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June 2, 2025
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MoU Signed With Government of Karnataka to Establish Polylactic Acid (PLA) Manufacturing Unit in Bagalkot

MoU Signed With Government of Karnataka to Establish Polylactic Acid (PLA) Manufacturing Unit in Bagalkot
Bengaluru, India: Nirani Sugars, India’s Largest Privately-held Sugar Company and one of India’s largest Sugar Producers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish a state-of-the-art Polylactic Acid (PLA) manufacturing facility in Bagalkot. The project, with a proposed investment of approximately ₹2,000 crores, is set to be developed over the next 3 to 5 years, generating 600–800 direct employment opportunities in the region.
The Government of Karnataka will facilitate Nirani Sugars in obtaining the necessary approvals, permissions, and incentives as per prevailing policies, ensuring a smooth and time-bound execution of the project.
PLA, a biodegradable and sustainable polymer derived from renewable resources, is a crucial step toward eco-friendly alternatives in packaging, textiles, and various industrial applications. Key applications include 3D printing for filaments, packaging for compostable containers and wraps, and medical uses such as sutures and implants. It is also used in disposable tableware, agricultural mulch films, eco-friendly textiles, automotive interiors, and biodegradable electronic casings, making it a versatile and sustainable material.
With this investment, Karnataka will become the one of the leading states in India to venture into this promising. By leveraging its strengths in innovation, agricultural resources, and sustainability, Karnataka can address critical challenges such as plastic waste management, resource scarcity, and the increasing demand for environmentally responsible alternatives.
Vishal Nirani, Director, Nirani Sugars, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating:
“We are excited to partner with the Government of Karnataka to bring cutting-edge PLA manufacturing to Bagalkot, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in sustainable industrial growth. This project is not just an investment in manufacturing but a commitment to Karnataka’s vision for a greener and more self-reliant future. While plastics have long been valued for their versatility and durability, they now pose severe environmental challenges, including marine pollution, land degradation, and the long-term accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. Despite advancements in waste management technologies, a truly effective and sustainable solution to the plastic waste crisis remains elusive. Karnataka, with its strong industrial ecosystem and progressive policies, is the ideal destination to spearhead this transformation. By producing biodegradable and renewable alternatives right here in the state, we aim to contribute to India’s green economy while generating employment and economic opportunities for the people of Karnataka. The potential of bio-based plastics to replace conventional plastics and mitigate environmental degradation makes them a cornerstone of the transition toward a sustainable, circular economy – one that Karnataka will also lead.”
With this initiative Nirani Sugars intends to reinforce its position as a leader in sustainable industrial development, leveraging its expertise in agro-based industries to drive forward environmentally responsible manufacturing paving the way for a petroleum plastic-free world.

 

 

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CSR News: CSR Initiative To Empower 50 Neurodivergent Youth In Data Annotation

