the devastating consequences of the recently passed Republican legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which slashes more than $1 trillion in federal health care funding—including over $900 billion from Medicaid. Franklin Hospital is among at least nine hospitals in Illinois now facing immediate risk of closure as a direct result of this law.

Joined by Franklin Hospital CEO Jim Johnson and hospital staff, Congressman Krishnamoorthi criticized the Republican-led budget, which he has labeled the “Large Lousy Law”, warning that it endangers the health and safety of rural communities while offering massive tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy.

“Franklin Hospital represents the very best of rural America—lifesaving care, dedicated staff, and deep roots in the community—but it's being pushed to the brink by Republican cuts that gut the very programs keeping hospitals like this afloat,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “You can’t slash a fifth of a hospital’s budget and expect it to keep its doors open. This isn’t about spreadsheets; it’s about babies born safely, elders treated with dignity, and rural communities staying healthy. I’ll continue fighting to reverse these reckless cuts and protect access to health care for every Illinoisan.”

Franklin Hospital serves a predominantly rural and Medicaid-dependent population. Under the

JAINA, UT Austin Launch Jain Studies Professorship

HOUSTON, TX – The Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) has partnered with the University of Texas at Austin to establish the Tirthankar Sumatinath Distinguished Professorship in Jain Studies. The position is supported by a $1 million endowment from JAINA’s Academic Liaison Committee (ALC), making it the 24th such professorship funded by the committee.

The announcement was made during a celebratory event held on July 19 at the Jain Vishwa Bharati (JVB) Center in Houston. The event was attended by six UT Austin faculty members, local dignitaries, and over 100 members of the Jain community.

Housed in the Department of Asian Studies within UT Austin’s College of Liberal Arts, the professorship will support year-round courses and research in Jainism. It will report to Professor Donald R. Davis, Chair of the Department of Religious Studies, and will strengthen academic programming in non-violence, ethics, and

environmental sustainability.

“Jainism’s timeless values—Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (respect for multiple perspectives), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)—are not only relevant today but essential for solving global challenges,” said Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, founder of the ALC. College of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. David Sosa emphasized that the endowment will also support outreach to local high schools, community colleges, and interfaith groups.

Philanthropist Dr. Jasvant Modi of Los Angeles, a key benefactor of the ALC’s professorships, remarked, “From building temples to building centers of learning, the Jain community is investing in peace, nurturing compassionate global citizens, and shaping resilient communities for the future.”

D.C. Manjunatha, Consul General of India in Houston, congratulated the community on the initiative, while Houston City Councilwoman Tiffany D. Thomas praised the effort to promote non-violence, truth, and compassion.

Dr. Manish Mehta, Vice-Chair of the ALC, added, “Jainism’s ancient wisdom provides a science-based foundation for ethical living and environmental stewardship.”

new law, rural hospitals across the nation are projected to lose 21 cents of every Medicaid dollar they currently re-ceive. The legislation also imposes onerous new work requirements and redetermination rules expected to result in mass disenrollments—particularly affecting rural and working-class families.

Key Impacts of the “Large Lousy Law”:

• $900 billion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years

• $6.73 billion in projected Medicaid losses for Illinois

• 1.5 million rural Americans expected to lose Medicaid coverage

• 400+ rural hospitals at risk of closure nationwide

Franklin Hospital and Rural Health Impact:

• Serves Medicaid-dependent communities in Southern Illinois

• One of nine Illinois hospitals at risk of closure due to GOP cuts

• Faces a 21% reduction in Medicaid reimbursement

• Provides essential services including emergency care, OB-GYN, and specialty treatments Congressman Krishnamoorthi reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for the health care needs of rural Illi-nois and ensuring that no community is left behind in the wake of harmful budget decisions.

India Expands Consular Services with Eight New Centers Across U.S.

WASHINGTON, DC, – India has opened eight new Indian Consular Application Centers (ICACs) across the United States, significantly improving access to consular services for the Indian diaspora.

In a video message shared on X, India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Kwatra, announced the new centers in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Addison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose. An additional center is slat-ed to open soon in Los Angeles.

“These centers will greatly enhance our ability to provide timely and efficient consular services to the In-dian community,” said Kwatra. “They will also help make service delivery faster and more accessible to our vibrant diaspora.”

Effective August 1, all ICACs will also operate on Saturdays, further improving service availability. The gov-ernment has also streamlined several miscellaneous services now available through these centers, alt-hough key services will continue to be handled by the embassy.

Kwatra highlighted the value of community engagement:

“People-to-people connections are at the core of the India-U.S. partnership. The upcoming full Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles, as announced by the Prime Minister, will further strengthen these bonds.”

HiIndia Newsdesk

Congressman Krishnamoorthi & Franklin Hospital CEO Jim Johnson

State Senator Villivalam Law to Provide School Districts With Cultural and Religious Calendar Dates

HiIndia Newsdesk

SPRINGFIELD, IL — To help schools avoid scheduling major academic or athletic events on days when a portion of the student body may be absent due to cultural or religious observances, State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) led the passage of a new law providing districts with essential calendar guidance.

