Celebrating Jain Heritage at the Heart of Chicago – JAINA Convention 2025
The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention at the Renaissance Schaumburg Con-vention Center and Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, unfolded as a magnificent tapestry of spiritual awakening, cultural splendor, and communal unity. The event drew over 5,000 delegates from 72 Jain Cen-ters across the United States and Canada, along with attendees from 10 other countries including India, the UK, Germany, Oman, Dubai, and Kenya.
Target viral video sparks a debate in the Indian community. Recent cases also indicate that students should be aware of the serious consequences of shoplifting.
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'It's just better!' Trump says CocaCola to change key US ingredient
President Donald Trump says Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its drinks sold in the US.
Coca-Cola uses corn syrup in its American products, but Trump's Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has voiced concern about the ingredient's health impacts.
"I have been speaking to Coca-Cola about using REAL Cane Sugar in Coke in the United States, and they have agreed to do so," Trump wrote on social media. "I'd like to thank all of those in authority at Coca-Cola."
Without explicitly confirming the recipe tweak, a CocaCola spokesperson said they "appreciate President
Trump Dismisses Epstein Case as 'Boring'
US President Donald Trump has dismissed the secretive investigation into Jeffrey Epstein as “boring” and only of interest to “bad people,” even as pressure mounts from his own MAGA base to release details of the case. The US President, who is facing growing backlash over suspicions that his administration is shielding powerful names tied to the convicted sex offender, insisted he supports releasing any “credible” information.
“I don’t understand why the Jeffrey Epstein case would be of interest to anybody,” Trump told reporters Tuesday night when asked about his supporters’ obsession with the matter.
“It’s pretty boring stuff. It’s sordid, but it’s boring, and I don’t understand why it keeps going. I think really only pretty bad people, including fake news, want to keep something like that going.”
Trump's enthusiasm" and "more details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon". Trump said in Wednesday's post on Truth Social: "This will be a very good move by them - You'll see. It's just better!"
While Coke sold in the US is typically sweetened with corn syrup, Coke in other countries, such as Mexico, the UK and Australia, tends to use cane sugar.
In April, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told investors that "we continue to make progress on sugar reduction in our beverages".
Trump discussed firing Fed boss but 'highly unlikely' he will
President Donald Trump has said it is "highly unlikely" he will fire the head of the US central bank, hours after asking lawmakers whether he should sack Jerome Powell.
Stock markets and the dollar slipped following reports Trump had broached the idea with Republicans on Tuesday but quickly bounced back after he downplayed the discussions.
Dismissing the chair of the Federal Reserve would be a major break with precedent.
Trump has repeatedly called on Powell to lower US interest rates in a series of highly critical outbursts, which continued on Wednesday when the president called him a "knucklehead" and claimed he was "doing a lousy job". Speaking at the White House, the president acknowledged that he had revived discussions about firing Powell - who Trump nominated for the role during his first term - but said he was "not planning on doing anything".
Pressed on whether he was ruling out the idea, he said: "It's highly unlikely unless he has to leave for fraud."
The president's allies have joined in the attacks against Powell by accusing the central bank boss of mismanaging the renovation of Fed properties. Last week, budget director Russell Vought called for an investigation into cost overruns on a $2bn (£1.5bn) project to renovate Fed buildings in Washington. Trump said earlier this week he thought it was "sort of" a fireable offence.
Indian-Canadian Gangster Held in US for Global Drug Trade
Ottawa: An Indian-Canadian gangster has been arrested in the US for running a transnational drug operation along with a notorious Irish gang, local media here reported.
The gangster, identified as Opinder Singh Sian, worked with the Irish Kinahan gang to smuggle methamphetamine and fentanyl precursors at an international level, Global News reported on Tuesday.
US court documents reveal that Sian was arrested in Nevada last month by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it said.
The court documents also reveal that Sian, supported by Turkish and American criminal organisations, was involved in a conspiracy to import "precursor chemicals from China and export narcotics through the port of Los Angeles to Australia," the report added.
Sian, linked with Brothers Keepers in Surrey in British Columbia, was arrested in Arizona, and the affidavit was filed in California, the report said.
US House Advances Crypto Bill in Major Industry Win
WASHINGTON: - The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives cleared key procedural hurdles on crypto legislation on Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump intervened to save the initiative, paving the way for the first federal law for digital assets.
The votes came after more than nine hours of private talks as leaders worked to win over lawmakers skeptical of how the package was structured.
A bill to establish a federal framework for stablecoins is likely to be the first to be passed, in what would be a watershed victory for the crypto industry.
It has already been approved by the Senate, and if approved by the House, it would go to Trump for his signature. Stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1:1 dollar peg, are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds. They have gained much momentum in recent years, offering faster and cheaper transaction costs than moving money through a bank.
In addition to stablecoins, the House is set to consider a bill to establish market structure rules for crypto products, including defining when the products are a commodity and not subject to oversight from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Senate has yet to take up a similar measure.
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US court documents reveal that Opinder Singh Sian was arrested in Nevada last month
US Visa Warning After Indian Caught Stealing
The US Embassy in India has issued a visa warning stating that committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States could lead to a visa being revoked. The advisory comes after an Indian woman was caught stealing items worth Rs 1.1 lakh at a Target store in Illinois.
As a word of caution, the advisory further stated that such an act - robbery - could make one ineligible for future US visas, preventing re-entry into the US. Therefore, the embassy urged foreign visitors to adhere to law and order.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy in India wrote, "Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won't just cause you legal issues - it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future US visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all US laws."
Bangladesh Halts Demolition Of Satyajit Ray's Ancestral House
The house in Mymensingh belonged to Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, a well-known Bengali writer and Ray's grandfather.
New Delhi: The demolition of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray's ancestral home in Bangladesh's Mymensingh has been halted, and the authorities have formed a committee to look into how it can be reconstructed. This comes after India expressed concern over the ongoing demolition of Mr Ray's ancestral house in Bangladesh. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also protested the demolition, stating that the house is intricately tied to Bengal's cultural history. The house in Mymensingh belonged to Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury, a well-known Bengali writer and Ray's grandfather. The developments surrounding Ray's house are playing out against the backdrop of tense bilateral relations between the two countries. Ties between New Delhi and Dhaka have nosedived after the Awami League government was overthrown last year and former PM Sheikh Hasina fled to India. A caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken charge in Bangladesh
Air India Finds No Fault in Boeing 787 Fuel Switches
New Delhi: Air India has completed precautionary inspections of the locking mechanism of fuel control switch (FCS) in all of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft and found no issues, officials of the Tata-owned airline said.
Air India ran the checks after the civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued a directive to inspect the FCS of specific Boeing aircraft models by July 21.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB) report into the crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad had said the fuel cutoff
Air India said its Boeing 787-8 aircraft have undergone throttle control module (TCM) replacement as per the Boeing maintenance schedule. The fuel control switch (FCS) is a part of this module
Shubhanshu Shukla Reunites With
switches for both engines were moved to the cutoff position, one after another within a 1-second interval, at an altitude just moments after liftoff.
"All our Boeing 787-8 aircraft have undergone throttle control module (TCM) replacement as per the Boeing maintenance schedule. The FCS is part of this module," an Air India official said.
"Over the weekend, our engineering team initiated precautionary inspections on the locking mechanism of FCS on all our Boeing 787 aircraft. The inspections have been completed and no issues were found," the official said.
Family After 18 Days in Space
Trump Says US "Very Close To Deal With India" As Tariff Deadline Looms
Washington:
Trump, while speaking to reporters during a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, emphasised that August 1 will be a significant day, when a lot of money will come into his country.
US President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential trade deal with India, stating that negotiations are in progress. During a meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Trump said August 1 would bring significant tariff revenue to the US and suggested that a deal with India may soon be finalized.
“We’re very close to a deal with India where they open it up,” Trump said, indicating improved market access. He also cited a recent agreement with Indonesia, which led to a reduced 19% tariff. Trump noted that US firms previously had limited access to Indian markets, but the tariff strategy is helping change that.
Indian officials confirmed the fifth round of bilateral trade agreement (BTA) talks is underway in the US. They said the process follows directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, progressing as per agreed terms.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reunited with his wife, Kamna Shukla and six-year-old son Kiash Shukla after his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Kamna and Kiash are already by his side in Houston, Texas. It was the first time Shukla saw his family in two months. He wrote in an Instagram post, "It was challenging. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home." He added, "Human spaceflight missions are magical but they are made magical by the humans."
Indian Held in US for Child Porn, BJPCongress Link Case to AAP
An Indian citizen Gurjeet Singh Malhi has been arrested over alleged possession of child pornography. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Seattle had announced the arrest of Malhi on X on July 11. However, after his arrest, a huge political uproar has been caused in Punjab, as his pictures with several political leaders surfaced on Facebook and X. BJP and Congress leaders shared photos of Malhi with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Malhi, a realtor and investor has photos with other leaders too, which have gone viral on social media.
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Shoplifting
is a Serious crime in America
What was meant to be a routine shopping trip turned into a moment of national infamy for a tourist from india. Jimisha Avlani, who was visiting relatives in McHenry County, Illinois decided recently to stop over at Target only, her stop lasted 7 hours and ended not at the checkout counter—but in handcuffs. According to a viral video, Jimisha allegedly attempted to walk out of a Target store with over $1,000 worth of unpaid items. Soon as the 12-minute long video was released it spread like wildfire and the lady is now at the center of a viral controversy, with over 800,000 views and growing. The incident has triggered discussions within Indian expat circles, ranging from cultural misunderstandings to concerns about community image. As seen in the video, it’s clear that the store staff grew suspicious after noticing her unusually prolonged time in the aisles. According to the footage, when Avlani finally tried to exit without paying, employees intervened and called the police. Through the video, Avlani is seen repeatedly asking officers to let her pay for the merchandise she allegedly tried to steal. “Why can’t I just pay for it?” she asks. “Because you left the store. You committed a felony,” an officer responds. “But if I’m paying for it now, what’s the harm?” she persists. “It would’ve been fine if you hadn’t crossed the doors,” the officer explains. “At that point, you made the choice not to pay.”
Many ae seeing this episode as part of a troubling pattern of ignorance mixed with entitlement. Online comments also indicate that Indian in U.S. feel incidents such as these could tarnish the image of Indian visitors and immigrants in the U.S. For now, what started as a shopping trip is serving as a cautionary tale, playing out across social media feeds worldwide. What is clear is any crime big or small, is dealt with utmost strictness and tourists or citizens should not think that they can trick the law or get above the law.
For immigrants, who live and work in the U.S. episodes such as these start another debate – on the immigrant behavior and cause an unnecessary layer of race and nationality to the debate. Mohini Shah, a resident of Illinois says, “A theft is a theft and it is the sole responsibility of the person who committed it.
Avlani, who was visiting relatives in McHenry County, Illinois decided recently to stop over at Target only, her stop lasted 7 hours and ended not at the checkout counter—but in handcuffs. According to a viral video, Jimisha allegedly attempted to walk out of a Target store with over $1,000 worth of unpaid items. Soon as the 12-minute long video was released it spread like wildfire and the lady is now at the center of a viral controversy, with over 800,000 views and growing.
To trying to say that a whole community indulges in such a behavior is downright ridiculous.”
Nand K, who asked his last name to be withheld says, “I have seen people committing small thefts at my relatives gas station – from cigarette packs to even soda bottles – sometimes you reprimand, sometimes you realize later but we never cast a doubt on the whole community. It is sad but this does lead to some folks bring about stop the immigration debate. I mean, the lady wasn’t even an immigrant but just a visitor.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Indians have found themselves at the wrong end of law –particularly in case of shoplifting. Some of the recent cases that brought back the debate that Indians should be very careful of the repercussions of what they may think is a small misdemeanor but is considered a felony in America.
June 2025, Indian in Texas Caught for theft at sunglass Hut
A Indian man, identified as Kiran Raparthi, has been arrested in Houston, Texas, for allegedly
Target viral video sparks a debate in the Indian community. Recent cases also indicate that students should be aware of the serious consequences of shoplifting.
shoplifting sunglasses valued at $563 from a retail store. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the incident occurred at the Sunglass Hut located on Northwest Freeway. Raparthi is accused of entering the store, concealing a pair of expensive sunglasses, and walking out without paying. Police acted swiftly, identifying the suspect and recovering the stolen merchandise, which was returned to the store. Raparthi was subsequently taken into custody and charged with theft.