CSR News: CSR Initiative To Empower 50 Neurodivergent Youth In Data Annotation
In a focused effort to enhance skilling and employability for neurodivergent youth, Nasscom Foundation, in collaboration with MathCo, a global leader in Enterprise AI and Analytics has launched Data Annotation Skill Development Program for Neurodivergent Youth. The initiative aims to skill neurodivergent individuals with specialised, job-specific training in data annotation which is a highly sought-after skill in the fast-growing field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
What makes this inclusion program special is the focus on providing employment opportunities for the neurodivergent individuals. The program focuses not only on providing participants with specialised training in data annotation but also equipping them with soft skills, mentorship and building confidence to enhance their employability and support their long-term career success.
Through a strong post-placement intervention, it also seeks to assist organizations in continuing to provide neurodivergent youth with a supportive and inclusive environment. This promotes a more diversified workforce, career advancement, and job retention while also aiding in the development of an inclusive culture.
The launch event, held on 12th Feb 2025 at MathCo’s Bangalore office, celebrated the power of inclusivity and the potential of neurodivergent individuals in the corporate sector. The event was attended by over 75 people, including those joining online via Zoom. Attendees included the MathCo team led by Aditya Kumbakonam, Chief Operating Officer and Cofounder, the Nasscom Foundation team led by Roy C Thomas, Orchvate representatives, program beneficiaries, and their parents. The launch event underscored the program’s intended impact: empowering neurodivergent youth and providing them with the skills to thrive in the tech industry.
Commenting on the collaboration, Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation, said, “We believe that a truly inclusive India begins with creating accessible and empowering environments. We are proud to launch this initiative in collaboration with MathCo, as we believe that Neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths that drive workplace innovation, and as organizations prioritize inclusivity, this initiative will help them build sustainable and diverse workplaces.”
At the launch of the program, while wishing the 50 individuals good luck, Aditya Kumbakonam, COO and Cofounder, MathCo said, “At MathCo, we believe that learning is the first step toward empowerment, and continuous learning is key to staying ahead in an evolving world. I am confident that these young individuals will not only make the most of this opportunity but will also continue to grow and adapt as they build their careers.”
The Nasscom Foundation – MathCo collaboration led initiative will train 50 neurodivergent individuals, requiring a foundational level of education. To ensure that the program is tailored to the specific needs of the Neurodivergent community, we have also partnered with Orchvate, experts in training and coaching neurodivergent youth to leverage on their insights in skilling neurodivergent individuals. The training would run in two phases, each consisting of 25 participants. Participants will undergo assessments, receive specialised data annotation training and earn industry-certified certification to enhance their career prospects.
This initiative will provide neurodivergent youth with a very critical and relevant skill of data annotation. Data Annotation entails labelling or tagging data with relevant information to create high-quality training datasets for machine learning-based AI models. It forms the foundational layer for AI applications so that the machines can understand, interpret and process various types of data. This skill is essential for the continued growth and accuracy of AI systems across various use cases and industries and hence is in demand.
The aim of the initiative is to provide internships and job opportunities for at least 60 percent of participants in the IT and ITES sectors by leveraging strong market linkages and opportunities. To ensure a truly inclusive workplace for neurodivergent employees, Nasscom Foundation will also provide ongoing mentorship and conduct sensitisation sessions for employers. This long-term support will enable both participants and employers to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and productive work environment for Neurodivergents.
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CSR News: Partnership with CIMSME to Empower Indian MSMEs

CSR News: Partnership with CIMSME to Empower Indian MSMEs
New Delhi, India: Ageas Federal Life Insurance Company (AFLIC) has entered a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Indian Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (CIMSME), to establish a framework for co-operation between CIMSME and AFLIC.
This partnership will promote financial literacy, financial awareness, life insurance awareness and effective financial planning among the members of CIMSME. It also includes the sharing of the best practices followed locally and globally for the purpose of the upliftment of Indian MSME/SME segment. This collaboration aims to provide practical insights into financial literacy, risk management, and strategic financial planning, specifically designed for the member of CIMSME.
Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we are deeply committed to contributing to the nation’s economic progress. Our collaboration with CIMSME is a pivotal step forward in making impactful strides towards offering best in class Life Insurance solutions to the MSME segment – the dynamic backbone of India’s economy. In the coming days, through our association with CIMSME, we plan to conduct impactful engagement programmes. We also intend to bring research backed insightful contributions within the vast MSMEs segment and thereby contribute to the nation’s economic progress.”
Mr Mukesh Mohan Gupta, President, CIMSME said, “Our strategic partnership with Ageas Federal Life Insurance Co. Ltd. marks a significant milestone in our mission. It’s not just about raising awareness but also equipping MSMEs with the essential financial planning tools and empowering them with the confidence to scale their businesses while effectively managing risks. Together, we are committed to making a profound impact on the economic upliftment of MSMEs across India.”
The partnership will also prioritize the fostering of the MSME industry wide knowledge sharing opportunities, providing dynamic platforms for MSMEs to engage with financial experts, advisors, and industry peers. This will enable them to address financial challenges and explore potential growth opportunities. Both organizations also intend to conduct thorough studies to gain deeper understanding of MSMEs’ financial needs and create targeted solutions that drive success in today’s complex financial landscape.

 

 

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CSR News: MoU Signed with Government of Tripura to launch 1962 helpline for livestock care across the state

