November 14, 2025 Friday India This Week 1 A We e k ly N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng New s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tinent Pub li s h ed From th e U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 34 No. 46 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday November 14, 2025 India-US trade deal negotiations progressing well, BTA would be most comprehensive: Official New Delhi [India], November 11 (ANI): Talks for a trade deal between India and the United States are progressing well, and the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US is expected to be the “most detailed and WTO-compliant,” a government official said on Tuesday. The official stated that negotiations with the US are being conducted carefully, taking into account sensitive issues and sectors, and indicated that another round of talks may not be necessary. “The talks for the India-US Bilateral Trade Deal are progressing well. The BTA with the United States would be most comprehensive, most detailed, and WTO-compliant. Negotiations are being carried out keeping in mind sensitive issues and sensitive sectors, and another round of negotiations may not be required,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Meanwhile, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said that the government is working to finalize a fair, equitable, and balanced trade deal with the United States while preparing for every possible contingency. Speaking at the Udyog Samagam-2025 event held at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Goyal emphasized that national interest would remain the top priority in finalizing the trade agreement. “We are, of course, trying to work out a fair, equitable, and balanced trade deal. If that happens, it could happen any day—it could happen tomorrow, next month, or next year. But as a government, we are preparing for every contingency,” Goyal said. Goyal had earlier told ANI that discussions on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement were “going on very well,” though he acknowledged that “many sensitive and serious issues” required time to resolve. “Talks are going on very well. There are many sensitive issues, many serious issues, so naturally, it takes some time,” Goyal had said when asked for an update on the ongoing discussions. A government official recently indicated that India and the US are “very near” to finalizing the first tranche of the ambitious Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). The BTA, formally proposed in February following directives from leaders of both nations, aims to more than double bilateral trade volumes— from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. Talks for the Bilateral Trade Agreement were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in February this year. “The leaders announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall of 2025,” stated the joint communiqué issued during the visit. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, which took effect on August 1, even as hopes remained for an interim India-US trade deal that could have helped avert higher tariffs. A few days later, he imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff, raising the total to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. (ANI) Visa-on-arrival facilitation, if implemented, will boost medical travel: Piyush Goyal New Delhi [India], November 11 (ANI): Visa-on-arrival for medical travelers could significantly strengthen India’s growing health tourism sector, said Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the 22nd CII Annual Health Summit held in New Delhi. Speaking on the theme “Adding Life to Years in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the minister said that easing travel access will help India emerge as a global leader in medical care while ensuring that citizens continue to receive quality healthcare services. Goyal said India stands at the threshold of becoming a global benchmark for quality healthcare and called on all stakeholders to work together under strong leadership. “The government is fully committed to promoting the healthcare sector, evident in the doubling of medical colleges over the past dec- ade and a major expansion of medical seats planned in the next five years,” he said. He added that this reflects the country’s determination to strengthen the healthcare workforce. “We are working aggressively to provide a robust social security net and ensure affordable healthcare for all. Initiatives such as providing Visa on Arrival See page 6
November 14, 2025 Friday India This Week Five Indians kidnapped in Mali as Al Qaeda-linked group closes in on capital, Embassy working for safe release Bamako [Mali], November 10 (ANI): The Embassy of India in Bamako said it is “aware of the unfortunate incident” involving the kidnapping of five Indian nationals in Mali on November 6 and is working closely with local authorities and the concerned company to ensure their “safe release as quickly as possible.” In a post on X, the embassy stated, “The Embassy is aware of the unfortunate incident of kidnapping of five of our nationals in Mali on November 6, 2025. The Embassy has been working closely with the Malian authorities and the company concerned to secure their safe release as quickly as possible.” The abduction comes amid escalating instability in Mali, where the al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam al-Muslimin (JNIM) is tightening its grip around the capital, Bamako. The group has intensified attacks on highways, fuel convoys, and security forces, threatening to isolate the city from the rest of the country, according to CNN. Fuel shortages have begun to hit Bamako after terrorists cut off key supply routes, ambushed tanker trucks, and attacked military patrols. CNN reported that several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have issued urgent adviso- ries asking their citizens to leave Mali due to the “unpredictable security situation.” Last week, the UK government warned its citizens to “leave immediately by commercial flight if you judge it safe to do so,” while the US State Department also advised Americans to depart the country. According to CNN, JNIM recently torched a convoy of more than 100 fuel trucks on the road from the Ivory Coast, burning at least half of them. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group, formed in 2017, has expanded its influence across Mali and the wider Sahel region, frequently targeting foreign workers, aid staff, and industrial sites. Mali, a former French colony, has endured years of violence, military coups, and political turmoil. Russian mercenaries, initially part of the Wagner Group and now reorganized as Moscow’s “Africa Corps,” have been operating alongside Malian forces since 2021 but have failed to contain the violence, suffering heavy casualties. In July, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the abduction of three Indian nationals working at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, western Mali, following a terrorist attack. The ministry had “unequivocally condemned” the vio- lence and urged the Malian government to secure their release. “The safety, security, and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remain a matter of utmost priority for the Government of India,” the MEA said at the time, urging citizens in Mali to stay vigilant and maintain close contact with the Indian Embassy in Bamako. With the latest kidnapping, the number of Indian nationals abducted in Mali this year has risen to eight. (ANI) lion, with India’s exports growing by 14 percent in 2023–24 and a further 8 percent in 2024–25. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to work towards the early conclusion of a balanced CECA, building on the foundation of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which came into force in December 2022. During his visit, Goyal also interacted with business leaders from the Indian diaspora, joined by Ministers Farrell and Giles. The engagement highlighted the potential for stronger commercial linkages and underscored the role of the Indian community in advancing bilateral economic cooperation. (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): At least eight people were killed and seven others injured following an explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening, officials said. The blast occurred around 7 pm in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal, triggering a fire that engulfed three to four nearby vehicles. The Delhi Fire Department confirmed that seven firefighters were dispatched to the scene to control the blaze. Police cordoned off the area as emergency teams rushed the injured to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital. According to a senior LNJP Hospital official, several of the injured remain in critical condition. Multiple casualties were brought to the hospital shortly after the blast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and said he had reviewed the situation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior officials. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote: “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the blast in Delhi earlier this evening. May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities. Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other officials.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his sympathies, describing the incident as “extremely painful and disturbing.” “At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited LNJP Hospital, where he met with the injured and reviewed their treatment. He later convened a meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, senior officials, and medical teams to assess the situation. Speaking to ANI, Shah confirmed that the explosion occurred in a Hyundai i20 car near Red Fort and that both the Delhi Police Crime Branch and the National Security Guard (NSG) are investigating. “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation. Within 10 minutes of receiving the information, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Special Branch arrived at the spot. All angles will be examined, and findings will be made public,” Shah stated. Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, Crime Branch, and NSG have reached the site and are conducting forensic analysis to determine the cause of the explosion. The area remains sealed, and security has been intensified across central Delhi. Visuals from the scene show mangled vehicles and a charred stretch of road near the Metro station. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area and avoid spreading unverified information as the investigation continues. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Piyush Goyal meets Utah Senate Delhi Red Fort Car Blast: Eight President to boost India-US col- Dead, Several Injured; PM Modi, Amit Shah Review Situation laboration in emerging sectors New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met a business delegation led by J. Stuart Adams, President of the Utah State Senate, USA, to explore potential areas of cooperation between India and the United States in technology and industrial development. Goyal shared details of the meeting on X, writing, “Met the business delegation led by Hon. @ JStuartAdams, President of the Utah State Senate, USA. Discussions were held on strengthening collaboration in various domains like AI, clean energy, minerals, academia and research, biotech, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Driven by innovation and youthful dynamism, there lies immense potential to shape a future of shared growth and prosperity.” The discussions focused on identifying new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in sectors where both India and the United States have shown rapid advancement and mutual interest. The meeting with the Utah delegation followed Goyal’s visit to Melbourne, Australia, where he held bilateral talks with Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, and Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles. These constructive discussions aimed to unlock the full potential of the India-Australia Economic Partnership through an ambitious and balanced India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The ministers reviewed the progress of CECA negotiations and explored ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties across key sectors, including goods, services, investment, and innovation. In FY 2024–25, bilateral merchandise trade between India and Australia reached USD 24.1 bil-