In response to the incident, the Office of Mark Herman, Constable of Precinct 4, issued a clear warning: “If you come to Precinct 4 and take items without paying, you will be arrested Indian Students in New Jersey Shoplifted at Grocery Store Shoprite
In April 2024, where two young Indian students were arrested in an alleged shoplifting case at a grocery store in New Jersey. Both girls in their early twenties had entered the US to pursue higher studies and had a good academic background. The students namely Bhavya Linganagunta and Yamini Valkalpudi were both studying at the Stevens Institute of Technology. They were apprehended by the Hoboken, NJ police as it appeared that they had failed to pay for certain items during their visit to a local Shoprite. According to reports the two paid for two items but were trying to exit the store with 27 unpaid for items totaling a value of about $155. It is suggested that after they were caught they offered to pay the full amount and even offered to pay double the amount. They also apologized and said they would not repeat the mistake. There are also claims that the girls were repeat offenders. A video where the girls are being questioned by the police and handcuffed had gone viral and created a panic in the community.
Two Indian Students caught Shoplifting in Macys, Texas
Last year in June, two Indian students, Karam Manasa Reddy and Puliyala Sindhuja Reddy, were detained in Dallas for allegedly attempting to shoplift from a Macy’s store. According to reports, both were granted bail and later released. Authorities also indicated that one of the students was believed to be a repeat offender.
Jimisha
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Tesla Debuts in Mumbai, Launches Model Y
Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first showroom in Mumbai, located in the upscale Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). Spanning 4,000 square feet, the flagship space—dubbed a Tesla Experience Centre— marks the beginning of the EV giant’s much-anticipated foray into India. The Mumbai showroom is expected to be the first of several, with future outlets planned in key metros like New Delhi as Tesla eyes growth in emerging markets amid slowing demand elsewhere. Exclusive images reveal a fully branded storefront and a white Tesla vehicle, partially covered, on display inside the sleek, modern space.
Tesla Model Y Priced At Rs 59.89 Lakh. Range 622 km, Top Speed 201 kmph
Marathon Legend Fauja Singh Dies at 114
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Fauja Singh, the iconic runner who earned the tag of world's oldest marathoner, died at the age of 114 in a road accident on Monday. He was born on April 1, 1911 in Beyas village, Jalandhar, Punjab. According to a report in BBC Punjabi, a car hit him on the Jalandhar-Pathankot highway on Monday afternoon. He suffered a serious head injury. Fauja was immediately rushed to a hospital. However, he died at 7:30 pm IST on Monday.
We needed a couple of 50-run partnerships but we weren't able to get that
“Extremely proud it was as close a Test match as it can get, played over five days and comes down to the last session. I was pretty confident of our chances with plenty of batting left. We needed a couple of 50-run partnerships but we weren't able to get that,” Gill
Shubhanshu Shukla Returns as Dragon Lands Near San Diego
New Delhi:
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's Gaganyatri, is back on earth. The SpaceX crew capsule Grace, carrying Group Captain Shukla and others, splashed down off the coast of California near San Diego right after 3 pm IST. About 50 minutes later, he was helped out of the spacecraft.
Group Captain Shukla will return to Delhi on August 17, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said after the spacecraft returned to earth.
Group Captain Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, is only the second Indian to visit space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He is the first Indian to visit the $150-billion International Space Station, an orbiting space laboratory.
Welcoming Group Captain Shukla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he
During his stay aboard the ISS, Group Captain Shukla conducted seven India-specific microgravity experiments, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space science and technology
"inspired a billion dreams". "I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India's first astronaut to have visited International Space Station, he
Taliban's Travel Video Uses Dark Humour to Attract Tourists
has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission - Gaganyaan," the Prime Minister posted on X. Axiom Space, the private space company that brokered this visit for NASA and ISRO costing India nearly $70 million, earlier said that "after approximately 433 hours, 18 days, and 288 orbits around Earth covering nearly 12.2 million kilometres since docking with the International Space Station, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew is officially homeward bound".
The crew capsule has taken about 22.5 hours for its journey home.
Besides Group Captain Shukla, the crew comprised American astronaut Commander Peggy Whitson and Mission Specialists Slawosz UznanskiWisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
A new travel video is doing the rounds on Talibanlinked social media channels — and it's nothing like the typical tourism pitch. The 50-second clip, reportedly created by Yosaf Aryubi, founder of Kabul-based tour operator Raza Afghanistan, opens with a parody of a hostage scene: three hooded figures kneeling before five armed men.
One of them deadpans, “We have one message for America”, only to pull off a bag and reveal a tourist gleefully declaring, “Welcome to Afghanistan!” with a cheery thumbs-up. What follows is a montage that's part propaganda, part tourism reel, and entirely provocative. Armed men grin and flash peace signs, travellers do pullups on tanks, and rifles, one marked “Property of US Government”, are brandished with offhanded humour. Then the tone lightens. The clip shifts to scenes of Afghans and foreign tourists enjoying meals by rivers, slurping milkshakes, visiting markets, and marvelling at landscapes, a flower stuck in a gun barrel, a parrot perched on a diner's head.
I'm 'disappointed but not done' with Putin: Trump
Donald Trump has said that he is disappointed but not done with Vladimir Putin, in an exclusive phone call with the BBC.
The US president was pressed on whether he trusts the Russian leader, and replied: "I trust almost no-one."
Trump was speaking hours after he announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and warned of severe tariffs on Russia if there was no ceasefire deal in 50 days. In an interview from the Oval Office, the president also endorsed Nato, having once described it as obsolete, and affirmed his support for the organisation's common defence principle.
The president made the phone call, which lasted 20 minutes, to the BBC after conversations about a potential interview to mark one year on since the attempt on his life at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Asked about whether surviving the assassination attempt had changed him, Trump said he liked to think about it as little as possible. "I don't like to think about if it did change me," Trump said. Dwelling on it, he added, "could be life-changing".
A sharply divided US Supreme Court let President Donald Trump resume dismantling the Department of Education, lifting a lower court order that required the reinstatement of as many as 1,400 workers.
Granting an emergency request from the administration Monday, the court's conservative majority put on hold a ruling that said the Trump purge would leave the department unable to perform duties required under US law. The Supreme Court order, which came with no explanation, will apply while the case continues on appeal.
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Kapil Sharma's Café Vows to Stay Strong After Shooting
A day after the shooting, Kap's Cafe shared a message "from the heart" stating the team is "processing this shock" but "not giving up".
Kapil Sharma's newly opened Kap's Cafe in Surrey, Canada, was attacked by Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi on Wednesday night. A man fired at least nine shots at the café's window, but no one was injured. Laddi, linked to Babbar Khalsa and on NIA's mostwanted list, allegedly acted over a past remark by Sharma. In a heartfelt message, the café team said they are “processing this shock but not giving up,” thanking supporters and police for their swift response. They vowed to stand firm against violence and keep the café a place of warmth, joy, and community.
Elon Musk’s Tesla to open first India store in Mumbai on July 15
Electric vehicle maker Tesla inched closer to start its sales in India, as it said on Friday (July 11, 2025) it would be opening its first showroom at the financial hub of Mumbai on July 15, dubbed as an "experience centre".
Reuters reported in March that the Elon Musk-led company had signed a lease deal to open its first showroom in Mumbai to start its sales in India. As a part of its entry into India, the EV maker had stepped up hiring and in the past was scouting for showroom sites in Mumbai and New Delhi.
PM Modi conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award
Shubhanshu Shukla to Return to Earth on July 14: NAS
New Delhi, – Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is set to begin his journey back to Earth on July 14, 2025, NASA has confirmed. Shukla, a test pilot with the Indian Air Force and a member of the Axiom-4 mission (Ax - 4), launched from Florida on June 25, docking with the ISS on June 26, after
The Axiom-4 mission was launched from the Kennedy Space Centre at Florida on June 25 and the Dragon spacecraft docked at the International Space Station on June 26 after a 28-hour journey.
a 28 - hour flight aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule Over his 14 - day mission, he completed more than 230 orbits, covering over 6 million miles,
Trump Imposes 35% Tariff on Canada, Warns of Hike
Washington:
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States would impose a 35% tariff on imports from Canada next month and planned to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most other trade partners.
In a letter released on his social media platform, Trump told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney the new rate would go into effect on Aug. 1
It was the latest of more than 20 such letters issued by Trump since Monday, after he repeatedly threatened to simply decide a tariff rate for countries as negotiations continue over his "reciprocal" tariffs.
and would go up if Canada retaliated. Trump has broadened his trade war in recent days, setting new tariffs on a number of countries, including allies Japan and South Korea, along with a 50% tariff on copper.
In an interview with NBC News published on Thursday, Trump said other trading partners that had not yet received such letters would likely face blanket tariffs.
US Hikes Visa Fee for Indians: Now Rs.16,000–Rs.40,000
New Delhi:
Under his 'Big Beautiful Bill' that was signed on July 4, US President Donald Trump has introduced a new 'Visa Integrity Fee' of $250 for most non-immigrant visa categories.
Indian applicants planning to visit the US for tourism, study, or work will face significantly higher visa costs starting 2026. A typical tourist visa, which used to cost under Rs 16,000, could now cost over Rs 40,000.
For Indian travellers, this means that students, tech professionals, tourists, and business travellers to the US will all be impacted by the additional charge.
Indian-Origin Student Dies in Canada Air Crash
Ottawa: An Indian origin student pilot was among the two people who were killed in a tragic midair collision involving two training aircraft in Canada on Tuesday, the Indian Consulate General of India in Toronto said on Wednesday. The crash occurred on Tuesday morning, about 400 metres from a runway used by Harv's Air pilot school near Steinbach South Airport in Canada's southern Manitoba.
Khamenei Aide Threatens
Trump with Drone Attack
Mohammad-Javad Larijani, a former senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader has suggested that US President Donald Trump could be attacked by Iran while sunbathing at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Florida.
PM Modi is in Namibia on the last leg of his five-nation visit. This is the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia.
"Trump has done something so that he can no longer sunbathe in Mara-Lago," Larijani said, according to Iran International. "As he lies there with his stomach to the sun, a small drone might hit him in the navel. It's very simple."
Trump in 2020 had ordered the
killing of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian major general, who was killed in a US drone strike. The threat had been put to Trump in an interview on Fox News, who laughed it off. The host, Peter Doocy asked him when he last went sunbathing. Trump replied by saying, "It's been a long time.
US-Iran talks set to resume in Norway this week amid rising tensions. Trump hints at lifting sanctions, but Iran’s new President Pezeshkian stresses trust remains a major obstacle
I don't know, maybe I was around seven or so. I'm not too big into it." He added, "I guess it's a threat. I'm sure it's not a threat, actually, but perhaps it is."
This comes two weeks after the US bombed Iran's nuclear and military facilities, while interfering in Israel and Iran's 12 day war.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) conferred with Namibia's highest civilian award, 'Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis'. The award was presented by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
NEWS IN BRIEF Indian-Origin Billionaires Lead in US
Over the last three years, India added five billionaires to the list, surpassing Israel and Taiwan which have 11 billionaires each.
US President Donald Trump might have contested, won and now acted on his campaign promise to focus on immigration, but that doesn't change the fact that America is also home to a record 125 foreign-born billionaires.
List of India-born billionaires living in America: Name Net worth
1. Jay Chaudhry
2. Vinod Khosla
3. Rakesh Gangwal
4. Romesh T. Wadhwani
5. Rajiv Jain
6. Kavitark Ram Shriram
7. Raj Sardana
8. David Paul
9. Nikesh Arora
10. Sundar Pichai
11. Satya Nadella
12. Neerja Sethi
billion
9.2 billion
6.6 billion
1.5 billion
Two Pilots Killed in Jaguar Crash
Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana's Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.
New Delhi:
The two Indian Air Force pilots killed in the Jaguar fighter bomber crash in Rajasthan's Churu district yesterday have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu, 44, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh, 23. While Squadron Leader Sindhu was from Haryana's Rohtak, Lieutenant Singh was from Pali In Rajasthan.
The twin-seater fighter jet went down yesterday afternoon near Bhanoda village in Churu district while the pilots were on a routine training mission. The Air Force yesterday announced that an inquiry has been ordered to find out what led to the crash.
"An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan, today. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No damage to any civil property has been reported. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief. A court of inquiry has been constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a statement.
