Stepping up his attack on Election Commission (EC), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that the EC has been caught “red handed” stealing votes in the name of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, and asked whether the poll body has completely become BJP’s ‘Election chori branch’.
The EC has all along maintained that the revision, being held after 22 years, will cleanse the voters’ list of ineligible people, duplicate entries and include those eligible as per law.
Gandhi shared a post by Ajit Anjum, whose YouTube channel is running a series on special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
“The EC in Bihar has been caught red handed stealing votes in the name of ‘SIR’. Work – just theft but name is ‘SIR’ and FIR will be lodged against the one who exposes it!” Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
‘Is EC still ‘Election Commission’ or has it completely become BJP’s ‘Election Chori’ branch?” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
Anjum has been accused of spreading communal tensions in Begusarai district by the local administration. He had denied the allegation and shared a screenshot of an FIR lodged against him.
Month: July 2025
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Rahul slams special roll revision in Bihar, says EC caught ‘red handed’
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Modi launches NDA poll campaign in Bihar, warns of opposition intent
Motihari (TIP)- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, July 18, sounded the poll bugle in Bihar, where assembly elections are due shortly, calling for “an NDA government, once again”, which would protect the state from the “evil intentions” of the RJD-Congress combine.
Modi also accused the RJD of seizing land from the poor on the false promise of jobs, in an apparent reference to the ‘land-for-jobs’ scam, and asserted that the ‘viksit’ (developed) Bihar is key for eastern India’s development.
Addressing a rally in Motihari town, the headquarters of East Champaran district, he said, “The people of the state had broken the shackles of RJD”, but the younger generation “must be made aware of the despair in which Bihar was mired two decades ago”.
He also made an indirect reference to the land for jobs scam, on a day when the Supreme Court turned down a plea by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, a former railway minister and the prime accused, for a stay on trial.
“Employment generation could have never taken place in Bihar under people who made aspirants part with their land in the name of providing jobs,” said the PM. In contrast, he pointed out, “lakhs of youths in Bihar” have got loans under the Mudra Yojana promoting self-employment, and his government has also launched other schemes like Rs 15,000 assistance to youth getting their first jobs in the private sector.
“The scheme will be rolled out on August 1 and the Centre will be bearing an expenditure of Rs one lakh crore for the same,” said Modi.
He also raised slogans in Hindi, roughly translating “we will build a new Bihar with the NDA in power once again” and “the resolve of Bihar is unshaken, to remain with the NDA always”.
Modi alleged that under the RJD-Congress rule, the poor could not afford pucca houses and the relatively better off “feared getting their homes whitewashed or distempered, as this could attract the attention of marauding gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom”.
In contrast, he said, over the past 11 years, “four crore houses have been built across the country under the PM Awas Yojana, of which 50 lakh are in Bihar. This figure surpasses the total population of countries like Norway, New Zealand and Singapore”.
“In Motihari alone, the around three lakh families have got pucca houses and the figure continues to grow. Today, more than 12,000 families have got keys to their new houses and 40,000 families have received funds in their bank accounts to build pucca houses”, said the PM, whose speech was preceded by launch of development projects worth more than Rs 7,000 crore.
He also pointed out that the poorest of the poor now had access to banking services thanks to the Jan Dhan scheme launched by his government, in sharp contrast to earlier times, “when our mothers and sisters were forced to keep their savings hidden in some obscure corner of their homes”.
Modi charged the Congress-RJD combine with “arrogance that leaves no respectable space for leaders who do not belong to families that control these parties”. -
Justice Yashwant Varma moves SC; questions validity of inquiry report
New Delhi (TIP)- Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has approached the Supreme Court challenging the in-house committee report that indicted him following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence in Delhi, Bar and Bench reported.
His petition comes even as reports suggest the Centre may soon introduce an impeachment motion in Parliament seeking his removal.
In his plea, Justice Varma has asked the top court to declare the recommendation made by the then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna for his removal as unconstitutional and beyond legal authority. He has questioned the in-house inquiry process, calling it an “extra-constitutional mechanism” that undermines the law. According to him, only Parliament has the power to remove a High Court judge, as per the Constitution.
‘No safeguards like Judges Inquiry Act’: Justice Yashwant Varma
The judge has also said that the in-house inquiry lacks the legal protections available under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, which outlines due process for investigating judges. He argued that the process followed in his case did not meet the standards of natural justice and fair hearing, Bar and Bench reported.
Cash found after fire at Justice Verma’s residence
The controversy began after a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi on March 14. Firefighters, while dousing the flames, allegedly found bundles of unaccounted cash at the scene. At the time of the incident, Justice Varma and his wife were in Madhya Pradesh. Only his daughter and elderly mother were at home when the fire occurred.
A video later surfaced showing what appeared to be stacks of currency notes burning in the fire.
Justice Varma has denied any wrongdoing and claimed the incident appears to be part of a conspiracy to frame him. Following the allegations, Chief Justice Khanna ordered an in-house inquiry on March 22 and set up a three-judge committee.
After the controversy, Justice Varma was transferred back to the Allahabad High Court, where he re-administered the oath of office. However, he has not been assigned any judicial work as per the CJI’s directions.
The committee that investigated the matter began its probe on March 25 and the final report was submitted to then CJI Khanna on May 4. The panel found Justice Varma culpable, after which the CJI sent the report to the President, recommending his impeachment.
In his petition, Justice Varma said the in-house procedure was invoked without any formal complaint being made against him. He has criticised the public disclosure of the allegations through a press release by the Supreme Court, calling it “unprecedented” and a trigger for media trial. -
Liquor ‘scam’ probe: ED arrests ex-Chhattisgarh CM Baghel’s son
Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, was arrested on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on charges of money laundering in connection with the alleged Rs 2,161-crore liquor scam.
He was subsequently produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Raipur and remanded in ED custody for five days. According to the ED, the alleged scam involved a syndicate of senior state bureaucrats, politicians, and excise department officials who are accused of running a “parallel” excise department, wherein liquor was sold to the public, but no money came to the state exchequer, causing the government a loss of around Rs 2,161 crore. It is alleged to have taken place between 2019 and 2022, during the previous Congress government in Chhattisgarh that was helmed by Bhupesh Baghel.
Bhupesh Baghel said the ED action was an attempt to prevent him from raising in the Assembly the issue of trees being felled for a coal mine project by the Adani Group in the Tamnar tehsil of the state’s Raigarh district. -
Cong demands Modi’s statement in House on Trump’s ‘five jets shot down’ claim
New Delhi (TIP)- US President Donald Trump once again repeating his claims about the India-Pakistan conflict, the Congress on Saturday, July 19, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should now himself make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament on the American leader’s claims over the last 70 days.
The opposition party’s assertion came after Trump said “five jets were shot down” during the conflict between India and Pakistan in May and repeated his assertion that the fighting ended following his intervention.
The US president did not specify whether the jets were lost by either of the two countries or whether he was referring to the combined losses by both sides.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said just two days before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, “the Trump missile gets fired” for the 24th time with the same two messages.
He pointed out that Trump has again stated that the US stopped the war between India and Pakistan, two countries that have nuclear weapons.
The US President also reiterated his remarks that there would be no trade deal if the war continued, he said.
Trump stated that if India and Pakistan want a trade agreement with the US, they have to agree to an immediate ceasefire, Ramesh pointed out.
“The sensational new revelation by President Trump this time around is that five jets may have been downed,” Ramesh said. -
‘Statehood is our right, not a favor’: Farooq, as parties prepare salvo on govt
Srinagar (TIP)- As the monsoon session of Parliament starts on July 21, the National Conference and Congress have intensified their push for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. While NC president Farooq Abdullah asserted that statehood is the rightful entitlement of the people, the Congress is gearing up for protests in Srinagar, Jammu and Delhi to pressure the Centre into fulfilling the demand.
“I want to congratulate Congress president Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue of statehood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Abdullah told reporters on Friday, July 18.
He was referring to a letter written by Kharge and Rahul to the PM seeking restoration of statehood to J&K during the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament. In response to a question, Abdullah said why statehood to J&K cannot be restored. “It is our right. It is not any favour”.
The NC president disclosed that on July 19 evening, a meeting of (India bloc) leaders will be held and the statehood issue will be discussed.
