Category: News

  • Peon Fired After Viral Video Shows Him Grading College Exams

    Peon Fired After Viral Video Shows Him Grading College Exams

    A peon named Pannalal Patharia at a college in Pipariya, Madhya Pradesh, was fired after a video showed him checking answer sheets for college students. The video became popular on social media and made many people angry. Patharia was let go, along with two other people, guest teacher Khushboo Pagare and colleague Rakesh Mehra. This happened after the principal, Rakesh Verma, and a political science teacher, Ram Ghulam Patel, were suspended on April 4.

    The investigation started after the video went viral on January 31. It was found that Patharia was paid ₹5,000 to grade the answer sheets because the college didn’t have enough teachers. Verma admitted that the college had a staff shortage but said it was another teacher’s fault for asking Patharia to do the grading. “How can I be held responsible for it?” he said.

  • U.S.-China Trade War: Tariffs Rise to 125% – Impact on Americans Explained

    U.S.-China Trade War: Tariffs Rise to 125% – Impact on Americans Explained

    The trade war between the U.S. and China is getting worse, and it’s starting to hurt American families. President Donald Trump recently announced that tariffs—extra taxes on imports—on Chinese goods will jump from already high rates to an astonishing 125%. This means that American businesses and shoppers will feel the pain in their pockets.

    For example, a small business owner used to pay $26,000 in tariffs on his toys imported from China. With the new rate, his bill skyrocketed to an incredible $346,000—a 1,200% increase! A Fox News anchor pointed out that while many think China pays these tariffs, the reality is that it’s Americans who end up footing the bill.

    Interestingly, Trump has also paused tariff rates for countries that aren’t retaliating against the U.S. This is a rare move away from his usual tough approach. Tariff rates for these other countries will drop back to a standard 10%. However, Trump shows no sign of backing down on China, as they just retaliated with 84% tariffs on U.S. goods.

    China has been trying to team up with other countries against the U.S. and has refused to talk further, promising to “fight to the end” in this trade battle. It looks like the tensions are only going to continue growing.

  • Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Attacks Co-Conspirator, Extradited to India for Trial

    Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 Attacks Co-Conspirator, Extradited to India for Trial

    Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks co-conspirator, is back in India. He is expected to land in New Delhi around 12 noon on Thursday. After arriving, Rana will likely be taken to Tihar Jail, which is a high-security prison.

    To ensure safety, security around the Patiala House Court in Delhi has been increased. Police and special forces have been stationed there, and they’re carefully checking everyone entering the area. Tihar Jail officials have also made special arrangements for Rana’s stay in a secure section of the jail.

    Indian authorities are preparing for an intense questioning session with Rana. Important officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, met recently to create a security plan for Rana’s arrival. The court proceedings for Rana might be conducted privately due to safety concerns because of the high-profile nature of the case.

    Rana has already been questioned multiple times, and officials believe he may try to mislead them during the new investigation, which could be a long process. A special team, including officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and experts in criminology, will question him. Their goal is to expose the key figures behind the attacks.

    Rana’s return became official after the US Supreme Court denied his last appeal against extradition. His situation changed from being in US custody to being transported to India. It was reported that the Indian authorities assured the US that Rana’s rights and prison conditions would meet international standards before his extradition was approved.

    Now that he is back, Indian agencies want to learn more about connections between the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s intelligence services. They hope Rana can provide information about notable leaders linked to the attacks, many of whom are still free in Pakistan.

    Tahawwur Rana, 64, is originally from Pakistan but has Canadian citizenship. He is known to be close friends with David Coleman Headley, a key figure behind the Mumbai attacks.

    Additionally, India has appointed a special lawyer, Narender Mann, to handle Rana’s trial. His role will include overseeing the case in the NIA Special Courts and ensuring the legal process runs smoothly.

  • Trump’s Fury: Investigating Critics and Punishing Law Firms

    Trump’s Fury: Investigating Critics and Punishing Law Firms

    On Wednesday, President Donald Trump took steps to punish people who have criticized him. He signed two orders telling the Justice Department to look into the actions of Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs, two officials from his first term. These orders may also remove their security clearances.

    Trump is unhappy with Taylor and Krebs because they spoke against him. Taylor, who used to work at the Department of Homeland Security, wrote a secret New York Times article in 2018, calling himself part of a “resistance” against Trump’s policies. He later revealed his identity and wrote a book. Trump called Taylor a “traitor” and said that his actions were like “spying.” Taylor replied, saying that speaking out against the government is not illegal.

    Krebs was in charge of cybersecurity, but Trump became angry when Krebs said the 2020 election was secure and there was no evidence of fraud. Krebs did not comment but shared a post he made when he left the government, saying he was proud of his work.

    Trump has repeatedly claimed he lost the 2020 election because of fraud, despite many facts showing that Joe Biden won fairly. Experts like David Becker found it strange for a president to investigate his own appointees.

    Trump also targeted a law firm called Susman Godfrey that represented Dominion Voting Systems in a case against Fox News, which falsely claimed that the election was rigged. Trump’s order restricts the firm’s access to government resources, and the firm vowed to fight this order in court.