India seeks new US trade talks, focus on agriculture
New Delhi, July 10:
India has proposed a fresh round of trade talks with the United States, placing agriculture at the center of the agenda. The move comes amid renewed efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic ties and resolve longstanding trade disputes.
According to government sources, the proposal was conveyed through diplomatic channels and is aimed at addressing key issues related to agricultural market access, tariffs, and sanitary standards. India is particularly keen on securing greater access for its agricultural exports, including products like rice, mangoes, and spices, while seeking relief from U.S. restrictions on commodities such as shrimp and dairy. The proposed talks are also expected
to cover broader trade matters, including digital trade, investment flows, and industrial tariffs. India is looking to rebuild momentum after earlier trade negotiations stalled during the previous U.S. administration.
Both countries have taken steps recently to revive economic cooperation. Last year, they resolved six trade disputes at the World Trade
PM Modi Returns After 5-Nation Tour
New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in India on Thursday morning after wrapping up a highly productive and successful five-nation tour to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi's five-nation visit was a "productive and successful" tour. PM Modi has reached a significant milestone in his diplomatic journey, having now delivered 17 speeches to foreign Parliaments, matching the cumulative record of all
Congress Prime Ministers before him. This achievement was marked by his recent addresses in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Namibia during a five-nation tour in the first week of July 2025.
This level of global engagement highlights PM Modi's position as one of the most active Indian leaders on the international stage. For comparison, former Prime Ministers from the Congress party collectively reached the same number over several decades: Manmohan Singh with seven, Indira Gandhi with four, Jawaharlal Nehru with three, Rajiv Gandhi with two, and P.V. Narasimha Rao with one.
PM Modi has equalled that tally in just over a decade, signalling a shift in India's diplomatic approach. His recent tour underscores not only India's renewed connections with nations in Africa and the Caribbean but also the resonance of its voice among the Global South
"The trade negotiators are confident that the differences with the US team on agriculture will be bridged in the upcoming round, as there is already broad consensus on the subject between the two teams," an official said.
Organization (WTO) and resumed discussions on a limited trade package. Officials suggest that the current push could pave the way for a more comprehensive deal in the future.
The U.S. remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $120 billion in 2023. The renewed dialogue reflects growing strategic alignment between the two democracies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Delhi Tremors As 4.4 Earthquake Hits Haryana
Strong tremors were felt in Delhi and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) as an earthquake struck in Haryana's Jhajjar district. The estimated magnitude of the quake was around 4.4 on the Richter scale, which measures the magnitude of earthquakes. According to the National Institute of Seismology, the earthquake's depth was 10 km. In several areas of Delhi, residents left their homes after fans and other household items swayed after the quake struck at 9.04 am. The tremors were also felt in office areas in Noida and Gurugram, as computer systems shook and some professionals stepped out of their offices.
Elon Musk's Latest Attack On Donald Trump Over Epstein Files
It appeared they had buried the hatchet. There was a lull. And now, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump are back to taking aim at each other. It is over the contentious Epstein Files, with the billionaire questioning the US President for withholding documents tied to a convicted sex offender.
Musk has also pledged to make exposing the scandal a "high priority", should his newly formed America Party make it big politically.
"How can people be expected to have
faith in Trump if he won't release the Epstein files?" Musk posted on X on Tuesday. This comes after renewed public interest in the long-suppressed Epstein files. Earlier this week, the Justice Department
(DOJ) memo said that "no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted" regarding Epstein's death and associates. They also said that despite a comprehensive review of materials seized from Epstein's Manhattan townhouse and private island, no "client list" was found. During a White House press conference, Trump was asked about the Epstein client list but sidestepped the issue. Attorney General Pam Bondi also dismissed the matter. "He committed suicide," she said, while Trump responded to a reporter with, "You still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?"
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Ahmedabad Air India flight crash Immature to comment based on preliminary report,’ says Rammohan Naidu
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has urged restraint in reacting to the preliminary findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing all 178 on board.
The AAIB’s initial report suggests both engines lost power after the fuel cutoff switches unexpectedly flipped from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’. Cockpit voice recordings captured confusion between the pilots over the incident, with one asking why the fuel was turned off and the other denying action.
Minister Naidu said it would be “immature” to comment or draw conclusions before the final report is released. He emphasized the professionalism of India’s pilots and said a complete investigation is ongoing to determine the actual cause. The final report is expected to provide a clearer picture in the coming months.
Columbia May Pay $200 Million Settlement to Trump Administration
Columbia University has potentially agreed to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to settle the matter with the Trump administration, per a report by the New York Times. The matter was regarding allegations that the University failed to protect Jewish students from harassment. Officials from the Ivy League university are expected to meet US President Donald Trump next weekend to finalise the deal. The agreement seeks to restore some of the $400 million in federal research funding that Trump had cancelled. In return, Columbia would pay compensations regarding allegations about civil rights violations, and will also increase transparency about admissions and foreign gifts, among other reparations. However, a consent decree which would have given the federal government control over the university for years to come, is not part of the discussion.
Columbia University could pay $200 million or more in compensation for the alleged civil rights violations. The university officials met last Sunday to discuss the terms of the deal. The negotiations between the Trump administration and Columbia University have been directed out of the White House by a team led by Trump adviser, Stephen Miller.
"Was Advisory, Not Mandatory": Air India On US Report On Fuel Control Switch
Fuel control switches to the engines of an Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people, were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position moments before impact, a preliminary investigation report said early Saturday.
The report, issued by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), said that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued an information bulletin in 2018 about "the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature".
Though the concern was not considered an "unsafe condition"
Air India was compliant with all airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins on the aircraft, the report said.
that would warrant a more serious directive, Air India told investigators it did not carry out suggested inspections as they were "advisory
and not mandatory".
Fuel control switches regulate the flow of fuel into an aircraft's engines.
Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed, killing all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground.
"The FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. NM-18-33 on December 17, 2018, regarding the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature," said the preliminary report. Air India was compliant with all airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins on the aircraft, the report said.
Trump Ramps Up Trade War, Slaps 30%
Tariffs On European Union, Mexico
New Jersey:
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he's levying tariffs of 30% against the European Union and Mexico.
Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States' biggest trade partners in letters posted to his social media account.
In his letter to Mexico's leader, Trump acknowledged that the country has been helpful in stemming the flow of undocumented migrants and fentanyl into the United States. But he said the country has not done
enough to stop North America from turning into a "Narco-Trafficking Playground."
"Mexico has been helping me secure the border, BUT, what Mexico has done is not enough," Trump added.
FBI Chief Kash Patel May Resign Over Epstein Files Fallout: Report
FBI Director Kash Patel may consider stepping down from his position, reportedly in solidarity with Deputy Director Dan Bongino who had a fallout with Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to a new report. The disagreements are rooted in the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s probe into Jeffrey Epstein's death and the controversial discussion surrounding his supposed "client list", The New York Post reported. Tensions reportedly came to a head
during a dispute earlier this week between Bongino and Bondi. The clash concerned the Donald Trump administration's handling of the Epstein case, including a muchdiscussed "review" of a client list which officials have said never existed. Following the altercation, Bongino is said to be contemplating resignation, just four months into his role. "I don't think Dan comes back if Pam stays," a source told The New York Post, adding the relationship between the two officials had broken down beyond repair.
Trump in his letter to the European Union said that the US trade deficit was a national security threat.
"We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with The European Union, and we have concluded we must move away from these long-term, large, and persistent, Trade Deficits, engendered by your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies, and Trade Barriers," Trump wrote in the letter to the EU. "Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from Reciprocal."
Khalistani Terrorist Threatens Kapil Sharma Over Canada
Pro-Khalistan separatist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) founder Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has threatened actor-comedian Kapil Sharma, saying "Canada is not your playground" and threatened him to "take back his blood money back to Hindustan".
In a video message, Pannun, who was designated an "individual terrorist" by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019, also accused Mr Sharma of promoting Hindutva ideology on the pretext of doing business in Canada and said the country will not allow such ideas to take shape on its soil.
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NEWS IN BRIEF Sinner Wins Historic 2025 Wimbledon Title
Jannik Sinner downed Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday to win his first Wimbledon title, gaining sweet revenge for his painful defeat in the French Open final. The world number one is the first Italian to win at the All England Club and now has four Grand Slams to his name at the age of 23. The tennis world has been captivated by the emergence of the new rivalry to follow the storied "Big Three" era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Sinner and two-time defending Wimbledon champion Alcaraz have now shared the past seven Grand Slam titles between them, with the Italian winning four of those.
Centre on Nurse
"There's a
Limit
Case:
Air India Crash Initial Report Found No Mechanical Or Maintenance Issues: CEO
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson disapproved of speculations and rumours that emerged over the past few weeks over the June 12 crash.
New Delhi: A month after India witnessed one of its worst air crashes in decades, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson pointed out that the preliminary report on the AI171 crash found no mechanical or maintenance issue with the doomed aircraft or its engines.
His remarks came in a letter to the airline's employees, disapproving of media speculations, rumours, and theories that emerged over the past few weeks, especially after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its initial report a few days ago.
"Instead of focusing on such interpretations, I suggest we note
that the Preliminary Report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or engines, and that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed. There was no issue with the quality of fuel and no abnormality with the take-off roll," said Mr Wilson.
He said the pilots had passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyser and there were no observations regarding their medical status.
China's "Dragon-Elephant Tango" Call After S Jaishankar Meets VP
The June 12 crash killed 241 passengers and crew members on board the London-bound aircraft, while 30 others died in the crash impact on the ground. The AAIB report, released early Saturday morning, revealed that the aircraft's fuel switches were cut off, and an attempt was made to relight the engines. There was no evidence of sabotage or birdhit in the 15-page report.
Saina Nehwal Announces Separation From Husband
Do"
to What We Can
The family of Talal Abdo Mehdi - the Yemeni man who Nimisha Priya killed - has been offered $1 million (Rs 8.6 crore) as 'blood money' or financial compensation.
New Delhi: India can't do much more to stop the execution of Nimisha Priya - the Kerala nurse sentenced to death by Yemen for killing a man harassing her - the Supreme Court was told Monday. "It is unfortunate... there is a point till which we can go. We have reached it," Attorney General R Venkataramani said.
The counsel for the 'Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council' seemed at a loss too; they told Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta this afternoon, "The only way is if the family (of the Yemeni man) agrees to accept the 'blood money' (i.e., financial compensation)."
The Yemeni man's family has been offered $1 million, or Rs 8.5 crore, but this has not been accepted so far. The Attorney Genera said the family had refused the money "as it is a question of honour".
Ms Priya is scheduled to be executed July 16, i.e., Wednesday.
Earlier today the Attorney General told the court the government had done everything it could in what is "a very complex case". "There is not much the Government of India can do," he said.
Beijing: Expressing readiness to work with New Delhi to achieve "dragonelephant tango"-- a dance between their emblematic animals-- Beijing on Monday said both China and India are major developing economies and important members of the Global South. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said need to advance practical cooperation and respect mutual concerns to ensure the stable development of bilateral ties.
"Becoming partners that enable each other's success and achieving the "dragon-elephant tango" is the
S Jaishankar conveyed to Chinese leadership that continued normalisation of India-China ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes, and an open exchange of views between the two sides is "very important".
right choice for both sides. The two sides should further implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, steadily advance practical cooperation, respect each other's concerns, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-India ties," Zheng said after meeting Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Beijing on Monday, according to a report by Global Times. The call for India-China relations to take the form of a "Dragon-Elephant tango" was earlier raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who in April said both neighbours should work more closely together.
Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal announced her separation from husband Parupalli Kashyap on Sunday. Nehwal, who won bronze at the London Olympics 2012, took to social media to announce the news. "Life takes us in different directions sometimes. After much thought and consideration, Kashyap Parupalli and I have decided to part ways. We're choosing peace, growth, and healing - for ourselves and each other. I'm grateful for the memories and wish nothing but the best moving forward. Thank you for understanding"Saina wrote.