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November 14, 2025 Friday India This Week Karuna Charities Celebrates Service and Community with Golf Tournament and 25th Diwali Gala By Staff Reporter | Gaithersburg, MD | November 11, 2025: Karuna Charities Washington, Inc., a Maryland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women, children, and families in need, marked a memorable year with two major events — its 12th Annual Golf Tournament and 25th Annual Diwali Gala — celebrating service, community spirit, and cultural pride. Golfers Brave the Weather at 12th Annual Tournament The 12th Annual Karuna Charities Golf Tournament was held on September 10, 2023, at the PB Dye Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland. Despite a forecast of rain and thunderstorms, the tournament went ahead under improving skies as the weather cleared in time for play. Under the leadership of President Amrit Kalotra, participants enjoyed a day of friendly competition on the scenic, challenging course with Sugarloaf Mountain as the backdrop. Golfers later gathered for a lunch reception featuring authentic Indian cuisine catered by Bombay Tandoor Restaurant. Winners were announced as follows: Ladies’ First Place: Jasbir Sethi and Savita Malhotra Men’s First Place (Tie): Rippy Singh & Sujan Singh and Bobby Khan & Umar Sadiq Senior Winners: Jigar Shah and Sandy Weininger Karuna Charities expressed gratitude to its Platinum Sponsors — Vint & Sigrid Cerf and International Business & Technical Consultants, Inc. — as well as to all donors, volunteers, and players who made the event a success. Special recognition was given to Mr. Ajay Kalotra, Principal Coordinator, for his dedication and organization of the tournament. A Glittering Silver Jubilee Diwali Gala Karuna Charities’ 25th Annual Diwali Gala took place on November 9, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The event drew a large crowd from the Washington metropolitan area to celebrate 25 years of service. Mrs. Amrit Kalotra, President of Karuna Charities, welcomed guests and thanked the community for its continued support. The Guest of Honor, Mr. Jag Mohan, Community Affairs Minister at the Embassy of India, delivered an address emphasizing the importance of community involvement. The program, emceed by Dr. Nilima Mehra, featured lively cultural performances by Rythmaya Dance Group and Virginia Gidha Group, music by DJ Hemant Samson, and a dinner catered by Bombay Tandoor Restaurant. The evening’s highlight was the Singing Talent Contest, a tradition that continues to showcase new talent every year. Winners included: Male Category: Anubhav Kaviratna – “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” Female Category: Jaya Pandey – “Namak Ishq Ka” Duet Category: Sumitra Sampath & Karthik Gopalakrishnan – “Lukha Chuppi” A Community Service Award was presented to Mrs. Sangita Kalotra, Ambassador of Karuna Charities, by the Society for Enrichment of Asians (SEA). The award was handed over by Mrs. Nelly Samaniego, SEA Vice-President, recognizing Mrs. Kalotra’s outstanding dedication to charitable service. The celebration concluded with a raffle and an evening of dancing to Bollywood hits, bringing an energetic close to a milestone event. About Karuna Charities Washington, Inc. Founded more than two decades ago, Karuna Charities Washington, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting women, children, and families in need throughout the Washington metropolitan area, India, and other parts of the world. The organization provides meals to shelters, supplies to food banks, and supports education through scholarships at Northern Virginia Community Col- Community Affairs Minister, Embassy of India Mr. Jag Mohan, his son Abhimanyu (left) and Mr. Sunil Singh (right). Rythmaya Dance Group lege, Montgomery College, University of the District of Columbia, and The Universities at Shady Grove. Karuna Charities played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing food, financial assistance, and other aid to affected families. Ear- lier in May 2023, it also celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a well-attended event at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Gaithersburg, featuring cultural programs, contests, and dinner for over 300 guests. Staying true to its mission — “A Charity by the Community, with the Lighting of the Lamp by the Community Affairs Minister, Embassy of India, Mr. Jag Mohan, Karuna Board Members and Ambassadors and Emcee Dr. Nilima Mehra. Community, and for the Community” — Karuna Charities looks forward to continuing its service and outreach for years to come. For more information about Karuna Charities’ programs and upcoming events, visit www.karunacharities.org