CSR News: MoU Signed with Government of Tripura to launch 1962 helpline for livestock care across the state
In a move to empower Tripura’s farming community, IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) and Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited (BFIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of IBL, have partnered with the Government of Tripura to launch a comprehensive livestock care helpline under the Bharat Sanjeevani program of BFIL. Bharat Sanjeevani is a widely acclaimed program and with the expansion to Tripura in the North East, the program will be covering 10 states of India, transforming livelihoods and empowering the livestock/cattle farming community.
Through this initiative, farmers across eight districts in Tripura covering 875 villages will now have access to a dedicated 1962 helpline that will provide them with on-demand veterinary services, artificial insemination and expert guidance on animal husbandry related information. The partnership, under BFIL’s flagship CSR program Bharat Sanjeevani, aims to revolutionise livestock care in the region, empowering farmers with the tools and resources they need to ensure the well-being of their animals and improve their overall agricultural productivity. Bharat Sanjeevani is a nationally recognised CSR initiative that supports rural communities by providing comprehensive veterinary services, including vaccinations to safeguard cattle health, directly to farmers.
A centralised emergency response center will be established at the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) in Agartala through the support of BFIL and IBL. Farmers across the state can access services from the center by dialling the toll-free number 1962, which will directly connect them with qualified veterinarians for assistance and appointment scheduling. Tripura’s Animal Husbandry Department will provide GPS-enabled Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) to facilitate prompt on-site veterinary assistance, complementing the helpline’s capabilities. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that livestock owners in even the remote areas of Tripura have access to timely and reliable veterinary care. BFIL will execute the comprehensive project in close collaboration with the relevant department and government entities.
This collaborative initiative leverages BFIL’s expertise in deploying technology-driven veterinary solutions to provide accessible, cost effective and reliable support to the state’s farming community. BFIL will be equipping the response center with the necessary infrastructure, trained field experts and technological resources to streamline operations.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, IFS, Addl. Secretary & Director, ARDD Agartala, Tripura, said, “I would like to thank BFIL and IBL for this collaboration which is poised to bring a transformative impact on farmers’ livelihoods across Tripura. By working together, we aim to establish a robust support system for livestock care, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of the state’s farming community.”
Mr. J Sridharan, Executive Vice Chairman, BFIL, added, “We are proud to extend the Bharat Sanjeevani program to Tripura, marking a significant milestone in our mission to empower rural communities. This partnership with the Government of Tripura and the ARDD underscores our commitment to enhancing livestock wellness and strengthening rural livelihoods across the state to bolster farmer productivity, elevate livelihoods, and contribute to the agricultural sector’s nationwide growth and resilience.”
Mr. Srinivas Bonam, Head – Inclusive Banking, CSR & Sustainability, IBL, said, “Our partnership with the Government of Tripura under the Bharat Sanjeevani program aligns with our vision of supporting rural communities through impactful initiatives like Bharat Sanjeevani. We are confident that this initiative will significantly enhance livestock care and support the farming community in Tripura.”
The launch of the 1962 helpline is a significant step towards strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in Tripura, providing farmers and livestock owners with the support they need to enhance their productivity and livelihoods. This partnership underscores the commitment of BFIL, IBL and the Government of Tripura towards driving sustainable development and inclusive growth in the state. The Bharat Sanjeevani Program has made a difference to more than 16 lakh livestock farmers and treated over 29 lakh livestock in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
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Sky Force’s Box Office Collection Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Block Booking

Sky Force’s Box Office Collection Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Block Booking
Sky Force has emerged as Akshay Kumar’s first profitable film after 3 years, but this accomplishment now faces doubts about its reported box office performance. The debut film of Veer Pahariya with its estimated box office figures exceeding Rs 80 crore in its opening week went on to surpass Rs 100 crore by official figures. The actual ticket sales figures might differ from reported numbers according to information from trade insiders.
Reportedly, Industry expert Komal Nahta has come forward with claims that a large portion of the reported earnings is the result ofblock bookingsorself-buyingpractices, rather than genuine audience turnout. Nahta believes that the actual first-week collection was around Rs 40.50 crore, with the inflated Rs 80 crore figure stemming from unsold tickets being bought in bulk to artificially create the appearance of high demand.Cinemas appeared full on platforms like BookMyShow, but many theaters were nearly empty,he added, pointing out that this could be one of the largest cases of block booking in Bollywood history.

What is Block Booking?

The practice of block booking, also known ascorporate bookingorself-buying,involves purchasing large quantities of tickets to boost box office numbers. In many instances, the tickets are distributed to schools, colleges, or corporate groups, but often, many of the seats remain unoccupied. The goal is to manipulate the perception of the film’s success, even though actual audience engagement may be much lower.
This controversy has stirred up concerns about transparency in Bollywood’s box office reporting. Industry experts are voicing frustration, noting that while such tactics have been used in the past, they undermine the credibility of box office numbers.
The situation has taken a new turn with similar accusations now being leveled against Chhaava, an upcoming film starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, produced by the same team behind Sky Force. Some insiders worry that these tactics may be becoming a widespread issue in the industry, further compromising the authenticity of box office figures.