"Six Hour Notice, No Safety Assurance": Inside America's New Deportation Plan
Washington: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly planning to deport migrants with as little as six hours of advance notice to countries that are not their own-even without any guarantees of safety from the receiving nations. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons told the ICE workforce in a recent memo that the Supreme Court's last month ruling has cleared the way for "immediately" deporting immigrants to "alternative" countries, without "diplomatic assurances" of protection against
Among those affected would be thousands of immigrants who might face danger in their own countries, or people from nations like China or Cuba that do not always cooperate with deportations due to frosty relationships with the US.
torture or persecution, according to a report by The Washington Post. In case of deportation to countries
with no "diplomatic assurance", deportees will ideally receive a notice 24 hours in advance. However, in "exigent circumstances," removal can be carried out within only six hours, the report said. The new US policy marks a significant departure from previous deportation practice, when migrants were rarely sent to third countries. Among those affected would be thousands of immigrants who might face danger in their own countries, or people from nations like China or Cuba that do not always cooperate with deportations due to frosty relationships with the US.
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Anurag Kashyap Slams T-Series for Underpayment,
'No Taste'
Anurag Kashyap has now exposed Bhushan Kumar's T-series sharing how they underpaid him for his music in films like Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur. He went on to add how they have bad taste in music and they preferred paying a large sum to Bombay Velvet
Anurag Kashyap never shies away from calling a spade a spade. His controversial statements have always landed him in trouble and he leaves no stones unturned in exposing the industry.
This time he is news as he exposed the largest music label in India, T-Series for underpaying him for music of films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Dev D. He went on to accuse that they don’t have good taste in music. During the interaction with The Juggernaut, Anurag was asked about the influence of music in his films like Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur. To which he said, “The idea is not to cater to the market. If T-Series, Bhushan Kumar, is not buying it, then it is good music. T Series doesn't buy good music at a good price. They paid very less for
Dev D, Gangs of Wasseypur or Gulaal. They only pay for who is the star in it. They don't pay for the quality of music. They paid nothing for Dev D music. Ask the producers, UTV studios... they don't understand what's good music. They will only pay for a certain kind of music and only push for that.”
He went on to add, “The highest amount of money they paid for any of my movies is Bombay Velvet. As music it was very good but it worked the least for them. Because nobody wanted to listen to jazz. They paid the highest price for that and not Dev D or Gangs of Wasseypur.” For the unversed, Bombay Velvet featured Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar in key roles. Even though the film underperformed at the box office, Amit Trivedi's music score received appreciation.
YRF Limits Saiyaara Shows, Targets Students with 9:30 AM Discount
SCOOP
Vikrant Massey Exits Don 3?
In a surprising development, Vikrant Massey has exited Don 3, where he was set to play the main antagonist opposite Ranveer Singh. Fresh off the success of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Vikrant was expected to bring a unique edge to Farhan Akhtar’s action-packed film. His character—a suave scamster with intense combat scenes—required a major transformation. Sources reveal that creative differences and the demanding physicality of the role led to his sudden exit.
The makers are now actively scouting for a replacement, with actors like Vijay Deverakonda and Aditya Roy Kapur reportedly being considered. However, no official confirmation has been made.
A source close to the production said, “Vikrant would have been fantastic, but we’re confident we’ll find someone equally powerful for the role.” With shooting scheduled to begin in January 2026, the race is on to cast the perfect antagonist in this eagerly awaited franchise installment.
Yash Raj Films has adopted a unique release strategy for Saiyaara, instructing cinemas to begin screenings only from 9:30 am on July 18 and limiting them to just six shows that day. From July 19 onward, theatres can schedule shows freely. To attract college students and the youth, YRF has introduced two special offers: a 50% discount (up to Rs. 200) on BookMyShow using the code ‘SAIYAARA’ for a minimum of two tickets, and specially priced 9:30 am shows. While regular weekend rates will apply to other shows, the early discounted show aims to revive the pre-pandemic trend of packed morning screenings among the under-25 audience. A trade expert noted that limiting the number of shows could boost occupancy, and the cost-friendly morning ticket pricing, especially when combined with the discount offer, makes it highly appealing for students.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari Delayed, Now Out Oct 2
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari has been postponed. It has now been confirmed for October 2. Producer Karan Johar and the whole team realized that this is the apt time to bring this romcom. This year, besides Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra also falls on the same day. Hence, it'll be a festive period and hopefully, it will face no other competition until Diwali. In other words, it will have a clean run for three weeks." Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, however, will clash with Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Harshvardhan Rane starrer Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Besides Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari also stars Akshay Oberoi, Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra and Maniesh Paul.
Ladakh
Aamir's Film Screened at 11,562 Ft in
Less than a month after its release, Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par — a hopeful story centred on an arrogant basketball coach and 10 neurodivergent kids — appears to be scaling new heights literally. Several screenings of RS Prasanna’s directorial venture are being held at PictureTime, a 140-seater theatre that is situated at an altitude of 11,562 feet in Ladakh. On July 14, a screening was arranged for 12 differently-abled students and six teachers of a government school. This was preceded by another show on July 12 for children with autism and their parents.
Sonakshi
on
15
Years: "Bollywood Can’t Break Me"
As she completes 15 years in Bollywood, Sonakshi Sinha opens up about her evolution, priorities, and resilience. “I’ve grown up in front of the camera,” she says. “It’s been a wholesome journey — the good, the bad, the ugly. But the good thing is, Bollywood doesn’t have the power to devastate me. I see my work as part of life, not my entire life. There’s a lot more to who I am.”
Sonakshi’s upcoming film Nikita Roy is directed by her brother Kussh Sinha, but she clarifies that family wasn’t the only reason she signed on. “The story, with its twists and turns, is what drew me in. The fact that my brother was directing was a bonus. I thought we might fight like siblings, but on set, I was the actor and he was the director.” The thriller also stars Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal,
and Suhail Nayyar. Initially slated for release on June 27, the film’s launch was postponed to avoid clashing with Kajol’s Maa. “It was the producers’ call, and I fully support it. When multiple films release together, it affects the shows you get. This was a smart business move,” she explains. In recent years, Sonakshi’s film choices have shifted significantly — from commercial hits like Dabangg and R… Rajkumar to deeper, content-driven roles in Dahaad and Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Looking ahead to the second seasons of both, she says, “I want anything that’s different and challenging. That’s my checklist. After a point, you’re able to say — I deserve better than this.” Focused, secure, and selective, Sonakshi is determined to keep evolving. “I know my worth now,” she says confidently.
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, has made her official Bollywood debut with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, co-starring Vikrant Massey. While her performance has received a warm response, her journey began with disappointment — the shelving of her initial debut film Bedhadak, produced by Dharma Productions. In a recent interview, Shanaya opened up about the emotional impact of losing Bedhadak. “That was my biggest love and biggest heartbreak,” she said. Though difficult, the experience helped shape her perspective and resilience. “No boy could break my heart the way that film did,” she added with a smile. She acknowledged the privileges that come with her background but stressed her commitment to earning her place through honest work and dedication. The lessons from that setback, she said, helped her portray the character of Saba in her debut film with greater depth.Shanaya credited her mother, Maheep Kapoor, for helping her stay grounded. “Trust the journey,” her mother told her. Her father, Sanjay Kapoor, encouraged her to continue honing her craft by performing regularly in front of small audiences.Now, with three more films lined up — Vrusshabha with Mohanlal, Tu Yaa Main opposite Adarsh Gourav, and JC alongside Abhay Verma — Shanaya is poised for a promising future. Despite early heartbreak, her journey reflects faith, patience, and unwavering determination.
Tiger Shroff Teases Baaghi 4 Update: “Expect the Unexpected”
Actor Tiger Shroff has finally addressed the growing fan curiosity around Baaghi 4, days after multiple fan-made posters questioning the teaser delay went viral. Sharing two striking images on his official Instagram handle on July 15, Tiger reassured his followers that an official update is on the way. In one of the posters, a dramatic visual with the text “Where is Baaghi 4?” is seen placed against a bold calendar backdrop, with the message: “It’s September
already—Fans deserve a trailer, not silence. Release the teaser on YouTube.” The second image shows a close-up of Tiger, bloodied and intense, hinting at the action-heavy tone of the film. Accompanying the visuals, Tiger wrote: “Dear army, I’m so sorry to keep you all waiting. I’ve been seeing your messages and posts every day and trust me I’m as excited to share this with you at the earliest! I promise you it’s worth the wait! Giving you an official update soon on the first promo. Expect the unexpected!”
Archana Puran Singh Duped in Dubai Skydiving Scam
Archana Puran Singh frequently uploads daily vlogs featuring her family on her YouTube channel. In her most recent vlog, she chronicled her trip to Dubai alongside her husband, actor and filmmaker Parmeet Sethi, and their sons, Aaryamann Sethi and Ayushmaan Sethi. They were victims Archana appeared with her family as they looked forward to experiencing an indoor skydiving session at iFly Dubai. Archana stated, “We had booked three slots in iFly Dubai, but this lady is saying that we have no booking. We have been scammed because the website where we made the payment is not theirs. We have been scammed in Dubai. We have already paid and the tickets are not cheap... Dubai mein hamare paise doob gaye. I never expected this to happen in Dubai, there are such strict rules and laws. People are scared of doing such things.”
Abhishek Bachchan
on Kaalidhar Laapata
“It’s
About Soul, Not Speed”
In an age of fast-paced content, Kaalidhar Laapata on ZEE5 is quietly winning hearts with its emotional depth and reflective storytelling. Abhishek Bachchan plays Kaalidhar, a man grappling with memory loss who finds healing through unlikely friendships. Unlike flashy blockbusters, the film’s strength lies in its soul and simplicity— something Bachchan believes modern audiences are craving. Speaking about the film’s unhurried pace, he said, “If you make a good film, the audience will come and stay. Even if the pace is leisurely, a compelling story holds you. People scroll endlessly because nothing hooks them—but when something does, they stop and watch.” Bachchan praised the producers for fully backing the film’s vision. “They gave us complete creative freedom, and that shows on screen,” he said. He also commended platforms like ZEE5 for championing meaningful stories, citing the recent film Mrs. as another example of thoughtful cinema. Kaalidhar Laapata is emerging as a quiet but powerful entry in Indian digital storytelling—a reminder that heartfelt narratives still have a place, even in a world that’s always rushing.
India Warns Against Non-Essential Travel to Iran
The Indian mission in Iran has advised its citizens to consider the evolving situation before undertaking non-essential travel to Iran. The Indian embassy in Iran also advised the citizens to continue to monitor the latest regional developments and follow updated advisories issued by the Indian authorities before visiting Iran.
India Urges Bangladesh to Reconsider Satyajit Ray Home Demolition
On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that eminent filmmaker Satyajit Ray's ancestral home in Dhaka is being demolished by Bangladeshi authorities. However, the Government of India has stepped up to cooperate with the Government of Bangladesh to repair and reconstruct the ancestral property. The century-old property in Dhaka's Horikishore Ray Chowdhury Road belonged to Ray's grandfather, the renowned litterateur Upendra Kishore Ray Chowdhury.
20 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Aid Crowd Surge
Gaza:
At least 20 Palestinians were killed at a food distribution point-- run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)-- in Khan Younis on Wednesday, in what the US-backed group said was a crowd surge instigated by armed agitators. The United Nations had earlier called these aid sites "death traps", condemning their operations after multiple reports that Israeli forces had opened fire on aid seekers near these centres.
According to the United Nations rights office, at least 875 deaths have been documented over the past six weeks near aid sites and convoys in Gaza, the majority of them near GHF distribution points.
Pilots Demand Full Flight Data Release in Air India Crash
Indian and international pilot groups have urged caution and transparency following the release of a preliminary report on the Air India Flight 171 crash. The report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) states that the fuel control switches for both engines “transitioned” from “run” to “cutoff” seconds after takeoff, then switched back—but the aircraft had lost too much altitude to recover.
Pilot associations, including the Airlines Pilots Association of India (ALPA-I) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA), say the wording implies human action without stating it directly. Aviation experts point out that the switches can’t move on their own, and the one- second gap between the two
Their appeals follow a swirl of narratives sparked by aviation experts and pilots reading the claims and omissions in the initial report as hints of either a cover-up or a deliberate act by a pilot to crash the plane
being flipped is consistent with manual operation. The pilot groups have warned against speculation and called for the release of full flight data and cockpit voice recordings. “There’s
NATO Chief Warns Beijing, Delhi on Russia Trade
WASHINGTON:
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Wednesday that countries such as Brazil, China and India could be hit very hard by secondary sanctions if they continued to do business with Russia.
Rutte made the comment while meeting with senators in the US Congress the day after President Donald Trump announced new
"India
weapons for Ukraine and threatened "biting" secondary tariffs of 100% on the buyers of Russian exports unless there is a peace deal in 50 days.