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November 14, 2025 Friday India This Week Visa-on-arrival facilitation, if implemented, will boost medical travel: Piyush Goyal Visa on Arrival From Page 1 sanitary pads at nominal costs for underprivileged women demonstrate our commitment to inclusive health and well-being,” the minister said. He also encouraged the healthcare industry to share new ideas that can improve service delivery and promote innovation. Goyal urged hospitals to expand nursing education and training. “India has a young population, with its skilled workforce, especially our highly regarded nurses who are in demand across the world. I urge hospitals to collaborate in expanding high-quality nursing capacity by at least 100,000 professionals,” he said. He also advised healthcare providers to maintain a balance between domestic and international patients, not- ing that visa-on-arrival facilitation would give medical travel a much-needed boost. Goyal added, “For Heal in India to take off, we must aim to integrate modern medicine with our rich traditions of Ayurveda and holistic wellness.” Supporting this vision, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- November 14, 2025 If Only We Can Drop Hatred By Rajan George If only we could drop hatred and extend an arm of fellowship, life would be much easier— smoother for all, with no qualms. Harboring hatred is self-destructive. No one gains—neither the one who hates nor the one hated—for in the end, both will lose, the hater the most. There is no profit in nurturing ill will toward another, even if he has done us evil or sought to destroy us. Revenge is evil; it does no one good. It is a loss to align with those who sow hatred and use others as tools to fulfill their wicked aims. For you will be lost when you are hunted. No amount of support will suffice to ease your grief—you’ll suffer alone. No one can pay enough to ransom you once you’re held hostage by your deeds. Be a man—not a tool to be used by others. Puppets see only what’s before them: money, fame, power, and perks— blind to the torrents engulfing them. Embrace virtue, justice, and kindness. Feel others’ pain and be honest. Then you will have no regrets one day, even if you are wrongfully accused. of Ayush, said India must fully harness Ayurveda as a cornerstone of holistic healthcare. He encouraged hospitals to integrate Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and detoxification therapies into their offerings, citing global demand for such services among international visitors seeking restorative care. CII Health Council Chairman Naresh Trehan stated that India is well-positioned to become a top destination for medical travel if it addresses its current challenges effectively. Apollo Hospitals Managing Director Suneeta Reddy added that medical tourism would not only attract patients but also create employment and growth opportunities across related sectors. Pramod Alagharu of Manipal Health Enterprises suggested creating a unified digital portal under the Heal in India initiative to help international patients easily compare healthcare options and make informed choices. INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Trump administration directs visa officers to deny entry to immigrants with medical conditions like diabetes, obesity Washington, DC [US], November 8 (ANI): The Trump administration has issued new guidance directing US visa officers to reject foreigners seeking to live in the United States if they have certain medical conditions, including diabetes or obesity, CBS News reported. The directive, sent by the US State Department to embassies and consulates on Thursday and reviewed by KFF Health News, instructs officials to consider applicants ineligible if their health conditions or age could make them a potential “public charge,” meaning someone who might rely on public benefits or become a financial burden on the US. “You must consider an applicant’s health,” the advisory reads. “Certain medical conditions, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions, can require hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care,” CBS News reported. The guidance expands the list of health factors used in assessing visa applicants, giving officers broader authority to reject people based on their medical status. Experts said this marks a significant shift from earlier practices, which mainly focused on communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and vaccination compliance. According to the directive issued to embassies, visa officers are also encouraged to consider obesity—which can lead to asthma, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure— when determining whether an immigrant could become a public charge. “All of these can require expensive, long-term care,” it states. About 10 percent of the world’s population has diabetes, while cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. The guidance also directs visa officers to assess an applicant’s ability to pay for medical treatment. “Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense?” it reads. A State Department spokesperson has not yet commented on the directive. The new rules also allow officers to consider the health of an applicant’s family members. “Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment?” the directive reads, as per CBS News. (ANI) Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ
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November 14, 2025 Friday India This Week “Booth Level Officers have done extremely well to achieve this milestone”: Kerala CEO on implementing SIR in state Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], November 12 (ANI): Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan Kelkar on Wednesday hailed the efforts of Booth Level Officers across the state in implementing the Special Intensive Revision. Kelkar informed that BLOs are working tirelessly to achieve the goal of distributing one crore enumeration forms in Kerala, expressing the possibility of completing the target in the next four to five days. He mentioned that the ECI would collect all the filled forms until November 25.”Distribution of one crore enumeration forms in the state of Kerala. The booth level officers have done extremely well to achieve this milestone and moving forward we intend to distribute the remaining enumeration forms in the next four to five days. Probably retrieve all the filled forms by November 25 as