    Trump has used his power to penalize critics. Some have settled, but others are challenging his actions legally.

  • Trump Increases China Tariffs to 125%: What’s Next

    Trump Increases China Tariffs to 125%: What’s Next

    US President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese products to 125%, up from 104%. He announced this on social media, explaining that he is pausing extra tariffs on other countries because they are willing to talk instead of fighting back. Trump criticized China for a “lack of respect.”

    In response, China has placed tariffs of 84% on US goods. Since he took office in January, Trump has raised tariffs on China five times.

    China has made it clear it won’t back down in this trade war, promising to fight hard. They have also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing Trump of being a bully.

    What might China do next? They could limit exports of rare earth minerals used in computers and electric car batteries, as they control a lot of the world’s supply. China might increase tariffs on US agricultural products and high-profile companies like Apple and Tesla, but they want to keep attracting investments.

    Beijing could even ban American movies or products to retaliate. A recent editorial in China’s People’s Daily newspaper suggested turning this pressure into a chance to grow their own economy, focusing more on local sales.

  • Maryland Man, 23, Found Dead on Bahamas Trip – Family Seeks Justice

    Maryland Man, 23, Found Dead on Bahamas Trip – Family Seeks Justice

    A young man from Maryland died while he was on vacation in the Bahamas with his family. Dinari McAlmont, 23, was found dead at a private beach resort just hours after arriving on the island. His mother, Michelle McAlmont, believes he was “beaten to death.”

    Dinari was from Bowie, Maryland, and traveled to the Bahamas with his parents on April 4. They were staying at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort. Dinari was last seen having dinner with his family. He went out to get a jacket and explore the resort just before 9 pm, according to reports.

    Officials at the resort claimed that Dinari spat on some staff members in a restaurant. After they couldn’t find him, Michelle filed a missing person report since Dinari’s phone wasn’t working. She disagreed with the resort’s story about Dinari.

    Search teams found Dinari’s body on the beach on Paradise Island around 5:30 am on April 5. The police are investigating what happened. Michelle saw a photo of her son and said, “He was beaten; he was traumatized.” She described his face as damaged with foam on his teeth and sand in his hair. She believes he was attacked and is asking for justice for her son.

    Dinari’s parents are now looking for a lawyer who specializes in international cases. “I expect a complete investigation,” Michelle said. The resort expressed sadness over the event and said they are cooperating with the police investigation.

    The US Department of State had warned travelers about safety risks in the Bahamas as more crimes against tourists have been reported recently.

  • Unique Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: Ancient Populations Found in Odisha

    Unique Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: Ancient Populations Found in Odisha

    A long study of Olive Ridley sea turtles, lasting 16 years, has discovered something amazing: the turtles nesting in Odisha, India, are very unique compared to others around the world and are older than those found in South America. These Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest of the sea turtles and usually lay their eggs at Rushikulya and Gahirmatha beaches in Odisha. Rushikulya is one of the biggest places in the world for turtle nesting, alongside beaches in Mexico and Costa Rica.

    Just last month, a record-breaking 1.3 million Olive Ridley turtles laid their eggs at these beaches in Odisha, beating the old record of 1.15 million from 2023. Between March 20 and March 27, around 200,000 turtles returned to Rushikulya to nest.

    The study, called “Monitoring Sea Turtles in India 2008-2024,” was done by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), based in Dehradun, and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). It was published by the Indian Institute of Science and Dakhin Foundation in Bengaluru. Scientists looked at the genetics of sea turtles along India’s coast and nearby islands. They found that the turtles in the Indian Ocean, especially on India’s eastern coast, are the oldest populations of Olive Ridleys. In contrast, the turtles in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans separated from the Indian Ocean turtles only about 300,000 to 400,000 years ago.

    Earlier, people thought that about 3 million years ago, when the Panama Isthmus appeared, it separated the Olive Ridley turtles into two groups: one in the Atlantic and one in the Pacific. They believed that the oldest Olive Ridley turtles should be found in Central America. However, this new study shows that the first Olive Ridley turtles actually survived in the Indian Ocean and were only found in the Atlantic and Pacific later on.

    The study also mentioned that as global temperatures rise, sea turtle populations could become more female. For example, over the past 15 years, researchers monitored the temperatures of turtle nests and the ratio of baby turtles by gender at Rushikulya, India’s largest nesting site. They found that around 71% of the hatchlings in Rushikulya were female on average. Some years had even more female hatchlings because of higher temperatures.

    Shanker, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and Dakhin Foundation, said they are still trying to understand why mass nesting, called arribada, doesn’t happen every year. “We need more data over 15 to 20 years to find a pattern,” he explained. It’s still a mystery why these turtles all come together to nest and what stops them in certain years.

  • Is a $3,200 Deposit Coming for Social Security in April 2025

    Is a $3,200 Deposit Coming for Social Security in April 2025

    Have you heard about a possible $3,200 direct deposit for Social Security recipients in April 2025? You’re not the only one! Many people who rely on Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or Veterans Affairs benefits are hoping this money will land in their bank accounts soon.