"My encouragement to these three countries, particularly is, if you live now in Beijing, or in Delhi, or you are the president of Brazil, you might want to take a look into this, because this might hit you very hard," Rutte told reporters, who met with Trump on Monday and agreed the new steps.
"So please make the phone call to Vladimir Putin and tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks, because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way," Rutte added.
Republican US Senator Thom Tillis praised Trump for announcing the steps, but said the 50-day delay "worries" him.
Working Along Same Line As USIndonesia Trade Deal": Donald Trump
New York: US President Donald Trump stated that India is working on a trade deal along the same lines as the one he announced with Indonesia, which will provide the US with greater access to the Indian market. Under the deal with Jakarta, there will be a 19 per cent tariff on imports into the US, but none on exports from the US to Indonesia, he told reporters in Washington on Tuesday.
no mystery about what brought the aircraft down—the fuel was cut off, the engines lost thrust. What’s unclear is why the full data isn't public yet,” an aviation analyst said.
ALPA-I President Captain Sam Thomas criticized the report as “amateurish,” saying it lacks essential data, such as maximum altitude, and presents partial cockpit conversations without context. He also noted the report was unsigned and released late at night without proper disclosure.
Thomas reiterated the need for airline pilots to be included in investigation teams to ensure balanced assessments. The unions believe the current report risks fueling unsubstantiated theories and fostering a premature narrative of pilot error without sufficient evidence.
No Pardon, It's Murder: Victim's Brother on Kerala Nurse Case
New Delhi: Abdelfattah Mehdi, brother of Talal Abdo Mehdi, who was allegedly murdered by Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya in 2017, has asserted that there can be no pardon for the crime. He said that Nimisha Priya has to be executed.
Abdelfattah also expressed firmly the family's deep displeasure in the manner in which the Indian media has been "distorting things to portray the convicted as a victim". Incidentally, Nimisha Priya was to be executed on Wednesday, but following the lengthy period of multipronged negotiations, her execution has been kept in abeyance.
US Imposes 17% Duty On Mexican Fresh Tomatoes
"India basically is working along that same line", he said. "We're going to have access into India". Negotiators from India and the US are working to reach a deal before the August 1 deadline Trump has set for making deals or face arbitrary tariffs.
While he has issued letters to several countries and the European Union threatening tariffs as high as 35 per cent if they don't make a deal by that date, he has sent a similar warning to India.
Washington: The United States is imposing antidumping duties on most imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico, the US Commerce Department said Monday as Washington alleged its neighbor engaged in unfair trade. The duties, set at 17.09 percent, come after Washington moved to terminate a 2019 agreement that staved off such charges. "Mexico remains one of our greatest allies, but for far too long our farmers have been crushed by unfair trade practices that undercut pricing on produce like tomatoes. That ends today," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a statement.
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Face Pressure to Share Tenant Information
With ICE
$8,000 Raised for Sankara by Talented Teens Through Classical Dance Landlords
ATLANTA, GA — Immigration authorities are pressuring landlords to hand over leases, rental applica-tions, forwarding addresses, IDs, and other tenant records — signaling a push to enlist them in mass de-portation efforts. Eric Teusink, an Atlanta-area real estate attorney, said several clients recently received subpoenas de-manding entire tenant files. These requests, shared with The Associated Press, also seek information on other household members. Dated May 1, one subpoena was signed by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) antifraud officer — but not a judge. While the scope of these subpoenas is unclear, legal experts warn compliance could violate the Fair Hous-ing Act and expose landlords to discrimination claims. Critics argue landlords may feel intimidated into complying, even though tenants aren’t notified their private information is being shared.
“The danger here is overcompliance,” said Stacy Seicshnaydre, a Tulane law professor. “A subpoena isn’t automatically a legitimate request.”
SARATOGA, CA — In a remarkable blend of tradition, service, and youthful determination, two high school students recently raised over $8,000 through a classical dance fundraiser to support cataract surgeries for underserved communities in India.
Dhiya Padmanabhan and Anithra Shradha Narayanan, senior students of the Shri Krupa Dance Company, organized the event under the guidance of their guru, Vishal Ramani. Their full-length Bharatanatyam re-cital, IroLi – Twin Radiance (Bringing Light to People’s Lives), was held on June 22 at the McAfee Perform-ing Arts Center. The performance, accompanied by a live orchestra featuring artists from India, drew an audience of over 250. All proceeds were donated to the Sankara Eye Foundation, a nonprofit providing free eye care to those in need. With cataract surgeries through Sankara costing just $30 each, the funds raised are expected to re-store vision for hundreds of patients.
The cause held deep personal significance for both dancers. Inspired by family members who have strug-gled with eye conditions such as high eye pressure and cataracts, they witnessed firsthand the transforma-tive power of access to vision care. They were especially moved by the fact that eyesight — unlike many organs — cannot be replaced or donated, making the gift of restored vision profoundly meaningful.
Indian-Origin Man Criticized for Racist Remark Captured in Viral Video
DALLAS, TX- An Indian American man identified as Stanley Thomas has sparked widespread outrage after a viral video showed him repeatedly using a racial slur at Moxie’s, a restaurant in the area. The clip, recorded by a Black woman, captured Thomas unapologetically defending his use of the N-word by claiming he is “20 percent Black.”
The woman filming alleged that Thomas had used the offensive term several times before she began re-cording. In the video, Thomas, seated at the bar, doubles down, saying, “I say the N-word all the time,” and even offers to demonstrate different pronunciations, deliberately emphasizing the hard “R.”
When warned that the video would go viral, Thomas appeared unfazed. He gave a thumbs-up and said, “No, I’m proud,” before providing his name on camera. He attempted to justify his behavior by citing the Siddi people—a minority ethnic group in India of African descent—as the basis for his claim of “20 percent Black” heritage. The woman filming dismissed his explanation, sarcastically suggesting he share the video with his “fellow Indian friends.” Online reactions were swift and condemning. One widely liked comment read, “On behalf of Indians worldwide, we do not claim him, and we don’t and should never say that word.” Another user added, “Once again, freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences.”
Ike Anand Named ALSAC President and CEO
ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, has officially appointed Ike Anand as its president and CEO. Anand, who has served as interim CEO since March and as chief operating officer since 2020, becomes the seventh CEO in ALSAC’s 68-year history. His appointment follows a global search launched in December after the retirement of Richard C. Shadyac Jr.
“Ike has shown exceptional vision and dedication to our mission,” said Frederick M. Azar, MD, Chair of the ALSAC Board. Under Anand’s leadership, ALSAC will continue advancing St. Jude’s mission to reach more of the 400,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year globally.
Marlo Thomas, St. Jude’s national outreach director, called Anand “the perfect person” to carry forward her father Danny Thomas’s founding vision. James R. Downing, MD, CEO of St. Jude, praised Anand’s strategic leadership and partnership. Anand steps in midway through St. Jude’s historic $12.9 billion, six-year plan launched in 2022 to expand global treatment access.
Khalistani Terrorists, Including India’s Most Wanted, Caught in FBI Sting
STOCKTON, CA - Eight individuals, including Pavittar Singh Batala — an alleged gangster on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) “most wanted” list — were arrested in the United States on July 11. The arrests, carried out by the FBI and local law enforcement, are tied to a kidnapping and torture investigation in San Joaquin County, California.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests, noting that their AGNET Unit, in collabora-tion with SWAT teams from the Stockton Police Department, Manteca Police Department, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI, executed five coordinated search warrants across the county as part of a gang-related
kidnapping and torture probe.
“This takedown was part of the FBI’s Summer Heat initiative, a nationwide effort targeting violent offend-ers and gang members who terrorize our communities. Summer Heat reflects Director Patel’s commitment to the American people to crush crime and restore safety in neighborhoods across the country,” the FBI said in a statement. Batala, reportedly linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International, is wanted in India for his alleged involvement in terrorist activities.
The other suspects were identified as Dilpreet Singh, Amritpal Singh, Arshpreet Singh, Manpreet Randhawa, Sarabjit Singh, Gurtaj Singh, and Vishal. They face multiple charges, including kidnapping, torture, wrongful confinement, witness intimidation, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and making criminal threats. All were booked into the San Joaquin County Jail. Additional charges include possession of a machine gun, an unregistered loaded handgun, and the manu-facturing and sale of high-capacity magazines and a short-barrel rifle. During the searches, authorities seized at least six firearms — including a fully automatic Glock — hundreds of rounds of ammunition, sev-eral high-capacity magazines, and over $15,000 in cash.
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Billionaires’ Club: India is now Top Birthplace of America’s Richest Immigrants
Zofeen Maqsood
It’s a sweep that is making the world sit upright and take note of India and the wealth creators it has given rise to. Just out, Forbes’ list of America’s Richest Immigrants 2025 features 12 Indian-origin billionaires. It may be noted that it is the highest number of billionaires in the list from a single country.
Having 12 Indian-origin billionaires on the list surpasses the previous number of 11 from Israel back in 2022. Indianorigin billionaires on the list in 2022 were numbered at 7.
These immigrants are contributing to the $1.3 trillion collective wealth of billionaires who are foreign-born in America.
Here are the 12 billionaires on the list.
Jay Chaudhry
Net worth: $17.9 billion, Zscaler Chaudhry, is the founder of Zscaler, a leading cloud-based cybersecurity firm. Raised in a small village in Himachal Pradesh, India, he overcame modest beginnings—studying under a tree and walking miles to school. He earned his Bachelor of Technology from IIT BHU before moving to the U.S., where he completed master’s degrees in industrial engineering, computer engineering, and marketing at the University of Cincinnati, and attended an executive management program at Harvard Business School.
Vinod Khosla
Net worth $9.2 billion, Sun Microsystems
Vinod Khosla co-founded Sun Microsystems and later established Khosla Ventures. Khosla built his fortune through early investments in sectors like networking, software, and alternative energy technologies. Widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential figures in venture capital, as of January 2025, he continues to be a leading voice in the industry.
.Rakesh Gangwal
Net worth - $6.6 billion, co-founder IndiGo Airlines
Gangwal is co-founder of IndiGo Airlines, along with Rahul Bhatia. He previously served as the CEO and chairman of US Airways Group. Earlier Gangwal led Worldspan Technologies as its chairman, president, and CEO. From 2002 to 2003, he focused on personal business ventures, including private equity and consulting projects. He was president and CEO of US Airways Group from 1998 until his resignation in 2001. 2024, Gangwal was appointed chair of Southwest Airlines’ corporate board.
Romesh T. Wadhwani
Net worth - $5.0 billion, Symphony Technology Group
Romesh T. Wadhwani is the founder of investment firm SAIGroup. He previously served as chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group, a private equity firm focused on
India-born billionaires have outnumbered all other foreign-born counterparts in the US, with 12 such individuals featured on America's Richest Immigrants list by Forbes — surpassing those from Israel and Taiwan. Recent entrants include Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, and Nikesh Arora. Cybersecurity mogul Jay Chaudhry is the richest Indian-American, with a net worth of $17.9 billion.
software, internet, and technology services companies. He also founded the Wadhwani Foundation, aimed at promoting economic development in emerging economies, with an initial emphasis on India.
Rajiv Jain
Net worth $4.8 billion, Chairman of GQG Partner
The Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of GQG Partners, Rajiv Jain manages all of the firm’s investment strategies. He founded GQG Partners in June 2016, bringing over 23 years of investment experience. Previously, he served as Co-Chief Executive Officer (from July 2014) and Chief Investment Officer and Head of Equities (from February 2002) at Vontobel Asset Management. In 2012, he was honored as Morningstar Fund Manager of the Year.
Kavitark Ram Shriram
Net worth $3.0 billion – Google, venture capital
He is a founding board member and among the earliest investors in Google. Prior to that, he worked at Amazon, joining in August 1998 after Amazon acquired Junglee, an online, comparison shopping company where he served as president. Before his time at Junglee and Amazon, Shriram was part of the executive team at Netscape, joining the
company in 1994 before it launched its first products or generated revenue.
Raj Sardana
Net worth - $2.0 billion, IT firm TCGI
Atlanta-based entrepreneur Raj Sardana features on Forbes’ America’s Richest Immigrants 2025 list, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion. He is the founder and CEO of Duluth-based Innova Solutions.
David Paul
Net worth $1.5 billion, Wellquest/ NeuroSigma
Paul began his career as a mechanical engineer after earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras in India. He later moved to the United States to pursue an M.S. in Computer Integrated Mechanical Engineering Systems from Temple University. Paul started his professional journey with medical device manufacturer Synthes before founding his own company, Globus Medical.