we have kept a target for ourselves. The Booth Level Officers have been tireless- ly working day and night as part of our program to reach out people during the night as well they have been able to do that,” Rathan Kelkar told ANI.Furthermore, the Kerala CEO revealed the curiosity and questions among people related to the filling of forms and documents needed to fulfil the SIR procedure. “What we have found in Kerala is when we go and distribute the forms there are lot of questions people have about how to fill the form and what are the kind of documents that are needed or is it needed or not. A lot discussions happen around that,” he added. Earlier on November 6, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) suffered neck and face injuries in Kerala’s Kottayam area after a local man allegedly released his dog on her while she was carrying out the enumeration for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the State.Currently, a nationwide SIR is being carried out in 12 states and union territories, with the final elector’s list to be published on February 7, 2026.” I was on SIR duty in Kottayam, Pakkil and while on duty I faced dog bites several times. The injuries are making it hard to do the survey,” the booth-level officer told ANI.Election Commission of India (ECI) had announced the second phase of the SIR exercise on October 27, with the final voter list to be published on February 7, 2026. According to the Election Commission, printing and training took place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November 4 to December 4.The draft electoral rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objections period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 2026, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. (ANI) New Delhi [India], November 12 (ANI): Starlink, the satellite internet venture led by Elon Musk, is set to transform India by connecting every corner of the country through affordable, high-speed satellite internet. Elon Musk, the CEO of Starlink, shared his vision of bringing seamless connectivity to even the remotest regions of India during an exclusive interaction with members of the India Global Forum (IGF) delegation at Starlink‘s Austin headquarters. In a social media post, the India Global Forum (@IGFupdates) stated, “During an exclusive interaction with members of India Global Forum (@ IGFUpdates) delegation at @StarlinkAustin headquarters,@ElonMusk shared his vision of connecting every corner of the world – including India’s remotest regions – through affordable, high-speed satellite internet.” The forum highlighted Musk’s vision of connecting every part of the world, including India’s most remote areas, through accessible and reliable satellite-based internet. This engagement follows last week’s Letter of Intent (LoI) signed between Starlink and the Government of Maharashtra. With this agreement, Maharashtra becomes the first Indian state to partner with Starlink for deploying satellite-based internet connectivity. The collaboration aims to provide high-speed internet access to govern- ment institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure across the state.As part of IGF USA 2025, the India Global Forum delegation is also visiting global technology giants such as Tesla, Anthropic, and OpenAI. These visits aim to deepen international collaborations that position India at the forefront of the global innovation economy.A photograph shared by IGF showed the delegation led by Manoj Ladwa with Elon Musk holding a ‘Ga- nesh Murti’, symbolizing cultural harmony and the strengthening of India’s technological ties with global innovators. The India Global Forum (IGF) is a global affairs organization that serves as a platform for dialogue between leaders from business, politics, and culture, with a special focus on contemporary India. Through partnerships like this, IGF continues to bridge India’s innovation potential with the world’s leading enterprises. (ANI) Starlink aims to transform rural India with affordable satellite internet Online gaming puts children’s health at risk: Report calls for age verification, legal vetting, and policy action New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): The rapid growth of the online gaming industry has heightened exposure among children and raised serious concerns about addiction, exploitation, and health risks, according to a new report by CyberPeace. The report emphasized that systematic policy intervention is essential to safeguard children from the increasing risks associated with online gaming. It warned that early exposure can negatively impact children’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being, echoing concerns shared by researchers, educators, and mental health professionals. “The negative impact of early exposure to online gaming on young children is increasingly becoming a topic of concern,” the report stated. Citing scientific studies, the report noted that prolonged gaming is linked to various health issues. The PEACH project (Personal and Environmental Associations with Children’s Health), a long-term observational study, found that children with higher screen time tended to have higher body mass index (BMI) and were more likely to be overweight. Excessive gaming, it added, promotes a sedentary lifestyle that leads to obesity and related health problems. Teenagers who spend more time playing video games face a higher risk of developing obesity due to reduced physical activity. The growing number of young people being treated for obesity-related conditions has also been partially attributed to prolonged gaming. In addition, continuous use of controllers or keyboards can lead to repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The report further noted that the addictive nature of online gaming can disrupt sleep patterns and has been associated with cardiovascular problems. Its mental health effects extend beyond isolation and social withdrawal, posing