Raising Concerns over Industry Transparency

According to trade analyst Atul Mohan, An actor endorsing multiple brands may ask one brand to buy 10,000 tickets for their film. The brand receives promotional advantages as well as free advertising in return for the exchange. Although these tickets are sold the theatres remain empty. He emphasised how such methods produce misleading success because the theatre attendance figures have been artificially increased.
Despite these allegations, Sky Force continues to run in theaters, but the doubts surrounding its true box office performance remain. This ongoing controversy calls for greater transparency and more accountability in the way box office numbers are reported in Bollywood.

CSR Initiative Launched to Support Construction Workers 

CSR Initiative Launched to Support Construction Workers
Maharashtra, India: IIFL Home Finance Ltd. hosted an impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at Chadha Residency, a pioneering PMAY public-private partnership (PPP) project in Vangani, near Badlapur, Maharashtra. Spanning across 100 acres, this ambitious initiative marks a significant collaboration under the MHADA-PPP framework, with a strong focus on enhancing the well-being and safety of construction workers.
As part of this initiative, IIFL Home Finance distributed 50 sets of essential safety gear, including helmets, gloves, and gumboots, to construction workers, ensuring they have the necessary protective equipment for their daily duties. Additionally, a health camp was organized, benefiting workers by providing crucial medical assessments such as eye tests, blood sugar checks, blood pressure (BP) monitoring, and complete blood count (CBC) tests. This initiative not only aimed to enhance workplace safety but also prioritized preventive healthcare, reinforcing the company’s commitment to holistic worker welfare.
Talking about the initiative, Mr. Manish Dosani, Zonal Sales Head, IIFL Home Finance stated, “At IIFL Home Finance, we understand the crucial role construction workers play in building infrastructure. Their safety and well-being are at the heart of our CSR efforts. Through this initiative, we provided protective gear and healthcare support to ensure their health, safety and wellbeing. Health camps are vital for detecting early health issues, helping workers avoid long-term complications and stay productive. By organizing these camps, we aim to make healthcare more accessible for construction workers, showing our ongoing commitment to their overall well-being.”
The event witnessed presence from both the entities – IIFL Home Finance and Chadha Residency. Each of them lent their support to the program, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to worker’s safety and community well-being. Their participation underscored collective efforts in fostering a safer and healthier work environment for construction workers.
This CSR initiative highlights IIFL Home Finance’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond affordable housing. By focusing on worker safety and health, the company reinforces its values of care, community support, and sustainable growth.

 

 

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CSR News: Collaboration with Dehradun Traffic Police to Promote Road Safety

Select CSR News: Collaboration with Dehradun Traffic Police to Promote Road Safety CSR News: Collaboration with Dehradun Traffic Police to Promote Road Safety
Dehradun, India: Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited has joined hands with the Dehradun Traffic Police to host an important initiative aimed at promoting road safety and raising awareness about insurance. The event, which saw a diverse group of prominent stakeholders, was a proactive effort to educate the public about safe road practices and the necessity of vehicle insurance.
The event began with a general discussion on road safety, where officials and experts shared insights into the importance of responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations. The collaboration underscores the critical role insurance plays in safeguarding individuals and society in the event of an accident, especially when it comes to uninsured vehicles.
The event was graced by prominent figures from both the Uttarakhand Traffic Police and Zurich Kotak General Insurance such as Mr. Mukesh Thakur – SP Traffic, Dehradun, Mr. Jagdish Chandra Pant – Circle Officer (Traffic), Mr. Jitendra Joshi, Traffic Inspector, Mr. Rajendra Singh- Traffic Sub Inspector and Mr. Arvind Inamdar, Mr. Rajesh Jha, Mr. Mahesh Melwani, Mr. Anil Kumar from Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company (India) Limited.
The core purpose of this initiative was to foster awareness regarding insurance and road safety. By bringing together law enforcement and the insurance sector, this partnership is set to create a lasting impact in Dehradun, ensuring that more citizens understand the importance of following traffic rules and securing adequate insurance coverage for their vehicles.
Echoing the importance of insurance, Mr. Pant emphasized, “Third-party motor insurance is mandatory for all vehicles plying on the road and urged commuters to understand the seriousness of insurance to avoid penalties.”
Adding to the momentum, Mr. Joshi expressed the commitment of Dehradun police to conduct more such events, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness programs on road safety and the importance of having mandatory insurance coverage.
As part of the ongoing effort to reduce accidents and liabilities, Zurich Kotak General Insurance remains committed to promoting both the safety of road users and financial protection through insurance. The event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing awareness campaign, which will extend to more such collaborations in the future.
Mr. Inamdar highlighted the pressing issue of uninsured two-wheelers on the road, stating, “Many studies suggest that almost 70% of two-wheelers plying on the road are uninsured, and people should take vehicle insurance in time to avoid themselves from liability arising out of any third-party bodily injury.”