Nikesh Arora
Net worth $1.4 billion, Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks. He has held from leadership roles at Google, SoftBank, and Palo Alto Networks.
Sunder Pichai
Net worth $1.1 billion – Alphabet Inc. (Google)
Pichai began his career as a materials engineer and briefly worked at management consulting firm McKinsey & Company before joining Google in 2004. At Google, he led product management and innovation for several key products, including Google Chrome, ChromeOS, and Google Drive. He also oversaw the development of Gmail and Google Maps. In 2015, Pichai was named CEO of Google, after previously serving as the company’s chief product officer under CEO Larry Page. He assumed the role on October 24, 2015, coinciding with the formation of Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent holding company. Pichai joined Alphabet’s Board of Directors in 2017.
Satya Nadella
Net worth $1.1 billion – Microsoft Nadella serves as chairman and CEO of Microsoft. He succeeded Steve Ballmer as CEO in 2014 and took over as chairman from John W. Thompson in 2021. Prior to becoming CEO, Nadella was executive vice president of Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise group, overseeing the development and operation of the company’s computing platform
Neerja Sethi
Net worth $1 billion, Syntel Neerja is an Indian-origin entrepreneur who co-founded Syntel, a U.S.-based IT firm specializing in consulting and outsourcing. Before launching her own venture, she worked with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). According to Forbes 2025, her real-time net worth exceeds USD 1 billion. A 2024 report ranked her 27th on America’s Richest Self-Made Women list and 2,692nd among the world’s richest individuals. Neerja and her husband, Bharat Desai, founded Syntel in 1980 in Troy, Michigan.
Celebrating Jain Heritage at the Heart of Chicago – JAINA Convention 2025
CHICAGO, IL- July 3–6, 2025 – The 23rd Biennial JAINA Convention at the Renaissance Schaumburg Con-vention Center and Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, unfolded as a magnificent tapestry of spiritual awakening, cultural splendor, and communal unity. The event drew over 5,000 delegates from 72 Jain Cen-ters across the United States and Canada, along with attendees from 10 other countries including India, the UK, Germany, Oman, Dubai, and Kenya. This marked one of the largest gatherings of Jains outside India in recent history and the first time a North American city hosted the JAINA Convention for the fourth time. Hosted by the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in collaboration with the Jain Soci-ety of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), the transformative four-day celebration radiated the timeless Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantvad (multiple viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) under the theme “Unity in Diversity: A Path to Peace.”
Highlights by Day
Day 1 – A Grand Opening (July 3, 2025)
The convention commenced with a vibrant flourish. Early registration welcomed attendees from across the globe with seamless efficiency. The Temple Dwar Opening Ceremony captivated audiences with the breathtaking Ashtapad, featuring 24 Tirthankaras, accompanied by soulful chants and rituals. The Grand Cultural Procession, held in the South Parking area, dazzled with intricately decorated cars, Ma-hila Mandal welcome dances, and youth performances, all under a soaring airplane banner heralding the convention. In the evening, the Opening Ceremony was a spiritual and artistic masterpiece. Convener Atul Shah and Co-Conveners Vipul Shah and Jignesh Jain welcomed blessings from revered Jain leaders including Pujya Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muniji, Pujya Saman Shrutpragyaji, Pujya Dr. Samani Pratibha Pragyaji, and Pujya Sadhvi Shilapiji. Acharya Lokesh Muniji’s keynote on Ahimsa’s global relevance inspired attendees to champion peace. The Broadway-style production Sthulibhadra & Kosha – Nritya Natika, a collaboration between JAINA and JSMC, brought Jain narratives to life through mesmerizing performances.
Day 2 – Wisdom and Connection (July 4, 2025)
The day began with serene yoga and Prekā meditation led by Samani Dr. Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Pu-nya Pragyaji, energizing over 400 attendees.
Highlights included:
• Keynotes by JAINA President Bindesh Shah, JSMC
and entrepreneur Manu Shah.
• The Jains Got Talent semi-finals showcased electrifying performances.
• A blood drive, embodying Jain compassion, collected donations impacting over 276 lives.
• Panels on parenting, women empowerment (featuring Judge Neera Bahl), veganism, spirituality, and in-novation captivated audiences.
In the evening, Festivals of the World, a cultural showcase by Jain Centers, and soulful performances by Ashish Mehta and Vaibhav Doshi left the audience spellbound.
Day three opened with inspiring addresses from the Mayor of Schaumburg and keynote speaker Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, whose resilience awed attendees. Key events included:
• The prestigious JAINA Awards, with the JAINA Ratna awarded to past president Mahesh Wadher (Califor-nia).
• Panels on AI ethics, unity, and Jainism’s global relevance.
• Sessions on health, Ayurveda, and energy healing inspired action.
In the evening, Bollywood icon Sonu Sood delivered a heartfelt address on compassion. Stand-up comedi-an Sugandha Mishra infused humor, while superstar singers Rishi Singh, Atharva, Avirbhav, Khushi, and An-jana Padmnabham enthralled the audience.
Day 4 – A Resplendent Finale (July 6, 2025)
The convention concluded with:
• Morning meditation by Pujya Saman Shrut Pragyaji.
• An inspiring keynote by Sparsh Shah, blending music and resilience.
• Heartfelt acknowledgments by Atul Shah, Vipul Shah, Jignesh Jain, Bindesh Shah, and Pragnesh Shah.
Special appreciation was extended to the Kids Club (Chair: Dimple Shah, Co-Chair: Radhika Jaina), Young Jains of America (YJA), Young Jain Professionals (YJP), and Jain Connect, which collectively engaged over 875 youth and adults. The food committee (led by Hitesh Shah) managed five daily meals for 5,000 attendees across four spaces, while the transportation team ensured smooth operations between two venues and nine hotels.
The grand finale featured a laughter-filled performance by Ojas Rawal, leaving the audience with joy and gratitude.
A Legacy of Unity and Collaboration
This landmark convention was a testament to the leadership of Atul Shah, Vipul Shah, Jignesh Jain, and Bindesh Shah, supported by generous sponsors and 300+ volunteers across 40 committees who worked tirelessly for over a year.
About JAINA
JAINA, founded in 1981, unites over 200,000 members across 72 Jain Centers, promoting Jain Dharma through education, humanitarian aid, and interfaith collaboration. With USAID certification and UN Spe-cial Consultative Status, its global impact shines. Vegan meals and accommodation at the Renaissance Schaumburg and Hyatt Regency ensured inclusiveness. For more information visit www.jainaconvention.org.
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President Pragnesh Shah, Pujya Dr. Gyanvatsal Swamiji,
Day 3 – Spiritual and Cultural Supernova (July 5, 2025)
St. Jude Cancer Survivor Comes Full Circle
Physical Therapist Surekha Murti-Fehr Pivoted During Pandemic to Working with Cancer Patients
Surekha Murti-Fehr was just 2 years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her earliest memories include undergoing treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, losing her hair, and watching television with her father, Gopal Murti, Ph.D., the retired director of Scientific Imaging at St. Jude. She spent five years in treatment.
Since then, Surekha has built a full life — finishing school, getting married, and having children — never forgetting the gift of life she received at St. Jude. At one time, she dreamed of becoming a doctor and working at St. Jude, which leads the world in under-standing, treating, and defeating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. But life took her in a different direction. While an undergraduate in East Tennessee, she met her future husband. After earning her doctorate in physical therapy, they married and settled down in Tennessee.
“I really enjoy physical therapy because of the one-on-one connection with patients,” Surekha said.
She began working at a private practice, helping orthopedic patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. But during the pandemic, the certified lymphedema therapists at her clinic left.
A certified lymphedema therapist helps patients manage swelling of the lymphatic system, which plays a key
role in fighting infections. Her boss asked if she would consider training for the role, assuring her she could return to orthopedics if she didn’t enjoy it.
“It was fine,” Surekha recalled, “but I wasn’t really loving it.”
That changed when a local medical provider asked if she could recommend a lymphedema therapist for their patients. Surekha offered to take them herself — and they began sending her cancer patients.
“Basically, it turned into my whole profession. Now my practice focuses entirely on treating breast cancer patients every single day,” she said.
“Something I didn’t think I’d enjoy turned into this, and now my dream of helping cancer patients has finally
come full circle.”
Her parents, Gopal and Aruna Murti, are deeply proud — but they still vividly recall their fear during her illness.
“When she was diagnosed with leukemia, it devastated me. I truly didn’t think she would survive,” Gopal said.
Today, patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated at St. Jude have a 94% survival rate. That num-ber was far lower when Surekha was diagnosed in the early 1980s.
Founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas, the son of Lebanese immigrants, St. Jude was created to care for the world’s sickest children regardless of race, ethnicity, beliefs, or ability to pay.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food — allowing them to focus solely on helping their child survive.
After her treatment, Surekha’s parents were warned about potential side effects that could impact her physical and intellectual development. They even cautioned her teachers. But Surekha thrived.
“I still worry about her even now,” Gopal admitted. “But I keep it to myself. What she has accomplished is remarkable. Surekha has excelled in everything.”
Surekha no longer lives in Memphis, but says if she were still there, she’d want to work at St. Jude.
“St. Jude saved my life,” she said.
WaPo Rejects Gabbard's Harassment Claim
WASHINGTON, DC – The Washington Post has strongly rebutted allegations from Tulsi Gabbard, who ac-cused one of its national security reporters of “harassing” staff at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which Gabbard leads.
In a July 3 post on X, Gabbard claimed veteran journalist Ellen Nakashima used a burner phone, concealed her identity, and pressured intelligence officials for classified information.
“Instead of contacting my press office,” she alleged, Nakashima was “harassing ODNI staff” and “lying about working for The Washington Post.” Gabbard further suggested political motives, calling it “a clear op by the same outlet and reporter who stalked my family in Hawaii.”
The Post’s executive editor, Matt Murray, rejected these accusations as “unfounded” and “a fundamental mischaracterization of legitimate journalism.” “Reaching out to potential sources rather than relying solely on official statements is not harassment. It’s basic journalism,” Murray said. He added that Gabbard’s per-sonal attacks reflect “a misunderstanding of journalists’ role to hold power accountable” and reaffirmed the paper’s commitment to protected reporting.
Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Maloy Lead Bipartisan FDA Action on Illegal E-Cigarettes Targeting Kids
WASHINGTON, DC-Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R-UT), co-chairs of the bipartisan Caucus to End Youth Vaping, have sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary urging stronger enforcement against illegal e-cigarette products fueling youth nicotine addiction. Despite the FDA authorizing only 34 e-cigarettes for sale, more than 6,000 flavored products—many tar-geting children and teens—remain widely available online and in stores.
“These products come in a variety of youth-appealing flavors like pink lemonade, cotton candy, and bubblegum,” the lawmakers wrote, citing data showing 87.6% of youth users prefer flavored products, and 70.3% say flavors are the main reason they vape. “Some of the latest e-cigarettes
Despite the FDA authorizing only 34 e-cigarettes for sale, more than 6,000 flavored products—many tar-geting children and teens— remain widely available online and in stores.
even feature built-in video games and smartphone-like capabilities, allowing kids to play games, send texts, and use social me-dia.”
“We applaud Reps. Krishnamoorthi and Maloy for their leadership in urging the FDA to prioritize efforts to reduce youth e-cigarette and tobacco use,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Cam-paign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “We join them in calling on the FDA and other
federal agencies to use every tool available to prevent illegal e-cigarettes from being imported, distributed, and sold in the U.S.”
The letter highlights alarming statistics: in 2024 alone, over 1.6 million youth—including nearly 8% of high school students—used e-cigarettes, with 42% of high school users reporting frequent or daily use. The lawmakers also raised concerns about recent layoffs at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, warning that reduced staffing could hinder enforcement efforts. Without strong action, they cautioned, Big To-bacco will continue addicting young people and exposing them to serious health risks, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Joining Krishnamoorthi and Maloy in signing the letter were Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Mike Kennedy (R-UT), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).
