Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:39am on 10 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
On March 10, 2025, Vanuatu's Prime Minister Jotham Napat directed the Citizenship Commission to revoke the passport of Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision followed revelations that Interpol had twice rejected India's requests for an alert notice against Modi due to insufficient judicial evidence, which would have led to the automatic denial of his citizenship application. Napat emphasized that Vanuatu citizenship is a privilege and should not be used to evade extradition. He stated that Modi's intention appeared to be avoiding extradition, contradicting the legitimate reasons for obtaining Vanuatu citizenship.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:15am on 10 Mar 2025,Monday India Global
Indian migrant Gurpreet Singh was deported from the US in chains under President Trump’s strict immigration policies. The 39-year-old, who hoped to claim asylum, was among thousands of undocumented Indians seeking a better future. His deportation, along with others, sparked outrage in India, with opposition leaders questioning Modi’s silence. Singh described the inhumane treatment, saying, “Even women were bound the same way.” The Indian government raised concerns, leading to policy changes for women detainees. The crackdown has driven smugglers underground, deterring future illegal migration. Singh blames unemployment, saying, “There are no opportunities for us here.”
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:15pm on 09 Mar 2025,Sunday India Global
Authorities in the Dominican Republic are searching for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, who went missing on Thursday while on spring break in Punta Cana. She was last seen walking on the beach wearing a brown bikini. A missing person’s poster describes her as 5'3", with black hair and brown eyes. Defensa Civil, a local rescue team, suspended the search Saturday night but will resume Sunday. University officials stated they are working with her family and Virginia authorities to assist efforts. Konanki, expected to graduate in 2026, previously attended Thomas Jefferson High School.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:13am on 09 Mar 2025,Sunday India Global
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with anti-India graffiti, including messages like "Hindus go back," alarming the local Hindu community. This incident precedes a scheduled 'Khalistan referendum' event in Los Angeles, raising concerns about escalating religious tensions. BAPS Public Affairs condemned the act, emphasizing unity and resilience against hate, stating, "We will never let hate take root." The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also denounced the vandalism, highlighting the recurrence of such attacks and urging authorities to investigate. Notably, similar incidents occurred last year, including vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento. Local law enforcement has yet to issue an official statement regarding the recent incident.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 01:46am on 09 Mar 2025,Sunday India Global
Balesh Dhankhar, a prominent figure in Australia’s Indian diaspora and founder of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) Australia, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for drugging and raping five women in a series of "highly predatory" attacks. Dhankhar lured victims under the pretense of job interviews in Sydney between 2018 and 2022. His crimes were uncovered through video recordings he kept. The court described him as a calculating predator who showed no remorse. Dhankhar must serve at least 28 years before being eligible for parole. His sentencing has shocked the Indian-Australian community.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:24pm on 08 Mar 2025,Saturday India Global
India and the US are discussing a new trade deal, but officials say it is too early to reveal details. US President Donald Trump claimed India agreed to cut tariffs, calling them "massive" and "restrictive." Indian officials said both countries have trade interests and sensitivities. Talks began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump met in February. India has already lowered tariffs on some US goods. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said ongoing negotiations should be viewed in the context of India's trade deals with other nations. The discussions aim to boost trade, reduce barriers, and strengthen supply chains.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:03pm on 08 Mar 2025,Saturday India Global
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is working on a "good" trade agreement with the US to boost growth and keep supply chains smooth. She stressed the need for smart policies to protect India from dumped goods due to rising US tariffs. India and the US aim to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently returned from trade talks in Washington. Sitharaman also said India is reviewing old trade deals to protect national interests. She urged careful negotiation and regular consultations with stakeholders to ensure a balanced and beneficial trade policy.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:02pm on 08 Mar 2025,Saturday India Global
India dismissed US President Donald Trump’s criticism of its “massive” tariffs, stating that reductions align with past agreements with nations like Australia and the UAE. A government source clarified that these reductions are not extraordinary but part of ongoing negotiations. India and the US are discussing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to enhance market access and supply chain integration. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s Washington visit included tariff discussions. The government emphasized that such talks are standard, with similar agreements reached with the EU and UK. India remains committed to balanced trade relations.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:08pm on 08 Mar 2025,Saturday India Global
Thomas Gabriel Perera, 47, from Kerala, was shot dead by Jordanian security forces while attempting to enter Israel illegally on February 10. His family claims he was lured by a fraudulent job offer promising ₹3.5 lakh monthly. Upon arriving in Jordan, he found no job and was advised to cross into Israel. His brother-in-law Edison Charlas, who was injured and imprisoned for 18 days, was later deported to India. Perera’s body remains in Jordan, with India's foreign ministry working on repatriation. MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed the process is underway.
Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:00am on 08 Mar 2025,Saturday India Global
Recent changes in US immigration policies have impacted even affluent Punjabis, with many now seeking to relocate abroad due to increasing challenges in securing permanent residency. The tightening of visa regulations and immigration procedures has prompted wealthy individuals and families to explore more favorable immigration systems in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK. The shift is reshaping the socio-economic landscape of Punjab, as migration patterns shift, and affluent families, traditionally less likely to emigrate, now consider opportunities abroad in pursuit of better living standards and economic prospects.