Another senior NC leader and minister Javed Rana said they want statehood to be restored to J&K.
The Supreme Court has directed GoI, the country’s leadership including PM and HM had promised before elections that there would be delimitation, elections and later statehood would be restored. The delimitation and Assembly election have taken place and now they should restore the statehood.
In response to a question, Rana said, “We want full-fledged statehood. When the state is restored, all these issues (including law and order) will be with us,”.
With an eye on the monsoon session, Congress too has upped the ante for restoration of statehood. “We will be holding protests Kashmir, Jammu and Delhi,” senior J&K Congress leader G A Mir said. -
India junks report linking senior pilot’s role in AI-171 crash
New Delhi (TIP)- Cockpit recordings of Air India flight 171’s final moments indicate the captain switched off fuel to the plane’s engines, a media report said on Thursday, July 17, citing anonymous sources, but the claim was rejected as irresponsible reporting by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed American officials aware of the probe’s details, first reported that black box recordings indicated captain Sumeet Sabharwal turned off the fuel control switches, prompting first officer Clive Kunder to ask why he had moved them to the “cutoff” position. Bloomberg independently reported it was Kunder who asked the question.
The captain appeared to deny responsibility while remaining calm as the first officer expressed surprise and panic, the WSJ report stated, citing people familiar with US officials’ early assessment.
AAIB’s preliminary report released last week summarised the cockpit exchange but did not identify which pilot made which statements: it merely stated that one pilot asked the other why he had moved the switches while the colleague denied doing so.
AAIB, without naming the publications, on Thursday criticised what it said were repeated attempts to “draw conclusions through selective and unverified reporting.” It is “essential to respect the sensitivity of the loss faced by family members of deceased passengers, crew of the aircraft and others on the ground,” it said. The agency clarified that the purpose of the preliminary report is to provide information about ‘what’ happened, not to reach conclusions about why it occurred. “At this stage, it is too early to reach to any definite conclusions,” the statement said, adding that the root cause analysis will be part of the full report. No timelines have been shared for the latter’s release.
On being asked why a transcript of the cockpit conversation was not released, AAIB director general GVG Yugandhar told HT: “Transcript is not released by any nation as per ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) protocols. Only relevant lines will come in final report.”
An ICAO official, who asked not to be named, cited rule 5.12 of annex 13, that lays down guidelines on member states to protect accident investigation records. This portion stated that “investigation agencies shall not make available” records such as cockpit voice recordings for any purpose other than the probe itself, although countries retain the discretion to do so if in the larger interest of public or aviation safety.
Aviation experts stressed that reports such as those by Bloomberg and WSJ have created a situation where more information must be released to restore confidence in the investigation process.
“The unedited cockpit tapes need to be made public. It is vital that crucial evidence currently in the hands of the investigators must be made public in order to arrest for good these malicious and unwarranted insinuations,” said Mark Martin, CEO of aviation consultancy firm Martin?Consulting.
CS Randhawa, president of Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) said: “Such speculation could have been avoided if the AAIB, in its preliminary report, stated some crucial part of the CVR transcript” before adding that the AAIB’ s appeal on?Thursday for people to avoid conjecture on the pilots’ roles “was much needed”.
Neither report stated if there was evidence that Sabharwal did indeed move the switches, beyond the verbal exchange cited. It was not clear if the publications had heard the recordings or viewed transcripts.
However, Bloomberg quoted an expert saying the cockpit recording could be more revelatory than known at present. “There are multiple microphones around the cockpit including their headsets,” said Michael Daniel, a retired Federal Aviation Administration inspector and accident investigator.
Source: HT -
AAP walks out of INDIA bloc, blames Congress for failure to unite Opposition
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday (Jul 18) announced its formal exit from the INDIA bloc, a coalition of nearly three dozen Opposition parties, citing the bloc’s failure “to stay united and take steps to further its agenda” after the 2024 general elections. The AAP’s withdrawal comes just a day before a scheduled INDIA bloc meeting and days ahead of the scheduled beginning of the monsoon session of Parliament. The party sought to blame the Indian National Congress (INC) for its unceremonious exit from the alliance that was formed in July 2023 to take on the BJP-led NDA.
Announcing the decision from his Delhi residence, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh squarely blamed the Congress party, accusing it of neglecting its responsibility as the bloc’s largest constituent. “The AAP is not a part of the INDIA alliance, though we will continue to strongly raise public issues in Parliament, oppose the government whenever we believe it is in the wrong,” he said. He added that AAP would now contest all future elections, including the upcoming Bihar assembly polls, on its own.
Though AAP and Congress had forged a tactical understanding in states like Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh during the Lok Sabha elections, relations between the two have remained frosty. In the recent 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, both parties contested the elections separately and took frequent potshots at each other during the campaign. -
Weekly Horoscope-July 21, 2025 to July 27, 2025
- By Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla
Aries
Ganesha says this week’s horoscope is that you will feel more energetic and excited. The curiosity and courage within you will attract you towards new opportunities. If you are planning a new project, this is the right time. This week, it will be important to strike a balance between your personal and professional life. Communicate more with family members, as it will empower your emotional state. Spending time with your partner and friends will keep your morale high. In terms of health, try meditation and yoga. Spending some time alone or taking a walk in nature will be beneficial for mental peace. Keep in mind that following a healthy diet will also help maintain your energy. Remember, challenges will come, but your perseverance and confidence will help you overcome them. Stay focused on your goals and stay away from negativity. This week can mark a new beginning for you.
Taurus
Ganesha says this week, some special possibilities are coming for Taurus. You will feel that your hard work is going to be rewarded now. On the career front, your hard work is going to pay off, but be patient. You will be successful in working together with your colleagues. In personal life, you will get a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family. This is the time to strengthen relationships with your loved ones. If you are in a relationship, it will be important to keep the communication open so that misunderstandings can be avoided. In terms of health, some caution is needed. Yoga and Pranayama will help to increase your mental peace. This week is to take care of yourself and focus on your mental health. From a financial point of view, it may be a good time to consider a new investment, but it would be better to make any decision wisely. Finally, be kind to yourself and keep your thoughts positive. This week will motivate you to move forward.
Gemini
Ganesha says this week is a time full of energy. There will be clarity in your thoughts, and you will be open to new ideas. This week is the right time to improve your social life, be sociable with new people, and increase your networking. You will develop good relations with your colleagues at work, which will speed up teamwork. There may be a discussion on an important project, which will get your skills recognized. In personal life, try to spend time with your loved ones. Activities done with family will improve your mental state. From a health point of view, try meditation and yoga. This will increase your mental clarity and reduce stress. The essence of this week is that you positively use your inner energy and be ready for new opportunities.
Cancer
Ganesha says this week will bring many important opportunities. Your emotional health and mental balance will be at the center this week. You will get a better chance to spend time with family, which will make you happy. Your creativity will be at its peak this week, so you will feel inspired to work on new projects. If you are interested in any art or craft, then this is a good time to pursue it. There may be some challenges in business, but due to your confidence and dedication, you will be able to overcome them. Consider making a plan with the team; this will not only increase your credibility but will also strengthen the relationship. In terms of health, try to improve the chaotic routine. Doing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for mental and physical health. Finally, dreams and desires will give you new energy and direction this week. Trust your intuitive abilities and listen to your heart.
Leo
Ganesha says this week, new energy and enthusiasm will come into your life. Your confidence will increase, which will enable you to move towards your goals. You will face new challenges in the field of work, but your hard work and talent will bring you success. Your relationships will become stronger at this time. You will get a chance to establish better relations with your family. This is the time to bring out your creative side, so it would be good to be dedicated to art or your interests. Keep in mind that it would be better to stay away from any kind of controversial situation. Stress and irritability can hurt your mental health. Maintain your mental balance through yoga and meditation. This week will also be good from a financial point of view. New investment opportunities may come up. However, be careful with expenditure and take rational decisions. Your positive attitude and open mind will take you towards new achievements this week. It is also important to take care of your health this week. Adequate rest and a balanced diet will help in maintaining your energy level. Take full advantage of this weekly period and move forward with positivity!