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Physical Therapist Surekha Murti-Fehr
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi
Congresswoman Celeste Maloy
Tulsi Gabbard,
DuPage Seniors Honored with ‘India Calling 2022’ Courtesy of Manish Media Jaipur
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CHICAGO, IL- The DuPage Senior Citizen Council
recently organized a Senior Lunch Program at Golcon-da Restaurant in Naperville, IL. This special gathering featured an entertainment segment by “Panch Sur Beats”, who captivated the audience with evergreen Bollywood hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Their soul-ful renditions included classics like “Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha” and “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahin Todenge”, along with timeless songs originally sung by legends such as Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Kumar Sanu, and Lata Mangeshkar.
The talented team of Panch Sur Beats—comprising Tushar and Nisha Chotalia, Raj & Smita Rai, Jayant Shah, Chetan Ved, and Vibhakar Parikh—delivered
This special gathering featured an entertainment segment by “Panch Sur Beats”, who captivated the audience with evergreen Bollywood hits from the 1960s and 1970s.
Trump's Deportation Plan Hits Roadblocks
WASHINGTON, DC- President Donald Trump and his administration continue to stake their second term on immigration — the issue that arguably secured his 2024 victory. Yet, what was once a political strength is now showing signs of unraveling.
Recent clashes, like a federal immigration raid at a legal marijuana farm in Ventura County, California, have grabbed headlines. Vice President JD Vance recently declared that expanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and toughening enforcement measures were so crucial that “everything else” was “immaterial.” But polls suggest this strategy is backfiring.
A June Gallup survey showed 62% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of immigration, with 45% strongly disapproving. Among independents, nearly 7 in 10 expressed disapproval. Other polls echo this trend: a Marist poll found 59% disapprove of deportations, and 54% believe ICE has “gone too far” en-forcing immigration laws. Even 1 in 5 Republicans agree.
Public backlash is especially sharp over aggressive tactics: workplace raids, increased detention facilities, and deportations to countries like El Salvador. Americans disapproved 61-37% of sending undocumented immigrants to El Salvador’s prisons, where hundreds were sent without due process.
While Trump bets his base will reward these efforts, Gallup shows support for mass deportations has dropped from 47% last year to 38%. Sympathy for migrants is at its highest in decades, with 79% of Ameri-cans saying immigration is “a good thing.”
By doubling down, the administration may have turned a winning issue into a political liability.
a nostalgic performance, while Shailendra Bhatnagar provided excellent sound support. Seniors in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the program, singing along and dancing throughout the three-hour celebration.
During the event, Jayanti Oza, one of Chicagoland’s most respected journalists and Midwest representative for India’s renowned Manish Media, presented a special moment. On behalf of Manish Media, Jayanti Oza handed over a copy of “India Calling 2022”, a book published by the Indian Government about Prime Min-ister Narendra Modi and authored by Chandmal Kumavat, to Sushila Ray and Anjli Khare (Site Manager) of the DuPage Senior Citizen Council.
The afternoon concluded on a joyful note as participants left with smiles, fond memories, and a sense of community.
Dr. Sanjay Mehta Prescribed Opioids to Two Customers Who Died of Overdoses
Mehta admitted to unlawfully prescribing opioids at HOPE (Hitech Opioid Pharmacovigilance Expertise) Clinic, a purported pain management center operating in Beckley, Beaver, and Charleston, West Virginia, and Wytheville, Virginia.
BECKLEY, W.VA. – Sanjay Mehta, D.O., 57, of Shady Spring, pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025, to three counts of aiding and abetting the acquisition of controlled substances by fraud.
Mehta admitted to unlawfully prescribing opioids at HOPE (Hitech Opioid Pharmacovigilance Expertise) Clinic, a purported pain management center operating in Beckley, Beaver, and Charleston, West Virginia, and Wytheville, Virginia.
Court records show Mehta worked at the Beckley clinic from November 2012 to July 2013 and at the Bea-ver clinic from August 2013 to May 2015.
Despite lacking experience in treating chronic pain or training in prescribing Schedule II narcotics, he wrote prescriptions for oxycodone, methadone, and Roxicodone without legitimate medical purpose.
Two patients died from opioid intoxication shortly after receiving their prescriptions.
Mehta faces sentencing on October 31, 2025. He could receive up to four years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine. As part of
his plea, he agreed to surrender his DEA registration and will not seek re-registration.
Mehta was initially indicted in 2018 with others linked to HOPE Clinic and Patients, Physicians and Pharma-cists Fighting Diversion (PPPFD), which managed clinic operations. The indictment alleged a conspiracy between November 2010 and June 2015 to distribute Schedule II drugs unlawfully.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston said, “The opioid crisis has devastated the Southern District of West Virginia. We will hold accountable those whose actions worsen this epidemic and endanger lives.”
This case resulted from a multi-agency investigation involving HHS-OIG, IRS-CI, FDA-OCI, FBI, DEA, West Virginia State Police, and others under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initia-tive.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Brian D. Parsons are prosecuting.
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Info & Photos by Jayanti Oza
Naturalized U.S. Citizens Face Growing Risk of Deportation
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. government is actively working to revoke the citizenship of certain Ameri-cans. Stripping U.S. citizenship has become a priority for the Department of Justice (DOJ).
President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have directed all Civil Division employees to use their enforcement authority to advance the administration’s policy objectives. A DOJ memorandum now prioritizes investigations and enforcement actions, including denaturalization— the official revocation of U.S. citizenship.
Denaturalization applies to individuals who illegally obtained naturalization or deliberately misrepresented or concealed material facts during their application or interviews.
Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) become U.S. citizens through naturalization, a process requiring continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years, good moral character, English proficiency, and passing a U.S. government and
history exam. While a Green Card allows permanent residence and employment in the U.S., it does not grant citizenship or a U.S. passport.
The DOJ memo empowers Civil Division employees to initiate civil proceedings to revoke citizenship if it was obtained unlawfully or through fraud. While targeting serious criminals remains a priority, this effort extends to individuals convicted of crimes who are deemed an ongoing threat to national security. At its core, this initiative seeks to preserve the integrity of the naturalization process by ensuring that indi-viduals who unlawfully procured citizenship do not retain its benefits. It remains unclear whether children of individuals who lose their citizenship through denaturalization will retain their U.S. citizenship status.
This move suggests that U.S. citizenship obtained via fraud, concealment of material information, or crim-inal activity is at risk in the DOJ’s denaturalization campaign.
FBI Warns of Disaster Fraud in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, TX- The FBI stands with Texas Hill Country communities impacted by the devastating July 4 floods and urges the public to guard against fraud schemes that often emerge after disasters.
Scammers frequently exploit charitable Americans by posing as relief organizations to solicit fake dona-tions online, in person, or via cryptocurrency. In 2024, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) re-ceived over 4,500 complaints and reported $96 million in losses from fraudulent charities and disaster re-lief campaigns.
“Natural disasters create opportunities for criminals to prey on victims or well-meaning donors,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge
Aaron Tapp. “We will identify and hold accountable anyone seeking to profit from this tragedy.” U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons added, “If you or someone you know is a victim of flood-related fraud, report it to the FBI. We will pursue those exploiting victims’ loss and heartache.”
Be cautious: government agencies never call or text to request financial information, and there are no fees to apply for disaster assistance. Verify any solicitation by contacting organizations directly. Beware of lookalike charity names and avoid payments by cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. Use credit cards or checks payable to legitimate charities, and confirm charity websites end in “.org.”
To report fraud, call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or file online at tips. fbi.gov. Report disaster-related scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/ disastercomplaintform. For legitimate flood resources, visit disaster.texas.gov.
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
18th July 2025 to 24th July 2025
Ganesha says that the week is going to be mixed for the people of Aries. At the beginning of the week, your planned work will be completed on time. You will also get the desired success in your career and business, during this time due to busyness you will not be able to spare time for yourself or your family.
Taurus
Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious for the people of Taurus. The week will start with auspicious work at home, in which you will get the support of your relatives. At the beginning of the week, you will spend money on things related to luxuries.
Gemini
Ganesha says that this week will prove to be a solution to all kinds of problems related to life for the people of Gemini. The special thing is that whether it is a career or business or any big wish related to life, you will see the full support of everyone at home and outside.
Cancer
Ganesha says that the people of Cancer will have to leave laziness and manage time by working hard to achieve the desired success this week, otherwise the opportunity may slip away. At the beginning of the week, while handling any work, you have to rely on yourself instead of others, otherwise, the results may be opposite to you.
Leo
Ganesha says that the beginning of the week is going to be favorable for Leo. During this, the journeys made in connection with career business will prove to be pleasant, successful, and profitable. At the beginning of the week, there will be contact with influential people and by joining them, you will get an opportunity to work for beneficial schemes in the future.
Virgo
Ganesha ays that this week is going to prove to be mixed for the people of Virgo. This week you need to be extremely careful with your opponents in your workplace. They may try to instigate both your seniors and juniors against you or try to divert you from your goal.
Libra
Ganesha ssays that the people of Libra zodiac will have a lot of need to negotiate this week because your work will be done by your words and your work will be spoiled by your words. In such a situation, whether there is any issue related to home-family or any difficulty related to the field of work while removing it, you will need to use your words very carefully.
Scorpio
Ganesha ays that this week has brought a lot of happiness to the people of Scorpio. At the beginning of the week, you can get some big achievements, which will increase your respect in society.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says that the people of Sagittarius need to pay a lot of attention to both their health and relationships this week. At the beginning of the week, you may have to face physical problems due to carelessness in eating and drinking or the emergence of some chronic disease.
Capricorn
Ganesha says that the people of Capricorn are going to get the full results of their hard work and efforts this week. At the beginning of the week itself, you can be honored in the workplace for the better work done in the past.
Aquarius
Ganesha says that the beginning of this week can be a bit challenging for the people of Aquarius. However, you will be able to face every challenge with your intelligence, discretion, and courage.
Pisces
Ganesha says that this week is going to be very auspicious for the people of Pisces. At the beginning of the week, you may get some big success, due to which there will be an atmosphere of happiness in the house. Business matters will remain favorable and satisfactory growth will be seen.
( Celebrity Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla)
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Man Arrested for Pointing a Laser at Police Helicopter During Protests in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES—A Los Angeles man has been arrested and federally charged for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft— specifically, a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) helicopter.
Dominic Rios, 21, of Hemet, was taken into custody on July 7 following a federal criminal complaint filed on June 27 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
According to the complaint, on June 10, 2025, an LAPD helicopter flying at approximately 950 feet while monitoring protests in downtown Los Angeles was struck three times by a green laser.
The helicopter’s pilot and flight officer identified the suspect—later confirmed to be Rios—and provided his description and location near a parking lot to officers on the ground. LAPD officers arrested Rios and found a green laser pointer in his pocket. After being read his Miranda rights, Rios admitted to shining the
laser at the helicopter.
Each laser strike lasted 3 to 5 seconds, illuminating the cockpit and forcing the pilot to adjust altitude to avoid further hits. Testing confirmed that the seized
Florida’s Immigration Law on Hold After Supreme Court Decision
FLORIDA- The Supreme Court has declined Florida’s request to block a lower court’s decision preventing the state from enforcing parts of its new immigration law.
In a one-sentence order, the court gave no explanation for denying the emergency request from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. The case arose from a challenge by two immigration groups and two undocumented immigrants to a law signed this year by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. The legislation makes it a crime to enter Florida after crossing into the U.S. illegally and to re-enter the state following deportation.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams temporarily blocked enforcement of the law in April. Last month, she found Uthmeier in civil contempt for attempting to defy her order. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later denied Uthmeier’s request to pause Williams’ ruling and scheduled an expe-dited appeal hearing for October.
In filings with the Supreme Court, Uthmeier argued Florida’s law aligns with federal immigration policies, describing it as “purposefully aligned with federal
requirements and objectives.” A brief submitted by the Trump administration supported Florida’s position, calling the measure complementary to federal law and “materially identical” to federal entry and reentry provisions.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing those challenging the law, argued that similar state measures have been struck down in recent years. It cited the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling in Arizona v. United States, which affirmed that immigration enforcement falls under the federal government’s broad authority.
Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, praised Wednesday’s ruling.
“This decision affirms what the Constitution demands — immigration enforcement is a federal matter, and no one should be stripped of their liberty without due process,” Jackson said.
A spokesperson for Uthmeier’s office said Florida will continue its appeal in the 11th Circuit.
“Florida’s sovereignty cannot be left to the whims of the next presidential administration,” spokesperson Jae Williams said. “The law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor DeSantis is vital to Florida’s future, and we believe it will prevail on the merits.”
device was a green laser pointer, which poses a signif-icant hazard to eyesight.