deeper emotional and psychological challenges for children and adolescents. To mitigate these risks, CyberPeace recommended a series of regulatory and policy actions. It called for the establishment of a clear and standardized methodology for age verification, pointing out that while the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 mandates such checks, it lacks clarity on implementation. The report also urged the introduction of content regulation guidelines covering themes such as violence, sexuality, and mature content, noting the absence of an Indian equivalent to the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system. It suggested that content ratings should include varying levels of intensity within categories such as violence, gore, and sexual material. Additionally, CyberPeace proposed a “living legislation” framework that evolves alongside industry trends to ensure ongoing protection for minors. It recommended that all game content undergo legal vetting before release and that both developers and publishers be subject to uniform regulations centered on child safety and well-being. (ANI)
9 November 14, 2025 Friday MORE Get from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and with predictable monthly spending. 2. MORE amenities, including a pool, I know that my needs will be taken care of.” fitness center, and restaurants. —Marge V., A community resident 3. MORE peace of mind with additional on-site care should you need it. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. 1550760 Call 1-888-718-7402 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. Blast near Red Fort was not a suicide attack, suspect triggered explosion in panic: Sources New Delhi [India], November 11 (ANI): Investigations into the terror attack near the Red Fort are progressing rapidly, with initial findings indicating that the car explosion was not a typical suicide blast but was instead triggered in panic by the suspect. Security agencies have been conducting raids across multiple locations linked to terror networks and have recovered significant quantities of explosives in Faridabad, Saharanpur, Pulwama, and other areas. Investigators believe the suspect acted hastily under mounting pressure. Sources told ANI that the suspect did not follow the usual pattern of a suicide car bombing—he neither rammed the car into a target nor collided intentionally. The blast near the Red Fort did not follow the typical modus operandi of suicide bombers, who usually aim to inflict maximum damage. Agency sources also revealed that the bomb was premature and not fully developed. The explosion did not create a crater, and no shrapnel or projectiles were found. The vehicle was still moving when the blast occurred, and the IED was not equipped to cause heavy casualties. Due to pan-India vigilance and coordinated crackdowns, security agencies successfully averted what could have been a massive attack, the sources said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the Delhi blast case, to submit its report at the earliest, the sources said earlier. He has also instructed the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to analyze and match the samples collected from the blast site and provide a comprehensive report on the explosion without delay. Shah gave the directions while chairing a security review meeting at his residence earlier on Tuesday. The car blast near the Red Fort had left eight people dead and several others injured on Monday. In the meeting, the Home Minister formally handed over the investigation of the case to the NIA from the Delhi Police, directing the anti-terror agency to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and submit a detailed report at the earliest. He also instructed the FSL to closely examine and match the samples collected from the blast site, including material evidence and remains recovered from the charred vehicle. The Home Minister emphasized the need for a swift and coordinated investigation to determine the nature of the explosives used and identify those behind the attack. “Chairing a high-level security review meeting a day after the Delhi car blast, Union Home Minister Amit Shah decided to hand over the investigation of the incident to the NIA. The NIA was instructed to investigate and submit a report at the ear- liest. He also instructed the Forensic Science Laboratory to match and investigate the sample specimens collected from the blast spot and come up with the details of the blast at the earliest. It was also instructed to match the samples collected from the bodies in the car that exploded,” a source said. The minister also directed security agencies to “hunt down each and every culprit” involved in the incident, saying those responsible “will face the full wrath of our agencies.” The meeting at the Home Minister’s residence was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of the NIA Sadanand Vasant Date, and Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat also joined the meeting virtually. Shah asked officials to leave no angle unexplored as investigators piece together how the blast occurred and who was behind it. “Chaired review meetings on the Delhi car blast with the senior officials. Instructed them to hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident. Everyone involved in this act will face the full wrath of our agencies,” Shah posted on his X handle.The blast, which ripped through a slow-moving Hyundai i20 near the Subhash Marg traffic signal by the Red Fort on Monday evening, killed eight people and left several others injured. The NIA will formally take over the probe from the Delhi Police and examine all aspects of the case, including the materials used in the blast and possible terror links. The transfer of the case to the NIA underscores the Centre’s intent to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated investigation into the incident. (ANI)
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