Virgo
Ganesha says this week is the time to reap the rewards of your hard work and honesty. You will find yourself more confident. Your ideas and suggestions will be valued at the workplace, which can lead to a new project or responsibility. Success is knocking at your door in personal life as well. Spending time with family will give you peace. Mutual understanding will increase, and relationships will become sweeter. It is important to pay attention to health. Taking some time out and doing yoga or meditation will give mental peace. This week, you should take some time for yourself so that you can feel refreshed. The financial situation will be stable, but avoid big purchases. Your creativity will be at its peak this week, which you can use in your hobby or business. This week is of growth and self-discovery for you. Think positively and open the doors to new possibilities.
Libra
Ganesha says this week’s horoscope is going to bring many important changes for you. This week, you will get an opportunity to focus on your social relationships and friendships. Your colleagues and friends will prove to be helpful to you. This week, your creativity will be at its peak, which can help you achieve success in new projects. There can be mixed experiences in professional life; some colleagues will support your ideas, while some choices may be controversial. If you express your feelings and ideas clearly, communication in relationships will increase. Personal relationships will also improve. There may be some arguments in love life, but with patience and understanding, everything will be fine. On the health front, try to relax a bit. Yoga or meditation can help improve your mental health. Do not forget to take time for yourself this week. Finally, this week is ideal for self-development and balance. Clear your priorities and take positive steps for yourself.
Scorpio
Ganesha says this week, the situation is going to be somewhat mixed for Scorpio natives. You are famous for your deep thinking and insight, and this week, too, these qualities will prove beneficial for you. This week, you need to be a little sensitive in your relationships. Maintain honesty and transparency in communication with your loved ones; this will strengthen your relationship. At work, your hard work and dedication will be appreciated, but some challenges may also arise. Have faith in yourself and face problems with determination. In terms of health, focus on meditation and a balanced diet. Find moments of peace to reduce mental stress. It is important to focus on self-care this week, so that you can re-energize. Finally, trust your intuition. You have a deep understanding within you, which you can use to decide the right direction for the next step. Keep faith in yourself this week and move forward with positivity.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says this week will bring new energy and enthusiasm. You will feel inspired to apply your creativity in your work. This is the time to implement your ideas quickly, which will bring you success. The sweetness of conversation will remain in personal relationships. Time spent with family will give you mental peace. You may also get a chance to go out somewhere with friends, which will bring freshness to your life. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. This week will help maintain your physical and mental energy. New challenges may come in your job or business, but your positive attitude will help you overcome them. In short, this week is a time of growth and satisfaction for you. Channel your energies in a positive direction and welcome new opportunities.
Capricorn
Ganesha says this week, the doors of a series of opportunities are open for you. You can take important steps towards advancement in your career. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work, so move forward with full energy and confidence. A little hard work is required in personal relationships. Interact with family members or close friends and try to build mutual understanding. This week is all about harmony and socializing for you. Health also needs attention. A little yoga and meditation can invigorate you both mentally and physically. Include exercise in your routine to stay away from mental stress. There are also signs of improvement in your financial affairs this week. This is the right time to review financial plans. You can consider some new investment plans, which can prove beneficial for you. Focus on using time properly and keep your priorities clear. The results of your efforts will give you clarity in the direction ahead. This week is a symbol of positivity and success for you. Take every step with confidence.
Aquarius
Ganesha says this week, many positive changes are coming for Aquarius natives. This week, you will get a good chance to establish harmony in your personal and professional life. You will get an opportunity to express your thoughts clearly, and this will help to breathe new life into your relationships. This week, your sense of originality and independence will be strong. You will be encouraged to spend time with your friends and family, which will boost your morale. Embrace opportunities where you can share your ideas and bring out your creativity. On the professional front, this week will bring opportunities for you. You are likely to reap the rewards of your hard work. You may get a chance to handle some new projects or responsibilities, which will help take your career to new heights. For health, be a little cautious. Focus on doing yoga or meditation to reduce mental stress. It will give you peace and balance. This week, pay attention to your intuition and evaluate your emotions correctly. Ultimately, this week will be a time of growth and new experiences for you; take full advantage of it.
Pisces
Ganesha says this week may bring many positive opportunities for you. You need to understand your emotions, which will enable you to bring more depth to your relationships. If you are thinking of starting a new project or work, this is a good time. Trust your intuition and make decisions accordingly. You will experience cooperation and support in family matters. Spending more time with your loved ones will give you mental peace and happiness. In terms of health, be a little careful. Doing yoga and meditation will be beneficial for your mental and physical health. Focus on different aspects and maintain your emotional balance. Make full use of this opportunity to move towards perfection. It’s time to move forward!
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Birthday Predictions-July 21 to July 27
By Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla
21st July
Ganesha says you can see that today you are a little too excited. Your outgoing behavior and jovial nature are highly appreciated in the social circle. Your strong leadership qualities can make you so confident that you can do everything very well. If you work hard, then success can kiss your feet. Today may bring some good fortune as the planets are in your favor.
22nd July
Ganesha says may your day be very kind today. Today, you may be able to complete the remaining tasks in the projects. You can complete your work quickly so that you will be able to enjoy your time with your family. You can plan to go somewhere with your partner. Your business can do well today. Today things can go according to your wish because you are getting a lot of luck. A new opportunity can come your way, which can come today itself and can bring you a lot of profit. The stars are in your favor, which can help you to easily solve any problem regarding this new opportunity.
23rd July
Ganesha says you can see that things are working for you without much effort. Small auspicious works can continue to happen throughout the day. It is great that everything may go well for you today, but do not be lazy and focus on the things that you need to do today. You are very lucky today because you can get what you want, make sure you use today’s luck for your benefit and not for others, because only then it can remain a positive thing for you.
24th July
Ganesha says meditate first thing in the morning; This can be beneficial for your personal and professional life. You can make a good profit in your business, so today can be a good day for you. Looking at the spiritual awakening in your zodiac today, you can lean more toward charity. Make sure that you do not stray away from your dreams and ambitions as you may face some distractions today. Make sure that you are ethical in both your personal and professional life.
25th July
Ganesha says you may feel lots of love and care from family friends as well as from your partner. You may have a tough day today but you may feel supported and cared for all the way, at the end of the day you may feel very satisfied with where you are currently in your life. Your partner’s loving and caring nature can make you fall in love with your partner a lot today. You can experience for yourself how beautiful it is to be loved and cared for by someone you trust and love with all your heart.
26th July
Ganesha says your love life has been full of ups and downs, but today you can experience stability. Try saying what you’re thinking. Expressing your feelings can help you improve your love life. Venus may bring love today and the Moon may bring luck to your face today. You are entering a new phase that marks the beginning of a lane called success. Along with your old commitments, you may also take up additional responsibilities today, but it will not seem like a tough or daunting task as you may enjoy completing it.
27th July
Ganesha says you are very lucky today because you can get what you want; Make sure that you use the luck that you have today for your benefit and not for others because only then it can remain a positive thing for you. You may focus more on your financial issues hence your love life may take a back seat. A spouse’s full support can surprise you a bit. Try to be patient and understanding. You are very close to finding that one person who can support you in everything, don’t make that person angry.
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Indian American Nik Jhangiani takes over as interim CEO of Diageo
LONDON (TIP): Nik Jhangiani, Indian American finance chief at the world’s biggest spirits maker Diageo, has taken over as the company’s interim boss as CEO Debra Crew has stepped down after two years in the job.
Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker whisky and Guinness beer, said Crew, who struggled to win over investors after a bumpy start to her tenure, was leaving immediately by mutual agreement. It did not give further details but said it was maintaining its forecasts for fiscal 2025 and 2026.
The company is in the midst of a turnaround drive and in May unveiled a plan to cut $500 million in costs and make substantial asset sales by 2028, according to Reuters.
“CFO and Interim CEO Nik Jhangiani has to be a candidate for the permanent role, but whoever gets it, we don’t think Diageo’s problems will be easily resolved,” RBC Capital Markets analyst James Edward Jones was quoted as saying. Jhangiani was among the most highly-respected finance chiefs in the sector, who has been regarded as potential CEO material for a while, Jones added.
Jhangiani, according to an internal memo cited by Reuters, thanked Crew for her partnership. “I’m convinced that Diageo’s best days are ahead of us and I can’t wait to get started,” he wrote.