    But here’s the important truth: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not confirmed this payment yet. The rumor is spreading fast on social media and in some news stories, but until we hear from the SSA, we shouldn’t rely on it.

    Currently, the SSA is still sending out regular monthly payments to people based on their qualifications. This includes retirees, disabled individuals, and veterans who qualify for programs like SSI and SSDI. Even if you wait until age 70 to start your Social Security, you might get back $3,200 or more, although most people will receive a smaller amount. The 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is a helpful increase to deal with rising living costs.

    So who might qualify for the rumored $3,200 deposit? Reports say the eligibility criteria could include being a U.S. citizen, at least 65 years old, a low-income earner, and having work history with SSA contributions (especially for younger people).

    To check if you qualify for any payments, the best way is to visit the official SSA website: www.ssa.gov.

    Here’s the typical payment schedule for April 2025:
    – April 1, 2025 (Tuesday): SSI recipients who started getting payments in 1997 or earlier
    – April 3, 2025 (Thursday): SSDI recipients who started before 1997
    – April 9, 2025 (2nd Wednesday): Birthdays between 1st–10th
    – April 16, 2025 (3rd Wednesday): Birthdays between 11th–20th
    – April 23, 2025 (4th Wednesday): Birthdays between 21st–31st

    Quick Fact Check: It’s currently unclear if the $3,200 payment will actually happen because the SSA hasn’t verified this information. Always be cautious about misinformation and check the official SSA website to find the truth.

  • UK Court Ruling Threatens India’s Extradition Efforts for Fugitives

    UK Court Ruling Threatens India’s Extradition Efforts for Fugitives

    Top Indian government and law enforcement officials are worried. A recent decision by the UK high court stopped India from appealing to extradite Sanjay Bhandari, an arms dealer. This ruling could set a worrying precedent, making it very hard for India to bring back other wanted criminals like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi from the UK.

    The court mentioned that Bhandari might face serious risks, like extortion or violence, if he were sent to Tihar jail in India. This statement could make it tougher for India to request the extradition of other criminals because fugitives in other countries might use similar claims to avoid being sent back.

    There are currently 178 extradition requests from India to various countries, with more than 20 specifically pending in the UK. High-profile fugitives include:

    – Vijay Mallya: The former liquor baron who owes money.
    – Nirav Modi: The jeweler involved in a big fraud case.
    – Mehul Choksi: Another fugitive in Belgium.
    – Zakir Naik: An Islamic preacher in Malaysia.
    – Other criminals in countries like Nigeria, the US, and Canada.

    India has extradition treaties with 48 countries and arrangements with 12 others. Due to the recent ruling, many fugitives could use the argument of poor prison conditions in India to their advantage.

    A senior official said, “The Sanjay Bhandari ruling could affect all these other extradition requests. It will be challenging to get anyone from some of these countries.”

    As for Bhandari, he is not coming back to India through extradition. His passport was taken away in March 2018, which means he is living in the UK illegally.

    Indian officials are now trying to declare him a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO), which means they can take his assets worldwide. There’s a decision coming soon from a court in Delhi.

    The FEO law was made in 2018 to stop economic offenders from hiding outside India. The law helps authorities confiscate illegally gained money and properties, provided the case involves more than ₹100 crore ($12 million).

    Bhandari is under investigation for having undeclared income of about £64.85 million (around ₹606 crore) and evading taxes. He is accused of being involved in large defense contracts and other corruption cases involving high-profile individuals.

    In 2016, he fled India and an Interpol notice was issued against him. His extradition requests were certified by the former UK home secretary Priti Patel in 2020. British authorities arrested him in July 2020, but he was later released on bail. His request to challenge extradition was accepted by a higher court.

  • Zelensky Accuses Russia of Involving China in Ukraine Conflict

    Zelensky Accuses Russia of Involving China in Ukraine Conflict

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of involving China in the Ukraine war, calling it “the second biggest mistake” made by President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stated, “This is the second mistake for Russia. The first was North Korea,” referring to how Russia brings other countries into conflict.

    Zelensky also claimed that he has proof that Russian forces are recruiting Chinese citizens to fight. He mentioned having details on more than 150 Chinese nationals deployed at the front lines. Recently, Ukraine’s army captured two Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region.

    To support his claims, Zelensky shared a video showing one of the captured Chinese soldiers in military clothes, making combat sounds, and speaking a few words in Mandarin. Ukrainian officials found Chinese ID cards and contracts for military service with them.

    China quickly rejected Zelensky’s claims, saying they do not have many citizens involved in the war. A spokesman for China’s foreign ministry warned Chinese nationals to stay away from conflict zones, calling Zelensky’s accusations “absolutely groundless.” He reminded everyone that the Chinese government advises its citizens to avoid any involvement in armed conflicts.

    Zelensky also accused North Korea of sending over 10,000 soldiers to help Russia last year after Ukraine launched an attack on the western Kursk region.