 

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केरल के नर्सिंग कॉलेज में रैगिंग के नाम पर हुई हैवानियत ,5 छात्र गिरफ्तार

Select केरल के नर्सिंग कॉलेज में रैगिंग के नाम पर हुई हैवानियत ,5 छात्र गिरफ्तार केरल के नर्सिंग कॉलेज में रैगिंग के नाम पर हुई हैवानियत ,5 छात्र गिरफ्तार
केरल के कोट्टायम स्थित  मेडिकल कॉलेज में जूनियर छात्रों के साथ रैगिंग के नाम पर हुई हैवानियत का मामला सामने आया है। मेडिकल कॉलेज में पढ़ाई कर रहे तीसरे साल के छात्रों ने फर्स्ट ईयर के तीन छात्रों के साथ रैगिंग के नाम पर निर्वस्त्र कर घंटों तक खड़ा रखा और उनके प्राइवेट पार्ट से डंबल्स बांधकर लटकाए रखा। पीड़ित छात्रों ने दरिंदगी की शिकायत पुलिस में दर्ज़ कराई जिसके बाद पुलिस ने आरोपी 5 छात्रों को अपनी हिरासत में ले लिया। https://education.kerala.gov.in/

रैगिंग के नाम पर निर्वस्त्र कर प्राइवेट पार्ट पर लटकाया डंबल

केरल के मेडिकल कॉलेज में रैगिंग के शिकार बने पीड़ित बच्चों ने बताया कि बीते रविवार के दिन आरोपी सीनियर छात्रों ने जबरन उनके कपड़े उतार दिए और घंटों तक उन्हे उसी हाल में खड़ा रखा। इसके बाद उनके प्राइवेट पार्ट पर रस्सी से बांधकर डंबल्स लटका दिए। आरोपियों ने Geometry Box के कंपस से भी उन्हे चोट पहुंचाई। पीड़ितों के विरोध करने पर उनके घाव पर ज्वलनशील लोशन लगाया और जबरन उनके मुंह में भी ठूंस दिया। आरोपी छात्रों ने इस घटना का विडिओ भी बनाया और अब वे पीड़ितों को विडिओ वाइरल करने की धमकी दे रहे थे।

सभी आरोपियों पर रैगिंग का केस दर्ज़

पीड़ित छात्रों के पुलिस में शिकायत दर्ज़ करने के बाद मौके पर पहुंची पुलिस ने सभी आरोपी छात्रों को गिरफ्तार कर लिया। सभी आरोपियों पर भारतीय न्याय संहिता की अलग अलग धाराओं के तहत मुकदमा दर्ज़ कर लिया गया है। कॉलेज प्रशासन ने घटना की आगे की जांच तक के लिए आरोपी पांचों छात्रों को निलंबित कर दिया है। पीड़ित छात्रों ने पुलिस को दिए गए बयान में बताया कि आरोपी छात्र अक्सर शराब पीते हैं और शराब की बोतल के पैसे जूनियर छात्रों से वसूलते हैं। अगर कोई छात्र पैसे देने से माना करता है तो आरोपिउसके साथ मारपीट करते हैं। ऐसा नजारा अक्सर हर रविवार को आम होता है।कड़ी नियम और सख्ती के बावजूद मेडिकल और इंजीनियरिंग कॉलेजों में रैगिंग के मामले रुकने का नाम नहीं ले रहे। अभी पिछले दिनों केरल के ही 15 वर्षीय छात्र मिहिर की रैगिंग से त्रस्त  होकर आत्महत्या का मामला अभी तक ताज़ा है।

PM Modi meets US Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard ahead of meeting with Trump

Select PM Modi meets US Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard ahead of meeting with Trump PM Modi meets US Intel Chief Tulsi Gabbard ahead of meeting with Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington on Thursday for meeting US President Donald Trump. PM Modi who is on a two-day visit to the states, started the bilateral interactions on February 13 by meeting US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Their discussions touched on enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, emerging threats, and strategic intelligence sharing. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to a secure, stable, and rules-based international order.
The PM is also expected to meet tech billionaire Elon Musk.
PM Modi has been put up at the Blair House, the US presidential guest house at the heart of the American capital Washington, D.C. This will be PM Modi’s first meeting with Trump after the latter assumed US presidency for a second term last month. PM Modi will be the fourth global leader to meet Trump at the White House since his inauguration on January 20 after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Jordan’s King Abdullah.
The meeting between the two world leaders comes at a time when there is severe tension surrounding Trump’s trade tariffs on several countries, his controversial Gaza peace plan, and his ongoing mass deportation of illegal immigrants, especially Indians. It is being speculated that these issues will be discussed by both the leaders in a meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Indians being deported from the US