Jhangiani started his career in New York at accountancy firm Deloitte & Touche before spending two years at Bristol-Myers Squibb as international senior internal auditor.
He then joined the Colgate-Palmolive Company in New York where he was appointed group financial director for the Nigerian operations, before moving to The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta.
Jhangiani held the position of CFO at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler with revenues of over €18 billion in 2023, a role he had held since 2016.
He has more than 30 years of finance experience gained in roles in the UK, Europe, India, Africa and the US, including 20 years as CFO; and has spent most of his career in consumer and beverage industries including 20 years within the Coca-Cola system.
Prior to taking up the position of CFO at Diageo, he was the CFO and SVP at Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) from 2013 to 2016, having joined CCE in 2012. From 2009 to 2012, he was group CFO at Bharti Enterprises. -
Indian American Snigdha Jain named NAM Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence
WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Snigdha Jain, an Indian American Yale Department of Internal Medicine faculty member, has been named a 2025 Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for her commitment to improving diagnostic approaches.
The NAM Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence program identifies health professionals with the potential to advance diagnostic excellence and reduce diagnostic errors at the national level. Each scholar receives funding, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop a project that will advance equity, accuracy, and systems change in clinical diagnosis.
For Jain, assistant professor of medicine (pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine), the recognition validates years of research on a little-recognized but serious problem in intensive care units (ICUs): prolonged sedation and ventilator use, according to a Yale press release.
“Up to three-quarters of patients who survive hospitalization with a stay in the ICU develop new and persistent decline in their physical, cognitive, or mental health,” she says.
“This decline is a consequence of both critical illness itself and treatments we use in the ICU like sedation and prolonged ventilator support that predispose patients to delirium and immobility.”
Jain’s NAM project aims to reduce this harm by using electronic health records (EHRs) to process complex clinical data and alert ICU clinicians when patients are ready to be weaned from sedative medications and ventilator support.
There are protocols for this, Jain notes, but they require cognitive bandwidth from already busy clinicians. “I hope my project helps deliver timely, evidence-based care that reduces mortality and long-term complications,” she says. “I also hope this systems-based approach will reduce disparities in care delivery and lead to equitable improvement of long-term outcomes.”
Jain completed her medical school at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa before starting her fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She joined Yale as a post-doctoral fellow in the NIA-funded T32 Geriatric Clinical Epidemiology and Aging-Related Research program to pursue her research interest of improving health outcomes of critically ill older adults. Her research program, funded by the National Institutes on Aging (NIA) Grant for Early Medical and Surgical Specialists Transitioning to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR) Award, the Parker B. Francis Family Foundation Fellowship Award, the Yale Pepper Center Scholar Award, and the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation Scholar Award, focuses on improving patient-centered outcomes of older adults with serious illnesses including critical illness.
Jain’s work has been recognized with numerous awards including the Emerging Career Award by the Behavioral Sciences and Health Services Research Assembly of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the Health in Aging Foundation New Investigator Award by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), and the Emerging Generations Award by the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI).
She serves on the Planning Committee of the Critical Care Assembly of the American Thoracic Society, the Discovery Steering Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and as an Associate Editor for Chest Critical Care. -
Indian American businessman Chandrakant Patel charged with committing visa fraud
- Four US law enforcement officials, including three police chiefs also charged for their involvement
NEW YORK (TIP): An Indian-origin businessman and four US law enforcement officials, including three police chiefs, were charged with committing visa fraud in Louisiana. Chandrakant Patel, a resident of Oakdale, along with Chad Doyle, Glynn Dixon, Tebo Onishea, and Michael Slaney, a city marshal, was indicted in Lafayette on Wednesday. They were charged for creating false crime reports to support visa claims of immigrants under the US government’s U visa program, according to a court document.
“The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse,” according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Immigrants contacted Patel to be named as victims in police reports alleging that an armed robbery had occurred, so that they could apply for U visas, the document said.
Patel would ask his co-conspirators to write false police reports after charging immigrants thousands of dollars.
Patel is the owner of two stores in Louisiana, one in Glenmore and another in Oakdale. He also operated a fast-food restaurant franchise in Oakdale.
Patel was himself granted a U-Visa in 2023, based on his alleged status as a victim of armed robbery.
The case is being investigated and prosecuted by a Homeland Security Task Force established by President Trump as part of Operation Take Back America, the USCIS said in a press release. -
Indian American Doctoral Candidate Manasi Anand wins Cornell’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award
NEW YORK (TIP) : Manasi Anand, an Indian American doctoral candidate at Cornell University has won the 2024-2025 Cornelia Ye Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award for demonstrating dedication and excellence in their teaching responsibilities. The Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI) gives the Cornelia Ye Award, established in 2012 by Mao Ye, and Xi Yang annually to honor an international teaching assistant. Ye and Yang have named the awards in honor of their daughters.
Anand is a PhD candidate in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Her research involves a multi-scale institutional analysis of Natural Climate Solutions in the forest sector, and she’s found that her research and teaching go hand in hand, according to a university release.
“I think my research has made me a better educator – and my role as an educator has made me a better researcher,” Anand said, adding that running discussion sessions for the Society and Natural Resources and Environmental Governance course “has been among the most memorable and meaningful aspects of (my) PhD.”
Anand takes a creative approach to the classroom, using pedagogical tools that include everything from role play and storytelling to policy simulations. “As an educator in environmental studies, I strive to integrate interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry with place-based learning,” Anand said.
“Drawing from frameworks in ecology, economics, geography, and institutional analysis, I encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world conservation challenges—whether in their hometowns, on campus, or in culturally unfamiliar settings. Each student brings their own cultural, geographic, and disciplinary backgrounds, enriching classroom conversations in meaningful ways.”
One playful example of Anand’s teaching approaches involved engaging students’ sense of childhood nostalgia. Students watched clips from The Flintstones and The Jetsons to explore the relationships between nature and capitalism.
“I often draw on childhood nostalgia—experiences in nature, cartoons, food—to help unpack complex relationships between humans and the environment,” Anand said. “Ultimately, I want my students to engage diverse ways of knowing in order to develop well-informed, grounded policy solutions.”
For Anand, receiving the Cornelia Ye Award is a validation of how students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences can contribute to a lively and enlivening space for learning to happen. “Receiving the Cornelia Ye Award is incredibly meaningful to me—especially in a world where polarization is growing and the work of education, dialogue, and reconciliation feels more urgent than ever,” she said.
Anand’s research focuses on the institutional and governance dimensions of Nature-Based Climate Solutions (NCS) in forest management. She examines how climate mitigation efforts unfold across global, national (India), and local (Western Ghats) scales, with particular attention to the social, political, and ecological dynamics that shape their implementation.
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Longest Ballot Paper campaign is not leaving Pierre Poilievre alone, as Battle River-Crowfoot is all set to script history on August 18
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108 candidates have registered so far, beating the previous record of 91
By Prabhjot Singh TORONTO (TIP): Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is poised to enter the record books for contesting two consecutive elections with a record number of candidates on the ballot. While the number of candidates in Carleton in April was 91, it is inching towards the triple figure in River Battle-Crowfoot.
The number of candidates in an election for MP running into a three-figure mark would be historic, and Battle River-Crowfoot is all set to achieve it.
After Pierre Poilievre lost to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy by 4,513 votes in the last general elections on April 28 in Carleton, a riding that had its boundaries redrawn after the results of the 2021 Canadian census, he decided to run in a byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot in Alberta to regain a seat in the House of Commons. Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who has held the riding since 2019 and won re-election by more than 46,000 votes, quit his seat to make room for the party leader to enter the lower House of Parliament.
His defeat in Carleton did not bring an end to a protest movement, as the Longest Ballot Committee reiterated its intention to target the byelection in the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. The group that spearheaded the Longest Ballot Paper campaign in Carleton has now set a target of getting 200 names on the ballot paper when the riding witnesses a by-election on August 18. With the deadline for filing nomination papers still 12 days away, 74 candidates of the Longest Ballot campaign have already been registered as candidates for the Battle River-Crowfoot riding. Until today, 78 candidates have filed their nominations. The Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, is one of them. The Liberal Party and the NDP have yet to officially register their candidates for the by-election.