“The 8th District is a vibrant and diverse community, where students observe a range of cultural and religious holidays throughout the school year,” said Villivalam. “It is essential that our schools are equipped with the information they need to support all students and avoid scheduling conflicts that may cause stu-dents to miss important events.”

The new law, Senate Bill 1616, requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to publish and distribute to all school districts a list of cultural and religious observance days during which significant portions of students may be absent. While the list does not mandate school closures or excused absences,

it serves as a planning resource to help schools make more inclusive and informed scheduling decisions.

“Too often, students are forced to choose between their education and observing their faith,” said Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, Director of Government Affairs

“Punjabi Devils” Founder Held at SF Airport

Fleeing to India

CA — A federal grand jury has indicted Jashanpreet Singh, 26, founder of the “Punjabi Devils” Mo-torcycle Club, on multiple firearms charges, including unlawful possession of a machine gun. Singh was arrested at San Francisco International Airport while allegedly attempting to flee to India.

According to court documents, Singh’s motorcycle club, based in Stockton, is linked to the Hells Angels outlaw gang. He faces three federal charges: unlawful dealing of firearms, unlawful possession of a ma-chine gun, and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez. The investigation began on June 6, when Singh allegedly tried to sell multiple illegal weapons—including a shortbarreled rifle, assault weapons, and machine gun conversion devices—to an undercover officer. A search of his home later uncovered a machine gun, a silencer, a hand grenade, and a suspected claymore mine. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s bomb squad safely destroyed the explosive devices. After failing to appear for a state court hearing on July 21, a bench warrant was issued. On July 23, U.S. Customs and Border Protection notified the FBI that Singh had booked a flight to India. He was appre-hended at the airport on July 26 and remains in federal custody.

If convicted, Singh faces up to 10 years in prison for the firearms possession charges and up to 5 years for unlawful firearms dealing.

at Agudath Israel of Illinois. “This legislation is a meaning-ful step toward building a more inclusive educational environment where no child feels unseen or excluded for their beliefs.”

Currently, ISBE offers general guidance on school calendars, holidays, and

CBP Asks Retired Agents to Return as Annuitant

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is offering a unique opportunity for former Border Patrol agents who retired between July 2020 and July 2024 to return to service as reemployed an-nuitants.

“CBP is committed to hiring the best individuals for our frontline law enforcement positions,” said Andrea Bright, Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Human Resources Management. “Border Patrol retirees bring critical knowledge and experience to help us meet the challenges ahead.”

Reemployed annuitants serve at the discretion of the appointing official. CBP may authorize a Dual Compensation Waiver, allowing eligible retirees under FERS or CSRS to return on a temporary or term-limited basis without a salary reduction, while continuing to receive their full annuity. Selected individuals will work full-time under a term appointment of more than one year and up to four years, with the possibility of extension based on mission needs. CBP is currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• Border Patrol Agent (Reemployed Annuitant), GS1896-13

• Border Patrol Agent (Reemployed Annuitant), GS1896-12

For more details and to apply, visit CBP.gov. Additional resources, including applicant FAQs, are available online. Stay connected by following @CBPJobs on X, Instagram, Facebook, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection on LinkedIn.

attendance. Senate Bill 1616 enhances this by adding a culturally responsive calendar reference to support more thoughtful event plan-ning.

“This law is a meaningful step toward equity in education, ensuring that students don’t have to choose between their faith and full school participation,” said Amina Barhumi, Advocacy and Policy Lead at the Muslim Civic Coalition. “In a state known for its racial, ethnic, and faith diversity, embedding equity into school planning is key to fostering belonging.”

Lonnie Nasatir, President of the Jewish United Fund (JUF), echoed the importance of the new law:

“Too many students have been excluded from milestone events simply because of calendar conflicts with religious or cultural observances. SB1616 reflects thoughtful policymaking that affirms the diversity of our school communities. We thank Senator Villivalam and Representative Tracy Katz-Muhl for championing this inclusive initiative.” Senate Bill 1616 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect immediately.

Virginia Council Member Set on Fire in Workplace Attack

DANVILLE, VA-

A city council member in Danville, Virginia, was rushed to a burn center after being set on fire inside his workplace on Wednesday.

According to Andrew Brooks, publisher and owner of Showcase Magazine, Councilman Lee Vogler was working in the office when a man allegedly forced his way into the building shortly after 11 a.m., carrying a five-gallon bucket of gasoline.

The suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified, allegedly poured the gasoline on Vogler as he at-tempted to flee toward the front of the building. Brooks stated in a Facebook video that the man followed Vogler and ignited the gasoline, setting him on fire.

Despite suffering serious burn injuries, Vogler was able to identify the attacker, who is now in police custo-dy. He was transported to a burn center in Lynchburg for treatment. His current condition remains un-known.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this act of violence,” Showcase Magazine said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family as he receives medical care. The Showcase team is fully cooperating with law enforcement during their investigation.” Vogler was elected to Danville City Council in May 2012 at the age of 24, becoming the youngest person to hold the position, according to the city’s website. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2010 and currently serves as sales director at Showcase Magazine.

HiIndia Newsdesk

LODI,