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified around 18,000 Indian nationals allegedly residing in the US without legal status. A US military aircraft carrying the first batch of 104 illegal Indian immigrants, including 30 from Punjab, landed at the Amritsar airport on February 5.
The flight, which departed from Texas, is an example of Trump’s aggressive push to expel undocumented immigrants, a move that has sparked backlash and raised questions about the treatment of deportees. The way the Indian people were transported points out severe human right violation by the US authorities. The use of military aircrafts instead of commercial ones also reflects a harsher approach in dealing with immigrants.
Among the deportees were women and children. People on the flight told the media that they were handcuffed and shackled throughout the journey lasting close to 40 hours. Harwinder Singh, a 40-year-old Indian man from Tahli village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur who is among the ‘illegal’ immigrants whom the US deported in the first batch to India recounted the horror. Singh told the media, “For 40 hours, we were handcuffed, our feet tied with chains and were not allowed to move an inch from our seats. After repeated requests, we were allowed to drag ourselves to the washroom. The crew would open the door of the lavatory and shove us in.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the US deporting Indians

Amid protests by opposition members about the way undocumented Indian nationals were handcuffed and chained by the US while deporting them to India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently informed the Parliament that the deportation of illegal migrants was not a new development, and the use of restraints on the deportees was a “standard operating procedure”. According to Jaishankar, the use of restraints has been part of the standard operating procedures of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities since 2012.
“We have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained… This is not a policy applicable to any specific country, nor indeed one only practiced by India. It is a general accepted principle in international relations,” the External Affairs Minister said in an attempt to downplay the US’ human rights violation towards Indians.
“We are, of course, engaging with the US government to ensure that the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner during the flight,” he further said.
Jaishankar has also provided details of deportation from the US since 2009, with the figures showing that 15,668 Indian migrants were sent back over the last 16 years.

 

Mumbai: First Death Occurs Due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Death Toll Reaches 8

Select Mumbai: First Death Occurs Due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Death Toll Reaches 8 Mumbai: First Death Occurs Due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Death Toll Reaches 8
A 53-year-old patient from Mumbai has lost his life becoming the eighth person in Maharashtra to die from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). The patient received treatment at Nair Hospital after developing GBS symptoms of leg weakness on January 26. Health professionals transferred him swiftly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where they placed him on a ventilator because his illness progressed toward dangerous breathing problems. Medical staff provided treatment but the patient lost his life on February 10.
The neurological condition known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome causes the immune system to attack peripheral nervous tissue resulting in weakened muscles and reduced sensory functions and compromised breathing ability. Doctors have not established the real cause of this. The syndrome can also appear after receiving a vaccination or undergoing major surgery.

When was first patient recorded in city?

Hospital records show the 53-year-old patient spent two weeks in Pune before his admission but failed to determine if this travel was linked to his illness. A 64-year-old Mumbai resident became the first person in the city to receive a diagnosis of GBS in 2024. The patient experienced fever and diarrhoea before developing symptoms of ascending paralysis.
As the number of GBS cases rises, the state’s health department reported 203 suspected cases of the disease, with 176 confirmed diagnoses. In response to the outbreak, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken swift action by sealing 30 private water supply plants after finding that their water samples were contaminated. These areas, including Nanded village and Dhayari on Sinhgad Road, are considered the epicentre of the GBS outbreak. The state water supply and sanitation department has also instructed local councils to ensure the supply of purified water and regularly monitor water quality.

How many patients discharged so far?

Health authorities in Maharashtra continue to monitor the situation closely. So far, 104 patients have been discharged, while 50 remain in ICU, with 20 requiring ventilators. The rise in cases has prompted further investigation into potential sources of contamination and other preventive measures to mitigate the spread of GBS.
This public health crisis highlights the importance of ensuring safe drinking water and rapid medical responses. Awareness and education about GBS and its potential triggers can help the public stay vigilant and act promptly should symptoms appear.

Hindi Manch

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