The Longest Ballot Committee (LBC) is still short, however, of the group’s objective to run 200 candidates in the byelection. The movement opposes the first-past-the-post system and is calling for electoral reform. Voters in the Ottawa riding of Carleton during the April 28 general election had 91 names to choose from on their ballots as the group targeted Poilievre’s long-held seat.
The LBC came into being to protest Canada’s first-past-the-post system. It fielded over 90 candidates in Carleton. The ballots were nearly a meter long and had to be folded multiple times to fit into voting boxes. Canada does not use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for polling.
The longest ballot movement is linked to the satirical Rhinoceros Party of Canada, which was founded in 1963 and has policies and plans like making “Sorry” the new official motto of Canada and a pledge to open “tax havens” in all provinces. The independent and Rhinoceros Party-aligned candidates received 817 votes on April 28, while Fanjoy’s margin of victory over Poilievre was 4,315 votes.
The LBC laid out its plan in an email sent to supporters, saying the riding of Battle River-Crowfoot “needs 200 candidates” and the group will “do our best to make a long ballot happen.” The group also called for those living in or near the riding to help collect nomination signatures for the candidates because each person needs 100 local voters’ signatures to be nominated. Pierre Poilievre wants this number to be raised.
The move mirrors the group’s targeting of the Ottawa-area Carleton riding that Poilievre lost in the April 28 election to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. Fanjoy received 50.8 per cent of the vote in the riding, while Poilievre received 45.8 per cent, coming in second for the first time since he was first elected in 2004.
It is not Pierre Poilievre alone whose name will appear on the longest ballot paper in four months after he unsuccessfully contested in Carleton. Some of the contestants from the Carlton election may also be the candidates in the Battle River-Crowfoot as well.
One name that is a constant is Tomas Szuchewycz, who served as the official agent for Longest Ballot participants in Carleton and has the same role in this byelection. It’s the agent’s job to manage the campaign’s finances and report back to Elections Canada. Pierre Poilievre has not taken the protest movement well. He assailed the move in his election campaigning. “We need to get rid of this long ballot,” he was quoted by the media as saying, thus maintaining that there’s “no justification for it.” He, instead, suggested increasing the number of signatures required to be able to run as a candidate.
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Is Canada, like Punjab, also fighting a war against drugs?
TORONTO (TIP): If Punjab is waging a war against drugs, Canada, too, appears to be in an unending battle to end the menace of drug smuggling across international borders.
Interestingly, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab had launched a massive campaign to rid the border state of the menace of drugs by the end of May. The Liberal Government in Canada, too, has been under constant pressure from the US President, Donald Trump, to bring to an end a massive smuggling exercise taking place across the US-Canada border for the illicit trading of fentanyl, a dreaded drug whose overdose has taken hundreds of lives in North America in general and the US in particular.
More than six weeks after the deadline, drug smuggling continues uncontrolled in Punjab. The situation is no different in Canada. Even after reinforcements and heavy investments in the Border Services, Canada is still fighting a tough battle to check drug smuggling. Various cartels, including those of Pan-American, African, and South Asian origin, have been operating with impunity.
While the US has come down heavily on both Canada and Mexico by accusing them of going slow in checking the movement of illicit fentanyl across the international borders, the Canadian government and its various agencies, including the Canadian Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as the provincial police organizations, have stepped up their efforts to check the movement of drugs across the international borders.
The Canadian Minister for Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, says that “Our government’s top priority is the safety and security of Canadians. Illegal cannabis helps fuel transnational organized crime. This seizure demonstrates our continued commitment to fight it and keep our borders strong and secure. I applaud CBSA and RCMP officers for their commitment to securing the border.”
“This historic seizure is the result of a unified tactical plan and effective information-sharing among CBSA officers and our law enforcement partners. I am extremely proud of the level of skill, professionalism, and hard work of everyone involved in this intelligence-led operation,” says
Dominic Mallette, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Atlantic Region.
“The RCMP continues to work closely with provincial, national, and international law enforcement partners, as well as government entities like CBSA, to ensure a coordinated response to reduce the flow of illicit drugs within and outside of Canada. Intelligence sharing and operational engagement with our partners contributes to successful action against the illegal drug trade,” says Germain Leger, Federal Policing, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
As a result of its concerted efforts, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) claims to have made its biggest ever seizure of cannabis since 2015. Its officers in Saint John, New Brunswick (NB), recently intercepted a shipment suspected to be the largest cannabis seizure on record since 2015. On May 21, 2025, border services officers at the Port of Saint John, with assistance from CBSA intelligence officers in the Greater Toronto Area and Atlantic Regions, examined a marine container destined for export to Scotland, United Kingdom.
During this examination, officers uncovered over 6,700 kilograms of suspected cannabis, valued at $49.6 M. The drugs were falsely declared on the documentation provided to the CBSA and were concealed in nearly 400 boxes inside the container.
The quantity seized in this single shipment is three times more than the total amount of cannabis seized by the CBSA across Canada in the previous year.
The cannabis and all evidence were transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Eastern Region Federal Policing (New Brunswick) for further investigation.
The CBSA and the RCMP have been mandated to secure Canada’s borders by collaborating on investigations to prevent illegal drug smuggling and organized crime from threatening the safety and well-being of our communities.
Although cannabis is legal in Canada, cannabis smuggling supports organized crime and helps fund other illegal activities, such as narcotics and weapons smuggling. It is often used as an exchange for other illegal drugs being imported into Canada, such as cocaine. The trade of contraband cannabis is a major threat to the safety and health of Canadians. It is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act.
The record seizure at the Port of Saint John was not an isolated incident of a huge seizure of cannabis, as seizures, though of smaller quantities, had been making headlines from various parts of Canada in general and some of its correctional services institutions, thus indicating a strong link between drug cartels and those under detention at correctional institutes.
On July 10, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, packages containing contraband and unauthorized items were seized at Stony Mountain Institution, a multi-level security federal institution.
The contraband and unauthorized items seized included cannabis concentrate, tobacco, nicotine patches, a cell phone, and a charger. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $401,450.
The police have been notified, and the institution is investigating.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) uses several tools to prevent drugs from entering its institutions. These tools include ion scanners and drug-detector dogs to search buildings, personal property, inmates, and visitors.
Of late, there has been a multi-fold increase in the incidence of smuggling of contrabands, including cannabis, cocaine, and other prohibited drugs, into correctional centers.
(Prabhjot Singh is an award-winning senior journalist based in Toronto, Canada. He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com) -
Risk of vanishing votes in Bihar’s revised roll
By Jagdeep S Chhokar The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been in the news ever since it was initiated on June 24.
It is a developing story with fresh developments happening every day by way of press notes issued by the ECI, newspaper advertisements issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar and revealing reports in the media — mainstream and social.
This piece is an attempt to look ahead and try to build a scenario about what might or is likely to happen if the exercise goes ahead as envisaged by the ECI.
According to a full-page advertisement issued by the Bihar CEO on July 5, voters in Bihar could submit their Enumeration Forms (EFs) by July 25.
On July 6, the ECI issued a press note that said: “The electors can submit their documents any time before July 25, 2025. After publication of draft electoral rolls, if any document is deficient, EROs can obtain such documents, from the electors whose name appears in the draft electoral rolls, during scrutiny in the Claims and Objection period.”
The draft electoral roll is to be published on August 1 and the Claims and Objection period ends on September 1. From the press note of July 6, it is not clear if the last date of submission of documents is July 25 or September 1.
Notwithstanding the above, a scenario that is likely to emerge is visualized below.
On July 26 or earlier, the ECI will issue a press note claiming that 99.99 per cent or 7.9 crore documents have been collected. It will not clarify how many are complete or usable and how many are not.
The draft electoral roll will be published on August 1. It is likely that a large number of voters, particularly those who are working in various states as migrants and remote villages in Bihar (anywhere between 20 and 50 per cent) will not be able to check if their names actually appear on the draft electoral roll for a variety of reasons. One major reason for not being able to do so is that they are busy dealing with their bread and shelter issues, and do not have the luxury or wherewithal to check the draft electoral roll by going to cyber cafes.
Therefore, no ‘Claims and Objections’ will be filed either by them or on their behalf.
The final electoral roll will then be published on September 30. For the reasons described above, no objections will be filed against the final electoral roll.