Rios made his initial appearance before a federal magistrate and was released on bond. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and LAPD and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Flores.
The FBI reminds the public that pointing lasers at aircraft is both dangerous and illegal.
Aiming a laser at a pilot can cause temporary blindness, increasing the risk of midair collisions or other catastrophic incidents.
In 2023 alone, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) received over 13,000 reports of laser strikes. The U.S. Air Force Safety Center warns that aircrews are equipped with protective eyewear due to the threat posed by laser devices.
The FBI urges the public: Keep lasers out of the sky to protect pilots—and avoid hefty fines or prison time.
NJ Bill Aims to Expand Job Programs for People With Disabilities
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A proposed law in New Jersey aims to open more job opportunities for people with disabilities, according to its sponsors.
If enacted, S-4004 would broaden eligibility for the state’s extended employment programs by allowing individuals with “significant” rather than “severe” disabilities to participate. It would also eliminate re-quirements for participants to complete a workshop program or prove they are unable to compete in the regular labor market afterward.
The bill further removes labeling requirements for products made in these facilities.
S-4004 recently passed the Senate Labor Committee and now heads to the Budget and Appropriations Committee. A companion measure has been introduced in the Assembly.
“This bill is about modernizing and expanding real job opportunities for
people with disabilities,” said Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-40), one of its primary sponsors. “It’s time we move beyond outdated systems and cre-ate pathways that reflect the skills and potential of every individual.”
“By removing unnecessary restrictions and updating our approach, we’re helping more people with disabil-ities find meaningful, fulfilling work in a supportive environment,” Corrado added.
Her district includes Essex County towns such as Caldwell, Verona, and West Caldwell, along with parts of Bergen and Passaic counties.
“For too long, people with disabilities have faced unnecessary barriers to employment,” said Sen. Bob Singer (R30), another sponsor. “This legislation not only updates the language we use but also expands eligibility and eliminates outdated labeling rules. It’s about respect, dignity, and recognizing the value every worker brings to the table.”
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Amjed Ullah Khan Named "Best Social Worker" by U.S. Congressman
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CHICAGO, IL- Amjed Ullah Khan (Spokesman, MBT) was honored with the "Best Social Worker Award" by Congressman Jonathan Jackson, in the presence of Dr. Vijay Prabhakar (Founder Chairman, AMEC) and Syed Mukarram, during a farewell party organized in Mr. Khan’s honor. Speaking on the occasion,
Congressman Jonathan Jackson praised Mr. Khan’s dedication to uplifting the poor and marginalized sections of society and expressed hope that he would continue serving underprivi-leged families through his “Praja Darbar” initiative, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
In his address, Mr. Khan thanked Congressman Jackson and Dr. Vijay Prabhakar for recognizing his work and extended an invitation to Congressman Jackson to visit the “City of Pearls,” Hyderabad, as his guest.
Mr. Khan highlighted Hyderabad and Telangana as rapidly growing hubs, particularly in the IT sector, and noted that the city recently hosted the “Miss Universe” event.
Mr. Khan also shared with
Congressman Jonathan Jackson praised Mr. Khan’s dedication to uplifting the poor and marginalized sections of society and expressed hope that he would continue serving underprivi-leged families through his “Praja Darbar” initiative, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
Congressman Jackson that, much like his father, Rev. Jesse Jackson, a renowned civil rights activist and government leader for several decades, his own late father, Gazi-e-Millat Alhaj Mo-hammed Aman Ullah Khan (former MLA and founder of MBT), was a visionary leader who fought for civil rights and tirelessly served neglected communities throughout his life.
Cannabis Farms in California Raided by Immigration Escalates into Clash
Ventura County Fire officials reported four hospitali-zations, with three others treated at the scene. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced a $50,000 reward for information on a suspect who allegedly fired a pistol at agents near Camarillo.
LOS ANGELES, CA- Protesters clashed with federal agents Thursday during an immigration raid at a mariju-ana farm north of Los Angeles, where authorities allege illegal immigrants were employed.
The operation targeted Glass House Farms, a state-licensed cannabis facility in Camarillo, which remains illegal under federal law. Agents executed a warrant for undocumented workers. A second raid took place at another Glass House location in Carpinteria.
Crowds confronted agents, who deployed tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse them. Military heli-copters flew low over fields, a tactic typically used to flush out individuals in hiding. “This aggressive action by ICE is causing unnecessary harm to our community,” Oxnard Mayor Luis McAr-thur said in a social media post. “We’re exploring legal options with the state to challenge these activities.”
Footage from local media showed several detainees. Ventura County Fire officials reported four hospitali-zations, with three others treated at the scene. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli
announced a $50,000 reward for information on a suspect who allegedly fired a pistol at agents near Camarillo.
U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., called the Carpinteria raid “deplorable,” noting that 50 ICE agents arrived “dressed like military personnel.” “This was overkill,” he said in a video statement.
Thursday’s raid follows others across Southern California, sparking backlash from state and local leaders. Earlier in the week, immigration agents conducted a controversial operation at MacArthur Park in Los An-geles.
Gov. Gavin Newsom condemned the raids and criticized former President Trump, posting on X: “Kids run-ning from tear gas, crying because their mother was taken from the fields. Trump calls me ‘Newscum’—but he’s the real scum.”
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott pushed back, revealing 10 minors—eight un-accompanied— were found working at the Camarillo facility, now under investigation for child labor viola-tions.
Justice Dept. Challenges California Laws Over Rising Egg Prices
CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other officials, challenging state laws that allegedly contribute to soaring egg prices across the country. The DOJ claims California’s regulations impose excessive restrictions on egg and poultry production, violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and conflicting with the federal Egg Products Inspection Act.
According to the DOJ, these state laws mandate costly production methods, banning traditional agricultural practices that have historically kept eggs affordable. As a result, consumers nationwide are facing inflated prices for basic food items.
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized California’s “liberal policies,” blaming them for inflation and added costs to American families.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate echoed these concerns, citing “bureaucratic red tape” that burdens producers and harms consumers.
The lawsuit aligns with former President Trump’s broader regulatory rollback agenda, which aimed to ease federal rules and combat rising consumer prices. The DOJ emphasized that this legal action is part of its continued efforts to reduce regulatory overreach and ensure economic relief for Americans.
The case marks a significant escalation in the debate over state-level agricultural regulations and federal authority.
IIT Bombay graduate named CTO of Aledade
Lalith Vadlamannati, an Indian Institute of Technology Bombay graduate, has been appointed as the new chief technology officer (CTO) of Aledade, the nation’s largest network of independent primary care based in Bethesda, Maryland.
Vadlamannati will lead the development and execution of Aledade’s technology strategy and accelerate the delivery of innovative tools that drive clinician satisfaction and patient outcomes for Aledade partners, according to a press release. He will report to Aledade co-founder and CEO Farzad Mostashari.
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NY Officials Shut Down Illegal and Unsafe Daycare
Authorities say babies were found in filthy, overcrowded conditions with serious safety hazards
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NEW CITY, NY — Town officials say an illegal daycare in Clarkstown has been shut down over “blatant zon-ing and safety violations,” but the daycare’s operators insist it is legally permissible and accuse the town of attacking their religious freedom.
At a press conference Wednesday, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann didn’t mince words.
“We’re here today because over 70 children’s lives were put at severe risk,” Hoehmann said. “Frankly, they were saved earlier this week. We discovered an illegally operating daycare where infants were sleeping in nightmarish, hellish conditions, in imminent danger of critical injury or death. Children as young as 3 months were found sleeping—about 30 of them—in an unfinished basement.”
Hoehmann said the daycare has been shuttered, and the town is pursuing civil, criminal, and administrative remedies with county and state agencies to address what he called “egregious conditions.”
He urged parents to be vigilant when dropping off children.
“Always look, listen, and act,” he said. “Protecting our children is our most
critical duty as parents and offi-cials. If you see something concerning, report it immediately via our 311 app or call 845-639-2050.”
The investigation began after anonymous tips about a daycare operating illegally on Maple Avenue in New City. Code enforcement officers and building inspectors were initially denied access but returned with a search warrant on July 7.
Inside, officials said they found at least 69 children between 3 months and 5 years old, along with 21 adults. The space, they noted, also operated as a U-Haul rental and storage facility—an
Big Changes Ahead for New Jersey Airport Security
NEW JERSEY- Most passengers flying out of New Jersey airports and across the U.S. will no longer be re-quired to remove their shoes at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday. Noem said the DHS reviewed screening equipment nationwide and is “fully confident” the change can be implemented without compromising safety. “There will still be occasions where individuals may be asked to remove their shoes if additional screening is needed,” Noem added during a press conference at Reagan National Airport. “But with the technology and multi-layered screening processes we’ve developed in re-cent years, travelers can now keep their shoes on.”
This marks the most significant change
to TSA screening in over a decade. The shoe-removal rule was in-troduced in 2006, five years after Richard Reid attempted to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes on a transatlantic flight.
The policy rolled out Monday at several airports, including Montgomery Regional (AL), Balti-more/Washington International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Portland International (OR), Philadelphia International, and Piedmont Triad International (NC). TSA officers may still request shoe re-moval in certain cases where additional screening is warranted.
The TSA PreCheck program, which already allows expedited screening for enrolled travelers, remains un-changed. Passengers will still need to remove belts, jackets, laptops, and liquids for X-ray screening.
“incompatible use” under zoning laws. Inspectors reported flammable liquids, including paint cans, gasoline, and propane cylinders, stored in the same basement where up to 30 cribs were set up.
“This posed a critical fire risk,” Hoehmann said. “The building was dangerous to public health and safety. A potential tragedy was narrowly avoided.”
The town notified the Office of Children and Family Services and Child Protective Services, filed for a tem-porary restraining order, and is seeking a preliminary injunction in
state Supreme Court. Rockland County’s Acting Commissioner of Social Services Monica Kastner praised the town’s action. “While confidentiality prevents me from discussing details, we are pleased the facility deemed unsafe for children was closed.”
But attorneys for Congregation Morah Chany, which operates the daycare, dispute the town’s claims.
“The congregation is a House of Worship with a valid Certificate of Occupancy,” lawyers wrote. “As a reli-gious entity, it conducts services, religious education, and daycare outreach ministries. This is not a com-mercial daycare center.”
The legal team argued that religious daycares are exempt from certain state licensing requirements and accused the town of violating the congregation’s First Amendment rights.
“A congregation is much more than a house of worship,” they told the court. “It can include schools, childcare, daycares, camps, and other ministries. New York law does not require a childcare license for a religious daycare if run by a religious entity.”
The congregation is opposing the town’s request for a restraining order, calling it “improper” and unconstitutional.
Plea Bargain for Alleged 9/11 Mastermind Thrown Out by Court
PENNSYLVANIA- A federal appeals court on Friday tossed out a plea deal for accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.
Mohammed is accused of developing and directing the plot to crash hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth hijacked airliner crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
Under the agreement, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed could have pleaded guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty for the 2001 attacks. According to the Associated Press, the deal—negotiated over two years—would have imposed life sentences without parole for Mohammed and two co-defendants.
As part of the agreement, Mohammed and the co-defendants would also have been compelled to answer lingering questions from families of Sept. 11 victims about the attacks.
In 2024, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected the deal, arguing that a decision on the death pen-alty for an
attack as severe as Sept. 11 should rest solely with the defense secretary.
Defense lawyers contended that the agreement was already legally binding and that Austin, serving under President Joe Biden, acted too late in trying to nullify it. A military judge at Guantanamo Bay and a military appeals panel had sided with the defense.
However, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Austin acted within his authority and overturned the military judge’s decision.
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, a top alQaida official and deputy to Osama bin Laden, was captured in 2003 by intelligence agents at a hideout in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
In a previous tribunal hearing, Mohammed admitted in a written statement obtained by the Associated Press that he pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden, served on al-Qaida’s council, and acted as bin Lad-en’s operational director for organizing, planning, and executing the Sept. 11 attacks “from A to Z.”
In that same statement, Mohammed also claimed responsibility for:
• The 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
• An attempted plot to bring down U.S. airliners using shoe bombs.
• The bombing of a nightclub in Indonesia.
• Plans for a second wave of attacks after Sept. 11, targeting landmarks such as Chicago’s Sears Tower and New York City’s Empire State Building.
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Infants were sleeping in a "nightmarish, hellish conditions in imminent risk of danger