Then will come the polling day. The day before the polling date, all the migrants who have been working in different parts of the country will reach their villages either on their own or using the return rail tickets or chartered buses provided by various political parties.
Imagine a remote village which has 500 voters who have voted in all elections for the last 15 to 20 years, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. When all the 500 turn up at the polling booth on the polling day, let us assume that as a result of the process described above, about half of them, around 200-250 of the 500 find that their names are missing from the electoral roll.
What is likely to happen then? Here is a possible scenario.
People finding their names missing from the electoral roll is not impossible. In every election, in every polling booth, some people find their names missing. IF there are a few of them, maybe 10 or 15, they feel very unhappy, even angry, but usually they swallow their anger, criticize the ECI or the ‘system’ and go back home feeling frustrated.
However, if this happens with 200 out of 500 people in a remote village in Bihar, the situation may turn out to be different. The six to eight ECI officials manning the polling booth and around the same number of police or paramilitary personnel guarding the booth may not be able to contain the anger of 200 persons and the situation may get out of control.
If this happens in one or two, or even eight or 10 villages, the situation may be controlled or suppressed, as was done at Markarwadi in Maharashtra when the villagers wanted to conduct their own poll to check how the winning candidate in their constituency had got less votes in their village.
A large posse of police arrived in the village the night before and prevented the villagers from conducting their poll.
However, the situation may be different in case this happens in a hundred or more villages.
I would be very relieved and happy, and sincerely hope so, if the above scenario does not come to pass, but the apprehension is that unless the ECI realizes the possible consequences of its continuing on its path or the Supreme Court either stays the process or takes some other action to remedy the situation, the country may face a very difficult situation. There is a saying often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi to the effect that one should be very careful of the man who has nothing to lose.
This may well apply to a large number of people who migrate out of Bihar in search of livelihood. Whatever the economic and social condition may be, every person in India, including the most deprived, is acutely conscious of his/ her right to vote.
IF a situation comes to pass when a large number of landless migrant workers find themselves deprived of the only right they have, their behavior can be very unpredictable.
It is hoped that the ECI will realize the possible consequences of its actions in time to prevent any catastrophe.
(Jagdeep S Chhokar is founder-member, Association for Democratic Reforms)
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GOPIO’s Inaugural Webinar on Immigration Upheavals and Indian Diaspora Challenges Receives Enthusiastic Response
NEW York, NY (TIP): The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) inaugurated its new international webinar series on July 12, 2025, with a compelling session titled “Indian Diaspora and Immigration Upheavals – Path Forward.” The webinar started with a welcome by Webinar Series chair Sunil Vuppala, who is also GOPIO’s Associate Secretary. The Chief Guest was Lord Bhikhu Parekh, a member of the House of Lords in London. The event gathered leading immigration attorneys, policymakers, and community thought leaders to examine the shifting landscape of immigration policy across the US, Canada, and the UK.
Moderated by renowned thinker and researcher Dr. Maya Chadda, Professor Emeritus at William Paterson University and a permanent member of the Council of Foreign Relations, the webinar tackled pressing issues faced by Indian students and immigrants—ranging from visa backlogs and restrictive reforms to evolving international student work policies in the USA, Canada and UK.
GOPIO’s Founder and Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, framed the initiative with a clear message: “Our goal is to create a global platform that not only informs but equips the Indian diaspora to navigate complex immigration landscapes with clarity and purpose. Through these webinars, GOPIO remains a catalyst for connection, advocacy, and community resilience.”
GOPIO President Prakash Shah, emphasized the series’ vital role in responding to community needs and said, “This series is more than information—it’s a lifeline. We are committed to amplifying the concerns of our communities across borders and shaping a proactive response to immigration challenges with expert insights and collaborative solutions. In addition, we want to galvanize the Indian Diaspora for a greater contribution to reshape the future of global migration.”
Featured Experts and Insights
Lord Bhikhu C. Parekh – Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, is a renowned political philosopher and speaker emeritus. He opened the webinar with remarks reflecting on the diaspora’s historical resilience despite the many challenges faced in the early years and more recent times. Lord Parekh added “Migration out of India had been quite common, in pre-Aristotelian times in 3rd and 4th Century BC, people usually moved from Gujarat to various parts of Greece, Rome and South-East Asia. Then it remained static and picked up again, when slavery was abolished and it was replaced by indentured laborers scattered across 42 countries.”
David Nachman, Esq. – New Jersey-based immigration attorney and founder of NPZ Law Group, highlighted “Enforcement priorities under the proposed Big Beautiful Bill and shared the immigration matters under various categories to be considered by the present and future diaspora members planning an immigration to US not only from India but also from Australia, UK, Europe to rejoin their extended family.”
Stephanie Dy, Esq. – Chicago based Parikh Law Group Immigration attorney specializing in high- skilled visas, explained stricter H-1B and L-1 vetting protocols. “She covered the effect of the Trump Administration’s immigration policies on the visa categories used by the Diaspora, specifically the Student and Employment visas and highlighted that any change in immigration policy is seismic and significant and impacts the diaspora especially as during 2024 the US India Mission broke records for 2nd year in a row with record over 1 million non-immigrant visas issued.”
Shaima Ammal, London based Solicitor and Advocate. “She shared post-pandemic reforms reducing low-skilled migration from India and recent changes in the policies has led to primary focus on border security and stopping illegal immigration with focus shifting towards allowing those that can contribute to the economy with English language are encouraged and how this will be implemented is to be seen.”
Dr. Sudhir Shah, Mumbai based Immigration Specialist – Provided insights into EB-5, L-1, and family-based visa options for Indian nationals. “He focused on the current visa requirements and encouraged those applying for visas, do it with honesty and preparing yourself for the visa application then you will be definitely granted the visa.”
Gaganjot Kaur – Toronto based Immigration expert, discussed ripple effects of U.S. border security measures on Canadian student policy. “She shared the policies has led to focus on international students that includes additional vetting, financial stability, education field as areas being considered along with a cap of 5% being introduced. She added that the investor visa option is still open in Canada.”
The session started with a tribute to Michael Phulwani, a renowned Indian American immigration attorney & immigration pioneer, with touching remarks from President Shah and Attorney David Nachman recounting shared legal journeys and cultural insights from India.
Part of the Webinar Audience Key Action Items and Initiatives
- Encourage HR teams to implement visa tracking systems and sponsor risk policies
- Request Immigration lawyers to provide timely guidance on new regulations and higher denial trends
- Counsel International students to comply with work hour limits and timely OPT applications
GOPIO to host monthly webinar series covering technology, youth leadership, and healthcare investment
- Next webinar on AI and Technology is set for August 9, 2025
- Plans launched for international symposium on AI, quantum computing, and tech innovations in early 2026
- Efforts underway to establish GOPIO chapters in Boston, Nashville, South Jersey and Pune through local WhatsApp network. Those interested to join may contact Sid Jain at +1 201 889 8888 or email at siddharth@aaaumom.com.
- Advocacy for India-USA bilateral facilitation to ease and enable investment-based visas
GOPIO General Secretary Sid Jain gave the concluding remarks and vote of thanks to all in attendance. The event concluded with calls for collaboration, education, and ongoing dialogue among Diaspora communities.
For more info on GOPIO International Monthly Programs, contact Sunil Vuppula +1 (732) 331-3084 or Rohit Vyas GOPIO Global Media Council Chair at 732-319-0972 or send an email to gopio@optonline.net.
GOPIO logo is a trademark registered under the US and India Patent and Trademark Office.
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India Hosts High-Level Side Event on “SDGs Keeping up the Momentum for Agenda 2030”
UNITED NATIONS (TIP): Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, Government of India, hosted a high-level side event titled “SDGs: Keeping up the Momentum for Agenda 2030” on 18 July 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF).
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and Head of India’s Delegation to HLPF 2025, outlined India’s achievements in reducing multidimensional poverty, expanding social protection, and improving health outcomes. He emphasized India’s twin approach of strengthening safety nets for vulnerable populations while advancing reforms that drive growth, innovation, and climate resilience. Mr. Bery also highlighted India’s efforts to localize SDGs through state-level indicator frameworks and active community participation. He showcased India’s pioneering work in building world-class Digital Public Infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, and enabling data-driven governance as transformative tools for sustainable development.
Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director Asia Pacific UNDP, called for intensified local development efforts that deliver tangible benefits to people. She stressed the need for robust, trusted data systems and the bold application of digital and AI technologies to accelerate development gains. Highlighting UNDP’s partnership with India and other countries, she underscored the importance of sustained political will to address lagging targets, close gender gaps, and advance climate action and green transitions.
Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda In his opening remarks, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda. He highlighted India’s integrated approach to sustainable development, which combines the convergence of flagship programs, SDG localization, advances in digital infrastructure, and proactive climate action and the valuable lessons that can be learnt from India’s experience.
The event also featured presentations from international partners sharing their national experiences: Mr. Héctor Francisco Ochoa Moreno, 2030 Agenda Director General, Ministry of Economy, Mexico, Mr. Pungkas Bahjuri Ali, Senior Advisor to the Minister on Social Welfare and Poverty Reduction, Indonesia; and Mr. Samuel Addis Alemayehu, Deputy Director General, International Organizations Directorate General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia.
Participants in the discussion on “SDGs Keeping up the Momentum for Agenda 2030” A panel discussion also explored cross-cutting approaches to create catalytic, multiplier impacts across multiple SDGs. Mr. Ulrich Nicklas, Head of 2030 Division, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Germany, emphasized climate justice as a critical pillar of sustainable development. Mr. Jay Jayaraman of iSPIRT highlighted the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure, while Mr. Pranay Dasari, Youth Representative, underscored the vital role of youth in leading community-driven SDG initiatives.
The event fostered rich discussions on inclusive, sustainable, and data-driven pathways to development and inspired global partnerships aimed at sustaining momentum towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
(Based on a Press Release issued by Eldos Mathew Punnoose, Counsellor/ Media Officer, Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations) -
Global Leaders Unite to End Childhood Blindness
- Lord Rami Ranger and Dr. VK Raju to Lead Historic Campaign Declaring January 31 as the ‘International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness’
- Landmark Launch Set for January 31, 2026, at the House of Lords, UK
LONDON / NEW YORK (TIP): In a defining moment for global child health, Lord Rami Ranger, FRSA, Member of the UK House of Lords, and Dr. VK Raju, globally renowned ophthalmologist and humanitarian, have been appointed Chair and Co-Chair respectively of a worldwide campaign to designate January 31 as the International Day for a World Without Childhood Blindness.
This high-impact initiative, led by the Eye Foundation of America (EFA), Eye Foundation of the UK, Goutami Eye Institute, Rotary International, and a coalition of global partners, calls on the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations to recognize childhood blindness as a global health emergency—and to rally international efforts to eliminate it.
“No child should be condemned to darkness when proven, cost-effective solutions already exist,” said Lord Rami Ranger.
“This campaign is not just about vision—it is about justice. I’m honored to help make January 31 a beacon of global action and hope.”
The Crisis: Preventable, Yet Ignored
Over 1.4 million children around the world currently live in blindness—most of it avoidable or treatable. Each year, this results in over 70 million “blind person years”—a devastating burden on families, communities, and national economies.
The leading causes? Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), congenital cataracts, vitamin A deficiency, and infections—conditions that are often preventable with timely intervention.
“With today’s advances, over 90% of childhood blindness can be prevented or treated,” said
Dr. VK Raju, Founder-President of EFA.
“And because 80% of learning happens through vision, this is also an education and
inclusion issue. It’s time to align global action with the UN’s SDG 3 (Health) and SDG 4 (Education).”
The Movement: Fueled by Global Alliances
This campaign is already backed by a powerful and growing alliance of international leaders and organizations, including:
- VK Raju, Co-Chair, IDWCB Campaign; Founder, Eye Foundation of America; Chairman, Eye Foundation of UK
- Leela Raju, Secretary-General, IDWCB Campaign; Secretary, EFA; Leading Ophthalmologist, Louisiana
- Rtn Sandeepp Saxena, Chair, ROP Program, Rotary District 3011; Global Director, EFA
- Rotary International District 3011, leading a $1 million “Hope For Tomorrow” fundraising campaign, matched by EFA
- Rotary Clubs, NGOs, and health institutions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas
- 25+ Global Campaign Ambassadors, with support from UN agencies, the
Commonwealth Secretariat, and health ministries worldwide
Why January 31? A Date with Global Significance
January 31 commemorates the tireless efforts of Dr. VK Raju, whose four-decade-long mission since 1977 has transformed pediatric eye care from India to Africa to the United States.
Designating this day will:
- Elevate international awareness of childhood blindness
- Catalyze public policy, funding, and innovation
- Promote global collaboration in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Inspire governments, institutions, and citizens to take meaningful action
A Global Day, A Shared Responsibility
A formal petition is being submitted to the United Nations General Assembly and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Governments, ministries, parliaments, medical bodies, and civil society are invited to endorse the declaration and organize awareness programs each year on January 31.
“Lord Ranger’s leadership brings international gravitas and unmatched momentum to this mission,” added Dr. Raju.
“Together, we can prevent a lifetime of darkness for millions of children—and give them the light of opportunity.”
Join the Global Movement
A dedicated campaign portal and participation toolkit will launch in July 2025, offering resources for institutions, Rotary clubs, schools, and individuals to host coordinated global events and advocacy efforts.
About the Campaign Chair
Lord Rami Ranger, FRSA is a distinguished Member of the UK House of Lords, founder of Sun Mark Ltd., and a global advocate for education, diversity, and social progress. His leadership will bring scale and stature to the global campaign.
About the Campaign Co-Chair
Dr. VK Raju is the Founder-President of the Eye Foundation of America and Chairman of the Eye Foundation of UK. A tireless advocate since 1977, he also serves as Adjunct Professor at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University.
“A world without childhood blindness is not a dream. It is a decision.”
#Jan31ForSight | #VisionForEveryChild | #WorldWithoutChildhoodBlindness
Media Contact & Inquiries
Rtn Sandeepp Saxena
Vʌ□•□ sandeepp.saxena@eyefoundationofamerica.org
www.eyefoundationofamerica.org
! +91 70659 68122
Campaign Secretariat
VʌV•□ □ worldwithoutchildhoodblindness@eyefoundationofamerica.org
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Leukemia Survivor and Roslyn Teen Publishes Science Book for Kids — Now on Amazon
ROSLYN, NEW YORK (TIP): Mahin Gupta, a 17-year-old Roslyn High School student and leukemia survivor, has just published An Electric Journey: An Intro to Circuits for Kids, a vibrant, beginner-friendly book that introduces young readers to the world of electrical circuits. Aimed at elementary and middle school students, the book uses engaging illustrations and simple storytelling to make science fun and approachable for all. It’s the perfect gift for curious kids, teachers, and families looking to spark a love for STEM.
The front of Mahin’s book, An Electric Journey & The back cover of An Electric Journey. Mahin’s passion for education and service stems from his own journey. Once a camper at Sunrise Day Camp after his cancer treatment, he now serves as a counselor, helping bring joy to children facing similar challenges. His drive to give back is also reflected in his academic work: Mahin recently published research in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, studying how to simplify patient education materials to improve public health literacy.
A high-achieving student with a 102 GPA, Mahin has completed rigorous courses including AP Physics 1 & 2, AP Pre-Calculus, AP U.S. History, AP European History, and AP English Language. He is also working on an AI-powered drone to autonomously identify and collect plastic waste — blending innovation with environmental impact.
But his focus right now is on An Electric Journey, available now on Amazon. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, buying this book helps inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, and future engineers.
Grab your copy today on Amazon and spark a child’s love for science.
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Indian American Educationist Pia Gupta appointed new associate dean at Cal Poly Pomona
LOS ANGELES, CA (TIP): Indian American educationist Pia Gupta has been appointed as the new associate dean of undergraduate student success for the College of Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for the college — one focused on empowering our students to connect with prosperous economic futures through purposeful, student-focused support,” Dean Sandeep Krishnamurthy said. “As associate dean, Dr. Gupta will lead initiatives that strengthen student success and enhance academic outcomes across our programs.”Gupta brings more than two decades of distinguished leadership in higher education, according to a press release. Most recently, she was professor and chair of the Department of Finance at Cal State Long Beach, where she has guided a dynamic department since 2019. Under her leadership, the department expanded academic offerings, elevated student engagement and improved hiring and retention practices.
Her student-centered approach is evident in her work on graduation initiatives, early alert systems and academic advising reforms that have directly improved student performance and persistence. She played a pivotal role in AACSB accreditation efforts, contributing to three successful re-accreditation cycles at CSULB through strategic planning, report writing and peer review engagement.
A champion of experiential learning, Gupta co-founded CSULB’s Finance Symposium — now a statewide platform connecting students and professionals — and was instrumental in launching the university’s STEM-designated Master of Financial Analytics program.
Her research has been published in leading finance journals such as the “Journal of Corporate Finance,” “Journal of Business Finance and Accounting” and “Managerial Finance.” Her scholarship explores corporate governance, financial markets and pedagogical innovation.
Gupta has served as president of the Western Decision Sciences Institute and held leadership roles in nonprofit organizations that support global education and underserved communities.
“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to join Cal Poly Pomona, where the energy of amazing students, the hands-on Polytechnic “learn by doing” model, industry connections and the caliber of distinguished faculty create an ideal environment for innovation and impact,” said Gupta.
“As Associate Dean for Student Success, I see my role as a collaborative and student-centered leader who brings national best practices to our shared work — partnering with faculty, staff, and students to cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusion. To advance undergraduate student success, I aim to help build a streamlined and well-organized operation that supports every student’s journey. Together, we can create meaningful changes that make a lasting difference in the lives of our students.”
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Indian American Associate professor Charu Sinha to lead Chapman University’s new business program
ORANGE, CA (TIP): Chapman University has appointed Indian American Associate Professor Dr. Charu Sinha as the Academic Director of its new Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program ushering in a new era of analytics education. Sinha brings a wealth of academic leadership to the role, having previously served as Director of Continuous Improvement and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs for the Argyros College of Business and Economics, Irvine, California based university said announcing her appointment.
In these roles, she led initiatives in curriculum development and student success, overseeing the academic progress of more than 1,800 undergraduate students. Her decade of industry experience enhances the MSBA program’s focus on equipping students with practical skills to solve real-world problems.
“It is an honor to introduce and lead this program for our Chapman community,” Sinha said. “I’m excited about the innovations our faculty members and future MSBA students will drive.”
Designed with a STEM focus and infused with cutting-edge AI applications, the MS in Business Analytics program equips students with in-demand technical and analytical skills that drive impactful, data-informed decisions across industries.
“As one of the few MSBA programs to premiere in a post-ChatGPT era, our students will have the unique opportunity to learn and understand how AI can work in the analytic space.” Sinha added.
The program is backed by the scholars and industry experts of Argyros College committed to cultivating collaborative, research-driven learning environments, according to a university release.
With a curriculum that blends technical mastery with strategic thinking, the MS in Business Analytics program prepares graduates to lead in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world. Under Sinha’s leadership, the program will foster an innovative and supportive learning environment, ensuring students gain both specialized and practical insights to excel in their careers.
Sinha’s teaching interests are in business analytics, business statistics, and operations management, and she teaches at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Her research interests include stochastic modeling, optimization of operations processes and pedagogical issues.
Prior to joining Chapman University, Sinha worked for 10 years at AT&T as a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, undertaking various roles on a series of pioneering initiatives in voice, data and voice-over-internet protocol.
Her responsibilities included new service development, business planning, operations planning and deployment of various business communication services. Sinha was previously a faculty member at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. -
American Sikh Attorney Jaspreet Singh Gill is named Professor of Eminence by Guru Nanak Dev University
By Prabhjot Singh SACRAMENTO (TIP): Attorney of Law Jaspreet Singh Gill could not have asked for more. A staunch follower of Sikhism in general and Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in particular, he has been named Professor of Eminence at a leading university of Punjab, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
Jaspreet Singh Gill moved from Chandigarh to the United States in the 80s. He now successfully runs his legal firm in New York, California, New Jersey, and Maryland. Over the past two decades, he has handled over 10,000 immigration, asylum, and deportation cases, including special cases under the ‘Torture Victim Protection Act.’ His dedication to service and Sikh values has earned him a distinguished place in the Sikh community in the U.S.
With this appointment, Jaspreet Singh Gill, who comes from a family of legal luminaries—his father was a District and Sessions Judge—will directly engage with students, providing them with world-class legal education. This will enable students to understand and address global social, legal, and human rights challenges.
By appointing him as a Professor of Eminence, Guru Nanak Dev University has marked a significant milestone in its academic sphere by recognizing not only the talent of an outstanding son of Punjab but also a prominent member of the Punjabi Diaspora. This appointment is set to strengthen the university’s international academic collaborations and provide students with a golden opportunity to engage with world-class scholars.
The appointment was made on the recommendation of a special committee of legal experts constituted by the university. The committee included Prof. (Dr.) Davinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat; Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Ranga, Registrar of J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, Faridabad; and Prof. (Dr.) Rattan Singh, former Chairman of the Law Department at Panjab University, Chandigarh. The committee meeting was chaired by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Karamjeet Singh, with the Dean of Academic Affairs also in attendance. The committee unanimously recommended S. Jaspreet Singh’s appointment, citing his exceptional qualifications, international recognition, and social service contributions.
Prof. Karamjeet Singh said that this appointment would be beneficial for students. Jaspreet Singh Gill shall contribute to the academic growth of the university’s legal education law department and international law. S. Jaspreet Singh, Attorney at Law, has been making immense contributions to the field of law, commerce, and media as he practices in the area of US immigration and nationality law. He has an excellent track record in negotiating and litigating. He has extensive experience in representing clients in complex cases with his strong wisdom and good communication skills. He is perfect in leadership and organizational skills. He is also associated with the Punjabi community in helping and advising in legal matters and providing legal assistance to low-income and elderly immigrants, as he is a very articulate and persuasive litigator with the ability to work within the constraints of the system to achieve justice for all.
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Karamjeet Singh, stated, “S. Jaspreet Singh’s appointment will reinforce our university’s commitment to providing world-class education. It will broaden the perspectives of our students and elevate the university’s academic journey to new heights. Notably, Jaspreet Singh has also provided financial assistance of ₹3.5 crore under an agreement with the university to establish the “Sikh Studies Chair.” The objective of this chair is to promote the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, emphasizing equality, service, and human unity through academic research and dissemination worldwide.
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Indian-origin student pilot among two killed in mid-air crash in Canada
TORONTO (TIP) : An Indian-origin student pilot was killed in a mid-air crash in Manitoba province of Canada, according to the Consulate General of India in Toronto. The Indian-origin pilot, identified as Sreehari Sukesh, was killed when his single-engine plane collided mid-air with another similar aircraft piloted by a Canadian youth, who was also killed in the accident on Tuesday.
The Consulate General of India on Wednesday said it was “in contact with the bereaved family, the pilot training school and local police to provide all necessary assistance.”
“The bodies of the two student pilots were recovered in the wreckage of their single-engine planes after both crashed mid-air on Tuesday morning near Steinbach, roughly 50 kilometers southeast of Winnipeg,” a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) news report said.
The students collided when approaching a landing strip while practicing takeoffs and landings, the CBC report said, quoting Adam Penner, president of Harv’s Air, the flying school where both pilots had been training.
The Transportation Safety Board, the agency responsible for investigating aviation incidents in Canada, said it is gathering information and assessing the fatal crash.
Sreehari Sukesh’s age was not mentioned.
The CBC said the Canadian victim was 20-year-old Savanna May Royes, who, it said, “had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, following in the footsteps of her father.”
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) statement said after its Steinbach unit was notified of the mid-air collision, the personnel from the RCMP, fire department and Emergency medical services attended and located the wreckage of two small, single-engine aircraft, south of Steinbach.
“The two pilots were pronounced deceased on scene. There were no passengers aboard,” it said.
Nathaniel Plett, who lives near the flight school, told CBC News that he and his wife heard a loud bang on Tuesday morning. “I said to my wife, ‘That’s a plane crash’,” Plett said.
“There was a pillar of black smoke coming up, and a little later [we] heard another bang, and there was an even bigger pop of black smoke.”